-— S-EmA .1 r -— I "/ - oI / —;I A TWENTIETH CENTURY HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN ILLUSTRATED COMPILED UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF DR. HENRY F. THOMAS ALLEGAN CHICAGO NEW YORK LOS ANGELES THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY 1907 PREFACE. In the preparation of this History of Allegan County a large number of persons have contributed directly to the completion of the undertaking, either by furnishing material or by suggestions and narratives from personal knowledge and experience. It is impossible to name all who have thus assisted. Of the county officers, Judge Padgham has allowed the use of some articles from his pen and also has assisted actively in the preparation of the chapter on the Bench and Bar. The county clerk, Mr. Brower, as also the county treasurer, Mr. Hall, the register, Mr. Dunn, and probate judge, Mr. Williams, have offered their records for examination. Mr. McDougal, the county surveyor, drafted the county map which is used in the work. Nearly all the township clerks have contributed to the work by furnishing a list of the principal township officers. Among others who have given their assistance whenever called upon to this work should be mentioned Gen. B. D. Pritchard, Willard Higgins, E. C. Reid, Mr. W. W. Warner, Miss C. Wilkes, Mr. I. G. Thorpe. The data for the fraternal orders and churches has in most instances been furnished by an officer of each organization. Credit should also be given Miss Frances Muff for valuable assistance in collecting data. 0 CONTENTS CHAPTER I. Organization and Civil Government —Early Hiistory of Michigan-First Township Meeting-Court House —rovisions for the Poor-Formation of the Townships-Towniship Organization —Plainfield - Martin - Wayvland LeightonOCtsego-W' atsonll-Dorr-HIlopki ns-Allegan-Trowbri(ge -Cheshire- Monterey Saleml-Heath - Pine Plains - Newark-M anIlius-F illimore-Overisel-Lee(Clylde-Gan ges —Casco-Sa ugatu ck —Laketo-wn............................. 1-25 CHAPTER II. The C(ounty from 1830 to the Close of the Civil lWar-Decade of the "Thirties"' Erie Canal-Overland Roads-Black Hawk War-Early Settlement-Saugatuck-Southeastern Allegan County-Distribution of Population-Dutch Colonization.6......................................... 2-52 CHAPTER III. Allegan Village and Vicinity-Site Purchased by George Ketchumn, Stephen Vickery and Anthonyl Cooley-Investment of Eastern Capital-Samuel Hubbard and C. C. Trowbridge, Proprietors-Allegan in 1837-Allegan Company-Settlers of 1835-Progress and Present Status-Fires, Fire and Water DepartmentsBiographies......................................................... 53-117 CHAPTER IV. T'he Railroad Era (1868-1906)-Canals, Plank Roads and Early Railroad Attempts -K'alamazoo & Allegan Railroad first of the County-Allegan & Southeastern Railroad-Inereaese of Population During Railroad Era-Population by Nativity- Valuation of Real and Personal Property........................ 118-122 CHAPTER V. Centers of Population - General Considerations - Saugatuck Village - DouglasT'ennville-Ganges Township-Bravo-Pearl-Pullman-Centers in Ganges and Caseo-Casco Township-Centers in Manlius Township-Centers in Northeast Allegan County-xWayland Township-HTopkins Township-Hopkinsburg-Dorr T own, 'shi -Salem Township-Monterey Township-Heath Township-G-ra afscl-,a p —Plainnw - Otsego - Leighton Township - Martin Township - Valley Townshiip —Chesh ire Township-Trowbridge Township-Cylde Township...123-494 CHAPTER VI. Agricultural and Kindred Interests-Lumbering and Clearing of the Land-Ditching and Drmining-Silo Plants-Creameries and Cheese Factories-Horticulture V vi viCONTEXTS Fruit Production f or Three Decades-Present Status-Saugatuck and Ganges Poinological Society..........................495-501 CHAPTER VIIL. i'.lanufacturing-Statistics for 1905-Paper Manufacture...........5 2,- 5 06 CHAPTER VIII. Education-History of, in iMichigan-State Primary Fund-Tax Apportionment by Townishiips and- Cities-First Schools in Allegan County-Township System and Districts-The Union School'"-County iNormal Training Classes-Coinpulsory Edlucation-Supervision, of Schools-School Districts of the Townships.................................507-5-19 CHAPTER IX. Village Scho ols-Allegan-Allegan Graduates Plaijawell-Pla~inwell IHigh School Alumniii-Sau-Lgattuck-Saugatuck 1-igh School Graduates-Feinaville-Burnlip 's Coruers-WAayland........................... 2 0 - 532j CHAPTER X. Banks-Alleo)a Bank Established Allegan State Savings Bank-First National Bank and other Financial Institutions List for 19063...........533-535 CIIAPTER, Xi. History of the Press-First Paper and First Publisher —Allegan Journal and Later Publicatious-Plainwell A Little History.................36-5492 CHAPTER XII. Medicine aud Surgery-First Active Physician of County, Dr. Linsford B. Coates, Otsego —Allegan 's First Physician-Practicing Physicians of 1880-Present Licensed Physicians..........................543-5461 CHAIPTER XIII. Conits and( Law-vers —Sta te Judicial System as Applied to County-Circuit Court of A lega'n C"ounty-County Courts and Jo dges-Allegan County B ar-List of Attornevs and Date oAdmission....................547-552 CHAPTER XIV. Polities in Allegan County-Half a Century Ago-Presidenitial and Gubernatorial V otes, 1836-1906 —Orga-nization of Republican Party at Jackson (1854)Changes in Party Votes-The Greenback Issuie-Prohibition.........553-556 CHAPTER XV. Libraries and] Literary Clubs-Allegan Library-Ilenika Library, Wayland-Ladies' Library Association, Plainwvell-Saugatuck Woman 's Club-Ladies' Libra ry Club, Wayl-and-Woman Is history Club, Allegan-Treble Clef Society... 557-561 CHAPTER XVI. Fraternities-Allegan Masonic Lodges-Plainwell, Wayland, Dorr, Saugatuck and Fennville Lodges of Masonry-I. 0. 0. F. Lodges at Allegan, PlainwellI Wayland, Salem, Saugatuck, Watson, Ilamilton, Fennville, Moline, Martin, Leasure, Pullman, Otsego, Hopkins and Monterey-Daughters of Rebekab, AlleganK. 0. T. M.-L. 0. T. MI.-Aincient Order of United Workmen........562-569 CONTENTS vii CHAPTER XVII. Pioneers-List of, Alphabetically Arranged................................. 570-572 CHAPTEIR XVIII. Churches —First Meetings and Organization of Baptist Chluch-C-hurches at Otsego, Plainwell, Allegan, Trowbridge and Watson-Congregational Churches at Otsego, Allegan, Saugatuck, Douglas, Dorr, Dorr Center, \Wayland and HopkinsMethodist Churches at Allegan, Mill Grove, Otsego, Plainwell, Ganges, Cheshire, Monterey, Hopkins Station, Burnip's Corners, Martin, Shelbyville, Wayland and Dorr-Presbyterian Churches at Allegan and Plainwelll-United Presbyterian Churches-Protestant Episcopal Churches-Swedish Lutheran Church-German Methodist and Lutheran Churches-United Brethren Church-Seventh Day Adventist Churches-Dutch Reformed Churches-Church of Christ-United Brethren in Christ................................................... 573-597 CHAPTER XIX. Military Records-Officers from Allegan County in Civil War-Allegan County Soldiers in Civil War-Allegan County Soldiers in Spanish-American War-Soldiers ' Monunment....................................................59-615 CHAPTER XX. Official Lists-Congressmen, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, University Regent, Commissioner of Land Office, Railroad Commissioner, State Senators, Legislative Representatives, Probate Judges, County Clerks, Registers of Deeds, County Treasurers, Sheriffs, Prosecuting Attorneys, Circuit Court Commissioners, Surveyors, Drain Commissioner, Coroners, Members of Constitutional Conventions and Township Officials...............1............... 616-655 IINDEXC Abbott, Allen A...........423 Agan, Stuart............116 Agriculture-General considerations, 495; ditching and draining of lands, 496; silo plants.......496 Aldrich. Turner, Jr., 41; completes first saw mill in county......43 Allegan Bank...........533 Allegan Company......... 4-56 Allegan County-Formation. of, 5; first settlers, 6, 32; original county orgaiiized, for civil purposes, as Allegan township, 6; first township meeting, 7; first election, county government organized, 8; accommodations for county officers, 9-1.1; movement for court house, 11-12; corner stone laid, and building completed, -13; new jail and sheriff I's house, 14; provisions for the poor, 14-1.6 formation of townships, 1-6 19 tow~nship organization, 19 25j county from 1-830 to close, of C ivil war u06-52; railroad era, 11.8-119; population, 26, 120 -1-21; valuation of real and personal prolpertv, l122 centers of population,.123-124, Saugatuck Village, 124; Dough as, 029; Feunnville, 147; Bravo andl Pearl, 175; Pullman, 178; p)opulation centers in Ganges and Casco, 190; centers in Manlius township, 2-17; Wayland village and township, 2537; IHopkins town.ship, 285; Door township, 338; Monterey township, 360; Graafschiap, 369; Plainwell, 393; Otsego, 416; -agriculture, 495-497; dairy industri es, 497-498; horticulture, 498 -501; manufacturing, 502-506; cduication, 507-532; banks and banking, 533-535.; newspapers, 536-542; medicine and surgery, 543-546; courts, judges and lawyers, 547 -552; politics, 553-556; libraries and literary clubs, 557-561; fraternities, 562-569; pioneers, 570-572; churches,.573-597; military records, 598-615; civil offcials.....616-655 Allegan Connty court liouse-Vote favoring (1888), 12; completed... 13 Allegan County Democrat (1)....536 Allegan County D)emnocrat (2)....53 8 Alleg-an County Record........540 Allegan Gazette...........537 Allegan High School graduates..521-523 Allegan Journal...........536 Allegain Librarry and Literary Association.............557 Allegan i exs............538 Allegan Press............538 Allegan State Savings B ank.....533 Allegan ITownshi-p-First township weeting ot, 7; same as county, 8; organization.......... 22 Allegan Tribune..........538 Allegani Village-Site of, purchased,,53'; eastern capital invested and Aliegan company formed, 54; description in 1837, 55; village incorporated, 56; rapid growth, 57; h1istory since pioneer times, 59; present status, 60; fires, fire departinent and water works, 61-62; schools of, 520-523; officials......650-651 Almond, James..........I483 Ancient Order of United Workmen, 569 And~erson, Anders.........491 Anderson, Charles I.........444 Andcrson, Johin..........49 Argent~a..............50 Ashley, David Winfield.......387 Asylum for the Insane (Sec Poor Farm). A tmanet, John A...........373 A~twood], F. F............161 Averill, Edward..........341 Averihll, Lucius L..........343 Bailey, James F.......... B~aird f amilyv........... Blaird, Kendall 0......... 'Bairdl, Philander 0......... Baird, Robert A.......... Baker, Jackson.......... 221 31-5) 31-6 31-6 316 308 viii INDEX ix Balthus, Abel.................... 385 Banks-Establishment of Allegan Bank and Allegan State Savings Bank, 533; First National Bank and( First State Bank of Allegan, 533-534; list of county banks (190()...................... 34-535 Baptist Church................573-577 Barden, H. C..................... 211 Barlen, James K................. 223 Barlow, John N................... 391 Barrett, Charles L................ 4i54 Barrett, Marvin.................. 454 Bartz, IEnglebrecht............... 346 Bassett, Charles E................ 542 Bates, Hon. Erastus Newton....... 338 Bean, Jacob..................... 189 Benchl and Bar Address of Judge Philip Padgliam on relation of State judic ial system to Allegan county, 547; circuit court, 548; couintyt courts, 549; Allegan county bar, 549-552; George T. Warner, first attorney, 549; other Iioneers, 550; attorneys admlitted since 1855, 550-551; present practicing attorneys, 551; notes of leading lawyers, past and present....................... 55)1-552 Bigeloxw, DrI. R. M................ 543 Binlgham, Horace G............... 186 Binfghlam, William F.............. 187 Black Hawk rTa..r.............. 31 Black(, IJames E.................... 218 Bliss, Herbert L.................. 401 Booth, Henry 1[.................. 59 Boss, Dr. Henry.................. 378 Boss, Jacob D..................... 378 Bouwian, m Henrr................. 379 Bowles, Rev. George A............ 205 Brackett, Elzra................... 87 B1ra(ley......................... 25S Brainardl, Thomas W............... 937 Brainard, 'W arren................ 238 Bravo........................... 175 Breidenstein, Rev. William Nelson. 234 Breuker, -Ienry.................. 381 Brinkman, Henrv................ 3 1 Briinks, Taal..................... 372 Brittain, Capt. R. C.............. 37 Britton, Calvin.................. 182 Brodock, Ransom 1M.............. 480 Brog, Andrew.................... 426 Brooks, Randall W................ 442 Brown, Allen.................... 176 Brown, George R.................. 540 Brown, James.................... 410 Brunson, Dr. Eugene E............ 191 Bryson, Dr. J. E.................. 267 Buckley. Chester and Lester....... 48 Buege, Francis John.............. 358 Bugden, Marshall................ 231 Bulthuis, Abel.................... 385 Burlingame, Joseph W............. 283 Burnett, William W............... 386 Burnip's Corners district school.... 530 Bush, Charles A................... 404 Buskirk, Henry F................. 317 Buskirk, William................. 318 Butler, Charles Wilber............. 390 Butler, William G.-First Settler of Saugatuck..................... 32 Buys, Cornelius.................. 226 Buys, Peter...................... 226 Cady, (George W................... 103 Calkins, Dr. Abram R............. 544 (alkins, Harmon W............... 478 Canpbell, Dr. James D............ 299 Casco Townshiip)-Organization, 25; population centers in............ 190 (iastain, Capt. Ed................. 37 Chaiffee, Ira...................... 58 Ch(l ff ce T ous(e................... 58 C(hamb)erlain, Joseph.............. 91 (lialpin, )(e Witt C. (Judge)....... 550 Cheshire Township-Organization.. 23 Chicago Road.-First overland route across Michigan................ 29 Clhicl ester, Fred I................ 79 Chlicle ster, Tra................... 77 (Churlch of Christ, Wayland........ 596 Chulrches...................... 573-597 Circuit Court.................... 548 Circuit (ourt Commissioners....... 620 (ivil War (See Military Records). Cllirk, Arthur I.................. 268 Clark, hlarles C.................. 455 (lark, Eli Foster................. 261 C1lrk, Hove K................... 550 Clark,,aiison.................. 264 Clausen, Herman................. 141 Cl yde Center (See Pearl). Clyde Townshin-Organization..... 25 Coats, Dr. Linsford B............48, 543 Colburn, Austin T................. 95 Colburn, ohn H.................. 95 Congressmen..................... 616 Conmmissioner of Land Office....... 616 Compton. George H............... 229 Comstock. (;en. Horace H.....33, 47, 48 Congregational Church..........577-581 Conrqd., Henr-................... 424 Conrnd, Sid L.................... 200 Constitution Conventions-Members of............................. 622 Cooeh, Frank.................... 274 Cook, Henrv...................52, 369 Cook, Martin.................... 90 Cook, Thomas M................... 90 Cooley. Anthony................. 53 Coroners......................... 621 Countv Clerks................... 618 County Courts.................. 549 x County Treasurers................ Crane, John H.................... Crary, Isaac E.................... Crawtord, Benjamin.............. Crispe, J ohn..................... Crosby, R....................... Cross, Rev. Joseph................ Cross, Orien S.................... Cummings, Charles Washington.... INDEX 619 170 511 166 406 33 468 105 392 Dairy Industries...............497-498 Daugherty, Eugene A............. 340 Daughters of Rebekah (See 1.O.O.F.). Davidson, Charles F............... 539 I)eming, Alton S................. 187 Deming, Enmerson H............... 188 Dendel, Fred J.................... 364 D)cndel, William H................ 303 Dick, John W.................... 144 I)okey, Emery W............ 185 Dorr................. 388 I)orr Towxnship-Organization, 225; history................ 338 1oud, John F................. 465 Douglas................. 129, 651 Dow, Ienry C.................. 244 Irain C(1omissioer.............. 621 D rainage........................ 496 Dunham, Silas................... 50 I)utch Reformned Church-Organization of, in J'illmore township, 594; c(hurclles at East Saugatuck and Overisel, 595; Hamilton and Saugatuck........................ 596 Dutcher, George L................ 148 East Saugatuck.................. 248 Edtgell, Robert................... 289 lEdlcation-Earlry istory of, in Mich1igan, (507; State Primalry and Prinmlry' School funds, 508; interest andl apportionment, 509; first Allegan county schools, 510-511; listri ct school svstem, 512; "rate bill" law, 512; union schools, 512; Count-y Normal Training Classes, 513; compulsory education, 513 -514; supervision of schools, 514; board of examiners, 515; county commissioners, 515; school distriets in 1837 andl 1840, 516; status of schools in 1877, 517; present school districts of Allegan co)unty,t 517-519; schools of Allegan and high school graduates, )520-523; schools of Saugatuck and high school graduates, 528; Fennville schools and high school graduates, 529-530; Burnip's Corners district school...............530-531 Eggleston, Samuel M............. 321 Ellinger, John G.................. 311 Ely, William Henry............... 452 '-nsfield, C. E..................... 193 Ensfield, Henry H................ 194 Fabun, John C................... 196 Fairfield, Frank.................. 420 Fenner, William Perry........... 449 Fennville —History, 248; schools.529-530 Fennville Herald................. 542 Ferris, Marcus A................. 471 Fillmore Township-Organization..24, 52 First State and Savings Bank...... 534 Fish, Valentine S................. 273 Fisk, Col. Joseph.................. 57 FJagg, John A................... 171 Fletcher, Aaron.................. 207 Fletcher, Rev. John............... 399 Forbes familv.................... 49 Forward Movement Settlement..... 128 Foslick, James H.................. 166 Foster, Dr. Samuel............ 41, 47, 48 Foster family.................... 30 Fry, W esley G.................... 233 Ganges Townshiip-Organization, 25; population centers in............ Gardner, ump rey.............. (ardner, Hu-iphrey, Jr............ Garvelink, Hon. JTan W........... Gates, Frank B................... Germaini, John F.................. Germlan Lutleran (Church-Allegan, 591; Salem.................... Gernan M. E. Church-First Societies, 590; Monterey........... Geske, August................... Gibson, Alexander................ Gibson, Charles Bruce............. Gi-dlce Charles N................. Gilbert, Arthur C.................. Gilbert, Di) ight IL................. Gilbert, Fred.................... Gilbert, Lauren C.................. Gilbert, Miles B................... Gilbert, Oliver L.................. Gilkey, J. W...................... Gilligan, Thomas.................. Gilpin, James IT................... Gilpin, William T................. G(lenn........................... Goodell, John.................... Gorton. Jacob W.................. Gothal, Charles................. Goulcher, George V................ (Government Lan(d Sales in Allegan County....................... Graafschap...................... Grahami, John B.................. Grandy, Pliilli).................. Green, Henry Lewis............... Green, William................... (riffith, Milton DD................. 190 284 285 379 336 445 592 591 253 157 361 251 345 348 347 343 343 347 505 307 178 181 190 296 437 183 430 45 369 456 353 100 489 99 INDEX Gun Plains............39 Gun Plains Township-First town meeting of, 20; pioneer of....46, 51 ILagger, Edward......... 2 4 1 H1agger, Thomas..........240 11amilton.............368 Hlanlon, Dr. Edward 0........261 Ilanson, Cha ries H.........254 flare, George A...........2 5 3 Harrison, Gxrant (..........180 Hart, Mrs. M. 11...........71 Il1a ub, J o b............145 Hawks, Moses...........5 36 Ileasley, Aaron.......... 35 9 H-eath, Frank P...........408 H-eathi Township Organization, 23; 10 istory.............368 Hfeazlit, -Williami Ledra.......260 Heck. (G'eorge...........354 IleerSpink-, Johamanis.......371 Ilenilerson, Donaldt (ii........ 536 Ifenika libiatim...........5 8 [lerhert, F. H.......... 137 IJess, \\ illiaum 11............82 Hicks. (Iomdoa L.......... 94 Ilick~s M1 NNT............ )94 1-ligg is Wiillard........... 417 Ililliards................28S6 GneJohn L........... 167 Ih oa rd, Ovanfo........... 388 H0cRasema, Jacob L..........385) hloffmaster, John...........286 iloillamnd-Ii'ounde(d bv the Van -Eaaite c-olony.......... 52 H-olhis, James T........... 176 lloojper, Van P............409 floolier, \,Villiaim 1.t.........403 Jlol~kins 1 minl I....... 542 11 opkiiis ITowiiship-Organization, I). isitor' of.......... 28 l1orti( ulttie........... 498 )0l lilouse 1 'dwiin 11..........134 hou Ise7 R~euben...........411 IIo) t, Jsiaa New~mton...... 69 1Ilubbardl Sunmuel.........5 independent Order Odd FellowsAlJegain lodlges, 565; Plainwehl., \Vaxi I m nd mnd Salem, 566; Sangatuc~k, W~atson, 1hamiltony Fennyulle, \Ixohne, M\aitin 'and Leasure, 15(67 Puillmin, Otsegfo, I-opkins, Nfmonitce anid Allegan, 568; Dan1glites of Rebekuh,, Allegan..568 TIngham (Charles E.........389 Ives, Geom o ic~() T...........397 Ives fuomli.............49 Jack~sonl Andrew.........,Jckson, George 11.........,Ja( kson, Jamies IF1......... Ja so,- S 1John. Ednimun-d.......,Jacksoii,.Joselph.......... IJ aelsoili WXilliam......... Ji acobs Orria- A.......... u nies, Arc liihal d.........,Jamies, E 1............ Jew ett, George E......... Joliiiso I-I Erasmus......... Jiohaistoill Theron..........,Johnistonr, William Wilshire..... johioliiiitt, E'dward........ 'Joshl IJosephl........... Jud1(ges tSee B1enchi and Bar). xi 281 276 282 333 391 50 488 96 489 33 220 Lteii ohn.. 31 Kenlhell1 Lucius...........3 30 IL(' 1 0( -1 iWilliaim ~S........32( Keit, I noes E.. 43.) Letcham Goge........ I Kyino Juln............... hinogsbnim. A. 0.....1.....0I8S Kiiby, Jervis JJ............136 i t( hIIi D - aniel. H-.......... 0( -K ilkers, Lamlbert ~J.......... 8 S4 _Flliikh August...........a.~ ~ Ku Ap ezer (............4 1.. Kxnoblo)hd1 Chales..........'30 Lii blockl Peter.......... lKiiithi (,ottfried.........32 Lobvoordl, J 7hn.. 384.Kooi Arthiur............. 0 I.Creighh —mn 1111irii I)........ 41 LaisLibnrar Association, Plain 1 dis Ldi ii (11 Wai Il a a.... Lamketilw Toii Piv ship Orga~jiiizaitioii, Oi Laibi i11eiir myaill............ 15 I Lioreix, lsaac..........)5 Liin ~dai110 Liv, George TI............89 Liy, 1Dr. II. S.544..........3 Laytoii Artbur "I..........43 Lavtoii, Rasiiio Aaron.......435 I *,wyrs ( 1eBec and Bar). I it A L196 I ccTownsiishipOiganizatioil.....24 L -ee dc ctm hV359 I cighitonl, Dri Nelson E.......29 Leighbton Townnship-Organization.-. 21 Leni men, Jfohn H................. 382 Libraries and Literary Clumbs-lt gan library, 557; H~enrika libra ry, AN~aylanll, 5,58; Ladies' Library Associationy Plainwell,58;Sn xii INDEX gatuck Woman's Club, 558; -adies' Library Club, Wayland, 559; Woman's History Class, Allegan, 560; Treble Clef Society.. 561 Liechti, Fred................. 114 Linsley, John P................ 332 Linsley, John W.................. 332 Literary Clubs (See Libraries and Literary Clubs). Littlejohn, Flavius J...........58, 550 Littlejohn, Fred.................. 79 Littlejohn, John J................ 80 Littlejohn, P. O................... 80 Littlejohn family................ 58 Loew, Charles Wesley............. 355 Loew, Silas...................... 354 Lomax City..................... 257 Lonsbury, Perley E............... 434 Loomis, M..................... 159 Lovall, Samuel B................. 305 Loveridge, Seth W................. 168 Lubbers, John................... 248 Lumnbering....................... 495 Lyman, E. Guy................. 216 Lyonu, Lucius-Original field notes of Otsego township survey....... 40 Miahoneny, Daniel................. 177 Manlius Township-Organization, 24; population centers of....... 247 Mann, Ralph R................... 247 Manufacturing-Status of (1905), 502; establishments and dates of founding, 502-503; paper manufactlfre........................503-506 arsl ay...................... 496 rsh ll, James................. 242 Martin Township-Organization... 20; 51 Masonry-A-llegan and Plainwell lod(ges, 562; Wavland and Dorr, 563; Saugatuck an(l FeInville.... 564 tMatthews, rchlibald............. 451 Me lp)ine, Daniel................ 389 A cAlpine, Jamnes Madison......... 360 M c arn, 're B.................. 476 cC( arn, illliaim H............... 477 M(eClintock, William G............. 293 MIcCormick, William H............ 249 NMcDonald,. A.................. 131 McKinnon Brothers.............. 313 McNitt, Charles L................ 243 MeVae, Charles.................. 197 Mead, Henry................... 165 Medicine anrd( Surgery (See Physicians). Methodist Church-Churches at Allegan, 581; Mill Grove, Otsego and Plainwell, 582; Ganges, 583; Cheshire, Monterey, Hopkins Station, Burnip's Corners and Martin, 584; Shelbyville and Wayland, 585; D orr...........................586 Meyers, Gerrit................... 376 Michigan-Early history of, 1-3; survey of public lands commenced, 3; principal meridian of......... 4 Michigan Exchange.............. 57 Michigan Paper Company, Plainwell 505 Michin. VAilliam................. 251 Military Records-Allegan county officers in Civil war, 598-602; Allegan county soldiers in Civil war, 602-614; Allegan county soldiers in Spanish-American war......614-615 Miller, Franz A................... 205 Mix, General Elisha............... 85 Moline...................... 338 Monterey Township-Organization, 23; history..................... 360 Montieth family................. 51 Moran, Peter.................... 163 Murphy, John.................... 50 Myers, George B.................. 440 Nash, Eugene 1).................. 110 New Riclhondl.................. 247 New Rochester................. 43 Newark Township-No records of organization................... 24 Newnhain, Richard L.............. 55 Newspapers-Allegan County Democrat (Moses Hawks, publisher), first newspaper in county, 53i; Allegan and Otsego papers, 536 -541; press of Plainwell, 541; newspapers of Saugatuck, Hopkins, Waviand an( Feunville.......541.-542 Nichols, Albert L................. 396 Nichols, Stephen D................ 33 Nicolai, William F................ 295 Odell, Stephen................. 484 Otsego-Development of water power at. 48; bridge built, 49; history, 416; officials................... 652 Otseg o Courier................... 539 Otsgon TIall 48 Otsego TTH all...................... 48 Otsego Herald................... 540 Otsego Towinship-Organization, 21; original field-notes of survey...0; 51 Otsego Union....................540 Overhiser, Charles Henry.......... 190 Overhiser, Henry................ 214 Overhiser, Lonson Marion......... 213 Overhiser, William Albert......... 219 Overisel Towlnshi-p-Organization.24; 52 Overseers of the Poor-First....... 14 Padghnm, Philip (Judge).... 81, 547,552 Page, Trayton.................... 414 Parr, Rev. John H1................ 375 Patterson, William J.............. 364 Pearl........................... 175 Pearl, Simeon O................... 175 INDEX xiii Penfold, Henry................... 203 Perham, George W................. 490 Peterson, H. 0.................... 490 Phelps, W. G...................... 37 Phillips, James H1................. 146 Phillips, Selden E................. 184 Physicians and Surgeons-First active physician of county (Dr. Linsford B. Coates), 543; Allegan's first practitioner (Dr. R. M. Bigelow), 543; other pioneers, 544; practicing physicians (1880), with tlate of location, 544; list of licensed physicians.......... 545-546 Pier (ove (See Ganges). Pierce, James H................... 255 Pierce, Rev. John D............... 511 Pine Grove Seminary.............. 520 Pine Plains Township-Organization 23 Pioneer Life................42, 43, 57 Pioneers.......................570-572 Plainfiel(l Township-Organization.. 20 Plainwell- History, 393-396; schools, 525-528; officials................ 653 Plainwell Enterprise.............. 541 Plainwell Express................ 541 Plainwell High School Alumni...525-528 Plainwell Independent............ 541 Plainwell Indlependent Republic.... 541 Plainwell Leadler................. 541 Plainwell News................... 541 Plainwell Republic................ 541 Plainwell Shoe Comptany........... 407 Plank Road...................... 393 Plumlmer, And(rews............... 208 Plum nerville.................... 190) Politics-tIalf a century ago, 553; presidential and gubernatorial votes, 1836-1906, 554; Republican party organized at Jackson (1854), 55; contests since, 555; Greenba:ck anl Prohibition parties..555-556 Population-26, 51 (Southeastern Allegan)......................... 120 Poor Farm-Purchase of and erection of buildings...............15-16 Poorhouse (See Poor Farm). Post, Elisha A................ 108 Presbyterian Church-Allegan, 586; Plainwell...................... 587 Presidents (Village Boards)-See Village Officials. Press (See Newspapers). Pritchard, General B. D.-64; his account of the capture of Jeff Davis..................66-70; 533 Probate Judges.................. 618 Prosecuting Attorneys............ 620 Protestant Episcopal Church-Diocese of Michigan, 589; Allegan and Saugatuck................ 590 Prouty, Leander S................ 57 Prouty House................... 57 u'illman......................... 178 Raber, William A................. 479 Railroad Coammissioners........... 616 Railroads-Kalamazoo & Allegan, first Allegan county railroad, 118; Allegan & Southeastern (Michigan Central).................. 11 Rasmussen, Fred T................. 490 Rasmussen, Peter C............... 493 Raymond, Frank S................ 173 Raymond, Hattie A.............. 172 Rebel, Albert 0................... 461 Reed, Fordyce D................ 116 Reed, Roger E................... 133 Registers of Deeds................ 618 Reid, Edwy Campbell........... 73, 537 Reini, Captain Robert............. 154 Representatives (in Legislature)... 617 Reynolds, James Morton.......... 482 Rice, (lharles.................... 422 Richmond....................... 247 Rogers, Ehdmund S................ 458 Rogers, William M................ 209 Ronan, Thomas W................ 429 Rosslan, Alby.................58, 70 Round, Rollin ( 1................... 310 Rowe, Clarence H................. 97 Rowe, E. C...................... 72 Rowe, D)r. William E.............. 85 Rowe, William W. G............. 462 Ruehle family.................... 367 Ruehle, George.................. 366 Rumery family.................. 316 Russell, Janms Jackson............. 45 Russell, Jonathan................ 46 Russell, William D................ 475 Ryno, Dr. E. H................... 271 Salem Center.................... 353 Salem Township-Organization, 23; history........................ 353 Saugatuck —First settlement of, 32; tannery, warehouse and dock established, 33; Singapore, 34-35; lighthouse erected, 35; tanneries and saw mills, 36; grist mills, 37; ilat laid off by William C. Butler, 125; its rival, Singapore, 125; postal and phone facilities, 125 -126; incorporation of village, 126; as a summer resort, 127; schools, 528-529; officials............... 654 Saugatuck Commercial........... 541 Sangatuck Commercial-Record(.... 542 Saugatuck High School graduates.529-530 Salngatuck Township-Early records destroyed...................... 25 Saugatuck Woman's Club......... 558 Saugatuck and Ganges Pomological Society....................... 500 xiv INDEX Saugatuck and Ganges Telephone Company...................... 125 Schermerhorn, Charles U.......... 460 Schlientz, Jacob.................. 367 Schram, Albert A................. 194 Schultz, Christopher.............. 138 Schultz, Fred.................... 164 Secretary of State................ 616 Seventh Day Adventist Church-Organization of, at Allegan, 593; churches at Monterey, Otsego and Douglas....................... 594 Shafer, Aaron................... 295 Shafer, Henry E.................. 336 Shattuck, De Witt Clinton........ 262 Shea, John...................... 447 Sheffer, Clark M.................. 224 Sheriffs......................... 619 Sherwood, Hull.................41, 43 Sherwood family................... 41 Silcox, F. J...................... 169 Silcox, William H................ 492 Silo plants...................... 497 Silver Creek (See Argenta). Simonson, Simon................. 135 Singapore (deserted village)....34, 125 Slagel, Jacob F.................. 302 Slenk, John H................... 383 Smith, Frederick F............... 363 Smith, John T.................... 427 Smith, Sherman I................. 325 Snell, Eli........................ 182 Soldiers' Monument.............. 615 Spanish-American War (See Military Records). Spencer, Warner W............... 467 Stafford, Martin A................ 177 Stafford, Silas................... 552 Staring, George.................. 365 Starring, Andrew J............... 155 State Senators................... 616 State Treasurer.................. 616 Stickel, William Henry............. 230 Stockdale, Hon. David............. 258 Stockdale, John B................ 260 Stockdale, Samuel Gagen.......... 487 Stockdale, William............... 270 Stone, Gilbert M................. 300 Stone, John W. (Judge)........... 552 Stow, William H.................. 249 Stratton, George................. 374 Streeter, Thomas E., Sr......... 58, 62 Sturgis, John W.................. 426 Supervisors (See Township Officials). Surveyors........................ 621 Sutter, Christian................. 356 Swaney, Sylvester................ 152 Swedish Lutheran Church......... 592 Symons, Charles................. 201 Takken, William R................ 132 Tanner, Alanson A................. 275 Taylor, Alfred................... 438 Taylor, George K................. 179 Taylor, Rev. James F............. 142 Ten Cate, Herman................ 377 Thew, Joseph.................... 551 Thomas, George S................. 349 Thomas, Dr. Henry F............. 493 Thomas, William J................ 402 Thompson, Dr. Cyrenius........... 46 Thorpe, Ira G.................... 98 Tiefenthal, Daniel................ 335 Tien, Henry H.................... 393 Township Clerks (See Township Officials). Township Officials............ 622-655 Township Treasurers (See Township Officials). Townships-Formation of, 16-19; organization of................. 19-25 Tooker, Pliny H.................. 319 Trautman, Victor................ 351 Treble Clef Society............... 561 Trowbridge, C. C................. 5i Trowbridge Township-Organization 22 Trutsch, Joseph Antony............ 458 Tucker, A. Brink................. 421 Tucker, John..................... 246 United Brethren Church-Cheshire, 592;Dorr and Salem.............. United Brethren in Christ......... United Presbyterian Church....... University Regent................ Updyke, Theodore S.............. Usher, Ambrose C................ 593 596 589 616 92 236 Van Blarcum, William............. 238 Van Keuren, James A............. 115 Van Raalte, Rev. A. C............. 52 Van Valkenburg, Charles F........ 174 Vickery, Stephen................. 53 Village Clerks (See Village Officials). Village Officials............... 650-655 Village Recorders (See Village Officials). Village Treasurers (See Village Officials). Wade, J ohn P..................... 147 Wade, Hlon. Theodosius............ 150 Wadsworth, John................. 202 Wadsworth, Van Renslaer......... 199 Wait, Amos B................... 314 W alter, L. C...................... 288 W alters. William.................. 491 W ard, F. M...................... 177 Warner, George Y................ 549 Warner, William W............... 101 Washburn. Herbert A............. 425 Watkins. Francis R.............. 428 Watson Township-Organization, 21; 531-532 Wayland Saturday Globe.......... 542 INDEX XV Wayland Township-Organization, 21; history and present status.... 257 Wayland Village - History, 257; schools, 531-532; officials...... 654-655 Weber, Henry.................... 357 Webster, Leonard M............... 464 Wedge, Judson D................. 473 W eed, Nathaniel................. 50 W eed, Perry P.................... 151 W eeks, Alanson S................. 83 W eeks, Harold C.................. 83 Welch, Charles B................. 156 W elch, H. G...................148, 500 Wellington, George Ambrose....... 180 W est, N. B....................... 57 WNetmore, Albert D................ 107 Wetnore, Chester.................. 107 W hitbeck, Allen L................ 109 W hite, C. C....................... 46 W hite, Heman F.................. 327 White, Lieut. William............. 139 Wicks, Dr. Almond 11............ 305 Wiley, Ion. D. W............. 129, 501 W ilkes, C. R...................... 552 Williams, Frank Hawley (Judge)... 74 Williams, William B. (Judge).... 74, 550 Wilson, Mrs. Annie C............. 163 W ilson, Thomas.................. 162 W inchell, James.................. 469 W ing, Pay C..................... 542 Wing family..................... 203 Wolfinger, C. Elmer.............. 292 Woman's History Class, Allegan.... 560 W ynn, John...................... 160 Wynne, Edwin P................. 110 Young, Dr. Clarence W............ 104 Young, H. Oscar.................. 104 Young, Joseph E.................. 106 I tt I I (Js - 7% -=i xi C44 izz N. CIO N'0 twT ~7 f ~h. k> n N~N 44. N NM Th N ~ ~NN( '4~ N~Z ~ ISO fa~ ~j ~- 1 It r - I I.1I I I r, 3 X0 "A Q1 &A r", <) k 0-( Al m I-( %l<._n -- -. I, X=X= — q-01-1 T'nV., lll -4 I I —I I —I iAt IT.%l 04i,b 1 14 D ll I - I N I (I I" "I d 4.1 I I II I;t- I I 1', I I 4I 5-;-1 a.-.-I -"II - U I- ~ II i i -j rli k 0.1 I "( 1.41 14 1 II -11 N11I 7zc 1 t I A I i I' 4 I: I I 11 H, u I I ' I 1 I - I I4 -'I I 1.31. -i1 - 11 I I -. -- -. i I" i - C. N j T's 1* C.), i - - - J161 I + I I \1 It \..I I I 'k - Ul 1 1 I AO r. rl lp Il V% t-4 4 I ---I, -4 N 44 I I I 11 -1 K I I'd I I T"A I. ZI ll N. -A I '4. -1'k.' 1 4 I In~ '4 " 4 r. -' 4 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY CHAPTER I. ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT. Strictly speaking, the settlers of Allegan 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 Allegan 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. The machinery that governed populous and organized communities was elastic and adaptable, and could be readily extended to this new county. Utilizing it, the people provided for courts, public buildings, for roads, and every possible institution necessary to a civilized country. And the result was that Allegan 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 states and counties. A resume of the early history of Michigan up to the time of the organization of the Territory will be valuable for understanding the history of organization and the beginnings of Allegan county, which is but a more detailed continuation of the larger story of the state. In 1778-9 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. 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 I763. On March I, 1784, through her authorized delegates in Congress, Virginia ceded this territory to the United States. She stipulated that it be 1 2 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 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. Thus the general government obtained jurisdiction over the Northwest Territory and 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 till 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 in Congress 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. On May 7, 800o, Congress divided the Northwest Territory by a line running from the mouth of the Kentucky river to Fort Recovery. 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. All that portion of the east Michigan country which lay north of the line drawn through the southerly bend of Lake Michigan was organized as Wayne county of the Northwest Territory, and its settlers supposed that their fortunes were thenceforth identified with those of Ohio. The Northwest Territory was rapidly filling with settlers, and in accordance with the provisions made for admission into the Union, 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. In harmony with the enabling act, a convention met at Chillicothe, Ohio, November ist to frame a constitution for the new state. The constitution was adopted on November 29th. 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 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 3 south line through the western extreme of Lake Michigan" and "an east and west line through the southern extreme of the same." But the Michigan country thus united was too strong to remain long a part of a territory, and hence, on January I I, 1805, 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 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 on the southern boundary 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 results if Michigan had retained the boundary lines which she had as Wayne county. It will assist in understanding the division of Allegan county into townships and the organization of civil government by referring to the formation of the various counties up to the time the history of Allegan begins. Of Wayne county we have already spoken. Monroe county was formed in 1817; Mackinac in i8i8; Oakland in 1820; Washtenaw in 1826; Chippewa in 1826; 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, 1828, 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 1828. 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, 1829, twelve counties were carved from this immense township. The boundaries of counties could not be laid off until the land survey had been completed, and the survey could not be undertaken until the country came into the possession of the government through the extinguishment of the Indian title. The Indians had ceded nearly all the land south of Grand river and west of the principal meridian at the treaty of 1821, so that the surveys of this region into townships was completed between the date of this treaty and the formation of the counties. The survey of the public lands of Michigan was begun in 1815. Due honor should be accorded the employes of the government who made the survey, for this work had to be done before people could begin to live upon the land and form such associations with one another as constitute a county. Only on condition of this preliminary work having been done can definite individual ownership exist, and those mutual rights and duties of men with each other be established which make an organic body such as a county or township possible. The legislative council of Michigan were able to declare where and what the area of this county should be, because the United States measurers of land had already laid their measuring chain upon the land out of which the county was to be made. In 1796 Congress enacted the law in accordance with which all the public lands were to be surveyed. The system embodied in this act is known as the "Rectangular System." The entire territory of the present state of 4, 1HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Michigan has been surveyed and divided into townships in accordance with this system and with reference to a certain "meridian" and "base line." The meridian spoken of so frequently in determining the location of counties and townships was a north and south line known in the U. S. survey as "the principal meridian of the peninsula of Michigan." It is a line running due north from the mouth of the Auglaize river, near Defiance, Ohio, and coincides with the eastern boundary of Hillsdale county. The "base line," or the east and west line from which reckoning was made in the survey, is a line crossing the principal meridian on the parallel of 42 degrees and 25 minutes, or, in other words, the line forming the southern boundary of Allegan and other counties to the east of it. With this principal meridian and this base line established, the surveyors of the general government began to go over the public land of the peninsula of Michigan with compass and chain, and to mark trees and set posts for the boundaries of townships and sections and quarter-sections. These surveyors knew, of course, no names of counties and townships as we know them now, neither did they give names at all to townships or groups of townships as they surveyed them. They recorded and dated carefully day by day their measurements and topographical notes in their note-books, thus creating the original "Field Notes," which in Allegan county and every county today are of such primary and incalculable importance for titles, deeds, mortgages and all transactions involved in buying, selling or owning of land. As they tramped over the surface of the country, measuring and marking it off into portions each exactly six miles square, making a township, they gave no names to the townships, but merely numbered them in their relation to meridian and base line, according to the ingenious but simple system, the principles of which were struck in the land ordinance of I785, but which appeared fairly well developed in the Congressional act of I796. The laying off of the base line and the meridian and the laying off of all the territory south of the base line, as well as part of the country north of it, had been completed, evidently, before the act previously referred to, according to which a large part of southern Michigan was blocked off into counties. The act of October 29, I829, constituted with their present boun-:laries the following counties: Ingham, Eaton, Barry, Jackson, Calhoun. Kalamazoo, Van Buren. Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass and Berrien. It will be understood that this act provided only for the erecting (,f the counties by territorial limits; it did not organize civil governments in each. Most of the counties mentioned did not have a white settler at the time, and the territory was merely blocked off into convenient squares for the organization of separate governments when the time should come. Allegan county was not carved out at this time, doubtless because the survey had not yet been completed of all the townships west of Barry. The outside lines of the towns bordering on Barry county were surveyed in 1825 by John Mullett and Lucius Lyon, what are now Gun Plains, Wayland and Martin being outlined in that order, and also the boundaries of the present Dorr township were laid off. But the remaining townships were not surveyed until I830. A large territory of the country adjacent to Grand river must have been blocked off about this time, for by an act approved March 2, 1831, the legislature laid off the boundaries of the HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 5 following counties: Clinton, Ionia, Kent, Allegan, Ottawa, Gratiot, Montcalm, Oceana, Saginaw, Midland, Gladwyn, Arenac, Isabella. At this time, then, Allegan county was given form and name; just preceding the advance of settlers into this region, for when the act was passed not more than four families were permanently located in the new county. But from that time on the survey-townships grouped together by the legislature might be conveniently referred to as Allegan county. The portion of the act defining the boundaries of the county is as follows: "That the country included in the following limits, to wit: north of the base line and south of the line between townships four and five north; west of the line between ranges ten and eleven west of the meridian, and east of the shore of Lake Michigan, be and the same is hereby set off into a separate county, by the name of Allegan." So much for the marking of boundaries. The township or section lines within the county had been or were being marked at this time. This was all preliminary to actual settlement and civil organization. But civil government can have no real existence except among people, and since there were no inhabitants to speak of in Allegan county, civil government was not yet a necessity. Nevertheless, the legislature had wisely provided for any chance settler in this region that he should not be beyond the reach of justice, even though it might be necessary to travel a hundred miles to get it. On November 4, 1829, a few days after the twelve counties in southwestern Michigan were laid off as mentioned above, the legislature provided for the organization of civil government in two counties of this territory and attached all the rest of the unorganized country to them for judicial and other civil purposes. St. Joseph and Cass counties were constituted with all the rights and privileges of other civil counties of the Territory, a court was established in each, and provision made for the election of civil officers. Each of these county governments had jurisdiction far beyond its own boundaries. To St. Joseph county were attached the counties of Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Branch, Barry and Eaton (which had been surveyed), and also all of the unsurveyed country north of the base line to the straits of Mackinac, and included between the principal meridian on the east and the line between ranges 12 and 13 on the west. This latter line cut off the two eastern blocks of townships in this county, so that so much of Allegan county was attached to St. Joseph county for civil purposes. If any settlers along the river in what are now Gun Plains and Otsego townships or any of the towns north of them (provided there were settlers at that time) had desired to attend court for a settlement of differences, it would have been necessary for the litigants to travel through the woods nearly fifty miles to White Pigeon. To Cass county were attached, for like reasons, both Berrien and Van Buren counties, and all the country north of those counties to Lake Michigan, a strip of land extending along almost the entire eastern shore of Lake Michigan. A glance at the map will show that this included all that portion of Allegan county lying directly north of Van Buren county; in other words, all the townships not included in these attached to St. Joseph county. So that the county seat for an inhabitant of the west two-thirds of the county was fixed at that time in Cass county. 6 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY On November 5, 1829, the day after the passage of the act just mentioned, the legislature went a step further in providing a temporary civil arrangement for all this unorganized country of western Michigan. It was provided that the counties of Kalamazoo and Barry and all the unsurveyed country north of them (including the east part of Allegan county) should be organized into a civil township named Brady. The first settlers of Allegan county, Giles Scott, Turner Aldrich and others, in the southeastern corner of the county, were for some months citizens of this Brady township of St. Joseph county. The first town meeting of this large territory was held at the house of Abram J. Shaver, in Kalamazoo county, but there is no record, and it is unlikely that any person from the limits of present Allegan county attended. By the same act the west two-thirds of the county became a part of another civil township, belonging to Cass county. Van Buren county and all the country lying north of it, as already described, were formed into a township by the name of Penn. So far as Allegan county is concerned, these townships of Penn and Brady have an empty significance, for whole counties were soon organized within their limits and their names were abolished or applied to restricted boundaries. The rapid progress of settlement across western Michigan beginning with the thirties brought about the organization of one county after the other, so that by the time the Territory was admitted to statehood there was a solid block of settled and organized counties from Detroit to Lake Michigan. The establishment of civil government is a ready index of this process of settlement, and it will be interesting to note the various changes of civil condition which preceded the organization of Allegan county into a separate and independent political entity. By the act approved July 30, I830, the township of Brady ceased to be a part of St. Joseph county, for on that date the county of Kalamazoo was organized, and all the remaining portion of country to the north hitherto mentioned as forming Brady township, as well as Calhoun and Eaton counties, was attached to Kalamazoo county for legal purposes. Thus the east side of Allegan remained a legal part of Kalamazoo county, and the western portion was attached to Cass county, until the important legislative act of March 29, I833. Then for the first time the Allegan county as we know it was recognized as a legal entity. This act provided that all that district of country which had been set off into a separate county by the name of Allegan (according to act of March 2, 183I) should be a township by the name of Allegan, "attached to the county of Kalamazoo for all legal purposes whatsoever," and that the first township meeting should be held at the house of Samuel Foster. The civil history of the county of Allegan thus really begins with the history of Allegan township. For three years, while the first mills were being erected along the Kalamazoo and Pine creek, the first roads were being laid out, the first postoffices established, and the institutions of civilization securing firm foothold, the twenty-four township areas comprising Allegan county were grouped together for civil purposes under the name of Allegan township. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY,7& FIRST TOWNSHIP MEETING. The first township meeting of the township of Allegan, designated by the legislative act just mentioned, brings into notice the first men connected with the civil history of the county, who were, of course, likewise among the first settlers. This township meeting was held April 6, 1833, at the house of Dr. Samuel Foster, whose pioneer home was on section 23 of what is now Otsego township and was within the present corporate limits of the village of the same name. Hull Sherwood was moderator of the meeting, and the other town officials chosen were: Cyrenius Thompson, clerk; Charles Miles, supervisor; Ebenezer Sherwood, Calvin White, D. A. Plummer, assessors; Martin W. Rowe, collector; Giles Scott and H. C. White, overseers of the poor; Turner Aldrich, Norman Davis, R. Sherwood, commissioners of highways; M. W. Rowe, constable; Orlando Weed, Ebenezer Sherwood, U. Baker, Abijah Chichester, overseers of roads; S. Foster, C. Miles, S. Thompson, school inspectors. These township officers were elected in accordance with the territorial laws governing the selection of such officials. The full complement was chosen to comply with the provisions of the law, not, surely, because they were all needed to conduct the business of such a thinly settled region as Allegan county was at the time. It is probable that nearly all the citizens of the township, with the exception of the few located near the mouth of the Kalamazoo, were required to fill the numerous offices. July 8, 1833, a general election was held, and the voters of the township cast ballots for a delegate to Congress (Lucius Lyon) and a member of the legislative council. Twenty-two votes were counted. The citizens who took part in this election and in the second township meeting in April, 1834, were residents about Otsego. At the township meeting of April 6, I835, held at the schoolhouse near the mouth of Pine Creek, the name of Alexander L. Ely of Allegan village appears as school commissioner, and also that of William G. Butler, the Saugatuck pioneer, as constable. By that time the citizenship all along the river was represented. The new names added to the official list at the town meeting of 1834 were Almerin L. Cotton, John L. Shearer, Ezekiel Metcalf, and John H. Adams, Jonathan Russell, Friend Ives, Dan Arnold; and those at the election of 1835: Oka Town, Silas Dunham, Benjamin Plummer, Randall Crosby, William Still, L. S. Prouty, R. S. Crosby. With the township election of 1835 the official record of Allegan township as a civil division of Kalamazoo county ceases. Its territory was organized the following year as Allegan county, with a civil government of its own. Already in October, 1834, the governor had appointed three commissioners to locate a county seat for the prospective county. These commissioners, whose names were Oshea Wilder, Cvrus Lovell and Isaac E. Crary. taking into consideration the advantages of the new and enterprising village of Allegan, its central location in the county as a whole and with respect to the river Kalamazoo, decided that the seat of government should be located there and the governor subsequently made proclamation to that effect. No marked dissent to this decision was made by the citizens, and consequently Allegan county has never had a "county seat contest." Allegan has retained the prestige undisputed for over seventy years. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY August 12, 1835, a meeting was held at Otsego to undertake the preliminary steps of county organization. Elisha Ely was chairman of the meeting, and John L. Shearer secretary. The first resolution of the meeting declared the expediency of immediate organization of the county. Then nominations were made for the principal county offices-Elisha Ely and John Anderson for associate judges; Alexander L. Ely for county clerk; J. L. Shearer for sheriff; Martin L. Barber, for surveyor; Oka Town for judge of probate. A committee, consisting of Eber Sherwood, D. A. Plummer and Joseph Fisk, was chosen to forward the resolutions to the governor and council. The resolutions were acted upon by the legislature and a measure approved during the same month for the organization of the county. The commissions for the officers mentioned in the resolutions were signed by Stevens T. Mason on August 25th. September I, I835, the civil machinery of Allegan county went into operation. The county still had but a single township, so that the officers of the latter had jurisdiction over as wide a territory as the county officers. Accordingly when, shortly after the organization of the county, an election was held on the adoption of the new state constitution and the election of the first state officers, notice was given to both "the electors of the township of Allegan and the county of Allegan." The election was held at Otsego on October 5th and at Allegan on the following day. Allegan's strength of political numbers is shown by the fact that Elisha Ely, the village's candidate for the legislature, won against Linsford B. Coats, the candidate from the southeastern part of the county, by 31 to 30 votes. With this election, which resulted in the adoption of the constitution, the state government of Michigan became in force. Nevertheless Congress did not accept the state into the Union until January 26, 1837, so that for over a year Michigan was in the anomalous position of being a state, yet not a member of the Union. The county government having been organized, it has gone on without interruption to the present time. The business of a county is much the same everywhere, and in a history extending through a period of over seventy years it is hardly proper to select the administration of one year for special mention, any more than it is possible to describe the routine transactions of each successive year. Concerning the personnel of the county officials, it is hoped that the official lists published in another part of this volume, and the individual mention of some whoa have held public position, will prove a satisfactory record of the men who have faithfully administered the affairs of county. The courts and those connected with them will be treated in a special chapter. It now remains to continue the general subject of organization by describing the court house and other public buildings and institutions of the county, and then taking up the formation of the townships and the early affairs of each. The proprietors of Allegan, in platting the village, made provision for the county seat by the dedication of a square of land to afford sites for the county buildings. The plat as recorded by the proprietors, Samuel Hubbard and C. C. Trowbridge, June 23, 1837, designates this public square, and ten years later these same men deeded this land to the board of supervisors, and this deed was supplemented by another deed to the V FIRST SCHOOL IHOUSE ANI) ( Co((R HOUSE; NoW REMOI)EDLEI) AS A DI)ELING. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 9 board from the village of Allegan, waiving its claims and titles to "as much of the public square * * * as may be wanted or used for county buildings and necessary appurtenances, and this grant is for no other purpose." It is not likely that the county's title in this land could ever be disputed, even though the county buildings do not cover the entire site. COURT HOUSE. The county of Allegan paid out $32 inl rent for the use of the first schoolhouse in the village to serve -as a court room from the organization of the county through the years 1837 and 1838. County buildings lacked the character of permanence and adequacy during the first few years. The inevitable schoolhouse had multiple uses in those days, and the first temple of justice was likewise the building where the pioneer children met for instruction and where on other (lays divine worship was held. This schoolhouse that must go down in history as Allegan's first court house stood, when built, on the south side of Trowbridge street, just east of Pine street. At the time of the laying of the corner stone of the present beautiful court house, Mr. Phillip Padgham, in an address, referred to the old structure as follows: "It now stands in plain view of us all, on the south side of Hubbard street, directly across from this public square, and is occupied by James Forward as a salesroom for agricultural implements. Its age is an excuse for its appearance, and its size compares with that of its new rival relatively as the amount of business to be transacted therein. It has outlived many of the pioneers who built and used it, and is one of the few landmarks remaining that remind us of the early history and struggles of the heroic little band that located the site of our beautiful village." Only court sessions were held at the schoolhouse. Inquiry as to where the various offices of clerk, treasurer, register, etc., were kept leads only to the general answer that they were kept at the residence or place of business of the incumbent at the time. We can imagine a citizen of the time passing from the office of the county clerk to the treasurer's and going clear across town. The grand jury in 1838 met in a room of the Michigan Exchange, opposite from the northwest corner of the public square. Until 1889 the word "court house" did not convey the meaning that it did in most counties, denoting the usually ample building in which all the courts and the county administration were housed. For many years the courts were held in one place, the county offices were in another, and the jail in still another. Judge Padgham, in the address already quoted, has given the story of the various quarters occupied by the circuit court after it ceased to be held in the schoolhouse. "Several terms of the circuit court were held in the old school building, and afterwards the circuit court held its session in a building known as the Methodist chapel, which was located near the present site of the Methodist Episcopal church (Trowbridge and Walnut streets). The chapel was afterwards burned down, and the different courts for a time were held in a basement to the building occupied by the jailer. This basement was fitted up for county offices and was used for county and court purposes. It stood on the north side of Hubbard street in the southwest corner of this public square. The courts were next held in the basement of the Baptist church. This church was a brick building, (10 I-ISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY the upper part being unfinished, and in 1854 the county purchased the building of the Baptist society for court purposes, and the upper part was then finished off for a court room, and the sessions of the circuit court were held there until the building was condemned by the village and county authorities, in the year 1887. The court then moved its quarters to the dining room of the Chaffee block, where two sessions of the court were held, and since then to the present time (I889) the circuit court has occupied the room over Delano's store on Locust street, known as Grange hall. The business of the court, instead of being disposed of in one day as in November, I836, has increased to such an extent that it now has, sometimes, a session of three or four weeks with a jury, besides cases heard and determined by the judge himself. But the present place of holding the court is not very much in advance of the modest old building which, as I said before, has retired to the business of sheltering agricultural implements." This scantiness of accommodations for the county government was not due to a lack of enterprise on the part of those in authority, but obviously the wealth of the people during the early decades (lid not warrant large expenditures for such purposes. It was perhaps a reflection of the willingness to mortgage the future felt throughout the state during the boom period of the thirties that led the board of supervisors at their meeting in November, 1837, to propose the raising of the sum of fifteen thousand dollars to be expended on public buildings. The proposition, if submitted to the vote of the people, failed to receive their assent, and the first practical moves for county buildings, undertaken a year or so later, indicated that the era of extravagance was over and the time of economy was in full realization. The supervisors at their meeting in November, I837, had authorized the sheriff to procure quarters for the confinement of "debtors and criminals," at not greater charge than one hundred dollars a year. April 25, I839, the board of county commissioners (who had succeeded the supervisors; for which see official lists) directed that S. F. Littlejohn submit a plan for the construction of a jail, a house for the jailer, and a room to serve for county purposes, at a total cost of not more than $1,200. Mr. Littlejohn was given the contract for the erection of this the first county building. It was completed and accepted February 27, 1840. The late Judge W. tB. Williams thus described this structure: "The first court house, jail and sheriff's residence was erected upon the southwest corner (of square). It consisted of a small frame building with a lean-to of logs attached. The lean-to was the jail, the upper floor of the upright was the sheriff's residence, and the lower floor the court room. The building was used for a jail and sheriff's residence until condemned by a grand jury as a nuisance. The jail was low, damp and unhealthy, and some of the prisoners who were fond of quiet and rest complained that 'they did not dare turn over in bed for fear of rolling out of jail.'" The total cost of this building was $1,567.98. The county offices were next given a separate building. Five hundred dollars was appropriated October 15, I846, and the following January it was directed that a fire-proof brick building, one story, and containing three rooms, be erected. Thomas M. Russell constructed this building, under WE-d "t, f IE, ( )I' D I A II, 11 Ul I I I I ) I N ( 'I i a HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 11 the direction of Henry H. Booth, Ralph R. MIann and David D. Davis. The total cost was $528.50, and it was completed in October, 1847. It stood on the northwest corner of the square, near the later county offices, and the probate judge, the treasurer and county clerk and register had their offices there. The part of the jail previously occupied by county offices was then remodeled for a court room. The next provision was for a suitable court quarters. As already mentioned, the supervisors-after failing to secure a specific tax for the building of a court house-negotiated the purchase of the unfinished Baptist church, which was remodeled for court purposes at a cost of $I,Io6.63. Soon the old log jail became unfit. A proposition to raise five thousand dollars for a new one was submitted to the people in the spring of I859, and was carried. It was decided to locate it on a lot in the block west and opposite the public square, the building to be of brick with stone foundations, 40 by 50 feet on the ground and two stories high, the west side for jail purposes and the front for the sheriff's residence. This building was completed by January, I862, at a cost of $4,890. A few years later the building for county offices was reported of not "sufficient capacity," as "dilapidated," and generally inadequate for its purposes. An attempt was made at this time, I867, to obtain the consent of the people to erect a court house and office building, but the board finally had to be content with the erection of quarters for the county offices alone. The agitation was continued for several years before anything definite was brought about. In October, I870, the supervisors resolved to submit the question of raising $6,ooo for the purpose to the people at the following April election. The proposition was carried. The office building was erected, the two-story brick building still standing on the northwest quarter of the square, and at this writing not used for any permanent offices. It was first occupied January I, i872, and its total cost to the county, including furniture and fixtures, was $9,56i.25. The lower floor was occupied by the register and treasurer, and the upper by the clerk and judge of probate. Such were the county buildings before the modern structures now in use. Until the latter part of the eighties, the square was adorned by the office building just described in the northwest corner, and in the opposite. the southeast, corner stood a village engine house. West of the square stood the brick jail which has only recently been replaced, and north of it was the court house, remodeled from the old church and soon to prove unsafe and be condemned. January 7, I887, a committee of the boards of supervisors, to whom had been intrusted the investigation of ways and means for obtaining a new court house, made the following report: "Your committee to whom was referred the consideration of the motion to submit to the voters of said county a proposition to raise, by tax, a fund for the purpose of erecting a court house for the said county, do respectfully submit a report thereon as follows: And it having become necessary to build a court house for the county of Allegan for the reason that the present court house is not only unsafe, but is lacking in the requisites necessary for the transaction of the business of the county, consider that a new court house should be erected, and for that purpose the sum of $45,000 12 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY should be raised by tax, and would recommend that at the township election next ensuing a proposition be submitted to the voters of the county to spread a tax of one mill on the dollar of the state equalized valuation, each year, for the term of three years." The result of this motion is given in a resolution offered April 24, I888: "Whereas, it appears from the canvass of votes cast at the last spring election for and against the proposed new court house that the proposition was defeated by a small majority of 115; And, whereas, it further appears that in the township of Saugatuck the vote against the proposition was mainly the result of a misunderstanding of the voters therein in relation to a matter entirely foreign to the court house question, thereby defeating the will of the people of the county on the matter; And, whereas, believing that a new court house is necessary at the earliest possible moment for the preservation of the records of the county and accommodation of the business thereof; Therefore resolved, that at the next general election to be held on the sixth day of November, I888, there be submitted to the voters of Allegan county for their action a proposition authorizing the building of a new court house not to exceed in cost when built and furnished with necessary furniture the sum of $44,ooo." This motion was lost, but the following offered the next day, was carried: "Whereas, it appears that Allegan county has no court house and from the records of said county it appears that said county is now paying $547.50 for a night watch to guard the county records, and $300 is paid for rent of a room for the circuit court, with prospects of being obliged to pay more; and also about $250 in repairs for the owners of building that is now rented; Therefore, be it resolved, that at the next general election to be held in November, I888, there be submitted to the voters of Allegan county a proposition authorizing the building of a new court house not to exceed in cost when built and finished with all the necessary apparatus and furniture $44,ooo. * * * "If on canvassing the votes a majority of the votes cast shall favor the raising of said money for building said court house the sum of $15,000 shall be spread on the tax rolls of Allegan county for the year I889, and $5,00ooo on said rolls in I890, and the balance spread on the tax rolls of Allegan county in I891." Following is the tabulated vote taken on this proposition at the November election: Yes. No. Yes. No. Allegan...........1,049 io Manlius........... 71 37 Casco............. 82 137 Martin............ 37 124 Cheshire........... i6i 32 Monterey........... 98 32 Clyde............. 44 17 Overisel........... 56 55 Dorr.............. 62 94 Otsego............ 21 636 Fillmore........... 45 Io3 Pine Plains........ I04 23 Ganges............ 59 180 Salem............. 156 II Guns Plains........ 1I7 192 Saugatuck......... 56 280 Heath............. 112 29 Trowbridge........ 93 I18 Hopkins.......... 82 95 Watson............ o8 139 Laketown.......... 1 57 Wayland.......... 113 130 Lee............... 41 89 Leighton........... 142 6I Total............3,120 2,68I I I ALLEG'AN COUNTY COURT HOUSE HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Court house committee were Charles Johnson, Frederick Schrader and A. E. Calkins. The building committee were Charles Johnson, A. E. Calkins, Frederick Schrader, John Crispe and B. F. Granger. S. I. Osgood was the architect. The laying of the court house corner-stone, August 29, 1889, was a celebration attended by a great number of people from over the county and from abroad. Some of the addresses made on that occasion have been quoted, and altogether it was an event of more than ordinary importance. The building committee's report on January 9, I890, thus describes the progress of the building: "That since the report at the special session of this Board, June last, the work has progressed with commendable fidelity,. both as to character of work and material, until the building is enclosed except the tower, which has been carried above the roof and covered with a temporary roof. Considerable work has been done inside. Steam connections nearly completed. The delay of the glass has greatly annoyed the contractor, but expect this will soon be completed and the plastering soon commenced. Whole amount paid contractor to date $28,969.85, which is 85 per cent, due him at last estimate." June Io, I890, the committee reported in part as follows: "That since their report made at the January session of the Board the contractor has pushed forward the work of construction so that it is now completed, and he is prepared to give up the kevs into your hands, provided the work proves satisfactory to your Board. The committee met frequently during the progress of the work and unite in expressing their full appreciation of the fidelity and honest effort on the part of Mr. J. M. Crocker to present to this county a building so constructed, from foundation to turret, that will bear the closest scrutiny, and in a style of finish rarely excelled in far more costly buildings. Your inspection will convince vou of this fact. Your committee take pleasure in stating that they have not seen any attempt to, put in any reprehensible work, but always the best care and skill attainable." The financial report on the completion of the court house was as follows: Contractor, Mr. Crocker....................$42,035.49 Decorating............................... 410.00 G. R. Furniture Co........................ 370.00 Desks, rail and tables...................... 282.75 Bill of chairs.............................. 144.00 M antel and grates.......................... 245.00 Additional plumbing....................... 69.9 Locks, registers, etc....................... 38.25 Book racks.............................. 150.00 Furnishing ladies' room............... 58.28 Paving boiler and fuel room................ 51.20 Total cost....................... $43,854.88 After more than forty years of use, the old jail, with its ivy-grown front,: was declared obsolete. Its unfitness was ground for a resolution by the board of supervisors on January 13, 1905, reading partly as follows: "Your committee would therefore respectfully recommend that the proposition to raise 14 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY the sum of $25,000 for the purpose of building a new jail and sheriff's residence be submitted to the electors of Allegan county at the spring election of this year 1905, said $25,000 to be raised as follows: $I2,500 to be raised in the year 1905, and $12,500 to be raised in the year I906; provided, however, that the sum aforesaid of $25,000, together with the $1,500 already on hand in the jail fund, shall be all the money that shall be used in the construction of said jail and sheriff's residence. Raised in this way, it would mean a rate of less than seven-tenths of a mill on each $I assessment of the county; or, to a man paying on a house and lot assessed at $500, the cost of building a jail as proposed would be only 33 cents each year for two years." This report, submitted to the board by Albert L. Nichols, J. W. Sturgis and L. B. Scholten, was adopted, and the proposition was referred in proper form to the voters for action. The result of the vote taken the following April 17, 1905, is thus tabulated: Ranges. Yes. No. Ranges. Yes. No. II 423 406 15 334 205 12 516 498 i6 446 457 13 845 467 14 262 i6i 2,826 2,I94 The architect of the new jail was Mr. Hall, of Detroit, and Crocker and Knapp were awarded the contract for its construction. The special committee appointed to supervise the building were Roscoe N. Ellis, John Lubbers, Fred C. Wilcox, Alvah H. Tracy, Daniel D. Harris; the membership did not remain the same throughout, however. At the session of the board of supervisors, June 28, I906, the following report was adopted: GENTLEMEN: Your committee on the building of the new jail would respectfully submit the following report: The jail has been accepted with a guarantee that some work that could not be finished till the old jail was out of the way, should be completed as specified. The jail has been built at a cost of $24,940.09. * * * RoscoE N. ELLIS, ALBERT L. NICHOLS, JOHN LUBBERS, DANIEL D. HARRIS, Committee. PROVISIONS FOR THE POOR. At the first township meeting, April 6, I833, when Allegan township comprised the entire county, Giles Scott and H. C. White were elected overseers of the poor. Such officers were elected at each township meeting until county organization. Doubtless their office was a sinecure, being both without duty and without pay. But even when the county was young and its inhabitants were few, there were some poor among them, and some public provision had to be made for their care. The board of supervisors in 1837 constituted a poor fund of one hundred dollars, this being the first definite provision for the destitute, and in the following year a HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 15 pauper was supported nearly a month at the public charge. Until 1839 each township cared for its own poor, but in that year it was voted to make paupers a county charge. No systematic method of caring for the poor was adopted until I849. Previous to that time, the paupers being few, the need of a regular institution for their care was not seriously felt. In that year a proposition was made before the board that a farm be purchased at an expense not greater than twelve hundred dollars. No action was taken, and the matter remained in an unsettled state for a number of years, the superintendents of the poor meanwhile making such provisions as they were able by obtaining temporary quarters for those in their charge. Finally a committee was appointed to examine farms suitable for the purpose, and its report, made January 14, I866, recommended the purchase of the quarter section owned by J. P. Pope, in the southeast quarter of section 5, Allegan township. In accordance with the report, the farm was purchased for $7,000, the deed being recorded June I5, I866. This has since been the site of the poorhouse and institutions. The farm as first purchased soon proved inadequate, and a committee urged the erection of a poorhouse. This structure was erected during I868, and was reported completed in January, I869, at a cost of $2,090.07. This was only one of the smaller buildings of the group as contemplated when all the buildings should be completed, and it was soon found that the new structure was insufficient to meet the needs of the institution, and that the old building was rapidly falling into decay. Accordingly, in January, I870, the board of supervisors instructed the superintendents of the poor to procec with the erection of the main building. This was built within contract time, ana '-s accepted as complete on October 13, 1870, the total cost being $7,461.97. The next building to be erected on the farm was an asylum for the insane. The consideration of this matter was introduced before the board of supervisors in I874. The asylum, a two-story brick building, with four rooms in the basement and sixteen above, was first occupied January i, 1876. its cost being $1,328.62. That the children of the institution might have a building apart from the adult inmates, a juvenile building was next constructed. The supervisors took the first steps for the building of this addition in January, 1877, and the building was completed ready for occupancy before the end of the year. The total cost of this building was $I,633.39. The following actions taken by the board of supervisors in recent years indicate the material improvements at the county farm: Oct. 20, I898.-"... Your committee further finds that in the main building every available room is occupied, also the so-called insane building, and it is impossible to classify the inmates as they should be. The sick and also those who are afflicted with contagious diseases ought to be separated, but it is totally impossible with the limited room at present. And the committee thereupon would recommend that upon investigation to see if practical, the old school building be moved on the grounds in front of what is called the 'insane asylum,' as near as practical to a place that is most convenient to be heated and secure as much as possible from fire, and it be elevated enough on a stone foundation so it can be heated from the main 16 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY building; and we recommend that it be so connected, and said building be used as a hospital as far as necessary, especially for the isolation of contagious diseased patients, the expense not to exceed $50. We also recommend that the poorhouse be connected with a telephone at a cost not exceeding $25 and the regular rates for use of same. "H. J. KLOMPARENS, "FRANK SOMMER, "G. H. KOOPMAN, "Committee." Jan. Io, I899.-"Whereas, your honorable body, at the October session of 1898, did vote to move the building known as the school building situated at the county farm and the repairing and the heating of the same, and to put telephone into the county poorhouse, but failed to appropriate the money for so doing; and inasmuch as the superintendents of the poor, in compliance with the action there taken, have contracted for the moving of said school building and caused to be put into the poorhouse a telephone, there being no fund for that purpose, we, the undersigned superintendents of the poor, do recommend that the sum of five hundred and twenty-five ($525) dollars be taken from the county contingent fund to be used as a building fund for the moving, repairing and heating of said building, to be paid by the county treasurer on orders drawn by the superintendents of'the poor, said orders to be for the moving, repairing, or heating of said building." The amount asked for was voted by the board. Farm and House, i885. 189I. 1895. I901. 1906. Expense of poorhouse..$3,968.58 $3,227.07 $3,149.78 $5,523 $7,580.56 Expense of farm..... 1,688.70 1,251.49 850.OI....... Total No. inmates..... 92 88 0oo 107 Io8 Average number....... 65 48 50 62 68 10ORM ATION OF T () TONS INIIPS. The platting of the territory now comprised within Allegan county into township blocks six miles square, and the further subdivision of each town into thirty-six sections, was the work of the surveyors of the government. As already stated, the first of this work was done in 1825, but most of it was not completed until 1830 and later. The township lines of Gun Plains were run in 1825, but the sections were not run until March, 183i, by Sylvester Sibley. John Mullett was also the surveyor of the township of Martin on the north, in January, 1826, while Mr. Sibley followed in 1831, making the section lines. Lucius Lyon's name is connected with the survey of Wayland township in 1826, while Mr. Sibley's work on the section lines was done in March, 1831. The same men were connected with the surveys of Leighton, and the dates are approximately the same, as would also be true of Dorr township, except that Mr. Lyon also did the sectional work in the spring of 1831. Mr. Mullett was connected with the survey of the east line of Otsego in 1825; the south line, the base line, was traced out by William Brookfield in I827; the north and west lines by Mr. Lyon late in 1830, and he then con HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 17 tinued with the subdivision of the township into sections. Thus the survey went on with the other townships until every section in the county was defined. We have referred to the various townships by the names of the present. These names designate both the survey and the civil townships. But at the time only the survey townships existed. The organization of a separate civil government within the town boundaries had not been attempted; such organization, like the organization of the county itself, had to wait upon the increase of population and multiplication of material and social interests. It is a very interesting process to follow the division of the county's territory into civil townships, for, taken in chronological order, it denotes with tolerable accuracy, the movement of population into each division. For several months after the county was organized its territory constituted one township. The legislature possessed the power to divide the county into convenient areas for government purposes, and on March 23, I836, the first act for the creation of civil townships was approved. At this date four townships came into existence. The division was clearly made with reference to the position of population at that time. The settlers were mainly grouped along the river from Allegan to the southeast. Therefore, the first civil township on the east was the column of four survey-townships along the east line of the county. To this the name Plainfield was given. The next column to the west was formed into a civil township by name Otsego. Plainfield and Otsego were each six miles wide from east to west, and twenty-four miles long. But the third town, next west of Otsego, was made twelve miles wide, or, in other words, two columns of survey-townships were used to make this one civil town. This was Allegan township. What remained of the county after these three townships were formed, consisting of one full-width column and the narrow column along the shore of Lake Michigan, became one township to which was given the name Newark. To make these four original townships the county was divided vertically from north to south into four strips. But these elongated towns did not long remain. Rapid settlement soon called for the organization of townships with smaller boundaries. The first division was made March 6, 1838, when the civil township of Manlius was organized, its first town meeting to be held at the hous;e of Ralph R. Mann. As bounded on that date, Manlius was survey-town'hip 3 north, in range 15, its present territory. But an act of March I5, I8 AI, detached the remaining three townships in the same column from New'ark and constituted them a part of the civil township of Manlius. So that what are now Fillmore, Clyde and Lee were also a part of Manlius until separated to form other town areas. Plainfield was the next to be divided. March 22, 1839, the lowest survey-township in the column was constituted a civil township by itr.elf, retaining the name Plainfield, while the three other towns were linkd together tnder the name of Martin. Plainfield, which was changed tc its present name of Gun Plain on March I9, I845, was the first townsh'p to assume permanently the boundaries by which it is defined today. February 16, 1842, is the next date of township division. Both Otsego and Allegan suffered contraction on that date. Otsego fared as Plainfield 18T HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY had three years before. The bottom town was constituted the Otsego as known today, while the other three towns remained under the name of Watson. On the same day the two lower survey-towns of Allegan were set off and named Trowbridge, embracing just twice the area of the present township of that name. Gun Plain and Otsego were the first towns whose settlement and development had progressed far enough to receive independent organizations. We must next look at the town of Martin, which the legislature soon divided. Martin was constituted with its present area on March 9, 1843, while the two towns to the north were at the same time made Wayland township. March i6, 1847, several changes were made on the map of Allegan county. Watson township was constituted with its present boundaries, and the two northern towns of its previous area were made Dorr township. On the same day Allegan lost three of its township areas by the formation of Monterey, a right-angled township, covering the area of the present Monterey, Salem and Overisel. By the same act Ganges was formed from Newark, consisting of the two lower towns on the lake shore, that is, the present Ganges and Casco. March 9, 1848, the north half of Wayland was set off and given the name Leighton. Thus the four townships on the east line of the county were organized with their present limits. By its separation from Manlius, Fillmore township was constituted with its present boundaries March 15, 1849. But on the following year, March 28, its area was doubled by the cutting off of the present Overisel from Monterey and placing it with Fillmore. March 28, 1850, was created the original Pine Plains township. This contained the tvwo lower survey-townships in range 15 (Clyde and Lee), previously a part of Manlius, and all of the present Valley township that lay west of the Kalamazoo river. It was unusual to bound a township otherwise than by its rectangular outlines, and making the river a boundary took off a triangular piece of land and left it with the original township. By this time the original Allegan township had been much reduced from its area of eight survey-townships. Trowbridge had been taken off in 1842, Monterey in 1847, and Pine Plains in 1850, so all that remained was the present Allegan, the irregular piece of land along the east side of the next town to the west, and the present Heath township. But on March i8, I8SI, Allegan township was constituted with its present boundaries, and on the same day the township of Heath was created. For twenty years Heath contained the fractional township east of the Kalamazoo just described. In 1871 Valley, or Pine Plains as it then was, was squared off by the addition of this triangle. April 2, I85I, the legislature divided the original Trowbridge, and named its western half Cheshire, since which time both towns have retained their present areas and names. Until 1852 the formation of townships was a matter controlled entirely by the legislature. Of course the legislature usually acted in accordance with petition from the citizens of the proposed town, and generally acceded to the wishes of the inhabitants, but no town came into official existence until the legislature so enacted. In 1852 this power of township creation was transferred from the legislature to the board of supervisors of each HISTORY OF ALLEGAN C()UNTY 19 county, and continued with that body until I86o, when it was once more resumed by the legislature. December 29, 1852, Dorr, which had contained two town areas since 1847, was divided, the north half retaining the name of Dorr, and the name Hopkins was given the south half. This was the first township formed by the board of supervisors. As we have seen, Monterey originally embraced three survey-townships; in 187o it was reduced to two, and on October o1, 1855, the supervisors set off its north half as Salem township, leaving Monterey with its present boundaries. In the meantime, the extreme southwestern town of the county had been organized. Casco was set off from Ganges December 27, 1854, the townships then assuming their present areas. Only a few more townships remained to be organized. October 14, I856, Overisel was created by being set off from Fillmore, to which it had been attached in f850. Original Newark township had been greatly reduced since it was first constituted in 1836. All that now remained were the two tipper fractional townships along the lake. These were separated and Lake Town was organized October 13, 1858. The remaining town continued to be known as Newark until I861, when the legislature changed its name to Saugatuck. Pine Plains was the last to be subdivided. January 4, 1859, the township of Lee was set off, and the following October 12th the two remaining towns were formed as Clyde and Pine Plains. Pine Plains still lacked the northeastern corner, which was given it in I87I. The name of Pine Plains was changed to Valley in January, I898. The townships as they now appear on the map were constituted with their present boundaries at the following dates, beginning in the southeastern corner of the county and reading from bottom to top: Gun Plains, March 22, 1839; Martin, March 9, 1843; Wayland, March 9, 1848; Leighton, March 9, I848; Otsego, Feb. i6, 1842; Watson, March T6, 1847; Hopkins, Dec. 29, 1852; Dorr, Dec. 29, 1852; Trowbridge, April 2, I851; Allegan, March 18, 1851; Monterey, Oct. o1, 1855; Salem, Oct. Io, I855; Cheshire, April 2, 1851; Valley, Oct. 12, 1859; Heath, March I8, 1851 (except the separation of the corner strip in 1871); Overisel, Oct. 14, I856; Lee, Tan. 4, 1859; Clyde, Oct. 12, 1859; Manlius, March I5, 1849; Fillmore, March I5, I849; Casco, Dec. 27, 1854; Ganges, Dec. 27, 1854; Saugatuck, Oct. 13, 1858; Laketown, Oct. 13, I858. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. As each of the townships was formed, as previously described, township government was instituted. At the first town meeting following the act for organization, there were usually present and active in the proceedings the citizens who by right should be regarded not only as the pioneers of the particular township, but the men upon whom devolved the civic and industrial responsibilities of the locality during its early years. There is a peculiar fitness therefore in naming so far as possible the first set of officers chosen by the townships at their first town meetings. 20 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY The personnel of the principal township officials during the subsequent years will be found tabulated elsewhere in the volume, under Civil Lists, to which the reader is referred. But the first set of officials gives us acquaintance with men, many of whom are mentioned prominently in connection with other affairs, and many of whose descendants remain in the county to this time. For this purpose it will be well to describe the organization of the townships with reference to their origin. Plainfield, Otsego, Allegan and Newark, being the four large divisions from which all the twenty-four townships have been formed, the plan will be to describe the organization of Plainfield and then, in order, of each of the towns taken from its original area, and so on with Otsego, Allegan and Newark. PLAINFIELD. In the various acts creating the townships, among other provisions, the legislature designated the place where the first township meeting should be held. The house of Isaac Aldrich was designated for the holding of the first town meeting in Plainfield. The act dividing the county into four civil townships was approved, it will be remembered, March 23, 1836, and the town meeting was held two weeks later. On April 4, not only the citizens living in the present town of Gun Plain, but all who lived in the other three towns to the north line of the county, were entitled to attend and participate in this meeting. Of course the majority of those present were of the Gun Plain neighborhood, where was then the nucleus of the settlers. In this respect the town meeting was the first one in the civil history of Gun Plains township, and its record usually begins the civil history of that town. But in a minor degree the same record is a part of the civil history of each of the other three towns, which at the time were attached to Plainfield. The business of this first town meeting began by the choice of temporary officers in the persons of John Murphy, moderator; William Forbes, clerk; John Anderson, clerk of election. The first township officers chosen in the meeting were: John Murphy, supervisor; William Forbes, town clerk; William Still, collector; Curtis Brigham, John Anderson, Peter Dumont, John Murphy, justices of the peace; Orlando Weed, Justus B. Sutherland, Chester Wetmore, highway commissioners; Curtis Brigham, John Anderson, William Forbes, school commissioners; Charles Bush,. Friend Ives, Elisha B. Seeley, assessors; Peter Dumont, Chester Wetmlore, overseers of the poor; Friend Ives, Elisha B. Seeley, Warren Caswell, fence viewers; William Still, Peter Dumont, S. H. Upson, Chester Wetmore, Orrin Orton, Warren Caswell, Leman G. Orton, Tohn H. Adams, constables; Charles Bush, Charles Ives, Elisha Tracy, Elisha B. Seeley. pathmasters. MARTIN. When Martin was set off in 1830, with the two townships on the north attached for civil purposes, the first town meeting was held at the house of John H. Adams, mentioned above as constable in the first Plainfield election, on April 13, I839. The township officers elected by the seventeen voters present were: Cotton M. Kimball, supervisor; Timothy HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 21 Gregg, town clerk; John H. Adams, treasurer; George W. Barnes, John H. Adams, Mumford Eldred, assessors; Nicholas Shellman, collector; George W. Barnes, John C. White, Cotton M. Kimball, school inspectors; Abraham Shellman, Adam W. Miller, Walter Monteith, highway commissioners; Timothy Gregg, Abraham Shellman, directors of the poor; George W. Barnes, Abraham Shellman, justices of the peace; Nicholas Shellman, Oziel H. Rounds, constables. VVAYLA ND. The township of Wayland, with the present Leighton attached, was organized March 9, I843. The first township meeting was held at the house of Isaac Barnes, April I, I844. The township officers elected were: George W. Barnes, who was one of the first of Martin's officials, was elected supervisor; Luther Martin, town clerk; Oziel H. Rounds, treasurer; Steven S. Germond, Solomon Filkins, assessors; Isaac Barnes, George W. Barnes, school inspectors; Nelson Chambers, Joseph Heydenburk, directors of the poor; Isaac Barnes, Oziel H. Rounds, Nelson Chambers, highway commissioners; George W. Barnes, Steven S. Germond, Oziel H. Rounds, Nelson Chambers, justices of the peace; Calvin Lewis, Nelson M. Pollard, constables; Joel Bronson, Samuel E. Lincoln, Solomon Filkins, William S. Hooker, overseers of highways. LEIGHTON. Leighton was organized as a separate township March 9. 1848, and the first town meeting was held at the Green Lake schoolhouse, April 3, 1848. Township officers elected: George W. Lewis, supervisor; Samuel B. Hooker, clerk; George W. Lewis, treasurer; John Woodward, Jehu Wilson, assessors; Seth A. Lucas, Alfred Mann, school inspectors; Levi S. Bagnell. Samuel E. Lincoln, Jehu Wilson, highway commissioners; Homer Hulett, Seth A. Lucas. Alfred Mann, justices of the peace; William S. Hooker, John Woodward, poormasters: Philetus W. Wood, John Goodspeed, constables; John Woodward, Steven Hartwell, roadmasters. OTSEGO. Otsego, in its original form, containing the three towns to the north, had its first town meeting at the house of Samuel Foster, April 6, I833. Township officers chosen: Charles Miles, Supervisor; Cyrenius Thompson, town clerk; Martin W. Rowe, collector: Eber Sherwood, Calvin C. White, D. A. Plummer, assessors; Giles Scott, Calvin C. White, overseers of the poor; Turner Aldrich. Norman Davis, Roval Sherwood, highway commissioners; Charles Miles, Samuel Foster. Cyrenius Thompson. school inspectors: Martin W. Rowe, constable: Orlando Weed, Eber Sherwood, U. Baker, Abijah Chichester, overseers of roads. WATSON. Watson, cut off from Otsego. with the two towns to the north. and organized February 16, I842, had its first tow nmeeting at the house of Eli Watson, April 4, 1842. The first town officers were: Amos D. Dunning, 22 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY supervisor; Eli P. Watson, clerk; Eli Watson, treasurer; Peter Richart, John J. Lardner, assessors; William H. Warner, William S. Miner, Amos D. Dunning, school inspectors; Charles Benson, director of the poor; Jesse D. Stone, Harvey N. Barker, highway commissioners; Erastus Condon, William Allen, justices of the peace; Jesse D. Stone, J. Baker, constables. DORR. Dorr, also containing the present town of Hopkins, was set off from Martin in 1847, and the first town meeting was held at the school house in district number 3, April 5, 1847. Fourteen votes were cast for the following officers: John Parsons, supervisor; Jonathan O. Round, clerk; William H. Warner, treasurer; Edward Moore, William H. Warner, school inspectors; Orrin Goodspeed, Erastus Condon, Jonathan Brewer, highway commissioners; William H. Warner, Harvey N. Baker, directors of the poor; William H. Warner, Edward Moore, Harvey N. Baker, justices of the peace; Orrin Goodspeed, John Parsons, Jason Baker, Jonathan 0. Round, constables; Jonathan O. Round, Jonathan Brewer, John Parsons, Edward Moore, overseers of highways. HOPKINS. Hopkins, after obtaining separate organization in December, 1852, held its first town meeting at the log house on section 26 in school district No. I, in April, 1853, the first officers being: J. 0. Round, supervisor; John Parsons, clerk; Erastus Condon, treasurer; Hiram Loomis, William R. Ingerson, highway commissioners; John Truax, Jason Baker, justices of the peace; D. C. Ingerson, M. Vanduzen, school inspectors; Thomas Wilson, T. J. Crampton, directors of the poor; 0. Perry, W. R. Ingerson, constables. ALLEGAN. The original Allegan township, comprising two columns of townships through the center of the county, held its first town meeting following the act of organization in the village of Allegan, in April, I836. The officials chosen were: Alexander L. Ely, supervisor; Nathaniel Livermore, clerk; Joseph Fisk, Elisha Ely, Elisha Moody, Enoch S. Baker, justices of the peace; Elisha Moody, Hiram Abbott, Joseph Fisk, assessors; Elisha Moody, Elisha Ely, Enoch S. Baker, highway commissioners; Lyman Fisk, Elisha Ely, overseers of the poor; Sylvester Aldrich, Benjamin McCoy, Enoch S. Baker, school commissioners; Alexander L. Ely, William C. Jenner, Joseph Allen, school inspectors. TROWBRIDGE. Trowbridge, set off from Allegan in 1842, embracing also the area of the present Cheshire, had its first town election at the Prouty school house, district No. I, in April, 1842. Those elected: John Weare, supervisor; Sidney Smith, clerk; John Billings, Sr., treasurer; J. H. Blackman, John Weare, Walter H. Rood, Leander S. Prouty, justices of the peace: William Porter, William Granger, John Orr, highway commissioners; H. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 23 B. Seymour, John Billings, John G. Colburn, school inspectors; Richard Weare, Riley Granger, Leander P. Ross, Benjamin Colburn, constables. CHESHIRE. Cheshire, as set off from Trowbridge and separately organized held its first town meeting in April, i852. Officers: Jamnes G. Lindsley; supervisor; Harvey Munger, clerk; Marcus Lane, treasurer; Marcus Lane, C. W. Lindsley, S. Strong, Dustin Murch, justices of the peace; Marcus Lane, Dustin Murch, S. Strong, highway commissioners; C. Lindsley, S. Strong, school inspectors; Caleb Ward, A. B. Eaton, directors of poor; Ezra Whaley, A. B. Eaton, constables. MONTEREY. Monterey, as organized from Allegan in 1847, had its citizens in the present Salem and Overisel as well as in its own proper area. The first town meeting was held April 19, 1847, and those elected were: John Chase, supervisor; Noah Briggs, clerk; Frederick Day, treasurer; James M. McAlpine, Horace Wilson, N. H. Brown, Gil Blas Wilcox, justices of the peace; Gil Blas Wilcox, James M. McAlpine, George W. Kibby, highway commissioners; John Chase, Henry Wilson, school inspectors; Thurum Ross, Joseph Tanner, directors of the poor; George M. Kibby, Silas Reed, Harvey Kenyon, Horace Dexter, constables. SALEM. Salem, as set off fronm Monterey, October 10, 1855, with its present boundaries, held its first town election at the house of James Burnip, April 7, i856, with the following results: L. P. Brown, supervisor; Henry Bear, clerk; James Burnip, treasurer; Henry Wilson, John Schwagert, justices of the peace; A. A. Goodman, Robert Pettingall, Aaron Bassett, highway commissioners; A. A. Goodman, Isaiah Mannes, school inspectors; Thomas Henton, director of the poor; Florida Henton, A. A. Goodman, Abner Hunt, Jacob Brandigan, constables. HEATH. Heath, set off from Allegan in March, I85I, held its first town meeting in April, I85I, with the following results: James M. Heath, supervisor; John M. Heath, clerk; George P. Heath, treasurer; Simon Howe, Samuel Bigsby, James Albro, James M. Heath, justices of the peace; Simon Howe, school inspector; L. P. Ross, Harvey Howe, directors of the poor; Daniel Rhodabaugh, Charles Howe, L. P. Ross, Henry Ammerman, constables. PINE PLAINS. Pine Plains, as organized in I850, had the present Lee and Clyde attached to its territory, and even then had a very limited population, as may be inferred from the fact that at the first town meeting held April I, I850, only two officers were chosen, namely: Timothy Coates, supervisor; Eli Hathaway, clerk. 24 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY NEWARK. Of the original township of Newark, comprising two columns of townships, none of the township records remain, and only the first supervisor, Daniel A. Plummer, can be named. MANLIUS. Manlius, which was set off by itself, in 1838, held its first town meeting at the house of R. R. Mann April I, 1839, with the following persons elected as officers: John Allen, supervisor; James A. Poage, clerk; Samuel Town, Orrin Ball, John Allen, assessors; R. R. Mann, John Allen, Truman D. Austin, commissioners of highways; Orrin Ball, constable and collector; Samuel Town, Paul Shepard, Isaac Vredenberg, school inspectors; Paul Shepard, treasurer; R. R. Mann, Samuel Town, James A. Poage, J. W. Palmer, justices of the peace; R. R. Mann, Isaac Vredenberg, directors of the poor; John Allen, James McCormick, overseers of highways; Truman D. Austin, poundmaster. Only ten voters were in the town at the time. FILLMORE. Fillmore was a part of Manlius until I849, and no doubt from T84I, when its area was attached to Manlius, until 1849, some of its residents served as officers in Manlius and voted at its town meetings. The first town meeting was held in Fillmore as a separate town in April, 1849, at which time Isaac Fairbanks was chosen supervisor; Benjamin Fairbanks, clerk; Anton Schorno, treasurer; Isaac Fairbanks, Anton Schorno, George N. Smith, George Harrington, justices of the peace. OVERISEL. Overisel, being attached to Fillmore in T850, took part in the town meetings of the latter until its separate organization in I856 gave it power to hold town meetings of its own. The first meeting was held at the school house in district No. i, April 6, 1857, when the following were chosen officers: C. J. Voorhorst, supervisor; Jan Boers, clerk; Hendrick Brouwers, treasurer; Lucas Daugermond, Hendrick Brouwers, school inspectors; Harm Walters, R. Van Dan, Hendrick Bellman, highway commissioners; Gerret J. Wolterink, Barteld Vredeveld, justices of the peace; Egbert Nykerk, Harm Schepers, directors of the poor; Mannes Hulsman, Albert Woerding, constables. LEE. Lee, at first a portion of Newark, from T841 to 1850 a part of Manlius, and then until 1859 a part of Pine Plains, contributed its township activity in various directions. At its first township meeting after organization, held April 4, I859, the officers elected were: Thomas Raplee, supervisor; E. H. Heath, clerk; H. B. Rice, treasurer; H. B. Rice, Henry Davidson, Thomas Raplee, John Orr,* justices of the peace; Michael Hoy, David * Subsequently declared an alien. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 25 W. Matthews, highway commissioners; Henry Davidson, school inspector; David W. Matthews, Winchester Jenkins, Michael Hoy, constables; H. B. Rice, Winchester Jenkins, Michael Hoy, overseers of highways. CLYDE. Clyde, detached from Pine Plains in 1859, held its first town election April 2, I860, there being thirteen voters present, who cast their ballots for: Ralph Parrish, supervisor; George G. Smalley, clerk; E. H. Heath, treasurer; C. T. Billings, justice of the peace. GANGES. Ganges, taken from Newark in 1847, embracing also the present Casco, held its first town meeting at the house of Orlando Weed, April 5, I847, with the following results, 27 votes being cast in all: A. H. Hale, supervisor; S. H. Weaver, clerk; Levi Loomis, treasurer; N. D. Plummer, G. F. Hughes, justices of the peace; Daniel Platt, A. H. Hale school inspectors; J. W. Wadsworth, Nathan Slayton, directors of the poor; J. W. Wadsworth, J. B. Goodeve, assessors; Nathan Slayton, Roswell Daily, J. B. Goodeve, commissioners of highways; John Lutz, Henry Baragar, S. H. Weaver, O. C. Thayer, constables; Henry Baragar, David Updyke, N. D. Plummer, C. 0. Hamlin, Timothy McDowell, pathmasters. CAsco. Casco, taken from Ganges in I854, completed its civil organization at the first town meeting held in April, 1855, when Timothy McDowell was elected supervisor. The records of the meeting and early township affairs were destroyed by fire in 1869. SAUGATUCK. Saugatuck, really the nucleus of the original Newark, which name it retained until I86i, had a continuous civil history from 1836, but the early records were destroyed. IA\KETOW N. Laketown, set off from all that remained of the original Newark, in October, 1858, held the first town meeting April 4, i859, when the following officers were elected: John Rouse, supervisor; Gerrit Ruttgers, clerk; A. J. Neerken, treasurer; A. J. Neerken, John Rouse, Harm Rouse, Albert Klomparens. school inspectors; Reinderd Boorenkamp, Gerrit Ruttgers, John Lucas, highway commissioners; A. J. Neerken, H. J. Brinkman, John Ruttgers, Harm Klomparens, justices of the peace; Gerrit Heneveld, B. J. Brinkman, Derk Ten Cate, Hendrick Bakker, constables; G. H. Lubbers, Gabriel Rosbach, Harm Bouws, overseers of highways. CHAPTER II. THE COUNTY FROM I830 TO THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. The decade of the thirties was the foundation period of Allegan county. Not only is this true of the county, but this ten years, during which the territory became a state of the Union, marks the actual period of the making of Michigan. For, as another writer has stated, "the real builders of the commonwealth of which we are so proud, were not the French explorers, post traders and missionaries; they were not the British soldiers and adventurers who followed them; they were not even the mixed population of Canadian habitants, American fishermen and fur merchants who occupied the territory under the American flag during the first quarter of the century; but the true founders of Michigan were the men who came within its limits during the half dozen years preceding the admission of Michigan into the Union." The census of 1837, the first census compiled after the admission of the state, and the first census, either territorial or federal, whose returns apply to Allegan county, showed that 1,469 persons were living in the county at that date. The federal census of 1840 increased this number to 1,783. Nearly fifteen hundred people had come into the county during the first seven years of its settlement. If we interpret the word "pioneers" strictly as those who located in the county before 1840, so as to be included in the census of that year, the "founders of Allegan county" would be less than two thousand inhabitants included within its limits at that time. This population has since increased to nearly forty thousand, and there have been correspondingly many developments and phases of the life, institutions and industries of the people. But it may truthfully be said that the foundations of the county were laid, and well laid, by the pioneers of the thirties. Many interesting queries might be made concerning the early population of the county. What influences directed them hither? From what parts of the Union did they come chiefly and how did their previous environment affect their relations and work in this county? By what routes did they come, overland or by water? Where were the first settlements made, and what were the conditions that favored the grouping of poplation and enterprise at one point at the expense of another? How did the pioneers live during the period of semi-isolation from the comforts and usages to which they had been accustomed? These and many other questions must be answered if we hope to get a true picture of Allegan county 26 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 27 during its formative period. Then it will be an easy passage from the primitive to those stages of gradual development, first along one line and then another, by which the county and its people have reached their twentieth century culmination of progress and civilization. ERIE CANAL. In 1825 the Erie canal, after eight years in building, was opened to traffic, and the waters of Lake Erie flowed across the state of New York into the Hudson river. The dream of Henry Hudson in seeking a northwest passage up the river that bears his name was realized after more than two centuries. Only instead of the spice-laden orient, the new way led to the far more desirable and potentially richer American west. The landbound commerce of the Atlantic seaboard found, in this direction, outlet to the eager west, and, borne along the same channel, the grain harvests of the inland were brought to the markets of the world. It was no uncommon thing for fifty ark-like boats, loaded with passengers and freight, to depart from the eastern terminus of the Erie canal in a single day, passing to the west at the rate of four miles an hour. Before the waters were turned into the "Big Ditch" the toilsome urging of creaking wagon had not carried a fraction of the commerce that passed along this waterway. The Erie canal not only gave a tremendous impetus to western expansion and development, but it changed its direction. Herein lies the significance of the canal in the history of southern Michigan, including Allegan county. Before 1825 the trend of westward emigration hald been down the Ohio valley. The great water courses were fringed with settlements, when the inland country was still an unbroken wilderness. The regions bordering the riverways and great lakes were populous before a tree had been felled for a settler's cabin on the fertile prairies and woodland of northern Indiana and southern Michigan. In proof of this witness the admission of Indiana to statehood ten years before the first settler came to her northern tier of counties. Southern Michigan was aside from the current of emigration, and its settlement was delayed while settlers were overrunning the country to the south and the prairies of Illinois. OVERLAND ROADS. There were no roads in southern Michigan even for several years after the completion of the Erie canal. A map of the highways of traffic of the United States in the year 1825 shows a network of routes along the Ohio valley, but none north of the watershed into the great lakes, which would bring emigrants within many miles of Allegan and its adjacent counties. The homeseekers who traveled across Lake Erie to its western end would on their arrival at Detroit find one generally used road to the west. That led southwest to Monroe, up the valley of the Maumee, past Defiance, Ohio, through Fort Wayne, Indiana, thence northwesterly around the lower end of Lake Michigan to Chicago or farther west. Fort Wayne was the converging point for several other roads leading from different points along the Ohio river. The great bulk of the pioneers who settled the northern 28 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Indiana and extreme southwest Michigan counties came by way of Fort Wayne. This accounts for the more cosmopolitan character of the population of that region than is found in most other counties of southern Michigan. Through Fort Wayne passed streams of emigrants not only from the New England states and New York and Pennsylvania, but also from Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas and Kentucky. Railroads at that time had not become a factor in directing and assisting emigrants. In 1830 only 36 miles of railroad were in operation in all the United States. Only two years before had the first mile of the Baltimore & Ohio been built. The decade of the twenties was prolific of railroad charters and plans, but only the beginnings were made of the railroad building which soon absorbed the energies of the nation. In fact, the part of the railroad in southern Michigan was that of development rather than settlement. When the first railroad penetrated Allegan county, its population was nearly twenty thousand. The lands had been taken up and the pioneer period was practically over. It should also be mentioned that a large number of emigrants, instead of debarking at Detroit and taking the Fort Wayne route, made the entire circuit of the lakes by way of Mackinac. This route was long, exposed to many risks, and blocked by ice a considerable portion of the year, hence not so feasible as would seem on first thought. In fact, it can be stated, after an examination of the records of early settlement in this county, that the presence of a large body of navigable water on its western limits played only a minor part in the pioneer settlement of the county. Lake Michigan even during the twenties offered its broad area to a considerable commerce between the east and the west, but carried on its bosom only a small share of homeseekers who penetrated the wilderness of Allegan county. And inasmuch as the first necessities and purposes of the pioneers were homemaking and preparation of the country for industry and enterprise, it was not for several years after the first settler came that the river and lake traffic began to develop. But, with few exceptions, so far as an investigation of the early records prove, the first settlers of this county came overland. For those who crossed Lake Erie by boat, Detroit was the point of departure for the inland. During the decade preceding the settlement of Allegan county, roads were being constructed, as one writer describes it, in fan-shaped direction from Detroit, into the country lying north, west and southwest from that city. Along these highways, each year extended further into the wilderness, passed the caravans whose members were the makers of Michigan. Some of these roads were cut from one settlement to another by the parties immediately interested. Mlany more were orderd laid out by the Territorial authorities, many pages of the territorial laws being taken tip by these road acts. Foremost in importance of all the roads of southern Michigan, forming the backbone of overland communication, was the Detroit-Chicago road, a military and post road constructed by the national government. Most of the other roads of the southern portion of Michigan were constructed with reference to this "trunk line," intersecting it and starting from it as an initial point. This famous thoroughfare, while it did not touch Allegan county, was of such importance to the settlement of southern Michigan that it calls for HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 29 some description. The "Chicago Road," by which nane it is best known, was essentially an overland extension of the Erie canal. It was a national highway built to connect two important strategic points, to afford rapid transportation of military supplies and armies from the western terminus of the waterways at Detroit to Fort Dearborn on Lake Michigan. It was one of the fruits of the Fort Dearborn massacre of I812, which convinced the authorities that the territory about southern Lake Michigan could no longer be left exposed on an isolated frontier, and that the two lakes must be tied together by a highway across the Michigan peninsula. Empowered by the constitution to establish post roads, the general government designed this road as an important section of the postal route between the east and the west, and for the twenty years before the railroad came the New York-Chicago mail was carried by stage over this road. But its character as a government highway was almost lost sight of in the importance it attained as an emigrant route. The coming of the mail coach never lost its novelty or ceased to be the event of the day for the people dwelling along the road, but the almost continual line of settlers' wagons became one of the commonplaces of life at that time and attracted little attention. In accordance with congressional legislation for the construction of a military and post road between Detroit and Chicago, in 1825 the president was authorized to appoint commissioners to survey and mark the route. In 1827 congress appropriated twenty thousand dollars for the construction of the road. It was originally intended that the road should be built in a straight line between the designated termini, but the commissioners soon found that with the money at hand they could hardly make a beginning of the undertaking on that basis. So they were forced to follow a nore historic, and more devious, route. Long before the surveyor with his transit and the contractors with their axmen, bridgebuilders and teamsters had begun a single highway in Michigan, the animals and the Indians had worn practicable trails through all parts of the country. Some of these were short and some extended for many miles. Of the latter was the trail extending around the southern end of Lake Michigan as far east as Detroit. Since the war of 1812 the Indians dwelling in Illinois had been accustomed to make their annual pilgrimages along this route to Canada, where the British government paid them their annuity earned by loyalty to that government in its war against the Americans. The Detroit-Chicago Indian trail, therefore, had historic importance long before any marks of civilization had been impressed along its course. Accordingly, when the government surveyors found the appropriation inadequate, they determined to follow this old Indian trail, straightening some of its windings whenever they could, but in general marking the route by its long used paths. The engineers who began the work of marking this road in 1825 did not "make" the road; they merely designated its course by clearing a roadway through the trees. As late as 1829 the pioneers along its middle sections called the road little better than an Indian trail. From Ypsilanti this road bent south and passed through the southern tier of counties. It was, from that point, not a direct route to Allegan county. But its historical importance lies in the fact already indicated, that 30 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY it was the first continuous overland route planned across the peninsula, and shortly after it was surveyed the territory followed the example of the general government by ordering the survey of numerous other highways into every portion of the territory that was being taken up by settlers. Tap roads reached from the Chicago road in all directions. Many of the earliest settlers of Kalamazoo county came along the Chicago road as far as Branch county, thence turning to the northwest along an old Indian trail made into a highway. But beginning with the thirties roads were marked from Ypsilanti and that vicinity in a due west line, through Jackson, Marshall, Battle Creek, and it was along this route that most of the early settlers reached Allegan county. In 1832, as an example, the legislature ordered commissioners to lay out a road from the mouth of the Battle Creek, via Gull prairie in Kalamazoo county, along the Kalamazoo river to its mouth. The acts of the legislature for the laying out of such roads cannot be taken as authority that they were actually laid out. In some cases the funds were not sufficient, or the commissioners did not begin their work within the specified time, and for other reasons only those roads for which there was a real necessity and active demand were marked. But it is known that a road existed from the early thirties from Ypsilanti westward through the points above named. From this highway, often called the "territorial road," branched several trails traversed by emigrant wagons in reaching Gull prairie and Allegan county. The Foster family, one of the most prominent of the pioneer names at Otsego, furnish an interesting example of travel at that time. Their home was originally in Vermont state. After Dr. Foster had investigated this portion of Michigan and made preparations for removal, he and his family went overland and by water to Troy, New York, where they transferred to a boat on the Erie canal, which conveyed them to Buffalo. Thence a steamer took them across the lake to Detroit, where their journey through the wilderness began. With their goods loaded on a wagon, they drove along the Chicago road through Dearborn to Ypsilanti, and thence followed the territorial road to Battle Creek. They were two weeks in passing over the first stage of their route, 142 miles. At Battle Creek Dr. Foster and his party built two log cabins, which were the first houses in that place. After remaining there a short time, they came through the wilderness by way of Gull prairie, and arrived at Otsego in the spring of 1832, being the first family to settle on the site of the present village of Otsego. No settlements had been made along the roads west of Detroit further than Ypsilanti in 1825 (always excepting the settlement about Niles, resulting from the establishment of the Carey Mission). But by 1835, along the territorial road west of Ypsilanti, were the villages of Ann Arbor, Lima, Grass Lake, Jacksonburg, Sandstone, Marshall, Battle Creek, Comstock, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph on the lake; while away from the main route were numerous other little hamlets springing up ulnder the rapid progress of immigration. The question has been asked, what caused the quick settlement of southern Michigan during the early thirties, and what influences directed the population to the confines of Allegan county. The question involves the entire subject of "western expansion," which, beginning shortly after the close of the war of I812, was the most remarkable epoch in the coun HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 31 try's history during the first half of the nineteenth century. It was a national movement, due to the awakening of the people to their broad opportunities. The restless energy and enterprise of America could no longer be contained within the narrow limits of the thirteen colonies, and henceforth flowed through all the gateways of the eastern slope to the broad areas of the west. As already indicated, improved transportation was perhaps the greatest impulse to this westward movement. During the decade of the thirties more than seven hundred miles of canals had been opened to navigation in New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, and nearly fifteen hundred miles were nearing completion in these and other middle states and Ohio. Canals were in greater favor than railroads, and every state west of the Alleghanies was bending its efforts to the opening of navigable waterways between all important centers. BLACK HAWK WAR. This war must be mentioned in a history of Allegan county although the hostilities took place several hundred miles away, and so far as known no one from this county participated actively in the war. But the important result, so far as the development of Allegan and other Michigan counties was concerned, is set forth in the following extract from the Detroit Journal of August 29, 1832: "The Indian disturbances on our frontier have no' doubt operated extensively in retarding emigration to this territory. Though emigrants might have come here at any time during the present season without any possible danger from hostile Indians, we are happy to say that there is now no cause of alarm from the depredations of those deluded people, even in the most distant parts of our territory, where their ravages have been confined. That portion of Michigan which is settled, and to which emigration is chiefly directed, has not been molested. The settlements are quiet and prosperous, and the same inducements to those who wish to better their circumstances, by locating on the fertile plains and prairies of the west, are still held out." The presence of bands of Pottawatomies and Ottawas in Allegan and surrounding counties gave the principal cause of anxiety to Michigan settlers and caused a check of migration among those who feared to leave security in the east and cast their lot with a country whose Indian inhabitants might be aroused to outrage and war. These conditions are well outlined in a letter from one of the militia leaders to the commanding general, written at White Pigeon in St. Joseph county: "The injury done to this part of the territory by the exaggerated reports of danger from hostile bands of Indians will not be cured for two years to come, and the unnecessary movements of our militia is calculated to spread far and near this alarm. I will venture to assert, and in making this assertion I am supported by the best of evidence, that there has not been a band of hostile Sacs within one hundred miles of our western boundary, and that the Rock river swamp to which the main body of the hostile force has fled for security is more than two hundred miles. The stories that are told of suspicious movements amongst the Pottawatomies and that a Sac chief has lately been to some of their villages is truly 32 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY ridiculous, and I trust you are too well acquainted with the situation of the Indians here to turn a listening ear to such idle trash. The Indians are like ourselves, they see an unusual movement amongst us and like other idlers they flock together to talk the matter over. The fact is, two years since the small parties of Indians scattered over this part of the territory were directed by me, as agent, to collect themselves on their reservations out of the way of the white people. This they are now doing, being frightened by our movements, and this is the cause of all the suspicion towards them." EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first permanent settlement in Allegan county was made at the mouth of the Kalamazoo river. We have referred to the course which some of the pioneers of western Michigan followed, making the entire journey by water instead of coming from Detroit overland. If the settlement of the counties bordering on the lake shore had been generally effected in this manner, we should find the bulk of the pioneers located along the shore and gradually extending inland along the river and most eligible sites. Actual history shows the reverse to be true, population having pushed its way down the river from the southeast. SAUGATUCK. However, the motives that brought William G. Butler and family around the lakes and induced him to build his cabin on the site of Saugatuck village in the spring of I830, makes his location an exception that only proves the general rule of the direction of settlement in the county. Mr. Butler was a Connecticut Yankee, and his first object in locating at the mouth of the river was not permanent settlement, but the Indian trade. In this he was merely the successor of various other American and French traders who had carried on their business with the natives at this location for the previous ten years. The mouth of the Kalamazoo river was doubtless known to explorers during the eighteenth century, and it is possible that Marquette and LaSalle and the Jesuit priests who followed them may have noted the river at that point. Hunters and traders passed over all the Michigan country from an early date, and there were several posts in Allegan county during the twenties. Louis Campau, a Frenchman, had a post at the mouth of Rabbit river, east of New Richmond. The American Fur Co. established a post at Peach Orchard on the Kalamazoo about 1825, this location later being known as McCormick's landing, about four miles above Saugatuck. The trade with the Indians was quite profitable, and the trading post remained a feature of the county's early history until the Indians were removed. When Mr. Butler came he established a store in his log cabin, which stood about the center of the present village, at the intersection of Mason and Butler streets. Being the only white settler in the neighborhood, he was engaged for several years in trading with the Indians. But it seems that Mr. Butler was more than a trader, and perhaps from the first had entertained hopes of founding a village at this point, since it clearly possessed many 'advantages that would give it importance as a commercial and industrial center when the country should be settled. Though he may HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 33 have located here for the temporary purposes of other traders, who usually moved on as soon as the tide of civilization caught up with them, he soon resolved upon permanent settlement, and for this reason is to be regarded as the earliest of Allegan county's pioneers. His isolation from all society except the Indians during the first years was almost complete, and it is said that on one occasion he journeyed as far as Elkhart, Indiana, to get a supply of flour. Originating in an Indian trading post, the settlement at Saugatuck grew and reached a permanent basis of prosperity, first, as a warehouse and shipping point for river and lake traffic; second, as the location of several early mills, and tanneries; and later as a lumber and shipbuilding center. During the period that we are now considering the importance of Saugatuck was based on these enterprises. Edward Johonnett and R. R. Crosby are mentioned as the next settlers after Butler. They established the first industry, a tannery on the banks of the river, and from this time for over half a century tanning was one of the leading industries of the west portion of the county. With the establishment of the tannery in 1834, other settlers came to the place. Daniel Plumnmer was a carpenter whose services were naturally much in demand in a new community. He put up a house on Hoffman street that stood for many years. The tannery and three dwelling houses stood on the low shore on the east side of the river in July, 1834, when Stephen D. Nichols and H. H. Comstock came up the river on a prospecting trip from St. Joseph, Mich., having come up the lake by boat. These two men realized the advantages of the location, especially since settlers had begun arriving at the mouth of the river on their way to the inland settlements. Nichols, besides taking up a quarter section of land in section.I7, made a contract with his partner to erect a warehouse and pier at the mouth of the river. After deciding on his location and plans Nichols brought his family from the east and in the same year made settlement on the north bank of the river near its mouth. The construction of the warehouse and dock was begun at once. It is an interesting fact that all the sawed lumber for this and the other structures at Saugatuck and the mouth of the river up to this time were brought down the river from the sawmill at the mouth of Pine creek, a settlement that must attract our attention next after that at Saugatuck. The establishment of a, warehouse and dock at the mouth of the river was an event of great consequence to that portion of the county, and is furthermore interesting for the light it throws on the causes of the settlers not coming into the county by this route in greater numbers. The voyage around the lakes was at any time dangerous, as already indicated, but previous to the building of dockage facilities only a few boats would venture into the river to land passengers and freight. Had the same inducements been held out to the lake traffic at the beginning of the county's history as were at a later period, it is likely that a much greater per cent of settlers would have entered the county by this route and also would have increased the prestige of the settlements along the lower course of the river at the expense of those further up. The building of Nichols' warehouse was the beginning of the river and lake traffic, and from that date Saugatuck and vicinity came into prominence as an intermediate shipping depot 34 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY where the traffic from the river and that from the lake converged. As soon as grist and lumber mills began producing more than a local supply along the upper courses of the river, the surplus product was sent down the river and here was embarked for transportation around the lakes. Nichols also built a store near his warehouse, and his location took on a commercial aspect that excited some jealous fears in Butler and his associates up the river, who feared the rivalry of the enterprise at the mouth. Hoping to secure a share in the proceeds of the warehouse business, Butler first established a dock and a warehouse about two miles from the mouth of the river, and when that failed because of its unfavorable location, he put up a similar establishment on the south side of the river opposite that of Nichols. This was in 1842, and but for unforseen developments during the next few years the locality at the river's mouth might have become an emporium of no small importance. The river traffic was then at its height, and the products of much of the inland country as far as Otsego found their way to market by the river and lake transportation. Then in I846 the railroad reached Kalamazoo, from which point it pushed on to Chicago within the next four years, and from that time the trade of the eastern half of the county was directed over the roads south to this new trunk line of transportation. The river traffic, while it still maintained a great volume for many years, originated mainly along the lower course of the river, and no longer had the peculiar importance of the early years. While this portion of the history is devoted to a general survey of early settlement and growth, leaving the detailed history of the villages for later consideration, one result of this period of commercial enterprise at the mouth of the river was so peculiarly the outgrowth of the time that some facts relating thereto will aptly 'illustrate the very matter just referred to. The lost and forgotten village of Singapore seems to have originated and experienced its chief phase of prosperity during the thriving days when the settlements at the mouth of the river were the depot and shipping center for the greater portion of the county. Oshea Wilder and sons, of New York, were the promoters of the village. They built a saw mill, induced a number of settlers to come and buy lots, and, in the flush of local and general prosperity of the time, went so far as to found a bank, which belongs among the wild-cat enterprises of the time, though no stigma attached to its conduct. But it failed in the general crash of the late thirties, and the other enterprises of Wilder and sons went with it. All village activity and life was soon snuffed out, but the mill remained until the supply of timber for any profitable business was exhausted, and in 1875 it too was removed. James G. Carter & Co. had succeeded the original firm of Wilders and conducted the chief interests of the place. The plat of the village of Singapore was laid on the north bank of the river at the horseshoe bend in section 4, and only a short distance north of the new government cut into the lake. It extended north to the section line, and was half a mile wide. The physical map acompanying the plat indicates the "sand hills 80 to Ioo feet high" south of the village on the peninsula, and also "sand hills 50 to 60 feet high" between the river and the lake. It is unnecessary to describe the usual features of such a plat. But block 27, located on the bank of the river where it bends south, was desig I I i i I --.AL5 SIN(GAI)RE \ILLAGE IN 1869' I HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 35 nated as "containing three acres, owned by the New York and Michigan Company, on which a steam saw mill is now erecting." The plat is dated "Singapore, February, I838, surveyed by O. Wilder." This quotation is also of interest: "This map adopted by the subscribers, trustees of Singapore City Co., April I6, 1838. (Signed) Sam Hubbard. Witness: Edmund S. Munroe, Pliny Cutler, Franklin Brown." The map was recorded in Allegan February 5, I839. Singapore was not the only village laid out in this vicinity during those thriving days. A navigable river, expanding into a spacious lake harbor, facilities for what then seemed an ever increasing trade, magnificent ship-building timber and lumber; besides a copious supply of tan barkthese were the most promising bases of wealth production and naturally attracted commercial enterprise. Moreover, it was in the spirit of the times, so buoyantly active and trustful of the future, to found banks on paper currency, to lay out village plats in the wilderness and depict them on paper as a coming metropolis, and to engage in all enterprises as though there was no limit to their possibilities. It is merely an interesting item of antiquity that such villages as Kalamazoo Harbor, near the river's mouth; Naples, near Singapore; City of Breese, probably near Breese Point landing, several miles above Saugatuck, were once platted, but never had either enterprise or inhabitants. Rightly studied, it appears that all these village speculations were but phases of the national and peculiarly Michigan frenzy of promotion and speculation, which collapsed into the calamitous panic of I837. Leaving aside these village speculations, there was and always has been substantial industry at the mouth of the river. Even with the opening of the new government channel and the improvement of the harbor the shipping industry has not attained the importance it had in the years following the building of Nichols' warehouse. Lake boats then began making regular stops and carried away the flour, the hides, lumber and other products. Flat boats were poled up and down the river, even as far south as Kalamazoo. Rafts of lumber were floated on to the lake and towed away to the larger centers. But the outside ship-owners did not long have a monopoly on the lake traffic. Lake boats were built at Saugatuck, beginning with the lumber vessel Crook, constructed by James McLaughlin, a ship carpenter, who settled at the village about 1837. After the failure of the Wilders, Carter & Co. built the Octavia at Singapore, and at the same place Porter & Co. constructed the C. C. Trowbridge in 1842. a flat-bottomed steamboat, intended for river navigation, but soon found too large for that purpose and transferred to the lake trade. It is not difficult to conceive the magnitude of the shipping industry at the mouth of the river when there were no railroads anywhere in this part of the state, when the market-stuffs from Wayland, Otsego, Allegan and intermediate points were hauled overland or brought by river to this port. The government early recognized this as a lake port by the erection, in I838, of a stone lighthouse on the south side of the entrance, Stephen D. Nichols being the first keeper. It was replaced in 8.59 by a brick structure, and in 1875 a wooden tower was built on the end of the south pier. The earliest of productive industries of this vicinity was, as we have seen, the Johonnett & Crosby tannery. The country was noted for its 36 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY hemlock bark. The opportunities for tanning brought to Saugatuck one of its most prominent citizens. Stephen A. Morrison came here from Vermont in 1837 to start a tannery, but instead bought the Johonnett & Crosby plant, and later moving it to the south side of the village on the lake, continued its operation for forty or more years. This was the only tannery in the vicinity for some years. A tannery northeast of Saugatuck, in section 3, was established in 1844 by A. S. Wells and 0. R. Johnson, who conducted it until 1854. The Wallins, C. C. Wallin and F. B. Wallin, who came here during the fifties, bought this tannery in section 3, at the little place afterwards called Wallinville, and later bought the tannery established in the early sixties at Douglas by Daniel Gerber. Allegan county resources of pine and hardwood timber wore its greatest asset during the pioneer era. These great forests in this and other counties proved a serious obstacle to the development of agricultural interests so long as the fertile timberless prairies west of Lake Michigan remained unoccupied. In this we see one chief reason why Illinois was settled and developed in advance of Michigan. But in a few years the people of Illinois and other prairie regions began to import lumber, and then the lumber industry of Michigan became a source of wealth, continuing as long as the forests lasted. Until the railroads were built the practicable means of transporting lumber to market was by water. The Grand, the Kalamazoo and the St. Joseph, with their tributaries, penetrated far inland over southwestern Michigan, rendering a vast timber area accessible to market. The creeks and small streams were available for carrying timber only during the high-water season, but the Kalamazoo and other rivers had enough volume for use nearly all the year round. Hence all along the Kalamazoo we find the lumber industry developed into a leading activity. The vicinity of Saugatuck, while not the first in the county to prolduce lumber, soon became a center of the industry, both as a producer and as a lumber shipping point. In 1836 Benjamin Plummer built a dam across the little outlet of Goshorn lake, in section 3 of Saugatuck township, and put up a sawmill, which he and Edward Johonnett began operating the next year. This doubtless cut lumber only for local supply at first. Mr. Plummer, who abandoned the mill in 1846, was long afterward a resident of Ganges. In 1846 M. B. Spencer built a steam sawmill in Saugatuck village. He also had a lumber yard at the mouth of the river, evidently for the easy transfer of lumber to lake vessels. Wells & Johnson succeeded to his business in i850. In 1856 H. D. Moore invested capital at Saugatuck and for twenty years was an extensive lumber manufacturer and dealer, his plant being located on the north side of the village along the river. Another mill was built in Saugatuck in 1852 by Dunning & Hopkins. The sawmill at Singapore has been mentioned. A mill was built about i85i by Jonathan Wade as the nucleus of the village which he was then promoting on the south side of Kalamazoo lake. William F. Dutcher later bought this mill and the site has ever since been covered by milling interests, the Douglas basket factory being on the ground at present. This mill, together with one built on the east side of the village plat about 1861, and the tannery were the nucleus of Douglas' earlv industrial activity. It was natural that few grist mills would be found along the lower HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY course of the river while the lumbering industry remained supreme, and a large proportion of the mill products of the interior villages were transported to market via Saugatuck. The first such mill in Sauagtuck was built by George P. Heath in I866 and was burned in I879. It was situated on the river between Hoffman and Main streets and was the only grist mill in the village. During the sixties a grist mill was also added to Douglas' industries, Crawford McDonald being its first proprietor. In 1892 a roller mill was built at the south end of the village, and it was operated as such for about seven years, when the machinery was moved to Allegan, now being used in the Chaffee building. The mill building was then converted into the Butler House by Capt. Phelps, a veteran of the lake marine, its present proprietor. Saugatuck has many objects and persons associated with the lake transportation service. The business no longer retains the importance it once held. A loaded lumber schooner passing down the river now would attract attention from all sides, though forty years ago that was an everyday occurrence. The lumber business has gone, and though fruit has taken its place, the transportation of the latter is not concentrated at this point, Holland, New Richmond, Fennville, Glenn and other railroad stations and lake ports each taking a share in the business. The lumber carrying trade ceased about 1878, and since then shipping has been confined to fruit and farm products. In this business Saugatuck has a rival in Glenn Pier, in this county, which, it is claimed, is as important a shipping point for fruit as South Haven, and draws to it much of the product of Casco and Ganges townships. One of the veterans of the lake service still living at Saugatuck and vicinity is W. G. Phelps, proprietor of the Butler House at Saugatuck, and who came to the village in 1868. At that time the two steamers, Helen Marr and Aunt Betsy, were still running on the river between Saugatuck and Allegan, and the river traffic was of considerable importance. Some of the vessel owners and masters and their boats as recalled by Mr. Phelps are as follows: Capt. Ed. Castain, who died in Chicago last year, was a son-in-law of Ira Chaffee of Allegan, and owned and operated the "Ira Chaffee." Another well known figure was Dr. L. B. Coates, a nephew of the doctor of the same name of Otsego. He owned the La Vinda, Hattie Earle, and, in partnership with Stockbridge & Johnson, the 0. R. Johnson, which was built in I868. The latter firm during the seventies built some of the largest vessels on the lakes. Their shipyard was located near the south end of Butler street in Saugatuck. Capt. R. C. Brittain, who was an extensive seafarer in early life, came here about I870 and established a shipyard in which were built many well known boats-the J. S. Severns, J. C. Suit, H. A. Root, Frank Woods, 0. E. Parks. R. C. Reed, R. C. Brittain, several river boats that ran to New Richmond, besides several tugs. Others who should be mentioned were Ami Coates, owner and master; Charles and Thomas McVea, and Capt. Robert Reed, who died last summer. Of those veterans of the service still living in the county, mention should be made of Capt. Richard Ames, who, lives near the interurban road; Capt. Johnson, a resident of Ganges, formerly a prominent owner and master, 38 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY who is one of the best informed men in the county on matters relative to this subject; Capt. Alex. Gibson, living southeast of Douglas, and with him Thomas Snow, a typical sailor, on whose water and weather-worn constitution age seemingly makes no impression. Of the other interests about the mouth of the river during the period under consideration little need here be said, since the disappearance of the timber supply and other developments were productive of changes that are properly considered under what we have denominated the Railroad era. The fruit business had not assumed any commercial importance until the seventies, although peaches and other fruits were grown for home consumption at an early date in this part of the county. Purely agricultural pursuits were not followed to any large extent. The beautiful country along the lake shore and away from the river in the south part of the township was owned in large blocks as late as I870. Of the adjacent county on the north, especially in southern Laketown, hardly any settlement was made until the sixties, and it is more properly considered with the Hollanders' colony. And the settlement further up the river about New Richmond will be described on later pages. SOUTHEASTERN ALLEGAN COUNTY. An account of the settlement and early development of that portion of Allegan county lying within a radius of a few miles of the villages of Plainwell and Otsego presents many different features from those adorning the early history of the Saugatuck region. Containing the bulk of the pioneer population, whose activities found a varied scope in transforming the new country into an abode of civilization, southeastern Allegan is most characteristic in those processes and events by which southern Michigan became a rich and populous part of the commonwealth. If the limits of this history were not defined by the artificial boundaries fixed by the government surveyors and by the legislature in blocking off the county area, it would be very logical to describe the settlement of this portion of the county along with the settlement of the country immediately to the south, especially Gull Prairie, in Kalamazoo county. In fact, there is a very close connection subsisting between these localities. Most of the early settlers came to the Gun Plains and Pine Creek neighborhoods by way of Gull Prairie, and more than that, some of them had been settlers on Gull Prairie before transferring their residence to Allegan county. The accounts that have been handed down of the early settlement of Gun Plains and Otsego townships tend to bear out the statement that the first settlement of those localities was an extension of the Kalamazoo county settlements. The vast tide of immigration that flowed across southern Michigan during the thirties, having occupied the most available portions of Kalamazoo county, was protruded across the southern border of this county, and within two or three years an enterprising population was located about the junction of the Gun and Kalamazoo rivers. The first settlements were made on the prairies of Kalamazoo county in I829. Two years later the first settlers reached Allegan county. This explanation of the movement of population into southeastern Allegan leads us to repeat the question, What influences directed the settlers HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 39 to this region? If the movement of population in this state depended on overcrowding and the pressure of famine-instances of which have been numerous in older countries it would be easy to affirm that the first settlers came to Allegan county because they were crowded from other localities and were undergoing a sort of exile in seeking homes in the wilderness in this manner. But the remarkable movement of population into southern Michigan was an entirely voluntary movement. Most of the settlers came from comfortable homes in the east, where with less toil than was meted out to them in the west they could have continued to enjoy a fair degree of material prosperity and the advantages of a more advanced social state. But the spirit of Western expansion, the desire to take part in the building up of a new country, was a mightier and more intelligent force than that which actuates the famine-stricken hordes whose migrations have changed the history of other portions of the world. Independent, self-reliant, thrifty and enterprising, the pioneers of Michigan selected their homes according as the advantages of the locality attracted them, and when not satisfied they passed on to exercise their choice elsewhere. The bulk of the pioneers were seeking agricultural lands. A much smaller proportion, especially during the thirties, gave particular attention to the manufacturing and the commercial possibilities of the country. This is, indeed, but a restatement of the well known fact that trade and industry always follow the pastoral or agricultural activities. With the tilling of the soil as their chief aim. the settlers of southern Michigan naturally chose those regions where they could plant their crops with the least difficultv and reap their harvests with least delay. No lands were more attractive for this end than the so-called "prairies" and the "oak openings" for which southern Michigan is famous. Cooper, in his romance. "Oak Openings," whose scenes are laid along the Kalamazoo river, has made those features of the landscape familiar to a world of readers. Kalamazoo county has a number of these prairie and oak opening areas. Prairie Ronde, Grand, Gourdneck, Gull and others where eagerly sought by the first settlers. Gull prairie, lying between Kalamazoo and the county line on the north, received a considerable quota of settlers during the first years of the thirties. The advantage of settling on these spots is evident. Tt required little clearing to make them tillable, and if the settler arrived in the spring he could make a crop the same year and have time for other labors besides. So, likewise, when homeseekers began exploring the country now contained in Allegan county, they very quickly picked out the lands which might be described as prairies or openings. Topographv, therefore, played no small part in the first settlement of the county. When we recollect that the western part of Allegan county was to a large extent pine and other heavy timbered lands, with a light sandy or clay soil, and that the same was true to an only less extent of much of the eastern half of the county, it will be understood how favorably impressed were the pioneers with the few prairie and oak opening areas in the southeastern part of the county. Lying in the angle made by the junction of the Gun and Kalamazoo rivers was the most extensive and fertile clearing in the county. Gun Plains; as it has always been called, was a burr-oak opening of the finest 40 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY quality and prairie-like in its appearance. Frequently but two or three trees were found standing upon an acre. Its soil, rich and friable in nature, yielded readily to cultivation when once broken. On the south side of the Kalamazoo, east of the present Otsego village, vere other small areas of oak openings, and the southwest corner of Martin township was also characterized by similar areas. An examination of the original land entries shows that these places were the first to be purchased. With these facts in mind, it is easy to understand the first groupings of population in the county. The area of Allegan county, with the relatively few exceptions noted above, has not easily been reduced to tillage. It has been a stupendous task to clear the land of its forest covering and make it agriculturally profitable. The small holdings of many of the agricultural settlers indicate that they realized the difficulties confronting them. While the fruits of the soil have been foremost among the resources of the county since the decline of lumbering, this condition is in itself the highest praise of the industry and thrift of the farming population, who through years of labor have wrought out homesteads and contributed to their own and the general prosperity. These facts caused the other resources of the county to appear, by contrast, relatively important to the early settlers, and it is not strange, therefore, to find industrial activities assuming a large share of their enterprise. While in such counties as Kalamazoo and others to the south the farming class comprised nearly the entire pioneer population, in Allegan county we find a relatively large number who were interested in milling, in the lumber business, in the promotion of villages and in trade. A great deal of money came from the east for investment in various enterprises in Allegan county, and the results may be seen in various centers of the county. No more interesting document-and it is the earliest important historical record concerning the county-illustrating very concisely some of the observations just made, can be found than the notes appended to the original field-notes of Otsego township by Lucius Lyon, after completing the survey in January, I831. A transcription of these notes may be found in the county surveyor's records. "The township of which the foregoing are the field notes," says Mr. Lyon, "is a fine tract of land for a new settlement. Three families have already located themselves within it, and more are coming in the spring. So that before the close of next summer this township will probably contain thirty families. "Sections 28, 31 and 33 contain some groves of valuable pine timber, which is much needed in the oak opening country to the south and east. "A Mr. Turner Aldrich is now erecting a sawmill on Pine creek, in the northwest quarter of section 28, and it is understood is designing to cut off most of the pine before the land comes into market. In this, however, the inhabitants about here feel an interest in preventing the waste of this timber and hope he will be disappointed by the early sale of the land. "Messrs. Sherwood and Scott are also making preparations to erect a sawmill and grist mill on Pine creek near its mouth, on section 21. "There is also a mill site on Gun river, in section 24, and the south part of section 13; and another good one on the grand rapids of the Kalamazoo HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 41 river, in the west part of section 23; and another in sections 5 and 6, on a stream running southwest into the Kalamazoo river. "Water power is abundant. The soil of the land is generally good, the surface rolling, and in some places hilly. The timber is beech, sugar, maple, oak, ash, linn, black walnut, with ironwood, and in some places briars and vines. Everything considered, this township may well be designated first rate. "Of its geology and mineralogy little can be said. No rock appears in sight in this township, though in many places there are deep ravines and favorable places for observation. A deep stratum of earth covers the whole. But if an opinion may be formed from the configuration of the surface and the character of the pebbles seen, the underlying rock is probably calcareous sand rock. No metals are found, but several springs indicate the existence of iron ore." These notes of Mr. Lyon place us very close to the beginning of civilization in Allegan county. Except W. (. Butler at the mouth of the river, there was no other permanent white settlement in the county when he wrote. Who were the men he mentions, and where did the next pioneers settle and what were their first steps in the development of this wilderness? The Sherwood family have been intimately identified with the history of Allegan county for more than three-quarters of a century. They came from Rochester, Monroe county, N. Y., as did many other pioneers, and took the lead in introducing here the spirit of enterprise and industry so typical of their home locality. Being acquainted with manufacturing and mill enterprises, they were attracted to this county largely by reason of the opportunities in that direction. Hull Sherwood was the senior member of the family. There were five sons, Eber, Hull, Royal, Lebbeus, and Edmund, all married except the last two, and one of his daughters was the wife of Giles Scott, who is accorded a place of prominence among the pioneers because he was the first actual settler in this part of the county. Turner Aldrich, Jr., mentioned by the surveyor, was from Erie county, N. Y. Having been a practical lumberman from youth, he came to this county, as Mr. Lyon states, to establish a sawmill. The coming of the Foster family to Otsego has been described in another connection. Dr. Samuel Foster, the head of the family, was a physician, but also a thorough business man, and after coming to this county gave most of his attention to farming and the development of the material interests, besides taking a foremost part in civil affairs. His family consisted of himself and wife, sons Samuel D., Gould C., Benjamin WV., George H., and three tlaughters. Members from each of these three families had explored Allegan county in I829-30, each one seeking the advantages of location most favorable to his purposes. The mill sites mentioned by the surveyor attracted the Sherwoods and Mr. Aldrich, while it is probable that Dr. Foster took note of the excellent farming land of the vicinity as well as the milling possibilities, and doubtless looked forward to the time when development would make this a rich and populous region. Giles Scott, who was the first to arrive with his family, located on the southeast corner of section 21 in Otsego township. The date of his arrival was in.the early fall of I830. A few days later Turner Aldrich came, select 42 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY ing as the site for his mill and residence a spot on the banks of Pine creek in the northwest corner of section 28, less than a mile from Scott's. Some of the Sherwoods must have come about the same time, though it is said most of the family came in the fall of I831. They located about the mouth of Pine creek. MIr. Aldrich was accompanied by several other persons, among whom was Uri Baker, later of Martin township. Thus, at the beginning of 1831, there was a settlement along Pine creek of not less than fifteen persons, a nucleus of population with great possibilities of enterprise and growth. Arriving in a wilderness, at the end of the year's harvest season, with limited supplies such as could be transported overland, confronted with the necessity of providing home shelter and preparing for a period of protductive labor with the beginning of spring, this pioneer community faced conditions and undertakings which it is difficult at this time to realize in accurate detail. Here, as in other parts of the county, 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 Allegan 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. 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 fiat 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 lofg cabin-this process is yet familiar to the oldest settlers. 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 warm shelter, though it was so dark that the animals' eves sometimes suffered from it. Swine 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. 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 the sawmill was accessible to any community frame buildings were practicable. Yet, with all the wealth of lumber woods and the numerous sawmills constructed in the county, the log cabin was almost as familiar a dwelling in Allegan county as in other counties of southern Michigan. Log HISTORY OF ALLEGAN C()LUNTY 43 buildings are by no means an uncommon sight at this day, although most of them are unused and merely decaying landmarks of a more primitive time. As late as twenty-five years ago there was at least one log schoolhouse in use in the county, so that many now in the prime of life can bespeak a more than passing acquaintance with the log-cabin epoch. The sawmill brought comforts and conveniences into the pioneer existence, but it also heralded the beginning of the lumber industry, which for half a century was the chief source of wealth in the county. Turner Aldrich's sawmill, which was completed in the spring of 1831, was the first in the county. Situated on Pine creek, from which it obtained its water power, it drew its supply of timber from the pine woods described by Mr. Lyon as lying in sections 28, 31 and 33. This was a primitive mill, as were all the early ones in the county, but its sawed product went into many of the first dwelling houses in various parts of the county. The first mill was burned in July, 1832, but was at once rebuilt by Mr. Aldrich. Cyrenius Thompson and Charles Miles were operating it at the time it burned, and Orlando Weed, another pioneer, leased the reconstructed mill. The establishment of a mill in a remote settlement was no light undertaking. The special machinery had to be transported for long distances, since only the woodwork could be made on the spot. Aldrich brought his saw and mill irons with him when he came. The construction of a damn and race, the hewing out and setting tip of the mill timbers and installing the machinery was a task requiring time, skill and labor. While M\r. Aldrich was building his mill the Sherwoods were planning the erection of both a saw and grist mill at the mouth of Pine creek. The sawmill was ready for operation during the winter of I831-32, and was the second mill in the county. The construction of a grist mill was a more difficult matter. The various processes in the manufacture of flour required several sets of machinery, all of which had to be brought overland from Detroit. Oka Town, the county's first probate judge. and three other men, with wagons and four ox teams, drove to Detroit for this machinery, and it required three weeks to make the entire journey. The mill was put in operation in I834, and at once began a large custom business, supplying with breadstuffs a territory whose residents up to this time had been obliged to make long journeys to mill their humble grist. This first mill was on the west side of Pine creek, and remained there till moved to the east side about thirtv-five years ago. The account of the settlement of southeastern Allegan county has so far been concerned with the Pine creek neighborhood. It is in harmonv with the mutations of human affairs that this settlement, once the largest of the county in population and industries, has now little to distinguish it from the surrounding agricultural district. It was nbt only the 'first place of settlement in this part of the county. but for several years quite overshadowed in importance the Otsego and Gun Plains settlements. It was the evident intention,, especially on the part of the Sherwoods, to promote a thriving village here. Hull Sherwood in fact laid out a plat at the mouth of Pine creek and gave it the name of New Rochester. Born of a time when the enthusiasmn for the founding of villages and for development enterprises of all kinds reigned supreme, New Rochester held a commanding position until the severe economic conditions following the panic of I837 44 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY reduced every enterprise to a struggle for mere existence. It seems that in a new country, where opportunities are everywhere equal and the only discriminations are those exercised by natural conditions, the efforts of men would be tested and proved by the merit of usefulness, and that the individuals and institutions that survived would really be the fittest. If this holds true with regard to the settlements now in discussion, it is evident that either men of greater foresight and enterprise applied themselves to the development of Otsego, or that New Rochester was placed at some disadvantage by reason of location and soon arrived at the point of "arrested development," thence declining as its rival advanced. Anticipating the regular order of events somewhat in order to afford a brief resume of New Rochester's history, the village on section 21 vied almost equally with Otsego throughout the decade of the thirties. Giles Scott had a tavern on his place, there were the mills already mentioned, there was a store, the first schoolhouse was located in that vicinity. In 1840 there were about a dozen families residing on the village plat, while the adjacent country was quite well settled. When Dr. Foster and family arrived in the county in the fall of 1831, he pre-empted a large part of section 23 in Otsego township and built his log house on the south bank of the river, his being the first habitation on the site of the present village. That house, as the gathering place for the pioneers at the first town meeting held in the county, as the first postoffice in the county, and the home of a man of great influence in affairs, was the nucleus around which much history was formed. The year 1832 was marked by two important events, though for a time neutralizing in their effects. One was the Black Hawk war scare, elsewhere described, which checked immigration from the east to Michigan Territory and resulted. in little progress being made for a time by the settlements. The other was the placing of lands of Allegan county on the market through the general land office. We have used the word "pre-empt" to designate the occupation of land by those who settled previous to this time. That word literally means a taking possession before buying, and that was what the first settlers had to do. At a later date, especially when the country west of the Missouri river was being settled, such settlers were called "squatters." Previous to 1832 those who came to Allegan county "squatted" on the land which they selected for a homestead, and owned it by "squatters' rights" only, not being able to obtain legal title until the opening of the general land sales. Gun Plains township, however, its section lines having been run in March, I831, was subject to entry in that year. Sylvester Sibley, the surveyor of the section lines, made the first purchase of land in the county in June of that year, his choice being on section 30. The only other purchasers of this year were S. C. Wells, in section T8, and Hull Sherwood. in section 15. None of these became actual settlers on their purchases. 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 Michigan disposed of under government regulations were sold at Detroit in I818. In 1823 the Detroit land office was divided and a land office established at Monroe, at which all entries of land west of the principal meridian were made up to T83i. Lands could not be placed on sale until after the completion of the official survey, and since, as we have seen, Lucius HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Lyon did not complete the survey of Otsego township until January, 1831, and other parts of the county were not finished until after that date, it is probable that no land in Allegan was sold at the Mlonroe land office. From 1831 to 1834 the land office for southwest Michigan was located at White Pigeon, in St. Joseph county, to which point all those buying lands during those years had to go to make their payments and obtain legal title to their pre-emptions. After 1834 the Allegan county settlers entered their lands at Kalamazoo, where the land office for this part of the state was continued until I858. 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. The land speculator, in particular, was persoila ion 21 rata 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. Since so much importance has been ascribed to the events of the year 1832, it will be a matter of interest to know who were il southeastern Allegan at that time and had manifested a substantial interest in the countl bv entering land. An examination of the original entries reveals many familiar names, both those who have taken part in the developments described on the preceding pages and others who play large parts in the subsequent narrative. It is important to remember that the early settlers located within easy distance of the river. This is proved not only bv the land entries, but also finds interesting proof in the school districts. When, late in 1836, Otsego township was divided into three districts, their territory consisted of sections 7, 8, 9, T3 to 26, and the north half of 27, 28, 29-all of which lies within a mile and a half of the river. So we find all the land entries of 1832 close to the Kalamazoo river. Following up the course of the river from the west, we find on section 17 Abijah Chichester, whose name appears often in the annals of this part of the county. Next comes the name of Hull Sherwood, who in the fall of 1832 had entered land on section 20, as well as il several other sections adjoining. Of the land entrants of 1832 the Sherwood family figure mlost prominently. At the Pine creek settlement in section 21 were Giles Scott, Warren Caswell, Henry L. Ellswortl, Horace H. Comstock, there being five different names among the land entries of that year in that section. Hull Sherwood, Jr., E. P. Hastings and Erastus A. Jackson had land in section 22. Horace H. Constock entered, in Sentember of that year, the entire section 23, except the island in the river. These were all the entries 46 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY of that year along the Kalamazoo river. But it is of interest to note how the land-seekers were attracted by the pine groves and other advantages along Pine creek. Sections 28, 29, 31, 32 and 33 all touch this stream. Turner Aldrich, Charles Miles, John H. Smith and John Gibbs had entered land in section 28. On section 29 was an entry by Hull Sherwood, on section 31 were Royal Sherwood and Thomas W. Barnard, in section 32 were Horace H. Comstock and Eber Sherwood, and in section 33 was John Yeomans, who had come to the county with Turner Aldrich Since we are not regarding the artificial limits of townships in this discussion of early settlement, we may proceed up the river, crossing the town line into Gun Plains township, and discover who have located land and made settlement in that vicinity in the year 1832. We have referred to the first land purchases having been made here in 1831, and in I832 there were these additional entries: C. C. White in section 17, Norman Davis in section I9, Orlando Weed in section 20, and Hull Sherwood in section 3I. All but the last of these locations were on the fertile Gun Plains. The settlement on Gun Plains was very small in I832, and the interests of the settlers were very closely interwoven with those of the pioneers farther down the river in Otsego township. Dr. Cyrenius Thompson, whose name is given first place in the pioneer history of Gun Plains township, was one of the first purchasers of land in this township in addition to those already named as making entries in I83I and I832. Dr. Thompson, who was a native of Ohio and a graduate of a medical college in Vermont, had come to Gull prairie in Kalamazoo county in I830, but becoming dissatisfied with his prairie farm, moved to Allegan county during the winter of I831-32 and bought a part of the northwest quarter of section 20 in Gun Plains. But at first, as elsewhere mentioned, he turned his attention to milling, he and Charles Miles leasing the Aldrich sawmill on Pine creek in March, I832, and operating it until its destruction by fire in the following July. He had lived in a cabin near the mill, and after the fire he hauled the boards and timbers with which the shanty had been constructed to his land on Gun Plains and, reconstructing his house, gave the township its first residence. The house was a rude story and a half affair, the boards running up and down and fastened with wooden pins in lieu of nails. The floor was of loose boards laid on the beaten earth. But makeshift of a dwelling though it may seem to this generation, it soon became as important a center to the settlers of this neighborhood as Dr. Foster's house in Otsego. When Calvin C. White and John H. Adams came to improve their land purchases in this vicinity, they boarded at Dr. Thompson's, and when the postoffice was established in I833 Dr. Thompson was the first postmaster and kept the office in his house. Most of the settlers came to this neighborhood from Gull prairie, where they had lived a short time. This was true of C. C. White and also of Jonathan Russell, who came from Connecticut to Gull prairie in I830, but in 1832 sold his land and improvements there and bought land in section 19 of Gun Plains. He cultivated the first land in the township during that summer, and in the fall his and Dr. Thompson's were the only dwellings in the township. The above forms as complete a description of the settlements in southeastern Allegan in 1832 as can be drawn from the records of the time. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 47 Excepting W. G. Butler in his solitude at the mouth of the river, there were no other settlements in the county at the time. In continuing the narrative of subsequent developments, the first figure to come prominently into the arena of affairs is Gen. Horace H. Comstock, whose land entries have been mentioned, and who for a number of years played an influential part in the upbuilding of Kalamazoo and Allegan counties. To quote from his biographer, A. D. P. Van Buren, General Comstock came to Kalamazoo county "from Cooperstown, Otsego county, New York, in i83I, an ambitious young man with plenty of money. * * * He furnished money to build the flour mill at Comstock; associated Judge Eldred with him, who furnished the millstones; made the millwright a partner and set him to building the mill; built a schoolhouse and gave it to the people, who in turn named the township after him. From the first, Comstock's highest ambition was to make the village he had founded a county seat. And although he soon learned that it had been established at Kalamazoo, he directed his best efforts to have that decision changed. * * * He pushed forward his work. Soon a landing was stretched along the river's bank opposite the town and up sprang a commodious warehouse hard by it; a hotel and flour mill were built at Otsego, while down at the mouth of the Kalamazoo arose a large storehouse for use in receiving goods shipped to and from the busy marts of the new city." The principal object of all these efforts failed and Kalamazoo remained the county seat. He was thrice elected senator from Kalamazoo county, and during a few years' residence at Otsego he was elected in I849 to the house of representatives from Allegan county. Comstock's career concerns us especially in the part he played to promote business enterprises, and as the capitalist who furnished the money for others to carry out his plans. His visit to Saugatuck with S. D. Nichols in I834, resulting in the building of the warehouse at the mouth of the river, has been alluded to in this narrative. But the principal field of his enterprise in this county was about Otsego, where, according to the statement just quoted, he erected a mill and hotel, and we have already mentioned his extensive land entries in this vicinity. Comstock was a type of the pioneer capitalists who at different places did very much to develop Allegan county's industrial interests. The pioneer farmer, who improves his virgin acres with his individual labor, seldom has the backing of capital. Through the united labors of many such self-reliant and sturdy tillers of the soil the wilderness in time blossoms and a fair and prosperous community is given to civilization. But in Allegan county capital was needed to convert the forest resources into wealth and develop the manufacturing possibilities. So that those who opened their money chests and laid the plans share in the total achievement with those who actually did the work and bore the burdens of pioneering. It has been stated that Dr. Foster pre-empted section 23 of Otsego and built the first house on the site of the village. But the land was entered in the name of H. H. Comstock, who no doubt furnished the money for its purchase and entered actively into the work of developing the water power and promoting a village at the rapids of the Kalamazoo. He had a postoffice established, with Dr. Foster as postmaster. The New Rochester settlement, however, for several years held the leading position in population, business 48 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY and industry. Some well known men had settled in that vicinity. Orsamus Eaton established a store on the village plat in I834, and in the fall of I836 John Hawks added a grocery store to the mercantile enterprise of the place. The manufacture of lumber continued along Pine creek. In 1835 J. S. Higgins built a sawmill in section 31, on a branch of the creek, and it is said that the first lumber to construct a frame house in Battle Creek was sawed at this mill. Willard Higgins (see sketch), who owns the land where the mill stood, hauled this lumber to Battle Creek and returned with a supply of provisions. The importance of New Rochester was furthered by the building of the first bridge across the Kalamazoo river at that point. In the meantime there was even greater progress in the vicinity of Dr. Foster's residence, and Comstock money and enterprise was making a village center there. After Dr. Foster the next influential settler there was Dr. Lintsford B. Coats, whose name is connected with the professional, the educational, the business and the political affairs of the county, and in a way to suggest that the doctor was a man of solid ability and a leader among his fellows. Since Dr. Foster and Dr. Thompson did not regularly engage in their profession after coming to this county, Dr. Coats is to be considered the first active practitioner of the county. He had a big circuit, riding all over the county. Coming to the site of Otsego village in the fall of 1833, he erected there the first framed house. In the following year three men came to this portion of the township, though they did not settle on the village site, who deserve:r-', n for their long residence and worthy citizenship. One of them was Oka own, whose name is already familiar to the reader, settling on land a mile east of Otsego on the Plainwell road, and the other two were Albert Eldred, from Vermont, and Jeremy Lindslev, of New York, who settled on sections 25 and 26, respectively. The first store on the site of Otsego was opened in I835 by Chester and Lester Buckley. Besides the postoffice, Dr. Foster kept a tavern called "Otsego Hall," which was later enlarged and long known as the Lutkins House, on Allegan street near Farmer street, and is still standing, though not used as hotel for forty years. But the enterprise which undoubtedly formed the basis for village growth originated with the fertile brain of General Comstock and found sanction among the last acts of the territorial legislature. An act approved March 28, 1835, authorized "H. H. Comstock and his heirs and assigns" to construct a dam across the Kalamazoo river at Otsego. It was provided that it should contain a lock not less than 75 feet long and 14 feet wide, and that all craft should have passage toll free. This provision was very necessary at that time when the river was the principal transportation route for its entire navigable length, hardly less for Kalamazoo county than for Allegan. The dam and race were constructed and the power was first used in sawing lumber in 1836. Three years later Mr. Comstock built the flour mill already mentioned by his biographer. The development of the water power resulted almost immediately in the grouping of population and community affairs about this point. J. S. Higgins, the proprietor of the sawmill on Pine creek, built a tavern near the corner of Farmer and Orleans streets. District No. 2 built its schoolhouse only a few blocks away from the river, and with these enterprises the village of Otsego was fairly started. All that remained was to block off the land into lots and streets, which was done in the latter part of 1836, and HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 49 another village was born, the subsequent fortunes of which will be described in detail in a succeeding chapter. The second bridge over the Kalamazoo was built at Otsego about I837. Having considered the history of beginnings along the Kalamazoo river and Pine creek in Otsego township up to a time when village life had begun and civilization may be said to have been established on a firm basis, it is now time to turn our attention again to the triangular region east of and along the courses of the Kalamazoo and Gun rivers above their junction. Here, as already explained, was situated the real agricultural Eden of the entire county, and there are some marked points of difference between the settlements here and those at Otsego and Pine creek. Though a postoffice was established in Dr. Thompson's house only shortly after the opening of the office at Otsego, village life and manufacturing industry for many years held a relatively unimportant place as against agriculture, which flourished on the fertile "plains." Barring the extensive tracts of marsh land along the course of Gun river, it appears that the tillable area of this township was entered and developed by settlers sooner than was true of any other township. The pioneer farmers had many advantages. Of course, even there the clearing of the brush and the breaking of the soil which had been undisturbed for centuries were heavy tasks, but hardly greater than those that confronted all the settlers of southern Michigan. But with a navigable river for transportation of their products, with the sawmills a few miles away to furnish them lumber in quantity, and in the same locality grist mills to grind their wheat and corn, the farmers on Gun Plains had a much shorter road to substantial prosperity than the settlers in other parts of the county. Even the marshes were turned into account, and for a long time furnished the year's supply of marsh hay with only the expense of time and labor to cut and store it. Among the pioneers who took advantage of these resources and opportunities were some men who not alone prospered in the tilling of the soil, but were of the sturdy character and native ability that gave them1 influence and position in the community. The Ives family, members of which are still prominent residents of this section of the county, was represented by Friend Ives, who entered land in sections 20 and 21 in 1I833, and whose name is found in the early records of civil affairs in his township. John Anderson, who was one of the first justices of the peace and long the postmaster of Plainwell, located near the site of Plainwell village in the summer of I834. The Forbes family has been represented in the township since 1834, Williani and John Forbes being the first residents. They were among the first of the sons of Scotland to settle in Allegan county, and that race still forms a sturdy element in several parts of the county. William Forbes was a surveyor by profession, doing much work in the county in an official and private capacity. He had first settled on Gull prairie, but in the fall of i833 purchased part of the land in section I8 previously entered by Lucius Lyon. In the following year he welcomed as neighbor a fellow countryman. James Flockhart, who settled on section 19, and also his brother, John Forbes, who bought a farm in section I8. To William Forbes must be ascribed the first attempt to found a village in Gun Plains township. In 1837 he platted some land in the southwest corner of section I8 and named it Plainfield. Several lots were sold, but nothing ever came of the village, which seems to have 50 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY had less cause for existence than some other village enterprises that failed. He also built a sawmill on the site, getting power from Gun river. Willard Higgins ran it during the forties, shortly before it was removed. On the sections bordering the Kalamazoo river in the southern portion of the township were a number of settlers who deserve mention. It was natural that settlers in passing along the road leading north from Gull prairie would fix upon the desirable locations along the route. This road passed through what was known as the Silver creek settlement, in the vicinity of the present railroad station of Argenta. This was one of the most populous parts of the township during the thirties. This was the place of settlement and subsequent residence till the death of John Murphy, who bought eighty acres of land in section 34 in 1835. For forty years he was prominent politically and a successful farmer. He was the first supervisor of his township and the first elected sheriff of the county, and later served one term in the legislature. While building his own house, he and his family lived in the house of Elisha B. Seeley, in section 33. It is related in Mr. Murphy's biography that Mrs. Murphy, while sitting at her spinning wheel, taught her own and the Seeley children their first lessons after reaching this county, and it is claimed that this was the first formal instruction given in Gun Plains township. About this time, on Silver creek, was built the first sawmill in the township, by Nathaniel Weed. A mile or so up the road from the Murphys, Dan Arnold, of Vermont state, settled in 1833, and on a little farther, in the same year, Silas Dunham built a house on section 32, not far from the present village of Plainwell, and opened one of those pioneer taverns which were found indispensable to the homeseekers. To give the name "hotel" to one of these houses would convey an erroneous comparison to the modern reader. The pioneer tavern had distinctions of its own that must class it with the period of which it was the outgrowth, and both passed away together. Silas Dunham took part in early township affairs and his house was often used as a meeting place for the settlers. Another early tavern in the township, and the one at which was held the first Plainfield town meeting, was Isaac Aldrich's, who lived in section 35. A neighbor of his, on the same section and near the river, was Justus B. Sutherland, who brought his family from New York by way of the Erie canal and Lake Erie steamer, and during the summer of I834, while building a log house on his land, lived in Dunham's tavern. Near by lived William Still, also a well known name. Of the many who came on the high tide of immigration in 1835 and I836, no personal mention can be made in this general sketch. Yet some of them have continued as honored residents to the present day, among whom might be named the Gilkey family, John F. and William Y. Gilkey locating in the township about I836, and - - Tracy, who was living in the Silver creek neighborhood in I836. The settlement at Silver creek from almost the beginning was distinguished by community sentiment. The formation of School District No. I and the building of a schoolhouse, which was the focal point of the neighborhood, did much to create common ties among the people, and from that time to this Silver Creek, or Argenta, as the railroad station is known, has been a definite locality in the county. Archibald James, an active citizen HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 51 from his settlement in the township in I835, moved his residence to this point in I86I and for a number of years was a merchant and postmaster of Silver Creek. The settlements in southeastern Allegan did not extend far away from the main water courses until the pioneer period was well gone. The oak openings of southwestern Martin township have been described as likely to attract some of the early settlers. Yet it was not until the early months of 1836 that Mumford Eldred bought and settled upon land in the northwest corner of section 29. Other early comers to that neighborhood were Dr. Calvin White, more of a farmer than active practitioner, whose land was on sections 28 and 33, and his home was the first postoffice in the township; Cotton M. Kimball, who also came in 1836 and built a house near a mill site in section 15, and three years later was elected the first supervisor of the township. Best known of the early residents were the Monteith family, from whom Monteith station derived its name. Thomas Monteith, Sr., and his sons, William T., Walter and Thomas, moved from New York state to the middle west in the fall of I835, and the following spring the father purchased the entire section 32 and William T. about half of section 29 in Martin township. The sons settled here and began the work of improvement in the next year. Members of the family have been conspicuous as land owners and citizens in that portion of the township ever since. DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION. Having given the main facts in the history of early settlement in southeastern Allegan, this sketch may be concluded with some figures as to population. Of the three townships considered, Otsego led in population from the first. There were thirty-four taxpayers in June, I836, and at the close of the decade there were about fifty families. By I850 the population had increased to 8I8, and there were I58 dwelling houses in the township. This was a sixth of the total population of the county at the time. During the decade preceding the Civil war the number of inhabitants almost doubled in the township, while in the county at large population increased threefold. Gun Plains township, being more of an agricultural district and with no villages until after I850, in that year had 587 inhabitants, which had increased to I,o68 by I86o. In I850 Martin township still had a limited population, 329, a very small proportion of the 5,125 inhabitants then living in the county. Sixty-four families were enumerated in that year. In 1844 there were forty-four names on the assessment roll as taxpayers. Population increased to 794 in I860. In i850 the three townships, or the area which we have called southeastern Allegan, contained 1,734 inhabitants, or slightly over one-third of the entire population of the county at the time. Ten years later, while the enumeration of the three townships showed 3,291, the number in the county rose to I6,087, showing a relatively greater increase in other portions of the county than in the southeast corner. DUTCH COLONIZATION. In I850 there were fifteen organized townships. The most populous of these were Otsego, Allegan and Gun Plains, the three oldest centers of 52 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY settlement, and Fillmore township, in the northwest corner of the county, comprising the present area of Fillmore and Overisel. Each of these had more than five hundred inhabitants. Wayland, Trowbridge, Watson and Martin were in about the same class so far as population was concerned. The large figures for Fillmore township's population in I850 call for explanation. Until the middle forties this part of the county was hardly settled at all, while five years later more than five hundred people were living in the territory now known as Overisel and Fillmore. The historv of this movement holds an important place in the annals of Michigal. In I846 a colony of Hollanders, members of the Dutch Reformed church, and led by their ministers, although their immigration could not be termed a strictly religious movement, left their fatherland and came to America. Rev. A. C. Van Raalte, one of their ministers, had visited this country in advance and on the advice of men owning land in western Michigan had examined the country about the mouth of the Kalamazoo and around Black lake in (Ottawa county. When he returned with the first colony of about a hundred immigrants in 1846, the center of their settlement was located on Black lake, the site of the city of Holland, and their colonv was the origin of that place. Holland has always remained a center of Dutch influence and enterprise in Michigan and its growth and prosperity are in largest measure dependent on this people's presence and activity. One of the few survivors of the original Van Raalte colony is Mr. Henry Cook, of Allegan, who accompanied his father, Harm Cook. on the migration to Michigan in 1846. In the personal history of Mr. Cook, as also in the sketches of several other residents of the northwestern portion of the county, will be found some interesting details of this settlement. The first colony was followed by others and soon a large scope of country about Holland as the village center was occupied by the Dutch people. Within a year or so they were buying land and beginning the process of home making in the northern portion of Allegan county, and thus it is that we find a population of over five hundred settled there in I850. I ............ -years' experience has given him a most valuable knowledge of all branches of the work. Mr. Clark was born in Castile, New York, July 20, I855, and he was a resident of the Empire state until he had reached the age of eleven years, since which time his home has been in Michigan. His father was Henry B. Clark and his mother's maiden name was Nancy M. Smith. Henry B. Clark was a pioneer lumberman in Wyoming county, New York, where he was engaged in this line for a number of years, owning the first planing mill in the town of Castile. Seeing the possibilities in Michigan timber he came to the Wolverine state in I866 and spent the remainder of his life here, where he was always more or less interested in the line of lumber manufacturing. The senior Mr. Clark was also a noted apiarist and all his life he gave a great deal of attention to bee culture. At one time he owned nearly eight hundred colonies of bees, which were stationed in different parts of Allegan and Barry counties, and his annual output of honey reached several tons. His interest in bees and his connection with the manufacture of lumber led him to invent and manufacture improved bee hives and sectional honey compartments, and it is said that his sectional hives were the first to be produced in the United States. The Clarks came to Wavland in 1878, where they built saw and planing mills and turned out vast quantities of bee supplies. Here also Henry B. Clark passed the remainder of his life, passing away in 1898 at the age of seventy-two years. Brought tip as he had been in the lumnbering business and having been for so many years associated with his father in the latter's various enterprises, it was but natural that the son should continue in the same lines. In his young manhood he had learned the trade of wagon maker and this he followed during the early part of his career. In 1882-83 he had charge of a stave mill in Saginaw county, but later he returned to Wayland and again engaged in business with his father. The manufacturing end of the business was kept up and much done in the bee line while the planing mill turned out large quantities of work for interior finishing and some other specialties. In 1892 a retail lumber yard was started in connection with the other business and of late years this has been an important adiunct. As is generally the case with saw and planing mills, Mr. Clark suffered serious losses by fire and has been three times burned out, his total losses in this line being not less than ten thousand dollars. Each time, however, he has with indomitable courage and energy rebuilt his mills and now he has arranged his buildings at some distance from each other, so that in case of fire there is a chance to save some of the property. Mr. Clark is thorou.hly versed in lumber, is a good business man and his enterprises have been of inestimable value to Wayland and vicinity. He was married in his twentieth year, in November, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Carpenter, of Illinois, and although they have no children of their own, still their home has been brightened by the presence of two HIST(RY OF ALLEGAN C(UNTTY 269 adopted children. Anna Plant made her home with them from the time she was four years old until her marriage, while Edward Terry, a son of Mrs. Clark's niece, was born in the Clark home and still lives there, he now being a bright lad of eight years. Although essentially a very busy man, still Mr. Clark finds time for pleasure and recreation. He is an enthusiastic hunter and each autumn or winter sees him in northern Michigan, spending a few weeks in hunting. He is generally successful in his pursuit of game and exhibits some fine trophies of the chase. He also has a cottage at Gun Lake and spends much time during the summers. He is also an autoist, owning a fine machine, and he finds good roads and plenty of sport in this line at the lake. Fraternally he is affiliated with the I. 0. 0. F. and the K. O. T. M., both of the local lodges being fine social organizations. He has passed all of the chairs in the Odd Fellows' Lodge and been a representative to the Grand Lodge, and has also been commander of the Maccabee lodge for three or four years. He is also an attendant of the Congregational church and gives support to this society. Mr. Clark is an all round genial man whom it is a pleasure to meet. Although deeply interested in his flourishing business he keenly enjoys the social side of life and enters into innocent enjoyment with all the zest of a boy. He is an important factor in the life of Wayland and his home is a most popular one. ISAAC NEWTON HOYT.-Wayland and vicinity have contained many men who had much to do with the lumber interests of MIichigan, but none of them, perhaps, has to his record more of accomplishment in this direction than the gentleman whose name heads this review, Mr. Isaac N. Hoyt. He was connected with this line of business for more than forty vears and his operations in pine and other timber have been extensive. Mr. Hoyt was born in Lafayette, Onondaga county, New York, October i, 1834, he being one of a faimlv of eleven children. His father died when he was only seven years old and in consequence he went to live with other relatives, where he remained until he reached the age of sixteen years. Then, desiring to earn his own living and become more independent, he went to Lockport, New York, and engaged in the line which was to occupy so much of his after life. He found employment in a shingle mill at Lockport and here he remained for three years, obtaining meanwhile a good practical knowledge of the business. Then, attracted by the emigration westward, he went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he went to work in a machine shop. He had been there but a short time when Detroit parties with a new machine for shingle making came to the shop where he was engaged to purchase an engine to furnish power for a shingle mill they intended to establish in Allegan county. Meeting young Hoyt and learning of his previous experience in the shingle manufacturing line, thev engaged him to labor in their new mill. This was first established near Shelbvville, but there being a scarcity of desirable timber there, it was later removed to Wayland, Mr. Hoyt accompanying it. In the spring of 1855 he was induced to go to Michigan City, Indiana, where were located his brothers. Edwin and William. There he remained until the spring of 1857, working in the car shops. But his memories of Wayland and the advantages it offered were so strong that he resolved to return here and he induced his two brothers to accompany him. At Wayland they established a shingle 270 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY mill and our subject continued in this line until soon after the outbreak of the war of the rebellion. Then he enlisted, in August, i862, in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and served until the close of the war, in June, i865. Returning to Wayland he engaged in business with Marvin Burnett and they operated a shingle mill at Dorr for three years. Then he returned to Wayland and engaged in the lumber business, which he followed until his retirement in i893. The lumber business now conducted by A. H. Clark at Wayland is the one established by him and which he conducted for so many years. Mr. Hoyt's marriage occurred November 21, i858, when he was united with Miss Ellen Truman. She was born October I7, i836, in Burton, Geauga county, Ohio, where her girlhood years were spent with her parents. She came to Wayland in i857 and the following year her acquaintance with Mr. Hoyt having ripened into love, she was united in marriage with him. This union has resulted in the birth of three children, as follows: Lillian E. is the wife of H. F. Buskirk; Elmer T. died in infancy; Fanny, the youngest, resides at home with her parents. Although seventy-two years of age, Mr. Hoyt still enjoys the outdoor sports, and he has for many years been an annual hunter in the Upper Peninsula and many trophies testify to his skill in the hunting line. In the heated season his cottage at Gun Lake also affords him much enjoyment and he is an ardent disciple of Isaak Walton. His has been an active life, and now that he is retired from business he keenly enjoys these innocent diversions. He has been a Mason for the past thirty-eight years, and bears the distinction of being the oldest member of this fraternity raised to the third degree in the Wayland lodge. He is deeply interested in Masonic matters and has upon several different occasions sat in the Michigan Grand Lodge. As is consistent with his army record he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and is a past commander of Sterling Post I74. His has been a long and honorable career, and now he is enjoying a well deserved respite from the active duties of business. WILLIAM STOCKDALE, one of Wayland's sterling citizens, has to his credit a service of no less than forty-seven years at the blacksmith's anvil in this place, he having retired from this avocation only a year ago. It has been a long period of honest toil, and during his long residence here he has won the entire confidence and esteem of the entire citizenship. Mr. Stockdale is English by birth and ancestry, he first seeing the light of day in Lincolnshire, that country, November 23, 1842. His parents were William and Jane (Pridgeon) Stockdale, who spent their early married life in Lincolnshire, coming to America in 1854, when our subject was only a lad. They located in Branch county on a farm, where the remainder of their lives was passed, each being close to eighty years of age at the time of their deaths. William Stockdale's brother, David Stockdale, had learned the blacksmith trade in England and followed his trade for a number of years after coming to this country. He established a shop at Wayland and here, at the age of seventeen years, William began to learn the trade with his father in Branch county, and in I859 joined his brother at Wayland. In i862 he opened a shop of his own, which he personally conducted for forty HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 271 three years, this, with the two years' service with David and two years with his father, making him forty-seven years at the anvil. He has been considered as an expert in his line, and commanded a trade from a very wide territory, in wagon ironing, horseshoeing and general blacksmithing. His good judgment and eminent fitness for positions of trust and responsibility have led to his selection on many occasions to serve his townsmen in a public capacity, and he has always performed his duties in this direction to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He has been township treasurer of Wayland township, and since the incorporation of the village of Wayland has been a member of the village board of trustees several terms, besides serving as village president for four terms. He was an ardent Democrat until the Cleveland presidential administration, and since that time has been independent in his views, voting for the men whom he considers best qualified to fill the offices in question. As is so natural with many blacksmiths, he has always been a lover of good horses, and for thirty years he has been a breeder of good roadsters as well as of Percherons. He has owned as many as thirteen horses at one time, among them some fast ones, and he has been chosen many times to act as judge of horses at fairs and horse shows. He was married July 22, 1862, to Elizabeth Murphy, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Osterhaut) Murphy, the former being a carpenter, and the family residing in Kalamazoo. Mr. and Mrs. Stockdale are the parents of six children, all of whom are living, as follows: James Henry is a blacksmith at Three Rivers, Michigan; Charles lives in Grand Rapids, where he is in the employ of the street railway company; Alta married J. B. Foster and their home is in Huron, South Dakota, where Mr. Foster is state veterinarian; Jennie is the wife of Rev. J. T. Walker, pastor of the Congregational church at Dowagiac, Michigan; Kate is now the wife of John Williamson, a contractor at Grand Rapids; Nellie May is a successful saleslady at Grand Rapids. Alta and Jennie were formerly considered among the best school teachers of Allegan county, and they followed this profession for several years each. Fraternally Mr. Stockdale is a Mason, being affiliated with the lodges at Wayland. In addition to his love for fine horse flesh, he is somewhat of a sportsman and enjoys nothing better than the annual hunting trips into the northern part of the state, where he has good success in capturing big game. E. H. RYNO, M. D.-In the career of Dr. E. H. Ryno, of Wayland, we find a man who, after a quarter of a century spent in the successful practice of medicine, abandons his profession and, turning his attention in entirely different channels, achieves another notable success in the growing of fruit. Then, not content with merely producing the fruit, which ofttimes cannot be marketed at the proper times, or its real value being depreciated because of a temporary drop in the price, he turned his attention to this phase of the question and solved it by building a canning factory on his farm, where the fruit could be prepared for consumption which might not come for many months ahead. Thus he annihilated the constant bugbear of the fruit grower, and so far as he was concerned provided for the care of his crop and guaranteed the income therefrom to be somewhere near its true value. 2 9 V i,@ HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY In so doing he has also not benefited himself alone, but others, for his example has been followed in many instances. Dr. Ryno was born in Seneca county, Ohio, October 23, 1848, and that was his home until he had reached the age of fifteen years. Then he came with his parents to Kent county, Michigan, and was on the home farm and also a student in the Grand Rapids high school until 1870. In the autumn of that year he began the study of medicine with Dr. Hanlon, at Middleville, Barry county, which he continued for several years. This was followed by a course at the Hahnemann Medical College, at Chicago, in 1874. In 1875 he located at Wayland, but in 1879 returned to Chicago, and graduated with the class of 1880. He continued most successfully in practice in Wayland until 1894, when he removed to his farm in Wayland township and devoted his attention to fruit growing, a line which he has followed ever since, and in which he has been engaged since 1883. Now he gives but little attention to medicine, and only responds when there is an urgent and special call for his services. While still practicing his profession, Dr. Ryno purchased his farm a mile and a half out of Wayland and devoted some attention to fruit. He accomplished much in this direction before and since he removed to the farm. He set out his fruit orchard in 1883, and his one hundred and fifty acres is mainly devoted to fruit, including grapes and berries. About ninety acres are planted to good varieties of upland fruit, and he is one of the pioneers in successful peach growing in this immediate vicinity. Since his first crop in 1895 he has missed but two crops, something remarkable in this somewhat uncertain line. He has given the fruit question no little study and discovered many things of value and importance. He soon learned that in the marketing of the crop it must be handled carefully, swiftly, and placed upon the market in prime condition to bring the topnotch prices, and that frequently it was impossible to so market the fruit that it would bring anywhere near its real value. It was hard enough to raise the fruit, and it seemed to be still harder to market it properly. Then it was that Dr. Ryno's plan was formulated to erect a canning factory, and if the product could not be properly sold in its natural state, then it could be canned and await consumption. Accordingly he built and equipped a first class canning factory upon his own farm in 1901, and the very first yearls trial proved its value, canning in that year seven thousand bushels. In 1902 he canned eight thousand bushels of his own growing, and in 1905 forty-two hundred bushels were cared for here, besides twenty-five hundred bushels which were placed on the market. The facilities of the factory were ample enough to care for his entire crop if required. The decision is simple-if the prices do not suit, then turn the product into the factory. Dr. Ryno's factory is devoted exclusively to his own crop. In addition to peaches, about twelve hundred bushels of plums are also raised on this farm. Dr. Ryno does a little in the way of general farming, and he has some excellent live stock, taking particular pride in his flock of Shropshire sheep. His farm is well cared for and the buildings are good ones. In addition to the large canning factory, which, during the canning season employs over one hundred hands, he has a large warehouse for the storing of the fruit and the canned goods. Dr. Ryno was married in his twentyeighth year, in 1876, to Miss Sarah J. Beamer, of Barry county. Their MR. AND MRS. VALENTINE S. FISH HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 2t73 union has been blessed with the birth of three children, as follows: George E., the eldest, who married a daughter of Judge Stockdale, and is now conducting his father's farm; Earl Roscoe Ryno, who is a stockbroker and special promoter in Detroit, where he is also secretary and treasurer of the St. Claire Automarine Company, and who married Miss Dedie Brydle, of Detroit; and Ethel, who lives at home and who is pursuing her studies in the public schools. In politics Dr. Ryno is a Republican. Never an aspirant for office himself, still he has been active in politics and has been instrumental many times in securing offices for his friends. He has done much for the development of the fruit industry in Wayland and vicinity, winning success for himself and also disseminating his acquired knowledge in this line for th, benefit of others. VALENTINE S. FISH, who in company with his son conducts a livery business in Wayland, is a native of the Green Mountain state, he having been born at Warren, Vermont, March II, 1842. His early life was passed upon a farm there until I869, when, believing that the west offered better advantages for a young man, he came to Michigan, locating first at Grant Rapids, where he engaged in the wholesale meat business, having one of the largest establishments of its kind in the city and transacting a very large volume of business. In I88I he sold his interests in Grand Rapids and came to Allegan county, buying the D. Parsons farm, one mile west of Wayland. He kept adding to this farm by the purchase of more land until he had three hundred and sixty acres. He transformed this property into one of the finest stock farms in western Michigan, making valuable improvements during each year of his ownership. A handsome residence was erected, the same being thoroughly modern in all of its appointments, while the other new structures he built included a fine basement barn sixty by sixty-two feet in size and with an addition twenty by forty feet. This barn was a model in its way, the interior being admirably adapted to the purposes for which it was used. Mr. Fish had some advanced views in regard to cattle breeding and these he put into successful operation. He made a specialty of Aberdeen Angus cattle, and in a very few years he had a magnificent herd of these valuable animals. He was the first one in this part of Allegan county to breed the Aberdeen Angus, and his experience was watched with interest. His herd constantly contained from seventyfive to ninety head of this breed, and they were the choicest of their kind. He obtained a wide reputation as a breeder of the Aberdeen Angus, and as he advertised extensively and judiciously, he obtained fancy prices for his best animals. He did much to improve the standard of cattle in this section and demonstrated the fact that there is money in breeding good stockparticularly the Angus cattle. In addition to his breeding Mr. Fish also did a large business in the feeding of cattle for the market. In June, I905, he sold his valuable property to Mr. Frank Cooch,' of Illinois, and sold his stock at auction, then removing to the village of Wayland, where he afterward purchased the livery stable and stock which has since been conducted under the firm name of Fish & Son. Mr. Fish was married at Grand Rapids in 1878 to Miss Grace L. Stearns of that city, and this union resulted in the birth of one son, Jay H., 274 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY who is a partner with his father in the livery business. They have a wellequipped livery and transact a large business. Mrs. Fish died August II, I902. Mr. Fish is a Republican politically, although never a seeker after office. Like many other residents of Allegan county, he is an enthusiastic hunter, hugely enjoying his regular trips to the northern part of the state, where he meets with good success in capturing big game. FRANK CoocH.-Although a resident of Michigan and Wayland but a short time, Mr. Cooch has already demonstrated the fact that he is an active and progressive man of advanced ideas, who will make a valued addition to the citizenship of this specially favored region. Mr. Cooch is a native of Butler county, Ohio, where he was born May 22, 1851. His early life was passed in that region, and at the age of nineteen he accompanied his mother to Douglas county, Illinois, and took charge of a two hundred and forty acre farm, upon which many improvements were required. He established an extensive and thorough drainage system there, laying thirty-inch tile for mains eight feet below the surface, and connecting this with smaller laterals which spread all over the large farm. The crops raised here were corn, oats and broom corn, and the farm was made a most productive one. He resided for ten years on this place and twenty years on another, and then decided to try Michigan, concerning which he had heard so much and with which he was favorably impressed as an agricultural region. He spent some time in traveling over this state, inspecting various pieces of property and finally decided that the vicinity of Wayland held just what he desired for a stock farm. Accordingly, in June, 1905, he purchased the stock farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres and the Fish farm of three hundred and sixty acres, the latter lying partially within the corporate limits of the village of Wayland. Both are handsome pieces of property, equipped with excellent buildings, including large and modern houses and barns. He removed here the first of February, I906, and took possession of his newly purchased property, and at once began the improvements which he considered necessary to make the property a model place for the breeding and raising of thoroughbred live stock. Already he is carrying out his ideas of drainage, learned in Illinois, and has laid two hundred and eight rods of twelve and fourteen inch tile as mains on the stock farm and contemplates still more work of this kind. His specialties in the line of live stock are Aberdeen Angus cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland China swine, and already he has established a herd of twenty thoroughbred Angus cows, selecting none but the best of stock. His cattle are all registered animals, and Mr. Cooch intends to hold his standard in this direction at a very high mark. The same idea will also prevail with his sheep and swine and all stock on these farms will be the very best of its kind to be obtained or bred. Mr. Cooch was married November 28, 1880, to Miss Joanna Hancock, of Douglas county, Illinois, and they have an interesting family of four sons and one daughter, as follows: Harry and Bertie live upon the Fish farm, while Fred, Charlie and Verona live at home with their parents. Mr. Cooch is a Democrat in politics, although he is no politician and merely takes an ordinary interest in affairs of this sort. Fraternally he is HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 275 affiliated with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is fond of outdoor life and in the way of amusement likes nothing better than hunting and fishing. Mr. Cooch's past experience has taught him that there is a large and profitable business to be done in his chosen line, particularly with the right management and the right kind of a base for operations, coupled with well selected lines of stock. He has made a thorough study of the question in all its bearings, and it would seem that he cannot fail of success. The people of Wayland and vicinity gladly welcome him and the members of his family to their midst and wish for him unlimited success. ALANSON A. TANNER has led a remarkably active and useful life and has done even more than his share of labor in the settlement and development of a new country, and now he is spending his declining days in retirement from the active duties of life, although still taking a keen interest in the affairs of the day and in all that goes to make toward better citizenship. He was born in Chester, Geauga county, Ohio, December 28, I83I. The family had come from Chester, Massachusetts, to Ohio in 1812, the memorable year that saw our second conflict with Great Britain, and they, with other settlers from Massachusetts, named their new home after the Massachusetts Chester. In making the arduous journey into the middle west they traveled after the primitive manner of the times, taking several weeks for the journey, and they passed through Buffalo, New York, just after that city had been burned. Alanson Tanner grew to manhood upon the new farm in Ohio, and in these early years imbibed a thorough knowledge of and a liking for agriculture. In i855 he became imbued with the western fever, which seems ever present in the veins of Young America, and started for Illinois. No doubt this desire to go to Illinois was increased by the fact that he had married and that his wife's parents had already gone into the west. His marriage to Laura Burlingame occurred January 3, I855, and her father, Harding Burlingame, was then living in Illinois. While passing through southern Michigan on their western journey they encountered Eli F. Clark, a former Ohio neighbor, at Blissfield. Mr. Clark had met with misfortune in a swamp, his wagon breaking down, and he remained at Blissfield during the winter, although he afterward journeyed to Illinois, as is related elsewhere in this volume. Arriving in Illinois, voung Tanner obtained work from an uncle, and the newly married couple remained there for two years. Harding Burlingame was a noted hunter and he was anxious to get into a country where there was more game than in Illinois, so accordingly he and his daughter and her husband, with several other old-time friends, came to Michigan. Mr. Burlingame located in Hopkins township, Allegan county, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying here at the age of seventy years. Alanson Tanner also located in Hopkins township upon a tract of new land which was a veritable wilderness. This was in the month of April, 1856, and he chopped off twentyfour of the eighty acres. Owing to the panic of 1857 he lost his farm and was obliged to sell it, receiving only about seventy-five dollars in cash for it with all its improvements. Then he moved into Dorr township and purchased another tract. It was swamp land, but very rich, and he began improving the same, frequently working for Mr. Chambers at Wayland, and 276 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY for Mr. Sanders, the only men here at that time who were able to pay for labor. His first house, in which he lived for eleven years, was a log structure only sixteen feet square. After he had this forty acres in good shape in 1871 he erected a good house, which compared favorably with any in the section. He added more land as he could until he had two hundred and sixty acres, the most of which was wild land when purchased. Since that time he has been the owner of more than one thousand acres and has improved all of it more or less. In addition to clearing his own land, he worked for fifteen years in the timber woods, the most of the time by the day. He finally sold all of his land excepting the old home place and in 1894 removed to Wayland, where he has since led a retired life. The old homestead was finally sold and he purchased village property in Wayland, owning at one time six full blocks, although one-half of this has since been disposed of. His real estate holdings also now include three farms with improvements in the township of Dorr. In his land investments Mr. Tanner has used rare good judgment and has selected none but fertile land. He has followed mixed farming for many years and has made a specialty of raising swine and sheep, besides doing considerable in the dairy line. His five children are as follows: James H. Tanner died September 23, I905, aged forty-eight years. He was a farmer of Leighton, north of Wayland, and was the owner of a fine farm. Frances is the wife of Frank Wilcox, of Hopkins township. Viola is the wife of William Wright of Wayland. Herman Tanner is a member of the city police force of Belvidere, Illinois. Alice married Leon Kinyon, and their home is in Dorr township. Mrs. Tanner, who had for so many years been the valued and beloved helpmeet of her husband, passed away March I6, 1896. Mr. Tanner's second marriage occurred December 28, 1901, when he espoused Mrs. Betsy Sadler, widow of John H. Sadler, late of the township of Dorr. Her maiden name was Betsy Bisard and she was born in Medina county, Ohio, coming to Michigan and Dorr township, Allegan county, when thirteen years old with her parents, David and Rebecca (Hughes) Bisard. They located upon a new farm, which they improved and here, at the age of twenty-two, Betsy Bisard was married to John H. Sadler. Her parents afterward removed to Kent county, where they died. Alanson A. Tanner cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont and he has ever since been a staunch Republican. He was ever active in township affairs and aided very materially in making this section what it is. He has other interests besides his landed property and is a stockholder in the Wayland Bank. As a farmer he held the respect of his fellow townsmen and as a citizen of Wayland he is looked upon as a staunch and solid resident, of good judgment and possessing many warm friends. GEORGE H. JACKSON is a native of Thimbleby, Lincolnshire, England, where he was born November 26, 1839. His father, Charles Jackson, was born in Anwick, Lincolnshire, England, April 22, I800, while his mother, Ann Maltby, was born in Sausthorpe. in the same county, October 20, 1814. They were married in I835 and lived upon a farm in Thimbleby until coming to America in June of T845. They spent five years in the state of New York and then came to Michigan, Allegan county, settling in the township HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 277 of Wayland. A New York neighbor, Mir. Nathan Green, had come to Michigan a few years previously, and through his representations and inducements Charles Jackson and family came here in October, I850. Mr. Jackson purchased forty acres of Mr. Green at two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and this place was his home until his death in 1883. This old homestead is still in possession of the family, now being owned by one of the sons, James F. His widow, Ann (Maltby) Jackson, survived him several years, she passing away here at the age of seventy-eight years. Tihe were the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters, all of whom are still living and residents of this vicinity. They are as follows: Harriet, now Mrs. George Beattie, of Orangeville, Barry county; Mary L., now Mrs. James Williamson, also of Barry county; George H., the subject of this review Sarah, now Mrs. Charles Winks, of Lowell, Michigan; Robert C. and Joseph, of Wayland township; Andrew, of Wayland township; Emma, one of the leading teachers of Allegan and Barry counties and now teaching near Middleville; she makes her home with her brother, George Jackson; John E. and James F. were both born in and are residents of Wayland township. It is a notable fact that there is just twenty years to a day between the ages of the eldest and the youngest members of this large family. The youngest is now fifty years old. Charles and Ann Jackson brought their family up in industry and taught them the value of honest dealing, frugality and labor. The children have carried these ideas all through life and the result is that now they are all in comfortable circumstances and with good homes and families of their own. George H. Jackson worked out for others until he was nineteen years old, his wages going to his father. When twelve years old he received but four dollars per month, and each year thereafter received an additional dollar per month until he was drawing the munificent salary of thirteen dollars per month, the highest he ever received. During this time he managed to acquire some education by going to school winters while working for his board. At twenty he. by saving every cent, had acquired about two hundred dollars, and his first thought was to invest it in land. His first purchase was one hundred and sixty acres, which he secured for eight dollars per acre. It was covered with fine oak and hickory timber, which he burned to get rid of. The first year he broke the forty acres and sowed it to wheat. This crop he hauled by oxen thirty miles to Kalamazoo to market, receiving eighty-five cents per bushel. It took three days to make the round trip. The following year he hauled in the same manner to Grand Rapids, twentyfive miles away, and received from one dollar and fifty cents to two dollars and fifty cents per bushel. Later he received as high as three dollars Der bushel for wheat. When only sixteen years old his brother Robert had begun working with him, and this was continued for two vears. Then Robert secured an adjoining eighty acres for himself and they cleared this together. Robert enlisted in the army in 1864, serving in the Sixth Michigan Cavalry until the close of the war. George H. Jackson is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, three hundred and twenty acres of which are under cultivation. He has paid as high as twelve dollars and fifty cents per acre for wild land, and from twenty acres he has sold oak timber alone to the amount of one thousand seven hundred dollars. His fine farm is devoted to mixed farming, 278 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY although he has also done considerable in fruit. Much of his income has been derived from live stock, particularly cattle, sheep and hogs. His present house was built in I876 and is a commanding structure, showing well for a long distance. His other buildings are also substantial structures and equal to the demands of the farm. September 7, I875, he was married to Mary E. Davis, the daughter of Samuel Davis, a pioneer of Barry county. She died February 7, I900, since which time Mr. Jackson's sister has acted as his efficient housekeeper. One son, Glenn W., was born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. He is now about sixteen years of age and is a student in the Wayland high school. Mr. Jackson is a Republican in politics, and he has filled numerous minor offices. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church and he is an attendant at the Jackson church near by. In Sunday school work he has always been very active, believing that branch of religious work is most important. Two Sunday schools in this vicinity are benefited by his good labors therein, while he is also always actively alive to all that is important in the line of other church and society work. He is also a member of the Grange at Bowen's Mills. Mr. Jackson is the possessor of a remarkably fine collection of Indian relics, the most of which have been picked up on his own farm and in this immediate vicinity. He is an experienced practical farmer, and success has come to him through his own endeavors and with the co-operation of his brothers and sisters. He believes that he chose wisely in the selection of his home and that no better place exists for pleasant living than in Allegan county and Wayland township, and he is always alive to those things which will tend to the betterment of the condition of his fellow beings. JOSEPH JACKSON.-The Jackson family has done a wonderful work of improvement in Wayland and adjoining townships, wresting the land from its natural forest condition and transforming it from a wild section into the fertile and productive farms abounding here. A member of this family who deserves fitting mention in a work of this character is Mr. Joseph Jackson, one of the prosperous and intelligent agriculturists of Wayland township, where he has lived for the past forty years. Mr. Jackson is of English ancestry, his parents, Charles and Ann (Maltby) Jackson, being natives of Lincolnshire, England, where they were married in 1836. Several of their children were born in England, and in June of 1845 they emigrated to America, where our subject was born at Wheatland, Monroe county, New York, October I7, 1845. This place, which is twenty miles east of Rochester, was the home of Joseph until he was five years of age. In company with his brother Robert he first began operations for himself in Allegan county. They each purchased eighty acres of new land adjoining each other and worked together, clearing the most of their farms the first year. As fast as they cleared their land they put it into wheat. They had bought their land on contract at twelve dollars and fifty cents per acre, and they remained in partnership until they had the property paid for. Thus again was it demonstrated that in unity there is strength, for each working alone would have been much longer in clearing up the indebtedness. As the years rolled by Mr. Jackson made additional purchases of land, the most of it new and uncleared. A tract of one hundred and sixty acres was added to the old Hill farm in Wayland township and another eighty acres close by, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 279 while he also purchased forty acres in Yankee Springs township, Barry county. During his forty years' residence here he has wrested over two hundred acres from the forest and made of it productive land. His first residence was a small frame structure, which supplied a home until comparatively recently. In I905 he built his present handsome home, which is a sightly brick structure, equipped with all of the modern improvements and conveniences. It is as fully up to date as a city residence, containing, as it does, bath rooms supplied with hot and cold water. A windmill pumps the water to an elevated tank, from whence it flows to all parts of the house and grounds, while water is also thus supplied to stock tanks in the yards. The idea strictly followed out was to make the home one with all modern improvements, and this has been admirably accomplished. The improvements cost close to eight thousand dollars, and the whole forms a home of which any man might well feel proud. Here Mr. Jackson has lived for the past forty years, and here he is well content to pass the remainder of his days. Mr. Jackson's first marriage was consummated in I870, when he was united with Miss Sophia Riggs. She died in I875, having borne no children. In December, I881, Mr. Jackson was married to Sarah A. Davis, who is a sister to the wife of his brother, George Jackson. Unto them have been born two.children, both of whom are at home with their parents. The eldest is a son, William H., and the other is a daughter, Edith May, who is a student in the Wayland high school. Politically Mr. Jackson is a staunch Republican, and he has served his township three terms as highway commissioner. His has been a busy and industrious life and he has performed his full duty as a citizen and as a man of family. Success has been his because of his application and natural foresight and he has accumulated a fine property, which he and the members of his family will enjoy for miany years to come. It is men such as he who form the bulwark of this strong nation and make us the most powerful people upon the face of the globe. JOHN EDMUND JACKSON is the ninth child in order of birth of Charles and Ann (Maltby) Jackson, those sturdy pioneers of English birth who came from England in 1845 and then a few years later made their way into the new country of Michigan. The parents were most worthy people and they reared a large family of ten children, in the meantime enduring all of the hardships of pioneer life and the arduous labors incident to life in a sparsely settled section. The subject of this review was the first of their children born in Michigan, and this has ever since been his home. The date of his birth was December I8, I853, and the place Wayland township. His early life was like that of all boys of the day and it contained few idle moments. At the age of seventeen his father, in the parlance of the day. "gave him his time," or, in other words, allowed him to work for himself and spend his wages as he saw fit. To the generation of the present day it seems almost incredible that parents used to enforce the law which gave to them the labors of their children until they reached the age of twenty-one years, but such was invariably the custom of the day, and any child who was excepted from this regulation was considered very leniently dealt with. But John did not waste the opportunity thus afforded him of getting on in the world for himself. He being still a minor, his brother Robert pur 280 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY chased for him of O. N. Giddings, of Kalamazoo, a tract of new land containing eighty acres. The farm cost one thousand one hundred dollars, and the terms of the contract required that he should pay one hundred dollars cash and make a regular payment each year until the entire sum and interest had been paid. In about 1878 he purchased the eighty-acre tract across from his home place. As seems to have been the practice with the sons of the Jackson family, John assisted in the clearing of the farms already acquired by his brothers and they in turn helped him in improving his own farm. The brothers appeared to have had a tacit agreement to work together for a period of twelve years, at the end of which time it was thought that each would be comfortably provided for. But as was natural, the younger members of the family did not accomplish this result until several years after the older ones were well on the road to prosperity. Thus it was not until 1883 that he was enabled to build his house and become settled in a home of his own. When he was twenty-one years old he had about onethird of his land cleared and in condition for the successful raising of crops, and each year thereafter saw additional land cleared and the productiveness of the place increased. For several years his sister Emma kept house for him, and in this connection it is but justice to state that the success of the brothers of this family is due as much to the co-operation of their sister as to their own efforts, for she was ever ready to aid them with the performance of the duties which always are required of the woman upon the farm. His marriage to Mrs. Eunice A. (Swift) McCracken was consummated in 1887. He cultivates about eighty acres, raising some grain and devoting a great deal of his attention to cattle, sheep, hogs, etc. He is a believer in well-bred stock and has fine Shropshire sheep and Short-horn cattle. He milks twelve cows, so this dairying feature is an important source of income. During the earlier years of his farming he raised large quantities of grain, which was sold, but later year's of experience have taught him the value of giving back to the land all that it produces, hence his turning to the raising of live stock instead. Mr. Jackson is a firm believer in the fact that a man must go into debt in order to win the greatest success, and he attributes a large measure of his well doing to his condition of indebtedness for many years, when he felt compelled to work hard to get even with the world. At the present time he is free from incumbrance and his whole property shows thrift and care. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, as follows: Harrison E. and C. Edward are students in the high school at Wavland; Ruth A. is the eldest daughter; Gladys and Gaius are twins; Myrl is the youngest. Another member of the family who has always been considered by Mr. Jackson as dear as his own children is a daughter of Mrs. Jackson by her former marriage, Irma McCracken, who is now a teacher iln Wavland township. Besides her common school education she attended the Clarksville Academy and pursued a thorough correspondence course, and she now ranks high as one of the successful teachers of Allegan county. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson intend to give all of their children the best of educational advantages, thus equipping them in the best manner for life's duties. Like the other members of the Jackson family, Mr. Jackson is a Republican, although never a seeker after office. He keeps in touch with current events and is considered a man of rare good judgment, a wise farmer and a man IIISTORY )OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 281 who commands the respect of the coimmunity in which all of his life has been passed. ANDREW JACKSON.-In the township of Wayland we find that members of the Jackson family are owners of nearly two thousand acres of fine farming land and that all of them are respected members of society, well to do and worthy descendants of that branch of the Jackson family which came to this country from England in I845. Elsewhere in this volume may be found more extended account of Andrew Jackson's parents, Charles and Ann (Maltby) Jackson, who came to Michigan and Allegan county a few years after their arrival in America and spent the remainder of their lives here. They were fine old English people, and they reared a large family of children to fill positions of honor in this section. One of their sons, Andrew Jackson, is the subject of this review, and he was the second child born after their arrival in this country. His birthplace was Monroe county, New York, and he accompanied his parents and the other members of the family when they came to Michigan. He remained at home until he had attained his majority. Hte worked in company with his two brothers, Robert and Joseph, exchanging work as it became necessary, until he had paid for the farm which his father had first secured for twelve dollars and fifty cents per acre. There were eighty acres in this tract, all new land and scarcely a tree cut. It was covered with timber which today would be considered most valuable, but in those days the only thought was to clear this off and prepare the land for the raising of crops. Thus he was forced to burn timber which, if preserved, would bring much money at this time. As fast as the land could be cleared he sowed it to that great staple, wheat, and from the proceeds he succeeded in making the land his own and free from encumbrance. It was not many years before he saw his way clear to buy another eighty acres adjoining, with only a few acres cleared thereon and with this he followed the same methods as with his original place. He built a residence in 1871, and for eleven years his sister Emma officiated as housekeeper for him, his brother John also making his home here for some time. In 1880 he purchased an additional one hundred and sixty acres in the township of Leighton, on section 35, about one and one-half miles distant, and it serves largely as pasture land, being admirably adapted for this purpose. General farming is followed, and the main products are grain, live stock and grass and hay. His home farm of one hundred and sixty acres is all under cultivation, and it has been brought to its present high state of productiveness through his own efforts. Mr. Jackson has paid considerable attention to Angus cattle and breeds from a high class Angus male, thus producing the best stock of its kind. Nature has done much for Mr. Jackson's land, it being finely located, and this, combined with his individual efforts, has resulted in a farm of unusual productiveness. His residence is a comfortable frame structure, while his barns and other buildings are roomy, well-built structures, each well adapted to its particular use. He was married October 12, T887 to Miss Minnie C. Hersey, daughlter of E. P. and Harriet M. (Morton) Hersey, who came to Allegan county in T865 from Ohio, which state was also the birthplace of Mrs. Jackson. Mr. Hersey and Mrs. Hersev are now residents of Wayland. Although Mr. Jackson is a Republican and interested in the success of his party, he has no 282 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY political aspirations, finding plenty to occupy his time and attention in the management of his large farm, and he is willing that the offices should go to those who desire them. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge at Wayland. The Jackson farm indicates great thrift and care, the whole being well looked after and affording a most comfortable home. Almost every inch of the place is thoroughly known to Mr. Jackson, for it has taken painstaking labor to change it from a forest land into its present condition. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson stand very high in the esteem of the people of this section and their home is dear to them through many tender associations. JAMES F. JACKSON is the youngest of the ten children of Charles and Ann (Maltby) Jackson, who, natives of Lincolnshire, England, grew up and were married there and were the parents of ten children, five of whom were born before they decided to try and better their fortunes in America. They came to this country in I845 and spent several years in New York state before coming to Michigan, which they did in 1850. They came to Allegan county and selected the township of Wavland as their future home, establishing themselves upon a farm here, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were most worthy people and they won the high regard of the people of this vicinity. The six sons of the family were all brought up on the farm, imbibing here industrious habits and learning agriculture. It is consequently no wonder that they all decided to become farmers, and today they are residents of this immediate vicinity, each provided with a comfortable home. Their respective careers thus far in life are recorded elsewhere in this volume. James F., the youngest of this family, was born in Wayland January 12, I856, upon the home farm, where he has ever since lived and which is now in his possession. In fact, his present residence stands directly unon the site of the old home. When he was seventeen years old his father bought the John Hogg farm of eighty acres and paid therefor the sum of three thousand two hundred dollars, and it was understood that if James would pay this sum he could have the farm, as well as the old homestead. His father died February 12, 1883, and the business thus thrown upon the hands of the young man prevented the purchase of the Hogg farm. It was twelve years before he had the indebtedness cleared, but he traded one forty for forty acres lying on the opposite side of the road and also added another forty acres two miles distant, this latter piece being used as pasture. The home place has about one hundred and ten acres under cultivation. In T9oo he built his present house, a neat frame structure. He also moved the barn to its present location, so that the improvements have all been made by him. It is an attractive place and a fertile farm, and it is managed with all the thrift and care for which the members of the Jackson family are noted. In connection with his general farming Mr. Jackson has also grown peaches successfully. He still has several acres in successful bearing and has demonstrated the profitableness of fruit culture in this locality. He has recently planted another tract to peaches and will engage in fruit growing more or less in the future. He was married September 27, 1893, to Miss Gertrude Robinson, daughter of W. T. Robinson, who came to this township in T864. His HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUINTY 283 father was Professor H. N. Robinson, the author of several standard text books in mathematics. Gertrude Robinson was born in Wayland township and she was a successful teacher in Allegan and Barry counties for nearly ten years immediately preceding her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are the parents of two children, Clara G. and Clayton Paul, both of whom are in school and live at home. In politics Mr. Jackson is an independent in opinions and voting. He is not active in political matters, but rather devotes his whole time and attention to his own private business. He is a member of the Grange and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare and advancement of agriculture. JOSEPH W. BURLINGAME.-The Burlingames were for many years residents of Geauga county, Ohio, where they had comfortable homes, but in the early fifties the spirit of emigration was rife in that section and they, with many others, sought to better their condition by either going farther west or coming into Michigan. Although at the present day it seems strange that the spirit of unrest should so possess the residents of (hio and eastern states, nevertheless it was this very thing that brought into our own state so many good families. They seemed in the main to be satisfied with their new Michigan homes and here they passed the remainder of their lives, while their descendants still live here and form our very best society. This was the case with the Burlingame family in Ohio, where our subject, Joseph W. Burlingame, was born in the town of Munston, Geauga county, August 20, 1832. He was the son of Harding and Lavina (Heath) Burlingame, who were also the parents of nine other children, eight of whom have lived in Michigan. In I856 Harding Burlingame, having lost his first wife and married again, decided that Michigan offered better facilities for home-making, and accordingly he came here with his family, traveling after the rather primitive method of the times and arriving eventually in Allegan county, which appeared to him a most favorable place to locate. Here he selected a tract of land in the township of Hopkins, one mile east of where is now Hilliard station and three miles west of Wayland. The one hundred and sixty acres which he purchased was new land, and it required a great deal of labor to place it in condition for the raising of crops. He was assisted in the arduous work by two of his sons, Joseph W. and Phillip, the latter remaining with his father for four years after coming here. Phillip also remained in this section and is now a resident of the county, living four miles east of Wayland. As Joseph W. grew to manhood he decided to follow agriculture as a pursuit, and he soon made purchase of land adjoining that of his father, paying for it as he could. Harding Burlingame lived to be seventy-five years old, spending the remainder of his days on the farm he had purchased here. His widow, who was his second wife, survived him several years. Joseph W. Burlingame's first house was built of logs, and he lived therein for twenty years, when it was replaced with a frame structure. Later he sold his place and bought another farm of seventy acres in the township of Dorr, where he lived for a number of years, finally disposing of this also in I89I and coming to Wayland, where he purchased a seventy-acre tract lying partly in the village of Wayland. It had been formerly the property of the 28 - HIST(RY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY old lumberman, Mr. Kellogg, who had cut off the timber and made considerable improvements. Since obtaining possession of this property Mr. Burlingame has platted a portion of it into village lots and disposed of many of them, while the remainder of the farm is leased by fields to others. When twenty-eight years of age Mr. Burlingame took as his life partner Sarah Ward, a daughter of Richard Ward, who lived on an adjoining farm. Her family came here from Canada in an early day. Their children are six in number, as follows: Addie, now Mrs. Mack Northorpe, lives in California; Ada, now Mrs. Frank Helmer, is a resident of Diamond Springs; Frank is in Illinois; J. Tracy lives in Wayland, where he is an employe of the G. R. & I. railway company; Asa is a painter and also a resident of Wayland; Jennie died at the age of twenty-four. Mr. Burlingame is now retired from active labor, although he keeps occupied with looking after his property. He has done his share in the improvements of this section of Allegan county and has seen its development from a wild forest into as fine a tract of country as can be found anywhere, with excellent farms and thriving cities and villages. He possesses an interesting fund of reminiscence, for, like his father before him, he was in his younger days an ardent sportsman and a good hunter and he has killed all kinds of game throughout this part of the state. HUMPHREY GARDNER.-In the death of Humphrey Gardner Allegan county lost one of her. most prominent and useful citizens, and although a number of years have been added to the past since he was called to his reward he is remembered in many a home. He was born in Attica, Wyoming county, New York, December 27, I819, a son of Daniel and Lorena (Ensign) Gardner, the former a native of Brimfield, Massachusetts, and the latter of New York. The father died when the son Humphrey was but five years old, and when nineteen years of age the latter went to Kane county, Illinois, there remaining for a number of years, he having reached the age of twentyseven years when he made his advent into Allegan county, Michigan, first locating in Wayland, then a part of Martin township, where he secured government land. His first residence was a little log cabin which he built near the site of his present residence, but this long ago gave place to a more modern and commodious dwelling, and as the years passed by he added to his original purchase until he was the owner of four hundred and ninety acres in one body, besides owning several other tracts, making in all seven hundred acres. At the time of his location here the land was covered with a dense growth of timber, but as time passed it was cleared and developed, improvements were added to the farm, and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm were added. Mr. Gardner realized but little, however, from the sale of the timber, with the exception of the last lot which he sold, which netted him six hundred dollars cash. He gave his attention to stock and grain farming, and he continued to actively carry on the work of the farm until his life's labors were ended in death on the 20th of March, 1898. In Kane county, Illinois, in September, I844, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Mary Brown, a native of that county and a daughter of Obijah Brown, their union being blessed with two children, Loren, who died at the age of twenty-five years, and Florence, who died when thirty-five years of age. On the 24th of October, I866, Mr. Gardner married Sylvia Brown, HISTORY OF AI LEGAN, COUNTY 285 a sister of his first wife, and they became the parents of three children, namely: Olive, who died at the age of fifteen years; Hulnphrey; and Clay, who received as his inheritance the old homestead, but it soon passed into other hands. Humphrey Gardner, Jr., was born February I, 1872, and remained with his father until the latter's death, when he received two hundred and eighty acres of the old homestead. He makes a specialty of mint growing, a large part of his land being devoted to that commodity, and he is also extensively engaged in the raising of peaches, of which he has twenty-five hundred trees, eight hundred of which are in bearing. His home eighty acres is well suited to the raising of this fruit, and he is well pleased with the results of his sales, for his fruit always finds a ready sale on the market on account of its superior quality. He also keeps twenty cows on his farm,and is conducting a first-class dairy. When twenty-three years of age Mr. Gardner married Elsie May Clark, of Ogle county, Illinois, and they have five children-Bernice, Louise, Lucille, Clark and Margaret. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and he is held in high regard in the county in which he lives. HOPKI NS. The early settlement of Hopkins township, beginning in 1838, and the difficulties of the pioneers in making their first homes, are told in the histories of the Round and Haftmaster families on following pages. It was not maln years after the coming of the pioneers that a grouping of population took place, resulting in the formation of three communities which may be described as centers. The first of these was Hopkins, or, as it is usually known at this time, Hopkinsburg, to distinguish it from the railroad station of the former name. A steam sawmill was the central enterprise of this village. The pioneer Erastus Congdon, who had located on section 26 about 1838, sold a part of his land in I856 to Dr. E. H. Wait, and the latter and Robert A. Baird constructed the mill. Various members of the BPaird family were connected with the operation of this mill, as is told in their history. In the meantime Dr. Wait opened a store, and in i86T William Richmond built a flouring mill. The hamlet continued to grow, but the rivalry of villages located on the railroad and the decline of the lumber industry worked the detriment of the village, and since the postoffice was discontinued there has been only a small business activity, which is noted in the sketch of Mr. R. R. Edgell. The village of Hopkins station, with a population of four hundred, half a dozen stores, a newspaper. has been growing for a number of years, and it is likely that Hopkins will soon be added to the list of incorporated villages. The early history of the site is told in the history of the Hoffmaster family, members of which owned the land from 1854. The beginnings of the village date from the railroad, a station being established in 1874 in John Hoffmaster's log house. Burnip and Iliff were the first merchants, and in October, 1874, S. A. Buck recorded the first plat of the village. A postoffice was soon established, mills and stores added to the commercial importance of the place, and Hopkins should be designated as one of the thrivingly progressive villages of the county. Of the early merchants Furber and Kidder con 286 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY tinued in business; they established a bank in I890, which is mentioned on another page. Hilliards is another settlement that owes its existence to the railroad. About I860 a Canadian lumberman named Lonson Hilliard purchased a large timber acreage in the northwest corner of the township, and during the following ten years before his death devoted his energies to converting its resources into marketable lumber. A station was established along the railroad track, and there two of his sons, William H. and Eugene, had a factory and a store, and several other business enterprises were attracted to that point. The postoffice is still maintained at this point, with a population in the vicinity of about one hundred persons. JOHN HOFFMASTER.-The name of Hoffmaster is inseparably associated with the history of Hopkins, its development and upbuilding, and he of whom we write has been most prominent in the work of advancement here, having laid out four different additions to the city and done much to improve them. A native of Mahoning county, Ohio, he was born near Youngstown, on the 28th of April, I843, and in 1854 accompanied his parents on their removal from the Buckeye state to Allegan county. His father, Gottlieb Hoffmaster, was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and when eight years of age was brought to the United States, the family home being established in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. He then went to Ohio, and in that state was married to Miss Susannah Eholtz. Gottlieb Hoffmaster was a weaver by trade and later became a shoemaker. His brother, John Hoffmaster, coming to Allegan county, had purchased one hundred and sixty acres on which the village of Hopkins now stands. He had arrived here in the spring of 1854, and in the fall of the same year Gottlieb Hoffmaster came with his family and secured the east half of the same quarter. He then built a log cabin in the midst of the forest, while his brother, John Hoffmaster, had a log house on the present site of the home of our subject. He also had a small clearing where the main portion of the business part of the village now stands. The greater portion of the land, however, was covered with a heavy growth of timber, including beech, maple, ash and elm trees. These were cut down and burned simply to get rid of them, without any regard to the value of the lumber. Gottlieb Hoffmaster remained upon the old home farm until the death of his wife, which occurred when he was more than seventy years of age. He passed away March 2I, 1903, when in his ninety-fourth year, his birth having occurred on the 3d of April, 80o9. For twenty years he had lived with his daughter, Mrs. John Nicolai, west of Hopkins. He had placed forty acres of land under cultivation and had improved it with good buildings, but eventually he sold his farm to his sons, John and Philip, and they platted five acres of the land, which was known as Gottlieb Hoffmaster's addition to the village of Hopkins. It is now well built over, being one of the populous and attractive residence portions of the city. In the family of Gottlieb Hoffmaster were four sons and a daughter. Philip, who has been blind for ten years, now lives with his nephew near Monroe, Michigan; Peter, who died at the age of sixty-four years, was at one time a merchant at Kalamazoo and later at Battle Creek, Michigan. John is the next of the family. GOTTLIEB HOFFMASTER AT THE AGE OF 84, ANI) HIS (REAT-GRAND-SON PETER, (Both deceased) If dr 1, -t :-::::-::::::~,,::::-::-::::::::: —; -:::::-j: m aR It (L Ad HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 287 Susannah is the wife of John Nicolai, and Isaac is a dealer in hardware at Ord, Nebraska. John Hoffmaster was eleven years of age when he came to Allegan county. He assisted in the arduous task of clearing and developing the new farm and also at an early age worked out for wages, which went to the support of the family. Attaining his majority, he and his brother Philip purchased eighty acres of land which was owned by his uncle John, who for a time resided upon a farm in this township but afterward returned to the village, where he passed away November 3, I893. He had also reached a venerable age, his birth having occurred on the 3d of December, I8I8. John Hoffmaster of this review was identified with business interests in Allegan countly until I864, when he put aside all personal considerations and enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a recruit of Company C, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He joined the regiment at Iookout Mountain and later went with Sherman on the Atlanta campaign and cn to Savannah and to the sea. Subsequently he participated in the Carolina campaign and continued on the march to Washington. He was in active service with his company from the time of his enlistment until the close of the war and participated in the battle at Bentonville, North Carolina, and was in the grand review in the capital city-the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. Returning to his home, Mr. Hoffmaster joined his brother Philip in a partnership, which was continued for about thirty years, or until I894, and throughout this period they were engaged in general agricultural pursuits and brought their land under a high state of cultivation. In I869 the Lake Shore Railroad was built and in 1874 they sold eleven acres from the southwest corner of their eighty-acre tract to S. A. Buck, who platted the original town site. In I876 the brothers platted the John Hoffmaster addition, comprising about eight acres from the south end of the eighty-acre tract, including the site of the old home. Since that time John Hoffmaster has platted two more additions, the second in 1897 of seven acres, and a third in I905, comprising nine acres, this making four additions in all to the town platted by Mr. Hoffmaster of this review and covering about twenty-nine acres. He has erected a handsome residence on the site of the old home of his uncle John, and has built other dwellings for rent. His son now operates the home farm. In 1871 Mr. Hoffmaster was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Baker, a daughter of Harvey M. Baker, one of the pioneer residents of Hopkins, who came to this township about I838 from Gun Plains township. Mrs. Hoffmaster was born in Hopkins township in I843. This marriage has been blessed with a son and daughter: Claud B., who now operates his father's farm, and Floy G., who became the wife of John McKinnon and died three months later, at the age of thirty years. Mrs. Hoffmaster passed away in 1882 after a happy married life of eleven years. A year later Mr. Hoffmaster was married to Miss Sarah A. Hare, of Allegan, where she was engaged in nursing. Their only child died in infancy. In his political views Mr. Hoffmaster is a stalwart Republican and always keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church and he is identified with Briggs Post No. 80, G. A. R., and the National Protective Legion. He 288 2HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY has tried to encourage enterprises for the good of the town and has served as supervisor here. He belongs to that class of representative American men who while promoting individual success also advance the general welfare by their co-operation in many movements for the public good. L. C. WALTER.-The business interests of Hopkins find a prominent representative in L. C. Walter, who is engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber, also in the manufacture of kitchen cabinets and in the operation of a planing mill. The extent and importance of his business interests make him a leading representative of trade relations here and his labors have been of direct benefit in the upbuilding and improvement of the city as well as a source of gratifying individual income. Mr. Walter was born in Watson township, Allegan county, July 5, 1863. His father, Conrad Walter, is now a farmer of that township, where he is extensively engaged in the raising of onions. When sixteen years of age he operated a threshing machine, which was one of the first in Watson township, carrying on this business for his father. He seemed to possess natural aptitude in understanding and operating machinery and was always at work upon some mechanical device. In the early days he did considerable work at repairing clocks and he operated the first self-binder in Watson township. He was also called upon to operate self-binders for farmers before they became accustomed to the mechanism. He established his present mill in 1894-a saw and planing mill, which has since been in operation. As a contractor and builder he has done a large and successful business and has thus contributed in substantial measure to the improvement of the city. About four years ago he enlarged the plant by the erection of a two story building fifty by one hundred feet with a one-story addition fifty by fifty-four feet. The building is constructed of cement and the measurements of the entire plant are two hundred and forty by fifty feet. This enterprise is the outcome of a small factory, which was established for the building of life saving boats. The larger part of the plant is now utilized in the kitchen cabinet department and at a recent date Mr. Walter has installed new machinery and power. He has about fifteen thousand dollars capital invested and the factory employs between forty and fifty men, having a capacity of from twenty to one hundred cabinets daily, according to the grade of the product turned out. When the business is enlarged to its full capacity it will demand an investment of about twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Walter also does interior finish work for the local trade. As a contractor he has erected all kinds of buildings, including churches, schoolhouses and residences in Allegan and Otsego. In this way he has employed from twenty to thirty men. He is an experienced draftsman and architect, making his own plans, and he has had wide experience in this line of activity. For twenty-three years hlie has been a lumber manufacturer, having operated a sawmill for five years at a siding two miles south of Hopkins, while for two years hlie was at Bravo. He also conducted a sawmill prior to that time, two years being spent in Oceana county, after which he operated a mill in Minnesota for a year in the employ of another man. Thus throughout the greater part of his life he has been connected with the lumber trade in its various departments. He has various houses in Hopkins that he has built and rents and he became interested in all that HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 289 led to developing the town. He has perhaps built nearly half of the town and has assisted in the development of one entire section of Hopkins, building homes, which he has later sold. He also built a brick church here for the Methodists and rebuilt for the Congregational Society, and erected a brick schoolhouse near the town. He has likewise put up two new store buildings in Hopkins and drew the plans for the new cement block in the village. His life has been one of untiring diligence and unremitting activity and whatever he has undertaken he has accomplished. Mr. Walter was married on the 22d of February, 1884, to Miss Hattie Fansler, a daughter of John Fansler, a resident farmer of Allegan township, where she was born. Their family comprises two children, Elsie and Harold Lynn, the latter now twelve years of age. The daughter is the wife of Jesse Kibby, of Grand Rapids, and they have two sons, Basil and Cecil. In his fraternal relations Mr. Walter is an exemplary Mason, true and loyal to the teachings of the craft. His political views are in accord with Republican principles and he has served as township treasurer for two years and has been a member of the school board. Viewed in a personal light he is a strong man, strong in his honor and his good name, strong in his ability to plan and perform. Ever watchful of opportunities he has so directed his labors that success has resulted and his work has proven of the utmost advantage to Hopkins as well as a source of gratifying income to himself. HOPKIIN S1BURG. ROBERT R. EDGELL, residing at Hopkinsburg, has been closely identified with industrial activity in this part of the county for almost a half of a century, doing carpentering, blacksmithing, wagon-making and painting. He was born in Brecksville, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, December 31, 1839, a son of James and Polly (Newell) Edgell, who were natives of Virginia and New York respectively but were married in Ohio. The father was a mechanic, who largely followed the wheelwright's trade. In the family were the following named: James, who lived.for some years in Buchanan county, Iowa, came to Michigan, settling at Hopkinsburg, where he was employed at his trade of wagon-making. Subsequently he removed to Cadillac, Michigan, where he died May II, 1895, and where his family still reside. Mason Edgell, the second son, was the third of the family to come to Michigan, arriving in 1857. He had previously spent three years in California, and he died in this state at the age of thirty-seven. His widow and family now reside in Ohio. Mary was married in Ohio to David P. Atwater, and in 1856 came to Allegan county, residing upon a farm near Hopkinsburg. Her death occurred there about I888, when she was fifty-eight years of age. William, who came to this county in 1858, was a carpenter and he secured the second farm west of Hopkinsburg. He was married in 1862 to Miss Mary Moore, and died March ii, 1895, just two months prior to the death of his brother James. Rebecca, who came alone to Michigan in 1857, engaged in teaching school in Allegan county until she became the wife of Edwin Parmalee, with whom she is still living in Hopkins township. Catherine, who came to this county with her parents, married William Frue, and died in early womanhood. Adeline, who came with her par 290 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY ents, married B. E. Viers, and died in I879. The youngest son, Knowlton B., came with his parents and is living in Hopkins township. In his boyhood days Robert R. Edgell of this review began to learn the wheelwright's trade. He spent two years in Medina county, Ohio, but afterward removed to Buchanan county, Ohio, where he worked at his trade. He had a brother in that state and remained there until April 17, 1862, when he came to Hopkinsburg, where he has since resided. He had visited the vicinity in the fall before. At that time his brother William and two sisters were living here. William was a carpenter by trade but became a farmer and spent the greater part of his life in agricultural pursuits. He died about eleven years ago. Mary was the wife of David P. Atwater and died eighteen years ago, while Rebecca, who married Edwin Parmalee, is still living in Hopkins township. In I862 the parents also came and the father worked at the carpenter's trade, having a shop where he had a turning lathe, etc. Both he and his wife died in this locality, the former in 1887, in his eighty-ninth year, and the latter in 1884, at the age of seventy-nine years. Robert R. Edgell, after arriving in this county, worked for a few weeks with his brother at the carpenter's trade, and in I864 built his present shop. He has since been busy at the bench or in other fields of industrial activity. He soon put in a blacksmithing department and he can do anything connected with wagon-making, including the painting. He possesses much natural mechanical ingenuity, and his skill and ability are manifest on various occasions and in various ways as he executes some task along industrial lines. He has resided continuously since coming to the county at the little village of Hopkinsburg, east of the Lake Shore Railroad. The postoffice has been discontinued here but the town contains one store, a blacksmith and wagon shop and a cheese factory. Mr. Edgell has been three times married. He first wedded Miss Arvilla Dunton, who died about eighteen months later just at the close of the Civil war. On the 26th of November, i867, Mr. Edgell was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Page, who was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and came to Michigan with her parents, who settled at Middleville. For some years she was a successful and able teacher of Allegan county. She traveled life's journey with Mr. Edgell for more than twenty-one years and passed away on the IIth of June, 1885. Unto them were born two sons and a daughter: Fred R., who is now engaged in moving buildings at Hopkins; Addie, the wife of Elmer George, a resident farmer of Watson township, and Earl. All were born in Hopkinsburg. The youhger son is associated with his father in business. He married Miss Edith Barnum, and they have three children, Carl, Ina and Gale. May II, I887, Mr. Edgell was again married, his bride being Mrs. Lottie Congdon, who died the following April. The present family home was erected by Mr. Edgell in 1875, and is one of the best in this locality. In politics he is a Republican with Prohibition tendencies and he works earnestly for the best interests of the county. For years he took an active part in convention work and he has served as township clerk and in other positions of public trust. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Masons. As the years have passed 'he has confined his attention largely to his shop, and his patrons know that HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 291 he can always be found on hand to attend to his business. As he has carried on his industrial interests he has also made investment in farms, buying and selling and has thus added not a little to his income. He is a man of unfaltering enterprise, accomplishing whatever he undertakes and his labors have been crowned with a gratifying measure of success. DR. NELSON E. LEIGHTON, engaged in the practice of medicine in Hopkins, was born in Sodus, Wayne county, New York, on the 2d of March, I848. His parents were Israel and Susan (Owen) Leighton, the former a native of Maine and the latter of the Empire State. They were married near Lyons, New York, and became residents of Michigan in 1853, settling upon a farm in Wakeshma township, Kalamazoo county. The father was a stone mason and contractor but after coming to this state turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, which he continuously followed until 1878. He then removed to Kalamazoo, where he lived to be nearly seventy-eight years of age. His death, however, occurred at Milbrook, Michigan, in the home of his eldest son. His wife died upon the old homestead in I877. They have three sons, who reached years of maturity: Charles H., a farmer living near Milbrook, Mecosta county, Michigan; Nelson E., of this review, and the Rev. Andrew F. Leighton, a minister of the Christian church, now located at Dover, North Carolina. Nelson E. Leighton was a lad of five summers when brought by his parents to Michigan, and in the public schools he acquired his education, while in the summer months he worked in the fields. He remained upon the home farm until eighteen years of age and then engaged in teaching near the home place. He afterward attended the seminary at Colon, Michigan, for a year and spent two years as a teacher in a private school near the old home. Subsequently he resumed his studies in the Sodus (New York) Academy, and in March, 1873, returned to Michigan. Here he supplemented his more specifically literary education by the study of medicine in Ann Arbor, where he remained as a student for a year. He likewise studied for a time in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and was graduated from the Long Island Hospital at Brooklyn, New York, with the class of I88I. He had fine hospital experience there, which was a valuable supplement to the theoretical knowledge of the class-room and thus he was well equipped for the profession which he had chosen as a lifework. In the meantime Dr. Leighton had efitered upon the practice of his profession at Hopkins, where he has since remained, with the exception of a brief period of one and a half years. He now has a wide practice and is acknowledged one of the able members of the medical fraternity in this part of the state. He belongs to the State Medical Society, and for twelve years has been a member of the pension examining board for Allegan county. He keeps in touch with the progress of the profession through wide reading and research and is a physician of broad knowledge and superior skill. On the 2d of October, 1878, Dr. Leighton was married to Miss Frances Butler, a native of New York, who was a telegraph operator at Kalamazoo. They now have one child, Bruce R., who was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy from the Kalamazoo Baptist College, in the class of I9o6. 292 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Dr. Leighton is a stalwart Republican and takes an active interest in the work of the party. He has also served as a member of the Republican county committee and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the principles which he advocates. He is likewise prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Masons, the Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the last named he has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. He is also connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and has represented the local tent in the grand lodge. Dr. Leighton has spent almost his entire life in this state and he early became imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor in the rapid and substantial upbuilding of the commonwealth. The same spirit of advancement has been manifest in his professional career, in which he has gained a creditable place. C. ELMER WOLFINGER, postmaster of Hopkins and a prominent representative of its mercantile interests as a member of the firm of Wolfinger & Gilligan, druggists, has been a resident of this town for twenty-seven years and has been closely associated with its progress and upbuilding. He was born at Milton, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of July, 1857, and when eight years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Fremont, Ohio, where they lived for three years. In I868 they became residents of St. Joseph county, Michigan, and after three years spent upon a farm there located at Mottville. Mr. Wolfinger is indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He began to clerk when sixteen years of age and continued business life in that way until he embarked in business on his own account. For twentyseven years he has been a resident of Hopkins, at which time he entered the general store of J. W. Braginlon, where he remained for four years. He afterward clerked for three years longer in Hopkins and then opened his present business nineteen years ago, at which time the firm of Wolfinger & Gilligan was formed and has had a continuous existence to the present time. They have a well equipped store and carry a large and carefully selected line of-.goods, which find a ready sale, owing to their reasonable prices and straightforward business methods. Mr. Wolfinger not only figures conspicuously in mercantile circles but has also been prominent in public life as the postmaster at Hopkins, having filled the position for thirteen years under the administrations of Presidents Harrison. McKinlev and Roosevelt. There are three rural routes radiating from Hopkins and on their establishment two other postoffices of the county were discontinued. His long continuance in the office proves Mr. Wolfinger's capability and fidelity. When twenty-seven years of age the marriage of Mr. Wolfinger and Miss Clara Baker was celebrated. She is a daughter of Jason Baker of Hopkins, and was born here. This marriage has been blessed with two children, Pearl and William Oliver, the former engaged in teaching music. The family is prominent socially and has a large circle of warm friends in Hopkins and the surrounding country. For years Mr. Wolfinger has been a devoted and exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has served as secretary of the local lodge. HIST()RY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 293 WILLIAM G. MCCLINTOCK.-The life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely identified with the history of Allegan county, Michigan, which has been his home for many years. He began his career in Michigan in its early pioneer epoch, and throughout the years which have since come and gone he has been closely allied with the interests and upbuilding of this section of the state, his name being prominently connected with the old stage drivers. He was born in Genesee township, Livingston county, New York, on the Ist of September, 1832, a son of Robert and Nancy (Smith) McClintock, of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, where they were married. The father was a soldier in the war of I812, and for many years resided in Livingston county, New York, where he cleared and improved a farm, but in 1842 he left that county, where he had lived and labored for so many years, and made his way to Michigan, taking up his abode in Irving township, Barry county. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for his death occurred six years after his removal to this state. His widow survived him for many years, dying in 1883. William G. McClintock, whose name introduces this review, was but ten years of age when he was brought by his parents to the wilds of Michigan, and throughout nearly his entire life he has therefore been identified with its development and improvement, has aided in transforming its lands into rich farms, and in many other ways promoted the progress and advancement. When but twelve years of age he received five dollars a month for driving a breaking team, and when he had reached the age of fifteen he started out in life on his own responsibility, thus being distinctively the architect of his own fortunes. At that early age he began his career as. a stage driver, first on the line from Constantine to Kalamazoo, which was owned by Patterson & Gerard and on which he continued for three years. thence from Hastings to Battle Creek and next from Kalamazoo to Martin and on to Grand Rapids. But during the first two years on the latter line he would only drive half way to Kalamazoo, but after that made the through drive from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids; while during a special rush he would leave Grand Rapids in the morning, reach Kalamazoo and immediately start on the return journey, reaching his destination at the former city at nine o'clock in the evening. The old Concord stages were then in use, drawn by four horses, and for ten years Mr. McClintock continued as a stage driver. During the campaign of I856 he was placed on a night line, and on one occasion while making his run the coach was overturned on a hill near Martin, and one of the passengers died from the injury which he received in the accident. On the ioth of June, i858, Mr. McClintock was married to Jane E. Whitney, a daughter of Ezra and Hannah H. (Dupuy) Whitney, both of New York. In 1854 they came to Allegan county, Michigan, and for manv years thereafter the father conducted a hotel at Bradley. He was well known to all the old residents of this part of the state, and Mr. McClintock often stopped at his hotel as he was passing through the country on his stage. Previous to this time, however, Mr. Whitney had conducted a hotel at Caledonia, located on the old stage line from Battle Creek, and after removing to Bradley he continued as the proprietor of a hotel there until the advent of the railroad in 1870. His death occurred about four 294 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY years ago, when he had reached the age of eighty-four years, and since that time his widow has resided in the home of her daughter, Mrs. McClintock, being well preserved at the good old age of eighty-four years. All of their sons are living, namely, Fred, Frank and Charles Whitney, and all make their home in Plainwell, Michigan. Two sons and three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McClintock: Charles C., who superintends the home farm; Libbie, the wife of Edwin Brewer, of Hopkins Station, Michigan; Clyde, who operates one of his father's farms; Mabel, the wife of Charles Baughman, proprietor of a meat market at Martin, Allegan county, and Mina, who died at the age of twenty-two years. After his marriage Mr. McClintock purchased the farm of forty acres where he now resides, located one mile west of Bradley, which he has transformed from an unbroken wilderness to its present high state of cultivation. As the years have passed by he has also added to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of one hundred and sixty acres, eighty acres of which lies on the opposite side of the old home farm, while forty acres is located two miles west. His business career has been crowned with a well merited success. He has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, conducting all business matters carefully and systematically, and now in his declining days he can look back over the past with little occasion for regret. M. W. HICKS is a prominent representative of industrial interests in Allegan county, being proprietor of the Springdale Cheese Factory at Hopkins, an enterprise which is of much value to the community, furnishing a market to the farmers for their products, and at the same time. proving a source of gratifying revenue to the owner. Mr. Hicks was born in Herkimer county, New York, January 20, I850. That district has long been celebrated for its cheeses and dairy products and Mr. Hicks became experienced in the manufacture of butter and cheese, and in the dairy business before coming to Michigan. He conducted a dairy in Madison county, New York, for ten years, and following his removal to this state has devoted his entire time and attention to the business, which he is now conducting. The factory was established about thirty years ago and was purchased by Mr. Hicks and his nephew, Charles Carpenter, in March, i888. The former owner was A. E. Chapman, now of Leighton township. The partners invested fourteen hundred and fifty dollars in the enterprise, which they conducted together until the fall of the same year, when Mr. Hicks purchased Mr. Carpenter's interest and has since been alone. HIe utilized an excess of one million pounds of milk in a season, making over one hundred thousand pounds of cheese. Each cheese which he sends out averages about forty pounds. His entire output is known as full cream cheese and is sold mainly to the wholesale trade. His enterprise is the medium whereby much money is placed in immediate circulation in this vicinity among forty milk producers, and has resulted in giving them nearly ten thousand dollars net above all expenses. This has enabled farmers to pay off mortgages and make improvements, keeping up the fertility of the land and no enterprise contributes more directly or largely to the general welfare and prosperity than does the Springdale Cheese Factory. Mr. Hicks was married in Herkimer county, New York, in 1876, to HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 295 Miss Pythena Cramer. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he has filled most of the offices in the Masonic lodge, of which he is a member. He is well known in fraternal, business and political circles as a man of worth, enjoying and meriting the esteem and confidence of all who know him. His choice of Hopkins as a favorable business location has been proven a correct one, for he has prospered in his undertakings here. He has recently erected a new residence and he has a splendidly equipped factory, supplied with all modern accessories and facilities for carrying on the business. The factory is characterized by neatness and cleanliness and the quality of its product is such as to insure a ready sale on the market at good prices. AARON SIHAFER, whose intense and well directed activity has been an important element in the improvement and upbuilding of Hopkins, has recently completed a fine business block, which is a valued addition to the village and adds much to the appearance of the business district. He is a young man thoroughly in touch with the spirit of modern business development and his record reflects credit upon Allegan, his native county. He was born November 23, 1871, upon a farm a part of which he still owns, his parents being George and Margaretha Schafer, who were reared in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The father had settled upon the old home farm when it was covered with the original growth of forest trees and there were but two houses in the vicinity. He placed seventy acres of land under cultivation, built three barns upon the place and otherwise improved it, continuing its further development and cultivation until his death, which occurred in September, 90o5, when he was sixty-eight years of age. Aaron Schafer remained at home until twenty-five years of age and in the meantime acquired a good practical education in the public schools and also learned the carpenter's trade. His father was also a carpenter by trade, and for four years had carried on business as a contractor. He erected the buildings upon his own farm and his mechanical ingenuity seems to have been inherited by his son Aaron. The latter's business interests are largely represented bv his investments in Hopkins, where he has recently completed a fine block fifty by eighty feet and two stories with basement. It is built of cement veneer and is divided into two store rooms, each twenty-five by eighty feet, while the new postoffice is reached through a side entrance. The ceiling is of steel and the floors of hard wood. The second floor, thirty by fifty feet, is divided into six rooms, and the rear, fifty by fifty feet, is arranged for the Masonic hall. The block cost about seven thousand dollars and is heated by steam. It is one of the finest business structures in the village. Mr. Schafer also owns fifteen acres of the old home place, which he has platted, making a good addition to the village. Watchful of business opportunities and possessing enterprise and energy that are not thwarted by obstacles or difficulties in his path he is constantly making progress in the business world and his efforts have been richly rewarded. His political support is given to the Democracy.. WILLTAM F. NTCOLAI, whose intense and well directed activity has led to the unbuilding of one of the leading business concerns of Hopkins, has extended the scope of his labors and is now dealing in flour, feed, grain and HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 296 hay, and operating the elevator at this point. He is one of the native sons of the county, having been born in Monterey township, on the 23d of December, 187I. His father, John Nicolai, is still living upon the old home farm in that township and is accounted one of the representative agriculturists of the community. William F. Nicolai spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead and after acquiring his education engaged upon his business career as a clerk, spending seven or eight years in the employ of W. H. Dendel in his store at Hopkins. He then started his present business four years ago, opening simply a warehouse with machinery. That was destroyed by fire on the 2d of February, I905, causing a loss of nearly one thousand dollars, but with characteristic energy Mr. Nicolai at once began rebuilding and erected a cement structure thirty by sixty feet and two stories in height, with new and improved feed machinery and an elevator with twenty-eight horsepower gas engine. He has about four thousand dollars invested in the plant. He handles grain quite extensively, shipping thirty thousand bushels of wheat in I905. He also handles that much grain which is made into feed for the local trade. He does an annual business of forty thousand dollars and his trade is constantly growing. He has been very successful since starting out on his own account and although he suffered through the fire he has steadily advanced in his business life and is now in control of a profitable enterprise. Mr. Nicolai was married in I895 to Miss Emma Lohmolder, who died a year and a half later, in i897. In 1899, Mr. Nicolai was married to Miss Lizzie Schwartz, who was born in Germany, and they have three children, Hulda, Leta and Cleo. In his political views Mr. Nicolai is a stalwart Democrat but without aspiration for office. Fraternally he is connected with the National Protective Legion. He has made a creditable record during his connection with the business interests of Hopkins, displaying enterprise and keen discernment whereby he is enabled to overcome difficulties and obstacles and make steady progress on the high road to success. JOHN GooDEmLL, a resident of Hopkins, Michigan, who for many years has figured prominently in the history of the county in connection with its development and growth, was born in Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, March 15, 1824, and has therefore passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. His father, Nathaniel Goodell, was a native of Vermont, and served in the xwar of I812. He was married in the Green Mountain state and soon after the close of hostilities in the second war with England he settled in New York. His wife bore the maiden name of Ellen Simpson. When their son John was twelve years of age they removed to Erie county, New York, settling on a farm about twenty-four miles south of Buffalo. He secured four hundred acres of land in the midst of the forest and lived a life of activity and enterprise. He died at the very venerable age of eighty-four years. His wife died at the age of seventy-nine, after passing her last days in the home of her son John in Monterey township, Allegan county, Michigan. In their family were ten children, of whom one soil died in Ohio. One daughter went to Indiana and one to eastern Michigan, while seven became residents of Allegan county. Samuel, who (lied in Cheshire township at the age of seventy-six years on the old home farm that he had cleared from the wilderness, was one of the pioneers of this part of the MRS. JOHN GOODELL JOHN GOODELL HIST()RY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 297 state. He had been a resident of Cheshire township for ten years prior to the arrival of the other members of the family in this county and in fact was one of the first white settlers of the township. His family are all now scattered, none being left in this county. Moses, after living for some years in Allegan county, went to the west but returned to Michigan in his old age and died in Monterey township, at the age of eighty-four. Nathaniel followed farming in Monterey township from 1847 and owned a well developed property. He died at the age of seventy-six years. John is the fourth of the family. Helen became the wife of James Stannard, who followed farming in Allegan and Van Buren counties, Michigan, but both are now deceased. Lydia is the widow of H. W. Durand, of Heath township, who was a veteran of the Civil war and (lied in 1906. She survives and is living in Mill Grove, Michigan. Louisa is the widow of Elizer Hogmire, and lives at MTatawan, Van Buren county. As previously stated, John Goodell was a youth of twelve years at the time of the removal of the family to Erie county. When sixteen years of age he went to Geauga county, Ohio, settling thirty miles east of Cleveland, where he was employed at farm labor. In 1844 the family came to Allegan county, settling in what was then Trowbridge township but is now Cheshire township, about fifteen miles southwest of the village of Allegan. John Goodell is the only surviving son of the family and after coming to Michigan he assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm. In 1845 he married Miss Rosanna Cooley, whose parents were Royal and Sabra Cooley, both of Vermont, where Rosanna was born. They removed to Geauga county, Ohio, and were neighbors of the Goodell family there, so that the young couple had been acquainted for fifteen years at the time of their marriage. In I845 the Cooley family had also come to Allegan county, driving an ox team across the country and settling as near neighbors to the Goodell family in Trowbridge township. Mr. Goodell had but thirty dollars at the time of his marriage but he possessed a stout heart and willing hands and resolutely set to work to make a home for his bride. He worked in the woods, cutting logs by the day or took jobs at clearing land and within two years he made enough money to buy forty acres of land for one hundred dollars, or two dollars and a half per acre. He and his brother bought eighty acres together. This lay in Monterey township about a mile north of the center. It was rolling land covered with heavy timber, including beech and maple trees. This was a wild and unimproved district. His home was the last on the border and it was sixteen miles to his nearest neighbor on the north. There were only two houses to the east between his home and Wayland, a distance of twelve miles, but Deacon Brings lived three-quarters of a mile to the south, although the place was reached only by an old Indian trail. Mr. Goodell's first house was a substantial log cabin with a brick fireplace and brick chimney. He hauled the brick from Allegan a distance of nine miles. He worked for others in the winter to gain ready money, and the first winter helped clear forty acres of land. The next spring, when the town of Holland was started twenty miles awav, he helped build the first house there. A shipload of emigrants from Holland, numbering three hundred families, had landed in the woods at the end of Macatawa Bay. Six settlers, including John and Nathaniel Goodell went to the emigrants to help them build their houses there. This was the sum 298 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY mer of 1848, and Mr. Goodell worked there during the season. As opportunity offered he also cleared his own place and raised potatoes among the stumps. He thus worked for two years until he had cleared a sufficient amount whereon to raise crops that would yield him a living. He would chop down the trees and cut them up and with the exception of assistance received for a half day he did his logging all alone with a yoke of unbroken steers. When a sufficient amount had been cleared he worked on his place all of the time save during the harvest seasons when he would accept employment from others. His family remained upon the farm all through this time and while he and his brother Nathaniel were absent their two wives lived together. After eight or ten years John Goodell began to buy and sell land and thus he added to his income. He also induced many settlers to locate in this locality, a number of whom came from Ohio. He had written to many of his old friends in that state and induced them to come to Allegan county, after which he would assist them to secure farms and homes here. He also handled land for lumbermen and he purchased different tracts all about his original purchase of forty acres until he had one hundred and eighty acres of land, which he still owns. He bought it in its wild state and improved it himself, and he paid as high as twenty-five dollars per acre for uncultivated land. He continued the work of clearing and cultivating until nearly all of his farm is now well tilled. He realized nothing from the timber, not recognizing its value at that time. In the log cabin which he first built he continued to reside until I857, when he built what was then the best house in Monterey township. It is still well preserved and is yet a first-class residence. He has four barns upon the place for shelter of hay and grain and he gave considerable attention to the raising of good stock and was a breeder of high grade horses. He carried off several premiums Dn his horses when placed on exhibit at different fairs. He has bred and rained many fine horses both for the road and the farm and for many years lie handled live stock, including cattle, sheep and hogs. He has had over two hundred head of cattle come to his farm in one day. He made a business of bunching stock for many years and he also bought cows for dairy purposes in Ohio for twenty years. Through a long period he was regarded as the principal stock buyer in Allegan county and his operations in that line of business were extensive. In addition to his old homestead he has also bought other improved farms, including the old Briggs farm. -Ie would purchase land and then improve and sell to good advantage, and he also gave a farm to his daughter. In 1884 he left the old home place and removed to Hopkins, although he coiitinued to supervise his farming interests, five and a half miles distant, hiring help to do the actual work of the fields. However, for the past four years he has rented his farm but still keeps stock, having now about thirty head of cattle, horses and hogs. Since taking up his abode in Hopkins he has built a fine residence on Main street, which he occupies, and here he also owns a brick store building, occupied by his son-in-law, Frank Watkins. In the past six years he has erected several houses which he rents, and he also sells many of his houses. For three years he was a partner of L. C. Walter in the lumber business, and together they built a number of houses in the village. However, for the past two years Mr. Goodell has practically lived retired, having accu HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 299 mulated a comfortable competence that now enables him to enjoy the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons and two daughters, but only one survives, Ella, the wife of Frank Watkins, who lives near her father's home in Hopkins. Her father gave her an eighty-acre farm located in Monterey township and also built for her a fine home in the village. The two sons of the family died in infancy, while the daughter, Thucey Etna, died at the age of nine years. Besides rearing their own family Mr. and Mrs. Goodell also took into their home Eliza Ferguson, the little daughter of Mr. Goodell's niece. She became a member of their household at the age of two years and remained with them until her marriage to Frank Dettenthaler, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Martin Reed, a nephew, also became a member of the household when twelve years of age, and remained with them until he reached manhood, when he spent three years in the service of his country, and then returned to their home, where he remained until his marriage. He also gave a home to Fred Miller from the age of eleven years, and Henry Quist from the age of thirteen years, until their marriage. Mr. Goodell has always given stalwart support to the Republican party. He served as commissioner of Monterey township for four years and also as township treasurer for four years, being the first Republican to hold the office in Monterey township as it has always been known as a Democratic stronghold. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows until the Monterey lodge was abandoned. Mr. Goodell, coming to Allegan county a poor man, when the country was still wild and uncultivated, has labored diligently and persistently in the work of development along agricultural and industrial lines, no man in the county having done more for its upbuilding and progress, and today he is numbered among the well-to-do and influential residents of this section of the state, where he has a wide and favorable acquaintance and enjoys the good will and respect of a host of friends. DR. JAMES D. CAMPBELL, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Hopkins, was born in Elgin county, in the Province of Ontario. Canada, August 27, I865. His parents were likewise natives of Ontario, where the father is still living, having for many years been engaged in manufacturing there. The doctor has a sister who is now the wife of Fred Edgerton, of Allegan county. The boyhood days of Dr. Campbell were spent in his parents' home and his early educational privileges were afforded by the public schools and in a collegiate institute. Wishing to enter professional life and determining upon the practice of medicine and surgery, he came to Michigan and pursued a course of study in the medical department of the Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor. He completed his course in Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn, New York, with the class of I890, after which he was made ambulance surgeon to the Eastern District Hospital in Brooklyn, acting in that capacity for several months, during which time he greatly broadened his knowledge by practical experience. In 189I he came to Hopkins and opened an office. He had a brother, W. S. Campbell who was then a merchant in the county, and it was through his influence that Dr. 300 HIST(RY ()F ALLEGAN C(UNTY Campbell located here. He has now resided here for fifteen years and has enjoyed an excellent practice, having a large and well merited patronage. He is a member of various medical societies and thus keeps in touch with the onward march of the profession. Anything which tends to bring to man the key to that complex mystery which we call life is of interest to him and his practice occupies nearly his entire time. He is especially fond of fast road horses and is breeding a fine class of roadsters and he owns and occupies a pleasant home in Hopkins and he has built several good houses which he has sold, thus adding to the material development and improvement of the town. Dr. Campbell was married in Delaware county, Ohio, to Miss Carrie L. Lewis, of that county, where she was reared. She was liberally educated in music, and prior to her marriage she was a prominent teacher of music in Des Mloines, Iowa. She is now acting as church organist and her services in both vocal and instrumental music are frequently in demand. She has constantly been engaged in church and choir work and also in training choral singers in various churches. At one time she was a member of the finest choir in Grand Rapids and her superior talent and ability makes her a valued addition to musical circles wherever she goes. Dr. Campbell is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, the Masons, the Woodmen and the National Protective Legion and is now president of the local organization of the last named. He is also chairman of the local Republican committee and has been a delegate to the county and state conventions. He takes an active interest in politics as every true American citizen should do, and is a stalwart champion of the principles which he supports. He is not so abnormally developed in any one direction as to become a genius but labors along lines that are of benefit to the community both as a citizen and in a private way but at no time has his outside interest ever caused him to neglect the duties of his profession, which he discharges with a sense of conscientious obligation. GILBERT M. STONE, a veteran of the Civil war, engaged in farming in Hopkins township, was born in Lorain county, Ohio, March 4, 1829-the date on which Andrew Jackson was first inaugurated president of the United States. His father was a mechanic and the family lived in a little village, but Gilbert M. Stone had no school privileges until he was more than nine year of age. He then went to the home of his brother-in-law in Cleveland, and in thirteen months had two weeks' schooling, so he returned home and worked with his father at the carpenter's trade. When fifteen years of age he went as a sailor on the lakes, being on vessels engaged in the lumber trade. He sailed before the mast for six seasons and on his last trip bought a scow, but on the first trip on this he drove ashore and the vessel was lost, although the crew were saved. He afterward worked with his father for two years and became a very skillful workman at the carpenter's trade. When about twenty-one years of age Mr. Stone was married to Miss Adeline Lucas, then a young lady of eighteen years, who died two years later. In the meantime his wife's parents and her two brothers and Mr. and Mrs. Stone came to Michigan, settling in Calhoun county about eleven miles south of Battle Creek. Her father was a soldier of the war of I812 HISTORY )OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 301 and received a land warrant in recognition of the aid which he had rendered the country. He and his wife afterward, however, returned to Ohio and about that time Mr. and Mrs. Stone removed to Galesburg, Michigan. Her death, however, occurred in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Stone was employed as a pile driver on railroad bridges in Ohio, but afterward again came to Michigan. An old friend, Albert Cheney, who had come with him upon his first trip to this state, had also returned to Ohio, and in February, 1853, Mr. Stone and Mr. Cheney once more came to Michigan, settling this time in Allegan county, where Stevens D. Stone had lived for seven or eight years. The three men took the job of chopping trees into windrows ready for burning for the George Jewett Company and thus cleared about fifty acres of land and also worked in the Dumont mill for Mr. Jewett. Mr. Stone is therefore familiar with the experiences of the lumber camps of the early days, when many hardships and privations were to be endured in connection with clearing the land. On the IIth of May, 1856, he was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mabelia Miller, a daughter of Ira R. Miller, of Monterey township, whom he wedded in Allegan. For a year after his second marriage he continued to work in a lumber mill and then spent a year on a farm in Van Buren county. He afterward worked by the day clearing land in i862, and in the meantime also operated a sawmill in Monterey township. His was a life of intense activity and le was thus closely associated with the labor that has resulted in bringing about the present state of development and progress in the county. He was thus employed until his enlistment for service in the Civil war on the 2(1 of August, 1862, at which time he became a member of Company L, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, under Captain Pritchard, now of Allegan. He served for a year and a half under Generals Thomas and Rosecrans and participated in the battles of Murfreesboro and Chattanooga. He then went to Atlanta and after the capitulation of that city returned under command of General Thomas to head off Hood at Nashville. They followed Hood on the raid to the Tennessee river and afterward went under command of General Wilson to western Tennessee and into Alabama and Georgia, being stationed in the latter state at the time of General Lee's surrender. A detachment of the Fourth Michigan was sent from Macon and captured Jefferson Davis. After a year and a half's connection with the armv Mr. Stone was detailed for service in the quartermaster's department as forage master for the regiment, in which connection he frequently made raids into the surrounding country in order to gain supplies for the army. He was taken prisoner while in the hospital at Luverne by General Joe Wheeler, but was soon afterward paroled, and on the ist of July, I865, he received an honorable discharge. He met the usual experiences and hardships meted out to a soldier and knows military life in all its details. When at the front Mr. Stone saved his money and upon his return putI chased his present place. He afterward worked a farm on shares and in 1876 he came to his present farm. He had also engaged in lumbering to some extent, taking small contracts, and he worked for three seasons in the lumber woods. All of his land was burned over in 1871, at the same time the Chicago fire occurred. There was a small board house upon the place but he had not moved into it. The fire killed all the timber. Mr. 302 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Stone was an expert with the ax, and few men have done much more in the work of clearing in this county than he, for on one occasion within twentyfive and a half days he winrowed, chopped and prepared for firing twenty acres of timber of heavy beech and maple, for which he was paid six dollars per acre. Even after locating on the farm he continued to work for others from time to time and thus gained the ready money that enabled him to carry on the work of development on his own place. He has forty acres in the home tract, which is pleasantly situated about three miles north of Hopkins and he also owns forty acres a mile distant. In I887 his residence was destroyed and the following year he erected his present brick dwelling. In 1905 he suffered the loss of his barn by fire, at which time it contained five head of horses, six head of cattle, wagons and considerable hay. He has since built a new barn on the same wall and he has carried forward the work of improvement and progress until he now has a well developed place. Unto Mr. Stone by his first marriage was born a daughter, Mary, who became the wife of Uriah Hoffmaster and died at the age of thirty years. The children of the second marriage are: Horton, who died when more than thirty years of age; Carrie, the wife of Dan McBride; Earl, a farmer of Hopkins township; Walter, who is operating the home place; Ruby, the wife of William Leggett, of Hopkins township, and Harry, who was a member of the regular army and was wounded at Wounded Knee in battle when Sitting Bull was captured. He died at Pine Tree Agency a few days after the battle, for blood poisoning followed the wound, necessitating amputation. His strength, however, was not sufficient for him to rally after the operation. He was then but twenty-one years of age. Mr. Stone was a member of Harlow Briggs Post No. 80, G. A. R., and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political allegiance to the Republican party but has no desire for office. Hunting and fishing have always been to him a delightful source of rest and recreation and he found the greatest enjoyment in hunting when the country was full of game. He killed wild ducks off the ridge of his granary with a ten-foot pole, the country being so full of game at that time. He has intimate personal knowledge of the history of this section of the state from pioneer times down to the present time and has been a co-operant factor in many movements which have resulted beneficially in promoting the material development and progress of this part of the state. TACOB F. SLAGEL.-The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth, and it is this that conquers adversity, overcomes obstacles and wins success. Such a spirit has been the dominating influence in the life of Jacob F. Slagel, an enterprising merchant of the village of Hopkins, where he is dealing in lumber, coal, building materials, doors, sash and interior finishings. He has a good trade in these various lines and his efforts are a factor in the commercial development and business prosperity of the village. A native of Marion county, Ohio, he was born on the I4th of April, I855, his parents being Tobias and Mary (Akom) Slagel, who, in 1863, came to Allegan county, settling two miles west of Salem Center upon a new farm in Salem township. The father improved about eighty acres of land and his place comprised one hundred and twenty acres. He thereon built a brick house and two barns, transforming his property into one of the best farms HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 303 of Salem township. For many years he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits but about a year ago he sold his farm and is now living with his children, his wife having died shortly before the sale of the farm. Unto them were born four children: Jacob, Elizabeth, now the wife of Bert Purdy, of Allegany county, New York; Carolina, the wife of Charles Miller, who resides upon the old Slagel homestead, and Frederick, who is engaged in farming near Dorr. Jacob F. Slagel was reared on the old home place until twenty-two years of age and assisted in the various duties connected with the further development and improvement of the farm. He had also learned the carpenter's trade, and after working for some time in the employ of others began contracting on his own account. At a later date he again spent two years upon his farm but with this exception has continued as a contractor and builder, erecting a number of buildings in Allegan and throughout the northern part of the county. He made his home in Salem until about four years ago, when he removed to Hopkins and he owns a farm in Salem township. He employed from two to six men in his building operations and many substantial structures stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. Coming to Hopkins, he opened a coal and lumber yard in I903, succeeding Mr. Streeter after his death. He has about four thousand dollars invested in the stock and does an annual business amounting to about ten thousand dollars. He has extended the scope of his activities by dealing also in building materials, doors, sash and interior finishings, as well as in coal and wood and he has a good trade. Prior to becoming owner of the business he had built the lumber sheds for Mr. Streeter, who died, however, just as the business was being started. Mr. Slagel has met with success from the beginning and his patronage has steadily increased until it has now reached very gratifying proportions. He has also erected a nice residence in Hopkins. In Salem, at the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Slagel was united in marriage to Miss Mary Punches, a daughter of George Punches, of Salem. She, too, is a native of Ohio, and was brought to Michigan in her girlhood days. They now have a family of two children: Tillie May, who was formerlv a teacher and is now the wife of Pearl Gibson, who is in the lumber yard, and Laura Etta, the wife of Fritz Christman, of Allegan. Mr. Slagel gives his political allegiance to the Democracy. He has served as highway commissioner in Salem and has filled various offices in the Odd Fellows' lodge, which he has also represented in the Grand Lodge. He has likewise served as district deputy and for twenty years has been closely associated with this organization. He is also a Mason and is now tyler of the lodge in Hopkins. His business interests have brought him a wide acquaintance through the northern part of the county and the qualities he has displayed in all his relations with his fellowmen, whether of a public or private nature, have won for him uniform confidence and esteem, while his business enterprise and intelligently directed efforts have brought him a gratifying measure of success. WILLIAM H. DENDEL, well know in business circles in Hopkins, is conducting a general mercantile establishment and also deals in hardware, implements, wagons and carriages, his stock being arranged on the plan of a 304 tHISTORY OF ALLEGAN C()UNTY department store. He occupies a building sixty-four by eighty feet, two stories in height with basement and also a warehouse fifty by sixty feet. The store building is his own property and he is recognized as one of the leading and enterprising merchants of the village, conducting a constantly increasing business. Mr. Dendel was reared in Monterey township four miles west of Hopkins, and at the age of twenty-two years left the farm, thinking that he would find other pursuits more congenial. He had secured a liberal education, having for two years been a student at Berea, Ohio, and for one year in a business college at Indianapolis, Indiana, after completing his preliminary education as afforded by the common schools in his home locality. After starting out in life for himself he was for two years engaged in the fruit commission business at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he was also deputy county treasurer at Great Bend, Benton county, Kansas, where his brotherin-law was county treasurer. He then turned his attention to merchandising in Hopkins. In 1885, in company with J. T. Visner, he purchased the store of John Bragington and united that stock with his own, occupying one room twenty-four by fifty feet with five thousand dollars invested in the business. After a year, however, Mr. Visner sold out to Peter Dendel, the father of William H. Dendel, who continued in business until 1894, when his death terminated the partnership. The interest went to his daughter, the wife of Fred Bechtold, who for two years was connected with the store, when he sold out to W. H. Dendel, who has since conducted the business alone. The trade is steadily increasing along substantial lines and the sales of I905 amounted to over thirty-eight thousand dollars. He carries a fine assortment of goods in all lines usually found in a general department store. For ten years he occupied a one story building, after which he erected a two story brick building, so that he has one of the most substantial and best arranged stores of the county. He employs three male and two lady clerks and attends personally to his own business, considering no detail too unimportant to claim his personal supervision. This is undoubtedly one of the strong features of his success as he is thoroughly conversant with the trade in every department. There is a harmony throughout the whole establishment and his enterprise and diligence constitute strong features in his success. In I886 Mr. Dendel was united in marriage to Lena Loew, who resided near Burney's Corners and who died three years after their marriage, leaving two children, the younger of whom died about a week after the mother's death. The other, Mamie, is now clerking in her father's store. At his second marriage Mr. Dendel chose Miss Emma Loew, a sister of his first wife, and to them has been born a son, Lloyd, who, at the age of thirteen years, is a student in the Allegan high school. He was the youngest pupil to graduate from the Hopkins school and delivered the valedictorian address. In his political views Mr. Dendel has always been a stalwart Republican and frequently attends the conventions of the party. He is secretary of the local lodge of the National Pr6tective Legion, in which capacity he has served for thirteen years. This has a membership of four hundred and is the largest membership in the United States when the size of the town is taken into consideration. A life-long resident of the county Mr. Dendel has a wide acquaintance and is most favorably known as a representative and en HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 305 terprising business man, whose labors have been of direct benefit in the improvement and progress of the village of Hopkins. DR. ALMOND H. WICKS who, practicing along scientific lines, has gained recognition as one of the foremost members of the medical fraternity in Allegan county, has been located in Hopkins township for eighteen years. He was born in Cooper township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, on the i2th of January, i86i. His father, John H. Wicks, was one of the successful and prominent early teachers of the county and followed his profession in Cooper Center and at Plainwell. Later he located on a farm in Watson township, Allegan county, and continued teaching in connection with general agricultural pursuits until he was nearly sixty years of age. He did much to further educational progress in the community and to advance the public school system to a high standard. He is now living retired at Martin, this county, and is one of its respected and valued residents. A native of New York, he was educated in a seminary of that state and followed teaching prior to his removal to Michigan. Dr. Wicks was reared under the parental roof, remaining at home until twenty-one years of age. After attending the district schools he became a student in the high school at Otsego, and when he had put aside his textbooks he concentrated his energies upon the farm work until twenty-four years of age. In the meantime he had become imbued with a desire to enter professional circles and determined to make the practice of medicine his life work. He therefore pursued his first course of lectures in the medical department of the State University, at Ann Arbor, where he remained as a student for three years, being graduated in the class of i887, with the degree of M. D. He located for practice in Hopkinsburg, and later removed to the village of Hopkins on the railroad. He has an excellent practice and is thoroughly well qualified to take charge of important cases, for he is a conscientious physician, of wide knowledge and broad experience. He belongs to the Kalamazoo Medical Academy and to the State Medical Society. In company with his brother and with Herman Stroud he assisted in organizing the Hopkins Creamery Company in I902, and is still financially interested in the enterprise. In April, i889, Dr. Wicks was united in marriage to Miss Nellie DuCharne, of Plainwell, Michigan, who was engaged in the millinery business there. They now have three children, Lola, and Bernard and Bernice, twins. In his political views the doctor is a stalwart Republican and fraternally is a Mason, while he and his wife are members of the Congregational church, of which he was formerly a trustee. SAMUEL B. LOVALL.-Among the enterprising, progressive and publicspirited citizens of Hopkins is numbered Samuel B. Lovall, who in his business relations is meeting with creditable and gratifying success. He is conducting a furniture store and undertaking establishment at Hopkins and also has an undertaking establishment at Wayland and Dorr. This is a utilitarian age, and it is the men of business enterprise who are the leaders in the world and the real upbuilders of any community and as such Samuel B. Lovall deserves mention among the representative citizens of Allegan county. He was born at New Haven, Indiana, August 4. I854. His father, Samuel 306 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Lovall, was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and, removing westward, settled near New Haven, Indiana, when twenty-two years of age. He had in his possession a rifle and a few clothes and thus he started life in the middle west upon the frontier. He married Miss Nancy Rogers, who had removed to Indiana from Preble county, Ohio, and was a daughter of John Rogers, who owned and occupied a farm on the bank of the Maumee river. Soon after his arrival Mr. Rogers aided in setting out apple trees on the farm, this being the first orchard in Allen county, Indiana, and one tree which he planted attained a girth of nine feet and eight inches and is still living. Mr. Lovall and his wife established a little home in the midst of the forest on the Maumee river and there he cleared and developed a farm. He built a log cabin and Mrs. Lovall frequently went out of the house while he was cutting trees, fearing that they would fall upon the house and do injury to its inmates. The parents continued to reside upon the old homestead farm, which the father developed there until called to their final rest. The mother passed away in i868 at the age of fifty-five years, when her son, Samuel B., was a youth of fourteen. He was twenty-two years of age when his father died. In the meantime one hundred and twenty acres of land had been cleared and had been converted into one of the best farms in Allen county. Samuel B. Lovall was reared to the arduous task of developing and improving a new farm and at the building of the Wabash & Erie canal, which was one mile south of the farm, hauled the timber for the locks on the canal between Fort Wayne and Defiance, Ohio. At the time when the pioneer home was replaced by a brick residence in I876 he and his sister had charge of the building, the father being an invalid, and they put a stone in the gable upon which was carved the father's name and also the date-1876. This was a modern brick dwelling, one of the finest in that section of Allen county. In the family were two children, the subject of this review and his sister, Eliza, who is now the wife of Frank Frisby, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The old home property continued to be the residence of the parents until the death of the father, when it was sold. Educated in the public schools and reared to farm life, Samuel B. Lovall continued to aid in the development and improvement of the old homestead until the father's death. Soon afterward he established an undertaking business at New Haven, Indiana, about two miles from the old home, where he continued until his removal to Hopkins in i888. The fact of having friends in Allegan county induced him to select his present location. Here he opened a furniture store and undertaking establishment, and in a short time he added a harnessmaking establishment, which he conducted for eleven years. He finally determined to extend the field of his operations by establishing branch undertaking establishments, and about ten years ago opened an office at Dorr, ten miles north of Hopkins. He also opened a business at Wayland and carries a stock of caskets at each place, with a man in charge. He also keeps a funeral car in Wayland and two at Hopkins. The Wayland car is said to be the finest in the county, and Mr. Lovall practically has charge of all the funerals in this part of the county. He is a licensed embalmer under the state laws, his license being No. 9r. His long experience makes him very capable as a funeral director. In Hopkins he has erected a store building and three dwellings and also three barns. The business block is twenty-six by seventy HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 307 five feet, and the second story is used as an opera house and public hall for the town. He has also erected a fine brick dwelling, which is one of the most attractive and modern residences in the village. On the ist of February, I906, his two sons, Harley and Burl, aged seventeen and fourteen, established a grocery store on their own account in a part of their father's store building, starting with a stock worth four hundred dollars. They have succeeded beyond their expectations and they are the youngest business firm in the county. On the 12th of February, 1887, MVr. Lovall was united in marriage to Miss Serena A. Miller, of New Haven, Indiana, whose grandparents were among the earliest settlers of that section of the state. Her birthplace was near the Lovall farm, and by their marriage there are now two children, Harley and Burl, who, as stated, are conducting a grocery store. In his political views Mr. Lovall is a Republican, having always acted with the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He was coroner for the county for six years and gave such matters his careful attention. Fraternally he has been a Mason since attaining his majority and is very active and helpful in the local lodge. He is also an Odd Fellow and a Knight of the Maccabees, and has further fraternal relations with the Woodmen and the Protective Legion. About eighteen years ago, in connection with Charles Knobloch, he organized the Hopkins band, of which they remained in control for fifteen years, Mr. Knoblock playing the cornet and Mr. Lovall the bass drum and cymbals. The band was called to fairs all over this part of the state and even into Indiana and won wide reputation for Hopkins. Mr. Lovall was only fourteen years of age when his mother died and he was left with the care of an invalid father. His early educational privileges were exceedingly limited, for he had to attend to the work of the farm from the age of twelve years, the father being completely helpless as far as outdoor work was concerned. Whatever success he has achieved has resulted entirely from his own labors and in the face of difficulties and hardships which would utterly have discouraged many a less resolute man he has made steady advancement toward the goal of prosperity, and his business record and private life are alike commendable and exemplary. THOMAS GILLIGAN, the junior partner of Wolfinger & Gilligan, and also assistant postmaster at Hopkins, is one of Allegan county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Watson township on the I8th of September, I862. His parents were Patrick and Mary (Rogers) Gilligan, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of New York. The father came to Allegan county with his stepfather, Patrick Nolan, and took up his abode in Watson township. He improved a farm in that township and for many years has been accounted one of its leading and representative agriculturists. Both he and his wife are still living and they have an excellent farm of two hundred and twenty acres, to which he yet gives his personal supervision and attention. Thomas Gilligan was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that devolve upon the agriculturist. When twentyfive years of age, however, he started out upon an independent business career and thinking that he would find commercial pursuits more congenial 308 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY than agricultural life, he formed a partnership with Mr. Wolfinger, which connection has since been maintained, and since about I887 Mr. Gilligan has devoted his energies to the conduct of the drug store. He is also acting as assistant postmaster, his partner being his superior officer in that connection. They have a well appointed store, carefully managed and tastefully arranged, and their efforts have been crowned with a measure of success that indicates their close application and honorable business dealing. Mr. Gilligan was united in marriage to Miss Viola George, a daughter of Chester George, and a native of Monterey township. They are pleasantly located in Hopkins, where they have a wide circle of friends. Mr. Gilligan is a Democrat in his political views and socially is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. Twenty years' connection with Hopkins and its business interests have made him well known in the town and as a native son of the county whose life record reflects credit upon the place of his nativity and the place of his residence he well deserves mention in this volume. JACKSON BAKER, one of the venerable residents and pioneer citizens of Allegan county, now living at Hopkins township, has intimate knowledge of conditions which existed here when the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun. In fact, he aided in planting the seeds of civilization in the forests of Michigan and ever bore his part in the work of general improvement. He was born in lower Canada March I6, 1829, a son of Harvey N. and Catherine (Schufelt) Baker, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter a representative of a Pennsylvania Dutch family. They were married in Canada and settled in Allegan county near the mouth of Gun river on the 8th of June, I836. Later they resided in Martin township for two years and in the fall of 1838 came to Hopkins township, being the third family to settle within its borders, their predecessors being Jonathan O. Round and Erastus Congden and his family, who lived near Hopkinsburg. The first death in the township was that of Hopkins Round, who died when two and a half years old and was laid to rest a half mile east of the village of Hopkinsburg. The township of Dorr was set off from Watson township and as soon as the population was sufficient to justify another division Hopkins was set off from Dorr township. On that occasion each man of the township dropped a slip into a hat with his choice of a name thereon and the first one drawn was to be the name of the new township. It chanced that Hopkins.was upon the slip which was first taken from the hat and thus the township was named in honor of the little lad whose death was the first within the borders of the township. Harvey N. Baker, on coming to the township, settled on the farm where Gottfried Knuth now resides and there made his home until his death. The buildings which he erected have been removed from their original location, but the house is still standing, being now used as a barn. Mr. Baker was an expert' hewer of timber and was identified with building operations at an early day. He assisted in building the first sawmill, also in the construction of early bridges and other buildings at Otsego and in this part of the county. He placed eighty acres of his land under cultivation and died just prior to his sixty-fifth birthday. His wife, who was some years his junior, survived him for four or five years' In their family HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 309 were fourteen children, of whom thirteen reached adult age, and of these five sons are living in I906, namely: Jackson, Alonzo, Milo, Edwin and Philander, all in Hopkins township. Of the others Eugene died in middle life. Mary was the wife of Philetus Wood. Minerva married Levi Wilcox. Melissa became the wife of Charles Brown. Emily married Judson Goodwin and both died soon afterward. When she was six years of age she strayed into the forest and was not found until she had been away from home three days and two nights. She was discovered on Bear creek. Mahala became the wife of Frank Kelly and her second husband was William Loomis. Julia married John Hoffmaster, and Amanda became the wife of Philip Hoffmaster. All of the daughters are now deceased. Jackson Baker remained on the old homestead farm until twenty-one years of age and became an expert with the use of the ax. He took jobs at clearing, logging, teaming and other work in the woods and thus made a start upon his business career. When twenty-four years of age he was married in November, 1853, to Miss Emma Adams, of Hillsdale county, Michigan. He had at that time eighty acres of land, which he had purchased direct from the government at one dollar and a quarter per acre, and it has never been transferred or mortgaged, but still remains in his possession, being one of the oldest settled farms of the township. In May, 1854, he built a log house upon it. He still continued to work out, however, at clearing and logging and in building roads and in other ways. Later he concentrated his energies upon the further development and improvement of his farm, upon which he continued until about eight years ago, when he removed to Wayland, where he lived for a time, and his son operates the old home place. Mr. Baker placed sixty-five acres under cultivation and carried on the work of tilling the soil, and annually gathered rich and abundant harvests. He removed from the log cabin into the present home which now stands upon the farm, in I872, and as his financial resources increased he added to his property until the farm comprises one hundred acres of rich and productive land. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born the following named: Mary, who became the wife of Albert Mudget and died when thirty-one years of age; Clinton, a painter of Allegan; Rosina, the wife of George Kilgore, of Kalamazoo; Truman, who is living in Hopkins township; Belle, the wife of Silas Hilbert, also of Hopkins township; and John, who is upon the old homestead. In his political views Mr. Baker is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant for office. He has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and is one of the venerable pioneer citizens of the county. His memory embraces the period of early development here. He well remembers when the entire countryside was covered with a forest growth that was the haunt of many wild animals. Mr. Baker himself has killed more than two hundred deer in this part of the state and he greatly enjoyed the sport of hunting at an early day. Time and man have wrought many changes and now where once stood the dense forest are seen fields of waving grain or fine fruit orchards, while in their midst here and there are scattered thriving towns and cities, containing all the elements of civilization and improvement known to the older east. 310 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY R. C. ROUND, now living retired upon his farm in Hopkins township, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Michigan and of a New England ancestry that was established in America in colonial days. His paternal great-grandparents were George and Martha (Hopkins) Round, the former a Revolutionary soldier, while the latter was a sister of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Their son, Oziel Hopkins Round, wedded Anna Olin, and unto them were born fourteen children, including Jonathan Olin Round, the father of R. C. Round, of this review. He was the eldest and was born in Clarendon, Vermont, October IO, I809. When twenty years of age he married Miss Sallie Congdon, who was born in Clarendon July IO, I8io. In May, I834, he purchased one hundred and forty acres of land in Kalamazoo township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and came to this state with Erastus Congdon, his brother-in-law. In the spring of I837 he took up his abode in Hopkins township, Allegan county, becoming its first permanent settler. For forty years he carried on general agricultural pursuits and then in 1877 retired from his farm to the village of Hopkins, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. His wife died February 8, I884, while he survived until August 23, I890, but had been totally blind for twelve years. His son, Rollin C. Round, of this review, the eldest in a family of nine children, was born in Clarendon, Vermont, July I3, 1831. He was twenty years of age when he made his first purchase of land, securing a tract on section 36, Hopkins township, Allegan county. He made further preparations for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 7th of May, I854, to Miss Zorada Andrews, a daughter of Norton and Caroline (Root) Andrews, who came with their family from Ohio to Michigan in I853. Mr. and Mrs. Round traveled life's journey together for about twenty-three years and were then separated by the death of the wife, who passed away leaving an only daughter, Clara A., who became the head of the household. After losing his first wife Mr. Round was again married on the 14th of October, i88o, to Mrs. Martha Corbett, nee Baldwin, who came from New York and was married the first time in this county. She died December 26, 1902, after a happy married life of more than twentytwo years. She had two daughters by her first marriage: Ada, now the wife of Nelson Hull, of Hopkins; and Ella, the wife of William Martin, of Hopkins. Both remained at home with their mother until their marriage. Mr. Round's daughter, Clara A. Round, remained as housekeeper for her father from the age of eighteen years until her marriage two years later to Rosell J. Gorton, who has since carried on her father's farm. Thev have three children: Rollin G., who is carrying on farming on the old homestead, having built a house in the same yard, and who married Alma Yates, by whom he has a daughter, Geneva Y.; Mamie, the wife of Warren Hurley, a farmer of Otsego township, by whom she has two children, Carlos B. and Leon G.; and Clyde B. Gorton, who is a student in the State Agricultural College at Lansing, Michigan. The homestead farm comprises eighty acres of rich land, of which Mr. Round placed forty acres under cultivation. He erected the main part of the present house and made other substantial improvements on the place. Since Mr. Gorton has taken charge he has added fifty-eight acres to the HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 311 home place, beside two forty-acre tracts in Watson township, so that the farm now comprises altogether two hundred and eighteen acres. He has erected a large bank barn and altogether the farm is one of the best in the township. For fourteen years Mr. Round lived upon the farm belonging to his second wife and then removed to the village of Hopkins, where he was retired from active business cares, making his home in the village until the death of his second wife. He then returned to the old home farm in Hopkins township and has since lived with his daughter, Mrs. Gorton. In the early days he would take jobs at clearing land and making roads and causeways. He lived in an old log house for nearly twenty years, it being among the first built in the township, but his present residence was erected in 1873. In those early days much valuable timber was burned in order to clear the land and prepare it for the plow. Both he and his father were Democrats in political faith and he has served only as road commissioner, having no ambition or aspiration for public office. He has witnessed many changes in the county as the years have gone by and has worked diligently and persistently, allowing no obstacles to brook his path toward the goal of success. He is now comfortably situated in life and in spirit and interests seems largely in his prime, although he has passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten. JOHN G. ELLINGER, living in Hopkins township, is a sturdy representative of the Teutonic race, which has been an important element in the civilization of the world. Its sons have gone into many districts and their characteristic enterprise and perseverance have made them good citizens and prosperous business men. To this class belongs Mr. Ellinger, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, December Io, I838. He was a youth of fifteen years when, in 1853, he came to America, his brothers. Daniel and Christian, having crossed the Atlantic four years before. They were both located at that time in New York City, where they were conducting a store, and the subject of this review became a clerk in their establishment. After two years spent in that way he made his way to Michigan. His brother Daniel sold his interest in the store to Christian and also came to Allegan, where he established a clothing store six months before the arrival of John G. Ellinger, who came in July, 1855, and again entered his brother's employ. He afterward worked on a farm.and in a sawmill and was thus actively and busily employed until I86I, when he responded to the call of his adopted country, enlisting at the first call for three years' men as a member of Company A, Third Michigan Cavalry. He was under the command of Captain Moyer and his service for two and one-half years was with the company, which he joined on its organization. For four and a half years his time was devoted to military service and he was then honorably discharged. On re-enlisting, several members of the old regiment were assigned to Company F, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and he continued with that command until the close of the war. He started on the Atlanta campaign under General Grierson, but the forces under that leader had to retreat and thus ultimately made him a participant in the battle of Nashville against Hood. He was afterward engaged in military operations in Mississippi, when his company was out on a raid attempting to capture rebel near Corinth, Mississippi. This was in the second year of his service and 312 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY he was disabled for three months. He was captured near Jackson, Mississippi, when his company was out on a raid attempting to capture rebel leaders, Mr. Ellinger being with the advance guard. He and his comrades had captured several Confederates that morning and he advanced beyond the regular force in order to learn which road to take. He rode into a squad of rebels, who, after chasing him for six or eight miles, succeeded in effecting his capture. He found that a member of this squad was a man who he himself had captured some time before and in return for the considerate treatment which Mr. Ellinger had extended to him he in turn received good treatment at the hands of the rebels, but as his company pressed forward he was taken into the woods where they encamped. His gun and horse were sold to the highest bidder and he was offered a position as first lieutenant if he would join the Confederates. It is needless to say that he rejected the offer and watched an opportunity for escape. Lying down, he crawled as far as possible from the fire behind a log and toward morning he rose up and looked about him. He found that an old man was on guard. He then lay down again and arranging his blanket he crawled off on all fours. At length he heard the hounds in pursuit, but by trailing things behind him he cut off the scent of the dogs. At length he called at a house to make inquiries concerning a horse and was directed to a plantation, where he pretended to be one of General Forest's spies. He saw a horse there hitched to the fence and also secured a sheepskin for a saddle. He had advanced four miles on his way when he saw four horses tied to a fence and he crawled down along by the side of the fence in order to obtain one of those horses, but the owners were out of the house near by and jumped on their horses before he had a chance to carry out his design. He crouched low into the fence corner, keeping low to the ground, and thus escaped notice, after which he returned to his own pony. At length he reached camp at nine o'clock in the morning and at once was fitted out with a horse, saddle and gun and again went into line as a scout. He was generally in the advance guard, which often placed him in a very hazardous position, and for some time he served as corporal on the staff of General Coon, of the Ninth Illinois. He received an honorable discharge on the 31st of October, I865, at Selma, Alabama, and thus after about four vears' active military service he returned to his home. He was a most faithful soldier, loyally performing any duty that devolved upon him, and he now attends the reunions of the Third Michigan Cavalry, for he always regarded it as his regiment, as it was only circumstance that placed him with the Ninth Illinois. He is now a member of Harlow Briggs Post No. 53, G. A. R., of which he has served as commander, while at the present writing he is quartermaster. Following his return to Allegan county Mr. Ellinger was for two years engaged in business with his brother Daniel in the conduct of a clothing store. In I857 he had purchased an eighty-acre tract of wild land, and in September, 1867, he located thereon in order to start a farm. During a furlough he had been married at Grand Rapids on the 8th of April, I863, to Miss Matilda Schute, who was born in Hamburg, Germany, and became a resident of New York in I849. Eight years later she went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her father was engaged in business as a cutter and tailor, making officers' clothing during the period of the war. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 3I3 Mr. and Mrs. Ellinger had become acquainted while she was visiting in Allegan in I860, and were engaged when he enlisted for the war, so that on his return to the north on a furlough the wedding was celebrated. As before stated, they took up their abode upon the farm in September, 1867. A small clearing had been made by Mr. Ellinger prior to the war and he built thereon a house. Two years later he sold that farm and bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, with forty acres cleared and a log cabin. There he lived for thirty-three years, or until about three years ago, during which time he placed one hundred and twenty acres of land under cultivation. He also erected good buildings upon the place and a bank barn, making altogether a fine farm, which is pleasantly and conveniently situated a mile and a half north of Hopkins. About three years ago he bought back forty acres of his original eighty-acre tract, since which time he has also built a good residence and substantial outbuildings. He has since sold his old place of one hundred and sixty acres to his two sons, Louis and Benjamin, while he operates the home place of forty acres situated in Hopkins township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ellinger have been born ten children, of whom nine are yet living: Henry, a resident farmer of Hopkins township; Elnma, the wife of Charles Gertz, a contractor of Grand Rapids; Bertha, the wife of George Blakely, an undertaker of Grand Rapids; Fred, who is a farmer of Hopkins township but lives at home; Charlie, who is employed in a furniture factory in Grand Rapids; Louis, who is still on the old homestead and who served as a member of Company B, Thirty-fifth Michigan Infantry, during the Cuban war; Julia, the wife of Fred Krug, a ranchman of Montana; Benjamin, who is also living on the old homestead; and George, a ranchman of Montana. They lost their eldest child in infancy. Mr. Ellinger has always been a stalwart Republican and has been prominent in local affairs, serving for fifteen years as a school officer and in other positions of public trust. He belongs to the Methodist church and has lived a life in harmony with his professions, commanding the respect and confidence of his fellow men by reason of his business activity and probity. There is no more loyal citizen of America than this adopted son, who proved his fidelity by long and arduous service on the southern battlefields and who is continually manifesting his public spirit by his devotion to the welfare of the community in which he resides. McKiNNON BROTHERS.-The firm of McKinnon Brothers, composed of John D. and Will J. McKinnon, have for ten years handled practically all of the stock shipped from Hopkins, in which connection they are well known business men, controlling a trade that brings to them a good annual income. Both are natives of Barry county, Michigan, and came to Allegan county in I878. The father, Roderick McKinnon, was proprietor of a store in Hopkins for several years. He had come from a farm in Barry county but was born on the Island of Tyree, Argvleshire, Scotland, January 22, 1832. He crossed the Atlantic to Canada in 1847 and in I849 became a resident of New York. For a number of years he was a sailor on the ocean, rising to the rank of mate, and for three years he sailed on the Great Lakes. Removing to Michigan he followed farming for, a considerable period in Barry county and in 1885 became a resident of Hopkins. 314 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY While in New York he was married to Margaret Ml. Forrest, the ceremony being performed in York in 1862. Reared under the parental roof and educated in the public schools, John D. and Will J. McKinnon joined forces in a business partnership, which for ten years has made them the leading stock dealers of this part of the county. For a decade they have handled and shipped stock at Hopkins, buying and selling horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. They buy stock which they place upon their farm and when in fit condition make shipments. They ship from one to five carloads of hogs each week and often a carload of cattle. Their business has given farmers a regular market, so that at any time they can sell. During a year the firm pay out about seventy-five thousand dollars for stock. They make Hopkins their central point of shipment and in addition to their operations here they also own and conduct a farm of one hundred and eighty acres. Their attention, however, is principally given to the purchase and sale of stock. Their land is a part of the old Hoffmaster farm. It adjoins the corporation limits and a part of it has been platted, whereon each of the brothers have erected a home. They are also agents for the International Harvester Company, which connection has been maintained for four years. Their business is now extensive and profitable and is of much benefit to the community as well as a source of annual income. Both brothers have been married. John D. McKinnon wedded Floy G. Hoffmaster, who died three months later. William wedded Mary Hull, and they have four children-Kenneth, Ethel, Forrest and Keith. The brothers are Republicans in their political support and are well informed, intelligent men, who keep in touch with the spirit of modern progress and thought. AMOS B. WAIT.-NO history of Allegan county would be complete without mention of Amos B. Wait, who has been identified with its interests from an early period in its development. He is numbered among those who aided in clearing away the forest and he has experienced the hardships and privations of frontier life incident to the development of a home in a new country. Born in Portage county, Ohio, on the 2d of October, 1834, he is a son of Jonathan and Abigail (Belden) Wait, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts and settled on the western reserve in Ohio at an early day. The son Amos remained under the parental roof until twentyone years of age, and in the spring of 1856 came to Michigan. The fall before Dr. E. H. Wait had visited Allegan county and purchased large tracts of land. Both came in the spring of 1856 and several other families from Ohio also made the journey to this county at that time. The Waits settled at Hopkinsburg, three miles east of Hopkins, and Dr. Wait and R. A. Baird built a sawmill there in order to cut the pine timber from their own land. Amos Wait worked in the mill through the summer and in the fall of that year returned to Ohio, but in the spring following again came to Allegan county and once more worked for his brother and his partner, Mr. Baird. The doctor also conducted a large store at Hopkinsburg and purchased great quantities of maple sugar, dealing extensively in that commodity. He finally returned to Ohio, however, and died there in 1871. Amos B. Wait returned to Ohio the second winter and was married a -dsI e HISTORY OF ALLEGAN CO)UNTY 315 there to Miss Eliza Parker. He afterward operated his father's farm for one year and then came again to Allegan county, where he purchased eighty acres of wild land one mile south of the present site of Hilliard. He then went into the woods, cutting beach and maple, and he sold some timber, including black cherry. The log house which he built, sixteen by twentyfour feet, is still standing and is one of the old landmarks of the community, a mute witness of the many changes that have occurred in the intervening years. He paid four dollars per acre for his land, which was all covered with the forest growth, the value of which was little appreciated by the settlers at that time, who, anxious to get rid of the trees that prevented them from tilling the soil, burned much of the timber. In order to obtain ready money he worked out by the day, chopping and clearing, and he cleared his own land when he could get no work from others. Thus he placed sixty acres under cultivation and in the course of time the fields became very rich and productive, yielding large harvests. He built a good barn about the time that the Lake Shore Railroad was built through his farm and about six years ago he erected a new and attractive residence. His soil was rich and productive and in addition to its cultivation in later years he conducted a dairy and was also a stockholder in the Hilliard creamery. He continued upon the farm until April. iQo6, and after a residence there of forty-seven years he rented the place and took up his abode in the village of Hopkins, where he now has a nice home. Mr. Wait lost his first wife on the 14th of September, 1871, and in November, 1872, he married Mrs. Charlotte Eavs, nee Benedict, who at the time of their marriage was residing at Summit. She was born in Summit county, Ohio, and by her first marriage had one son, Myron Eavs, who was five years of age at the time of her second marriage, and he lived with Mr. and Mrs. Wait until his own marriage. H-e is now a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Wait by his first marriage had three children: Etta, the wife of Burt Parmalee, of Hopkins township; Minnie, the wife of William Tanner, of Dorr township; and Cora, the wife of Samuel Plumb, of Portage county, Ohio. By the present marriage there are two children: Grace, the wife of Charles Hoffmaster, and Katie, the wife of Harvev Hoffmaster. The two gentlemen are brothers, and both families reside in Kalamazoo. Mr. Wait gives his political allegiance to the Republican party and is thoroughly in sympathy with its principles. For a half century he has resided in this county and has not only been a witness of its changes, but has been a participant in much of the work that has wrought its present development and progress. In years passed he killed many deer in this section of the state and shot manv other kinds of wild animals. He has known and met the experiences and hardships of the lumber camp. performing the arduous task of clearing and developing a new farm and has carried on his work with a persistency of purpose that has in the course of years brought him a measure of success that now enables him to live retired. THE BAIRD FAMILY has long been widely and prominently known in Allegan county, the name being inseparably interwoven with the history of this part of the state. Three brothers, Robert A., John A. and Philander 0. 316 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Baird, all of whom were then married, came from Twinsburg, Summit county, Ohio, to Allegan county in 1856. They were sons of Robert Hunter Baird, a representative of an old family of Massachusetts, who removed from New England to Ohio in 1841. In the family in addition to the three brothers were two sisters, who lived in Allegan county, namely: Hannah, the wife of Dr. Wait, a physician and merchant at Hopkinsburg; and Olive, who married Newell Upson. Robert A. Baird, the eldest of the brothers, became a miller at Hopkinsburg, where his widow still resides. John A. and Philander 0. Baird settled on adjoining farms, but John A. lived for two years in Hopkinsburg before taking up his abode on his farm. He then gave his attention to the cultivation of the soil through the summer months, while in the winter season he bought logs for his brother, who operated a sawmill. His farm lay two miles north of Hopkinsburg and he placed some sixty acres under cultivation. His first home was a log cabin, which he occupied until the present residence was erected by him about thirty years ago. His time and energies were devoted to general agricultural pursuits until within five years of his death, which occurred September 22, I905, when he was in his seventy-eighth year. Philander 0. Baird worked at the mill for two years before coming to the farm. He also retained his residence upon his farm until he was called to his final rest April 12, I903, in his seventieth year. On the 4th of February, I862, just before going to Michigan, he was married to Miss Aurelia Tooker, a sister of P. W. Tooker, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. She survived until March 5, I906, and passed away at the age of sixty-seven years. Mr. Baird returned to Ohio for his bride and following the marriage ceremony brought her to his log cabin in the midst of the forest. This remained their home until it was replaced by the present residence that now stands on the farm, which was built in I873. Philander O. Baird was a Republican in his political views and both he and his wife were members of the Congregational church at Hopkinsburg. Their family numbered a son and daughter, Kendall 0. and Lottie, but the latter died in her seventeenth year. Upon the old homestead farm belonging to his parents Kendall O. Baird was born September 24, I864. He was reared to habits of industry and economy and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age. He has spent his entire life upon the farm save for four seasons, which were devoted to the manufacture of cheese. He worked with his father until five years prior to the latter's death, when he assumed the entire management of the business, owing to the fact that hts father had suffered a stroke of paralysis. He has carried on mixed farming, also raising cows and hogs. He usually keeps from ten to seventeen cows, selling the milk to the cheese factory. He uses the Guernsey stock and has some high grade animals. In all of his work he is progressive and accomplishes what he undertakes, carrying forward his business along lines of enterprise and activity that result in bringing him gratifying and well merited success. On the 5th of January, I895, Kendall O. Baird was married to Miss Lonnie Rumery, a daughter of J. L. and Hattie K. (Buck) Rumery. The Rumery family has also been identified with the county from pioneer days. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 317 Salsbury B. Rumery, a pioneer of Monterey township,; located there in 1843, while J. L. Rumery arrived in 1844. He married Hattie Buck,, of St. Lawrence county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Rumery are still living, their home being near Ohio Corners, in Hopkins township, and Mrs. Rumery's mother, who bore the maiden name of Jane Emily Butler, is also with them at the age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Baird was born in Monterey township, afterward spent five years with her parents in Allegan and then removed to Hopkins township, where she was living at the time of her marriage, when she was twenty-one years of age. Her father was born in Monterey township sixty-two years ago and was also married there. Mr. Baird is a Republican but without aspiration for office. His entire time and attention has been devoted to his business affairs and he is a worthy representative of a pioneer family that from an early day has taken an active and helpful part in the work of progress and improvement. HENRY F. BUSKIRK, a member of the state board of agriculture and a former representative of his district in the general assembly, is a distinguished resident of Allegan county and one who has wielded a wide and beneficial influence in public affairs. He is not a politician in the ordinary sense of the term. With him the public welfare is ever paramount to personal aggrandizement and the general good of greater interest than party progress. The duties which have been entrusted to him have been faithfully performed and he has made each task a close and earnest study in order to secure the best possible results. He has become widely known throughout Michigan as one whose labors have been of direct benefit to the state at large and at the same time he looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. His home is in Wayland and in addition to his residence there he owns a good farm property in Hopkins township, upon which he spends the summer months. Mr. Buskirk was born on the old farm homestead in Hopkiiis township, November 26, i856, his parents being William and Sophia (Sadler) Buskirk. The paternal grandfather, Abram Buskirk, was married in New York, his native state, to Miss Nancy Garrison and removed from Ovid, New York, to Dover, Ohio. In 1853 he became a resident of Michigan, where his sons, John, Abram, Peter and William, all of whom were heads of families at that time, had previously settled, living in the same neighborhood. William Buskirk and his wife had arrived in Allegan county in 1854. John Buskirk remained but a short period, after which he returned to Ohio. Others, however, continued in Allegan county and cleared and developed farms. Of these brothers William and Peter are yet residents of the county, while Abram Buskirk, Jr., cleared and improved a farm upon which he spent his remaining days, dying in this county at the age of seventy-seven years. His widow still resides upon the old homestead. The younger members of the family who came with their father, Abram Buskirk, Sr. were Allen, Isaac, Daniel, Jane and Eliphelet. Of these Allen, Dahiel and Eliphelet married three sisters, Louisa, Ellen and Catherine Van Tassel, daughters of M. W. Van Tassel, a prominent pioneer lumberman of Wayland. Allen, who for many years followed farming, about 1872 went north to the lumber woods and died at Big Rapids. Daniel Buskirk, who lost his wife here about thirty-eight years ago, is now a carpenter. Eliphelet, the youngest son, 318 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY resided upon the old homestead until three years ago, when he sold the property, and is now engaged in farming in Wayland township. Jane, the only daughter, became the wife of Herman F. White, who died recently, and she is now living on the old homestead farm. The father of this family, Abram Buskirk, Sr., died in his eighty-seventh year, while his wife, Nancy, passed away when but sixty-two years of age. William Buskirk, father of our subject, was married at Dover, Ohio, to Miss Sophia Sadler, on the 23d of July, 1847. They are both now in the eighty-first year of their age and have been married for fifty-nine years. On coming to Michigan in 1854 they had one son, Thomas. William Buskirk secured a farm of one hundred and twenty acres near his father's place and carried on the work himself until about ten years ago. He has never served in office save in connection with the schools, but since the organization of the party has been a stalwart advocate of Republican principles. He has always been a great Bible student and a strict observer of the Sabbath. Wherever known he is valued and respected, and he and his wife are one of the most venerable and esteemed couples of Allegan county. In their family were four sons and two daughters: Thomas C., who is now engaged in the practice of medicine in Portland, Michigan; Alva L., a farmer of Wayland; Henry F.; Elizabeth, the wife of J. Crabb, a farmer of Hopkins; Clara, the wife of Almon N. Baker, in this vicinity; and John D., a practicing physician at Shelby, Michigan. Henry F. Buskirk supplemented his preliminary education by study in the high school at Otsego and afterward engaged in teaching at Wayland. In 1875 he entered the Agricultural College, from which he graduated with the class of I878. He devoted the winter seasons for seven years to the profession of teaching, and following the completion of his collegiate course he began farming on his own account. He was married January 28, I88I, to Miss Lillian E. Hoyt, a daughter of I. N. Hoyt, of Wayland. Mr. Buskirk then engaged in the lumber business in connection with his father-in-law at Wayland for eight years, interrupted, however, by an interval of three years spent upon the farm. His summer months were devoted to the care and cultivation of his land and his agricultural pursuits were crowned with a goodly measure of success. As the years passed by Mr. Buskirk added to his possessions until at one time he owned three hundred acres of land, a part of which he rented and part of which he operated. He has recently sold his farm of one hundred and sixty acres and in fact has disposed of all his farming property save about forty acres. He lives in the village of Wayland, spending only the summer months on the farm. He has erected there good buildings, has drained and tiled much of the land and is now devoting his attention to the growing of onions, sugar beets and cabbages, which are successfully raised and constitute a marketable commodity. Active and energetic in his business life and carefully controlling his interests, Mr. Buskirk has met with a measure of prosperity which numbers him among the successful residents of Allegan county. The home was blessed with two children, but they lost their only son in childhood. The daughter, Bessie, was graduated from the Agricultural College just twenty-five years after her father's graduation, and for three years was engaged in teaching in the city schools of Grand Rapids, where she won [ HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 319 advancement, but preferring to remain at home, she is now with her parents in Wayland. Mr. Buskirk, while leading an active and useful life in connection with his business interests, has also found time and opportunity to perform much valuable public service. Early in life he filled various township offices and has occupied various positions in the village of Wayland. In 1897 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and served as a member of various important committees. He was also chairman of the Northern Asylum for the Insane at Traverse City. In I899 he was made chairman of the committee of the Agricultural College and a member of the committee on fisheries and game. This committee was instrumental in securing an appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars for the erection of the woman's building to the Agricultural College. His services during the Pingree administration at the beginning of the adoption of the special tax legislation and an amendment to the constitution resulted in the creation of a tax commission. When he began his work in that direction the railroads paid less than one million dollars taxes but now pay four million dollars. His term in the general assembly having expired he then retired, not desiring to again become a candidate. He is a member of the state board of agriculture, having first been appointed by Governor Warner. This is a very important board, but no salary is attached. The board constitutes seven members, having charge of the expenditure of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per annum. All experiment stations are under the supervision of the board. The board also has entire supervision of the Agricultural College, the erection of new buildings and other work connected therewith. The office of the board is located at the Agricultural College, the secretary residing there. His public spirit is manifest by his work in connection with an office which pays no salary and which is of the utmost benefit to the state along lines of agricultural progress and development. Local advancement and national progress are both causes dear to his heart and in working toward ideals he uses practical methods which produce results quickly and that are of a most substantial character. PLINY H. TOOKER.-The farming interests of Hopkins township are well represented by Pliny H. Tooker, a wide-awake, alert and enterprising business man, who in the management of his property interests displays excellent executive ability. He was born in Twinsburg, Summit county, Ohio, May 17, 1836, and was a young man of twenty-three years when, in I859, he came to Michigan, settling in Ionia county, where he lived until I862. During that period he worked at the mason's trade and also at plastering. In 1862, however, he left Michigan and went to Wheatland, Iowa, where he was employed for a brief period. He then, however, put aside business considerations and personal interests in order to respond to the country's call for aid and enlisted on the g9th of August, 1862, in company with boys he had formerly known in Ohio. They were assigned to duty with Company L, of the First Iowa Cavalry. The regiment had been in the field for a year and Mr. Tooker's enlistment was for the unexpired term of the regiment. The authorities tried to hold him, however, for three years, but on the 2Ist of February, 1865, he secured his discharge, 320 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY after two years and six months in the service. The regiment was in Missouri when he joined it and he was largely engaged in duty in that state and in Arkansas, participating in the battle at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and in all of the military actions and engagements in that state. He went to Little Rock with Steele and was largely engaged in fighting bushwhackers. For a time he was quartermaster sergeant, also commissary and wagon master. He participated in many raids and never missed a roll-call, so that he was in constant service. His position was often a hazardous one, for frequently greater dangers are incurred in such warfare rather than in the regular pitched battles. Returning to Iowa, Mr. Tooker was for one season employed at farm labor there by his brother, and in November, I865, he returned to Ionia county, Michigan. Having established a home of his own he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey and was married there to Miss Elizabeth Rice of that county. He afterward removed to Allegan county, where his sister, Mrs. Philander Baird, was living. He purchased his present farm, but it was then a tract of wild land. He had worked at the plasterer's trade for years, being employed all over Allegan county, but resolving to turn his attention to agricultural pursuits he established a little home in the midst of the forest, his cabin being only sixteen by twenty-four feet. Recently he has replaced this by a more commodious and modern residence. With characteristic energy he began the arduous task of clearing his land, and in I87I, at the time of the great forest fire, it was burned over. Much of the timber had then been cut and he had a fine sugar orchard, which also was a good source of income to him. His first team was a yoke of wild steers and he performed all the tasks of clearing and developing his farm in the primitive manner of the times when much manual labor was required because of the lack of farm implements that invention has later brought. In 900o, after building a fine bank barn, Mr. Tooker suffered a stroke of paralysis and lost the use of his left hand. The government allowed him a total disability pension, which was readily granted. Since that time Mr. Tooker has retired from active farm work and has since given to his son Ray the home place, while another son, Ernest W. Tooker, has a ten-acre tract of land and thirty acres still remains in possession of our subject. His son, however, utilizes his land and in return gives a home to his parents. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tooker have been born four sons and one daughter: Ernest W., who is both a plasterer and farmer; Harry L., in the village of Hopkins; Frank L., of Allegan; Raymond, who is living on the old homestead; and Lena B., the wife of Leon Mason, a jeweler of Hopkins. Raymond served in the Spanish-American war in Cuba with the Thirty-third Michigan Infantry. He is now operating the old home place and is one of the enterprising farmers of this county. His wife was Minnie Horner, a daughter of Martin Horner, and they now have three daughters-Lela, Allie and Emma Belle. Mr. Tooker belongs to Harlow Briggs Post No. 80, G. A. R., and although he has never had opportunity to attend a regiment reunion he attended the National Encampment at Milwaukee. He thoroughly enjoys fishing and spends much of his time in that way, having practically retired from business life. I, /J94 cWe, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 321 SAMUEL M. EGGLESTON.-The history of Samuel M. Eggleston if written in detail would present a very complete and typical picture of pioneer life in this portion of Michigan, for he was identified with the work of development as Allegan county was cleared from the forest and converted from a timbered region into an agricultural district, rich with its possibilities for the raising of grain and fruit. He is now living retired in Hopkins, a life of labor being crowned with an age of ease. His birth occurred in Aurora, Portage county, Ohio, October 20, 1831, his parents being J. K. and Lucy (Buckley) Eggleston, who were married in Aurora. The father was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in I806, and when a child of two or three years went to Ohio. There were five brothers in the family, all of whom settled in Aurora, Ohio, one of these being General Eggleston. The house stood within twenty miles of Lake Erie and the father of our subject well remembered hearing all day long the guns that were fired in the naval battle when Perry won his great victory on that lake. He continued a resident of Aurora up to the time of his death, which occurred in his eighty-fourth year. Samuel M. Eggleston was reared in his father's home, where he remained until twenty-four years of 'age, although in the meantime he spent two winters in the pine woods near Saginaw, Michigan. He was married at the age of twenty-four years to Miss Eliza M. Smith, who was born in Bainbridge, the township adjoining the one in which Mr. Eggleston lived. The wedding ceremony was performed on Christmas day of I855, and in I905 they celebrated their golden wedding at their home in Hopkins with a company of fifty-four persons, including his brothers from Ohio and other relatives. After three years spent upon the old home farm of his wife in Bainbridge township, Portage county, Ohio, they removed to Allegan county in October, 1858. Mr. Eggleston had traded his property for an eighty-acre tract of land in Hopkins township, on which he settled without having previously seen it. It had been owned by a relative. Here in the midst of the forest he built a little cabin, in which he lived for two years. He afterward erected and occupied a log house. Immediately he planted a crop of corn and he had enough to live upon, so that he could concentrate his energies upon clearing and developing his own land. The first year, 1859, however, they had frost every month, even up to the 4th of July, but he harvested some soft corn. The next year, however, a good crop was gathered, so that he made progress, and year by year added somewhat to his advancement and prosperity. After about ten years he was enabled to build a good frame house, which is still in a creditable state of preservation. He also added to his original purchase of forty acres of wild land. He got nothing from the timber, which was then regarded as of little value, and was burned in order to get rid of it that the work of developing the fields might be carried forward. Upon his farm was a fine sugar bush covering thirty-five acres, and one of the special branches of his business was the making of maple sugar. In a single season he has made fifty-four hundred pounds of maple sugar, which sold for from ten to eighteen and a half cents per pound. He has sold sugar to the value of five hundred dollars in a single season and even as late as three years ago he realized four hundred and fifty dollars from his sugar. He won a wide reputation for the excellence of his product and he has shipped quite extensively to parties 3'2 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY at a distance. His sugar bush was a constant source of income to him all these years, while the fields also brought him good crops. He continued upon the old homestead for forty-six years, or until about two years ago and made it one of the best farms in the township, equipped with modern conveniences and accessories. He then retired to Hopkins, where he is now resting from further labor. Mr. Eggleston has also figured prominently in local affairs and has filled the leading offices in this township, serving as township supervisor and in other positions. He voted for the first Republican presidential candidate, Fremont, in 1856. He has supported each candidate at the head of the party since that time, but at local elections, where no issue is involved and only the capability of the candidate should be considered, he casts an independent ballot, voting for the best men. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston were born the following named: Lizzie is the wife of William Kintner, a resident of Colorado City, Colorado. Nellie is the wife of William Rinehart, of Dorr. Charles died October 3I; I899, at the age of thirty-six years. He had married Minnie Thompson and left a daughter, Ruby. He occupied a second house upon the old homestead farm, which had been built for him by his father. Ava is the wife of Frank Tooker, of Allegan, and has two children, Vera and Rena. Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston are members of the Congregational church, and he was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and passed all of the chairs in the local lodge. His memory compasses the period of early pioneer life and experiences here as well as the epoch of later development and progress. In the early days, when much wild game existed, he shot and killed a deer, but said he would never kill another. He helped lay out and cut many of the roads in his part of the township and now sees the finest kind of highways there. His coming resulted in other families also taking up their abode in Allegan county and altogether he has been a valued citizen here, doing much for the county and at the same time promoting his individual success by business methods which have neither sought nor required disguise. PETER KNOBLOCH.-In the face of opposition and difficulties that would utterly have discouraged a man of less resolute spirit and enterprise, Peter Knobloch, now one of the venerable citizens of Hopkins, has worked his way steadily upward, and though he started out in life empty-handed he is now in possession of a comfortable competence that enables him in the evening of his days to enjoy the comforts of life without recourse to further labor. He was born in the village of Mambochel, in the Rhine province of Germany, November 2,. 1822. As a school boy he read letters from young men who had come to America and would write back to their friends and families in Germany. This awakened his interest in the new world and he began to read everything that he could find upon the subject. As his people were in limited financial circumstances he learned the shoemaker's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship. All this time he was imbued with the desire to become a resident of the new world, and on the i th of June, 1846, he started for the United States. Taking passage on a vessel at Kreitznauer, sixteen miles above Bingo and at Rotterdam, he traveled by ocean steamer for London and from the latter place sailed for the United HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 323 States on a sailing ship, Paola, which was eight weeks in making the voyage from London to Baltimore, Maryland. He then went on to Pittsburg with the company with which he had made the voyage. He had borrowed his passage money from one of the men of the party and he had to borrow four dollars of the same man in order to reach Pittsburg, the journey being made by way of the canal to the vicinity of Allegheny City, where they found that the canal was broken. On reaching the bridge at Pittsburg Mr. Knobloch had but one cent and he had to borrow another cent in order to pay his toll across the bridge. Three days later he borrowed more to pay the hotel bill, but his lack of funds rendered immediate employment a necessity and he resolutely set to work to secure employment. In a few days he had arranged to work at the shoemaker's bench at four dollars per month, and he was thus employed for three months, receiving twelve dollars in recompense for his services. He afterward earned seven dollars per month in this way and later he worked at piecework, receiving about a dollar per day. In six months he had paid off all of his indebtedness and his old friends in Germany, surprised at the rapidity with which he had gained the money, thought that some day he would certainly be the richest man in America. His mother, who was a good Christian woman, had made him promise that he would not work on Sunday. She strongly opposed his emigration to the new world and in fact had rolled on the ground in agony when he had made his departure, but when she saw how well he was doing she urged his younger brother, Adam, to come to the new world, and Peter Knobloch sent the money for Adam to pay his passage after being in Pittsburg for two years. About 1848 he established a shoe shop at New Castle, Pennsylvania, and became an expert at sewed work. Later he sent for a younger brother, Michel, who died at New Castle, Pennsylvania. Adam lives now in Monterey township, Allegan county. It was about this time that Mr. Knobloch, on the IIth of August, 1848, was married at New Castle to Miss Hannah Becker, also a native of Germany, who had been in America, however, for about ten years. As Mr. Knobloch had just sent money home to pay the passage of his brother Michel to the new world he had to borrow money to pay the marriage fee and also went in debt seventy-five dollars for furnishing the new home. He then sold his shop to pay off the indebtedness and worked for another shoemaker who was an expert bootmaker. His work was so far ahead of anything that Mr. Knobloch had seen that he asked to be instructed in the work, and in six weeks' time his own labor could excel that of his employer and he was known as the best bootmaker in Pennsylvania, making all of the wedding boots of the town. In this way he made about twelve dollars per week, which was a good salary at that day. He had continued to work for others for about ten years, or until 1856, and in the meantime had built a home in New Castle. His brother Adam, however, had come to Michigan in 1854 and had purchased land in Monterey township. As the work at the bench did not agree with Mr. Knobloch's health he determined also to come to Michigan, and in I856 he made his way to Allegan county. His brother Adam displayed to him with just pride his eighty acres of heavy wooded land, the soil, however, being rich and productive. Mr. Knobloch at once secured a claim for himself, paying three dollars and a half per acre. The money 324 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY which he had saved in the east was sufficient to enable him1 to pay for the claim and give him a nice start with a team of oxen and other needed equipments for the farm. In order to clear the land, however, he burned up the timber, which would now be very valuable. He placed all his farm under cultivation and erected thereon a large barn and a commodious and substantial residence. There he lived for twenty years, when he sold the property to his son-in-law, after which he purchased a farm of one hundred acres for six thousand dollars, paying two thousand dollars cash, while in four years he discharged the entire indebtedness, having made most of the sum from his farm, which lay one mile south of Monterey Center, and he remained upon that place for many years. In the meantime he had purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Hopkins township, which he sold to his son Charles. Later he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, after which he was fifteen thousand dollars in debt and had to pay from eight to ten per cent interest on his money. This place adjoined the old homestead and he took charge of and operated the two farms. No one thought he could pay for the property, but in fifteen years, after much earnest and unremitting toil, the place was free from all indebtedness. He had made all of the payments when due and he has since sold both of these farms for seventeen thousand dollars, since which time he has given the greater part of his money to his children. In I897 Mr. Knobloch was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the I8th of April of that year, after having been an invalid for eight years, during which time her every wish and want was attended to by her faithful daughter, Hannah. In the family were eight children: Charles, who is a farmer of Hopkins township; Amelia, the wife of William Kimmer, who owns the first farm which was the property of her father; Catherine, the wife of Alexander Millheim, of Allegan township; Lizzie, who is the widow of Henry McAlpine, and a resident of Allegan; Julius, a farmer of Monterey township; Willie, a farmer of Trowbridge; Emma, the wife of William Garst, of Logansport; and Hannah, who is still acting as her father's housekeeper. Beside their own eight children, Mr. and Mrs. Knobloch gave homes to four others, Hannah, Joseph, Minnie and John Eisenbarth, having all been reared by these good people. Mr. Knobloch has led a most active life, and even in T905 made a full hand on the farm. He is still hale and hearty, being one of the best preserved men of his age in this part of the county. In his younger life he was athletic and was never thrown, and he is still wiry and strong. He possesses also a firm spirit, and when he realized that the use of intoxicants was proving detrimental he ceased their use. He also did the same with tobacco. He has been strictly honest and honorable in all life's relations and is a man who has stood firmly by his principles. He has no enemies and he possesses a spirit that would prompt him, if he had one, to hunt him up and make all square with him. He would rather lose than to sue another, and he has always been just to the point of mercy in all his business dealings. His wife was ever ready to lend him her encouragement and aid and made him a most excellent helpmeet. In his political views he has always been a stalwart Democrat, never but once casting a Republican vote. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and became one of the original members at Hopkins, being now the oldest of the charter members remaining. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 325 GOTTFRIED KNUTH is on the third farm that was settled in Hopkins township, it having become the property of Harvey Baker in I836. It is pleasantly located about a mile and a half east of Hopkins station and comprises eighty acres of land, which has been placed under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Knuth was born in West Prussia, Germany, on the IIth of May, I856, and came to America in 1871 when a youth of fifteen years. He was the first of the family to cross the Atlantic, having become imbued with a desire to see the world, and, in company with the family of Samuel Brown, he crossed the briny deep and came to Allegan county. He had expected to go to South Carolina, but at New York he changed his mind and he has since made Allegan county his home. He had no capital at the time of his arrival, and the necessity for immediate employment prompted him to seek work as a farm hand. He was not long in obtaining a situation and for fifteen years continued to work by the month at farm labor, although at intervals he was employed on the railroad. Ambitious, however, to have a farm of his own, he started in with forty acres of wild land in 1876. Immediately he began to cultivate and improve the place and had put the entire area under cultivation when he accepted it for his present farm in 1899. This was originally occupied by Harvey Baker, and is in what is known as the Baker settlement, several members of the family having taken up their abode in this locality. The original owner died upon the farm and it then passed into possession of his son Eugene, who is also now deceased. The place comprises eighty acres of land, which is rich and productive and in the midst of which stands a good residence, which was erected in 1902 at a cost of about one thousand eight hundred dollars. In the summer of I899 he built a barn and his time and energies are given to general farming, which he successfully follows. He also keeps from ten to twelve cows upon his place, and in addition to the homestead he has a forty-acre tract of land in the same locality which he is also operating. Mr. Knuth has never returned to Germany since first crossing the Atlantic. Three years after his arrival his parents, Michael and Mary Knuth, came and spent their remaining days in Hopkins township. Three brothers, August, William and Edward Knuth, also emigrated to the new world and are still residents of Hopkins township. Thus Mr. Knuth of this review became surrounded by his relatives, and when thirty years of age he established a home of his own, being married at Hopkins to Miss Mary Schafer, a daughter of Henry Schafer of that township. She was born in Canada, and was six years of age on coming to Michigan. This union has been blessed with three children, who are vet living, Ezra, Milton and Clara, all at home, and they also lost three in childhood. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Knuth is a Republican, active in the local ranks of his party. A long residence in this county has made him widely known, while a life of activity and energy has brought to hlim a gratifying measure of success, making him one of the substantial farmers of the community in which he resides. SHERMAN I. SMITH, carrying on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising in Hopkins township with a splendidly improved property, indicative of his spirit of modern progress and enterprise, was born in Bainbridge, Geauga county, Ohio, October I8, 1837, his parents being Thomas 326 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY and Emeline (Eggleston) Smith, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. They were married, however, in Ohio, and the father died in that state February 22, I855. In October, I859, the family came to Allegan county, one son, Martin Smith, having located here two or three years before. The mother was accompanied by eight of her children, nearly all of whom were then grown, while some of them were married. Sherman I. Smith had been married on the 5th of April, I859, to Miss Elizabeth Bissell, a young lady of twenty years, having been born in Mantua, Portage county, Ohio, February 28, 1839, her parents being Jonathan B. and Laura (Hartshorn) Bissell. The father came to Allegan in I86o from Indiana. Mrs. Bissell died in Ohio in I841. Mr. and Mrs. Smith located on a farm adjoining his brother Martin's, and the mother also made her home on the same section. One son, Albert Bainbridge Smith, remained with the mother until her death five years later. He then removed to Fairfield, Nebraska, where he became extensively engaged in the manufacture of sorghum molasses, carrying on a profitable business for many years, or until 1903. Norman W. Smith, another brother, settled on another farm adjoining his brother Martin's place, improved it and made his home thereon for some years, but eventually removed to Decatur county, Iowa, where he still resides. He is a music teacher of considerable note, having taught at length in Allegan county and also in Ohio. Charles F. Smith, another brother, began the development of a farm that is now included within the boundaries of the farm owned by Sherman I. Smith. He went into the army as a member of Company L, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, in August, I862, when twenty years of age, and died at Nashville, on the Ist of February, I863, his remains being interred in the National cemetery at Nashville. The daughters of the family were: Fidelia, who came here as a widow and married Leander Brewer, after which they removed to Nebraska, where she died upon their home farm; Julia L. became the wife of Oren Judd, who was a schoolmate of James A. Garfield, their parents being neighbors. They settled on a farm in this state. In a few years, however, they removed to Pennsylvania and afterward to Nebraska, and she is now living at Council Bluffs, Iowa. She taught music in Hiram college, Ohio, when ex-President James A. Garfield was president of the college. Eliza married Samuel M. Eggleston, and they are now living retired at Hopkins. Nancy E. Smith was married in Allegan county to John E. Hopper, a tinner, and after a few years they removed to Nebraska, where they are now living. Mr. Hopper served as a member of the Sixth Michigan Regiment in the Civil war. Sherman I. Smith had come to Allegan county in 1857, and secured his land, for which he paid five dollars per acre. He had made a little clearing by chopping down trees in the forest, but at that time remained upon the farm for a short period. Following his return in 1859 he built a small board house and resolutely undertook the task of clearing the land, raising a small crop the first year. He engaged in chopping for others and would exchange work in order to get the use of a team. After two or three years he was enabled to purchase a yoke of steers and afterward carried on the farm work more readily. His entire place was covered with a dense growth of natural forest trees and he sold some of his timber, disposing of fine white wood for four dollars per thousand delivered at the mill. His farm was largely covered with splendid specimens of beech and maple trees, much of which were HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 327 burned. As the land was cleared he placed it under the plow and in course of time gathered good harvests. In I886 he built a residence, after living in the pioneer home for nearly thirty years. He has improved one of the best farms in the county. There is a flowing well near the house and everything about the place is kept in an excellent state of improvement and cultivation. In I892 he built a fine bank barn thirty-six by forty-six feet and he has every facility for promoting the farm work. He has for some years kept from eight to ten cows and he breeds Chester White hogs. Sixty acres of his land is under cultivation, while the remainder is devoted to pasture. There are numerous springs upon his place in addition to the well, with its never failing source of water, and the farm altogether is well equipped for the use to which it is put, being suitable for the cultivation of cereals or for the raising of stock. His attention has been confined to the farm work in its various departments and a gratifying measure of success has crowned his efforts. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two sons, who are yet living, and they also lost their eldest child in infancy. Arthur T., now a mailcarrier in Kalamazoo and first tenor in the Simpson Methodist Episcopal church, wedded Mary Washburn, and they have a daughter and two sons, Belle, Jesse, also a singer, and Elbert. The daughter is the wife of Irving Conrad. She is also a musician and singer, and they have one child, Lucile, so that our subject is a great-grandfather. The younger son, Herman D., living upon the home farm, is a tenor singer of more than ordinary note. He married Miss Maud Bates, and they have three sons, Muriel, barrel and Leonard. Mr. Smith is a Republican, having supported the party since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and his last ballot having been cast for Theodore Roosevelt. He has been township treasurer for two vears and has also been commissioner, but he has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which have been carefully directed and have brought him a goodly measure of success. A long residence in the county has made him widely known, and the salient traits of his character have been such as to gain for him the favorable regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. I -lEl AlN F. W~HITE. -To know Hemlan F. White was to respect and honor him, for, while he never desired nor sought fame nor notoriety, he exemplified in his life those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command esteem and confidence. He was one of the early settlers of Allegan county and took an active part in the work which led to its material development and progress. The year 1854 witnessed their arrival, and they were accompanied by Josiah and James Parmalee, who were from the same neighborhood in Sunmmit county, Ohio. They purchased four eightyacre tracts of land in one body, thinking they would thus be company for each other in what was then a wild region. Mr. White was the last survivor of the four. After purchasing their land the other three returned to Ohio, but following their marriage again came to this county. Heman F. White was married, however, in this county, winning as his bride Miss Jane Buskirk, whom he wedded on the i5th of January, I855. She was a daughter of Abram and Nancy (Garrison) Buskirk, and at the time of her marriage was a young lady of sixteen years. Mr. White had made some improvements 328 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY thereon, having a home of his own, having chopped the timber from a few acres of land and erected on the clearing a log shanty with shake roof. The place contained but one room and was lighted by two windows. In true pioneer style the young couple began their domestic life. Their nearest railroad station was Kalamazoo, and not even a wagon road ran past their farm. In collecting their outfit they bought a washtub, piled into it their scanty supply of furniture for the table, then, each taking a handle, walked homeward a number of miles to their humble abode. They possessed, however, stout hearts and willing hands and bravely met and overcame the difficulties and hardships of pioneer life. Venison was not an unfrequent dish upon the family board, for deer still abounded in the district at that early day. Mr. White led a life of activity, and, as years passed, two sons and two daughters were added to the household: Frank, who is now living with his mother on the old farm; Addie, the wife of Irwin Wait, who is living on the Bradley farm; Martha, who became the wife of A. Baker and died at the age of nineteen years; and Darwin, a photographer at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. White took a most active and helpful interest in all that pertained to general progress and improvement. He was a member of the First Congregational church at Hopkinsburg and was always most faithful to its teachings, contributing generously of his means to its support. IHIis life exemplified the truth of the saying that "So long as a man loves he serves." His life was a life of service for others, for his family, his friends and his fellow citizens. He always lived on the best terms with everybody and he preached and practiced the gospel of love. He lived to aid others and he opened roads and otherwise improved the county. He cut the first tree upon the road which passed his own farm and he did much toward saving farms to the owners in the case of tax sales. He would often purchase tax titles for his neighbors and he kept informed concerning all such cases and thus saved many a farm for the owner. He likewise did much toward proving the value of this district as an agricultural region and was noted for his grafting, principally in the budding of peach trees. While working in this way he only charged for a (lay's service, and not for the skill and knowledge which enabled him to perform the task. For nine successive years he was elected township treasurer and for three consecutive years filled the office of supervisor, receiving at one election every vote cast. His early political allegiance was given to the Republican party, but in later life he voted the Prohibition ticket and was a great temperance man, advocating the cause both by precept and example. It is said that he had not an enemy in the world. He lived a life of usefulness, activity and honor, and left to his family a name which in the community where he was known was a synonym for integrity and genuine personal worth. WILLIAM S. KENFIELD, whose well improved farm property is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry, was born in Belchertown, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, March 28, 1831, and when but three years of age was taken to Medina county, Ohio, by his parents, Erastus and Clarissa (Piper) Kenfield. The father was born in New England in I80I, andl was a son of Erastus Kenfield, Sr., a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The mother's birth occurred in Connecticut, and she was a daughter of Samuel Piper, also one of the heroes of the Revolution, who was shot in the fore HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 329 head, but the skull was afterward trepanned. Reared in Ohio after the usual manner of farm lads of that locality and period, William S. Kenfield retained his residence there until I854, when, at the age of twenty-three years, he sought a home in Allegan county, Michigan. He had, however, previously spent one year in Massachusetts, but he heard of the big wages that were paid for labor in the lumber camps and came to Michigan, after which he spent a year near Lamont, on the Grand river. He had a friend, William Dunham, a former schoolmate, who was working in Allegan county at Wayland, and, coming to see him, William S. Kenfield secured work in this locality, being for three years employed by Nelson Chambers, at seventeen dollars per month. Mr. Chambers was the proprietor of a hotel and Mr. Kenfield was assigned to the duty of attending the bar and stables, and also in other work around the hotel or in hauling goods. Whlile thus employed he formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah Round, who did dining room work in the same hotel for a year, and on the 3d of July, I858, the friendship which they formed was consummated in marriage, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. James Selkrig, an Episcopal minister, of Wayland. The same fall the young couple located on the present home farm, Mr. Kenfield securing eighty acres, for which he paid a dollar and a quarter per acre. It was covered with heavy maple, and he burned up the finest of the timber. The settlers at that date little realized what the valle of the forests would be in a few years, and cut down the trees in order to clear and cultivate the fields. iMIr. Kenfield built a good house for that time, having to cut away the timber in order to clear a place sufficient for its erection. He also cut a road through, one mile in length, to his farm. Two other farmers arrived in the nighborhood in the same fall-Miarion Mason, now of Hillsdale county,-and Wilbur S. Marsh, and the one road served as a highway for all. Since locating upon this place Mr. Kenfield has continuously made it his home. He engaged in cutting timber in early days in order to secure money necessary for the support of his family and for carrying on the farm work, and in the winter season he was employed in the lumber camp. Many evidences of frontier life were to be seen at that time. It was not an unusual thing to see a deer in the farmyard and there were many wolves and deer and bears in the woods. With the rapid settlement of the county, however, great changes were brought about, and Mr. Kenfield, keeping in touch with modern progress and development, placed his land under cultivation and is today the owner of a valuable and. well improved farm. HIe also has a dairy with ten or eleven cows. He built his present residence in I880, but his barn is one of the old landmarks of the county, having stood for forty years. Mr. Kenfield has indeed found a worthy helpmate and companion in lhis wife. She was the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children, and her parents were in limited circumstances, so that she cared for herself from the age of eleven years. She, however, attended school in the winter months until sixteen years of age, and for one year she was employed in the hotel at Wayland, where, as stated, she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Kenfield. They have but one child, Carrie A., now the wife of Martin G. Gaylor, who operates the home farm. Mr. Kenfield is a supporter of Republican principles, while Mrs. Kenfield is equally stanch in her faith in Democratic principles. For fifteen years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows' society. He greatly enjoys fishing, spending many pleasant hours in that way. For 330 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY more than a half century he has lived in Allegan county, and is therefore classed with its pioneer residents, while his activity and energy in business and his devotion to the public good have won for him a place among the representative men of the county-men who have done much for the work of upbuilding that has led to placing Allegan county in the front rank among the leading counties of this great commonwealth. Other members of the Kenfield family also came to Michigan. Seven years after the arrival of W. S. Kenfield his brother, Lucius Kenfield, in I865 came to Allegan county. He was born at Hinckley, Medina county, Ohio, April 25, I845, and was therefore a young man of about twenty years when he removed to this state. He had just left the army, in which he had served as a loyal defender of the Union, who located on eighty acres of land near the hone of his brother William, there spending his remaining days. He was married April 29, 1874, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Miss Melissa Gregg, of that place, who was born July 17, 1849, near Comstock, Kalamazoo county, her parents being Olive and Mary (Darling) Gregg, both of whomn were natives of New York. Mr. Kenfield visited in Kalamazoo county, and it was at that time that he met the lady whom he afterward made his wife. He had served in the Second Ohio Cavalry from Februarv. i865. and was discharged at Benton Barracks, Missouri. Immediately afterward he came direct to the home of his brother William and secured eighty acres, which became his homestead. Later, however, he sold ten acres and he hlad secured a similar tract previous to his marriage. For one season after their marriage both Mr. and Mrs. Kenfield worked for one man in Kalamazoo county, but that winter he got out logs to saw for a small frame house, and when it was built he and his wife took up their abode tlere, making it their home until about nine years ago, when a pleasant country residence was erected. Lucius Kenfield placed about forty acres of his land under cultivation and for several years engaged in sheep-raising, which was his principal source of income at that time. I-e then made his living off the farm through the cultivation of crops. In T87i a big fire burned much of his timber, and also did considerable detriment to the soil. Since his death, however, the family have sold considerable timber. He passed away November T, 903, at the age of sixty-two years, leaving a widow and two daughters, Clara and Maggie. The latter has charge of the home farm, while the former is now the wife of George Allen, of Hopkins township, and has four children, Charles, Luella, Rose and Nellie. Another brother, Josiah Kenfield, who came two vears after his brother Lucius, was married here to Miss Sarah Robbins, and afterward returned to Medina county, Ohio. where he cared for his parents until their death. About thirteen years ago he returned to Allegan county and is now living in Hopkins township. He has one daughter, Lottie, now the wife of Leonard Truax. The name of Kenfield has long been synonymous with giood citizenship and with progressive agriculture in this county and the family well deserves mention in this volume. CHARLES KNOBLOCHI- is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-three acres on section 3T, Hopkins township, and pleasantly and conveniently located only about a mile and a half south of the village of Hopkins. It is devoted to the raising of grain and fruit and to dairy farmina, and the owner is a man of excellent business ability and executive force. He HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 331 was born in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, August I6th, I85I, and remained at home until twenty-five years of age, acquiring in the meantime a good English education and receiving from his parents training that resulted in forming habits of industry and integrity. He spent one year in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, in a meat market when about twenty-one years of age, and then returned to the old homestead farm. At the age of twenty-five years he married Louisa M. Tiefenthal, a daughter of William F. Tiefenthal, of Allegan township. Her father is still living among his children at the age of seventyeight years. Mrs. Knobloch was born in Ohio, and in her girlhood days came to Allegan county. Following his marriage Mr. Knobloch operated the Eisenbarth place in Hopkins, which he purchased after a year or two. There he lived for four years, clearing much of the land;nd doing away with the swamp holes. He then bought the Chamberlain farm in lMonterey township, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of good land, which he devoted to the raising of grain. On selling that property to his father he made investment in his present farm, comprising one hundred and eightythree acres on section 31, Hopkins township. This is a splendidly improved property, and he is meeting with success in raising grain and fruit and also in his dairy business. He keeps from eighteen to twenty cows, selling milk to the creamery. He has seven acres in fruit-apples, peaches, pears, plums and cherries, and his fields are devoted to the cultivation of hay and corn. He came to this farm in I886, since which time he has placed half of it under cultivation. It is rolling land and low ground, much of the low ground being black sand and drained bv the large Anderson drain which follows the fence lines. In addition to this property he owns sixty acres elsewhere, so that his landed possessions now aggregate two hundred and forty-three acres. His home place was formerly known as the old Lewis Herlon homestead, having been settled and improved by Mr. Herlon about 1840. He and his brother, Philip Herlon, were among the early settlers and own an entire section of land. In later years Lewis Herlon went to Kansas. where he passed away, but his remains were laid to rest in Hopkins cemetery. Upon the farm are now found all modern improvements, including a barn ninety-six feet long and forty feet wide. The residence stands on a high eminence, commanding a splendid view of the surrounding country, and the farm is most attractive in its appearance, being well kept in every particular. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Knobloch has been blessed with eight children: Laura, wife of George Morris, of Allegan; Carl, who married Minnie Brown, of Allegan, and owns a farm of sixtv acres adjoining his father's property; Daniel, who is residing on a farm in Hopkins township; Susan, the wife of Magnus Palberg, in Hopkins; Leon, Otto, Martin and George, all at home. They also lost five children. Mr. Knobloch is a Democrat, but without aspiration for office. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, to the Knights of the Maccabees and the National Protective Legion. He possesses superior musical talent and skill and for nearly thirty years has been a band leader in Hopkins and Monterey. His grandfather and uncles were also musicians and he inherited the love of the art. As a young man he took up the cornet and became a member of the band at Monterey and was instrumental in keeping up the organization for several years. At length the band lapsed for five years, and was then reorganized and is still in existence. For five years at the band tournaments 332 HIST(RY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY held in Holland, Michigan, they carried off the first prize. Mr. Knobloch has also taken the band to several different points in the state, where it won first honors, and to at least two places in Indiana, gaining the first prize at Rome City, Indiana. The Hopkins band has never missed a prize where it has entered the contest. Mr. Knobloch also organized and instructed the Salem band, and in I906 acted as its leader in the contest at Holland, where they carried off the second honors. He has been the choir leader in the German Lutheran church at Hopkins for fifteen years. His children are all musicians, his son Carl being a fine performer on the slide trombone, and it would be possible for him to organize an orchestra among the members of his own household. Mr. Knobloch's love for music and his thorough understanding of the art has made him a most valued factor in musical circles in this part of the state and has led him to contribute in large measure to general pleasure on many public occasions. JOHN W. LINSLEY.-Hopkins.township, Allegan county, Michigan, includes among its representative farmers and respected citizens John W. Linsley. He was born in Parkman, Ohio, on the 26th of August, I843, and for many generations the family were well known and highly respected citizens in that section of the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather of our subject, James Linsley, was a native of Branford, Connecticut. He married Lucy Parkman, and in 1836 they removed to Parkman township, Geauga county, Ohio, that township having been named in honor of a brother of Lucy Parkman, and one of the representatives of that family was the illustrious Daniel Webster. James Linsley died in 1845. John P. Linsley, his son and the father of John W. Linsley, was born in Oneida county, New York, on the ioth of February, 1819. On the i8th of December, 1840, he was united in marriage to Ann Eliza Button, whose parents, Joel and Lydia Button, took up their abode in Ohio in 18i9, establishing the family home at Hiram. In 1853 John P. Linsley came with his family to Michigan, and here he lived during the remainder of his life, his time and energies having been devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which he attained success. In 1889, while crossing a railroad track in company with his niece, thev were struck by a train, the team being killed, but they escaped serious injury, and Mr. Linsley survived until the 2d of June, 1902, when his life's labors were ended in death. John W. Linsley, one of the five children born to John P. and Ann Eliza (Button) Linsley, was born in Parkman, Ohio, on the 26th of August, 1843. He, too, has followed agricultural pursuits as a life occupation, but when the Civil war was inaugurated he put aside all personal considerations and offered his services to. the Union cause, enlisting in July, T862, as a member of Company L, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, in which he served for three years. He took part in a number of the important battles and skirmishes of the war, and on one occasion he was wounded in the leg, and for three months thereafter, was confined in the hospital at Kingston, Georgia. His regiment assisted in the capture of Jefferson Davis. His army record is one of which he may be justly proud, for it is the record of a brave soldier, faithful to the lenst as well as the greatest of his duties, prompt, reliable and self-sacrificing. When peace had been restored he quietly took up the ordinary duties of life, and he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land HISTORY O() ALLEGAN C(O:XTY 333 in Hopkins township, Allegan county, which he has transformed from a densely wooded tract to its present high state of cultivation. The Springdale Cheese Factory is located on a part of this land, and the homestead is num bered among the valuable farms of the township. He usually keeps about twelve cows upon the place, and the buildings are all neat and substantial. Mr. Linslev gives his political support to the Republican party, and has served as highway commissioner. He is a member of the Grange, and also of the G. A. R. Post No. 80, in which he maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. On the 6th of September, 1867, Mr. Linslev was united in marriage to Lydia Chamberlain, who was born in New York January 18, I849, a daughter of Peleg Chamberlain, who took up his abode in Hopkins township, Allegan county, Michigan, in 1855, but he is now deceased. Seven children have been born of this union, namelv: Herman W., who now owns the old Linsley homestead; Emma E.; Lucy P., the wife of Jake Rinehart, of Walkerton, Indiana; James H., who is now preparing for the dental profession; Burdette E., foreman of the saw mills at Virginia, Minnesota; Alfred, who carries on the work of the farm, and he married Ida Sutton; and Bertha I., the wife of William Reynolds, a farmer in Hopkins township. On the 4th of July, I876, Mr. Linsley sustained a terrible accident by the unexpected exploding of a cannon which he was loading at Ohio Corners, one mile from his home, resulting in the loss of both arms, one having been taken off at the elbow and the other at the shoulder, also losing the sight of one eve and the hearing of one ear. He has borne this great affliction with great fortitude and bravery, and uncomplainingly and to the best of his ability is discharging the many duties which devolve upon him in his business life. WILLIAM JACKSON, after long years of active and successful connection with agricultural interests in Allegan county, is now living retired in Hopkins. He imoroved a valuable farm and for many years was connected with threshing. while as a breeder and raiser of fine stock he became widely known. Born in Hovingham, Yorkshire. England, on the T5th of June, T830, he is a son of William and Elizabeth (Htuel) Tackson, and the second in a family of three children. His elder brother, John Jackson, is now living in Laporte, Indiana, but for a long period was a farmer of Allegan county. He was the first of the family to come to America and settled in New York state, where he lived for a year. In T858 he became a resident of Michigan, locating west of Allegan, where he was residing when the other members of the family came to this county in the spring of T859. He had taken up a half section of land west of Allegan and for many years he was identified with agricultural nursuits in this nart of the county. Eventually he took up his abode in the village of Allegan, where he lived until about ten or twelve years ago, his home being now in Laporte, Indiana. William Jackson lost his mother when he was eight years of age. In the spring of T85T, with his father and his sister, he came to the United States, spending seven years in New York. In the spring of 185q the family came to Allegan county, whither they had been preceded by John Tackson, the brother of our subiect. William Jackson here purchased forty acres of land from George Lay on section 26, Monterey township. The 334 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY father lived with his three children and died in Leighton township at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Duke Suffield, when seventy-three years of age. William Jackson was married in Ithaca, New York, on the 15th of December, 1855, to Miss Martha H. Holdsworth, also a native of Yorkshire, and a sister of his brother John's wife. As stated, they came to Mlichigan in the spring of I859, and he began life in Allegan county with forty acres of wild land. A little clearing had been made upon the place, but he practically performed all the work of developing and improving this farm. He first built a little board shanty, but later the comforts and conveniences of a modern home were secured and as time passed he also added to his farm until he had eighty acres. Eventually he improved his property with a large residence, good barns and other substantial outbuildings and transferred the once wild land into a rich and productive tract. When his residence was destroyed by fire he at once rebuilt a new one upon the old site and also built a home for his son, who is operating the farm. The father and son owned altogether two hundred and five acres of rich and productive land. Year after year William Jackson carried on the work of tilling the soil and raising crops, residing upon his farm until I898, when he rented his land to his son, Charles S., and retired to the village of Hopkins, where he now makes his home. For many years he operated a threshing machine. In 1876 he purchased the first steam thresher owned in Allegan county and he operated the thresher until he had threshed for twenty seasons, covering several townships. In this connection he became widely known. In the winters he here used his teams in the lumber woods and thus he lived a life of unremitting activity and enterprise, each season of the year bringing his duties and labors, which were promptly executed and faithfully performed by him. For twenty years he was a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and exhibited at fairs. He won forty dollars in premiums one year at Allegan and he kept registered stock, being the first man in Monterey to breed high grade stock. He also bred Shropshire sheep, breeding over thirty head of registered sheep. His business interests were thus varied and important. As a stock-raiser he contributed to general prosperity through advancing the grade of stock raised, whereby prices are always promoted. In I890 Mr. Jackson was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the I3th of March, after they had traveled life's journey together for nearly thirty-five years. On the 12th of November, I89I, he married Mrs. Lucy M. Beebe, whose maiden name was Farnsworth. She was born in Defiance county, Ohio, and came to Michigan, where lived her two sisters, Mrs. Royal Taylor and Mrs. Jason Martin. The children of Mr. Jackson are: Mary, now the wife of Christian C. Knoblock; Charles, who is living on the old homestead farm; James, who was drowned July 4th, I879, in the Kalamazoo river at Allegan when sixteen years and two months of age in company with Eddie Knoblock, a son of Adam Knoblock; Minnie Belle, who is clerking in Dendel's store in Hopkins; Carlotta, the wife of Elmer Stevens, a resident of Hopkins; Frank, who died in his twenty-first year, and Joseph, who died aged two years. Mrs. Jackson also has three children by her first marriage, but none live in Allegan county, Miles H., Charles L. and Lena E. An adopted daughter, Belle Beebe, who was taken by Mrs. Beebe in infancy, was a maiden of fourteen years when HISTORY OF ALLEGAN C(UNTY 335 her foster mother married Mr. Jackson. She is now the wife of Frank Edgerton, of Allegan. Mr. Jackson is a Republican in his political views and has served as school officer, but has never been an aspirant for the honors and emoluments of public office. His time and energies have been fully claimed by his extensive and important business interests, and few men can show as good a record for unremitting activity and unfaltering diligence. His labors, too, have been of a character that have contributed in no small degree to the substantial development of the county and those who know him honor him because his record has been characterized not only by industry, but unquestioned probity. DANIEL TIEFENTHAL, who follows farming in Hopkins township and is numbered among the native sons of Allegan county, was born in Monterey township, August 24, 1862, his parents being William and Louisa Tiefenthal. He was only four years of age when the family removed to the vicinity of Minor Lake, in Allegan township, where he resided until eighteen years of age. He afterward spent a few months in Wexford county, where he engaged in lumbering, after which he returned to Otsego township, Allegan county, where he followed farming for eight months. He afterward lived in Hopkins township and at different times in MIonterey and in Cheshire townships. He was also employed in a sawmill in Allegan for three months and engaged in farming in Schoolcraft. Returning thence to Cheshire township, he worked by the month until his savings justified his purchase of a farm, which he improved through modern methods of cultivation and through the erection of good buildings thereon. He lived upon that place for eight years and then sold his personal property, after which he went to Chicago. He was identified with business interests there, first as a milk dealer, having a route in that city, getting his supplies from farmers who made shipments to the depot. He started the enterprise with six cans, which increased until he utilized fifteen cans of milk daily. This enterprise proved a success and he made money, continuing in the business for nine and a half years. He also enlarged the scope of his activities by establishing a confectionery and stationery store on Western avenue, between Van Buren and Jackson streets, but he worked too hard, so that his health demanded a change. In the meantime he had purchased his father's old home farm in Hopkins township, comprising eighty-eight acres, a mile and a half southeast of the village. He made the purchase about two and a half years before locating thereon in March, 1902. At that time he closed out his Chicago business and took charge of the farm. The succeeding year he sold his Cheshire farm. He has since made many substantial improvements on the home place and now has a valuable property, of which sixty acres is under cultivation. Here he carries on general farming, including the raising of grain, fruit and stock, and he is also operating a milk route in Hopkins, keeping eight cows for this purpose. Some twenty-three years ago Mr. Tiefenthal was married in Cheshire to Miss Carline Edward, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Edward. She died in Chicago after fourteen years of happy married life, passing away at the age of thirty-six. They had one daughter, Amber Viola, who is now a young lady at home, and they also lost a son in childhood, Garf Dewain, 336 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY who was born March 27, I887, and died September 13, I888. On the 23d of June, I901, Mr. Tiefenthal was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Anna Hills, nee Woodward. By her first marriage she had three children: Lulu, now the wife of Charles Bentley, of Allegan, and Frank and Raymond Hills. Her son Raymond was killed by the breaking of a singletree while driving a team at the age of eleven years, while Frank is at home on the farm. Mr. Tiefenthal has led a life of unremitting activity and enterprise, has made steady progress in business and is now comfortably situated, being in control of important and profitable farming interests. HENRY E. SCHAFER was born on the farm on which he now resides, adjoining the village of Hopkins, January 31, 1877, and is a son of George and Margaretha Schafer, who were reared in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The father settled upon the old home farm when it was covered with the original growth of forest trees and there were but two houses in the vicinity. He placed seventy acres of land under cultivation, built three barns upon the place and otherwise improved it, continuing its further development and cultivation until his death, which occurred in September, I905, when he was sixty-eight years of age. Our subject's boyhood and youth were spent in his father's home and his educational privileges were thus afforded by the public schools. At the time of his father's death he and his brother Amos received through the terms of the will the home farm on condition that they were to purchase the interest of the other brother and sister. After the settlement of the estate Henry E. and Amos Schafer divided the property, Amos claiming as his share one hundred and twenty acres of land in Monterey township, while Henry received sixty acres of the old homestead at Hopkins. Both brothers had remained with the father until they attained their majority. Henry E. Schafer now devotes his farm to the raising of corn, hay and other products. He has recently erected a new house upon the place and has removed two of the three barns to the new location at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. He now has a well improved property in harmony with the spirit of modern progress along agricultural lines. He keeps everything about his place in excellent condition and the entire farm is characterized by an appearance of neatness and thrift which indicates his careful supervision and practical methods. On the 23d of December, 1902, MVr. Schafer was married to Miss Elfreda Piischel, of Otsego, Michigan, and they have two children, Ruth and Anna. The young couple are both well known in this part of the state and enjoy the friendship of the large majority of those with whom they have come in contact. FRANK B. GATES, a retired farmer living in Hopkins, was born in Geauga county, Ohio, April 22, 1835, his parents being William and Harriet W. (Bundy) Gates, both of whom were natives of Otsego county, New York. They were married in Ohio, to which state they had removed in their childhood days with their respective parents, becoming residents of the western reserve when it was first settled. Jacob Gates, the grandfather, died in Geauga county in I8I6, his being the first death in the township of HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 337 Parkman. He settled there in I804, and Frank Gates attended the Centennial celebration of the settlement on the 1st of October, 1904. In June, 1854, after a long residence in Geauga county, Ohio, William Gates and his eldest son, Addison, came to Michigan and made a settlement in Cheshire township, Allegan county, about seven miles southwest of the village of Allegan. This was all wooded land and their nearest neighbor, except a Mr. Buck, lived three miles distant. Willian Gates secured two hundred acres of land from the government, for which he paid the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. Upon the claim he and his son built a log house, after which they returned to Ohio, and on the 4th of November, the family entered the new home, having driven across the country from Ohio with horse teams. There were the father, mother and seven children, and also Z. S. Thompson, whose wife was a sister of F. B. Gates, and settled in the same district. It was a frontier district, for the country was being rapidly settled up and in the same fall several farmers came in. Fine land could be had at a nominal price. The soil was rich and productive and the ground was covered with hardwood timber. When it was cleared away the land was found to be very arable, responding readily to the cultivation bestowed upon it. Mr. Gates remained upon his father's claim for five years, and in 1859 removed to Monterey township, where he had thirty acres of land that had been cleared. He began the further development of the property and placed sixty acres under cultivation. Iis life was devoted to general farming pursuits and after the war he was for three years connected with his son Frank in carrying on lumbering in this county. His last years were passed in the village of Hopkins, and his death occurred in I890, when he was in his eighty-fourth year. His wife died in January, 1883, when seventy-four years of age. In their family were four sons and two daughters, who are yet living, namely: Emma, the wife of James Holesworth, of South Haven, Michigan; Abbie, the wife of E. I. Hewson, a merchant of South Haven; Addison, who is living three miles west of Hopkins with his son-in-law, John Bodine, on the Frank Gates place, known as the Chestnut Grove farm; Frank, of this review; Austin, a produce dealer of Hopkins, and Augustus W., who is living upon a part of the old homestead farm in Monterey township. Frank B. Gates, reared and educated in Geauga county, Ohio, came to Michigan with his parents in 1854. He afterward returned to Ohio in June, I856, and went back and forth two or three times. He was there in i859 when the family removed to Monterey township, but he soon afterward returned to this county and the greater part of his life has here been passed. On the g9th of January, 1862, in Nelson, Portage county, Ohio, he was married to Miss Louisa Bills, who was born in Hiram, Ohio, June 6, 1840. In March, 1861, Mr. Gates had purchased his present farm property in Monterey township, having at first forty acres and covered with standing timber. Only a little actual farm work had been done, while the house upon the place was a log cabin. To this pioneer home he took his bride at the time of their marriage and there they began life in true pioneer style. As time passed and his financial resources permitted he added to his land until he owned eighty acres called the Chestnut Grove farm. The old log cabin is still a part of the present residence. He built to it, however, on three sides and transferred it into a modern home. It is one of the oldest 338 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY log cabins of the county, having been built about fifty-five years ago. His life has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he placed about seventy acres of his land under cultivation. He did lumbering as a side issue, making general farming his principal means of financial resource. The farm comprises the west half of the southwest quarter of section 23, Monterey township and is pleasantly and conveniently located about three miles west of the village of Hopkins. There Mr. Gates continued to carry on the work of tilling the soil until I890, when he left the farm and came to the village, where he has since lived. He has a neat home here and is now comfortably situated in life. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have no children of their own but reared a young girl, who came to them when fourteen years of age and lived with them until her marriage. She is now Mrs. George Hoyer, of Trowbridge township. Mrs. Gates is an own cousin of General B. B. Pritchard, of Allegan. For nearly a quarter of a century Mr. Gates has been a devoted and exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and he and his wife hold membership relations with the Eastern Star Chapter at Hopkins, of which Mrs. Gates is an officer. She is also connected with the Woman's Relief Corps and with the Maccabees, while Mr. Gates is a member of the Grange at Monterey. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party but he has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs that have been to him a goodly source of revenue, bringing him the competence that now enables him to live retired. DORR. Dorr township, though without permanent settlement up to 1845, and with only 124 inhabitants in I850, has for the past thirty-five years been one of the more populous of Allegan's townships. As the principal occupation of the people, since the lumbering industry declined, has been agriculture, there has been only such concentration of population as a rural community demands, and the two hamlets of Dorr and Moline, on the railroad, are the only places that deserve description in this connection. Dorr, being the natural center of the township, has existed as a settlement and somewhat of a center for fifty years. Frank Neuman was the first settler, and his wagon shop was the first enterprise to bring other settlers to this point. In I869 Frank and Clara Neuman platted the village of Dorr on the east side of southeast quarter section sixteen, Dorr township. The survey was made by J. W. Hicks September 20-2I, I869. The plat was laid east of the railroad. An addition was made in the same year just south of the original plat on section twenty-one. Dorr now has a population of about 300, has six stores, a postoffice, and is a shipping and trading point for a considerable territory, especially for the country to the west, where there is no railroad. When the railroad was completed in 1870 a little village sprang up on the southern edge of the township by the name of Moline, which now, with a population of I75, is a center for many people living in south Dorr and north Hopkins. The village plat was laid in July, 1872, Alfred Chapple, HON. ERASTUS NEWTON BATES, proprietor of Maple Ridge Stock Farm, of Dorr township, Allegan county, was born in Chester, Geauga county, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 339 Ohio, March I, I845. His father, Abner Curtis Bates, a native of Northampton, Massachusetts, removed to Ohio about I839 with his brother John Bates. He was a mechanic by trade, but later in life followed lumber manufacturing at Cleveland, Ohio. At Chester, that state, he was married to Laura Wellman Baker, of New York birth, and soon after the birth of their son Erastus N. they removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where they resided until their removal to Lena, Fulton county, Ohio, in I856, while two years later, in 1858, they made their way direct to Dorr township, Allegan county, Michigan. After his arrival here Mr. Bates purchased a farm in the southeast corner of the township, formerly the property of a Mlr. Scheiren, where they lived two years and then removed to the northeast part of the township, and there he continued to make his home until his life's labors were ended in death, when he had reached the age of eighty-one years, although during the last twenty years of his life he was totally blind. His widow survived him for seven years, dving at about the same age. In their family were eight children, namely: Lovisa, who became Mrs. Almen Bisbee and died at the age of thirty-seven years; Marcus W., an insurance agent at Grand Rapids, Michigan; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Leonard Falconer, and after his death she married Melville Ford and died at about the age of fifty years; E. N., whose name introduces this review; Ward Beecher, a farmer of Benzie county, Michigan; Frank W., who was an agricultural implement dealer at Moline, Michigan, and died at the age of thirty-five years; Albert C., a mechanic at Benzonia, Michigan and Lucy A.. the wife of A. D. Loucks, also of Moline. Erastus N. Bates worked for others from the time of reaching his majority until the outbreak of the Civil war, enlisting February I8, I864, as a member of Company C, Twenty-first Michigan Infantry, his brother Marcus being in command of the company. His brother took part in the battle of Chattanooga, was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea and participated in the last battle at Bentonville, where he was severely wounded. Our subject was left in the hospital at Savannah, Georgia, for four months, and then joined the army at Washington and took part in the Grand Review. After the close of his military career Mr. Bates returned to Dorr township and purchased eighty acres of land adjoining his parents home, which he cleared and improved, and while thus engaged he also taught eight winter terms of school. Soon after his marriage he located upon his father-inlaw's farm, which has ever since continued to be his home with the exception of about eight years when he was engaged in general merchandising at Moline, Michigan. Previous to embarking in that occupation, however, he had erected a cheese factory there, and he was engaged in the manufacture of cheese for fifteen years. His farm now contains two hundred and three acres. It is known as the old Gilbert homestead, and was cleared and improved by Bradley Gilbert, who took up his abode thereon in I855, and all the buildings which now adorn this valuable place were built by him. Mr. Bates is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, being an extensive feeder of beef cattle, which he buys when one year old and feeds for one year, they then weighing about one thousand rounds. He feeds ensilage shelled corn. He has a herd of thoroughbred Short-horn registered cattle, and his beautiful farm is known as Maple Ridge. He is one of the repre 340: HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY senative business men of Allegan county, and has attained the high position he now occupies by his own personal worth. When a young man Mr. Bates became interested in politics, and has ever since been a strong supporter of Republican principles. He served as supervisor of his township for five years, for four years continuously, each time receiving large majorities, and in I885 he was elected to the legislature, being a member of the sessions of I885-7. During his first term in that position he was chairman of the committee on towns and counties, while in the second session he was chairman of the committee on municipal corporations. In I889 he was made financial clerk of the House under Daniel Crossman, the first financial clerk of the state. He assisted Mr. Crossman at the desk in calling the roll, reading bills, etc. Mr. Bates also took an active interest in dairy matters, having been president of the Dairy Association and was responsible for the organizing of the Dairy Commission, which has been of great service to the state. He worked in harmony with the association, and it was urged that he be made the first dairy and food commissioner. He is the present nominee for the Eighteenth state senatorial district, including Van Buren and Allegan counties, both having strong Republican majorities. Mr. Bates married Flora I. Gilbert, a daughter of Bradley and Martha (Bates) Gilbert; and she was also born in Chester, Geauga county, Ohio, but when a child was brought to Michigan by her parents, and nearly her entire life has been passed on the farm where she now resides. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bates: Arthur D., who died when two and one-half years old; Martha Ella, a professional nurse at Detroit; Eustus Newton, a graduate of the Agricultural College at Lansing, Michigan, in the class of 1905, and now engaged in teaching in that institution; Clara E., the wife of William McRae, secretary of the Young' Men's Christian Association in New Jersey; Forest G., who has spent two years in the agricultural college and is now at home, and Flora I., a student in the Agricultural College of Lansing. The family are members of the First Congregational church at Dorr. EUGENE A. DAUGHERTY, supervisor of Dorr towinship, was born in the township in which he now lives December 21, 1858, a son of Charles and Armina (Inman) Daugherty, both natives of Ohio. In the spring of I858 they came from Medina county, that state, to Allegan county, Michigan, locating on eighty acres of land on sections twenty-three and twenty-four, Dorr township. By subsequent purchases Mr. Daugherty became the owner of one hundred and ninety acres, much of which he placed under cultivation, although at the time of the original purchase only about thirty acres had been cleared. Their first residence was a little log shanty located near the site of the present commodious and pleasant residence, erected in 1875. Mr. Daugherty was, however, more of a lumberman than a farmer, having owned and operated a mill at Dorr for some time. He was also interested in a tract of pine land in Newaygo county, Michigan, which he sold at an advance. Both he and his wife now reside in Grand Rapids, having put aside the active cares of a business life and now enjoying the fruits of former toil. In their family were four children, namely: Julia 0., Mrs. Albert Averill, of Wayland; Chester C., county treasurer of Wexford county, Michigan; Eugene A., whose name introduces this review, and Stella S., the wife - 76 I HIST(-)RY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 341 of Vine Harding, a resident of Mackinaw City, Michigan, where he is improving resort property. Mr. Daugherty gave his political support to the Republican party, and as its representative he served as a justice of the peace and as a delegate to conventions. Eugene A. Daugherty received his education in the district schools of Dorr township, and after his marriage he continued to work on the home farm for eleven years, when he purchased eighty acres of land, continuing to operate both this place and the old home farm until six years ago, when he purchased the old Daugherty homestead, thus making him the possessor of one hundred and ninety acres of land. His land is under an excellent state of cultivation, a good and substantial residence has been erected, and everything about the place is neat and attractive in its appearance. In addition to his general agricultural pursuits, he is also engaged to some extent in stock raising. At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Daugherty was united in marriage to Adeline M. Sproat, a daughter of Robert and Sarah Jane (Miller) Sproat, who came to Dorr township some years before the arrival of the Daugherty family, and they were also from Ohio. The daughter Adeline was born in Dorr township, on a farm adjoining her parents present home, and was eighteen years of age at the time of her marriage. The following children have been born of this union, namely: Bessie A., a teacher for some years, having taught for two years in Wavland township and five years in Hopkins township; Chester C., who died at the age of five years; Jane, a teacher in Leighton township, and Charles, Clark, Stella, Clarence and Cora at home. Mr. Daugherty is now serving his third vear as supervisor of Dorr township, and although a Republican in politics he received at his first election a majority of thirty-five in this township which usually gives a Democratic majority of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty. He also served as a school moderator for eighteen years, and was twice defeated for supervisor as the Republican candidate. He is a man of enterprise, indomitable energy and liberal views, and is thoroughly identified with the growth and prosperity of the community which has been his home throughout his entire life. EnDWARD AVERRLL.-The life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely identified with the history of Allegan county, which has been his home for many years. He was born in London, Canada, March 30, T823, a son of David and Almira (Barnes) Averill, the mother also a native of Canada and the father of New York and of English parentage. David Averill had gone to Canada with his father as a ship carpenter, but subsequently returned to a farm in the township of Greece, Monroe county, New York, where his son Edward was reared to manhood. When the last named had reached the age of twenty years the family removed to Medina county, Ohio, where Edward joined them two years later. In 1847 David Averill came with his family to Michigan, securing a tract of government land on section nine, Dorr township, Allegan county, and later purchasing land in section four adjoining, where the parents lived until old age. They cleared and improved eighty acres of land, and were numbered among the old and honored pioneers of this section of the county. While living in Medina county, Ohio, on the I8th of December, 1846, 342 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY being then twenty-three years of age, Edward Averill married Miss Mary Branch, also from New York, and who was just twenty-five days older than her husband. For four years after their marriage this young couple lived on her father's farm, but in the meantime Mr. Averill had purchased new land, on which they then located, and there remained for eleven years, clearing the land and erecting the buildings. In the fall of I854 he came to Michigan and purchased a part of his present farm, and in April of the following year the family came from Ohio and took up their abode in a little log cabin which had been built on the land. Mr. Averill had brought with him to this state a team, but on reaching Grand Rapids sold his horses and purchased oxen, thus continuing on his way to Allegan county. His original tract of eighty acres, for which he paid eight hundred dollars, was covered with a dense growth of timber, consisting of beech, maple, etc., but as there was no market for lumber at that time he was obliged to burn the timber as fast as it was cut from the land. Mr. Averill had done well in a financial way in Ohio, and after coming to this state he was able to hire some of the clearing and other work done. Wheat at first was the main dependence, but he early became a sheep raiser, which finally proved one of the most important departments of the farm work. As the years passed by he was enabled to add to his original purchase of land until he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres in section three, Dorr township, thus making two hundred and fortv acres in the home place, while he also owned the same amount in Byron township, Kent county, Michigan. He had paid over seventy-five hundred dollars for his land, thus being obliged to go in debt, but he met every obligation as they came due and at the same time improved his land until his estate was valued at thirty thousand dollars, this being an advance of four dollars for each one dollar he had invested. For many years he operated this entire tract, also dealing in sheep, cattle, hogs, etc., and in I862 he erected the dwelling which now stands opposite the new one owned and occupied by his daughter. Wishing to retire from the arduous life which he had led for so many years Mr. Averill moved to the village of Dorr, where he erected a neat and substantial residence, but not content with this inactivity he returned to the farm after one year and erected his present handsome dwelling. In the meantime he had begun to dispose of his land to his children, choosing to give to each according to his own judgment. Mrs. Averill (lied oni the 8th of June, 1894, after a happy married life of nearly fifty years. In their family were six children, namely: David B.. who resides near Manton, in Wexford county, Michigan; Mary Loretta, the wife of Lewis W. Yerington, and she owns the farm opposite the old Averill homestead; Lucius L., further notice of whom will be found in this sketch: Electa, who died in infancy; Rosamund, the wife of S. S. Terrill, of Antrim county, Michigan, and Ursula, widow of Eugene Carroll, who was a groceryman in Grand Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Averill also had two adopted sons, Charles H., who (lied at the age of twenty-one years, he having been a member of the family since two years of age, and Chester C., who became a member of the household when only two days old. He is now married and has eighty acres of land in Byron township, Kent county, given him by Mr. Averill. Mr. Averill also has twenty-one grandchildren, including three who have been adopted, and also four great-grandchildren. In his political affiliations Mr. Averill was first HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 343 an anti-slavery man and an abolitionist, and after the Republican party was formed he naturally became a supporter of its principles, but during Grant's administration he joined the Greenback party and later became identified with the Prohibitionists. In I863 he was drafted for service in the Civil war, but paid three hundred dollars for a substitute, and in I864 he enlisted in the Michigan Engineer Corps. He was with Sherman in his celebrated march to the sea, but on account of injuries which he received during his service he was sent to the hospital and finally discharged. Before his marriage he had worshiped in the Methodist church, but his wife was a Congregationalist, and he assisted in the organization of the church of that denomination in this township, but this was afterward removed to Moline, two miles distant, and since his wife's death he has returned to the Methodist church. Mr. Averill has always loved a good yoke of cattle and always kept them upon his farm until he gave up an active business life. As a business man he has ever been upright, reliable and honorable, and in all places and under all circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and right. Lucius L. Averill, a worthy son of this honored pioneer couple, was born in Medina county, Ohio, September 8, 1850, and from his early boyhood days he has been identified with agricultural pursuits. For five years after his marriage he operated a farm in Byron township, Kent county, Michigan, removing thence to Winona county, Minnesota, where he remained for seven years, three years having been spent in the city of Winona and the remainder of the time in the county. Returning thence to Grand Rapids, he worked at the carpenter's trade there for eight years, when, in I900, he returned to the old homestead in Dorr township, which he now owns and is engaged in general farming. Mr. Averill was married November 25, I874, to Miss Alida V. Lilly, of Kent county, Michigan, and they have three adopted children, Ralph Burdoin, Leavitt D. C., and Helen B. LAUREN C. GTLBERT.-WVhen Lauren C. Gilbert passed away on e more name was added to the list of honored dead whose earthly records closed with the words, "well done." He was born in Chester, Geauga county, Ohio, March 17, T830, and his life's labors were ended in death on the 25th of September. 1892. The Gilbert family was founded in this country by three brothers who came from- England and settled in Tolland, Connecticut, where Joel Gilbert, the father of Lauren C.. was born. He was there married to Cresilda Crocker, and in I817, with his second wife, whom he had married at Geneva, New York, he started for Chester, Ohio, making the journey via Lake Erie from Buffalo, but ere reaching their destination they encountered a terrible storm which drove them back to near Buffalo, although they had neared the mouth of Grand river, and thus detained thev did not reach Chester until the ioth of December of that year. Joel Gilbert died in that city at the age of sixty-two years. He was married a third time in Ohio, and of his eight children, six came to Michigan, namely: Norton, who settled in Byron township, Kent county; Bradlev and Lauren, who located on adjoining farms, but the former died in Moline and the latter now resides on his farm; Warren, who returned to Ohio two years later: Sarah, who became the wife of Nathan Snow and died in Dorr township, Allegan county, and Sabrina, - 44 -HIST(ORY OF ALLEG\AN COUNTY who married Rev. Thomas Clark, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, who was later superannuated and both died in Dorr, leaving four children. Lauren C. Gilbert was an excellent example of those who secure their own start in life, for when only nine years of age he began to make his own way in the world, and from that time until he reached his twentieth year he was employed by one man, on the expiration of that period returning to his father. In 1853, in company with his two sisters he came to Allegan county, Michigan, having been preceded by his brother Norton, who came here ill 1851, and in 1853 they were joined by the brother, Bradley. Lauren C. Gilbert began his business career in this county with only eighty acres of land, a small part of which had been cleared, and in the midst of the wilderness he erected his little log cabin, his nearest neighbor at that time being a mile or more distant, while their roads were but mere cowpaths. As time passed, however, the land was cleared and developed, improvements were added to the farm, the little cabin home was replaced by a more commodious one of more modern construction in I870, and all the accessories and conveniences were added. In company with his brother Bradley, Mr. Gilbert at one time owned about thirty cows and they engaged in making cheese, but their stock interests were later increased to about twenty-six cows and they were extensively engaged in the manufacture of that commodity. During his absence in the army at the time of the Civil war his wife looked after the stock, made the cheese and butter and carried them to Grand Rapids to market, a distance of fifteen miles. She then had two little sons, the eldest being but seven years of age and the youngest four. In August, I86I, MIr. Gilbert entered the army as a member of the First Michigan Cavalry, under General Custer, and he received his discharge on the ioth of March, I866, his military career covering a period of four years and eight months. His health was so undermined during his army experience that he never fully regained his former health and vigor, and his life was therefore shortened many years. In Chester, Ohio, on the 3d of March, I852, Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Judith Wisner, a native of that city and a daughter of Rev. Samuel Wisner, a missionary to the Choctaw and Cherokee Indians in Arkansas. After his wife's death he returned to Massachusetts and was married to Amanda Frissell, the mother of Judith. He afterward made his home in Chester, Ohio. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, namely: Wallace B., a farmer of Sanilac county, Michigan; Samuel Jasper, who follows the same occupation in Mentor, Ohio; Lauren Dwight, Oliver L. and Frederick C., each owning a part of the old homestead, and Nellie S., who died in childhood. At the time of his death Mr. Gilbert owned four hundred and sixty acres of land, and for seven years thereafter his widow remained on the old homestead, after which she removed to the village of Moline and there resides in a neat little cottage home in company with her grandson, although she still retains her interest in the farm. Mr. Gilbert was a Republican in his political affiliations, and for a few years served as township clerk, and was also highway and drain commissioner. He was an active worker in the Grange, and since his death Mrs. Gilbert has mraintained an active interest in its work, taking pride in its growth and development. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 345 MILES BRADLEY GILBPERT, deceased, for mnanv vears a leading farmer of Allegan county, was born on the 7th of June, T827. Iln 1855 he came to Michigan and took up his abode in Dorr township, Allegan county, purchasing land adjoining his brother Lauren on the north and where E. N. Bates. his son-in-law, now lives. He acquired one hundred and eighty-five acres in the home place and one hundred and twenty acres one-half a mile south, the latter now owned by his son Arthur, and he thus became one of the largest and most prominent farmers in his township. The land was wild and unimproved when he took tu his abode thereon, but he worked early and late and as the years passed by he succeeded in placing his land under a fine state of cultivation, erected modern and commodious buildings and at the time of his death he was the owner of a valuable homestead. He and his brother Lauren brought with them a herd of cows from Ohio. and from that time tuntil the opening of the Civil war thery were extensively encoaged in making cheese. But when his country needed his services Mr. Gilbert put aside all personal considerations and offered his services to the TUnion cause, serving for one year in the Engineers' and Mechanics' Department. He participated in the Atlanta campaign. was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea and also took part in other celebrated battles of the war. At one time he was confined in the hosnital. having nearly lost his life. His wife's labors were ended in death at the age of seventy-six vears. He was proprietor of a store. at Moline, but his time was princinally devoted to his farm and dairy btsiness. His extensive business interests placed him among the leaders in industrial circles, and his was truly a successful life. On the 2d of April, 1840, Mr. Gilbert married Martha Tane Bates, who was born June o, 1826, and died on the Tith of Tanuary, T803. She was a niece of Abner Bates, who was well klnown in this coutntv. After the death of his first wife Mr. Gilbert married Sarah Bird, a widow residing near his home, and she still makes her home in Moline. Unto Mr. and Mrs.Gilbert were born the following children: Almon. who died in childhood; Flora Isador, now Mlrs. E. N. Bates: Arthur C., Elmer L.. who died at the ace of forty-four years: Almon. a farmer in Byron, Kent countv, Michigan. There was a pair of twins, Albert, who died at six months old. and Alton at six years old. Thev also had two adopted children, IMartha Cornelia, who lived with them from infancy until her death at the ace of seven years. and Della, who also came to them during her infancy, and she served as M\r. Gilbert's honseleener for a time after his wife's death. She is now the wife of Erie Jones, of Wavland, Michigan. Their home seemed always open to the friendless and the needy. No children were born of the second marriage. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert were charter nmembers and liberal supporters of the Congregational church. Arthur C. Gilbert was born October 26, T852, at Chester, Geauga countv, Ohio. He remained with his father until his twentieth year. after which he onerated the home farm in company with E. N.. Bates until his marriage. Two years later he located on one lhndred and twentv acres of his father's land, taking up his abode in a little log? cabin which had been built unron the place, but three vears later this gave nlace to a more commodiolus dwelling, and he has added forty acres to the original tract. He has placed one hundred and twenty acres of his land inder cultivation, and there he continued 346A HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY to reside until 1906, when he came to Moline, although he still has his interest in the farm, the principal feature of which is his dairy. At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Gilbert married Miss Emma Anderson, who was born in Sweden, but came to the United States at the age of ten years, and when eighteen years of age she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Gilbert. They have three children: Roy Ernest, a graduate of Olivet College, and now principal of the high school at Dowagiac, Michigan; Glen Arthur, a student in the agricultural college, and Inez Martha, a student in the agricultural college in Lansing, Michigan. ENGLE]BRECHT BARTZ. -NO better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German-American citizen can be found than that afforded by the career of this well-known farmer of Dorr township. Englebrecht Bartz, more generally known as Robert Bartz, was born in Prussia, Germany, August 6, 1837, but when only four years of age he was brought to America by his father Bernhardt Bartz, the family first establishing their home in Lorain county, Ohio. In 1853 they came to Allegan county, Michigan, where the father secured a farm on section six, Dorr township, the same on which their son now makes his home. There the parents spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in his seventyninth year, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Greve, survived until about her eighty-second year. Their son Englebrecht remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, when he started out in the world for himself on an eighty-acre farm which had been given him by his father, located one-half mile northeast of Dorr. His cash capital at that time consisted of sixteen dollars. In the fall of the same year he was married to Mary Harrish, also from Prussia, but who was only three years of age when brought to America, and she was twenty-two years of age at the time of her marriage. The young couple took up their abode on this wild and unimproved farm, Mr. Bartz having had to make a clearing in the dense woods in order to erect their little log cabin. During the first vear he carried on the farm work with a yoke of steers, but after that oxen were used for ten years in clearing the land. He now has sixty acres of his farm under an excellent state of cultivation, while the little log cabin has long since given place to a modern frame dwelling, and he also has a fine bank barn forty by fifty feet in which to shelter his stock. Mr. Bartz is one of four brothers, namely: Jacob. who died in 90o6, at the age of eighty-two, was an honored veteran of the Civil war and for several years a resident of Chicago, Illinois; John, who died at the age of seventy-seven years, having sold his farm in Allegan county for six thousand dollars; Joseph, who resides on a farm on the northwestern part of Dorr township, and Englebrecht, whose name introduces this review. All have improved eighty acres or more land, which was given them by their father. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Englebrecht Bartz, namely: John, who operates the home farm, and is unmarried; Martin, a farmer at North Dorr; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Anton Beebe, and died at the age of thirty-three years; Margaret, wife of William Henches, and resides on her father's farm; Englebrecht, employed at Hilliard's saloon, and Emma, wife of Steve Bullman, of North Dorr. Mr. Bartz is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and is a charter member of the North Dorr Catholic HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 347 church, of which he is one of the principal supporters. Hie is one of the substantial and well-to-do German citizens of Allegan county, being widely known and highly respected. His residence is located a half mile west of North Dorr, on the line between Kent and Allegan counties, in a beautiful rolling and fertile country, constituting the finest land in Dorr township. OLIVER L. GILBERT.-During the pioneer epoch in the history of Allegan county the Gilbert home was founded within its borders, and on the old homestead farm which they founded in Dorr township Oliver L. was born on the 3d of February, I867, there spending the days of his boyhood and youth and early assisting in its improvement and development. During the first year after his marriage he continued to work for his father, after which he rented the one hundred and fifty acres which now form his present farm. At his father's death he received as his inheritance the one seventy-acre tract, purchasing the remainder of the other heirs. On the home seventy he has done some clearing, but more extensive clearing 'and improving on the other, it having been only partly cleared when he made the purchase, and he has made many other extensive improvements upon both. A county drain passed through the entire place, into which he has tile drains, and in addition to his general farming pursuits he is also engaged quite extensively in raising stock, making Durhams his choice. One of the principal features of his farm is the dairy, keeping from ten to twelve cows, which he feeds from a silo. He is also a breeder of the Chester White hogs and Barred Plvymouth Rock chickens. On the 26th of February, 1889, Mr. Gilbert was married to Amy Nelson, a daughter of John and Laura Nelson, of Hopkins, Allegan county, Michigan, where Mrs. Gilbert was born on the 3d of October, i870. Her father was from Canada, whlile her mother was from New York, and in the latter state they were married. In 1870 they came to Michigan, moving on a farm in Hopkins township, where Mrs. Gilbert was born and lived until her marriage. Her father died at the age of forty-five vears, the mother continuing to live on the farm for quite a number of years, but finally selling it and moving to the village of Wayland, where she afterwards kept a home, but spent a great deal of her time with her children. She died at the home of Mrs. Gilbert May 26, 1905, aged seventy years. One child has been born to Mr. and MIrs. Gilbert, Delcia, a little maiden of nine years. Mr. Gilbert gives his political support to the Republican jparty, but is not an active worker in its ranks, preferring to give his time and attention to his farming interests. He is a member of the old Congregational church at Moline, while his wife is a member of the Disciple church at Wayland, where she belonged when she was married. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of the Maccabees at VWaland as are also his wife's. The family have a pleasant home in Dorr township, and are surrounded by many of the comforts of life. FRED GILnERT. ---IManv years have passed since the family to which Fred Gilbert belongs became identified with Allegan county, and its various members have won for the name an enviable distinction by their high moral worth. This reputation is in no way diminished in this generation, and our subject, who is accounted among the leading agriculturists of Dorr township, displays in a marked degree the admirable characteristics which the name suggests. 348 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Fred Gilbert was born in the house in which he now lives December 12, 1870, a son of Lauren and Judith (Wisner) Gilbert. Three brothers, Norton, Bradley and Lauren Gilbert came to Michigan from Chester, Geauga county, Ohio, the two brothers, Bradley and Lauren, settling side by side in Allegan county, while Norton took up his abode in Kent county. In the family of Lauren and Judith Gilbert were five sons and one daughter, but the latter, Nellie, died when only two years of age, and the sons are: Wallace, Jasper, Dwight, Oliver and Fred. When Lauren Gilbert took up his abode in Allegan county he secured eighty acres of land, but as the years passed by his industry and indefatigable efforts enabled him to add to his original purchase until at the time of his death he owned three hundred and twenty acres in the home farm, besides another tract of seventy-three acres, all of which was secured in the early days when land was cheap. In company with his brother Bradley he built and operated a cheese factory on his land, selling his cheese for six cents a pound, but even at that low price he made money, and was thus enabled to buy more land. During the Civil war he enlisted at the first call for volunteers, his military career covering a period of four years and eight months, and after the close of the struggle he went among the Indians in Utah as a member of the First Michigan Cavalry, under General Custer. He died on the farm on which he had lived and labored for so many years on the 25th of September, 1892, passing away in the faith of the Congregational church, of which both he and his wife were consistent members, worshiping in the little old church which stood on a corner of his farm, he having donated the land for that purpose. He was also active in the public life of his community, having served as a supervisor, treasurer and as a drain and highway commissioner. Fred Gilbert, whose name introduces this review, obtained his education at the Ferris Institute in Big Rapids. At his father's death he received as his inheritance the home place of eighty acres, and in addition he also operates another farm of one hundred and eighty acres. He usually keeps about fifteen cows upon his place, selling his cream to the creamery at Moline. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church at Moline. On the 6th of December, 1896, Mr. Gilbert married Miss Ethlvn Turner, a daughter of George Turner, an old and honored veteran of the Civil war and1 now living at the Soldiers' Home, while his wife resides with her daughter Mrs. Gilbert. Two children have been born to brighten and bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, Oneita and Dorris. In manner Mr. Gilbert is courteous and genial, and among the people with whom he is connected he is popular. DwIGHT L. GILBERT.-During his entire life with the exception of nine years Dwight L. Gilbert has been numbered among the citizens of Dorr township, Allegan county. His birth occurred in the parental home near by his present residence April I6, I862. A sketch of his father, Lauren Gilbert, will be found elsewhere in this volume. Dwight L. spent the days of his boyhood and youth on the old homestead farm, there remaining until his twenty-second year, when he went to Sanilac county, Michigan, and in company with his brother Wallace purchased a farm of two hundred acres of wild land, the timber thereon having mainly been killed by a fire three f::::I I::! 40::::::::::::i Iiiisi_::: C:::::::::,:::::::::::i::.i:::::::i::;::::::-:-::::: Iii:i::i i i —i-iili:ii:i:li-iiiiiiBii _- _iiii: _i —i::i_: —: i:i-::i-: :i:-i -i —i::i:: -::i:::::::::-::i-i —ii —i::i-i:i: —ii:: —:- -: —i —:: —:-:::: -:ii-i:i i:!i-i:E-iiiii-i:i --::: I:-i:il: I:I: i'i —:i-:l-i~i:;i;ii: II:I:III1I ( ---i:::: i MR. AND MRS. GEORGE S. THOMAS HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 349 years previously. The purchase price was seven dollars and a half per acre, and for four years the brothers continued to work the land in partnership, but on the expiration of that period Dwight L. Gilbert was married and the land was divided, he receiving as his share one hundred and ten acres, on which he continued to reside for five years. During this time he had succeeded in clearing about fifty acres, which was mainly devoted to the raising of hay, and the land being flat he was obliged to put in small drains which have since been made into a county drain. After laboring on that place for nine years Mr. Gilbert sold the land for about three thousand dollars. At this time his father (lied and he returned to the old homestead in Dorr township, receiving as his inheritance eighty acres of land. and in addition to this he also bought and farmed the old homestead'of his wife's mother, Mrs. Harriet Turner, consisting of seventeen acres. On these tracts he has done much work in clearing, having now about seventy-five acres under cultivation and he has also put in over a carload of tile drain. His farm lies in a water shed, the water running in two or three directions, but tile drainage has greatly increased the value of the land. The principal feature on this place, however, is the dairy of twelve cows, for which he has built a large bank barn, has also erected a winl-mill, a silo and has rebuilt his residence. He has two fine apple orchards of one hundred and twenty-five trees of the Baldwin variety, and he keeps both Clyde and road horses for the use of the farm. On the 15th of September, 1887, Mr. Gilbert was married to Mirs. Nellie Trautman, the widow of Charles F. Trautman and a (latughter of Artemas and Harriet Hess. The father was killed during the Civil war, in the retreat from Campbell Station, Tennessee, and the mother afterward became the wife of George Turner. She was born in the house in which she now lives. Mrs. Gilbert was but three years old at the time of her mother's second marriage, and by her marriage to Mr. Gilbert she has become the mother of two children, Norton R., aged seventeen, and Lester C.. eleven years of age. She also had one daughter by her former marriage, Grace, now Mrs. Robert Wilson, of Moline, and who was reared and educated 1bv 1\lr. Gilbert. In his poltical affiliations Mr. Gilbert is a Republican. He is a member of the Congreoational church at Moline, which was organized mainly through the efforts of Rev. Riley J. Hess, who came from Grandville to this vicinity and became the first minister. During his ministerial labors here he also purchased the farm for his son, Artemas Hess, the father of Mrs. Gilbert. (GEORGEc( S. THOMAS. —One of the prominent and honored early settlers of \llegan county is the gentleman whose name introduces this review. He was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, New York, November 18, 1827. He was reared, however, in Onondaga county, that state, and was early inured to the arduous duties of the farm. His father, William Thomas, was a native of Wales, but came to the United States during his boyhood, first taking up his abode in Albany, New York, and thence removing to Amsterdam, where he was married to Eleanor Irwin, a native of that city and of English descent. During the infancy of their son George they removed to a farm in Onondaga county, New York, and later removed 350 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY to Cortland county, that state, where the father died at the age of seventyfive years. When George S. Thomas reached the age of twenty-one years he left the parental home, and in I849 went to California, via the Isthmus, and for two years thereafter was engaged in search of the precious metal, returning on the expiration of that period to Cortland county, New York, the proud possessor of two thousand dollars in gold. In 1855 Mr. Thomas made the journey to Michigan, first taking up his abode in Kent county, where he was married to Julia Irwin, a second cousin, and the daughter of David and Margaret Irwin, who in 1840 came from New York and settled in Byron township, Washtenaw county, Michigan, where Mrs. Thomas was born on the 9th of August, 1837. The father served in the Mexican war as a member of the First Michigan Infantry, also participated in the war of the rebellion as first sergeant in the Second Michigan Cavalry, and he lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and one years. A picture of him taken in his ninety-sixth year shows a man of about fifty years, with black moustache and a fine head of hair. After his marriage George S. Thomas spent four years in a store in Byron, Kent county, Michigan, the only one between Grandville and Monterey and the only store in Byron township. He subsequently sold this store and with his wife and child removed to Kansas, first locating in Kansas City, and later went by boat to St. Joseph, Missouri, but shortly afterward returned to Michigan. In I86o he took up his abode in Dorr township, Allegan county, locating on his present home farm, which has thus been his place of abode for over forty-six years. At the time of the purchase the land was covered with a dense growth of timber, but a small log cabin had been erected, and in this the family took up their abode. In this then wild and unsettled region Mr. Thomas labored to establish a home, and as the years passed exerted a wide influence in the public life, thought and action of this locality. The demand for professional men in this new country led him to take up the study of law, and after gaining a knowledge of its principles by his own research and study he began practicing before the justice courts, in time winning a large clientage. He spared neither time nor labor in his legal investigation and preparation of a case, and his discussions of the legal questions were marked with clearness of illustration, strength of argument and fullness and variety of learning. He stood high in the esteem of the leading lawyers of this county and in Grand Rapids, and made many friends among the best lawyers and judges of this part of the state. Among the many noted cases on which Mr. Thomas was employed may be mentioned that of George Krause, a neighbor of Mr. Thomas, whose land by mistake had been granted by the government to the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company. When it was desired to clear the title the railroad attempted to take possession. Mr. Thomas was employed as counsel, and in company with Judge Padgham, now district judge, and Dr. H. F. Thomas, then state senator, he succeeded in getting a bill of relief passed by the legislature, but it was proved unconstitutional. Member of Congress Williams appealed to Congress, and President Grant issued a new patent to Krause for the land. At this time another company had gone to trial with a verdict against the railroad, and as a result it soon issued a quit claim title to the Krause land. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 351 In I863 Mr. Thomas was drafted for service in the Civil war, and he paid three hundred dollars for a substitute, although in the following year he enlisted in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, Company I, joining his regiment at Coultersville, Georgia. During the first seven months his company was engaged in cutting cord wood at Vining Station, north of Atlanta, and after the capture his regiment or a part of it with Sherman drove Hood back and returned to Atlanta, where they reorganized and went with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, Mr. Thomas being in the command of Colonel Yates. They participated in a skirmish near Savannah, and were short of food until the capture of Fort McAllister, when they were given full rations. While there he was stricken with smallpox, and when the army moved on to Columbia, South Carolina, he continued on the march until sent back to the general hospital at Hilton Head, where he remained until the I7th of February, I865, when he was called to Charleston to assist in the defense of that city. There he was attacked with erysipelas and sent with eight hundred of Sherman's men to Johnson's Island and thence to the general hospital at Charleston, and being almost blind he fell from a window and broke his left foot, which was not immediately set, as it was thought he would surely die. Finally recovering, he was sent to Slough Barracks at Alexandria, Virginia, where he was discharged in June, I865. His foot has caused him much suffering since, and it was months before he was able to do a man's work. During all this time his wife had remained at home and cared for the farm during his absence. Mr. Thomas now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, one hundred acres of which is under a fine state of cultivation, and for several years he conducted a dairy. In the early days he was also quite extensively engaged in the making of maple sugar, the sales from which enabled him to purchase his first wagon and also his first pair of bobs. To M1r. and Mrs. Thomas were born the following children: Winfield Scott, who is engaged in dealing in horses in Soule, Michigan; Charles R., a farmer of Dorr township; Nellie M., the wife of William R. Taylor, also of Dorr township; Eva May, wife of Ernest Gillins, a farmer of Byron township; Jane, the wife of William Swartz, also of that township; George S., a miner and stockman in Montana; Frank, with his brother George, and Dan G., farming on the old homestead. Mr. Thomas gives his political support to the Democratic party, being an active worker in its ranks, and has served in the office of township clerk. VICTOR TRAUTMAN is a typical American citizen, thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the republic, and, making the most of his opportunities, has steadily worked his way upward until he has won for himself a name in connection with the industrial interests of the community in which he resides. He is a native, however, of France, his birth occurring in Alsace on the 28th of November, I830. In that country his father. Philip Henry Trautman, owned an estate on which was located an old feudal castle four hundred years old, the walls of which were nine feet thick, and in this old ancestral home Victor Trautman was born. His father, who was a tanner by trade, had his tannery located inside the walls of the castle, and this work-shop had a wide reputation all over Europe. When Victor Trautman was three years of age the family crossed the ocean 352 HISTO(RY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY to America, via Baltimore, spending six weeks on an old Dutch vessel, the captain and first mate of which were tyrants and on landing in Baltimore they threw the second mate, who had taken a great liking to young Victor, overboard. This ship was never heard from after starting on the return journey from Baltimore. After their arrival in America the family made their way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where the father started a brewery, going thence to a farm in Franklin, Stark county, Ohio, but which he lost on account of an old mortgage, and he then removed to Cleveland and finally to a farm in Medina township, Ohio, where his death occurred at the age of sixty-three years. Of his four sons one, Henry, died in Cleveland when past eighty-two years of age, having been a merchant. He was at one time a great infidel but was afterward converted and became a noted preacher of the gospel, being a very popular man in Cleveland and was very prominent in the Masonic order. The second son, Philip, a farmer by occupation, died in Iowa. Charles A. is still a resident of Cleveland, his sister, the eldest of the family, residing with him. Victor Trautman remained at home until his marriage, assisting his father in the work of the farm, but when a young man his arm was broken in two places, so that he was afterward hampered in performing hard labor. After visiting various counties he decided to locate in Dorr township, Allegan county, Michigan, having in 1855 driven through along Grand river. After his arrival here he selected eighty acres, for which he paid four hundred and fifty dollars, and on which he built a small frame house which now forms a part of his present dwelling, the latter having been built in 1877. In May, 1859, he took up his abode on this place, which has ever since been his home and where he has lived and labored with such good success. During the first two years here he was without a team, having been obliged to exchange work, but after a few years he succeeded in nlacing his land under cultivation and gradually large crops were raised and garnered. He still owns his original farm of eighty acres: about seventy acres of which is under cultivation and is watered by fine, large springs and two excellent wells. He is extensively engaged in diversified farming, also dealing to some extent in stock, and he has a fine bank barn. At one time he set out a peach orchard, but this was afterward destroyed bv the yellows. He has made of life a success, and were one to seek for its secret it would be found in that persistent purpose which has ever been a motive power in his career. On the Toth of June, 1857, at the age of twenty-six years, Mr. Trautman was married to Lucy Columbia Young, who was born in Vermont, and she had reached the age of twenty-two vears when she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Trautman. Their home has been blessed with eight children, six sons and two daughters, namely: William V., who is engaged -in lumbering of a tract of twenty-two hundred acres in Arkansas; Charley, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Elmer, who is serving as agent for the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad at Cadillac, Michigan; Edgar N.; Walter, with the railroad operator at Dixon, Illinois: Mary, who died at the age of seventeen years; Lillian, the wife of James B. Henning, agent for the North-Western Railroad in Illinois: and Mark Rav. Mr. Trautman gives his political support to the Republican party, and has served in a number of school offices, also as delegate to conventions and as postmaster. 4 MR. AND MRS. PHILLIP GRANDY HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 353 He has attained prominence in the business circles of Allegan county and has made many friends in the community where he has so long resided. PHILLIP GRANDY.-The life record of Phillip Grandy is one of which he may be justly proud. Success is not measured by the height which one may chance to occupy, but by the distance between the starting point and the altitude he has reached, therefore Mr. Grandy has gained success,-a just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which commands the respect and admiration of all. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, September I8, I843. When nineteen years of age, in April, 1863, he came with his father, Martin Grandy, to Allegan county, Michigan. Soon after his marriage he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, the purchase price being eight hundred dollars, paying one hundred dollars down and the remainder several years later. At the time of the purchase the land was in its virgin state, and he was obliged to cut away the trees in order to make a small clearing on which to erect his little log cabin, and it required many years to make all the substantial improvements which now adorn the place. During the first few years after his arrival he worked for others in order to get some ready money, at the same time clearing his land and placing his fields under cultivation. Mr. Grandy has since sold twenty acres of his farm. which now consists of sixty acres, all of which is under a fine state of cultivation. In company with his brother Daniel he also operated a threshing machine for twenty-five years, and on one occasion while thus engaged he was seriously injured by a bridge breaking with the engine, he thus sustaining internal injuries from which he has never fully recovered. His present neat and commodious residence was erected eight years ago, and it stands on a beautiful building site, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country, and he also has a fine bank barn for his stock. Mr. Grandy married Miss Laura Burk, a daughter of Thomas and Betsey Burk, who had located in this county two years before the marriage of their daughter, and she was then eighteen years of age. Four children have been born of this union, namely: Ina, the wife of Charles Levett, of Byron Center; Harley, who resides on a farm adjoining his father's home; Clara, the wife of Fred Yerington, of Wayland, and Lillie, at home. Mr. Grandy gives his political support to the Republican party. SALEM. The settlement of Salem township dates from 1851, and by I86o the township had only 430 inhabitants. Already by that time a considerable number of these were grouped around the center of the township, known as Salem Center, where Timothy Bliss had entered land in 1858. Among those who settled at that point was James Burnip, who opened a store in the sixties and took such a leading part in affairs that the locality came to be known as Burnip's Corners. Other early merchants there were J. S. Warner, Wells & Dibble, James Briggs, Dr. C. C. Lindsley, Theodore Castor, W. H. Goodwin. A sawmill was built here about 1859, and for the past forty years the Heck family have been prominent representatives of the milling industry in this part of the county. George and William Heck erected a sawmill and a gristmill on Little Rabbitt river, and Mr. George Heck is still proprietor of the gristmill at the old location. 354 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Population has also centered about two other points in this township, one in the northeast corner, known as New Salem, and the other in the southwest corner, on Rabbitt river known as Diamond Springs. GEORGE HECK, whose residence in Salem township dates from i868, is a native of Ohio, having been born near Findlay, February 22, 1850. He is a son of George and Martha (Mash) Heck, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled near Findlay, Ohio, in 1840. They were the parents of a large family, the following ten of whom grew to maturity: Catherine, wife of David Sherrick, who lives in Findlay, Ohio; John, of Findlay; Susan, Mrs. Watson, now deceased; Sarah, Mrs. Lytle; William, who came to Michigan with our subject, but returned to Findlay; Mary, Mrs. Gardner, deceased; George, our subject; A. C., a resident of Findlay; Joseph, of South Bend, Indiana, and Birdie, wife of William Parsons, of New Albany, Indiana. Our subject upon arriving in Michigan settled at Burnips Corner, and in i880 built the house in which he now resides. The farm in Ohio where he had spent his youth was sold by our subject's father for eighteen thousand dollars and has since produced in oil over a million of dollars. The first venture in which Mr. Heck was interested in Salem township was that of a saw and flour-mill, which he has run continuously since. A brother was originally interested with him in this business; but after running for a time as a partnership, Mr. Heck bought out his brother's interest and has since conducted the work alone. Mr. Heck, Sr., and his wife, who moved to Findlay after the sale of their farm, have both since died at that place. On September 20, 1869, our subject was married to Helen Marr McDonald, of Sturgis, Michigan, a daughter of John and Anna (McLaughlin) McDonald. Mrs. McDonald, who settled on a one hundred and sixty acre farm in Salem after the death of her husband, has since become Mrs. Underwood. Mr. Heck's children are two in number: Joy E., a graduate of the law department of the University of Michigan, and of the Agricultural College at Lansing, now practicing law at Zeeland, and he married Gertrude Powell, by whom he has two children, Joy P. and Helen Mary; and Flossie, wife of H. A. Dibble, of Allegan, who has a son, Clarence H. Our subject is a Republican, and has held a number of local offices. He has been tendered by that party the nominations of state representative and state senator, but has not seen fit to accept them, feeling that his duties at home demanded more of his time than he could spare. He is, however, vitally interested in the welfare of his community, and of the party with which he is affiliated, and can always be relied upon in the fight for honest government. Mr. Heck is in a fraternal way connected with Salem Lodge No. 169, I. O. O. F., of which he has been a member since its institution, in 1871, and is also a member of the National Protective Legion. SILAS LOEW, a well known business man of Salem township. where he has resided since six years of age, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, August 19, I86I. He is a son of Frederick and Gertrude (Faubel) Loew, both natives of Germany, who accompanied their parents to the United States at the respective ages of ten and seven years. Christian Loew, grandfather of our subject, located in Monroe county, Ohio. He was a weaver by HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 355 trade, and resided in Ohio until his death, which occurred at the age of ninety-three. Frederick Loew was a joiner and cabinet maker, and followed his trade for a number of years in this country. He later bought a farm and beside cultivating this did carpenter work for his neighbors. He died in June, I905, aged eighty-two years. His family comprised twelve children, eleven of whom are alive: Emma (Mrs. Leweke), of Hopkins; Elisha, a resident of Grand Rapids; Clara (Mrs. Heasley), of Salem township; Josephine (Mrs. Smith), of Cohoctah, Michigan; Commila (Mrs. Moored), of Dighton, Michigan; Silas, our subject; Charles Wesley, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere; Calvin A., a resident of Shelby, Michigan; Amos W., who lives in Salem township; Fred A., of Indiana; and Norman, who lives in Salem township. After working on his father's farm until he became of age our subject went to La Mars, in Western Iowa, where he remained for six months, working in a grocery store. He then returned to the township in which he now lives, and engaged in the hardware business, buying the business formerly r.un by William Bookwalter and continuing in this line until April of I906, a period of twenty years. He had in the meantime become interested in the creamery business, and was secretary and acting treasurer of a creamery company for five years. For the last two years he has acted as manager. Mr. Loew was a notary public for five years, during which time he settled a number of estates. He has also engaged in the real estate and loan business, and since selling his hardware store has sold buggies and other vehicles. Mr. Loew was married, June 3, I885, to Elizabeth Moored, a native of Salem township, and only daughter of John and Amanda (Reinhammer) Moored, who came to Salem township from Ohio and settled at Burnips Corner. To Mr. Loew and his wife have been born three children: Flossie, now attending school at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti; Clarence Leslie, at home attending school; and Leo Miles. From political preference Mr. Loew is a Republican and has served as township treasurer for a number of terms. He has also been on the school board as assessor and director for nineteen years. He was recently appointed highway commissioner to succeed Joseph A. Goodman, deceased. Our subject and his family are all members of the United Brethren church. CHARLES WESLEY LOEWN.-For a period of more than forty years Charles Wesley Loew has been a resident of Allegan county, and has been for a number of years the owner of one of the best improved farms in his vicinity. His birth occurred in Monroe county, Ohio, August 31, I863. He is a son of Frederick and Gertrude (Faubel) Loew, and a brother of Silas Loew, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere. Our subject was but two years of age when his parents came to this section of Michigan, and here he was raised, remaining at home with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age,, at which time he was married and located on his present farm. His marriage occurred February 22, 1892, to Mary Lohmolder, a native of Salem township, and a daughter of William and Caroline (Dendal) Lohmolder, who were pioneer settlers in southern Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Loew are the parents of four children-Sylvia, Howard, Virgil and Vesta. 356 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Mr. Loew rented his farm for a number of years, but eventually purchased it, and has built in addition to the buildings already upon the property a fine granary. He has also remodeled and enlarged the house. He is interested in general farming and stock raising, his farm being ideally located for these branches. In politics our subject is a Republican, and is an earnest advocate of the platform on which this party is based. He is a member of the United Brethren church in his vicinity, and is the treasurer of the board of trustees of that church. CHRISTIAN SUTTER, a venerable and highly respected citizen of Allegan county, and now living retired, having in former years acquired a competence which now enables him to rest from further toil, is a native of Switzerland, his birth having occurred in Basel on the g9th of February, 1825, a son of John and Barbara (Imhof) Sutter. Christian Sutter was reared and educated in his native land and when a young man, having heard favorable reports concerning the opportunities to be enjoyed in the United States, he decided to try his fortune in the new country and accordingly made his way across the Atlantic ocean in a sailing vessel, and went to Richland county, Ohio, where he followed the trade of a cabinet maker, which he had learned before landing in this country. After a time he removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he continued his work of cabinet making until 1847, when he took up the work of ship carpentering, being employed both in Detroit and Buffalo, continuing in the latter place for several years, after which, in September, 1856, he came to Allegan county, where he purchased a farm, upon which not a stick of timber had been cut. He at once set to work to clear his land, plow his fields and plant his crops, and in due course of time gathered abundant harvests therefrom. He had to first make a little clearing before he could build a home, his first place of residence being a log cabin, which was later replaced by a more modern frame structure. This farm Mr. Sutter purchased. Mr. Sutter added to his original purchase from time to time as his financial resources permitted, buying a quarter of section of land, one-half of which Mr. Fleser holds. He likewise cleared and improved this tract and built a good residence thereon in 187I, which has since continued to be his home, although since the spring of 19o6 he has lived retired, leaving the operation of the farm to his sons, to each of whom he has given one hundred acres. In addition to carrying on his agricultural interests Mr. Sutter has also been connected with the industrial activity of Allegan county, having in I866, in partnership with Messrs. Fleser and Pettingall, built a portable sawmill, which they operated during the succeeding six years, doing a large business in their locality. The only interruption to Mr. Sutter's personal interests was at the time of the Civil war, when, loyal to his adopted country, he enlisted in September, 1864, as a member of Company I, Ninth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was never in any active service on the field, but acted as headquarter's guard for General Thomas and also served on picket duty. He received an honorable discharge in January, I865, after which he returned to his home in Allegan county and resumed his labors along agricultural lines, which he continued until the spring of I906, when, feel HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 357 ing that his labors justified a merited rest, he retired from all active business connection but still makes his home on the farm. On the 5th of May, 1853, Mr. Sutter was happily married to Miss Mary Fleser, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, where her father, Adam Fleser, passed away, after which her mother came with her family to America. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sutter have been born the following named: Charles, who lives in Dorr, Michigan, wedded Christiana Mark, by whom he has three children-Hazel, Roy and Lydia. Adam J., who makes his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, wedded Carrie Burt, by whom he has two children, Walter and Herbert. Christian, Jr., resides at Harthwick, in Osceola county, and he wedded Helen Burt, by whom he has three children, Ula, Mildred and Christian. Fred William, who resides upon the home farm, married Effie Gorden, and they have four children, Isabella Christina, Alberta, Maude and Kate. Mr. Sutter is a Republican in politics, and taking an active interest in local progress and improvement, his fellow townsmen have called him to a number of positions of public honor and trust, having served his township as highway commissioner, giving an administration highly satisfactory to the general public. In his religious faith he holds membership with the Lutheran church, while in his fraternal relations he is identified with Salem Lodge No. I69, I. O. O. F., at Burnip's Corner, having joined the order on the 3d of February, I85I, at Erie, Pennsylvania, and is probably the oldest member in point of connection therewith in Allegan county. He was formerly connected with the Grand Army of the Republic at Burnip's Corner until the lodge disbanded. Mr. Sutter has led a life of activity and usefulness, for, coming here at an early day in the development of this portion of the state he has aided in progress made along agricultural and industrial lines, and during the half century of his residence here has seen many changes as the wild land has been transformed into productive fields, modern homes have been erected and towns and villages have sprung up, and thus the work of progress is being carried on from year to year. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey and is accounted one of the venerable and highly respected citizens of this portion of the state, and the rest which he is now enjoying is well merited. HENRY WEBER, one of the largest taxpayers in Salem township and who has always been an industrious worker and a capable manager, was born in Monterey township, Allegan county, February 17, 1858. His father, Frederick Weber, was born in Nassau, Germany, and was twentyeight years of age on coming to America. He settled in New York citv and subsequently moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where he worked in the coal mines, and came in I856 to Allegan county, Michigan, where he settled in Monterey township. There he lived until two years before his death, which occurred at his son's home, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Mary Magdalene Ash, died in Monterey township, aged forty-eight, leaving twelve children. Henry Weber remained on his father's farm until twenty years of age, when he started in drilling wells, erecting windmills and grafting fruit trees. He has consequently become well known throughout his county, 358 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY having worked in almost every part of it. In 1884 he located on his present place, buying at that time eighty acres, which he has since increased to one hundred and forty. The property at the time of his purchase was covered with stumpage and contained a log house, which Mr. Weber used for a granary. He immediately set about building a fine frame house, and in I886 built a barn of ample dimensions. In I889 he rebuilt his house and veneered it with brick. Our subject is engaged in stock raising and general farming and is in addition the manager of a general merchandise store in New Salem. His son attends to the inside work, while he does the buying and necessary hauling. In I883 Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Gertrude Alflen, a native of New Salem and a daughter of John Joseph and Catherine (Schneider) Alflen. Of this union there have been nine children, born in the following sequence: John Joseph, who has charge of the store at New Salem; Frederick, Mary, George, Kate, Clara, Henry, Jr., Herman and Cecilia. Mr. Weber is a Republican and since I892 has held the offices of school inspector and member of the board of review for ten years. He is much interested in all that pertains to the prosperity and common good of his community, but is too busy at the present time with business affairs to give the necessary time demanded of the holder of public offices. He holds membership in the Catholic church of New Salem, of which body he has been for years a trustee, now holding the office of church treasurer. -He is in addition a member of the National Protective Legion and the Saint Joseph Society. FRANCIS JOHN BUEGE, a substantial and enterprising citizen of Salem township, has been a resident of Allegan county since 1856. His birth occurred near Buffalo, New York, March 9, 185I. His father, a native of Gerlnany, came to America in 1850 and settled near Buffalo, New York, where he followed the occupation of farming. His mother, Mary (Buntrock) Buege, was also a native of the "Fatherland," where she was married previous to coming to the United States. Her death occurred in 1870. Francis Buege and his father. Gottlieb Buege, settled first in section T of Allegan township, where they took up a farm of eighty acres, partially cleared, and here they built a comfortable home. In 1866 they came to Salem township and took up eighty acres, and subsequently bought forty more. Here they resided together until the death of the elder Mr. Buege, which happened in 1898. In 1877 Mr. Buege purchased his father's share of the farm, on which he now resides, and has followed since the trade of carpenter in addition to working his farm. ~ In 1906 he built the cement block and brick church for the German Methodist Episcopal church in his district, of which church he is a trustee and recording steward. On October 20, I877, Mr. Buege was united in marriage to Christina Raab, who was born on the old Raab homestead in Salem township. She is a daughter of Adam Raab, one of the pioneer settlers of this section, having come in the early fifties. To Mr. and Mrs. Buege the following children were born: Norman W., a dentist and graduate of the Detroit Dental College, who married Ruby McQueen of Detroit, and is now in HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 359 California for his health; Arthur A., who teaches school; Lydia F., who is residing with her parents; and Otto, Earl and one son unnamed who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Buege is a Republican and has been the recipient at the hands of that party of several offices, including membership of the board of review for several terms, school director for the past twenty years, and justice of the peace for eight years. He also holds membership in the National Protective Legion of Burnip's Corner. JEREMIAH VN. LEEDER, who has farmed on his present place in Salem township for about thirty-eight years, was born in Findlay, Ohio, February 15, 1838. He is the son of Frederick and Mary (Vandermark) Leeder, both of whom emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio. Our subject devotes his time to stock raising and general farming and has personally attended to clearing and improving the property, for it was generally unimproved when he purchased it. When he first came to MIichigan lumbering operations were conducted in the southern part of the state, and in the winters our subject worked in the lumber camps, but as timber became scarcer this line of work offered less inducements and he. like a great many others, turned his attention to agriculture. In 1859 MIr. Leeder was married to Isabella Robinson, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John Robinson of that state. Upon her death, which occurred at Salem, she left four children: John and William. who live in Findlav, Ohio; MIary, Mrs. Ballmar, of Strothers, Ohio: and Isabelle, Mrs. Kennedy. Upon the death of his first wife Mr. Leeder was united in marriage to Miss Anne Alspaugh, who died without issue. His third marriage took place to Mliss Elizabeth Campbell, born in Findlay, Ohio, a daughter of Edgar Campbell, who now resides with him on the farm. Mr. Leeder is a citizen of good repute, is interested in all that appertains to the welfare of his community, and is a man loyal to the tenets of the Democratic party. He is a member of the United Brethren church in his vicinity and has the well-being of that church much at heart. AARON HEASLfEY, who owns one of the finest farms in Salem township, was born in Greensburgf, Pennsylvania, February 24, 1850. Hte is a son of William and Isabella (Merchant) Heasley, both of whom were born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Our subject came with his parents from Findlay, Ohio, to Allegan county, Michigan, in T864, and located in Salem township, where they purchased a farm of sixty acres in section 9 and another one hundred and sixty acres in section 20. The elder Mr. Heaslev and his wife are still residing in this township. Our subject remained at home until he became of age, then for twelve years he devoted his time to carpenter work, having in the meantime purchased eighty acres of his present farm, and subsequently added forty acres thereto, so it now comprises one hundred and twenty acres. This he cleared and improved, building a fine home, a large and commodious barn and a seventy ton silo. Here he gives his time to farming and stock raising, having a fine herd of registered Durham cattle and some Clyde and Hanmbletonian horses. October 14, T875, Mr. Heaslev was married to Clara Loew, a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and a daughter of Frederick and Gertrude (Fauble) 360 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Loew. She is the mother of five children: Viola, wife of Dr. J. 0. Scott, a dentist of Holland, Michigan, and mother of one daughter, Lillian; Dr. Lauren E., a dentist in Chicago, who married Miss Minnie Bretz, by whom he has had two sons, Claire and Earl; Huldah C., Gertrude Isabella, and Pearl Clara, the latter three of whom are still at home. Mr. Heasleyis a Republican and has served on the school board since i877, with the exception of two years, during which time he was a drain commissioner. He is a highly respected member of the United Brethren church of Salem, of which body he is a trustee. MONTEREY. Monterey township was first settled in I836, and though its population had reached the figure I,533 in i88o, since which time it has declined somewhat, the town has never supported a village community of any importance The center of the township, about the home of Horace Wilson, the first settler, attracted more settlers than any other one point, and the town meetings being held here some sort of central community existed from early days. George W. Kibby erected a hotel at the Corners in i86o, and Andrew Briggs was the first to open a store at that point. In i88o the principal features of the place were a store, wagon shop, church, school and. postoffice, and the locality has been little changed since then, except that rural free delivery has caused a discontinuance of the postoffice. -- Im JAMES MADISON McALPINE is one of the venerable citizens of Allegan county, having passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey. He now lives in Monterey township, but has retired from active connection with business interests, spending the evening of his days quietly amid friends, who extend him regard, respect and veneration. He was born in New York in 1820, and his parents, William and Lydia (Souls) McAlpine, were also natives of the Empire state, where the father followed the occupation of farming. He was born in the year I792 and passed awvay in i867, while his wife, who was born in I790, died in I869. James Madison McAlpine was therefore reared to agricultural pursuits and remained under the parental roof until his eleventh year, when he became ambitious to earn a living and hired out as a farm hand. He was thus largely occupied up to the time he attained his majority, and his diligence and faithfulness always secured him good positions. In i84I, when he had reached man's estate, he was happily married to Miss Lucinda M. Granger, a daughter of Noble Granger, who was a native of New York and one of the pioneer residents of Allegan county, Michigan. Following his marriage Mr. McAlpine took his bride to a rented farm in New York, where they lived for four years, when he decided to come to what was then the far west. Accordingly he made his way to Michigan, where he arrived in October, 1845, with his wife and child and thirty dollars in money. His persistent industry has been rewarded and he is now enabled to spend his remaining years in peace and quietness, enjoying the fruits of his early struggle. For many years he was successfully engaged in farming in Allegan county, carefully tilling the soil and so directing his labors that they were crowned with a gratifying measure of success. He now lives upon a little tract of land of ten acres in Monterey Center, Monterey township, MR. AND) MRS. JAMES M. Me ALPINE I HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 361 and he also owns two hundred acres of well improved land which he rents and which brings him a good income. In addition to this he has a substantial little capital and all that he possesses has been earned by himself, for he never inherited a dollar. He early learned to place his dependence upon unremitting diligence and perseverance, realizing that "there is no excellence without labor." In 1905 Mr. McAlpine was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away at the age of eighty-six years. They had long traveled life's journey together and her death is most deeply mourned by the husband who is left behind. They were the parents of three sons. Martin Van Buren, the eldest, married Ellen M. Kibby, a daughter of George and Emily Kibby, both natives of Monroe county, New York, whence they came to Allegan county in an early day. There are three children of this marriage: Edna, now the wife of Frank E. Berry; Martin B., and Bella M. William, the second son of the family, died at the age of three years. Harry married Lizzie Noblock and died, leaving four children: Pearl, Keith, George C. and Ford. Mr. McAlpine was one of the early settlers of Monterey township and has witnessed its development from a wild and uncultivated region into a district whose rich fertility makes it one of the rich farming portions of the state. He has seen forests cleared away and in their stead are now found good farms, while here and there are enterprising towns and villages equipped with many commercial and industrial interests. He has done not a little to aid in the work of transformation and he deserves much credit as a pioneer settler. His political allegiance has been given to the Democracy and he has held various offices of trust, serving as supervisor and also as justice of the peace for many years. In all life's relations he has been found faithful to duty, honorable in principle and trustworthy in action, and in the evening of life he can look back over the past without regret. His name is an honored one in Allegan county and his memory will long be cherished after he has passed away. CHARLES BRUCi GIBSON, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Allegan county, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, on the 25th of June, 1850. His father, Charles Gibson, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and when eleven years of age accompanied his father, James Gibson, on his removal from the Keystone state to Ohio, where he was reared, educated and married, there making his home until 1852, in which year he removed with ox teams to this state, taking up his abode upon a farm in Monterey township, Allegan county, and here made his home until his death, which occurred in 1893, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-two years. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Beard, and was a native of Columbus, Ohio, born in i816, and her death occurred in 1889, vwhen she had reached the age of seventy-three. She was a daughter of Bennett Beard, who, on his removal from the Buckeye state, located in Monterey township, Allegan county, and later removed to Salem township, this county, where both he and his wife passed away. In the family of Charles and Sarah Gibson were the following named: William, who died during his service in the Civil war; Mrs. Mary Ann Hinton, who resides in Mecosta county, Michigan; Isaac T., who lives in Osceola county, this state; 362 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY John Allen, deceased; Lorraine; Thomas, who resides in Allegan county, having a home on the lake shore; George P., who resides in Arkansas; Charles B.. of this review; Jasper L., who lives in Hancock county, Ohio; Jeremiah Fletcher, who makes his home a mile and a half east of our subject; Sarah, who died at the age of three years, and Clinton Isaiah, who makes his home in Allegan. Our subject's father was serving as highway commissioner at the time Allegan road was laid out, this being the first road in the township, and when only two families had settled in Salem township. Charles B. Gibson was only two years of ae when brought by his parents to this state, the family home being ec-Tblished on a farm situated a half mile north of where his own property is now located, where the family remained for three years, after which they took up their abode on the farm on which our subject now makes his home. Here he was reared to agricultutral life, assisting his father in the arduous task of clearing and developing wild land, and when not busy on the farm pursued his studies in the district schools near his father's home. The place comprises one hundred and twenty acres, which has all been cleared save about ten or twelve acres, which is yet covered with timber. Mlr. Gibson remained under the parental roof, giving his father the benefit of his services until he had attained the age of twenty-five years, when he went to Osceola county, this state, where le remained for two years, after which he returned to the home place and( worked for his father for five years. He then again returned to Osceola county and purchased the farmi upon which he had been employed (luring his previous residence there, and that continued to be his home until Anril. T(90, when hle again returned to Monterey township, Allegan county, and( took tup his abode on his present farm. andl here he has since been engage(l in general farming and stock raising, and in addition has a fine orchard of apples and peaches, and thus nmakes fruit-raising one of the important branches of his business. He is meeting with gratifying results it his work and now has one of the well improved and valuable farms of Alle-,gall county. On the cth of March, 1876, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Tolnson, who was likewise born in Hancock county, Ohio, a dautghter of William and Elizabeth (George) Johnson. Her parents removed( to this state from Ohio in T865. the family home beinig established in Salem township. Allegan county. TUnto our subject and his wife have been born seven children. but only two are now living; Stella, who died at the ape of five years; Wiilliam. who died at the age of seven months; Maude, who became the wife of William Burke, and died in Osceola county, this state, in Tanuary, T103, leaving two children, Goldie and Flovd; Bertha, who (1rld at the age of sixteen vears; Martin, who died when seven months old: and Myrtle and Jennie, who are at home and are the only menmbers of the family survivini. Mr. Gibson is a Democrat in his political views, and is holding melnhership relations with the United Brethren church. Mr. Gibson having resided in Allegan county since his infancy, with the exception of the brief period which he spent in Osceola county. has a wide acquaintance in this portion of the state, where he is known for his reliability and trustworthiness. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 363 FREDERICK F. SMITH', who throughout his entire business career has followed the mason's trade and at this writing is also engaged in farming in Alonterey township, where he owns fifty-seven acres of good land, was born in Staffordshire, England. March 29, 1877. He is a son of John Frederick Smith, likewise a native of Enegland, who came to America in I855, settling first in New York. He had learned the mason's trade in his native country and he followed it in the Empire state. He afterward lived at various times in (lifferent places and eventually became a resident of Chicago, while on the 3(d of March, 1893, he took up his abode at Dunningville, Michigan. where he has since been identified with building operations as a mason, and in this connection has been largely associated with the substantial ilnprovement of the town. He married Mliss Sarah Bruton, a native of England and a dtlaughter of Thomas Bruton, who came to New York, settling first in Jefferson county, where lie die(l at the very venerablle age of ninety-eight years. His widow still survives. In the family were nine children, of whom six are yet living, namely: M[rs. Mlaud Clark; John T. Smith: Frederick F.., of this review; Sebra, the wife of HTerbert Plots: Joseph, who was born in Troy, New York; andl Harry, whose birth occurred in Jefferson county, New York. Fredlerick F. Snlith was educated in the schools of Jefferson county, New York, having~ been a lad of about eight years at the time of the emigration of his parents from England to the new world. He afterward pursued his studies in Chicago and there learned the mlason's trade under the dlirection of his father. Hle has w-orked in that line fromin the age of fourteen years up to the present time, and has been closely and actively associated with building interests. He became a competent workman and has been quite successful. After working as a journeyman for some timne he began contracti nig anid buildinog on his own account and has dlone a large amount of work throllughout the counlty and inl the village of Allegan, nmany of the substantial structures stanlding as monlluments to his skill, enterprise and th rift. ITn T904 he purchased fifty-seven acres of land in Ioniterev townslhip. all unuder cultivationI, and has since lived upon the farnm, erecting there ill 1o6 his preseint resi(lence, which is a two-story brick dwelling containinig eleven rooms and with a gable roof. It is one of the attractive and (lesiral)le holnes of the comumunity andil Mr. Smith and his family now live upon the fariil, the work of which is carried on1 un(er his supervision, althoulgh le is vet an active representative of the mason's trade and in this regar(l has a lil)eral an(l growing patronage. Oil the 2;th of Septelmber, I9OT, Mr. Smith was mnarried in Monterey township to ~Miss Emmlla L. Dendel, a daughter of Peter Dendel, and they have hia(d two children, HTarold JohI Frederick, who died at the age of two years acnd two mopnths. and MWabel Marie. "MTr. Smith is a Demnocrat in his political views and affiliation, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he prefers to g7ive his undivided attention to his business affairs. He is a very procgressive vounn man, wi(le-awake and enterprising in business, and much esteemied sociallyv by reason of his good qualities. He has already won iotable succes in his in(lustrial interests and the future undoubtedly holds iin store for him still greater nrosperity because he possesses those qualities which always \\iin business advancement. 364 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY FRED J. DENDEL, who is engaged in general farming in Monterey township, was born in Roseville, Michigan, in 1864. His father, Peter J. Dendel, was a native of Germany, and came to the United States with his father, Fred Dendel, the family home being established at Roseville, Michigan, where the grandfather followed the occupation of farming. Peter J. Dendel was about eighteen or twenty years of age at the time of the emigration to the new world, and he lived at Roseville in the vicinity of Detroit, Michigan, for some time, but came to Allegan county about thirty-eight years ago and took up his abode in Monterey township upon a farm. He first purchased three eighty-acre tracts of land and afterward added another eighty-acre tract. Here he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death and he transformed his place of two hundred and forty acres into a valuable and attractive farm, which became one of the attractive features of the landscape, owing to the highly cultivated condition of the fields and the many substantial improvements which he placed upon his land. In early manhood he wedded Miss Mary Brant, also a native of Germany. His death occurred in I894, while his wife passed away in I895, at the age of sixty-four years. They were the parents of five sons, of whom Fred J., of this review, was the third in order of birth. The father was married, however, three times. By his first wife there are no living children and of the second marriage there is one surviving daughter, Mrs. Kate Seabright. His third wife was the mother of our subject, and their children numbered altogether five sons and three daughters, as follows: John P., who is living in Monterey township; William H., who resides in Hopkins township, this county; Fred J., of this review; Martin G. and Frank, who are resident farmers of Monterey township; Mrs. Emma Smith, the wife of Frederick Smith, a resident farmer of Monterey township, who is represented elsewhere in this work; Mrs. Winnie Thorwood, of Indiana; and Mrs. Mealey Bechtold, also of the Hoosier state. Fred J. Dendel, whose name introduces this record, was a young lad at the time of the parents' removal from Roseville to Allegan county, and in the district schools of Monterey township he acquired his education. He was early trained to the work of the farm and has always carried on general agricultural pursuits, being now the owner of one hundred acres of the old homestead, which he is carefully cultivating and improving. The farm presents every evidence of modern agricultural development and he annually harvests good crops in return for his labor and diligence. In I886 Mr. Dendel was joined in marriage to Miss Sabrina Sprau, a daughter of Henry Sprau, and unto them have been born five children, Jeanie, Maud, Wilfred, Winnifred and Bernice, all natives of Monterey township. Mr. Dendel in his political views is an earnest Republican, ably supporting his position by intelligent argument. He belongs to the National Protective Legion and to the Grange, and wherever known he has gained kindly consideration and regard by reason of his many good qualities and his fidelity to a high standard of business ethics and of personal conduct. WILLIAM J. PATTERSON.-Among the citizens of foreign birth who have become most loyal in allegiance to their adopted country and whose HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 365 labors have been of material benefit to the communities in which they reside, is numbered William J. Patterson, of Monterey township. He was born in county Down, in the north of Ireland, in 1832, his parents being John and Margaret (McClements) Patterson, who spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle. Their son William was reared in the parish of Kilmore, and in early life learned the trade of a linen cutter, which he followed for seven and a half years. He was a young man of twenty-one years when he determined to seek his fortune in the new world, and he has never had occasion to regret this resolution, for in America he found good opportunities, which he has improved, with the result that he is now a substantial farmer of Allegan county. On crossing the Atlantic he first settled in the state of New York, where he was employed at farm labor, having no capital at the time of his arrival. In 1857 he arrived in Michigan, taking up his abode in Monterey township, Allegan county, where he first purchased twelve and a half acres of land, which he cleared and cultivated. In I866 he purchased a farm of forty-three acres, which he also cleared and improved, and about the same time he sold his original tract of twelve and a half acres. For four years he lived in the village of Allegan and rented his farm, but on the expiration of that period he returned to the home place and has since resided thereon. His time and energies are devoted to its further development and improvement and he raises here good crops, which give him a very desirable annual income. In I857, in Monterey township, Mr. Patterson was married to Miss Eliza Wilson, a daughter of John Wilson, who was a native of Ireland, and there spent his entire life. Mrs. Patterson was also born on the Emerald isle, and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children, all of whom were born in Monterey township. Mary, the eldest, is now the wife of Frank Langdon, and has two children, Ora and Gladys. George L., who has forty acres of land in Monterey township, where he follows farming, wedded Edith Sweezey, and has four children, George, John, Orba and Maud. Alva is the wife of Frank Babcock and has one child, Laura. Zella is the wife of William Howe and has a daughter, Marie. Nina, who completes the family, is the wife of Orrin Jones. Mr. Patterson has held a number of local offices, to which he was called by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. He served as township treasurer for four terms, has also been a member of the school board and also its treasurer for some time. His investigation into the political condition of the country and the dominant question before the people led him to give his support to the Republican party when he became a naturalized American citizen and he has always remained true to that allegiance. For almost a half century he has lived in Allegan county and witnessed its many changes and its growth and development. He has never hesitated in doing his full part toward the improvement of the county, and, in fact, has been the champion of many progressive public measures. GEORGE STARING, living in Monterey township, was also born within its borders, his natal year being i866. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county. His paternal grandfather, Henry Staring, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Michigan at an early period in the settlement of 366 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY the state, when it was still under territorial rule. He located in Kalamazoo county and thence came to Allegan county, clearing the land upon which he settled in 1840, there making his home until his death. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits, and after opening up his farm he continued the further work of improvement until he had an excellent property, from which he annually gathered good crops. He was a soldier of both the Mexican and the Civil wars, and was granted a pension by the government in recognition of the meritorious service which he had rendered. John Staring, father of our subject, was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan county in 1840. At the time of the Civil war he, too, responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a private of Company C, Thirteenth Michigan infantrv, with which he served for three years, or until the close of the war. He was a brave and loyal soldier, never faltering in the performance of any military duty, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or stationed him on the firing line. \When the stars and stripes were victoriously planted over the capital of the Southern Confederacy he returned to his home and resumed farming in MIonterey township. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Esther B3tutrick, died thirty-three years ago. George Staring, the only child of John and Esther (Butrick) Staring, was born upon the home farm in Monterey township and was educated in the district schools. In early life he secured employment on the county poor farm and afterward was made keeper of the farmn, remaining there altogether for thirteen years, of which ten and a half years was spent as keeper. He purchased sixty acres of the old homestead and he now owns fifty acres of that tract, constituting a good farm, which is well improved and is devoted to general agricultural pursuits. In 1890 Mr. Staring was married in Monterey township to Miss Julia Devine, who worked at the county farm when he was working there. They now have one living child, Lena, who was born in Monterey township. Mr. Staring is a public-spirited citizen and a Republican in politics. His life has been characterized by hard work, industry and frugality, and the success which he has achieved has come as the reward of his labors. GEORGE RUEI1LE, who devotes his time and energies to general farming in Monterey township, is one of the citizens that the Fatherland has furnished to Allegan county, and in his life he has displayed many sterling characteristics which have made the Teutonic race ever a progressive one and a factor in the world's civilization. Mr. Ruehle first opened his eyes to the light of day in Germany in 1847, and was the eldest child of Jacob and Catherine (Kronenwith) Ruehle, who were likewise natives of Germany. The father was born in 1804, and prior to his marriage was employed at various occupations in his native country. He came to the United States in 1848 and settled first in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked for a time as a laborer. He afterward removed with his family to St. Clair county, this state, where he invested his savings in a tract of farm land, making his home thereon for eleven years. In 1864 he came to Allegan county and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which was cleared with the aid of his sons. His attention was given to its further development and HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 367 improvement up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1877, when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife survived him until I89o, and died at the age of seventy-six years. In their family were five children, who reached adult age, of which number Valentine is now deceased. He en — listed as a private of Company E, Tenth Michigan infantry, in the Civil war in I86i, and after serving for three years he re-enlisted in I864 in the same regiment, continuing at the front until killed at the battle of Atlanta, thus laying down his life as a ransom on the altar of his country. Other members of the family are as follows: Jacob F. Ruehle, born in Detroit in 1852, married Sophia Housknecht, and has eight children, Oscar F., Herman, Wallace, Elsie K., Leon G., Lawrence, George D., and Raymond D. The father of these children has followed farming throughout-his entire life. John Ruehle, the third member of the family, was born in St. Clair county in 1853 and is unmarried. Henrietta, the only daughter, born in St. Clair county, Michigan, in I859, is the wife of G. Liniger, a resident of Otsego, Michigan, and they have four children, George, Walter, Lulu and Bertha. George Ruehle is the eldest member of the family and the only one born in Germany. He accompanied his parents on their various removals from the old world to America, from Detroit to St. Clair county and thence to Allegan county, and since that time has been identified with the agricultural interests of Monterey township. He is now the owner of ninety-five acres, all of which is under cultivation, and he is regarded as one of the wide-awake, practical and progressive farmers of this community. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the call of the country and joined the boys in blue of Company C, Twenty-seventh Michigan infantry, in I862. He enlisted as a private for three years' service and did active duty while at the front, and was wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, receiving three balls at the same instant. When the war was over he received an honorable discharge, and with a creditable military record returned to his home in Allegan county, since which tine he has continuously and successfully followed farming. George Ruehle has been married twice. He first wedded Miss M. A. Renzehausen, and they have four children, Edna, Serena, George R. and Leonora. After losing his first wife Mr. Ruehle wedded Magdalena Reel, and they have two children, Vera and Orland. The family are widely and favorably known in this locality and the members of the household enjoy the high regard of many friends. Mr. Ruehle is a member of Harlow Briggs Post, No. 80, G. A. R. He has lived a life of unremitting toil and industry, and his success is the direct result of his earnest, persistent labor. He is a progressive and public-spirited man, and he and his interesting family have the warm regard of those with whom they have been associated. JACOB SCHLIENTZ, deceased, was active and prominent in industrial and agricultural circles in Allegan county for many years. His life record began in Esslingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 3d of August, 1846, and the days of his boyhood and youth were passed in his native country, where he acquired his education in the public schools. He came to America when a young man of twenty-two years, having in the meantime followed farming in his native country with his father, Leonard Schlientz. After arriving 368 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY in the new world he made his way to Allegan, where resided his brother, Gotlieb Schlientz, who was a tailor in the village. Mr. Schlientz of this review learned the cooper's trade under the direction of a Mr. Elliger in the village of Allegan, and afterward opened a cooper shop of his own in Hopkins township. There he worked at his trade continuously for some years, and in I89I he purchased a farm of seventy acres, which had been cleared and was under cultivation. He devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits and further developed and improved his property, making it one of the good farms of Monterey township. On Christmas day of I870, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schlientz and Miss Elizabeth Lohrberg, who was born March 4, 1848, in Springfield, Mahoning county, Ohio, a daughter of August Frederick and Catherine (Roch) Lohrberg. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, came to America when a young man, and was married in Ohio, where he settled upon a farm. He had been a weaver in his native country and he followed that pursuit to some extent in Ohio during the winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to general farming. He came to Michigan, where his death occurred, when he was sixty-three years of age, and where his widow died at the age of sixty-two years. They were the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schlientz were born eleven children. August Frederick, who was born in Monterey township, November 20, 1871, is the eldest of the family. Lizzie Catherine, born in Monterey township December 21, 1874, married Lewis Buch, and has two children, Vena and Lindon. Lizzie Louise and Lena Magdalena, twins, were born in Monterey township, January 24, 1877, and both died on the 9th of September of the same year. Nettie May, who was born December 7, 1878, in Allegan, became the wife of Edward Buch and died September 22, 1906, leaving a husband and two sons, Russell and Wayne, aged eight and five years, respectively. Mary Louisa, born in Hopkins, Michigan, March 9, I880, is the wife of Otho Buch, and has one child, Lillie Fern. Emma Sophia, born at Hopkins, June ii, I88I, died on the g9th of July of the same year. Otto Leonard, born in Hopkins, October 6, 1883, died on the 3d of November following. Ernest Jacob, born at Hopkins, May I, I886, and Lida Cornelia, born at Hopkins, June 2, 1887, are at home with their mother. Carl Francis, born February 14, I889, died the following day. In his political views Mr. Schlientz was a Democrat, always voting for the candidates of the party, though never desiring office for himself. He attended the Lutheran church and was a very busy, industrious and frugal man, whose success was due to these qualities and the assistance of his wife, a most estimable lady, who proved to him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. Mr. Schlientz was greatly esteemed for his many good qualitities, as manifest in his private life and in his citizenship, and when he was called away in 1902 his death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as his immediate family. HEATH. Hamilton has grown to be a village of no inconsiderable importance in the northwest portion of the county. Located on Rabbit river, it was at an HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 369 early day a mill site, and with a railroad to enforce this position it has continued as a business center for over forty years. The village site in the northwest corner of Heath township was once owned by Anton Schorno, C. W. Calkins, and Elnathan Judson. In 1852 Col. John Littlejohn and Simon Howe built a sawmill, that ran only a short time because the dam gave wav. The mill was rebuilt bv Col. Littlejohn in T855, and from that time. as long as lumbering remained an important industry, the mill was a central institution. In T86T George P. Heath built the first grist mill. It was burned in 1867, and no other was erected until T879. Since then the milling business has given Hamilton much of its prestige in the county. Mention is made of the Hamilton Mills below. The village now has an estimated population of 275, has an excellent graded school, several stores, and supplies a considerable trade in that portion of the county. Another mill site in Heath that developed into a small village center is Dunningville, now a station on the Pere Marquette, with a population of about Ioo. Andrew Whistler built a sawmill on Bear creek in section 28, and when, after several changes of ownership, this was burned, William Scott purchased the property and erected a more modern mill on the same site. A store and hotel were also opened, and with a postoffice the place has for the past thirty years kept its place among the minor villages of the county. GRAAFSCHAP. The plat by this name, recorded February 24, 1871, surveyed by Ira Chichester, is situated in the northwest corner of section 7, Fillmore township. The origin of the village, however, dates from 1848, in which year the Reformed church was formed in that vicinity, and the incorporated society purchased eighty-one acres, on which they laid out the village of Graafschap. Here the church was built, and the place has since remained a religious. social and to a limited extent a business center. The fact that the railroad did not pass near the site was doubtless a reason why the locality did not obtain greater importance as a village center. When the railroad was built through Fillmore township a station was established on section 23, a sawmill was erected there, and in I873 a postoffice established. A store was opened in 1874 and in 1875 a grist mill. The population and business enterprise of the place have remained about stationary since that time. HENRY COOK is a retired furniture manufacturer residing in the village of Allegan. His success in all of his undertakings has been so marked that his methods are of interest to the commercial world. An analysis of his character shows that he has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and unswerving integrity. His enterprise and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sense of the word, and in community affairs he manifests that tangible spirit which makes him a valued citizen. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment, he has raised himself to the prominent position which he now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him. A native of the Netherlands, Henry Cook was born March II, 1831. 370 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY His father, Harm Cook, was a native of the same country and was there married to Miss Jane Dunnewind, who was likewise born in that country in 800o. They came to the United States in 1846, settling in Michigan at the town which was called Holland in honor of their native country. They were among its earliest residents, coming to the United States under the leadership of a minister, Dr. A. C. Van Raalte, who, after selecting a location, brought with him a colony of about one hundred, who established the new town of Holland., Harm Cook settled upon a farm and built a log house, but the work of clearing and developing his place was so arduous that his health was undermined and he passed away December 29, 1847, when about fifty years of age. His family shortly afterward removed to Allegan. The place in which their home was first established was an unbroken wilderness and Harm Cook moved into the second shanty built in that locality, living in it until a log cabin could be constructed. His widow survived him until I86i. All of their children were born in the land of the Dykes and came with their parents to the United States, namely: Hermina. now deceased; John, who served in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry in the Civil war and has also passed away; Henry, of this review; Albert, who is living in Allegan, and Martin, who is living at Ionia, Michigan. Following the removal of the family from Holland, Michigan, to Allegan in I848, Henry Cook, then a youth of about eighteen years, began learning a trade in the planing mill of N. B. West. That he was faithful and capable is indicated by the fact that he was there employed continuously from 1852 until I890. In the latter year, in connection with Siebe Baker, he purchased Mr. West's interest and continued the business until i900, when he sold out. In the meantime the planing mill had been converted into a furniture manufactory and the new company placed an output of furniture on the market, securing a ready sale for its product. In fact the business proved a profitable one from the beginning, and thus adding annually to his income, Mr. Cook was enabled to put aside the more arduous cares of business life and is now living retired. In i86o Mr. Cook was married to Althea Cook, a daughter of Hermanis Cook, who, though of the same name, was not a relative. They have become the parents of four children, all born in Allegan, namely: Delia J., who is the wife of Judge Fred S. Lamb and has four children, Althea, Morris, Emma and Fred; Herman, undertaker and justice of the peace, who married Minnie M. Cook; Milton J., a practicing dentist of Holland, Michigan, who wedded Maggie Thompson, bv whom he had one child. Henry Dale; and Eva O.,.the wife of Henry Wilber Hardie, a jeweler of Holland, by whom she has a daughter, Ruth Cook. The family attend the First Presbyterian church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Cook are earnest and devoted members and in which he is serving as an elder. In his political views he is a Republican, never faltering in his allegiance to the party but without aspiration for office for himself. Starting out in life empty-handed, recognizing its possibilities and not overestimating its difficulties, he. determined to win success and by a brave and resolute effort continued on his way, faithfully pursuing his work. Through thrift, industry and frugality he succeeded in saving a sum of money, which enabled him to engage in business for himself. Prosperity attended 'his efforts. thereafter making him one of the substantial citizens of Allegan. His business career is alike HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 371 creditable and honorable, being characterized by rectitude and unassailable integrity. HENRY BRINKMAN, who for many years has been numbered among the enterprising farmers of Laketown township, Allegan county, Michigan, where he owns and operates sixty acres of land, is a native of the Netherlands, his natal year being I85I. He is a son of John and Grace Brinkman, likewise natives of that country, whence they emigrated in I86i to the United States. The father was a carpenter by trade and following that pursuit in his native land, and after coming to the United States continued his operations along that line with profit and success. He purchased a tract of eighty acres in Fillmore township, this county, which he operated in conjunction with his work as a carpenter. He was an expert mechanic and was connected with much important building in his section of the state, where he became a prominent and influential citizen, being true and loyal to the principles of his adopted country. His death occurred in I864, while his widow survived for many years, being called to her final rest in I898. Their family numbered seven children: John, Henry, Hilbert, Henrietta, and three who died in early life. Henry Brinkman accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world in I86I, being then a lad of only ten years. His education, begun in his native country, was continued after the arrival of the family in Michigan, where he attended the district schools near his father's home. Being well pleased with this state and the opportunities which it offers to the agriculturist, he has always continued his residence here to the present time, having lived in Allegan county from the time of his arrival in the new world, and in Laketown township since I877, in which year he purchased forty acres of land, this being a part of his present homestead property, to which he added an additional twenty-acre tract in 1882. He is an industrious and progressive farmer, following only the best methods in the prosecution of his work. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and each year harvests good crops, which find a ready sale on the market, where they command a high price, owing to their excellence. After making his first purchase of land, Mr. Brinkman further completed his arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Gesenia Benefeldt, and their home has been blessed with seven children, namely: George, Grace, Ethel, Albert, Jennie and Ettie, all still at home. The family are members of the Dutch Reformed church, while Mr. Brinkman is now serving as assessor of school district No. 3, of Laketown township. As an agriculturist he has made a creditable record, his efforts resulting in the achievement of success, and he is today numbered among the influential and prosperous farmers of Allegan county. JOHANNAS HEERSPINK, a representative and well-to-do farmer and fruit raiser of Laketown township, was born on the farm which is still his home, his natal year being I850, and is of Holland descent. His father, George Heerspink, was born in the Netherlands in I817, and, with the hope of bettering his financial condition in the new world, crossed the Atlantic in his early manhood and made his way to Allegan county, this state. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Fannie Boucamp, was born in 372 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Germany in 1822, and had also come to this country at an early day, settling in Allegan county, where she formed the acquaintance of George Heerspink, and afterward, in 1848, gave to him her hand in marriage. The young couple took up their abode in Allegan, where they resided for some time, and. later the father purchased a tract of eighty acres in Laketown township, to which he removed. The land was mostly wild and unimproved, but the father began the work of development and improvement, first making a clearing sufficient to build a log cabin, which continued to be the home of the family through a long period, but this was later replaced by a more commodious and modern frame residence. Mr. Heerspink was connected with the improvement and upbuilding of Allegan county during its early pioneer epoch and was classed among its prominent and influential citizens. He continued his residence on his farm, of which he had disposed of twenty acres, until his demise, which occurred January 7, 1882, while his wife had preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring November 12, I880. Their family numbered but two children: Johannas, of this review, and Jennie, deceased. Johannes Heerspink, the only surviving member of his father's family, was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father in the operation of the farm, and in the meantime acquiring a common school education during his boyhood and youth. When he started out in life on his own account he chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and in which he has met with gratifying success. Following the demise of his father in 1882, Mr. Heerspink came into possession of the old homestead property, and here is engaged in general farming and fruit raising. He has a fine orchard containing one thousand peach trees, two hundred apple trees, one hundred pear trees and twenfy-five plum trees, in addition to which he raises berries and other small fruit. Mr. Heerspink has a well improved farm of sixty acres, and is a man of progressive spirit, who keeps in touch with the trend of modern development along agricultural lines. In 1872 our subject chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Fannie Mapplink, who was born in the Netherlands, August 23, 1853, and in 187I, when a young lady of eighteen years, she emigrated to this country. By her marriage she has become the mother of ten children: Fannie, Clacena, Jennie, George (deceased), George, Herman, John, Frederick, Johanna and Dena. The family are members of the Christian Reformed church at Graafschap. Mr. Heerspink is a man of enterprise, energy and integrity and his life is exemplary in many respects, so that he has won the confidence and good will of all with whom be has had business relations. TAAL BRINKS, who has cleared and improved the farm upon which he now resides, has been a resident of Laketown township since 188r, and his broad experience and practical methods in farming have made him a representative agriculturist of his community. Like many of the residents of this portion of the state, he is a native son of the Netherlands, having been born in Holland November 30. I854. His parents were B. and Helen (Ottens) Brinks, also natives of the same country, whence thev emigrated to the United States in the spring of I871. Making their way at once to Allegan county, Michigan, they purchased forty acres of land in Fillmore Q% 64, 4w4f~ I HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 373 township, which is now the property of their son, R. J. Brinks. The father was an honest and industrious farmer and a loyal citizen of his adopted country, whose life was quietly passed yet exemplifying many sterling traits of character, as manifest in his devotion to the general welfare and his reliability in his private business life. He died in I904, having for about three years survived his wife, who passed away in I901. They were members of the Christian Reformed church. Their children were eight in number: R. J., Taal, Jennie (deceased), Gertrude, Maggie, Hattie, Grace and John. Taal Brinks spent the first sixteen years of his life in the land of his birth and then came with his parents to the new world. He has since been connected with agricultural interests in Allegan county, and since I88I has lived in Laketown township, in which year he purchased his farm of forty acres. This he at once began to clear and improve, for the land was uncultivated when it came into his possession. He has erected thereon suitable and convenient buildings of modern construction and carries on mixed farming, raising, however, crops of a superior quality that command the highest market prices. He has had broad experience and possesses accurate knowledge of the best methods of carrying on farm work, and his place in every department is neat and thrifty. In the same year in which he located on his farm Mr. Brinks was married to Miss Carrie Ensing, the ceremony taking place on the 2Ist of May, I88I. She was born in the Netherlands December 20, I86o, and came to the new world in I87I. By this marriage there are seven children: Helen, Anna, Bertha, Henry, Henrietta and Jennetta (twins), and Gertrude. Mr. Brinks exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has held the office of school director in his district for nine years and has been a member of the board of review for ten years. He and his wife are members of the Christian Reformed church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest, Mr. Brinks serving now as one of the teachers of the Sunday-school. In I889 he built a modern residence upon his farm, where he is now most comfortably situated. JOHN A. ATMAN has resided upon his present farm in Laketown township since I89I, and is a man of industry and energy, as manifest in the splendid appearance of his place with its modern equipments. He was born in Germany July 4, I867, and his parents, John and Alice (Rattarank) Atman, were also natives of that country. The father died in his native land in I878, when his son John was only eleven years of age. In the family were seven children, three of whom are living, John A. Atman, however, being the only one in this country. His mother married again, her second husband being Henry Massalank, and both are now well advanced in years, Mr. Massalank having reached the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife is seventy-four. In the schools of his native locality John A. Atman acquired the education which prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties, and when he was twenty years of age he bade adieu to friends and fatherland and sailed for America, where he has since remained, becoming a loyal citizen of the 374 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY republic. In 1882 his mother and step-father also came to the United States and purchased thirty-one acres of land in Laketown township, Allegan county, Michigan. For some years Mr. Massalank followed agricultural pursuits successfully, but they are now living with Mr. Atman in their old age. On December 6, I891, Mr. Atman was married to Miss Jennie Elbert, a daughter of Edward Elbert, and they have become the parents of four children: John, Albert, Herman, and one that died in infancy. The parents are members of the Christian Reformed church and their genuine worth is attested by the number of their friends in the locality where they reside and where they are best known. Their home is upon the farm which has been owned and occupied by Mr. Atman since I89I, and which comprises sixty acres of land. The soil is rich and alluvial, and his farm work is carried on along practical and scientific principles that yield good results. GEORGE STRATTON.-The farming interests of Laketown township find a worthy representative in George Stratton, who is living not far from the city of Holland. He owns and operates eighty acres of good farming land, devoted to dairying and fruit growing. One of Michigan's native sons, he was born in Berrien county on the 7th of November, 1856, his parents being Nathaniel and Mary (Murdock) Stratton. The paternal grandfather was Charles Stratton, a soldier of the Civil war, and the family was also represented therein by Ephraim and Henry Stratton, uncles of our subject, who served in a Michigan regiment in the Union army. The father was born in the state of New York in I8I6 and was of Scotch extraction, while his wife, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in I820. When young people they came to Michigan, each arriving in the state about T840, and in 1841 they were married. Early settlers of Berrien county, they were thus identified with its pioneer experiences and primitive development and they lived to see all this section of the state transformed into a rich region of fertility, bringing forth good crops in orchard and fruit. Nathaniel Stratton lived to a ripe old age, passing away in August, 1902, at the age of eighty-six years, and his widow still survives, also at the age of eighty-six. The farm upon which his son George is now living was purchased by him in 1862, at which time he built thereon a log cabin and began to clear and improve his land. The family numbered fourteen children, ten of whom reached adult age, while eight are still living: Frank, George, Eliza, Emma, Ida, Melvira, Cora and Marietta. George Stratton was a little lad of six years when brought by the family to Allegan county, the home being established in Laketown township upon the farm which is still his place of residence. Before his death the father cleared twenty acres of the land and the remainder has been cleared by Mr. Stratton, of this review, who aided in erecting the buildings and assisted in all the other work of improvement along modern lines. His education was acquired in the district schools not far from the old home and he continued to aid in the operation of the farm until I871, when he began sailing on the lakes, acting as steward and cook. For fourteen years of that time his wife sailed with him and was assistant cook. In this way they accumulated monev enough to purchase property in Chicago and also obtained a bank account HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 375 large enough to place them at their ease with regard to finances. In I89I Mr. Stratton made purchase of the old home farm and now has eighty acres of good land, of which five acres is planted to peaches. He also has four hundred and fifty apple and fifty cherry trees upon his place. His farm is well adapted to dairy purposes and he has recently turned his attention to that line of business. In 1884 Mr. Stratton was married to Miss Bertha Triebsees, a daughter of Godfried Triebsees, who was a native of Germany but became a loyal citizen of the United States and served his adopted country in the Civil war by becoming a member of Company L, Third Regiment of Missouri Light Artillery. He joined the army in I86I and was honorably discharged in 1864, after which he re-enlisted in the same command. He was held as a prisoner of war in Libby prison for some time, but at the close of hostilities was honorably discharged in I865. He lived for many years to enjoy the peace and prosperity which followed that dark hour in our country's history and died on the i5th of August, 1895, at the ripe old age of eightythree years. One son, Charles, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stratton. His birth occurred in January, I889, and he died twelve days later. The parents are well known in this part of Allegan county and are most enterprising people, whose success is attributable entirely to their own well directed labors, frugality and laudable ambition. REV. JOHN H. PARR is proprietor of Castle Park, one of the attractive summer resorts on the shore of Lake Michigan. With its picturesque surroundings, its quiet and retirement, it affords a most fitting place for both rest and recreation. Mr. Parr was born in La Salle county, Illinois, in I85T, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Moore) Parr, both of whom were natives of Illinois. His father was a prosperous and influential farmer. in whose family there were eleven children, seven of whom are now living: Lewis, who is in the real estate business; Samuel ~V., who is professor of chemistry in the State University at Champaign, Illinois; Edward, who is engaged in business as a stock broker; John H., of this review: Frances, Alice and Mrs. Dr. Van Benschoten, all of Chicago. Rev. John H. Parr was reared on a farm and acquired his early education in the district schools of his native town. Subsequently he entered the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, from wrhich institution he was graduated, and he afterward pursued a full course in the Chicago Theological School, of which he is also an alumnus. Both prior to and subsequent to his attendance at the Theological School he engaged in teaching, following that profession altogether for fifteen years. In T881 he was ordained to the ministry of the Congregational church and had two pastorates, one in Chicago and the other in a suburb of that city. Shortly after his ordination he was married to Mary E. Page, of Aurora, Illinois, who died four and a half years later. Two children were the fruit of this marriage, both of whom died in infancy. In 1890 Mr. Parr was united in marriage to' Miss Flora, the daughter of William A. and Eveline (Eames) Pennell. Her parents were natives of Vermont, but Mrs. Parr was born in Illinois. She is a highly accomplished lady and is a graduate of the Illinois State Normal School and also of Vassar College, at Poughkeepsie, New York. Following her graduation she 376 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY taught school for three years in the Elgin high school and was afterward a teacher for thirteen years in the State Normal School, where she also acted as preceptress. Mr. and Mrs. Parr have one daughter, Dorothy. Since i896 Mr. Parr has conducted one of the most attractive summer resorts in Allegan county. He has here forty acres of land, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The beautiful tree-crowned sand hills slope to the lake and in the little vale where stands the castle there are also many attractive cottages. The castle was originally erected by a German in i892, who built it for his home, fashioned after the pattern of a German castle. It was purchased in i896 by Mr. Parr, who enlarged, beautified and transformed it into a most attractive and home-like hotel, making it one of the most popular resorts on Lake Michigan. Here the guests can have complete rest and quiet, or such social life as they may desire. There is an excellent bathing beach, tennis court, golf links, quoits and croquet grounds. From the beginning of the existence of this place as a resort in i896 its life has always been dominated by an intellectual and moral tone that brings to it a most desirable class of patrons. In addition to the castle proper, which is a stately brick structure, tower-crowned, Mr. Parr owns the forty acres of land by which it is surrounded and upon which he has erected cottages, which he rents during the season. He has also sold lots upon which others have erected suitable summer homes, and the whole presents somewhat the appearance of a growing and prosperous village and yet does not lose any of the charm of a rural resort. The patronage has advanced from forty guests in i896 to five hundred in a single season. Formerly there were two buildings, but today there are twenty and the hotel can accommodate at one time one hundred and twenty-five guests. This place is connected with Holland and Macatawa Park by trolley and a short stage route. While nature has provided many advantages, yet these have greatly been improved through the efforts of Mr. Parr and his accomplished wife, who look after every detail that may contribute to the comfort and convenience of their guests. GERRIT MEYERS, deceased, was one of the early pioneers of the Holland settlement in Allegan county-a worthy man and loyal citizen of his adopted country, who in his business life made an honorable name, at the same time securing a goodly measure of success. He was born in the Netherlands in 18T3 and followed agricultural pursuits in his native country, but the reports which came to him from America, telling of its opportunities and advantages, influenced him to come to the new world, and he never had occasion to regret the step. It was in 1847 that he came to the United States, where he could have freedom of speech and of suffrage and also have a chance for business advancement. Arriving in this country he proceeded to Michigan. settling first at Kalamazoo, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick. He was employed there for two years, after which he removed to Laketown township and purchased the farm upon which his two sons, Harm and Gerrit, now reside, and which contained eighty acres of land, forty acres having been purchased in 1849 and forty in 1854. At the time of the purchase this was in its primitive state, covered with the native growth of timber, but in a few years he soon wrought a change, developing it from a wilderness into a profitable farm. Various kinds of HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 377 trees grew upon it, furnishing timber of different density and quality. There was an abundance of hemlock, which gave him occupation in peeling the bark and disposing of it at a fair price. He also cut and sold logs and in this way supplied himself with means to meet his household expenses while he was preparing his farm for the new crops. It was in I849 that Mr. Meyers was married to Miss Gertrude Strur, and for forty-six years they traveled life's journey happily together, but were separated by the death of Mr. Meyers in 1895, his wife surviving until 1905, when she, too, was called from this life. They were both members of the Christian Reformed church and to its teachings were most faithful, thus developing characters that made them esteemed by all. Their family numbered nine children: Oran, John, Joseph (deceased), William, Susan (the wife of A. Barrs), Henry, Benjamin, Harm and Gerrit. The last two are farmers and fruit growers and their experience and success along these lines have gained for them a merited reputation as leading representatives of the agricultural interests of the county. They cultivate soil which is very rich and productive and they raise mixed crops. They also have one thousand peach trees upon their place, with a half acre planted to apples, also a half acre of strawberries and a similar amount of blackberries. They raise fruit of splendid size and fine flavor and their crops therefore find a ready sale on the market. The extent of their fruit raising interest makes their farm a very busy place during the picking and packing season and they also annually gather good harvests from the fields. HERMON TEN CATE is a farmer of Laketown township, where he has spent his entire life. He is practical as well as progressive in all that he does and his farm of forty acres, which he has owned since I89C, indicates in its well kept appearance his careful supervision and enterprise. Born in this township in I866, he is a son of Dick and Dina (Unk) Ten Cate, both of whom were natives of the Netherlands. They emigrated to the United States in 1848 and were among the first of the Holland residents to settle in Allegan county. The father took up his abode at Kalamazoo, and in due time was married there, after which he purchased a farm that he brought under a high state of cultivation. Eventually he sold that property and later bought three other farms, two of which he improved and sold. The fourth, comprising eighty acres, was divided between his two sons, Hermon and Henry. who now own it, each having forty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Ten Cate reside in Holland and are spending their declining days in honorable and comfortable retirement. Hermon Ten Cate passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and early became familiar with the varied work of the farm. His education was acquired in the public schools near by and since putting aside his text-books he has concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits. He has owned his present farm since 1891, has cleared and improved it, and it now presents a most excellent appearance, for the fields are well tilled and the orchards are most thrifty. Mr. Ten Cate was married first to Miss Hattie Kaump, who died eight months later, and for his second wife he chose Miss Gertie Snvders, whom he wedded in November, 1892. They became the parents of six children, of whom three are living-Dina, Alice and Dora. Mr. and Mrs. Ten Cate are members of the Dutch Reformed church of East Saugatuck, and Mr. 378 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Ten Cate is classed with the representative business man, who is reliable under all conditions and whose probity stands as an unquestioned fact in his life history. JACOB D. Boss is one of the successful farmers of Fillmore township, where he lives upon a farm of eighty acres on section ii, which has been his home nearly all his life. He was born here March 9, I862, the second in order of birth of four children. His father, Davis Boss, was born in Holland and came to America in I85I, locating in Allegan county and Fillmore township, upon the same farm which Jacob D. now occupies. Here he cleared and improved the farm which was his home for many years thereafter. He was one of the early settlers of Fillmore township and he did his full share in the development of this section. His death took place in Holland township, Ottawa county, September 14, I892, when he was in his sixty-sixth year. Jacob D. Boss was reared upon the home farm and assisted in clearing and improving it, securing in the meantime a good common school education. This has always been his home, with the exception of two years spent in Texas. After his father's death he came into possession of the old homestead, where he has carried on general farming, although making a specialty of raising and dealing in good horses of registered stock, in which line he has been quite successful. The farm consists of eighty acres, with good and commodious buildings which are admirably adapted for the purposes for which they are used. The farm is a fertile one and well cared for, being equipped with all improvements and up-to-date tools and machinery for successful operation. Mr. Boss was married in Holland township, Ottawa county, to Miss Johanna Vandenbelt, and December 6, I892, he was called upon to mourn her death. Of this union was born one daughter, Josie. On November 27, I894, he was again married, his choice being Miss Geziena Vos, who was born in Fillmore township October 8, 1870. She is the daughter of Brent and Anna (Harrison) Vos, both natives of the Netherlands. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Boss is the eldest. Mr. Boss has held the office of drain commissioner of Fillmore township, bringing to it much valuable and practical knowledge of the needs of his township in this direction. Mr. and Mrs. Boss are both members of the Christian Reformed church, and they stand very high in the regard and esteem of the people of this section. HENRY Boss, M. D.-One of the leading physicians in the northern part of Allegan county is Dr. Henry Boss, who lives at Fillmore Center, in the township of Fillmore. He is a native of Fillmore township, where he was born July 25, I863, and thus far his entire life has been passed here, with the exception of the years spent in obtaining his collegiate education. Dr. Boss comes of good old Holland ancestry, his father, David Ross, having been born in the Netherlands. David Boss came to America with his family in 185I and located in Allegan county, being one of the early settlers of Fillmore township, where he passed nearly all of the remainder of his life, although his death occurred in Holland township, Ottawa county, when he was about sixty-six years of age, on September 14, I892. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 379 Of a family of four children, Henry was the youngest. He grew to young manhood in Fillmore, and in the meantime secured an education in the common schools, which was followed by a course of study in Hope College. Soon after attaining his majority he determined upon the medical profession as a life vocation and accordingly he selected the University of Michigan as the best place to prepare himself therefor. He entered the medical department of that educational institution in I884 and after a three years' course graduated with the class of '87. The same year saw him established at Fillmore Center for the practice of his profession and this has been his location ever since. He was married in Fillmore township October 31, I888, to Miss Reka Algda Veneklasen, and their union has been blessed with the birth of two children, Anna and David L., the latter dying when only one year old. Fraternally, Dr. Boss is affiliated with the Masons, and politically he is a Republican. During his twenty years' practice Dr. Boss has been very successful, his professional work covering the entire territory of several townships. The people have thorough confidence in him as a practitioner and a man, and his excellent training and long experience fits him eminently for the position he holds in this community. HENRY BOUWMAN, a native son of Allegan county, was born in Fillmore township February 12, I876, and is descended from Holland ancestry. His parents were Hendrick and Jennie (Liesman) Bouwman, both natives of the Netherlands, and when young people they came to the new world, the father making the voyage across the Atlantic in 1865 and the latter in I867. They were married in Fillmore township, where they located, MIr. Bouwman becoming the owner of forty acres of farm land there. Upon the old homestead property they reared their family, numbering the following named: William, Grace, Jennie, Henry, Martin, Gerrit, Frederick, George, Johannas, Burt, and two who died in childhood. Of these six of the number are still in Allegan county. Henry Bouwman spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and at the usual age began his education in the district schools, where he mastered the common branches of learning. He was still quite young when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and in fact he has from his boyhood days worked diligently at farm labor. He is now the owner of a tract of land of fifty acres in Laketown township, upon which he has resided since 900o. The farm was formerly the property of Lucas Vos, who sold it to Mr. Bouwman. The land is rich in its possibilities, responding readily to the care and labor that is bestowed upon it, and in his work Mr. Bouwman displays unfaltering energy, perseverance and laudable ambition. He raises crops of a general variety and finds a ready sale on the market for whatever he produces. On the I4th of October, I899, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bouwman and Miss Jennie Heerspink, a daughter of Johannas Heerspink. Unto them were born three children-Richard, Johannas and Jennetta. Mrs. Bouwman was born in Laketown township November 20, I876, and thus both our subject and his wife are native residents of Allegan county, where they have a wide acquaintance and many friends. HON. JAN W. GARVELINK.-Among the many sterling men of Allegan county none stand higher in public esteem than Hon. Jan W. Garvelink, of 380 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Fillmore township, who has been a continuous resident here for the past sixty years, and who has during a goodly portion of that period served his constituents well and faithfully in a public capacity. Time and again he has been chosen to represent the people, the many offices he has held ranging from that of district school officer to state senator. In all of these capacities he has performed his public duties in a painstaking and honorable manner, and his official record, like that of his private life, is one of which any man might well feel proud. Mr. Garvelink is a native of the Netherlands, where he was born December 6, 1833. His parents were Gexadus and Grada (Aalderink) Garvelink, both natives of Holland, where they grew to maturity and were married. In I847 they emigrated to America, and, like so many of their countrymen, came to Allegan county, Michigan, where they located in the township of Fillmore. Here they made for themselves and their children a comfortable home and they passed the remainder of their lives here, dying in Holland, Michigan, when just past middle age. This was in I847, and as the first settlers of Allegan county, six in number, came here in December, 1846, it will be seen that Mr. Garvelink is one of the very early pioneers of this section. Fillmore township was then almost entirely in its virgin state, and to these first comers fell the task of making the place habitable and productive. Jan was brought up on the farm, where he early learned those habits of thrift and industry which were to bring him success in after life. He is today still the owner of the old homestead of eighty-five acres, which his father first settled upon and which is today all cleared and improved, although covered with heavy timber when first purchased. Politically our subject is a Republican and he has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of his party and the progress of his country. His eminent fitness for public office, coupled with the confidence reposed in him by the people, has retained him as a public servant nearly all his life. His first vote for president was for General Fremont. He has held nearly every township office and was for nearly twenty years supervisor of Fillmore township. He was school director of his district for forty-seven years and is even now a member of the school board. He was a representative in the state legislature in 1873-4 from the third district of Allegan county, and again in 1883-4 he represented the first district of the county in the lower house. The tenth Michigan senatorial district elected him to the state senate in I89I and in 1893 he was re-elected and represented the new tenth district. In both branches of the state legislature he was known as a conservative and reliable member, serving upon some of the important standing and special committees. On July 7, 1859, Mr. Garvelink was united in marriage with Evextion Schrotenboer, who was also born in the Netherlands. This union has resulted in the birth of eight children, as follows: Gexhardus, Johannes, Sysan, Johanna, Grada, Herman, Hermina and Henry. Mr. Garvelink has for over forty years been a member of the Christian Reformed church and has always taken an active interest in its affairs. His has been an industrious, useful life, successful in every particular, and he is passing his declining days in comfort, surrounded by a large family, the members of which are doing well in life. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 381 HENRY BREUKER is one of the worthy and well respected citizens of Laketown township, Allegan county, where he owns and operates one hundred acres of fine land, which is devoted to general agricultural and horticultural pursuits. He is a native son of this township, his birth having occurred on a farm in I860. His parents, John and Fannie (Hoolings) Breuker, were both natives of the Netherlands, the former born in I826, while the latter was born in I836. Thinking to enjoy better advantages in the new world, the fanily emigrated to this country about I849. The first located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but after a time went to Grand Haven, this state, where the father secured employment, which might thus enable him to continue his journey into the wilderness and secure a permanent home for his family. In 1850 they took up their abode in Allegan county, where the father purchased eighty acres of land, situated in Laketown township, which was in its wild and uncultivated state, but by his own activity and industry, with the aid of his sons, he soon cleared the land, plowed the fields, planted his crops, and in due course of time reaped abundant harvests. He also further improved the property by the erection of suitable buildings, essential to farm property. In 1871, however-the year of the great fire in Chicago-his buildings were all destroyed, but he immediately replaced them by more modern structures and owned one of the well improved farms of this section of the state. He died at his home at the age of seventy-one years, being one of the worthy and highly esteemed pioneer settlers of Allegan county. The widow still survives at the age of seventy. Their family numbers three sons and a daughter: Henry; Burt; Fannie, the wife of M. Pierse, and George. Henrv Breuker, whose name introduces this review, was reared on his father's homestead. assisting in the work of field and meadow and in the various tasks which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home and remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he started out in life on his own account, choosing as his vocation the occupation to which he had been reared. At that time, in T88T, he likewise established a home of his own by his marriage to l\iss lane Lemmen, who was also born and reared in the township which is still her home, her natal year being i86I. She is a daughter of Benjamin J. and Fannie Lenmmen, who were natives of the Netherlands and, like the Breuker family, became early pioneer settlers of Allegan county, and both the families are members of the Christian Reformed church at Graaschap. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, namely: Fannie, Benjamin, John, Frederick, Burt and Henry. In the same vear of his marriage, Mr. Breuker purchased a farm of fortv acres, which he soon placed under a high state of cultivation, and here he gives his time and energies to general farming and fruit-raising, and has been very successful in his latter business, having accomplished what others have been unable to do-raising a fine quality of peaches, which demand a good price on the market-for the land situated north of the Kalamazoo river is not usually considered as adapted to the raising of good 'reaches. He has improved his farm with food buildings, and altogether has a well improved and valuable property. He is an enterprising and pro 382 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY gressive citizen, and gives active co-operation to every movement which tends toward the advancement of his home locality. JOHN H. LEMMEN, of Laketown township, is one of the pioneer settlers in the Holland settlement near Graafschap, where he took up his abode in I847. He has since resided in that locality and has demonstrated the value that the Hollanders and Germans who come to the new world are, and do make good and loyal citizens. Mr. Lemmen was born in Germany near the Holland border, September 15, 1826, and was a son of George and Fannie Lemmen, who were likewise natives of Germany. The father died in that country, and the mother afterward came to America with her son, B. J. Lemmen, in 1858. She remained a resident of the new world for about eighteen years and passed away in I876. Her children were B. J., J. H. and Lamadine. The last named came to this country in I853. John H. Lemmen was reared to farm life in his native country, and the public school system there provided him with his educational privileges. Throughout his entire life he has carried on agricultural pursuits and has met with a gratifying measure of success. Thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in the new world he braved the dangers of an ocean voyage at that early day and came to the United States in June, I847. Making his way into the interior of the country he became a resident of Allegan county and followed farming in the employ of others until I850, when he purchased a tract of land now embraced within his present farm. It was then in its natural or primitive state, being still covered with the forest growth. The tract had first comprised but forty acres, but he soon afterward added an additional forty. Resolutely he undertook the task of clearing and developing this land and his efforts resulted in the acquirement of a profitable and attractive farm. His buildings are modern and convenient and are framed in a setting of green fields that makes the scene altogether attractive. Mr. Lemmen was united in marriage on the Toth of December, 1853, to Miss Lammigje Vredeveld, a daughter of Bert and Alice Vredeveld, by whom he has had ten children, seven of whom reached manhood and womanhood, namely: Gerrit, Benjamin, Alice, Henry, deceased; Frederick, Leonard and John H. Three died in childhood. Alice is now the wife of Egbert Myland and they have one child. On the Toth of December, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmen were surrounded by their six children and twentyfive grandchildren, and a host of well wishing friends who joined them in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. It was a most enjoyable occasion to all present and one never to be forgotten by those who participated therein. Mr. Lemmen has held the office of highway commissioner for five years and has been a member of the school board and served as its treasurer for three years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian Reformed church, to which his wife also belongs. Almost sixty years have come and gone since he arrived in Allegan county, at which time nearly the entire surface of the county was covered with a dense forest growth that extended from its eastern border to the lake. It was in that year that the city of Holland had its beginning, and he has witnessed its growth from a mere hamlet into a thriving metropolitan center HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 383 with large commercial and manufacturing interests. He has seen, too, the wild land transformed into fine farms, well adapted for dairy interests and for the growth of cereals and fruit, and the entire district has been transformed, being made to bloom and blossom as the rose. In the work of development Mr. Lemmen has borne his full share and he well merits the success that has come to him as he has carried forward his own business interests. JOHN H. SLENK.-For more than half a century John H. Slenk has resided upon his farm in Laketown township, not far from the village of Graafschap, and in the years which have come and gone his labors have wrought a wonderful transformation in the appearance of his place. Like the majority of the residents of this part of the county who settled here in the middle of the nineteenth century he is of foreign birth. He first opened his eyes to the light of day July 7, 1828, in that part of Germany which closely borders the Holland line, so that the distinction between the people of one country and the other is obliterated. His parents were John and Henrietta (Putter) Slenk, also natives of Germany, in which country they died. Their children were seven in number, five of whom came to this country: John Henry, Grace, John, Gerrit, Jane, John H., Gecena, all deceased but our subject. John H. Slenk. of this review, was reared to the occupation of farming and has made it his life work. The first Hollanders had been residents of Allegan county for only two years when he left his native country and came to Michigan, crossing the Atlantic in T849. He spent the first six years in and near Kalamazoo, where he was employed at farm labor, and in 1855, when his work had brought him some capital, he made purchase of eighty acres of virgin soil near Graafschap, in Laketown township. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place, but he soon cleared the land and erected suitable buildings thereon. The farm today indicates to the observer the care and practical experience of the owner, who has converted his property into one of the best farms of the locality. On the i6th of November, 1855, Mr. Slenk was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Rusker, a native of Holland, who was born January 5, I833, and came to this country in 1848. They have become the parents of twelve children: John; Gerrit; Henrietta, deceased; Kate; Cena; Jane: Grace; Henry, deceased; Jennie; Maggie, and Annie and Gertie, twins. Of these Kate married Mr. Tien; Cena is Mrs. Scholton; Jane is Mrs. Scrotenboor; Jennie is Mrs. Durker; and Maggie is Mrs. Plassman. Mr. Slenk and his family are members of the Christian Reformed church, in which he has held the office of deacon for twenty-two years, and in the work and upbuilding of which he has taken an active part. In I905 he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding, surrounded by their chil(dren, grandchildren and many friends, having traveled life's journey together for a half century, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, adversity and prosperity, and they are still spared to each other. They are moreover numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county and have wit-,nessed this section of the state emerge from primeval conditions to become one of the leading agricultural and horticultural regions of Michigan, in 384 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY which connection Mr. Slenk has borne his full share in the work of development and progress. JOHN KOLVOORD, owner and proprietor of the Hamilton Mills, at Hamilton, Michigan, is one of the well known citizens of Allegan county. Coming to this place in his boyhood, he here grew to maturitv, and has been prominently identified with the development of its principal industries. He has done much to develop the interests of his town and has represented the district one term in the state legislature. Mr. Kolvoord was born in Holland, Ottawa county, September 2, 1852, and is a son of John and Griety (Blink) Kolvoord. The elder John Kolvoord came from Holland-of which country he and his wife were both natives —in 1846, and located at Holland, Michigan, where he built and operated the first gristmill in that part of the state. Here he continued until his death. In I864, when but twelve years of age, our subject came to Hamilton, in company with his mother. At that time no timber had been cut between that point and Allegan, and the forest abounded in wild game. Amid these surroundings our subiect grew up, attending school when he might and working in the sawmills. In 1878 he established a general store, conducting that business for three years, and in I88I building a sawmill, which cost him seven thousand dollars. For a number of years this proved to be a very lucrative venture, but in I891, timber having become rather scarce, he established a gristmill in connection, and operated the two for several years. Later he rented the sawmill, which was afterward practically destroyed by floods. He rebuilt, however, and now leases the property to Hagels, Kamp & Company. The gristmill is of fifty barrel capacity, and is kept in operation the year round, the product being largely consumed in the neighborhood, although shipments are sometimes made to distant points. Mr. Kolvoord's marriage occurred, in 1877, to Gezina Teravest. a native of Holland, who died in 1884, leaving two children; John, who assists his father in the mill; and Jennie, wife of A. J. Klomparens, of Coopersville, Michigan. In 1885 our subject formed a second union with Tennie Akaersook, a native of Illinois. and to this union has been born one daughter, Florence. who resides with her parents. M\r. Kolvoord holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1890 was elected state representative on that ticket, serving a term of two years, as has been before mentioned. His term of service was one of loyalty to his constituency, and he proved himself to be capable and trustworthy. Locally he has served for a number of years as a member of the school board. On the social side Mr. Kolvoord is a member of the K. 0. T. M. at Dunningville. LAMmBERT T. KLINKERS. postmaster at Hamilton, Michigan, is a native of the Netherlands, and emigrated to this country in T867. He is a son of Tohn L. and Eva (Mansen) Klinkers, both natives of Holland, who settled in Ottawa county, Michigan, in which county John L. Klinkers resided until his death. Their family numbered the following children: Helen, Tinnie, Lambert J., Jane, Maggie (deceased). William, and Hattie (deceased). Our subject first located in Zeeland, Ottawa county, and worked as clerk in a local store. He next moved to Allegan county, and established HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 385 himself at Fillmore Center, where he clerked in a store, except for a few months which were spent in Muskegon. Later he came to Hamilton, and in the spring of 1883 moved to South Dakota, where he resided for about four and one-half years. At the expiration of this time he returned to Hamilton, and remained in the store until June 18, 1897, when he received his appointment as postmaster, and in that capacity he has served continuously since. Our subject was married, April 27, 1886, to Julia Hindes, a native of New York state, who is mother of the following children: Eva, lMae, Louis, Edward and Margerite. Mr. Klinkers is a Republican and a prominent man in the affairs of his party, being a party leader of capacity and good judgment. He is a member of the Republican County Central Conmmittee, and was chairman of his township committee. The confidence in which he is held is shown by the fact that he has been township clerk for twelve years, in addition to being a member of the school board and a school director. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge No. 315, at Hamilton, and the K. O.. M.. at Dunningville, and is loyal to the spirit of fraternity exemplified by these lodges. JACOB L. HOEKSElMA, manager of the Zeeland Brick Company's plant, near Hamilton, Michigan, was born near Holland, Michigan, May I6, 1870, and is a son of Lubertus and Trintje (Luidens) Hoeksema, who live near East Holland. The brick plant which Mlr. Hoeksema manages was started in 1883 by P. Oosting, and later run by Mr. Van Ark until it was purchased in I8g9 by the Zeelanl Brick Company. It was a small venture at that timeabout one-third of its present capacity-and in 189I the present engine house and first dryer were built, and later a second dryer and sheds were erected. It has a capacity of thirty thousand brick per day, and employs about twenty men when running at its full output. This business is owned by Veneklasen Brothers, who run plants in addition at Kalamazoo, Zeeland, and Cloverdale. Our subject entered the employ of this concern in I888 and worked for them in Zeeland for four years, then came to the Hamilton plant, where he has worked since. At that time one of the Veneklasen Brothers acted as manager of the works, at this point, and Mr. Hoeksema acted as sub-manager, but since I900 our subject has been in full charge and has proven himself a capable and trustworthy manager. In 1893 Mr. Hoeksema was united in marriage to Effie Gelderloos, daughter of Juorjen G. Gelderloos, who is the mother of four children, namely: Birdie, Jay, Martin and Theodore. In politics Mr. Hoeksema gives his support to the Republican party. Both he and his wife are loyal members of the Christian Reformed church at East Holland. ABIEL BULTHUIS, an enterprising merchant of Hamilton, Michigan, where he conducts a boot, shoe and harness shop, was born in Holland May 14, 1875, and is one of eleven children born to John and Martha (Kampen) Bulthuis, of Holland, who came to the United States when our subject was seven years of age and settled in Ottawa county. John lBulthuis resided for a time at Spring Lake, and later for some 386 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY years at Grand Rapids, where he was engaged in the lumber business. After the death of his wife he devoted his time to farming in Ottawa county. In this county Abel Bulthuis lived until I890, when he moved to Overisel, Allegan county, there learning the trade of harness making. This trade he followed in that town until 1897, when he moved to Hamilton, and started in the harness business, on his own account. A little over a year later he put in a stock of boots and shoes, and has since conducted both branches, building up a good and ever increasing trade. The store was located until 1902 on the premises now occupied by the Dangermond Hardware Company, when it was moved to its present location. On August 9, 1897, Mr. Bulthuis was married to Miss Jennie Michmerhuizen, their wedding being the occasion of a most unique celebration. The parents of the bride, Hendrick Jan and Trientze (Kortering) Michmerhuizen, had been married just twenty-five years on the day appointed for the wedding, and their parents numbered fifty years of married life on that (lay and date. A triple wedding was, therefore, arranged, the wedding of our subject and his fiancee, the silver wedding of her parents and the golden wedding of the grandparents, who were aged, respectively, eighty and seventy-five years at the time. This happy occurrence was attended by Hollanders from throughout this section of the state and was the cause of much comment, both on the part of the local and metropolitan newspapers. Hendrick Michmerhuizen, the grandfather, came to Michigan from Holland in 1847, and located at Graafschap, where he was married in August of that year, remaining there for five years and then moving to Overisel, where he resided until his death. Henrdick J. Mlichmerhuizen was born in Allegan county, and resided with his parents at the old homestead until their death. Abel Bulthuis and wife are the parents of four children: Marjorie, Trinie, John and Henrietta Johanna, all of whom are living. In I905 Mr. Bulthuis was elected township clerk on a union ticket, and served with such efficiency that he was nominated by the Republican party in I906 for the same office and re-elected. He has won and retained the respect and confidence of his community, both in public and private life. Mr. Bulthuis and his wife are both members of the Christian Reformed church, the well being of which church they have much at heart. WILLIAM W. BURNETT, whose residence in Allegan county covers a period of nearly forty years, was born in Webster township, Monroe county, New York, February II, 1845, and remained there until sixteen years of age, when he enlisted, October 14, I86I, in Company H, Eighth New York cavalry, and served for nearly four years, when he re-enlisted in the same company. Among other engagements in which he took part were Banks' retreat in the Shenandoah valley in 1862, out of Harper's Ferry in December of the same year; an engagement with Longstreet's wagon train, during which he rode seventy-six miles in eleven hours; Pleasanton Raid to Richmond; Rappahannock, in June of I863, during which sixty men and five officers out of five hundred men were wounded or killed; battle of the Wilderness; White Oak Swamp; Malvern Hill; then with the Wilson Raid, where he was wounded (June 23, 1864) in the face and shoulder, riding for six days in the ambulance, and subsequently being taken prisoner by the Confederates. He was held at Petersburg Barracks and Libby Prison for HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 387 a short time, and on August i, i864, was paroled and went to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland. His regiment was in seventy-six engagements, and during his entire time of service he was never sick, except for the time he suffered from the wound in his face. He returned home in i865, and remained there until coming to Michigan. Upon arriving in Michigan, 1867, he purchased a small place and built a low-roofed house, which he later raised and added to. All the improvements and buildings generally on the farm are the work of his own hands. William F. Burnett, father of our subject, was a native of Mlonroe county, New York, and spent his entire life in that vicinity, except for the time he served in the army. He enlisted in February, I863, in Battery L, First New York artillery, and served until the close of the war. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Dorothy Phillips, both died in New York. Our subject was married, on December 23, 1871, to Ellen A. Woodruff, of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Charles Woodruff, who came from Pennsylvania to Heath township and built and operated a hotel at Hamilton for a number of years. Mr. Burnett is the father of seven children: May, wife of George A. Pinkney, of Heath township; Mary Edna, wife of Burt Bradley of Douglas, Michigan; George W., a resident of Chicago; Jennie, wife of Claude Plotts; Charles, Nina and Livina. Our subject is a Republican, and is a well known commlissioner of his local township. He is also affiliated by membership with Hamilton Lodge No. 315, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. DAVID WlINFIELD ASHLEY, postmaster of Dunningville, Michigan, has been a resident of Heath township for twenty-seven years. He was born in Covington township, Wyonming county, New York, July 28, 1848, and was about six years of age when his parents moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan. From there he moved to Ganges, in Allegan county, and subsequently to Barry county, where he purchased a place and devoted his time to farming for about six years. In 1879 lhe came to Heath township and started luilbering on the Ben W\hite place. Later he located on the farm of which he is now owner in the southern part of the township, and ran a log and shingle mill. He operated a stationary mill at this point for a number of years, also owning a portable mill with which he sawed lumber both in Allegan and Barry counties. It was Mr. Ashley's custom to spend the falls in North Dakota threshing, a practice which he continued until 190o. In that year he moved to Dunningville and became station agent at that point, serving also a deputy postmaster, and in 1903 he was appointed postmaster, in which capacity he has served since that time. Our subject is the son of Amos A. and Maria Ann (Reynolds) Ashley, both natives of the state of New York, the former of whom died in Barry county, Michigan, and the latter was a daughter of Benjamin Reynolds, of English descent, who served in the war of I812, and was a comrade of Mr. Ashlev's paternal grandfather in the Mexican war, both of them serving with General Scott at the City of Mexico when that city was captured. To this union were born ten children, in the following order of birth: Benjamin, deceased; David W., our subject; William A.; Adalaska, deceased; Amos E., deceased; Samuel O., Ella A., deceased wife of Henry Wiles; Nora M., late wife of Adelbert Enzien, and Elmer E. 388 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY On December 29, I870, our subject was married to Jane Bloomer, of Hillsdale, Michigan, a daughter of John D. and Sarah A. (Lowe) Bloomer, to whom have been born two children: Ervin E., of Holland, Michigan, who was married to Emma Tyler, by whom he had one child, William Winfield, who resides with his grandparents, and who was married a second time to Maude I. Plotts; and Mlaude M., who has been identified for some time with the Prudent Patricians of Pompeii, as a promoter, and has organized lodges at Vicksburg, Pullman, Bellevue, Charlotte, Belding, Lowell and Hastings, Michigan. Mrs. Ashley's father served in the Thirteenth Michigan Infantry under General Sherman. and was with his march to the sea. He was in the service until the close of the war. Our subject is a Democrat, in politics, and 'was elected supervisor from Heath township four years ago, having been re-elected three times since. He received his party's nomination in the fall of I906 for the state legislature. Mr. Ashley has been identified for years with public affairs, having been a deputy-sheriff in Barry county and constable, school assessor, and moderator in his present community. He was for twelve years commander of his lodge of the K. 0. T. M., at Dunningville, is at present finance keeper, in addition president of the National Protective Legion, and a local director of the Patrons of Husbandry. OVANDO HOARD, who has been a resident of Dunningville, Michigan, and vicinity, since 1867, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, November 3, I843. He is a son of Cephas R. and Sarah Jane (Earl) Hoard, both natives of Vermont, the former dying in Van Buren county, Michigan. When but six years of age our subject accompanied his parents to Sack county, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1862, when they moved to Van Buren county, Michigan. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted in Company K, First Michigan Cavalry, at Paw Paw, and accompanied this regiment to the front, being in Baltimore on that memorable cold New Year's day of 1865, a winter never to be forgotten by those who passed through it. Our subject was in the service until the war closed and was mustered out at Detroit in I866. He took part in the engagements of the Wilderness, Yellow Tavern, Cold Harbor, Opequan Creek, Cedar Creek, Sailor Creek and Appomattox, and remembers seeing the white flag leave General Lee's headquarters preparatory to the surrender to General Grant. He was also present at that historic Grand Review at Washington. After his war service was ended he returned to Van Buren county, Michigan, where he remained until moving to Dunningville. In 1867 he came to Dunningville to work in the mill and has been in the vicinity of this town since. In I884 he moved into the house in which he now resides. Our subject was engaged for a number of years in incidental mill work and in mill construction, helping Mr. Sawyer build mills at Leroy and also at Gilcrist. In I888 he quit the occupation of milling and purchased his present farm, which consists of one hundred and twenty acres, given over to the raising of apples, having formerly been a cherry orchard. On July 3, 1872, Mr. Hoard was married to Abbie E. Tyler, a native of Saugatuck, Michigan, and a daughter of Captain Thomas and Mary (Kelly) Tyler. The latter, who was eighty-two years of age last August (1906), lives on an adjoining farm. Captain Tyler came from Rhode Island to HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 389 Allegan county, Michigan, in I843. He died in Saugatuck January 17, 1876. Mrs. Hoard has two brothers living, William J. Tyler, of Gladwin, Michigan, and Herbert T. Tyler, a resident of Texas. Our subject is a Republican and is a worthy member of his local school board. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Allegan and is M}aster of the Patrons of Husbandry at Dunningville. CHARLES E. INGHAM, who farms in Heath township, was born in Valley township April 24, 1862, and has spent most of his life in Allegan county. He is a son of Burroughs Ingham, born in New York, near the village of Cold Creek, Allegheny county, and Sarah (Butler) Ingham, also a native of New York state. Their children were eight in number, viz.: Frank, who lives near Owosso, Michigan; Walter; William, deceased; Fred, who lives in Boston; George, who died in Minnesota; Charles E., our subject; Daniel, a resident of Mississippi; and Bert, also living in Mississippi. Charles E. Ingham received his education in the township where he was born, and in his early manhood, desiring to see something of the neighboring states, went to Wisconsin, and then to Illinois, where he spent a few years. He then returned to Holland, Michigan, and subsequently settled in Heath township, while about 1902 he located his present place, a tract of eighty acres, and has personally attended to the improvements, including that part of it which is cleared, and the building of a dwelling and necessary outbuildings. Mr. Ingham was iiiarried February 20, 1887, to May Greenwood, a native of Van Buren county, Michigan, and a daughter of John and Candace (Schorman) Greenwood. Mr. Greenwood was for a number of years a resident of Heath township, where he first ran a mill and then engaged in farming. Both he and his wife died in this township. Mr. Ingham is the father of four children, born on the following dates: Walter Guy, January 9, 1894; Herbert Ovando, August 6, I896; Lawrence Steward, December 25, I899; and Marian Louise, July 6, 1906. Our subject is a Republican and has served as a member of the school board for a number of years, being still connected with it. He is a member of the K. 0. T. M. at Dunningville, having joined that order at Holland, and is also an esteemed member of Patrons of Husbandry. DANIEL MCALPNE, of Heath township, Allegan county, is of Scottish ancestry, although a Canadian by birth, having been born at New London, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, January 24, 1839. He is a son of Hugh and Annie (McPhale) McAlpine, who were both natives of Scotland. Hugh McAlpine came to Canada when about forty-five years of age, and though a carpenter by trade turned his attention to farming, which occupation he continued to follow until his death. He was the father of fourteen children, all of whom are now (lead with the exception of Daniel MI. and a brother named Alexander, who still resides in Canada. Daniel McAlpine, upon coming to Michigan, located at Plainwell, where he remained a year, and then moved to Heath township, where he found employment in the sawmills. The farm on which he now lives, comprising fifty-two acres, he cleared himself, paying ten dollars an acre for it, and taking it from the former owner-for whom he worked-in lieu of wages. 390 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY He has done much to improve his neighborhood, always advocating good roads and other public improvements; in fact, the school house for that district is located on an acre of ground which he donated for that purpose. Mr. McAlpine, was married, in 1863, to Annie Brodie, by whom he had one son, Hugh, who is now employed as an engineer of one of the lake boats, running from Detroit to Duluth. His second marriage occurred to Mary Jane Bellamy, and of this union there were born five children: Neil, of Michigan City, Indiana, who married Cora Young, and is the father of four children, Lloyd, Irene, Wayne, and Keith; Ida, wife of Fred Wicks, of Allegan, and the mother of one child, Verna Marie; Margaret, wife of Frank Clare, of Minnesota; John, who resides with his parents, but is now in South Dakota, and Burt, who married Lillie Johnson, and resides in Michigan City, Indiana. After the death of his second wife Mr. McAlpine was married, November 24, 1897, to Mary E. Meyers, a native of La Grange, Indiana, and a daughter of Isaac B. and Annie (Leslie) Meyers. She was generally known by the name of Robinson, having been adopted by a family of that name, who came to Allegan county in 1865, where two years later the father died; the mother, however, is still living at Hastings, Michigan. Mrs. McAlpine had one brother, Henry C. Meyers, who was a soldier in the Civil war. Mr. McAlpine is a Republican in politics, and has served one term as highway commissioner, discharging his duties creditably and well. He is a respected member of the Patrons of Husbandry at Dunningville. CHARLES WILBER BUTLER, who has been a resident of Allegan county since his birth, was born in Valley township, September 30, I86I. He is a son of Charles B. and Susan (Handy) Butler, both natives of New York. Charles B. Butler came to Michigan from New York, and located in Valley township, moving subsequently to Overisel township where he died about fourteen years ago. The mother of our subject was his second wife; his first wife having died before he came to Michigan. Charles W. is the third of a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living: Mary (Dunnenberg); Merritt, who lives in Oregon; Charles Wilber; Ward, residing in Trowbridge township; Seymour, who lives in Overisel: Minnie (Dunnenberg), a resident of Allegan; Hattie (Thornton), who is now in Missaukee county, and Ruth (Bassett) of Chicago. Charles Wilber Butler was about eight years of age when he went with his parents to Overisel township, and he remained there for a number of years, being engaged during that time in lumbering and farming. In 1903 he purchased a one hundred and twenty acre tract on the northern boundary of Heath township, and has resided there since. Mr. Butler was married, November 2, I888, to Bertha May Strait, a native of Kent county, Michigan, and daughter of Nehemiah and Lucina (Gerould) Strait, who came to Michigan from New York-of which state they were both natives-in 1878. Mr. Strait died in I904, but Mrs. Strait still survives, and resides with Mr. Butler and his wife. The family of our subject numbers five children, who were born on the following dates: Hazel, November 26, I889; Lloyd, November 29, I891; Fern, May I6, 1896; Leonard, August I, 1903, and Laura, March 7, 1905. In politics Mr. Butler is a Republican, and is vitally interested in all that concerns the interests of his party and the welfare of the community in which he resides. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 391 JOHN N. BARLOW, who follows the occupation of agriculture in Heath township, has been a resident of Allegan county for fifty years. His birth occurred October 14, I846, and when ten years of age he accompanied his parents to Valley township, where they settled on the Estabrook farm. They later bought what was known as the Ryan farm, on the river at Mill Grove, and subsequently purchased the farm on which our subject now lives. The elder Mr. Barlow engaged in lumbering for a number of years-pine timber being then very plentiful-and cleared the eighty-acre farm on which he resided until his death, which occurred November 25, 1883, his wife having died July 4, 1872. Their family consisted of nine children, the following of whom are living: Ezra, who lives at Byron Center; Ann Bassett, residing at Salem; John, our subject; Jane; David, a resident of Petoskey; Elizabeth McCloud, at Mill Grove; Daniel, of Heath township, who had a twin, Phoebe, deceased; and Clara Dutcher, who lives in Chicaco. Our subject when a young man worked in the lumber camps and on the river. In 1865 he enlisted for one year in Company G, Eleventh MIichigan Infantry, and served until the close of the war, going from Jackson, Michigan, to Chattanooga, and then to Cleveland, Tennessee, where he was taken sick and underwent a severe illness. After the close of the war he returned home and took half of his father's farm, and has since devoted himself to farming. On January 3, 187I, Mr. Barlow was married to Mercy Ann Marks, of Indiana, and a daughter of Samuel and Electra Lurette (Bassett) Marks, who moved from Indiana to Salem township, MIichigan, where they lived for some years, moving subsequently to Osceola county, where Mirs. Marks still lives, aged about eighty-one years. Mr. Marks during the Civil war served in an Indiana regiment and received a gunshot wound-in the battle near Fortress Monroe which resulted in his death. Mr. Barlow is the father of three children: Rosella, late wife of Edgar Anson, and mother of four children, Daisy, Lloyd, Clifford (deceased), and Harold: Fred Eugene, born January 26, 1877, who resides at home, and Frank, born July 17, i8o9, who is also living with his parents. In politics Mr. Barlow is a Republican and has held the office of school moderator. and of pathmaster for twenty years. He is a menmber of the John W. Purdy Post No. 346, Grand Army of the Republic, at Hamilton, and has been for three years adjutant of that post. He also holds membership in Bear Creek Grange No. 926, Patrons of Husbandry, and in the National Protective Legion No. 192, at Dunningville. ORRIN A. JACOBS, whose residence in Heath township covers a period of over thirty-five years, nineteen years of which was spent on his present place and the one next adjoining, was born in Franklin county, New York, March 9, 1846. He is a son of Elias and Maria (Court) Jacobs, both natives of New York. The latter still survives, residing at Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was the mother of three children: Orrin A., William (deceased at the age of three years), and Ella, wife of Wilbur Reed. Our subject in J866 moved from New York to Kalamazoo, and resided there for four years. He then removed to Allegan county and settled on the farm south of his present property, building a log cabin and clearing the land preparatory to cultivation. In I899 he moved to his present farm, 392 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY which comprises sixty acres, and his father built the house in which our subject now lives. He devotes his time to general farming, including the raising of apples and peaches. On November 23, 1875, Mr. Jacobs was married to Anna Gertrude Spofford, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of David Spofford. She is the mother of two children: Bert, of Kalamazoo, who married Clara Bell Purdy, and is the father of one son, Vaurice; and Elsie M., who is the wife of Nicholas Prince, and the mother of one child, Inez. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and has held the offices of highway commissioner and of township treasurer for some years. In a fraternal way he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and of the National Protective Legion. CHARLES WASHINGTON CUMMINGS, a worthy citizen of Dunningville, Michigan, first came to that place over thirty years ago, in company with his mother and his step-father, Washington Cook. Mr. Cummings was born in Jonesville, Ohio, January 9, I858, and came with his parents to Jackson, Michigan, in 1861. His father, Archibald Cummings, was a Scotchman, and came from Canada to Ohio, from which state during the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service November 7, I862, at Cleveland, Ohio. He participated in the engagements of Gaines Mills, Savage (Virginia), White Oak Swamp, Iarrison's Landing, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Snicker's Gap, Battle of the Wilderness, Potomac River, Spottsylvania, and died of starvation August 9, I864, at Andersonville, Georgia, having been taken prisoner at the engagement of Spottsylvania. Our subject had also three uncles on his mother's side and one grandfather in the Federal army. His mother, Huldah Ann (Haskin) Cummings, was a native of Canada, and a daughter of Ithemer Haskin, who came originally to the town of Cooper, Allegan county, and subsequently to Casco, Allegan county, and Sheboygan, Michigan, in the order named. Our subject is the fourth in order of birth of a family of five children: John Ithemer, who lives at (ld Mission; Elizabeth, wife of James Gardner; Alice, deceased; Charles W., and Ursula, deceased. Charles W. Cummings was but seven years of age when his mother moved to Cooper, Michigan. Later they moved to Ganges where he lived until sixteen. He next moved to Heath township and settled on a farm one mile northeast of his present place. This place contained one hundred and sixty acres and was his home until about seven years ago, when he purchased a sixty-acre tract adjoining Dunningville, where he has resided since. During nine years he sawed in a mill at Manistique, Michigan, then one at Wilmington, North Carolina, and worked for a time in Arkansas, then returned to Michigan, where he now follows general farming and stock raising. On the 22d of February, i880, Mr. Cummings was united in the bonds of matrimony to Helenr Greenwood, a native of Van Buren county, Michigan, daughter of John and Candace (Showerman) Greenwood, and who is the mother of one (laughter, Beulah, who is still at home with her parents. Mr. Cummings is a Republican, and has served as highway commissioner, and is now in his second term as assessor. He is a member of Bear Creek Grange No. 926, Patrons of Husbandry, also of the National Pro HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 393 tective Legion, and formerly held membership in Lodge 353 of the I. 0. 0. F., at Manistique. HENRY H. TIEN is the efficient postmaster at Graafschap, in the northwestern part of Allegan county, where he is also the proprietor of a general store which does a large business. Mr. Tien is a native of Cook county, Illinois, where he was born July 22, i860. He is the eldest of the family of six children of Herman Tien, who until i88i lived on a farm in Cook county, Illinois. Here the son, Henry, grew to manhood, assisting his father with the farm work and attending school in the winters, thus securing a good common school education. The family came to Allegan county in i88i and settled on a farm in Fillmore township. Henry continued farming in this state until in the autumn of 1884 he engaged in the mercantile business, a line which he has followed ever since. He was first in partnership with John G. Rutgers, this relation being continued for twenty-one years, when Mr. Rutgers sold his interest in the business. Mr. Tien continued the firm, which is now known as Tien & Heneveld. A large stock of general merchandise is carried and the store is a very popular one with the residents of a wide territory. The firmn has a reputation for fair dealing and liberal and courteous treatment and as they aim to carry such a line as will meet the needs of all it is but natural that they should transact a large volume of business. Mr. Tien, on account of his natural qualifications and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, has been called upon several times to fill positions of public trust and responsibility. He has been a justice of the peace for several terms and has also twice been elected as township school inspector. He was appointed as postmaster at Graafschap in September, 1906. Mr. Tien was married April 12, 1887, in Fillmore township, to Miss Cornelia Slink, and they have six children, as follows: Herman, Gertie, Alle, Henrietta, John and Marie. Mr. Tien and the members of his family belong to the Christian Reformed church, in which the head of the family takes an active interest. He is also interested in all movements tending toward the betterment of his township and county, is a firm believer in the value of our public school system and is a man who commands the high regard of all who know him. He has been successful in farming, as well as in the mercantile line and he is rearing his children carefully and giving them every possible advantage. PLAIN WELL. The village of Plainwell was born of the once important but now almost forgotten Plank Road. When the Plank Road was superseded by the railroad, the village was fortunate in becoming a station on two railroad lines, with the result that its growth was uninterrupted. It is easy to believe that, had the railroads passed the village to one side, the railroad era, instead of continuing the prosperity of the village, would have destroyed it, and the seat of considerable industry and,business and of a population of a thousand, as was the case when the railroad came, might have dwindled to the insignificance of a hamlet. Many instances of like growth and decline have 394 HIST(RY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY marked the annals of every state. "Transportation is the key to population," and because Plainwell has always been blessed with good transportation facilities its population and material resources have given it third rank among the villages of the county. The building of the Plank Road from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, its importance to the county, have been described. On section thirty of Gun Plains township, on the south side of the river, was designated a junction point, whence a branch of the Plank Road should run northwest to Allegan. The advantages of a junction point of railroad lines, and its almost inevitable selection as a site for a population center, are very obvious to the present generation. Half a century ago the same was equally true of a meeting point of two important highways such as plank roads were at the time. As soon as the Plank Road was designated and construction work begun on it in 1852, the proposed junction point attracted attention to its future possibilities. Here the streams of travel and traffic would meet. Here undoubtedly would be located a stage station, with stables for the relay horses and accommodations for lodging and feeding the traveling public. This would be the terminus for the branch line to Allegan. Such a point was not likely to be overlooked by men of enterprise. So it happened that a Mr. Wellever bought an acre of land at the junction, in the angle between what are now Allegan and Main streets, and in the fall of 1853 began the construction of the historic Plainwell House, an illustration of which appears on another page. He did not remain long enough to see his enterprise through, but sold the land and the unfinished house to Orson D. Dunham, who late'in the fall of I853 bought forty acres surrounding the Wellever tract and shortly after became owner of the hotel site. The Plainwell House was opened to public entertainment in July, I854. Traffic had already begun. Wagons loaded with merchandise, lumber and farm produce were passing over the road from morning till night, and the Junction-which was the popular designation for this point until the incorporation of the village-profited in proportion. With the opening of the road a stage line was established, and until the coming of the railroad the rolling four-horse stage was as familiar to the people along the line as the railroad trains of today. It is related that the old Plainwell House often entertained at dinner the passengers of seven four-horse stages, from which an idea may be formed of the amount of travel along this route. Until the Plank Road was laid out, the land on which the village of Plainwell now stands was not to be distinguished from the surrounding country. Indeed, the old plat of Plainfield, laid out by William Forbes on section eighteen, was the only place in the township that resembled a village community. Elsewhere we have noticed some of those who owned land in sections twenty-nine and thirty, covering or surrounding the site of Plainwell. It was farming land only, and had changed owners frequently, among the early residents of the locality being William Still, John Anderson, William Chart, William Woodhams and George W. Kennicott. When the Plainwell House began building, William Woodhams was the only resident on what became the village site, his house being near the river near Bridge street. An unoccupied log cabin gave shelter to the Dunham family until the completion of the hotel. Mr. Dunham in T855 sold his hotel to Mills & Merritt, and for a time it was known by the name of the Merritt House. THE OLD PLAINWELL HOUSE BUILT BEFORE THE WAR; TORN DOWN IN 1891; REPLACED BY UNION BLOCK i a HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 395 Business enterprises were quickly centered at the Junction. A description of the place in 1855 mentions the following residents and business concerns: William Woodhams, Alfred S. and Albert Pierson, proprietors of a grocery store on Main and Bridge streets, these merchants having succeeded George H. Anderson who was the first to open a stock of goods. The Piersons were succeeded by Orson D. Dunham in the same year. Dunham kept the postoffice in the Plainwell House. A schoolhouse had also been built. There was a blacksmith shop and John H. Lasher, the first shoemaker, opened a shop the same year. Other residents were Hart Dunham, Abel Dunham, Hiram W. Anderson, Nathaniel Seeley. and the Lovelocks, and across the river were the old residents, William Still, John Anderson and Calvin Dunham. The building of the Plank Road, the establishment of the Plainwell House, the stage coach line were the foundation of Plainwell. Then in 1856 the Plainwell Water Power Company was formed by George C. Mills, Orson D. Dunham, Gilves Sherwood, William H. Woodhams, John K. Bingham and a Mr. Fairchilds. Previous to this time little thought had been given to the development of water power at this point. By the construction of a long race across the bend in the river, and the building of a sawmill, the first step was taken toward making this a manufacturing center. A grist mill was built in 1858, also a rake factory, and in 186o a planing mill. In consequence of these various interests, a population of 200 had gathered at this locality. The next step was the platting of a village. The survey of the original plat, which was situated on section 29 west of the river, was made by Ira Chichester in April, I863, the proprietors of the plat being William H. Woodhams, George H. Anderson, John C. Bannister, TM. E. Cushman, Peter Hatfield and MT. E. Gifford. Shortly afterward 0. D. Dunham and the Corbvns built a flouring mill, and when this burned two years later, Bartlev & Company erected another. In I868 the original Kalamazoo and Allegan Railroad completed its line to Plainwell, being the first railroad in the county, and soon superseding the Plank Road as a through route, which from that time Cradually lost its character and importance. The population had increased to nearlv a thousand, and there was much diversity of business interests. The next step in village growth was then taken. A petition for incorporation was sent to the legislature, and by an act approved March 26, T869, the corporate limits of the village of Plainwell were constituted with its present area. The charter election followed on March 29th, being held in the Plainwell House. Two hundred and fifteen votes were polled, and the first set of officials to direct the affairs of the village were: Joseph W. Hicks, president: Henrv W. Church, clerk: Augustus H. Hill, treasurer; William Still, James T. Hyde, Giles Sherwood, William L. Ripley, D. C. Kenvon, Abel S. Dunham, trustees; C. B. Randall, marshal. The principal village officials to the present time are given in the official lists. In October, I870, trains began running through Plainwell over the G. R. & I. Railroad. In that year the census estimate of the population was I,035, and in some respects Plainwell was the most enterprising and progressive village of the county. Public improvements were keeping pace with business. A fire department was established by the village council on February 3, 1870, and this was followed in the next month by the report of a 396 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY committee recommending the installation of the Holly system of water works as "the best and most secure protection against fire for the least money." In June, I870, it was resolved to appropriate $3,400 to instal the water works, which were completed in the spring of 1872. Dewitt C. Kenyon was the first superintendent of the water works. The water supply from the race was at first obtained from the owners of the race, 0. D. Dunham and R. P. Corbyn, but on the reorganization and incorporation of the Plainwell Water Power Company in 1873 the village became part owner and obtained first right in the use of the water. In the same year the race was enlarged and the power for manufacturing and other purposes greatly increased. Suitable fire-fighting equipment was installed in connection with the water works. Halcyon Hose Company was formed in December, I872, and Hook and Ladder Company No. I was formed in October, I877. In January, 1878, a fire hall was completed at a cost of $700. In, I884-I885 the pumphouse was rebuilt, new pumps installed and the iron pipe taken up and replaced with wooden. For the next ten years the work of extending the pipe lines was pushed until every resident within the corporation was given fire protection. In order to furnish better fire protection to the property on the east side of the river the Scott Hose Company was organized and incorporated in I888. A change in the water supply from the river to wells was effected in the spring of 1905, so now the best of well water is supplied. At the present time there are three and onehalf miles of water pipe laid, about 2,000 feet of hose, a hook and ladder company and two hose companies that are second to none. The water rights are divided among the different companies as their several interests appear, the Esley Light and Power Company owning the largest share. This company, which was organized and incorporated in August, 1904, has installed a modern plant from which street, commercial and residence lighting is furnished, besides power for operation of several mills and minor plants. ALBERT L. NICHOLS, engaged in the insurance business at Plainwell, has been a member of the board of supervisors of the county for nine years, and is serving for the second vear as chairman. His residence in Plainwell covers about fifteen years, at which time he removed from Barry county to Allegan county. His birth occurred in Barry county, Michigan, January 23, I86o, his parents being Squire M. and Alma G. (Ellis) Nichols, who came to Michigan from the province of Quebec, Canada, the grandfather, John Nichols, removing to this state when his son Squire was a young lad. The latter became a farmer and resided in Barry county until his death. In 1864 he enlisted in response to the further call for Union soldiers, becoming a member of Company B, Thirteenth Michigan Infantrv, with which command he continued with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. In the last engagement of the army at Bentonville, North Carolina, he was shot through the arm and the member was afterward amputated, so that he was thus called upon to make a great sacrifice for his country. He died in Barry county, in October, I889, at the age of sixty-seven years, having been born on the loth of March, 1822. Following his death his widow lived with her son, Albert L., until her demise in December, 1903. PLAINWELL IN 1869 BUILDING THE EUREKA HALL HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 397 Albert L. Nichols, reared under the parental roof, pursued his preliminary education in the district schools and received his more advanced training in the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing, from which he was graduated in the class of I886. Returning to the farm, he devoted his attention through two succeeding years to agricultural pursuits and also taught school, having to some extent followed that profession before he entered upon his college course. He afterward taught for two years at Hickory Corners. Leaving the farm on account of ill health, he removed to Plainwell and continued teaching through two winter seasons. At the same time he began the culture of small fruit on his present place within the corporate limits of the town, having three acres of land. He devoted three years to that business, after which he became bookkeeper for the Plainwell Church Furniture Company, remaining with that corporation until the factory was burned in March, I896. He was afterward township treasurer for two years, and in the meantime he took up the insurance business and is now representative of six old line fire insurance companies, together with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Again he was called to public office in I898, being elected supervisor from his township, and at each succeeding year he was re-elected. Although a Democrat, he was chosen chairman by a Republican board-an election which was certainly very complimentary and a tribute of his personal worth as well as an indication of the confidence reposed in him. In 1905 he served as mayor of the village of Plainwell, and for four years he was a member of the village council. On the Ith of March, i888, Mr. Nichols was married to Miss Carrie L. Jessup, a native of Barry county, Michigan, and a daughter of Samuel E. and Sophia E. Jessup, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he affiliates with Plainwell Lodge, No. 185, K. of P., and with Plainwell Lodge, No. 235, F. & A. MI., in which he served as master for five years, being one of the valued and exemplary representatives of the craft. He is a most progressive and enterprising citizen, an efficient and trustworthy officer, occupying an enviable place in the public regard and continually (demonstrating his right to the good will and confidence in which he is held. GEORGE T. IVES, successfully engaged in farming and stockraising in Gun Plains township, Allegan county, represents one of the old and prominent pioneer families of this section of the state. His paternal grandparents, Friend and Harriet (Warner) Ives, were among the earliest settlers of Allegan county. The former was born in Plymouth, Connecticut, December 22, 1790, and in early life traveled extensively through Maryland and Virginia in the sale of Yankee clocks. Later he removed with his family to Lebanon, Columbia county, New York, the family home being established among the religious sect known as Shakers. In I8i8 he removed to Medina county, Ohio, settling near Cleveland. He here entered a farm, which was partially cleared, and he further developed and improved the property, built a log house, in which the family lived in true pioneer style, and there engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1833, in which year he made his way to Allegan county. His farm was located near the village of Plainwell, in what is now Gun Plains township. There had 398 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY been few settlements made when he arrived in this state, so that Mir. Ives had a wide territory from which to select a location. He entered his land from the government, the original patent being now in possession of the grandson, George T. Ives. The land lay on sections 20, 21, 22 and 15, and this was greatly improved by Mr. Ives, who cleared and developed the fields, set out a good orchard and erected the house which is now occupied by H. D. Kreighbaum but which was used at that time as a hotel. He was a man of good business ability, and his worth was recognized by his fellow citizens, so that he was frequently called upon to fill public offices of honor and trust. In 1835 he was elected as assessor of the town of Allegan and was likewise one of the first assessors of Plainfield, which is now known as Gun Plains. He was also for many years associate judge of the county and served his district in the state legislature. It was during the residence of the family in Ohio that the son, James Ives, father of our subject, was born. He was a little lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan county, assisting his father in the work of clearing and developing new land, being assigned to the various tasks in connection therewith as his age and strength permitted. Through a long period he carried forward the work of agricultural development which had been instituted by his father, and he built the brick house which is now occupied by U. G. Brown, this dwelling being constructed in the year I869-70. He was married to Miss Octavia Chambers, who was born in the Empire state, a daughter of John and Adeline Chambers, who were among the early settlers of Gun Plains township. Mrs. Ives is still living at the very advanced age of ninety-three years. George T. Ives, the only child born of his father's marriage, is a native of Allegan county, his natal day being October 22, and the year 1852. He was reared to the occupation of farming and acquired his education in the district schools of Gun Plains township. He remained under the parental roof until after he had attained his majority, when he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Hattie Lyndsley, who was born in Otsego township, Allegan county, a daughter of Jeremiah and Betsey Lyndsley, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Ives has alwavs followed the occupation to which he was reared and he is today owning and operating an excellent farm in Gun Plains township, and in addition to his farming interests he is engaged to some extent in the raising of live stock, keeping only the best grades of animals. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, of whom two are living-Fred, who makes his home in Texas; Roy, who died at the age of nine years, and Bessie, who is a public-school student at Plainwell. Mr. Ives is independent in his political views, voting for the men whom he deems best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. He has served as district school officer, but aside from this has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time and attenion to his private business affairs, which are being successfully conducted. Both he and his wife hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, while he affiliates with the Maccabees, the Patricians and the Grange. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 399 Mr. Ives is everywhere known as a reliable and straightforward business man, who has fully sustained the reputation borne by his grandfather and father, and he is today classed among the leading and influential agriculturists of Allegan county. REV. JOHN FLETCHER has the distinction of being the oldest minister in years of continuous service in Michigan. He is the loved pastor of the First Baptist church of Plainwell, where he has remained since the Ist of October, 1864, and the years have brought him into close connection with the life of the community through his labors as pastor and preacher. John Fletcher was born in Worcestershire, England, July 9, 1832, and was seventeen years of age when he came to Michigan, settling in Detroit. His father, William Fletcher, also a native of England, followed farming on a small scale after going to Detroit, his farm adjoining the city limits. At a later late, however, he sold his land for city lots. He married Elizabeth Miles, and unto them were born nine children. five of whom are yet living-William, who is a practicing attorney at Washington, D. C.; John, of this review; Mrs. Marie Shuffle, a widow, residing at Washington, D. C.; Mrs. Miriam Beadle, a resident of Detroit, and Mrs. Sarah Deland, also of Washington, D. C. John Fletcher attended a school conducted at Birmingham, England, whose head master was the well-known Professor Pitman, the originator of the Pitman system of phonography and stenography. After going to Detroit he took up the study of the classics and theology under men of scholarly attainments, including the Rev. Estabrook, who was head of educational matters in Ypsilanti. Continuing his study he also engaged in preaching in the vicinity of Detroit until about I864, when he became chaplain of the Ninth M]ichigan Cavalry, which went with Sherman on the march to the sea. It was the first regiment to reach the coast and opened up communication with the fleet off Savannah. The army later moved northward toward Richmond, where they received news of Lee's surrender. Rev. Fletcher was then honorably discharged in August, I865. The regiment covered probably three times the distance of the infantry and wagons on the march to the sea and the cavalry forces clashed with Wheeler's cavalry in many skirmishes. On his retirement from military service Rev. Fletcher came to Plainwell and accepted the pastorate of the First Baptist church, where he has remained continuously since. Hon. J. M. Gregory, a minister and educator, and the president of Kalamazoo College, who had been on the ground and knew the field, mentioned Mr. Fletcher as a good man to take charge of the new church, and in September, I865, he was installed as pastor of the Plainwell Baptist church. There was then a small congregation who had been attempting to build a little church. Mr. Fletcher at once took up the work and assisted in finishing the house of worship. Since that time the church has been quadrupled in size. Mr. Fletcher has not only each Sunday filled his place in tlhe pulpit and promoted the church work in its various activities, but has also come into close contact with the life of the community in his work as pastor and counselor and through the burial and marriage ceremonies he has performed, together 400 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY with his participation in public events. He has delivered on an average of about fifty funeral sermons annually and has averaged one marriage a month during the forty-one years here passed. He has married couples, and later their children, and has been called upon to perform marriage ceremonies and burial services of other denominations. His sermons have been published quite extensively and thus the seeds of truth he has sown have been scattered broadcast over the land as well as of the community where he dwells, bringing forth rich fruit in many lives, and his influence is immeasurable. Rev. Fletcher has taken a most active and helpful interest in all departments of the church work and is now chairman of the Michigan branch of the Baptist Ministers' Aid Society at Fenton, Michigan. He prepares the program for Thanksgiving for the benefit of the home in all Baptist churches of the five states, which compose the field of this society,. Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. In I876 he went to Washington, D. C., where for three months he supplied the pulpit in the old E Street church, one of the oldest of the city. The people of Plainwell, desirous of retaining his services, sent him a petition signed by all the prominent residents of the town, and thus urged, he felt that he could not break the home ties formed here, and he returned to Plainwell, where he has labored for more than four decades. In I890 was celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his coming to Plainwell, on which occasion appropriate services were held, but on the first of October, I905, still greater honors were conferred upon him in the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the beginning of his pastorate, on which occasion a large number of people came from a distance, while many letters and telegrams were received, among them a congratulatory letter from President Roosevelt. The other ministers of the village joined in the services, together with ministers of prominence from different parts of the state. Dr. H. L. Stetson, a professor in Kalamazoo College, speaking on "Literary Demands of a Forty-Year Pastorate," estimated that it required thirteen thousand discourses, which would make five hundred volumes of three hundred pages with two hundred and fifty words to a page. Rev. J. S. Boyden, the only pastor now living in Michigan, who was in the service when Rev. Fletcher was ordained, referred to the latter as being with himself (Boyden) the "David and Jonathan of the Baptist denomination." Rev. Fletcher has been twice united in the holy bonds of matrimony. He wedded Miss Alla H. Ladd, a daughter of Henry Ladd, and they had one child, John B., who was married and died in early manhood, leaving a daughter, Altha Fletcher, who lives in Florida. Rev. Fletcher's second marriage on the 14th of January, 1887, united him with Elizabeth Tayler, a native of England, who was four years of age when brought to, the United States by her parents, William and Christiana (Shipp) Tayler. The father was of the parish of Yate, Gloucestershire, England, and was one of the prominent residents of the southwestern part of that county. He was a currier by trade and thus provided for his family in early life. He married Christiana Saunders, nee Shipp, who was born in Chipping, Sodbury, England, June I, I808, and when eighteen years of age became the wife of Thomas Saunders, by whom she had one child, yet living, William Thomas, now a resident of Oakland, California. In 1832 Mr. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 401 and Mrs. Saunders came to America. The voyage was a memorable one because of the great peril in which all were placed. The brig Robert de War, heavily loaded with railroad iron, on the bank of Newfoundland was caught by a northwestern gale and driven before the fierce wind to the Bay of Biscay, on the coast of Spain. It sprang a leak and was greatly disabled in other ways. The pumps were worked night and day for six weeks and one pumper fell dead, while another fell from the mast head and was killed. A part of the bulwark was washed away and much of the rigging was lost. Progress was slow and the renewal of the storm would have cost them their lives. They were nearly starved, so that they ate the crumbs from the biscuit boxes, but a Dutch vessel reached them just in time to prevent starvation. After ninety-three days and nights in peril, exposure and suspense they landed at New York. For a short time Mr. and Mrs. Saunders remained in Massachusetts and then removed to Silver Creek, New York, where, in crossing the stream, Mr. Saunders was drowned. His widow afterward returned to England, and three years later married William Tayler. Seven children were born unto them, of whom three are living-Lydia, the widow of R. L. Hewitt, a resident of Plainwell; Mrs. Jane Johnston, of Los Angeles, California, and Mrs. Fletcher. On coming to Michigan the family located at Ceresco, Calhoun county. The mother of Mrs. Fletcher passed away in Lansing at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hewitt, at the very advanced age of nearly ninety-three years. Mr. Fletcher is chaplain of Mark Thompson Post, No. 269, G. A. R., at Plainwell. The community affairs here have found in him an interested observer, and to the extent of his time and ability he has labored to promote every movement calculated to advance the welfare of the village in its social, educational and moral development. The influence of such a life is immeasurable. His labors, however, are seen in the lives of those with whom he has come in contact and who bear testimony to the helpfulness of his precepts and his example. A man of strong mental endowment, he has used his talents to the best purpose and zealously and conscientiously has labored. 'He is recognized as a man of broad, scholarly attainments, whose sermons are reached through logic and sound deduction, and his strong and clear presentation of the truth has been a most potent element in the moral life of Plainwell and this portion of Michigan. HERBERT L. BLISS, one of the prominent and enterprising business men of Allegan county, came to Plainwell twenty-three years ago from Alamo. Since that time he has been a valued factor in the business life of the town, his wise counsel, sound judgment and unflagging enterprise proving elements in commercial activity and advancement here. A native son of Michigan, he was born at Cooper, Kalamazoo county, September 28, 1854, and is a son of George W. and Helen M. (Boynton) Bliss, who were natives of Wayne county, New York. After their marriage they removed to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and settled at Traverse Station. Mr. Bliss secured a tract of raw land, which he cleared and cultivated and he removed from Alamo to Plainwell, after having purchased and sold several different farms in that locality. About a quarter of a century ago he took up his abode in Plainwell and purchased a grocery store, to which he added a stock of boots 402 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY and shoes. He had formerly spent a brief period in the town but had returned to Alamo. A year after his arrival here he was joined by his son, Herbert L., in the conduct of the business. This partnership was continued for a year when the father sold out but he made his home in Plainwell most of the time until his death, which occurred in i9oi. He had long survived his wife, who died in Alamo. Reared under the parental roof Herbert L. Bliss is indebted to the public school system of the state for the educational privileges he enjoyed. A year after his father came to Plainwell, he also took up his abode in the village and the partnership was formed between them for the conduct of a general store, as stated. The father sold out a year later to E. A. Owen, at which time the firm of Bliss & Owen was formed. This relation was maintained for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Bliss sold his interest to his partner. After being out of business for a year he bought out Mr. Owen and has since engaged in the sale of shoes, trunks, traveling bags, hosiery, mitts and gloves, sewing machines, books and stationery. He also is in control of the central office of the Michigan State Telephone Company, as local manager, acting in this capacity for about seven years. He likewise has an interest in the new shoe factory, which is conducted under the name of the Plainwell Shoe Company. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and his stalwart purpose and unflagging enterprise have been the salient elements in his success. On the 27th of August, 1879, Mr. Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Bachelder, of Alamo, Michigan, and they have four -children: Charles Lee is pursuing a course of study in the dental department in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Herbert Ray is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is now practicing law in Detroit. He was married at Ann Arbor, this state. Guy Paul is pursuing a literary course in the University of Michigan. Helen Ada is a student in the Plainwell High School. After losing his first wife Mr. Bliss wedded Mary E. Buxton, a resident of Plainwell, and they have five children: Harold L., John H., Mary L., Fred R. and George E. In his political views Mr. Bliss is a Prohibitionist. He served as village assessor for a number of years, has also been treasurer of the village, a member of the school board for eight years and now secretary of the board. Community interests awaken his attention and he gives hearty endorsement to those measures which he believes will prove of general good. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the National Protective League. In all of his business life he has been honorable and straightforward, winning an unassailable reputation, and gaining success as the reward of laudable ambition and close application. WILLIAM J. THOMAS, superintendent of the Michigan Paper Company, of Plainwell, in which capacity he has given most excellent service by reason of his thorough understanding of the business in principle and detail, came to Allegan county nineteen years ago, and located in the village where he now makes his home. He was born at Sandy Hill, in Washington county, New York, January 30, i849, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Harper) Thomas, who were natives of England, and were married in that HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 403 country prior to coming to the United States. They first located at Toronto, Canada, and thence removed to Sandy Hill, New York. The father was a paper maker by trade and followed that pursuit in England, and also after coming to the new world. He made his home at Sandy Hill until his death in 1878. In that town William J. Thomas was reared and educated. His first work in Michigan was in the paper mill of J. W. French, at Three Rivers. It was there that he brought into use his new process of paper making-a process which has been demonstrated to be most practical and successful. Since I887 he has continuously served as superintendent of the Michigan Paper Company of Plainwell and the success of this enterprise is attributable in large measure to his efforts. He originated a process which is in use in this plant, whereby stock is taken from the cars into the mill and in seven hours is converted into finished paper. They take the poorest grades and turn out a superior finished product. Mr. Thomas and his wife originated the process after considerable study and experiment and have thus introduced into the world an industrial interest of much value. Mrs. Thomas has charge of fifty women employed in the factory. She is an experienced paper maker and has been a splendid helpmate to her husband in his business life. It was in I870 that William J. Thomas was married to Miss Ella A. Hill, a native of Washington county, New York, and a daughter of George A. and Sarah (Lummeraux) Hill. In his political affiliation Mr. Thomas is a stalwart Republican, and for ten years has served as a member of the village council, exercising his official prerogatives in support of those measures which recognize the needs and possibilities of the city. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church and he belongs to Plainwell Lodge No. 158, F. & A. M., Plainwell Lodge, K. P., and the Knights of the Maccabees, and the National Protective League. He is an able business man, alert and enterprising, and of genial disposition, displaying much tact in carrying on the work of the factory. He has indeed earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods which have won him the deserved confidence of his fellowmen. WILLIAM H. HOOPER, who has devoted the greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, his home being on section six, Gun Plains township, was born in Savannah, Wayne county, New York, March 3, I85I. He is a son of Van R. Hooper, a well known resident of this county, and was about twelve years of age when brought to Michigan. He attended the district schools and the Plainwell High School, and has lived most of his life in Gun Plains township. He established the village of Hooper, in Martin township, and for eight or nine years resided there, after which he returned to the home farm and for about twenty years operated a thresher. He had the first steam engine in AIlegan county. He has been upon the road selling threshers and other farm machinery, and he now follows general farming and stock-raising, keeping sheep, hogs, cattle and horses. He carefully manages both branches of his business, and in his work meets with a very desirable measure of success. Mr. Hooper was married, December I9, 1877, to Miss Ella A. Case, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY who was born in Watson township and is a daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Harris) Case. The father was only six years of age when he lost his father. He was born in Henrietta, Monroe county, New York, May 20, 1824, and following his father's demise he lived with an uncle until twentytwo years of age. In 1848 he purchased land in Michigan. Two years later he married Miss Sarah Harris, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Harris, and in the spring of 1855 removed with his family to Watson township, becoming one of its earliest residents and sharing in its pioneer development. In 1870 he sold his original farm property and built the home in which he spent his subsequent years. His wife died November 21, I893, while Mr. Case departed this life September I8, 1902. They were the parents of the following named: Mary E., wife of James R. Fenner; ArdelI S., the wife of William Shepherd; Ella A., the wife of our subject, and Julia P., the wife of Delavan R. Hooper, a brother of William H. Hooper. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hooper have been born four daughters and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Pearlia, the eldest, born November 27, 1879, is the wife of J. C. Oviatt, a resident of Martin township; Della C., who was born January I6, 1883, and is engaged in teaching school in Aberdeen, South Dakota; Clara E., who was born May II, I885, and is the wife of Herbert Haas, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Theda S., who was born August 7, 1887, and teaches school in the home district. In his political views Mr. Hooper has always been a Democrat and has served as highway commissioner and as drain assessor. He has also twice been the nominee of his party for county sheriff. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Maccabees' Tent at Martin. Living in this county from the age of twelve years he has a wide acquaintance within its borders and has gained many warm friends. The wise system of industrial economics he has followed in his business life and the care with which he has managed his interests have placed him above the ranks of the many, and he is now numbered among the successful few. CHARLES A. BUSH, the senior member of the well known firm of Bush & Granger, extensive dealers in lumber, lime, building materials and coal, has been a life-long resident of Allegan county. He was born on what is known as the William Forbes farm in Gun Plains township, December 25, 1842, a son of Charles and Sophia (Sutherland) Bush. The father was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1798, and there made his home until 1834, when he came to Allegan county, being one of its earliest settlers. He made his way to Gun Plains township, where, in partnership with a Mr. Watson, he purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land, two hundred and eighty acres of which was entered from the government, and a part of this tract now constitutes the farm of E. A. Springer. In 1838 Mr. Bush sold his interest to his partner, after which he spent a short time in Wisconsin. His health had become impaired, and being induced by John Forbes to accompany them to Scotland, he accordingly made the journey in 1839. While in that country he formed the acquaintance of the lady whom he afterward made his wife, she being a sister-in-law of Mr. Forbes. She accompanied the gentlemen on their return to the United States, and in 184T gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bush. Following their marriage the HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 405 young couple located on a farm which was located in Gun Plains township, and there they made tlhir home until after the birth of their eldest child, when Mr. Bush disposed of that property and purchased the Robinson farm on section twenty, Gun Plains township, which continued to be the family home for many years. The farm was cleared and developed by the father, who likewise erected all of the buildings. His death there occurred in 1878, when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty years, while he is still survived by his widow who, although she has passed the eighty-sixth anniversary of her birth, is still in possession of her mental faculties, and is very active for one of her years. She was born in Dingwell, Rosshire, Scotland, August I8, 1820, and was there reared and educated, remaining in that country until she was a young lady of nineteen years, when, as stated, she came to Michigan, where she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bush. In the family of this worthy couple were the following named: Charles A., whose name introduces this review; Donald S., who makes his home in Gun Plains township near Argenta; William H., a resident of Chicago; Roderick U., who resides in Detroit; Nye A., who died in Chicago, in April, I906; Mary, who is now the wife of E. M. Kenyon, of that city; and Georgiana, the deceased wife of John S. Madden, of Chicago. The father gave his early political support to the whig party but upon the organization of the new Republican party gave his support thereto. Charles A. Bush, the eldest son of his father's family, was reared on the homestead farm, assisting his father in the duties and labors which usually fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while in the district schools near his father's home he pursued his studies through the winter months. He remained under the parental roof until 1883, when, thinking other pursuits would be more congenial to him, he went to Plainwell, where he formed a partnership with Henry F. Woodhams and engaged in the lumber business. In I886 they consolidated their business with that of Riley and Charles A. Granger, and the four gentlemen continued business together for six or eight years, when Mr. Woodhams retired from the firm, and the business was then continued by Mr. Bush and Messrs. Granger until I898, in which year the latter gentlemen sold their interest to L. R. Delano, father of Mrs. C. A. Bush, and the firm name became C. A. Bush & Company. In 1904 Charles A. Granger again entered the firm, buying the interest of Mr. Delano, and the business has since been continued under the style of Bush & Granger. The firm now enjoy a large patronage both in Plainwell and throughout the surrounding territory, and its success is largely due to the untiring efforts of Mr. Bush, who has been interested in the business for almost a quarter of a century, or since its inception. They carry a large line of lumber, building materials, lime and coal, and their trade in each commodity is extensive, owing to the fair dealing and reasonable prices. An important event in the life of Mr. Bush occurred October 26, 1892, when he was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa Delano, who was born in Gun Plains, a daughter of Luther R. and Marvette (Anderson) Delano. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bush has been blessed with an interesting little daughter and son: Mary D., whose birth occurred October 8, 1893, and Charles Luther, who was born August 3, 1896. Mr. Bush has always given his political support to the Republican party, and although Gun Plains township has always been strongly Democratic, 406 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY he was elected supervisor, in which office he served for six years, which indicates his popularity among his fellow citizens. He likewise served as highway commissioner for one year. In his fraternal relations he holds membership with Masonic Lodge No. 235, at Plainwell. Perhaps no citizen of Plainwell has done more for the upbuilding of its commercial interests than Mr. Bush, who today stands at the head of one of the most important enterprises of this section of the county. He has given his aid to many movements and measures which have tended toward the betterment of his town and community, and by strict adherence to high and manly principles he has won a wide circle of friends both through business and social relations. JOHN CRISPE, president of the Plainwell Shoe Company, and for many years one of the most progressive citizens here, his labors being of direct benefit in the substantial improvement and upbuilding of the town, was born in Sutton, Valance, Kent county, England, June 24, 1839, and is a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Munn) Crispe. The family is of Norman French origin and because of their religious faith its representatives were forced to leave their native France. They had previously accompanied William the Conqueror and the Normans in their invasion of England in the year Io66. They had been prominent in public affairs in northern France and undoubtedly were representatives of the nobility of the French monarchy, having in their possession the French coat of arms. They also held large landed estates in France and lived there until early in the fifteenth century, when their attitude against the established church made it necessary for them to take refuge with the Huguenots in England. There they were destined to fame in national affairs in military and civic life, numerous members of the family being elevated to knighthood. Their advent in America dates back to the coming of the Pilgrims and they have furnished this nation some of its distinguished citizens, including Charles Frederick Crispe, who at one time was speaker of the national house of representatives. Edward Crispe, father of John Crispe of this review, and fifth son of William and Grace Elizabeth (Goodwin) Crispe, was born in England, May I, I802. By occupation he was a miller, baker and farmer, owning the Forshan farm. On the 17th Qf February, 1852, accompanied by his wife and nine children, he sailed for America and located at Cleveland, Ohio. In November, 1854, they came to Plainwell, Allegan county, Michigan, where for a generation Mr. Crispe engaged in the milling business. His death occurred August 21, I888, when he had reached the age of eighty-six years, and his wife died January 7, 1884, at the age of eighty years. John Crispe of this review was a vouth of about twelve years when brought to America upon a voyage that covered more than thirty days. He attended school in England and Cleveland, Ohio, and after coming to Michigan began learning the miller's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years and nine months in Otsego. When the Civil war broke out he was the first man in Gun Plains township to enroll his name but was not permitted to serve because of defective sight. In December, 1862, however, he enlisted and was accepted as a member of the Eighth Michigan Cavalry under General Stockton. He was enrolled as a private, was soon promoted-to second 1HSTORY OF ALLEGAN CQUNTY 407 duty sergeant. His first active service was in pursuit of the wily Morgan, whose raid was terrorizing some of the northern states. They took part in the engagements at Hickman's Bridge, Treflet's Bridge and Buffington Landing, and after covering five hundred and seventy-eight miles, riding by night and day, they finally had the satisfaction of seeing Morgan taken captive. Going south the regiment participated in the siege of Knoxville under Burnside and followed Longstreet's forces to Bell's Gap. Returning to Knoxville, they left their horses and went on foot across the mountains to Camp Nelson, Kentucky. There they remounted and went to Chattanooga, thence southward, overtaking Sherman at Resaca. They continued on the march to Atlanta and were in the engagements at Jonesboro, after which they were in the engagements under General Thomas in the battles of Franklin, Columbia and Nashville. Mr. Crispe was honorably discharged at Nashville September 22, 1865, being mustered out as first sergeant. After the termination of an honorable service in the war he returned to Plainwell and for a time engaged in the livery business. In I867 he established the first drug store in the village, which he conducted with a paper and paint store until I902, when he disposed of the drug store, while in I905 he sold the paper store. He has always closely identified himself with the interests of Plainwell, fostering new enterprises and assisting in municipal improvements and thus he takes rank among the foremost representatives of the community. He owns a good farm in Gun Plains township and has recently sold one, and he has a fine residence, together with considerable business property in Plainwell. In 1903 he erected a modern two-story cement block, containing stores and offices. The Plainwell Shoe Company, of which he is now president, was incorporated in August, I906, with Mr. Crispe as president; F. F. Patterson, secretary; E. W. Eady, vice-president; Frank P. Heath, treasurer, and A. J. Mathews, manager. The four first named, together with J. W. Gilkey, F. A. Harwood and John F. Eesley, constitute the board of directors. They purchased the opera house block, which has been remodeled and which has now been placed in operation in the manufacture of shoes. They make some specialties in boys' and women's shoes, and the new enterprise is proving a profitable investment. In February, 1867, Mr. Crispe was married to Mrs. Amanda Mesick, nee Tibbits, and to them were born three children, Minnie, Guy and Cherry, all of whom were laid to rest in childhood. Mrs. Crispe passed away December 21, I898, and Mr. Crispe was married in the fall of I901 to Miss Martha Jane Formbaum, who for several years was a successful teacher in the Plainwell public schools. She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and is a daughter of Adolph and Mary (Hess) Formbaum. Her father, a native of Germany, came to this country in early manhood and here wedded Miss Hess, a native of Virginia. He died in Parkersburg, West Virginia, after which his widow came to Michigan, bringing her family with her. Mrs. Crispe was then nine years of age. Her educational training was received in the Plainwell High School and a Catholic convent, which is the preparatory department to Notre Dame University. She afterward engaged in teaching in Plainwell until her marriage. Mr. Crispe is a stalwart Republican and cast his first vote for president for Abraham Lincoln. He has taken an earnest and active interest in party 408 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY affairs, serving as delegate to district and congressional conventions and was a delegate to the national convention, which nominated Benjamin Harrison in I888. He served as treasurer of Gun Plains township foir five years, and in January, 1877, was appointed postmaster, in which capacity he served for ten years and three months. Beginning in April, I886, he filled the office of supervisor in a most satisfactory manner for six years. He was one of the building committee when the Allegan courthouse was erected and the fact that not all of the appropriation made was used in its construction shows the economy and ability displayed. He was appointed by Gov. H. S. Pingree as a member of the board of control for the Deaf and Dumb School erected at Flint, Michigan. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, Odd Fellows and Maccabees and is a member of Mark Thompson Post, G. A. R., at Plainwell. In his life he has displayed indomitable perseverance and strong intellectuality, together with great breadth of wisdom. His entire life accomplishment represents the result of the fitting utilization of the innate talent which is his and the directing of his efforts in those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way. He is a man of indefatigable enterprise and has carved his name deeply on the record of the political and business history of the county, which owes much of its advancement to his efforts. FRANK P. HEATH has been a resident of Plainwell for about thirty years. He was born in Gun Plains township, December 22, 1857, and is a son of John and Alice Elizabeth (Attleberry) Heath, who removed from Cattaraugus county, New York, to Michigan at a time when the old plank road was the highway of travel. At that date, however, the town of Plainwell had not yet been established. The father located in the northern part of the state for a short time and then became owner of a farm of eighty acres in Gun Plains township. He cleared and cultivated the land, bringing it under a high state of improvement, and after living there for a number of years and in other localities at different periods he came to Gun Plains, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in I90I, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His widow still survives. She was born in England, and came to this country with two brothers, at which time she located at Cattaraugus county, New York. She was but two or three years old when brought to America, but her brothers were grown. She is now living in Plainwell at the age of seventy-eight years. Frank P. Heath was reared upon the farm until about twenty years of age. He was a youth of about fourteen years, however, when his people removed to town, and he attended several terms of school in the village. After acquiring his education and reaching man's estate, he gave his attention to the merchant tailoring business, in which he continued for fifteen years. In 1894 he engaged in the dry goods business as a member of the firm of Bishop & Company, and later as a member of the firm of Waggoner & Heath, which continued until I906, when he sold his interest to his partner. Mr. Heath has been active and influential in community affairs, and on the Ist of September, I898, he was appointed postmaster of Plainwell, filling the position continuously since. He was also township treasurer for two years prior to entering upon the duties of the office, in which he is HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 409 now serving. As his present incumbency indicates, he is a Republican in his political views. Not actively engaged in business affairs at the present time he is, nevertheless, financially interested in the Plainwell Shoe Company, of which he is treasurer and director. Mr. Heath was married in 1884 to Miss Mary Ella Hitchcock, a native of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Isaac N. Hitchcock. They became the parents of two children: Nina, who died at the age of seven months, and Roy, who attended the dental department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Mr. Heath was again married, June i6, I892, when he was wedded to Alice E. Buchanan, a native of Otsego, Michigan, and a daughter of George and Eliza (Darrow) Buchanan. Her parents came from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to Allegan county, and later located in Otsego, while subsequently they became residents of Plainwell, the father carrying on general agricultural pursuits until his removal to Plainwell. He died in I896. His wife survived him seven years. Their daughter, Mrs. Heath, was a teacher in the Plainwell schools for ten years, having charge of the kindergarten for two years, the second grade for seven years and the seventh grade for a year. She was remarkably successful in her work as an instructor, and teachers from nearby towns frequently visited her department to note her methods of teaching. Mr. Heath holds membership relations with the Odd Fellows and with the Knights of the Maccabees. For many years he was one of the representative business men of Plainwell and his energy and ability were the elements of his gratifying success. VAN R. HOOPER, whose well-developed and valuable farm was a tract of wild and uncultivated land when it came into his possession about forty years ago, arrived in Allegan county in I862, and after spending a year in Plainwell removed to his present farm on section six, Gun Plains township. A native of New York, he was born in Cayuga county, November 23, I823, and is a son of Simeon H-ooper, who followed farming in the town of Savannah, Wayne county, New York, and who in June, I862, came to Allegan county, following his son Van, who had arrived in the previous January. He first went to Plainwell, but soon afterward removed to Tuscola county, Michigan, whence he returned to Allegan county. He also had two sons who came, but did not remain, while Jerry Hooper is now living in Tuscola county. The other member of the family still living in Michigan is the subject of this review. He was reared in the Empire state, acquired his education in the public schools and throughout his entire life has followed the occupation of farming, which became familiar to him through actual experience in his boyhood days. Thinking to enjoy better opportunities in the middle west, he made his way to Michigan and after a year spent in Plainwell came to his present farm on section six, Gun Plains township. He located on forty acres of land which he cleared, and he also cleared forty acres of the sixty-acre tract which he bought just south of his home. This meant arduous and unremitting labor, which he carefully and diligently performed, and as the year passed he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, the productiveness of the soil being greatly enhanced through his efforts, so that good crops were annually produced. 410 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY In I850, while still in the east, Mr. Hooper was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Grawbarger, a native of New York state and a daughter of Henry Grawbarger. They traveled life's journey together as man and wife for more than half a century and were separated in the death of Mrs. Hooper on the I9th of March, I906, when she had reached the age of seventy-seven years and six months. They were the parents of three children, who lived to adult age, and they also lost one in infancy. Those who still survive are William H., living upon the home farnl; Delavan A., who resides at Martin, and Iester, living at Elk Rapids, Michigan. In his political allegiance Mr. Hooper is and has always been a Democrat. He served at one time as pathmaster, but though he has always been unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles in which he believes, he has never sought the rewards of office in recognition of his party fealty. He is one of the venerable and honored pioneers of the county, and he and Henry Smith are the only two now living between Plainwell and Martin on the old plank road who have lived here many years. He has not only been a witness of the growth and development of the county, but has also been a participant in its changes and interests, and his labors have been a factor in making it a rich agricultural district. He has now reached the age of eighty-three years and can look back over the past without regret, for his duties have been faithfully performed, his work well executed, and at all times he has borne an honored name among his fellow men. JAMES BROWN, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section eight, Gun Plains township, has made his home continuously on this place since I850, covering a period of fifty-six years. He is a native of Kent county, England, born May 6, 1824, a son of James and Celia (Bourn) Brown, who emigrated to the United States in 1847, the family home being established in Monroe county, New York, where they remained until 1850, when they accompanied the son on his removal to Allegan county, and here spent their remaining days. Their family numbered six children, but the three daughters and one son, Henry, have all passed away, while the surviving brother of our subject is Burren, also a resident of Gun Plains township. Mr. Brown was a young man of twenty-three years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, and he remained in the Keystone state during the succeeding three years, subsequent to which time he came to Allegan county and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, of which only forty acres had been cleared. He was a young man of ambition and energy and at once began the arduous task of clearing the remainder of the property, which he soon placed under cultivation and in due course of time gathered abundant harvests. It will readily be seen that this was a newly settled country, for many wild animals were still to be found roaming over the prairies when Mr. Brown first located here, and at one time he saw a herd of eleven deer in his wheat field. He has continued the work of development and improvement on his farm to the present time and has now made it one of the productive tracts of his section of the state. He has a good house, barn and other outbuildings, and in addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged in raising cattle, sheep and hogs, finding this branch of his business a good source of revenue. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY '4 411 In I856 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Honeysette, a native of Monroe county, New York, and a daughter of James Honeysette, who was one of the early settlers of Gun Plains township, where he passed away. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons. Charles wedded Miss Gertrude Wise and makes his home in Plainwell. They are the parents of two daughters, Eva and Eliza. William Brown wedded Miss Jane Norman, by whom he has two sons, Lafayette and Roy. They make their home on the homestead property and the son assists his father in the operation of the farm. In his political views Mr. Brown is a Democrat, stanch in support of its principles. He is well known in this county, where he has lived and labored through a long period, and where he has so utilized his opportunities that he has accumulated a competence that now provides himself and family with the comforts of life and enables him to rest from the more arduous duties of a business career. REUBEN HOUSE is the owner of a good tract of land, embracing one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section eight. Gun Plains township. He is a native of New York, born November 28, 1831, on the banks of the St. Lawrence river, in Theresa township, Jefferson county. His father, John House, was likewise a native of the Empire state, where he was reared and married to Miss Catherine Boyer, who was born in Albany, New York. The father came with his family to Allegan county in 1850, and here spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of sixty-six years, while he was survived bv his widow, who passed away about ten years ago, when she had reached the extreme old age of ninety-eight. Reuben House acquired his education in his native state, and was there reared to the age of nineteen years, when, in 1850, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan county, this state. He remained with his father for one year, and in 1851 started out in life on his own account, purchasing eighty acres of land, this constituting a part of his present place. H-e paid five dollars per acre for this property, which was then in a wild and uncultivated state. He broke the land, plowed the fields and planted his crops, which in due course of time brought forth abundant harvests. As his financial resources increased he added to his original holdings by the purchase of an additional forty-acre tract, making in all one hundred and twenty acres. In 1859, in comnpany with his brother Charles and Everett Watson, he made an overland trip to the west, the party having three yoke of oxen and two cows. They were five months in making the journey to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Carson valley, continuing their journey to the Pacific coast, where he remained for six and a half years, returning to his home farm in 1865. Upon going to the west Mr. House had a family consisting of wife and two children, whom he left on the home place, which was leased on the shares during his absence. Upon his return home he resumed his operations on the home farm, and in addition to raising various cereals, was also engaged in raising live stock, having only the best grades of animals. He is meeting with gratifying success in his farm labors, for he follows only the modern and practical ideas of agricultural pursuits, using the latest improved machinery to facilitate his work. 412 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Two years after his arrival in Michigan, in 1852, Mr. House was united in marriage to Mrs. Rebecca House, nee Smith, the widow of his brother, Moses House. The only child of that marriage died at the age of three months. After losing his first wife.Mr. House was married to Eleanor Corey, and their marriage was blessed with three children: Otis, who died at the age of nineteen years; Reuben Augustus, who was born January 15, 1859, and is now a resident farmer of the Yakima valley, in Washington, and Lena B., who was born December 12, I866, and is now the wife of Elmer Engles, who resides in the northern peninsula oif Michigan, twelve miles from Marquette. She has become the mother of ten children, of whom four sons and five daughters survive, the record being as follows: Otis, Willis, Clyde, Herman, a son who died at the age of three months; Ella, Ruby, Gertrude, Lila and Edna. After the death of his second wife, which occurred October 20, I880, Mr. House was married a third time to Mrs. Laura Ann Losee, a native of Jefferson county, New York, and a daughter of John M. Cooper, who passed away in Watertown, that state. Mr. House formerly gave his political support to the Republican.party, but in more recent years has been a Bryan Democrat. He has taken an active interest in the local ranks of his party, having served as justice of the peace for twelve years, and he was likewise commissioner of highways and school officer. He has been identified with the Masonic order for the past forty years, holding membership with Plainwell Lodge, No. 235. He also holds membership with the Patrons of Husbandry. When Mr. House located in Allegan county there were many evidences of pioneer life still to be seen. Few settlements had been made, the homes being widely scattered, while large herds of deer could be seen roaming over the prairies and one had ample opportunity to indulge his love of hunting. He has seen all this changed, however, as the country has become more thickly populated, thriving towns and villages have sprung up and the work of advancement has been carried forward along many lines. He has lived in the county for more than half a century, so that he has a wide acquaintance and a host of warm friends. ELEZER C. KNAPP.-More than half a century has come and gone since Elezer C. Knapp, in I854, arrived in Allegan county and took up his abode on section seventeen, Gun Plains township, where he still lives, being today one of the venerable as well as highly respected citizens of his locality. He was born in Dutchess county, New York, April 14, 1828, and is a son of Peter and Temperance (Conklin) Knapp, who removed from Dutchess county to Wayne county, New York, where the father died. The paternal grandfather was Asa Knapp, a resident of Dutchess county. Elezer C. Knapp was but seven years of age when the family home was established in Wayne county, he and his mother going by canal from Albany, while his father drove across the country, reaching their destination first. In the schools of Wayne county Mr. Knapp of this review pursued his education, after which he learned and followed the carpenter's trade there for two years. In 1852 he went to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, the journey being made by wav of the isthmus. While crossing that stretch of country he became ill with the isthmus fever, I 11S'I l OY 01 ALLEGAN COUNTY 413 being unable to travel for thirty-four days, while for several years thereafter he was in poor health. Returning from the far west he made his way to Allegan county, Michigan, traveling by rail to Kalamazoo and driving thence to his farm in Gun Plains township over the plank road. At that time seven stages left Kalamazoo, two going to Allegan and five going to Grand Rapids. Plainwell at that time contained only three dwellingsthe home of Judge Anderson and Mr. Woodhams and a little log cabin at Four Corners. Mr. Knapp purchased one hundred acres of land and has cleared all but twelve acres, where his house now stands, it having already been cleared. The farm was covered with a heavy growth of oak timber and much arduous labor was required to cut down the trees and prepare the fields for the plow. He has always followed general farming and stock raising and at one time was successfully engaged in raising Durham cattle. In addition to his home place he also has forty acres adjoining his farm. Mr. Knapp was married to Charlotte Harvey, a native of Massachusetts, and unto them was born a daughter, Ida, the wife of Henry Crosby, of Marlborough, Michigan. In 1858 Mr. Knapp wedded Frances Linderman, a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, a daughter of Jacob and Desire (Conrad) Linderman. There are two children of this marriage: William, of Grand Rapids, who wedded Rose Adams, and has one son,. Frank, and Mabel, at home. In politics Mr. Knapp is a stalwart Democrat and served as road commissioner for a number of terms. 'He was likewise supervisor for seventeen consecutive years, has held school offices and has been pathmaster. For a long period he was recognized as a leader in the ranks of the local Democracy and his opinions carry considerable weight in state politics. He frequently attended the state conventions, and in I888 was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at St. Louis, which nominated Grover Cleveland for the presidency. He has been a Mason from the age of twenty-one years, having joined the order at Newark, New York. He was instrumental in organizing the Plainwell Agricultural and Industrial Society, of which he acted as president for a number of years and also as one of the directors. This society held annual fairs in Plainwell and its wonderful success was due to his perseverance, energy and determination, for Mr. Knapp is a man of excellent executive ability, recognized as a leader among men, doing much to mold public thought and action and leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon the public life of the comnmunity. HIRAM D. KREIGHBAUM, a prosperous farmer of Gun Plains township, residing on section 20, has lived in this locality for the past quarter of a century. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, June 13, 1848, a son of William and Sarah (Hane) Kreighbaum. The Kreighbaum family was established in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who emigrated to this country from Germany at an early day, locating in Pennsylvania. It was his son, George Kreighbauln, who became the father of William Kreighbaum, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, The latter accompanied his parents on their removal to Stark county, Ohio, and there conducted a sawmill, in addition to which he carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He was there married to Miss Sarah Hane, and they became the parents of eleven children, of wlhoml 414 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY our subject is the only one who ever came to this state. The father passed away in the Buckeye state, at the age of fifty-six years. Hiram D. Kreighbaum was reared upon the old homestead farm in Stark county, early becoming familiar with the duties connected with agricultural life. During the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the public schools, thus acquiring the knowledge which fitted him for the responsible duties of life. He was there engaged in farming until I88o, when he came to Michigan and purchased a small tract of land adjoining his present home property. After making his home there for a few years he purchased his present home, which had been located by Friend Ives, who became one of the earliest settlers of Allegan county. This farm, however, was purchased by Mr. Kreighbaum from his father-in-law in I901, and it is accounted one of the most valuable and productive places in the vicinity of Plainwell. He is here engaged in farming and stock raising and is meeting with a very gratifying measure of success, owing to the progressive methods which he follows in the prosecution of his labors. On the ioth of June, I875, Mr. Kreighbaum was united in marriage to Miss Flora Shutt, who was born in Portage, Summit county, Ohio, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Moore) Shutt. Her father was a son of Philip Shutt, and was born in Wayne county, Ohio, but removed with his parents to Stark county, that state, when a youth of eighteen years. The mother was born in Stark county, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (White) Moore, the latter a native of New York. Mrs. Kreighbaum's maternal great-grandfather was a native of Ireland, whence he settled in Pennsylvania, where both her grandfather and father were born, the latter removing with his family to Stark county in 1812, being among the earliest settlers of that portion of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kreighbaum has been born a daughter, Blanche, who is now following the profession of teaching and residing with her parents. Mr. Kreighbaum is a stalwart Democrat in his political views and affiliations. In the spring of 1897 he was elected highway commissioner, which position he has filled continuously since with the exception of the year I904. He has proved a capable official in the discharge of his duties and during his term of service many substantial and needed improvements have been made, the new cement bridge in Plainwell having been constructed under his able supervision. He has likewise served one term as pathmaster. In his fraternal relations he hold membership with the Maccabees. Mr. Kreighbaum and his family are well known in Allegan county as highly respected people. Their pleasant home is a favorite resort for their many friends, and therein hospitality reigns supreme. TRAYTON PAGE is one of the prominent representatives of agricultural interests in Allegan county, and comes of foreign birth, his natal place being Cowbeach, Sussex county, England, and the date October 6, I857. His parents, Moses and Elizabeth (Martin) Page, were likewise natives of Sussex county, and became the parents of six children of whom one is deceased and all except our subject are still residents of England. Ellen is the wife of William Hatt and resides in London. Harriett Esther and Elizabeth are residents of Sussex county, England, and Ruth became the wife of J. Hon HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 415 eysett and died in Michigan, leaving four children, two of whom were reared by Mr. Page of this review. Trayton Page was left an orphan at the early age of five years, and he was then taken into the home of an aunt, Mrs. Harriet Hook, with whom he remained for several years. His paternal uncle, Isaac Page, emigrated from his native country to the United States in 1855, and took up his abode in Allegan county, Michigan, where he became a prosperous farmer. When he arrived in this country his cash capital consisted of but twenty-five'cents, but he possessed a strong and determined spirit, and at once secured employment and thereby provided for his support. He prospered in his work and was soon enabled to make purchase of land, his first tract comprising eighty acres, which he bought in I860, but he disposed of this ir, 1870, and bought a more desirable property elsewhere, to which he added from time to time until he became possessed of over two hundred acres of land. He was very active in public affairs, and at different times filled a number of positions of honor and trust. His wife was Susan A. Clay in her maidenhood, who was a native of Virginia, their marriage being celebrated March 24, 1872. In the meantime, in I868, Isaac Page returned to his native country to pay a visit to his relatives and friends, and upon his return to America he brought with him his little nephew, Trayton Page, whose name introduces this record. Isaac Page died June 28, i888. Trayton Page was a little lad of eleven years when he crossed the Atlantic in company with his uncle, and upon arriving in Michigan he became a member of the latter's household, and here he was reared and educated as if he were an own child. He remained with his uncle until his uncle's death. Mr. Page inherited his fine farm of one hundred and twentyseven and one-half acres, and with the exception of five acres on section fourteen, all is situated on section thirteen, Watson township. Here he has since engaged in general agricultural pursuits and he makes the raising of pure blooded cattle an important feature of his business interests. Since coming into possession of this property Mr. Page has remodeled all of the buildings, and now has one of the finest country residences in this section of the county, in the rear of which stands a large barn and many outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and altogether it is a well kept and valuable farm property. All but sixty-five acres of the land is under cultivation, and each year he gathers good crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields, for he uses only the latest improved machinery to facilitate his work and is progressive in his ideas and methods of carrying on his business affairs. Wishing to establish a home of his own, Mr. Page was married, May I, 1878, the lady of his choice bearing the name of Miss Lucy Townsend, who was also a native of Sussex county, England, and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Siggs) Townsend, likewise natives of the fatherland, who emigrated to America in 187I, first making a settlement in Martin township, Allegan county. After a few years the family removed to Watson township, locating on a farm on section thirteen. The father passed away at Cadillac, Michigan, at the age of fifty years, and the mother still survives and makes her home on the farm where her husband died. Mr. and Mrs. Page have become the parents of a son'and two daugh .416 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY ters, Pearl E., Earl I., and Marion E. They also reared two nieces of Mr. Page, Carrie and Nellie Honeysett, who are now married. Mr. Page gives his political support to the principles of Democracy and is quite active in the local ranks of his party, having served for twenty-four consecutive years as assessor of district No. 3, and in April, I905, he was elected as justice of the peace, and his duties in this office are ever discharged in a straightforward and impartial manner. OTSEGO. The origin of the village of Otsego has been described on other pages. The platting of a village and the concentration of business and other activities followed naturally upon the development of the water power. The plat, which was completed December 22, I836, is the most important early record of the village. It shows the bridge which had just been completed across the river at that point, the dam and mill race, roads converging in all directions, and appended to the plat is the following statement by the surveyor of what he considers the principal advantages of the site: "This town is situated on the rapids of the Kalamazoo river, immediately below its junction with Gun river, and at the head of steamboat navigation. The water power at Otsego is not surpassed by any in Michigan, having a fall of fifteen feet, the whole river for a race, and requiring no dam, thus affording sufficient power to drive any number of stones that can ever be wanted. Its peculiar location, in respect to other towns and the adjoining country, the concentration of roads leading to it, in connection with its immense water power, render it one of the most desirable points in Michigan!" As one of the desirable points in Michigan, Otsego has remained to this day. The Comstock enterprises led in importance for a few years, but as the village and the entire county as well advanced in prosperity beyond the point where capital counted for less in the total than individual energy and ability, village life and affairs were broadened and distributed among the bulk of the citizens. Among the residents and business men in 1840, four years after the platting of the village, were the mercantile firm of S. & S. D. Foster & Co., which began business in I838, although S. D. Foster had been selling goods since I836; Samuel Foster was still in the hotel business; H. H. Comstock had recently completed his flouring mill; Roswell Crane managed the sawmill and the new Exchange Hotel for the Comstock interests; Dr. Coats in that year succeeded to the office of postmaster, which had been held by Dr. Foster; L. Buckley, the first merchant in the village, was still in business. During the fifties a resume of the busines enterprise adds the names of George H. Foster, who had a furnace on the mill race; William Mansfield, proprietor of a sawmill; James Norton, a store and gristmill; Osmand Smith, a factory on the race, and the well known names of Joel Batchelor, T. S. Day, Orsamus Eaton, Willard Higgins. A description of the village in I880 spoke of several good brick business blocks, the grouping of the manufactures along the river, the large iron bridge connecting the two sides of town, and the growing importance of,tsego in manufacturing, where over 200,000 bushels of wheat was converted into flour each year, where there were factories for making of sash, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 41i doors and blinds, chair factory, fanning mills, implement factory,and woodturning and mechanical shops. Among the business men were still some who had been with the village since its beginnings, notably, S. D. Foster. Other merchants named were A. D. Botsford, F. K. Cloud, W. C. Edsell, Albert R. Foster, Nelson W. Mills, George B. Norton, the Rouse brothers, Charles D. Gaylord, Charles Shepherd, E. W. Sherwood, A. J. Van Wyck. Manufacturers were James M. Ballou, the Mills, Peck & Co., C. H. Prentiss & Co., Sprague & Yeckley, A. B. and C. D. Stuart, W. L. Blair, A. and P. G. Hoag, M. D. Prindle, and Edsell & Peck, private bankers. Of these firms C. H. Prentiss and P. G. Hoag are the only ones now in business. Nearly thirty years passed after the platting of Otsego before a village incorporation was formed. Incorporation was effected by act of the legislature approved March 15, 1865, and the following April i5th, the first election of village officers was held. Willard Higgins, who had been lumberman, business man and a leader in political affairs in Otsego and vicinity for a number of years, was chosen the first president, and the six trustees were William H. Ingram, Franklin Chadsey, Ethan Allen, Lenora Foster, Henry C. Houghton, Wilson C. Edsell. The principal village officers to date are given in the official lists. For a number of years the village had no protection against fire other than the emergency bucket line and later a hand engine with hook and ladder apparatus. Water works were installed in the eighties, being completed in i888 and in the same year the Otsego fire company was organized. There are three hose companies, with a membership of 75, and the apparatus consists of three hose carts, one hose wagon, and two hand chemical engines. The officers are: Fred Schoolcraft, chief: Frank Fairfield, assistant chief; H. Jackson, second assistant chief; William Sweetland, secretary; J. H. Lindsey, treasurer. In 1905 a village hall, constructed of cement blocks, was completed at a cost of $5,oo000, being located on Farmer and Orlean streets. Since 1898 the village has had electric lighting for street and domestic purposes, the power being furnished by the Commonwealth Power Company. Of the business firms of the village mention should be made of the following because of the length of their business connections with the village; Kohlenstein Bros., dry goods; Sherwood Bros., hardware; Woodheck & Eaton, drugs; Pipps, hardware; Miss Marcia Hall, shoe store; N. L. Travis, harness shop; R. V. Monteith, harness shop; Henry Monteith, harness shop. WILLARD HIGGINS, owning a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections one and thirty-two in Otsego township, where he conducts a mill, is one of the oldest settlers of Allegan county, dating his residence here since the fall of 1835, covering a period of more than seventy years. He is the next oldest settler in the county, Chauncey Scott. son of Giles Scott, alone being older. He was born on a farm in Amity township, Allegany county, New York, October 9, 1823, and represents one of the old families of the east, who originated from England but comes of Irish descent. His father, Jabin Strong Higgins, was born in the eastern part of New York, March 9, 1799, and was there reared and married Miss Betsey Aldrich, who was born near Cooperstown. New York, in 1801. The father conducted a sawmill in his native state, and in 1834 removed with his family to Michi 418 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY gan, making the overland journey, which required twenty-one days, the family home being established in Kalamazoo county, the date of their arrival being October 2d. The father followed farming in Comstock township, where he made his home until March, 1836, when he moved the family to Allegan county. He and a brother had already in 1835 built the sawmill on Pine Creek above mentioned. When the family arrived here the town of Otsego contained but three houses. He was connected with building operations, erecting a house, which he conducted as a hotel for some time, this being the first regular hostelry in the village, Dr. Foster's place not being a public place in the strict sense. He and his brother Gilbert likewise built what are now known as the Leighton Mills, a mile east of where Mr. Higgins now resides, and for many years he was connected with milling and farming interests in this county. In the family of this pioneer couple were eleven children, ten of whom reached mature years, while one died when four years of age. Beside Willard there are three sons-Marvin G., Zenas A. and Orlin, the first and last named making their home in Otsego township, while one daughter, Mrs. Harriet Steel, resides in Plainwell. One son of the family, Hugh, served in the Civil war, enlisting in Minnesota, and his death occurred in Plainwell. The mother of this family passed away in Allegan county about I877, at the age of seventy-six years, while the father spent the last five years of his life with his son, Willard. and died in November, I88I. Thus passed away one of the worthy pioneer couples of this portion of the state, who had aided in much of the development and progress of their home locality. Willard Higgins was a little lad of eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from New York to this state, and he still has vivid recollections of many incidents connected with the long and tedious journey. He was reared to farm life, assisting his father in the duties of the fields, and at the early age of twelve years he was employed at farm labor by others for ten dollars per month. He likewise learned the milling business from his father and has been connected with this industry to a greater or less extent throughout his entire life. He spent the period of his boyhood and youth on the home farm and there remained until he reached the age of twenty-five years, being employed the greater portion of the time by his father. He then began work on his own account by renting the Forbes sawmill, in Gun Plains, which was operated by water power, conducting the enterprise for two years. He then disposed of his interests with a view of going to California, for it was during the period of the gold excitement on the Pacific coast. He, however, abandoned that idea and, having accumulated about one thousand dollars, purchased in partnership a stock of goods in the spring of I85o and engaged in commercial pursuits in Otsego for two years, when his brother-in-law purchased the other party's interest and became a member of the firm, which so continued for one year, when, in March, 1853, the brother-in-law died, after which Mr. Higgins continued the business alone until I855. He then disposed of his stock of merchandise and engaged in lumbering and farming for a time. He also conducted the first circular sawmill in Allegan county, conducting this enterprise until the spring of I865, when he disposed of that business and once more entered merchandising in Otsego, conducting a general store there until I871, in which year he failed, for this was the period fol HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 419 lowing the Civil war, when prices greatly depreciated and caused a financial panic all over the country. In I867 he invested twelve thousand dollars in the woolen factory, which had been established a short time before, but sold his interest therein in 1872. He also owned at one time a tract of four hundred and twenty-seven acres of land all in one body adjoining the village east and south, purchasing this in I86I, and in addition to this he owned fifty lots in the village of Otsego, but he suffered a great loss in this, for after the war prices in property also greatly depreciated. In 1876 Mr. Higgins removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he assumed charge of a mill for one year, subsequent to which time he again returned to Allegan county, taking up his abode in Otsego township, where he purchased forty acres of land on which stood a mill, this constituting a portion of his present home property. He added to his original purchase from time to time until his farm embraced four hundred acres, but he has since disposed of some of it and now retains possession of one hundred and twenty acres. This he has greatly improved, erecting modern and substantial buildings, and his place today ranks among the valuable properties of this portion of the county. His mill and barn were destroyed by fire, which caused him a loss of four thousand dollars, as he had no insurance on the mill property. He soon rebuilt the sawmill, however, and has arranged a feed mill in connection. Mr. Higgins has also been interested in the railroad development of this section of the state, having owned considerable stock in the Grand Trunk Railroad Company as well as in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Company, but he lost several thousand dollars in these investments. He has been interested in various enterprises from an early day, and while some have proved a failure financially he has prospered in others, so that he has acquired altogether a very comfortable competence. Mr. Higgins has been three times married. He was first wedded August 17, I850, to Mrs. Eliza A. Cole, a native of Allegheny county, New York, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Fairwell. Her death occurred in the Allegan county home, March I, 1884, when she had reached the age of sixty-two years, her birth occurring January I, 1822. There was one son by this union, Morton Willard, who was born September I5, I853, and died April 15, I868. Mr. Higgins was married November 22, 1885, to Miss Harriet A. Blackman, who was born in Ohio, February 5, i827, and came to Michigan with her parents in I853, her father being John H. Blackman. Previous to her marriage she was engaged for several years in the profession of teaching, having taught for eight years in the Allegan high school. Her death occurred May 19, I890. February 2I, I89I, Mr. Higgins married Mrs. Lovinia Seymour Hurley, a daughter of Frank Seymour. She was born in Clyde township, this county, April 9, I862. She is a niece of her husband's second wife. Mr. Higgins supported the Whig party in early years, casting his first presidential ballot for Zachary Taylor, and upon the formation of the new Republican party he supported its principles, voting for its first presidential nominee, Fremont, and has since supported the candidates of that party. He assisted the movement to establish the first Republican newspaper in Kalamazoo county, the Telegraph. He has taken an active and helpful interest in all public affairs, holding the office of school director for many 420. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY years, while in I850 he was elected township clerk, filling the office for two years. In 1856 he was elected sheriff of Allegan county, being the first Republican sheriff, the nomination having been urged upon him by a committee of citizens. He served in that capacity for two years, refusing a renomination. He was likewise the first president of the village of Otsego, filling the office for three or four terms, while for more than two decades he has served his school district as assessor. He has been identified with the Congregational church at Otsego since 1863, and has served as church trustee for many years. He contributed liberally to the building of the church of that denomination and has since been a heavy contributor to its support. He is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Otsego and the Royal Arch Chapter at Kalamazoo. There is perhaps no man in Allegan county who has done so much for the development and upbuilding of various commercial and industrial enterprises as Mr. Higgins. He has given both time and money, and it is due to his untiring efforts that a great majority of the public enterprises of this section of the state have met with success. When he came to Allegan county as a boy there was every evidence of frontier life to be seen. Many kinds of wild animals were still to be seen roaming over the prairies and one had ample opportunity to indulge his love of hunting. Otsego at that time contained but three houses, but as the years have passed it has now become a thriving and enterprising little village. Mr. Higgins instituted the milling business in his locality and this business has since become one of the most important in this great state. Mr. Higgins has ever followed the most reliable and straightforward methods in his business transactions and has therebyt won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. He has now passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey and has lived in Allegan county for more than seven decades, being one of the oldest living citizens at the present time in point of continuous residence in the county. FRANK FAIRFIELD, who is filling the office of Supervisor of Otsego and is engaged in the livery business there, was born about a mile east of Allegan, July 17, i863, and has spent his entire life in this county. His father, Abraham Fairfield, was born at Grimsby, Canada west, and when twenty-one years of age came alone to Allegan, where he spent his subsequent years. His time and energies were always devoted to farming. He continued actively in agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, when he was seventy-two years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Otney, was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, and is now residing in the village of Allegan. In their family were ten children, all of whom reached years of maturity. Frank Fairfield, who was the fourth in order of birth, resided upon the home farm with his parents until thirteen years of age, aiding in the labors of the fields when not in school. He afterward spent two or three years in Kalamazoo county working as a farm hand by the month. After his marriage he began farming on his own account in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, and later lived in Montgomery township for seven years, on the expiration;; iof which period he came to Otsego, where he has now lived for eleven years. He first engaged in the butchering business in part — HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 421 nership with C. C. Knobloch for three years and then, selling out to his partner, was employed by others in the same line for four years. On the expiration of that period he joined his brother, Myron A. Fairfield, in the purchase of a livery stable which they have since conducted. They have a well-equipped barn, owning a number of a good horses and vehicles of various kinds, for which they find a ready rental, owing to their obligingness and their efforts to please their patrons, combined with their reasonable prices. In the spring of I905 Mr. Fairfield was elected to the office of supervisor of Otsego on the Citizens ticket. He has been a lifelong Democrat, unwavering in his fidelity to the party, and has been chosen alderman of the village, but resigned the office because of his business interests. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, but on the contrary has avoided office, and his present position of supervisor came to him unsought. He belongs to Otsego Lodge No. 78, F. & A. M.; Otsego Lodge No. 82, K. P., and Otsego Lodge No. 23, K. 0. T. M. On the I7th of September, 1884, Mr. Fairfield was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Tompkins, a daughter of Frank and Hannah (Kenyon) Tompkins, who came to Allegan county from Ohio and settled in Trowbridge township, where the daughter was born. Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield now have one child, Edna L. They are both well known in the county, where their entire lives have been passed, and as the years have gone by they have grown in favor with their friends and neighbors and now have many friends in the county. A. BRINK TUCKER, the present efficient postmaster of, Otsego, is a native son of Allegan county, his birth having occurred on his father's farm two miles and a half from the village, in Otsego township, May I9, I870, a son of Daniel and Susan C. (Brink) Tucker. Both the father and mother were natives of New York, the former having been born in Otsego county, while the latter was born in Steuben county. Both were reared in their native state and were there married, after which they came to Allegan county in I860, locating on a farm of Otsego township, where the father followed general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the farm October 17, 1902. His widow still survives and yet makes her home on the farm. Their family numbered five children, all of whom still survive, namely: Fannie, the wife of Allison Richmond, of Otsego township; Mary, the wife of E. S. Hicks, of Gun Plains township; Hattie, the wife of Dorric Hall, a resident of Kalamazoo; Frank S., a resident of Otsego, and A. Brink. Mr. Tucker was reared on the homestead farm in much the usual manner of lads of that period, assisting his father in the duties of the fields through the period of his boyhood and youth, while in the meantime, during the winter months, he pursued his early education in the district schools near his father's home, and later attended the high school at Otsego, being graduated in 1889. He afterward took up the study of law, being graduated from the University of Michigan in I893, subsequent to which time he practiced his profession in Otsego for one year. He was likewise engaged in the profession of teaching in Allegan county for about six years, and was engaged in the drygoods and grocery business in this village for one 422 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY year. He also worked at the carpenter's trade for four years, but on the Ist of April, I9o6, was appointed postmaster at Otsego, which position he is now capably filling, giving entire satisfaction to the general public. Mr. Tucker was married August I2, I895, to Miss Jennie Allen, a native of Otsego township and a daughter of Ogden and Anna Allen, the former a native of New Jersey, while the latter was born in England. The daughter was reared and educated in Allegan county, and by her marriage has become the mother of one child, Elton B. Mr. Tucker has been a lifelong Republican and for two years served his township as supervisor. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in or near Otsego and therefore have a wide circle of friends. LEIGHTON TOWNSHIP. CHARLES RICE, who has been for years a resident of Allegan county, was born in Gaines township, Kent county, Michigan, September 15, I852. He is a son of Daniel and Mary (Bennett) Rice, both natives of Niagara county. Daniel Rice, the father, located on a farm in Gaines, nine miles southeast of Grand Rapids, in the fall of 1843, and remained there for ten years. He then came to Leighton township and purchased the farm which is now the property of his son Charles. The farm was in heavy timber, and it was a mile in either direction to the nearest neighbor. He built a little shanty and prepared to get his land in a condition suitable for cultivation. The old Kalamazoo road ran through this tract of land, and the first stage-coach the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids stage, ran over this road, and continued to do so until a plank road was built. In 1855 an effort was made to run the roads on section lines. Mr. Rice helped to cut out the lines for the new roads, and he with others felled timber across the old roads and trails, in order to force travel to the new section line roads. Some did not take kindly to this new idea and commenced to clear the fallen timber from the old trails. This led to angry words and precipitated what was known locally as the "road war." Franklin Peck has handed down the account of this "war" in one of his familiar poems. Mr. Rice spent the remainder of his life on this farm, and continued to improve it as opportunity offered. The farm was two hundred and forty acres in extent, the price paid for it being two dollars and fifty cents per acre. Here he died March 4, I869, at the age of fifty-four years. His wife survived him but a year and a half, dying at the age of forty-seven. One of his brothers, James Rice, cleared a farm in Kent county, adjoining his and is still living in the county, aged eighty-three years. Daniel Rice was the father of four daughters and three sons, viz.: Martha, who died forty years ago; Mary, late wife of Jacob Rosenberger, deceased at the age of twenty-eight; Ellen, who died in Oregon at fifty-eight years of age; Sarah, wife of Adam Clements of Leighton township, deceased at the age of twenty-two; Charles, the subject of this sketch; Daniel O., of Oregon, and Francis G., of Oceana county, Michigan. Charles Rice is the only one of the family left in Allegan county. His boyhood was spent at home, and at the age of seventeen, upon the death HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 423 of his father he assumed the care of the family and became their support. His sister Ellen acted as housekeeper, and exercised a motherly care over her brothers and sisters until they were grown. Much credit is due her for her unfailing interest in the welfare of the family for so many years. She did not marry until past forty years of age. Mr. Rice was married at the age of twenty-six to Miss Cadett Perry, daughter of Frank Perry, of Kent county. She was born in Plainfield township, Kent county, and was eighteen years old at the time of her marriage. To them have been born five children: Mary Blanche, wife of Fred Peter Geib, an attorney of Grand Rapids; Ethel Marion, a trained nurse for the G. R. U. 13. A.; Charity Elva, a kindergarten teacher at Soudan, Minnesota; Eulalie Louisa, and Eunice Vera. The four oldest children are graduates of the Grand Rapids High School. The associations of the old home place have meant so much to Mr. Rice that as his brothers became of age and entitled to their share of the estate he purchased their interests in order that the place might be kept intact. There was a great deal of black walnut on the property originally, and as there was a market for that wood at the time it was sold instead of being converted into fire wood. The best grade (No. I) black walnut sold at that time for four dollars per thousand. It would be worth today one hundred dollars per thousand. He is a breeder of Shropshire sheep and keeps about fifty head. This is one of the principal sources of his income. The buildings on the farm are commodious and well built. The barn, forty by sixty feet, was built by his father, to which he has added a sheep shed thirtytwo by eighty feet in size. He has recently built a corn house and new windmill. The latter is a source of power for cutting feed, pumping water, etc. The farm is thoroughly up-to-date and prosperous in appearance. Mr. Rice was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Caledonia, which was chartered in June, 1904, with Mr. Rice as president, and Mr. Smith as vice-president, the latter in personal charge of the institution. The bank has a capital of twenty thousand dollars with a nice surplus after having declared a seven per cent dividend. Mr. Rice is a Democrat, and has served that party as supervisor for a term of two years, and as township treasurer for three years. One of his chief recreations is hunting, and he still possesses the rifle which his father used when he first came to this part of the state. ALLEN A. ABBOTT, a citizen of Leighton township and of French descent, was born in Coldwater, Branch county, Michigan. June 24, 1840. His parents, Charles G. Abbott, born in Detroit, in i8o8, and Sarah (Long) Abbott, born in Germany, in i8o8, were married in Buffalo. Charles G. Abbott came to Coldwater in 1836, opening the first blacksmith shop in that town. He also cleared a farm. His father was one of five brothers, all Indian traders, at Detroit, Mackinac, and around the lakes. One of his principal trading posts was the Old Mission near Traverse City. He finally settled at Coldwater, where he died past eighty years of age. Allen Abbott's boyhood was spent in the town and on the farm. He was married February 25, T867, at Coldwater, to Marion Wilson, born at Union City, Branch county, August 17, 1840. She was a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Sprowles) Wilson, who came from New York state to Branch 424 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY county in 1838. In I864 Mr. Abbott came to Allegan for the purpose of purchasing cheap land and found what he was seeking in Wayland township. He built his house and barn and made other improvements before he was married. Mrs. Abbott's parents, who had come to Allegan county in 1865, passed the remainder of their years there, he dying at the age of sixty-nine and she in 1884, at the age of eighty-three. Since purchasing his farm Mr. Abbott has resided there continuously. He has two sisters in Allegan county, viz.: Theodosia, wife of A. D. Towsly, deceased, and Marion, wife of John Jordon, both residents of Wayland township. Mr. Abbott remained on his first farm fourteen years after his marriage. Selling this he came to the present farm in Leighton township, three and one-half miles northeast of the town of Wayland. The farm consisted of one hundred and forty acres, of which he cleared forty-five acres. Some of the timber was milled and some burnt. The barns were on the place when he purchased it, but these he has since improved and enlarged. He built the house in which he now lives in I889. He devotes himself to the grain and dairy business. He also keeps sheep, which have yielded him a satisfactory profit. In politics he is a Republican, and is a frequent delegate to the party conventions. He has no children, but has adopted and raised three: Burton Dickinson, from seven till twenty-three, now a contractor and builder at Fitzgerald, Georgia; Martha May Fox, from seven till twenty-one, when she married Charles Stockdale, of Grand Rapids; and Ida Harvey, from eleven until married. She was placed in Mr. Abbott's family by Judge Stockdale, then judge of the probate court, until he could locate her permanently. She became so attached to them that she was allowed to remain in the family. They were all given good advantages, and Mrs. Abbott has been a kindly and painstaking mother to them. Mr. Abbott relates that when a boy at Coldwater he had as a playmate a little Indian boy, who became, eventually, chief of the Pottawattamie Indians. When on a trip to the west in 1864 he visited this tribe and was cordially received and entertained by his boyhood playmate, who had not forgotten him. HENRY CONRAD, who has devoted almost his entire life to agricultural interests, was born in Hinsdale, Cattaraugus county, New York, November 26, I83I. His parents were Joseph, who died in New York, and Lucy (Thatcher) Conrad, who spent her last years with her son in Michigan. Mr. Conrad came to Michigan the first time in I850 to secure some land on a soldier's warrant issued to his brother, Peter Conrad, who died at Vera Cruz while serving as a soldier in the Mexican war. The warrant was issued to himself and his mother. Mr. Conrad lived successively in Seneca county, Ohio, with an uncle, Joshua Lake, and finally, in 185I, returned to Michigan, and settled on the farm on which he now resides. He made another trip to Ohio, but returned to Michigan in 1853 and worked at Kellogg's sawmill. The firm of Krouse & Dennison were interested in the mill, but Krouse soon died and Kellogg ran the mill, which stood one-half a mile north of what is now Wayland, then called Chamber's Corners, and also only three-quarters of a mile distant from Mr. Conrad's farm. While working at the mill he was at the same time clearing and HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 425 improving his own property. He built a frame house and barn and erected his present residence in 1882, living in the old house until that time. The original house is still standing and is rented. It is the oldest house still used as a residence in the vicinity. There is a fine barn on the premises, built in I879. The new house is about one mile northeast from Wayland, and it, combined with the lay of the farm, makes it one of the most desirable farms in the county. Of the farm about one hundred and twenty acres are under cultivation. The land was all taken in Mr. Conrad's name, and there has never been a mortgage or transfer recorded against the property since it came into his possession. He has combined the growing of grain with sheep raising, but latterly has been making dairying a specialty. His first wife, Phebe Lester Conrad, who had come to the Michigan farm with him as a pioneer, died after six years, leaving four children: Seth, who lives on a near-by farm; Sid; Ola, who died at the age of twentyfour; and Nettie, a widow, now living at Coldwater. Mr. Conrad was married the second time to Almira Lester, a sister of his first wife, by whom he had one child, Lo, who died at the age of twenty-three. Mrs. Conrad was born in New York and moved to Seneca county, Ohio, when but a child. She came to Allegan county, Michigan, with her brothers, Loren, Harry and Daniel Lester, in the fall of I850. Her brothers Loren and Harry bought a farm. Loren died on the farm and Harry moved to Kansas in 1870. Daniel, the third brother, also purchased a piece of property, on which he resided until his death. Her mother died in Michigan at the age of sixty-three. From political inclination MIr. Conrad is a Democrat. HERBERT A. WASHBURN, well known in Leighton county as a dairyman, was born in Muskegon county, Michigan, July 4, I86I. His parents were William and Sarah (Arcenal) Washburn, he a native of Vermont and she of New York state. They were married in Kent county and came to settle in Muskegon. He worked in the lumber camps in winter and did a little lumbering on his own account. He came in 1867 to the farm on which Herbert Washburn now lives. At that time it was heavily timbered, with only a small clearing where the house stood. After settling here he devoted his entire time to farming and cleared all of the farm excepting about fifteen acres. He died January 31, I888, aged fifty-two years. His wife survived him until 1903, when she died, aged sixty-nine years. He built a substantial house, which stood until about ten years ago, when it was destroyed by fire. Since coming into possession of the property Herbert Washburn has rebuilt the house, enlarged the barn, and built a good sized silo, while in addition he has laid some four hundred rods of tile for drainage and has improved the property generally. The subject of this sketch is the elder of two sons, viz., Herbert W. and Frank, who died in Leighton township, aged forty-one years, and was unmarried. Mr. Washburn makes a specialty of dairying. His herd consists of Holsteins, all thoroughbred and of high grade. He milks from twenty to twenty-fiv.e cows. He is systematic in his method of marketing his milk and keeps account of the production of each cow in order to obtain the best results and not leave his business to guesswork, as is done in so many dairies. He keeps Mercede Pride, of Oak Grove, at the head of his herd. 426 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY This animal took the first prize at the State Fair at Detroit in 1895 as a yearling. Mr. Washburn makes a specialty of selling breeding animals. His wife, who was formerly Gertrude Mitchell, of Ingham county, is the mother of four children: Fred, who lives at home; Nellie, wife of Marcus Crowfoot, of Leighton township; Elfa, and Oral. The two latter are still at home and attending school. Mr. Washburn is a Mason, a member of the Blue Lodge, and is also an Odd Fellow (a charter member of Moline, Michigan), Mason Lodge No. 224 of Wayland, and a Maccabee. JOHN W. STURGIS, supervisor of Leighton township, Michigan, was born in Salem township, Allegan county, this state, November 24,. i866. His parents were Isaac H. and Sarah A. (Woodruff) Sturgis, both natives of New York. They were married in Noble county, Indiana. Mrs. Sturgis came with her parents to Indiana in her girlhood, living for a short time with them in Blissfield, Michigan. She was twenty-two years old at the time of her marriage, September 4, 1852. Her father came to Salem, in Allegan county, in 1856, and settled on a farm which he had purchased there. He was a widower at the time, but married a second time and passed his remaining days in this county, dying at the age of seventy-four in i871. In i856 Isaac Sturgis and his wife bought a farm in Salem, of which they improved eighty acres. They remained on this property for twentv years. They then sold and purchased another farm, on which they lived for four years. They came in 1882 to Leighton township and purchased a farm of eighty-five acres, fifty of which were improved. They rebuilt the buildings and cleared the balance of the land. Here they both died in 1905, he on January 2ist and she on December 23d. They had lived together for fifty-three years and had celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. In politics he was a staunch Republican and had been all his years devoted to the interests of his party. He served two terms as township treasurer in Leighton. His children were three in number, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest, viz.: Franklin E., an artist, residing at East Pasadena, California; Mary E., wife of William Shuck, of Dighton, Osceola county, Michigan; and John W. John Sturgis remained at home until he was grown, taking entire charge of his father's farm when twenty years of age. When twenty-four years old he went to Grand Rapids, where he was connected with the wholesale grocery trade. He then returned home and resumed farming. He was married at twenty-two to Rose A. Echtinaw, a daughter of Jacob and Ann Echtinaw, who had located in Wayland township in i866. Mr. Echtinaw is still living and resides with his son John in Leighton township. Mrs. Echtinaw died in Wayland in 1902, aged sixty years. John Sturgis was township treasurer for two terms and in i900 was elected supervisor, and has been re-elected every year since. His services on the board and his willingness to do everything possible to advance the welfare of his township. He is affiliated with the Republican party and is elected delegate to most of the party conventions. Mr. Sturgis has two children: Linnie, a student at the Wayland high school, and Isaac H. ANDREW BROG, of Leighton township, was born in Berne, Switzerland, July 20, 1842. His parents, Casper and Margaret (Anderegg) Brog, came HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY ' 427 to the United States in 185I and settled in Ohio. In I869 they moved to Allegan county, Michigan, and settled on a farm. This farm consisted of a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, fifty acres of which were partially cleared, but only twenty were in condition to plow. The property contained a quantity of ash and whitewood timber, some of which was sold and some used on the place. Casper Brog remained on this farm until his death, which occurred in I895 at the age of seventy-six. His wife died in I89o, aged eighty years. Their children were five in number. One son died in Ohio, and beside Andrew, the subject of this sketch, there were three daughters: Maggie, widow of Fred Steeby; Katherine, wife of Conrad Kahler, and who died at the age of thirty; and Magdalena, wife of Jacob Finkbiner, of Grand Rapids. Andrew Brog came to Michigan in the spring of I869. In a short time he returned to Ohio and resumed teaching school. He taught during the winter terms for twelve years, part of the time in Ohio and later in Michigan. He was married February I, I870, in Ohio, to Caroline Baab, a daughter of the family at whose home he had boarded during the second term he taught in that vicinity. She was nineteen at the time of the marriage. Mr. Brog soon brought his young wife to Michigan and undertook the active management of his father's farm. The farm was increased by the addition of eighty acres, making a total acreage of two hundred. He keeps from twelve to fifteen cows and about forty head of sheep. His sheep are Shropshires and are all thoroughbred. The barn, sheep sheds and outbuildings generally on this farm are well built and among the best in the county. Considerable drainage has been accomplished by laying tile. Mr. Brog is a Republican and has been township clerk for a term of two years. For the last six years he has been a justice of the peace. He is the father of thirteen children, all but one of whom are living. Thev are, in order of birth: Mary, wife of Henry Finkbiner, of Leighton; Katie, wife of Herbert Johncox, of Orangeville, Michigan; Albert, a farmer of Leighton; Henry, a farmer in Barry county; Edward, who died at the age of twenty-two; Lydia, wife of Lewis Smith, of Leighton township; Clara, wife of Irving J. Steeby, of Corning; Mlaggie, wife of Herman Brown, of Leighton township; William, who is still at home; Addie, a member of the senior class of the Wayland High School; Emma a music teacher; Frederick, who is now attending school; and George, also in school.. Mr. Brog's very commendable desire is that his children receive the best education possible and that they are properly started on their way to success. He is a faithful member of the Zion church of the Evangelical Association of Leighton. He has been for some time a trustee and steward of this church. JOHN T. SMITH, for many years a well known stock breeder of Michigan, is at present vice-president and cashier of The State Bank of Caledonia, a bank organized June 22, 1904, with a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars, of which Charles Rice, of Allegan'county, is the president. The business of the bank has been very successful. The deposits have increased to one hundred and thirty thousand dollars and there is a handsome surplus. Mr. Smith is a native of Canada and was born in Toronto, February 9, I850. At fourteen he came to Kent county, Michigan, and remained there until he reached the age of twenty-one. His parents, Robert and Mariah '428 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Smith, continued to reside in Kent county until their death. He died at the age of sixty-six, and she at sixty-four. In 1871 Mr. Smith bought a farm of forty acres in Allegan county, of which only twelve acres was cleared. Later he purchased eighty acres more, and at a later date sixty more, all of which is cleared and productive. The home and outbuildings on the farm are neat and substantial. The barn, forty by sixty feet, has a "lean-to" or "L" thirty by fifty feet in size, and a basement under the entire building, with a stable capacity for sixty head of stock. He has bred Percheron horses since I880 and continued to breed them until 1892. He introduced the first Percherons at several county fairs. In I895 he began to breed Aberdeen-Angus cattle, purchasing his original stock from a Peoria, Illinois, dealer, who imported them. His her consists of forty head, all thoroughbreds and all registered. When he began there was only one other breeder of this variety of stock in the state of Michigan. He has exhibited at county and state fairs and has received first prize with his herd for five years continuously. He has sold calves at nine months for five hundred dollars a head and at three months for four hundred dollars. The State Agricultural College purchased several steers of him to study the breed. He has found cattle breeding very satisfactory and profitable. He remained on his farm in Leighton township until June, I90I. Then he spent three years on his farm in Gaines township, Kent county, improving it and giving it his personal attention. He left there and came to Caledonia to take charge of the new bank, and has since given his entire time to the banking interests. In politics Mr. Smith is a Republican, and although not an office-seeker is vitally interested in all that pertains to the interests of the commonwealth. He has been a frequent delegate to conventions. His brother, Conner H. Smith, is the present clerk of Kent county. Mr. Smith was married at twenty-one to Elizabeth Davis, of Paris, who died after twenty-one years of married life. By this marriage he had two sons, Roscoe and Robert, who operate the old farm under the name of Smith Brothers. His second marriage occurred in December of I892 to Hattie Heintz, of Gaines township, Kent county. They have two sonsRoy and Ivy. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Eastern Star. He is and has always been loyal to the state of Michigan, considering it one of the best states in the west, both as a place of residence and for business opportunities. FRANCIS R. WATKINS, of Leighton township, was born in West Hatfield, Windsor county, Vermont, October 4, 1844. His parents were Rancil and Hannah (Hunt) Watkins, natives of Vermont and Connecticut, resnectively. They were married in Vermont and moved to Pennsylvania in 1844, remained there four years, and then moved to Ohio. In 1850 they came to Ionia, Michigan, but returned almost immediately to Ohio. The next vear they removed to Allegan county, near Battle Creek, reaching there the day their son Francis was seven years old. They had traded some property in Ohio for a land warrant and located their land in section 24, in Leighton township, nearlv all of which homestead is retained in the family. Rancil Watkins died in I855, at the age of fifty-five years, and just as he was getting fairly started in his new home. He left a widow and three children: Ruth, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 429^' wife of Henry Hooker; Stiles, in Leighton township; and Francis. The widow, four years later, married William Hooker, and is the step-mother of William B. Hooker, with whom she now resides, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. After his mother's second marriage Mr. Watkins went to live with an aunt in Vermont and remained with her on the farm for four years. At seventeen he enlisted in the First Connecticut Cavalry. He had been refused the consent of his relatives and ran away to enlist. He served with the Army of the Potomac and was attached to the famous Custer division. He served until August i, 1865, was on duty at Washington a short time after the Grand Review, and was discharged August 17 in Connecticut. He was with the famous Wilson raid, on detached service at Washington and the Potomac river, and later with the Sheridan raid into the Shenandoah Valley. He saw much active service. He was struck in the right ankle by a spent ball, but was not incapacitated for duty. He did not go back to his relatives in Vermont after the war, but came to Michigan, near St. Joseph, and worked for three years with a pile driver and later on a fruit farm. In 1869 he went to Chicago and obtained work with the Illinois Central Railroad, at which he was engaged for seven years. In 1877 he went back to Michigan and took charge of his present farm, which at that time belonged to his wife's father. He was married January 13, 1875, to Mary Everson, daughter of Orville and Mary Everson, who settled on the farm before mentioned in 1864, coming from Ohio. Orville Everson was a carpenter bv trade, but cared very little about farming, so he proposed that his son-in-law take the management of the property. There was about five acres under cultivation at that time. A large part of the timber was sold, there being a sawmill in the vicinity. Maple sold at that time for four dollars per thousand and had to be hauled into Wayland. More recently some black ash was sold from the property for twenty dollars per thousand, which was considered at the time it was sold a good price. It would now bring forty dollars per thousand. The property has been improved with two residences and a good barn, the whole being in excellent condition. Orville Everson died in I88o, but his widow is still living, at the age of eighty-five years, and is in excellent health. Mr. Watkin's wife died December 26, 1905, after a three years' illness. Two children survive her, viz.: Ralph F., a carpenter, employed by the government on the Panama Canal construction work; Floyd 0., a farmer, and has one child, named Leon. Mr. Watkins still owns about seventy acres of timber, including pine, maple, ash and basswood. His maple orchard produces each year a fine income. If the timber that was on the place thirty years ago were still standing, the place would bring the worth of half a dozen of the best farms in the county. THOMAS W. RONAN, whose farm is located on the Allegan county line seven miles northeast of Wayland, Michigan, was born in Ireland April 18, 1836. In 1843 he came to America with his parents and settled in Monroe county, New York, where they remained for five vears. In 1849 they came to Battle Creek on the old Michigan Central Railway and from there hauled their goods by wagon into Allegan county. His father had' 430 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY purchased one hundred acres at two dollars and a half per acre. In I849 they built a log house, men from that vicinity helping in the raising. The house still stands, in a remarkable state of preservation, and was his mother's home until Thomas Ronan built the house in which he now lives, in 1875, at which date his mother came to live with him. On February 14, I850, his father was out chopping wood and was killed by a falling limb from a pine tree which had lodged against a dead oak and which he was attempting to dislodge. He was about forty-four years of age at the time he was killed. This sad accident left the widow in a new and only partially settled country, dependent on herself, and with the two young boys, Patrick, aged sixteen, and Thomas W., aged fourteen, to care for. The few neighbors that they had, however, rallied to their assistance and helped to clear the farm and get things into shape for working until the boys became a little more familiar with what was demanded of them. In I856 Patrick, the elder brother, went to Kansas and took up some land. He took part in some of the disturbances that occurred at that time in Kansas and received a blow on the head from which he never recovered and which was the result of his loss of reason. He was placed in an asylum in 1865 and remained there until his death, which occurred in I896. In 1857 Thomas left the farm and worked out by the month at Gull Prairie, receiving the munificent sum of thirteen dollars per month. For splitting rails he received fifty cents per hundred and for chopping wood twenty cents per cord. But by his energy and economy he managed to make and save enough to pay for his farm in 1862 and to have one hundred and fifty dollars in cash remaining. His mother lived to be ninety-four years of age and died in January, 1887. In 1863 Mr. Ronan started to improve his new farm and resided there until 1874, when he sold the place for three thousand six hundred dollars. In that same year he bought his brother's interest in the old home place. In I875 he built the new house before referred to. This house was then considered and is still a fine home, and was a great improvement over the old log cabin. In I878 Mr. Ronan decided to abandon farming as a means of support and started a business, dealing in stocks and real estate. He has owned several tracts since that time, over six hundred acres at one time in different farms. His home farm contains one hundred acres, which he now rents. He was married the first time to Eliza Jane Fisher, of Prairieville, Michigan, who was a teacher in Barry county. She is now dead. They had three children: Mary, wife of Matthew Parker, of Middleville, Michigan; Bertha M., a teacher in the high school at Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and a graduate of the State Normal School; and Fred H., who died in his third year. He married for his second wife Alice Seibel, and for his third wife Clara MacDonald, of Detroit. As a young man Mr. Ronan set his mark at the possession of twentyfive thousand dollars, and by integrity and thrift has had the satisfaction of more than passing that figure. MARTIN TOWNSHIP. GEORGE V. GOUCHER, now making his home at Watson's Corners, where he is following the mason's trade and where he has been connected with various commercial and industrial enterprises, has spent almost his entire life in Michigan. He is a native of Genesee county, New York, born HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 431 November I, 1843, and comes of English ancestry. The Goucher family was established in America by three brothers who emigrated from the fatherland in colonial days, and two of the number went to put down the Algerian pirates and were never again heard from. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Goucher, was a native of the Empire state and there spent his entire life, passing away at the extreme old age of ninetyeight years. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812. His son, who also bore the name of John Goucher, was born in Plattsburg, New York, in 1807, and was there married to Miss Malinda Taylor, also a native of the east, and they became the parents of George V. Goucher, whose name introduces this review. The parents removed to this state at an early epoch in the development of this country, and the family home was established at Maringo, Calhoun county, in I844, where they made their home for almost a decade, subsequent to which time they took up their abode on a farm in Watson township, Allegan county, where both passed away, the father having reached the age of seventy-six years, while the mother died about a year after coming here, after which the father was married a second time. George V. Goucher was less than a year old when brought by his parents to this state, and was a lad of ten years when he accompanied them on their removal to Allegan county. He pursued his education in the district schools near his father's home, and when not occupied with his studies assisted his father in the work of the fields until he had reached the age of fourteen years, at which time, his father having married again, the son left home and began making his own way in the world. He was employed for two years at farm labor, and when sixteen years of age enlisted for service in the Civil war in July, 1862, becoming a member of Company I, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, under Captain Williams and Colonel Alger. The company was mustered in at Detroit, where they remained until the fall of that year, when they were sent to Washington. Mr. Goucher was a participant in many of the most important and hardest fought battles during the struggle, including the engagements at Gettysburg, battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Brandy Station, Winchester, Cedar Creek and many others, and altogether took part in sixty-three battles, being the only one in his regiment who took part in every movement. He was three times taken a prisoner, and his service in the army lacked but eleven days of covering a period of three years. He participated in the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out of service on the 3d of July, I865. Mr. Goucher at once returned to Allegan county, where he began learning the mason's trade, which he has followed to a greater or less extent since that time, although he is now practically living retired. In connection with his trade he also conducted a store at Watson's Corners for about six years, his wife assisting him in the management of the enterprise. For one year he also conducted a meat market in connection with his other interests. As he prospered in his business affairs he accumulated a competence sufficient to justify the purchase of land, owning at one time a farm of fortysix acres in Watson township. He has made his home in the village of Watson's Corners for the past thirty years, first making a purchase of nineteen acres in this place, but he has since disposed of a portion of this and now has eight and a quarter acres, in the midst of which stands a fine home, 432 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY which is occupied by himself and family, and by his careful management and close application to his business interests in former years he is now enabled to rest from the more arduous duties of life, although he still follows his trade to some extent. He has lived in this state for more than a half century and is one of the three surviving members of nine children born of his father's family. Mr. Goucher established a home of his own by his marriage May I, 1867, to Miss Martha Fassett, who was born in Niagara county, New York, November 29, 1842, and who in 1854 came to this state with her parents, Jerome and Mary A. (Heirspool) Fassett. The father was a native of Vermont and died in this state when fifty-four years of age. The mother was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1823, and at the age of nine years accompanied her parents, Edmond and Elizabeth (Westfield) Heirspool, on their emigration to America, the family home being established in Lockport, New York. Mrs. Fassett still survives her husband and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Goucher. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons and one daughter: Verner J., now a, resident of Otsego, Michigan; Frank, of Watson township; and Gertrude,' now the wife of Arthur Layton, also of Watson township. They are also rearing a little daughter, Leeta, whom they adopted at the age of four months, and who is now a little maiden of ten years. Mr. Goucher has been a lifelong Republican and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and he has supported every Republican' candidate since that time. He has taken a very active and helpful interest' in local political affairs, having served for twelve years as justice of the peace, and he was for four years deputy under Sheriff Hay and his successor. He has been a representative of the county Republican committee from Watson township for many years, and at the present writing is acting" as treasurer of school district No. 2. Keeping in touch with his old army comrades, he is identified with G. B. Wheeler Post, G. A. R., at Martin. He also belongs to Watson Lodge No. 266, I. 0. 0. F., being the first' member to be initiated in the new hall in 1877. He is also identified with the Protective Legion, at Martin. In the community where he resides Mr. Goucher is honored not only for his progressive citizenship, but as a veteran' of the Civil war, in which he performed such faithful and meritorious service in defense of the Union cause. He and his family are numbered among the best people of Watson township, where they are highly esteemed. JAMES E. KENT is one of the old settlers of Allegan county, having since 1847 lived in Watson township. He was born in Whitbyv. Ontario, Canada, December 4, 1837, and traces his ancestry back to William Kent, who emigrated from Essex county, England, nearly one hundred and fifty years ago. He married a Pennsylvania woman of Holland descent, whose maiden name was Tamer Brower. To them were born eleven children, five boys and six girls, ten of whom lived to maturity, Jeremiah dying in infancy. The four boys were Robert, John, James, and William, who was the youngest of the family. He was born August 7, 1796, in Highgate, township, Franklin county, Vermont. He married Harriet Henderson, who was born in Onandaga county, town of Schoys, New York. They settled first in the township of Whitby, Canada, where they remained until HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 433 I839, when they moved to the township of Franklin, Lenawee county, Michigan, thence to the township of Watson, Allegan county, in June, I847. The first of the family in Michigan, however, was James Kent, who removed from Ohio to Allegan county in 1845, settling north of the village of Otsego on a farm now occupied by Albert Gates, where he remained for about a year and then removed to what is now the township of Watson, where he owned one thousand five and a half acres of land. William S. Kent was the second of the family to locate in Watson township, moving from Lenawee county in December, 1846. In the early spring of 1847, accompanied by his two oldest sons, George and William, he removed to Watson township, where he chopped and logged four acres of land and on the clearing erected a house into which the family moved, the parents continuing to spend their remaining (lays there. The family brought with them four cows, two of which were high grade Durhams, also a pair of yearling steers, which grew to be the ox team that James Kent drove for a long time. They also brought a drove of hogs and a three-year-old colt, and at that time there was but one other horse in Watson township. Farm implements were exchanged for sheep, but sheep did not prove profitable because they continually wandered away, and in his boyhood James Kent spent many a day in herding them but drove them home in less numbers each time until they were nearly all gone. On one occasion he found his sheep nine miles from home. Stock of all kinds was inclined to wander in those days as there were no fences or anything else to hinder them. The family experienced the usual hardships and trials of pioneer life. There was much illness in the county in an early day and at times neatly all of the members of the household would be ill with bilious fever or ague. There were many wild animals in the county and on several occasions bears attacked the hogs. James E. Kent was only eighteen months old at the time of the arrival of the family in Michigan, at which time their home was established at Franklin, in Lenawee county. As stated, they removed to Watson township, Allegan county, in June, 1847, locating on a farm on section I5, which adjoins the present home of our subject. Here James E. Kent has resided continuously since. He remained at home until his marriage but before eighteen years of age he bought his present farm, comprising eighty acres on section 15. It was all woodland and he performed the arduous tasks necessary to bringing this under cultivation. He now has a fine farm well improved, upon which are substantial buildings which he has erected, for he is a carpenter and joiner by trade and is an excellent workman in those lines. There were many pleasures to be enjoyed in early times and 'vIr. Kent found one of his chief sources of recreation in playing the violin, in which connection he was often called upon to furnish music at different social gatherings. He remembers playing for a party in 1847 when only ten years of age and for a quarter of a century he furnished music at social functions all over the county and also in Grand Rapids. He has ever been a great lover of music and especially of the violin. Mr. Kent has been married twice. On the 7th of November, 1858, he wedded Mary Monroe, who was born in Easton, New York, August 21, I836, and came to Otsego, Michigan, with her parents, Otis and Frances 434 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Monroe. She died May I, 1883, in the house which Mr. Kent still occupies. There were nine children of that marriage, of whom two died in childhood. The others are James M., who is the present supervisor of Watson township, serving for the fifth consecutive year. He has also served as township clerk for two years and he is married and resides upon the farm adjoining his father's. Hattie Frances is the wife of J. C. Yeakey, of Wayland. Frank E. is an engineer on the Pere Marquette Railroad and resides at Grand Rapids. Carrie is the wife of A. C. Fassett, of Grand Rapids. Maggie is the wife of James A. Brooks, of Sears, Osceola county, Michigan. Mamie is the wife of Frank Taylor, clerk of Watson township. Effie is the wife of James Masterson, of Hopkins. Fred E., a twin of Frank E., died in infancy, and Georgiana also died in infancy. For his second wife Mr. Kent chose Augusta Nichols, whom he married March 29, 1884. She was born in Gun Plains township, Allegan county, December 4, 1853, is a daughter of Chauncey P. and Harriet (Hazelton) Nichols, and has always lived in this county. Mr. Kent is a stalwart Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. His views are also somewhat socialistic and he ever works for reform and improvement. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since the age of twenty-two years, belonging to Otsego Lodge No. 78, A. F. & A. M. He likewise belongs to Watson Grange Lodge No. 144, which he assisted in organizing on the I2th of December, I873. He was likewise a stockholder in the Grange store of Allegan for thirty years and was one of its directors for a number of years. For six decades he has been a resident of Allegan county and deserves prominent mention among its pioneer citizens. PERLEY E. LONSBURY.-An excellent farming property of one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section 17, Watson township, is the birthplace of Perley E. Lonsbury, his natal day being February 4, 1857, and this property has continued to be his home to the present time. The Lonsbury family was established in Michigan at an early day, the grandfather of our subject having removed from New York to this state, their location being Lenawee county. The father of our subject, Nehemiah K. Lonsbury, was born near Catskill, New York, April I, I818, and when quite young was taken by his parents to Wayne county, that state, where he lived until a youth of seventeen years, when he accompanied his father's family to this state, remaining with them in Lenawee county, during the succeeding two years. In 1837, when a youth of nineteen years, he packed his few belongings and made his way to Allegan county, walking the entire distance, much of the journey being through the forests, for much of the country was still in its wild and uncultivated state at that early epoch. He had some relatives living in this section of the state and he at once made his way to where they were located, and soon after his arrival here he entered a claim of one hundred and twenty acres of land from the government. He at once began the work of clearing the land, plowing the fields, planting the seed and in due course of time he gathered rich harvests as a reward for the labor he had bestowed upon the land. He made all of the improvements which are here seen at the present time and it is today a valuable and well improved property. He endured many trials and hardships during HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 435 that pioneer period, and he took a deep and helpful interest in much of the development and progress which was carried on from year to year. Mr. Lonsbury was married in Allegan county, when twenty-four years of age, to Miss Lucy Ann Miner, who was born in Canada, September 23, 1817, and when she was very young her parents, Clement and Lucy Miner, removed to Monroe county, New York, where she was reared and educated, and there the family made their home until 1837, when they took up their abode in Lenawee county, this state, where the father died at a comparatively early age. His widow survived for a long period, when she, too, passed away in Watson, Allegan county, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. In the family of Mrs. Lonsbury were fifteen children, of whom nine reached mature years, while six of the number died before they reached the age of nine years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nehemiah Lonsbury passed away in this county, the latter dying May 15, 1895, while the death of the former occurred January 8, 1889. They were highly respected people in the county where they so long made their home, being numbered among its pioneer settlers. Perley E. Lonsbury aided his father in the development of the home property, and was early trained to habits of industry and economy. He has always made his home on his present farm, this property being inherited by him upon his father's death, and here he continues to carry forward the work which was begun by his father almost seven decades ago. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Lonsbury is engaged quite extensively in the raising of stock, and makes a specialty of Shropshire sheep, having imported the head of his herd from Canada. He has met with very gratifying success in both his farming and stock-raising interests and his property constitutes one of the good farms of Allegan county. Choosing as a companion and helpmate for life's journey, Mr. Lonsbury was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. Wismer, the wedding ceremony being performed January i6, 1879. She is a native of Canada, born August 17, i858, and she accompanied her parents, Jacob E. and Sarah Wismer, on their removal from that country to Michigan. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lonsbury has been born one daughter, Beatrice M., who is still under the parental roof. Mr. Lonsbury, following in the political footsteps of his father, gives stalwart support to the Republican party, and although reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which the parents belonged, he holds membership with the Christian denomination, at Watkin's Corners. Both he and his wife are hospitable people and enjoy the warm friendship of many with whom they are associated. The place on which Mr. Lonsbury has always resided has become endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood and youth, and his is one of the well kept and attractive homes of this section of the county. RANSOM AARON LAYTON.-During a period covering almost a half century, Ransom A. Layton was connected with agricultural pursuits in Allegan county, and by reason of the honorable and straightforward methods which he ever followed he had gained the confidence, good will and esteem of all with whom he was associated, so that his death, which occurred August 2, 1898, was the occasion of deep regret among his many friends, as well as to his immediate family. 43ti HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Mr. Layton was born in Genesee county, New York, July I6, 1841, a son of Francis and Margaret Ann (Wagner) Layton, both natives of New Jersey, where they were reared and married. They later removed to the state of New York, where the mother died when the son was but four years of age, and when a little lad of nine years he was brought to this state by his father, the family home being established at Cooper, in Kalamazoo county, and the latter passed away at that place when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-four years. Ransom A. Layton was reared and educated in Cooper, and upon starting out to make his own way in the world he worked at farm labor near that place until he had saved a sum sufficient to justify his entrance upon business on his own account, when he came to Allegan county, and purchased a tract of eighty acres in Watson township, and later, as he prospered in his undertakings, he added an additional tract of eighty acres, thus coming into possession of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting a valuable and well improved farm. He was an industrious and very hard working man, and in addition to his farm labor he worked in a sawmill during a long period, being employed for a half day and half of the night in the mill, while the remainder of his time was spent in the operation of his land. His farm was entirely unimproved when he made the purchase, but in due time he had it cleared of the timber and placed the fields under a high state of cultivation, and added to his possessions from time to time until at his death he left a valuable estate of one hundred and ninety-five acres. He also made all of the improvements upon the place, including a fine home and good outbuildings, and he always manifested the progressive spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding and development of agricultural interests in this great state. Desirous of establishing a home of his own, Mr. Layton was married in I868, the lady of his choice being Miss Hannah Elvira Leach, a native of Solon, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, whose birth occurred August 26, 1848. When five years of age she was brought to this state by her parents, Justus and Mercy D. (Mason) Leach, both of whom were natives of New York. Both are now deceased, having passed away in Allegan county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Layton were born three daughters and one son, as follows: Margaret Edith is the wife of Luther Decker, a resident of Hopkins, and she is the mother of seven children: George Oren, Lee, Maude, Roy, William, Annie and Leota. Arthur J., of whom more extended mention is made below, is the next in order of birth. Alta is the wife of Simon Fox, of Bradley, and they have two daughters, Pearl Myrtle and Juanita. Bell Ethel makes her home with her mother on the old homestead farm. Mr. Layton gave his political support to the Republican party, and while he was loyal to the best interests of the public, he was never active as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time to his business affairs, whereby he met with gratifying success. He may, without exaggeration, be called a self-made man, for, starting out in early life in the humble capacity of a farmer being employed by others, through his industry, economy and careful management he worked his way year by year until he was the possessor of a valuable property of one hundred and ninety-five acres, so that his family were left in very comfortable circumstances when he was called to his final rest. To know him HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 437 was to respect him, and his many friends yet cherish his nmemory, for he was a man of excellent character and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to every worthy cause. His widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter on the old homestead. She is an estimable lady, well liked by all her associates, and now in the evening of life she is able to enjoy the comforts of a good home and property which was left her by her husband. Arthur J. Layton, the only son of his father's family, was born on the farm which is still his home, March 26, I874. He was early trained to the work of the farm, assisting his father in the various tasks which are necessary in the successful conduct of agricultural interests. When not employed in the fields he pursued his studies in the district schools near his father's home and thus acquired the education which fitted him to face the responsible duties of life, so that at his father's death, which occurred when he was a young man of twenty-four years, having in the meantime received ample school and farm training, he was capable of assuming charge of the home property. Prospering in his undertakings, he acquired the competence that enabled him to purchase a half interest in the property, and he is today numbered among the young and prosperous farmers of Allegan county. Mr. Layton was happily married to Miss Gertrude Mabel Goucher, the wedding ceremony being performed October 26, I898, and they occupy a home on the farm, whereon two dwellings have been erected, the second being occupied by his mother and sister. Mrs. Layton is a daughter of George and Martha (Fassett) Goucher, who are mentioned on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Layton have become the parents of a little daughter and son, Garnet Clara and George Russell. The parents are popular young people in this locality, and the hospitality of their pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. JACOB W. GORTON, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 13, Watson township, claims this property as the place of his birth, which occurred October 5, I863. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was Rev. Thomas Gorton, who was a Baptist minister, and in I836 he entered the entire tract of land lying on section 13, Watson township, and became a very large landowner, giving to each of his thirteen children a tract of eighty acres. His son, William H. Gorton, the grandfather of our subject, was born in New York, November 15, I8oi, and was married in the east to Miss Electa Hitchcock, who was born in the Empire state, February 14, 1799, and they became the parents of Gorum W. Gorton, the father of Jacob W. Gorton, whose name introduces this record. Gorum W. Gorton was born in Monroe county, New York, August 29, 1829, and was the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children. He assisted his father in his farming pursuits until he was twenty years of age, when, in '1849, having a desire to see the new western country, he came to Michigan, and at once settled in Watson township, Allegan county, where, as above stated, his grandfather had entered a large tract of land. He remained in this state for one year, after which he returned to his home in New York, where he worked for his father during the succeeding year, and he was married in that state 438 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY to Miss Mary A. Mellows, who was born in Monroe county, New York, June 30, 1830, and was the third in a family of eight children born unto Thomas and Jane (Davis) Mellows, natives of England. When Gorum W. Gorton made his first trip to this state he had hired a clearing made on twenty acres of land, whereon was erected a log house, and in 1852 he brought his bride to this place, and at once undertook the work of developing and cultivating his land, and here they endured all the experiences and hardships of the western frontier. Here they reared a family of three children and spent their remaining days, the father passing away on the 2Ist of March, 1882, while the mother survived until June 4, 1902. Their children are as follows: Electa J., who was born December 15, 1851, and is now the wife of Maurice Kent, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Rosell James, who was born May 12, I857, and resides in Hopkins township, this county; and Jacob W., whose name introduces this sketch. Jacob W. Gorton was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father in the work of the fields, the various tasks being assigned to him as his strength permitted, and when not busy on the farm he pursued his studies in the district schools during the winter months, and thus acquired the education which enabled him to enter upon the responsible duties of life when starting out in life on his own account. He was trained to habits of industry and economy, and through the careful supervision of his farming interests he has today a valuable property of one hundred and sixty acres lying on section 13, Watson township, which he inherited from his father's estate, it having been entered at an early day by his great-grandfather and has thus been in possession of the family through four generations. Mr. Gorton was happily married, November 29, I892, to Miss Hattie Kimmel, who was born in Hopkins township, this county, a daughter of Conrad Kimmel. Her death occurred December II, I90I, when she was twenty-nine years of age, and at her death she left three children, May Bell, Nona Marie and Merle K. Mrs. Gorton had many friends in this part of Allegan county who deeply felt her loss when she was called from this life. In his political views Mr. Gorton is a Republican, believing firmly in the principles as set forth by that party. He is now serving as a member of the board of review, and is actively and deeply interested in many movements which are of benefit to his community. He is one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Watson township and from his farm derives an excellent income, for he follows the most progressive methods in carrying on his work, so that the best results are sure to follow. ALFRED TAYLOR.-A fine farm lying on section 27, Watson township, shows the capable management and progressive methods of Alfred Taylor, who located thereon in 1863, when the tract was wild and unimproved and who through the four decades which have since come and gone has converted the property into productive fields which now return him a good annual income, sufficient to supply himself and family with all the comforts of life. Mr. Taylor was born in Oswego, St. Lawrence county, New York, December 6, 1838, a son of Wilson and Sarah Ann (Palmer) Taylor. The HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 439' father's birth occurred in the northeastern portion of the Empire state in I803, while the mother was born in Chenango county, that state, in 1813, their ancestors having become early settlers of New England. In I856 the father removed with his family to Michigan, the journey being made by lake and the St. Lawrence river to Chicago, from which city they traveled by the Michigan Central Railroad to Kalamazoo, and they then continued their journey to Watson township, where the father purchased a tract of wild land on section 27. He built a log house, in which the family took up their abode, and at once began clearing and cultivating the fields and soon had one of the good farms of the locality. He engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, and passed away in Allegan county at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, while his wife passed away here at the age of eighty-five years. He was a quiet, unassuming man, devoted to the interests of his family, to whom he left a good farm of eighty acres when he was called from this life. Alfred Taylor, the fourth in order of birth in a family of four sons and four daughters, was a youth of eighteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from the east to Allegan county, Michigan. He acquired his education in the district schools previous to the removal of the family to this state, and subsequent to the settlement of the family on the new farm in Watson township, he assisted his father in clearing and developing the land, and thus gained practical experience which fitted him to later engage in the same pursuits on his own account. He shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations which were here to be met and endured, and remained with his father until I863, when he purchased his present farm property, comprising fifty-five acres, lying on section 26, Watson township, and which has since continued to be his home. This was all wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but he resolutely set to work to develop the farm by clearing it of the trees, plowing the land, planting the seed, and in due time the fields returned golden harvests as a result of the work which he had put upon them. All this work was accomplished through his own industry, for he hired help for only one week. He has made all of the improvements which are here to be seen. including a good residence and many outbuildings which are essential for the comfort and care of stock and grain. He possesses considerable mechanical ingenuity, and planned and built all of his buildings and his dwelling, and he likewise manufactures his w-agons and many devices which are used to facilitate his farm work. In addition to his farming interests he also operated a threshing machine for twenty-five seasons, and during the winter seasons for four or five years conducted a sawmill. Thus he has become very widely known not only in his home locality, but throughout the entire county where his business operations have taken him. In I864 Mr. Taylor was happily married to Miss Mary Jane Austin, who was born in Watson township, in I843. She was a daughter of Floyd and Sarah (Nichols) Austin, both natives of New York, who came to Allegan county at an early period in the development of this state, being numbered among its pioneer settlers. Mr. Austin was actively connected with much of the development of this portion of the state and cleared the land surrounding the courthouse in Allegan. In I889 Mr. Taylor was 440 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY called upon to mourn the loss of his 'wife, whose death occurred on the 6th of January of that year. She had proved to him a faithful companion and helpmate, ever devoted to the welfare of her family and to the care of her household affairs, and her death was the occasion of deep sorrow to her many friends, to whom she had endeared herself by the possession of many sterling traits of character. The children of this marriage are: Lenny, the wife of Fred H. Daily, who resides in San Francisco; Dora, the wife of William Lacrone, of Kalamazoo; and Frank A., who is with his father and operates the home farm. He is married and has two children. Mr. Taylor was formerly an advocate of the Greenback party but for a long period has supported the candidates of the Democratic party. He has never been active in public affairs, but manifests a loyal spirit in every movement calculated to benefit the community. He is identified with the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 266 at Watson, and is also a member of the Watson Grange. Having resided in Allegan county for more than four dlecades, Mr. Taylor is widely and favorably known, for in all his business transactions he has ever been reliable and straightforward, so that he has gained the high esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. GEORGE B. MYERS, who was formerly actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Allegan county but is now living practically retired on his farm on section 27, Watson township, is a native of New York, his birth having occurred near Lyons, in Wayne county, on the 27th of February, 1841. His paternal grandfather, Christopher Myers, was also a native of the Empire state, where he was engaged in farming pursuits throughout his entire life. He was married to Miss Annie Winchett, who was born in Connecticut, and who at her death was ninety-one years of age. She was a little maiden of seven summers at the time of the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, and could remember many of the experiences of the family during that period, and the grandson, George B., has listened to many interesting stories concerning the Revolution, as related to him by his grandmother. The father, Caleb Myers, was born in New York, September 28, i8iI, and(l was there reared and educated. He learned and followed the carpenter's trade both in his native state an(l in Michigan. He wedded Lois Burnett, whose birth occurred in Massachusetts, June 23, i8io, a daughter of Andrew J. and Lucy Burnett. The father removed with his family from New York to Otsego, Allegan county, Michigan. The family took passage on a canal boat from Lyons to Buffalo, where they traveled by Lake Erie, their vessel encountering a severe storm which lasted for three days. and which finally was driven to the Canadian shore. Landing in Detroit they traveled by rail to Jackson, Michigan, and thence by wagon to Otsego, their destination, the time of their arrival being in November, 1844. Mr. Myers purchased a tract of eighty acres from Charles Drew, which was situated in Otsego township. Here he built a log house in which the family took up their abode and there made their home for several years but on account of not having a clear title to the place, the farm was lost. Mr. Myers then purchased a tract of eighty acres in Gun Plains township, to which he remnoved with his family, and thereon engaged in farming, in addition to which he followed the car HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 441 penter's trade to some extent. Here the parents reared their family of seven children and spent their remaining days, the father's death occurring in 1872, while the mother had preceded him to the home beyond on the I2th of May, 1857. Their children are as follows: Andrew Jackson, who died at the age of seventy-two years, having served in the Army of the Cumberland during the Civil war; Lucy, who died at the age of twelve years; Mrs. Annie Monroe, a resident of Otsego township, Allegan county; Percis, who passed away at the age of nine years; George B., of this review; Daniel, who died at the age of three years: and Mrs. Sarah Wilson, likewise a resident of Otsego township. Although but a little lad of three years when brought to this state by his parents, George B. Myers can remember many incidents connected with the voyage, and can well remember that during the trip on the water his sister came near losing her life by falling from the boat. He was reared and educated in Allegan county and assisted his father in the work of the farm until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when his mother died. He then left home, and, starting out to make his own way in the world, obtained employment as a farm hand by the month, which he followed until April I8, i86I, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company I, Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Dwight May and Colonel-I. B. Richardson. The company was first sent to Detroit, from which place they went into service under General Scott, as Colonel Richardson had been under him in Mexico. They went into quarters at Camp Scott near the end of Chain Bridge across the Potomac river, and on the i5th of July of that year started on their march to Centerville, Virginia. He participated in manv memorable and important battles, participating in the engagement at Blackburn's Ford, the three days' battle of Bull Run and was in the peninsula campaign, taking part in every fight under McClellan. He was in the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Maryland, Chantilly, Hagerstown, and followed Lee back to Warrington Junction. He was also in the battles of Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, IMorgan's raid through Kentucky, Lebanon, Jackson, Mississippi, from which place he went back into Kentucky and crossed the Cumberland Mountains to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he assisted in building Fort Saunders. He also participated in the important battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and many others, after which he returned to his home on July 21, 864. ()On the 6th of March, 1865, he re-enlisted for service in the army by joining the Tenth Cavalry but was not in any engagements and was mustered out on the 25th of July of that year, and he was among the first three to enlist from Allegan county. After his return from the war Mr. Myers bought a farm of sixty acres situated on section 23, Watson township, on which he erected a small house. He further improved the place by the erection of outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and he also set out a good peach orchard. He later disposed of this tract and bought another farm, which was known as the Austin property. This has been his home for the past eighteen years, the place comprising one hundred and twenty acres situated on section 27, Watson township. He has added many improvements, has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, and altogether the farm is one of the valuable tracts of this section of the county. There are two residences 442 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY upon the farm and also two good barns beside many other buildings essential to a farm property. For many years he was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits but is now leaving the more arduous labor of carrying on the work to his son, Mr. Myers merely giving supervision to his business interests, although he still retains his residence on the farm. In former years he worked hard and diligently to acquire a competence and a valuable property and today his property is the visible evidence of what he has accomplished, and he is now able to rest from further labor and to enjoy the comforts of life. On the I4th of November, I865, occurred the marriage of George B. Myers and Miss Hulda W. Stone, who was born in Watson township, Allegan county, March 25, I847, and acquired her education in school district No. 2. She is a daughter of Jesse and Hannah (Billings) Stone, the former a native of New York. The mother accompanied her parents, John and Hulda (Wolcott) Billings, on their removal to Allegan county from the east, when she was eleven years of age, her birth having occurred in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Billings purchased in Allegan county three hundred and sixty acres of land, this lying near the village of Trowbridge, which at the time he settled there contained but one store and a sawmill. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, namely: Edith A., who became the wife of John Lukins, and died at the age of thirty-four years, leaving one son; Inez H., the wife of Martin Minor, of Watson township; Edwin L., of Osceola county, Michigan; Earl C., who operates the home farm and resides in a tenant house thereon; Charles B., also of Watson township, and Jessie A., at home. Mr. Myers cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and was a stanch advocate of Republican principles until 1896, in which year he became a Bryan Democrat, and has given his support to the latter party since that time. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, but has done his full duty as a private citizen, aiding in many movements and measures for the benefit of the locality. He is a member of the Church of God, and fraternally is identified with C. J. Bassett Post, G. A. R., No. 56, at Allegan, and he likewise holds membership relations with the Grange, in all of which he is a loyal and faithful member. He is ever ready to give assistance to the poor and needy and is known for his many excellent traits of heart and mind. He and his family are highly esteemed in the community in which thev live, and they have a host of warm friends. Mr. Myers, loyal to the best interests of his country during the dark days of the Civil War, is equally loyal to the interests of his locality, where he has given much valuable aid in the improvement and development of Allegan county, where he has made his home for more than six decades. RANDALL W. BROOKS is the owner of a fine farm of eighty acres situated on section 27, Watson township, Allegan county. His birth occurred in the northern part of New York, September 8, I8i8, and he has therefore reached the very advanced age of eighty-eight years. His parents, Justin and Lucretia (Yerington) Brooks, were natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively, and in 1820 they took up their abode in the western part of New York, their home being thirty miles northeast of Buffalo, in Genesee county, and there the family continued to reside for several years, subse HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 443 quent to which time the father removed with his family to Michigan, the journey being made by lake and canal to Detroit, whence they continued their journey westward. They settled on a farm four miles east of Ann Arbor, the year of their arrival in this state being in September, 1832. Here the father provided for himself and family by carrying on general agricultural pursuits for many years and his death occurred in Granville, this state, in 1840, when he had reached the age of fifty-eight years, while his wife survived for a long period, her death occurring when she was seventy years of age. In their family were the following named: Phoebe; Eveline; Ruth; Joel, who passed away in Albion, Michigan; Nancy; Randall W., whose name heads this sketch; Sophia; William, whose death occurred in Granville, this state; Amos, who died in Stanton about two years ago; and Hannah, who died when thirteen years of age. All were married and reared families with the exception of the youngest daughter, Hannah, but Randall W. is the only surviving member at the present time. Randall W. Brooks accompanied his parents on their various removals and was reared and educated in his native state to the age of fourteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to the west, the family home, as before stated, being established on a farm near Ann Arbor. He assisted his father in carrying on the work of the home place during his boyhood and youth, and the first money which he ever earned was in taking an Indian canoe, which was loaded with goods from Lyons to Grand Rapids on the Grand river, being accompanied by another party. Each received one dollar as compensation for their service. In 1835 he went to Grand Rapids to attend the first town meeting ever held in that place. He later went to Granville, Michigan, where he was employed at splitting rails for a short time and later for two months was employed by a Mr. Burton at farm labor. Subsequent to that time he was employed in a sawmill until 1838, when he came to Allegan county, where he was employed for a short time in a sawmill belonging to Alexander Eelv. Saving his earnings he was at length enabled to make purchase of land and start out upon an independent business career, and accordingly, in November. T838, he bought eighty,acres, situated on section 27, Watson township, for which he paid two hundred and fifty dollars. This was in its natural state, not a stick of wood having been cut on the place. He at once undertook the arduous task of clearing the property of the trees, after which he broke and plowed the land, planted his seed and in due course of time gathered good crops as the reward of his labor. He also erected a good residence, which is still standing, built outbuildings and otherwise improved the place, so that today it ranks among the valuable and productive farms of Allegan county. In addition to this property Mr. Brooks also purchased and improved forty acres of land, also located on section 27, Watson township, which he has given to his son. On the ioth of May, 1844, Mr. Brooks chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Mary Jane Kenyon, who was born in New York in 1824. She came to this county in company with her uncle, Noah Briggs, who settled near Monterey Center, where she was married. She became the mother of three children: Althea Navis, deceased; Marion Pierce, a resident of Monterey township, Allegan county; and Julia, who died in childhood. The mother of these children passed away, and for his 444 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY second wife Mr. Brooks wedded Mrs. Mary Jane Brewer, a native of Vermont, and she is also deceased. By this marriage there was a son and daughter, but the elder, Ellen A., is now deceased, while Justin J. is the only survivor. He is now operating the home farm for his father, and has spent his entire life in Allegan county with the exception of two years spent in Colorado, where he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government. Mr. Brooks was twenty-one years of age when he came to Allegan county and here he proudly cast his first presidential vote, supporting the Democratic candidate, and has since supported that party. For two years he served as township treasurer, and he is a charter member of Watson Grange, but aside from that he is not identified with any fraternal organization. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and through his careful management and close'application he accumulated a good property, from which he derives an income that is now sufficient in his old age to supply him with all the comforts of life. He is one of the venerable and highly respected citizens of this locality, for he has ever been known as a reliable man in all his business dealings and has therefore won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated. CHARLES I. ANDERSON, owning a good farm of eighty acres situated on section 31, Watson township, is one of the worthy and highly esteemed citizens that the fatherland has furnished to this state. As the name indicates, he was born in Yonkonings Len, Sweden, his natal day being December II, I840, a son of Andrew and Mary (Anderson) Anderson, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland, and in whose family were but two children, the sister of our subject being Christine, the wife of Nelson Johnson, a resident of Watson township. Charles I. Anderson was afforded only limited educational advantages in his native country, spending altogether only six months of the year for three years in the school room. He, however, did not learn to write until he was twenty years of age, and then by his own efforts. He was then confirmed and had to start out in life to provide for his own support, for his parents were in very limited financial circumstances. At the early age of twelve years he began work on a farm in his native land and continued at that occupation until he was seventeen years of age, when he secured employment on the construction of a railroad, being employed in railroad work for the succeeding eleven years, during which time he carefully husbanded his earnings, which he invested in a small tract of land, which was in a wild state. He improved and cultivated this and by living economically and working hard and energetically he was enabled to lay by a sum, and he finally disposed of his farm to good advantage. Mr. Anderson was married in Sweden. in 1866, to Miss Ulrika Tohnson, who was also born in Sweden, March 24, 1840, a dauahter of John Erickson, the children taking the father's surname and adding the latter syllable. Three years later the young couple decided to emigrate to the new world, and the money which Mr. Anderson had saved while employed at railroad work, which amounted to about four hundred dollars, provided for their passage to the United States. He came to Michigan, where he secured employment on the Michigan Central Railroad, this being about the period HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 445 of the building of the Lake Shore branch. He later bought eighty acres of wild land, situated on section 32, Watson township, on which he lived for about eight years. He began the work of clearing and cultivating his land, and later disposed of forty acres to his brother-in-law, but he still retains possession of forty acres of the original purchase, and he has since added an additional eighty-acre tract, so that he now has one hundred and twenty acres of good farm property, being here engaged in general agricultural pursuits. When he located on this place there were no roads leading to the farm and many pioneer conditions were seen all around, but all this has been changed in the years that have since come and gone and it is now one of the productive centers of the agricultural belt of Allegan county. Mr. Anderson has erected two good dwellings on his farm and also has many good outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children: Frank Oscar, who operates the home farm, residing in one of the dwellings on the place; Melvina Christina, the wife of George Hendrickson, a resident of Norway, Michigan; and Selma Cecelia, the wife of Andrew Sandahl, who operates a farm belonging to Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson gives stalwart support to the Republican party and for five years served as pathmaster. He holds membership with the Swedish Lutheran church at Watson, in which he served as deacon and elder, and he was instrumental in the organization of the church at that place and has always been a liberal contributor and supporter of the same. Coming to this state at an early day, ignorant of the customs and language of American people, Mr. Anderson soon acquired the English tongue and the manners of the people of the new world, and year by year he has worked his way steadily upward until he is today classed among the honorable and prosperous citizens of Allegan county, having a good farm property, all of which has been acquired through the labors of himself and wife, and from which he has acquired a competence that now enables him to leave the more active work of the fields to others, while he is enjoying the fruits of his former toil in a well earned rest. It was through the efforts of \Ir. Anderson that other Swedish settlers were induced to locate in this section of the state, for he was the first of the colony to settle here, and being pleased with this country and the advantages which it offered to its inhabitants he wrote to his friends in his native land, telling them of the bright prospects which this state presented and thereby others were persuaded to locate here, so that in this way Mr. Anderson has been the means of bringing about much of the development and improvement of this part of Allegan county. He is also a believer in good schools, for being deprived of good school privileges in his youth and realizing the value of e(lducation. he has given to his children good advantages in this direction. JOHN F. GERMAIN is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to this state, his birth having occurred in Mecklenburg, Voerbende, January 30, 1847, where hle was reared and educated to the age of fifteen years, after which he followed farming for one year in the fatherland, subsequent to which time, when a youth of sixteen, he accompanied his parents, Fred and Mary (Vitt) Germain on their emigration to the new world. The parents were both natives of Germany, arind the father, having heard 446 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY favorable reports concerning the new world, and the opportunities and advantages which were here to be enjoyed, decided to try his fortune in the United States, and accordingly, in 1862, the family embarked on a sailing vessel at Hamburg. The journey was a long and dangerous one, for during the voyage they encountered a storm, three masts of the vessel being lost, after which it floated around in the water and finally reached the shore of the West Indies, and after four weeks more spent on the water they finally reached New York, the voyage having required one hundred and five days. The family went direct to Angola, in Erie county, New York, where the father and son secured employment at chopping four-foot wood and received for their services the meager sum of fifty cents per cord. The father soon made his way with his family to Allegan county, Michigan, their home being established near Hopkins, and there both parents passed away, the father when he had reached the advanced age of eighty years, while the mother was seventy-two years of age at the time of her demise. Their family numbered nine children, of whom six reached years of maturity and four still survive. John F. Germain, the eldest of his father's family, was, as stated, a youth of sixteen years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He assisted his father at farm labor for a few years after the settlement of the family in this state, and when starting out upon an independent business career he chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and in 1867 purchased forty acres of land, which constitutes a portion of his present property, to which he later added a second forty-acre tract, so that the place now embraces eighty acres. This was all wild land when it came into his possession, not a stick of timber having been cut nor a furrow turned. He at once undertook the arduous task of clearing and cultivating the land, and in due course of time converted the land into productive fields, from which he annually harvested good crops. He has made all of the improvements which are here seen, including a fine country residence, containing ten rooms, and supplied with all the equipments of a modern home for the comfort of the inmates. He has likewise erected a good barn thirty-two by ninety-four feet, which affords ample shelter for his stock, and he also has many outbuildings which are usually found upon a farm property. His first home was a little shanty ten by twelve feet, in which he kept "bachelor's hall" during the period spent in the clearing and development of his farm. Mr. Germain keeps considerable stock upon his place and furnishes considerable milk and cream to the creamery in Allegan, keeping eight cows for this purpose, and this adds not a little to his yearly income. In former years Mr. Germain was also identified with other interests in connection with his agricultural interests, having worked for one year in a sawmill. Mr. Germain was happily married November 4, I870, to Miss Barbara Jacobs, who was born in Kliding on the Rhine, February I6, 1851, and came to this country with her parents in 1867, the family home being established in Salem township, Allegan county. Her parents were Paul and Mary Jacobs, and were numbered among the early settlers and highly-esteemed people of this section of the state. Following their marriage Mr. Germain took his bride to his farm, where they lived for one year, when, in I871, he having secured employment on the railroad, necessitated their removal to HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 447 the city of Allegan, where they remained for seven months, after which they returned to the farm, although Mr. Germain was still employed at railroad work for several years, walking to and from his work each night and morning, a distance of four miles. After abandoning that work he again resumed operations on his home farm, being thus engaged during the succeeding fourteen years, subsequent to which time he took up carpenter work and has built many of the structures which are today scattered over Allegan county, among these.being forty-two barns in his home locality. He took the contract for furnishing and delivering the timber used in the construction of the Trowbridge electric dam, and was later employed by the Kalamazoo Electric Light Company to secure the right of way for poles and wires for a dam to be built extending to Battle Creek, and he was engaged in this way for three years. He then again resumed his farming pursuits, which has continued to be his occupation to the present time. In addition to his home farm he owns a tract of eighty acres of finely-improved land situated on section 6, Otsego township, and this returns him a good annual income. Unto Mr. andl Mrs. Germain have been born nine children, of whom two have passed away: Mary, a resident of Allegan; John, at home; Elizabeth, who is now the wife of Christ Mtetzger, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan; William and George D.. both under the parental roof; Bertha, who died at the age of eleven years; August, who is still at home; Irving, who died at the age of three years; and Paul, who completes the family. Mr. Germain has always given a stalwart support to the Democratic party, and has taken an active and beneficial interest in local political affairs, having served as county drain commissioner for three terms and also filled the office for one year to fill a vacancy. For the past two years he has filled the office of school treasurer, and the cause of education ever finds in him a warm and helpful friend. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, and aided in building and supporting the church of that denomination in Allegan for twenty years, but for the past eight years has not been identified with any church organization. Through almost a half century Mr. Germain has been not only an interested witness but an active participant in the work of development and progress which has been carried on in Allegan county, and which has caused it to be ranked among the foremost sections of the state. He has borne his full share in the work of pioneer development and has endured all the hardships and privations which are to be met in a frontier region. When he located here and purchased his first farm, the homes of the settlers were widely scattered, his nearest neighbor being three miles distant, but as time passed and the country became more thickly populated all these conditions were changed and this community is now a prosperous and thriving center. Mr. Germain and his family are highly respected people, and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is freely extended to their many friends. JOHN SHEA.-As the name indicates, John Shea is of Irish birth, his natal place being county Cork, and the date April 5, I846. Although starting out in life a poor boy he possessed the industry which has ever been a dominant factor of his race, and today he is the owner of a good farm property embracing one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, of 448 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY which half of this constitutes the home place, and is situated on section 31, Watson township. His parents were Thomas and Johannah (Lynch) Shea, who were likewise natives of county Cork, and when the son was but one year of age the parents emigrated to the new world, the father hoping to provide for his family to better advantage in the new world, for he was then in very limited circumstances. The son was left in his native land in the home of an uncle, with whom he remained until he had reached the age of eleven years. Both the father and mother were ill from cholera during the voyage across the Atlantic, and the latter's illness proved fatal, her death occurring while en route to the new world, and her remains were buried at Quebec. The father, however, recovered and continued his journey to Baldwinsville, New York, where he continued to reside with his family for several years. In 1858 the family removed to this state, locating on a farm in Kalamazoo township, which was situated three miles from the city of Kalamazoo, and there the father continued his residence until his death. When a little lad of but eleven years John Shea came alone to the new world, joining his father and the family, of whom he was the youngest and now the only surviving member, in Baldwinsville, New York, and then accompanied them on their removal to this state a few vears later. He remained with his father in this state, assisting him in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm until the latter's death, when he started out upon an independent business career, and he also at that time established a home of his own by his marriage, in 1867, to Miss Margaret Tubrity, the wedding being celebrated on the 8th of January of that year. She was likewise born in Ireland, in county Clare, in February, 1846, and in I866, when a young lady of twenty years, emigrated to the United States, coming direct to this state and locating in Kalamazoo, the date of her arrival being May 3d of that year. In I868 Mr. Shea purchased his farm of eighty acres, to which he removed with his family in 1873, and which has since continued to be his place of residence. This is situated on section 31, Watson township, and when it came into his possession it was all wild and unimproved and was covered with the native growth of trees. He cleared a place large enough to erect a little log house, this being eighteen by twenty-four feet, and in this pioneer home the family took up their abode, after which the father continued the work of clearing and cultivating his land. When he came to this place he had an ox team and wagon, an ax and a few other tools, but as time passed he gathered various farm implements about him for use in his farm work, and as he prospered in his undertakings he added to his original purchase another tract of eighty acres adjoining, on which his two sons now reside. He has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits and has been very successful in his work, for he has applied himself diligently and assiduously, has allowed no obstacles to deter him in his labors and by his careful management and close application he is now in possession of a valuable farm property which places him among the leading and well-to-do citizens of this part of the county, and he owes his success entirely to his own well-directed energy. His original home has been replaced with a fine country.dwelling, containing eleven rooms and supplied with all comforts and conveniences, in the rear of which stand a fine barn thirty-two feet by ninety feet, with eighteen-feet posts, and HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 449 many other outbuildings which are essential for the care of grain and stock. Our subject and his wife have eight living children: Mary, Thomas, John, George, Ellen, Katherine, Delia and Anna. The eldest son, Thomas, is married and resides on one of his father's farms. Mr. Shea gives his political support to the Democratic party, but has never been active in public affairs, and he is a communicant of the Catholic church at Watson, and aided in building the house of worship at that place. The record of him whose name introduces this record should serve as a source of encouragement to young men of ambition and energy, for all that he today owns has been acquired entirely through his own labors. He started out in life without capital or assistance from friends or relatives and today he owns one hundred and sixty acres of very valuable and well improved land and is accounted one of the prosperous and highly esteemed citizens of his community, for he has ever been honorable and straightforward in all his dealings and thereby has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact. Mr. Shea has never employed a doctor for personal assistance. WILLIAM PERRY FEN-NER.-There are very few native of Allegan county who have passed the age of sixty and who have spent their entire lives in this immediate vicinity, but William Perry Fenner, the subject of this review, is one of these. And, too, the changes which he has seen in this section during his lifetime seem almost incredible. His boyhood days were passed amid the scenes of an entirely new country, for then the period of the white man's residence in Allegan county was only one or two decades. Our subject saw the dense forests cleared away and in their stead well-cleared farms which soon gave plentifully of their great productiveness. Then next he witnessed the formation of the towns and villages, and with it ail a slow but sure improvement in all conditions, until now, at the end of sixty odd years, he sees a portion of the great state of Michigan, which is unexcelled as an agricultural region, a manufacturing center and as the home of as prosperous and contented a people as may be found anywhere on the civilized globe. This advancement and these vast improvements have all come during his lifetime and in every bit of the progression he has been an active and efficient factor. Mr. Fenner was born in the township of Martin, Allegan county, December 22, I844. His parents were Russell B. and Hannah V. (Schenck) Fenner, both of whom were natives of Onondaga county, New York, where they grew to maturity and were married. Russell B. Fenner's father, James L. Fenner, had bought government land in Michigan, although he never became a resident of this state, and this is doubtless what first attracted Russell to the Wolverine state. A few years after the marriage of the parents of our subject they came to Michigan, arriving in the year I844, the same year as the birth of William P. Fenner. The young couple located on land on sections I6 and 17, Martin township, which was their residence for nine years, when they removed to another farm in Gun Plains township, which was their home for a number of years. On both of these farms thev cleared the land and made many improvements. About 1894 they removed to the village of Plainwell, where they passed the remainder of their days, Mr. ., 450 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Fenner dying here March 26, 1897, and his estimable widow surviving him several years. Mr. Fenner was eighty-three at the time of his death, while Mrs. Fenner was past eighty. Russell B. Fenner was an important factor in the early development and history of this part of Allegan county and in the earlier years held various township offices. Politically he was a Democrat. During his early residence here he was interested with his brother, Darius P. Fenner, in the building and operation of a sawmill near his home. Darius P. also spent the rest of his life here, dying upon the old farm at the age of eighty-two years. Russell B. also owned one of the first threshing machine outfits in this county and for a number of years operated the machine over several townships. Mr. and Mrs. Russell B. Fenner had a family of five children, as follows: Byron R. died in Barry county, Michigan, in 1905, aged sixty-seven years; Eliza E. is now Mrs. Henrv Scott, of Plainwell; William P. is the subject of this review; Ruloff J. operates a flouring mill at Constantine, this state; Franklin M. is a farmer of Gun Plains township. William Perry Fenner was at home on the farm until he attained his majority. He was in a store several months in his young manhood and his first farming was on rented land which he operated for four years. His first purchase was one hundred and twenty acres of land and which adjoined his father. This he improved and made his home for thirteen years and he still retains ownership of it. In i886 he came to his present home in Martin township, this being the old Sornbury farm, which was formerly the propertv of his wife's father, Horace Sornbury, and which was obtained from the government in i835. William Perry Fenner was married December 22, i864, to Mina L. S6rnbury, daughter of Horace and Elizabeth Jane (Hicks) Sornbury, who came to Michigan from Canada, Mrs. Sornbury being a native of New York. They were among the earliest pioneers of this section, obtaining their land here in I835 and making this their home for the remainder of their lives, her sixty-first year. They had four children, as follows: Mina L., the wife of our subject; Armida M., now the wife of Sanford Monroe, of Martin township; Myra J., who married Burdette Sisson, of Allegan, and who died a few years after marriage; Bruce B., who died at the age of thirty-two years. The parents were highly esteemed people and they spent their entire lives on the farm here. Politically Mr. Sornbury was a Democrat, and he several times filled minor township offices. The farm home of the Fenner family is a most pleasant place, located about two miles from the village of Martin. Mr. Fenner has added forty acres to the original one hundred acres, and the most of it is under cultivation. In addition he owns another tract a short distance away. His former farm in Gun Plains township is leased. For the past two years Mr. Fenner has been associated with his son, Ernest W., in a general store at Martin, which is in charge of the latter. The other five children are as follows: Nellie M. married Frank Pratt and died at the age of twenty-five years: James B. died when twenty-nine years old, two weeks after going into the store with his elder brother; Jennie H. and Pearl E. live at home with their parents; Orlie P. is in the store with Ernest. Mr. Fenner is a Prohibitionist in politics and he and the members of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal -church. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 451 ARCHIBALD MATTHEWS.-Allegan county and the township of Martin contain a number of residents who have passed a half-century or more in this locality and among them we find many men of stability, honor and trustworthiness, men who have by years of honest labor acquired a competence and at the same time been alive to the needs of the community wherein they dwelt and ever being ready to forward any movement for the betterment of their fellow men. Men such as these are really the bulwark and standby of the state and nation, and although they may have never achieved great personal reputation abroad, nevertheless they stand very high in the regard of those who know them best and are really primarily the cause of this country's greatness. A man of this character is Archibald Matthews, who has lived continuously in the township of Martin since 1852. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1833, his parents being John and Nancy (Trimble) Matthews. Both were natives of Pennsylvania and both were of Irish parentage. They remained in Pennsylvania after marriage until our subject was about eight years of age, and then, like many residents of the Keystone state in those days, thought to better their fortunes in the neighboring state of Ohio, where they took their family, locating inr Northfield, Summit county. Here they remained for a few years and then came into Michigan, selecting as their home a farm in Martin township, close to the village of Martin, then a mere hamlet. The land they selected was new, although the trees thereon had been girdled, and here thev made for themselves and their family a comfortable home, residing here until the mother died at the age of fifty-three, while the father lived to be seventythree. John and Nancy Matthews were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom only one, Archibald, the subject of this review, survives. Of the others William was for many years a storekeeper in Martin and died at the age of fifty-three; Thomas, who was connected with the mercantile line all of his life, died at about the same age; James died in the state of Montana, whither he had gone when still a young man; Elizabeth married John Monteith and died in middle life; Martha married Dr. William Anderson, a practicing physician at Martin and Port Huron, and died at the age of forty-five; Jemima married William Gilmore and died in middle life. Archibald was with his father for fifteen years after coming to Michigan and during this long experience upon the home farm he acquired a most excellent knowledge of agriculture as carried on in this part of the country. He did not marry until he had reached the age of thirty-two years, when he espoused Miss Margaret Redpath, several years his junior, who was the daughter of John Redpath and wife, who were also pioneers of this region. Immediately after marriage Archibald Matthews and his bride settled upon the farm which is their present home. It was all in the wild, although Archibald had slashed twenty acres and built him a house previous to his marriage. The farm was in a few years increased in size to one hundred and sixty acres, and all of this Mr. Matthews with his own hands cleared, fitted and placed under cultivation-a task which would appear a huge one to the young man of the present generation. He has sold eighty acres of the farm and still retains a similar amount, which makes a fine farm. It is equipped with excellent buildings and shows careful atten 452 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY tion. Located as it is but a half mile from the village of Martin, it is a most convenient homestead. Mr. Martin has devoted his entire life to the farm and carries on a general line of agriculture, although he has paid considerable attention to wheat raising and the feeding of live stock. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, both of whom are dead. William died at the age of three years, while the eldest, John, reached manhood and middle age, when he met with a tragic death, at the age of forty-two. While spearing fish on a lake in company with Mack Campbell in the spring of I905 a storm suddenly arose and before they could reach shore John was struck by lightning and instantly killed. He was married and had lived upon a farm adjoining that of his father, and their entire lives had been passed in such close proximity to each other that his loss is all the more keenly felt. As this son, John, left no children, and as neither of Mr. Matthews' brothers have any living children, it will be seen that this branch of the Matthews family dies out with our subject. Mr. Matthews still carries on his farm, although he finds time for innocent and healthful pleasures. He generally keeps a fine pair of drivers and thoroughly enjoys his outings with these. He is also an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman and his outdoor life appeals to him greatly. In politics he is a Republican and he has always been active in party work and deliberations. He and his wife are members. of the Presbyterian church at Martin. VALLEY TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM HENRY ELY is the owner of a fine dairy farm, beautifully located on the Kalamazoo river, commanding a fine view of the stream and the surrounding country. It is situated in Valley township and is one of the attractive farms of Allegan county. Mr. Ely was born in Jefferson county, New York, January 27, 1842, his parents being Henry and Harriet (Terry) Ely, who were born, reared and married in Buckinghamshire, England. In 1832 they crossed the Atlantic to America. The father was a bricklayer and mason and worked at his trade for many years in Jefferson county, New York. The son, William H. Ely, supplemented his early education, acquired in the common schools of the Empire state, by study in Carthage Academy at Carthage, New York, and also at Union Academy, Belleville, New York. In response to the first call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand troops to serve for three months in crushing out the rebellion in the south, Mr. Ely enlisted, becoming a member of Company E, Twenty-fourth New York Infantry. The regiment, however, was mustered in for two years instead of three months as was expected and thus he remained at the front for that time. The Twenty-fourth New York was attached to the First Corps of the Army of the Potomac and did service under Generals McClellan and McDowell, being largely in Virginia to guard Washington. Mr. Ely participated in the second battle of Bull Run and was with his command mainly at Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Culpeper and in the Shenandoah Valley. In the second battle of Bull Run he was wounded by a musket ball in the left thigh and fell into the hands of the rebels, but was paroled on the field. He was then sent to a hospital at Washington and afterward HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 453 to Philadelphia, but was released in time to be mustered out with the regiment. He then entered the quartermaster's department in Washington and was stationed at Morehead City, North Carolina, remaining in the employ of the government until the close of the war. Much of his work was to draw and reissue rations. Returning to New York when the war was over, Mr. Ely taught school for two years, and was then engaged in business for a number of years and was married in Ellisburg, that state, in October, I873. In the meantime, however, he had visited various states, also points in Canada, Mexico and South America. In the fall of I872 he purchased his present farm in Valley township, Allegan county, Michigan, and further completed his arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage in October, 1873, to Miss Mary Antoinette Salisbury, of New York. The land which he had purchased lay along the Kalamazoo river and was all covered with forest trees. Upon this place he built a house of concrete, it being the first concrete farm house in the county, and has since resided here, developing a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He now has eighty acres under cultivation, the place being used largely as a dairy farm. He finds a ready sale for his product and at one time sold considerable milk in Allegan. His residence is about five miles below Allegan on the farm on the Kalamazoo river and is a very suitable resort location, commanding a fine view of the river and the surrounding country. Mr. and Mrs. Ely lost their two children, but have an adopted daughter, Elva B. Ely, who came to them when two years old and is now a young lady. She is still a member of the family and is at the present time occupying a position in the abstract office in Allegan. In 1900 Mr. Ely was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in that year. Two vears later he was married to Nellie Ingham, a daughter of Giles H. Hill. She was born upon a farm in Valley township and has always resided in this county, except five years spent in Washington and Idaho. In community affairs Mr. Ely has been quite active and prominent and has been called upon to fill a number of public offices. Since I890 he has served as supervisor, ten years, frequently being elected without opposition. He attends the conventions of his party as a delegate, but his time and energies have been more largely concentrated upon his business affairs. He is a member of the Allegan post, the Masonic fraternity at Allegan, and was for a number of years a member of the Knights of Labor. He is also a member of the Grange, in the work of which he takes an active part. He has served as master of the local Grange and was master of the county, or Pomona Grange. He has also several times been a delegate to the state Grange and is one of the stockholders and a director in the Co-operative Store, which was established by the Grange. He is also a director in the Patrons' Fire Insurance Company and a stockholder in the Allegan Creamery. His residence in the county covers a period of more than a third of a century, during which time he has made an'excellent record as a progressive business man and public-spirited citizen, being as loyal to thc country in days of peace as when he followed the Stars and Stripes upon the battlefields of the south. Liberal in politics and religion, he not only advocates a life of sterling worth, honesty and purity but lives it. 454 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY CHARLES L. BARRETT is the owner of an excellent farm pleasantly and conveniently situated about three miles from the village of Allegan. He was born August 2, 1348, in Richland township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this part of the state. His paternal grandparents were Hildah and Elizabeth (Cummings) Barrett, natives of New York, who came to Michigan at an early epoch in its development and were soon closely identified with its farming interests. The year 1832 witnessed their arrival, at which time the state was largely a forest district, covered with a dense growth of oak, beech, ash, maple and pine trees according to locality. Hildah Barrett settled with his family in Kalamazoo county, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. In his business undertakings he prospered, becoming a wealthy man. He was also a most earnest Christian gentleman, active in support of the cause and he loaned money freely for the erection of churches, assisting in organizing and building the Presbyterian church at Richland. Marvin Barrett, father of our subject, was born in New York and accompanied his parents on their removal to this state in 1832. He then settled upon a farm in Richland township, where he died in 1882. He married Helen M. Dolson, a native of New York, who still lives in Richland township. She was a daughter of John H. Dolson, a native of New York city, and one of the pioneer residents of Miichigan. He was a Revolutionary soldier and served throughout the war. He was married three times and became the father of twenty-seven children. At a pioneer epoch in the history of the state he took up his abode on the present site of Battle Creek, where he passed away and was buried. Marvin Barrett also devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He gave his early political allegiance to the Abolition party and when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks. He occupied many positions of public honor and trust in his township and both he and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church. Their lives were upright and honorable and at all times Marvin Barrett was characterized by unfaltering allegiance to manly principles and high ideals. The family numbered nine children, six of whom are living, namely: Charles L., Mrs. Emma Little, James, Frank W.. William E., and George M. Charles L. Barrett supplemented his early education, acquired in the common schools, by study in the seminary at Richland, Michigan, and by study in the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois. His education completed, he afterward engaged in teaching school through several winter terms, and in the summer months devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits. He came to Allegan county in 1876, and for four years was engaged in merchandising at Mill Grove. He then purchased a farm in Valley township, where he has since lived and which is pleasantly located about three miles from the village of Allegan. He has here a good home and fine tract of land, which is very rich and productive, responding readily to the care and labor that he bestows upon the fields. On the 15th of October, 1872, Mr. Barrett was married to Miss Emma Crosby, of Richland township, a daughter of Randall and Elizabeth (Miles) Crosby, who were natives of the Empire state and early settlers of Richland township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan. Her father died on the old homestead there, and the mother passed away in Allegan. Unto Mr. and Mrs. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 455 Barrett have been born ten children: Randall M., Carl H., Florence B., Hattie C., Margery N., Florine M., Crosby C., Mildred E., and two who died in childhood. Mr. Barrett gives his political allegiance to the Republican party and has held various official positions, serving as township clerk for four years, as county clerk for six terms and has been school director for many years. The duties of these different positions were discharged with promptness and fidelity and his political record is entirely a creditable one. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of [tvthias and the United Workmen. CHARLES C. CLARK, residing at Mill Grove, in Valley township, has now passed his eighty-second milestone on life's journey, having been born at Niagara Falls, New York, April 13, 1824. His has been in many respects an eventful and varied career, embracing as it does all of the experiences of pioneer life in the west. His father, Enos Clark, was a native of Massachusetts and a stonemason by trade. He worked on a mill in Canada for a time and afterward went to Lockport, New York. In 1839 he came to Calhoun county, Michigan, at which time Charles C. Clark was in his sixteenth year. The family settled on a new farm and both parents (lied in 1843, their deaths occurring only nine weeks apart. They left eleven children, one an infant. The children became scattered and Charles C. Clark began working in the neighborhood in order to provide for his own support. He, however, had a guardian who directed his labors. He worked for a time at the carpenter's trade or until his employer killed his wife and was sent to state's prison. Mr. Clark continued to reside in Calhoun county until 1853. and in the meantime he rented and bought land, which he cleared and developed. He cleared about fifty acres of land in Calhoun county. He came to Allegan county in 1853, and two years later located on what is his present home. In the meantime, however, he had spent two years in hlunting on the plains on the other side of the Kalamazoo river, camping at Bailey's Mill, which had been built years before and was abandoned. The district was an unbroken wilderness and he made his camp in the old mill office while engaged in hunting. He and his brother killed one hundred and fifteen deer between October and January, selling the hides for one hundred and thirty-five dollars to Jack Jones at Allegan. They traded venison for bread at the old Pine Plains House, which was situated on the stage road between Allegan and Saugatuck, and was the only house between the two places-a distance of twenty-five miles. In i855 Mr. Clark returned to Allegan county and lived with his brother-in-law, John Heath, during which time he engaged in the manufacture of shingles. In company with Mr. Heath and his brother, George P. Heath, he purchased, in 1856, the Wheeler mill at Mill Grove. This was a shingle mill and also contained a circular saw. for the manufacture of lumber. It was built by Fuller & Harris. In the new enterprise the partners prospered and later Mr. Clark became a member of the firm of Clark, Heath & Company. This was operated until the war. In the meantime George Heath retired from the partnership which had been formed, and Mr. Clark and John Heath conducted the business up to the period of the outbreak of the Civil war. Prices, however, were so low that they made little money. 456 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY They had rafted one hundred thousand feet of lumber down the Kalamazoo river to Saugatuck, where they sold it for only four dollars per thousand and thus they made little more than a living out of their undertakings. Seeing that they could not pay for the mill they gave it up to the firm of Holmes & Company, who held the mortgage. Later, however, they bought it back and continued its operation until 1862, when they sold out to Mir. Alonzo Vosburg. The following year Mr. Clark located on his present farm at Mill Grove. He was employed, however, on the John Heath place until the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in I863, to Miss Melissa La Bar, a young lady of twenty-two years, from Rochester, New York, becoming his wife. They began their domestic life on the farm and Mr. Clark afterward purchased more land, which he cleared from the timber and developed into productive fields. He owned and cultivated thirty acres, which he planted to peaches, which proved a very profitable crop until the yellows took the orchard. In the meantime he spent one year in Allegan, where he conducted a feed store, after which he returned to the farm. In I869 he built his home upon his land and soon set out his peach orchard. He also engaged in raising strawberries, apples and other fruit, and later he planted a second peach orchard. For twenty years his son-in-law has operated the farm, while Mr. Clark is practically living retired. The third orchard has been set out by his son-in-law, Mr. Gardiner, and the farm is now an improved property, largely devoted to the cultivation of fruit. In 1898 Mr. Clark was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 20th of May of that year, after they had traveled life's journey together for thirty-five years. They had but one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who is now the wife of Alfred N. Gardiner, and who has always remained with her father because of her mother's poor health. Mr. Gardiner is a carpenter as well as a farmer, and unto this marriage three children have been born: Clark La Bar Gardiner, now eight years of age; Louis Alfred Gardiner, a youth of five years, and a son who died in infancy. Mr. Clark's home is one of the best in the vicinity, and in the evening of his life he is now very comfortably situated. In politics he is a Roosevelt Democrat, for, though he usually has supported the Democratic party, he has great admiration for the president and cast his last ballot in his support. His memory compasses the period of early pioneer development in this portion of the state and he relates in most interesting manner events of frontier life in Michigan, especially concerning his camping experiences and his early milling operations. CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP. JOHN B. GRAHAM.-The family of Graham has done an important work in the settlement and improvement of this portion of the prosperous county of Allegan and its members have ever been active in movements tending toward a betterment of conditions in the section where they have made their homes. John B. Graham was born in Steuben county, New York, November 26, 1855, and that was his home until he was four years old, when the family moved to this locality. He was the eldest of nine children of James D. and Katherine E. (Fuller) Graham. James D. Graham was born in county Sligo, Ireland, April 8, I830, and he came to America with MR. AND MRS. JOHN B. GRAHAM MR. AND MRS. JAMES D. GRAHAM I HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 457 his parents in 1847, they locating in Canada. In 1849 he went into the state of New York and began working on his own account in a sawmill, where he was employed for eight years. He was married in 1853 to Miss Katherine Fuller, a native of Jerusalem, Yates county, New York, where she was born in 1838. They remained in New York state for six years after their marriage and then came to Michigan, settling upon section 13, Cheshire township, Allegan county, on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where the remainder of his life was passed and where his widow still resides. It was a very new country when he came here and there was no road leading to his farm, while all of his land was in its natural state. At one time he owned one hundred and ninety acres of land, of which he placed about one hundred acres under cultivation, placing good buildings thereon and setting out large orchards. In this section James D. Graham was for many years a most potent factor for good. For many years he was a deacon and trustee in the Baptist church and a faithful worker in the Sunday-school, being teacher and superintendent therein for many years. Politically he was a Republican and he held numerous local offices in the early history of Cheshire township. Besides being a school officer for more than twenty years, he was township drain commissioner for eight years and also deputy county drain commissioner under County Commissioner Wilcox. Previous to his incumbency there had been very little drainage done in this township and Mr. Graham did most effective work in this line, as well as in the laying out of highways. After a long life of usefulness he passed away here May 31, I901, leaving a widow and nine children, as follows: John B., the eldest, is the subject of this review; George resides in Montana and James in British Columbia; Andrew is a resident of Allegan; Charles and his family live on the old homestead on section 13 with his mother; Bert is a farmer of this county; Julia is the wife of Horace Eldred, of Allegan; Alice is the wife of Lucien F. Huntley, of Chicago; and Laura is the wife of Charles Hillman, of Allegan township. John B. Graham, the eldest of the family, came to Michigan with his parents in I859 and lived upon the old farm until I896. Then he purchased a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres adjoining that of his father and lying on the town line between Cheshire and Trowbridge, a part of his farm being on section 13, Cheshire, and the remainder on section I9, Trowbridge township. His residence and other buildings, are, however, in Cheshire. He first took this place as wild land and the improvements have all been made by himself. It is now one of the best farms in this section, thoroughly improved and equipped with substantial buildings. In addition to general farming Mr. Graham is largely interested in Percheron horses and is one of a company of dealers in Percheron stallions. Politically he is a Republican and he is now serving his second term as highway commissioner of Cheshire township. He has had a long and extended experience in the building of highways and even assisted his father in building the first road by the old farm, which was a corduroy. During his two years' incumbency as highway commissioner there has been an unprecedented amount of effective work done in the way of improving the highways of the township, and last year twenty-five hundred dollars was appropriated for this purpose. He takes a deep interest in educational affairs and has been 458 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY a school officer for a number of years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the K. O. T. M. He was married January 6, I896, to Mrs. Amelia Lewis, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, and came here just previous to her marriage. She is the daughter of Henry and Mary J. (Graham) Tilson, her mother being a sister of our subject's father. Mr. Graham is a man of influence in this portion of Allegan county, an intelligent and prosperous farmer and his place shows unusual thrift and care. JOSEPH ANTONY TRUTSCH.-Although almost three decades have come and gone since Joseph Antony Trutsch was called from this life, he is vet remembered by many of the citizens as a man of genuine personal merit and a worthy representative of farming interests in Allegan county. He was born in Switzerland and died in Michigan in i868 at the age of fortytwo years. He remained a resident of the land of the Alps until about twelve or fourteen years prior to his death. He came to the United States with his sister, Mary Ann. He had not been a resident of the country for a very long period when the Civil war broke out, and he manifested his patriotism and his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting from Allegan county and serving for three years with a regiment of volunteer infantry. He never faltered in the performance of any task assigned to him whether it called him to the lonely picket line or to the firing line. After the war Mr. Trutsch was united in marriage on the 17th of September, 1865, to Miss Clarissa Harriet Jackson, who was born in Bedford, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, February 6, 1835. When twenty-two years of age she came to Allegan county with her brother, Amos J. Jackson, a veteran of the Civil war, and since that time has resided continuously in Allegan county. She is a daughter of David and Clarissa (Ives) Jackson, who were natives of New York. She was the youngest of eleven children and by her marriage has become the mother of one daughter and one son: Edna Ann, who is now the widow of Allen Bovce, of Allegan township, and Joseph Antony, who operates the home farm. Soon after his marriage Mr. Trutsch purchased what has since been known as the home farm, comprising eighty acres of woodland on section 23, Cheshire township. He at once began its development and cultivation, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred three years after he made the purchase. Since that time the farm work has been carried on by Mrs. Trutsch and her son, who have erected good buildings here and have made many modern improvements. Everything about the place is neat and attractive in appearance and the work of the agriculturist is carried forward with good results. Mrs. Trutsch has remained continuously a resident of the county for almost a third of a century and has therefore been a witness of much of its growth and progress. EDMUND S. ROGERS.-One of the successful farmers of Cheshire township is the gentleman named above, who resides in a most comfortable and tasteful farm home on section 9. Here he has cleared his land and made all of the other improvements upon the place and here he takes great pleasure in life, enjoying that freedom and independence only known upon the well-regulated farm. JOSEPH A. TRUTSCH MRS. CLARISSA H. TRUTSCH HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 459 Mr. Rogers was born in Summit county, Ohio, March 23, 1847. He was the eldest child of Justus S. and Katherine (Shuman) Rogers, natives respectively of Vermont and New York. Justus Rogers went into Ohio with his father in a very early day and there they made their home. An idea of the unsettled condition of the state of Ohio may be realized when we state that at the time the Rogers family went there from the east it required a search over no less than four townships to secure the services of enough men to help raise a log house, and some of these men were Indians. Justus and Katherine Rogers came into Michigan in 1856, locating in Allegan county, a few miles northwest of the now thriving city of Allegan. Here they made their home on a farm, where they lived nearly all the remainder of their lives, Mr. Rogers dying here at the advanced age of seventy years, his estimable wife dying at Howard City, Michigan, at the age of sixty-five. In his younger days Justus Rogers was a hunter and trapper of note and he continued along these lines long after he moved into Michigan. They were the parents of six children, the subject of this review being the eldest and the others being as follows: Henry lived in the west for a number of years and was killed while a resident of the state of Washington, in August, T906; Lewis died at the age of twenty years; Elnor McMartin died in Colorado: Abbie, now Mrs. Handy, is a resident of the state of Washington. Edmund S. Rogers was only nine years old when he accompanied his parents from Ohio to Michigan, and he remained upon the home farm in Allegan township until he had attained the age of seventeen years. The great Civil war had been raging for several years and the lad became fired with a desire to go in the aid of his country. But not until he was seventeen did the opportunity offer, and then he was quick to take it, enlisting in February, I865, in Company F, Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was sent with his regiment to Springfield. Illinois, where they remained for about four months, when the war closed. While at Springfield Mr. Rogers, with other members of his regiment, acted as a guard of honor during the burial of the lamented President Lincoln. After the close of the war he returned to the old home in Allegan county, and for several years to follow worked in sawmills and lumber camps. Then in 1873 he purchased his present home in Cheshire township, the same being located on section 9. His first purchase of land was only forty acres, the same having only seven acres cleared and with a log house. twelve by twenty feet in size, with a small porch in front and a grapevine growing over it. Later he bought an additional twenty acres, and the sixty comprises his present holdings. Mr. Rogers has cleared this place himself and made all of the improvements thereon. He has an up-to-date house, good barns and other buildings and the whole place reflects the good management and care of the owner. It is styled "The Old Homestead Farm." Our subject was married July 16, I869. when he took for his life partner Miss Josephine Davis, a native of Belfast, Allegheny county, New York, where she was born December 12, 1849. Her father was Orrin Davis, a native of Bristol, Connecticut, who was for many years a successful teacher and in later years a physician in the state of New York. Here he met and married Mariah Buck, and in later years, when their daughter was seventeen years old, they came to Michigan and located in Allegan 460 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY county, making their home in Cheshire township on a farm. Here the father (lied at the age of ninety-two and the mother at the age of sixtyfour. The union of Edmund S. and Josephine Davis has resulted in the birth of three children, all of whom are living, as follows: Edna May is the wife of Charles Peas, of Casco township, and they have three children, Veryl, Rollin and Esther; Grace is the wife of Homer Connery and they have one son, Roger, their home being in the township of Pine Grove; Ruby, the youngest, lives at home with her parents. Previous to their marriages, the two eldest daughters were for a number of years successful teachers in this and adjoining counties. Mr. Rogers in politics is an independent Republican. He has served his township two terms as highway commissioner and has also been a school director for twelve years. He has wide fraternal relations and belongs to B. F. Chapin Post, G. A. R., of Cheshire township, the F. & A. M. Lodge at Allegan and also to the Grange. CHARLES U. SCHERMERHORN.-The gentleman named above is a lifelong resident of the township of Cheshire, where he was born March 7, 1854. That he is a man who commands the high regard and thorough confidence of the people of this section is evidenced by the fact that he is now filling his sixth consecutive term as supervisor of Cheshire township, a position which he occupies with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. It is a notable fact that he is the only native of the township to be chosen as supervisor and that with but one exception he has held the office longer than any other incumbent. The Schermerhorns are of Holland descent and the prefix "Van" was until some years ago attached to the name. They were among the leading Dutch families in the days of New York, or, as it was then styled, New Amsterdam, and many of the descendants of the original family still reside in eastern New York state. Our subject's father, James U., was born in Little Falls, Herkimer county, New York, January 8, 1820. His young manhood was spent as a boatman on the then celebrated Erie canal, and it was in Herkimer county that he met and married Sarah Ann Dayger, a native of Columbia, that county, where she was born July 29, 1828. In the fall of 1852 they came west to Michigan City, Indiana, and after a brief residence there they came the following year into Michigan, locating on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cheshire township, which he cleared and improved and where he died July 17, 1879. He was one of a family of thirteen children, eleven boys and two girls. Ani idea of the crude state of this section at the time he came here may be gained from the statement that at that time he was obliged to carry provisions for his family from Kalamazoo, a distance of thirty miles, on his back and traversed the distance afoot. James U. Schermerhorn enlisted in 1864 in the Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry for service in the Civil war and went at once to the front in the Army of the Cumberland, and was with his regiment all of the time until the close of the war. He was the father of ten children, all but two of whom are still living: Ida A. Allen lives in North Dakota; Olive Elizabeth Case is a resident of Allegan; Charles U. is the subject HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 461 of this review; Ann and Sarah are both deceased; James J. and Benjamin live in Holland; Labin H. is in Louisville, Kentucky; John is in Chicago, and Frank lives in Allegan. Their mother is still living and is a resident of Allegan, where several of the children live. Charles U. lived on the farm with his parents until he was twenty-one years old and assisted in the clearing and improvement of the place. Then he began life for himself and worked in a sawmill on the lake shore for a number of years. He was with one firm for six years and was employed the most of the time in superintending mill and dock work. He was married in 1878 to Miss Emma Reafel, a native of Brant Center. New York, where she was born September I8, 1862. She was the daughter of Martin and Ann (Green) Reafel, both of whom were of German birth. She came to Michigan with her parents in I865. Soon after their marriage Mr. Schermerhorn purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 23, Cheshire township, which he improved by the erection of fine buildings. For a number of years he rented this farm and lived on the B. D. Prichard farm, of which he was foreman. He also has engaged largely in the raising of live stock, being for seven years in this line with Peter A. Olcutt, of Allegan. In I904 he sold his farm on section 23 and purchased his present place of fifty acres on section o1, where he has already made many improvements. Here he has one thousand thrifty peach trees and also makes a specialty of stock raising. He has numerous fraternal affiliations and has been a member of Chicora Grange for nearly two years. He was a member of the Cheshire Banner Grange for about ten years before taking a transfer to Chicora Lodge. He also belongs to Chicora Legion, No. I,014, Legion of Honor, and to the K. O. T. M. ALBERT 0. REBEL.-Few men in the county of Allegan have led a more eventful and romantic career or seen more of the world for a man of his years than Mr. Albert O. Rebel, who now resides upon a fine farm in the township of Cheshire, where he seems to enjoy life even more than (uring his world-wide wanderings. Mr. Rebel is a native of Prussia, Germany, where he was born April 23, I869. His father was Herman Rebel, also a native of Prussia, where his entire life was passed. There were two sons in the family. The mother died when our subject was but an infant. His brother, Max, is still a resident of Prussia. Albert Rebel's boyhood days were passed in Germany, where he attended the public and high schools, securing a good common school education. When fifteen years of age he decided to try his fortunes in the new world and he accordingly came alone to America, locating first in Chicago. Staying there but a short time, he went into the lumbering and mining districts of northern Michigan, where he first took a position as assistant cook in a mining camp. He stayed here only about a month, but long enough to imbibe a touch of the mining fever, and then he went to Leadville, Colorado, where he prospected and mined for gold and silver and also did placer mining. He was thus occupied for some six or seven years and then went into British Columbia and from there to Alaska when the latter country was beginning to become noted as a mining country. He prospected most of the time in British Columbia and Alaska and this period of his life was filled with some stirring incidents and thrilling experiences. 462 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY In addition to the stirring life of the miner, there was mountain climbing, encounters with wild animals and many other incidents peculiar to a life of this character. During the panic of 1873 the depreciation of silver made it evident that mining would not be a profitable occupation for a number of years, at least, so he decided to give his attention to other matters. After leaving Alaska he spent a year in travel, spending some time in Great Britain and Ireland and also visiting nearly every country in Europe. (f course he visited the Fatherland, and during his stay in Prussia he married Miss Johanna L. Genekow, a native of that country, their marriage occurring in I90o. They soon thereafter returned to the United States, where Mr. Rebel decided to turn his attention to farming. He came to Michigan and located in Allegan county, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Cheshire township. The place was cleared and well improved, with a fine residence of commodious proportions and three good, large barns. In addition to its good condition when he purchased it, Mr. Rebel has made many minor improvements in the way of fencing, clearing the land of stumps and the like, and he now has one of the finest pieces of farm property in the township. He is a member of Deer Lake Grange, of which organization he is also secretary, and he is a director of the Grange Fire Insurance Company, of Allegan county. He is also a member of the F. & A. M., of Bloomingdale, and is a member of the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. Rebel are the parents of two sons-Herbert. born July 7, 1902, and Chester, born July 27, I906, who died September 17, 90o6. WILLIAM W. G. RowE.-Like so many of the sterling residents of Michigan who have spent a lifetime here, Mr. Rowe is a native of the state of New York, where he was born in Cazenovia. Madison county, October [7, I8x7. His father was William C. Rowe, a native of Cortland county, New York. while his mother, a native of Connecticut, was previous to her marriage Miss Mary Andrews, whose parents were from Connecticut, although they spent their latter days in the state of New York. William C. Rdwe and his wife were married in New York and came to Michigan in r84I with their little familv, making the journey in the rather primitive manner of the times, the initial portion of it being via the old Erie canal to Buffalo, then by boat to Monroe. Michigan, and the latter part of the trip by wagon to Allegan county. They located at Allegan, where they lived four years. and then settled on a one hundred and sixty acre farm in Watson township. Here thev made a home, the father clearing the land. assisted in later years by his sons. Here William C. Rowe was a man of influence and probity in the community and he did much in shaping the history of this part of Allegan county. He was a lifelong Republican and in the earlier years of the formation of Watson township he held various offices, being township treasurer a number of terms and for many years the highway commissioner. In connection with his duties as the last named officer he assisted in laying out many of the original highways of this township and also assisted in many other public improvements. He spent the remainder of his life upon the farm which he had first selected, his death occurring when he was seventy-three years old. The mother of our HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 463 subject did not live long in her new home, she dying here in her thirtysecond year, when William W. G. was only fifteen years old. Of the seven children in the family the subject of this review was the eldest, his brothers and sisters being as follows: Charles H. was a participant in the Civil war, serving in the Twenty-eighth Michigan Infantry, and he now lives upon the old homestead in Watson township- Ralph died at the age of fifteen years; Alex H. is a resident of Trowbridge township, this county; Mary J. married Winslow Feek and both are deceased; Sarah Maria died at the age of four years; Elizabeth became the wife of Daniel Broclin and both are dead. From the foregoing it will be seen that the eldest son, William, was only four years of age when he accompanied his parents from New York state to Michigan, but even at this day he remembers the details of that long journey into a new and strange country. After spending four years in Allegan village, during which time he attended school, he went with his father and mother to Watson township to live. An idea of the condition of the country at that time may be gained when we learn that the only highways were tracks through the woods and around trees, with the nearest neighbors one and four miles distant. Here on the farm on section 9 the lad remained until young manhood, when in 1861 the outbreak of the great Civil war fired his imagination and his patriotism. He enlisted at Allegan in August of 1862 in Berdan's Sharp Shooters, when it was found that the register was full. He re-enlisted in Company I, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and was later transferred to the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. He went to the front with his regiment. He was in the Army of the Cumberland, under Thomas and Sherman, and one of his first active duties consisted of soirtees after Morgan. Later he was in Kentucky and Tennessee scouting, and afterward joined in the historic march of Sherman to Atlanta. He was in numerous engagements and battles, including Chickamauga, Murfreesboro and Atlanta, being fourteen days in the rifle pitts, and it was his regiment that cut the railroads around Atlanta. With the exception of a brief period of illness, he was with his regiment all through the campaign and also participated in the capture of the Rebel leader, Jefferson Davis. He was mustered out with the other members of his regiment at Edgefield, Tennessee, in July, 1865. After the close of his duties as a soldier he returned to the family home in Watson township and on June 28, i866, he was married to Miss Alice Barbero, daughter of Edwin and Rachel (Balding) Barbero. She was born near Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and came to Allegan county with her parents when she was only four years old. Our subject's early life had been passed upon the-farm, with occasional employment in the lumber camps and woods, so it was natural that he should decide upon agriculture as a life's vocation. In the autumn following his marriage he selected a farm for himself on sections 24 and 25, Cheshire township, the same consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. It was new land, there being only a few acres chopped off when he bought it. He soon built a log house and then proceeded to clear his farm, which he accomplished almost unaided. In later years he built a most comfortable residence and also excellent barns and other buildings, including a blacksmith shop. General farming was followed until a few years ago, since which time he has devoted more attention to 464 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY the dairy line and fruit growing. For ten years he has had a fine stock of Jersey cows and pays considerable attention to milk production, his product going to Merson. His farm is now in an almost perfect state of cultivation and in addition he also has various outside interests, including stock in the celebrated Allegan Creamery. Like all intelligent farmers, he believes in organizations for their especial benefit, and he was one of the charter members of the Grange of Watson township, although now belonging to Banner Grange, of Cheshire. He has also been a stockholder in the Grange store at Allegan and has been a member of the board of directors of this institution for the past nine years. Politically he has always been a loyal Republican and his first presidential ballot was cast for Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has voted for every Republican candidate for this exalted office. His fellow townsmen have reposed confidence in him as a man and faithful officer and he has filled numerous local offices, being township treasurer of Cheshire for six years, assessor of his school district several terms and overseer of highways several times. He was a school officer during the building of the new school building in District No. 8. Fraternally he is affiliated with B. F. Chapin Post, No. 278, G. A. R., and has filled nearly every office in the post, being the present quartermaster. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have three children, as follows: Cora, wife of John Wehner, of Otsego township; Ed., who runs the home farm and resides here, and Shirley, of Minnesota. LEONARD M. WEBSTER is the youngest child of Charles and Sophia (Harriden) Webster, both of whom were natives of Vermont, having been married there and after several years removed to Medina county, Ohio. They were the parents of five children, of whom Caroline, Solomon and Harriet are deceased, while Marcena is now a resident of Trowbridge township, this county. The father died in Ohio, April 5, 185I, and the same year the widowed mother and her five children made their way into Michigan, crossing Lake Erie by boat and then journeying on the old wooden rail Michigan Central Railroad from Detroit westward into Allegan county. The youngest son, Leonard, was only sixteen years of age at that time and he still bears a vivid recollection of the journey, which in those days was considered a long and tedious one. Leonard was born in Medina county, Ohio, November 23, 1834. In the journey into western Michigan, the railroad ran only as far as Kalamazoo, and from that point they were compelled to travel by wagon into Allegan county. They located in west woods, Trowbridge township, where eighty acres of new land were secured and a cabin erected in which to live. Our subject remained there one year, working at home and by the month in the woods with team. In April of 1853 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah O'Dell, the daughter of Benajah and Caroline (Smith) O'Dell, both of Ohio, where Mrs. O'Dell died, the widowed father afterward coming to Michigan with his family. Sarah O'Dell was born in Catteraugus county, New York, February 23, 1837, and she was only fifteen years of age when she was brought to Michigan by her father. Their home was in Allegan county, where the daughter grew to young womanhood and where she met and was married to the subject of this review. After marriage they both worked by the month for some time and then they bought a forty-acre farm in Trowbridge township.. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 465 In this township they owned several small farms and finally they sold out and came into Cheshire township, buying their present farm on section 26 in I877. Here Mr. Webster has done much in the way of improvement, erecting good buildings and setting out many trees, this place now being known as "Maple Lane." In August, I864, Mr. Webster enlisted in Company I, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and was in the Army of the Cumberland and also in the memorable march of Sherman to the sea. He was honorably discharged from the army at the close of the war, at Louisville, Kentucky, June 3, 1865. Like many others who endured the privations and hardships of camp life, Mr. Webster had his health and constitution shattered thereby and since the war he has not been able to do any great amount of hard labor. Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Webster, as follows: Nellie Melissa Decker is deceased, leaving four children; Lillie is the widow of Eugene Relong of this township, and they have four children; Mary is the wife of M. D. Cooley, and Caroline is the wife of Irving Fox. The families of the last three live on farms adjoining on Eagle Lake in this township. This is a popular resort and all of the places are popular with summer resorters, who find comfortable quarters here. Mr. Webster has been a Republican all of his life and his first vote for president was cast for Fremont. He has been called upon to fill numerous offices, having been justice of the peace one term, United States census enumerator in I880 and I89O, and a school officer for fifteen years. He is a member of Banner Grange of Cheshire township, and a comrade in Edwin Colvin Post, G. A. R., of Bloomingdale. He and the members of his family are also members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Bloomingdale. JOHN F. DOUD is another of the pioneer residents of Allegan county who has not only been a witness of the development of this section from an almost unbroken wilderness to its present status of productiveness and general prosperity and enterprise, but is also one who has been an active participant in this important transformation. John F. Doud is a native of Hum Mountain township, Alleghany county, New York, where he was born January Ii, 1829. He is the son of John and Charlotte (Trawl) Doud, who were among the worthy pioneers of Alleghany county, New York, that region being almost entirely new when they settled there. They made this county their permanent home, passing through all of those privations incident to life in a new country, and having just such an experience as was to be that of their son in Michigan a half-century later. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Warren, the eldest, came to Michigan in the early fifties and located in Allegan. He was a shoemaker by trade and worked at this line in Allegan and also in the woods in Cheshire township, where he later made a home. He afterward moved to Eaton county and from there to Chattanooga, Tennessee, finally returning to Michigan and locating at Coldwater, where he died. Four daughters, Marilla, Marian, Charlotte and Lucretia, have all passed away and the only surviving member of this large family is John F. Doud, the subject of this review, who was next to the youngest of the children. 466 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY John F. Doud remained upon the home farm in New York state with his parents until he had attained the age of twenty-seven years, when he became infected with the western fever, then so rampant in the east. He went first to Buffalo and then by boat into the middle west, stopping first in Iowa City, Iowa, where he spent a summer and a winter. Then in the spring of I857 he retraced steps for a distance and came to Allegan county, whither his brother, Warren, had preceded him several years. Eager with the desire to possess land of his own he stayed only a few days in Allegan and then, in company with his brother, started out afoot to locate a farm. They traveled over thifty miles the first day and on the way shared their dinner with Indians, which were then very numerous in this locality. An idea of the newness of the country may be obtained when we state that ar the time this journey was made there were only twelve families living in the northern half of Cheshire township. John F. selected forty acres of school land on section 16, paying forty dollars down. So limited was his exchequer that after making this first payment upon his land he had left only two dollars and fifty cents in cash. His other belongings were also very few, for all he had he carried in a satchel. He went to work for Richard Ferris in a little sawmill, receiving one dollar per day, and thus he saved enough money to get lumber with which to build a shanty. This ac. complished, he at once sent to New York state for his young wife and she came at once to him, bringing with her a very few belongings. He had been maried in the Empire state on his twenty-fifth birthday anniversary to Sally Ann Wood. She was born in Warsaw, Wyoming county, New York, in 1826, the daughter of William and Maria Wood, who moved from Wyoming county to Allegheny county when their daughter was young. Here the twain met and their acquaintance ripened into love and culminated in an early marriage. When the young wife first joined her husband in Michigan it was plain to be seen that there was a hard battle before them to make for themselves a comfortable home here. They even had to go into debt for a stove and other household furniture and the money to pay for this outfit was earned by Mr. Doud by chopping in the woods. Then, in I862, just as they were beginning to see their way clear, came the Civil war antd the young' husband was drafted into the service along with many others. Our subject, however, did not take it so seriously as did some, but went cheerfully to Kalamazoo for examination. This over, he was given ten days to either find a substitute or report for service and after a little search he succeeded in borrowing the money with which to obtain a substitute. Thus they were again placed deeply in debt, and to obtain the necessary money quickly they hired out to work in a lumber camp for one season. In the spring of r867 they were again ready to renew their labors upon their farm, and here they afterward remain'ed. They prospered and added to their original farm, whent in 1874 death claimed the loving wife and the home was left desolate. One son, was born to them, Willie, anid he lived to be ei'ghteen years of age, then being killed by being thrown from a hotre. In November, r85', M. Dbud' was married to Mavy Myer', who was bori in Otsego, Miehigan, in fr46. She was the daughtfer of Charles and Dally Myers, fnaives of Ohio and. Massachusetts, respectively, who came here in an early day. This union has resulted in the birth of onie son, Jay, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 467 who lives upon a farm in this township. He married Dora Slantz, and they have two children, Claude and Stephen. The Doudl homhe is a pleasant one and stands upon the original forty acres which Mr. Doud obtained from the government. The farm is' close to the little village of Chicora, or, as Mr. Doud styles it, "Jimtown," which is a thriving little settlement. Here our subject in January, I965, leased to the Allegan Creamery Company for ninety-nine years a plat of ground on section 17, just opposite the residence, upon which they have erected a creamery which does a large business. This lease becomes null and void if the premises are ever used for any purpose except a creamery and skimming station, at which time the property and buildings revert back to the owner or his assigns. WARNER W. SPENCER is one of the wide-awake and progressive farmers of the township of Cheshire, where he has lived for the past forty years. He has advanced ideas in agricultural matters and is not content to keep in the old rut of general farming followed by so many, but is ever eager to learn of improved methods and willing to experiment along new lines which promise success and profit. To men such as he is the advanced prosperity of this country in an agricultural way due, for when they demonstrate the advantage of new crops or improved methods of raising the old ones, others follow their example and Mother Earth is thus encouraged to give of her best. Mr. Spencer is the son of John R. and Sally (Spencer) Whitney, natives of the states of New York and Connecticut, respectively. They became the parents of four sons, Warren and Warner, who were twins; Elisha and Frank. Warner W. was born in Camden township, Lorain county, Ohio, August 15, 1839. For several good reasons, he was in his infancy taken into the family of his maternal grandparents, Elisha and Sylvia (Bacon) Spencer, natives of Connecticut and Vermont, respectively. Their own children had grown up and gone away into homes of their own and they took by adoption Warner and also a daughter. Thus the boy's name became Spencer, instead of Whitney, and he has retained this name ever since. He was carefully reared by these grandparents and the young man repaid the debt so far as he was able by caring for them in their later years. They both passed away before the outbreak of the Civil war, and thus being' left without any near ties of relationship he promptly responded to the first call of his country for volunteers and enlisted in I86i in Company H of the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Starr. He was sent to Camp Dennison and there re-enlisted for three years in Company I of the same regiment, under Captain Allen. He was in the Army of the Potomac and he participated in all the numerous engagements of his regiment, with the exception of the second battle of Bull Run and the Antietam fight, he being il in hospital upon both of these occasion.' After two years o' service he was discharged on account of physical disability. He weighed two hundted a'nd tWo pofnds before going to Petersburg and at the timie of his discharge was reduced to one hundred and twenty-five pounds. After his discharge he returned to Ohio, where he worked by the'month on'a faim for one summer and the following winter in the woods: He w'as then engaged about a year on a government contract, getting out wood hubs and 468 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY spokes for the artillery. He then worked at the cooperage business for a number of months and this was followed by his going into the dairy business on a farm in partnership with another, their farm being n ar Wellington, Ohio. They ran this one season and then Mr. Spencer came to Cheshire township in I866 and located upon his present farm of one hundred and fifty acres on section I9, where he has lived ever since. At the time of his purchase this farm was all timber land and he cut the first tree in the operation of clearing. He now has about one hundred acres under cultivation, forty acres of pasture and the remainder is a fine timber lot. On the farm are two dwellings and other substantial buildings, including a fine barn forty-two by sixty-four feet in size, with twenty-foot posts and a ten-foot basement. The place is known as Hickory Grove Farm, from a large grove of fine hickories thereon. The specialties are fruit and dairying. From ten to fifteen cows have been milked for the past fifteen years, and there is a vast amount of fruit on the place. He has set out seven acres of peaches, eight acres of apples and two acres of pears, plums and cherries, his trees being thrifty and good bearers. Politically Mr. Spencer is a Republican, and he has been elected justice of the peace for consecutive terms, refusing, however to qualify for the last term. He has been a school officer for a number of years and was assessor of his district at the time of the building of the new school house. He is a member of the United Brethren church of Cheshire, in which he is an active worker, being chairman of the board of trustees ever since the church was built, and chairman of the board of finance, as well as being steward and class leader. His brothers, Elisha and Frank, also served in the war of the rebellion, each of the three putting in three years or more, and two of them receiving bullet wounds. He was married in 1864 to Naoma A. Waite, who was born in Vermont, July 27,. I835. She was the daughter of Levi and Sarah (Randall) Waite. They removed to New York state and later to Ohio, where she was married. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, as follows: George Wesley, born March I8, I866, was accidentally shot and killed December I, 1897, after returning from a hunting expedition. He left a widow and one child, Evelina. Anna N., the daughter of the family, is the wife of Albert H. Flannigan, of Peoria, Illinois. REV. JOSEPH CROSS, who has been an active and valued factor in the moral development of Cheshire township, and who is also engaged successfully in farming, was born in northern Alabama, near the Tennessee line, May IO, I844. There he remained until sixteen years of age, when he came alone to Oakland county, Michigan, and for about a year was emploved at farm labor. At the time of the Civil war he was a stalwart champion of the Union cause and enlisted from Springfield township, Oakland county, Michigan, February 26, I864, in the First Michigan Colored Infantry. He was afterward transferred to the One Hundred and Second United States Volunteer Infantry, and did active duty in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, participating in all of the engagements with his regiment until mustered out oh the 28th of October, I865. When the war was over and Rev. Cross had done his full part in upholding the Union and in establishing freedom in the south, he returned HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 469 to Oakland county, Michigan, where he resumed farming. After a brief period, however, he removed to Cass county, this state, and for nine years resided within its borders, being engaged in farming on his own account. He worked industriously and perseveringly and gained the capital which made it possible for him to purchase land. His first property consisted of a tract of forty acres, which he cultivated for some time. Later, however, he sold this and rented a farm of others. In 1876, however, he came to his present farm on section 25, Cheshire township, comprising one hundred and twenty acres of land. In fact, he has two farms here with two sets of buildings, one being a tract of forty acres, while the other comprises eighty acres, and both are situated on section 25. The eighty acres have been improved by Rev. Cross, who has erected good buildings upon it and has devoted his land to general farming purposes, producing good crops and having a well-kept place. For the past twenty years the Rev. Joseph Cross has been a clergyman of the Baptist church, having been ordained about fifteen years ago. He was pastor of a church in Cass county in I89O and I89I, and also for one year at Benton Harbor, while the remainder of the time he has found his field for ministerial labor in Allegan county. He was instrumental recently in building a new church called the Messiah Baptist church, at Cheshire, and has a congregation numbered between forty and fifty. He was the founder of the Baptist church in this locality, organizing the congregation in I895. During that time there has been a steady increase in the membership, and although death has removed many, others have been added and the work of the church has been carried steadily forward. Rev. Cross was first identified with the Chain Lake Baptist Association, and since that time he has put forth earnest and far-reaching effort for the moral development of his people. He was married in Cass county in I867 to Miss Susan Jones, who was born in North Carolina, March 12, I843. Their children are: Lavina Jane, the deceased wife of Frank Turner; William Isaiah, who is married and is upon the home farm with his father; Joseph F., who is living in Copper township, Kalamazoo county, and Charles, who also resides in the same locality. In his political views Rev. Mr. Cross has always been a stalwart Republican and takes an active interest in the party and its work. He belongs to B. F. Chapin Post, No. 287, G. A. R., of Cheshire township. Always a hard worker, he is an industrious and a self-made man, who owes his success to his own efforts. He has been called the Booker T. Washington of Allegan county and has a marked influence with his people, and his efforts are always put forth on the side of right, progress, truth and justice. JAMES WINCHELL, who is the second largest land owner in the township of Cheshire and reputed its wealthiest man, is one who has unaided made his way through life, performing all of its duties as they presented themselves and ever acquitting himself honorably. In time of peace he gave his attention to his usual avocations, working industriously and accumulating property, and when the call came he bravely went to the front and defended his country's honor. Then, the conflict settled, he returned 470 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY sadly disabled to his peaceful labors, handicapped, to be sure, from his physical disability, but never complaining, and by his industry and energy succeeding where many a physically perfect man has failed. James Winchell is a native of the township of Lee, Oneida county, New York, where he was born March 24, 1835. His parents were John and Nancy (Richards) Winchell, both of whom were New Yorkers by birth, the former being a native of Oneida county and the latter of Broome county. They were the parents of ten children, four of whom died in infancy, the six to reach maturity being as follows: Henry served two years and three months under General Crook and was a sergeant in a cavalry company. He was shot and killed at Cloud Mountain. Seth, the second son, also served over two years in the same conflict in the One Hundred and Forty-second New York Infantry. He was shot through the left arnm at Fort Fisher, North Carolina, January i6, 1865. After the close of the war he was accidentally killed while assisting at a barn raising in the state of New York. Marriette married, and both herself and husband are deceased. Elmerine married Arthur Higham, of Crispan, New York. The parents, John and Nancy Winchell, spent their entire lives in the state of New York. James Winchell was reared upon the home farm in New York, where he remained until the opening of the great Civil conflict. Then he enlisted in December, i86i, in Company D, Berdan's First Regiment of Sharpshooters. He was in the battles and skirmishes at Yorktown, Newport, Hanover Court House, Gaines Mills, Fair Oaks and others, and in the seven days' fight at Gaines Mills he lost his left arm, this being in 1862. Here also he was taken prisoner and remained a captive for thirty days, finally being exchanged and returned to his former home in New York. There he remained until 1870, when he thought to better his fortunes in the West. He came to Michigan and settled in Allegan county, selecting a home in Cheshire township. His first purchase was one hundred and twenty-nine acres, to which he afterward added eighty acres. This land was unimproved, with the exception of forty acres which had been cleared and a shanty built. Undeterred by the loss of one of his arms, he set resolutely to work and continued the improvement of the place which was to be his home for so many years thereafter. Although it seems almost incredible, nevertheless it is a fact that he performed all kinds of work upon the farm, even chopping and logging unaided and guiding the plow and other tools. Each year saw considerable improvement in the place, until today it is one of the model farm homes in this part of the county, with broad and fertile fields, a handsome and commodious dwelling house and the best of barns and other buildings. The farm is beautifully located ipon the banks of Swan Lake, which is a popular summer resort, and the residence stands facing the lake, with only the highway running between it and the shore, thus giving a magnificent view of the waters. Mr. Winchell was married in 1865 to Matilda Simon, daughter of Hartman and Amelia (Houghton) Simon, who were natives of Baden, Germany, where they were married and where their daughter was also born, December 2, 1844. She came to America with her parents when she was only three years old, they locating in New York state, where the remainder of their lives were passed. There also the daughter met and HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 471 married James Winchell, and to them were born four children, only one of whom, Amelia, is now living, her home being in Wisconsin. Those who have passed away are as follows: Charles D., the eldest, died here in December, 1905, leaving a widow, but no children; John D. died in infancy, and James, the youngest, died at the age of twenty years. The wife and mother passed away in April, I899. And now, after a long life of activity and usefulness, James Winchell is enjoying a well-deserved rest from arduous labor, although he still keeps employed in various ways. All his life he has been a stanch Republican, casting his first presidential ballot for Fremont and continuing to vote for each Republican candidate for President. He has always taken an interest in politics and has been called upon to fill numerous positions of trust and responsibility. He was township collector in New York state for several years and in his Michigan home served as highway commissioner for no less than ten terms. As a man of affairs he is often consulted by others and his fellow townsmen have a very high opinion of his good judgment. Of late years he has leased his fine farm, although maintaining a home here with the tenants, and the cold winters almost invariably see him in California for the season. MARCUS A. FERRIS, who is one of the largest land owners in the township of Cheshire, as well as one of its most intelligent and progressive farmers, is a native of this township, where he was born December 17, I857, and where he has lived ever since upon the same farm, which is located on section seventeen. Mr. Ferris is justly proud of his ancestry and a suitable review of the same in this connection is most appropriate. His father, Hon. Richard Ferris, was the seventh in a family of nine children and he was born in the town of Butler, Wayne county, New York, August 7, 1822. Until he was eighteen years of age he remained upon the farm of his father in the Empire state, and then he began life for himself. In 1842 he decided that the middle west, which was in those days called the far west, was the place for a young man to achieve success, and accordingly he went into Indiana, stopping at Mishawaka, where he staved for some time, working summers on a farm and the remainder of the year in a sawmill. Then he came to Michigan and worked for some eight months in Cass county. By this time he realized that a man without education was greatly handicapped in the contest for a comfortable livelihood, so he returned to Mishawaka and attended a select school during one winter and in the spring went to work again in the millyard, his wages at this time being only twenty dollars per month. His employer, William Milburn, soon realized that there was ability in the young man and he promoted him to head sawyer and finally gave the entire mill into his management. Here he remained constantly from 1845 until I85I, with the exception of one year passed in study at Notre Dame University, where he acquired much useful knowledge. April I9, I85I, Mr. Ferris married Miss Hannah Milburn, a sister of his employer. He passed one summer in a sawmill at Lawrence, Michigan, teaching school in the winter, and then returned to. Mishawaka again, where he purchased an interest in a new sawmill which had been established there. After operating it a short time he returned to Lawrence and bought an interest in another sawmill, which he HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY operated until I854. Then selling this property, he came into Allegan county and settled upon a four hundred and eighty acre tract of new land in Cheshire township, where he built a log house of unusually large dimensions and began to clear his land. In the spring following his arrival he built a sawmill and ran it successfully for a number of years, when it burned. Nothing daunted, he erected another mill, but when the water power which operated it failed a few years later he gave up lumbering operations altogether and devoted his entire attention to farming. He sold a portion of his tract of land, reserving three hundred and forty acres, and in a few years he had two hundred and forty acres of this under cultivation and had many improvements. His house, which was erected in I860, was for many years the finest dwelling in the township, and his other buildings were on a par with it. In later years he devoted a great deal of attention to raising fine stock in the way of sheep and draft and coach horses, and he did much to improve the class of live stock in this vicinity. It was but natural that a man of Mr. Ferris' ability and energy should take a prominent part in the public affairs of his township and county, and for years he was considered one of the foremost men of this section. In educational affairs his deep interest led to his selection as a school officer and he served his district faithfully in this direction for many years, also acting for a number of years as township school inspector. He was also township clerk here and in Lawrence township, Van Buren county. Mr. Ferris was during the most of his life an ardent Republican and his first presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay. In the early history of Cheshire township he was a power for his party and he did much to give the township its long continued Republican majorities. In I870 he was chosen as representative from his district in the state legislature, and here his sterling qualities were evident. He was chairman of the committee on lumber, a member of the committee on prisons, and also a member of the joint committee of both houses appointed to visit the penal and reformatory institutions of the state. Although his affiliations were for so many years with the Republican party, nevertheless Mr. Ferris was always deeply interested in temperance work and he did great good in this direction. Ever obedient to the dictates of his conscience, he thought he saw great financial relief in the free silver movement and he bravely differed from his party on this question and during the remainder of his life advocated the free silver doctrine. Mr. Ferris was reared as a Catholic, although in his later years he was not affiliated with this faith. He was an organizer and fatihful member of the Allegan County Pioneer Society, and for many years a meeting of this organization was not considered complete without his cheerful presence. He had had much to do with the history of the township and county and he possessed a most interesting fund of reminiscence. He spent the remainder of his life upon the farm which he had made, and here he died May 28, 1904. Mrs. Ferris was a most capable helpmeet for her worthy husband during his long and successful career. She was an earnest member of the Church of England and was noted for her generous and charitable deeds. Her death preceded that of her husband, she passing away November 15, 1900. They were the parents of four children, as follows: HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 47t-3 William M. is a resident of this township; Mary E. married Robert O'Brien and she is now deceased; Marcus A. is the subject of this review, and Joseph G. is deceased. Marcus A. was reared upon the home farm and this has been his home ever since. With his father's example before him it.is no wonder that he became a capable man and a good farmer. He is the present owner of the old homestead of two hundred and forty acres and he has continued the improvements started by the senior Mr. Ferris until now "Swan Creek Stock Farm" is one of the finest places in Allegan county. Although it has always been a general purpose farm, the present owner is determined to make it in the future a model dairy farm, and here we find some excellent strains of Jersey and Holstein cattle. Mr. Ferris was married in 1890 to Miss Florence V. Motter, who was born in Lee township, April 19, 1870. She is the daughter of George and Mary J. (Smith) Motter, who were natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. They were married in Indiana and came to Lee township in i866, with a family of five children, two more being born after they became residents of this section. They passed the remainder of their lives here, where the wife and mother died at the age of forty-eight, the husband and father passing away at the advanced age of seventy-two. Mr. and Mirs. Marcus Ferris have had seven children, as follows: Hannah B., Joseph G., Harold, Carl, Henry Howard, Jannette and Richard. All are living with the exception of Henry Howard, who was accidentally drowned when two and one-half years old. Mr. Ferris was always a Republican until the advent of Bryan, since which time he has advocated the doctrines of this brilliant westerner. He has never accepted public office, although his counsel and good judgment are eagerly sought on many matters. He is a member of Deer Lake Grange and the Cheshire K. 0. T. MI. He is devoted to his family, and his fine farm and his home is one of the model farm places in the prosperous county of Allegan. JUDSON D. WEDGE, who is engaged in general farming on section 8, Cheshire township, was born near Forestville, Ontario, Canada, August 18, 1875. His paternal grandparents were both natives of Toronto, Canada, and were representatives of old Ontario families who located in that portion of the country during the pioneer epoch in its history. The Wedge family is of English lineage, but was founded in America at an early day. The parents of our subject were Jordan and Hannah (Parker) Wedge, who were likewise natives of Ontario but now reside upon a farm near Carsonville, Michigan. Their children were two in number-Judson D. and Pearl Arthur. In taking up the personal history of our subject we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Allegan county. He was reared upon a farm in the place of his nativity until thirteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Sanilac, Michigan, near Carsonville, there remaining from the fall until the following spring, when at the age of fourteen years, he went to Chicago and became connected with the commission business, being for eleven years an emplove in the wholesale fruit house of Parker Brothers. 474 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY He became thoroughly familiar with the trade in principle and detail and for three years he engaged in business for himself in the metropolis, on the expiration of which period he sold his interest to other members of the firm. The business is still conducted under the style of Hall, Wedge & Carter. In I9OI Mr. Wedge had purchased his present farm in connection with his father and brother and removing from the city to Allegan, he actively began farm work. After two years he purchased the interest of the other members of the firm in this property and now owns and conducts the farm alone on section 8, Cheshire township. The entire place is under cultivation with the exception of a ten-acre sugar bush, and there are good buildings an many modern equipments. In connection with general farming he carries on the dairv business and is also engaged in raising hogs and sheep. In all departments of his work he displays keen discrimination and has secured a goodly measure of success that shows he is a man of considerable adaptability, for leaving mercantile life he took tup farmwork, with which lie was at that tiine largely unfamiliar, and soon through experience, observation and studv, learned the best methods of caring for the fields and the stock. Mr. Wedge was married in Chicago, January 25, S896, to Miss Elizabeth Freund, a native of Fonld du Lac, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Freund. Her parents were natives of Germany and came to the United States in early life. They were married in this country and unto them were born fourteen children-seven sons and sevein daughters. All are now living, most of them being residents of Fond du Lac. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wedge have been born four children-l Wilmont Emerson, Howard Stanley, Elmer Clayton and Harvey Alvin. Bloth Mr. and Mlrs. Wedge hold membership in the United 1Brethren church at Chicora, and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party, but he is not actively interested in politics to the extent of seeking office, as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business interests, in which he is meeting with signal success. TRO()WBRIIDGE TO(WNST1 IP'. WILI.rAMf HEJ1I'IETT. who for a quarter of a century was identified with the farming interests of Allegan county, was a native of England, in which country he was reared and educated. There he provided for his own support by working in the factories, and shortly after his marriage, believing that he mnight have better business opportunities in the new world, he came to America with his wife and one child. He remained in the Empire state until i855, spending the greater part of the time in Niagara county, and then came to Michigan, settling on a farm of eighty acres on section twenty-one, Trowbridge township, Allegan county, where he spent his remaining days, his time and energies being given to the work of the farm in its various branches. When he purchased the farm it was covered with the native growth of timber. He cleared away the trees and placed the fields under the plow, his cultivation transforming the soil into a very productive tract of land. Mr. Hemmett was married in England to Miss Marv Riordon, a native of Ireland, who died here in 1872, at the age of sixty-five years. In their family were eight children-Sarah, who was born in England and is now HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 475 deceased; John, who was born in New York and enlisted in February, 1864, as a member of the First Michigan Light Artillery, his death occurring August 22, 1864, in the hospital at Atlanta, Georgia; William, a resident of Nebraska; Esther Helen, who died at the age of three years; Mary H.; Thomas, who died when but nine months old; Thomas G., now living in Nebraska, and Margaret, who became the wife of James Kent and died in 1879. The death of the father occurred on the farm in I88o, when he was about sixty-five years of age. He was a self-made man who came to the new world practically empty-handed, but he worked diligently and persistently and his labors resulted in the acquirement of a good farm property which has remained in possession of the family to the present year. In 1906 his daughter Mary disposed of it. WILLIAM D. RUSSELL, engaged in general farming on section twentynine, Trowbridge township, is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Covington township, Livingston county, July 28, 1842. He was only five years of age when brought to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, by his parents, Lester and Adaline B. (Hotchkiss) Russell. The father was born in New York in 1814, and spent his entire life in that state and in Michigan. During the greater part of his business career he was a millwright but also conducted a farm and spent his last days in Otsego township, Allegan county, where he passed away in his eighty-fifth year. He was regarded as one of the best millwrights in this part of the country and possessed considerable inventive genius which resulted in the manufacture of useful devices along the lines of his work. He held membership in the Adventist church and was a gentleman of upright purpose and high principles. His wife died prior to the removal of the family from New York to Michigan, leaving two children, William D. and Leroy, the latter now (leceased. The father was five times married, his first wife being a sister of the mother of our subject. By another marriage he had a son and daughter. He lost all his wives by death. At the time of the removal of the family from New York to Michigan a settlement was made in Cooper township, Kalamazoo county. The journey was by way of the lakes and thence across the country to their destination. The voyage was such a rough one that it left an indelible impression upon the mind of William D. Russell, who, however, at that time was only five years of age. After living for two or three years in Kalamazoo county the family came to Allegan county, settling in Otsego township. After a number of years the father built a mill on Pine creek on the Kalamazoo river and in his youth William D. Russell assisted his father in the work of the farm and of the mill, remaining with him until twenty-one years of age. He then purchased a tract of land at Otsego, where he engaged in farming for a number of years. Later his father purchased a mill and tract of land in Monterey township, and Mr. Russell of this review was with him for a few years. He then came to Allegan township and after spending four years on a farm within its borders removed to Trowbridge township on the Ist of April, I880. He has since resided upon his present farm, comprising forty-seven and a half acres of land on section 29. The greater part of it was covered with timber when it came into his possession and there were no buildings. Today it is a well improved property 476 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY all under cultivation and his dwelling is the best in the township. He has given his time and attention to his farm work and his labors find visible evidence in his splendidly improved property. On the I5th of July, 1906, he lost his home by fire but has since purchased a fine residence adjoining. In I866 Mr. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Emma G. Randall, who was born near Ada, in Kent county, Michigan, August 25, I848, and died in Kalamazoo, meeting her death in an accident on the 4th of January, 1904. She was a daughter of Ursula Randall, and by her marriage had one son, Clifford A., who is now living in Otsego township. He wedded Delia Odell, a native of Trowbridge township, and they have three children, Harold, Mildred and Hollis. On the I5th of August, I906, Mr. Russell was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary A. Cummins, a daughter of Joseph White. In his political views Mr. Russell is a stalwart Republican but without aspiration for office. He belongs to the Seventh Day Adventist church at Allegan and is serving as one of its deacons. Closely associated with industrial and agricultural interests in this county for many years he has lived a life of activity and his prosperity is the measure of his ability, making him one of the representative and leading farmers of Allegan county. FRED B. MCCARN is living on section 18, Trowbridge township, where he carries on general agricultural pursuits. His father, Myron H. McCarn, was born at Lansing, Tompkins county, New York, August 25, 1827, and was a son of Henry and Sarah (Williams) McCarn, who were natives of western New York. The father had seventeen children. There were two children born of his first marriage and fifteen children born of the second marriage. Myron H. McCarn was only five years of age when his parents removed from the Empire state to Potter county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until I850. He was at that time twenty-three years of age. He had in the meantime been engaged in the lumber and milling business as an employe but in I850 he determined to seek his fortune in the gold fields of California and went to the Pacific coast by way of the Isthmus of Panama, spending four years in the Golden State. He engaged in prospecting for a time and afterward operated a sawmill, having been employed as a sawyer in the east. He now has in his possession a ring made of gold which he dug from the mines in California and which he had made in New York city. In I854 he returned to Potter county, Pennsylvania, and after about a year came to Michigan. He then spent a year and a half in traveling in this state, in Wisconsin, Illinois and Kansas, and in the last named state worked in a mill. Subsequent to that time he returned to his old home in Potter county, Pennsylvania. In 1859 Mr. McCarn was married and removed to Knox county, Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Galesburg, where he devoted three years to farming. In February, 1863, he arrived in Allegan county, Michigan, and located at Otsego. Here he was identified with industrial interests as a carpenter and mill man, spending about nine years in that way. In March, 1872, he came to Trowbridge township and settled on his present farm, where he has since resided, covering a period of thirty-four years. He now has one hundred and twenty-one acres of land on section I8. This was HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 477 covered with timber when he made the purchase but the greater part of it is now under a high state of cultivation and has good buildings upon it. The entire work of development and improvement has been done by MIr. McCarn and his sons. For the past eight years, however, he has not been active in the work, which has been left to his sons, owing to his ill health. In politics Mr. McCarn has always worked along lines of reform, first with the Republican party, afterward with the Democratic party and subsequently with the Populist party. He is one of the best read men in the community and is thoroughly informed concerning the political questions and issues of the day. He is also a man of broad general information and is entirely self-educated. He spent his days at work and his nights at reading and thus he has acquired a broad fund of knowledge. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He has served for several terms as justice of the peace, has also been drain commissioner, was assessor and for four years acted as county drain commissioner. His fraternal relations were with the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows until he became too old to attend the meetings and take an active part in those societies. In 1859 Mr. McCarn was united in marriage to Miss Ann Ingraham, who was born in Albany county, New York, November 21, 1834, and who died May 13, I906. She was a daughter of William and Sarah (Hyler) Ingraham, also natives of the Empire state. Removing to the middle west they settled first in Illinois and afterward came to Allegan county, Michigan where they spent their last days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Myron McCarn have been born seven children, of whom William H. is represented elsewhere in this volume. Charles, the second of the family, was born in Knox county, Illinois, September 25, I862, and is now living on the old homestead. Fred B.. who was born in the village of Otsego, Michigan, August 12, i866, now owns a good farm adjoining the old home property. The place formerly comprised eighty acres but he has sold thirty acres and now retains possession of fifty acres, and it is to him that we are indebted for the history of his honored father, who is one of the prominent pioneer residents of this portion of the state. Forest E., the fourth member of the family, died in infancy. Archie C., born in Otsego, April 21, I870, is married and resides in Iowa. He also owns a farm of forty acres in Trowbridge township. He and his brother Fred B. are now partners in a mercantile business in Tama, Iowa, which is conducted under the firm style of McCarn Brothers. Adelbert and Herbert are twins, and were born in Trowbridge township, October 9, I872. The former is living in his native township, while the latter is a resident farmer of Cheshire township and both are married. WILLIAM H. MCCARN, who resides on section 7, Trowbridge township, where he is engaged in general farming, was born in northern Illinois on the 29th of September, i860, and when about two years of age was brought to Otsego, Allegan county, Michigan, by his parents, Myron E. and Anna (Ingraham) McCarn, the former a native of Tompkins county, New York, and the latter of Albany county, that state. They were reared and married in the east, after which they removed to Illinois and, as stated, came to Allegan county in I862. Here the father turned his attention to 478 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY farming and now resides on section eighteen, Trowbridge township. In the family were six sons, namely: William H., of this- review; Charles and Fred B., who are assisting their father on the home farm; Archie, of Tama, Iowa; Adelbert, of Trowbridge township, and Herbert, who is living- in Cheshire township, Allegan county. The last two are twins. William H. McCarn spent his early boyhood days in Otsego township and when twelve years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Trowbridge township, where he has since resided. He remained upon the old homestead farm until his marriage, when he came to his present farm, which comprises one hundred and forty-eight acres of land on sections 7 and 8. This constitutes an excellent' farm property, many of the improvements having been placed here by the present owner. He has erected one of the best dwellings in the township and the other buildings upon the place are in keeping with his residence. He carries on general agricultural pursuits and is also a director in the Allegan Creamery and Cold Storage Company. On the 22d of March, I883, Mr. McCarn was married to Miss Lucy Colburn, who was born in Trowbridge township, January 17, I860, and has always resided within its borders. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Wright) Colburn, of Trowbridge, natives of New Hampshire. Both were pioneer settlers here ard died in Allegan. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCarn have been born four children, Lillie, Floyd, Nora and Myron. In his political views Mr. McCarn is a Republican and has held some minor offices but prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He has always followed the occupation of farming and in this work has found ample opportunity for the exercise of his native talents. As the years have passed he has prospered and his labors have resulted in the acquirement of a comfortable competence, making him one of the substantial residents of the community. HARMON W. CALKINS.-A resident of Allegan county since 1855, Harmon W. Calkins, in the period of his manhood, has been identified with industrial and agricultural interests and is now living upon a good farm on section 21, Trowbridge township, where he is successfully engaged in raising and dealing in Shorthorn cattle, in which connection he is widely known, being one of the leading cattle dealers in this part of the state. A native son of Michigan, he was born in Richmond, Kalamazoo county, January 5, I846, and was a lad of eleven years when he came to Allegan county with his parents, Chautcy W. and Cornelia'E.: (Eldi-ed) Calkins, natives of New York and Vermont respectively. They were married in Kalamazoo county, Michigan. The father was a merchant aid wool buyer and spent the greater part of his life at Richmond and Allegan. For eighteen years he was superintendent of the Allegafi county poor farm'and proved a most capable official. When he came to this coiunty there were no roads in this part of the state and he made the joutney on horseback through the forest front his old home iri KalamLazoo county to Saugattck. He was a man of irreproaclih able integrity and honor, who lived a consisteit Christian life and had many friends. He served as dea'cot in the Baptist' church of Allegan, in thi work of which he took an active part. His political siipp6rt wa-s given the Democracy until Cleveland was the n6miriee of the party. He wa's ever a man of HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 479 firm convictions and never faltered in a course which he believed to be right. He died in Allegan in 1895, at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife passed away in i885, when about seventy-five years of age, dying at the home of her daughter while visiting in Ohio. Her remains, however, were brought back to Allegan for interment. In the family of this worthy couple were three children: Almeron E., a miller of Allegan; Harmon, and Aristena R., the wife of A. L. Spitzer, president of a bank in Medina, Ohio. Harmon W. Calkins, coming to Allegan at the age of eleven yeats, spent twenty-five years in that city, where in his youth he attended the public schools and later worked more or less in his father's store. In early manhood he learned the machinist's trade and after spending three years in the employ of others, he established the Gage foundry in I865. It was first conducted under the firm name of Fowler, McQueeny & Calkins, afterward McQueeny & Calkins, and later of Calkins & Company, at which time the partners were our subject and his brother. After about eight years spent in the above associations Mr. Calkins of this review sold out and purchased a farm of eighty acres and later added to it sixty-five acres. Later he sold that property and bought one hundred and twenty acres, which he also disposed of at a later date. He is now' the owner of eighty acres of choice land on section 21, Trowbridge township, and he gives his time exclusively to raising and dealing in Shorthorn cattle, always having a number of head of fine stock upon his place. He has exhibited his stock at various county and state fairs for the last forty years; principally in Michigan and Ohio and annually wins from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and eighty dollars in premiums. On October 29, i868, Mr. Calkins was married to Miss Cynthia Maria Stone, who was born in Dunham, Canada, January 19, I848, and came to Michigan with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Stone. Mr. and Mrs. Calkins now have eight children: Lottie, the wife of William J. Delano, of Hastings, this state; Lena, the wife of Dr. S. B. Stedgeman, of Vermontville, Michigan'; Chauncy, at home; Hugh, who is pastor of the Disciples' church at Owen Sound, Ontario; Elsie, the wife of Martin Blair, of Watson, Michigan; Abbie, the wife of Willard Brest, of Trowbridge township; Avis, in the abstract office at Allegan, and Lidia, at home. Mr. Calkins has given his children excellent educational privileges and four of them have pursued courses of study in the State University at Ann Arbor, while the family record is one of which the parents have every reason to be proud. In his political views Mr. Calkins is a Democrat and has a citizen's interest in the questions and issues which divide the two great parties, blut has held only school offices. The cause of education indeed finds in him a warm friend-one who is ready to do anything in his power for the betterment of schools. He is a member of the Disciples' or Christian church in Trowbridge township and assisted in building their brick house of worship. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees: Men who know him recognize his high principles, uriswerving integrity and fidelity to duty. He has resided in the county for more than half a centuty anidhis labors have been a helpful element in general growth and development. WILLIAM A. RABER has for seven years resided upon his present farm on section 9, Trowbridge township, having here two hundred and three 480 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY acres of land, in addition to which he has forty acres of section 4, of the same township. The extent of his holdings and the importance of his agricultural interests indicate his life of activity and well directed effort. A native of Summit county, Ohio, William A. Raber was born near Akron, October 24, 1862, a son of Louis B. and Katharine (Sarah) Raber, who were natives of Stark county, Ohio, and were of German descent. The father died at Plainwell, Michigan, at the age of fifty-eight years, while the mother died at the home of her son Andrew C., when sixty-two years of age. They were the parents of five children, namely: Mrs. Martha Dreisbach, of Summit county, Ohio; Mrs. Rose Belle Zellars, who died about four years ago; Mrs. Katharine Blakeley, of Plainwell, this state; William Albert, and Andrew Curtis Raber, who is living in Allegan township. When only about five years of age William A. Raber was taken by his parents to Portage county, Ohio, where he remained until he reached the age of twelve years. He then accompanied the family on their removal to Plainwell, Michigan, and resided in that locality until eighteen years of age. The succeeding decade was passed at Martin, this state, where for five years he engaged in farming and for a similar period conducted a repair shop, having learned and followed the blacksmithing and wagon-making trades in earlier life. For seven years he has resided upon his present farm, having two hundred and forty-three acres of rich land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and upon which he has made many good improvements, including the erection of first class buildings, while his farm work is carried forward along most progressive lines. On the I4th of September, 1882, Mr. Raber was married to Miss Hattie Delano, a native of Martin, Michigan, born November 22, I860, and a daughter of Luther and Maryette (Anderson) Delano. The former, a native of Macedon, Wayne county, New York, was born September 9, I8i6. His father was Israel Delano and his mother's maiden name was Martha Rogers. She was a daughter of General William Rogers of Revolutionary fame. Both parents were of Yankee origin, and both were members of the Baptist church. Their son was named after Rev. Luther Rice, the first great Burmah missionary, and the latter, Mrs. Maryette Anderson Delano, was born in Mayfield, New York, in I830, came with her parents to Plainwell, Michigan, when four years old. Her childhood playmates were Indians. Her father, Judge John Anderson, was the first white man to build a house in what is now the village of Plainwell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Raber were born three children: Hazel M., the wife of J. Bentley, of this township; Zella W., who died in March, I904, at the age of fourteen years, and Roger Z., at home. Mr. Raber exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but is without aspiration for office. He belongs to the Knights of the, Maccabees, and is a typical citizens of the middle west, who by the utilization of his opportunities has advanced from a humble financial position to one of affluence, winning thereby the admiration and respect of his fellow townsmen. RANSOM M. BRODOCK, whose home farm is pleasantly located on section 22, Trowbridge township, not far from Allegan, was born in Hudson, Lenawee county, Michigan, October I8, I847. His father, Harry B. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 481 Brodock, was a native of Penfield, New York, born in 1812, and he died January 24, 1896, upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. At an early day in the development of Michigan he became a resident of Adrian, where he worked at shoemaking for a number of years. He afterward removed to Hudson, this state, where he established a shoe business and still later he entered one hundred acres of land in Hillsdale county, Michigan, near Hudson, which he improved, continuing its cultivation and development until his removal to Allegan county. In I864 he enlisted from Hudson as a member of Company F. of the Fourth Michigan Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was wounded in the battle Of the Wilderness, and being thus unfitted for further field duty was honorably discharged about a year later. He was familiar with all of the experiences of pioneer life in Michigan, and in the early days would go to Adrian on horseback for supplies for his shoemaking business. He was also a great hunter and found ample opportunity to indulge his love of the sport because deer and other kinds of wild game abounded in the forests. His political allegiance was first given to the whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He took an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, political and otherwise, and during the greater part of his life held local offices in Hillsdale county. Soon after the war while mowing with a team he fell from the seat of the mower and had his right hand cut off by the knives of the mower. He lost his first wife after about a year of married life and subsequently married Julia A. Smith in Adrian. She was a native of New York and had accompanied her parents on their removal to Michigan, her brother being at that time proprietor of the largest shoe house in Adrian. Mrs. Brodock died in Hudson when about fifty-six years of age. In the family were four children: Henry M., who is now living in Douglas, Michigan, where he follows carpentering; Julia A., the wife of Marvin Gillet, of Douglas; Ransom M., and Jennie F., the wife of Charles Pratt, of Detroit. Ransom M. Brodock spent the first twenty-eight years of his life in Lenawee and in Hillsdale counties, living with his parents upon a farm or in the city. When sixteen years of age he began learning the mason's trade, which he has followed to a greater or less extent since that time. In I879 he came to his present place of residence on section 22, Trowbridge township, in company with his father, his mother having previously passed away. He has since lived upon this farm, comprising one hundred acres of land on section 22. It was partially cleared when they took possession of the property but was in bad shape, owing to its neglect by former occupants. Mr. Brodock has remodeled some of the buildings and has erected others and he now has a well improved property, devoted to the raising of grain and stock. He has also followed the mason's trade to some extent and has lived a most active, energetic life, earning a good living through his well directed efforts and also accumulating a comfortable competence for a rainy day. In 1879, soon after locating upon his present farm, MIr. Brodock was married to Miss Sarah Al. Maynard, who was born in Cass county, Michigan, in T850, and died upon the old home property here June 9, I904. She was a daughter of Truman and Ltfcy Maynard, who were natives of New York. 482 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Mr. Brodock exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and has always taken an active interest in politics. He belongs to the Odd Fellows' lodge at Allegan, with which he has been identified for the past nineteen years. Starting out upon his business career at the age of sixteen years he has worked persistently and energetically as the years have gone by and his diligence and indefatigable energy have been strong elements in his success. JAMES MORTON REYNOLDS, a representative of the farming interests of Trowbridge township, living on section I9, was born in Moscow, New York, October 20, 1852, and during his infancy was brought to Allegan county by his parents, William and Eliza (McMan) Reynolds, who settled on the lake shore. The father was a native of New York, and died when his son James was only seven years of age, he being at that time about thirty years of age. The mother afterward removed with her family to Monterey township and later gave her hand in marriage to G. B. Wilcox. She survived to the age of sixty-seven years, and died upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. By her first marriage she had five children: Eliza Jane, now the wife of Charles Streator, of Lake county, Michigan; William H., who is living in Battle Creek township; James M., of this review; Charles Edgar, of Allegan, and Albert Nelson, a resident of Allegan. James Morton Reynolds has practically spent his entire life in this county. He was reared in his mother's home, and at the age of fourteen years began working for others by the day or month. He was principally employed at farm labor and as opportunity offered he attended the district schools during the winter seasons, thus acquiring the education that fitted him for the transaction of business. In I880 he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Judd, a native of Heath township, this county, who died in 1882, at the age of twenty years. She left one son, Glenn B., who is a car inspector for the Pere Marquette Railroad Company. After losing his first wife Mr. Reynolds removed to his present farm, which was then owned and occupied by his mother, and here he has since resided. The place comprises forty acres of good land on section 19, Trowbridge township, and has been greatly improved by the present owner. He has recently erected a fine barn and has set out a peach orchard of seven hundred trees, making fruit the special feature of his farming. His entire time is devoted to the improvement of this place and it gives every evidence of his care and supervision. In 90oI Mr. Reynolds was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Richendy Elizabeth (Everett) Ross Bush, who was born in Suffolk, England, March 15, I854, and when six months old was taken by her parents to Auburn, New York. She was married in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Theodore Ross, by whom she had five children. She afterward married Sylvanus Bush, of Bloomingdale, Michigan, by whom she had one child. She is a daughter of John H. and Richendy (Jackson) Everett, both natives of Suffolk, England. The mother died in Auburn, New York, at the age of thirty-five years, while the father's death occurred in Chicago in I903, at the very remarkable old age of one hundred and four years. He was HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 483 married twice and had sixteen children by his first wife and one by the second wife, Mrs. Reynolds being a twin. Mr. Reynolds takes a public-spirited interest in community affairs and gives his political support at the polls to the Republican party, but has never sought or desired office for himself, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, in which he is meeting with signal success. JAMES ALMOND, who since 1877 has made his home on section eight, Trowbridge township, and has placed the greater part of the improvements upon the farm, was born in Yorkshire, England, February 21, 1832. His parents were Samuel and Sarah (Ellis) Almond, who were likewise natives of Yorkshire, and there spent their entire lives, as had their parents before them. The mother belonged to an old family connected with the Society of Friends, or Quakers, but married outside of the church. The father and brothers of our subject were engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloth in England. The family numbered eight children, but James Almond is the only one who ever came to the United States. Owing to business losses in the woolen manufactory caused by the falling off of trade owing to the Civil war in the United States, James Almond left his native country and crossed the Atlantic to America. He made his way to Michigan, and in 1877 purchased a farm of one hundred and ten acres on section 8, Trowbridge township. He still retains fifty acres of this and has sold sixty acres to his son, who afterward disposed of the property and removed to Calhoun county. Mr. Almond has made the greater part of the improvements upon the property and it is now an excellent farm, equipped with many modern conveniences and accessories. His entire time and attention has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and in this work he has met with a gratifying measure of success. Mr. Almond was married in I856 to Miss Anna Bosfield, who was born in the vicinity of her husband's birthplace in Yorkshire, England. They were the parents of five sons and three daughters when they came to the new world. They traveled life's journey together for almost a half century and were separated by the death of the wife on the 22d of August, 1905, when she was seventy-six years of age. Their children were as follows: George, who is now proprietor of a jewelry store in Winnipeg, Canada; Fannie, the wife of Joseph Walker, of Trowbridge township; John, living in San Francisco, California; Sarah, the wife of Frank Sprague, who is connected with the postoffice in San Francisco; Fred, also living in that city; Martha, who died at the age of fifteen years; Samuel, a resident farmer of Calhoun county, Michigan, and Stead, who is a milkman of Battle Creek, Michigan. Mr. Almond gives his political allegiance to the Democracy and has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. For the past twenty years he has served as justice of the peace and his decisions have been strictly fair and impartial, as is indicated by his long continuance in office, which is also proof of the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He holds membership in the Baptist church at Allegan and for twenty years has served therein as deacon. His life is honorable and upright, his actions manly and sincere, and he deserves and receives the good will and confidence of all who know him. 484 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY STEPHEN ODELL is the owner of valuable farming interests in Allegan county and is one of the prominent and influential citizens who has been active in public life and has wielded a wide and beneficial influence in affairs relating to the county's progress and upbuilding. His life record began at Seneca Falls, in Seneca county, New York, April 30, 1835, his parents being Benajah W. and Caroline E. (Smith) Odell, natives of New York. The mother died in Ohio when her son Stephen was about thirteen years of age, and the father's death occurred in Allegan county when he was in his sixty-seventh year. By his first marriage he had seven children, and there were also seven of the second marriage. Stephen Odell was the second in order of birth. He had one brother, Charles Odell, who served in the Civil war, being a member of the Mechanics' and Engineers' Corps. When only about two years of age Stephen Odell accompanied his parents on their removal to Huron county, Ohio, the family home being established near Norwalk, where he remained until fourteen years of age, when the family home was established in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, Michigan. They settled upon a tract of wooded land near the center of the township in I849, and our subject has since resided in this township with the exception of a period of about four and a half years spent in the Civil war. In his younger days he worked in the woods felling trees, and also in the harvest fields swinging the cradle and raking and binding the grain, all of which work was done by hand. At the time of hostilities between the north and the south he espoused the Union cause and demonstrated his loyalty by enlisting on the 9th of October, I86I, as a member of Company A, Third Michigan Cavalry, under Colonel Kellogg, and later under Colonel Misner. He participated in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Corinth, luka, Pittsburg Landing, the Mississippi campaign to Island No. Io and other engagements. He aided in destroying the rolling stock of the railroad between Jackson and Corinth, a distance of five hundred miles, and for two months he was absent from his regiment on account of illness. On the expiration of his first term of service he veteranized in the same company and regiment and was stationed at San Antonio, Texas, after about nine months after the close of the war, after which he was mustered out at Jackson, Michigan, in March, I866. He returned to his home with a most creditable military record, having ever faithfully discharged the duties that devolved upon him whether in the active field of duty or on guard duty. When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Odell returned to Allegan county and resumed farming in Trowbridge township. At one time he spent five years in the village of Allegan in order to educate his children in the town schools, and while there residing conducted a feed business. For twenty-three years, however, he has resided on his present farm on section 20, Trowbridge township. The place comprises eighty acres on this section and also five acres on section 29, on which his dwelling stands. He had one hundred and sixty acres in this farm until he sold a part of it' to his son. He has owned a number of different farms in the township, buying and selling at different times and generally meeting with good profit in these ventures. In 1864 Mr. Odell was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Fairciild, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, June 6, 1842, and who died HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 485 in this county November 4, 1904. She came to Michigan with her widowed mother. She was a daughter of Asa and Elizabeth Fairchild, but her father passed away in the Buckeye state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Odell have been born nine children: Mayton V., of Trowbridge township;'Caroline E., the wife of John H. Wurtz, of Pennsylvania; Arthur, who is also living in Trowbridge township; Adelia, the wife of Clifford Russell, of the same township; Flora, at home; Ella Tyler, who died at the age of thirty-two years; John, of Trowbridge township; Nina V., the wife of Theodore Rueault, of New Mexico, and Ernest E., at home. In his political views Mr. Odell has been a life-long Republican since casting his first presidential ballot for John C. Fremont. He has voted for each candidate at the head of the ticket since that time and has served in various local offices. For three or four terms he was highway commissioner, was township treasurer for one term, and for several years has been school director. In his fraternal relations he is connected with C. J. Bassett Post, G. A. R., of Allegan, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades, delighting in the reminiscences of field and camp life. He is looked upon as one of the respected and substantial citizens of Trowbridge township, and has a good farm and home as the result of his enterprise and untiring labor in former years. He has now passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten and is respected by all who know him. JAMES JACKSON RUSSELL is numbered among those men of sterling worth whose activity and perseverance constitute the basis of their success, and upon these qualities he has builded his prosperity, becoming one of the substantial farmers of Trowbridge township, his home being on section 29. He was born in Potter, Yates county, New York, May 9, 184I, a son of John and Ruth Ann (Andrews) Russell. The father was born in the North of Ireland and was educated for the law. After coming to America he practiced for some time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His wife was born in Rhode Island, and both died before they were forty years of age. In 1844 they removed from Potter, New York, to Italy, Steuben county, that state, and afterward to Naples, New York. While living in the last mentioned place the death of the father occurred, and when nine years of age James J. Russell, of this review, came to Michigan, landing at New Baltimore in I852. He crossed Lake Erie on a vessel known as the Buckeye State. He made the journey alone in 1852, and later was joined by his widowed mother and her family, who arrived in the fall of the same year. She died in the village of New Baltimore the following year. In the family were five children, of whom James I.. of this review, is the eldest. The others are: Ruth Ann, a resident of Saybrook, Connectictlt; George M., who is engaged in the manufacture of cigars in Detroit; Spencer, who is interested in a water cure at Mount Clemens, and Henry E., who was a soldier of the Civil war. He enlisted from this state as a member of the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, and at the time of the assassination of Lincoln stood guard over the corpse of the martyred President. On the ist of May, 1873, Spencer B. Russell, a brother of Henry E. Russell, purchased the Mount Clemens Press, and Henry E. first became associated with his brother in the publication of the paper, the association being main 486 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY tained until i888. In September, 1895, Henry Russell established the Mount Clemens Advertiser, but afterward sold out. In 1889 he and W. J. Morris made the first experiment on a daily paper in Mount Clemens by beginning the issue of what was then called the Remny Leader and is now the Daily Leader. Mr. Russell retired from the business at a later date. In 1903 with several others he took up the Advertiser and issued a daily publication for some time. He was not only a practical printer, but was an editor and writer of superior ability. He was born in Yates county, New York, January i8, 1849, and died April 12, 1906. James Jackson Russell, whose name introduces this record, has been dependent upon his own resources from the early age of nine years. Coming alone to Michigan, as before stated, he worked in Macomb county upon a farm at four dollars per month and for two winters attended school in that county. In 1859 he came to Allegan county by boat, landing at the mouth of the Kalamazoo river. He spent the winter in that locality and went to work at a wage of thirteen dollars per month in the Dutcher lumber mill. He was employed there at different periods until he became head sawyer at a wage of four dollars per day. He sailed on the lakes in the summer and worked in the mills in the winter months, thus alternating for three or four years. He was married in 1863 and for two years afterward continued to work in the mill. In 1864 he came to Trowbridge township and purchased one hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, upon which he lived for a year. He then returned to the lumber woods in order to obtain ready money that might be used in carrying on his farmwork. He came to his present farm in 1873 and has resided here continuously since, having sixty-five acres of land which is pleasantly located on Lake Emerson and the Paw Paw road. About twenty acres were cleared when it came into his possession. He cleared the remainder, erected the buildings thereon and has transformed it into a rich and productive farm. The land was originally covered with fine black walnut and white wood timber. Emerson Lake is a fine summer resort, and in addition to cultivating his fields Mr. Russell conducts a boat livery and has a fine grove and picnic grounds upon his place. IHe also entertains summer boarders and this branch of his business is proving to him a gratifying source of income. On the ist of August, 1863, Mr. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Juliette Kent, who was born in South Hero, Vermont, August 8, 1842, and came to Watson, Michigan, when seven years of age, while two years later she removed to Allegan county in company with her parents, James WV. and Ann S. (Allen) Kent. Her father was a native of Plattsburg, New York, born February i6, 1814. He followed the blacksmith's trade from the age of nineteen years until his demise, which occurred January 26, 1885. His wife was born at Grand Isle, Vermont, March 13, i8io, and (lied in this county, October 25, 1869. She was a descendant of one of seven brothers of Scotch birth, who came to the United States in colonial days and was a relative of Colonel Ethan Allen, the distinguished leader of the Green Mountain boys in the Revolutionary war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kent were born seven children: Sylva, now deceased; Eunice; William, who died at the age of two years; Mrs. Russell; James W., of Allegan; Mrs. Amanda Gates, of Monterey, and David, of Trowbridge township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Russell has been blessed with four children: HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 487 Annie, who died at the age of one year; Eveline, who died when four years of age; Frank E., who is living in Almond, Michigan, and Myrtle M., the wife of Arthur Newton, of Trowbridge township. In his political affiliation Mr. Russell is a Republican and has served as drain commissioner for two years. His wife is a member of the Christian church and he assisted in building the house of worship and.contributes to the support of the church. Starting out in life empty-handed when but a lad of nine years, he has made steady progress toward the goal of prosperity and owes his success entirely to his own labors and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. The years brought him earnest, arduous labor, but he persevered in his undertakings, proved his ability and worth to, all by whom he was employed and gradually made advancement until he was enabled to purchase and improve a farm of his own. He now has a good property in Trowbridge township and is comfortably situated in life. SAMUEL GAGEN STOCKDALE, who for fifteen years has owned and operated the farm on which he now resides on section 9, Trowbridge township, has, during this period, converted it from a tract of wild land into fields of rich fertility and productiveness. He is a native son of England and came to Allegan county when eight years of age. He was born in Norfolk, England, November 6, I863, a son of Charles Stockdale, who was also born there. He came to Michigan with his family about 1871 and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Otsego township, together with a house and twelve acres of land near the Otsego school. He followed farming throughout his entire life. In his native country he had operated three hundred acres of rented land for a number of years and he brought with him to America about seventeen thousand dollars, which he had made from his farming interests in the old world. He lived only about three years after coming to this country and died at the age of fortyfive. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Gagen, and was a native of Norfolk, England, died at that place when her son Samuel was but six years of age. In the family were eight children: Elizabeth and Joseph, both deceased; Mrs. Lottie Welch, of Trowbridge township; Mrs. Rachel Hoyer, of the same township; Mrs. Mary Wade, of Grand Rapids; Samuel, Mrs. Rebecca Dwam, of Minnesota, and Charles, of this township. Samuel G. Stockdale, reared in England to the age of eight years, then accompanied his father to the new world and at his father's death came to Trowbridge township to live with William Hemmitt. After a few years he began working by the month as a farm hand and later went to Nebraska, where he spent six years on a cattle ranch, returning to Allegan county in r886. He then went to live on the old home place in Otsego township and fifteen years ago came to his present farm on section 9, Trowbridge township. It was mostly covered with stumps when he took it and today it is a well improved farm with good buildings and well tilled fields-visible proof of his life of activity and energy. Mr. Stockdale was married March 31, I888, to Jennie Fisher, who was born in Jackson county, Michigan, January 21, I866, a daughter of David and Olive (Van Nest) Fisher, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Hillsdale county, Michigan. Mr. Fisher died at Grand Rapids, 488 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Michigan, and his wife at Kalamazoo. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stockdale have been born five children: Flossie Olive, Mary, Joseph, Rachel and David, all yet at home. The parents are highly esteemed in the community where they reside and their friends are many. Mr. Stockdale votes with the Republican party and is a public-spirited citizen, interested in the general welfare to the. extent of giving helpful aid to many measures which have for their basic element the good of the community at large. CLYDE TOWNSHIP. E. P. JAMES, a well known and respected citizen of Fennville, is living a quiet and retired life in that place, after a career of usefulness and industry, the last twenty-eight years having been spent as a resident of Clyde township. Mr. James' birth occurred in I832, in Ohio, where he lived seven years, and the family then moved to Indiana, where he was reared and where he received his education. There he lived up to the time of his removal to Michigan, which happened in 1878. Preceding this date he was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Pratt, a native of Indiana, who was born there in January, I840. Out of a family of nine children they have but six remaining: Mary E., born in May, I863; Lulu, born in T866; Dolly B., March, 187I; Bell, January, 1874; John, October, I877, and Jesse, born in July, I88I. Our subject is a son of James R. and Livina (Ward) James, who were the parents of twelve children, three of whom are now living, namely, John, Benjamin and E. P. During the dark days of the Civil war our subject moved by a spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the flag of the Union, became a volunteer soldier in the Army of the North, enlisting February I6, 1864, as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and during his period of service participating in the following battles: Resaca, Altoona Pass, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, Burnt Hickory, Franklin, Nashville, and some minor engagements. He was overcome by the heat while in the army but was fortunate in returning to his home unwounded and without having at any time been taken prisoner. Mr. James had five brothers in the service of the north: Benjamin F., captain of Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Reuben, first lieutenant in Company G. of the same regiment; Zebedee, an orderly in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana; John, an orderly sergeant of Company H, same regiment, and Joseph, a musician. He had also two brothers-in-law and three nephews in the Federal army. His father, James R., was a soldier in the war of 18T2, and his grandfather, Zebedee, fought in the War of the Revolution. Such a war record is as remarkable as it is rare, and Mr. James may well be proud of his association with a family that has contributed so many men to their country's defense, to say nothing of his own military record, which ended with his honorable discharge in I865. During his residence on his farm in Clyde township, which consists of forty-eight acres of fine farming land, Mr. James has not been too busy to lend his aid and counsel to the public affairs which concern every com MR. AND MRS. E. P. JAMES - ~. I 11 - l-l --- HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 489 munity, and which many, through indifference, perhaps, so often neglect, and has served in the following public offices: As a member of the board of review, on which he served for seven years; postmaster for a term of two years; highway commissioner for one year, and as a school director. He now rents his farm, preferring to pass his remaining years quietly and leave to younger men the toil and competition which he so eagerly entered in his youth, but from which the limitations of advancing years now debar him. WILLIAM GREEN, who follows farming in Clyde township, is one of the pioneer settlers of Allegan county. He was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1831, where he resided until grown, following agriculture from his youth. In 1852 he moved to Indiana, where he resided until I862, enlisting on August 4th, of that year, as private in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was with Sherman's command on that historic March to the Sea, and in addition participated in the battles of Perryville, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Stone River, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, and numerous other engagements of minor importance, and was honorably discharged from the service on June 20, I865. Mr. Green moved to Michigan October 20, 1867, and located at Fennville, purchasing at the same time forty acres of unimproved land in Clyde township. This he put under cultivation as rapidly as possible, and built fine and commodious buildings. Later he saw the value of low or marsh land for the production of mint, and with this in view purchased eighty acres of ground, which he cleared and now devotes to the growth of this aromatic herb. Our subject was married to Miss Maria Richmond, to whom five children were born: Lydia E., Louisa A., William C. (deceased), Benjamin (deceased), and Leonard H. As would be naturally expected from one who served so long in the Union army, Mr. Green is vitally interested in the Grand Army of the Republic, and holds his membership in Jacob G. Fry Post No. 46. ERASMUS JOHNSON, of Clyde township, whose postoffice is on rural free delivery route No. 3 from Fennville, can point with pride to twenty-six years of continuous residence in Allegan county. He is a native of Denmark, his birth occurring in that country in I86I. His parents were Nels and Marie Jansen, both Danes, whose family consisted of seven children, three of whom emigrated to America, viz.: Andrew, James (deceased), and Erasmus. When Erasmus Johnson first came to this country he purchased twenty acres of land, which he immediately set about to improve, building a house and the necessary outbuildings. Here he resided until 1896, when he bought his present property, consisting of ninety acres of valuable farming land, devoted to general produce and peppermint. In 1904 he built a fine modern house upon his property, with barns and other buildings in keeping, and equipped with all the latest improvements available, making the farm a particularly desirable place of residence. He has a select herd of cattle besides his horses, which are all fine draught animals. Our subject was married in I886 to Miss Maren Larsen, who was also born in Denmark on the i2th of June, I866, and who emigrated to the 490 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY United States in 1884. They have two children, Louis N. and Kate E. Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. In affairs which concern the public weal he is always vitally interested, and is a loyal and respected citizen of his community. H. O. PETERSON, like many another of our industrious farmers throughout the middle west, is a native of Sweden, his birth occurring in that country on June I6, I844. He is a son of John and Ann Peterson, both Swedish, whose family consisted of seven children, three of whom came to the United States. Of the three who came to this country our subject is the sole survivor. He arrived in America in I865, stopping at Chicago for several years, but subsequently moving to Saugatuck, Michigan, and in 1873 purchasing his present property in Clyde township. This property is now a well cultivated and productive farm of forty-four acres, devoted to general farming and fruit raising. When Mr. Peterson purchased this land it was unimproved, and his constant effort has been to make it one of the best farms for its size that thought and labor could produce. One has but to look at the modern and convenient buildings, the well-kept fruit orchards and the general thrifty appearance of everything connected with the place to see how far he has succeeded in his desires. He has planted with his own hands about one thousand peach, plum, pear and cherry trees, to say nothing of a thousand or more currant bushes, and everything on the farm receives his personal attention in so far as time permits. In 1873 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Susan Judy. Their children were eight in number, of whom seven are still living, the following being the order of their birth: Anna, wife of W. Bebee; Willis H, Mabel, now Mrs. Richards; Edith, wife of S. Purdy; Rose, Mary and Cecil. FRED T. RASMUSSEN, in common with many of the successful farmers and business men of Allegan county, is a son of Denmark, in which country he was born in 1872. His parents, Haus and Metta Rasmussen, both natives of Denmark, were the parents of five children, four of whom came to the United States, viz.: Carl, James, Fred T. and Peter C. All of these have become citizens of this country. Mr. Rasmussen emigrated to and settled in Clyde township in I895, and has since remained there, purchasing in 1898 a farm of sixty acres of farming land formerly the property of James Johnson, deceased. This farm is devoted to general produce. Our subject is at present a director of the Pearl Creamery, located at Pearl, in this same county, and which is doing a thriving business, with fine prospects for the future. In I898 Mr. Rasmussen was married to the widow of James Johnson, who had by her former marriage five children: Nelsie H., Marie F., Andrew, Arthur and Jennie M. Since becoming the wife of Mr. Rasmussen there have been born to her two children, of whom one, Raymond L., is living. GEORGE W. PERHAM, a progressive farmer of Clyde township, in which he owns three hundred acres of valuable and productive land, was born in Vermont in 1858 and resided there until in 1878, when he moved to Michigan and took up his abode at Pearl, in Allegan county. He is a son of MR. AND MRS. H. O. PETERSON I ANDERS ANDERSEN HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 491 Joseph and Rhoda (Hewey) Perham, and is one of a family of twelve children, eight of whom lived to reach maturity. Three of that number are now living: Mary, Joseph and George W., although the latter is the only one of the three resident in Michigan. One of the brothers, Henry, was in the Civil war as a member of a Vermont regiment, and died while in the service. A brother-in-law, Daniel W., was also in the Federal army during that war. While still a resident of Vermont, Mr. Perham was married to Miss Elma M., the daughter of Franklin and Elizabeth (Pulsipher) Severens and sister of Judge Severens, of that state. One child has been born to them, a daughter named Carrie E., now the wife of Ralph N. Leverich and the mother of two children: Leon and Inez. The farm on which Mr. Perham now resides has been in his possession about eight years. He is extensively engaged in mint culture, devoting one hundred acres to the growing of that herb. In addition he also owns and operates a distillery, in which he distills his own peppermint and that of his neighbors, finding it more satisfactory and lucrative to prepare the essential oil for the market than to sell the dry herb. All the buildings on the farm were built by the present owner and are of modern construction and of neat appearance. Our subject is connected by membership with Saint John's Lodge, No. 41, of the Masonic Order of the State of Vermont, and is a respected and creditable member of the same. ANDERS ANDERSESN, who farms within the bounds of rural free delivery route No. 3, of Fennville, Clyde township, became owner of his present property, "Maple Hill Farm," in I906. Mr. Andersen was born in Denmark, in December, I86I, and is the son of Soren and Kirsten Andersen, natives of Denmark, who were the parents of five children, two of whom emigrated to the United States. Our subject came in I883 and located in Chicago, where he remained up until the present year, I906. He was engaged in a number of pursuits while residing in that city, working in a soap factory for three years, being an employe of the street railway company for three years and being in business for himself for seventeen years as a retail milk dealer, earning thereby more than enough to purchase his present farm. Like so many of his countrymen who have come to America, Mr. Andersen is a loyal and faithful citizen of the country of his adoption. In 1890 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Annie Catherine Jorgenson, who was born in Denmark in January, 1865, and emigrated to America in 1882. They have one child, a daughter, Alice C., who was born in I89I. Mr. Andersen is a member of the Danes Brotherhood and the Tribe of Ben Hur, and was for a number of years a member of the Milk Dealers' Association, of Chicago, of which body he was secretary. Mr. Andersen's residence in the United States has been one of thrift, hard work and capacity, and his friends bespeak for him a still greater success in his new field of labor. WILLIAM WALTERS, of Clyde township, who owns an attractive farm of thirty-five acres on the south shore of Hutchins Lake, and known as the 492 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY "Rose Ridge Farm." was born in Rochester, New York, and came to Michigan when but four years old. His parents were David and Caroline (Junke) Walters, both of German birth, who came to this country in 1849. They were both passengers on the same vessel and became man and wife after reaching America. In 1854 they came to Michigan and located in Clyde township on August 4th, purchasing eighty acres of land in sections 7 and 8 of that township. David Walters was a man well known and highly respected by all who knew him. In politics he was a Democrat and was elected to the office of township clerk in a strong Republican township, which office he held for eighteen years. He died in 1890, his wife following him in I899. They were the parents of six children, all living, who were born in the following order: William; Lissetta, now the wife of Horace Hutchins; Charles F., now a resident of Montana; Carrie, who became the wife of James Palmer, of Spokane, Washington; Henry J., and Julius D., at present living in Deer Park, Washington. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of shoemaker when a young man and followed the trade successfully in Fennville for thirty-six years. In I899 he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and is now engaged in fruit farming. The farm on which he now lives has been his property since I876 and is planted to a diversity of fruits, all in fine condition, in addition to three acres on which he raises peppermint. In 1871 he was married to Alpha, daughter of Newton and Harriet Arnold, and of this union were born three children, the following being the order in which they were born: Carl J; Rose, now wife of John H. White, and "Babe." Mr. Walters is a loyal member of the Democratic party and has been honored with numerous public offices, among them that of drain commissioner for a term of two years, dog warden for two years and marshal of Fennville for the same length of time. WILLIAM H. SILCOX.-Perhaps no man in Clyde township has done more for the improvement of his neighborhood than William H. Silcox. He is a man of large experience and a close student of men and affairs, and his influence in his community has done much to bring it into the prosperity which now obtains there. Mr. Silcox is a native of Ohio, having been born there October 30, I849, receiving his early training and schooling in that state. He is a son of William and Mahala Betraum Silcox, whose family comprised eleven children, three of whom moved to Michigan. Our subject, however, and John, a manufacturer of Detroit, are the only ones that remained in the state. In 1859 William Williams and James Reed took up one hundred and sixty acres each in Clyde township, being among the first white men to become land proprietors in that township. Thev did not, however, become residents of the state. In 1865 a brother of our subject came to Michigan and purchased the Reed one hundred and sixty acres, but after remaining a couple of years sold out and moved back to Ohio. In I868 William H. Silcox moved to Clyde township and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and in 1874 purchased and occupied his present farm, which consists of three hundred acres of the best farming land in the county. Of this farm seventy acres are planted to pepper :77 MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM H. SILCOX I I MR. ANI) MRS. PETER C. RASMUSSEN ANI SON HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 493 mint, and beside this mint culture-which is extensive and lucrative-Mr. Silcox deals in general produce and maintains a dairy of twenty-five head of fine cattle. His marriage took place to Estella V., daughter of Joshua and Nancy Calvin, of Ohio, who has borne him eight children: Calvin, who married Miss Susie Perry; Geraldine, now the wife of R. Clum; Effie; May; Belle, wife of B. Holton; Burr, Kate and Iva. Mr. Silcox has held the following public offices: Justice of the peace,,ommissioner of highways, moderator of the school board, of which he has been a member for a number of years, and assessor, in which capacity he has served for the past twenty years. In a social way he holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which organization he is a worthy and respected member. PETER C. RASMUSSEN, who is a respected farmer of Clyde township, was born in Denmark in 1869 and emigrated to this country in I889. His parents, Hans and Katherine Rasmussen, both natives of Denmark, are the parents of five children, four of whom came to the United States, viz.: Carl, James, Fredrick and Peter. These brothers are all loyal citizens of the country of their adoption and enjoy the confidence and respect of their fellow citizens in their several communities. Our subject returned to his former home in Denmark in I891 and while there married Miss Hannah Nelson, who returned with him to be mistress of his new home in Michigan. Three children were born to them, two of whom are living-W. C. and Leonard T. Mr. Rasmussen has resided on his present farm since 1898, at which time he purchased the property of John Vanderburg. At that time the farm comprised eighty acres, but twenty have since been disposed of. The property is a particularly desirable one, and the manner in which it is kept up and the modern and convenient buildings which grace it show Mr. Rasmussen to be a man of taste and progressive ideas. The Publishers, in acknowledging their indebtedness to the Editor, Dr. Thomas, whose interest in every department of the undertaking and influence directed toward the securing of proper material insure to the public the value of this volume as a history of the county, take this opportunity in the closing pages to give a brief sketch of his life and career. Dr. Thomas' father was Rev. David Thomas, a pioneer Methodist minister in the Michigan conference. For a number of years following the early settlement of this portion of the state he rode his circuit from place to place, preaching the gospel almost in the wilderness, keeping the spiritual truths alive in the midst of the hardness and prosaic actuality of pioneer existence. He exercised much influence over the Indian population that remained here after the general removal of the tribes to the west, and after his home was moved to Allegan Dr. Thomas often entertained in his house the dusky friends of his father, whose kindly work among them they never forgot. Born in Jackson county, Michigan, December 17, I843, Mr. Thomas entered Albion College at the age of sixteen, and two years later interrupted his schooling to go to the war. Enlisting in the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, he saw service at the battle of Gettysburg, in Gen. Kilpatrick's raid on 494 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Richmond, in the battle of the Wilderness under Sheridan and his raid on Richmond, and in the Shenandoah Valley campaign, in the siege of Petersburg, and at the close of the war continued with his command during the summer of I865 in the Indian and frontier service. He was promoted to rank of second lieutenant in 1864. Graduating from the medical department of the University of Michigan in i868, after a year's practice at Constantine, this state, he located in Allegan. It will be remembered that the railroad came to Allegan in that year, that the lumber industry was still a flourishing business, that population was increasing more rapidly than at any time before or since, and that prospects in every direction were exceedingly bright. Allegan was already the county seat of a large county; it was at the head of navigation on the Kalamazoo, and far enough from Grand Rapids to become an independent city. These prospective advantages appealed to Dr. Thomas, as to many others, and he entered upon professional and business connections that have been almost unbroken for nearly forty years. He has been in active practice except during his terms in the legislature during the seventies and his two terms in Congress during the fifty-fourth and fifty-fifth sessions, though for the past ten years he has attended to only such professional business as came to him. In January, I907, in recognition of his splendid public record, Dr. Thomas was appointed surgeon of the Soldiers' Home at Grand Rapids, to succeed Dr. H. W. Mills. This position carries with it the military rank of major. Dr. Thomas will have entire charge of the medical department of the home, supervising the physicians connected with the Home,. Though retaining his property interests in Allegan, Dr. Thomas takes up his residence at Grand Rapids on January I5th. Dr. Thomas has been identified with Allegan county in many ways. For many years he has been one of the leading physicians in practice and also taking part in the work of the fraternity in general. His business activities have led him into extensive real estate investments and also various enterprises at Allegan. He is now president of the Allegan Creamery Co. and has done much to promote the dairy interests of the county, besides lending his influence to the improvement of general agriculture. Politically he has been a factor in Allegan county and western Michigan for over thirty years, and to a greater degree than many has kept pace with the progressive spirit of politics and governmental policies in state and national affairs. CHAPTER VI. AGRICULTURAL AND KINDRED INTERESTS. Of the pursuit of the basic art of farming during the early history of the county, much has been said on previous pages. Farming, as we know, was not the first occupation that chiefly engaged the pioneer settlers. Milling, river traffic and the promotion of manufacturing enterprises engaged the attention of such men as Hull Sherwood, W. G. Butler, the Fosters, Elys and others, though in each case the tilling of the soil formed a minor part of the pioneer labor. Allegan county has been the arena of several important industries. Until the middle seventies lumbering took precedence over all other. On fertile Gun Plains farming from the first was a profitable pursuit, and it gradually occupied the region cleared of the timber. Hundreds of persons came to the county as laborers in clearing off the timber, which was made up for various uses-lumber, railroad ties, telegraph poles, etc. After the railroad came there was a steady demand for wood as fuel-wood being used instead of coal at that time-and this also afforded a remunerative occupation. Many of the prosperous residents of the county at this time, persons owning comfortable homes and well tilled acres, came to the county in the first instance to engage in the more or less temporary occupations mentioned above. The work of clearing and preparing the land for cultivation is still going on. The large timber is nearly all gone, burned off in the forest fires of 1871 or cut away by lumbermen, but the smaller growth and the stumps remained to hinder agriculture. Some forty or fifty years ago some one introduced a very practical kind of stump-puller-a sort of derrick and corkscrew affair which worked by a couple of men and a team of horses has a wonderful power of drawing the immense stumps that cumber the land. One of these stump-pullers has been in constant use in the county for thirty or forty years. In many parts of the county clumsy but picturesque fences have been made with these stumps, and while perhaps not so lasting they are as truly characteristic and practical as the famous stone fences of the eastern states. All this vast labor has been necessary to render Allegan county an agricultural district. But not less important than the clearing of the forests has been the draining of the surface. Drainage, both natural and artificial, has been a matter of foremost importance from early settlement to the present time. Many lakes on the surface of the county indicate that natural 495 ' 496 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY drainage is defective, although Allegan county, with the Kalamazoo and various smaller streams, is much better off in this respect than some other counties.. 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. The lands along Gun river in southeastern Allegan were notable for their marsh hay, and for years the attention of the drainage authorities has been directed to this portion of the county. Now these same places are the sites of some of the most productive, valuable and healthful farmsteads in the county. Not alone the system of ditching, under individual and county enterprise, has been responsible 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, and these were the first important agencies in removing the excess moisture and making the land more habitable as well as arable. The first acts of the legislature with reference to drainage were passed in 1846. For ten years all the public drainage undertaken was under the direction of township authorities. In 1857 the board of supervisors were given power to appoint three commissioners to construct and maintain drains. This act was amended at different times. In I88I it was provided that one drain commissioner might be appointed in each county, to hold office two years, and in I897 the office of drain 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, I898. 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 to the public health, convenience and welfare." In other words, the increased value of lands and the benefits to private individuals are only incidental. In the records of the supervisors perhaps as much space is taken up by drainage affairs as any other one subject. Every township in the county has benefited in the work. Mr. Elmer E. Gable, the present drain commissioner, is a practical man from the western side of the county, and during his incumbency has redeemed many thousands of acres for the uses of agriculture. 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. Not alone has the farming area been extended, but farming methods HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 497 have undergone change. 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 difference 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 forty years ago. The progressive farmer no longer depends on transient labor. Not 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. 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 on his own land. One of the 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 fodder during the winter season. One of the first things to catch the attention on many farms in the county is the silo plant, and often there are several of them. In these large cylindrical, air-tight tanks, built of "silo lumber," and some of the recent ones of cement, the nearly matured corn, stalk and all, after being cut up by a 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 surface, 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. In i88o there were only 8o silos in the entire country. It is probable that any agricultural county of Michigan could showv a greater number than that at this time. The silo is especially valuable to the dairy industry. Dairying, though well suited to Allegan county's soil and natural advantages, has advanced to an important place among the productive industries only during the last few years. Furthermore, the Michigan Dairy and Food Department is a recent institution, a product of Governor Warner's administration, and only two years old. The information collected by this valuable department of the state service unfortunately does not render a comparative statement of progress possible. However, the commissioner, A. C. Bird, has furnished the following figures, which are of interest and show the dairy products of the county for two years, though not complete because some of the factories did not report their output. The following creameries, skimming stations and cheese factories received for the year ending December 31, 1904, 30,074,565 pounds milk and 78,666 pounds cream, and manufactured 1,558,2i6 pounds butter and 202,622 pounds cheese: 49S HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Wayland Creamery. Hilliards Creamery. Overisel Creamery. Bentheim Creamery. Hopkins Creamery. Monterey Skimming Station. Kellogg Creamery. Plainwell Creamery. Dorr Creamery. Springdale Cheese Factory. Riverside Cheese Factory. East Saugatuck Creamery. Daisy Creamery, Graafschap. Salem Butter and Cheese Company. Martin Creamery. Otsego Creamery. Merson Skimming Station. The following named plants in Allegan county, although registering, did not report amount of business done: Fillmore Center Creamery. Moline Skimming Station, belonging Pearle Creamery. to Sanitary Milk Company. Rudell Skimming Station at Bradley.Allegan Creamery and Cold Storage. The following creameries, skimming stations and cheese factories received for the year ending December 31, I905, 45,I24,923 pounds milk, 141,586 pounds cream, and manufactured 1,961,397 pounds butter and Io6,833 pounds cheese: Dorr Creamery. Kellogg Creamery. Hilliards Creamery. Overisel Creamery. Wayland Creamery. Bentheim Creamery. Merson Skimming Station. Fillmore Center Creamery. Plainwell Creamery. TWast Saugatuck Creamery. Hopkins Creamery. Salem Butter and Cheese Company. Miner Lake Skimming Station. Daisy Creamery Company. Monterey Skimming Station. Allegan Creamery. Otsego Creamery. G -"icora Creamery. Springdale Cheese Factory. Hamilton Skimming Station. The following named plants in Allegan county, although registered, did not report amount of business done: Hopkins Cheese Factory. Rudell Skimming Station, Bradley. Pearle Creamery. Martin Skimming Station. HORTICULTURE. In 1850 the value of orchard products in Allegan county was $2,582. This little item in the county's economy indicates a beginning point in an industry that has since attained to remarkable proportions. Allegan county is a part of the "Michigan Fruit Belt," extending along the lake from Berrien county on the south to Oceana on the north. Some of the pioneers brought seeds or roots of several kinds of fruit along with them to the county. Various persons have claimed the honor of raising the first peaches, apples or other fruit. It is a tradition that the Indian traders or perhaps the Indians themselves had a peach orchard near Saugatuck before the coming of the settlers. But the fruit that was raised during the first twenty years was not a large source of profit and was almost entirely for home use. But it was early recognized that the soil and climate were admirably adapted to fruit culture, and as soon as the pioneer period was over attention was directed to this industry. DURING THE PEACH-PACKING SEASON ON J. K. BARDEN'S FARM, CASCO TOWNSHIP IN H. C. BARDEN'S PEACH ORCHARD, CASCO TOWNSHIP HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 499 Especially in the western townships, after their area was denuded of the forests, was horticulture encouraged. Unfortunately, statistics for individual townships are lacking, but it is true that the greater proportion of the fruit-raising interests are in two western ranges of the county. Saugatuck, Douglas, Fennville, Glenn and several smaller places in Casco and Ganges, besides South Haven just across the county line, are all busy fruit-shipping centers. For a more detailed account of the fruit industry at these points and some mention of persons prominently engaged in the business, the reader is referred to the histories of those centers in a previous chapter. The most graphic account of the fruit industry in the county is found in the following figures of production for three decades. The corresponding items for the adjacent counties of Van. Buren and Ottawa are appended for suggestive comparisons: ---— APPLES. --- —Census. Counties. Acres. Bushels. Value. 18841 [10,701 112,706 1894 Allegan.................... 10,602 48,977.... 1.904'j 9,213 1,208,949 $294,845 18841 4,975 60,950...... 1894 Ottawa................... 5,260 35.247 1904 J 5,395 335,767 91,617 18841 10,997 140,778...... 1894 Van Buren............... 9,983 32,078.... 1904J 8,362 814,190 176,581 Census. Counties. 18841 1894 Allegan................... 1904 J 18841 1894 Ottawa............... 1904 j 18841 1894 Van Buren................ 1904 j Census. Counties. 18841 1894 Allegan.................. 19041 18841 1894 Ottawa.................. 1904 18841 1894 Van Buren............... 1904J I r --- RASPBERRIES. --- —-% Acres. Bushels. Value. 161 4,590 $ 8,339 525 12,723 27,264 480 6,982 12,319 r --- —--— PEAR S. --- —--- Acres. Bushels. Value. 800 6,072...... 1,412 42,676 $31,121 190 987...... 203 5,937 4,405 707 04,103 884 18,548 15,402. --- — PEACHES. --- — Acres. Bushels. Value. 8,367 172.849 $346,677 13,112 685,698...... 12,067 463,811 397,099 984 8,836 67,960 1,507 23,213 3.259 49,570 46.204 2,181 13,555 104,393 3,588 76,727 12,745 177,411 156,864 f —BLACKBERRIES. --- —----- Acres. Bushels. Value. 'i '5,744 $ 9,100 77 3,505 6,206 ii6 4,24 7,497 r ---- PLUiMS. --- —-- Acres. Bushels. Value. '804 16,334 $16,310 255 6,506 4,787 508 5,775 6,147 -— GOOSEBERRIES. --- —Acres. Bushels. Value. 37 1,432 $2,036 2 44 63 52 2,666000 3,054 f --- —CURRANTS. ---Census. Counties. Acres. Bushels. Value. 18841.......... 1894 Allegan.................. 1904 j 220 8,536 $14,298 18841....f 1894 b Ottawa..................... 1904, 12 162 316 18841 r................ 1894 Van Buren............... 1904J 100 3 4,892 r --- — CHERRIES.' ----S ---— STRAWBERRIES. --- — Census. Counties. Acres. Bushels. Value. Acres. Bushels. Value. 18841 F....... 1894 Allegan....70.566.... 1884 Allegan........................ I904' I 536 7,189 $13,023 700 45,626 $65,962 1894 Ottawa.................... 1904 J 1 92 767 1,450 414 16,508 30,476 18841 F........................... 1894 FVan Buren........................... 1904J 711 4,145 7,342 1,170 49,874 63635 500 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY F-OTHER SMALL FUIT. — f — -— GRAPES. --- —-- Census. Counties. Acres. Bushels. Value. Acres. Pounds. Wine, Gals. 18841........ 216 51,151 180 1894 tAllegan.................. 383 756,759...... 1904J j 51 2,203 $3,077 279 716,693 *$9,714 1884........... 158 129,367 450 1894 Ottawa......................... 318 1,159,578...... 1904 J 1 70 150 339 1,044,633 *$13,709 1884........... 260 135,791 15 1894 kVan Buren.................. 1,821 3,273,939...... 1904 136 1,755 4,454 12,131 13,461,546 *$209,393 * Value. It is noteworthy that, so far as the figures for the census years given are to be relied upon, the acreage and fruit production of the county have not increased during the last ten years. Allegan county began raising fruit in quantities for commerce about I870. In fifteen years the fruit business had been developed almost as far as at present with regard to acreage and yield. It appears that other forms of productive farming are encroaching somewhat on the fruit business. In the northwest part of the county a large acreage is devoted, especially by the Holland population, to the production of sugar beets. A large sugar factory in Holland consumes all the yield of this section. Another product that has been profitably cultivated is peppermint, though not to the extent found in other southwest Michigan counties. Undoubtedly this diversification of farming, which is one of the modern progressive tendencies, has reacted against some of the staple crops, both of cereals and fruits, and the farmer of to-day, in order not to "put all his eggs in one basket," gives attention to various crops. With regard to the present outlook for the fruit business, an address by H. G. Welch of Douglas at the recent meeting of the State Horticultural Society did not indicate a very promising future, as he said that owing to the combined effect of frosts and freezing, yellows, "little peach," and San Jose scale, many of the peach-growers are going out of the fruit business. If this continues for the next five years as in the past, the acreage of orchards in Michigan will be greatly reduced. The trouble is largely due to the neglect of the owners, who, leave the trees without cultivation and do nothing to replace the plant food. At present it would be better for the owners if one-half of the peach orchards were dug out. While San Jose scale and yellows can be readily detected in orchards, it is extremely difficult to detect the presence of "little peach," especially in orchards that are neglected, and hence this disease is more difficult to handle. The future is bright for those who cultivate, prune, and spray their orchards, and if the fruit is carefully graded and honestly packed even better prices can be expected than in the past. In some sections where peach trees are being taken out the land will be reset with apples. The Saugatuck and Ganges Pomological Society, organized in Douglas in September, 187I, was first known as the Lake Shore Agricultural and Pomological Society, its scope of work and influence embracing the entire western half of Allegan county. It is significant of the increasing prominence of fruit raising in the county that in I877 it was decided to drop the name Agricultural and also to confine the society's interest, in the main, to Saugatuck and Ganges townships. A quotation from this resolution in 1877 has direct bearing on the growth of the fruit business during the HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 501 early years of the seventies, namely: "Since the organization, seven years ago, the production has increased from not enough to supply home consumption to over Ioo,ooo bushels for shipment from the towns of Saugatuck and Ganges alone, and only a small proportion of the trees in full bearing." The production of peaches in I906 was over one million bushels, besides a large amount of other fruits. The first president of the society was D. W. Wiley, who has been prominently identified with the fruit interests of this section of the county for over a third of a century and is the present incumbent of the office of president of the society. Other well known farmers and fruit growers were among the first officers, namely: J. J. Holmes, S. R. Lewis, James McCormick, B. F. Dressier, R. C. Eaton, R. B. Newnham, C. A. Ensign, E. W. Perry, J. S. Owen, H. H. Goodrich, J. P. Leland, Alexander Hamilton, J. F. Taylor, Thomas Gray, Daniel Gerber, Levi Loomis, H. L. House, D. C. Putnam. Besides Mr. Wiley those who have been longest and most directly concerned in the society's work have been: Will Dunn, J. P. Wade, P. Purdy, Robert Reid, Sr., Thomas Gray, and Levi Loomis. The present most active members are Ed. Hawley, Edward Huchins, R. Bennett, John Crane, C. E. Bassett, H. H. Goodrich, C. B. Welch and H. G. Welch. The present officers of the society are: D. W. Wiley, president; C. B. Welch, secretary, and H. G. Welch, treasurer. CHAPTER VII. MANUFACTURING. In the summer of 1905 Allegan county was visited by the state factory inspector, and his report on the establishments of the county furnishes the latest official statistics of manufacturing. The number of factories inspected was 89 and the total number of employes I,067. These were distributed according to villages as follows: No. Factories. No. Employes. Allegan......................... 25 214 Douglas......................... I 128 Fennville....................... 2 9 Otsego.......................... 9 468 Plainwell....................... I4 99 Wayland........................ 5 26 The details of the report showing name of factory or firm at the time of inspection, the location, kind of output and the date of establishment are given below: Goods manufactured Year esName of factory or firm. Location. or handled. tablished. Allegan Lt. & Power Co................. Allegan..........Electricity............ 1886 " Foundry & Mach. Co......................Plows................ 1899 " Creamery Co.............................Butter............... 1896 News................................... Printed matter........ 1899 Gazette.................................... 1882 Baines & Masier Cabinet Co......................Kitchen cabinets...... 1904 Baker & Co......................................Furniture............ 1895 Born, W. G............................ ".......... Farm wagons.......... 1900 Bensley, Edward................................. Monuments........... 1868 Carl Cigar Co....................................Cigars.............. 1903 City Water Works.............. W..........ater................ 1871 Dayton Folding Box Co........................... Corrugated paper........ Fairfield & Kolvoord............................. lour........1847 Guard, S. O...................................... "........ 1891 Grigsby & Stratton.............................Grain........... 1903 Koons, A....................................... W agons.............. 1879 M orse, C. J..................................... Cigars............... 1905 Oliver Co.............................. ".........W riting desks......... 1855 Perrigo, L. Co...................................Extracts.............. 1888 Pullen, W. S....................................Lumber.............. 1903 Rowe Bros. Manufacturing Co............ "......... Wood carving.......... 1904 Seery, A. B...................................... Interior finish......... 1894 The Allegan Press................................ Printed matter........ 1902 The Farmer Milling Co................. "......... Flour................ 1903 Wright, S. R.................................L. aundry work........ 1890 Young & Stratton Bros............................ Flour................ 1897 Bentheim Creamery Co.................. Bentheim....B....Butter............... 1899 Henderson & Sons...................... Bradley......... Grain............... 1883 Rudell Creamery Co..................... "....... Skimming slation...... 1894 502 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 503 Heck, George.......................... Burnips Corners.... Flour................ 1867 Salem Creamery Co..................... B.... Butter................... Dorr Creamery Co..................... Dorr............. ".............. 1895 Gray, M. F........................................Flour and feed........ 1904 Weed, E. E. & Co.......................Douglas..........Fruit packages........ 1876 Cooper, W. H......................... Diamond Springs... mber.............. 1894 Loker, (. J. & Co...................... Saugatuck...... utter............... Fennville Roller Mills................... Fennville......... Flour............... 1886 " Herald........................'......... ' rinted matter....... 1892 Fillmore Center Creamery Co.............Fillmore.........Butter............... 1904 Daisey Creamery Co.....................Graafschap..................... 1897 Allegan Creamery Co................... Hamilton.........Skimming station...... 1902 Brink & liagelskamp Co...........................Building material...... 1880 Hope Roller Mills.............................. lor................ 1903 Kolvoord. John................................. lour and lumber...... 1893 Palmer, M. W......................... "......... Machine repairs........ 1902 Zeeland Brick (o.............. "......... Brick................ 1883 The Hilliards Creamery Co.............. illiards.........Skimming station...... 1903 D)eal, Joseph........................... Hooper..... Staves............... 1888 Buskirk, Mrs. Ida....................... Hopkins Station... Cheese.............. 1889 HIicks,. W......................................... 1875 Hopkins Creamery Co................... B.utter...... 1902 loeweke,...... Grain................ 1900 W alters,............................... Lumber.............. 1894 Martin Creamery Co.................... Martin...........Butter............... 1899 Redpath & Campbell............................. Grain.......... 1870 Gray. Milo F......................... Moline...........Flour............ 1895 Moline Creamery Co..................... Skimming station...... 1902 Strout, H. H.o.......... nte.........r.... 1903 Bardeen Paper Co.................. O. tsego Paper................ 1887 Henry Homer................................. aundry work......... 1903 HToag. P. G....................................... Flour................ 1866 Otsego Chair Co................................... hairs...... 1890 Cream ery Co................................ tter............... 1902 " Water Works................................. ater................ 1888 Siple. G. I............................. Grain................ 1890 The Eady Shoe Co.............................. Children's shoes.....1903 The Otsego Union........................P.....P rinted matter....... 1875 TIoffman & Son.........................Overisel..........Ground feed........... 1902 Overisel Creamery Co................. Butter............... 1896 Brownell, I. I........................ Plainwell.........Planing mill.......... 1863 Electric Co..................... Electricity........... 1895 ('hambers. S..W................................P.rinted matter........ 19(00 City Water Works............................. ater. 1890 Eesley. J.. & Co.............................. Flour and grain...... 1887 Estes. W.................................. Cigars............... 1903 Hlarwood, F. A........................... Produce........... 1890 Michigan Paper Co......................,........ ook paper........... 1887 M iddaugh, 0..................................... Ci ars............... 190 Plainwell Creamery Co...................... Putter............... 1893 Shailes. B. C............................. 1850 Stout.. A............... 1870 Sfout. J. A............................ "................ 1870 The Plainwell News.................... Printed matter....... 1899 Enterprise............... '........ 1885 Commonwealth Power Co.......................o bridge Electricity............ 1903...................... 1898 Henderson &: Sons....................Waylan.........Flour.................. Powell.. E...................................Lumbe..............1880 The Saturday Globe.............................Printed matter....... 1884 Wavland Creamery Co...........................Butter......... 1898 W albeacht & Pickett............................. Feed................. 1904 In 1900 there were 234 establishments in Allegan county classed under the head of manufacturing. The total of capital was $1,348,336, the average number of wage-earning employes was I,o66, representing about 3 per cent of the population, and their earning capacity was measured bv the sum of $445,9T4. These plants produced articles valued at $1,862,480. PAPER MANUFACTURE. Of the thirty-one paper and pulp mills in Michioan three are located in Allegan county, one of them being among the largest in productive capacity. Mr. George E. Bardeen, one of the leading manufacturers in Michigan, who is at the head of the plant at Otsego, recently contributed 504 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY an article on the progress of paper manufacture during the past thirty-five years, and the following extracts will be pertinent to this history: "In 1870 there were very few mills in this state, all having a daily capacity for production: Soda pulp, 24,000 pounds; ground wood pulp, 40,000 pounds; book, writing and print paper, I9,000 pounds; wrapping paper and boards, 27,ooo, a total of II0,000 pounds. At the present time we have about 33 mills in this state with a capacity for the daily production of rag, wrapping and boards of 54I,000 pounds; fibers and news, 547,000 pounds; book and writing, 704,000 pounds; ground wood pulp, I39,000 pounds; sulphite pulp, 466,000 pounds, a total of 2,397,000 pounds, showing an increase of over 2,000 per cent since I870. "Statistics show that in 1870 Michigan stood number twelve in the state list of mills in the United States, and in 1905 it stood number seven in the list of mills, the increase meaning more than the actual figures represent. In 1870 Michigan stood number fifteen in the list of tonnage and in I905 it stood number five in this list, and, too, during this period the two mills making soda in the state have discontinued, so that no soda wood is produced within the confines of the state. In the meanwhile the production of all other grades has increased many fold. It is a matter of interest that in 1870 a rag news paper was considered the best news paper produced and sold at 14 cents per pound. The same paper today sells for 1.85 to 3 cents per pound. "In 1870 the products of mills in Michigan were mostly marketed within our state and Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Today they are shipped to almost every country on the globe, and while the production of rag paper has increased very materially, the great increased production is due to the use of sulphite and ground wood pulps. "The book paper industry was started by L. A. Barnes at the Peninsular Paper Company, Ypsilanti, in the early '6os. The Kalamazoo Paper Company was started in Kalamazoo in 1867, B. F. Lyon being the first superintendent. In March, 1870, he was succeeded by S. A. Gibson. The product was high grade rag news. In June, 1870, G. E. Bardeen joined the Kalamazoo Paper Company's forces. In September, 1872, the Kalamazoo Paper Mill was entirely destroyed by fire. A new mill was built and started up in May, 1873, making book paper. "In 1887 Messrs. Bardeen and Bryant started the Bardeen Paper Company at Otsego, later the Botsford Paper Company; afterwards the Wolverine Paper Company (now the Kalamazoo Paper Company) was built. Then followed the Bryant Paper Company, the King Paper Company, the Superior Paper Company, the Lee Paper Company, the Standard Paper Company and the MacSinBar Paper Company, all officered and run by parties formerly with the Bardeen Paper Company. The Kalamazoo Paper Company sold their mill to the Gibson Paper Company and built a large mill east of their mill No. 2. The Gibson Paper Company sold to the Monarch Paper Company, who have demolished the mill and are erecting a modern mill on its site. "George E. Bardeen started as bookkeeper of the Kalamazoo Paper Company in 1870, then became secretary and later president and manager of the Bardeen Paper Company, vice-president of the Lee Paper Company, and treasurer of the MacSinBar Paper Company. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 505 "Noah Bryant, who started as machine tender for the Kalamazoo Paper Company in 1874, was made foreman and then superintendent of the Bardeen Paper Company, and later president of the Bryant Paper Company. F. H. Milham started in 1887 as receiving clerk of the Bardeen Paper Company, later was bookkeeper, then secretary and manager of the Bryant Paper Company, and is now the secretary of the Superior and Munising Paper Companies. John King came to the Bardeen Paper Company as machine tender, then was made foreman and later superintendent of the King Paper Company. Walter S. Hodges started as bookkeeper for the Kalamazoo Paper Company, later held the same position with the Bardeen Company, and was made president of the Superior Paper Company. "Henry D. Eddy came to the Bardeen Paper Company as a clerk and was later made manager of the Standard Paper Company. George 0. Comfort started as bookkeeper for the Bardeen Paper Company, later was with the Bryant and the King Paper Companies, and is now president of the Monarch Paper Company. F. D. Haskell came with the Kalamazoo Paper Company in 1887, later was made president of the Gibson Paper Company and is now secretary of the King Paper Company. F. M. Hodge came to the Kalamazoo Paper Company in I887 and has been with them as president since the death of Mr. Gibson. Norman Bardeen was first with the Bardeen Paper Company, later becoming secretary and manager of the Lee Paper Company. W. H. Goodenough, superintendent of the Lee Paper Company, came from the American Writing Paper Company, and has always been identified with high grade mills. "Mr. W. B. McClellan started as a paper dealer in Minneapolis and later joined the Bardeen Paper Company's forces and is now president of the MacSinBar Paper Company. S. W. Simpson came to the Bardeen Paper Company as a machine tender, later was made superintendent, and is now vice-president of the MacSinBar Paper Company. R. W. Reynolds joined the Bardeen Paper Company's forces in 1899 and is now secretary of the MacSinBar Paper Company." TIHE MICHIGAN PAPER COMPANY, of Plainwell, which ranks foremost among Allegan county's industrial concerns, was established in 1887 as a corporation. Among the prime movers in its organization were such well known business men as J. W. Hicks, H. W. Page, C. O. Gilkey and William J. Thomas. It was established as a one machine mill, and its product included finished book paper, French folio, catalogue and specialties. Its present officers are: J. D. Wagner, president: F. M. Storms, vicepresident: J. I. Bush, treasurer: J. W. Gilkev, secretary and manager, and William J. Thomas, superintendent. In addition to the officers the directorate includes: R. L. Soule, of Plainwell: E. W. Bowman and G. E. Dunbar, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; J. WV. Beardsley, of Holland, Michigan, and F. C. Miller, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Under the capable management of this corps of officers the business grew at a rapid pace and it soon became apparent the plant must be enlarged. In the spring of 1906 the capital stock was increased from fifty-six thousand to one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars and the plant shut down for remodeling. With the exception of the engine room the old plant was torn down and immediately new buildings were erected as follows: A stock house and sorting 506 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY room, including three stories and basement, one hundred and twenty-eight by sixty-four feet in dimensions; a two-story chemical and duster room fifty-six by forty feet; cooker room, two stories and basement, forty-six by ninety feet; beater room, one story and basement, one hundred and thirtyeight by sixty-six feet; bleach room, thirty-two by seventy-five feet; machine room, one story and basement, two hundred and eight by sixty feet; finish room, seventy-two by sixty feet, one story and basement; engine room, one story, sixty-four by forty-eight feet; boiler room, one story, thirty-two by forty-eight feet, and thirty-five feet high; and coal house, forty-eight by forty-eight feet. It is equipped with the latest and best improved machinery and has been increased to four times its former capacity. The floors and supports of the buildings are of solid concrete, and both in construction and equipment the plant will be unexcelled. From one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five people are given employment; about half of them being women. Every convenience has been provided for the employes, notably a rest room for the women. The plant is provided with water and steam, and the entire plant equipped with the automatic sprinkler, which guarantees safety from fire. The Michigan Paper Company, stable and prosperous, means much to the thriving village of Plainwell, and is a credit to the community. CHAPTER VIII. EDUCATION. "Schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." These words are found in the famous ordinance of 1787 for the government of the Northwest Territory, including' what is now Michigan. A congressional act of 1804, also with reference to what is now Michigan, reserved from sale section I6 of each township "for the support of schools." These acts of the national government were passed before the Territory of Michigan was organized and years before the surveys were made and the boundaries defined for Allegan county. But in so far as the state has undertaken to control the scheme and machinery of education, the educational system which the people of this county have used has been provided by Michigan as a state and not as a territory. A brief glance at the history of education in Michigan will be a proper introduction to a more detailed account of the educational affairs of the county. Michigan was under the government of France from I634 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 170I. 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 a 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 o'f inferior character. Under English control educational affairs remained the same as under the French. The land reserved for school purposes was the first step taken by the American general government. The sixteenth section of each township granted for the support of the schools became, through the efforts of Gen. Isaac E. Crary, Michigan's first congressman, a principal source of 507 508 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY the State Primary Fund, which is now a matter of pride to every citizen of the state. It was a wise provision, based on the experience of other states, that turned the proceeds from the sale of school lands into a state fund instead of giving them to the township in which the section was located. Where the latter practice prevailed serious inequalities resulted from the fact that the designated section was often inferior land and when sold brought little or nothing to the township treasury. And, also, the management of one large central fund was more economical and subject to less risks than if the money had been left in the many township treasuries. The Primary School Fund has increased from year to year, so that the per capita annual distribution of interest therefrom has more than kept pace with the increase of school population. The primary money in 1845 was twenty-eight cents a scholar. There was a slow increase per capita until I880, when it was forty-seven cents a scholar. After I880 a portion of all specific state taxes, except those received from the mining companies of the upper peninsula, were applied to the primary school fund distribution. Since then there has been a notable increase. In I88I the per capita amount was $I.o6; in I890, $1.33; in 1900, $2.15; in I905, $3.30. On account of the back taxes on railroads paid during the year I906 the primary money for the November semiannual apportionment was $11 for each child of school age in the county. The per capita distribution for the entire year I906 was $12. If efficiency of instruction is measured by money expended, the children of today are many times better off than those of fifty years ago. In I850 there were I,I96 pupils in Allegan county. The total school income for the year was $4,431, of which $2,78I was raised by direct local taxation, and $I,650, or about one-third, came from public funds. In I906 there were 11,768 school children entitled to share in the school funds. That is almost exactly ten times the number in i850. And in this time the interest on the Primary School Fund alone is ten times greater than the income from all the public funds in I850. The moneys used for the support of the common schools are the interest from the Primary School 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 usually assesses upon the taxable property in his township one mill upon each dollar of valuation. This tax is paid over to the treasurers of the several school districts. But by a law passed at the session of 1905 the supervisor does not assess this tax if the surplus in the school fund, exclusive of money for building purposes, is equal to or in excess of teachers' wages paid the preceding year. A large number of districts in the county will not assess this tax this year. 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 *This practice is almost in disuse in this county, where the large majority of the districts are now turning all the library moneys to the support of school libraries. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 509 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 school interest for the past twenty-five years is thus shown: i88o..................$ 5,575.61 I890.................. 16,76o.66 00oo..................$25,967.70 1905.................. 39,405.30 The apportionment for November, 19o6, is shown by the following table: TOWNSHIPS AND CITIES. Allegan.................. Casco...................... Cheshire................... Clyde.................. Dorr....................... Fillmore................... Ganges..................... Gun Plains................ Heath..................... Hopkins.................... Laketown.................. Lee........................ Leighton.................. Manlius.................... M artin..................... Monterey................... Otsego..................... Overisel.................... Salem..................... Saugatuck.................. Trowbridge................. Valley..................... W atson................. W ayland................... No. IN APPOR- A TIONMENT. PO... 982...........................621........................ ~.. 432........................ 262.... 262...................... ~ 593~ ~ --- —---- ----. 702..........................458..........................568.......................... 345........................ ~.. 5I8........................ 377........................... 35 3........................... 33 1........................... 566........................ 262....................... 387....................... 853........................... 637.......................... 640........................... 541....................... 400...........................34........................... 312........................... 494........................ MT. APRTIONED. $ 10,802 6,831 4,752 2,882 6,523 7,722 5,038 6,248 3,795 5,698 4,I47 3,883 3,641 6,226 2,882 4,257 9,383 7,007 7,040 5,95I 4,400 1,474 3,432 5.434 $I29,448 10 $I29,458 Total.................... I,768 Deficiency from Manlius township, May Io, 1906............. ~ The school legislation of Michigan while a territory had little bearing on the schools of Allegan county, nor, in fact, on those in any other part of the territory. But the legislature in 1827 provided that "every township containing fifty inhabitants or householders should employ a schoolmaster of good morals to teach children to read and write and to instruct them in the English language as well as in arithmetic, orthography and Vo0 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY decent behavior." A department of education was also established, at whose head was to be a superintendent of common schools appointed by the governor. But very little was actually done in the way of public schools previous to the state organization. The first schools in Allegan county were the result of voluntary effort on the part of the pioneers. The first settlers came, as we know, largely from New York and the New England states, where education was fundamental and thoroughly a part of everyday life. It was natural, therefore, that whenever half a dozen families within a circle of two or three miles had secured a comfortable home shelter, the next business in order was to organize a school. A site was selected, a log building erected, and some person in the community who had had exceptional advantages in the east or who professed ability as a pedagogue was employed to conduct the school. And from each home a path was blazed through the forest trees by which the children could find their way to and from the schoolhouse. The building of this first log schoolhouse marked a stage in the history of the community. Almost without exception in this part of the middle west the school was the first institution. It preceded the church. and sometimes the first town meeting was held there. It was the central point of the community life. There the settlers met to vote and perform the civil business; there the questions that confront a new social organization were discussed and solved; there the people met for social enjoyment, and there they came together for religious worship. The schoolhouse was the focal point of pioneer life, and its importance cannot be too strongly emphasized. The early schoolhouses have often been described. Many were built of logs, some of sawed lumber, while a few were made of stone or brick. That the log schoolhouse is something more than tradition to men and women of Allegan county who are still in the prime of life, may be inferred from the fact that less than thirty years ago there was at least one such school building in use in the county. While the exterior of the building varied, the interior furnishings were about the same. Built at one end of the room was the mud and stick chimney, with the broad fire-place. To keep the fire blazing briskly by a plentiful supply of logs was the task of the older boys, while in the summer some of the girls would often fill the hearth space with flowering plants. The rough walls of the rooms were unadorned except as the individual taste of the teacher might seek to relieve its dreariness; the floors were often of broad roughly hewn puncheons laid on the ground, or, if the building was of frame, thick boards were spiked to ground sills, with wide cracks between the boards affording an easy escape for pencils, jackknives and other schoolboy impedimenta. The seats were indeed primitive. They were nothing more than a split log with the flat surface up, and resting on legs driven into holes on the under side; or the timber for the seat might be a-plank with some attempt at smoothing the top surface. There were no back to these benches, and the tired bodies of pioneer children got no rest except by leaning forward. There were no desks in the modern sense of the term.- Around two or three sides of the room was fixed a broad board, with a slant con HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 511 venient for the writer, and on this the pupils, or as many of them as this rough form of desk would accommodate, did their writing and figuring. A piece of slate was used for all calculations, and paper was only used for penmanship exercises. Of school apparatus there was none. As late as I866 the inspector for Otsego, one of the most advanced townships, reported: "There. is no apparatus in the schoolhouses." A blackboard, which was the extent of equipment in many schools during the sixties, was introduced many years after the pioneers' children had gone from the schools into actual life. Graphite pencils were also unknown. A "pen knife" was then a necessary part of the teacher's equipment, for he used that instrument in a way to suggest the name, that is, to fashion for each scholar a pen from a selected goosequill. Paper was coarse and expensive, and the era of cheap woodpulp paper tablets did not begin until comparatively recently. When the settlers came from the east many of them brought along a few school books such as the parents had used. Coming from every one of the New England and middle Atlantic states, these books when brought into the school by individual pupils formed a heterogeneous collection. Yet from these the teacher was supposed to assign the lessons, and from a chaos of texts to reduce uniformity. The difficulty was not so great as might be imagined. For the curriculum consisted of the three r's-"reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic," and so far as the instructions in these branches went it might be obtained from almost any set of books. The one book that seems to have an abiding place in every memory was the old bluebacked Webster's Elementary Speller. This was the backbone of every school, and far from being cast aside when school days were over it continued as the basis for spelling schools which young and old attended until within the memory of men and women who are still in the prime of life. A school report from Newark township in 1838 mentions Webster's Spelling Book among the books used for instruction. A similar report of I840 names the speller and also "Elementary English Readers" and the "Woodbridge Geography." Daboll's Arithmetic was long used as a textbook, and occasionally the Testament is classed among the text-books. Murray's and Kirkham's grammars were favorites. Such were, in general, the first schools in Allegan county. Very little substantial school work was done in the county during territorial days, and that little was accomplished by the voluntary association of the settlers, as already noted. For the foundation of its general system of education Michigan owes a large debt of gratitude to Isaac E. Crary and Rev. John D. Pierce. More than any other two men they were instrumental in laying the foundations of education and giving direction to its early development. Under the first state constitution Mr. Pierce was appointed the first superintendent of public instruction. In accordance with a vote of the legislature he reported to that body in January, 1837, a code of school laws, which was adopted with but little change. The township was the unit. Each township had three school inspectors, whose duty it was to organize school districts, to apportion the school moneys to the districts; to examine teachers and grant certificates; and to appoint one of their number to visit the schools twice a year and make 512 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY an annual report to the county clerk. These boards of inspectors continued to exercise control over the schools of their respective townships until the county superintendency was established in I867. Each district, however, had the control of its own school. A district could vote a tax for buildings, not to exceed $500 in any one year. Each district was required to hold school at least three months each year. Each district had to assess a tax in addition to the primary school fund apportioned to the district, and if the teacher's wages exceeded the funds, the board could assess a tax to meet the deficiency, but not to exceed $90, the limit fixed by law. Also, the district could vote ten dollars a year for a library. 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. The original plan, as above outlined, contemplated only single districts, with a single house, and but one teacher. No provision was made for the union of districts or for the grading of schools. The report for I850 shows there were just as many schools as there were teachers-forty-four of each. But as the population increased it was seen that expediency often demanded more than one teacher for a single school, and sometimes more than one schoolhouse in the same district. The township board under these conditions would have had no option but to subdivide the district and provide for two or more separate schools in the original district. To maintain several adjacent district schools, co-ordinate in 'work and rank, was evidently at the expense of efficiency and economy. The laws were therefore amended so as to permit a union of adjoining districts wherever the population was sufficiently dense to admit of bringing a large number of children into one system of graded schools, without embracing too much territory to be thus well accommodated. This was the origin of the "union school" in Michigan. The true significance of the term had reference not so much to the uniting of the districts as to the system of grading which was permitted by the same act of the legislature. The real meaning of a "union school" was therefore a graded school, located in the more populous communities, with one central schoolhouse, and usually separate quarters for the different grades. The first graded school was established at Flint in 1846. From 1846 to I86o there were twenty-seven graded schools established in the state. No such school was established in Allegan county until I867. The organization of a union or graded school marked an important stage in the development of educational institutions in each of the villages. The graded schools in HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 513 Allegan county at the present time are located at Allegan, Otsego, Plainwell, Saugatuck, Douglas, Fennville, Wayland, Martin, Hopkins, Burnip's Corners, Hamilton, and Graafschap. The first constitution of the state provided for the establishment of branches of the University. These branches were to serve a three-fold 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 were supported by appropriations made by the regents of the University. After graded schools began to be established in 1846, the University branches fell into disfavor, and they ceased to exist after 1849. High schools then became the connecting link between the University and the ordinary common schools. As early as i868 the state superintendent of public instruction called attention to the need of uniting rather than dividing districts. He showed the waste and inefficiency of small districts, which condition continued because the people desired to have a schoolhouse "near by," a false estimate being placed upon the value of a "home school." Since then conditions have materially changed. Roads are better, and with increased facilities of transportation the bounds of community life have been widened. The interests of the whole people are more closely knit together, and old forms of individualism are disappearing. The movement which fifty years ago resulted in the formation of the first "union schools" is now being extended to the rural schools. In line with this direction of progress, the state legislature enacted a law which became effective September 17, 1903, permitting the transportation of pupils to and from school at the expense of the districts concerned. This important piece of legislation supplements and perfects the act of 1901 permitting the organization of township high schools and the law of 1903 for the consolidation of rural school districts, with the consent of a majority of the resident taxpayers of each district. The consolidated district may levy taxes for the transportation of scholars and may use the funds arising from the one-mill tax for the same purpose. As yet no districts have been consolidated in this coutnty, but in both the adjacent counties of Kent and Kalamazoo the plan is being tried, and it seems only a matter of time when this system will work almost a revolution in rural schools. In 1903 the legislature passed a law authorizing the establishment of County Normal Training Classes for teachers of rural schools. The graduates of these classes are granted three-year certificates which may be renewed in the county where received, or they may be transferred to other counties. In accordance with the law, an Allegan county class was organized in October, 1905, and has been conducted in connection with the Allegan village schools, being housed in the Dawson. There are nineteen pupils taking the course. The state appropriates $i,000ooo for its support. The cost this year will be $i,5o00, the excess $500 being divided equally between Allegan village and the county. Another subject that should be mentioned in a history of the Allegan county schools is "compulsory education." Until 1905 the law vested the power to compel attendance with the township board, the chairman of which was the executive officer to carry the law into effect. Practically, it was 514 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY optional with this board whether the law should be enforced, and at best the board could require the child to attend school only four months of sixteen days each, or sixty-four days in the entire year. Beginning with the year I905-06 a new law became operative. Instead of the enforcement of the law being left with each township, it is the duty of the county commissioner of schools to see that its provisions are effective in all districts throughout the entire school year. The executive or truant officer is a deputy sheriff appointed by the sheriff and acting under the supervision of the county commissioner. All children between and including the ages of seven and fifteen years are compelled to attend school so long as schools are in session in their district, in other words, for the entire school' year. The only exceptions to this rule are children excused by physician's certificate; or those in attendance at a private or parochial school in which the same grade of work is done as in the public schools; or in case of children over fourteen years of age whose labor is necessary to the support of the family, who may be excused from attendance by the unanimous consent of the district school board and the recommendation of the county commissioner. In the opinion of Mr. Thorpe, the present commissioner, the new law has had remarkable results, in proof of which he adduces the following comparisons: In I903-04, his first year as commissioner, when the old law was still in force, the average attendance in the schools of the county was 65 per cent of the school population, and that proportion would hold for most of the previous years; and in the second year of his administrahe was able to raise the per cent of attendance only to 66. But last year, I905-06, under the new law, the average of attendance was above 80 per cent of the total, showing a notable increase of 15 per cent. Or numerically, about 1,500 children were returned to the schools who had in previous years been habitually absent. So far this year the average of attendance has been well upward of go per cent. There is little difficulty in enforcing the law. In certain parts of the county where the foreign population predominates or where the conditions of agriculture demand all possible help in the fields at a certain time of year, there is some variance with the law, but on the whole its effect has been most salutary. SUPERVISION OF SCHOOLS. The general supervision and control of the schools of the county has been vested by the legislature in different bodies at various times. The township board of inspectors established by the original laws was changed by an act of March 13, 1867, which created the office of county superintendent of schools. The first to hold this office in Allegan county was James M. Ballou of Otsego, elected April I, I867. Patroclus A. Latta, now superintendent of schools at Saugatuck, succeeded him in I869, and was re-elected in I87I. Isaac H. Lamoreaux, of Manlius, was the last incumbent of the office, serving from 1873 to 1875, when the office was abolished. March 31, 1875, the law took effect transferring the control once more to the township, and requiring the election in each township of one superintendent and one school inspector. The township superintendent, with HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 515 the school inspector and the township clerk, constituted the board of school inspectors for each township. In I88I the legislature provided for a county board of school examiners. This board consisted of three members, and were elected for three years by the chairmen of the township boards of school inspectors. In 1887 the constituency of the board of examiners was changed. Two county examiners were chosen for two years by the chairmen of township boards of inspectors. These two examiners, with the judge of probate, appointed and employed a secretary for a term of one year, who became ex-officio a member of the county board and its executive officer. The secretary visited schools and received a salary of $800 per annum. The following are the boards of county examiners under this act: I887-88-P. A. Latta, Sec., J. W. Humphrey, Mr. Taylor. I888-89-P. A. Latta, J. W. Humphrey, Mr. Taylor. 1889-9o-P. A. Latta, J. W. Humphrey, Mr. Taylor. 189o-9 —P. A. Latta. In I89I the law still in force was passed. This required that the board of supervisors should appoint a county commissioner of schools who should hold office until July I, 1893, at which time the commissioner regularly elected by the people the preceding April should begin his duties. At the same meeting the supervisors should appoint two school examiners, for one and two year terms respectively, and the board should thereafter appoint one examiner at each annual meeting. The county commissioner and the two examiners constitute the board of school examiners. By a law passed in I903, the county commissioner holds office four years. The county commissioners who have served in Allegan county since the act of I891 have been the following: Commissioners-I891-93, P. A. Latta; I893-95, J. W. Humphrey; I895-97, J. W. Humphrey; I897-98 (resigned December 3Ist), J. W. Humphrey; January, I899-99 (elected by county board of school inspectors, July Ist), O. S. Flanagan; July I, I899-I903 (two terms), J. E. McDonald; I903-I907, Ira G. Thorp. Examiners —891-93, Mrs. D. V. Pursell, J. Warnock; I893-95, Mrs. D. V. Pursell, Benjamin Neerken; 1895-97, Mrs. D. V. Pursell (died February, 1897), Benjamin Neerken; 1897-98, Mary Bassett, Benjamin Neerken; I899, Mary Bassett, (I898) C. F. Bacon; I899-I903, Mrs. Wilder, C. F. Bacon (resigned); May I9, I902 (appointed), Ralph Spague, Mrs. Wilder; October, I903, Volney Stuck, R. Spague. 1891-93-P. A. Latta. I893-95-J. W. Humphrey. 1895-97-J. W. Humphrey. i897-98-J. W. Humphrey. At the end of I898 Mr. Humphrey resigned to enter the legislature, and for the existing vacancy to the following July the county board of school inspectors chose 0. S. Flanagan. I899-oI-J. E. McDonald. 19oI-03-J. E. McDonald. I903-o7-Ira G. Thorp. The county examiners in this time have been: Mrs. D. V. Pursell and J. Warnock, the first appointees. Mrs. Pursell served till her death in 516 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY February, I897. Benjamin Neerken was examiner from I893 to I899. Mary Bassett succeeded Mrs. Pursell and served two terms. C. F. Bacon served from I898 till his resignation in May, I902. Ralph Sprague, appointed in his stead, has since been on the board. Mrs. Wilder followed Mary Bassett and was in turn succeeded, in October, I903, by Volney Stuck, present examiner. Following the passage of the general school laws in I837, the organized townships chose their school inspectors, who proceeded to divide the territory under their control into convenient districts and organize schools in each. There were at the time only four townships in Allegan county. The total population was less than 1,500 persons, distributed mainly about the four settlements along the Kalamazoo-at Saugatuck, Allegan, Otsego and Gun Plains. It is hardly to be expected, therefore, that a complete school system would spring into existence at once. Unfortunately complete data is not at hand to describe the organization of the various districts, though the reports for Allegan are better preserved than in many counties of the state. From the meagre reports filed with the county clerk in the fall of 1837, the schools organized in the county the first year were as follows: In Plainfield township, comprising the east tier of townships, nine and one fractional districts had been organized-extending partly into the present Martin township, but for the most part in the present Gun Plains township. Only two districts reported. No. 2 gave 17 children in attendance, $25 raised for support of the school, while district No. 4 reported 29 scholars, a nine months' school, and $90 raised for support of the school. Otsego township in 1837 reported four districts organized, two making reports to the inspectors. In No. I there were 30 children of school age, and a six months' school. In No. 2 were 35 scholars and a six months' school. Coming to Allegan township, in reality Allegan village, where the population was concentrated at the time, we find but one district, that being the village school elsewhere described. There were 96 of school age in the district, 60 of whom attended school, a five months' term was taught, and $500 had been raised for a schoolhouse and $200 for the pay of the teacher. This is all the information the reports of 1837 give us. It is probable that in Newark township no district was legally organized the first year, though the children at the mouth of the river must have been provided with some private-school instruction. In I838, however, one district is reported in that township. District No. I contained 42 children of school age, 30 of whom attended school some part of the three months' term. Ninety dollars was raised for building a schoolhouse. By the following year three districts had been formed, and No. I had voted a tax of $500 for a schoolhouse. In I840 the report made to the state superintendent of public instruction names the six townships of which the county was then composedMartin and Manlius having been organized, though no districts had as yet been formed in Manlius. Plainfield (Gun Plains) had ten districts, Otsego 5, Allegan 5, Martin 4, and Newark 3. Of these only ten districts HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 517 reported, in which were 268 scholars, and $I,071.72 had been raised for school purposes. As population increased and was distributed over the townships, new districts were formed. Often an entire township contained but a single district, and then as settlement proceeded new district areas were formed and the old lines changed. Even if the records were complete, it would be impossible to follow in detail the formation of these various districts. During the last fifteen years the number of districts in the county, as also iln the state, has remained substantially the same, and the tendency henceforth will be, as we have stated, to a decrease rather than increase in the number of districts. Thirty years ago, Mr. P. A. Latta, then superintendent of Allegan township, published some statistics regarding the schools of the county that form a good basis for comparisons. The important items in his summary-for the school year ending September, I877-were: Number school districts in Allegan county.................. 178 Number children between 5 and 20 years.................... I,846 Number of children that attended school.................. 9,532 School buildings-frame I69, log 6, brick 9.................. 184 Number men teachers employed............................ IO6 Number women teachers employed......................... 286 A m ount 2-m ill tax........................................... $I7,12.35 Amount primary school fund.............................. 5,8Io.oo Amount district taxes for all purposes....................... 34,574.2I Since then six districts have been added to the total. The number of school population remains almost the same. The log buildings have all disappeared. The amount of the primary interest has increased more than seven-fold. Altogether, educational resources make a much better showing now than thirty years ago. A school district is often more than a mere township subdivision. As above stated, a school is a central point of a community. Children grow to adult life with the old schoolhouse as the most common meeting place, not only for purposes of instruction, but for social and religious gatherings. These associations around a school are strong ties in binding a community together, and very often we find the people's social life defined quite distinctly by the same limits as the school district in which they live. With greater facility of communication, brought about by better roads, telephones and other improvements, this will become less apparent as the years go by. But the instances are many in which a neighborhood is best known bv the name of its schoolhouse-as the "Prouty school" neighborhood in Trowbridge, or the "Sand Hill school" in Salem. For purposes of permanent reference it has been considered advisable to tabulate the school districts of the various townships and designate each by its popular name as far as that is possible. District No. Name. District No. Name. ALLEGAN. LEIGHTON. 1............................ Allegan 1............................. Hooker 3..................... Hudson Corners 2 fr............ Weber 4........................... Whetmore 3........................ Green Lake 518 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY District No. Name. District No. Name. ALLEGAN. 5............................. B ronell 6 fr...................... Van Keuren 7............................ Babylon 9......................... M iner Lake 10 fr............................ King CASCO. 1........................... M cDowell 2............................ Farnum 3............................. Iddles 4............................... Crow 5................................ R ice 6........................... H adaway 7.............................. B erry 8 fr............................ Kibby 9........................... CHESHIRE. 1............................ L indsley 2.............................. B row n 3 fr........................ Base Line 4.............................. F erris 5............................. M arble 6............................... R ow e 7.............................. N oble 8............................... M oon 9 fr........................... K aylor CLYDE. 1.............................. B ravo 2 fr............................ Ikler 3.............................. P earle 4............................ Jackson 5 fr............................ Tracy 6 fr......................... Pritchard DORR. 1........................... 2 fr............................ Jones 3.............................. B artz 4........................... 5.............................. D orr 6........................... 7........................... 8.......................... 9........................... 10............................. Moline FILLMORE. 1............................ Ruseher 2.................. Garvelink 3..................... Fillmore 4...................... Pleasant Valley 5 fr..................... Klomparens 6 fr......................... Lohman GANGES. 1 fr..................... Peach Belt 4............................. D arling 4. Glenn LEIGHTON. 4........................... 5........................... 6 fr........................ 7........................... 8........................... 10............................. Sanger MANLIUS. 1............................ M anlius 2 fr........................ Fennville 3.......................... M iddaugh 4............................ Gidley 5 fr...................... Colf 7 fr..................... E. Saugatuck 8............................... L acy MARTIN. 1............................. M artin 2............................ W alker 4.......................... M onteith 5 fr......................... Blossom 6.......................... Crittedon MONTEREY. 1........................ S. M onterey 2........................... M onterey 3........................... 4................................ L ay 5.......................... Pickle St. 6 fr........................... H oyer 7............................. D allas 9............................. B elden OTSEGO. 1.............................. W hite 2............................. O tsego 3........................... 4............................. P ullen 5........................... 6........................... 7.............................. Star 8.............................. P ratt 9.............................. L ew is OVERISEL. 1............................ O verisel 2.......................... H awthorn 3............................ K oom an 4............................. A lbers. Butler 5.............................. 6.......................... M asselink SALEM. 2.......................... Sand Hill 3................... Burnip 's Corners 4.......................... 5...... 6................... Goodman 7..................L...... New Salem 8 fr................. Diamond Springs HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Name. SALEM. 519 District No. GANGES. 5.................... Reed 6............... Union (or Ganges) 7............................... O rr 8............. Bowles 9............................ Loom is 10....................... Grange Hall GUN PLAINS. 1 fr.................... Silver Creek 2.................... Plainwell 3.......................... 4 fr.......................... White a........................ Viers 6..................... Bellingham 7............................ D oster 8.......................... 9 fr........................ Hooper 10............................ H ooper HEATH. 1...................... Dunningville 2............................ Lem oin 3............................. Frayer 4...................... Parkhurst 5.......................... H am ilton 6............................ B urton HOPKINS. 1........................ 2.................. Ohio Corners 3.......................... 4.......................... 5........................ Tishhouse 6............................ Hilliards 7.......................... 9............................. Wicks 10.......................... 11 fr........................... Frohm LAKETOWN. 1.......................... Brinkman 2............................. Gibson 3............................. Lugers 4............................ St. Clair LEE. 2 fr......................... Burrows 3 fr.......................... Smith 4......................... Horseshoe 5........................... Pullm an 6............................ H ilton 7............... Wildwood District No. Name. 10............................. M ellish 10.. Mellish SAUGATUCK. 2......................... Saugatuck 3............................ Douglas 4.................... Mack's Landing 5.............................. Chase 6........................... Barrager TROWBRIDGE. 1............................. Prouty 2 fr........................ Blackman 3.......................... W ilkinson 4............................. Foster 5........................ H icks 6............................ Clifford............................. Harper 8 fr............................. Ross VALLEY. 1 fr....................... M ill Grove 2............................... C rill 3.......................... Braninger 4 fr............................. H ill 5......................... M essinger WATSON. 1.............................. M iner 2............................. W atson 3 fr............................ Page 4............................. Osburn 5........................ W icks 6........................... Anderson 7........................... 8.............................. Swan 9............................ Burham 10............................ Abronia 11............. WAYLAND. 1........................... 2.......................... Wayland 2 fr......................... Bradley 3.............................. Gregg 5...................... 6 fr......................... 7............................ A ngell 8 fr...................... Shelbyville 10........................... 11.... CHAPTER IX. VILLAGE SCHOOLS. ALLEGAN. Allegan did not have the first school in the -county, but education began as soon as the first considerable group of settlers had located here. A school term was held by a Miss Hinsdale, of Kalamazoo county, in 1835, and in I836 the district was organized and the first important public building in the village was erected. A frame building of rather generous proportions for the time, its ground dimensions being 26 by 40 feet, this schoolhouse, which stood on the south side of Trowbridge street just east of Pine, was the first court house and church edifice. The bell in the cupola called the children together in the morning, and in the evenings and during vacations it rang to summon the officers of law to duty or called the people to town meeting or social event; while on the Lord's day it solemnly convoked to religious observance. The subsequent history of this first public building in the village has been described in connection with the account of the court house and other county buildings. Some of the early teachers in Allegan, besides Miss Hinsdale, were Miss Eliza Littlejohn, Miss Mary Parkhurst, Miss Lavia Bingham, Spencer Marsh, G. Y. Warner, E. Parkhurst, and Harvey Munger, all well known names in the pioneer history. The union or graded school did not find a place in Michigan's scheme of education until during the forties, and the Allegan union school was not organized until I867. In the meantime the population of the village was about 2,000, and several institutions had been established to supplement the work of the district school. One was the Allegan Academy, organized in I846, and conducted for several years by Elisha B. Bassett, a man of thorough education and ability, who is also known through his connection with other phases of the county's history. Most noted of these schools was Pine Grove Seminary, which was built in I857 by Judge H. H. Booth, in his time one of the most liberal and public-spirited men of Allegan. He donated the use of this building to teachers who would maintain a school of primary and academic grade. Rev. L. F. Waldo was one of the teachers who used it for this purpose. The structure stood in a pine grove, whence its name, on the eminence where the high school is now located. When the movement to organize a union school took shape, Judge Booth sold the building to the school 520 II t ':. ~ i~:' 0:~' ': ' 0f~o:^' L:: ALLEGAN HIGH SCHOOL I HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 521 district, and it served for a number of years as the central school of the village. It was a frame building, containing six rooms. Twenty-five years ago the public school buildings in Allegan were the following: The Central school, which was the old seminary building; the north school, on Race street opposite Water street; the west ward school, occupying the campus with the Central school; and the south ward school, near Fifth and Bond streets. The three smaller buildings, each containing two rooms, were of brick. Since then have been added two excellent modern buildings to the school architecture of Allegan. The high school building, on the hill where the old Central school stood, is a two-story brick building, with good equipment and accommodations for the older pupils, while the Dawson building contains besides the rooms for the grades an auditorium seating several hundred persons and used for many public purposes, meetings and entertainments. The list of superintendents from the organization of the union school to the present are: I867-68-William H. Stone. I868-7I-Silas Wood. I87I-74-Albert Jennings. 1874-77-Daniel P. Simmons. 1877-81-Edmund D. Barry. 1881-82-W. E. Bellows. I882-83-Margaret Morton. I883-87-W. B. Garvin. I887-88-W. L. Lawrence. 1888-90-H. A. Simonds. I890-92-E. N. Brown. I892-94- \Mr. Wixon. 1894-95-W. H. Coburn. i895-H. W. Mclntosh. The graduates of the Allegan high school, named by years of graduation below, are 386 in number. Many of them are well known and influential people both at home and abroad. ALLEGA N GRADUATES. 1876-Isabel V. Partridge, Ella Williams, Isabel M. Barclay, Hattie S. Smith, Minnie B. Franks, Lizzie Eager, Chas. Wilkes, Frank B. Lay, Chas. F. Bingham. 1877-Will Oliver, Kate Dreher. Lizzie Smith. I878-Mary Smith. I879-Dora Chaffee. Della Town, Lillian Grimes, Luella Scott, Leon Chichester, Theodore Williams. I88o-Nellie Coleman, Tinnie Chaffee, Jennie Whitmore, Will L. Edmuncs, Burtis Wood, James A. Latta. I88i-Delia Cook, Eva M. Dryden, M. Jennie Mabbs, Ettie C. Colburn, A. Louise Walter, Mary E. Goodrich, Frank H. Williams, Fred M. Sisson. I882-Chas. E. Bassett, Austin A. Colburn. 522 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1883-Zella Leighton, Ella Colburn, Minnie Eisenberg, Anna Young, Ellen Hudson, Chester Wetmore. 1884-Franc Arnold, Fred I. Chichester, Grace Hart, Jennie R. Latta, John A. McKeever, Alice H. Lilly, M. Gertrude Porter, Clara B. Sherwood, Lillian Nelson, Will E. Ryan, Frank E. Semon. 1885-Guy Burton, Florence Lonsbury, Pearl Town, Bertha Pritchard, Rubie Sherwood, Minnie Bucher, Wolcot Butler, Kate Whitmore, Myron Moore, Isabel Stegeman. 1886-Nellie N. Blackman, Augustus S. Butler, Tillie Waddell, Alfred Calkins, Jessie Thew, Bessie Bell Thew, Oscar Swift, Mabel Dunn. 1887-Edith Foster, Maud Howe, Chas. Calkins, Lavinda Nichols, Florence H. Pope. i888-Lulu H. Williams, May B. Starr, Bess Wetmore, Adah M. Giles, Fannie E. Giles, Will Saunders, Flora E. Williams, Selia A. Ryan. 1889-Alice Bingham, Kate Murphy, Nellie Van Middlesworth, Emma Knapp, Lizzie Madison, Pearl Chaffee, Agnes Ingerson. I890-Mary Coney, Ina Bailey, Maud Powers, Kittie Wells, Dora Bailey, Nina Carter, Della Youngs, Rebecca Spears, William De Lano, Grace Williams, Frank Giles, William Colburn. I891-N. Ella Van Aiken, Lenora Porter, Nettie Bigelow, Fred P. Austin, Nellie Smith, Hettie Spraw, Mina Rumery, Marion Cook, Belle Buyce, Dwight Calkins, Will Follett, Alexander Heringer. I892-Ira Montague, Eva O. Cook, Florence Leweke, Maud Nelson, Orrel Grigsby, Hattie Weeks, Cora Hove. Adah McLaughlin, Ina Moore, Fred Coney, Elwin Spears, Samuel Stegeman, Edna Town, Mary Hirner. I893-Mary Robinson, Adah Hoffman, Maud Lonsbury, Mabel A. Cackler, John W. Arnold, Morris E. Harvey. 1894-Alvie Weeks, Nellie Coney, E. Estella Oliver, Eva Philips, Grant Goodrich, N. Mae Burton, Clifford Manwaring, Anna Wilson, Mary Wilson, Judson Baker, Orcena Luade Spears, Maine Bailey, Bernath Sherwood. I895-Agnes Langshaw, Edith Perrigo, Howard Stuch, Aban Weeks, John Bills, Floyd Fuller, Clayton Hoffman, Chas. Spafford, Mae McKinnon, Rena Schuman, Jessie Smith, Minniith, nie Sth, Bernie Woodworth. I896-Harlan Lindsley, Hiram Cornell Clapp, Ned Bassett Killian, Albert A. Stegeman, Belle Lewis Barton, Roie C. Seerey, George Stegeman, Park Whitmore, Leon B. Stratton, Clarence Billings. I897-Clara CQykendall, Herman Priebe, Ethel McLaughlin, Gertrude Young, Nellie Bailey, Bess Adams, Clifford Russell, Gracia Cook, Idabelle Hullinger, Charles R. Stewart, Grace Morse, Guy Hale, Charlotte Coney, Arcell Spears, Etta M. Hurst, M. Everett Dick, Belle M. Lidsley. I898-Lucy Sheffer, Agnes Sheffer, Claudia Lowe, Glen Kent, Lizzie Campbell, Will Sawyer, Fred Sawyer, Elroy Bidwell, Bertha Sisson, Julia Wilson, John Wilson, Harlan Wilson, Dan Arnold Killian, Frank Stegeman, Maud Roberts, Lula Lockard, Mildred Reed, Harrison Weeks. 1899-Roy B. Fairfield, Elisabeth May Streeter, Niel L. Goodrich, Chas. W. Hullinger, William A. Peck, Walter H. Bidwell, Elsie Orr, Fred Hanchett, Paul Lidner, Flora Mary Koons, Clara Belle Gibson, Hedwig Brenner, Ines Baker, Myrtle Knapp, Grace Louise Howe, Harriette Esther Cook, Novie Iven Lonsbury, James A. Butrick, Roy L. Adams, Myrtle L. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 523 Perrigo, Nellie Coydendall, Emeline Ruth Coney, Myrnie E. Malloy, Mame E. Malloy. o19 —Laura May Fouch, Hugh S. Calkins, Will L. Davis, N. Fern Haynes, Ethel H. Hickok, Alice Ida Liechts, A. Pearl Lilly, Amah A. Nichols, Dessie Priest, Lena B. Sawyer, Bernice Van Kuren, Hazel Van Ostrand, William Weeks. 1901-Charlotte Smith, Ada Coney, Glenn DeLano, Louise DeLano, Bessie Hicks, Edith Barnes, John Bidwell, Anna Newell, Maggie Wynne, Margaret Arnold, George Horan, Lizzie Moon, Frank Peck, Bertha Mead, Ada Wager, Wayne Stuch, Ethel Langshaw, Clarence Smith, Alvina Becker. I902-Harriet Barrett, Florence Barrett, Mabelle Elenger, Bruce Leighton, Scott Lilly, Amy Lowe, A. Lorraine Oliver, Lura Patrick, Bertha Nuger, Harold Weeks, Eldon Soper, George Barney, Grover Tripp, Edwin E. Allett, Jessie McKinnon, Lottie Moon, Harvey Buck, Arthur Maskey, Clara Post, Joseph Griffith, Harold Fritz. 1903-Matie Blaisdell, Bessie Brown, Ruby Buck, Grace Clock, Harlow Clock, Margaret Campbell, Earl DeLano, Harold Fish, Harry Griffith, Edward Horan, William Kennedy, Maud Maxfield, Altine MicKee, Ethel Miner, Fred Moore, Louise Nelson, May Perrigo, Maurice Post, Clara Smith, Frances Sterling, Bess Torrey, Alice Van Henlen, Laura Wise, John LaDue. 1904-Clinton Mark Walter, Francina J. Slaghuis, Marion Almira Bills, Nellie Mary Stratton, Hazella Letta Cook, Gertrude Louise Nichols, Eva M. Clock, Clare D. Wilbur, Chas. F. Weeks, Russell C. Furber, Elsie Pauline Gitchel, Kittie Bell Nelson, Margaret Netah Barrett, Mary A. Wilson, Grace Louise Williams, Chas. H. Freyer, Roy E. Gibson, Richard B. Van Dusen, Edwy B. Ried, Ray Perrigo, Laura Engle, Grace E. Miner, Bessie M. Barber, Grace Coney, Herbert A. Wood, George F. Wilson, V. Pearl McAlpine, Bessie May Kidwell, Rachel V. Wilson. I905-Floyd Holland, Edmund M. Cook, George Updyke, Dana C. Post, Vernice E. DeWright, Harry Lee Barnum, Edna A. Schuman, Nina E. Wynne, Charles DeLano, Otto J. Armstrong, Claude Firestone, Dolly Gibson, Clyde Smith, Fred Bradt, Matilda Swanty, Avis Calkins, Florence C. Kolvoord, Hollis Baker, Anna J. Koons, Eugene Nash, Gertrude Strabbing, J. Ford Stratton, Pearle Bracelin, Reine Conway. Io96-Florine May Barrett, Emma Irene Priebe, Will George Cooper, John A. Sommers, Gertrude W. Slaghuis, Lilly B. Dannenberg, Pansy May Lemoin, Elizabeth J. Wearne, Pearl Julia Kolloff, Leon A. Kolvoord, Clarence W. Messenger, W. Clare Fear, George E. DeLano, Guy E. Fairfield, Gertrude H. Langshaw, Emily Seymore Wise, Grace B. Thompson, Lida Calkins, Bernice E. Morgan, Claude V. A. Whitbeck, Mabel F. Sackeiter, Mildred M. Fish, Florence Augusta Ried, Winifred B. Holmes, Alice P. Cook, Charles E. Stone. PLAINWELL. The history of the educational facilities of this village go back to the spring of 1834, when the first schoolhouse for the Gun Plains neighborhood was built on section 20. A log structure, such as was common at the time, this "Gun Plains schoolhouse" was the meeting place for the early Baptists '524 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY and Congregationalists as well as the first educational center. Miss Sabra Ives, who afterwards married Dr. L. B. Coates, the first schoolmaster and long a prominent citizen of Otsego, taught the first term of school, the first teacher employed being unable to carry on her duties on account of illness. When the school system, elsewhere described, was formulated 'by the first state government, the school commissioners elected for the township in I837 met in September of that year and divided the town into nine districts. Districts 2 and 3, which were consolidated in February, 1841, as district No. 2, contained originally the territory embracing the present village corporation, namely, sections 28, 29, 30, 3I, 32, 33. For several years the school population in this area was found on the north side of the river, and in 1838 the apportionment of school money was made to only ten children of school age in this district. At the same time there were nineteen school children in district No. 4, in which was located the old Gun Plains schoolhouse, while, in district No. i, in the Silver Creek neighborhood, were twenty-three of school age. District No. 2 had twenty-five pupils in 1843, which showed a relatively larger increase than in the adjoining districts just mentioned. The first red schoolhouse was built about 1843, and stood where Dr. Woolsey's house now stands. It was a small frame structure used for schools during the week, for religious services on Sunday, and public meetings, such as singing-schools, spelling-schools and school-meetings on appointed evenings. Some time about 1855 the white school house, then a one-story building, was constructed, and the old red building was moved down Allegan street, and still exists as a part of the house owned by Mrs. George A. Brown. The Junction, as it was then called, grew so rapidly that in the late fifties or early sixties a second story was added to the white building, and two departments were organized. In 1867 the small building, now used for office at the Dewey livery barn, was built beside the white building for the primary pupils and there existed the primary, intermediate and grammar departments. In two more years the intermediate was divided and a grade was seated in a room of the present opera house. After much deliberation and frequent calls for special school meetings the present brick building in the southeast part of the village was completed and occupied in September of 1870. The south projection was extended in the year I886, the amount of contract being $1,574.28. It seemed then that there would be sufficient room for years to come, but at this writing the demand is "more room." The present valuation of the school property is $20,000. Leading citizens whose names appear in the records are Giles Sherwood, J. W. Hicks, George Mills, T. V. Rogers, George H. Anderson, A. H. Hill, N. P. Kellogg and 0. J. Woodard. It is a matter of interest to find the records full and carefully recorded during the administration of Mr. Woodard, he having been continued on the board for twenty-seven years. District No. 2 was organized under a board of trustees into a graded school by vote at the regular school meeting of September 7, I868. There were then three departments. The high school had its beginning in 1869, under the tuition of Miss May Wright. Some of the older citizens recall with pleasure the names of early teachers, among them Orlena Beebe and his spelling school, George Brainard, HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, PLAINWELL HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY5 525 Mahala Murphy, Edward Phetteplace, a brother of MIrs. Noble Sherwood; of his sister Sarah, now Mrs. Sarah Thiers, of Mt. Pleasant; Miss Mary Woodhams, now Mrs. W. H. Rouse, of California. The superintendents have been May Wright, E. W. Thompson, N. A. Barrett, W. W. Cole, L. W. Mills, L. E. Ireland from '79 to '9I, G. E. Rogers, C. H. Norton, H. C. Dalev and E. C. Hambleton. J. NW. Hicks, Miss Louise Chamberlain and Miss Lou Kennicott were principals before the high school was organized. The position of preceptress has been filled by the Misses Chart, Stoughton, Hall from '78-'9I, Mrs. Jennie K. Hill, Harriet MacKenzie, V. Blanche Graham, Adah M. Spalding and Elsie Cooper. In the grades many of the home girls have been employed at different times-some of them are still residents Mesdames Julia Arnold, E. J. Anderson, W... W Woodhams, F. F. Patterson, Lizzie Gilkey, Frank P. Heath, M. H. Granger and W. E. Forbes. The names of-Mrs. Burton and Julia Dibble could not be omitted-neither can one forget the influence of the departed Mattie VanHorn, Mary Hatfield Warrant, Libbie Conine and Dolly Messick Pursel. Music as a science has been taught since 1891. Miss Briggs was the first teacher, Miss Bingham organized the ladies' quartette, Miss Daisy Soule taught with inspiring zeal, and Miss Lida Sprau continues the work. In all the years three hundred and twenty have gone out as graduates. The first was a class of five: Charles Hyde, Susie Warrant, Carrie Hatfield Wright. Mattie VanHorn and Mary Hatfield Warrant. In the smallest, class of '74, were Effie Hyde Lewis and Harvey Warrant. The largest class, twenty-nine in number, finished in 1903. Charles Hyde is a practicing physician in Lenawee county, Clemma Woodard Barber was a Bible student and conducted a large correspondence class for several years, Will Hawks is a superintendent of schools, John S. and W. H. Madden are journalists, George Hopkins a judge of probate in Kalamazoo county, and Dwight B. Waldo is president of the State Normal at Kalamazoo. Our citizens may. justly be proud of the work accomplished by district No. 2. It has honored representatives in all the walks of life and their success is gratifying. There is no more popular social function in Plainwell than the annual meeting of the alumni of the Plainwell high school. The association was organized in 1892. The school library has grown from six volumes, the remains of the old township library, to more than six hundred volumes. The Plainwell high school stands on the approved lists of the State Normal and the University and graduates are admitted without examination. PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI. I873-Chas. Hyde,.Carrie Hatfield Wright, Mary Hatfield Warrant, Mattie VanHorn, Susie Warrant. 1874-Effie Hyde Lewis, Harvey Warrant.. -875-Belle. Barrett Lilly, Dollie Mesick Pursel, Clemma WvVoodard Barber, Delmer Woodard. 1876-Georgia Bailey Linton, Libbie Hatfield, William Hatfield, Eda McKay Hubbard, David B. McMartin, Emma Seeley Hicks. 526 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY I877-Laura Chambers Pratt, Ella Griffin Fowle, Mary Keeler Dunham, James Rogers. 1878-George Hopkins, Kittie Monteith McLeod, Addison Pengelly, Arthur Roberts, Jennie Sherman Merriman. I879-Georgia Bush Madden, Florence Elms, Mabel Hatfield Marsh, Mabel Knapp, Anna Marsh Perkins, Ella Suriam DesAutels, Alva Thompson, Dwight Waldo. I880-Marion Granger, Will Hawkes, Grace Marsh, Chas. E. Monroe, Cora Shepard Granger, Della Siddall Pierce. I88i-Sophia Linton, John S. Madden, Fred Mesick, Belle Winter Howe. 1882-Annie Brush Flanigan, Alice Buchanan Heath, John Conrad, Cora Hill, Dora Monteith, Kittie Scott Eesley, Mittie Smith Henry. I883-Elizabeth Conine, Maud Bristol Owen, Louie Copp Hook, Ida Chamberlin Fletcher, Nettie King Williams, Lizzie McMartin Anderson, Lenora McKay Temple, Jessie Roberts Orcutt, Addie Siddall Marshall, Ella Scott Walker, Nettie Sherwood Scott, Claribel Stiff White. I884-Fred Bliss, Nettie Brown Johnson, Emma Bussard, Clara Carpenter Peschmann, Eddie Farr, Fred Heath, Jennie Lindsey Wells, Maggie Monteith Harper, Mamie Monteith English, Lois Southwick, Mamie Talbot Mesick. I885-Mary Buxton Bliss, Herbert Brown, Carl Copp, Nora Heath Blackmore, Laura Hill, Ernest Hawkes, Jesse Johnson, Ella Spencer Murray, John Tomlinson, Lillie Woodhams Price. * 886-Jennie Bean Skillman, Nelson Beers, Kate Crispe, Eva Conine Hawkes, Nellie Dunham Porteous, Mattie Fourmbum Crispe, Nannie Gilmore, Alice Hanna Vosburg, Hattie Ives, Alida McAllister Allen, Cleo Tomlinson Garrison, Effie Madden Brown. I887-Frank Bean, Sarah Beadle Longyear, Ada Curtis Barth, Lilla Donovan Murray, Minnie Eldred Mapes, Myrtie Ferguson Marshall, Bertha Grable Bicknell, Flo Scott Harwood, Ernest Owen, Rowland Lucius Soule. I888-Mary Chart, Nettie Carruthers Carruthers, Rose Evart, Minnie Handy Hopper, Nettie Scott Keyes, Dee Storms. 1889-Bessie Hopkins, Clair Jackson, Beulah Marshall Ross, Walter Palmer, Bert Platt, Caldwell Price, Daisy E. Soule Hugo, Ray White, Ida Whitcomb Williams, Clark Wheeler. I89o-Lottie Anderson, Inez Chart, Anna English Taylor, Laura Graham, Lora McAllister Earl, Edna Poore Graves. 89I —Thorne Earle, Lottie Cressey, Lalia Cressey Summers, Alla Hoyt Brown, Carl Jones, Della Kahler Spencer, Olive Kronk Moody, Charles Palmer, Ray Schoonmaker, Marshall Warwick. 1892-Sada Bellingham Dunwell, Otis Earl, Alice Hyder Trites, Anna Kahler, Bernice Lewis, Ellis G. Soule. 1893-Marian Brooks Mathers, Ethelyn Clancey McGee, Katherine Eldred Sinclair, Curtis Gilkey, Sada Howard Soule, Edith Johnson, Cora Mussulman, Belle Warrant. I894-Carrie Atway, Alberta Brown, Phebe Clendenen Chamberlin, Lee Gray, Frank Hitchcock, Harry Irland, Burton Peer, Jennie R. Scales, Edith Wilson Harrington. I895-L. Carl Anderson, Harold Arnold, Williami S. Forbes, Bertha HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Howard Cheever, Alice Harroun Wells, Mattie Hill, Grace Harroun McElroy, Lulu Keiser, Cloe Kahler Woodhams, Ethel Wilson Stout, Martha Walton Dart, Grace Walton, Edward Woodhams. I896-Lee Clancey, William Knorr, Rena Lasher, William Purdy, Lillian Wheater. I897-Katie Eldred Johnson, Blanche Kreigbaum, Ray Palmer, Eunice Rumery. 1898-May Billings Burchett, Myrtle Clendenen Meister, Charlotte Fenner, Charles Lasher, William H. Madden, Wilbur Chamberlin, Cora Finch, William Jackson, Helen Murphy Fairbanks, Beth Scales. I899-Bessie Anderson Gilleland, Fred Birchard, George Gilkey, Lillian Harwood, Pearl Hayes Spaeth, Alice Howard, Alfred E. Madden, Laura Thompson, Lura'Warner Avery, Edith Whitcomb, Marie Bean Birchard, Harry Crosby, Clare Granger, Adah Hawley, John Hogan, Lucille Irland, Elizabeth Murphy, Grace Travis, Harold Warwick. I9oo-Bertha Blakely, Ray Bliss, Bernice DeLano Payne, Rudolph Gilkey, Will Hancock, Charles Jackson, Cora Pell, Maud Stout Harrison, George Thompson, Mildred Wilson Drew, Edward Walton, Lee Bliss, Wirt Cook, John Goldsmith, May Housel, Lee Hubbard, Mina Nelson, Irving Palmer, Gertrude Squier May, Anna Thompson, Pearl Wheater Evans, Charles Woodhams. I9o —Leila Arnold, Evah Brown, Alice Chart, Bert Honeywell, Ernest Hoyt, Grace Minar Freeman, Fred Nelson, Athelia Phillips, Winifred Scales, George Shand, Arthur Brown, Bertha Brest, Marguerite Gilkey, Mabel Hamilton, Della Hooper, Evelyn Neelley, Floy Potter, Minnie Rollins Hall, Alva Stamp. 1902-Maud Armstrong, Louise Bryant, Louise Boville Johnson, Margaret Benedict, Guy Bliss, Gertrude Carpenter Stuck, Mary Goss Fritts, Lindsay R. Goss, William Y. Gilkey, Kathryn Granger, Dale Huntley, Lou Ingraham, Henry A. Kelley, Mary Madden Goss, Nina Madden Bullard, Nellie McMartin, Frank J. McMichael, Myrtle Root Pell, Adelaide Stearns, Olin H. Stuck, Cora Theobald, Harry C. Walton, Clarence Walton. I903-Fern Abrams, Heber Bingham, Olive Brigham, Cleo Brown Jackson, Thomas Carroll, Frank Campbell, Hoyt Dunwell, Fred Granger, William Graham, Roy Heath, Lulu Hitchcock, Cleo Hoyt, Homer Hoyt, Clara Hooper Haas, Hazel Kahler, Charles Kester, Fannie Kester, Starr Lasher, Lala McMartin, Anna Murphy, Verne Shand, Dorothy Thompson, John Walker, Clare Wagner, Beatrice Warrant, Grace Warner, Marcia Warner, Walter Wheater, Glenn Williams. 1904-Edith Boman Scribner, Le Roy Brown, Frank M. Bowman, Clara Belle Emery, Julian Elton Gilkey, Bess C. Hall, Margie Hyder, Ernest Jackson, Clark D. Mason, Marian B. Monroe, Bernard C. Roberts, Myrtice Skinner, Lonzella Theobald, Rubie Williams. 1905-Allen Bingham, Mabel Butler, Clarence Collister, Louise Fisher, Frank Hale, Guy V. Howe, Theda Hooper, Hazel McRoberts, Edith Patterson, Mabel Rix, Marion Sherwood, Karl Shultes, Miriam Wheater. g906-Charles E. Campbell, Fannie E. Deming, Job C. Estes, Ina C. Estes, Catherine O. Goss, Charlotte May Herbert, Ruby L. Hicks, Cleo May Hill, Carolyn May Hicks, Jessie Hollands, Jay E. McCall, Clyde D. McCall, John D. McMartin, Edward R. Negus, Sarah C. Webster, Lois 528 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Lapham Warrant, Bernice J. Wenham, Bernice C. Warner, Clarence L. White. SAUGATUCK. In 1838 there was only one organized district in all the region of Newark township, with forty-two pupils of school age. In that year ninety dollars was raised for building a schoolhouse. In the following year five hundred dollars was appropriated for building a schoolhouse. A private school, attended by five pupils, is mentioned in that year. The first school in the vicinity is said to have been a private school, held near Singapore. By 1840 three districts were organized in the township, of which district No. 2 eventually became limited to comprise the territory of Saugatuck village. At a school meeting September 3, I866, it was resolved to grade district No. 2. Bonds to the amount of four thousand dollars were issued to pay for a new schoolhouse. Thus Saugatuck was one of the first villages of the county to have a graded school. The first board of trustees for the graded district were: James G. Williams, moderator; Geo. E. Dunn, director; Frank B. Stockbridge, assessor, and Samuel Johnson, Warren Cook, H. H. Stimson. Dr. Stimson, the last named, is still living and one of the very oldest residents of the village and vicinity. Clara Stimpson and Mary Porter were hired to teach the first term. August, 1867, R. Barnard was hired as principal and continued until 1872. His successors have been: W. L. Swan, 1872; W. P. Sutton, 1875; G. W. Bellows, 1878; Ida Shotwell, I88i; E. G. Trowbridge, 1882; James Warnock, I892; E. H. Calhoun, I896; P. A. Latta, I897 to the present time. Mr. Latta is one of the strongest, as he is perhaps the oldest of Allegan county's educators. He has been engaged in school work almost continuously for forty years. The old school building, together with a ward school, was in use for thirty years. In September, 1896, district No. 2 voted a five thousand dollar bond issue, the bonds payable at intervals through eight years. A bid of six thousand two hundred and thirty-two dollars for construction of a twostory brick building was accepted and the school was accepted and has been in use since the summer of 1897. The following record of graduates of the high school has been taken from the alumni book, there being no list of graduates in the official records of the school officers: GRADUATES OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, SAUGATUCK. 1878- Maria Newnham, Grace Taylor. 188o-Abbie Wheeler, Jessie House, Anna Griffin. I886-Minnie Breuckman, Clara Elliott. I.89o-John Nies. I89 —Grace Baudle, Josie Simonson, Grace Halverson, Mary Hirner, Josie Goshorn. 1892-Louisa Lundgren, William Baker, William Dole, Belle Smith, William Smith, Mattie Hames, Minnie Reid, Clyde Reid, Myrtle Allen, George Knowles, Rena Ames, Rosina Perry, Cora Hollister, Charles Knowles, Winnie Cummings, James Smead, Lena Randall. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1893-Mae Francis, Gilbert Pride, Mae Naughtin, Emma Randall, Archie Pierce, Gertrude Shriver, Ray Nies. I894-Oscar Wiley, Lanus Swemer, Anna Haut, Mattie Dole, Harry Bird, Susie Tisdale, Mamie Lundgren, Winnie Dole, Nellie Van Leuin, George Pride, Mabel Colf, Lizzie Nysson. I895-Allan Falconer, Arthur Williams, Carrie Inderbitzin, Ethel Sutton. I896-Joseph Swemer, Harry Newcomb, John Schumaker, Pearl Phelps, Jason Dick, Bessie Bandle, Bina Annesley, Edith Brown. I899-Harry Oleson, Murba Greenlees, James Koning, Amelia Shriver, Mattie Simonson, Herman Simonson. 90oo-William Tisdale, Edward Winslow, Elsie Vork, Florence Updyke, Gussie Barber, Russell Knox, Laura Miller, Charlie Upham, Bessie Newnham, Mae Belle Haywood, Blanche Baudle, Arie Koning, Ethel Baker, Ella Brown, Worth Durham. 90o —Clarence Winslow, Robert Oleson, John Blink, Jennie Veits, Olive Ludwig, Louisa Walz, Mattie Hirner, Marie Upham, Faith Kirby, Ethel Winslow, Lottie Hancock, Mamiie Schumaker, Florence Miller, Howard Coates, Louis Knox, Clarence Halverson. 1902-Jessie Veits, Elsworth Ellis, Eldon Dick, Josephine Walberg, Louise Johns, Anna Oleson, Stella Dailey, Mildred Ireland. 1903-Margaret Coxford, Pearl Heuer, Blanche McGregor, Bessie Wilson, Edith Leland, Eva Lundgren, Julia Shriver, Jennie Vork, Edith Brown, Bessie Riley, Theodore Hoffman, George Bradley, Arthur Reynolds. 1904-Frank Wade, Blanche Lamreaux, Bessie Smalley. Fannie Dailey, Marie Walz, Lizzie Schumaker, Pearl Olsen, Adelaide Wade, Julia McIntosh, Anna Garton, Milton Coates, Grace Haberer, Bertha Weed, Mona Jones, Lucina Taylor, Mack Atwater, Eva Haberer, Charles Atwater, Lizzie Dreher. I905-M\acLean Babcock, Lottie Force, Edna Oleson, Maud Johns, Frances Garton, Jessie St. Johns, Gladys Rapalee, Edward Burdick, Edna Link, Mabel Wilson, Mary Randall, Nita Fort, Irene Kingsbury, Frank Johns, Eileen Manning, Myron Heath,Estelle Heath, Edward Redpath, Ellsworth Lundgren, Anna Burch, Faye Meade, Sarah Tisdale. 1906-Chris. Walz, Dorothy Dailey, Jessie Crow, Cornelia Koning, Alfaretta Smalley, Frank Smith, Charles Gilman, Alta Arends, Leon Chase, Marie Schaberg, Julia Brittian, Helen Erikson, Lizzie Dorman, Lois Helm, Robert Goodwin, Dawn Meade, Dora Wentzel. FENNVILLE. In I898 fractional district No. 2, of Manlius, was organized for high school work. Up to that time the old building west of the village had served as the school home, but in that year a new brick building was erected in the village on the north side of Main street, and the old structure abandoned. The high school has been brought to rank with the schools of the other villages in the county. The principals and graduates from I898 to the present time are as follows: I898-W. G. Loomis, Prin.; Floyd Loomis, Millie Turrel, Lee Robinson, Robert Collins, Gertrude Barry, Calvin Wilcox. 530 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY I90o-C. F. Bacon, Prin.; Bessie Bale, Harry Hutchins, Carrie Hurlburt, Blanche Billings, Louise Smeed. I902-L. W. Bacon, Prin.; Leon French, Robert Day, Bul Kibby, Ethel Crane, Roy Fisher, Gertrude Fisher, Laura Young, Gladys Chapman, Grace Thome, Ivy Barber, Zelda Barrow, Ruby Wightman, Anna Owens, Hattie Knowlton. I903-L. Q. Martin, Prin.; Hattie Truax, Harvey Adams, Leo Swartz, John McCormick (dead), Isabelle Thome, Lillian Arnold, Carol Walters, Laura Hutchins, Wm. Hoover, Eugene Mann, Oliver Henderson, Everard Leland, Clarissa Hurlburt, Flossy Taylor, Eva Paine, Russell Wightman. I904-L. Q. Martin, Prin.; Grace McCartney, Nellie Grant, Mary Peterson, Belva McCormick, George Whitney. I905-L.Q. Martin, Prin.; Chas. Reid, Lee Hutchins, Serene Chase, Mildred Watson, Blanche Stauffer, Tressa Orther, Mary Geske, Belle Silcox, Hattie Johnson, Alice Baron. I906-W. B. Sheehan, Prin.; Florence Mead, Lelah Frye, Fern Green, Alfa Pearle. BURNIP'S CORNERS. Burnip's Corners district school was organized in I856 and the school building, or log house, was erected at Salem Center. In 1876 a new frame building was erected one-quarter of a mile north of Salem Center in what is known as Burnip's Corners. The present two-room brick building was erected at a cost of three thousand dollars in I886. The school was organized into a graded school of ten grades in I886, with Eugene Gregory as first principal. The principals to date are as follows: Eugene Gregory, 1886 to 1887; A. J. Dan, 1887 to I89I; Chas. Bacon, 1891 to I895; L. B. Plummer, I895 to I897; Frank Brown, I897 to I898; F. M. Cosner, I898 to 900o; Malcolm Smith, I900 to 1903; Ralph Sprague, 1903 to I904; Ira J. Arehart, I904 to present time. The first commencement exercises were held in I890. There has been a class each year since, with two exceptions, namely, 1894 and I898. The following is a list of graduates by years: I89o-Minnie D. Binley, Norman L. Bond, Lewis Van Wormer, E. Joy Heck, H. Otis Jones, and Gerrit Masselink. I891-Eleroy A. Smith, Herman A. Rigterink, Roxy Stauffer, Charles R. Newell, Minnie Hardy, John W. Rigterink. I892-Henry A. Dibble, Benjamin F. Masselink, and Geo. H. Rigterink. I893-Frank Smith, Francis Goodmann, Dirk Lanting, Arthur Winegar, Garrit Walcott, Bertha Loew, and Nettie Sebright. I895-Fred Loew, Theodore Long, May Roberts, Cora Sebright. I896-Oker Gordon, Flossie Heck, Viola Heasley, Iva Hardy, Floy Sprau. I897-Norman Buege, Loren Heasley, Carl Green, Perry Fleetwood, Imogene Burt, Henry Rigterink. 899 —George Brower, George R. Newell, Martin Loew. I900-Harry W. Davis, G. Elmer Smith, L. Maud Brady, Grace A. Brady, Huldah C. Heasley, Lulu M. Newell, William Fleser, Flora H. Raab, Tillie M. Slagle. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 531 90I —Maud Strang, Louisa Ritz, Estela Zimmerman, Jennie Long, Ernest Wells. I902-G. Carl Roberts, Adam A. Sebright, Edythe M. Loomis, Ida M. Newell, H. Faithe Brady, Flossie P. Loew. I903-Albert A. Riddering, Oscar F. Raab, Arthur A. Buege, Gertrude I. Heasley, Lulu Cronkhite. I904-Nellie De Jongh, Leafy Mesick, Gladys Hardy, John Vander Bosch, Claud Sturgis, Maud Enos, Glenn Gordon, Orah Leweke, George Claus, Winifred Bear, Peter Giebe, Lydia Buege, George Davis, Laura Raab, George Ritz. 1905-Bessie Newell, Lemuel Brady, John De Jongh. g906-Hallie Sprau, Mary L. Beck, G. Ray Sturgis, Clara Baker, Martin Van Duine. The curriculum comprises ten grades, the number of teachers is two, and number of pupils one hundred ten. WAYLAND. The Wayland graded schools have developed, as other such schools in the county, from the district system. Wrhen the township was divided into school districts in I844, district No. 2 was made to contain the entire northwest corner of the township, namely, sections 5, 6, 7, 8, I7, I8, 19, 20. The log house previously inhabited by Nelson Chambers, located at Chambers Corners, within the limits of the present village of Wayland, was coiiverted into the first school house. Miss Belinda Eldred (later the wife oi Ebenezer Wilder of Martin; her death occurred July 2, 1905) taught a summer term in I844, among her twelve scholars being children of Nelson Chambers, Joseph Heydenberk and John Parsons. District No. 3, comr prising a large part of the south side of the township, had much the greater number of school children, in the fall of 1848 having forty-six against sixteen in district No. 2. There were twenty scholars in the latter district in I850. The next school house was the little red school house built about I850. Its size was about sixteen by twenty feet, with desks on either side and long benches made stationary for seats and was capable of seating about twenty scholars. This was at a time when those who sent children to school had to pay their tuition and when the teachers received for their services about three dollars per week and waited for their pay until the end of the term. The teachers made what was called a rate bill or an assessment roll and the parents paid a ratable proportion of the teacher's wages according to the number of children sent to school, and it was the duty of the teacher to make collections. The parents had also to furnish their proportion of wood needed to warm the school house. Among the early teachers were Mary West, Amanda J. Chambers, Margaret Mosher, Augusta K. Harrison (now Augusta K. Hunter), Addie McMartin (now Addie E. Hoyt). After 1862 the following persons were among the. teachers: Emily Chambers, William Mason, Otis Parsons, Cornelia Chambers, Mary J. McMartin (now Mary J. Clark), Deborah Parsons, Ida Loomis, Mary Beach, Fannie Coleman, Minnie Everson, E. W. Pickett, E. S. Linsley, Samuel Hendricks, E. Congdon, George Gable, Ed Gene Arnold and James W. Humphrey. Mr. Humphrey began teaching in the Wayland school in 1877, and it was 632 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY through his influence that the school was graded, when the new brick school house was first occupied in 1879. This building was burned in I896 and was replaced during the same year by the one now in use. In 1883 Mr. Humphrey succeeded in establishing a Normal class which lasted as long as he had charge of the school. When he began teaching there were only three teachers employed, but before he finished his work there were five. He left here after ten years' successful work to take a position in Hope College at Holland. The teachers associated with him were Ellen Clark, Elva Clark, Jettie Buskirk, Ellen M. Carner, Nettie Conrad, Hattie Wallbrecht, Estella Rathburn, Metta Rawson, Libbie Sooy, Mary Hayes, Lucy Avery, Franc Smith and Jessie Hoyt. The principals following Mr. Humphrey were A. C. Roberts, William McNamara, E. M. Vroman (for nine years), W. G. Glazier, and Charles W. Appleton, since I902. The present school building is a fine two-story brick structure with a large basement. It is steam heated, well lighted, ventilated and furnished. Besides the high school, intermediate and primary rooms there is a large recitation room, laboratory and bookkeeping room. The physical laboratory contains about $400 worth of apparatus, most of which has been added through the efforts of the present superintendent. During the past year the enrollment has been about two hundred and forty, of which one hundred and twenty were in the high room, with about twenty-five per cent non-resident pupils. Last year the twelfth grade was added to the curriculum. The school is now on the approved list of Normal schools of the state and it is hoped to place it on the University list in the near future. CHAPTER X. BANKS. As elsewhere related, Allegan county had its experiences with "wildcat" banking during the years immediately following the erection of Michigan as a state and the unbridled period of speculation and promotion of the late thirties. Allegan county also had rather more than its share of these speculative enterprises, the most prominent centers of which were at Otsego, Allegan and Singapore. Almost a natural accompaniment of such an undertaking as the building up of a village on a capitalistic basis was a bank patterned after the kind then so prevalent throughout the country. The Allegan bank was established in the fall of 1837, with Alexander L. Ely as president and Hovey K. Clarke as cashier. Some of the bills of this institution are still to be found about the county, being nothing more than promises to pay based on the personal credit of the stockholders and on the highly-inflated real estate values of the Allegan company. Owing to some fortunate circumstances the Allegan bank notes had rather more prestige abroad than those of many of these banks, and for a time they passed more or less current among the eastern communities. But the inevitable crash followed within a year or so, and the institution passed out of history. Mention has elsewhere been made of the similar institution founded at Singapore about the same time, which shared the general fate. The oldest bank in Allegan county is the Allegan State Savings bank, the name being the Allegan City bank until recently, when it was incorporated under a state charter. As a private bank its first proprietors, in I860, were Augustus S. Butler and H. B. Peck. In 1873 a reorganization was effected and the firm of H. M. and H. B. Peck became the owners, and continued so for a number of years. Later the firm of Chaddock and DeLano became proprietors. The only National bank in the county is the First National Bank of Allegan, which was organized in June, 1870, six years after the passage of the national banking act. The first board of directors were B. D. Pritchard, T. C. Jenner, W. H. Nickerson, G. B. Robinson, Z. L. Griswold. Gen. B. D. Britchard was president of this institution from its organization until I905. Ira Chichester was from the first interested in the bank and served for many years as vice president, and since the reorganization in I905 his son F. I. has controlled the majority of the stock and has been cashier. I. P. Griswold, now president, has been connected with the bank over twenty-five years, as has also Leon Chichester, vice president. When Gen. Pritchard withdrew from the First National bank in I905 533 534 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY he organized the First State Bank of Allegan, which at once took its place as one of the recognized strong financial institutions of the county owing to the character of the men in control and the impregnable financial resources at its command. In Otsego the first banking house was established by Wilson C. Edsell and H. N. Peck in I869, and under various proprietors, recently the firm of DeLano and Clapp, this bank has continued a successful existence, and is now incorporated under the title of the First State and Savings Bank of Otsego. The Plainwell Exchange bank was established as a private bank by Winegar and Soule in I869. In I876 Joseph W. Hicks became a partner in this institution and remained one of the proprietors until his death in 1893. In I903 the private bank gave way to a state bank, and the Citizens' State Savings Bank was established. The Old State bank at Fennville dates from 1887. The Hutchinsons have been most prominently connected with its history, and another wellknown business man of that vicinity now connected with it is George L. Dutcher. The Fruit Growers' Bank of Saugatuck began as a private bank in I892, and in October, I896, was made a state bank. A. B. Taylor as president anld W. R. Takken as cashier have been at the head of this institution for ten years or more. Several other banks of the county are mentioned below in the summarized list of the county's banks as given in the Bankers' Directory for September, I906: ALLEGAN. Allegan State Savings Bank, Est. 1860. Capital, $30,000. Surplus and Profits, $2,581. Deposits, $239,110. The present officers are: J. W. Chaddock, President. H. A. DeLano, Vice President. W. H. Chaddock, Cashier. First National Bank of Allegan. Est 1870. Capital, $50,000. Surplus and Profits, $13,000. Deposits, $525,247. The officers are: I. P. Griswold, President. L. Chichester, Vice President. F. L. Chichester, Cashier First State Bank Est. 1905. Capital, $50,000. Deposits, $200,000. The officers are: B. D. Pritchard, President. M. V. B. McAlpine, Vice President. H. D. Pritchard, Cashier. DOUGLAS. Private Bank. Est. 1894. L. W. McDonald, Proprietor. GLENN. Private Bank. Est. 1902. L. Seymour & Co., Proprietors. HOPKINS. Exchange Bank. Est. 1890. Capital, $30,000. Furber and Kidder, Proprietors. MARTIN. Martin Exchange Bank. Est. 1905. A private bank, with $22,000 capital and $97,000 deposits. Officers: T. H. Shepherd, President. Lee W. Shepherd, Cashier. FENNVILLE. Old State Bank. Est. 1887. Capital, $15,000. Surplus and Profits, $1,730. Deposits, $106,303. The officers: L. S. Dickinson, President. George L. Dutcher, Vice President. J. E. Hutchinson, Cashier. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 535 WAYLAND. Wayland State Bank. Est. 1903. Capital, $20,000. Deposits, $10,000. The officers: E. O. Hanlon, President. John Frohm, Vice President. E. W. Pickett, Cashier. OTSEGO. First State & Savings Bank. Est. 1869. Capital, $25,000. George E. Delano, Cashier. PLAINWELL. Citizens State Savings Bank. Est. 1903. Capital, $24,000. Surplus and Profits, $2,000. Deposits, $230,102. The officers: John N. Ransom, President. J. W. Gilkey, Vice President. A. I. Shepard, Cashier. SAUGATUCK. Fruit Growers' Bank. Est. 1892. W. R. Tappen, Cashier. CHAPTER XI. HISTORY OF THE PRESS. There is recorded an attempt to establish a paper at New Rochester when that settlement was at the height of its prosperity, but nothing practical ever came of the movement. Moses Hawks was the first printer and publisher in the county. He established the 41llegan Counity Democrat at Otsego, the first number of which was issued April 12, 1842. Democratic in politics, and lasting only a few months, is the sum of its history. The apparatus was purchased by A. L. Ely, of Allegan, who moved the material to that village, and, January 23, I843, issued a copy of the Allegan and Barry Record. Mr. Ely did not personally conduct the paper, and some other well-known men were connected with it in the capacity of publishers and editors. Hovey K. Clarke was the first editor. Augustine W. Adams and Moses Hawks were publishers of the journal for short periods. When Mr. Ely removed to Iowa in I846 (where he became the founder of the town of Cedar Falls, where he died in I848), MAr. Hawks bought the plant and continued the publication under his name until 1857. Donald C. Henderson, the dean of the newspaper profession in Allegan county and one of the oldest journalists in Michigan, still living in the county, began his newspaper career with the Record during the forties. From I847 Mr. E. B. Bassett was chief editor of the journal, and in I86I purchased the plant from William Francis, an accomplished English gentleman, who was long a resident of Allegan. The Record was for thirteen years the only paper published in this county. A political organ in the old-fashioned sense of that word, it fought the battles of Democracy with the vehemence and uncompromising ardor characteristic of the period. ALLEGAN JOURNAL. Donald C. Henderson, who began his career with the Record and later became connected with the New York Tribunte, founded the Allegan Journzal in April, I856, the first number being issued the last (lay of that month. The Republican party being then two years old in Michigan, the paper was founded partly for the purpose of advocating the principles of the party. The paper in the growing interests of the day in anti-slavery flourished at the expense of its rival, the Record, and in I862, after the strife had already been joined and militant Democracy was for the time moribund in Michigan, Mr. Bassett was unable to continue the publication of the Record 536 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 537 and sold the plant to Mr. Henderson, who at once consolidated it with the Journal. Mr. Henderson served during the last two years of the war as a private, and at the close resumed the editorship of the Journal, which he held until his retirement from active duties in July, I897. In I874 Edwy C. Reid, who had been connected with western Michigan journalism since a boy of sixteen, and for the preceding two years had been local editor of the Journal, associated himself with Mr. Henderson as one of the proprietors, and for the following eight years the firm of Henderson and Reid conducted the Journal. In I882 the partnership was dissolved, and with the aid of friends Mr. Reid established the Allegan Gazette, which will complete a quarter century of existence in May, 1907, and logically is the continuation of the old Allegan Jolurnal, established over half a century ago. Edwy Campbell Reid, editor and proprietor of the Gazette and postmaster at Allegan, is a native of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, his father's people being residents for several generations of New Jersey and his mother a native of Norfolkshire, England. When eighteen months old he was brought to Michigan by his parents, and was reared at Otsego. Having attended the village schools there, at the age of sixteen he began an apprenticeship with the Otsego Herald. As part owner and publisher of the Otsego Record, compositor and job printer on the Kalamazoo Tclegraph, foreman of the Kalamazoo Gazette, the Allegan Dmclocrat, and the Allegan Journal, and later partner with Mr. Henderson in publishing the latter paper, and finally for the last twenty-five years editor and publisher of the Allegan Gazette, M\r. Reid has had a varied newspaper career. He is known as one of the best editorial writers in this part of Michigan, his power as correspondent and descriptive news writer fully equaling his ability as publisher. Mr. Reid has been a successful publisher, and without trimming his editorials alwavs to accord with nerveless opinion has made his paper a real director of public sentiment and a power in any work of reform or improvement. Since his appointment by President MclKinley in June, I898, Mr. Reid has held the office of postmaster at Allegan. The Allegan postoffice has made notable advances since that time. Rural free delivery has caused a concentration of postal business at this point, and from one rural mail route in I899, the office is now center for eight routes, radiating in all directions from the village. The postal receipts have increased from $8,000 to $I2,ooo. This increase in postal business has caused Allegan to be made a city free delivery office, and since June, I905, the village has enjoyed frequent deliveries and mail collections and all the postal facilities of a city. Mr. Reid has been closely identified with the fruit industry in this part of Michigan, and besides being interested in fruit exhibits at the state fairs and Detroit expositions was for many years secretary of the State Horticultural Society. Mr. Reid is a director on the Allegan Board of Trade, being the prime leader in the organization of that body, for eight years a member of the board of trustees of the state asylum for the insane at Ionia, acting as president of the board part of the time, for three years a trustee of Oak Grove cemetery, and as an active Republican was secretary for fourteen years of the Republican county committee and otherwise a leader of his 538 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY party in the county. He has been a member of the executive committee of the Michigan Republican Press Association. Fraternally he affiliates with the Odd Fellows, the Foresters, the Maccabees and the United Workmen, and is a member of the Allegan Congregational church. Mr. Reid was married in I876 to Miss M. A. Borradaile, of Sodus, New York. Mrs. Reid, who died June 10, I906, was well known in social and educational circles in Allegan, and a number of years ago was preceptress of the high school. She left a son and a daughter, both now in college, Edwy B. being a student in the state university and Florence A. at Olivet college. December II, 1867, another Democratic newspaper was published in the county under the name of the Allegani County Democrat, the second of the name. Freeman D. Austin was publisher until his death in July, I869, and later the paper was controlled by Martin T. Ryan and George C. Furber. In 1874 W. W. Watkins entered the firm and the Northwestern Bible and Publishing company was organized, the Democrat being continued by this firm. This company was dissolved in October, I876, and for the following two years the Democrat was published by a stock company of prominent Democrats. The last number was issued December 31, 1879. The plant of the Demiocrat had been purchased by E. R. Morgan and Frank W. Bailey, and in January, I88o, they began the publication of the Allegan Triblunec, as a Republican paper, the veteran newspaper man, G. A. Morgan, being editor. The Allegan Diemocrat was established in immediate succession to the passing of the Alleganl Coulty Dcmlocrat, its first number being issued January 7, I880. It had neither business nor material connection with the former paper, being only similar in politics. George Scales, of the Plainwell Inldependent Republic, installed a complete new plant at Allegan for the publication of this paper. D. R. Waters was connected with the paper as editor. The Allegan ANews, the present Democratic newspaper at the county seat, was established in I899, and is published by John J. Firestone, ably assisted by his wife and son. Mr. Firestone began his newspaper career in Elkhart county, Indiana, and since coming to Allegan county has brought his paper to the front as one of the newsy and able journals of the county. The Allegan Press, the other newspaper published at Allegan, now in its sixth volume, is edited and published by Charles F. Davison, in whose career the history of the journal will be found. Mr. Davison was born in Wayland township, Allegan county, January 13, I870. His father, Cephas E. Davison, was born in the eastern part of New York state and removed thence to Massachusetts, where he was reared to manhood. He prepared for the dental profession, and in I865 came to Wayland township, Allegan county, Michigan, where he opened a dental office, continuing actively in practice until the fall of I887. He then went to California on a prospecting trip, and while there became ill and died, passing away in San Diego, February 3, I888. He was active in community affairs in Wayland township, was a member of the school board for a number of years, and also held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was trustee, while in the Sunday-school he acted as superintendent. He was likewise township clerk for two years and was a very prominent and influential HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 539 man in his locality. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth A. Coleman, and was born il Wisconsin. She still survives, her home being now in Wayland village. She was married a second time, becoming the wife of Francis C. Elliott, who passed awav February 25, 1902. In the family were four children: Charles F., Royal E., and two who have passed away. Charles F. Davidson was reared in the place of his nativity and passed through successive grades in the public schools of Wayland until he was graduated from the high school in the class of 1887. At the age of eighteen years he came to Allegan, this being in I888, and entered the office of the Allegan Gazette to learn the printer's trade. He began as "devil," gradually worked his way upward, filling during the succeeding thirteen years various positions, after completing his three years' apprenticeship. He was reporter and later city editor for ten years. On the 4th of April, 1902, the first issue of the Allegan Press was published. This paper was published by Charles F. Davison, Charles E. Ingram and Frank M. Weber. The partnership was maintained until July, when Mr. Weber sold his interest to the other two and Mr. Davison and Mr. Ingram continued the publication of the Press until October, I905, when Mr. Davison purchased his partner's interest and is now sole proprietor of the paper, which is published weekly and is a bright, interesting journal, with a large circulation. It is also an excellent advertising medium and has a good patronage in tnat direction. Mr. Davison is a Republican in politics and edits his paper in support of the party. He held the office of village clerk of Allegan from 900o until 1903, and at the first election defeated William H. Dorgan, who had formerlv defeated Mr. Davison when he was first nominated for the office in I899. Later Mr. Davison was re-elected, again defeating Mr. Dorgan. At the last election he was elected by four votes, and on a recount it was found that he had three more votes, defeating Frank A. Ewer. He has always been very active and influential in politics and is now serving for the third term as a member of the Republican county committee, of which he is acting as secretary. He was also secretary of the McKinley and Hobart Club in 1896 and secretary of the McKinley and Roosevelt Club in I900. He is likewise a member of the school board of Allegan, his term expiring in 1909. On the ioth of June, I896, in this village, Mr. Davison was married to Miss Ella Van Auken, a native of Iowa, and they have one child, Francis Charles, who was born in Allegan May I8, i897. Mr. Davison is a member of the Foresters and is a rising young man held in high esteem because of his activity in support of many public progressive measures and his wellknown devotion to the general good. His paper has been a success and is a credit to the village which he represents. The first paper at Otsego was the Otsego Cofurier, and likewise the first Republican newspaper in the county. It was established in I855, just after the rise of the Republican party to power in the state. It was founded for political purposes, being an offshoot of the Kalamazoo Telegraph, the publisher being George A. Fitch of that paper and the material being obtained from the Telegraph plant. With the establishment of the Allegan Journal in i856 party patronage ceased to come to the Courier, and it was soon reabsorbed in the newspaper activities of Kalamazoo. 0540 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY The Otsego Herald was founded in I865 by George W. Parks and lasted four years, during which time a number of men otherwise connected with Allegan county journalism were in its management. It was never successfully revived after I869. The Allegan. County Record succeeded the Herald in the same office in I869, though with an entirely new plant. This little Republican paper was published by H. E. J. Clute, and in September, I870, E. C. Reid became a partner in the enterprise. The paper was discontinued in May, 1871, and Otsego had no regular paper for several years. The history of the Otsego Union, which was founded by C. H. Harris and V. V. Campbell, its first number being issued August 2, 1875, is continued to date and detailed in the sketch of George R. Brown, its proprietor. No better criterion of the character of a town can be obtained than its newspapers, which reflect the wideawake and enterprising spirit of the community or indicate its apathy and lack of ambition and desire for advancement. The newspaper, too, is often the stimulus of the growth and development of a community. The Otsego Unionz is of this type. George R. Brown, owner and publisher, is a native son of Michigan, having been born in Williamston in I866. His parents were George W. and Avis (Bunker) Brown, both of whom were natives of New York, and are now deceased. The father was superintendent of schools in Ingham county, Michigan, and at the time of the old school system held that office in various parts of the state. In the family were five children: Charles F., who for twenty years was engaged in the publication of a newspaper at Alma, Michigan, where he is now serving as postmaster; Fred L., a resident farmer of Delton, Michigan; George R., of this review; Edwin E., who is engaged in the newspaper business at Morenci, Michigan; and Lou Belle, who is with her brother George in the office of the Otsego Union. George R. Brown was educated in the place of his nativity and after reaching manhood he worked upon the home farm, while later he learned the printer's trade at Sheridan, Michigan, in the office of the VNews, thinking to find journalism a more congenial occupation than agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he was connected with his brother in the newspaper work at Alma, M ichigan, and afterward became foreman of the Grand Ledge Independcnt, with which he was connected for three years. He then joined his brother, Edwin E. Brown, and leased the Flushing Observer, at Flushing, Michigan, which they conducted for two years, when they purchased the Otsego Union in April, I893, and began its publication under the firm style of Brown B1rothers, which relation was maintained until 1897, when George R. Brown purchased his brother's interest and has since been sole editor and proprietor of the paper. This is a good country newspaper, devoted to local interests and the dissemination of general news, and during Mr. Brown's connection therewith the patronage in both the circulation and advertising departments has greatly increased. He is also a stockholder in the Eady Shoe Factory and is secretary of the Otsego Creamery Company, having thus been identified with the latter enterprise for four years. Mr. Brown is a stalwart Republican in his political belief and has served as township clerk of Otsego township for nine terms, being the incumbent at the present writing. Fraternally he is connected with the HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 541 Knights of IPythias and the Maccabees. In 1891, at Grand Ledge, Michigan, he was married to Miss Pet Forman, a native of that place, and they now have one son, George Forman, who was born in Otsego. The family attend the Methodist church and are prominent socially, while the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by the many friends whom they have met during the years of their residence in Otsego. PLAIN WELL. The first newspaper published in Plainwell was a small four-page paper entitled the Plainwell 1Exrpress, which lasted only thirteen weeks during I868. The next attempt was the Plainwell Republic, started February Io, 1871, by Jerome Winchell, editor, and I-I. S. Warren, associate. The next year the firm became Winchell and (C. Hi.) Hickok. May 25, 1876, George Scales published the first number of the Plainwell Indepcldent, and a year later bought out the rival paper and consolidated the two as the Independent Republic. The local newspaper office in those days furnished an admirable training school for the bright boys of the village, several of whom became all-around newspaper men, among them being C. Hi. Hickok, F. F. Patterson, T. Hurley, C. A. Brakeman, L. G. Graves, J. S. Nadden, and others. In 1880 the paper resumed its old title of the Plainwell Independent, with A. C. Roberts editor and F. F. Patterson business manager. Mr. Scales, though retaining his interest in the Indepecndent, was at that time conducting the Democratic paper in Allegan, but a year later returned to active management of the Otsego paper and continued it until 1892, when the paper was discontinued. The Plainwell Lcader was started in May, I884, by T. M. Sheriff. C. A. Brakeman, at first the local editor, became proprietor of the paper after the first year, but after another year sold the plant, which was absorbed in part by the Inldcpcndclt and in part by Graves and Eesley, job printers. Within two weeks after the sale of the Leader appeared the initial number of the Plainwell Entcrprise, February o0, I886, published by Wilson and Mann, with J. S. Madden as local editor. In July Mr. Wilson retired from the firm, and on January I, 1887, the Maddens, father and son, purchased the outfit and have continued its publication successfully to the present time. Mr. Madden is an enterprising newspaper man, introducing many novel and interesting features into his columns, and is extremely desirous of recording faithfully the progress of his village and county. The Plainwell \N'ecs, the only paper published twice a week in the county, was established in March, I899, Misses Lillian and Ida Klock being editors and publishers. It was soon changed to a semi-weekly, and in I905 was sold to G. S. Lasher, the present publisher and editor. A "Woman's Edition" of the Plainwell Ne Lcs, published April 13, 1906, was an historical number of much value, and front it much has been obtained to supplement the accounts of Plainwell in this history. A LITTLE HISTORY. The Saugatuck Colimmercial was established July 9, I868, by Dr. A. H. Pattee, who published it under that name till July II, 1870, when E. Perry 54 2 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY took charge and named it the Lake Shore Comlmnercial. February 7, 1873, finds Myron W. Tarbox in charge and January 29, I875, C. M. Winslow, who afterwards started the Douglas Record. Following these came Markham and Wasson in 1877, and Byron Markham the same year, then Markham and Wasson again in I878; but before the year was over Charles W. Wasson managed the business alone till May 2, I879, when Mrs. Lena Woodhull was associated with Charles F. Wasson as editor. Then in January, I88o, Mrs. Woodhull took charge alone and ran the business till March, I882, when the firm was Woodhull and Wade, but Adrian Houtkamp took it in April of 1882, and at the end of 1885 discontinued it for a few weeks, but finally Fred Wade bought the plant and began business. He published it until September 2, I898, when he sold out to William P. Dunton, who bought the subscription list of the Douglas Record, and April II, I902, the first issue of the Coizmmercial-Record was published. On December I, I902, Otis O. Hauke bought the plant and April I, 1903, Ashley D. Rowe was taken in partnership, but this partnership was dissolved the latter part of November, I903, and Otis 0. Hauke took charge. He issues a very excellent paper, containing news and promoting the best interests of the entire Lake Shore vicinity. The Hopkins Times is now in its first year. Its publication was begun in April, I9o6, and G. O. Currey is its publisher. The paper is devoted to the interests of Hopkins and vicinity and its columns teem with news. Before the establishment of the Saturday Globe at Wayland in I884 several had tried that field unsuccessfully. The Wayland Newzrs was established in I870 and continued about two years. This was followed by the Venture, of short duration, and in I876 the Wayland Courier entered upon its short career. The Satuhrdav Globe was established in September, 1884, and edited by Mr. G. A. Mosher until January, I906. It was first called the Wayland Globe, and afterwards changed to the Saturday Globe, by which name it went till sold to F. C. Wing, who changed the name back to the Wayland Globe, also enlarging the paper from seven columns, four pages, to six columns, eight pages, installing a new press and making various other improvements. Fay C. Wing, who is editor and proprietor of the Wayland Globe, came into possession of this paper on the 22d of January, I906. He purchased the paper from its former proprietor, George A. Mosher, who established it and conducted it with marked ability from September 25, I884, until January, I9O6. The paper has from the beginning been classed among the best in the county and a liberal policy will be maintained by Mr. Wing, who is thoroughly conversant with the business and is recognized as a man of excellent business capacity and enterprise. The Fennville Herald, an independent journal was established in I892 by Mr. Charles E. Bassett, who is still its sole proprietor. The paper, being published in the center of a large commercial fruit district, and Mr. Bassett being secretary of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, much space is devoted to practical fruit culture. In the editing of the Herald Mr. Bassett is ably assisted by his wife, formerly Miss Carrie E. Kingsley, whom he married when he started the Herald-both ventures having been highly successful. They have one daughter, Marcia. CHAPTER XII. MEDICINE AND SURGERY. The history of Otsego and Gun Plains opens with the enterprise of two physicians, Dr. Samuel Foster and Dr. Cyrenius Thompson. They are deserving of mention among the founders if not the founders of the village of Otsego and the settlement of Gun Plains, and were active workers in the affairs of those places through their pioneer history. But neither of these men, though so prominent in other affairs, took an active part as medical practitioners in this county. The first active physician was Dr. Linsford B. Coates, of Otsego, a man of unusual versatility and power. As a physician he rode the country for miles around, attending to the sick and distressed and from his saddlebags furnishing medical relief to all who called him. Pioneer doctoring was a simple matter in comparison with modern practice. Yet it involved hardships on the practitioner that are almost inconceivable at this time.. There were no well-made roads over which to find the way by horseback at night. The patients often lived twenty miles or more from the doctor's home, and there were no telephones to summon him to their aid. The physician's life was one of constant toil and anxiety, and yet in the case of Dr. Coates he was one of the most prominent men of affairs in the southeastern part of the county. Successors of Dr. Coates in his part of the county were Erastus N. Upjohn, the first resident physician in Gun Plains excepting Dr. Thompson, and who practiced from I840 to 1855; Dr. Charles W. Hawley, who practiced for many years following I850 in Gun Plains and vicinity and in I875 took up his residence at Plainwell, and J. D. Peters, who began practicing in Otsego in I86o and the following year located at Plainwell. At Allegan the first physician was R. M. Bigelow, who was here from I836 to 1847, but the one best remembered, both for his prominence in the profession and as a citizen, was Dr. Osman D. Goodrich, who came to the village in March, I836, and lived here until his death in 1887. He was the last of the early physicians to pass away, and his career of fifty years ranked him among the foremost of the pioneers. His early practice, like that of Dr. Coates, took him all over the county, on most arduous horseback rides from one home to another, and his exertions finally broke his health so that he was compelled to return to the east, where he remained ten years. In the meantime he studied medicine in the homeopathic school and on his return became the first homceopath in this county. 543 544 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Another prominent physician of Allegan was Dr. H. S. Lay, who began practice in the village in I849 and with brief exceptions practiced in the county over thirty years. A contemporary of his was Dr. Abram R. Calkins, who began his preparation for medicine with Dr. Coates at Otsego and after graduation from a medical college in New York located in Allegan during the forties. His was also a pioneer practice, and for thirty years he was one of the best known citizens of Allegan. He served as surgeon in the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry during the war and took part in local politics and public affairs. He died in Allegan in I873. Other pioneer physicians of the county who deserve mention were Dr. C. C. White, of Martin, already mentioned as a pioneer and who, like Drs. Foster and Thompson, was more active in developing the country than as a physician, and Dr. Chauncey B. Goodrich, who practiced in the western part of the county from 1843 until his death in I879, first at Saugatuck and then in Ganges. The practicing physicians of Allegan county in I880, with date of their location where known, were as follows: H. S. Lay, I849. E. Amsden, 1868. H. F. Thomas, 1869. C. W. Hawley, I853. J. D. Peters, I86r. Milton Chase, 1867. John H. Fulton. John Graves, 1862. James Ball, 1865. ALLEGAN. W. H. Bills, 1872. F. M. Calkins, I874. Charles Russell, I879. PLAINWELL. 0. E. Yates. Benjamin Thompson. OTSEGO. S. W. Thompson, I869. --- IMartin. WAYLAND. DOUGLAS. A. H. Parks, I879. SAUGATUCK. C. D. Goodrich, I836. F.R. Hynes, I877. A. G. Weeks. F. E. Rosenkrans. Geo. B. Nichols, I858. C. E. Davison, I865. J. H. Turner, I870. H. H. Stimson, I853. J. B. Cook, 1862. HOPKINS. J. H. Luddington. N. E. Leighton. U. R. Fox. Lafayette Stuck. SALEM. C. C. Lindsley. Dr. Palmer. GANGES. E. E. Brunson, I875. DORR. H. P. Evarts. Theodlore Cole, 1870. J. H. Smith. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 545 CLYDE. Drs. Andrews and Meaghan.:By the provisions of a recent law the county clerk keeps a register of the licensed physicians in the county. According to this record (from which, however, some names are missing) the Allegan county physicians, with the date of registration of each and residence, are as follows: LIST OF PHYSICIANS. Date of registration. May 26, I905 May 15, 1905 May 26, I905 May 15, I905 June IO, I905 May 15, 1905 May 9, I905 May 12, 1905 June 6, I905 June 6, I905 June 6, 1905 June 6, I905 May 15, 1905 May 19, I905 June IO, I905 MAay 12, I905 May 15, 1905 May I8, I905 April 2, 1905 May 12, 1905 NMay 9, I905 May 20, 1905 May 9, 1905 May 26, 1905 May 15, I905 May II, I905 May 26, 1905 May 26, 1905 May 5, 1905 May 26, 1905 May 15, I905 May 15, 1905 May 15, 1905 June 7, 1905 May 26, I905 May 26, I905 June 6, I905 June 7, I905 Albright, William S., Allegan. Andruss, William H., Fennville. Bills, W. H., Allegan. Bachman, Gustave, Dorr. Boss, Henry, Fillmore Centre. Burroughs, Orrin F., Plainwell. Bartholomew, Earl, Martin. Campbell, James D., Hopkins Station. Clark, L. E., Otsego. Chase, Milton, Otsego. Chase, Sarah T., Otsego. Crosby, John H., Otsego. Dreyer, Adolph E., Moline. De Vries, Iegor, Overisel. Fortnine, Herman A., Overisel. Fisher, Peter H., Hamilton. Hazlewood, Arthur, Plainwell. Heasley, H. W., Salem. Hanton, Edward 0., Wayland. Leighton, N. E., Hopkins Station. Ladd, Lewis F., Martin. Mowers, John H., Fennville. Nichols, George B., Martin. Osmun, E. D., Allegan. Onontvhio, Peter, Plainwell. Peppler, Julius F., Laketown. Palmer, George C., Burnips Corners. Rowe, W. E., Allegan. Rigterink, George H., Hamilton. Stuck, L. F., Allegan. Stuck, Cicero M., Plainwell. Shephard, Benjamin A., Plainwell. Sessions, Edwin D., Fennvile. Stinson, H. H., Saugatuck. Taylor, G. G., Allegan. Thomas, Henry F., Allegan. Thompson, S. W., Otsego. Trieber, L. P., Douglas. 546 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY May 15, I905 Turner, Horace J., Wayland. June 6, I905 Van Horn, Leander T., Otsego. June 6, I905 Van Horn, A. L., Otsego. June 6, I905 Woolsey, Frederick E., Plainwell. May I2, I905 Wicks, A. H., Hopkins Station. June 6, I905 Whitney, Howard E., Otsego. June 7, I905 Walker, R. J., Saugatuck. CHAPTER XIII. COURTS AND LAWYERS. Judge Philip Padgham, in his address at the laying of the cornerstone of the court house in I889, described the judicial system of Michigan as it pertained to this county, and the following paragraphs are quoted from that address: "Under the constitution of 1835 the judicial power was vested in the supreme court and such other courts as the legislature might from time to time establish. The judges of the supreme court were nominated and appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The supreme court as thus constituted was composed of one chief justice and three associate justices. The court was held at different places in the state, as follows: Twice each year at Detroit, twice each year at the village of Ann Arbor, once each year at Kalamazoo, and once each year at Pontiac. When sitting at Kalamazoo it exercised appellate jurisdiction in all suits and cases originating in the counties of Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Allegan. "Under this constitution also there was a separate court of chancery, and the powers of that court were vested in the chancellor. There were three chancery circuits in the state, the third circuit being composed of the counties of Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Kent, lonia and Allegan. The sittings of this court were held for the third circuit in Kalamazoo twice in each year. "The state was further divided into four judicial circuits for the purpose of holding circuit courts. Allegan county was in the third circuit. These circuit courts were held in the several counties and were presided over by one of the judges of the supreme court and two associate judges resident in the county. "By an act of the legislature approved April 2, i848, the supreme court was made to consist of five judges, and it was by the same act made their duty to divide the state into five judicial circuits, the fifth circuit to be made up of counties in the Grand River section, thus bringing Allegan county into the fifth circuit. "In the year 1851 the state, by an act of-the legislature approved April 8 of that year, was again divided into eight judicial circuits, Allegan county remaining in the fifth circuit, which was composed of the counties of Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Eaton, Van Buren and Allegan. "Allegan remained in the fifth circuit from I85I to I858, when the state was divided into ten judicial circuits, Allegan county being set off 547 548 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY into the ninth circuit. This was composed of the following organized counties: Allegan, Ottawa, Newaygo, Oceana, Mason, Manistee, Manitou and Grand Traverse, and the unorganized counties of Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, Wexford, Missaukee, Lake, Mecosta and Osceola. (Muskegon county was added to the ninth circuit in I859.) "By act of the legislature, approved February 15, 1867, the ninth circuit was reorganized, being then composed of the counties of Allegan, Kalamazoo and Van Buren. These three counties formed the ninth judicial circuit until 1873, when Allegan was joined with Ottawa county and the two formed into one judicial circuit, designated as the twentieth judicial circuit, as which it remains to this time. "The first session of the circuit court for Allegan county opened on November 7, 1836. Neither of the judges being present on that day, the sheriff adjourned the /court until the next morning at ten o'clock, at which time Hon. Epaphroditus Ransom, circuit judge, and Elisha Ely and John Anderson, associate judges, were present. The court was opened in due form." Since its organization in Allegan county the circuit court has been presided over by the following named judges: I836-48-Epaphroditus Ransom. 1849-51-Charles W. Whipple. 1852-56-Abner Pratt. 1858-69-F. J. Littlejohn. 1869-73-Charles R. Brown.1 I874-John W. Stone.2 I875-I892-Dan J. Arnold.3 I892-Hannibal Hart. 1893-1912-Philip Padgham. The portraits of Judges Littlejohn and Arnold now adorn the circuit court room, the first having been donated by the artist, J. Krumbine, of Allegan, and the latter by members of the bar. An obsolete adjunct of the early judicial system were the associate judges. Judge Padgham thus describes them in the address already quoted: "The associate judges (or side judges as they were sometimes called) were two in number, and were residers of the county wherein they were elected. They were not required to be lawyers. They were undoubtedly elected to add dignity to the bench, which they very likely did, as they had plenty of time and leisure to do so. They knew no law and took no part in the judicial proceedings.... The constitution of I850 changed this matter in providing for the election of one circuit judge in each circuit, and since that time the kind and benevolent old faces of the associate judges were not seen occupying a place in the legal tribunals." 1Appointed 1869, vice Judge Littlejohn resigned. 2 Resigned November, 1874, D. J. Arnold serving by appointment until November, 1875, when elected for full term. 3 Died April, 1J9,2. Hannibal Hart appointed to serve till December 31, 1892. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 549 ASSOCIATE JUDGES. I836-Elisha Ely, John Anderson. I84 —John Anderson, John R. Kellogg. 1845-John Anderson, John R. Kellogg. COUNTY COURTS. The county court, of intermediate powers between the courts held by the justices of the peace and the circuit courts, was an institution of justice in Allegan county during the latter forties. The original county court was established in Michigan territory in I815, but was abolished in the organized counties of the territory in April, I833. The institution was revived in I846 and continued until its final abolition in the constitution of the state adopted in 1850. However, the schedule of the constitution provided for a continuance of the jurisdiction of the county court not later than January I, 1852, when the circuit court should assume all its unfinished business. The term of the county judge being fixed at four years, there were two sets of these judges elected in Allegan county, the first elected in November, I846. and the second elected in November, I850, and continuing until the final adjournment of their courts. Two judges were elected in each county, being known as "first" and "second" judges. The first session of the county court was held in Allegan, April 5, I847, and adjourned sine die because it found no business before it. COUNTY JUDGES. 1847-Henry H. Booth, first judge; Eber Sherwood, second judge. 1851-Abram I. Dedrick, first judge; Abram Hoag, second judge. ALLEGAN COUNTY BAR. The bar of Allegan county has a history extending over seventy years, (lating back to November 8, 1836, when G. Y. Warner was admitted to practice. He took up his residence at Allegan before that date, since he was one of the bridegrooms in a double wedding in the village on Christmas day of 1835, that being the first wedding in the village. There was very little civil or criminal practice in those days, and lawyers who had no other pursuit risked starvation in locating in a pioneer community. At the first session of the circuit court, held in Allegan in November, 1836, the grand jury announced that no business was submitted to them, and civil case No. I, with Isaac Aldrich appellee 'and William Forbes appellant, was continued till the next term of court, after which the court adjourned sine die. Practically the only business of this court aside from the formalities concerned the licensing of the first attorney. The record reads as follows: "George Y. Warner made application to the court to be admitted as an attorney and counselor at law, and having produced satisfactory evidence to the court that he had been regularly admitted as an attorney and counselor at law in the states of Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia, and has been in the practice of law in the said states during the period of two years 550 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY previous to his application for admission, that he is of good character and has sustained the character of an able and fair practitioner, and that he actually resides in this state, was admitted to an examination, and on such examination had, the said judges being of opinion that he is qualified and is of good moral character, it is ordered that he take and subscribe the oath of office, and that the clerk of this court record the admission of George Y. Warner. Whereupon the said George Y. Warner appeared in court and took and subscribed the oath prescribed by law." The second resident lawyer was Hon. Flavius J. Littlejohn, whose prominent career in political, judicial and business life causes his name to be frequently mentioned in these pages. He was a resident here from I836, but his early activity was directed more to official business and the affairs of the village than to legal practice. Hovey K. Clark, who died at Detroit in July, I889, aged seventy-seven years, and who was one of the most distinguished lawyers and political leaders of Michigan, practically began his career in Allegan. He was admitted to the bar here in 1837, when twenty-five years old, and was identified with the Boston and Allegan companies, being cashier of their Allegan Bank, an institution described on other pages. His name is signed in his official capacity to some of the bank notes issued by this concern. Other early lawyers were DeWitt C. Chapin, at one time probate judge; Theodore Chapin, Robert Goble, Gilbert Moyers and Henry C. Stoughton. men of more or less consequence in affairs as well as in the law. The last two were officers in the Civil war. In early days, much more than is the case now, lawyers from the older and more populous counties attended to the legal business of clients in Allegan county. The lawyers used to ride on horseback from one county to another on the large circuit, put up at the hotel and attend the session of court. They used to tell stories and have jolly social times, and circuit court sessions were more of an event than they are now. The peregrinations of the circuit court were accompanied by a large force of lawyers, and it thus happened that many lawyers from adjoining counties became almost as well known professionally in this county as the few who had their residence here. The late William illia. lliams, whose career on the bench and in public affairs entitled him to a foremost place among Allegan county's citizens of the last century, began practice in Allegan in 1855, ranking second in seniority to Judge Littlejohn, and from I88o until his death being the Nestor of the county bar. A contemporary of his was Elisha B. Bassett, who had been admitted to the bar in 1849, and was a figure in official and civic life at the middle of the century. During the years following the location of Judge Williams at Allegan many well-known names were added to the county bar. The list of attorneys of Allegan county since I855, in order of their admission to the bar, have been: Joseph Thew, I857. W. W. Warner, I87I. Elisha Belcher. Bronson Shoonmaker, 1873. Geo. H. House, 1858. John H. Padgham, I873. W. C. Edsell, I858. W. A. Woodworth, I874. Silas Stafford, I859. Lyman H. Babbitt, 1874. John N. York, I859. Ogden Tomlinson, I874. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 55i James F. Stuck, I860. Levi M. Comstock, I86o. B. F. Travis, I86o. R. B. Coles, I86o. Henry C. Briggs, I86I. B. D. Pritchard, I86I. Francis X. Ward, I86I. John W. Stone, I862. L. L. Crosby, I862. Alfred Wallin, I863. H. N. Averill, I865. Johnson Parsons, I865. A. H. Chandler, I866. P. A. Latta, i866. John P. Hoyt, I867. J. B. Humphrey, I868. Philip Padgham, I868. Frank Bracelin, I868. E. B. Grover, I868. Albert H. Fenn, I868. Jacob V. Rogers, I868. E. D. Steele, I868. Daniel Earle, I870. AM. D. Wilbur, I871. J. M. Eaton, 1876. Richard L. Newnham, 1876. E. J. Anderson, 1876. F. S. Donaldson. J. Lee Potts, I876. Hiram B. Hudson, 1876. John E. Babbitt, 1876. George F. Peck, I877. Frank B. Lay, 1878. Dion H. Pope, I879. C. T. Bennett. C. L. Bailey. C. R. Brownell. W. B. Garvin. E. D. Barry. F. H. Williams. C. M. Humphrey. R. M. Parlin. William Connell. E. O. Brien. C. R. Wilkes. F. E. Fish. W. E. Rvan. Not more than a third of this entire list were active in the practice of the county. The practicing attorneys of Allegan county, as shown by the court calendar for I905, with their place of residence, are: Philip Padgham, Circuit Allegan. B. D. Pritchard, Allegan. H. H. Pope, Allegan. Ethol W. Stone, Allegan. W. W. Warner, Allegan. C. R. Wilkes, Allegan. F. E. Fish, Allegan. F. H. Williams, Allegan. Ira C. Montague, Allegan. M. B. Moore, Allegan. A. S. Butler, Allegan. W. H. Dorgan, Allegan. Perle.L. Fouch, Allegan. Judge, Charles Thew, Allegan. C. E. Hoffman, Allegan. Lewis L. Thompson, Allegan. Orien S. Cross, Allegan. Fred I. Chichester, Allegan. A. B. Tucker, Otsego. Grant N. Gilbert, Otsego. Ogden Tomlinson, Plainwell. E. J. Anderson, Plainwell. W. A. Woodworth, Saugatuck. Theodore Wade, Fennville. William R. Gardner, Fennville. David Stockdale, Wayland. John B. Stockdale, Wayland. Joseph Thew, father of the present attorney, held office of circuit court commissioner upwards of thirty years until his death. He was a legal student of wide learning and had a broad knowledge of public men and lawyers of national prominence. W. C. Edsell was not an active lawyer, being prominent in banking and serving in the state senate. 552 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Silas Stafford was Philip Padgham's first partner, and was prosecuting attorney during the war. James F. Stuck was a member of the firm of Pope and Stuck until he left for the west. He excelled in chancery practice. Henry C. Briggs, once county clerk, went to Kalamazoo in the seventies, and is now referee in bankruptcy for this district. General B. D. Pritchard, who was admitted in I86i and became a partner of W. B. Williams soon after going to the war, has made a record in banking more than in the law, his career being described elsewhere. John W. Stone, county clerk, prosecuting attorney and partner of Judge Arnold, was a leading lawyer and was circuit judge until he resigned and located in Grand Rapids. He served two terms in Congress, was then federal district attorney, and is now living in Marquette, Michigan, where he is circuit judge. Johnson Parsons came here as a lawyer and after practicing a few years with success, died in Allegan. J. B. Humphrey, of the firm of Humphrey and Williams, served as probate judge and then served as assistant state treasurer, after which he located at Ironwood, Michigan. He died at Holland. Albert H. Fenn was a leading criminal lawyer of the county for some vears, being eloquent as an advocate. J. V. Rogers enjoyed an extensive practice in the county for some years. Philip Padgham, who is now serving his third term as circuit judge, will at the close of his term have held the office longer than any previous incumbent. He has been in practice in the county since i868. W. W. Warner has been in practice since 1871 and has given particular attention to the pension business. J. H. Padgham, a nephew of Judge Padgham, nowv in Idaho in practice, was a partner of Judge Padgham twelve years. Ogden Tomlinson is still in practice at Plainwell. Richard L. Newnham held office as circuit court commissioner, was a leading citizen of Saugatuck, and finally removing to Grand Rapids, was superior court judge one term. E. J. Anderson is one of the leading members of the bar, with good practice, and a resident of Plainwell throughout his career. H. B. Hudson served as county clerk and prosecuting attorney. F. H. Williams began practice with his father, and now is in his third term as probate judge. C. M. Humphrey is a son of Judge Humphrey, and was a partner of Judge Padgham's until going to Ironwood, where he is now city attorney. C. R. Wilkes, now leading lawyer with perhaps the largest practice in the county, has practiced in the county for over twenty-five years. He has held office as prosecuting attorney two terms. F. E. Fish has enjoyed a large practice for a number of years, and was prosecuting attorney three terms during the local option regime. H. H. Pope, of Pope and Stuck, Pope and Hart, and now head of the firm of Pope, Thew and Thompson, has enjoyed a good practice for a number of years and is admittedly one of the thorough and able lawyers of the county. CHAPTER XIV. POLITICS IN ALLEGAN COUNTY. When Allegan county became an independent political division there were two national parties in the field-the Democrats and the Whigs. To follow the lines of party sentiment as it was manifested in the selection of county officials would be an impossible task. Considerations of fitness for office and personal popularity have always broken partisan lines. Notwithstanding that party feeling was shown with more passion and more uncompromisingly fifty and seventy years ago than now, population was less and people knew their neighbors perhaps better than they do now. So that while the party banner counted for more then than now, this fact was neutralized in local politics by personal considerations. Before proceeding with the details of county politics it is proper to state the remarkable difference in spirit between political contests of this day and those of fifty years ago. At the fall election of 1906, when federal, state and county officers were chosen, so far as could be observed there was a notable absence of excitement or tension among the people, local business went on as usual, and if the surface of political sentiment was disturbed at all it was due to the remarkable contest in New York state rather than at home. Of old-time rallies and political mass meetings there were none, and the few meetings held about the county were, as a rule, poorly attended and unenthusiastic. Going back half a century, although twenty-five years ago the conditions still continued to a large degree, we find a political campaign to be attended with very different features. Partisan discussion, especially in presidential elections, often became virulent, and passionate invective was as frequent as calm discussion. There was less discrimination between local and national politics, and the candidate for local office had to bear all the denunciation that was heaped upon his party in general. Processions, bonfires, crowded meetings rapt to enthusiasm by fiery oratory, tense excitement for several weeks before election, characterized a campaign of that period and made it one of the most notable features of American life. The newspaper and the quicker diffusion of knowledge have undoubtedly had most to (lo with changing politics from an absorbing excitement to a quietness that often seems apathy. The newspaper reporter with his "interviews" and summaries of speeches, and the editor with his printed logic, reached more people and reached them more convincingly than the campaign orator, so that now the average citizen sits at home and quietly forms his opinions with the aid of newspapers. As a result flamboyant cam553 554 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY paign oratory is going out, and solid facts are now demanded by the voters as a basis for judgment of men and issues. PRESIDENTIAL VOTE OF ALLEGAN COUNTY, 1836-1904. 1836 Harrison, W~hig.. Van B~uren, Dem.... 92 1840 Harrison, Whig. 257 Van B~uren, Dem....174 1844 Ctay, Watig....323 Irote, Dem.......299 1848 Taylor, Whig.. 274 Cass, Dem.......303 1852 6cott, Whig...54Y -vierce, Dem......582 i8S Iremont, Rep.. 1,526 Buchanan, Dem....1,027 1860 1864 1868 1872 1876 1880 1884 1888 189)2 1896 1900 1904 Lincoln, 1ep..... 1,896 Lincoln, Rep....- 1,801L Grant, Rep....3,556 Grant, Rep... 3,473 Ilayes, Rep. 4,281 Garfield, Rep.... 4,693 Blaine, Rep...4,080 Harrison, Rep... 50.07 8 Harrison, R~ep... 4,283 McKinley, Rep.. 3,810 McKinley, Rep..- 5,590 Roosevelt, Rep.. 5,589 Douglas, Dem..... McClellan, Dem.... Seymour, Dem.... Greeley, Fus.-Dem.. T1ilden, Dem..... Hancock, Dem.... Cleveland, F~us.-Dem... Cleveland, Dem.... Cleveland, Dem. Bryan, Fus.-Dem.... Bryan, Dem...... Parker, Dem..... 1,544 1,543 2,351 1,598 3,169 2,376 3,445 2 3,829 3,207 3,937 3,275 1,576 Van Buren, Free Soil. 174 H-ate, Free Soil.....66 Fill1more........29 Breckinridge...... 11 Bell......... 1 O'Connor, Dem.....55 Cooper, Gxreenb.....274 Weaver, Greenb.....1,2091 Prohibition.......927 Prohibition.......7213 Prohibition.......5444 Gold-Dem........1495 Prohibition.......2386 Prohibition.......2787 'Prohibition candidate, 4; Labor, 48. -C'reenback and Anti-Monopoly, 760. ~'United Labor, 135. 4Pleople's, 371. 51Proh., 93; National, 54. 'Other parties, 41. 7Other candidates, 112. VOTES OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1837 Trowbridge, Whig 218 1839* Woodbridge, Whig 217 1843 Pitcher, Whig. 260 1849 F. J. Littlejohn, WNhig and F. Soil. 233 1851- Gridley, Whig.. 239 1852 Chandler, Whig. 539 1854 Bingham, Rep.. 689 1856 Bingham, Rep.. 1,531 1858 Wisner, Rep..... 1,275 1860 Blair, Rep....1,875 1862 Bl1air, Rep....1,467 1864 Crapo, Rep... 1,865 1866 Crapo, Rep... 2,496 1868 Baldwin, Rep.. 3,556 1870 Baldwin, Rep.. 2,010 -1872 Bangley, Rep.. 3484 1-874 langley, Rp...2,630 -1876 Croswell, Rep.. 4,299 1878 Croswell, Rep.. 3,20) 1880 Jerome, Rep.. 4,G52 1882 Jerome, Rep.. 3,394 1884 Alger, Rep....4,053 1-886 Luce, Rep....3,671 1-888 Luce, Rep....5,084 1890 Turner, Rep.. 3.471 -1892 Rich, Rep.....4.230 1894 Rich, Rep.....4,171 1-896 Pingree, Rep.. 5,790 1898 Pingree. Rep.. 3,493 1900 Bliss, Rep....5,591:1902 Bliss, Rep....3,4 62 1904 Warner, Rep.. 4.810 1906 Warn er, Rep.. 2,489 FOR GOVERNOR, 1837-1906. Mlason, Dem......98 Farnsworth, Dem...189 Barry, Diem......237 Barry, Dem...... McClelland, Dem.... MlcClelland, Dem.... Barry, Dem...... Felch, Dem...... Stuart, Dem..... Barry, Dcm...... St-out, Dem...... Fenton. Dem..... Williams, Dem.... Mloore, Dem...... Comstock, Dem.... Bl1air, Lib....... Chamberlain, Dem. Webber, Dem..... Blarnes, IDem..... Holloway, Dem.... Begole, 1Fus...... Begole, Fus...... Yaple, Fe's...... Burt, Fus........ Winans, Dem..... Morse. Dom...... Fisher. Dem...... Sligh. Fus...... Whiting, Dem..... Maybury. Dem.... Durand, Dene..... Ferris. Dem...... Kimmerle, D1am.... 342 317 619 725 1,092 1,229 1,578 1,386 1,551 1,4 519 2,364 2,038 1,735 2,390 3,181 363 2,383' 3,027 3,387 2,934 3,833 3,135 3,2.11 1,569 3,970 2,890 3,340 1,716 2,505 848 Birney, Lib...... Christiansy, F. Soil... QSmith, Nat'l...... Prohib...... Prohib...... Prohib........ Prollib........ Prohb........ P'eople's....... Misc......... Misc......... 4PeoplS, 349. 1'Prohib., 301. 3 35 3,170 113 1,004 860 722' 772' 5374 5 3 2'r 344 188 276 204 283 184 'vorth.:3 'Other candidates, 66. 2U~nion Labor, 126. 'Indep., 480. *The vote by townships in that year: Towns. lWoodbrid~qc. Farnswvorth, Allegan.........83 75 'Manlius........4 4 Martin.........14 20 Too-ne. Woodbridge. Otsego1 Newa rk........26 Platinfleld........34 4:I 1'4 33 The conspicuous fact and one that is familiar to the residents of the county is that Allegan county has been, with a brief exception, safely Whi g and Republican for nearly seventy years. It is som-ewhat surprising that HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 555 all the votes of the county were given to the Democratic candidate, Van Buren, in I836, and none to Harrison, the Whig. But in the "log cabin and hard cider campaign" of I840 the same candidate obtained a majority of eighty out of less than five hundred votes. In 1848 Taylor, the Whig, was a rather weak candidate throughout the county, while Cass, the Democrat, drew a large Michigan vote on account of his previous prominence in Michigan politics, and he obtained a small plurality in this county. At this election the Free Soilers show a surprising gain. In 1843 Birney, the first candidate for governor on anti-salvery principles, obtained only three votes in the county, whereas five years later one hundred and seventy-four votes were given to the movement. That the sentiment of the county at that time inclined rather to Democracy than the decadent Whig party or the radical Free Soilers is shown by the gubernatorial election of I849, when F. J. Littlejohn, Whig and Free Soil candidate, polled one hundred and nine less votes in his own county than Barry, the Democratic nominee. Democratic strength was dominant for several years. The county gave the Democratic nominee for governor a majority in I851 and a small plurality to Franklin Pierce in the presidential election of 1852, though the combined votes of Whigs and Free Soilers in that year showed increase. In I854 the Republican party was organized at Jackson, "under the oaks," and before the name had been adopted by other states Michigan had entered the Republican fold by electing Bingham as governor. But in that year Allegan county continued'to show its preference for the Democratic candidate, giving Barry a majority of thirty-six in a total vote of one thousand four hundred. In I856, however, in both national and state elections the county returned a majority of nearly five hundred for Republican nominees. During the next eight years the Republicans were safely in the lead, though the two parties were quite well balanced in the county. In I866 Crapo for governor had a majority of more than a thousand over the Democratic opponent, and two years later the county gave General Grant a clear majority of more than one thousand two hundred. Republican success was even more marked in 1872, when both presidential and gubernatorial candidates received two-thirds of the votes cast in the county. In I874 the division of votes was fairly equal, and in 1876 the Democrats doubled their vote over that of four years previous, though Republican majority was still over a thousand. In I88o the Republicans again polled twice as many votes as the Democrats. The parties were more nearly matched during the eighties than at any time since. Though Michigan elected a fusion Democrat for governor in 1882 and a Democrat in I89O, and lacked only a few thousand of giving Cleveland a plurality in I884, Allegan county continued safe in Republican ranks, though by reduced Republican majorities, as will be seen by reference to the above tables. During the last three presidential elections the Republican vote has remained nearly stationary, while the Democratic vote decreased from three thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven given Bryan in I896 to one thousand five hundred and seventy-six for Parker in I904. The rise of the minor parties in the county is also illustrated in the above tables. The Greenback idea remained an issue for three presidential elections-1876, i88o and 1884-the votes in the county for these respective years being: 274, I,209, 760. The Prohibition party has exhibited a similar 556 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY rise and decline. In I880 only four votes were cast under this heading. In I884 this had increased to 1,004 for the candidate for governor. Since then there has been a steady falling off, the vote being (for President) 72I in I888, 544 in I892 and 93 in I896. Other deductions than political ones might be drawn, from the figures given. The gubernatorial vote by townships in I839 illustrates quite well the division of population at the time. Also, there are some surprising increases in number of votes between successive elections, which cannot be explained altogether by interest in the campaign, but rather by large additions to the population on account of immigration and settlement during the period. CHAPTER XV. LIBRARIES AND LITERARY CLUBS. ALLEGAN LIBRARY. One of the most popular and valuable institutions of Allegan is the public library, which has been developed from the usual grade of township library to one of wide range of usefulness. Up to I903 the library was of the ordinary type, was maintained without library system, and only the incidental fees and taxes were devoted to its support. In 1903 H. L. Green, township clerk, asked for a one and one-half mill tax on the township, the proceeds from which should be devoted to the improvement of the library. This was granted, and the amount appropriated to the library since that time has been as follows: I905-$I,179. 1906-$I,I95.53. 1907-$1,049.73. February 22, 1905, the Ladies' History Class donated one hundred dollars, and May 8, 1905, another sum of one hundred and five dollars. A large room has been set apart for the library in the rear of the Masonic Temple and large additions are being made each year to the collection of books, there being at the present writing four thousand one hundred and eighty volumes on the shelves. Fifteen hundred dollars were expended for new books during I905. The librarian, Lenora Porter, is still engaged in cataloging the books and naking the collection of increased usefulness to the public. The names of S. F. Murphy, H. L. Green and Rev. Lucas, the Episcopal minister, should be mentioned because of the leading part they took in securing the special tax levy and in other ways promoting the establishment of a real public library for Allegan. The old Allegan Library and Literary Association should also be mentioned in this connection. Organized in I871, the association in 1875 became a stock company, shares being sold at twenty-five dollars each. Its members, between thirty and forty in number, organized for literary improvement, and for this purpose purchased a considerable library, altogether about a thousand volumes. Some years ago the organization was dissolved and the assets, consisting principally of books, were divided among the individual stockholders. This association had no connection with the town library. Among the leaders in the movement were General B. D. Pritchard, J. IB. IHumphrey, A. S. Butler, John W. Stone, H. C. Weeks, E. Amsden, W. W. Warner and others. 557 558 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY THE HENIKA LIBRARY AT WAYLAND. Having the future educational welfare of Wayland at heart, Mrs. Julia Henika, one of the prominent and public-spirited women, bequeathed in her will the sum of two thousand dollars for the erection of a library. To this amount was added five hundred dollars by George H. Henika at one time, and again two hundred dollars; Mrs. Mary Forbes added five hundred dollars, and the village purchased the lots on which this handsome library stands, a credit to the community and a monument to the memory of those, especially Mrs. Henika, through whose generosity this building was made possible. The library contains about five hundred volumes, part of which have been donated. At the last spring election a library board was appointed, who have general supervision of the work. An appropriation of a one-mill tax has been granted by the village, which will give about four hundred dollars to be spent for books, periodicals and running expenses for the present year. LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, PLAINWELL. The organization known as the Plainwell Ladies' Library Association was effected in February, I868. The idea had birth some months previous in a doorstep conversation between two neighbors and the idea having been born it grew. It was discussed with neighbors and friends. The experience of friends in other towns was drawn upon; then a meeting of all interested was called to discuss the project. Several meetings were held before the organization was perfected. After careful consideration a constitution was adopted, officers elected and a name chosen. It has been a helpful agency in giving character to our town. It has always been the aim of the board of managers to have only pure and helpful books in circulation. All the work of maintaining this library has been gratuitous, even the librarian's work being freely given. The Library Association has no endowment and no debts. It has given many and various courses of entertainment and they have always been of a high order. The first courses of public lectures ever given in our town were conducted by the L. L. A. For more than two years the members of the board at their monthly meetings after the business of the hour have enjoyed a literary feast prepared by one of its members on some subject of interest. The present assets of the association are a pleasant library home, newly decorated and carpeted, something over two thousand volumes arranged on convenient shelving and the nucleus of a museum. It is the strong hope of those who have longest been identified with this association that in the near future some way may open whereby it may become a free public library. SAUGATUCK WOMAN'S CLUB. This club was founded November i, I904. The charter members were: Mrs. Sarah Hodge, first president; Mrs. W. R. Takken, Mrs. Edwin Booth, Mrs. W. P. Sutton, Mrs. C. E. Bird, Mrs. F. G. Hayes, Mrs. George Haines, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 559 Mrs. G. C. Vreeland, Mrs. D. Falconer, Mrs. R. J. Walker, Mrs. D. A. Heath, Mrs. Wayne Coates, president I906-07; Mrs. J. H. Perrin, Mrs. Edwin House, Mrs. J. E. Francis, Mrs. T. W. Leland, Mrs. H. M. Bird, Miss Margaret Booth, Mirs. John Rodey, Miss Edith Hodge, Miss Alice Baker, Mrs. Simonson, Mrs. W. A. Woodworth, Mrs. Joseph Zwemer, Mrs. Minnie Lovejoy, Mrs. C. Parrish, Mrs. N. W. Mather, Miss Hubbard, Mrs. Crissey, Mrs. P. A. Latta, Mrs. W. G. Edgecombe, Mrs. Smalley, Mrs. Bedford, Mrs. D. L. Barber, Mrs. T. Daggett, Mrs. W. Wilson, Mrs. R. Ames, Mrs. E. Reed, Mrs. H. Holt, Mrs. Breathwaite, Mrs. H. L. House, Miss Bessie White, Miss Louise Walz, Miss Gertrude Shriver, Mrs. Billington, Mrs. J. J. Brown, Mirs. Whitney, Mrs. W. C. Manning, Mrs. William Turnbull, Mrs. W. B. Smith, Mrs. L. A. Phelps, Miss Grace Taylor, Miss Hattie Spencer, Miss Ellen Kerr, Mrs. Alex. Thompson, Mrs. D. F. Ludwig, Mrs. Nellie Naughtin, Mrs. S. Lee Upham and Mrs. S. D. E. Calkins. There are fifty-five members at present, and the officers are: Mrs. Coates, president; Mrs. F. G. Hayes, vice-president; Mrs. G. C. Vreeland, secretary; Mrs. R. J. Walker, treasurer, and Mrs. D. F. Ludwig, librarian. In I905 the Douglas Culture Club, of which Mrs. William Turnbull is president, was organized. This drew away from the Saugatuck Society some of the ladies from Douglas who had previously been associated with that club. LADIES' LIBRARY CLUB, WAYLAND. February 22, I893, a few women, possessed of progressive ideas, met at the home of Mrs. L. F. Wallbrecht and there laid plans for a society which should be known as the Ladies' Literary Association. Officers elected at that meeting were: President, Mrs. Mary Clark; vice-president, Mrs. Lillian Buskirk; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Sara Manley. The object of the organization is given in the following extract from the constitution: "The object of this association is mutual improvement and a desire to keep abreast of the times, and to become better informed of the general interests of the day as well as the history and literature of the past." In September, I896, the constitution was revised, the yearly dues raised to twenty-five cents, and the society's name changed to Ladies' Literary Club. In May, I899, the club became incorporated under the name of Ladies' Library Club, and since that date the annual dues have been fifty cents. The first year-book of the club was printed for the season of I898-99 and contained only the dates of meetings and topics for each evening. Previous to that the evening's program was planned and rendered by a committee appointed a week or two in advance. Fifteen women whose names were enrolled as members in the club's initial year were active members during the past season. They are: Mesdames Ella Heazlit, Flora Fitch, Emma Allgeo, Belle Turner, Ellen Hoyt, Mabel Schuyler, Dell Chapple, Allie Shattuck, Mary Clark, Sara Manley, Margaret Schuh, Lillian Buskirk, Hattie Wallbrecht, Cynthia Slade and Miss Fannie Hoyt. The seven last mentioned in the list have kept that membership unbroken, the others having allowed their names to be dropped from the roll in some of the intervening years. 560 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY For a few years the funds realized from dues and an occasional entertainment, aside from the amount needed to meet the club's financial requirements, were expended in books, and a small library is maintained. But for the past three years the club has been interested in a movement that is of a more general benefit, the entertainment course; hence, it has been deemed advisable to hold a larger fund in reserve against a possible time of need, in case the expenditures for attractions exceed the ticket sales. The names of nearly one hundred women have at one time or another been recorded as members of the society, forty-four having been enrolled the past year. The question has been agitated relative to joining the Federation of Women's Clubs, but no steps have been taken in that direction. WOMAN'S HISTORY CLASS, ALLEGAN. For the past thirty-one years this association has existed for the study of general history and the broadening of the intellectual tastes of its members. Its positive benefits in this direction and its active existence for so many years cause it to rank almost as an institution in the village. The year-book for I906-07, which must be commended for its handsome typographical appearance and artistic arrangement of matter, is in itself the best commnentary on the club's ideals and work. The general topic for the year is "History as Seen Through the Novel and Drama," and the weekly programs from September to May are devoted to various classics illustrative of epochs and characters of history from the beginning of the Roman empire to the heroic struggles of Thaddeus of Warsaw. The class was organized February I, 1875, with twenty charter members. In 1878 the name was changed to the Woman's Lyceum, with some corresponding change in the manner of conducting the meetings. The original name has since been resumed. In 1904 the!class was federated with the State Federation of Women's Clubs, at whose annual meetings it is represented by delegates. The present officers and the membership list follow: Officers-President, Miss Alice Weeks; vice-president, Mrs. W. H. Stone; secretary, Mrs. Perry Sirrine; treasurer, Miss Cora Wilkes; critic, Miss Allie I. Engle. Active members-Mrs. Albright, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Bills, Mrs. C. Born, Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Calkins, Mrs. Colburn, Mrs. Cornwell, Mrs. Cross, Mrs. J. E. Davis, Mrs. Dorgan, Mrs. Estabrook, Mrs. Fear, Mrs. Fish, Mrs. Grey, Mrs. Hulley, Mrs. Lamour, Mrs. Lindsay, Mrs. A. M. Moore, Mrs. H. D. Moore, Mrs. C. Messinger, Mrs. Maentz, Mrs. McIntosh, Mrs. Noble, Mrs. L. Perrigo, Mrs. H. Pritchard, Mrs. Artus Sherwood, Mrs. Sturgis, Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Stratton, Mrs. Sirrine, Mrs. G. Stern, Mrs. D. Stern, Mrs. Stuch, Mrs. Sawyer, Mrs. Tripp, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Van Ostrand, Mrs. Weeks, Mrs. W. B. Williams, Mrs. Wilkes, Mrs. W. H. Williams, Mrs. G. D. Williams, Miss Hattie Aldworth, Miss Mary Bassett, Miss Butler, Miss Coney, Miss Dawson, Miss Allie Engle, Miss Jones, Miss Leggett, Miss Nellie Parsons, Miss Partridge, Miss Smith, Miss Stone, Miss Sawyer, Miss Schumann, Miss Van Ostrand, Miss Alice Weeks, Miss Bessie Wetmore, Miss Cora Wilkes, Miss Hannah Way, Mrs. Bills and Miss Clara Wheeler. Associate members-Mvrs. Crocker, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Ed HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 561 Messinger, Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. H. Perrigo, Mrs. Priest, Mrs. Seery, Mrs. M. C. Sherwood, Mrs. St. Germaine, Mrs. Terry, Mrs. White, Miss Cook and Miss Winters. The deceased members of the class, recorded In Melmoriam, are: Mrs. Willard Higgins, M/rs. Emma R. Pond, Mrs. Sarah A. Amsden, Mrs. Frank Bailey, Mrs. B. D. Pritchard, Mrs. Josephine Packard, Mrs. Sarah E. Bingham, Mrs. Emma S. Barrows, Mrs. James Rockwell, Mrs. A. E. Bassett, Miss Frances H. Wilkes, Mrs. Etta B. Killian, Miss Mabel Grice and Mrs. Edwy C. Reid. TREBLE CLEF SOCIETY. The Treble Clef Society was organized July I9, I889, at the home of Mrs. J. M. Killian, although it did not receive its name until the following meeting, September 14. There were eighteen charter members-Mesdamesam J. M. Killian, E. T. Cruse, Ed Jenner, L. F. Sollendine, E. T. Van Ostrand, W. B. Williams, J. W. Howe, V. M. Burleigh, and Misses Mary Bassett, Hattie Smith, Clara Sherwood, Martha Sherwood, Lizzie Jenner, Helen Peck, Ruble Sherwood, Nina Sherwood, Pearl Moore and Bertha Pritchard. The first officers President, Mrs. J. M. Killian; secretary, Mrs. V. M. Burleigh. At the fourth meeting a critic was elected and later a vice-president and treasurer. Quoting from the constitution, article II: "The object of this society shall be the cultivation of a taste for the higher class of music and a better appreciation of the masters." Members consist of both active and honorary. The meetings are held the first Monday of every month, excepting July, August and September. A program committee of three outline the work for the coming year, placing each meeting in the hands of a committee, who arrange the program for that particular evening. Each evening is devoted either to some noted composer, some particular style of music or some group of composers, such as Polish or German. The present membership numbers, active fifty-four and honorary fifty, with the following officers: President, Mrs. Pearle Moore Gray; vice-president, Mrs. Clarence Messinger; secretary, Mrs. Ernest N. Hulley; treasurer, Mrs. William Lucas; critic, Miss Weeks; executive committee, Mrs. Fred Chischester, Mrs. Charles Wilkes and Miss Van Ostrand; program committee, Mrs. Pearle MIoore Gray, Miss Weeks and Mrs. W. B. Williams. This year (I906-07), as an example, there are the following evenings each in charge of a special committee: President's evening; Polish composers; Grieg (Folk Song); American composers; students' evening; orchestration (symphony); Beethoven (Sonata); light opera; open meeting; women composers, and two artist recitals. The colors are yellow and white and the flower the carnation. CHAPTER XVI. MASONRY. ALLEGAN. The second Masonic organization in the county is Allegan Lodge, No. III, F. & A. M. Dispensation was granted August 4, 1858, and the charter is dated January 14, I859. The lodge has a membership of one hundred and fifty. The first officers were: E. B. Bassett, W. M.; E. D. Follett, S. W.; A. Rossman, J. W.; J. E. Babbitt, treasurer; H. Mauson, secretary. The following have filled the office of worshipful master: E. B. Bassett, E. D. Follett, G. D. Smith, A. S. Butler, William J. Pollard, E. E. Edwards, G. R. Stone, H. Franks, E. D. Motley, P. J. Davis, George W. Lonsbury, S. D. Pond, W. H. Bills, W. Benjamin, Charles Eley, Thomas Dryden, F. E. Martin, F. II. Williams, A. S. Butler, 2d, and L. L. Thompson. The present officers are: L. L. Thompson, W. M.; P. M. Grice, S. W.; H. Desenbery, J. W.; D. Stern, treasurer, and S. D. Pond, secretary. Eureka Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M., Allegan, was chartered January 8, I868, dispensation having been granted May 23, I867. The charter members were: A. J. Kellogg, George D. Smith, George Geppert, Zara Clifford, H. S. Butler, R. S. Updyke, A. B. Case, W. J. Pollard and F. B. Schorns. The present officers are: F. H. Williams, H. P.; Dan Stern, king; John Phillips, scribe; S. D. Pond, C. of H.; A. S. Butler, P. S.; H. O. Maentz, treasurer; Artus Sherwood, secretary; Hugh McDougal, R. A. C.; G. L. Hicks, M. third V.; Ira Montague, M. second V.; Roy Davison, M. first V., and William J. Pollard, sentry. PLAINWELL. Plainwell Lodge, No. 235, F. & A. M., was chartered January 9, i868, dispensation having been granted September 9 of the previous year. Its first officers were: Jacob V. Rogers, W. M.; James J. Hart, S. W.; Walter C. Piersons, J. W.; Jerome J. Monroe, secretary; Simeon R. Piersons, treasurer; James B. Smith, S. D.; Henry Sherman, J. D., and P. S. Stearns, tyler. Oldest members-O. J. Woodard, William E. Forbes, E. C. Knapp, Reuben House, J. E. Watson, William E. Estes, N. L. Birchard, William Adams, James Smith, D. E. White, O. E. Goldsmith, L. E. Irland, H. D. Storms, A. L. Reese, C. A. Bush, William Thomas, J. N. Neelley, Joseph 562 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 563 Toates, D. R. Mann, J. H. Clement, F. M. Storms, S. B. Negus, Charles A. Granger, John Crispe, William Crispe and A. L. Thompson. Worshipful masters-J. V. Rogers, William E. Forbes, Jerome J. Monroe, Benjamin Thompson, George H. Bean, D. E. White, L. E. Irland, A. L. Reese, A. L. Nichols, J. W. Gilkey and A. J. Stamp. Present officers-A. J. Stamp, W. M.; E. E. East, S. W.; A. T. Murray, J. W.; R. L. Soule, secretary; C. W. Machemer, treasurer; W. Y. Gilkey, S. D.; George W. Gilkey, J. D.; George H. Copp and F. C. Smith, stewards; William Hibbard, tyler, and James Smith, chaplain. WAYLAND. James Fenton Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., was chartered January 9, I868, the same day with Plainwell Lodge. It began work under dispensation granted February i, I867. There were eight original members and the first officers were: George W. Pease, W. M.; Robert Deuel, S. W.; Ansel G. Smith, J. W.; J. H. D. Snell, secretary; Seth Shattuck, treasurer; D. R. Latham, S. D.; William Brown, J. D., and A. N. Worden, tyler. Worshipful masters since I868-George W. Pease, I867, i868, I869 and I870; Alonzo B. Blanch, 1871, 1872, 1874, 1875, 1876 and 1878; Charles W. Watkins, I873; Darwin E. White, I877; I. N. Hoyt, I879 and I88o; V. P. Fales, I88I, 1882, I890, 1899, 1900, 190I, I904 and I905; E. D. Sigler, I883, I884, I885, i886, I887, i888, I889, I891, 1892, I893, I894, I902 and 1903; A. Bragg, I895; H. S. Blowers, I896, I898 and 1906; George McConnell, 1897. The offices are now held by: H. S. Blowers, W. M.; I. H. Brush, S. W.; Earl Stockale, J. W.; F. S. Sigler, secretary; N. Crowell, treasurer; C. M. Seas, S. D.; L. W. Morford, J. D., and A. Naveril, tyler. The oldest members-W. L. Heazlitt, raised September 20, I867; I. N. Hoyt, raised September 28, I867; E. S. Allen, raised October r8, I867; L. Van Valkenburgh, raised November 27, I867; W. Stockdale, raised May i, i868, and C. R. Hollister, raised January 8, I869. DORR. P. S. Pullen Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., was organized in the grist mill at Dorr Center, July I, 187I, and the first regular communication was held February 2I, I872, in their new hall. The first officers were: J. M. Burnett, W. M.; William J. Sproat, secretary; E. J. Boynton, S. W.; Otto R. Fritsche, J. W.; Harmon Campbell, S. D.; Eli Driskell, J. D.; Fred Custer, tyler. These and the following were the charter members: Philetus S. Pullen, Frank Neuman, Ferdinand Neuman, A.G. McConough,.Charles L. Christie, John McNeal, Thomas Carruthers and William H. Reid. The oldest members are: W. J. Sproat, R. J. Barris, A. Fleaser, A. Truax and A. Emmons. The worshipful masters, I872-1906-J. M. Burnett, Eli Driskell, Henry P. Evarts, George W. Shriner, William J. Sproat, A. Truax, Charles Wademan, Adam Fleaser, R. A. Vielkind and J. G. Heinzman, I906. The present officers-J. G. Heinzman, W. M.; E. M. Huntley, S. W.; F. Shriner, J. W.; 0. R. Douglas, treasurer; R. J. Barris, secretary; Chris Zaiser, S. D.; Edgar W. Brown, J. D., and A. Emmons. Bradley Lodge No. 296, F. & A. M.-On January I4, I87I, Bradley 564 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Lodge was granted dispensation and on January Io, 1872, was granted a charter as a regularly appointed lodge, naming as their first officers: Lee Deuel, W. M.; C. H. Adams, S. W.; A. J. Votary, J. W.; John W. Doxey, secretary; J. E. Harding, treasurer; Robert B. Deuel, S. D.; Chas. Hoore, J. D.; Elijah Adams, tyler. The following have served as worshipful masters: Lee Deuel, I87I, I88o, I881, 1882, 1884; C. H. Adams, I872, 1873, I876, 1877; Collis B. Eldred, 1874, 1875, I879; Leonard M. Doxey, 1878; Marcus W. Ward, I883-I898; Rollin M. Congdon, 1885; Marion C. Eddy, I886; Charles W. Button, I887, i888, 1889, I891 to I897 and I899 to 1902; John W. Lewis, I890; Charles E. Selkirk, I903 to I907. Of the charter members of Bradley Lodge only one is still in active membership, Bro. Lee Deuel, P. M. On May i, I904, their hall at Bradley burned with all regalia and furniture, also charter. The Grand Lodge immediately replaced their charter, granting permission to move the lodge to Shelbyville, where they have built an elegant new hall, which was dedicated December 6, 1905. The present officers are Charles E. Selkirk, W. M.; W. Earl Briggs, S. W.; Fred Snell, J. W.; Arthur F. Gurley, treasurer; William L. Bostwick, secretary; James C. Keith, S. D.; David E. Curie, J. D.; Edgar C. Doxey, tyler. SAUGATUCK. Saugatuck Lodge No. 328, F. & A. M., was demnitted from the older Dutcher Lodge at Douglas, and instituted January 26, I876, with a membership of I6. The first officers were: James G. Williams, W. M.; Reuben T. Rogers, S. W.; L. W. Grant, J. W. Past Masters have been James G. Williams, Win. P. Hanson, Wallace B. Griffin, Amos H. Gardner, Reuben T. Rogers, Frank A. Winslow, Ralph C. Brittain, Jacob F. Metzger, Thornton W. Leland. Oldest members of the lodge are Henry Bird, Sr., James Elliott, Wm. G. Edgcomb, J. F. Metzger, John B. Martel, F. N. Plummer, R. T. Rogers, A. B. Taylor, J. G. Williams. The present officers: T. W. Leland, W. M.; H. M. Bird, S. W.; Chas. Scales, J. tW.; S. C. Reed, treasurer; W. R. Takken, secretary; Morgan Edgcomb, S. D.; E. G. Crowe, J. D.; Jas. Koning, tyler. The lodge now has 57 members. FENNVILLE. Damascus Lodge No. 415, F. & A. M., was under dispensation from November 9, I895, to January 27, 1897, when a charter was granted. Following are the charter members: Geo. W. Forrest, Wm. H. Andrews, Wm. McCormick, Henry Hawley, Edward Hawley, John Whitbeck, George Leland, Chas. G. Abbott, Stephen Atwater, Win. H. Whitbeck, George L. Dutcher, Jesse E. Hutchinson, Samuel Caldwell, Thomas B. Dutcher and Wm. Bale. First officers: Geo. Wilson Forrest, W. M.; Win. H. Andrews, S. W.; Win. H. McCormick, J. W.; J. Henry Hawley, secretary; Edward Hawley, treasurer; John Whitbeck, S. D.; Geo. Leland, J. D.; Chas. G. Abbott, tyler. The charter members still in active membership are Wm. H. Andrews,. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 565 Wm. H. McCormick, Chas. G. Abbott, Wim. Whitbeck, J. Henry Hawley, Edward Hawley, George Leland, George L. Dutcher, Stephen Atwater, Jesse E. Hutchinson. List of worshipful masters: G, Wilson Forrest, Wm. H. Whitbeck, George Leland, John A. Pieters, Theo. Wade, Mathew J. Orr, Allen L. Whitbeck, Wim. H. McCormick, Mathew J. Orr. The present officers: Mathew J. Orr, W. M.; F. A. Turrell, S. W.; George Leland, J. W.; Chas. M. Billings, S. D.; Warren L. Duell,, J. D.; Chas. Johnson, tyler; B. R. Barber, treasurer; Gordon A. Spencer, secretary. The present membership numbers 73. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. ALLEGAN. No. Io5-The first organization of Odd Fellowship in the county was Allegan Lodge No. 105, instituted November 9, I866, by William Oakes, G. M., its charter bearing date January 14, I867. The charter members were: Allen Wood, Sherman P. Stanley, A. F. Howe, S. H. Priest, James Caskey, Sr. and Jr. The oldest members of the lodge are: Benjamin D. Pritchard, P. G. and G., treasurer, initiated January io, i868; Joseph W. Ely, P. G. and P. G. R., initiated April Io, I868; Charles F. Tubah, P. G., initiated June 3, I868; Clark Collins, P. G., initiated March 7, 1873; Richard Baker, P. G., initiated March 7, I873. The first officers were: James Caskey, N. G.; Sherman P. Stanley, V. G.; A. F. Howe, secretary; Allen Wood, treasurer. Its present officers are Charles Fisher, noble grand; Perle L. Fouch, vice grand; Joseph W. Ely, recording secretary; James Terry, per secretary; Martin Foot, treasurer. No. 290-About ten years after the organization of the first lodge of Odd Fellows, dispensation was granted W. H. Shepard. L. Livingston, D. R. Thralls, R. R. Tick, J. E. Babbitt, L. H. Babbitt, J. J. McConkie, James E. Fuller, who organized Fome Lodge No. 290. The charter was granted March 28, I877, and the first set of officers were: J. E. Babbitt, N. G.: James E. Fuller, V. G.; D. R. Thralls, secretary; J. J. McConkie, treasurer. The present officers are: Austin J. Colburn, N. G.; J. B. Wood, V. G.; Joe D. Welsh, recording secretary; F. A. Ewer, per secretary; J. S. Wilson, treasurer. The following have held the office of Noble Grand: J. E. Babbitt, Wm. B. Andrus, John Allett, Carl H. Allen, John E. Babbitt, Wm. H. Bearce, Edward Bensley, W. A. Cheney, F. M. Calkins, J. G. Ellinger, R. N. Ellis, F. A. Ewer, Jas. E. Fuller, J. B. Fenton, M. P. Grice, Wm. Godfrey. 0. E. Perkins, G. K. Willey, John S. Wilson, John Poveltich, Wm. Weeks, F. P. Blaine, Geo. Austin, John Hippler, A. C. Wilson, John Stockdale, Chas. L. Barrett, O. G. Vahne, Curtis Wise, N. J. Williams, C. E. Ingram, Chas. A. Wilson, Geo. Staring, Geo. R. Smith, David Pulsipher, Geo. Hare, F. A. Ewer, L. C. Smith, Frank Stafford, Fred E. Mason, John North. The oldest members: E. C. Reid, A. C. Wilson, Burton Allen, W. H. Williams, Olen Priest, T. S. Kenyon, F. P. Blaine, Wm. Godfred, W. A. 566 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Cheney, A. C. McCarn, Thos. Godfrey, Edward Bensley, O. G. Vahne, J. B. Fenton. Heart and Hand Encampment No. 32 was instituted September 17, I868, and its charter was dated January 20, I869. The charter members were Henry Vosburgh, Eugene E. Bacon, Fayette S. Day, Nelson F. Strong, John C. Gorman, George Hall, Titus Doane, William W. Ward. The offices were first filled by Henry Vosburgh, C. P.; Fayette S. Day, H. P.; John C. Gorman, S. W.; Eugene E. Bacon, scribe; William W. Ward, treasurer; George Hall, J. W. The present officers: Charles Guest, C. P.; Frank Stafford, H. P.; W. Tillotsom, S. W.; James S. Terry, scribe; John S. Curtis, treasurer; Hale P. Bartlett, J. W. The oldest members: Joseph W. Ely, P. G. P. and P. G. R., joined September 17, i868; Charles F. Tubah, P. C. P., joined September 17, i868; Clark Collins, P. C. P., joined 1873; R. D. Thompson, P. C. P. and P. G. S., joined I873. PLAINWELL. Gun Plains Lodge No. 120, I. O. O. F., the second lodge of the order in the county, was instituted July 2, i868. The first officers were: Milo E. Gifford, N. G.; Henry Day, V. G.; C. J. Poore, secretary, William Starr, treasurer; J. B. Munson, warden. The present officers: Noble grand, F. M. Storms; vice grand, Elwood Ross; secretary, Wm. D. Talbot. Plainwell Encampment No. 71 was instituted April 26, 1875. The first officers were: William Cox, C. P.; Joseph W. Hicks, H. P.; Samuel F. Murphy, S. W.; Jerome Winchell, secretary. WAYLAND. Wayland Lodge No. 129, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted February 24, 1869, with the following charter officers and members: Edward M. Fitch, N. G.; Titus Doan, V. G.; John Graham, secretary; Norton Briggs, treasurer; J. Simkins, P. L. Lee, E. Wr. Powers, P. H. Schuh, William Seaver, James Armstrong. The present officers: Noble grand, H. S. Blowers; vice grand, N. Crowell; secretary, W. HI. Schuh; treasurer, L. F. Walbrecht. SALEM. Salem Lodge No. I69, I. O. O. F., at Burnips Corners, was chartered August 24, 1871. The Odd Fellows hall at Salem was completed and dedicated by the lodge August 24, 1874, the Grand Master of the state being in charge of the ceremonies. The first officers were Joshua Myers, N. G.; Jesse Bond, V. G.; James Eavens, secretary; William H. Gordon, treasurer. The present officers: Noble grand, Lewis R. Heasley; vice grand, Gottlieb Miller; secretary, Fred Palmer; treasurer, Henry Goodman. Salem Encampment No. 84, I.. 0. F., was chartered February II, 1876. The first officers were George Heck, C. P.; C. A. Ball. H. P.; J. F. Gardiner, S. W.; William Heck, J. W.; Theodore Castor, scribe; C. Sutter, treasurer. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 567 SAUGATUCK. Saugatuck Lodge No. 196, I. 0. 0. F., instituted October 17, 1872, had the following charter officers and members: Henry Ebmeyer, N. G.; David White, V. G.; E. 0. Cole, secretary; Amos I. Titus and Joseph Fischer. Some of the first Noble (rands were Henry Ebmeyer, David White, Isaac Wilson, John Wilson, John Priest, James A. Houtcamp, Edmond Skinner, James M. Pond, P. H. Hancock, Samuel Clipson, J. G. Williams, William F. Metzger, C. M. Cook, R. G. Annesley. The present officers: Noble grand, John Utton; vice grand, Clarence Halverson; secretary, Wm. Rencha; treasurer, Carl Ebmeyer. The lodge built the three-story Odd Fellows hall in 1878, for public, lodge and commlercial purposes. Saugatuck Encampment No. 60, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted August 7, 1873, the first officers and members being: H. Ebmeyer, C. P.; Isaac Wilson, H. P.; John Wilson, S. W.; John Priest, J. W.; Samuel Clipson, treasurer; William Corner, J. A. Houtcamp, A. B. Titus, Charles H. Chamberlain. WATSON. Watson Lodge No. 226, I..O. 0. F., was instituted September 30, I875, with the following members: James B. Lonsbury, N. G.; David R. Miller, V. G.; J. A. Frost, secretary; William R. Rowe, treasurer; Zachariah Foster, S. Van Duzen, Daniel K. Davis, David Bracelin, Charles E. White. The present officers are: Noble grand, Abram Kent; vice grand, J. F. Blair; secretary, F. A. Taylor; treasurer, C. E. Shepard. HAMILTON. Hamilton Lodge No. 315, I. 0. O. F., was chartered October i9, I878, the first officers being G. B. Sheffield, N. G.; C. E. Siple, V. G.; C. W. Stone, secretary; J. B-owman, treasurer. Its present officers are: Noble grand, Jacob Eding; vice grand, Hugh Sheifield; secretary, Geo. A. Pinkney. FENNVILLE. Fennville Lodge No. 338 was instituted March 26, I88o, by E. G. D. Holden, grand master. The present officers are: Noble grand, Leonard VAan Bois; vice grand, F. F. Atwood; secretary, F. L. Stevens; treasurer, Wnm. Reed. MIOLINE. Moline Lodge No. 343 was instituted October I6, 1903, by A. H. Brown, grand master. The present officers are: Noble grand, Charles Wademan; secretary, W. F. Rose; treasurer, J. H. Jeffers. MARTIN. Martin Lodge No. 356 was instituted November 28, I88I, by Samuel Adams, grand master. Present officers: Noble grand, Amasa Carpenter; vice grand, William S. Baird; secretary, W. F. Woodman; treasurer, J. A. Middleton. LEASURE. East Casco Lodge No. 508, at Casco, was instituted March 20, 1905. 568 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Charter members: W. J. Blayney, C. H. Blanchard, Charles Overhiser, Joseph R. Mort, Herschell Adkins, G. PB. Marshall, C. P. Coppock, C. S. Pease, John C. Bell, E. W. Leisure, Charles Fry, Leroy V. Lundy, Thomas N. Marshall, D. D. G. M., W. J. Blayney. Present officers: Noble grand, Charles Overhiser; vice grand, G. B. Marshall; secretary, Henry C. Dow; treasurer, Frank Pratt. PULLMAN. Energy Lodge No. 509 was instituted March 21, 1905. Charter members: Lester E. Drumb, George K. Taylor, G. C. Harrison, Nelson Ai. Barber, James B. Miller, Alfred Sauer, D. D. G. M., O. S. Almack, of Lodge No. 33. Officers for 90o6: Noble grand, Estel J. Hoffman; vice grand, Nelson H. Barber; secretary, A. A. Leily. OTSEGO. Otsego Lodge No. I64, I. 0. O. F., was instituted June 7, 1871. Its name was Henry Day Lodge until 1873. The charter members were: Henry Day, N. G.; A. S. Tompkins, V. G.; A. B. Way, R. S.; Nahum Gilbert, treasurer; John B. Millard, D. F. Sweet, Charles E. McKay. HOPKINS. Hopkins Lodge No. 270, I. 0. O. F., organized February 19, 1876, had the following charter members: James Armstrong, A. P. Varney, C. B. Eldred, E. B. Congdon, Richard Redhead, U. R. Fox, John Hicks, Erwin Hill, William Edgell, Thomas Hicks, M. T. Smith, H. M. Baker, George Blake. This lodge is no longer in existence. MONTEREY. Lodge No. I30, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in April, I869, so that it was one of the older branches of that order in the county. Its officers under dispensation were Fayette S. Day, N. G.; M. A. Powell, V. G.; Daniel Loeb, secretary; Oliver Gordon, finnancial secretary; Joseph Hoofmaster, treasurer. ALLEGAN. May Lodge No. i6, Daughters of Rebekah, the ladies' auxiliary of the Odd Fellows, was organized September 2, 1875, its first officers being: William J. Frost, N. G.; Mrs. Eliza Baker, V. G.; Mrs. Nettie Ely, secretary; Mrs. Jennie Frost, treasurer; Mrs. C. E. Hopkins per secretary. In the destructive fire of March, I884, which destroyed a large portion of the business section of Allegan, the archives of the May lodge were consumed, and the lodge did not resume activity, its charter being dropped. May 31, 1900, the Rebekah's auxiliary was again instituted in the village, when Victor Rebekah Lodge No. 358 was installed by Clara Stover, state president of the D. of R. The charter members were: Mesdames Lottie Williams, Addie E. Currey, Hattie St. Germain, Phila Walker, Amanda Curtis, Marilda Stafford. The first officers were: Mrs. Williams, N. G.; Mrs. St. Germain, V. G.; Mrs. Currey, secretary; Mrs. Walker, treasurer. There were eighteen initiates the first evening. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 569 April 27, 9o01, Mystic Rebekah Lodge No. 264 of Watson consolidated with Victor Lodge, the name of the latter being retained with the lodge number. The meeting was conducted by Sister Crandall, past president, of Muskegon, and the members entering the new organization from Watson were: Marv E. Burnham, Melissa J. Leggett, Emma Stone, Sarah Andrews, Clara Dunton, Charles Dunton, A. C. Burnham, J. C. Leggett, Mary Hurlev. Victor Lodge now has a membership of 66, with meetings twice a month. The officers at this writing (1906) are: Valonia A. Knapp, N. G.; Hattie Wilson, V. G.; M. E. Burnham, recording secretary; Addie Nichols, financial secretary; Ella Atkins, treasurer. K. 0. T. M. Allegan Tent No. 63 was organized in 1882. Charter members: Samuel Murphy, James Fuller, A. H. Rensenhouse, E. D. Alexander, F. Maxim, Charles E. White, Chas. A. Jones, A. J. Knapp, Ogden Tomilson, Isaac Leagart, R. D. Thompson, F. A. Abott, A. E. Knerr, G. M. Hartson. Present Officers: H. E. Elliott, Corn.: J. B. Wood, R. K.; A. P. Lonsbery, F. K. Allegan Tent has about 350 members. L. 0. T. M. Allegan Hive No. 60 was organized May 20, 1890. Charter members: Nellie C. Leweke, Sarah Powers, Estella Lehman. Rosa Brand, Lolah Smith, Helen Walters, Marv Cady, Marv J. Dellinger, Helen Fuller, Mary Wing, Lucrecia Robinson, Catherine Van Hess, Mrs. Cook. First Officers: Flora Nichols, P. L. C.: Fanny Hicks, L. C.; Annis Van Kuren, Leut. Corn.: Lizzie Stockdale. record keeper; Ida Vander Cook, finance keeper: Anna Lear, chaplain: Fannv Solomon, mistress-at-arms; Hannah Koloff, sergeant-at-arms; Elizabeth Gardener, Sent.; Nellie White, picket. Present Officers: Hattie Wilson, Com.; Frances Spafford, R. K.; Mamie Benjamin, F. K. Allegan Hive has about I1o members. ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. Allegan Lodge No. 41, A. 0. U. W.. was organized in March, I878, its membership being increased to forty during the first year. Its first officers were: Fayette S. Day, M. W.: Joseph W. Elv, S. W.; H. Leroy Peck, 0.; A. M. Shenard, Recorder; E. Leavenworth, Receiver: A. D. Nelson, Fin.; Dr. H. S. Lay, Med. Exam. 9 CHAPTER XVII. PIONEERS. There follows a brief chronological record of pioneers who came to the county before 1840 and later became members of the Pioneer Society. The society's records have not been kept in sufficient detail to allow this list to approach completeness, but it is believed the facts given will supplement some other portions of the history. Ammerman, Daniel.-Born in Bethel, Pennsylvania, June I8, 1814; came to Allegan September 2, 1836, where he died August 28, I879. Askins, John.-Born in Chatham, Canada, September 15, 1815; came to Allegan April 22, 1835; died June 15, I88I. His wife, Esther Askins, born in Indian Orchard, Pennsylvania, September 13, I819; came to Allegan July 22, 1838, where she died November I8, I885. Blackman, Henry E.-Born in Aurora, Ohio, January 6, I820; came to Gun Plain January 21, I839. Blackman, L. S.-Born in Otsego, Michigan, August 8, I835. Bailey, Jacob B.-Born in Marlborough, New York, September 7, I807; came to Allegan November 20, I836; deceased. His wife, Mary L. Bailey, born in New York City, New York, January 9, 1809; came to Allegan June 3, 1837; died December I, I88I. Brownell, Ephraim.-Born in Ogden, New York, April 4, I817; came to Allegan May I, 1837; deceased. Brooks, Randal W.-Born in Alabama, New York, September 10, 1817; came to Allegan in March, 1838; deceased. Bliss, William A.-Born in Rochester, New York, September 17, 1828; came to Allegan July 4, I836; deceased. His wife, Rhoda M. Bliss, born in Westford, New York, October 17, I828; died April 29, 1887. Booth, Ruth E.-Born in East Bloomfield, New York, April 27, I8II; came to Allegan October 10, I836. Chaffee, Ira.-Born in Onegatche, New Jersey, July 2, I812; came to Allegan October 28, I835; deceased. His wife, Lavinda Chaffee, born in Indian Orchard, Pennsylvania, November I8, 182I; came to Allegan July 22, 1838; deceased. Chichester, Ira.-Born in Unadilla, New York, March 6, 1823; came to Otsego July 7, I835; deceased. His wife, Ann Mary Chichester, born in Medina, Ohio, June 17, 1827; came to Gun Plain October, I833. 570 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 571 Clark, Hovey K.-Born in New England July 12, 1812; died at Detroit July 21, I889. Dumont, Henry.-Born in Seneca county, New York, June 5, 1815; came to Gun Plain October 17, 1835; deceased. His wife, Luvina D. Dumont, born in Barnet, Vermont, May 15, I82I; came to Allegan June 9, 1836; deceased. Drew, Joseph W.-Born in Stanbridge, Canada, December II, I826; came to Otsego in September, 1836; died April 27, I887. His wife, Sally Drew, born in New York February 15, I8oo; came to Otsego in September, I836; died February 15, 1885. Davis, Hannah J.-Born in Bolton, New York, May 10, 1814; came to Allegan May I9, 1836; died September 30, 1877. Eager, Benjamin.-Born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, March I0, 1812; came to Allegan March 30, 1835, where he died August 19, 1877. His wife, Julia A. Eager, born in Royalton, Vermont, June 8, 1817; came to Allegan in I839; deceased. Eaton, Orsamus.-Born in Chester, New York, April io, I8io; came to Otsego in September, 1834; died August 27, I885. Goodrich, Osman D.-Born in New Hartford, New York, May Io, 80o8; came to Allegan May 6, 1831; died November 3, 1887. Henderson, D. C.-Born in Thurso, Scotland, March 20, I826; came to Allegan in 1841. Higgins, John.-Born in Sutton Valanae, England, July 9, I809; came to Allegan June, 1836; died October 10, 1879. Hurd, H. L. —Born in Dunham, Canada, September 18, I833; came to Allegan November 4, 1839; deceased. Knapp, Wm. A.-Born in Lima, New York, December 15, 1820; came to Allegan September 13, I835; deceased. Kingsbury, Henrv.-Born in Lima, New York, June 8, I800; came to Allegan November 4, I839; died October 3, I883. Fisk, Joseph.-Born in Charlemont, Massachusetts, May 22, I8io; came to Allegan March 7, 1834, and there died May I9, I884. His wife, Betsey Fisk, born in Hartford, New York, September 22, I8io; came to Allegan March 7, 1834, and there died. Loomis, Levi.-BIorn in Hamilton, New York, September 6, i8io; came to Allegan in June, I836; deceased. His wife, Sally A. Loomis, born in Hamilton, New York, September 6, I806; came to Allegan January 25, I837; deceased. Littlejohn, F. J.-Born in Litchfield, New York, July 20, I804; came to Allegan I836; died May I5, I88o. His wife, Harriet B. Littlejohn, born in Herkimer, New York. Leggett, Daniel.-Born in Saratoga, New York, January 25, 1807; came to Allegan October 4, 1837; deceased. McMartin, Duncan A.-Born in Amsterdam, New York, July 19, i8io; came to Allegan October 29, 1836, and there died April 10, 1883. Morse, Asa.-Born in Oneida county, New York, October 5, 1803; came to Allegan June 15, I837, and there died February II, I883. McMartin, M. T.-Born in Henrietta, New York, June 5, I829; came to Gun Plains September 15, 1833; deceased. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Marsh, Spencer.-Born in Lansing, New York, March 25, I805; came to Allegan July 5, 1836, and there died March I8, I877. Murray, E. A.-Born in Charlton, New York, February 28, I814; came to Allegan in November, 1835; died April 12, 1882. Muma, Ann.-Born in Dumfries, Canada, November I6, 1830; came to Allegan February 6, 1837; deceased. Parsons, John.-Born in Lyme, Connecticut, December 15, 1805; came to Watson in September, 1840; died April 23, 1882. Peabody, Johnathan.-Born in Ellisburg, New York, September 17, 1812; came to Allegan September Io, I836; deceased. Plummer, Benjamin. Rossman, Alby.-Born in Harding, New York, January 14, 1812; came to Allegan July 20, 1836; deceased. His wife, Electa Rossman, born in Conquest, New York, May 6, I819; came to Allegan October 21, 1837; deceased. Rumery, S. R.-Born in Lockport, New York, February 17, 1820; came to Allegan October 15, I839; died in Monterey August 24, 1884. Streeter, J. B.-Born in Rochester, New York, July 4, I829; came to Allegan in September, 1835; deceased. Stone, Jesse D.-Born in Canajohari, New York, February I3, I812; came to Allegan in October, 1836; deceased. Smith, Cynthia.-Born in Conquest, New York, October 8, 1834; came to Allegan in 1837; deceased. Spear, Charles.-Born in Charlotte, Vermont, August 25, 1828; came to Gun Plains in December, 1835; deceased. Sherwood, M. C. —Born in Otsego, Michigan, January II, I833. Weeks, Alanson S.-Born in Wheelock, Vermont, January I2, 1812; came to Allegan in June, I835, where he (lied October I8, I880. White, Calvin C.-Born in Grafton, Massachusetts, February Io, 1803; came to Gun Plain in 1832 and there died November 7, I880. Watkins, Lyman W.N-Born in Chester, Vermont, March io, I817; came to Allegan in May, 1836; deceased. His wife, Sylvia Watkins, born in Lansing, New York, March 14, 1823; came to Allegan in October, 1843; deceased. Weare, Richard.-Born in Bolton, Canada, December 21, I8o6; came to Allegan April, 1834; deceased. Wilson, Charles S.-Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, May I6, I819; came to Allegan in September, 1838; deceased. Wetmore, Jos. H.-Born in Westford, New York, March 27, 1826; came to Gun Plains in November, 1835; deceased. His wife, Caroline F. Wetmore, born in Seneca Falls, New York, February 3, 1832; came to Allegan in 1836; deceased. W\etmore. Albert D.-Born in Middlefield, New York, April 17, 1833; came to Gun Plains in November, I835; deceased. CHAPTER XVIII. THE CHURCHES. BAPTIST CHURCH. Shortly after the organization of Allegan county, and before it had been divided into the four original townships, a meeting was held in the house of Silas Dunham near what is now the village of Plainwell, December 26, 1835, at which was formed the first Baptist church in Allegan county, as well as the first permanent religious body in the same territory. The names of those taking part in that meeting represent some of the earliest pioneer families of the southeast part of the county. They were: Silas Dunham, Curtis Brigham, S. Calkins, Elisha B. Seely, James Calkins, Alfred S. Dunham, Lydia Brigham, Edwin S. Dunham, Tirza Dunham, Joanna Calkins, Sarah Seelv and MIatilda Calkins. The council held for the recognition of this church February 4, 1836, was presided over by Elder Jeremiah Hall as moderator, who also became the first pastor of the body. Previous to this meetings had been held, generally at the house of Mr. Dunham, since I833, and in March, 1835, Deacon Curtis Brigham had commenced stated meetings at the log schoolhouse on the Plains. This was the mother church in the county, and from it have been formed several of the Baptist churches now active in the county. It contained adherents from all over southeastern Allegan county, and for several years had no fixed abode, services being held in schoolhouses or residences over the area now included in Gun Plains, Otsego and Allegan townships, and also in Cooper township of Kalamazoo county. The first separation to form a church with smaller limits was that of December, I840, when the Baptists of Cooper organized a church of their own. The members living in and about Allegan formed a church of their own in January, 184I, and in the following year the remainder of the congregation fixed upon Otsego as a central and permanent church abode. Two other branches. have come from the parent church, one portion forming a church in Trowbridge and another a church in Plainwell, the latter in the year 1864, and the former about I869. Otsego. During the first thirty years the Otsego church was served by the following ministers: Elder Jeremiah Hall, Deacon Curtis Brigham, Elder William A. Bronson (in 1844); Rev. Harvey Munger, 1840-44; Rev. A. M. 573 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Buck, 1851-57; H. Stanwood, 1858; A. M. Buck, I859-63; 0. S. Wolfe, 1864; H. B. Taft, I864-65; A. M. Buck, 1872. A house of worship was erected in 1855 at a cost of about $I,ooo. Plainswell. The origin of the Baptist church at this village has been described. Meetings were held both on the Plains and at Otsego for some years, and after the building of the plank road and the beginning of the Junction, the schoolhouse at this point served for the house of worship. When the Junction began growing rapidly as a village, to which the name Plainwell was given, an independent Baptist church was organized, on May II, I864, 22 persons entering with letters of dismission from the Otsego congregation. Rev. O. S. Wolfe was the first pastor, and was followed by Rev. J. Fletcher October i, I865, who has served this church continuously fortyone years. This record makes him the dean of Allegan county ministers. He is really the only pastor this, as a separate church, has had. Many of the Otsego members lived in this vicinity, and for their accommodation meetings were held in the schoolhouse here, the people here doing their part in the support of the Otsego pastor. When the 22 persons called for letters of dismission to form the church here, one condition was that the existing arrangement about paying pastor should continue until the end of that financial year, he continuing to preach here for some period, but was the Otsego pastor. The church at Plainwell was built in I865-66, being enlarged in I870. Its location is at the corner of Bridge and Church streets. A chapel was built in 187I two and a half miles east of the village for the convenience of the people residing in that neighborhood. The oldest members are: H. J. Cushman and wife, J. W. Brigham and wife, Josiah Woodhams and wife, Henry Keeler and wife, Abel S. Dunham and wife. A llegan. As related, the Baptists of Allegan were first connected with the Plainfield society. In the old church record, now yellow with age, the first regular entry, dated December 26, I840, reads as follows: "According to previous appointment, the Baptist church of Plainfield held their covenant meeting in Allegan, when it was resolved that some of the brethren and sisters in Allegan present a request to the Plainfield church to be considered a branch of that church. Appointed Jasper Fisk to make the request." Then follows another minute, dated January 15, 1841: "This day by a vote of the Plainfield church, the following brethren were constituted into a branch": Jasper Fisk, H. Munger, minister, 0. Ross, Oramel Fisk, A. Ross, H. Ross, John Colburn, Noah Briggs, Rhoda Munger, J. Ross, H. Fisk, Hannah Davis, Mary Ann Stone, E. Colburn, S. Briggs, M. Finn. Some who united with the church in the same year were: Aurelia Fuller, Betsey Fisk, Chester Wetmore, Daniel Leggett, John Griffith, Joseph Fisk, Jonathan Peabody, Frederick Day, Amanda Griffith, Mary Jane Kenyon, Lemuel Wilcox, Leonard Ross, Samuel'Wilcox, Fanny Day, Phebe Ross, Levi Wilcox. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 575 As early as March, 1838, the proprietors of the Allegan village plat (Samuel Hubbard and wife, and C. C. Trowbridge acting for A. L. Ely) had deeded to the trustees of the First Baptist church of Allegan a portion of five lots in the square west of the public square. But no church edifice was erected for some years after the organization. A minute, July 5, 1845, records the acceptance of the report of a committee "to procure a house for to worship in," for which the church would be charged twenty-five cents a day. A brick building was finally begun on the west side of Walnut street, but there were difficulties in completing it, Rev. Munger being deputized as agent to solicit funds among other communities during 1852. As is known, this building was purchased by the county in 1854 and converted into a court house, which was used until condemned in 1887. The handsome brick edifice now used was dedicated May 21, 1892, being one of the best church buildings in the county, and in keeping with the artistic and modern appearance of the blocks surrounding the public square. The building was made possible by a legacy from Mrs. Hannah Davis, amounting to $io,oo, and was begun in April, 1891. The total cost was $22,000. The building committee were A. B. Eaton, E. P. Arnold, B. E. Peabody, J. B. Wood, C. WV. Calkins. Harvey Munger was the first regular minister of the church, though his time was not devoted entirely to this charge. He was succeeded in the fall of 1846 by T. Z. R. Jones, and the latter by Daniel Platt in 1848. Rev. Munger was recalled in May, 1850, and while he was engaged in soliciting funds to complete the church building A. M. Buck served a time as minister. The list of ministers as given on the memorial windows of the new church is as follows: Rev. H. Munger, 1841-54; T. Z. R. Jones, 1854-55; David Platt, 1855-56; A. J. Bingham, 1856-59; Henry Stanwood, I860-6I; Wm. McCarthy, 1862-66; A. Snyder, 1866-69; R. Reynolds, 1870-72; L. L. Gage, 1873-76; 0. 0. Fletcher, 1877-79; C. J. Fish, 1880-82; J. M. Titterington, 1882-84; E. A. Gay, 1884-91; C. R. Baker, I892-September, 1893; E. Haines, December, i893-September, 1895; A. H. Bailey, September, 1895-1898; J. E. Littell, December, i898-May, 1906; Rev. Cooper, October, 1906. The Second Baptist church of Allegan was organized in October, 1877, by Elder Fletcher of Allegan and Elder Brown of Cheshire. The charter members now living are Rev. Joseph Cross and Samuel Chandler. The list of pastors who have served this congregation are: Elder Rolands, Joseph Green, Elders Andrew, Bazy, Nancy, Thomas, William Thompson, William Brown, Cassam Thompson, Joseph Cross. The First Baptist church of Ganges was organized as a branch of the Allegan church by Elder Harvey Munger, on July i6, 1853. The nine members who composed it were: Levi Loomis, Sarah Ann Loomis, Joseph Collins, Marcus Sutherland, Almira Hudson, Charlotte Collins, Mrs. Sutherland, Eunice Crawford, Bathsheba Rockwell. Meetings were at first held in schoolhouses.. The early pastors were: Austin Harmann, C. P. Grosvenor, Silas Bowker, Abner Webb, E. O'Brien, William Munger, J. E. Platt. September 22, i868, seventeen persons, including some of the members of the first church, organized the Second Baptist church of Ganges. 576 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY The first pastor was Silas Bowker, and the first officers were William P. Sherman, J. H. Barden and Levi Loomis. Trowbridge. The church at Otsego established a branch in Trowbridge and held meetings in the Ross schoolhouse. A church was organized with a membership of 46 persons in I868. May 21, 1873, a church building costing $3,000 was dedicated, its location being on section 24. ST. MARGARET'S CATHOLIC PARISH, OTSEGO, AND SACRED HEART MISSION, Watson. In tracing the history of St. Margaret's Parish, Otsego, we will have to begin with the Sacred Heart Mission in Watson township. As early as the fifties, Catholics began to settle in and around Watson township, and, at the close of that decade, there were twelve or fifteen families who worshipped God according to Catholic rite. Father La Bell, whose m1emory is held in benediction by the old settlers, was the first priest to minister to the wants of Catholics in what may be called the wilds of Watson. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first time in the house of Daniel Bracelin in i856. As time went on, new settlers came, and in I862 those sturdy settlers erected a church, where the beautiful ceremonial of Catholic service could be carried out. The church is still standing and used as an assembly hall. It has a seating capacity for 250 and is, perhaps, one of the most substantial of the old church buildings in the county. It is regarded by many of the present congregation as intimately connected with their lives. In it they were baptized, received first holy communion and finally made those solemn promises, binding upon husband and wife. A cemetery was provided about the time the church was built, and almost all the deceased members of the congregation were buried in this plot of ground. It being opposite the church, the living find it convenient to visit the graves of their deceased friends when they attend divine service. The following priests were pastors of the Watson congregation: Father Herwig, from I865 to I870; Father Seyboldt, from I870 to 1874; Father Broeger, from 1874 to 1877; Father Lovett, from 1877 to I880; Father Dempsey, now vicar-general of the diocese of Detroit, for two and one-half years; Father Wernert, for ten months; Father Van Antwerp, for two and one-half years. During these years the congregation increased in number to such a degree that a larger house of worship became necessary. Father O'Brien, of Kalamazoo, now became pastor and under his direction, and that of his able assistant, Father Ryan, now of Pontiac, a new church was erected. The structure is of red brick and has a seating capacity of 350. The stained glass memorial windows and up to date furniture make it one of the prettiest churches in Allegan county. The style of architecture is that of the English chapel. The corner stone was laid in 1888 and the church was dedicated the following year. The following priests labored in this mission since the new church was built: Fathers De Gryse, Kennedy, Maner, Lochbiler, Connolly, Rivard, Cullinane and O'Shea. All this time Catholics were settling in and around Plainwell. In I ( )RIG(NAL C()N( RE( ATI'I )NAL CI UCRC II CON() N R. EGATIONA'I ( CURA 1, t R C I HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 577, 1873 they resolved to have a church of their own, and bought the old Presbyterian church. Here they worshipped till December, I903, when they amalgamated with the Otsego congregation. The erection of the Bardeen Paper mills in Otsego in 1887 meant progress for Otsego in every sense. Many Catholics who were employed in the mills found it inconvenient to go to Plainwell for worship, and concluded that a Catholic church would have to be built in the thriving village. Accordingly, in i890, the corner stone of St. Margaret's church was laid and before winter the building was complete. It was a pleasure to all progressive citizens, and the non-Catholic contribution was a very handsome sum. For ten years Otsego was attended from Kalamazoo, but at the end of this period Otsego was erected into a parish, with Watson and Plainwell as missions. Father John Desmond O'Shea was the first pastor of the new parish. He and his faithful people worked strenuously to build the handsome rectory and at the close of the first year had it ready for occupancy. In July of 1903 the present pastor, Father O'Neill, was assigned to St. Margaret's parish, Otsego, and the missions of Watson and Plainwell. In December the Plainwell congregation was united with Otsego. The parish was always flourishing and the future would seem to have still greater prosperity in store. Recently a beautiful site was purchased in the village of Allegan and soon a new church will raise its spire heavenward, pointing out to men their end and destiny. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. O tsego. Under the "plan of union" by which the early Presbyterians and Congregationalists worshipped, it happens that the Congregational church of Otsego and the Presbyterian church of Plainwell trace their origin to the same meeting, which has been described in the sketch of the Plainwell Presbyterian church. The first religious services of the society were held at Otsego February 26, I837. After the Plainfield church was attached to the Kalamazoo presbytery in 1842, the Otsego church was continued independently. Its first house of worship in Otsego was built in 1846. Fire destroyed this in March, I865, and two years later a new edifice was completed at the corner of Franklin and Farmer streets. In I891 a comfortable parsonage was built, which has been kept in excellent repair to date. The congregation still worships in the edifice built in I865, which has been repaired and changed, but is not meeting the needs of the church, and a new one is the desire of the church. Since I842 the following pastors have served: J. Bliss, Rev. McMath, S. Stevens, F. L. Fuller, David S. Morse, Charles Temple, John Jackson, A. B. Allen, Thomas Towler, A. M. Buck, D. W. Comstock, J. W. Horner, F. Bissell, J. R. Chaplain, A. B. Cochran, E. A. Fredenhogen, L. K. Long, J. W. Arney, E. J. Burgess, F. M. Coddington, S. W. Seibert, O. B. Van Horn, C. M. Taylor. The following families have been best and longest known for support and active membership in the church: Matthew J. Coffin, W. C. Edseel, "578 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY J. M. Ballou, H. C. Stoughton, Chas. Temple, Mrs. W. J. Cushman, Mrs. N. W. Mills. Allegan. The Congregational church at Allegan was organized June i0, 1858, at the home of H. H. Booth. Forty years later an anniversary celebration of this occasion was held, at which time the history of the church was thoroughly recalled. The late N. B. West was chosen moderator of the organization meeting, and Andrew Oliver, now the only living charter member, was scribe. The other charter members were: Melissa G. West, Edwin A. Murray, Roxana Murray, Ruth Elizabeth Booth, Desire M. Booth, Jacob B. Bailey, Mary L. Bailey. These, with Mr. West and Mr. Booth, had up to that time been members of the Presbyterian church at Allegan. Mr. Oliver's church connection had been with a Free-will Baptist church, and two united with the church on profession of faith-E. Dewey Follett and Sarah B. Follett. The church united with the Kalamazoo Association October 13, 1858. The Sunday services were held in the Pine Grove Seminary building until the erection of the first church edifice. Legal incorporation was effected July 25, 1862, the first trustees being N. B. West, J. H. Mayhew and Leonard Bailey. A very plain church edifice was erected in 1864 on Cutler street, at a cost of $2,700, being dedicated January I, 1865. This was rebuilt in 1882, at a cost of $4,100, and rededicated November i6th. In 1897 the chapel was made more commodious and convenient at a cost of $1,300. In March, 1898, a fine pipe organ was put into the church, a gift from Deacon and Mrs. N. B. West. A parsonage was completed in the spring of I875, being built on a lot nearly opposite the church, costing about $2,0ooo. Deacon West, a short time before his death in I905, gave the church an endowment fund of $5,000, and at the same time made a gift of $4,ooo to Olivet College. The Ladies' Mite Society was organized May i6, i860; a Woman's Missionary Society was organized May i6, 1875; the Y. P. S. C. E. was organized January 3, i886, and the junior society in July, 1892. The pastors who have served the church since the first regular minister was installed have been: David Wirt, November 6, 1858, to i860; Lucien H. Jones, i860-6i; Levi F. Waldo, i861-65; Elizur Andrus, 1865-70; Rufus Apthorp, 1870-71; Levi F. Bickford, 1871-73; Daniel E. Hathaway, 1874 -75; John Sailor, 1875-80; George R. Milton, i880-8i; Isaac W. McKeever, 188i-86; Henry F. Tyler, 1886-90; Moses M. Martin, 1890-96; Frank W. Hullinger, 1896-99; Wilfred Lindsay, I89-I906. Saugatuck. A church was organized at the Saugatuck schoolhouse January iI, i860, with the following members: Rev. C. H. Eaton, F. B. Wallin, Moses Philbrook, Alanson Gardner, Mrs. M. F. Eaton, Mrs. Orcetia Wallin, Mary Philbrook, Marila Gardner, Elnathan Judson and wife, John Harris, Hannah Cook, Andrew Alexander, Sarah Jane Cowles. The following summer the society built the first house of worship in the village. The pastors have been: C. H. Eaton, J. C. Myers, 1862; J. F. Taylor, HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 579 I868; W. C. Allen and W. B. Sutherland, Rev. John Sailor, I880; Rev. W. D. Attack, 1883; Rev. E. D. Curtis, 1885; Rev. E. S. Smith, I886; Rev. Humphrey, I889; Rev. C. C. Wood, I890; Rev. W. R. Seaver, pastor Saugatuck and Douglas Congregational churches, I891; Rev. W. R. Seaver, I894; Rev. W. Lindsay, I899; Rev. E. S. Ireland, I902; Rev. W. Millar, I905; Rev. J. E. Tedford, I906; Rev. Francis D. White, I906. The members of long standing are Mrs. George Hames, Mrs. R. D. Ames, Mr. and Mrs. John Koning, Mr. L. W. Grant, Mrs. John Loomis, Mr. and Mrs. John Schaberg, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Aliber, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Bird, Mr. Joseph Bedford, Miss Mary Skinner. All these joined in the early seventies and are now active members. The church building has been enlarged in recent years, and the church owns the finest residence and business location in the village, on which there is a fine parsonage surrounded by beautiful grounds. Douglas. The Congregational church at Douglas was organized December 12, 1882, with the following charter members: Mr. Ephraim Welch, Mrs. Ephraim Welch, Miss Dora Welch, Mrs. H. Langdon, Mrs. H. Graham, Mrs. Daniel Gerber, Mr. Daniel Gerber, Mr. William Weed, Mrs. William Weed, Mr. Henry Bird, Mrs. Henry Bird, Mr. George Thomas, Mrs. George Thomas, Miss E. M1. Ensign, Rev. J. F. Taylor, Mrs. J. F. Taylor, Mrs. McClure, Mr. McClure, Miss J. Warnock, Miss Hattie Spencer, Mrs. D. C. Putnam, Miss Anna Henges, Mrs. Ehle, Miss Carrie Durham, Mrs. J. Thorne, Mr. J. Thorne, Dr. J. F. Young. The following have served the church as ministers: R. J. Sailor, J. F. Taylor, B. J. Baxter, E. Andrus, J. J. Bunnell, Rev. Haun, E. W. Miller, H. Willis, W. F. Bush, the present pastor. The church society has a neat church building valued at $2,500 and a parsonage valued at $1,200, the Congregation Church Building Association having furnished part of the means for building the church, this being in the nature of a loan, which is repaid by annual collections. The church has a membership of about 80. Dorr. The Congregational society whose building stands on section 2 of this township was organized August 27, 1857, in the schoolhouse across the road. Its eleven charter members were: Bradley Gilbert, Martha J. Gilbert, Nahum Snow, Sarah Snow, Lauren C. Gilbert, Judith Gilbert, Edward Averill, Mary B. Averill, William A. Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Sarah Smith. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse for a number of years. In I872 it was proposed to consolidated this congregation with that of the newly established Dorr Center, where a church building would be erected, and for a time services were held at the Center. But in I875 the congregation returned to the old schoolhouse, and in the following year the church was built on section 2. In I895 the church was removed to the village of Moline and its name changed to the First Congregational church of Moline. 580 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY The pastors in charge have been: James A. McKay, 1858; N. K. Evarts, I862; C. N. Coulter, N. K. Evarts, Moore, G. W. Sterling, N. K. Evarts, Albert C. Lee, George Candee, Norman Millard, C. B. Shear, George Wain, Harry Appleton, Henry Robinson, A. D. Whaley, Charles Riley, John Gordon, Frederick York, E. E. Harring, E. A. Cragg. Dorr Center. By the consolidation of the two congregations above mentioned, a church edifice was begun at this place in 1873, and was soon after completed, although not accepted, owing to alleged failure on the part of the contractor to comply with the terms of the building committee. The separate organization of the church society, after the withdrawal of the membership from the northeast part of the township, took place November II, 1875, the original members being Adrian C. Clark and wife, William H. Ewing, H. T. Pomeroy and wife, Antoinette Kelley, Christina Patterson, Horace Barton and wife, N. K. Evarts (pastor) and wife, and Mary J. Byles. Wayland. The First Congregational church of Wayland was organized in I859, and a church building was erected the following year. There were seventeen original members and Rev. A. McKay was the first pastor. Many pastors have been with the church since its organization, each period having its share of prosperity and adversity, and today it takes a prominent part in the religious work of the village. In I896, during the pastorate of Rev. F. P. Sprague, the old building was disposed of and the present structure erected on the same site at a cost of $2,500, being dedicated early in I897. Mrs. Mary Forbes donated the bell and $700 toward the cost of the church. Hopkins. A Congregational society was formed in September, I882 in the schoolhouse of district No. 6 with nine members. It continued to hold its services in the schoolhouse until the church was completed one mile east and near Hilliards railroad station. The Congregational church of Hilliards was dedicated December 4, I892. The Congregational church of Hopkins Station was formed into a society March 27, 1878, with 13 members: D. B. Kidder, Alice E. Kidder, Andrew Bates, Sarah Bates, Henry Hoffmaster, Lydia Hoffmaster, Martha Squires, Chas. H. Furber, Mary A. C. Furber, Dorothy Allen, Mary Allen, Louisa Smith, Alice Baker. The church was dedicated August 22, I886. The St. Paul's Lutheran church at Hopkins was organized in I864 by Rev. Forrer, its charter members being Peter Knobloch, John Nicholai, Konrad Krug, Gottlieb Hoffmeister and Joseph Hoffmeister. The first services were held in a schoolhouse. In I879 the first church, built one mile west and a half mile north of Hopkins, was struck by lightning in 1893 and totally destroyed. Another one was immediately built on the same site and dedicated in November of the same year. From the time of their HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 581 organization until 1903 this congregation, with St. John's in Allegan, belonged to the same parish; hence both were under the pastoral care of the same minister. In I903 the parish was divided, the church here extending a call to Rev. Leyser, which was accepted. He is its present pastor, and two out-parishes are connected with the churches, St. Peter's Lutheran church in Dorr, organized in I899, with a present membership of about sixty communicants, and St. Paul's at Salem, with forty communicants. The church is in a flourishing condition, numbering about one hundred communicants. METHODIST CHURCH. Allegan.. The Allegan Methodists were also organized in the spring of I836 by Rev. Mr. Williams of the Ohio conference, the first class consisting of the following named persons: Mrs. Weighty Wilson, Enoch Baker and wife, Miss Clarissa Wilson, Miss Streeter, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Torrey. Spencer Marsh was an early member. The church was organized and incorporated in I837. Meetings were first held in a schoolhouse on Hubbard street, and in I839 a church was completed on the corner of Trowbridge and Walnut streets, west of the public square. This was replaced with a new building in 1853, which was enlarged in I866, and was used for a generation more, when it was removed in I903 to make way for the present beautiful stone edifice, which was dedicated September 4, I905, costing $i6,ooo. The Rev. William H. C. Bliss and wife came from Rochester, N. Y., in I837. He was a local preacher and rendered great service to the young society and to Methodism in the county. "Father Bliss," as he came to be called, continued a member until his death sometime in the eighties. In 1839 and I840 the Methodist classes in this county appear in the records as "Allegan Mission" of the Indiana Conference, Rev. William Todd, missionary. For a number of years the classes at Allegan, Otsego, Gun Plains, Silver Creek, Alamo, and several other neighborhoods not now identified comprised what was called Allegan Circuit. Later Martin and Wayland appear as part of it, and about I850 it extended west to Ganges. According to the custom of those times two preachers, a senior and a junior, were usually appointed to travel the circuit. Thev were as follows, September of the vear designated being the time of their appointment: Mr. Williams, I836; --- 837-38; William Todd, I839; Franklin Gage, I841; Daniel Bush and E. L. Kellog, I842; T. S. Jackaway and Stephen Stringham, 1843; I. C. Abbot and J. E. Parker, 1844; George King and Alexander Campbell, I845; l. B. Camburn and V. G. Boynton, I846; Curtis Mosher and Caleb Ereanbrach, 1847; Curtis Mosher and -Foughty, 1848; A. J. Eldred and W. H. C. Bliss, I849. In 1850 Allegan circuit was divided and Otsego circuit formed. The former for some years consisted of classes at Allegan, Monterey, and Watson. Since I850 the pastors at Allegan have been as follows: G. Bignell, I850; F. Glass, 1851; J. H. Pitezel, I853; S. A. Osborne, 1855; D. Bush, I856; A. A. Dunton, I858; D. R. Latham, I86o; A. J. Graham, 582 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1861; N. L. Otis, 1862; James Billings, 1864; Elisha Marble, 1865; H. C. Peck, I867; H. P. Henderson, I868; George W. Sherman, I870; James Hamilton, I872; R. C. Crawford, 1874; L. M. Edmonds, I876; W. A. Hunsberger, I879; B. S. Mills, I88I; (supplied), I883; R. Shorts, 1884; J. J. McAllister, 1885; E. E. McChesney, I886; J. B. Whitford, 1887; H. S. Bargelt, I888; S. D. McKee, I890; J. C. Cook, I894; A. M. Griffith, I899; G. R. Arnold, I9oo; George A. Brown, I905. The families whose names have been longest on the church rolls are as follows: Mrs. Harriett Allen, Mrs. M. A. Buice, Mary J. Quirk, Mrs. Squire Davison, Mrs. Mary J. Warner, A. B. Seery and wife, Henry Wells and wife, C. T. Tubah, William Sowersby and wife. Mill Grove. A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at Mill Grove, four miles northwest of Allegan, some time in the sixties. A comfortable edifice was erected in I870-72 largely through the liberality of Mr. Alonzo Vosburg. The building is still in use. The class was once a part of Monterey circuit, and once for a year or so supported a pastor of its own, but is now attached to the Allegan charge. Otsego. The organization of the Otsego circuit and the history of early Methodism in this vicinity has been related above. The Otsego church was organized in 1842, and its first house of worship was commenced in 1843 and completed in 1847, located on Allegan street between Fair and Wilmot. In I888-89 it became too small to accommodate the membership and the increasing congregation. In May of this year it was decided to erect a new building and plans were perfected for the same. The present church edifice, costing $7,500, was built, and dedicated December 22, 1889. The pastors who served this congregation in early years have already been named in connection with other churches. The later pastors have been: N. TM. Steel, George L. Haight, William Paddock, Wright Barrett, C. T. Van Antwerp, I. B. Tallman, Frank L. McCoy, E. A. Tanner, A. T. Ferguson, George B. Kulp, W. Herald Stacey, John W. McDougall, Henry Abraham, F. C. Larabee, H. D. Skinner. When the church was organized in 1842 its first members were Lucius Anderson and wife, M5iss M. Bailey, Sidney Ketchum, and Angeline Lane. Those who have been connected with the church long and actively since then have been: Ogden Allen and wife, Henry Beebe and wife, H. H. French and wife, Mrs. Amy Hoag, Charles P. Hale and wife, John F. Hale and wife, C. D. Nickols and wife. Plainzcrwell. The beginning of the Methodist Episcopal church in this vicinity was in I836, when a class of five members was formed in the Silver Creek settlements at the home of Elisha Tracy. In 1839 a class of seven members was organized in the school house a mile north of Plainwell and formed FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, PLAINWELL FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, PLAINWELL FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PLAINWELL HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 583 part of the Allegan circuit until 1851, when it was made part of the Otsego circuit. In I867 prayer meetings were held in the old Bridge street school. In May, I869, the work of building a church was commenced. It was completed and dedicated February 3, 1870. In 1878 the chapel and kitchen were built. In 188I a parsonage was purchased and in I904 was entirely rebuilt. The Ladies' Aid society came into existence with the building of the church; the Woman's Foreign Missionary society in 1885. These societies have all been important factors in advancing the interest of the church. The Epworth and Junior Leagues afford avenues for efficient work by and for young people and children. A mission study class has been maintained for months by the Epworth League. The economy of the Methodist Episcopal church does not admit of an extended pastorate. Eighteen ministers have served the charge since the building of the church. The present pastor, Rev. Thomas Laity, was assigned here in September, I905, and has already won his way to the hearts of the people. Gang'es. The first regular preaching which eventually formed the nucleus of the (Ganges church was at a lumber camp near Swan Creek in 1847 by Rev. G. V. Vanalstine, at that time pastor of the Allegan circuit. This service was continued at that place and at private houses until I851, when Ganges was cut off from the Allegan circuit and with some outlying points organized into a charge under the pastorate of Rev. B. F. Doughty. In I86o and I86I a parsonage was built and in i86I a church was erected at Pier Cove, which was in 1882 torn downnd an a new church built on the present site. In 1873 Ganges was united with Douglas charge under one pastorate and remained so united until I888, when it was restored to its original name, since which time it has remained under its present name, Ganges Methodist Episcopal church. In I888 a new parsonage was built on the church property. In I896 the church was enlarged and remodeled, making it the largest and most commodious church building in western Allegan countv. It has a present memibership of one hundred and twentyfive. The earlier members were: V. R. Wadsworth and wife, William Carver and wife, William Dunn and wife, Charles Goodeve, Philander Taylor and wife, E. S. Collins and wife, F. WV. Wadsworth and wife, John (oodeve and wife, Roswell Daily and wife, Nathaniel Plummer and wife, David Hoover and wife, William Furgeson and wife, William H. Hoover and wife, A. T. Howland and wife, all of whom have been prominent in upbuilding and maintaining the church and its interests. The list of pastors is as follows: B. F. Doughty, one year; Ben P. Chase, one year; W. Stafford, one year; A. J. Von Wyck, one year; J. H. Tanner, one year; L. Benson, one year; J. W. Cowthorne, two years; H. M. Deitz, one year; J. R. Oden, one year; V. G. Boynton, one year; 0. E. Wightman, two years; D. W. Fow, three years; R. N. Middleton, two years; C. F. Brown, one year; A. M. Griffith, five years; J. B. Peatling, three years; L. W. Earl, one year; J. T. Rabe, one year; W. F. Jenkins, two years; W. H. C. Bliss, two years; G. A. Von Horn, two years; G. W. 584 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Chapin, one year; J. H. Potts, two years; Thomas Clark, two years; S. P. Hewitt, two years; N. M. Steel, two years; C. W. Calkins, one year; 0. D. Watkins, one year; W. W. Devine, two years; W. F. Harding, two years; W. F. Kendrick, three years; W. IH. Hathaway, one year; H. R. E. Quant, present pastor. Cheshire. The colored people of Cheshire, principal among whom were William Thompson, Jesse F. Ridgley, Ezekiel Howard, M. C. McCully, Matthew and James T. Russell, formed a Methodist church and began the construction of a building during the seventies, the membership including about fifty names. Monterey. The Methodists of this township were made a separate charge in 1867, and Rev. Joseph Wood installed as the first pastor. The church building on section 26 was constructed in I862. Hopkins Station. The Methodist society here erected a beautiful new brick church building and parsonage in the year I900. Since that time Revs. G. E. Allen, J. C. Dorris, F. M. Clough and W. R. Kitzmiller have served as pastors. The society is in a flourishing condition. Burnips Corners. A new brick church building was erected by the Methodists of Salem township in the year 900o under the presiding eldership of Rev. J. C. Floyd. This charge proudly boasts of one of the largest Epworth Leagues and Sunday-schools in the county, under the management of Sherman Moored. Rev. Kitzmiller is pastor. Ma:rtinl. The Methodist church of this locality was formed in 1840 by Rev. William Todd, from the Allegan circuit. The first members were Ashbel Gates, Phoebe Gates, Abram Shellman, Mary A. Shellman, Mrs. Hanmer. They met in a log house a mile and a quarter southeast of Martin's Corners, and when a school house was built held their meetings there. In January, i868, their house of worship in Martin's Corners was completed and dedicated. The Martin church was placed in the Otsego circuit in I850, and five years later in the Wayland circuit, and finally in I868 was attached to the Plainwell charge. In 1873 Martin and Shelbyville became a separate charge. The following pastors have served the charge: William Todd, Franklin Gage, Daniel Bush, Thomas Jakeways, Jacob Parker, George King, M. B. Camburn, Curtis Moshier, A. J. Eldred, Goodel, T. H. Bignall, Amos Wakefield, W. F. Jenkins, Porter Williams, A. C. Beach, L. M. Ben HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 58 5 nett, -- Cleveland, J. Billings, B- lowers, C. H. Fisher, D. R. Latham, I. R. A. Wightman, B. S. Mills, J. W. Miller, J. C. Hartley, J. T. Iddings, A. J. Van Wyck, D. M. Ward, N. Saunders, G.. W. Hoag, T. Clark, 0. E. Weightman, N. M. Steele, S. P. Warner, G. B. Kulp, L. W. Calkins, S. D. McKee, W. W. Lamport, George Donaldson, W. H. Phelps, F. W. Corbett, E. W. Lang, A. W. Burns, J. G. Biery, and the present pastor, J. W. Foy. Some of the old families connected with the church in addition to the above were: Edward P. Kimball, John Blair, Thomas Barnaby, \V. H. Southwick, A. C. Wheeler, Henry Shutter, R. G. Smith, Israel S. Harding, Joel T. Carpenter, Samuel Eldrid, Milo Ross, William Wetheral, Ebenezer Wilder, A. W. Miller, William A. Chappell, Amasa Beebe. Shclbvz.illc. In I885 two school house appointments, South Wayland and Critend(ons, united and under the leadership of the Rev. L. W. Calkins built a church at Shelbyville. This church has always been a part of the Martin circuit, and has therefore been served by the same pastors that have served the church at Martin. One of the men most identified with the building of the church was Lemuel Doxey. Some of the names most prominent in the membership of the church are Henry Herbert, J. W. Moore, J. J. Williams, Avery Gillette, A. L. Buskirk. Thomas Brabon, David Gilger. Wazylaand. Methodist services were held in this township by ministers from Gun Plains and Otsego from about 1846 on. Among the early members were: Joseph Heydenberk, Elizabeth Heydenberk, H. Lester and wife, Abram Bluskirk and wife, William Buskirk, David M. Griswold, Mrs. Eldred, Matthew Van Duzen, Lydia Van Duzen, Stephen S. Germond, Mary Germond, Darius Starr, Mary Starr, Abijah and Elizabeth Brown. The Wavland circuit was established in October, I856, Porter Williams being its first pastor. August 10, I865, a church edifice on Church and Maple streets, in Wayland, was dedicated. Rev. Charles H. Fisher being pastor, but the work was commenced in I862 by Rev. W. B. Blowers. The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. George B. Joslyn, president of Albion college. The Wayland Boys in Blue, twenty in number, ornamented the pulpit with a handsome Bible, while the trustees adorned the building with a six-hundred dollar mortgage. The latter was finally removed in I870 through the exertions of Rev. James E. White. Previous to October, I866, a Union Sabbath school had been conducted jointly by the Congregational and Methodist Episcopal churches, when a Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school was organized with H. S. Warren as its first superintendent. During the year I873, under the pastorate of Rev. G. A. Phillips, there was purchased for parsonage purposes a house and lot on Maple street, facing the Public Square. About midnight, May 24, 1897, fire was discovered in a small room of the church and resulted in the total loss of the church and furniture, 586 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY including a new one hundred and twenty-five dollar organ. The insurance on the church had expired only a few days. Under the leadership of Rev. C. W. Marshall, who was pastor, the erection of a new and better church was accomplished, the church and furniture costing three thousand dollars. The new building was dedicated October 9, I898. In the spring of I90I, during the pastorate of Rev. J. E. Messener, the erection of a new parsonage was commenced on the old site. The building was completed March, 1902, at a cost of nearly twenty-five hundred dollars. Much credit is due the Ladies' Aid society, who has assumed a good share of the debt, which at the completion of the parsonage was six hundred dollars. The pastors who have been in charge following Porter Williams were' Amos E. Beach, 1857; L. M. Bennett, 1858; N. Cleveland, 1859; James Billings, I86o-6I; W. B. Blowers, 1862-63; Charles H. Fisher, I864-65; D. R. Latham, I866; I. R. A. Wightman, 1867; James E. White, I868 -69-70; Gilbert A. Phillips, 1871-72-73; George E. Hollister, I874; Linus Bathridsin, I875-76; J. P. Force, 1877; T. J. Spencer, 1878; W. H. Hathway, I879; J. M. Aiken, I880; W. J. Swift, I88I; N. D. Marsh, I882; R. Phillips, I883-84; W. G. Golding, I885-86; J. N. Dayton, I886-88; J. E. White, I888-89; D.. WCoodward, I889-90; J. W. Buell, I890-9I; C. W. Jones, 1891-94; C. W. Marshall, I894-99; W. F. Glass, I899-I900; J. E. Messenger, 1900-03; E. E. Harring, 1903-05; J. G. Robeson, I905, who is the present pastor. Dorr. The church at Dorr was built by the Congregational society in 1873 and occupied by them until I887, when it was purchased by the Methodist society of Dorr and has been occupied by them since that time. The charter members of the Methodist society were: P. T. Pullin, A. Patterson, I. N. Kennedy, W. E. Mills, I. L. Barney. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Allegain. The organization of the Presbyterians of Allegan village and vicinity into a religious body followed not long after the beginnings of that village's history. W. C. Jenner, who had become Allegan's first shoemaker in 1835, took a leading part in the organization of this church by offering his home at the corner of Locust and Hubbard streets as the meeting place of those interested in the formation of a church body, on April 23, I836. Besides him there were present and enrolled as charter members of this church, his wife Sarah and sons Thomas C. and William B., Alexander L. Ely, John Littlejohn, Silas F. Littlejohn, and Julia S. Austin. The original membership was increased to fourteen the next day by the reception of Mary A. N. Ely, Milo Winslow, George Y. Warner, Mrs. Hannah Winslow and MIrs. Mary Ann Littlejohn. This was the first Presbyterian church in the county. The places of worship, besides Mr. Jenner's house, were, first, a small building erected for the society by the Allegan Company, but which burned HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 587 down within two or three weeks after its occupancy; then a carpenter shop, again the Jenner home, as well as the residence of Silas F. Littlejohn, until finally the society's worship was conducted in the schoolhouse, which served early Allegan for so varied public uses. The society erected its first house of worship in 1842 at a cost of $850. Repairs and additions were made to the building, and it served as the church home over thirty years, until its destruction by fire in the fall of I874. In consequence the society almost at once began the erection of a new edifice on the same site, at the northwest corner of Chestnut and Cutler streets. This building, which was completed in I875 at a cost of about twelve thousand dollars, was constructed after a plan of religious architecture much in vogue at the time and examples of which are numerous among the churches erected thirty years ago. Built of brick, with lofty tower and steeple in front, commodious and substantial, it has served a generation of churchgoers who have grown fond of its classic proportions, and doubtless its disappearance from the landmarks of the village will be noted with a sigh by both old and young. The pastors who have served this church from first to last are named as follows: William Jones. 1836-7; Augustus Littlejohn and George W. Elliott, each a brief period; Luke Lyons, 1837-9; Harvey Hyde, I839-42; Samuel Newbury, I842-5; E. F. Waldo, 1846-8; William Page, I849-50; Charles M. Morehouse, I85I-4; Joseph A. Ranney, I854-9; Joel Kennedy, 1860-4; John Sailor, 1865-74; John D. McCord, I874-8; A. B. Allen, I879-82; Judson Swift, I882-88; Henry W. Harvey, I888-92; J. A. Barnes, T892-95; T. A. Scott, 1895-99; Francis A. Strough, 1900-02, and A. B. Brashear. I903. Among the members who have been with the church for a long number of years and have been closely identified with its work are to be mentioned Mrs. William C. Jenner, a charter member and wife of Mr. Jenner, at whose home was held the meeting for organization, and Mrs. Lilly. Most of the old members have passed away. Plaiznell. WVithin a vear after the formation of the Presbyterian Society at the county seat a number of people of that denomination in Plainfield township met to organize a similar church body. The meeting was held at the house of George N. Smith (whose place of residence at the time cannot be ascertained), January 7, i837. The charter members are named thus: Rev. Mr. Knapoen, of Gull Prairie, moderator; Rev. A. S. Ware and wife, Mr. Chamberlin and wife and son, George N. Smith and wife, Cyrenius Thompson and wife, John Forbes and wife, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Adams and Mr. Orr. After being attached to the Kalamazoo Presbyterv in I842 the society erected a house of worship one mile north of the present site of Plainwell village. This was a country church by origin and membership and was not transferred to the village until Plainwell had begun to grow and become a center for the institutions of the surrounding country. The old building was moved to the village in i866, being located on River street, near Main, where it later became the Catholic place of worship. By 1872 the Presby 588 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY terians were able to build a new home, a new situation for which was secured south of the river at Bridge and Woodhams streets. The church cost $4,600 and an addition in 1879 cost $400. The fine bell in the tower of the church was the gift of Mrs. Mary V. Forbes, as was also the manse, which is conveniently and pleasantly located. Another gift worthy of mention is that of $200 by Mrs. C. McKinney, the interest of which is to be used each year as part payment of pastor's salary. The church building has always been kept in good repair and during the present year (1906) has been fitted out with electric lights and supplied with water from the village system. The Y. P. S. C. E., organized by Rev. C. P. Bates, is a strong and efficient factor in the church. On November 11, I906, thirty-nine members were added to the church roll, being the largest number at one time in the history of the church. Under the administration of Rev. F. M. Coddington the church is doing most efficient work. The pastors from organization to the present have been: Revs. McLaurens, M. Fuller, E. F. Waldo, 1842-50; R. McMath, I850-2; S. Stevens, 1852-4; F. Fuller, I854-8; David S. Morse, I858-62; S. Osinga, 1862-5; John Jackson, I865-7; P. A. McMartin, I867-7I; H. H. Morgan, 187I-3; J. A. Ramsey, 1873; J. Crane, 1873-6; L. G. Marsh, 1876-8I; David Van Dyke, 1881-3; Moses L. McFarland, 1883-4; Charles P. Bates, I884-90; Francis Z. Rossiter, 1890-I905. F. M. Coddington, the present pastor, began his work here November 12, I905. Among the elders of the early days of the church were: Dr. Cyrenius Thompson, Thomas C. Chamberlain, Duncan A. and Daniel D. McMartin, and among those who came later we may mention John Anderson, William Monteith, G. Van Vranken, F. A. Hayes, John I. McMartin, C. W. Hawley, James Hawkes and N. P. Kellogg. Those now in office are: 0. J. Woodard, D. B. McMartin, William H. Crisby, Nicholas Pell and Frank Bolender. Some of those who have long been connected by active membership with this society are: Mr. and Mrs. 0. J. Woodard, who joined in I87I and are still active and efficient members; the family of Dr. C. Thompson, children and grandclildren, were active workers in the church from its organization down to I905, when a change of residence changed their church relationship; Mrs. Alzina Batchelor was also an earnest worker from I839 to the time of her death in I904; John I. McMartin was an active and influential member for fifty-three years up to the time of his death in I903; his son, D. B. McMartin, wife and five children are all active members at the present time; James Hawkes and family were prominent members from 1869 to 1892; Garrett Van Vranken and family also from 1870 to I88I; Mrs. C. McKinney from 1871 to 1897; Mrs. May Wright Sewall from 1872 to I873; Mrs. S. A. Blakely joined in I876 and is still a member; Mrs. MTary V. Forbes, 1877 to I893; Mrs. Elmira Machemer, I88i to present time; Mrs. Lizzie Gilkey, 1881 to I897; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Harwood from I884 to their deaths in I890 and J904; George H. Anderson and wife united in I886; he died in 1894, and she is still a member; Mr. Anderson until his death was an active worker in the church; N. P. Kellogg was also an active member from I886 to I905. In addition to those already mentioned as in active service at the present time we may name Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Harwood. The former is superintendent of the Sabbath-school and trustee, and HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 589! both are earnest workers in church, Sunday-school and young people's societies. Mrs. J. M. Travis has long been one of our best workers in all departments and is now teacher of the oldest class in the Sunday-school. W. H. Crosby is a devout and faithful worker. He has been treasurer of the church for many years and the first flaw in his work is yet to be found. For several years he filled the position of janitor with equal fidelity. Dr. B. A. Shepard and wife are active and earnest in church, Sunday-school and Endeavor Society work, as is also his brother, A. I. Shepard, and his wife. Elder N. Pell and family have long been prominent in the church and are especially interested in the musical department. M/r. and Mrs. J. D. Abbey are among the staunch supporters from the country and to them the church is deeply indebted for many favors, both social and financial. Elder Frank Bolender, recently from the country, and his family are likewise able and active supporters.. D.. McMartin and family are all actively engaged in the various departments of church work. In addition to his work as an elder Mr. McMartin is also a trustee and for several years has acted as clerk of the session. UNITED PRESBYTERIAN. This church was formed by the union in I858 of the Associate Reformed Presbyterians and the Associate Presbyterians. A minister of the former body preached in eastern Allegan county in 1838. After Thomas Monteith came to Martin township in I84I the church became active and the first meetings were held in his house or barn. The church was organized at his house February 5, I842, the charter members being: Thomas Monteith, Jane A. Monteith, Isaac and Jane Maston, William and Elizabeth Walker, William Russell, Margery Monteith, Lovinus Monteith, Jennett Monteith, William Hay, Mary Hay, William T. Monteith, Walter Monteith, Elizabeth Monteith and Daniel D. McMartin. The society built a house of worship one mile south of Martin's Corners in I846, the building afterward being turned into a schoolhouse. On March 8, 1852, a society of the Associate Presbyterian church was organized in Martin township, the original members being: Robert and Jennett Patterson, Orrin A. and Jennett Porter, John, James, N. Davidson and Marie Redpath, Lovinus and Jennett Monteith and Charles and Robert Davidson. A church was constructed in I855 and afterward used as a carriage shop. In 1858 the two churches were united as the United Presbyterian church, the united membership being seventy-nine. The church at Martin was erected in I87I at a cost of six thousand dollars. The first regular pastor was T. J. Wilson, installed in I864. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The diocese of Michigan was organized in the fall of I832 and in I835 there were but six presbyteries in the territory. Samuel A. McCoskry was consecrated the first bishop in July, I836. He made a wagon journey of over five hundred miles through the southwestern part of his diocese, holding meetings in schoolhouses and otherwise strengthening his church in the state. On this journey he is said to have visited Allegan, and no doubt if 590 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY he preached here it was the first Episcopal service held in the county. The Diocese of Vestern Michigan was formed in I874. Allegan. In 1842 Rev. W. N. Leyster held Episcopal services at Allegan, but no more were held for ten years. A series of services on week-day evenings were held in 1858 by L. N. Freeman, and in October, 1859, J. Rice Taylor was located in the village as the first regular rector, services being held for a time at the court house. The Church of the Good Shepherd was organized and admitted into union with the diocese in I860. A church building was begun in I867 and finished March 21, I869, being located on the block west of the public square. Rev. Henderson Judd was rector from I868 for six years, being succeeded by Rev. Walter Scott, May 8, I875. Succeeding pastors have been: Rev. D. D. Chapin, who came in September, I88I; Rev. W. P. Law took charge November 6, 1887, and Rev. William Lucas, the present rector, took charge May, I895. The first vestry consisted of Messrs. A. P. Bush, Alanson Lilly, E. B. Bassett, George Pennock, W. B. Williams, F. B. Stockbridge and a Mr. Walter. The first members of the church were as follows: Miss Cornelia Stockbridge, Mrs. Anna Bassett, Charlotte Wilkes, Mariette Williams, Mrs. Pennock and others besides those mentioned in the above list. An Episcopal society was organized at Plainwell in 1871, and in 1874 a house of worship was erected, this being a mission to the Allegan church. Sau gatzck. All Saints' church was organized in September, I868. J. R. Taylor was rector until 1878, being succeeded by E. W. Flower. The schoolhouse was used as a place of worship until 1873, when the building on Grand and Hoffman streets was erected. Services are held only during the summer while a number of summer visitors are in the village. The first members of the society were: 0. R. Johnson and wife. F. B. Stockbridge and wife, R. B. Newnham and wife, H. H. Stimpson and wife, J. F. Geer, A. B. Taylor, William Dunning and wife, Mrs. Breuckman, Mrs. Merrill, Thomas Donald and wife, Moses Nash and wife, Pierce Abbey, S. G. Moreland and wife, David White and wife and Isaac Wilson and wife. GERMAN M. E. CHURCH. A mission of this church was established in Allegan county in 1856, the first societies organized being in Salem and Monterey townships. Rev. V. Jahrens and A. Kremling were made pastors of the newly organized church at Allegan in 1864, the charter members of the society being: Daniel Ellinger and wife, Frederick Ruute and wife and Maria Ellinger. Their church -building, located on Trowbridge street, in the block west of the square, was dedicated December i, I865. The resident minister also had charge of the societies of Salem, Monterey and Hopkins. Successors of the first minister have been: H. Krill, I865; C. G. Hertz; A. Maier, 1875; C. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 591 Militzer, 1877; John C. Gommel, I880; W. Muller, 1882; H. Krill and Rev. Henke, 1884; George Mitter, 1892; J. J. Link, I896; H. Bank, I902, and H. Ruekheimer, I904. Daniel Ellinger, the only charter member still living, was the first local preacher, and has often supplied the pulpit in absence of regular ministers. The membership is now very small. The minister's residence is at Hopkins. Monterey. The missionary owrk of this church began in Monterey in 1858 and later a class was organized. In I869 a church building was erected. ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH (GERMAN). Allegan. In the early part of the nineteenth century a flood-tide of immigration brought many Lutherans to this country. Some were lured from their native country by the hopes of gaining wealth and honor in the new world; others left the fatherland because they disapproved of the plan of King Frederick III to merge the Lutheran and the Reformed into a "united church." Most of these Lutheran immigrants settled in the eastern states, but many made their way into, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, etc. While. most of those coming to Michigan settled in the "Thumb" country and the southeastern part of the state, a few sought new abodes in Allegan county, thus becoming some of the earliest settlers of this county. But none of these remained Lutheran. No Lutheran pastor was in the vicinity who could supply them with services and ministrations of their church. For some time they had no services whatever. They were strangers in a strange land, their speech alien. Hence, when German Methodist missionaries penetrated this country and preached it is perfectly natural that these devout people were glad to go and hear a sermon in their native tongue and were easily persuaded to join the Methodist denomination. Somewhat later, in the year 1854, a few more Lutheran immigrants from the fatherland settled in Allegan village. Their names were Maske, Knorr, Harnofski and Kunter. These were not persuaded to leave their church as their fellow-countrymen had been. This was probably due to the fact that they were not compelled to wait so long before they could enjoy a Lutheran service in their new home. A few years later Lutheran missionaries, the Revs. Schmidt and Eberhardt, often called the patriarchs of the Lutheran church in Michigan, came into this part of the state and preached wherever they found a Lutheran family. These people entreated them to come again, which they promised to do. From this time on Allegan Lutherans were supplied with word and sacraments. The services, of course, were not very frequent, as the missionaries had a large field, viz., the whole state in which to work, and most of their journeys were made afoot. During the intervals a layman would hold services occasionally. In the year I869 the first Lutheran church of Allegan county was organized in this village. Knorr, Harnofski, S. Ellinger, Schweigert, Maske, *This sketch contributed by Rev. Frey. 592 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Eckert and Schwichtenberg were some of its members. They called Rev. Bauman their first pastor, who also did mission work in Hopkins and Salem. The services were held in the houses of members. Later the privilege was granted them to worship in the court house. By 1874 the congregation had grown to such an extent as to warrant the erection of a church. A site was secured on the corner of Davis and Russell streets and a church built, which is still serving as a house of worship. The congregation has had nine ministers since it was organized: Revs. Bauman, Metzger, Frankenstein, Schoenberg, Tesmer, Wuerthner, Binhammer, Oeztmann and Frey, who is its present pastor. Four of its charter members are still living: Messrs. Eckert, Schumann, Maske and Schwichtenberg. The growth of the congregation has not been very rapid but healthy, nevertheless. At present it numbers about seventy communicants. Seventy of its former members have, as we hope, joined the church triumphant in heaven; one hundred and thirty-four children have been baptized in the congregation, and one hundred and twenty-three have been confirmed. The church is in a prosperous condition. Rev. Frey has charge of a small society in Otsego, which is soon to be organized into a regular church. Salem. The German Lutherans of this township began holding services about i860. They erected a church on section nine in 1872. SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. Watson, Section Thirty-onle. In i877 Mr. C. Anderson, a native of Jonkoping, Sweden, crossed the Atlantic and came to Allegan county, where a year and a half later he bought land in section 32 of Watson township, later purchasing in section 3 1. He was the first Swedish settler here who bought land. Having many friends in Indiana and Illinois, he induced them to come to his timber-covered acres and assist in clearing off the woods. Some of these bought land and became permanent additions to the little Swedish colony. The process of influence through personal letters, acting like an endless chain, brought many more families to this locality. By 1878 some eight families had found permanent homes here, and on August 27th of that year these people, bound by close ties to the religion of their native land, formed a church society, the first church of the denomination in the country and the only one at the present time. UNITED BRETHREN. Cheshire. A working membership of this denomination has been maintained in Casco township for a number of years, and they have built two churches in the township. A society with a membership of twenty-two was formed in HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 593 the boys' schoolhouse in 1865, among the prominent early members being: Austin Hamner, John Patterson, Elisha Fields, James Barden, Henry Ridley and Samuel Hadaway. Another class was formed in the eastern part of the township in I865, but ten years later was dissolved. Dorr. A society was organized in the eastern part of the township during the seventies. Salem. A society was organized in Salem in I856. From the old log schoolhouse on section 9 the church was able to transfer its meetings to its own house of worship in I869, the building being erected on section 8. Some of the first members were: Robert Pettengal and wife, John Newell and wife, Ira Smith and wife and James Burnip and wife. Elder Buck was their preacher in I860-6I. The list of ministers is not complete. A few years later the church had a big increase of membership under Rev. Ferguson while the house of worship was still under construction. During W. N. Breidenstein's ministry Salem, Dorr and Monterey were set apart from the Gaines circuit and obtained a resident pastor, a parsonage being built half a mile south of the church. S. Irwin and S. G. Lake followed, and about I882 the church building was sold for a schoolhouse and the present building erected. The trustees at the time were: I. J. Bear, J. Newell, A. Twining, A. Heasley and William Fleetwood, the last named having kindly furnished this information. The successive ministers since then have been: C. B. Whitaker, H. S. Shafer, Rev. Mead, H. T. Barnaby and H. H. Halsey. At this time there was a division in the church, and the settlement of title to the property was made a test case and decided in the supreme court of the state, control of the property being finally vested with the old church. Since then the ministers have been: A. Batdorff, L. J. Batdorff, N. V. Miller, S. G. Hall, R. S. Bowman, H. H. Halsey, A. Bostwick and O. Leash. SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH. This church has four active societies in the county, the Allegan, Monterev and Otsego churches numbering each from eighty to one hundred members until the last few years, when for various reasons the numerical strength of the churches has declined, principally through death of older members and the younger members taking up active missionary work in other fields. The same may be said to be true of the Douglas church, although that has never been as strong a congregation as the others. Elder E. Brackett, who furnished the data for the church, has been identified with the denomination in Allegan county for the past thirty-three years. This denomination was organized at Allegan, December 7, I86I, and its house of worship on Cutler street was dedicated in I864. Horatio S. Lay was chosen elder in I86I. Henry H. Pierce was next resident elder, an(l others who have held that office in this church have been: James M. Baker, W. H. Littlejohn and Ezra Brackett. Regular services are held the '594 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY seventh day of the week at Io:30 a. m. Mr. James M. Baker and wife, Mrs. Adelaide Root and several others have been connected with the church for thirty-five years or more. Monterey. A society of Adventists was formed in Monterey before that at Allegan, the first meetings being held in I855 and a church was organized in the following year. A small church was erected in 1858, and in 1862 a new and larger one was put up, which is still in use. It is located on section 33, about five and one-half miles north of Allegan, on the Monterey road. Elder Joseph Bates was the elder of this church for many years. Charles Jones was next resident elder, which office he held for more than thirty years. Ezra Brackett was then chosen elder and remained in that capacity till his removal to Allegan. The present elder is Henry A. Oleson. Otsego. A society was organized December 28, I86i, and a brick church building erected on Farmer street in the village in I867. George Leighton was chosen elder and remained till his death. The present elder is E. A. Merriam. Freeman Leighton was elder for a number of years. M. S. Burnham was another elder, as well as Seymour Hilliard. Otsego is the headquarters of the West Michigan Adventist conference. Douglas. A church of sixteen members was organized at the house of David McCullom in I874. In 1879 a building was purchased in the village and remodeled for church purposes and is still used. Elder of this church was Captain Robert Reed until shortly before his death in I905, and at present his son, Roy Reed, is the elder. DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH. The Hollanders of Fillmore township have established several churches of the Reformed faith. The church was the central and original institution of the village of Graafschap, the society buying the land and laying out the village. This was in 1848, the year of the organization of the church, and the meetings, which previous to this time were held in different homes, were transferred to a log church. Among the leading members at the organization may be mentioned Jans Rutgers, Stephen Lucas, Lambert Tinholt, Henry Salmink, Johannes Van Anroy and Mathias Naaye. The first minister was H. G. Klyn, who was succeeded two years later by Martin Ypma, during whose term the parsonage was converted into a church, the log house being abandoned. In I856 the majority of the membership organized as the "True Reformed Church of America," retaining the church property. A new house of worship was built in I86i and the society became very prosperous and large. This is now known as the Christian Reformed church, and there are several congregations in north Allegan county. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 595 That portion of the membership which maintained its allegiance to the regular Reformed church continued on the old basis and in I859 constructed a new church building. Dominie Pieters (I861-65) was the first regular pastor chosen after the division. Some of his successors have been: Dirk Broek, I865-70; E. C. Oggel, 1870-72; William Van Derkley, 1873-75; Adrian Zwemer, I876-86; C. C. John, I888-90; F. J. Zwemer, 1892-96; J. Van der Meulen, 896-900oo; C. Kuiper, I90I-06, and J. E. Kuizenga, I906. In I906 there were sixty families in membership, and one hundred and seventy non-communicants. A new parsonage has been built at a cost of seven hundred and fifty dollars, and a new church was completed in I905. Some members of the Holland congregation living in northeastern Fillmore organized in I867 a separate church and constructed a house of worship in section 2. Among the organizers were: G. Dalman, William Oonk, Garret Wildering, Jacob Fork, Peter Knaber and Frank Lucas. The first pastor was R. C. Kuiper. A branch of the Graafschap True, or Christian Refromed church was organized on the south side of Fillmore in I868 by members living in that vicinity. A church was built on section 28 in the same year, but destroyed by forest fire in 1871, being rebuilt the following year. Some of the early leaders in this church were: Dirk Lenters, John Leiblink, John Lohrman, H. Bruhn and E. Bruhn. The first pastor was Rev. John Staat. East Saugatuck. The East Saugatuck, or Fynaart Reformed Church was organized by a council held in a log schoolhouse on the town line between Manlius and Fillmore, December 23, I868. The church edifice was erected shortly afterward on the south line of section 33 in Fillmore. There were twenty-two charter members, among whom Edward Sprick, A. Boesel, H. S. Berksman and H. Dalman were the first officials. Pastors have been: J. F. Zwemer, 1873-80 (in I880 congregation united with Saugatuck); Groeneveld, 1881-82; reorganized in 1885 with G. Dangremond pastor, I885-89; Strabbling, I889-93. Church disbanded in I894. Overisel. The church's activity in Overisel is contemporaneous with the Dutch colonization of the township. Rev. S. Bolks was the first pastor, I851-53. The house of worship, built of logs, was completed in I849. A more commodious building was erected later, the membership at the close of the seventies having reached nearly five hundred. Pastors have been: Nykerk, I858-9I; Lepeltak, 1877-91; A. Vanderberg, 1891-1906. The church now has four hundred and thirty-eight communicants and three hundred and eighty-four non-communicants. The East Overisel church, formed in I872, now has one hundred and one communicants and ninety-six non-communicants. The pastorate was vacant from 1872 to 1896. Wolvius was pastor 1896-98; Pofpen, 1898 to I902, Klooster, 1903; the charge is now vacant. The Allegan county Reformed churches mentioned in the last minutes of the synod are those at East Overisel, Graafschap, Hamilton, Overisel and Saugatuck. 596 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Hamilton. A Dutch Reformed church was established in this township as a branch of the Overisel congregation and a building and parsonage were erected costing three thousand dollars. The Hamilton church, also known as Rabbit River or Zabriskie Memorial, has now seventy-two families in membership and one hundred and eighty-six persons non-communicant. Rev. Strabbling has been pastor since I904. Sanuga;tlck. A church of this denomination was organized at Morrison's Hall, June 21, I868. A church building was erected the same year, being enlarged in I874. The first members were: A. C. Zwemer and wife, H. Van Spyker and wife, G. Jonkhoff and wife, M. De Boe and wife, I. Zwemer and wife, I. G. Neimeizer and wife, J. J. Koke, J. Neis, M. Van Leuwen, Arent Zwaavink, Mrs. Kallewoord and Mrs. Sluiter. The pastors were: D. Brock, I870-75; Nies, I876-79; Groeneveld, 1881-82. The church is now disbanded. CHURCH OF CHRIST. Wayland. This society was organized April 2, 1877, with seventeen charter members. Soon after that time Elder E. Sias held a series of meetings and as a result of his labors over one hundred people were added by conversion or otherwise. Death has claimed some, while others have moved to different localities, consequently there are but seventy-five active members at present. The first pastor was Rev. D. N. Severance. A fine church building, costing two thousand dollars, was dedicated March 7, I879. It will seat about three hundred and twenty-five persons. During the summer of 1902, under the supervision of Rev. Camp, a beautiful parsonage, valued at eighteen hundred dollars, was erected, which is a great credit to the society. UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. A class was formed at the Pier Cove schoolhouse in I86I with twentyfour members, Lorenzo Weed being first class leader. In I875 a church building was erected. Among the leading members about that time were Arthur Howland, Elisha Weed, Robert Linn, Edwin and John Goodwin. In the fall of I867 the first Swedish settlers arrived at Abronia, namely, Charles Anderson and family. Five years later (I872) arrived Nels Johnson and family, and in I873 John Peterson, Swan Peterson, Alexander Johnson, John Johnson, Samuel Egg, Andrew Egg, etc. John Strand and family arrived I875 and Gust Sandahl and family I876. They all settled in the woods with big trees and had a great toil before the ground could be made to good farms. The Mission Friends had services in the beginning of the time when the settlement started, but in the fall of 1877 Rev. G. Lundahl, from La Porte, Indiana, held the first Lutheran service at the residence of Swan Peterson, when the first infant baptism was administered to a daughter d'f Mr. S. Peterson and was named Matilda Catharine. (She is now married to Rev. J. A. Eckstrom, of Worcester, Mass.) At the same HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 597 time the first marriage was solemnized to Mr. Samuel Egg and Miss Tilda Strand. On August 4th preliminary steps were taken for a church organization. Rev. N. A. Youngberg, from! Sparta, Michigan, was called to assist in this undertaking, and a Lutheran congregation was organized August 28, 1878. Eight families became the first members, namely, John Strand and family, S. Peterson and family, Samuel Egg and family, Charles Anderson and family, Nels Johnson and family, Gust Sandahl and family, Alexander Johnson and family, August Strand and family, and the following unmarried: J. Peterson, A. Nelson, A. Egg, J. Johnson, M. Hanson, C. Holmes, C. Egg, E. Forsman and J. Hanson. Deacons: Samuel Egg, Andrew Strand and Charles Anderson. Trustees: John Peterson, Charles Holmes and John Johnson. Those having charge of the congregation for a longer or shorter period are the following pastors: G. Lundahl, N. A. Youngberg, M. P. Oden, O. Chillien, P. A. Carlson, A P. Lindstrom, J. Forsberg, A. Hult, H. P. Quist, J. N. Alexis, J. A. Norlin, V. Tengvald, S. E. Rydberg, etc. Those that served the longest period are Rev. G. A. Ostergren, I887-93, and Rev. C. A. Carlstad, I894-19o2. On March 3, 1879, Charles Anderson offered to donate to the church a piece of land for a cemetery. The offer was thankfully accepted. The fourteen-month-old Malvina Christine, daughter of Mr. Charles Anderson and his wife, Hilda, was the first one buried in the cemetery during the summer of the same year (1879). She was run over and killed by a train at the crossing near the residence. On January I5, I88i, it was resolved to start a subscription for building a church. On January 14, 1883, a building committee was appointed. namely, Charles Anderson, Gust Sandahl and John Peterson. The church was built the same year (I883), Oscar Prist acting as superintendent of the work. Rev. A. P. Lindstrom, John Peterson and D. Magnison made plans for the building as architects. The church lot was bought of John Strand for twenty-five dollars and the church cost about one thousand dollars, for which money was solicited from members and friends of the congregation. During this year a student, Mr. Nymanson, (lid faithful work both as a preacher and a parochial school teacher, which was highly appreciated by the congregation. The first service in the church after being finished was on January I, I884, and was conducted by the deacon, C. Anderson. On January 26, i88o, it was resolved to organize a Sunday-school. E. Forsman was elected superintendent and C. Anderson treasurer. The present teachers (I907) are Mr. Olof Larson, Mrs. Nels Nelson, Miss Jennie Peterson and Miss Matilda Svanty. In the year 1895 a reed organ was purchased for seventy-five dollars. Malvina Anderson was the first organist. The present organist is Mrs. Augusta Carlson. In I899 the young people of the congregation solicited one hundred and sixty-three dollars and bought a bell. The Young People's Society was organized by Rev. J. N. Alexis, the membership being twenty-nine. The communicants of the church number seventy-six and the present officers are: Deacons, August Carlson, John Svanty and Nels Nelson; trustees, John Nyberg, Gust. Sandahl and John Svanty. At present the congregation is in charge of the clergymen, J. T. O. Olander, of Muskegon; J. N. Alexis, of Whitehall, and C. A. Eckstrom, of Grand Rapids. CHAPTER XIX. MILITARY RECORDS. OFFICERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR. Babbitt, John E.-Allegan. Second Lt., 8th Cav., Nov. I, I862. First Lt., March 2, I863. Capt., Aug. 3I, I863. Taken prisoner during Stoneman's raid, Aug. 2, I864. Exchanged --. Honorably discharged for disability Dec. 27, I864. Baldwin, John H.-Ganges. Entered service Oct. I, I86I. Sergt. Company B, I3th Inf. Wounded in action Sept. 20, I863. Second Lt., Aug. 26, 1864. First Lt., May 12, I865. Mustered out July 25, I865, and honorably discharged. Bartlett, Orrin M.-Gun Plain. Entered service July 21, I863. Sergt. Company M, Ist Cav. Second Lt., March 7, I865. Killed in action at Five Forks, Va., April I, I865. Bassett, Chauncey J.-Allegan. Capt., 6th Inf., Aug. 19, I86I. Major of a Louisiana regiment, Oct. 20, I862. Buck, Nathan V.-Allegan. Entered service Aug. 28, I86I. Sergt. Company A, 3d Cav. Second Lt., Sept. 13, I864. First Lt., Oct. 26, I864. Resigned June 12, I865, and honorably discharged. Butler, James G.-Allegan. Entered service Sept. 2, I86I. Corn. Sergt., 3d Cav. Second Lt., May 25, 1862. First Lt. and Q. M., Sept. 15, I862. Capt., Sept. 7, I864. Maj., July 4, I865. Mustered out Feb. 12, I866, and honorably discharged. Case, Alanson B.-Otsego. Entered service Oct. 17, I86I, as Sergt. Maj., I3th Inf. Second Lt., May 3I, 1862. First Lt. and Adjt., Jan. 20, I863. Mustered out Jan. 16, i865, and honorably discharged. Campion, William H.-Allegan. Entered service March 8, I864, as Q. M. Sergt., 3d Cav. Second Lt., Oct. 17, 1864. First Lt., Nov. 17, 1864. Mustered out Feb. 12, I866, and honorably discharged. Darron, William T.-Allegan. First Lt., g9th Inf., July 28, 1862. Resigned Feb. 6, I863, and honorably discharged. Davis, Perry J.-Allegan. Entered service Aug. 6, 1862. Sergt. Company L, 4th Cav., -. First Lt. and Q. M., Aug. 25, 1864. Bvt. Capt., U. S. Vols., May Io, I865, "for meritorious service in the capture of Jeff. Davis." Mustered out July I, 1865, and honorably discharged. Dean, Thomas-Allegan. Entered service Sept. I, I86I, as Sergt., Company A, 3d Cav. Second Lt., Oct. I, 1862. First Lt., Feb. I6, I863. Capt., Oct. 26, 1864. Resigned Oct. 17, I865, and honorably discharged. 598 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 599 Duel, John W.-Allegan. Entered service Aug. 9, 1862. Sergt., Company B, g9th Inf., --. First Lt., May 8, I865. Mustered out June Io, 1865, and honorably discharged. Dutcher, George N.-Saugatuck. First Lt., 5th Cav., Aug. 14, 1862. Capt., June 13, 1863. Wounded in action at Littletown, Pa., June 30, 1863. Wounded in action at Brandy Station, Va., Oct. 13, I863. Honorably discharged for disability Nov. 2, 1863. Duryea, William-Lee. Second Lt., 28th Inf., Aug. 15, 1864. Resigned July 6, I865, and honorably discharged. Eaton, Willard G.-Otsego. First Lt., i3th Inf., Oct. 3, I86I. Capt., Oct. 20, 1862. Maj., May 26, I863. Col., Feb. 23, I865. Killed in action at Bentonville, N. C., March 19, I865. Eaton, Osmer-Otsego. Second Lt., ist Engs. and Mechs., Jan. I, I864. Mustered out Oct. 26, I864, and honorably discharged. Fisk, Charles W.-Allegan. Entered service July 31, I862, as Sergt., Company L, 4th Cav. Second Lt., Dec. 6, I863. First Lt., Aug. I, I864. Mustered out July 5, I865, and honorably discharged. Force, George B.-Plainwell. Capt., I3th Inf., Oct. 3, I86I. Resigned May 3I, I862, and honorably discharged. Fry, Jacob G.-Ganges. Second Lt., I3th Inf., Oct. 3, i86I. First Lt., May 31, I862. Capt., Feb. 2, 1863. Resigned for disability Jan. 31, I863, and honorably discharged. Gardner, George N.-Saugatuck. Entered service Nov. 14, I862. Sergt., Company I, 5th Cav.,. Second Lt., April 14, I865. Mustered out June 22, 1865, and honorably discharged. Haney, Jeremiah B.-Leighton. First Lt., 28th Inf., Aug. 15, I864. Resigned May 8, I865, and honorably discharged. Haire, Oscar-Otsego. Entered service Aug. 20, I86i, as Sergt., Company B, 6th Inf. First Lt., Oct. 21, I862. Resigned July I9, I864, and honorably discharged. Hubbard, Samuel M.-Otsego. Second Lt., i9th Inf., July 28, I862. First Lt., May i, I863. Capt., June 24, 1863. Wounded in action May 28, I864. Honorably discharged Nov. 30, I864. Kenyon, Dewitt C.-Ganges. Entered service Oct. 8, I86I, as Sergt., Company B, I3th Inf. First Lt., Jan. 31, I863. Capt., March 19, I864. Mustered out July 25, I865, and honorably discharged. Kirby, John-Allegan. Entered service Dec. io, I86I. Com. Sergt., 13th Inf.. -. Second Lt., April 25, I865. First Lt., July 5, I865. Mustered out as Second Lt., July 25, i865, and honorably discharged. Lily, Augustus-Allegan. Entered service Aug. 6, I862. Sergt., Company B, i9th Inf. Second Lt., May I, I863. First Lt., May 15, I864. Honorably discharged as Second Lt., April 9, I865. Lanmoreaux, Isaac-Manlius. First Lt., 4th Cav., Aug. 13, 1862. Resigned March I8, 1863, and honorably discharged. Lonsbury, George W.-Saugatuck. Entered service Aug. 12, I862, as Sergt., Company I, 5th Cav. Second Lt., Sept. I, 1863. First Lt., July 15, I864. Capt., Nov. Io, I864. Bvt. Maj. U. S. Vols., March 13, I865, "for gallant and meritorious service during the war." Mustered out June 22, I865, and honorably discharged. Leonard, Milton-Grand Rapids. Entered service June Io, I86i, as 600 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Corpl., Company F, 3d Inf. Second Lt., Feb. 5, I863. First Lt., Nov. I, I863. Capt., April I, I864: Killed in action at the Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. Mabbs, Robert-Allegan. Entered service Aug. I, I862. Sergt., Company B, 19th Inf., -. Second Lt., June 15, 1865. Not mustered as an officer. Honorably discharged June Io, I865. Murphy, Samuel F.-Allegan. Entered service Aug. ii, I862, as Sergt., Company L, 4th Cav. Second Lt., Dec. ii, I864. Mustered out July I, I865, and honorably discharged. Mavel, Homer-Saugatuck. Entered service Nov. 28, I862, as Sergt., Company F, 8th Cav. Second Lt., Sept. 12, I864. First Lt. and Adjt., Nov. I4, 1864. Mustered out Sept. 22, 1865, and honorably discharged. Mansfield, Kilburn W.-Otsego. Entered service Oct. 24, I86I. Sergt., Company I, I3th Inf.,. Second Lt., July 4, 1862. First Lt., Feb. 28, I863. Capt., March 19, 1864. Mustered out July 25, I865, and honorably discharged. Mix, Frank W.-Allegan. Entered service Sept. I, I86I, as Sergt., Company A, 3d Cav. Second Lt., March 26, 1862. First Lt., May 25, I862. Capt., 4th Cav., Aug. 13, 1862. Maj., Feb. I8, I863. Wounded in action near Lovejoy Station, Ga., Aug. 20, I864. Resigned Nov. 24, I864, and honorably discharged. Mix, Elisha-Mnanlius. Capt., 8th Cav., Nov. I, I862. Maj., March 2, I863. Lt. Col., April I6, I864. Not mustered as Lt. Col. Taken prisoner during Stoneman's raid, Aug. 2, I864. Exchanged Sept. 27, I864. Col., Sept.. Mustered out Sept. 22, 1865, and honorably discharged. Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., March 13, I865, for long, faithful and meritorious service. Manvel, Homer-Saugatuck. Entered service Nov. 22, I862, as Sergt., Company F, 8th Cav. Second Lt., Sept. 12, I864. First Lt. and Adjt., Nov. 14, I864. Mustered out Sept. 22, I865, and honorably discharged. Movers, Gilbert-Allegan. Capt., 3d Cav., Sept. 7, i86I. Maj., Feb. 27, 1862. Lt. Col., Aug. 13, I862. Resigned Dec. 2, 1864, and honorably discharged. Nelson, George-Otsego. Entered service Oct. 21, I86I, as Sergt., Company I, I3th Inf. Second Lt., June 13, 1863. Wounded in action at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19, I863. Honorably discharged for disability, June I, I864. Norton, Elliott M.-Wayland. Entered service Nov. 21, 1862. Sergt. Maj., 6th Cav., --. Second Lt., July I, I864. First Lt. and Adjt., Jan. 4, I865. Wounded by Indians, Sept. 4, I865. Transferred to ist Cav., Nov. 17, I865. Mustered out March 10, I865, and honorably discharged. Pritchard, Benjamin D.-Allegan. Capt., 4th Cav., Aug. 13, 1862. Wounded in action at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. I8, 1863. Lt. Col., Nov. 26, I864. Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., March Io, I865, "for faithful and meritorious service in the capture of Jeff. Davis." Mustered out July I, I865, and honorably discharged. Parker, Thomas J.-Allegan. Second Lt., 4th Cav., Aug. 13, I862. First Lt., Feb. I8, I863. Resigned Dec. 21, 1864, and honorably discharged. Pope, Horace H.-Allegan. First Lt., 3d Cav., Sept. 7, I86I. Capt., HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY60 601 June i i, 1862. Taken prisoner at Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3, 1862. Exchanged, Resigned Nov. 7, 1864. and honorably discharged. Rowe, George M.-Saugatuck. Second Lt., 13th Inf., July 13, 1862. First Lt., Feb. 13, 1863. Capt., March 9, i864. Maj., July 5, i865. Mustered out as Capt., July 25, 1865, and honorably discharged. Simpson', John H.-Allegan. Entered service July 26, i 862, as Sergt. Company L, 4th Cay. Second Lt., March 31, 1863. First Lt., Aug. 23, 1863. Capt., Dec. io, 1864. Mustered out July i, i865, and honorably discharged. Stoughton, Henry C.-Otsego. Capt. IAt luf., Oct. 3, i86i. Resigned Oct. 20, 1862, anti honorably dischbarged. Stephens, John H.-Allegan. Entered service Oct. 26, i86i. Sergt. Com1py. I, 13th luf.. Second Lt.', Feb. 13~, 1865. First Lt., July 5, i1865. Mustered out as Second Lt., July i8, 1865, and honorably discharged. Smith, Joel H.-Dowagiac. Capt., i9th Juf., July 28, 1 862. Resigned July 11, 1864, and honorably (lischargedl. Spoor, John W.-Allegan. Second Lt., ist Eng's anti Mech's, Jan. il, 1864. First Lt., Nov. 3, 1864. Mustered out Sept. 22., i865, and honorably discharged. Stark, Henrv.-Otsego. First Lt., 6th Inf., Aug. i9, i86i. Capt., Oct. 21, 1 862. Mustered out Aug. 20, 1865, and honorably discharged. Stone, George R.-Allegan. Second Lt., 4th Cay., March i, 1863. First Lt. and Q. -M., M.arch i8, 1863. Capt.-, Aug. 25, 1864. Mustered out July i, 1865, anti honorably discharged. Tenney, Charles WV.-Allegan. Entered service Sept. 14, i86i, as Saddler Sergt., 3(1 Cav. Second Lt., Jan. 2, 1865-. First Lt., Nov. 8, 1865. Mustered out as Second Lt., Feb. 12, 1865, and honorably discharged. Trask, Howell H.-Plainwell. Entered service Oct. io, i86i, as Sergt. Compy. B., 13th 11uf. Second Lt., Jan. 20, 1863. Wounded in action at Chickamauga, Ga., Sept. 19, 1863. Wounded at Savannah, Ga., Dec. 12, 1864. First Lt., Apr. 26, 1865. Resigned as Second Lt., May 28, i865, and honorably tlischa rgedl. Thomas, Samuel S.-Allegan. Entered service Feb. 20. 1 864, as Pvt. Compy. K., 8th Cay. Capt., 28th Iuf., Aug. i,5, 1864. Resigned May i5, 1865, and honorably discharged. Van Arsdale, Peter.-Sauigatuck. Second Lt., 3hTfOt, i86i. First Lt., July 13, 1862. Capt., Feb. 23, 1863. Mustered out Jan. i6, 1865. Maj., April 25, 1865. Lt. Col., May 121, i865. Mustered out July..25, i865, anti honorably dischargetl. Wallin, AlIfred C.-Chicago, Ill. Second Lt., 6th Iuf., Aug. 19, i86i. First Lt., Jan. 31T862. Resigned June 30, 1862, and honorably discharged. Wetmore, Albert G.-Allegan. Enteredl service Oct. 24, i86i,, as Sergt. Comp-y. C. 13th Jnf. Second Lt., May 261, 1864. First Lt., July 5, 1865. Mustered out as Secondl Lt., July 25 T865, and honorably discharged. White, William H-.-Otsego. Entered service Aug. 20, i86i. Sergt., Compy. G, 6th Inf. -. First Lt., July i, 1862. Died of dlisease at Carrolton, La., Oct. 19, 1862. White, David.-Allegan. Entered service Sept. 4, i86i. Sergt., Compy. A, 3d Cav.. Second Lt., Dec. 7, 1864. Mustered out Feb. 12, i866, and honorably discharged. 602 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Wilson, Isaac.-Allegan. Second Lt., 3d Cav., Sept. 7, I86I. First Lt., Feb. 27, 1863. Capt., Oct. I, 1863. Honorably discharged June 6, 1865. Williams, William B.-Allegan. Capt., 5th Cav., Aug. I4, 1862. Resigned June II, I863, and honorably discharged. ALLEGAN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR. Adams, Edward P., 19th Wis. Inf., Co. H. Agan, Joseph, 3d Cav., Co. A. Agan, Samuel, 13th Inf., Co. I. Ailes, John, 19th Inf., Co. B. Alden, Peter J., 6th Cav., Co. H. Alger, James, 3d Cav., Co. A. Allegan, Matthew J., 30th Inf., Co. C. Allen, Charles H., 3d Cav., Co. E. Allen, William A., 10th Cav., Co. E. Allen, Emerson, 19th Inf., Co. B. Allen, William O., 13th Inf., Co. B. Anderson, David R., 19th Inf., Co. B. Anderson, William, 19th Inf., Co. B. Anway, Elias, 13th Inf., Co. B. Anway, Sylvester, 14th Inf., Co. F. Andrews, Samuel, 3d Cav., Co. A. Andrews, Mortimer, 5th Cav., Co. I. Andrews, Austin A., 5th Cav., Co. I. Andrews, Sol. J., 8th Cav., Co. F. Annis, Hiram, 8th Cav., Co. M. Annis, Joseph, 11th Inf., Co. G. Amidon, Edson, 13th Inf., Co. B. Ames, Cyrus E., 13th Inf., Co. I. Ashcroft, Wm. R., 6th Inf., Co. A. Ash, Allen, 4th Cav., Co. L. Atkins, Samuel, 5th Cav., Co. I. Austin, David M., 8th Cav., Co. B. Austin, W. D., 8th Cav., Co. E. Austin, Jas., 6th Inf., Co. G. Austin, Nathaniel C., 14th Inf., Co. B. Austin, Judson L., 19th Inf., Co. B. Austin, Pascal L., 19th Inf., Co. B. Avery, John, 8th Cav., Co. F. Averill, Charles R., 30th Inf., Co. A. Averill, Edward, 30th Inf., Co. A. Ayers, David F., 30th Inf., Co. D. Ayers, Theodore M., 30th Inf., Co. D. Baldwin, Martin, 5th Cav., Co. I. Barker, Reuben D., 3d Cav., Co. A. Barlow, Ezra D., 3d Cav., Co. M. Barker, J. F., 8th Cav., Co. F. Barney, David, 3d Cav., Co. M. Bartlett, Orrin M., off. 1st Cav., Co. I. Babbitt, Cyrus E., 30th Inf., Co. A. Babbitt, William A., 13th Inf., Co. G. Baird, George L., 19th Inf., Co. B. Ball, Calvin, 17th Inf., Co. D. Ball, Daniel, 17th Inf., Co. D. Beach, Horace S., 13th Inf., Co. B. Beach, Henry L., 13th Inf., Co. I. Baldwin Samuel S., 4th Cav., Co. L. Bailey, George W., 3d Inf., Co. F. Bailey, Clark C., 13th Inf., Co. I. Bailey, Wm., 6th Inf., Co. G. Baker, Carlos, 19th Inf., Co. B. Baker, Milo, 6th Inf., Co. G. Baldwin, John H., off. 13th Inf., Co. B. Banks, Spencer H., 13th Inf., Co. B. Barnes, William H., 13th Inf., Co. B. Bartlett, John, 6th Inf., Co. G. Barton, Nichols, 9th Inf., Co. B. Barton, Edgar, 13th Inf., Co. A. Barton, Clark B., 13th Inf., Co. A. Bassett, Chauncey J., off. 6th Inf., Co. G. Bassett, Charles, 6th Inf., Co. G. Bathrick, Linus, 13th Inf., Co. B. Ballinger, Talbot, 11th Inf., Co. B. Bassett, James, 8th Cav., Co. F. Babbitt, John E., off. 8th Cav., Cos. F and I. Batchelor, Irving, 5th Cav., Co. I. Bachelder, James J., 19th Inf., Co. B. Ballinger, William, 3d Cav., Co. E. Ballard, Leander, 13th Inf., Co. I. Baker, Eli B., 10th Inf., Co. G. Bard, Charles, 13th Inf., Co. I. Barry, Charles, 13th Inf., Co. I. Barrington, David, 13th Inf., Co. H. Barker, Milo H., 19th Inf., Co. B. Barker, Fitch R., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Barton, Charles, 30th Inf., Co. A. Bates, Andrew E., 30th Inf., Co. D. Baxter, Thomas, 30th Inf., Co. A. Bailey, William, 8th Cav., Co. F. Bailev, Jacob 1., 4th Cav., Co. L. Bailey, Clark, 24th Inf., Co. E. Baird, Ansel T., 19th Inf., Co. B. Baird, Edward, 19th Inf., Co. B. Baker, William H., 4th Cav., Co. L. Banks, George W., 4th Cav., Co. E. Bates, Bradley M., 4th Cav., Co. L. Bates, Charles W., 44th 11l. Inf., Co. H. Bennett, James W., 9th Inf., Co. B. Bennett, Lewis M., 13th Inf., Co. C. Bement, Clement C., 30th Inf., Co. K. Bentley, John, 4th Cav., Co. L. Beloen, Newton, 24th Inf., Co. E. Bennett, Sidney M., 15th Ini., Co. F. Bennett, Caleb, 5th Cav., Co. I. Bentley, James T., 8th Cav., Co. F. Beard, Isaiah, 13th Inf., Co. I. Beardsley, Frank A., 13th Inf., Co. K. Beebe, John F., 4th Cav., Co. L. Beev, Nelson, 3d Cav., Co. L. Belcher, Charles W., 1st Cav., Co. I. Bell, Lewis, 13th Inf., Co. B. Bell, Harvey, 19th Inf., Co. B. Bellinger, David, 19th Inf., Co. B. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 603 Beck, David, 4th Cav., Co. L. Beverly, Horace C., 19th Inf., Co. B. Bee, Andrew, 4th Cav., Co. L. Bipler, Madison, 4th Cav., Co. A. Birkhead, James H., 1st Cav., Co. E. Bidwell, W., 8th Cav., Co. F. Bidwell, Miles, 4th Cav., Co. L. Bignall, William, 3d Cav., Co. A. Bigsby, Julius E., 19th Inf., Co. B. Billings, Charles, 3d Cav., Co. A. Billings, Walter, 8th Cav., Co. F. Billings, Randall, 8th Cav., Co. F. Billings, James, 19th Inf., Co. B. Billings, Peter H., 13th Inf., Co. I. Billings, James W., 13th Inf., Co. B. Binn, Benjamin F., 13th Inf., Co. I. Bisbee, Almon D., 21st Inf., Co. C. Bishop, Lee J., 13th Inf., Co. D. Bissell, Edward, 13th Inf., Co. I. Bissell, Oscar, 13th Inf., Co. I. Bisby, Hiram, 30th Inf., Co. A. Black, Aretus E., 1st Cav., Co. E. Black, John S., 13th Inf., Co. G. Blaisdell, Edgar, 3d Cav., Co. A. Blaisdell, Lewis, 3d Cav., Co. A. Blakeslee, Henry L., 19th Inf., Co. B. Blossom, Chauncey 13th Inf., Co. E. Blossom, John, 8th Cav., Co. F. Bless, Frederick, 30th Inf., Co. H. Blytheman, James, 24th Inf., Co. I. Boas, Jacob R., 8th Cav., Co. F. Booker, Jas. H., 6th Inf., Co. G. Born, John, 6th Inf., Co. G. Botren, Todoms, 19th Inf., Co. B. Bovee, Philip, 30th Inf., Co. B. Bowlin, Charles K., 30th Inf., Co. C. Bowman, George, 3d Cav., Co. A. Boyle, Richard, 30th Inf., Co. D. Boyles, Almon J., 3d Cav., Co. E. Bragg, Albert, 1st Light Art., Batt. A. Bradley, Alphesus, 19th Inf., Co. B. Braman, Henry C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Bratt, William A., 30th Inf., Co. H. Breen, Edward, 13th Inf., Co. B. Briggs, Harvey, 3d Inf., Co. F, and 5th Inf. Briggs, James, 13th Inf, Co. B. Briggs, Noah, 13th Inf., Co. B. Briggs, William, 13th Inf., Co. B. Brown, Jefferson, 6th Inf., Co. C. Brown, Martin S., 13th Inf., Co. I. Brockman, Erritt, 13th Inf., Co. I. Brush, Ben. B., 13th Inf., Co. I. Brewer, Jonathan, 4th Cav., Co. L. Brewer, Albert, 2d Cav., Co. I. Brewer, Leander, 30th Inf., Co. D. Brewster, Clark B., 13th Inf., Co. A. Briggs, Benjamin F., 3d Cav., Co. A. Bristol, Charles D., 8th Cav., Co. F. Brinkman, John H., 19th Inf., Co. B. Brinkhart, J. E., 8th Cav., Co. F. Bronson, George D., 3d Cav., Co. A. Brown, David O., 19th Inf., Co. B. Brown, Henry W., 19th Inf., Co. B. Brown, Benjamin, 10th Inf., Co. G. Brown, George, 1st Cav., Co. E. Brown, Jefferson, 1st Cav., Co. L. Brown, William, 1st Cav., Co. L. Brown, Elijah, 3d Cav., Co. A. Brown, Lorenzo, 3d Cav., Co. A. Brown, Samuel, 8th Cav., Co. F. Brown, John W., 16th Inf., Co. B. Brownell, Cortland, loth Inf., Co. D. Brundage, Sidney, 19th Inf., Co. B. Brundage, Albert, 30th Inf., Co. H. Brundge, Edgar F., l1th Cav., Co. F. Brundage, Isaac, 13th Inf., Co. I. Brundage, William C., 13th Inf., Co. I. Bryant, Henry, 28th Inf., Co. I. Buck, Nathan V., off. 3d Cav., Co. A. Buck,. David S., 2d -, Co. I. Buchanan, Samuel, 17th Inf., Co. I. Buchan, Robert, 3d Cav., Co. M. Bugbee, John C., 2d( Cav., Co. I. Burnham, James, 3d Car., Co. H. Burlingame, Franklin, 30th Inf., Co. H. Burrell, Charles L., 17th Inf., Co. D. Burrell, Myron, 17th Inf., Co. D. Burlinghame, Boswell, 13th Inf., Co. I. Burns, William, 13th Inf., Co. B. Burr, Morris, 3(1 Cav., Co. A. Burham, Alonzo C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Buskirk, Daniel, 6th Inf., Co. G. Bushnell, Hiram, 17th Inf., Co. I. Butler, James G., off. 3d Cav., Co. A, Co. E anl Co. F. Butterfield, Charles, 13th Inf., Co. D. Butler, John H., 15th Inf., Co. F. Buchanan, Oriss, 5th Cav., Co. I. Buchanan, George H., 8th Car., Co. F. Burt, Thomas, 15th Inf., Co. C. Burleson, Daniel, 1st Light Art., Batt. F. Burlingame, E. J., 5th Cav., Co. I. Buyce, James, 8th Cav., Co. F. Cackler, Otis A., 1st Cav., Co. I. Cady, George, 28th Inf., Co. E. Cady, L. Y., 13th Inf., Co. B. Cady, Lewis C., 11th Inf., Co. B. Call, Elisha W., 13th Inf., Co. H. Calkins, John, 3d Inf, Co. F. Calkins, Abram R., 17th Inf., Co. D. Campion, William H., 3d Inf., Co. I. Carr, Ashel S., 14th Inf., Co. D. Carr, Clayton M., 6th Inf., Co. B. Carey, Thomas, 6th Inf., Co. G. Carruthers, Samuel, 13th Inf., Co. E. Carruthers, James, 2d Inf., Co. I. Carmody, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. A. Carmen, Oliver P., 17th Inf., Co. I. Carroll, Thos., 30th Inf., Co. H. Carman, Warren K., 3d Cav., Co. A. Case, Edwin F., 13th Inf., Co. G. Case, Alanson B., off. 13th Inf., Co. B. Case, John, 13th Inf., Co. A. 604 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Case, Guilford, 19th Inf., Co. B. Cass, Ralph, 3d Cav., Co. A. Castor, Theo., 3d Inf., Co. C, and 5th Inf. Carter, Benj. B., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Carter, Charles, 4th Cav., Co. L. Canouse, George, 5th Cav., Co. I. Campbell, Frederick, 19th Inf., Co. B. Campbell, Harmon, 16th Inf., Co. F. Camhout, Leonard, 2d Cav., Co. I. Carpenter, John A., 18th Inf., Co. C. Carpenter, Amasa B., 30th Inf., Co. E. Chase, Elliott, 5th Cav., Co. I. Cheney, William, A., 3d Cav., Co. A. Childs, Addison, 30tl Inf., Co. A. Chilson, Gideon, 24th Inf., Co. F. Church, Franklin J., 1st Cav., Co. K. Chamberlain, Edwin, 13th Inf., Co. A. Chambers, James, 1st Mich. (colored) Inf., Co. F. Champion, John B., 3d Inf., Co. C. Chandler, Alonzo H., 6th Inf., Co. G, and 4th Cav. Chapman, Jacob M., 13th Inf., Co. I. Chapin, Benjamin, 19th Inf., Co. B. Chase, William B., 13th Inf., Co. B. Cheney, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. B. Cisnel, James, 13th Inf., Co. F. Clark, James, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Clark, Volney, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Clark, Enos, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Clark, Samuel, 5th Cav., Co. I. Claffy, John, 13th Inf., Co. B. Clark, Ralph B., 30th Inf., Co. H. Clark, George L., 19th Inf., Co. B. Colborne, George W., 15th Inf., Co. A. Cooley, Harmon H., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Cooley, Luman, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Collins, John G., 24th Inf., Co. F. Collins, Benoni, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Collins, Warren, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Corbett, Austin, 16th Inf., Co. B. Cosier, Dennis, 1st Inf., Co. K. Corey, Aquilla, 1st Mich. (colored) Inf., Co. H. Conrad, James M., 44th Ill. Inf., Co. H. Coleman, William M., 17th Inf., Co. D. Coleman, Samuel, 9th Inf., Co. B. Coleman, William, 8th Inf., Co. D. Conlan, James, 14th Inf., Co. B. Cooper, Thomas, 13th Inf., Co. I. Cole, William F., 30th Inf., Co. A. Conrad, Clark, 2d Inf., Co. I. Cook, George, 13th Inf., Co. C. Cook, Horace, 9th Inf., Co. B. Colton, Patrick, 9th Inf., Co. B. Cook., Alfred, 17th Inf., Co. I. Corey, William, 9th Inf., Co. B. Cornelius, David, 13th Inf., Co. G. Cobb, Lucius T., 3d Cav., Co. A. Cockrane, Andrew, 3d Cav., Co. A. Conrad, Edwin, 10th Cav., Co. F. Collins, George, 8th Cav., Co. I. Cody, George, 3d Cav., Co. A. Colon, William, 3d Cav., Co. A. Collins, Daniel, 3d Cav., Co. A. Coon, Philip J., 30th Inf., Co. E. Colf, Benjamin K., 4th Cav., Co. L. Collins, James, 5th Cav., Co. I. Comstock, Hiram, 4th Cav., Co. G. Cook, Hendrick, 5th Cav., Co. I. Cook, John, 5th Cav., Co. I. Cornwell, Joshua, 3d Cav., Co. A. Collier, Daniel C., 5th Cav., Co. I. Cole, Gabriel, 5th Cav., Co. I. Cook, Martin, 8th Cav., Co.-. Cook, Timothy S., 8th Cav., Co. F. Corwin, Jacob, 8th Cav., Co. F. Crawford, Edward R., 4th Cav., Co. L. Crane, Elijah, 6th Inf., Co. G. Crane, Martin, 2d Inf., Co. I. Crane, Alfonso, 2d Inf., Co. K. Crapey, Theodore, 30th Inf., Co. A. Crary, John S., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Crew, Edward, 24th Inf., Co. E. Crosby, Lawrence L., 5th Cav., Co. I. Cronk, William H., 13th Inf., Co. H. Crow, John, 13th Inf., Co. B. Cummins, Elijah, 4th Cav., Co. L. Cummings, John, 3d Cav., Co. A. Cummings, George W., 28th Inf., Co. E. Curtis, Henry C., 13th Inf., Co. B. Curtis, George, 13th Inf., Co. B. Curtis, John, 13th Inf., Co. B. Curtis, Walter, 30th Inf., Co. B. Curry, William, 30th Inf., Co. E. Cummings, David, 5th Cav., Co. I. Cushman, Warren, 13th Inf., Co. B. Cushman, Darius J., 1st Cav., Co. G. Cushman, George H., 8th Cav., Co. F. Culver, Harvey D., 13th Inf., Co. D. Culver, Alson A., 30th Inf., Co. B. Culver, Mortimer, 3d Cav., Co. E. Curtis, John S., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Curtis, Benjamin M., 18th Inf., Co. C. Davis, Orson J., 24th Inf., Co. F. Davidson, David V., 4th Cav., Co. L. Davidson, Herbert H., 4th Cav., Co. L. Daama, James, 24th Inf., Co. I. Dailey, Frederick, 6th Inf., Co. G. Dailey, George W., 6th Inf., Co. G. Dale, James K., 3d Cav., Co. A. Dalrymple, Benjamin S., 5th Cav., Co. I. Dannenborg, Jan, 13th Inf., Co. I. Day, Charles E., 11th Cav., Co. L. Darling, Martin J., 9th Inf., Co. B. Darling, Richard L., 6th Inf., Co. G. Darrow, William T., off. 19th Inf., Co. B. Darrow, Marshall, 30th Inf., Co. E. Davis, Perry J., off. 4th Cav., Co.-. Davis, Levi, 17th Inf., Co. I. Davis, Nelson J., 3d Inf., Co. I. Davis, Nathaniel, 8th Inf., Co. D. Davis, Orson W., 13th Inf., Co. B. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 605 Davey, Charles, 30th Inf., Co. A. Day, Herbert, 13th Inf., Co. I. Day, Freeman H., 13th Inf., Co. B. Dean, John, 30th Inf., Co. K. Dean, Augustus, 30th Inf., Co. L. Dean, Thomas, off. 3d Cav., Co. A. Degoit, William, 30th Inf., Co. A. Delaney, Samuel B., 7th Cav., Co. H. De Roslyn, Henry, 24th Inf., Co. F. Deval, Charles, 3d Cav., Co. F. Deval, Spencer, 3d Cav., Co. F. Deleven, Jenner, 13th Inf., Co. A. Delabarre, George, 13th Inf., Co. C. Dennis, Richard, 17th Inf., Co. D. Devenwater, Cornelius, 17th Inf., Co. D. Dexter, Carlos E., 6th Inf., Co. G. Dexter, Enoch S., 6th Inf., Co. G. Degraff, Nelson, 30th Inf., Co. H. Dibble, Herman F., 19th Inf., Co. A. Dixon, Hugh W., 13th Inf., Co. I. Dole, James, 13th Inf., Co. I. Dormer, William W., 13th Inf., Co. I. Dorrance, John., 1st Inf., Co. K. Douglass, Joseph, 30th Inf., Co. D. Doxey, George, 24th Inf., Co. F. Drake, William, 13th Inf., Co. F. Drury, George, 5th Cav., Co. I. Drury, William, 5th Cav., Co. I. Durand, Henry, 19th Inf., Co. B. Durand, William, 30th Inf., Co. F. Durand, Luzerne, 13th Inf., Co. B. Dusenbury, William, 13th Inf., Co. I. Dustin, Albert M., 13th Inf., Co. H. Duel, John W., 19th Inf., Co. B. Dunning, Amos, 13th Inf., Co. I. Duncan, Richard W., 6th Inf., Co. G. Dugan, Jeremiah, 19th Inf., Co. B. Durkee, Monroe, 11th Cav., Co. H. Duryea. William, Off. 28th Inf., Co. K. Dunn, George E., 10th Cav., Co. E. Dunn, William, H., off. 10th Cav., Co. E. Dunham, Orson D., 4th Cav., Co. L. Dunning, Horace, 1st Cav., Co. L. Dunning, Harlan P., 4th Cav., Co. - Dunton, Abel, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Dye, Seymour, 3d Cav., Co. A. Dyer, Robert, 5th Cav., Co. I. Dyer, Russell, 5th Cav., Co. I. Dyer, Seth, 5th Cav., Co. I. Dyer, James, 5th Cav., Co. I. Dyer, Russell, 13th Inf., Co. A. Dygert, Timothy, 19th Inf., Co. B. Eagle, Gilbert, 30th Inf., Co. G. Earl, Henry, 3d Cav., Co. M. Earl, George W., 5th Cav., Co. I. Eaton, Willard. Off. 13th Inf., Co. I. Eaton, Daniel, 13th Inf., Co. I. Eaton, Miles B., 13th Inf., Co. I. Eaton, Orliter, 5th Cav., Co. I. Edgerton, Henry C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Edson, Philo L., 8th Cav., Co. I. Edson, Philander, 13th Inf., Co. A. Edwards, Jas. W., 6th Inf., Co. G. Edwards, Charles O., 13th Inf., Co. I. Edwards, Frederick, 3d Cav., Co. A. Egan, Sherman, 4th Cav., Co. E. Eggleston, Lewis, 6th Inf., Co. G. Eggleston, James, 13th Inf., Co. B. Eggleston, William, 28th Inf., Co. E. Eldred, Horace, 1st Light Art., BaIt. C. Eldridge, D., 7th Cav., Co. D. Elickson, Elick, 2d Cav., Co. L Ellis, Hiram R., 28th Inf., Co. -., and 5th Cav., Co. I. Ellis, Luther E., 17th Inf., Co. D. Ely, Joseph W., 19th Inf., Co. B. Emmons, Abail, 13th Inf., Co. A. Emmons, William, 13th Inf., Co. A. Emmons, Albert, 9th Inf., Co. C. Emery, Horatio, 3d Cav., Co. A. Emmons, Abner, 5th Cav., Co. I. Emmons, Charles, 8th Cav., Co. F. Engles, George H., 8th Cav., Co. F. Ensign, Marshall H., 30th Inf., Co. H. Esterbrook, A. H., 3d Cav., Co. A. Estabrook, Asa., Off. 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Everets, Seneca L., 8th Cav., Co. F. Everts, John C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Everhardt, William, 30th Inf., Co. D. Evans, Elijah, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Farnsworth, Sylvester, 8th Cav., Co. C. Fargo, David, 30th Inf., Co. H. Fausler, Moses H., 30th Inf., Co. D. Fales, Versal P., 6th Cav., Co. K. Fairbanks, James L., 13th Inf., Co. I. Fay, Joseph W., 6th Inf., Co. G. Fairbanks, Stephen, 8th Cav., Co. F. Failing, Charles M,, 24th Inf., Co. F. Fenn, Albert, 3d Cav., Co. A. Fessenden, William, 2d Cav., Co. I. Felton, John, 3d Inf., Co. K. Fenner, Joseph G., 17th Inf., Co. D. Fenny, Edwin O., 9th Inf., Co. K. Fields, William E., 13th Inf., Co. I. Fisher, Reuben, 21st Inf., Co. C. Fisher, Isaac, 13th Inf., Co. H. Finch, Myron C., 13th Inf., Co. A. Fisk, Samuel, 9th Inf., Co. C. Fisher, Herman P., 13th Inf., Co. B. Fisher, William, 3d Cav., Co. A. Fields, Leander J., 4th Cav., Co. L. Finley, E. S., 4th Cav., Co. L. Filkins, Francis M., 30th Inf., Co. E. Finch, Stephen M., 3d Cav., Co. K. Fisk, Alvah C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Fisk, Chares W,, Off. 4th Cav., Cos. D and L. Fletcroft, Theo., 3d Cav., Co. A. Flowers, James M., 4th Cav, Co. L. Flynn, John, 1st Light Art., 14th Batt. Forbes, Wm. E., 1st Light Art., 14th Batt. Follett, Richard A., 8th Cav., Co. F. Force, George B., Off. 13th Inf., Co. B. 606 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Foster, Isaac, 8th Cav., Co. F. Fort, Frank, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Foot, Andrew F., 4th Cav., Co. C. Foot, Austin, 13th Inf., Co. B. Fountain, Lewis H., 28th Inf., Co. I. Fox, Clark D., 13th Inf., Co. I. Fox, Leander, 13th Inf., Co. C. Fox, David, 3d Cav., Co. M. Fox, Lafayette, 5th Cav., Co. I. Frank, David, 30th Inf., Co. A. Frank, Henry, 30th Inf., Co. A. Frank, Samuel, 30th Inf., Co. A. Frank, John, 3d Cav., Co. I. and 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Frayer, Angus, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Francisco, Charles, 13th Inf., Co. I. Frank, Geo. W., 6th Inf., Co. G. Frew, James, 6th Inf., Co. G. Frew, David C., 6th Inf., Co. G. Frew, William, 6th Inf., Co. G. Freese, William W., 30th Inf., Co. F. French, Albert, 19th Inf., Co. B. French, William H., 21st Inf., Co. E, and 28th Inf. French, James, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Fry, Benj., 6th Inf., Co. G. Fry, Jacob, 13th Inf., Co. B. Fry, Alexander, 4th Cav., Co. L. Fuller, Terry C., 6th Inf., Co. G. Fuller, Frederick R., 13th Inf., Co. I. Fuller, Leander, 30th Inf., Co. G. Fuller, James, 8th Cav., Co. B. Garlock, Charles, 13th Inf., Co. I. Gardner, George N., Off. 5th Cav., Co. I. Gardner, Albro, 3d Cav., Co. M. Gardner, Alfred M., 3d Inf., Co. I. Garrison, Jas. E., 6th Inf., Co. G. Garrison, John, 3d Cav., Co. A. Garrison, Abram E., 6th Inf., Co. G. Garver, Martin C., 3d Cav., Co. A. Garvelink, Herman, 5th Cav., Co. I. Garvin, Cornelius, 5th Cav., Co. I. Gay, Sylvester, 3d Inf., Co. I. Germond, Edward, 13th Inf., Co. G. Germond, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. H. German, Justus, 6th Cav., Co. K. Gibson, William, 13th Inf., Co. K. Gilbert, Nahum, Off. 1st Cav., Co. I. Gillespie, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. A. Gilligan, Michael, 8th Cav., Co. F. Gilmore, William, 1st Mich. (colored) Inf., Co. G. Gleason, O. L., 30th Inf., Co. A. Gleason, Charles, 3d Cav., Co. F. aleason, REnhraim, 3d Cav., Co. H. Gleason, Obadiah, 1st Sharpshooter, Co. D. Goodman, William, 5th Cav., Co. I. Goodrich, Lewis C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Goodell, Hiram N., 3d Cav., Co. A. Goble, Edward R., 3d Inf., Co. I. Goodsell, Wallace, 13th Inf., Co. B. Goodspeed, Cyrus E., 30th Inf., Co. A. Goodspeed, George H., 30th Inf., Co. A. Goodspeed, James, 30th Inf., Co. E. Gould, William, 13th Inf., Co. B. Gould, Robert H., 16th Inf., Co. K. Goff, Leander S., 19th Inf., Co. B. Goring, Jennings, 6th Inf., Co. G. Gorman, William, 6th Inf., Co. C. Goshen, Perry, 3d Inf., Co. I. Gray, Charles D., 8th Cav., Co. K. Graves, Kneeland, 3d Cav., Co. A. Gray Joseph, 3d Cay., Co. A. Gray, Freeland, 13th Inf., Co. B. Griffin, Edwin, 19th Inf., Co. B. Green, Moses, 14th Inf., Co. B. Green, William D., 9th Inf., Co. D. Green, Jerome, 19th Inf., Co. B. Grant, Frederick E., 8th Cav., Co. E. Green, Timothy C., 4th Cav., Co. G. Green, Frederick, 30th Inf., Co. H. Greenman, Columbus, 3d Cav., Co. E. Griswold, James R., 16th Inf., Co. C. Groucher, Vernon, 5th Cav., Co. I. Guest, Geo. M., 6th Inf., Co. G. Guest, Henry, 6th Inf., Co. G. Gunsaul, Jacob, 19th Inf., Co. B. Gurney, Charles H., 4th Cav., Co. L. Guyot, Martin J., 4th Cav., Co. L. Harkhouse, John, 13th Inf., Co. I. Haight, Gilbert, 4th Cav., Co. A. Haire, Oscar, Off. 6th Inf., Co. G. Haire, Adolphus, 3d Cav., Co. H. Haight, Horace P., 3d Cav., Co. A. Hamilton, Origen, 1st Cav., Co. H. Haney, Jeremiah B., Off. 28th Inf., Co. K. Hamilton, John, 28th Inf., Co. E. Hall, Calvin, 3d Inf., Co. I. Hamilton, George, 13th Inf., Co. B. Hammond, David, 13th Inf., Co. I. Hand, Allen C., 13th Inf., Co. C. Harris, Geo. H., 6th Inf., Co. G. Harrington, John, 4th Cav., Co. L. Harrington, Seward, 2d Cav., Co. I. Harriman, Ira S., 30th Inf., Co. K. Harrison, Robert, 6th Inf., Co. G. Harter, Martin, 13th Inf., Co. A. Hartwell, Charles, 3d Cav., Co. D. Hathaway, Birney, 30th Inf., Co. E. Haumer, Edward, 6th Inf., Co. G. Hart, Hanibal, 5th Cav., Co. I. Hawks, Morgan B., 5th Cav., Co. I. Hazen, Pembroke, 13th Inf., Co. B. Hazen, Jacob, 13th Inf., Co. I. Haney, Henry F., 6th Cav., Co. K. Hagar, Phineas A., 19th Inf., Co. B. Haines, David H., 4th Cav., Co. L. Hapgood, Frank, 13th Inf., Co. B. Hall, David H., 4th Car., Co. L. Halton, Otis L., 4th Cav., Co. L. Hamlin, Albert, 3d Inf., Co. I. Hamilton, Origen, 6th Cav., Co. K. Harvey, William H., 3d Inf., Co. K. Haight, Timothy V., 8th Cav., Co. I. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 607 Haines, Norman P., 8th Cav., Co. F. Haines, John C., 8th Cav., Co. F. Hare, Delos W., 8th Cav., Co. B. Harris, William J., 1st Mich. (colored) Inf., Co. H. Hawley, William, 1st Sharpshooter, Co. C. Harper, Charles H., 8th Cav., Co. E. Hayden, Alexander, 16th Inf., Co. C. Hayner, Thomas, 10th Inf., Co. G. Haywood, John, 15th Inf., Co. D. Hawkins, Charles, 8th Cav., Co. F. Heath, Ezra H., 15th Inf., Co. B. Heath, Martin V., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Hemmett, John, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Herbert, William, 11th Cav., Co. C. Henry, William F., 24th Inf., Co. A. Helmer, Gaylord, 15th Inf., Co. H. Helmer, Robert W., 3d Cav., Co. A. Hendrick, Daniel, 4th Cav., Co. A. Heydenberg, William, 30th Inf., Co. L. Hicks, George H., 5th Cav., Co. I. Hicks, Marion, 4th Cav., Co. A. Hickock, Francis L., 4th Cav., Co. L. Hill, Lucien F., 30th Inf., Co. E. Hill, John, 5th Cav., Co. I. Hicks, Charles O., 8th Cav., Co. B. Hicks, John H., 1st Light Art., Batt. A. Hinds, Seth, 8th Cav., Co. F. Hirner, Louis, 5th Cav., Co. I. Hirspool, John C., 30th Inf., Co. D. Higgins, Frank J., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Hoak, Henry, 3d Cav., Co. A. Holdsworth, James, 4th Cav., Co. L. Hollister, Cyrus E., 30th Inf., Co. E. Hoof, John, 16th Inf., Co. B. Howe, Herbert, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Hoyt, Minot, 30th Inf., Co. E. Hoyt, Isaac N., 30th Inf., Co. E. Hughes, Abner C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Hughes, Edwin B., 4th Cav., Co. L. Heffron, Myron, 30th Inf., Co. B. Hefner, John, 3d Inf., Co. F. and 5th Inf. Herringer, Jacob, 3d Cav., Co. A. Henderson, Lyman M., 30th Inf., Co. B. Henry, John C., 9th Inf., Co. E. Hershaw, Joseph W., 13th Inf., Co. A. Hiberdinc, James, 17th Inf., Co. I. Hill, Lonson, 3d Inf., Co. I. Hill, Loren, 9th Inf., Co. E. Hildebrank, Jacob, 30th Inf., Co. H. Hinds, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. G. Hixon, Henry, 6th Inf., Co. K. Hodgetts, George, 5th Cav., Co. I. Hopper, John E., 6th Inf., Co. G. Hopkins, Z. W., 8th Cav., Co. A. Hogeboom, Charles H., 19th Inf., Co. B. Hoagland, Thomas, 1st Cav., Co. H. Hofmaster, Jos., 4th Cav., Co. L. Hofmeister, Abram, 13th Inf., Co. C. Hofmeister, Isaac, 13th Inf., Co. C. Hofmeister, John, 13th Inf., Co. C. Hogle, John, 19th Inf., Co. B. Hogle, Charles, 13th Inf., Co. I. Holt, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. I. Horn, Miles, Off. 6th Inf., Co. G., and 8th Cav., Cos. E. and F. Holmes, Charles W., 8th Cav., Co. H. Hoskins, Charles W., 28th Inf., Co. I. Houston, Barzillia, 1st Cav., Co. M. Howard, John H., 19th Inf., Co. B. Howard, Elijah, 13th Inf., Co. B. Howard, S. P., 10th Cav., Co. L. Howe, Enoch, 8th Cav., Co. I. Howe, Edward, 13th Inf., Co. A. Howe, Augustus P., 30th Inf., Co. C. Howe, Washington, 3d Cav., Co. A. Howe, Wesley E., 3d Cav., Co. A. Howe, William, 8th Cav., Co. F. Hubbard, Samuel, Off. 19th Inf., Co. B. Hubbard, Thos. A., 13th Inf., Co. B. Hudson, Hiram B., 4th Cav., Co. L. Hudden, Freeman, 6th Inf., Co. G. Huddlestone, James, 13th Inf., Co. B. Hulenberg, M. D., 14th Inf., Co. A. Hunter, William P., 30th Inf., Co. K. Hurd, Francis, 6th Inf., Co. G. Hunter, Samuel, 30th Inf., Co. D. Hurd, Alex., 4th Cav., Co. L. Huntly, Lewis, 8th Cav., Co. F. Iddles, Thomas, 24th Inf., Co. H. Ingham, Burroughs, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Inman, John, 13th Inf., Co. I. Inman, Elisha, 6th Cav., Co. K. Jackson, Amos J., 6th Inf., Co. G. James, Morris A., 13th Inf., Co. B. James, Irving, 7th Cav., Co. F. Jeffs, Thomas, 1st Cav., Co. I. Johnson, Hugh, 30th Inf., Co. A. Johnson, Warren, 6th Inf., Co. G. Jones, Chandler B., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Jones, George, 10th Cav., Co. E. Jones, William, 8th Cav., Co. B. Jones, Martin, 3d Inf., Co.FF., and 5th Inf. Jones, Amasa, 13th Inf., Co. A. Jones, Chauncey, 13th Inf., Co. A. Jones, James C., 13th Inf., Co. I. Jones, John P., 13th Inf., Co. I. Jones, Martin M., 19th Inf., Co. B. Jones, Russell H., 30th Inf., Co. A. Jones, Charles H., 3d Cav., Co. A. Jones, James, 3d Cav., Co. M. Joslyn, William, 13th Inf., Co. I. Joslyn, George N., 13th Inf., Co. I. Kendall, Samuel W., 8th Cav., Co. H. Kendall, Nelson J., 7th Cav., Co. I. Kennison, John J., 6th Inf., Co. G. Kenney, Alonzo, 11th Cav., Co. H. Kennison, J. E., 6th Inf., Co. G. Kent, Morris, 3d Cav., Co. A. Kent, Richard C., 9th Inf., Co. E. Kenyon, John E., 9th Inf., Co. K. Kerns, William, 6th Inf., Co. G. Kenyon, Gordon N., 4th Cav., Co. L. 608 6~8 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Kenyon, Dewitt C., Off. 13th Inf., Co. B. Keyser, John, 4th Cav., Co. L. Keys~er, Jacob, 4th Cay., Co. L. Killamn, Jacob, 28th Iuf., Co. E. Kinney, George E., 8th Cay., Co. F. Kinney, William H., 8th Cay., Co. F. Kinner, Leonard T., 30th Inf., Co. D. Kinney, John A., 8th Cay., Co. F. Kirby, John, Off. 13th Inf., Co. A. Kidder, William, 6th 1nf., Co. G. Kitson, George, 15th Inf., Co. E. Kirkland, George HF., 9th Inf., Co. E. Kirshner, William H., 7th Cay., Co. I. Kitchen, George, 17th Inf., Co. I. Kitchen, James, 5th Cay., Co. I. Kibbey, Walton, 4th Cay., Co. L. Kibbie, Jerome, 3d Inf., Co. I. Kincaid, Thos. R., 19th luf., Co. B. Kingsbury, 0. P., 13th Inf., Co. I. King, Charles W., 30th Inf., Co. E. Kinney, Isaac M., 19th Inf., Co. B. King, John B., 30th Inf., Co. K. 1(ipp, Joseph, 13th Inf., Co. A. Kitchen, Judson, 14th Inf.,7 Co. B. Knapp, Stephen, 19th Inf., Co. B. Knight, John, 13th Inf., Co. I. Knowlton, John, 13th Inf., Co. B. Knight, Charles L., 4th Cay., Co. L. Knapp, George W., 8th Cay., Co. I. Kleeman, Theo., 3d Cav., Co. A. KI-iffman, Egbert, 19th Inf., C o. B. Kramer, John, 13th Inf., Co. I. Kramer, Martin, 13th Inf., Co. I. Kuper, Joel ZR., 19th Inf., Co. B. Lahman, Peter, 13th Inf., Clo. E. Lane, Edward, 4th Cay., Co. L. Lamoreaux, Quincy C"., 8th Inf., Co. D. Lainoreaux, Lyman, 28th Inf., Co. E. Lamoreaux, Isaac, Off. 4th Cay., Co. L. Lane, Morgan D., 5th Cay., Co. I. Larkins, Theodore, 8th Cav., Co. 1. Laws, Isaac, 3(1 Cay., Co. A. Lawrence, George W., 8th Cav., C o. I Lamoyne, Benjamin, F., 24th lnf., Co. F. Latourette, Wells T., 6th C"av., Co. K. Larkin, Smith, 13th Inf., Co. I. Laurie, William, 3d Cav., Co. A. Laurence, Lorenzo,7 9th Inf., Co. C. Leavitt, George HT., 14th Inf., Co. F. Leighton, Leander W., 6th Inf. Leggett, James C., 17th Inf., Co. E. Lindsley, Edward, 8th Cay., Co. F. Leslie, Henry, 30th Inf., Co. D. Lindsley, James G., 28th Inf., Co. H. Lindsley, Joseph, 2d Cav., Co. I. Lindsley, Edgar, 4th Cay., Co. L. Lindsley, John W., 4th Cay., Co. L. Leoply, John W., 30th inf., Co. M. Leop ly, William F., 30th Inf., Co. M. Leonard, Elmas', 16th Inf., Co. B. Lee, Daniel, 13th Inf., Co. B. LeDuc, Cyrille, 13th Inf., Co. B. Leonard, Alfred, 19th Inf.-, Co. B. Leonard, Frederick, 17th 1inf., Co. I and 21st Inf.,1 Co. C. Lewis, James H., 13th Inf., Co. A. Lewis, George K., 1st Light Art., Batt. K. Lillie, Albert H., 30th Iuf., Co. G. Lily, Augustus, Off. 19th Inf., Co. B. Lily, David V., 17th Inf., Co. I. Lisco, William A., 28th Inf., Co. E. Livingstone, Neil, 19th Inf., Co. B. Lightheart, Myron, 3d Cay., Co. M. Lockker, Cornelius, 24th Inf., Co. I. Loomis, Bertrand, 3d Cay., Co. A. Lusk, Jasper, 13th Inf., Co. I. Lutz, James, 11th Inf., Co. B. Lugensland, Jacob, 16th JInf., Co. A. Lyman, Clark, 13th luf., Co. A. Loverage, Seth, 13th Inf., Clo. H. Lowe, David, 13th Inf., Co. E. Lohlies, Garrett, 19th Inf., Co. B. Londray, James ZR., 30th Inf., Co. H. Lonsbury, Philo M., 17th Inf., Co. E. Lonsbury, Herbert W., 17th Inf., Co. E. Lonsbury, George W., Off. 5th Cay., Co. I McCormick, William H., 3d Cay., Co. A. McDonald, Harvey, 30th Inf., Co. C. McDowell, John, 8th Cay., Co. F. McCarthy, Isaac A., 8th Cav., Co. L. MeCreery, John, 16th Inf., Co. B. McEwen, John, 30th Iuf., Co. F. Mclntee, James, 19th Inf., Co. B. McGinley, Thomas C., 3d Cay., Co. L. McHenry,7 George ZR., 7th Cav., Co. H. McKerney, Bernard, 3,d Cay., Co. A. McLeod, Donald, 19th Inf., Co. B. McLeod, William C., 19th Inf., Co. G. McLoughrey, John, 4th Cay., Co. L. McMillan, William, 3d Cay., Co. A. MeQueeny, Thomas, 3d Cay., Co. A. McWilliams, William, 5th Cay., Co. I. McBride, Solomlon, 6th Tnf., Co. G. McBride, John, 6th Inf., Co. G. McCall, Israel, 3d Cay., Co. I. MeCreery, John, 14th Inf., Co. C. McCarthy, Charles E., 13th luf., Co. B. McClelland, Jabez, 13th Inf., Co. E. McCormick, Thomas, 19th luf., Co. B. McClure, John A., 13th luf., Co. I. McDonald, John, 29d Inf., Co. I1. McGaw, Andrew, 13th Inf., Co. C. McKee, William, 1-3th Inf., Co. 1. McZRae, Elliot, 13th Inf., Co. B. MeQueen, John, 13th Inf., Co. 1. Maloy, Luke, 6th Inf., Clo. G. Mann, Hf. W., 5th Cay., Co. I. Mann, William, 4th Cay., Co. L. Mann, Perly, 30th Inf., Co. H-. Manchester, William, 19th Inf., Co. B. Mansfield, Alpheus, 1st Light Art., Batt. G. Mauikus, Homer, 6th Inf., Co. G. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY60 609 Mansfield, Kilburn W., Off. 13th Inf., Co. A. Manning, George G, 3d Cav., Co. H. Marbell, Daniel W., 6th Inf., Co. G. Margason, Edward, 10th Cav., Co. I. Marble, Henry, 6th Inf., Co. G. Marsh, Charles C., 4th Cay., Co. L. Martin, Robert W., 1st Ca v., Co. B. Martin, George A., 19th lIff., Co. B. Martin James, 19th Inf., Co. B. Maxon, Charles, 30th Inf., Co. K. Marshall, William, 6th Inf., Co. G. Martin, William, 13th Inf., Co. B. Masterson, Joseph, 13th Inf., Co. I. Mapes, Alonzo, 2d Cav., Co. I. Mapes, Lewis, 24th Inf.., Co. K. Mason, Hezekiah, 30th Inf., Co. D. Masson, George, 5th Cav., Co. 1. Masson, Orlando C., 5th Cav., Co. I. Mathews, Lyman, 30th Inf., Co. D. Maybee, Morgan, 3d Cav., Co. A. MabRobert, j9th Inf., Co. B.,Madiso, John, 6th Cav., Co. H. Maine, John J., 6th Inf., Co. G. M'anvel, Homer, Off. 8th Cav., Co. F and C O. H. Mateen, Nicholas, 14th laf., Co. D. Mavers, John M. G., 28th Inf. May., Frank, 13th Inf., Co. B. Meade, William H., 13th Inf., Co. G. Miller, Riley, 30th Inf., CO. A. M,\iller, George A., 13th Inf., Co. B. M~iller, Joseph, 13tb Inf., Co. B. Miller, Adam, 13th Inf., Co. B. Miller, William B., 13th Inf., Co. B3. Mills, Samuel G., 30th Inf., Co. A. M\,inard, Leonard, 6th TInf., C o. G. Miner, William, 13th Tnf., Co. I1. Miller, H-iram 0., 1st Cav., C o. F. Misner, Joseph, 13th Inf., Co. E. Millis, Martin, 3(1 Cav., Co. A. MTix, Frank W., Off. 3d Cav., Co. A. Meeker, Henry C., 28th Inf., C o. D. M\eldrum, Robert, 13th Inf., Co. B. Mellott, Johnson, 1st Cav., Co..M. Merchant, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. A. Merchant, William, 19th Inf., Co. B. Merchant, Francis, 4th Cav., Co. L. Martin, Christopher, 3d Cav., Co. A. Martin, William E., 3d Cav., Co. A. Miller, Alonzo, 4th Cav., Co. L. Miller, Albert, 4th Cay., Co. L. Meriker, Marshall, 8th Cav., Co. I. Mills, Thomas J., 8th Cay., Co. F. Miller, Gottlieb,7 5th Cay., Co. I. M\iller, Franklin, 5th Cav., Co. I. Miner, Jacob E., 5th Cav., Co. I. Mix, Elisha, Off. 8th Cav., Co. F. Mockina, Jerome, 24th Inf., Co. I. Mocklencute, John, 3d Cay., Co. A. Montieth, Henry L., 1st Cay., Co. E. M,'ontieth, William J., 1st Cay., Co. I. Mosher, Merritt C., 6th Cay., Co. A. Moses, Charles E., 5th Cav., Co. I. Monroe, Jerry, 14th Inf., Co. I. Moon, Nelson 0., 3d Cav., Co. A. Mooney, Jacob, 13th Inf., Co. I. Moore, John, 28th Iaf., Co. E. Moulten, Bela G., 13th Inf., Co. E. M\oore, George W., 4th Cay., Co. L. M~oiser, Samuel, 13th Inf., Co. B. Morris, Joseph B., 8th Cay., Co. F. Morse, Isaac, 13th Inf., Co. B. Morse, Charles W., 13th Inf., Co. B. Morris, Abram, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Moyers, Gilhert, Off. 3d Cay., Co. A. iV~orley, Alvin B., 13th Inf., Co. A. Moore, G-,eo. W., 6th Inf. Morris, Eldridge, 19th Inf., Co. B. Morris, Wirt J., 13th Inf., Co. B. Montague, Lawrence, 19th Inf., Co. B. Monger, Sylvester, 13th Inf., Co. B. Murma, Ehenezer G., 6th Inf., Co. G. Murray, Francis, 13th Inf., Co. B. Murphy, Peter J., 17th Inf., Co. D. Myers, A. J., 19th Inf., Co. K. Myers, George B., 22d Inf., Co. I. Myers, Andrew J., 13th Inf., Co. I. Myers, Curtis, 6th In1f., Co. G. Myers, George A., 13th Inf., Co. I. M\udge, Ambrose, 30th Iaf., Co. F. Multhope, Lester, 10th Cay., Co. L. Muna, George E., 5th Cav., Co. I. Maunger, John, 3-d Cav., Co. H. Monger, Martin, 8th Cav., Co. I. Manro, Jerry, 16th Inf., Co. I. Murray, Curtis, 30th Inf., Co. E. Murphy, John E., 05th Cav., Co. I. Murphy, Samuel F., Off. 4th Cay., Co. L. Myers, E. L. G., 4th Cav., Co. L. Navane, Gregory, 30th Ilaf., Co. H. Naregang, Joseph, 4th Cav., Co. L. Nelson, Robert, 13th Inf., Co. K. Nelson, Robert, 13th laf., Co. I. Nelson, John B., 19th Iaf., Co. B. Newcomb, George H., 13th Inf., Co. B. Newton, George, 6th Iaf., Co. G. N-ewton, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. I. Newton, Francis C., 19th Iaf., Co. B. Nero, John, 4th Cay., Co. A. Neuhlof,William, 5th Cay., Co. I. Nieband, Garrett N., 24th Iaf., Co. I. Nichols, Edward, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Nichols, George, 6th Iaf., Co. E. Nichols, Ashley R., 28th laf., Co. E. Nichols, George F., 4th Cay., Co. L. Nickerson, Edwin, 3d Inf., Co. K and 5th Inf. Niles, Hezekiah B., 13th Inf., Co. I. Norris, Robert H., 6th Iaf., Co. G. Noble, Henry, 19th Inf., Co. B. Noggle, George, 4th Cay., Co. L. Norman, Edward, 30th Inf., Co. F. Norton, Carltbn, 19th laf., Co. B. 610 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Norton, Elliott M., Off. 6th Cav., Co. K. Norton, Francis H., 10th Inf., Co. K. Notier, Mathew, 24th Inf., Co. I. Ockford, Ruloff, 13th Inf., Co. B. O'Brien, James, 16th Inf., Co. C. Odell, Stephen, 3d Cav., Co. A. Oliver, Henry B., 13th Inf., Co. B. Oliver, William, 4th Cav., Co. L. Orr, Matthew, 8th Cav., Co. F. Orr, James, 13th Inf., Co. H. Orton, James V., 17th Inf., Co. I. Osburn, Lemuel W., 13th Inf., Co. B. Osman, William, 30th Inf., Co. G. Ostrander, Solomon, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Palmer, William A., 10th Cav., Co. I. Palmer, Philander, 13th Inf., Co. E. Palmer, Sylvanus, 13th Inf., Co. I. Palmer, Herman H., 28th Inf., Co. E. Palmer, Benjamin C., 3d Cav., Co. A. Pardee, Edward W., 4th Cav., Co. L. Parkhurst, David D., 4th Cav., Co. L. Parker, Thomas J., Off. 4th Cav., Co. L. Parker, Benjamin F., 3d Cav., Co. A. Parsons, Johnson, 10th Inf., Co. C. Parsons, John, 30th Inf., Co. D. Parrish, William H., 8th Cav., Co. F. Passenger, Peter, 4th Cav., Co. L. Patten, George E., 8th Cav., Co. I. Paul, James B., 28th Inf., Co. E. Parker, James W., 24th Inf., Co. H. Pangburn, John, 3d Cav., Co. A. Paney, Joseph L., 3d Inf., Co. I. Payne, Joseph L., 8th Cav., Co. E. Pardee, George M., 6th Inf., Co. I. Parkhurst, Martin R., 19th Inf., Co. B. Parrish, John P., 6th Inf., Co. G. Parker, Samuel, 17th Inf., Co. I. Parrish, William H., 6th Inf., Co. G. Parker, William, 17th Inf., Co. D. Parker, Thomas L., 13th Inf., Co. I. Parker, Stephen D., 13th Inf., Co. B. Parkhurst, Charles, 6th Inf., Co. G. Parsons, Charles, 17th Inf., Co. D. Patterson, Robert, 8th Inf., Co. D. Patterson, John D., 13th Inf., Co. B. Payne, Robert, 6th Inf., Co. G. Patterson, Robert A., 19th Inf., Co. B. Peabody, N. S., 19th Inf., Co. B. Peck, Charles F., 3d Cav., Co. A. Penfold, Edward, 13th Inf., Co. B. Penfold, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. B. Penfield, Jesse S., 4th Cav., Co. L. Pelham, Luther S., 24th Inf., Co. F. Perry, Leonard, 13th Inf., Co. B. Pettit, Charles, 4th Cav., Co. L. Pierce, James, 13th Inf., Co. B. Pierce, Alvah L. 28th Inf., Co. E. Pierce, George, 3d Cav., Co. A. Piersons, John, 3d Cav., Co. A. Pike, Osteen G., 3d Cav., Co. A. Pike, Silas B., 3d Cav., Co. M. Pike, Austin G., 15th Inf., Co. I. Piper, William A., 5th Cav., Co. I. Piper, Giles, A., 5th Cav., Co. I. Piper, Samuel, 24th Inf., Co. F. Phelan, Edward, 3d Cav., Co. A. Pleigden, Christain, 3d Inf., Co. C. Plummer, Charles E., 6th Inf., Co. G. Pratt, Elisha E., 8th Cav., Co. E. Pratt, William, 8th Cav., Co. B. Platt, George W., 19th Inf., Co. B. Platt, Elisha, 19th Inf., Co. B. Platt, Comstock H., 19th Inf., Co. B. Prentiss, Sidney R., 7th Cav., Co. H. Price, Horatio N., 4th Cav., Co. L. Priest, John, 3d Cav., Co. A. Prindle, Ephraim, 30th Inf., Co. I. Pritchard, Benjamin D., Off. 4th Cav., Co. L. Pryor, William, 8th Cav., Co. F. Powers, Charles, 8th Cav., Co. F. Powers, Stephen, 8th Cav., Co. F. Putnam, Reuben A., 8th Cav., Co. I. Porter, Levi, 1st Sharpshooter, Co. C. Polk, Daniel, 17th Inf., Co. I. Poland, Elisha, 30th Inf., Co. B. Porter, Eliphalet, 13th Inf., Co. C. Porter, Edson M., 13th Inf., Co. B. Porter, Frederick, 28th Inf., Co. E. Potts, Oliver, 6th Inf., Co. G. Popplewell, Frank S., 34th Inf., Co. I. Potter, Samuel, 17th Inf., Co. D. Pound, Washington, 3d Cav., Co. A. Powell, M. A., 5th Cav., Co. I. Pope, Horace H., Off. 3d Cav., Co. A. Pratt, Curtis Z., 6th Inf., Co. G. Pratt, Milton, 13th Inf., Co. B. Pratt, Silas, 6th Inf., Co. G. Pratt, Stephen, 13th Inf., Co. I. Prentiss, Alonzo, 3d Cav., Co. A. Prentiss, Charles H., 19th Inf., Co. B. Pulcipher, William, 4th Cav., Co. L. Pullen, William W., 3d Cav., Co. A. Pullman, George, 5th Cav., Co. I. Pullman, Harvey, 19th Inf., Co. B. Pullman, Pascall A., 19th Inf., Co. B. Pullman, Walter, 13th Inf., Co. C. Purdy, John W., 13th Inf., Co. I. Purdy, Erastus, 19th Inf., Co. B. Purdy, Richard, 16th Inf., Co. C. Reed, Friend, 1st Cav., Co. L. Reed, Martin V., 3d Cav., Co. A. Reed, Lyman, 3d Cav., Co. A. Reed, Miles, 3d Cav., Co. A. Reed, Samuel, 3d Cav., Co. M. Reed, Edward, 4th Cav., Co. L. Richie, Joseph, 4th Cav., Co. L. Ridgely, Jacob W., 30th Inf., Co. F. Reeves, James, 15th Inf., Co. F. Rinehart, Jacob, 5th Cav., Co. I. Rhodes, James B., 8th Cav., Co. B. Rhodes, William H., 8th Cav., Co. B. Robb, Caspar, 5th Cav., Co. I. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 611 Robbins, George, 30th Inf., Co. H. Roe, George W., 15th Inf., Co. H. Roe, James, 24th Inf., Co. I. Rogers, Edward, 24th Inf., Co. F. Randall, Sylvester D., 30th Inf., Co. H. Randall, Sylvanus H., 30th Inf., Co. H. Randall, William H., 8th Cav., Co. B. Raplee, Samuel, 9th Inf., Co. H. Rauf, Peter, 13th Inf., Co. I. Reed, Jefferson, 30th Inf., Co. A. Reed, Melvin, 13th Inf., Co. B. Reeves, Jas., 3d Inf., Co. I. Reynolds, George E., 13th Inf., Co. I. Roach, George R., 30th Inf., Co. B. Roosa, Milford, 30th Inf., Co. G. Rose, Vernon A., 19th Inf., Co. B. Rose, James, 11th Inf., Co. G. Rollins, John, 6th Inf., Co. G. Rose, Mason, F., 9th Inf., Co. H. Rosenburg, Orlando D., 6th Inf., Co. G. Ross, Irwin, 13th Inf., Co. B. Ross, William, 6th Inf., Co. G. Ross, William H., 13th Inf., Co. B. Ross, Leander, 6th Inf., Co. G. Ross, Ebenezer E., 13th Inf., Co. E. Rouse, Sidney, 6th Inf., Co. G. Rouse, Alonzo, 13th Inf., Co. I. Root, Amos C., 13th Inf., Co. A. Root, Leroy, 13th Inf., Co. B and 30th Inf., Co. D. Ross, Penter, 17th Inf., Co. I. Ross, Andrew J., 30th Inf., Co. D. Ross, Freeman, 3d Cav., Co. A. Ross, Raphael, 5th Cav., Co. I. Rossman, Wilson, 1st Light Art., Batt. H. Rowe, William G., 4th Cav., Co. L. Rowe, George M., 13th Inf., Co. G. Rowe, Stephen, 13th Inf., Co. I. Ruber, Charles, 3d Cav., Co. A. Ruland, Amos, 1st Cav., Co. B. Rull, William, 3d Cav., Co. A. Rumsey, William H., 13th Inf., Co. H. Runnels, Chillon, 13th Inf., Co. G. Rust, Gordon B., 8th Cav., Co. A. Russell, Albert N., 15th Inf., Co. A. Rutan, John, 1st Cav., Co. A. Russell, Everett, 24th Inf., Co. I. Russ, Nelson, 1st Cav., Co. L. Russell, Frank F., 30th Inf., Co. G. Russell, George W., 13th Inf., Co. B. Rutgers, John, 19th Inf., Co. B. Rutgers, Burtis, 13th Inf., Co. C. Ryan, Orlando, 30th Inf., Co. H.Rynick, Albert, 5th Cav., Co. I. Sage, John H., 3d Cav., Co. A. Saxton, Hiram, 9th Inf., Co. H. Seaman, David H., 5th Cav., Co. I. Scott, Sandford, 30th Inf., Co. L. Semyn, Peter, 4th Cav., Co. C. Seigner, Charles J., 8th Cav., Co. H. Sampson, Stephen, 19th Inf., Co. B. Sanford, Dewitt C., 5th Cav., Co. I. Safford, Edward F., 4th Cav., Co. L. Saunders, Henry H., 30th Inf., Co. A. Schaeffer, Valetin, 3d Inf., Co. C. Schlayer, Thomas, 1st Cav., Co. L. Schneider, Peter, 15th Inf., Co. F. Schoener, Andrew, 19th Inf., Co. B. Scheidt, John P., 3d Inf., Co. C. Schermerhorn, Jas. W., 9th Inf., Co. H. Schweikert, Jacob, 13th Inf., Co. A. Schermerhorn, Norton, 13th Inf., Co. I. Schneider, Thomas, 3d Inf., Co. C. Schofield, Edward K., 17th Inf., Co. D. Schrickengast, Samuel, 6th Inf., Co. G. Shuck, Eli, 9th Inf., Co. I. Schuler, Jos. A., 3d Inf., Co. C. Seringer, James, 13th Inf., Co. B. Seriven, John, 24th Inf., Co. I. Severence, Fred'k, 13th Inf., Co. G. Sebright, Ferdinand, 4th Cav., Co. L. Seeley, Isaac C., 4th Cav., Co. L. Sergeant, Peter, 28th Inf., Co. E. Simmers, Joseph, 8th Cav., Co. K. Silence, David, 1st Mich. (colored) Inf., Co. I. Simpson, John H., Off. 4th Cav., Co. F and Co. L. Shellman, Thomas J., 13th Inf., Co. E. Sharp, Joseph, 24th Inf., Co. I. Shoemaker, Solomon, 1st Light, Art., Batt. G. Shepherd, Stillman, 2d Cav., Co. I. Shepherd, William M., 30th Inf., Co. A. Shepard, George, 5th Cav., Co. I. Shippie, James, 30th Inf., Co. K. Shoemaker, William, 3d Cav., Co. M. Sherman, Harold, 8th Cav., Co. F. Shattuck, James, 13th Inf., Co. H. Shaver, Samuel, 5th Cav., Co. I. Shaughnessy, Michael, 30th Inf., Co. A. Shaw, Perry, 13th Inf., Co. I. Shaw, Leland H., 4th Cav., Co. L. Shea, John, 30th Inf., Co. A. Shuport, George, 5th Cav., Co. I. Sliter, Alfred W., 13th Inf., Co. E. Silliman, E. M. T., 30th Inf., Co. H. Simmons, William, 13th Inf., Co. I. Simons, Abertus, 13th Inf., Co. B. Simpkins, John, 3d Inf., Co. I. Simmons, David, 13th Inf., Co. I. Simpson, Enoch, 6th Inf., Co. G. Simpkins, John L., 3d Cav., Co. F. Sinclair, Joseph, 13th Inf., Co. B. Shriver, Hiram, 6th Inf., Co. G. Shepard, Samuel, 13th Inf., Co. A. Sherman, William H., 13th Inf., Co. B. Slagel, Joseph, 5th Cav., Co. I. Slade, Orrville, 17th Inf., Co. D. Slade, Daniel G., 3d Inf., Co. F. Slocums, Edward, 3d Cav., Co. A. Slotman, G. H., 13th Inf., Co. I. Slotman. John H., 13th Inf., Co. I. Sloan, William, 13th Inf., Co. D. 612 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Smith, Joel H., Off. 19th Inf., Co. A. Smith, David C., 1st Cav., Co. L. Smith, Charles F., 4th Cav., Co. L and 10th Inf., Co. E. Smith, Henry, 4th Cav., Co. L. Smith, James H., 8th Cav., Co. L. Smith, Elihu, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Smith, William H., 11th Inf., Co. G. Smith, M. V. B., 17th Inf., Co. I. Smith, Allen, 13th Inf., Co. I. Smith, Ward P., 13th Inf., Co. I. Smith, John B., 6th Inf., Co. G. Smith, James, 13th Inf., Co. I. Snell, Sylvanus, 15th Inf., Co. F. Snow, Nahum, 17th Inf., Co. I. Southwell, John, 19th Inf., Co. B. Southworth, Charles, 19th Inf., Co. B. Spaulding, Samuel P., 30th Inf., Co. H. Spaulding, Eli P., 14th Inf., Co. A. Sprague, Asahel, 9th Inf., Co. H. Sprague, Alexander, 13th Inf., Co. A. Sprague, Darius, 11th Inf., Co. G. Springer, Stephen, 17th Inf., Co. D. Springer, Solomon, 19th Inf., Co. B. Spoor, John W., Off. 30th Inf., Co. E. Sperry, Selden, 24th Inf., Co. A. Squier, Harvey H., 13th Inf., Co. I. Squires, Seely, 3d Cav., Co. A. Squires, Jonathan D., 4th Cav., Co. L. Stark, Henry, Off. 6th Inf., Co. G. Starkweather, George H., 6th Inf., Co. G. Sutton, Harvey, 30th Inf., Co. A. Sutter, Christian, 9th Inf., Co. I. Stannard, William L., 3d Cav., Co. A. Stanton, Solomon, 3(1 Cav., Co. A. Staunton, Solomon, 3d Cav., Co. E. Starring, Henry, 3d Cav., Co. A. Starring, Edmund, 3d Cav., Co. A. Staring, John, 13th lnf., Co. C. Starr, William, 13th Inf., Co. G. Starring, Simon, 17th Inf., Co. I. Starring, Peter, 19th Inf., Co. B. Starring, Henry, 30th Inf., Co. G. Strayer, Michael, 30th Inf., Co. B. Stratton, Charles, 30th Inf., Co. G. Staley, Joseph, 7th (av., Co. K. Stacey, Peter, 10th Cav., Co. L. Steffles, Anton, 3d Inf., Co. C. Stephens, John, 10th Cav., Co. I. Stearns, William G., 30th Inf., Co. A. Stearns, Abel, 13th Inf., Co. A. Stauber, Silas F., 4th Cav., Co. L. Stanton, James, 8th Cav., Co. H. Stephens, Benjamin, 19th Inf., Co. B. Stephens, S. B., 19th Inf., Co. B. Stewart, Jas., 6th Inf., Co. G. Sterling, J. M., 30th Inf., Co. A. Stewart, Joseph, 4th Cav., Co. L. Steverson, David, 11th Inf., Co. B. Stillson, Samuel E., 13th Inf., Co. B. Stillson, Alvin H., 17th Inf., Co. I. Stilson, Thomas J., 3d Cav., Co. A. Stowe, Edward, 13th Inf., Co. I. Stoughton, Henry C., Off. 13th Inf., Co. 1. St. Clair, Joseph, 1st Light Art., Batt. G. Stone, George R., Off. 3d Cav., Co. A and 4th Cav., Cos. A and L. Stone, Stephen D., 3d Cav., Co. A. Stone, John, 3d Cav., Co. A. Stone, Gilbert, 4th Cav., Co. L. Sullivan, Florence, 1st Cav., Co. E. Sullivan, Myron, 30th Inf., Co. B. Sullivan, James, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Swaney, Osborn, 6th Inf., Co. G. Sweet, Willard, 3d Inf., Co. I. Sweetland, Orvis, 6th Inf., Co. G. Sweezy, John, 13th Inf., Co. C. Symonds, Rodolphus, 6th Inf., Co. G. Symonds, James C., 6th Inf., Co. G. Symonds, Charles, 6th Inf., Co. G. Synes, Henry D., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Tanner, James H., 13th Inf., Co. C. Tanner, Nathan A., 2d Inf., Co. I. Taylor, David P., 5th Cav., Co. I. Taylor, Charles H., 10th Cav., Co. E. Teal, Byron, 6th Inf., Co. G., and 8th Cav., Co. F. Terry, Gardner A., 24th Inf., Co. I. Tenny, Charles W., Off. 3d Cav., Co. K. Thayer, William C., 1st Light Art., Batt. B. Thomas, John, 16th Inf., Co. C. Thomas, Samuel S., 8th Cav., Co. K. Thomas, Reuben, 8th Cav., Co. F. Thompson, Edgar A., 30th Inf., Co. D. Thompson, Marcus C., 5th Cav., Co. I. Thompson, George W., 5th Cav., Co. I. Thompson, William H., 8th Cav., Co. F. Thornton, William C., 1st Light Art., Batt. L. Thomas, Samuel S., Off. 28th Inf., Co. E. Thayer, Oremus, 13th Inf., Co. B. Thayer, Orletus C., 13th Inf., Co. B. T'idd, John F., 24th Inf., Co. I. Tiefenthal, Charles, 3d Cav., Co. A. Ticknor, William E., 30th Inf., Co. B. Torrey, William, 9th Inf., Co. K. Trask, Howell H., 13th Inf., Co. B. Trutch, Joseph A., 19th Inf., Co. B. Toby, Samuel D., 8th Cav., Co. - Tolburt, Albert, 1st Mich. (colored) Inf., Co. F. Tomilson, Henry, 17th Inf., Co. D. Tompkins, Charles E., 8th Cav., Co. F. Tubah, Charles F., 4th Cav., Co. L. Tudehope, William, 8th Cav., Co. K. Tuttle, Ira, 4th Cav., Co. L. Truax, John, 17th Inf., Co. D. True, Salem, 13th Inf., Co. C., and 4th Cav., Co. L. Tyler, Charles, 13th Inf., Co. C. Tyler, George, 13th Inf., Co. C. Tyler, Earl B., 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Tyler, Charles W., 15th Inf., Co. D. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 613 Underwood, Calvin, 13th Inf., Co. A. Underwood, John, 13th Inf., Co. A. Upson, William A., 13th Inf., Co. I. Valmy, Philip, 1st Light Art., Batt. C. Vahen, Charles L., 19th Inf., Co. B. Vosburg, Harmon, 3d Cav., Co. H. Van Lent, John W., 6th Inf., Co. G. Van Camp, Jesse, 30th Inf., Co. C. Van Camp, Jesse, Jr., 30th Inf., Co. C. Van Camp, L., 30th Inf., Co. C. Van Arsdale, Peter, 13th Inf., Co. A. Van Arsdale, George B., 13th Inf., Co. A. Vanderhoop, Burd, 13th Inf., Co. I. Van Tassell, Mathais, 30th Inf., Co. A. Van Vrain, Caleb, 13th Inf., Co. E. Van Valkenburg, Lambert, 14th Inf., Co. G. Van Patten, Aaron, 28th Inf., Co. E. Wait, Allen N., 28th Inf., Co. E. Walker, Elisha J. H., 8th Cav., Co. F. Walker, Absalom, 3d Cav., Co. M., and 1st Art., Batt. C. Ward, Hollis, 24th Inf., Co. E. Warren, Ebenezer, 30th Inf., Co. A. Warner, Henry, 5th Cav., Co. I. Wasker, Doctor M., 30th Inf., Co. B. Wasker, Daniel, 30th Inf., Co. B. Walch, Patrick, 30th Inf., Co. H. Wallin, Alfred C., Off. 6th Inf., Co. G. Wallace, William H., 30th Inf., Co. C. Walch, Chester D., 30th Inf., Co. E. Walter, Jeremiah, 28th Inf., Co. E. Wallen, Charles C., 8th Cav., Co. B. Wallen, Edwin C., 8th Cav., Co. B. Wasson, James, 8th Cav., Co. F. Waterman, Jeptha, 13th Inf., Co. G. Waterman, Randall C., 13th Inf., Co. G. Watson, William, 19th Inf., Co. B. Watson, Homer, 5th Cav., Co. I. Ward, John W., 13th Inf., Co. I. Ward, Benjamin, 17th Inf., Co. D. Wagner, Peter, 3d Inf., Co. C. Ward, Emmett, 3d Cav., Co. A. Warne, Daniel, 13th Inf., Co. I. Warner, Enos, 13th Inf., Co. I. Warner, George F., 13th Inf., Co. B. Warren, Edward, 3d Cav., Co. A. Webster, Edward T., 3d Inf., Co. E. Weaver, John M., 8th Cav., Co. F. Weed, Theodore, 6th Inf., Co. G. Wedge, Sylvester, 4th Cav., Co. L. Weigand, John, 9th Inf., Co. K. Weeks, William C., 5th Cav., Co. I. Welch, Thomas, 8th Inf., Co. D. Wellman, Nathaniel, 8th Cav., Co. F. West, William, 4th Cav., Co. L. West, George P., 2d Inf., Co. I. Westfall, Oliver, 30th Inf., Co. A. Wetmore, Albert G., Off. 13th Inf., Co. C. Whittle, George, 10th Cav., Co. L. Whitney, Ethan, 10th Inf., Co. I. Wheeler, Cyrus B., 19th Inf., Co. B. Wheelock, Edward C., 3d Inf., Co. F. Whitlock, Orville J., 8th Cav., Co. I. Whitney, George, 8th Cav., Co. E. Whitney, Edwin E., 6th Cav., Co. B. White, William, 5th Cav., Co. I., and 24th Inf., Co. A. White, David, 3d Cav., Co. A. Whipple, Frank, 6th Inf., Co. G. White, Darwin E., 1st Cav., Co. G. White, Martin, 17th Inf., Co. D. Whitlock, Orville, 13th inf., Co. H. White, Charles H., 14th Inf., Co. F. White, William, 13th Inf., Co. B. White, William H., Off. 6th Inf., Co. G. Williams, Milton B., 13th Inf., Co. A. Wilson, Henry, 13th Inf., Co. I. Wilson, Harvey, 3d Inf., Co. E. Wilson, Charles, 8th Inf., Co. D. Wilson, Eldridge, 13th Inf., Co. I. Wilson, Levi, 13th Inf., Co. I. Willis, Daniel, 4th Cav., Co. L. Wilson, John, 4th Cav., Co. L., and 8th Cav., Co. F. Wilcox, Warren W., 13th Inf., Co. C. Wilcox, Henry W., 19th Inf., Co. B. Wilson, Harvey, 3d Inf., Co. E. Wilson, Charles T., 13th Inf., Co. B. Wilson, Nathan, 13th Inf., Co. C. Wilson, Norman, 19th Inf., Co. B. Wilson, Isaac, Off. 3d Cav., Co. A. and Co. K. Wiltse, Henry A., 6th Inf., Co. G. Wilson, Albert, 3d Cav., Co. A. Wilcox, Alonzo, 3d Cav., Co. A. Wilcox, Elijah, 4th Cav., Co. L. Williams, Charles, 30th Inf., Co. H. Williams, Francis P., 30th Inf., Co. K. Williams, Robert, 30th Inf., Co. K. Williams, Wilts H., 4th Cav., Co. L. Wing, Aaron, 30th Inf., Co. H. Winger, Samuel, 13th Inf., Co. C. Winn, Seth H., 3d Cav., Co. A. Winn, Ralph, 3d Cav., Co. A. Winters, Hiram, 8th Cav., Co. E. Wise, George W., 13th Inf., Co. I. Wiseman, Frederic, 3d Cav., Co. A. Witherell, William, 30th Inf., Co. D. Willerton, John J., 8th Cav., Co. F. Will, John, 7th Cav., Co. M. Williams, William R., Off. 5th Cav., Co. I. Williams, Richard, 8th Cav., Co. H. Willis, Lafayette, 44th Ill., Inf., Co. H. Wood, Rollin, 24th Inf., Co. A. Wood, Charles W., 30th Inf., Co. A. Wood, James, 13th Inf., Co. E. Wood, Walter, 13th Inf., Co. A. Wood, Walter, 6th Inf., Co. G. Woodmansee, Miles, 9th Inf., Co. B. Woodbeck, David, 13th Inf., Co. B. Woodstock, Ira, 28th Inf., Co. E. Woodham, Frederick, 4th Cav., Co. L. Woolman, Samuel F., 3d Inf., Co. E. i14 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Wright, Miles, 1st Cav., Co. C. Youlden, James, 6th Inf., Co. G. Wyner, Peter, 6th Inf., Co. G. Young, John J., 19th Inf., Co. B. Wynne, Brown, 6th Inf., Co. G. Young, Joshua C., 3d Cav., Co. A. Wynne, John, 13th Inf., Co. C. Yeamans, James B., 30th Inf., Co. I. Xocum, Itha, 13th Inf., Co. I. Yemens, Fernando, 8th Cav., Co. B. Yerton, Joel, 13th Inf., Co. C. Zauts, Merrick, 30th Inf., Co. A. Yale, William E., 30th Inf., Co. A. Zoneman, Henry, 5th Cav., Co. I. SOLDIERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. Thirty-first Michigan Infantry. Frank Brown, Monterey-Company A. Thirty-secolnd Michigan Infantry. Martin L. Beery, Allegan-Company B. Jacob Beery, Allegan-Company B. Frank Brown, Burnips Corners-Company B. James E. Cramer, Plainwell-Company C. Frank Lee Thomas, Dorr-Company B. Thirty-third Michigan Infan;try. Herman Tiefenthal, Hopkins-Company A. Ray C. Tooker, Hopkins-Company L. Ferdinand G. Sebright, Burnips Corners-Company L, Thirty-foutrth Miichigan Infantry. Frederick S. Padgham, Allegan-First Lt., Company K. Cady Lee White, Allegan-Second Lt., Company K. August Brinkert, Allegan-Company K. Burdette L. Brown, Allegan-Company K. Walter Brown, Allegan-Company K. Lester Burton, Hilliards-Company K. Edwin M. Crannell, Plainwell-Company K. Charles L. Fitch, Allegan-Company K. George M. Forbes, Plainwell-Company K. Clifford Fox, Allegan-Company K. Everett L. Gibson, Allegan-Company K. Frank B. Granger, Allegan-Company K. James B. Harlan, Otsego-Company K. Lloyd H. Hoffmaster, Allegan-Company K. Frank Jeffrey, Otsego-Company K. Elmer A. Kent, Allegan-Company K. George Kent, Allegan-Company K. Charles M. Lee, Allegan-Company K. Wm. H. McLellan, Allegan-Company K. John A. Marshall, Plainwell-Company K. Kerby Montague, Allegan-Company K. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 615 Wm. H. Morey, Mill Grove-Company K. Ernest Musser, Hopkins-Company K. Ray L. Noggle, Allegan-Corporal, Company K. Ray Pardee, Allegan-Company K. Theron L. Pratt, Otsego-Company K. Thirty-fifth Michigla Infantry. Dewey Horner, Silver Creek-Company G. Louis Ellinger, Hopkins-Company B. SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. The soldiers' monument on the court house square at Allegan is a tribute paid to the soldiers of the Civil war by the patriotic women of the community. November 17, I889, "The Woman's Soldiers' Monument Association" was organized in Grand Army hall at Allegan. The first officers were: Mrs. Ella Dunnings, president; Jennie Harris, vice president; Nella S. Williams, secretary Kate Fenn, treasurer; Helen F. Thomas, assistant secretary. Mrs. Dunning resigned the chief office, and Miss Harris was promoted to that position, while her successor was Mrs. Josephine Burton. The following names were appended to the constitution and by-laws. Mrs. Ella Dunning, Nella S. Williams, Helen Thomas, Kate Fenn, M. H. Wing, P. Mi. Hart, S. J. Ryan, Carrie Bailey, Otta Stone, Lottie Sutphin, M. J. Sutphin, Weltha Reed, Rose \I. Weeks, Frances M. Murphy. Josephine Burton, Belle MI. Harvey, Marcia Walters, Mrs. Harris, Jennie Harris, Amy Early, Ida Anwav, Dora Chaffee, Disa Sithes, Ettie Colburn, Sophia Thew, Harriet Mead, A. Hillabrant, 0. Sithes, Flora Ellinger, Josephine Price, Jennie Seery, Mrs. Main, Frances Born. Mrs. Hudson, Mrs. Gage, Maleska Grice, Nellie Hay, E. B. Born, E. Russell, Mary Fish, Anna Church, Helen Tubah, Helen Peck, Phoebe Church, Mary Sherwood, Mrs. Hall, ~W. Oliver, Lillie Clark, Jennie Calkins, Abbie Calkins. The purpose of the organization was to erect a suitable soldiers' monument, and with this as a goal the association planned various means to raise the money needed for that end. Entertainments, suppers, lecture courses and other ways were at first followed. The fund increasing very slowly, the members began soliciting cash subscriptions for the purpose. Their efforts were continued over a period of fourteen years before enough money was in sight to justify actual contracting for the monument. With about fifteen hundred dollars in the fund, the corner stone was laid oni Memorial day of I903 and the stone shaft soon after erected. To erect upon this a suitable figure or statue would cost an additional $6oo, and the association petitioned the board of supervisors for an appropriation to complete the monument. The board acceded to their request, and on Memorial day of I904 the persistent efforts of the association were rewarded by the dedication of the completed monument. Judge Padgham, who presided and delivered the principal address, presented the monument, in behalf of the Woman's Association, to C. J. Bassett Post No. 56, G. A. R., and Dr. H. F. Thomas spoke for the Post in receiving the gift. CHAPTER XX. OFFICIAL LISTS. Besides the regular county representation in the legislature and the local offices, Allegan county has furnished a number of men to fill the higher state offices and as representatives in Congress. RleliaiiiijieRipreiL; sentati in Congr ss..: Representatives in Congress. 1873-1874 William B. Williams.* 1875-I876 William B. Williams. 1893-I894 Henry F. Thomas. I895-I896 Henry F. Thomas. Secretary of State. I86I-I866 James B. Porter. State Treasurer. 1879-1882 Benjamin D. Pritchard. University Regent. 1852-1857 Elisha Ely. Col1mmissioner of Lauzd Office. 1867-1870 Benjamin D. Pritchard. Railroad Conmmiission cr. 1877-1883 William B. Williams. State Senators from Allegacn Coun1ty. [Note.-These and other officials elected in the county were, unless otherwise indicated, chosen at the November election of the even-numbered years, and their term of office commenced on January ist of the odd-numbered year following. The date given with each name indicates the year on which his term began.] 1845 Flavius J. Littlejohn. I869 William B. Williams. I857 Gilbert Moyers. 187i Francis B. Stockbridge. I86I Henry C. Briggs. I873 Mark D. Wilbur. I865 Wilson C. Edsell. 1875 Henry F. Thomas. I867 William B. Williams. 1877 Wilson C. Edsell. *Elected Nov., 1873, vice W. B. Foster, deceased. 616 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY (1 (; I 7 1879 Nathaniel W. Lewis. i88i Wilson C. Edsell. 1883 Charles J. Monroe.' 1885 Charles J. Monroe. i 887 Charles J. Monroe. 1889 James WV. McCormick. 1891 Jan W. Garvelink. 1893 Jan W. Garvelink. 1-South Haven, Van Buren. 2-Hartf ord, Van Buren. 3-Paw-Paw, Van Buren..i 895 i1897 1899 1901 1903 1905 1907 G. W Meriman2 G. XV. Merriman. Jame XV. Herrhrey. J ames W. Humphrey. Jamso Woodumanrey Jason Woodman.3 Erastus:Bates. Represenlta~tives lin the Lcegislat[iire. 1837 1 838 1 839 1 842 1 843 i1845 1 847 1848 1849 1850 1853 i855 1857 1859 i 86i 1863 1863 1865 1865 1867 1867 1869 1869 T871 1871 1 873 1 873 1873 i875 TS87 5 Elisha Elv. John R. Kellogg. David B. Stout. Flavius J. Littlejohn. Flavins J. Littlejohn. Peter J. Cook. Lintsforl B. Coats. Flavins J. Littlejohn. Horace H. Comstock. Friend Ives. Oka Town.* John Mnrphy. Flavius J. L~ittlejohn. Chauncev B. Goodrich. James MA. Baldwin. Franklin B3. W~allin. Philetus 0. Littlejohn.t Daniel D. 'McMartin. William Packard. William E. White. W~illiam Packard. Thomas Shepherd. Francis B-. Stockbridge. Milo. E. Giff ord. Richard Ferris. Charles WX. Watkins. Henry F. Thomas. Charles WV. Watkins.~ J-an WV. Garvelink (3d dist.). James Eggleston. William F. Hardin. 1877 1879 1879 1879 i88i 1881 1 883 T883 1885 i 885 1887 1887 1889 1 889 1891i i893 1 893 1895 1 895 1 897 i897 1899 1899: 1901 1901 1903 1903 1905 1 905 1907 Crosby Eaton. James XWinchell. Crosby Eaton. Henry E. Blackman. Crosby Eaton. Francis Goodmian. Jan W. Garvelink. Francis Goodman. J. W. McCormick. Erastns N. Bates. Erastus N. Bates. J. WV. McCormick. Gaylord M. Baldwin. S. S. Stont. Royal C. Eaton. John Kolvoord. Roval Eaton. John F. Henry. L. F. Otis. Jolin F. Henry. L. F. Otis. H. F. Bnskirk. B. A. Nevins. H. F. Bnskirk. B. A. Nevins. Theodosins Wade. Alonzo WV. Fisher. Theodosins Wade. Alonzo WV. Fisher. David Stockdale. Perle Fonch. David Stockdale. i875 David XV. W~iley (3d dist.). 1907 *U~ntil 1.850 representatives were chosen each year, and since thei t~egi-nni-ng with election of 1862 two representatives were ch( county, and the two names given indicate the representatives f rom Ofld districts respectively. ~William F. Hardin. elected March, 18 74. vic-e Watkins, resigned. nevery two years. iosen fronm Allegan ithe First and See 618 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT. The list of circuit judges will be found in the chapter on courts, which see. Probate Judges.* 1835 Oka Town.t 1869 Dan J. Arnold. I837 Ebenezer Parkhurst. I873 James B. Humphrey. 1841 George Y. Warner. 1877 James B. Humphrey. I845 Elisha Ely. i88i John H. Padgham. I849 Dewitt C. Chapin. I885 David Stockdale. I853 Elisha Ely. I889 David Stockdale. I854 E. B. Bassett.~g 893 David Stockdale. I857 William B. Williams. 1897 Frank H. Williams. I86I William B1. Williams. I901 Frank H. Williams. I865 Dan J. Arnold. 1905 Frank H. Williams. *Elected for a term of four years. tAppointed Aug. 25, 1835, by territorial governor. ~Elected.to fill vacancy caused by death of Mr. Ely. CountyA Clerks. [Until 1839 county clerks held office one year, since then their term has been two years.] 1835 Alexander L. Ely.* 1871 Amerin E. Calkins. 1837 Alexander L. Ely. 1873 Hiram B. Hudson. 1838 Elijah G. Bingham. I875 Hiram B. Hudson. 1839 Elijah G. Bingham. 1877 Nahum Gilbert. 184I Henry H. Booth. 1879 Nahum Gilbert. 1843 Alexander L. Ely. i88I Nahum Gilbert. 1845 John Weare. 1883 Nahum Gilbert. 1847 Nathan Manson, Jr.t I885 Nahum Gilbert. 1847 E. B. Bassett. I887 Charles L. Barrett. 1849 E. B. Bassett. 1889 Charles L. Barrett. 1851 E. B. Bassett. 1891 Charles L. Barrett. 1853 James B. Porter. I893 Charles L. Barrett. 1855 James B. Porter. I895 Charles L. Barrett. 1857 Henry C. Briggs. 1897 Charles L. Barrett. 1859 Henry C. Briggs. 1899 C. A. Barnes. 1861 John W. Stone. I901 C. A. Barnes. 1863 John W. Stone. 1903 C. A. Barnes. 1865 Ami Whitney.~ 1905 Herman Brower. 1867 Hannibal Hart. 1907 Herman Brower. I869 Hannibal Hart. *Appointed Aug. 25, 1835, by territorial governor; elected in fall of 1836. tDied, and E. B. Bassett appointed to vacancy. ~Johnson Parsons appointed, 1866, vice Whitney, resigned. 1835 Alexander L. Ely.* I836 Joseph Fisk.t *Appointed Aug. 25, 1835. Registers of Deeds. I837 Alexander L. Ely. I839 Elijah G. Bingham. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY61 619 1 841 Ebenezer Parkhurst. 1 843 Ebenezer Parkhurst. 1 845 Elisha Ely. i1847 Elisha Ely. 1849 Elisha Ely. i851 Elisha Ely. 1853 James B. Porter. 1855 fames B. Porter. 1857 James B1. Porter. i1859 James B. Porter. i86i Jacob B. Bailey. 1 863 Ralph Pratt. 1 865 Ralph Pratt. 1 867 Ralph Pratt. i 869 William C. Weeks. T87I William C. Weeks. 1873 Perry J. Davis. tElected April, 1836. C( 1835 Milo Winslow.-'1837 Milo Winslow. 1 839 Alvah Fuller. 1841 Alvah Fuller. 1 843 Lintsford B. Coatv.1 845 Osmond Smith. 1 847 Osmiond Smith. 1 849 Osmoud Smith. T851 Osm-oud Smith. 1 853 Stephen A. Morrison. T855 David I). Davis. T857 Duncan A. McMartin. 1 859 Duncan A. McMartin. i86i Duncan A. McMartin. 1 863 Duncan A. McMartin. i 865 Duncan A. McMartin. 1 867 Ira Chichester. 1869 Ira Chichester. T871 Ira Chichester. *Appointed Aug. 2-5, 1835. 1 835 John L. Shearer.* 1837 john Murphy. 1839 John Murphy. 1 841 Joseph Fisk. 1843 W~illianl Still. 1845 William Still. 1 847 Benjamin Pratt. 1 849 Benjamin Pratt. *Appointed Aug. 295, 1835. 1875 1877 1879 188 I 1 883 1885 1 887 1889 1891 1893 1895 i1897 1899 1901 1903 19051 T907 Perry J. Davis. William V. Hoyt. William V. Hoyt. George E. Dunn. George E. Dunn. George E. Dunn. Nahum Gilbert. Nahum Gilbert. Jam-es Eggleston. James Eggleston. Lvman A. Lilly. Lymian A. Lilly. Hendrick J. Klomparens. Hendrick J. Klomparens. \Vm. H. Dunn. nim. H. Dunn. Solomion S. Fox. ouflty, Troasurcrs. 1 873 1 87.5 1877 1879 i188T 1 883 1885 1887 1889 1 891I 18 9 3 1895 1897 1899 1903 1907 Ira Chichester. Ira Chichester. Duncan A. 'McMartin. Martin Cook. John H. Eppink. John H1. Eppink. HuTtn Lankhuit. Hull Lankhuit. Edward Hawley. Edward Hawlev. nim. H-. Goodman. Win. H. Goodman. Eugene D. Nash. Eugene D. Nash. Frank Andrews. Frank Andrews. Joseph C. Hall. Joseph C. Hall. Shecriffs. 1851 1853 1855 1857 1859 i86i 1 863 1 865 NN elson Chambers. Benjamiin Pratt. Benjamin Pratt. Willard Higgins. Jacob Grover. Andrew P. Grover. Andrew P. Grover. William B. Hooker. f6'2 0 620 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1i867 1T869 T871 1873 1875 1877 1879 i88 i i 883 i885 T887 Alexander Henderson. Alexander Henderson. William L. Ripley. William Hay. William Hay. Thomas J. Parker. William Hay. William Hay. Walter Rice. Walter Rice. Win. T. Finch. 1889 1891 1893 i 895 1897 1899 1901 1903 1905 1907 John Strabbing. John Strabbing. Joseph Stratton. Joseph Stratton.,John Whitbeck. John Whitbeck. Edward Bensley. Edward Bensley. Allen L. Whitbeck. Allen L. Whitbeck. Prosecuting- Attorneys.* 1837 George Y. Warner. 1 838 Flavius J. Littlejohn. 1839 Mitchell Hinsdell. 1841 Flavinis J. Littlejohn. 1842 Flavins J. Littlejohn. 1T843 Flavins J. Littlejohn. T845 R. B. Goble. i85i Dewitt D. Chapin. 183Henry C. Stoughton. T855 John Murphy. i857 George Y. Warner. 1859 Henry C. Stonghton. i86i Gilbert Movers. 1 863 Silas Stafford. i 865 John WV. Stone. 1867 John W. Stone. 1869 John W. Stone. 1871 Albert H. Finn. *Until 1840 prosecuting attorneys were 1840 to 1850 they were appointed by the gi 1873 Albert H. Finn. 1875 Philip Padgham. 1877 Philip Padgham. i879 Hiram B. Hudson. i88i Frank S. Donaldson. 1883 Ogden Tomilson. i885 Charles Wilkes..1887 Charles R. Wilkes. 1889 John H. Padgham. 1891 Hannibal Hart. 1893 Fidnis E. Fish. 1895 Fidns E. Fish. 1897 Fidus E. Fish. 1899 Charles Thew. 1901 Charles Thew. 1903 Orien S. Cross. 1905 Orien S. Cross. 1907 Clare E. Hoffman. appointed by the court f or each term. From Circuit Court Commission ers. 1853 1857 1 859 i86i 1863 i865 1 867 1 869 1871 I1873 i873 1875 1875 1877 Henry C. Stoughton. Flavius J. Littlejohn. George Y. Warner. Josiah L. Hawes. Joseph Thew. Dan J. Arnold. Joseph Thew. Joseph Thew. Patrocitis A. LattaJoseph Thew. Philip Padgham. Joseph Thew. Joseph Thew. Warner A. Woodworth. Joseph Thew. 1877 1 879 1879 188i 1881 1883 1883 T885 1885 1 887 1887 1889 1 889 1891I i 891 Frank S. Donaldson. Joseph Thew. Edward J. Anderson. Joseph Thew. J. Anderson. E. J. Anderson. Joseph Thew. E. J. Anderson. Joseph Thew. Joseph Thew. E. J. Anderson. Joseph Thew. E. J. Anderson. Joseph Thew. E. J. Anderson. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY62 621 ' 1893 1893 189)5 1895 T897 1 897 1 899 1899 Joseph Thew. A. S. Butler. Joseph Thew. A. S. Butler. Joseph Thew. I. C. Montague. I. C. Montague. C. E. Hoffmian. 1 837 1839 1 840 1841 -1843 1844 5 [r847 T849 i 851 1853 185 5 T857 T859 1 86i 1863 1865 1867 1 869) 187T William Forbes. William Forbes. John P. Allard. John P. Allard. Edward B. Wilber. Aaron Chichester. Herschel B). Seymour. Charles E. Watson. Charles E. Watson. James C. Haile. James C. Haile. Elisha Mlix. Ira Chichester. Ira Chichester. Ira Chichester. I ra, Chichester. Ira Chichester. Joseph W. Hicks. Joseph W. Hicks. 1901 1901 1903 1903 11j05 1905 1907 1907 SutrveYo rs. 1873 -1875 1877 1879 T88i 1883 1885 1887 -1889 1891i 1893 i897 -1899 1901 1903 1I905 1907 P~erle L. Fouch. L. C. Anderson. Grant N'. Gilbert. Perle L. Fouch. Grant N. Gilbert. Perle L. Fouch. John B'. Stockdale. E.W. Stone. Joseph WV. Hicks. Joseph WV. Hicks. Joseph WV. Hicks. Albro Gardner. Albert Eaton. Albert Eaton. Donald A. M-VcLeod. Albert Eaton. Donald MANcLeod. Theodore 0. Williams. Theodore 0. Williams. Robert D. Gardner. Robert D. Gardner. Hugh MacDougal. Hugh M'iacDougal. Hugh MacDougal. Hugh MlacD otgal. Hugh MXacDougal. Hugh M-,acD ougaI. D9rain, C07 1n 1ISSioller. 1905 Elmer E. Gable. 1837 IDaniel A. Plummer. T858 Roswell Cranie. 18-39 Ralph R. Mann. 1839 Hull Sherwood. 1840 Ebenezer Parkhuirst. 1 840 George Y. Warner. 184.1 George Y. Warner. 1841 Levi Loomis. 1842 Eber Sherwvood. 1843 Hull Sherwood. 1843 Ralph R. Mann. 1845 Reuiben M. Bigelow. 185John HT. Billings. T847 James C. Haile. 1847 Georg~e Y. Warner. 1849 Almerin S. Cotton. *Ujntil 1843, coroners held office coronl er7s. --- 1 849 1853 1855 1855 1-8573 18 57 1859 1 859 i86i 1 863 1 863 1 86,5 George Y. Warner. John H. Blillinigs. Almerin S. Cotton. Alexander Henderson. Jonathan 0. Round. Alexander Henderson. Elias M~. Dibble. Alexander Gilles. Georg~e F. Dunn. Donald C. Henderson. George E. Dunn. Ralph R. Mann. Adrian C. Zwerner. Thomas Lamoreaux. Jan W. Garvelink. Charles W. Hawley. one year, thereaf ter two years. 622 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1865 1867 1867 1869 i869 1871 1871 I873 1873 I875 1875 1877 1877 I879 1879 i88i 1883 1883 i885 1887 1887 James W. McCormick. Allen Haggart. Randolph Densmore. George N. Wade. George B. Nichols. George B. Nichols. Asa C. Goodrich. John P. Leland. George H. Anderson. Remelt Koning. William A. Smith. Edward B. Wright. Benjamin Thompson. Henry H. Stimson. Edward B. Wright. Stephen S. Stout. F. M. Calkins. Joseph Thew. E. E. Bronson. E. H. Ryno. E. E. Bronson. 1889 1889 I89I I89I I893 1893 1895 I895 1897 1897 1899 1899 1901 190I 1903 1903 1905 1907 19o7 George Baker. Wm. B. Clark. L. E. Clark. F. A. Iddles. Wm. E. Rowe. L. E. Clark. G. W. Forrest. L. E. Clark. Wim. E. Rowe. L. E. Clark. Wm. E. Rowe. L. E. Clark. Bert Benker. Samuel Lovall. Samuel B. Lovall. George H. Rigterink. Samuel B. Lovall. George Rigterink. S. B. Lovall. Wm. Shepherd. lMeVmbers of Constitttionial Conventionls. Richard Weare was a member of the constitutional convention of assent at Ann Arbor, September, 1836. He was a resident of Trowbridge, and represented Allegan and Barry counties. At the second convention of assent, at Ann Arbor in December, 1836, Silas F. Littlejohn and Orsemus Eaton represented Allegan county. In June, I85o, Oka Town was sent from Allegan county to assist in framing the present state constitution. ArLLEGAN TOWNSHIP. Supervisor I837-F. J. Littlejohn I838-S. F. Littlejohn 1839-Joseph Fisk I84o-Hyman Hoxie I84I-William Finn 1842-Alex. L. Ely I843-Elisha Ely I844-James Andrew I845-William Finn I846-Noah Briggs I847-William Finn I848-David D. Davis I849-David D Davis 'I85 —David D Davis I85I-Leonard Bailey 1852-Elisha Ely Clerk Alvah Fuller Alvah Fuller Alvah Fuller Alvah Fuller Alvah Fuller Leonard Bailey Benjamin Pratt Alex. L. Ely E. B. Bassett E. B. Bassett C. S. Field Ralph B. Goble Amos W. Stone Amos W. Stone Levi B. Smith Horatio S Lay Treasurer William Finn Orainel Fisk David D. Davis James Andrews Alex. L. Ely Leonard Bailey David D. Davis Daniel Emerson Justus W. Bond Justus W. Bond William Finn Daniel D. Davis Daniel D. Davis Daniel D. Davis HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY62 623 1853-F P. Bassett 1854-E. P Bassett 1855-E. B. Bassett i8-56-E. B. Bassett -1857-Benjamin Pratt i858-E. I1 Bassett 1859 F. tl Bassett i86o-E. B. Bassett i86i-P. 0. Littlejohn 1862 —P. 0. Littlejohn i863-Alanson Case i864-Alanson Case i865-Alanson Case i86)6-Alanson Case 1867-Joseph Fisk i868-Alanson Case i869-Alanson Case 1870-P. 0. Littlejohn 1871i-P. 0. Littlejohn 1872-IP. 0. Littlejohn 1873-P. C). Littlejohn 1874-P. 0. Littlejohn 1875-Leonard Bailey 1876-Leo~nard B ailey 1877-Leonard Bailey 1878-Leonard Bailey 1879-Leonard Bailey, James B3. Streeter Levi B. Smith Henry C. Smith C. 0.' Bnsh John Kirby John Kirby A. S. Bntler W. B3. Jenn A. S. Bntler Henry C. Smith George L. Askins H. S. Higginbotham J. F. Alley J. F. Alley J. W. Stone A. F. Howe F. B). Grover A. E. Calkins I. F. Clapp S. D. Pond S. D. Pond S. D. Pond A. E. Calkins S. P. Stanlev S. P. Stanley S. P. Stanley W. NV. Voshnrg ALLEGAN, ToWxNSHIP. Clerk NV. WV. Voshnrg NV. W. Voshnrg H. L. Peck W. W. Voshurg Asa Moxley W. W. Voshnrg XV. W. Voshnrg W. NV. Vosbnrg W. W. Vosburg W. W. Voshurg D. J. Renihan D. J. Renihan D. J. Renihan F. A. Fenn E. A. Fenn F. A. Fenn E. A. Penn E. A. Penn E. A. Penn HT. L. Green W~illiam Finn W~illiam Finn John J. Jones John J. Jones J. XV. Nichols John J. Jones John J. Jones Martin Cook Martin Cook Martin Cook Martin Cook A. S. Bntler A. S. Bntler A. S. Bnutler H. C. Smith Silas E. Stone Silas F. Stone George D. Smith George D. Smith A. S. Bntler D. A. McMartin Martin Cook Martin Cook Martin Cook Martin Cook W. J. Pollard W. J. Pollard Siperv isor i88o-Leonard Bailey i88i-Leonard Bailey\ 1882-Leonard Bailey 18&3-Leonard Bailey 1884-Leonard Bailey i885-C. Henshaxv i886-A. F. Calkins 1887-A. F. Calkins i888-A. F. Calkins 1889-A. E. Calkins 189o-A. E. Calkins 1891-A. F. Calkins 1892-A. E. Calkins 1893-George R. Stone 1894-Joseph F. Yonng 1895~-George W. Cady 1896-George W. Cady 1r897-George Oliver, Jr. 1898-George Oliver, Jr. 1899-John E. Davis Trea~su~rer A. F. Howe A. F. Howe George Oliver George Oliver JJ.Bailey J. J. Bailey C. Ballard C. Ballard Thomas Cook A. A. Larkin S. P. Hudson R. D. Thompson George R. Smith George R. Smith Levi C. Smith Snel. P. Hudson Charles Bond Volney Ferris Volney Ferris Volney Ferris 624 624 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY I9oo-John E. Davis 1901-John E. Davis 1902-John E. Davis 1903-John E. Davis 1904-Roscoe N. Ellis I905-Roscoe N. Ellis i906-John S. Wilson H. H. H. H. H. H. H. L. L. L. L. L. L. L. Green Green Green Green Green Green Green C. E. Ingram C. E. Ingram R-oscoe N. Ellis Roiscoe N. Ellis C. H. Allen C. H. Allen Fred T. Wilson CASco ToWNsHIP. Superviso~r i855-Timothy McDowvell i856-Richard B-arden 1857-William P. Davis i858-William P. Davis i859-William P. Davis i86o-Crosby Eaton i86i-William P. Davis 1862-John Willett i863-John Willett 1864-A. J. Munger i865-Crosbv Eaton i866-Crosby Eaton T867-Crosby Eaton i868-Crosby Eaton T869-Crosby Eaton 1870-Crosby Eaton 187i-Crosby Eaton 1872-Crosby Eaton 1 873-Crosby Eaton 1874-Crosby- Eaton 1875-Crosby Eaton T 876-Crosby Eaton 1877-H-. Overhiser 1878-H-. Overhiser T879-M.L Bngden i88o-Marshall Btigden i88T-Marshall Bnugden T882-Marshall Bugden 1883-Marshall Bugden T884-Charles Johnson 1885s-Marshall Bntgden T886-George W. Griffin 1887-Charles To~hnson T888-Charles Johnson 1889-Charles Tohnson 189o-L-anren F. Otis i8giT-Lauren F. Otis 1892-Lynds A. Spencer 1893- Tames E. Bailey T894-Lynds A. Spencer Clerk Lions Blathrick L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer Retiben Hodson Reniben Hodsor L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer W. W. Brainar, J. E. Bailey J.E. Bailey L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer, L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer L. A. Spencer T. C. Johnston L. A. Spencer E. Gnyv Lymnan E. Gny Lyman F. Gny Lyman E. Guy Lyman Treasurer H. Overhiser -H. Overhiser H-. Overhiser H. Overhiser H. Overhiser H. OverhiserH. Overhiser H. W. Bishop H-. W. Bishop D. E. Histed D. E. Histed George W. Griffin d George W. Griffin David F. Histed David E. Histed Henry Bishop Dept. C Heniry Bishop Thomas Iddles Thomas ITddles Charles S. Mills Charles S. Mills George M. Clark George M. Clark Charles E. Prentice Charles'E. Prentice John 'K. Plummer HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 6B5 1895-Lynds A. Spencer I896-Lynds A. Spencer 1897-Clarence E. Fowler I898-Clarence E. Fowler 1899-Clarence E. Fowler I90o-Wesley G. Fry I90o-Wesley G. Fry 1902-Wesley G. Fry 1903-Wesley G. Fry 1904-Wesley G. Fry 1905-Wesley G. Fry I906-Wesley G. Fry E. Guy Lyman E. Guy Lyman William H. Stickel William H. Stickel William H. Stickel William H. Stickel Theron Johnston Theron Johnston Theron Johnston Theron Johnston Theron Johnston Theron Johnston Charfes E. Prentice Clarence E. Fowler E. Guy Lyman E. Guy Lyman William H. Burger William H. Burger Ralph E. Histed John R. Ballinger John R. Ballinger Wilbur A. Keeny Wilbur A. Keeny Charles Overhiser CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP. Supervisor Clerk I852-James G. Lindsley 1853-James G. Lindsley Gustavus Heywood I854-James G. Lindsley Gustavus Heywood 1855-James G. Lindsley Richard Ferris I856-Harvey IMunger W. L. Torry I857-James G. Lindsley Warren Dowd I858-P. H. Oliver Warren Dowd 1859-Samuel Strong C. W. Lindsley I86o-C. W. Lindsley James G. Lindsley I 86I-C. W. Lindsley George Drury I862-C. W. Lindsley George Drurv 1863-C. W. Lindsley Orrin J. Buck 1864-C. W. Lindsley Orrin J. Buck 1865-John Branson William L. O'Brien i866-John Branson William L. O'Brien I867-John Branson William L. O'Brien I868-William L. O'Brien Hiram Flanagan 1869-William L. O'Brien Hiram Flanagan I870-William L. O'Brien Hiram Flanagan 1871-Stephen S. Stout William L. O'Brien 1872-Stephen S. Stout WTilliam L. O'Brien 1873-Stephen S. Stout William L. O'Brien I874-Stephen S. Stout William L. O'Brien 1875-Stephen S. Stout William L. O'Brien 1876-Stephen S. Stout William L. O'Brien 1877-Stephen S. Stout William L. O'Brien 1878-William Albright William L. O'Brien 1879-Stephen S. Stout William L. O'Brien 188o-Nathaniel S. Graves William L. O'Brien I88I Nathaniel S. Graves William L. O'Brien T882 Nathaniel S. Graves William L. O'Brien 1883-S. S. Stout William L. O'Brien T884-R. C. Harmon William L. O'Brien i885-R. C. Harmon N. B. Stowe I886 R. C. Harmon William L. O'Brien Treasurer S. Strong E. Chapin V. Austin V. Austin W. M. Tanner W. L. Torry G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet G. G. Sweet J. Mocklencate J. Mocklencate J. Mocklencate J. Mocklencate J. Mocklencate W. G. Rowe J. Mocklencate J. M. Howard T. M. Howard William Luce William Luce J. MI. Howard J. M. Howard Andy L. Prouty 626 626HISTORY 01 -ALLEGAIN COUNTY i887-R. C. Harmon S. S. Stout i888-R. C. Harmon S. S. Stout i889-R. C. Harmon William L. O'Brien i89o —Loren F. Clark William L. O'Brien i89i-Loren F. Clark William L. O'Brien 1892-Loren F. Clark William L. O'Brien i893-Loren F. Clark N. B. Stowe i894-Loren F. Clark H. C. Belcher i895-Loren F. Clark H1. C. Belcher 1896-Geo,. 0. Merriam H. C. B elcher 1897-Geo. 0. Merriam H. C. Belcher 1898-Geo. 0. Merriam H. C. Belcher 1899-Harley E. Merriam H. D. Clark i900-Harley F. Merriam H. D. Clark 1901-Harley E. Merriam William O'Brien 1902-Chas. Schermerhorn William O'Brien 1903-Chas. Schermerhorn William O'Brien 1904-Chas. Schermerhorn Ralph W. Busfield 1905-Chas. Schermerhorn Ralph WV. Busfield i9o6-Chas. Schermerhorn Ralph W. Busfield William G. Rowe 'Joseph St. Germaine Joseph St. Germaine J. M. Howard William, H. Stout William H. Stout R. C. O'Brien R. C. O'Brien William L. O'Brien William L. O'Brien Henry L. Baines Henry L. Baines Harry Chittenden Harry Chittenden Frank H. Alberts Frank H. Alberts Irvin Fox Irvin Fox William Curtis William Curtis Supervisor i86o-Ralph Parrish i86i-Ralph Parrish i862-Ralph Parrish i863-Ralph Parrish 1864-Ralph Parrish i865-FE. A. Fenn i866 —J. WV. McCormick i867-J. W. McCormick i868-J. W. McCormick i869-J. W. McCormick 187o-J. W. McCormick 1871-J. W. McCormick i872-J. W. McCormick 1873-jT. W. McCormick 1874-J. W. McCormick 1875-J. W. McCormick i876-j. W. McCormick i877-J. W. McCormick 1878-J. W. McCormick i879-J. W. McCormick Supervisor 1848-John Parsons i849 —John Parsons 185o-,Tohn Parsons 185 i-Luther Martin CLYDE TOWNSHIP. Clerk G. G. Smalley William Williams F. H. Heath R. H. Bushnell David Walter David Walter David Walter Newton Arnold David Walter David Walter David Walter David Walter David Walter Newton Arnold David Walter David Walter S. Atwater S. Atwater S. Atwater S. Atwater DORR TOWNSHIP. Clerk j.0. Round J.0. Round J.0. Round W. H. Warner Tr-easurer F. H1. Heath C. T. Billings D. Walter D. Walter R. Bushnell W. F. Billings J. Robertson Mv. C. Wilson S. Atwater S. Atwater S. Atwater S. Atwater H. F. Pullman H. F. Pullman H. F. Pullman H. F. Pullman W. W. Hutchins W. W. Hutchins C. T. Billings C. T. Billings Treasurer W. H. Warner W. R. Moore R. C. Sessions Orrin Goodspeed HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 627 I852-Luther Martin i853-D. R. Averill, Jr. I854-Orrin Goodspeed i855-D. R. Averill, Jr. i856-John Frank I857-John Frank I858 —Bradley Gilbert 1859-David McConnell i86o-David McConnell I86i-David McConnell I862-David McConnell I863-C. D. Wood 1864-David McConnell i865-William A. Smith i866-William A. Smith I867 -i868-Philetus S. Pullen I869-Philetus S. Pullen 187o-Philetus S. Pullen 1871-Philetus S. Pullen 1872-Philetus S. Pullen 1873-Philetus S. Pullen I874-William A. Smith 1875-William A. Smith 1876-William A. Smith I877-W. J. Sproat I878-W. J. Sproat 1879-William A. Smith i88o-David McConnell 188i-Erastus N. Bates T882-Erastus N. Bates 1883-Erastus N. Bates 1884-Erastus N. Bates I885-David McConnell I886-David McConnell I887-William G. Osborn I888-William G. Osborn 1889-William G. Osborn I89o-William G. Osborn I89I-Frank Sommer I892-Frank Sommer I893-Ransom J. Barris 1894-Frank Sommer I895-Ransom J. Barris 1896-George S. Sterling 1897-E. D. Bartz I898-Frank Sommer I899-Frank Sommer 900ooFrank Sommer 1901-Frank Sommer J. A. Sterling J. A. Sterling L. C. Gilbert C. C. Babbitt C. C. Babbitt Chauncey Stone P. S. Pullen Robert Sproat Robert Sproat Robert Sproat Robert Sproat Robert Sproat B. V. Stone James Jeffers G. S. Thomas Alfred Emons Robert Sproat Robert Sproat J. Sterling W. J. Sproat W. J. Sproat W. J. Sproat W. J. Sproat W. J. Sproat J. A. Beamer G. S. Thomas J. A. Beamer J. A. Beamer Lewis N. Fisher Elton S. Botsford Elton S. Botsford Elton S. Botsford Elton S. Botsford George A. Pullen John A. Beamer George A. Pullen George A. Pullen John Sommer John Sommer John Sommer John Sommer George A. Pullen George A. Pullen James H. Tanner John A. Beamer Sylvanus Felton George A. Pullen Elton S. Botsford Ransom J. Barris Ransom J. Barris Orrin Goodspeed Orrin Goodspeed Nahum Snow David McConnell David McConnell David McConnell David McConnell P. S. Pullen P. S. Pullen P. S. Pullen P. S. Pullen P. S. Pullen P. S. Pullen Frank Neuman Frank Neuman John Sommer John Sommer John Sommer W. H. Ewing H. Campbell John Sommer W. H. Ewing W. H. Ewing W. H. Ewing J. Neuman Anton Weber J. Neuman P. S. Pullen P. S. Pullen Joseph Neuman Joseph Neuman Joseph Neuman, Jr. Charles W. Stone Charles W. Stone William G. Osborn Charles W. Stone Charles W. Stone Elton S. Botsford Frank Sommer George A. Pullen George A. Pullen Sylvanus Felton Sylvanus Felton E. D. Bartz E. D. Bartz Joseph Gietzen Joseph Gietzen Milo F. Gray Milo F. Gray Joseph Gietzen 6,28 628HISTORY OFl ALILEGAN COUNTY I902-Frank Somimer 1903-E. N. Bates I904-Eug. A. Daugherty 1905-Eug. A. Daugherty iyo6-Eug. A. Daugherty Ransom J. Barnis Joseph Vielkind Joseph Vielkind Ransom J. Barnis Ransom J. ]Barnis Joseph Gietzen Anton Weber Anton Weber Frank Sommer Frank Sommer FILLMNORE TOWNSHIP. Supervisor i849-Isaac Fairbanks i85o-Isaac Fairbanks 1852-sacFirak 18c52-Isaac Fairbanks 1854-Isaac Fairbanks 1855 —Isaac Fairbanks i8556-Isaac Fairbanks 1856-F.aJ. Hairringto 1858 E. J.Harrington 18_59-J. NV. Garvelink i 86o-F. J. Harrington i86i-J. NV. Garvelink 18052-J. NV. Garvelink i863-J. W. Garvelink T864-J. NV. Garvelink i865-,J. NV. Garvelink T 866 —j. W.T Garvelink i867-J. WV. Garvelink i868-J. NV. Garvelink T869-jT. NV. Garvelink 1870-J. WV. Garvelink 1871-J. NV. Garvelink 1872-G. NV. Mokema 1873-G. NV. Mokema 1874-G. NV. Mokema 1875~-G. NV. Mokema i876-G. NV. Mokema 1877-J. NV. Garvelink i878 —j. NV. Garvelink T879-G. NV. Mokema i88o-Germ NV. Mockma i88i-j. NV. Gardner 1882-J. NV. Gardner 1883-Albert S. Fairbanks T884-Albert S. Fairbanks i88;-,G. NV. Mockma, i886-G. NV. Mockma i887 —H. J.Fairbanksi888-H. J.Fairbanks, i889-H. J.Fairbanks i89o-H. J.Kiomparens Clerk B. Fairbanks A. Schorno G. Harrington H. Bromvert H. Bromvert H. Bromvert H. Bromvert J. NV. Garvelink J. NV. Garvelink I. Fairbanks I. Fairbanks A. H. Brink P. Van Anroy A. H. Brink H. Kronemeyer I. Fairbanks I. Fairbanks I. Fairbanks S. Den Nvl S. Den Nvl S. Den Nvl S. Den Nyl J.H. Eppink S. Den Nyl S. Den Nyl S. Den Nyl S. Den Nyl P. Volmari P. Volmari P. Volmari Treasurer Auto Schorno B. Fairbanks C. J. NVoohorst C. J. Voohorst C. J. Vo~ohorst C. T. Vooborst C. J. Voohorst H. Garvelink H. Garvelink H. Garvelink G. Harrington H. Garvelink F. J. Harrington Hf. Garvelink D. Lenters D. Lenters D. Lenters D. Lenters D. Lenters H-. J. Kiomparens H. J. Kiomparens II. J. Kiomparens H. J. Kiomparens H. J. Kiormparens H-. J. Kiomiparens M. Notier Ml. Notier Ml. Notier Nf. Notier G. Garvelink Gerrit Garvelink Corneliuis Lokk Gerrit NWilterdink Gerrit NWilterdink Gerrit Garvelink Gerrit Garvelink A. S. Fairbanks Gerret Slenk G. G. G. G. G. G. Garvelink, GarvelinkNWilterdink \Vilterdink NWilterdink W~ilterdink NWilterdink HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY62 629 i89i-H. J. Kiomparens I 892-H. J. Kiomparens 1893-H. J. Klomparens 1894-H. J. Kiomparens T895-H. J. Kiomparens i896-H. J. Kiomparens 1897-H. J. Kiomparens i898-H. J. Kiomparens T899-Gerret Slenk i9oo-Gerret Slenk i901-Gerret Slenk 1902-Gerret Slenk 11903-Gerret Slenk 1904-Gerret Slenk 1905-Gerret Slenk i9o6-Gerret Slenk Superviso r T847-A. H. Hale i848-A. H. Hale 1849-C. B. Goodrich i85o-Elisha Weed 185Ti-Elisha Weed T852-S. M. Thomipson 1853-Elisha Weed 1854-Elisha Weed 1855-A. M. Crawford T856-A. M. Crawf ord T857-A. M. Crawvford T858-H. F. lBostwick T 8 _9-H. F. Bostwick T86o-H. F. Bostwick -186 T-H-. F. Bostwick T862-H. F. Bostwick T863-G. D. Webster T864-G. D. Webster T86~-H. F. Bostwick i 866-HT-. F. Bostwick i86-7-H-. F. Bostwick T 868-H-. F. Bostwick 1869-G. F. Hughes T87o-R. C. Eaton T871-R. C. Eaton T 872-NT. W. Lewis 1873-N. W. Lewis T1874-W. S. Chase 187~-W. S. Chase T876-Rh C. Eaton 1T877-W. S. Chase G. Wilterdink G. Wilterdink H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. Menken H. ML\enken H. Menken Henry Strabbing Henry Strabbing GANGES TowNSHIP. Clerk S. H. Weaver S. H. Weaver S. M. Thompson S. M. Thompson S. M. Thompson S. H. Weaver L. A. Shead John Weed S. H. Weaver S. H. Weav er Lorenzo Wood C. H. Abbott S. H. Weaver S. H. Weaver S. H. Weaver S. H. Weaver 0. 5. Shaw 0. 5. Shaw J. S. Pa-vne J. H. B-aldwin Elijah Weaver L. A. Pattison W. A. Woodworth W. A. Woodworth W. A. Woodworth W. A. Woodworth T. H-. Baldwin T. H-. BRaldwin J. H. Baldwin T. HT. Baldwin B. H-. Powers Trcasitrer Levi Loomis Levi Loomis F. D. McDowell F. D. MIcDowell A. N~,. Crawford A. N'. Crawford A. N. Crawford C. F. Hughes C. F. Hughes C. F. Hughes Nelson Smead -NT. D. Plummer N. D. Plummn-er N. D. Plummer William Dunn N. D. Plummer C. MT. Link C. M. Link T. B. Goodeve j.G. Fry JG. Fry Rufus Aundrews C. -B. Goodrich C. B. Goodrich C. W. Chapin J. P. Leland J. P. Leland J. B). Goodeve S. R. Lewis S. R. Lewis C. B. Goodrich Gerret Slenk John G. Boeve John C. Boeve Frank Fairbanks Frank Fairbanks John Helder John Helder 0. Den B-lyker 0. Den Blyker John Jyppin John Jypping F. Den Effe F. Den Effe, John C. Boeve J oln C.:Boeve John Alof s 630 630 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY i878-R. C. Eaton I879-W. S. Chase i88o~ —William S. Chase i88i-,Edward Hawley 1882-Edward Hawley I883-Edward Hawley i884-Edward Hawley I885-Edward Hawley i886-Edward Hawley 1887-Edward Hawley i888-Edward Hawley i889-William H. Dunn I89o-Alva H. Tracy i891-Alva H. Tracy 1892-Willianm H. Djunn 1893-William H. Dunn 1894-William H. Dunn i895-William H. Dunn 1896-Alonzo WV. Fisher 1897 Alonzo NV. Fisher i898-Alonzo W. Fisher 1899-Alonzo W. Fisher i900-Alonzo WV. Fisher 1901-Alonzo W. Fisher 1902-Alva H. Tracy 1903-Alva, H. Tracy 1904-Al-va H. Tracy 1905 —Alva H. Tracy 1906-Sid T. Conrad N. W. Lewis J. H. Baldwin John H. Baldwin John H. Baldwin John H. Baldwin J. Henry Hawley J. Henry Hawley J. Henry Hawley J. Henry Hawley Edward Hutchins Edward Hutchins Edward Hutchins Edward Hutchins J. Henry Hawley J. Henry Hawley J. Henry Hawley J. Henry Hawley Leonard A. Seymour Charles Symons Charles Symons Leonard A. Seymour Leonard A. Seymour Leonard A. Seymour Leonard A. Seymour Leonard A. Seymour C. Lloyd Goodrich C. Lloyd Goodrich C. Lloyd Goodrich C. Lloyd Goodrich S. R. Lewis H. J. Atwater H. J. Atwater William P. Sherman H. J. Atwater Johnathan P. Eddy Royal C. Eaton George T. Clapp George T. Clapp Alva H. Tracy Alva H. Tracy David A. Brown David A. Brown Alonzo W. Fisher William H. Plummer William H. Plummer Alonzo W. Fisher Alonzo WV. Fisher Henry H. Goodrich Henry H. Goodrich George B. Mechem George B. Mechem William H. Plummer William H. Plummer John S. Wailer John S. Wailer Charles Plummer Elmer- E. Plummer Elmer F. Plummer GUN PLAINS TOWNSHIP. Su pcrviso r 1836-John Murphy I837-Archibald Jameson 18,38-Archibaldl Jameson 1839-Archibald Jameson 1840 —John Robinson T84i-John Robinson I842-Archibald Jameson 1843-J. Robinson 1844-A. Jameson T845-Freeman Calkins 1846-J. H. Commins T847-J. Robinson 1848-j. Robinson T849-D. D. M-NcMartin 185o-A. T. Dedrick 185i-D. D. McMartin T852-William Still 1853-D. A. McMartin Clerk William- Forbes William Forbes William Forbes William Forbes G, W. Kinnicutt G. W. Kinnicutt A. I. Dedrick G. W. Kinnicutt Clark Corey Clark Corey Clark Corey J oln Hawks John Hawks John Hawks Clark Corey D. A. McMartin D. A. McMartin John Gray Treasurer W~illiam Still T. G. Crittenden T. G. Crittenden T. G. Crittenden Joel Batchelor Joel Batchelor J. B. Suitherland. Calvin C. White Noah E. Ives William Still HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 631 I854-D. A. McMartin I855-Henry Jackson 1856-D. A. McMartin I857-George C. Mills 1858-Archibald Jameson I859-Archibald Jameson i86o-Archibald Jameson 186 I-Henry Jackson I862-Archibald Jameson I863-Archibald Jameson i864-Henry Jackson I865 —Milo E. Gifford 1866-Archibald Jameson 1867-Walter C. Pierson t868 —Walter C. Pierson I869-Augustus H. Hill I87 —George C. Mills 1871-Elezer C. Knapp T872-Elezer C. Knapp 1873-Elezer C. Knapp 1874-Elezer C. Knapp 1875-Elezer C. Knapp 1876-Elezer C. Knapp 1877-Elezer C. Knapp T878-Elezer C. Knapp I879-Elezer C. Knapp I88o-Elezer C. Knapp I88i —Elezer C. Knapp 1882-Elezer C. Knapp 1883-Elezer C. Knapp 1884-Elezer C. Knapp 1885-Elezer C. Knapp T886-Elezer C. Knapp 1887 —ohn Crispe 1888 —John Crispe Joel Batchelor William Bellingham Orson D. Dunham Orson D. Dunham B. Bannister A. C. Roberts John H. Lasher George B. Force L. Bannister Theron Cummings John H. Lasher John H. Lasher Julius J. Howe Henry Keeler Henry Keeler Henry Keeler Henry Keeler Henry Keeler Henry Keeler Henry Keeler Henry Keeler Roval Adams H. W. Chamberlain George Scales Charles D. Hart Charles D. Hart Charles D. Hart Edward K. Root Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Harvey NW. Chamberlin Harvey VW. Chamberlin Harvey W. Chamberlin R. Almendinger William H. Johnson William H. Johnson WNilliam HE. Johnson William H. Johnson William H. Johnson William H. Johnson Frank C. Smith Frank C. Smith Frank C. Smith William S. Forbes William S. Forbes B. S. Conrad W. C. Pierson William Forbes William Hay William Hay William Hay William Hay William Hay William Hay John Crispe John Crispe John Crispe John Crispe Job C. Estes Job C. Estes William E. Forbes William E. Forbes Eddv Sherman Eddy Sherman Andrew Shutt Henry E. Buxton Helnr E. Buxton William T. Finch Tohn M. Sternburg I. N. Hitchcock (died) Fred Mesick appointed to fill vacancy WV. E. Dwight Charles C. Rogers James A. Sherwood James A. Sherwood Frank P. Heath Frank P. Heath John H. Madden Albert L. Nichols Albert L. Nichols Fred F. Patterson Charles Scott Charles Scott Frank C. Smith 1889-John Crispe I890o-John1 Crispe [891-John Crispe I892-Charles A. Bush I893-Charles A. Bush 1894-Charles A. Bush T895-Charles A. Bush 1896-Charles A. Bush 1897-Charles A. Bush I898-Albert L. Nichols 1899-Albert L. Nichols 900o-Albert L. Nichols TooI-Albert L. Nichols 632 (32HISTORY O.. F ALLEGAN COUNTY I902-Albert L. I903-Albert L. 1904-Albert L. 1905-Albert L. i906-Aklb~ert L. Nichols Nichols Nichols Nichols Nichols Supervisor i85 i-James 'M. Heath 1-852-Simon Howe i853-John M. Heath i854-Anmbrose Belden i855-Ambrose Belden T856-J. Mf. Heath i857-f. M. Heath i858-G. H. Phelps 1859-G. H. Phelps 186o-J. Wilson i86i-f. Wilson i862-G. C. Smith i863-G. C. Smith i864-G. C. Smith i865-G. C. Smith i866 —G. P. Heath 1867 —NV. J. Shirley i868-G. H. Phelps I869-G. H-. Phelps T870-C. R. Brownell 1871-C. R. Brownell 1872-C. R. Brownell T873-f. Sadler 1T874-fT. Sadler 1875-J. F. Gilchrist T876 ---J. F. Gilchrist 1877-C. R. Brownell 1878 —C. R. Brownell 1879-C. R. Brownell 1880-C. R. Brownell 1881-f. WV. Taylor 11882-f. W. Tayl~or T883-j-. W. Ta-ylor 1884 —fT. WV. Taylor 1885-f. W. Taylor 'T886-C. R. Brownell I887-f. W. Taylor '888-f. W. Ta'ylor 1889-f. WV. Taylor T890-f. W. Tay-lor 1891i-H. A. Sears 1892 —H-. A. Sears Albert f. Smith Albert J. Smith Albert f. Smith John Blair John Blair HEATH TOWNSHIP. Clerk John M. Heath D. Rhodabaugh J. E. Babbitt D. Rhodabaugh D. Rhodabaugh J. A. Whistler J. A. Whistler f. A. Whistler W. B.- Smalley W. J. Shirley W. J. Shirley W. J. Shirley J. M. Heath Wilson Huntley Wilson Huntley Wilson Huntley J. J. Young J. J. Young J. J. Young J. J. Young H. J. Van Valkenberg D. S. Hopkins C. R. Browvnell C. R. Brownell C. R. Brownell C. R. Brownell H. W. Pay M. W. Pierson M. W. Pierson M. W. Pierson H. A. Sears H. A. Sears Siebe Baker Andrew Maples HI. A. Sears C. R. Vanderpool H. A. Sears H. A. Sears H. A. Sears H. A. Sears Ira C. Thorp Iri C. Thorp Frank C. Smith Charles E. Spencer Frank C. Smith Frank C. Smith Charles W. Lasher Treasurer C. P. Heath Charles Howe C. P. Heath C. B. Butler C. B.:Butler G. P. Heath Otis Holton Otis L. Holton A. W. Judd A. NV. fudd A. W. Judd J. Sadler J. Sadler S. Thaver A. NV. Judd S. Thayer S. Thayer S. Thayer S. Thaver j.Sadler J. Sadler J. Sadler D. Spoff ord D. Spofford D. Spofford D. Spoff ord C. M. Woodruff C. Mf. Woodruff WV. Dean William Dean 0. J. Lemoin 0. J. Lemoin H. J. Plotts I-I. J. Plotts C. Vanderpool C. Vanderpool A. Kilgore A. Kilgore A. Kolvoord A. Kolvoord foseph O'Brien A. Kolvoord HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY63 633 1893 —J. W. Taylor i894-J. W. Taylor 1895 —Herim-an B~rower 1896 Herm —an Brower i897-H. Browver i898-H. Browver 1899-H1. Brower igoo-H. l rower 1901-H. Brower 1902-H. Blrower 1903-D. W. Ashley 1904-D. XV. Ashley 1905 D. W. Ashley i906-D. W. Ashley W~illiam Webb L. J*. Klinkers L. J. Klinkers L. J.Klinkers L. J.Klilkers L. J.Klinkers L. Jf. Klinkers L. J. Klinkers L. T.Klinkers L. J.Klinkers L. J.Klinkers L J.Klinkers Abel Bulthuis Abel Bulthuis Joseph O'Brien A. J. IKiomparens A. P. Cook A. P. Cook F rank Dalton Frank Dalton 0. A. Tacobs Frank Dalton Frank Dalton E. Brower John Japink John Japink Frank Dalton Levinus Slotman Sutper~visor 185-3-J. 0. Round 1854-M. Vanduzen T85_~-J. 0. Round 18-56-J. 0. Round i8,57-J. NIf. Baldwin 1858-E. H. Wait 1859 Albert Lane T86ce-\. H. Parm-alee i86i-Albert Lane 1 862-J. MI. Baldwvin T863-R. A. Baird 1864-J. M\. Baldwin 1865-R. A. Baird T866-R. A. Baird i867-D. C. Ingerson. i868-D. C. Jugerson 1869-D. C. Ingerson T87o —S. Baldwiii 187i-D. C. Ingerson.872-J. 0. Round 1873 ----D. C. Ingerson 187,4-Joseph Hodge T875-J. 0. Round T876-S. W. Mankin T877-5. M. Eggl Ies t on i878-A. Warrington.1879-H. F. White Smrperviso r T859-John Rouse T86o-John Bonros T86T-JOhnI Bonros HOPKINS- TOWNSHIP. Clerk Jelin Parsons Z. A. Pratt J. M. Baldwin J. Mv. Baldwin F. H. Wait Vv. H. Parmalee XW. H. Parmalee Albert Lane F. Parmalee 0. H. Judd F. Parimalee F. S. Lindslev J. E. Hopper Georg-e Holcomb V.R. Fox W. R. Fo x W. R. Fox W,. R. Fox XV. R. Fox *C. B. Eldred C. B. Eldred N. H. F1 aulkner C. C. Hodge C. C. Hodge C. C. H-odge C. C. Hedge C. C. Hedge LAKETOWN TO-WNSHIP. Clerk Gerrit Rutgers Gerrit Ruitgers G'errit Rutgers Treasurer Frastus Congdon William XWheeler William Perkins William Perkins -Stephen Carver Stephen Carver S. WV. Mankin S WV. MNankint S. WV. Mankin S. XV. i'vlankin S. WV. Mankin S. WV. Mankin E. H. Wait E. H. Wait R. A. Baird R A. Baird R. A. Baird R. A. B-)a ir d R. A. Baird H-. F. White H. F. W,-hite H, F. White H. F. White H-. F. White H-. F. White H. F. White Albert Lane Trea~sit rer A J. Neerken John Rutgers John Rutgers 6 3 4 634 I IJT,"RY OFALLEIGAN COUNTY 1862-A. J. Neerken i863-A. j1. Neerken i864-A. J. NTeerken i86r5-A. J. Neerken i866-A. J. Neerken 1867-A. T. Neerken i 868-A. J. Neerken i 869 —A. J. Neerken 187o,-A. J. Neerken 187i-A. J*Neerken i872 —A. J.Neerken I87i-A. J.Neerken i87a-A. J.Neerken 1875-Ben~jamin Neerken 1876-Benjamin Neerken iT877-Benjamin Neerken 1878-Benjam-in Neerken 187Q,-Benjamin Neerken iT88o-Ben jamin Neerken i88i-Beniamin Neerken T 882-Benjam-in Neerken i883-Luike Lugers 1884j-Luke Lugers T885-Luke Lukers T886-Luke Lugers 1887-Luike Lugers T 888-Luike Lugers 1 889 Henry Brinkman i 8go-Henrv Brinkman T89i-H-enry Brinkman 1892-Henry Brinkman 1893-Henry Brinkman T89.j-.Henrv Brinkman T895-Henry IBrinkman i896 —Henry Brinkman 1 897-Henry Brinkman 1-898-Henry Brinkman T89cw)-Hen~ry Brinkman IT900-Henry, Brinkman 1901-Henry Brinkman I 902-L. B. Scholten 1903-L. B. Scholten. T904-L. B. Scholten. 1905-L. B. Scholten. 1906-Gerrit Heneveld Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit G-crrit Gerrit Gerrit Gerrit G,.-rrit Getrit Gerrit Gerrit Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgfers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers R utgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers Luke Luigers Irvine Bell BeInjamin Neerken Blen jam1nin Neerken Benj amin Neerken Benj amin Neerken Benjamin Neerken Blenjamin Neerken Blenjamin Neerken Benjamin Neerken Benjamin Neerken Ben.-j amin Neerken Benjamin Neerken Benj amin Neerken B'enj amin Neerken Benjamin Neerken Benj am-in Neerken Bcnj amin Neerken Benjamin Neerken Benj amin Neerken Gerrit Heneveld Gerrit Heneveld (;errit H-eneveld Gerrit Heneveld U- B. Scholten LEE TOWNSHIP. Clerk E. H. Heath J. W. Joslyn John Rutgers John Rutgers John Rutgers john Rutgers John Rutgers Joun Rutgers John Rutgers John Rutgers John Rutgers John Rutgers John Rutgers John Rutgers John Rutgers John R Litgers J oln Rutgers J oln Rutgers I'T. Brinkman H. Brinkman Henry, Brinkman John Rutgers Jolhn Rutgers Henry B-rinkman Henry Brinkman D. A. Kiomparens H J. Kiomparens H. J. Kiomiparens J. B). Van Tubergen J. B). Van Tubergen H. J. Kliomiparens J. J. Slenk J. J. Slenk H. J. Klomparenis H. J. Elomparens John J, Slenk Harm Bloniros Harm Bonros Bert Brenker Bert Brenker G~errit Heneveld Gerrit Heneveld B"ert Brenker Bert Breniker P. H. Boven Bert Brenker Bert Brenker Sutpervisor 1859 —Thomnas Raplee i86o-Thonias Raplee Treasurer H, B-. Rice H-. B-. Rice HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY63 6 3 a i86i-G. B. Rust i862-G. B. Rust i 863-J. A. Thistle i 864-J.- S. Wagoner i 86;-R. Griswold i866 —J. R. Griswold i867-J. E. Babbitt i868-A. D. Parker i869-A. D. Parker I87o-A. D. Parker I87i-G. F. Heath 1872-Thomas Raplee 1 873-Thomias Raplee I874-Thomas Raplee i875~-Thomas Raplee i 876-Thomas Raplee 1877-A. D. Parker 1878-A. D. Parker 1879-A. D. Parker i88o-A. D. Parker 1881 A. D. Parker 1882-A. D. Parker 1 883-A. D.Parker i884-A. D. Parker i885-A. D. Parker i 88 )-James H. Martin 1 887-A. D. Parker i888-A. D.Parker i88o-A. D.Parker 1890-A. D.Parker i89i-A. D.Parker 1 892-A. D.Parker T893-A. D.Parker 189)4-A. D. Parker 1895-Isaac E. Evans i8o6-Isaac E. Evans 189,7-Isaac E. Evans 18o8-Isaac F. Evans 1899-Isaac E. Evans 1900-Isaac E. Evans 1901-Isaac E. Evans 1902-Isaac E. Evans 1903-Isaac E. Evans 1904-Alton S. Deming 1905-Alton S. Deming i906-Alton S. Deming *Resignedl Sept. 1. James lips filled out the term. H —enry Spencer Henry Spencer Henry Spencer A. B. Crawford A. B. Crawford A. B. Crawford.,A. B. Crawford A. B. Crawford 0. Hodgman 0. Hodgman William- Fritz G. F. Heath G. F. Heath G. WV. B-aughman G. WI. Baughman G. WI. Baughman G. MI. Baughsian, G. MI. Baughman G. WI.' Baugyhman Jam-res H. Martin James H. Martin James H. Martin James H. Martin James H. i\'artin jamies H. M~artin Hiram WI. Nostrand George MI Baughman Georgre WV. B aughman George WI. Baughman George MI. Baughman George WI. -Baugbman George WI. Baughman J~ames H. Martin James H. Martin J ames H. Martin JaeH.Mri James H. Martin James H. M~artin James H. M\'artin James H. Martin Tames H. Martin A. D. Young* G. C. Hanson J. N. Gilpin J.N. Gilpin A.B. McDonald J.H. Thistle S. MI. Bennett S. MI. Bennett John Orr John Orr John Orr John Orr E. Deming E. Deming E. Deming A. Dunn A. Borden A. Rodarmel B. Cook P-. Cook B). Cook E Deming E. Deming G. F. Heath George F. Heath C. H. Litts Albert D. Hurlbut Emerson Deming Emerson Demiing-17 Elias T. Snover Elias T Snover Emerson Deming Emerson DemingW~illiam H. Evans William H. Evans Georgec F. Heath G~eorge F. Heath Isaac E. Evans Isaac E. Evans Aliton Deming Alton Deming Georgye F. Heath Georgre F. Heath Seldon E. Phillips Sel-don E. Phillips Grant C. Harrison Grant C. Harrison Seldon E. Phillips Seldon E. Phillips Grant C. Harrison Gtant C. Harrison H. Martin appointed, and on his death Selden E. Phil HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY Supervisor I848-G. W. Lewis 1849-G. W. Lewis I850-C. Furber 185i-G. W. Lewis I852-G. W. Lewis I85 I-M. H. Lester I854-Francis Inglis I855-Francis Inglis I856-Francis Inglis I8r7-Franklin Peck;858-Franklin Peck 1859-F. W. Collins I86o-F. W. Collins I86I-J. B. Haney I862-J. B. Haney I863-J. B. Haney I864-V. N. Lester I86 —V. N. Lester I866- F. W. Collins I867-F. W. Collins I868-G. B. Manchester I869-G. B. Manchester 87o0-G. B. Manchester 1871-G. B. Manchester I872-G. B. Manchester T873-A. C. Jones 1874-A. C. Jones 1875-A. C. Jones 1876 -I877-W. A. Chappell 1878-MW. A. Chappell 1870-W. A. Chappell LEIGHTON TOWNSHIP. Clerk S. B. Hooker S. B. Hooker S. B. Hooker L M. Lester C. Furber L. M. Lester XV. S. Hooker W. S. Hooker F. W. Collins P. Clement W. S. Hooker W. S. Hooker V. N. Lester V. N. Lester V. N. Lester V. N. Lester Sidney Jenkins G. B. Manchester G. B. Manchester G. B. Manchester Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Andrew Brog I. J. Cook I. J. Cook I. J. Cook MANLIUS TOWNSHIP. Clerk J. A. Poage I. Vredenberg G. N. Smith G. N. Smith G. N. Smith J. H. Billings Randall Curtis Randall Curtis A. P. Gidley R. G. Winn R. R. Mann R. R. Mann A. P. Gidley Treasulrer G. W. Lewis S. B. Hooker S. B. Hooker John Woodward John Woodward A. J. Cook A. J. Cook A. J. Cook WV. S. Hooker L. M. Lester Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Francis Inglis Francis Inglis F. W. Collins F. W. Collins W\. S. Hooker F. W. Collins G. W. Lewis G. W. Lewis G WV. Lewis G. W. Lewis G. W. Lewis G. W. Lewis G. W. Lewis J. A. Rogers T. A. Rogers T. A. Rogers J. A. Rogers W. 0. Vreeland John T. Smith Supervisor 1839 —John Allen 1840-R R. Mann I841-R. R. Mann I842 —T. H. Billings I843-R. R. Mann 1844-J. H. Billings I84-R. R. Mann I846-R. R. Mann I847-J. Parsons 1848-J. Parsons 1849-J. Parsons r850-J. Parsons I85 1-J. Parsons Treasurer P. Shepard Samuel Town J. Horton Asa Bowker Asa Bowker James Harris Asa Bowker Asa Bowker D. Lamoreux J. H. Billings Walter Billings I. H. Billings J. H. Billings HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY63 637 i852-J. Parsons R. R. Mann 1853-J. H. Billings D. Lamoreux 1854.-T. Lamorenx I. H. Lamoretix 1855~-Elisha Mix W. Shearman i8r,6-Elisha Mix W. Shearman i8.5-7I. H. Lamorenx Asa Bowker i858-T. Lan-oreuix Elisha Mix 1859-I. H. Lamoreuix Elisha MNix i 86o-I1. H. Lamoreuix Elisha Mix i86i I. H. Lai-norenx Elisha Mix i862-I. H. Lamoreuix A. Golf i863-I. H. Lamoreux B'. S. Ketcham 1 86A-I. H. Lai-oreuix W. Shearman i1865-I. H. Lamoreuix I. H. Lamoreuix i 866-I. H. Lamoreuix G. Myers i1867-I. H. Lanjorenx G. Myers i868-I. H. Lamoretix G. Myers i869-I. H. Lan-oreuix G. Myers 1870-I. H-. Lam-oreux G. Mvers 1871 A. Brooks G. Myers 1872-A. Brooks A. A. Bnrhans 1873 ---G. F. Greitzinger A. A. BuItrlans 18-74-G. F. Oreitzinger A. A. Burhans 1875-G. F. Greitzinger A. A. Burhans 1876-G. F, Greitzinger D. L. Reynolds 1 877-G. F. Gre-itzinger D. L. Reynolds 1 878-0. F. Greitzinger D.- L. Reyvnolds i187c9-G. F. Greitzinger P. C. Wh itheck i88o-Peter C. Whitbeck Charles H. Hanson T88i-Peter C. Whitbeck Charles H. Hanson 1882-Peter C. Whitheck Charles H-. Hanson 1883-Peter C. Whitheck Charles H. Hanson 1884-Peter C. Whitbeck Charles H-. Hanson iS88~ Peter C. WhI-itbeck Charles H. H-anson T 886-Peter C. Whitheck Cvrns H1. Si-eed T1887-Peter C. Whitbeck Charles H. Hanson T888-Harvev J. Kingsley Charles H. Hanson iT88q-Harvev j. Kingsley Charles H. Hanson i 89o-john Lnhhers Charles H. Hanson 189i-john Lnbbers Charles H-. Hanson 1892-john Lnbbers Charles H-. Hanson T893-John Lnhibers Charles H-. Hanson T894-John Lnhbers Charles H-. Hanson I895-John Lnbbers Charles H. Hanson i 896-john Lnhbers Charles H. Hanson 1897-John Lnhbers Charles H-. Hanson T1898-JTohn Lnbbers Charles H. Hanson 1T8qo-john Lnbhers Charles H-. Hanson T1900-john Lnbbers Charles HT. Hanson T901-john Luibbers Chas. N. Gidley J. H. Billings WV. C. Meeker R. R. Mann T. Lamoreux T. Lamorenx F. Lamorenx E. Lamoreux XV. C. Meeker E, A. Fenn IE. A. Femn E. Lamoreux E. Lamoreux E. L-amorenx j. G. Lamorenx J. (G. Lamorenx J. G. L-amorenx G.. Larnorenx LCrawford B). Crawford L. Benson L-. Benson L. Blenson L. Benson L. Benison IL. Benson K-. Benson A. Turrell. A. Turrell Daniel L. Revnolds Daniel L. Reynolds Benjamin K. Colf Benijamin K. Colf Aretuis Turrell Arettus Turrell John Lnbbers Johin Lubbers William H-. Whitbeck William H. Whitbeck Allen L. Whitbeck Charles NT. Gidley Charles N,. Gidley Charles 0. Ahbott Charles G Abbott HudIson \Teeder Hndson Veeder Edward Mills Edward Mills Allen L. Whitbeck Allen L. Whitbeck George Leland 638 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1902-John Lubbers 90o3-John Lubbers I904-John Lubbers 90o;-John Lubbers I906-John Lubbers Chas. N. Gidley Chas. N. Gidley Chas. N. Gidley Chas. N. Gidley Chas. N. Gidley George Leland Charles G. Abbott Charles G. Abbott Leonard S. Dickinson Leonard S. Dickinson MARTIN TOWNSHIP. Clerk Supervisor 184o-Geo W. Barnes T. Gregg 184I-Joel Brownson D. P. Fenner I842-Joel Brownson T. H. Adams I843-D. A. McMartin J. H. Adams 1844-A. Shellman H Sornbury I845-C. M. Kimball L. Monteith I846-W. T. Mionteith C. M. Kimball 1847-0. A. Porter W. S. Wheeler I848-W. T. Monteith Chester Bovie I849 —W. T. Monteith Vv. S. Wheeler I850-W. S. Wheeler Chester Bovie I85 - R. H. Warn David Wylie I852-Eli H. Chase L. Monteith I853-W. S. Wheeler Silas Stafford 1854-W. S. Wheeler W. T. Monteith 1855-VW. S. Wheeler G. G. Tuthill I856 —W. S. Wheeler David Wylie I857-W. S. Wheeler David Wylie 858 —L. R. Delano David Wylie I859-Orrin Brown G. B. Nichols I86o-Thomas Shepherd G. B. Nichols I86I-Thomas Shepherd William Mathews I862-Orrin Brown William Mathews I863-Thomas Shepherd William Mathews I864-W. F. Harden William Mathews I86;-W. F. Harden William Mathews I866-Orrin Brown William T. Allen i867-Orrin Brown William Mathews T868-Wm. F. Harden Wm. Mathews I869-Wm. F. Harden Wm. Mathews I87o-Thomas Shepherd Wm. Mathews I871-Henry Shultes Wm. Mathews I872-Wm. F. Harden Wm. Mathews I873-Wm. F. Harden Wm, Mathews 1874-Wm. F. Harden A. Patterson I875-Wm. F. Harden A. Patterson 1876-Wm. F. Harden James R. Wyle I877-Wm. F. Harden T. H. Shepherd 1878 —Wm. F. Harden T. H. Shepherd I879- Wm. F. Harden T. H. Shepherd I88o —Wm. F. Harden Thomas D. Shepherd Treasurer Peter Hanmer J, H. Adams J. Heydenberk R. H. Warn Orrin Hart R. H. Warn R. H. Warn R. H. Warn R. H. Warn R. H. Warn R. H. Warn Horace Sornbury E. Wilder John W. Cook J. B. Nichlonson J. B. Nichlonson J. B. Nichlonson John W. Cook John W. Cook H. Sornbury H. A. Sweetland H. A. Sweetland H: Sornbury E. Wilder G. T. Bruen C. H. Howe F. Failing F. Failing A Templeton W. H. Southwick W. H. Southwick W. H. Southwick W. H. Southwick W. H. Southwick G. F. Patterson M. Van Gelder M. Van Gelder R. A. Patterson R. A. Patterson A. Anderson Arthur Anderson HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY63 639 i88i-Wnm. F. 1882-Vim F. 1883-Win. F. 1884-Arthur 1885-Arthur i 886-W. H. 1887 XV. H.i 888-W. H. i 889~-W. H. 1890-Daniel F 1891-Daniel F 1892-Daniel F 1893-Daniel F 1894-Daniel F 1895-Daniel F 1896 Daniel F i897/-Daniel F 1898-Daniel F i89 ~Daniel F 1900-Daniel F, 19o1- Daniel F 1902 Daniel I 1903-Daniel IL 1904-Daniel Ii 190-5-Daniel F itjo6-Daniel I Harden Harden Harden Anderson Anderson Southwick Southwick Southwvick Southwick -4 AI I I A II I A A A A 1). D. D. D. E). Laraway Larawav Laraway Larawav Larawayv Laraway Larawav Laraway Larawav Larawav Larawav LarawayI Harris IHarris Harris Harris Harris Alex. C. Monteith Alex. C. Monteith Alex. C. Monteith Alex. C. Monteith Artimas Dunton Neil A. Campbell Neil A. Campbell, George B. Nichols Frank D. Warren Colin C. Murray Colin C. Murray Colin C. Murray Colin C. Murray John H. Wicks John H. Wicks J ohn H. Wicks Vim. C. Russell Vim. C. Russell Win. C. Russell Win. C. Russell VWm. C. Russell W~m. C. Russell Wmn C. Russell Win. C. Russell W~m. C. Russell Win. C. Russell Vim. H. Southwick Win. H. Southwick Thomas H. Shepherd Thomas H. Shepherd Win. H. Southwick Peter D. Campbell Peter D. Campbell Neil A. Campbell Peter D. Campbell Peter D. Campbell John Bl))air, Jr. Peter D. Campbell Peter D. Campbell Neil A. Campbell Peter D. Campbell Peter D. Campbell Colin C. Murray Colin C. Murray Ernest W. Fenner Ernest W. Fenner Colin C. Murray James A. Middleton James A. Middleton Ernest W. Fenner William Shepherd. Lee Vi. Shepherd MXONTEREY TOWNSHIP. Supervisor 1847-John Chase 1848-john Chase 1840-Noah Blriggs 18.5o —J. M. M\cAlpine 185 i-Noah B-riggs 18_2-E. D. Granger i8.53-F. Day 18,54-J. M. Granger 185~5-Eli D. Granger i8.56-George T. Lay 1857-William White i8,58-J. M. McAlpine 1859WiliamWhite i86o-BR. F. Granger i86i-john M. Granger 1862-C. D. Clements 1863-C. D. Clements 1864-John S. Day i86s-J. M. McAlpine ii866-Myron Powell Clerk Noah Briggs Noah Briggs Charles Tanner S. H. Shaw S. H. Shaw S. H. Wilcox S. H. Wilcox John S. Day Ira Plotts B. F. Granger Vi. A. Mrallory W. A. Mallory F. Day William White Vi. H. Briggs Vi. H. Briggs fames Eggleston Wesley Moored John B. Moore James Eggleston Treasurer Frederick Day Frederick Day William Briggs William- Briggs William. Briggs John Guyot Hiram Sabin F. Atwell Silas I. Reed S. Rumery Frederick Day Frederick Day S. H. Wilcox John Goodell John Goodell Iohn Goodell E M. Braden E. M. Braden Charles Gibson John Goodell 640 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY I867-Myron Powell I868-James Eggleston I869-James Eggleston I87o-James Eggleston 1871-Isaac Maxfield 1872-George Cady I873-William White i874-James Eggleston I875-Hiram Bailey 876-William White I877-I. Maxfield 1878-B. F. Granger 1879-William White I88o —Wm. White I88I —James Evans I882-James Evans 1883-James Evans 1884 —James Evans i88r-Wm. White 886-Wm. White 1887-B. F. Granger I888-B. F. Granger I88 —James Evans 189o-B. F. Granger 189I-Wm. White I892-Martin McAlpine 1893-Martin McAlpine I894-B. F. Granger 1895-B. F. Granger I896-Gottlieb Leweke 1897-Gottlieb Leweke 1898-Gottlieb Leweke I899-Gust. Begeman 19oo-Gust. Begeman I91o-Fred Wilcox 1902-Fred Wilcox I90o-Fred Wilcox I904-Fred Wilcox 1905-Fred Wilcox 90o6-Fred Wilcox E. Eggleston E. Eggleston E Eggleston E Eggleston W. F. Benson W. F. Benson Edward Eggleston Edward Eggleston H. Bailey Henry Quist Henry Quist Henry Quist Henry Quist Henry Kibby Samuel Wilcox Samuel Hewitt Herman Mallory Samuel Hewitt Samuel Hewitt Samuel Hewitt Samuel Hewitt Eugene McOmber Samuel Hewitt Eugene McOmber Samuel Hewitt Eugene McOmber Eugene McOmber Eugene McOmber Samuel Hewitt Samuel Hewitt Albert Town Samuel Wilcox Samuel Wilcox Samuel Wilcox Samuel Wilcox Samuel Wilcox Samuel Wilcox Samuel Wilcox Samuel Wilcox Eugene McOmber Isaac Maxfield J Hoofmaster J. Hoofmaster J. Hoofmaster S. K. Tanner S. K. Tanner S. H. Wilcox S. H. Wilcox S. H. Wilcox M. B. McAlpin G. W. Sweezy S. B. Guvot W. S. Patterson John Patterson Noah Briggs Wnm. Patterson Wnm. Patterson Garrit Navis Garrit Navis Eugene McOmber Eugene McOmber Sylvester Wilson Albert Kibby Albert Kibby Henry Pierce Henry Pierce Andrew Jones Andrew Jones Albert Kibby Albert Kibby Ammon Sprau Ammon Sprau Fletcher Gibson Fletcher Gibson Ammon Sprau Ammon Sprau Welty Carns Welty Carns Samuel Clawson Fred Miller OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. Supervisor 1836-Hull Sherwood, Jr. 1837-Oka Town I838-Hull Sherwood I839-Oka Town 184o-Oka Town I841-Hull Sherwood Clerk L. B. Coats L. B. Coats 0. Eaton C D. Parkhurst L. C. Anderson Henry Sheldon Treasurer Eber Eber Eber Sherwood Sherwood Sherwood HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 641 1842-L. B. Coats 1843-Osmond Smith I844 —Henry Sheldon I845-Hull Sherwood 1846-Hull Sherwood I847-Leland Lane 1848-Oka Town 1849-Oka Town 1850-Willard G. Eaton I851-R. F. Kellogg I852-R. F. Kellogg 1853-Abram Hoag 1854-Abram Hoag I855-Abram Hoag I856-Abram Hoag 1857-Abram Hoag 1858-Ira Chichester I859-Ira Chichester I86o-Philip Burlingham I86I-Ira Chichester I862 Ira Chichester I863-Ira Chichester 1864-Ira Chichester I865-Ira Chichester 1866-Ira Chichester 1867-M. G. Higgins i868-Edwin M. Allen 1869-James Franklin. 1870-Wilson C. Edsell I871-Alva D. Botsford 1872-Alva D. Botsford 1873-A. J. Van Wyck I874-Alva D. Botsford I875-Alva D. Botsford I876-Alva D. Botsford 1877-Abram Hoag T878-John F. Hale 1879-Alvah D. Botsford I88o-Theodore Hart I88 -Theodore Hart I 882-Theodore Hart 1883 — ames Franklin I884-D. S. Gardner 1885-James Franklin T886-Daniel S. Gardner I887-Daniel S. Gardner I888-Daniel S. Gardner 1889-Daniel S. Gardner I89o-Daniel S. Gardner 1891-Thos. E. French James Fitch James Fitch W. G. Eaton Daniel IM. Hall R. C. Dennison Abram Hoag James Fitch 0. Eaton Abram Hoag Willard Higgins Clark D. Fox Clark D. Fox Clark D. Fox Clark D. Fox James Monteith C. N. White C'ark D. Fox Clark D. Fox Clark D. Fox I. T. Clapp James Smith James Smith James Smith Alvah D. Botsford James Smith James Smith James Smith James Smith James Smith James Smith James Smith Stacey K. Potter Stacev K. Potter James Smith James Smith James Smith James Snith A. J. Van Wyck Abram J. Van Wyck A. T. B. Palmer A. T. B. Palmer A. T. B. Palmer A. T. B. Palmer A. T. B. Palmer A. T. B. Palmer C. A. Barnes C. A. Barnes C A. Parnes C. A. Parnes E. J. Rose Eber Sherwood Henry Sheldon Leland Lane Leland Lane Leland Lane R. C. Dennison Abram Hoag James IB. Porter James B. Porter James B. Porter James B. Porter Willard Higgins Darwin A. Drew Darwin A. Drew Darwin A. Drew Darwin A. Drew Darwin A. Drew Joel S. Pratt Joel S. Pratt Turner S. Day Turner S. Day Alfred Reid Nahuml Gilbert Nahum Gilbert Nahum Gilbert Nahum Gilbert Nahum Gilbert Nahum Gilbert Henry M. Pratt Byron Ballou Abram Hoag James Franklin James Franklin James Franklin \bramn Hoag Albert T. Palmer Albert T. Palmer Stephen B. Hoag Stephen B. Hoag Adison M. Buck Adison M. Buck Cornelius Engles Cornelius Engles Stephen B. Hoag Stephen B. Hoag Andrew Thornton Andrew Thornton Chas. F. Ruthrauff Andrew Thornton Chas. H. Prentiss 642 642 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY I892-Thos. E. French I893-Thos. E. French i894-Thos. E. French 1895-Thos. E. French i896-C. M. Edmonds 1897-C. M. Edmonds i898-C. M. Edmonds i899-C. M. Edmonds i900-C. M. Edmonds i901-C. M. Edmonds 1902-C. M. Edmonds I903-C. M. Edmonds 1904-A. 13. Tucker i905-A. B. Tucker 1906-Frank Fairfield B. J. Rose E, J. Rose H, D. Mills H. D. Mills Irving Temple Irving Temple Geo,. R. Brown Geo. R. Brown Geo. R. Brown Geo. R. Brown Geo,. R. Brown Geo. R. Brown Geo. R. Brown Geo. R. Brown Geo. R. Brown Chas. H. Prentiss C. M. Edmonds C. M. Edmonds G. S. Sherwood G. S. Sherwood Fred Tubbs Fred Tubbs W. W. Ihains W. W. Hamns C. F. Stuck C. F. Stuck Ceo. Gilbert Geo. Gilbert W. H. Wolcott W. H. Wrolcott Supervisor 1857-C. J. Voorhorst 1858-C. J.Voorhorst i859-C. J.Voorhorst i86o —C. J. Voorhorst i86i-C. J. Voorhorst i862-C. J. Voorhorst i863-C. J. Voorhorst i864-C. J. Voorhorst i865-C. J.Voorhorst i866-C. J.Voorhorst i867-C. J.Voorhorst i868-C. J.Voorhorst i869-C. J.Voorhorst 187o-C. J.Voorhorst i871-C. J.Voorhorst 1872-Hendrick Kok i873-Hendrick Kok i874-C. J.Voorhorst 1875-C. J.Voorhorst 1876-C. J. Voorhorst i877-C. J. Voorhorst 1878-Hendrick Kok 1879 —Hendrick Kok i88o-H. Branwer i88i-H. Branwer i882-H. Branwer i883-H. Branwer i884-H. Branwer 1885-Gerrit H. Nykerk i886-Gerrit H. Nykerk i887-Gerrit H. Nykerk OVERISEL TO~WNSHIP. Clerk Jan Boers Jan Boers Jan Boers Jan Boers Jan Boers Jan Boers Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendrick Kok Hendricus Kok Hendricus Kok Hendricus Kok Hendricus Kok Hendricus Kok Hendrick Bronwers Hendrick Bronwers Hendrick Bronwers John Kollen John Kollen John Kollen John Kollen John Kollen John Kollen John Kollen John Kollen Treasurer H. Bronwers C. H. Wolterink C'. H. Wolterink G. H. Wolterink C. H. Wolterink G. H. Wolterink C. H. Wolterink C. H. Wolterink G. H. Wolterink G. H. Wolterink C. H. Wolterink H, Bronwers H. Bronwers H. Bronwers H. Bronwers H. Bronwers H. Bronwers H Bronwers H. Bronwers Jan Scholten Jan Scholten Jan Scholten G. H. Nykerk Gerrit H. Nykerk E. Van Damm Gerrit H. Nykerk Gerrit H. Nykerk Lefert Slatman Lefert Slatman H. J. Mechmershuizen H. J. Mechmershuizen HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY64 64 3 i888-Gerrit H. Nykerk i 889-Gerrit H. Nykerk i890-Gerrit H. Nykerk i891i-Gerrit H. Nykerk i892-G. H. Koopman i 893 -G. H. Koopman i894-Mannes Veidhuis i895~-Mannes Veidhuis i896 ---Mannes Veidhuis i897-Mannes Veidhuis i898-G. H. Koopman i899-G. H. Kotopman i900 G. H. Koopman i901-John J. Huist 1902-john J. Huist 1903-John J. Huist 1904-John J. Huist i905-john J. Huist i906-john J. Huist John Kollen John Kollen John Kollen john Kollen John Kollen John Kollen Benjamin Voorhorst Benjamin Voorhorst Benjamin Voorhorst Benjamin Voorhorst Benjamin Voo~rhorst Benjamini Voorhorst Benjamin Voorhorst Benjamin Voo~rhorst Benjamin Voo~rhorst Benjamin Voo~rhorst Benjamin Voo-rhorst Benjamin Voo-rhorst Benjamin Voorhorst Gerrit j.Maatman Gerrit J.Maatman Egbert Maatman Egbert Maatman Hendrik Poelakker, Jr. Hendrik Poelakker, Jr. John Schipper John Schipper B3. J.- Klinnstreker B3. J.- Klinnstreker John J. Huist John J. Huist J ohannes Hoffman Jfohannes Hoffman John Nyhuis John Nyhuis H. D. Poelakker H. D. Poelakker Herman W, Hulsman SALEM TOWNSHIP. Supervisor i856-L. P. Brown i857-,L. P. Brown i858-L. P. Brown i859-John N, York i86o,-1. Mannes i86i-John N. York i862-Peter Castor i863-Francis Goodman i864-Francis Goodman i865;-Peter Castor i866-Peter Castor i867-JOhn Hendges 1868-john Hendges 1869-Peter Castor 187o —Peter Castor 187i-A. A. Goodman 1872-Peter Castor 1873-Francis Goodman 1874-No record 187S5-Francis Goodman T876-Francis Goodman 1877 —Francis Goodman 1878-Francis Goodman 1879-Theodore Castor T88o —Francis Goodman i88i-Francis Goodman Clerk Henry Bear Isaiah Mannes Henry Bear Isaiahi Mannes Albert D. Rust Michael Hintcin Michael Hinton Michael Hinton Henry Bear Thedore Castor John Hendges Edxvard Lutts Wesley Moo-red C. H. Long C. H. Long Jesse H. Bond C. H. Long John P. Martiny No record John Sprau John Spran No record John P. Martiny John P. Martiny Peter Marteney John W. Sprau Treasurer James Burnip James Burnip James Burnip James Burnip Peter Castor William Linden William Linden William Linden Peter Castor Joseph Slagel W. H. Gorden Thomas Hinton Peter Castor John Hendges John Hendges Thomas Hinton Jesse H. Bond No record No record -Thedore Castor Elijah Gorden No record Elijah Gorden Elijah Gorden William Heck Elijah Gorden 644 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN 1882-Francis Goodman i883-John W. Sprau 1884-Peter Castor i885-Peter Castor i886-John W. Spran 1887-Elijah Gorden i 888-Elij ah Gorden 18,89-Elijah Gorden 1890-Elijahi Gorden i891-Elijah Gorden 1 892 Elijah Gorden 1893-A. A. Goodman 1894-Jacob Fleser, Sr. 1895-Joseph MV. Gorden 1896-Jacob Fleser, Sr. 1897-Jacob Fleser, Sr. 1898-Jacob 'Fleser, Sr. 1 899~-Jacob Fleser, Sr. T1900-Jacob Fleser, Sr. Toqoi-Jacob Fleser, Sr. 1902 Sherman Moored 1903-Sherman Moored 1904-Sherman Moored 1905-Sherman Moored 190o6-Shernman Moored John W. Sprati Joseph M. Gorden John W. Sprati J. W. Bookwalter Joseph M. Gorden Joseph M. Gorden Joseph M. Gorden JosephM. Gorden Joseph M. Gorden Joseph M. Gorden Joseph M. Gorden Adam Newell Adamn Newell Adam Newell Adam Newell Adlam Newell John W'. Spran John W. Sprani John W. Sprani John W. Spran Adam Newell Joseph -\M. Gorden Casper Ebmever Casper Ebmever Casper Ebmeyer COUNTY Elijah Gorden Peter Castor Elijall Gorden Elijah Gorden Joseph Slagel Wml. H. Goodman Peter Castor Peter Castor J ohn Sllaffer John Shaffer Silas Loew Silas Loew Henlrv Goodman Henry Goodman D~avidl J. Goodman Davidl J. Goodman Silas Loew Silas Loew AdIaml Newell Adlan Newell Silas Loew Silas Loew M fathias Kreiser M,,,athias Kreiser Adanl Newell Supcrvhisor 1847-S. A. Morrison T848-S. A. Morrison 1849-5. A. Morrison 1850o 5. A. Morrison T 85 T-S. A. 1\'orrison 1852-S. A. Morrison T853-E. M. Dibble 1854-E. M. Dibble 1855 5S. A. Morrison T8.56-S. A. Morrison 1857-S. A. Morrison 1 858-5. A. Morrison 1859Q-S. A. Morrison T86o-,S. A. Morrison T86T- F B. P Wallin T1862-T. S. Coates T1863-T. S. Coates T864-T. -S. Coates T86,5-B. F. Schanck T866-T. S. Coates i867-R. Di-nning 1868-S. A. Morrison SAkUGA\ucK~ TowNsuirp. Clerk H. R. Seymonr H. R. Sevmonr Lorenzo Weed Lorenzo Weed Lorellzo Weed Lorenzo Weed A. W. Coates A. W. Coates A. W. Coates A. WV. Coates A WV. Coates A. W. Coates A. W. Coates A. W. Coates H. R. Ellis H. R. Ellis T. B. Dntcher T, B. Dntcher S. Johnson H. Manvel. J. H. Porter S. D. Nichols Treasutrer iLlllan Fish M1. Ii. Speilcer MI. -B. Spencer M. B. Spencer M- B. Spencer S. D. Nichols J. C. Haile.T. C. Haile J. C. Haile J. C. Haile J. C. Haile J. C Haile Warren Cook Warren Cook S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison T. T). Dutcller F. B. Wallin Daniel Gerber J. G. Williams HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY64 645 i869-S. A. Morrison 187o-T. 13. Dutcher 187i-S. A. Morrison 1872-S. A. Morrison -1873-Thomas Gray 18 74-Thomas Gray 1875-Thomas Gray I376-Thomas Gray 1877 —Thonmas Gray 1878-Thomas Gray 1879-Thomas Gray i88o-Thomas Grav -i88i -Thomas Gray 1882-Thom-as Gray 1883-Thomas Gray 1884-John Nies i885-John Nies -i886-Thomas Gray 1887-R. B. Newnham i888-John Nies 1889-John Nies i890-Johin Nies 1891-Daniel Falconer 1892-Daniel Falconer 1893-Dyer C. PutnamT894-D. MT. Gerber i895-D. M~. Gerber i 8o6-D. M. Gerber T897-D. M. Gerber i898-D. M. Gerber T 899-D. M. Gerber 1900-Fred Wade 1901 —Fred Wade 1 902-D. M. Gerber T903-D. M. Gerber T904-D. MA. Gerber 19oO5-WM. White T906-Wm. White S. D. Nichols D. C. Putnam S. D. Nichols S. D. Nichols R. 13. Newnham R 13. Newuham R. 13. Newnham. R. 13). Newnham D. C. Putnam D. C. Putnam A. 13. Tavlor J. M. Pond S. D. Nichols D. C. Putnam Martin Gray Martin Gray A. 13. Taylor Martin Gray Martint Gray F. Kirby Martin Gray Frank Wade Frank Wade R. B. Newnham Fred Wade Fred Wade Fred Wade Fred Wade D. 1-3. Riley F. E. Wiley H. Schultz S. W. McDonald S. WV. McDonald W. R. Takken W. R. Takken H. A. M\cDonald H. A. M~vcDonald L. E. Veits J. G. Williams J. G. Williams J. G. Williams J. G. Williams J. G. Williams J. G. Williams WV. S. Gill A. 13). Taylor A. 13 Taylor A. B). Taylor R. B). Ames L. 13. Coates A. 13. Taylor A. B). Taylor E S. Pid E. S. Pride Frank Kirby E. S. Pride D. M.Gerber P. F. Wilson Elmer E. Weed Elmer F. Weed E. S. Pridle D. MV. Gerber D. MA. Gerber Frank Kirby Elmer E. Weed Geo, H. Plummer James A. Aliber James A. Aliber D. A. Heath W. G. Phelps W. G. Phelps Fdk. Kerr Fdk. Kerr J. U, Henry J. L. HenryT Fdk. Kerr Supervisor T842-John Weare 1843-Richard Weare 1844 —John Billings, Jr. 1845-Sidney Smith 1 846-Sidney Smith i 84 7 ---Jacob Grover 1848 —Richard Weare T849-john Billings i8.5o —Leander Prouty TROWBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. Clerk Sidnev Smith Sidney Smith Sidneyr Smith Daniel Foster P. H-. Simmons Sidney Smith Sidnev Smith Daniel Foster JT. B. Allen Trealsurer John Billings, Jr. G. Y. Warner Walter H. Rood L. S. Prouty L. S. Pronty Nc record H-. E. Blackman W. Granger WV. Granger 646 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 185I-H. E. Blackman I852-H. E. Blackman I853-Daniel Foster I854-Alex. Henderson I855-Alex. Henderson 1856-Alex. Henderson I857-John Billings I858-Alex. Henderson I859-Alex. Henderson I86o-John W. Grover I86I-John W. Grover 1862-H. E. Blackman I863-E. G. Minckler I864-E. G. Minckler I865-E. G. Minckler 1866-John W. Grover I867-E. G. Minckler I868-E. G. Minckler I869-E. G. Minckler T870-E. G. Minckler T87I-E. G. Minckler 1872-A. B. Mallory' I873-Geo. W. Grigsby 1874-Gilbert Phelps 875 —E. G. Minckler 1876-H.. E. Blackman 1877-E.. G. Minckler I878 —E. G. Minckler r879 —John B, Allen G. Rockwell R. Weare L. S. Prouty J. B. Allen Moses Morris John B. Allen W Bronson A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory J. R. Clifford Horace Peck George Grigsby George Grigsby A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory George W. Grigsby George W. Grigsby A. B. Mallory Barney Payne A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory A. B. Mallory S. C. Foster S. C. Foster VALLEY TOWNSHIP. I. G. Austin S. Smith J. Blackman Sidney Smith Win. Granger Wim. Upson John W. Russell John W. Russell A. B. Mallory Wm. Upson Wmn. Upson Wm. Upson A B. Mallory Win. Upson Wm. Upson Stephen Odell Wm. Upson Wm. Upson Wim. Upson William Upson John W. Russell John W. Russell John W. Russell John W. Russell John W. Russell George W. Grigsby Edward Buck Edward Buck A. B. Mallory (Pine Plains until I898.) Supervisor 1850-Timothy S. Coats I85 —Timothy S. Coats 1852-Timothy S. Coats 1853-Timothy S. Coats I854-David Palmer 'I855-Peter Kunkel I866-Zeba Fisher 1857-Giles H. Hill I858-J. L. Hawes 1859-Chas. Middaugh i86o-Chas. Middaugh I86I-Chas. Middaugh I862-Chas. Middaugh I863-Chas. Middaugh I864-Peter Kunkel I865-Peter Kunkel I866-Peter Kunkel Clerk Eli Hathaway G. H. Hill G- H. Hill G. H. Hill G. H. Hill G. H. Hill Peter Kunkel J. P. Paris J. P. Paris J. P. Paris Peter Kunkel Peter Kunkel P. G. Paris S. A. Paris S. A. Paris H. B. McAlister S. A. Paris Treasurer Charles T. Billings Charles T. Billings Charles T. Billings Charles T. Billings Charles T. Billings Charles T. Billings Charles T. Billings Charles T. Billings P. G. Paris P G. Paris P G. Paris John Bovlan P. G. Paris P G. Paris P G. Paris P G. Paris HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 647 I867-B. F. Graves I868-John Gilchrist I869 —W. B. Davis 1870-G. H. Hill 1871-G. H. Hill 1872-G. H. Hill I873-G. H. Hill I874-G. H. Hill 1875-Wm. J. Shirley 1876 —Wm. J. Shirley 1877-Wm. J. Shirley I878-Wm. J. Shirley 1879-J. J. Littlejohn I88o-J. J. Littlejohn I88I-J. J. Littlejohn 1882-J. J. Littlejohn 1883 —J. J. Littlejohn 1884-George Peet I8855-J. J. Littlejohn I886-J. J. Littlejohn 1887-J. J. Littlejohn I888-J. J. Littlejohn 1889-John Young IS90o-Wm. H. Ely i9 I -Wm. H. Ely 1892-Wim. H. Ely:893- Wm. H. Ely I894-WIm. J. Shirley 1895-\V. H. Ely 1896- W. H. Ely 1897-Ira Wilcox 3898-W. H. Ely Tr 99-Mortimer Culver 9oo —Mortimer Culver I90I-Ira G. Thorp 1902-Ira G. Thorp I903-A. L. Case 1904-A. L. Case 1905-Wm. H. Ely T906-Wm. H. Ely S. A. Paris S, A. Paris G. H. Hill S A. Paris J J. Young J. V. Shirley J. W. Shirley J. W. Shirley W. H. Elv W. H. Ely J. J. Littlejohn J. J. Littlejohn George Thorp George Thorp George Thorp George Thorp C. L. Barrett C. L. Barrett W. J. Messinger C. L. Barrett W\. H. Shirley W. H. Ely W. H. Ely IT C. Beverly H. C. Beverly Frank Bowman Frank Fox Frank Fox Frank Fox George Thorp A. L. Case A. L. Case Elwin F. Spears C. A. Harrison A. L. Case A. L. Case C. L. Barrett C. L. Barrett C. L. Barrett C. L. Barrett P. G. Paris P. G. Paris P. G. Paris P G. Paris 1P. G. Paris George Peet (;George Peet George Peet George Peet George Peet George Peet George Peet J. R. La Force J. R. La Force J. R. La Force J. R. La Force George Peet Ira Wilcox Ira Wilcox George Peet Wm. Peet Abner Estabrook Abner Estabrook Judson Peet John J. Young M. Culver M. Culver A. N. Gardner A. N. Gardner Abraham L. Case Ardie Peet C. A. Harrison C. A. Harrison E. J. Platt Wm. Fraser Ardie Peet Ardie Peet E. J. Sharp E. J. Sharp Lewis H. Hough Supervisor 1842-A. D. Dunning I843-Wm. S. Miner T844-A. D. Dunning I845-B. P. Chase I846-Samuel Edgarton T847-J. B. Alexander r848-W. S. Miner VWATSON TOWNSHIP. Clerk Eli P. Watson A. D. Dunning Daniel Leggett Eli P. Watson Daniel Leggett C. A. Miner A. D. Dunning Treasurer Eli Watson C N. Miner Luther Howe W. S. Miner Jesse D. Stone K. C. Osborn A. W. Beals I IC) 6 -t C) (448 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 1849-Lloyvd Austin '85o-Wells Field iSi 5 -1Lloyd Austin I8-_2-Wells Field I853-Wells Field I854-Lloyd Austin 1855;-Wells Field i8~6-Wnm. W. Kent 1857-Wm. WV. Kent i858-Win. WV. Kent i859-S. Van Duzen i 86o-Wim XW. Kent i86i-L. D. Nichols 1862-C. L. Horning i863-C. L. Horning 1864 —Hernian Johnson i865-S. Van Duzen i866-C. D. Clements -867-John H. Wicks 'r868-S. Van Duzen 1869-S. Van Duizen 1870-C. D. Clements 187i-Benijamin Pratt 1872-C. D. Clements i873-C. D. Clements 1874-C. D. Clements 1875-C. D. Clements '876-C. D. Clerments 1877-C. D. Clements 1878-C. D. Clements 8,79-Robert Konkle i8-8o-Robert Konkle 188T-Dennis Delano 1882-Deninis Delano I883-S. P. Albertson 1884-Fordyce D. Reed '885-Fordyce D. Reed 1886-Isaac Page i887-Isaac Page i888-Isaac Page 1889-John W. B-lair i89o-Robert Konkle i89i-Robert Konkle 1892-Stephen Case 1893-Anthony Weher 1894-Frank Andrews 1895~-Frank Andrews 1896-Frank Andrews 1897-J. T, Wynne T898 —J. T W~ynne Eli P. Watson W. B. Andrus C. E. Watson A. D. Dunning A. D. Dunning Nelson Fisk Sam-uel Fisk C. L. Horning C. L. Horning C. L. Horning C. L. Horning C. L. Horning Daniel Leggett Daniel Leggett John L. Hughes John L. Hughes L. D. Nichols H. D. Edgarton H. D. Edgarton James C. Leggett James C. Leggett James C. Leggett Henry J. Leggett Wesley F. Teff t Wesley F. Tefft Wesley F. Tefft Wesley F'. Tefft Wesley F. Teifft X~Vesley F. Teff t EL A. Miner XWesley S. Tefft Wesley S. Teift Samuel Fisk Gilbert A. Dunning Gilbert A. Dunning Wesley S. Teifft James L. Felton James L. Felton Wesley S. Tefft Wesley S- Teift Wesley S. Tefft Wesley S. Teift William MacDougall Frank Andrews Frank Andrews William MacDougall William MacDougall William MacDougall jT. Monroe Kent J. Monroe Kent Randall Brooks John S. Gorton WV. C. Rowe N. K. Lonsbury J. D. Stone No record. Alfred Stone James W. Kent L. D. Nichols L. D. Nichols L. D. Nichols L.- D. Nichols M.L B. Nichols George Kent L. D. Nichols C. A. Miner C. A. Miner John F. Bjeebe John G. Kent John G. Kent John G. Kent James WV. Kent James WV. Kent George Kent Samuel Fisk Samuel Fisk John J. Jones Johni C. Kent John GL Kent J E. Lonshury F. C. M~~lelland Edgar L. Moon John G. Kent Frank L. Kent Frank L. Kent F. C. McClelland Frank L. Kent Frank L. Kent John XV. Blair JTohn W. Blair Granville A. Miner Patrick M cLaughlin Patrick McLaughlin F. C. McClelland F. C. McClelland Granville A. Miner John Frost John Frost Martin C. Miner Martin C. Miner HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY (4 649 1899-J. 1900-J. 190 F-. I1902-J. 1903-J. 1904-J. ioo ---.J. I 906-J. T., Wynne T. Wynne C. McClelland Monroe Kent Monroe Kent Monroe Kent Monroe Kent Monroe Kent William MacDougall William MacDongall C. E. Shepard C. E. Shepard C. E. Shepard George W. Townsend Frank A. Taylor Frank A. Taylor W.AYLAND TOWNSHIP. Clerk William Earley William Earley Martin C. Miner i\Iartin C. Miner James Roblyer James Roblyer James A. -Bracelin James A. B3racelin Supervisorl -18144 George WV. Blarnes Lnther M\'artin 1845-Joel lBrownson S. B1. Hooker 1846-Stephen S. GermondS5. 13. Hooker 1847-Nelson Chambers Luther Martin 1848-Joel Broxvnson Nelson Chambers 1849 Abel Angel Stephen S. Germond I85o-Abel Angel S. S. Germond i89,.i-Abel Angel S. S. Germnond 1852-Abel Angel A. Mosher 18-53-Abel Angel A. Mosher 1854-Abel Angel A.,Mosher 1855~-Abel Angel George Haywood T856-Abel Angel G. B. Manchester 18Q57-Abel Ang-el George Haywood 1858-Abel Angel Ralph Pratt 1859-Abel Ange-l Ralph Pratt T86o-Abel Angel T. J. Linton i86i-Ralph Pratt David M.Swett T862-Abel Angel WvN. R. Harrison 1863-Abel Angel Edwin E. Hoyt 1864-Abel Angel William- H. W~hite T865-Abel Angel E. G. Seaver T866 —Abel Angel F. G. Seaver 18S67-Abel Angel G. C. G-oodxvin 1868-Abel Angel H-. C. Garrett 1869-Abel Angel Hiram S. Warren 187o-Abel Angel William R. Harrison 1871i-Abel Angel Lee Denel T1872-Abel Angel C. H. Adanis 1873-Orrin W. Nash Williami V. Hoyt 1874-Abel Angel William V. Hoyt 12S75-Abel Angel William V. Hoyt 1876-David Stockdale Williamn V. IHoyt 1877-David Stockdale L. D. Chapple T88DvdSokal.D hpl.879,-David Stockdale L. D. Chapple T 889-David Stoickdale L. D. Chapple 188 o-David Stockdale L. D. Chapple T882-David Stoickdale L. D. Chapple Trea-surer 0. H. Ronnds William H1. H. Gregg Abel Angel Abel Angel William 171. H. Grcgg H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner H. Gardner N. Chambers Frank Heniker F rank Heniker William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William. L. Heazlit Lee Denel Lee Denel William Stackdale Charles H. Adams Charles H. Adams R. M. Congdon R. M. Congdon 6 50 650 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY' I83Dvd tcdl 1884-David Stockdale i1884-R.vi M.tongdon iS88&-R. M. Congdon i886-R. M. Congdon i888-R. M. Congclon i888-R. M. Congdon i88o-R. M. Congdon i89o-R. M. Congdon 1892-S. S. Foxgo 1892-S. S. Fox.1893-S. S. Fox 1895-S. S. Fox 1896g_-S. S. Fox 1896-S. S. Fox 1898-S.- S. Fox i1899-S. S. Fox iooo-S. S. Fox 1901i-S. S. Fox 1002-S. S. Fox 1903-Frank Chamberlain 1904 Frank Chamberlain 1905-Frank Chamberlain i906-Frank Chamberlain Fred. D. Quinlan Fred. D. Quinlan C. E. Davison C. E. Davison L. D. Chapple Li. D. Chapple George A. Mosher George A. Mosher L. D. Chapple L D. Chapple George A. Mosher George A. Mosher George A. Mosher George A. Mosher George A. Mosher George A. Mosher George A. Mosher Georg-e A. Mosher George A. Mosher George A. Mosher John B. Stockdale Guert V. Fales iGeorge A. Mosher,Walter B —. Sherwood L. MV. Doxey L. M. Doxey L. M. Doxev L. Mv. Doxey L. M. Doxey John C. Yeakey William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit S. S. Fox William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit Arthur Denel, Arthnr Denel L. D. Chapple John C. Yeakey Frank Chamberlain Frank Chamberlain Frank Chamberlain F. Chamberlain WV. L. Heazlit Frank Chamberlain Harry R. Rickett Harry R. Rickett Charles J. Ross Charles J. Ross Presidetnt 18,58-Henry, H-. Booth T859 —Thomas C. Jenner i86o-Alanson Case i86i-C. W. Calkins -i862-Ira Chaffee 1863-Charles R. Wilkes 18,64-F. B). Bassett 18Q65-C. W. Calkins i 866-Joseph Fisk i867-Ira Chaff ee T S68-Tra Chaff ee i 869-W. B. Jenner. 1870-F. J. Littlejohn I1871-F. J. Littlejohn 1872-John W. Stone T873-F. J. Littlejohn 1874-F. J. Littlejohn 1875S-Horace B. Peck T1876-W. C. Weeks T18,77-John M. Mendel T878-D. C. Henderson 1879-Henry F. Thomas ALLEGAN VILLAGEI. Clerk or Recorde'r E. B. B1-assett F. B). Bassett F. B. Bassett F. B). Bassett E. B. Bassett D. J. Arnold Silas F. Stone D. J.Arnold D. J.Arnold James F. Stack Frank J. Higgins TJ. F. Alley,A. F. Calkins G. D. Smith M. T. Ryan M. T. Ryan S. P. Stanley S. P. Stanley S. P. Stanley J. M. Killian S. P. Stanley Frank D. Stuck Treasurer Homier G. Case Amos P. Bush Amos P. Bush Amos P. Bush Amos P. Bush A. S. Butler H. C. Smith 1. D. Bush H.1 C. Smith George Geppert George D. Smith George D. Smith George Geppert George GeppertI Irving F. Clapp Irving F. Clapp Silas E. Stone Silas F. Stone W. B). Jenner H. B). Peck WV. T. Clark HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 651 S88o-Andrew Oliver, Sr. Joseph M. Killian.188I-Andrew Oliver, Sr. Joseph M. Killian 1882-A. E. Calkins Joseph M. Killian 1883-E. A. Fenn Joseph M. Killian I884-P. 0. Littlejohn Joseph M. Killian rS85-Elam A. Fenn Joseph M. Killian I886-John M. Mendel Joseph M. Killian 1887-John H. Eppink Joseph M. Killian i888-J. W. Chaddock John F. Dryden i889-Hamilton Hart John F. Dryden I89o-Philip Padgham John F. Dryden I89i-W. J. Pollard Charles E. Bassett 1892-0. G. Vahue John F. Dryden I893-Charles H. Adams Edward J. Wagner I894-David Stockdale Edward J. Wagner I895-Albert Lipper Edward J. Wagner I896-Horace H. Pope Edward J. Wagner I897-La Fayette Stuch George R. Smith 1898-Henry F. Thomas George R. Smith I899-Henry F. Thomas George R. Smith 9o00-John H. Krumbein William H. Dorgan I9OI-John H. Krumbein Charles F. Davison 1902-Gustav Stern Charles F. Davison I903-M. B. McAlpine Charles F. Davison 1I04-George Oliver Frank A. Ewer 1os5-Thomas Cook Frank A. Ewer 1oo6-Frank H. Williams Andrew F. Schumann DOUGLAS 'ILLAGE Edwin R. Morgan Perry J. Davis H. B. Peck Charles R. Wilks C. R. Wilks Leon Chichester Clarence G. Messenger Clarence G. Messenger Clarence G. Messenger Clarence G. Messenger Fred I. Chichester Charles Fairfield Charles Fairfield Herman H. Cook Herman H. Cook James H. Smith Edwin C. Bacon Volnev Ferris Irving A. Brown Leonard F. Solendine Frank A. Ewer Frank A. Ewer Herbert E. Elliott Herbert E. Elliott Hale P. Bartlett Hale P. Bartlett William Berry President 187o-C. A. Ensign 1871 —D.. W. iley 1872-D.. Wiley i 73-Reuben Smith 1,74-Thomas Gray 1875-Thomas Gray 1Q76-D. McLean 1877-D. McLean 1878-W. S. Gill i879-J. S. Payne r88o-D. W. Wiley 188I-James Boyles T882-James Boyles 1883-Charles W. Moore 1884-T. B. Dutcher I885-T. B. Dutcher J886-T.. B. Dutcher T887-T. B. Dutcher 1('88-James Boyles I889-Jonas S. Crouse Clerk D. C. Putnam John Kirby John Kirby John Kirby TJohn Kirby Tohn Kirby D. C. Putnam John Kirby John Kirby N. C. Firman N. C. Firman Willard S. Gill Willard S. Gill Martin Gray Martin Gray Martin Gray Martin Gray Martin Gray Martin Gray Martin Gray Treasurer C. McDonald L. A. Upson Joseph Gerber Thomas Gray D. W. Wiley Thomas Gray D. McLean D. McLean D. McLean D. McLean Jonas S. Crouse Jonas S. Crouse Jonas S. Crouse John W. Dickey Frank Kirby Frank Kirby Lewis A. UTpson Frank Kirbv Frank Kirbv D. B. Riley 6,52 652 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY i89o-WiVilliam Kerr t89i-Wilbei Grose i892-H. A. -McDonald 1893-H. A. Stroud 1894-Frank 'Wade t895-J. S. Grouse 1896-Elmner E. Weed 1897-Elmer F. Weed 1898-Elmer E. Weed 1899-Geo. H. Plummer iqoo-D. 'M. Gerber -1qoi-D. At Gerber 1()02-H. A, Stroud 1903-J. E. Durhami 10 —04-Frank Wade -1905-Frank Wade i(-o6-H. A. McDonald C. M. Winslow James B. Firman James 13. Firman C. M. Winslow C. M. Winslow L. W. McDonald D. 1.Riley D. 13. Riley D. B. Riley L-, W. McDonald L.. W. McDonald L. W. McDonald J. E. Devine I. E. Devine William G. Tisdale William G. Tisdale William G. Tisdale J. E. Durham J, E. Durham George H. Plummer George H. Plummer Elmer E. Weed J. E. Devine J. E. Durham George Menold F. A. Knickerbocker F. A. Knickerbocker George H. Plummer Frank Kerr F. A. Knickerbocker F. A. Knickerbocker Frank Kerr Frank Kerr L, W. McDon-ald Fresiden t i865-Willard Higgins i8,,66-William H. Ingr, 1867-Abram Hoag 8S68-Willard Higgins 1T869~-Willard Higgins 1870-Willard Higgins 187i-T. 13). Hinkson T872-T. B1. Hinkson T873-R. R. Rich 1874-Lenora Foster I1875;-H. Hall 1876 —Herman L. Ishar 1877-Daniel M\. Hall 1878-Daniel ML Hall -1879 —Stephen B. Hoag i88o-A. J. Van Wyck i88i-W. J. Rice 1882-P. G. Hoag *I883-Stephien B —. Hoa: 1 892-F. H. Milham 1893-C. M. Edmonds 18,94-F. H. Milham.1F95 -G. E. lBardeen i896-G. E. Bardeen T897-John Lenton 1898-G. E. Bardeen T8,99-G. E. Bardeen *Recordls missing f or OTSEGO XILLAGE. Clerk F. Chadsey James Smith James Smith James Smith James Smith J. M. Ballowv J. M. Ballow Huron Hall R. R. Rich J. M. Ballow J. M. Ballow James Smith James Smith James Smith G.- B. Norton A. T. B. Palmer, assistant clerk C. A. Barnes C. A. Barnes C. A. Barnes Treasuirer E. M. Allen E. M. Allen Willard Higgins Willard Higgins S. K. Potter Alford Whitcomb Alford Whitcomb M. D. Prindle John B. Millard A. T. B. Palmer A. T. B. Palm-er A. T. B. Palmier A. T. B. Palmer A. T. B. Palmer T. WV. Sherwood B. A. Nevins B.A. Nevins C. P. Hubley M. 0. Brockway M. 0. Brockway M. 0. Brockway XvI. 0. Brockway ATi. 0. BrockwavI F. J. Rose E. J. Rose yea rs 1884 to 1891, inclusive. C. A. A. C. C. G. G. G. H. A. A. A. A. C. C. H. P retntice Thaver Thaver B a rnes Barnes Nevins Nevins Easton HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY65 653 I 9oo-C. E. Stuck 19oi-G. E. Bardeen tc-)02-G. E. Bardeen 19o3-A. Kohienstein i 9o4-C. F. Struty I )o5-T. E. Clark ig-o6-T. E. Clark E. J. Rose J. S. Brock Grant Gilbert William Fullerton William Fullerton G. H. Easton G. H. Easton G.X. apbl G. XV. Campbell C. E. Pipp Frank McCall W. A. Mansfield WI. A. Mansfield C. T'. Taylor PLAINWELL X'ILLAGE. Presideiltt j S69-Joseph W. Hicks I 8270-Jonas Rouse 187i-Henry H. Mills 1872-A. H. Hill 1873-Joseph XV. Hicks 1874-Joseph WV. Hicks 1875-joseph XV. Hicks -1876-MAorrison Bailey 1877-Daniel Earl T378-Morrison Bailey 1879-Daniel Earl I 88o-Ogrden Tomlinson i 88i-O. Tomlinson 4882-Daniel Earle S8-.J. XWoodard t8-84-0. J. Woodard 1885-Joseph WI. Hicks -fF886-Joseph WV. Hicks 1887-Joseph WV. Hicks T888-Joseph XV. Hicks ]i'88c F. M. Stonuis [890-F. M. Stonuis 1891i-F. M.Stonus T1892 F. M. Stonus 8-913-F. i\J I Stonus T1S94-F. M. Stonuis ]1895g- F. M.- Stonuis T,9 6)-,L. -E. TIrand 1Sq97-L. E. Irland i1898-F. M. Stonus 1899-F-l. M. Stonuis 1T )OO-F. M. Stonus 1901-F. M.- Stonuis 1002 —F. A. Harwood [9 03-F. A. Harwood 1904-F. A. Harwood 1905-A. L. Nichols 1906-F. A. Harwood Clerk H. WI. Church John H-. Madden Oziel H. Rounds, Jr. Clarence M. Giles John S. Havens John S. Havens John S. Havens G. W.' Merriam George Scales George Scales Charles D. Hart Charles D. Hart Charles D. Hart Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Peter Hatfield Fred IF. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson IFred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred IF. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred IF. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Fred F. Patterson Treasurer A. H. Hill William Hay 0. J. NWoodard 0. J. XWoodard G. G. Soule G. G. Soule G. (G. Soule G. G. Soule G. G. Soule G. NV. Mlerriam H. WI. Chamberlin William Crispe H. WI. Chamberlin G. G. Soule H. WX. Chamberlin H. NV. Chamberlin F. M'N. Stonus 0. B1. Granger 0. Ii. Grang-er () I. Granger J. H. Hitchcock J. A. Sherwood J. A. Sherwood J. A. Sherwood James N. Hill I. S. Madden J. S. Madden C. WV. Mfachemer,C. WV. MNachenmer C. E'. Spencer C. E. Spencer C. XV. Mlachemer C. WY. M~achenmer C. E. Spencer E. J. Chart E. J. Chart F[,red R. Chart IF. C. Smith 654 654 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY SAUGATUCK VILLAGE. President i868-H. B. Moore 1869-H. B. Moore 187o-John C. Bacon T187i-S. A. Morrison 1872-R. Densmore 1873-Isaac Wilson 1874-Isaac Wilson 1875-D. L. Barber 1876-D. L. Barber IS877-L. B. Coates 1878-H. B. Moore I879-A. B. Taylor i ~,8o —A. B. Taylor i88i-J. G. Williams 18-82-W. B. Griffin P-83-D. L. Barber 1884-D. A. Winslow j885-D. A. Winslow iF886-J. F. Henry i%87-J. F. Henry i888-J. F. Henry i889-J. F. Henry i8Qo-J. F. Henry i~oi-J. F. Henry 1892-J. F. Henry 1893-J. M. Pond 189-4-F. Wade 1895-F. Wade 1896-F. Wade 1897-S. C. Reed T8q8-S. C. Reed 18-99-F. Wade J90o-j. H. Pear Tgoi-J. H. Pear 1902-John Koning, 19o3-jT. H. Pear J904-.T. H. Pear lqo5-H. M. Bird i906-H. M. Bird Clerk Hiram R. Ellis Hiram R. Ellis Hiram R. Ellis Henry B ir d. J r. Henry B3ird, Jr. R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham, R. B. Newuham. R. B. Newnham. R. B). Newnham R. B. Newnham R. B. Newnham. J. M. Pond D. A. Winslow R. B3. Newnham R. B. Newnham R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham R. B. Newnham. R. B. Newnham. Charles Phew L. E. Veits L. E. Veits L. E. Veits L. E. Veits E. S. Pride H. M. Bird E.- S. Pride Aug. Pfaff Aug. Pfaff Aug. Pfaff Aug. Pfaff WAYLAND VILLAGE. Clerk H. C. Garrett H. C. Garrett J. B. Smith David Stockdale E. M. Fitch Treasurer Diodet Rogers L. 0. Tanner J. B. Bacon John Nies A. B. Taylor A. B. Taylor A. B. Taylor A. B. Taylor C. Whitney C. Whitney C. Whitney C. Whitney C. Whitney S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison S. A. Morrison N. L. Rowe N. L. Rowe N. L. Rowe A. B. Taylor D. L. Barber A. B. Taylor A. B. Taylor J. A. Aliber D. A. Heath D. A. Heath D. A. Heath D. A. Heath D. A. Heath W. R. Takkin C. E. Bird C. E. Bird W. G. Edgecomb President 18-68 —Edward M. Fitch i869 —Edward M. Fitch 187o-jamnes F. Halbert 187i-William Seaver 1872-William Seaver Treasurer Norton Briggs Norton Briggs Norton Briggs Norton Briggs Norton Briggs HISTORY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY 655 I873-Minot Hoyt 1874-John Graham 1875-William E. White 1876-William Seaver 1877-William Seaver 1878-William Seaver,q79-David Stockdale IS8o-David Stockdale I88- David Stockdale 1882-William Seaver 1883-William V. Hoyt I884- William V. Hoyt i885 —Ensign W. Pickett I886-J. W. Humphry 1887-James H. Avery 1888-Edward S. Fitch 1889-John Chapple I89o-John Chapple 89I —John Chapple 1892-Ensign W. Pickett T893-Eli F. Clark I894-Edward S. Fitch 1895-Edward S. Fitch 896 —Eli F. Clark IQ97-David Stockdale 1898-David Stockdale 1899-John C. Yeakey 9goo-William Stockdale 190o-William Stockdale T902-David Stockdale 1903-Frank Coville 1904-William Stockdale I905-L. F. Wallbrecht 1906-William Stockdale W. V. Hovt W. V. Hoyt W. V. Hoyt Vr. V. Hoyt John Chapjle John Chapple John Chapple John Chapple John Chapple 0. E. White David Stockdale Peter Ross Peter Ross John Chapple John Chapple John Chapple George A. Mosher George A. Mosher George A. Mosher William V. Hoyt William V. Hoyt William V. Hoyt George A. Mosher George A. Mosher L. D. Chapple George A. Mosher Olis E. Harwood George A. Mosher George A. Mosher Frank C. Elliott D, Jay Chapple D. Jay Chapple D. Jay Chapple D. Jay Chapple Walter B. Sherwood Norton Briggs Norton Briggs Eli F. Clark Frank Henika Frank Henika T. B. Garrett B. D. Smith Bradley Smith Bradley Smith Bradley Smith Bradley Smith John Chapple John Graham William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit Leander D. Chapple Frank E. Pickett William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlitt Ensign W. Pickett William L. Heazlit William L. Heazlit Alanson Tanner Samuel J. Newton Samuel J. Newton C. G. Devenwater C. G. Devenwater I.! hw y -! i I I -W y:; *i 'A I I t;I i $ I |~ ~I I fijj~~f A7>I