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HOMAS JEFFERSON was
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born April 2, I743, at Shadwel, Albermarle county, Va.
His parents were Peter and
1; Jane (Randolph) Jefferson,
X v the former a native of Wales,
~ ~ ~and the latter born in London. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, having been kept diligently at school
from the time he was five years of
age. In I760 he entered William
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion
and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachaable in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences,that he was not ruined. In the second year of his college course, moved by some unexplained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for exercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philosophy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and
there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.
Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued in the
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distinguished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer. But the times called for greater action.
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow.
Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon,
became the most distinguished resort in our land.
In I775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important committees,
and was chairman of the one appointed for the drawing up of a declaration of independence. This committee consisted of Thomnas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Congress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that
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sary of the Declaration of American Independence,
great preparations were made in every part of the!
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and }
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity ""
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, i
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declaration, to participate in their festivities. But an illness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.
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" ~. >'0 A AMES MADISON, "Father
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e' M I /' I -President of the United States,
was born March i6, 1757, and
@_ died at his home in Virginia,
) - June 28, I836. The name of
/-l. ' James Madison is inseparably conI?Xl51 nected with most of the important
= lw l^ events in that heroic period of our?g a\[ country during which the founda-':= x tions of this great republic were
3 X _' Llaid. He was the last of the founde'rs, of the Constitution of the United
States to be called to his eternal
)W,reward.
t\ The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
M landing upon the shores of the ChesaE0 peake but I5 years after the settlement of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
\ planter, residing upon a very fine es\9 ( tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly picturesque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
i Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustrious? men, from their early youth until death.
3 The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
C mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
I8 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.. Here he applied himself to study with the most im
prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 77 7, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsequent career.
Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso-,ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial attention to theological studies. Endowed with a mind
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.
In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
(I777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-loving voters, and
consequently lost his election; but those who had
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council; and their appreciation of his
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intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
" Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most conspicuous positions among them.
For three years Mr. Madison continued in Congress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.
No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no national government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commissioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
) delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
s of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Constil tution of the United States was then and there formed.
l There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more active in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.
The Constitution, adopted by a vote 8 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little power at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the convention to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Representatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a
young widow of remarkable power of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society;~ which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Madison.
Mr. Madison served as Secretaryof State under
1 Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
') was chosen President. At this time the encroachn ments of England had brought us to the verge of war.
MADISON.
British orders in council destroyed our commerce, and
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison i
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the "
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchalance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects; orders them down the
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and impressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.
On the 8th of June, I812, President Madison gave
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of Mm rr'h TQOT WAl_ re lOerted hl-v l}nrce mrniritvr
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and entered upon his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grappling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.
The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted; England refused. A British force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladensburg, upon Washington.
The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city.
Tha Pr-c;?rl1n~rt- la.;qrn r l /l.rc lln i^;- n fht-1l5 W hi;t'
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House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of being
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.
The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. '
On the 4th of March, I817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the remainderof his days. On June 28, I836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1849.
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=r!k,[f^. T 1AMES MONROE, the fifth
President of The United States,
r I was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 28, 1758. His early
@J( 'life was passed at the place of
- A - nativity. His ancestors had for
e - many years resided in the provi nce in whic he was born. When,. l at I7 years of age, in the process
-'b of completing his education at
~ 3f2 William and Mary College, the Colonial Congress assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate upon the unj^ ust and manifold oppressions of
fj% Great Britian, declared the separation of the Colonies, and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enlisted among the patriots.
He joined the army when everything looked hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of contending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife
for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the melancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charging upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder.
As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was promoted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the campaigns of I777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing'to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volunteer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.
In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,
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he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
the Congress of the United' States.
Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
thinking, with many others of the Republican party,
that it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he retained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member
of the United States Senate; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction between the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now separated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of the Constitution -as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England,
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Constitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could possibly
authorize.
The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In
building up this majestic nation, which is destined
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the combination of their antagonism was needed to create the
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was denounced as almost a demon.
Washington was then President. England had espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the principles of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality between these contending powers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the President's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.
Washington, who could appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was denouncingjhe policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.
Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three years. He was again sent to France to
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their united efforts were successful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world.
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to obtain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But England was unrelenting. He again returned to England on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of secretary of State under
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. HIe was truly the armorbearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but continued in the office of Secretary of State until the expiration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the election held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.
Among the important measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine."
This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that
time the United States had recognized the independence of the South American states, and dtd not uish
to have European powers longer attempting to sub.
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: " That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European powers to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United
States."' This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.
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At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired.#
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until I830,
when he went to New York to live with his son-in- -
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 183.
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SIX TH PRESIDENT. 39
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y.,U I OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
")/ sixth President of the United,'rT lT/S|e I I States, was born in the rural
^'3f? ^[h (home of his honored father,
s -ffi31 JoHn Adams, in Quincy, Mass.,
'*.rl ~on the I th of July, 1767. His
-- )' mother, a woman of exalted
_ '~q, worth, watched over his childhood
1 1 during the almost constant absence of his father. When but
Ktt leight years of age, he stood with, his mother on an eminence, listening to the booming of the great battle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow(o) ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.: When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his father for Europe,
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.
Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again
John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to study; then accompained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in I781, when the manly boy was but fourteen
years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our minister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.
In this school of incessant labor and of enobling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence,
in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the most distinguished men on the Continent;
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again
became associated with the most illustrious men of
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind. After
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world,
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such circumstances, must have been extremely attractive;
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he preferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.
Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty,
he studied law for three years. In June, I794, being then but twenty-seven years of age, he was appointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached
London in October, where he was immediately admitted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney,
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Great Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in
London, he proceeded to the Hague.
In July, I797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal,
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. While waiting he was married to an
American lady to whom he had been previously engaged,-Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London;
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accomplishment which eminently fitted her to move in the
elevated sphere for which she was destined.
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) He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his
~ recall.
Soon after his return, in i8o2, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, I804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Government in its measures of resistance to the encroachments of England, destroying our commerce and insuiting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
I these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.
In i809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resigning his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, i809.
While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu) dent. He devoted his attention to the language and, history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
s European system of weights, measures, and coins; to
i the climate and astronomical observations; while he
3 kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Y Latin classics. Il all the universities of Europe, a, more accomplished scholar cduld scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an important
" part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.
On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his numerous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the
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was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con- I
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the country, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, was there an administration more unscrupu- (
lously and outrageously assailed.
Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, abstemious and temperate in his habits; always rising
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast.
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his i
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.
On the 4th of, March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice President. The slavery question now began to assume
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not long permitted to remain in retirement. In November, I830, he was (
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as representative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to -.
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of '
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in ^
the House, he announced that he should hold him-;
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a,
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually S
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to w
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions'for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination;
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete. t
It has been said of President Adams, that when his j
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before
he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in
his infant years.
On the 2 ist of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the (
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to.
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- l
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the end of earth;"then after a moment's a
pause he added, "I am content." These were the
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." ~.m
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home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary
of State.
' Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;,. William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirtyseven. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
'% Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
( Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
> the past history of our country than the abuse which
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SE VENTH PRESIDENT. 43
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NDREW JACKSON, the
seventh President of the
A ^ United States, was born in
li^ ^ Waxhaw settlement, N. C;.,
March i5, 1767, a few days
t after his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
De i from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
(h) b Andrew, or Andy, as he was
g universally called, grew up a very
roughrude, rudturbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form ungainly; and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was attractive.
When only thirteen years old he joined the volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
178I, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.
The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate
blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fearful gashes,-one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and received a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
drsabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother was successful in obtaining their exchange,
and took her sick boys home. After a long illness
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.
Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N.C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In I788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
with the Sharp Knife.
In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occurrence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.
During these years he worked hard at his profession, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was especially disgraceful.
In January, I796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a constitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.
The new State was entitled to but one member in
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its
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Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demnocratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
i' wise, firm and patriotic."
Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned andreturned home.
Soon after.he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held for six years.
When the war of I812 with Great Britian commenced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.
As the Britis'h were hourly expected to make an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of several weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won hinm
golden opinions; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory."
Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brothler of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white settlers, were committing the most awful ravages. Decisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assistance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama.
The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two thousand men, (Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend
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of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suply of arms were assembled.
The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly desperate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morning until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred warrios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands caine to the camp, begging for peace.
This closing of the Creek war enabled us to concentrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.
Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of al)out
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.
The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be mentioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in T824,
he was defeated l)y Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.
His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party,
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jackson's life were that of a devoted Christian man.
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EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 47
ARTIN VAN BUREN, the he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his,l A eighth President of the studies for the seventh year.
1g^ ^Jyl t^ yUnited States, was born at In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of
-l&{ a Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, age, commlenced the practice of law in his native vil782. He died at the same lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
place, July 24, I862. His Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van
body rests in the cemetery Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
at Kinderhook. Above it is perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the.
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet many discussions which had been carried on inr his
high, bearing a simple inscription father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with (I
about half way up on one face. Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the =
The lot is unfenced, unbordered cause of St-ate Rights; though at that time the Fed- __
or unbounded by shrub or flower. eral party held the supremacy both in his town 4
There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren and State. (
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intelligence and exemplary piety.
He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of him
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pursued his studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending six years in an office in his native village,
His success and increasing ruputation led him,
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years,
constantly gaining strength by contending in the
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consumption, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In 812, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In I8I5, he was appointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.
While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
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the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that "universal suffrage" which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State.
In I821 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.
In I827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a determined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.
Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to
organize a political army which would, secretly and
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.
When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned
home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favorite; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren received the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."
His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in.
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commercial panic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was attributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election.
With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in I848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.
He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, secured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, T841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald,
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, I862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old
age, Iroblably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life.
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. NINTH PRESIDENT. 51 <
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m rEH ILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth President of
the United States, was born
t at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively opulent circumstances, and was
rIF j] one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, M as early elected
a member of the Continental
}, Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Harrison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
i speaker.
Mr Harrison was subsequently
t chosen Governor of Virginia, and!i) was twice re-elected. His son,
William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Having received a thorough common-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with honor soon after the death of his father. He
then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi
dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then appointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory was then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position.
In the spring of I8oo the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was appointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office-first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by President Madison.
Whenhe began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About
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t the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
7 of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of to the utmost. The British descending from the Can- /
') these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching adas, were of themselves a very formidable force; but, Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "'The Prophet." with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the i
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burnof great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might was plunged into a state of consternation which even
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagragrounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
an orator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison
they dwelt. was appointed by President Madison commander-inBut the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was, chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went General Harrison was found equal to the position,
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the reby the Great Spirit. sponsibilities.
Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a, October 28, I812, his army began its march. When valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
near the Prophet's town three Indlans of rank made lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,
= their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. i
= approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a The only fare he could give them was beef roasted =:; short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- before the fire, without bread or salt.
2 ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.In 6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of
In i8i6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of
But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with the National House of Representatives, to represent
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
campment, he took every precaution against surprise. force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept the attention of all the members.
upon their arms. In I8I9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
The troops threw themselves upon the ground for Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
the desperation which superstition and passion most The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the all his influence to prevent Harrison's election; but
little army. The savages had been amply provided his triumph was signal.
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the brilliant with which any President had ever been: light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin-'' ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country t
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a
S until day dawned: they then made a simultaneous pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick~ charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- ness, died on the 4th of April; just one month after
k fore them, and completely routing the foe. his inauguration as President of the United States.
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X t(ji OHN TYLER, the tenth
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l lB He was born in Charles-city
___S__ ^>Co., Va., March 29, I79go. He
/ was the favored child of af~ / fluence and high social p'osition. At the early age of
twelve, John entered William
and Mary College and graduated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
} l graduating, he devoted himself with great assiduity to the
i study of law, partly with his
) father and partly with Edmund
Randolph, one of the most distin-: ~jj] gllished lawyers of Virginia.
At nineteen years of age, nie.I commenced the practice of law.
3 His success was rapid and astonishing. It is said that three!^ months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the docki et of the court in which he was
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State
Legislature. He connected himself with the Democratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his county.
When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
bank, internal improvements by the General Govern
ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict conl
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in promoting public works of great utility. With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a successful one. His popularity secured his re-election.
John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor.
In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposition. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal improvements by the General Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification; he declared that Gen.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress,-a record
in perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.
Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of
his profession. There was a split in the Democratic
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a forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to public business, his private affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plantation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children; and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.
By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
I839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Harrison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To conciliate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice President. It was well known that he was not in sympathy with the Whig party in the North: but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Government, his main and almost only duty being to pre-, side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it happened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
" Democratic Vice President were chosen.
In I84I, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice PresiI dent of the United States. In one short month from
" that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
= thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of
r the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harrison. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been
opposed to the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with counsellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in harmony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the public welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He invited the cabinet which President Harrison had
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto. He suggested, however, that he would
approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back i
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this measure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now exultingly received the President into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.
Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administration passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. =
Polk, the Democratie candidate for his successor. S
On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife,
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in I842;
and in June, I844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.
The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home,-Sherwood Forest, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his. family circle was
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.
When the great Rebellion rose, which the Staterights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confederates. He was chosen a member of their Congress;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by r
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. "_
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ELE VENTI PRESIDE N7T 59
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AMES K. POLK, the eleventh sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
President of the United States, counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.. was born in Mecklenburg Co., This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
N. C., Nov. 2, I795. His par- had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
ents were Samuel and Jane were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
(Knox) Polk, the former a son uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
of Col. Thomas Polk, who located earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
at the above place, as one of the arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
~. first pioneers, in 1735. after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With.
O = In the year IO06, with his wife, ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed =
and children, and soon after fol- forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
eat lowed by most of the members bf years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore ==
> the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi- class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 'i
5, grated some two or three hundred Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of *
) miles farther west, to the rich valley scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing (
of the Duck River. Here in the himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
midst of the wilderness, in a region service.
which was subsequently called Mau- He graduated in i8i8, with the highest honors, bery Co., they reared their log huts ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
I *1 and established their homes. In the mathematics and the classics. He was then twentyhard toil of a new farm in the wil- three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
derness, James K. Polk spent the time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
^ early years of his childhood and had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of! youth. His father, adding the pur- relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
gradually increased in wealth until renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
he became one of the leading men of the region. His resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
mother was a superior woman, of strong common miles from Nshville. They had probably been
sense and earnest piety. slightly acquainted before.
Very early in life, James developed a taste for Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican,
$ reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politia liberal education. His mother's training had made cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
principles of morality. His health was frail; and his he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
_ father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and....",-al...
60 JAMES K PX OK. L.
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courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the joy s and griefs of others which ever gave. him troops of friends. In I823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.
In January, I824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him,-a lady of beauty and culture. In the fall of I825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was continued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.
During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was. Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused,
= and stormy scenes were witnessed; but Mr. Polk performed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac= tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
9 March, 1839.
) In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the I4th of October, I839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In I841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the candidate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.
On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugurated President of the United States. The verdict of
the countryin favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.
# In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, l)e received into tile Union on the same footing with the. other States. In the meantime, (;en. Taylor was sent
with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.
The anticipated collision soon took place, and war
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,"
then of " in vasion," was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.
'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower California. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right: there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.
On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
lie had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good. With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were blefore him. But the
cholera-that fearful scourge-was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the I5th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.
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TWELFTH. PRESIDENT. 63
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ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth companyof infantry numbering fifty men, many of
President of the United States, whom were sick.
was born on the 24th of Nov., Early in the autumn of I812, the Indians, stealthily,
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their
I father. Conlonel Tayvlor. was anr)roachr wan first indlicrater lr) the nm1llrrr rf twor.x
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l. the Revolution. When Zachary
(x was an infant, his father with his
7[[ ]J wife and two children, emigrated
F id ( to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In this fronti ier home, away from civilization and
I all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advantages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of character He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In i8o8. his father succeeded in obtaining for him
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.
The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of capture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc
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army; and he joined the troops which were stationed Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
from one of the first families of Maryland. Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the
Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- rank of major by brevet.
land, in I812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been Until the close of the war, Major Taylor was placed
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort in such situations that he saw but little more of active. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which
ness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe. empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken best could. There were no books, no society, no in
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* 64 ZACHARY
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years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in
~ the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.
For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year I836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and retire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
had promised they should do. The services rendered
here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
> the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief command of the United States troops in Florida.
After two years of such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
and was stationed over the Department of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
' at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
S to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
i Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
= from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty; imposed upon him.
In I846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
> between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded.
His careless habits of dress and his unaffected: simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
the sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.'
The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonderful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished,unlettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announcement, and for a time would not listen to it; declaringthat he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not
v without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
who had been long years in the public service found
~ their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name
had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste remarked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
writer His friends took possession of him, and prepared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was triumphantly elected over two opposing candidates,Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren.
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy, expeditions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians.
In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, I850.
His last words were, "I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, unpretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly lamented his death.
Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character:-" With a good store of
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been enlarged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the consequence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His simplicity was child-like, and with innumerable prejudices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an outside pocket,-in any such case, this critic held the
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
'touch with a pair of tongs.'
"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dilworth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short,
few men have ever had a more comfortable, laborsaving contempt for learning of every kind."
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THIR 'EENTH PR ESIDENT. 67 >
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ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
teenth President of the United village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
States, was born at Summer to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-. g Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y., on ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
(t ) ' the 7th of January, i80o. His books. 'His thirst for knowledge became insatiate;,
' father was a farmer, and ow- and the selections which he made were continually
ing to misfortune, in humble cir- more elevating and instructive. He read history,
|M cumstances. Of his mother, the biography, oratory; and thus gradually there was eng daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, kindled in his heart a desire to be something more *
3 l!., of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be-:;j Kif said that she possessed an intellect coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, @
of very high order, united with much educated man.
ipersonal loveliness, sweetness ofdis- The young clothier had now attained the age of (;
position, graceful manners and ex- nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
quisite sensibilities. She died in and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that. 1831; having lived to see her son a there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
young man of distinguished prom- pecuniary means and of benevolence,-Judge Walter
ise, though she was notpermittedto witness the high Wood,-who was struck with the prepossessing apdignity which he finally attained. pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaintIn consequence of the secluded home and limited ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- attainments that he advised him to abandon his
vantages for education in his early years. The com- trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce no friends to help him and that his previous educaand expensive. There was nothing then in his char- tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy; take him into his own office, and to loan him such
/ intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, offer was accepted.
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. There is in many minds a strange delusion about (<
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of be liberally educated if he has graduated at some colLivingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. lege. But many a boy loiters through university halls
_Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some and then enters a law office, who is by no means as
NJ --- (| <^- ~ — -
68 MILLARD FILLMORE.
y well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
f Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in I
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con-,
t which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
tense mental culture. find suitable candidates for President and Vice-PresiIn 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
his practice of course was limited, and there was no proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. it was necessary to associate with him on the same: Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.
X moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station Under the influence of these considerations, the
she might be called to fill,-Miss Abigail Powers. names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became
His elevation of character, his untiring industry, the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
gradually attracted attention; and he was invited to signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
enter into partnership under highly advantageous Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in I829, On the 9th of July, I850, President Taylor, but (
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the about one year and four months after his inaugura2 State of New York,' as a representative from Erie tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-.,.: County. Though he had never taken a very active stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-:? part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which t
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. ~
a and he found himself in a helpless minority in the Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend ',
S Legislature, still the testimony comes from all parties, with, since the opposition had a majority in both
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate (
unusual degree the respect of his associates. the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in the inadequacyof all measures of transient conciliation.
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled The population of the free States was so rapidly inarena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our creasing over that of the slave States that it was innational history. The great conflict respecting the evitable that the power of the Government should
a national bank and the removal of the deposits, was soon pass into the hands of the free States. The.:. then raging. famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
His term of two years closed; and he returned to Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fillutation and success. After a lapse of two years more, having served one term, retired.
he again became a candidate for Congress; was re- In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Preselected, and took his seat in 837. His past expe idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
rience as a representative gave him strength and by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
any man can be but little more than an introduction. he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- his sympathies were rather with those who were engies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
/ measure received his impress. Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any, Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
' his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe, he was elected Comptroller of the State. old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, x874,.......' " ':'-'%~
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EFOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 7 1
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A RANKLIN PIERCE, the
fourteenth President of the
United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, I804. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, who,
~' z S with his own strong arm,
hewed out a home in the
[i( l wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis/ ing Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire,-an intelligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.
Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
'looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without developing any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.
When sixteen years of age, in the year I820, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and
genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite.
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest degree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.
Upon graduating, in the year I824, Franklin Pierce
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth. The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the facinating yet perilous path of political life. With all
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served- for four yeats. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.
In I833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty,
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.
In I837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member in
the Senate. In the year I834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one admirably fitted to.adorn every
station with which her husband was honored. Of the
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`i: three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with
F their parents in the grave.. In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
) President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
d Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
\ brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, I847.
He took an important part in this war, proving himself a brave and true soldier.
When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo) cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppor nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
S very frequently taking an active part in political ques5 tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
l wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
1 measures met cordially with his approval; and he; strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infas mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distinguished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.'
The strong partisans of slavery in the South consequently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.
On the I2th of June, i852, the Democratic convention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
t two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with; great unanimity. Only four States-Vermont, Mast sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee-cast their
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce
) was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.
His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy between slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point. It became evident that there was
an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his administration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every Southern breeze.
Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advocated those measures of Government which they approved, and perhaps, also) feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.
On the 4th of March, I857, President Pierce retired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident; and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.
When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which divided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Government. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
I869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. (renerous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the alleviation of suffering and want, and many of his townspeople were often gladened by his material bounty.
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1IFTEENTH PRESIDENTS 5
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es!",, AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President of the United
l~l, I E TStatcs, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the
) ' eastern ridge of the Allegha//T nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on
c e the 23d of April, 1791. The place
C w I[l where the humble cabin of his
c } } / father stood was called Stony
c I Batter. It was a wild and ro/ tt mantic spot in a gorge of the moun' tains, with towering summits rising
) ()grandly all around. His father
was a native of the north of Ireland;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
I783, with little property save his
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilderI ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure part in the drama of life. In this secluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de.
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en
abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility.
In the year i809, he graduated with the highest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he successfully defended before the State Senate one of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lucrative practice.
In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In 183I, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having acquired an ample fortune.
Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability,which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster,
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the measures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri
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a 84 ANDRE: W JOHNSON.
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ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-; ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.
Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would probably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
and become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the comP promise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
X be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the free States of the North should return to the
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery.
Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,"
said he on the floor of the Senate, "I do not forget
that I am a mechanic; neither do I forget that Adam, was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav= ior was the son of a carpenter."
= In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of 860, he
= was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
/ Presidency. In i86i, when the purpose of the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, I862, apf pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he: established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In
I864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,
S865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, "The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
r must be punished; that the Government will not
always bear with its enemies; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent
opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech.
In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginning of I868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were preferred against him, and the trial began March 23.
It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.
The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently,
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unparalleled since the days of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until I875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Congress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reaching the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 A. M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fineral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.
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Xf C' giLYSSES S. GRANT, the
O, Ir 1 H eighteenth President of the
l: I@ 1 I, United States, was born on
e~iA L the 29th of April, I822, of
f e Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to Georger,town, Brown Co., O. In this rei mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
t ~ i received a common-school edu\ cation. At the age of seventeen, in the year I839, he entered
S the Military Academy at West
I Point. Here he was regarded as a
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of infantry to one of the distant military posts in the Missouri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians.
The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its ammunition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
( grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.
FS, 8 (A1
From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Chapultepec.
At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant returned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the immigrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States; and having married, entered upon the cultivation of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not remunerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Galena, Ill. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still readyto discharge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."
He went into the streets, raised a company of volunteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the I5th of
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88 ULYSSES S. GRANT.
June, I86i, Capt. Grant received a commission as Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
/t, unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal,
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de' that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as-:(
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
peared.in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the stars and were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
4 stripes were unfurled in its stead. plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
He entered the service with great determination campaigns, which were executed with remarkable eng and immediately began active duty. This was the be- ergy and ability, and were consummated at the surginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond, render of Lee, April 9, 1865.
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its salwon another victory. Then came the brilliant fight vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.
immediately made a Major-General, and the military At the Republican Convention held at Chicago,
~ district of Tennessee was assigned to him. May 2I, I868, he was unanimously nominated for the.~
Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how Presidency, and at the autumn election received a =
= to secure the results of victory. He immediately majorityof the popular vote, and 214 out of 294: pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the electoral votes.
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the The National Convention of the Republican party /
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of une, I872,
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphatinon. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292
sevper hblwwhich the rehol h t,, l...fn r.nrltr,,l electoral votes being cast for him.,,.I -.,., r,,.x.,,,, —.".-J,~ak..~,.;,,,OJLX..CJ~~ C~/%,i~.~t.ILkiI~.IL
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with started upon his famous trip around the world. He
J Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- visited almost every country of the civilized world~.! ~and was everywhere received with such ovations
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from and was erayw received with such ovati
' his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid as well as public and official, as were never before
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas atChattanooga, and bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. It
of. a Tois not too much to say that his modest, courteous, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and tactical meas- s not t much to say that hs modest courteous ad
ures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then dignified demeanor in the presence of the most disfollowed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout tingushed men in the different nations in the world,
' Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels reflected honor upon the Republic which he so long
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- and so faithfully served. The country felt a great
*:. bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- pride in his reception. Upon his arrival in San Fran-; ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- cisco, Sept. 20, I879, the city authorities gave him a 4
fine reception. After lingering in the Golden State En
A general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.fine receptio Afer lingring in the rolden State
for a while, he began his tour through the States,
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials hih extndd North an South, everywhere malrp and enter upon the duties of his new office. ed by great acclamation and splendid ovations.
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UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
X:] Delaware, O., Oct. 4, I822, al_ most three months after the
death of his father, Rutherford'
l:!E/ Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char'@ deacter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfortune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland in I680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was
born in New Haven, in August, I756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont.at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Rutherford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was
born. He was married, in September, I813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
I635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industrious,
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a mechanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and conducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 18I2, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day,
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes determined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in I817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Vermont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.
Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the
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subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of inquiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if he would really come to something yet."
"You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in i825, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.
The boy was seven years old before he went to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
sister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of disposition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.
His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepestinterest
in his education; and as the boy's health had improved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; but he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.
Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he remained two years.
In I845, after graduating at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he remained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unamlitious of distinction in his profession.
In I849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambition found a new stimulus. For several years, however, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subsequent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Wel)l, of
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Clulb, a body embracing among its
members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase,
I
Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as ^.
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our i
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did i
more than she to reflect honor upon American womanhood. The Literary Club brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high character and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and
modesty.
In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to accept the nomination. Two years later, the office of
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council
elected him for the unexpired term.
In I86I, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up
arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright and illustrious. In
October, i86i, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, I862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he =
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle N
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while:
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude I
that won admiration from all.
Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after ~
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celelrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of i864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times.
In I864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long been I)emocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army; but he finally declared, " I
shall never come to Washington until I can come 1)y
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in I866.
In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governorof Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular I)emocrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George 11. Plendleton.
Hte was elected (overnor for the third term in 1875.
In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub!- *
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 2'!
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in,
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his party, 4
but his administration was an average one.
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r AMES A. GARFIELD, twenlt tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1 831, in the woods of Orange,
t Cuyahoga Co., O His parents were Abram and Eliza
v (Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from families well known in the early history of that section of our country, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle
ment.
The house in which James A. was
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i poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
was about 20 X 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. His father was a
hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
The household comprised the father and mother and
their four children-Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
James. In May, i823, the father, from a cold contracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
tell how much James was indebted to his bIother's
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years succeeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother in her struggles to keep the little family to
gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor,
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.
The highest ambition of young Garfield until he
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city.
After making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. Heremained at this work but a short time when he went
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in I850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way.
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous member, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion:
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"President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian communions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political significance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
church of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsectarian charity for all 'who love our Lord in sincerity."'
Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. i, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.
Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in I856,
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in i86 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He received his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Fortysecond Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, i86i. He was immediately put into active service, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, although against great odds. President Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, i862; and as " he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."
The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with
his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars of the Major-General.
Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of i862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for sixty years
mainly by two men-Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he entered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. There he remained by successive reelections until he was elected President in i880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says: " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argument on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."
Upon Jan. I4, I880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, i88i, was inaugurated. Probably no administration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every
day it grew in favo: with the people, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and preliminary work of his administration and was preparing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inficting no farther
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything occurred which so nearly froze the blood of the people
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons-how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, i883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and executed, in one year after he committed the foul deed.
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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. os0
TEPHEN T. MASON, the | other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior J
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IN. E X ILLIAM WOODBRIDGE,
second Governor of Michigan,
t was born at Norwich, Conn.,
Aug. 20, 1780, and died at
Detroit Oct. 20, I86I. He
'-~5 was of a family of three brothers
and two sisters. His father,
Dudley Woodbridge, removed to
j, % Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The
f Ilife of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas.
Lauman, from which this sketch
is largelycompiled, mentions nothing concerning his early education
beyond the fact that it was such as
was afforded by the average school
i of the time, except a year with the
French colonists at Gallipolis,
where he acquired a knowledge of
I i the French language. It should
be borne in mind, however, that
home education at that time was
an indispensable feature in the
training of the young. To this and
and to a few studies well mastered,
is due that strong mental discipline which has served
as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have
adorned and helped to make our National history.
Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having
as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a
young man subsequently distinguished, but known
at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at
the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of
nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta
in I 806. In June, i 806, he married, at Hartford, Connecticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trumbell, a
distinguished author and judge; and author of the
peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the
Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domestic relations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2, 19, i86o.
Our written biographies necessarily speak more
fully of men, because of their active participation in
public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon
the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled
the influence of good women upon the history of the
world will be read side by side with the deeds of men.
How much success and renown in life many men owe
to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. enjoyed the best means of early education that the
country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled
her to improve her advantages. During her life, side
by side with the highest type of domestic and social
graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that
formed the crown of a faultless character. She was
a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine
verses, some of which are preserved in a printed
memorial essay written upon the occasion of her
death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute
even in matters of minor importance, to elevate the
reputation and add to the well being of her husband
in the various stations he was called upon to fill, gave
her the highest satisfaction," She was an invalid
during the latter portion of her life, but was patient
and cheerful to the end.
In I807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the
General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to
the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until
his removal from the State. He also held, by appointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting
Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in
the Legislature, and in I812 drew up a declaration and
resolutions, which passed the two houses unaminously
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and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest
and most emphatic terms, the war measures of President Madison. During the period from I804 to I814
the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had become widely separated. The latter was Governor of
the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor
and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a
Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was,
in I814, without solicitation on his part, tendered to
Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesitation, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could
make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio.
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of
collectorof customs at the port of Detroit, and during
the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof
of his duties, also including those of Superintendent
of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for
about two years out of the eight years that he held the
office of Secretary. Under the administration of"Governor and Judges," which the people of the Territory
preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time
after their numbers entitled them to a more popular
representative system, they were allowed no delegate
in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of
the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to
the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand
for representation by a delegate, that an act was
passed in Congress in i 8 I9 authorizing one tobe chosen.
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence
of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure
the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the
old French land titles in the Territory according to
the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain
at the close of the Revolution; and another for the
construction of a Government road through the "black
swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus opening a means of land transit between Ohio and Michigan. He was influential in securing the passage of
bills for the construction of Government roads from
Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and
for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The expedition for the exploration of the country around
Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mississippi, projected by Governor Cass, was set on foot
by means of representations made to the head of the
department by Mr. W. While in Congress he strenuously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip
of territory now forming the northern boundary of
Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute
between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the admission of the latter into the Union. He served
but one term as delegate to Congress, declining further service on account of personal and
family considerations, Mr. W. continued to discharge
the duties of Secretary of the Territory up to the time
its Government passed into the "second grade."
In I824, he was appointed one of a board of
commissioners for adjusting private land claims in
the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of
his profession, having the best law library in the Territory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the
Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the
President, J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James Witherell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conventionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory.
This court was apparently a continuation of the Territorial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and
Judges" system. Although it was supreme in its ju.
dicial functions within the Territory, its powers and
duties were of a very general character.
In I832, the term of his appointment as Judge expiring, President Jackson appointed a successor, it is
supposed on political grounds, much to the disappointment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The
partisan feeling of the time extended into the Territory, and its people began to think of assuming the
dignity of a State government. Party lines becoming very sharply drawn, he identified himself with
the Whigs and was elected a member of the Convention of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution,
In I837 he was elected a member of the State Senate.
This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail
with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career,
because it is closely identified with the early history of the State, and the development of its political system. Since the organization of the State Government the history of Michigan is more familiar, and
hence no review of Judge W's career as Governor
and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Governor in 1839, under a popular impression that the
affairs of the State had not been prudently administered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but
little more than a year, when he was elected to the
Senate of the United States.
His term in the Senate practically closed his political life, although he was strongly urged by many
prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice
President in 1848.
Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1828, Governor W. took up his residence on a tract of land
which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a
short distance below what was then the corporate limits of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder
of his life. Both in his public papers and private
communications, Governor W. shows himself a master of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustration, logical in arrangement, happy in the choice and
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expression. Judge W. was a (Congregationalist. His opinions
on all subjects were decided; he was earnest and
energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times exhibited a vein of fine humor that was the more attractive because not too often allowed to come to 'the
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and
earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but
the home of his adoption and for friends and family.
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OHN STEWARD BARRY,
- izJ a Governor of Michigan from
Jan. 3, 1842, to Jan. 5, I846,
and from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan.
I, 1852, was born at Amherst,
1N. H., Jan. 29, 1802. His par-; ents, John and Ellen (Steward)
fi^ Barry, early removed to Rockingham, Vt., where he remained until
a li he became of age, working on his
tfather's farm, and pursuing his
studies at the same time. He married Mary Kidder, of Grafton, Vt.,! and in 1824 went to Georgia, Vt.,
where he had charge of an academy
1 for two years, meanwhile studying
law. He afterward practiced law in
that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some
time a member of the Governor's staff, with the title
of Governor's Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period
was Captain of a company of State militia. In 1831
he removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon,
where he engaged in mercantile business with I. W.
Willard.
Four years after, 1834, Mr. Barry removed to Con
stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He
became'Justice of the Peace at White Pigeon, Mich.,
in 1831, and held the office until the year 1835.
Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member
of the first constitutional convention, which assembled
and framed the constitution upon which Michigan
was admitted into the Union. He took an important
and prominent part in the proceedings of that body,
and showed himself to be a man of far more than
ordinary ability.
Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union,
Mr. Barry was chosen State Senator, and so favorably
were his associates impressed with his abilities at the
first session of the Legislature that they looked to him
as a party leader, and that he should head the State
ticket at the following election. Accordingly he received the nomination for Governor at the hands
of his party assembled in convention. He was
elected, and so popular was his administration that, in
1842, he was again elected. During these years
Michigan was embarrassed by great financial difficulties, and it was through his wisdom and sound judgment that the State was finally placed upon a solid
financial basis.
During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the
University at Ann Arbor was opened for the reception
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14 JOHN StEWARD BARiY. Y
of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the
t Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his
r general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1842, clients were the victims of purchased treachery, i<
the number of pupils reported as attending the public rather than so many sacrifices to justice.
schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In I843, a The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock
State land office was established at Marshall, which P. M., Sept. 25, i85 r. On the 26th the prisoners were
was invested with the charge and disposition of all put forward to receive sentence, when many of them
the lands belonging to the State. In i844, the tax- protested their entire innocence, after which the preable property of the State was found to be over siding judge condemned 12 of the number to the foltwenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the lowing terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within
rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the the State's prison, situate in their county: Ammi
State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years;
income from the railroads was nearly three hundred Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight
- thousand dollars. At this time the University of years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin,
Michigan had become so prosperous that its income eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price,
was ample to pay the interest on the University debt; eight years; Lyman Champlin, five years; Willard
and the amount of money which the State was able W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five
to loan the several progressing railroads was one years; Erastus Smith, five years.
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were In I840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in
made to increase the efficiency of the common schools the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe
with good results In I845, when Gov. Barry's sec- to obtain information in reference to its culture.
ond term expired, the population of the State was He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last
more than three hundred thousand. public service was that of a delegate to the National. (
The constitution of the State forbade more than two Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864.
consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a
4 position again in i850-the only instance of the kind high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts
in the history of the State. He was a member of the bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private.a
3v Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven- nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been J:
= tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent- one of the most efficient and popular Governors the a
t, atives. Slate has ever had. a
During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Nor- Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity. '/
mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough
endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong conof education consisting of six persons. A new con- victions and outspoken honesty made it impossible for
stitution for the government of the State was also him to take an undefined position when a principle
adopted and the " Great Railway Conspiracy Case " was involved. His attachments and prejudices were
was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his
which had been committed upon the property of the administration of public affairs. As a speaker he was
Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line not remarkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, charof their road, and finally the burning of the depot acterized his oratory, which is described as argumentr at Detroit, in 1850. ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely y
At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County, wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo-;q April 24, 1851, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this 'quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner
crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused rather awkward.
parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were
which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Rail- so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered
road Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in- both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a
cluding l)avid Stu;art, John Van Arman, James A. thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Dan- to political intrigue as a means of gaining posi-' iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public esrepresented by six members of the State bar, led by teem by his solid worth. His political connections
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied were always with the Democratic party, and his opin. I
* four months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- ions were usually extreme..
m ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning i
249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed j of the ascendency of the Republican party, and carfor the prosecution; William H. Seward for the ried on his mercantile l)usiness at Constantine. le '
defense. died Jan. 14, 1870, his wife's death having occurred a
7 The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no children. _
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/. ^HE HON. EPAPHRODI-. | t a il TUS RANSOM, the Seventh
%fi o1 I~] lGovernor of Michigan, was a
_ ^ JK' native of Massachusetts. In
'that State he received a col4 legiate education, studied law,
and was admitted to the bar.
Removing to Michigan about
the time of its admission to the
/ } Union, he took up his residence
at Kalamazoo.. Mr. Ransom served with marked
I ability for a number of years in the
State Legislature, and in 1837 he was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he
was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he retained until 1845, when he resigned.
Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in
the building of plank roads in the western portion of
the State, and in this business lost the greater portion
of the property which he had accumulated by years
of toil and industry.
Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of
Michigan in the fall of i847, and served during one
term, performing the duties of the office in a truly
statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became
President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in
which position he displayed the same ability that
shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor.
He held the office of Regent of the Michigan University several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy
in its management.
Subsequently he was appointed receiver of the
land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by President Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and
where he died before the expiration of his term of
office.
We sum up the events and affairs of the State under Gov. Ransom's administration as follows: The
Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the
Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of
these institutes were liberally endowed with lands,
and each of them placed in charge of a board of five
trustees. The appropriation in 1849 for the deaf and
dumb and blind amounted to $81,5oo. On the first
of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was completed from New York to Detroit, and the first dispatch transmitted on that day. The following figures
show the progress in agriculture: The land reported
as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres; of
wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other
grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds;
maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cattle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while
the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills
amounted to 730. I847, an act was passed removing
the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and temporary buildings for the use of the Legislature wereimmediately erected, at a cost of $12,450.
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1 T S rXOBERT Mc CLELLAND,I),
- M vnJr i C Governor of Michigan from
Jan. I, I852, toMarch 8,1853,
'. / was born at Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn., Aug. I, 1807.,-/{ Among his ancestors were several
I/ T[ lofficers of rank in the Revolution-,9))l ary war, and some of his family con'(Sa Ad nections were distinguished in the
war of 1812, and that with Mexico.
His father was an eminent physician
E and surgeon who studied under Dr.
Benj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and
practiced his profession successfully
until six months before his death, at
the age of 84 years. Although Mr.
McClelland's family had been in good circumstances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown
upon his own resources. After taking the usual preliminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the
means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle,
Penn., from which he graduated among the first in
his class, in 1829. He then resumed teaching, and
having completed the course of study for the legal
profession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg,
Penn., in I83I. Soon afterward he removed to the
city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a
year.
In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in
the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe examination, he became a member of the bar of Michigan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of
success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame
a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of
which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He
took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked
among its ablest debaters. He was appointed the
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason,
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his
professional duties.
In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished
as the head of several important committees, Speaker
pro tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient
member. In I840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for
the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelming majority, and at the same time the State of Michigan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry
of " Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic
party. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the
acknowledged leaders of the latter organization; was
elected a member of the State House of Representatives, and with others adopted a plan to regain a lost
authority and prestige.
This party soon came again into power in the State,
and having been returned to the State Legislature Mr.
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his
election as Speaker of the House of Representatives
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in I843. Down to this time Michigan had constituted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob
M. Howard had been elected against Hon. Alpheus
Felch by a strong majority; but, in 1843, so thoroughly
had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat
of 1840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate for Congress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about
2,500. Mr. McClelland soon took a prominent position in Congress among the veterans of that bodyo
During his first term he was placed on Committee on
Commerce, and organized and carried through what
were known as the " Harbor bills." The continued
confidence of his constituency was manifested in his
election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this
session he had acquired a National reputation, and so
favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his
name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Representatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. W,
Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in
which position his reports and advocacy of important
measures at once attracted public attention. The
members of this committee, as an evidence of the esteem in which they held his services and of their
personal regard for him, presented him with a cane
which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of
his labors in Congress.
In 1847, Mr, McClelland was re-elected to Con.
gress, and at the opening of the 3oth Congress became a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. While acting in this capacity, what was known
as the ' French Spoliation Bill" came under his special charge, and his management of the same was such
as to command universal approbation. While in
Congress, Mr, McClelland was an advocate of the
right of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams,
when the petition, was clothed in decorous language
and presented in the proper manner. This he regarded as the citizens'constitutional right which should
not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expediency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Giddings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District
of Columbia. Mr. McClelland was one of the few
Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot
Proviso," with a view to prevent further extension of
slavery in new territory which might be acquired by
the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were together at the time in Washington, and on intimate
and confidential terms. Mr. McClelland was in several National conventions and in the Baltimore convention, which nominated Gen. Cass for President,
in 1848, doing valiant service that year for the election of that distinguished statesman. On leaving
Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClelland returned to the
practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1850 a
convention of the State of Michigan was called to
revise the State constitution. He was elected a
member and was regarded therein as among the ablest
and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment
and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the
committee room and on the floor, in debate. In I850,
he was President of the Democratic State convention
which adopted resolutions in support of Henry Clay's
famous compromise measures, of which Mro McClelland was a strong adyocateo He was a member of
the Democratic National convention in I8529 and in
that year, in company with Gen. Cass and Governor
Felch, he made a thorough canvass of the State.
He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay compromise measures, and took an active part in the
canvass which resulted in the election of Gen. Pierce
to the Presidencyo
In 185 1, the new State constitution took effect and
it was necessary that a Governor should be elected
for one year in order to prevent an interregnum, and
to bring the State Government into operation under
the new constitution, Mr. McClelland was elected
Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for
a term of two years, from Jan, I, I853. His administration was regarded as wise, prudent and conciliatory, and was as popular as could be expected at a
time when party spirit ran high. There was really
no opposition, and when he resigned, in March, 1853,
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State
otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on
the organization of thecabinet by President Pierce, in
March, 85 3, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in
which capacity he served most creditably during four
years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly
rebrganized his department and reduced the expenditures. He adopted a course with the Indians which
relieved them from the impositions and annoyances
of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization
among them. During his administration there was
neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among
agents, and he left the department in perfect order
and system: In i867, Michigan again called a convention to revise the State constitution. Mr. McClelland was a member and here again his long experience made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a
sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was
terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and impressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity
and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled
a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective
advocate. In speaking before the people on political
subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In
1870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his
extensive personal acquaintance with European diplomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than
most travelers.
Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah
E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had
six children, two of whom now survive.
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=Z.,lCX, ~- NI~DREW PARSONS, Governor of Michigan from March
~t~l~.'i8, I1853 to Jan. 3, [855, was
L. born in the town of Hoosick,._. 5.... County of Rensselaer, and
State of New York, on the 22d
e day of July, 1817, and died June
j7'\]> 6 6, I855, at the early age of 38.
\l Sill years. He was the son of John
d lParsons, born at Newburyport,
Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the
son of Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary
j soldier, who was the son of Phineas
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons,
(. a descendant of Walter Parsons, born
in Ireland in 1290.
Of this name and family, some one hundred and
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and accompanied their father and others to New
England about 1630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salisbury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in
1730, ordained at Rye, N. H.,Nov. 3, 1736, married
Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Boston,
Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in
the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfather of Mary
Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson
of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first settlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous
race of the name are descended, including two Presidents of the United States. The Parsons have become very numerous and are found throughout New
England, and many of the descedants are scattered
in all parts of the United States, and especially in
the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew
Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of 17
years. and snent the first summer at Lower Ann
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tinrty years ago, rDisnop Sunson remarKea in ils eai- - -- -1
tion of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family Arbor, where for a few months he taught school which
- of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of he was compelled to abandon from ill health -
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross." He was one of the large number of men of sterling
The following are descendants of these families: worth, who came from the East to Michigan when it
Sir John Parsons, born I48, was Mayor of Hereford; was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming
Robert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near Bridgewater, the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom,
England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful
ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the natural resources, until to-day it ranks with the proud(N Romish faith. He established an English College at est States of the Union. These brave men came to
Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest
C born in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham; of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong
Bartholomew Parsons, born in I6I8, was another and willing hands. They gloriously conquered, hownoted member of the family. In I634,Thomas Parsons ever, and to them is due all honor for the labors
was knighted by Charles i. Joseph and Benjamin, so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation
brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England, which they laid of a great Commonwealth.
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In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River
Valley in a frail canoe, the whole length of the river,
from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following
winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia,
County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he
resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons,
also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shiawasse County, then with Clinton County, and an almost
unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized
township. In 1837 this territory was organized into
a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (Andrew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840, he was
elected Register of Deeds, re-elected-in r842, and
also in I844. In j846, he was elected to the State
Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848,
and elected Regent of the University in 1851, and
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor,
in I853, elected again to the Legislature in I854, and,
overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the
responsibilities of his office and cares of his business,
retired to his farm, where he died soon after.
He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well
calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He
was always true to his trust, and the whole world
could not persuade nor drive him to do what he conceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most powerful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him,
to induce him to call an extra session of the Legislature. Meetings were held in all parts of the State
for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words.
In other places the resolutions were of a demanding
nature, while in others they were threatening beyond
measure. Fearing that all these influences might
fail to induce him to call the extra session, a large
sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers tendered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of
the State and call the extra session, but, immovable,
he returned the money and refused to receive
any favors, whether from any party who would attempt to corrupt him bly laudations, liberal offers, or
IPAAKM1V'1Y
by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after
giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man
could dispute, showing the circumstances were not
"extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session.
This brought down the wrath of various parties upon
his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge
the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of
his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance:
"though not always coinciding with his views I never
doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times
sought to perform his duties in strict accordance,
with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests
of his oath." The following eulogium from a politcal opponent is just in its conception and creditable to its
author: " Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Democratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed
and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every
public and private relation of life. As a politician lie
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an executive officer firm, constant and reliable." The
highest commendations we can pay the deceased is
to give his just record, —that of being an honest man.
In the spring of i854, during the administration of
Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least
as a State organization, was first formed in the United
States " under the oaks" at Jackson, by anti-slavery
men of both the old parties. Great excitement prevailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of
Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether
slavery should exist there. For the purposeof permitting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (which
limited slavery to the south of 360 30) was rerepealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas.
This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and
Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who
were opposed to this repeal measure were in short
called " anti-Nebraska" men. The epithets, "Nebraska" and " anti-Nebraska,' were temporally employed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery
parties, pending the desolution of the old l)emocratic
andi Whig p)arties cnd the organization of the new
I)emocratic and Republican parties of the present.
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GO VERNORS OF MICHIIGAN.
| KINSLEY S. BINGHAM.
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INSLEY S. BINGHAM,
Governor of Michigan from
1855 to I859, and United
States Senator, was born in
Camillus, Onondaga County,
N. Y., Dec. i6, I8o8. His
father was a farmer, and his own
early life was consequently devoted to agricultural pursuits, but
notwithstanding the disadvantages related to the acquisition
l of knowledge in the life of a farmer
he managed to secure a good academic education in his native State
and studied law in the office of
Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of
Al Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of
I833, he married an estimable lady
who had recently arrived from Scotland, and obeying the impulse of a
naturally enterprising disposition,
he emigrated to Michigan and
purchased a new farm in company
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert
Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on
the border of civilization, buried in the primeval forest, our late student commenced the arduous task of
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, putting up buildings, etc., at such a rate that the land
chosen was soon reduced to a high state of cultivation.
Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Postmaster under the Territorial government, and was the
first Probate Judge in the county. In the year I836,
when Michigan Lecame a State, he was elected to the
first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and
Speaker of the House of Representatives three years.
In I846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Representative to Congress, and was the only practical
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the
interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed
to the introduction of "Wood's Patent Cast Iron
Plow " which he completely prevented. He was reelected to Congress in I848, during which' time he
strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the
territory of the United States and was committed to
and voted for the Wilmot Proviso.
In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican
party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a
Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in
I856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his
administration, and among other profits of his zeal in
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the
establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing.
In I85 9, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in
Congress and took an active part in the stormy campaign in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit
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138 KINSLE Y S. BINGHA M.
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nessed the commencement of the civil war while a
member of the United States Senate. After a comparatively short life of remarkable promise and public activity he was attacked with appoplexy and died
suddenly at his residence, in Green Oak, Oct. 5, i861.
The most noticable event in Governor Bingham's
first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the
Falls of St. Mary. In J852, Angust 26, an act of
Congress was approved, granting to the State of Michigan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land
for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between
Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1853, the Legislature
accepted the grant, and provided for the appointment
of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to;~ arrange for building the canal. A company of enterprising men was formed, and a contract was entered
into by which it was arranged that the canal should
be finished in two years, and the work was pushed
rapidly forward. Every article of consumption, machinery, working implements and materials, timber
for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and
supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal
from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake ports. The
rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of
seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The
length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one
' hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks
of solid masonary. In May, 85 5, the work was completed, accepted by the commissioners, and formally
3 delivered to the State authorities.
/ The disbursements on account of the construction
of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one
million of dollars; while the lands which were assigned to the company, and selected through the
agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the
Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the
Government grant. The opening of the canal was
an important event in the history of the improvement
of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of
lake commerce, and particularly important to the
interests of the Upper Peninsula.
There were several educational, charitable and reformatory institutions inaugurated and opened during
Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Agricultural College owes its establishment to a provision
of the State Constitution of I850. Article 13 says,
"The Legislature shall, as soon as plracticable, provide for the establishment of an agricultural school."
For the purpose of carying into practice this provision,, legislation was commenced in 1855, and the act reluired that the school should be within ten miles of
Lansing, and that not more than $15 an acre should
be paid for the farm and college grounds. The college was opened to students in May, I857, the first of
existing argricultural colleges in the United States
Until the spring of r86,, it was under the control
of the State Board of Education; since that time it
" has been under the management of the State Board
of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose.
In its essential features, of combining study and
labor, and of uniting general and professional studies
in its course, the college has remained virtually unchanged from the first. It has a steady growth in
number of students, in means of illustration and
efficiency of instruction.
The Agricultural College is three miles east of
Lansing, comprising several fine buildings; and there
are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the
professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled
green-house, a very large and well-equipped chemical
laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the
United States, a general museum, a meseum of mechanical inventions, another of vegetable products,
extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for
the purposes designed. The farm consists of 676
acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a
systematic rotation of crops.
Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan
Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the
Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accommodating about 225 students. Attendance in 1875
was 179; total number of graduates for previous year,
121; ten professors and teachers are employed. Exclusive of the endowment fund ($8o,ooo), the assets
of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furniture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands,
etc., amount to more than $137,000.
Hillsdale College was established in I855 by the
Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at
Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845 It was kept
in operation until it was merged into the present
Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres,
beautifully situated on an eminence in the western
part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and imposing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire
in 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more
modern style have been erected. They are of brick,
three stories with basement, arranged on three sides
of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80,
48 by 72, 48 by 72, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they contain one-half more room than the original building.
Fhe State Reform School. This was established
at Lansing in 855, in the northeastern portion of the
city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Offenders, having about it many of the features of a
prison. In 1859 the name was changed to the State
Reform School. The government and dicilline, have
undergone many and radical changes, until all the
prison features have been removed except those that
remain in the walls of the original structure, and
which remain only as monuments of instructive history. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The
inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of
officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer
than under the more rigid regime of former days.
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OSES WISNER, Governor of
M ichigan from I859 to i86i,
S was born in Springport, Cayut a 1k ~.BLf ga Co., N Y., June 3, I8I5.
l a.. His early education was only
what could be obtained at a
common school. Agricultural labor
'z and frugality of his parents gave
i him a physical constitution of unus-! ual strength and endurance, which
was ever preserved by temperate habits. In 1837 he emigrated to Michir- gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer? County It was new land and he at
I once set to work to clear it and plant
crops. He labored diligently at his
task for two years, when he gave up
the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac,
Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law
in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and
Rufus Hosmer. In I841 he was admitted to the bar
and established himself in his new vocation at the
village of Lapeer. While there he was apppointed
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that
county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well
and gave promise of that eminence he afterward attained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became
a member of a firm and entered fully upon the
practice.
In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig
of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided antislavery bias. His practice becoming extensive, he
took little part in politics until after the election of
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a
man of great ability, but relied less upon mere book
learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of
his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his
memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend
of trickery or artifice in conducting a case As an advocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the
merits of his subject his eloquence was at once graceful and powerfil. His fancies supplied the most
original, the most pointed illustrations, and his logic
became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had bestowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a
popular orator were of a high order.
On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of
1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening
the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He
actively participated in organizing and consolidating
the elements opposed to it in that State, and was a
member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July,
I854, which was the first formal Republican Convention held in the United States. At this meeting the
name "Republican " was adopted as a designation of
the new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs,
Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others opposed to the extension of slavery and favorable to its
expulsion from the Territories and the District of
Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to
accept the nomination for Attorney General of the
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State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nominated and at the annual election in November was
elected by an average majority of nearly Io,ooo.
Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to
its support all his personal influence and talents. In
his views he was bold and radical. He believed from
the beginning that the political power of the slaveholders would have to be overthrown before quiet
could be secured to the country. In the Presidential
canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont, or Republican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of, 857 he was a candidate for United States Senator,. and as such received a very handsome support.
In I858, he was nominated for Governor of the
State by the Republican convention that met at Detroit, and at the subsequent November election was
chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of
the election he had addressed the people of almost
every county and his majority was greater even than
that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham.
' He served as Governor two years, from Jan. I, 1859,
to Jan. i, 1861. His first message to the Legislature
= was an able and statesman-like production, and was
read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake
to all the interests of the State and set forth an en/ lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid
s settlement of our uncultivated lands and the development of our immense agricultural and mineral resources. It was a document that reflected the highest
credit upon the author.
His term having expired Jan. i, i86T, he returned
to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his
profession. There were those in the State who
o counselled the sending of delegates to the peace coni ference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all
i such temporizing expedients. His counsel was to
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight.
After Congress had met and passed the necessary
legislation he resol ed to take part in the war. In
the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to
raise a regiment of ilnfantry, chiefly in Oakland. County, where he resided. His regiment, the 22d
Michigan, was armed and e(luipped and ready to
march in September, a regiment whose solid qualities were afterwards proven on many a bloody field.
Col. W's. commission I)ore the date of Sept. 8, 1862.
Before parting with his family he made his will. HIis
regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at
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Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the
war turned his attention to military studies and became proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline.
His entire attention was now devoted to his duties.
His treatment of his men was kind, though his discipline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree
the spirit of command, and had he lived he would
no doubt have distinguished himself as a good
officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at
being kept in Kentucky where there was so little
prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp,
so different from the one he had been leading, and
his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience
which was so natural and so general among the volunteers in the early part of the war, soon made their
influence felt upon his health. He was seized with
typhoid fever and removed to a private house near
Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the
hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him.
In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was disciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for
an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the justice of their cause and the necessity of their crushing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poignant gnet was the prospect of not being able to come
to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry."
He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could
find the enemy it would cover itself with glory,-a
distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col. W.
was no more. The malady baffled all medical treatment, and on the 5th day of Jan., i863, he lreathed
his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and
interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest
by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who received his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam.
Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless
ambitious of military renown and would have striven
for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war
to defend and uphold the principles he had so much
at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with
the causes and the underlying principles that led to
the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of
(en. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to
mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the
tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and
welfare engrossed his thoughts. Hie was kind, generous and brave, and like thousands of others he
sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country.
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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAi. 145
R:44 A:L&, C,.Ir ~dia 4'4~UZ ~ t A~,~ tJ tc4 ~. 4
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'i USTIN BLAIR, Governor
of Michigan from Jan. 2,
86i, to Jan. 4, 1865, and
~I3 hC.'^ Xn kown as the War Governor, is
/ cent influence of republican institutions, having inherited neithlF 11 er fortune nor fame. He was born
l)qi (in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp' ] kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, I8i8.
His ancestors came from ScotT( land in the time of George I, and
f for many generations followed the
j pursuit of agriculture. His father,
I George Blair, settled in Tompkins
County in I809, and felled the trees and erected the
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the fourscore vears of his life were spent on that spot. He
ing in Jackson. I)During a temporary residence in
Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton
County. At the close of the official term he returned to
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously espoused the cause
of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen
Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which
session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he
rendered valuable service in the revision of the general statutes; also made an able support in favor of
abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elective franchise, and at the same session was active in
securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848
Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig
party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention
any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil
movement, and was a delegate to their convention
which nominated Van Buren for President that year.
Upon the birth of the Renublican nartv at Tacksonn
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married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him in I854, by the coalition of the Whig and Free-soil
in the soil of the old homestead. The first 17 years elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the
of Mr. Blair's life were spent there, rendering his movement, and acted as a member of the Committee
father what aid he could upon the farm. He then on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney
spent ayear and a half in Cazenovia Seminary pre- of Jackson County in 852; was chosen State Senator
paring for college; entered Hamilton College, in two years later, taking his seat with the incoming ReC Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of publican administration of I855, and holding the
the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of Dr. position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He
Nott, he changed to Union College, from which he was a delegate to the National Convention which
graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col- nominated Abraham Lincoln in I86o. Mr. Blair
lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet was elected Governor of Michigan in I860, and re- & Davis, Oswego, N. Y., and was admitted to practice elected in 1862, faithfully and honorably discharging '
in 1841, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat- the arduous duties of the office during that most mo'J) 2J3::
<$ 746 AUSTIN BLAIR.
I
mentous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov.; Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous
'' situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his, inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive
policy and the administrative ability which characterized his gubernatorial career.
Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a
brighter example been laid down, or a greater sacrifice been made, than that which distinguished Mich-: igan during the civil war. All, from the " War Govi ernor." down to the poorest citizen of the State, were
animated with a patriotic ardor at once magnificiently
sublime and wisely directed.
Very early in I86i the coming struggle cast its
shadow over the Nation. Governor Blair, in his message to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt
very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and
as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles
i of the Republic. After a review of the conditions
of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the
" relations between the free and slave States of the
Republic, saying: While we are citizens of the State
'." of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her interests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We
are also citizeas of the United States of America. By
this title we are known among the nations of the earth.
In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of
the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic,
' the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect
i. her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the
prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Government, we are deeply interested. The people of Michigan are loyal to that (Government-faithful to its constitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace
and prosI)erity; and under it they mean to abide to,A the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history
of the past, they will not renounce the equally glorious hopes of the fiture. IBut they will rally around
the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity. and its constitution, with fidelity." The final paragraph being:
>t " I recommend you at an early day to make mani
I
fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the I
two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that
Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and
the laws and will defend them to the uttermost; and
to proffer to the President of the United States, the
whole military power of the State for that purpose.
Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a
Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous
storm! Let us hope that we will find him on the 4th
of March. Meantime, let us abide in the'faith. of our.
fathers-'Liberty and Union, one and inseparable,;
now and forever.'"
How this stirring appeal was responded to by the
people of Michigan will be seen by the statement
that the State furnished 88, I men during the war.
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abundantly supplied by this State during all these years of
darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter ""
record for her devotion to our country than the Pen- r,
insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any
other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal x=';
and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism
manifested in its defense..,
Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the
Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Fortyfirst and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis.
trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he
was a strong supporter of reconstruction measures,
and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His
speech upon the national finances, delivered on the
floor of the House March 2r, i868, was a clear and.|[
convincing argument. Since his retirement from Congress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his extensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L.
Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, 1849.
Their family consists of 4 sons-George H., a law e.
partner of A. J. Gould; Charles A., a law partner with
hir father, and Fred. J. and Austin T. Blair, at home. Ic.
Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and.
centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, (Cov. BHlair r
was nominated for Justice of the Supreime (Cort '"jL
of the State by the Republican party, but was defeated.,.- - 4*
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ENRY HOW IAND CRAPO, context, would then record the definition. Whenever
nGovernor of Michiran froni unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word
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BE7865 to I869, was born May
)b 24, I804, at Dartmouth, Bris-:) tol Co., Mass., and died at
He Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869.
He was the eldest son of Jesse
and Phoebe (Howland) Crapo.
His father was of French descent
A and was very poor, sustaining his
family by the cultivation of a farmnin
Dartmouth township, which yielded
nothing beyond a mere livelihood.
His early life was consequently one
in which he had become interested he would walk
from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose
alone, and after referring to the books at the library
and satisfying himself thoroughly as to its definition,
would walk back, a distance of about seven miles,
the same night. This was no unusual circumstance.
Under such difficulties and in this manner he compiled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript
which is believed to be still in existence.
Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained possession of a book upon surveying, and applying himself
diligently to its study became familiar with this art,
whiichr 1h ctern hon rnrr nnnnrfrtnixrl trn _ rn-;r > ' Th-a
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of toil and devoid of advantages for L L} v lame b b 1
services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was
j intellectual culture, but his desire for
intellectual clture but h se fr called upon, but had no compass and no money with
an education seemed to know no bounds. The inwhich to purchase one. A compass, however, he
cessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a compara- ouhae
must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop
tively sterile farm, had no charm for him; and, longing ear at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he
\A. / ^ ~ near at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he v
for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for c f i t s w t s w a
s... '. could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner, l
them in an education. His struggles to secure this ad cmme l a. the constructed the compass and commenced life as a '
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would s. Si ninin i i, h i i-,i surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted himhave discouraged any but the most courageous and I
self for teaching, and took charge of the village school
persevering. He became an ardent student and
n. b a a s at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and unworker from his boyhood, though the means of carry-. der the pressure of law, a high school was to be
ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He.......... s..x. li.. opened, he passed a successful examination for its
sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having, money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to and eivedthe appointment. To do
procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile this was no smal task. The law required a rigid
one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of examination in various subjects, which necessitated 4
the English language, he copied into a book every days and nights of study., One evening, after conword whose meaning he did not comprehend, and cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot
( upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called
and books, which came into his hands, from the upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed
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o II HENVR Y HO WLAND CASAPO.
a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that
- he was qualified, he walked back to his home the.. same night, highly elated in being possessed of the.i acquirements and requirements of a master of the
high school.
In 1832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native
town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he
followed the occupation of land surveyor, and occasionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becoming a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk,
Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held
until the municipal government was changed,-about
fifteen years,-when, upon the inauguration of the city
- government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector
7 of taxes, a position which he held two or three years.
He was also Justice of the Peace for many years.
He was elected Alderman of New Bedford; was
Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and
as such prepared a report upon which was based the
order for the establishment of the free Public Library
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was
chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if
not in the world. The Boston Free Library was established, however, soon afterwards. While a resident
' in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticulture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out
his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of
i rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here
= he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every
/ description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs,
flowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took
great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New
England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled
as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indication of the wide reputation he acquired in that field
of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an
affecting eulogy to his memory was pronounced lby the
President of the National Horticultural Society at its
meeting in Philadelphia, in i869. During his resii dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged
'i in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart" n mouth, of which he was part owner, was named the
II. H. Crapo" in compliment to him.
I Mr. C. also took lart in the State Militia, and for
several years held a commission as Colonel of one of
the regiments. He was President of the Bristol
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of
the Bedford Commercial InTsurance Company in New
i Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal governmentl e coin piled and p)ublished, betwcen the years
[836 and 1845, five numbers of the New 13edford
i l)irectory, the first work of the kind ever published.,; there.
/ Mr. C. removed to Miichigan in 1856, having bleen
"s induced to (lo so by investments made principally in
* )ie lands, first iln 1837 an(l slub)seluently in 1856.
i He took tup liis res;idence in the:ity of Flint, and en
gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber
at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming
one of the largest and most successful business men
of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the
construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was
President of that corporation until its consolidation
with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company.
He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been
a resident of the place only five cr six years. In
I862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of
1864 he received the nomination on the Republican
ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a
large majority. He was re-elected in i866, holding
the office two terms, and retiring in January, I869,
having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties.
While serving his last term he was attacked with a
disease which terminated his life within one year
afterwards. During much of this tinie he was an intense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his
attention to public matters. A few weeks previous
to his death a successful surgical operation was performed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he
overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion
in business matters and State affairs suffered arelapse
from which there was no rebound, and he died July
33, 1869.
In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active
member of the Republican party after its organization.
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called
the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its
welfare and prosperity.
Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary A. Slocum,
of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after
he had attained his majority, and before his struggles
with fortune had been rewarded with any great measure of success. But his wife was a woman of great
strength of character and possessed of courage, hopefulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and
encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of
his early years. For several years after his marriage
he was engaged in teaching- school, his wife living
with her parents at the time, at whose home his two
older children were born. While thus situated lie
was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see
his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good
part of the time was 2o miles each way, it is (evident
that at that period of his life no common obstacles
deterred him from plerforiming what lie regarded
as a duty. IHis wife was none the less conscientious in her sphere, and with added responsililities
and increasing reqluirements she labored faithfully
in the l)erfoiiinance of all her duties. They had
ten children, one son and nine (laughters. I [is son,
Hon. Win. WN. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an
honored Representative to Congress from the First
Congressional D)istrict of Massachulsetts.
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GO VERNORS OF JIICIIGAN. 153
HXENIRY P. BALDWIN,o Go -
4.ffi' NRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in
ernor of Michigan from Jan. all things affecting the prosperity of the city and
f'-i. - 1i4, r 869, to Jan. I, I873, is a State of his adoption. He was for several years a
I 3 iL( lineal descendant of Nathan- Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's
m.7 ielBaldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- Society, an institution with a large library designed
inghamshire, England, who set- for the benefit of young men and citizens generally.
'%. - L tled at Milford. Conn., in i6mo. An Episcopalian in religious hbelief he hn, h\.
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S.l ~His father was John Baldwin,::" a graduate of Dartmouth Coll ege. He died at North Provil ( dence, R. I., in 1826. His
paternal grandfather was Rev.
Moses Baldwin, a graduate of
Princeton College, in 1757, and the
first who received collegiate honors at that ancient and honored institution. He died
at Parma, Mass., in I813, where for more than 50
years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Roxbury, Mass., about 1638. His motherwas a daughter
of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard
College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in I796, where
for 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist
Church. The subject of this sketch was born at
Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New
England common-school education until the age of
I2 years, when, both his parents having died, he became a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He remained there, employing his leisure hours in study,
until 20 years of age.
At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on
his own account. He made a visit to the West, in
I837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the
spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile
house which has been successfully conducted until
the present time. Although he successfully conducted
prominent in home matters connected with that denomination. The large and flourishing parish of St.
John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who
gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and
also contributed the larger share of the cost of their
erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in
the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has
always been a liberal contributor to moral and religious enterprises whether connected with his own
Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few
public and social improvements of Detroit during the
past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not
in some way connected. He was a director in the
Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its charter, and has been President of the Second National
Bank since its organization.
In i860, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State
Senate, of Michigan; during the years of 186i-'2 he
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a
member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations,
Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two
Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Department and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of
the letting of the contract for the improvement of
Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected
Governor in i868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving
from i869 to I872, inclusive. It is no undeserved
eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of estimating the necessary means to an end-the knowing
of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the
thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform
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5 154 HENRY P. BALDWIN.
~ success that has attended his efforts in all relations of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub-,
of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis- mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts,
-. tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to
i manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the i 878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s adminState, and while his influence appears in all things istration were the devastating fires which swept over [
'-i with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in many portions of the Northwest in the fall of I871.
the most prominent position to which he was called. A large part of the city of Chicago having been reWith rare exceptions the important commendations duced to ashes, Governor B. promptly issued a procof Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislat- lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for
ure. During his administration marked improve- liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had
ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma- this been issued when several counties in his State
)J tory institutions of the State. The State Public School were laid waste by the same destroying element.
al for dependent children was founded and a permanent A second call was made asking assistance for the sufiL commission for the supervision of the several State fering people of Michigan. The contributions for
institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than
Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of $700,000ooo having been received in money and supplies
Correction, and the establishment of the State Board for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were
of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his these contributions during the short period of about
message of I873. The new State Capitol also owes 3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation
its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection expressing in behalf of the people of the State gratewas made upon his recommendation, and the contract ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further S. for the entire work let under this administration. aid was unnecessary.
a Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own r
W( whose faithful supervision the building was erected in country and has also made several visits to Europe;
a manner most satisfactory to the people of the Staite. and other portions of the Old World. He was a pasHe advised and earnestly urged at different times senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and 1s
such amendments of the constitution as would per- bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by
mit a more equitable compensation to State officers Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting acandl indlloe. ThPlaw of 86n_.n nd rior alson nermittino connt of the transaction. The following estimate of
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municipalities to vote aid toward the construc- Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading
tion of railroads was, in i87o, declared unconstitu- newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message
tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the munici- of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is
palities having in the meantime issued and sold their a characteristic document and possesses the lucid
bonds in good faith, Governor B. felt that the honor statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which
and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense have been marked features of all preceding documents
of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the from the same source. Governor B. retired to private
Legislature to propose the submission to the people a life after four years of unusually successful adminisconstitutional amendment, authorizing the payment tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the
of such bonds as were already in the hands of bona- State. For many years eminent and capable men
fide holders. In his special message he says: "The have filled the executive chair of this State, but in
credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan, painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine
and the people can not afford, and I trust will not public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical x
consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu- capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be
diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe- the peer of any or all of them. The State has been uncial session was called in March, 187 2, principally for usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State
the division of the State into congressional districts. administration has fully kept pace with the needs of
A number of other important suggestions were made, the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned
however, and as an evidence of the Governor's la- the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day l'. borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition possesses to such remarkable degree."
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lr'.,X OHN JUI)SON BAGLEY,
/ K Governor of Michigan from
873 to 877, was born in
'< T ^[/ Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y.,, July 24, I 832. His father, John
( / 1 Bagley, was a native of New,e~ Hampshire, his mother, Mary M.
I il gBagley, of Connecticut. He at[1I tended the district school of Lockd_ Ai6 port, N. Y., until he was eight years
old, at which time his father moved
-. to Constantine, Mich., and he attended the common schools of that
village. His early experience was
I like that of many country boys whose
parents removed from Eastern States
to the newer portion of the West.
His father being in very poor circum-.,! stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work
as soon as he was able to do so.
Leaving school when 13 years of age
he entered a country store in Constantine as clerk. His father then removed to Owosso, Mich., and he again
engaged as clerk in a store. From
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading
and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of
such books, papers and periodicals as came within
his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he
secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and
remained in this position for about five years.
In 1853, he began business for himself in the manufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become
one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B.
has also been greatly interested in other manufacturing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and insurance corporations. He was President of the
Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one
of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company of Detroit, and was its President from
1867 to. 872. He was a director of the American National Bank for many years, and a stockholder and director in various other corporations.
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two
years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same
length of time. In I865 he was appointed by Governor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the
Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serving six years. In November, 1872, he was elected
Governor of Michigan, and two years later was reelected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877.
He was an active worker in the Republican party, and
for many years was Chairman of the Republican
State Central committee.
Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious
views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church.
He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new
thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not
bound by any religious creed or formula. He held
in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one
can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or denomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan.
I6, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev.
Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan,
who took an active part in the early educational matters of the State and in the establishment of its excellent system of education. It was principally
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0* 158 JOHNI J. BAGLEY.
" through his exertions that the State University was His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered
founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children. the conflict eagerly and hopefully.
As Governor his administration was charac- His State papers were models of compact, busiterized by several important features, chief among ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of
which were his efforts to improve and make popular practical suggestions, and his administrations will long
'-u,1 ifh we_ ir h irt im,rve.an make p.o ur V;;r r
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me euucatioina agencisc I uoi lIlIe oiaL uy illCiaII1ng
the faculty of the University for more thorough instruction in technical studies,by strengthening the hold
of the Agricultural College upon the public good will
and making the general change which has manifested
itself in many scattered primary districts. Among
others were an almost complete revolution in the
management of the penal and charitable institutions
of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking
the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the establishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offenders through county agents, which has proved of great
good in turning the young back from crime and placing the State in the attitude of a moral agent; in se
UC.ULI erICIU a a n iLUIIg LILC aUiesL 1II 1ils or any
other State.
His noble, generous nature made his innumerable
benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Literally, to him it was "more blessed to give than to
receive."
His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the comfort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his charities were known to his most intimate friends, or even
to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipient of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew
the hand that gave.
At one time a friend had witnessed his ready response to some charitable request, and said to him:
curing for the militia the first time in the history of "Governor, you give away a large sum of money; about
Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- how much does your charities amount to in a year?"
i able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. He turned at once and said: " I do not know, sir; I.
_= in the earlier part of his administration that the law do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more -,4' creating the State Board of Health, and also the law this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more ^
creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the next year than I have this." This expressed his idea r
-/ State, were passed, both of which have proved of great of charity, that the giving should at all times be free S
' benefit to the State. The successful representation and spontaneous.
of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an During his leasure hours from early life, and espehonorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- cially during the last few years, he devoted much time
tration. to becoming acquainted with the best authors. BiogAs Governor, he felt that he represented the State raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Iife
-not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same and Woik of John Adams," in ten volumes.
sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- In all questions of business or public affairs he
resents his employer, and as the Executive of the seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of,
*. State he was her "attorney in fact." And his intelli- the nut in the least possible time. In reading he
gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of would spend scarcely more time with a volume than
the people he so much loved. He was ambitious- most persons would devote to a chapter. After what
ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value
is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- the book contained. Rarely do we see a business
ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there man so familiar with the best English authors. He
be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and
the fact that the more we have the more is required his elegant home was a study and a pleasure
of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He to his many friends, who always found there a: had great hopes for his State and his country. Heh haearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend
* his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as (lays doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas
/ broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and eve he gathered his children about him and, taking:'l cultured l)rain, the will and the power to do, he the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story,
asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to closing the entertainmentl with "The Night Before
c labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation. Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol."
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GOVERNfORS OF MICHIGAN. 16
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HARLES M. CROSWELL,
Q1 ~x///f i Governor of Michigan from
Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. r, I88r,. was born at Newburg, Orange
County, N. Y., Oct. 3I, 825.
/ He is the only son of John and
Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His!1 father, who was of Scotch-Irish
extraction, was a paper-maker,
1 and carried on business in New
York City. His ancestors on
his mother's side were of Knickerbocker descent. The Croswell
family may be found connected
with prominent events, in New York
I and Connecticut, in the early exis3 Q tenceof the Republic. Harry Croswell, during the administration of
ti President Jefferson, published a pai per called the Balance, and was
prosecuted for libeling the President
under the obnoxious Sedition Law.
He was defended by the celebrated
Alexander Hamilton, and the decision of the case establised the important ruling that
the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another
member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the famous editor of the Albany Argus; also, Rev. William
Croswell, noted as a divine and poet.
When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age,
his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson
River, at Newburg; and, within three months preceding that event, his mother and only sister had died,thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the
family, without fortune or means. Upon the death
of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in
1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At
sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for
four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare
time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge.
In I846, he began the study of law, and was appointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du.
ties of this office he performed four years, when he
was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected
in 1852. In I854, he took part in the first movements
for the formation of the Republican party, and was a
member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jackson in that year, which put in the field the first Republican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he
formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Justice Cooley, which continued until the removal of
Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor.
In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney
of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city
in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was
chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864,
and again in I866, during each term filling the positions above mentioned. Among various reports made
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the
death penalty, and another against a proposition to
pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin,
which then commanded a very large premium, may
be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the
Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution,
for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first
amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan.
In I863, from his seat in the State Senate, he delivered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama
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t 62 CHARLES M. CROSWELL.
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tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad-,i and of his general policy in the prosecution of the dresses with care; and, as his diction is terse, clear,;
war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- and strong, without excess of ornament, and his deates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was livery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many.
^ elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in
and chosen its presiding officer. This convention the public prints, and have a permanent value. He
was composed of an able body of men; and though, has always manifested a deep interest in educational
in the general distrust of constitutional changes matters, and was for years a member and Secretary of
which for some years had been taking possession of the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal
E the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- opening of the Central School building in that city,: ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public
a tion they proposed had been prepared with great care address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public
and skill. Schools."
In i868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as
the Republican Presidential ticket; in I872, was exemplary as in his public career he has been sucelected a Representative to the State Legislature cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was marfrom Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy,, the House of Representatives. At the close of the a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She '
session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, suddenly died, March 19, I868, leaving two daugh- i
and the fairness of his rulings were freely. and form- ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member '.- ally acknowledged by his associates; and he was pre- of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- =r
sented with a superb collection of their portraits byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law,,
handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years, but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his
Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in
ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi- business difficulties, for which his unfailing prugan; in which position, his propositions for the amel- dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Govioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of
reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- like political faith with himself, but with those who
( nevolence of his nature, and the practical character differ from him in this regard., of his mind. During Gov. Croswell's administration the public:
In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of debt was greatly reduced; a policy adopted requiring
the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for the State institutions to keep within the limit of apGovernor; and, at the State Convention of the party propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually
in August of the same year, he was put in nomination for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elecby acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At tions; the State House of Correction at lonia and the.^ the election in November following, he was chosen to Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were olened,
i the high position for which he had been nominated, and the new capital at Lansing was comlleted and
by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. occupied. The first act of his second term was to preHis inaugural message was received with general side at the dedication of this building The great riot
< favor; and his career as (lovernor was marked with at Jackson occured during his administration, and it
the same qualities of head and heart that have ever was only bv his promptness that great distruction of <<1, distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. both life and property was prevented at that time. "
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DAVID H. JEROME, GoverV~ l i nor of from Jan. i, 188, to
| J Jan. i, I883, was born at De-, o h a troit, Mich., Nov. 7, 1829.
His parents emigrated to
~ i Michigan from Trumansburg,
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828,
i_(X. locating at Detroit. His father
died March 30, I83I, leaving
I \ ( nine children. He had been
twice married, and four of the
children living at the time of his
's death were grown up sons, the offI spring of his first union. Of the
five children by his second marriage, David H. was
the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his
widow moved back to New York and settled in
Ononda. a Cnuntv near Svracuse. where thev remained
older brothers, Timothy and George, and when I3
years of age David received his mother's permission to
attend schoolat the St. Clair Academy. While attending there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now deceased, doing chores for his board, and the following
winter performed the same service for James Ogden,
also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome
moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of
continuing her son in school. While attending said
academy one of his associate students was Senator Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate
before the gubernatorial convention in i880. He
completed his education in the fall of his I6th year,
and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy
in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac.
In I847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair County, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David
H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining
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until the fall of I834, the four sons by the first wife as such during 848-, and receiving much praise
V continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall from his employers and the people in general for the
of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once, more to Michigan, ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He
locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board
Governor formed those habits of industry and ster- t lake vessels.
ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the In I849-'50, he abandoned office work, and for the
man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the proper development of his physical system spent
district school, and in the acquisition of the funda- several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850,
mental ranches of learning he displayed a precocit his brother" Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer
and an application which won for him the admiration Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas-........ 1ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged.
~ of his teachers, and always placed him at the head. A portion of the sa te bat w engag
- ' in the passenger and freight traffic between Port
of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on H a D b d
the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious
and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair
heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which
F, betwn a
LI -MO-*iL 6 t66 DAVID H.
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' vessels could carry only about Io,ooo bushels of grain.
Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels
from one lake to the other, and put his plan into
operation. Through the influence of practical men,among them the subject of this sketch,-Congress
removed the obstruction above referred to, and now
vessels can pass them laden with 60,ooo or 80,ooo
bushels of grain.
During the season, the two brothers succeeded
in making a neat little sum of money by the summer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract
to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in
Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt,
but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the
spring of I85 I, he was clerk and acting master of the
steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying between Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The
following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince) ton," running between Detroit and Buffalo.
In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California,
> by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary
3 success in selling goods in a new place of his selection, among the mountains near Marysville He re3 mained there during the summer, and located the: Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded
/ millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment.
He planned and put a tunnel 6oo feet into the mine,
but when the water supply began to fail with the dry
season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of
1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for
New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County,
about a year after his departure. During his absence
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in
f 854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations
1 in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Blackm rer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores,
at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management
of the business. From 1855 to 1873 he was also extensively engaged in lumbering operations.
Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated
for Alderman against Stewart 13. Williams, a rising
young man, of strong I)emocratic principles. The
ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was
' elected by a handsome majority. When the Repubiican party was born at Jackson, Mich., I)avid H.
Jerome was, though not a delegate tothe convention,
one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was comm 1issione(d by (ov, Austin Blair to raise one of the
six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan.
Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held
meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm
displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a
feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many
brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d
Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed
in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a brilliant record.
In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by
the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th
district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his opponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted
in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was
twice renominated and elected both times by increased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay
City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On taking his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on State Affairs, and was active in raising means and troops to carry on the war.
He held the same position during his three terms of
service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers'
Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit.
He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid,
and in I865 was appointed a member of the State
Military Board, and served as its President for eight
consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare
a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the
Committee on Finance.
In 1875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of
the Board of Indian Commissioners. In 1876 he was
Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the
Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement
of all existing difficulties. The commission went to
Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho,
a distance of 600 miles'up the Columbia River.
At the Republican State Convention, convened at
Jackson in August, I88o, Mr. Jerome was placed in
the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the
month received the, highest honor the convention
could confer on any one. His opponent was Frederick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was supported by the Democratic and Greenback parties.
The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties,
and when the polls were closed on the evening of
election day, it was found that l)avid H. Jerome had
been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to
occupy the highest position within their gift., a'7
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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGA N I69
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~e fT1EBi ~ ~ '~~.' f], OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the
present (1883), Governor of
Michigan was born in Livinggston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20,
-.. I8 5. His ancestors were of
French descent, and settled at
an early period in the State of
Maiyland. Hisgrandfather, Capt.
Bolles, of that State, was an officer in the American army during
the war of the Revolution. About
/ the beginning of the present century both his grandparents, having
become dissatisfied with the institution of slavery, although slave^ holders themselves, emigrated to
92 Livingston County, N. Y., then
a new country, taking with them a
number of their former slaves, who
volunteered to accompany them.
His father was an officer in the
American army, and served during
the war of 1812.
Mr. B. received his early education in a log schoolhouse, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill
Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a
family of ten children, whose parents were in moderate though comfortable circumstances, he was early
taught habits of industry, and when 21 years of age,
being ambitious to better his condition in life, he resolved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was
then called. In August, I836, he left the parental
roof to seek a home in the Territory of Michigan,
then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in
Genesee County, and aided with his own hands in
building some of the early residences in what is now
known as the city of Flint. There were but four or
five houses where this flourishing city now stands
when he selected it as his home.
In the spring of 1839 he married Miss Harriet A.
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one,
and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to enjoy with him the comforts of an honestly earned competence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in
life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced
work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perseverance and energy, he soon established a good home,
and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a
well improved farm of five hundred acres.
Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a
member of the Republican party at its organization.
He served his townsmen in various offices, and was
in 1856, elected County Treasurer, which office he
held for eight years.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not
carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will
bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting
and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking
after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The
death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confedrate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life.
When a few years later he was a member in Congress
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Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers'
bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the
soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and
who should fare equally with him who came in at the
eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House
on account of the large appropriation that would be
required to pay the same.
In 1870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclamation for the office of State Senator, and elected by a
large majority. In that body he served on the Committees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman
of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and
Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and publicspirited view of the importance of a new capitol
building worthy of the State, and was an active member of the Committee that drafted the bill for the
same He was a delegate to the National Republican Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, and
was the chosen member of that delegation to go to
Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator
Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that
convention that, by the express wish of his many
friends, he was induced to offer himself a candidate for the nomination of member to the 43d Congress, in which he was successful, aftercompeting for
the nomination with several of the most worthy, able
and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional District, and was elected by a very large majority. In
Congress, he was a member of the Committee on
Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of
the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active
part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was appointed by that committee to draft the most important report made by that committee, and upon the
only subject recommended by the President in his
message, which he did and the report was printed in
records of Congress; he took an efficient though an
unobtrusive part in all its proceedings.
He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of
silver, and other financial measures, many of which,
though defeated then, have since become the settled
policy of the country. Owing to the position which
Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a
"Greenbacker."
In the Gubernatorial election of I882, Mr. Begole
was the candidate of both the Greenback and Democratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269,
the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome,
F BEGOLE.
receiving I49,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering v
upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit
that has already won him many friends, and bids fair if
to make his administration both successful and popular.
The very best indications of what a man is, is what
his own townsmen think of him. We give the following extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Republican paper in Gov. Begole's own county, and it,
too, written during the heat of a political campaign,
which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his sterling worth:
"So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the
ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to
his character that can be alleged against him. He
has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for
sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his purpose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He
is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bitterest political enemies. He has a warm, generous
nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in
the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much
given to making speeches, but deeds are more significant of a man's character than words. There are
many scores of men in all parts of the State where
Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical
demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to
step outside of party lines to show that they do not
forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he
was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a
forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan
is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Democrats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so
good a man as Mr. Begole."
This sketch would be imperfect without referring
to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity
that in i88I overtook the people of Northeastern
Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties
by fire and destroying the results and accumulations
of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers.
While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were
quarreling over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole
wrote to an agent in the "'burnt district" a letter, from
which we make an extract of but a single sentence:
"Until the differences between the two committees
are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies
from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I
have money." This displays his true character..I
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 177
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W^ ^., ON. CEYLON C. FULLER,
Es Judge of the 27th Judicial
Circuit of Michigan, was
lil born at Chardon, Geauga
AsA. Co., O., June 25, 1832.
Aside from his official emc, 6~~^11 /.- " inence, his connection with
\ a5/ the history of Big Rapids and MecosZ' ta County places him pre-eminent, c,3 among the citizens of both. More3 over, his stainless record, both in pubPf lic and in private life, his allegiance
to the obligations of his manhood, his
solicitous interests in whatever could
permanently affect the section where
he has established his home and
founded all that must be dearest to him in life, justly
entitle him to a respect commensurate with the position he occupies.
It is a striking feature of our American institutions
that what one man accomplishes reflects a luster on
the career of others who serve their generation in other
capacities. So it chances that a man may be reviewed
in 'All his relations without detracting from the worth
of other men, or reflecting upon their achievements,
no less meritorious because less prominent in the same
avenue. Representative men are the bulwarks of our
local as well as national structure, and in according
to Judge Fuller the first place in the present work,
its publishers but harmonize with the sentiment of the
community which he so honors and which so honors him.
He comes of sturdy yeoman ancestry in both lines
of descent. He is the type of the element which
underlies the true greatness of the British people; no
atrophy of aristocracy enfeebles, no taint of superstition or ignorance poisons the stock of his origin, and
in him are combined the best traits of his progenitors,
fostered under our institutions and developed under
the privileges of our country's dower to the humblest
of her sons-American citizenship.
Judge Fuller is the second son of Edson and Celira (Canfield) Fuller. The father was born at Cazenovia, N. Y., in 1809, and died at Des Moines, Ia.,
April 4, 1879. His ancestors were among the early
English emigrants to this country, bringing here a
name illustrious because unblemished, and which has
been handed down to successive generations untarnished. The record of Edson Fuller is inseparable
from that of Big Rapids and Mecosta County, whither
he brought his family in 1859, when the now thriving
and beautiful Forest City showed only a nucleus of
three houses and one small saw-mill. He grew to
youth in his native State, and in the dawn of his
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s earliest manhood went to Ohio. He was married was the appreciation of the honor bestowed with it
there and remained until 1845. In that year he came that the event was made memorable by abnegation of
- to Grand Rapids, Mich., then but the hope and the old family cognomen, and the compounding of a
promise of its present splendid estate. The journey new one which should perpetuate the memory of the
( was accomplished in the manner common to that act of the English Government to the remotest genperiod, in a prairie schooner, drawn by an ox team, eration. Cam and Dephilo became Camphield, and
the days passing in slow but sure progress toward the the orthography remained unchanged until the death
point of destination, the nights in the restful solitude of Thomas Camphield, in the i 6th century, when
of the camp. Ten years of untiring energy and the name was spelled Camfield, remaining thus until
activity at Grand Rapids brought substantial reward, 1720, when it became Canfield. Matthew Camfield
A and in i855 Mr. Fuller transferred his interests to came from England to New Haven, Ct., in 1639.
d Mishawaka, Ind., where, in i857, the accumulations When that province made haste to secure the favor
of years were swept away in the financial convulsion of the British Government in the early days of the
i which wrecked the hopes and the resources of the restored monarchy, the charter which the "scholarly
business element of this land. From its foundations young Winslow, the best and truest man" in all her
was the structure of fortune once more to be reared, borders, carried to King Charles, bore the name ot
and Mr. Fuller came to Big Rapids to begin again in "Matthew Camfield" as one of the petitioners for a
a field that seemed to promise a reasonable degree royal patent. Winthrop's tact and sagacity secured
of success. He opened the first store in the county. for the colony "the most liberal and ample" charter
( A description of the miscellaneous character of ever granted by an English monarch, and upon the
' the merchandise he offered for sale would be as people of Connecticut was conferred power to govern. interesting as any other possible detail of the pio- themselves and this without qualification or restricneer history of Big Rapids. The stock was drawn from tion. Under the provisions of this charter "Gold, SherGrand Rapids over roads which the record declares man and Camfield" were appointed judges and vested: " neither tongue nor pen can describe." The stoe with power to hold court at Fairfield, opening April
was located at the corner of Elm Street and Michigan I, 1669. Mr. Camfield afterward went with part of
Avenue. his family to Newark, N. J., where he died and where
) At the close of his commercial affairs, Mr. Fuller his name is perpetuated by numerous descendants.
moved to a farm in the township of Green, where his The distinction of his name and position is also
family resided until i877. In that year they returned marked by the fact that his son Samuel (ist) was a
to Big Rapids. In April, i879, while visiting his eld- member of the General Assembly of Connecticut in
est son at Des Moins, Mr. Fuller died, ripe in years, i669. Samuel Camfield (2d) was born at Norwalk,
leaving a wife and five children, who, individually, Ct., in i67 2, and ma;ried Abigail Austin, of Stamford,
without exception, have sustained his name among Ct., Aug. i, 1709. Samuel Camfield (3d) was born
men and glorified his memory in their lives of honor June 4, 1710, at New Marlborough, Mass. His estate
and usefulness. is yet in the possession of his descendants. Thomas
The record of Celira (Canfield) Fuller is one that Canfield, son of the last named, was born at New
verifies the law of natural heritage and in the careers Marlborough, and married a lady named Burr. Oliver
of her four sons and surviving daughter, her womanly Canfield, son of Thomas, married Sally Sherman in
worth and super-eminent intellectual qualities are 1782, and of this marriage was born at Tyringham'
perpetuated. Her earliest recorded ancestors were Mass., July 7, i8Io, Celira, the mother of Judge
r Huguenots, a fact which largely accounts for much Fuller.
of her personal annals. Her family name had its Her father died when she was in infancy, and her
origin in the events which characterized the corn- mother remarried and went to Chardon, Geauga Co.,
mingled history of England and France in the 14th O., where she grew to womanhood. She married
century. A Huguenot family of Normandy, named Edson Fuller, Feb. 4, 1830. Her home in Ohio was
Dephilo, received from the British crown a grant of with that of the pioneer element, and she had but little
land lying contiguous to the river Cam in England. technical education, as she had the advantage of but
7 The bestowal was for meri'orious services, and such ten weeks of school in her life. But she was ever a
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M MECOSTA CO UNZTY. 179
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student. The profession of medicine afforded deep
interest to her alert mental organization and within
her scope she pursued its practice both in Indiana
and at Big Rapids, being signally successful in her
efforts to alleviate suffering and baffle disease. She
was ever prominent in educational, moral and religious
movements. In i850, '51 and '52 she was in charge
of the primary department of the union school
at Grand Rapids, Mich. She organized the first
Sunday-school at Big Rapids, whose sessions were
held in the old red school-house. In moral avenues
her influence was sensibly felt among the pioneers
of the village and vicinity and extended through the
later years of her life, when Big Rapids had become
a city incorporate, and her population had increased
to thousands.
In I873-4 she experienced a severe attack of erysipelas and vacillated for weeks between life and
death. On her recovery she reviewed her situation
while suffering under her terrible affliction, express
ing her views in metrical language with vivid power
and beauty. It is as follows:
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And while 1 clasped their loviIng halnds ill mine
1'd bid them meet me in my father's house;;
But to go out in such sharp agony,
That all my words Twere broken into groalns
Ciaused heart and flesh for one brief hour1 to fail.
Then I relembered how this mighihty l)rince.
Though now by angels crowned, once prayed alone,
In such deep sorrow that great crimlnson d(1ops
Fell on the garden sod. His fiiendsl asleep!
Three times that p)leading voice went lup to heaven
'"If it be possible, let this cup pass,"
Then meekly said, "Thy will, not mine, be done."
All fear was gone, an1(1 my g'lad hear t set u
The full response, 'Thy will, not mine, be done."
Faith triumphed, anld ly soul was filled with peace.
The deep, dark flood that filled me with such dread
Was quiet now, anid seemed so narrow, too,
That 1 could almost reach the hands of those
Who beckoned to nme firom the other shore.
While waiting, thus willing to cross the stream,
A ray of earthly light (calme to my eyes
Faint as the starlight at the morning dawn,
But still enough to show what seeimed to me
In the uncertain light, a guard of meni
Standing beside mly bed. 1 heard the names
Of baby boys, who long, long years ago
lad lain upon my breast, and heard these mcen
Give answer to tfiese naimes; and then 1 knew
They were my boys. now wearing manhlood's crown.
A whisper breathed oll the electric cord
Reached the far west where dwelt my eldest son.
And he, too, stood besi(le his brothers here,
All hand in hand, guarding their mother's life;
And girls,-well, call then womnen if you will,
Who walk life's toilsome jourlney withl lly boys,
Were ere re with loving hearts, faithful land true.
When the fierce fever burnled, soft hands were laid
Upon my fo rehead; fingers, soft and cool
As rose leaves sprinlkled with the dew of June,
Were on my throbbing temples gently pressed,
And to Imy weary senses brought relief;
And one whose earliest life was drawn from mine,
Whose veins were filled with the same purple tide
That warms mly own, stayed by me during days
Of lingering, painful, convalescence,
And by her watchful care, cheered the dark way
Through which my feeble and unrestful feet
Must walk a little -while,-God knows howlong.
He also knows that with a grateful heart
I bless His holy name for the rich gift,
The priceless treasure of my children's love.
And so I take again the burden of my life,
With stronlger faith in Him who knows my heart
Faith that can trust, in darkness as in light,
Faith that can claim the promises He made
To his disciples.
And when the thick darkness
Gathers round my way, I will remember
That He said to all the heavy laden,
"Come unto me and I will give you rest."
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" Heavy, and heavier still life's burden grew,
Until at last my weary feet refused
To bear mie, and 1 laid me down in pain,
So near the brink of the (lark mystic tile
That, as the surging waves rushed madly by,
They dashed their icy spray full in my face;
And my swollen features, soon so loathsome grew
That even the eye of love must turn away.
Earth's light went out,and midnight darkness reigned(
While liquid fire seemed coursing through iy veins.
A death-like chillless tortured all my bones.
Fire and ice, contending forthe victory,
Filled my whole fiamne with mortal agony.
I prayed for patience to endulre, and soon
I thought I heard beyond the roaring flood
A voice say, "Come and enter into rest."
A momentary fear cane over me,
And tremblingly I asked, Is this the way?
This awful door of torture must I pass,
To reach my home upon the other shore?
1 had for years felt sure that I could meet
The last great Enemy, with trusting faith
In Him, who met the tyrant of the race,
And all his hosts, in his ownl dark domain.
He seemed a captive.
All the powers of Hell
Reveled in one mad carnival, until the hour
Appointed for the vict'ry. Then behold!
The gates of adamant, the bolted doors
Of Death's dread prison open, and a king!
A conqueror! Gloriously triumphant
O'er the vanquished hosts of death and hell,
The Christian's Lord, the chosen Son of God,
Comes forth in majesty from the dark tomb,
Welcomed by all the retinue of Heaven.
With living faith in his victorious power,
I would serenely bid my friends adieu,
And leave my precious children in his care;
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Her religious ideas were in keeping with the sim-'
plicity and majesty of the Center of the New Testament, and she fashioned them into articles for the
press, which were fraught with her own ardor and
strength. After the death of her husband she re-!
sided with her children. In November, I882, she
went to Des Moines to pass the remainder of her
XX,
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180 IMECOSTA COUNTY.
life, and during its closing months her intellectual ac- in its kindly and grateful remembrance of him.
tivity seemed to culminate. She commenced the Judge Fuller left Hiram and returned to Grand
preparation of a series of lay sermons for the Newaygo Rapids. He established himself in mercantile interTribune, the first of which reached its publishers ests with Daniel McConnell, A. G. Smith and Wm.
r July 9, I883, and appeared July 25, in the same H. McConnell, under the firm style of C. C. Fuller
issue which contained the notice of her death. That & Co. This connection was of brief duration, Judge
event occurred July 12, three days after her communi- Fuller selling out his claim. In the fall of i856 he
cation reached its destination. Her five surviving went to McGregor, la., organized a company and emchildren watched the closing hours of her life and barked in the business of tanning leather, operating
placed her in her pale sleep by the husband at whose with the Daniels patent process. Of this concern
side she walked in wifely dignity, in maternal beauty, Judge Fuller was treasurer and manager, but he
- in Christian consistency, for nearly half a century. closed his relations with it not long after its establishIn her children her earthly record yet lives; her sons ment and purchased a half interest in the North
are all in honorable walks of life, and her daughter, Iowa Times, a sheet of rank Democratic tendencies
Mrs. Elma L. Hutchinson, of Des Moines, is a physi- but, notwithstanding the variance between the princian in regular practice and standing, representing the ciples of its proprietors, the journal was conducted
one idiosyncrasy of the mother, as the sons typify the with marked harmony and success. In I858 he rerace from which she sprung in sterling merit, honor- turned to Grand Rapids and in the winter of I858-9
able record and inflexible courage. Corydon E. once more cast his hopes upon the tide of comFuller, eldest son, resides at Des Moines, Ia., and has mercial life, forming a partnership with 0. R.
held his present responsible incumbency of Treas- Wilmarth. In the fall of 1859 he decided in. urer of the Iowa Loan & Trust Company 12 years. a change in his purposes, and sold his busiz= William D. Fuller, resident at Newaygo, editor and ness interests to enter upon his preparation for the
y proprietor of the Newaygo Tribune, is State Swamp profession of law. He read under the supervision of
Land Commissioner and Chairman of the Greenback Messrs. Ashley & Miller, of Grand Rapids, and in
State Committee. Orrin T. Fuller, resident at June, i860, was admitted to the bar.
Des Moines, Ia., is the Interest Clerk in the office of In May, I860, he established his home at Big,) the Iowa Loan & Trust Company. Ellen J. M. Rapids, where his personal experience forms a link
Fuller died at Grand Rapids in i850, aged sixteen. in the pioneer history of the place, which contained
In her memory, parents, brothers and sister kept then five houses, scattered among the trees of the
youth alive, and the oldest and youngest await the forest. Judge Fuller bought a tract of land containrestoration of the household band in its entirety in ing four lots lying (now) on the cornerof Linden
the realms of perpetual morning. Street and Michigan Avenue, and covered with timJudge Fuller was in his thirteenth year when his ber. With his own hands he cleared the land and
parents went to Grand Rapids, and he attended the laid the foundation walls of his residence, the first
union school there until he was I8 years old, when stone work laid in mortar in the village, said mortar
he was sent to Hiram College, where James A. Gar- being made from the first lime burned in the county,
field was then a student. Between the two boys of and which was bought from the producer, John
I8 and 19 years, a warm regard ensued which never Snyder, of Green Tp. He assisted personally in the
abated. They were room-mates at Hiram, and when erection of the building until its completion.
Judge Fuller's public life commenced in the fall of
the chief honor in the Nation's gift was laid at the feet judge Fullersubc lfe commenced in the fall of.. the same year. He was elected Court Commissioner
( of him whose tragic fate and heroic endurance chal- and held the office until i868. He was also ap',, ' *, 1 t /.,, tj and held the office until I868. He was also apI lenged the awe and admiration of the world, J udige
lenged the awe and admiration of the world, udge pointed Postmaster, in which capacity he acted unFuller hastened to offer his congratulations, and, true til his removal in i66, which was effected by Andrew
*. —.. ~til his removal in I866, which was effected by Andrew
to the instincts hich molded his matchless an- Johnson for political purposes. In the fall of 1862,
hood, General Garfield found time, in the midst of he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta
the haste and clamor of the opening campaign, to County and officiated two years. He was elected
write a letter to his boyhood's friend, characteristic Judge of Probate in 1864 and acted in that capacity
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J> fECOSTA COUNTY. i81
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V four years. In i868 he was elected to the State
Legislature, and was a member of the Committees on; Railroads and Engrossing and Enrolling. He introduced several important local bills, also a bill to provide for registration of electors in new townships.
While the county was yet new, Judge Fuller
bought 240 acres of land in the south part of the
Fourth Ward of the city of Big Rapids, 40 acres of
which was platted as Fuller's Addition. He is still
the owner of three acres, besides a number of city lots
and a splendid residence. In 1873, associated with
% L. H. Green, he built the Opera block. The monetary crisis and shrinkage of values of that year overwhelmed the business interests of Big Rapids, the
individual loss of Judge Fuller being about $40,000.
Judge Fuller is a Republican of no uncertain tendency, but his character and record have preserved
his popularity with all classes regardless of party issues. His position before the people is evinced by
the fact of his being successively elected to the best
' official positions. He was elected to his present position as Judge of the Twenty-seventh Judicial Circuit
in 1882, running against George Luton, of Newaygo,
and receiving a majority of 651 votes. He is the first
= incumbent of the position after the formation of the
Circuit by the Legislature of Michigan.
Judge Fuller was married at Davenport, Iowa,
) Nov. 9, I858, to Frank A., daughter of John Morrison, an early settler of that city. She was born
Aug. 3I, 1838, at Gallipolis, Ohio. Of this marriage
were born, at Big Rapids, seven children, six sons and
a daughter. Louis M. was born April 24, 186I, and
is telegraph operator and ticket agent in the Big
Rapids office of the G. R. & I.. R R. Herbert C.
~ is a telegraph operator, and was born Jan. 24, i863.
Percy H. was born Feb. 17, i866, and died Aug. I2,
i868; John E. was born Jan. 2, i868; Ben H., Feb.
27, I870; Frank M., Jan. 3, I872; Daisy A., born
Nov. 12, 1872. For the life given a life was taken,
the mother passing to the spirit world Nov. 1 2, I872.
The lonely little one soon sought the maternal pres.
ence, winging her flight to heaven Aug. 4, I873.
Judge Fuller was a second time married, at Ypsilanti, Mich., Jan. 5, 1876, to Sarah E., daughter of
Isaac H. and Eliza E. Voorhies. She was born at
Trumansburg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, I849.
Two sons, Charles E., born April 26, I877, and Leslie, L., April 14, 1879, have been born of this marriage.
j eorge Risbridger, farmer, sec i, Deerfield
iS Tp:., P. O. Altona, was born ii England
adk May 19, 1823. His parents, Isaac and?T lA nn (Ridley) Risbridger, were natives of Eng'- land and lived and died in their native country.
} Mr. Risbridger had his contest to make in
the world single-handed and alone, and his early life
in his native land was passed as a farmer. He came
to America in 1850 when 27 years of age, reaching
New York in the month of May. He went thence
to Portage Co, Ohio, and was there engaged durirg
three years in the manufacture of potash and peailash. He next came to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., removing a year later to Barry County. There he
bought 80 acres of unimproved land, built a house
and cleared 70 acres, setting out an orchard of I50
trees. After a residence of 15 years he sold his place
and bought 200 acres of well improved land in Bedford, Calhoun County, where he resided 13 years.
Again disposing of his place, he came to Mecosta
County and bought 40 acres of partially improved
land, where he has since resided.
Mr. Risbridger was married March 2, i850, in England, to Sabina, daughter of George and Hannah.
Eager, also natives of England. She was born Dec
30, [832, and died in Deerfield, July 12, 1883, leaving seven of ten children born of her marriage to Mr.
Risbridger. Following is a record of their births:
George I, Dec. 30, 1854; Hannah M., Oct. 24, 1857;
Byron P., Aug. 29, 1859; Ida 0., Dec. 4, 1863;
Francis H., Oct. 23, i865; Charles J., Dec. 2, I867;
Mary S., Feb. 2, i869. Fanny, born March 19, r851,
died Sept. 4, 1853; Henry, born Nov. 23, 1852, died
Sept. io, 1853; Win. W., born Aug. I, i86i, died
Oct. 27, 1863.
Mr. Risbridger has been actively interested in educational matters for many years. He is a voracious
reader; conversant with the affairs of the day and,
mindful of all the circumstances which surrounded
and baffled his ambitions in his native land, has ever
been ready to lend his aid and influence to all reformatory measures which promised to correct popular evils and improve social grades. In politics he
acts independently; is a prohibitionist in principle
and believes in the education of the masses as.a safe-!
s
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182 JECOS TA COUNTY. y<
3 guard of the best interests of the future. He early died in April, 1863; the latter May i8, 1883. Seven
t identified himself with the Grange movement, and of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are living:, himself and wife, who co-operated with him in his James C., Robert P., Addie V., Fred C., Alma. M., M
< views and efforts, were charter members of Bedford Emma J. and Francis H. Anna Belle is deceased.
Grange, No. 65, P. of H., located in Calhoun County. Mr. Boyd is active in the interests of the RepubliThey were also charter members of Pomona Grange, can party and was a member of the State Republican
P. of H., in Calhoun County, and Mr. R. is still active Convention in I88I. He has held all the important
in its interests. He was one of the founders of a co- township offices. In religion he is a liberalist.
operative store at Battle Creek and is one of its stockholders. Both himself and wife were zealous members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been a
Class-leader eight years. ->'
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V-1-, yron H. Boyd, farmer, sec. 33, Deerfield Tp., was born in Allegheny Co., Pa.,
' April 28, I835. He is a third child of
John and Caroline (Bathah) Boyd, both natives of New York. His father was a lumberman and farmer, and in 1849 went to Tioga Co.,
Penn., where he followed the same pursuits. He
died in Andover, Allegheny Co.; the mother died
July 13, I855, in Pennsylvania.
Mr Boyd was 14 years of age when he went to the
Keystone State with his parents, and with whom he
remained until he was 22 years old. His firstlabor
on his own account was as a day hand in a saw-mill,
and again at Williamsport in the same capacity. In
1865 he was engaged in reconstructing bridges in the
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ndrew Breakley, farmer, on sec. i, Hinton Tp., P. O., Altona, was horn at Roches.. a ter, N. Y., Nov. 23, I844. His parents,
~ Andrew and Catharine (Crass) Breakley, were
natives respectively of Ireland and Canada
and removed to New York prior to their marriage, which took place in that city. Three years
after, Andrew Breakley, Sr., moved with his family to
the city of Rochester, N. Y., where he was employed
by the contractors of the Erie Canal as a stone
mason. Mr. Breakley, Sr., was employed in his native
country in peddling dry goods and linens and early
in his life was a companion of A. T. Stewart. Himself and wife died at. lochester.
Until he was 16 years of age, the subject of this
sketch attended the public schools of Rochester.
He legan to prepare for the business of a boat-calker
and was so employed three years. The work was so.
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town wnmcn were wasnea out Dy the nooa oI that year. severe ana the manager so exacting mtat te propneIn i866 he came to Deerfield and bought 8o acres of tor himself remarked that 'that fellow would not stay? land on sec. 33, where he proceeded to clear the forest a week;' but he persisted and managed to accomplish
preparatory to establishing a home. He o)btained the his business to Ihe entire satisfaction of the parties
land for $3.00 per acre, the lest timber being re- interested. In r86I he went to Canada on a visit,
served. Mr. Boyd has added to his original tract l)y but concluded to remain there and was in the empurchase until he now owns r6o acres on the same ploy of his brother-in-law for nearly four years. He
section, 8o acres (about 37 of whi.h is swamp land) visited the city of New York and his old home at
on sec. 29 and 240 on sec. 22. The swamlp land is Rochester, and in the summer of 1866 came to Mewell stocked with hemlock, cedar and black ash costa, Mich., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land
timber. in Hinton Tp., where he l)uilt a log house and began
'' Mr. Boyd was married July 13, 1855, to Hannah his career as a pioneer. Later on he added 40 acres A?; A. Dickens, daughter of Alva and Lucy Minerva to his original purchase and now owns a fine farm
^ (Campbell) Dickens, born I)ec. 29, 1836, inTioga Co., of 8o acres, with 50 acres under first-class improve-?) Penn. The father of Mrs. Boyd was born in Rhode nments. He also owns 40 acres in Milibrook Tp. y
I Island, the mother in Pennsylvania. The former Mr, Breakley has been Constable of Hinton Tp..........( u,,.U..>:<, I1 tl..
MECOS TA
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for nine years, School Inspector two years, Highway
Commissioner two years, Town Treasurer two years,
and in the spring of I880 was elected Justice of the
Peace, and Supervisor in the spring of 1883, of which
positions he is the present incumbent. He has been
School l)irector six years, and is identified with the
issues and interests of the Democratic party; himself and wife were formerly communicants of the
English Church.
Mr. Breakley was married in Canada, July 19,
1864, to Matilda, fourth daughter of James N. and
Catherine (Flannagan) Decler. The father was a
native of the State of New York, the mother of
Canada, and are now residents of Hinton Tp. Mr. and
Mrs. Breakley have had six children-James G, born
Nov. 28, 1867; Andrew N, July 15, 1872; Edward
and Edwin (twins), July 15, 1874; Nellie, Jan. 5,
i880. Ella was born Aug. 9, I869, and died Oct. T,
T870.
ohn E. Kirvan, farnmer, sec. 34, Morton lTp.,
[j P. O., Sylvester, was born in Gray Co.,
Province of Ontario, Can., Aug. 3, I862.
He is a son of Elias and Jane Ann (B1reakey)
Kirvan. His paternal grandfather was a pioneer
of the Dominion, and settled 80 miles from the
nearest point of supplies, having to travel that
distance in an indian canoe for necessaries for the
family use. The father of Mr. Kirvan was one of
T I children, five boys and six girls. He came to
Michigan in 1870, bought 60o acres of land and engaged in the duties of farming. He sold 80 acres
and cleared 60 acres of the remainder. He died
Feb. 1 8, 187 9, all his responsibilities devolving on the
son. Since the father's death the latter has built a
new house and put all the buildings on the place in
thorough repair. The farm lies three miles from
Sylvester, which, when the family came here, was the
nearest point of neighbors and civilization. The
mother is still living in firm health and with unimpaired intellectual powers.
Mr. Kirvan is still a young man, but the energy and
good judgment he displays in the management of his
J '-ohn O'Neil, farmer on section 35, Deerfield 1 p., was born in Ireland, June Io,
1 r828. His parents, Patrick and Jane! (Garner) O'Neil, were natives of Wicklow Co.,
Ireland, and emigrated to Canada, where they
are still living, in advanced age.
Mr. O'Neil was i8 years of age when he accompanied his parents to Canada. He was a resident
of the Dominion about 15 years and came to Shiawassee Co., Mich., buying 40 acres of land, which he
afterwards sold, and after a year's labor as a farm
hand he again bouglit another farmn, of which he disposed and came to Mecosta Co:, and bought 80 acres
of unim proved land in Deerfield Tp., where he now resides; he has 50 acres under the plow. Mr. O'Neil
is independent in political action and, with his family
belongs to the Catholic Church.
He was married i'l 1851 to Mary, daughter of
James and Mary Martin. They have had nine chilren, five of whom are now living: Patrick, James,
John, Michael and Jane; those deceased were Mary,
William, Margaret and Ambrose.
6
COUNTY. I83
affairs promises extended success in the avenues he
has already made prosperous.
He was married Dxc. 24, 1882, to Minnie Adams, *?.
of Hinton T). H ter fater is a man of good standing, and has served his peolle in several official ca- k
pacitfies.
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l avid Quigley is a farmer in sec. 4, DeerI field Tp; P. 0. Morley. His parents,J
[3 t George and Jane Quigley, were natives respectively of New York and Wales. They
were married in the Dominion of Canada and removed thence to Newaygo Co., Mich., in 1854.
After a brief residence there they came to Mecosta
Co., and located on sec. 4 of Deerfield Tp. They )
were the first white settlers of town 13 north, of range
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9 west, now Deerfield, and there took up their residence in I859. James Quigley, brother of David,
was born in 1859, and was the first white
child whose birth occurred in Deerfield. George
Quigley was acting Justice of the Peace and
performed the first marriage ceremony in the township in December, I862 The contracting parties
were Isaac Sedore and Elizabeth Smith. Mr. Quigley
afterwards went to Montcalm County, where he now
lives.
David Quigley was born in Canada, Feb. 22, 1850,
and came to Michigan with his parents when four
years of age. His early life was passed amid the
pioneer scenes of this section of the Peninsular State.
He has spent all his life on a farm. At the ageof 23
he bought, in Deerfield Tp., 58 acres of land, with
some improvements, but took possession in 1876 and
was there resident until 1883, when he rented a farm
containing 60 acres.
He was married in Montcalm Co., in the winter of
1875, to Lavina, daughter of Robert and Jane Pixley.
They have two children: Bertie, born July 31, 877,
and Earl R., Sept. iS, 1882. The parents of Mrs.
Quigley were both born in New York. Mr. Quigley
is a Republican; himself and wife are members of
the Methodist Church.
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John G is second child and eldest son. When about
three years of age his father removed with his family
to Fairfield Center, DeKalb Co, Ind., and purchased
a farm containing about 600 acres of land, in an uncultivated state, and in heavy timber. It has been
converted into one of the finest places in that section
of country.
Mr. Martz obtained his elementary education at
the common schools of DeKalb County, and at the
age of 14 was sent for a'year of study to the graded
school of Fort Wayne. After a year at home he
went back to Fort Wayne and became a clerk in a
grocery and provision store, where he remained a
twelve-month and returned to the farm. In 1870 he
came to Big Rapids and entered the establishment of
Thos. I). Stimson as clerk, and the follo ing summer
assisted his brother-in-law, F. E. Ahrens, (since deceased) in erecting the Big Rapids Furniture building. In I872 a stock company was organized, under
the title and style of the Big Rapids Furniture
Manufacturing Company, which purchased the factory. The same year Mr. Martz bought a lot on
Michigan Avenue and aided in putting up a building,
which was rented to A. Levi. The latter opened a
gentleman's furnishing store, and three days later the
structure was blown down by the wind, entailing a
loss of $i,ooo. It was immediately reconstructed
and has since been occupied by its primal lessee, Mr.
Levi.
In 1873 Mr. Martz commenceld business as a retail
furniture dealer on Michigan Avenue, where he operated until the fall of 1874, when he bought his present place of business. At the same time he formed
a co-partnership with H M. Averill and added upholstering. Soon after he became sole owner by purclhase and later sold his entire stock. He made a
considerable investment in the stock of the Big Rapids Furniture Manufacturing Company, and in the
spring of i876 opened a b)akery, which is the leading
institution of the kind in the city. In 1880, Mr.
Martz ibecatie a l)irector of the Furniture Company,
was elected Vice P'resideit il 1882, and in the spring
of 1882 was chosen to his present position as chiel
official. He is also a I)irector of the Big Rapids
National llank. Prosperity has attended every business venture of Mr. Martz. The various periods of
stringency in general financial affairs have affected
him to some degree, but by shrewd tact and careful
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- ' ohnl G. Martz, Jr., lpresident of the Big
Rapids Manlufalcturinog Company, was born
1. — at Newville, Adams Co., Ind., June 26,
r1848. His father was a native of Baden, Gernmanly, and his mother, Mary (Sauer) Martz,
w as born in Switzerland. They accomplanied
their parents from the "fatherland" to America
and settled with a German colony in Adams; County,
at a date so carly that the priimeval forests, with their
( concomitmnts of wild game, were in their original.; state.
Mr. Martz is one of a family of eleven children,, ten of whom yet survive; the brothers and sisters
) are Annie, Benjamin, l)avid, Christian, Maiy, Daniel,
i Katie E., Susan and Sarah. Edward ( is deceased.
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management through times of peril, he has been
enabled to conduct his affairs safely.
He was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., May Io,
1876, to Mary Faling; she died in October, 1878.. Mr. Martz was again married, at Auburn, Ind., Sept., I88o, to Elizabeth Mader. Their two sons are
naned J. W., Theodore, and John Atthur.
~'~ eneral Stephen Bronson, Mayor of Big
i Rapids, (1883) is the son of Stephen and
S Polly (Page) Bronson, and was born in
Broome Co., N. Y., Aug. 3, I817. He was an
) ambitious, active boy, eager to join in the
world's pursuits, and seek advancement through
his own efforts. He was reared as a farmer's son
3 and gave some attention to carpentry. At the age
of sixteen he was sent to the Oxford Academy, near
= his home, and after two years study went to Montrose, Susquehannah Co., Penn., and taught a term of
school, and the following winter was similarly engaged
at home. In 1840 the family removed to DuPage
Co., ll., (Naperville), where both father and son
bought farms, that of the latter including I50
acres of land. The next ten years he passed in the
varied pursuits of farming, teaching and working as
a builder. He sold his farm and went to Chicago,
engaging in mercantile affairs, banking and real estate for a period of twelve years and was rewarded
for his efforts by a satisfactory degree of profit.
He nex/t went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was interested in the lumber trade. At the end of a year
he sold his mill there and in 1859, in company with
several others, he crossed the plains of Colorado and
took up a mining claim at (now) Central City; he also
staked a claim in the "Gregory" and sold two weeks
later for $Io,ooo. He then went to Golden City,
where he engaged one summer in lumbering He
returned to Illinois for the winter and went back to
Denver in the spring with Joseph Chadwick. They
erected a large store building during the summer, and
) returned to Illinois in the fall. The following spring
t they sold their store located at Denver and also some
mining claims, when they took a finalleave of s
Colorado. I
In the fall of 86i, when the tide of war and dis- R
union swept the country, Mr. Brorson enlisted as a
private in Company C, i2th Illinois Cavalry, serving k
in that capacity until Feb. 28, I862, when he was
commissioned Captain and went into active service
at the front. He was promoted to the rank of
Major, holding his post until the mustering out of the
regiment in the winter of 1863. He at once proceeded to raise another company and was elected v
Captain of Company F, 14ist Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The regiment rendezvoused at Elgin, Ill., and
Captain Bronson was appointed Colonel by Gov. Yates.
After a service of ioo days he returned to Chicago
and was murtered out. He proceeded to organize the
153rd Ill. Vol. Inf., and was soon after appointed Brevet Brigadier General by President Lincoln. His appointment was confirmed by the Senate and he was
assigned to the command of the First Brigade of
the I)ivision of Western Tennessee, with head-quar- 1
ters at Memphis., and was in active service until the
close of the war. He was mustered out Oct. i, i865,
at Springfield, I11., after about four and a half years
of service. He was in action at Harper's Ferry, x
Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancelloisville, I)umfries 4
and a large number of other engagements. During
this period of service he received five commissions (
On leaving the United States service he was the re
cipient of many flattering proofs of appreciation from
the Department and his fellow officers. General
Oglesby, of Illinois, made a personal appeal to the
President for a lucrative and responsible position for
meritorious service, but General Bronson made no
personal exertion to secure any place at the hands of
the already overburdened and struggling Government. j
After the war closed he went to Texas and bought
a large herd of beef cattle, which were driven to the
Chicago market and it proved a profitable venture. In
the spring of 1867 he came to Big Rapids, and, in
partnership with Sumner Stickney, established extensive business interests, including trade in lumber and '
real estate and banking operations. Their investments were profitable and their affairs in promising *
condition when the financial disturbance of 1873 i
overwhelmed them and their property sunk to a
minimum value. About the same time their saw- (
mill was destroyed by fire and Mr. Bronson proceeded,
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to begin at the foundation once more. His early experience as a carpenter became his best working
C capital, and with the assistance of a boy he rebuilt
the mill of Bronson & Stickney, and they proceeded
with their lumber business. About one and a half
years after they lost their dam by a "wash out," sold
their site and built where they are now operating,
putting in steam power.
Gen. Bronson, in addition to his other public relations, has been active in political life. In Colorado,
I in 1859, he was elected Representative from Golden
% City District, and officiated as Speaker of the House
i during a part of the session. In I868 hewas elected
Treasurer of Mecosta County, and held the post two
years He has been Supervisor several years and
Chairman of the Board; has been a member of the
School Board 12 years, member of the Common
Council four years, and, at the municipal election of
Big Rapids in the spring of I882, failed as candidate
for its chief office by only three votes. In the fall
of that year his name was used by the Fusion element
= as candidate for Congress. The District was Repub= lican by 5,000 votes, and Gen. Bronson was defeated
~ by only about 2,600 in the general count; he carried the city by a majority of 46 votes. In the
spring of 1883, he was elected Mayor of Big Rapids
on the Union ticket by a majority of 45 votes, run) ning against M. P. Gale, ex-Representative.
Gen. Bronson was married at Naperville, DuPage
Co., Ill, Nov. 7, 1841, to Amelia Barker. Of their
eight children but four survive. Following are their
names: Amasa (dec.); Charles I)., of Big Rapids,
(clerk for A. S. Hobart); Sarah (dec.); Lucy(Mrs. H. M.
Hobart, of Big Rapids); Stephen (dec.); Allie (wife
t of A. A. S. Hobart); Carrie (wife of Frank Beard,
a merchant at Morley); Jessie (dec.) I)uring the absence of General Bronson in Colorado his family resided in Wheaton, Il1., with the exception of his son
Charles, who spent two and a half years with his
father at l)enver. Mrs. Bronson died Sept. 5, T864,
wlile her husband was in the Union army. He con\ tracted marriage a second time at XVheaton, Ill., Feb.
14, 1 867, witl Kate M. IBrown, a native of Vermont,
) orn Nov. 23, 1830. Their children are Mollie, Kate
and Harry. The last died March 25, r878.
It is bult just to General 1Bronson to add that in the
community of which he is a member his claracter is
thoroughly appreciated. Hte is conscientious and
discerning in his opinions, trusted by all parties and
believes with all his might in the strength and
supremacy of the Government he so zealously defended in the time of her peril. Big Rapids is honored by his splendid military career, and his connection with the politics of the city has been of the
same type. His first candidacy for Mayor, notwithstanding his defeat, was one of the most marked
triumphs on the records of local elections, his nomination taking place in special caucus Saturday night
preceding Monday's election.
-The testimonials above referred to comprise a letter, signed by several individuals of acknowledged
position, addressed to Governor Yates, and the letter
of Richard J. Oglesby, the War Governor of Illinois,
and now on file in the Department at Washington,
D. C.; also a private letter from Governor Oglesby
accompanying his Commission as Brigadier General,
United States Volunteers by Brevet. The latter in
closing says: "It is a suitable recognition of your
valuable services in the late war against Treason and
Rebellion and in favor of Liberty and Union. " The
recommendations in the letters referred to were based
on the desire of General Bronson to remain connected
with the military service of the United States and
urged his claims on the grounds of his meritorious
conduct in behalf of the integrity of the Union.
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r';,enry M. Clark, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield
'p., P. 0. Morley, was born in "York"
i State, June 13, r843. His parents, Hlenry
M. and Susan A. (Wilcox) Clark, were born in
the Eml)ire State;ind removed thence to Montcalm Co., Mich., in 1854. The fatherdied June
I3, 186; the mother is living in Greenville,
Mich.
Mr. Clark grew to manhood on his father's farm
and at i8 went to work for his uncle, where he spent
one year. At 19 years of age, inspired by the enthusiasm to which the entire North was aroused by the
outbreak of the Southern Rebellion, he enlisted in
the One Hundred 'IThirty-sixth Reg. N.Y. Vol. Inf., for
three years, receiving honorable discharge June 13,
1865, at Washington, ). C. Ilis war record exhibits
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the deathless names of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. His regiment was transferred
to the Army of the Culmberland where Mr. Clark was
under fire at Iookout Mountain and Missionary
Ridge, and was in the historic " March to the Sea "
with Sherman. Throughout the extent of his service
Mr. Clark was constantly on duty, excepting io days,
when he was on "sick leave " with ague.
On being mustered out he came to Montcalm
County, and, in company with his brother, bought the
old family homestead, containing I20 acres of land.
About the year 1868 he sold out to his brother and
bought another farm in the same county, where he
stayed three years. On selling the last named property he went to Greenville and until 1879 was interested in the lumber trade. In that year he came to
Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of unimproved
land, and now has 16 acres under the plow. Mr.
Clark is a Democrat.
He was married in Greenville, Mich., May i, I868,
to Letitia, daughter of James and Rhoda (Reynolds)
SwarthoLut. Mrs Clark was born in the State of New
York Aug. 27, 1843. Mr. Clark's family includes
three children, born as follows: H. M., July 6, 1875;
George, June 11, 1878, and Maud, May 27, I88o.
Two children have gone to the land of the unknown:
Frank was born March 23, 1870, and died Aug. 27,
I870; Lewis, born March 9, 1872, died Aug. 25, 1872.
homas Eazell, Police Magistrate of Big
Rapids, and resident of that city since 1860,
was born Dec 30, 1821, in the village of
Cliff, Kent Co, England. His parents were
Thomas and Lydia (Drake) Lazell, the latter a
lineal descendant of Sir Francis Drake, Admiral of the British Navy in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth. The family history on the mother's
side is peculiarly significant and valuable, from the
connection of Admiral Drake with the earliest history of this continent. He was the first British explorer of the Eastern Pacific, and bestowed the first
English name, New Albion, on the western coasts of
North and South America. This was about the year
1578; and the ambitious and successful navigation of
the high seas a few years later touching the Atlantic
seaboard, lwhile returning from his career in the West,
ruined the initiatory colonization scheme of Sir Walter
Raleigh, by carrying the disheartened and desponding
colonists back to England. This act retaided the
settlement of this continent for more than a quarter
of a century, and it is imln)ossille to estimate the extent of the changes nmade thereby on the Colonial
period of the history of the United States.
Mr. Lazell's father was a mason and builder by
profession, and supervised the training of his son in
the details.of the craft, until the latter was sixteen
years old, when he was sent to Gravesend to acquire
the qualifications of an architect. After two years
he became assistant architect of the House of
Lords (Parliament buildings) and served in that
capacity about one year, when he connected himself
with the English navy. During the contest waged
by the British Government with China, Mr. Lazell
went out with the Nankin expedition in 1842 and
tarried in the Celestial kingdom until 1844, when he
was transferred to the squadron of the Mediterranean,
where he was on duty nearly four years, first being
engaged in the suppression of the rebellion in Portugal, at Lisbon, in the year of 1847, afterwards being
detailed for coast service on the west of Africa; and
here Mr. Lazell underwent the unique experience of a
genuine shipwreck. At the expiration of ten months
he proceeded to the Cape of Good Hope, where the
flotilla was stationed about five years, and on the outbreak of the Caffre war he went to the coast of Southeastern Africa.
In 1853 Mr. Lazell retraced his way to England,
left the naval service and at once set out for America.
In June of the same year he found himself in Grand
Rapids, where he remained until fall, going thence to
Chicago, where he made but a brief stay and came to
Grand Haven. Here he found ample scope for the
pursuit of his vocation, and he operated as a builder
until r86o. In that year he decided upon Big Rapids as his final destination, and he proceeded hither, via
Ionia, walking from that point to Big Rapids. He
was among the pioneer mechanics of this city, and
on his arrival built the house he still occupies on
Michigan Avenue. In the spring of 1865 he erected
a steam saw-mill north of State Street, the first
steam power in the county, and imported a planing
machine from Massachusetts. He sold this property
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and built a store on Michigan Avenue, and embarked as practicable Mr. Clark removed himself from all
in the grocery and provision trade. associations with that period of horror and loss. He f
Mr. Lazell, in addition to his other business ven- came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of tim- i
tures, has operated in real estate to some extent, and bered land. The situation of his farm is fine; it is
is now in possession of 3o acres of land in the third level and lies somewhat higher than the adjacent
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ward ot Big Kapids, and several small tracts ot land
in various parts of the county. He was appointed
Postmaster during the administration of President
Grant, for a period of six years, and in April, 1882,
was elected Police Magistrate, a post to which he
was re-elected in I883. He is deservedly popular
for the able and impartial method in which he discharges the duties of his incumbency.
Mr. Lazell was married in London, England,
March 19, I853, to Mary Ann Styles, a native of
Chatham, Kent Co. She joined her husband in
this county in 1862. Their son and only child,
Harvey G. Lazell, mail agent on the G. R. &. I. R. R.,
roec l'rl-n a t (~-rlnf T —T:lil lrn n w'rl"roc thl "fi;rclt 1m h1e
country, and is proportionately dry and tillable. He
has I5 acres cleared and under cultivation.
Mr. Clark was married Sept. 4, I862, to Betsy
Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have two children, the
elder a daughter, Florella M., now wife of John E.
Bristol, and living at Lake View. The younger,
Homer, a boy of I3, resides with his parents.
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child baptized in the Presbyterian Church in that
city; he-married Emma McNutt, and they have one | 'endall I. Pike, retired farmer, residing
child, George. at Morley, was born in Concord, N, Y.,
April 3, I817. His parents, James and
Sarah (Day) Pike, were natives of New Hamp-,3=, 2 |; shire and settled in Erie County, N.' Y. The =
) 7T father left his wife and children in Concord and =
pushed forward to Michigan, then known as
way out West." He located in Fentonville, Oakland Co., built a grist-mill and was influential in orohn Q.A. Clark, farmer, resident on sec. 25, ganizing and building up the town. He contracted
Morton Tp., was born March 5, I829, in yellow fever, from which he died. His wife was an
Allegany Co, N. Y. He is the son of Elijah invalid from lameness 15 years. The family remained
and Sabra (Philips) Clark. At the age of 13 in the State of New York, where the motherdied.
he left the paternal roof to enter upon his work Mr. Pike, of this sketch, was apprenticed at the
in life. He found employment on farms, which age of 12 years to spend the remainder of his mihe pursued in the laboring seasons and "worked for nority in learning the trade of cloth manufacturer,
his board" while securing the benefits of several which he pursued as a journeyman three years after
terms of winter school. On reaching manhood he he became of age, and then went to Canada, followlearned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked ing his business about 20 years at Pickering, Ontario
diligently 2 years. Co, where he built a woolen mill and had a prosperMr. Clark came to Michigan and settled in Tus- ous trade. He was also engaged some years in the
cola County, where he entered a claim of 60 acres manufacture of bells at London, Can., in which he
of Government land, and there he lived and pros- also met with success. Finally he encountered dispered fairly until the memorable fall of 1871, when aster in his transactions and his fine estate was swept. that section of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan was away.
devastated by fire, following so closely upon that of In the fall of 1855 he came to Michigan a.d
Chicago, that both are inseparably connected in the rented a farm in Ionia County, whichl he managed
(t) memories of men. The devouring flames swept five years, and then bought 80 acres of unimproved
away everything in and about the place, and as soon land il sec. 28 of the Township of Deerfield, Me-- _ _ __N_ _ _ _ _ _t_ _
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costa Co. He cleared it and erected buildings, putting the place in first-class rank among the farms of the
county. He lost his barn by fire in the fall of I880.
He has now placed the farm in charge of a tenant
and is passing the sunset time of life in retirement.
Mr. Pike was married to Mary, daughter of Asher
and Susan (Stotts) Wilson, a native of Pickering,
Ontario Co., Can. They have had seven children,James H., Sophia, Sarah S., Charles H., Lina and
Anna E.; Margaret is deceased. The children are
t all married with one exception. The family are memh bers of the Baptist Church. Mr. Pike is an ardent
supporter of the principles of the Republican party.
go l S amuel S. Chipman, farmer on sec. 25, Deeri.~ d field Tp., was born inm enesee Co., N. Y.,
July 2I, I8I4. His parents, Fitch and
s JlA Sarah (Spafford) Chiprman, were natives of
r ~i Vermlont. His father was a farmer and res sided in Genesee Co. until 1836, when he came, to Michigan and remained in Livingston Co. until
1844. He then went back to the State of New York
and in 1854 again located in Livingston Co., Mich.,
where he resided until his death, Jan. 15, L864. The
mother died in Unadilla, Livingston Co., Dec. 26
1859
Mr. Chipmanl obtained a good education at the
v public school and at Wyoming Academy, remaining
I with his father until his twenty-second year, when he
P began farming on his own account in Livingston Co.. He operated there about 20 years and in 1853 went
to California, where he remained one year, and he
returned to his farm. In 1854 he located in Everett,
Newaygo Co.; March 14, 1860, he came to Mecosta
County, and settled on the river near where Morley now stands, removing a year and a half later to
)h the farm where he now resides, consisting of 240, acres, 125 of which is finely improved. He was
elected Supervisor of Deerfield Tp. in I86r, serving
(_ nine successive years; later he was again elected and
held the position three years; has also officiated as
y Treasurer two years. Politically he adheres to the?. principles promulgated by the Republican party.
Mr. Chipman was married Feb. 28, 1836, to Alta
H. Sutherland. She was born in Columbia Co.,
N. Y., Aug. 5, i8I6, and died July I5, 1856, leaving
four children,-Henry C., Lemuel F., Ann Eliza and
Francis J. The second marriage of Mr. Chipman
occurred May 28, 1864, to Mary Eckert, a native of
Germany, and born April 2, 1844. Three children of
this union are living and three are deceased; the latter were nitmed Maud, May and Eddie. The former
are Frank L., Samuel S and Oscar M.
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~.E'- E. Gruber, M. D., physician and surgeon
at Altona, was born in Clarion Co.,
ton Penn., an 844 He is a son of Peter
hand Lydia (Mohuey) Gruber, both natives of
e B Pennsylvania, where the nother died March 7,
1853. The father came to Michigan in the fall
of I866 and located in Isabella County, engaging in
mercantile business and farming, and where he is yet
resident.
Dr. Gruber was a pupil at the commron schools
until he was I5 years of age, when he entered Rimersburg Academy, Clarion Co., Penn. He was there
one year and then entered Glade Run Academy,
Armstrong Co., Penn., and studied two and one-half
vears.
When he was between the ages of h8 and the ages of 8 and 9 the
war broke out, and, yielding to the patriotic influences
which swayed the entire North, he enlisted in Company B, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and remained in
the service one year. After his enrollment he was
detailed from the regiment and sent West under
General Custer as a scout. On the expiration of his
period of enlistment he was honorably discharged
and went home, where he remained two years and
then set out on a somewhat extended tour of travel
going through Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee
and Arkansas. At Little Rock he entered the service of the Government as a scout, and was stationed
at Fort Arbuckle, Indian Territory. He had headquarters there for about one year, when he left the
employ of the United States, and came North
through Kansas, Missouri and Iowa to Michigan,
where he was a partner with his father in mercantile
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business, located at Salt River, Isabella Co. This re- this place his father engaged in the marble business.
lation existed about three years and closed by sale. At 15 he went into the shop and there continued
Ds Dr. Gruber then went to Clare, Glare Co., Mich., under his father's instructions until i8 years of age.
and continued to prosecute his medical studies, The senior Wilson then disposed of his business in~ which he had done as opportunity offered for a long terests and the son went to work for N. H. Batson in
period. On the Ist of July, I874, he went to Es- Ionia, Mich., where he operated as a journeyman
tella, Gratiot Co, and began the practice of his until the spring of I879. At that date he came to
profession with his brother-in-law, Dr. F. S. Marvin. Big Rapids and opened marble works in company
He operated there until the following April. At that with Wm. Batson. They fixed their business at 'its
date he carried out a long settled plan to make a per- present stand Jan. I, 1883, and their stock includes
manent location, which he did by fixing upon Altona all varieties of foreign and American marble and granas a field for future operations, and there began ite. One of the special lines of the firm is the granhis career as a local practitioner, June I, I875. In ite from S6uth Ryegate, Vt. They have the monopI880 he went to Chicago and entered the Rush oly of their business in this city and compete with
Medical College and attended lectures with the dealers at Grand Rapids, Adrian, Muskegon, Reed
class of '80 and '81. In October of that year he City and other places. Their stock is usually worth.... - -... T.... t_ - _ -1 1 - 1......l ]t,1- _ — 1|.. A.d
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went to rort wayne, ino., and there attendae tme
Medical College, receiving his diploma, March 2,
1882. Dr. Gruber has an enviable reputation as a
practitioner, and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of patrons and friends. His skill and attention to
business has secured for him a satisfactory and increasing practice, and his devotion to his duties is
such that he is sure to rise in his profession.
Dr. Gruber was married at Salt River, Isabella Co.,
Mich., June 2, 1870, to Sarah M., only daughter of
David K. and Elizabeth (Fordyce) Frey. Their four
children were born as follows: Edgar E., Jan. 26,
I872; Lillian M., June 24, I875; Gertrude, March
22. T87. and Tohn F_. Dec. 2.c T88o. Dr. Grnher
aUoIL;4,UOU, andl llt;y senll atOUtL ouuu0 Valitu oL
marble and granite yearly. The finest monuments
in the city cemetery make a fair exhibit of the style
and character of their work. Mr. Wilson is the local
manager of the business interests of the house, Mr.
Batson representing the firm on the road.
Mr. Wilson was married at Big Rapids, Nov. 2,
i88i, to Alice M., daughter of Robert and Nancy
Bate. She was born at Hudson, Mich., July 30, I855.
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has held the office of Town Clerk two years. He i i as S. Reed, farmer on sec. 7, Altna Tp.,
was Postmaster under Grant, Hayes and Garfield, |Si was born in Oxford Co., Ban., Nov. 24,
and resigned the post in the fall of 1882. He was 1828. His father, Israel Reed, was born
I)emocratic candidate for the office of Probate Judge il Massachusetts, and his mother, Fanny (Lane)
in 1875, but was defeated by a small majority. Reed, was a native of New Jersey. The
In connection with his practice, Dr. Gruber owns parents both died within the same week at
ada r ents both died within the same week at
and manages a drug store. their home in Canada, aged 68 and 54 years,
respectively. They had r3 children, five of whom
" yet live.
Mr. Reed remained with his parents until their
death, and spent another year on the old homestead.? 9t C. Wilson, of the firm of Batson & zgoing to school a year, after which he apprenticed )
1; Wilson, marble dealers, Big Rapids, was himself to a Mr. Smith, a harness-maker, at St. Cathborn in Sullivan Co., Mo., Aug. 27, 1855. erines, where he acquired the details of his business.
He is thes on of Benjamin and Mary (Manley) Hewent to Grand Rapids in 1845, and there worked
Wilson. His parents came to Michigan in the six months, going thence to Chicago, and three
) year I86I and settled at Grand Raplids, where months later enlisted in the Second Illinois Vol. Inf., (
they remained till I866, when they went to Ionia. At and, in 1846, went to Mexico, where he remained un"11110"'1~1;01 Bluff
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til July 4, 1849, returning at the close of the war to
Chicago. After a brief stay he proceeded to Elk
Horn, and Nov. 3, 1849, he enlisted in the regular
army of the United States, going to Newport (Kentucky) Barracks, and there stayed until April 5, I850,
when he was transferred to Jefferson Barracks and
thence to Leavenworth, Kan., setting out four weeks
later across the plains to Sante Fe, New Mexico.
His next removal was to Adonana, a post on the
Rio Grande, where he joined the Third Reg., United
States Army. He served in this five years, and
then ran a Government train six months, after which
he returned to Canada and took possession of the
farm left him by his father's will.
After farming two years he let the place and went
to Stratford, where he entered upon the management
of the Northwestern Hotel, and embarked in the
livery business, keeping 22 horses. He had also a
carriage shop, employing eight wagon-makers and a
blacksmith. His business flourished about three
years, when he found his misplaced confidence had
= destroyed his resources, and in 1859 he sold out
- his interests and came to Michigan, and was em_ ployed several years in the lumber woods. In 1879
= he purchased 83 acres of land, where he now resides.
E The family attend the M. E. Church. Mr. Reed is
independent in political views.
) He was married April iI, I856, to Elizabeth M.,
daughter of Thomas and Catharine Gaffney, natives
of West Main, Ireland. The parents came to New
York and thence to Canada, where the daughter was
born, May 7f 1837, and was married when she was
19 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have had eight
children-Mary J., born April 11, 1857; Kitty C,
Aug. i, I859;Geo. W., May 7, i86I; Johnny, Feb.
29, 1863; Addie, June 30, i865; Elizabeth, Oct. I,
1867; Wm. J., Nov. I, 1869. A son was born and
died in 1872.
anford B. Wood, liveryman at Big Rapids,
was born in Greenfield, Saratoga Co., N.
Y., Feb. 12, 1822, two and one-half miles
from Saratoga Springs. His parents, Benj. K.
and Phoebe (Hanford) Wood, removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich., when the son was 14 years of
~ age. He spent his early youth on the farm of his
I
father, and at i8 bought a team and set out in life to
make his way alone. He engaged in breaking land
and was thus occupied two years.
He then purchased 60 acres of land in Litchfield
Tp., Hillsdale Co., and proceeded to establish a
home. In I862 he moved into Litchfield to take
charge of the business of a deceased brother, and in '63
opened a livery stable, which he transferred in 1870
to Big Rapids, and soon after exchanged his property
for a sash, door and shingle mill, and associated with
Simeon Pomeroy in business. The latter took charge
of the mill which went into operation in April, 187 1,
and blew up in October following. It was put in full
repair and Mr. Wood gave the business his personal
attention until the total destruction of the property
by fire, which occurred in June, 1877: loss, $13,ooo,
and no insurance.
In 1878 Mr. Wood again embarked in the livery
lusiness, starting with four horses and no carriages.
His trade has been successful and is now established
on a permanent basis, with, 22 horses, carriages and
all the equipments of a first-class establishment.
Mr. Wood owns his stables and two lots.
He was married at Mayville, Chautauqua Co., N.
Y., Feb 4, 1844, to Jane, daughter of Elijah Moore.
She was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., April 29, 82 1.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had three children, of whom
two are living. Phebe, eldest daughter, is the wife of
Harvey B. Eggleston, a farmer in Litchfield, Hillsdale
Co., Mich.; Lucy, youngest child, married Charles B.
Lovejoy, a book-keeper at Big Rapids. Marcellus,
second child and only son, was killed by the kick of
a horse when in his sixteenth year.
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K, lijah Cole, farmer on sec. 23, Hinton Tp.,
/r was born in New York, Feb. I8, 1832. He
CTi is son of George and Catherine (Westbrook), Cole. The parents were both natives of New
York, where the mother died. The father came
to Morley, Mich., in 1877.
Mr. Cole passed his early life under the paternal roof, and until r6 was sent to school. He entered
the employ of his uncle and was engaged two years
in lumbering; going thence to Pennsylvania, he was
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there engaged in the same occupation ten years. Two
years thereafter he was variously occupied, and in
July, 1862, he enlisted in the Io7th N. Y. Vol. Inf.,
serving three years lacking i6 days. At the battle of
Antietam he was shot through the ankle. Eleven
months after he was transferred to the Veteran Corps,
there remaining until he received honorable discharge.
In August, i865, he came to Michigan and joined his
family in Hinton Tp. Shortly after he went to Isabella County, and bought 249 acres of land and
homesteaded So acres, making a farm of 329 acres.
He built a log house, and cleared 20 acres of land
and resided there until 1875, when he exchanged his
property for a farm in Mecosta County, containing 80
acres of partly improved land, the place being known
as the David Moulton Farm. This he sold in I880
and purchased 40 acres of land styled the George
Campbell Farm, now in his possession and to which.- - I- _ 1 1. 1, -. n
Mr. Williamson lived in the county where he was
born 28 years, and in the spring of 1875 became
the possessor by purchase of 80 acres of wild land
in Deerfield Tp. He has made fair progress in the
process of reclamation, and has a good farm house
and 55 acres of land in tillage. Responsive to his
country's call for aid, he enlisted in the war of the
Rebellion, enrolling in the Eleventh Mich. Inf., and
served about two years, receiving honorable discharge
at the end of the war He is a zealous Republican.
The family are attendants at the M. E. Church.
Mr. Williamson was married at Coldwater, Mich.,
March 9, 1870, to Amanda, daughter of David and
Huldah (Wells) Hazzard, born in St. Joseph County,
Jnne I8,r 85 1. One child died in infancy. Estella
was born Jan. 24, r87.
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Our subject
action, and is
He has held t
ship Treasur
Constable wh
He was mc
1857, to Betse
nett) Moultor
Mecosta Cour
dren. Mr. ar
follows: Lau
I86i; Elijah
i6, I867; Ge
Feb. 13, 1871
Aug. 14, 187
family circle
single earthly
8o acres. b- (y
t is a Republican in political belief and
a member of the Prohibition element.
-he office of Justice of the Peace, Town- *
rer, Highway Commissioner and wasn E. Morton, faer on sec. 36, Morto
ohn E. Xorton, farmer on sec. 36, Morton;
ile resident in Isabella County.H Tp., was born in Nova Scotia, Nov. 5, 1820.
arried in Chemung Co., N. Y., Feb. 2, He is son of Holmes and Christian (Web- ^
ey, daughter of David and Sally (Ben- ster) Morton.
a. The father of Mrs. Cole died in
T atL Mr. Morton is,per se, the leading citizen of the
nty, and the mother lives with her chil-iM.
d township of Morton. His interest in and unflagId Mrs. Cole have nine children, born as
ra J., July 24, r858; Alvina C., Jan. I8, ging efforts for its founding, growth and progress, are
B., Oct 30, 1862; James H. T., Feb. recognized and perpetuated by the fact of its bearing
orge E. E., June 1, 869; Annie M.,hisname. He came to Mecosta Countyin I869,and:.orge E. E., June i2, i869; Annie M.,
Hattie B., Dec. 9, i875; Mabel M, in 87 bought I6o acres of land in what is now Mor7; Ernest F, April 27, 1879. The ton Tp., then attached to Wheatland for judical puris intact, and long may it be before a poses and local management Observing the rapid
tie is sundered. strides of civilization in adjoining townships and in
the County, and the benefits accruing to the communities therein, he felt impelled to put forth all
' possible effort to secure for his own township the advantages of organization and local government. He
framed and circulated a petition, securing the reB..Williamson, farmer on sec. quired number of names thereunto, and sent the
I)eerfield Tp., P. 0. Morley, was born same to the Board of Supervisors in the fall of 1876,
St. Joseph Co., Mich., Sept. 15, I874. suggesting that the township be named Hayes, in
i Williamston, his father, was a native honor of the Presidential candidate then before the
issachusetts and died in St. Joseph people. The Democratic voice in the Board defeated
r; Mary (Smith) Williamson, his mother, the proposition, but, in recognition of the services of
Michigan, where she died. They were Mr. Morton, the township received his name, which
Joseph County. certainly was very appropriate and just.
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The first township meeting was held ir
School-house, district No. 3, and the follow
were elected: J. E. Morton, Supervis
Bartlett, Clerk, and Isaac Webster, Comir
Highways.
Mr. Morton was Supervisor of Whe
year previous to this. He is, and has bee
years, Justice of the Peace. He belongs t
of Masonry.
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Mr. Morton was reared to the calling w
made the pursuit of his life. He was ai
the paternal home until August, i843, wl
to St. Francis, N. S., to engage in lum
agriculture. Five years later he moved t(
Co., Me., and rented a farm, and also mi
and operated in lumber, chiefly manufact
siding, shingles, etc. The mill was of do
and the business in milling products-floi
-was considerable.
After a period of 19 years he came,
1867, to Newaygo Co., Mich., settling
County in I869, and commenced opera
sively in lumbering, buying pine and I
into the East Branch of the Muskegon Ri,
his sales there. He was thus engaged
and in 1871 bought his farm of I60 acres
He has 35 acres cleared, with good hous
orchard, besides numerous minorimprove:
premises include 120 acres, he having
40 acres.
a the River been exerted for the benefit of the future of Morton
ving officers Tp., of which he will ever be a part.;or, Enoch
nissioner of
atland one.n for eight
o the Order on. Michael Brown, of Big Rapids, has
been connected with the judiciary of Mehich he has costa County since the year I868, and has
n inmnate of a long and honorable record in the municien he went pal history of Big Rapids, and as attorney for
ibering and the business concerns of whose legal intersts he
o Aroostook is guardian and manager.
11 property, His parents, Ira and Sophia (Blew) Brown, were of
uring short Dutch extraction. He was born in Indian Creek
uble utility, Tp., Pulaski Co., Ind., April 20, I841. He was
ir feed, etc., reared on a farm, and attended winter terms of
school until I6 years of age, when he was sent to the
in October, college at Franklin, Ind, and subsequently to that at
in Mecosta Crawfordsville, Ind. (The latter institution, in 1876,.ting exten, conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.)
)utting logs One month after he attained his majority he enver, making listed at Indianapolis in Co. B, 2d Ind. Cav., Capt.,
four years, John B. Edwards. He was in the Union service
on sec. 36. three years, and was under fire at Stone River, Chickse, barn and amauga, Mission Ridge, Siege of Knoxville, Mossy
ments. The Creek, Dandridge, and May 9, I864, was taken prisdisposed of oner at Dalton, Ga., and confined at Andersonville in
the stockade prison, whose unmitigated atrocities he
ne, to Eliza- suffered five months. He weighed go pounds when:er, born at transferred to the prison-pens of Florence, where
Ald settlor in (and at Charleston) he spent four more dreary months
for him. Of under rebel surveillance. He was mustered out
rton six are at the expiration of his term of enlistment at Nash-:mer in Mor- ville, Tenn.
na (wife of In i866 he came to Michigan, and in October
Mo.); Alice entered the Law Department of the University at.nd died in Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in March, i868.
Ifred Young, He settled at Big Rapids in September of the same
alella Co.); year and commenced practice as an attorney, establishing his desk in the office of John F. Brown & Co.,
lumber dealers. In the spring of I869 he was elected
magn's char- County Superintendent of Schools, serving one term.
d generatio n 1873 he was elected Mayor of the city of Big
)f years Mr. Rapids, holding his incumbency one year. The Cornthe good he mon Council of the city appointed him to revise the
efforts have municipal charter, which he did in I875, and on the
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He was married in Aroostook Co., Mail
beth, daughter of John and Sophia Bak
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the province and the stream was named f
eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mo
living: Amanda, wife of Charles Plaid, far
ton Tp.; Holmes (deceased); Christii
Enoch Brumley, a farmer near Arcola,
(Mrs. Charles Heald, of Hinton Tp., a
March, i883); John E.; Clara (wife of A
( hardware merchant at Salt River, Is
Adaline and Susannah.
The best possible tribute to offer to a
acter is to name his services to the age an
to which he belongs. In the lapse c
Morton's influence will never diminish; 1
has accomplished is stable, and his,#,^- -3^ -!
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( 198 MECOSTA COUN TY... - _ -... -- -...... -. _ _ -., - _ -.... _, ()
/ submission of the instrument to the State Legislature E., eldest daughter of Horace and Clarissa Hill, nee /
K) it was passed without change. Smith, natives of New York and Rhode Island, re- )
' The Hon. A. H. Giddings, Judge of the Fourteenth spectively, who went at an early date to Tioga Co, a
Judicial Circuit, died Dec. o1, i876, and ten days Penn., where they were farmers and passed the re-. later, Gov. Bagley appointed Mr. Brown to fill the mainder of their lives; the father died June 14, 1848, kY
remainder of the term. At the regular fall election the mother, May 17, '80. Mrs. Ludirgton was born
of 1878 Judge Brown was elected to the same office Oct. 27, I843, and taught school four years previous
without dissent. He resigned the post Jan. 3, I88I, to her marriage in her native county. The only
and is now attorney for the B. R. Boom Company, child, Sarah E., was born Dec. 22, '67. The parents
and has been the local legal adviser of the G. R. & belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. Ludington;s
I. Railroad Company since the completion of their Steward of the society at Morley.
" road.
Judge Brown was married Aug. 3, I870, to Mary A.,
daughter of Levi J. and Mary (Lyman) Osbourn.
She was born in Speedsville, Tompkins Co., N. Y...
in i852. Of five children born to them, Maud S. and
Herbert I. are deceased; the remainder are Carrie,
Lillian H. and an unnamed infant.. RB. Hummer, farmer, sec. 25, Morton Tp. (P.
Judge Brown is a member of the order of Masonry " 1~ O. Mecosta), was born in New York, July
and Knights Templar. He owns his residence and | | Io, I844. He is a son of George and Eliz-, four city lots therewith, besides several lots in other abeth (Swezey) Hummer. then resident in Che=i quarters of the city. We give his portrait in this Album. mung Co., N. Y., near Elmira. The family 5
bcircumstances were such that Mr. Hummer re- I
~ X ceived but a limited education. When he ';
'FI ^ was but 17 years of age he enlisted at Elmira in Co.:==
s — o3 -W~~ | B, First Reg. N. Y. Cavalry, which was atttached to "'
the command of Gen. Phil Sheridan. Mr. Hummer
) was in action in 26 engagements, the last being at
Cedar Creek. The father was also a soldier for the
jhas. H. Ludington, farmler, sec. 3-1, Deer- Union and was in the service one year, belonging to
field Tp., P. O., Morley, was born in Drydeln, Co. ), Lo7th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf. He was in two
o Tompkins Co., N. Y., Aug. 31, 1845 His battles, South Mountain and Antietam; ie now re-,j father, Stephen Tudington, died in his native sides on a farm adjoining his son's and is trectinga
State in i86i. Emily (Stathoon) Ludington, new frame house.
i, his mother, died in I849, when her son was In 1874 Mr Hummer left the state of his nativity,
placed in charge of his grandparents, remaining in came to Michigan and purchased 80 acres of untheir care for six months, after which he was "bound broken forest, made a small clearing and established
out" to serve his minority. At the age of 17 he his home. He now has 20 acres under the plow.
came to Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich, and engaged Mr. Hummer recently sold a part of his place with
four years as a lumberman. the intention of buying to better advantage. He is
At the age of 21 he came to Mecosta County and at present sexton of Greenwood cemetery, which lies
bought 40 acres of land, built a log house, cut adjoining his farm on the northwest; has been f:
| down the forest and improved his land for the pur- School D)irector four years, but recently resigned.., pose of tillage. Five years later he added as much He was married )ec. 2, I87r, to Lydia, daughter
1 more to his estate, and now has 70 acres in a fine of Isaac and Mary Wood, of Bradford Co., Penn.
state of cultivation. Mr. Ludington is a Republican They have had but one child-Owen, who died
in politics, and has been Assessor of his school dis- with diphtheria when eight years old. The pangs of
y triCt eight years. their loss are still as keen as in its first freshness, and
J Our subl)ject was married Nov. 20, 1866, to Clara the memory of their only son will ever be cherished Y.
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M fECOSTA CO UNTY. 199
in the home made bright by his short life, and which Mrs. Osborn was born in New York, Sept. Io, I846.
is rendered more dear because he was for a brief The five children born of this marriage are Ethelyn
period its light and joy. born Oct. 13, i866; Floyd, Aug. 10, I870; Laura, 3
Feb. 2, I874; Jessie M., April 17, 878; Ralph, Sept.
26, i882.
(it. is L-g o } ^^Mr. Osborn has been Justice of the Peace three
years, and in politics is independent in thought and
action.
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athan Osborn, farmer, sec.36, )eerfield Tp.,
P. 0. Rustford, is a son of Stephen and
m n Rachel (Rumnsey) Osborn, natives and resi1) A dents of New York.
J, Mr. Osborn was born D)ec. 19, I844, in the
State of his ancestors, and remained under the guidance of his father until about 17 years old, when he
enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. B, 35th N. Y. Vol.
Infantry. After serving a period of 18 months he
received his discharge for disability. During this
time he was in action at the battle of Rappahannock
Station, Va. On his recovery he re-enlisted in the
I79th N. Y. Reg. Vol. Inf, Co. B, and served until
the end of the contest. He was under fire at Petersburg, Va., where he was captured by the rebels and
for three months endured the oft recited horrors of
the prison pens of the South. He was confined at
Libby and at Danville, Va. On being taken ill he
was sent to Annapolis under parole and one month
later was exchanged and rejoined his regiment, then
stationed in front of Petersburg. Previous to the
surrender of Lee's army he was in action in several
important battles. After the "Grand Review" at
Washington he returned to Elmira, N. Y., with his
regiment and was mustered out June 21, I865.
He came to Michigan in the fall of that year and
bought 80 acres of land in Montcalm County, which
he sold, and in I869 purchased 80 acres in Mecosta
County, under partial improvements. In 1874 he
sold 40 acres, went to Texas and "took up" I60
acres of land, and remained thereon three years, when
he made sale of it, and was occupied in lumbering
two years. He returned to Mecosta County in the
fall of 1879 and settled where he now resides.
He was married in this county to Nancy A., daughter of Alanson and Esther A. (Hedges) Rickar. Her
parents came to Mecosta County from the Empire
State in the winter of i865, and in the spring of I88I
moved to their present location in Missaukee County.
I
] athias Kassner, deceased, was a native
-! of Germany, born Aug. 22, 1822. His
/Y parents were also natives of Germany and,^v there passed their lives.:; Mr. Kassner came to America in 1847 and
located in Canada, where he resided i5 years.
In I862 he came hither with his family and, under
the Homestead Act, made a claim of 160 acres of
land, of which he cleared 30 acres. He died May Io,
1878.
Mrs. Magdalene (Neuswanger) Kassner, the wife
of the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany, Dec. i, 1817. Three of the six children
of this marriage yet survive: Veronica, born Feb. 25,
I850; Amanda, Feb. 25, I85 2, and John E., June 20,
i860. The deceased are Christian, David and
Benjamin. The family still reside on the farm.
I lijah F. Dewey, attorney at law and Justice
1 of the Peace, Big Rapids, was born at
gedst Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., May i, '837.
o~ His father was a millwright and carpenter.
Mr. Dewey was brought up on a farm and attended the common schools until he was ig
years of age, when he became a student at Miami
University, Oxford, Ohio, his uncle being a Professor
at that institution. Here he pursued a full literary
and classical course of study, graduating in June, 86o.
His first engagement was as Assistant Principal
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of the High School at Pontiac, Oakland Co, Mich.
Upon the expiration of this engagement he went to
Chicago as reporter on the Times. A year after, in
company with A. C. Wheeler, he started a literary
paper in Chicago,-The Spiril of the West,-which he
ran a few months, and subsequently accepted an engagement in the office of the Provost Marshal at
Pontiac, Mich., meanwhile studying law with his
brother, Judge J. S. Dewey. He was admitted to the
bar in 1866 and engaged in practice.
He came to Big Rapids in the winter of I868 and
at once entered upon the practice of his profession.
He served as Circuit Court Commissioner in i870 -71. During the year 1870 he was Recorder at Big
Rapids. He was first elected Justice of the Peace
in i869, and has occupied the position most of the
time since. His business as attorney and magistrate
is successful and steady. He also operates to some
extent in real estate.
Mr. Dewey was married at Pontiac in December,
' 867,' to Sarah L, daughter of the late Hon. Rufus. and Sarah (Chamlerlain) Hosmer. Her father was
= a prominent politician, and was for some years the
editor of the old Detroit Advertiser, and was af:er- ward editor and one of the proprietors of the Lansing RepublZican. In I86i he was appointed by Presi5 dent Lincoln Consul General to Frankfort-on-the) Main, Germany, and died while making preparations
to assume the duties of the appointment. Mrs.
Dewey was born in Pontiac, Mich. The family includes four children-Harry S., Josephine H., Mary
L. and Rufus H.
Mr. Quigley passed the years of his early life in
acquiring an education, and as assistant on his
father's farm. At 17 he engaged in lumbering, and
pursued that branch of business until I88i, when he
began to devote his attention exclusively to farming.
In 1876 he bought 56 acres of forest land, built a
house, and now has 25 acres under cultivation. Mr.
Quigley is an adherent to the Democratic political
tenets, and is zealous in the interests of the party.
He was married in Muskegon County, Sept. 3,
I863, to Fannie Barnhart. Her parents settled in
Mecosta County in the year I862. She died, leaving one child, Walter, born July 4, I864. Harriet, daughter of Benjamin and Betsey (Monroe) Whitman, became the wife of Mr. Quigley Nov. 22, i868.
One child-was born of this marriage, Oriel, whose
birth occurred Oct. 15, 1869, and death Jan. 22, 882.
The father and mother of Mrs. Quigley were natives
of the State of New York.
eavitt S. Griswold, M. D., physician and
t surgeon at Big Rapids (office in Roof block
( Michigan avenue), was born Jan. 3, I853,
in Trumbull Co., Ohio. His parents were
Jesse and Helen (McWilliams) Griswold, the
father following the double occupation of farmer
and stone mason.
Dr. Griswold was reared on a farm until he was
17 years old, meanwhile obtaining his elementary
education. He attended the union school at Greenville five years, and began the study of medicine
with Dr. Mulhern, of Greenville, going thence to the
Detroit Medical College, where he was graduated in
the spring of I879. He had the benefit of several
months' practice as an assistant in Harper's and St.
Mary's Hospitals in Detroit, and first established his
business at Sand Lake, Kent Co., Mich., but decided
to make a transfer to Big Rapids, which he did in
October, I88i. He has a good practice in the city
and adjacent country, both in medicine and surgery,
and is steadily rising in his profession.
Dr. Griswold was married at Vassar, Tuscola Co.,
Mich., June 12, 1879, to Mattie A., daughter of John
Liston. She was born at Bowling Green, Wood Co.
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I E dward R. Quigley, farmer, sec. 2, Deer' 7] field Tp., P. O., Altona, is a son of George.I - and Jane Quigley, the former a native of
( Y New York the latter of Wales. They were
married in Canada, where their son was born
Dec. 19, 1845. When he was seven years of
( age his parents came to Newaygo Co., Mich., afterward settling in Mecosta County, where they were
(*) the first white settlers of the township of I)eerfield.
'> (See sketch of David Quigley.)
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Ohio. Their two children, Carl A. and Roe Oscar,
infant, were born in Big Rapids.
Dr. Griswold is a member of the Union Medical
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_P arnabas Bacon, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield
Tp., P. O., Rustford, is a son of Benjamin.i and Polly (Hone) Bacon, the father a
'f native of New England and the mother born
in the State of New York: both are deceased.
Mr. Bacon was born in the State of New York,
Feb. I4, i8I7. He spent the first 30 years of his life
in the Empire State, in Canada and Michigan. His
residence was fixed in Canada until the spring of
' I87I, when he came to Deerfield and bought 40
acres of forest land. He has improved 20 acres and
has added 70 acres since by purchase.
He was married in I848 to Mary, daughter of John
and Jane (Moul) Leach, natives of Canada. The
names of Mr. and Mrs. B's i2 children, all living, are
) as follows: Mary J., Gad, Reuben, Annie, Margaret,
Timothy, David M., Eleanor, Barney, Henry, William
and Emerald.
Mr. Bacon is independent in politics.
society o0 Northern Vichigan, ot which, in 1882, he
was Secretary; also belongs to the State Medical
Society. He owns his residence at 223 West Pine
Street.
more to his possessions. He has one of these tracts
under cultivation and is erecting a fine frame house.
He was married Oct I2, 1873, at Owosso, Shiawassee Co., to Marietta, daughter of Michael and Julia
(Leveck) McKeen. They have had five children, born
as follows: James B., Sept. 14, 1879; Mary E., April
31, i88; John S., Oct. 5, r882; Julia, born Nov. 29,
1875, died May 7, i88I; Ambrose, born June 5, 1877,
died May 8, I88i. These children died of diphtheria, after eight days' illness.
Mr. O'Neil acts with the Democratic party and is
an adherent of the Catholic Church.
harles Ostrander, miller, resident a.
Rustford, Deerfield Tp., was born in the
county of Elgin, Province of Ontario,
{ Oct. 15, I838. He is the son of Andrew and
k[ Sarah (Buchner) Ostrander, who removed to
Bayham, Ont., in 1822. The ancestral descent
of Mr. Ostrander is German, his progenitors having
come to America at the close of the last century.
He received a common-school education and was
under his father's supervision until he was 21 years
of age, when he spent a year in the employ of John
McDonald, his first effort for himself, for which he received eleven dollars a month. He next worked a
farm on shares for Ebenezer Buchner, remaining one
year, when he and his brother Simeon took their
father's farm to work on shares and carried it on two
years. At the end of that time his father gave each
a deed of one-half (75 acres) of the place. Mr. Ostrander bought 50 acres adjoining. In I874 he disposed of his farm and located at Rustford, where he
now resides.
He bought and put in operation the grist-mill at that
place and entered into partnership with Ebenezer
Buchner, whose interest he purchased in I880. He
now carries on the grist and saw mill and is engaged
in the manufacture of shingles. In politics, Mr. Ostrander is a Republican, and is now serving his second term as Township Treasurer. His home was
burned on the 22d of October, i88o, and he at once
erected his present substantial residence.
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-ames O'Neil, farmer on sec. 35, Deerfield
J Tp., P. 0. Morley, is the son of John and
Mary (Martin) O'Neil, natives of Ireland,
and now resident in Mecosta Co., Mich.
Mr. O'Neil was born in Camden Tp., Canada,
July 30, I855. When hSe was 15 he came to
Shiawassee Co. with his parents and lived until the
fall of 1 87 3, which time they removed to Mecosta Co.
Mr. O'Neil bought 40 acres of wild land and began
the life of a pioneer, building a primitive log house
and proceeding to clear up the forest. In 1877 he
bought another "40" and in 1882 added 40 acres
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202 MECOSTA
' He was married Jan. 13, i86i, to Margaret A. Mil') ler, born in Canada, June 13, 1843. Their children
were born in the following order: Alvonetta, Dec. 2,
I 1861; Carrie, Dec. 7, 1863; Sarah M., Aug. I, i871.
0 Mrs. Ostrander died March 29, 1874. Mr. Ostrander
was a second time married, Aug. 8, 1877, to Mary,
daughter of David and Martha (Glass) Dalzell. She
was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Aug. 4, I841.
Herparents were natives of Pennsylvania, but removed to Lake Co, Mich, where they now reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander have two children: Henry
D., born Jan. 3, 1879, and Lewis R., May 6, i883.:~?fh
COUNTY.
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atrick McKeon, farmer, sec. 27, Deerfield
_ Tp., was born in Canada, April 22, i86i.
He is a son of Michael and Julia (Ieveck)
McKeon, the former a native of Ireland and. the latter born in Canada. The father died in
Shiawassee Co., Mich., in February, 1882; the
mother resides with her son.
The parents located in Shiawassee County, in 187 1.
Our subject accompanied them and continued to reside there twelve years. In '7 3 Je bought 40 acres of
land in this county in a partly improved state. He is
a believer in the faith of the Catholic Church, and in
politics endorses the principles of the National party.
l olomon F. Frye, Postmaster at Altona,
was born in Pennsylvania, July 22, 1844.
DHis parents, David K. and Elizabeth (Fordyce) Frye, were born in the Keystone State
and died in West Virginia when the son was
4 years of age.
From that time he had his own way to make in the
world. He found a home with his uncle, Archibald
Fordyce, the two years succeeding his parents' death.
He was then 16 years old, and enlisted at Phila.
delphia, enrolling in the regiment under Col. Baker.
He was finally assigned to the 7 st Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and remained in the service 14 months,
receiving honorable discharge for physical disability,
the result of excessive exposure. He saw active
service at Little Bethel, Munson Hill, Ball's Bluff
and Malvern Hill. He was captured at Ball's Bluff,
and the severe marching and hardships following his
capture were the cause of his impaired health. He
was without food for four days and three nights, and
then only received the small quantity of four ounces
of bread. The experiences of Mr. Frye at Libby prison
are those whose horrors are renewed every time they
are repeated, and never lose their dread character.
The strong man who weighed 176 pounds on being
incarcerated, on his exchange four months later
weighed but 60 pounds. Upon his being sent to Washington he received a furlough and returned to Harrisburg, where, by special order of Gov. Curtin, he
acted as recruiting officer. In March, 1862, he returned to his regiment, but soon after was seized with
the small-pox, and sent to the small-pox hospital,
near Fortress Monroe; but not long after he was ordered to Albany, N. Y., for treatment. Two months
later he rejoined his regiment in time to participate in the battle of Malvern Hill. In a month he
was discharged at Harrison's Landing and returned
to his native State. He was so enfeebled that he
could not labor for two years.
On regaining his health in a measure he was employed as watchman on the Ohio River for a year, and
was afterward in the service of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Co., where he worked for two years. He
came to St. Louis, Mich., and was first engaged in
rafting to Bay City, and then was in the employ of
different parties, locating lands in Northern Michigan.
In 1877 he returned to Pennsylvania and taught
primary schools two years. He came back to the
Peninsular State and located in Clare County. There
he was occupied four years as superintendent of a
shingle-mill. He formed a partnership with R. M.
Shumway, in mercantile business at Farwell, Clare
Co., selling out two years later, soon after coming
to Hinton Tp., Mecosta Co., and engaging in the i
drug business with Dr. J. E. Gruber, of Altona.
This relation was dissolved in May, 1882. He received his appointment as Postmaster Oct. 31, 1882,
under President Arthur.
Mr. Frye was married in Isabella Co., Mich.,
March 3, I867, to Lucy, daughter of David, and,
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MECOSTA
Sarah Leonard. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and spent their entire lives there. Of this
marriage four children have been born-Edward B.
and Edwin (twins), born June 5, 1878; Archibald
F., July 3, I877, and Edith M., Aug. 13, I882.
Mr. Frye is a Republican, and has been Township Clerk three terms, and is a member of the Republican County Committee. He and his family attend the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. Frye
is a member.
di
CO UANT Y. 203
eorge F. Haist, farmer, sec. 8, Deerfield
e 1q[ PTp., was born June 12, I844, in Canada.
He is a son of John and Christine (Stengel) Haist, natives of Germany, who came to
Canada in '31. Mr. Haist, senior, came with
his family to Newaygo County, Mich., in '53,
and after a residence there of seven years removed
to this county and pre-empted 80 acres of land.
This property he deeded in '73 to his son, retaining
a life lease for himself and wife.
The subject of this sketch has spent his life thus
far with his parents, making the paternal interests his
own and has proved himself a faithful and devoted
son. He is a Republican and has been elected
several times as Constable; he is at present School
Assessor. He was married in Morley, July 4, '78, to
Kate, daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Cole) Osborn. They have one child —Nelson Frederick, born
Jan. 31, '8I.
engaged with the mercantile firm of Phelps & Parker
as clerk. He acted in this capacity i8 months, when
he bought the interest of Mr. Phelps and the house
became Parker & Carpenter. Mr. Parker died May
7, I882, and his widow soon after sold her husband's
share of the business to the remaining partner and
his brother, Frank B. Caipenter, M. D. They operated together one year and May 26, 1883, Mr. Carpenter of this sketch, became sole proprietor of the
establishment by purchase. He carries an average
stock of about $20,000 value in dry goods, carpets,
sewing-machines, etc., and transacts annually an
amount of business aggregating $70,000.
Mr. Carpenter was married at Evart, Newaygo Co.,
Oct. I9, I88I, to Nettie E., daughter of Howard and
Jeannette Wiltse. She was born at Evart, May I4,
I857. and her parents were among the earliest settlers of Newaygo County. Her father came to Mecosta County in 86o and died at Big Rapids in 865.
Her mother died in 1857. The father of Mr. Carpenter died April 30, 869; his mother is yet living,
at Lawrenceville. Mrs. Carpenter was a teacher at
Big Rapids six years..enry Seaton, farmer on sec. 17, Hinton
^,f' T'p., P. O., Altona, was born in Guelph,
Canada, April 7, 1843. His parents, John
and Elizabeth (Smith) Seaton, were natives of
England, who came to America in 1838. The
mother died in November, 1877, and the father
is still living, in Canada.
Mr. Seaton remained an inmate of his father's
house until he was 24 years of age, when he
rented the paternal farm for a period of two years.
In the summer of r866 he came to Mecosta County
and bought a half interest in the saw-mill owned by
his brother, W. N. Seaton and Bartley Davis, succeeding to the claim of the latter. The Seaton brothers
managed the mill together six years, and sold out to
Wm. Egbert. Mr. Seaton and his brother were
again associated in farm interests, which they carried
on nearly four years, when they dissolved, and Mr.
Seaton established himself on the 80 acres which has
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| J i' harles D. Carpenter, merchant, Big Rap'.1 ids, was born in Lawrenceville, St. Law~JJ[ rence Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1856. He is the
g son of John T. and Emily (Blish) Carpenter.
*t His father was a physician of prominence and
gave his son a good education, sending him to
the common school until i2 years of age and to the
Academy at Lawrenceville until he was I8 years old.
"At that age Mr. Carpenter came to Big Rapids and
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since been his homestead. He is a Republican.
Mr. Seaton was married in Canada, June 6, 1867,
to Agnes, daughter of Richard Kenning. Her
parents were natives of Ireland, and she was born in
Hamilton, Canada, Nov. 12, 1846. She died Dec.
26, I879, leaving four of six children of whom she
was the mother. They were born as follows: Ida
M. E., June 6, I869; Hervey J., April I6, I872;
Albert N., Oct. 23, I875; Gracie A, Jan. i, 1877.
Asa and Lillian died in infancy.
as Ellis Davis, farmer, sec. 6 of Deerfield Tp.,
I was born in Ireland, Aug. 27, '27. He is a
i s non of William and Mary (Laverty) Davis,
X also born in the Emerald Isle, and came to
America.in '51. They locatedin this county
and continued to reside there until their death.
Our subject was an inhabitant of his native land
until he attained his majority, when he came to the
United States and settled in Mecosta Tp., this
county, continuing to reside here nearly ten years,
when he took up 240 acres of uncleared forest under
the State law. He commenced operations after the
most approved pioneer plan, built a log house and
went vigorously to work clearing away the timber to
make room for the plow and other appurtenances of
civilization. The I40 acres of cultivated land which
his labors have laid bare to the sun and other influences that quicken them to a marvelous life show the
character of their owner. The log house disappeared
in the summer of 1882 and a neat frame structure
succeeded it at an expenditure of $i,ooo. Mr. Davis
is a Democrat in political views. He resides with
his two sisters and with them belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
I
On that day he started for the United States and
17 days later was in the city of Detroit at work.
When he reached Detroit he had one English shilling in his possession, but he had pluck and energy,
and the day following his arrival there had secured
a paying situation. After four years of self-denying,
frugal labor in Detroit, he united his savings with the
small capital of his brother Gavin, and established a
tannery at Chesaning, Saginaw Co., Mich., and after
operating it with gratifying success two years, their
building, fixtures, etc., were destroyed by fire, involving a loss of $6,000, with no insurance. He still held
a considerable amount of stock, which he brought to
Big Rapids to avail himself of the facilities at the
tannery of Duncan McClellan.
In 1875 he entered into an engagement as assistant
engineer of the City Water Works, taking full charge
two years later, and holding the position continuously
ever since.
In the summer of i88i he built the block now
owned by L. S. Presburg, on Michigan ave., a brick
building erected at a cost of upwards of $6,o00. He
built the Telfer Block, on the corner of Michigan
ave. and Pine st., in the summer of i883. It is a
two-story structure of brick, 40 x 60 feet, one store of
which he stocked with boots and shoes, and confided to the management of his brother, John Telfer.
He also owns a residence and lot on Pine street and
Warren ave. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
He was married Iec. 30, I869, to Mary C.,
daughter of William and Eliza Burleigh. She was
born in Macomb Co., Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Teller
have had two children, one of whom, Gavin, is now
living; Eliza, only daughter, died July 22, 1872.
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| ' "lfred Pierce, farmer, sec. I, Hinton Tp,, _ obert Telfer, engineer of the City Water was born Iec. 31, 1841, in St. Lawrence
~I{ W\orks, Big Rapids, was born in Hamilton, J Co., N. Y. His parents, David and Polly v
0i 6^ Lanarkshire, Scotland, Feb. 21, 1844. He |I ()y) 'ierce, were also natives of St. Law' ' ) is the son of Gavin and Janet Telfer, and rence County. He started out alone in the
r learned the trade of tanner and currier in his warfare of life at the age of 15 years. His
native town. At the age of i8 he left home parents had previously removed to Walworth Co.,
and went to Glasgow and worked there at his Wis., and in the springof I856 he came to Michigan
' trade until July 26, 1865, or until after twenty-one. with the family of Win. Egbert (now deceased) and
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' located in Berrien Co., Mich., remaining with them
3 until 21 years of age, engaged in farming and specua lating. In the spring of I863, he went to Minnesota
and bought a farm, which he managed for five years,
) and meanwhile was one year engaged in conducting
a hotel at Rochester, Minn. He sold the farm and
came to Mecosta County, where he bought 80 acres
of wild land, in Morton Tp., which he sold in the
fall of I88I. In the spring of I880 he bought 80
acres of forest land in Hinton Tp., where he now re} sides, with 20 acres under cultivation. In politics
% Mr. Pierce is a Republican; has held the office of
Justice of the Peace four years, and was Highway
Commissioner three years in Morton Tp.
Mr. Pierce was married in Berrien Co., Mich.,Nov.
26, I863, to Mary E., daughter of Israel B. and Hannah Sackett, natives of Michigan. Mrs. Pierce was
born in Berrien Co., Dec. 25, 1840. Her father died
when she was ten years old, 'and she was thrown
upon her own resources for support. Of ten children
h born to Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, eight survive, four of. them being twins; Charles A. was born Nov. io,
1864; Fred L., Aug. i6, I866; Walter, Dec. i6,
1868; Frank, Oct. 14, 1869; Etta, July 18, I872;
Harry, May 14, 1877; Nathan, Aug. 13, I879, aznd
Alfred, Nov. 15, 1882; Annie, born July i8, 1872,
died Dec. 26, i880; Gertrude, born July I7, 1874, and
) died Dec. 30, i880. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are both
members of the order of Good Templars, and are active and prominent members of the M. E. Church,
with which they united at an early day. Mr. Pierce
is an earnest advocate of the temperance cause, and
is prominent in all the reforms of the day.
which is his homestead, with 20 acres In cultivation.
Mr. Stiffen is a Democrat in political sentiment and
belongs to the Mennonite Church
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l1m. N. Seaton, merchant, Altona, was born
_ E in Canada, Sept. 28, 1839. He is a son of
e? John and Elizabeth (Smith) Seaton, na/ tives of England, who came to America in
9 ' 1838 and located in Canada, where the father
is still resident. The mother died in November, I877.
Mr. Seaton remained in the home of his parents
until the age of 25, and in the winter of 1864 came
to Mecosta County and bought 120 acres of unimproved land in Hinton Tp., on which a part of the
village of Altona is located. Within three years
(64-'65-'66) he cleared 40 acres of his farm. In
1868, associated with Bently Davis and Harrison J..
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Brown, he built the Altona dam, and in the same:
year he and Mr. Davis erected the first saw-mill.
Fifteen months after, William and Henry Seaton pur- c
chased the interest of Mr. Davis, and continued to
operate the mill four years, selling out to Wm. Eg- q
bert, who, some time after, disposed of the property
to H. J. Brown.
Mr. Seaton, after closing his mill interests, turned
his attention to farming and rearing stock. He owns
I80 acres of land, 0oo of which is under a good
state of cultivation and improved by a fine set of
buildings. He rented his place in March, 1883, and
purchased a residence in Altona. In December,
1882, he formed a partnership with R. L. Willett for
the purpose of engaging in the sale of general merchandise, which was effected Jan. i, 1883, and is
now being carried on with satisfactory results.
Mr. Seaton was married in Canada, to Charlotte, daughter of Benj. Budjen. Her parents were
natives of England, and about 1848 came to America and settled in Canada. One child, Charlotte
L. E., was born of tnis marriage, Feb. 27, I869.
The mother died March 28, 1869. Mr. Seaton was
again married Dec. 4, 1879, to Mary J., daughter of
George and Jane Quigley, born Jan. 4, I855. The
parents of Mrs. Seaton reside in Montcalm County;
the father is a native of New York, and the mother <
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_" lrich Stiffen, farmer, sec. 35, Deerfield Tp.,
8 is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Fischler)
t Stiffen. They were natives of Switzerland
j and came to America in I853, locating in
Wayne Co., Ohio, where they passed the ermainder of theiriives.
Mr. Stiffen was born Dec. 25, 1843, in Switzerland. He was io years old when his parents emigrated to the United States, and he worked as a farm
assistant nearly 20 years. He came to Michigan in
1867 and has been the owner of various tracts of land
at various times, and now owns 80 in Deerfield Tp.,
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was born in Wales; the only child of Mr. and Mrs.
Seaton, George R, was born Oct 7, i88i.
Mr. Seaton is a Republican. He has been Justice
of the Peace one year, and School Director six
r years. He has been actively zealous for the best interests and advancement of his township, and has
done all in his power to enhance the growth and
prosperity of Altona, which is, so to speak, his fosterchild, he having, in connection with H. J. Brown,
platted the village, which was accomplished May 21,
i 1870. Mr. Seaton's fanily attend the M. E. Church.
i He has been for a long time Superintendent of the
\ Sunday School, and has been Class-leader about 15
years. He is also radical in his views of temperance. Mr. Seaton's portrait is given in this work.
1853; Caroline, Aug. 27, 1857; James H., Oct. 15,
1860; Charlotte, Feb. 23, 1865; Byron A., April 9,
1870; Elizabeth A., born Oct. 31, 1850, died Nov.
12, 1882; Mary E., born Aug. i8, 1867, died Jan.
22, I882.
e emuel F. Chipman, farmer, sec. 36, Deerfield Tp., was born in Livingston County,
f Mich., Jan. I, 1847. He is son of S. S. and
f Alta (Sutherland) Chipman, who are both natives
of the State of New York.
In the fall of '64 Mr. Chipman, though but 17
years of age, became a soldier for the Union
army, enlisting in the Third Mich. Inf. He was in
the service until May I8, '65, when he received honorable discharge. After returning home he engaged:.1 * A..I-; - -C 1 — 1.I- - -., -'4r - -_ - - -
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r in t ne cUULeS ot a lulnuerman unnl tne age o0 22
L when he bought 40 acres of land in the township ol
m. Brockway, farmer, sec. 20, Hinton Deerfield. It was then in a perfectly wild state, and
Tp., was born in Pennsylvania, March 27, he at once turned all his energies to bear upon its recr I826, and is a son of Andrew and Eliza- lamation, and now has 20 acres under cultivation.
9 beth (Rossman) Brockway, both of whonl In politics he is a Republican.
- 4 were natives of Pennsylvania. He went to The subject of this sketch was married June 27
New York with his parents, and at the age of 21 860, in Cato, Montcalm Co., to Catherine C., daughcame to Livingston County, and after a residence ter of Austin and Harriet Butler, nee Malott, both naof six years came to Mecosta County (before its organi- tives of New York.
zation) and settled in what is now AEtna Tp., buying The deadly scourge diphtheria removed three oi
a farm of 200 acres. He resided on this place until the children of this household within I2 days. Theii
the spring of 1861, when he purchased i6o acres of record is as follows: Alta H., born March 27, 1870
forest land in Hinton Tp., removed there, built a died Sept. 18, '8i; Daisy M., born May 7, I8-, died
log house and barn, and commenced clearing ihis Sept. 14, '8i; Walter, born Feb. 22, '80, died Sept. 6
land. These primitive buildings have yielded to '8i. Two children remain, Levi 1)., born Sept. 27
modernized structures; and the fine farm with Ioo '72, and Zilpha E., born June 20, '74.
acres of cleared territory, with creditable and valuable At the organization of the township of I)eerfield
buildings, makes a fine exhibit of what energy com- in '6i, S. S. Chipman was elected Supervisor.
bined with perseverance and good judgment can accomplish. He belongs to the pioneer element of the
county and township, and was the first Postmaster
under Lincoln, serving about three years. He is a
Democrat in political faith and action..hharles McArthur, farmer, sec. 19, I)eerHe was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 6, field Tp., was born in Canada, Jan. I6,
1848, to Margaret A., daughter of Z. P. and Anna ] 1839. His parents, Colin and Jeannette
(Saxtol) Mitchell. Her parents were natives of the (McIonald) McArthur, were of Scotch origin
Empire State, and Mrs. Brockway was born in and came to Canada early in their lives and
Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, I828. Mr. and Mrs. there both died in the winter of '82.
Brockway have had eight children, six surviving, The subject of this sketch was educatedin Canada
^ Emmet L., born Nov. 5, 1848; Alice V., Feb. 12, and grew up under the personal care of his father,
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Y remaining at home several years after attaining his
majority. In the winter of '52, at 26 years of age,
he came to Detroit and there was connected with a
railroad construction corps about three years. In the
summer of '79 he can.e to the village of Morley and
was engaged some months in the saloon and restaurant business, after which he bought his present property, 40 acres of land, then in an entirely uncultivated state, but now with 30 acres in an advanced
state of improvement. He has held the post of Constable two terms and Police Magistrate six months,
resigning his office before the expiration of his term.
He was imarried Aug. 7, i866, at Charlotte, Mich.,
to Sarah, daughter of John and Ann Feehan, nee
Cokely. The parents of his wife were natives of
Ireland, who emigrated to Canada; the father is deceased, the mother resides in this County. Their
children were born as follows: Annie J., June 6,
1869; Catherine M., Dec. o1, '72; Edith F., Jan. 29,
) '75; Charles J., July 17, '77; Myrtle, Jan. 2I, '8i., Two children died in infancy.
Our subject was a member of the Township School
" Board during the year of 1882. In religion, although
- brought up in the Presbyterian faith, he is liberal,
Z He is also a liberal Democrat in politics.
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'Q randison C. Tousey, farmer, sec. 34, Hini ton Tp., is a son of Louzon and Lucy (Lyman) Tousey, who were born in Connecti' G cut, and came to Michigan as pioneers of
Wayne County. G. C. Tousey was born Nov.
[, I9, 1832. He came with his parents, when a
lad, to Kalamazoo County, and there he was
occupied with farming until the spring of 1872.
He then came to Mecosta County and located in
Hinton Tp., where he had entered i60 acres of Government land in 1858. On this tract le has since
resided, and now has 70 acres under a good degree
of improvement., Mr. Tousey is a Democrat in political faith, and
has been Justice of the Peace one year. He enlisted in October, i86I, in the i3th Michigan Vol.
Inf.. and after an arduous service of three years was
honorably discharged Jan. i6, i865, at Savannah,
Ga. He was never off duty a single day and did
not once answer the surgeon's call. He was in action at Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Perryville,
Ky., Chickamauga, Siege of Corinth, Missionary
Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and marched to the sea
with Sherman. He had a narrow escape from capture at Stone River. A retreat was ordered and by
some mischance he found himself wedged between
boulders, the rebel forces being soon within alarming distance of his singular prison house. Extricating himself with a great effort, he crawled back and
joined his regiment, making the transit between two
fires, but coming out unharmed. He is an honored
member of the G. A. R., and also belongs to the
M. E. Church.
Mr. Tousey was married in Kalamazoo Co., Mich.
June 28, 1867, to Elvira, daughter of Jared and Elizabeth (Holcomb) Goodrich, who was born March i9,
1828, in New York. The parents were born in New
York, also. Mr. and Mrs. Tousey have one child,
born June 28, i868.
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Henry S. Cota, farmer on section I6, -Etna Y
Tp., was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, in I837.
V-, His parents were born in France, emigrated (
to the United States and settled in the Buckeye
State, where his father was drowned while laboring in the river service.
Mr. Cota was in his infancy and his mother bound
him to a man named Adam Hardesty. He was so
very young that he lost all trace of her and does not
know that he has a relative by blood on the earth.
He remained with Mr. Hardesty until he was 18 years
of age, when he was released from his bonds and
found employment in Paulding Co., Ohio, and was
there occupied for five years.
In the fall of '6I he enlisted in the 68th Ohio Inf.,
serving three years, and receiving honorable discharge.
Leaving the army he spent a few months in Paulding \
Co., Ohio, and in the spring of I866 he came to
-Etna Tp. and bought 40 acres of land, which he has,
increased to 80 acres, with 30 under the plow. l
Mr. Cota was married July 4, I867, to Isabel,
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Woodcock) (
Shoeck, natives of New York. Mrs. Cota was born,.4
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> 210 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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Feb. I, 1843. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Cota four are living, born as follows: Rousseau was
born June io, i868; George W., Dec. i, I875; Milton E., May 12, 187-; Retta E., June 30, I88I.
John, born March 13, 1870, died Nov. 4, I882; Guy
E., born Jan. 21, I878, died Oct. io, 1879.
The character and conduct of the life of Mr. Cota
have been such as to secure for him the advantages
always accruing to a man of upright and honorable
dealing.
o| aoah Barnhart, farmer, sec. i, Deerfield
1 Tp., was born in Canada, May 3, I844.
'e His father, Jacob Barnhart, was a native of
I~. Vermont and died in Canada in the spring of
lx I853. His mother, now Mrs. Phebe McGill,
came to Deerfield with her children in the spring of
'60. See sketch of Wm. Barnhart.
Mr. Barnhart came to Detroit at the age of I3 and
soon after the removal of his family to this county in
I86o he joined them here. He "took up " 80 acres of
land under the Homestead Act, and about the
same date bought 40 acres more. He sold his estate
of 120 acres in '67 and bought 80 acres where he now
lives.
He was married Dec. 17, i866, to ElizaHornby, who
is of English and Irish parentage. To them have been
born six children, as follows: Ellen, born Jan. i, 1867
Caroline, Feb. 28, '70; Edward, March 28, '73; Albert;
April 4, '79, and Ada, July 4, '82. Alice was born
June o, '7 6, and died in February, '82.
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He spent eleven years as a lumberman and farm
laborer, coming to Mecosta County in the fall of 1863
Ten months later he went to Kent County and bought
40 acres of partly improved land, on which he worked
two years, and then returned to Mecosta County.
Not long after he purchased o05 acres of railroad
land and began life as a pioneer. At this writing he has
73 acres under tillage. He has built a good barn on
the farm and is on the eve of a final leave of the log
house where he found shelter and home rest from his
cares and labors, and where his three promising sons
were born.
Mr. McIntosh was married in Canada, Oct. 31,
1863, to Emma, daughter of J. P. and Drusilla (Austin) Weaver. The parents of Mrs. McIntosh were
of Canadian nativity, came to Mecosta County in
I864, and now reside in Austin Tp. The sons were
born as follows: James E., born Dec. 8, I865; John
W., Sept. I5, 1867; Charlie, Nov. 12, I877.
Mr. McIntosh is a Republican in politics and has
served his township as Treasurertwo years. Himself
and wife belong to the M. E. Church.
ichael Doyle, farmer, sec. i8, A:tna Tp.,
was born in December, 18 5, and is son of
Michael and Jane (Dorsey) Doyle, natives
v \ of Ireland, where the son was also born.
i The latter was five years old when his parents
came to America and settled at Quebec, Province of Quebec, where they lived until I843.
On the death of his father he was left to make his
way alone in the world and remained in Canada until i868. He spent three years prospecting in the
Dominion, and in the fall of I87 I came to AEtnaTp.,
Mecosta Co., and purchased 80 acres of land, and,
like earlier settlers, commenced to make improvements for the purpose of securing a livelihood. The
result of their labors are shown by the condition of
the farm and its fixtures.
Mr. Doyle was married in Canada, in April, 839,
to Catherine, daughter of Michael and Mary (Dunn)
Carroll, who were of Irish nativity, and went to Canada, where they died, at the ages of 41 and 60 years
respectively. Mrs. Doyle was born in the North of
Ireland, June r, i8i6 She is at this writing 66 years
I
ra McIntosh, farmer, sec. 3, Deerfield Tp.
B was born in Canada, July o1, 1834. His. ~ parents, Louis and Elizabeth (Boxstead)
c % ' McIntosh, were natives of Canada, of
Scotch and German lineage, and passed their
^ I7 entire lives in their native land.
Mr. McIntosh attended school and served as
his father's assistant on the home farm until he was
( 8 years of age, when he responded to the long cherished desire to begin his life's work in independence.. -, -- I au n
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M>ECOSTA COUNTY. 21 1
old, but retains her health and vigor, and her memory furniture business. The relation terminated July 9,
is perfect concerning all events that have passed un- following, by his sale of cl-im to Charles Stillwell, I. der her observation. Following is a record of their when he established his present business enterlpise s'
ten children: Peter, born March 3, 1840; Michael, in the basement of the Furniture Block. He holds
1) ec. 25, 1845; Jane, Aug. 12, I850; Sarah, Aug. I7, a stock of $i,ooo in burial cases and caskets and has y
1854; John, Feb. I, 1847; Rose, Sept. 8, I855; a very fine hearse.
Ella, June io, i858. Those named are living; the de- Mr. Walker was married in Ottawa Co., Mich.,
ceased were: Mary, born Feb. 6, 1842, died in 1867; March 25, i865, to Marion, daughter of Loren and
Emilia, born July 25, 1854, died Aug. 23, 1867; Cath- Mary Oviatt, born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, I)ec. ii,
erine, born Jan. 6, i85, died Sept. 23, 1867. The I842. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Walker are
amily are zealous members of the Catholic Church. Allen J., Mary and Lula. The musical abilities of
the father have every promise of reproduction in the
children, as each gives evidence of more than ordi_-__ --- ^:-C sh ary capacity in that respect.
6 l iilliam IH. Walker, undertaker and funer_ al director, Big Rapids, was born in Com- ^
merce Tp., Oakland Co., Mich., and is the eorge P. Vorce, farmer, sec. 35,,i;tna
' son of Justin and Lucinda (Wilkins) Walker. Tp., was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Feb.
p He passed the years prior to attaining his p 29, 1824. He is a son of Benjamin and. majority on his father's farm and attending Lovina (Cook) Vorce, of German nativity; the =
school. On reaching the age of 21 years he entered father died in I833. Mr. Vorce came to this
_ the college at Kalamazoo, and took a preparatory State when he was nine years old, with his ==
course of study, and after two years went to Normal, step-father, Jonathan Jackson, and remained i [ years.
Ill., and there attended the State Normal School 8S He spent the next year in New York, and in the summonths. Having fitted for the position of an instruc- mer of I844 came to Wayne County, this State, anJ
tor, he entered upon the duties of that calling, which a year later to Ingham County. During this period
he discharged four years and then became a music he was engaged in agriculture. Leaving Ingham
teacher, of which he had made a special study at County, Mr. Vorce went to Kalamazoo County, and
Normal, under the instructions of Prof. C. M. Cady. thence to losco County, where he was engaged in
He has spent 20 years of his life as a teacher of vo- farming and lumbering until I87, the date of his
cal music, operating at many places in Michigan and settlement in this County. He purchased 40 acres
in several of the Western States. of timbered land and entered upon the usual duties
After leaving school at Kalamazoo, Mr. Walker of a pioneer,-built a small log house and proceeded
m ide a prospecting journey through the West and to place his farm in a suitable state for support and
Southwest which occupied about eight months. In profit. He is an earnest Republican; has always
1878, he located at Berlin, Ottawa Co., bought five been prominent in promoting educational projects
acres of land, and a wagon and blacksmith shop, and at present holds a school office. He and his
which he still owns and manages, employing three wife are active members of the M. E. Church.
men. He has a fine residence on his miniature farm He was married in 1846, to Amelia, daughter of
of five acres, where his family live. He has made a Zenas and Anna Walling Hor, of New England
specialty of bee culture, his location being peculiarly birth, and she was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y.,.
adapted to the purpose. At times he has had up- May 15, 1829. Of their six children two are dead, —
wards of 200 colonies in stock, and his apiary now in- Henty, born Aug. 31, I847, died Oct. 3, I879, and
cludes about 75. Charles L., born Sept. 19, 1855, died in 1874. Those
Mr. Walker came to Big Rapids in May, I883, and who survive were born in the following order: Jenformed a partnership with J. Stillwell & Son, in the nie, Jan. 20, 1849; Frank A., Oct. 28, 1853; Anna
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212 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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A., Nov. II, I850; Ella G., Sept. 27, I859. These
children have received a good education. Jennie is
a teacher of good standing and has a fine reputation
for scholarship, and qualities peculiarly adapted to
her calling. She was a student for a long time at
Albion College, and taught in one position seven consecutive terms.
ilbert Mero, farmer, sec. 28, Deerfield Tp.,
'l i is a native of Lower Canada,and was born
~ I" in 1838. His parents still reside in Canada.
Mr. Mero went to Upper Canada at 19 years
of age, where he was married in the fall of 1857,
to Huldah, daughter of Peter and Mima
(Kyle) Newkirk. They went to Ohio and remained
four years, returned to Canada for a short time and
moved to Deerfield. Mr. Mero bought 40 acres of
uncultivated land and proceeded to do.ioneer duty
-builda log house and clear the forest. He has 32
acres uider fair cultivation. The family religion is
Catholic.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mero now living
were born as follows: Josephine, March 12, I866;
Richard, Oct. 28, 1870: Louisa, July 8, I873; Anna,
July, 4, I8; Gertrude, July 8, 1877; Henrietta,
May 24, I88i. Jennie and Margaret died in infancy.
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employed by W. W. Streator, at his trade, two and a
half years, when he bought the interest of his employer, and is still managing the same branch of
business, with the most satisfactory results.
Mr. Kinnee was married at Altona, Hinton Tp.,
April i6, I88I, to Ida M., eldest daughter of John
W. and Catharine (Austen) Thomas. Her parents
were natives of Canada, and came to Mecosta County
about 1864. They are still living. Mr. and Mrs.
Kinnee have had one child, Jesse H., born March
14, 1883. They are both active members of the
Church of the United Brethren. Mr. Kinnee is a
Republican in political sentiment and action.
uther N. Hutchinson, dental surgeon at
Big Rapids (office on the N. WV. corner of
North Michigan avenue and Maple street),
was born in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
April 8, I823. His parents were natives of
Connecticut, and were married at Hartford,
June 6, i80o. Warren Hutchinso?, his father,
was born, Nov. 17, 1780; was a carpenter and joiner
by trade, and during a considerable period of his life
kept a hotel; he died Sept. 5, 1847. The mother
Mary (Goddard) Hutchinson, was born Feb. 19, 1781,
and died in March, i855. The family included four
children -Warren S. (deceased), Ephraim F. (dec.)
and Fannie J., widow of Israel L. Adams, residing at Winona, Iowa. Dr. Hutchinson is the youngest child. He accompanied the family to W'ashtenaw
County, this State, when r years old, and settled in
Scio, where his father built a hotel. Both parents
passed the remainder of their lives here, and their
children reached adult age. Early in life, I)r. Hutchinson developed a taste and genius for the career
of an artist, and he devoted the first years of his
manhood to portrait-painting; but was compelled to
abandon this profession because of failing eyesight.
In 1845 he went to Ypsilanti, where he worked at
photography about two years. In 1847 he went to
Dexter, and spent about two and a half years in the
office of Dr. Hollywood, reading for the practice of
medicine. He went thence to Ann Arbor, and applied himself to the study of dentistry, and was under
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iB ~IIIIIIFIIYlllmFsollc --------— ~Fg. - esse Kinnee, Altona, Hinton T)p., was born
in Canada, May 27, 1857- He is a son of
I' ^ 1 Jesse and Harriet E. (Gent) Kinnee, natives and residents of Canada. Wm. Kinnee
passed his youth and boyhood on his father's
farm, and at 18 was apprenticed for three years
to the firm of Mitchell & Brood, to learn the
trade of blacksmithing. He left his native country
and went to Moskako, Canada, and worked at his
trade in the lumber camps in the woods six months.
He returned to the township of Peel and entered into partnership with James Mitchell, and in
Company with him carried on blacksmithing six
months. In July, I878, he came to Coral, Mont( calm Co., removing soon to Hinton Tp., and was
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MECOSTA
the instructions of Prof. Bennett one year. After two
years of practice at Ann Arbor, he went to Howell,.(.this State, and pursued his profession two years,
going thence to Sturgis, where he opened dental
rooms, and operated until 1870, the date of his removal to Big Rapids.
Dr. Hutchinson was married at Scio, Jan. 2, I843,
to Ruth L Richmond. Their son, Ernest M., is now
living, and is a dentist at Cadillac, this State. Aver
M. died Feb. 22, 1865. The mother died, and the
dDoctor contracted a second marriage, July 27, 1870,
- to Adda C. Foote, daughter of Jacob J. and Sarah H.
(Secord) Foote, a native of Scio. Glen L., their only
child, died Jan. ii, 1879. Daisy, an adopted
daughter, was taken to their hearts and home when
five weeks old. She was born May 9, i88i., s
r i|-bames Simmons, farmer, sec. 36, Deerfield
1 A d Tp., was born July II, 830, in Middleton,
x:= Norfolk Co., Canada. His parents, David
C and Sicily (Ronson) Simmons, were natives of
- England and came to Canada about the year
T820. The mother still resides in Canada; the
father died Aug. 20, i86i.
At the age of 21 years Mr. Simmons commenced
his contest with the world, finding employment as a
farm laborer until 186o, when he came to Mecosta
county and l)re-empted 80 acres of the unbroken and
uncleared forest land. He built a log house, and
-with his own hands cut the trees and prepared the
soil for tillage. He has now 40 acres under the
plow and in good cultivation.
He was married at Charlotteville Center, Canada,
Sept. 20, i85I, to Catherine, daughter of James and
Amy (Ostrander) Buchner. Eight of the eleven
children of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are living: William H., Nancy S., Amy M.,Ebenezer, Sarah J., Daniel A., John and Chris. The family includes an
adopted son, Wm. H. Griffin. The names of the
deceased children were James C., George and Adaline.
Mr. S. is a Democrat in politics, and himself
and family belong to the United Brethren Church.
COUNTY.
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ilber E. Buck, farmer, sec. 7, AEtna Tp.,
was born April i6, 1849, in Orange Co.,
N. Y., and is the eldest son of Samuel and
t 2 Harriet (Walters) Buck. He remained at
home laboring on his father's farm until the
fall of 1868
His father, Samuel Buck, came to Michigan in '56,
and settled in Hillsdale County, where the family remained until 1865, and about that year came to Me —
costa County, where they are residents of AiEtna Tp.,
and Mr. Buck, of this qketch, is with his family living
on the homestead and managing the farm.
He was married Jan. 3, 1883, to Sarah, (laughter
of William R. and Chloe A. (Vredenburg) Rockwell,
who was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1856.
She went to Iowa when seven years old, and in 1868
came to the State of Michigan. By an earlier marriage Mr. Buck has two children —Hattie, born July
26, I869, and Harry, June 6,1871. They are nearly
grown and well educated, and the light and blessing
of the household. In religious views, Mr. Buck is a
liberalist; in politics, a Prohibitionist.
"1harles H. Wagener, druggist, Big Rapids,
J was born at Penn Yan, N. Y., Jan. 23,
0 F 1835; a son of David and Maria (West)
Wagener. His father was a hotel-keeper,
and died when he was but two years old.
He attended school until the age of 14, when
he procured a situation as clerk in a drug store, and
after two years returned to school He completed
his education in three years, and again became a
clerk in a drug store in Penn Yan, where he remained
seven years. In February, 1864, he went to Austin,
Nevada, and bought a drug store of his brother,
where he transacted business four years, and then
returned to Penn Yan. In February, i868, he settled
in Big Rapids and founded his present business.
He handles a full line of drugs and all articles common to similar establishments, patent medicines, etc.
In April, I869, his store was burned, with a total loss
of $3,500. He had secured no insurance. Mr.
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214 MAECOSTA
Wagener is a Freemason, and a member of the
Knights of Honor, and is Vice-President and Direc-. tor of the Northern National Bank. He was married
May 7, I86I, in Penn Yan, to Patience M. Hunt,
born in Milo, Yates Co., N. Y., Jan. 25, 1838.
Josephine M., their eldest child, was born in Penn
Yan, May 15, 1862, and Charles S. was born in Big
Rapids, March 18, r879.,Ix 0 0; )
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rank P. Smith, farmer, sec. 5, Deerfield
Tp., was born Dec. 9, 1853, in the State of:.t.L New York. His parents, Hosea and Mary
(Fenton) Smith, were both born in the Empire., State. At the age of two years Mr. Smith was
placed in the care of his maternal grand-parents, and continued to reside with them until the age
of i9 years.
He came to Michigan in the spring of I882 and
purchased 40 acres of land under cultivation in Deerfield Tp., where he now resides. He was married in
New York, June 19, 1878, to Elizaleth, daughter of
Alexander and Cornelia (Munson) Smith. Of two
children born to them, but one survives: Albert,
born May 28, I883. Lewis, first-lorn child, died
Sept. 9, i88o.
COUNTJfY.
operations with moderate realization of his hopes.
He came back in 1877 and remained two years, when
he made an expedition to Colorado, returning in 1882,
reaching his home Dec. 22; he has since been engaged in the improvement of his fine farm.
Mr. Campbell was married Aug. 9, T866, to Sybil
R:, daughter of Bernard B. and Hannah J. (Davis)
Woodcock. The parents were natives of New England, and the daughter was born March 2, i836, in
Knox Co., Ohio.
In politics Mr. Campbell is an earnest Republican.
Mrs. Campbell has been a member of the U. B.
Church since she was 14 years of age.
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^ harles H. La Douceur, dealer in cloth5| in| g and men's furnishing goods at Big
^U K Rapids, was born Sept. 27, 1857, at St.
'F Eugene, East Oxbury Co., Pr. of ()Ontario, Can.
Until he was ten years old, his parents resided
on a farm, and then removed to Van Klcek
Hill, in the same county, where he was a student at
school two yeats; becoming an assistant in a stoic in
1869. In 1873 he came to Big Rapids, and went to
work in the lumber region, and in 1877 ol)tained a
position in the store of F. W. Joslin, where he was
a clerk three years.. In June, i88o, he formed a
partnership with WV. A. Aylesworth, and opened his
present line of business. The stock of Messrs. Ia
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- i|-ohn S. Campbell, farmer. sec. 25, zEtna I)ouceur &\ Ayleswortlih s estimated at $8,ooo, and
1 p-, was l)orn in Ireland, Jan. Io, I842. includes full and conplete lines of ready-made
clair) Calmpblell, were born in the North of the etc. Their yearly ibusinessaggregates alout $30,000.
3 Emerald Isle, and emigrated to America in
1847, settling at Stormont, Can.; Mr. Campbell
remained a resident of the Dominion until he reached "n -:n, "
man's estate. At the age of 2 he went to California
to seek his fortune in the mining districts of the
('Golden State. where he remained until the winter of imothy Edmonds, dealer in boots, shoes,
1865. At that time he came back to Paulding Co., rubbers and hosiery, atBig Rlapids, was born
^ Ohio, and engaged one year in farming. In the fall il Jackson Co., Mich., May 23, 1849. His
of 1866 lie came to Michigan and settled in Mecosta parents were nVashiington aud Damarins(Bllc k- or
County, )buying 16o acres of land in ANtna Tp., in stonl) Edmonds, and he was trained to agriculthle vicinity of Moiley. He went again to California tural pursuits. At the age of T5 he became a
C in 187 1, once more seeking material results in mining soldier in the Union Army, enlisting at D),wagia..:,,,,,, 1 1,
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MECOSTA COUNTTY.. Cass Co., this State, in March, 1863, in Company mond, born i
L, 9th Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. W. Miller, Edmonds is
7and was in the service until July 4, I865. Among
other arduous engagements in which he was in action
was that of the pursuit of Morgan on his retrograde
movement before his capture by the brigade of Gen.
Shackelsford, near New lisbon, Ohio. He was also
with the command of Gen. Burnside while attempting to hold East Tennessee, and was on the force
that held the foot of Cumberland Mountain until v il aohn
Gen. Frazier's surrender. He was among the vet- tor
eran troops which under Sherman made their tri- bor
umphant march to the sea. He was wounded Dec He is a
4, 1864, at Waynesboro, Ga., by an ounce ininie kow, wl
ball, in the left thigh, which he still carries. He was M
sent to the hospital, and, on the expiration of his
term of enlistment, was discharged at Jackson, Mich. a was engc
Haven, Mich
The father of Mr. Edmonds died in September, linquished th
)863, during his army life, and, on being mustered took a trip tc
out of the United States service, he went to work on five montis.
the homestead on shares, and was thus occupied months at ho
m three years. He spent the next two years in St. of 88 I
~'Joseph County, variously engaged, when he went to & C. where
South Haven, Van Buren Co. There he bought 40 ries a fll
acres of land, which he sold three years later and demands of 1
purchased 80 acres in another location. Meanwhile Thurkow has
he was operating as a lumlerman. He sold his land He is a keen
again at the end of the year, and engaged in selling with honest
stump machines, afterward embarking again in lumber- nees and wel
ing until the fall of 1876. He then came to Big Rapids, tence. n
and two years later bought a farm of 45 acres in the elected Treas
township of Big Rapids, devoting a year to garden- postion. H<
ing, and in 188r again sold out. In the winter of and a lemb
that year he commenced his present business enter- sympathy wi
lrise. His stock is worth about $5,000, and he Church
transacts an annual business in merchandise of In Septeml
$I0,000. mill in 2Etna
Mr. Edmonds was married near Lawton, Van operated unti
Buren Co., to Clara Edwards. Of this marriage two burned to t
children were born, Grace, in March, I868, and Dora, $3,000o. He
in June, 1870. The second marriage of Mr. Ed- land in the tc
monds took place at Big Rapids, Oct. t. 1876, to in Morley. I
Laura Sinkler, who died at this place, Jan 26, i880, for the storat
' leaving two children, Eugene E., born Jan. 23, I880, handles a lar
and Clarence H., born June i8, r8j8, and died Aug. dealer in wo
12, I882. Mr. Edmonds was married a third time in of the largest
Ottawa,Waukesha Co., Wis., Dec. 3, I882, to Mrs. Eva As one o
mJ. Boone, daughter of Thomas H. and Elvira T. Ham- County we gi
P^eaw r f,.1 I. T T _ _ I _ ( 1 _ 1. - lTr- I -.I'T- I
gaged in real estate brokerage to a considerable extent. He owns about 50 acres of land, with some
degree of improvments thereon. In company with J.
W. Arnett, he has charge of the feed store, lumber
interests, etc., of J. M. Carr of Grand Rapids. He
has been Justice of the Peace ten years, County Superintendent four years, and been the incumbent of
nearly all the local offices of his township. He
has been a member of the Masonic Order for 17 years,
and in the society of Odd Fellows has held all the
posts of the lower order, and passed through the
Camp. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Merrill was married in the State of New York,
April i8, I860, to Eliza Ann, daughter of Amos A.
L. and Ann Tuttle, natives of Vermont, where she
was born Nov. 17, i833. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill have
had three children, two of whom are living: Mahala,
born Oct. 29, I866, and Alma, July 31, I869. Everett, was born Jan 9. I863, and died May 17, 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are earnest and prominent
members of the M. E. Church. Mr. M. has been a
Class, leader for some time, and is considered a consistent and valuable member of society.
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) Ox o. tnree years. In June, i860, ie came to Jig Kapids and founded his business, which he has since | emuel F. Chipman, deceased, was the son
operated successfully, and is gradually building up a of Fitch and Sarah (Spifford) Chipman, napermanent and substantial trade. His stock of tives of Vermont, and was born in 1811.
watches, clocks, jewelry, etc., is valued at $8,000; an- He came to Michigan when a young man, and
nual transactions, $20,000. Mr. S. was married at very shortly afterwards, in the spring of i86o,
Hastings, Nov. 20, i88o, to Stella Hendershott, who came to Mecosta County. He had no assistance
was born in Irving, Barry Co., this State. They have in setting out in life and fortune had not been
one child, (Gertrude, born Dec. 24, 1882. propitious. He secured 40 acres of land under the
State law of Michigan, built a log house and, assisted
by his wife, who lent every aid within her power,
passed the career of a pioneer in every sense. The
county was scarcely in an organized state, supplies
ohn B. Merrill, Morley, was born Feb. 15, were remote and the labor of clearing the land burO 1833, in the State of New York. His pa- densome; but it was all bornewith the patient heroism
rents, Waite and Minerva (Whiting) Mer- which always marks the sturdy pioneer element. Mr.
ill, were natives of New York. Mr. Merrill Chipman's death occurred Jan. 24, 1863.
remained in his native state until he was 28 He was married in the State of New York in 1830, X
years old, and in the autumn of 1863, came to to Eliza, daughter of Solomon and Anna (Chapman)
Ncwaygo County, and soon after to Mecosta Sutherland. She lived but a few years, and he was
i County, and bought 80 acres of land in Deerfield. again married, at;enoa, Livingston Co., Mich.,
This he sold in a short time, and has since been en- May 1, 1849, to Cynthia E., daughter of J. M. and
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Cynthia (Fisher) Abbey, born in New York, Sept. i l,
1824. Five of six children are living. They were
born as follows: Alta, April I6, 1852; Alexander M.,
T May 5, '54; Lillian E., June 31, '56; Bertha L.,
( March 31, '58; Lemuel F., June 20, '6o. Ida Belle
was born Aug. 24, '63, and died Sept. 3, '64. Mrs.
Chipman resides on the place upon sec. 25 where she
came with her husband and located many years ago.
She received a good education in the common schools
and seminary at Ann Arbor, and though not a communicant in any Church is a consistent Christian lady.
m. Jm.. Wadsworth, lumberman and farmer,
tf l sec. 32, Mecosta Tp. (P. O., Stanwood),
was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, May i
f 1838. His parents, Josiah and Anna G
j( J (Parker) Wadsworth, were of English and
and Irish descent, and natives of New York
early becoming residents of Ohio. His father abana doned the family, and his mother married again before he was I5 years old. At that age he went out
into the world for himself. His first employ was as
a diiver on the canal, which he followed until the
fll of 1854, then engaging as hotel clerk; this position affording him a little leisure, he attended school
and secured a moderate amount of education.
Leaving his situation, he was employed as a farm
laborer in Venango Co., Penn., there operating until
i865. In the winter of that year he acted as a teamster, next embarking in lumber trade and farming.
He was married Oct. I6, 1859, to Delia A., daughter of William and Permelia (Hancock) Jay, natives
of New York, and lineal descendants of the Jays
and Hancocks, of Revolutionary fame. Mrs. Wadsworth was born in Lorain Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1843.
Her uncle took her to Pennsylvania when she was a
mere girl. After his marriage Mr. Wadsworth was
interested in oil speculation until the civil war broke
out. July I6, I861, he enlisted in the Third Reg.
U. S. Cav., under Lieut. Spaulding. Soon after
enlistment he broke his arm and was discharged
from the service. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered to warrant the step, he enlisted again, enrolling Aug IT, 1862, in the I42d Pennsylvania Reg.
Vol. Inf., Co. I, Capt. Hasson. During the time
of his service he was under fire at Fredericks-, - B a-a~-^f^
burg, Chancellorsville and at Fredericksburg second,
and Gettysburg, escaping unharmed. He'received
his final discharge, Aug. 30, I865.
He returned to Oil City, and thence to Ohio, where
he rejoined his wife and went back to the oil regions,
where he was engaged in shipping oil until the summer of i866. He returned again to Ohio and was
engaged two years in farming, then coming to Michigan and finding a home in Mecosta Tp., in the fall
of i868. He at once entered heartily into the business of lumbering, and the next year homesteaded a
tract of go acres of land, where he has since operated as stated.
Mr. Wadsworth is a zealous and active Republican. He has held various township and school
offices. Himself and wife are members in full standing of the Free Methodist Church. They have six
children, born as follows: William, June 8, 1862;
Myrtle G., July 14, 1864; Edith N., April 18, i868;
Percy J., April 26, I873; Lester V., Sept. 8, 1875,
and Harley A., March o1, 1883.
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I, sa Brockway, farmer, resident on sec. 20,
isle Hinton Tp., is the son of Andrew and
- Elizabeth (Rossman) Brockway, natives of
32F Pennsylvania, where the son was born, June
i 16, 830.
When Mr. Brockway was quite young his
parents moved to the State of New York, and there
he resided until he was 19 years old. In the summer
of 1849 he came to Michigan and settled in Livingston County. Six years later he sold his farm and
came to Mecosta County, where he bought 80 acres of
wild land in Hinton Tp., on which he now lives.
The place is in fine condition, having 75 acres under
cultivation. In politics Mr. B. is a Democrat and has
held offices of trust in township and school affairs.
He is a pioneer of Mecosta County, having come
here in i855, five years before the organization of the
township. His father, Andrew Brockway, was for
some years the oldest resident living in the township.
Mr. Brockway was married in Washtenaw County,
Oct. 9, I855, to Lydia S., daughter of Samuel and
Rhoda (Vanvelzer) Eaton. Mrs. Brockway was
born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. o1, I836. Four
children were born of this marriage, as follows:
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Eva M., Nov. 6, 1856; Emma E., April i6, 1857;
Andrew S., July 21, I86I; Ida M., March i8, I863.
T*^i We give a portrait of Mr. Brockway in this work.
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^ _ilas Wright, farmer, sec. 7, Deerfield Tp.,
i was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 29, I843.
j19 His parents, John and Sarah (Evers)
li\~ Wright, were also natives of the Keystone
[. State, and in I863 came toBarry Co., Mich.,
and a short time afterwards to Allegan County,
where the father died soon after, and the mother is
yet living.
Our subject received a common-school education
and resided with his parents until the age of 27
years. He enlisted Oct. i6, 1862, in the I69th Pennsylvania Vol. Infantry, and received his discharge in
July, '63, leaving the army with health much impaired by sickness and exposure. In '70 he left
Allegan County and came to Mecosta County, where
he bought 80 acres of timber land and upon it built a
frame house, proceeding to clear and improve his
land, of which he now has 50 acres under tillage.
He was married in Canada, March 29, '7 I, to Sarah
T., daughter of James and Amelia B. Bell, nee Axford, the former a native of England, and the latter of
New Jersey. They have three children-Frank M.,
Harry D. and Nora E., born respectively Feb. 23, '72,
Oct., To, '75 and July 4, '78. Mr. Wright is an adherent of the Democratic party.
sas City, Mo.; after three months he went to New
Brunswick, N. J., and officiated one year as bookkeeper for the Home Valley Preserving Company.
He then went to Indiana, where he engaged in the
insurance business. In May, I882, he came to Big
Rapids and formed a partnership with P. Wait, in the
sale of boots and shoes, which connection was dissolved Aug. i, i883, Mr. Campbell buying his partner's interest. His stock is valued at $4,500, and his
business transactions amount to $I,200 monthly.
Mr. Campbell was married at South New Brunswick, N. J., Oct. 24, I882, to Julia Van Deventer,
who was born in New Jersey, Oct. 23, 1862.
-- < — —...,.artin E. Wilson, farmer,;ec. 25, Deerfield Tp., was born in Genesee Co., N. V.,
' July 21, I836. His parents, Warren and
Naomi (Smead) Wilson, were natives of Vermont, but located in GeneseeCountyin 1836.
Four years later they settled in Ingham Co.,
Mich., where the mother still resides on the farm
which was her first home in the Peninsular State.
The father died April o, i877.
Mr. Wilson passed his boyhood and youth on the
farm under the personal care of his parents, and at 18
went to Newaygo County, where he spent the winter
months in lumbering and the remainder of the years
was engaged in "breaking," In the spring of r86i
he came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of
land, where he still resides. His land was then in a
state of nature and he proceeded to put it in propel
and comfortable condition for a home for his advanced
years. He has 70 acres cleared and under tillage.
Mr. Wilson was one of the earliest settlers of
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I J Lohn R. Campbell, hoot and shoe merchant
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{ l at Big Rapids, was born in DeWitt Co., DIeerfield, and, from his integrity and constant zeal for
- Ill., May x, 1856. His parents, Barzillai the best interests of the public, has become a valuable, and Rosanna (Sackett) Campbell, went to La and trusted citizen of the township. He has been
Cygne, Kan., in 865, where they engaged in Justice of the Peace 20 years. In '64 he wasdrafted
farming, and became prominent in the social into the Union service and assigned to the Fourteenth
and political circles of that section, Mr. Camp- Mich. Vol. Inf., and was discharged at Detroit, July
bell, Sr., being elected in 1877 to represent his dis- 0o, '65, after ten months' active duty at Savannah,
trict in the State Legislature. Brier Creek, and Bentonville, N. C., under Sherman.
The first business venture of Mr. Campbell was His regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Ky.
that of jobbing in canned goods at wholesale at Kan- He was married in 1859 to Anna Chipman, who
g<~))^ > —L rfl Dnf>yl-^-^;- - -t^^
; MaECOSTA, was born in Livingston Co., Mich., and died in '73.
Two of the three children born to them are living,Naomi A. and Adelbert E. George is deceased.
Mr. Wilson again entered into the bonds of matrimony
in '74. He married Eunice L. Royce, a native of
Tioga Co., Pa. They have five children: Vernon R.,
Martin 0., Alice M. and Helen. An infant child is
unnamed. Mr. Wilson is a Republican.
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COUNT 229 -CO UNTY. 229
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ohn G. Gill, junior lmember of the firm of
Roben, Bennett & Gill, insurance, realestate and loan agents, at Big Rapids, was
ea born in Cornwall ng, g., Jan. 8, 838. His
parents, Richard and Mary (Glanville) Gill,
were natives of Cornwall, born respectively in
i80o and in 1802. They came to the United States
in I842, and went to Hannibal, Mo., and two years
later to Illinois. They bought a small farm near
Galena, where the father also became interested to a
considerable extent in lead mines. Mr. Gill there
obtained his elementary education, and at 14 years
of age became a clerk in a dry-goods store, where he
was employed one year. At 15 he went to Madison,
Wis., and commenced a course of study in the
scientific department of the University, remaining
three years. Returning to Illinois, he passed four
successive winters in teaching. He acted as clerk
on the Mississippi river steamers two summers, and
finally entered a claim of Government land in Kansas
which he improved to some extent.
In 186o he went to Colorado and commenced
staking claims near the "Gregory" mines. The
spring following he went to Delaware Flats, Breckenridge Co, and worked out a placer mine in the summer of I86I. He was in company with James
McAllister, and continued his operations until the
summer of 1862. At that date he formed a partnership with L. W. Woodruff, and went to Bannock
City, Montana, where they were among the earliest
comers. Here they took up a bar claim, which
proved an advantageous project. They went thence
to the site of Virginia City, and assisted in platting
the city, of which they owned one seventh. They
then went to Bevins' Gulch, where they again en
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gaged in successful claim traffic, and in addition
established a freight train to and from different
points across the plains, consisting of 2.4 teams of six
yoke of oxen each. They managed this latter enterprise two years. The winters of I863-4-5 they
spent in eastern cities, negotiating nining property.
Mr. Gill next went to Des Arc, Prairie Co., Ark., and
in company with his brother, R. G. Gill, engaged in
the cotton trade. Two years later he went to
Kansas, and bought another farm near the locality of
his first agricultural investment, which, on leaving
Kansas for Colorado, he had transferred to Mrs.
Mary Elwell, his sister. He remained in Kansas
until 875, when he sold his farm and came to Big
Rapids, and, associated with C. B. Lovejoy, founded
a grocery firm styled Gill & Lovejoy. In 1877 the
latter sold his interest to N. H. Beebe, and the new firm
continued to transact the most extensive business of
the kind in the city, until May I, I883, doing an annual business of $60,000. In June, i883, he entered the house of Roben & Bennett as partner.
Mr. Gill was married in Lynn Co., Kan., Jan. 25,
i868, to Laura E., daughter of Hon. Barzillai and
Rosanna Campbell, who was born in Clinton, Ill.,
March 19, 1850. They have three children-Cora
E., Lewis C. and John G.
L ewis Russell, proprietor of the shingle mill
on sec. 4, Hinton Tp, is a son of Morris
Calista Russell and was born at Glens
' Falls, Warren Co., N. Y., March 27, 1849.
/ His parents are natives of Canada, where they
now reside. At the age of 13 Mr. Russell went
to work on a farm, and was in the employ of one
man three years. His next employment was in a
cotton mill in Massachusetts, where he remained
nearly two years, and a part of the time officiated as
second foreman of the mill. He went back to the
Empire State, where he passed a year working on a
farm, and spent the year following on a farm in Vermont. In i868 he went to Wisconsin, where he commenced his career as a manufacturer of shingles,
which has since been his vocation. After operating
four years in the Badger State, in the summer of I87 2
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230 MECOSTA COUNTY.
he came to Montcalm County'and there remained years, he sold his place and came back to Big Rapi
nine years. In the summer of 1881 he came to this opened a grocery, and in r880 located on his presc
county and located in the township of Martiny, site, where he is doing a safe and substantial bL
where he bought and ran a shingle mill one year. ness. His stock represents a value of $3,000,
He removed his works to Hinton Tp., in the fall of his annual sales amount approximately to $i8,ooc
1882, where he is now operating and employs 13 men. He was married at Little York, Pa., Jan. 21, 18
The daily product of the mill is 40,000 shingles. to Mary, daughter of Lawrence and Ricca Markl
Mr. Russell was married May 28, 1872, in Green- born at Little York, Jan. 13, 1844. Mr. and I
ville, Montcalm Co., to Isabella, third daughter of Osgood have been the parents of four children,
Colin and Elizabeth (McCarthy) McIntyre. Her follows: Lucy P. (dec.), Edwin L., Mary J. a
parents were natives of Scotland and settled in Can- Essie I. Mr. Osgood is a member of the Knights
ada, where the daughter was born Sept. 23; 1854. Pythias. He owns his residence and a city lot.
Thes came to Michigan about 1867, and have
since died. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have had four
children: Howard H., born March 3, 1873; Winnie '-'-''~-~-lL., born Aug. 12, 1875; Harry H., March 20, I879,
and Bessie L, Sept. 27, 1882. Mr. Russell is a
member of the order of Masonry and in politics is a.harles Hinman, farmer, on sec. I4, H
Republican. ol ton Tp, is a son of Curtis and Aln:
)ep-blican. IT-1 " /ILt.\ TT._', --- _ -.... -
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> 100, I I i II fl I go.~iI- --- -- - ~0: g i ucius L. Osgood, general merchant at Big
Rapids, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y.,
Aug. 22, 1834. His father, Lebbeus Osgood, died when he was about 12 years old,
and his mother, Philene Osgood, removed to
Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y., and there Mr. Osgood learned the shoemaker's trade. He enlisted in the service of the United States to quell the
Rebellion, in the second year of the civil war, enrolling Oct. 3, 1862, in Co. C, 44th N. Y. Vol. Inf.,
as a private soldier, and served until the termination
g of the war. He was in action at Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Mine Run, Gettysburg, all the battles
of the Wilderness, and at Cold Harbor, where he received a severe gunshot wound in the left hip. He
was sent to Little York Hospital, Pa., where he was
laid up ii months. He obtained his discharge at
L,ittle York, May 15, 1865. He remained there, and
1 commenced as a dealer in groceries and operated
about two and one half years.
i<: In I867 he came to Big Rapids, and soon afterward began to sell groceries in the upper part of the
city. In 1873 he relinquished his trade and bought
) farm containing 6o acres near Paris, Newaygo Co..After carrying on agriculture about two and one-half
i-'.'* Lue ~VItt) ninlnan, wno were natives oI,, the Empire State, and went thence to Pennsylvania, coming afterward to Michigan; they
first settled in Oakland Co., but soon after
moved to Clinton Co., where they died. Mr. Hinman was born in Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 23, 1838.
He attended school and worked on his father's farm
until the age of 22 years, then leased the farm of his
grandfather for two years. The element of war was
then abroad in the land, and the patriotic blood that
courses in the veins of every man who loves his country beat high to act or die for the integrity of the
Union. Mr. Hinman enlisted Aug. II, I862, in the
23d Michigan Vol. Inf., and was in the service till
the close of the war, receiving honorable discharge
June 27, 1865, at Washington, D. C. Among the
engagements where he was under fire, were the
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania C. H., Cold
Harbor, and at the siege of Petersburg. He was
captured at the battle of the Wilderness, but was at
once paroled. In that engagement, while storming
the defenses of the enemy, he met with an accident
that disabled him for several weeks. After the war
he went to his home in lonia Co. and resumed the
pursuit of agriculture. After a residence of 12 years
he sold his farm and went to Clare Co. He purchased I6o acres of land, which he sold four years later,
came to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and bought the
hotel property known as the Rowland House, which
he soon afterward exchanged for another hotel
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A MECOSTA CO UIVNTY. 231
located at Sylvester, iMich. He managed this one Tp., died, and he succeeded to his share of the esyear, and exchanged it for 40 acres of land on sec. 26, tate. In I879 he bought 40 acres of wild land in
Hinton Tp. About the same timle he rented a farm Goodwin Tp., Newaygo Co.
near Sylvester, which he nianaged two years, and in He is an earnest Republican, is the present School
the spring of I880 purchased 40 acres of land, where Moderator, and in religious faith a Presbyterian.
he now lives. He has placed it under good cultivation, and erected convenient commodious buildings. i S
In political sentiment Mr. Hinman belongs to the
Democratic party, and is a member of the Order of
Masonry. He has been Highway Commissioner two ' ', m ' ylvester H. Gray, senior member of the
years, and School Director three years. He was f S H. Gray- o me\
4.'... { r rI~ firm of S. H. Gray & Co, manufacturers
married in Clinton Co., Mich., June 24, 1860, to i of G, a24' of lumber, lath and shingles, at Big RapEliza, eldest daughter of Wrn. C. and Eliza (Bullard)
ids, was born at Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co.,
Ratcliffe, who were of English nativity and came to.
T Pa., Feb. 3,;846. His parents were Hiram
America in 1841, settling in the State of New York, ^. i a e.. '1. and Susan (Minsker) Gray. At the age of
where the mother died; the father came to Michigan..6 e was sent to Wver's Militarv Academy,
to live with his children, and died in lonia Co. Mrs.
Hinmn ws bn in, Wv. 5. r Westchester, Pa. The school was under the manageHinman was bocn in England, Nov. 5, ~836. Mr. and,. was i. E lad OV 1836. ent of Major Echendorf, a graduate from West
Mrs. Hinman have had six children, three survive:, a
tella E or Oct 7 r8 y C 2 12 Point, whose pupils gained unusual proficiency, and
Stella E. born Oct. 7, 1866; Guy C., July 2, 1872;A o S 2' o a conside:able degree of public notoriety for drill exAlmta A., Sept. 20, I874. In this, as in many other....
Alm.. SI, hi, bitions in various places. Mr. Gray was a member.C.. families in Mecosta Co., the diphtheria made cruel ibitios in vrious places. Mr. Graywas a member
a, died O. 20 of Company B, with the rank of Orderly Sergeant. -
= ravages. Ella G., born July 23, i86i, died Oct. 20,
88 Se was married and left son foryearsold On completing his course of study lie went to Wil- %
s I b M marc i, 8 e Oc U 8 o liamsport in the employ of Slonaker, Howard & Co. =
=a Fred I., born March T8, I863, died Oct. 19, I881, one p
as blook-keeper and partner. 'TIhe lbusiness of the
day preceding the demise of his sister; Rae A., born
Jan 22, 86.22, house was heavy and prosperous, and the relation
89, existed until 1873. In that year Mr. Gray came to
Big Rapids, and the partnership of Phippen, Gray &
E -r Howard was formed. The concern operated in logs,
lumber and pine lands until Nov., 1878, doing a suc-^.cessful business.
iohn Hunter, farmer, sec 3o, Mecosta Tp., At the date named the present business relation of
r was born in Montreal, Dec. I3, i852. His S. H. Gray & Co. was established. The house is, parents, Robert and Sarah (Curry) Hunter, engaged in extensive and l)rosperous operations.
were born in Ireland, of Scotch parentage, and They own a saw-mill on the lower dam, east of the
were there married, coming shortly after the river, where they have a lumber yard and employ 20
event to Canada. hands; they also own a shingle mill on the west side
Mr. Hunter began his battle of life at I6 of the river, above the lower bridge, where 35 men
years of age, in Essex Co., N. Y., whither his parents constitute the laboring force. They make I8-inch
removed. His first employ was as a.lumberman, work- shingles which they kiln dry, being thereby enabled
ing with a contractor who was "putting in" timber on to facilitate shipping. They manufacture about
the Hudson River, and remained- until the winter of 20,000,000 annually, and sell chiefly in Eastern mar- I
1873, when he returned to Montreal, Meanwhile kets. The shingles of their make, known, to the
his father and family had removed to Mecosta County, trade as the i8-inch XXXX, are among the best (5
and he came hither to Big Rapids, and found speedy products in that line. The business of the firm also
employ as a lumberman winters, and a farm hand includes logs, lumber and pine lands.
summers, alternating these occupations three yeais. Mr. Gray was married at Grand Rapids, June I6,
His father and n:otl.er, resident on sec. 3o, Me(osta 875, to Antha, daughter of Wm. S. and Margaretta
— a-e an)^ -4
232 MECOSTA
(Hill) Gray, born in Freeport, Ill., April 8, I849.
They have one son, Vivian, born at Big Rapids, Nov.
I7, 1876.
Mr. Gray is a stockholder and director in the
(0 Northern National Bank, is Secretary and Treasurer in
CO UNTY..&/>(X
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the Big Rapids Boom Co., and Secretary of the Big
Rapids Water-Power Improvement Company.
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where he engaged in farming and lumbering three
years, and then obtained work on the Erie Canal.
On the outbreak of the rebellion of the Southern
States he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth N. Y. Vol. Inf.,
and served two years, the full period for which he enrolled, and received an honorable discharge. He was
in the engagement at Gaines' Mills, Antietam, Fairfax
Court-House and in the battle of the Wilderness. On
his discharge he returned to Pennsylvania and at once
proceeded to Mecosta Co., Mich., and bought 40 acres
of land in Deerfield Tp. It was then in a wild condition, but he has nearly his entire acreage in a good
state of cultivation, and lately improved by a new
frame house. Mr. Gross adheres to the principles advocated by the Democratic party.
He was married Oct. 22, I869, to Jeannette, daughter of Alanson and'Esther A. (Hedges) Rickar. Her
parents are natives of New York and came to Mecosta County in the winter of I865. Mrs. Gross was
born May 22, I849. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross three
children were born, as follows: Alphonso G., Aug.
22, I870; Ella A., June 14, I873; Mabel A., Dec.
24, I878.
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-ohn G. Potter, farmer, sec. 22, Austill Tp.
(P. 0. Stanwood), was born in Niagara Co.,
N. Y., Nov. 9, 1849. His parents, Russell
and Emmeline C. (Grover) Potter, were natives
of New York.
5 Mr. Potter was reared as a farmer's son, sent
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to the common schools and trained as farm assistant
until he was 22 years old. In i872 he came to Mecosta County and bought the homestead property of
his father-in-law, William H. Olin, about 1877, comprising 40 acres of improved land.
TT....-.. _ __1.._ o _ _ In -. _ n
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7 ne was marriec Iviarcn 9, 1672, to10 san.., ' g)
daughter of William H. and Lydia (Corey) Olin, born - - '
in Chemung Co., N. Y., April 9, I854. Her parents
) were natives of New England.
Mr. and Mrs. Potter have had six children, two of iram U. Slawson, furniture dealer at Big
Whom are deceased: Stella E., born Aug. 20, 1874, Rapids, was born in Orange Co., N. Y.,
died May ro, 1876; and Alberta, born Aug. 3, 1879, | March 3o, 1810. He was reared on a farm,
died Oct. 13, 1879. The living children were born and at the age of 6 learned the trade of carin the ordei named: Florence E., March 28, 1873; penter and joiner, and afterward that of cabiGracie E., July 6, 1877; Claude E., July 13, I880, net-maker, and has since been engaged alterand Harry J., July 28, I882. nately in their prosecution.
Mr. Potter is a Democrat in political faith and ac- Mr. Slawson came to Michigan in the fall of 1848,
tion, and is the present Supervisor of the township. and worked in a furniture establishment at Grand
Rapids about two years, going at the end of that
time to Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he was engaged in the furniture business about 20 years. He
next transferred his interests to Cedar Springs, Kent
Co, and in April, 1882, he came to Big Rapids and
T 2 e U GroPs, faTrpery sec. 208M Dieerfield| lpurchased the stock and fixtures of E. A. Knight,
Tlp., P. O. Morley, was born in New Lisbon, and is now operating with a fair degree of succ ss.?! Otsego Co., N. Y. His parents were natives Mr. Slawson was married in Seneca Co., N. Y
A of the same State. His mother, Nancy (Pat- Jan. i, 1835, to Eusebia, daughter of John and Mary
4) j rick) Gross, died in the fall of 1843; his father, Fleming, born in Seneca Co., Nov. 26, 81. They
Ellis Gross, resides in Steuben Co., N. Y. have had the following named children: Henry, -, At the age of 15 Mr. Gross went to Pennsylvania, Charles and Morrison, farmers, near Greenville;
- x (; — 5 ^-} nB h 1; > 4. -4-..
AMECOOS TA
William, who is deceased; Newell S., an attorney
at Cedar Springs several years, and who died ili
' Marshall, Texas, in March, i882; Mary, wife of
Joseph B. Hammond, a grocer, in Ionia Co.; Will T.,
(j a reporter on the Pioneer Mfagne/, and a practical
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printer. Mr. Slawson owns a residence and lot on
Henderson Street, two houses with lots at Cedar
Springs; also five vacant lots at that place. The
family are members of the Congregational Church.
-enjamin F. Rathvon, senior member of
the firm of Rathvon Bros., proprietors of
the Mecosta Planing Mill, was born at
Bertie, Welland Co., Pr. of Ont., Can., Feb.
( ) 8, 1848. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth
Rathvon. The father was a carpenter, and
died when Benjamin was seven years of age. The
m mother removed to Springfield, Elgin Co., Ont.,
where she was again married, to Reuben Johnson,: a magistrate of that place.
Mr. Rathvon returned to Welland County when he
was i3 years of age, and was a member of the household of his uncle, a farmer, three years. He then
went to Ridgeway, same county, and engaged with
Eben Cutler to learn carpentering. He spent five
years acquiring his trade, then went back to Springfield, where he operated as a builder three years,
going thence to St. Thomas, and there followed the
same occupation. In September, I880, he came to
lonia, and connected his fortunes with those of his
brother Charles, and at the end of a year they came
to Mecosta village and built their planing mill, at a
cost of nearly $4,000. They usually employ ten
men, and are doing a first-class business, with gratifying success. They combine building with lumbering
interests. They expect to add machinery for making sash, doors, and also furniture. Mr. Rathvon is
a member of the A. 0. U. W.
He was married May 29, 187r, to Emma A.,
daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Gilbert, born June
1 5, 850, in Southold Tp., Elgin Co., Can. Their
two children were born as follows: Lewis E. O., at
St. Thomas, Can., April 16, I874; Ilau M., in Spring'.,field, Elgin Co., Oct. 15, 1875.
[ ichael Keegan, farmer, sec. I2, Hinton
l Tp., is a son of James and Lucy (Perent)
1~, % Keegan, and was lorn in Van Buren,
q'l Aroostook Co., Maine, April 9, 1848. His. father was a native of Ireland and his mother
of Canada. They were among the earliest settlers in the section of Maine, where they located and
reared their family.
At the age of I5, Mr. Keegan and his brother
James came to East Saginaw, Mich., and there found
employment on the river and in the pines one and a
half years. He went thence to Stillwater, Minn.,
and there engaged in the same business I8 months.
He returned to Saginaw for a brief time, and soon
after came to Mecosta County, and bought 40 acres
of forest land exclusively his own and, associated
with another person, purchased an additional 20 acres.
He operated as a lumberman until I87I, when he
began to improve his land, and soon after added 40
acres, making his homestead 80 acres in all, of which
60 acres are now under tillage with suitable and commodious farm buildings. Mr. Keegan was united in
marriage, in this township, Feb. 4, 1872, to Mary,
daughter of William and Sarah (Whitney) Cross and
widow of Joseph Moulton. The father was a native
of England and the mother of Maine; they now reside with Mr. and Mrs. Keegan. In politics Mr.
Keegan is a Republican.
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laarence W. Parks, senior member of the
hardware firm of Parks Bros., and member
(}~- of the Council of Mecosta, Morton Tp.,
was born in Lyons Tp., Oakland Co, Mich.,
May r8, I855. He is a son of William R.
and Ann E. (Dunlap) Parks. His parents
removed in March, 1864, to Easton Tp.,
Ionia Co., and there bought 120 acres of land, residing thereon two years; they then went to Keene Tp,
Ionia Co., and became the owners of 80 acres of land.
C. W. Parks rented this property in 1877, and managed it three years. He came to Mecosta in ir8o,
in company with C. H. Taylor, to engage in mercan -
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-234. MECOSA CO UNTY
234 MECOSTA COUNTY., -...........,..I..
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tile pursuits; and they founded a hardware trade.
3 Their relation continued ono year, Mr. C. H. Taylor
> selling his interest to M. F. Strong, of Saranac, who,
one year later sold in turn to Robert D. Parks. The
) building which they occupy was bought by the senior
member of the firm, and Mr. Strong. It is 20 x 60
feet in dimensions; the main store with one adjoining,
24 x 36 feet, is utilized for a tin-shop, store-room, etc.
The present firm was established Feb. I, 1883, and
are doing a prosperous business, carrying a stock of
6 about $8,000, including hardware, stoves, tinware,
i sash, doors, crockery, etc., with annual sales of about
$25,000. Mr. Parks was elected member of the Village Council in.the spring of I883; he also belongs to
the A. 0. U. W.
He was married in Vergennes, Kent Co., Mich.,
Sept. 28, I88r, at the residence of the bride's father,
to Agnes E., daughter of Sidney E. and Almira Hoag,
N who was born May 7, 1852, and was reared on a
farm until her marriage. Sidney Hoag's father was
a prosperous farmer, and one of the pioneers of
5 Vergennes.
I850, died in March, i854; M. Ellinor, born Aug.
24, 1854, died June 30, I882.
The family attend the Congregational Church.
Mr. Davis is liberal in his political views, and in his
actions is independent of party issues.
i ottlob Vogg, farmer, sec. I8, DeerfieldTp.,
I S was born in Germany in I834. He is a son. wir yof Christian Vogg and both his parents
^ were of German birth.
He left the "Faderland" for the United
' States in '54 and stopped in New York (where
he landed) two years. In '56 he went to Massachusetts and there remained 12 years, removing in '68 to
Kalamazoo Co., Mich., and after a stay of two and
one-half years came to this county. He soon after
purchased 8o acres of land, in an uncultivated con- -
dition. His industry, thrift and perseverance have
ever been manifested and his present circumstances
are a significant evidence of what a man may do un-.
der the free institutions of this country. Sixty-five acres {
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'1:t. -L ~ — L >-. of his land are in first-class condition, and he is en-. ames Davis, farmer, on sec. 29, Austin Tp.,
-aes Dai, farer on sc. 2, t, joying all the rewards he has so justly earned.
o was born in Wales, July 9, 186. He is a,
as born in Wales, Jy 9, 86. He is a Thle subject of this sketch was married in '58, in
G~we son of Thomas and Ann (Howell) T);vis,. the State of New York, to Fricdeiika Krieger, a naalso born in Wales, where they lived and died.ermanye had eight children, six
A the age of I6 r. iavis went to work as a of whom are living: Iriederika C., Geo. XV., Henry
farm laborer, and in the fall of 1840 was C., Otto, Caroline and Flora. Louisa and Paulina
married to Martha, daughter of William and Maryett died in infancy.
(Rogers) Harries. Mr. Davis and his wife at once Mr. Vogg is a member of the Lutheran Church
settled on a farm, where they lived and labored until and acts with the Republican party.
their removal to this country, in the fall of 1857,
when they went to Quebec, Canada, thence to Newaygo Co., Mich., residing there two years. In the -—.. l --- -
fall of T859 they settled on the 40 acres, now their
homestead, which they purchased in the earliest
days of the township, of which they were among the t Jilliam S. Gray, of the firm of S. H. (;ray
pioneers. fijM & Co., manufacturers of lumber, lathl and l, Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had seven children: | shingles, at Big Rapids, was born in
t Anna E., born Aug. r, 1838; Edward R., July 7, 842; Chenango Co., N. Y., June 26, 1820.
'/ William H., Jan. 28, 1844; David D., born Oct. 28,, He is a son of Bethuel and Cornelia
846, died in February, 185; Thomas, born April t (Carter) Gray, and was brought up on a farm,
II, 1848, died in February, i851; (these children attending school winters. Hie left home at 18,
died of scarlet fever;) Margaret, born March 2, and attended the academies at Elmira and Corning.
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- MECOSTA COUNTY. 237
The first business experience of Mr. Gray was as Penn., April 21, 1848, with Margaretta, the daughter
clerk in a general store in Corning, Steuben Co., of John and Margaretta Hill, born in Northulmberf N. Y. He went two years later to Port Deposit, land Co., Pa., Aug, 12, i827. Their four children T
Cecil Co., Md., in the interests of a lumber firm, are all deceased save one. Antha, eldest daughter,
having charge of their sales and shipping, nine born April 8, 1849, in Rock Run, 111., is the wife of
months. At the end of that time he went back to Sylvester H. Gray, senior member of the film. (See
Corning and opened a mercantile house, operating as sketch.) The others were Ida May, William B. and
a lumber dealer in connection therewith, and manag- an infant child.
ing a saw-mill near that place. He sold out at the
expiration of two years and went to New York,
- where he was clerk in a store on Grand street, -—.<(.-I...->-+. ---a going thence to Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and
there attended the academy one year and taught one
term of school. In 1845, he entered the office of i amuel S. Mitchell, farmer and lumberman,
Charles Coryell, M. D., and read medicine six resident on sec. 28, Hinton Tp.. whose
months; thence he removed to Somerset, Lycoming J portrait we give in this Album, was born in
Co., Penn., where he taught school, three terms. Livingston Co N Y Je 5 1819 He atHe then went to Jersey Shore, in the same county,
tended school wintPr-s and was engaged on his
and studied with Dr. Hepburn two years, supple- father's farm summers until 25 years ofage.(,menting his office reading with one course of lectures
at Philadelphia. At the age of 22 years he assumed entire charge of
at Phlade,. ~ the family, which consisted of his parents, two broth- 'a
"_ In 1848, Mr. Gray went to Rock Run, Stephenson
==... ) e ers and a sister. His father and mother removed C=
Co, Ill., and was a medical practitioner there seven
with their children to Allegany Co, N. Y., in 1829,
years, and engaged in mercantile business wagon ==:
e= as' an eI, and went thence to Steuben County. In the fall of
tmanufacturing and also in farming. He next went
ma'. &844, Mr. Mitchell came to Livingston Coulnty, acto Freeport, in the same county, and there served 8,. i l c t ii, a companied by his parents, and the family remained
three terms as County Treasurer, and managed three
V ),'. ~these together seven years, going thence to New aygo ( v
stock farms —one of 640 acres, in Carroll County, ee ee e i e
County, where he left the father and mother in the
and two others containing respectively 282 and 180
a h personal care of his brother William; after this they
acres. He also owned a small farm near Freepmtt,.. resided together, Mr. Mitchell providing for their
and had a book store there which he owned about a, t l,
needs, until the last few years of their lives, when
year; he had also a store for the sale of furniture. William itchell assued entire care of them. Sa
William Mitchell assumed entire care of them. Sam'These establishments were managed personally by i i o o
i. luel S. remained in Newaygo County nearly 20 years,
parties employed for the purpose..
artie there owning a farm, which he managed in connecIn i865 he built a woolen mill, in company with tion with lumbering until the spring of I869. He
Messrs. Rosenstiel & Sunderland, with which he was then came.to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres
connected until 1874, and owned a general store and of wild land in Hinton Tp., with but few improvetailor shop at the same time. In I876 he came to ments. He now resides thereon and has about 25
Big Rapids, and became a member of the firm with acres under good improvement. Mr. Mitchell is iwhich he is at present connected. The company dependent in politics. He has held the office of
own a saw-mill on the east side of the Muskegon Road Commissioner four years, and repeatedly been
River, and a shingle-mill on the west side. Mr. offered other positions of trust in his township, but
Gray owns his residence, and is a stockholder in the has presistently declined. Himself and wife belong
National Bank, and in the Big Rapids Boom Com- to the First-Day Adventists, and Mr. Mitchell belongs
pany, and also is Director and President of the Big to the Order of Masons.
Rapids. Water-Power Company; has served the He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 31,
municipality six years past as Alderman. 848, to Agnes, daughter of Andrew and ElizabethMr. Gray was united in marriage, at Uniontown, (Rossman) Brockway. Her-parents were natives odf
y^\ w - ^ ^flwnH;(.^ ^^-^ ^
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t 238 MECOSTA COUNTY.
t II.tt>A~r -
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Pennsylvania, where she was born March 21, 1831. ces. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have been the parents of
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have had ten children, Har- 2 children, six of whom are living. Following is their
J riet E., wife of Henry Moulter, born April 17, 850; record: Franklin P. was born Nov. I, 1852; James
Helen E., wife of Luther Bemis, bornAug. 7, 1852; H., June 15, I856; Angela M., May 13, I858; UlysK Robert P., born May 3, 1854; Charlotte A., wife of ses G., Oct. 17, 1864; Rosa L., Nov. 4, 1867; MarAlden Bailey, born Sept. 14, 856; Kate, wife of John shall N., May ii, I877; Sarah N., Dec. i, 1862,
Right, born March 12, 1859; Clara, wife of Henry died March 14, 1879. Five children died in early
A. Mann, born Sept. 2, I86I; Annette, wife of El- infancy. Mrs. Gilmore is a member of the M. E.
bert Trall, born Nov. 4, 1863; Jessie D., born Dec. Church.
25, 1865; Arthur, born April Io, i868, and died
S April 17, i868; Edgar D., born Aug. I7, I869, died
Oct. 31, I87x. | -.x.
As a prominent and representative citizen of Mecosta County we give Mr. M's portrait in this Album.
eorge Waldo, farmer on sec. 8, Mecosta
Tp. (P. 0. Big Rapids), was born in Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, I830..?,,.C His parents, Samuel and Sally (Cowen) Waldo,
j t enry R. Gilmore, resident on sec 34, Aus- were born in New York and Ireland respect^,y tin rp., was born in Niagara Co., Ontario, ively.
O ct. 0 5, 1832, and is a son of Henry and He accompanied his family to Ohio when five
= Mary.A. (Hartsell) Gilmnore, who were natives years old, and at nine years of age left home to en- =
$ respectively of New Jersey and Massachusetts, gage as a stage driver, and pursued that calling seven 2
a and were of German and Irish extraction. years, driving continually on one route. In the fall =
Mr. Gilmore began at the age of 18 years to learn of 1847 he came to Saginaw, Mich., and there en.the carpenter's trade, devoting his leisure to study in gaged in lumbering six years, going in 1854 to Kent
the district school, and by dint of much exertion he Co., where he was similarly occupied fouryears. His ()
managed to secure a fair education. He went into next remove was to Jackson, Mich., to work on a
the country, where he pursued his trade some years, Governmient contract, and there operated until the
and was married to Elizabeth A., daughter of Alfred wave of civil warfare swept over the land and for the
and Betsey (Cleveland) Butler. Her parents were time being obliterated private projects and aspiranatives of Maine, where Mrs. Gilmore was born in tions. Mr. Waldo enlisted Oct. I9, i86I, in the First
Somerset County, Feb. 17, 1831, going thence to On- Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. His terrns of
tario, Can., with her parents and there resided until enrollment entitled him to the position of road con.
her marriage, May 14, 1851. structor, but he was in active service at Perryville,
They settled in the town of Elgin, where Mr. (il- Ky., and Stone River, Tenn. and Shiloh He was
more was busy with his trade till the spring of 1853, made Sergeant iu1 1862 and continued his services
when they came to Newaygo County and settled on until he was discharged at Atlanta, Ga., in Oct., 1864.
the Muskegon River, and there he followed his trade He returned to Mecosta and has since been ensevenyears. In i86o they removed to Austin Tp., gaged in firming and lumbering. Soon after again
and Mr. Gilmore purchased 80 acres of land and de- settling in the township he bought 40 acres of land,
voted his attention to farming. The entire llace is on which he built the first house erected in this secr,~ under cultivation. tion. 'Mr. Waldo is a I)emocrat and has served
6 P Mr. Gilmore belongs to the National party and cast several terms as Constable, with entire satisfaction.
the first (;reenback vote in the county. lie has been He was married at Grand Rapids, April 29, 1846,;. Justice of the Peace 12 years, Highway Commis- to Mary J., daughter of John and Jane (Campbell)
K sioner two years, and has been a memberof the Sani- Smith. She died July 6, t865, leaving one child,
t ary Board some years, lesides having held other offi- Charles \V., Iorn Jan. to, 86i. Mr. Waldo was a
IN$the property described. He was married May 14,purchased his present farm on sec. I2, in the village
| the prorribed.~ e w ariei4,
240 MECOSTA COUNTY.
of Mecosta, where he has made rapid progress party. He has held severa
~ in improvements, clearing away timber, cultivating the affairs of his township.; the land, erecting farm buildings, and putting the
place in the best possible state for farming.
(- Although he has been resident but a year, the work
accomplished seems incredible.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are the parents of five
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children: Cora E., born Feb. 14, 1876; Edith I.,
born Oct. o1, 1877; Ethel L., born June 23, I879;
Leona E., born Feb. I4, T88; Edwin D., born Feb.
o, I883.
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- l alvin Royce, farmer and carpenter, resid) i ing on sec. 34 of Deerfield Tp. (P. O.,
s, ~ N Morley), was born Aug. 28, 1817, in Charleston, N. H. He is a son of Lemueland Eunice
i y (Hoadley) Royce, natives of the "Old Granite
State," where they lived all their lives. The
= father died at the age of 98.
Mr. Royce acquired a good education in the l)ulllic
schools of New Hampshire and attended the Newbury (Vt.) Seminary. He taught school winters and
worked as a carpenter summers until of age. In the
fall of 1845 he went to the State of Pennsylvania and
labored as a carpenter and farm hand a number of
years. He caine to Deerfield, Mecosta Co., in the
spring of 1865 and became the owner of 120 acres of
land, all in an unimproved state. He erected a frame
house, since his home, and at once entered upon the
task of reclaiming his land. He retains but 40 acres
of his original purchase, having disposed of 8o acres.
His farm is all under tillage.
Mr. Royce was married to Mary J., daughter of
Warren and Ruth (Hoag) Jenkins, natives of the
State of New York, where her father still resides.
Five of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Royce are
living-Eunice, Gertrude, Alice, Osmon C. and Elva.
The name of the deceased child was Ida; she died? aged one year.
} Mr. Royce was a delegate to the first Republican
^ Convention held in Tioga County for the purpose of
) organizing that political element within its limits,
an;d lIas since been active in the interests of the! enry Iearn, farmer on sec. 20, Austin Tp.
_$ ri (P. 0., Stanwood), was born in Oxfordshire
tF Eng., Oct. I, I834. He is a son of Benja-. min and Sarah (Hearn) Hearn, both natives of
England, where they lived and died.
Mr. Hearn remained at home only till he was j
seven years of age, when his boyish aspirations
impelled him to go among strangers and secure what
seemed to him the greatest boon on earth-personal
liberty. He was variously employed until he was
20 years of age; the last year of this period
he spent in the stables of English sporting men.
In 1854 he came to the United States, landing
at the city of New York and remaining there but
a short time. He caine on to the city of Detroit and:
found employ in the immediate vicinity as a farm
laborer for iT years. He then went to Shiawassee =
C(ounty, and thence to Austin 'p., in the spring of
1868, where he purchased 8o acres of land, and has
since added 40 acres, making 120 acres of wild land,
of which 60 acres are now under first-class improvemnents..[r. Hearn was married in England, May 15, 1 55,
to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Rolfe)
Frost, lboth English by birth and inseparably wedded
to their native'country. The daughter was born
()Oct. 6, 1832. She accompanied her husband to the
United States and went bravely througl all the trials
and plrivations of the pioneer days of the townshilp.
She died April, r, 1872, leaving a large family and a
multitude of friends to mourn her irreparable loss.
Her seven sons and daughters all survive her. Their
record is as follows: Florence G. was born July 18,
1856; Mary E., Nov. 28, i85q; Sarah A., March 4,
1862; Alfred W., lMay 8, 1864; Edward H., Julne
'5, i866; Lucy E., (ct. 4, 1868; Martia '., Nov.
27, 1870.
Mr. Hearn and wife were members from youth of
the (hurcih of Englland, and Mr. Hearn is still an
adherent to belief in its tenets. He is a I)emocrat "
iand has always sustained the issues of his Iarty. <
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IMECOSTA COUNTY. 241
and there remained about 18 months in quiet endeavor to recruit his health. He was then engaged
X5~.in teaming for five years, tlen purchased 40 acres of %!'
elson V. Adair, farmer,and carlpenlter, sec. land in Montcalm County, where he lived eight years.
- 6, I)eerfield Tp., was born in the Stateof The financial stress of 1873 plunged him into mis- k
New Voik, Feb. 5, '46. He is a son of fortune, and in the winter of 1874, vlhen he came to
J,1 Henry and Mary (Vantyle) Adair, who was Mecosta County, he had scarcely a dollar He toiled, born in the State of New York, in Seneca Co., and persevered and in the fallof 1875 bought 40 acres
where the father died, Feb. 14, '81; the mother is still of wild land. He has put the place in a fine state
living, in the Empire State. of cultivation, with good buildings. Besides the
Mr. Adair remained an inhabitant of his native rest of his olligations, that he discharged in a becomp lace until 1869, and in the spring of that year he ing manner, was the suluort of his )arents and sis
m
came to Shiawassee Co., Mich., where during two
years he followed his trade; coming thence to Mecosta
Co., he bought 80 acres in the town of I)cerfield.
It was partly improved and has since been his homestead.
Mr. Adair was married in Seneca Falls, N. Y.,
Nov. 7, i866, to Maiy, daughter of Alonzo and Rebecca (Woolsey) Randolph. Of this mariage one
child was born —Henry R., )ec. 20, '69. The mother
died in Mecosta Co, Dec. 20, '74, and Mr. Adair contracted a second mairiage July 4, 77, at Big Rapids,
ters while in St. Clair County, where his father died.
The mother is still living, in Montcalm County.
Mr. Bemis was married in this county, Oct. I6,
1873, to Helen E., daughter of S. S. and Agnes
(Brockway) Mitchell, of Hinton Tp., who was born
in Kent County, Aug. 7, T852. Mr. Bemis is a Republican.
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' to Emly H., daughter of Magnus and Christiana X eI..s
= (Ashman) Ulrich. The parents of Mrs. Adair were t1imon G. Webster, COilty Tleasuler, res- =
natives of Germany. The family now includes two idet at Big Rapids, was bor at Col(ord, ~
children, —Jennie H., born Dec. 9, '79, and Lillian Jackson Mch Aug 24 1843, ad s
son of Roswell and Harrnet (Townsend)
M., May i8, '8i. Mr. Adair is a Republican in po- so of Rosel d et (ownsed)
litical sentiment and has held the office of Supervisorte He alterted f laor su
with school duties winters until he was i6
two terms. Himself and family attend the Meth- sa dles nters ut e was
odist Episcopal Church.ears of age, and three years later came to
odist Episcopal Church.
Big Rapids. He found employment as a clerk and
teamster, and at that period his and another team
drew all the goods that were sold in Big Rapids,.,[>_ ^from Grand Rapids, via Newaygo, each trip consuming from a week to ten days. Mr. Webster was him-,m f.e rself a driver for two years.
Hinton Ip., is a son of Aaron and Lovice
Hto, s a sn of rolling in Company M, 3d Michigan Cavalry, under
(Holcomb) Bemis, te father a ntapt Ives. The regiment was detailed for special
' Springfield, Vt, and the mother, of the State of service among the bushwhackers of the West, and
New York. Mr. Bemnis was born in St. Clair proceeded thence to Texas, wlbere he was mustered
Co., Mich., Oct. 9, 1843. He was thrown upon out on special order in November, I865, at San Anhis own resources for supplort at 13 years of age, and tonio. Mr. Webster came back to Big Rapids, and
was first employed as a carpenter's assistant; then was employed in the general merchandise establish-,
for six years worked by the month. In December, ment of G. F. Stearns, who discontinued the business
i86i, he enlisted in Co. I, Berdan's Sharp-shooters, in the spring of I866. He then went toMiddleville,
and after about eight months' service was discharged. Barry Co., Mich., and again engaged as clerk. In
On his return to private life he went to Ionia County, i868 he began mercantile business for himself, in
8 he beganneatifo
242 l-COSTA COUNT —Y.
>* 242 Afd CO STA CO UNTY.
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partnership with F. H. Degolia, continuing until 87 r,
) operating with success. In the year named, because; of the impaired health of Mr. Degolia, the firm disposed of the stock by sale. Mr. Webster returned
to Big Rapids and opened a grocery and produce
store, managing alone one year, then admitted J. F.
Clark to an equal interest; they closed their business
in 1876. In 1877 Mr. Webster received an appointment as Under-Sheriff with Col. Vincent, and held
the position until January, i88i; was elected Supervisor of the Fourth Ward in T875, and remained the
i incumbent of the office until 1882; served two years
as Chairman of the Board. In 1882 lie was Repullican nominee for County Treasurer, running against
C. B. Hannum, candidate of the Fusion party. The
vote stood I705 to 950, in favor of M1r. Webster. He
is a member of the Order of Masonry, and is at this
writing (1883) Commander of Pilgrim Commandery,
No. 23; has held the place of Captain (eneral of the
same division three years. He is also an active and
prominent member of the Fire I)epartment; was
Chief Engineer, and organized the Alert Hose Co.,
r which took the second national prize at the tourna{ ment at Chicago in 1877. The prize included $300;
~ and the cart which was manufactured for the Centennial Exposition by the Silsby Manufacturing Co.
The marriage of Mr. Webster to Alice McDowell
took place Dec. 25, 1867. She is a daughter of Addison and Lavina McDowell, of Allegan Co., Mich.,
and was born at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs.
Webster have one daughter, Ethel M., born May io,
1872, at Middleville, Barry (o., Mich.
' M.: Trussell, proprietor of the Afecosta
Countl Advance, and also of the Morley AdWvance, was born in Jackson, Ohio, July 12,
1857. He is a son of Jasper S. and Sarah A., (Stout) Trussell, and until tile age of 16 years
was a student at school. le was early disposed to his present calling, and at the age named
he went into a printing-office in Clifton, \. Va., and
remained there several months, afterward blecoming
local editor of the Irolnton (()hio) Comercial. He
went from Ironton to Pittsbulrg, where he again entered a prilnting-office to coml)lete his knlo vlNedge of
the details of the business. His next advance was
to the position of proof-reader, and in i88r he became
reporter for the Daily Chronicle, published at Pittsburg. In August, 1882, he came to Mecosta County,
and September i, following, he became proprietor by
purchase of the Afecosta County Advance. He issued the first number of the Morley Advance, a
popular local journal, April 13, 1883.
The JMecosta County Advanlce was founded by F.
W. Harrison, the first numlber being issued April 7,
I88. It was an eight-page sheet, but was afterwards
enlarged to a five-column quarto. Upon the failure
of the proprietor's health he sold out to Mr. Trussell.
The paper has always been well received and now
has a circulation of 60o copies.
J oseph B. Barto, farmer, sec. 20, Austin T'p.
(P. 0. Stanwood), was born in Lower Canada, March, 1836. He is son of John and
Beatrice (Covena) Barto, who were natives of
France, and emigrated to this country, settling
in Canada.
Mr. Barto commenced his single-handed contest
with the world at the age of 15 years and worked as
farm assistant until 17, when his father died, and he
left the ])ominion, joining his brother in New York,
and there engaged winters in the lumber business,
laboring summers on farms. He was married in Essex Co., N. Y., Aug. 9, I856, to Matilda daughter of
Isaac and Mary (Layno) Bennett, both of French
descent. Mrs. Barto was born Ap il 19, 1842, in
Essex Co., N. Y. After their marriage they remained
in the State of New York until 1872; Mr. Barto
meanwhile engaged in lumbering. llhey removed to
iichigan, where Mr. Iarto was engaged in logging
in Osceola County for one year, coming then to Big
Rapids, where he stayed until I874. He had
purchased a farm of 8o acres in Austin Tp., of
which he took possession, and now has 15 acres
under improvement. Mr. Barto and his family
are members of the Roman Catholic Church. He
is a Republican and ardently devoted to the issues of the party. lThe French language is conimonly spoken in the flalily and taught to the childimen, of w}hom "Veu sulivive, born as follows:
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Lewis, Sept. 7, 1857; Mary L., Nov. 25, 1862; Ida are in cultivation. The reminiscences of Mr. Davis
R., April 15, 1864; Flora E., Aug. 29, 1866; Robert contain a complete history of the growth of Mecosta
L., )ct. 5, T868; Frank E., March 5, I874; Caroline Co. About the time of his settlement, John Parish
M., Nov. 6. 1876. Five children are deceased; located a mile below the point where the "Lower
James, born Feb., I859, died March 2, 859; Nelson, Bridge " at Big Rapids spans the river, and until the
born Dec. 30, I86o, died in infancy; Joseph, born following year they had no other "neighbors." Mr.
Dec. 18, I871, died Julv 14, 1872; Francis, born Jan. Parish left his first location, and to Mr. Davis belongs
29, 1872, died Feb. 14, 1872; Frank, born Jan. 29, the credit not only of being the first settler in this
1872, died Feb. 24, i872. (The two last were twins.) county, but also of still holding his original tenure of
land...He was married at Rockford, Kent Co., Mich.,
- _- s, Nov. 8, 1867, to Sarah Jane, daughter of John and
Rosanna (Blancha) Probasco, born April 2, 1842, in
" ' Huron Co., 0. The parents were natives of New; lohn Davis, farmer, sec 27, Mecosta 'lp.,
wa or May 8, fr 82, at Belfacsta TpI Jersey, and are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Davis
was born May 8, 1 826, at Belfast, Ireland.
i L e r t have three children: Ada M. J., born Oct. 2, i868;,'His parents, William and Mary (Laverty)
ar My.. John William, March 6, I870; and Frank E. B.,
bi 'Davis, were born in Ireland; the father died in
8 June 20, 1872. In politics Mr. I)avis is a Democrat.
1' I852, the mother in I85I. When he was ten%
years old, Mr. Davis ran away to sea, shipping
asa cabin boy on a sailing vessel. His career '
as a sailor continued 22 years, and during the time he
passed several promotions; and at last, in 1844, be- x r
caine first mate, which post he held until 1848, ohn W. Thomas, carriage and wagon maker
when he abandoned a seafaring life. The recital of at Altona, Hinton Tp., was born in Enghis adventures sounds like a romance. He traversed ) land, Nov. I6, 831. His parents, John
the Atlantic Ocean under all circumstances, and in and Relecca (Webb) Thomas, were natives of
every possible direction, and visited all the seaboard England, where the mother died. The father
towns of Europe, and the countries lying on the came to Canada and passed the remainder of
Mediterranean, as well as the ports open to corn- his life; his death occurred in 1879. Mr.
merce on the Asiatic shores and Africa, and the Thomas came to America with his father when he
islands of the East Indies. He was at Alexandria dur- was 14 years of age. The circumstances of the elder
the Turkish war, at Canton, China, while the Chinese Thomas were such that he was enabled to give his
war with England was in progress, and at Calcutta, children a good education, and he sent his son John
India. While the Kaffir war of 1842 was going on to the common schools,and afterward to an academy, -
in Southern Africa, his vessel was at Cape Town. until he attained the age of 16 years, when he was
One of his reminiscences is a visit to what was the aplprenticed for five years to learn the trade of wagon
home of Napoleon while an exile at St. Helena. and carriage making. After fulfilling his indenture
In i850 Mr. Davis came to America, and passed a he worked as a journeyman till 1850. In r855 he
season on the lakes. In 185I he came to Michigan left Canada and came to Michigan, locating at Croand purchased r60 acres of land in what is now ton, Newaygo Co., where he established himself in
Mecosta Tp., locating on sec. 27, where he has the prosecution of his trade, and continued wagon
since resided. He was one of the two white men and carriage making for 15 years. He sold his
who first came to this county and settled permanent- business, and went to work for his brother-in-law,
ly. He built the first barn-a frame building-in the Aaron Austin, as general assistant, keeping books,
county, in i856, and afterward erected a residence, at lumbering, etc., for six months. After a brief visit to
that time the largest in the county. He has bought Canada, he resumed his labors in the woods, for Mr.
considerable land since he made his original purchase, N. Thurston, for a short time. He was then emhis estate now aggregating 385 acres, 225 of which ployed by the G. R. & I. Railroad Co., and while in
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their service received an injury. On recc
occupied with his trade for a time, and t
V 40 acres in Barry Co., Mich., where he v
six years. He bought his place in goo(
) posing he had the right of every man t(
he paid for; but the event proved his titl
he was obliged to abandon the farm, and
loss of $300. He lived a year at Stanwo
Tp., and hought 32 acres of land in the
Ieerfield, which is still in his possessi
4 spring of 1879, he came to Altona and
his present business.
Mr. Thomas has been married twice
father of seven children. Those livii
Adelaide and Drusilla. The decease(
liam and Jane, and twin children who c
infancy. Mr. Thomas is a Republic;
Constable three years while a resident
( County.
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a ~, f illiam 0. Lake, Assistant Pc
-V f, Morley, was born at Port R
it t March 5, 1855. His parent
d 7: and Margaret (Redker) Lake. f natives of Canada, where they
reside.
When Mr. Lake reached the age of
was employed as clerk in a store by Ale
guson, and there worked about i8 mon
wards he was variously employed until
i 872, and then came to Bay City. In tl
1873, he came to Morley, and was eml)lp
4 son Pike as clerk. Six years later he fo
nership with D. C. King in a mercantil
which relation existed until the summ
when the business was closed. In the s
year he made an extended trip to Colo]
ing the same fall, and engaging tei
1 Morley and Muskegon, in miscellaneo
While his affairs were connected with th? King in i880, they built a shingle-mill in; part of AEtna Tp. They managed, months and sold to J. E. Thurkow.
) Mr. Lake assumed control of the postof? ley. In April of the current year, he
ME COSTA CO UNTY.
)very he was Township Clerk, and in the same month succeeded
then bought to the editorial chair of the Morley Advance. In
vas resident politics he is independent, and is a member of the
d faith, sup- Order of Odd Fellows.
O hold what
le poor, and
sustained a
od, Mecosta
township of I ood & Gale. This is one of the most exion. In the 4.x tensive and important of the business firms
established ( it of Big Rapids, and its components are
Ti homas Hood and Martin P. Gale. They are, and is the. manufacturers of pine lumber, chiefly, shingles,
ng are Ida, etc., and shi their products throughout the
d were Wild in ey East. Their interests are widespread and
lied in early
various, comprising saw-mills, landed property, etc.
an, and was, ad ws heir steam saw-mill at Remus, Mecosta Co., proin Newaygo
duces 50,000 feet of lumber daily, and they employ
in the mill and woods about ioo workmen. Inl 1871
they l)ought the mill in upper Big Rapids, built by the
Tioga Manufacturing Co., which they sold in May,
1883. A mill owned by them in Leroy, Osceola
Co., was sold in May, 1882, and Messrs. Baker &
)stmaster at Steains, of Big Rapids, are under contract with then,.owan, Can.. to supply 20,000,000 feet of sawed lumber.
s, Robert 0. Messrs. Hood & Gale own 15,oo000 acres of land in
e, are also Lewis County, N. Y.; also a two-thirds interest in
at present 13,000 acres of farm lands in Oregon County, Mo.,
besides considerable tracts in different parts of this
r years, he State. T'hey hold a two-fifths interest in the Big
xander Fer- Rapids Wagon Works, a stock conilmany which ccmths. After- pletes half a dozen wagons a day, and of which
I the fall of Mr. Gale is Treasurer. They own one-fifth of the
he spring of water i)ower of the lower dlaml at Big rapids, land are
)yed by Nel stockholders in the Northern National B1ank, of which
rmed a part- Mr. (Gale is a l)irector.
e enterprise, The office of the concern is in the Northern Hotel
ier of i88r, Block. This magnificent structume, wholly the prol)pring of that erty of Messrs. Hood & (Gale, is one of the most
rado, retulrn- significant exhibits of the character of the slirit
nl:orarily at which has endowed Big Rapids with its marvelous
us interests. prestige. Its architecture is unilque, and the fuNt enose of 1). C. seible challenges the admiration of every beholder,
i the western It is situated on Maple street, with a south frontage
it about 18 of 300 feet, and the west end running back on State
Jan I, 1883, street. It is 40 to 140 feet deep, built of white brick,
fice at Mor- is two-stories high, and no expense was spared in
was elected rendering it beautiful and substantial in evcry detail.
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MECOSTA CO UNTY. 247
One hundred and forty feet in the center of the firAt largely into real estate brokerage. T'he financial
floor is occupied for hotel purposes, and the remain- demoralization that swept the country about that time
der, Ioth east and west, is devoted to business offices. unsettled his plans, and he accepted a proffered
The second floor is divided into parlors and sleeping situation as cashier of the Exchange Bank, where
apartments. It is lighted throughout by gas, and he officiated one year. His health was still pre-?)
heated lby steam. lThe aggregate cust was $70,000, carious, and in the winter of 1874-5 he went to
Texas to obtain the advantages of the genial climate, and interested himself in the purchase of.mj^___>M |lands. He came back to Big Rapids in the spring,
v Tand in the autumn of 875, in partnership with Samuel
T. Potter, of Jefferson Co., N. Y., opened a banking
e d F, s r m r o house under the firm name of Fairman & Potter.
banki house of Fairman, nor member of t The partnership was dissolved in January, 1879, and
"i wi alr baking house of Fairman c& Newton, Big. b Mr. Fairman conducted the banking business alone
i c k?"~ Raplids, was born in the townshipof Iyme,
Lye, until November, i88I, when he admitted Mrs. M. J.
I Jefferson Co., N. Y., July 15, 1833. His father, Newton, of Jefferson Co., to an interest with himself.
Geo. W. Fnairan, was born in thle year I81i2, |Mrs. Newton retired Aug. io, i882, her son, Samuel
near Ottawa, Canada; is a farmer by occupa-. Newton (the ward of Mr. Fairman), succeeding to
tlion and resides in Jefferson County. His mother,
tion and resides in Jefferson County. His mother a one-half interest, and also to a moiety in the Fair() Mary A. (Fox) Fairman, was born in Lyme Tp.; her man & Newton Block he business of the house
parents were pioneer settlers of Jefferson Co., and has since been rosperos and its relations constantly
were originally from the northeastern part of the Its advantages are based upon years of
increasing. Its advantages are based upon years of
State of New York on Lake Champlain. ~
State of New ork, on Lake Chapl experience and ample capital, together with the
Mr. Fairman was brought up and educated as was staility afforded by the character and record of the
the ctistom ainong the agricultural cormmunities.of
the custom aong the agricultural commnitiesof gentlemen who regulate its relations. The business:
t; that locality and period. He was a boy of energy ualificatios of Mr Fairman, as well as his methods,
qualifications of Mr. Fairman, as well as his methods,
and spirit, and early in life determined to make the well-known and tested by those with whm he is conmost of such advantages as presented themselves. nected in his financial transactions, are such as to
By the time he was i8 years of age he had acquired confidence which they inspire.
a solid and available education, which he turned to I 8 F n loaned a considerable sum
In I876 Mr. Fairman loaned a considerable sum
account by teaching school winters, alternating wit of money to the arties controlling the Big Rapids
farm labors summers, until he reached the age of 26 Iron orks, securing hiself by mortgage. he afyears, wlen, in company with Alpheus Parker, he fairs of the concern became involved and Mr. Faircommenced a general mercantile business at Alexan- man foreclosed in 1878. He at once entered upon
da in his native county. The firm title and style the duty of utilizing the power and fixtures and manwas Parker & Fairman, and the relation existed until ad the business with entire success, and by ]is
the winter of I865. At that date he purchased the systeti methods ad forethought uilt up a cedinterest of his partner conducting the business alone systematic methods and forethought built up a credinterest of his partner, conducting the business alone itable trade. He sold the estblishment in Octoler,
itable trade. He sold the establishment in October,
until I871, and with a fair degree of success. Sell- Canno & Gottsall. In 879, the
188I, to Messrs. Cannon & Gottshall. In I87 9, the
ing his stock, he removed to Adams, Jefferson Co., in disastrous fire of October 19, destroyed the new
order to secure better educational advantages for his Mason House Block, and in I880 Mr. Fairman purchildren, and because of his own impaired health. chased its site and erected what is known as the
He spent the two years following in traveling through Fairman & Newton Block, naming it in honor of the
the South and Southwest, prospecting for a business yotng man who, in 1882, became his associate in
location. the banking house. Mr. Fairman has been for some
He was afterwards impressed with the feasibility years, and still, is operating quite extensively in real
of Big Rapids as a business point, and in the sum- estate, on his own behalf and in the interest of other
( mer of 1873 invested in real estate in that city. He parties.
removed his family to this pla purposing to enter He was married July 3, I855, to Julia M. Waters,
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248 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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daughter of Andrew and Cathaiine Waters, who was
born at Alexandria, Jefferson Co., N. Y., July 3,
1834. Mr. and Mrs. Fairman have three children:
Thyrza J. is the wife of E. W. Hudnutt, of the Falcon Planing Mills; George F. is acting as cashier of
in the bank of Fairman & Newton; Jessie M is the
youngest child and lives with her parents.
We place the portrait of Mr. Fairman in this
Album in connection with this sketch.
ohn M. Crocker, senior member of the
firm of (:rocker & Hudnutt, architects, contractors and builders, and proprietors of the
4 Falcon planing mill, has been a resident of Big
Rapids since I875. He is a son of Wil. H.
and Mary A. (Holloway) Crocker, and was
born in the city of London, Eng., July 28,
1848. His parents came to the United States when
he was two years old, and went to Milwaukee, Wis.,
where his father operated as an architect and builder
until 1858, putting up some of the principal buildings of tle "Cream City." In the year named the
family removed to a farm in IManitowoc, Wis., wheie
the parents yet reside.
Mr. (?rocker naturally inclined to mechanical arts,
and at 12 years of age commenced to prepare for the
vocation of his father, in whose shop hle was trained
seven years, meanwhile oltaininig an educatior. lie
first went to the union school at Milwaukee, and
afterwards to the common schools at MTanitowoc, and
also attended the union school at Ypsilanti, Mich.
The civil war broke out when he was 13 years
old; and the consequent discussion of the alsorbing
topic, and intense feeling which pervaded all classes
at the North, aroused the boy's slirit, and in June,
1864, he enrolled at Manitowoc as a private soldier
in Company G, 39th Wisconsin Vol. Inf., under
Capt. Patchen. He was in the service six motlhs
and participated in several engagements. His regiment was detailed to guarld Mcemlphis, and was ilvolved in some severe skilmishes with the rebel (en.
Forrest. He was discharged at Milwaukee. When
19 years old lie went to Grand Rapids and commenced his career as a contractor; remained eight
years and left a substantial record of his work there
in the form of a numlbrc of fine lbuildings. )During
the period of his residence at Grand Rapids, he fulfilled a number of contracts for stair-building in
Chicago. On coming to Big Rapids in 1875 he at
once entered upon the prosecution of his trade, and
erected the brick school-house, and the magnificent
dwelling of Thomas. D. Stimson, corner of Elm
Street and Warren avenues, now owned by Wiltre
Stickney. He also constructed the building for the
Northern National Bank. Not long after locating
here he formed a partnership with E. W. Hudnutt,
bought the planing mill of C. S. Hanks, and commenced the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds,
mouldings and building materials generally. Their
rapidly extending business has necessitated two additions to the establishment. As evideices of the
enterprise and architectural skill of the firm, Big
Rapids boasts of the Smith Block, the Northern
Hotel, Hood, Gale & Co's Block, Telfer, Morrissey &
Stickney's Block, and Furniture Block, Fairman &
Newton's Block, the Mercy Hospital, Moody and
Moore's Livery Stables, and a number of fine residences. They eniploy at this writing 53 men, and
find demand wholly for their products within the
limits of the State.
Mr. Crocker was married at Coldwater, Mich,
Dec. 23, 1877, to l)ora A. Stout, a native of the State
of New York. He was a member of the School
IBoard at Big Rapids two years, and belonged to tlle
Common Council the same length of time.
saac W. Pierce, member of the Council of
1 io (o., N..Y., an. 2, 1833, and is a sonl of
t ' eris and Rachel (Watkins) Pierce. His
father xwas a farmer and carl)enter, and came to
i Michigan aboult the year 1835 and settled in,eonidas, St. Josellh Co. He entered a claim of
16o acres of timbered land, alld was a pioneer of
that community. He Imade a small clearing, built
his log house and labored until he cleared about 120
acres. Ilis children were small, and at first could
be of but little assistance; Ibut as time passed on,
their inteiest in the ilmprovemlent of the homestead
grew with their years, and they lent no inconsiderable
aid to the develolpment of the 1)lace.
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MECOS TA CO UNV' Y.
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249
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W When 19 years old Mr. Pierce turned his face
t westward to the golden promise of the Pacific coast.! He made his first essay in placer mining in the American River, and operated similarly on the Middle Fork
of Feather River, in Butler Co., Cal. He finally
) engaged in stock business, going at last to Long Valley, Nev., where he was associated with Abner
Stimpson, William Prosser and John Ferris, and engaged in rearing and shipping stock two and onehalf years; they then sold out, and all returned to
California except Mr. Prosser. Shortly afterward
Mr. Pierce went to Idaho City and engaged actively
in mininig for nine and a half years, with fair suc( cess. In the fall of r866 he returned to Leonidas,
resumed his trade, and there has operated as a
lbuilder. In March, 188r, he came to Mecosta village. In the spring of 1883 he was elected Treasurer, and member of the Village Council. He
owns his residence and three lots on Franklin street,
) in the southwest part of the town; also 40 acres of
P farming land in Martiny Tp., located one mile north
> of the village of Mecosta.: Mr. Pierce was married in Leonidas, Jan. 3, 1867,
Q to Carrie, daughter of Henry and Louisa Porter,
l)horn at Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1839.
T'hey have one child-Frank J, born in Leonidas,
s Oct. 30, 1867.
his son, his landed estate in Hinton Tp. includes 120
acres.
Mr. Hall was married in the State of New York,
July I5, 1844, to Lydia, daughterof James and Melinda (Kinney) Heald, natives of Vermont, \who was born
in Essex Co., N. Y., Apiil 29, 1823. Of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, only three survive:
Ellis W., blorn March 7, 1849; Genevra, born Feb.
i6, r855, and Augusta C., Sept. 4, 1856.
In politics Mr. Hall is independent.
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r il. euben N. Hall, farmer on sec. I, Hinton
} l A Tp., is a son of Gardner and Theory (Nott)
-i-:o^ Hall, and was born March II, I819, in
< '; (\ Jefferson Co., N. Y. His father was at native
`( p of Rhode Island, and the mother of Vermont:
' they were married in the State of New York.
Mr. Hall passed the first 20 years of his life
at school and on the farm. At 21 he engaged himself to learn the trade of tanner and currier, which
occupation he followed until the fall of 1863, when
he came to Ionia Co., Mich. He has made agriculi ture the pursuit of his life, and followed it in the
counties of Ionia and Montcalm, until the summer
Q of I881, when he purchased 40 acres of improved
land on sec. i. of Hinton Tp. In the spring of 1882,
he moved his family from Montcalm County. In the
winter of I882 he bought 120 acres of land, chiefly
in heavy timber, sec. 12. Having sold 40 acres to; ~ 5ames P. Weaver, farmer and carpenter,, S Ksec. 34, Austin Tp., is a son of William
-i and Elizabeth (Townsend) Weaver, natives
6 of New Jersey and of German descent. They
aJ became residents of Canada in early life, and
were married there. Mr. Weaver was born in
the Province of Ontario, Can., March T8, 1818..
He was a pupil at school, and an assistant on the B
farm of his father until he reached the age of [9, -
when he came to Michigan and located at Kalama- s
zoo, where he began to learn the art of carpentering,
at which he worked until 1839. He then went back,
to Canada for a brief stay, but on solicitation determined to remain. His parents lived in the city of
London, Out., and he stayed with them, finding plenty
of employment at his trade. His father died March
I, 1849, and he succeeded to the care and responsibilities of managing the farm and family affairs.
This he did, meanwhile follcowing his cccupation,
until the spring of 1865, when he came to this
county and purchased 80 acres of land in Austin Tp.,
besides entering another 80 acres under the homestead law, making a most valuable farm, ranking
fairly with the best locations in Austin Township.
Mr. Weaver was married in London. Ont., March
12, 1843, to Drusilla, daughter of John and Sarah
(Burley) Austin. The parents were natives of New
Jersey, and of German ancestry. Soon after their
marriage they went to Canada and settled in Toronto, Ont., where Mrs. Weaver was born, Dec. 25,.
1825. She was well brought up, and received a fair
degree of education. She has been the mother of L
six children-two boys and four girls. One son and (
one daughter are deceased. The remaining son and ~
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250 o1ME COS TA CO UNTY.
three daughters are settled in life, with promising June 27, I851; Polly, Dec.
families: The following are their names and datesof 24, 857; and Andrew J., r,~ birth. Emmeline, Jan. 2, 1842; John, Dec. o,
~ 1840; Cynthia, Feb. 25, 1838; Josephine, May io,
'- i858..T l 1 *.- A IT Wfr r rl
13, t853
Nov. 22, I; Rosetta, Aug
859.
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In his native city Mr. Weaver was a member of the
Common Council, incumbent at times of several
offices, and was a Lieutenant of the local militia.
He has no political tendency whatever, but has been
Treasurer for several years, Justice of the Peace
three years, etc., and is now District Assessor.
At its organization, the township was named for the
brother of Mrs. Weaver-Aaron Austin-now a resident of Mecosta village.
I
'Cohn E. Reiter, proprietor of steam sawmill at Sylvester, Hinton Tp., was born in
I New Jerqey, Aug. I8, 185. His parents
were John B. and Mary A. (Burns) Reiter.
The father was born in Baden, Germany, and
the mother was a native of Ireland. They
were married in New Jersey, whither they emigrated
from their respective countries, and later removed
to Pennsylvania, where the father is still living, and
where the mother died, June II, I834, Mr. Reiter
went to Pennsylvania, with his parents, and was
3 ---- -h n - e -
there engaged in farming, lumbering, and attending "
1 I school, until 18 years of age. In 1876, he attended
C.-ohn A. Rose, deceased, was a son of An- Eastman's Commercial College three months. In
'=i Hl drew W. and Ormilla (Perry) Rose. His 1877, le came to this county, and became one-half
' ~i - parents were pioneers of the State of New owner by purchase of the steam saw-mill located at Xi
| York, where they passed their lives engaged Sylvester, and owned and managed by Joseph Misho
) in farming. John A. was born in Ulster Co., and I)arum B. Kelley. He bought the interest of
S N. Y., March 13, 1821. He was an inmate of the latter. This was afterward burned, and in the
the iaternal home until 24 years of age. His sunmmer of I882 he erected the mill which he now
circumstances were such that he was never able to olerates. Its capacity is 1o,ooo feet of lumber
attend school a single day in his life; but gathered daily. Mr. Reiter is a Republican in politics, and
together such education as he could, and made the has been School l)irector two years. He is interestmost of his powers of observation, (luickened into ed in the progress of the temperance work, and
keenness by his consciousness of his lack of early lends his influence to all reformatory measures.
opportunities. He came to Michigan in November, Mr. Relter was married in Reed City. Mich., Sept.
1i866, and purchased 20 acres of land, on which he 20, I878, to Jane, daughter of James and Catherine
resided until his death, which occurred Aug. 10, 1875. (Flanagan) Decker. (See sketch of James Decker.)
Since that event Mrs. Rose has sold 80 acres and
with the assistance of her sons carries on the remainder. Ai
Mr. Rose was married Nov. 8, [844, in Aurora,
Erie Co., N. Y., to Emily E., daughterof Amasa and
Polly (Welch) Freeman, natives respectively of New A' a n
( York and Connecticut. She was lorn in ()nondaga k eohn A. Bell, farmer and luler1,nla, s.ec.
Co., N. Y, June i6, i817. After marriage Mlr. and 6, I)eerfild ' was born Marcl 3, 1826,; Mrs. Rose settled in Erie Co., where they were en- |a in.lnada. lle is a son of James and |
gaged in farming until their removal to Michigan. Amelia B. Bell. 'His father was born in EngAll of the seven children born of this marriage yet | land and calne to Canada in r814, where he
t survive. FEmily E. was born Aug. 19, 1845; John T., married and passed his remaining years. Mr. ~)
J1ly 5, 1847; levi A., March 16, 1849; 'I'heo. I,., Bell's nmother was a native of New Jersey.
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251 T
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v Mr. Bell remained under the paternal roof until the
age of 23, engaged on the farm and fitting for future usefulness. After managing his father's farm for
two years, he purchased 200 acres of land with limited improvements, on which was a saw-mill. He
) carried on the farm and engaged in lumbering, and
operated in this two-fold method five years, when he
sold out and bought another farm of ioo acres, which
he occupied four years, and again sold out. In the
fall of i86i he came to Michigan, and was engaged
in lumbering in Mecosta County about nine years,
when he bought 280 acres of land, chiefly unimproved, with the most primeval type of buildings,
'They have passed to the oblivion of destruction and
decay, and have been replaced by others which rank
with the finest in the country. An additional purchase of 160 acres adjoining his estate has increased
his landed possessions to 440 acres, 340 of which are
under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Bell is a Republican of no uncertain type, and though often. urged to permit the use of his name in the interests
= of his township, has always declined.
He was married in Canada, Nov. 6 1850, to Mar= garet Johnson, a native of Canada. Four of six
children from this union are living: Wm. A, born
June 30, 1852; James P., June 14, 1855; Theodore
A., Dec. 4, 1858, and Emily A., Aug. 29, 186i.
Mary L., born April 24, I857, was married Jan. 23,
I878, to Arthur Allen, of Mecosta County, and died
Aug. 9, 1883. One child died in infancy. Mrs.
Margaret Bell, the mother, died Feb. 22, i866, at her
home in Mecosta County. Mr. Bell again contracted
marriage in Canada, Oct. 30, 1866, with Sarah, daughter of Angus and Sarah (McDougall) McCollumn.
Her parents were natives of Scotland who emigrated
to Canada at an early period of their lives. Her
father is yet living in Canada, where her mother died
about 1873. Three of the children of Mr. and Mrs
Bell are living,-Sarah A., born Jan. 8, 1878; Clinton
R., born Jan. 23, I876, and Edith C., born Nov. 22,
I879. John A. was born Jan. 23, 1873, and died May
II, I876.
The family are communicants of the Episcopal
Church, and are esteemed and worthy members of
society, and lend every effort to elevate its standard.
'X iles Olin, farmer, sec. 22, Austin Tp., was!)~i0 born in Chemung Co., N. Y., April 13,
i 1837. His parents, William H. and
L Lydia (Corry) Olin, were natives of New England. Giles grew up under the guidance of
his parents, and remained under the paternal
roof until his marriage to Lydia, daughter of David
and Sarah (Bennett) Moulter. This event occurred
Feb. 2, 1856. Mr. Moulter was born of German
parentage, and his wife was of mixed Scotch and
Irisf ancestry. Mrs. Olin was born in Chemung Co.,
N. Y.,' Sept. 20, 1836. After marriage Mr. Olin
passed two years as a common laborer. He then
purchased 25 acres of forest land, and resided thereon until the spring of 1862, when the family came to
Mecosta County, and he bought 20 acres of land in
Austin Tp.; to this he has added 40 acres, and
now owns r6o acres of land, in one of the best located sections of the township. Fifty acres of this are
under cultivation, and the owner has erected good
and suitable buildings thereon.
In this family are four children living: William
H., Dec. 4, 1857; Almeda E., July 22, 1860; Eliza
J., Feb. 21, 1867; Sivillian, July 13, 187; Sarah A.,
born Sept. I2, 1858, died March 8, i86i. Mr. Olin
is a Democrat, and has served his township as
Treasurer six terms. Himself and wife are active
members of the M. E. Church.
m dwin R. Roe, farmer, residing on sec. 14,
0-~[~ Hilton Tp.,is a a son of Geolge P. and
Asenath (Hamilton) Roe, former a native of
M England and the latter of Ohio. They first removed to Indiana, and soon after came to Berrien Co., Mich., where the father died in 1867:
the mother was again married and went to
Missouri, and there died. Mr. Roe was born in St.
Joseph Co., Ind., April 14, 1838, and in early youth accompanied his parents to this State, where he resided
until he was 28 years old, meanwhile learning the
trade of carpenter and also the art of telegraphy,
and working at intervals on the farm. In the fall' of
1867 he came to this county, where he had previously
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bought 40 acres of wild land, in Hinton Tp., on which pursuit of managing a country store and hotel, in
he now resides. Mr. Roe is a Republican in politics which was also established the local postoffice, and
and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lin- in connection, a large lumber interest. The store of
coln. He has held the post of Highway Commis- Mr. Rogers was opened in i865, and was the first
(i sioner six years. He was married in Berrien Co., mercantile establishment in the township. y)
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Mich., Aug. 7, i86r, to Dimmis, daughter of Nelson
and Almira (Pierce) Bromley. Her parentswere natives
of New York, and removed thence to Cook Co., Ill.,
and afterwardsto Wisconsin, thence to Michigan,where
the father died, in 1872. The mother is still living, in
Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Roe have had four children:
Louie A. was born July 24, 1862; Orie M., Dec. 26,
1864; Lizzie V., March 30, I868, and Cora D., Nov.
IO, I870.
On the completion of the railroad to Big Rapids
in I869 Mr. Rogers closed his mercantile operations
and hotel business, and as the lumber trade diininished he devoted his attention almost exclusively to
farming. His homestead includes 350 acres of land,
with I20 acres in fair tillable condition. He has always been active in politics and is a zealous Republican. At the organization of the township he was
made Clerk, and held the post several years. He
has been School Superintendent and Inspector, and
has held various other official positions.
Mr. Rogers was married Feb. 14, 1867, to Sarah
R An.,,.lrrhfr f Wllr;11nr.A l T r,;e 'lPnlrte-o\ l;qhrhnr
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a. UCUULI1K;1 U1 V Y * 1ULU UU F,IJI U1PJ k1XVUUbtL0 OU11JVU1J7
( t ames H. Rogers, lumberman and farmer, natives of New York and of English descent. She
1 - A resident on sec. I4, Mecosta Tp., was a na- was born in Broome Co., N. Y., May 9, 1842. She
tive of Broome Co., N. Y. His father, went to McHenry Co., Ill., where she remained until. Abraham Rogers, was of English-Dutch descent the fall of x866, at which time she came to this =
= waborn in C a. i m, an county. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have two children:
~ i[ and was born in Canada. His mother, HanCarrie E., born May 8, i869, and Edgar R., born w
i Y nah D. (Stickney)Rogers, was of pure English 8 b 1
Sept. 25, i873.
descent and born in New Hampshire. Mr. Rogers '
remained at home until he was 21 years of age and
( received as good an education as possible at the con- -' 'V''- - -
mon schools, and attended a term at the Alfred
aocob Snidor, farmer, sec. 26, Austin Tp.
Academy in Allegany Co., N. Y. On arriving at hisac S fa s 26 Austn
majority he left home and went into the lumber busi- wasborn in Ontario, Can., Feb. 9, 1827, son
is i, s ai 4L r i r o A B11 of Jacob and Rachel (Mclveady) Snider,
ness, which he prosecuted until the fall of 1854. At Jacob and achel (eady) Snider,
that date he came to Newaygo County and pur- natives of New Brunswick, and of German
chased a tract of land, including 500 acres of heavy and French ancestry. Soon after their martimber, lying on the Big Muskegon. Soon afterward riage they went to Toronto, Can., and thence
he engaged in the business of locating land, which to Ontario. Mr. Snider spent his early youth in
occupied him until 1856 and was a lucrative pursuit. acquiring his education at a select school in the
He abandoned it after two years, and came to Me- vicinity where he lived, and assisting on his father's
costa Township to locate ioo acres of land. Here farm. At the age of 27 years he was married to
he hired men and their families, established lumber Teakles, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (McReady)
camps and gave a large amount of attention to the Halliday, natives of New Brunswick and of Irish detrade in lumber, which was at that date the germ of scent. Mrs. Snider was born in the same province,
nearly all settlements made in this section of the June 6, 1829, and was educated in the common
Peninsular State. During this time the State road schools of her native town. Mr. and Mrs. Snider
was in process of building, and Mr. Rogers was established a home on xoo acres of the homestead, Aj
appointed Commissioner by Gov. Blair, and held where they carried on farming until their removal to
the post three years. He has been appointed special Michigan, in the winter of 1864. They lived a few
Commissioner several times since. From i865 to months at Croton, Newaygo Co., coming thence to
i870 Mr. Rogers was actively engaged in the joint Austin Tp., where they purchased 80 acres of
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tinmbered land, and entered upon the lives of pioneers, beginning with the usual log cabin and small
clearing, which gradually assumed larger proportions
until broad, fertile fields stretch out where everything
was formerly hidden by intricate forests. To the
original tract of land Mr. Snider has added another
80 acres, and now owns an entire quarter section of
well improved land. He has recently finished a
beautiful residence, at an expenditure of $1,500. All
his farm fixtures and appurtenances are of a class to
increase its value and attractiveness.
Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Snider, six
are living: Rachel, born July 13, 1863, and died
May 28, 1864; Wellesley H., born Sept. 9, 1857:
Adaline S., Aug, 21, 1858; Lillie A., Sept. 17, i86o;
Jennie R., Jan i i, I86I; Herbert A., Aug. i9,
i865; Gideon C., Aug 19, 1867.
Mr. and Mrs. Snider have been members in full
standing of the M. E. Church for 25 years. Mr.
Snider is a radical Republican; has been Supervisor
of his township two terms, Justice of the Peace four
years, Treasurer, etc. His eldest son, W. H. Snider,
was married Oct. 18, i877; his wife died Sept. i,
1878.
R, C. Lincoln, wagon and carriage builder, at
Big Rapids, was born in Ticonderoga, Essex Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1844; son of Rufus
and Samantha (Bissell) Lincoln. At the age of
17 he went to learn the trade, which he has made
the business of his life. He located at Big
Rapids in the fall of 1867, and a year later he
opened a shop; formed a partnership with Peter Cornstock, which continued i8 months, when he bought out
the interest of his partner. One and a half years afterward he sold a half claim to Eli Frederick, and in the
autumn of 1879 they came to the stand now occupied by Mr. Lincoln. They purchased three lots
and erected their shops, four in number. The wood
shop is 22x50 feet in dimensions, and the blacksmith
shop 24x50 feet. There are besides, the paint shop
and lumber room. A force of five blacksmiths are
usually employed, Mr. Lincoln and his brother doing
the wood work. Jan. i, i883, Mr. Frederick with
drew from the concern, selling his interest in the
business to the present proprietor, who is now doing
a very prosperous and steadily growing business.
Mr. Lincoln was married in Essex Co., N. Y., March
24, 1867, to Sarah J. Hunter, a native of Montreal,
Canada. Mr. arid Mrs. Lincoln have had three children: Frederick, born March 20, 1869 and died Oct.
6, i88o; Charles H., born Aug. 15, i873, and died
Oct. 6, i88o. George L., sole surviving child, was
born Feb. i, 1883.
~~ annibal Hyde, farmer, resident on sec. 10o,
' Mecosta Tp., is the son of James and
- Eunice (Puck) Hyde, natives of Connecticut; they settled in Vermont where the son was
born in Orange County, Nov. 5, I8Io. On
reaching his 2 ist year he set out to seek his fortune. His first exploit was to walk to Glens
Falls, N. Y., 90 miles distant, and thence to Albany,
but he soon retraced his steps and engaged in lumbering for a few months, finally finding regular employment on a farm at $ i per month. At the
expiration of his engagement he went to work in a
saw-mill, where he was occupied some months. In
the summer of 1835 he left Glens Falls with a vague
determination to make his way westward. He set
out with several companions but became dissatisfied
with appearances and took his own route back to
Rochester, N. Y., and returned to Detroit, via Buffalo.
In company with seven others he chartered a team to
take him to White Pigeon, Mich. Mr. Hyde with
several of his fellow travelers went to Indiana, whence
they shortly returned to Niles. Not yet satisfied with
the outlook he continued his prospecting to St. Joseph
County, and pushed on to Chicago. His own statement is that he was "disgusted with the awful windy
little village" and left in a few days for Sheboygan,
Wis. He was there engaged eleven months in the
management of a saw-mill. His next remove was to
Chicago, making the journey partly on foot and partly
by sail-boat. He worked there a short time as a carpenter, then came to Muskegon Co., Mich. He
arrived in this State in the summer of 1837 and went
to work on the river. The winter following he came
to Newaygo County, and managed a saw-mill one
year, when he decided on a visit to Vermont., where
he spent some months, going thence to New York,
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254 MECOSTA CO UN YI'.
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and thence to St. Louis, Mo., and Louisville, Ky.
This rambling existence he continued until 1844,
when he was married and made preparations for a
permanent settlement in life. He purchased 80
acres of wild land in Newaygo County, where he
lived and pursued agriculture until I856. In that
year he settled in Mecosta Tp. That section was
then in its infancy. The township was unorganized
and settlers were few especially permanent ones.
Lumber interests invited transient comers, but for a
period of ten years there were few who considered the place as having claims upon their interest, and no steps were taken toward arranging the municipal affairs of the township for five
years after the settlement of Mr. Hyde. He was
one of the most active in the -movement for the
organization of Mecosta, as he had been in that
of the townships of Newaygo County. He is the
oldest living inlabitant of his township, and his
youngest son was the first white child born within its
bo.ders.
Mr. Hyde was married in I844, to Sophia Russell,
who was born in April, 1829, and reared in Newaygo
County, in the vicinity of the Big Muskegon River.
Mrs. Hyde became the mother of seven children.
She was a memler of the Catholic Church, and died
Sept. 4, i88i. Three children who survive her were
born as follows: Daniel, Oct. 4, 1845; Francis E.,
Jan. 19, I850; Miranda J., March 20, i858. 'lhe
deceased children were Eunice, Amanda S., Amos
H. and James. Mr. Hyde is an adherent to the
principles of the I)emocratic party.
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homas Hanifan, of the mercantile firm of
i-anifan & Harmon, at Big Rapids, was
born at Pontiac, (Oakland Co., Mich., March
' 4, I847. He is a son of William and Kate
(Cane) Hfanifan, and was reared to the age of
15 years on his father's farm. At that period
he became a clerk in a dry-goods store, and has been
assistant or principal in the same line of business
most of the time since. During the first three years he
spent a part of the time in school. In 1870 he went
to Vernon, Shiawassee Co., Mich., and entered the
employ of W. 1) &. A. Garrison, dry-goods merclants, is clerk, and remained iutil 188l. In May,
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1882, he came to Big Rapids and entered into partnership with Willard W. Harmon, and commenced
commercial transactions in the Fairman & Newton
Block, where they ate carrying a fine assortment of
dry goods, carpets, etc., valued at $15,ooo; annual
sales amount to $35,000.
Mr. Hanifan was married in Farmington, Oakland
Co., Mich., Jan. 28, i88I, to Emma, daughter of
Daniel and Bridget Lapham. She was born in
Farmington in 1854, and died at Big Rapids July 14,
1882.
|e elvin A. Wells, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield,
~e. Tp., is a son of Nelson and Jane (Austin)
j ]17', Wells. The parents were natives of New
I^ York and settled in Washtenaw Co., Mich.. about the year 1838, afterward going to St.
Joseph Co., Mich. There the senior Wells died
at Centerville, May i, I88. The mother died
May 7, 1863.
Mr. Wells was born in Freedom, Washtenaw
Co., Aug. 6, 1848. He remained in the paternal
home until 22 years of age, occupied in farming and
ac(quiring his education.
He was married in Ellenburgh, Clinton Co., N. Y.,
Dec. 5, I863, to Mrs. Ellen Jerome Wells, widow of
Henry Wells and eldest child of Lewis and Lucy
(I)ragoon) Jerome. It falls to the duty of the compiler of personal records to transcribe much that
bears the impress of a deathless sorrow, but it is
rarely incumbent to record the loss of nine children
in one household, as in this instance devolves. Mrs.
Wells had laid away from her motherly arms, one after
another, eight infants, a mercifully rare event Can
one believe thathler terrible experience lessened the
weight of sorrow when another child, the joy and
hope of the household, passed away at the dawn of
her early girlhood, when life and health seemed assured? Louise 1B. Wells, born June 14, i868, died,
of diphtheria, ALug. 16, r88r. She is not forgotten;
the anniversary of her death is kept and sacredly observed by the parents and sisters to whom her memory will ever be a living presence. Mr. and Mrs.
Wells have three children living: Lucy J., born
Aug. 5, 1866; Idella,Aug. 25, 1870; and Cora, April
21, 1872.
Mr. Wells is an earnest Republican and was a sol
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dier of the Union in the war of the Rebellion. He I86o, to Zimri Allen, and died at Des Moines, Ia.,
enlisted in the Third Mich. Vol Inf., Oct. 14, I864, Jan. 24, 1882.
and received honorable discharge in September I865. Mr. Toan was seven years old when his father
died. His mother left the farm and he was sent to
school. In I848 he went to live with an uncle- )
*-^ *.? Thomas Toan-in Wyoming Co., N. Y. A year
later he rejoined his mother, and the family went to
Olena, Huron Co., Ohio, where, associated with her
ewis Toan, Clerk of Mecosta County, and brother, she purchased a half interest in a steam sawone of its representative citizens, resident ll, where the son was engaged chiefly summers,
at Big apids, was born in Ledyard Tp., and went to school winters. In the summer of I855
ayuga Co., N. Y, Nov. 25, 1835. H-is le went to Milan, Erie Co., 0., and worked in a shipyard and mill. In the spring of I856 he went with a
parents were natives of the Empire State, as.,.
h half-brother-E. M. Aiken-to Bowen's Prairie, Ia.,
were their ancestors. His father, Lewis Toan,
to assist in the management of a steam saw-mill.
was orn Fe. 88 i Ledyard on the same farm Returning in the fall of that year to Ohio, he bought
where his children were born, and where he lived...
h c the interest in the mill held by his mother, retaining
and died. He married etse elsh, April 5, it until he disposed of it by sale in I859. In the
and by this union became the father of four sons and wir o i h r
A.winter of 1860 he rented a tarm in that vicinity and
six daughters. Of these, one son, Harrison Toan, and.
v.&,r. * managed it during the year. His next business venone daughter, Mrs. Sally J. Squires, survive him, the i ri r. i
ture was in the winter of i86I, when he formed a..$. former resident at Elmira, N. Y., the latterliving in. r s. w th t i i a
partnership with.Otis Smith, an old school-mate, and
Seneca Co., N. Y. The mother died Dec. I,:.
Senca Co., N.. The mother died ec., went to Jackson Tp., Seneca Co., Ohio, built a steam
833. The father was married Feb. 26, i835, to..
r8 The fer ws married F. 2 saw-mill, and while engaged in its construction the
= Mrs. Olive (St. John) Aiken. Of this marriage three intelligence of the assault upon the national flag at.~,,., -intelligence of the assault upon the national flag at *<
' children were born: Lewis, of this sketch, Mrs. Mary Fd te ld. Phy l d-,,. Fort Sumter electrified the world. Physical dis-.
A. Chapin, and Mrs. Frances E. Langan, both resid- aili Tn r r. \/ TX,ability precluded Mr. Toan from going to the front to
ing at Des Moines, Iowa. Mrs. Toan was born Dec.
ing at Des oines Iowa. Mrs. Toa was born Dec. aid in bearing the burden of defense, and to take the
3i, 1803, and was married at Cayuga Co., N. Y., to
8,., N.., chances of war; but the services he performed are
Ebenezer Aiken. Her children by this marriage are
on record, and his efforts in raising recruits and supyet living-a son in Dakota, one daughter at Des
in o nd oe d. plies for soldiers in the field, and exertions to protect
Moines, Iowa, and one daughter, Mrs. Lewis Car-, we as ms
thelr interests at home, were as meritorious and
man, in Millbrook, Mich. Lewis Toan, Sr., died
Ma,, i. lconducive to the successful prosecution of the war
March 29, I842. He was a soldier in the war
f r29 t ai wa r. as those of others who brought their efforts to bear
- of 18I2, with the rank of Captain; was a farmer by upon the issue on the field of action.
0^ * ',,,. llupon the issue on the field of action. %S>
occupation, and held the office of Justice of the
\.,...His association with Mr. Smith terminated at the J
Peace 14 years, the incumbency ending with his death. d of t ea whe h ecme se proretr
Ts t is m end of two years, when he became sole proprietor by
This fact is mentioned as evidence of the esteem1..... the purchase of his partners claim. The mill was
in which he was held by his fellow-townsmen. His w
h b hs fe.... burned a year later, and in order to be able to redeath left all the family cares and responsibilities bu r ed a ner a -
build, Mr. Toan formed a partnership with Daniel
upon the mother and widow. The son, who feels Cox. In i866 he sold his half of the concern to
>\ that all he is or may be he owes to her faithful, wise Robert Adams. During his residence at Jackson
and judicious management, places upon record on this h h.,. he held the position of Postmaster three years, and
page his sense of all she was in her strong, earnest was Township Clerk one year.
C '.,,,.was Township Clerk one year. s
life, rearing her fatherless children in all wisdom and Mr. Toan cae to Southern igan, in the fall? gentleness and self-sacrifice, and how precious to of 866, and settled near Quincy, Branch Co., where
him is her memory, crowned with what she achieved he had purchased 80 acres of land. Within the
_ on earth, and glorified by her entrance into the land year following he sold the farm and purchased
^of the redeemed. She was married a third time in another in the vicinity of Allen's Prairie, Hillsdale
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258 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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Co., Mich. In the fall of 1869 he exchanged this
property for a farm near Jonesville, of which he was
the possessor but a short time, as he made another
transfer, and secured a farm about two miles from
Allen's Prairie, of which he was owner until 1872.
In that year he came with his brother-in-law, Lewis
Carman, to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and built a steam
saw-mill, selling his interest therein two years later
to Mr. Carman. He there engaged in mercantile affairs
with Messrs. Main & Decker. The dissolution of
the firm took place in the spring of I877, and in the
e fall of that year Mr. Toan went to Arkansas to obtain
a practical idea of the South, returning the following
spring.
Mr. Toan has been a Republican from the outset
of his political life, and considers himself honored
in the record that his first Presidential vote was cast
for the illustrious and martyred Lincoln. In the fall
of I878, after his return from the South, his public career commenced, his party nominating him for
the office of County Clerk. The opposition candii dates were W. O. Lake, Democrat, and George Got^ shall, Greenback. Mr. Toan received,Io02 votes,
Mr. Lake 452 and Mr. Gotshall 681. The general
opinion of Mr. Toan's discharge of the duties of his
position was clearly manifested in the circumstances
attending his second nomination in the fall of i880,
when his name was put on the ticket by acclamation.
He received 1,849 votes, his opponent, Gregg B. l)ougall, receiving 86r votes on the Democratic ticket.
Mr. Toan was again elected in i882, receiving 1,481
votes, in opllosition to C. A. Munn, Independent
Republican nominee, and Richard Ladner, the popular Democratic candidate, who received 295 and 884
votes respectively. Probal>ly the best index of a
man's status among his fellows is the record of his
local vote. On his first election he received 8i votes
of Too cast in the Tp. of Millbrook; on his second
nomination he received 02 of 124 votes in the township, and the third time, of an aggregate of I64, he
received 125 votes,-facts which attest that political
oplponents sup)lorted him, and which were made
more significant because lie had held many important? town offices. He was Town Clerk in 1873-4, Supervisor in '75-6, was Township Superintendent of
Schools two years, and Village School I)irector three
years.
Mr. Toan was married n ()lena, Huron Co., Ohio,
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July 5, 858, to Melissa M., eldest daughterof Nathan
H. and Lousia (Barhite) Spencer, Rev. E. Jones officiating. Mrs. Toan's father is a resident of Olera.
He was born in New Jersey and is a blacksmith by
vocation He is an honored citizen in the community to which he belongs, is a Presbyterian in religious
faith, and has occupied a number of prominent positions in religious and political relations. Her
mother died in I859, after a useful and noble life.
Mrs. Toan was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Jan. 2,
1840. Of the children born of her marriage, eight
are living: Ida L., Grace E., Frank M., Clyde L., Fred
W., Ernest B., Olive F. and Bessie M. Grace E., second
daughter of Mr. Toan, was married Sept. 17, 1882, to
John A. Melton, and resides near her parents. Mr. T.
is peculiarly fortunate in all his domestic relations,
the character and influence of his wife rounding and
perfecting the fabric of his life, molded and directed
by the clear prevision of his mother.
In January, I859, Mr. Toan became a member of
the M. E. Church, and has since been prominently
and actively interested in all that pertains to its progress and interest. He has always been connected
with the work of the Sunday-school, and been several
times Superintendent. He is also a zealous advocate and promoter of temperance, and is the present
W. C. T. of the Big Rapids Lodge of Good Templars.
We place the portrait of Mr. I'oan in this work, as
a representative citizen of Mecosta County.
mos S. Johnson, President of Mecosta
- village and general merchant (G. Gilbert
& (o).), is the son of Stanton and Eliza
J ' (Gilbert) Johnson. He was lborn in Wyoming Co., IN Y., Nov. 24, 1847. When he
was an infant his fathter died, leaving a widow
with seven children. He was brought up on a farm,
attending schools winters. At 20 years of age he came
to Michigan and engaged with Messrs. Wood & Gilbert in Stanton, where he remained two years. He
then formed a'partnershilp with his employers and
established a branch business house at Sherman
City, Isaellla Co., of which he was head manager.
At the end of two years, this business connection
ceased, and Mr. Johnson became sole proprietor of
the concern by purchase, conducting its affairs
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March i6, 1841. He is a son of Richard:' and Bridget Collins, and at the age of 14
began life for himself as a lumblerman, and
spent five or six years in that employment. He then
came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and was engaged
until the autumn of i865, in cutting ties for the
G. R. & I. R. R., and in lumbering. He came to
Big Rapids in the fall of the year named, where he
carried on the lumbering business until 1876, and in
that year rented the Montreal House, which he managed three years. He then purchased the building
he now occupies, and the lot where it stands, from J.
H. Foster. It is a brick structure, and the third of
its class erected in the town. Hie carries a stock
valued at $3,000, and is transacting a thriving business. He owns a vacant lot on State Street, a house
and two lots on the corner of Bridge and (;rant
Streets, and io acres of land in the Third Ward.
Mr. Collins is a member of the Mutual Benefit
Association (Catholic order).
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illiam Barnhart, farmer, sec. i, Deerfield
Tp., is son of Jacob and Phebe Barnhart,
nmee Ledore. The father was born in Ver2 mont, and died in Canada, in the spring of
853. The mother was a native of the Dominion, and seven years after the death of her
husband came with her children to this county, where
she still resides. She married Mr. McGill and is now
his widow, residing on sec. I2 of Deerfield Tp. She
joined the pioneer element of the county before the
organization of the township, where she has lived 23
years, and, although advanced in years, is an active,
energetic woman and wins general esteem.
Our subject was born in Canada, May 14, 1846.
His mother came to this county when he was 15
years of age. In '63 he took 80 acres of Government
land under the homestead act, which he put under
partial improvement and sold in '68, buying 80 acres
where he is now located, 40 acres of which are under
the plow. He was married in Mecosta County Jan.
5 1, '62, to Enmma Smith. To them have been born nine
children —John E., Mary E., deceased, Amy, Joseph,
Louis, Mertie, deceased, Clara I., Addie, deceased
and Georgia A.
' tames H. Pike, farmer, sec. 36, D)eerfield
p., 1 was lorn in Pickering, Can., July 4,:' 1843. His parents, Lendoll and Mary Pike,
nee Wilson, were born in New York and Canada
respectively, and came to Mecosta County,
where they are now resident.
Mr. Pike spent the first 18 years of his life in the
Dominion and at that age went to Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and was there engaged in fruit gardening. After four years he came to Ionia Co., Mich.,
and there lived ten years. In the spring of '76 he
came to Mecosta County and bought i6o acres of
land, with some improvements, in Deerfield Tp.,
where he has since lived. He acts and affiliates
He was married at Grand Rapids, July 8, i868, to
Mary, daughter of James and Eliza Rice, a native of
Canada.
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MECOSTA COUNTY, 26
' with the Republican party and has held the post of uncle to serve until he was 2I years of age. On the
Highway Commissioner one term, expiration of his indentures he started overland for
Our subject was married in Ionia Co., Mich., to California, but was taken ill at Council Bluffs and
Rachel E., daughter of Robert Patrick. The parents returned to New York. Three years later he purj of Mrs. Pike wereof English birth and came to America, chased a farm and engaged in butter and cheese
and soon located in Ionia Co., Mich., where the father making. In the spring of I868 he came to this
died. The mother is still living on the homestead in county and bought 80 acres of land in Hinton Tp.,
Ionia County. Mr. and Mrs. Pike are the parents of which is now his homestead. He has cleared 40
four children-Geo. W., Orley D., Inez and Robert L. acres of land, put it into a good state of cultivation
and erected suitable buildings. He is independent
~ * _.,,v~it _ | iin politics; has held the office of Constable five
- years, and in I87I was elected Notary Public, a post
he still holds.
\vid Wilson, farmer on sec. 27, Hinton
avid W is on, f mer o n s e. 2, Hnton He was married in Genesee Co., New York, Sept.
Tp., is a son of Thomas and Jeannetter i
)iln T y we both natives 15, 1853, to Nancy S., daughter of Amos and Dim1IRIE^ (Steele) Wilson. They were both natives.'. s. o
J.n. mis (Rile)) Bailey. She was born in Wyoming Co.,
of Scotland, and came to Canada in its
S lo a i N. Y., Aug. 26, I833, and her parents were natives
earliest period, where David was born, Dec. 24, of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have three chilI848. He passed his time on the farm and at dren, Jason E., born March 4, I858 Minnie D., born
) school until he was 22 years of age. In the fall of Sept. 26, I864, and Harrison P., born Nov. 8, 1870.
1 876 he came to Michigan and bought 80 acres of
land, on which improvements had heen begun and <
which is now his residence. He is a Republican in- - ==
politicalopinion; holds the office of School Assessor,
= and is a member of the Good Templars. He was. "=
married in Canada, Dec. 27, I87o, to Abigail, l0yron M. Cole, of the hardware house;
daughter of George and Sarah Taylor, natives re.. of Cole & Judson, Big Rapids, was born
spectively of England and New York. Mrs. Wilson |I I in L Hysander, Onondaga Co.., Jan.
was born in Canada, July 26, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. | I, I857 Hs father, Jonathan Cole, was
Wilson have had seven children, six of whom sur-:. born in I813, and was engaged during his
vive: Sarah, George, Jeannette, William A., Mal- later years in the combined pursuits of farmer
colm and Margaret S. Thomas died in Canada, and lumberman. His mother was born in
aged 14 months. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Bennington Co., Vt., in 1815. His father dying
M. E. Church. when Myron was about 14 years old, Mr. Cole went
to live with his half brother, N. M. White, at Bald< X- - winsville, N. Y,, and he remained there four years,
attending school. At the age of I8 he came to
n.W.. Schoolcraft, Mich., where he attended school, and
orman W. Adams, farmer on sec. II, Hin- afterward entered Parson's Business College at Kalaton Tp., is a son of Wm. and Lucy (Waite) mazoo, completing his commercial studies in five
X Adams, who were natives of Vermont and months. He obtained a position as lumber inspector
~ came to New York before the war of I8I2, for the firm of Putnam & Barnhart, at Fife Lake,
4 where they passed the remainder of their lives. Grand Traverse Co., where he operated one sumThe father was a soldier of that war and was in the mer, returning to Schoolcraft the following winter to
battle of Niagara, or Lundy's Lane, where Gen. Scott teach school. In the spring he entered into partnerwas wounded, Mr. Adams being one of the bearers ship with Charles Barnhart, in the grocery and provisof the litter in which he was carried 12 miles. Nor- ion business. His partner died a year and a half
man W. was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Feb. later, and Mr. Cole bought his share of the stock and, I, I83.- He was "bound out" at an early age to an continued the business successfully about a year.
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262 MECOS TA CO UNTY.
While here he was burned out, but his stock was following order: Geo. C., Aug. 9,'78; Frederick E.,
well insured, and the loss slight. He closed his March I2, '8o; Alonzo L., Feb. io, '81.
business affairs, and connected himself with the Mr. Hill is a Republican in political belief and
banking house of E. B. Dyckman & Co., acting in practice.
various capacities, and at the expiration of I I months
he acquired a one-third interest in the bank by pur- *:-:,9.-: - iT
chase. The institution continued to operate nearly
two years longer, but on the death of Mr. Dyckman ardW. udntt hermo er&
the remainin nartsners nld nut In Frrvutt of the firm of Crocker &
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Mr. Cole came to Big Rapids and went into the
hardware house known as Cox, Overton & Cole.
Mr. Cole purchased the interest of Mr. Cox, in
October, 882, and transferred the stock to his present stand. In December, 882, he admitted C. P. Judson as partner. The firm is considered one of the leading business houses of Big Rapids, and is having a
successful and increasing trade. They carry a full
line of the goods common to the hardware business
and such as the local trade demands. They are
agents for the Standard Oil Co., and are dealing extensively in coal.
Mr. Cole was married Oct. 9, I879, to Libbie,
daughter of Willis and Elizabeth Judson, and was
born in Schoolcraft, Oct. I6, I86o. 'Mr. and Mrs.
Cole have one child-Clarence M.-born at Big
Rapids, Sept. i, i882.
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Do- Hudnutt, architects, contractors and build.
l ers, and proprietors of the Falcon Planing
a Mill at Big Rapids, was born at Louisville, Ky,,
Dec. 15, 1852; is a son of Joseph 0. and
Marcia (Webster) Hudnutt. His father was a
civil engineer and was many years chief of the con.
struction corps of various canal and railroad corn
panies. In 1859 the family settled near Waverley,
Bremer Co., Iowa, and the following year the father
represented that district in the Legislature of the
State, resigning on the breaking out of the civil war
and returning to Waverley, where he enlisted in the
38th Iowa Vol. Inf., with the rank of Major. He was
chiefly on detached duty and assigned to the staff of
Major Gen. Herron. He served as engineer of fortifications, and was in severe engagements with his
regiment. It was badly disrupted and finally con.
solidated with the 34th Iowa Vol. Inf:, when he was
promoted to a Colonelcy and afterward to the rank
of Brigadier General. He served the Union cause
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' ae sthree years, and on leaving the army went to Chicago
w i Hill, farmer, sec. 29 Oeerfield Tp., was and entered the University as Professor of Civil Enborn in Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. 4, 1856. gineering. Later he was employed by the Chicago &
e is a son of Calvin C. and Louisa M. Illinois River Canal Co., and afterward by the Chi,
(Stanbrow) Hill, natives of New York, who went cago & Northwestern R. R. Co.; was on the Union
to Ohio and located in Steuben County, where Pacific and Northern Pacific R. R's.; surveyed the
the father died. The mother, on the occurrence route of the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R., and
of that event, came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and went to South Carolina and surveyed the Richmond
afterward to Van Buren County. In the fall of I878 & Atlanta Air Line R. R. He came to Big Rapids in
she took up her residence at Morley. I869 and bought into the Tioga Manufacturing Co,,
Our subject acquired a good common school edu- afterward selling out and buying the Tioga Flouring
cation in the educational institutions of Ohio and Mill, where he operated for a time and then went to
Michigan, and in i879 came to Mecosta County and Ieadville, Col., and became interested in mining and
bought 80 acres of land in its primeval condition. in mining engineering. He went thence to Montana
For four years he rented and carried on a farm, but to survey under a Government contract, where he i$
in the spring of '83 occupied his own farm, of which occupied at present.
he had cleared 20 acres. Mr. Hudnutt, of this sketch, was at the age of 14
He was married Aug. 12, '76, in Van Buren Co., connected with the engineering corps of the Union
Mich., to Agnes, daughter of George and Ann (Lover- Pacific R. R., and continued three years, when he
ington) Grant. Their three children were born in the became connected in the same capacity with thq
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1AJECOSTA C61 /NTI
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G. R. & I. R. R., serving two years. He passed the
winters of these years in the University at Rochester, N.., where he was graduated with the class of
1873. He was employed by the Rochester Water
Works Co. as draughtsman two years, and in 1875
came to Big Rapids and bought the Falcon Planing
Mill, with Caleb S. Hanks and Luther D. Henderson, the firm name being Hudnutt, Henderson,
Hanks & Co Mr. Henderson sold to his partners
the next year, and in 1877 John M. Crocker succeeded to the position and interest of Mr. Hanks.
Messrs. Crocker and Hudnutt have built the principal business blocks of Big Rapids and many of its
residences. Their works are turning out a large
amount of sash, doors, blinds and all builders' materials. As their business has increased they have
made additions to their mills in proportion. They
are located in upper Big Rapids, near the upper
bridge.
Mr. Hudnutt was married'at Big Rapids, to Thyrza
J., daughter of Ferdinand and Julia Fairman. She
is a native of Adams, N. Y., and is the mother of one
X child, Marian Hudnutt. Mr. Hudnutt is a member? of the order of Masonry and Knights of Pythias.
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uther 0. R. Ward, farmer, sec. 34, Austin
1 Tp., is a son of John and Catharine (Quigley) Ward, natives of New York and both
"- now deceased. They were of mixed English,
Irish and German ancestry, and before their
marriage had moved to Ontario, Can., where
Mr. Ward was born, in the county of Brant,
April 3, I84I. He passed the years of his early life
on his father's farm and at school, and when he was
20 years old he went to an adjoining county and
worked as a farm and mill hand until the spring of
1863, when he settled in Austin Tp. and bought 80
acres of timbered land. He built the usual pioneer's
cabin, with puncheon floor, and had no sawed lumberin the house except in the door. After a few
months Mr. Ward returned to Canada and married, at St. George, Brant Co., Dec. 9, 1863, Clarissa
A., daughter of David and Martha (Cornell) Davis,
of English descent and natives of Canada. She
was born Nov. 29, 1841, and died Feb. 8, I873, at her
> home in Austin Tp., leaving four children: Laura,
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born Nov. 15, 1864; Rosa, May 7, I866; John,
April 6, i868, and George, May 31, 1871.
Mr. Ward has been actively engaged in farming
since I863, has put his place in first-class condition, and owns 40 acres of land in an adjoining
township. He was again married June 8, i874, to
Mrs. Sarah McGill, widow of Wmn. McGill, who was
born in Ontario, Can., Aug. I, 1845, and died Nov
8, 1873, at Grand Rapids, leaving his wife and
one child, Mary, born Feb. 12, I87I. Mrs. Ward
was born in Ontario, Can., May 25, 1845, and is the
daughter of John and Sarah (Bruley) Austin, natives
of New England and of German descent. Of the
second marriage of Mr. Ward there is one child,
William, born May 12, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Ward
are members of the M. E. Church, of which Mr.
Ward is Steward. He is a working Republican, and
has been Supervisor of his township one year, Treasurer one term, etc.,>. --- —-o < —((((0)))) ),.o -< ---- ~
/ F T8;re derick Rose, harness-maker, at Big
llr Rapids, was born in Germany, June 3,
I O% I823. At the age of 14 he entered upon
his apprenticeship, and after a service of three, years enlisted in the German army, enrolling in
1843 and remaining four years and three
months.
Mr. Rose came to America in 1854, and settled at
Buffalo, N. Y., where he established himself in business, and remained about 8i months. He next
went to Waterloo Co,, Canada, and there carried on
his business 15 years. In 1872 he came to Big
Rapids and formed a business connection with
Duncan McClellan, which existed 14 months. Since
that date he has managed the same line of trade
where he is now located and employs several men.
His annual transactions amount to $3,000, and includes harness-making and saddlery, carriage trimming, etc. He owns his residence on the corner of
Sanford avenue and Division street, and 66 acres of
land in the township of Big Rapids, southeast of the
city and located on the river.
Mr. Rose was married March i8, 1854, in Germany, to Wilhelmina Augstell, and they have had
two children: Matilda, wife of Cyrus Brecker, a
Canadian merchant; and Margaret, wife of John
Hoffman, a harness-maker in Canada. Mrs. Rose
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died in Canada, in 1859, and Mr. Rose was a second
time married, Aug. I6, I860, to Rebecca Mosier, a
J Canadian by birth and of German descent. The
parents of Mr. Rose were Christian and Elizabeth
$ Rose.
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enry R. Brown, farmer, sec. 27, Deerfield
3 Tp., P. 0.. Morley, was born Oct. i6, I855,
- in Pennsylvania. His parents, Michael
and Catherine (Moser) Brown, were natives of
Germany and came to America in I850, finding
a home in the Keystone State, where they are
spending their final years.
Mr. Brown passed the first 23 years of his life in
Pennsylvania, in farm labor and studying at the common school. He came to Mecosta County in 87 and
bought 120 acres of timber land, and still holds 80
acres of his original tract. He has built a frame
house and made other improvements on his estate.
Mr. Brown was married at Morley, April 4, I883,
to Sarah E., daughter of Win. and Ann M. (Belles)
Brink. She was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 3I, i86i.
They are attendants at the M. E. Church, of which
Mr. Brown is an active member. He is a I)emocrat
in political sentiment and action.
g evi S. Menere, farmer, sec. i, Millbrook
l Tp., was born Selt 7, I826, in Canada, son
of James and Rachel (Mayhew) Menere,
the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Canada. He remained at home until he
was 25 years old, when he started in life for
himself. His father deeded him lo00 acres of
land upon which he lived six years. and managed
with profit. Later, he sold the place and bought
another, which he rented to a tenant for two years
and sold at the end of that time. In the winter of
i865 he bought 80 acres of unimproved land in Millbrook Tp. To this he has added 40 acres in this township, and also purchased 40 acres of land in Isabella County. He has llaced 8o acres under firstclass improvements, and has a finely located and
valuable farm.
He was married in (Canada, May 26, i85 1, to Mary
E., daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley) Decker,
who was born in the Dominion April 26, I834. Mr.
and Mrs. Menere have had I4 children, 12 of whom
are living: Mary A., born July 25, I853; Rachel, April
25, i855; Sarah J., Feb. 20, 1857; Dinah A., Dec.
i, I858; James G., July 27, I86o; Edward S.,
April 26, I862; Ellen E., June I3, i866; Josephine,
April 2, i868; Wm. S., Aug I, I870; Caroline, Oct.
ii, 1872; Ruth, Sept I, 1877; Floyd A., Feb. 29,
i880; Eliza, born March I i, I852, died Sept. 9, 1855;
Catharine, born Feb. i6, 1864, died May 20, I865.
Mr. Menere is independent in politics and has
held several official positions. He is a member of
the ancient order of Odd Fellows.
o homas P. Mortensen, senior member of
l the grocery firm of Mortensen & Mynning,
1j at Big Rapids, was born in Denmark, Feb.
26, 1846. He came to the United States in
I873, and in i874 established a laundry on
Canal street, (;rand Rapids, which he managed
until 1879. Mr. M. then came to Big Rapids and embarked in the same enterlrise, which he continued
three years. This was the first establishment in that
branch in the city. In the fall of I882 he formed his
present business relation. The house is carrying a
stock worth $2,000, and is transacting a profitable
and growing business.
Mr Mortensen was married at Grand Rapids,
Nov. 25, 1873, to Matilda Anderson, a native of Nor.
way, born April i, 1845. The five children born of
this marriage are-Clara H., Alfred (dec.), Alma,
'rhora and Hannah. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Mortensen belongs to the I. 0. O. F.
Besides his residence lhe owns a house and lot on the
east side of the Fifth ward, and a farm of 40 acres on
sec. 12, township of Big Rapids.
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m. M. McCamley, farmer, sec. 6, Austin I
'ixr, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y.,
June 8, 1828. His larents, Eleazer and
j4S Ruth (Wheeler) McCamley, were natives; of Scotland, and emigrated to the United
States, locating in the county where the son
was born. They came with their family in 1832 to.
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MECOSTA COtUSNPY 267 '
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Calhoun Co., Mich., where they lived until January,
1847, when William enlisted as a soldier in the Mex-, ican war. He enrolled in the Michigan Vol., Co. G,
under Capt. Hicks, with Col. Stockson in command
of the regiment, which was attached to the division
of Gen. Taylor. He was in considerable active
service but escaped without injury, and was-honorably discharged in November, 1848. He then remained at home until I850, when he moved upon a
farm in Calhoun County, and lived there until the
f spring of I852. In that year he made an overland
journey to California, passing through the Mormon
"City of the plains.' His search for gold continued
two years and he then returned to his home. In the
fall of I856 he purchased a farm in Mecosta Tp.,
where he was resident until November, I864, then
bought 80 acres on sec. 6, Austin Tp., to which he
has since added, by purchase, 40 acres more, and is
now the proprietor of a valuable farm of 120 acres
of finely improved land.
Mr. McCamley was married Dec. 4, I850, to
Martha S., daughter of John and Emma (Woodward): Fish, respectively of Welsh and English descent,
who was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. I, 1832,
c and came to Michigan when but five years old. Of
this marriage six children have been born, Delisle,
' Jan. I8, 1856; Alice R., June 4, 1858; Flora M.,
A T - __ - _ _ /"' T ' t Ar - _ _1_ _ _ _ / * '__ IT._ n
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home of his parents, and on reaching man's estate
he Went to Tioga County, where he was occupied with
farming and lumbering three years. In [853 he
came to Michigan and located in Croton, Newaygo
Co., devoting his attention to the same pursuits. He
bought there 300 acres of land and placed 200 acres
of the tract under fine improvements; he also erected
a number of buildings in Croton and exerted all his
influence toward the substantial progress of the place.
Meanwhile, in the year I865, he purchased of John
W. Forbes, John W. Brooks and Robert S. Watson,
of Boston, Mass., 1,700 acres of pine land in Deerfield Tp., for which he paid ten dollars an acre. The
advance in value has swelled the estate (numerically)
to a comparatively enormous amount. Without details of purchase the following statement exhibits his
estate in Deerfield, aggregating 4,080 acres, sectionally
located as follows:
A^1
V
On section.4 6'.
i. 4.
1. 11
1 1 &b
1....120 acres.
7.... 40 "
8.... 80o
9....640"
10....440 "
11....120 "
12....240 "
13....2(0 "
14....320
01 section 15.... 600 acres.
6.... 40
20. 240
" " 17....120 "
" " 20....240 "
" " 21....160 "
" " 22....320 "
n" " 26.... 40 "
" C6 27....160 "... 30...200 i
the township of Deerfield,
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Aside from his lands in
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viay 31, 160D; Ivlary J., ivarcn 30, iD2; wm.., Mr. Higbee owns, in company with others, 15,ooo00
July 9, 1i864; Lou. A., Sept. 12, i873. Mr. McCam- acres of land. He also owns 300 acres of valuable
ley is a Democrat in politics, and has held the post of land adjoining the city of Grand Rapids. He has
ownship Treasurer two terms. owned at different periods 5,ooo acres in lEtna Tp.
alone. His home farm (so called), on which he lo_-_ ---= i cated in 1878, includes 720 acres, with 500 under
*, | advanced improvement. He keeps 15 horses, 10
elson Higbee, farmer and lumberman, resi- oxen and 15 cows to supply the wants of his estate
dent on section 9, Deerfield Tp., was born and employees, and even these are inadequate to the
A in Broome Co., N. Y., Dec. i, 1825. He necessities of the case. He cures five tons of pork
is a son of Loring and Mary (Roberts) Higbee, annually, raises I,500 bushels of onions, 2,000 of
the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter corn, I,200 of wheat, 2,000 of oats, 2,000 of potatoes
of Connecticut. The paternal grandfather of Mr. cuts I50 tons of hay and has a flock of sheep.
Higbee settled in Broome County, in 1796, when his In 873, in company with A. B. Watson, of Grand
son Loring was only a boy. The fatherof Mr. Higbee Rapids, Mr. Higbee built a dam on his property in
died in 1862; the mother is living on the home- Deerfield. He bought the claim of Mr. Watson soon
stead with a younger son, and has attained the vener- after and in company with William Hugh, Sr., built
able age of 91 years. the mill they are now managing, and commenced the
Mr. Higbee received a fair education at the public manufacture of lumber and lath and added planing
schools and finished study with a partial academic works to the mill facilities.
course. He passed the years of his minority in the Mr. Higbee was married in 1849 to Catherine A.,
A ar o ni —e-n — A —.2
26 JE --- -C.-. -:,lA-y268 AECOSTA CO inY.t.;
4 -
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daughter of Jonathan and Phebe (Hoagland) another brother, in Company B, 43d Ohio Vol. Inf.,
Truesdell. The latter venerable personages, aged re- both of whom served their time of enlistment safely.
spectively 86 and 85 years, reside with and are the Mr. Gottshall returned to Canton and resumed the
special care of their son-in-law. The daughter and printer's business, himself and brother, M. V. B.,
t wife died July 7, i883. Mr. Higbee is a Republican starting a weekly paper- Yhe National Democrat.
in political sentiment. Mr. and Mrs. Higbee's por- After two year's successful prosecution of this entertraits are given in this work. prise he sold to his brother and engaged with E. Ball
& Co., manufactures of agricultural machinery, op~3-5 ~....~ erating alternately in the office and shop as contrac% eA. M. Gtor. He continued until I869, when he went to Fort
t eo. M. Gottshall, of the firm of Cannon & Wayne, Ind., in the capacity of book-keeper with a
o ttshall, Big Rapids, was born at Canton, furniture house. After a year he entered the employ.r 4i Ohio, June I, I845. His parents, Daniel of a lumber company-Beaver, Miller & Co.,-where
K, and Rebecca (Martin) Gottshall, were of Gerand Rebecca (Martin) Gottsall, were of Ger- he acted as accountant, general manager, salesman,
man lineage; the father was born in West- etc., remaining five years. He came to Big Rapids
moreland, Pa., June 12, i803, and mother, in in I876 and in company with B. A. Webster estabi815, in Lancaster, Pa. Mr. Gottshall learned the lished himself as a lumber dealer, the firm adopting
printer's trade when a mere boy, but abandoned the the name of Gottshall & Webster. This relation was
craft temporarily to contribute his part toward his dissolved at the end of three years, when Mr. Gottshall
country's defense. His father was instrumental in accepted an engagement with F. Fairman as travelraising a cavalry company and was put in command ing salesman, selling lumber, etc. He afterward
m of Company K, 3d Ohio Cavalry, in which Mr. Gott- went into the office of Mr. Fairman's manufacturing v
shall enlisted, though but i6 years of age. Capt. establishment known as the Big Rapids lion Works a=
K Gottshall contracted camp diarrhea and was sent and officiated as manager and book-keeper. In Oct.,
home to recuperate, but died June 18, I862. The 882, Mr. Edwin Cannon and himself bought the Iron a
mother still survives and resides at Canton. Mr Works which they have since continued to operate, conGottshall was in action at Chickamauga, Stone River, structing all machinery necessary to the manufacture
Kenesaw Mountain and at the siege of Atlanta un- of lumber and shingles. They own the building and
der Sherman; was with Kilpatrick on his raid in site (315 x 95 feet) and have all the best facilities for
Georgia, and at the battles of Jonesboro, Ga., Frank- making light or heavy work, from simple bolts to comlin and Nashville, Tenn. His period of enlistment plicated engines. Their products sellin the lumber
expired in Sept., I864, but his command was not districts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and
mustered out until Dec. 30 of that year. He re- even Texas.
turned to Canton and again enlisted in Company D, Mr.Gottshall was married at Canton, May 23,
2d Ohio Cavalry, Capt. H. C. Pike. This regiment x868., to Frances A., daughter of John E. and Maria
was in Custers Brigade at Five Forks, Va., which T. (Rodgers) Whitney, who was born Dec. 9, 1849,
intercepted Lee and compelled him to place himself t Cazenovia, N. Y. Edith A., their only child, was
beyond the Appomattox previous to his final surren- born at Fort Wayne, Ind., Dec. 7, 870.
der. At the close of the war the regiment was sent
into Southwestern Missouri and the Indian Territory,__ __
and was mustered out in September, I865, at St.
Louis, Mo. Previous to the engagement at Stone
River Mr. Gottshall was promoted as Corporal. At eo A. Roof, dealer in boots and shoes, at
rv the battle of Chickamauga and also at the crossing | Big Rapids, was born at Plessis, Jefferson
of Elk river near Deckert Station, he received slight ] Co., N. Y., Sept. 19, i852. His parents, %
gunshot wounds, ut throughout the entire period of Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaver) Roof, came to
(& his army life he was not seriously injured or ill. Big Rapids in August, 1871. Mr. Roof reDaniel H. Gottshall, a brother, enlisted in Company ceived his business training under the personal
^ F, 4th Ohio Vol. Inf, and Martin V. B. Gottshall, supervision of his father, who was a boot and shoe
' G"s ''P':'
M MECOSTA COUNTY. 269
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dealer and manufacturer in Jefferson County, and
founded the same business at Big Rapids. He built
the structure on Michigan avenue, now occupied by
T. D. Mulbury. In July, I873, Mr. Roof entered
into partnership with his father, an association which
proved successful, as their business included a considerable jobbing trade. Jan. I, 1879, he became sole
owner by purchasing his father's interest. The latter died Feb. 13, 1880. In June, 1883, Mr. Roof
moved the building he occupied to Maple street,
and then proceeded to the erection of the "Roof
Block," one of the finest in the city. It is built of
brick, 50 x Ioo feet in size, with three stories above
the basement.
Mr. Roof was married at Ottawa, Can., Jan. I2,
I874, to Laura McLaughlin, who died May Io, 1875,
leaving an infant, Charlie D., born at Big Rapids,
April 28, I875. Mr. Roof entered into a second
matrimonial alliance Nov. 20, 1876, with Mattie A.,
daughter of Jonas and Mary A. Crouse, who was
born Nov. 20, 1857. They have two sons, J. Fred,
born at Big Rapids, Aug. 26, i88I, and an infant not
yet named. Mr. Roof is a member of the Royal
Arcanum, Council, No. 174. He owns a fine residence,
which he built in 1882.
b ~ li W. Foglesang, farmer, sec. 13, Millbrook
~i [ r1 Tp., was born in Ohio, March 19, I842.
~ His parents, Eli and Mary (Shoup) Fogleo~ sang, were born respectively in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In i86i he came to St. Joseph Co.,
Mich., where he worked one year on a farm.
In the following year he came to Clinton County and
enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, enrolling Aug.
5, I862, in the 23d Regiment Michigan Vol. Inf., and
served until July, I865, when he received honorable
discharge. Among other engagements in which he
took part were the siege of Knoxville, Duck River,
Columbia, Franklin, Nashville and siege of Atlanta.
His regiment was for a time attached to Sherman's command, and detached to join the corps detailed to follow up the retreat of Hood's army. After
being mustered out of the United States service he
came to Bay City, Mich., and worked for a short time
in a shingle mill, going thence to Clinton County,,where he was resident about three years. In the
spring of 1869 he bought 200 acres of unimproved
land in Millbrook Tp. Of this tract i6o acres have
passed from his proprietorship: the remaining 40 is
now his homestead and is practically all under cultivation.
He was married in Bay Co., Mich., Aug. 23, i868,
to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Johnson)
Hested, who was born in Washtenaw Co., Mich.
Mr. and Mrs. Foglesang have had two children:
Cora B., born May o1, 1870, and Lewis W., May 14,
I872. In politics Mr. Foglesang is a Republican
and has held several township offices at various
periods.
J illiam A. Bell, farmer on sec. 12, NEtna
Tp., is a native of Canada, and is a son of
John A. and Margaret (Johnson) Bell.
i He remained with his parents until he was
22 years of age, acquiring his education and
fitting himself for the vocation of farmer. At
that age he bought 80 acres of land, under partial improvements, where he now resides and on
which he has recently built a fine barn Sixty acres
of his land are cultivated. He is a Republican in
principle and action, and himself and family attend
the M. E. Church.
He was married at Grand Rapids, July 6, 1874, to
Edna J., daughter of Edmund and Mary (House)
Groom, and their children are Alverta M., born Dec.
23, 1877, and Ray B., born Sept. 8, 1879.
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@e Jbel C. Osborne, proprietor of the Palace
I Barber Shop at Big Rapids, was born at
Cazenovia, N. Y., June 3, I84I. He is a
son of Thomas E. and Salome (Hanks) Os-? borne, and was sent to school in his native
place until he was j6 years old. His first
occupation of any importance was in the capacity of
page to the Sergeant-at-Arms of the New York "
Assenbly, at the State Capitol at Albany, N. Y. At
the age of 18 he began to prepare for his vocation by
obtaining a position in a barber shop at Oswego, N. Y.
In the fall of I863 he went to Toledo, Ohio, and _
Qc,& t- -av@N N )A X
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_______ AX~~#~U fl~ B B2N.~.-ln-w.~ ---
IIIIIII II
MECOSTA COUNTY.
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established himself in business, remaining about two father and brother Andrew, being among the earliest
years. He then went to Fulton, N. Y., where he settlers within its limits, and the founder of a conagain embarked in business and operated until I867. siderable proportion of " first things " there, as they a
In this year he made his first essay in his calling at were the heaviest land-holders at that period. They
Big Rapids, associated with George Jones. In 1869 located about 1,400 acres of land and entered zealhe went back to Fulton, N. Y., and remained ously upon the work of clearing and prosecuting
two years, when he returned to Big Rapids again their lumber interests. Mr. Green was associated
and purchased an interest in the business owned with his brother Andrew in the lumber trade and in
by B. F. Brazee. They sold out to J. E. Lalone, and farming about I2 years. They bought large tracts of
Mr. Osborne entered the employ of L. T. Loveless, pine land, in Clare County, principally; employed
engaging a year later with Langsworth & Van Haun. many men, and put logs in the river, which were
After six months he purchased the claim of the senior sold afterward, as is the custom in this section. Mr.
member of the firm, and after another six months he Green, of this sketch, built the first frame house and
became sole proprietor by buying out Mr. Van Haun. barn in the township of Green. The former was
He opened the Palace shop in December, I88i, erected on sec. 9, in I857, the latter on sec. 4, in
and the establishment is acknowledged to be the I859. The residence was the first frame dwelling in
finest in the Peninsular State. He employs two Mecosta County. At the time of his arrival, there
assistants, and owns another shop in a different. was but one-half of an acre of ground cleared where
locality under the management of William Disley and Big Rapids now stands, whereon was located a small
one assistant. In connection with his shop he has hut owned and occupied by Zerah French, the only
a fine set of bath rooms which, with his operating inhabitant living there at the time they located their
rooms, are fitted with the best of modern fixtures. lands. Mr. Green and his brother were often
His assistants are skilled in their business, and his obliged to carry some part of their provisions long
establishment is deservedly famous throughout distances on their backs.
Michigan. In 1872, associated with his brother-Lewis H. =m
Mr. Osborne was married in Oswego, N. Y., June Green-he bought a saw-mill on the river in Big
21, I865, to Sarah E., daughter of Stephen and Rapids, at the foot of Hemlock street. The followMary Hare, born April 7, I850, in Pictou, Canada. ing year they sold out, and each proceeded to build
Clayton, the eldest child, was born in Toledo, Ohio, a mill on his own responsibility. Lewis H. erected a
June 6, I866, and is now a messenger in the employ lumber mill on the north side of Mitchell Creek, and
of the W. U. Telegraph Co. Minnie was born Oct. Mr. Green of this sketch built a shingle mill on the
II, 1869, at Big Rapids. south side of the same stream, which he sold in
Mr. Osborne belongs to the I. O. O. F., and has June, I875, to S. H. Gray & Co. He continued to
held the offices of Past Grand, and of P. C. P. put in logs up the river, and in I877 engaged with
Bailey & Hardy in the meat business at Big Rapids.
t 4 Ad - This relation closed at the end of a year, and Mr.
Green went to the Black Hills, where he engaged in.. G^en lumbering and mining until i88i, meeting with
eorge W. Green, lumberman, resident at satisfactory success.
I Big Rapids, was born at Amity, Allegany The death of his wife recalled him to Big Rapids,
Co., N. Y., Dec. 3r, 1834, son of William and he resumed the lumber trade. In I882 he
D. and Anna (Belden) Green. His father was bought a saw-mill in the village of Mecosta, which
a farmer and lumberman, and he was early put he sold in June of the following year. He still owns
in training for the same occupation, upon and manages a lumber yard there and, in company
which he entered at 17 years of age. The business with D. F. Glidden, is engaged in the lumber busicareer of Mr. Green represents in miniature the his- ness. His property at Big Rapids consists of a fine
tory of Mecosta County, whither he came in i855 residence, and two lots on the corner of Elm and
The township of Green permanently and fitly corn- Ives avenues; a residence and lot adjoining on the
memorates the family name, Mr. Green, with his north; a store on the north sideof Michigan avenue;
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MECOSTA COUzNTY. 271
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about 5,000 acres of stump land in Clare, Missaukee
and Osceola Counties; and i60 acres of farming
land in Dakota.
Mr. Green was married March 27, 1862, in Green
Tp., to Mary A., daughter of Thomas and Nicholas
(Stott) Shaw, and a nativeof London, Eng. Three children were born of this union: Lola M. B., Grace G.,
and George \W. The mother died at Big Rapids,
May iI, I88r. Mr. Green was again married, Oct.
I7, 1882, at East Dennis, Mass., to Ellen M.,
daughter of Stillman Kelley. He is a member of
the City Council of Big Rapids, of which position he
was the incumbent in I877-78. He has served ten
years as Deputy County Surveyor, and was Deputy
under the first County Clerk, Orrin Stevens, elected
at the organization of Mecosta County, which position he filled two years. While a resident of Green
Tp. he was Justice of the Peace four years, was
Deputy Township Clerk a number of years, and has
served at Big Rapids as Deputy Sheriff under A. S.
Mason. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Masonic Order, and is a Knight Templar.
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have been born, recorded as follows: Asenath A.,
born April 15, '58; Bertha A., July 17, '60; Lizanna
A., Oct 29, '62; Elon A., March i6, '65; Earl J.,
May 7, '67; Sarah E, Sept. 2, '54 (died Aug 15, '58);
John E., March 3, '56 (died Aug. 21, '58). The
deaths occurred but six days apart.
Mr. and, Mrs. Losie are members of the Baptist
Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
> - --- - -----
dwin Cannon, manufacturer at Big Rap& 1tl ids, is a native of England, and a son of
~~^ Charles and Nancy (Matthews) Cannon., He wasborn in Buckinghamshire, Nov. 17, I837.
His father came to the United States in 1847,
accompanied by his two sons, [George and Edwin, the latter a lad of ten years. They went to
Lenawee Co., Mich., where, two years later, Mr.
Cannon (Sr.) bought 80 acres of land in a wild state.
The wife and mother joined her family in Blissfield
Tp., about this time, bringing with her the remaining
children, Jane and James. They experienced all the
inconveniencies of first settlers. but. aupreciative of
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Losie, farmer sec. 26 Deerfield Tp.,their privileges under a popular government, wen'
eo Lose, farmer, se. 26, Deerfield p, heartily to work to secure all the benefits accruing t
l i& l~ is the son of John and Eleanor (Waite)
t them from independent citizenship. Their log cabir
Losire. The fatmle r was a native of
L ie T f rwas humble and deficient in modern appliances, bu
' Canada, and the mother of New Brunswick. it was their own, and the privations of that perioc
In 1861 the family removed to Port Huron, are less in their memories than its charms and free.
Mich., where the mother is still living. Her dom. Mrs. Nancy Cannon died in I879. At 19
husband died in the summer of I865. Mr. Cannon went to Blissfield, Lenawee Co., to lean
Mr. Losie was born in Canada, June 18, 1828, and wagon-making, where he worked two years, and ther
was resident there until 1863, in the winter of which engaged in agriculture four years. In 1862, in corn.
year he settled in Mecosta County and "took up" pany with Mark Cannon, a cousin, he bought a
40 acres of land in Deerfield Township. His log-house steam saw-mill, which they managed together abou
home and laborious efforts in clearing the forest to five years. The enterprise was prosperous and Mr
make way for the support and advancement of him- Cannon sold his moiety to his partner and pro
self and family, though the same trite experience so ceeded to establish a new mill in the vicinity. Sib
often recounted, is no less the strong central point in months after its completion, he formed a partnership
his career because it has a counterpart in so many with James Tibbals and removed the mill and fix.
personal histories. tures to Hastings, Barry Co., Mich. This was about
Mr. Losie was married in Canada, Nov. 8, i853, to the year I869, and the mill was utilized in sawing
Esther, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Roszell) ties for the Grand River Valley R. R., then in proc.
Burss, natives of Canada. They afterward settled in ess of construction. Afterward the mill did cus
Allegan Co., Mich., where the father died. Her tom work at Hastings until 1871, when a seconc
mother resides with a daughter, Mrs. Henry Mills, transfer was made to Byers, of this county, and the
of Deerfield Tp. Of this marriage seven children power devoted to the same line of business. In the
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27 2 MiECOS2'A COUNTY.
winter of 1873 the firm took a contract to saw lum- Big Rapids and established his business, which is now
ber for Charles Barstow, at Hungerford, and the mill in a prosperous condition.
was again removed. Mr. Cannon bought the inter- Dr. Terrill is a member of the Union Medical ~,
ests of Mr. Tibbals in the summer of I876, and Society of Northern Michigan, and was elected first
~ Aug. i, i88i, the mill was destroyed by fire, entail- Vice-President on its organization. He belongs to )
ing a loss of $6,000. He came to Big Rapids soon the fraternity of Odd Fellows. In 1872, while resiafter, and in partnership with Geo. M. Gotshall be- dent at White Church, Kan., he connected himself
came proprietor by purchase of the manufacturing with the Order of Masonry, joining Delaware Lodge,
establishment of F. Fairman, and has since been No. 96; he was made Senior Warden in I872-3, and
engaged in constructing edgers, tram-cars, engines, was elected Master of his Lodge Dec. 29, 1874,
and mill machinery generally. The annual transac- serving one year.
tions reach an aggregate value of $90,000. Lyman Terrill was born March I3, I802, in OnMr. Cannon owns a half interest in 600 acres of tario Co., N. Y., and came to Plymouth, Wayne Co.,
land in Hungerford besides his residence, and eight Mich., where he was a prominent pioneer. He setcity lots on S. State street at the west end of Oak tled on a farm, which he put under first-class imstreet. He was married at Mattawan, Van Buren provements and continued to reside there until his
Co., Mich., April 20, I872, to Leavana, daughter of death, April I3, 1877. Mrs. Terrill, his wife, was
Levi Butler, a farmer and carpenter of Mattawan, born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. I3, i8io. Her
who was born Nov. 21, 1845. Mr. Cannonisamem- marriage to Mr. Terrill occurred Dec 13, 1880, at; ber of the Order of Masonry. Ann Arbor, Mich. Of seven children born to them
t.six are now living, viz: Charles C. is an architect. -- iin California; was a member of the Legislature of '
= h the Golden State for three successive terms; Nancy S
X I rarankl in C. Terrill,. D.waes at Ovid; Martha C. is the wife of Chas. M.
= Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 3, I849. Morrison, a farmer at Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich.;.
Ca t- He is the youngest son of Lyman and Jared D. is Chief Clerk in the Indian Bureau at
a Catherine (Clark) Terrill, and was reared on Washington, D. C., which position he has occupied
a farm to the age of I8. He attended the for I8 years. Francis G. is a farmer on the homecommon district school until the age of 14, stead at Plymouth; Hobert H. is deceased. The
when he entered the high school at Northville and mother died at Plymouth, Jan. iT, 1863.
two years afterward entered the union school at Ann
Arbor, Mich., where he pursued the English course. -.-s -
In the fall of Io69 he was chosen Principal of the f y
union schools at Ovid, Mich., which position he held wenry D. Brown, Postmaster at Millbrook,
during the following year, when he went to Kansas was born in New York, Aug 23, 829. He
and was elected to the same position in the schools is a son of Elijah and Abigail (Strong)
at White Church.? Brown, the former a native of Massachusetts,
Dr. Terrill followed the calling of teacher, reading the latter of New York. They were married
ad interim for his profession until i875, when, owing in the State of New York and there passed
to ill health, he abandoned it and returned to Ovid, their entire lives, the father dying at the age of 82
Mich., where he embarked in the drug business with years; the mother died in I832. Mr. Brown was
Geo. C. Beebe; this relation and business continued nearly 25 years of age when he took a final leave of
until the fall of 1877, when he entered the Depart- his childhood's home. A brief visit to Wisconsin in
ment of Medicine and Surgery at Ann Arbor, Mich., earlier years had given him a favorable impression of
completed the course of study prescribed, and was that State, and on leaving home he made his way
graduated June 26, I879. He formed a partnership thither and remained three years, being a part of the
for the practice of his profession with Dr. J. W. Pat- time in the employ of his brother as clerk. In 1857
tison at Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and there practiced he returned to New York, and during the next two
J until September, I88i. In that month he came to years carried on the grocery trade in his own interears 0card onHs- -thegtradinwnin
MECOS' TA CO UNI' Y.
ests. He disposed of his business, and in the fall of associated h
1859 came to Michigan and located in Branch trade, and
County, buying a farm and there operating two years. iness until r
He again sold out and removed to St. Joseph County, proprietor b3
where he rented a farm and worked a few months. business al
The continuous calls for men to aid in crushing the value, consis
Southern rebellion awakened his patriotism, and he men's furni
enlisted in the I7th Michigan Vol. Inf., and served In the sprin
until the close of the war, receiving an honorable dis- and is doing
charge at Detroit. Among the most memorable ac- Mr. Joslir
tions in which he participated were the battles at 1871, to Ett
Jackson, Miss., Knoxville, Tenn., battle of the Wil- man) Beckle
derness and Spottsylvania Court House. At the last Harrisburg,
named his regiment was nearly cut to pieces, the sur- and Roy G.,
vivors being few. After this he was on detached ser- 3, 873, the
vice until the close of the war. After his discharge Mr. Joslir
in I865 he came to Mecosta County and settled in corner of Mi
Wheatland Tp., where he bought a farm and oper- on both. 1
ated until i878. He sold his place in that year and the corner c
came to the village of Millbrook to live In the fall
of I879 he received his appointment as Postmaster. from President Hayes, and has since occupied the1
position. While a resident of Wheatland he held fi
the office of Township Clerk several times, besides a
other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican. ^i~ Mo(
~ Mr. Brown was married in New York, to Mary E., cam
daughter of Chauncey and Lorenna Brown. Their
(only child died in infancy. The mother died Jan. I852.
"land i
3, I853. Mr. Brown was married in 1865 to Cassie, l
only daughter of John D. and Margaret (Hopkins) ensted wh
Clemment, and they have two children, Charlie D. Aug. 2, I
and Lottie Capt. Nich
vate, and d
- - -various proi
the'battles
' F rederick W. Joslin, merchant tailor, cloth- nessee, Chi
ier and hatter, Big Rapids, is a son of Will- under Shei?~c, iam and Cynthia (Greenwood) Joslin, and cavalry rai
- was born in Hubbardston, Worcester Co., Mass., by the rebe
May 25, 1845. He was reared on a farm and cally at an
received the education of a farmer's son until discharged
he was 17 years old, when he entered the Military father enlis
(Academy at Leicester, Mass., and remained one and at his side I
a half years. He then came West to Fort Wayne, ville, Ky.,
Ind., and entered the employ of Messrs. Woodward, Kent Counl
Young & Co., clothiers, as clerk. In 1870 he formed farming. I
a partnership with N. B. Young. This relation ex- gaged as ti
isted nearly two years, when it was dissolved, and manufactur
Mr. Joslin came to Big Rapids in 1872. Here he In Decemb
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imself with W. C. Peters in the clothing
the firm transacted a prosperous busNovember, 1878, when he became sole
y purchase, and has since conducted his
one. He carries a stock of $25,000
sting of a full line of cloaking, gentleshing goods and lumbermen's wear.
g of 1882 he added merchant tailoring,; a good business in that department.
i was married at Fort Wayne, Feb. i6,
a K., daughter of Isaac and Kate (Bowey, who was born Feb. 23, 1847, near
Pa. They have two sons, Frederick W.
the former born at Fort Wayne, April
latter at Big Rapids, June 9, 1878.
i's place of business is situated on the
ichigan avenue and Maple street, fronting
le owns his residence and two lots, on
)f Stewart avenue and Linden street.
M. Moody, liveryman at Big Rapids, was
orn in Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, I844,
nd is a son of Daniel and Sophia (Rogers)
odly. He was reared on a farm and
ie with his parents to Grand Rapids in
In 1856 his father bought 320 acres of
n Alpine Tp., Kent Co. Mr. Moody
ien i8 years of age, in the army, enrolling
162, in Co. E, Second Mich. Cav., under
)lson. He went into the service as a priuring his period of enlistment passed the
notions to that of Sergeant He was in
of Perryville, Carter's raid in East Tenickamauga, through the Georgia campaign
rman, at Franklin, Nashville, Wilson's
d, siege of Tuscaloosa, and was captured
ls at Taladego. As the war was practiend, he was held but three days, and was
from the service in June, I865. His
ted in the same regiment, and was killed
by a cannon shot in a skirmish near LouisOct. I, 1862. Mr. Moody returned to
ty at the close of the war, and engaged in
In I873 he abandoned agriculture and enraveling salesman for W. C. Dennison,
rer and dealer in agricultural implements.
er of the same year he came lo Big Rap
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E 'enjamin Dalziel, farmer, on sec. 34, Green
' ~ Tp., was born in Ionia Co., Mich., Jan. 28,
=-i; 1r841. He is a son of Alexander and
-. l Jane (Marsh) Dalziel, the former a native of
a Scotland, and the latter of the State of New
I York. Mr. Dalziel was reared on a farm and
trained to the pursuit of agriculture. He was edu-,
cated in the common schools of Ionia County, and
there resided at home until he was nine years old,
at which time he moved with his father to Newaygo
County. At the age of 27 he came to this county,
and located on the farm he has since owned, now
containing 200 acres.
He was married in Newaygo Co., Mich., in i866,. to Harriet Ellen, daughter of John and Minerva,. (Parsons) Miller, a native of Newaygo County. Her
father was born in Vermont, and her mother in New
York. They have had three children: Jane, Henrietta and Minerva: the latter is deceased.
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Tioga Co., Penn., where he bought ioo acres of land
and entered actively upon the career of an agriculturist. He remained five years, and in the autumn
of I845 went to Middlebury, Tioga Co., Penn.. and
nanaged a farm in that vicinity. In April, I848, he <
sought another locality, going to Steuben Co., N. Y.,
where he purchased 70 acres of land and lived a
year. He then returned to Tioga County, sold his
original farm and bought another in the same county,
where he lived about 17 years. In the spring of
i866 he bought 120 acres ol land in native timber in
the township of Wheatland, where he has established
a permanent home. His farm now contains 58 acres,
with 50 acres under tillage.
Mr. Horton was married in Tioga Co., Penn., Sept.
14, 1843, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Wood) Buckbee, natives of New York and of
English extraction. She was born in Steuben County,
May i, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Horton have three
children: Mary, born Nov. 23, 1844; Edward T.,
Nov. 19, I846, and Daniel D., July 6, 1851. The
parents gave them a good education, and have the 33
great satisfaction of knowing that all are in substantial circumstances in life. Mr. Horton is a Republi- D
can and has held responsible offices in his district;
nine years. Himself and wife are influential members of the M. E. Church.
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yman Nethway, farmer on sec. 24, AEtna
t Il Tp., was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb.
t 3, I8Io. His father, James Nethway, was
( of Engli;h parentage, and his mother, Elizabeth (Neice) Nethway, was a native of Long
Island, N. Y., and was of Welsh extraction.
Mr. Nethway received a good education in early
life for the purpose of becoming a teacher, and at i8
years of age taught his first term at Perry, Genesee
Co., N. Y. He came thence to Michigan, and taught
during the years i833-4. He then returned to his
his home, and having married, himself and wife
turned their faces westward and came to Hillsdale
Co., Mich., where Mr. Nethway purchased a farm
under the original land patent of I835. In I850 he -
went to Sauk Co., Wis., and there engaged three
years in farming. Becoming dissatisfied he came
back to Lenawee County, and settled at Rollin, in
I853. In 1854 he decided to try the Hawkeye State,
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~ y eneca Horton, farmer, sec. 25, Wheatland
' 5a ' Tp., was born in Athens Co., Ohio, Sept.
C ]J|, 28, 1821. His parents, Daniel M. and
i /! r Arina (Kimball) Horton, were born in New
York, of English and German descent, and
l became residents of Ohio shortly after their
marriage. Mr. Horton received a common
school education, and at the age of i8 years went to
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and bought a farm in Buchanan County, where he
remained eight years. In 1856 he returned to Michigan and settled in Mecosta County. He has been
engaged during eleven years in mercantile business
in Morley, and upon closing his commercial affairs
bought a farm, and now lives in retirement.
Mr. Nethway was married Sept. 6, 1835, to Lucetta, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Wood) Ralph,
respectively of English and Welsh origin, and residents of Woodstock, Windsor Co., Vt. Three children were born of this marriage, as follows:
Marcellus T., born May 13, I836: Cassius Marcus,
born Jan. 17, I848, died in the army from injuries
received at the battle of Bull's Gap, E. Tenn., April
22, 1865; was a soldier in Co. D, Third Michigan
Vol. Inf.; Florence A., born in I849, and died March
10, I850.
Mr. Nethway is a radical Republican, and actively
engaged in all social and moral reforms. Himself
and wife profess no particular creed, but hold to their
innate belief that honesty and genuine morality
are safe guides in their intercourse with the world.
Mr. Nethway has held offices of trust in his township for 15 years. He was Postmaster at Big Creek
nearly three years, under Lincoln's administration,
and was Supervisor of Deerfield Tp. several years,
also Treasurer and Assessor several years.
-ames Dalziel, farmer, on sees. 33 and 34,
' Green Tp., was born in Westchester Co.,
N. Y., June I8, 1835. He is the eldest
son of Alexander and Jeannette (Patterson)
Dalziel, both of Scotch extraction. They
came to the United States in 1830, and soon
after settled in Oakland Co., Mich., where the
mother died, and the father sold his property, removing to Detroit with his family.
Mr. Dalziel was then very yoting, and after remaining a year in Detroit went to Genesee County
with a man named Jonas Valentine. He remained
with him one year, and then became an inmate of
the family of Robert Staly, a pioneer of Flint. He
was in Mr. Staly's charge five years, when he returned to the protection of Mr. Valentine. Eighteen
months afterward his father came and took him to
Michigan. He went to Big Prairie, Newaygo County,
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J'asard Bennett, farmer, sec. 20, Austin Tp.,
was born in Essex Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1837,
son of Isaac and Mary Bennett, who were
natives of France, and came early in their lives
to the United States, settling in New York.
Mr. Bennett commenced life as a common laborer, and found various avenues of employment for several years, finally becoming a trapper,
which pursuit he followed for some time. He then
engaged in lumbering, at which he worked until Oct.
12, 186I, the date of his enlistment in the Union
army. He enrolled in Company K, First Vermont
Cavalry, and his first active service was under Gen.
Kilpatrick, in the valley of the Shenandoah. He
was in the Sharpshooters' brigade until 1863, when
the regiment was transferred to the command of
Gen. Custer, with whom he remained until his discharge Oct. 19, I864. Mr. Bennett was in all the
principal engagements of the Rappahannock and
Shenandoah. At the second battle of Bull Run
he received a saber wound through the leg, and at
the time of Iee's attempted retreat across the Potomac at Hag.rstown, was shot through the shoulder.
He was promoted to Corporal for bravery in action.
He came to Big Rapids, Mich., in the spring of
1865, and again interested himself in the lumber business, which he pursued until I869. In that year he
purchased the place where he now lives, and took
immediate possession, proceeding to clear away the
timber and otherwise make improvements; has now
42 acres under the plow and in good tillable condition. He also owns a half interest in 16o acres in
Mecosta Tp. He was married Sept. 30, r866, to
Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Mary Smith, who
was born in Ireland, April o10 18.19, and died Feb.
19, 1873, leaving three children, Charles H., born
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and there lived 12 years. His next remove was to
Green Tp.
Mr. Dalziel was married in April, 1858, to Jane
Currie, a native of Canada, and daughter of Peter and
Catherine (Sterling) Currie. Two of their four children are living; W. H. and Catherine Jane. Mr.
Dalziel is a Republican in political faith; has been
Supervisor three terms, and served three years as
Town Commissioner. He owns 195 acres of land in
Green Tp.
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MECOSTA COUNTY.
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Marcl 9, i879; Ernest J., Feb. 22, 1871; Elizabeth
M., Feb. 5, I873. Mr. Bennett contracted a second
marriage April 9, I874, with Margaret, daughter of
William and Lydia (Wample) Smith, born in Michigan, July 2, I855. They have two children: Emma
M., born Nov. 9, I874, and Minard I., May 7, I87-.
Mr. Bennett is a radical Republican and has
held all the important township and school offices
until he declines farther duties.
arvey 0. Williams, farmer, sec. 29, Wheatland Tp., was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Dec.
~-(J.K 17, 1842. His parents, Louis and Olive. (Owen) Williams, were of German descent and
natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
In 1844 they settled in Kosciusko Co., Ind.
Mr. Williams attained to man's estate in Indiana, and was just past his majority when the notes
=x of civil war in the United States startled her loyal
sons to activity in behalf of her threatened integrity.
Mr. Williams enlisted Oct. I9, I86i, in Co. A, I2th
Ind. Inf., under Capt. T. G. Morrison, and was discharged May 19, 1862. Less than two months
subsequently he re-enlisted, enrolling July o0, 1862,
in Co. F, in the same regiment to which he had previously belonged. Of the acknowledged prowess of
the " I2th Indiana," Mr. Williams was a part. His
record bears the undying names of Richmond (Ky.),
Vicksburg, Jackson (Miss.), Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Nickajack Creek, the repulse of Hood at Atlanta, on
July 20, 22 and 28, Jonesboro, Savannah, Griswoldsville, Columbia (S. C.), Bentonville and Raleigh. In these, as well as in the numberless minor
engagements in which he was an actor, he escaped
without injury, although his uniform frequently suffered from flying fragments of shell and spent shot. Mr.
Williams was discharged from the service at Washing( ton, D. C., June 8, I865.
Meanwhile his parents had settled in St. Joseph
Co., Mich., and he repaired thither, remaining an inmate of the parental home until the fall of 1867,
when he came to Mecosta county, and resided about
one year with his father-in-law, in Wheatland
Tp. In i868 he located on 80 acres of wild land,
--— a^^-@^B
where he has since resided and improved until he has
63 acres under the plow, and good farm buildings.
His residence, which was in every way suitable, was
destroyed by fire Aug. 13, I883, and at this writing
is in the process of rebuilding, and will cost about
$1,ooo.. Another considerable addition to the value
of the place is an orchard, containing i6o trees in
the best condition.
Mr. Williams was married Feb. 24, 1867, to Amine
P., daughter of Aaron S. and Sarah C. (Watkins)
Clement (see sketch). Four children have been born
of this marriage; Frank A., born Feb. 13, i868, died
July I6, i868; Lettie 0. Oct,. 24, I869; Siddie S.,
July 30, 1872; WarreniT., June 15, I879. Mr. Williams is a Republican and is a School Director in his
district. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and
holds the office of Financier.
1 ]J saac W. Ferris, Justice of the Peace,
Township Supervisor, and member of the
' Council of Mecosta village, was born in
-Sherwood Tp., Branch Co., Michigan, Jan.
25, I840, and is the son of John C. and Mary
A. (Watkins) Ferris.
At the age of 23 years Mr. Ferris went to Placer
Co., California, and was engaged one year in farming;
thence he moved to Omega, Nevada Co., and became a clerk in a grocery and provision store, where
he was engaged about eight months, and then returned to St. Joseph County. He was there occupied with agriculture five years, when he went to
Branch County and engaged in the same pursuit two
years. He went to Vergennes, Kent Co., and in
September, I873, opened a grocery, which he kept
until i878. He sold out, went back to St. Joseph
Co., and took an interest in the mercantile establishment of his brother-in-law, S. J. Schutt, in Leonidas.
He sold out in the fall of i878, and in the spring of
r879 went to Butler Co., Kansas, and, after a brief
stay at Eldorado, came, in August, I879, to Mecosta
village, then comprising three houses, two saloons
and a grocery. He erected the building where he
operates, and owns i lots on Main street, on the
west side of the river; also 80 acres of land on
sec. 14 of Morton Tp. He was elected Justice of the
Peace in the spring of I880, which post he has since
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held, and was elected Member of the Village Coun- when 20 years old, Feb. 27, 1870, was married to
cil in the spring of 1883. In the spring of 188i he Sarah, daughter of George and Nancy Shoemaker,
was elected Township Treasurer. He is a charter natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. A
member of the A. O. U. W. The year following his marriage, Mr. Shantz resided
( Mr. Ferris was married at Union City, Branch Co., with his father, moving upon a farm in the vicinity
Dec. 10, 1868, to Carrie, daughter of Leonard and at the expiration of that time. Meanwhile he came
Thankful (Havens) Wilson, born in the Tp. of Naples, to Mecosta County and bought the farm on which he
Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1842. Of this marriage now resides, and where he located in I880. Nearly
two children have been born, as follows: Eva, in St. one half of this is now improved. Mr. Shantz is a
Joseph Co., Nov. 17, I869, and Georgia, in the same progressive farmer, and is making rapid progress in
place, Sept. 7, I879. putting his place into the best possible condition for
agricultural purposes. Although his residence in the
- -—. — "E — - --- county has been brief, his persistent efforts to advance
its place and position have made known his value to
- the community to which he belongs, and he is securX n M athan Denney, Postmaster and jeweler,
Dffny Jy Cr ad N. 25, ing a firm hold upon the respect and consideration of
Remus, was born in Jay Co., Ind., Nov. 25,all.
849. His parents, James M. and Lois E. Mr. and Mrs. Shantz have five children, born as
1 (Scranton) Denney, were natives of New Eng-, land, the father of German and Irish lineage,
the mother of Welsh' and Scotch. They settled
soon after their marriage, in the State of Indiana,
and in I864 removed to this county. On reaching
the period of his majority Mr. Denney learned the
carpenter's trade, which he pursued up to the date of
his appointment to the office of Postmaster. With
his official duties he combines the business of a silversmith, the details of which he learned when I6
years old.
Mr. Denney was married in Millbrook, Jan. I6,
I872, to Ella, daughter of David H. and Sarah (Albert) Humphrey, born in Knox Co., Ohio, Oct.
26, I844. Her parents were natives respectively of
Virginia and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Denney have had
three children, one daughter and two sons, all of
follows: Addison M., May 22, 1871; Nancy, Feb.
22, 1873; Ellen, Jan. II, 1877; George, Nov. 2,
1879; Lizzie, Nov. 30, 1882. The parents are mem
bers of the old Mennonite Church. Mr. Shantz is a
Republican in politics, and is present Assessor, an office he has held for several terms.
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harles W. Calkins, Clerk of Mecosta villEiS lage, and dealer in all kinds of furniture,
Jl[ coffins, caskets and undertakers' goods.
i was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., May 15, 1851.
His parents, Lorenzo and Lurena (Payne)
Calkins, removed to Ann Arbor when he was \
i r years old, and he there had the advantages
whom died in infancy. Mr. Denney is a member of of the schools of that place. They made another
the Order of Good Templars, and himself and wife transfer of their interests four years later, going to
are members of the Church of Christ, in which he London, Monroe Co. There his father was a farmer,
occupies the position of Elder. and also worked at his trade of carpenter and joiner.
When Mr. Calkins was 20 years old, he left school.,and learned his father's trade, under his instructions.
'..^ HEIe followed the business several years, coming to
S. awen Shantz, farmer, sec. 26, Wheatland Mecosta in the fall of 1879. He established himself
$,fi Tp., was born in Ontario, Can., near the as a mechanic, and after working at his trade two
city of Guelph, Jan. 27, i850. His parents, years, founded his present business. He keeps a
i Isaac Y. and Catherine (Clemence) Shantz, stock that includes all merchandise common to his
> were natives of Pennsylvania. lines of trade, and is prospering. He became agent
Mr. Shantz received a fair education in the for the American Express Co. l)ec. 16, I88i. On (
common schools of his native province, and the incorporation of Mecosta village he was elected:'")$^^- -- ~ 2>......A'B1 -.~- r.
v,AMECOSTA COUNTY. 283
Clerk of the Board. He served as Township Clerk a two children; Ethel M. born Nov. 20, 1880, and
part of the year 188i, in I882 and 1883. Mr. Calk- Alice M., born March 9, i883. Samantha A. was
4 ins owns his store, fixtures, adjoining building and born Nov. 22, 1850, and died Aug. 26, I85r; Mary
lots. E. was born Jan. 10, 1863, and died Nov. 25, i876.
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He was married in London Tp., Monroe Co.,
April 8, 1875, to Lillie E., daughter of John and
Harriet Taft, a native of Adrian, Mich. Mr. and
Mrs. Calkins have one child-Mabel E.-born in
London, Monroe Co., Mich.
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illiam Warren, farmer on sec. 22, Hinton
{i J Tp., was born July i8, 1825, in Carroll
g Co., Ohio. His father, Peter Warren, was
$,'\ of English descent and birth, and both his
9,\ Kparents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence
they moved to Ohio in its pioneer days. The
father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and
followed both callings most of his life. The mother's. name before marriage was Ann Guthrie. The school
= privileges of Mr. Warren were limited, and at 17 he
commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade. He
r worked under the instructions of his brother-in-law,
and continued to follow that vocation until i86I.
He opened a confectionery establishment in Augusta,
Ohio, which was finally extended into a general store.
This he managed nearly six years and accumulated
$3,500, which he lost in financial disaster. In April,
1867, he came with his family to Mecosta Co., Mich.,
and bought 80 acres of partly improved land in
Hinton Tp., where he now resides. In politics Mr.
Warren is independent. He has held the office of
Supervisor of Hinton Tp. four years, Township
Treasurer three terms, and School Director ten successive years. The years of his labor have their
reward in the fine farm and convenient buildings
thereon.
He was married in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio,
Sept. 9, I849, to Jane, daughter of John and Hannah (Shaw) Harrington. Her parents were natives of
Pennsylvania, and went to Carroll Co., Ohio, where
their daughter Jane was born Nov. 14, 1827. Mr.
and Mrs. Warren have had three children: John J.,
born in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, May 8, I853, is
the only one surviving. He was married May 8,
1878, in this.county, to Della A. House, daughter of
4 Ilias an4 Mary D. (Walrath) House, and they have
Mrs. Warren belongs to the Advent Church.
4f0 W Dominick O'Brien, member of the Council
I of ~Mecosta village, and proprietor of the
j i Mecosta House, was born Dec. 26, I853,
J at New Castle, County Limerick, Ireland, and
is the son of Dorr and Mary (Coffin) O'Brien.
His father died when he was nine years old,
and he was reared on the farm by his mother
until he was 17 years old, when he left the Emerald
Isle and came to New York, making the passage on
the British steamer "Manhattan." He landed June
10, I869, and was a resident of New York about one
year, then came to Saginaw, where he engaged in
lumbering for a period of four years, working a
portion uf the time on a section of the Chicago, Saginaw & Canada Railroad, and was also engaged firing
on a locomotive for some time.
He came to Mecosta village, July 12, I879, and
built a saloon on Main street. May i, I88I, he purchased the Mecosta House, which he still owns and
manages. The building is 40 x 80 feet on the ground,
three-stories high, and with accommodations for 50
guests. The saloon conducted in connection with
the hotel is well fitted up, and stocked with choice
articles common to similar establishments. Besides
these buildings, Mr. O'Brien owns three lots in connection with them, and two lots with barns on James
street. He transacts an annual business of $12,000.
Mr. O'Brien was married to Maggie, daughter of
Michael Dittell. They have one child, Johnny.!
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homas Cahill, farmer, sec. 15,,Etna Tp.,
was born in Canada, July 8, I834. His
ai parents, James and Catherine (Lebo) Cahill, were natives respectively of Ireland and
Canada; they passed the greater part of their
lives in Canada and there died. Mr. Cahill
spent his early life after the manner of farmers' sons,
and at I6 was apprenticed to learn the business of a
butcher. He devoted four years to the accomplishmot>9 — -— ^^
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284 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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ment of his purpose, and the succeeding four years fight at Fredericksburg, and was incapacitated for
was occupied in buying stock and speculating. He duty three months. He received his discharge at
then located at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Washington, D. C., and returned to Pennsylvania,
and worked at his trade two years, resigning his bus- where he continued to reside until the fall of I87I,
j iness to enroll as a soldier in the Union cause. He when he came to Millbrook, and bought r60 acres of
enlisted in I86i, in the 24th Mich. Vol. Inf., and land. He now owns IIo acres, under partial imafter six months service received honorable discharge. provement.
He went at once to Saginaw, where he found employ- Mr. Armstrong was married in Millbrook, Sept. 22,
ment as a lumberman about two years, and in the 1872, to Johanna, daughter of Thomas and Mary A.
fall of I863, came to this county and passed three (Johnson) Histed, who was born in Bay Co., Mich.,
years in the pineries. In i866 he purchased 80 acres June 27, I853.
of timber land and proceeded to put it in a habitable Children: Myrtle M, Nora A., Sarah J., Joseph
condition. He built a house and cleared 70 acres. N. and GertrudeB. In political sentiment and acA later purchase of 200 acres has swelled his real tion Mr. Armstrong is a Republican; has served one
estate to 280, acres where he is earnestly engaged in year as Constable, and three years as School
the prosecution of agricultural pursuits. Director.
He was married in Canada, Sept. 14, I86o, to
Eliza, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright)
Houghton. Of this marriage one child was born,
-Katie, March 14, I86i. The mother died at
Ypsilanti, Mich., in September, I86I, and Mr.
* Cahill was again married, at Detroit, Mich., Oct. 9,
=a 864, to Mary E., daughter of Thomas and Mary
A (Mitchell) Lovesy and widow of Ephraim G. Tucker,
who lost his life in the war of the Rebellion. Her; father is an Englishman by birth and is yet living in
this county; her mother was a native of New York
)and died in i87o.
Mr. Cahill is a Democrat and has held the office of
Supervisor four years, Town Clerk one year, and has
occupied other iml)ortant town and school offices.
J -oseph A. Armstrong, farner, sec. 20,
Millbrook Tp., is a son of Isaac and Lucinda (Hiney) Armstrong, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. Mr.
Armstrong was born in the Keystone State,
July 28, 1847. Hlls mother died when he was
very young, and for two.years subsequently he was
1 1 dward Langworthy, farmer, sec. 25,
Green Tp., was born in Saratoga Co., N.
s Y., March 5, i825. His parents, Elisha
o and Elizabeth (Guile) Langworthy, were natives of Columbia Co, N. Y. The father was
a mechanic and followed his occupation until
I843, when he came to Michigan and located
80 acres of land in Lapeer County, where he farmed
until his death, which occured April 25, 1845. The
mother died March 4, I874, in the township of Grant,
Mecosta Co.
Mr. Langworthy was 17 years old when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and until he reached
man's estate, gave his father all the assistance in his
power, during the "seed time and harvest" seasons,
attending school winters. Soon after attaining his
majority be became a farmer on his own account and
owned 120 acres of land in Lapeer County, where he
was a resident about 25 years. He sold his place
and went to (Genesee Co., Mich., and settled near
Flint. Six years after, in the spring of 1875, he bought
the property he now owns in Green Tp., consisting
of 80 acres of land, which he has put under good
improvements. He is an adherent of the Republican party; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1877,
and has held the office continuously since. His position in the community is one of credit to himself as a
man and citizen.
Mr. Iangworthy was married Dec. 25, i865, to
Maria Perkins, a native of Canada, born Jan. 31,
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1 cared for by a friend of, his parents. In the fall of
i861, when but 14 years of age, he resolved to be-.? come a soldier, and enlisted in defense of the Union
in the 5Ist Pa. Vol Inf., Co. I-1. lie served three
years, and was in action at the siege of Richmond,
at Fredericksburg, and in the battle of the Wilderness. He received a wound in his right arm in the
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1 828. They have six children; Willard E., Albert duty on the Pacific station. The "Ossipee "left the
H., Harvey J., Minerva, Susan and Ophelia. Aman- United States in November, i866, crossed the At- da and Charles are deceased. The parents are mem- lantic to the Madeira Isles, and after a brief visit
bers of theM. E. Church, at Big Rapids. there went south to the Cape de Verdes, thence to
j Rio Janeiro, and finally through the Straits of Magel--- -.lan to the Pacific Ocean. After a visit to various
ports in Chili, Peru, and the Isthmus of Panama, the
9 X ouglas Roben, of the firm of Roben, Ben- Ossipee " reported at San Francisco, ill August,
nett & Gill, insurance, real-estate, and loan I867. Soon after arriving on the station, the Ossiagents, of Big Rapids, was born May 4,P pee" was ordered to convey the U. S. and Russian
aJg I847, near Mount Gilead, Ohio; he is a son Commissioners to Alaska, that territory having recentof Matthew and Esther (Albach) Roben, a grand- ly been purchased by our Government.
on of Wate o and Mr. Roben was a participant in the ceremonies of
son of Walter Roben, Esq., of Ryegate, Vt., and
transfer, the hauling down of the Russian flag from
a great-grandson of Matthew Roben, of Ren- the Governor's palace, the hoisting of the stars and
frew, Scotland, a gentleman of means and influence, stripes, and the firing of the international salutes.
who was one of the chief founders and early pioneers H n
His name appears as a witness on the deed of transof the Scotch colony in Caledonia Co., Vt. On his fer of the Territory, executed and delivered at Sitka,
father's side, Mr. Roben is descended from an excel- y b p
) lent Scotch stock, whose line of descent is traced ted States Te Ossipee" returned with the
United States. The "Ossipee" returned with the
7 back several hundred years, and is allied to variousan Francisco, encountering a terrific
i State papers to San Francisco, encountering a terrific.? Lowland families of distinction.
Lowland families of distinctionstorm a short distance out from Sitka. She was then =
His maternal grandfather was John Albach (or =
ordered to the South, to visit all ports on the Pacific
p Allpaugh, as the name was formerly and more cor-. p.
coast of Mexico and Central America. This she pro- =e
= rectly spelled), a prominent and wealthy citizen, of c d to do, calling at each important harbor in
ceeded to do, calling at each important harbor in
ort eran Co., Penn., who was of good Hol- succession, till she reached the southernmost port of
land Dutch ancestry. His father, Matthew Roben, CostaRica.
) was a native of Ryegate, Caledonia Co., Vt.,a teacher, Returning north to Nicaragua, the yellow fever
and after- ward a merchant by occupation (See broke out on board the " Ossipee," and a number of
sketch of Matthew Roben.) men and officers died of the disease, Mr. Roben
Mr. Douglas Roben, the subject of this sketch, ob-fortunately escaping the contagion. The ship protained a good education in the public and high ceeded to Acapulco, in Mexico, on her way to San
schools of Mount Gilead, and at 15 received an ap- Francisco. At Acapulco, Mr. Roben received the
X pointment to the U. S. Naval Academy, then located at news of his promotion to the grade of Ensign, together
^ Newport, R. I., and passing the initiatory examina- with orders to proceed south by ail steamer to
tion, entered upon his academic course as midship- Pnaa, and there to join the U. S. ship " Cyane
man in 1862. In 1863, his class (I26 in number) was originally a British vessel, and captured by the
dispatched to the East Atlantic on a practice cruise,"Constitution" in the war of ). Dring Mr.
"Constitution" in the war of r8r 2). During Mr.
stopping at various ports of England, France, Spain,Roben's service on board the " Cyane," she was the
Portugal, and the Madeira Islands, sailing from the greater part of the time stationed at Panama, to oblatter place to New York. Several other practice serve the progress of a rebellion then existing in the
cruises were made on the coasts of the United States, United States of Colombia, and to guard the interests
during the course of studies at the Academy. Mr. of o countrymen on the Isthmus.
of our countrymen on the Isthmus.
Roben was distinguished while at the Naval Returning to San Francisco in the " Cyane " a few '
Academy for proficiency in mathematical studies, months later, Mr. Roben received his second commisand graduated high in his class, in 1866, at Annapo- sion as Master in the Navy, together with three
lis, Md. months' leave of absence.
Soon after graduation he was ordered to join the The Union and Central Pacific-Roads having just
U. S. steamer "Ossipee," then at Philadelphia, for been completed, he crossed the continent by rail. s
B"-''" "M. '."i, i-"7;,,
288 MECOSTA CO UNTY.
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At the expiration of his leave he was ordered to
join the U. S. ship "Supply," at Boston, in the
capacity of Navigator. The " Supply" went to Europe for the purpose of establishing a U. S. naval
storehouse and depot at Spezzia, Italy; but on arrival
there, diplomatic difficulties were found to be in the
way, and the depot was finally placed at Nice, France,
where it still remains. The expedition occupied
nearly a year, including time spent in various other
Mediterranean ports, and Mr. Roben received his
third commission as Lieutenant while in Europe,
dating March, 1870, he being then only 22 years of
age.
After arriving at home he was ordered to join the
U. S. steamer " Severn," flag-ship of the North
Atlantic Squadron; but a serious difficulty having
developed itself in Mr. Roben's eyes, during the
last cruise, arising from the use of astronomical
instruments in taking solar observations, he requested to be assigned to duty on shore, and
was accordingly ordered to the naval station at
~ Mound City, Ill., as executive officer, where he re= mained four months. He was then ordered to join
the U. S. steamer " Shawmut," at New York, for a
cruise in the South Atlantic. When the vessel reached the West Indies, the trouble in Mr. Roben's eyes
having become much worse, he was granted " sickleave," and brought by the " Shawmnut " to Pensacola,
Fla., where helanded and proceeded home to Ohio.
In the month of November, I872, he was summoned
before the Retiring Board at Washington, and after an
examination of his eyes by the medical officers of
that Board, he was placed upon the retired list,
with the rank of Lieutenant, for " disability received
in the line of duty," which position upon the retired
list he holds at the present time.
From Washington he went to Cassopolis, Cass Co.,
Mich., where he resided until May, I873. While at
Cassopolis he passed a successful examination for
admission to the bar, and was admitted to practice in
the State courts of Michigan. In May, I873, he
came to Big Rapids, and opened his office, practicing
as an attorney, and giving his attention chiefly to
real-estate cases. In 1876 he formed a partnership
with E. J. Marsh, under the firm name of Roben &
Marsh. This relation continued two years, and in
Angust, 1878, he associated himself with A. W. Bennett, in insurance, real-estate, and loan business.
rHiA (LL ____An na > &A/r flt
(See sketch of A. W. Bennett.) In June, 1883, John
G. Gill was admitted to the concern, which since
its inception has been transacting a successful and
extending business.
Dec. 26, 1876, Mr. Roben was married to Stella,
daughter of Judge William P. Bennett, of Cassopolis,
and a grand-daughter of Rev. Cephas Bennett, a
pioneer Baptist missionary at Rangoon, British Burmah, who has done missionary work there for the
past 55 years, and has charge of the Baptist missionary press of Burmah; she is also a great-granddaughter of Rev. Alfred Bennett, one of the early and
leading Baptist ministers of New York State. She
was born in Cass Co., Mich., March 31, I859. A
son, Donald B., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roben,
July I9, I878; a daughter, named Pansie -- an
exceedingly sweet and beautiful child-was born
May io, 1882, and died March 26, 1883.
Mr. Roben is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
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elkirk A Stewart, farmer, sec. 14, Wheatland Tp., is a son of Neil and Angeline
IC (Baker) Stewart, natives of New York, and
of Scotch and Irish descent. He was born
in Genesee County, N Y., Sept. 14, I826. He
commenced a life of active toil at the age of i
years, leaving the homestead of his parents
and engaging in the capacity of a farm laborer. He
continued to work in various localities, until the
spring of I844, when he went to Waukesha Co., Wis.,
and there engaged in agriculture in a similar manner
until his marriage, Nov 5, 185 r, in Waukesha County,
to Angeline H., daughter of Isaac and Jerusha (Estabrooks) Wood, who was born in Genesee Co., N. Y.,
Dec. 5, I832, and went to Wisconsin with her parents
when she was eight years old. The latter were
natives of the Empire State. Mr. Stewart took
farms on shares, until the fall of 1862, when he removed with his family to Michigan, and purchased
240 acres of land on sec. 26, Wheatland Tp. He
made considerable progress in improving his land,
but sold it finally, and bought the homestead, consisting of i60 acres, where he has since resided.
Seventy-five acres of this he has improved, and has
one of the best of farms as to quality of the land, etc.,
in Mecosta County. It is 'traversed by a stream of
flowing water, fed by living springs. Mr. Steewart is
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making preparations to build a new house, and expects to invest about $r,ooo therein. He is a Republican in political faith; has been Township
Treasurer three years, Justice of the Peace three
years, and held other minor offices.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been the parents of
four children-Clara A., born Feb. 2, 1853; Cora E.,
July 31, I855; Mary F., born July 28, i860, died
Feb. 31, 1874; Ida A., born Oct. 31, i866, died Oct.
7, I879; Edward H. (son by adoption) was born
Aug. 2, 1869, and died Sept. I4, I879.
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eorge W. Precious, Millbrook village,
i was born in Canada, Aug. 27, I850. His
' 'K parents, William and Eve R. (Jones)
Precious, were natives respectively of Eng-: land and Germany, and are both deceased.
t About 1863 Mr. Precious came to this State
and located in Washtenaw County, going afterward to
Detroit. He came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., Mich.,
in I872, where he lived until 1879. In the summer
of that year he made his entry into the village of
Millbrook, and embarked in the livery business,
which he continued to operate until May, I883, when
he sold out and established himself in a saloon.
He was married April 22, 1874, to Laura A.,
daughter of Orrin N. and A. Jane Hoisington. Her
parents were natives of Michigan, and she was born
I
then engaged in drawing lumber. In 1879 he came
to Morton Tp., and cut the timber on the site of the
village of Mecosta, and put it into the mill of
George Webber. He built the Mecosta House, which
he managed two years, and finally exchanged with
D. O'Brien for his residence and the adjoining store
building. Immediately upon his arrival here he
established the livery business, and has continued it
since. He added the drug trade to his store for six
months, but sold the stock, and is now exclusively
attending to his affairs as liveryman. He has usually eight horses in his stables, with all necessary livery
adjuncts. He is Street Commissioner, and belongs to
the A. O. U. W.
Mr. La Grange was married in Schoharie Co., N.Y.,
to Mary Townsend, a native of New York. Rufus,
elder child, is now clerk in the Mecosta House.
Mary L.. only daughter, is the wife of Henry Waller, M. D., of Mecosta.
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j enry C. Evarts, farmer on sec. 28, Green
Tp., was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb.
19, I833. His father Shadrach Evarts, was
born near Saratoga, N. Y.; was a farmer by vocation, and in 1845 came to Grand Rapids and
I there engaged in agriculture. He is yet living,
in the care of his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Patten. The
mother, Eunice (Plumb) Evarts, was a native of Connecticut, and died in November, 1879. Mr. Evarts
was educated in the common and high schools
of Grand Rapids, residing with the family of Porter
Reed until he reached man's estate, after which he
engaged in summer in the vocation of a farm laborer
and taught school two winters. He came to Big
Rapids in June, I856, and entered 160 acres of land
under the gradation act, and in March, 1858, began
to build, and otherwise improve the land on which he
has since made his home.
He enlisted as a soldier for the Union soon after
the outbreak of the rebellion. He was enrolled in the
Third Michigan Cavalry Oct. I2, I86I, remaining in
the service four and a half years. He was in action
at Corinth, Iuka, New Madrid, etc. He obtained
the commission of Second Lieutenant, for meritorious
services, and nine months later was promoted to the
rank of First Lieutenant, serving until the end of the
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Oct. 7, I859, in Montcalm County. Of two children
born of this marriage but one survives, Cora A.,
born Selt. 7, 1882. One child died in infancy. Mr.
Precious is a Democrat.
~ phraim La Grange, liveryman at Me-- l costa, Morton Tp., was born in Albany Co.,
N. Y., Nov. i, 1833, and is a son of
Christopher and Jane (Blessing) La Grange.
) About the age of I3 he began to drive stage in
the State of New York, and made that his
business for about 22 years. In April, 1873, he
came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., and there engaged
in the livery business one year, and afterward ran an
omnibus line, transporting mail and express matter,
and passengers, This he continued two years, and
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290 MECOSTA
war, in the Fourth U. S. C. C. Cavalry, stationed at
Port Hudson, and was mustered out at New Orleans.
He came back to his farm and has since personally
supervised the same. He is a Republican and has
held the posts of Town Clerk and School Inspector.
Mr. Evarts was married Jan. I, I858, to Martha J.
Boynton, a native of Jackson Co., Mich., born March
4, i833, and died June 26, I867, leaving one child,
Mary L. Aug. 28, i867, Mr. Evarts was married to
Hannah A., daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Boynton, natives of Vermont. She was born in Grass
Lake, Jackson Co., Mich., June 8, 1843; the following are their children: Edgar C., Lizzie B., George C.,
and Willie H.
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wounds and casualties. After three years of hard
fighting he was discharged at Indianapolis, June 20,
i865. During the war his parents had removed to
St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he rejoined them and
resided two years. In the spring of i866 he went to
Missouri, where he passed a summer, returning at its
close to his parents' home. In March, 1867, he
came to Wheatland Tp., and passed two years in
farming in the vicinity of Bloomfield. He purchased
80 acres of land in sec. 26, preparatory to the establishment of a home. March 4, i869, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of David and Mary
(Smith) Ruxton, who was born in Waterloo, Can.,
Feb. I7, I847. Her father was a native of Scotland
and her mother of Pennsylvania, of German descent.
Elizabeth was educated in the Dominion, and was
for several years a teacher in the common schools of
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two children; Ralph, born Aug 4, I876, and Maud M., Aug.
i8, I878. Mr. Williams is a radical Republican and
has been Supervisor five years, Tp. Clerk several
terms and held other minor offices.
The hotel kept by Mr. Williams at Remus is one
of the best country establishments for public entertainment in Northern Michigan. Its cost was
about $3,000. The house is well furnished and has
a good run of custom, which is constantly increasing.
Mr. Williams took possession of the hotel in Jan.,
1882.
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erbert P. Blanchard, of the firm of P. G.
Blanchard & Son, dealers in lumber and
brick, Blanchard, Isabella Co., Mich, is the
son of Philip G. and Caroline M. (Touns)
Blanchard, and was born in Pennsylvania,
v! April 30, I856. The parents are natives of
Maine, and early in life settled in Michigan.
Mr. Blanchard came to Michigan in the fall of i872,
z and located at Grand Rapids, remaining there
nearly three years. In the spring of 1876 he came
to Blanchard, where he has since been a citizen. He
is a Republican in politics, and has served in the
capacity of Treasurer of the village three years, and
Supervisor one year.
He was married in Grand Rapids, May 13, i88o,
to Nora, daughter of John and Johanna Condon.
Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have two children-Belle
and Edith.
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ranklin M. Williams, hotel proprietor,
I} Remus, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov.,
) '? 27, I843. His parents removed to Kos-.' ciusko Co, Ind., the year following his birth.
He received his education there ahd resided: with his n',rents until he wVnS T8 venrs nid nt.' y harles W. Clifton, farmer on sec. 3, Green
S o l^Tp)., was born at Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. Jo,;- o. I1838. His father, William Clifton, was an
) Englishman by nativity, and came to this
1 country when about 22 years old; located at
Cleveland and married Abigail Locke; resided on a farm near the city during eight years, and
in October 1845, came to Kent Co., Mich., and settled on a farm. He was crushed to death April ro,
TRAR I"v af falling hliildinc Thip mnother dipd it
( which time he enlisted as a soldier for the Union in Clinton, Lawrence Co., Dec. 28, 1882.
the 12th Ind. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Co. F. His com- Mr. Clifton obtained his education at the public
mand was attached to the Army of the Tennessee and high schools of Grand Rapids. He was trained W! and was under fire in 28 engagelments, among which to the pursuit of agriculture, but in I86r, when the
were the battles of Richmond, Ky., Missionary Ridge, country was plunged into the abyss of war by the in(* Jackson, Miss., and the fight at Atlanta. Tbhiough- sane South, he became a soldier. He enlisted in the @
out his entire period of service he escaped all First Michigan Regiment of the Engineers and Me^<~)^^at — A- -~>Nil|
MECOSTA COUNT/'Y. 291 9,:: - - - - - -..g.
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chanics, and served three years. He participated in
several engagements, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. On his return North he came to Mecosta
Co. and spent Io months in the employ of T. Lazell,
of Big Rapids. He then became a resident at
Grand Rapids, where he was married, Oct. 2, i866,
to Julia E. Sunderland, daughter of Myron and
Louisa (Searles) Sunderland, a native of Kent Co.
Mr. Clifton was a farmer near Grand Rapids two
years, and then bought I60 acres of land in Green
Tp., where he has since resided. The family includes six children: Frank S., Effie L., George M.,
Grace, Lois and Charles E.
'e ilbert S. Palmer, farmer, sec. 14, Green
)i:J Tp., was born Feb. 8, I82I, and is a son of
'A ' Nile and Catherine (Wing) Palmer, the
&tlh former a native of Vermont, and the latter of
' Elizabethtown, Canada. Mr. Palmer was
7 reared on a farm, and, when i6 years of age,
went to Elizabethtown to learn the shoemaker's trade,
which was his business in life for many years. He
was a resident of the Dominion until the spring of
i867, when he became a citizen of Mecosta County,
buying So acres of land, which he has increased to 20
acres.
He was married in 1842 to Mary, daughter of
William and Lydia (Lee) Robbins, who was born in
Canada and died in July, I847, leaving one child,
Anna E., wife of Walter Clow, residing in Linn, Canada. For a second wife, Mr. Palmer married Melissa, daughter of Reuben and Hannah (Graham)
Moot. She and her parents are natives of the Dominion. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have six children,
Mary A., Charlotte 0.. Hannah P., George M., William H. and Nile E.
years of age, when he came to Newaygo County, and
three years later bought 135 acres of land in Montcalm County, on which he lived 12 years. In the
fall of i87 he came to aEtna Tp. and bought I60
acres of unimproved land, where he settled and began to make improvements. He sold 40 acres, and
retains I20 acres of his original purchase, with 70
acres under advanced culture, having in late years
built a good frame house in which he now lives.
Mr. Davidson is a Democrat and has been School
Treasurer 12 years.
He was married in Canada in the fall of I85I, to
Mary, daughter of Ember and Valina (Smith) Smith,
natives of Vermont: the father is deceased, and the
mother resides with a daughter in Deerfield Tp.
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have had 10 children:
Abraham, born Aug. 18, I852; William, Sept. i,
1854; Joshua, Aug. I8, 1853; Chauncey, Oct. 18,
i860; Henry, Dec. 9, 1863; Elmer, June I8, I866;
Mary, Sept. 8, i868; Jehu, Aug. 8, 1870; Alonzo,
born Oct. I8, i858, died July i, i880. One child
died in infancy. It was supposed that Alonzo died
from the effects of poison.
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} ichard Vandewater, farmer, sec. 22, Hin< Am ton Tp., is a son of Peter and Catherine
X -, (Rutan) Vandewater, natives of New Jer() sey and of Holland descent. They were pioN neers of Washtenaw County and afterward
removed to Barry County, where the mother
died. The father lives in Adrian, with a
daughter. Mr. Vandewater was born in New Jersey,
Dec. 19, I82I, and accompanied his parents to
Michigan. They were in limited circumstances and
the son felt it his duty to contribute to the relief
of the household. He did this many years, even
after he was legally released from obligation.
was married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Feb. 28,
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llm D, f o s 2 847, to Nancy Jane Fuller, who died in June,,tna TIA1 ws brlan r in E ongladJul, 1848, leaving one child, George W., born June
1 etna Tp., was born in England, July I6, 28, 1848. Mr. Vandewater was again married
4 Q 1830. His parents, Joshua and Sarah in i850, to Elvira J. Heath, a native of the State
J g Davidson, were also natives of England, and of New York. Of this marriage one child was
emigrated to Canada about the year 1842, born, Catherine E., who died when about two years
and remained there until their death. Mr- old. The mother died, and Mr. Vandewater was
Davidson resided in the Dominion until he was 23 again married May 28, 864, to Esther A., daughter
^A>^))^^ ---:s ^-^^, Du "-" —^^^^j^
292 MECOSTA COUNTY.
t1ts _ - _ --- - ( )
of David and Sarah Ann (Bennett) Moulter, who was this marriage are ten in number: William C., Sarah
born March 3i, 1844, in Chemung Co., N. Y. Of A., Grant, Fred, Nellie M., Glenn W., Mary and: this marriage were born Peter E., April 6, 1865; Martha (twins), John and Dora V. Politically, Mr.
Sarah E., Nov. 25, I869; Elvira J., March 2, 1877. Snyder is a member of the National party.
In August, I863, Mr. Vandewater was drafted to
serve during the war. He served nineteen and onehalf months, was honorably discharged Feb. I2, ziea
I866, at Newberry, N. C. He was assigned to the
23d Mich. Vol. Inf., and was afterward transferred s. - 4
to the 28th Mich. Inf. In justice to Mr. Vandewater |;ohn P unyan farmer on sec. 9, Derit should be said that he was prevented from enlist- field Tp., was born in Franklin Co., Ind.
X. Re Aug. I8, 1822. He is a son of Thomas
A ing by the smallness of the number of settlers in the ad H h ( ), both na s
\ '.,-.,,. >,,1and Hannah (Stemn) Runyan, both natives of v
township and his feeling that he was needed at home. N J. I the
wan X New Jersey, where they were married. In the
He was in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and when.. ' year I812 they removed to Indiana and there
Hood was captured his regiment pursued the rebel
general until his surrender. resided 14 years, going thence to Ohio, where
g a u. they remained till death. Mr. Runyan was born
Mr. Vandewater originally purchased 40 acres of they remained till death. Mr. Runyan was born
wild land, and later on, another 40. He has now 33 two years before the admission of Indiana into the
wild land, and later on, another 4o. He has now 33
acres cleared and under tillage. In the spring of Uion and accompanied his parents to Ohio. He
883 he sold 40 acres. Both himself and wife are was at home until the age of 19, attending school
members of the Second-Advent Church. Mr. V. and working on the farm with his father. At that. Was one of the earliest settlers and circulated the peti- age he was employed on the public works, building
tion for the division of the four townships: Hinton, locks three years. Afterward he followed the occupa-~) Deerfield, Millbrook and Aetna. On the organization ion of carpenter and joiner until 1878, with the exm.r.ception of the period spent in the Union army. In;=
= of Hinton Tp., in January, I86o, he was elected first cetion of the od in the nion In
Supervisor. He has since held various offices, among ay, 86, he enlisted i the i4th Reg. Ohio Vol.
them that of School Treasurer, to which position he If., Co. A, and was in the service four years, recev)has been three times elected and of which he is the ing honorable discharge in October, 1865. Among
present incumbent, In politics he is independent. other engagements he was on duty in the battle of
the Wilderness, siege of Richmond and before Petersburg. He received a slight saber wound by accident,
"-E'o- r which was his sole casualty.
Mr. Runyan came from Ohio to Michigan in 1878
voln R. Snyder, farmer on sec. 32, Green and bought 4o acres of land, which had been partly
Tp., was born in Barton Tp., Canada, July improved, on sec. 30. This he afterwards sold and
' 27, 1836. His father, Abraham Snyder,bought property in Morley, of which he retained pos" v was born in Maryland, and was of German de-..
was born in Maryland, and was of German de- session but a short time. In politics he is a Repubscet. He went to Canada and followed agri- lican, and is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows.
culture for a livelihood. He married Mary He was Deputy Sheriff while in Ohio and filled sevRammage and died in 1876. His wife died in i86i. eral minor offices. He was married in Indiana, Oct.
Mr. J. R. Snyder resided in Canada until he was 19 5, 1844, to Lizzie, daughter of Platt and Orilla
years old, then came to Mecosta County and located Squires. She died Sept. i8, i88i. Two children
the farm which he now owns-a soldier's claim of born of this marriage are both deceased. He was '
the war of i81 2, owned by his father-to which he again married June 29, 1882, in Big Rapids, to Sarah.f has added another 80 acres by purchase, and has 60 J., daughter of John H. and Minerva (Bullock) Un- Aft
acres under tillage. derwood, and widow of Erastus A. Watrous, wholi i
Mr. Snyder was married March 12, i86o, to Sarah died Aug. 19, 1880. The parents of Mrs. Runyan a
*I A., daughter of William and Abigail Clifton, who was were natives of New York, where the mother died,
born in 1843, at Cleveland, Ohio. The children of in Chautauqua County. The father died near Peters';< '... —Sp-.-'s^-,,'*|,t *
A MECOSTA
X burg, Va. Hale S. Watrous, born May i8, i880, was. the only issue of the first marriage of Mrs. Runyan.
r. She is prominent in the Baptist Church.
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293
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f: ustice W. Tenney, deceased, was a native!H of Livingston Co., N. Y., born Sept. 28,
I8IIr. His father, William Tenney, was of
English extraction, and a farmer by occupag ) * tion. Mr. Tenney remained at home until
the age of 20, when he came to Walled Lake,
Oakland Co., Mich., where he was married, in
i839, to Marilla Loomis, a native of Michigan. After their marriage they moved to Kent Co., near Grand
Rapids, and lived on a farm. Mrs. Tenney died in
1853. In i856 Mr. Tenney came to Green Tp., and
settled on sec. 30, where he purchased 300 acres of
land. He was again married in 1857, to Mrs. Maretta
Willis, widow of George S. Willis, of Muskegon
> County, who died in 1853. She was born in Waterville, Lamoille Co., Vt., June 4, 1833, and is a daugh= ter of John and Mary (Lowater) Millington, the
former a native of England and of Scotch-Irish ant cestry; both parents are deceased. Of her first
marriage, one child was born, Lyman G. The children
of Mr. and Mrs. Tenney are Herbert S., Minnie M.,
) Frank J. and Charles H. William is deceased. Mr.
Tenney died March 8, I859. Mrs. Tenney is living
with her four children on the homestead, consisting
of 105 acres of land, a large proportion of which is
under tillage. Mr. Tenney's children by his first
wife are, Orlando L., Maynard T., Harriet M. and
Ella M.; Alonzo and Frederic are deceased.
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Genesee Co., N. Y., of which State her parents were natives. She accompanied them to Michigan when quite
young. Mr. and Mrs. Horton settled on a farm of
40 acres on sec. 25, Wheatland Tp. On this Mr.
Horton labored until he had put 20 acres in a fit condition for cultivation. He operated as an agriculturist some years, eventually leaving his farm to engage
in the general store of his brother at Millbrook,
where he remained until February, i88i, the date of
his entering upon his present duties in the establishment of Mr. Gardener. He has the entire management of the business at Remus, and enjoys the unrestricted confidence of his principal, who is a nonresident, he having during the current year (I883)
fixed his dwelling place at Big Rapids. Mr. Horton
is a Republican in politics, and has been for some
time Township Clerk.
Mr. and Mrs. Horton have had 'four children, viz.:
Orville E., born June 15, 1871; Fred E., Sept. 21,
1874; Effie J., Oct. I, T876 (died Nov. 4, T887);
Carrie M., Oct. 15, 1882.
tephen A. Gates, M. D., practicing phy' sician, Millbrook village, was born at AlJI K bany, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1855. His parents,
A. A. and Jane (Averill) Gates, were natives
of Otsego Co., N. Y, where the mother died
when the son was but two years of age. The
father died in 1872 /Mr. Gates attended the
ward schools of Albany until he was 17 years of
age, after which he was a student at the high school
of Otsego, and was engaged in the profession of
teaching nearly three years. On reaching man's
estate he begail the study of his profession in the
office and under the direction of Dr. J. W. Still, of
Morris, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he read medicine
one year, going thence to Buffalo, to attend a course
of medical lectures. He next went to Albany for the
same purpose, and studied in the office of Dr. J. S.
Mosher until the spring of 1878, when he completed
his studies and received his diploma. He remained
in Morris during the first year after entering upon the
career of a medical practitioner, and met with flattering success; but owing to ill health, relinquished his
business, with all its promise, to seek another field
better adapted to the exigencies of the case. In
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I l[ aniel Horton, book-keeper and clerk in the
n* mercantile house of T. C. Gardener at
J -r Remus, was born in Tioga Co., Penn., July
C, i85o, and is a son of Seneca and Catherine
(Buckbee) Horton, the father a native of Ohio,
i and the mother of New York. The family came
to Michigan in I864 and settled in Wheatland Tp.
Mr. Horton passed the first 20 years of his life after the
method of farmers' sons generally, and was married
Feb. 4, 1870, to Mary, daughter of Ezra and Jane
(Brown) Mansfield, who was born Feb. I8, 1854, in
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;294 M tECOSTA' CO UNTa.Y.
9 294 MRCOSTA COUNTY. A.,)... - __ _. __ =.=. _ ( ),
V1879 he came to Michigan and engaged in teaching
in Ionia and Montcalm Counties, where he was occu-:, pied nearly two years, when he resumed the practice
of medicine in Ionia County, coming shortly after to
Mecosta County, and fixing his residence at Millbrook in the fall of i88i. His business has increased satisfactorily from the outset, and he has an
extending practice and a permanent place in the confidence of the community that patronizes him.
Dr. Gates was married in Ionia County, July 21,
882, to Arminda E., daughter of John and Eliza: Taft, who was born in Ionia County, whither her
parents removed from New York, their native State.
One child was born of the marriage of the Dr. and
Mrs. Gates: Myrtie M., born July 8, i881, and died
July i6, 1883.
Dr. Gates is an adherent of the Republican party,
and himself and wife are members of the M. E.
Church.
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all druggists' goods and is valued at $r,5oo, with annual sales aggregating $2,000, and business interests
constantly increasing.
Mr. Hane is a Republican and is Clerk of. the village of Remus. One child is included in the family
circle, Jessie, born June 28, I876. The property of
Mr. Hane embraces 120 acres of partly improved
land in Isabella County, 80 acres of timber land on
sec. 21, 40 acres on sec. i6, of Wheatland Tp., Mecosta Co., and 120 acres in the township of Sheridan.
oseph A. De Long, farmer, sec. 22, Wheatland Tp., is the son of Martin and Mary, (Edmonds) De Long, natives of New England, and of French descent, who located in
the State of New York soon after their marriage. Mr. De Long was born in Erie Co.,
N. Y., July 3, 1826. In 83o his parents removed
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e Vs..e. w 847, to Almira, daughter of David and Anna
-/a leb V. Hane, druggist, Remus, was born
Wlliams Co., Ohio, Feb. 4, 853. He (McKague) Brintnall, who was born Oct. i8, 1826,
in Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, i853. He
i |! ^ is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Barron) i Northumberland Co., Ont. Her parents were
ane, natives of JPennsyani. In 85 th natives respectively of Vermont and Ireland. Mr. a
' Hane, natives of Pennsylvania. In I855 the
De Long was occupied in farming in various localiparents came to Lebanon, Clinton Co., Mich., De Long was occuped farg n varlous oca
where the son attended the conmon schools ties until the autumn of I864, when he fixed his resiw t dence in Wheatland Tp., on 80 acres of wild land,
until he was 15 years old. He finished his educa- h s l a p.. where he has since lived and prosecuted his farming
tion at the graded school at Maple Rapids, where he...and other interests.
was a pupil three years. On completing his course r. i i,
Mr. DI)e Long is a Republican, and himself and
of study he entered the drug store of Mr. McDon- w.. C
wife are members of the M. E. Church. Children:
aid at that place, where he was a clerk three years. r A.. r
Laura, born June 16, 1848; Eliza A., Nov. I, I850;
In 1873 he returned to Lebanon and worked two,..,.Almeron, May 18, I852; Clarissa, March I3, I854
A years on a farm. He was married in Clinton County,.,
(died Jan. 2, x858); Harrison, March Io, 1856;
March 26, i875, to Flora, daughter of Albert and (died Jan. 2, i8S8); Harrson, March io, i856;
March 26, 87, VWilliam, Alril 20, 1858; Melissa, June 29, 86o0;
Lydia (Anersley) Cross, natives respectively of New.. l, i, i 8
Bcnjiamin, Seplt. 24, I862; John, March 18, I865,
York and Ohio, and of English and Welsh descent. n in, A., i867.. and Martin, Aug. I, 1i867.
Mrs. Hane was born in Madisoi Co., Ill., April I8,
1854. Her parents removed to '`',l'ple Rapids when _. E_ &_ _
she was eleven years old, where slKI was educated... Mr. Hane passed the year succeeding his marriage
on a farm. J'he next year he went to Maple Rapids Tp, athan wisher m, f armersec. 2, Wheatland
and operated a few months in the grocery business, Tp., resident at Remus, was born in Allen, going thence to Pompei, Gratiot Co., and there em- hio Nov 5 837. Hs p *;
barked in the drug trade. He continued to carry on Michael nd S (Stkey) Swisher, were
his affairs there until the fall of 1880, when he went | natives of Pennsylvania and of Gertan descent. 5
to Fowler, Clinton Co., and a short time after founded Previous to their marriage they were residents of
his present business at Remus. lis stock includes Ohio and removed thence, later in life, to Whitley.
'ry to- -F;owlCimeate r fo^unded
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> MECOSTA COUNTY. 297
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j years old as a soldier for the Union. He enrolled
a in the I7th Ind. Vol. Inf., Aug. 28, 1862. His command was attached to the Army of the Cumberland,
and during his period of service he participated in
42 important actions, besides taking part in numerous minor affairs. Among the principal battles were
Hoover's Gap, Duck River, Columbia, Tenn., and
Nashville, Farmington, Lookout Mountain, etc. He
went through all without wound or capture, though
_ his clothing was more than once riddled with bullets,
and a horse was shot under him on one occasion.
He was honorably discharged in August, I865. On
his return from the war he was married in Van Wert
Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, I865, to Esther, daughter of Lot
and Margaret (Arnold) Meeker, natives of New
York. After farming two years in Ohio, he came to
Michigan and bought a farm containing 80 acres of
forest in Wheatland Tp., now the site of the village
of Remus. Later he bought I20 acres additional,; making 200 acres, which is in good condition. Mr.
Swisher is erecting a substantial residence, at an ex= penditure of $I,500.
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Mr. and Mrs. Swisher have had nine children:
Joseph M., Roscoe P., Enos, L. G., William, A. 0.,
Arnold, Stukey, Nathan R. and Lou. B. Arletta M.
is deceased. Mr. Swisher is a Republican in politics,
and has been Treasurer of Wheatland nine years.
He is a member of the Order of Good Templars,
and himself and wife belong to the M. E. Church.
J illiam T. Jones, manufacturer of lumber,
shingles, etc., resident at Morley, was
born at Waterdown, Wentworth Co., Up-. (_ per Canada, March io, 1847. His father,
Ezekiel Jones, was a native of Ireland, and
emigrated to Canada when he was i years of
age. He reached man's estate, and married in
the Dominion, where he resided until I851, in which
year he came to Michigan and settled in Croton, Newaygo County, where he interested himself in lumbering, and kept a hotel until his death in I854.
This journey to Michigan was made by Mr. and
Mrs. Jones and family in a wagon, the distance from
Waterdown being 400 to 500 miles. Jane (Thompson) Jones, mother of the subject of this sketch, returned to her native province after the death of her
husband, and is still living at Waterdown.
Mr. Jones obtained a fair education in the schools
of his native town, and there commenced his business life, working as a salesman in a mercantile house
six years, after which he established himself in business with a partner, under the firm name of Jones,
Burns & Co., for the sale of general merchandise.
He sold out at the end of three years and came to
Michigan, locating at Morley. He at once engaged
in the lumber trade, and, under the firm name of
Cook, Pendleton & Jones, began the manufacture of
shingles. This relation lasted one year, when Mr.
Pendleton withdrew, and the business was maintained by Messrs. Cook & Jones until the death of the
former in I882. Since that event Mr. Jones has continued to conduct the business in his own interest.
He is also associated in the proprietorship and management of a grist-mill at Morley, with William
Hugh.
The personal history of Mr. Jones is marked by the
same qualities which characterize the records of so
many of the substantial citizens of Mecosta County.
He inherited thrift and energy, was trained to industrious habits, and built up- his business and fortune
by economy and the exercise of good judgment in his
operations. He enjoys the confidence of the community where he lives, and has ably discharged his
obligations as the incumbent of various township
offices. He has belonged to the Masonic fraternity
since 1868, and is a member of the Lodge "Strict
Observance," No. 27, and Royal Arch Chapter No. 2,
at Hamilton, Ont.
Mr. Jones was married in Mecosta Co., Mich.,
Aug. 24, I88I, to Elizabeth, daughter of the late
John T. and Sarah A. J. (Dow) Cook, the former a
native of Connecticut, the latter born in Boston,
Mass. Mrs. Jones was born in Earlville, ll., Sept.
14, 1843.
Politically Mr. Jones has always been a member of
the Republican party, and has labored for its advancement and prosperity.
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As a prominent and representative citizen of Mecosta County, and a gentleman worthy the position,
we place the portrait of Mr. Jones in this Album.
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i ames Hullinger, druggist, Mecosta village,. was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., March 6,
1842. His father, Dr. William Hullinger,
was a practicing physician for 40 years. He
was a pioneer of Hillsdale Co., Mich., and was
connected with its settlement and the founding of the village known as Basswood Corners.
He cut seven linden trees, from which he constructed
a house-the nucleus, as it proved, of a village of
respectable dimensions, which received its name
from the variety of wood which entered into the construction of the first house erected on its site.
Dr. Hullinger was a man of adventurous character,
and spent much time in travel. He went to California in I849, setting out from Reading, with four
yoke of oxen, traveling with them on foot from Port
Sarnia, at which place he left his company, and
reached the land of golden promise six months in advance of the cattle. He went four times to California, once to Pike's Peak, and once to the Black
Hills. He is now living in retirement, at Munica,
Ottawa Co., Mich.
At the age of 17 Dr. Hullinger went to Hillsdale
College, and after two years of study there enlisted
in the Union army, enrolling in the Fourth Mich.
Vol. Inf., under Col. Dwight A. Woodbury. He was
discharged June 20, 1864. During its period of service the regiment to which he belonged was in 42
engagements. He was detailed as Hospital Steward,
and passed the time of his enrollment in the dis.
charge of the duties of that position.
On his return from the war he entered upon active
preparations for the calling of a carpenter and
builder, and was engaged at Stanton two years in the
manufacture of shingles. He was making fair progress in that business, when a disastrous fire destroyed his mill, and he was obliged to seek employment
at his trade.
He came to Mecosta, Mecosta County, reaching
there the 20th day of October, r879. He immediately set about the erection of the building in
which he now prosecutes the business that he
established, on his location in the village of Mecosta,
sheltering his stock of merchandise in a small shanty
near his store, until the latter building was in readiness for use. His stock was valued at $600: it now
represents $2,000, and includes all goods common to
a first-class drug store, and suited to the local demand. His annual sales amount to $8,000.
Mr. Hullinger was married to Vanchie, daughter of
Z. B. and Jane A. Stillson, born in Huron Co., Ohio.
Two sons-Bailey, born June 6, I866, and Otto K.,
born Sept. 16, I870-are included in the household.
The eldest-s6n is his father's assistant in the drug
store.
Mr. Hullinger is a member of the A. O. U. W.,
and himself and wife belong to the Presbyterian
Church. He has been Superintendent of the Sundayschool three years.
Em lexander Thompson, farmer, sec. 14, Green
Tp., was born in Scotland, July 28, I814,
and is a son of John and Jeannette (Twed-! del) Thompson, natives of "Auld Scotia,"
where they lived and died,-the father in I816,
when the son was but two years old. Mr.
Thompson remained at home with his mother until
he was 34 years old, occupied with the business of
cloth-making. He came to the American continent in
1848, landed at New York, then went to Gault, Can.
He returned to the "States" at the end of the year
and located in Mercer Co., Pa., where he found employment at his trade. He worked there I8 months,
then went to the factories at Indianapolis, where he
remained four years. In the fall of 1854 he went
back to Scotland and was there employed as a weaver. In 1858 Mr. Thompson was married to Agnes,
daughter of James and Margaret (Richmond) Morton, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Nov. 21,
1825. Her parents were natives of that place, and
there lie buried. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had
four children; John, born April 12, 1859; James M.,
March 21 J86; Margaret M., Jan. i8, i863 (now
Mrs. John Lord); Jeannette, June 2I,I867, died May
19, 1832.
Early in the fall of i861, Mr. Thompson, with his
wife and two children, sailed for the United States.
They landed at New York and then went to Trumbull Co., (hio, where he followed his occupation until the spring of 1868, when he came to Mecosta
County. lHe located at once upon a farm containing
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%. 3- Charles, Holker, Soren and Miary. Tp., was born in the Keystone State, Jan
Mr. Mynning was elected to his present position in - Tp., wa bois parents, Conrad and Meary
the spring of r88i, and re-elected in the spring of (S gart) Helms, were born in Pennsylvania
1 i883. l'he family attend the Lutheran Church. and rlnoved to Muskingum Co., Ohio, vlere W
and removed to Muskingum Co., Ohio, where
I thev were anmonLo the first settlers. Tlhey went,
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I~ —, rederick Walch, farmer, sec. 13, \l'helatland Tp., is the son of AMichael and h:Mar-'~J.~, garet (WNolf) Walclh, both of whom,rere
natives of France, and of German descent.
He was born in the Province of Auvergne,. France Aug. 20, r839. He received a fair
education in German, and was a laborer on the railroad and canal which were then in process of bIuilding through the section where lie was h)orn ani-d
reared. He left his native land in the spring of 1857,
and caine to ()ntario, ('an., where he was a fari
laborer. He wass married ill Waterloo Co., ()Ot., in
March, 1863, to Margaret, daughter of Jasper and
Margaret (Horn) ()tterl)eign, natives of Germanly,
where Mrs. VWalch was l)orn, iAug. 15, 1844. Her
parents came to America and located ill Wateiloo Co.
when she was ten years old. After his marriage Alr.
WValch was a flarmler in Waterloo ('ounty uintil i86.
thence to Whitley Co., Ind., where they rounded tlhe period( of their lives. Mr. Helms l)assed
nearly 30 yeats of his life in the Buckeye State.
LRemoving a thence, he came to Mecosta County and
purchased o80 acres of land, with nine acres cleared,
and an orchard of 50 apple-trees. He has been a
thrifty and judicious farmer, and has 40 acres under
the plow. He afterward purchased I20 acres more,
which he has since sold He has been an active
and zealous Republican since the organization of
the party.
Mr. Helm was married in i834, "in Muskingum
(Co., Ohio, to Sarah, daughter of William and Elizabeth (;otugar) I,inton, natives of Pennsylvania. Of
1 r children l)orn to Mr. and Mrs. Helms, three died
in infatncy-lfenry W., James H., and Wesley C.
'I'he record of those yet surviving is as follows:
Geo. W., born ()ct. 20, 838; Joshua H., I)ec. ii,
1840; ('atherinl E., April 24, 1845; Hibbard ('.,
Sept. 6, 1846; C(assius M. C., Julne 23, 1849; William i., June i6, 185 r; John,., Jan. 30, 1854;.1
s. In that year he removed to Montcalm Co., AMich., Charles C., April 29, I858.
and settled at (;reenville. He %was there employed
I' four years in a saw-mill. In I 869 1le came to Wheat- ~
land Tp.'1', and biought 40 acres of wild land, to w\llich
he has since added So acres. ()f this land he has
by his own exertions llaced 6o acres illder the blest ohn H. Foster, mason and builder, and
imlrovements. ltealer in masonss' supplies, Big Rapids,
improvements. was born Feb. 1 t i42, at Friklin, Xle.
Mr. and MIrs. \\Walch 1have Ibutited live of tlheir nine was bo)rn e'. 11, 1842, at Franklin, Me.
lchildren. ['lhe four surviving are as follows: Phi1) ' l ie is It soli of Josephl W. and tarrict (ScaniIorn Fel,. 14, I8862; rargaret, ()ct. 2, 1 865; Fred- mons) Foster, and after he had attained the $
"mons) Il'ster, and afte r he had attained the i
d eric, Nov. 15, 1872; I)oral, tFeb. IS, 1879. ohn of 17 t for yes i le g is,
died in infancy; Angelinie, Iorn July 5, I868, died in trade Iiler the stpervision of Willialll 1). Mioore, in
S; Alugust, I88o; 'Michlael, lorn ()ct. 2 I, 87o, died ()ct. Flranklin. ()ctobler 15, I86r, hc enlisted in ('o. 1,. 31, 1876; I,aura, blorn Jan. i, 8758, (liedi ltv 25, First Mlaine Cavalry, (apt. P.. Brown, and was in
89 X; I,illie \i., Iorni Nov., '7d6, lic A g. 1, 1879. tile sc vice nine molnths, during whichl time lie was i
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one of the heaviest engagements of the war-that of
) the Shenandoah Valley-during the retreat of Gen.; Banks. He was discharged at Williamsport, Md.,
and returned to his engagement with Mr. Moore.
) A year afterward he went to Calais, Me., spent a
year there in pursuit of his trade, and worked a year
successively at Richmond, Va., and Portland, Me.
He went from the latter place to New York City and
vicinity, and there and at Jersey City he constructed
a number of fine residences.
In i870 he settled at Big Rapids, where he has
since carried on his business, and engaged in lumbering on tracts of pine land which he purchased, and
put the timber on the market, and operated to a considerable extent as a contractor, employing 50 men
in the busy seasons. Among the buildings of his
erection at Big Rapids, are the Baptist Church, the
Water Works, Northern Hotel block, two Telfer
) blocks, Collins block, the Union School house, Wilcox hardware store, etc., etc. He belongs to the
Masonic Order, has been Alderman five successive
' years, Superintendent of the City Water Works, and
Street Commissioner two years, and is now a memhber of the School Board.
Mr. Foster was married at Haverstraw, N. Y.,
Aug. 13, i868, to Georgiana, daughter of Thomas
aid Mary Dykins, a native of Haverstraw, N. Y.
Four children have been born to them-Percy J.,
Howard W., Charles and Bertie (deceased).
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14, 1872, to Fanlic A., daughter of J. \. Vand Mary
A. Miles, natives of Ohio, who emigrated thence to
Barry County, and later to Kansas, whence they returned to Michigan, and are now resident at Manistee.
Mr. and Mrs. Barto have two children-Ella P.,
born March 4, 1876, and Lina B., Sept. 21, I877.
Mr. Barto is an adherent of the Republican party.
elson H. Beebe, grocer at Big Rapids, was
-11[ born-in Newfane, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec.
2, 1843, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah
\ A. (Strickland) Beebe. His father was a
farmer and mill-owner. Mr. Beebe was a student at school principally, until the breaking
out of the civil war, and he was among the earliest to
enroll as a defender of the Union flag. He enlisted
at Lockport, N. Y., April 29, T86i, in Co. K, 28th
N. Y. Vol. Inf., and served until the end of the war.
His regiment was mustered out June 2, 1863, and he
re-enlisted Sept. 3, in the Second N. Y. Mounted
Rifles. He received his Lieutenant's commission
Oct. 31, 1864, and was released by the close of his
period of enlistment, Aug. o1, 1865. Among the engagements where he was under fire were those of the
Valley of the Shenandoah, Culpepper, Second Bull
Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, siege of Petersburg, and a large num'ber of skirmishes.
On leaving the army he went to Omaha and engaged in the insurance business in Nebraska and
Iowa. He afterward engaged as traveling salesman
for the crockery house of Egner, Foutts & Co., of
Liverpool, Ohio, in which capacity he served two
years. In February, 1872, Mr. Beebe came to Big
Rapids, and purchased a, half interest in the grocery
of John Wiseman, and six months later purchased
the entire stock. In November, I875, he sold to C.
A. Stickney & Co., and in April, 1876, bought out the
business of J. H. Kilburn, which he managed until
Jan. 9, 1878, when he formed a co partnership with
J. G. Gill, and established his stand where he has
since transacted business. May I, 1883, he purchased the interest of Mr. Gill. He carries a stock
of fancy and staple groceries, flour; feed and grain,
valued at $5,000, and transacts an annual business of
$65,000.
Mr. Beebe was married at Lockport, N. Y., Jan.
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oavid W. Barto, farmer on sec. 29, Deerfield Tp., is a son of Orrin M. and Esther
(Averill) Barto, who came from their native
Vermont, to Kalamazoo Co., Mich,
in 1840, and there passed the remaining
years of their lives. David W. was born in
Kalamazoo County, July 4, 1843. He lived
there the first 22 years of his life, and spent the succeeding I8 months in Kansas and Nebraska. He
returned home, and remained two and one-half years,
when he again repaired to Kansas and pre-empted
i60 acres of land. He sold out at the end of four
and one-half years, at which time he purchased 80
acres of land in Mecosta County, now his homestead
and under partial improvement.
Mr. Barto was married in Barry Co., Mich., Nov.
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amea, -, -87o, t Sa r a h
N 25, 1870, to Amy L. Pollard, born at Wilson, Niagara He was married in Maine, March i, 1870, to Sarah
) Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have three children E., eldest daughter of Luke I. and Hannah H. A
*i — Fern, Elmer and Nellie. (Daniels) Perry. They were natives of Maine, where,A.
Mrs. McPherson was born Sept. 8, 185. The house) A,,,,hold includes four children: Mlabel L., born Feb.
2, 1871; Melissa E., Aug. 4, 1873; Cyrus F., Oct. 3,
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Iames T. Hunter, farmer, sec. 30, Mecosta
T1 p., was l)orn Dec. 21, 1857, in Essex Co.,
N. Y. His parents, Robert and Sarah
(Curry) Hunter, were born in Ireland, of Scotch
ancestors, and soon after their marriage came
to Essex Co., N.. When Mr. Htlnter was 15
years old he caine with his parents to Big Rapids,
and thence, in the fall of I872, to the township of
Mecosta. His father located a tract of land, where
he proceeded to found a home for his family. He
died in the winter of i88r, and Mr. Hunter of this
sketch received by will 6o acres of this farm, 5o
acres of which is in fine farming condition. Mrs.
Mary Hall, his sister, acts as the housekeeper and
manager of the domestic department.
Mr. Hunter is a young man, but is already established as a citizen and farmer. His future is promising and he seems destined to a fair rank in the
community to which he belongs. He holds to the
Presbyterian faith in religious views.. illiam H. McPherson, farmer on sec. r,
Hinton Tp., is a son of Cyrus and Mary.-~. 1L. (Pamfrey) McPherson; the father a naJ 2'tive of Maine, and the mother of New Bruns'! wick, where they were married; they fixed
their place of residence in Maine and still
live there. William H. was born June 2, 1851, in
New Brunswick, where he lived until he was 19 years
of age, occupied winters in the lumber woods and
spending the summer seasons in the slate quarries of
the section where he was reared. For about six
years, until he was 25 years of age, he was engaged
solely in the quarries. In the spring of 1875 he
came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land
in this township, which is now his homestead, with
32 acres now under advanced improvement. Mr.
McPherson is a third-degree member of the Order
of Masonry and in politics is a Republican.
~7~~ dward Gilchrist, farmer on sec. 28, Me_ g.costa Tp., was born in Canada, May 28,
IS55. He is a son of Philip and Paulina
(KICake) Gilchrist, natives of the Dominion.
His parents came to Saint Clair Co., Mich.,
when he was one year old. After a few years
they returned to Canada. They afterward came
back to Michigan to make a permanent settlement,
and located near Port Huron, going thence three
years later to Sanilac County, remaining about six
years. Edward Gilchrist continued to reside there,
and in the summier of 187 began to interest himself
in lumbering, where he was occupied until I876. In
that year Mr. (ilchrist bought 40 acres where he now
resides in Mecosta Tp. It was then a dense forest
and required laborious and unremitting exertion to
reduce it to a condition suitable to comfortable support. The place has 15 acres under tillage. Mr.
Gilchrist is a Democrat of but moderate preten:sions.
He is now Director of School District No. 5; has
liberal religious views.
He was married in February, i878, to Emma,
daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Wadsworth) Mong.
Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of
German descent. The daughter was born in Venango Co., Pa., Aug 31, 1859, and came with her parents to Michigan in 1869. The two children of Mr.
and Mrs. Gilchrist were born as follows: John J.,
Sept. 9, 1876, and Pearl, Sept. 27, i88o.
879, and William H., July 21, 1882. I
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i' t |enry B. Wolcott, farmer and lumberman,
t,, i>' sec. I5, Millbrook rp.. was born in Brad- i
Y S'^ ford Co., Pa., Jan. 6, 1824, and is a son of
Benj and Betsey (Merrell) Wolcott, the father
a native of New York, the mother of Pennsyl- O
vania. The family went to the State of New
York when Mr. Wolcott was 22 years of age, and he
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remained an inmate of the household four years
longer. He was married at the age of 26 and continued to carry on the business of farming there
until he was 31 years old, when he came to Michigan
and settled in Shiawassee County. He remained
there I8 months and went to De Kalb Co., Ill., and
engaged in farming three years. His health becoming impaired he went back to his native State. During the six years of his residence there he held the
positions of Constable and Collector, and passed the
remainder of the time in farming. He came again
to Michigan in r866, and settled in Millbrook Tp.,
where he entered i60 acres of land under.the provisions of the Homestead Act. On this land he
erected the second frame house built in the township, and set about clearing the land for agricultural
purposes, working three years without a team. The
results of his persevering energy are manifest in the
appearance of his farm, iio acres of the original i60
acres being under excellent cultivation. Although
he has bought and sold several hundred acres of
land in the township, he has always held his first
claim as a homestead.
Mr. Wolcott was married in Bradford Co., Pa.,
Nov. 8, 1849, to Ruth, second daughter of Wm.'L.
and Sally (Vosbinder) Taylor. The parents were
natives of New York, and settled in Bradford County,
where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs.
Wolcott was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., March 22,
1832. Of 14 children of Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott,
eight are still living, born as follows: Sarah S., Oct.
30, 1850; Lewis E., May 7, i852; Benjamin L.,
Dec. 5, 1853; Betsey E., Feb. 29, 1856; Ettie L.,
Dec. 4, I863; Ruth A., June I6, I869; Maurice D.,
Feb. 26, 1872; Alice M., Nov. 8, 1876. The deceased are as follows: George J., born Feb. I7,
i858, died Sept. I9, 1863; Laura L., born June 17,
i86o, died Sept. 17, I863; Emma E., born Dec. 30,
186I, died Sept. 22, I863; Charles A., born April 9,
t868, died April ii, I868; Mary E., born July 8,
I874, died Feb. 3, i88i; William H., born Dec. 24,
i865, died Nov. 7, i88i.
Mr. Wolcott has held the office of Justice of the
Peace four years, Road Commissioner three years,
School Director nine years in succession, and has
been a member of the School Board nearly every
year. Both himself and wife are active and prominent members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Wolcott
> 1 1s a-^- ^~^ --— ^-^^-*
COUNTY. 307
was four years a circuit preacher, was regularly ordained and has officiated two years as a local
preacher. His impaired health compelled him to i:.
abandon circuit work, but he is still engaged in his
ministerial labors and expects to be so occupied
the remainder of his earthly life, believing that if he is
faithful to the end a crown of eternal happiness will
be his reward.
q3T+y X
S- muel L. Newton, of the banking house,~;~ of Fairman & Newton, Big Rapids, and
| whose portrait we place in this work, was
' born at Hagersville, Ont., Aug. 6, i86T, and is
3 a son of Luther G. and Mary J. (Waters)
Newton. In 1865 his parents went to Buffalo,
N. Y., where his father associated with his
uncle, J. S. Newton, embarked in the lumber trade
and carried on an extensive business under the style
of J. S. & L. G. Newton. Mr. Newton was a pupil
at school in Buffalo from four years of age until the
second removal of his family to Adams, Jefferson
Co., N. Y., where he was again placed at school, and
remained a student there until he was 17 yeais old.
In 1877 he began a course of study at Hungerford
Collegiate Institute, where he remained four years.
At the expiration of that period he came to Big
Rapids and engaged as book-keeper in the banking
house of Ferdinand Fairman, his guardian. In Octobe:, 188i, Mrs. Newton purchased an interest in
the bank with Mr. Fairman, which her son in turn
bought from her on reaching his majority (Aug. 6,
1882), becoming owner of halfits business relations.
In every respect he seems fitted for the honorable
and important profession which he has chosen, possessing all the essential characteristics requsite to the
calling.
The house ot Fairman & Newton ranks among the
most solid and reliable of the banking institutions of
Northern Michigan. Its affairs are conducted with
a sagacity and business acumen which secures the
confidence of the public and amplifies its financial
relations. The Fairman & Newton block, ranking
among the most substantial buildings in Big Rapids,
is owned by the firm whose rname it bears. The
building on Michigan avenue, occupied by the Michigan Cigar Co., is the private property of Mr. Newton.
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308 MECOS TA CO UNZT..
J.|He has made such good use of his energy and labor
- o< ' that he has put 65 acres in a good state of cultiva~ o tion.
illia Corbett, farmer, sec. 22 costa Mr. Kelley was married in Millbrook, April 17,
1 T'l is a native of Xcotland, where he was 1870, to Mary E., third daughter of James E. and,
9 orn Dec. 7, I849. His parents, James Rosanna (Purceley) Riley, who was born in New
and Elizabeth (Spears) Corbett, were also York, April 5, I854. Her parents came from Ireland
F natives of "Auld Scotia," and came to this and settled in the Empire State. Mr. and Mrs.
country with their family, settling in Canada in Kelley have had six children, five of whom are liv1853. Six years later they came to Michigan. ing: Rosa M., born Fel. 20, 1872; Myrtie I.,March
J Mr. Corbett was but a lad when he was brought to 10, I874; Nora B. Sept. 24, 1876; Ada, March I9,
this country, and was still in early youth when he be- [877; Eva, Jan. 9, 1879. Rosanna died in infancy.
came a resident of the Peninsular State. Until 1873 Mr. Kelley belongs to the Republican party. He
he worked at various places as a farm assistant, and has held iportant official positions in the affairs of
in that year purchased 20 acres of land in the town- his township, and himself and wife are members of
ship where he is now a citizen, which acreage he has the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
increased by purchase until he now owns a valuable
farm containing I6o acres, with 140 acres under cul-..-._
tivation and in extraordinarily good condition for agri- n
cultural purposes. He has made rapid strides in ( enry Mansfield, farmer, sec. 35, Wheatland
the improvementof his place, and has already erected, Yl ~ Tp., was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug.
= in modern style, all buildings necessary to first-class ir, 1818. His parents,Josiah and Lucre-.
= farming, except a suitable residence, which will soon tia (Byam) Mansfield, were natives of Massa-. be added to the substantial attractions of the place. chusetts. He passed the years preceding his 5. Mr. Corbett was married at Hastings, Mich., I May majority under the care and supervision of his
g9, I877, to Esther J., daughter of Jonas and Re- father, attending school and receiving the training
becca A (Stanley) Hall. She was born Jan. 17, and instruction necessary to fit him for his life's
856. Mr. and Mrs. Corbett have three children, work. Onl leaving home he spent the next four years
born as follows: George, Sept. 27, 1879; May E., as a farm lalorer. At 25 years of age he was marMay 12, i88i; Maggie M., Oct. 5, I882. ried to Charlotte, daughter of Elijah and Abigail
Politically Mr. (Corbett is a Democrat and has held Brown, that event taking place at Byron, N. Y., Dec.
various offices in the gift of his townsmen. 'Ihe 15, 1842. Mrs. Mansfield was a widow, and survived
family attend the P'resbyterian church. her second marriage until Dec. 6, I847, when she
died, in Genesee County. Her illness was long and:' —... — involved her husband in debt to a consideralle exV,^_Itent. He was again married May 25, 1848, in (Gen-, F harles W. Kelley, farmer, sec. 3, Millbrook esee Countyl, to Caroline IM., daughter of Chauncey
1 1p., was l)orn in Ca;nada, lan. 16, 1 45. and Iorena (Wells) Brown, natives of New England,
He had his own fortune to carve, and at and respectively of Irish and English extraction.
1 the age of 13 commenced the struggle for Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield lived on a farm in the
home and the future. Lie was eimployed as county where they were married until 1867. In the
a farm laborer, ant during the first year received slring of that year they settled on the farm where
six dollars a month. lie passed some years in this they are still resident, containing 12o acres of land,
manller in Canada, and in the fall of 164 came to with 70 acres tunder advanced cultivation and sup" lonia, Mich., returning three months later to the )o- plied with necessary and suitable farm buildings.
minion. After spending a winter at home lie re- The family incliudes three children, as follows:
i turned to lonia Cotunty, and not long after, in the ('haluncey R., born July 12, 1849; Evert J., Jan. 26,
) autumn of i865, came to Mlecosta County and 1852; May A., lay 8, 1855
boought 160 acres of timblered land in Nlillbrook Tp). lllThe parrents are il advanced life, but an active.lot 6 —osaresoftilerei)ll ----!1rMEJoo'
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life has kept them young in purpose and stimulated
their ambition to keep pace with'the progress of the
age. Mr. Mansfield has always acted with the Relublican party; has served his township as Treasurer
seven years. He and his wife are zealous Imemblers
I of the M. E. Church.
d~ t K. Wolcott, farmer, sec. 2, Mill)rook Tp.,
l is a son of Benj. and Betsey (Merrill) Wol[ A cott, the former a native of Pennsylvania,
/ and the latter of Connecticut. In early life
they settled in Bradford Co., Pa., where they
lived more than 40 years. In the spring of
of 1856 they came to Shiawassee Co., Mich.,
and after a brief stay went to Illinois. Five years
later they returned to the same county in Michigan
and remained three and one-half years, going then
)/ to Pennsylvania, and residing there until the fall of
T 868, when they came to Millbrook, and both died
4. here in the spring of 1878.
= Mr. Wolcott was born in Bradford Co., Pa., Feb.
20, 183I, and was the support of his parents as long
c as they lived. On coming to Millbrook he entered a
claim of 120 acres of land under the homestead act,
and afterward, in I869, bought 80 acres of land ad)joining. In 1878 he sold 40 acres of this land and
in April, i883, he sold 80 acres; he still holds a valuable farm containing 80 acres under good improvements. He was married in Bradford Co., Pa., Oct.
27, i88I, to Countess D., daughter of A. P. and Esther Wolcott. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where Esther was born Mr. and Mrs. \Yolcott had one child, Viola, born May 5, 1883, and
died Sept. 10, 1883. Mr. Wolcott is identified with
the Democratic party, and has been School Assessor
ten years.
N dward Harmon, landlord of the Millbrook
' 2li ^ hotel, Millbrook village, was born in
^ ^ Maine, Feb. 14, 1832, and is a sonof John
l and Ann E. (Martin) Harmon, natives of
Maine. The father died in California in 1867
and the mother resides at Boston, Mass. At
the age of i6 Mr. Harmon engaged as a lumberman,
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and also in the river service, which he pursued as a
vocation 25 years. In 1859 he left Maine and came
to Clearfield Co., Pa., and there engaged in lumbering 14 years. He left the Keystone State in the fall
of 1873 and came to Mlason Co., Mich., pursuing the
same business at which he had spent so many years
of his life, about 18 months, during which time he
also kept a boarding house. At the termination of
the period named, in T875, he came to Blanchard,
Isabella Co., Mich., and, forming a partnership with
H. P. Blanchard', continued to prosecute the lumber
trade. At the end of one year this connection closed
and Mr. Harmon c.amle to Mecosta County, and in
December, 1876, located at Millbrook and established himself in the hotel business, which still
monopolizes his time and energies. His house is the
leading one in that section and is the only one in
town.
Mr. Harmon was married in Pennsylvania, May
24, i861. Mrs. Harmon was born in Center Co.,
Penn. She has one child by a former marriage, Deborah. Mr. Harmon is a Democrat. He has been
cpnnected with the Order of Odd Fellows about 20 =
years; has held the office of Deputy Sheriff two and
a half years, and been Constable one year.
*( Tp., was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Jan. 26,
1 r834. His parents, Jasper and Mary
~~ (Ropp) Whitbeck, were natives of the State of
J New York. His mother died in Michigan, in the
spring of 1878, aged 93 years. His father died
in Oakland Co., Mich., in the fall of 1882. He was
a centenarian, and distinctly remembered the first
election of Washington to the Presidency of the
United States by ballot. He was a soldier of 1812,
and lived to see the fifth generation of his descendants grow up about him. The family removed from
New York to Michigan, leaving the Empire State Nov.
4, 1838, where the boyhood, youth and early manhood of Mr. Whitbeck were passed. After reaching
his majority he attended to the conduct of his father's
farm, and finally the old homestead passed into his
possession. In the fall of 1882 he came to Mecosta,
Tp. and bought i60 acres of land, with 120 acres in
good condition for farming purposes. On this Mr.
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Whitbeck is at l)resent engaged in progressive farming.
He was married March 19, 1857, to Sarah, daughter of Horace and Annie (House) Atwood, of Rose,
Oakland Co., where she was born June i6, I838.
Her father was born in New York and is still living.
The mother was a native of New Hampshire. Ada
G., born Apiil 27, 1859, and Howard M., born Feb.
I, I852, are the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Whitbeck.
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]; ames Stephens, farmer, resident on sec. 34,
I Hinton Tp. (P. O., Lakeview), is a son of
Ebenezer and Sarah (Vincent) Stephens.
They settled in Canada, where James was
0[ born, Jan. 25, 1836. There he resided until
December, I865, and then lived in Ottawa
Co., Mich., two years. In the summer of I867 he
bought 80 acres of wild land, of which he has since
sold 40 acres, with 8 of the remaining 40 under tillage and on which he lives. He is a Republican in
politics.
Mr. Stephens was married in Canada, Nov. 0o,
1864, to Annie, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Barton. The father was born in England, and the
mother is a native of Pennsylvania Mrs. Stephens
was born in Canada, May 21, I844. The five children of whom she is the mother are all living, born
in the following order: Sarah, April 7, 867; Jesse
M., Nov. 30, 1868; Abigail, Dec. 21, 1870; Elenezer J., Nov. i6, 1873; Allen J., Dec. 21, r88i.
and in the spring of 1872 moved into the village of
Millbrook to engage in a general mercantile business,
having previously formed a partnership with E. S.
Decker, under the style of Main & Decker. After
conducting their business a year, another partner was
admitted and the firm style became Main, Decker &
Co. This connection existed five years; during a
portion of this period Mr. Main was also interested
in the lumber trade. Becoming embarrassed financially, the firm closed its affairs, and Mr. Main again
turned his attention to farming; is also keeping a
hotel at West Milbrook, which he built in 1882. He
is a Republican in politics and has served three years
as Supervisor of his township.
Mr. Main was married in Canada, Sept. 26, 1864,
to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Hunter)
Long, all natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Main have
had three children, but one of whom, Irving H., survives. Blanche and Richard A. died in infancy.
ichael Degear, farmer on sec. 28, Deerfield Tp., was born in the I)ominion of
1 Canada Feb. 6, 1822. His parents, Michael and Charity (Cupps) Degear, were also
born in Canada, where the former died, in April,
I857, and the latter Aug. 15, 1847. Mr. Degear remained at the home place until the age of 20,
and was variously employed about nine years. He
then b[ought a farm containing 47 acres, which he sold
ten years later and removed to the township of Lancaster, Canada, there renting a farm which he carried on three years. At the end of that time he
went with his family to Kent Co., Mich., and soon
afterward selected his present location in this county.
He purchased 80 acres of uncultivated land, which
he has increased by the addition of 120 acres; he
now has 84 acres under tillage. Mr. )egear is an
active member of the Repullican party and himself
and family belong to the Methodist Church.
He was married in the summer of I852 to Elizabeth, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Drake) Kitchen,
natives of New Jersey and residents of Canada.
She was born Jan. o1, 1822. T'l'e father died in
1824, the mother two years later. Three of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Degear are living, and were
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i harles Main, farmer, sec. 2, Milllrook Tp.,
I is a son of George and Margaret Ann
I ll ~ (Chandler) Main, and was born in Canada,
Ma May 3, 1841. He came to Michigan in
r! the spring of i865, wlen nearly 23 years of
age, to l)rospect and locate land, anld in the
spring of the following year came to Montcalm
County, and was there engaged two years in farming.., In the spring of 1868 he ciame to Mlecosta County
and bought ioo acres of land, with some improvements, in Millbrook Tp. lie colndlcted affairs on
this place nearly two years, sold it and lpurchased
another, containing oo00 acres, which he likewise sold,
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MECOSTA CO UNTY. 31 T,-...............
born as follows: Berthelda, Sept. i, 1857; Reuben he resided until May 21, 1883. He then sold out,
J., Feb. 22, i860; Henry K., Sept. 24, I86I. Sarah his agricultural interests, came to Mecosta and
died aged 12; two children died in infancy. purchased the interest of his brother's partner, and; has since been engaged in managing the business
1, fdevolving upon him as half owner of an extensive
--- -M| — trade.
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X rederick R. Luther, farmer on sec. 30
-/Etna Tp, was born in Clinton Co., N. Y.,
-l,}.,~ Sept. 18, 1808, and is a son of William
and Eunice (Allen) Luther. He was under
k t the l)aternal roof until 23 years of age, when
he came to Michigan and settled in the vicinity
of Detroit, and was there engaged in various kinds
of farm labor three years. He then went to Washtenaw Co., Mich., but remained only a short time,
and settled in Lenawee Co., where he pursued farming for five years. In 1839 he went to Ingham
County, where he was the first settler in Delhi Tp.
He was engaged in farming there until 1869, wlhen
he came to Mecosta County and settled in /Etna Tp.
He owns 160 acres of land, with 60 acres under good
improvement. In politics Mr. Luther is a Democrat,
and in religious views he is a liberalist.
He was married in September, 1835, to Cornelia,
daughter of Peter and Clara (Frisby) Lamoreaux,
natives of New York, born June 19, I814, and
died Aug. 24, 1856. Mr. Luther was married again
in Lenawee Co., April io, 1858, to Mrs. Margaret
Priest, daughter of Robert and Phebe (Denney)
Shultz. By this marriage one child was born, Aug 21,
1859. Mrs. Luther, by a former marriage, has five
children.
*i obert D. Parks, of the firm of Parks Bros.,
Mecosta village, Morton Tp., was born at
t ij. South Lyon, Oakland Co., Mich., April 2,
e' I8 1847, and is a son of William R. and Ann E.
j (Dunlap) Parks. He remained on his
father's farm until 20 years old, when he
was occupied about two years as a farm assistant, and then learned the carpenter's trade at South: Lyon, which he pursued about four years. In
company with Robert Dunlap he built a saw, grist
and cider mill, which they managed together until
1879, when Mr. Parks sold his interest and resumed
farming, buying I20 acres of land in Lyon, on which
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Mr. Parks owns, besides his property at Mecosta,
two village lots in South Lyon.
Mr. Parks was ma:ried at South Lyon Dec. 9, 1879,
to Sarah A., daughter of Walter and Henrietta Bowers, born in New Hudson, Oakland Co., Mich. They
have two children-Floyd, born at South Lyon, Sept.
21, i880, and Stanley, born in Mecosta, June 3,
1883.
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MI1, aniel H. Ruger, farmer on sec. 32, AItna
i Tp., was born in )utchess Co., N. Y., Feb.
22, 1814. His parents were David and
Elizabeth (Hagaman) Ruger, and were natives of New York. When Mr. Ruger was two
years old his father died, and his mother was left
with the care and responsibilities of maintaining and
educating her children, which she did in the most
creditable manner. When Daniel H. was I6 years
old he was apprenticed to Wm. Phillips, of his native town, and remained-in that service until the
death of Mr. Phillips, which occurred in the winter
of I831. Soon after that he went to Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., where he stayed but a few months, then set
out to pursue his trade on the "tramp journeyman"
plan. In 1848 he came to Cass Co., Mich., and purchased property in Edwardsburg, where he remained
four years following his profession, and was justly
considered the leader in the calling which he pursued. He next went to Elkhart, Ind., and was there
settled until 1863. In that year he enlisted in the
Union army, enrolling in the First Michigan Sharpshooters. He reached a Sergeant's rank and was discharged July 23, I865, having been in six severe
engagements, each time escaping unhurt. Leaving
the army he went to Cassopolis, this State, resumed
his trade and operated there seven years. In 1872
he came to AEtna Tp. and settled on I60 acres of
land on sec. 32, where he has since operated in farming and lumbering.
Mr. Ruger was married in Ontario Co., N. Y.,
March 13, i836, to Mary L., daughter of Newbery
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and Mary (Smith) Lay. The parents were natives
of New York, where Mrs. Ruger was born, July 6,
1818. Of 13 children born of this marriage, seven
are living: Catharine, born May 21, 1838; Mary
E., May 2, 1840; Arabella, Jan 7, [842; Alice A.,
Jan. 5, 1844; Edna, Jan. 30, 1852; Lillian A., Jan.
0o, 1854; Clementina A., Oct. io, I856. Silas H.,
born April i, 1837, died in infancy; Anna, born
March 25, I840, died in July, 1872; Daniel Smith,
born Dec. Io, 1850, died in 1852; Dan S., born July
6, 1858, died May i, 1859; Louis, born March 15,
i86o, and Josephine A., born Feb. 2, 1848, are
deceased.
harles Wilkinson, farmer, sec. 25, Ai.tna
i Tp., was born June 28, 1833, in Harrison, r 0Co., Ohio, and is a son of Philander and
Thankful R. (Leach) Wilkinson. On attaining his majority, Mr. Wilkinson took his final
leave of the paternal home, and sought his
fortune in the Peninsular State, and made his first
essay in business for himself in Hillsdale County,
findingemploy on a farm for some months. He went
thence to Barry Co., \iich., where he made another
investment, and secured a wife-Harriet. daughter of
Peter and Susan Mosier, who died April 8, 1882. Of
this marriage three childrenl were l)orn: Francis L.,
Sept. I9, i857; Efima R., ()ct. 3I, 1859, and Ella
V.. Aug 23, i86o.
Mr. Wilkinson was engaged in farming in Barry
County until the fall of t86o, when lie went to St.
Joseph Co., MIicl. ()On the tirst call for troops in
i86r, when the cry of an imp)llgned nation rang like
a trumpet blast over a startled world, N r. Wilkinson
enlisted in defense of that nation's integrity, enrolling
in the Sixth Mich. Vol. Inf., for three months, and on
the expiration of that period again recorded his name
on the list of defenders of the Union. He enrolled
Aug. 20, I862, and was in tle service eight montls.
After a brief stay at holme when his period of enlistment had expired, he re-entered the army ais 1a hired
substitute, and served until the close of the war.
June 19, [864, lhe was again married, to AIrs.
Wealthy l)ay, and immediately canme to.iE'tna Tp.,
since which time they have resided on a farml of 40
acres near Morley. Of the seconld marriage four
children have been born, as follows: Franklin H.,
March io, 1865; Elmer E., Sept. 30, i867; Willie
C., born Oct. 8, I877, and died Nov. 14, 1878; Nora
died in infancy. Mr. Wilkinson is a Republican.
homas R. Crocker, overseer for Crocker,
Tl Hudnutt & Co., builders at Big Rapids,
i~ R was born at Milwaukee, Wis., March i8,.. I854. He is a son of William H. and Mary
(Holloway) Crocker. When he was four years
old his parents removed to Manitowoc, Wis.,
where his father was engaged in the occupation of a
builder, and constructed several fine buildings there
and at Milwaukee, being also engaged in building
steamer cabins for Goodrich, Ward & Co., at
Manitowoc.
Mr. Crocker was a school-boy until 14 years of age,
when he commenced learning his father's trade,
which has been the calling of his life. He came to
Big Rapids in I874, and was for a time connected
with his brother in building. When the firm of
Crocker & Hudnutt was formed in i877, he took
charge of their outside business, and has since sulervised the construction of a number of the princil)al
buildings of the city of Big Rapids. (See sketch of
John M. Crocker.)
g awrence Sours (German, Sauers), farmer
on sec. 36, AEtna Tp., was born at Battle
Creek, Michi., April 24, I85o. His parents,
M ungus and 'eresa (Boteshaim) Sours,
were of German nativity. WVheln Mr. Sours was
but a child, his l)arents went to the wilderness
of Wisconsin, but remained only a few months,
going thence to Rochester, N. V., and residiing there
until 1867. In that year they came to Kent Co.,
Mich., where tley engaged in farming and lumiubering
three years. They went to MNontcalm (County, where
they lived one year, comingl thence to tlis county,
settling in the townsllip of.'Etna. They lbouglht 200
acres of heavily timbered land on the bank of the
NIMuskegon River, and lave 70 acres iml)roved.
The father of Alr. Sours was born Selpt. 5, i8 8,
and was killed near Morley, Selpt 5, 1878, by
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t MECOSTA COUNTY. 3I3'r
a passenger train on the G. R. & I. R. R. R The easant, born in Wiltshire, Eng., July 26, 1829. She
mother was born April 25, 1820, and is still living is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Gay) Beasant, f
f', with her son. The latter has thus far devoted his natives of the same county of England.
life to the care of his parents. He is now owner and In 185 2, William Lowe came to the United States,
A manager of the homestead. The family belong to and first settled in Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.,
the Catholic (Church. where he operated as a gardener. He canie to Michid t- - l l 11 f Cl, TSrt n cl r,,'cli-tl T in NewTn7ro
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I Camuel W. Rose, farmer, sec. 22, Hinton
Mi '/ Tp., was lorn in New York, March 20,
Jj h 1I829, and is a son of William and Sarah
t (Elmondorph) Rose; the former was a native
of the Empire State, and died in March, I876.
The latter was born in Holland, and died in
the State of New York. Mr. Rose came to Mecosta
Co., Mich., in 1853, and was married Oct. 23, 1856,
to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Phebe (Ribble)
Hinton. Her father was born in Wales, and her
mother in Germany. Mrs. Rose was born Feb. 18,
1835, and died May 12, I866, leaving five children,
born as follows: James E., Sept. 3, 1857; Mary E.,
Nov. IT, 1858; John E., Feb. 26, i86o0 William. E.,
Sept. 21, I862; Absalom E., Oct. 29, 1864. Mr. Rose
contracted a second marriage in Mecosta Co., July 4,
I867, with Lydia A., daughter of Thomas and Ann
(Day) Thomas, natives of Eng!and; her father is
still living. She was born in Canada, Aug. 30, i850.
Mr. and Mrs. Rose have five children: Hubert E.,
born Aug. 29, i868; George E., Jan. 4, 1870; Addie
E., Jan. 5, 1872; AliceE., Feb. 3, 1874; Lottie E.,
May i8, I877.
In 1877 Mr. Rose bought 80 acres of land, on
which he resides. He has held the office of Township Clerk and Highway Commissioner.
ldCil 111 LIIC l tltll Ij lL l IlU iC lIL ) LN I.N c 8ljV
County for i6 months, and in 1854 came to Mecosta
County, where he located land in Green Tp., under
the Gradation Act, buying 8o acres, for which he
paid 75 cents per acre. Here he built a house and
began to improve his land. He now owns 140 acres
in sections 32 and 33.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are: Eliza,
now Mrs. George E. Moore; Louisa, wife of Fred. S.
Dickerson; Anna, William T., Alice M., Oscar L.
and Chancey E. Mary A. and Emily are deceased.
Mr. Lowe is a Republican..C.,_.
"t ddward T. Horton, merchant, Millbrook
Et' village, is a son of Seneca and Catharine. (Buckbee) Horton, the former a-native of
Ohio, the latter of New York. The parents
came to Michigan in the spring of i866, and
settled in Wheatland Tp., where they still reside. Mr. Horton was born in Pennsylvania,
Nov. 19, 1847. He accompanied his parents to this
State, and was reared under their supervision to the
age of twenty years. The year preceding his majority he spent in various occupations, among them,
one term as teacher of a district school. The next
three years he passed in the employ of W. S. Howd,
general merchant at Milbrook. In 1870 he went to
Eaton Co., Mich., and bought a third interest in a
planing mill. He entered vigorously into the prose
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It lcution of his business venture, but at the end of two
I illiam Lowe, farmer on secs. 32 and 33, months a distressing accident resulted in the loss of
| Green Tp., was born in Oxford Co., Eng- his right hand, and he sold out and returned to Millland, June 3, 1828. His parents, George brook. He then formed a partnership with his
and. Elizabeth (Athaway) Lowe, lived and former employer, W. S. Howd, which existed two and
died in their native country, the father one-half years. In 1873, associated with A. J.
dying when William was a child of seven years. Howd, he purchased the interest of W. S. Howd, and
*? He remained with his mother until the age of the new firm transacted business one year, when Mr.
I5, when he went to London, and there was em- Horton became sole owner, his partner retiring, and
ployed as gardener by a Mr. Anderson, where he re- he continued the prosecution of his mercantile inter( ) mained three years. ests two years; at the end of that period of time he
He was married in London, June 3, I85, to Sarah again connected himself with a partner, Mr. T. C.
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> 3I4 MECOSTA COUNTY N
____)______-=- - -- ---- _______ ----------- K@)),r Gardner. This relation was of brief duration, the Hugh, Francis, Emma and Amanda E; two are de'I latter gentleman selling to Mr. Horton, who has since ceased. Mr. Maguire was one of the early settlers;F managed the business alone. His trade is in a thriv- and is a Democrat.
i ing condition, necessitating a stock worth $15,000,
comprising aline of merchandise adapted to the local |.
demand.
Mr. Horton was married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., 'oyc d
Oct., 17, 1875, to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and | Yr loyd Palmer, farmer, sec. 22, Green Tp.,
Electa Tiney, who was born in Ohio, whither her | was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan.
parents removed from New York, the State of their o',- 24, 1830, and is a son of William and
nativity. Of this marriage one child has been born, Elizabeth (Lowry) Palmer, natives of New
Thad S., Sept. 21, 1880. | York. His father was a soldier of the war
7 Mr. Horton is widely known and universally es- of 1812, and was stationed at Sackett's Harteemed for his business integrity, as well as for his bor. His maternal great-grandfather was a napersonal traits, which render him a popular and val- tive of ermany and was kidnaped by a pressuable member of society. His industry and atten- gang in 1732, when about the age of i8, and brought
tion to his business interests have brought him sub- to this country. He was compelled to labor during
stantial results, and though he is yet a young man his passage, and on landing upon the American
he has attained an enviable and permanent place continent was sold for a pretended balance due for
among his fellow men. Himself and wife are ac- his transportation. He died at 1oo years of age.
tively interested in religious matters and belong to The Palmer family can only be indefinitely traced to, the M. E. Church. Mr. Horton is a Republican and English origin. William Palmer came to Michigan with
c has held various offices in the township. his family in 1835, and settled in Washtenaw County,
'> >going afterwards to Ionia County, where the son was __:=; reared and educated. When Floyd was 13 years old
i,vazM | lhis mother died, and since that time he has been the /
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i ohn Maguire, farmer on sec. 24, Green
Tl) Tp.,' was lorn near Prescott, Can., in Octo.; ber, 18 12. His father, Bartholomew M/aguire, was a native of New York, and was in
the war of i812. His grandfather was in the
~ Revolutionary war, in which lie fought five
years; he settled in the State of New York and married Eleanor Bresee.
architect o1 mis own lortune. in 105i nle was married in Washtenaw County, to Eliza A., daughter of
Samuel and Maria (Masten) North, born in October,
1830, in Ulster, N. Y. Her lparents were born in
New York, and settled in Washtenaw Co., Mich. Mr.
Palmer sold his interests in 1881 and bought a fine
farm of 95 acres in Green Tp., Mecosta Co. Mr.
and Mrs. Palmer have had six children, of whom five
survive: Alice M., Arthur E., Helen ()., Wilsey C.
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Mr. Maguire was married in the Empire State in
1855, to Mary Miller, removing soon after to Pennsylvania, where he bought a farm and resided six-, - '.7~:_ —.
years. He then sold his property and returned to I SPI
the State of New York. Three years later he went j m aarrison J. Brown, miller at Altona, Hinton
to Canada West and remained 12 years near Port T i 'p., was born in Warren C(o., Pa., Nov. i,
Burwell, Elgin Co., where he was engagedin lumlber- 835. s parents, Peter and Mary (Lib-. n 18S35. tti i, P e ter
ing. In 186o lie located in Greenville, Montcalm by) Brown, were natives respectively of (on-.: Co., where he remained a year, and in the winter of necticut and New York. The father died i
1862 came to this (ounty, where he passed a year Pennsylvania, in I 855; the mother is still livinig,
f on the farm of A. Clark. learnwhile lie holesteaded with her son at Altona. Mr. Brown was a lumber* 80 acres of land and now has 45 a res under tillagc. man in Warren (County lntil 32 years of age; two
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Maguire are these: years he was owner and oplerator ofa steam saw-mill <
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When 18 years old he commenced to lalor in the
woods, putting in timber in the winter and rafting it
down, in which business he continued for three years.
In the spring of 1865 he was drafted for the Union
service and procured a substitute, to whom he paid
$1,ooo. Nine days later Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court-House. Mr. Brown came to Michigan
in the spring of 1867, and spent some months in
prospecting in Flint, Chesaning and Greenville; and
then came to Saginaw Co. and bought a farm of roo
acres. The summer following he built a house and
labored in clearing and improving his land. This
place he owned two years, when he settled in Mecosta Co., in i868. In the summer of that year he
built a flouring-mill on the Little Muskegon river, the
first in the township. In later years he bought a
saw-mill of Wm. Egbert, and is now operating both
and employing 12 men. He has recently refitted his
shingle-mill, its capacity being now 35,000 per diem.
The full product of the flour mill is 20 barrels daily,
besides feed grinding.
Mr. Brown was married in New York, June 9, 1865,
to Maryette E., daughter of Thomas and Susannah
(Stewart) Thomas. Mrs. Brown's father was born in
Pennsylvania, and her mother in Canada The
daughter was born March 26, 1842, and is a member
of the M. E. Church. Mr. Brown is a Republican,
and comes of patriotic ancestry, his grandfather,iibby having been a soldier of 81 2.
l lames N. Decker, farmer, sec. io, Hinton
l Tp., is one of the pioneer settlers of Me% costa County, and was born in Greene Co.,
t N. Y., Sept. 8, I8i9. He is the eldest son of
Gilbert D. and Mary (Stanley) Deeker, both
natives of New York, who moved to Canada in
the fall of 1833, where the mother died. The
father came to Michigan to pass the closing years of
his life with his children, and died at the home of his
son, Edward S., in Millbrook, Sept. 20, i869.
Mr. Decker passed his youth in the care of his
parents, and while in Canada was engaged in farm
I
ing. In the summer of I865 he came to Michigan,
and bought 16o acres of land, principally in an uncultivated state, paying therefor $750. Its value and.
appearance have been so enhanced by cultivation i
and improvements, that it is held now to be worth
$ o,ooo. The convenient and suitable buildings
lately erected are a great ornament to the place.
After the purchase of the land he returned to Canada,
and passed the winter of 1865-6; and in the following
spring he came back with his son, built a log house,
and made such improvements as were possible,
clearing about seven acres of land, which was sown
with wheat. He brought his family in the fall of the
same year, and before winter, was finally settled in
the Peninsular State. Mr. Decker relates graphically his pioneer experiences, and the clearness of his
remembrance, with the interesting character of the
numberless incidents, entirely divest the recital of
uniformity and tameness, though the tale is one oft
repeated.
Mr. Decker shipped the first wheat from Mecosta
County over the G. R. & I. Railroad, and in 1873,:
harvested the heaviest crop ever raised in the county
-500 bushels from io acres. He has been Town- =
ship Clerk two years, Highway Commissioner three
years, Justice of the Peace i years, Township)
Treasurer one year, and was elected Drain Commissioner in the spring of 1883, to serve two years. In
politics he is a Republican.
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Our subject was married in the township of Hope,
Canada, Nov. 4, I840, to Catherine, daughter of
James and Mary (Walker) Flanagan, born July 20,
r8 8, in Canada. Her parents were of Irish nativity,
and settled in Canada in its pioneer period, and died
there many years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Decker have buried three of eight
children: Nelson, born Sept. 26, 1841, died Oct, 23,
1870; Elizabeth, born Sept. 2, 1843, died Nov. 20,
1870; Catherine, born Nov. 23, i851, died Nov. 12,
I88i. The loss of their children has had telling
effect upon the parents. All had reached mature
years, and their lives were full of promise. The living children are: Eliza, born June 2, I845; Hester
A., June 23, i847; Matilda, April I2, 1849; Mary
J., Jan. 25, 1854; Amelia R., July 9, I858. Mr.
Decker's father has about 112 living descendants,
principally in this country.
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, 318 MECOSTA COUNTY., -. ___ _ - - - -_ _-;
k4 As one of the leading agriculturists of this County, son. He was an inmate of his father's house until
and a gentleman altogether worthy the position, we after his marriage, which took place Dec. 6, I874, to
present the portrait of Mr. Decker in connection with Carrie, dauglter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Cronk).;.
this skeLch. Reed, born in Defiance Co., Ohio, June 18, 1858.
Her parents were natives of Ohio, and removed to
of older communities.
-- — slAnbDdurlr
His hard, laborious life fostered in him a spirit of
independence which found vent in a prompt response to the call of his country in her bitterest
trial, and he enlisted in Marshall, Calhoun Co.,
Mich., Oct 21, i86i,in Co. C, First Mich. Engs. and
Mechs, and was discharged April 13, 1862, at Louisville, Ky., on account of physical disability. The
first two summers thereafter he worked as a farm
assistant, and went to school winters. In the spring
of 1864, his father having sold out in Vermontville,
settled at Lowell, Kent Co., and bought a farm,
whither his son accompanied him, and was employed
in the Grand River Valley nursery one season. In
1865 he went to Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he
spent a year in agricultural pursuits, and then turned
his attention to carpentry, which occupied his time
for six years at Greenville, after which he went to
Cedar Springs and followed the same calling three
years. He then bought 40 acres in Algona Tp.,
Kent Co., and there resided three years. At that
time he experienced a severe loss by fire, which consumed his barn, one horse, and his farming implements. He then gave up farming and went to
Greenville, where he commenced the business of a
draymaster, and continued in that vocation until
September, 1877. He then came to Big Rapids and
established himself in the same calling, and is now
running three drays steadily, and increasing his
draught facilities on occasion. Mr. Sanford has
served four terms as Deputy-Marshal of Big Rapids,
and one year as Constable. He is a member of the
I. O. 0. F., Royal Arcanum Ins. Co., and also belongs to the Encampment.
Mr. Sanford was married at Lowell, July 23, 1865,
to Arthalinda Tanner, born in Ontario, April 3, 1848,
and they have four children: Emerson, Mary, Susie
and Mina. The parents and eldest daughter are
members of the M. E. Church.!
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_elson Van Alstine, farmer, sec. I5, Grant )
Tp., was born June 14, 1843, in Wolcott,
Wayne Co., N. Y. About the year "'857
his parents settled in Shiawassee Co., Mich.,
where they resided 14 years, the father dying in
i I86I; the mother resides in Grant Tp.
Mr. Van Alstine began his career as an agriculj^a<^ ^-~ -^-^qm^
~p~ —i 0,
acres unde im provement.He was marriedat- Sth
A' 322 MlKCOSTA COUNTY.
a, turist in Shiawassee Co., in 1864, where he lived five acres under improvement. He was married at South
/: years, then sold his farm and made a homestead Albion, Calhoun Co., Mich., April I9, I866, to Al-!- claim of 80 acres on sec. io in Grant Tp., on which meda, daughter of Samuel W. and Sarah (Parsons),,,
he resided five years. In i875 he bought 40 acres Hamilton. She was born Jan. 13, I836, in Bellevue,
/ of choice land on sec. T5, where he is engaged in Mich. Her parents were natives of Massachusetts,
[ farming, and is still proprietor of his original tract of came to Michigan in 1835 and resided in Homer,
land. His farm is well improved and valuable. Calhoun County, until their death,-that of the
Mr. Van Alstine was married Dec. 26, I864, to father occurring in I85r, and that of the mother in
Sarah Elizabeth Blyth, of Wolcott, N. Y., and of their July, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have four children:
marriage five children have been born: James E., Boyden H., Jasper F., Frederick E. and Edward H.
William H., Nettie 0., Robert Emmet and Dora Isabel. Mr. Van Alstine is a Republican in political -— |. ii —
relations, and has been Constable two years. His,. eorge E. Hatfield, farmer and miller, sec. 1, "
paternal and maternal grandsires were both soldiers
of the Revol ar Wheatland Tp., was born in Schenectady
of the Revolutionary war.. -, M
h R l Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1829. He is the son
of Stephen and Phebe (Priest) Hatfield,
-.<:* = ^.; -~ f natives of New York, of English descent. Mr.
G. ice, farmer, sec. Green Tp.,Hatfield was educated in the State Normal
rank G. Rice, farmer, sec. 5, Green Tp.,
was born in Burr Oaks, St. Joseph Co., School at Albany, N. Y., where he was fitted for the.
Mich., Feb., 1836, and is the son of profession of teacher, a calling upon which he
- Gershom and Sarah (Boyden) Rice. His entered when 20 years of age, and pursued until he
father was a native of Massachusetts, and was was 40 years old. He was married Feb. I, 1853, in
a clothier in his native State. He came to Wayne Co., N. Y., to Lois J., daughter of Orrin and =
Michigan in 1835 and engaged in farming, an occu- etsey H (Reed) Lapham, of New York. She was
pation he followed until 1883 when, having reached born in Wayne County, Sept. 28, I832, and was edu-.
7 the age of 78 years, he retired. The mother was cated at Elmlra, N. Y., preparatory to becoming a
born in Vermont, and died ill 872. teacher, which calling she followed but a brief period
Mr. Rice remained with his father on the farm befbre narriage.
until I862, when he enlisted in the i9th Mich. Inf., Mr. Hatfield was engaged in agriculture summers
I.and in teaching winters, in his native State, until the
Co. E, and was in the service until the close of the nd in g ine in is native tate until the
war, receiving his discharge June 25, i865, at Wash- sring of 858, when he cale to Allegan o., Mich.
ington, D. C. Following are the principal battles in there resuming the same alternation of employment.
which he was engaged: Thompson's Station, Re- In 1860 he made another transfer, going to Kalama^ saca, New Hope Church, Peach-Tree Creek, siege of zoo ounty, where he remined nine years. In 1869
Atlanta, siege of Savannah, etc., etc. He did nothe returned to Allegan County and embarked in the
receive a bodily injury, but has a piece of a rebel mercantile business at Plainwell, where he continued
shell that startled his peace of mind for a short time to ol)erte until the s)ring of I878, the date of his
and concentrated his thoughts upon the question of settlement in Mecosta County. He located on 16o
his personal security. He was taken prisoner March acres of unimproved land, where he set himself vig5, I863, and confined at Libby for a few days, being oroLsly at work, and has brougllt the llace to a comexchanged May 30, 1863. Mr. Rice is a mIemtber of paratively improved c(ondition; has 45 acres under
the Union Prisoners of War Association of the State the p)lov, and other evidences of successful effort are
of Michigan, and was a delegate to the Convention lallitest on the farm. le has erected a sw and 1
Afterhis return he remained in St. Joseph County slingle mill, the former having a capacity of io,ooo "
until the spring of I867, when he came to Mecosta feet ler diem, the latter of 40,000 shingles daily.., County, and worked for some time at the masons' M r. Ilatfield is an ardent supporter of the tenets of, trade at Big Rapids, after whichl he located on his the lRepublican party. The tendency and character-,s lpresent farm, containing 16o acres of land, with 70 istics of the family are clearly proven by the status
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of the nine children, five daughters and four sons
all of whom are following in the footsteps of the
parents. Their births occurred as follows: Mary
E., Nov. 7, I853; Carrie P., Feb. 25, 1856; Wm. B.,
July 12, 1858; Ellen L., Apr. 21, 1862; Ira L., Aug.
I6, 1864; Justin K., Oct. r6, 1867; Cora A, May
23, I870; Julius C., May II, 1873; Charles E., Dec.
6, 1877. The oldest child is a graduate of Plainwell
Academy, Mich.
— <37 -J —Wl-Q-7 —
- N ohn Freiberg, farmer. sec. 22, Green Tp.,
was born in Germany, Sept. 21, 1823, and
1- is a son of Gerhart and Dora (Frenke)
'-' Freiberg. He was taught in the lower-grade
schools of his native country, and afterward
learned the tailor's trade, which he pursued 36
years in Germany. In 1876 he came to
America, and made his first location at Big Rapids,
later on buying his farm in Green Tp., where he has
since diligently pursued the business of farming.
Mr. Freiberg was married in Germany, in I849,
to Johanna, daughter of John and Christina (Mann)
Bowman, born Aug. 26, 1826. Twelve children have
been born of this marriage, nine of whom are living:
August F., Albert J., Henry W., Hermann F., Charlie J., Bertie C., Ida F., Emma C. and Huldah A.
Those deceased are Anna J., Johanna and Frank.
The family are members of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Freiberg is a Democrat.
harles 0. Johnson, proprietor of the bot___' tling Works at Big Rapids, was born in
e r Norway, April 27, 1852. He is a son of
John and Annie Johnson, and in his native
' country was engaged in farming and in various other occupations. In the spring of 1873
he came to this country and settled at Big Rapids,
where he had friends residing. He found employment as a farm laborer, and soon after made an engagement with O. Seman to work on the farm and in
lumbering, which lasted five years. He opened a
bottling establishment on Hutchinson street, in Jan.,
1879, and on the I6th day of July following moved
to his present location opposite the Big Rapids Iron
J oseph Smith, farmer, sec. 31, Green Tp.,
was born near Toronto, Can., Aug. r, 1847,
and is the tenth child of William and
Esther (Caller) Smith, natives of England, who
left the old country and became pioneers of
York Co., Ont. The father was a farmer by
occupation, and died July 13, I88i. The mother is
still residing on the homestead, which has been in
the possession of the family nearly 50 years.
Mr. Smith was reared on his father's farm to the
age of 14 years, when he commenced to learn the
wagon-making trade. After one and one-half years'
labor he turned his attention to blacksmithing for
about four months, when he resumed farming. In =
the fall of I865 he came to Michigan and located
first on the Big Prairie, in Newaygo County, where he =
passed ten years, going thence to Barton Tp., where '
he also purchased a farm. In he fall of 1879 the.
bought his homestead, consisting of 65 acres of land,
of which he has 35 acres improved.
Mr. Smith was married April 13, i866, to Nancy
M., daughter of John and Minerva Miller, born Jan.
17, 1847, in Kent Co., Mich. Her parents were
natives of Vermont. The family includes an
adopted daughter, Mabel M. (Haight) Smith. Mr.
Smith is one of the most esteemed citizens of the
township. Himself and wife are members of the
Christian Church, and he is a Republican in his
political views.
eorge W. Heald, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook
Tp., was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., May
I 27, I853. He is a son of William and i
Rosetta (Fitzch) Heald, natives of New York
and of English descent. The family removed
to Van Buren Co., Mich., in I858, where
Mr. Heald assisted his' father on a farm until the
autumn of I863, when another remove was made to
Ionia County, the father and son operating there as "C
/
A COUNTY. 323
Works. He manufactures soda water and ginger ale, 3
and puts up an average of Io,ooo bottles monthly (
for the trade in this and adjoining counties. Mr. s'.
Johnson was married at Big Rapids, Aug. 8, I883, to f
Mary Stange, who was born in Canada, April 3, 1862..
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~ lumbermen two years. In the fallof 1865 they came sister of his first wife, and born in Sussex Co., N. J.:) to Millbrook, settled on sec. 2, and started the first Mr. Dixon is a Democrat politically. He held the.f grocery in the township, managing farming interets office of Postmaster of Crapo (Osceola Co.) from, in connection therewith. The grocery business was I87I to I882, and is considered one of the solid
finally suspended. citizens of Mecosta County.
Mr. Heald was married May 27, i88o, in Wheatland Tp., to Maggie, daughter of David and Agnes | 3 - >.
(Smith) Ruxton, who was born in Huron Co., Can.,
July 2, I863; her parents were also natives of
anada When she was 2 years old she came to eorge I. Hale, farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp.,
was born March I9, 1843, in Niagara Co.
3 Michigan with an elder sister. Mr. and Mrs. Heald | ws bn M h 9 i;>,,N. Y., and is a son of Levi and Asenath,
have one child, Alfred R., born Jan. 27, I882. Mr. N. Y., and is a of Levi and Asenat
Hale, both parents being natives of Vermont, >
' Heald is a Republican in politics, and owns a farm ^s bn i
c *. a r * l where the father was born in 1813; he died in
containing 4o acres of land.
Michigan in 1883. The mother was born in
18I3, and is still living in Eaton, Mich..'Q,2,,@'S |-~^^ -The parents came to this State when the son was
but six months old, and he was under their supervis-;ames Dixon, farmer, sec. 3, Green Tp., was ion until he was 19 years of age, when he became a. born in Sussex Co., N. J., Dec. 23, I8o. soldier in the Union army. He enlisted August 8,
1 His father, Isaac Dixon, was born in New 1862, in Co. D, 7th Mich. Cavalry, and rendezvoused
York, and died in I813, when the son was at Grand Rapids until February, 1863, when his regbut three years of age. His mother, Phebe iment was sent to the front. Following is the list of =
I (Clark) Dixon, was born in New Jersey, and engagements in which he took part: Thoroughfare '. after the death of her first husband became Gap, May 21, '63; Greenwich, May 30; Hanover, 8
the wife of James Martin, with whom Mr. Dixon May 30; Hunterstown, Gettysburg, Monterey, June 4;
remained until 22 years of age, assisting in the farm Covertown, Smithton, Boonesboro, Hagerstown, Willabors and obtaining a common-school education liamsport, Boonesboro (2d), Falling Waters, Sinker's
He was married Dec. i, 1832, to Julia, daughter of Gap, Kelly's Ford, Culpepper C. H., Raccoon Ford,
John and Phebe (Mead) Adams. Mrs. Dixon was James' City, Brandy Station, Bucklin Mills, Stevensborn in Sussex Co., N. J., Nov. 22, 1811. After burg, Morton's Ford, Richmond, Wilderness, Beaver
their marriage, herself and husband removed to I)am Station, Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Cold
Steuben Co., N. Y., and were occupied with the duties Harbor, Trevillian Station, Winchester, Front Royal,
j of farming about five years. Mr. Dixon then " took Leetown, Shepardston, Smithfield, Berryville, Sum) up" 50 acres of land, where he was occupied with mit, Occoquan, Port Republic, Woodstock, Cedar
a agricultural pursuits until he came West to seek a Creek, Madison C. I., Louisa C. H., Five Forks,
home. In May, i862, he came to Mecosta Co., Appomattox C. H., Little Laramie, Dakota. He was
Mich., bought a farm of 80 acres and proceeded to discharged Dec. 15, i865, at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.
establish his family and put his place in a fair condi- On his return from the army he came to Grant Tp.
tion for the purposes of agriculture. and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres. Here
Mrs. Dixon died Sept. 14, i873, leaving two chil- he has since resided and put his place under good
o dren,-Harrison, born Nov. 19, 1833, and William, improvements. He was married July 4, i866, to
born June 16, 1846. Four children preceded her in Alice, daughter of Gideon and Mary Bentley. Mrs.
their deaths: Phebe, born March 13, i836, died Hale was born in Manchester, Ontario Co., N...,
Sept. 4, 1841; May E., born Jan. 14, 1839, died Feb. 3, 1847, and is the mother of two children
/ Sept. 7, 1841; Milton, born Dec. 9, 1842, died Oct. Lawrence M., iorn Oct. 19, 1867, and Clarence,
9, 1870; Sarah A., born Jan. 12, 1848, died Sept. 2,., Sept. 5, 1876.
r867. Mr. l)ixon was married again May 13, 1875. Mr. Hale is a Republican in political principle,, fis second wife was Mrs. Maria NM. (Adams) Austin,, haxs served ten year s as Road ommissioner, nnd is \
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a member of the G. A. R. He is earnestly interested
S in the cause of education and in the schools of his
7!~ township.
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COUNTY. 327
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m. on. Fitch Phelps was born in Guilford,
I Ag (Chenango Co., N. Y., June 30. 183I. He
i Ac traces his genealogy to the Phelps familf
of Tewksbury, Gloucestershire, England. William Phelps, Mayor or Bailiff of Tewksbury in
I607, was born about the middle of the i6th
century. The following entry is found in the Register of Tewksbury Parish, during the season of Lent,
A. D. 1599:
" I granted a license to William Phelps, being then
extremlye sicke, to eate fleshe, which license to en( ) dure no longer tyme than during his sickness.
REV. CURTIES,
~> Curate of Tewksbury."
=a William Phelps, his son, was born at or near,
g Tewksbury, about the year 1590. He emigrated
3 with his wife and five children, and his two unmarA ried brothers, George and Richard, sailing from
Plymouth, where the "Mayflower" with the o 0 Pilgrim Fathers of I620 waved her last farewell, on the
ship "Mary and John," March 20, 1630, and landed at Hull, Massachusetts, May 30. In 1635, he
went to Windsor, Conn., where he won a prominent
position in the affairs of both Church and State, and
where he died in 1672. The family continued to reside in Connecticut for six generations. Joel Phelps,
the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut,
but did not remain long in his native State. In the
earlier years of his manhood, he was a lumberman on
the Hudson River, near Glens Falls, New York.
Later in life he removed to Chenango Co., N. Y., and
engaged in farming.
He married Hulda Dean, a native of New York., His people were highly respected for that sort of
' integrity, strength and purity of character that constituted marked virtues among the agricultural classes
- in the earlier years of our country. They had a family of I4 children, the youngest son and I3th child
being the subject of this sketch. He was raised
on the farm, and obtained his rudimentary education
by attending the district school kept a short dis13-' -'w'''' —^-W
tance from his father's house, finishing with an academic course at Richburg, Allegany Co., N. Y. Here,
at the age of 21, he engaged in the milling business for two years. He then embarked in the mercantile business, which he followed four years at
Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y., and at Brockwayville, Jefferson Co., Penn. 4n the summer of
1862 he went to California, where he spent five years
in the valley of San Mateo, in agricultural pursuits
and in speculation. In i863, he was appointed
Provost Marshal for the county, enrolling it for army
draft. On returning, in i868, he located in Colfax,
Mecosta Co., Mich. Here he purchased a fine tract
of pine land, built a mill and engaged in lumbering.
As an adjunct to the business he has cleared up a
large farm, making his home on the shore of Clear
Lake, five miles from Big Rapids.
Mr. Phelps has always been an ardent Republican, one who does not swerve from the views and
principles which are promulgated and advocated by
those acting with him in that political organization.
He has never been an office-seeker. His career is
that of a practical business man, intensely devoted
to his private interests, and participating in public
affairs only as an incident, with n6 effort to secure
advancement. In 1876 he was the regular nominee
of the Republican Convention for Member of the
Lower House of the Legislature. The district comprised the counties of Mecosta, Osceola and Lake.
Elected by a handsome majority, he took a prominent part in matters before the House, and did
thorough and conscientious work for his constituents.
Was member of the Committees on Railroads and
the University. In 1878 he was re-elected to the
House from Mecosta County, the State having in the
meantime been re-districted. At this session he
was Chairman of the Committee on the University
and member of the Ways and Means Committee.
His second term in the House was marked for the
active interest and zeal he manifested in working
for the cause of temperance. His sincerity, added to
a fearlessness of temper which never shrank from
the expression, on suitable occasions, of his real
opinions and sentiments, gave weight to what he
uttered, and left no one who heard without strong
convictions of his earnestness.
In the year 1882, he was the Republican candidate
for the Senate from the 27th District, comprising the
counties of Mecosta, Osceola, Wexford and Manistee.
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_ _ _ _ _ _ 328
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It is a fact worthy of mention that he was the unanimous choice of the Convention, there being not a dissenting voice, and his nomination was by acclamation. He was elected by a majority of more than
1,ooo votes over the opposing candidate of the combined Democratic and Greenback parties.
In the Senate, Mr. Phelps was prompt, regular
and constant in his attendance upon the sessions
of that body and the meetings of his committees. He
introduced but few bills, believing that there are too
many matters of little importance brought before that
body, which serve only to pass away time and lengthen the term of the session. He proposed an amendment to the State Constitution by a joint resolution
giving memlers of the Legislature a salary instead
of a per-diem, and forbidding the use or acceptance
of free railroad passes. It was adopted by the Legislature, and will be submitted to a vote of the people
in 1884. He was Chairman of the Committee on
the State House of Correction at Ionia, member of the
Committees on Public Health, Library, Geological
Survey, Appropriations and Finance.
Mr. Phelps is favored with a superb physical constitution, and combines strictness of moral principles
with energy and decision of character. He has
made profitable investments, become interested in
remunerative enterprises, won honorable success in
business and secured a competence, as the product
of personal industry and good judgment, put forth in
a field wisely selected. He was married Oct. I3,
I857, to Miss Harriet Wellman, a woman well educated and accomplished, a native of Friendship,
Allegany Co., N. Y., and of English ancestry on the
side of her father, and Scotch on that of her mother.
Her father, Arba Wellnan, an enterprising and prosperous merchant in Friendship, was born in Vermont;
her mother, Esther Burt, was born in New York
State.
Mrs. Phelps is well educated and accomplished,
amiable and kind, and accordingly has rendered her
home one of contentment and happiness for her hus
I
dwin J. Marsh, attorney at Big Rapids, of
the firm of Glidden & Marsh, was born at
Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., May 29,
I85o. His father, Z. H. Marsh, by profession
a physician, was born in Montague, Franklin
Co., Mass., and his mother, Luthera Marsh, was
born in Dana, Mass.
Edwin attended the public school at Howell until
19 years old, when he entered Cornell University, at
Ithaca, N. Y. At the end of the first year he left
Cornell for Michigan University, entering the Sophmore Class of the Literary Depaitment. His health
compelled him to leave the University at the end of
the year, and in hopes of recovering the same he joined an engineer corps of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. Co.,
and remained west until 1872. Returning in the
winter of 1872 to Howell, he entered the office of
H. H. Harmon and studied law; attended law lectures at the University of Michigan, and was admitted to the Bar in I874. In I875 he removed to
Big Rapids, in company with N. W. Carpenter, with
whom he opened an office for the practice of law.
At the end of a year he entered into a partnership
with D. Roben, which existed about one year. After the dissolution of this partnership, he remained
alone in the practice of his profession until I879,
when he became associated with D. F. Glidden, his
present partner.
In 1876 he was married to Alma, daughter of
J. W. and Alvira Burr, of Ionia Co., Mich. They
have one child, Frank B., born March 4, i88o.
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ohn Le Duke, boot and shoe dealer at Big
Rapids, was born in East Hawkesbury, Pr., of Ontario, Feb. 21, I843. He was reared
a farmer until the age of 20, when he began
to acquire the details of the shoemaker's trade
at East Hawkesbury. In October, I867, he
came to this city and commenced the prosecution of '
his trade, and in 1873 established himself at his present stand. He has a full line of all goods common to
the trade, valued at $5,ooo, with an annual business _
amounting to $20,000. His real estate in Big Rapi>
b lband and inviting to friends.
As one of the most honored representative citizens
&) of Northern Michigan, we take l)leasure in l)resenting the portrait of Mr. lPhelps in this Album.
.-;- -,......,'"" U
> 330 MECOS TA CO UNTY.
f very young. Her father was a sea captain, and she I8, C872; Ida May, at Tonawanda, N. Y., Feb. 6,
was on the Atlantic Ocean, chiefly, until she was six I874, and Gracie, at St. Johns, Mich., Dec. Io, 1879.;;A years old. She died April 26, 1883, at Detroit. The parents attend the M. E. Church.
Mr. Albro was married May 9, I867, to Cynthia
R., daughter of William and Rosanna Butler, of English and German descent on the paternal side, and t
on the mother's, of Scotch and French origin. Mrs. *i sher L. Canaan, Treasurer of Grant Tp,
Albro was born in Detroit, Mich., Jan. 15, 1852.and farmer, sec. 2, was born March 25,
Mr. Albro came to Mecosta County in September, | i85, in Buck Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio, son
I867, and took up 33 acres of Government land on of Jehu and Sarah L. Canaan. Both parents
sec 36, on which he now resides, and has a goodwere natives of Ohio; the mother died July
X portion under fine cultivation. 3, 1879, in Grant; and the father is still living,
Sh
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f- lage, was born April 27, 1852, in the State
of New York. He is a son of Silas and
7{[ Patty (Thompson) Philley, who were natives of
[. Scotland and Ireland respectively, and were, married in the Empire State; in 1863 they
came to Ohio, when Mr. Philley was eleven years of
age, and he remained with them six years. In the
fall of I868 he came to Michigan and was in the
employ of the G. R. & I. R. R. Co. seven years, in
different capacities. In the spring of 1875 he went
to Petoskey, Mich., and there opened a saloon, selling out soon after and engaging in lumbering, in
which he was occupied five years. He came to
Millbrook in the spring of 188r and commenced the
prosecution of his present business, to which he has
since given his energetic attention..I
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> lMr. Philley was married in Hinton Tp., Oct. 14,
r882, to Sarah, daughter of Levi and Mary Menera,
'*a native of Canada. She came from the Dominion
to Michigan with her parents, and before her marriage
was engaged as a teacher. In political faith Mr..Philley is a Republican; in [882 he was elected
Constable, and in I883 was re-elected to the same
office.
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sician at Millbrook, is a son of Oliver and
^ w- Huldah (York) Pattison, the former a native
of Ireland, and the latter of the Dominion of
Canada. They were married in Canada, and
resided there some years. During the war of
1812, the father was taken prisoner and conveyed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he claimed American
citizenship and was released. lie afterwards became
a resident of Erie Co., N. Y., where himself and wife
completed their lives.
I)r. Pattison was born in Erie County, Oct. 8, 182.
At the age of i years lhe began life as a laborer, and
was occupied in various ways until he was 8i years
old. He became assistant in a hardware store, and
was in the same employ nearly two years. The
deficiencies of his education pressed upon his understanding, and lie accomplished much hard study
nights, and at other times as opportunity presented.
He wishes to record his sense of obligation to an
Irish gentleman named Whalen, who took an interest
in his,rogress and a sisted him i ith private lessons.
At the age of 23 years he began teaching, which
occupation lie followed three years.
Early in life he had decided upon his present calling, and devoted his leisure to preparatory reading.
His circumstances prevented his attending lectures,
and he turned his attention for the time b)ing to the
hardware business, formning a Iartnership with his
brother, which relation existed two years. ()On its dissolution lie conducted affairs alone one year, whea
lie sold out and resumed the study of medicine. In
the winter of 1856-7 he attended hlis first course of
lectures, at Buffalo, N. Y., going afterward to the
University of Victoria, Ontario, where he received
his dilplomai and (Government right to l)ractice mlediciine in (anada.
In 86o lie wvent to Ann Arbor, where hle entered
the Medical I)epartment of the University of Micligan, and in 1862-3 he again attended lectures at
Buffalo. In the spring of I864 he came to Bay City
and practiced one year, going thence to Lapeer, and
operated there a twelvemonth, when he located in
Montcalm County, and continued to prosecute his
profession five )ears. In August, 1871, he came to
Millbrook, where he has established an extensive
practice, being spoken of far and near as an able and
experienced physician. In addition to his medical
practice, he is the sole representative of the drug
trade at Millbrook.
Dr. Pattison has served several appointments as
Health Officer, and held the position of Justice of
the Peace one term. He was married in Canada,
in the spring of 1845, to Mary, daughter of Ambrose
Pattison. She died in the winter of 1857, leaving
four children: Melissa, Ida, Ambrose and Appleton
J. Dr. Pattison was again married Fel. 22, i86r,
to Margaret Carp)enter, of Buffalo, N. Y., and their
four children are, Ida M., Jennie E., Thomas (). and
James G.
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1glenjamin F. Corey, Justice of the leace^.7
) and farnier,sec. 1r, Grant Tp., was born
D'. )ec. 4, 1842, in Crawford Co., Ohio: at the
5. ~ age of I9 he becanie a soldier for the Union,
and enlisted MIay [9, 1 86, under the first call
for troops. H-c served three months and on
his discharge again enrolled for three years'
service or during the war. After two yeais of severe
service and hardshipl he contracted camp diarrhea
and was discharged for disalbility. He in time recov-..
cred his health to some degree, and as soon as li t )
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-![I'allbert A. Vollmer, grocer, Big Rapids, is a
i, nlative of Milwaukee, Wis. His father,;di iFrancis Vollmer, was born in Baden, Ger-,'^. many, Oct. 4, 1824. His mother, Rasina
'; (Grass) Vollmer, was born Oct. 4, 1827, at
Strasbourg, then belonging to France, but now
a city of Alsace, ceded to Germany May o1, 1871.
The parents came to the United States in I830, and
were married at Milwaukee, Wis., April 13, 1847, and
still reside there. Five children were born to them:
Joseph E., Albert A., Mary E., Isadore D. and Ivo
V. Albert A. was born May 28, 1852, and grew to
manhood in the Cream City He went to Evanston,
Ill., in 1877, and established himself in the grocery
business, operating with satisfactory results. In February, 1882, he settled at Big Rapids and founded
his present business. He carries a stock of goods
worth $5,000, and his transactions annually amount
to $35,00o.
He was married at Milwaukee, April 13, I875, to
Rosa M., daughter of Herbert and Margaret Reck,
of West Bend, Wis., and they have had three children: Agnes M., Francis E. and Mary J.
Aij jndrew Hanson, attorney, at Big Rapids,
was born in Jutland, Denmark, Sept. 29,
853, and is a son of Hans and Christina
iJ,, (Nelson) Christianson. His patronymic arose
from the Danish custom of compounding the
j first and last names of the father. At the age
of I5 he shipped for service on a merchantman and
followed the sea three years and four months, becoming familiar with the principal ports of Europe.
In the winter of I870 he studied chemistry, survey
ing, etc., at the Tainlpdrup High School, Jutland.
He came to the United States in August, 1872,
and to Morley, MAecosta Co., where he commenced to
study under L. G. Palmer, and at the same time
acted as night watchman for the protection of a sawmill. I)uring the several succeeding years he was
variously engaged, and a.-culmulated a considerable
amount of land; was in the meating business, and
also pursued lumbering energetically, winters, in Colfax Ip., where he owned 580 acres of land. He
was overtakcn by reverses, and in the spring of I881
lost several thousands of -dollars. He engaged in
teaching near Morley, where he was occupied three
years. Commen.cing in June, 1882, he took a course
of study in Swensberg Business College at Grand
Rapids. On leaving there he came to Blig Rapids
and again became a student of law in the office of
Palmer Bros., and was admitted to the Bar as an attorney April 6, i883. In June he entered the office
of Frank Dumon, Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta
County, as an assistant.
Mr. Hanson was nominated on the city ticket for
Recorder, in the spring of i883, but was unsuccessful in his candidacy. While resident in Colfax Tp.
he was Treasurer, in 1879-'8o, and in the latter year
was Supervisor.
l 1'rancis Smith, farmer, sec. 13, Morton Tp,,, was born in Germany, Oct. i8, 1832. i1e
2?% is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Borne)
~ Smith, with whom he remained in his native
land and attended school until 1841. In that
year his father came to this country and located on a farm lying near the Welland Canal, between Lake Erie and Ontario. This was retained
but a short time, his father selling out and moving to
Bruce Co., Ont., where he bought 1oo acres of land
and is still resident there. The motherof Mr. Smith
died in Germany. She left nine children, five sons
and four daughters. Of his brothers and sisters,
Mr. Smith knows comparatively nothing.
In 1872 he came to the State of Michigan and
bought 80 acres of land in Morton Tp. Nearly the
entire acreage of his land is under culture and
is largely devoted to stock-raising, to which it is well
adapted. It is located one and a half miles from
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1334 MAiCOSTA COUNTY.
Mecosta village, is well watered and generally is of a tirely uncultivated state, built a log house, and has
grade that compares favorably with other farms in so persevered in his labors thathe has 31 acres under
4 the vicinity. the plow, and has erected a good frame house, in
Mr. Smith was married April i6, I86o, at Formosa, which he resides. In political sentiment he is a ReCanada, to Marianna Gatz. After his marriage he publican.
rented a farm there, and in five years he came to Mr. Bullock was married Feb. 22, s859, in Canada,
Michigan, as stated. Mr. and Mrs. Smlith's children to Sarah, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Roszell)
are: Mary Ann, born Feb. 8, I861 (died in infan- Bdirss, natives of Canada, who finally emigrated to
cy); Elizabeth, April 7, 1863; Joseph, Oct. 6, 1864, Allegan County, and there resided until the father's
Henry, Dec. 3, I866; Michael, Sept. 26, I876; John, death. The mother resides with her son-in-law,
March 28, 1870; Mary, April 28, 1872; Caroline, Henry Mills, of Deerfield. Mrs. Bullock was born in
D.; ec. 28, 1873; Frederick P., Oct. 18, 1875; Frank, Canada, Oct. 28, i833. Of seven children born of
Aug. 2, 1878 (died two years later); Maigdalena, this marriage, three are living, born as follows: Ira
June 17, I882. E. Dec. TIo. 8o: (harlie E. Au,. ion i96, ~.
1L3. 4".
~ — ichard Collins, of the firm of Skelton &
}] ]: Collins, proprietors of the Central Hotel,
B- ig Rapids, was born in Hastings, Canada, Oct. 24, 1847, and is a son of Richard
' i and Julia Collins. The father died in Canada, in 1864, the mother in 1849.
Mr. Collins was engaged in farming and
clearing up land until i872, when he came to Blig
Franklin D., March io, 1870; Minnie L., born June
21, i862, died July 17, i866; Alma MI., Sept. 1o,
1864, died July 25, i866; Eddie G., Sept. i8, I869,
died Nov. 23, 1869; Johnnie S., Sept. 8, I872, died
March 28, 1881. The eldest son is the owner of 40
acres of land adjoining his father's farm; was mlar.
ried in Deerfield Tp., Aug. 22, 1882, to Lena, daughter
of William H. and Martha M. (Wilson) Kuhn, born
Feb. 18, i862, in Livingston Co., Mich.: removed to
Mecosta County in the spring of i882. P. O., Rustford.
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Kapids and passed five years, dlriving logs on the — | --- - -
river summers, and luimbering winters. In 1878 he
formned his l)resent partnership with Thomas Skelton,. ames Shields, of Big Ralpids, was born in (
and opened the Central House, where they are keel)- Norfolk Co. (an., Nov. 27, 1845. He is a
ing a good hotel, and doing a flourishing blusiness. |l[?',~c- son of Archibald and Frances (Reed)
The bar is sull)plied with all goods common to simi- Shields, and his father's calling was that of a
lar establishments. w wagon and carriage maker. At the age of 1 9
Mr. Collins owns a lot in the Second ward, and | he engaged as traveling salesman for a hard40 acres of land in the Fifth ward of Big Rapids. ware firlm, where he continued three years. In S867
lhe opetned a hotel in Norfolk Co., which lie conducted. 9.-... -< I8 months, and then, in company with Andrew Lees,
he engaged in b)uying lumlber, ties, pail, shingle, c(ordl
~wodo, etc., for the market, and was thus occulpied
I aniel C. Bullock, farller, conltractor and e y I 1 a
1 lt iltler, located oln se.. 26, D)eerfield T.thee| years. In I874 he camle to Grand lRapids, and
i,ls 1 was there engaged inl buyinig and selling garden
*I4.' was born in the I)omi ioni of Calada, May
lro(licts. Three years later he went to NMorley for
c, 828. n lis sari'ents, Iol and aftsey rBna- l te l)lrl)osC of il)ying a farm; was there taken sick "
r ock, are now residents of ('anada; fither a a- and continued ill about seven nionths. ''his disastive of the State of New Y\ork, and mother of ter lut an end to his finances and to his agricultural
CanLada. Irojects. His next removal was to Greenlville, where
# 1M r. ultllock remained a resident of his native he engaged as a farm laborer one season. I [e
p lace lntil 1863, thle year ill whlichl Ihe loc(te(l i ol)enel |a eating hotse at G(reenville, wlich he man..ll
D I)eerfield '(p. le ollght 40 wres of land ill all en- aged X Imonths, going thence to I.akeview, in the
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same county, where he built a grocery; he ran it a
few months, and exchanged the property for a farm
of 80 acres in the township of Hinton. He there
built another store and conducted a mercantile business with a satisfactory degree of success, selling
chiefly at auction, having a particular talent for that
method of disposing of goods.
Mr. Shields came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1880,
purchased a store on Maple street and put in a stock
of groceries. He continued to operate there ten
months, when he exchanged his business and fixtures
for 35 acres of land in the Fifth ward, which is still
in his possession. In the fall of I88r he embarked
in another grocery enterprise on the east side, where
he did business nearly a year. He bought the site
now occupied by his store, erected the building, put
in a stock of groceries and operated until the spring
of 1883, when he again sold and began to deal in
liquor and all the articles common to a first-class
saloon. Mr. Shields was elected Alderman of his
ward in the spring of I883. He was married in Norfolk Co., Can., June o1, r867, to Mary A., daughter
of William and Eliza Bunnings, born at Buffalo, N.
Y., Nov. 3, 1848. Their children are Minnie E.,
Anna M., John A., Edith M., James A., WilliamA.
and an infant not named.
I)arrah transported hither his family and household
effects with horses and wagon. The drive to Grand
Rapids consumed three days. The route thence to
Big Rapids was through a literally unsettled country,
and though the horses were good the journey required seven days. Mr. Darrah located on what is
now sec. 6 of the township of Austin, which had no
organized local government until I869, nearly 13
years later.
The first winter Mr. Darrah spent in Mecosta
County he went to work for J. H. Rodgers and was in
his employ one year. In 1858 he bought 40 acres on
sec. 3, Mecosta Tp., and in 1859 purchased 80 acres
adjoining. On this he made a clearing and built his
house, into which he moved as soon as it was habitable. He worked several ensuing years in the lumber woods, taking contracts to cut timber and deliver
it at the river. From his small and arduous beginning, Mr. Darrah has grown to be a landholder of no
mean rank. His homestead includes 400 acres, of
which he purchased 240 in I865, and took possession
in i866. His aggregate landed estate includes,000o
acres, situated chiefly in Missaukee and Roscommon
Counties. The home farm of Mr. Darrah is among
the finest and largest in Mecosta County. His orchards and barns are a just matter of proud satisfaction to the proprietor. He has continued to pursue
his lumber business and river driving, which he has
engaged in extensively. In the spring of 1883 he
employed 150 men in his driving operations on Clam
River.
In the spring of 1882 he rented his farm and
moved to the city of Big Rapids. Aug. 14 of the
same year, associated with his brother, James M.
Darrah, and son, Wilson E. Darrah, he purchased
the City Flouring Mills, where the firm have since
been engaged in manufacturing mill products. They
have a large local and shipping trade, and employ
half a dozen hands In their business, which, aggregates about $6o,ooo annually. They have now in
process of erection a new iron-roller mill, adjoining
the old one. It will be 37 x 50 feet on the ground,
five-stories high, and be fitted with seven sets of
double rollers and two run of stone. The new structure will be devoted to commercial products; the old
mill will be devoted to custom work and storage.
Mr. Darrah was married May 26, I853, in Knox
Tp., Jefferson Co., Pa., to Sarah E., daughter of
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VX; harles M. Darrah, of the firm of I)Darrah
5 [ t Bros. & Co., proprietors of the City FlourJll4 ing Mills, upper Big Rapids, and whose?) \ portrait we present on the opposite page, was
'; born in Orange Co., N. Y., town of Beaver
' Brook, June 19, I831. His parents, Robert
and Sinah (Mitchell) Darrah, moved to Jefferson Co.,
Pa., when he was six years old. His father was a
farmer and engaged to a considerable extent in lumbering. Mr. Darrah was brought up to the pursuits
of his father and spent his youth in the lumber
woods, early taking an active part in all the matters
' pertaining to the business. At 20 he took a contract
to manufacture lumber by the thousand, and a year
~ later he bought a farm of 60 acres. In May, 1856,
b he transferred his interests to Battle Creek, where he
S spent one summer in farming, coming to Big Rapids
in the following fall. The intermediate country was,
in i856, chiefly in its primeval condition, and Mr.
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James and Susan (Mason) Hall, born in Jefferson
Co., Pa., May 29, 1836. Of four children born of
this marriage three are living: Wilson E., Melvin E.
and Charles J. James E. is deceased.
I" acob H. Loucks, Postmaster and merchant
v at Sylvester, Hinton rp., was born in Lewis
ne Co., N. Y., May 6, i836. He is a son of
CI) Daniel and Mary (Cook) Loucks, natives of
i t New York, who came to Michigan in the spring
of i867, with their son. The mother died
March i, 1871; the father, July 23, 1878. In 1867
Mr. Loucks came to Michigan and settled at first in
Ionia County, where he lived two years and then
bought 40 acres of land in a primeval condition in
Gratiot County. He built a frame house and went
on with the work of putting the land under cultivation. He lived on the place 13 years, then rented it
and moved to Hinton Tp. In the spring of 1882 he
bought out the stock of general merchandise of Geo.
WV. Streeter, and has since carried on that business.
In politics Mr. Loucks is independent. While a
resident in G(ratiot County he held the office of Justice of the Peace three years. He was married in
Copenhagen, Lewis Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1865, to Sarah
A., daughter of Justus and Cynthia C. (Leonard)
came to Mecosta County in the spring of I869 and
bought ioo acres of wild land in the township of
Millbrook; built a board house, and proceeded to
clear his land, to which he has added by purchase,
and now owns 220 acres, with 120 acres under
advanced improvements.
Mr. Main is a Republican in faith and act. He
has been Treasurer of his township nine years, Constable two years, Road Commissioner one year, and
Supervisor one year. Himself and family are attendants at the Church of United Brethren.
He was married in Canada, April io, I861, to
Roxey L., daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Hartwell) Smith, natives of Canada. Mrs. Main was
born in Canada, Dec. 22, 1840. She was under the
paternal care until she was fifteen, after which she
depended upon her own resources. Mr. and Mrs.
Main have had eleven children, ten of whom yet
survive: Esther C., born June 5, 1862; Aramintha J.,
Dec. 24, i863; Austin C., Aug. 3, 1865; Celestia A.,
Oct. 27, 1867: Lorenzo A., Aug. r4, 1869; Edward
H., July 17, i87; Walter H., May 18,1873; Lafayette J., April 7, I876; Elsie M., June 9, i877; Sidney 0., born April 21, 1879, died Sept. 6, 1879;
ILoren '., born Nov. 28, 188r.
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Belcher. Her parents were natives of New York,.
-....avid L. Garling, miller, proprietor of the
where her father died, in April, i88i. The mother is cost ot Mills, Rpids,
still living there. Mrs. Loucks was born Sept I, Iorn at Seneca Falls Seneca Co., N. Y
1844. She has become the mother of three children, r e n o N
~ Jan. 17, 846G. Hc is a son of John and
born as follows: Marv C., Nov. 21, i866; Martha J r.o, s f, N 2, t Sarah (HTartran ft) Garling. The father was
A., Feb. 28, 871; Geo. J., Nov. 15, 1874. orn i ennsylvania, in
I)orl 111 1I1sy1v 11 795, of I)uLtclh
-= Mr. Loucks was aplointed Postmaster by Presi-..
delt Artl, i Jy, 8 parentage, and died in Cayuga, N. Y., Dec. 24, 88r.
dent Arthur, in July, 1882. '
' The mother was also a native of lPennsylvania, born
in 1803, and died June 21, t883, in Seneca Falls,
- B --- |Seneca Co., N. Y.. l Mr. Garling was married Nov. G6, 1865, to Henenry Main, farmer, sec. 2, M\illlrook Tp., rietta Burtnette, Iborn in Seneca Falls, N. V., June
was lorn in Michigan, ()ct. 14, 838. His 25, 1846, of English and French extraction. She is
1' father, George Main, was born in Pennsyl- a daughter of \William and Rachel Buitnette. Mr.
vania, and his mother, Margaret A. (Chandler) and Mrs. (Garling have four children, born as folMain, was a native of New York. Mr. Main lows: Anna R. B., Sept. 13, 1 869; Johnny E., July
s/ | lived at home with his parents and assisted on 29, 872; Emma J., Aug. 20, 1875; Burtnette, May,, the farin until he was 22 years of age, when he went 9, iS78.
i) fiom lhome and worked as a farm laborer four years; Mr. (IGarling came to Michigan in JI1nc, 1878, and
then rented a f;ann, which he colductel three years; 1matlde his first location at Percy, ()sccola ('o. In
g^X~t —.-:-tl. t,, --- *.:, g...
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1879 he came to Mecobta County, and on the first
day of April in that year purchased the mill property,
to the management of which he has since given his
attention. He is a Republican in political sentiment.
CO UN z TY. 339
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' eorge Miller, farmner, sec. I8, Colfax Tp.,
was born in l)elaware, Middlesex Co., ()nt.,
July 6, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and
Elizabeth Miller. The father was born in
4 ' Perthshire, Scotland, in 1824, and in 1845, on
attaining his majority, came to Canada. In
the year following he married Elizabeth Chalmers,
born in 1827, in Almond Bank, Perthshire, Scotland.
She came to Canada with her parents at the age of
r8 years, and in 1846 was married, at Quebec. Tlhey
settled in Delaware, where they remained until i868,
in which year they moved to Michigan and settled
on a farm in Colfax Tp., Mecosta Co., locating three
miles from Big Rapids.
Mr. Miller resided with his parents until I880,
A when he married Elida Hallock, the youngest daughg ter of Aaron E. and Harriet L. (Stevens) Hallock,
= of Newaygo County. Her father was born Feb. 2,
1825, in New York, and settled in Barry Co., Mich.,
when i8 years of age. The mother was born Sept.
9, 1835, in the State of Michigan. Their marriage
occurred in 1850, and five years later they settled in
Montcalm County, where they resided until 1862.
They removed to Newaygo County, where Mrs. Miller was born July 29, 1862. She remained in her native county until she was nine years old and then
went to Howard City, where she attended school
until she was 17. The following year she came to
Mecosta County, and taught school, and was married
8 May 5, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a son, born
March 29, 1883, named George Ernest Miller. The
father of Mrs. Miller died April 15, 1872, leaving the
mother with five children. She removed to Howard
City, where she died, in Novembej, I872.
On his marriage, Mr. Miller settled on his own
% farm, lying next his father's place on the same section. They together had cleared 20 acres of the tract,
i entered under the homestead act by the father; and
) Mr. Miller has cleared a like quantity on his own
C property, and has charge of both places, containing
160 acres.
r Mr. Miller's mother died June 9, 188i, aged 54
years. She was seized with sudden and violent illness, passing within three hours into a comatose state,
from which she never rallied, and about ten hours
after the attack she ceased to exist. She was dearly
beloved, not only in her own family circle but also
by a large number of neighbors and friends who felt
her loss almost as keenly as though it were personal.
"We had been so happy in believing that we should
keep her a long time with us that we were stunned,
by the sharpness and suddenness of the blow," said
one to whom her loss is irreparable. She has a better
monument than even queens have had, in the lasting memories of those whose happiness had been her
chief care and hearty delight.
~ ~>- E --- —o ~<(((((0)))))).+ o —_ —3~-.
g:: ames S. Canaan, farmer, sec. 21, (;rant
'l Tp., was born July 12, 1844, in Hardin
71^ (Co., Ohio, and is a son of Jehu and Sarah
-l L. Canaan. (See sketch of Asher L. Canaan.)
'4 At the age of Ir years Mr. Canaan set out
to care for himself and to aid in the maintenance of his father's family. Just after he was
18 years old he enlisted (Aug. 8, 1862) in Co. B,
Ii8th Ohio Vol. Inf., and remained in the service
until the termination of the war. He was discharged
at Salisbury, N. C., and paid off at Cleveland Ohio,
June 24, 1865. He was in precarious health when
his regiment went to the front, and was assigned
to guard duty until the date of the battle of
Atlanta, where he was first under fire. His corps
was afterwards dispatched to intercept the march of
the rebel Gen. Hood, and he was in the battle of
Smithville, on the Tennessee river. Hood's forces
and the Union army under Thomas kept up an incessant skirmishing, and seven days' fighting took
place near Columbia, Tenn. Mr. Canaan was in the
terrible fights at Franklin and at Nashville, and was
then transferred to North Carolina. His first battle
was at Fort Anderson, and his last at a point ro miles
below Wilmington. He returned to Ohio and in
October, I866, settled in Grant Tp. He became a
landholder in I873, buying 40 acres of choice land,
which he has improved to the best advantage, and
has a good frame house with all necessary farm
buildings.
Mr. Canaan was married Sept. 9, I875, to Maria,
daughter of James and Beulah Stewart, of Lake
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340 MECOSTA COUNTY.
view, Montcalm Co., Mich. She was born in Clyde, land. Mrs. Fitzgerald was born after her parents
Ohio, Dec. 8, 1847. Her father died Jan. 19, 1878, emigrated to this country and settled in Defiance; and her mother is still living, in Michigan. The Co., 0. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
three living children of Mr. and Mrs. Canaan were Fitzgerald, as follows: Ella M., May 13, 1859; Wm.
born as follows: Stewart E., June 25, 1876; Her- Nov. 13, i86i; Francis E., June 22, 1867;Anna E.,
bert L., Sept. 4, 1878; Ernest J., May 16, I883; Sept. i, I869; Mary, born June 4, 1857, died FebruClaude C., born Dec. 2, I880, died July 6, I881. ary, 1874.
Politically Mr. Canaan is a Republican, and has Mrs. fiitzgerald is a member of the M. E. Church.
been actively interested in local affairs. He has
served his township as Supervisor, five years, Townf ship Clerk, six years, School Director, two years, As- | -ohn M. Main, farmer, resident on sec. 2,
sessor, three years, and was Deputy Sheriff under | f Millbrook Tp., was born in Waterloo Co.,
J. T. Escott, four years. He has been Delegate vari- | Can., Feb. 25, 1843. He grew to man's
ous times to the District and County Conventions. C estate in the manner common to the sons of
Himself and wife are members of the United Breth- 6 r
re Chc farmlers. When 2I years of age he rented a
ren Church. farm in Canada, which lie conducted three
< < @ J years, and resolved to become a citizen of the
U. S. He came to Michigan, landing at Detroit,
[) > ^ - Jan. I0, I866. He proceeded to Lakeview, Mont- (
\ dward Fitzgerald, farmer, resident on sec. calm Co., and was occupied in lumbering during that
4 - ' 29, Mecosta Tp,, was born in County Kerry, winter, and in the spring of I867 came to Mecosta
Mzc ^Wlo- Ireland,. Auc. I. IS,. He is a son of (orntv. locat1iTn TA nrcZ f 1A in 1/r'I1I1irnr -
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6 —&. Edward and Bridget (Rourke) Fitzgerald, na-? tives of Ireland, where they passed their lives.
Mr.Fitzgeiald came to America at the age of
15, and landed at Quebec, Can., staying there a b)rief
time, going thence to Oswego, N. Y, where he obtained enployment in an elevator for a short time.
His next remove was to Defiance Co., 0., reaching
there in November, 1853. He worked on the railroad
for a time and then rented a farm, where he worked until the spring of I86i. On the outbreak of the late
_- 1. —..1-.-A3 ' {' ' _-OA._ "t r-J1 T.r 1 1
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Tp., which had been given him by his father, to
which he has added 40 acres, and now has 1oo acres
under improvement.
He was married in Canada, Nov. I8, I863, to Mary
M., daughter of Charles and Arabella (Morrison) Person, of English and French nativity. She was born
in Canada, July 5, 1847. Children: Margaret E.,
born Feb. 28, i865; Melinda J., Feb. i8, 1867;
James WV., Feb. 8, 1869; Ferdinand O., Nov. 18,
i870; John G., Dec. 20, 1872; Otto E., June 9,
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war ne enisteu in -o. ', 30t11 kJ. voi. 11l., ana nis 1074; icisoU1n iX., Atg. 26, 1670; Ullarlotte., Ivlarcl
regiment was attached to the command of Gen. Sher- 28, 1878; George W., Nov. 28, 1879; Charles H..
man in East Tennessee. They marched through Sa- May 12, I88i.
vannah, Ga., and were l)artici)pants in the severe fight Mr. Main is a Republican, and has been the favorat Jonesloro, Sept., '64, where the regiment suffered ed choice of his townsmen for responsible positions.
heavy loss, but Mr. Fitzgerald escaped unhurt. He He is a zealous member of the M. E. Church.
was in the service four years and saw some of its
severest work, but was never injured. He was discharged July 14, i865, and received from his office a g eorge A. Haggit, l)lacksmith, Milllrook
most satisfactory testimonial as a brave and good " village, was born in Huron Co., Can., D)ec.
soldier. He returned to his rejoicing family and 5, 1857. He is a son of Edward and Eliz-; resumed farming. In the fall of 1877 he settled in al)eth (Cockerline) Haggit, natives of England.
^ Mecosta County and lprchased a fine farm on the Mr. Haggit learned his trade in Canada
bank of Big Muskegon River, in Mecosta Tp. where he remained until Feb. I, 1883, and
* He was married Jan. i, 1854, to Marcella, daughter worked four years. At the date named he came to
of Patrick and Marcella (West) Fox, natives of Ire- Mecosta County and bought out the blacksmith shop
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EaOSTA COUNTYf 343i
8 MECOSTA COUNTY. 343 4
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of John Mitchell at the village of Millbrook, where
he is managing a thriving business, and doing the
custom work of a large section of country.
He was married in Huron Co., Can., Jan. 29, i88o,
to Alice M., daughter of John and Leah (Tremlitt)
Moss, natives of Canada, where the daughter was
born June 6, i86o. They have one child, Alonzo
VW., born Sept. 19, i88i. Mr. H. belonged in Canada to the Ancient Order of Foresters, and was also
a member of the Reform party.
/ eorge R. Malone, junior member of the.I t firm of Northrup & Malone, lawyers and
' (' real-estate brokers, Big Rapids, Mich., was
) born near Columbus, Ohio, July 27, T851.
He is the son of Joseph and Maria (McCaddin) Malone, who moved from Columbus to
Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, when he was two years
old. His father died at that place in 1854, after
which his mother removed to Canal Fulton, Stark Co.,
near the home of her father, John J. McCaddin, who
in his younger days was a pioneer, and afterwards a
prominent farmer and business man in that locality.
At the age of six years the subject of this sketch
went to live with his uncle, where he worked on the
old homestead of his grandfather summers and went
to school winters till he was 15 years of age. After
this his entire time for several years was devoted to
study and teaching. He commenced teaching at
the age of sixteen, receiving $i6 a month for his
first term in Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co., Ohio. After
this he removed, with his mother and family, an older
brother and sister, to near Lansing, Mich., where he
continued alternately to teach and attend school till
I871. At the age of twenty he was engaged as
Principal of the schools at Grand Ledge, Eaton Co.,
Mich., which position he also held during the years,
1875-6, having spent most of the intervening time
attending the Lansing High School and the State
Agricultural College.
Early in life Mr. Malone entertained a strong desire to study and practice law, and at the age of sixteen he visited John McSweeny, a leading criminal
lawyer of Wooster, Ohio, and completed arrangements
to study with him; but this his friends dissuaded him
from doing, preferring that he become a teacher or
enter the ministry; however, as he always entertained a
love for the study of law, during the last years of his
teaching he found time to read the works of a number of leading law writers. After closing his second
year's work in the schools of Grand Ledge he devoted a year almost exclusively to the study and
practice of law at Bell Oak, Ingham Co. After this
he spent two years in the mercantile business at Bell
Oak; but this enterprise, not being congenial to his
taste, did not prove successful.
In the spring of i88r, he came to the village of
Mecosta, and recommenced the practice of law. He
was soon after admitted to the Bar of Mecosta
County, and in January, 1883, he came to Big Rapids,
and the following summer went into partnership with
Mr. C. L. Northrup, an attorney of several years'
successful practice in Northern Michigan. Soon
after coming to the county Mr. Malone was elected
member of the County Board of School Examiners
and Secretary of that Board, which position he held
for two years. The untiring zeal witl which he devoted himself to the duties of this office, and the
consequent advancement in educational interests
throughout the county, so identified him with the interests of the people that his work will not soon be
forgotten.
Mr. Malone, though still a young man, is everywhere known as a man of the people; he is therefore an active agent in all matters tending to advance
the interests of the community and especially of the
young. He is an earnest and ardent speaker, and
has presented his views upon leading subjects of public interest, not only in his own county but in different parts of the State. He is an active worker in
the cause of temperance and a zealous advocate of
both moral suasion and prohibition. He is also a
total abstainer himself, having never partaken of intoxicating liquors as a beverage in his life; neither
has he ever used tobacco in any form.
Mr. Malone was married in Locke Tp., Ingham
Co., June 30, I875, to Miss Fanny E. Atkins, eldest
daughter of Harman A. and Harriet V. Atkins, both
of whom were pioneers of that county. Mr. Atkins
is a physician, having practiced in Ingham County
for more than thi.ty years. He is also a great reader,
and a profound student of natural sciences, being
the author of a work on ornithology, embodying his
daily observations for more than a quarter of a cen
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/, 344 M1JCOSTA COUNTY.
t tury. Mrs. Malone was born in Locke Tp., Ingham years old, who remained there until he reached the
Co., March 5, 1854. She received a liberal educa- age of 24 years, going thence to Illinois. After resid\ tion and taught school several terms in Ingham and ing there seven years, engaged meanwhile in farm- A
Eaton Counties before her marriage; she still enter- ing, he came in the autumn of i866 to Mecosta
tains the same love for reading and study as that of County, and bought 8o acres of wild land in Mill
her father, and so far as possible still gives her time to brook Tp. He has since bought 40 acres more, and
literary pursuits. Bertha E., only child of Mr. and of the aggregate 120 acres has 40 acres under culMrs. Malone, was born Dec. 29, 1877. tivation.
In connection with this sketchwe take pleasure in He was married in Canada, Feb. o0, 185I, to
presenting the portrait of Mr. Malone. Harriet R., daughter of David and Lena (Mirkley)? Welch, the former a native of New England, the latE! =-7^l ll lCf rter of Canada. She was born in Upper Canada, (, Nov. 30, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have had nine?/ children, of whom eight survive: Louisa H., born
m. Willett, farmer on sec. 5, Hinton TpT
m.Willett, farmeron sec. 5, HintonT, Jan. 25, 1852; Eva J., Oct. 25, i856; Howard E.,
tl[lo was born in England, March 28, i8~o.
was born in Englad, March 28, i8. Feb. 25, I859; Adella M., Jan. 21, i862; William
-.lx. T His parents were natives of England and A.,, J E. C.,
# lt%( r. -, * i. A., April 16, I864; James E. C.. MIarch 12, 1868;
J came to Canada in the early days of its set- Mary L., Dc. 2 Aerta E., b., I8
f n,. h oe M rth Mary L., Dec. 29, 1871; Alberta E., Feb. 9, 1875;
dtement, and there the mother, Martha(SkilEdward H., born Feb. 7, I854, died Jan. 17, 1856.
ton) Willett, finally died. The father, Richard
' Willett, came to Michigan with his children, and died __, -- * _
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' at the home of his son George. William Willett
spent the first 23 years of his life in his native land,,>l and until 14 years of age was sent to school. He. worked four years with his father, who was a carpen-;,; ter, and then set out for his single-handed life struggle. In I833 he came to Canada and entered upon
a life of labor, working at carpentry and millwrighting, and was thus engaged for 33 years, coming to
Michigan in r866. He at once purchased I20 acres
of land, on which he now resides and has 40 acres
under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Willet was
married in England, Feb. 3, 1830, to Charlotte,
d daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte (Mann) Rose.
-I Her parents were natives of England, where Mrs.
i WVillett was born Sept. 21, 1812, and there her father
and mother died.
-ohn D. Decker, farmer, sec. 14, Millbrook
r> Tp., was born in the State of New York,
t March i, 1828. He is a son of Gilbert
nd IMary (Stanley) I)ecker, and was reared
under the care of his parents, living at home
t[ until he was 22 years old, and occupied chiefly
* ith farming. His father removed with his
- f.tllily to Canada when Mr. l)ecker was about six
iffl artley Davis, deceased, was born Aug. 18,
) ~I 1832. He was a son of Francis and Margaret Davis, natives of Belfast, Ireland.:i^ At the age of six years he came to Canada
with his parents, and attended school at Toronto until he was 13 years old. Two years
later he began to work in a saw-mill for Jonah Ugel,
where he continued until he was 21 years old. In
company with a son of his employer, he bought a
saw-mill, and they went into business for themselves,
where Mr. l)avis thus operated five years. He sold
his interest in the mlill and went to live on a farm he
had previously purchased, which he managed until
1861. lie then came to Michigan, and 1purchasedl
80 acres of land in Hinton Tp., 70 acres of which
were under the plow at tlhe time of his death. Associated with \illiam N. Seaton, Mr. D)avis built and
operated the first saw-mill in the township, located at
Altona. Hle was connected with Mr. Seaton two
years, and was engaged in lumLbeling to a greater or
less extent each winter after coming to Hinton. )uring his life Mr. l)avis was Supervisor several years.
He (lied Feb. 13, 1879, after an illness of five years,
of consuml)tion. IHe was confined to his house but
two weeks.
Mr. i)avis was married April 1o, 1858, in Canada,.E,1i'
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to Lydia AM., eldest daughter of William and Charh lotte (Rose) Willett, born Jan. i7, 1832. Her parents
-| reside in Hinton Tp. Of six children born to Mr.
i and Mrs. Davis, three survive: Newton E., born
April 12, 1859; Ella M., Nov. 22, i86r; Charlotte
M., April 2, 1865. Two children died in infancy:
Ezra \V., born Oct. 7, 1860, died Fel). i8, i88r.
Mrs. 1)avis resides on the homestead.
An_ A__-r__
79 oUVT F. 345
At idney Haskill, painter, resident on sec. 35,
ARtna Tp., was born May 29,'29,in Yates
Co., N. Y., and is son of Josiah and Chloe
(Gage) Haskill. At the age of 15 he was apprenticed to Nathan Simson, a painter of that
vicinity, and as he acquired the details of the
trade with readiness and became a skilled workman
in much less than the time required by the terms' of
his indenture, he was released and managed his
own business engagements for three years. He.,. then spent two years on the lakes; since i86o he, has been busy with his trade. During the time he
8 was in the Empire State he worked on the N. Y. C.
= R. R.; going thence to Kansas, he worked on the
Union Pacific R. R., as a bridge builder. He returned to Michigan, stopped at Port Huron, and a
few months later went to Grand Rapids, where he
arrived in the spring of 1863. He followed his trade
I4 years in that city and then settled in iEtna Tp.,
on a farm near Morley. Since his location in the
township he has worked with Higbee & Co.
He was married in 1850, to Catherine, daughter of
Samuel and Anna Dutton, at Port Hope, Pr. of Ontario. Children: Albert, born Nov. 25, I857; Ros sanna W., August, I859; Frank, Nov. 5, I866. Mr.
and Mrs. Haskill are adherents of the M. E. Church.
Mr. H. is a Republican..J l^ ames A. Mills, farmer on sec. 20, Mecosta
tc",'J l- Tp., was born Sept. 7, T847. He is a son! },e of Alexander and Sarah (More) Mills,, - natives of Scotland and early emigrants to St.
( [ Johns, N. B., where the son was born. Mr.
Mills took his fortunes into his own hands at
) nine years of age. He ran away to sea in the capacity
of cabin boy, and was in that position two years when
877!7^n
he became shipmate. He was promoted t-o the post
of second mate, and so performed his duties that he
was offered the position of first mate, but declined,
as he had determined to withdraw from a seafaring
life. He had a desire to engage in the whale-fishing
service of the Northern Ocean, and spent some months
in the dangers and excitements of that life. He then
engaged in cod-fishing service and followed it on the
coast of Gaspe, Can. After four months he connected himself with a company of seal fishers and spent
a considerable time in that region of icebergs. He
then quitted ocean life and went to Upper Canada,
where he remained but a brief time. His next remove was to Texas, where he was occupied some
months in herding cattle. Coming North, via New
York, to Canada, in 1859, he visited his native place,
He came to Saginaw, Mich., and there operated as a
lumberman one year, and was also engaged somewhat in river driving.
Mr. Mills came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1860,
where he remained until his marriage. That event
occurred July 8, i86i, to Mary, daughter of Jesse R,
and Lydia (Mash) Green. Her parents were natives
of Canada, where she was born Sept. 17, 1847. Mr.
and Mrs. Mills have had one child, Alice May, born
May 31, 1875. Mr. Mills is a Democrat.,'oF amuel J. Throp, of the firm of Fellows &
Throp, druggists, at Big Rapids, was born
^1^ at Fort Jefferson, Darke Co., Ohio, Oct. 28,
1845, and is a son of John A. Throp, born
Oct. 24, I822, in Monmouth Co., New Jersey,
and Catharine Throp, born Dec. 3, I825, in
Warren Co., Ohio, His mother never changed her
maiden name, yet there was no relationship traceable. His father was a wagon-maker, but on his
removal to Three Rivers, Mich., in I857, became associated with a partnership manufacturing company,
in building the celebrated Invincible Vibrating
Thresher and general agricultural implements; he
sold his interest in the factory March 15, 1881, but
retained his claims in the patents. In I867 Mr.
Throp went to Troy, Ill., and engaged in the merchant flouring mill of his uncle, Thomas A. Throp,
as accountant. The latter died in 1873, and Mr.
Throp was appointed administrator of the estate,
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r ohn Bellamy, farmer, sec. 8, Wheatland
^ - Tp., is a son of John and Jane (Cathcart)
Bellamy, the father a native of England,
of mixed British and Irish blood, and the
mother of Ireland; they came to America early
in life and located in Ontario, Can., where they
were married. Mr. Bellamy was born in Waterloo
Co., Can., Sept. 5, 1855, and l)assed the first 23 years
of his life in school and assisting his father on the
farm. In the fall of i878 hle came to Mecosta
County and passed one year in Wheatland Tp., with
John Gingrich, his brother-in-law. Meanwhile he
was married, June 14, 1879, to leonora, daughter of
arvey Harrington, proprietor of the hotel,l at Altona, Hinton Tp., was born in Ionia
~:Mi' County, Mich., Aug. 2, 1848. His parents,
William and Margaret (Staley) Harrington, were
natives of Ohio. Their first removal thence was
to Montcalm Co., Mich., and successively to
lonia, Gratiot and Calhoun Counties, and in I869
went to Kansas, where they now reside. Mr. Harrington was 14 years of age when his parents went
to Gratiot County. Their stay there lasted one year,
and they then went to Calhoun County, where Mr.
Harrington lived with them until he was 21 years of
age. On attaining man's estate he went to Montcalm County, and there worked in a shingle-mill
eight years. In I873 he bought 40 acres of partly
improved land in the township of Fairplain, in
Montcalm Co. He took possession of this place as
a residence in 1877, and in i88I exchanged the
property for 80 acres in Sheridan Tp., Mecosta Co.,
where he fixed his home in September, I88. In February, 1883, he exchanged his farm for the hotel at
Altona, which he is now managing.
Mr. Harrington was married in Montcalm County,
Oct. 24, T869, to Lois A., youngest child of Nathan
and Mary A. (Rossmore) Rose. The latter were
natives of New York, where Mrs. Harrington was
born, Oct. 24, 1852. Her father died Feb. 4, 1862,
and her mother lives with lher. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington have had one child, George N., born April 3.
187 T, and died Oct. 12, 1871. As to political issues,
Mr. Harrington is a Republican.
CO UNTY..
Peter and Mary (McDonald) Gingrich, who was born
July 5, I86i, in Waterloo Co., Can., and when six
years old accompanied her parents to Michigan. Mr.
and Mrs. Bellamy have two children: John H.,
born Dec. 25, I879, and William A., Nov. I8, I88I.
In politics Mr. Bellamy is a Democrat.
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X U ohn M. Sims, farmer, sec. 2, (;reen Tp.,!
twas born Sept. 26, 1845, in Greene Co.,
la., and is the son of Martin and Eliza
Jane (MIundy) Sims. Mr. Sims is descended
from loyal ancestry, his great-grandfather having fougllt in the war of the Revolution, and (
also in that of 1812. His father was born in the!IA ----l — -,
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MECOSTA CO UNTY.
349
Keystone State, of English ancestry; was a farmer
and millwright, and enlisted in the civil war as a, soldier for the Union, finally locating in Van B!uren
Co., Mich., where he died, in 1876. The mother,
) born in County I)own, Ireland, died Aug. 28, 187I.
True to the patriotic instincts of his race, Mr.
Sims enlisted in the war of the Rebellion to defend
the flag his ancestors had fought to establish,
and is the youngest soldier recorded in this volume.
He enrolled as his country's servant in the I2th W.
Va. Infantry, Aug 9, 1869, when he was 15 years, II
X months and i3 days old. He was discharged June
6, 1865, having seen much active service in the
memorable engagements of the war, among them the
fight at Winchester, June 14, 1863, Harper's Ferry,
in July, I864, Battle of Winchester, and of Cedar
Creek, Nov. 19, 1864, at Piedmont, Stanton, Lynchburg; and when transferred to the Army of the Potomac he fought at Hatcher's Run, near Petersburg,
March 29, 30, 31, 1865, and April i, following, at
Fort Grey, near Petersburg, whence his command fol-.4. lowed Lee on the extreme left of the Army Corps
until the rebel chief surrendered to the Federal,
$ authority at Appomattox, of which event Mr. Sims
was an eye witness. After Lee's capitulation the
~ forces went from Lynchburg to Richmond, where
they were discharged, and were mustered out at
) Wheeling. Mr. Sims sustained but one injury during
the entire time, receiving a gunshot wound in the
left leg in a skirmish near Harper's Ferry. He was
taken prisoner at the Battle of Winchester, June 14,
1863, and was held in captivity three months. At
the end of that time he made his escape and rejoined
his command, after passing four days and nights
in the mountains almost wholly without supplies.
March 25, 1866, he came to Mecosta Co., Mich.,
and in 1868 bought 80 acres of land in Green Tp.,
where he has since followed farming. He was married to Ellen E. Robins in I867; she was born in
Potter Co., Pa, and is the daughter of James G. and
Olive (Slade) Robins. Of this marriage one child
was born, Otis Orlando. The mother died June 28,
i868. Mr. Sims was again married in 1869, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Amy (Clark) Kitchen, a
native of Canada, born Sept. r8, 1841. Her father
W as born in New Jersey, and is now living near
Whitehall, Mich. Her mother was a native of New
Brunswick and died in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Sims'
children are, Delbert, Anna B., Elsie M. and Viola.
-- 0C 'IC
heodore C. Gardner, of Big Rapids, a portrait of whom we present upon the opposite
page, was born Dec. 21, 1843, in Medina
Co., Ohio, where he was reared under his
tfather's care. He is a son of Reuben and
Mary (Branch) Gardner, natives of New York,
and of English descent. Mr. Gardner became a soldier when he was I8 years old, enlisting April 23,
I86I, in the Eighth Ohio Infantry, Company K,
Capt. W. F. Pierce. His command was attached to
the Army of the Potomac, and during the period of
his enlistment he was in 17 actions; among the
most prominent were the battles of Bull Run, Antietam and South Mountain. From all the casualties
of war Mr. Gardener fortunately escaped, and was
neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He was made
Sergeant soon after his first service in the war, and
during the time was transferred to the Sixth U. S.
Cavalry, in which he remained until he was mustered out, May 26, 1864. He returned to Ohio, and
after two months entered the service of the Government, operating chiefly as a harness maker. He was
thus employed about six months, and on the close of
the war returned to Ohio. Soon after he came to
Oceana Co., Mich,, and entered i60 acres of land
under the homestead act.
He returned to Medina Co., Ohio, and was married
May 22, I866, to Lydia A., daughter of Alden and
Lois (Morse) Apthorp, the father a native of Massachusetts, and the mother of New York. They
moved to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1840, where Mrs.
Gardner was born, May I6, I844. She was well educated in the common schools of the Buckeye State,
and was a teacher some years previous to her marriage. After that event she accompanied her husband to Michigan, and they resided on his farm in
Oceana County until the fall of 1870, when'Mr.
Gardner removed his interests to Millbrook, Mecosta
County, and established a general mercantile business, with a stock of goods worth $600. He continued to operate there until Iecember, I88i, and
during the time his business increased until it reached an aggregate of $40,000 annually. He sold out at
the time named to E. F. Horton, and moved to Remus, Wheatland Tp., where he established a mercantile business, on a basis of $6,ooo. His annual sales
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350 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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f reach a figure of $50,000, and he maintains one of home and the place wherein he designs to pass his.) the finest stores and best assorted lines of goods in remaining life. He was married in Pennsylvania,, Northern Michigan. He moved his family to Big July i, 1841, to Mary E., daughter of Lysander and:?
' Rapids, but continues to own and manage his exten- Elizabeth (Saltsman) Mitchell, natives respectively
sive business interests at Remus. of New York and Pennsylvania. They settled in
In politics Mr. Gardner is a Republican, and has I878 in Montcalm Co., but returned to Pennsylvania,
held positions of trust and prominence where he has where Mrs. Mitchell died Oct. 8, I882, and her husresided. Cora D. Apthorp, adopted daughter of Mr. band followed July i9, 1883. But three of the eight
and Mrs. Gardner, was born Dec. 30, 1871. children born to Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are living:
Frances M., born June 13, I849; Chas. B., May 2,
i |_ I7857, and Elmer B., June 9, i86i. The parents
gave two sons to the Union cause, and both are at
rest in the soil which the lives they surrendered to
lanson H. Waterman, farmer on sec. 19, save from the ruin of disunion have consecrated forDeerfield Tp., was born in PMassachusetts, ever. Their honored names are Sylvester A., born
Seplt. 23, I817. He is a son of Oliver and Feb. 19, 184-, and died July i8, I864; and George.e Miriam (Jennings) Waterman, who removed C., born Oct. 6, 1844, and died Feb. 23, i866. The
i from the Bay State to New York and thence to following is the record of three others who are in the
Pennsylvania, where the mother died in I863. home of everlasting peace: Mary J., born Feb. 13,
The father returned to New York soon after, and 1847, died Sept. 7, 1874; Judson V., born Sept 9,
in 1868 joined his wife in the land of the hereafter. 1854, died Sept. II, 1854; Adaline C., born June 5,,
~. Mr. Waterman was under the tutelage of his parents 85 i, and died Sept. 9, 1854.
u ntil he reached man's estate. He went with them After a useful and and active life of nearly 70 =
') to the State of New York, and a year later to Penn- years, Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are passing the sun= sylvania, where he pursued agriculture ten years, set of their life in serenity and trust. They are =r
meanwhile arranging and preparing to enter the min- devoted to Christian work and are zealous in the in- \&'
istry. In 1849 he returned to New York and was terests of the Church of their choice. Mr. Waterinstalled pastor of the Southeast Stockton Baptist man is a Republican.
Church, and in i85o received ordination. He retained his charge three years, at the end of that time A_-_L ~
accepting a call from the Baptist Church and society '
at Sheridan, N. Y., where he officiated two years. | _.
He resigned his post two years later and was in- j eter Cahill, farmer on sec. 15, A,.tna Tp.,
stalled pastor over the First Baptist Church at ii l was born April 8, 1841, in Canada. At. Aurora, Portage Co., Ohio. After a successful pas- |;,_ the age of 15 he entered upon his single- '
torate of two years, he acccepted the charge at Auburn, 'r j handed contest with the world, and at 21 ihe
O., where he remained two years; then went to Mec- J came to Michigan, working as a farmer and
ca, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and was tlere engaged in ac- lumberman until the fall of 1867. In 1868
tive ministerial work ten years. lHis health becoming he bought 40 acres of wild land, to which he added
impaired in 1869, he relinquished his connection with by purchase 40 acres of railroad land, whereon he
the ministry, resigned his charge, and came to Mont- built a log house and proceeded to prepare his farml, calm Co., Mich., where he bought 260 acres-of unin- for the sustenance of his family. He now has 30 (
Iroved land, built a log house and underwent all the acres eunder cultivation. In political sentiment Mr. r;I. experiences of the pioneer. But he made marked Cahill is a Greenbacker, and the family are all ad' lrogress in the improvements on his property, and herents of the Catholic Church. Mr. C(ahill has
w hen he sold it in 1878, 120 acres of his farm was been Highway Commissioner one year and School
in an advanced state of cultivation.. Director two years. lie was married in the townshilp
In 1878 li me to Mecosta County anld Iur- of Etna, Aug. 5, 1867, to Sarah, (laughlter of Willialm
hased 40 acres of partially ilmproved land, now, his and Mary A. (Ilimpton) NMilchell, natives of the -
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) State of New York, and their children are,' Vesta,
born May 22, i868; Alice, July 31, 1870; Frances
\V., Oct. 17, I876; James E., July 8, I880. Gertrude is deceased.
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%, h lijah Carr, farmer on sec. 6, Hinton Tp.,,.{ ^ was born in New Jersey, Oct. 21, 1834.
5, ^ His parents, Samuel and Catherine (Wise)
Carr, were born in New Jersey, and were pioneers in Oakland County, removing later to
I i Greenville, Mecosta Co., where they died.
Mr. Carr was but four years old when his parents
became residents of Michigan. He obtained his
education in the common schools, and worked on the
farm until he was 22 years old. In i856 he bought
80 acres of timber land in Greenville, Montcalm Co.,
) and soon after purchased a similar acreage. He was
a resident of the place for 22 years. He sold it in
N 1878, and bought i60 acres in Hinton Tp., now his
a residence and under his management.
Mr. Carr was married in Oakland County, Dec. 13,
1 846, to Mrs. Mary H. Stewart, second daughter of
5 John and Amanda (Jordan) Clark. Her parents
were natives of Vermont, and in i834 came to Michigan, settling in Montcalm County, where the mother
died, June 5, I849, the father dying several years
later. Mrs. Carr was born in Pontiac, Oakland Co.,
Aug. 2, 1835. The family circle includes six children: Ellen E., John L., Alice M., Josephine B,
Frances E. and Avery G. Mr. Carr is an adherent
to the principles and issues of the Democratic party.
Mrs. Carr's first husband was Charles Stewart, and
S of that marriage one child was born-Sophia A.
gcohn B. Gingrich, farmer, sec. 8, Wheatland
Tp., is a son af Jacob and Barbara (Burk-.- hart) Gingrich, who were natives of Penn> sylvania, and in early youth went to Canada,
where they were married and reared their famM ily. Mr. Gingrich was born in Waterloo Co.,
Can., May 2, I847. He was married Nov. I5, r866,; to Mary J., daughter of John and Jane (Cathcart)
Bellamy (see sketch), who was born in Wellington
Co., Can., Aug. I7, 1846. Mr. Gingrich took his
'U i.V Z'Y. 35T
wife to the home of his parents and lived with them
one year, coming in the fall of 1867 to Michigan and
locating on sec. 8, where he secured I20 acres of
wooded land, with an old log hut thereon, which had
been previously built and which the family occupied
five years. The pioneer dwelling has given place to
one more pretentious and comfortable; and 20 acres
have been added to the farm, which now aggregates
140 acres, with Too in first-class improvements and
furnished with ample and suitable farm buildings.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gingrich are as follows: Barbara J., born June 17, i867; Rebecca,
Feb. 28, 1869; William J., born Aug. 27, 1870, died
Sept. 2, i871; Joseph, born July 17, 1872, died Sept.
8, i881; Susan, born July i, I874, died Sept. 17,
188I The two last named died of diphtheria, nine
days intervening between their deaths. Mr. Gingrich belongs to the Democratic party, and has held the
post of Constable six years. The parents are members of the M. E. Church.
> ---- Y ankB - 4 —
j ix yron S. Davenport, Paris, Green Tp., was
born Jan. 2, i862, in Barton, Newaygo Co.,
5 - Mich., and is the youngest son of William?) and Jemima (Stanley) T)avenport. The father
was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 24, 1824,
and is a son of Jesse Davenport, a native of
England and a millwright by vocation. William Davenport moved to Columbia, Fayette Co., Ind., in
1845, where he engaged three years successfully in
mercantile business. In I856 he went to Barton,
and has since resided there, pursuing his trade of
millwright and mechanic. He purchased a half
section of Government land, which his sons cleared
and placed in good farming condition, leaving him to
pursue his trade. Jemima Stanley was born Oct. 7,
1824, in Richmond, Ind., of English descent, and
was married July 3i, 1842, to William Davenport.
They are the parents of one daughter and five sons.
Mr. Davenport, of this sketch, acquired his elementary education in the schools of Barton and in
the high school of Big Rapids, finishing his studies
at the Commercial College of Grand Rapids. In
i88i, in company with his brother, he established
himself in business in Paris, which connection continued nearly a year, and was brought to a close by.)
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the unfortunate management of his brother, who in- father died Dec. 8, I876. Her mother is yet living,
volved their affairs in a hopeless inticacy and took in Hinton Tp.
his departure. Mr. Davenport adjusted matters as Mr. and Mrs. Moore are both persons of stable.
well as he was able, sold out the business and en- character. Their tastes and inclinations lead them
gaged, May 20, 1882, as salesman with D. Levy, of into the best avenues of thought and action, and
Big Rapids. A few months later he entered the em- they are intimately associated with all popular moveploy of B. E. Hutchinson & Co., of Paris, as sales- ments and reformatory issues, whether social,
man, and remained with them until Feb. 22, I883, moral or religious. Both were school-teachers, fond
when the concern failed and he was appointed by the of books, and are correspendents of several local
assignee to sell out the stock. After this he engaged papers. They belong to two distinct temperance
with W. D. Hopkinson as book-keeper and salesman, organizations, and are actively interested in the M.
in which capacity he is still acting. E. Church, in which Mr. Moore has been a ClassLeader most of the time since the organization of the
O 36E society to which he belongs.
He is an inflexible Republican, and has officiated
in several township offices, and failed of appointment
%1, to others only because of his radical temperance
- enry H. Moore, farmer, sec. 20, Hinton views.
c Tp., was born March 28, i849, in the State
of New York, and is the youngest of a.l
family of seven children. His father, Hiram
|I went to New York when a boy, where his father il i land Tp., is a son of Jacob and Barbara
Z was one of the first pioneers. The other, Ann (urkhart) Gingrich, natives of Pensy-,
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('lerrey) Moore, was born in the State of New York,
where she was married in 1829. Her husband was
unable to labor for 35 years before his death, having
become disabled by over-exertion. Ile was cared
for by his children during the later years of his life,
and was the especial charge of his son, H. H. Moore,
some years l)revious to his death, which occurred
March 13, 1873, of cancer of the stomach. He was
of a radical character, and during all his life was a
consistent Christian man.
Mr. Moore of this sketch was 23 years old when
his father died, and on the occurrence of that event
removed to Kenosha Co., Wis., and was there occu)ied as a carpenter six months, moving thence to
Janesville, and three months later to this county.
In the spring of 1874 he bought r6o acres of unimproved land in Hinton Tp., worth at that time
$r,ooo. He built a frame house, and the first year
cleared 20 acres; he now has 6o acres under
improvement.
He was married in the State of New York, Nov.
23, 1869, to Emma L., third daughter of Asa and
Louisa (l)ow) Roblins, lorn in the Emplire State,
Jan. 26, 1848. Her parents were natives of Vermont, and were married in New York, where her
%JL vania and of German descent, who went to
-'L Ontario, Can., in their childhood, where they
were afterwards married. Mr. Gingrich was
born in Waterloo Co., Can., Aug. 25, i839. He had
fair educational advantages, and in i858 he apprenticed himself to F. G. Locknar, of Hawksville, to learn
the art of blacksmithing. After serving his full time,
three and one-half years, he became manager in the
same shol where he had leen instructed, and conducted the business two years. He was married
Oct. 4, 86o, in Waterloo County, to Mary, daughter
of James and Leonora (Newton) Mcl)onald, natives
respectively of Scotland and New York, who went
early in life to the Dominion, where they were married and where the daughter was born, Sept. 3, 1841.
After marriage Mr. Gingrich went into business on
his own behalf in the town of Floma, Ont., where he
puirsued his trade until February, 1862, when he
wvent to \Vinfield, Wellington Co., ()nt. After operating tlhere for a time his health became impaired
an(l he sold out, starting in the spring of 1863, on a
prospecting tour to Michigan, and worked to some
extent at his trade. Prospects were not very flattering and he returned home and worked on a farm until the fall of 1867, when he again resolved on seek
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ing a home in the Peninsular State. Himself and
brother exchanged ioo acres of land in Ontario for
240 acres in Wheatland Tp., Mr. Gingrich becoming
the possessor of 120 acres, to which he has made an
addition of 20 acres more. Of this, 75 acres are now
as well improved as any in the county, and the owner
has recently erected some very fine farm buildings
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The family of Mr. Gingrich includes six children,
born as follows: Leonora, July 5, I86I; Samuel A.,
Aug. 3, 1864; William A., Jan. 20, 1868; Henry W.
B, Aug. 8, I870; Franklin P., Jan. 3I, 1875; Lillie
G., May 25, i878: Lavinia N., born Aug. 3, 1873,
died Dec. 6, i88i.
In politics Mr. Gingrich is a staunch Democrat,
and has held nearly every office of any prominence
in the local government of his township. He is actively interested in the work of the society of Good
Templars, to which he belongs, and in which he occupies the chair of P. W. C.
$3,000, embracing all articles common to his line of
business, his annual sales amounting to about
$1,ooo0. He acceded to the possession of the
Wilson House, Sept. 15, I882, which he afterward
rented to R. H. Duly for three years, and in the
spring of 1883 he bought the building where the
Mecosta AdIvance is published, which is rented to
the proprietor of that journal. July i, I883, he
bought a half interest in a meat market adjoining
his saloon, which is well patronized under the
firm name of Reed & Wernette. His residence
on North Franklin street was lately erected,at a cost
of $1,200; is handsomely fitted up with modern
appurtenances, and is an ornament to the place.
On his farm southeast of the city, he has built a
large and commodious barn, which he has so llanned as to have one of the finest water privileges in
Northern Michigan. His place is stocked with a fine
lot of blooded cattle and China pigs. He owns, besides, a 4o-acre farm one mile north of Mecosta village; has also 40 acres of pine land, which he values
very highly. He also owns a blacksmith shop on
Main street, occupying two lots near the Town Hall.
Mr. Wernette is a Democrat in political faith. He
has officiated as Supervisor of Morton Tp., and in
1880 was nominated for Representative from his
district on the ticket of his party, but declined the
position on account of ill health. Mr. Wernette has
always been active in the interests of his township
and of the community of which he is a member. To
him belongs the credit of securing the establishment
of mail privileges at Bingen (now Remus).
He was married July 3, i875, at Grand Rapids, to
Mary Pickette, daughter of a prosperous farmer of
Kent County. Mr. and Mrs. Wernette have three
children: Lillie R., Joseph W. and Jessy J.
Among the portraits of prominent citizens presented in this volume may be found that of Mr. Wernette.
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9 >' ^{hristian W. Wernette, resident at Me= I costa village, Morton Tp., is a son of
E ~r John and Mary (Veitheimer) Wernette,
and was born June I5, I85 I, in Waterloo Co.,
Canada. When he was io years of age his
parents sent him to Berlin, in his native
country, to college, with the view of educating him
for a Romish priest; but his natural tastes were so
decidedly averse to such a life that he left school at
the end of the first year. In 1863 he came to Michigan and engaged several years as a farm laborer,
and in I865 went back to New York and enlisted
in the State militia, but was not called into action.
He was the youngest and the tallest man in the
company. His regiment was mustered out of the
service in the spring of I866, when he returned to
Mecosta County, and was employed about six
months in the lumber woods. His next engagement
was with the Chicago Lumber Co., cutting timber in
the vicinity of the Manistee River. In I875 he
bought a farm of 290 acres, three miles southeast of
Mecosta village, where he lived until that place
was platted. Foreseeing the promising future of
the rapidly growing and plucky little village, he
bought a lot on Main street, and built a saloon,
which he still carries on, holding a stock of about
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* ^:(oland D. Reed, marketman (firm of Reed 1.
I & Wernette), Mecosta, Morton Tp., was
X eI^F. born in Hainsville, Medina Co., Ohio, 4
Sept. 23, 1849. His parents, James and
Elizabeth (Holcomb) Reed, are both deceased.
\ His father was a native of Medina Co., Ohio,
was a miller by trade, and died in Ionia, J
Mich., Nov. io, i86J, aged 31 years, and his mother
Vie B rIThey vwere natives of New York, and after
tlheir marriage emigrated to Tuscola Co., Mich.,
( here the mother is yet living; the father is
decealsed.
Mr. (Clink was iborn in Canada, Nov. 19, i843, and
there grewv to man's estate. In the autumnn of 1862
he came to l)eerfield township and tpurchased 8o
acres of unlbroken forest land, now the homestead of
harles E. Warner, farmler, sec. 20, i;tna
l, j> Tp., was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Sept.
I2, 1842. He is a son of Andrew and
& Laura (Riley) Warner, who were born in New
7[~ York and recently clied in Michigan. When! four years o(ld Mr. Warner was taken to the
home of an uncle, where lhe remained until he was
19 years of age, when he returned to his childhood's
home. After a brief sojourn there, he set forth with
strong determination to nmake his way in the world,
an(l was variously occuplied for several years, when
he came to Michigan and found employ in the mills
at Grand Rapids for some time. Meanwhile he took
advantage of a good opp)ortunity to 1purchase a farm
near that city, on wvhich he located in 1878. After a
few years he resolved on making another change,
and went to Indiana, where he remained some years,
operating summers as an engineer and splending the
alternate winters in luxmbering. He had, during this
time, investedl some lloney in a farnm in Atna Lr).,
where he tocok Uil his residenc:e in 1878. The place
contains 20o acres.
Mr. Warner was nmarrie(l Ml arch 26, 866, to Etta
A., daulghter of NWilliam and Susan J. (Reed) lill, a
native of Massachusetts, horn April 26, 1859. 'I'heir
c(hildren are Frank E., Dora B., Win. E., HIomer R.,
I larris L., (Charles C. and Bertha M. Mlr. and Mrs.
Warner are nimmbers of the N1. E. (Clhulrcll, Mr,
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Warner has been identified with the Republican
party since the beginning of his connection with.i~ politics.
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~ iames Mitchell, farmer, sec. io, ~Etna Tp.,
'I; was born Feb. 7, i815, in the State of
4 I New York, and is a son of Zephaniah P.
I and Annie (Sexton) Mitchell, natives of the
X F iFmpire State. He remained in his native
State until the fall of 1845, when he came to
Wayne Co., Mich., and spent five years as a farm
laborer, coming thence to Sparta, Kent Co.; and a
year later he went to Nottawa, St. Joseph Co., and
bought 80 acres of land, which was in his possession
ten years. In the spring of T86i he came to Mecosta County and settled in AEtna Tp., where he
took 40 acres of wild land under the swamp act.
He built a log house and entered upon the labor of
N clearing the land. In i868 he bought 40 acres lying
' adjacent to his original purchase, making an aggre= gate of 80 acres, 60 of which are under cultivation,
and on which he fixed his residence. He was married to Susan, daughter of Jonathan Western, who
died in 1863, and four of their seven children survive: Nathaniel, Oliver, Asa and Adeline. In 1865
he was again married, to Kate, daughter of John and
Ellen Gilluly, natives and life residents of Ireland.
The family belong to the Catholic Church, and Mr.
Mitchell is a Democrat.!! -ohn McKewen, farmer, sec. 27, Deerfield
'1 Tp., was born in Canada, May 14, I855.
X t S He is a son of Michael and Julia (Levick)
X McKewen, the former a native of Ireland and
the latter of Canada. In 1871 the parents
moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., where the
father died, in February, 1882, when the son was j6
years of age. Six years later, John came to Deerfield
Tp., and bought 40 acres of land on sec. 28, then in
a wholly unimproved condition, and has since purchased 40 acres on sec. 27, where he is now resident.
He was married Oct. 30, 1880, to Mary Elizabeth,, daughter of John and Mary (Martin) O'Neil. In
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the following year Mr. McKewen took a journey
West on account of the health of his wife, but all efforts were unavailing, and she died Aug. 20, I88, of,
liver disease, from which she was ill eight months.
In politics Mr. McKewen is independent; in religion he is a Roman Catholic.
X "'aatthew Roben, retired merchant, residing
9aI i at Big Rapids, was born at Ryegate, CaleM1.r donia Co., Vt., Sept. i, I814. He comes
) of a long line of Scotch ancestry, originating
* in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and traceable for
many generations-a family of means and influence in their native country. His great-grandfather, Walter Roben, was born in 1719, at Renfrew,
and died in 1784. His wife was Isabella (Gardner)
Roben. His son, Matthew Roben, grandfather of
the subject of this sketch, came to this country with
his family in 1803. He was one of the original
founders of the Scotch colony in Caledonia Co., Vt., =
which is perhaps the most extensive Scotch settlement j
in the United States. He was also a Mason of high =
degree, and a prominent organizer of Masonic lodges '
in Vermont at that early day. His wife was Jean
(Harvey) Roben, born near Glasgow, Scotland, and
of a family of prominence in that locality.
Walter Roben, father of tie subject of this sketch,
was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, near Glasgow, in
1786, and died at Ryegate, Vt., Aug. 13, 1867, at the
age of 8i years. He was a farmer by occupation.
His wife, Polly (Thomas) Roben, mother of Matthew,
was born in New Hampshire, in 1788, and died at
Ryegate, Vt., in her 85th year.
Mr. Roben was reared on his father's farm, and
obtained a common-school education, which was
supplemented by attendance for a considerable time
at the Vermont Wesleyan University at Newbury.
He came to Ohio in i835, where he engaged in
teaching school, at first in Tuscarawas County, and
afterwards in Morrow (then a part of Richland)
County. After several years he purchased a farm in I
Morrow County, near the village of West Point, and M
engaged in farming. Later, he added another farm
to this, and built a store in West Point, where for 2
some time he sold a general stock of goods, and at
the same time attended to the management of his '
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$7,oo00o, and his yearly transactions reach a figure of. $I2,000. Mr. Wiseman belongs to the Order of Odd. Fellows at Big Rapids.
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COUNTY. 36i
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j:larence L. Northrup, senior member of
F3 the firm of Northrup & Malone, attorneys.ifi tr and real-estate dealers, was born in North
Adams, Hillsdale Co., Mich., June 28, 1844,
and is a son of Jabez S. and Mary A. (MonR roe) Northrup.
He traces his paternal lineage to the Colonial
period of this nation's history, when several brothers
of his patronymic came from England to Connecticut. A descendant of these, Daniel Northrup,
moved to Saratoga Co., N. Y., previous to the war of
the Revolution. Lewis Northrup, son of Daniel, was
born there Jan. 15, 1768, was married September 15,: 1792, to Robah Smith (born in Milton, Saratoga Co.,
N.., May 2., i772, and died Oct. 3, 1838), and. died May 9, T853, leaving four sons and one daughter. Most of their descendants yet reside in Saratoga and Fulton Counties in the Empire State.
Jabez S. Northrup, third son, was born in Galway,
Saratoga Co., April 20, T803. He began teaching at
the age of I8, and continued in that vocation many
years. From T821 to 1825 he belonged to the State
militia, and was assigned to the Governor's sta,
with the rank of Lieutenant. He was married Nov.
I1, 1829, to Huldah Smith, and removed with his
family seven years later to the (then) Territory of
Michigan, and bought a considerable tract of land in
Hillsdale County, most of which is the present site
of North Adams. His wife died in 1842, leaving
four daughters. May 3, 1843, he married Mary
Celina, eldest daughter of Lester and Lorena (Rolfe)
Monroe, born Dec. 28, 1821, and by this marriage
he became the father of seven sons and one daughter. Lester Monroe was born April i6, I796, at
Cooperstown, Albany Co., N. Y., and was the son of
DIavid and Anna (Andrus) Monroe. The former
was born Sept. 26, 1768, and was cousin to James
Monroe, fifth President of the United States. The
> Monroe stock is of Scotch origin, and its representatives are diffused through both sections of this; country. David Monroe and Anna Andrus were
v
married Jan. 16, 1794. The latter was born Oct.
23, 1771, and died June 12, 18I7. The former
died July 31, 1837, leaving a large family of children.
Lester Monroe served with distinction in the war of
18I2, participating in the battles of Lundy's Lane,
etc., and at the close of the war retired to private
life. He was married Sept. 12, i817, to Lorena
Rolfe, born April 9, i80o, of parents made conspicuous by the fact that they were survivors of the
Wyoming massacre. In 1836 Lester Monroe moved
with his family to Pittsford, Hillsdale Co., Mich.
and is now living in that county, aged 87 years.
Mr. Northrup of this sketch is the eldest son.
His father removed to Jefferson, Hillsdale County,
and bought a valuable farm near Osseo, where he
was reared and educated with care, his father and
step-sisters being experienced teachers. The underlying element governing his father in the rearing of
his children was to leave them as a heritage " liberal
education, good business habits and strict religious
principles. " Mr. Northrup was but 17 years old
when civil war in all its blind fury and with all its
ineffaceable disasters shook the nation throughout its
wide extent. The studious, reflective boy, whose
every impulse had been disciplined to revere his
country, and to regard her integrity as almost of
divine origin, was inspired with the same ambition
that led the sons of the North to rise as one man and
rescue the nation from the consequences of the infuriated folly of the South. In March, 1862, he left
school and hastened home. No remonstrance of
parent or friend availed aught to change his determination to dare the fate of war and die, if need be,
in the cause of home and country. He enlisted in
Co. E (Hillsdale Light Guard), Fourth Michigan
Vol. Inf., and was soon in front of Yorktown, his
regiment having been assigned to the Army of the
Potomac. He saw much hard service in t'hat severest, most disastrous campaign of the war, the
Peninsular struggle under McClellan. He was in
action through the Seven Days' Battles, was with
Pope in his short career with the Army of Virginia,
and fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court-House. At the last, the Fifth Army
Corps, to which his regiment was attached,led the
advance; and during the struggle of May 10, 1864,
he sustained a dangerous gunshot wound, lying six
hours on the field before he was discovered and
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362 MECOSTA COUNTY..I: — --- - _ I?)/_
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taken to Emory Hospital, at Washington. When
sufficiently recovered he was sent to the York (Pa.)
Hospital. His period of enlistment expired before he
was wholly recovered, and he received his discharge
March i8, 1865, after more than three years'arduous
service. After the expiration of his term of service
he was in the Government employ until the Rebellion was crushed and peace restored, when he again
traversed the fields where he had before met only
uncompromising conflict.
Mr. Northrup passed the next two years in farming and study and as telegraph operator. He was
united in the holy bonds of matrimony April 6,
1867, to Katie Maud, youngest daughter of George
and Lanie (Fox) Wilson, born at Kalamo, Eaton
Co., Mich., Oct. 2, 1849. Her father was born in
England, and her mother in Montgomery Co., N. Y.,
and were pioneers of Eaton County, where they
located in I837. Mrs. Northrup was educated at
Marshall, Mich., and is a lady of earnest, Christian
character, of retiring habits, and well known only to
those who see her in her. private walks of life. She
belongs to the Congregational Church, and is a quiet
worker in the Sunday-school.
Mr. and Mrs. Northrup have had four children, viz.
Vannie P., born Dec. 25, i868; Vernon W., April
3, 1870; Vera Maria, born May 16, i875, died July
30, 1876; Veda Maud, March 24, 1878.
After his marriage Mr. Northrup went to Sherman,
Wexford Co., Mich., where he remained but a short
time, and returned to Eaton County, going back to
Sherman a few months.later, and there employing
his time as a farmer, speculator, teacher, and salesmlan in a store, meanwhile reading for the profession
of law. He was admitted to the bar in I874, and
soon after entered into partnership with the Hon. T.
A. Ferguson. While at Sherman he served as
Deputy Sheriff, acted several years as a member of
the Board of Supervisors, and was the first County
Superintendent of Schools. In i875 he went to
Traverse County and taught school a year, going
thence to Benzie County, and in June, r876, he
located at Benzonia, the county seat. tie was al)pointed I)eputy County Clerk, and the same year
was elected Circuit Court Commissioner of Benzie
County, which office he held six years. He was also
Village Clerk of Benzonia three years. In 1878 he
was electedl Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and
re-elected in 1880. During the campaign preceding
his second election, the opposing candidate said of
him: "I consider him the most industrious, careful and painstaking lawyer in Benzie County. His
standing as a citizen in the community is well evidenced by the remarkable number of offices of profit
and honor he has been chosen to fill by the suffrages
of his fellow-citizens."
The records make a rare exhibit concerning the
private character, professional ability, manly integrity
and stainless reputation of Mr. Northrup, which need
no stronger testimony than the names of Judge
McAlvey and Hon. A. H. Dunlap, of Manistee,
Jpdge Hatch, of Traverse City, Judge Goodrich, of
South Frankfort, Hon. D. C. Leach, M. C., Colonel
Fowler, of Gov. Begole's staff, and Gen. Cutchen.
In the fall of I882 Mr. Northrup sought a wider
field of effort, and made a prospecting tour of the
Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, and a few months
later visited Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska;
but he resolved to adhere to his first love, and in
April, I883, removed to Big Rapids and opened a
law office in the Opera block. Not long afterward
he formed an association with G. R. Malone, a young
attorney of high character and unlnistakable promise,
under the style of Northrup & Malone, Lawyers and
Real-Estate Brokers. The business of the concern
is in a thriving condition, and the established probity
and worth of the gentlemen at its head are extending
its scope and giving permanency to its purposes.
We take great pleasure in plresenting the portrait
of Mr. Northrup in this work.
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- W dward Haslem, farmer, sec. i 6, Green Tp1.,
gU was born in Queens Co., Ireland, L)ec. 8,
y I830, and is a son of John and Ann (O'Conil nor) Haslem. His father died in Ireland when
he was bl)ut six years old, and his mother came
to America in I847, and located in Cayuga Co., (
N. Y., going thence to Noble Co., Ind., where she resided until her death, which occurred in 187o.
Mr. Haslem attended school in his native country,
walking five miles to obtain the privilege. I-e Iaccompanied his mother to the United States and remaiined with her in New York until 1852, when he 1
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MECOSTA CO ---UnTY. 363
I. MECOSTA COVUNriTY. 363.:..3.
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l came to Michigan and settled for a time in Washte3 naw County. He came to Mecosta County in the
fall of I855 and located a farm in the township
of Green, where he was one of the first residents,
and assisted in the organization of the township in
) 1858. He bought a farm of 80 acres where he now
resides, 40 acres of which are well improved.
Mr. Haslem enlisted in the war for the suppression
of the Southern Rebellion, in September, i86i, in
the Second Mich. Cav., and was in the service three
years and two months. Among the engagements
where he was in action were, Island No. o1, Corinth,
Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Dalton, Resaca, Big Shanty, Buzzard's
Roost, Marietta, Atlanta and Chickamauga, besides
numerous skirmishes. He was wounded at Spring
Hill, Miss., and also received a slight wound in the left
shoulder at Frankfort. He was discharged in 1864,
at Nashville, Tenn., and on his return home resumed
) his farming.
I Mr. Haslem was married in the fall of 1864, to. Mary, daughter of Patrick and Mary (McNally)
= Montague, born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1837.
g Her parents brought her to the United States when
= she was three months old. After a stay of considerable time in New York they came to Washtenaw Co.,
g Mich., and resided there until death. Mr. and Mrs.
Haslem belong to the Roman Catholic Church, and
have seven children: Mary, James H., Margaret,
Frank Edward, John W., Catherine Agnes and
Emma Florence.
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ton during the attempted raids. He was in 13
engagements and in numerous skirmishes, receiving
his discharge Jan. 7, 1864, at Augusta, Me. On
his return to his home he engaged as a drover and
butcher until November, I867, when he came to
Big Rapids, and engaged four years in lumbering.
He was then employed at the Big Rapids Furniture
Factory, and at the end of one year was made foreman, which position he held five years.
In 1876, Mr. Brackett built the hotel where he is
now operating, and rented it until I879, when he
opened a furniture store therein and managed it
until the fall of i88o. It was then remodeled into a
hotel, to which purpose it has since been devoted.
The house has 30 rooms for guests, also a saloon with
liquors and cigars. He also erected a building
adjoining, where he keeps a restaurant and bakery.
Mr. Brackett was married in Croton, Newaygo Co.,
to Ellen Stengel, a daughter of Joseph and Ellen
Stengel. They are the parents of five children:
Fred. T., Lillie B., Cora, Edna and Charles P.
George Arthur is deceased. Mr. Brackett is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
iersons T. Carpenter, farmer on sec. 21,
i; HEtna Tp., was born in Clinton Co., Sept. 21,
j (Spicer) Carpenter, who were natives of New
York, and moved to this State soon after their
marriage. Mr. Carpenter was under the parental guidance until eleven years of age, when, being a restless boy with an ambition to advance in the
world, he was allowed to take his fate into his own
hands, and labored as he was able to find employment until the fall of 1856; then he returned home
and spent a year, attending the district school three
months. In 1857 he became a sailor, and was on a
"merchantman" until 1859. His next permanent
occupation was as a soldier of the Union army.
He enlisted in the Third U. S. Artillery, Co. K, and
was in the service four years, his regiment being attached three years to the Army of the Potomac, during which time he was under fire in 12 engagements,
escaping entirely without injury, and receiving honorable discharge July 29, 1864. Immediately thereafter he went into the Navy as an ordinary seaman,
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i eorge Brackett, proprietor of the Brackett
9l ( House, Big Rapids, was born in North
f' G Hermon, Me., Jan. 7, I844. He is a son
ltl) of George and Eleanor (Kelley) Brackett, and
was reared a farmer, that being the vocation of
his father.
At the age of 17 he became a soldier for the
Union, and enlisted in Bangor, Me., Nov. 23, i86i,
in Co. A, I3th Maine Vol. Inf, under Capt. Fred A.
Stevens, and was in the service a little more than
three years. Among his war experiences were the
fights under Gen. Phil. Sheridan, in the Shenandoah
Valley, up the Red River with Banks, at Pleasant
Hill and Sabina Cross Roads, at the taking of Fort
Esperanza, in Texas, and in I863 was in Washing
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r..-e.; was wounded and taken prisoner at Red Bluff, Ga.,
whence he escaped by taking " French leave," making good his voluntary flight by the aid of his trusty
"understandings."
On leaving the service of the United States in
1865 he came to Wayne Co., Mich., and engaged in
agriculture, which he followed until 1871, then came
to Mecosta County and settled at Morley, residing
there eight years. During this time he was in active official duty as Township Clerk, City Marshal
and in various other positions. Meanwhile he had
purchased a farm on sec. 2I, in the western part of
the township, and in i880 he settled upon it to pass
the remainder of his life. He was married Nov. 21,
i86-, to Amelia, daughter of Thomas and Mary
(Michel) Lovesy, who was born in Livingston Co.,
Mich., June 4, i843. The five children of Mr. and
Mrs. Carpenter are all living and were born in the
following order: Henry J., Oct. 3, r86-; William
F., Sept. 21, i868; Gracie, Aug. 8, I870; Effie,
April 21, I873; Frank, Aug. 13, 1876.:$. ~ artlett H. McMullen, M. D., practicing
li physician at Morley, was born in Stratford,
flIU~, Can., Sept. 15, I857, son of John S. and
4A-n Margaret (Holland) McMullen, who were
born in Canada and came to Michigan in
86o, settling at Saginaw and moving afterward to Bay City, where they are now resident. l)r.
McMullen has been a resident of this State since he
was three years old. He remained under his father's
care until he was 17 years of age, acluiring his
primary education. He entered the Medical College
at Detroit, and studied there nearly five years. He
received his diploma and entered upon practice,
which hle lrosecuted six months, then came to Mecosta County and settled at Morley, where he has
since resided, and has a large and continually growing practice. He is esteemed in his profession and
is rapidly gaining popular confidence. The Doctor
is a Republican and a charter member of Excelsior
Lodge, K. of H, No 1830, at Howard City, Mich.
lIe was married at Morley, Mich., Selt. 7, 1882, to
Alice M., eldest daughter of (eo. WV. and Eliza
(Adams) Sams. l-1er parents were natives of Illinois,
but went to ()lio in its lioneer (lays, coming thence
' ed pencer Nickens, barber, at Morley, was
i born May 2, 1840. His parents, Nathaniel./[? and Sinnia Nickens, were natives of the, Eastern shore of Maryland, and in that State
and in Virginia Mr. Nickens passed his early. life.
In the summer of I864 he came to Grand Rapids,
and the first year was employed as porter in a hotel,
and was next engaged in learning his trade. He
founded his business at Cedar Springs in the spring
of 1870, and has since followed his present profession. He is a respected citizen of Morley, is a member of the Order of Masonry, and belongs to the
Knights Templar.
In politics he is a Republican; a man of liberal
views, and an endorser and follower of the principles
of the Golden Rule. He is radical in his views of
temperance and morality.
The great-grandfather of Mr. Nickens was a soldier
of the war of I8I 2, and was Color-bearer of his regiment. When the civil war broke out, he, having no
employment, and his love of the Union very strong,
went into the employ of Gen. Birney, and during
three years acted as his valet. Mr. Nickens is a fine
type of what his race has become since the terrible
conflict that placed it on an equality with other men.
He proves that, notwithstanding the perplexities of
his color and profession, a man may, through moral
qualities, take fair rank with more pretentious individuals.
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to Michigan, where they are yet living. Mrs. McMullen was born Dec. 22, 1864. Dr. McMullen has
held the post of School Superintendent, and is now.i
Health Officer of itna Tp. t
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':- i aniel L. Welch, farmer on sec. 27, D)eer'[ field Tp., was born in Wayne Co., N. Y.,
Alpril 9, 1838. Ifis larentis Tsyman H. <
T and Judith (Stansell) WNelch, were natives of
A the Empire State, where the mother still lives;.%
the father died in the fall of 8139. Daniel "
I,. made his initial essay in life at the age of 17, and "
was variously (cculpied until the age of 32, when he
fixed upon agriculture as a vocation in life. He?
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bought 50 acres of land in Montcalm Co., Mich.,
which he sold in 1879, and purchased 40 acres in
Deerfield, where he now lives. His farm was partly
improved, and he speedily put the place into the best
condition.
He was married in August, i865, to Susannah M.,
daughter of Howland and Harriet (Conkliny) Soule.
COUNTY. 367..".
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natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York.
They settled in Lenawee Co., Mich., in the fall of
1845, removing thence to Montcalm County, where
they yet live. The two children of Mr. and Mrs.
( Welch are deceased. Otto A. was born March i,
i8873, and died Oct. 25, i88r. An infant died at
3 birth.
Mr. Welch is an adherent of the Democratic party.
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rederic Pfistner, farmer, sec. 26, Mecosta
Tp., and whose portrait we give upon the
i opposite page, is a son of John and Jennie (Rusler) Pfistner, natives of Germany,
_ where they were married and reared their
children. Mr. Pfistner was born in Germany,
Feb. 7, I834, and remained at home until he was 19
years of age. He studied nine years in the excellent
schools and colleges of Germany, acquiring a fine
education, particularly in languages. On completing
his studies he came alone to the United States, and
landed at New York in the spring of 1853, going
thence to Chicago. After paying his railroad fare
thither he had but three cents left, and he borrowed
$3 of a chance acquaintance with which to procure food while on his journey. Upon his arrival at
the Garden City he pawned his trunk to obtain the
money to reimburse the confiding stranger. He took
passage for Muskegon, and the gentleman who advanced the sum he needed, on learning the circumstances released his claim, and the captain permitted
him to work out his fare to his destination. He
arrived there friendless and penniless, but immediately found employment in getting out timber, for which
he received a dollar a day, and was enabled to repay
the sum of his indebtedness. He had worked two
months, when he contracted the fever and ague and
was compelled to remain idle four months. After he
had paid his expenses he had $3 left, and set out
for Big Rapids on foot. He found lodging in a
lumber shanty, and had in his pocket one dollar to
supply his needs until he could secure work. This
he soon accomplished, engaging to work for the Long
Bros., in the lumber camp of that company a few
miles above the present site of the city. He worked
for Shaw & Ives two summers, helping to clear up
the land where the city of Big Rapids now stands.
He remained in the employ of Long Bros. until the
following spring, then returned to Muskegon and took
a job of lumber driving, which occupied him some
months. On its termination he went to Osceola
County and worked with a man three years.
After the completion of the three years' service
above mentioned, Mr. Pfistner came to Mecosta
County and purchased 160 acres of valuable land
in Mecosta Township, whereon he settled, and has
since added 500 acres to his landed estate. Two
hundred acres of this has been put into a good condition of cultivation, and the entire property is justly
rated the finest in Austin Tp. The farm buildings
are of the best, and his residence, acknowledged the
most valuable in the township at the time of its construction, cost $8,ooo. The farm is stocked with 5 I
head of cattle, I50 sheep and 50 hogs. Mr. Pfistner
was married Oct. I8, I860,, to Mrs. Mary Yager,
daughter of Jacob and Mary (Lute) Roosh, and
widow of Lorence Yager, who was killed Nov. I9,
1859, by the falling of a limb. He left one childHerman-born May 31, 1859, and died Nov. i, i881,
of typhoid fever. Mr. and Mrs. Pfistner have had
seven children, three of whom are deceased: Emma
and Alice (twins), born June 8, 1872, died Dec. 21,
I88i; Fred., born June 22, 1875, died Jan. 22, 1882.
The record of births of the children living is as follows: Mary, June 8, I86I; Amelia, July 31, 1863;
Jennie, June 6, i866; Ida, Feb. 8, 1869.
Mr. Pfistner is a Democrat, and has held several
school and township offices. He built the first
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his neighbors, secured a school two years before the
organization of school districts in the township. t
In religious views Mr. Pfistner's family affiliate (
with the German Lutheran Church.
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o, w e llived there five years and removed to Allegan Co.,
Mich., where they are yet living.
i.4 * | Mr. Tagg left home at the age of I8 to engage in..T ohn Rierdon, farmer and tanner, Morley, agriculture on his own responsibility. He bought 80
was born in Exeter, England Sept. 24, acres of wild land ed in Deerfield, Mecosta Co., built a
| I842, and emigrated to America with his log house, and proceeded to improve his land after
parents, Thoas and Betsey (Osborne) Rier- the customary methods, and now has a well located
don, natives of England. On coming to this and profitable farm. He was married May 6, I879,
country they settled in Ontario County, Can., to Annie C., daughter of Robert and Mary Little.
in July, I843, where they resided until death. Mr. Mrs. Tagg was born May 6, I857. She was the
Rierdon was but ten months old at the tilme he was mother of two children-Florence E. and George R.
- brought to the Dominion, where he lived until 25 'The latter died in early infancy, and the mother
X years of age. In r867 he came to Grand Rapids passed from earth March 17, 1883.
and was employed as a teamster two years. In 1870f
he obtained a situation as inspector of lumber at
Pierson, Montcalln Co. and filled the position two ---
years. In the fall of I873, he was engaged by Alex.
Stewart & Co., to keep a boarding-house and act as T W n
general overseer of their mill, in the township ofhite minister armer on sec.
Eitna, in this county, a duty he discharged I8 i6, Mecosta Tp., was born in Crawford Co.,
months. He purchased 40 acres of unbroken timbler Pa.,Sept.6, I848. His father, Jerome White,
land one mile west of Morley, on section 26, in 1876, was a native of New York, and his mother,
= built a frame house and began to improve his land. 6 ovilda (Lasner) White, was born in Pennsyl-. June 27, 879, his house and nearly all its contents vania, ofFrench descent. Attheageof i6 Mr ^
= were destroyed by fire. He then erected a houself at lierty to hew outhis n
Morley, which he afterward bought. own career in the world, and went to Dodge Co., Minn.,
Mr. Rierdon was educated in the common and His first employment was as a farm laborer eight,,
) grammar schools of Canada; has held several town- nonths: he then went to Wisconsin, where his stay
ship and other offices, and been active in advancing was brief. Home ties and influences still held him,
the interests of Morley. He was married in Toronto, and he rturned to his native State, where he was marCanada, to Mary J., daughter of Thomas and Cecelia ried, May To, I67 to Caroline E., (laughter of Mir(Hutton) Smith, born in Fond du Lac, Canada. Her anda and Jesse(Armslery)Main, natives of New York,
father died in the spring of 1864, and her mother who was born in Erie Co. Pa., Jan. 29, 1847. The
^ removed to Port Hope. Canada, and still resides newly married pair settled in Crawford Co., Pa., on a
there. Mr. Rierdon is a Republican, and is at pres- farm, and there remained until the winter of 1871,
ent Supervisor of Morley. rhey came to Newaygo Co., Mich., and Mr. White:
engaged as a lumberman two years. In 1873 they
came to Mecosta County, fixed their residence in the
then township of Colfax, where, however, they made a
lb brief stay; returning to l'ennsylvania, Mr. White was
enamin G. Tagg, farer o sec. 32 eer- occupied a short time as a fruit-tree agent there, and
field Tp., was born in Allegan Co., Mlich., came back to Michigan, following that line of business
9 Sept. I6, 1859. He was educatednd ad until the spring of 1876, when he settled permanently f! *r:c reared to the age of 18 years in his native where he now resides, having previously purchased a
^;: f county, and on leaving home came to D)eer- farm of 48 acres, which he has increased by the addifield, Mecosta County. He is a son of Ben- tion of 40 acres more, and has 20 acres under the; jamin and Elizabeth (I'icklcs) Tagg, natives of E1ng- plow.
land, who emigrated to America albout tlie year 1850, Mr and Mrs. White have had four children: lelen i"
and found a residence near Rochester, N. Y. They A., Iorn Nov, 14, 1868; Ala M., Aug. 27, 1870;
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_ MECOSTA COUNTY. 369
Mabel,Dec. 27, 1877; Gracie, born Oct. 2, I880, and rebel fortifications. Throughout his entire period of
died Oct. 4, i880. service he was wounded but once —a saber cut from
They have been connected with the Church of a rebel cavalryman at Bull Run. In the fall of I864,.
Christ three years, in which communion Mr. White a general order was issued granting a furlough of
4 officiates every two weeks in the neighborhood where he 35 days to one man in every I,ooo who could fulfill
resides. In political views he is independent, but the specifications on which the permit was granted.
on temperance issues is a radical prohibitionist. He He must bear inspection as to drill, care of arms and
has held the office of Township Clerk, Justice of the accoutrements, and in the matter of personal cleanliPeace, and in 1877 was elected delegate to the State ness. On examination, the furlough and money for
Gubernatorial Convention. the necessary traveling expenses going home and returning to his regiment, were awarded to Mr. Rogers,... -- > <_ ---and when he once more rejoined his command he re[ { ceived a certificate of honor, running as follows:
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V< cg awara u..logers, iarmer, sec. i, trant? 1 Tp., was born Jan. 4, I841, in Orwell,
i4fo Addison Co, Vt. He is a son of Robert
~ H. and Abigail Rogers, both of whom are now
living at Middlebury, Vt. The father is a
native of New York, and is of Spanish and
German extraction; the mother was born in Connecticut, and is English in both lines of descent. When
he was nine years old, Mr. Rogers was placed in a
situation as assistant in a furniture store, where he
operated four years. He then engaged as a farm
hand, and was thus employed until he was 20 years
old. He was a few months past that age when he
enlisted in defense of the Union flag. He enrolled
Aug. 4, I86I, in Co. F, Fifth Vt Inf., under Capt.
Stowell, of Cornwell, and was discharged Dec. i5,
1863, to enable him to veteranize, which he did the
same day. A sufficient number of Co. F were remaining to preserve the name and organization, and
the entire force veteranized. Mr. Rogers served
until the close of the war, receiving his discharge
June 29, i865. He was engaged in nearly 1oo
battles and skirmishes, as is proven by the record of
his regiment. Among the most important were
Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Savage Station, WhiteOak Swamp, Bull Run (2d), South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Funkstown, Rappahannock, Wilderness, and at Spottsylvania, where he
was the only man of his company uninjured, all save
him being killed or wounded. He became Colorbearer, and so continued until the end of the war.
His next recorded fight was at Cold Harbor, and
after that at Petersburg, where in the final advance
the brigade to which he belonged led the charge, and
he was the first man to plant the Union colors on the
CERTIFICATE OF HONOR,
awarded to Corporal Edward C. Rogers, of Co. F,
Fifth Vt. Vet. Vols., for bravery and good conduct as
a soldier in the cause of his country.
Mr. Rogers was married April 24, r868, to Nellie
B., daughter of William C. and Mary A. Smith, of
Champlain, N. Y., who was born Oct. 21, I850, at
Mooers, Clinton Co., N. Y. Her father was of
Scotch, and her mother of English extraction. Mr.
Smith was a soldier in the ioth N. H. Vol. Reg., and
died of fever contracted in the army.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born
in the order named: Arthur W., April 25, I871;
Robert W., Sept. o0. 1872; Willard C., Nov. 15,
I874.
Mr. Rogers came to Michigan in 1877, and settled
in Grant Tp., buying 40 acres of land, his homestead.
He is a Republican, and a member of Post French,
No. 28, G. A. R. He is serving his second term as
Justice of the Peace, and his third term as School
Inspector.
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ll] -ohn H. Wright, Morley, was born in lonia
Cjl^ o., Mich., Sept. IO, I847. He is a son of
Norman S. and Betsey M. (Hydorn)
X Wright; both were natives of New York and (
are deceased. Mr. Wright remained at home
I nearly I8 years, attending the common schools,
also the union school of Greenville, Mich., and
afterward the Commercial College at Grand Rapids,
where he was graduated. He was in the employ of a
mercantile house at Greenville two years. From,
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370 MECOSTA COU NTY.
i 87 o to 1879, was in connection with two of the lead- He was occupied as a clerk in a store about a year,
ing business houses of Grand Rapids, Mich. In the subseq(uent to his return from the army, and the year,..A winter of 1879 he came to Morley for the benefit of following rented a farm and gave his attention to;'
his health, and finally entered into business with G. agriculture. He was married June 20, I863, to Julia [
) F. Cutler, remaining until the accidental death of his A., daughter of Timothy W. and Jane Buckland, of
employer. Since that event he acts as manager and Eagle, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mrs. Watson was born
represents the hardware firm of G. F. Cutler & Co. Oct. 26, 1844. Her father was born in Wyoming
Mr. Wright is a man of well-trained and experienced Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 182I. He enlisted in March,
business qualities, and under his management the 1864, in the Union army, was taken prisoner and
firm commands a large trade. sent to Salisbury, N. C., where he died in the prison
pen, Nov. 19, 1864. Her mother was born in Boston,. ~,. ~~. - =Mass., May 14, I824, and is yet living.
iThe children of Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born as
^,.. follows; Franklin E., Oct. I4, 1864; Timothy W.,
^pgifev. Robert H. Watson, a retired minister
e. Robert H. Watson, a retired minister April 4, i866; Phebe IH., April 9, i868; Henrietta
fi of the United Brethren Church, and a
E., April 30, 1875; John J,'May 23, i878 (died
^fe'^te farmer on sec. 2, Grant Tp., was born in
e s 2,April 6, 1879); Minnie M., March 28, i88o.
New Baltimore, Greene Co., N. Y., June 4,
Baltiore, GreenIn i867 Mr. Watson came to Grant Tp., and, uni841. His father, John Watson, was born
41. His father, John atso as or der the provisions of the homestead law, located on
in New York, in I80I, and died Nov. 15, the farm he now occupies, which contains 80 acres
1864. His mother, Mahala Watson, was born in the of good land, and is well fitted with a comfortable. Empire State in 1802, and died Aug 15, I853. house an( good farm buildings. He is a Republican,:=i
Mr. Watson was but 12 years old when he lost his ad is ctive in all reformatory easres, especially
'> mother, and from that period practically made his i teluerance work. He has served histownslip;
= way in the world unaided. He was in his 2oth year n y as Supervisor, one year as Township Clerk, =.
when the nation was called to arms l)y the revolt of and three years as Road Commissioner.
the South, and May 13, i861, Mr. Watson enrolled In 1873 he entered the ministry, laboring in the. himself as a defender of the unity of the United retre, to which
States. He enlisted in Co. F, 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf., at himself and wife belong. He was a traveling minisNunda, N. Y. His regiment was attached to the ter for a time ad in I879 was ordained Elder. In
Army of the Potomac, under McClellan, and was in i88o lhe was elected Presiding Elder, re-elected the
Washington at the date of the Bull Run disaster to next year, and compelled to locate in I882, on acthe Northern forces. Pressing on toward the front, count of a difficulty of the throat.
the disorganized hosts of soldiers and citizens, infantry and cavalry, met them in all the discomfiture and_
confusion of that defeat and panic. Mr. Watson's
introduction to the heat and frenzy of battle and to the [.
smell of rel)el powder, was on May 5, 1862, at Wil- l ulius Repnier, prol)rietor of the National
liamstown. His next regular battles were at York- | ' i; Hotel at Morley, was born at Ingelheiim, on
town, Mechanicsville, —seven Iniles from Richmond, the lRhine, April 8, 1853. His father
— Peach Orchard, Savage Station, NVlhite-Oak Swamp, Julitls H. Reylier, was a native of Belgium,
1h Malvern Hill, Turkey lBend, Antietam, Fredeiicks- and his mother, Catherine (Weitzel) Rcynier,
b urg (ist and 2i) and Mary's H-eights, \where the con- was 1orn at Hesse Darmstadt, on the Rhine,
' lict raged two days. Mr. Watson received a wounid (;ermany; both are deceased: When ten years of,'
in the right arm from a minie lall, and another shot age JuliLius went to live with an uncle, and was a
entered the right breast, passing out lbelow the arm- staident four years at the Latin (Gymnasilun at May- /
pit. From the latter he has never recovered. His once, on the Rhine. lie had a pbeicha;;f for the sea;
term of enlistment expired while he was in the hos- became a sailor at 14, and followed navigation tlree., ital, and he received his discharge Jrune 2, I863. and a half years. Meanwhile his uncle ad (lied,
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and he sailed for the Western Contine
I870. On arrival in this country he start
ately for the West, and after a short stay in
went to Plattsmoutb, Neb., where he 1
printer's trade. He was engaged in mininl
In the winter of 1872 he came to Grai
Mich., and was employed several mont
Bridge Street House, again resuming his t:
he followed until 1875. He then establish
in the liquor trade, which he continued
then built the hotel of which he is the
His house is well managed, and the dome
ment is in competent hands. In politics
pendent. He is a member of the Ore
Fellows.
Mr. Reynier was married at Morley, Nc
to Martha, second daughter of Alexandl
sanna (Redmond) Putnam. Her parents
of Nova Scotia, and were among the earl
at De Pere, Wis., where they now reside.
nier was born in Nova Scotia, Dec. 7, 1
dren: Julius H., born Sept. 26, 1879, and
July 8, i88o.. ared P. Huling, Jr., dealer ii
second-hand furnishing goods,
ids, was born in Lock Haven,
P Pa., May 12, I840, and is a son
and Eliza Huling, both of whom a
His father's business was that of h
and he remained at home until he was i
In i856 he was page in the House of
tives at Washington, when Franklin Pierc
dent of the United States, and N. P. Bai
of the House. He intended at one tin
the calling of a jeweler, and spent two ye
the details of that business.
Just previous to reaching the age of hi
dom, the country was thrown into comm
firing on the Union flag at Fort Sumte
listed under the first call for troops in AI
Co. B, IIth Pa. Vol. Inf., serving th
March 13, I862, he again enlisted, as
the 17th U. S. Infantry. He was in
nt April 9, three years, and was in action during 17 regular
ed immedi- engagements, besides numberless skirmishes. He reMilwaukee, ceived a shell wound in the right hip at Spottsyl-:'r
earned the vania, May 12, 1864, and again, Aug. I8, 1864, while
g two years. detailed to protect the men engaged in tearing up the
nd Rapids, Weldon railroad, he received a gunshot wound in the
ths on the right hand, resulting in his losing the third finger;
rade, which was also wounded in the left shoulder. March 13,
hed himself 1865, he was discharged at Fort Preble, Me. He
until 1882, had been assured of a position in the employ of the
proprietor. Government, and arrived at Washington, April 14
stic depart- I865, whither he proceeded to receive his appointment
he is inde- as mail agent. He spent the evening of that day at
Jer of Odd Ford's Theater, and witnessed the tragedy that shook
the world to its center. Mr. Huling left Washington
)V. 25, 877, just previous to the departure of the funeral train
er and Ro- that bore the martyred Lincoln to Springfield, Ill.
vere natives He was in the employ of the United States Govliest settlers ernment as mail agent on the Philadelphia & Erie
Mrs. Rey- railroad, where he continued four and one-half years,
853. Chil- engaging then in mercantile pursuits at Lock Haven,
1 Karl, born where he established himself in the sale of gents' =
furnishing goods. In 1874, five years later, he came Hi
to Big Rapids and opened a cigar and tobacco store, =
where (July 12) he was burned out, and suffered a X
loss of $800. He at once started his business again, S
which he removed to another stand a year later. In
the spring of I876 he sold out and was variously ena new and gaged until 1878, when he opened an upholstering
at Big Rap- establishment, in company with Henry Arens, who
n C. died soon afterward, and Mr. Huling conducted the
Clinton Co.,
of ar business alonre until finally he converted it into its
present character and deals in all kinds of new and
re deceased.
redeceased. second-hand house-furnishing goods; is now operiotel-keeper,. I, ating successfully.:6 years old. Mr. Huling was married Oct. 22, 1868, to Lizzie
Represent- H., daughter of John and Lizzie Stewart, of Jersey
e was Presi- Shore, Pa.: she was born in Lock Haven, Pa., in I84 2.
ks, Speaker They had three children, Wells, John S. and Ralph
e to follow E. Wells was drowned in the Muskegon River
ars learning when he was six years old. John S. died in October,
1879, of diphtheria, and five weeks later the wife ^
s legal free- and mother died. Ralph E. died in April, i880, of
otion by the diphtheria.
r. He en- Mr. Huling is a charter member of the local lodges
ril, 86I, in of the Knights of Pythias and Grand Army of the
iree months. Republic, Post French; is a " past " officer of the
a veteran, in first and Past Adjutant of the last. Mr. Huling's
the service portrait may be found on another page.
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374 MECOSTA COUNTY.
to Mary A. Seaton. Following is the record of the:~) -"o --- -' children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brander: Grace A,
*' Gc W July I6, i855; William H., Aug. 24, I857; Mary E., i,
t I se G. Woodward, farmer on sec. 15, Hin- March 26, 1862; Emily M., Nov. 4, 1863. In June,
_ ton Tp. (P. O., Sylvester), was born in Can- 882, Mr. Brander deeded 40 acres of )artly ima ada, Oct. 20, 1853 His parents, John M. proved land to his son, William H. Mr. Brander has
and Roxy L. (Smith) Woodward, were born re- held the post of Assessor I I years, and that of HighI spectively in Vermont and Canada. After their
way Overseer one year. He is a Republican.
marriage they settled in the Dominion, where
the father died, in the spring of 1877: the mother resides there still. Mr. Woodward attended the common schools and worked on the farm alternately un- V i ard
til he was 21 years of age. After a year of labor on |t lardS. Whitney, M. D., medical prachis own responsibility he went to Louisiana and was titioner at BigRapids, was born Sept 27,
there employed in cutting ship timber. He returned |,. I82I, at Hancock, Berkshire Co., Mass.,
to Canada in the spring of I876 and was occupied | and is the son of John and Christiana (Stafthere three years as a builder. He came to Mecosta ford) itey His father as a farmer and
County in the fall of i87o. and settled on 80 acres Lhe was trained to that occupation until he was
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of land in Hinton Tp., which he had previously purchased. This is now his homestead, and 45 acres is
under tillage. In politics Mr. Woodward is a Republican.
He was married in Canada, July 20, 1878, to
Miriam A., daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Broderick) Tribe. Both the latter were natives of England and came to Canada with their parents in childhood. The father died there and the mother still
resides in the Province of Ontario. Mr. and Mrs.
Woodward have had three children. One died while
an infant. Laura E. was born Oct. 13, 1878; Harriet E., Aug. 2, 1882.
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B illiam Brander, farmer, on sec. 8, Hinton
Tp'., was born in Scotland, I)ec. 24, r827.
His parents, George and Jeannette BranV 'w der, were also natives of Scotland, and clame, to America when the son was but eight
years old, locating in Canada. At twelve years
of age Mr. Brander went to live with his grandfather,
where he renmained until he reached man's estate, attending school an(l assisting on the farml. On attaining his majority he engaged in shoemakiig, and
made that his calling until he was forty years of age.
In [868 he purchased 80 acres of uniml)roved land,
on which he has since resided and hIas 46 acres under cultivation.
Mr. Brander was married Nov. 30, 852, in Canada,
20 years old. In 1835 his parents removed to Elba,
Genesee Co., N. Y., and in 1841 he became a clerk
in a general store, where he worked several years,
meanwhile reading medicine as opportunity presented.
Afterwards he was variously occupied until I854,
when he formed a partnership with John F. Baker,
M. D., of Batavia, N. Y., whence he went to Wellsville, Allegan) Co., N. Y.,in January, 856. In i858
he attended a medical institute at Buffalo, N. Y.
He practiced his profession and attended lectures alternately until r868, when he was graduated at the
Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio.
He was in practice at Lansing, Mich., five years, and
at Lockport, N. Y., three years. In 1872 he returned
to Michigan and located at Big Rapids, where lie established himself permanently in business. He is
one of the most popular physicians of Big Rapids,
and is doing an annual business of $5,ooo.
I)r. Wllitney was married in Monroe Co., N. Y., to
Mary A. \lliting, born in I882. One son was born
of this marriage, Willard A., now a practicing physician at Big Raplids (see sketch). The mother died
in 1854, and Dr. Whitney was again married in Septemblrer, 855, at Batavia, N. Y., to Mary A. Putnam.
She survived until 186o. The present wife of Dr.
Whitney, to whom he was married June i, i86r, was
Mary Jane, daughter of l)aniel and Amanda Rayinond, born in lotter Co., Pa., Sept. i, 1838. They
liave one daughter, ('lra Amanda, blorn Feb. 8,
1878, at Blig Rapids, Micl.
Dr. Whitney owns his residence and a dwelling
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adjoining, four lots in various parts of the city, and a
farm of ioo acres on sec. 13, Big Rapids Tp. He is
a member of the Odd Fellows Order, the fraternity
of Masonry and the Royal Templars of Temperance,
in which cause he is earnestly interested.
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CO UNTY. 375. 3 7 5 5
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*-.A. eorge W. Warren, dealer in agricultural
liE implements and machinery, wagons, car@ riages, cutters, sleighs, seeds and grain,
Big Rapids, was born in the township of Shiawassee, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Nov. 9, I841.
He is a son of Win. M. and Laura (Sprague)
Warren.
The grandfather of Mr. Warren, Comstock Warren,
was born in Connecticut, in 1790, and in I8II was
married to Sarah Schofield, of Dutchess Co., N. Y.
In 1823 he removed his family to Wayne Co., N. Y.,
where he engaged in farming, and returned to the
"land of wooden nutmegs" in I829, where he died,
as is supposed, of cholera. His wife remained on
the farm in Wayne County until her death. She
lived to the age of 80 years. Wm. M. Warren was
born in Dutchess County, N. Y., March 20, I8I2.
When he reached the age of 14 he bought his time
of his father, paying $5o therefor, and went to Waterloo, N. Y., and worked a year on the Seneca Canal.
Two years later he entered the employ of Nathaniel
Garrow, of Auburn, N. Y., where he remained two
and a half years, and in the fall of I832 worked
with the contractors putting in the piers at Sodus
Point, on Lake Ontario. Later in the season he
started for Michigan, but was compelled to abandon
his purpose by the freezing of the canal. He was
married in March, 1833, to Laura Sprague, and spent
the following three years teaming and jobbing at
Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y. In the fall of I836 he
moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., and assisted in the
construction of the first milldam and saw-mill in the
county, located at the county seat, on the Shiawassee
River. Laura (Sprague) Warren was the only daughter of Reuben and Olive (Burch) Sprague, and was
born March 30, i815, in Oswego Co. N. Y. Her
father was an extensive farmer of Oswego County,
and died in 1820, aged 57 years. Olive (Burch)
Sprague was the daughter of David and Anna Burch,
of Cayuga Co., N. Y. The latter died in 1825, leaving a large family of children, Mrs, Sprague mar
ried Calvin Sweet for her second husband, and in
1836 accompanied her daughter to Michigan, where
she died in 185I, aged 53 years. David Burch followed his daughter and grandchildren to Michigan
and lived among them until he died. He spent his
last days with Mrs. Laura Warren, and died at 84
years of age.
George W. Warren entered the Agricultural College at Lansing at the age of i8, and remained there
two years, after which he spent four years in taeching
in his native county. In January, i863, he went to
North Newberg and established a general store, in
which he operated until the fall of I865. Disposing
of his business as a commercial man, he again became a teacher and was employed as Principal of the
graded school at Byron for some time. His father,
in 1856, came to Mecosta County and entered 720
acres of land, on sees. 3, Io, 21 and 22, of the township of Big Rapids; I6o acres of this, situated on
secs. 3 and o1, fell to the share of Mr. Warren, and
March I, I867, he took possession and commenced
farming. Of this property he sold the largest portion
and has purchased real estate until he has 170 acres.
During the first year of his residence he was appointed County Snperintendent of Schools, to fill a
vacancy caused by the resignation of Z. W. Shepherd, and held the post I8 months. He opened his
present business in April, i88o. His stock is valued
at $6,ooo, and includes agricultural implements and
machinery, wagons, carriages, sleighs, builders' materials, seeds and seed grains. His yearly transactions
amount to about $20,000.
Mr. Warren was married Feb. 2r, 1867, in Burns
Tp., Shiawassee County, to Elsie F. Warren, born in
Royal Oak, Oakland Co., Feb. 25, I838. They have
had three children, two of whom are deceased:
George G. and Alice G. Raymond P. was born at
Big Rapids, April 2, I873. Mr. Warren is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, and his family belong, to
the M. E. Church. He has been Supervisor of his
ward seven years and served one year as Township
Clerk of Big Rapids.
The mother and grandmother of Mrs. Warren
were members of the first M. E. Church established
in Michigan. It was organized in Wayne County,
near Detroit, and the grandmother was one of 20
charter members. The mother is living in Shiawassee County, and is probably the sole survivor of the
membership. She was born in Detroit, Oct, 29, I807;
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the father was born at Woodstock, Vt., Nov. 8, I804.
The father of the latter was born in Vermont, April
28, 1778; the mother was born Oct. 31, I777. Mrs.
Warren's maternal grandfather, Joseph Banner, was
born in London, Eng., in April, I770; her maternal
grandmother, Mary (McCarty) Banner, was born
July 4, 1785, at Detroit.
Mr. Warren, associated with E. O. Rose (now of
Grand Rapids), compiled a history of Mecosta
County, which was read at the celebration of the Centennial birthday of the Nation at Big Rapids, July 4,
1876. The compilers of this volume take pleasure
in hereby expressing their sense of obligation for the
reliable data therein contained, which has proved
most advantageous to the successful accomplishment
of their work.
-3 Davidson, farmer and lumberman on sec.
IWr[ 7, Deerfield Tp., was born in Canada, Aug.
2 I x8i1853. His parents, William and Mary
r (Smith) Davidson, are now residents of the
township of AEtna. The father is a native
of England, and came to Canada when a boy;
the mother is a native of the Dominion.
Mr. Davidson came to Michigan when he was a
lad of four years. In the fall of 1874 he bought 40
acres of unimproved land, which he afterwards sold,
and in 1876 he again invested in 40 acres of land on
sec. 7, which is yet in his possession. Mr. Iavidson
is a Democrat in political principle.
He was married at Cedar Springs, Kent Co., Mich.,
in December, I873, to Mrs. Mary L. 1)avis, daughter
they came to Mecosta County, where they are still
residents. Mr. Willett was ten years of age at the
time of their removal; was under the personal charge
of his parents until he was 20 years old, after which
he spent five years lumbering, operating a proportion
of the time in his own behalf. In 1873 he bought
40 acres of unimproved land, and in i876 another 40,
and yet another in i878, all of which he has sold.
He has 35 acres cleared and has built a fine large
barn. About the time he reached the age of 25 years
he took charge of the saw-mill of Harrison J. Brown
which he managed until the fall of I882. In company with W. N. Seaton, he purchased the stock of
general merchandise of L. W. Declare, and has since
been engaged in a prosperous business. His stock is
valued at $6,000.
Mr. W'illett was married Dec. 21, i878, at Altona,
to Grace A., eldest daughter of William and Mary A.
(Seaton) Brander. Mrs. Willett's parents were natives of Scotland and England respectively, who
were settlers of the Dominion at an early period, and
came thence to Mecosta County, where they still reside. Mrs. Willett was born in Canada, July i6,
I855. Before her marriage she was a teacher for
nearly three years. The parents are of strong temperance sentiments and attend the M. E. Church, of
which Mrs. Willett is an active member. The family
includes two children: Leroy, born April I, i88;
Mabel, March 27, 1883. Elmer R., born Dec. 28,
T879, died Jan. ro, 188o. Mr. Willett is a decided
Republican. He has been School Inspector two years,
and Superintendent of Schools one year. Has bought
\Wi. N. Seaton's interest in a store.
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MECO STA
i Rapids, Lodge No. ii, and of the Knights of
Pythias, Mecosta Lodge No. 26. In 1871-2, he act- ed as Alderman of Big Rapids, and has served
several vears as a member of the Board of Edu
COUNTY.
38i
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f cation.
Mr. Haney was married in Grattan Tp., Kent Co.,
Mich., Jan. 7, I856, to Joanna, daughter of George
and Honora 'ate, born at Harlem, N. Y., Dec. i,
1836. Mr. and Mrs. Haney have buried three of
their 10 children. Following is the record: Henry H.
(dec.); Henrietta (dec.); Ida A., wife of Duff Jen-, nings, grocer at Sheridan, Montcalm Co., Mich.;? Geo. E. (dec.); William H., clerk in the hardware
store of his father; Frank Jo, Cora M., Jennie S.,
Mary W. and Edward G.
~ jil ufus Kent, farmer on sec. I, Mecosta Tp.,
- was born in Hampshire Co., Mass., March
*. r 16, I820. His parents, Samuel and Lo> A retta (Borden) Kent, were natives of New Eng= Y land, of English ancestry. His mother died
when he was six years old, and he remained
under the care of his father until he was of age, attending school winters and working on the farm
summers.
On attaining to man's estate in r84I, he went to
Pennsylvania and found employ with his uncle, remaining one year, and was afterward in the service
of various other persons. He rented the farm of the
McCoy estate in 18-, and there remained until the
winter of i856, when he settled on the place where
he now resides, in Mecosta Tp. The family first
lived in a rude house of logs, with one room and one
window. Ventilation and light were secured by the
style as well as method of the architecture. Succeeding seasons have gradually improved their condition until Mr. Kent now owns a farm considered
second to none in the county, containing 3o1 acres,
worth $roo an acre, and supplied with first-class
buildings. At the date of their location the wilderness was in its primal condition, bears and wolves
disputing the right of possession with the settlers.? One instance is related of a bold Bruin, which approached near enough to a blackberrying party to devour a pail of the fruit which had been gathered and
left to await the end of the picking.
Mr. Kent occupies a prominent position in his
^- i — 19
D~k-q..I
township as a pioneer and a man interested in all
that can affect the substantial and material growth
and prosperity of the community. He is a Democrat
in political sentiment, and although he has held the
post of Supervisor two years, he has, with that exception, declined all elective positions save that of
Township Clerk, which he held two years.
He was married June 3, 1847, to Mary, daughter
of David Butler. The family were of English descent. Mrs. Kent was born in 1826, and died June
27, following her marriage, a period of a little more
than three weeks. Mr. Kent was again married
Dec. 18, 1848, to Mrs. Mary McCoy, daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Lock) Greer, of Scotch and
Irish descent. Mrs. Kent was born May 14, I825,
in Mercer Co., Pa. She was left an orphan at the
age of 13 years and secured such educational and
other advantages as she could under the circumstances. The 12 children of Mr. and Mrs. Kent were
born as follows: Laura, Oct. 9, 1849; Sadie, Sept.
8, 1851; Edward, Sept. 17, 1854; Mattie, May i6,
1858; Thompson V., Sept. 20, I859; Monroe, Aug.
3, 1862; William G., June 17, i865. The above are
the survivors, seven in number. Following is the
record of the deceased: Franklin, born Feb. 123
1853, died Oct. 19, I855; James L., born Sept. 17,
1856, died. June 28, i860; Ernest, born Feb. I4,
I86I, died Feb. 22, 1861. John G. McCoy, a son
by the first marriage of Mrs. Kent, was born April
28, 1847, and died Feb. 14, 1871.
The parents are members of the M. E. Church,
and take a great interest in the moral and intellectual
development of their children. The daughter Mattie is a teacher in the high school at Cadillac, Mich.
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rl Beuthien, of the firm of Beuthien &
Frederikson, proprietors of the German
House, Big Rapids, was born June 9, 1832, in
Germany. His parents were farmers, and he?J was trained on a farm in his native land.
He was married in Germany, Nov. 24, 1863, $
to Annie Arechsen, a native of Denmark. They
have seven children, namely: Bine, Dora, Enwold,
Martin, Katie, Lizzie and Carl.
Mr. Beuthien came to the United States and to
Big Rapids, in I871. He has been variously occu- '
0^i<^ ^ - ^^(n^
*
382 MECOSTA COUNTY.
pied since that time until July 5, I883, when he to the fortunes of war at "Deserted House," Feb.
formed his present business relation, and opened the I2, i863, followed by an engagement at the siege of
f, German House. The hotel has accommodations for Suffolk, Va., from April i to May 4, at North Anna,., 25 guests, and is doing a thriving business. The Bridge, July 4, 1863, Bottom Bridge Feb. 6, I864,, family are members of the German Lutheran Church. Reams' Station June 29, 1864, Charles City Cross
Roads Oct. i, I864, and skirmishes without number.
^ _. __ He was at Lee's surrender at Appomattox, and went
thence to Lynchburg, where he spent eight days parol2CA2 —:4 inor rebel nrisoners. and on his return to Richmond.
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l iba W. Pease, farmer and blacksmith, sec.
32, Hersey Tp., Osceola Co., Mich., was
V* born Aug. i, 1832. His father, Samuel, Pease, was born in Connemticut in 1788, and,/ was one of the first settlers of the Wyoming
Valley, Pa.; was a miller by occupation, and
passed the winters in trapping and hunting. His
grandfather, Samuel Pease, was born in Glastonbury,
Ct., March 14, 1760, and enlisted in 1777 to serve in
the war of the Revolution; he took out a deed of
land in Wilkesbarre, Pa., Jan. 6, I795; was with the
army under Washington at the crossing of the Delaware; fought his last battle at Yorktown, and was
present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. A significant fact and worthy of record is that six of his
descendants fought on the same ground in the war of
the Rebellion, to defend the liberty established by
their ancestors.
The Pease family of the United States are descended from Robert and John Pease, two brothers
who came from Ipswich, Essex Co., Eng., in the ship
Francis, Capt. John Cutting, and landed at Boston in
April, I631. In i634 they settled at Salem, Mass.,
and not long after, John went to Martha's Vineyard,
and is claimed as the founder of the Pease family
there. John Pease, Jr., of Salem, was the ancestor
of the Enfield branch of the family, and of his descendants, the whereabouts of over three thousand
living male members are known. But one is positively recorded as in any way connected with the
Confederate army-Capt. Allen S. Pease, whose
" Tactics" were adopted in the discipline of the
army of the Confederacy. Dr. John C. Pease, one
of the founders of the Hartford Ti7mes in r816, and
Dr. Calvin Pease of the University of Vermont, wlio
originated and putllished tle present school laws of
that State, are of the same family.
Mr. Pease of this sketch enlisted in the war of Rebellion Aug. 30, 1863, in Co. K, i tth Pa. Vol. Cavalry, and on going to the front was at once introduced
mustered out of the United States service.
In the fall of i868 he located at Big Rapids and
worked at blacksmithing until the following spring,
when he located a homestead claim of 56 acres on
sec. 32 of Hersey Tp., of which he has made a
valuable farm. He was one of the pioneer settlers
of the township, and politically is a Republican.
He is a member of the G. A. R., and is actively interested in the temperance movement of the day. =
He was married Sept. 17, 1854, to Rhoda M., N
daughter of David and Betsey (Stanton) Dix, natives
of Pennsylvania and residents of that State. Mrs. S
Pease was born June 30, 1839, in Preston, Pa. She
became the mother of nine children, as follows:
Lucinda J., Jan. I7, i856 (Mrs. T. B. Hardman);
Drusilla J., Nov. I8, i857 (died Jan. 6, 1862);
Francis M., March 13, i860 (died April 14, I862);
Hattie A., March ro, 1862 (Mrs. J. Vanatter); Bertha, June 29, 1866; Carrie E., May 14, i868; Nel-....,5 - - -
received intelligence of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. After a tarry of two weeks at Richmond he went to Staunton, W. Va., where he spent s
three weeks, going thence to Charlottesville, Va.
Three months later he went to Richmond and was
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W., June 9, 1873; Eddie J., Sept. 24, 1875.
^ -------— p-~ — 3 t
yron Rawson, farmer, sec. 9, Fork Tp.,
J( dina Co., Ohio. He is a son of Anson
G. and Frances F. (Isbell) Rawson, the latter a native of New York, the former of Con- '
necticut. Mr. Rawson is the second son of his,
parents and one of eleven children, ten of whom are *
living, and all in adult age. At an early date the
parents went to Wayne Co., Ohio, moved later to Ran- L
dolph Co., Ind., went thence to Medina Co., Ohio, '
then returned to Indiana, settling in Noble County
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in 1843, where they passed the remainder of their
lives. Mr. Rawson grew to manhood in Noble:" County, and at the age of 22 entered upon the
career of a farmer. He was dependent upon his, own resources, and for the first seven years after setting out in life he rented farms. He was married
May IO, 1855, to Mary S., daughter of William and
Susan (Wyatt) Squares, of Jackson, DeKalb Co.,
Ind. Of this marriage three children were born.
William A., born July I7, I863, is yet living. Infant
twins died unnamed. The mother died Jan. 26,,; I866, after a long and distressing illness.
Mr. Rawson was married again at Kendallville,
T\ 1n. NIv T' ) TF96 to / Mre- Tllin T. wiclw rf TDr
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Johnson Curl, and daughter of Dr. Thomas. One
child resulted from this marriage, Edward O., born
Oct. 4, I869.
In September, I879, Mr. Rawson went to Kansas
and spent seven months prospecting for a place to
settle: returned to Petoskey and thence to Sunfield, Eaton Co., Mich., where he was employed
chiefly in farming. He was there married to Mrs.
Martha, widow of James McElroy, who died, leaving
her with two children, James and Laura. One child
has been born of the last marriage, Mary Agnres,
Aug. I8, 1882.
Mr. Rawson sold his farm in Sunfield in January,
1883, and bought 80 acres of land in Fork Tp., on
which he settled April 15, 1883. Five acres were
improved and a house built at the date of purchase,
and in a few months Mr. Rawson has materially improved and increased the value of the place. In
politics he is a Republican. His father was a sol
combined with traffic in lumber. He died at Centerville, March 25, I876. The parents of Mr. Stewart were married March 25, I835, and located at
Centerville Sept. 21, I837. Duncan and Jeannette
(Campbell) Stewart, his paternal grandparents were
born on loch Tay, County of Perth, Scotland; Parlin McFarland, his maternal grandfather, was a native
of Glasgow, and Isabella (McNaughton) McFarland,
maternal grandmother, was born near Perth, Scotland.
Mr. Stewart obtained his elementary education at
the public schools of his native place. At the age of
I6 he was sent to the graded school at Sturgis and
was a pupil there 18 months, after which he went to
a school of the sarme character at Centerville and
pursued a course of study there two years; he then
attended the Business College at Sturgis three months.
In April, 1875, he came to Mecosta County, locating
at Morley, where he operated in general merchandise.
He sold his business at the end of the first year, and
interested himself in trading in shingles until the
fall of I877. He then, in partnership with J. T.
Cook and W. T. Jones, inaugurated another mercantile enterprise, which proved signally successful,
reaching an annual aggregate of $35,ooo. In the
spring of i88i, Mr. Stewart sold out, and during the
next I8 months was occupied with the duties pertaining to the office of Postmaster of Morley, to
which he was appointed in October, I877, and which
he resigned in January, 1883, on his accession to his
piesent official position. Mr. Stewart was elected on
the Republican ticket, running against Joseph H.
Kilbourne, opposition candidate. While a resident
at Morley, he occupied various official posts; was
elected Township Clerk in I875 and re-elected successively until the spring of 1882, when he was
elected Supervisor. He also acted as Village Clerk
several years. He resigned his supervisorship in
December, I882, just previous to his removal to Big
Rapids to enter upon his duties as Register of Deeds.
He was married at Morley April 14, I880, to Rebecca, daughter of William and Ann Hugh. Her
father is a prominent lumberman of Morley and junior member of the firm of Higbee & Hugh. Mrs.
Stewart was born Feb. 22, I860, in Watertown, Province of Ontario, and is the mother of one child,
Earl H. Stewart, born at Morley, July 26, i88i.
Among those worthy a place with the gentlemen
whose portraits we present in this volume, is Mr.
Stewart, whose portrait we give on the preceding page.
i 2 -
dier of 1812; was a minute man and responded to
a the call for aid when the British invaded Wayne Co.,
N. Y., and burned the village of Sodus.
I |ttaniel W. Stewart, Register of Deeds of
I~ Mecosta County, resident at Big Rapids,[was
5.7 born at Centerville, St. Joseph Co., Mich.,
j Dec. II, I849, and is a son of Daniel Stewart,
J born July 4, 1811, at Albany, N. Y., and Mary
(McFarland) Stewart, born June 3, I813, at
Amsterdam, N. Y.; the latter still resides at Centerville. The father was a. masonby trade, and in his
later years was engaged in mercantile operations,
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386 MECOSTA COUNTY.
Rapids, and worked as a gardener and in grading
city lots for some time, when he engaged in farming. ^. a year in Colfax Tp., near Clear Lake. He passed
idney Showers, farmer, sec. 22, Grant Tp., the year following in Big Rapids, in the pursuit of
was born ay 5, 830, in Canada, across business of a character similar to that of his former
the Niagara River from Buffalo. His employment in that city. Ayear later he bought the
father was a native of Erie Co., N. Y., and his farm he now occupies, containing 40 acres of land,
( mother of New Hampshire. They became and situated in the center of the township of Grant.
j residents of New York when he was six weeks He has put the place in a condition second to none
residents of New York when he was si weet in the township; has 70 bearing fruit-trees, consistold. He was thrown upon his own resources at nine.
ears o ae, and at the ae o ears e eno ing of apples, plums, pears, cherries, etc., also a span
X years of age, and at the age of z5 years he went to
work on a farm for Jesse and Oliver Field, of Erie of horses, cow, two heifers and five hogs, all of a good
Co. N.. grade and first-class in every particular. Politically
Co., N. Y. He continued in their employ four years,
Mr. Showers is a Democrat.
when he and his brother Andrew together bought 50
acres of land. They labored on it two years, and
then sold it. Mr. Showers then engaged as a stagedriver, which occupation he followed i i months. '
He was married March i9, I853, to Elizabeth, c,i ohn 1L. Burkart, M. D., physician and
daughter of James and Mary Buffam, who was born |j- surgeon, at Big Rapids, was born at Delhi,
in Colden, Erie Co, N. Y., June 14, I852, and at the | Norfolk Co., Can., Feb. 28, I853. He is a
time of her marriage resided in Aurora, N. Y. The son of Anselm and Beatrice (Doyle) Burkart.
= children of Mr. and Mrs. Showers are as follows: His father was a wholesale liquor dealer, and
g James, born Aug. 26, 1854, in Aurora; Stephen B., removed with his family to Ingersoll, Oxford
Nov. 22, 1856, in Elma, N. Y.; Mary E., Nov. 4, Co., Can., when his son was two years old. The lat-. I858, in Hamburg, N. Y.; Sarah E., Oct 23, 1862, in ter attended the common school until the age of I6,
Oswego Co., N. Y.; Electa M., June 24, i866, in when he was placed at St. Michael's College at ToColden; Galusha P., Nov. 5, I869, also in Colden; ronto (Basilian order), with the intent of preparing
Catherine M., born July I, 1873, in Colden, died in for the priesthood. He studied in the scientific
infancy. James S. married Anna Smith, of Catta- course two years, and then entered the office of Drs.
raugus Co., N. Y., by whom he has two children- Scott & McCauseland to read medicine. In the
Florence E., born March 17, 1877, and Adelbert, fall of I870 he matriculated at Victoria Medical
born Sept. 15, I88I. Stephen B. married Minerva College, and was graduated in the spring of I874.
Davis, of Green Tp., this county, and they have one He opened his business as a practitioner of medicine
child-Maud, born Sept. 5, I88. Mary E. married at Beechville, Oxford Co., and remained there two
John Burtnett, and died Oct. 6, 1879, leaving one years. He then took the post-graduate course at
child, Carrie A., who was cared for by her grand- Trinity Medical University, where he received the deparents until her death, which occurred Jan. 7, I872. gree of M. B., and became M. C. P. and S. in the
Mr. Showers was variously employed until the date year 1877, and also L. C. P., in the same year.
of his enlistment, March 17, I864, in Co. I, Heavy He commenced the full practice of his profession
Artillery, N. Y. Vols. He was discharged in June, at Thamesford, Oxford Co., and also managed a drug
i865. The regiment was placed with their ordnance store there, with satisfactory results. In August,
on the gunboats of the James River and on the coast i88 I, he came to Big Rapids to visit a relative, and
of Virginia and North Carolina, where they were on was so well pleased with the apparent future as well
duty. The severe service and exposure brought on as present of Big Rapids, that he returned to Canada,
camp diarrhea; his eye-sigt was permanentlyin- sold out his business, and in November following
jured, and he suffered much from rheumlatism. made a permanent location here, entering into partAfter his discharge he was employed as a butcher nership with Dr. W. A. Hendryx, which relation ex-.until 1876. In May of that year he came to Big isted one year. Since that time he has nerformed
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the duties of his office and profession alone. He was
appointed attending physician at Mercy Hospital as
soon as he was settled, and has since remained in
charge. During his residence at Thamesford, he
was Vice President of the Oxford Medical Society,
and is now Vice President of the Northern Medical
Society for this place.
Anselm Burkart, the father of Dr. Burkart, is a
German, and was born at Alshofen, Baden, Germany,
April 18, 1826. He is now a resident of Big Rapids,
and is engaged in traveling for a business house in
Canada. The mother of Dr. Burkart was born
April 24, 1833, in County Wexford, Ireland. The
parents were married Feb. 9, 1852, in Ingersoll,
Canada. They had five sons and a daughter; James
A., second child, is deceased. The brothers and sister
of Dr. Burkart are Adolph O., Joseph B., Mary H.
and Anselm S. His maternal grandfather, Patrick
Doyle, was a wealthy farmer and prominent citizen
in Norfolk County. John M. Doyle, his son, is a
resident there in a prominent position. The family
were pioneers of Canada.
%J1| lizabeth Corbett, resident on sec. 23, Me-, costa Tp., was born Dec. 12, 1824, in Ayrshire, Scotland. She is a daughter of Williamn and Elisha (Davison) Spears, also natives
A of Ayrshire. She became the wife of James
Corbett Dec. 6, I848, and was a resident of her
native country until 1856, when they came to the
Dominion of Canada. In the spring of 1863 they
came to Kent Co., Mich., where Mr. Corbett was engaged in lumbering a few years. Their next remove
was to Mecosta County, where he was interested in
the same pursuit until 1866. In that year he purchased, and the family took possession of, 80 acres
of land, all of it in a wild state, from which it has
been reclaimed, and where they now reside.
Mr. Corbett was born in Scotland, March i8, 1824,
and died Dec. II, i880, at his home in MecostaTp.,
and was buried in Stanwood Cemetery. He was an
industrious man and a good citizen; interested in the
welfare of his children whom he lived to see grow to
mature life, with good habits, established reputations,
and useful members of society. Following is their
record: William, born Dec. 7, 1849; Mary, Oct.
2 l alter S. Howd, flour and feed merchant at
rl Millbrook village, was born in Canada,
Dec. i6, 1829. His parents, Samuel B.
jd- and Lovinda (Gould) Howd, natives respectively of New York and Canada, were married in New York, settled in Canada, finally
returning to New York, where the mother died and
the father married again. He located at Syracuse,
N. Y., for a time and afterward went to Kansas and
Missouri, where he died at the age of 74.
When 14 years old Mr. Howd was apprenticed to
learn the trade of molder, at which he served two
and one-half years. He was afterward occupied
about the same length of time as clerk in a grocery,
when he resumed his trade, but was obliged by illness
to quit it and seek other means of obtaining a livelihood. He was employed for some time in a grocery
at Cleveland, and in the summer of 1855 came to
Gratiot Co., Mich., where he bought 200 acres of
land under the " Gradation Act." After clearing 30
acres of this land he sold out and purchased a similar farm in the southern part of the same county, in
order to secure for his children the superior educational advantages of that section. Three years later
he sold again and camle to Mecosta County, where
he entered a claim of 160 acres of land in the townships of Millbrook and Wheatland, under the provisions of the Homestead Act. This he sold, and
invested his money and interest in the mercantile
business and located at Millbrook, where he is carrying on a flourishing trade.
In politics Mr. Howd is a Republican. He has
been Probate Judge four years and served 12 years
as Justice of the Peace. He belongs to the Order
of Masonry, and is a member of the fraternity of
Odd Fellows. He was married in Cleveland, O., to
Gk
COUNTY. 387
30, 1851; Margaret, May 9, 1857; John, Aug. 5,
i860; James, June 3, 1863; Matthew, Sept. 2, I865;
Jennie, April 30, 1870; Susan, born July 19, 1859,
died March 9, 1860.
Mr. Corbett was a firm Democrat during his life;
himself and wife belonged to the Established Church
of Scotland from their childhood. Mrs. Corbett resides with her son, James, a promising young man,
with good business qualifications and a thoroughgoing
farmer.
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Louisa M., daughter of Samuel Pease, a native of Detroit. He then entered the employ of the Amerithe State of New York. Mrs. Howd died in Gratiot can Express Company, and was also mail agent on:i County, leaving three children: Levant P., Martha the (now) G. R. & I. R. R., between Grand Rapids ^
j E. and Albert J. Mr. Howd was married in Gratiot and Cedar Springs, the latter being then the northern
County, to Almira, daughter of Benjamin Hawkins, -terminus cf the railroad. In August, 1869, he was
and their three children are, Francis A., Mary and sent to St. Joseph, Mich., to operate as special agent,
Sarah R. Mrs. Howd belongs to the M. E. Church. removing thence to Detroit, to act as traveling
I solicitor il the commPercial aoencv nf Ta' nan MT(cl-1
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S... -ohn M. Raper, Big Rapids, was born June,, 29, 1835, at Toronto, Can., a son of John
-and Abigail W. (Oliver) Raper. His father
was born at Bradford, Yorkshire, Eng., and
came to America in I830, locating at Toronto,
Ont. He was an officer on the staff of Gov.
Sir Penguin Maitland, and married his wife, a native
of Boston, Mass., at Halifax, Nova Scotia. She died
at Toronto, aged 64 years. The father died at Seaforth, Ont., at the age of 77 years.
Mr. Raper received a good common-school educa-, tion, and when 17 years old obtained a situation as
clerk in a store. His next situation was as express
= messenger from Collingwood to Toronto, on the Oni tario, Simcoe & Northern Railroad, Vickers' express
= line, and he afterward engaged in mercantile business
at Holland Landing, Ont. He then removed to, Toronto, where he was employed a year as chief clerk
in the office of C. R. Christie, Division Superintendent of the Grand Trunk Railroad. At the end of
that time he received an appointment as freight agent
at St. Mary's Station, and after some time was transferred to New Baltimore, Macomb Co., Mich., where
he acted in the same capacity two years. He afterward obtained a position is messenger for the American Express Co., between I)etroit and Chicago, on
the Michigan (Central Railroad. Oct. i, 1864, he
went to Elmira, N. Y., as chief clerk of the United
States and Adams and Howard Express Companies,
remaining there until September, I866, when he went
to Ann Arbor, Mich.
On the organization of the Merchants' Union
E xpress Company, Mr. Raper was tendered the position of route agent, which lie accepted, and was in
charge of all the offices in Michigan, which position
he retained until the company was consolidated with
the American Express. While in the employ of the,Merchants' Union Express Compalny, the local
agents l)resented him with a silver tea service, the
l presentation taking place in the Mayor's office at.ALLIIL7, LV lL C,3 U l L U11 l JL' L11 VVCU Cr r LI 1 ll ur
Company. Afterward he again entered the service
of the American Express Company, and was stationed
at Big Rapids, opening an office on Maple street.
About 15 days after his arrival the first passenger
train from Muskegon to Big Rapids passed over the
C. & W. M. railroad. He remained with the American Express Company six and a half years, and
meanwhile acted as Manager of the Western Union
Telegraph Companyr, located at Big Rapids. On
leaving the employ of the express company he operated as a commercial traveler three years, when he
engaged in his present occupation as salesman for
J. S. Evans & Co., music dealers.
Mr. Raper was married in April, I86I, to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Arksey, of Ann Arlor.
They have had three children, two of whom, a son
and daughter, are deceased. Charles Edwin Raper,
born at Detroit, Feb. 6, 864, is now in the employ of
John Greenop & Co., at Big Rapids.
Mr. Raper was a charter menmber of Mecosta
Lodge, No. 26, Knights of Pythias, and belongs to
Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, F. & A. M. He is a
stanch Republican, and was elected City Recorder
on that ticket in 87 7-8.
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the position of conductor on the C. & M. L. S. R. R.,
which he accepted, and removed to St. Joseph, Mich., >
and acted in that capacity about three years, retiring i'
April i, I873. In May following, he went back to i
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~ l1ton W. Bennett, member of the firm of I
ltRoben, lBennett & G(ill, real-estate, loan i ).1 atand fire insurance agents at Big Rapids,
^ was lorn on a farm in Marcellus Tp., Cass,.
Co., Mich., May 31, 1855 and is a son o
W'illiam 1'. and Lotuisa (Brokaw) Bennett.
The Bennett family, of which the subject of this )
biography is a descendant, have bccn a pioneci *Sr
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people. The great-great-grandfather of A. W. Bennett cleared a farm in Western Connecticut before
the Revolutionary war had ever been imagined.
The great-grandfather, Alfred Bennett, emigrated to
Central New York when it was a wilderness, cleared
a farm and contested titles with wolves, etc., on the
tract of land now the city of Cortland. He was also
a Baptist preacher of renown, and his memory is still
cherished in the thoughts of every theologian of that
denomination. He was for years a circuit rider,
holding services at every clearing, and spreading the
gospel, from a Baptist standpoint, through the wilds
of Ohio and Indiana. His son Cephas married
Stella, daughter of Abner Keeland, the first apostle of
Universalism in New England; in I829 he took her
to the East Indies, whither he went as a missionary.
He introduced the first printing-press, and afterwards
the first sewing-machine, into Burmah, and with his
wife is still engaged in the work of converting the
heathen to Christianity, although they have been in
active service 54 years. Cephas Bennett sent his son,
William P., to America, at the age of o1 years. At
19 the latter became involved in matrimonial snares,
and, taking his wife and worldly possessions, made
his way West on a canal boat, and plunged into the
wilderness of Michigan. He entered i60 acres of
land in Marcellus Tp., and camped out until he
could make a clearing and erect the pioneer's
shelter. The tract of land has been converted into
a typical Southern Michigan farm, and is still in the
possession of its original owner, now resident at Cassopolis, where he has held the office of Probate Judge
for 15 years.
In a work of this character pioneer reminiscences
are specially valuable, and serve to render the biographical sketches of its patrons decidedly interesting.
Mr. Bennett was under the personal care of his
father until he was I2 years old, when he was sent
to Groton, New York, to attend the academy. He
studied there two years, and attended the high school
at Cassopolis, where he graduated. He afterward
learned the printer's trade, at which he worked at
Cassopolis, Lawrence and Grand Rapids. In 1874
he commenced a course of studies at the University
of Michigan, which he pursued three years, working
at the case during vacations, and was graduated in
the Law Department, in March, 1877. He at once
located at Big Rapids,
i ahlon Carman, of Morton Tp., whose
portrait is given on the preceding page
' rand who is one of Mecosta County's enterprising business men, was born in Huron
Co., Ohio, in the village of Olena. He is a son
of Lewis and Laura (Aiken) Carman. The
father was a merchant and proprietor of a saw-mill
in the State of Ohio, and moved to Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., when the subject of this sketch was
eight years old, where he engaged in buying and selling stock.
When Mr. Carman was 16 years of age he was
employed one and a half years in a boot and shoe
store at Lockport. This engagement was terminated
by the removal of his father's family to St. Joseph Co.,
Mich. Here he worked at home on the farm about
two and one half years, when the family came to
Millbrook and the father built a saw-mill, where the
son worked until of age. In I877 the latter went to
Altona, Hinton Tp., and was employed in the general
store of T. C. Gardner. After a year's service as assistant, he purchased the stock and continues to conduct the business. The value of the stock averages
about $I 2,000, and the annual transactions aggregate
about $40,000. Sept. I, 1883, he established a store
in the village of Mecosta, with a stock worth about
$1,500. Mr. Carman is operating also largely in
shingles, and employs in his interest a shingle-mill
in Morton, one in Wheatland and one in Hinton;
he manufactures from 75,000 to 100,000 shingles
daily, and ships chiefly to Eastern markets, employing about 65 men commonly, cutting and putting
in his timber. The three mills designated are run
to their full capacity, in his interest. He also deals
in groceries and provisions at Mecosta, and has a
general store at Altona.
Mr. Carman was married at Grand Rapids, March
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COUNTY. 39'
In August, 1878, he formed a partnership withD. D
Roben, in the real-estate, loan and insurance busi- ^
ness, which relation still exists. The style and repute %.
of the house of Roben & Bennett is widely known
throughout Northern Michigan..
Mr. Bennett was married Sept. 3, 1878, to Mary,
daughter of Matthew and Esther Roben, of Big
Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have one son, nearly
two years old.
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. 392 MECOSTA
I I, 1877, to Isabella, daughter of William and Mary
J. Pierce. Of this marriage one child has been born,: ~ Raymond W., in Millbrook.
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1 ' ohn Pordon, farmer, sec. 6, present Superi visor of Martiny Tp., was born in the town!a of Ravensburg (Danube), Kingdom of
1 Wurtemburg, Germany, Oct. 29, 1837. He is
a son of Bertram and Cleopha (Pfleghaar) Pardon. His father was a farmer and died when
the son was but one year old. He was fully orphaned by the death of his mother when he was nine
years of age, and his uncle, Benedict Pfleghaar, assumed the care and guardianship of the bereaved
child, continuing to protect him until he was 14 years
old, when he was placed under training for the business of carpenter and joiner. After working at that
trade two years, he emigrated to the United States
and located at Toledo, Ohio. He worked a year at
his vocation and then engaged in a nursery for a
short time. In 1855 he went to Dundee, Monroe
Co., Mich., and operated as a farm hand until the
outlreak of the civil war in i86r.
He enlisted in the Fourth Mich. Inf. and served
four years, nine and a half llonths,-the longest
military service recorded in the pages of this work.
His experiences include all the hardships, privations
and contingencies incident to a soldier's life, except
capture and torture at the hands of the rebels. The
list of battles in which he took part are, Bull Run
(Second), Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Marion Hill,,
Newbridge, Haines' Ianding, Gaines' i-ill, Mine
Run, Hatcher's Run, Gravel Run, Petersburg, Wilderness, and last, Appomattox Court-House, where
he was an eye-witness of the virtual collapse of the
Rebellion. At the close of the war lie was sent
to San Antonio, Texas, and was there stationed nine
and a half months. He was wounded May 6, 1864,
and lost his hearing from the explosion of a shell at
the l)attle of Gettysburg. Hle was discharged with
the rank of Sergeant and returned to Michigan.
He resumed his former employment at home for a
while, and after some time went to Detroit, where he
worked as a carlenter three months. He spent six
months in the employ of a plumlber, and was then
engaged in the Water-Works at Detroit, where he
continued five years. His next business enterprise
was with Gerhart Gudnaw, in the grocery business,
where he was occupied four months. After that he
was a peddler six months, and after spending six
months more in Detroit in various occupations, he
sold his property there and came to Mecosta County,
and was engaged by March & --, heavy landholders in Chippewa Tp., and resided there four
years. In 18-, he purchased the farm he now
owns, containing 80 acres of land.
Mr. Pordon was married in I866, in Monroe,
Mich., to Anna, daughter of Ignatz and Victoria
(Gunthner) Hilbert. She was born in Germany,
Jan. 22, 1845, and came to the United States with
her parents in 1853. Four children are comprised
in the family, Cleopha J., Benjamin M., Clara J. and
Amelia V,
Mr. Pordon is a Democrat, has held various offices
and was elected to his present position in I883..-.
[^ lifton D, Richards, hardware merchant,
1 Millbrook village, is a son of James and
~f o Minerva(Smalley) Richards. The father
r was a native of Massachusetts, and the
j mother of Vermont. They were pioneers of
Cleveland, 0., where they settled in early married life; they now reside at Detroit. Mr. Richards was
born at Cleveland, Sept. 6, 1856. He obtained a good
education in the schools of his native city, justly celebrated for their excellent character, and at 19 years
of age came to Stanton, Mich., where he was employed as clerk in a hardware store for a period of
three years. He came to Mecosta County in 1877,
and Oct. r, opened a hardware store at Millbrook,
where he is still engaged in business and has reasonable success. He carries a stock worth $7,000, and
leads his line of trade in that section of the county.
Mr. Richards was married at Auburn, N. Y., July
6, r88o, to Ada E., daughter of Lewis and Laura
Cannon, of the State of New York, who was born in
Ohio, and was an inmate of her father's home until
her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have one
child, Irma I., born May 14, r88.
Mr. Richards is a Republican in politics; has
been Clerk of his township one term, and is now
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acting in the capacity of School Assessor of the district. He is an active member of the Congregac tional Church.
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CON.TY. 393.rr. ~ 393 5
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eorge F. Stearns, President of the North1 ern National Bank, Big Rapids, was born
at Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Jan. 9,
t I832. The banking house with which he has. been connected from its organization was
opened for the transaction of business June 5,
I871. The institution is the result of a project
which was carefully considered and made feasible by
the combined energy, deliberation and capital of T.
C. Platt, John F. Brown and G. F. Stearns. It was
organized with Mr. Stearns in the capacity of chief
official, J. F. Brown as Vice President, and Chas. P.
Gifford as Cashier. They embarked on the sea of
finance with a capital of $75,000, which was increased in 1874 to $90,000, and in 1883 to $i5o,ooo.
On the death of Mr. Brown, C. H. Wagener was
elected to the vacant Vice Presidency and in 1875
L. S. Baker became Cashier.
The " Northern National " is one of the most solid
institutions in the country, having a deserved repute
of carrying on its financial transactions on a system
and basis of impregnable security, and hence is
justly regarded as incomparably stable as a business
house and a model in its methods and purposes. It
has a firm grasp upon the confidence of those with
whom it has intimate financial relations, and the
catalogue of its patrons and correlations include a
host of the most substantial names in Northern
Michigan.
Mr. Stearns is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth
(Martin) Stearns, whose record is a part of that of
Big Rapids, both from the period of their settlement
here and their relations to the social and business
growth of the place. Daniel Stearns settled here in
1859, having previously purchased a low, two-story
frame building, with a lean-to, where is now the
southeast corner of Maple street and Michigan
avenue. This building, styled the " Mecosta," was
utilized many years as a hotel, to which purpose
it was first devoted by Capt. Daniel Stearns. It
has been raised twelve feet, remodeled, and still
looms up a tangible reminder of the day of "first
things ' at Big Rapids.
The business record of Mr. Stearns is one continuous course of energy, sagacity, shrewdness, prudence,
tact and ability. He has all the restless activity
tenacity of purpose and intuitive comprehension of
human nature which constitute a born financier.
His leading traits of character have been conspicuous
from his outset in life, and, to his undying credit be
it put on record, that, with all his keenness and powers of finesse in business, not one imputation of improbity or dishonor rests against him. He walks
among his fellow men in all the uprightness of moral
rectitude, and wields an influence in his sphere second
to none, He is always acutely alive to the possibilities of a business transaction, but he never swerves
from the promptings of his innate manliness and his
sense of obligation to society.
His entire life has been devoted to effort. His
first speculative enterprise occurred when he was
about twelve years old. He had received a package
of fire-crackers for the " Fourth," but instead of having a grand private glorification, he found a swarm of
young patriots who paid him a cent each for his stock
of small explosives. No employment, so it afforded
an opportunity to be doing something, was beneath
his honest endeavors. He did whatever the contingency demanded and performed every duty becomingly. At the age of 12 he was employed in a general country store, remaining about a year; and on
his parents' removal to Mannsville in his native
county, he accompanied them, and did all manner of
odd jobs in and around his father's hotel. Two years
later he went to Adams, Jefferson Co., and engaged
as a clerk in a store, where he operated two years.
He went thence to Rome, N. Y., and filled a position
in an extensive dry-goods establishment. In September, I854, he came to Detroit with a friend, Wm.
Chittenden, then holding a clerk's position in a drygoods establishment, and now proprietor of the Russell House in that city. He borrowed money of his
friend to make the trip to Detroit, and made all his
associations in first-class places, wisely judging that
his best testimonial was the appearance and habits
of a gentleman.
With but nominal delay he obtained a clerkship
ini the commercial house of Holmes & Co., where his
friend was a salesman. He remained there two
years. Meanwhile his father had moved to Newaygo
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I ) --- —: -', and built the Brooks Hotel, whither Mr. Stearns pro- the Northern National Bank, was born June 3, 1865.;i ceeded and officiated one year as clerk. His next Mr. Stears is a member of the Masonic Order
^. move was to the city of St. Louis, where he operated and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He is a
as a clerk in a dry-goods house two months, going Democrat in political sentiment, and in the spring of
thence to Chicago, where he was similarly engaged a I869 he was elected Mayor of Big Rapids, and reshort time. He soon left the Garden City, went to elected in i87i and 188i, running largely ahead of
Detroit and secured a situation in the mercantile es- his ticket.
tablishment of Farrell Brothers. In September,
I860, he came to Big Rapids with a stock of dry-4>^ —
goods, etc., suitable for the demands of a country
trade, and opened the second store in the embryo apoleon Ladouceur, proprietor of the
S city. His father was established in the " Mecosta, -| Montreal House, and of the Montreal Livand, besides his duties in the store, he assisted in E ery Stables, Big Rapids, was born at St.
every possible way at home, where the hotel was al- Eene, t, i a n B.
Eugene, Ont., and is a son of John B. and
ways overflowing with custom. By degrees he man- Esther (Lalond) Ladouceur.
aged to convert his original stock of goods, valued at e ae r t Do o o B d..
a l sk of m h He came from the Dominion to Big Rapids
$500, into a general stock of much wider scope,,,.,, when 17 years of age, and operated about seven
and trafficked in furs and all other articles that came years of e, nd oered bout e
years in the lumber woods. In 1875 he bought the
in his way with any reasonable outlook for speculat... t. er. hotel of which he is now owner and manager, and ( a
tion therein. His business grew onerous, the sales of..
tion th in. His business grew onou, te sale of conducted its affairs personally two and a half years.
his closing year aggregating $Ioo0ooo. He had over-....
/ c n yar a egn io. Heh o ser. It was leased to a tenant for a similar period of time,.. worked and was compelled by impaired health to sell... * i
t. H. after which he resumed its control, and has since e.:= out. He devoted his attention alnd energies to specula-..... 1, r
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tion in real estate and furs until i871, when the
Northern National Bank was put in successful operation.
Mr. Stearns has dealt extensively in real estate
and now owns several thousand acres of pine and
farming lands, together with I 60 acres within the city
limits, divided into small tracts, each containing a
few acres. His residence at No. 220 State street is
one of the most substantial and best arranged dwelling-houses in the city, The grounds are ioo feet
continued to occupy and run the business, which is
prosperous, and gradually increasing. The building
is well adapted to hotel purposes, and contains 34
rooms for guests. In June, 1883, Mr. Ladouceur
built the Montreal Livery Stable, 50 x 135 feet in
dimensions, where he manages a first-class establishment for the accommodation of the public, keeping
about 20 horses and all necessary livery fixtures.
Mr. Ladouceur was married at Big Rapids, April
14, I879, to Susan, daughter of Michael and Mar.
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front by 700oo feet deep, finely graded and laid out, Mr and Mrs.. have ried three children: Lilly
and sheltered by trees. The work has been done M. only surviving child, was bor at Big Rapids
i b Mrt s v., only surviving child, was born at Big Rapids,.
" chiefly by Mr. Stearns'own hands, and in its unos- Oct. 4, 882. Maggie is an aopted daughter.,
tentatious simpllicity is revealed the character of its Besides his hotel livery proerty,Mr. adoucr
owner. Mr. Stearns has also extensive lumber ino owns also extensive l er in- s two city lots in Rose's Addition, Third Ward.
terests, being a member of the firm of Baker &
Stearns, who handle annually a large amount of mill. I.A.products. lHe is also manager of the sales of the A
A large tracts of land in Mecosta and other counties, Y eister C. Hodlkey, jeweler, at Big Rapids,,
7 belonging to the Warren estate. |: was born at Parma, N. Y., Aug. ro, 1822,
Mr. Stearns was married at Detroit. June 4, 186i, |I and is a son of Willard and Permelia
to Harriet S., daughter of John Vernor; she was (Rowe) Hodskey. His parents were farmers, (
born at Albany, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns have and he received the education and training
had two children: Carrie E., born IMarch 27, 1869, common to farmers' sons. At the age of eight, and died Dec. 6, 881. Charles F., a book-keeper in years he went away from home to work on a farm,,........
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I, and when 12 years old came to Michigan and located
j in Highland Tp., Oakland Co., In the spring of 1848, he bought 40 acres of land,
which he owned about one year. When he sold his
farm he engaged in traveling in the interests of a
firm selling jewelry and Yankee notions. In I85 he
built the first hotel in Holly, Oakland Co., now the
Anderson House, which he kept three years, and
then exchanged for a farm of 40 acres, on which
he resided until i857, when he moved to Bronson,
Branch Co., and there embarked in the grocery and
% liquor trade, and was soon after elected Constable.
He continued to manage his first enterprise about
one year, when he sold out and engaged in the
jewelry business. He operated in Bronson three
years, and exchanged his property there for a farm of
80 acres in Matteson, in the same county. Three
years later he again sold and moved into Colon, St.
Joseph Co., where he again embarked in the jewelry
business, and there continued three years, going
thence to Clarence, Shelby Co., Mo., where he pursued the same calling, returning after three years to
= Bronson. His stay there covered a period of a fevd
months only, and he went thence to La Grange, Ind.,
= and was similarly occupied there eight months, when
he came to Big Rapids (May, I873). He opened a
jewelry and grocery store, which he ran eight years,
and then exchanged his store for a residence and
three lots on West Hemlock street. He transferred
his stock to the store occupied by Charles Crandall
as a grocery, and established his business in one half
of the premises. Six months after, he moved into a
building next the present establishment of Freyburg,
' clothier. In July, 1882, he removed to his present
location, where he is doing a prosperous business.
He has in stock a full line of all articles common to
the branch of trade he represents-watches, clocks,
jewelry, musical instruments, etc., besides keeping a
repair department. His stock is worth about $1,800,
and his annual business amounts to $3,000. He
also owns a vacant lot in Rose's Addition.
He is a member of the Odd Fellows Order. Mr.
Hodskey was married in Highland, Oakland Co.,
Mich., Dec. 25, I847, to Amanda, daughter of Noble
and Annie (Merchant) Ruggles, born in Colesville,
Broome Co., N. Y., May 4, I831. Lydia A., elder
' daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hodskey, was born in
) Highland, Mich., May 26, I852, and Jessie M. was? born in Bronson, Branch Co., Mich., Sept. I, 1862.
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dmund M. Stickney, lumberman and
~I ~* lmanufacturer, residing at Paris, was born!i~? in McHenry Co., Ill., May 12, I844. His
father, George Stickney, was a native of Jeffery,
New Hampshire, where he was born June 26,
1809. He came to Chicago June 20, I835,
and went to McHenry Co., Ill., in the fall of the same
year, where he has since resided, in the pursuit of
farming. The mother, Sylvia M. (Beckly) Stickney,
was born Feb. 26, 1819, at Granby, Conn., and died
in October, 1879. They were married at Nunda, Ill.,
Oct. 27, I839.
Mr. Stickney acquired a fair education at the public schools, and pursued a full commercial course at
Bryant & Stratton's College at Chicago, and was
graduated with the class of I864. He remained
under the charge of his father until the time of his
majority. In the fall of i865 he went to Chicago,
and was emplQyed there a few months as bookkeeper. In January, I866, he came to Mecosta Co.,
Mich., and in company with Charles Shafer and
William P. Montonye, started the first mercantile
venture at Paris, Feb. 20, I866, continuing the enterprize under the firm name of E. M. Stickney & Co.
two years, and alone until I877, when he purchased
the water-power he now owns, with the saw and grist
mill built by Shales & Fitting in I867, on Parish
Creek. He built the present saw-mill in I882-3.
He saws about I5,ooo feet of lumber daily, and
owns 35 acres of timber land, whereon is the site
of his mills, and 40 acres of land in Green Tp.
He was married May i8, I870, to Mary Todd, a
native of Yorkshire, England, born May i8, I854.
Their three children are Nettie M., Carrie A. and
George E.
Mr. Stickney has been prominent in the public
affairs of his village and township. He has served as
Postmaster and Town Clerk o1 years, and has officiated as Justice of the Peace iI years, being the
present incumbent of that office, and is also Notary
Public.
Politically he was formerly a Republican, but
since 1878 has voted the Greenback ticket.
A portrait of Mr. Stickney is given in this volume..9
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i k illiam Remus, of the firm of Stephens &
^ Remus, manufacturers, at Big Rapids, was
t. born in the Province of Pomerania, GerxQ i 'many, Aug. Io, I842. He is a son of
' Charles and Caroline (Horn) Remus, and
learned the shoemaker's trade in his native
country. Accompanied by two brothers and one
sister, he came to this country in June, I865, settling
at first in Chicago, where Mr. Remus worked at his
trade. In 1857, he came to Big Rapids and established a boot and shoe store, where he did a thriving
business, and employed several men in the customwork department. His health failing, in 1872 he
sold out and worked as a builder about three years,
and also acted as clerk in various stores in this
city.
June 29, 1883, he formed a partnership with P. M.
Stephens, and bought the Stimson Planing Mills,
situated at the east end of the lower bridge, where
they are engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors,
blinds, etc., including most varieties of dressed lumber. The works are especially fitted for the production of first-class manufactures, being supplied with
the best modern facilities and skilled mechanics.
The capacity of the mill is estimated at about $35,ooo annual value, and 20 men are at present employed. Their rapidly increasing business will doubtless very soon require a large additional force of
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and first members of the German Lutheran Church
at Big Rapids; was one of its first Trustees, and has
served in that capacity continuously since I869, except one year; he is also Secretary.
Mr. Remus was married in Chicago, July 4, i866,
to Julia Trescotch, who was born in Germany, June
10, 1843. They have one son, William, Jr., born at
Big Rapids, April 2, I871. The brothers and sister
of Mr. Remus, who accompanied him to this country
in i865, are all living in Osceola County.
Among the prominent and representative citizens
of this county whose portraits we present in this book,
we take pleasure in giving that of Mr. Remus, which
we place upon the preceding page.
~!avid C. Fuller, attorney, Millbrook village,
was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 28,
1818. His father, Reuben Fuller, was a
native of Connecticut, and his mother, Hannah (Scott) Fuller, was born in Dutchess
Co., N.. They first settled in Otsego Co.,
N. Y., afterwards removing to Onondaga County in
that State. The early life of Mr. Fuller was passed
in Madison Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1836, when he
was i8 years old, he came to Adams, Hillsdale Co.,
Mich, where he lived until the spring of i88r, with
the exception of five years, which period he lived in
Wisconsin and at Adrian, Mich. In the spring of
i88i he came to Mecosta County and fixed his residence in the township of Millbrook.
Mr. Fuller obtained his elementary education
in the common schools of his native State and
attended an academy in Onondaga County two
terms. In 1854 he began to prepare for his profession, and was admitted to the Bar in Wisconsin, Oct.
8, I858. He was admitted to practice in the courts
of Michigan August 2, 1882, and is actively engaged in the duties of his profession at Millbrook.
He was married in Adams, Hillsdale County, Aug.
22, 1843, to Abigail T., daughter of Jacob and Theodicea (Hart) Jackson. She was born in Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 14, I823, and died April i,
1883, in Millbrook, leaving four children, Morris R.,
Caroline A., Lucetta L. and Anson D. Mrs. Fuller
was an active and prominent member of the M. E.
Church (as is Mr. Fuller), and lived for her family,
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assistants.
The real es
on Michigan
the Third Wa
President of t
trols $9,0oo of
tate of Mr. Remus includes two stores
avenue, and residence and four lots in
Lrd, on Rose avenue. He is the Vice
he Big Rapids Furniture Co., and confits stock. He was one of the organizers
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w where she was a model of all the domestic virtues;
M; and in her death the household has met a loss
A which can never be supplied.
Mr. Fuller records himself a Republican "dyed
in the wool." He has been in official positions in
the various places where he has resided, and in I854
united with the order of Odd Fellows at Hillsdale.
/, - egicholas Scott, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook
Tp., was born in Canada, and is a son of
Peter and Clarissa (Bower) Scott, also natives of Canada. Mr. Scott remained a resiJ dent of his native county until the fall of I860,
in which year he came with his family to Mecosta County and settled on 80 acres of land in its
original state in Millbrook Tp. He built a shanty
which served one year for shelter, and was replaced
by a log house in which the family lived for 20 years.
5 The primitive, temporary structures of the pioneer
= days are now all replaced by tasteful, convenient, suit5 able modern buildings, and 50 acres of the farm are
5 under good tillage. Mr. Scott was married Dec. I2,
' I850, to Betsey, eldest daughter of Lorenzo and
Fanny (Fisher) Aldrich, the former a native of New
Hampshire and the mother of Massachusetts. Three
of their four children are living: Peter L., born Aug.
6, I855; Ada C., Dec. I8, I857, and George W.,
Dec. 6, 1862. Clarissa E. was born Nov. 3, 1851,
and died June i, 1857.
Mr. Scott is a Republican, and has been the incumbent of several township offices. Himself and
wife are members of the denomination known as the
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township of Millbrook, where he was engaged as a
farm laborer until 1877. In that year he bought 40
acres of unimproved land on sec. 23, where he has
built a house and placed about i8 acres of land in
tillage. He was married in Stanton, Montcaln Co.,
Oct. 12, 1874, to Estella, daughter of H. B. and
Ruth Wolcott, who was born Feb. 29, 1856, in Shiawassee Co.,'Mich. They have had four children:
Emma E., born July 17, I875; Margaret L., Dec. 2,
I878; Lewis S.,'May 22, i880; Wm.- H., Feb. 13,
I883.
Mr. Moore belongs to the Republican party. In
the spring of 1883 he was elected District Overseer
and also holds the office of School Director. He and
his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist
Church.
ftto C. Russ, M. D., practicing physician at
Remus, was born at Cleveland, O., Jan. 4,
I 85 4. His parents, Jacob and Barbara
Russ, were born in Germany, and came to the
United States and settled for a few years at
Buffalo, N. Y.. removing later to Cleveland.
When Dr. Russ was I6 years old his mother died,
and he was thrown upon his own resources and energies. He first found employment in a foundry,
where he labored a year as a "cold nut cutter."
Receiving a wound in his hand, he was compelled to
abandon his occupation and entered the wholesale
and retail furniture house of Hart & Malone, of Cleveland, as a salesman. He was there engaged i8 months.
His prospects were so much impaired by the financial stress of 1873 that he left Cleveland and went
to San Francisco, Cal., where he found occupation
of varied character until the fall of I875. He came
back and went to Baltimore, Wood Co., 0., and entered
the office of Dr. Shesler, of that city, to read medicine. He prosecuted his studies there three years,
and in 1878 attended the Eclectic Medical College
at Philadelphia, and was there graduated Dec. 29,
t879. Armed with his hardly earned and well-merited "sheep-skin, " he went to Antwerp, Paulding,
Co., Ohio, and entered upon the career of a medical
practitioner. In the spring of i88i he went to Vincennes, Ind., but the field did not seem one of practical benefi to his hopes, and he came to Fowler,
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f obert Moore, farmer, sec. 23, Millbrook
j Tp., was born in one of the northern
counties of Ireland, Feb. 7, 1846, and is a
1 son of Joshua and Margaret (Armstrong)
Moore, also natives of the same section of
the Emerald Isle. Mr. Moore came from his
native country to Canada in the spring of 1871, and
K was a resident of the Dominion one year. He came
to Michigan in the spring of 1872, and settled in the
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f Clinton Co., Mich., prosecuting his profession there
15 months.
During that time he was married (April i8, 1882)
to Almeda, daughter of James and Sarah (Wheeler)
Lance, who was born March 2, 1863, in Clinton
County. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania.
After marriage, Dr. Russ came to Remus and began
his practice, where his success has been almost without precedent, and his business has already assumed
surprising proportions. Dr. Russ is a Democrat, and
is the present health officer of Wheatland Tp. He
belongs to the Knights of Pythias in Ohio, and is a
member of the Masonic Order at St. Johns, Clinton
Co., Mich.
'harlie Gay, editor and publisher of the
) cli Pioneer at Big Rapids, was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Summit Co., Ohio, Nov. I2,
r837. His father, William Gay, was born
Si Nov. 9, i8 I, in Vermont, and during the active years of his life was occupied as an en-: gineer. He resides with his son at Big Rapids.
5 The mother, Emily (Wells) Gay, was born in Chatham, Kent Co., England, Feb. 27, i8I9, and died at
Warren, Trumbull Co., O., April I5, i88r.
Mr. Gay secured a substantial elementary education in the common and graded schools previous to
his fifteenth year, when he entered a printing-office to
acquire the details of the profession to which he
purposed devoting his life. He came to Newaygo,
Mich., to fill a position in the office of the Republican, where he was occupied six years. In I862, in
view of the budding prospects of Big Rapids, he
L proceeded thither with the purpose of establishing a
county journal. A cursory examination of the field
seemed to warrant the enterprise, and on the r7th of
April, 1862, the initial number of the Mecosta County
Pioneer was issued. The enterprise was established
at a momentous period. The country was in the
throes of the awful internecine conflict that threatened the dissolution and ruin of the grandest national structure on the records of time, and Mr. Gay
fully realized the responsibility of his undertaking at
such an era. He established his paper as the organ
of no demagogism, but on the inflexible and uncom> promising fundamental principle incorporated in the
I
sentiment, "The Union, the Constitution and Enforcement of the Laws." The earnest young editor
at once put himself en rapport with the community
in which he established his business, and entered
heartily into the work which, directly and indirectly,
was uppermost in every man's purposes,-the re-establishment of the national unity, and the advancement of the interests of Mecosta County. An
examination of the early files of the Pioneer makes an
impression which should be placed on record,-that
absolute moral cleanliness pervaded the entire community. The fact is rendered still more patent by
the circumstances under which the Judiciary of the
county was regulated.
The Pioneer was the first paper published in the
county, and until Aug. i, I867, was issued in a folio
of five columns. It was then enlarged by two additional columns; and again, in I870, increased
in the same proportion, becoming a pretentious journal of nine columns. In July, 1874, it took on additional dignity by conversion to a seven-column
quarto, when its style was changed to the Big Rapids Pioneer. Aug. I, I88I, the paper was issued as
a daily, which still continues, and, conjointly with
the weekly edition, is steadily increasing in influence
and popularity.
In the spring of 1869, Mr. Gay was elected the
first Recorder of the City of Big Rapids, and in 1870
was the successful candidate for the office of County
Clerk, a post he held eight consecutive years; he also
officiated as Town Clerk from I864 to i869, with the
exception of one year, and was Justice of the Peace
from the organization of the township until 1869.
He is a radical Republican and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in I860.
Mr. Gay is a typical American. His impulses are
those of honesty and earnestness, and he guides his
operations under their influence. He reaches conclusions with directness, acts always in accordance
with his convictions, and makes no compromise with
any issue thatlhe believes antagonistic or detrimental
to the principles which he inscribed upon his banners in his dawning manhood. He is trusted from
his palpable, innate integrity and unselfishness of
purpose. If his judgments conflict with those of
other men, he is intrenched by his record of manly
frankness and candor which have characterized
every act of his public life. His journal has been conducted in accordance with the principles on which
rr
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406 HMECOSTA COUNTY.
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it was established, and has won a position second but illness compelled him to abandon his employ-.
t to none in the State, of commensurate scope and ment for the time being, and after his recovery he. purposes. It commands, as it has done from the worked in different places until the spring of i883, l
outset, the respect of its contemporaries, and in po- when he again became the proprietor by purchase of. litical emergencies and general issues holds a de- the stock owned by J. A. Tory, to whom he made his. -
dared and positive position. Its metal has never an sale in 1879. He is now doing a prosperous busiuncertain ring and its tendencies are patent and un- ness and monopolizes his line of trade in the village
mistakable: of Millbrook. His stock represents a value of
Mr. Gay is zealously interested in Masonic mat- $i,ooo.
ters and occupies positions of trust in the several Mr. Decker was married in Ottawa Co.,. Mich.,
j' bodies of the order with which he is connected. June 27, 1883, to Henrietta, daughter of V. J. Sey- He belongs to Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, Pilgrim mour, a native of the State of New York. Mr,
Commandery, No. 23, Big Rapids Chapter, No. 52, Decker is a Republican.
i Au1 - T7Irr C1u11 1 -.. r 1 T_ -, Tv, fl-,,a i-v
ancu to,1illng OOli1Omon.IOUnCll, INU. 25. L11n tic LwO
last named he holds the chief position at present
writing.
The marriage of Mr. Gay to Rosalie Bailey took
place at Newaygo, May 12, i86o. Mrs. Gay is a
daughter of John and Julie (LeMay) Bailey, and was
born at Vergennes, Vt., Nov. 18, I843. Her father
is dead. Her mother was a second time married, to
David Jarse, of Newaygo, whom she survives. Mr.
and Mrs. Gay have two children: Fred, born Feb. 2,
1862, and Jessie, born Nov. 6, 1863.
The similitude of the genial face of Mr. Gay in
connection with this sketch.
On their own behalf the compilers and publishers
of this volume desire to subjoin to the personal record of Mr. Gay a permanent expression of their
grateful sense of his invaluable aid in the consumma
J iohn Flake, farmer, sec. 25, Fork Tp., was;
born near London, Ont., March 14, 1829r,
and is the only son of James and Margaret.
Ann (Davis) Flake. His father was a native.
of County Antrim, Ireland, and was a carpenter
by trade, which calling he pursued all his life..
His mother was a native of New York and is still
living, in the village of London, Can. The circuimstances of his father precluded Mr. Flake from the
privileges of education, and threw upon him in early
life the responsibility of making a fair start in the
world. He obtained a situation on a lake boat and
followed the calling of sailor on the " unsalted. oc " +lthref vernrc Pearning.7 monnthtv al ne nt nrofit
I=.
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tion of their work. His own emphatic disclaimer,.q," 1A.b A 'i) ag1 I.. *He continued in the lake service until I850, when he
deters a more elaborate specification of the generous,
assistance e has ccorded. shipped as a seaman on a vessel going to the Istlia nius of I)arien (Panama), and on arrival there went
i.,, t to work on the Panama Railroad. After three months
gl he contracted the malarial fever, from which few escaped who labored in that enterprise in the pestilent tial climate of the isthmus, and was sent to New
i ilbert A. Decker, saddler, Millbrook vil- York for treatment. On recovery he made another
It^1K lage, was born July i6, i858, in Kane ocean trip, and on his return came to London, MonI Co., 11. His parents, Peter S. and Caroline roe Co., Mich., and entered the sailing service on; Decker, reside in Millbrook Tp. At the age Lake Huron,Oct. 3,1864, when he enlisted in the Unof 20 Gilbert A. went to the village of Mill- ion army, enrolling in the 29th Mich. Vol. Inf., and (
brook to learn the trade of harness-maker, remained until the war ended. His regiment was
' and was under the instructions of Charles Clements assigned to the Army of the Cuimberland, Middle.
/ five months, when he bought the stock in trade of Tenn., and he saw considerable active service in
t that gentleman and embarked in business independ- some of the most important engagements during the
ently. In the summer of 1879 he disposed of his closing months of the contest, among them Stone )
( interests and went to Morley to work at his trade; R iver and Decatur. He finally was appointed wagon
V",. -..t;' '. til, v,,
A MECOSTA CCOUNTY. 407
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master of his regiment, and continued to discharge
the duties of the post until he was mustered out.
Mr. F. came to Saginaw and worked in the lumber
mills about two years, and in the fall of 1867 came
to the township of Fork and began lumbering for the
firm of Camp & Whitney. He worked in the woods
during that winter and in the spring was employed
on the drive. In the spring of I868 he bought his
farm, built a house, and is now living in comfortable
circumstances, with 6o acres of improved land.
Mr. Flake was married July 4, I852, to Abigail,
daughter of Silas and Mary (Heron) Richmond, and
they became the parents of i children, five only
surviving: Clara A., Christie Ann, Katie, John and
Morris. Those deceased are Peter G., Thomas,
Hugh, Maggie, James and an unnamed infant. Mr.
Flake is a Republican, and belongs to the G. A. R.,
Post No. 77, at Sherman City, Isabella Co., Mich.
c ~'Srank Dumon, Prosecuting Attorney of Me| costa County, residence Big Rapids, was
'.. I),orn in 'Nissouri, Canada, Jan. 22, I842.
His father, John F. Dumon, is a native of the
%j Dominion, born Oct. I, 1817, and is a farmer.
His mother was born Feb. 23, 1823, in Cherry
Valley, N. Y. In 1847 his parents came to Michigan, and settled on a farm in the township of
Otisco, Ionia Co., where they are still resident.
Mr. Dumon was his father's assistant until 20
years old, when he committed himself to the cause
of the Union. He enlisted Aug. 8, 1862, at Otisco,
in Co. B, 25th Mich. Vol. Inf., Capt. Samuel Demorest. His command was attached to the Army of
the Ohio, under Gen. Burnside, and afterward under
Gen. Schofield, He was under fire at Kingston,
Knoxville and Mossy Creek, in the East Tennessee
campaign; at Tunnel Hill in the Altoona Mountains;
at Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, at the crossing of the
Decatur and Peach-Tree Creek, and Chattanooga
River. At the siege of Atlanta, July 22, I864, he
was severely wounded by a shot in the right side,
and was sent to a field hospital near Marietta, Ga.,
and thence successively to the hospitals at Nashville, Tenn., Jeffersonville, Ind., St. Mary's and
Harper's in Detroit. He was discharged from the
last June 7, I865, and returned home to the farm with
health so impaired that active life seemed forever
relegated to the past.
In September, 1865, he went to Ann Arbor and
entered the Law Department of the University of
Michigan, completed the required course of two
terms, and was graduated March 27, 1867. He
spent the year following in the law office of Wells &
Morse, at Ionia, and in April, i868, came to Big
Rapids, opened an office, and has since devoted
himself to the zealous prosecution of his calling.
He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta
County in the fall of I868, and re-elected two years
later. In I878 he was the candidate on the Greenback ticket for Attorney-General of Michigan, but
the party being in a hopeless minority he was of
course defeated. In 1882 he was the successful
candidate, on the Fusion ticket, for the office of
Prosecuting Attorney, and ran about 700 votes ahead
of his ticket. The popularity of Mr. Dumon is manifested by the election statistics. He is successful in
his career as a lawyer, and secures general favor by
his genial manners and good companionship.
His office is in the Telfer block, on Michigan
avenue; he owns his residence and two lots on
Ives avenue.
He was married Feb. 25, I869, to Jennie, daughter
of Wendell and Jane Benster, of Sylvan, Washtenaw
Co., Mich., where she was born May 24, 1849.
Their sons, Franklin G. and Frederick B., are both
deceased.
$g ohn Eaton, farmer, sec. 24, Chippewa Tp.,
W vwas born Oct. 28, 1839, in Ingham Co.,
^15 h Mich. His father, Edward Eaton, was a
} D; farmer, and in 1835 brought his family to
Eaton Co., from Pennsylvania, of which State
he was a native. The mother, Eliza (Cole)
Eaton, was also born in the Keystone State, and died
in Mecosta County.
Mr. Eaton received from his parents a commonschool education and the necessary training for the
duties of farming. He came to Mecosta County in
i868 and entered a claim of 80 acres of land under
the homestead act, in the township of Chippewa.
He now owns I20 acres, and has a fair proportion of
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it under improvements. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Eaton was married May 24, i866, to Mary A.,
daughter of Dryas and Sally (Woodard) Moore.
She was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., April 2, I845.
They have had six children, Dora I., Emma J., Nellie, Nettie, Jasper D. and Berthis.
---— "t^
orris G. Dye, farmer, sec. 30, Sheridan
Tp., was born May 14, 1845, in Medina
"' Co., Ohio, and is a son of Amos J. and
\" Deborah (Scranton) Dye, natives of Saratoga
Co., N. Y. (See sketch of James R. Dye.) Mr.
Dye resided in Ohio until he was 2I years of
age, when he came to Michigan and settled in the
township where he now resides, March i, I866. He
entered and proved a claim of i60 acres of land,
under the homestead law. It was in an entirely
original state, and he has placed half the tract under
fine cultivation.
Mr. Dye was married Jan. 17, I870, to Cynthia
Mr. Swager remained in the care of his father until he was 20 years of age, when he went to learn his
trade at Jonesville, Hillsdale Co., where he spent a
year. He then went to Williams Co., Ohio, and
was there married to Caroline C., daughter of Jason
and Fannie (Hulbert) Welton. He spent three
years there, working at his trade, when he came to
Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., and there followed
his business four years. His next remove was to
Allamakee Co., Iowa, going a year later to Dunn Co.,
Wis., where he resided three years. At the end of
that time he returned to Williams Co., Ohio. During his stay there the war of the Rebellion broke
out and, Aug. o, i86i, he enlisted and was in active
service until Sept. 22, I862. He was wounded May
31, I862, at the battle of Fair Oaks. He was in the
battle of Williamsburg, and on the expiration of his
term of service remained there until May, I865,
when he settled in the township of Green, on a farm,
and carried on agriculture eight years. Mr. Swager
is a Republican in political sentiment.
The family comprises i children: Arlina L.,
Charles C., Liberous, Fannie, Philetus, Zuleka, Mina,
George, Allen, Sarah E. and Leonard.
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== Ann Burd. She was born in Jay Co., Ind., Feb. 25, =
i, 185o. Her parents, John A. and Susanna (Clyne) '" ',
Burd, were originally from Virginia, and settled later
in Gallia Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Dye are the
parents of nine children, all of whom are living, | t ames H. Groom, farmer, sec. 12, Fork Tp.,
namely: Arthur, Ralph, William, Jacob, Amos,, | was born in Saratoga Co., N, Y., Oct. 5,
Mary, Anna Lee, Deborah S. and Jolhn.. 1 1839, and is the son of Milton and CatherMr. Dye's politics are not of the rigid type: if a ine (Butler) Groonl His parents were natives
candidate is honest he supports him; if he is in any of the State of New York, where they passsd
way uncertain, he votes the Republican ticket. In their entire lives. The father died when the, religious belief he concurs with the United Brethren. son was two years of age, and he became an inmate
7" He has been Road Commissioner eight years, and of the family of Thomas Wagner. His mother relheld the office of Supervisor during the year i88i. mained two years later and resumed the care and
charge of her child, retaining her guardianship until
I — a —= - -- he was 13 years of age, when he was bound to John
P Howes and was under his supervision six years.
i 4 elson J. Swager, blacksmith, on sec. 2, At the age of 19 Mr. Groom set out alone in life! Green Tl., was born in Holmes (o., Ohio, to make his record among men and secure the rel Jully rS, 1823. His father, George Swager, ward of patient, persistent effort in his struggle with (-. was a native of Bedford Co., Pa., was a circumstances. He worked by the day and month
t':; ~, farmer, and moved to Michigan in October, until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted in
1837, locating in Hillsdale County, where he en- I86I in the 77th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was disJ gaged in farming until his death in 1855 The charged at the end of four months on account of dis* other, Esther (Sharlp) Swager, was bor n i Vir- ability. He returned to the home of his birth, and (
i ginia, and died in October. 1848, in Ohio. two years later came to Michigan; remained for a,d IIe I[$[f s.............1.U... m' I.... q,,1' U 'll. I
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time in Kalamazoo, came thence to Big Rapids, and Among those we have selected to represent the
after a short residence located a farm of 80 acres in pioneers of Mecosta County, in the portrait depart-.fK Foik Tp., under the regulations of the homestead ment of this Album, there are certainly none more
act. In political faith and action Mr. Groom is a worthy than Mr. and Mrs. Rose, and it is with great
A Republican. pleasure that we present portraits of each of them in
He was married in 1869, to Nancy M., daughter of connection with this sketch.
Peter and Abigail (Freeman) Phenix. They were
natives of Pennsylvania and came to Mecosta
County in 1867, where they still reside. Mrs. Groom a
was born in Ohio, May 29, 1842. eorge Shust, farmer on sec. 21, Green Tp.,
1IX' was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 2,
ff I839. His parents, John and Barbara
X ^ -iTo- ^ (Blake) Shust, were born and died in the
r. <- T "Faderland." Mr. Shust came to America v
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I Il ames E. Rose, farmer, sec. 17, -Big Rapicds
~? TDp., was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, Dec.
4 - I6, I854. Freeman Rose, his father, was
g born in Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
May 25, 1820, and died Jan. II, I883. He
was of Irish and English lineage, and moved to
Defiance, Ohio, and removed thence to Michigan,
s settling in Big Rapids Tp., Dec. 20, I856. His was
i the fourth family in the township, and their experi-, ences exhibit all the characteristics of pioneer life.': Freeman Rose married Sally M. Lloyd, March 9,
I1854. She was born in Russell, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1823,
and became the mother of four children, two of
whom only are living-Mr. Rose of this sketch, and
Harriet Lucy (Rose) Fifield, born Sept. 15, 1857.
Mr. Rose holds the homestead on which his father
located in the earliest days of the history of Mecosta
County. His mother is the object of his special
charge, and relates graphically the incidents of her
pioneer life in the township. Much of the time she
i lived alone with only her baby son for companion,
P her husband being under the necessity of leaving
X home to find work to support his family. A call at
her door at midnight was a frequent experience, and
many times she left her bed to admit strangers for
shelter and food. Her husband would have abandoned the place but for her inflexible determination
to establish a home here, and when people who were
h amazed at her resolution and persistent endurance
remarked, "I should think you would die here! " she? replied, " I did not come to die-I came to live! " and. she has carried out her determination worthily. Let
us hope she may live to celebrate her centennial
) birthday in the county of whose wonderfully rapid
9 progress she has been an eye-witness.
X when 14 years of age, accompanied by his
brother John. They located in Cleveland, Ohio,
where they remained three years, engaged as farm
laborers, and occasionally obtaining employment in
the city. Mr. Shust went thence to Hillsdale, Mich.,
and there worked on a farm three years. At the expiration of that time, in the fall of i858, he came to
Mecosta County, and spent four years as a lumberman. He then went to Kent County, and returned
hither at the end of two years, when he bought the
farm whereon he now resides, then in a perfectly wild
state, and at once entered vigorously on the work of
clearing and improving it. He now owns i60 acres,
with about ioo in tillage.
Mr. Shust was married in I86I, to Cynthia Nippress, a native of Ohio, born Sept i I, 1844. She was
a daughter of Robert and Christina Nippress, and
died June 28,1 883. The family comprise five children, namely: Charles I., Nelson, Cora E., Chancey
L., Della M., George W. and Flora A.
Mr. Shust is prominent in public-school interests
in his township, and is a Republican with reference
to national affairs.
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~{i1illiam M. Ferguson, dealer in fancy and
staple groceries and gentlemen's furnish- r),ing goods, at Big Rapids, was born in
Tioga Co., N. Y., March 13, 1842. He is a
son of Ezra S. and Hannah (Barton) Fer- t
guson, and was reared as a- farmer's son.
He became a soldier for the Union during the )
first year of the Southern Rebellion, enlisting at
1}I-I1 — ^~
0 0
4I2 MECOSTA COUNTY.
) - ^ ^ —! * — = === =,^ )
o Owego, N. Y., Aug. 3, i86I, in Co. H, Third N. Y. was elected, on the Republican ticket, to the official
1 Vol. Inf., Capt. J. S. Catlin, and served as a private position he now holds.;;^ two years. He was in a number of engagements and
f skirmishes, and was discharged Sept. i6, I863, at *
Folly Island, S. C., returning to Owego, where he s
stayed about six months. He then entered the con-illard A. Whitney, M. D, Big Rapids,
struction corps in the Government service, and spentwas born at Clifton, Monroe Co., N. Y
Dec. 14, I844, a son of Willard S. and
a year in the South. In the fall of i866, he came to j May AD. 14i844 a son of Willard S. and
Big Rapids, and was employed by the lumber firm i M ay A (hiting) W tney. He was kept
in steady attendance at school until about
of F. H. Todd & Co., to scale logs, etc., in the lum- m.'the time of the Southern Rebellion, when, his
er woods. He was thus employed about I8 months, t
ber interest having become fully aroused by the element
'- and has served several lumber houses in the same: and similar capacities.. of patriotism which pervaded the whole land, he enlisted at Buffalo, enrolling Nov. 22, i861, in the 24th
Nov. I7, I882, he bought the general stock of.
N. Y. Light Artillery, Capt. Lee, and was in the sergoods of J. W. Fearns; he has added several lines of e until July 25 865. During his long period of.J '11 -.1. *. vice until July 25, I865. During his long period of I
merchandise, and has since transacted business with
military life he participated in numerous encounters
sales averaging $50,000 yearly. His stock is worth m if
about $ioo with the rebels, of greater or less moment; among
about $Io,ooo.
them the battles of Newbern, Kingston, Whitehall,
) Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Masonic fra- Goldsboro, etc., etc.
ternity. He was married at Binghamton, N. Y., In the fall following his discharge he went to Lan/ Oct. 28, i868, to Hettie A., daughter of Benjamin sing, Mich., and was in a private academy under the
' and Betsey Thorn. She was born in Tioga, Tioga instructions of Prof. Olds, where lhe remained 8
Co.,N. Y., Oct. 8, 184. They have two daughters months. His father being a physician, the studious
__ -Lulie M., born Aug. 25, 187 i, and Maud B., born
3 -Lulie M., 87,boy and youth had gathered a considerable fund of =
March 9, 1867. medical information and had, whenever opportunity.,
S.. offered, read medicine systematically. In 1868 he
matriculated at Cleveland Homeopathic College, and
was graduated in 1870. He began the practice of
his profession at Lansing, and went thence to Lock>til lUl,m,cart NT V. Iwh r- 1hP rrll.nl irA.nhoit n t-vPlvf
"" 1.n, 1
m arry I. Orwig, County Surveyor, residing at: Big Rapids, was born at Newport, Portage
IF Co., Ohio, Aug. 2, 1857, and is a son of? John and Hannah M. (Hoover) Orwig.
v In I866 his father bought a farm containing
I 40 acres of land in the vicinity of St. Louis,
(Grtiot Co., Mich., where Mr. Orwig was reared until 1874, when he went to Valparaiso, Porter Co.,
Ind., and attended the Northern Indiana Normal
School and Business Institute two years. He went
to the high school at St. Louis, and also studied
IVJU16 1X 1. AL LI J'4. it IV Vmonth, and came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1873,
where his father, Dr. W. S. Whitney, was already
established. Their business interests were conducted jointly about one year, when Dr. Whitney of
this sketch opened an office alone. He has a satisfactory business as physician and surgeon, and is now
County Physician, a post he has held since 1875,
with the exception of the year I882. He is examining physician for the A. O. U. W., and also for the
Order of Chosen Friends; is Surgeon of Post French,
G. A. R.; Clerk of the Board of Education of Big
3
under private tutors, interspersing his educational Rapids; and President of the Northern Michiganl
course with teaching, which profession he followed Homeopathic Association.
six years. Dr. Whitney was married at Big Rapids, Nov. 1r, In March, i881, he came to Big Rapids, and en- 1874, to Iizzie E., daughter of Alfred I. and Fannie
") gaged with Wm. M. Jacques, City Engineer and M. Clark, born at Oswego, N. Y.,May 6, 1854. l)r.
County Surveyor. A year later he was appointed and Mrs. Whitney have one child-Fannie M., bornl
/ Deputy to the latter office, and in the fall of f882 at Big Rapids, Mich., Sept. 25, I875.
k fx,*1^^:-,o" -C - 1- -6a1ti ^ -~-14- --------
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4I6 MECOSTA COUNTY.
r ---, ---. -1 I,, the battle of Gettysburg, when his regiment was i children, nine of whom are living. Following are,
transferred to the Western Department, and was their record: Sally A., born Feb. 5, 1849; Alexander t
#., ordered to Chattanooga for the relief of Gen. Rosen- W., Nov. 27, 1850; Viola, Nov. Io, 1852; Prudence
crans. The first engagements there were those of J, April 29, I855; Francis M., July 2, 1857; Chas.
Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. A heavy E., Jan. 4, i860; Finella T., Nov. 3, I862; Hattie
battle was fought at Resaca, where the regiment suf- L., May 7, 1864; Bessie F., April 23, 1867; Harris
fered a loss of ioi killed and wounded. They W., March 27, I870; Erva, March 27, I872. Bespressed on amid continued skirmishing to Altoona sie died Aug. 20, 1876; Erva died May 22, 1872.
Station, where more heavy fighting took place. This Mr. Benscoter came to Flint, Mich,, in April, 1865.
was the last active service of Mr. Ganong. as he was In January, I866, he went to Stanton, and March i,
attacked with illness and sent to the rear. He did I867, settled on his homestead of 80 acres, in Sheri-, not recover sufficiently to rejoin his command, and dan Tp. He has cleared 60 acres, and placed 30
' was discharged June i, 1865. acres under cultivation. He has a good frame house;? He remained in his native State about six months, and barn, besides other necessary farm buildings.:
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going thence to Fayette Co., Iowa, and worked as a
farm laborer two years. He came thence to Grant
Tp., and was occupied two years in lumbering. In
I869 he entered and proved a claim of 80 acres, under the homestead law, which is one of the best
tracts of land in the vicinity, in location and quality
of soil.
Mr. Ganong was married in Cortland, Kent Co.,
Mich., Dec. 23, I876, to Catherine Hayes. She was
born Nov. 23, I843, in Spring Harbor, Jackson Co,
Mich., and is the daughter of Joseph F. and Elizabeth B. Hayes, who are still living. There is one
child, Nora M. Ganong, born April 26, I879. He
is a Republican in political connection, and is a
member of the G. A. R. and of the Masonic
fraternity.
In politics he is a Republican, and has held the
office of Township Clerk five years, and in I87 8-9 was
Township Treasurer.
i onroe R. Kent, farmer, sec. i, Mecosta
Tp., was born in Mecosta County, Aug.
[ 3, i862. He is the son of Rufus and
Mary D. (Greer) Kent (see sketch), and has: always resided with his parents. In the spring
of i88o he assumed charge of the estate of his
father, which he is still managing. Mr. Kent is a
young man of more than ordinary promise. He has
secured a fair education, is energetic, is possessed of
excellent moral qualities, being strictly temperate, and
has a fine physical constitution and firm, sound health.
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-I' He is a voracious reader and well inlormed on all! '^ohn W. Benscoter, farmer, sec. 2, Sheri- general issues. Ile has no particular religious bent
-L- dan Tp., was born in Luzerne Co., Pa., and in political faith is a Democrat. He is engaged
1 i Jan.l 24, 1827. Hle is the eldest of three in progressive farming and raises some of the finest
$ children born to his parents, John and Sally crops in the county, the grade of his products having f
(Masters) Benscoter, who were born in the been more than once among the successful competing
above county in 801o and 1803 respectively, of articles of farm culture at fairs.
German lineage.
Mr. Benscoter was married to Ada B. Roberts, --.1
July 13, 1846, in Pennsylvania. She was born in s
that State, in Susquehanna County, July 9, I829, homas Wylie, farmer, sec. 32, Chippewa
and is the daughter of Oliver C. and Betsey (Harris) Tp., was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in
Roberts. The father was born in Peacham, Vt., (| November, 1844, and is the son of Ben- '
Dec. 6, I797, and died Aug. 15, 1882. The mother.. jamin and Ann (Mitchell) Wylie. They were
was born April 4, 1798, in Massachusetts, and resides both natives of Scotland and are deceased.
with her daughter. Mr. Wylie was reared in his native county,
Mr. and Mrs. Ilcnscoter have been the parents of and assisted his father in farming until 1861, when
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f he emigrated to the United States. He went to
Philadelphia, and after residing there some time
' went to Wellington Co., Can., and there found employment two years, as a farm laborer. He went
thence to Wisconsin and worked for a railroad company, in various capacities. Two years later he came
to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he spent four months.
In the fall of 1867 he came to Big Rapids and passed
the winter; next spring he came to Chippewa Tp. and
entered a homestead of 80 acres of land, the entire
tract being dense forest. He cleared a place to build
a house, took possession of his property, and proceeded zealously with the labors and struggles of the
pioneer farmer. He owns I20 acres of land, and has
one half of it under the best kind of cultivation,
realizing all the satisfaction possible to a successful
agriculturist.
He is neutral in politics, and has discharged the
duties of a man and citizen in the various local
offices to which he has been chosen.
Mr. Wylie was married Oct. 29, i866, to Christina
= McMullen, born in Wellington Co., Can., May 31,
" I848. She is a daughter of John and Grace (Blue); McMullen, natives of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs.
= Wylie have had seven children: Annie, John, Benjamin, Grace, Ellen, James and Jennie. The two
last named are not living.
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~ iPichard S. Decker, farmer on sec. 2, Mill-?E 'iL brook Tp., was born in Delaware Co., N.Y.,
* t l' Sept. Io, I825. In 1833 his parents retL~ moved to Canada, and Mr. Decker remained
there until he was 33 years old, when the family went to Illinois and settled in Kane County.
In the fall of i86o he came to Mecosta County and
entered a claim of 40 acres of land under the Swamp
Land act in Millbrook Tp., then attached to Hinton.
Mr. Decker was a laborer from the age of four years
until he became a farmer in Michigan. Previous to
his 3oth year, he was employed at intervals in a machine shop, alternating with farm work and as a car- penter. Two years before going to Illinois he was
# variously occupied, and in that State he was employed
% nearly three years as a carpenter. Reverses in Canada swept away all he had accumulated, and on
_ coming to Mecosta County he began life anew. The
township had no independent organization until 1865,
and at the date of Mr. Decker's settlement this section was mostly in a state of nature, the first permanent inhabitants of the township having been resident but a year. In the spring of I86I Mr. Decker
entered upon the work of a pioneer; built a log house
for his family and set about clearing his land. The
year following he bought another tract of 40 acres of
land and has since added 40 acres more, aggregating
I20 acres in all of which he has been the owner.
His home farm now contains 76 acres of his original
estate, and nearly all of this is well improved. In
I870 the pioneer home gave place to its modern representative-a good frame house, but the days of
struggle and privation are still honored in the memory of those who had the fortitude voluntarily to
confront them and the forethought to look beyond to
the years of fruition sure to follow honest, persistent
endeavor.
Mr. Decker was married Feb. 26, 1851, to Ellen,
second daughter of Lorenzo and Fanny (Fisher)
Aldrich. Her parents were natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts respectively, and she was
born in Lower Canada, Dec. 26, 1832. Mr. and Mrs.
Decker have had seven children. The eldest, Danforth D., born Jan. ii, 1853, died a month after birth.
Those surviving were born in the order named:
Mary C., May 23, 1854; Ida M., March ii, 1856;
Hiram S., May 22, I858; Leonard H., May 3, 1863;
Darwin D., Aug. 6, 1867; Addie J., Oct. 19, I869.
In politics Mr. Decker is a Republican, as his record shows. He has served his township two terms
as Supervisor, four terms as Treasurer, and has been
Constable one year. While acting as custodian of
the municipal finances he became involved in difficulties that caused serious trouble and considerable
litigation. The safe where the moneys belonging to
the township were deposited for security, was broken
open and $8oo abstracted; but Mr. Decker claims exoneration from responsibility in the affair.
He was drafted in 1864 and served in the Union
army until the close of the war. His regiment was
attached to the command of General Sherman, and
Mr. Decker was in most of the engagements of tha
memorable campaign. Himself and wife are Adventists in religious belief. As one of the leading agriculturists and a prominent citizen of the county, we
present Mr. Decker's portrait in this Album.
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W. Eldredge, dentist, office No. 15 Mich-..ta igan avenue, Big Rapids, was born in
-fl1 Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1843. His
j father, Erastus Eldredge, was born at Salem,
1 Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, I789, and
died Feb. 22, 1864. The paternal grandfather
of Dr. Eldredge enlisted as a soldier of the
Revolution at the beginning of the war, and was at
one time on the staff of Gen. Washington. His
father was a soldier of I81 2, and fought at Plattsburg. The Eldredge family, of English ancestry, is
one of long standing in America. The mother of
Dr. Eldredge was Anna, eldest daughter of Samuel
Watson. She was born in Maine, Sept. 5, I799, and
died in Penfield, N. Y., near Rochester, Aug. 28,
1883. Her fatherwas born in Maine, Jan. 3, 1777; her
mother was born Dec. 12, 1877. They were the
parents of io children, born in the following order;
Anna, 1799; Rufus, 1802; Daniel, 1804; Marion,
1805; Merrill, 1807; Samuel, Jr., I809; Susan, I8 4;
Maria, I816; Emily, 1819, and Frank 1822. Seven
of these children are now living. The children of
Mr and Mrs. Eldredge numbered ten: William, Ezra,
l'olly, Charles, Samuel, James, Ianiel, Lewis. Irving,
and Dr. A. W. Eldredge, the youngest.
He was seized with scarlet fever when two years
of age, and partly lost the use of his right leg, which
COUN2TY.
acter of manly dignity and integrity, winning and retaining the respect and patronage of the public by
his merits as a practitioner and gentleman..
Dr. Eldredge was married at Fairport, N. Y., Nov.
I6, I870, to Alcesta, daughter of Abner and Cornelia
Brown. She was born at Fairport, Sept. 19, I843.
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>'it f illiam A. McCombs, farmer, secs. r and
2, Sheridan Tp., was born May 16, I825,
in Columbiana Co., Ohio. His father,
Archibald McCombs, was born in Washington Co., Pa., in 1769; was of Scotch extraction, and died in 1875. The mother, Catherine
(Jeffries) McCombs, was born in 1803, of English
and Welsh descent, became the mother of ii children, and is still living, in Wood Co., Ohio.
Mr. McCombs is the third clild of his parents,
and was married Feb. 6, I851, to Catherine Patterson. She died Oct. 22, 186o, leaving six children,
all of whom are living: Elizabeth Ann, John William, Nicholas A., Caroline A., David M. and Archibald. Mr. McCombs was married March 17, i86i,
at Uhricksville, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, to Mrs.
Susannah (Jackson) Parish, widow of Abraham
Parish, to whom she was married in 1852. He died
in 1856, leaving two children-Dorothy and James.
Mrs. McComls was born March 29, 1826, in Ponteland. Northumberlandshire. Engr.. a few miles from
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resulted in plermanent lameness. He was a pupil at Newcastle-u pon-Tyne. Her father, James Jackson,
school most of his youthful life, and at the age of was born in England, about 1803, and died in Erie
20 attended the (Commercial College at PIoughkeep- Co., N. Y., in 1855. Her mother, Dorothy (Falnilton)
sie,N. Y., where he continued nine months. In 1864 Jackson, was born Feb. 22, 18o5, in the village of
he went to Chicago and was employed as book- Duns, alout half a mile from the field of Chevy
' keeper in the establishment of E. T. Darby, plumber Chase, in Northumberlandshire, Eng. She died in 7
and gas-fitter. lie remained in this position eleven her native county Dec. 2, 833. Mr. and Mrs.
months, and then went to Angola, Ind., and pur- McCombs have had four children-Robert L., Sarah
chased the grocery and provision business of his M., Etta 1\. and Nora 1. The last child died when
uncle. Three months later he made an advantage- six nonths old.
ous sale of the concern and commenced preparation Mr. McCombs became a soldier in the late war,
for his professional career in the office of James Raw- enlisting at Camp Meigs, Ohio, in Co. G, 5ist Ohio
ley, dentist. In the spring of I866 he went to York, Inf., for three years, but was lischarged on account
Ind., remaining a year. In the fall of 1867 he came of disalility at the end of 18 months. He is a )emo-.,. to Big Rapids and opened an office. Dr. Eldredge crat in political faith, and belongs to the Methodist
has a prosperous practice, and employs two assist- Church.
lants. He is thoroughly read and adopts the best He came in 1865 to Mecosta County, and entered
ilnprovements in dental practice; is peculiarly popu- and proved a claim of 80 acres under the homestead. lar in his ibusiness and social relations, from his char- law, and purchased 120 acres additional. Of this,
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AME COSTA CO t
i6o acres are under first-class cultivation, and exhibit a degree of thrift and industry eminently creditable to the proprietor. He was a pioneer in the
1 township of Sheridan.
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i ames M. Adair, farmer, sec. 22, Fork Tp.,! was born in Niagara, Canada, Aug. 4, 1803,:? and is the son of John and Phebe (Mills)
Adair, both of whom were born on the borders
of the Susquehanna River. The father was a
soldier of the war of I8I2, and held the rank
of Quartermaster.
Mr. Adair remained with his parents until the
death of his father, in 1813. His mother married
Hartman Freeland, and after a short time he went to
learn the trade of blacksmith, which he followed five
years, and afterwards was employed on a farm and at
the carpenter and builder's trade.
Mr. Adair was first married to Magdalene London,
a native of Niagara Co., Canada, and became the
" father of five children, two of whom are living:
) Daniel L. and John H. The deceased were Mary,
Annie and Phebe C. In 1830 Mr. Adair moved to
Lucas Co, Ohio, and resided there until i868, when
he came to Michigan and, Feb. 5, located 80 acres
of land under the provisions of the homestead act,
and has since continued a resident. He was married
a second time in i861, to Mrs. Caroline (Dewese)
Switzer. Mrs. Adair has one child, Martin A., by her
first imarriage.
Politically Mr. Adair is a Democrat. He has been
~ School Treasurer a number of years and served
Fork Tp. 15 years as Justice of the Peace.
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child of his parents. He enlisted in the Mexican
war in 1846, and was in the service four months.
He also enlisted in the Union army, Feb. T, 1862, for
three years, veteranized, and was honorably discharged in October, i865. He enlisted in Mercer
Co., Ohio, in Co. K, of the regiment known as the
" Bloody Fortieth," and was a participant in some of
the hardest-fought battles of the war.
In politics he belongs to the National or Greenback party. He has figured somewhat conspicuously
in local politics, and has been Justice of the Peace
io years. He settled in Sheridan Tp., March T,
I866; owns ioo acres of land, and now has 45 acres
under cultivation.
~l lJ^ avid Ackerman, farmer, sec. 22, Fork Tp.,
gIf (was bor n Cayuga Co., N. Y., July i,
)jl[~ I 807, and is son of John and Rachel (Ben) nett) Ackerman. His parents were born in
New York, and his paternal grandfather, William Ackerman, was born in France, came to
this country with the French troops under LaFayette
and fought in the American Revolution.
The mother of Mr. Ackerman died when he was
but eight years of age, and he was reared by his
grandfather to the age of 14 years. He engaged as
a farm laborer until 1826, when he went to Broome
Co., N. Y., and the next two summers worked on a
farm and followed the occupation of a lumberman in
the winter. He went thence to Onondaga Co., N.
Y., and in 1828 was married to Electa, daughter of
Daniel and Anna (Norton) Woodford. Six children
were born of this marriage, three of whom are now
living: Electa M., Rhoda A. and Emily M. The
mother died in 1843 and Mr. Ackerman was again
married Jan. 26, i846, to Mary Ann, daughter of
James and Ruth (Gould) Ford, the former a native
of New York, born Feb. 28, I776, of English parentage; the latter was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y.,
May 5, I779. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have had
five children, four of whom now survive-Alzina L.,
Charles A., Edward E. and Imogene N. James H.
is deceased. Mrs. Ackerman's grandfather, Nathaniel
Ford, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war.
Mr. Ackerman resided in New York until 1832,
when he went to Huron Co., Ohio, and resided there
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1 -ames R. Dye, farmer, sec. 30, Sheridan Tp.,
1itwas born Oct. 5, 1829, in Medina Co.,.t A Ohio., and is of Irish descent. He is a
son of Amos J. and Deborah (Scranton) Dye,
natives of Saratoga Co., N. Y. The father was
born Feb. 20, I8o8, and was married in March,
1829. The mother was born July 15, i8io, of Welsh
parentage, and is residing with her son James R.
Amos J. Dye died in September, I864.
Mr. Dye is an unmarried man, and is the oldest
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six years; he moved thence to La Grange Co., Ind.,
where his first wife died. He moved next to Calhoun Co., Mich., in I857, and was there 21 years;
then he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., in 1878 and located in the township of Fork. Politically Mr. Ackerman is a Democrat.
-< ----0 ag(((((0) )))>Ci = —=J,ohn II. Bright, farmer, sec. 26, Fork Tp.,? was born in Darke Co., Ohio, April 21, 1853,
and is a son of Jesse Bright, who was born
in North Carolina, and after the death of his
wife in I859 married again and moved to Ohio,
going thence to Indiana, and after a brief stay
moved to Montcalm Co., Mich.; in 1870 he came to
Mecosta County, and settled in Fork Tp., locating a
farm containing 80 acres, under the homestead act,
on which he has since resided.
Mr. Bright acquired his education in thie common
schools and was bred to agricultural pursuits. He
accompanied his father to Mecosta County, and is
now resident on a farm in the same section. He was
married in I876, to Rosa M., daughter of William
and Jane (Sidler) Creevey, born Jan. 8, i86o, in Eaton
Co., Mich. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bright
are Eva Jane, Jessie Bell and John William. Mr.
Bright is a Republican in political adherence, and
has served his township in several local offices.
(l| illiam H. Andrews, saw repairer at Big. Rapids, was born in Sheffield, Eng., Sept.
M 2 I7, I831. Benjamin Andrews, his ftther,
' was born in Sheffield, in May, 1792, and his
} mother, Sarah (Utley) Andrews,in September
of the same year. The grandparents of Mr. Andrews belonged to the agricultural class of England,
but the sons on the paternal side were brought upI as
artificers in Sheffield, celelrated the world over for
its cutlery and artisans' tools in metals. Mr. Andrews' father carried on a general hardware buisiness
in London for ten years, and came to New York with
his family iln 834, where lie carried on the business
of saw repairing until his death, I)ec. 3, 1841. The
mother died in Elmira, N. Y., lMarch 8, 1869. Wnm.
Andrews, uncle of Mr. Andrews, of this sketch,
came to the United States in i1 9, and brought with
him the first saw-makers' anvil ever used this side of
the Atlantic. The anvil has been preserved and
was exhibited at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, by Emanuel Andrews, brother of Mr. Andrews, of Big Rapids, himself at that time a sawmaker located at Williamsport, and the first founder
of saw-making as a regular calling in Chicago. The
uncle went to Auburn, N. Y, and founded an establishment for the repairing of saws, where he died.
Mr. Andrews spent his boyhood's years in school.
At 14 he was apprenticed to the well-known house of
1. Hoe & Co., of New York, to learn the trade of
saw-making, to serve until he attained his majority.
He remained a year after the expiration of his indentures, and in I853 went to Elmira, N. Y., and
worked a year there with his brother Emanuel, whom
he accompanied to Chicago in I854. He afterwards
returned to Elmira and there pursued his trade until
I871, when he went to Williamsport and was again
engaged with his brother Emanuel for the space of
two and one-half years. He came to Big Rapids in
1874, and, associated with his brother Joseph, opened
a shop for the sale and repair of saws. His business
relations with his brother ceased at the end of ten
months. In April, 1883, he bought the site where
he is now located, and erected his shop, a structure
20x36 feet. His business includes re-teething, glumming and straightening saws, and his trade is prosperous and profitable.
Mr. Andrews was married at Big Rapids, July 24,
i88o, to Anna, widow of Peter Klynsma. M'rs. Andrews was born June 22, 1848, in Holland, and is the
mother of one child from her first marriage. Mr.
Andrews belongs to the Masonic Order, Union Lodge,
No. 95, at Elmira, N. Y.; also to the Royal Arch
Chapter, No. 42, of Elmira, and is a member of
Southern Tier Council, No. I6.
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S'1*.:.illis Morse, farmer, sec. 12, Grant Tp.,
4 ~ lr was born Nov. 21, 1830, at Concord, N. IH.
i1^ ' His parents, jacob and Nancy Morse,
J f were bloth natives of New York. Mr. Mr lorse
was reared to the vocation of agriculture,
which he p)ursued until he was 3r years old, -
when the Southern Rebellion, with all its horrors
and attendant calamities, made its fierce onset to
destroy the national unity.
lie enlisted Sept. 15, i86i, in Co. 1-, 44th N. Y..... t -t-.......;
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Vol. Inf., Col. Striker. His regiment rendezvoused
at Albany about five weeks, and then went to the. front. The first battle in which Mr. Morse engaged
was at Yorktown, followed by that of Hanover Court-9 House, May 27, 1862, where he received a bad scalp
wound from a minie ball. After a lengthened stay
in the hospital he was furloughed 30 days. When
he rejoined his regiment at Harrison's Landing, the
Union forces were falling back, and his command
was detailed to protect the Federal Capital when Lee
crossed Maryland with the expectation that that
State would rise to his aid, and the capture of Washington be a comparative trifle. But the rebel chief
found his hopes vain, and, instead of establishing himself in the seat of the Union Government, he found
battle precipitated at Gettysburg. The regiment of
Mr. Morse reached that most memorable field of the
conflict on the second day of the fight, and at once
went into action. He was wounded twice in the
head and removed to the hospital, whence he was
sent to Baltimore. Four months later he joined his
regiment at Fredericksburg, and was next in the
= fight at Chancellorsville, under Hooker; and, after
_ that most disastrous campaign, retreated to the northern bank of the Rappahannock, near Manass'as.
After the second Bull Run fight he went to Alexandria, and thence to Washington Hospital, on the sick
list. He was transferred to the hospital at Point
Lookout, and after four months again rejoined his
regiment. The seven days' battles of the Wilderness
ensued immediately, when Mr. Morse was captured.
He was held by the rebels about 36 hours, when a
charge was made by Cen. Custer and a rescue
effected. He accompanied the forces of the cavalry
chief to City Point, and went back to his command
via Washington. He took part in all the battles
where his regiment was engaged, until his discharge
from service, Oct. II, 1864.
He came to Michigan, and in July, i866, entered
a claim of 80 acres of land, where he established his
homestead. The entire tract was covered with heavy
timber. He has added to his estate by subsequent
purchase, and now owns a fine landed property of. 240 acres. In politics he is independent.
He was married Nov. 2, I871, to Ruth A.,
daughter of Elijah and Rhoda Blanchard, of Chippewa, Mich. Mrs. Morse was born Aug. i6, 1849,
at Caton, Steuben Co., N. Y. Of this marriage there
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are four children, born as follows: Nancy R., March
29, 1874; Emmett L., May 8, 1875; Leonard E.,
Nov. 19, 1877; Orville T., Aug. 19, 1879.
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-jl^ -ames M. Darrah, of the firm of Darrah
" 1 Bros. & Co., proprietors of the City Flouring
X1 Mills at Big Rapids, was born in Luzerne
Co., Pa., March 4, 1835. His parents, Robert
and Sinia (Mitchell) Darrah, went to Jefferson
Co., Pa., when he was two years of age, and
where his father engaged in farming and lumbering.
His parents and brother came west in the spring of
1856, and in the fall he followed. He found employment in the lumber woods and for some time worked
by the month, engaging a part of the time in scaling
logs. He was in the service of the lumber firm of
Roberts & Hull nine years, and during the three
last of these he was in sole charge of their lumber
interests. The force of assistants numbered nearly
J=
100 men.,
At the end of nine years he bought timber land >
and engaged in the lumber trade on his own behalf,
and also continued to fulfill contracts to furnish lum-:
ber for other parties. In the winter of 1882-3 he
managed the labors of 80 men, and put in nearly
seven million feet of lumber.
In August, 1882, the Darrah Bros. (James M. and
Charles M.) bought the City Flouring Mills in upper
Big Rapids, and not long afterward the son of one
member of the firm, W. E. Darral, was admitted to
the firm as a partner. They are now engaged in
building a new mill for their trade and will appropriate the old mill to custom work and feed.
Mr. Darrah owns a fine farm on sec. 33, of Green
Tp., containing 80 acres of land; also one of 80 acres
in the Township of Colfax, and 40 acres of land in
Missaukee County, besides four lots in the city of Big
Rapids. He was married at Big Rapids, Oct. i,
1874, to Emma L., daughter of Daniel C. and Rheuama Gore. Mrs. Darrah was born at Elkhart, Ind.
Nov. 28, I852. Of her marriage to Mr. Darrah three
children have been born,-Grace E., March 9, 1877;
Ella R. and James Chester. Only the first named
child survives. Mr. Darrah is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was one of the charter members
of the Big Rapids National Bank. He was elected <
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i, 426 MECOSTA COUNTY.
' Director at its organization and is a member of its __ _ _ _ _ _
t present Board.:' 1 As one of the representative citizens of this County,
and a gentleman well worthy the position, we present
' the portrait of Mr. Darrah in this work.
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B enjamin T. Lovejoy, farmer, sec. 4, Sheridan Tp.,was born Jan. i6, 1830, in Catta-! ' ' raugus Co., N. Y. Almon Lovejoy, his
e A father, was born in Connecticut, June 22,
I792; and came of a clear line of Puritan
ancestry, and died Nov. 27, i880. His
mother, Hannah (Ames) Lovejoy, was of Welsh
descent, born near the extremity of Lake Ontario, in
the State of New York, Sept. I8, 1795, and died Nov.
6, I88o.
Mr. Lovejoy was married Dec. 25, 1857, in Paris
Tp., Kent. Co., Mich., to Charlotte A. Van Amburgh.
She was born May 6 I830, in Oakland Co., Mich., and
is a daughter of Matthew Van Amburgh. Mr. and
Mrs. Lovejoy have been the parents of four children,
born as follows: Almon M., Oct. 22, 1859; Abner
L., May 19, I86I; James Nelson and George Benjamin, twins, born Feb. I6, 1863, and died three
weeks subsequent to birth.
Mr. Lovejoy came to the State of Michigan in the
fall of I843, and settled in Hillsdale County. In
I855 he went to Kent County, where he remained 25
years.
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X f:ugh Johnson, farmer and lumberman, sec.
l 6, Chippewa Tp., was born in Middlesex
i Co., Can., June i8, I833, and is a son of
Alexander and Mary (Nesbit) Johnson. They
were natives of Scotland, where the father was
born, in February, 1794, and the mother in
January, i8o6. They came from their native land
to Canada in 1820, and lived on a farm until the
death of the senior Johnson, which occurred Oct. 4,
I874. In i882 the mother became an inmate of the
family of her son.
Mr. Johnson became " his own man " at the age
of i8 years, working as a day laborer on a farm and
as a hand in the saw-mills of the vicinity where he
grew to manhood. He was married in I86o, to
Margaret, daughter of John and Wealthy (Degraw)
Whiting. The parents were born in the State of
New York, the daughter in Caradock, Middlesex Co.,
Can. After his marriage, Mr. Johnson operated as a
farmer in the Dominion 2 years. He sold out and
in July, 1876, came to Chippewa Tp., Mecosta Co.,
bought 136 acres of land on sec. 6, and engaged
exclusively in agriculture until 1882. In that year,
associated with his brother, John, he erected a sawmill and has since been diligently engaged in the
manufacture of lumber. The mill has all the most
desirable modern fixtures, with a capacity to saw
daily I2,000 feet of hard or soft lumber.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been the parents of.. 1 * 1 I1 c I d _. h r 1ae s A t -_- T
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nWI tile OULLLUriUiK 0IL 30LULtUEII MI C WU)III 1, II iC five children. Three are still living,-Aiielila L.,
himself impelled to do all in his power to avert from Alexander G. and Maggie L. Two are deceased,the nation the impending evils of disruption. He Wealthy A. and Mary E. The family attend the
' enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, in Co. E, 2ist Mich. Vol. Baptist Chrch. Mr. Johnsonis a Republican.
i Inf, and was in the service three years, three
months and seven days. Among other engage- -'-4((@))>R. —O
ments in which he took part were the battles of l
Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862; Murfreesboro, Tenn., | 4 1harle s B. Lovejoy, grocer at Big Rapids,
D)ec. 31, 1862, and Jan. X and 2, 1863. He waswas born in Locke, Ingham Co, Mich.,
1I.o was lorn in Locke, Ingham Co., Mich.,
transferred to the Invalid Corps on account of dis- May 21, 1844, and is a son of Israel H.
ability, and was discharged Nov. 12, 1865, at Spring- and Mary B. (Hill) Lovejoy. The fatlersetfield, Ill. \ tied in Locke in 1840, when that and the
He came to Mecosta County in r88o, and bought joininog towships were in their primeval con80 acres of land, where he has since been farming. dition. I orler to reach the location of his claim
He has improved his farm to the was under the necessity of cutting a road through
has 50 acres in tillage, a good frame house, and suit- the wilderness a distance of three miles. At that
~ able farm buildings. He is a Republican and be- time only half a dozen families were settled in the
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Lansing was the market for the produce of Ingham
County, and the city pioneers were then clearing
away the timber, where now the thronging citizens
traverse finely graded streets and behold stately and, splendid buildings. Mr. Lovejoy, Sr., was the
youngest in a family of two brothers and three sisters, all of whom are now living, each having an
average age of 77 I years. He is a second cousin
of the brothers Elijah Parish Lovejoy and Owen
Lovejoy, the great Abolitionists. (The former died
a martyr to principle on the evening of Nov. 7, 1837,
at Alton, Ill., and the latter was a conspicuous memb er of Congress, who died in I864.)
Mr. Lovejoy, of this sketch, is the eldest of nine
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children who attained mature age. (Two sisters and
one brother are now deceased). He was reared on
a farm, and at 20 years of age went to Albion, Mich.,
where he took a special course of commercial study
at Mayhew's Business College. On leaving school
he made his parents a short visit, and with $8.50 as
a capital for future operations he set out to Bay City
to commence life on his own account. Eight weeks
later he went home and entered the employ of
George N. Cady, merchant at Albion, at $ o per
month and board. Six months later a better situation offered, and he went to Litchfield, Hillsdale
Co., Mich., to enter the store of his cousins, F. E.
& A. C. Lovejoy, as clerk and accountant, where he
remained three years; in i871 he came to Big Rapids, where he engaged as book-keeper five years; in
1876 he formed a partnership with John G. Gill, in
the grocery business, a relation which existed 18,harles L. Tuttle, farmer, sec. i8, Grant
i Tp., was born in Rochester, Monroe Co.,
N. Y., Jan. 18, 1836, and is a son of David
and Mary Ann Tuttle. His father was born
Ij Jan. 3, I813, in New York, and died Sept. I,
1879. His mother was born in the Empire
State Sept. 24, I815, and died Feb. 15, I847.
Mr. Tuttle became a citizen of the Peninsular
State in 1864. After a stay of a few months at
Grand Rapids he went to Cannon Tp., Kent Co.,
where he remained a year, and after passing a similar period of time in the township of Cortland, in
that county, he came to Grant Tp., and entered a
homestead claim of 80 acres. He has since bought
80 acres across the highway on sec. 19, both tracts
being choice land. In I880 he built a fine dwellinghouse on sec. i8, at an expenditure of $2,000.
Mr. Tuttle was married Jan. 6, 1858, to Mary C.
daughter of R. L. and Mary Underhill. The father
was born April 27, I8io, in New York, and died
Aug. io, 1854; his father, Samuel Underhill, was
born in the same State, in 1777, and died Aug. I7,
I85o. The mother was born Nov. 19, 18I4, and
died April 4, J852. The grandmother, wife of Samuel Underhill, was born in I780, and died May 20,
I859. Mrs. Tuttle was born at Allen, Allegany Co.,
N. Y., March 4, 1833. She is the mother of six
children: Livingston D., born June 18, 859; James
W., Sept. I8, i86I; Roseltha A., June ii, I863
(died Sept. 2, 1876); Irving A., July 4, i865; Charles
M., July 9, I870 (died July 26, 1870); Florence L.,
Sept. I3, 1871 (died Aug. 30, I873). Mr. Tuttle is
a Republican in political sentiment and was the first
Supervisor after the organization of the township.
Himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.
Livingston D. Tuttle, farmer, sec. 19, was married
March 7, i88i, to Mary Ella, daughter of Ralph and
Sarah A. Walker, born Sept. 7, 1857. There is one
child,-Ralph Latham Tuttle,-born April 15, 1882.
In selecting representative men with whose portraits we wish to embellish this Album, we have chosen the subject of this biography, Mr. Tuttle, and
present his portrait upon the preceding page.
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months and dissolved. He was for some time employed by various firms in the capacity of accountant, and Sept. I, I883, entered the business house of
Cannon & Gottshall, as book-keeper of the Big Rapids Iron Works, but only remained until October,
15, 1883, when he went into the general grocery
business on his own account.
Mr. Lovejoy was married in Litchfield, July, Io,
1870, to Lucy E., daughter of Hanford B. and Jane, Wood. Of their marriage four children have been
born, namely, Winfield E., Allie M., Edith M. and
Edna J. (twins). Mr. Lovejoy is a member of the
Masonic Order and Royal Arch Chapter; has also
been a member of the Board of Education of the
Fifth Ward five years, and in 1875 was Supervisor of
) that ward. He owns his residence and three lots on
{ North Stewart avenue.
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ames P. Cawthorne, farmer, on sec. 36,
Wheatland Tp., was born in Flint, Genesee
Co., Mich., May 7, 1853. His father, John
W V. Cawthorne, is an Englishman by birth and
descent, and his mother, Myra J. (Calkins)
Cawthorne, is a native of New York. Mr.
Cawthorne is a music teacher by profession and has
for years combined his labors in that avenue with the
other duties of life which have devolved upon him.
He finished his preparation for his vocation at the
State Normal School at Ypsilanti and began to teach
in I872. He justly deserves the wide local reputation he has earned as a skillful musician and a competent teacher, whose success in the latter capacity is
acknowledged without qualification. He teaches
both vocal and instrumental music. He was married
March 2, 1876, to Susie A., daughter of John A. and
Ada (Golden) Wood, who was born May 27, i86o, in
Chemung Co., N. Y. Her parents are of French and
German descent. After their marriage, Mr. and
Mrs. Cawthorne resided with their parents until i88r,
when they located on the farm where they now reside.
The place was purchased some years previous, and
contains 120 acres, with 47 acres under cultivation.
Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cawthorne are
two children: Charles C., born June 3, I879, and
Mabel, Nov. 9, 1882. Mr. Cawthorne is a Replublican in politics, and is Secretary of the Order of Good
Templars. Himself and wife belong to the M. E.
Church.
2l ir! arnabas Kelley, farmer, sec. 13, Millbrook
'r Tp., was born in Canada, Sept. 15, [841.?1 His parents, William and Maria (Samos)
Kelley, were also natives of Canada, and about
1869 settled in Wheatland, Mecosta Co.,
where they now reside. Until the age of G6
Mr. Kelley passed his time at school land as a farm
laborer; after this, until he was 22 years old, he was
in the employ of various farmers, and passed one
year working as a lumlerman. Hte came to lonia
Co., Mich., in 1865, and worked one year on a farm,
coming to Millbrook in 866. He purchased 40 acres
of wild land on sec. 14, and at once commenced
Z I- andall T. Capen, retired farmer, resident at
i Remus, was born in Tolland Co., Conn.,
ki l 5 June 2, 1823. His parents, Philip R. and
' Julia A. (Fenton) Capen, were natives of Connecticut and of English descent. During the
6 years previous to attaining his majority, Mr.
Capen attended school winters, and spent alternate
summers in labor in the cotton factories at Windham
and Bozrah. On reaching the age of 21 years he
entered Swift's cotton mill as overseer, and afterwards
occupied the same position in Fitch's mill, in the
town of Bozrah. He was married June I6, 1844, to
Julia A., daughter of Geo. HI. and Lydia A. (Miller)
Armstrong, who was born Dec. I, I825, and is of
English and Scotch descent. She was liberally educated in her native State, and in her general dejlortment gives evidence of her New England training.
Mr. and Mrs. Capen worked in the cotton mills after
their marriage until the fall of 1847, when Mr. Capen
had a serious attack of hemorrhage of the lungs,
and was incapacitated for labor three years. When
sufficiently recovered he engaged in farming, adopting agriculture as a calling in life in 1850, pursuing
it diligently until the last few months, when he retired from active life and fixed his residence at Rel mus.
In 1850 Mlr. Capen went to Jefferson Co., Ohio,
where he owned a farm, and operated until the fall
of 1859. He then came to Wheatland and bought
120 acres of wild land, built a pioneer's shanty and
proceeded after the most approved pioneer style to
clear and improve his farm, )utting 45 acres in firstclass farming condition.
The first election held in the township of Wheat
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clearing and otherwise improving it. To his original
purchase he has added too acres, and now owns a '
valuable farm of 14o acres, with a considerable proportion under the plow, and a good house and barn.
He has acquired his property by frugality, persistency,
and the exercise of good judgment.
He was married in Canada, Jan. 27, 1863, to Mary
L., daughter of Samuel and Betsy Fisher, and they
have had five children: Almon E., Charles H.,
William E., Ida A., and Medora D. Mr. and Mrs.
Kelley are members of the Advent Christian Church.
In politics Mr. K. is an an ardent Republican.
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land occurred at the house of Mr. Capen. It was in
the fall of 1864, and 14 voters assembled, 13 of them
casting their ballots for Abraham Iincoln for President.
NMr. and Mrs. ('apen have five children, viz.:
Cyrus R., born Jtly 5, 1845; Charles H., Oct. 15,
1849; Pearl L., Feb. 13, 1855; Ellen J., April 19,
r863; Estella R., Sept. T, r866. They have received a good business as well as conmmon-school
edlucation. Ml r. Calpen is a radical Republican in politics and has held vaiious local offices. He is a
member of the I. O. of G. T. at Millbrook.
X,/t eorge Brady, farmer on sec. 22, ALtna Tl).,
~ll^ xwas born in Virginia, Feb. 18, 1823, and is
B'"r a son of Thomas and Jemima (Culver). Brady, who were natives of Canada. The
date of the father's birth i, unknown, but he
lived in Virginia all the early period of his
life, and died in Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1839. The
mother was born in 181 and died at the age of 72
years, at the residence of her son, and was buried in
the Morley Cemetery. On the death of his father
the maintenance of the family devolved on Mr.
Brady; and they soon after went to Sandusky Co.,
Ohio, where they remained until 1847, then going to
Fulton Co., Ohio, where they resided until 1856, the
date of their settlement at Croton, Newaygo Co., and
after a residence of two years they came to iEtna
Tp., where they fixed their residence on 80 acres,
which Mr. Brady had previously purchased. It was
all in timber, and Mr. Brady built the usual log
house and sought his fortune in the lumber business.
The original purchase of 80 acres is now in a fine
state of cultivation, well supplied with modern buildings except the house, which will soon be replaced
by a suitable residence.
Mr. Brady is the oldest resident settler of Etna
Tp. He was an inhabitant of the township seven
years before its organization. He was married in
Fulton Co., Ohio, Jan. i, 1862, at the age of 28, to
Alvira, daughter of John and Permelia (Hadley)
Davis, born Feb. r, 1835; parents were natives of
Ohio and of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs.
Brady have had eight children, sixof whom survive:
Eugene, born Jan. 5, 1854; Adelbert, May 20, 1856;
Adaline, March 6, I86I; William, Aug. ro, 1863;
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Isabell, Oct. 23, 1867. Those decased are, Florence,
born May ii, 1856, died July 15, i857; a child born
Sept. i, 1872, died Nov. 12, I882.
Mr. and Mrs. Brady are active members of society,
though of liberal religious views. Mr. Brady is still
in busy life, and, as a land inspector, has no rival.
He is independent in political thought and action.
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_ -A-' i-ndrew McFarlane, farmer, sec. I6, Green
Tp., was born in Godmanchester, Can., Oct.
30, 1835, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret
ilJ (Gray) McFarlane. His parents were natives
of Scotland and emigrated to America in early
life, locating in Canada, where the father died; the
lother came to the " States " with her children. She
is still living and has a home with her son Peter, in
Mecosta County.
Andrew McFarlane came to Michigan in i856.
Reaching Grand Rapids by established routes of
travel, he found that an almost trackless wilderness
lay between him and his point of destination, and in
the fall of that year he walked to Mecosta County,
and found employment in the lumber camps during
that winter. In the spring of i857 he bought I60
acres of land, paying therefor ten shillings per acre,
located near Hersey, Osceola Co., and on it he
labored five years. In 1862 he sold his farm and
bought a half interest in a mill and a tract of land,
and turned his attention and energies to milling and
lumbering. He was thus occupied about i6 years,
sold out again and interested himself in hotel and
mercantile business at Paris, in which he continued
six years. In May, I878, his store was burned, and
he determined to devote the balance of his life to
agriculture and settled on his present farm. He
owns 640 acres of land in Mecosta and Osceola
Counties, his home place having 150 acres in the
best condition for agricultural purposes.
Mr. McFarlane was married July 5, 1862, to Laura
E., daughter of James and Laura L. (Hungerford)
Montague, born Oct. 9, I845. (See sketch of C. H.
Montague.) Mr. and Mrs. McFarlane have had
five children, born as follows: James A., Aug. I8,
I865; William A., March 28, I867; Henry C., Feb.
5, 1870; Frederick, Dec. 15, i882. John M., born
Dec. 12, 1863, died Aug. 26, i866. Mr. McFarlane
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has always been alive to the public interest of the cor- named battles: (See foregoing list.) With many t
% munity of which he is a member, and served his good wishes for your future,.', township in several local offices; is at present School I am respectfully yours,
I and Township Treasurer. Himself and wife are B. F. PATRI)GE,
members of the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Col Commanding 16th Mich Vol. Inf.'
Republican. We give a portrait of Mr. McFarlane
opposite the preceding page.Mr. Wilder was married Jan. 5, 1863, to Melinda
Thompson, of Lapeer Co., Mich., born April 26, 845.
IE One child was born of this marriage-Don J., March
1O 31, I866. The mother died April 2 1, 866; and Mr.
5. VWilder was again married June i8, 1867, to Lydia. 11, W|E., daughter of L. I). and Nancy Marsh, of Charlotte,
arry M. Wilder, farmer, sec. 3o, Grant Eaton Co., Mich. She was born in Quincy, Branch
Tp., was born March 20, 1837, in Pontiac, Co., Mich., May 22, I849. Of this marriage two
Oakland Co., Mich., and is a son of Joel children have been born: Del. C., Aug. 17, 1870, and
and Hannah Wilder, both of whom were natives Dio D., May 28, 1872.
of Ontario, N. Y. His father was born Sept. 6, Mr. Wilder came to this township in August, 1865,
I794, and died June 28, 1867; and his mother and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres, where he
was born July g9, i8oo, and is now living in Lapeer has since resided. He has held the offices of Justice
) Co., Mich., where the family settled in 1836. of the Peace and Road Commissioner, is a member, Mr. Wilder became a soldier of the civil war, en- of the G. A. R. and of the Order of Masonry. He,,S listing at Detroit, Aug. 20, I86i, in Co. F, i6th was one of 12 voters who organized the township in
Mich. Vol. Inf. His regiment was assigned to the i866, and his first wife's death was the first event of =_:
^ Army of the Potomac. He participated in the siege of that character in Grant. The present Mrs. Wilder
= Yorktown, in April, 1862; Hanover Court-House, taught the first school term of 13 weeks. She re- =
May 27, r862; Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862; ceived but $2.20 cash for her services, her l)atrolns *'
Gaines' Hill, June 27; White-Oak Swamp, June 30; paying her in such articles as they possessed. One
Malvern Hill, June 30; Turkey Bend, July; 2d man settled his proportion with ax-helves, another
Bull Run, Aug. 30; Antietam, Sept. j6; Shepards- with part of a harness, anotler sent his ox-team to
town, Sept. 19; Fredericksburg, I)ec. 13; Chancel- work on her husland's farm.
lorsville, April 3, r863; Middleburg, June 21; Those people were all honorable, and have made
Gettysburg, July T to 3; Williamsport, July 12; their way in the world, now owning well improved
Wapping Height, July 21; Bristow Station, Oct. 4; farnms. The character of the primary school-ma'am
Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7; Mine Run, Nov. 27; of Grant may be better understood from the fact that
Wilderness, May 5, 1864; Laurel Hill, ay 8; Spott- she walked twice to Big Rapids and back —is miles
sylvania Court-House, May r8; Magnolia Swamp, — to hear political speeches, feeling it her duty to be
June i; Bethsaida Church, June 2; Petersburg, informed on the opl)ular issues of the day.
June I8; Petersburg & Norfolk Railroad, July 30;
Weldon Railroad, Aug. 8, i 9, 21; Prelle Farm, Sept. O
30; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27; Dabney Mill, Feb. 6,
1865; Hatcher's Run (2d), March 25, i865. -
Mr. Wilder holds the following testimonial from wll unson Lamb, farmer on sec. 5, Etna.p.
his superior officer: / was"lorn in Wayne Co., N. '., Oct. 15, ^
~,uf 1829. His parents, Isaac and Emeline,, "Sir: Accept my congratulations and thanks for (1-lickok) Lamb, were natives of New York,:having so nobly and successfully iperformed your and Vermont respectively. He came to Michd; duty during your perilous term of service, and for igan in 1838, and made his first location at
) having been connected with an organization which HIillsdale, where he was married in 1854, to Clarissa,.
\ has with honor to itself particil)ated in the following daughter of Illhomias and Mary (Millspaugh) Jolls, /
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natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Lamb was
born Aug. 9, 1840, in Hillsdale Co., Mich., where
they continued to reside for eleven years. Mr.
Lasmb removed in i865 to Lansing, Ingham Co.,
Mich., and there carried on farming i6 years. In
iSS- lhe came to Mecosta County and located where
he now resides, in aEtna Tp. Of five children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, one is deceased. Noble was
born Dec. 29, 1856, aLnd died Feb. 20, 1859; Mary
E. was born Jan. 3, I859; Alverta was born l)ec.
15, 1 86 1; Thomas J. was born April i, 864; H attie
was born Feb. 9, i866.
eorge F. Waring, resident on sec. 1,
8 | ViWheatland 'Tp., a well-driver by calling,
O % was born in Farmington, Ontario Co., CaLn.,
Sept. 30, 1836. His parents, Nathaniel and
Sarah (Odel) Waring, were natives of the same
place. Until the age of 25 Mr. Waring was
an assistant on his father's farm, and obtained his
education at the academy at Macedon Center, Wayne
Co., N. Y. He was married Oct. 9, T86e, at that
place, to Louise, daughter of Orrin and Betsy (Reed)
Laphanm, who was born in Macedon, N. Y., Nov. 19,
1842, and educated at the academy in her native
town. After completing her education she entered
ul)on the duties of housekeeper for her plarents,
which post she filled until her marriage. Herself and
husband lived with her parents two years. In the
spring of I865 they came to Kalamazoo Co., Mich.,
and located on a farm in the townshi of Texas, selling
out two years later and taking possession of 75 acres
in Oshtemo Tp., in the same count. In the a. Infall
of I870 he went to the city of Kalamazoo and embarked in the grocery business. In 1874 he went to
Plainwell, Allegan Co., Micdi., and comllmenced to
operate as a well-driver. In the summer of I879 he
located on 80o acres of land in Wheatland Tp., and
has placed a portion of it under improvement.
Mr. and Mrs. Waring have had three children, born
as follows: J. Allyn, Feb. I9, T870; Minnie L.,
May 26, 1873; Marion, Feb. I9, 1874. The last
named was killed by the cars Oct. 5, i865. Mr.
Waring is a zealous Republican and is now Justice of
the Peace and School Inspector. Mrs. Waring is a
member of the Presbyterian Church.
I
t molenjamin L. Wolcott, farmer, sec. 23,
Millbrook Tp., was born I)ec. 5, j853, in
w hrdz the State of New York, and is a son of
/r1 j Hlenry B. and Ruth (Taylor) Wolcott (see
v sketch). At the age of 23 years, Mr. Wolcott
bought 40 acres of timbere land whereon to
establish his home, and as a starting point to build
his fortunes. He now has 20 acres cleared and
under good improvements. He was married in Millbrook, Mich., 14, 1877, to Alice M., eldest daughter
of Solomlon and Jane (Reed) Evarts. The father
was a physician in Shiawassee County, where he died;
the mother resides with her children. Mrs. Wolcott
was b)orn in Vernon, Sliawassee Co., June 9, I849,
where he obtained a good education, and for ten years
)revious to her marriage was a l)opular and successful teacher.
Mr. Wolcott is a Repulblican, and has been the incumbent of all the reslponsible official positions in the
township. Himself and wife attend the Wesleyan
Methodist Chlurch.
4 tohn Blossom, farmer, sec. 24, aEtna Tp.,
was born March 2T 144, in Jenkins Co.,
e of Wis., and is a son of e and anMary
(Hunt) Blossom. His parents came to Michigan when he was 7 years old, and settled in
Allegan County, where he lived until the outbreak of the Rebellion. He enlisted in the Eighth
Michigan Cavalry, his regiment being assigned to
the Army of the Cumberland, under Burnside. He
was with that command until I863, when he was
transferred to that of Sherman. At Macon, Ga., he
was taken l)risoner, and sent to the stockade prison
pen of Andersonville. After three and one-half
months incarceration, a removal was ordered to
Goldsboro, and he made his escape by jumping from
the train. He soon found a friendly negro who
secreted him in a barn three weeks. He then fell in
with Sherman's advanced guard-I7th Army Corpsand joined Sherman at Milledgeville, Ga.
In the winter of I865 he came home on a furlough,
and returned Jan. 8, to Tennessee. He was pro
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Mr. Blossom was married in 1873, to Rebecca,,: daughter of John and Martha (Guitan) McCormick.
/ She is a native of Ohio, and was born Nov. 24, 1840.
I The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Blossom were born
as follows: Edward, July 17, 1877, and Laura M.,
March 20, 188o. The latter died Sept. 14, i88T.
lexander Bane, farmer, located on sec.
't,?J d 32 of D)eerfield Tp., P. 0. Morley, is a
" son of Alexander and Susan (Bolton) Bane.
His father was born in Scotland in r8t6 and
died June 24, I883. His mother is a native of
ILanark Co., Can., and is still living in the
place where she was born.
Mr. Bane was born in Lanark County, Jan. o, 1 840.
He obtained his education at the common schools, and worked in a saw-mill when in youth. At the
age of i8 years he engaged in lumblering, and in the
6I ~ - euben J. Weber, farmer, sec. 35, zEtnaa
"_ C i Tp., was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb.
" \-' 21, 858. He is a son of John and Phebe
< ir (Martin) Welber, natives respectively of Ger~ many and Ireland. Mr. Welber remained at
home under the care of his parents and attending school until r867, when he came to Kiddville,
Mich., and after a residence there of a few months
he went to Grand Rapids. Here he went to school,
and was variously engaged, until the slring of 187,
when he came to.E'tna 'ip., and has been since occupied as a farmer. In 1882 he purchased 40 acres
of wild land, and now has a considerable portion
cleared.
In politics Mr. \Veler is a Republican. HIe is a
imember of the German lIutheran Chulrch, and active
in furthering its interests. lHe is still a young man,
zealous in what he undertakes, and executes intelligently. He is sure of future success and a life of
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s o:lilson E. Darrah, is junior memlberof the
I Bt firm of Darrah Bros. & Co., proprietors of
the Big Rapids City Mills, and wholesale
J 2 and retail dealers in flour, feed and grain,
' s a son of Charles M. and Sarah E. (Hall)
Darrah, and was born April 15, I856, at
Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn. His parents rei moved to this county in 1857, before it was or-. ganized. His father bought 40 acres of timber
s' land in what is now the township of Mecosta.
In I867, having cleared and almost wholly imnlroved
his tract of land, his father sold and bought 240
acres of land on sec. 6, with about ioo acres cleared
and under tillage. In 1872, Mr. D. left home, and for
some years was occupied in locating timber land. In
1882 Charles M. and James M. Darrah, brothers,
associated with Mr. l)arrah of this sketch, purchased; the Flouring Mills of Big Rapids, situated on (scer ola avenue and at the foot of Waterloo street., Their business reaches an average of $75,000
) annually, and is rapidly increasing. They operate four run of stones and employ four hands; are
a manufacturing about half the amount of lproducts
s for which they have capacity. They are now engaged in the erection of a fine new building near
the old one for nilling purposes, 37 x so feet, with
four stories and basement. It will be the most extensive milling estal)lishment in the county and possesses a capacity of 150 l)arrels a day. It will be
fitted with all the latest improvements, and b)e forimally styled the Big Rapids City Mills. The present
works of the Messrs. l)arrah are the only flouring
mills in this city.
--
Jl acac ob Parrott, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook
Tp., is a native of France. lie was born
', Aug. 6, 1835, and is a son of Charles and. lizabeth 1'arrott, also natives of France. lHe
*? came to the United States in the spring of
t 1845 and settled at Detroit, coming five years
^ later to Kent County. He was a farmer tlere 20
) years, and in the summler of 187 r came to Mecosta. County and boughc t So acres of land in the township
i' 'COUNTY.
of Millbrook.. He now owns 40 acres of his original
purchase, 25 of which is in tillage. He was married 4
in Kent County, April 9, I859, to Sarah A., eldest
daughter of Peter and Louisa (Ford) Aldrich, natives
respectively of Canada and New York. She was G
born in Grattan, Kent Co., Mich, Sept. 19, 1844.
Of their seven children, six survive, viz: Emmna E.,
Charlie E., Lewis E., Lida A., Vernon L. and Myrtle
M. Julius died when two years old. Politically
Mr. Parrott is a Republican.
_.
l oseph Smith, farmer, sec. 4, Chippewa Tp.
l hr. orn nn Ti a T A TA in Nolrwnvir 1 son
i of Ole and Ine Smith. He came to America
g in i86i, and during the next two years was a
sailor on the lakes, from Buffalo to Chicago. His
next employment was at Grand Haven, where
he worked in the lumber woods one winter, coming
thence to Big Rapids and engaging in the lumber
camps. In the fall of 1867 he homesteaded the farm
on which he now resides, containing 8o acres, 35 of
which he has placed under fair cultivation.
Mr. Smith was married in 1870 to Lucy, daughter
of Hil)bard and Lucy (Pease) lPreston. She was
born Nov. 27, 1852, in Tlioga Co., N. Y. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, five are living:
Lucy A., Minnie I., Jejnnie M., Olson K. and William C. ()ne daughter, Ella J., is deceased. In
politics Mr. Smith is a Republican.
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ohn White, farmer, sec., (Clhippewa Tp.,
was born Oct. 31, 1838, in Argyleshire,
Scotland, and is a son of John and Mary
(McLaughlin) White. The larents came with
their family to Canada in 1843, and located in
il Williams Tp., Middlesex Co., where they
lived on a firm. The father died Aug. 24, I863;
the motlier resides with her son in (Chilppewa T').,
aged 70 years.
Mr. White was married in 1862 to Lydia Ann,
dauglter of Martin and Ann (Slpanswick) Tolman. I-ier father was born ()ct. 22, 1821, in lhiladelphia; her mother in 1826, in Yorkshire, Eng., and
died in 1859. Mr. Tlolmnan lesides in Saginaw (o.,?:h
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 443
AlMich. Mrs. White was born in the village of Pres- tures and one of the best and handsomest barns inl
ton, Waterloo Co., Can., Sept. 19, 1842. After mar- the township, built in 188o. The proprietor, having
Q riage Mr. White was a farmer in Williams Tp. up- placed his farm in a prosperous condition, is beginwards of six years, when he became a resident of ning to give his attention to improving his stock.
Warwick Tp., Lambton Co., Can. Between three Mr. Ely was married Sept. T, 1867, to Lucinda,
and four years later he sold out and came to Me- daughter of Philip and Diana Haight, of Butler,
costa Co., Mich. He reached Chippewa Tp. May Branch Co. Her mother died Aug 20, 188i. Mr.
9, 1872. and bought 160 acres of land. With the and Mrs. Ely have seven children, Minnie, Maria,
energy and perseverance characteristic of the nation- Diana, Gertrude, Myrtie, Philip and Frank.
ality t hich he belon, he s rosecuted is Since becoming a citizen of Mecosta Co., Mr. Ely
labors until one-half of his acreage in a finely cul- has exerted every influence to promote its settlement
tivated condition and induce people in search of homes to make Colh ollowicng is the record of the nine children of fax Tp. their objective point. He is, and has been,
which Mr. and Mrs. Wlite have been the parents: operating quite extensively in real estate, bu)ing and
John M. was l)orn July 17, 1863; Peter, Feb. G6, selling timber lands.
T865'; Lydia Ann, I)ec. I3, 1866; Alexander, Oct. s.
r65; ydia Ann, ec. i3, 86; lexander, Oc. Mr. Ely is a Republican of the most radical type.
16, 1870; Mary E., Jan. 23, 1876; Hugh, born July
17 i e., 8, born o He has been Supervisor of Colfax three years, Jus22, 1877, died Sept. 8, T877; Catherine M., born
Aug. 20, 1879, died Flel. 5 188; Archibald, born tice of the Peace six years and Township Treasurer
) Aug. i8, iSo, died Seplt. 21, I880; William George, a like period; is a member of the Township Comnborn June 21, 1882, died July 7, 1882. mittee to build a new town hall on sec. 21 of the
township. In 1882 he was the candidate of the Republican party for Sheriff of Mecosta County, but lost =
%) t6 |the election through the coalition of the Democrats
3= and Nationals. P. O., Big Rapids.
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lEf1'rnold Ely, farmer, sec. 8, Colfax Tp., a
}) f prominent citizen of Mecosta County, whose
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A MECOSTA C
lplaced 50 acres of his farm in a creditable state of
cultivation, and has erected thereon a good frame
house. He was married in October, 1854, to
Eliza Jane I)uard, of Canada, where she was born
June 25, 1836. Children: William 1)., Jane, Mary,
Eliza A., John E., Richard Z., Harriet A., Joseph
A., Nellie and Minnie E.
Mr. Pearson is a meml)er of the (rder of Patrons
of Husbandry.
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t) i, ^r. Jerome F. Pease, druggist and dealer in
K;] (> real estate, resident at Big Rapids, was born./ Ct in Otisco, lonia Co., Mich., Aug. 28, 1848.
H.< H-Iis father, Jerome Pease, was born F'elb. 22,
1 i15, in Enfield, Hartford (o., on., and became a citizen of the Peninsular State in 1839.
He was married Jan. 29, 1843, to I)elorah Arn,
daughter of Samuel and Anna 1)emorest, of Otisco.
He was a man of peculiar tenperament, developed
under the circumstances in which lie was reared and
fostered. He was by nature ambitious and energetic,
and his pioneer lal)ors in lonia (ounty, with the perplexities under which he strove to accomplish his
life's purposes, culminated in rendering him a husband
and father of uncompromising principle. 'The mother
was born July 6, 1821, in Prattsburg, Steuben Co., N.
Y., of a family of stainless repute and record. She
is one of eight children, all of whom are living and
who are wearing worthily the descending laurels of
their ancestral virtues. They are, Clark L. Demorest,
Mrs. D. A. Pease, Samuel L. Demorest, Lyman l)emorest, Mrs. Ezra Satterlee, Mrs. Henry (reen, Valentine Demorest and Mrs. Alram Satterlee.
The second son, Samuel L., reached distinction in
the service of his country during the Rebellion. He
went to the front as a Captain in the 25th Mich. Vol.
Inf., performed valiant duty in action, passed through
the various degrees of promotion and, before reaching the termination of his meritorious career, displayed the stars of a Major-General.
Mrs. Pease was a thrifty and affectionate wife and
a judicious, conscientious mother. Three of five
children live to honor and adorn her record as a
woman and a Christian. Her son, Dr. Pease of this
sketch, places upon permanent record his sense of
I
the beauty of her character and unselfish devotion
to the best interests of her family. Her children are
Sophronia Ann, Charlotte, Jerome F., Sophronia Adele;,d l)eborah. The first named daughter died when
a year old; her namesake, third child, died at 19, at
the dawn of a promising womanhood, leaving a most
precious and beautiful memory. She learned the
Christian's hope early in her life, and in her premature death she verified the truth in the words, "Those
lives are long that answer life's great ends." She
was a member of the Baptist Church.
Dr. Pease comes of a long ancestral line of descent in both the paternal and maternal lineage,
strongly characterized by almost unparalleled tenacity of life. Four progenitors within his own personal
knowledge blecame centenarians, or approximately so,
and a great-great-aunt-Peggy Demorest (Mrs. VanVranken)-is living in Montgomery Co., N. Y., aged
103 years. The maternal grandmother died of an
acute bilious attack when she was aged 84 years.
She was recovering her sight and her gray hair was
being rapidly replaced by a new growth, with its primal dark color.
l)r. Pease was a boy of ardent, sanguine temperamerit, entering early into an understanding of his relations to life and the world at large. His labors as
the son-of a pioneer and the circumstances which
surrounded him, brought upon him the sobriety and
apparent maturity of advanced years. At 15, Dr.
Pease found himself destitute in a new world, one
that demanded of him the best application of all he
lelieved him-self to be both in purpose and capacity.
His early life had developed in him a determination and power of will that acknowledged no ruling
element in events, and his active, energetic, hopeful
temperament stood him in good stead when occasion
demanded their co-operation. He has naturally all
the traits of a successful business man, and has met
with a prosperity which reflects a large degree of
credit upon his abilities. His already generous fortune is the second he has accumulated within 20
years. He possesses to an unusual degree the traits
of promptness, shrewdness and perception, is honest
and upright in his dealings, and understands with
clearness the requisite qualifications of a financier.
His moral character is unimpeachable, his habits
those of a self-respecting, Christian man. He considers the means he possesses as a trust to secure to
those in whom he is interested the comforts and priv
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448 MECOSTA
ileges their merits demand. His character is demonstrated by the record of his care of and kindness
L; to the afflicted family of his wife. He has alleviated
~ by every means in his power the burden resting IlpoV
them through the disability of the husband and
father, and is giving the advantages of education to
the two young brothers of Mrs. Pease and guarding
the personal interests of all with the same vigilance
he bestows upon his individual affairs. In plolitical
adherence and action he is a staunch Republican.
He possesses a fine sense of the value of mental
J culture, and acknowledges the supremacy of the.J": world of intellect. He has a keen discrimination in
books and finds a high enjoyment in terse poetry.
CO UNT Y.
whichl he is still managing. In 1883 he purchased
a stock of drugs, located at the corner of Scotten
and Michigan avenues, Detroit, where he is doing a
prosplerous and increasing business.
Dr. Pease was married July 29, T878, to Anna,
daughter of M. F. and Caroline (Hill) Gerls, born in
Texas, Crawford Co., Ohio, July 26, I854. Her
father was a native of Albany, N. Y. He was a man
of shrewdness and calpacity, possessed of natuial
characteristics such as would tend to secure a large
degree of l)ul)lic influence; but in 187 2, while yet in
manhood's prime, he was stricken with paralysis, and
has since been a sufferer fromn its irremnediable effects.
He was ever keenly alive to, and solicitous for,
the best advantages for his children, and made
many l)ersonal sacrifices to secure for them what he
considered sublstantial benefits. Mrs. Caroline (;erls
was blorn in Sterling, WVindham Co., Ct. She plossesses the traits of character which in early times
made the womllen of New England historical. Ier
patience, perseverance and hopefulness are remniarkable, and, combllined with uncommon mildness and
aniial)ility of temper, serve to render her a type of
wonman worthy of emulation. She lhas devoted herself with untiring assiduity to the care of her husl)and and father for the I)ast twelve years, and
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The following is one of his favorite quotations:
''Tis toil thlalt over lnature
Givxes 1man llis lproltl contrl tsilvich<
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The 'Ii':di-work of God! yielded most iunselfishly to the extraordinary de- s
uandsls incilimllet u)on her. Mr. and Mrs. Gerls
) When l)r. Pease found himself at lilberty to enter Mrs.
have be.en the parent, e (llildrell: Mrs. Eliza
uplon a career in his own l;ehalf, with wise judgment
i West, deceased;;Mrs. E'llen }tenry, of Sherwood,
he availed himself of the first opportunity that l)re-as W. and J.
M.ich.; Mrrs. 1'ease; T olma llllWs;,. and J. Illnry
sented, and engaged with Frank Bel11ding,:t nighlor-.ented,. Z_> I (:eils. The two last nanlled are young nmen of pture
ing farmer, in whose emplloy he remlained a year. lives, orrect habits and unusual promise. The elder
His next service was with the Hon. Jolin Ave..,
His next service s ith the ion. n Avey, is in cllarge of thle )business of I)r. Pease at I)etroit,
M. D., of Greeniville, where lie won the esteeli of
tile second is o'cuil)ying tile samle piosition at (Grwe. n
all by his energy and pro)bity. i!n 1867 lie entered the as F erls, aternal ease, is
's Iolllns. F1. (;erls, laternal u1nc.(le (f Mlrs. I ca1se, is::. employ of J. M. Fuller, druLgis, t 11now ('ounty (Clerk.
e l o J. lMr'ostmnaster at Iontiacl, M ic., and is generally esteemIn 1871 hle came to Big Rapids, where lie engag- ed for his sterling traits of chlaracter. Itenry Hill,
ed in the drug trade and plractice of imedicine,
lrothcr of itrs. (;ezrls, was a soldier in the 25th
for which he had Lpreplare(l at intervals during hise rank of Captain, and.Michi. Inf., rose l)y mlerit to the ralnlk o1f ('al tfiin, aindl
other engagements. His business was ploperous, is now cashier of tile First Nationatl 1latik of (;reenand in 874 lie b1uilt a store and dwelling-house. ville.
In r876 lie relinqullished his medical l)ractice on ac- of Mrs. ease to enter
' count of impaired health, andt spent ablout two years eer
_the ranks of pul)lic educators, and she Ibeit every
in travel in the Eastern and Southern States. In to th ieve t of er urose. e eenergy to the achievement of lVer purpose. She -
i878 lie began to ol)erate in real estate, to which go111 her career as a teacher in lecosta County wllll he
/ lranch of business he has since (evoted a lortion of 14 years of age, and alternated as a student at scholol
his time and attention. In 1879 l)r. P'ease establ- and a teacher until she was 19 years old, when she.>'
lished a Idrg lbusiness at (Gowell, NTontcalll ('o., was graditiited at the higlh school at (Greenville. J
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She passed eminently creditable examinations and
ranked as a superior scholar. Since she left school
she las b)een constantly engaged in the l)ursuit of
her chosen vocation, and has made ral)id progress in
the grade of her position. In I874 she was recel)tress of a school at Stanton, NMontcalm Co., and in
1876 was Superintendent of a school at Howard City.
The sulbsequent four years she tauglit at Greenville, and in i88i received her al)lointment as Preceptress at Big Rapids, where she is doing a work that
will result p)ermanently to the advantage of educational interests at that place. Too much cannot be
said of her as a disciplinarian. Her silent control of
her puplils is a marvel to witness, and is accoml)lished
bly an innate skill that cannot ble described: it is a
natural gift possessed 1)y few.
Of her work at Greenlville, E. P'. Churcll, Superintendent of Schools, says: "She is most excellent
help. She possesses skill to impart instruction, is a
good disciplinarian, manages pu>pils easily, is a willing and faithful worker and l)resents to her pl)lils
the exanl)le of a l)lameless Christian lady in her
every-day life. We shlould be hapl)y to secure her
services again in our corps of teachers. " This expression is fully corrol)orated(l y testimonials froni
E. F. Grablill, editor of the Greenville Iml;tscz,/cgz,/,
kev. J. LT. 'Patton, Dr. Clhas. Martin and Hon. James
W. Belknap, all of Greenville. Prof. J. S. Croimbie,
Superintendent of Schools at Big Rapids, says:
i Her managelment of the school, and the results ol)tained from the work done l)y her, have bleen exceedingly gratifying. Personally, 1 would say that I regard Mrs. Pease as a very superior teacher, and one
who can guide and control a room in a manner seldom witnessed. At the same time her work is
thorough and she succeeds in winning the respect
and good-will of her pupils. " A partial friend says
of her: "It is to be hoped that a long career of
usefulnesss lies before Mrs. Pease. She is a woiman
of uncominon character and asl)irations, which should
place her in a fitting sphere to do entire justice to
herself and benefit the generation to which she belongs, and in whose interests it is har highest
ambition to labor. Her temperament is as equably adjusted as is possible, and her sul)servience to conscience and religion guides hler life in unswerving
right. She sways her friends by her firmness, her
candor, her toleration and her hopcfialness, and her
S. Baker, Cashier of the Northern National
Bank at Big Ralpids, was lborn near Bridgewater, Conn., Sept. 2I, 1853. His l)arents
{ removed to Chicago in I864, where his father
ol)erated as a capitalist, and was a member of
the Board of Trade. Mr. Baker came to Big
Rapids when lie was 12 years old (in i865). His
grandfather, Daniel Stearns, was a resident of Big
Rapids, as was also a considerable circle of relatives.
He attended school and was emplloyed in various
business houses; kel)t the blooks in the mnercantile
house of D). E. Stearns two years, and served one
year in the same calpacity with 0. P. Pillsbury. In
the spring of 1872 he became book-keeper in the
Northern National Blan]k and has been plromoted
through the different positions to the post he now
fills, to which lie was appointed in January, [875.
IHe is now one of the D)irectors, and heavily interested in transactions in lumber, being connected
with three different firms. He owns a half interest
ill the mill and yards of Baker & Stearns, situated at
Crapo, in ()sceola County, where the firm have carried on an extensive luminber trade six years. They
emlploy a force of too men, and manufacture betweCn 12 and 15 million feet of lumber annually.
Mr. Baker also owned a half interest in the concern
styled "13. F. Comstock & Co.," founded in i88i.
Their l)roduction of lumber in I882 was about
twenty million feet. Tl'heir mill was sold in the fall
of I882, and the firm are about to close their relations. Mr. Baker keeps a desk in the bank for transactions in lumber, pine lands, etc. His real-estate
interests include about 20,000 acres in Michigan and
Wisconsin, and some small tracts of farming land.
COUNTY. 449
I)ossible influence on the lives of others is always
with her a matter of constant solicitude."
In their relations to Christianiity both herself and '?
husband afford worthy examples. They both became memb)ers of the M. E. Church early in life
and devote unlimited time and meons to furthering
tlhe interests of the Church and Sunday-school.
A permanent reprint of the features of Mr. and
AMrs. Pease may be found on pl)ge 446, iii connection
with this sketch.
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450 MECOSTA
3 Mr. Baker was married in Paris, Mecosta Co., to;; Emma, daughter of James Cooper. She was born.> in Halstead, Essex Co., Eng., July 6, 1853. A son,
T Arthur, was born Dec. 6, 1875, and a daughter, Kitty
Irene, Oct. Io, 188T.
Mr. Baker served as Alderman of Big Rapids three
years.
4 * iichard W. Poling, harness and shoe maker,.. i e Austin Tp., is a native of New Jersey,?s[ w s qhere! he was born Dec. 24, 1846. He is
a son of Zephaniah and Eliza Poling, natives
f of Ohio, where they still reside. Hie (came
to this county in 1879, settling in Austin Tp).,
COUNTY. '._ 3
where he is engaged in following his occupation.
He was married to Julia M. Vining, who died Oct.
28, I877, leaving five children: Cornelia A., born
March 3, t86r; Viola A., March 15, 1865; John W.,
Aug. 17, i867; Violetta H., Sept. 17, 1868; Rosa
~ A., Oct. 28, 1873. April 20, i881, Mr. Poling mar-: ried Angeline Wheeler, widow of Orange Wheeler,
whose maiden name was Walker. By her first marriage she had had eight children: Rodney F., died
S,; June 12, 1853; Amos Li., Maria J., Justin E., Harriet A., and Edgar I,. are living; Eliza and Clara
M. are deceased.
Mrs. Poling is the discoverer of a medicine on
which she obtained a patent in 1872. It is known as
Mrs. Wheeler's Vegetable Syrup, for which there is
justly claimed great alterative and tonic properties,
especially adapted to diseases of the liver. She has
had great success in the sale of this medicine for the
short time it has been introduced to the )public, and
' for which there is an increasing demand. Mr.
Poling owns 8o acres of fine farm land, upon which
he resides.
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O~ ----'- i'5~'-,5 'r - -',x~...arles F. Barnard, of'the firm of Reed &
- I:LBarnard, Stanwood, is a native of Livingston (Co., Mich., where le was born Oct. 2,
"1: t 1853. He is a son of Ely and Aristccn (Cur-: tis) Baarnard, natives of New York; the
forlmer emigrated to AMichigan in 1834, and
the latter at a later (late, where the father followed
farming thiough life anld died, in Jlily, 187: the
mother is still living. He was reared on a farm, and,
although his educational advantages were limited, he
managed, by his own exertions, to obtain sufficient
knowledge to enable him to teach school, after which
he worked on a farm during the summer season and
taught during the winter, for several years. In
March, 1879, he came to Mecosta County and entered the store of G. W. Reed, at Stanwood, as
clerk. After one year lie entered into partnership
with Mr. Reed in mercantile business, under the firm
name of Reed & Barnard. They keep on hand a
large and superior stock of dry goods, groceries,
boots, shoes, hats, etc., and commaand a large trade,
their sales amounting annually to $30,000. Mr. Barnard is a self-made manl. He had no means to commence life with; buti having early acquired habits of
industry and economy he has succeeded in accumulating considerable property. In all his dealings he
is marked for his uprightness and integrity. He is at
present serving the township of Mecosta as Clerk.
He was mlarried in Livingston Co., Mich., May 13,
1878, to Alice M., (laughter of Staats and Rachel
(Wilcox) Green, ho was bI.orn in Yates Co., N. Y., May
13, 186. ''hey have had two children: Edna L.,
born Dec. 25, 1882; One (lied in infincy. Politically
he is a I)enmo(rat, and religiously, is liberal.
Jl~"~-~ ohn Carr, farmer, sec. 27, Big Rapids 'Tp.,. - was born Jan. 9, 1843, ill Cllittenldcn Co.,
' Vt. Abnillan Carr, his father, was born in
(hamplain, N. Y., April 6, 18o6, of Irish and
~ nerlman larcntage, and was mnarried in 1828,
in Vermont, to Eliza;Grcen. She was born
Fel). r8, 181 I, in Lotuisville, N. Y. Of her marriage
to Abrahatm (arr, Io children were born. 'ihe
father died April 29, 1876. Mrs. Carr is still living.
Mr Carr was the seventh child of his lparellts.
He left his native iState Sept. 15, 1863, a few llmonths
before lie was 20 years,old, antl reached his destination, Lowell, I)odge Co., Wis., three (lays later.
After a residence there of T years he (lecitle(l on 1
change of base, and in the month of October, 1874,
he came to Big Rapids T'l., where he has since Ibeen
engaged in farling.
Mr. ( arr was marriedl Sept. 17, 1873, to lucy A.
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Parham, of Concord, Dodge Co., Minn. They have
' two children: Ina May and Jennie Eliza. Mrs.
Car Carr was born l)ec. 28, 1855. Mr. Carr votes with
the Republican party.
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'O UNTY. 453
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nfi1 illiam Hugh, senior member of the lumber
5{x:IL firm of Higbee & Hugh, was born in KidI l w~ willy, Wales, leb. 2, 1829. He is the
W SO son of William and Rebecca (Gonar) Hugh,
) natives of Kidwilly, where the father died, about g865, and the mother in the spring of
T88o.
Mr. Hugh experienced all the hardships of the
class of leople to which he belonged in his native
land, gaining his limited but eminently practical education by studying under the most adverse circumstances. He commenced life's active work at the
early age of 12. His father was the village blacksmith, and he, assisting in the shop, gradually learned
the trade. For a l)eriod of about five years he was
occasionally employed in some iron works and rolling
mills; then for a time he was engaged in the tilmber
business. His next employment was with the South
Wales Railway Company, in which work he went
from his native country to England, engaged with a
railroad construction corps.
Soon afterward, in T 85 3, he sailed for this continent
and, upon landing at New York, at once proceeded
to Cincinnati. Here for a year he was occupied in a
machine-shop, on blacksmith work, and also on
steamboat work. He assisted in making the needed
iron-work and finishing the round-house of the C., H.
& I. R.., at Cincinnati.
He had become imbued with a desire to engage in
farming in Iowa, and he took a trip to the Hawkeye
State, but on reaching there changed his intentions.
He retraced his route as far as Chicago, and thence
went to New York, where he embarked for Wales, by
way of Liverpool, with the purpose of returning with
his wife. His final decision was that he would first
establish a home in Cincinnati. He sailed once more
for the United States, but when off Cape Clear, Ireland, his steamer collided with a coast vessel; and
being disabled she put back to Liverpool, her captain
not daring to venture across the sea in a crippled
vessel with 600 or 700 souls on board. Mr. Hugh
returned then to Wales, and when he finally reached
New York, proceeded direct to Hamilton, Province
of Ontario, Can., locating at a small village near that
city. He started a common blacksmith shop, and
finally began the manufacture of agricultural implements. His residence there lasted 18 years. In the
fall of 1872 he came to Morley, and built the first
planing mill in the township, which he conducted
nearly seven years.
In the fall of 1879 he went into business with Mr.
Higbee, and built the saw and llaning mill where
they now carry on an extensive business. Politically
Mr. Hugh is a Republican; for eight years he has
been a meml)er of the village Board of Trustees. He
is a member of the Masonic Order.
Mr. Hugh is a regular attendant of the Episcopal
Church. He is a self-made man, financially, as he
held no property when he commenced life for himself.
By habits of industry, economy and fair dealing, he
has acquired a substantial property, and is now classed
among the representative citizens of Mecosta County.
Mr. Hugh was married in Wales, in the winter of
185, to Amy Thomas, who was born Nov. 8, T828,
the daughter of William and Jane Thomas. The
family circle now includes five children: Ann, born
Sept. 23, 1853; William, born June i9, 1858; Rebecca, born Fel. 20, i86o; Jane, born Aug. 28, i86i,
and I)avid, born Oct. 15, 1870.
A portrait of Mr. Hugh is given in this volume.
iilliam Creevey, farmer, sec. 26, Fork Tp.,
_was born in County Kildare, Ireland, April
28, 1832, andis a son of Patrick and Rose
(Armstrong) Creevey, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Mr. Creevey was I8 years
old when he left his native land to come to the
New World. He first located in Monroe Co., N. Y.,
and after a residence of three years came, in the fall
of I855, to Eaton Co., Mich., and worked as a farm
laborer three years. In i858 lie married Jane,
daughter of Jonathan and Agnes Seidler. She was
born in Steinbrook, Penn., where her father died
when she was quite young. Her mother married
Conrad Friend, and now lives in Eaton, Mich.
After marriage Mr. Creevey took farms to work on
shares until he had by industry and good management acquired sufficient means to enable him to ven
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454 _MECOSTA COUNITY. T
ture upon the purchase of a home for himself, and he took a scientific course. He afterwards took a comf' finally bought 40 acres of land, which he improved mercial course of study at Eastman's Business Coland occupied until I867; and then he sold out and lege at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which he completed in,~
came to Mecosta County, locating 80 acres of land i866. He has taught 43 terms of school, nostly in
J under the homestead act, on sec. 26, in the township Ottawa and Kent Counties. Mrs. Philleo tauhlt t
of Fork, which has since been his home. He enlisted in the service of the Union Sept. I, 1864, and
received his discharge at the close of the war, June
10, i865. He was taken sick at Newbern, N. C., and
sent to the hospital at Foster, and three weeks later
to David's Island Hospital in New York Harbor,
where he remained until he was discharged.
Mr. Creevey was elected the first Supervisor of Fork
Tp., at the meeting held for its organization, a position he has filled io years. Ice has officiated as
Postmaster of Fork 14 years, was Road Commissioner Io years, Justice of the Peace 12 years, Treasurer one year, School Director three years. He is a
member of the G. A. R., Post No. 77, at Sherman
City.
The family of Mr. Creevey comprises the following
sch9ol 12 termls after her marriage.
In I869 Mr. Philleo bought Ioo acres of land on
secs. 27 and 28, in Big Rapids Tp., and has since
added 40 acres adjoining b)y lurchase. Ile has put
80 acres under advanced improvement, and has one
of the best l)arns in the county. He has nearly
completed arrangements for the erection of a dwelling in keeping with the general character of the
place.
In political affinities Mr. Philleo is indelpendent.
He has been Township Supervisor four years, and
Justice of the Peace eight years. HIe was nominated
for Representative by the Democratic larty in 1879,
but positively refiused to become a candidate.
I,.
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children born in the named order: Rose M., Jan.
' 8, 186o; (;eorge M., Oct. 8, i86i; Willianm J., April ames W. Mann, farmer, sec. 15, Fork T1p,
14, 1863; Charles C., March 10, 1870; Edwil, Sept. was born in Mailne, JuIne 24, 1854, and is at=
27, 1872; Perry, Aulg. 26, 1875; Agnes 1B., March son of Jollhn. and Susan A. (Churchill),
122, 879; ArthlIu Grant, Dec. 25, i88i. ' t, Mann (see sketch of John i'. Mann), wlo
were natives of the P'ine-Tree State, and in._.... |____-__.<..... 866 came to Saginaw, and later to Fork 'Tp.,
Mich. ie ol)tained his education in the comnon
sec. 27, schools of Sagina;w and was brcd to the lsincss of
ilian C. Philleo, farr, g frmer and lumberman by his fatther, in which:l he is
_ Rapids ip., was l)orn April 25, 1841, in
Sv, ye Co., N. V., and is a s now engaged in l'ork townshil). I was mai;ried in
of Martin and,lizabeth Ann lhill8o, the 1877 to (Clara I,., daughter of John lanld Malry (I fouformer orn Jan. 20, i I )tchess ser) Grove, natives of P'cnnsylvania, who was hlorn
'4-;~ a ) formier lorn Jan. 20, I815, in 1)utchess Co, i n t s S,
Thein the same State, Aug. 2, i 58. 'T'ly lhave tw o
N. Y., and (lied Aug. 20, I87 I; the latter was i ' a.children, I.ula M4. and l~;ddie!~;. I'olitica>lly Mlr.
Iborn June 6, 1821, ill Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is Mann is a Republicn
still living, in Ottawa Co., Mich. The paternal
grandsire was a soldier of 8 2, and fought at the __ r.
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Mr. PIhilleo was nmarried Oct. 30, 1867, to Mary,
Jane, daughter of Allen G. al:d Jane M. Pierce, of - ohn M. Conner, farmneer, sec. 23, Bilg Rl:lids
Flint, Mich. 'T'he lparents were bothi natives of Tl., was born in ichlanl 'l'Tp., Miami Co.,
Orleans Co., N. Y. T'wo chlildre4n have bleen blorn of d., Jly 4, 1837. 1lis fatler, Jailes
this marriage,' Ann M872 and Fannic
A. June 17882. other, 88ary (McCoy) (Coniller, was nt a.tive A
Mr. Phillco calle to Michigan with his parents in of Ireland.
X854,and settled in ()ttawa County. He was a residentlI of his native Stlte,, carited chiefly at Kalamazoo College, where in 1863 he fronl his birth until Nov. 17, G864, when hc c;lle to:I*.h. )0[:wif~~Y ti -— 'o iits" —?*a sr ~~ ~`L
i MECOSTA COUNTY. 455
Mecosta Co., lich., and settled in Big Rapids Tp., In i848 Mr. Sterling came to Michigan and was
where he has since resided. In October, I869, he engaged for six years in the manufacture of lumber /
located on the farm he at present occupies. He was in Newaygo County, going thence to Ada, Kent Co.,
married Dec. 23, 1867, to Etta, daughter of A. C. where he was occupied in farming seven years. In (
and T. G. Kneeland. She was born at Indianapolis, i861 he came to Big Rapids, and two years later. Se)t. 6, 1840. bought the farm where he has since been engaged in
Mr. and Mrs. Conner have three children, born as agricultural pursuits, containing So acres of valuable
follows: James (C., ay r3, 1869; Vesta, Oct. 15, land.
187; D)ellis, Nov. 17, 1872. In pIolitical matters Mr. Sterling was married Jan. 4, 1858, to Margaret
Mr. Conner ib a believer in the l)rinciples of the McFee, of (roton, Newaygo Co., Mich. She was
National party. born on Prince Edward's Island, May 3, 1833. The
records of the children of this marriage are as folT> X *? ^ Wlows: Sarah M. born June 18, 1859, is now the wife.... - - of John Baird, of Mecosta. William was born May
26, 186I; James, April 18, 1863; Katie M., Aug. 2,
eroy Cartwright, farmer on sec. 10, Hiiln- 1865; John W. M., April 24, I867; Cynthia J., Aug.
' g ton 'Tp., was l)orn in Union Co., Ind., March 0o, T870.
I9, 1846. His parents, Calvin and Talitha Mr. Sterling has held the office of School Direct (\Vright) Cartwriglit, were natives respectively of tor during the last five years; himself and wife beIndiana and Virginia, and were residents of long to the Presbyterian (hurch. (
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Union County. They went to Berrien Co.,
Micli., in 1858 and came to Mecosta County in the
spring of 1865. Mr. Cartwright was 19 years old
when he accompanied his parents to Hinton Tp.,
where he blought So acres of wild land, on which he
fixed his residence in the spring of 1872, and entered
vigorously into the details of clearing and improving.
HIe has since added 40 acres to his original purchase
and owns 80 acres in the Township of Millbrook.
Mr. Cartwriglt was married in Trumbull Co., Ohio,
Feb. 26, 1872, to Sarah E., youngest child of Orlo
Winter. Of four children born of this marriage,
three survive: Eva, born June I, 1873; Mernett,
Aug. 26, 1874; Martin, Aug. 28, 1878. A son died
in infancy. Mrs. Cartwright is a member of the
Church of the Disciples. Mr. C. is a Republican;
has been Treasurer of his township eight years, and
Supervisor two years.
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J obert Austin, farmer, sec. 27, Austin Tp.,
- _ S is a son of William and Takey (Johnson)
5 where Robert was born Dec. i6, 1853. In
the summer of 1870 the family came to Mecosta County and the spring following purchased 80 acres of timbered land, where the father
and son labored together to clear the groufnd and establish a home. Robert Austin was married Feb. i,
T876, to Charlotte, daughter of Solomon and Nancy
(Gray) Cummings. Her parents were natives of
New York, settled in St. Joseph Co., Mich., where
the daughter was born Aug. 25, 1849. The young
people settled upon 40 acres of the homestead. Of
this land 25 acres have been reclaimed and placed
in good condition. They have now an attractive
home, endeared to them by their labors and the associations which center there. Four children have
been born to them, as follows: Maud, Dec. 1,
1876; William H., Jan. 21, 1878; Ira B., June 20,
I882. The latter is a twin child; the other died
soon after birth.
Mr. Austin is a liberal Republican in politics; is
averse to notoriety, and invariably refuses to hold
office. Mrs. Austin is a lad) of more than ordinary
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t urdoch Sterling, farmer, sec. 28, Big RKapI 5ids Tp., was born April 8, 1822, in Godfal Illmanchester, Province of Quebec, Can.
His parents, James and Agnes Sterling,
were both natives of Scotland, and his father
was a soldier in the war of the Revolution at
4 the time of the surrender of Burgoyne.
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intellectual accomplishments. She attended the in every avenue of business, affected them seriously
district school in her native )lace until she was ten and the affairs of the concern were brought to a close.; years old, when she went to Wyandotte, Wayne Mr. Falardo went to Essex, N. Y., and entered the
Co., Mich., and studied at the college about eight employ of his two brothers in the same line of busiyears. She also studied for a time at Ann Arbor, ness. A year later he went to Whallonsburg, in the
J and finished her educational course at the State same county, and managed the mills of Capt. Root
Normal School at Ypsilanti. She was a popular and one year. His next business venture was at Whitesuccessful teacher four years previous to her mar- hall, N. Y., where he formed a partnership with Mr.
riage. Hayes, and leased a mill, which they operated about
I8 months, and in February, 1882, they came to Big
/a |I LtRapids, built their mills, and established themselves
/- in business. The concern is under the prolrietorh F, r t at Bg ads ship of Joseph F. Hayes, and is conducted by Messrs.
seph Faldo, r t at Bg Haves & Falardo. A working force of co men is
was born n St. Eslrit, Province of Queeb ec, July 2g, 1837. He is a son of lTouis
and Lucille Falardo, the former a carpenter
and wagon-maker by trade. Mr. Falardo is of
French descent, his ancestors having emigrated from that country to America. The family name
has been changed from Falardeau to its l)resent
forml.
Mr. UFalardo began life for himself as a clerk in a
_J _ _ J
employed, and the daily products are 125 doors and
80 pairs of blinds. The machinery employed is the
best known in the business.
Mr. Falardo was married at (ohoes, N. Y., Aug.
23, 1859, to Apolline TIe Boeuf, a native of Canada,
born April 8, 1841. lThe houselold includes six
children: Eli V. R., Mary, 'Theodora, (harles, Edward and Lucille.
l1ulrinr hi: rp;,iclnrt' in thflt 'itv nf Vf-Tronn, 1ie:./w
I
r7 general store, where lie was employed two years, and was Alderman two years and Justice of the Peace:
= at the end of that time went to New Hartford, ('onn., tre years. The nily elo to th R n
- where he worked in a cotton mill about 18 months. Catloli Church,..yCatholic C'hurch. '*
His father moved to Brooklyn, N. V., and he learned
the carpenter's trade with him, and lpursued it five
years. At the end of that time his parents removed e - <
to Colhoes, N. Y., wlre i he went to work in a sash, E
door anld blind factory, and was thus employed one t FI M. D. Knettles, farmer, resident on sec.
year, wehei hle bought tile miacilinery and fixtures of| M i5, N ecosta 'p., was orn in Toml' kins
15, 1ccosta '1'i), wais I~orn in 'l'oml1kins
the concern, and began operations on his own ac- ('o. N. Y., May 27, [845. H-is parents,
count, associated witl John l)e Villier and his Ilenry and Rlachel ('Teeter) Klettles, were nafather, Louis Falardo. Messrs. Falaido and De Vil|- tives of N. Y., and were respectively of Dutch
$4 lier bought out the interest of the senior FIalardo at and English extraction. Wh\en Mr. Knettles
I the end of a year, alnd continued operations six became of age he caime to this county and settled in
months, when the mill was sold, and it became nec- Mecosta Tp., locating in the immediate vicinity of
essary to remove their machinery. the Big Muskegon River, soon afterward purchasing
In I)ecelmber, r 86, N r. Falardo formed a partner- 56 acres of land, to which he added 70 acres more a
ship with E. 3. Hayes, and established a sash, door few years later. This was all in a wild condition;
and blind factory at Vergennes, \t., lwhere they cn- but on the first place there was a small house, which
u ployed an verage working force of o0o men, and li he inhaiited 15 years. The energy and p)ersevering
uslually turned out b)etween 30o 11d 400 doors daily. efforts af Mr. Knettles and his family have reclaimed. Their business was extenlded and prosperous, and at the unbroken forest, and vwhere the dense tibelr '; the end of eight years M r. 'Falardo bought the interest shut out the rest of the world from view, fair, fertile
4 of Mr. Ilayes and connected hliselff with Charles (. fields have succeeded an;d the marks of progressive
Parker. 'Ihe latter relation existed over three years, civilization are everywhere visible on the place. In (s
K but the financial crisis whlich woulght such mischief addition to other improvements is a fine yolng oradition t ot i m~S —p - aunuets iis a. fine y
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a MECOSTA COUNTY. 459 i
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f chard, containing I20 trees. The farm is well supplied with buildings and a new and beautiful resi-? dence has just been completed, at an expenditure
of $2,000. Mr. K. and his family may justly be
rated among the leading inhabitants of the county.
Mr. Knettles was married in Tompkins Co., N. Y.,
July 4, I856, to Susan, daughter of Joseph and
Katie (Protts) Everhart, Lorn May 21, 1846, in
Seneca Co., N. Y. The two children born of this
marriage are still living: Cora B., born April 6, i868;
g Libby M., April i8, 1870. Mr. Knettles is a l)emocrat in political faith, and inclines to the Universalist doctrinal views. Mrs. Knettles is theoretically a
Presbyterian.
q, A,tephen S. Wilcox, of Big Rapids, whose
' ~_l portrait appears in proximity to this page,
was born July 29, I840, in Schenevus,
\Otsego Co., N. Y., and is the son of John and
= Amanda (Upson) Wilcox. His father, who
was of English descent, was a soldier in the
war of I812, and a pioneer settler near Hartford,
Conn. The first frame house ever built in Schenevus was erected by him and is still standing.
Stephen S. Wilcox was the youngest of six children,
and was educated at the schools and seminaries in
the vicinity of his home, until he was 15 years old;
he then removed to Galesburg, Ill., where he served
as clerk for his brother in the hardware business, and
finally learned the trade of tinner.
After serving three years' apprenticeship, during
which time he spent his leisure in study, he, in the
fall of I858, taught the district school in Otsego, N. Y.
In 1859 he bought a stock of hardware, and conducted a small business successfully for a short time.
In 1862 he removed to Detroit, and for several years
worked as a tinner.
In i868, the firm of S. S. Wilcox & Co., consisting
of Mr. Wilcox and his father-in-law, J. W. Barbour,
commenced a general hardware business at Big
Rapids. Four years later Mr. Wilcox assumed the
entire management of the business and has since
conducted it successfully.
His son-in-law, Mr. W. J. Sloss, was admitted an
Z active partner to the firm of S. S. Wilcox & Co. at the
commencement of the present year (I883). Mr.
Sloss was born in Dearborn, Michigan, where he resided until his removal to Big Rapids, excepting four
years spent at the Agricultural College at Lansing.
Mr. Wilcox is an Odd Fellow, and a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of this place.
He gives his political support to the Democratic
party, but does not aspire to office. Thorough
acquaintance with the practical details of his business, and strict personal attention to every department of it, have insured his success.
Mr. Wilcox was married Feb. 7, I863, to Miss
Adelaide L., daughter of Theron W. Barbour, who
removed from Vermont, and settled at Pontiac, in
i830, when Michigan was a "Territory.' His family
comprises the following children: Ida B., born at
Farmington, Mich., Jan. 26, I864; and Fred. Theron, born at Big Rapids, Mich., Oct. 29, 1869.
J ames Caudle, farmer, sec. 24, Big Rapids
Tp., was born Dec. 14, 1802, in Hailes,.' Gloucestershire, Eng. (Hailes is the supposed site of Troy.) The parents of Mr. Caudie, William and Mary (Wallis) Caudle, were
married Nov. I8, 1784, in Hailes, Eng., and
never removed from England. The father was born in
Hailes, Nov. i6, 1759, and died March 8, I855. The
mother was born July 25, 1762, and died in the fall
of I846.
Mr. Caudle was married Dec. 12, 1831, to Julia
Pauline (Francis) Gubeau, born in Kirckerville, Normandy, France, Feb. 15, I805, and died Dec. 27,
1872, in Walker Tp., Kent Co., Mich. They left
England March 3, 1832, and landed at the post of
New York, May I, 1832. They located first at
Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., where they resided
32 years. They started thence to Michigan April
II, I864, and came to Kent County, where they
lived in Walker about 12 years. They came to Big
Rapids, Nov. 29, I876, where they established a permanent home.
Mr. and Mrs. Caudle had 12 children. Eight of
these have been removed by death. Wm. L. Caudle, only surviving son, died July 27, 1865, of disease contracted while a soldier of the Union army.; -
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460 MECOSTA COUNTY.
Julia (Caudle) Newcomb was born Sept. 3, 1834, went to Yates Co, N. Y., and engaged as a farm
and lives at Bay City; Mary (Caudle) Nordon, born laborer. In I869 he came to Michigan, and at first:I April 26, 1836, lives in Walker, Kent Co., Mich; found employ in Jackson Co., with his uncle, Jasper
Ann (Caudle) Waring, born July 26, 1837, is a widow King, remaining 14 months. He then went to Battle
r and keeps her father's house. Sarah F. (Caudle) Creek and spent six months as clerk in a store. In
E Martin was born April 19, 1841, and lives in Sum- 1872 he came to Morley and found a situation in the
mit, Mason Co., Mich. general store of E. WV. Gerrish, and acted in that
Mr. Caudle is a Democrat in politics and a mem- capacity two years. His next engagement was in
ber of the Roman Catholic Church. "Schofield's restaurant. The next year, I875, he
began to operate in lumber, shingles, etc., and has
_ --- — been so engaged to date. He was associated for a
' t a se.,' tinie with D. VW. Stewart, and later with WV. 1). Lake
t *l obert Jamieson, farmer, sec. 22, Chilppewa in a general store and lumbering. In i880 they sold
T I p., was born July 6, 1845, on the Isle of their claims in the business and Mr. King has since
pi;r. Islay, and is the fifth child of Donald and continued alone. He received his apIointment as
< Margaret (McDougall) Jamieson, the former I'ostmaster of Morley in January, 1883. He was; a native of the Isle of Bute, the latter born on married Fel. 2, i88i, to Miss Lake, daughter of
the Isle of Jura. (The islands named are in Robert 0. and Mariette (Redker) Lake, natives of
the Atlantic Ocean, west of and belonging to Scot- the State of New York. Mr. King is a Republican
land.) The parents came to Canada in 186o, where in political faith and has held the offices of Justice
the mother died in 1864, and the father in 1882. of the Peace, Assessor, etc., a long period of years. "; Mr. Jamieson obtained a fair education in his He cast his first Presidential vote for U. S. Grant.
=1
native country, and came with his parents to America
A, and resided a year with them in the Dominion. He:
came to Michigan in r86I; in i867 he located in =
Chippewa Tp., this county, in which year several oseph J. Everhart, farmer, sec. 34, Big
other settlers made their entries of land and began aids, was or. 17 4 in Ros,
with energy the work of clearing and settling that \\Wayne o., N. Y. His father, Joseph
part of the wilderness.
Everhart, was born 1Feb. 3, 1799, and died
Mr. Jamieson wazs married in 1868, to Mlinnie, Alril ir, w86a in lansine, 1omlkiis (o.,
daughter of John and Mena (I.icker) Martiny, b)orn N. Y. His Iother, Catherine Everhart, was
in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1850. Her parents were.../, I born in P'ennsylvania, l)ec. 27, I795, and died in
natives of Germany, and pioneer settlers of Mecosta
County, being the first permanent residents of Miar- T72.
J, *Mr. Everhart left his native State in,867 and "'
S tiny Tp., which received their name. (See sketch of. Everhart left his ative State i 867 a
went to La (range, ind. In i868 he came to ier- IJohn Martiny.) Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson have had
h rn ad a le lin, Ottawa (o., Mich., and after a year's stay there
three children: I)onald, John and Alexander.
I came to the township of Big Rapids, and in 1869
ibought 80 acres of land, lying wholly within a belt
of hard wood. He has 65 acres under the plow,
J ',s"' *and the place and fixtures are in the best condition.
i; arwin C. King, I'ostmaster at NMorley, was |The tract lhas a fine lot of bird's-eye maple and
'! born in \Wayne Co., N. Y., I)ec. 2, 1846. other standing tilmber.
H is father, Iali)an King, was a farmer, and Mr. Everhart was married March 13, I866, to.
- is still a resident of Wayne Co. I is mother, lora Teeter, a native of lansing, Tompkins Co., *
t iMatilda (Ringer) King, died in i866. Mr. N. Y. She was born Feb. 25, 1846, and'is a daugh- l, King was reared at home, and until the age ter of Vincent and Catherine Teeter, the former a,, of 20 assisted in the labors of his father, and ac- native of Pennsylvania, born April 23, i807; the?
qu(ired his education. At that period of his life heh latter was born in New York in I822. Children, S.1-*/;,
......_..
MECOS TA
Lewie E., born Oct. 2, I867, and died Feb. 18, 1872;
Oren V., born Dec. 12, 1870; George E., born Oct.
7, 1878.
Mr. Everhart is a pensioner of the late war, in
' which he was a soldier. He enlisted Aug. 20, i862,
in Co. D, Ninth N. Y. Artillery, and was in tlhe service until Feb., 1864, when he was discharged on account of disability, his health having become hopelessly broken. He is Road Commissioner, and has
been Justice of the Peace one year; is a member of, the G. A. R.
CO UNTY. 461
=46, ' )
"IX
M=Z
oah Eaton, farmer, sec. 24, Chippewa Tp.,
- was born in Inghaml Co., Miich., July 25,
J.~ 1848. He is a son of Edward and Eliza
(Cole) Eaton, the formker a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of New York. They came to
Ingham County in 1835.
Mr. Eaton was trained to agricultural pursuits,
and had only a common-school education. On reaching his age of legal freedom lie began life for himself
as a farm laborer, working in Jackson Co., Mich.
In 1870 he came to Mecosta County, and entered a
claim of 80 acres under the regulations of the homestead law, and now has 20 acres in first-class farming
condition.
Mr. Eaton was married in 1875 to Mary, daughter
of Simon and Ann (Crawford) Mott. She was born
* T I - * I * - -. n C-.1 I --..1 - -, - - - r
Hayes, her youngest child, was 17 years of age, the
place was sold and the proceeds distributed among
the heirs. Through the mismanagement of a brother,
Mr. Hayes lost his little patrimony and entered upon
his life's struggle empty-handed. His first work for
himself was to learn his trade, and he went to Glens
lFalls, N. Y., for the prosecution of that purpose. He
stayed there five years, accomplishing all the plans
he had designed and becoming familiar with all mechanical details.
Five years later he went to Stillwater, N. Y., and
became foreman for Cornell & Ladow in the same
line of business, and filled the position three years.
Ie then began business on his own account in the
same avenue, employing half a dozen youths as assistants. He soon afterwards admitted John E. Burrows as a partner, and the next spring they removed
their business to Mechanicsville, N. Y., and there
continued to operate nearly three years, when they
made another remove to Lape Hollow, near Lansingburg, N. Y., where they remained about a year.
Mr. Hayes sold out and went to Vcrgennes, Vt.,
and formed an association with Joseph F1alardo.
They established a large and prosperous business,
which they prosecuted about eight years, when Mr.
Hayes sold out again and lought the establishment
of the Vergennes Machine Co., manufacturing pumping machinery for supplying water to towns and
cities. He had three associates, and, the affairs of
the concern eventuating disastrously at the termination of six years, Mr. Hayes closed business. Again
associating himself with Joseph Falardo, they started
a mill in Whitehall, N. Y., and operated about i8
months in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds.
In February, 1882, they removed to Big Rapids and
built a sash, door and blind factory at the east end
of the lower dam. Of this establishment Joseph F.
Hayes is the proprietor, and the operative departments are managed by Messrs. Hayes & Falardo; a
force of 50 workmen is usually employed, the business is prosperous and its relations gradually widening. Mr. Hayes has a genius for his peculiar line of
business, and is naturally adapted to the construction
of mill machinery.
Mr. Hayes was married at Glens Falls, March 27,
1857, to Frances M., daughter of Stephen V. R. and
Sarah Shouts. She was born at Glens Falls, March
28, 1842. Of four children born to Mr. and Mrs.
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1n l'ennsylvanla, in 1858, and became the mother ot
one child, Merriton, born I)ec. 16, 1876: she died
in 1877. In political matters Mr. E. belongs to the
National party.
1 lIi Hayes, resident at Big Rapids, was born
[ l, f at Bennington, Vt., Nov. 19, 1837, and is a
[ 9~ son of Erastus H. and Mari aria (Harmon)
t QJ i 'Hayes. His father died when he was between
four and five years of age, leaving the mother
with four young children, the eldest of whom
was but nine years old. With the energy and determination which characterize New England mothers,
* she kept her flock together, bringing her boys up to
work on the little farm of 36 acres; and when Mr.
_ —
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.......-:-...- 1.. ---' ^ -- ^*D — a'~: -— {^:*462 fMECOSTA COUNTY.
Hayes three are living: Stephen V. R., an attorney ville, Jefferson Co., Aug. 29, I854. He came to, at Big Rapids, Joseph F. and Fannie J. Lousie, eldest Michigan in 1865, and in I868 went to Denver, Col.; J
child, is deceased. is now a resident of San Francisco, Cal. Samuel C.
'"_:_ Wilcox was born Oct. 16, 1859, in Wilna, N. Y., and, N = )came to Michigan in 1865; went to Washington Territory April 2, i88 -ames M. Parkill, farmer, sec. 8, Green Tp., y Apl 2, -883.
w b a BM, r. Wilcox came to Michigan in March, I865, and
'I_'~. was born at Beloit, Wis., Oct. 25, 1842.
was rn at Beloit, Wis, Oct. 25 842 settled in Oceana Co., Mich. He came to Mecosta
J] - He is the second child of Dennis N. and.
i n. County, and settled in Big Rapids Tp., Nov. 5, I88o.
o Sarah (Dunn) Parkill. The father was born in 1 h r
P rr k l. mhe he wi o in He was married April 25, I880, at Big Rapids, to
L New York, and was a mechanic; he died mn
Y a w a m h d i Emma L. Haight. She is of German descent and
V Wisconsin, and the mother, a native of Ohio,, was born in Big Prairie, Newaygo Co., Mich., May I,.i spent the last years of her life at Grass Lake, Mich. ceremony of marriage was performed by
','4 I862. The ceremony of marriage was performed by
Mr. Parkill was sent to the common schools of rice.
Farmington, Jefferson Co., Wis., until 14 years old, Mr. Wilcox is connected with the National party
when he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the in is political affiliation.
11 his pt affiliat
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calling oI miacKsmitn, wmcn ne prosecuted until
i86i. On the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted
in Co. H, 8th Wis. Vol. Inf., and was discharged
from service in October, 1862, on account of a wound
received at the battle of James Island. He resumed his trade on returning home, and continued to
3 reside in Wisconsin until 1867, when he came to
= Mecosta Co., Mich., and settled at Big Rapids,
= where he worked at his trade fiveyears. In 1872 he
= bought the farm on which he has since resided, coni taining 80 acres of land.
Mr. Parkill was married in April, 1867, to Ella P.,
daughter of Erastus and Sarah R. (Palmer) Fisher.
Her father was a native of Massachusetts, and her
mother of Ohio. They are now residents of Mecosta County. Mr. and Mrs. Parkill have had six
children, as follows: D)ennis J., IL. J., Eva M., Sarah.. O r T and Tessieq I (dece.'(sfd
~ t )homas Shaw, Sr., Circuit Court officer and
|ll_1 Deputy Sheriff of Mecosta County, residing
cT; at Big Rapids, was born in Manchester,. Eng., Aug. 28, 1813. He is the third son of
John and Eleanor (Robinson) Shaw, the former
a native of Radcliffe, Lancashire.
Mr. Shaw passed the years of his youth in the manner common among the pleople of his nationality, and
at the usual lge learned the craft of decorator of paper hangings. He was married Jan. 3, 1835, to Nicolas, d anghter'of James and Nicolas Stott, born Oct. 23,
T8ii, at Alnwick, Northumberlandshire. The family
came to America in 185 I and landed at Boston, going
thence to Lynn, Mass., where he worked at his trade
a few months. -le weent slICCe(ssivelv to HFanover
I
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s XE,C,.e' -.. Mr. Parkill is a Democrat in his lpolitical views Society, Conn., anid New Bedford, Mass., where he,': and sympathies. was similarly employed a short time, and then Lawrence, lMass., for several years. In 1855 he came to, '^D Ij ^ Mecosta County and pre-emplted a quarter sec. (17)
of land in Gree'n Tp., the year previous to its being
1 A. Wilcox, farmer, sec. 7, Big Rapids 'Tp., taken out of market. His experiences differed in no
1 was born Feb. 6, r858, in Wiilna, Jefferson material sense from the oft repeated but never
f Co., N. Y., and is a son of Charles and wearisome history of the average pioleer settler, un>. Elizal)eth (Ressiguie) Wilcox. The father was til the clouds of war hung like a )all over the land (
t1 of German descent and born in New York, and disunion seemed imminent. The promptness. ' April 12, 1833, and is now a resident of Ne- with which foreign-born citizens flocked to the Union.
waygo County. Elizabeth Ressiguie was born May standard was significant of two things: first, the
7, 17844, in the State of New York, and is of French sense of olligation awavkened )by the privileges they
desccent. She became the mother of three children: enter upon at once under the regulations of this GovWilliam L. Wilcox, eldest son, was born in Hounds- ernment; and, secondly, the value of discipline in /
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 465
( - - _
early training. Mr. Shaw felt that the emergency are deceased. James Stott Shaw, eldest son, is a
i: demanded his aid, and himself and two sons enlisted popular physician in Boston. John and Thomas r
a at Big Rapids. He enrolled in August, I863, in Co. were soldiery, enlisting respectively in the Infantry ir:
I A, Tenth Mich. Cav., and was assigned to the posi- and Cavalry service and passed their terms of enrollJ tion of Hospital Steward, and afterward was promoted ment in safety. Annie Howard Shaw is an ordained
to the post of Assistant Surgeon. The regiment minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and
went to the Department of East Tennessee and was lpreaches at East Dennis, Cape Cod. She is now
first in action May 20, 1864, at Greenville, followed pursuing a course of medical studies prel)aratory to
by the fights at Morristown, Kingsport, Carry Branch, filling the post of a missionary where the competent
New Market, Morrisburg, William's Ford and Dutch services of a Christian woman are in most urgent deBottom. These engagements covered the service of mand. Henry Charles, fourth son, is deceased.
the regiment in the months of July and August.
The work entitled "Michigan in the War" gives an '
interesting account of the wounding and subsequent
interviewing by Gen. Wheeler (Confederate), of a ehl,_l
farmer named Griggs, who with six others had ex- |il ilbur A. Hendryx, physician and surgeon
hibited singular bravery. Mr. Shaw was ordered to I at Big Rapids, was born at Seymour, New
go to Griggs, which he did, with an escort of one,, Haven Co., Con., Feb. 21, 1849. He is
brought him within the Union lines and attended a son of Wilson E. and Rosetta (Booth)
i him until he was well. The regiment was in the Hendryx. His father was a mechanic and had
famous cavalry raid of Gen. Stoneman, which covered charge of the Humphreyville Edge-Tool FacK a period of 72 days. The initial movement was tory more than 30 years. He was born in South-,
X made about the middle of March, I865. One result bury, Conn., in I81o. Dr. Heldryx was a pupil in
of the expedition through the western part of North the public schools of Connecticut until he was 18
Carolina was the capture of Salisbury and a large years of age, when he spent a year in the establishquantity of rebel stores. The Union prisoners were ient where his father was chief, after which le enremoved in time to prevent their liberation, but the gaged as a clerk in a store in Ansonia, New Haven 4
( prison pens and arsenal were destroyed. In this the Co. In I87 he came to Pentwater, Mich., and beTenth Mich. Cav. participated. On the 28th, Mr. gan to read for his profession in the office of Dr. E.
Shaw was injured by his horse falling on him. Her- N. Dundas, and afterward matriculated at Rush
nia of a painful type was the result, but he did not College, Chicago, where he was graduated. He atreport himself ill and continued to discharge the du- tended this school in the winters of I872-'3-'4. He
ties of his post until the mustering out of the regi- took there a special medical course in anatomy,
ment Nov. II, I865, at Memphis. He was dis- surgery and diseases of the chest, and spent concharged from the service at Jackson, MHich. siderable time in special wards of the principal
On returning to Green, Mr. Shaw entered upon the. h o. Evart, Mich., and three months later, in August, i874,
practice of medicine, which he pursued two years,.
i came to Big Rapids and entered into partnership with
but was obliged to abandon it from inability to per-..r. Fred. B. Wood, M. D. The relation continued ablout
form the necessary duties of the profession at night,, D. t ed
eleven months, when Dr. Hendryx established himand he resumed farming. He held most of the local i i ii. r
self in an office on Michigan avenue. In November,
offices of Green Tp., and after a few years moved to i h... I88,he admitted Dr. Burkart to a co-partnership, Big Rapids. Later, he sold his farm. He has been.
C.... and the connection existed until November, 1882. (
Deputy Sheriff eight years, and was appointed to his r. r i i..,...-. - Dr. Hendryx is in the enjoyment of an extensive
position in the Circuit Court in January, I88...
o, and popular practice. He belongs to the Masonic
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw in Order and Knights of Pythias, and is a member of
England, and one in America. An infant died before the Northwestern Medical Society. In 188I he was
their removal to the New World. Eleanor, eldest appointed local surgeon of the G. R. & I. R. R. Co.,
child, and Mary Ann, fifth child and second daughter, and in the same year as such for the the D., L. & N.
*
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-,.tr -.: '- ":1 -I - ~; * \ ~I l
466 ME COSTA CO UN T Y.
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R. R. Co. He was physician in charge of Mercy Hospital three years, and for some time was Surgeon of
the 2d Mich State Troops, with the rank of Major,
blut inl October, I883, was promoted as Brigade Surgeon, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Hie was
elected Mayor of Big Rapids in the spring of I88o,
previous to which he served two years as Alderman.
He has been United States Examining Surgeon on
pension claims since 1876, and operates in the same
capacity for several insurance companies, among
them the Travellers' Accident. He has also a drug
store in connection with his office, in which he is associated with A. H. Weber; style W. A. Hendryx &
Co. Their stock includes a full line of drugs and
druggists' sundries, and is valued at -about $4,500,
with lbusiness amounting annual!y to $ro,ooo. )r.
tHendryx owns a shingle-mill at Lumberton, Newaygo Co., with a capacity of about I,ooo,ooo monthly;
shilpments are chiefly, to Eastern markets. He also
owns his residence and two lots on the corner of
Spruce street and Warren avenue.
I)r. Hendryx was lmarrie(l at Biig Rapids, Dec. 22,
1875, to Lucy A., daughter of Dr. Guy B. and Sarah
A. Shepherd, of Shelboygan, Wis., who was born at
Shel)oygan Falls, March 7, J856.
As one of the truly representative men of Mccosta
County, not only as a citizen bult as a lrofessional
and business man, we present the portrait of I)r.
Hendryx in this wolk.
/N.
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II
daughter of Peter and Ann (Guthrie) Warren. Her
parents were natives of Pennsylvania and went to
Carroll County, where they were pioneers, and where
they died about the year I857. Mrs. Grimes was
born in Ohio Dec. I, 1829. All the children of this
marriage are living, born as follows: Milton P.,
July i9, I853; Iorenzo D., Oct. I9, 1855; Cora A.,
May IO, 1859. Mrs. Grimes manages the farm left
to her by the death of her husband.
j g acob M. Dubois, farmer, sec. 8, Green Tp.,
Cl1 inwas Iorn in Tyre, Seneca Co., N. Y., Oct.
i8, 182G. He is a son of Conrad M. and
Susanna (Spear) )ubois, the former a native
of Dutchess Co., N. Y.; the latter was born in
New Jersey. 'rhe fathler came to Lodi, Washtenaw Co., Mich1., in r831, where le was a farmer.
He went thence to Ionia County, and afterwards to
Clinton County, where he died in 1873 ''he m)otfher
(lied in Mecosta County, ()ct. 12, 1874.
Mry. Dubois obltained a reasonable education in the
common schools of Vashite1naw andc Tonia Counties,
and remained aIt ahome u1ntil the age of i8 years,
VhIen he set olut iln life to work for himsclf. After,
few years he returned home andl interested himself
in the care of the family for a (considerable leiigtlh of
timle. In the fll of I 8 6 he came to Miecost;
County tand voiked in tlye linl)er canilp of Wne. S.
Utley (luring the winter, and ill, the slring of t856
ie located 120 acres of land, undler tile lrovisionls of
thle Gradation Act, whlich has since been his liomue.
Sept. 17, Ts86, he enlisted in the Second Mich. Cav.,d
Colonel lGordon Granger conllalldillg. le was in
several skirmishes, an(l at tile battle of Plerryvillie.
inl tile suIllier of I862 he was taken sick and was
in Hoslpital No. 7, at TLouLisville, for some tinie, going
tllence to QuincyY, ill., whlere lhe relained a year.
In tIle s)rilng of i864 lie welnt to INa;shville, thence
to rejoin his regimlent, alid passed the last month of
his pediod of enrollmient iln tile service. He received
an honloralble dischiarge O)ct. 22, 1864.
Mtr. l)ulbois \was Illarried June 28, 1 86, to I'Mrdence A., daughLter of 'I'yler and Mary A. (lBentley)
)uti;can, who was born at ()swego, N. Y., ()(ct. 31,
1823. Her lparents were natives of lt'ulton Co.
N. Y., and in r856 located in Mecosta (Colunty,
* AV';~I
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I
eorge Grimes, deceeased, was born in Car-::! } 1)roll Co., Ohio, March 24, T824. His par-,~, f ents, (;eorge and Isalbella (Smith) ('rinies,
i were long residents of Carroll Co., Ohlio, andl
died there at an advanced age. Mr. Gri'mes!lpassed all his caly life in his native State, and
ini tle fall of i868 canle to Michigan and I)Ought 40
acres of wild lai.d. lie built thereon a board house,
ana at the time of his death h1ad cleared 25 acres.
ale }c fterwards I)urclhascd IGo acres on sec. 15.
He died April 27, I879. Mr. GCrimies was first nlar.""; ried I)ec. 3, 1848, to Catherine W\athey, who was
b orn Sept. 7, 1826, and died ()ct. 29, 1849. They,i had one child, Matilda, now the wife of Wesley C arr.
*o M r. Gritmes was after-ward married(l a second timec, Aplril 13, I852, in Carroll Co., Ohio, to Eliza J.,
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= MECOSTA COUNTY. 467
where they resided during the remainder of their was left a widow. She was the mother of three chillife. The mother died Dec. 28, 1863, and the dren: Albert W. was born Oct. 14, 1858, and settled in
father hMarch 8, 1867. Politically Mr. Dubois is a Big Rapids Feb. 15, 1870, in company with Mr. Pull- J
Republlican. He is one of the pioneers of the man of this sketch. George R. was born in 1860 and
county, and is considered one of its most reliable died the following year.
Mr. Pullman was married Oct. 13, i880, to Margaret A. McCune, daughter of Samuel and Eliza
_.. —o — o — (McKee) McCune, born Jan. 13, i86i, in Mecosta
County. Of this marriage there is one child, George
t. James Judkis, * A/R., born March 6, 1882. Mr. Pullman is aRepubliapt. James Judkins, Paris, Mecosta Co.,
was orn in Beniont Co., Ohio, Mapoliticalrch 24,views.
1825. Hlis father, Dr. James Judkins, was a,.
nati've of North Carolina, and came to Ohio
| at an early date, where he followed the prac- "x^1 'fl
tice of medicine for more than 50 years. He
was a brother of l)rs. Jesse and William Judkins, well
known physicians of Cincinnati. His mother, Susannah (Boyce) Judkins, was born in Pennsylvania; both
families were Quakers.
The subject of this sketch was educated at the
Quaker college, in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Co.,
Ohio. At the age of 22 he married Miss Mary A.
Dorneck, daughter of John Dorneck, of Salona, Clinton Co., Pa. She was educated in the academy at
that place, and afterward went with her parents to
Ohio, and settled at Flushing, Belmont Co., where
she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Judkins have had
five sons, three living and two dead. Judge Byron
Judkins, of Hersey, Mich., is their eldest lining son;
Lewis R. and Henry S. are telegraph operators.
They also have an adopted daughter.
Capt. Judkins is a Republican, and has held different township offices most creditably for many years.
He enlisted May T, 1864, in the I56th Regt. Ohio
Vol. Inf., remaining in service until the close of the
war.
harles W. Pullman, farmer, sec. 16, Big
Rapids Tp., was born in Oxford Co., Upper
Canada, Jan. 22, I856. His father, George
1, Pullman, was of English descent and born in
New York in 1829. He was a soldier in the civil
war and died in captivity in Libby prison, in
December, I863. The mother, Mary (Cramer) Pullman, was born in 1837, in Germany, and died in Oxford
Co., Can., in December, I863, in the same month she
[fi )l obert H. Bovay, farmer, sec. 33, Chip] *'}i: pewa Tp., was born in Prince Edward Co.,
tL. ~-a-. Ameliasburg Tp., Can., Jan. 14, 1846, and.g is a son ot John apld Minerva (Blake) Bovay.
His father was born in England, in August,
1792, and his mother was a native of Canada,
where she still resides.
Mr. Bovay was reared on a farm and received
only a common-school education in his native Province. At the age of eight years he was " bound " to
William Anderson, M. P. P., and resided under his
guidance until between 19 and 20 years of age, when
he went to Rochester, N. Y., and thence to the Chemung River, where he worked two months in a sawmill; then worked on a farm in Canada six months,
during which time volunteers were called out, and
he enlisted, going to Prescott, (Can., for a short time;
then was on a farm on Prince Edward Island three
months longer, where he had been previously engaged. He was then at Saginaw until 1868, in the
lumber camps winters, and working at saw-mills
during the intervening summers. He then came to
Chippewa Tp. and bought 80 acres of land, which
he has since increased to 120 acres. He has
placed 40 acres under improvements, and has gqod
buildings.
Mr. Bovay was married May 29, 1873, to Sarah
Jane, daughter of George and Mary (House) Connor, born in Sheffield, Can., Dec. 26, 885o. Her
father was a native of Ireland, and her mother was
born at St. John's, N. B. The four children of the
family were born as follows: William Albert, March
6, I874; Alice Lauretta, Nov. 27, 1876; Frankie H.
and Fannie May (twins), Jan. 4, I883.
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. fi — Xt.-to - ^
t 468 MECOSTA
Mr. Bovay is Republican in politics; was elected
District Treasurer, Jan. 22, 1882, and Justice of the,i Peace in 1883.
/i 'f.
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l H D H --- ^%y-. — )
COUNT Y.
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X homas Sales, farmer, sec. 7, Green Tp.,
was born in Caroline Co., Va., Aug. 4,
1823. He passed the first r8 years of his
life in farming, alternating with other pursuits
as occasion demanded. He left home in I841,
and went to St. Louis, Mo., going thence in
A 1846 to Chicago, where he spent two years in various
employments. In 1848 he came to Michigan, to engage in lumbering, and passed through Mecosta
County, en route to the lumber camp of Delos
Blodgett, in Osceola County, and was in the employ
of that gentleman until 1858. In that year he
bought a farm in the northern part of Green Tp.,, containing 40 acres of land, where he expended labor
S and energy for five years, selling the property at the
= end of that time, and removing just across the line
4 into Newaygo County, where he lived two years. In
i 1860, he bought the farm on which he is now located
* in Green iTp, containing 88 acres of unimproved
land. He has applied his time and efforts to the
clearing and improvement of his farm to the best
purpose, and has 40 acres in advanced cultivation,
with a fine residence, good orchards and fixtures,
generally in excellent condition. He is esteemed
among his fellow townsmen, and regarded as a valuable and public-spirited citizen.
Mr. Sales was married in I86o to Mrs. Catherine
Goose, a native of Germany. Two children have
been born to them: Maria L. and William T. Mrs.
Sales had seven children by a former marriage: Kate,
George, Margaret and Mary, now living, and Henry,
Lizzie and Mary deceased.
i
same year. His mother was of Scotch lineage, and
by her death six years later her seven children were
fully orphaned. The little flock-four boys and
three girls-were scattered, never more to gather
under the home roof.
Dr. Wood coimmenced his career as a practitioner
after the manner in which children often indicate
the bent of their proclivities. He experimented in
surgery on small animals, and dosed with harmless
compounds such persons as he could induce to
yield to his importunities. He began to study early,
and when I i years old went to work for Wm. Mitchell, of Steuben Co., Ind., receiving $4 per month the
first season, and a dollar additional during the second
year. After that he worked for Martin Eldredge two
summers, at $7 a month, and went to school winters.
He saved his earnings and spent the school years of
1859-60 at Hillsdale College, where he first studied
anatomy. In February, 1861, he went to work for
Benj. Dygert, of Steuben Co., Ind., and in May following enlisted at Angola, in Co. A, 29th Ind. Vol.
Inf., for three years' service. He was the second enrolled soldier from that county, and went out under
Capt. J. H. M. Jenkins, rendezvoused at La Porte, Ind.,
and crossed the Ohio in June, i861, from Jeffersonville, Ind., to Louisville, Ky. His first smell of rebel
powder was at M umfordville, Ky., followed by engagements at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth (ist and 2d),
Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Liberty Gap and
Chickamauga, where he received a gunshot wound in
the head. At Liberty Gap, he was wounded in the
leg by a minie ball, and spent a few days in the
hospital. On the last day of the fight at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863, he was captured and sent to
Scott's prison at Richmond; 'was transferred successively to Royster, Pemberton and Belle Isle. Feb.
22, I864, he was sent to Andersonville in the first
squad that peopled that Golgotha of modern times
He was transferred Sept. 7, 1864, to Savannah, and
went thence to Millen, Oct. 3, I864. Nov. 20, following, he was returned to Savannah.and exchanged,
after spending 14 months in rebel prisons. He
added largely to his medical knowledge by doing
hospital duty while in captivity. He had charge
of the small-pox patients at Richmond, and as
sisted in hospital organization at Andersonville,
Savannah and Millen. He was sent from Annapolis, Md., to Indianapolis, where he was furloughed 90 days, went home and returned in the
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r:11 Fred B. Wood, physician and surgeon, at
i o lBig Raplids, was born Sept. 12, 1844, at
~, ai Bainlridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., and is a
son of Joseph and Sarah (Farnham) Wood.
% When he was two years old his parents moved
* to Williams Co., Ohio, and went a year later to
De Kalb Co., Ind., where his father died within the
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winter of 1864 to the place last named, to be
mustered out of the service of the United States.
In the spring of I865 he resumed his studies at
Hillsdale. The next winter he taught school and
pursued his medical course with W. Alphonso Wood,
of Angola, and in the winter of 1866-7 went to
Bellevue (N. Y.) Hospital Medical College, and attended lectures.
Dr. Wood came to Big Rapids Feb. 14, I867, and
began the practice of his profession in company with
Dr. D. F. Wooley. Mecosta County was in its
pioneer days, and the experiences of Dr. Wood during the next few years present a fair exhibit of
the life of a physician in the early history of a lumber district. Big Rapids had less than 400 inhabitants, but it was the central point of a large section,
and the lumbermen, at widely scattered points, depended wholly on the physicians there located,Drs. Wooley, Whitfield and Wood. The sanitary conditions in the woods differed from those at local points.
The lumbermen were in constant need of medical
aid. In addition to accidents, of which there was a
large percentage, the exposure and carelessness of
the men at work in the woods occasioned a large
amount of sickness. In the winter of 186778 Dr.
Wood entered into a contract with all the lumbermen on the Muskegon and its tributaries north of
Big Rapids, by the terms of which each man paid
him one dollar monthly, thereby securing medical
treatment as his case demanded. Dr. Wood set out
on his route every Monday morning, rode on horseback an average of 68 miles daily, returning Saturday or Sunday following. He carried with him his
medicines and the mail for the lumber camps he expected to visit. The woods he traversed were
Indian trails or worse, and the incidents of his journeys included such experiences as are common to the
early settlement of a lumber section.
In I870-I Dr. Wood attended lectures at Rush
Medical College, Chicago, was graduated in the latter year, and in I879 completed another course at
Ft. Wayne, Ind. In 1877 he engaged in the drug
trade at Big Rapids, and continued the management
of that branch of business until April, I880, when
he sold out to Willard Jeffts and went to La Grange,
Ind., where he formed an association with W. A.
Stewart in the drug business, combining medical
practice therewith. In the winter of I881-2 he at
I
tended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College,
and again, in the winter of 1882-3, took a post graduate course at the same institution. June 26, 1883,
he returned to Big Rapids and resumed his career
as a medical practitioner.
Dr. Wood married July 20, i865, Mary J., daughter of Win. E. and Eliza J. (Thornburgh) Sargent.
The parents are of Scotch and Irish descent, and
the father became a soldier of the civil war, going into
the service as Lieutenant of the same company in
which Dr. Wood enlisted. The household of the
latter includes two sons: J. Fordyce, born Jan. I3,
i868, and Phonso S., born Feb. 6, I872.
Tohn S. Weidman, farmer and lumberman,
' resident on sec. 29, Hinton Tp., was born
in St. Clair Co., Mich., May io, i852. He
1( is a son of Evan and Harriet (Edgecomb)
Weidman, who settled in Hinton Tp. six years
ago and still reside there. Unt I the age of 25,
Mr. Weidman was attending school and working on
the farm, and was also employed on the rivers. He
bought 40 acres of timber land in Hinton Tp., in the
fall of 1876. In 1877 he was employed in lumbering
on the Little Muskegon River and passed seven
months in that occupation, then settled on his tract
of 80 acres he had bought for a homestead. He
built a frame house, and spent five months clearing
his farm, then returned to his lumbering interests on
the Big Muskegon, *here he was occupied nearly
eight months. He has continued ever since to alternate farm labors with lumbering. He has added to
his farm and other land until he owns 600 acres,
with 60 acres under an advanced state of cultivation.
Mr. Weidman was married at Big Rapids, July 3,
1877, to Maggie E., third daughter of William G. and
Mary (Plimpton) Mitchell, who was born in zEtna
Tp., Nov. 4, I847. They have two children,-Tenora D., born Sept. 8, I878, and Mildred A., Aug. i,
i880. Mrs. Weidman is a member of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Weidman deserves the tribute due to every
self-made man. He began in the world only with his
hands, his energy and determination as farmer and
lumberman, and has reached a social and financial
status that compares fairly with the records of other,. e.i
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* e leading men of Mecosta County. In politics he is a
Republican.
We present a portrait of Mr. Weidman in this
book.
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-I ' lonzo Vangilder, farmer, sec. 6, Big Rapids, was born Feb. 24, 1824, in Onondaga
~eT - Co., N. Y., and is the third son of Ransom, and Azuba (Vantassel) Vangilder, the former
a1 a native of Vermont.
M}r. Vangilder left his native State and settled in
Wisconsin in 1846, and resided in that State principally until 1865. He was married at Foud du Lac,
Wis., Oct. 22, 1854, to Maria Williams, who was
born Jan. I6, 1826, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. In
August, I865, Mr. Vangilder came to Mecosta Co.,
Mich., and settled in the township of Big Rapids,
where he now owns 0oo acres of land, with 40 acres
in tillage, 20 acres cleared for pasturage and 40 acres
of good timbered land.
Mr. and Mrs. Vangilder have had four daughters
and two sons: Hannah M., Annis R., Mary E.,
James R. (died in February, 188i), Clara L. and
Grant.
Mr. Vangilder enlisted in the war of the Rebellion
Aug. 31, 1864, enrolling in Co. A, 38th Wis. Vol. Inf.,
on what was known as the "one-year call." Mr. V.
was honorably discharged June 2, i865, the war being practically ended. lie is a Republican in politics.
lanlanson R. Schofield, farmer, sec. 32, C(lhi)( pewa Tp., was )or in lO(range Co., N. Y.,
S, Aug. lO, I819. His parents, Reuben and."4 Ruth (Kelley) Schofield, were natives of Veri mont, and removed to the State of New York,
where they resided 30 years, after which they
located in Branch Co., Mich. After a residence
there of five years they again moved, going to St.
Joseph Co., Mich, where they ultimately died.
Mr. Schofield came to IBranch County with his
parents, and was there interested in farming for 20
years, on a farm of r6o acres. Hfis first change of
loc:.litv was to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, and there he
engaged three years in land traffic. He came back
to Branch Co., Mich., bought Ioo acres of land, and
carried on farming two years, when he again sold out
and went to Polk Co., Iowa, and there engaged in
farming between two and three years. He again
liberated himself, and traveled in the Eastern States
for a time. On his return he came to Mecosta
County, and in the fall of 1875 bought I60 acres of
land in Chippewa Tp., and again became practically
interested in farming. He has continued to add to
his landed possessions until he now owns 640 acres
in Chippewa Tp., and is the most extensive landholder within its limits. He owns also Ioo acres of
land in the township of Martiny. In regard to the
principles of national government he is a Republican.
Mr. Schofield was first married in 1840, to Cordelia Schofield, a native of Orange Co., N. Y., who
died in 1841, leaving one child, Anna C. He was a
second time married, to Rachel Bates, born in the
State of New York. She died in 1857, leaving a
daughter who bears her name. The third and
present wife of Mr. Schofield was Delilah Bates, a
sister of his second wife, by whom he has three
children,-Robert R., Essa May and Bertha D.
iJ[ urelle F. Glidden, Attorney at Big Rapids
ojr i (firm of Glidden & Marsh), was born in
' Orleans Co., N. Y., June 12, 185o. He is
J'4 son of Oliver I). and Adaline L. (Coy) Glid' den. His father was a farmer, and in the fall
of I852 removed with his family to Paw Paw,
Van Buren Co., Mich., where he engaged in farming
and afterward in mercantile business. Young Glidden attended the public school until he was 16, when
he taught a term or two in the common schools.
The following year he matriculated at Hillsdale College, and was graduated in the Latin Scientific
Course, with the degree of 1B. S., in the class of 1873.
Meantime, he had taught a year in tlIe high school
at Paw Paw as assistant, and another as PIrincipal of
the public schools at South Haven, Mich. IJ)lring
his teaching and college course he had been reading
law, and( after graduation at college entered the
office of }ion. James Gould, of Jackson, Mich.,
where he continued his legal studies until Feblruary,
1874, when he was admitted to the Bar. In March,,S% "
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1874, he opened an office at Paw Paw, remaiing Grand Rapids and remained nearly eight months, a; there until September, i875, when he came to Big goig thence to Cadillac, Mich., and was in the em- ^:' Rapids and entered upon the practice of his pro- ploy of Hicks & Peck for 13 months. This engaget fession. He formed his present partnership with ment was ended by the burning of his eml)loyer's +. E. J. Marsh, April i, 1878. The firm occupy a suite store. He went to Cedar Springs, Kent Co., and -
of rooms fitted up for them in the Northern Hotel was there employed four years. In September, I88I, '
block. They are rated among the leading attorneys of he came to Morley, bought the )building and lot he
Mecosta County, and are doing a successful busi- now occupies, and has a fine stock of hardware, agri-'
ness. They are also engaged in real-estate opera- cultural implements and farmers' tools, and is mantions, which they conduct almost exclusively in their aging a flourishing and increasing trade, ranking
own interests. among the first business men of the town.. Mr. Glidden has figured snomewhat prominently in Mr. Pelton was married at Grand Rapids, Mich.
X the political arena of the county and district. He is July 5, I877, to Mary A., eldest daughter of J. S. and '
a staunch Democrat, and during the Presidential Nancy I. (Weeden) Wright, who was born in Walker
campaign of 1876 supported Tilden & Hendricks Tp., Kent Co., Feb. 12, 1854. They have one child,
with great zeal, throughout the Ninth Congressional La Verne A., born April 16, 1879. In politics Mr.
District. He is the Chairman of the Democratic Pelton has always been a Republican; has been
County Committee, and has done much to organize Village Assessor, and was Township Clerk of Solon
that party in his county. He, with his father, start- Tp., Kent Co., one year, but on removal resigned the
) ed the Big Rapids Herald, in April, 1875, it being post.
the first Democratic paper in the county, and one of
the first in Northern Michigan. Mr. G. is Grand 4
= Chancellor of the Order of Knights of Pythias in " '
acob J. Tallman, farmer, sec. 34, ChipR
V Michigan, having been elected at the Grand Lodge 0acob J- Tallman famer se 34 Chipsession at Kalamazoo in July, 1883, and is also a peva Tp was born n the ty of New
member of the Masonic fraternity. July O, 1831. His father, John J
The marriage of Mr. Glidden to Lynn Van Ant- X Tallman, was born in Rockland Co., N. Y
werp occurred at Edwardsburg, Cass Co., Mich., Sept. Io, 1796, and was a farmer, carrying on
Dec. 21, 1874. She is the daughter of Simon and that business for a number of years, when he
Louisa Van Antwerp. There are two children: Coy sold his farm and went to New York city, where he
H., born June 4, I877, and Grace L., born March 2, resided eight years. He purchased a house at HackI880ensack, N. J., and engaged in real-estate transactions
1880.
until his death, which transpired in I875. The
':=:i= ' mother was a native of New Jersey, and s still resi-~ A 1dent there, in the township of Passaic.
X } on A. Pelton, hardware merchant, at Mor- Mr. Tallman was bred on his father's farm and in
ley, was born at Grand Rapids, April 3, the city of New York, where he attended the public
I852. He is a son of Aldrich W. and schools. At the age of 25 years he came to Cass
' Amanda (Gray) Pelton, the father a native of Co., Mich., and found employment in the town of
Canada, and the mother of Troy, N. Y. Upon Porter, where he remained five years. He was the
[ their marriage they settled at Grand Rapids, owner of 40 acres of land, which he purchased and
Mich., and were among the pioneer settlers where put into an improved condition.
l that city now stands. The senior Pelton still resides Three years afterward he sold this and went to
there; his wife died in February, 1872. Kalamazoo, where he resumed his occupation of
Mr. Pelton was apprenticed to learn the tinner's laborer by the day and month, which he followed two
trade, where he remained three years, and prosecuted years. Taking advantage of an opportunity that
his trade at Grand Rapids until the age of 21 years, offered, he went to Middle Tennessee, to engage in
) when he went to Chicago and there remained bridge building on a railway, and after a stay of six (
two years, working as tinsmith. He then returnedto months returned to Kalamazoo, where he worked at
-n e-rtlw,&
474 zMECOSTA COUNTrY.
the Seminary about I8 months. After three months' and Ruby (Pettingill) Hewlett. Her parents were
residence at Big Rapids, he moved upon his farm, natives of the State of New York. They moved:
t.< which he had "proven up," containing 80 acres of thence to Indiana and afterward to Michigan, finally
land; this he began to clear and prepare for the pur- settling in this County, where the father died in I876., poses of cultivation. The mother is now residing in the Township of
) Mr. Tallman was married March 31, 1858, to Wheatland. Mrs. Burdick was born in Berrien Co.,
Mrs. Electa Irene (Tyler) Truesdell, widow of Ali- Mich., Feb. 26, 1858. She is the mother of two
merin Truesdell, who died in Sacramento city, Cal., children,-Gertrude E., born Aug. 3, i88t, and Reuin I85I. Of her marriage with him two children ben R. born April 26, 1883. Mr. Burdick is a Rewere born, one of whom died in infancy. The sec- publican and has held the office of Notary Public
ond, Jonathan Alimerin Truesdell, was born in 1850,
and died Jan. 14, I882. — v >. Mrs. Tallman was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., faer and miller, reident
Tulv i6. i82Q. Her father. Tob Tvler. was born innson, farmer and mier, resident,,#.
h.e
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J 7 ----- jOnondaga Co., N. Y., and was a farmer, as also a
minister of the M. E. Church five years, when he
became a convert to the tenets of the Seventh-Day
Baptist Church, and entered its ministry, continuing
his labors until his death in 185r. The mother,
Sally (Davis) Tyler, was born in Vermont, and died
April 2I, I877. Mr. and Mrs. Tallman have had
two children: Milford J., born July I9, 1863, and
died July 27, I865; Josephine Alida, born April 4,
866.
Mr. Tallman is a Republican in political sentiment. He has been Justice of the Peace four years,
and has officiated in the positions of Constable,
Township Treasurer and School Assessor of Chippewa Township.
' at Paris, this county, was born in Sandusky
-*~ Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, I834, and is a son of
@? Lewis and Abigail (Stults) Johnson. The
father was born in Ohio, of Irish parentage,
and moved to Jay Co., Ind., when the son was
but seven years of age, afterward removing to Portland Co., Ind., where he died. His mother was born
in Virginia, and died in I880, at Winchester, Ind.
Mr. Johnson remained with his parents until he
reached the age of 19, working on the farm and learning the trade of machinist. When he left home he
went to Fremont, Ohio, and worked as a machinist
and millwright until the outbreak of the civil war.
He enlisted in i86i, in the 7ist Ohio Vol. Inf., stationed at Fremont, and was seized with an affection
of the eyes which, after three months, caused his discharge. Afterward he enlisted in the same regiment,
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o and was in the service nine months, when he was
m ugene F. Burdick, teacher, residing on again discharged, on account of sickness.
j sec. 3, Hinton rp., is a son of Reuben S. On leaving the army he went to Ohio, b)ought a
a:1 and Lavinia (Bailey) Burdick, natives Of saw-mill and interested himself in lumbering, operat-.
+ the State of New York, where they now reside ing until Sept. T, I864, when he enlisted a third
and where their son was born, June 20, 1850. time, enrollitg in the 64th Ohio Vol. Inf., the regiHe spent his youth in the co1mmon schools and ment being attached to the colmmand of Gen.
finished his course of study at Aurora Academy, Thomas, and was in the service until the termination
Erie County. He taught school in his native State, of the war. Returning to Ohio, he resumed the proand on attaining his majority came to Mecosta fession of millwright. In 1868 his place of business
County and located in inton 'Tp. In the spring was burned, and he lost everything. He came at
" following he bought a small tract of land, on which once to Mecosta Co., Mich., and located at Paris,
he built a frame house, where he now resides. Since where he followed the callings of millwright and
coming to the county he has been engaged in teach- miller. In 1875 he bought a farm on sec. r5, where
ing, and has earned an enviable reputation in his he is now engaged in agriculture, and continues to, calling. manage his mill for the accommodation of the coun*. He was married April 5, 1874, in the house which try trade.
k he now occupies, to Evaline, youngest child of Emery Mr. Johnson was married to Bridget Mullolland, a,v,* PX+*t, Rw - <.,t**>8
n,
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MEFCOSTA COUN Y. 477
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native of Ireland, and daughter of Owen and Bridget
Mulholland. Four children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Johnson, three of whom are living, viz:
Francis, Mary Ellen and Sarah Jane; James is deceased. In his political principles, Mr. J. is a
Democrat.
-i — M - - ^ -.|ol. Nathan H. Vincent, resident at Big
Rapids, was born in Allegany Co., N. Y.,
Dec. 5, I839. His parents, David and Freegift
(Saunders) Vincent, resided 50 years on a. farm in Almond Tp., Allegany Co., N. Y., and
died there in the fall of i866, the demise of
the father occurring three months before that of
the mother.
A few months after Col. Vincent had attained his
majority, the country was convulsed by civil war. It
roused to activity every sentiment of loyal patriotism
\ existing in the North; it taught men how strong were
= their own unrecognized love and fealty for home and
> country; it brought to the altar of the Union the best: blood in the land, and developed to the awe-struck
and wondering nations of the earth the imperishable
character of American institutions.
Col. Vincent enlisted Aug. 29, 186I, in Hornells) ville, N. Y., in Co. D., 86th N. Y. Vol. Inf., Capt. D.
S. Ellsworth, and his regiment was mustered into service at Elmira. After six months' service as a private,
he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and successively to those of Sergeant and Sergeant Major,
and Feb, 15, 1863, was commissioned Second Lieutenant. May 3, following, he was promoted to be
P Captain of his Company. His commissions as Major,. Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel followed in swift
succession, and after a command of eight months he
brought the regiment to Elmira, where it was mustered out, Aug. 5, 1865.
On leaving Elmira the 86th N. Y. Regt. proceeded
to Washington, and was engaged during the winter
7 building fortifications for the defense of the Capital.
Early in the spring it was assigned to detached ser4 vice in Washington and Georgetown, and did provost
guard duty until the return of the Army of the, Potomac from the Peninsula Campaign under McClellan,
when it joined the army at Manassas Junction, and,, was assigned to the command of Fitz-John Porter.
It was first in action at Bull's Run (2d), where an
engagement lasting only 15 minutes (Aug. 29) cost
the regiment upwards of 200 men. Col. Vincent i
was wounded below the knee, and was sent to the
hospital, where he remained until the following morning. As the coming daylight streaked the east, he
discovered that the Union forces had moved to the
heights at Centreville, and the rebels were advancing
to occupy the ground held the previous day by the
Federal soldiers. He pressed two fence pickets into
service for crutches, and made his way to a ruined
bridge, crept across on a stringer, and joined the
army.
He recovered in time to participate in the destruction of Fredericksburg. May 2, 1863, he was again
under fire at Chancellorsville, at the close of what is
on record as exceeding in disaster any previous
campaign in which the Federal army had been
engaged.
The loss in officers of the 86th at Chancellorsville
was terrific. General Whipple, on the first day, led a
reconnoitering force toward the left from the point.
held by the right wing (Howard's corps), and at- z
tacked the rear guard of Stonewall Jackson. Meanwhile the latter made his daring flank movement with r
his advance, and utterly routed the right wing. S
After some hours' severe fighting, Gen. Whipple fell '
back to an open field in the vicinity of the position (
whence the " right " had been driven. It was after
nightfall, and the rebel pickets surrounded the field
on three sides, a portion following in the rear of the
withdrawing-force and closing in, while the other
sides were guarded by pickets from Jackson's force
holding the former position of Gen. Howard. The )
night was thus spent, and at break of day it was dis- i
covered that the enemy's pickets had not joined on
the side nearest the Union forces, and the beleaguered
troops under Gen. Whipple availed themselves of the
promise thereby afforded, and made a precipitate
bolt, followed by the rebels. The soldiers crossed a
ravine and met Gen. Hooker with his forces, who
joined battle with the troops under Jackson.
Whipple's men moved to a position to support
Hooker's batteries, but were obliged to cross the
ravine on the right to intercept the enemy marching
on the Union lines. Under the severe fire to which
the 86th was subjected, the Lieutenant Colonel cornmanding was killed, the Major severely wounded,
the senior Captain killed, and Captain Ellsworth oft
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Co. D fell at the side of Col. Vincent. Whipple's
men came up into the road, but an enfilading fire
compelled them forward toward the batteries which
they had previously supported, to find them fallen
back to the Chancellor House, whither they followed, and while yet heated and panting were ordered
back to the relief of a regiment that had been cut off.
The destruction of officers had been so great that it
was next to impossible to determine who was the
legitimate leader, and Col. Vincent, the junior Second Lieutenant, assumed command, led back the
regiment, rescued the organization and flag, but lost
more men of his own force than he saved of the regiment he delivered. He was covered with blood from a
scalp wound, and while standing among the battlestained men, Gen. Whipple came up and advised him
to go to the rear. ' Col. Vincent expressed his determination to abide with the regiment. His General
marked him for promotion and moved on. A few
minutes later they were once more in action, below
the Chancellor House, where Col. Vincent received
another scalp wound, a slight injury in the right arm,
and another in the right hip. Gen. Whipple was
lt-I nrnal hic -ilntv rp evolved n nthlepr
duty three months. His left arm was badly shattered, and has never recovered. He was an inmate
of Seminary Hospital at Georgetown, until sufficiently
well for furlough. At the end of 60 days he went to
the Convalescent Hospital at Annapolis, Md., and
was sent thence on detached duty to Camp Gilmore
Concord, N. H., where he was occupied in the duties
attendant upon the assignment of recruits. In
November he made application to be relieved, and
joined his command before Petersburg. On his way
he stopped at Albany, and received his intermediate
and final commissions from Gov. Seymour, and
assumed command of his regiment as its Lieutenant
Colonel. Soon afterward he became Colonel in
verity, and took part in the closing conflicts of the
spring of I865, among them Hatcher's Run, Petersburg (final battle), and the other engagements in
pursuit of Lee, until the surrender of the latter to the
Federal authority at Appomattox Court-House. The
regiment went thence to Beeksville Junction, and on
to Washington for the Grand Review.
Col. Vincent bears on his body seven scars-the
ineffaceable credentials of his bravery on the field.
The recimentnl flan of i86A is nreserved at Allbnv.
Ii~
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The regiment was next engaged in a fight at Bev- N. Y., with the record of the year and the following a
erley's Ford, whither they went on a forced march, statements: "This flag was received at Brandy Sta- Y
and did effective service, capturing the rebel head- tion, Va., in March, I864:" and " Four Color-bearers
quarters, with papers outlining Lee's plans for carry- have fallen beneath its folds." This was but one of
ing the war into Maryland and Pennsylvania. The several flags carried by the "86th" during the war.
rebel chief found himself unexpectedly on the eve of Col. Vincent returned to Hornellsville, where he
battle, and his hopes scattered like autumn leaves went into business as a real-estate broker, and operwhen it became certain that two years of indecisive ated three years, officiating also as policeman and
war had lulled his sagacity blinded his judgm ticket agent of the Erie railroad. In May, 1868, he
and inveigled him into premature battle. came to Big Rapids, where he purchased a lot and
The 86th N. Y. Regt. was prominent through the built a residence, which he sold soon after, and
Gettysburg campaign, where it did heroic service in bought the well-known Stimson farm, containing 280
repulsing the impetuous attack of the corps of Gen. acres of land, situated on the north border of the
Longstreet, July 2, 1864. Being in Sickles' corps, he city of Big Rapids, and ying on secs 3 and 4, Big
participated in several actions along the route of the Rapids Tp. On thls he moved, and followed farmOrange & Alexandria railroad, and in the valley of ing about II years. He has made considerable imthe Shenandoah. It was transferred to the command provements, and still owns the place. In I88r, he
of Gen. Hancock, and went into action at the battle ght 25 acres adjoining his farm. In the spring
of the Wilderness, May 5, having 770 equipped men. f 1883 e sold 2 acres off the southern extremity
"..i.. He also owns two lots in the rear of the Northern
Ag The struggle ended seven days later, but at roll-call e also owns two lots i the rear of the Norther
o men of te 8h re- Hotel, each 240 x 60 feet; two lots adjoining, front}) at the close of May Io, only 50 men of the 86th re-. 8 p
ing oh State street, 50 x I50 feet, on one of which he c
^ sponded to their names. proposes to erect his residence. He is engaged in, Col. (then Capt.) Vincent was disabled by gun- breeding trotting stock, in which he takes great pride "
shot wounds in the left arm and thigh, and was off and satisfaction.. -> — a * -
_/ MECOSTA COUNTY. 479 9 -
A
o.a
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Col. Vincent was married at Hornellsvllle, N. Y.,
Feb. i6, 1864, to Angeline Ellsworth, sister of Capt.
Ellsworth, and a daughter of Horace and Susan
Ellsworth, born in New York, Dec. 22, 1841. Mr.
and Mrs. Vincent have two children: Clara A., born
at Hornellsville, May 7, 1865, and Daniel H., born at
Big Rapids, Sept. 7, T869.
In the fall of 1876, Col. Vincent was elected
Sheriff of Mecosta County, on the Republican ticket,
and was re-elected to the following term. He served
two years afterward as Under-Sheriff, and is a member of the Order of Masonry, and severalinsurance
societies. He is the present Deputy United States
Marshal. He was an actor in the organization of the
city of Big Rapids, and was a member of the committee which framed its charter.
A recent writer says a man's temperament is his
fate. The statement probably amounts to a truism
in the case of Col. Vincent. It is always impossible
to estimate the exact degree to which a man's traits
of character are inherent, or to determine whether
they are the result of education and circumstances.
The question is too broad for present discussion, but
its interest in this individual case is no less intense,
awakened as it is by a career and position which
must lead every careful observer to reflection, and due
weight must be accorded to innate tendencies, training, and the influence of events. The father of Col.
Vincent was such a man as made the period in
which he lived a most significant era, from its bearing upon that which lay in the immediate future.
The Whig party, of which he was an adherent,
reached its ultimatum during his active life, and the
element of which he was the type, in its quiet but inflexible and unswerving methods, made the political
history of this people during the last 40 years a grand
possibility, and an illustrious certainty.
The character of Col. Vincent was molded by that
of his father. The reflective habits of the latter
trained him in such directions that in the simultaneous advent of civil war and his legal freedom, he
found the opportunity of his life. The disaster of the
first Bull Run engagement brought the nation face
to face with a most portentous fact. The culmination of a colossal national wrong was precipitated
upon an apathetic people. The sentiment of the
Englishman who scornfully informed the parties at
Big Rapids with whom he was negotiating, where
news was received of the disaster at Bull Run, that
their business was off because they had no country,
was identical with that which filled the North with
unutterable shame, and awakened her hidden heroes
to a sense that men were needed at the front. The
young Vincent, in the first flush of his untrammeled
existence, only saw one fact,-that the time to act
had come, and the emergency demanded promptness
and self-abnegation. The story has already been
told in brief, but in the cause wherein was the element of success is contained a lesson that the young
men of this generation might consider with profit. In
a cursory review of the facts of his career he was asked
concerning the governing impulse of which he was
conscious. "I only realized an earnest desire to
understand my duty," was the response which merits
permanent record, both as an exponent of its author's
character and in what it may mean to others.
On reaching his post of duty, his incompetency in
military detail led Col. Vincent to strive in every
way to remedy the defect, and he devoted all the
time and opportunity he could control to that purpose. His apparent proficiency in acquiring the
details of military tactics obtained his rapid advancemlent through the non-commissioned grades of protmotion: his bravery in action did the rest. Like poets,
leaders are born.
The grandest development of the civil war was the
exhibit to the world of what stuff Americans are
made; how quiet men, moving in humble walks in
life, rise to heights reached by few others under the
impelling power of an unheralded emergency. Forethought and self-knowledge are the foundation of
Col. Vincent's achievements, in whatever avenue he
acts. He needs no eulogy: his record is his crown
of fame, but its luster pales in the glory of his perfect
and pre-eminent manhood. His portrait on page
476, enhances the value of this volume.
k7_)'
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C'7!Hllen Chapin, merchant at Morley, is a son
'..1 of James and Mary A. (Rice) Chapin, the ^
'J^ 3i father a native of Massachusetts and the
mother of New York. At the age of 12 years e
j Mr. Chapin left home to enter upon his life
work alone. He was engaged in farming and
other occupations until 18 years of age, when he g
rented a large dairy farm in Illinois, which he man~ ^ -i-^ ^ - St?$
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( 480 MECOSTA
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aged one year. His parents had moved to Michigan
where they were pioneers, and Mr. Chapin has passed
his life at different points in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. In the fall of I868 he came to Morley and
has since resided here uninterruptedly. He carries
on a general merchandise business, with an average
stock of $5,000. He is also owner of 40 acres of
land in the township of Deerfield, 20 acres of which
is cleared. He is independent in political sentiment
and action, and has occupied the positions of Township Clerk and Village Trustee, and has declined
several offices to which he was elected.
Mr. Chapin was married at Logansport, Ind., June
12, 1862, to Carrie, daughter of William and Nancy
Warner, who was born Jan. 9, I845. They have one
child, Frank, born Feb. 29, 1864.
— c R_ —*^Qi-if- A ___.
- -S enson McDuffie, farmer, sec. I8, Big Rap-!,' ids Tp., was born in Harrison Co., Ky., in
823. His father, Enoch McDuffie, was a
native of the same county and State, and his
mother, Catherine (Pope) McDolffie, was born in
New Jersey. They removed to Ohio and two
years later fixed their residence in Rush Co., Ind.,
where the father died in 1840, aged 45 years. The
mother married the Rev. James Stallard, after two
years of widowhood, whom she outlived, dying at
the age of 70 years.
After the marriage of his mother, Mr. McDuffie
went West and stayed about two years in and about
Fort Des Moines, Iowa. He returned to Indiana and
in 1846 married Miss L. J. Beckner. Of their marriage eight children-six sons and two daughterswere born, two of whom are deceased.
In I864, Mr. McDuffie became a Union soldier,
and was in the campaign under Gen. Sherman. He
returned at the close of the war to find his wife a
hopeless sufferer under the ravages of consumption,
of which she died in 1867.
Mr. McDuffie was again married in i868, to Elvira,
youngest child of Andrew and Jane (Day) McFarlin,
born in Ohio, in 1835. Her father was born in
County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1782. His parents came
with their family to America in 1796, and the son
Andrew became a soldier in the war of I8I2.
Mr. McDuffy came to Mecosta County in 1871
and established himself in the township of Big
>: o n > ----;~, — ha t; ~: '*^| p
CO UNVT Y.
Rapids. He is the present Township Clerk, and has
held the position six years. Mrs. McDuffie is serving the township as School Inspector, and is the first s
lady incumbent of that office in Mecosta County, rerPlivino hr nnrnin-tlent furom the Towrnl-aii qC h1).
kI-UVlYll 1 IIU1 a.LJVtl lLIlCllIL 111& IVLLA 1 UW llllllJr 0_IIVVL
Board.
1alorus W. Bruce, editor and proprietor of
the Big Rapids Current, was born in Leslie,
Ingham Co., Mich, March 26, I843. His
father, William Bruce, was a native of Massachusetts, born Sept 12, I8r8, and was a blackJr smith by trade. His mother, Diantha C. (Rice)
Bruce, was born in Vermont, Dec. 22, 1822.
Mr. Bruce, in early life, was for a brief season employed in his father's shop, after which, until the age
of I9, he interested himself in agriculture.
On the outbreak of the Rebellion he shared the
enthusiasm of the hour, and, despite the fact of his
minority, enrolled hims..lf as a private soldier in Co.
A, 17th Mich. Inf., Capt. L. L. Comstock. He was
in the service i8 months, and was in action at
Fredericksburg and Vicksburg. At the battle of
Campbell's Station, Tenn., Nov. I6, 1863, during
Longstreet's advance on Knoxville, he received a
severe wound, which resulted in the loss of his right
leg. He, with 9 others, was captured by the rebels,
and placed in a field hospital. He was carefully
nursed by Mrs. Nancy S. Galbraith, a Union widow
lady; and when the country was once more at peace
he made a practical exhilbit of his gratitude by securing to her from the general Government a just
remuneration for her services. Mr. Bruce was
discharged at Detroit, March 4, I864.
The use and advantages of a more extended education to one in his circumnstances became a fixed
conviction during his illness, and on recovery he
entered college at Adrian, Mich.,and there pursued his
studies until I867, when he obtained a position as
clerk in the office of the Auditor-General at Lansing.
IHe discharged the duties of the situation continuously
until May, 1870. At that date he came to Big
Rapids and established himself in business as a book
and stationery dealer. He continued his trade until
the autumn of 1876, when he sold his interests.
During the session of 187 1, he acted as Engrossing
and Enrolling Clerk of the Michigan House of Rep
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resentatives, at Lansing, and while absent at his post
his name was placed on the Union ticket of Big
Rapids as a candidate for City Recorder. He was
elected and served one year. At the Legislative
Assembly of 1877, he was elected Postmaster of the
two Houses.
In June, 1877, Mr. Bruce commenced his career as
an editor, by the purchase of tie Record, at Howard
City, Montcalm Co., which he managed until 1879.
On the 6th of February of that year, associated with
W. F. Slawson, he founded the Big Rapids Czurrenlt,
and soon afterward sold the Howard Record. After
a partnership of a few months he purchased the
interest of Mr. Slawson.
The Czrrent is a creditable representative of the
Republican press, and is ably and consistently conducted. It is the official newspaper of the county,
is quarto in size, and has eight pages of seven columns each. It has the largest circulation in the
county, and, mechanically, is an evidence of the good
taste of its manager. It is printed on a fine Campbell press. The office receives a considerable
amount of job patronage.
Mr. Bruce was married in Green Tp., Mecosta Co.,
Oct. 22, I873, to Maria, daughter of Jesse A. and
Caroline Barker. She was born in Cascade Tp.,
Kent Co., Mich., Dec. 19, 1847, whither her parents
came to Mecosta County in 1855, as pioneers.
They made the journey to Green Tp. from the city
of Grand Rapids with an ox team, coming all the
way through the woods. Mrs. Bruce was educated
at Grand Rapids and Muskegon, and began her
labors as teacher at the age of fifteen, and continued
them until her marriage. Herself and sisters were
prominent among the pioneer educators of Mecosta
County. Mr. Barker, her father, was Chairman of
the first Board of Supervisors of the county, and was
its first Probate Judge.
In i872, Mrs. Bruce was appointed to the charge
of the money-order department of the postoffice at
Big Rapids, under her uncle, Thomas Lazell, Postmaster. The abilities of Mrs. Bruce are in requisition co-ordinately with those of her husband in the
publication of the Current, in whose profits and
responsibilities she is with him equally interested.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have one child, Carrie C., born
at Big Rapids, Jan. 13, 1876.
Mr. Bruce is a zealous member of the M. E.
COUNTY. 483 '
Church, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday- '
school since 1871, except during his brief residence.I
at Howard City.
I
11 Ivs
f-'~f~s~ 4 C` 4 Ci aiaa
1'0^^^^^,.f- — i.^-;offic^ —. 484 MECOSTA
^ Alderman two years; in i88o, '8i and '82 he was
Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of Big Rap4, ids. He owns a residence and lot on East Spruce
street, and rents his half of his business interests to
t his partner during his term of office.
A knowledge of the general esteem with which Mr.
Frederick is regarded increases the satisfaction of the
publishers of this volume in adding the portraits of
himself and wife to the list herein presented. They
may be found in connection with this sketch.
-^-^~.. E......
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COUNTY. *n
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[ndrew J. Sears, farmer, sec. Io, Chippewa
T1., was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 7,, I 841, and is a son of Samuel P. and
jI Lodicie (Leach) Sears, both of whom were
-[ born in Connecticut.
Mr. Sears was nearly 20 years of age when
the civil war broke out, and enlisted in the Io4th
Ohio Vol. Inf., and was in the service of the United
States three years. He was in many of the severest
engagements of the war; among them were Knoxville, Franklin, Buzzard's Roost, Cumberland Gal,
Atlanta, Whitestone, Pumpkin-Vine Creek, Nashville, Fort Anderson and Wilmington. He received
his discharge June i, I865. In the fall of 1867 he
came to Mecosta County, located a homestead of o8
acres and entered at once upon the duties of a
farmer. He was married in 1870, to Effie M. lPullis,
a native of Oakland Co., Mich. Elva AM and Stella
M. are the names of their two children.
In political sentiment Mr. Sears adheres to the
National party.
I
of live stock. In the spring of I866, he came to Big
Rapids, and.soon after took possession of a farm he
had purchased in I860, situated three and a half
miles north of the town. After working as a farmer
some months, he came to the city of Big Rapids and
opened a meat market, which he managed a short
time, and then was variously occupied, in real estate,
in the furniture business, and several years in
butchering. In October, I883, in company with his
son, Winfield S., he initiated the enterprise in which
he is at present engaged.
Mr. Teachout was married in Medina Co., Ohio,
March I5, i852, to Abigail C., daughter of John J.
and Ann Lester, born in New York, Dec. 5, 1832.
Three of four children born of this marriage are living: John J. was born Aug. 25, 1853, and is a
a farmer in Big Rapids Tp.: Ida V., born Feb. 24,
i856, died Feb. 5, 1858; Winfield S., born Oct. i,
i858; and Lulu A., born July 9, 1864, is the wife
of Charles Stillwell, of Big Rapids.
alcom McCormick, farmer, sec. 22, Chip7pi ewa l'p., was born in Wellington Co.,
Ont., Jan. 16, I845, and is a son of Malcom and Mary (McLean) McCormick. The
"'arents were born in Ayrshire, Scotland, eemigrated to Canada in I831, and are now resident
there. The faither was born in 179I, and the
mother in 1803. (''his is the oldest married lair
recorded in this volume.)
Mr. McCormick was reared to manhood on a farm,
and at 20 years of age (1865) came to Big Rapids,
Mecosta Co., Mich., and labored six months as a construction hand on the (. R. & I. railroad. His next
move was to the Tamarack River, where he remained
until 1866. D)uring that year he made a short tril
to \Visconsin and MIinnesota, returning in the fall of
the same year to Muskegon, and engaging as a sailor
on a vessel on Lake Michigan. After working some
time in that capacity and finding all his surrounldings
and associates distasteful, he quit summarily, forfeiting his pay. Being entirely without money, he walked
the distance from Muskegon to Big Rapids, where
he arrived July 2, 1867.
In compalny with Roblert Jamieson (see sketch), he
homesteaded the farm on which he has since resided.
It,
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{' lv arlos C. Teachout, dealer in all varieties
c of meats at Big Rapids, was born in RoyaljpiJ ton, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Jan. 25, T833.
I-THis father, William Teachout, was of Holland
lineage, born in New York, in I804, spent
his life in farming, and died in 1877. T'he.*" mother, Lydia (Troop) Teachout, was born in i8or,
in Vermont, and died in 1874.
4' Mr. Teachout resided in his native place until 20
i years of age, when his I)arents went to Rockford,
7 I11., where lie was engaged in the purchase and sale
|||x x* —^1 — ^Iy'Jls"~ ---i.ln,,-.
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15' '* i
*Z MECOSTA COUNTY. 485
i(S -; — I --- —-----— I — - -
He at once commenced the labors of a pioneer, of the Altona Mills, where he is now filling that
built a log house, and went diligently to work to position.
clear away the forest. When the proper time Mr. Brown was married in Deerfield Tp., Mecosta
arrived, again in company with Mr. Jamieson, he Co., Sept. 5, 1875, to Louisa, daughter of Isaac
walked from Big Rapids to Ionia, where the land Hornby, born in Canada, Nov. 1i, 859. Her father
office was located, entered and proved their claims. was born in England, and her mother in Canada.
They returned to Grand Rapids on the cars, and She came to Mecosta County with her parents, who
made their way on foot back to the homes they had were pioneers of Hinton Tp.. and removed to Deersecured. Mr. McCormick had only his hands and field, where they yet live. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have
the strength of his manhood as capital to found his four children: Rutherford 0., born Aug. 15, I876;
future fortunes. With his inherent energy, persist- Bertha I., Aug. 15, 1878; Arthur R., Sept. o1, i88I.
= ence and thrift, he has made for himself a career that Mr. Brown is a Republican, and both himself and
does him infinite credit, and the extent of his landed wife belong to the Church of the United Brethren. '
estate is a fair type of the possibilities accruing to
frugality, industry and correct halits, under the laws _-_.
of the Commonwealth of Michigan.
Mr. McCormick was married in the fall of 1865, at
Grand Rapids, to Catherine, daughter of Malcom I Mil Jacques Jr., survey and
__ dealer in real estate, Big Rapids, was
and Margaret McCullum, born in Wilmington, Cani.,der real estate iap
Feb. 7, 845 One child-Nettie C.-was orn pre- born in Kings Co., Nova Scotia, April 6,
Feb. 7, 1845 Oti844, of French and Irish extraction. His
vious to the settlement of the family in Chippewa 844, of Fnh andIrish extraction. His
- Tp. May, the second child, was the first born in parents, William M. and Anna M. (Harris)
the township of Fork. The remaining children are Jacques, came to the " States" in June, 1844, 8
William, James, Elliott, Maggie, Roy and Ellen; two and engaged in farming, in Delafield, Waukesha Co.,,
children arc deceased. Mr. McCormick owns 120 Wis. The father also established a shoe store,
s acres of land in Chippewa Tp., and I2 acres in where the son acted some years in the capacity of ', Osceola County.assistant.
Mr. Jacques had just passed his 17th birthday
_- _,2_O- - when the alarm of civil war swept over the land, and
_.__ but a few months ela.tsed bLefore he vielded to t1h
k,4 'mtephen W. Brown. Altona, Hinton Tp.,
{ was born July 30, 1852, in Warren Co., Pa.
1i$ m His father, Peter Brown, was born May 27,
1i, 805, in New York State, and died Sept. 12,
1i I855; and his mother, Mary Brown (nee Libbey) was born May 27, i815, in Maine. Both
his parents were of English ancestry. Until the age
of 14 years he was kept in school; in i868 he came
to Chesaning, Saginaw Co., Mich., where an elder
brother had preceded him. He made his home
there, worked on the farm and went to school two
almost resistless influence which swayed every soul
at the North. He enlisted Sept. I, i861, at Milwau —
kee, in Co. G, Ist Wis. Vol. Inf., Capt. Bloodgood.
His regiment was in action in about 20 engagements,
and its members participated in skirmishes without
number. Mr. Jacques was wounded in the right
thigh at the battle of Perryville, and at Chickamauga P
in the left hand. He was mustered out in November, 1864, with a Lieutenant's commission. He returned home and spent the next two years at Spencer's and Alverson's Academies in Milwaukee; at the
latter he took a snecial course in survevint.
years. March II, I869, he came with his mother to Mr. Jacques came to Big Rapids in 1872, and obHinton Tp., Mecosta Co., and was employed in the tained a situation as clerk in the Register's office,,4.mill of his brother, and afterward was variously oc- where he was employed i8 months, operating to some;
cupied at Altona Mills, where he learned the miller's extent meanwhile as a surveyor. In 1873 he retrade; also at Big Rapids Flouring Mills, and at ceived the appointment of Deputy County Surveyor,
@ the Mecosta Mills. Oct. 31, 1879, he again entered and was elected the next year to the post of County
the employ of his brother, H. J. Brown, as foreman Surveyor, which office he held until 1883.
-,-i > -d
IAL4,r
b;:'....
486 iMECOSTA
K4
I
it He is of a speculative turn of mind, and has
K, always been engaged more or less in handling real,~ estate, which is now his sole business. He owns his
1" residence on State street, 80o acres of farming land on
' sec. 22, Grant Tp., 80 acres in Newaygo, and a house
and three acres of land in Walworth Co., Wis. He
belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows, and is a
member of Post French, G. A. R.
Mr. Jacques was married in Ottawa, Waukesha
Co., Wis., April 5, I871, to Alice I., daughter of
Thomas and Alvira Boone, a native of Iowa. They
have one daughter, Nevada P., born in Wisconsin,! Jan. 28, I876.
Mr. Jacques has given a great deal of time and
interest to the science of fish culttire. He has stocked
a number of the water courses of the county, and in
I874 established a trout fishery on sec. 24, Big
Rapids Tp., starting with ro,ooo eggs. A year later
he was compelled to abandon his scheme on account
of his fish being stolen.:? tfames Martin Denney, faLrer, sec. 30,
Sheridan Tp., was born Aug. II, r8I7, inll
G (allia Co,, Oh)lio. He is a son of Willilam
F. and Mary Ann (Fulk) I)enniey, lborn ill
North Carolina, respectively in 17 94 and 1791.
Tle former was of Scotch (and Welsh descent,.and the latter (erman. In 183r they settled in Jay
Co., Ind.
Mr. I)enney was married Sept. 20, I842, to,Lois
E. daughter of Nathan and iaura (Mliner) Scranton,,
lborn April 5, 82so, in Cortland Co., N. Y. Her
falther was a native of Rhode Island, and of Welsh
descent. Her mother was!born in ('onnecticut. Mr.
and Mrs. l)enney rhave had Tl children, as follows:
John S. (dec.), Mary A., William '1., James M.
(dec.), Nathan, Laura, Joshua (dec.), Jordan,
lfenry F. (dec.), Iois L. F. and Rliley S.
Mr. l)enney callle to Michlligan ill Augtust, t865.
H-fe first located on sec. zr of Wheatland 'T'p., and
came thence to the section where he now resides.
/ Everything was in a state of nature, and he has re-: claimed the land from a densce forest and cstabllished
himn-elf comfortalbly. Ile has servedl two terms as
s Justice of the l'eace, andl filled olther offices.
f ather Henry W. Grimme, Priest in charge
of the Parish of St. Mary, at Big Rapids,
8: ~,L( was born at Hanover, Germany, July 3,
I849. He is a son of Joseph and Margaret
1Grimme, and when 16 years of age accompanied his parents to the United States.
His early education was obtained in his native
land, and on his arrival in this country he was sent
to Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati, to prepare for his vocation, the priesthood. After ten years'
arduous application to his studies, he was placed in
charge of the Roman Catholic Church at Wyandotte,
Mich., where he officiated three years and three
months. I-fe then went to Otisco, Ionia Co.,
and after a brief tarry there, in l)ecember, r88o, he
came to Big Rapids, and entered ll)on the duties of
his station hlere. The society includes the members
of T50 fainilies, and has doubled since the egiiinning
of his laors as pazrisli Priest.
His Ilission stations are at Cedar Springs, Morley,
Ensley, (Croton, Frelont Center, Newaygo, l-esl)eiia,
White Cloud, Reed C(ity, Evart, etc. He is lopular
among his leople, and liked bly the community.
Attached to the p)arish buildings is the Convent of
the Sisters of Mercy, incluling albouit 15 sisters.
rThe school l)clonging to their qluarters was discontinued for a while, owing to the destruction of tlhe
convent by fire, but has since )been re-olened in; connection w\ith the Churc1h.
N
CO UNVTY,
He is an old-line Democrat, and belongs to the 9!
Methodist Church. He owns I20 acres of land, 30
of which are under good cultivation. His timbered
land includes pine of first-class (luiality. v
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- illiam P. Montonye, one of the earliest
comers to lig Raplids, is a son of Hliram
V',. I ad El;izableth (Slhafer) Mon,,tonyc, andi was
'~, ",born I)ec. 7, 1835, at Forty Fort, I.uzerne
)' ( Co., 'a. At 15 he left home and proceeded./.
ul1 the west bra!nch of the Susqluehanna River 4
to Izcwk I [aven, where he l)assed three years in the
occ'upation of lulmberman, when lie arranged to Pler-.
feCt himself in the dctails of the carpenter's tralde, <
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and spent two and a half years in the prosecution of
this calling.
In the spring of i858 he came to Big Rapids.
While en route he reached Grand Rapids and paid
three dollars to be conveyed to this place. He was
accompanied by other travelers of similar destination;
and soon after leaving Grand Rapids he and one of
his companions became disgusted with their tardy
progress, and made their way on foot, outstripping
the stage by several hours. At that date there were
but two residences on the west side of the river. He
worked as a carpenter at Big Rapids and bought of
Zera French a block in the Third Ward; also some
lots in the First Ward, and continued to work at this
trade until the advent of the civil war.
Yielding to the influence which swayed the entire
North, Mr. Montonye enlisted, Feb. 22, 1862, in Co.
E, Third Mich. Cav., Capt. Lattimer. His regiment
was attached to the Western army, and he was in
active service at the battles of Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth
(first and second), and was taken prisoner at Rocky
Ford, Miss. He was first sent to Mobile, and successively to Richmond, Andersonville and Savannahl
He spent eleven months in captivity, undergoing all
the horrors whose unparalleled activity stand outin
bold relief on the events of modern warfare. At the
expiration of that period he was exchanged, and in
June, I865, was discharged from service, at Baton
Rouge, La.
On his return to Big Rapids he embarked in mercantile traffic, in company with Charles Shafer.
Their store was located on part of the site of the
Furniture block, and the business relation existed
three years, when Mr. Montonye sold his interest and
built a livery stable on Michigan avenue, in company with George B. Jones. Two years later he sold
to his partner, and since that time has been operating in scaling logs for various lumber firms.
Mr. Montonye resides in the Fourth Ward, on
Woodward avenue. He owns 15 acres of land in
that precinct, and two city lots and barn on Maple
street, rented and occupied by an omnibus line, and
also owns the dry-goods store on Michigan avenue,
tenanted by S. Wildberg. He was married at Grand
Rapids, to Amanda Eggleston, a native of Connecticut. She died at Evart, Osceola Co., and Mr. Montonye was again married at Big Springs, Ottawa Co.,
in January, 1883, to Mrs. Lydia Demond. He be-.BD^a'T\ --- ^y^: --- -~-SE<^^i
COUNTY. 489
longs to the Order of Masonry, and during the first
year of his residence here was elected Constable,
holding the office one year.;>,
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l on. William Ladner, Probate Judge of Me-,'=IO> costa County, residing in Mecosta Tp.,
whose portrait is given on the opposite
p)age, was born in Cornwall Co., England. He
is a son of James and Jane (Chirgeoin) Ladner,
natives of the county of Cornwall. The father
was born Dec. 15, I807, and died Sept. 21, 1882;
the mother was born Nov. 22, 1812, and died Jan.
26, 1876. The record of their ten children is as follows: William, born Nov. I, 1834; Richard D.,
April I, I837; Herbert, June 15, 1839; Jane E.,
June 8, 1841; James, May 21, 1843; Frank, Feb.
25, 1845; Thomas, May 3, 1847; Henry, Oct. 8,
1849 (died Sept. 24, 1878); George, Sept. 4, 1851;
Emily A., Oct. o1, 1853 (died in May, 1875). Mr.
Ladner's parents came to America in 1851, with eight
children, and settled on a farm in Cannon Tp., Kent
Co., Mich., where the father and mother died.
William was kept in school until his parents came
to the United States. His father purchased a farm
of 80 acres in the township where he located, and
his son became his assistant, remaining on the home
place until he was 20 years of age. He then came
to Muskegon and interested himself in lumbering,
operating winters and engaging in farm labor summers. In i856 he settled in Mecosta County and
bought a timbered tract, 80 acres in extent, in
Mecosta Tp., then an annexation of the township of
Leonard (now Big Rapids). Mr. Ladner brought his
inherited energy and perseverance to bear upon the
portion of wilderness of which he had become the
possessor, and added to its dimensions by purchase,
until he now has a valuable farm of 440 acres, with
240 acres under the best improvements.
Mr. Ladner has been identified with the interests
of his township since his first location therein, and
has held most of the positions of trust in the ma nagement of its local affairs. In 1876 he was placed
in nomination by the Republicans of the county for
Probate Judge, and received a decisive majority over
Dr. Gruber, of Altona, opposition candidate. In the
fall of I880 he was again the successful nominee of
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his party, running against Wn. Warren, of Hinton
Tp. Judge Ladner has been a member of the
Masonic fraternity 20 years. He resides on his
farm, located five and a half miles from Big Rapids,
and drives to the city during the sessions of court.
He was married in the township of Big Prairie,
Newaygo Co., Mich., Aug, 2, i860, to Lucy A.
Howe, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Howe,
who was born in Pennsylvania, March I2, 1843.
Their family includes seven children: Iinnie, Fred,
Harry, James, Eugene, Allen R. and Florence.
Judge Ladner has never had occasion to call a
physician to treat his children, and has always managed his affairs so judiciously that he has never
needed the services of a lawyer.
j illiam Miller, farmer, sec. ro, Grant Tp.,
1 was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April 15,
1 838. His parents, John and Mary Mil-,"~ 2ler, came to the United States in 1842, and
J\ X settled at Mooers, N. Y., where the mother
lived but a short time. Not long after her
death, the father returned to Scotland, and there
passed the remainder of his days. After the death
of his mother Mr. Miller went to Canada, and there
found a home with a farmer, with whom he remained
until he was I5 years old.
In 1853 he returned to Mooers, N. Y., and three
years later went to (rwell, Vt. He remained two
years in the (Green Mountain State, and then went to
Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y. Three years afterward
he returned to Orwell, where he was married Sept.
14, I859, to Emily, daughter of John and Susan
Rogers, who was born in West Haven, Vt., Oct. r i,
1839. Her father is still living, in Grant Tp. Her
mother died April i6, 1875, in Orwell.
Mr. Miller enlisted Dec. I6, I863, in Co. K, i th
Vt. Heavy Artillery, and was detailed for duty at
Fort Totten, Washington, I). C., where he continued
until the following spring. In May, 1864, his regiment was sent to the front, and lhe was first initiated
into the merits of war, with all the accompaniments
of fierce battle, at Laurel Hill, Va. 'The fights at
Petersburg and Cold Harlbor followed in swift succession, and his command was sent on to guard the
Weldon Railroad. The firce was captured by the
rebels, taken to Libby Prison, and held there a week,
when they were transferred to Danville, and thence
to Andersoriville, arriving in time to witness the execution of six Union soldiers for the crime of stealing
from their comrades in bondage, a proceeding which
received the sanction of the Confederate and United
States authorities. On Sherman's appearance within
the borders of Georgia, the prisoners were removed
to Millin, where they were retained a short time,
and then taken back to Andersonville, where, two
weeks later, the stockade was broken by heavy rains,
and the captives were sent to Savannah. Four
weeks later they were remanded for the third time
to Andersonville. In November, Mr. Miller was sent
again to Savannah to be paroled, and while waiting
suffered all the miseries of cold, nakedness, disease
and exposure, froze his feet badly, and lay on the
ground in the bitter atmosphere without covering.
When he was sent to the parole camp at Annapolis,
Md., he was in so exhausted a condition that he was
carried from the steamer on a stretcher. He recovered somewhat, and received a furlough of 6o
days. When the time expired he joined the Union
forces once more, returning just in time for the final
assault on Petersburg. His discharge papers bear
date June 17, I865.
In the fall of i868 Mr. Miller came to Michigan
and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres of valuable land, on which he is now resident. He is a
member of the G. A. R. The Miller household includes two children: Mary E., born Sept. 16, 1862;
and Julia, July 30, J88o.
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| l orest W. Aldrich, wagon-maker, Millbrook
village, was born in the township of Millb \ rook, Aug. 28, i86o. His father's family
were the first white settlers in the township,
removing there in 1859 and settling on sec. 14.
His mother, Sarah J. (Decker) Aldrich, is still
living, and is a sister of Peter, James and John (.
I)ecker. (See sketches). Leonard Aldrich, her first
husband, and father of Mr. Aldrich of this sketch,
died, and Mrs. Aldrich was married to J. S. I)enney, i
brother of -.. F )enney, who died leaving seven
children. She was married a third time, to 1I;zc a
Aldrich, brother (of her first husland, and lives on
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f sec. I. F. W. Aldrich was the oldest of three children, and was the first white child born in the township, receiving his name, Forest, from the forest
in whose depths his conscious existence commenced.
He obtained such education as the facilities of that
) period afforded, attending school as opportunity
served, until the age of 17 years. In 1877 his
parents removed to Montcalm County, where he was
employed two years in a shingle mill; he afterward
returned to Millbrook, where he has since been en/ gaged in the manufacture of wagons, and manages a
| repair shop. He is independent in politics.
' m!erenjamin F. Woolworth, Morley, harnessW I5 maker, was born in St. Joseph Co., Mich.,
C [[rv Aug. 29, 1846. He is a son of Benjamin
fi8 A~ and Sarah Woolworth, the latter born in
4 Pennsylvania, the former in New York. Mr.
Woolworth was apprenticed in 1869, to learn
i the trade which he is now pursuing. His engagement lasted three years, and he entered the employ, of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co., and there continued? eight years.
In I879, with a capital of $90, he established his
present business at Morley, and now owns a fine
) stock of goods peculiar to his line of trade, and is
free from debt. In politics Mr. Woolworth is a Republican. He was married at Elkhart, Ind., about
1873, to Lizzie Ross, whose parents were of Swiss
nativity. Charles H. and Frederick B. are the names
of their children.
uis,
I li Hathaway was born in Lewis Co., N. Y.,
I lfS July 25, I820; he is a son of Henry and
)1 ^ Lucy (Seavill) Hathaway, natives of New
York: they settled in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1842,
h A the father died in Allegan Co., Mich., and the
mother came to Mecosta County, where she
died in I88o.
Although his advantages for an early education
were limited, Mr. Hathaway managed by his own ef) forts to obtain sufficient learning to enable him to
teach school, which he did several terms. He has
followed farming principally through life. He was
married in Allegan Co., Mich., in 1850, to Sarepta,
daughter of Silas and Polly Nicholas; she was born
in Berrien Co., Mich., in October, 1828. They have
had the following children: Mary, wife of Timothy
Haughy; Lina, wife of William King; Henry; Edward E.; Lucy; and Matilda, deceased.
Mr. Hathaway is an uncompromising Republican
and prohibitionist. He has held nearly all the township offices; was Justice of the Peace several years.
He is a member of the M. E. Church. He came to
Mecosta County in i869, settling in Big Rapids, and
now owns a farm of 60 acres, in Green Tp.
"}- ~ tephen R. Crandell, Assistant Postmaster
at Big Rapids, was born in West Stock-.J~j bridge, Mass., Jan. 30, 1836. He is a son
(1 of Stephen W. and Harriet (FrisDee) Crandell.
His mother died when he was a few weeks old,
and soon afterward his father removed to
Columbia Co., N. Y., where he was placed in charge
of Mrs. Starks, of Whiting's Pond. He remained
with her until he was three years old, when his
father was again married, and he was taken to Hudson, where the family resided.
He received a good common and select school
education, and at I8 secured a position on the Western railroad, where he remained 14 years, acting in
the capacity of foreman of section corps. He was
next employed as engineer on a " stationary," where
he operated one year.
In I866 he bought 50 acres of land in Tioga Co.,
N. Y., near Owego, which property he held two years.
Disposing of his interests at the North, he bought
land in Virginia, and entered the employ of the Point
Lookout & Washington R. R. Co., and became
Superintendent of road construction in Maryland,
where he operated about I8 months. He next engaged with the Fredericksburg & Gordonsville R. R.
Co, to construct five miles of track; but the projectors
failed, involving Mr. Crandell in a loss of $8,ooo.
This disaster compelled him to begin his career
anew, and he went to Washington, where he entered
into the service of contractors, and was employed one
year on the public works. He then returned to
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New York and engaged in agricultural pursuits until
1879, when he came to Big Rapids and accepted his
present position under his brother, C. W. Crandell.
(See sketch.) He is a member of the Order of
Masonry, and was elected Treasurer of the City of
Big Rapids, April 2, 1883.
Mr. Crandell was married in November, 1857, in
Canaan, N. Y., to Mary A. Anderson, a native of tile
Empire State. The wife died, leaving one daughter,
Harriet, wife of George Michaels, residing near
Owego, N. Y. He was married a second time in
Cheshire, Mass., Dec. 25, 186o, to Ella Jenkins, a
native of Berkshire Co., Mass. Four sons have been
born of this marriage: E. Burdette, Stowel A., Freddie W. and Ellis M.
j f!! ~ infield S. Tucker, merchant, Stanwood,
S was born in Southfield, Oakland Co..
Js s'' Mich., Nov. 18, 1852. His parents were
Ransonm D., and Maria (Dexter) Tucker, the
'y' former a native of Vermont, and of English
descent; the latter a native of Massachusetts,
and also of English ancestry. His father died in
Oakland County, in February, 1877; his mother was
killed by the cars, Sept. 28, 1883. Winfield S. was
the eldest of two children, and was reared on his
father's farm.
His chances for an early education were limited,
yet by his own studious efforts he obtained a sufficient education to fit him for almost any commercial
position in life. He worked on the farm during the
summer season, to earn means to enable him to attend school during the winter.
When i 8 years old he learned the art of telegralphy
and first operated at Milford, Oakland Co. He followed this occupation eight years, four of which were
on the F. & I'. M. railroad. I-e came to Ilecosta
Countty in i877, entering into the mercantile business
at Stanwood, which enterprise he still follows.
lie was elected Supervisor of Mecosta Ti., in
1876, which position he still holds and fills acceptally. Ile was appointed Postmaster in 1877, and is
the lpresent incumlent; is also a Notary Puilic.
He was married in tllis county, July r8, 1874, to
Mary, daughter of William 'T. and Sarah A. (D)avis)
Russell, who was born in Rock Co., Wis. H1er
father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother
of New York; both were of German descent.. They
emigrated to Mecosta County in I868, where they
still reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have had three children:
Anna L., born Aug. Io, i882; two died in infancy.
Mr. Tucker began his business career without any
means, but by industry and frugality has acquired
considerable property, and bids fair to become one of
Mecosta County's most useful citizens.;21. I-2 —u?
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i | illiam W. Smith, farmer, sec. 8, Fork
Tp., was born in Lenawee Co., Mich.,
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l ] dwin H. Kenrick, druggist, Millbrook vil@ lage, is a lineal descendant of Philip Hen-.j? ry, who was born in the city of London, in
r631, and educated at Westminster, and was
one of the 2,000 clergymen who left the Church
of England in I662 in consequence of the passing of the " act of uniformity."
Our present subject has in his possession the ens tire chain of genealogy extending back through more
i than 250 years, but was himself born in Allegany
~ Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1845, and is a twin brother of
X Edward A. Kenrick, of Hillsdale Co., Mich. He is
s of English descent in the paternal line, his father,
Edward Kenrick, being a native of Worcestershire,
England, where he was born Feb. io, I80o. His
mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Wilcox, was
of Rhode Island stock, but born at White Creek,
Washington Co., N. Y., April 28, I8I, and was at
the time of her marriage with Edward Kenrick the
widow of Abraham Kalder. After their marriage the
parents settled in Allegany Co., N. Y., and in I855
I came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where they are yet
living.
\ Mr. Kenrick acquired the rudiments of an education at the common schools, where he was a student
until I5 years of age. He entered the grammar
school at Hillsdale and afterward the college in that
city, where he studied five years. He completed his
educational course at Bryant & Stratton's Commeri cial College at Chicago, where, after a year of study,
t he graduated, receiving his diploma in November,
866. To allow his twin brother to complete his
( college course he returned to Hillsdale County and
S for two years managed the farming interests of his
y) father.
> Mr. Kenrick went to Ohio in September, i868,
and engaged in general merchandise at Pioneer,
Williams Co., forming a partnership with A. C. Marshall, under the style of Marshall & Kenrick. During the three years of their combined business
engagements, circumstances impelled them to take an
interest in a lumber mill owned by G. R. Joy & Co.,
which they held some months. In the spring of 187 1
Mr. Kenrick sold his interest in the mercantile
branch of the concern, and confined his efforts to
the prosecution of lumber manufactures. Radical
changes had placed the mill property in wholly different conditions, and it was now operated under the
style of Sweet, Kenrick & Co.
A few months later Mr. Kenrick embraced an opportunity to sell out his mill property, and at once
embarked in the drug trade, three years of his college course having been taken with a view of graduating as an M. D. Mr. E. N. Skinner, of Hillsdale,
Mich., became a partner, and they operated under
the style of E. H. Kenrick & Co. The firm entered
upon the prosecution of the business and operated
one year, when Mr. Skinner sold to the senior partner, who conducted the affairs of the concern alone
until the spring of i878. He then sold out his entire property in Pioneer, Ohio, and in May of that
year he came to Mecosta County, located at Millbrook and became by purchase the proprietor of the
small stock of drugs owned by Dr. E. B. Tucker, at
that time the only representative of that line of trade
between Stanton, Montcalm Co., and Big Rapids,
north and south, and Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Co., and
Morley, east and west, thus covering a diameter of
more than 50 miles. At the date of writing, the drug
establishment of Mr. Kenrick ranks favorably with
any other in the same line north of Grand Rapids,
and he is engaged in a thriving, prosperous business,
conducted on commercial principles of acknowledged
uprightness, which have secured him a large confidential patronage. A special branch of his business
is the manufacture of a " diphtheria cure," which is
swallowed, and is considered an antiseptic for this
dread malady, and is claimed to be the first medicine
ever given internally for this disease. He ships
large quantities of the medicine to all parts of this
country and to England.
He was married at Adrian, Mich., Dec. 24, [866,
to Caroline A., daughter of David C. and Abigail T.
(Jackson) Fuller. She was born in Hillsdale Co.,
Mich., May 9, I846. They have one child, Maud
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C., who was born at Pioneer, Ohio, March 14, I871.
Mr. Kenrick has always been a Republican, and
in i880 was a delegate to the State Convention at
Jackson; but he is a practical business man, intensely
devoted to his private interests, and, as he says,
" has Yankee blood enough in his veins to make him
love a good bargain more than political advancement."
He is a Knight Templar, and made the " Pilgrimage " to San Francisco in 1883, and devoted more
than three months to the journey, "doing" not only
the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the
whole Pacific coast as far north as British Columbia; and on his return delivered several lectures on
"What I heard and what I saw in a Journey of
10,000 miles." He also wrote a series of letters descriptive of his trip, which were published in the
the Big Rapids Current and were well received.
We take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr.
Kenrick in connection with this sketch.
harles H. Crane, Abstracter, Notary and
Conveyancer, Big Rapids, was born in
East Smithfield, Bradford Co., Pa., May
30, 1858. He. i a son of Stephen R. and
Lorinda W. Crane. His father was born
March 15, 1822, in Port Byron, N. Y.; is
a blacksmith by trade and is still residing in Ulster,
Pa. His mother was born in East Smithfield, April
r6, I822, and was married there Sept. 12, 1844. She
became the mother of eight children, born as follows: Ezra H., Oct. 14, 1846 (died Aug. 6, 1850);
Lucy J., Oct. 17, I848; Lewis E., Oct. 9, i850;
Ella J., April 27, 1853; Almira E., Dec. II, 1855;
Charles H., May 30, 1858; Harlo G., Nov. i, I86o;
T. Cornell, Aug. 14, j864. The parents removed to
Columbia Cross Roads in i860, and in 1873 Mr.
Crane of this sketch went to Troy, Pa., and was
there employed two years as clerk in a hardware
store. At the expiration of that time he came West
to Lansing, where he entered the employ of Jones
& Porter, real-estate and insurance agents. Two
years later he entered the office of J. H. Moores,
dealer in pine lands, etc., and a year after returned
to the employ of Jones & Porter, remaining with
them until April, 1882, when he came to Big Rapids
4 CO UNTY.
and engaged, and is at present, with Joel Perry.
The set of abstracts in their possession was made
originally by J. M. Colby, and has been supplemented and brought down to present date by Mr.
Crane. They are complete in every respect, and are t
the only set in Mecosta County. Abstracts of any
property within the limits of the county can be furnished.
Mr. Crane was married in Lansing, Dec. 15, i88r,
to Ada M., daughter of D. K. and Mary A. Fuller,
born June I2, I86o. Mr. Crane is a member of the x
Big Rapids Lodge of Sons of Industry.
KI
A. Verity, senior member of the grocery
house of C. A. Verity & Co., Big Rapids,
was born in Kimball Tp., St. Clair Co.,
Mich., March 3, i856, and is a son of William B. and Maria L. (Adams) Verity. The
latter was a lineal descendant of John Quincy
Adams. His father was a native of New York, of
German lineage, and followed the calling of a farmer
all his life; he died in Oshtemo Tp., Kalamazoo Co.,
June 28, 1872, at the age of 51 years. His mother
was also born in the Empire State, and died in Oshtemo, Oct. 19, i871, at the age of 49 years.
Mr. Verity was taken to Kalamazoo County by his
parents when he was nine years of age. He found
himself an orphan at i6, and went to Kalamazoo,
where he attended school two years, and afterward
entered the grocery and crockery store of Barrett &
Torrey, where he operated two years, going thence to
Sturgis and engaging about six months in the same
capacity. His next employ was with L. E..White,
dry-goods merchant, and he continued to serve in the
house as a clerk two years, after which he obtained
a situation with L. (. Twitchell. Six months later
he opened business for himself at Kalamazoo, selling
groceries and provisions about seven months.
-He came to Big Rapids Jan. 1, 1879, where he entered into a business connection with W. H. Swift in
the sale of groceries. The relation existed about
eight months, when Mr. Swift sold his interest to E.
R. Keith. TwIo years later Mr. Verity became sole
prop)rietor, Iy purchase, changed his location and
operated alone until Feb. 20, 1882, when he admitted
William Fish, his present associate. The firm
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annual business of $30,000.
Mr. Verity received the appointment of agent for
the U. S. Express Co., Sept. 15, i880, and is still
managing in that capacity. He is a member of the
M. E. Church, and belongs to the Royal Templars of
Temperance.
4 L;,~ ohn Lonsdale, farmer on sec. i6, Green
Tp., was born in Accrington, Lancashire,: t.. England, May I, 1819. His parents, Ed-, mund and Martha (Hindle) Lonsdale, weie
[ English by birth; father was an engraver by
profession, and was employed in the manufacture of designs for calico printing. The family
came to America in 1842, and located in Providence,
) R. I. Some time later they went to La Salle Co.,
Ill., where the father died.. Mr. Lonsdale passed his boyhood in the manner
r common to the youth of his class in his native land,, acquiring such education as he could, and at 14
= commenced to prepare himself to follow the business
of block-printing for calico. He came to America
with his parents in I842, and in 184,1 was married to
Ellen Wilson, an English girl, daughter of John H.
and Agnes Wilson. He became acquainted with her
in Pawtucket, Mass., where he worked at his trade
five years, and as an engraver two years. In I850
he went to Manchester, N. H., where he engaged in
the technical business of roller etching and polishing
for the Manchester Print Works. He passed a year
in that capacity, and then went to Lawrence, Mass.,
where he was four years in the employ of the Bay
State Manufacturing Company, and worked two years
in the Pacific Mills.
He came to Mecosta Co., Mich., in I856, and
bought a farm in Green Tp., which he at once began
to improve. He has added to his first land investment until he now owns 320 acres, with go acres under the plow. The privileges and progress possible
to all men under a republican form of government are
^ exemplified in the career of Mr. Lonsdale. He came
to this country to find a remunerative field for the
i practice of the craft to which he succeeded by heritage and training, as is customary in England. Our. institutions plant the germ of advancement in the
heart of every foreigner who sets his foot on our free
borders, and foster the growth with such equality of
rights and advantages as he has earned by honest
industry and self-respect.
In i871, Mr. Lonsdale took a trip to Florida for
the benefit of the health of his wife, and in September, I875, went to California; returning in 1876, he
spent a brief time in Philadelphia at the Centennial,
passed the remainder of that year at the East, returning in the spring of I877 to Michigan. Mr. Lonsdale has held the position of Treasurer two years
and officiated as Justice of the Peace four years.
He was a Whig in early life, and joined the Republican ranks on the organization of that party.
Robert Wilson Lonsdale is the only child of the
household. He was born July 27, 1846, and married
Marion Simons, of Salem, Mass. Mrs. Lonsdale
died Sept. 9, I883, after a long and painful illness.
il'-nsel Rowley, farmer, sec. 14, Grant Tp.,
$X11 was born Dec. 28, 1836, in Winstead, Litch|t field Co., Conn. His father, Elias Rowley,
3I3' was born March 22, 1798, in Winsted, and
there died in 1875. His mother, Lura Rowley, was born in East Hartland, Litchfield
County, and died in 1870, at Winsted. The ancestral descent of Mr. Rowley on the side of the father
is English, and on that of the mother, Scotch. He
passed the years of his minority with his parents in
the "land of wooden nutmegs," and after leaving
home worked for some time as a farm assistant. In
i860, he went to work in a carriage-bolt factory,
where he remained three years.
Sept. i, I863, he enlisted for one year in the
United States Navy, and reported for duty aboard
the "Commodore Hull," Capt Joslin, which was
assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,
and cruised chiefly along the coasts of North and
South Carolina, on special duty, to search for rebel
torpedoes. That fleet will be a subject of American history for all time, as it dispatched the torpedo
boats that destroyed the rebel ram "Albermarle " at
Plymouth, N. C.
In July, I864, an order was issued from the Naval
Department discharging such recruits as had less
than three months to serve on their periods of enroll
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t ment; and, having been in the service nine months such remuneration as a boy of that tender age might
and eight days, he received his discharge papers. receive, and managed to procure his living. At 17;.t He went to Orwell, Vt., where he remained three he apprenticed himself to Henry Buckner, of Lancasf years, coming to Michigan in i868. He entered and ter, Ont., and served four years. On the termination
proved a claim under the homestead law, of 80 acres of his indentures he went to work for himself. In
of choice land, which he has placed under good cul- the spring of I855 he came to Ionia, Mich.,and there
tivation, and has a comfortable house and farm passed 14 years in vigorous prosecution of his trade,
buildings. going thence to Stanton, where he operated one year.
Mr. Rowley was married Sept. 12, 1857, to Delia In I870 he sold out and came to Mecosta County,
R. Rogers, of Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y., who was where he has since worked at his trade. In the fall
born in Orwell, Vt., Aug. 12, I841. Her father was of 1875 he purchased a farm containing i60 acres.
born in I809, and is yet living; her mother was born He sold 80 acres, and has improved the remainder i
i in Benson, Vt., in 1821, and died in Orwell in i875. until it is one of the best farms in that part of the
Mr. and Mrs. Rowley have five children; Estella D., county.
born Feb. 22, 1859; Carrie A., Nov. I2, 1863; Kate Mr. Iockman was married Sept. 7, I874, in IsaS., Feb. i6, i86i: Leman E., Aug. 23, 1870; Jen- bella Co., Mich., to Mrs. Lura Brown, daughter of
nie L., Sept. 6., I873. Mrs. Rowley is a member of Gilbert and Mary (Hall) Shepard, natives ot Ontario,
the M. E. Church. Politically, Mr. Rogers is a Re- Can., where Mrs. Lockman was born April 13, I843.
publican, and belongs to Post French, No. 28, The family includes nine children. Mr. Lockman
G. A. R. has four by an earlier marriage, three girls and one
"0 boy. Of her first marriage Mrs. Lockman has one "
son, and four children have been born of her mar- '
=:! riage with Mr. Lockman-Maud A., June 15, I875 s:.
C<. * ohn Frederikson, Jr., of the firm of Beu- Edmond, April 20, 1876; Earl, Jan. 28, 1878; '
% j, thien & Frederikson, proprietors of the Edith, Aug. 31, 1882.
"' IGerman House, is a so of John and Char- In politics Mr. Lockman is a Republican, and be- Ay
( i lotte Frederikson, and was born in Copenha- longs to the Order of Good 1eemplars.
4
gen, Denmark, Aug. 13, 1852. His father is a
seaman and owns a trading vessel, of which he
is himself Captain. The son was trained to life on
the sea on board his father's ship until the age of i8,
when he shipped as an able seaman on the U. S.
man-of-war, "Plymouth," and belonged to her crew
three years.
IH-le came to Big Rapids in 1873 and followed various vocations until July 5, 1883, when he associated
himself with Mr. Beuthien in the management of the
German House, where he is engaged in a prosperous
business. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
".... ' b ] 8bram Lockman, farmer and blacksmith,
sec. 12, Wheatland Tlp., was born in Ham* Oilton, Ontario, Can. His father, Abram Iock-: man, was a native of New Jersey, and his
r 1 mother, Rachel (Patterson) Lockman, of
*Pennsylvania. When Abranm was eight years
i old his father died, andc he went to work, obtaining
I'
'harles D. Crandell, Postmaster at Big
ij — Rapids (I883), was born at Bridgeport,
~ Conn., Iec. 5, 1845. His father, Stephen
J W. Crandell, was born in Columbia Co.,
N. Y., in 80oo, of Welsh lineage. He was
engaged nearly all his life in mercantile business in the city of New York, residing meanwhile at
Hoboken. He began his commercial life as a commission merchant in West Washington Market, in that
city, and afterward estallished himself in the wholesale grocery trade on Vesey street. He was a man
of most positive character. I-e possessed abilities of
much more than ordinary type, and fixed himself
firmly in all his connections, basing his views upon
an instinctive understanding of his obligations to
himself and humanity. He died at a period that
roused to active life all the blest impulses of a man
who cherished home and country, and realized the,!St
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peril of both in view of the issues that were approaching culmination in the national affairs. He
understood that safety lay only in the watchfulness
of the generation of that day, and in rearing his
children he instilled into them both by deed and
word that lives were worse than worthless unless
guided by inflexible principle and moral courage.
Mr. Crandell, Sr., was an active politician and a zealous abolitionist. He was no demagogue, never held
or sought the emoluments of office; but, recognizing
the fact that the strength of a republic lies in the
people, he strove to do what he believed the incumbent duty of every man under the protection of the
national flag,-to uphold whatever was right and just
in the institutions of the Government, and to throw
all his influence against the evils which threatened
the life and prosperity of the nation. He was killed
by the cars Jan. 9, I865, at Chatham Four Corners,
Columbia Co., N. Y. The mother, Sarah Ann
(Conklin) Crandeil, was a member of an old English
family, and was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in
I8Io. She died at Chatham, Sept. 29, i86i.
Mr. Crandell of this sketch was in early childhood
when his parents removed firom Bridgeport to Hoboken. In 1855 his father placed his family, at
Chatham to secure for them the salubrity of that
well-known section of the Empire State, and to remove them from the multitudinous dangers to health
and morals in and near the great city where he continued to push his business interests. Mr. Crandell
acquired his elementary education at the public
schools of Chatham, and was placed for a few terms
of study at the Seminary at Armenia, N. Y. His
father designed to fit him for the profession of law,
and in I864 he was sent to Ypsilanti, Mich., to attend the union school preparatory to a collegiate
course of study. This purpose was frustrated by the
accident which deprived him of his father, and he
was compelled to abandon the career which had
been marked out for him. He left school and returned to New York, where he passed the ensuing
three years.
Mr. Crandell came to Big Rapids April 28, I868,
and connected himself with the Tioga ManufacturCo., becoming a stockholder and interesting himself
actively in its operations as accountant. He continued this relation until June, I874.
His public career in Big Rapids commenced two
years earlier. He was elected City Treasurer in
v
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April, 1872, and served three successive years. He
received his appointme, t as Postmaster, Feb. i6,
I875, and has continued since in the discharge of
the duties of that position, aided by his half-brother,
Stephen R. Crandell, and two assistants. The
affairs of the office are conducted with systematic
energy, and its affairs are managed to the entire satisfaction of the public.
Mr. Crandell is conspicuous among the multitude
of meritorious citizens of Big Rapids, from his acknowledged inflexibility in adherence to principle.
One of the best evidences of the esteem and appre(iation in which he is held is the outspoken estimate of his political opponents. No imputation of
vacillation or uncertainty of purpose lies against
him. No vagary of political advancement can
lure him from his undeviating pursuit of duty in
the light of principle. In thought, word and action he invariably " hews to the line. " He is
a born and bred Republican, and in every political
issue follows his innate convictions unswervingly
and regardless of possible advantage to be derived
from the casuistry which is so marked a feature in
the management of local and national campaigns.
Mr. Crandell was married at Big Rapids June 26,
I874, to Joanna, daughter of Timothy H. and
Joanna Lee, born in Dedham, Mass., Oct. 9, 1839.
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1arl E. Hobart, photographer, Big Rapids,
/? -was born at Ann Arbor, Mich., July 27,?J! '` I845, and is a son of Horace 0. and
\ Frances A. (Monroe) Hobart. In early
youth his time was devoted to acquiring a common-school education. At 21, he commenced
the study of medicine, in the office of Dr. Breakey,
after which he entered the Medical Department of
the University of Michigan, where he was graduated
in the spring of I871. Meanwhile he had acquired
the photographic art, for which he had a great liking,
and in the fall of 187 I came to Big Rapids to engage
in it as a business. He bought the stock and interest of W. F. Louckes, who was located nearly opposite
the Opera block, where he continued three years, removing in 1874 to where now stands the Morrissey
& Stickney block. After a year he went to Texas
and established his business at San Marco, Hays Co., ~)
where he operated nine months, going thence to '
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Q A
502 MECOSTA COUNTY.
Longview. His stay there was brief, and in i876 he came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land
) returned to Big Rapids and opened a gallery on in the then unorganized township of Chippewa.
*^ Michigan avenue, in the building now occupied by Here he accomplished pioneer service in a forest so ^
T J. Wiseman.. Two years later he established his dense that the work of removal seemed impossible.
business on the southeast corner of Maple street and Mr. Brigham was married June 20, I849, to Celia
Michigan avenue, his present quarters. He is a Baxter, daughter of Eber H. Baxter. She was born
* popular and successful artist in his line, doing an in Moretown, Washington Co., Vt., March I6, I826,
annual business of $5,000. the third of 14 children born to her parents. Mr. BaxMr T-Thrt r wnc rnarr;Pl t i Rr Pn;id TTlllr T I ter wac a n tcparne re 'tn n ctf FnTvcrtan whi;l hi- wnx rc
bel l%.-.wL l o lt e at 1 K lv~~ 1vl. i-o Gu, Jea;: ~..l.l '~.,~,,,l. l ~t~...Ib l.l..1.j_,r.. ',.,I J, (,4,J ~J.VI 11 11[~.., 11%, vvto,
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1882, to Lucy E., daughter of General Stephen and
Amelia (Barker) Bronson, born in Chicago, Ill. (See
sketch of Gen. Bronson.) Mr. Hobart belongs to
the Odd Fellows, and to the A. O. U. W.
A portrait of Mr. Hobart is inserted on another
page of this Album.
a resident there, and in I85 removed to Michigan,
with IO children. One child died in infancy and two
remained in Vermont. Twelve of the children born
in this family survive. Ira C. Baxter, sixth son,
yielded up his life for the Nation's redemption from
disruption, Sept. 20, 1863, on the field of Chickamauga. Seven of the fraternal band have become
more or less known through their literary work. Alhl-ort RqvtPr rf the (Trannl d? irlC; 'rri r hrlec 1-t-rn e
~W MY,~,,'~,.~,. [, A -
liha A. Brig, f, s. 2 C - resident of Michigan since 1845. Mrs. Brigham has, lisha A. Brigham, farmer, sec. 2, Chip- (,
- ' been a poetical contributor to the current press many, pewa Tp., was born in Fayston, WashingonCo.Vt., Dec. 282. Hisfather, y ears. Her work is imaginative and graceful, with a
ton C o., Vther, 1821. Hi s father,
* Dc 21.... H spiritual tendency, which adds largely to its merit and.
Elisha Brigham, was a pioneer of that section ==
= a e beauty. Her sisters, Mrs. Cadwell, of California, ra
of the Green Mountain State. His mother,,s4
=. Mrs. Cooper, of Evart, Osceola Co., Mich., and Mrs. Y: Sophronia (Ryder) Brigham, was a descendant
r Corman, of Lowell, Kent Co., Mich., wield facile =c
of the Chase family, well known and widely esteem- W ashin,
pens; ad Uri J. Baxter, a lawyer Wn Washington,
ed in the eastern part of the StateD. C., is no less distinguished for poetical genius and
The Brigham stock is traced back to Northumber- literary ability than the other members of this gifted
land Co., England, which adopted the family patro- and accomlished fraternity.
nymic under one of the appointments of the Dooms- Mr. and Mrs. righam have ad four children:
day Book. The name has been upheld in honor a May, born April 4, 859, died Jan, 868.
Rosa May, born April 4, I859, died Jan. 5, i868.
through descending generations, and is represented Ziba W. was lorn May 8, I85o; Elisha K., Dec. 23,
at Grand Rapids by I)r. G. N. Brigham, who has been 185; Edwin B Oct. r, 1857.
( established in that city since I879. He is a gentle-; Ei B O r.J..Mr. Brigham is a Republican and a member of
man of considerable literary standing, being a conthe M. E. Church. On the organization of Chippewa O, tributor to several medical publications and to a large the irst Cler, and hs been je o
T.p., he was the first Clerk, and has been Justice of
number of leading newspapers in various sections of the Peace years.
the Peace 19 years.
the country.
Mr. Brigham was reared to the calling to which he _,cI~~~l
has devoted his life's energies, and was a member of B
the paternal household to the age of 26 years. In f F. McElroy, veterinary surgeon, Big Rap1847 he invested his time and entire capital in a ids, was born at Tullmore, Queens Co.,, saw-mill, and on the termination of the enterprise Ireland, May 28, 1848. His larents,James
five years later, had lost both.. and Elizaleth (Smith) McElroy, came to the
'- In 1852, he went to Franklin Co., N. Y., where he United States when he was six months old,
i; remained seven years, engaged in farming, removing settling at Syracuse, N. Y. In May, i850,
I thence to Nebraska, where he resided about 18 they went to Elgin, Ill., where they now reside.
) months. He returned to Michigan, and remained Mr. McElroy learned his business of his father,
$ near Grand Rapids until the fall of 1867, when he and practiced with him until 1876. In that year he
. MECOSTA (
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came to Grand Rapids, where he operated in the
same profession. In the fall of 1879 he came to Big
Rapids and established his business, which he has
since prosecuted with success and growing popularity,
the custom covering an area of 50 miles square.
Mr. McElroy was married at Spring Lake, Ottawa
Co., Mich., May 27, I874, to Emmeline, daughter of
Duncan Stewart, a farmer of Gratiot Co., Mich.
Two children have been born of their marriage, —
William J. and Mary E.
t 11 arwin B. Kelley, employe in the steam
3' iif saw-mill of John E. Reiter, at Sylvester,
Hinton Tp., was born in Ionia, Feb. I5,. x I859. He is a son of Travis and Amanda
(Banks) Kelley, natives respectively of New
York and Ohio, who came to Michigan, settling
first in Hinton Tp., where the father was employed
in the steam saw-mill at Sylvester. In the spring of
I88i they went to Isabella County, now their place
of residence.
At the age of I8, Mr. Kelley bought half the mill
interest of Joseph Misho, and in December, i88r, he
sold out to John E. Reiter. He went South in the
summer of 1882 and was there employed a short
time in a mill, but returned and entered the employ
of Mr. Reiter.
Mr. Kelley was married at Big Rapids, Sept. 17,
1878, to Amelia, daughter of James N. and Catherine (Flanagan) Decker, and they have three children: Mabel, born Aug. 13, 1879; Ida, born June
27, I88I, and an infant, born Sept. 8, 1883. Mr.
Kelley acts politically with the Republican party.
ames W. Fuller, builder, residing at Big
~ Rapids, was born in Somerset Tp., Hillsdale Co., Mich., Oct. 7, 1844. He is the
son of Lewis and Chloe (Lee) Fuller, who
moved from Monroe Co., N. Y., about 1835, to
Michigan and settled in Hillsdale County. In
1854 they went to Huds3n, Lenawee Co., and occupied a farm they owned there several years, after
which they returned to Somerset, where they now reside. The father is 86 years of age, and the mother
is 79 years old this current year (1883).
IU~h-v —;2^te --- - (~
COUNTY. 503
While living with his parents in Hudson, Mr. Fuller fixed upon his calling in life, and at I6 years of
age came to Cortland, Kent Co., and worked with his
brother Lewis about two years, going next to Chicago
and soon after to the Pacific slope, where he passed
four years in San Francisco and at other points. In
i87 he returned East and entered at once upon his
business as contractor and builder. Among the
buildings constructed under his management are the
hardware store of S. S. Wilcox, the First-Ward schoolhouse and a number of private residences. He employs a force of 10 assistants. In i880 he built a
planing mill on the east side of the river, near the
mill of Hayes & Falardo, which he managed with
success nearly three years. He owns a residence
and lot on Michigan avenue, and a lot with dwelling
one block south; also two dwellings in the Fifth
Ward. In 1876 he was elected City Treasurer and
held the post one year; in the spring of 1881 he was
elected Alderman and officiated two years.
Mr. Fuller was married at Big Rapids Aug. 26,
I874, to Ellen, daughter of Clark Ransom, born in
Ransomville, Niagara Co., N. Y. Her parents were r
early settlers of that place, which received its name
from her family. One child, Linnie, born to Mr. =
and Mrs. Fuller, is deceased.
j,-~ ndrew Breakey, farmer on sec. i, Hinton
Tp., was born at Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 23,
1 I844. His parents, Andrew and Catharine
"i (Crass) Breakey, were natives respectively of
( Ireland and Canada, and removed to New
York prior to their marriage, which took place in that -
city. Three years after, Andrew Breakey, Sr., removed with his family to the city of Rochester, N. Y.,
where he was employed by the contractors of the
Erie Canal as a stone mason. He had been
employed in his native country in peddling dry goods
and linens, and early in his life was a companion of
A. T. Stewart. Himself and wife died at Rochester. C
Until he was io years of age, the subject of this
sketch attended the public schools of Rochester.
He began to prepare for the business of boat-calker
and was so employed three years. The work was so
severe and the manager so exacting that the proprietor himself remarked that " that fellow would not
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r stay a week;" but he persisted, and managed to
r' accomplish his business to the entire satisfaction of
the parties interested. In I86I he went to Canada
on a visit, but concluded to remain there, and was in
~ the employ of his brother-in-law for nearly four years.
- He visited the city of New York and his old home at
Rochester, and in the summer of i866 came to Mecosta, Mich., and bought 40 acres of unimproved
land in Hirpton Tp., where he built a log house and
began his career as a pioneer. Later on he added
40 acres to his original purchase and now owns
a. a fine farm of 80 acres, with 50 acres under first- - class improvements. He also owns 40 acres in Millbrook Tp.
Mr. Breakey has been Constable of Hinton Tp.
for nine years, School Inspector two years, Highway
Commissioner two years, Town Treasurer two years,
and in the spring of I880 was elected Justice of the
Peace, and Supervisor in the spring of I883, of which
positions he is the present incumbent. He has been, School Director six years, and is identified with the; issues and interests of the Democratic party; himL self and wife were formerly communicants of the
' English Church.:= Mr. Breakey was married in Canada, July I9,, 1864, to Matilda, fourth daughter of James N. and
Catherine (Flannagan) Decker. The father was a
native of the State of New York, the mother of
Canada, and are now residents of Hinton Tp. Mr.
and Mrs. Breakey have had six children: James G.,
born Nov. 28, i867; Andrew N., July 15, I872; Edward and Edwin (twins) July 15, 1874; Nellie, Jan.
5, i88o. Ella was born Aug. 9, I869, and died Oct.
i I, 1870.
ames McCormick, lroprietor of the Sherman House at Big Rapids, was born in
Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 2, 1847. He is
a son of John and Catherine (Mercer) McCormick. At the age of 21 he came to Michigan
and settled at Saginaw, where he found employment in the lumber woods, and afterwards on the,.." river, at rafting. After strenuous labors for a l)eriod
of six years he commenced to work as a contractor,,j and cut and put in logs ablout nine years at Saginaw,
* going thence to Hartland, Iivingston Co., Mich.,
A- where he bought 80 acres of land, which he worked
18 months, and in the spring of 1870 came to Big
Rapids, where he took charge of a lumber camp in
the woods, for A. J. Bentley, and followed that occupation three years. He went to Evart in i873 and
opened a saloon; four months later he rented the
Union House, which he managed six months, returning at the end of that time to Big Rapids and followed lumbering a year, and afterward opened a
saloon. In January, I875, he rented the National
Hotel, which he conducted until May, i88r. At
that date he purchased a residence and three and
one-half lots, of Charlie Lovejoy.
He began the building of his hotel in September,
I881, and opened it to the traveling' public in July,
1882. It is two stories in height, 53 x 96 feet, with
accommodations for 70 guests. A bar with the
usual accessories is attached to the establishment.
Mr. McCormick was married in Hartland, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 24, I866, to Ellen, daughter of
Patrick and Mary Kelley, born in Detroit, Mich.,
Jan 22, I841. Of this marriage there are three
children,-William P., Mary and Elizabeth.
ihomas Ariss, retired farmer, Remus, was
tborn in Waterloo Co., Ont., Can., July 3,
833. He is a son of James and Mary
' (Bacheldor) Ariss, natives of England. Mr.
Ariss made his first venture in life as alumberman, and spent some years in the woods and
in "chopping fallows." He was married Aug. I4,
1854, to Myra Smith, a native of Canada, and they
have had nine children, three of whom are living:
James was born April 26, 1858; John, April 22, i860;
Thomas, April 23. 1862. The mother died, and Mr.
Arisscame to Wheatland Tp., in the spring of I862,
and settled on sec. 23, where he bought I60 acres of
land and pursued farming.
In i880 he came to this place and sett!ed, being
one of the founders of Remus. He was again married, March 3, 186-, in Mecosta County, to Catherine, daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Campbell)
Mcl,cod, who were natives of Scotland. The
daughter was born in Russell, Ont., Can., June 15,
1840. Nine childrcn have been born of this marriage, as follows: William F., Aug. 8, 186-; George,
Oct. 19, i86-; Mary A., April 24, 1869; Alvira, July
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7 May I, I875; Emily, Aug. 19, 1877; Bruce, March,. 19, I880; Viola, March 4, i883.
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uncan McLellan, a pioneer resident of Big
I Rapids, was born in Huntington, Canada,
July 15, 1830. He is of Scotch extraction,
his father being a native of Paisley, Scotland.
He is a son of Malcom and Margaret (Currie)
McLellan, and obtained his education in the
common schools of his native province. At the age
of 13 he began to learn the trade of shoemaker at
Huntington, and four years later settled at Grand
Rapids, then a small village, where he spent a year.
His next remove was to Croton, Newaygo Co., where
he worked at his trade four years. In the fall of
1857 he bought 120 acres of pine lands on the Big
Muskegon, located about 60 rods from the present
site of the village of Paris. Mr. McLellan moved
into the woods to give his personal attention to cutting and "putting in" the timber. He lived in a log
shanty with " scoops " for its roof and with a puncheon floor. The timber was cut in the winter and
sold, at Muskegon, to John Rudman, a well-known
lumberman there, still living. In the spring of i858
he bought 120 acres of land seven miles north and
east of Newaygo, on what is known as Maringo
Prairie, and passed the summer in farming. In the
winter of 1858-9 he purchased 140 acres of pine
land two and a half miles below Big Rapids, and
passed the season as he had done the winter previous, in personal supervision of his lumbering interests,-returning to his farm in the spring. His wife
was in a decline, and he took her to Chicago for
medical treatment, and there spent the summer
without any benefit to her, and she died in the fall of
I859. The summer of I86o he spent on his farm at
Maringo Prairie, and in the autumn bought 60 acres
of pine land at Byers' Station, built lumber camps
and passed the winter of I860-I in active business
life.
property is still in his possession, in addition to a
considerable acreage he has since purchased, his
homestead now aggregating 320 acres. Mr. McLellan went to Muskegon in the spring of i86I and
bought the Forest City Hotel, and continued its management until I862. The tide of war that overwhelmed the land swept away his individual plans
and purposes, as of so many others who realized
their privileges under the institutions of the country,
and he returned to Big Rapids to enlist in defense
of the Union flag. He was enrolled in September,
1862, in Co. I, Sixth Mich. Cav., with Capt. Deane,
of Pentwater, going out with his regiment as a saddler. He was in active service three years and three
months, and in the item of constant, unremitted service he has an almost unparalleled record. From the
date of his enrollment and being mustered into the
service of the United States, he personally participated in every battle in which his regiment was engaged. After the virtual collapse of the Rebellion in
the spring of i865, his command was sent to Powder
River, Dakota, remaining there until the fall of the
same year. He received an honorable discharge at
Jackson, Mich., in December, I865.
In the fall of I86r Mr. McLellan purchased two
lots in the city of Big Rapids, at that time in a wild
state, which he improved and on which he erected
the building he now occupies in the year following
the purchase. In I868 he purchased a lot on Michigan avenue, which he at once improved, and proceeded to erect a large three-story frame building.
It was destroyed by fire a year later, involving a loss
of $3,000. In I868, with E. L. Gray, of Newaygo,
as associate, Mr. McLellan constructed a State road
from Big Rapids, southwest nine miles, in the direction of Big Prairie. As a remuneration they received
3,300 acres of swamp lands belonging to the State, a
considerable portion of which was well covered with
pine. Some hundreds of acres of this are still in
Mr. McLellan's possession. He continued to prosecute the business of lumberman until I876, when
he bought the tannery property of Robert A. Moon,
which he still owns and operates. The annual product is shipped chiefly to Boston and amounts in the
aggregate to $25,ooo.
In the same year in which he made his first investment in real estate at Big Rapids, he established
a boot and shoe store, which in 1872 he converted
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His connection with the history of Big Rapids
commences in I859, when he bought 80 acres of
farm land in the township of Leonard, changed by
act of the Legislature in 1865 to Big Rapids. This
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into a harness shop and still continues its management.
The gross landed estate of Mr. McLellan in Mecosta and Osceola Counties is about i,2oo acres,
besides 27 lots in the city of Big Rapids. He resides in the rooms above his place of business, on
South Michigan avenue, opposite the Opera-House
block. He has served two years as a member of the
City Council, and he belongs to the A. O. U. W., and
also to the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. McLellan was married in Grand Rapids, Sept.
25, I855, to Margaret Lee, born in Massachusetts.
Their only child, Mary Ann, died when three
months old, and in I86o the mother passed to the
land of silent mystery. Mr. McLellan contracted a
second marriage with Adaline, daughter of Abram
and Eliza Carr, of Croton, Newaygo Co., in October,
I862. She was born in Vermont in I834.
The publishers take peculiar satisfaction in presenting on another page the portrait of Mr. McLellan. He has had a long and successful career in
Mecosta County, and his name will ever be associated with the records of the city of Big Rapids. His
public and private character will long be revered by
nearly eight years. He sold out and embarked in
the drug business. Shortly afterward he came to
Morley and commenced a substantial business, taking the lead in the drug trade in that place. His
business is in a flourishing state, and he is justly esteemed an upright and honorable man in his dealings.
In politics he is a Republican; lie holds the office of
Justice of the Peace, is a member of the School
Board, and belongs to the G. A. R. and K. of H.
Mr. Hicks was married in Morley, July 7, I872, to
Hattie M., daughter of Michael and Elizabeth
*(Forbs) Swanger. Of this marriage three children
have been born, as follows: Fred G., July 28, 1873;
Percy J., Aug. 30, 1878, and Ivy M., March 12, I88I.
i umner Barstow, farmer, real-estate broker
and lumber dealer, at Big Rapids, was born
' in Tioga Co., N. Y., April 24, 1833. He is
a son of Charles R. and Charlotte (Coburn)
Barstow. The father was appointed Postmaster of Owego in I849, and Mr. Barstow
MF tbic et,-,fob I.bCFFht l a nrd nn4 nr-rro1;in flis- act
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Ad this and future generations. 111 CLl l lu sa u lc ul ac
~ *. clerk.., _.,^3i- | This occupation terminated in 1853, when Mr. N
Barstow became connected with the N. Y., L. E. & W.
railroad, and in a short time rose to the positon of
illiam H. Hicks, druggist at Morley, was conductor, which situation he retained on several
born July 30, i849. He is a son of John roads successively until June, 1874. His railroad
and Delia A. (Myers) Hicks. His father experience was continuous for 21 years, save during
was a native of England and his mother of the period of his service in the civil war. He enConnecticut. At 11 years of age Mr. Hicks listed in Owego, N. Y., in April, 1861, as Captain of
went to live with an uncle and accompanied Co. C, 23d N. Y. Vol. Inf., for a term of two years,,
him to Michigan in the fall of i860, settling in Ionia and was in action at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and
County. Aug. 4, 1864, he enlisted in the Third numerous other engagements of greater or less imMich. Vol. Inf., and was in the service two years, re- portance. He was discharged at Elmira, N. Y., in
ceiving honorable di;charge in Texas. He returned 1863.
thence to Ionia County and went to school, and was In June, 1874, Mr. Barstow came to Big Rapids,
engaged on the farm at the same time. In the fall and with his father engaged in lumbering, and the
of I866 he was employed as clerk in a hardware association existed until the death of thelatter, Dec.
store in Ionia, and there learned the tinner's trade, 10, 880. They purchased pine lands, and placed,
i following it over three years. He then went to Grand the lumber on the market. Mr. Barstow owns a; Rapids and not long afterward to Morley, where, a farm containing 365 acres in Norwich, Newaygo '
about the year I870, he went into partnership with Co., and has transferred considerable real estate in
Nelson Pike. The connection existed about one the city of Big Rapids. There are in the Third
year, and Mr. Hicks established himself in the hard- Ward two additions known as "Barstow's, " ain a
ware business at Cadillac, Mich., where he continued third in the same ward designated "Barstow's Second e
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0 Addition." He is also the proprietor o:
and owns six lots with houses. He wa
N the spring of i880 member of the Comr
of the city and resigned after three mont
Mr. Barstow was married in Dansville
Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, I857, to Mary F. L
May io, 1837. Of their three childre
Fred. D., is now living; he is an employ
S. Express office at 82 Broadway, New
acts in the capacity of cashier. Edmi
J Jessie are deceased. The mother died
dria, Va., March 5, I864, ard the fathe
married in Omaha, Neb., Dec. 20, I867,
Lewis, born at Cooperstown, N. Y. Of i
three are yet living: Charlotte, eldest
deceased; Charles L., an infant child wl
len and Thomas P. are the names of the
the order of their birth.
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iilliam J. Hyatt, for the last
a < _ prominent citizen of Hinton
>? S youngest son of Newton anc
2 '. (nee Cooley) Hyatt, and was bc
Virginia, April 3, 1850. His
from German ancestry, his mother
and they had a family of three sons and
ters. Until nine years of age, Mr. Hya
ject of this notice, was brought up on L
in Beaver Co., Pa.; then, in the fall of IE
to Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, and when
age he commenced operation in a portab
in the spring of I865 he moved with the
costa Co., Mich., arriving April 26. T
first steam mill in the eastern part of. Mr. Hyatt being among the first settlers.
cipal occupation to the present time has
engineering and milling, and by his reliab
specialties he has won for himself an en'
tation. He is a gentleman of considera
making an intelligent use of the best worl
he was Constable in his township.
A few months after he was 17 years of
married to Miss Fannie, eldest daughter I
i and Magdelana Kassner, and they now
daughters, namely, Emma Viola, Mary
and Adella Magdelana.
IFA 2\fs —^ >A ceA
f two stores, ' O
s elected in — o ''
non Council
Lis. t j F1ames M. Colby, ex-Register of Deeds of,Livingston Mecosta County, resident in Big Rapids,
)ubois, born " Tp., was born in Freeman, Cattaraugus
un, but one, Co., N. Y., July I2, i834, of English ancestry.
e in the U. j His parents, James and Abigail M. (Metcalf)
York, and Colby, were born in Vermont. The former, a
und P. and farmer by occupation, died in Wisconsin, where he
in Alexan- went in I843 and resided about 40 years. The latr wr was agai te born May 30, I803. She came with her
to Sarah E. parents to New York in her childhood, going later in
five children life to Wisconsin, and is yet living, at Wesley Station,
daughter, is Kossuth Co., Iowa.
ho died, Al- Mr. Colby was married in Delafield, Waukesha
children in Co., Wis., to Anna M. (Harris) Jacques, both of
English extraction and born in Nova Scotia, emigrating thence in 1844 to Wisconsin. Mrs. Colby was
born in Nova Scotia Aug. 12, I841. Mr. and Mrs.
Colby have six promising children, the two eldest of
whon were born in Wisconsin, and the other four in
ig years a
19 years a Michigan, as follows; Milton J., June 20, I862;
lp., is the W. T. Sherman, April 5, i865; Maria A., April 5, i
I Susannah 1867; Io Vesta, Sept. i7, 1869; Alta R., Sept. 8, =
rn in West 1873, and James M., April 13, 1883.
father was In I864 Mr. Colby came to Montcalm Co., Mich.,
from Irish, and resided at Greenville a year, removing thence to (
two daugh- Hinton Tp., Mecosta Co. In I867 he came to the
Ltt, the sub- city of Big Rapids, and in 1878 fixed his permanent
ittle Beaver, residence on sec. 24, of Big Rapids Tp.;59, he went Mr. Colby enlisted in the cause of the Union in
14 years of Delafield, Wis., Aug. Ti, i861, and did valiant serle saw-mill; vice in his country's defense, until wounded at the
mill to Me- battle of Perryville, Oct. 5, i86I.
his was the He is a Republican in politics, and in November,
the county, i866, was the successful candidate on his party
His prin- ticket for the office of Register of Deeds of Mecosta
been steam County, and held the position i6 years. While the
ility in these incumbent of the post he compiled the set of abviable repu- stracts now in use.
ble reading, Milton J. Colby, the eldest son, was five years of
is. In I873 age when his parents came to Big Rapids. He was
a pupil at the schools of the city until he was I7
age he was years old, when he entered the office of his father, A;
of Matthias Register of Deeds, and served as Deputy during the
have three remainder of the term of office, which expired Jan.
r Henrietta, 1883. He then re-entered school and was en- (
gaged in the duties of a student until April i, fol- '
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r of Warren avenue and Oak street, and two lots on
) State street.
Mr. Stearns was married in Ellisburg, N. Y., to
Elizabeth Coburn; she died at Ellisburg, April io,
I 829, leaving two sons, Chester E. and Samuel C.
Mr. Stearns was a second time married, at Ellisburg,
to Elizabeth Martin. Of this marriage eight children were born: George F., Sarah E. (dec.), Francis
C., Martha H. (dec.), Daniel E., Mary C., Alfred P.
and Albert S. (dec.). The mother died in I863, and
V Mr. Stearns was again married in 1871, to Mar);,@ Gollady.
R bel B. Knapp, farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp.,
i was born Dec. 13, I843, in Bronson, Huron
7W Co., 0., and is a son of Adolphus G.
).ij and Hannah (Richardson) Knapp, both natives of New York. The father is a son of
Brundage Knapp, a native of Massachusetts,
' and was born Feb. 19, i820; in early life he went to:g Salem Tp., Westchester Co., O., and afterwards to
=t Huron County, where he was married Nov. 12, I842.
l The mother was born Sept. 22, 1824, and accompanied her parents to Ohio when she was eight
j years of age. She became the mother of seven
children, all of whom are living in Michigan. The
senior Knapp, in the course of his active life, had
frequent occasion to change locality, and a singular
fact resulting was that in passing alternate periods of
his life in Michigan and Ohio, three daughters were
born in Michigan and three sons in the Buckeye
State, alternating in order. In January, I859, the
family removed to Wright Co., Mo., but the secession
element governed that portion of the State and they
returned to Ohio, and finally, in 1866, came to Meco,,ta Co., Mich., settling in Grant Tp., where the
father secured 80 acres of land. One of the sons
bought 60 acres in Chippewa Tp., and Mr. Knapp of
this sketch entered a claim of 80 acres in Hersey
Tp., Osceola Co. The mother died March 26, 1879,
t of pneumonia, followed by heart disease, after an illness of a week. Her children hold her memory
sacred, and speak in loving remembrance of her
motherly devotion, her unselfish, sacrificing spirit
and her lovely character.
Mr. Knapp of this sketch remained under his:D '~
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parents'supervision until he was I8 years old, when
he was released by his father to become a tanner and
currier. He worked at his trade until January, I864.
He is now a stalwart, sinewy man, but he was in
youth of light build and matured slowly. Repeated
efforts to enlist when the war broke out were futile;
the examining surgeons were inflexible and he succeeded in enrolling as a soldier for the Union only
at the date named. He enlisted in 1863 in Greenville, Huron Co., but did not weigh 1oo pounds, and
wvas rejected. The following year he was successful,
and was credited on the quota of Mansfield, Richland Co., as a recruit. He joined Co. L, Ioth Ohio
Cav., at Chattanooga. The regiment was ordered to
La Vergne, Tenn., and went into winter quarters.
A detail was sent to Nashville for horses, and the time
was spent in drill until spring. The regiment joined
the command of Kilpatrick at Ringgold, Ga., and
made its first acquaintance with set battle at Resaca.
After the victory there the ioth Ohio was ordered
out light mounted and spent a day in hot action,
fighting from nine a. m. to five p. m., repulsing a
charge and retiring to the morning's position. The
same orders were repeated the following morning,
and they were on the scout five weeks without overcoats, blankets or haversacks, and some without canteens. Regular rations were not served during the
entire period. Food depended on success in foraging, and on one occasion Mr. Knapp was without
food three days and four nights. On the morning of the fourth day he secured a piece of mutton,
which he devoured raw and without salt, the bloody
juice streaming meanwhile from the corners of his
mouth. Regular rations were first served at Adairsville. The next battle was at Kingston, and they
afterwards went into camp at Gillam's bridge on the
Etowah River, where they kept up cavalry service,
foraging and scouting, until Kilpatrick set out on his
remarkable raid. Mr. Knapp was ill and, instead of
taking a part in the brilliant action of his command,
as he anticipated, with all the relish of a true soldier,
he was ordered off on sick leave to Chattanooga, and
48 hours later was on his way to Nashville, where he
was ill two months with malarial fever and camp
diarrhea. Later he went to Jeffersonville, Ind.,
where he was furloughed for 30 days. The rebellion
came to a virtual close, and he was discharged from
the service at Camp Dennison, Ohio, May 31, i865.
He returned to Peru, Ohio, where he worked at his
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5 514 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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trade for a time, and, determining on a permanent
settlement, he journeyed through Indiana, Illinois
and Iowa, prospecting, and came at length to Mecosta County, whither his father's family had come
shortly before, and reached Big Rapids in September,
I866.
He located land in Hersey, Osceola Co., in its original state, and there entered upon the career of a pioneer, spending five years in the manner common to the
early settlers in this portion of Michigan. In I872
he bought the land on which his father settled in
I866, and 80 acres adjoining. His homestead includes I60 acres, with I20 acres cleared. It is considered a first-class place, lying in a hard-wood belt,
with soil a mixed clay and sandy loan, capable of
producing the justly celebrated Michigan crops. In
connection with his labors as a farmer Mr. Knapp
has engaged in lumbering sirce his settlement in
Northern Michigan, acting in behalf of other parties,
scaling logs, managing corps of lumbermen, operating as foreman, etc., finding ample field for his efforts
at $oo00 per month. His farm has good buildings
and a new barn, built in I883, at a cost of $r,5o0.
He makes a specialty of raising fine grades of
draught horses, and at the fair at Evart, Osceola Co.,
in the fall of 1883, took three premiums on colts and
single horses. He has been active in town matters
since he located in Grant, and served the township
as Supervisor in 1874 and 1882. He joined the
M. E. Church in I878, and has been one of the
officials of the society since. Hie is one of the
prominent citizens of Mecosta County, and foremost
among the active workers for its progress and substantial improvement. The neighborhood in which
he is located is designated by his name, and lie has
been the responsible member of his father's family
for years. He was a Republican from the beginning
of his political career until the establishment of the
National party, when he became its adherent, and in
1876 was the candidate for Sheriff on the Greenback
ticket, in opposition to Col. N. H. Vincent, Rel;ublican nominee.
Mr. Knapp was married Oct. 29, 1877, to Gertrude
E., daughter of Calvin and Mary J. Royce, of l)eerfield Tp. (see sketch), born Nov. 12, i855, in Delmar, Tioga Co., Penn. When she was 12 years old
her parents came to Deerfield Tp. She devoted herself
vigorously to obtaining an education, and at 16 commenced teaching at Millbrook. She taught 12 terms
of school, all in Mecosta County save one, the Barton school in Winfield Tp., Montcalm Co. She became a member of the M. E. Church in I875, and
was active in all avenues where a laborer was needed.
She has served as Superintendent of Sunday-school
and lent energetic and judicious aid wherever needed. She is a lady of fine acquisitions and generous
impulses, a valuable member of her social sphere
and warmly regarded by her intimate friends.
The elder sister of Mr. Knapp, Mary A., wife of
Nelson A. McCord, lives in St. Louis, Gratiot Co.,
and is the mother of three children. Franklin B.
Knapp is a minister of the United Brethren Church,
located at Salt River, Isabella Co. He is married
and is the parent of three children. Phebe A., wife
of Win. Cook, residing in Chippewa Tp., has four
children. John A. Knapp is unmarried and lives in
Grant. Josephine J. (Mrs. Owen Bentley) has three
children. Vernor G. Knapp resides with his brother
in Grant.
The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp may be
found in this work.
i ilbert W. Smith, lumberman, of the firm
of Foster, Blackman & Co., Big Rapids,
" was born in Vernon, Conn., May 15, 1852,
l and is the son of Amos and Angeline
) (Keith) Smith. His parents removed to
Brighton, Livingston Co., Mich., in 1857, and
soon after to Howell, where his father was engaged
as a dealer in boots and shoes about 15 years. He
attended the schools of Howell until he was r8 years
of age, when he went to Ann Arbor and entered the
Literary Department of the University, where he was
graduated with the class of 1874. Immediately after
that event he became a member of the lumber firm
of Galloway, Blackman & Co., of Howell.
In the spring of 1377 the present business house
was constifuted, consisting of Chapin C. Foster, of
Indianapolis, Hudson B. Blackman, Elias I). (alloway, and W. W. Smith, of Howell. The interests of
the new association were established at Big Rapids
at the same time, with Mr. Smith as resident manager. They are operating extensively in lumber, having a steam saw and shingle mill at Edmore,
Montcalm Co., where a laboring force of 1oo men is
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 5 I5
commonly employed, and the product amounts annu- and died in Big Rapids Tp., March 12, 1874, leaving
ally to about Io,ooo,ooo feet each of shingles and two children, Albert W., born in Big Rapids, March i
lumber. At Baldwin, Lake Co., the firm owns a 5, I87I, and Vernia B., born in Osceola County, A
steam saw-mill, and employs about Ioo men in the March I8, I873.
mill and woods, cutting about Io,ooo,ooo feet of lum- Mr. Ladner contracted a second marriage in Big k
ber yearly. They own about 3,500 acres of pine Rapids, Oct. 13, i88o, with Sinia E. De Tarr, born
land in Lake County, where Messrs. Morton & Tea- Aug. 7, 1856, in Lee Co., Iowa.
chout have just completed a mill contract for 4,500,ooo feet at Lumberton, Newaygo Co. Their ship-. — ~-.iq.~ments are commonly made to Indiana and Ohio, and. e orge P. Corneil, lumberman, Big Rapids,
The firm havesuffered consider rable losses by fire; P. Corneil, lumbera Big Rapids
was born in Ekftid Tp., Middlesex Co.,
one, which occurred at Edmore in i88I, resulted in Ekfrid Tp., Middlesex Co.
the destruction of their mill and lumber to the value Can., Jan. 22, I840, and is a son of Philip,i n ~latrrcJwJlcl
of $14,000, partly remedied by $9,000 insurance.
Aug. 20, 1883 (current year), they suffered a loss of
2,500,000 feet of lumber, valued at $25,000, with an
insurance of $18,000.
Mr. Smith was married in Lapeer, Mich., June Io,
1875, to Elizabeth P., daughter of Rev. Gustavus L.
and Hannah (Pettingill) Foster. The father of
Mrs. Smith was a clergyman of repute in Preslyterian circles in the State of Michigan for many
years, and at, the time of his death his labors exceeded in continuity those of any other minister in that
denomination. Mrs. Smith was born in Clinton, Lenawee Co., Mich., March 27, 1853. One child has
been born of her marriage, Gustavus, May 19, I876,
at Howell, Mich. Mr. Smith was elected City
Alderman in the spring of 1883; he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias.
aiv cnu iLettiac k a r %i-uCrIuiCII.
Mr. Corneil was a farmer until he was 22
years old; since that age he has been chiefly
engaged in lumbering. He left the Dominion in
I865, coming in December to Big Rapids, where he
at once interested himself in the leading pursuits of
that period, getting out logs, not long afterward rising to the position of foreman, a post he filled in the
interests of different parties for some years. In 1869
he embarked in business on his own account. In
1870 he commenced getting out ties and bridge timber for the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., under a contract,
with which he was occupied until the fall of 1873.
He went to Cadillac and formed a partnership with
R. McDowell, of that place, where they embarked in
the grocery trade and also operated as contractors
"putting in " timber. Two years later Mr. McDowell
sold his interest in the lumber business to his brother,
A. McDowell, Mr. Corneil selling his claim in the
grocery at the same time to his partner. The new
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52 0 MECOSTA COUNrY.
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life with hearts buoyant with hope, and in their
apparently promising prospects anticipated a career
of comfort, with no more hardship than is common to
people in health, with energy to follow up a successful entry upon a contest with the world. Mr. Escott
bought, of Jackson Rogers, a land contract for a tract
situated in the western part of Alpine Tp., Kent Co.,
built a house and cleared 48 acres of heavily timbered land. He sowed 30 acres of wheat, and saw the
season advancing in hopeful content, when he found
he had trusted in a broken reed. Only a verbal contract held the man of whom he obtained his right to
the land, and he transferred the title to a party with
whom Mr. Escott could make no terms. In six
months he found himself destitute, and with a heavy
load of debt.
The succeeding four years they lived in Tallmadge,
Ottawa Co., and in Walker Township. Prospects did
not brighten, and in April, 1863, they came to Big
Rapids, in the hope of building up their shattered
fortunes. If an adequate picture could be drawn of
the country through which they traveled and the
condition of the roads, some idea of that journey
might be conveyed; but no pen can do it justice
with words. The household effects were piled on a
wagon, and the mother with one precious baby rode
a part of the distance, dismounting to walk over the
worst places. They came by way of Newaygo and
Big Prairie, and fifteen miles of the distance from the
latter place was unbroken forest. The journey
occupied three days, and the wagon tipping over once,
bringing ruin to some of the crockery, was the only
disaster of any account. h'ley found Big Rapids in
its early youth, having two stores, and a small coimmunity of whole-souled peolle, whose uniform circumstances placed them on a social level, which
added materially to the general comfort.
Destitute of means, but young, healthy and not
afraid of work, Mr. Escott found his strength and
energies in demalnd at remunera:tive rates, and the
money he earned as a day lablorer and was enabled
to save through his wife's economy and good management, soon cleared his indebtedness and placed him
in comparative ease. He l)egan the purchase and sale
of land contracts, still working at whatever paid best,
and finally bought 8o acres of land in Green Tp.,
(now the property of James Dalzell), and built a
s:nall house, into which the moved b!efore it was
fitted with door or window. The first summer he
cleared two acres, and sowed 25 cents' worth of rutabaga seed, which crop he sold on the ground for
$i80. Later he sold his farm and secured a position
as teamster with B. E. Hutchinson, one of the nerchants of Big Rapids. His duty was to drive to
Grand Rapids, via Newaygo (70 miles), buy goods,
do numberless errands, and bring back his purchases
to supply the demands of the country trade. He
commonly started Monday morning with an empty
wagon (save chance passengers), consume two days
en route, spend one day in collecting his load, and
three more in driving back to Big Rapids, if fate was
propilious; but often the round trip occupied two or
three days more. This business he followed S8
months, at satisfactory wages.
In 1865 Mr. Escott was appointed Deputy Sheriff
under A. S. Mason, and at the election of the following year was the successful candidate on the Republican ticket for the office of Sheriff. His jurisdiction
extended over Osceola and the east half of Lake
Counties, then attached to Mecosta County for judicial purposes. The county being new and roads very
rude, if any at all, made it necessary to transact
most of the business either on foot or horseback, and
he frequently brought in the sinners against the majesty of the law from the woods or camps on foot and
single-handed.
In i868 he was re-elected by a large majority. In
1870 the law prohibited another re-election, but he
was appointed Under-Sheriff, with I). F. Wooley,
l)emocrat. In 187I he was elected Supervisor of
the Fourth Ward of Big Rapids. In 1872 and 1874
he was elected Sheriff, and the fulfillment of these
terms made an aggregate of i years in which lie
discharged the duties of that office. IHe has served
as a member of the Board of Education and officiated as Deputy U. S. Marshal under James Henry
and John Parker, acting about eight years. In T878
he was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward andll
and held the place four years. In 188i lie was appointed by Gov. Jerome one of the managers of the
lonia State House of Correction and Reformatory,
which post he held until Jan. i, 1883. In the spring
of 1883 (current year) he was again elected Sulpervisor of his ward.
In I865 Mr. Escott boutght 80 acres of land now
situated within the limits of tlke city, being the west
half of hit t northwest qcuarter o sec. 15, to which he
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has gradually added by purchase until he has a farm
\ of 280 acres of land, lying in one body and all im^ proved, of which 210 acres are within the city limits.
Fifteen acres, known as "Escott's Addition," are
platted in city lots, which he is selling and supplying
with buildings. In 1867 he erected his residence on
the corner of State street and Sanborn avenue, on
land then covered with indigenous forest trees.
About 1875 he purchased an interest in the Big Rapids Furniture Stock Company, and was elected its
President, operating one year as a manager of the retail department. He is connected with the Masonic
fraternity, being a member of the Lodge, Chapter,
Council and Commandery.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Escott, two daughters and a son. The latter, George
B., born May 6, 1871, is the sole survivor; Susan E.,
born July 8, I86I, in Tallmadge, died of membranous croup, Nov. 26, 1864, 'at the home of her grandfather Louckes, in Walker, where her mother had
taken her on a visit. Nellie M., born Sept. 3, i866,
at Big Ra pids, died of hemorrhage of the bowels, Aug.
= 21, i868, in Tallmadge, where her mother was visiting a sister.
Mr. Escott's portrait on another page presents the
likeness of a man whose entire record gives a continuous exhibit of what may be accomplished by
steady adherence to a worthy purpose. He has only
taken opportunity at its best, the secret of every
man's success in a new country. He is still in the
supremacy of a perfect manhood. His temperate
habits and active life have preserved his health and
strength, his eye has all its pristine keenness and
| brilliancy, and he walks with the erectness of a vigorous vitality. He never had a lawsuit, never was, sued, never owned a gun or a dog, and never drank
a glass of liquor at the bar in his life.
In the public and private career of Mr. Escott are
the salient points which render him a representative
of the manner of men who have placed the county
of Mecosta and the city of Big Rapids, in a marvelously brief period, in their present state of prosperity,
with a future of splendid promise. The class of
which he is an acknowledged type deserve a volume
3 for the adequate record of the worth of their ex^ ample and achievements. The results and developments of the coming years will round and complete
p the annals of this portion of the Peninsular State.
ucas I. Witbeck, Morley, was born in the
State of New York, Sept. 4, I845. His
parents, Abraham and Maria (Van Vranken)
Witbeck, were natives of the Empire State and
are still residents there. His ancestors settled
in the same State about the year I636, among
the earliest of the colonists, and were participants in
the Revolution. Mr. Witbeck was under the care of
his father until the age of I6, alternately attending
school and working on the farm. He then went to
learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, and served
three years. He followed that vocation until 187r.
In the fall of that year, interested himself in the business of butchering, which he continued nearly five
years, opeating as a wholesale dealer. He came to
Michigan in the summer of 1875 and settled at
Sturgis, following his trade as a builder for a short
time, then removed to Lima, Ind., where he kept a
meat market two years. He then returned to Sturgis,
where he bought a market, and remained there until
December, 1881, at which time he sold out and came
to Morley, where he became proprietor, by purchase,
of the meat market owned by August Rowland. This
is his present establishment.
He was married in Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Harriet, daughter of Giles and Rebecca (Swort) Gates,
natives of the State of New York, where Mrs. Witbeck was born. Children: Abraham L., Annie,
Clarence, Gertrude I., Lucas I. and Maud. Clara
died in infancy. Mr. Witbeck is independent in politics and belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows.. —<-4- o<^<0)))>^>((c-O) 2<~
oren T. Loveless, proprietor of the Nal tional barber shop and bath-rooms, under
H W the Northern National Bank, was born in
Newark, Ohio, Sept. 7, r842, and is a son of
Henry and Marinda (Thompson) Loveless.
They went in 1846 to Pontiac, Ill., where the
father died in 1852, and the mother in 1853, of
cholera.
On the breaking out of the war Mr. Loveless went
to Cairo, Ill., and shipped on the U. S. gunboat
"Louisville " as an able seaman, and took part in
seven engagements: Island No. Io, Fort Pillow,
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Memphis, Haines' Bluff, Vicksburg and Arkansas
Post. At the end of 13 months he received honorable discharge, and returned to Fairbury, Il1., where
he re-enlisted in the Third Ill. Cav., Capt. Carnahan,
and served until the close of the war, receiving his
discharge at Springfield, Ill. He was in action at
Red River, Franklin, Nashville, Memphis and during Forrest's raid.
After the war he went to Dewitt, Iowa, and opened
a store for the sale of masons' supplies-lime, hair,
cement, etc.,-which he sold out in February, i866,
coming thence to Newaygo, Mich., where he obtained
employment as clerk in a store. A year later he began to drive stage and carry mail between Grand
Rapids and Traverse City, and acted in that capacity
one year. His next business venture was in Newaygo, where he opened a barber shop, which he continued to manage until I870. In July of that year
he came to Big Rapids, and in r871 opened a shop
for the prosecution of his business, in the old Shafer
block. Six months afterward he made another
change, succeeded by several others, and in January,
1882, settled in his present quarters, which are finely
fitted with all modern conveniences, having firstclass bath-rooms attached. He now employs two
assistants.
Mr. Loveless was a member of the State militia
nearly nine years, belonging to Co. E, Second Regt.
Mich. State Troops, Capt. Brazee; is a member of the
Order of Odd Fellows, in which he holds the position
of Noble Grand. He was also a meml)er of the Fire
Department about nine years, and is Assistant
Inspector-General in the G. A. R. lHe owns his resi
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Horton was married Sept. 24, 1858, to Lucy Prentiss, of Cameron, Steuben Co., N. Y. She was
born in Sycamore, De Kalb Co., Ill., and has
been the mother of 1 children: Hector A., Victor
E., Frederick C., Jessie F., John C., Eva T., William
K., Melvin E., Thomas G., Isabella L. and Maud
M. The three elder children are deceased. On his
marriage Mr. Horton located in Bath, Steuben Co.,
N. Y., and removed to Milllrook, Mecosta Co., Mich.,
where he settled June 7, x866. He removed to
Sheridan in November, 1869, and has since been a
citizen of that township. He is a Republican in
politics, and has been Township Treasurer two terms
(I881-2); was Supervisor in 1876, and has served
two terms as Justice of the Peace.
Mr. Horton served as a soldier in the late war.
He enlisted in the 76th N. Y. Vol. Inf., in Steuben
County, and on account of decimation of the regiment at the battle of Mine Run, he was transferred to
Co. K, I47th N. Y. Inf. He was wounded June r6,
i864, at the battle in front of Petersburg, while in
the act of storming, and was in the hoslital one year,
receiving his discharge Jllne 14, 1865, at the close of
the war.
^4 >on. Edgar Peirce, Representative from Me_ Yv costa (`ounty, resident at Big Rapids, was
1born in Elk lTp., Eric Co., Pa., May 6, 1841.
He is of lnglish lineage, being descended from
John Pers, a native of Norfolkshire, Eng., who
settled in New England in 637. lis father,
Francis lPeirce, was iorn in Waltham, Mass., and
eventually removed to Pennsylvania, where he married Betsey Boomer, a native of Rhode Island. Mr.
Peirce was the eighth of nine children I)orn of this
marriage.
He received a good education in the common
schools and academy of his county, and was bred to
the business of milling. lie was on the eve of his
majority when the assault on Fort Sumter sent an
electric thrill round the world, and a few months
after reaching the period of his legal freedom he enrolled in defense of the Union flag. lie enlisted
Sept. 13, 1862, under Capt. WV. \W. Miles, whose
company was assigned to the 14th Pa. CaV., in rendezvous at littsburg, with Col. J. M. Schoonmaker
as its sul)erior ofiier. 'T'lc regiiment was attahedl to
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dence on South Warren avenue, a dwelling near it, which he rents, and a vacant city lot.
Mr. Loveless was married March 22, I869, to
Carrie E. Thomas, a native of Michigan. Two
children have been born of this marriage, Arthur
L. and George M.
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"~! ^^ homas G. Horton, farmer, secs. 30 and 32,! t1ia Sheridan Tp., was born in Vinton, Athens:. ^j' Co., Ohio, Dec. r4, 1829. I)aniel M. Horton,
his father, was born in Connecticut in 791r, of;( English parentage. His mother, Anna (Kim-, ball) Horton, was born in Hector, Tompkins, Co., N. Y., in 180o6, of German extraction. Mr.
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' the command of Gen. Averill, of raiding notoriety.
In an engagement at Rocky Gap, Va., Mr. Peirce
was severely wounded through the left leg, and rode
on his horse to Beverly, West Va., I50 miles distant,
rather than be left on the field to fall into the hands
] of the rebels. He was in the Valley of the Shenandoah under Sigel, and was with Hunter on his disastrous expedition to Lynchburg. When Gen. Early
caused the destruction of Chambersburg, Mr. Peirce
rode with his command through the burning city, in
pursuit of McCausland, and was in the advance bat6 talion in the charge at Moorefield, Va., when the
P command of the rebel incendiary was nearly annihiA lated, and Chambersburg avenged. Mr. Peirce was
placed in command of his company (I) by election,
and led his men at Winchester and Fisher's Hill,
and at Cedar Creek, where Sheridan snatched victory from defeat. He participated in the work of
destruction in the valley, of which the record says:
" There was nothing between the Blue Ridge and the
Alleghanies worth fighting for."
Mr. Peirce passed through the non-commissioned
grades of promotion from private to Orderly Sergeant,
and in March, 1865, was commissioned Second Lieu= tenant. After the Grand Review at Washington,'he
was sent West on detached duty to the Indian Territory, and was mustered out in November, I865.
He returned to Pennsylvania.
In 1871 Mr. Peirce removed to Michigan, and engaged in manufacturing shingles, in Colfax Tp.,
Mecosta Co., and continued to prosecute that business eight years. In 1878 he was elected County
Treasurer, and was re-elected to the same position in
i880. On the expiration of his last term he was
elected Representative, and served in the Thirtysecond Session of the Legislature of Michigan. In
his record as a member of that body, Mr. Peirce
clearly demonstrated his fitness for any post to
which an appreciative and judicious constituency
might raise him. He is eminently qualified in every
sense; he possesses a fine mental organism, coolness
" and courage in moral issues, correct judgment and
wise discrimination in popular measures, and brings
the test of a disciplined intelligence to bear upon all
questions of the day. His leading traits of character
designate him as essentially a man of the people,
equipped for quiet, persistent, inflexible conflict in
L the avenues in which circumstances may lead him.
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i W. Reed, merchant, Stanwood, Mecosta J!| Tp., was born in Livingston Co., Mich.,
' d JJuly 8, 1844. He is a son of Oliver and
c Louisa (Barnard) Reed, the former a native of
Vermont, the latter of New York. The
father followed farming until his death, in I859.
Mrs. Reed is still living, and resides in Stanwood
with her son, the subject of this sketch. He was
raised on his father's farm, and Dec. II, 1861, at the
age of 15, he enlisted in the i6th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company I, which joined the Army of
the Potomac under Gen. McClellan. He was in the
Seven Days' battles before Richmond, the second
battle of Bull Run, and many other hard-fought
battles, and was honorably discharged Feb. 7, I863.
Returning home, he worked on the farm until the
fall of the same year, when he came to Mecosta
County. During the winters of 1863 and 1864 he
worked in the woods as laborer. In T865 he entered
80 acres of land under the homestead law, and proceeded to build the log house in which he lived until
1874, during which time he added about 300 acres to
his farm by purchase, and cleared 80 acres.
In I875 he entered upon mercantile business at
Stanwood, continuing in that till the present time.
He keeps on hand a large and well selected stock of
dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc., and commands a large trade; also, has been engaged in
lumbering quite extensively. In I880 he associated
with himself a partner, Charles F. Barnard.
Mr. Reed was married in Mecosta County, in I864,
to Eliza Moulter. They had two children: David,
born in October, I865, and Sarah, born in 1867. He
was a second time married, in I875, to Mary E.,
daughter of S. Kimball and Uretta (Hawks) Bagley,
born at Plattsburg, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1853. This mar
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COUNTY. 525
Mr. Peirce was married Dec. 27, 1869, to Mary
M. Wells. Three children have been born to them:.
Harriet L., June 21, I871; Mary E., Aug. 25, T875, -':'
Grosvernor, Aug. I6, I 88.
In October, 1883, Mr. Peirce formed a partnership
with G. Clough, in the hardware business, firm style
being Clough & Co. They carry a full line of merchandise common to such establishments, and have
every prospect of entering at once upon a safe and
successful business.
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riage has resulted in four clildren: Georgia W., Windsor, Can., Aug. 4, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Roose-,
born July I, I876; Jessie M., born May 31, 1878; velt have one child —Ralph-born at Grand lapids,.^ Guy K., born July 21, i879, and Charles W., born Feb. 22, I88I.;*', F^ih 91 TAo ~
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By energy, industy and economy, he has acquired
a nice property, and his mental and social qualities
have made him one of the representative citizens of
the county. He has held the office of Supervisor
two terms, Justice of the Peace seven or eight years,
and Highway Commissioner one year. He was one
of the Board that divided Austin and Mecosta
Townships. He was appointed Postmaster for Stanwood in I876, and held the position for five years.
Mr. Reed is politically a Republican. He is liberal
in religious views, and is a member of Hie I. 0. 0. F.
His portrait appears on page 524.
~ TfB enson E. Brown, farmer, sec. i, Hinton
< || Tp., was born in Warren Co., Penn., Aug.
1 t 20, 1844. His father, Peter Brown, was
SG born in Connecticut, and his mother, Mary
(Libby) Brown, was a native of New York.
The former died in the Keystone State in
1855; the latter resides with a son at Altona. Mr.
Brown was r years old when his father died. He
attended the common schools and worked on the
farm and in the lumber woods. In the spring of
I867 he came to Michigan, and after a brief stay in^
Lapeer County he came to this county, and was in
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I _ idney H. Roosevelt, proprietor of the He purchased 80 acres of unimproved land in 870,
)j @ Northern Hotel at Big Rapids, was born in built a frame house and barn, and has Placed 40,,
F 1F Flint, Micb, April 8, 1848. He is a son acres of his land under advanced improvements. He I
of Cornelius and Elvia (Hamilton) Roosevelt. is a Republican in politics, andl has held the post of
The father was a hotel-keeper and was propri- School Assessor four years, and is the present incum- =
| etor of the Carrolton House at Flint a number bent of that office. In April, 8S3, he was elected -
of years, and Mr. Roosevelt was trained to his calling Townsip Treasurer. i
Mr. Brown was married in Montcalm Co., Mich.',
under the care of his father and within the influences of his usiness. Oct. 8, 1870, to Lydia C., daughter of William J. and
ences of his business.
At the age of 16 years he learned telegraphy and Emmeline (WVester) Allen. Her larents were
natives of New York, and removed to Canada, where
was engaged in the pursuit of that vocation alout natives of New York, and removed to Caada, ere
five years. In I870 he went to East Saginaw, where Mrs. Brown was Iori May 5, r842. 'he family circle includes three clhildren: l)ella B., 1born Ja,n. 5,
he engaged in the Everett House four or five years cle nclues thr cildre ella.,. 5,
as clerk, and went thence to Bay City, where he was 18S71; Ernest A, Oct. 5, 1S74, and Clharlie, Iorn
employed in the same capacity three years. His ay 12, 1879.
' next engagement was at " Sweet's" at Grand Rapids,____ --
where he remained five years. In I881 he came to
Big Rapids and opened the Northern Hotel. It is
the leading hotel in the city and receives the best | I lien E. Williams, lumberman, Upper Big
class of patronage. The building is one of the most | c _ Rapids, was born in lemblroke, (enesee
prominent in Big Rapids, and is described in detail Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1848. His parnts,
elsewhere. (See sketch of Hlood & Gale.) Its pat- Joht John I,. and Emeline (Allen) \Williams, Vwere w
rons include a large 1numlber of day boarders, and its farmers and removed to Sycamnore, D)e Kall,
repute under the management of its experienced Co., Ill., where the father blought a farm. Mr.
a, and obliging manager secures a large proportion of Williams, of this sketch, was at that tiime ten years
the traveling public as guests. The lresent clerk is old, and two years later his father removed with his
4 Charles Miller. family to Iroquois Co., 11., and there pnrslued tile
* Mr. Roosevelt was married in Saginaw, Mich., to same vocation.
Mary, daughter of Christopher Morass, bn in Mr. Willisllis caime to lMuskegon, Mich., at the age -.... -^-^ *1- -n n'0 -,^ ' '.-.. — -. -|r'v
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of 17 years, and was there employed by 0. P. Pillsbury.'-Two years later he came to Big Rapids, in
the interests of his employer. and in December, 1867,
opened a store on State street, where Mr. Pillsbury
was engaged in general merchandise two and onehalf years. At the expiration of that time he determined to make his present calling the pursuit of his
life, and threw himself with all his energies and resources into the details connected with the business
of lumbering, going himself into the woods, locating
pine lands, driving on the river, etc. His chief business for the last ten years has been buying and selling lands and employing men in cutting and putting
in logs.
Mr. Williams was married at Big Rapids, May 31,
T869, to Georgia J., daughter of Thomas and Harriet
(Malbon) MclDaniels, born at Orono, Penobscot Co.,
Me., Oct. 19, 1854. Mr. Mcl)aniels came to Big
Rapids in 1864 and engaged in lumbering, his family
following the next year. He prosecuted his business
as a lumberman to a considerable extent until his
death, which took place Jan. 14, I88i. He was 69
years old. Mrs. McDaniels resides with her daughter; she is 68 years old.
Mr. Williams is a Democrat, and represented his
district in the convention at Lansing in i880, and at
Jackson in 1882. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity.
il 1 homas S Reed, farmer, sec. 17, Grant Tp.,
_ was born Aug. 6, I831, in Steuben Co., N.
~^ Y. His father, Benjamin Reed, was born
t Aug. 12, 8o01, in New York, and died Jan. 22,
i 1882. His mother was born in Connecticut,
about the year 1798, and died Jan. 10, 1871.
They moved to Knox Co., Ohio, not long after the
birth of the son, removing thence to Noble Co., Ind.
Mr. Reed came to Michigan and to the township
of Grant, in 1872. He bought his homestead, containing 80 acres of land, which he is rapidly developing into a valuable farm. He was married March
4, 1858, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and
Elizabeth Allworth, of Morrow Co., Ohio. Her
parents were natives of New Jersey, and her father
is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Reed have seven children: Samuel
COUNTY. 527
W., born Nov. 25, 1858; Esther E., Aug. 31, i860
(Mrs. Maxin Pion); William J., Feb. 15, 1863; Benjamin F., March 6, i866: Edward L., Jan. 4, I869;,
(died Feb. 24, 1874); Minnie M., Aug. 26, 1872
Francis E., June 20, 1875; Amy E., Feb. 17, I878.
The family attend the U. B. Church, of which the
parents are members.
S eter S. Decker, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook
1Ng Tp., was born in New York, July 30, I830,
|[ -1~ and is a son of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley)
[.L% Decker
N' He left home at 20 years of age, and for
two years thereafter was variously occupied,
and the year following was emplloyed in a mill. His
next occupation was in a machine shop at Newcastle,
Canada, where he remained four years. In the
spring of 1858 he went to Illinois and settled in
Kane County, where he worked a farm on shares
nearly three years. In the fall of i860 he bought
80 acres of land in Millbrook Tp., on which he has
since resided. He afterward bought i80 acres additional, sold 80 acres, and deeded 50 acres to his son.
His farm now comprises T70 acres of land, with Ioo
acres under the best class of improvements. The
humble, unpretentious log house built by Mr. Decker
on his farm in the first year of his occupancy, gave
place a few years ago to as fine a residence as can
be found in the township.
He was married in Clark, Canada, May 27, I852,
to Caroline, third daughter of Lorenzo and Fanny
(Fisher) Aldrich. Her parents were natives of New
Hampshire and Massachusetts, who settled in Canada. Mrs. Decker was born in the Dominion, Dec.
21, 1835. Of her marriage to Mr. Decker nine children have been born, as follows: Lourena J., May
24, I853: Lorenzo D., April 21, 1855; Gilbert A.,
July i6, r858 (see sketch); Rosetta A., Jan. 24, i86r
(first female child born in the township); Richard
S., Sept. i, 1864; Hazen A., April 13, I867; Mary
E., June 2, 1869; Charlotte E., April 25, 1871, and
Mabel E., June 24, I879.
Mill'rook township was organized in i865, and
Mr. Decker was elected the first Supervisor at the
meeting of organization, an office he has held six
years. He has been Justice of the Peace six years,
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528 ME *9S' T,-O-..A COUTY
5 28 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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and District Assessor nine years. He is a Republican in political sentiment. He and his wife are
members of the denomination known as the "Church
of God."
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raria E. Brown, Big Rapids, daughter of
Ethan and Nancy (Wilmer) Brown, was
' born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 21,, 825. Her father was born March I, I79I,
in Stockbridge, Mass., and was of English descent. Her mother was of Irish extraction, and
a native of Stockbridge, where she became the wife
of Ethan Brown. Of eight children born to them
three yet survive, viz: William, resident at Saginaw;
George, in business in Washington Territory, and
Miss Maria, of this sketch. Those deceased were
John F., Caroline, Marcus, and Susan C., widow of
Mason Herrick. Miss Brown is rearing three of the
children made orphans by the demise of Mrs. Herrick. They are Addie I,., John F. and Marcus E.
Miss Brown resided in Tioga Co., N. Y., until
I 1874, when she came to Big Rapids, to live with her
3 brother, John F. Brown. She owns his residence: on Osceola avenue, eight lots, and 6o acres of land
/ within the city limits. The main portion of the
home was once one of the finest structures in upper
Big Rapids.
and a Baptist minister. Her great-grandsire was
a British officer in the war of the Revolution.. Mr.
and Mrs. Manning have eight children: Addison
A., Celia, Lydia A., Bertha M., Ellen M., William G..
Wallace P. and Lewis H.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Manning resided
in Canada until 1862, when they came to Michigan
and located in St. Clair County, near Memphis,
Macomb County. In i865 Mr. Manning connected
himself with the Dryden (Lapeer Co.) Conference,
and entered upon his labors as a Christian minister.
He was licensed to preach in 1850, while he lived in
Canada. He was a licensed exhorter of the Dryden
Circuit one year and then went to Dansville, Ingham
Co., and was connected with that circuit for a year,
and afterward supplied the Wheatfield mission one
year.
In November, I869, Mr. Manning came with his
family to Mecosta County and located in Chippewa
Tp., where he entered and proved a claim of 80 acres
of land under the homestead law. HIe has been diligently engaged in farming, and has continued to
preach at intervals as olpportunity has served or occasion demanded. He is a Republican in politics.
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_:-,, -__ ohn F. Mann, farmer and lumberman, re- ev. William H. Manning, farmer, sec. 34, |? siding at Evart, Osceola Co., was l)orn
('hippewa '1'p., was b)orn in Odelltown, | Oct. 22, 1832, in Penobscot Co., Me. ills
4 i | C(an., Aug. 15, 1824, and is a son of G(a- parents, John and Sarah (Sammons) Mann, are
/ 1 briel and Polly (Green) Manning, the former a both living. The former was born in Maine,.' native of New York and the latter of Ver- the latter in Ireland.: mont. His fathler was a farmer, and after his Mr. Mann was reared to the business of mlu ermarriage went to Canada, and there died in I866; his man, in his native State, entering the woods when a
mother died in 1869. boy, as a teamster in the winters and passing the
Mlr. Manning was reared on his father's farm, sumlmiers in log-driving on the rivers. He came to
which was situated in a rural distiict, and he oltained Saginaw, Mich., Aug. 12, i866, and after spending
little education in early life. This defect he remedied some time in the mills there again engaged as a luemafter lie had grown to manhood. He remained with berman, and )pursued the Ibusinesxs nine years at that 1,
his parents until he was 22 years of age. place. In 1871 he came to Fork Tp., Mecosta (o.,
M^ Mr. Mlanning was married May 14, 1850, to Per- and engaged in lumblring and logging for 'Palmer C&
elia, daughter of Preston and Lyd(ia (Marsh) (Groot, Bro., operating as foreman in their emlploy three
zj who was born in NWhitby, ('an., Nov. 23, 1830. Her1 years. In 1875 he took possession of a farm in Fork
parents were natives (f Lower Ca;in;ila, and her Tp., and now\, in connection with his son, owns 280 '
< grandfll thcr w:;s a soldier in the British army in 81 2, acres of land, which is under the management of the,.... i ^(l[l — i
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 531
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latter. Mr. Mann has recently transferred his residence to Evart.
He was married July 2, 185 5, to Susan A., daughter
of James C. and Susan (Roe) Churchill. Her
parents were natives respectively of New Brunswick
and Maine. Mrs. Mann is a native of the Pine-Tree
State, and has had seven children, four of whom are
living: James W., Maud M., Nettie M. and Jay
F. Those deceased were Charles F., Bessie and
Genevra.. # ____ &, ill iam Van Loo, Secretary and Manager of
the Big Rapids Furniture Co., was born in
the Netherlands, Dec. 3, 1836. In 1849
his parents, William and Mary Van Loo,
J) 'came to the United States, and after a year's
stay in Ottawa County moved to Greenville,, Montcalm Co., and engaged in agriculture. They
returned to Ottawa County in 1855, where the father
died, in 187I, and the mother in 1879.
=: At the age of 14 Mr. Van Loo entered a mercantile
house as a clerk, and in I86i formed a partnership
C1 with his employer, Manning Rutan, in the sale of
* general merchandise. In I866 the relation was terminated by Mr. Van Loo's selling his interest. He
] came to Big Rapids and built the grist-mill on Ryan
Creek, known as the " Mecosta," the first mill for the
exclusive purpose of grinding grain in the county. In
this enterprise he was associated with John Bigelow.
At the same time Mr. Van Loo opened a store, which
he sold in 1870, and in 1872 disposed of his interest
in the mill. In July of that year the Big Rapids
Furniture Co. was organized. Mr. Van Loo became one of the leading stockholders, and was personally active as a salesman in the retail department.
In July, 1874, he was elected Secretary and Treasurer, departments of which he was the virtual
head several months previous. He is now the active
manager of the business of the corporation. The
works of thie company are located at the west end of
'> the upper bridge, and comprise a frame building, 40
x 60 feet in dimensions, with water power. The active capital is $2I,6oo. In i870, Mr. Van Loo erected
the first brick block in the county, and from the time
of his fixing his residence at Big Rapids has been
among the foremost in promoting the substantial interests of the place. Mr. Van Loo was married in
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Greenville, Aug. 24, 1863, to Marie L. Church.
Their elder son, William C., born Sept. 21, I865, is
pursuing a scientific course of study at Albion College, Calhoun Co., Mich. Kingsley was born June
22, 1869, being the first boy born in the city.
In I869, Mr. VanLoo was elected first Supervisor
of the City of Big Rapids, and Chairman of the
Board of Supervisors; served several years as Councilman, and in I879 was elected a member of the
Board of Education, and has been its President since
I880. He is a zealous and active member of the M.
E. Church, for whose interests his solicitude has been
unflagging. He has been Class-Leader, Trustee, S.
S. Superintendent and Steward, and was largely instrumental in building and establishing the Church
and society. He owns his residence and three buildings utilized as stores on Michigan avenue.
Mr. Van Loo is a zealous Republican and has
been identified with the party and its issues since its
organization in the State of Michigan. In all his
views he exhibits the traits of the race from which
he is descended. His love for civil and religious
liberty is his heritage from his ancestors, some of
whom were engaged in the memorable struggle between Philip II of Spain and the Low Countries,
when that unscrupulous monarch, after his marriage
with Isabella of France, had no better field for the
development of his kingly genius and prerogatives
than an attempted subjugation of the people of the
countries then under the control of the government
whose supremacy he so miserably travestied. His
failure in his matrimonial schemes with Elizabeth in
a sense relegated him to his appropriate sphere, and
his mistaken essay to establish the inquisition where
the papal power was at best but nominal, has sent
his name to prosterity with that of Bloody Mary,
Catherine de Medicis and Coligny. Let it be once
more recorded in the immortal interests of the Christian religion that Protestants and Catholics made
common cause against the monstrous innovation, and,
instead of fastening the darkest device of the Romish Church upon a people whose national simplicity
and purity was, at that period, unique, the permanent independence of the Provinces was secured and
the Protestant religion established in that portion of
lEurope. The representatives of the race who could
in an emergency centralize their strength upon an
issue so momentous in its bearing upon the fate of
future generations, are among the best and most val
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^. f^^:^ r - -— v< It 1U;. 532 MAECOSTA
l, uable of the elements of our composite nationality.
Mr. Van Loos portrait is an appropriate accom-, painment to this sketch, and may be found on
page 5 3.
J +3i
J -oseph Wendling, Mecosta, Morton Tp.,
was born in Canada, April 15, 1859. He
is a son of Jacob and Mary (Schnoob). Wendling, both natives of Canada. They left
the Dominion in the winter of 1873, coming to
' Mecosta County, where they now reside.'
' Mr. Wendling made the change of residence with
his parents, with whom he remained until 23 years of
age. At 15 he began acting as accountant for a lumbering firm, and remained with them three years.
He was then employed in the store of C. H. Clement
at Millbrook, one year, and then taught school one
term; he subsequently engaged with M. Carman, a
' merchant, as head clerk, where he still remains.
Mr. Wendling was married in Wheatland Tp., Feb.
= 8, I88I, to Angeline, second daughter of George and;, Nancy (Smith) Willett. The father of Mrs. Wend_ ling is a native of England, and the mother of Can- ada. They came to Mecosta County in the spring of
1863, and are still resident in the township of Hinton.
Mr. and Mrs. Wendling have had one child-Charles
-born in April, I882, and surviving but a few days.
The family attend the Roman Catholic Church, of
which Mr. W. is a member. He is identified with
the Democratic party., 4iM harles W. Sebastian, farmer and lumberman, sec. 4, Green T'1'., was born in logal Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1855. tis parents,
Nicholas and Magdalena (Cooley) Selastian,
were born in France, of (German parentage.
They came to the United States, and located
in Mecosta Co., Mich., in the slring of 1867, where
1 the father bought a farm on sec. 4, and lroceeded
with the work of clearing up the land and lputting it
in a tillable condition; he (lied Dec. 24, 1875. The. mother resides at Big Rapids.
Mr. Sebastian was educated in the common schools
of L-,gan (o., N. Y., and Mecosta Co., Mlicl., and
CO UNTY.
was his father's assistant in the homestead until the:
latter's death, and after that event continued its
management. Feb. 20, I883, he started a saw-mill I'
on sec. 8, where he saws about 15,000 feet of lumber
daily.
Mr. Sebastian owns 360 acres of land in Mecosta
County, and is largely engaged in cutting and shipping telegraph poles to the markets of St. Louis,
Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Some of the finest
specimens of that peculiar variety of merchandise
have been out on his land, being superior in quality
and size, and measuring from 40 to 60 feet in length.,
He has often obtained two 6o-foot poles of the finest '
quality of cedar from one stump, with bases 8 inches
to two feet in diameter, and one foot at the top.
Mr. Sebastian was married to Ida W., daughter of
Moses C. and Caroline (Whipple) Besemer. Of this
marriage one child, Lena, was born, Jan. 13, I878.
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~ leter Kelley, farmer and saloon-keeper, Big:;3 oQ Rapids, was born in Somerville, Ala., Feb. ':;
J!Ii- 18S, 1842, and is a son of Patrick Kelley, c
ij born in Ireland, Feb. 2, 1814, and Mary (Egan) I *.. Kelley, born in Ireland in I8I8, and died at t
Big Rapids, Nov. 13, i88o.
The parents came to the North and settled in
Livingston Co., Mich., in 1847. They bought 120
acres of land in Hartland Tp., and there resided until 1872, when the place was sold, and they moved
to Milford, Oakland Co., Mich. The senior Kelley
bought a hotel, managed it a year, and went to Higlhland, in the same county, where he owned and kept ) T
the "Highland Center House," together with 40'
acres of land. In 1879 the family came to Big 3
Rapids, where he speculated in real estate until liis
death, June 8, 883.
Mr. Kelley of this sketch came to Big Rapids in
the fall of 1869, and was employed some time as a
lumberman, afterwards operating as a contractor andt
foreman on the river and in the woods. He was for
a considerable period in charge of the lumler yard otf
T. D. Stimson, in the city of Big Rapids. In r87t,.:
Mr. Kelley bought a house and lot on Marion ave- (1),
nue, which he exchanged in 1873 for 80 acres of;
land in Green Tp., where he resided a year. H1e sold i
out, came to Big Ralids, and emlbarkd in the liquor.o,
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MECOSTA COUNT Y. 533
business on North State street. In 1879 he went to all reasonable effort to obtain an education, and by
r Evart, Osceola Co., and managed the Irvin House strenuous exertion succeeded in fitting for college.., about i8 months, when he came back to Big Rapids. He entered the University of Michigan in 1859, and d
f In February, 1882, he opened his present business, studied one year. His three years preparatory to a
and is carrying it on with marked success. In collegiate course had given him a good fundamental C
August, i88o, he bought 80 acres of land on sec. 9, education, and at the end of his first year at Ann
Big Rapids Tp., under good improvements, where he Arbor he judged it wisest to discontinue his studies.
is engaged as a farmer. He also owns a residence He is a Republican in principle and has been Superand four city lots, besides a business building and lot visor of Grant Tp. a year, Clerk the same period,
40 x 150 feet, on the corner of Hemlock street and Road Commissioner three years, Justice of the Peace
Michigan avenue. four years, and Township School Superintendent five
> Mr. Kelley was married at Grand Rapids, Oct. 17, years.
' 87 2, to Mary, daughter of William and Mary Raf- oco
ferty, born in Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 23, 1847.
They have six children: William, Charles, Frank, s
Nellie, George and Kittie. The family belong to the ho s Hurle farmer and blacksmith,
Roman Catholic Church. sec. 8, Gree Tp., was born July io, 1828,,q/
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braham Van Alstine, farmer, sec. io, Grant
'rp p., was born March 26, 1842, in Wolcott,
"11' Wayne Co., N. Y. His father, Jacob Van Alsi tine, was born Nov. I, 1812, in New York, and
died Dec. 28, 1860, in Shiawassee Co., Mich.
His mother, Eleanor Van Alstine, was born in
the Empire State, Dec. 26, 1820, and is yet living, in
Michigan. His ancestors were natives of New York
and one grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812.
In 1857 Mr. Van Alstine came to Michigan and
settled in Sciota, Shiawassee Co. Nine years later he
homesteaded a claim of 80 acres of land, now included in his landed estate, which aggregates 320
acres, of excellent quality. His farm is in first-class
condition, with large, fine barn and other convenient
buildings necessary to successful farming. He is
making preparations to construct a dwelling-house in
keeping with the farm and its other improvements.
He was married June i8, 1867, to Eleanor, daughter of Horace and Maria Burr. Her father was born
in Vermont in 1818, and died in May, I859. Her
mother was born in the Province of Ontario in
1829, and is still living. Mr. Van Alstine was born
Dec. 20, 1849. Following are the dates of births of
their six children: Franklin, Aug. 28, i868; Wade,
June 21, 1871; Etta A., Aug. i, 1873; Adele, July
3, 1876; Jay, Dec. 20, 1879; Ralph, April 20, 1882.
Early in life Mr. Van Alstine determined to exert
"' in Steuben Co., N. Y., and is the son of
William and Mary (Mapes) Hurley. His
father was a descendant of the Welsh, and
was by occupation a mason. Among other
important works on which he was engaged was the
construction of the Neversink bridge in Sullivan Co.,
N. Y.; he died in 1850. The mother was a native
of Connecticut, and died in 1872.
Mr. Hurley remained with his parents until the
death of his father. His marriage to Minerva Cole
occurred in Schuyler Co., N. Y., in 1850. She was a
native of the Empire State and was a daughter of
Ira and Nancy (Bailey) Cole. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley
had three children. Only one-Ada (Mrs. Dwight
Lydell)-is living. Two died ininfancy. The mother
died May 6, 1847, and Mr. Hurley contracted marriage a second time Jan. 9, 1858, with Emma, daughter of John R. and Elizabeth (Corbett) Allen. She
was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1836. Her
parents were natives of the State of New Jersey and
died in Steuben County, when she was very young.
Mr. and Mrs. Hurley have three children, namely:
Ettie (Mrs. Jason Lydell), Mary A. and Cora B.
At the age of i8 Mr. Hurley commenced learning
the trade of blacksmith with Isaac P. Goodsell, remaining with him two years and afterward operated
on his own account 15 years, in his native State. He
enlisted Jan. i, 1864, in the roth N. Y. Cav., and
served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge
at Harwood Hospital, Washington, D.G(., June 6, i865.
During his period of enlistment he worked at blacksmithing, and in the winter of 1864 was in active
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534 MECOSTA COUNTY. -
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T service, being under fire at Hatcher's Run and he has been Steward many years and is now Classbattle of Winchester, after which he was ill and was leader. He has always been active in the cause otf, in various hospitals three months. His last fight education and in the interests of the Republican,
was at Petersburg, and after his discharge he re- party.
turned to Schuyler County, where he was sick a year | - B
with disease contracted in the arnmv................................. _-_'T_...
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In I867 he came to Mecosta County, and on the
26th day of June located on sec. 8, Green Tp., where
he has since been busily occupied with farming and
his trade. He owns 46 acres of land, all in good; condition. With reference to National issues he is a
'Democrat.
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ilas Snider, farmer, sec. 2, Austin Tp.,
was born in Toronto, Can., Oct. 9, 1827.
His parents, Jacob and Rachel Snider,
were natives of New Brunswick, and early in
life came to Canada. The father died at 85,
the mother at 8i years of age. When 24
years old Mr. Snider went to Kentucky, where he
was employed as a carpenter on a tobacco plantation. His stay was brief and he went back to the
parental roof and began to work for his father. He
was married Nov. 25, 1852, near Toronto, Can., to
Mary, daughter of William and Jane (Mitchell)
McMann, a family of Irish descent. She was born
f-1t<, _ _0Q _ A I -_ FA- T_ - _A.' AT- I 1_ {
J ohn B. Fribley, harness-maker, Big Rapids,
was born in Lycoming County, near Wil' liamlsport, Pa., Dec. 21, 1837. He is a son
of John and Sarah (Sutton) Fribley. At the
age of 17 he went to Muncy in the same
county, where he learned his trade. In 1856
he went to Ottawa, ill. He left the latter place
Aug. 17, of the same year, with a party designing to
settle in Kansas. At Iowa City they "fitted out" with
26 wagons laden with clothing and provisions. They
met another party with similar intentions and joined
in company with them. They crossed the Missouri
River at Nebraska City in small flat-boats, and
traveled six weeks before reaching the Kansas and
Nebraska line. There they were met by "Jim''
Lane and John Brown (Ossawatomie). The former
made a political speech, and Sunday morning Brown
preached a characteristic sermon, incorporating his
views on the negro question. On attempting to
cross into Kansas the entire number were taken
prisoners, their arms and stores were confiscated.
and the party taken to Topeka, where they were
I,=a.
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rte. 17, 1030. It year aiter nis marriage ivr. bniaer liberated by iov. tieary.
embarked in mercantile business and continued op- Mr. Frilley settled at Easton, Leavenworth (Co.,
erating in trade eight years. In 86 the family came Kansas, where he established a bIusiness and also
to Michigan and settled in Newaygo (County, where followed farming, near T'opeka; lie also owned a
Mr. Snider controlled a grist-mill one year. HIe ferry, plying across the Kansas River at Lecompton.; then came to Austin Tp. and settled on a 4o-acre He went to Colorado and was interested one summer
' farm which he had previously purchased, and to in mining for gold.
" which he has since added by plurchase 120 acres. At l)enver, Colorado, Mr. 'rilley enlisted in
He has 60 acres under cultivation. Five living chil- August, 86 r, in Co. A, First Colorado Vol. Inf., under
dren are members of this household and two have Capt. Wynkoop, and was in the United States
passed to the other world and are held in sacred service three years antl eleven months. Ilis first
remembrance. Following is the record of their detail was to Apaclhe (anyon and Plaralto, New \lexbirths and deaths: Oliver C. was born May 14, ico, with the Texan troops, and after the campaign
1858; Mary A., Jan. 9, i86; Albert H., April 13, there was terminated, the regiment returned to (ol1863; Hiram G., July 29, 1866; Emma M., Sept. orado and was there mounted and ordered to the
1 I3,1 868; Robert W., Nov. 8, 1853, died l)ec. 15, frontiers for duty in the Indian distirl)ances. Mr. A.
856; Sarah J., )orn April, 855, died i)ec. 3, 1856. Fribley was regimental saddler, but was in several
Mr. and MB6. Snider have b)een memblers of the Indian engagements. lie l)articilpated in the Shi- 4
M. E. Church since 1857, and have both been ar- vington massacre on Sand Creek, o 0 miles north of;,, dent laborers in the cause of religion. r. Snider Fort Lyon, on the Arkansas Rivcr. 'ihe affair took
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place Feb. 17, 1863, and the whites sustained a loss
t of i6 killed and 33 wounded. The slaughter of In-;! dians was complete, and included nearly 400 men,
} women and children. The record savs: "There
t were none left that were big enough to die." The
interpreter, John Smith, saved a little boy.
In June, I864, he went with a detail of o00
soldiers and teamsters in pursuit of a band of marauding Indians, whom they found encamped at the
head-waters of Smoky River,-about 700 in force,and had with them the closest kind of a hand-toi hand encounter. One of Mr. Fribley's reminiscences
of his campaign gives strong proof that the peculiar
cunning and sagacity that makes the Indian so
dreadful a foe and so l)owerful an ally, is only due to
the circumstances of his training and education, instead of being the traits of his nature. While out
with two comrades on a hunting and scouting expedition, they were suddenly surrounded by upwards
of 200 Cheyennes. By an assumption of friendliness and interest the red-skins were led to believe
that Mr. Fribley and his companions were not connected with the U. S. troops, and were decoyed within,
~ the lines of the command. Cutting loose from the
=: mass of the band, the chief rode with the white mren
^ within range of the arms of the rear guard, who fired
upon the advancing party. Six bullets were found
) in the body of the chief, but the scouts were unharmed. Mr. Fribley was discharged at Fort Riley,
Kansas, July 15, 1865, made a brief visit to Pennsylvania and returned to Kansas.
In 1867 he opened a shop at Medina, Jefferson
Co., Kansas, worked a year at his trade and engaged
in farming several years, after which he again returned to the Keystone State. Two years later he
opened a shop in Topeka, operating there some
months, and then again spending three years in
Pennsylvania, going thence to Colorado, and a few
months later coming to Big Rapids, where he located
in August, I880. He was in the employ of Duncan
McLellan about 16 months, when he founded his, present business, and is now in a prosperous and increasing trade.
a Mr. Fribley was married in Lycoming Co., Pa.,
May 14, 1876, to Kate Tomlinson, a native of Pennsylvania. Four children have been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fribley: Sarah, Mary, Laura
K and Elizabeth.
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~? [dison S. Hooker, dealer in lumber, lath
g ands shingles, at Big Rapids, was born in
'R Mount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 15,
i8 I846. He is a son of Royal D. and Courtney!j Hooker, and was brought up on his father's
farm.
When he was 17 years of age he enlisted in Lima,
Ohio, enrolling Jan. 14, 1863, as a private in Co. H,
32d Ohio Vol. Inf., Capt. Barrett. He was in the
engagements at Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, siege
of Atlanta and at Savannah, where the rebels surrounded them on an island, cutting off supplies, a
process which compelled the entire division to subsist ten days on rice in the sheaf, gathered in the low
lands. He was, besides, in a number of skirmishes,
and veteranized Jan. 4, 1864, serving until July 20,
1865. On his discharge he returned to Allen Co.,
Ohio, having saved with his bounty $2,500.
He remained a year on his father's farm, when he
engaged in lunmbering and purchased considerable
land, heavily timbered. He built a saw-millin Spencerville, and in 1879 he bought a grist-mill, and planing mill, which he sold in August, 1883. He sold
his saw-mill in the fall of 1882. He built a fine
residence in Spencerville in the summer of 188i, at
an expenditure of $7,000. This he still owns, with
the lot whereon it stands, 99 x 132 feet in dimensions, besides two acres in the town. Mr. Hooker
met with success in his lumber operations, and also
in a large provision and grocery business, which he
managed two years.
R. D. Hooker, father of Mr. Hooker of this sketch,
came to Mecosta County and settled in Green Tp.,
where he bought 160 acres of farming land, and pursued agriculture until his death, which took place July
27, 1882; he was aged 69 years; the mother died Aug.
9, 1866. In 1879 Mr. Hooker bought T20 acres of
pine land in Newaygo County, and in January, 1882,
he came to Mecosta County, and in the same year he
built a saw and lath mill in Green Tp., which he is
still operating, and employs 50 men in the mill and
woods, some as teamsters. In September, 1882,he purchased a fine residence at Big Rapids, and in July,
1883, he purchased of D. F. Comstock five acres on
the river, where he purposes to build a saw, shingle
and lath mill, having all the latest improvements.
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He was married in Allen Co., Ohio, Aug. 14, r866,
to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam and Henrietta Fisle,
a native of Germany. Of this marriage nine children have been born, in the following order, seven of
whom are living: Charles A., John R.. Henrietta,
Anna L., Laura (deceased), Katie (deceased), George,
Adison S. and Lavinia.
The portrait of Mr. Hooker may l)e found in this
volume.
f illiam F. Denney, furniture dealer, Mill' brook village, is a son of James M. and
Lois E. (Scranton) Denney, and was 1)orn
March' 7, I846, in Indiana. 'qhe father was
in imoderate circumstances, with a large
family, and the elder children, as they grew in
years, aided in sustaining the burden of the faGmily
support. In the fall of I865 he came to Mecosta
County and located in Wheatland Tp., and afterward moved to Sheridan Tp.
About the year 1874, the subject of this sketch
purchased a building lot in MNillb)rook, on which lie
has since bluilt a good frame structure, where he is
doing a thriving blusiness, carrying a stock valued at
$2,000. HC commlenced life emllllty-handed, and
learned the cabinet-making trade, also that of carl)enter and builder. By frugality and good management
he has estal)lished himself in business on a permnianent basis, and owes to no one save himlselff the advance he has made toward a fortune suLfficient for
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was a resident of Canada I8 years, and was married
there Aug. I3, I849, to Catherine, daughter of
Daniel and Susan (Winegarden) Roberts, natives of
Pennsylvania, respectively of Welsh and Dutch extraction. Mrs. Warren was born Sept. I, T827.
During his stay in the Dominion, Mr. Warren was
chiefly engaged in lumbering. He came to Newaygo
County in I864, and thence to Austin Tp., where he
entered a claim of 80 acres of land, 6o of which are
well cultivated, with valuable luildings. Here has
been the homestead for 21 years, and here the heads
of the household expect to pass their sunset days.
The family includes two children: Adelbert D.,
born Feb. Ii, I859, and Rosetta E., March ir, i868.
Three children are deceased: William H., born Oct.
7, 1850, died April 29, 185; Charles, blorn July 30,
I852, died Feb. 28, I853; Alvaretta, born Nov. i,
I854, died June 14, I882.
avid M. Benjamin, lumlberman, resident at;rand Rapids, was blorn at East Livermore,
Me., July 28, 1834. He is a son of D)avid
1 and Catharine C. (Stanwood) LBenjaniin, and
- was, until the age of 16, bIrought up on a farrm
and attended the common school. He then
entered the academy at Farmington, where lihe
studied two terms, going successively to l,itchfield
and Westbrook, attending the academy in those
places the same length of time.
His first business venture was at East Liverniore,
where he was station agent on the Androscoggin
River. After a year there he engaged as a lullberman on the Penol>scot River, and acted in that
capacity until he was 28 years old. He came to
Muskegon, Mich., in Octolber, 1862, where he had a
year before invested in pine lands, and operated in
lumber. In the summer of m8964 he erected a large
steam saw-mill, fitted with gang-saws land all the
most appllroved aplpurtenances plertailing to sinlilar
establishments. The works were alllong the most
extensive in that city, having a cutting capacity of
240,ooo feet daily. He condulcted his Ibusiness aloine
until 1873, when he cnteredl into l)artnershil) with
(). 1'. Pillslbury and l)aniel W. Bradlley. T'he tirm
style at present is (), 1. Pillsbury & Co., an11 illcludes the senior membelr mnamed, M r. lBenjamin, and
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the ]needs ot the years and cilances held In the
future.
J' He was Imanied at lfig Raplids, 1)uc. 23, i88o, to
>v Ella E., daughter of Newman G. and Jane Capen, a
native of Wisconsin. They have one child, New1man G. Mr. l)enney is independent in political
sentiment and action, and is a melmbler of the Odd
Fellows fraternity.
V ~.h~h auncey Warren, farmer, sec. 32, Austin.,,-!,.~.~TpD., WNas born in l,;rie Co., N. Y., July 21,
1823, and is a son of Joseph and Fanny
(Watson) lWarren, natives of Vermont. lIe, was occ'ulfiC on his father's farm until the age
of 23, when he went to Ontario, Can., in the
fall of 1846, and there engaged( in a saw-mill. He." L "' '
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 539
'V Wmn. H., Edward and James W., sons of D. W. business for the locality, which he sold out and then
Bradley. The house is operating extensively in devoted his attention one year to farming, after which
( lumber traffic, and have offices at Muskegon and he returned to Paris and embarked in the enterprise
' Milwaukee. Their timber tracts include 15,000oo he is now pursuing. In political faith he is a Deinacres of pine lands in Michigan, 6o,ooo in Wisconsin ocrat, and has held the office of Deputy Sheriff.
and a considerable acreage in Minnesota. Their
house and jobbing forces combined number about | 2.-I _sg>
2oo00 men. The firm have a large planing-mill at Mil- 6
waukee, with a working capacity of 25,000,000 feet
v ay D. Robinson, wholesale and retail dealer
annually. They own about 9,000 acres of pine lands, wa.s.., /, I X ln meals of all varieties at Big Rapids, was
in Mecosta County.
a.... a - > ~born at Romeo, Milacomb (.o., Mich., Jully
Mr. Benjamin was married in Portsmouth, N. H.,bn a, C., M., Jul
",[, II,,A 85o. His father, H. Robinson, was born
June 16, 1869, to Annie Louise, daughter of Andrew f H R
8 l,.. in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and located in 1833, in
J. and Annie Fitts, born in Southampton, N. H.,..
' Romleo, being the third settler in Macolmb
April I6, 1848. They have one son, Fred W., borng t t s i
t G d Rpi, J 2 Mr. B n is a County, whither he and his father, I-lenry Robinson,
at Grand Rapids, Jan. 23, I878. Mr. Benjamin is a
D v.i.e., made their way through the woods with an ox team,
Democrat in his political views.
cutting the road as they proceeded. Mr. Robinson's
father was a giant in statue and strength, standing
six feet and three inches in stockings, and the object
>_'- of great interest because of his power to lift immense
i lt-asner E. Bisbee. arocer and druegist. was weitrits.,<
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1 I ^ born in Allegany Co., N. Y., July 29, 1843,
h e r a son of Alanson and Mary C. (Bagley), a lB isbee, both of whom were natives of Albany
=w Co., N. Y. The father was a farmer and in
1858 located in the town of Campbell, Ionia
Co., Mich., residing there until his death in 1863.
) The mother died in 186o.
Mr. Bisbee was reared on a farm and educated in
the common schools; he obtained a situation in a
store at Saranac, Ionia Co., Mich., and acted as clerk
there one year, after which he learned the art of boot
and shoe making, which he followed as a vocation
4 some years. He went next to Newaygo County,
where he worked during one summer, engaging in
the fall with another party, and spent the next three
years in travel and in giving public entertainments
with the troop. On the termination of this business
he resumed work at his trade in Newaygo, which he
pursued some tinme. He next operated some months
as a clerk in a hotel.
Mr. Bisbee was married in 1869, to Sarah E.,
daughter of Elias and Euphemia (Thompson) Scranton. Her parents were natives of Ohio and she was
born in that State. In the family are three children:
Earl E., Glen W. and Frank L.
Mr. Bisbee located in Paris in I870, where he pursued his trade some years and established a heavy
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The mother, Nancy Robinson, was born in Pennsylvania, 12 miles northwest of I'ittslurg, and is now
living with her son at Big Rapids, aged 59 years.
Mr. Robinson received a common-school education, and when 14 years old went to Cincinnati and
entered the river service. His first employ was as a
cabin boy on the " Robert Burns, " a passenger
steamer. He attained to the post of second clerk,
and was absent from his home four years. On returning he established himself in mercantile business
at Holly, in company with W. A. Taylor. Their operations were successful, and they were soon enabled to add a wholesale department and established
warehouses at Saginaw City. They continued to
conduct their business with satisfactory results until
the general depression of I876, when the shrinkage
of values in all avenues of trade involved them in
heavy loss, when they brought their affairs to a termination. He went afterward to Deadwood, Dak., in
company with Eli Hammond, and they trafficked in
miners' supplies, horses and merchandise of varied
character, operating profitably for two years. Mr.
Robinson became connected with the notion house of
Jacob Brown at Detroit, where he remained two
years, going thence to Chicago, where he was engaged with Keith Bros., who kept a gentlemen's furnishing goods establishment. After two years, in,
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i88i, he came to Big Rapids, where his family resided for a year previous. IIe opened his present
business Nov. 3, i88i, and carries a well assorted
stock of $5,ooo to $6,ooo; the annual business transactions amount to about $30,000. Four assistants
are employed. He owns eight acres of land on the
border of Big Rapids, where he has a stock yard
pasturage, etc.
Mr. Robinson was married Jan. 8, 1874, in Holly,
to Ella C., daughter of Solon and Vanda (Bunker)
Cooley, born in Pontiac, Mich., July 22, I855.' Freddie J., only child, was born in Holly, Sept. 25, I874.
The mother died at Big Rapids March r6, I883.
rank S. Maxon, farmer, sec. 32, I)eerfield
T 1i)., was lorn Nov. 28, I850, in Jackson
l Co., Mich., and is a son of F. D. and
) $Meriba (Dunham) Maxon, both of whom are
natives of New York..^ Mr. Maxon received a fair education at the
i common schools of his native county, and a thorough
x training for his vocation of agriculturist. In 1875
= he purchased 40 acres of land in the township of
Deerfield and settled thereon, engaging since in farming and lputting his place in the best possible con
dition.
Mr. Maxon was united in marriage in the State of
Missouri, Feb. r8, 1872, with Lorania, daughter of
Eli and Mary (Wray) Maxon, both of whom were
natives of Virginia. Mrs. Maxon was born Feb. 12,
banking house, Chester W. officiating as cashier five
years. On the return of the family to Big Rapids in
1879, both father and son engaged in the lumber
business.
The National Bank of Big Rapids was founded in
1883, and opened June 4 of that year, Mr. Comstock
being elected its Cashier. It is a home institution,
the stock being chiefly owned in Mecosta County.
J homas B. Pitman, farmer, sec. I i, Deerfield
Tp., was born in Canada, Sept. 25, I852.
His parents, John and Mary A. (Hewett)
-, Pitman, were natives of Canada, and came to
Michigan in i868, residing at Saginaw two
years, and, coming thence to Mecosta County
settled in Deerfield Tp., where they are now living
on sec. r. Mr. Pitman accompanied his parents in
their migrations and bought 40 acres of uniml)roved
land adjoining the tract owned and occupied by his
father. He built thereon a board house and now
has 23 acres of land under cultivation. He was
married in the township of Deerfield, Oct. 29, 1874,
to Georgiana Van Gordon, a native of the State of
New York, where her plarents are now living. Mrs.
Pitman died July 2, 1879, leaving one child-Harry
W.-born I)ec. 5, 1875. Mr. Pitman attends the M.
E. Church, and is independent in politics.
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i856, in Nodaway Co., Mo., and has become the I
mother of five children: Charles A., born Dec. 20, lfred S. Mason, postal clerk on the Chicago
' 872; William lT. and Wilson R., twins, born June & XVest Michigan railroad, resident at Big
25, 1876: Lewis E, March 18, 1878; Edgar H., Rapids (route from Big Rapids and HolNov. i, 188i. In ipolitical )rincil)le Mr. Maxon is a land), was born in Ellicott 'lTp., Chautauqua
Republican. C(o., N. Y., Sept. i6, 1828, and is a son of
iMartin and Polly (Griswold) Mason.
— I+-"~-'- ~ "-' — 'r The father of Mr. Mason was a farmer, and he
I l{,hester W. Comstock, Cashier of the Big suits common to farmers' sons. 'The family had reA[ll ~ Rapids National Bank, was blorn at Alex- moved to Jamestown, two Imiles distant, and at the '
1 0i al ndria, Jefferson Co., N. Y., ()ct. 30, 1856. |age named he went to learn the trade of harness- I.*' P He is a son of Daniel F. and D)ollie E. Con- maker, serving an apprenticeship of three years,:
'' i stock. In April, 1871, his father removed after which he established himself at Jamestown (. his family to IBig Rapids, remaining until and continued in business until the outbreak of the ', 874, when another removal was made to Cadillac, Southern Rebellion.
\. Mich., where the senior Comstock established a He responded to the first call for troops and en-,
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listed at Jamestown in Co. B, 72d N. Y. Vol. Inf., in
) the Sickles Brigade. On the organization of the
company in April, i86i, Mr. Mason was elected
Second Lieutenant, and while on the Potomac, Nov.. 5, I86I, was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. He was discharged at Yorktown, May 20,
1862, for disability. He returned to Jamestown and
assisted in raising the I 2th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf.
He came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1862, mainly
to recruit his impaired health. He interested himself in the lumber trade, and was for some years associated with the Green Brothers in buying pine
i lands and "putting in " logs, transacting a heavy
business. In i8- they purchased the property
which is now the site of the Fairman and Newton
block, on which a hotel was in process of erection.
They completed the building and it was named the
Mason House. It was one of the first hotels in the
county and became prominient from its connection
with the history of the progress of Big Rapids.
In the fall of I874 the same association took a,. contract to grade 14 miles of the G. R. & I. R. R.,
four miles south of Cadillac, six miles north from the
Manistee River, and four miles from the north
branch of the Boardman River in Kalkaska County.
This was accomplished in the autumn of I874 and
the following spring. They then contracted to grade
and bridge seven miles west of Reed City on the
F. & P. M. R. R., which undertaking was finished in
the fall of i876. The force usually employed numbered about 250 men and the required teams. The
Messrs. Green & Mason carried on lumbering winters
and building State roads summers, thus operating
two years on what is known as the East Tawas &
Houghton Lake State road, of which they built 12
miles. This was the last business venture of the
company, the partnership relations being brought to a
close at the same time with the completion of the
job. In January, I880, through the influence of Jay
Hubbell, Mr. Mason was appointed to his present
position of Mail Agent.
He has been a Republican ever since the organization of the party, and has been quite prominent in
the field of politics. He was elected Sheriff of Mecosta County and served two years. He belongs to
the Order of Masonry, is Master of Big Rapids Blue
Lodge and Past High Priest of the Royal Arch
Chapter of that city. He owns a fine residence and
s lot on Ives avenue.
COUNVTY. 543 >
Mr. Mason was married in Jamestown, N. Y., Feb.
27, I854, to Amanda A., daughter of W. D. and i
Hannah (Belden) Green. (See sketch of W. D. %Green.) MiIrs. Mason was born in Rensselaer Co.,
N. Y., May r3, 183I. Jennie, only daughter of Mr. i
and Mrs. Mason, is the wife of C. W. Cunningham,
book-keeper in the Big Rapids National Bank. She
was born in Jamestown, N. Y., Jan. 15, I859. (See
sketch of C. W. Cunningham.)
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J oseph West, farmer, on sec. 27, Green Tp.,
was born in Wiltshire, Eng., Nov. 7, 1829.
His parents, William and Sarah (Bimester)
West, were English by birthll and belonged to
the agricultural class in their native country.
I;e was the only son, and when two years old
his father died. The education of Mr. West is such
as is acquired by the majority of men similarly situated in youth. His father and stepfather were men
of the class who bear the brunt of the world in their
native land,-those on whose efforts and needs the
so-called upper classes thrive; and his labors were
necessary for the family support. Thomas Beasent
was a widower with children when he became the
husband of Mrs. West. In 1853 Mr. Beasent came
to the United States and settled in Mecosta County,
the children on both sides accompanying him. Mr.
West married Mary Ann Beasent, Oct. 23, I85;
she was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gay)
Beasent, and born Oct. 27, I836. Mr. Beasent died
in Mecosta County.
Mr. West obtained employment as a lumbernian a
few months after coming to America, and in the
spring of i854 came to Big Rapids and soon after
located on sec. 33, in Green Tp., where he bought 80
acres of land under the Gradation Act, paying 75
cents per acre. There he labored and resided until
I867, when he purchased the farm where he now resides, containing i60 acres of land. Mr. West is a
Republican and an honored citizen of Green Tp.
His thrift and persevering industry have met with
the reward of well directed effort, and he is in the
possession of substantial evidence of the wisdom of
his purposes in life. The land-holder is a sovereign
by primal kinship to the first man, endowed divinely
with all the lands of the earth.
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William L., eldest son of Mr. West, was born in
1852, in England; married Clara Hovey, of Green
p' Tp., and lives in Dakoia. The remainder of Mr.
West's children were born in Michigan. Eliza M.
] married William Dalziel. The others are: Charles
E., Anna J., George NV. and Eddie. Chester E. and
Louisa are deceased.
We give a portrait of Mr. West in this volume as
one of the pioneers of Mecosta County.
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yrus F. Richardson, farmer, aersec. 8, Big
i Rapids, was born in Ohio, April i, 1838.
His father, Luther Richardson, was born in
Maine; his mother, Rachel Richardson, was
a native of Ohio. His l)arents callie to the
State of Michigan in 1843, and he was reared
to manhood at Grand Rapids.
At the age of 22 years Mr. Richardson came to
Mecosta County and worked at lumbering one season. In the spring of 186r he bought 80 acres of
land, where he established his home and hls since
pursued his calling of agriculturist. He has placed
60 acres of his farm under good cultivation, has a
handsome residence and good farm buildings. He
enlisted in the UTnion service Alit r c TXAA inl ('
his education at the academy at Macedon Center, in
his native county, and on attaining his majority began to work the homestead farm with his brother.
He was married in Wayne County April 12, I866, to
Sarah D., daughter of Orrin and Betsey (Reed)
Lapham, natives of the Empire State, who was born
at Macedon Center, Wayne Co., N. Y., April 12,
1836, and was chiefly there educated, finishing her
course of study at the Union College at Buffalo,
N. Y. After marriage Mr. Shourds was engaged in
farming in Wayne County until i868, when he removed to Lenawee Co., Mich., locating in Palmyra,
where he engaged itn running a lath and planing
mill. In the fall of I869 he went to Allegan Co.,
Mich., and embarked in the mercantile business.
In the fall of 1879 he returned to his native State
and managed the farm of his father-in-law until the
death of the latter, when Mr. Shourds came back to
Michigan. He located on a farm of 120 acres in
Wheatland Tp., which had been l)artly improved,
where he has since leen actively engaged in farming. He is a Republican in lolitics, and is a member of the Order of Masonry. Mr. Shourds belongs
to the Baptist Church.
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I,.;,, ~ ~. -J 1 ^^^ iram R. Reynolds, farmer on sec. 20, Ml e) was discharged June 6, 1865. He is a member of 1 * r 0 ie
e J; J ocosta 1Ip., was born in Williams Co., Olhio,
the M. E. CIhurch, has held the office of Townshilp coa ws os C. Nov. 2, r85. He is a son of Reuben and
Treasurer four successive years, and is at present Den) Reynol, n s of. 4 ( Delilah (OsmunI) Reynolds, natives of Vermont
Justice of the Peace.
stice of the Ieace. and New York respectively. Mr. Reynolds reHe was married Nov. 9, i86o, to Maria Youard, of it itl e?mained with his 1parents until lie reacied man' s
Grand Rapids. She was born in Ontario, Can., July. he was on i n estate, and for several years after attaining the age of
21, I840. Her fathler was drowned whlen she wats,
r f w on w 21 years worked as a farm lalorer. In I874 he ptur-; four years old; her mother is still living. Childre: chased a far in Flton, Oio, where e -.. ^ r. v chased a fiarm in Fulton Co., Ohio, where he op~- T.~
M Mary J., I)orn Nov. r7, 186I; diedl Nov. 3o, i882;;
ay J., on Nv. 17, 8; d v. 3, 12 erated seven years, and in the spring of 1882 blought
Luther J. C., Oct. 2, 1863; William '1. S., May 17,
~.. r > ' o, a fIarln of 102 acres in Mecosta Tp1. 01on the Ilig
1866; Minnie L., Oct. 27, i868; Rachel M., Jan. 3, sk o Bier
oMunskegon River.
1873; Kittie, Sept. 16, 1876, died May 3~, 1S879.
18, dd a, 19 He was married I)ec. ii, 1874, in Fulton Cc.,
-— ~-.- A — -.~. -..O. ()hio, to Ida M., daulghter of Stephen and Sophia
J (lenderson) (reen. Hler parents were of Englisli
': IlJenj. J. Shourds, farmer, sec. i, Wleatland descent, and she was b)orn in Plaulding Co., Oh(io,
' T p., is a, son of Jonathan and Sophronia I)ec. 22, 1854. She was adopted at the age of three.; 1(Jones) Shoturds, wlo were natives of New ycais )y Nlr. Chancy Lane, of Fuilton County, wlho "'1'
York, and descended from: French and cared for her until her marriage and has made her 't
4 Enjglish ancestors. NMr. Shour(l s was blorn in the legal heir of lis estate. le fle ive illrenl f o
* Wayne Co., N. Y., M, 1arc 6, 838, and was; NIr. all \Irs. IReynotls were bomrl as follows': Ilulla
K reared at home to the age of 21 years. Ile obtained 1., Nov. 20, 875; NI edora A., ( )ct 31, 1877; Batzil
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> MECOSTA
B, April 8, 1879; Geo. A., Sept. 6, i88o, and
(Goldie, Maly 5, 1873 AMr. Reynolds is a Republi-;' can.
COUNTY 545
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I.,.i-l - oseph Gaunt, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield!l R Tp., was born in Monroe Co., Mich., Sept.:rg"1- 4 3, T834, and is the son of Harrison and
Mary A. (Rushworthy) Gaunt, who were nalives of Enigland.
Mr. (;aunt has been a farmer all his life, except four years, when he was employed as a blacksmith. He was married in St. Joseph Co., Mich.,
Feb. 20, 1862, to Maly E., daughter of Nelson and
Jane (Austin) Wells, natives of New York Mrs.
Gaunt was born in Michigan, Sept. I, 1839. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt:
Minnie J., Dec. 13, 1862; Ida M., Jan. I6, i866;
) John W., July 23, 1869. Mrs. Gaunt had one child
' by a former marriage, Edward, born Aug. 3, 1859.
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assel Bowen Hughes, resident at Big
tI: Rapids, was born at Camillus, Onondaga
-- Co., N. Y, Oct. 4, 1828. When he was 12,\R years of age his father moved to lBellevue,
Mich. He married Addale D. Holden, of that
place, Feb. 13, I848.
In 1850, in company with James Holden, I)avid
Thomas and J. J. Cook, he started for California,
influenced by the gold-mining excitement which was
then at its height. They drove their teams to
La Salle, Ill., and then took a steamer to St. Louis,
Mo.,and fiom there to St. Joseph, wlere they arrived
about the ist of May, and made arrangements with
other parties to travel together for protection and
assistance. May TO they started with a train of TO
or 12 wagons, 40 men and about 50 horses. They
reached Salt Lake City about the 25th of June, having made 1,200 miles in about 45 days. July 6, they
left their camp at Salt Lake and continued their
march, reaching the Sacramento River on the io4th
day from the Missouri River. They put their spare
horses on a ranch, and started for the mines. They
made their first camp at " Rough and Ready," a mining town in Nevada County, where they worked in
the mines until the rainy season, when they sold
their horses and joined a company that had discovered a quartz vein at Brown's Valley, on the Lower,
Yuba River. They expended considerable money,
dug a large amount of rock that turned out well, and
built a mill which, when nearly completed was carried away by a flood. They abandoned the claim.
Mr. Hughes then engaged in operating some mines
and a mininng store, which was quite successful for
a few months, until tle mines failed. In the spring
of 1852 he went to work by the day for a mining
conpany at Park's Bar, Yuba River. He received
$5 a day, and worked about three months. About
Sept. i, he took the steamer " General Scott " at San
Francisco for Panama; arriving, he crossed the isthmus to Aspinwall and took the steamer " Ohio " for
New York. When off Cape Hatteras a gale drove
the steamer into Charleston, S. C. Many passengers
left, but he remained. He arrived home about Oct.
I, 1852.
Here he engaged in mercantile business until the
breaking out of the rebellion in i86i, when he, on
the first day of November of that year, entered the
service as Second Iieutenant of Merrill's Horse, and
passec the following winter in tents, in Northwestern
Missouri, where the regiment was engaged in keeping
down the rebels. In the summer of 1862 he was
promoted First Iieutenant, but still remained on the
regimental staff, where he had been assigned to duty
in the beginning. He was regimental Treasurer and
Ordnance officer during his entire term of service.
During the summer of 862 the regiment was actively
engaged against the guerrillas. The winter of I862-3
was passed at Warrenton, about i60 miles from St.
Louis, and the next summer in fighting the guerrillas,
with an occasional battle with more regular forces.
June T, 1863, he was promoted Captain, and the
same month marched to Iron Mountain, under command of Gen. Steele; they marched against and capturcd Little Rock, Ark., and engaged in several
severe battles and skirnishes. Passed the winter in
camp at Brownsville.
In the spring of I864 he marched with his division
from Little Rock, for the purpose of forming a junction with Gen. Banks near Shreveport, La., which
was not accomplished, on account of the inability
of the latter to reach that point. The expedition
returned to Little Rock after an absence of 40 days,
which had been almost a continuous battle. He
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546 MECOSTA
then with his regiment joined the division of
Gen. Thomas at Chattanooga, where he served until
the end'of the war. It is a notable fact that during
all his service he rode the same white horse, and
although engaged in many conflicts neither himself
nor horse, which he still owns, received any serious
injury. Col. Merrill, the commander of the regiment,
also used the same horse from the beginning to the
end of the war.
On returning home at 'the close of the contest he
again engaged in mercantile business at Bellevue,
) Mich., until 1876, when he went into the employ of
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the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, at
Big Rapids, Mich.
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have no children. He represented Eaton County in the Legislature of Michigan
in i871.
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(t8 ljalter McFarlan, farmer, sec. 19, Grant
o. Tl )., was born March I4, 814, in Arcadia,
5 ' Wayne Co., N. Y. His father, Walter
J 'L McFarlan, was born in Glasgow, Scotland,
May i, I774, and remained in his native
country until he was 19 years old, coming to the
United States in 1793. He followed the profession
of a calico printer in Scotland, and when he settled
in New York he became a farmer. He adopted the
new country with all his might, became a "minute
man' of I812, was keenly alive to the issues that
arose day by day brought forward for popular consideration, and exerted all his energies to aid the oppressed and relieve suffering of whatever type.
When the British invaded the county of which he
was a citizen, he held himself in readiness to answer
her cry of distress, and was on duty when the invaders burned the village of Sodus, in Wayne
County. lie was an early adherent to the antislavery cause in New York, and on coming to Wayne
County, Mich., became an essential factor in the
operations of the Urnderground Railroad, of which
he was known to be a "conductor," and without
(luestion aided as much as any other one man in
securing safety and ultimate freedom for the slaves
of the South who sought escape firom b ondage, and
placed themselves under his guidance and protection.
He was a zealous worker for temperance, and was a
member of the M. E. Church for more than 70 years.
He was in its ministry 40 years before his death. He
came to Detroit in 1825. His wife, Margaret McFarlan, was born at Fort Bruland, N. J., in 1778, during
the war of the Revolution, and her father was killed
by the Indians near the fort. She was married in
1800 and died Oct. 12, 1862.
Mr. McFarlan of this sketch came to Michigan
with his parents and remained with them during his
minority, engaged in farm duties. He has been a
farmer all his life, commencing that business on his
own account by the l)urchase of a farm in Huron,
Wayne Co., Mich., on which he lived I6 years. He
next purchased a farm in St. Johns, Clinton Co.,
Mich., and, eight years later, came to Grant Tp.,
where he bought 85 acres of valuable land. Politically, Mr. McFarlan is a Republican; has been a
member of the Free Methodist Church i8 years;
was Justice of the Peace 12 years.
He was married Jan. 4, 1843, to Caroline Garretson, of Wayne Co., Mich. She was born April 5,
1826, and is of English extraction. Of this marriage
12 children were born, but four of whom survive:
Helen P. was born March 20, 1844, and died May
19, 1875; Franklin, borl Jan. 3, I846, was a soldier
of the civil war where he served two years, and died
at Fort Hallock, Neb., Oct. 30, r865; John Q. A.,
born Jan. 3, 1848, was also a soldier in the Union
service and died June 9, 1867, of chronic diarrhcea
contracted in the army; Fillmore W., born May 7,
i85o, died Sept. 12, I872; Norman J., born March
29, 1853, died April 1, 1877; Elva T., born June
15, 1855, is now Mrs. J. A. Harvey, of Newaygo Co.
(married Aug. 6, 1876); Florence R., born Nov. 24,
1857, was married July r2, i88o, to John Moore, of
(rant T'p.; Caroline E., l)orn Aug. o1, 1860, died
Jan. 26, I882; David H., born Oct. 14, 1862; Benjamin R., born July 9, r866, died July 23, 1867;
Clarissa A., born Jan. i, 1869; Sarah Jane, born
l)ec. 12, 1872, died March 27, 1876.,,,
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I. gj, harles H. Henry, harness-marker, at Big
$^ RRai)ids, was born at Marshall, Calhoun
Co. Mi, arch 3, 1852. He is a son of,ysander and Sabrina ()emming) Henry. His
father was a stone-mason, and after he ol>tnined a fair education, at the age of 17, he legan to
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- MECOS TA CO UNTY. 551
igan. His name is a household word at Big Rapids, of the Indepeznent office, conducting the same one
so iltimately is hle connected Nwith the majority of year, and then removed to Ionia County, where he rethe leading families there. His traits as a man in- tmained nearly a year, and then returned to G(reenspire the confidence necessary to a successful J)rore- ville and establislhed the Alhlca/lm lTclegram,, an
cution of his l)usiness, which is sustained ly a large independent local paper, and continued its publicaand constant patronage. iHe has beccn identified with tion until January, S7 9, when he removed the office to
all Ilublic movements for the progress of the city, Big Rapids, and in )paltnershil with MIr. V. IW. Bruce
and Iiis efforts in a1ll directions where his influence commenced the lpublication of the Big Rapids CIurwas needed have Ieeni unremitting. He belDngs to ren/t. In the following November Mr. Slawson disthe Order of Mlasons, and has served his county two p)osed of his interest in thle CGzirret, Mr. Bruce
terms as Sheriff. He owniis his residence and two I)urchasing the same, and entered the employ of the
lots on Locust street, between Michigan avenue and Detroit Paper Company as traveling salesman.
State street. After a few months, however, hle quit the road, and
tHe was mariied in Newaygo, Oct. 25, I858, to Fran- opened a grocery store at Sebewa, lonia Co., in
ces C. Stearns, daluhter of Daniel and Elizal)eth which business he was engaged, when Ir. Bruce, his
Stearns. She was lborn in Jefferson Co., N. Y., March former partner, in the publication of the Big Rapids
17, T838. To Dr. and Mrs. Woolley, four children
have bleen b)orn: Verinor S., Kate M., Jesse and
Edith E. Kate M. Woollev died Aug. 30, 1883,
aged 17 years.
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Cuzrrent, imade him a proposition for the purpose of
receiving his services on the Current, which lioposition he accepted upon closing out his grocery business, and remained with the Current until the spring
of 1882, when he became connected with the Pioneer
in the above mentioned capacity.
Mr. Slawson was married in Greenville. on the 8th
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6 o s day of March, 1877, to Miss Lizzie Justice, who was. ( illiam F. Slawson, city editor of the 13ig bor in hicar. Slawson and
~.oRapids was bonctgo, Feb. 25, i857. Mr. Slawson and
Rapids L)aily Pvioieeh,was bor, at (ireein- wife are members of the Congregational Church, of
of Hiram H. and Eusebia (Fleming) Slawson, the Sunday-school.. and until the age of IS pursued his studies at
the high school of his native place, withl the
xcel' ion of about a year and a half, which time was
spent in attending school at Rockford, Ill. At the age |.ohnW Sparks, farmer, sec. r4, Chippewa
of i8 he entered the office of the Greenville Independ- Tp., was born Feb. i, 1830, in Crawford
c/zt as an apprentice, and served three years, at the | Co., Pa He is the fifth child of Henry
expiration of which time he went to Syracuse, N. Y., and Rebecca (Davis) Sarks His father was
and entered the extensive job printing establishment born in Trenton, N. J., and was a son of Leonof Hitchcock & Smith, where he remained a few ard and Lydia Sparks. The family are of
weeks, and then engaged with the Seneca Falls mixed Welsh and German origin on the paternal
Reveille, in which office he remained a short time, side, the great-grandparents of Mr. Sparks having
and then returned to Syracuse and entered the office been natives of those countries respectively. His
of Rose & Miller, job and book l)rinters. Here he father was a teacher of prominenice in Pittsburg, Pa.,
spent several weeks, and then returned to the office and after marriage went to Crawford County, and esof Hitchcock & Smith, where he was located when, tablished himself as a farmer when that portion of '
in 187 I, he received an urgent invitation from his old the Keystone State was pilmeval wilderness. He
employer in Greenville to again enter his employ as passed 40 years on his homestead and then died,
foreman of the office, which invitation he concluded July 23, I883. The mother was born in West Virto accept, and in this capacity remained in the ginia, Aug. 4, I804, and died in March, I875.
Imlependent office six years. At the conclusion of Mr. Sparks was reared to the age of I8 years
the six years Mr. Slawson leased the job department under the personal care of 1his father. He then
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552 ME0COSTA COUNTY.
went to work for Uriah Foust, blacksmith, with whom ada, to Ann, daughter of James and Ann Bennie, '(
he remained two years, going thence to Hartstown, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of
where he remained three years. While there he was Canada, where Mrs. Burrison was born Jan. 19, 1840. r.
married-July 3, i8 2, to Marry Harris, a native of They have had eleven children, as follows: James 3
Crawford County, born Sept. 12, 1835. She was a W., born July I6, I859; John, April 28, i86I; Sarah
daughter of John and Annie (Boyer) Harris, natives E., June 27, 1863; Joshua, June 6, 1865; Sybil, Oct.
of Pennsylvania and of German origin. Mr. Sparks 6, I868; Charley E., April 17, 187I; Mary E., July
went to Williamsfield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and 27, I874; George, born Aug. 12, I877, died July 27,
worked at his trade until 1863, when he went to the 187 8.
oil regions of Venango Co., Pa.; thence he came. —.s.
four years later to Michigan and located where he
now lives, in September, 1867. That part of Mecosta County was almost wholly a wilderness, there
being but one settler within the limits of Chinnewa
Tp. He built a log house, the second structure for
several miles, and when the township was organized
he was elected its first Supervisor, and served two
terms. The first township meeting was held in his
house, as was the first religious meeting; and the
first Sunday-school was organized there. This is the
historic house of the township of Chippewa, and is
still occupied by the original proprietor and his
family.
The first wife of Mr. Sparks died in Williamsfield,
in I859. Two of her five children yet survive:
George E. and Emma A. (Mrs. Edgar Morford).
Mr. Sparks was married a second time to Celia,
daughter of William H. and Permelia (Grout) Manning. She was born June 17, 1835. Of this marriage five children were born, two of whom are vet
t iilliam P. Nisbett, editor and proprietor
of the Big Rapids Herald, was born in
London, Eng., May 9, 1847, and is a son
of Thomas P. and Eliza Nisbett.
In I86i he camle to the United States in
company with his parents, who settled in New
York, and two years later removed to Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich. The last call for troops to aid in
quelling the Southern Rebellion was made just lrevious to the eighteenthl birthday of Mr. Nisbett, and
he enlisted as a recruit for the i6th Mich. Inf., then
actively engaged at the front. He was in the United
States service but a short time, being mustered out in
June, 1865, at Jackson, Mich.
In January, 1869, Mr. Nisbett founded and commenced publishing the Pontiac Bill Poster, which he
continued until 1876, when ill-health necessitated a
change, and he sold out his interest as publisher,
1Iltf r,ni ftd it*, 11olitino eftlit,, 1,nfi] tI l, -lc~e n~ th ](q o the
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living, Celia Bell and Ceylon Manning. Presidential campaign of 1880. Under his management the paper became a widely circulated and
— "I~( H ''g influential l)emocratic organ. He became well
4 iknovwn in the politics of the State of Michigan, and
ames Burrison farmer on sec. i Hinton was twice chosen Secretary of the State )emocratic.Tp., was born in Canad(a, Selpt 7, 1819. (Ionvention. In his own section he was a leader in
He is a son of John and Mary (Johnson) lpolitics, and was during six years Chairman of the, Burrison, the former a native of Vermont, the Oakland County )emocratic Committee. He has
latter of Canada, where both died. Mr. always been a declared Democrat, and was one of
son lived in Canada until 1870, enrgaged in the first to ol)lose and actively combat the;reen* b* )ack mnovemeLit in Aichigan.
farming and lumblering. He came to Grand Rapids
\ * lbi r ca t o1 t' Rapis He was elected Alderman oft his ward when 21. in the fall of that year and was occulpied three years H
1 0 years old, anid served two terms subselquLently as
in teaming, and in 1873 bought 8o acres of wild od, ad srd t trs s;..SuplServisor. lIe was C hief Engineer of the Poltiac.. land in Hinton T p., which he has since improved( Ir ieprtment, w hich E e was connected a
and where he now resides. He l)urchased an addi- r yers filld acceltally otier hositions a'
number of years, and filled acceptably other positions
tional 80 acres, and now lias 90 acres under an al- of trust while a resident of Pontiac, which covered a
* vanced state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. 1B. is a perio(l of 17 years. ^
K I)emocrat. te was married Aug. 19, 1855, in Can- On leaving there he spent a short time in Colorado.
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v. MECOSTA (
' After visiting other parts of the West, he came to
Big Rapids, and in the spring of 1882 purchased the. Big Rapids Hierald, and again settled himself in the
f publishing business. The HIerald is rapidly improv< ing under his management, and is fast becoming an
influential and profitable country newspaper.
flu /n j n1<'', - _^_|
COUNTY. 553
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).1liver D. Glidden, with Glidden & Marsh,
liF was born in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y.,
~~ Aug. I, 1828. He is a son of Jehiel and
V Betsey J. (Davis) Glidden, and was reared on
a farm, attending winter terms of school. At
19 he entered the Rockport Collegiate Institute, where he was a student a part of each of two
years. He then spent summers and winters alternately in farming and teaching.
In 852 he came West to Paw Paw, Van Buren
Co., Mich., and became clerk and accountant in a
store,.where he passed several years. In I876 he
came to Big Rapids and started the Big Rapids
Herald, the first issue of which appeared May 24,
1876. Its contemporary, the Big Rapids Magnet,
thus announced its advent " The Big Rapids Herald
made its appearance last week. It is a six column
quarto-same size as the Magetl-and Democratic
to the core."
The publishing firm was 0. D. Glidden & Co.; D.
F. Glidden, son of the senior proprietor, being partner
and associate editor. In 1878 the latter retired, and
B. H. Howig was admitted as successor. I)uring Ihe
last year of Mr. Glidden's connection with the Ilerald,
its publishers collected a large amount of statistical
matter concerning the early settlement of the city
and county, which was arranged and published in the
columns of the paper, and finally was issued in
pamphlet and book form. It was also a complete
Business Directory of Big Rapids at the date of its
publication-1 8 1i.
The publishers of the Portrait and Biographical
Album of Mecosta County have the pleasure of
acknowledging the valuable assistance derived from
the unpretentious work of Messrs. Glidden & Howig.
Its data of early history have been found reliable,
and its simplicity and accuracy have materially expe
dited the labors attendant upon the compilation of
this book.
Mr. Glidden disposed of his moiety of interest in
the H-erald to his partner in 188I, and has since
been occupied in his present capacity for various
firms.
He was married in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y.
March 30, 1848. His wife died in Paw Paw, Mich.
March 4, i864, leaving two children: Durelle F.'
born in Clarendon, N. Y., June 12, 1850 (see sketch),
and Ida, born MaYy 17, 1852, and died in Paw Paw,
March 7, I875. Mr. Glidden was again married in
Paw Paw, Feb. i6, 1865, to Miss Maria Flynn, of
Orleans Co., N. Y.
While a resident of Van Buren County, Mr. Glidden was Supervisor one year, Town Clerk one year,
and Village Assessor of Paw Paw seven years. He
was elected Supervisor of the First Ward in the spring
of I883 (current year), is a member of the Order
of Masonry, Knights of Pythias, and the GoodTemplars.
' 1 illiam E. Brown, farmer, sec 20, Fork
Tp., was born in Middlesex Co., Mass.,
Nov. 5, I833. His father, William H.
Brown, was born in Concord. Mass,, and
died in I88i. His mother, Anstris (Baldwin) Brown, was born in Waltham, Mass,, and
died in 1838. He obtained such education as the
district and high schools of his native county afforded,
and when ready to make his own way in the world,
he went to Richmond, Va., and obtained a situation
as fireman on the Richmond & Danville R. R., transferring later to the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio
R. R. Co., where he worked in their shops one year.
He was then employed as fireman by the same
company, and a year later "got his engine," and
operated as an engineer four years. He spent nine
months in New Hampshire, among his friends, and
again returned to Piedmont, Va., where he again
commenced life as an engineer, continuing in that
capacity two years. He went thence to Zanesville,
Ohio, and was engaged in the same business on the
Cen. O. R. R., three years. While in this employment he was injured by a car wheel passing over his
foot. Later on he went to Jo Daviess Co., Ill., and
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was engaged there three years in farming. Returning since which they have operated together as builders,
to Norwalk, Ohio, he obtained employment in the etc., furnishing also plans, specifications and estimachine shops and remained there four years, going mates of cost of buildings. They have erected a '
thence to Rockford, II., where he was employed four number of buildings at Big Rapids.
months in the car shops. His next transfer was to
Adrian Mich., to the employ of the L. S. & M. S. R. |:
R. Co., and three months later went to work on the
Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad. a
In the spring of i866 he came to Mecosta County, i athan M. Coates, farmer, sec. 4, Big Rapand located 80 acres of land under the homestead ids Tp., was born June 2, I829, in Northact, in the township of Fork. The place was no ex- amptonshire, Eng., and when a year old.was brought to this country by his parents.
ception to the general state of the land in the town- was brought to this country by his parents.
Mr. Coates came to Michigan in June, I852, and
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Mr. Brown is a Republican, and among the most
prominent citizens of the township; has been
Treasurer two years, and Clerk ten years.
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appurtenances.
Mr. Coates was married April I5, i860, to Emily
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t ____Sept. 9, 1841. She died Nov. 30, 1877, leavingseven s
children: William H., George D., Lucy A., Harriet. r o L., Charles (died June 14, 1883), Anna and Nathan.
g iliam H. Webster, of the firm of G. W Mr. Coates was a second time married Oct. r2, 188o,
Webster & Son, architects and builders, to Delinda Mawhorter, born in Ohio, Jan. 28, 1837.
- '? Big Rapids, was born in Montoursville, She was a widow with one son, Willard A.
Lycoming Co., Pa., Dec. 13, 1857. Mr. Coates has been Justice of the Peace six years
G. W. Webster operated many years as and Road Commissioner the same length of time.
Master Mechanic on various railroads in the Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
East, and came to Cleveland, Ohio, in I867. A year
later he came to Big Rapids and engaged as contractor in building bridges, depots, round-houses, etc., on - -
the G. R. & I. railroad, afterward enteringthe service
of the C. & W. M. railroad in the same capacity.
William H. Webster attended school in his native - l ohn Hinton, first settler in the township of
town until he was 17 years old, when he came to Big.r, Hinton, was a native of Wales. He marRapids, and was some time under the instructions of ried Phebe Ribble, a native of New Jersey,. " his fatherin learning the business of architect and, in I812. They came to Mecosta County inl
builder. Meanwhile he went back to Pennsylvania, October, 1855, and settled on sec. 15. Mrs.. where he spent two winters at Williamsport College, Hinton's death occurred Feb. i8, 186o, and was.:; and afterward went to Hillsdale College one winter. the first event of the kind in the township. It is
He studied architecture in the winter of 1882-3, in held that the second marriage of Mr. Hinton to
the office of Hewitt Bros., of Philadelphia. Marietle Rockwood, celebrated May 26, 1860, was
His partnership with his father was formed in 188o, the first marriage in the township. The first frame
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:MECOSTA COUNTY. 555 <
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barn was erected by Mr. Hinton in i856. He died the mother departed this life very soon afterward.
Jan. 4, I874. The township was named in his honor. Mr. Buck was married in New York, in 1855, to
Sophia, daughter of George and Hannah Christer. '%
She was born in the Empire State in 1832. Of this
<-# c3. — marriage II children have been born: Mary (Mrs.
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Ilt! Stetephen Hoynes,
was born in Olr
l;'~ Cuyahoga Co., 01
jlAd a son of Daniel and
father was born in Ar
pursued agriculture
West View, May 2, I878.
New York in 1826, and is i
at West View.
Mr. Hoynes was engage(
tion until the age of i6, wl
a tailor at Olmstead Falls,
ting himself in all details f
then went to Cleveland an
Jacob Wageman as cutter.
for Henry Cobel, and Pe
with the latter house four
a commercial education in
College. He came to Big
enter the employ of F. A
merchant-tailoring departr
charge. He is popular
branches of business of wl
John H. Hoynes, his brc
firm of Adams & Hoynes,
land. William Hoynes, ar
of a department with C. V
merchants of the same citi
third brother, is foreman
type Company.
resident at Big Rapids
nstead, now West View,
iio, Dec. 26, I858, and is
Catherine Hoynes. His
rnsterdam, N. Y., in I829,
all his life and died at
His mother was born in
resident on the homestead
d in acquiring his educahen he was apprenticed to
nd Se>rvred frmlr vri~rc fit
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John Carlon); Hannah (wife of Alphonso Oberley);
George, Charles and Lewis W. There are six deceased, viz: Len, Caroline, James, Gertrude and
two children who died in infancy.
Mr. Buck came to Mecosta County in i866, and
settled on 80 acres of land, which he had previously
purchased in /Etna Tp., which has since been his
homestead. He is a member of the M. E. Church,
and is an indorser of the principles of the Republican
party.
Al -u.3 _. V j hVUarm it 11;ct - Hefc (I
or a practical tailor. He
d entered the employ of
He worked successively > m ames Aitken, lumberman and farmer, Big =i
tzkie & Stern, remaining I. Rapids, is a native of Albany, N. Y., where
rears, meanwhile obtaining he was born July 7, 1831. His parents, __
Rpithe Spencrian Bus, s to John and Janet (Bald) Aitken, were both born
Rapids Feb. 15, 8, to in Scotland. The father was engaged in the
W. Joslin as chief of the
o che i t ' manufacture of patent leather in Albany, and
lent, of which he is stilln i(
nd efficin in ll t when his son was but a child removed his family to a
ichd efie is n al the manfarm in Kingston, Can., where the boy was brought
hich he is the manager.
)ther, is a mmber of the up to agricultural pursuits and trained as a lumber)ther, is a member of the.
hardware dealers at Cleve- man. At 17 he was employed in the Dominion as a
hardware dealers at Cleve"land-looker."
lother brother, is manager
I. Clark & Co., hardware He went to Ancaster, Can., in I856, where he rey. Mic hael J. Hoynes, a mained four years, removing thence to Morris, Huron
of the Cleveland Electro- Co., Can., and bought a farm of I02 acres, where he
gave his attention to agriculture eight years. His
next transfer of home and interests was to Albion,
Calhoun Co., Mich. He remained there one year,
i> f and in 1867 came to Big Rapids, where he was engaged some years as a land inspector. He afterwards formed a partnership with Win. Phippen, in
farmer, sec. 7, iEtna Tp., the purchase of pine lands, putting the timber in the
York, Oct. I, 1830, and is river. This relation existed three years, and on its
id Mary Buck, both natives dissolution he entered into a business association '
they resided until about with S. H. Gray, and prosecuted the same enterprise
r they came to Barry Co., until the spring of 1883, when their connection
emained during the closing ceased.
ie father died in I866 and On the location of Mr. Aitken at Big Rapids, he
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862. In that yeai
Mich., where they're
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bought two city lots of C. C. Fuller, and built his
dwelling-house. In t868 he bought I20 acres of land
in the Fourth Ward, all of which is in a state of
progressive cultivation. He is also the proprietor of
I20 acres of hard-wood land in the southeast V4 of
sec. 34, and of 40 acres in the northwest I of sec.
13, township of Big Rapids, besides several tracts of
stump land, aggregating between 1,500 and 1,600
acres. He was elected member of the City Council
in the spring of I883.
Mr. Aitken was married in Ancaster, Can. W.,
Dec. 15, 85 6, to Jennett, daughter of Alexander and
Dorothy (Wright) Patterson, born at Dundas, Can.,
June Io, I838. Robert, eldest child of Mr. and
Mrs. Aitken, was born Dec. 15, I857, at Ancaster, and
died at Big Rapids, Dec. 5, 1869; Jennie was born at
Ancaster, Oct. I8, 1859; David A., was born Nov. 17,
I86i, in Morris, Can., and John, born in the same
place, Aug. I2, I863. They are all at home.
lohn Franklin Brown (deceased), was born
in Newark Tp., Tioga Co., N. Y., where he
grew to manhood under the supervision and
instruction of his parents, and received a business training' whose character and value were
amply elaborated by the splendor of his career
until it was closed by his death.
His business life began in Owego, Tioga Co.,
N. Y., where he was employed as a lumberman by a
gentleman named George Hollenbeck, after which he
engaged in the lumber and stock trade in his native
State, having his headquarters at Owego, N. Y.,
until he located at Big Rapids. In 1864 he came
West and began lumber operations, where is now the
beautiful and thriving Forest City, then a village
comparatively, and in i868 he transferred his entire
interests to this point, where he was actively engaged
until his death, which occurred March 30, i88i.
His business connections at Big Rapids were extensive and varied, and in their management he displayed a shrewdness and judgment second to that
of no man who was ever associated with the public
a:ffiirs or commercial interests of Mhcosta County.
His influence will be felt until the present generation
have joined him in the world beyond, and the enterprises which he initiated and assisted in establishing
are among the most prominent, permanent and reliable of this city and county. In I871 he organized
the Tioga Manufacturing Company, and was its
Managing Director as long as he lived. He was associated in the organization of the Northern National
Bank at Big Rapids in T871, and his connection
therewith as its second official Vice-President terminated only with his life.
Mr. Brown was never married. In his private life
his record is stainless; he won and held the confidence
of his friends, and those whom he assisted in seasons
of perplexity preserve for him deep and lasting gratitude. The business and social world of Big Rapids
will long cherish the memory of his unselfishness
and solicitude for the best interests of the community
and mourn his irreparable loss. (See sketch of Maria
Brown.)
J ~ ohn Hickey, Big Rapids, was born July
23, I845, at Montreal, Can., and is a son of
John and Angelique Hickey. He was
brought up on a farm until the age of 17, attending school most of the time.
In I86o he went to the State of New York
and was there variously occupied one year, when he
came to Muskegon, Mich., engaging in the lumber
woods and driving logs in the river. In the fall of
1874 he came to Big Rapids and engaged in the
Montreal House as a clerk. The following spring he
engaged as clerk in the clothing store of F. W. Joslin, where he remained two years. He then entered
the employ of A. Sachen, clothing merchant, and
clerked there two years.
In 1879 he opened business at his present stand,
where he keeps a good stock of foreign and domestic
liquors, cigars, etc., and is doing a thriving business.
He was married at Big Rapids, Sept. 12, r876, to
Fanny Smith, born in Pembroke, Can. Mr. and Mrs.
Hickey are the parents of t.wo children,-Angelique
and John.
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S A ce.'..~ " ITHIN one brief generation,
a dense and unbroken wilder,
ness has been transformed into
a cultivated region of thrift and
0 prosperity, by the untiring zeal. and energy of an enterprising
-/ people. The trails of hunters
and trappers have given place to.i railroads and thoroughfares for
vehicles of every description;
the cabins and garden patches of
interest, grand practical results, and lessons that may
be perused with profit by citizens of other regions,
will compare favorably with the narrative of the history of any county in the great Northwest; and considering the extent of territory involved, it is as
worthy of the pen of a Bancroft as even the story of
our glorious Republic.
While our venerable ancestors may have said and
believed,
"No pent-up Utica contracts our powers,
For the whole boundless continent is ours,"
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the pioneers have been succeeded they were nevertheless for a long time content to ocby comfortable houses and broad cupy and possess a very small corner of it; and the
X ^ fields of waving grain, with school- great West was not opened to industry and civilizahouses, churches, mills, postoffices tion until a variety of causes had combined to form
and other institutions of conven- as it were a great heart, whose animating principle
ience for each community. Add was improvement, whose impulses annually sent westto these a city of five thousand in- ward armies of noble men and women and whose pulse
I habitants, and numerous thriving is now felt throughout the length and breadth of the
villages, with extensive manufactur- best country the sun ever shone upon,-from the
' t ing interests, and the result is a rocky coasts of Maine to the vineyards of California,
work of which all concerned may and from the sugar-canes of Louisiana to the wheat-. well be proud. fields of Minnesota. Long may this heart beat and,.
The record of this marvelous push forward its arteries and veins of commerce!
change is history, and the most important that can Not more from choice than from enforced necesbe written. For thirty years the people of Mecosta sity, did the old pioneers bid farewell to the playCounty have been making a history that for thrilling grounds f their childhood and the graves of their
grud oflf t h eir,c/
( 56-0arego! -- a:ECOSTA3X -COUNTY.
S 560 AECOSTA COUNTY.
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fathers. One generation after another had worn
themselves out in the service of their avaricious
landlords. From the first flashes of daylight in the
morning until the last glimmer of the setting sun,
they had toiled unceasingly on, from father to son,
carrying home each day upon their aching shoulders
the precious proceeds of their daily labor. Money and
pride and power were handed down in the line of
succession from the rich father to his son, while unceasing work and continuous poverty and everlasting
obscurity were the heritage of the working man and
his children.
Their society was graded and degraded. It was
not manners, nor industry, nor education, nor quali.
ties of the head and heart that established the
grade. It was money and jewels, and silk and satin,
and broadcloth and imperious pride, that triumphed
over honest poverty and trampled the poor man and
his children under the iron heel. The children of
the rich and poor were not permitted to mingle with
and to love each other. Courtship was more the
work of the parents than of the sons and daughters.
The golden calf was the key to matrimony. To
perpetuate a self-constituted aristocracy, without
power of brain, or the rich blood of royalty, purse
was united to purse, and cousin with cousin, in bonds
of matrimony, until the virus boiling in their blood
was transmitted by the law of iuheritance from one
generation to another, and until nerves powerless
and manhood dwarfed were on exhibition everywhere, and everywhere abhorred. For the sons and
daughters of the poor man to remain there was to
forever follow as our fathers had followed and never
lead; to submit, but never to rule; to obey, but
never to command.
Without money, or prestige, or influential friends,
the old pioneers drifted along one by one, from State
to State, until in Michigan-the garden of the
Union-they have found inviting homes for each,
and room for all. To secure and adorn these homes
more than ordinary ambition was required, greater
than ordinary endurance demanded, and unflinching
determination was, by the force of necessity, written
over every brow. It was not pomp, or parade, or
glittering slow, that the pioneers were after. They
sought for homes which they could call their own,homes for themselves and homes for their children.
How well they have succeeded after a struggle of
many years against the adverse tides, let the records
and tax-gatherers testify; let the broad cultivated
fields and fruit-bearing orchards, the flocks and the
herds, the palatial residences, the places of business,
the spacious halls, the clattering car wheels and ponderous engines all testify.
There was a time when pioneers waded through
deep snows, across bridgeless rivers, and through
bottomless sloughs, a score of miles to mill or market,
and when more time was required to reach and return from market than is now required to cross the
continent, or traverse the Atlantic. These were the
times when our palaces were constructed of logs and
covered with "shakes" riven from the forest trees.
These were the times when our children were stowed
away for the night in the low, dark attics, amongst
the horns of the elk and the deer, and where through
the chinks in the " shakes" they could count the
twinkling stars. These were the times when our
chairs and our bedsteads were hewn from the forest
trees, and tables and bureaus constructed from the
boxes in which their goods were brought. These were
the times when the workingman worked six and sometimes seven days in the week, and all the hours there
were in a day from sunrise to sunset.
Whether all succeeded in what they undertook is
not a question to be asked now. The proof that as
a body they did succeed is all around us. Many individuals were perhaps disappointed. Fortunes and
misfortunes belong to the human race. Not every
man can have a school-house on the corner of his
farm; not every man can have a bridge over a stream
that flows by his dwelling; not every man can have a
railroad depot on the borders of his plantation, or a city
in its center; and while these things are desirable in
some respects, their advantages are oftentimes outweighed by the almost perpetual presence of the foreign beggar, the dreaded tramp, the fear of fire and
conflagration, and the insecurity from the presence
of the midnight burglar, and the bold bad men and
women who lurk in ambush and infest the villages.
The good things of this earth are not all to be found
in any one place; but if more is to be found in any
one place than another, that place is in our rural retreats,-our quiet homes outside of the clamor and
turmoil of city life.
In viewing the blessings which surround us, then,
we should reverence those who have made them possible, and ever fondly cherish in memory the sturdy
old PIONEER and his LOG CABIN.
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Let us turn our eyes and thoughts back to the logcabin days of a quarter of a century ago, and contrast those homes with the comfortable dwellings of
to-day. Before us stands the old log cabin. Let us
enter. Instinctively the head is uncovered in token
of reverence to this relic of ancestral beginnings,
early struggles and final triumphs. To the left is the
deep, wide fire-place, in whose commodious space a
group of children may sit by the fire and up through
the chimney may count the stars, while ghostly stories of witches and giants, and still more thrilling
stories of Indians and wild beasts, are whisperingly
told and shudderingly heard. On the great crane
hang the old tea-kettle and the great iron pot. The
huge shovel and tongs stand sentinel in either corner,
while the great andirons patiently wait for the huge
back log. Over the fire-place hangs the trusty rifle.
To the right of the fire-place stands the spinningwheel, while in the further end of the room is seen
the old fashioned loom. Strings of drying apples
and poles of drying pumpkins are overhead. Opposite the door in which you enter stands a huge deal
table, by its side the dresser whose " pewter plates "
and " shining delf" catch and reflect the fire-place
flames as shields of armies do the sunshine. From
the corner of its shelves coyly peep out the relics of
former china. In a curtained corner and hid from
casual sight we find the mother's bed, and under it
the trundle-bed, while near them a ladder indicates
the loft where the older children sleep. To the left
of the fire-place and in the corner opposite the spin1;... 1-;1, 1 ' 4-1, - -. -— 1..' _. _ 1 rr 1, -
he replies, "I do not know." But see the pair on
whom age sits "frosty but kindly." First, as they
enter, they give a rapid glance about the cabin home,
and then a mutual glance of eye to eye. Why do
tears start and fill their eyes? Why do lips quiver?
There are many who know why; but who that has
not learned in the school of experience the full
meaning of all these symlbols of trials and privations,
of loneliness and danger, can comprehend the story
that they tell to the pioneer? Within this chinked
and mud-daubed cabin, we read the first pages of
our history; and as we retire through its low door-way,
and note the heavy battened door, its wooden hinges
and its welcoming latch-string, is it strange that the
scenes without should seem to be but a dream? But
the cabin and the palace, standing side by side in
vivid contrast, tell their own story of this people's
progress. They are a history and a prophecy in one.
VALUE OF LOCAL HISTORY.
i |;yEFORE proceeding with the narrative of
g Do the development of Mecosta County, it
it ' may not be inappropriate to refer to the
value of local history. It is the duty of the
present to commemorate the past, to perpetuate the names of the pioneers, to furnish a
record of their early settlement, and to relate the
story of their progress. The civilization of our day,
the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty
which men of the present time owe to their ancestors,
to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a
record of their lives and deeds should be made. In
local history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft
down the river of time a safe vessel in which the
names and actions of the people who contributed to
raise this region from its primitive state may be preserved.
Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their
prime entered the wild forests of America and claimed
the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their
graves. The number remaining who can relate the
history of the first days of settlement is becoming
small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for
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Illlg-wncIlee tie nmoLuer s worK-staanc. upon It ties
the Bible, evidently much used, its family record telling of parents and friends a long way off, and telling,
too, of children
"Scatt(ered li lk roses il bloo)m,
Some at the bridal, andl some at the tomi)."
Her spectacles, as if but just used, are inserted between the leaves of her Bible, and tell of her purpose
to return to its comforts when cares permit and duty
is done. A stool, a bench, well notched and whittled and carved, and a few chairs complete the furniture of the room, and all stand on a coarse but
well-scoured flour. Let us for a moment watch the
city visitors to this humble cabin. The city bride,
innocent but thoughtless, and ignorant of labor and
care, asks her city-bred husband, "Pray, what savages set this up?" Honestly confessing his ignorance,
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V 562 AIECOSTA COUNTY. P, the collection and preservation of historical matter large sums of money in research and exploration', without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness The present, the age of progress, is reviewed, standing,. are cut down by time. Not only is it of the greatest out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatious olden.
importance to render history of pioneer times full and times; it is a brilliant record, which is destined to f
accurate, but it is also essential that the history of live in the future; the good works of men, their mag- the county, from its settlement to the present day, nificent enterprises, their lives, whether commercial
should be treated through its various phases, so that or military, do not sink into oblivion; but, on the, contrary, grow brighter with age, and contribute to
a record, complete and impartial, may be handed '
i build up a record which carries with it precedents
down to the fture. If this info ion is not now nd lrinciples that will be advanced and observed
collected and compiled in historical form, the genera- when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten, and
tions of the future will be called upon to expend their very names hidden in the grave.
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GEOGRAPHICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL.
~ HE county of Mecosta is a model county in
point of size, shape and divisions. It is an
exact square, composed of r6 Congressional
'' townships, four on each side. These coincide
with the 16 civil townships which have been
organized within the county, with two excep
Montcalm, and on the west by Newaygo County..
The Muskegon River flows through the western tier
of townships, and the Iittle Muskegon River, rising
in the eastern part of the county, flows in a southwesterly direction, emptying into the Muskegon just
outside of Mecosta county, thence into Lake Michigan. The Chippewa River rises in the northeast
part of the county, and, flowing southeast and then
east, empties into the 'littabawassee River, thence
into the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. Numerous
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tions. In the case of Grant and Green T'ownships, little streams throughout the county afford ample
f' owing to the interference of the Muskegon River, drainage and plenty of living water. A number of
l about two sections naturally belonging to Grant are lakes, from one acre to Soo acres in extent, are situ- i
attached to Green. Each Congressional township ated in the east and north part of the county. These f
contains 23,040 acres, and the county accordingly lakes, and smaller water-courses are descilbed more
contains 368,640 acres " miore or less." Of this area fully in connection with the respective townships.
there are but 30,000 acres under cultivation, corn- The surface of tie county is slightly rolling, and
prised in I,200 farms. From this significant fact one the soil rich and lproductive for all kinds of crops.
may form some idea of the future possibilities of Me- Portions of the conlty are sandy, especially amolng
costa as an agricultural county. the pine woods, but not so much so as to make the C
The 6I Congressional townships are lesignated in soil unproductive. The timler is largely beech and. F the Government survey as townshils 13, 14, d maple, mixed with valuable pine.
16 north, ranges 7, 8, 9 and so west. The county Mecosta is already well supllied with railroads,
/ lies a little west of the center of the Lower Peninsula and others now proposed will doubtless be Iuilt in
" of Michigan, and is bounded on the north )y Osceola the course of a few years. The Grand Rapids Sr2, County, on the east l)y Isabella, on the south by Indiana railroad runs north and south through the.
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western part of the county, passing through Paris,
Big Rapids, Byers, Rustford, Stanwood, Bell's Crossing and Morley. The Chicago & West Michigan railroad has about four miles and a half of track
east and west in Big Rapids Township, with its
terminus at Big Rapids. The present terminus of the
Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad is also at Big
Rapids, the road having been but recently built into
the county. It runs from Big Rapids east and southeast through Colfax, Martiny, Morton, Wheatland
and Millbrook Townships, leaving the county at a
point south of the village of Millbrook. A branch of
this road runs to Chippewa Lake, in Chippewa
Township.
The county contains one city and two incorporated
villages, besides a number of other platted villages,
which, with the three railroads already in operation,
afford good markets for all produce raised.
GEOLOGY.
2ECOLO)GY teaches that the continents of
i tkj this world were once beneath the ocean.
t al It is natural, the to po therefore, to suppose that
' tere are inequalities in theott the btt of the
ocean like those on the land. The recent
deep-sea soundings confirm this opinion, and
reveal mountains and hills, valleys and table-lands.
The greatest depth reached in sounding is 29,000
feet, which exceeds the height of the loftiest mountain of the Himalayas. Some of the mountains of the
sea are steeper and more abrupt than any on the
land. In the British channel the depth changes
within ten miles from 6oo to 12,000 feet; and it is
very common, within a few miles of the coast of
continents and islands, for the depth to change suddenly from a few hundred feet to many thousand.
In other cases, as in a large part of the bed of the
Atlantic, between Europe and the United States,
there are plateaus extending hundreds of miles with
very slight undulations. The mysterious race that
once occupied this continent may have sailed in
their galleons over the Peninsula, and sounded the
depth of the waters which rose above it in precisely
the same manner as the mariner of to-day casts out
The land now within the boundaries of Mecosta
was still submerged, but by degrees the southern
belt rose higher, spread out towards the northern
continent, and was actually approaching the state of
dry land at the beginning of the coal-deposit era.
At its close Mecosta and the counties bordering
formed the high lands of the Lower Peninsula. It
is stated that Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario were not in existence then, their places being
represented by a swift running river, with expansions.
The great geological age, the Mesozoic, dates from
this time. It was marked by activity in the animal
and vegetable kingdom, mild climates and the myriads of reptiles.which swarmed in rivers and over
land. Save in the fossils there is no record of the
progress of this age to be found within the boundaries of Mecosta. The Tertiary period succeeded the
Mesozoic. It was an age of beautiful climates and
high development of mammals. Animals greater
than the mastodon roamed over the land through
verdant forests, meeting their enemy, man, and ultimately disappearing under his continued attacks.
The scene was changed; the snow and ice came
on, burying all nature in its whiteness, and robbing
the land of life. It was the beginning of the Glacial
period. The duration of this age is lost in mystery.
Were it possible to ignore the work of a God in the
formation of the world, the continuance of the ice
age might be set down at two thousand years; acknowledging a divine economy in the handiwork of
the world, the period of its duration might have been
an incredibly short time. Spring time came, and
with it the sea of ice, which covered the land and
water to a depth of over T,ooo feet, began to break up
and dissolve, and the solids held within its grasp fell
down and formed a bed of rocky fragments or boulder drift. The countless currents which sprang into
existence and formed for themselves ten thousand
channels, were the principal agents in the conformation of that peculiar stratum known as the " Modified
Drift."
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COUNT'Y. 563
the sounding line. At the close of the Corniferous
epoch a great upheaval of sea bottom formed a line
of land across the southern counties of Michigan,
which extended to an older and wider formation in
the southern part of Ohio.
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From Saginaw Bay to Lake Michigan, via the (E
valleys of the Shiawassee and Muskegon Rivers, a
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Ami4 MECOSTA COUNTY.
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great channel, deep and wide, extended. South of
this line barriers existed that checked the flow of the
waters south and from hundreds of reservoirs. This
accumulation of ice-water and the second season of
ice resulted in the formation of another glacial field,
differing from the great glacier in its depth and duration, being not over four feet in thickness. Along
the borders of those reservoirs the ice became an integral part of the shore soil, of course including the
limestone; and when the second geological spring
time arrived, millions of cubic feet of water were
added to these lakes, resulting in bursting asunder
their green covering of ice, which, in ascending,
carried with it the limestone tables, and as the waters
fell, deposited them in the positions which they hold
to —day. As the Niagara rock was worn down, the
rushing waters made for themselves deeper channels,
and the inland lakes lowered just in proportion as
the great lakes. The present river system was laid
out by nature.
There are few special features in the geological
character of Mecosta County. There have been
valuable deposits of gypsum discovered, and both
coal and petroleum are supposed to abound beneath
the surface. The future geologist will doubtless
find much of value and interest not at present
known in regard to this region.
BOTANICAL.
T is unnecessary to name the flora of Mecosta County since the species are so nuE merous and well-known. Dr. Gray, in his
treatise on the Botany of the Northern States
East of the Mississippi, gives 130 orders of
flowering plants. In I86o a botanical survey
of the State was made, under N. H. Winchell. His
report regarded every flower, plant, shrub, tree and
grass to be found in Michigan, then numbering 1,205
species, as all native with 85 exceptions. In i880
Messrs. Wheeler and Smith, of Hubbardston, Mich.,
compiled and published a complete flora of this
State, with corrections to date. Of this great number there are at present found within the confines of
Mecosta County nearly 400 genera, emoracing lossibly 1,ooo species. A large number of species considered in the report of i86o have disappeared,
while perhaps 25 species have been introduced
within the last 20 years. The flowers, etc., are as
rich generally as may Ibe found in any of the Northern States; in a few instances the brilliancy of hue
is unequaled by any. All appear to reach lperfection
in this portion of the Peninsullar State.
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HE Indians visit(
ei I earliest white explo
continent were wit
a s >,^ vation, refinement
ture, and far b
Mound-Builders in
edge of the arts. Th
of their origin has lon:
archaeologists, and is
difficult one they have
up ed upon to answer.
Of their predecessors
tribes knew nothing; the
no traditions respecting 1
quite certain that they w
9 cessors of a race which 1
l passed away ages befo
covery of the New W
I hypothesis is that the Ai
dians are an original ra
ous to the Western 1
Those who entertain
think their peculiarities
structure preclude the I
a common parentage with the rest of
Prominent among those distinctive traits
which in the red man is round, in the
oval, and in the black man flat.
Among common suppositions, howeN
they are a derivative race, and sprang f
more of the ancient peoples of Asia. In
of all authentic history, and when even
wanting, any attempt to point out the pai
* y. I Was. - - w
ed by the tion of their origin must prove unsatisfactory
)rers of this Though the exact place of origin may never be
thout culti- known, yet the striking coincidence of physical oror litera- ganization between the oriental type of mankind and
)ehind the the Indians points unmistakably to some parts of
the knowl- Asia as the place whence they emigrated, which was.$
ie question originally peopled to a great extent by the children =
g interested of Shem. In this connection it has been claimed (y
the nost that the meeting of the Europeans, Indians and
e been call- Africans on the continent of America, is the fulfill- "
ment of a prophecy as recorded in Genesis ix, 27:
the Indian "God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in;y even had the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant."
them. It is Assuming the theory to be true that the Indian triles
ere the suc- are of Shemitic origin, they were met on this contihad entirely nent in the fifteenth century by the Japhetic race
re the dis- after the two stocks had passed around the globe by
orld. One directly opposite routes. A few years after this the
rnerican In- Hamitic branch of the human family was brought
ice indigen- from the coast of Africa. During the occupancy of
lemisphere. the continent by the three distinct races, the children
this view of Japheth have grown and prospered, while the
of physical called and not voluntary sons of Ham have endured
possibility of a servitude in the wider stretching valleys of the
f mankind. tents of Shem.
is the hair, When Christopher Columbus had finally sucwhite man ceeded in demonstrating the truth of his theory
that by sailing westward from Europe land would be.
ver, is that discovered, disembarking on the island of San Salvarom one or dor he supposed he had reached the East Indies. This
the absence was an error, but it led to the adoption of the name
tradition is "Indians " for the inhabitants of the island and the
rticular loca- main land of America, by which name the red men
xi-An The first millinery establishment in Mecosta County
I
I
was opened in the spring of 1865 in Big Rapids, by '
Mrs. J. W. Tenny. J
The first religious society in the county was the
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Big Rapids,
which was organized Oct. 23, 1865, with William J.
Aldrich as pastor. During the following summer the
society built a church edifice,-the first in Mecosta
County,-and dedicated it Nov. i6, 1867.
The first daily stage route was established between
Big Rapids and Newaygo, in November, 1865, by
Hiram Misner, and with it came a daily mail. The
following December a weekly mail route was established between Big Rapids and Hersey.
The first drug store in the county was opened in
February, i866, in Big Rapids, by J. W. Perry.
In the spring of i866, John Bigelow and William
Van Loo built a large flouring mill on Ryan Creek,
about two miles southeast of Big Rapids. This was
the first mill devoted exclusively to the grinding of
grain in the county.
In July, 1866, at a special meeting of the Board of
Supervisors, permission was granted F. H. Todd &
Co., to build a dam across the Muskegon River in
the upper part of Big Rapids. This was the first
dam across the Muskegon River in Mecosta County,
and it afterwards became known as the Tioga Con.pany's dam.
During the summer of i866, James Sutherland
erected a brick dwelling on the southeast corner of
State and Maple streets in Big Rapids, which was
the first brick structure in the county.
In the spring of 1867, Gen. Stephen Bronson and
his son Charles D. opened a banking house in Big
Rapids, —the first in Mecosta County.
In I867, Duncan McLellan and Robert A. Moon
built and opened a tannery on the Tioga race in Big
Rapids,-the first institution of its kind in the
county.
Sept. I7, I867, a school-teachers' convention was
held in Big Rapids,-the first gathering of the kind
in the county.
In the spring of i868, Charles H. McConnell
opened a book store and news depot in Big Rapids,the first in the county.
In z868, the First Presbyterian Church was organized, with E. B. Miner as pastor. In 1872, the society erected a commodious brick edifice in Big Rapids,-the first brick church in the county.
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One month later, on the first Monday in May, I859,
the first meeting was held of the County Board of
Supervisors. There were at that time but two organized townships in the county,-Green and Leonard,
and there were present, of course, but two Supervisors,-Jesse A. Barker, of Green, and Luther Cobb,
of Leonard. Jesse A. Barker was elected Chairman
of the Board. June first of the same year, a joint
meeting of the Boards of Supervisors of Mecosta
and Newaygo Counties was held at Newaygo, to
effect a settlement between the two counties. Mecosta was found to be indebted to Newaygo County to
the amount of $,000o. Osceola and Lake Counties
were attached to Mecosta for municipal and judicial
purposes for a number of years, until sufficiently
populated to "stand alone." Osceola at first formed
but one township, but when separated from Mecosta
comprised five civil townships.
The counties of Osceola and Lake remained attached to Mecosta until the spring of 1869. March
4, of that year, a bill for the organization of Osceola
County passed the House of Representatives without
a dissenting voice. It had already passed the Senate,
and accordingly, when signed by the Governor a few
days after, became a law and took immediate effect.
It located the county seat at the village of Hersey,
and provided for the election of county officers on
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the fifth of April. This election resulted as follows:
Sherif-sIsaiah Manes; no oppposition.
Clerk-J. A. Gamage, 9 maj.
Treasurer-R. F. Morris, 35 maj.
Pros. 4Atty-S. F. Dwight, no opposition.
Cir. C. Com.-S. F. Dwight, no opposition.
Recorder of Deeds-J. A. Gamage, 9 maj.
Surveyor-E. F. French, 19 maj.
Coroners-J. W. Ash, 28 maj.; E. H. Wood, no
opposition.
The same Legislature passed bills incorporating the
city of Big Rapids, and attaching the west half of
the unorganized county of Clare to Mecosta County,
for judicial and municipal purposes.
The Boards of Supervisors of Mecosta and Osceola Counties, being unable to agree upon a settlement
between the two counties, five commissioners were
appointed by the Circuit Court of Mason County, on
the application of Osceola, to adjust all unsettled
claims and matters of difference. Three of the commissioners, William Freeman, E. N. Fitch and S. F.
White, met in Big Rapids, Aug. i, I87 I, and after a
session of two days awarded Osceola County the
sum of $676.59, also the field notes and plats of the
towns in that county. The costs of the hearing
amounted to $154.80, which were also paid by Mecosta, making a total of $831.39. This amount was
about $I6 less than that offered by the Mecosta
County Board.
Leonard (now Big Rapids) and Green Townships
were organized in 1858; Hinton in i860; Deerfield
and Mecosta in I86i; Wheatland in 1862; Grant,
1867; Chippewa in i868; Austin and Colfax in
I869; Martiny in 1875, and Morton in 1877.
When Big Rapids was incorporated, it was entitled
to three representatives on the Board of Supervisors.
Since then, by provision of the Legislature, it has
been allowed one for each of the five wards. The
Board of Supervisors, at first consisting of two, now
comprises twenty-one members, as follows:
AEtna-John Pierdon.
Austin-John Potter.
Big Rapids-E. C. Moore.
First Ward-O. D. Glidden.
Second Ward-Thos. Skelton.
Third Ward-Thos. J. Sharpe.
Fourth Ward-J. T. Escott.
Fifth Ward-C. F. Mynning.
Chippewa-Henry Hammond.
Colfax-E. A. Straub.
Deerfield-M. T. Nethaway.
Fork-Wm. Creevey.
Grant-L. F. Corey.
Green-W. D. Hopkinson.
Hinton-Andrew Breakey.
Martiny-John Porden.
Mecosta-W. S. Tucker.
Morton-I. W. Ferris.
Millbrook-D. C. Fuller.
Sheridan-John A. Markle.
Wheatland-Isaac Wambold.
Mecosta County has been a separate judicial district since 1873; and in 88 it and Newaygo County
were organized into the 27th Judicial Circuit. At the
same session of the Legislature it was made a part
of the 27th Senatorial District, with Manistee,
Osceola and Wexford Counties, and a part of the
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M'ECOSTA COUNIY. 577
_ OLD SETTLE RS
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IN
_S i- OR historical purposes, no forI | I V mal organization of the old;$ H. ] ~settlers of Mecosta County
_S ' / has yet been undertaken,
',3 though such an association
(57} will doubtless be formed in due
@ time. On several occasions
-, I many of the pioneers have been
Af brought informally together,
but the largest gathering of the
/ \7 kind occurred at the Opera
House in Big Rapids, in the
evening of Thursday, Jan 23,
I1879. Nearly all the early settiers of Big Rapids were in at4,o ^i - _ A 41, - _ - - - ^ i ~. i-, - i ' _ _ - - 1
in every style, baked pork and beans, meats of every
description, mince, pumpkin and apple pie, with an
abundance of et-ceteras. The committee of arrangements had bargained for a genuine old-fashioned
supper, and right faithfully did Mr. White, the hotel
proprietor, carry out his part of the agreement.
Many pronounced it the best meal they ever ate at a
hotel. Only one thing occurred to mar the pleasure
of the occasion, and that was a failure of the lights
before tne assemblage was ready to disperse.
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OLD SETTLERS OF THE MUSKEGON
VALLEY.
Leniuance, ancu me surruuniiunig Luwnsiips were wenl
represented, with a few from Newaygo, Osceola and_
Montcalm Counties. They all "set out" to have a y
good, old-fashioned jolly time, and they had it. N association has been formed called the "Old
Everybody seemed young again, and Opera Hall Settlers of the Muskegon Valley," which
never contained a happier crowd. Those who de- | ihas held several annual re-unions. June
sired to indulge in the "poetry of motion "-and there |{ I8, 1879, it held a meeting at Big Rapids,
were few who did not, in Money Musk, Opera Reel, about two hundred people attending. The asVirginia Reel, McDonald's Reel, and other old-fash- sociation was called to order at noon by the
ioned contra dances-had the floor, while others oc- President, Mr. T. D. Stimson, and Judge Brown decupied seats about the room, and engaged in social livered a welcoming address. About 60 new names
* chat upon the scenes and incidents of days long were added to the register. At two o'clock an oldgone by. The supper at the Mason House was not style dinner was served at the Mason House, to
one of the modern "high-toned " affairs, with more which all did ample justice. One table was set
) style than victuals, but a real, genuine, old-fashioned, with dishes belonging to Mrs. White that were the
substantial meal. The bill of fare embraced oysters property of Mrs. White's great-great-grandmother.
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A;Z7S 41 '>: E ri w Sj C'UN K-,* 578 AMCOSTA COUNTY.
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A mustard spoon and cup were two hundred years
old. After dinner the meeting was addressed by Dr,
Tatman, W. S. Utley, J. V. Crandell and Hannibal
Hyde. A general good time was had, and the old
friends and neighbors of years ago had a real oldfashioned visit.
SECOND OLD SETTLERS' PARTY.
i ff N the evening of Feb. 10, i880, another old
settlers' party was held in Big Rapids, at
Barrows' Hall. No speeches were delivered
and merely an informal party was intended.
Superfluous style and affectation where entirely
ignored, and all hands went in for a good time,
such as was common 15 and 20 years ago. There
were 41 dance tickets and 97 supper tickets sold,
the latter indicating the number present, besides the
musicians. Those were invited to be present who
had been residents ten years or more. These old
settlers' parties were so successful that it was determined to keep them up as an annual institution,
and it was agreed that all residents of more than ten
years should be welcomed,
The third annual party came off Friday evening,
Feb. I, i88I, and was very successful. Tickets
were sold to the number of 79, indicating an attendance of over I5o, Dancing was commenced at half
past seven o'clock, and was kept up with no intermission, except for supper, till three o'clock in the
morning. Many did not participate in the dancing
festivities, but they put in good time in social chat
and talking over old times. Taken all in all, it surpassed all former gatherings of the old settlers of
this region. The gross receipts were $I62.50; expenses $124.10; surplus, $38.40, which was placed
in the treasury of the Old Settlers' Association of the
Muskegon Valley.
The fourth annual party was held at Armory Hall,
on the evening of Friday, Feb. 17, I882. Eighty-five
numbers were sold, and over two hundred people
participated in the dance. It had been announced
that dancing would " begin at candle-light, and continue till breakfast time," and this program was very
nearly executed. Supper was furnished at the
Bracket House.
No party was held in 1883.
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 579
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> _ l rt 8; "UDICIAL tribunals and legal advocates will always be
J. '^l~' ^ i found in every civilized com'* t~ munity. Mecosta County is
ra no exception to this rule, al-. ' though its citizens are not
e=. ( m uch given to litigation, and its
lt criminal cases are remarkably
I ) The first term of court held in
l the county was in April, 1860, presided over by Judge F. J. Littlejohn,
~A of Allegan. Mecosta was then in
the ninth judicial circuit, which included all of Northern Michigan.
d The first case called was that of
William H. Leeds, versus John Powers. The first
case decided was Theodore Newell versus Philetus
P. Jones, a case of assumpsit, and was ended by
default. There was no formal trial at this term, but
several cases of importance were tried at the second
term, held in September, I86o. The first criminal
case tried at this term was the People versus Walter
Kilpatrick, on a charge of rape. Kilpatrick was
acquitted.
In regard to the Bar, we should bear in mind that
the prosperity and well-being of every community depends upon the wise interpretation of its laws, as well
( as upon their judicious framing. Upon a few principles of natural justice is erected the whole super-..> &,-a(1
structure of civil law, tending to relieve the wants
and meet the desires of all alike. But when so many
interests and counter-interests are to be protected
and adjusted, to the judiciary is presented many
interesting and complex problems. Change is everywhere imminent; the laws of yesterday do not compass the wants and necessities of the people of
to-day. The old relations do not exist, and new and
satisfactory ones must be established; hence the
true lawyer is a man of the day, and his capital is
his ability and individuality. He cannot bequeath
to his successors the characteristics that distinguish
him, and at his going the very evidences of his work
disappear.
In compiling a sketch of the Bar of a county, one
is surprised at the paucity of material. The peculiarities and the personalities which form so pleasing
and interesting a part of the lives of the members of
the Bar, and which indeed constitute the charm of
local history, are altogether wanting. The court
records give us the main facts, but the auxiliary facts
and interesting circumstances of each case are preserved in the memory of but few, and even there they
are generally half forgotten.
The first lawyer in Big Rapids was a " transient."
He came in the fall of 1859, and left early in the winter. He found but little to do, and did that little so
unpopularly that he eked out a very meager living,in fact he was "starved out," and left on the approach
of cold weather, wearing his summer clothes. It is
related that when some one asked him why he did;X:
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580 MECOSTA COUNTY.
not go to work, he replied with an oath that he had ber of years, and then went to Texas. J. 0. Coburn
a profession, and "if that doesn't support me I'll was another early lawyer of prominence. He enlist-. starve before I'll work!" It is to be hoped that he ed in the Ulion army in 1862, and died in Libby r
found some more congenial abiding place than Big Prison.
ar/ Rapids. The next member of the legal profession to The present Bar of Mecosta County contains the
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aiiivt Iln LIIn village was i. v.v. VVILtse, wno canle in
the spring of i860, and was elected Prosecuting
Attorney for the county the same fall. He practiced
law until his death, in the fall of 1862. Ceylon C.
Fuller, whose services for over 20 years are well known
to the citizens of this region, and who at present fills
the position of Circuit Judge, came to Big Rapids
May i, I860. The fourth attorney to practice in the
county was John G. Murdock, who remained a num
IOIlowing pracutloners: ivi. rrown, jonn xi. rainier,
Lewis C. Palmer (Palmer & Palmer), John B. Upton,
Elijah F. Dewey, Frank Dumon, Calvin W. Nottingham, D. F. Glidden, Edwin J. Marsh (Glidden &
Marsh), Douglas Roben, A. W. Bennett (Roben &
Bennett), 0 E. Mann, F. A. Mann, C. L. Northrup,
G. R. Malone, Andrew Hanson, and S. V. R. Hayes,
all of Big Rapids; Dewitt C. Moshier and John V.
Haist, of Morley; and David C. Fuller, of Millbrook.
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)rl! |LTHOUGH Mecosta has uniformly been Republican since
its organization, on National
and State issues, yet in local
elections there has been a. tendency to cast away party
discipline and support the best
candidate. Before the war, the
settlers were too few in number,
and their attention too much
1 taken with more pressing matters, to allow much political discussion. During the war all citizens
' united on the simple platform, the! unconditional support of the Union.
In this great question was merged all minor ones.
Since the Rebellion, the strength of parties has somewhat varied, as is seen in the following summary of
elections, beginning with the first election after the
organization of the county, in the year 1859.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, i86o.
President.
Abraham Lincoln.................... 109
Stephen A. Douglas................ 55
Governor.
Austin Blair......................... 09
John S. Barry...................... 56
Lieutenant- Governor.
James Birney....................... 109
William M. Fenton................... 56
Secreltay of State.
James B. Porter...................o09
W illiam Francis..................... 56
State Treasuwrer.
54
53
53
53 o
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John Owen....................... 09
Elon Farnsworth.................. 56
A uditor- General.
Langford G. Berry................ o09
Henry Pennoyer................... 56
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53
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 581
A Attorney-General. Auditor-General.
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Charles Upson...................... 1og
Chauncey Joslyn..................... 56
Superintendent of.'ublic Instruction.
John M. Gregory.....................09
Francis W. Sherman............. 56
Commissioner of State Land Office.
Samuel S. Lacy..................... 09
Samuel L. Smith.................. 56
Member of Board of Education.
Edwin Willets...................... I09
John V. Lyon....................... 56
Representative in Congress.
Rowland E. Trowbridge............. 95
Edward H. Thompson................ 49
Francis W. Kellogg.................. I3
Thomas B. Church................... 7
Amendments to Constitution.
For Amendm't to Banking Corporation. 82
Against " (". 73
For Amendment to Sec. 2, Art. 18......104
Against " (" "....... 5
For Amendment as to Leg. Sessions.... 89
State Senator,
Osmond Tower...................... 98
Frederick Hall..................... 65
Nelson Green....................... i
Representative in Legislature.
Martin P. Follett.................. 09
Irving E. Arnold................. 45
W illiam S. Howell................... i
53
53
53
53
46
9
99
33
64
Emil Anneke.................. I121
Rodney Payne...................... 14
Commissioner of State Land Office.
Samuel S. Lacy................. 12
Charles F. Heynman.............. I4
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
John M. Gregory...21........... 12
Thomas H. Sinex.................... 14
Member of Board of Education.
Edward Dorsch.....................12
Daniel Brown....................... 14
Representative in Congress.
Francis W. Kellogg............... o00
Thomas B. Church.... 34
State Senator.
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107 4
107
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ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 4, I862.
Governor.
Austin Blair........................ I03
Byron G. Stout............... 31
Lieutenant- Governor.
Charles S. May................... I8
Henry R. Riley............... 14
Secretary of State.
Tames B. Porter....................12
Charles Mears................... 120 noopp.
Representative in Legislature.
William T. Howell.................. no opp.
Sheriff.
Daniel F Woolley.................. 86 33
Samuel W. Rose....................53
County Clerk.
Orrin Stephens.....................40 no opp.
County Treasurer.
Sumner Stickney................... 82 25
John Dalziel..................... 57
Charles Shafer..................
Register of Deeds.
Luther Cobb....................... 82 34
William Fuller............... 48
Scattering.......................... 7
Judge of Probate.
Daniel Stearns..4.................. 85 40
Hamilton M. Herrick................ 45
Jesse A. Barker................... 14
Prosecuting Attorney.
Ceylon C. Fuller.................. 37 136
C. P. Ive.....................
Circuit Court Commissioner.
Ceylon C. Fuller..................... 80 i8
John H. Murdock.................... 62
County Surveyor.
Augustine N. Williams........... 39 noopp.
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I08
4 William R. Montgomery............. 13
1 State Treasurer.
John Owen......................... 21 I07
Charles C. Trowbridge............... 14
Attorney-General.
( Albert Williams............ 120 io6
John S. Holmes........... 14
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MECOSTA COUNTY. p,
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Coroners.
Daniel Stearns................
John W. Rose.................... 1I45 noopp........ 42 noopp.
IL, I863.
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ELECTION OF APR:
Circuit Judge.
Flavius J. 'Littlejohn..................06
William J. Cornwell......... 87
Associate Justice Supreme Court.
James V. Campbell............... I05
David Johnson...................... 92
Regents of the State University.
Henry C. Knight..................05
Thomas D. Gilbert................. 105
Edward C. Walker............. o.05
J. Eastman Johnson................. 105
George Willard............... o5.
James A. Sweezey.................. 05
Alvah Sweetzer...........-.... r o
I9
I3
Representative in Congress.
Thomas W. Ferry....................147
Frederick Hall...................... 96
Associate Jfistice Supreme Caurl.
Thomas M. Cooley................ 146
Alpheus Felch..................... 97
Representative in Legislature.
William S. Utley................... 130
Daniel F. Woolley.......I........
State Senator.
James B. Walker..................... 45
William J. Mead.................97
Sheriff.
Alfred S. Mason....................i6
Charles B. Humphrey.............. 95
Juage of Probate.
Ceylon C. Fuller....................64
Samuel G. Huichins......... 98
sJ
50..,.4.
49 klIr
20
48 l
12
12
X2
12
12
12
T9 -
66
66
Thomas J. Joslin.................... I5 2.County Clerk.
Oliver C. Comstock.................. ohn Dazel6 6
William A. Moore.................. 93 Orrin Stevens......2
Z Zina Pitcher.. 93.........:= Nathaniel Balch............ 93 Registl- of Deeds. =
% Charles A. Richmond.......... 93 Samuel Chipman............. 66 68
= Adam A. Roof...................... 93 Floyd Misner....................... 98
' Elijah F. Burt....................... 93, Joseph Coulter..................... 93 Co y easure.
Sumner Stickney................... 68 73
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1864. Charles Shafer............. 95
Prosecuting Attorney.
President. Elias 0. Rose....................... 63 63
Abraham Lincoln................... 43 46 John G. Murdock....................
George B. McClellan................. 97.Surveyor.: Governor. Augustine W. Williams 7............... 68 72:t Henry H. Crapo.....................46 49 Justus W. Tenny.................... 96
William M. Fenton................. 97 Circuit Ciurt Commissioner.
Lieutenant-Gozerrnor.
iCeylon C. Fuller..................164 65
Ebenezer O. Grosvenor................ 46 49rdock............... 99
Martin S. Brackett............. 97
< i (' ~Va Coowners.
Secretary jf S5'tate.
James B. Porter............ 46 49 Rufis T. Mrris........... 163 65
eorge B. Turner. Elial Hutchinson................. 67 69
> Alfred Clark........................ 98
State 7/reasul/er. William Brockway................... 98
John Owen.........6.... 49,
George C. Monroe............ 97 ELECTION OF1 APRIl,, i865.;.. Member of B, oard of E/rdducation. Ilk
' irAssociate Justice Supreme Court.
* W itter J. Baxter.................... 146 49
Oliver C. Comstock.. 97 Isaac P. Christiancy...83 no...o.
'.,.. —. -.....- q* /,
La<-^ 1 "
MECOSTA COUNTY. 583
Regents of the State University. -County Clerk.,
Edward C. W alker................... 83 no opp. John Dalziel........................268 156
George Willard..................... 83 no opp. Daniel F. Woolley.................... 12
James M. Colby..................... i
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, i866.;ounty reasurer.
County Treasurer.
Governor. Andrew Green................ 242 15
Henry H. Crapo.............. 274 65 Daniel Stearns...................... 9
Alpheus S. Williams................ 09 Sumner Stickney......... 46
Lieutenant Governor. Prosecuting Attorney.
Dwight May.274 65 Elias O. Rose...................... 245 109
John G. Parkhurst............... 9 John. M urdock.................... 36
Secretary of: State. Circuit Court Commissioner.
Oliver L. Spaulding.................. 275 67 Ceylon...................... 3
Bradley M. Thompson................o8 1John G. Murdock......... 126
State Treasurer. Register of Deeds.
r.=
r.=.'Op".
Ebenezer O. Grosvenor.............. 275
Luther H. Trask..................... 08
A uditor General.
William Humphrey............. 274
George Spaulding..................... 08
George Gray........................
Commissioner of State Land Offce.
Benjamin D. Pritchard..............275
Louis Dillman................... 08
Attorney General.
William L. Stoughton............. 275
George Gray.........i... 08
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Oramel Hosford.................... 275
Samuel Clements.................... 0o8
Member of Board of Education.
Edwin Willets.....................275
John Bischmore..................... o8
Representative in Congress.
Thomas W. Ferry....................276
John B. Hutchins.................... 07
State Senator.
John H. Standish....................278
Representative in Legislature.
Charles W. Dean.......277
Revision of Constitution.
For................................239
Against............................ 35
Sheriff.
i67
i66 i
'67
I67 "
167
';
i;
167
I
I69
no opp.
no opp.
James M. Colby................. 238
Daniel F. Woolley...................99
Thomas Lazell...................... 42
County Surveyor.
Benjamin F. Gooch................ 272
George Brady..........09......o....
Coroners.
Isaiah J. Whitfield...................269
Thomas Shaw............. 272
Charles B. Humphrey........... 110o
Thomas Cahill......................o8
139
I63
I59
164
I I
1=
( i
ELECTION OF APRIL, i867.
Justice of the Supreme Court.
Benjamin F. Graves.................. 232
Sanford M. Green.................... 69
Regents of the State University.
Thomas D. Gilbert................... 232
Hiram W. Burt......................232
Ebenezer Wells..................... 69
William M. Ferry.................... 69
Circuit Judge.
Moses B. Hopkins.................. 230
Robert W. Duncan................... 70
Delegate to Constitutional Convention.
William S. Utley................... 195
Scattering....................... I
County Superintendent of Schools.
Zephaniah W. Shepherd..............1 90
John G. Murdock.................. 5
Scattering........................ 6
163
63
I63
i6o
(
I85
204
1I
I75
7
Joseph T.
William P
Escott.................... 264 47. Montonye................ 7
— m- -4^i>^
'o-, 9 IV,.) p
584 MECOSTA COUNTY.
ELECTION OF APRIL, i868. Sherif.,l New Constitution. Joseph T. Escott...................760 39
Lewis H. Green.....................369
Against adoption...................474 141 ewis n.....................36
t For adoption....................... 333
For annual sessions of Legislature.....519 394 County Clerk.
Against annual sessions of Legislature.. 125 i
For Prohibition..................... 396 34 John Dalziel.......................746 368
Against Prohibition..................362 Orrin Stevens................378
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, i868. Judge of Probate.
President. George W. Crawford.................722 343
Ulysses S. Grant....Jas......... 5 423K....... Jams 370
/ Horatio Seymour................... 352 County Treasurer.
Gvernor.Stephen Bronson....................657 185
i Henrv P RBaldwin..................A e. A George F. Stearns...... -.....,.....7 2.J.... ] L*. J l VY I I................. I.."
John More......................... 361
Lieutenant Governor.
Morgan Bates.............. 7...770
Salathiel C. Coffinbury................359
Secretary of State. -
Oliver L. Spaulding.................
Richard Baylis.....................35 9
Treasurer.
Ebenezer 0. Grosvenor..............77
John F. Miller.....................359
Auditor General.
William Humphrey.................771
Louis Dillman.......................35
Commissioner of S/ate Land Office.
Benjamin D. Prichard...............77
Henry Grinnell......................359
Attorney-General.
4uV4.
411
412
412
412
412....- -0.-....'I --
Register of Deeds.
James M. Colby.....................42
Erastus E. Thompson................376
George F. Stearns...................
Prosecuting Attorney.
Frank Dumon...................... 663
John G. Murdock...................365
Elias 0. Rose....................... 88
C. C. Fuller.........................
Circuit Court Commissioner.
366
290
353
s,K,.41
Frank Dumon
John G. Murdock
Elias 0. Rose
County Surveyor.
Theodore W. Robbins
Edwin F. French
Marquis Morgan
Coroners.
723
370
4
10o8
5
10
1098
Dwight May.................. 77 412 Isaiah J. Whitfield 76i 385
Augustus C. Baldwin.................359 F.B.Wood ( )
F. B. Wood 1055 (noopp.)
S Suerintendent of Public Instruction. Sidney P. Phelps 376
Oramel Hosford...................77I 41
Duane Doty....................359ELEC'rON OF APRIL, 1869.
AMember of Board of E'ducation. Regents State University.
Daniel E. Brown...................77 412 Joseh Estabrook 703 536
Isaac W. Bush................... 359 Jonas H. McGowan 704 538
Representative in Congress. John M. B. Sill I67
Thomas W. Ferry.................... Mils 166
) Lyman G. Mason.................... 356 Circuit Judge.
^ Senator. Moses B. Hopkins 639 431
John H. Standish..................772 noopp. Robert W. Duncan 208
Representative in Legislature. Sufperintendent County Schools.
C. C. Fuller................946 829 Michael Brown 424 236 )
k Augustus Paddock................ 17 George W. Warren i88;Wr...,,vix.
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(MECOSTA COUNTY. 585 ~
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ELECTION OF APRIL 4, i870.
C~ircuit fudge.
I
Augustine H. Giddings
Levi W. King
917
4
Hen r
Char]
T honr
Myro,
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1870.
Goveror1w.
-y 1'. Baldwin 5 38
[es C. Cornstock 24I
Representative in Con.gress.
Lias WV. Ferry 562
in Ryder 219
State Senator.
Seth C. Moffatt 549 (no0 opp.)
-Re~presentative in Legislatuire.
Edgar L. Gray
Seth C. Moffatt
533
Sheriff.
IDaniel F. Woolley
Edward S. Decker
421
346
County Clerk.
Charlie Gay
Orrin Stevens
George Warren
430
314
ELECTrION OF APRIL 3, 187. VRepresentative inl Gongress.
Wilder D. Foster 8o6 365
William M. lerry 341
county0 Superinted('11engf~ Schools.
Henry C. Peck 832 72
John foyer i
Scattering 4
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 5, 1872.
President.
Ulysses S. Grant 1103 784
Horace Greeley 319
Governor.
John J. Bagley 1102 745
Austin Blair 357
Henry Fish 4
William M. Ferry 2
Representative in Congqress.
Jay A. Hubbell........... io6 748
Samuel P. Ely.............358
State Senator.
Edgar L. Gray............ I 112 803
George W. Innes............309
Repre~sentative in Legqislature.
Elias 0. Rose.......... 0...i82 ioo8
George F. Stearns...........74,Sheriff.
Joseph T. Escott......1Q.....I74 710
John W. Weaver............364
Willam Grlic... 33
Judge of Probate.
Walter S. Howd...........874 31I0
Theron W. Barbour.........5zz64
County Clerk.
Charlie Gay..............1095 729
Orrin Stevens............366
County Treasurer.
WV. Irving Latimer......1000.. io 528I
Charles Shafer.............472
Register of Deeds.
James M. Colby....... 11....I33 82 1
William Warren............. 312
Prosecuting Attorney.
Benjamin F. Graves.................1025 636
Byron F. Lockwood..........389
Michael Brown.....................24
Register of Deeds.
James M. Colby
William Brockway
Scattering
55'1
21 3
3
County Treasurer.
Charles Shafer
George W. Warren
Scattering
385
372
1'
Prosecuting Attornty.
Frank Dumon 430
John G. Murdock 332
Circuit Court Commissioner.
Elijah F. Dewey 694 (no
County Surveyor.
Edmund Tucker
Augustine N. Williams
Edward Tucker
406
304
4'
Coroners.
W. Irving Latimer
Everett Douglass
Sidney P. Phelps
William Remus
550
545
230.-228
586 iMECOSTA COUNTY.
" Circuit Court Commissioner. Register of Deeds.
' Calvin W. Nottingham............... 117 1095 James M. Colby.................... 866 536
Donald McIntyre........ 22Wllia Hue.................... 330
t County SCurtveyo r.
Sidney P. PProsecutting Attor.ey.
Darwin G. Bell................... Ii2i(no opp)..
Drw Benjamin F. Graves................ 754 337
Coroners. Frank Dumon..................... 417
Everett Douglas.................... 1109 754Circuit Court Comzl issioner.
Sidney P. Phelps................... 354
Thomas Cahill.................... 336 C alvi n W. Nottingham............ 67 50
Douglas Roben..................... 501
Representative in Legislature. Scattering.......................... 7
_ e Elias 0. Rose......................1846 1705 County Surveyor.
George F. Stearns... 14 Marshall Wheeler.................. 796 410
Benj. H. Coolbaugh................Theodore W. Robbins............... 86,.2,
Scattering.......I.............
Coroners.
ELECTION OF APRIL 7, i873.
County Superintendent of Schools.
Lewis G. Palmer................... 949(no opp)
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, r874.
Governor.
John H. Foster.....................
Thomas Shaw.....................
Matthew Roben....................
Sidney P. Phelps.................
833
827
364
361
472
463
1401N.
W,
P'"TIV.,p.
ELECTION OF APRIL 5, I875.
Circuit Judge.
Richard A. Montgomery............. 1076
Augustine H. Giddings.............. 582
I
i=
*.4
s~
Y,
tI
John J. Bagley.................... 758
Henry Chamberlin.................. 362
Charles K. Carpenter................ 77
Representative in Congress.
Jay A. H ubbell..................... 832
Henry ). Noble................. 228
Henry H. Noble.................... t32
State Senator.
Edgar L. Gray.................... 831
Edward W. Andrews................ 4
Representative in Legislature.
George F. Stearns................... 553
Fitch Phelps....................... 539
Nathaniel L. Gerrish............ 99
Sheriff.
Joseph T. Escott................... 820
0l.-l 'I11T TV*- &-.
396
604
827
14
494
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 7, I876.
President.
Rutherford B. Hayes................ 1342
Samuel J. Tilden.................. 926
Peter Cooper....................... 0o
Governor.
Charles M. Croswell............... 1341
William S. Webber.............. 945
Levi Sparks......................... 85
She i,ff.
Nathan H. Vincent................ 125
Stephen W. Foster................ 1040
Charles W. Whitfield............... 53
Judgee of.Probate.
416
396 \
211
446
Ateplnen w. roster.................. 374 -.. "
o.u tpeo r William Iadner................. 1337 416.' Charlie Gay. 8i......88 45 'rhomas Lazell................ I II y
County Clerk.j
7' Orrin Stevens...............367..I County Clerk.
County Treasurer. Charlie Gay., Charlie Gay....................... I325 350,
) W. Irving Latimer.................. 897 6oj Daniel E. Stearns.................. 975 ]h
Joseph H. Kilbourne............ 296 Isaac W. Clifton.................... 46
X; l< Ij- -—,<. ----r<~m h>^z:~ --- — >-..'~
i~ MECOSTA COUNTY.
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/AP
UST as President Lincoln enG/d I^ tered upon his first term of
' iT~ %~/ office, the attack on and the
-. ~fall of Fort Sumter was the
6':ce, s signal for the loyal people
throughout the North to rouse
x'/l themselves and rush to arms in
defense of the flag. Even in
Mecosta County, then thinly
populated, and on the remote
borders of civilization, the feel-, ing of enthusiasm was intense.:Q Recruits promptly stepped forth to
during their long and eventful military career, and
what magnificent results crowned their service! Victims of swamp and typhus fevers; baffled time and
again by the flood; battling at every disadvantage
with the flower of the enemy, on a strange soil, with
a hostile population; long denied a victory; matured
plans jeopardized; fighting all day, marching all
night; advancing until they saw the spires of Richmond, then back again within sight of the white
dome of Washington; never elated with success,
never depressed with defeat; disaster following disaster,-they were buoyant to the close. Smiling
through tears they parted with their beloved chief;
X J.swell the army of the Union, and one brave commander gave place to another, yet
': departed for the front amidst the gaily they transferred their fealty. Marching to cer- -
* prayers of families, friends and tain death up Mary's Heights on those awful days at
1 fellow-citizens. With cheerful alac- Fredericksburg: falling by thousands at Chancel0 rity the people responded to the lorsville; the waves of war sweeping toward their
successive calls of the President homes, spreading devastation worse than the track of
J for troops throughout the war. the tornado, they again gave battle to that exultant
i There is something grand in the invader at Gettysburg, and on that renowned and
^- patriotism animating that people thrice sacred field for three long days they fought t,
j v which, after straining its resources and won the victory that turned the tide of war and
for months to meet one call, and saved the North from desolation. Back again they **.
hearing the news that 500,000 more are wanted, goes follow the unyielding foe, drenching the wilderness 6
uncomplainingly, eagerly, into the work of raising its with gore; for still another year they bleed, until
4 quota once more. Richmond falls; the army of Northern Virginia, (
What terrible ordeals those troops passed through overwhelmed with numbers, and supplies exhausted,
'gk ----g.| --- XA
i|| 2 7 i A — A ----
5S90 fMECOSTA COUNTYY.
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r, capitulated, the Confederacy was crushed and the
Union preserved! In a few months all that were
left of mighty opposing forces, —victor and vanquished,
officers and privates,-returned to their homes, doffed
their uniforms, furled their battle-flags, and their
deeds passed from the present to the realms of history.
FIRST ENLISTMENTS.
HEN the loyal people of the North were
~ called upon to rally around the stars and
tstripes, Mecosta County responded with a
will. The patriotism of the early settlers of
this county was equal to that of any people
in the State. May 13, i86I, George French
went to Grand Rapids and enlisted in Company K,
Third Regiment Michigan Infantry, and soon afterwards returned to Big Rapids for more volunteers.
) John Shaw, Fred L. Barker, Sidney Fox, James McAllister, Alexander French, Jaines Misner, Robert
Misner, Elias Snyder, Fred Schriver and Cole5 man enlisted with Mr. French, and constituted the
= first squad of volunteer soldiers from Mecosta County.
K They were mustered into the United States service. June Io, I86i, and shortly afterward accompanied
their command to the front, where they did their full
share toward earning for the "Old Third " its bril)liant record as a fighting regiment. Of the original
number, Messrs. French, Shaw, Barker, and James
and Robert Misner lived to return home. The lives
of the others were sacrificed in defense of their
cou n try.
1 COUNTY AID.
( T rHE county authorities, as patriotic as those
_ of every other county in loyal Michigan,
J early adopted measures for assisting the
} families of those who volunteered for the Union army. At a special meeting held in Aug-. I ust, 1862, the Board of Supervisors passed a
t resolution to pay a bounty to volunteers enlisted in
the county, of $50, and also to pay the families of
the volunteers seven dollars per month for the wife
and two dollars for each child under the age of fif
teen years. This resolution took effect from its passage, and did not apply to those who had enlisted
previously, except the support of families which
applied to all in the county, regardless of the time of
enlistment, and was to be paid regularly, whether the
family were in a destitute condition or not.
This was a move in the right direction, because it
was not right that the family of a volunteer be
obliged to consume the last morsel of food, and wear
out the last article of clothing, and the wife compelled to take in washing, or engage in some other
menial employment to support her family, because
her rightful protector and supporter was fighting the
battles of his country, before receiving from the
county the aid so generously and wisely authorized
by the State.
Under the encouragement of this step, a number
more volunteers came forward within a month.
DRAFT.
In the summer of 1863 an enrollment was made of
those in Mecosta County liable to perform military
duty, by E. O. Rose, enrolling officer; and it was
found that there were 226 of the first class, and 78
of the second class; a total of 304. Those between
the ages of twenty and thirty-five who were married
and up to forty-five unmarried, constituted the first
class; the married inen between thirty-five and fortyfive, the second class. Of the total number thus enrolled, thirty-five claimed to be aliens.
Soon afterward came a call by the President for
300,000 more volunteers before January. The quota
of Mecosta County under this call was 32 men. Recruits came forward slowly for a while, but in December a sum was raised by subscription to pay each
volunteer an extra bounty of $[oo. The quota of
several townships were about full, and a draft was
continually expected in the remaining townships,
which however was postponed several times, until
in the spring came still another call for 200,000 men.
This necessitated a draft from all the townships but
Leonard (Big Rapids), which filled its quota under
both calls by volunteer enlistments. 'Ihe draft took
place June 13, and 47 were drawn, as follows:
Richmond.-Henry Zeitler, Christian Schaff, John
Pepper, Philip Mosser, Murray Cromwell, John Gerhardt, Theodore Lotte, Isaac Osborn, Neil McFarlan.
Greet.-George Shust, Joseph West, Andrew
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k- -; t' 1),loVMIrowwmMm 14~; I~ ~ -— ~9pr-~ ~ ~a.~~ ~?~%~1/"1
^x....-^v-^g< 'nn iUnr-. -.............
MECOSTA COUNTY. 59
Green, Andrew J. Hyatt, John Dalziel, Ariel Aldrich, after call for troops brought forth a cheerful response
George W. Green, William Gibson. throughout the loyal North. Hardly was this draft
Mecosta.-Franklin Smith, Nelson Ganong, John- over when 500,000 more were asked, and under this
son E. Burgess, Hiram Hull, John Davis. call the quota of Mecosta County was as follows:
DeerefiLd.- FrederickHunter, William Segar, Henry Richmond, 6; Green, 7; Leonard, 8; Mecosta,;
Mills, John Clink, Lewis Eckhardt, William Callar, Deerfield, 6; Hinton, 3; Wheatland, 2.
Lewis Swartout, Ellis Davis, Samuel Hutchins, Wil- Leonard, Mecosta and Wheatland Townships
liam H. Bursse, William Mitchell. raised their quota before March I, i865, and RichWZieafland.-James McCloud, William Scheidel, mond, Deerfield, Hinton and Green resolved to await
John W. Gingrich, George Minkel, John Schneider, the draft. This, however, never came off, as soon
Michael Dittel, Dorvil H. Whitney, Randall F. after came the fall of the Confederacy. and all enlistCapen. ments stopped.
Hzinlon. —John W. Rose, John Van Dewater, William J. Allen, John Bower, Asa Brockway, Bentley THE END.
Davis.
SUPPLEMENTARY DRA FT. t EJOICING at the end of the cruel war was
For various reason; the above draft did not sup- |1L fully as great in Mecosta County as else
I=..
~$ 5
`i
ply the requisite number, and a supplementary draft
came off July i. The Pioneer thus humorously alludes to it:
"A kind of supplementary draft came off this
week, and the lucky ones are now being notified.
This draft is for the purpose of filling the place of
those who reported in Canada instead of at Grand
Rapids on the last draft, and also those who were
exempt. The town of Richmond seems to have been
the most fortunate as to skedaddlers, as a new draft
of five men was made there; and we are informed
that three of those drafted before are now in Canada,
thus leaving those who remain a chance of being
drafted to fill their places. Other parts of the county
are in a similar situation."
Those drafted this time were:
Richmond. —Louis Reminapp, Conrad Folmerhauser, Alex. McFarlane, Thomas Sales, Henry Gerhardt.
Mecosta. —Henry Myres, Edward Davis, Charles
Marsh.
Deerfield.-George Gilmore, James Buchner, Marcellus T. Nethaway.
Hinton.-William Brockway, Daniel Van Antwerp,
John Godfroy.
Wheatland. - Eli W. Gingrich, Adam Kunkelman.
' wnere. upon the reception oi the news ot
f the capture of Jefferson Davis, the citizens of
" Big Rapids turned out and bought all the
powder in town, and fired fifty-two guns.
This accomplished, they deemed it advisable to execute the " old reprobate;" whereupon, an image of the
ex-president, made of straw and old clothes, was
speedily put together and suspended by a rope
around the neck from a long pole, in which condition
it was conducted to a cart, and after being properly
put aboard, was conveyed through the principal
streets, followed by a long procession carrying bells,
horns, circular saws, and everything from which
a noise could be made, that could be got hold of.
After marching around for about an hour, the crowd
came to a halt in front of Hutchinson's store, and
hung the effigy. Speeches were then called for, and
short addresses were made by several citizens.
The soldiers in due time returned to their homes
and resumed their ordinary vocations.
33
ji
33
E
"41
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THE SURVIVORS.
tI I |HE brave men who survived this struggle
E have as true sentiments of patriotism with-. in their breasts to-day as when they left
r f r, wf a f f t
nORE RECRUI~TS. mother, father, wife and family for the front.
M R RS wherever they are found, in all questions of
) This year, i864, the Government was determined National or State import, it springs forth. It
to crush the Rebellion by force of numbers, and call is not spasmodic in its action, blazing forth only, as in
u"X-u."a0BA- -
h;: 7...o
%592 MfECOSTA COUNTY.
Ir
a cornet'Is erratic course in times of public trials or
danger, upon great occasions, and upon great incentive; but it is their rule of cond uct, -constant,
equable, incorruptible and enduring. Wealth cannot
bribe it; power cannot reduce it; ambition cannot
blind it; friendship cannot swerve it from justice.
Fear cannot intimidate it, nor injustice warp it, nor
luxury corrupt or enervate it. We speak only, of
course, of the men who volunteered from inspirations
of patriotism; and, since their return from the field,
by a conscientious deportment, stirred by these true
principles of patriotismi, they have earned the general
respect of the people, and have filled some of the
highest offices in the land; and as p~atriotism seeks to
be effective to the interests of a State, to vindicate
its rights, redre-ss its wrongs, and secure its prosperity,
these can never be better left than with those men
who braved death for the Union of States, and that
the States' rights might not be tramlpled upon in the
mire of secession and rebellion;
M~eni wh~o their duties kinow.
But also know their rights-, and, knowinglMare imaintaini them.
SOLDIERS' REUNIONS.
flags, and lpresented an appearance that did credit to
the ladies having the picnic in charge. Dinner was
announced at half-past twelve, and after all the seats
were filled, a blessing was invoked by Rev. C. A.
Munn, formerly Chaplain of the iooth Regiment
Indiana Volunteers. As there were nearly a hundred people unable to obtain seats at the first table,7
a second one was prepared after the first had been
cleared off.
After dinner came the speaking. The meeting
was presided over by E. 0. Rose. A brief but eloquent address by L. G. Palmer, of Morley, then followed, after which these toasts were offered and
reslponded to:
1. Our (omintry: Oine and I nsep~arable. Response lby
Serg't.Z~Oa Pierce.
2. The, Pres-ident ot the UnIitedl Staites. Resp~onse by
Gen. Bronso~(n.
~3. The Army anid the Kavy. lReslmnIe b~y I ga
Rohen).
4. The Stars and Stripes. Respons,~e by Col(. J. 0.
5. Mlichiganl inl Wa'r. Response by J. II. IJ'alier.
6. 'Meichga~n in Peace. Response by C11apt. B. F.
Graves.
7. Gen. G rant andl his Lieutena-nts. Reslponse by
8. TIhe Ranik 111(d File of our. Volunteer Army.' ze-1)0115C by Serg't. J. IL.Ixilboiir-ne.
9. 'I'le Rebel Prisons aInd thedir Unmfortunate I mnnlates.
Rzespons~e by 1)r. F. B3. W~ood.
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VERY successful reunion of soldiers and 11. TeLoy-1iI 'Xoilein of' the Uniion,. Response by
salr w sAl a i R pd t u s iolis T.ReJ.iONNe b Liit
day, Sept. i o, i187 8. Although the weather 12. The ( (doredl Troops,. Respons,;e by (Charhie, Scott,.
in the morning was threatening, the attend- 13. The Pr-ess-The Ihea-dlight of Ainericaim institman ce was large enough to fill Armory [Hall. ~ Jhni 01( ficiigh m. Hs~ls
N. H. Moody acted as Marshal, assirted by by. clita.
John Sha an G. XV. Craw ord Th pr cesion The responses, which were both able and eloquent,
was formed at i o'clock in the following order: City elicited frequent applause, and were listened to with
Cornet Band; Light Guards; Old Soldiers, headed marked attention throughout. The exercises were
by men who had been commissioned officers —thie interspersed with instrumental music and singing.
was northward to Pine street, eastward to Warren and the latter by a glee club, (consisting of E. F.
avenue, Southward to Oak street, westwardl to State Iew y S.. Gr wod S. ). H n rs n a d M.
street, northwvard to Linden street, eastwvard to Michi- Capavith Miss Jennie Mason at the ogn
igan av nue, an northw rd toThe Ar oy ple lieces selected wvere the lpatriotic songs of war
Three tables, exedn h hl egho r- timies, and the audience joined heartily in the chorus 1
ory Hall, with seats for 240 peCople, were loaded o a h Ihsr u i n wl o g b e e b r d ly 4
*down with edibles of every description. The tables the p~articipants as one of the most enjoyable days of %
were tastefully ornamentedl with flowers and miniature their liv(-.
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view to future reunions.
SECOND REUNION.
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1 79, and, like the former occasion, was a gratifying
success. Something over two hundred veterans, accoumpanied by their wives and families, were in attendance from the city and surrounding country. At
Io in the forenoon, a national salute was fired, and
shortly afterward the procession was formed for the
street parade by Capt. B. F. Brazee, acting as Marshal, in the following order: City Cornet Band; Big
Rapids Light Guard; veteran soldiers and sailors on
foot; one of the rifled cannon which once formed
a plart of the equipment of the famous Loomis Battery; mounted veteran cavalrymen, among the latter being B. C. Allen, who was a private in the war
of r812. Mr. Allen carried a well worn flag, which
was the identical flag borne by him in active service,
a and which he has since preserved as a relic of the
last great struggle between England and the United
States.: The line of march was as follows: north on
= Michigan avenue and Osceola street to Waterloo
street; thence west to State street; thence south to
Hemlock street; thence east to Michigan avenue;
thence south to Pine street; thence east to Warren
avenue; thence south to Oak street; thence west to
State street; thence north to Linden street; thence
east to Michigan avenue; thence north to the Armory. Many business and private residences along
the line of march were tastefullydecorated, conspicu( ous among the latter being the house of J. P. Huling,
g which was adorned with a large portrait of Wash( ington, a bust of Lincoln, and a profusion of flags,
mottoes and accoutrements of war. The column
was halted opposite Mr. Huling's house, faced to the
right, and three rousing cheers given for Washington
and Lincoln.
Arrived at the Armory, the parade was dismissed,
and shortly afterward the seats around the four long
tables in Armory Hall were filled. Although provision had been made for upwards of three hundred
people, the crowd was so great that only about twothirds of it could be accommodated at the first
s sitting.. After an intermission of about an hour, during
which the tables were removed and seats arranged, }
the crowd re-assembled, filling the hall to its utmost (
capacity. The stage was handsomely decorated with i
flowers, flags and various implements of war. Mr.
Allen, the veteran of 1812, occupied a position at the k
front, proudly bearing aloft his old flag. Order being
restored, the audience was treated to a medley of
National airs by the cornet land, after which Lieut.
E. 0. Rose, President of the Association, delivered a
very eloquent address, from which the following brief
extract is taken:
"Every man and woman who can say, 'my.
father (or grandfather) was a soldier in the war
of 81I2 or in the Revolution,' utters it with a
feeling of pride; and in after years our children
and grandchildren will experience the same feeling
of pride in alluding to the part we took in the great
struggle for the maintenance of national unity.
"As we view this vast assemblage, and reflect v
upon what brings us together, the mind's eye involuntarily wanders back over the lapse of years to the
time when we left our several avocations, and went
forth to assist in defending the old flag and the Gov- r
eminent that floats it. We see the farmer leaving =
his plow, the mechanic his bench, the merchant his r
store and the professional man his office; we see
them sign their names to the muster roll, and put on
the uniform of the army and navy of the United (
States; we see them finally, with blanched cheek
and quivering lip, bidding good-bye to those they
love; we hear the gray-haired mother speak in tremulous tones as she bestows a parting blessing upon
her darling boy; we hear the sister's reluctant farewell, and the sweet-heart's stifled sob as she bids her
affianced good-bye; we hear the wife's agonizing I
groan as she gazes through blinding tears upon the f
receding form of her husband and protector; while
little children, unable to comprehend the solemnity
of the occasion, cling to her skirts with a frightened
look and wonder what it is all about. And could
you look into the hearts of the men who thus tore
themselves from the ties of home, and boldly went V
forth to brave the perils of a soldier's life, you would
find photographed there mental struggles which few
but old soldiers can understand. Many of those
family partings were the last upon earth, for hundreds
of thousands of those who battled for the Union
found graves in Southern soil.
"In conclusion, let me express the hope that this!jAi~
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reunion, so lleasantly begun, may lbe throughout a
season of rejoicing. When we go to our respective
homes, I trust that each may feel that it was ' good
to be here.' May the chain of friendship which was
first linked together in the camp, on the march and
on the battle-field, be brightened and strengthened.
Many of our comrades fill Southern graves; others
are falling by the wayside from year to year, and the
day is not far distant when the sods of earth will
cover the last of the grand old army of the Union.
And as we pass down the declivity of time, each day
bringing us so much nearer honored graves, may the
love and gratitude of the Nation, and the choicest
blessings of heaven and of earth be yours."
After another air by the band, Frank Dumon responded to the toast, "The Union," following which
the band played "Hail Columl)ia." J. B. Upton
then responded to the " Old Flag " in such eloquent
words that they are worth recording here.
"When a few years ago the message flashed over
Mexico, and their victories achieved therein. 'They
mean the power of a loyal government of patriotic
men and women to suppress the mightiest domestic
insurrection and rebellion recorded in the annals of
history. They mean the heroic resolve, the dauntless
courage of our gallant soldiers, many of whoim are
here now present. They mean the (juarter of a million of slaughtered brothers, husbands and fathers;
the sorrow, the grief, the desolation in thousands of
households; the unflinching devotion of our sisters,
wives and nmothers. They mean the sa]nguinary assault, the deadly affray, the repulses, the victories,
during all the years of the war, until the rebellion, in
the person of General Lee, laid down the scepter of
its power at App)lomattox, at the feet of the silent
man,-the mightiest, the greatest and the grandest
general of the world,-Ulysses S. Grant. They
mean thereafter the healing of the nation, and the
restoration of the powers of Government. They
mean the marchino onward of our Government from
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the wires, 'The Duke is dead,' every person knew its infancy until it is recognized as among thc leading.
2 that it meant the Duke of Wellington. When it was powers of the earth. I'hey mean the development
=r announced that the Senator was dead, ever)y person of our country until it has become the granary of the
knew that Charles Sumner was no more. And when world-the Egyplt where all the sons of want may. l now we hear the words, 'the old flag,' every intelli- come to procure the needed sustenance of life. To
gent, enlightened American citizen knows that they the loyal and patriotic of to-day they mean a greater t
m Inean the history of the United States as a nation. love for our institutions, a higher zeal for their sup'lhey niean the high and glorious resolve of our lport, a more hearty consecration to their maintenance,
forefathers that this goodly land should be free, and and a firier determination to uphold this Governthe home of millions of undislputed sovereigns. They inent, Iecause it is 'of the people, by the l)eOlIle,
mean all the sorrows and grief they l)ore to secure and for the peol)le.' They mean the hearty orthodox
this grand heritage for their descendants, as well as prayer of heaven for the defenders, and hell tor the
the joy they experienced in contcmlliatilng such a destroyers of 'The Old Flag.'", grand and glorious legacy. They mean their heroic 'he glee club sang " Rally Round the Flag, Boys,"
b ravery, their unflinching devotion to the l)riicillcs antl then the thid toast, "Alraham Incoln, the
of liberty during all the long years of the warl. Theyred Presidllt, was res1)onaled to in a: fitting
mean their victory and elationi at Saratoga; their manner by L,.. Ialmer, as followvs:
defeat at Germantown; their heroic endurancNe tand
"No neelld to recite histoary. It is indclilfly written
suffering at Valley Forge; their unswerving (levotion p
ulpon every loyal lielrt. Fromn the cablin to the {:apto the just cause; and tilcir gran;ll and glorious victory. ' itol, his record is tllat of an honesl lboy, a fitithfil
at Yorktown, wherein they slnote and shivered the it,, b
citizen, a loving, lbrave colilllilmandcr, content to lalbor
I)ower of haughty Englaind, and secured for them. t
ill tile miost hu1ldleu callinlg, yet comprletcnt to d-1ccidcu
selves and us their descendatltsl tile Ipriceless l)oo of..
the destinies of a great nation. Never within the
independence. 'l'ley melan the type and symnbol of
I>crio(1 of our national history h1ad ve such nceCl of a 1 "~~
our national growth -until the wvar of i81 2, in whiC(h erio of our natioal history had e such need of,,,.ational E~rv~rvti ur i, T rncoln as when he clnltcrcl Ul,on his perilolls duties.
it floated proudly over our victorioaus soldiers (on tle his perilous duties.
' laud aInd on thle sea, aid saw Englanrl;lgainl thle Asking the prayers of his c:ountrymcn, he took their
sill)pliant for peace. 'I'hey nean the lring and the case upon his broad shoulders, carried it triumphl)- '
oairige of otur l)atiliotic soldiers iln the war with andly throughl the (lark struggle, landed it s-afely at,,q '.ll;,:}.f I i
MECOST 'A COUN' Y. 5 95
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' the cost of his life. Mart/yr indeed! Never did the
old flag take half-mast upon so sad an occasion as, when the wires flashed that fatal message, " Lincoln
is dead." The nation was at first convulsed as by an
earthquake, then it trembled, then wept as a child.
Sad silence reigned everywhere. The hum of machinery was hushed. All gayety gave place to deep
sorrow. The palace, the cottage, the hovel, were
alike draped in mourning. Strong men met, greeted
each other in whispers, and sobbed aloud.
"In his death, every human being lost a friend.
b He long ago predicted and expressed a belief that
his life and the rebellion would end together; and
his blood, though shed by the cowardly assassin, as
the agent of our ungrateful people, has cemented the
bonds of our Union; and accursed be the traitor who
dares attempt to break that sacred seal.
"No name enrolled upon the pages of history calls
) forth such tender, loving enthusiasm from the American people as the honored name of Abraham Iincoin. He was not only great as a statesman, but a
[ man in the purest meaning of that term. The mur-? mur of a child would move his sympathy; and when
^ his country called upon him, above all others, to reunite, if possible, the broken bonds of brotherhood,
he responded from the depths of his great heart,
' We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be
enemies. Though passion may have strained, it
must not break, the bonds of affection. The mystic
cords of memory stietching from every battle-field
and patriot's grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the
chorus of Union, impelled by the better angels of
our nature, with malice toward none, with charity
~ to all.' These are but a trifling example of the calm,
deliberate, loving sentiments of our sainted hero.
Yet with gentleness he combined firmness. When
he heard the lash of the master, followed by the
groan of the slave, mark his expression:
"'Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that
the scourge of war may soon pass away. But if
i God wills, let it continue until all the wealth piled
up by the bondmen's 250 years of unrequited toil
shall be sunk, and every drop of blood drawn by the
lash shall be paid by another drawn by the sword.'
Yes, he heard the piteous appeal and hastened to the
rescue. He struck the shackles from 4,000,000
slaves and left them as God intended they should be,
I
unfettered, free as the waves of ocean, the winds of
heaven. And though he could not heal the aching
limbs, he could rob the slave-pen and the whipping
post of further victims. He could clasp the black
hands that were everywhere upheld to him. He
could heal their wounded hearts.
"History has recorded many noble documents,
some never to be forgotten. 'Magna Charta,' dear
to us all; the ' Declaration of Independence,' which,
please God, shall never die; last in number, first in
human kindness and brotherly love, Lincoln's immortal 'Proclamation of Emancipation.' It brought
forth liberty from bondage, warmed the cold hearthstone, restored many a lost link so cruelly severed
from that golden love-chain that binds a mother to
her child. Forever green in the memory of that
humble people, Lincoln will be your name. It will
be lisped in prayer until every lip is speechless and
every heart is still.
"But why prolong this eulogy? Human expression
is too feeble to portray his merits or do justice to his
noble character. He stands alone in history, the
humblest, yet the highest. Summon the artillery of
the nation, marshal in solemn column all her soldiers,
her sailors and her citizens. Let sweetest music be
wafted on every breeze. Aye-mingle with it the
heavenly chorus of angels, and chant his requiem
from shore to shore. Float the old flag from every
house-tol) and mast-head, and then, even then you
have but a just response to your toast, 'Abraham
lincoln, (ur Martyr Iresident.'"
The glee club then sang the song, " Lay me down
and save the flag," and after that Dr. F. B. Wood responded to the toast, "The Picket." This was followed by two songs, the " Picket Guard," and " Kingdom Comin',' b)y the club. Judge M. Brown then
responded to the toast, "The Prison Pen." After a
graphic portrayal of the sufferings at Andersonville
and Libby and other rebel prisons, the speaker said:
" No nation can prosper which would treat its prisoners with such cruelty. I honor my country; I love
its institutions; but whenever it resorts to such
treatment of prisoners of war, then, I pray that he
who holds the destinies of nations in his hands may
blot it from the map of empires."
The glee club then sang " Tramp, Tramp, Tramp,"
and then the toast, " Our Fallen Comrades," was responded to by the audience rising, and standing in
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silence while the band played a dirge. " The Loyal
Women" was then responded to by J. M. Colby, and
the band next played " The Girl I left behind me."
After this, Noble D. Rood, of Colfax Township, spoke
briefly, from experience, of the rebel prisons, confirming all that had been said of their cruelty. At the
conclusion of Mr. Rood's remarks, it was suggested
that all who had been prisoners of war stand up.
A count of those who arose to their feet in response
to this suggestion disclosed the fact that the audience
contained twenty-seven men who were living witnesses of the atrocities perpetrated upon those who
had the misfortune to be captured by the rebels during the war. The next toast was "The Bivouac,"
which was responded to by Lieut. Edgar Peirce, as
follows:
"Of the many recollections of a soldier's life
brought to mind on occasions like the present, none
are perhaps more vivid and interesting than the recollections that cluster around the bivouac fire. As
memory wanders back to those stirring times of
1861-5, and calls to mind the countless fires that
have gleamed from the Potomac to the Gulf, marking
each day's progress on that long and bloody road,
what a panorama moves before our mental vision!
Those fires have long been cold, but in memory they
burn as brightly to-day as they did in years gone by,
and give rise to many pleasant, many tender, and
many painful emotions.
" What pleasanter scene, for instance, can be imagined than that presented by an evening bivouac at
the close of a pleasant summer's day, in some beautiful spot in the valley of Virginia? The blue mountain tops in the hazy distance, the green field dotted
with white tents, the myriads of twinkling camp-fires
surrounded by careless and picturesque groups of
boys in blue, the inspiring strains of martial music,
mingled with the sounds of laughter and song, all
combine to make a scene of enchantment which,
once seen, can never be forgotten.
"But when autumn came with its icy wiinds and
chilling storms of rain and sleet, and the roads were
one endless, hopeless stretch of mud, the lpicture had
a darker shade. Then, after wearily plodding all
day through mud and rain, often until late at night,
we would at length turn aside into some dripping
piece of woods, and listen to some such command as
this: 'Halt! Dismount and fix yourselves comfort
able for the night!' Comfortable! Easy said; but...
with the rain coming down in torrents, blankets and i
clothing soaked through, teeth chattering, fingers;,
stiffened and benumbed with cold, and stomachs;
yearning for mother's cupboard at home, the prospect I
for comfort was not flattering. We lived through it,
however, and can again, if occasion require it.
"But what a troop of nmournful and tender recollections come crowding on the memory when we
think of the bivouac after the battle; when the clash
of arms had ceased; when the sounds of the shrill,
demoniac Southern yell, and the deep-chested, fullmouthed Northern roar were no longer borne on the "
breeze; when the last, fierce, desperate charge had
been made, and the battle lost or won! Silently we
gathered around the bivouac fire in sadly dinminished
numbers, mnissing the merry voices, and dear, familiar
faces of many loved comrades, who only the evening
before were with us full of life and mirth; but tonight their unshrouded and uncoffined forms lowly
lie in unmarked graves...
"Hundreds of thousands of those loved comrades,
now lie quietly resting in their last bivouac. Scat-.:
tered all over the sunny South they peacefully sleep,,,
making its vaunted sacred soil truly sacred with
their loyal dust. On the pleasant slopesof Cemetery ii>
Hill, at Gettysburg, on the very spot where in life
they stood a living wall against which Lee's trained
legions surged like a mighty wave, only to be, like a
wave, dashed back in fragments, thousands of them
gloriously rest. And 1 Ihope that these, our annual
reunions or l)ivouacs, as they mIight be c'alled, w\ill Ie
kept up, if for no other lpurpose than to keel) the
memory of those brave men green. I trust as timle [.
rolls on and bur numbers liminish, our interest in
these gatherings will increase, until we finally meet
in that grand reunion on the other shore."
The b1and then p)layed "Yankee I)oodle," after
which M. T. Nethawany responded to the toast, "'l'he
Long Roll." His remarks were very interesting, and
at their conclusion the bugle call for the long roll,w\as
soundledl from behind the scenes, whlich wNas ftll)wed (
by the genuine, old-faslhioned roll, beaten upon the
drums )by Messrs. Palmer, Miller and olbart. Gen. ','
Stephen Bronson then spoke on the " Close of the
War." 'The exercises closed with the song, " Red, '"ll
White and Blue," by the glee club..j
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Aug. 24, I88o, another reunion was held of the
Old Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Mecosta
County. The attendance, owing to unfavorable
weather, was not as large as on previous occasions.
A procession was formed at the armory about Ir
o'clock, under direction of Marsnal Owen, assisted by
W. D. Moody. First came the City Cornet Band,
then came the Big Rapids Guard, and the veteran
soldiers brought up the rear. The procession moved
eastward to Warren avenue, thence southward to
Oak street, thence westward to State street, thence
northward to Woodward avenue, thence westward to
Stearns' Grove. In passing the residence of A. C.
Tilbbits, on Oak street, the procession was halted, and
three hearty cheers were given for the decorations
which adorned the front of the building. At the
grove, after dinner, a stirring address was given )by
the president, Edgar Peirce. Just as he was closing
a sudden rain caused the meeting to adjourn to
Armory Hall. Here the following toasts were responded to:
I.-"Our Flag." — Response by Hon. Michael
Brown.
2.-" Our Fallen Conmradles." —In silence, atvdience standing.
3.-" General Custer."-David Burns.
4.-" 77/c Foragers."-J. B. Upton.
The exercises were interspersed with music by the
band, and songs by a glee club.
F()URTH REUNION.
The fourth annual reu:nion was a grand success.
It occurred Thursday, Aug. 4, i88i, and was largely
attended. The great novelty this year was the use of
real tents, and the performance of army camp duties
by the veterans. A salute was fired at ro o'clock, 3
and shortly afterward a procession formed under the
direction of Captain Brazee, assisted by G. W. Crawford and Thomas Shaw, in the following order: i
Knights Templar Band; Big Rapids Guard, armed;
old soldiers, armed; a veteran war-horse, and a section of artillery. The procession moved through the
principal streets, and then returned to camp for dinner. An excellent dinner was served under a big tent
erected for that purpose, and squads had dinner in
nearly all the mess tents on the grounds. After
dinner, a patriotic address was delivered by Hon.
M. Brown, and the following toasts were proposed
and appropriately responded to, as follows:
" On t/e Marcz. -Response by L. G. Palmer.
" /Te Bummers."-Response by Frank Dumon.
" Boots anl' Sad'dles."-Response by Edgar Peirce.
"Our Fallen Comrades." -In silence, audience (
standing.,
" 7The Chapflain."-Response by Rev. C. A. Munn.
Music was furnished by the Knights Templar =
Band. At the business meeting the Executive,
Committee were authorized to purchase a ceme- =
tery lot, whereon indigent memlers might be buried.
A letter of regret was read from Robert T. Lin- k
coin, Secretary of War. The reunion closed with
a ball at the Armory, which was attended by 125
couples.
The Third Michigan Infantry held a reunion at
Big Rapids, Dec. 13, r88i, which was attended by
200 veterans. Among the exercises was the toast,
" The Boys in Blue," to which J. B. Upton, of Big
Rapids, made an impromptu response.
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ral community. The pine forests of this county are
fast disappearing, and a few years hence improved
farms will take their place. Let us then make every
effort to build up and promote the agricultural and
mechanical interests of the county that they may
keep pace with the lumberman's ax. Nature has
done much for us in this county, and with the encouragement and assistance of the combined efforts
of the people of this county, and with the assistance
of capital, that will come in time, this county can be
made one of the leading manufacturing counties in
the State; and nothing is better calculated to stimulate the manufacturing interests than a society of this
kind. We think this is a matter of great importance
to us all, and we hope that no opportunity will be
lost to make it a success.
G. W. WARREN.
FOSTER P. WOOD.
BENJ. F. GRAVES.
Big Rapids, March 7, 1874.
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The meeting held April 9, for the election of
officers, was attended by about 40 persons. Charles
Shafer was chosen Chairman, and G. W. Warren. Secretary. Col. N. H. Vincent was then elected
President of the society, G. W. Warren, Secretary,
and W. 1. Latimer, Treasurer. The following persons were elected Directors: Fitch Phelps, Levi H.
> Roberts, W. W. Smith, John A. Markle, Carlos Tea' chout and John V. Armstrong for one year; J. T.
) Escott, P. S. Decker, S. S. Chipman, John F.
McCabe, J. O. Rose and James Canaan for two
years; and J. N. Decker, C. M. Darrah, George
Minkle, H. M. Johnson, B. F. Graves and Luther
Cobb for three years. J. 0. Rose, G. W. Warren
and B. F. Graves were appointed a committee to
draft by-laws for the society, and present them to the
) Directors for their approval. It was directed that
1 the third Monday in April be fixed as the time for
holding annual meetings, and also that all persons
who had paid into the treasury the sum of one dollar be considered members.
At a meeting of the Directors held April 28, they
decided that the Society hold a fair for three days,
commencing on the 29th of September following.
Committees were appointed to secure grounds and
prepare a premium list.
I
people had had an opportunity to compare plroductions of agricultural and mechanical skill, and to
exhibit what was raised, made and owned in Mecosta County. The entries aggregated over 500, and
$408.50 were paid in premiums. A goodly number
were in attendance, in spite of bad weather. For
the succeeding year the following officers were elected: President, Luther Cobb; Treasurer, W. I. Latimer; Secretary, G. W. Warren; Directors for three
years-Fitch Phelps, of Colfax; L. H. Roberts, of
Morley; W. W. Smith, of Fork; E. P. Strong, of Sheri- I
dan; C. Teachout, of Green; J. V. Armstrong, of
Chippewa. Director for two years (to fill vacancy
caused by electing Mr. Cobb as President), A. Vangilder, of Big Rapids.
SECOND FAIR.
The second fair, held in September, I875, was
much inferior to the first fair. There seems to have (
been little interest manifested either by exhibitors or
visitors. The following officers were elected: President, William Ladner; Secretary, John Ialziel;;
Treasurer, C. M. Darrah. Directors for three years:
J. T. Escott, C. Main, Geo. Gilmore, R. 1). Ladner, =
J. O. Rose and A. B. Knapp.
THIRD FAIR. '
The third annual fair was held Oct. 3, 4 and 5, (
1876, and was an improvement on the preceding.
Six hundred entries were made, and the attendance
was excellent. An annual address was delivered by
J. B. Upton, on the afternoon of the second day.
FOURTH FAIR.
The fourth fair, held Oct. 2, 3 and 4, was still
better, as a very general interest was manifested. J
The display, both of crops and live stock, was fine.
On the afternoon of the second day, there was a
band contest, in which the Evart band won the first
prize, the Big Rapids Cornet Band the second prize,
and the Big Rapids Light Guard Band the third
prize. A baby show was held the same afternoon, t
which furnished much amusement. Four prizes
were offered. On the last day was held a firemen's *
tournament, in which four companies entered. For I
the ensuing year William Ladner was elected Presi-;
dent, George W. Warren Treasurer, and C. M. Dar- (
rah, Secretary.,
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FIRST FAIR.
The first fair was duly held at the appointed time,
d was a grand success. It was the first time the
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V FIFTH FAIR.
The fifth fair, held Sept. i8, 19 and 20, 1878, was,' a partial failure, on account of persistent rain the
last two days. The first day gave promise of a suc-) cessful fair.
SIXTH AND LAST FAIR.
COUNTY. "
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No fair was held in 1879. The sixth fair was held
Sept. 28, 29 and 30, 1880. The weather was very
unpropitious, and hence the attendance was small.
The number of entries was 222. The receipts were
S., so small that the premiums were paid only at the
A rate of fifty cents on the dollar. Since then no attempt has been made to have a fair. It is to be
hoped that the enterprising citizens of the county
will take hold of this matter and revive these fairs,
as they are unquestionably a benefit to all.
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Rapids &.^/. very simila
r,;)k~ railroads
While it i
a3 equipped a
passed thrc
struggling
managemei
which are;
out money. The regular p
is first to get a land grant
spend several years in can
ships for local aid in the
then to grade a portion of t
miles of railroad; then foil
in which frequent announ(
effect that so many millions
East or in Europe, and woi
sumed; then at last the roe
and the citizens who first
satisfaction of knowing
finally ride over the rail:
ORY of railroads is not
void of interest, and especially interesting is the history of railroads passing
through Mecosta County.
The pioneer railroad of
this county is the Grand
Indiana. Its history is,r to that of many other
in the United States.
s now a profitable, wellLnd well-managed road, it
)ugh the usual stages of
and nDvertv and mis
frequent changes of management occur, lawsuits retard operations, and perhaps the road is sold two or
three times.
GRAND RAPIDS & INDIANA R. R.
^ United States land grant for the building of.i. a great north and south line was in exist-IiF ence from about 1850, and efforts were from
time to time made to find a company who
would accept it and commence the work. In
nt incident to most roads the early part of i860 a party of English capitalists
attempted to be built with- sent a representative to this country in the person of
)rogram for all such roads Mr. Samuels, a civil engineer, to examine the route,
t from the State, then to the character of the lands and country through.vassing cities and town- which the road was to be constructed, and to make
shape of cash or bonds; his report to the American directors, which, if favor-:he route and build a few able, would at once secure all the means required.
ows a period of inactivity, To show what a trifling cause gave check to the
cements are made to the growth of this entire region for nine years longer, it
s have been raised in the is worth recording that Mr. Samuels made the surrk will immediately be re- vey, was gratified with the prospect, and was before
ad does slowly creep along, the Board of Directors in the city of New York to
aided the road have the say that he would accept the securities and furnish
that their children may the money at once; and while making the final
road. In the meantime arrangements, nct\\s, arne of the disastrous defeat of
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the Union army at the first battle of Bull Run.
Rising in his seat, Mr. Saimuels said: "Gentlemen,
you cannot give us proper security for our money.
Your armies are defeated, and you have no country!
Our conference is at an end, and I return to England
upon the next steamer."
After the war closed, the project was again revived
and the work commenced, the objective point being
Little Traverse Bay, and it was only through the untiring perseverance and determination of one man
that a direct line was secured through the embryo
village of Big Rapids, and the great benefit of a railroad secured to Mecosta County. This road, the
Grand Rapids & Indiana, was built and operated for
some years under contract with the original owners,
by the " Continental Improvement Company, of
Pennsylvania."
The road was built very slowly, and the various
townships and villages along the proposed line were
thouroughly canvassed for subscriptions to aid the
construction. Big Rapids, Green Township and
others responded liberally, voting the maximum
amount allowed by law. The line was gradually
constructed from Grand Rapids northward as far as
Cedar Springs, and there seemed for a time " stuck;"
but in the summer of I869 work was resumed north
of that place. A thousand men were put at work,
with teams, etc., and a short journey from Big Rapids
would bring the citizen face to face with the van of
the army of laborers. I)uring August, work was
prosecuted on the contract of William S. Patterson,
commencing two miles south of Big Ralids and extending six miles southward.
'I'he natural supplosition would l)e that the advent
of this road would have united the interests of all in
the hitherto isolated Big Rapids, but on the contrary
there now commenced an internecine strife between
the upper and lower portions of the town, which
were alike disastrous and disgraceful. Tihe railroad
company, desirous to conciliate all parties, endeavored to stand aloof froinl the contention. Ab)out this
time the afterwards famous railroad magnate, Tom
Scott, )ought a tract of land of 'I... Hunt, on the
east side of the river near the upper dam, paying
therefor $14,000. It was at that time really the intention of Mr. (Cass, P lresident of the Continental
supposed that this fact would transfer the center of ^f
commercial business to the north part of the city.
Residents of that part were elated over the prospect,
and when visiting the inhabitants of the lower town
would facetiously observe that grass would soon
grow in their streets, generously offering to furnish
the necessary timothy and clover seed, even drinking
to the prosperity of the "street dairy farm." Soon
after, when the citizens, by a donation of forty acres
of land, bound the railroad company to perpetually
maintain a station on east Maple street, a party from.
the lower part of town retaliated by going in a body
to the north side, and in open day actually sowing I
grass seed in the streets and harrowing it in. Bitter K
words and still more bitter feeling resulted, and as a
matter of course all general interests suffered.
As the road actually approached Big Rapids, the
question of location of the depot became an important one. The company offered to build the depot
on the west side of the river, on the site just north of
the old red saw-mill, provided the city would procure '
for and donate to them the right of the way through the..
city limits, and the above mentioned field as a site =
for depot and shops, also $8,000 in cash, or in lieu Y'
thereof the bonds of the city to the amount of $io,- =
ooo. The citizens thought this demand was too ex- vy
orbitant, and the railroad authorities claimed that it
was no more than would fully compensate them for
the extra cost of earth-work, and several hundred
feet of extra track which they claimed would be reqluired. The result was that as the citizens refused
to pay the amount asked, the depot was located about
sixty rods east of the river, at least three times as far
from the business center of town as the proposed lo- \
cation on the west side. Another depot was con- (
structed at the same time at the iupper end of town, and iK
trains now stop at both " Lower Big Rapids" and
"Upper Big Rapids."
Early in September, 1869, G. A. Mcl)onell &i Son,
contractors, broke ground for the railroad within the
city limits of Big Rapids, east of the river M uskegon.
October 1 of the same year, the colmpany began r
to run daily trains each way between Grand Rapids
and Morley, in this county. One was a passenger,^
train, and the other a mixed train, having in addition
to freight cars two passenger coaches. The passenger '
made the trip each way in two hours and a half. This ':
made Morley a place of some consequence, being the /
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Iml)rovement Company, to locate the repair shops of
i\ the road at this point; and it was of course generally.\i., G * ', u.ul...*ll..1.ll....... ",."
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York, and on returning announced that the road
could be built and equipped that year, under one arrangement. This vas nothing more nor less than a
consolidation of the company with the Chicago &
Michigan Lake Shore, whose road was then built and
operated as far north as Pentwater. This arrangement was cordially endorsed by the stockholders and
directors resident at Big Rapids and Muskegon, and
the contract for the construction of the entire road,
to be completed and in running order by the first of
January following, was let to a Mr. Thompson, a railroad contractor who had just been performing a piece
of work for the Michigan Central, and who at once
transferred his entire force of about I,ooo men, with
all the necessary tools and equipments for railroad
work, to this Muskegon & Big Rapids road, beginning at the same time at both ends of the line.
With this large, efficient and well organized corps,
the work was pushed as rapidly forward as it could
have been under the circumstances.
Owing to bad weather and other obstacles, the
completion of the road was delayed till the summer
of I873. In July, regular trains-two passenger
and one freight-were put on the line. The stations
and distances on the line are as follows: Big
Rapids; Hungerford, 6'IS miles from Big Rapids;
Traverse Road, il miles; Pilgree's Dam, 19 miles;
Morgan Station, 20 miles; Alleyton, 2 miles; Worcester, 25 miles; Fremont Center, 31 miles; Fremont Lake, 33 miles; County Line, 36 miles; Holton,
39 miles; Twin Lake, 45 miles; Big Rapids Junction, 51 miles; Muskegon, 55 miles.
The completion of the road was celebrated by an
excursion from Big Rapids to Muskegon, which was
well patronized. In connection with this road's history, it may be mentioned as an interesting fact that
it crosses the natural bed of Mitchell Creek thirtytwo times within two miles of Big Rapids, and
thirty-eight times within three and a quarter miles.
Five or six years after the completion of this road,
the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore and the Muskegon and Big Rapids railroads were organized as one
road, under the name of the Chicago & West Michigan railroad.
Thus the city of Big Rapids has direct communication with Chicago and all the lake lxprts inteivening.
DETROIT, LANSING & NORTHERN R. R.
HIS was the third railroad built into Mecosta County. Its present northwestern
terminus is Big Rapids. The Ionia & Stanton Branch of the D., L. & N. R. R. was made
by consolidating the Ionia & Stanton road with
the D., L. & N., a number of years ago, and
almost every year since the project has been discussed of extending that road to Big Rapids. Feb.
21, I879, Col. J. O. Hudnutt received a letter from
J. B. Mulliken, Superintendent of the D., L. & N.,
saying that he was then "ready to talk railroad to
Big Rapids, and listen to any proposition the citizens
might wish to make." On the evening of the next
day a meeting of business men was held at the
Mason House to talk up the matter and answer a
list of questions proposed by Mr. Mulliken. John
F. Brown, F. Stearns, F. Fairman, J. T. Escott and
C. P. Bigelow were appointed a committee to confer
with the railroad authorities. The railroad company
finally agreed to ask no money bonus, but to build
the road at once, if the citizens would procure the
right of way through the county, which was done.
A meeting was held at Big Rapids, May io, to
discuss means for obtaining the right of way. It
was finally decided that the most feasible and practical way would be to solicit subscriptions from the
resident property-holders of the city, equal to about
two per cent. of their respective assessed valuations,
to be paid as needed in ten per cent. installments.
The following committeer were appointed to solicit
such subscriptions: First Ward, E. P. Clark and F.
W. Joslin; Second Ward, H. E. Hardy and S. S.
Wilcox; Third Ward, G. W. Warren and C. 1).
Crandell; Fourth Ward, S. G. Webster and J. T.
Escott; Fifth Ward, P. Erikson and S. S. Griswold.
These committees met with gratifying success in
their canvass, and in four days reported from the
First Ward $r,200; Second Ward, $2,100; Third
Ward, $900; Fiourth Ward, $500oo; Fifth Ward, $i oo;
total $4,800.
The road was completed to Big Rapids in the
spring of I880, and regular trains began running on
Monday, May 31. This road is now the principal
medium of traffic with the East, and Mecosta County
has now railroads extending to each of the four
points of the compass.
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~g}' S the settlers of Mecosta
~E i,.j (County came from a country
of free schools, their attach-.-, rllent to such institutions re6 t ~ i)T mained with them, and soon
became manifest in their works.
Kj They believed that such agencies
were the most powerful in advanc-;>-" W ing the condition of the people.
'K'i The great Frenchman, Jules Simon,
said: '"That people which has the
best schools is the best people; if it
$ is not so to-day, it will be so to-morrow." The first school-house in
- the county was built in May, I858,
i nine years before the people were
able to build the first church. During the summer
of the same year, Mrs. Martha J. Evarts taught the
first school. This was on sec. 28, in the township of
Green. The schools of the county have more than
kept pace with the progress of other matters.
The following are the latest educational statistics
rC __ "I - - -, '- - I r. I
No. of children attendlillg school durillg the year 3,760
Average Ilunl)ber of ilollths schools were maintalineli 6.6
No. of brick school-houtses 1
" of friame school-houses 68
of log schlool-houlses 16
' of pupils that can be accommlllodated(l,008
Estimated value of school property $85,294
EMP'LOYMENT OF TEACHERS.
No. of mnale teachers employed
" female teachers employed
" months taught by male teachers
' months taught by femlale teachers
Total wages of male teachers for the year
Total wages of female teachers for the year
Average monthly wages of male teachers
Average monthly wages of female teachers
RESOURCES OF SCHOOL DISTRICrrS.
Moneys on hand Sept. 5, 1881
One-mill tax
Primary school interest funid
Library moneys
D)istrict taxes for all purposes
Raisedl from all other sources
Total resources for the year
36
101
203.4
533.2
$6,935.03
15,377.44
34.09
28.84
$16,799.95
2,775.30
5,399.11
1,079.33
30,324.28
8,819.72
65,250.29
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EXPENDITURES O)F SCH()()L DISTRICTS.
Paid teachelrs $22.231.61
" for buildings and repairs 15,271.26
' library books and care of library 863.08
ont bonded indlebhtedlness r, an 72
for IVlecosta County, being compiled for the year for all other purposs 6,88'
I882: Amount on hand Sept. 4, 1882 14,32:
Total expenditures, including amount on hand 65,254
School Children and Apportionment., Whole number of children in census, 4597 STATISTICS OF TOWNSHIP LIBRARIES.
Number included in apportionment, 4,476 No. of townships reporting library moneys used
School fund apportioned $5,550,24 for general school purposes
No. of townships forfeiting their library moneys
General School Statistics. " townships maintaining libraries
No. townships and cities 17 Whole number of volumes in libraries
"f school districts 85 Amount paid for books and care of libraries $44
" districts that maintaiued school during year Amount of taxes voted for libraries 5C
" graded schools 3 Amonnt fines, etc.. received from County Treas'children between five and twenty years of age 5,005 urer for support of libraries 167
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2,17
1].44
i0.29
7
4
5
283
L53
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7.95
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608 M/ECOSTA COUNTY.
STATISICS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT LIBRARIES. " female teachers 14 S
No. of districts of less than 100 children, report- Average number of pupils to each teacher 47. ing libraries 7.. o..
No. of volumes reported by the same 487Mecost.
" C districts of more than 100 children, main- Number of children between five and twenty;
t taing libraries 3 years 172
J o. of volumes added during year Estilmated valule of school property $2,100. volumnes in such lil)biraries 1,045 Amount paid for superintendence and instrl'cAmnouint paid for support of such lilraries $750.28 tion 356.
of lines, etc., received from County Average monthly wages of male teachers 49.06
Treasurer 1,002.38 " " " female teachers 35.74
Expenditures 1,25.595)
Graded School Statistics. Mor ICey.
Big Rapids, Number of children between five and twenty
N Number of children between five and twenty years 135
years 1,039 Estimated valuation of school property $1,000
' Estimated valuation of school property $30,000 Amount paid for superintendence and instrucAmount paid for instruction 6,561.25 tion 765
Average monthly wages of ale teachers 130.00 Avera monthly wages of omale teachers 50
Average monthly wages of female teachers 33.55 '. female teachers 35
Grand total expenditures 21,171.92 Total cost per capita for instruction and inciGrand total indebtedness 6.000.00 deintals 11.58
Cost per capita of instruction 8.72 Total enrollment 114
Total enrollment 1,089f Average number belonging SO
Average number bleloillging 620 daily attendance (.5
l daily attendance 530 Numllber of male teachers 1
JNumber of male teachers 1 fenle teachers 1
xx
S the Big Rapids Pioneer ished. stablished when Big Rapids (or Leonard)
% was the pioneer newspaper had less than 150 inhabitants, and Mecosta County
' of this part of the State, little over r,ooo inhabitants, and always devoted to
^ it was rightly named. The both town and county, even its enemies admit
first number was issued April that it has materially aided in the development
17, 1862, and was a very credit- and progress of this section of the State of Michigan.
able sheet in every particular, Politically it has been uniformly an exponent of
1 though it did not exhibit a very Republican principles, which, when the pal)er was
liberal advertising patronage for started, were synonymous with support of the Union.
the first few months. It was 'he following salutatory gives the platform of the
started as a five-column folio, by paper, and also shows to some extent the feeling
T, Charlie Gay, as publisher and pro- generally prevailing among the people:
prietor, and though it has had several "In presenting our little sheet to the public for
changes in size, it has been essenti- their criticism, we shall offer no apology for its ditally under the same manragement for minutive proportions or for the matter contained j
- the nearly twenty-two years it has thus far been pub- therein, but bespeak for the Pioneer a candid and
IKK^^ t( >>w.*:3t,, IG< —" ^^xe,,< 5.2>t,'
---- - n BECOSTACOUNTY 6o
^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 609 >
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impartial reading. It will be the aim of this paper
) to advance the interests of Mecosta County, not forgetting in the meantime the interests of the proprietor.
") "As to politics, we shall discuss them as little as
possible, believing as we do, that at the present
time, when our country is shaken to its center by the
most causeless revolt that has ever happened in the
history of nations, as the lamented Douglas said,
every man is a PATRIOT OR A TRAITOR."
" We shall not stop to discuss party issues,
nor party measures, but stand on the broad platform
of American liberty; determined to know no party
preferences aside from the one great and glorious
sentiment, the UNION, the CONSTITUTION and enforcement of the LAWS.'
" When this unholy rebellion shall have been
crushed, and its guilty leaders have suffered a just
) penalty for their damning treason; when the glorious. old Stars and Stripes shall wave again in triumph
over the whole of our reconstructed Union, and: peace again smiles upon us, then we shall find time
( to talk of party politics-not till then. We shall
heartily support the National administration as long
as its policy is the utter subjugation, and annihilation
if need be, of traitors to our flag; not believing it to
be the duty of the Government to treat with treason,
nor to be influenced by any excuses which may be
made for the rebellion, by Southern rebels or Northern traitors.
" We have always been a Republican since the
first organization of the party; but we now stand on
the great Union platform, with the President, all
Union Republicans and patriotic men who have
formerly been identified with the Democratic party,
as Edwin M. Stanton, Joseph Holt, Andy Johnson
and hosts of others who love their country more
than the notoriety of being party leaders, or the recipient of party favor. We shall claim the right of
expressing our views through the columns of the
Pioneer on any and all subjects, as our motto will be
- INDEPENDENT IN ALL THINGS, NEUTRAL IN NOTHING; " and we may say some things that will be distasteful to our readers; therefore we will here ask
their pardon in advance, as we can do so with much
better grace than after the offense is committed. It
will not be our policy to criticise the actions of our
>' leading statesmen, nor the behavior of our Generals;
I
neither to advise the President when it is best to
order the advance of our "Grand Army," believing
as we do that those whom we as a nation have entrusted with the management of the civil and military affairs of the country, are quite as competent
to judge of what is best and necessary in the matter
as we are, pioneers in a Michigan wilderness
neither shall we be so very severe in our reviews of
the leading journals of the Union as some of the
country papers sometimes are, thinking that perhaps
their editors are as competent and do as well as we
would under like circumstances. And finally, we
shall attempt to mind our own business, work for the
success of the Pioneer, and strive to render it worthy
of the confidence and support of the people of Meosta County and the respect of our contemporaries."
C. C. Fuller was associated with the Pioneer in an
editorial capacity from the beginning for several years,
but for the first three years it was owned exclusively
by Mr. Gay. Dec. 2, 1865, with the beginning of the
fourth volume, appeared the announcement that
Orrin T. Fuller had been received as a partner. The
paper was then published by Charlie Gay & Co. until May, I873, and then Mr. Gay was alone until
November, 1876, when the Magnet was combined
with the Pioneer, and the Pioneer-Magnet Printing
Company was formed, consisting of Charlie Gay, M.
W. Barrows, and E. O. Rose. In February, 1882,
Mr. Barrows purchased Mr. Rose's interest. Since
Mr. Barrow's death in February, 1883, Mr. Gay has
been once more sole manager, although Mrs. Barrows still retains an interest in the paper. Besides
these changes in ownership, the paper has experienced several changes in size. For the first five
years it was published as a five-column folio. From
I867 to 1870 it was a seven-column folio. From
1870 to 1874, a nine-column folio; and in the latter
year it was enlarged again to a seven-column quarto.
On this occasion its name was changed to the "Big
Rapids Pioneer.'
Nov. I6, I876, appeared the first number of the
Pioneer-Magnet, the editors of the two papers having
concluded to join forces. The following announcement explained this change:
We greet our patrons and friends to-day with
the Pioneer-Magnet, a consolidation of the Big
Rapids Magnet and the Big Rapids Pioneer.
We have merged the material and business of the
two offices into one, and have organized a stock
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61io MECOSTA COUNTY.,1____ _.. _'.11,klo
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- - - -
association under the laws of this State, which is to
be known as "The Pioneer-Magnet Printing Company." This change has been adopted after mature
deliberation, with the belief that it will enable us to
more effectually promote our own and the public
interests.
The Pioneer-Maagnet will be, as its predecessors
have ever been, the champion of all the material interests and varied resources of Mecosta County. No
effort will be spared to make it a welcome visitor to
every family, and a source of profit to all business
men whose patronage it may enjoy. In politics it
will be Republican to the core. It must not be
understood from this, however, that it is blindly
pledged to sanction every measure and act of the
party, or of its individual members, for deserving
criticism will never be withheld.
The patronage and friendship which our respective
papers have enjoyed in the past are duly appreciated,
and we venture the hope that the business relations
between our new company and the public may be
pleasant and mutually profitable. With the increased
facilities afforded by uniting the material and
machinery of two well equipped printing-offices, and
the employment of thoroughly competent workmen,
we flatter ourselves that the " Pioneer-Magnet Company " has no superior in the printing business in
Western Michigan.
E.. RSE.
CHARLIE GAY.
M. W. BARROWS.
The daily issue was started Aug. I, r88i,in size a
five-column folio. The following salutatory greeted
the public at this time:
name of the Big Rapids Independenf, in I870, the
first number appearing June 21. E. O. Rose was
editor and proprietor. It was started as a four-page,
32-column paper, very neat in appearance, and manifesting much ability. The following extracts are
taken from the salutatory:
This is an humble and perhaps difficult undertaking, prompted by neither desire nor ambition to control in political or societary matters, but to be a
chronicler of local and general news, which we propose making a specialty, and in which we shall
endeavor not to be excelled,-in other words, we
shall publish a news paper. We do not mean by
this, however, that upon all political and social subjects we shall be silent, for we shall fearlessly
express our opinions and convictions upon any and all
matters in which we happen to become interested,
and condemn wrong whenever and wherever we
find it.
In our political ideas we shall be governed by no
man nor set of men, and our platform will be INDEPENDENCE IN EVERYTHING, NEUTRAIITY IN NOTHING.
In National and State politics we shall, from a
life-long preference for the great and undying principles of the Republican party, support the nominees
of that party; but in local politics, where we have
the advantage of a personal acquaintance with the
individuals craving the support of the people, we respectfully reserve the right to determine for ourselves
which is the most deserving of it, believing as we do
that in all local and petty offices, integrity, competency and fitness should have more to do with the
selection than party lines.
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In commencing the publication of the daily Pit- Promises are among the cheapest commodities, and
neer-AMagnet, we have but little to say. Believing sometimes, at the commencement of such an enterthat a readable newspaper, containing the latest tele- prise, more are made than are afterward fulfilled;
graphic, general and local news, will l)e supported by lut not being given to a profusion of them, and prethe people of Big Rapids and vicinity, we undertake erring to be judged by our deeds rather than words,
to furnish such a paper. A liberal outlay of money e simply announce that we shall publish just as
4i; for telegraphic news and help will be made, and an good a paper as is possible with our limited facilities,
earnest effort put forth to make the daily Pioneer- and as the support we receive will warrant, and that
M Aaginet worthy of the patronage it seeks. It twill it ill be our special aim to make the INDEPENDENT
contain the regular afternoon press dispatches, which interesting and profitable, not only to the inhabitants
cost quite a sum of money, and no efforts will be of the city of Big Rapids and Mecosta County, but
spared to make its local news department perfect and of the whole Muskegon Valley.
complete. Whenever warranted by the demands of With the beginning of the year 187, J. 0. Rose
patronage, its present modest proportions will e became a partner, and the paper was published by
enlarged, and all improvements necessary to keep,,
pace with the times will be made. Trusting that our J. and E. O Rose,the latter, however, cotinefforts will be appreciated, and supported by an intel- ing to manage the paper personally. At the begin-!;. ligent public, the daily Pioneer-Magknet is launc hed ning of its fifth volume, June i8, 1874, the MIagnt r,
upon the sea of journalism. (the name for which the Independent had been exApril 24, 1882, the name was changed to the 'io- changed) was enlarged to a six-column quarto. The
4, neer, and the size made six columns. connection of J. 0. Rose ceased the last of October,,,
'. The Blig Rapids Magnet was estallished under the i874, and the paper was then l)ublishced and edited, " ', '. ', ' '.' /,I
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~ GMECOSTA
by E. O. Rose alone until it was united with the
Pioneer, in November, 1876.
) Big Rapids Regulator.
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X).lEPT. I, I880, the paper bearing this name
was established, and published with more
' or less regularity for about two years, by
I/\ David Drake Cooper, of Big Rapids. He
claims to have had a circulation of 1,200 at
one time; and at the present writing promises
that the paper will soon be revived.
Big Rapids Current.
LIVELY paper by the above name, and
the youngest of the three at Big Rapids,
t. is published Wednesdays, by V. W. Bruce. It
*. * was started early in T879, by Mr. Bruce and
W. F. Slawson, the first number appearing
February 6. The following is extracted from
the salutatory:
In the ages long ago, before Big Rapids had a
name or even a being, the powerful current which
now flows through our beautiful city started on its
course from the highlands of Michigan, around
Houghton Lake, and ever onward has been its flow,
scattering blessings without number to all the inhabitants of the Muskegon Valley.
To-day another Current starts on its course to accomplish a similar purpose; and it is the earnest
hope of the publishers that it may as honorably fulfill its mission. We do not come basing our hopes
of success upon the downfall of others; for did we
not believe that there is room for another paper in
Mecosta County, among its thousands of inhabitants,
we should not come.
We shall make the collection of local and county
news a specialty, and will be grateful for any such
items furnished, whether we deem it best to use them
or not. Party politics and its rewards shall not be our
g;iiding star, although, being Republicans, we shall
stand by our principles as individuals; but our paper
will be independent (not neutral) on all political
matters. Temperance being the great question of
the day, our Current will gladly bear on the temperance standard worthy men and measures, without
exception, who may confidently look for our encouragement and support, but no others need apply. To
build up and strengthen the community in every way
possible will be our constant aim, and every enterprise bearing this, or the development of the city and
county, in view, may draw on us as the soil upon
that other current.
The Czurrent was started as a seven-column folio,
and enlarged to a quarto July 20, I88I. Mr. Slawson retired in November, 1879, and Mr. Bruce is now
sole proprietor.
Big Rapids Herald.
| URING the spring of 1876 this paper was
~ [ started by 0. D. Glidden, and the first
number appeared May 24. In size, it was
a six-column quarto; and in politics, a sups porter of the Democratic party, as will be
seen by the following, extracted from the
salutatory:
We come before our readers with this new candidate for public favor, with the belief that it will fill a
want heretofore felt in this part of the State for a
paper Democratic in principles, and devoted to the
interests of the people of northern and central
Michigan. We shall endeavor to make the Herald
a paper not alone for Big Rapids and Mecosta
County, but for the people of this part of the State.
Politically, the Herald will be on the side of Democracy and reform, believing that the Republican
party is responsible for the reckless extravagance
and corruption in government.
We believe the only way by which the great problem of economy and purity of government can be
solved and the issues of to-day met in the interest
of the people, is in the complete overthrow of that
party and the success of the Democracy, committed
as it is, to economy and reform. And we invite the
co-operation of the Democrats and reformers of
Northern Michigan, that we may, together, do our
full share towards such a success. We will cheerfully give space in our columns for the discussion of
these and all other questions of general interest to
the people. While the Heraldwill occupy no equivocal position politically, we shall endeavor to make
it eminently a home paper,-such a paper that every
man in Northern Michigan will find it profitable and
interesting to read; and that it shall be a welcome
visitor in every home.
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In 1878 the paper was sold to a stock company,
and publshed for a few months in the interest of the
Greenback party, under the name of the Greenback
Herald. B. H. Howig then became editor, and after
a few months Mr. Glidden again became connected
Inur~u II
er, has been excelled in
nister, of a jovial dispoiple applying to him de-,.. -..,. A,, i.. 1 1...,IC;CUo olI mcUIIaLLI tlll I )y
and simply lildding the Total,............................. 13,973
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-Etna................
Austin..........
Big Rapids.........
First Ward...........
Second Ward........
Third Ward.........
Fourth Ward.........
Fifth Ward..........
Chippewa.........
Colfax...........
Deerfield........
Fork.....
Grant...........
Green..........
Hinton..........
Martiny....
Mecosta....
Millbrook....
M orton............
Sheridan........
Wheatland........
Grand Totals....
$167,5IO
r40,617
270,680
296,375
329,280
216,630
152,350
9i,385
203,480
188,822
158,485
118,877
170,918
365,351
270,850
3Io,958
175,I30
287,207
154,780
202,369
335,312
$4,607,366
$44,970
26,411
42,110
129,630
I91,910
I41,400
21,960
27,800
73,200
1,020
II,595
3,928
9,189
73,325
31,448
13,520
17,905
77.541
102,900
I6,770
88,902
$1,149,424
$212,480
167,028
312,790
426,005
52I,190
358,030
I74,3I0
119,185
276,680
189,842
170,080
122,795
180,107
438,676
302,298
324,478
195O,35
364,748
257,680
219,139
424,214
$5,756,75o
$147,510
240,617
27C,680
3I6,375
429,200
201,630
152,350
131,385
353,480
263,822
288,485
II8,877
230,918
345,35I
270,850
4I0,958
I75,230
487,207
I54.780
187,369
335,312
$5,512,366
$44,970 $r92,480
26,41I 267,028
42,1o0 312,790
129,630 446,005
191,090 621,190
14,400 343,030
21,960 I74,3IO
27,800 I59,I85
73,200 426,680
1,020 264,842
1,595 300,080
3,918 122,795
9,189 240,107
73,325 418,676
31,448 302,298
13,520 424,478
19,905 195,035
77,541 564,748
102,900 257,683
I6,770 204,139
88,902 424,2I4
$i,I49,424 $6,66I,790
c VALUATION OF PROPERTY IN MECOSTA COUNTY.
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< 0 ASSESSED VALUATION. EQUALIZED VALUATION.
35qTOWNS & RDS. REA. PERSONL. TOTALS. REAL. SONAL. TOTALS.
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TOWNS & WARDS.
Aetna...........
Austin...........
Big Rapids........
First Tard.......
Second ward.....
Thisrd TWard.....
Forth' Ward.....
Fifth Ward.......
Chippeiva.......
Colfca..........
Deer field.........
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STATE.
$220 30
305 60
357 97
510 45
710 95
392 58
199 37
182 17
488 35
303 10
343 43
7,1(; 9
COUNTY.
$ 722 30
1,002 10
1,173 80
7,673 70
2,331 05
1,287 25
654 20
597 40
1,601 30
993 85
1,126 25
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TOWN.
$ 400 00
550 00
200 00
5,120 68
7,204 15
4,134 15
1,944 14
1,275 06
250 00
350 00
300 00
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SCHOOL. HIGHWAY.
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$2,214 54
1,032 00
750 00
3,773 23
5,308 43
3,046 26
1,432 55
939 53
2,005 00
1,553 00
1,027 19
7 nl n/ /
$150
379
533
612
360
236
250
250
250
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31
64
46
02
12
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00
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$189 65
266 82
15:3 12
72 00
47 23
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208 00
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IN - rT V,'......I........... -Lttu 01V - j tt ^u uo,Lf \juj JV UU-vFv u0 "a W a
a) t t........... 2'7480 901 05 350 00 1,464 00
L Gree......... 479 15 1,51 1 200 00 52296 00 250 00
I 0 o Hinton........... 345 97 1,134 45 525 00 2,297 61 250 00
u.. Iartiny.......... 485 80 1,592 95 350 00 756 24
' I, ~ 3eosta....... 223 20 732 00 200 00 1.374 86 200 00;,, 0 A illbrook....... 646 35 2.119 30 350 00 1,718 25
1=. Horton........... 294 90 967 05 500 00 1,990 27 300 00
0 Sh eid.a........ 'i62 766 10 350 00 1,039 80 306 87
Wh Teatland....... 485 50 1,591 80 500 00 1,573 66 150 00
\'T otal........ 7., 624 05 25,000 00.
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AETNA TOWNSHIP.
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4 I i southwest corner of Mecosta
i.1 I _JWl' County, is numbered thirteen
(- r''t north, range ten west, Congressional survey, and is?.^ bounded on the north by Mecosta Township, on the east by
1 Deerfield Township, on the south
)J 1,y Montcalm County, and on
/1 the west by Newaygo County.
Jf i, It is watered by both the Muskegon, which crosses the northwest
4 corner, and Little Muskegon, crossing the southeastern corner. It
I contains also Ryerson Creek and
Brockway Creek, flowing into the Muskegon, and Big
f-<' i '.i1 -. z::, * z i:,. Lx~t s 2 ii-. -1i- m.5A {\^A
Matthews and Mary Howe, by Clark D. Green, Justice of the Peace, in June, I864. The first frame
building was a dwelling erected by Clark D. Green,
in I868. The first mill was a portable saw-mill put
up by A. B. Bunn, in 1869. The first school-house
was a log building erected on section ten, in i86o.
The first school was taught by Rachel Whitzel, in
I86i. The first store was opened by John Butler, in
1869. The first post-office, Morley, was established
in 869..Etna Township shows remarkably steady and
rapid increase of population. In 1870, at the first
census after its organization, Atna had already a
population of 385. The State census of I874 gave
557, and the last census, in 1880, showed a total of
894. In r874, it had 722 acres of improved land,
annl in Tr T in hnd T.2T ncres Tn T f6i tle pei,,nil_,;1
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U /reeC, witl its triL)utaries, wvve iSt D-iic an lu ica.ltr. -. I.. I....- I.. —1 tI 1LiCI-, Creek, flowing into the Little Muskegon. The town- ized valuation of its real and personal estate was
ship contains several small lakes, among which are $27,078. Its present valuation is $192,480. The
Davis Lake, Briar Patch Lake and Brady Lake. The total vote in November, 1882, was 231.
greater part of the village of Morley lies in AEtna MORLEY.
Township. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad
runs through sections thirteen, twenty-four, twenty- The village of Morley owes its existence to the
five and thirty-six. construction of the G. R. & I. railroad. The first
NEttna was the eighth township organized in Me- settlers on the village plat were Charles Lawson,
costa County, its first election occurring Oct. 0o, 1865. Nelson Pike, M. Swanger, George H. Ward, H-iram
Its first Supervisor was Frederick R. Luther. The Bryant, Allen Chapin, Rodney Elmer and Harvey. first white settler was William Brockway, who located Winas, all of whom came in the summer or fall of >;
on section twenty-nine. The first birth was that of 1869. The post-office was established the same fall,
Ira P. Mitchell, son of William G. and Mary A. and Frank P. Bodwell was appointed the first PostMitchell. The first death was that of Platt Mitchell, master. 'I'he present lostmaster is D. C. King.
' in April, 1855. The first couplle married were Fred. The pIopulation of the village increased very fast, 2/,.*. "^'': " — ':"- —. <. j — -6!?'" l l,,: ', ~',:,,,~"' --- — ""..."':i'
fIECOSTA COUNTY. 62I
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and in one year had become 328, by the actual count
of M. Swanger, who took a census in the fall of I870.
This showed a sufficient population to warrant the
incorporation of the village, which was ordered by
the County Board of Supervisors the same fall. The
T first officers elected were: Michael Swanger, President; A. Chapin, Clerk; H. Daniels, Treasurer. In
I883 Morley was incoporated by the Legislature, and
the following officers were chosen: George H.
Ward, President; W. H. Richmond, Clerk; George
H. Force, John Pierdon, William Hugh, Sen., M. T.
r Nethaway, William T. Jones and John Hanson,
Trustees.
'The population of the village is now between 500
and 600. The following is the list of business men
and firms now in Morley:
Beard, F. C., grocery.
Carr, J. M., lumber and shingles.
Chapin, Allen, general store.
Cutler, J. F. & Co., hardware store.
Dickerson, Isaiah, livery stable.
3. Davy & Flock, wagon shop and blacksmith.
= Higbee & Hugh, lumber and lath.
= Hill, William, restaurant.
Force, George H., general store.
Hanson Bros., grocery.
Hicks, W. H.. drug-store.
K) Hanson, M., notions.
Jones, W. T., shingles.
Jones, Wellington, crockery.
Jones & Hugh, grist-mill.
Lake, W. 0., stationery.
Loshbough, G. B., wagon-shop and blacksmithing.
Lawson, Charles, boot and shoe store.
Morgan Bros., furniture store.
Mickins, Spencer, barber shop.
Pelton, Lon. A., hardware store.
Pike, Nelson, drug store.
Pike, Mrs. A., millinery shop.
Pierdon & Sanegar, tannery.
Reynier, Julius, hotel and saloon.
Rockwell, Mrs. Wm., millinery shop.
Richmond, W. H., jewelry store.. Smith, O. W., photograph gallery.
Swanger, M., bakery and restaurant., Thurkow, John E., general store.
Trask, R. S., saloon.
Wiley, N. W., shingles.
'4 — ~ —
Ward, Mrs. G. H., millinery.
Wagner & Foolmer, shingles.
Whitbeck, L. I., meat market.
Woolworth, B. F., harness shop.
The medical profession is represented by Drs. 13.
F. Brown, B. H. McMullen and J. B. Cook; and the
legal by D. C. Moshier.
M. L. Jones is the station agent on the G. R. & I.
Railroad.
The Morley Advance is a five-column folio, printed
at Mecosta, of which about three columns are items
pertaining to Morley. H. O. Lake is the Morley
editor. H. M. Trussell is the proprietor and publisher. The first issue of the Advance appeared
April I3, I883.
General Wool Post, No. 164, G. A. R., was mustered Aug. 2, i883, with the following officers: Charles
Reed, Corn.; Orwell Ball, S. V. C.; M. T. Nethaway, J. V. C.; D. C. King, Q. M.; William Rockwell, Chap.; Sanford Reed, 0. D.; Orrin I. Hill, O.
G.; William H. Hicks, Surgeon; Clark Van Wie,
Adj. The post numbers 24 members.
The only church in Morley is that of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, organized in the fall of
I870. For some years, until able to build a church,
the society held its services in the school-house.
They have now a commodious church edifice, seating between 300 and 400, and which cost $r,5oo.
Services are held at least once every Sunday, and
twice every alternate Sunday. The present pastor is
Rev. C. W. Smith, who commenced his duties in
September, i883.
The school building at Morley was erected in
I87 -2, at a cost of $2,500. Additional sums have
been spent on the building at different times-$i,ooo
in I883. The Principal of the school is Frank O.
Wickham, and he is assisted by Miss Gertrude Grover. The Morley Academy is a private school
taught by Clark Van Wie, and was opened in July,
I883. It has a model department for preparing
teachers. The attendance varies from 30 to 40. The
institution is supported by a stock company, which
has raised $I,500 in shares of $25 each.
A driving park has just been purchased west of
the village, and a track laid out and graded. The
park contains 20 acres. The President of the association is John Bell; Secretary, D. W. Stewart.
Morley has been a severe sufferer from fire, on two
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V1 occasions. The first was Oct. 6, 1876, when the 1869, was but $125,727. Its present valuation is A
National Hotel, the Central House, and the Cor- $267,028. Its total vote, in November, 1882, was 56. (
~. mercial House, and all south of them to the river.4
were burned. A woman and child,living near Rust- -- * --
ford, were consumed in this blaze. The fire is suplposed to have originated in a lamp explosion. Feb. BIG RAPIDS TOWNSHIP.
17, i880, the business block from Second to Third
streets was consumed. These two conflagrations
swept away nearly the whole of the village, though,
Phoenix-like, Morley is now more of a place than
ever. The second fire is supposed to be due to
i incendiarism. Albert Fairchild was tried for the
' crime of arson, convicted, and sentenced to the State
Penitentiary for life, but through a technical error
obtained a second trial and was acquitted.
HE township of Big Rapids, containing
the city of the same name, is an exact Congressional township, being township fifteen
north, range ten west. It contains 23,040,
acres of land, of which as large an amount is:
under cultivation as in any other township in [
Mecosta County. It is intersected by the Muskegon F
River, which flows in a winding course south through
the eastern part of the township. Flowing east
through the northern part, and emptying into the
Muskegon at Big Rapids, is Mitchell's Creek. In
the southern part are Cold Spring and other small
creeks, which flow into the Muskegon. Big Rapids is (
pre-eminently the railroad township of the county,,
being traversed by three lines,-the Grand Rapids,
& Indiana, the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, and the:
Chicago & West Michigan (formerly the Muskegon
& Big Rapids).:
The township was organized in 1858, under the
name of Leonard. Luther Cobb, was the first Supervisor. In I865, by act of the Legislature, the name
was changed to Big Rapids. The first white settler
of the township was John Parish, who located on
'I
AUSTIN TOWNSHIP.
HE township of this name is numbered 14
north, range 9 west, Congressional survey,
and is bounded on the north by Colfax
Township, on the east by Morton Township,
on the south by Deerfield Township, and on
the west by Mecosta Township. Austin lies between
the Muskegon and the Little Muskegon, the former
of which just touches the northwestern corner of the
township. Rising in Austin Township are a score of
s11
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small streams, which all flow trom the center. Those section 14, in 185 I, and was also one of the first two
on the east flow to the east, those on the south to settlers in the county. Many of the first events in
the south, and those on the west to the west. the county occurred in this township. The first
Among the more important of these streams are first birth in the township and also in the county was
i. Mac's Creek, Quigley Creek and Beaver Creek. that of Alice Brockway, daughter of William and
\ In the northeastern corner is Burdon Lake. The Margaret Brockway, Feb. 12, 1853. The first mar' Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad passes along riage in both township and county was that of Silas
the western border, running through sections 6 and Moore and Sally French, solemnized by Elder Kelley
3I. The township contains no villages, in the fall of 854. ' The first frame dwelling was
Austin was organized in January, i869, and its the two-story boarding-house built by Warren &
first Supervisor was Jacol) Snyder. Ives in 1857. The first mill was the water-power
T lhe population of the township according to the saw-mill built ily the same parties in the spring of
census of I870, was 346. In 1874 it had grown but the same year. This was the first frame structure in
a little, and had 416. By the census of r880, it had town; and a run of stone afterwards added, made it [
' doubled its population of six years before, and had the first grist-mill in the county. The first school- "
833. Its increase in acreage of improved land was house was a two-story frame building, erected in (1
still greater. In 1874it had I,089 acres, and in i88I 1859, on the corner of Michigan avenue and Oak
it had 2,464. The equalized valuation of its real street, in Big Rapids, and afterwards known as the ';
and personal estate at the time of its organization in First Ward School-house of the city. The first o,.,,,t. 7 i. I4;< -a X
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 623
1~ _______.____ _..__..__._ _.___ ----_. 6
9 school was taught by Mrs. Mary Fuller, in the sum- a small steamer plies on the lake. It may in time
mer of i86o. become a very popular resort. Chippewa Township.v The population of Big Rapids (then Leonard) was given a civil organization in i868, and it elected;,
Township in 1860 was 317; in 1864 it was 342; in as its first Supervisor, John W. Sparks. The first
1- I870 it was 465; and in 1880 it was 549. It had white settler, a Mr. Pollock, located on section six, in
2,440 acres of improved land in 1878, and 2,239 the spring of I865. The first birth, that of Mary
acres in i88I. The decrease is only apparent, and is McCormack, daughter of Malcolm and Catherine
due to different standards used in different years. McCormack, occurred April 20, i868. The first
The equalized valuation of real estate and personal death was that of Mrs Sylvester Smith. The first
property in 1859 was $I61,279.36; and its present marriage, that of Robert Jamieson and Minnie Marvaluation is $312,790. This of course excludes Big tiny, was solemnized by Rev. E. B. Miner, in Jan) Rapids City. The total vote in November, 882, uary, i868. The first frame building was a barn,
was 87. erected by William Perry in I874. The first mill
_, _ was a saw-mill, erected by R. W. Kimball, in i872.
-— ~ |The first school-house was a log building erected on
section eight, in the spring of 1870; and the first
Chippewa Township.
Chischool was taught by Z. N. Tidd, in the summer of
HIPPEWA Township, situated i the the same year. The first store was opened by Wilson Brothers in June, I873. The first postoffice,
northern tier of townships of Mecosta
northern tier of townships of Mecosta Chippewa Lake, was established in 1870, with S. V.
County, is township I6 north, range seven Tice as Postmaster.
west, Congressional survey, and is bounded The Chippewa Grange is an organization deserv-.
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east by Fork Township, on the south by
= Martiny Township, and on the west by Grant Township. It is on the divide between the two slopes
drained by the Muskegon and the Chippewa, though
most of it is tributary to the Chippewa. Pogie Lake,
in the northwestern part, is the source of Pogie
Creek, which unites with Muskegon River in Grant
Township. South through the central part of the
township flows Roundy Branch, which enters Upper
Evans Lake on the southern line of the township.
This lake has from its southern end, which is in
Martiny Township, a short outlet flowing into Lower
Evans Lake. This in turn fows by another short
outlet into the South Branch of the Chippewa. On
the head-waters of the Roundy Branch and tributary
streams are Pine Lake, Emerald Lake, and a number of smaller bodies of water. On the northern
boundary lies Big Stone Lake, which projects into
Osceola County, and in the southwestern part of the
township lies Chippewa Lake, the largest body of
water in Mecosta County. It may be considered as
the source of the South Branch of the Chippewa.
It covers parts of sections 19, 20, 21, 29, and 30, and
is 800 or more acres in extent. A railroad has recently been built to Chippewa Lake, as a branch
_ from the Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad, and
v
ing mention. It was started in 1874, with a membership of 25. At the present time it has 30 members, and is in excellent condition. They have a hall,
built in 1879.
The lumber interest is of great importance in Chippewa Township. The Chippewa Lumber Company
-purchased 5o,ooo,ooo0 feet of timber near Chippewa
Lake, in the fall of 1882. They also purchased the
D. F. Comstock Mill at Big Rapids, and removed the
same to Chippewa Lake during the winter. They
commenced sawing the ist of June. They will soon
have a large planing mill and shingle mill in connection with their lumber business. The same firm
have platted a village called Chippewa, which is
growing rapidly, and has excellent prospects for
future prosperity, as the nearest towns are Evart and
Big Rapids, 2 miles distant. On section 2 is a
saw-mill with a capacity of I8,ooo feet per day, run
by William Wilson, Bro. & Miller.
In 1870, the population of Chippewa Township
was only 140. In 1874 this had increased to 291,
and in i88o the census credited it with 445. In 1878
it had 1,522 acres of improved land; and in I88I it
had 1,737 acres. In 1869, the equalized valuation
of its real and personal estate was $32,414; and its
present valuation is $426,680. The total vote of the
township, in November, 1882, was 54.
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~: | The first post-office, Big Creek, was established about
1865.: DEERFIELD TOWNSIP. In I864 the population of Deerfield Township was
DY 206: in I870 it was ~64: in i874 it was 6r4: and
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e.; EERFIELD Township is thirteen north and
nine west, of the Congressional survey. It
lies in the southern tier of Mecosta County,
and is bounded as follows: On the north by
Austin Township; on the east by Hinton Township; on the south by Montcalm County; and
on the west by Aetna Township. It is well watered,
the Little Muskegon flowing nearly west through
the middle of the township. It traverses the township on sections thirteen, twenty-fourktwenty-three,
twenty-two, twenty-one, twenty, twenty-nine and
thirty, from which it leaves the Township. In the
northern part of Deerfield are Quigley Creek, which
flows with and enters the Little Muskegon near the
center of the township, and the East Branch of Big
Creek, which flowing southwest unites with the Little Muskegon near the village of Morley, in AEtna
Township. In the southern part of Deerfield begin
several small streams, which, although they flow
south, finally find their way to the Little Muskegon.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad barely enters
the township, running through sections six and seven.
A portion of the thriving village of Morley belongs
to Deerfield, although the main part is in AEtna
Township. Bell's Crossing and Rustford, small stations on the D. L. &. N. railroad, are situated in
Deerfield Township.
The territory included in Deerfield was organized
in March, I86I, and its first Supervisor was Samuel
S. Chipman. The first white settler was George
Quigley, who located on section four. The first
birth was that of James Quigley, son of George and
Jane Quigley, in I858. The first death was that of
Frederick Eckard, in i863. The first marriage was
that of Isaac Sedore and Elizabeth Smith, solemnized
by George Quigley, Justice of the Peace, in lecember, 1862. The first frame building in the Township
was a dwelling erected by Lysander Quigley, in 859.
The first mill was a small water-power grist-mill and
saw-mill, built on the Little Muskegon River by Ethan
Satterlec. The first school-house was a log building
erected on section five, in 1862; and the first school
was taught the same year by Margaret Quigley.
The first store was opened by George Magill, in 1863.
4,309 acres ot improved lana; ana in 100I It naa
4,491 acres. At the time of its organization, in I861,
the equalized valuation was $40,451; and its present
valuation is $300,080. The total vote of the township in November, I882, was 145.
L
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COLFAX TOWNSHIP.
f~ HIS is township I5 north, range 9 west,
l Congressional survey, and is bounded on
n; the north by Grant Township, on the east
by Martiny Township, on the south by Austin
I Township, and on the west by Big Rapids
l Township. The township is drained principally by Ryan Creek, which flows west through the
northern part of the Township. There are several
good-sized lakes and a number of smaller ponds in
Colfax. The largest is Clear Lake, on section 21.
In the northwest corner are Long Pond and Town
Line Lake. On the northern boundary is Pickerel
Lake; and in the northeastern part of the township
are Colby Lake, Cook Lake, Mud Lake and Twin
Lakes. In the southwestern part of the township is
the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, which crosses
section 31. On this road is Byers'station and postoffice. The Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad
runs through sections i8, 17, i6, 1, 4 and 13. In
section I3 the Chippewa branch connects with the
main line, and at this junction is the new village of
Rodney, which has good prospects for future growth.
The township of Colfax was organized in 1869,
and its first Supervisor was Sidney I,. Rood. The
first white settler was Lloyd W. Simonds, who located
on section 19, in i86o. The first death was that of
Helen A. Rood. The first coulle married were
Noble D. Rood and Martha A. Edwards. The
ceremony was performed June 30, i869, by Lloyd W.
Simonds, Justice of the Peace. The first frame
building was a barn erected by L. W. Simonds in
I868. The first mill was a lortalle steam saw-mill,
put up by Henry Esrott, in 1869. Ihe first school
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in 1880 it was 1,093. In 1878 the township had Z
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house was a frame building erected on section 31,
in I870.
The population of Colfax Township in 1870 was
only 146. In I874 it had increased to 263; and the
census of i880 showed a further increase to 669. It
had 2,ooI acres of improved land in 1881. The present equalized valuation of the real and personal
property of the township is $264,842. Its total vote
in November, I882, was 94.
Fork Township.
ORK Township is situated in the northeast
corner of Mecostp County, and is Congress<. w ional township i6 north, range 7 west; and
is bounded on the north by Osceola County, on
'the east by Isabella County, on the south
by Sheridan Township, and on the west
by Martiny Township. It is watered by Chippewa River, the North and South Branches of the
same, Rat-Tail Creek and Chippewa Creek. The
last two are tributaries of the North Branch, which
they join in about the center of the township. These
streams, especially the South Branch, are the outlets
of a score or more of lakes, of which but three or
fourare in Fork Township. The others are mostly
in Chippewa and Martiny Townships. Fork has no
railroad, no village, and but one post-office,-Fork.
The territory above described was organized into
a township in October, i867, and William Creevey
was elected the first Supervisor. The first white
settler was Marvin A. Rogers, who located on section
28, in the winter of 1865-6. Among the other early
settlers, who came between i866 and I868, were
John H. Gibbs, Charles Rogers, Chauncey Rogers, Charlie Powers, Almond Mott, Leonard Chroshaw, Walter Kendall, Philip Chroshaw, William Brown, J. H. Groom, Oliver Bark and Leland
Roe. The first white child born was Gazelle
Murphy, daughter of James and Josephine Murphy,
Aug. 21, I866. The first death was that of John
Nicholson, in the fall of I869. The first marriage
was that of Marvin A. Rogers and Alice Ford, in the
fall of I867, solemnized by Elder Z. W. Shepherd.
The first frame building in the township was erected
by L. W. Roe, in the fall of I870. The first school
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In I870, the population of Fork Township was
i63; in I880, this had more than doubled, being
343. In I878, Fork had 1,670 acres of improved
land. In i881, under a different rule of assessment,
it had T,219. Its equalized valuation in i868 was
$64,o96; and its present valuation is $I22,705. The
total vote in November, 1882, was 43.
Grant Township.
'HIS is slightly smaller than any other towno ship in the county. It comprises all of town' 'S ship sixteen north, range nine west, Congress6 ional survey, except section six and parts of
sections five and seven, which, being cut off
by the Muskegon River, are, for the sake of convenience, attached to Green Township. It is bounded
on the north by Osceola County, on the east by Chippewa Township, on the south by Colfax Township,
and on the west by Green Township. It is watered
in the northern part by the Muskegon River and its
tributaries, Pogie Creek and Blodgett Creek, and in
the southern part by Pickerel Lake River and Ryan
Creek. The Township contains several small lakes,
drained by these streams, of which the most important are Blodgett Lake, Mud Lake, Pickerel Lake,
Young Lake and Little Young Lake. These lakes
and streams abound in fish, and no better field for
the sportsman exists than Grant Township. It has
no railroad within its borders and yet much of its
territory has been cleared and settled.
The township was given a civil organization in
I865, and the first election was held in October of
that year. The first white settler was Sylvanus
Ford, a single man, who located on section 20 in
1863. The first family to settle in Grant was that of
Charles L. Tuttle, who located on section I8, also in
1863. The first birth was that of Irving Tuttle, son
of Charles L, and Mary C. Tuttle, which occurred
July 4, I865. The first death was that of Uryal
II U+>s — —;
f COUNTY. 625 2
house was a log building put up on section 28, in the F
summer of 1870; and the first school was taught by JMrs. Cynthia L. Brown, during the same summer..
The first store was opened by Lewis E. Wolcott, in
1875. The first and only post-office, Fork, was es- i
tNhlicherl in the qrirr of rTgO n
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626 MECOSTA CO UNTY. '
_ —.._._._.... _ _ _ _ _.... __ _..__.., Aldrich, in I865. The first marriage was that of Supervisor of Green Township. The first white
Uryal Aldrich and Mary Donley, in I863. The first family in the Township was that of James Montague, A
frame building was a dwelling erected by Sylvanus who settled on section 27 in June, I854. The first;
i Ford, in 1871. The first school-house was a log white child born was Helen Montague, daughter of
building erected on section i8, in i868. The first James and Laura Montague, born in I855. Theof school was taught by Lydia Marsh, in the same year. philus Humphrey, son of Charles B. and Jane HumBy the census of 1870, the population was I44; in phrey, was born in the fall of I857. The first death
I874 it was 179, and in x880 it was 307. In 1878, was that of Mrs. Millard, in I859. The first marGrant Township had 1,231 acres of improved land; riage, that of John McFarlane and Betsey Turk, was
in I88I it had I,324. Its equalized valuation in solemnized by Jesse A. Barker, Justice of the Peace,
1866 was $44,797; its present valuation is $240,107. Dec. 25, I860. The first frame building was a house
J Its total vote in November, 1882, was 71. erected by Andrew and Lewis H. Green, in I857.
The first officers of the township were: Supervisor, Charles L. Tuttle; Clerk, Abram Van Alstine;
Treasurer, Allen Moore; School Inspectors, Peter
Long and S. C. Hemphill; Highway Commissioners,
Hugh McCune, R. Whalen and H. M. Wilder; Justices of the Peace, Sylvanus Ford, Hugh McCune,
S. C. Hemphill and R. Whalen; Constables, William
White and Joseph Morgan.
The lumber for it was drawn from Big Prairie, a distance of 30 miles or more, and the mortices of the
framework were dug with an old chisel and a mallet,
without the aid of an auger, there being no such a
tool in town. John Parish and Andrew McFarlane
erected a Frame dwelling the same year. The first
mill was a saw-mill, built by John Parish and Andrew McFarlane, in I857, on Parish Creek, near
where the village of Paris now stands. The first
school-house was a log building, erected in May,
i858, on section 28. The first school was taught by
Martha J. Evarts, in the summer of I858. The
first store was opened by Edmund M. Stickney, in
I866. The first post-office, Paris, was established in
I864.
The census of i86o gave Green Township 246 inhabitants; in I864, the State census showed but
235. In I870 the population had increased to 6i6;
in I874 to 886, and in i880 to 1,132. In I878 the
tnurricbo;Ti 1-ind T. _fnr nori-a nF;mnrnlx;,,-r Innd. n n rl
Green Township.
REEN Township is numbered r6 north,
i[ range io west, of the Congressional sur~ vey, and lies in the northwest corner of
Mecosta County. It is bounded on the north
by Osceola County, on the east by Grant
Township, on the south by Big Rapids Township, and on the west by Newaygo County. Besides
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an exact Congressional Township, Green includes a LuvvW"'"i l"l"u 1,,u du'L V1, Illl"UVCU Illlu, dllUlittle over two sections which naturally belong to 4638 in 88i. Its equalized valuation in 1859 was
Grant Township, but are cut off from it by the Mus- $44,3 6.60; and its present valuation is $418,676.:; kegon River, and are therefore for convenience' sake totl vote in November882 was
attached to Creen. Muskegon River forms thus theIS
eastern boundary for a mile and a half. It thenPAR V A
flows west for about four miles and then in a south- The village of Paris is located on the east half of
erly direction until it leaves the township. The section i6, and on the west bank of the Muskegon
land is watered also by Buck Horn, Paris, Shaw and River. The first white settler was John Parish, the
Tinny Creeks, and a number of smaller streams, all "father" of the village, which he laid out. It was
-N" of which are tributary to the Muskegon. named " Parish," and this was afterwards changed to
The township was organized in 1858, before the the present appellation, " Paris." He also built the
County of Mecosta was detached from Newaygo, first house of logs, about 1864, on the village site.,:,.! and was one of the only two townships organized He also built the first frame house. Among the
/ when the first meeting of the Board of Supervisors early settlers was Andrew McFarlane, who, in partof Mecosta County was held, in May, 1859. Jesse nership with Parish, built and operated a saw-mill.
A. Barker, who was at tills meeting, was the first )ther early settlers were E. M. Stickney aidi James
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XWright. Mr. Stickney opened the first store, in
February, i866. Shaler & Fitting built the mill
now owned by E. M. Stickney, in i867.
Paris is not incorporated, and has a population of
- about 350. There are no lodges or other organizations. A small, neat church has just been built by
subscription, in which all denominations may meet.
The pastor who preaches every Sunday in this
church lives at Hersey, Osceola County.
The following are the names of the business men
of the village:
Bisbee, J. E., grocery and drug store.
Frink, L. M., Frink's Hotel.
T T i. - A I
COUNTY. 627
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-lopKlnson, wv. U., general store.
Johnson, T. C., wagon shop.
Leggett, I. J., drug store.
Murphy & Dolan, saloon.
Nichols, J. E., restaurant.
Robison, H. M., blacksmith.
Sv>mrnlac i; ART chrof cqhor-r,J, stIUJ) IJ I * J, 1
f Swigler, N. J., blacksmith.
k Stickney, E. M., saw and grist mill.
9, Scranton, W, S., saloon.
The medical profession is represented only by Dr.
g I. J. Leggett.
= The most important event in the history of Paris
was the great fire of I879. At about half past three
o'clock in the morning of Monday, May 26, the rear
part of Andrew McFarlane's store was discovered to
be on fire. A strong wind was blowing from the
northeast at the time, and but two or three minutes
elapsed before the entire building was enveloped in
flames. McFarlane's hotel, the " Muskegon House,"
which stood adjacent to the store on the south side,
was on fire; but a few minutes after the alarm was
given, and the inmates of the hotel had barely time
to get out, some of them saving but a part of their
apparel.
The store buildings of E. M. Stickney, situated on
the opposite side of the street, and occupied by Mr.
S. Elwood, with a general stock of merchandise, were
on fire before half the people of the village had been
2 aroused from their slumbers. A two-story building
adjacent on the south, owned by Mrs. Annie Hall, of
* Detroit, and occupied by Mr. Elwood with a stock of
crockery, melted into smoke and ashes with the rest.
A large two-story building, originally designed for a
store, but occupied by Elliot Cheney for a hotel,
9Im- f - h H
which stood next south of the store-buildings occupied by Mr. Elwood, was also in flames about as soon
as the others, all of them being directly in the course
in which the flames were driven by the wind. The
inmates of this last mentioned building escaped with
most of their apparel, which was about all that was
saved. The Cheney Hotel was owned by Mrs. Roxy
Compton. Another large two-story store building,
situated several rods south of the Cheney Hotel, was
the next to take fire. It was occupied as a residence
by two families, one of them being that of Mr. Judkins, station agent at Paris, and they had time to remove all or nearly all their household goods. A
substantial barn belonging to E. M. Stickney, and
two or three cheap cow stables, complete the list of
buildings destroyed.
Mr. McFarlane saved literally nothing from his
store, in fact no one attempted to enter the building,
the entire inside being a sheet of flame before the
inmates of the surrounding buildings were apprised
of the danger that threatened them. Mr. McFarlane's loss on buildings and stock was about $7,000
or $8,ooo, with no insurance. Mr. Stickney's loss on
buildings was about $2,500, with $1,500 insurance.
He also lost about $200 worth of lumber, which was
piled near the railroad track, in the rear of McFarlane's store. A small warehouse situated at the rear
of Stickney's building, and owned by Fox, Shields &
Co., of Grand Rapids, was insured for $300. Mr.
Elwood's loss on merchandise was about $Io,ooo,
with $4,000 insurance. Only a few handfuls of
goods were saved. The postoffice was located in
Elwood's store, and the letter case and stamp drawer
were saved, but the paper mail and the pouch containing the letter mail to come south that morning,
were swallowed up in the flames. Mrs. Hall's building was worth about $I,200. Mrs. Compton's building was worth about $I,200, and was insured for $300.
Mr. Cheney, who occupied the building, lost about
$500 with no insurance. Mrs. Staab's building was
worth about $1,ooo. Many other buildings were in
imminent danger; but the activity of the citizens
fortunately saved them. Among other things burned were the books and records of the town of Green,
which were in Mr. Elwood's store. The origin of
this disastrous conflagration is not known. It was
141
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I probably a case of incendiarism.
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628 MECOSTA COUNTY.
1870 it was 390; in I874 it was 638, and in i88o it i
— c )>=l was 986. In 1878 the township was reported to;* have 3,799 acres of improved land; in I88I only f,;
Hinton Township. 2,971 acres were reported. This apparent decrease
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HIS is Congressional Township 13 north,
j range 8 west, and is bounded on the north,v g by Morton Township, on the east by Millbrook Township, on the south by Montcalm
County, and on the west by Deerfield TownU ship. It is drained by Silver Creek (into which flows: Decker Creek), in the northern part, and by Tama-, rack Creek in the south, which flow westward into
the Little Muskegon, sometimes known as the South
Fork of the Muskegon River. This stream itself
flows in a southwesterly direction through the northwestern corner of the Township. There are two
post-offices in Hinton. Altona on sections six and
seven, and Sylvester on section ten.
# The township of Hinton was organized in Janu-. ary, I860, and the first Supervisor was R. Van De= water. The first white settler was John Hinton, who
' located on section fifteen, in June, i855. The first
= birth was that of Margaret Kibbe, daughter of Ho-, ratio N. and Margaret Kibbe, Aug. 15, I857. The
first death was that of Phoebe Hinton, Feb. I8, T860.
The first marriage was that of John Hinton and
Mariette Rockwood, solemnized by Leonard Aldrich,
Justice of the Peace, May 26, I86o. Another report
says that Samuel W. Rose and Ann Hinton were
the first couple married. The first frame building
was a barn, 30 x 50 feet, erected by John Hinton, in
the summer of 1856. The first mills were a sawr mill, built by William Seaton and Bartley Davis, and
a flouring mill, built by Harrison J. Brown, in the
summer of i868. Both are water-power mills,
located on the Little Muskegon, where the village of
Altona was afterward platted. The first school-house
was a log building, erected on section 2r, in 186i.
The first school was taught by Rachel Whitzell, in
the summer of I86i. Others say that Lydia Allen
taught the first school, in the spring of x86I. One
report says that Harrison J. Brown opened the first
i store in i868; another says that David Fowler
/ opened the first at Sylvester. The first post-office
' in Hinton Township was Hinton, established in i862.
In 1860, the year of the organization of the town" ship, the population was 153; in I864 it was 167; in
I
HIS is township 15 north, range 8 west..j'o Congressional survey, and is bounded on
on the north by Chippewa Township, on the
east by Sheridan Township, on the south by
i Morton Township, and on the west by Colfax
Township. It is drained in the northeastern part by
the South Branch of the Chippewa, including its
tributaries, Upper and Lower Evans Lakes, Bloom
Lake, Dimon Lake, Tubb's Lake and others; but
the greater part of the Township is drained by the
West Branch of the Little Muskegon River, which is
the outlet for Horsehead Lake, Martiny or Johnson
Lake and Pretty Lake. Horsehead Lake is the
second.body of water in the county, in point of size.
In the southeast part is the East Branch of the
Little Muskegon River. Through the southwestern
part of the Township runs the recently constructed
Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad, and through
the northwestern part runs the Chippewa Branch of
the same road.
Martiny was organized as a civil township in
January, I875, and elected its first Supervisor, Nicholas Thieson. The first white settler was John Martiny, who located on section four in i868. The first
birth was that of Helen Albert, daughter of Christopher and Ann Albert, in i870. The first death was
that of John Johnson, in I873. The first marriage
was that of Noah Eaton and Mary Keht, solemnized
by George Shields, Justice of the Peace, June 7,
I875. The first school-house was a log building
erected on section four in 1873. The first school
was taught by Nellie Sheir, in 1873. The first postoffice-Martiny-was established in November, 1875,
The census of I880, the only one taken sinceMartiny was organized, gives it 192 inhabitants. It
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was due merely to a change in Supervisors, and consequently no standard of classification. Hinton's
equalized valuation at the time of organization was
$70,194.38, and its present valuation is $302,298.
Its total vote in November, 1882, was I89.
Martiny Township.
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had 287 acres of improved land in 1879, and 642 in building was a barnl, built by John Davis, in I856. {
188I. Its equalized valuation when organized, in The first mill was a saw-mill, built by Francisco &
875, was $102,470.50; and its present valuation is Marcy, in 1870. The first school-house was a frame S,.
$424,478. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 25. building erected in 1859, on section three; and the
< first school was taught by Mary Gilmore. The first
__ store was opened by James H. Rogers, in I865.
tiThe first postoffice, Mecosta, was established in |
Mecosta Township. 1865.
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i'j ECOSTA Township is numbered I4 north,
~l _ range 10 west, Congressional survey, and
i.'- is situated in the western tier of townships
f/:., of Mecosta County. It is bounded on the
north by Big Rapids Township, on the east by
Austin Township, on the south by _Etna Township, and on the west by Newaygo County. It contains some of the best agricultural land in the
county, and also much fine timber, of which, however, i
the greater part has been cleared away. It contains
the villages of Stanwood and Rustford, on sections
25 and I3.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad runs
through sections 12, 13, 24 and 25; and the Grand
Rapids and Big Rapids State road runs through the
central portion of the township.
Mecosta is excellently watered, and its land is
lower geographically than any other land in Mecosta
County. The Muskegon River enters the township
in the northeast corner, and leaves it in the southwest corner, though it flows in by no means a straight
line. It meanders in such a fashion that the total
length of river is more than twice the length of a
line drawn diagonally through the township. Besides the river, there are no less than a dozen
streams flowing into it within the township, of which
the most important are Cold Spring, Mac's and
Davis Creeks.
The township of Mecosta was organized in March,
186i, and R. A. Moon was its first Supervisor. The
first white settler was John Davis, who located on
section 27, in 1-85 r, and was also the first settler of
the county. He resides still on his first location.
The first birth was that of James Hyde, son of Hannibal and Mary Hyd'e. The first death was that of
William Davis, who departed this life in February,
1852. The first marriage was that of James Sutherland and Hannah C. Jaquett, solemnized by H. Gilmore, clergyman, Oct. 21, 1859. The first frame
In 1864, Mecosta Township had a population of |
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Millbrook Township..i liHE Township of Millbrook lies in the southi./;'R eastern corner of the county, and is nuim-.(. bered 13 north, range 7 west, and is bounded
{ on the north by Wheatland Township, on the
east by Isabella County, on the south by Montcalm County, and on the west by Hinton Township.
It is watered by Black Creek, in the southwestern
half, and by two branches of Pine River in the
northeastern half. It also contains three or four
small lakes.
The village of Millbrook lies mostly in the township, and Blanchard lies just outside of its limits in
Isabella County.
Millbrook was organized into a civil township in
October, x865, in the same month with Grant and
AEtna Townships. Its first election resulted in the
choice of Peter S. Decker as Supervisor. The first
white settlers were Leonard and Hazen Aldrich, who
located on section 14, in 1859. The first birth was
that of Forest Aldrich, son of Leonard and Jane
Aldrich, in August, 1859. The first death was that
of Charles Roe, in November, I866. The first marriages, those of Hazen Aldrich and Jane Jackson,
and William F. Thompson and Salina Aldrich, were
both solemnized by John Bower, clergyman, in February, I865. The first frame building was a dwelling erected by Hazen Aldrich in 1865. The first
mill was a water-power saw-mill, erected. by Hazen
222; in 1070, 203; in I174,392; anca n Ifl 0o, 013.
In 1878, it had 1,654 acres of improved land; in
I880, I,6oo were reported. Its equalized valuation
at time of organization was $67,627.14; and its present valuation is $195,035. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 99.
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Aldrich in 1864. The first school-house was a log Brooks, Keller & Eicher, restaurant.
building, erected on section ii, in I863. The first Brown, H. D., postoffice, notions..,' school was taught by Louisa Allen, in 1863. The Denney, William F., furniture store.
f first store was opened by W. S. Howd, in i865,where Dysinger, George, blacksmithy.
the village of Millbrook is now located. Dole & Precious, saloon.
The population of Millbrook Township by the Decker, G. A., harness shop.
census of I870, was 302; by the State census of Eicher, A., meat market.
I874 it has 412; and in i880 the general census Fink, R. M., dry goods.
gave 706 inhabitants. In I878 it had 2,I51 acres of Harmon, E., Harmon House.
improved land; and in I88I, 2,407 acres. Its Howd, A. J., feed and flour.
equalized valuation in i866 was $29,957; and its Horton, E. T., general store.
' present valuation is $564,748. Its total vote in Haggett, George, blacksmithy.
' November, I882, was 107. Kenrick, E. H., drug store..$ Lock, Frank, barber shop. i
MILLBROOK VILLAGE.
The village of Millbrook is a thriving place of be
tween 300 and 400 inhabitants, on section one. It
would undoubtedly grow faster, and have more business, had not the railroad been located so far away
as it is. The citizens of the village offered the D.,
L. & N. Railroad Company every reasouable inducement to come to the village, but opposing influences
were too strong.
The first house was a log dwelling erected by
Hazen Aldrich, in I863. The same man put up the
first frame house on the village site, in 1864. The
first store was opened by W. S. Howd, in March,
I865. The present school-house was erected in
Norton & Carman, grist-mill.
Pattison, J. M. & Co., drug store.
Richards, James & Co., hardware store.
Stanley, J. B., grocery.
Stanton, H., blacksmithy.
Willett, Ida, millinery.
The medical profession is represented by C. H.
Rodi, S. A. Gates, J. W. Pattison and W. J. Cree;
and the legal by D. C. Fuller and W. S. Howd, the
former of whom is Justice of the Peace.
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Morton Township.
I869, at a cost of $800. The principal is C. F.
Fitzgerald. ORIl TON Township is numbered 14 north,
Millbrook has two religious organizations,-the | JjrS: of range 8 west, Congressional survey,
Congregational and Methodist Episcopal. The |]t ' and is bounded on the north by Martiny
former denominatio- erected a church in 1874, at a, n Township, on the east by Wheatland Towncost of $3,000; and the latter have a small church shi, on the south by Hinton Township, and on
now in process of construction. Rev. Mr. Schiedel the west by Austin Township. The Little?
preaches for the Congregationalists, and Rev. Mr. Muskegon, its East and West Branches, and smaller
Wyant for the Methodists. tributaries, drain the township. In the western
Level Lodge, No. 219, I. O. O. F., has a member- part are four good-sized lakes, and two smaller ones.
ship of 35, and meets every Saturday evening. The The large ones are named Round Lake, Long Lake,
principal officers at the present time are Levi S. Blue Lake and School Section Lake. The last
Meneri, N. G.; Charles Knauss, V. G.; James named derives its name from the fact of being partly
^ Wylie, Secretary; William F. Denney, Treasurer. on section i6, the section which in every township I
The postoffice was organized in 1869, and Orson is set apart for the benefit of the schools of the;:. N. Earl was the first Postmaster. Henry I). Brown State. The recently constructed Detroit, Iansing.
at present holds the appointment. & Northern railroad passes through the north-; The following list comprises all the firms at pres- eastern portion of the townshitp.
ent doing business in Millbrook: Morton was organized as a civil township in Jan> Aldrich, Forest, wagon shop. uary, r877. The general census of 1880 gave a
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population to the township of 192. In 179 it had
287 acres of improved land; in I88I it had 642
acres. Its equalized valuation at the time of organization, in 1877, was 114,840; its present valuation
is more than double that amount, being $257,680.
} Its total vote in November, 1882, was 162. The
township has had a marvelous growth in the last
three years.
The first mill was built by John Van Vleck & Son,
of Palo, Mich., on the north side of the Little Muskegon River, and afterward moved about four miles
north of Mecosta village, where it is now run by
S Charles Van Vleck, John Van Vleck having died in
i 880.
MECOSTA VILLAGE.
The village of Mecosta is but little over four years
old, and owes its existence and prosperity to the
construction of the D., L. & N. railroad through
this county. The opening up of a rich agricultural
and lumbering district, by this road, made a station. near the center of the county, where several years
a previous a large number of hardy tillers of the soil
( had settled to the south and east, and already had
5 many thousand acres of land well under cultivation,
an absolute necessity; for the farmer needed a maro ket for his grain and produce, as well as a place to
purchase supplies, while the lumbermen needed a
shipping point and base of supplies in order to carry
on the business of manufacturing the sturdy pine (of
which there is an immense forest to the north) into
lumber, lath and shingles for transportation over the
new railroad. Foreseeing this necessity, Weber
Bros., of Ionia, who also had a large interest in the
( pine land at this point, E. B. Moore, of Edmore, and
e Giles Gilbert, of Stanton, formed themselves into a; stock company and platted what has since been
known as the village.of Mecosta. The plat, which
was duly recorded July 17, I879, contains I20
acres, and is beautifully located on the East Branch
of the Little Muskegon, at the junction of the Alma
and Clinton State road with the D., L. & N. railroad,
x I6 miles southeast of Big Rapids and 12 miles
northwest of Millbrook, and is about four miles east
X of the geographical center of the county. The company gave Amos S. Johnson, formerly of Sherman
f City, full power of attorney, and made him the resi& dent aentnt for the sale of lots.
At that time nearly the entire plat was heavily
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cleared. The first lot was sold to Charles Cummings, of Stanton, shortly after the plat was recorded.
The first building was put up by D. O'Brien about
the ist of October, I879. H. WV. Bassingwaite,
George Evans and A. S. Johnson put up buildings
the same month, and John Van Vleck and son commenced the erection of a steam saw and shingle
mill. During the fall and winter of 1879-80, several more buildings were put up by actual settlers,
but not until the first of May, i88o, when trains commenced running regularly over the new road, did the
young village experience a healthy growth.
The first store was a general grocery and supply
store, kept on Main street, where is now Parks
Brothers' hardware store, by H. W. Bassingwaite.
The post-office was established in December, I879,
and John Van Vleck was appointed Postmaster. His
widow is now Postmistress.
The first hotel was opened by Ephraim LeGrange,
in 1879, and christened the Mecosta House. It is
on the corner of Main and Weber streets, and is now
kept by Dominick O'Brien.
The village was organized as a school district in
I879, and the school-house, begun in i880, was completed in I88i. This was a log building, and the
first school was taught by Mrs. M. A. Chipman. The
same year, the present nice frame school-house was
completed, at a cost of $2,000.
The first religious society was of the Baptist denomination, organized by John Van Vleck, and held
its meetings in the log school-house. In the fall of
I88o, the Methodists sent a minister by the name of
Hoag, who remained about one year, also preaching
in the log school-house. Rev. J. Berry at present
holds services in the town hall, but the society is
preparing to erect a church on the west side of the
river, at a cost of $2,500.
The first and only bank is the private bank of
Gilbert & Wixscn.
The Mecosta Planing Mills were built by Rathvon
Bros., and started in the spring of 1883.
Mecosta Lodge, No. 93, A. O. U. W., was organized
March 30, I88. The present officers are A. S. Johnson, P. M. W.; C. W. Calkins, M. W.; A. R. Streeter, Recorder. The present membership is 28.
Mecosta Lodge, No. 55, K. 0. T. M., was organized in i882, and, like the A. O. U. W., is an insur
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About this time Mr. Shafer was asked by the Department to survey a mail route from this point
through the wilderness to Elk Rapids via Grand
Traverse, and to receive bids for carrying a weekly
mail, as during the winter months the settlers at
these remote points were practically ice-bound and
isolated from the outside world. Among others,
Nelson Ganong put in the lowest bid-$300; but
the route being so expensive the Government abandoned the project altogether.
Comparatively few amusements were indulged in
at this early date, although unbounded hospitality
was the rule instead of the exception; and, as in most
new colonies, no " aristocratic cliques " or " select
few " caused the least jealous feeling. Both capitalist
and laborer, old and young, stranger and friend, all
met at social gatherings on common ground, danced
and sung, grieved and rejoiced together. In the
language of one who came over twenty years ago,
"We had plenty of plain food to eat, tobacco to
smoke, and stories to tell; and with our weekly supply of outside newspapers, to give us the news of
the world, we were supremely contented and happy."
Incidents sometimes occurred to break the monotony,
and furnish amusement for the villagers, one of
which it may be well briefly to relate.
In the summer of I865, a trifling altercation occurred between two residents, one being at the time
a cripple. A knock.down was the result, but neither
was seriously injured. George French was at that
time Justice of the Peace, and to him the aggrieved
party applied for redress. It being a rather hot and
dull day for business, this was the signal for amusement. All the legal fraternity of the place at once
put in an appearance, and with all the gravity befitting the occasion proceeded with the trial. C. C.
Fuller was retained for the defense, and as a matter
of course some of those present volunteered to prosecute the case, and uphold the " peace and dignity "
of the State of Michigan. But few witnesses were
required to establish the fact that the offense had
been " wantonly and with malice aforethought " committed. Some new tactics had been urgently necessary on the part of the defense, in order to save their
client, and the counsel proved equal to the occasion.
It is generally believed that in that court there was
not only a little collusion between the counsel on
both sides, but that the prisoner at the bar was also
included, and a kind of " gunpowder plot " cooked
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up for the simple, unfortunate German complainant.
"May it please your Honor," said Mr. Fuller, addressing the court: "we propose to show that the
prisoner is non compos mentis; and, beckoning to a
civil engineer who happened to be present as a spectator, and who promptly came forward, he said:
"We will swear this gentleman as an expert on insanity, and allow him to testify." The prisoner was
also allowed to make a statement, and to the utter
astonishment of that Justice he was questioned in
regard to his diet, and admitted that it was, and
always had been, principally mush and milk; and
that stranger and expert being under oath testified
that such a diet invariably produced serious mental
disturbances, and what was known as emotional in
sanity! This was indeed an unheard of and dangerous result from the use of hasty pudding!
" Your Honor," pleaded the counsel, " having unquestionably established the fact of insanity, of
course our client is not responsible, and we ask that
he be set at liberty." But the Justice concluded, in
order to partially heal the wounded feelings of the
German, to impose a light fine of fifty cents and costs,
in all amounting to two dollars. The audience,
whose sympathy for the poor, insane prisoner would
not allow them to do otherwise, now made up a
purse to pay the sost, and his Honor also remitted
the fine, much to the disgust of the complainant,
who always claimed " dot leetle feefty cents " as belonging to him personally.
The first celebration of the Nation's birthday was
held in the woods not far from where the Methodist
church now stands, July 4, i859, at which nearly ioo
persons attended. It is said that Mr. Standish, from
Newaygo, was the orator on the occasion. "The
following year," says Mr. Shafer, " a pic-nic celebration was held, and the table was set for one hundred
and fifty persons, showing that an increase of the
population was expected." B. I,. Gray was the orator
that year.
The first lawsuit in the village was a case of
assault and battery, rather amusing in its character:
the People versus McAllister, tried before Charles
Shafer, Justice of the Peace. As there was no jail
to go to, McAllister paid his fine, $ro, and went on
his way rejoicing.
'The first marriage in the village was a Mr. Hagart
to Miss Goliday, solemnized before Jesse Shaw a
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Notary Public, as neither minister nor justice could
be found at that time.
The first. birth in the village of Big Rapids, after
the name had been changed from Leonard, was that
of Charlie Hutchinson, son of B. E. and Elma L.
Hutchinson, which occurred March I, I86o. It is
related that on this occasion Chauncey P. Ives
offered to deed the child any lot in the village his
parents might designate, provided he was allowed to
incorporate in the name of the infant some part of
the name of the village. This, however, was declined.
The first butcher shop in the village was opened
by Henry Escott, who often drove his animals from
a long distance; and it is related that porter-house
steak was then twenty-five and thirty cents a pound.
The first regular freight line from Grand Rapids
was established by Clark & Latitner, in I86o. This
line, with all its running stock, was purchased the
following year by B. E. Hutchinson, who first settled
in the village Feb. io, i860. Mr. Hutchinson at
once supplied additional teams, commencing his new
business with six well equipped wagons,-three at
each end of the line. Two thousand pounds of
freight was considered a usual load, and five to six
days was consumed in making the journey between
the two points by way of Newaygo. If the teams
were on time, one left each end of the route on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of each week.
Through tariff was two dollars per hundred pounds.
Mr. Hutchinson also started the first dray in the city,
a two-wheeled vehicle, in April, I870.
The honor of setting up and distributing the first
type in Mecosta County, belongs to Charlie Gay,
referred to in his sketch, in a small office on the
east side of Michigan avenue, between Maple and
Elm streets, in this city. He issued the first number
of the "Mecosta County Pioneer," April 17, 1862,
assisted in the editorial department by Hon. C. C.
Fuller. Mr. Gay seemed determined to adapt the
price of his paper to the possibly limited purse of the
new country, as for a long time it was only $I.oo per
year. From that small, five-column folio, since
combined with the "Big Rapids Magnet," has grown
the present daily Pioneer, one of the best papers in
Michigan. A further notice of this paper is given
elsewhere.
During the winter of I857-8 there was a great
scarcity of food in the northern part of Michigan,
and the State authorities in some cases were obliged to
afford relief to the settlers. Food was also scarce in
the new village, but wherever it was found that the
families were getting short of meat as well as money,
there always remained one alternative here. Messrs.
Williams, Kirkpatrick and James Jones constituted
themselves a committee of three to procure a supply,
and with guns, ammunition and torches they would
embark in a " dug-out " for a night's deer-stalking up
the river, usually returning next morning with an
ample supply of venison, landing near Maple street
as a distributing point. The meat was freely and
gratuitously dispensed among all the settlers, and a
few of the more favored ones would occasionally
distribute some flour.
"Late in the fall of 1858," says Mr. Shafer, "I
found myself getting short of flour for my family. I
mention this incident to show the kindly feeling and
extreme hospitality of every one in our new settlement. Selfishness seemed unknown, and our common wants seemed to create a common bond of
sympathy between us. Nelson Ganong was going to
Grand Rapids with his team and offered to bring me
some flour if I could raise the money to purchase it.
It was then five dollars a barrel in that city. I had
only two dollars in cash, and prevailed upon him to
defer his journey a day or two, until in some way the
amount could be raised. We both walked over to
Williams' Hotel and stated the case. Mr. Williams
said it would not do for me to be short of flour, as
winter was coming on, and contributed $I.50 (every
cent he had) to the fund. His man-of-all-work
about the premises also loaned twenty-five cents to
the enterprise, and Mr. Ganong volunteered to make
the amount four dollars. But where was the other
dollar to come from? Mr. Williams was equal to
the emergency. Said he,'I am expecting some gentlemen from Chicago in a day or two, who are lumbering up the river. They usually remain over
night at my house, and from them I shall obtain a
little money, and if Mr. Ganong can wait I will make
up the desired sum.' The travelers in due time put
in an appearance, cash was raised, and per consequence the barrel of flour."
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a matter of course provisions of almost every kind
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with only a narrow passage for any vehicle through
the forest. If the weather was stormy and wet, the
task of making such a journey was an unenviable
and often expensive one. Goods of every kind were
therefore high in price, if at all obtainable, and often
money would not purchase what was required. It is
related that as late as I86r, when a partial freight
line by wagon had been established by Mr. B. E.
Hutchinson, when the roads were bad, and many
goods awaiting transportation at the opposite end of
the line, it often was impossible to bring but a limited amount of provisions; and on the arrival of the
cargo with perhaps only one barrel of flour, a dozen
persons, some perhaps from a distance in the country,
would all be found awaiting its arrival. There were
no "favored " ones in those days, and says an old
settler: "It often happened that in order to make
the flour go round, each would receive only a milkpan full." Possibly, in a known case of illness in a
family, a larger quantity would be apportioned.
In the Pioneer of June i8, I863, is a short article
written by H. Lucas, a minister of Big Rapids, from
which, to show the exact degree of progress the
village had made in four years from the time it
w as platted, the following is extracted:
"Big Rapids * * " contains about
one huhdred and fifty inhabitants, and is the county
seat of Mecosta County. It is surrounded by a
beautiful farming country, and a more intelligent set of
inhabitants is not to be found in any place, east, west
north or south. 'here are no liquor establishments
in this village, and of course all is quiet and industry.
There are two dry-goods and grocery stores in the
place, conducted by Stearns and Hutchinson, both
enterprising young men and doing a good business.
One paper is published here, which commends itself
to the community, and merits an extensive circulation. A good district school is now in progress, and
there is now every inducement for good settlers to
identify themselves with this community. I have
l)een in Michigan sixteen years, and have preached
to a good many congregations, but never to a more
respectable and attentive one than I have found in
this village."
The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first one
organized in Big Rapids, and dates frolm i865. Occasional services had been held for many years before
that, but this was the beginning of religious services.
In those days the services were marked by an interest that is too often lacking in later times. Congregational singing was the rule, and was, plain and
grand. In those days the old hymns were not tortured in the following style so common now:
" Oh for a man
Oh for a man
Oh for a mansion in the skies."
" We'll catch the flee
We'll catch the flee
We'll catch the fleeting hours."
" He'll take the pil
he'll take the pil
He'll take the pilgrim home."
"With reverence let the saints appear,
And bow-ow-ow before the Lord."
This society erected a fine church, in due time, at
a cost of $4,000oo. his was dedicated on Saturday,
Nov. I6, I867, with appropriate ceremonies. The
sermon was preached by M. A. Daugherty, and he
was assisted in the services by Rev. I. Cogshall,
Rev. A. J. Eldred and Rev. J. H. Ross, of Grand
Rapids. The quarterly conference of the M. E.
Church was held in the afternoon in the church. In
the evening a Sunday-school anniversary service was
observed. On the following day, Sunday, a lovefeast was held at nine o'clock, Mr. Cogshall preached
at half past ten, Mr. Eldred at two o'clock, and Mr.
Ross at seven o'clock. For some time after this, the
Methodist and Presbyterian societies alternately worshiped in this church.
From the same paper we also quote as follows:
"F. H. Todd & Co. will soon commence building
a dam across the river at this place, and expect to
have a mill in operation the present season, or early
in the spring. 'I'his will be of vast importance to
our village, as the imlprovement of our water-power,
together with the building of the G. R. & I. R. R.,is
all that is required to insure the prosperity of this
country, and make Big Rapids a city of io,ooo inhabitants in ten years."
This water-power has been indeed a powerful aid
to the development of Big Rapids, although the prediction in regard to increase of population was hardly
realized. When it is considered that there is at present but one-tenth of the water-power at command
utilized, it will be admitted that there is no limit to
the possibilities of the fiture, and that the time is
not far distant when the prediction as to the population will be more than realized. This dam above
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referred to was completed in the spring of I867, and since July I, 1867, but there is no surplus on hand,
marks an important era in the history of Big Rapids. and spring will find us with a very short supply for
t, The year r866 was a most prosperous one for the the wants of the coming season. The Grand Rapvillage. The Pioneer of December 8, T866, said: ids & Indiana railroad being completed from Grand
A " Our village has been the scene of busy activity the Rapids to Cedar Springs, and now in operation, gives C
past summer, in the erection of buildings and the us a more speedy means of communication with the
hurry of other kinds of business, and the sound of outside world, as we now have a daily stage and
the saw and hammer is still heard in all directions express running in connection with the cars, and can
from morning until evening. Sixty-one buildings reach Grand Rapids in one day instead of two as
have already been erected and nearly all completed, formerly. "
since the opening of spring, and others are yet to be During February, i868, considered the dullest
e built this fall. The scarcity of lumber has prevented month of the season, Hutchinson's freight line from
many from building, although three saw-mills have here to Cedar Springs carried 66,292 pounds; the
been running nearly the whole summer. This diffi- largest load was 5,299 pounds, and the average load
culty will be obviated another season, as two more was 3,900 pounds.
mills, one steam and the other a water mill, will be From what has been said on a previous page, it
put up and ready to run early in the spring." And will be seen that before the coming of the railroad
again: "Our population has more than doubled provisions were frequently scarce in Big Rapids.
during the past six months, now numbering 800 or This is further illustrated by the experience, in the
" more, and many of the mechanical trades are not summer of i868, of Dr. Woolley, at that time landyet represented." lord of the Mason House. He sent a man out in
The issue of December said: "The different kinds the morning with a two-horse light wagon, with in- d.
= of business and professions now here are as follows: structions to go in all directions in search of pota- =
obutoess and at dark the man returned with only two
four general stores, one grocery store, one hardware toes and at dark the man returned wth only two=
= and grocery store, one tin shop, one drug store, one bushels, for which he had paid three dollars, and =
eat market, three saw-ills, one grist-mill, one consumed the entire day in order to get them at all!
furniture shop, two blacksmith shops, two wagon But Dr Woolley was never out of provisions. His
shops, one jeweler, two boot and shoe shops, two gross receipts in cash after he took possession of the
hotels, onelivery-stable, one bakery, one gun shop, old Mason House in I867 were about $I>ooo a
three lawyers and three physicians, besides some month, and often forty persons were obliged to sleep
twenty or more carpenters and joiners, and two on the foor at nigt, so limited were the accommomassdations.
Dr. Woolley was the first physician in Big Rapids,
In May following we are told that fifty more build- w t firs
*. and was crowded with work from the first day he
ings had been erected. In January, I868, an article
<" me a,., o came. As there was no other physician in all this
appeared in the Pioneer from which it is gathered that. r r i i.. ^... region, his practice extended as far north as Clam
during i867 the population of Big Rapids increased region, his practice extended as far north as Clam, that g a River, and through the woods at every point of the
to r,500, and that during that year nearly 200 new... compass for thirty or forty miles.
buildings were constructed. These included several i i.. ^ Those who voluntarily became the pioneers "beardwellings, costing from $r,500 to $2,500, one three- ingthe burden and heat of the day," are seldom the
ing the burden and heat of the day," are seldom the
story hotel, a large school-house and several stores. nes who aa ealth in ne ontrs hy
h he cs ones who amass wealth in new countries. They love
The hotel cost $1o,ooo. We quote:
T h cs the partially isolated life for the quiet surroundings;
"The manufacturing and mercantile interests of for the peculiar beauties nature presents in her most
the town have kept pace with its growth, and all primitive form where " unadorned she is adorned the
r have had a prosperous year. The four saw-mills most;" for the immunities from fashion's follies, from
here have been taxed to their utmost in supplying he turmoil of crowded streets, and from the rush and
the local demand for lumber, and a part of the time bustle of business, mental and physical, incident to
i) were unable to make lumber as fast as they needed older places, which often make life a continual care
for building. Some 5,000,ooo feet have been made and shorten its term. They are willing to exchange'
Ven
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644 MECOSTA COUNTY. "
t the wealth of money and power for the wealth of meeting was held according to announcement Feb. so
lj health, peace, contentment and consequent happi- 11, I869, to consider the question of incorporation.
t, ness, and are usually an industrious, hospitable and It was well attended. Charles Shafer was elected
kindly disposed people, enduring with perfect cheer- President, and S. F. Dwight, Secretary. A resolution
fulness any little privations they may suffer. Thus in favor of applying for a city charter was discussed
it was with all the early settlers of Big Rapids. at length, and adopted without a dissenting voice.
Some trouble was experienced occasionally by the Charles Shafer, Stephen Bronson, E. O. P.ose, N. H.
diverse feelings of the principal owners of Big Rap- Vincent and G. W. Crawford were appointed a comids. When Mr. Warren purchased the interest of mittee to draft a charter. The matter was pushed
Dr. Leonard in the village plat, he became the promptly, and early in April of the same year the bill
owner of an undivided two-thirds interest in the became a law which incorporated Big Rapids as a
i whole. It is much to be regretted that these two city. The corporation was made to include sections
men did not form a partnership; for as Mr. Warren eleven and fourteen, and the east half of sections ten
was always a resident of Troy, N. Y., and Mr. Ives a and fifteen. It was directed that the city have three
resident here, no legal business could be transacted representatives on the Board of Supervisors, one beby either party except through an agent of the other, ig elected, and the Mayor and Recorder being enin regard to any part of their joint property. The titled to seats on the Board. The bill also provided
wheels of progress could be instantly blocked if for the organization of the township of Big Rapids,
either party refused upon the least pretext to convey and directed a township election to be held at the
his interest in the title. Mr. Ives, always anxious to house of John Halpine, on the third Monday in
" see improvements going forward, could frequently April. The charter election of the city was fixed for;~ at i caes hichadmtte ofno dlay asheAoul
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act in cases which admitted of no delay, as he would
= had a partnership really existed, trusting to the subsequent approval of Mr. Warren in the matter.
= But, as often happened, Mr. Warren did not approve,
and his signature could not be obtained. Thus ill
feeling was engendered, and litigation sometimes
followed.
Jacob O. Rose purchased of Zera French his entire interest in all lands in the northwest part of the
village, including the Glen Elm Addition, Feb. 2,
1864. and. as the records show. for the sum of.o~7 c.
the same date.
This election came off duly on the g9th of April,
and resulted as follows:
Mayor.-George F. Stearns.
Recorder.-Charlie Gay.
Supervisor.-William VanLoo.
Treasurer.-W. Irving Latimer.
School Inspectors.-S. S. Wilcox (one year) and
R. D. Pierson (two years).
AldZermen.-First Ward, Daniel Stearns and
Thomas 1). Stinson; Second Ward, Morgan L..*
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-T --.,-_ - -Palmer and John F. Brown; Third Ward, Jacob O.
Another important change in ownership of Big Rap- e and Frn rh ard, o
ids real estate occurred three years later, when Gen.
C. Fuller and Alfred L. Clark,
Stephen Bronson, of Illinois, purchased the interest r
in the village so long held by Chauncey P. Ives.Fi Ward, ChrlieGay; Second Ward,
Erastus Fisher; Third Ward, Everett Douglass;
Gen. Bronson had already established himself here,.
Fourth Ward, Elijah F. Dewey.
and in connection with other parties had opened the
Constables. —First Ward, Edgar W. Ford; Second
Exchange Bank of Bronson, Stickney & Co., which Edga W Ford; Se
Ward, Robert A. Griffin; Third Ward, George W.
was soon after incorporated, under the general bank- Robrt Ward George.. Bevington; Fourth Ward, George W. Jones.
ing law of the State. This was the first banking in- e. r, stitution in Big Rapids, and supplied a'much desired Lew0 s HC Gren was nppointed City Marshal, ES
want in this northern region. The transfer of the i Attorney and B Hutchns treet,, Commissioner.. property from Ives to Bronson is recorded Oct. I6,...
*. liThe first meeting of the City Council was held +
867 April 22, and the governmental machinery was set in
Big Rapds was growing so surely to prosperous llmotion. The bond of the Marshal was fixed at. dimensions that in the winter of 1868-9 the talk of $,ooo; of the Treasurer at $5,000; and of the *
adopting a city government took definte shape. A Street Commissioner at $1,000. At subsequent
itS Str e et Cmnmissione at a- $.^' — A suequII ent
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meetings the most important of the city ordinances
were adopted, providing cfor licenses, nuisances, improvements, etc. t
In the fall of I870, the city was cheered by the
arrival of the first trains on the Grand Rapids &
Indiana railroad, a full account of which is given
elsewhere, under the head of " Railroads. " From
this time population increased still more rapidly, and
many disadvantages in the way of improvement
removed.
It is a melancholy truth that from the date ef the
first entries of city lands, down to as late a period as. 872, factional interest and jealousy, and sectional
feeling and rivalry, were' almost continuods, and
silently if not openly expressed, to the serios detriment of the city, turning away valuable accessions of
both people and capital. But time, the great leveler
of all distinctions, with the aid and advice of those
who took up a residence at a later day, again produced a unity of feeling, and to-day we are pleased
to record that all is now changed, and an era of
progress and prosperity has dawned upon the city
which all sincerely hope nothing can ever impair or
obstruct.
Big Rapids has been a sufferer from fire at various
times, some of which deserve mention. The first
fire of any consequence in the place was the destruction of a large quantity of lumber belonging to
Warren & Ives in the year I860. The next was
French's Hotel, in the north part of the city, occupying the ground where the Waldon House has since
been erected, and which was destroyed by fire Jan.
29, 1863.
Probably the most disastrous fire that has ever occurred in its effects upon the growth of the city,
was that known as the "great fire," April 26, I869,
when every building on the west side of Michigan
avenue, between Elm street and the Mason House
on the corner of Maple, was totally destroyed. The
fire originated in Ford & Bailey's meat-market, next
door north of the large hardware and grocery store
of Crawford & Green, at about eleven o'clock, p. m.,
and in two hours the whole range, consisting of ten
buildings, was laid in ashes. The loss was variously
estimated at from $20,000 to $50,000. No water
supply or engines for extinguishing fires were here at
that time, and common pails or buckets were the
only appliances aff6rded. Lines of men were formed
to supply water with buckets from wells in the ^
vicinity, and even from the river, but without avail.
The Mason House, on the northeast corner of the
block, was only saved by tearing down a small building belonging to Harwood & Olds, and then hanging q
carpets and bed-clothes from the roof and windows,
and keeping them saturated with water. Nothing
was insured except the Mason House.
Another disastrous fire occurred on Sunday morning,
July I2, I874, which destroyed nearly every building
on the east side of Michigan avenue from the old
Pacific House on Maple street to Shafer's block on
Elm. Comparatively little property was saved at
this fire, and only partial insurance covered the losses.
The great destruction at that time is said to be due
to defective linen hose, and not to a want of water.
The Shafer Block, a large three-story brick veneered structure, on the northeast corner of Michigan avenue and Elm street, was burned Nov. 9,
1874, and proved a very severe loss, not only to the
owner but to the city in general.
The last extensive fire occurred Oct. 19, 1879,
when the new Mason House Block, and all the business houses south of it on the west side of Michigan
avenue, to the brick block now occupied by A. S.
Hobart & Co., were totally destroyed. All buildings
on the east side of this block were more or less damaged by the intense heat. In fact, the fire extended
around and over the Hobart store, and did consider.
able damage beyond. All these disasters combined
contributed in no small degree to retard the growth
of the town. -Many men lost all they possessed, and,
becoming disheartened, removed to other places,
while those who remained were many of them compelled to begin life anew.
'T the last calamity, and one that threatened to be
dioe bf the most destructive to the city, occurred April
29,I88ir. The snow and ice from the country and
lakes above melted with such rapidity that the Muskegon River was swollen to an immense height, and a
jam of logs completely filling the river from bank to
bank, and in many places piled several feet above the
water, extending from this city to about six miles
above, commenced to move with the current. The
booms and cribs gave way before the moving mass;
the top of the Tioga dam.and the bridge just below
were swept off, and for a time all the mills and manufactories at this point were in imminent danger-of
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serious damage, or of being carried off altogether.
Maple Street bridge, although severely tried, withstood the terrible ordeal, to the delight and satisfaction of the hundreds of people who had gathered
upon the banks to witness the grand but destructive
sight. The lower dam was partially carried away,
and required an outlay of some thousands of dollars
to repair it. The entire damage to the city from this
flood is estimated at from $25,000 to $30,000. Repairs were immediately commenced, and soon the
booms, piers, dams and bridges were in a more substantial condition and better fitted to battle with the
elements than ever before.
Soon after Big Rapids became a city, the question
of water supply for fire protection and for private
use became a general topic with the citizens. At a
meeting of the Common Council, April ii, 1871,
Alderman William Van Loo offered the first resolution, " That a committee be appointed to ascertain
the expense of supplying the city with the Holly
water-works." This resolution, with its amendment
by Alderman Jacob 0. Rose, " To investigate the cost
of the works by both steam and water power," was
adopted, and the committee appointed. A majority
of the council approved of the main resolutions, and
went steadily on with their work and what they conceived to be their duty, despite the criminations and
recriminations of the people, and the various petitionspro and con which were presented, and always
respectfully discussed and considered. Its first proposed cost was increased through unforeseen causes
incident to all enterprises, and ultimately amounted to perhaps $70,ooo00.
The amount expended in the fall of I87I was
$30,271.40, of which $io,ooo went to the Holly Company for machinery, and $II,I92.93 to H. Phelps
for pipe, and for laying same. The following spring,
by a vote of 215 to 123, the citizens decided to raise
a further loan of $5,00ooo towards completing the
works. Then, at different times since, various other
amounts have been expended, though it has undoubtedly been a good investment.
The fire department ot Big Rapids was organized
in March, i87 I. The first officers were: J. M. Cook,
Chief Engineer; E. O. Rose, First Assistant; C. D.
Crandell, Second Assistant. In May of the same
year, Hook and Ladder Company No. i, was organiznd, which at that time constituted the entire
department. Its officers were: Charlie Gay, Foreman; William H. Bennett, First Assistant; O. T. Fuller, Second Assistant; J. Frank Clark, Secretary; S.
D. Thompson, Treasurer. Several hose companies
have since been organized and thoroughly equipped.
The " Young Alerts," of Big Rapids, have the
champion belt for hose companies in Michigan, won
at the State tournaments of 1882 and I883. The
former tournament was held at Charlotte, in August.
The hose companies entered were the Protections, of
Ann Arbor; Protections, of Muskegon; Cadillacs, of
Cadillac; Hillsdales, of Hillsdale; Unions, of Battle
Creek; and the Young Alerts, of Big Rapids. The
Protections, of Ann Arbor, Protections, of Muskegon,
and Hillsdales, of Hillsdale, were given no time, on
account of imperfect couplings. Cadillac Hose made
the run to the hydrant in 27 seconds, but owing to
an imperfection in their hose they were unable to
make any coupling, and were given no time. The
Unions, of Battle Creek, made a handsome run in
41 seconds; hydrant time, 262. The last to
run were the Young Alerts, who made the run in 41 x
seconds; hydrant run in 26 VA, winning by onefourth of a second. They brought home a prize of
$125, and the champion belt.
At the State tournament of 883, held at Marshall,
Aug. 15 and I6, the Young Alerts again won the first
prize of $125, and the champion belt, making the run
in the unprecedented time of 39V~ seconds. The
competing companies were from Albion, Hillsdale,
Battle Creek, St. Johns and Hastings.
The team composing the Young Alerts this year
were Robert McGregor, Foreman; David Aitken,
Fred Wakefield, Fred Gay, Dan McDonald, Herbert
Priest, Alexander McGregor, Ferber Black, Charles
Van Alstine, John Hagadone, Winifred Case, John
Aitken, Will Lincoln, James Vallies, Burdette Crandell, Walter Gaunt, Robert Moon, Stowell Crandell
and Ed. Hagadone.
SCHOOLS.
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MODEL of beauty, size and convenience
* is the central school-house, and when the,.I,
new First-Ward school building is completed(
the city will have ample school accommoda-, tions for years to come. The school census ()i
taken in 1883 shows the number of persons in the
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MECOSTA CO UNT Y. 647
rI,, district between 5 and 20 years of age to be 1,317,? an increase over'I882 of 178. This increase has
necessitated the employment of three additional
teachers, besides one for an ungraded school.
The following is the full corps of instructors for the
1 year 1883-4, with the salaries paid:
J. S. Crombie, Superintendent..............$I,650
Anna Pease, Preceptress.................. 700
Prill V. Boyce, Assistant High School........ 475
G. L. Bingham, Grammar.............. 450
Fannie Forrester, Grammar................. 400
( Flora A. Lincoln........................ 400
M. D. Chittenden........................ 350
C. E. H ulsart........................... 350
Nettie Peters............................ 350
Lottie C. Price.......................... 350
Allie Hay.............................. 350
Etta Sm art.............................. 340
Maggie Switzer.......................... 330
Marion Palmer.......................... 330
Hattie Place............................ 330
) Alverta Lamb............................ 330
Total.............................. $8,200
The bonded indebtedness of the district is $7,ooo,
of which $4,000 is to be paid Feb i, 1884, and
5 $3,000 Feb. i, 1885. The value of the school property in the district is estimated at $35,494; number
+ of pupils that can be seated in the various buildings,
) 1,050; number of pupils enrolled in 1882-3, i,I66.
Following is a synopsis of the annual report of the
Board of Education for the school year ending Sept.
3, i883, and the estimates of receipts and expenditures for the year commencing Sept. 3, 1883:
RECEIPTS.
I
Total general fund.................
Orders paid........................
Balance.........................
Total building fund..................
Orders paid.........................
Balance.........................
Total library fund....................
Orders paid........................
Balance......................
Total amount in treasury to date.......
18,524 35
15,691 30
2,833 05
6,293 30
4,293 30
2,000 00
773 77
393 41
380 36
5,213 61
Building fund-wood house, walks, etc... 4,293 30
Library fund- new books, printing, etc. 393 4I
SUMMARY.
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ESTIMATES FOR COMING YEAR.
Estimate of expenditure for coming year.$I6,37o 44
Amount on hand, general fund......... 2,833 25
One-mill tax.........................,500 oo0
Primary school fund..................,o000 oo
Total resources.............. 5,333 25
Recommended to raise by tax......... I4,500 00
Total......................... 19,833 25
Estimated expenditures.............. 6,370 44
Balance................... 3 462 8
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BUSINESS.
HE pioneers who first visited the ground on
which the city now stands, saw in the " big
rapids" of the Muskegon River a mighty
power that would some day be the means of
establishing a manufacturing city. Nature
seems to have so designed it. A river whose
constant flow of water is seldom materially affectd
by the snows and rains of winter, or the extreme
drouth of summer, with a fall greater than anyother
stream in the State, seems to invite the manufacturer
to this spot. In the early history of the city the
lumber interest was the one looked after; but as the
imber in the vicinity was removed, other industries
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Cash in treasury as per last report......
Receipts during year.................
Total general fund................
Balance in building fund, Sept. 4, '82....
Receipts during year.................
Total building fund...............
Balance in library fund, Sept. 4, '82.....
Receipts during year................
$2,901 13
15,623 22
18,524 35
650 95
5,642 35
6,293 30
405 34
368 43
{i
Total library fund.............. 773 77
% / Total receipts for the year..... 25,591 42
EXPENDITURES OF THE YEAR.
General fund —teachers' salaries, etc....$15,691 30
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648 AMTCOSTA COUNTY.
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took its place, and now, although it is still headquarters for a large extent of the lumber manufacturing district, is not dependent upon that alone for
its existence. The natural and abundant facilities
for manufacturing has drawn men and capital, and
every year it is increasing; and it is confidently predicted that the time is not far distant when Big
Rapids will be second to none in the State as a manufacturing center. Its immense water power, the excellent farming lands around the city, timber for
manufacturing purposes, and many other things,
seem to verify the prediction.
The city has three large lumber mills, two flouring
mills, two shingle mills, five large establishments for
the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, two
foundries and machine shops, in which are made
auything from a rivet to a steam engine, one large
furniture factory, one large and several small wagon
factories, one match factory, one picture-backing factory, besides several smaller manufactories of different kinds. The last mentioned-the picture backing
factory of James G. McElwee-is worthy of special
mention, as it is the largest of the kind in the world.
The products of this mill are shipped to all parts of
BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION. f
>.
A move in the right direction has recently been made
by the principal citizens of Big Rapids. At a meeting held Oct. 26, I883, they organized themselves
into the "Business Men's Association," the object of
which is to induce capitalists to invest in Big Rapids,
in manufacturing, etc. They have raised a fund of
$1,ooo to defray the expenses of the organization.
The following are the officers: M. P. Gale, President; F. Fairman, G. F. Stearns, W. S. Gray, George
A. Roof, C. M. Darrah, S. S. Wilcox and J. McCormick, Vice-Presidents; William P. Nisbett, Secretary;
W. W. Smith, Treasurer; S. H. Gray, J. M. Crocker,
D. F. Glidden, S. L. Newton, E. G. Haney, M. M.
Cole and J. T. Escott, Executive Committee.
TELEPHONE.
A telephone company was formed in I88I, consisting of M. P. Gale, Hudnutt Bros. and others,
which was in October' of i88i bought out by the
present Telephone and Telegraph Construction Company. Its office is in the Furniture Block, and H. D.
Reid is General Manager. The main office is in
Detroit. The Big Rapids system now has 85 wires., I,
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= the United States.NORTHERN HOTEL.
TIOGA MANUFACTURING COMPANYThe hotel called the "The Northern," Sid. H. '
This company has been one of the principal in- Roosevelt, proprietor, is justly conceded to be one of
struments in building up Big Rapids and its manu- the finest hotels in Northern Michigan, and has
facturing interests. It was incorporated Nov. 17, added much to the fair name of Big Rapids. The
1870, by John F. Brown, Thomas C. Platt (Owego, building was erected in i88I. It faces the south,
N. Y.), Marcus E. Brown (Hornellsville, N. Y.), and is 300 feet in length, extending from State street
Byron M. Hanks (Rochester, N. Y.), and Joseph O. to the alley west of the Northern National Bank. It
Hudnutt, for the purpose of operating in lumber, contains, first, one large store, 40 x Ioo feet, directly
' lath, shingles, etc., and also flour and feed. The west of the alley. Next come three rooms, 8 x 40,
capital stock was $500,000, in 20,000 shares of $25 for offices or small stores. Then come the barber H'
each. Of this stock, $400,000 were actually paid in shop, reading-room, and other small apartments conat the start, the 4.000 shares representing the other nected with the hotel. The hotel office, forty feet
$roo,ooo being held by the Directors for sale. Of wide and fifty feet deep, occupies the center of the
the I6,ooo shares held by the incorporators, 4,694 block. Directly in the rear of it is the dining-room
were held by John F. Brown; 4,693 by Thomas C. 40 x 60, and in the rear of that the kitchen, 30 x 40.
Platt; 4,693 by Marcus E. Brown; 960 by Byron M. Next come five rooms, 18 x 40, and two, I8 x 44, for
Hanks, and 960 by Joseph 0. Hudnutt. John F. offices and small stores.
1 Brown, of Big Rapids, was Managing Director until The upper story is all used as a part of the hotel. {; his death, in T88o. The company built and ran a It is divided into sixty-eight parlors and sleeping
steam-poMer saw-mill, a water-power saw-mill and a rooms, the largest being i8 x i8, and the smallest
flouring mill. They also held interests in the North- x 14, and all but four have outside windows. A hall
ern National Bank, and many other prominent enter- extends through the entire block, and outside stair- *
$ prises in Big Rapids and vicinity. ways at the northern and western extremities render
X'.,-.'," a}
y MECOSTA CO UNTY. 649!* _= — ^ ---- — = -= -=_^ *
escape easy in case of fire. Abundant sewerage is fur- are kept in stock and the medicines compounded at
nished, the site being upon the slope facing Mitchell the hospital.
'' Creek. The entire block is lighted by gas and heated Drs. Burkart and Groner are the present medical
" by steam, the furnace and boilers being located in the advisers, and their services are gratuitous. They visit
basement directly under the dining room, with a their charges on alternate days and treat some
laundry under the kitchen. remarkable cases, and perform rare and difficult surThe "Northern," under the management of Mr. gical operations. Among the most recent was the amRoosevelt, and favored with the services of so effi- putation of the tongue of James McGill, July 20,
cient and genial a clerk as'Charles P. Miller, is a r883. The disease was cancer of the tongue, and the
credit to Big Rapids. operation was performed by the regular attending
/ physicians. On the third day of August they per- MERCY HOSPITAL. formed the rarely successful operation of stretching
Mercy Hospital, at ig Rapids,as established the sciatic nerve, with the best results. Dr. W. A.
S Mercy Hospital, at Big Rapids, was established..
rHendryx was attendant physician and surgeon about
by the Sisters of Mercy of Grand Rapids at the inn,;; of -r wt 7 u.,t:.,......n ra two years.
wLz,flornin nf' Zoner neLsrr oa anII
Oi.a~lItiI 11 TI. J'IUICl -eUIDLII t, ia OIII:IoaL _atIIOIIC
priest stationed here. The institution was an urgent
necessity from the number of accidents in the lumber woods. The sisterhood purchased 40 acres of
land and proceeded to erect a building which cost
$7,000. It was begun Feb. 5, 1879, and before the. close of the year its list of entries included 200
a names. The aggregate number for the years I88o*8 I-'82, were respectively 500, 900, and 800. Up to'
x date of writing (Oct. 24, 1883), the number of
patients who have received treatment the current
year is 743. There are now 60 patients in the various wards. The death rate has thus far been the
lowest of any hospital on record, being but 32 per
cent.
In December, 1882, the building was consumed by
fire, and a temporary structure has been erected to
serve the demand until the new one now in progress
is rcnrnlptdrl t Txrill rA-c.t A-n O... ]APO An. +1, o A
BANK ROBBERY.
I ROBBERY was committed at the Ex- ~ change.Bank of Big Rapids, between Sun"' day evening, Nov. 30, and Monday morning,
Dec. I, 1873, of $2,868.42 in checks and
notes. UpIon attempting to open up for business Monday morning, at the usual hour, the
inner door of the vault could not be unlocked.
All efforts to open it being unsuccessful, an opening
was made in the back or west wall of the vault,
through which an entrance was obtained. An examination of the door disclosed the fact that the sliding bars or bolts were securely held in place by a._1. -.._...._ __
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distance of about 15 feet, and then by iaking an excavation in the masonry or stone work of the vault,
he was enabled to effect an entrance up through the
cement floor.
The trench was large enough for a man to crawl
from end to end without difficulty, and near the vault
the excavation was large enough for a man to sit upright, with plenty of room for work. The earth and
stones which had been removed from the excavation
were packed away on either side, filling the space
between the joists clear up to the floor. There were
found in the tunnel two pairs of heavy double
blankets, two straps (which had evidently been used
to fasten the blankets into a compact bundle while
they were being taken in there), an old summer coat,
a gunny sack, and a quantity of crackers, all which
would indicate that the burglar had burrowed beneath
the floor for some time; in fact, the amount of work
done, considering the cramped position of the operator, and the caution with which it had to be conducted, must have occupied several days and nights.
The only things in the shape of tools found in the
excavation were a small screw-driver without a handle, and a piece of cross-cut saw plate, about five
inches square.
One rather singular coincidence, and perhaps a
very fortunate circumstance for the robber, was the
fact that the safe within the vault had been left open,
and after having gained an entrance he had nothing
to do but appropriate its contents and make his
exit.
The reason of the safe being unlocked, Gen. Bronson, President of the bank, explained as follows: On
Sunday forenoon, having occasion to examine some
papers that were kept in the safe, and not understanding the combination upon which it was locked,
or how to unlock it, he got Mr. F. D. Brown, who was
at one time cashier of the bank, to go and unlock it
for him. Having taken out the documents he desired, Mr. Brown closed the safe door and inquired if
he should lock it. He (Gen. Bronson) replied that
he might wish to inspect other papers not yet taken
out, and Mr. Brown thereupon left the bank. After
concluding the inspection of the documents he went
there to examine, he returned them to their place,
closed the door, and took hold of the knob for the
purpose of locking it; but it occurring to him that he
might turn it the wrong way, and thus derange the
I
combination or get the lock out of order, and believing everything to be secure within the vault, he left
the safe unlocked.
Two young men, Charles Stickney and Charles
Milner, who slept in the back room of the bank, their
bed being not more than three or four feet from the
hole made in the vault, stated that they heard no
noise or disturbance whatever during the night.
Young Stickney stated, however, that for several days
before he had occasionally heard a scratching noise
beneath the floor, but supposing it to be caused by
rats or mice, he paid no attention to it.
A track made by a dirty shoe-pack or moccasin was
discovered, leading from the rear of the buildingback
to the alley, and thence southward, and was supposed to have been made by the robber as he departed from the premises. It, however, could not be
followed beyond the engine house. There were
numerous theories and speculations concerning the
robbery, but no satisfactory traces of its perpetrator
were ever discovered.
PRESS CONVENTION.
$ IG Rapids has come to be a a favorite
place for holding conventions and reunions. One of the most prominent;Pf 0of the meetings held in Mecosta County's
metropolis was the second annual meeting of
the Northwestern Michigan Press Association,
Monday and Tuesday, July 14 and I5, I879. The
following journalists were in attendance:
C. S. Ramsey and wife, Cheboygan 7iibune.
App. M. Smith, Manistee Times.
Frank Bracelin, Montague Lumberman.
Hon. E. G. D. Holden, S. F. Aspinwall and wife,
Grand Rapids Journal.
L. A. Barker and wife, Lake City Journal.
T. T. Bates and wife, Traverse City Herald.
G. E. Matthews and wife, Fremont Indicator.
E. I,. Sprague and wife, and Miss O. Spencer,
Traverse Bay Eagle.
A. H. Johnson, Sutton's Bay T7ibune.
L. M. Sellers, Cedar Springs Cli.pper.
A. Chase, Evart Review.
G. W. Minchin, Red City Clarion.
I. I,V
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 65
J. W. Hallack, Sparta Sentinel. W. S. George, of the Lansing, Mich., Republican'
E. O. Rose and wife, Charlie Gay and wife, M. W. 'T he Editor's Guests " (Will Carlton)-Recitation
Barrows and wife, Big Rapids Pioneer-Magnet. by Kittie May Woolley, of Big Rapids.
O. D. Glidden and wife, D. F. Glidden and wife, " The Press-Indispensable to American ProgBig Rapids Herald. ress."-Response by Hon. M. Brown, of Big Rapids.
W. F. Slawson and wife, V. W. Bruce and wife, " Wamen-May she never be Underestimated. "Big Rapids Current. Response by E. O. Rose, of the Big Rapids PioneerW. S. Stevens and wife, Hesperia Hesperian. Magnet.
Maj. J. W. Long, wife and nurse, Isabella Times. "Our Second Century. "-Response by Rev. E. W.
J. H. Wheeler and wife, Sherman Pioneer. Miller, of Big Rapids.
A. Bilz, Miss Fannie G. Bilz and Miss Allie Sabin, "The Newspaper Man —His Ups and Downs. "Spring Lake Republican. Response by G. E. Matthews, of the Fremont Indi-.
C. F. Chapin, Cadillac News. cator.
Gen. A. A. Stevens and C. C. Sexton, Grand Rap- The responses were excellent, and loudly applaudids Democrat. ed. At the business meeting Tuesday morning,
Frank H. Rose, St. Johns Home Chroniele. E. 0. Rose, of Big Rapids, was elected President.
James Vandersluis, Grand Rapids Banner. Tuesday forenoon, the entire party spent a couple of
W. S. Benham, Grand Haven Herald. hours riding about town and witnessing the various
E. F. Grabill and wife, Greenville Independent. objects of interest, carriages for that purpose being r
F. Weller and wife, Miss Theresa Quinlin, Mus- furnished by the citizens. At eleven o'clock the fire
kegon News and Reporter. department came out for its review, and was cordially
~ W. M. Harford, Muskegon Chronicle. praised. The party left in the afternoon for the:
a W. A. Smith, Charlevoix Sentinel. north, on an excursion to Mackinaw Island. This =
g R. R. Johnson, Muskegon Journal. meeting was the largest assemblage of newspaper:
=r C. P. Rice, Muskegon Daily Times. men ever seen in the State, up to this time.
Don. Henderson, Allegan Journal. /, J. Parmiter and wife, Hart Journal.-~The following representatives of papers outside
the Northwestern Michigan Press Association were ORGANIZATIONS.
present:
I
Gill R. Osmun, Detroit Evening News.
W. S. George and wife, Lansing Republican.
Rev. H. Lamont, Chicago Witness.
B After a business meeting Monday afternoon, an
p evening was spent in social chat, and festivity. At, ten o'clock they were serenaded by the city cornet
band, and then followed an enjoyable banquet at the
Armory Hall, prepared by A. R. White, proprietor of
the Mason House. After being seated in the hall,
S. S. Wilcox, of Big Rapids, presiding, Dr. Bigelow,
in behalf of the citizens, delivered an eloquent wel) coming address., The banquet over, T. T. Bates, of
the Traverse City Herald, delivered a feeling response to the address of Dr. Bigelow. Then followed the toasts:
( " Michigan. "-Response by Hon. E. G. D. Hol) den, of the Grand Rapids Journal.; O"Our Schools and Colleges. "-Response by Hon.
I IG Rapids contains a good representation
] 5 1 of secret, benevolent and other associa' g5 itions, of which the principal are here
fo" noticed. The societies are functions of an
advancing civilization, which are destined to
grow and strengthen with the increase of an
enlightened population.
BIG RAPIDS LODGE NO. 17], F. & A. M.
Was dedicated Feb. 8, I866, the ceremonies being
conducted by Alex. Mann, of Muskegon, representing the Grand Master. The officers installed at that
-.A..L ---- A O A'.. '. AT -.r h t ^ '.- r C
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meeting were A. o. iviasuo, vv. ivi.; knlAIll JcJay, O.
W.; B. E. Hutchinson, J. W.; G. F. Stearns, Treas.;,
E. O. Rose, Sec.; George French, S. D.; A. N. Williams, J. D.; James Furster, Tyler. The present
officers are: A. S. Mason, W. M.; E. W. Ford, S. e
W.; Peter McNaughton, J. W.; G. F. Stearns, Treas^,^9 — s' —
iz -1
I w44IC-s- 0 q)~jo
''- ""r- -—,<1 ---r'11~ An ""' i B> —, --;,
652 MECOSTA COUN.VT Y.
urer; A. W. Eldredge, Sec.; C. H. Olds, S. D.; J. Kennedy, St. B.; G. F. Stearns, Sd. B., and Treas.; I
j Thomas Shaw, Sr., J. D.; G. F. Whitney, Tyler. E. 0. Rose, R.; F. E. Nelson, S. It was regularly ^: The present membership is about 120, and the lodge constituted Sept. o1, I869, by T. A. Flower, of Ponis in a flourishing condition. It meets the first week tiac, Rt. Em. G. C. of Michigan. The present officers
in every month. are: Simon G. Webster, E. C.; Ceylon C. Fuller,
Gen.; Edward W. Hudnutt, C. G.; Calvin W. NotBIG RAPIDS CHAPTER, No. 52, R. A. M., tingham, Prel; Charlie Gay, Rec.; George F. Stearns
Was organized under dispensation Aug. 28, 867 Treas.; Alfred S. Mason, S. W.; Peter McNaughton,
with W. I. Latimer as High Priest; Charlie Gay,. W.; Hram E Hardy, St. B.; Joh H. Foster, Sd.
King; Alfred S. Mason, Scribe; Orrin Stevens, Sec.; Bearer.; Willis M. Slosson, Warden; George F.
B. E. Hutchinson, C. of H.; E. 0. Rose, Prin. Soj.; Whitney, Sent. The Commandery meets the first
A M. Green, R. A. C.; C. C. Fuller, M. 3d V.;. Friday evening of each month. The present mem-. bership is 96.
O. Rose, M. 2d V.: Andrew Green, M. Ist V.;
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xeorge vv. Green, oent. I ne present omcers are as
follows: Charlie Gay, High Priest; Hiram E. Hardy,
King; John H. Foster, Scribe; George F. Stearns,
Treas.; Alonzo H. Eldredge, Sec.; Simon G. Webster, C. of H.; O. D. Glidden, Prin. Soj.; Wesley F.
Louckes, R. A. C.; Alfred S. Mason, M. 3d V.; Hiram Honeywell, M. 2d V.; Peter McNaughton, M.
ist V.; George F. Whitney, Sent. The chapter now
has a membership of 74, and meets the first Wednesday of each month.
KING.SOLOMON COUNCIL No. 25, R. &. S. M
(Royal and Select Masters),
Was instituted Tuesday, Aug. 4, i868, by James
Kennedy, proxy for T. I. G. P., with the following
officers: C. C. Fuller, T. I. G. M.; Charlie Gay, D.
I. G. M.; W. I. Latimer, P. C. W.; G. F. Stearns, Treas.;
E. 0. Rose, G. R.; D. E. Stearns, G. C. of G; B. E.
R14tcrhinsnn G( C F. hF Nelcnn G. S_ TIhe nreent
BIG RAPIDS LODGE, NUMBER I, I.. O.O.F.
Was organized Wednesday, Sept. I8, 1867, with J
O. Rose, as Noble Grand; Alonzo Powers as Vice
Grand; and E. O. Rose as Secretary. The present
membership is 70, and the lodge meets every Monday night at Odd Fellows Hall. L. T. Loveless is
Noble Grand, and M. V. Taylor, Secretary.
BIG RAPIDS ENCAMPMENT, NO. 55, I. O. O. F.
Was organized in 1872, and has now about 45 lmei- -
bers. It meets the second and fourth Wednesdays.
of each month.
BIG RAPIDS COUNCIL, NUMBER I74, ROYAL
ARCANUM,
Was organized in 1878,with E. J. Marsh as Regent
W. W. Carpenter as Secretary, and C. C. Fuller as
1_ lu-.m- t,,- *-"-. C-+ ---- T (r )_ _
JI *...... -...-,.. % o, -.... ^. O' i.LILurI. -L tllc)[Sor IL ultucetrs aret; L. _. l-aterson,
officers are: Charlie Gay, T. I. M.; Peter McNaugh- Regent; E. R. Keith, Secretary; George A. Roof,
ton, D. M.; B. Elial Hutchinson, P. C. W.; George Collector; and John Watson, as Treasurer. The
F. Stearns, Treasurer; Charles D. Bronson, Recorder; Council meets the first and third Wednesdays of
Hiram Honeywell, C. of G.; Ceylon C. Fuller, C. of each month, and has a membership of 34.
C.; Joseph;V. Fearns, Steward; George F. Whitney,
Sentinel. The present membership is i8. The MECOSTA LODGF, NUMBER 26, KNIGHTS
Council meets at Masonic Hall the first Tuesday OF PYTHIAS,
evening of each month.
o Was organized in i875, and is now in a very flourish7 PILGRIM COMMANDERY NUMBER 23, ing condition. The present officers are: C. D. Car-.KNIGHTS rEMPLA penter, P. C.; John R. Snyder, C. C.; C. D. CranKNIGHTS 1TEMPLAR,
dell, V. C.; E. P. Clark, Prelate; O. D. Glidden, K.,,,; Was organized under dispensation in November, of R. & S.; George D. Miles, M. at A.; T. R. Crocker,
S 1868, with the following officers: W. I. Latimer, E. M. of E.; F. R. Fowler, M. of F.; A. W. Withington, 4
C.; CharlieGay, G.; C. C. Fuller, C. G.; E. O. Rose, I. G. D. F. Glidden, of this lodge, is the Grand la
' S. W.; C. D. Bronson, J. W.; B. E. Hutchinson, W.; Chancellor of the order for the State of Michigan.
> '11.,:,,, l.i.
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THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR
3is h --- -<-D <: V,
OUNTY. 653 i
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Have a lodge, organized in October, I882. It now
has I40 members. The principal officers are Gen.
Stephen Bronson, V. S.; T. J. Wakeman, M. W.; J.
W. Griffin, Fin. Sec.; J. T. Davison, Sec. The
lodge meets every Tuesday night.
PINE-TREE LODGE, NUMBER 763, KNIGHTS
OF HONOR,
Was organized Sept. 16, 1877. It now has a membership of 44, and meets the second and fourth
Tuesdays of each month. F. Fairman is Dictator; J.
F. Clark, Reporter; and C. W. Nottingham, Financial Reporter.
BIG RAPIDS LODGE, NUMBER 35, SONS OF
INDUSTRY,
Was organized in September, 1883, with the following officers: 0. D. Glidden, M.; D. W. Stewart, W.;
G. W. Trowbridge, C.; Charles H. Crane, Sec.; C. J.
Hood, T.; H. D. Reid, Stew.; H. I. Orwig, Mar.; T.
Edmunds, G. The present membership is 37. The
lodge meets the second and fourth Thursdays of
each month.
THF ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE
Have a branch here, organized in August, I880. It
meets twice a month. E. E. Stone is S. C.; D. Emerson, Treas.; W. S. Whitney, Sec.; and Wm. H.
Andrews, Fin. Sec.
BIG RAPIDS LODGE NUMBER 408, I. O. G. T.,
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P. M. W.; Charlie Gay, M. W.; C. W. Nottingham
Recorder; F. Fairman, Receiver. The present officers are: Charlie Gay, P. M. W.; W, W. Putnam,
M. W.; S. G. Webster, Recorder, and F. Fairman,
Receiver. The lodge meets the second and fourth
Tuesdays of each month, and has about 40 members.
THE BRAZEE RIFLES
Were organized in June, I875, with B. F. Brazee,
Captain; M. D. Ford, ist Lieutenant, and Charles
H. Milner, 2d Lieutenant. The membership was
then about 85; and the company will now muster
5o. B. F. Brazee has been Captain continuously
since the formation of the company, except in I877,
when S. G. Webster was Captain. Daniel Alcombrack is now ist Lieutenant, and C. M. Wiseman 2d
Lieutenant. The company meets every Thursday
night for drill in its armory, which is valued at $3,000.
This has a parlor up stairs, and an office down stairs,
both well furnished. The drill room is 40 x 100.
The building is 150 feet deep, but 30 feet are used
for a stage, as the armory is often used for re-unions
and public meetings. The company has been
called out twice for actual service,-at Grand Rapids,
in 1877, and at Muskegon, in i881, the occasion
both times being workingmen's strikes.
POST FRENCH, NUMBER 28, G. A. R.,
Was organized Sept. 6, I88r, with eighteen charter
members, and the following officers: B. F. Brazee,
Con.; Michael Brown, S. V. C.; J. Shaw, J. V. C.;
L. T. Loveless, Adjutant; Thomas Shaw, Chap.; Edgar Peirce, Q. M.; Dr. A. W. Whitney, Surg.; William T. Bliss, O. D. The present membership is
131. The post meets every Wednesday evening.
The following are the present officers: B. F. Brazee,
Com.; John P. Schort, S. V. C.; Henry Albro, J. V.
C.; W. A. Cole, Adj.; Thomas Shaw, Chap.; A. T.
Compau, Q. M.; Dr. A. W. Whitney, Surg.; D. Alcombrack, 0. D.
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Was chartered Aug i8, i880, with the following first
officers: O. D. Glidden, W. C. T.; Mrs. M. H.
Cobb, V. T.; M. D. Ford, Chap.; Mrs. Jennette
Blackwood, Sec.; William Binney, Ass't Sec.; G. C.
Gardner, Fin. Sec.; C. N. Chick, Treas. The lodge
n... 1 l....c. m l Im rl, iJ-r J,- rz' r, liii7Lr.ou a rl, ma,, -t -
I
nliW 11aS a 11j.iiuc ilIJ y 1 jVi UVV L ILLi.LUI.CUI UIL 111C.I Lb
every Friday evening. The following are the present THE CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY AND SCIEN~ officers: Lewis Toan, W. C. T.; Mrs. Millie Chap- TIFIC CIRCLE)
man, V. T.; G. R. Malone, Chaplain; H. E. Chap- Has a branch in Big Rapids, organized Oct. 2, 1879,
man, Sec.; Miss Lottie Price, Ass't Sec.; C. W. Bar- with about a dozen members. Rev. C L. Barnhart
ton, Fin. Sec.; Fred Hill, Treas. was elected President; Mrs. E. W. Miller, Vice-; AMITY LODGE, NUMBER 93, A. O... W., President; Miss Mary E. Russell, Secretary and
0i) Treasurer, and Miss F. F. Angell as Preceptress.
Was organized Jan. 12, 188i, with Edgar Peirce as The following ladies were chosen as an advisory,a~~( ---- ^y — Q ^^",- -a~e. —
654
654 TMECOST CO UNTY.
committee: Mrs. E. O. Rose, Mrs. C. J. Hood, Mrs. are having a pipe organ constructed in Detroit. This
V. W. Bruce, Mrs. A. J. Russell and Miss Clara will be the first pipe organ in the city. The CathoOsburn. The purpose of this society is to promote lics, Swedish Lutherans and German Lutherans
a desire for study among adults, whose time is gener- have organizations in good condition and holding
T ally employed at their regular avocations. regular services.
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CHURCHES.
~ HE pioneer church in Big Rapids is the
Methodist Episcopal, some account of the
" early history of which is given in the history of Big Rapids on a previous page. The
society was formed in I865, and the church
built and dedicated in I867. The present
pastor is Rev. J. W. Hallenbeck, who came in September, 1883. The society now has a membership
of about 260. V. W. Bruce is Superintendent of the
Sunday-school, which has about 250 on the roll.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Was organized in the fall of I869, and the church
edifice was erected in I87 I, at a cost of $2,000. The
first pastor was Rev. Sydney Beckwith. The pastor
at the time the church was built was Rev. W. Flower.
No meetings have been held since December, I882,
though there is a prospect of a speedy revival. The
POPULATION.
CCORDING to the census of the respective
years from I870 to the present time, the
ratio of increase of the population of Big
Rapids has been steady, indicating a healthy
growth upon a substantial foundation. The
following tables give a condensed statement,
in a form convenient for reference. First, the census
of I870 gave:
First Ward.................378
Second Ward...............44I
Third Ward....................375
Fourth Ward.................243
Total.....................1,237
The State census of i874 showed the following:
First Ward.................. 707.Cq Tn/nA WQril v -r9
present membership is 05. JU.VIU................. 1101
f Third Ward........ 886
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Fourth Ward................. 472
Was organized in i876, with Rev. E. W. Miller as Total....... 383
pastor. He remained six years, and was then suc- By the general census of I88o, the population was
ceeded by Rev. William McCracken, the present as follows:
pastor, who came from Allegheny City, Pa., in March, FirstWard. 6oi
1882. The society bought their church edifice of the Second Ward. 7 I
r Baptists, in 1878. It is located on the corner of Trd Wr,
State and Hemlock streets, and is now valued at Foth Ward...
Fourth Ward... 56x,,.~ $3,000. It will seat about 200. The present mem-Fifth Ward......... 570
b Lership of the Church is over Ioo. __
|Total..................... 3,552
THE UNITARIANS
The population at the present time is probably )
Are now building a fine church in Big Rapids, and forty per cent. more than that in x88o.
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