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HISTORY OF
CALHOUN COUNTY
MICHIGAN
A Narrative Account of its Historical Progress,
its People, and its Principal Interests
BY


HON. WASHINGTON


GARDNER


VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
PUBLISHERS
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
1913










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History of Calhoun County
HON. CHARLES AUSTIN. Battle Creek as a city of trade and industry has been fortunate in the possession of a fine body of citizenship, including men of ability and integrity to direct the large enterprises which have given this city distinction among the larger centers
of Michigan. During the last forty years one of these business builders
and upholders of local prosperity has been Mr. Charles Austin, merchant, banker and legislator. Mr. Austin has had a long and varied
career, which has made him both a witness and participant of many
eras of achievement which preceded the present.
A native of England, born in the city of London, April 19, 1834,
he began his active business life when a boy, and his success came as
the result of his own energies and force of initiative. His father was
in early life a farmer, then became a boot and shoe merchant in London, was at the same time an active minister of the Wesleyan denomination, and later emigrated to New Zealand, where he combined his
labors for the church with the practice of farming up to the time of his
death, which occurred when he was nearly eighty-eight years of age.
The son Charles received his schooling in one of the institutions of
the British and Foreign Schools Society, and his mercantile experience
was begun in his father's store. To a youth with his share of ambition
and energy, America presented a very inviting field. He was eighteen
when he left London, and in February, 1852, landed at New York.
The metropolis did not at once offer him the kind of work he desired,
so he went up the river to Albany, where he was soon clerking in a
boot and shoe store. In the fall of the same year he went on to Little
Falls, New York, and from there to Utica, which was his home until
1854. The latter year was the date of his coming to Michigan, with
which state he has been identified for nearly sixty years. Concord was
his first place of residence, but in September, 1855, he located in Calhoun county. He is one of the oldest citizens of this county, and
during the many years of his residence has seen this locality change
from pioneer conditions to the highest degree of modern development.
His first two years in this county were spent in Homer, where he
was in the boot and shoe business. On his removal to Bedford he extended his trade to include a stock of general merchandise. He was
identified with the little town of Bedford for many years, built up a
large business by satisfactory dealing and honorable methods, and
left there to undertake a larger scope of enterprise in Battle Creek,
where he located in 1872. The dry-goods house which was his first establishment was one of the largest in the city during its time. He
also founded the large mercantile and commission house of Austin,
Godsmark & Durand, now the Godsmark, Durand & Company, in which
609




610


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


he still retains an interest. The prosperity and long continued success
of the Old National Bank, a financial institution which is frequently
mentioned in this history, have been in large measure due to Mr. Austin,
who has been a stockholder many years and is vice president.
Mr. Austin was married at Concord, Michigan, January 1, 1855, to
Miss Lucy D. Taylor. They were the parents of five sons, two dying in
infancy. Those still living are: Oliver T., traveling salesman, Chicago,
single; Charles J., married, no children, manager wholesale grocery,
Toledo, 0.; Edward D., engaged in the art crockery business, Battle
Creek, married, three children, Helen G., Oliver C., Darwin E.
In the affairs of citizenship and public activity, Mr. Austin has
always borne a scrupulous and worthy part. During his Bedford residence he was a justice of the peace, and in 1875, after his removal to
Battle Creek, he was elected a member of the city council. The following year he was the choice of the Republican citizenship for the office
of mayor, and was re-elected. In 1880 came his first election to the
lower house of the legislature, and in 1882 and 1884 he was chosen to
the state senate. As member of the senate committees on finance, insurance, education and asylums for the insane and chairman of the
committee on railroads, he had a prominent part in the legislative functions of that period. His membership in the Masonic order dates from
1858, and he has attained high rank in the craft being a member of Blue
Lodge, No. 12, Chapter, Royal Arch', Council and the Commandery.
His home church is the Independent Congregational in which he is an
active member and a worker in its Sunday school.
FREEBORN W. BATHRICK, M. D. In the death of Dr. Freeborn W.
Bathrick, there slipped from the ranks of the world's useful men, one
return the affection and esteem of a whole city. No one has as good
a right as a doctor to become a cynic and a pessimist, for he must view
humanity at its worst angle. Yet Doctor Bathrick, in spite of his long
years spent in fighting death and disease, believed in the good of humanity, and in spite of sad and bitter things which he was forced to witness, he kept the sweetness and sincerity of his nature that caused him
to be so well beloved. As a physician, his skill was undoubted, as his
large practice would testify. Possessed of boundless energy, broad sympathies and the requisite skill, it is no wonder that he was mourned as
few have been mourned in the city of Battle Creek.
Freeborn W. Bathrick was born on the 18th of August, 1834, at
Medina in the state of New York, the son of Stephen and Cynthia M.
(Bartholomew) Bathrick. The parents of Dr. Bathrick were of English
descent, and were both born in the Empire state. During the early
days of his life, the father was a minister of the Baptist church, later
leaving the ministry to take up medicine. As is the fate of preachers,
at least as it was in these times, Stephen Bathrick was transferred from
place to place, going from New York to Ohio when Freeborn Bathrick
was seven years old, and returning to New York after a few years. He
then continued his ministerial work in Maine, Michigan, and Illinois,
until he was incapacitated by reason of advancing years and ill-health.
He died in 1880, at Frankfort, Illinois, after a long period of invalidism.
Stephen Bathrick and his wife were the parents of five children, two
of whom died in childhood. The eldest of these was Ada, who became
Mrs. David S. Stephens, of Frankfort, Illinois, and the two sons were
Franklin Servetus and Dr. Freeborn W.
When Freeborn W. Bathrick was fourteen years of age he left home
and began teaching music in and around Rochester. Up to this time
he had been a school boy learning his lessons daily, now he had become:,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


611


a wage earner at the age of fourteen. Such sturdy self reliance and
resolve not to let the burden of his support rest on his father any longer
than was necessary is but a foreshadowing of the trend of his whole unselfish life. He taught both the piano and melodeon and was one of
the youngest music teachers in his day. He carried on this work for
ten years or more, going to Maine during this time, but returning to
pursue his work in his native state. He also taught in Toronto, Canada, and acted as agent for George A. Prince and Company's melodeons.
While in this city he took up the study of medicine under Doctor Hackett,
and a year and a half later he returned to New York and continued his
medical studies with his father. He then went west and entered Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, having prior to this however,
taken one course of lectures in Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Maine.
Before he had finished his course in medicine, he came to Battle Creek,
opened up an office and began to work up a practice. He was very
successful in this attempt and returned to Chicago after a time to complete his course and to receive his degree which he took in 1867. He
first came to Battle Creek in 1861, and he practiced there up till the
time of his death. He was never associated with any other physician
but he was a very close friend of the late Dr. Cox, who is mentioned at
length elsewhere in this volume. For a number of years he made a
specialty of throat and lung troubles and won considerable reputation
as a specialist along these lines.
In addition to being a fine physician, he was a capable business man
and was interested in every movement that had the advancement of
Battle Creek as the foundation of its existence. He was interested at
one time in a short line railroad which was afterwards absorbed by the
Grand Trunk Railroad Company. In the fraternal world Dr. Bathrick gave his allegiance to the Masonic order, being a member of the
blue lodge and of the commandery. Politically he was a Republican,
but he never cared to hold office, and was too absorbed by the heavy
work of his profession to take an active part in the great game.
Dr. Bathrick was married in March, 1861, to Miss Georgia L. Rowley, who was born in Rochester, New York, in 1840 and died in Battle
Creek in 1892. The death of Dr. Bathrick occurred on the 20th of September, 1897, at his residence in Battle Creek, when he had reached
the age of sixty-three. The Hon. W. F. Neale, a life long friend of the
deceased, delivered the funeral address, after which the remains were
taken to Detroit for cremation, in accordance with the expressed wishes
of the doctor. Dr. Bathrick possessed a wide circle of friends in his
home community and the funeral, which was held at the Independent
Congregational church, was largely attended. The religious services
were conducted by the Reverend S. J. Stewart, assisted by the Reverend
W. S. Potter, and the tribute which the Honorable W. F. Neale paid to
the memory of his well loved friend was both eloquent and appropriate.
Such was the quiet unostentatious life of a man who found his chief
pleasure in serving others.
Four children were born to Doctor and Mrs. Bathrick: George H.,
Charles F., Evelyn M. and John. After completing the curriculum of
the public schools of Battle Creek, George H. Bathrick, learned the
trade of wood-working and since 1883 he has been connected with the
firm of Nichols and Shepard Company, of Battle Creek. This company is one of the largest threshing machine manufacturers in the
world and is known the world over for the fine products in the shape
of threshers and engines that are poured forth from their doors daily.
George Bathrick represented this concern in Des Moines, Iowa, for
twenty-one years, as manager of the branch house there, and returned to




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Battle Creek in 1907, since which time he has been sales manager for
the company.   For twenty-nine years Mr. Bathrick has worked for
the Nichols and Shepard Company, and since 1887 he has been a stockholder in the concern. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Athelstan Club. At Columbus, Wisconsin, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Bathrick to Mrs. Ella Cruttenden, in April, 1901. Mr. and Mrs.
Bathrick have no children and their home is at No. 293 Garfield avenue.
Charles F. Bathrick, the second son was born and reared in Battle
Creek, receiving his education in the Battle Creek schools. He is the
active and progressive purchasing agent of the Nichols and Shepard
Company. He was married in 1899 to Miss Grace Upton, daughter of
the late James S. Upton, who represented one of the old families of
Battle Creek, and concerning whom a sketch will be found elsewhere
in this volume. They have three children, Viola Georgiana, Donald Upton and Frances Grace, all of whom are in the public schools of the
city.
Evelyn McAllister Bathrick was born and educated in Battle Creek,
and married William  J. Marvin, of Lansing, Michigan, where they
now reside. Mr. Marvin is in the printing business and he and his wife
are the parents of one daughter, Doris Jeane Marvin, who was educated
in the public schools of Lansing, and in the Conservatory of Music, at
Ypsilanti, Michigan.
The youngest son, John Moulton Bathrick, was like the others, born
and reared and educated in Battle Creek. He is now in Fargo, North
Dakota, where he is the manager of a branch house for Nichols and Shepard Company.
J. R. GOFF. One of the most prosperous and highly esteemed farmers of Calhoun county, whose name is well-known throughout Emmett
township, is J. R. Goff, the owner of one of the finest farms in Calhoun
county. His father, Stillman Goff, who was a native of New York state
and whose parents had died while he was yet a child, came to Calhoun
county to live with a sister, at the age of fourteen years. Stillman Goff
remained a resident of this county until the beginning of the Civil war.
He enlisted and served in Company D of the First Michigan Sharpshooters. He participated in many battles, including the Battle of the
Wilderness and was in Libby and Anderson prisons for nine months.
At the conclusion of the war, he returned to Lapeer county. While
engaged in army service, he had been united in marriage to Esther
Haskell, who was a daughter of David Haskell and who had four brothers
in the war. Six weeks after the birth of our subject, Stillman Goff
removed with his family to Tuscola county, where his other three children were born and reared and which was his home for forty years.
When he retired from agricultural activities he went to make his home
in Columbiaville, Lapeer county, where in 1908 he died. Mrs. Goff,
the mother of J. R. Goff, is still living. The other members of the family
of his generation are two sisters and one brother: Bessie, who is Mrs.
John Wiley of Genesee county; David A., a farmer of Tuscola county;
and Cora Luceine, who is the wife of George Abbot, an automobile employe of Flint, Michigan.
J. R. Goff, who was born February 18, 1866, remained with his parents
in Tuscola county until he was twenty-one years of age. His district
school education was supplemented by a course in the high school of
Millington, Michigan. Having attained his majority, he came to Calhoun county where he engaged in work on various farms and where
his own life-purposes were formed.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


613


In 1888 he married Miss Emma E. Rocho, the daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Vick) Rocho, both of whom were born in Germany, where
they were married and from where they emigrated to America in 1865.
Mr. Rocho, who located in Newton township, was one of its most prominent farmers. Mrs. Rocho died at their country home in 1895 and her
husband followed her in 1910. Their daughter, Mrs. Goff, was the
fourth child of the family of seven children.
Four years after his marriage J. R. Golf purchased in Newton township a farm of fifty acres, which he lived on for fourteen years. Here
he made important improvements, profiting to a gratifying degree by
the productiveness of his land. Here too were born his two children,
Rellow, who is still at home, and Zola May, who is a successful schoolteacher.
In 1904 Mr. Goff sold the farm on which he had been living and
bought another of two hundred acres, on which he continued to live
until May 20, 1912, when he moved to Battle Creek. For some time
he conducted it as a dairy farm, and then engaged in the cattle feeding
business. He is one of our most progressive farmers, being an active
member of the Farmers' club of Emmett township. He has held the
office of justice of the peace and that of health officer. In politics he
is a Republican. He is not a member of any church, but is a believer in
churches. Mrs. Goff is a member of the Congregational church. The
Goff farm, on which its owner has made $4,000 worth of improvements
is a most attractive home.
CHARLES EMMETT BARNES. The late Charles Emmett Barnes was
born at South Byron, Genesee county, New York, on the 19th day of
June, 1848, and died in Battle Creek, Michigan, on the 17th day of October, 1911, when he was in the sixty-fourth year of his life. The following article is culled from a memorial dedicated to his memory after
his death, and so complete is it in its detail and so faithful in its portrayal of the man as he was, that nothing is eliminated or added to
it:
Charles Emmett Barnes was the fifth son of Hamilton Douglas and
Elanor (Wilsey) Barnes. When eight years of age he came with his
parents to Battle Creek, Michigan. When seventeen years of age he
entered the office of the Weekly Journal for the purpose of learning the
printing trade. He was connected with this paper for six years, when
he spent a year in the west, and returned to his former position, that
of foreman of the news room. Soon after this the Daily Journal was
started and he became its city editor, and increased his newspaper work
by corresponding for Detroit and Chicago papers.
In 1877 he started the Daily News, but discontinuing it, in the same
year in company with George W. Buckley, he bought the Michigan
Tribune from its owners, Woolnough & Bordine. Three years later he
disposed of his interest to his partner and purchased the Reed City
Clarion. After four Sears of successful newspaper work in northern
Michigan, he returned to Battle Creek. With Eugene Glass as a partner,
he established the Sunday Morning Call. In 1886 this paper was sold
to a stock company made up of members of the Knights of Labor. A
daily, weekly and Sunday edition was published, with Mr. Barnes as
president and editor. In 1887 he was appointed Deputy Commissioner
of Labor for the State of Michigan, and resigning his newspaper position, he went to Lansing, where he lived for four years. Returning to
Battle Creek, he began the publication of the Morning Patriot, selling
it in one year's time. Then for nine years he was connected with the
Daily Moon and for one year with the Journal.




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In the last five years of his life his writings consisted of feature
stories for local and metropolitan papers and magazine articles along
Nature lines. Birds and Nature, The Outing, Sports Afield, The Outer's
Book, Field and Stream, St. Nicholas, Scientific News, The Scientific
American, Technical World, The Michigan Farmer, Michigan Tradesman
and Good Health were among those publications that contained an occasional article from his pen.
Mr. Barnes was a student of social questions, and at one time served
two years as State Master Workman of the Knights of Labor. Fraternities and clubs always appealed to him, and during his life he was at
various times actively identified with the Odd Fellows, Patriarchs' Encampment, Daughters of Rebekah, Improved Order of Red Men and the
National Union. He was a Past Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows and
was initiated into that order February 2, 1870. He was also a member
of the old Volunteer Fire Department of Battle Creek and for many
years was one of its most valiant workers. He was a charter member
of the Waupakisco Club, the Conversational Club' and the Nature Club
of the City, and had held offices at times in them all.
In early life his attention was turned to the study of antiquities,
especially the Mound Builders, the Indians, geology, mineralogy and
numismatics. He possessed a large collection of specimens along these
latter lines. As he advanced in years his greatest happiness was found
in nature study. The great desire of his heart was to awaken in others
an appreciation of the beauties of the outdoor world, and with this
end in view he worked for the organization and maintenance of the
Nature Club.   It became his keen delight, in company with genial
friends from  this club, to take long walks: across open fields, along
winding streams, beneath leafy bowers and through wooded tracts. A
dinner cooked over an open fire or a luncheon spread by a natural'
stream of cold water was to him more inviting than the most delicious
viands ever served at a conventional feast.
While not a believer in dogma, he was thoroughly convinced of' a
Divine plan of creation.  His favorite quotation was Shakespeare 's
words: "Tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones
and good in everything." The delineation of a character which he put
into a story that he wrote some years ago, faithfully described his own
innate qualities of mind:
"He saw beauty in the flowers, the trees, the birds: symmetry in
the snowflake and the crystal. He read history in the rocks. He saw
lace-work superior to human skill in the dragon-fly's wing, as well as
nature's carving in the walnut burl and agate. He recognized art in
the setting sun; social and industrial cooperation in the life of the ants;
engineering in'the beaver's dam and mechanics in the construction of
the bird's nest. Dewdrops were gems to him, while the humming of
insects and the zephyrs playing among the trees was music to his ears."
JOHN HENRY REAGAN. Railroading attracts 'many young men when
they start out in life and it has proven a rich field of opportunity to
those who are willing to work hard, scorn hardships, face danger and
prove fidelity to the systems that employ them, but rewards are not
given by railroad corporations to those who have not thus proved up.
Among the officials of almost every line will be found men of sterling
character who would have succeeded in almost any vocation because
of this, but who, through natural inclination and lifelong training, have
become particularly competent trainmen, and very often have reached
high official position, through their own efforts. In this connection may
be cited John Henry Reagan, who is general roadmaster of the Grand




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


615


Trunk Railway System, having won promotion from the very bottom
of the ladder, through the qualities which are, as above noted, necessary
in a railroad career. John H. Reagan was born May 4, 1855, at Danville, Pennsylvania, a son of Patrick and Mary (Hayes) Reagan, who
were born in Limerick, Ireland, and married there. In 1852 the father
emigrated to the United States, the mother emigrating during the following year. Patrick Reagan worked as a track builder at Great Bend,
New York, until the arrival of his wife in this country, following which
they settled in Danville, Pennsylvania, and shortly thereafter they
moved to Catawissa, in the same state, and maintained their residence
there for ten years. Returning to Danville, they spent a short time in
that city, and then went to Alton, Illinois, from which place they went
to Chicago, there spending the rest of their lives. Patrick Reagan died
in the metropolis of the Prairie State when he was eighty years of age,
while his wife was one year younger at the time of her demise, and
both are buried there. They were the parents of five sons and five
daughters, of whom but two children are living: John Henry; and
Mrs. Johanna Malone, a resident of Chicago. Mary, the oldest child,
and the only one born in Ireland, died at sea while being brought to
the United States.
John H. Reagan attended the public schools of Danville, and supplemented this education by three years of attendance at the noted
Bloomsburg Academy, following which he added to his knowledge by
pursuing his studies at night school for three winters while he was
working during the daytime. He began his railroad career in the humble
position of water-boy, carrying water to the section hands, and when he
had grown old enough became a laborer. After a short time his ability
and faithfulness became appreciated and he was promoted to foreman
of the D. L. & W. Railroad, and he subsequently became an employe
of the Catawissa & Williamsport Railroad, now a part of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. Later he accepted a position as section foreman with the P. L. & W. Railroad, then spent six months as foreman of
an "extra gang," and was then put in charge of a construction gang.
In 1878, after having spent ten months in the last-named capacity, he
entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad, being a section foreman
between St. Louis, Missouri, and Kansas City, and one year later was
promoted to foreman of an "extra gang" with the same road. The
following year saw Mr. Reagan foreman of the yards at Moberly, Missouri, in which capacity he acted for about one year, when he became
a fireman of the system at the same place. He only continued to follow this occupation for about nine months, however, being then sent to
St. Louis, as yardmaster, and eight months later was made roadmaster
of the Wabash, a position which he continued to hold for six years. He
then became roadmaster of the Chicago & Alton, with headquarters at
Springfield, Illinois, and four years later came to Battle Creek to become general roadmaster of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway (the
Grand Trunk System), and now has charge of all the lines west of Canada, a territory covering something like 1,100 miles of track. He has continued in this capacity since July, 1897. Mr. Reagan has become well
known throughout the state, and beyond its limits, as a railroad man.
Having begun his career in a humble capacity, and worked his way up
through the various positions, he has thoroughly familiarized himself
with all the details of his chosen line of endeavor, and his promotion has
been earned by hard work, thorough honesty, intelligent effort and efficient services. He has a broad knowledge of the principles governing
railroad operation and all the rules and regulations pertaining to traffic, in addition to which he is also a man of broad general informa



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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


tion. The duties and responsibilities of the position which he has held
have demanded his undivided attention, and he has neither the time nor
the inclination to seek official preferment or public office of any kind.
He has, however, taken the interest which all good citizens should feel
in political movements, acting always with the Democratic party where
political issues are involved, and being a firm believer in the wisdom of
its principles and policies. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern
Woodmen of Springfield, Illinois, and the Knights of Columbus, of
Battle Creek. The religious influences which surrounded him in early
life were those of the Catholic Church, and he is at present a well-known
member of St. Philip's congregation. The comfortable family residence
is situated at No. 11 Cliff street, in Battle Creek.
Mr. Reagan was married, February 21, 1882, in St. Louis, Missouri,
to Miss Helen Connors, of that city, and seven children were born to
this union. Two died in infancy, and Raymond, one of Battle Creek's
popular youths, was killed by an automobile, July 14, 1911. Nellie is
the wife of Frederick A. Whalen, secretary of the T. F. Whalen Grocery
Company, of Battle Creek; John T. is connected with the Grand Trunk
Railway, and resides with his parents; Irene L. also lives at home; and
Frank I. is a resident of Detroit. The children were educated in Battle
Creek and Springfield, Illinois, and the two daughters are graduates of
St. Mary's Academy, of Monroe, Michigan.
GEORGE CROMWELL WALTER. On June 3, 1911, death removed one
of the men who composed the group of Battle Creek manufacturers, and
a citizen of prominence and fine ability. The late Mr. Walter was identified with this section of Michigan for over thirty years, and had resided in Battle Creek about ten years previous to his death.
George Cromwell Walter was a native of one of the noted manufacturing districts of Massachusetts, and was born at Southfield on the 26th
of September, 1846. His parents were Oliver Cromwell and Emily
(Heath) Walter. His father, who died at Southfield, March 15, 1876,
was a manufacturer of leather goods and whips and had a long and
prosperous career in that section of the old Bay state. The principal
center of the leather goods manufacturing in Massachusetts is at Westfield, and his plant in Southfield was part of a large group of similar
manufactures. Emily (Heath) Walter, the mother, spent the last years
of her life with her son in Allegan, Michigan.
The late Mr. Walter was reared in Massachusetts and received his
education in the Berkshire Institute at New Marlboro. He was trained
in the business with which his father was identified, and for a number
of years was engaged in that line in the east. In 1880 he came to Michigan, locating in Allegan, and for several years traveled as representative of the American Whip Company of Westfield, Massachusetts. Later,
at Hastings, he organized the Michigan Whip Company, of which he
was president, and continued as one of the manufacturers at that point
until 1902, when he moved to Battle Creek. Here he first established
the Halter & Leather Company on Kalamazoo street, but sold his interest in order to found the Walter Halter Manufacturing Company,
with a plant near the Verona dam, and he was the active manager of
this important industry until his death. He was an expert in his particular line of manufacture, and also possessed the faculty of originating
and inventive genius, so that he introduced many special features into
his business. Some time before his death he perfected and patented a
leather automobile tire, which was tried out with considerable success
at Detroit. An enterprising man of business, he was equally known
for his fine integrity and public-spirited citizenship, and his death came


It




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


617


as a personal loss to his many friends and business associates. His final
resting place is in the Oak Hill cemetery at Battle Creek. One sister
survives him, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, of Norfolk, Connecticut.
Of his own family he left his widow and two sons and a daughter.
His first wife was Iliss Harriet Baldwin, of Winston, Connecticut, who
died before he came to Michigan. The two sons, Herbert and Charles,
are children of the first marriage. On December 31, 1884, Miss Lizzie
M. Ellinger, of Allegan, became his wife that date being her birthday
as well as her wedding day. Mrs. Walter, who was born in New York
City, was the daughter of John Joseph and Barbara (Reichel) Ellinger,
who for many years were well known farmers and citizens of Allegan
county, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Walter became the parents of one
daughter, Lucile, who was born at Allegan, graduated from the Battle
Creek high school with the class of 1906, and is a graduate of the Graham School of Shorthand of this city. Mrs. Walter has for a number
of years been a member of the Woman's League and is active in church
and social affairs. Her husband was throughout most of his life a
member of the Congregational church. Mrs. Walter with her daughter
resides at 853 Maple street, the home at which her husband died. She
is owner of this residence and considerable other city property.
MICHAEL H. VERNON. For nearly thirty years the late Michael H.
Vernon was an honored and successful member of the business and
civic community of Battle Creek. Throughout most of this time he had
been engaged in the real estate business, and at the time of his death
was one of the very oldest dealers in this line in the city. He had been
in ill health for some time, in fact for five years, but his death, which
occurred at his home on Calhoun street, August 19, 1909, brought sincere
grief to his many friends and family who had so long known him as an
upright citizen and an affectionate husband and father.
Michael H. Vernon was born at Avon, New York, April 29, 1853,
was reared and educated in the east, and after reaching manhood came
to Michigan, residing a short time at Flint and making his permanent
home in Battle Creek in 1882. For about ten years he was proprietor
of a paint and wall-paper store and did decorating and painting. In
1884 he also opened an office for real estate and insurance, and for a
quarter of a century was one of the reliable and prosperous men in
this line of business. About two years before his death he took a partner, Mr. N. E. Retallick (see sketch elsewhere), who assumed the management of the insurance end of the business, and the firm was then
known as Vernon & Retallick until the death of the senior member.
His first office was the place now occupied by Dr. Lamoreaux, and when
the Minty block was completed he moved across the street to that building, where he was located for years and where Mr. Retallick still continues the business.
The late Mr. Vernon was one of the prominent members of the St.
Philip's Catholic church of this city, and regulated his private and
business life by the high principles of his church. He was also affiliated
with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association.
On November 6, 1880, he was married in St. Michael'~ church at
Flint, Michigan, to Miss Sarah J. McCauley, of that city.  To his
family and home he gave the best of his character and affection, and
outside of business his home was his lodge. The family left to mourn
his death comprised his wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Vernon, and their one
daughter, Onnolee, who is now Mrs. D. S. O'Callaghan; also his three
sisters, Catherine and Anna, of Flint, and Mrs. J. C. C'Leary, of Butte,




618


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Montana, and one brother, P. F. Vernon, of Flint. The daughter, Mrs.
O'Callaghan, and her mother now reside at 47 Groveland avenue. Miss
Onnolee Vernon, who was born in Barry county, received her education
at Battle Creek, being a graduate of the St. Philip's Catholic school and
of the Michigan Business & Normal College. She was then employed
in the Union Trust Company of Detroit two years and with the Battle
Creek Gas Company as bookkeeper a short time before her marriage.
Her marriage to Dennis S. O'Callaghan was solemnized August 26,
1909.
Louis P. GooDwIN. The marvelous advancement that has been made
in the utilization of concrete in all manner of architectural work and
other constructive enterprise, has brought about the development of
many thriving industries along this line, and the city of Battle Creek
claims an admirably equipped and ably managed institution in the Ornamental Concrete Stone Company, of which the subject of this review
is the executive head. He was the founder of the enterprise and in
the same is now associated with his elder brother James A. The company, with the most approved and modern facilities, manufactures concrete building blocks, chimney blocks, and column, pier and veneer
blocks, as well as many concrete products for general architectural
purposes, besides dealing in lime, brick, plaster, cement, etc.  The
headquarters of the concern are at 144 South McCamly street, and the
business has been brought to such a status of service and prosperity
as to make it a valuable contribution to the industrial activities of the
city in which it is established.
Louis Perry Goodwin finds due satisfaction in claiming Calhoun
county as the place of his nativity. He was born in the city of Marshall,
the judicial center of the county, on the 10th of July, 1884, and is a
son of Frank W. and Estella (Perry) Goodwin, the former of whom
was born at Parma, Jackson county, this state, and the latter at Marshall,
this statement bearing evidence that both families were founded in Michigan in the pioneer days. Frank W. Goodwin learned the miller's trade
in his youth and was actively identified with the milling business in
Marshall and later in the old mill that occupied the site of the present
Ward building in Battle Creek. He maintained his home in the latter
city for a period of about ten years, and here his cherished and devoted
wife was summoned to the life eternal on the 8th of September, 1888,
when her son Louis P., of this sketch, the youngest of the children,
was about four years of age. The father, who resided at Ithaca, the
capital of Gratiot county, Michigan, and was interested with his
eldest son, Theron A., in the drug business, died August 14, 1912, and
was buried at Marshall. He was fifty-eight years old at the time of his
death. Marjorie M., 'the second of the children is now the wife of Ashley C. Stone, of Ithaca; and James A. and Louis P. are the interested
principals in the Ornamental Concrete Stone Company, of Battle Creek,
as already noted.
Louis P. Goodwin was one year old at the time of the family removal
to Battle Creek, and here he gained his early education in the public
schools. Later he continued his studies in the schools at Ithaca, where
he continued to reside until 1901, when he returned to Battle Creek.
He founded the business now conducted under the title of the Ornamental Concrete Stone Company, the enterprise having had a modest
inception on the 15th of August, 1908. Thorough knowledge of the
details of manufacture combined with aggressive and honorable business methods, soon gained to the new undertaking a substantial support, and it has been developed into one of large ramifications and de



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


619


fine success. James A. Goodwin was admitted to partnership in December, 1908, and thus the two brothers have been closely associated in
the upbuilding of a prosperous enterprise which stands creditable to
them and to the city in which their operations are centered. Both are
progressive and alert young business men and both are held in high
esteem in business and social circles in their home city. He whose name
initiates this review is aligned as a staunch supporter of the cause of the
Republican party and is identified with United Commercial Travelers
and the Battle Creek Lodge of the Benevolent & Protective Order of
Elks. Louis is a member of the Baptist church.
On the 6th of November, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Louis
P. Goodwin to Miss Henriette E. Bernard, daughter of Alfred Bernard
of Battle Creek, where both he and his wife continued to reside until
their death. Mrs. Goodwin was born at Serena, LaSalle county, Illinois,
but was reared and educated in Battle Creek, to which city her parents
removed when she was a child. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin have one son,
Marshall B., who was born on the 6th of April, 1906. The family home
is maintained at 93 Harvard street.
James A. Goodwin was born at Marshall, this county, on the 28th
of September, 1882, and his educational training was secured in the
public schools of Battle Creek and Ithaca, in which latter place he
continued to be associated with his father and elder brother in the drug
business until he returned to Battle Creek to enter into his present business alliance with his younger brother. He likewise is a Republican in
politics and is affiliated with the Elks and the United Commercial
Travelers. He and his wife reside at 85 Central street.
On the 20th of April, 1904, Mr. Goodwin was united in marriage to
Miss Inez Lennox, who was born and reared at Ithaca, this state, where
her father, Peter P. Lennox, is a representative business man. No children have been born of this union.
Mrs. Goodwin is a Presbyterian. Mr. Lennox served in the Third
Michigan Cavalry, Company G, in the Civil war.
MAURICE P. CARNEY. In naming the men whose activities have been
of a nature beneficial to Battle Creek, extended mention should be given
to Maurice P. Carney, whose work in connection with the architectural
and engineering contracts on some of the city's largest buildings has
been of a character to leave its impress on the city for many years to
come. He has done well all the tasks allotted to him, has built up a
reputation for tireless industry that has accomplished great things along
the right lines, and has shown the highest kind of executive ability, and
as a result stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr. Carney
was born in Climax township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, May 31,
1870, and is a son of William H. and Hannah (Powers) Carney.
Silas A. Carney, grandfather of Maurice P. Carney, took up one
hundred and sixty acres of land from the Government at an early day,
and was engaged in farming in Kalamazoo county throughout his life,
passing away when seventy-two years of age, while his wife was sixtyfive years old at the time of her demise. On the maternal side, the grandfather of Mr. Carney was D. C. Powers, who also was an early settler of
Kalamazoo county, and took up two hundred acres of land from the
Government, spending the remainder of his life in Climax township and
passing away at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, who was of
the old Benjamin Harrison stock, was born in 1819, in Marion county,
Ohio, and died April 18, 1912. William H. Carney, father of Maurice
P., was born in Climax township, and spent his entire active career in
farming, but on his retirement in August, 1885, came to Battle Creek,




620


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


where his death occurred December 29, 1898. He and his wife had a
family of four' children: Frank, who died when about one year old;
Maurice P.; Grace, who graduated from the Battle Creek high school in
1892, and married V. E. Spaulding, of Kalamazoo; and Daniel A.,
residing in Battle Creek.
After attending the public schools and the Battle Creek high school,
Maurice P. Carney took a course of three and one-half years in the
Michigan Agricultural College, where he learned mechanical engineering. He then spent six months in Battle Creek, after which he traveled
around the country to some extent, visiting Chicago, St. Paul, Milwaukee and Cleveland, and doing engineering work. In December,
1902, he returned to Battle Creek, where he has devoted his time to
architectural and engineering work. At the present time he is chairman of the building committee of the new City Hall. In politics a Republican, he is senior alderman from the Second Ward, having been
elected to that office in April, 1911, for a term of two years. Fraternally,
he is connected with the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 12, the Lodge, Chapter
and Council of Masonry, and the Knights of Pythias, and Elks, and also
holds membership in the Athelstan Club and the Battle Creek Industrial
Association. With his family, he attends St. Thomas Episcopal church,
where he is clerk of the vestry, superintendent of the grounds and buildings, and active in the work of the Sunday school.
Mr. Carney was married in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Miss Carrie
Westnedge daughter of Thomas and Mary (Burchnall) Westnedge, citizens of Kalamazoo.   Mrs Carney was born in New York state, and
educated in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where her parents are at
present residing. Mr. and Mrs. Carney have two children: Richard
B. W., born in Kalamazoo county, September 15, 1899, and now attending school in Battle Creek; and Beatrice, born October 22, 1901, in
Cleveland, Ohio. The family residence is located at No. 156 Upton
avenue. Mr. Carney has won wide recognition of his abilities through
his identification with earnest and hard-working bodies of men whose
efforts have helped toward better things, while among his business associates he is known as a man whose integrity has ever been unquestioned.
ALONZO E. MCBETH, D. V. S. On the 21st of August, 1908, was
summoned to the life eternal the soul of a man whose sterling integrity
and most exemplary Christian character have left an indelible impress
upon the hearts of his fellowmen. At the time when he was called from
the scene of his mortal endeavors he was in his forty-third year and
it may be said concerning him that "his strength was as the number
of his days." The prestige which he gained as a fair and honorable
man was the result of his own well directed endeavors and his success
was on a parity with his ability and well applied energy. Dr. McBeth
located in Battle Creek in 1889 and here gained renown as one of the
best veterinary surgeons in the State. He was loyal and public spirited
in his civic attitude and was incumbent of a number of important offices
of public trust and responsibility.
Dr. Alonzo E. McBeth was born on a farm in the township of Williamsberry, county of Simcoe, province of Ontario, Canada, January 2,
1864. His father, Donald McBeth, was of Scotch descent and he was
born and reared in Canada, where he was engaged in the manufacturing
business during the greater part of his active career. Dr. McBeth received his educational training in the public schools of his native place
and that discipline was later supplemented with a course of study in the
Ontario Veterinary College, in which excellent institution he was gradu



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


621


ated with honors, in March, 1889, duly receiving the deQree of Doctor of
Veterinary Surgery. He came to Battle Creek immediately after his
graduation and here he continued to reside and to practice his profession
until his death, in 1908. He built up a splendid patronage and with the
passage of time came to be recognized as the most efficient doctor in
his particular branch in the country.
In 1890 Dr. McBeth engaged in the livery business, later purchasing
the interests of his partner and continuing in the business alone. He
was a breeder of thoroughbred race horses, a number of which were winners. In his political convictions Dr. McBeth was a stalwart supporter
of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands
sponsor. April 18, 1904, he was chosen as alderman from the Second
ward to fill a vacancy. In the spring elections of 1905 and 1907 he was
again returned to the council by overwhelming majorities. He was a
man who was kind and courteous in his home life, honest and industrious
in his business dealings, and sincere and earnest in his public duties.
He was esteemed by all who knew him and had no enemy among all the
city officials notwithstanding the fact that he was constantly associated
with them for several years prior to his demise. His business integrity
and generous spirit won for him the confidence of all with whom he
came into contact. He was president of the common council at Battle
Creek and senior alderman of the Second ward when he died.
The Doctor passed away on Friday, August 21, 1908, after a very
brief illness. The Monday preceding his demise he enjoyed his usual
good health and on Tuesday witnessed the races in Lansing, in which
one of his own horses was entered. Early Wednesday morning he was
taken suddenly ill and died the following Friday, his death being the
result of a hemorrhage of the brain. The funeral services were held at
the First Presbyterian church and the same was attended by lodge
members and city officials in a body. A profusion of beautiful floral
offerings covered the casket and the front of the altar, the remembrances
including pieces from the different lodges and from friends and acquaintances. A floral wheel with one spoke missing represented the
sorrow of the city council. Rev. Frederick H. Bodman, of the Independent Congregational church of this city, spoke eloquently of the life
of the departed, declaring him to have been a man of honest and upright
dealings. The services were conducted under the auspices of the Masonic order and were most impressive. The remains were followed by
a long funeral cortage to Oak Hill cemetery where interment was made.
Six members of the city government acted as pall bearers. In 1909 Mrs.
McBeth, widow of the deceased, erected a beautiful monument to the
memory of her husband. The same was engraved by John M. Thom, of
this city, and had the Masonic emblem cut in stone and also a cut of the
Doctor's favorite horse.
Following are extracts from the tribute paid by the city council to
its deceased president, the same being considered worthy of insertion
here:
"Alonzo E. McBeth, president of the common council of the city of
Battle Creek and senior alderman from the Second ward, departed this
life at his home in this city on Friday, the 21st day of August, 1908.
"The surviving members of this body wish to place on.record some
tribute of love and admiration, though we realize that such tribute
must be meager at the best.
"No man ever sat in the council who commanded a higher respect
from his associates. He was a tireless worker for the betterment of the
city and his ward. Many permanent municipal improvements stand as
monuments to his zeal, business foresight, and honest labor. His sudden




622


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


departure cast a deep gloom over our city for he was beloved by all
classes of citizens,-rich and poor, high and low. He was never known
to turn his back on an honest appeal for aid and frequently he gave
more than his means justified. Had Dr. McBeth longer survived, many
public and political honors would have been his for the asking.
"We bow our heads in sorrow to pay to his memory the highest
tribute-that of being a good and honest man. The words of a famous
poet are a fitting conclusion:
'To thou who are cleansed of sin and pride, sorrow
and lust and shame,
Borne on the breath that men call death our brother's
spirit came.
Scarce had he need to cast the pride or slough the
dross of earth,
E'en as he trod that day to God, so walked he from
his birth,
In simpleness and gentleness and honor and clean
mirth.'
"Be it resolved: That this memorial be spread at large upon the
official minutes of this meeting and a certified copy thereof sent to the
widow of our beloved friend and departed brother."
August 29, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. McBeth to Miss
Josephine Howard, who was born and reared at Montreal and who is a
daughter of C. S. Howard. Mrs. McBeth survives her honored husband,
as do also two uncles. The doctor had no children. Mrs. McBeth is
a woman of most gracious personality and is deeply beloved by all with
whom she comes in contact.
In a fraternal way Dr. McBeth was affiliated with the time-honored
Masonic order, the Knights of the Tented Maccabees, the Benevolent &
Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias. In this day, when
disinterested citizenship is all too rare a jewel, it is helpful to reflect
upon a course of high-minded patriotism such as that of Dr. McBeth.
His genial, kindly manner won him the kind regard and good will of all
with whom he came in contact and thus his death was uniformly
mourned throughout Battle Creek and the surrounding district.
Mrs. McBeth is and always has been a great lover and friend of
horses and animals. She is a member of the Humane Society.
JACOB WEICKGENANT. He whose name initiates this review is a
native son of Calhoun county and has been a resident of Battle Creek
from his boyhood days. Here he has developed and matured his admirable initiative and administrative powers and has risen to a position
of definite precedence as one of the most enterprising and successful
merchants not only of Battle Creek but of this entire section of southern
Michigan. He has been dependent upon his own resources from early
youth, has guided his course along a high plane of integrity and honor,
has gained the unqualified confidence and esteem of the community that
has long represented his home, and has won success of such distinctive
order as to place him in the front rank of the leading merchants of
Battle Creek, where he now conducts three retail establishments, besides
being an interested principal in one of the prominent mercantile concerns in the city of Kalamazoo. His character and achievement entitle
him to specific recognition in this history of his native county, in which
he is known' as a most liberal, loyal and progressive citizen.
Jacob Weickgenant was born at Marshall, the judicial center of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


623


Calhoun county, Michigan, on the 11th of January, 1863, and is a son
of John and Appolina (Thoma) Weickgenant, both of whom were born
in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, and the latter of whom died
when the subject of this review was about two years old. About three
years later he came with his father and step-mother to Battle Creek,
where he has maintained his home during the long intervening years
and where he has won success worthy of the name. His father was engaged in saloon and tavern business during the major part of his
active career and continued to reside in Battle Creek until his death, as
did also his second wife. Jacob Weickgenant gained his early education
in the public schools of Battle Creek and his ambition as a mere boy was
one of definite action,-a trait that has significantly characterized his
entire business career. When about seventeen years of age he secured
employment in the local dry-goods store of Wakelee & Griswold, and with
this firm he remained for two years, during which he applied himself
earnestly and effectively, with the result that even at that early period
in his life his employers predicted that he would eventually become one
of the successful merchants of the city. After leaving the employ of the
firm mentioned he was for eight years a popular and valued salesman in
the dry-goods establishment of Peter Hoffmaster, and thereafter he passed
eighteen months as a clerk in the dry-goods store of Edwin E. Trump.
In the meanwhile Mr. Weickgenant had carefully conserved his
resources and had also gained high reputation in local business circles,
as he had familiarized himself thoroughly with all departments of the
mercantile enterprise with which he had been associated and had shown
himself resourceful, self-reliant and invariably courteous.
On the 10th of August, 1891, Mr. Weickgenant made his first independent business venture, by opening a well equipped dry-goods store
at No. 4 Main street, east, where he continued in successful business for
more than twenty years. To his original stock he finally added women's
suits, cloaks, etc., as well as carpets, rugs and draperies. His main
establishment is now located at Nos. 6 and 8 Main street, east, and in the
same are carried large and well selected lines of dry goods, women's
ready-to-wear garments and shoes, this being one of the best equipped
stores of this order in the metropolis of the county. On the 20th of
October, 1908, Mr. Weickgenant expanded the scope of his business enterprise by opening another establishment, at 37-41 Main street, west,
and this store is devoted to the handling of furniture, carpets, rugs and
draperies, the stock being the largest of the kind in the city. In May,
1909, further evidence of the progressive enterprise and broad executive
capacity of Mr. Weickgenant was given by his opening of the thoroughly
metropolitan grocery store which he now conducts, at 15 Jefferson
avenue, north. At the time of establishing his business on Main street,
west, he purchased the stocks of Charles W. Eccles and Carl F. Beach,
which he combined in the new store, and in opening his grocery establishment he purchased the business which had been conducted in the
same location by Frederick Robbins, consolidating with the same a stock
of groceries which he purchased from James Redner, who was engaged
in business on Main street, west. He gives a careful supervision to all
departments of his large business enterprises, and has energy enough
for many men. His success has been not an accident but the logical
result of progressive policies, wide and varied experience, careful and
honorable methods and unequivocal personal popularity. As a boy he
gained many friends in the community, and as a representative business
man he has held the confidence and good will of all with whom he has
come in contact, so that his standing in the city is one of distinctive
prominence and influence. In March, 1905, Mr. Weickgenant became
Vol. I —2




624


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


one of the interested principals in the Weickgenant & Riede Company,
which conducts a large and prosperous enterprise at No. 5 West Main
street in the city of Kalamazoo, this establishment being devoted to the
handling of dry goods and women's apparel.
In 1910 Mr. Weickgenant became associated with Edward Coe in the
purchase and platting of a summer-resort at Waubascon lake, in Bedford township. They have made successful development of this property, which has been equipped with an attractive pavilion, ice house,
sheds, etc., besides a small store in which are handled groceries, confections and other supplies in demand at such a resort. The place is
known as Waubascon Lake Resort and it is becoming one of the popular
places of this section of the state, a number of lots having been sold and
cottages having been erected on the same, while the projectors of the
enterprise maintain a due complement of boats for rent, as well as other
equipments for the entertainment and comfort of those who seek this
attractive place of rest and recreation.
This review could scarcely be consistent were there failure to mention the fact that in the past years Mr. Weickgenant was a most loyal
devotee of the great national game, base ball, and that he was one of the
most prominent and influential factors in maintaining the local base ball
association, in which he owned the controlling stock for a number of
years. He was also the owner of Athletic Park, at Goguac lake, this
being the ground on which the ball games were played, but he sold this
property in 1910. He was interested in the Michigan base ball league
about fifteen years ago, when the Battle Creek team known as the CeroFruito ball club held precedence as the best in the entire league.
As may well be inferred, Mr. Weickgenant is essentially broadminded and public-spirited in his civic attitude, and he is ever ready to
lend his co-operation in the furtherance of measures and enterprises
projected for the general good of the community. In a generic sense
he is a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, in the faith
of which he was reared, but in local affairs he gives his support to the
mean and measures meeting the approval of his judgment, without reference to strict partisan lines. He has never held public office and has
never had any desire for the same. He and his family are communicants of the Catholic church, in which they hold membership in the
parish of St. Philip's church. He and his wife and children are most
zealous and devout churchfolk, and for more than thirty-five years he
has never failed to attend mass on Sunday and other important church
days, except when absent from home and in a locality in which there
was no Catholic church. Mr. Weickgenant is affiliated with the
Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the German Workingmen's Benevolent Association, the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of the Modern Maccabees. The
attractive family home, at 202 North avenue is known as a center of
cordial hospitality and is a favorite resort for the many friends of the
ideal family circle.
On the 5th of March, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Weickgenant to Miss Margaret Grant, of Kalamazoo, this state. She
was born at Albion, Michigan, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary
(Hodgins) Grant, both of whom are deceased. In conclusion of this
brief sketch is entered record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Weickgenant:   Winifred L., who gained her early education in the
parochial school of St. Philip's church and who was graduated in the
Battle Creek high school as a member of the class of 1908, remains at
the parental home and is a popular factor in the social activities of the
community; Grant J. died in infancy; Norine, also attended the St.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


625


Philip's parochial school and graduated from the Battle Creek high
school in 1912; and LaVerne A., Ruth H., Charles J., Margaret, and
Catherine all remain at the parental home, the children all having
been afforded the advantages of the parochial schools except the
~youngest, who is not yet of school age, and the older children having also
attended the public schools of their home city.
VERNUM WESTON. A long and useful business career has been that
of this well known and highly honored citizen of Battle Creek, and his
character and achievement render it most consonant that he be accorded
special recognition in this publication. He came to Michigan in his
youth and was one of the early representatives of the telegraphic art
in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company.
Mr Weston is a scion of families, of English lineage, that were
founded in New England in the colonial era of our national history, and
he himself claims the Empire state of the Union as the place of his
nativity. He was born in Cayuga county, New York, and is a son of
Joseph and Lovina (Dresser) Weston, the former of whom was born in
Vermont and the latter in Massachusetts, her father having been a
valiant soldier in the War of 1812. Joseph Weston became one of the representative agriculturists of Cayuga county, New York, and both he and
his devoted wife continued to reside on their old homestead until they
were summoned to the life eternal, when venerable in years. Of their
seven sons and two daughters three sons and one daughter are now
living, the subject of this review having been the sixth in order of birth
of the nine children. Henry R. resides at 31 Cherry street, in Battle
Creek; Sylvia Francelia is the widow of Benjamin F. Webster and
resides in Los Angeles, California; and Albert M. is a resident of Boston, Massachusetts.
Vernon Weston passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm
and after availing himself of the advantages of the common schools he
attended commercial college in Poughkeepsie and Syracuse, New York.
In his native state he learned telegraphy, and he followed the same, in
a commercial relation, at Lockport and other points in New York and
later at Titusville, Pennsylvania. In 1866 he came to Michigan and
entered the service of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, in whose
employ he continued for thirteen years, during the greater part of which
period he was train dispatcher,-first at Kalamazoo and later at Jackson. The close and sedentary employment finally brought about severe
impairment of his health, and at the expiration of thirteen years of
active service he resigned his position and purchased a farm of eighty
acres in Albion township, Calhoun county, about one mile west of the
city of Albion. There he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits
for the ensuing five years, within which he fully regained his physical
strength, and he then rented his farm and went to South Dakota, where
he secured a government homestead claim of one hundred and sixty
acres and purchased an additional tract of three hundred and twenty
acres. This property, situated in Spink county, he later rented and
finally sold. He returned to Calhoun county and became associated with
Harvey Mann in the building and operation of the first creamery established in the city of Albion, this being known as the Mann & Weston
Creamery. He continued to be identified with the enterprise for two
years, at the expiration of which he sold his interest and became associated with his former partner in the agricultural-implement business at
Albion, the original firm name of Mann & Weston being retained. Two
years later Mr. Weston sold his interest in this business and he then
removed to Battle Creek, where he took up his residence on the 1st of




626


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


February, 1890, and where he entered the employ of the Battle Creek
Electrical Company, for which he superintended all of the early wiring
for incandescent lights the first of which in the city he installed,
nearly a quarter of a century ago, in the residence of Dr. Austin W.
Alvord, on the present site of the Post Tavern. About two years after
coming to Battle Creek Mr. Weston was made superintendent of the
company with which he had identified himself, and he held this position
until the company consolidated with the Jackson Light & Power
Company, the Albion Power Company and the Kalamazoo Valley Electric Company, under the present title of the Commonwealth Power Company.   With the consolidated corporation Mr. Weston remained as
superintendent in Battle Creek until July, 1912, when he resigned his
position, as already noted. He had been a most valued factor in the developing of the plant and service of the local electrical company and was
recognized as especially well fortified both in technical knowledge and
executive ability. His devotion to his work was shown emphatically in the
fact that during the last twelve years of his service he did not ask for or
receive a vacation. In accepting his resignation William A. Foote,
president of the Commonwealth Power Company, wrote, in part, as follows: "As you say, you have been twenty-two years in the harness,
and must be getting along to the place where most men feel like laying
down strenuous activities. I fully appreciate the difficulties under
which you have worked. While I shall very much regret to have you
leave us, I can only accept your resignation. In doing so I wish to
express my appreciation of the interested service you have rendered the
company, without regard to hours or conditions. I hope the pleasure
derived from your well earned leisure will be strengthened by the
remembrance of duties faithfully performed."
Since his retirement from the executive position referred'to above,
Mr. Weston has been by no means idle, as he is giving his attention to
the erection and sale of houses, with the intention of building an
average of four each year. Within the past few years he has erected
seven attractive residences in Battle Creek, including his own modern
home, at 81 West Van Buren street, and in addition to this he erected
and is the owner of the Weston block, on Marshall street, and the Weston
block on east Main street, east, near the First Methodist Episcopal
church. He has shown much progressive enterprise in. this line and has
contributed materially to the upbuilding of the fine metropolis of Calhoun county. He has won success through his own well ordered endeavors, is a man of strong and symmetrical character and holds secure
place in the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
In politics Mr. Weston has ever given a stalwart allegiance to the
Republican party, and he is well fortified in his opinions concerning
matters of public import. He has been a liberal supporter of religious
activities and his wife and daughter are zealous members of the First
Methodist Episcopal church of Battle Creek. From the time of their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Weston have made it a rule of voluntary
stewardship to devote a tenth of their income to the furtherance of
charitable, religious and educational causes, and their contributions at
times have exceeded the tithe which they assigned to themselves, the
while they have found pleasure in thus aiding in works for the general
good of their fellow men, even as they are grateful for the prosperity
and happiness which have been vouchsafed to them. Mrs. Weston is
identified with the Woman's League and the Travelers' Club in her
home city, is a delegate from her church to the Nichols Memorial
Hospital, and both she and her daughter are popular factors in the
representative social activities of the community.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


627


On the 20th of May, 1872, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Weston to Miss Emma G. Howard, who was born at Weedsport, Cayuga
county, New York, within seven miles of his own birthplace, though
neither was aware of this fact at the time when their acquaintanceship
was formed, at Albion, Michigan, where their marriage was celebrated.
Mrs. Weston is a daughter of William and Mary Elizabeth (Greenfield)
Howard, both of whom were born in England. Mrs. Weston was a child
at the time of the family removal to Albion, Michigan, and she was
about five years old at the time of her mother's death. Her father
became one of the pioneer clothing merchants at Albion, where he
established his home about sixty years ago and where he continued to
reside until his death. He was one of the honored and influential
citizens of Calhoun county and served two terms as county clerk in the
early days. Mr. and Mrs. Weston have one daughter, Glennie Gertrude,
who was born in Albion, this county, and who was graduated in the
Battle Creek high school, after which she was a student for one year in
Lake Erie College, at Painsville, Ohio. In June 1912, she was graduated in Albion College, in her native city, and received the academic
degree of Bachelor of Arts.
TIMOTHY J. KELLEHER. No member of the business community of
Battle Creek occupied a higher place in the general esteem and ranked
higher as a successful man than the late Timothy J. Kelleher, whose
death on January 21, 1906, was an occasion of sincere mourning among
all his numerous friends and associates.
Timothy J. Kelleher spent practically all of his life in this county.
He was born on a farm near Marshall, October 9, 1854, so that his death
occurred before he was fifty-two years of age. Spending his boyhood
days on a farm and attending the public schools, he began his business
career as clerk with the firm of Phelps & Murphy of Marshall, and continued with them for twelve years. In 1882 he located at Battle Creek
and with Mr. Murphy established the mercantile house of Murphy &
Kelleher. Later he became sole proprietor, under the name of T. J.
Kelleher, a business title which has had a substantial reputation in this
vicinity for many years.
August 19, 1891, Mr. Kelleher married Miss Grace Alvord, daughter
of Dr. A. W. Alvord, a well known physician of this city (see sketch
elsewhere.) Mr. Kelleher was survived by his wife and two children,
Philip A. and Josephine A., besides two sisters and four brothers
-Misses Lizzie and Mary Kelleher of Marshall, B. A. Kelleher, of
Marshall, T. A. Kelleher, of Battle Creek, and Dennis and Charles of
Cadillac. The son Philip A. is now a junior in the high school and the
daughter Josephine is in the grades.
Mr. Kelleher's death occurred in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he
had gone to regain his health. He had been a resident of Battle Creek
twenty-four years, and citizens of all classes felt that one of the
strongest and best members of the community had been taken. The
resolutions of the business men paid a fine tribute to his life and
character. He had been active in the organized effort which resulted
in the Grand Trunk shops being located in this city. Though of conservative temper, he was progressive in the best sense of the word, in
that he was always willing to co-operate for the permanent welfare of
his home city.  His death was a special bereavement to his family, for
his home was his lodge and he had given it his affections and loyal
service. In business his success was honorable, and in private life he
never failed in the courteous high-mindedness which is the finest element
of manly character. He was a member of the Athelstan Club, and in
politics was Republican.




628


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mrs. Kelleher, who with her children resides in the beautiful home
at 72 Fremont street, was educated in the Battle Creek high school and
at Olivet College, and before her marriage was a teacher in the city
schools. She still owns the dry-goods establishment founded by her
husband. It is conducted under the name of T. J. Kelleher Company,
at 43-45 Main street, west, and its active manager is Thomas A. Kelleher,
brother of the late merchant.
THOMAS A. KELLEHER. Among the energetic business men of Battle
Creek, Thomas A. Kelleher holds an enviable position. As manager of
one of the best known dry-goods stores in the city he has an opportunity
to display to good advantage the necessary business qualities which he
must have in order to have succeeded in this business. Before coming
to Battle Creek he had gained a thorough practical knowledge of the
business by his work elsewhere, and has been increasingly successful in
his chosen career during the succeeding years.
Thomas A. Kelleher was born in Marshall, Michigan, on the 11th of
August, 1870. He was the son of Bartholomew Kelleher and of Margaret (O'Brien) Kelleher.   He has the combination of Irish and
English blood in his veins, for his father was born in Ireland, while his
mother was a native of London, England. The father was a lad of about
ten years when his parents came to this country and settled in New
York state. Later in life he came to Michigan and settled in Marshall,
in this state. He married Margaret 0 'Brien in Jackson, Michigan, and
they spent their lives in Marshall.
Bartholomew Kelleher died about twenty years ago and his wife followed him about five years later. Both died in Marshall and are buried
there. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to
maturity, and six of whom are now living. Of the four boys and two
girls who are now alive Thomas A. Kelleher is the youngest. His
brothers D. A. and C. A. are living in Cadillac, Michigan, and his two
sisters, Mary and Elizabeth are in Marshall as is also his brother, Bartholomew, who is in the shoe business.
Thomas A. Kelleher received his education in Marshall, and as soon
as he was allowed to, went to work. His first position was with John
Butler in Marshall, as a clerk. This was in the grocery business, remaining in this business for two years. At the end of this period he
went to work for George Coleman, as a clerk in his grocery store. He
then left Marshall and came to Battle Creek where he went into his'
brother's dry-goods store. This was on the 11th of February, 1891,
and he has been in this store ever since. Since the death of his brother,
Timothy J. Kelleher, who is given a more extended notice elsewhere in
this work, he has been manager of the store and has built up a large
business. The widow of Timothy is the owner of this store, and she
should be congratulated on having a man who is not only a keen business
man, but also an honest one at the head of her affairs.
In his fraternal affiliations Mr. Kelleher is a member of Tent No.
54 of the Knights of the Modern Maccabees. He is a communicant of
the Roman Catholic church, attending St. Philip 's church in Battle
Creek.
On the 16th of April, 1904, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Kelleher and Miss Pearl H. Vanneter, of Williamstown, Michigan. This
was the town of her birth and her education, though after her elementary education was finished she attended the state normal school at
Ypsilanti, Michigan. She then taught school for about ten years at
school number Nine, in Battle Creek, and at the time of her marriage
was principal of this school. Mr. and Mrs. Kelleher 'are the parents of




I'








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


629


two children, Elizabeth and John Thomas, both of whom were born here
in Battle Creek.
ELIAS C. MANCHESTER. In the venerable and honored citizen who
died at his home in Battle Creek, June 11, 1904, the city possessed not
only its oldest resident, but also a man who represented in his long
career the prominent social and civic elements which composed the
citizenship of this community throughout its growth from a frontier
settlement to a modern municipality. The late Elias C. Manchester
was a very remarkable man. Ninety-one years old at the time of his
death, he had spent sixty-eight of these years at Battle Creek. He was
both a witness and actor in the changing developments of this long time.
A substantial degree of material prosperity rewarded his industrious efforts, but the honor paid to his memory is more specially due to his
fine independence of character, his active influence in the social and
political movements experienced at different times in the last century
by this locality. He was a pioneer, a successful business man, and a
broad-minded vigorous citizen.
Elias C. Manchester was born in the township of Scipio, Cayuga
county, New York, June 29, 1813. Brought up on his father's farm,
he spent his summers in work and attended the common schools which
existed in New York state at that time. He was a first-class scholar
and when he was eighteen was employed to teach the home district
school. The family were of the Quaker faith, and he was one of the
prominent members of that sect which colonized in Calhoun county
during the period of first settlement. About the time he reached his
majority he turned his attention to the undeveloped west. His brotherin-law was a close friend of Squire Meachem, an owner of large tracts
of land in southern Michigan, and it was due to this relation that
young Manchester pointed his investigations toward Calhoun county.
His permanent settlement was preceded by a tour of exploration
in the spring of 1836. From the settlements in eastern Michigan a
wild-winding trail led him through dense forests and over untamed
prairies into the heart of Calhoun county, and scattering log houses
were practically the only evidence of the improvement made by white
civilization. On the site of Battle Creek, at the corner now occupied
by the Old National Bank, stood the only business house then in this
settlement, the general store kept by William Coleman. But to a youth
with the enthusiasm of a pioneer, the opportunities of the situation made
a strong appeal, and immediately on reaching New York he made preparations to move his family to the west. The date of his arrival for
permanent settlement was in September, 1836.
His settlement was on the northwest corner of section 1, township
2 south, range 8 west, in the old township of Milton, and the site
of his home is now occupied by the Phelps Sanatorium. At the time
of his settlement the entire vicinity was covered with underbrush and
timber, and it required many days of labor to clear the ground for
his first crops. In 1852 he erected on the original site a brick residence,
and that remained one of the landmarks, with many intimate associations for the Manchester family, until it was torn down to make room
for the Phelps Sanatorium.
The late Mr. Manchester was interested in and prominently identified with the social, temperance, political and religious movements of
his lifetime. During his early career he was a Whig in politics, and
served his locality as justice of the peace, supervisor, and in other
official capacities. He was an ardent abolitionist and free-soiler, and
from its organization for a number of years was identified with the




630


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Republican party.   When prohibition became in his judgment the
dominant question of American public interest, he espoused the party of
that cause, and still later was affiliated with the Greenback party. He
never lost his active interest in the temperance movement, and was
one of the prominent members of the Good Templars organization and
for three years president of the grand lodge of the state. The Grange
movement was one to which he gave all the enthusiasm of his nature,
and he was a charter member of the Battle Creek Grange, No. 66,
Patrons of Husbandry. The grange had charge of his funeral, held
at his old home 436 Maple street, and' four of the active members were
pall-bearers.
Farming was his regular occupation for many years, but he was
also one of the factors in the mercantile affairs of this city. From
1857 to 1863 he was senior member of the firm of Manchester & Averill,
which during part of the time was Averill, Briggs & Company. This
well known business firm was dissolved in 1863, and Mr. Manchester
then returned to farming.
At the age of twenty-one, in his native township of Scipio, New
York, he was married by Quaker ceremony, to Miss Amy Ann Howland.
Their happy wedded career was protracted for more than sixty years,
until the death of Mrs. Manchester on June 28, 1896, and was blessed
with the birth of nine children who reached years of maturity. These
children, seven of whom are still living, were as follows: Caleb, of
Augusta, Michigan (see sketch); Adelina and Stephen, deceased; Perry
H., of Butte, Montana; Charles E., of Battle Creek, (see sketch); Elias,
of Kansas City, Missouri; Mary, the wife of the late William Galloway),
of Battle Creek; Frank of Rockford, Illinois; and H. W., of Battle
Creek. All were born and educated in Battle Creek, and the family
record is further notable for the fact that five of the sons were soldiers
of the Union at the same time. Elias and Charles were in the same
company of the First Michigan Cavalry; Caleb was in the Eleventh
Michigan Cavalry, Stephen was in Company C of the Twentieth Michigan Infantry, and later with Charles and Elias in Company F, First
Cavalry; while Perry was a member of the Twentieth Michigan Infantry and was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness.
The late Mr. Manchester, as already noted, was brought up in the
Quaker faith, but later in life found his religious comfort in spiritualism, was one of the prominent members of the local society, and
for three years was president of the state association. In religion and
all other serious subjects of life he exercised an independent judgment.
What commended itself to his reason he accepted and made an integral
part of his daily life. And at the same time he rejected no theory or
faith without an impartial examination. He was a reader all his life,
and considered 'deeply all he found in books or the conversation of men.
In his family and in his community he bore a lifelong reputation for
integrity and high-principled character, and among the pioneers of
Battle Creek none deserves greater esteem and more lasting memory
than the- one who at his death was the last survivor of the times when
Battle Creek was an outpost of civilization in the midst of the unbroken
wilderness.
CALEB MANCHESTER. Soldier, business man, public-spirited citizen,
farmer and capable official, Caleb Manchester, now residing at Augusta,
Michigan, has had a long and active career of usefulness and is eminently worthy of mention in a work setting forth the incidents in the
lives of the representative men of his part of Michigan. Born January
22, 1838, in Battle Creek, he received his early education in that city,




CaAI     f&#~-&Lczl,








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


631


and subsequently attended the Agricultural College one year. When
twenty-six years of age, September 1, 1864, he, enlisted for service in
the Civil war, becoming a private of Company G, Eleventh Michigan
Cavalry, at Albion, Michigan. On September 30, 1864, he joined his
regiment at Lexington, Kentucky, and in November was made a corporal
and on March 1, 1865, was made sergeant, receiving his honorable discharge as such, June 16, 1865, at Knoxville, Tennessee. He participated
in numerous skirmishes and minor battles, and took part in the Saltville
Raid, in Virginia, and a number of others, and throughout his army
service proved himself to be a brave and faithful soldier. On his return
from the war he resided in Battle Creek for one year, then moving to
Ionia county, Michigan, where he made his home until 1883, being
extensively engaged in farming. In that year he went to Adrian, Michigan, where he devoted his energies to the gravel roofing business during
the next ten years, and then returned to Battle Creek and until 1902
was engaged in the fence business.
Since 1902 Mr. Manchester has lived practically retired from business
activities, although he owns three acres within the corporation limits
of the village of Augusta, in Ross township, Kalamazoo county. Public
life has demanded a great deal of his attention, he being a strong and
influential Republican. For four years he served as village assessor of
Augusta, was elected justice of the peace for four years, and has held
various other township offices. Fraternally, he is connected with Adrian
Lodge No. 19 F. & A. M., having been connected with the Masonic fraternity since 1859; and Bryant Chapter, Eastern Star of Battle Creek.
He also belongs to Woodbury Post No. 45, Grand Army of the Republicof Adrian, and has never missed a reunion of his regiment. For eleven
years he was a member of the election board of Battle Creek.
On February 4, 1861, Mr. Manchester was married to Miss Valeda
Sawtell, daughter of Zerah Sawtell and wife, of Bedford township, Calhoun county, Michigan, and she died October 21, 1881, at Muir, Ionia
county, Michigan, where she is buried. Mr. and Mrs. Manchester had
three children: Cora, born in Parma township, near Albion, Jackson
county, Michigan, who was for seventeen years in the telegraph office
at Adrian, died in that city, in December, 1905, and is there buried;
Addie Valeda, born in Ionia county, and now the wife of L. D. Swisher,
of Adrian; they have two sons, Bertram and Donald; and Louis B.,
of Cleveland. Louis B. married Edna Daniels of Lima, O. They had
four children: Ida V., deceased, Cora L., Louise L., and Edna M. Louis
B. was born in Ionia county, Michigan, and educated in the schools of
Adrian, and in June, 1898, enlisted in the army for service during
the Spanish-American war, going first to Porto Rico, with Gen. Miles,
as a member of the signal service. He was subsequently transferred
to the Philippines in 1900, and after his three years of service had expired he enlisted for another three years, and on the expiration of that
term of service prepared to return to his home. At that time, however,
the United States government, established a trade school, and he was
offered and accepted the telegraph department, of which he had charge
until taking charge of the telegraph lines. in the Constabulary, in which
he became captain, in the island of Cebu. After two years, however,
he resigned and came home, and at this time is an employe of the test
station of the Western Union Telegraph station at Cleveland, Ohio,
where the lines of the Associated Press and the Board of Trade pass
through.
CHARLES E. MANCHESTER. One member of the family of the late
Elias C. Manchester who has been identified with Battle Creek for many




632


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


years is Charles E. Manchester, whose birth occurred in this city on the
12th of December, 1845.
Mr Manchester during his boyhod attended the old Battle Creek
schools, and when he left home to begin his practical career he bought
eighty acres of land in Ionia county and was engaged in farming there
for eleven years. Farming has been his principal occupation during
his active career, but he has also been one of Battle Creek's merchants.
He was only a boy when the Civil war broke out, but like the other
four brothers of the family he offered his services to the Union, and for
ten months was a private in Company F of the First Michigan Cavalry,
having his brothers Stephen and Elias as comrades. Mr. Mianchester
is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Farragut Post No.
32, G. A. R., at Battle Creek. For seven years he was truant officer for
the city schools. Fraternally Mr. Manchester is a Mason, having membership in the Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, A. F. & A. M., and being
also a Knight Templar, and is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows in this city. For several years he has lived retired, his
home being at 179 Upton avenue. He was married on March 26, 1872
to Miss Ella Carpenter, daughter of Elisha Carpenter, of Bedford township, this county. Mrs. Manchester's death occurred June 26, 1901.
They had no children.
SOLOMON SELLERS. One of the oldest and most honored families of
Calhoun county is represented by Mr. Solomon Sellers, who is himself one of the oldest living citizens of the county. He was born in
Juniata county, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1827, and has passed his
eighty-fifth birthday and has lived in this county nearly seventy years.
He is one of the few men whose memories carry them back to the actual
pioneer conditions that existed in this part of Michigan when he was
a boy.
His parents were William  and Elizabeth (Horning) Sellers, both
natives of Pennsylvania but of German parentage. William Sellers when
a boy was bound out according to the old custom then in vogue, and
learned the weaver's trade, at which he employed himself during his
residence in Pennsylvania and also at odd times later in life. He
obtained some education in the German language, but not in the English.
A beautiful penman, he did a good deal of work later in life as a bookkeeper. He became a settler in Michigan in 1839, and two years later
moved from Livingston county to Calhoun county, where one of his
sons had already located, in the township of Clarence. This son was the
first blacksmith of that town, a distinction which has heretofore been
mentioned in histories of this county. William  Sellers, the father,
bought the one hundred and sixty acres of land in that township which
his son Samuel had already located. After four years of residence in
Convis township, where he later moved, the death of his wife broke up
the home, and he spent the rest of his life in the home of his daughter
Mrs. Jane E. Wood, in Livingston county. Of the thirteen children in
the family, eight reached maturity, three daughters and five sons.
Of these Solomon was the youngest and is the last survivor. He
was about twelve years old when he came. to Michigan, and attended
school for three months in the district school of Convis township, during
the winters but forgot the winter's learning during the summer that
followed. Until retiring to Battle Creek he had been a continuous resident of Convis township since 1844, and was one of the successful farmers and influential citizens of that vicinity. He served one term as township assessor, and has always been a Republican in politics. He has
been a member of the Adventist Tabernacle in Battle Creek since 1861.
His home is at 232 West Van Buren street.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


633


Mr. Sellers was married in Battle Creek, April 25, 1853, to Miss
Sarah Ann Dougherty. Their married life was a long and happy one,
and nearly eight years passed after the golden anniversary of their wedding before their companionship was broken by the death of Mrs. Sellers
on the 8th of February, 1911. She was born in New Jersey, a daughter
of John and Ellen Dougherty, who came to America from Ireland, and
afterwards in 1844 located in Convis township. Mr. and Mrs. Sellers
were the parents of four children, one dying in infancy, and the three
now living are: John William, who is on the old homestead in Convis
township; Clarence W., of Battle Creek; and Luella M. All were born
in Convis township, and were educated in the public schools of Battle
Creek and the old college here. The boys both attended the Stone's
Business College, and the daughter was formerly a teacher of this city.
CLARENCE W. SELLERS. Clarence W. Sellers, son of the venerable
pioneer citizen, Solomon Sellers, is one of the progressive and successful
business men of Battle Creek. For a number of years he has been identified with the public affairs of this city and county.
He was born at the old homestead in Convis township, July 22, 1862,
and while a boy attended the district schools. Later he entered school
in Battle Creek and was a student of the old college. He also spent one
year in the high school at Bellevue, Eaton county, and completed his
training by a course in C. W. Stone's Business College of Battle Creek.
For two years he was engaged in farming, but since 1894 has been a
resident of Battle Creek. In that year he established the Sellers West
End Hack and Livery Line, and was more or less actively engaged in
its management for about ten years. During the term of Sheriff David
Walkingshaw he served as deputy sheriff, and then for three years was
a constable of this city. Politically he is a Republican.
Mr. Sellers' principal enterprise for several years has been the Sellers
Pony and Stock Farm Company, of which he is proprietor. This is one
of the noteworthy agricultural and stock establishments of the county,
and is located in Penfield township two miles from the city. The farm
consists of four hundred acres, and is devoted to the raising of standard
bred Shetland ponies and to dairy and other stock raising.
Recently Mr. Sellers becamnie one of the organizers of the Albion Coal
Company Ltd. He has a lease on a thousand acres of land in this
county, two and a half miles north of Albion, and beneath the surface
has been discovered the only commercial coal deposits in this part of the
state. The company have struck a three and one-half to five foot vein
of good coal, and are pushing the operations for working the deposit at
the earliest possible date. Mr. Sellers is also owner of city real estate,
including his pleasant home on West Van Buren street, adjoining the
residence of his father.
On January 6, 1894, he was married to Miss Amy Rand, of Faribault,
Minnesota. Her father, Howard Rand, is now a resident in Battle
Creek and her mother is deceased. Mrs. Sellers is a native of Minnesota,
where she was educated, attending the Mankato Normal, where she
graduated, and then taught school in that state for several years. Mr.
and Mrs. Sellers are the parents of two children. Wellyn C. and Lulu
M. both born in Battle Creek and both in high school.
HENRY F. BECHMAN. As superintendent of the Duplex Printing
Press Company of Battle Creek, Mr. Bechman is prominently identified
with the industrial and business activities of the metropolis of Calhoun
county, and he has been a resourceful factor in the promotion of the
important enterprise with which he has been actively identified for a
score of years.




j




634


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. Bechman claims the Hawkey state as the place of his nativity
and is a scion of one of its sterling pioneer families. He was born at
Muscatine, Iowa, on the 18th of February, 1857, and is a son of Henry
F. and Katherine Elizabeth (Koerle) Bechman, both of whom were born
in the kingdom of Saxony, Germany, and both of whom were children
at the time of the immigration of the respective families to America,
the mother came in 1838, and the father not long after. The parents
of each established their residence in Iowa soon after arrival in the
United States and were numbered among the early settlers of that
commonwealth, to the civic and industrial development of which they
contributed their quota. Henry F. Bechman, Sr., was reared and educated in Germany, as was also his wife, and there their marriage was
solemnized. He became a successful contractor and builder and was a
man of sterling character,-one who ever commanded secure place in
popular confidence and esteem. At the inception of the Civil war he
tendered his services in defense of the Union, and he was a musician in
the Thirty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry during his term of service.
Both he and his wife passed the closing years of their lives at Muscatine,
Iowa, and of their three sons Henry F., of this review, is the eldest;
William died in the city of Chicago, in March, 1911; and Lewis H. is
assistant superintendent of the Duplex Printing Press Company, of
which his brother is superintendent.
The early educational discipline of Henry F. Bechman, of this sketch,
was secured in the public schools of his native city, and when a mere
lad he began to depend largely upon his own resources, as he felt called
upon, as the eldest of the children, to provide for his own maintenance.
In Muscatine he served a thorough apprenticeship at the machinist's
trade, initiating his apprenticeship in 1869, when about thirteen years
of age, and eventually becoming a skilled workman. He continued to
follow his trade at Muscatine until 1877, when he went to the city of
Chicago, where he continued to maintain his home for thirteen consecutive years, save for one year passed in St. Louis, Missouri. In the great
western metropolis he made substantial advancement along the line of
his trade and held positions of increasing trust and responsibility. In
January, 1892, Mr. Bechman came to Battle Creek, where he forthwith assumed the position of superintendent of the Duplex Printing
Press Company, the enterprise of which was then in its incipiency. He
has retained this executive office during the intervening period of twenty
years and has given his undivided time and attention to the advancement and extension of the business of the company.
Mr. Bechman began the battle of life with no capital save strong
hands and a determination to succeed.   He not only has gained a
thorough knowledge of machinery and incidental lines but has also
become a sure judge of the character and ability of men,-a fact that
has had much influence in the furtherance of his personal success and
that of the concern with which he has been long and prominently
identified. He has worked hard for what he has won, and yet his
absorption in his own line of work has never been such as to prevent
him from keeping in touch with civic affairs and appreciative of opportunities presented. This has been proved by his activity in other
lines of business and by his service in positions of public trust. He is a
modern, aggressive business man, constantly alert and progressive in
his attitude, but his own struggle has made him deeply appreciative of
the ambitious efforts of others, W9ith the result that he is sympathetic
and ever ready to aid those who are striving to achieve success. Instead
of becoming hardened by strenuous discipline as one of the world's
productive workers, he has broadened and enriched his character, and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


635


this is shown by his unqualified popularity in his home city and
especially among the employes of the concern of which he is superintendent.
Mr Bechman is closely identified with the financial and commercial
activities of Battle Creek. He is president of the American Motor Company, of this city, and is a member of the directorate of the City Bank
of Battle Creek, besides which he is president of each the Bechman &
Morton Real Estate Company.    Under the administration of Mayor
Charles C. Green he served very zealously and efficiently as a member of
the board of public works of Battle Creek.
In the city of Chicago, on the 31st of July, 1882, was solemnized the
marriage of Mr. Bechman to Miss Frances E. Cole, who was born in
Rochester, New York, where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs.
Bechman have one son, Francis E., who was born in Chicago, on the
13th of August, 1884, and who now resides in New York City, where he
is engaged in business. He was graduated in the Battle Creek high
school as a member of the class of 1903, and four years later, in 1907,
he entered the literary or academic department of the University of
Michigan, in which he was graduated in 1911 and from which he
received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Mr. and Mrs. Bechman have an
attractive home at 195 North avenue.
WILLIAM NEWTON JOSLYN. A worthy representative of an old and
honored family that for more than fifty years has been identified with
the agricultural interests of Calhoun county, William Newton Joslyn,
of Battle Creek, has been living retired during the past twenty years.
He was born in the township of Phelps, Ontario county, New York,
November 25, 1842, and is a son of Charles H. and Jane (Simmons)
Joslyn.
The grandparents of Mr. Joslyn, Charles and Thankful (Field)
Joslyn, were of English descent, the former a native of Vermont and the
latter of Massachusetts, and were the parents of a family of twelve
children, of whom Charles H. was the fifth in order of birth. They lived
together for over seventy years on the same farm in Ontario county,
New York, the mother dying in April, 1872, at the age of eighty-five
years, while her husband survived her until June 3, 1875, and attained
the remarkable age of ninety-five years, and both were buried in the
cemetery at Phelps. Charles H. Joslyn, father of William Newton, was
born at Phelps, Ontario county, New York, August 26, 1815, and passed
his youth on the home farm, receiving his education in the district
schools After his marriage he purchased a farm of sixty-one acres in
New York, on which he resided for six years, then coming to Calhoun
county, Michigan, and buying 140 acres of partly improved land, for
which he paid $3,400. After spending fifteen years on this land, Mr.
Joslyn sold out and bought another place nearby, but remained there
only two years, disposing of it to purchase the.property in Battle Creek
township, near Goguac Lake, that is now owned by his son, and for.which he paid $16,800. The remainder of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits, and he rose to be one of the most substantial farmers
of his community. His death occurred December 26, 1902, and that of
his wife August 5, 1905, and both are buried at Oak Hill cemetery.
At the age of twenty-six years, Charles H. Joslyn was united in marriage with Miss Jane Simmons, whose parents died in Vermont when she
was very young, and at the age of seven years she accompanied her
older brother and sisters to Ontario county, New York, where she lived
three years. She then entered the household of Ezra Newton, with
whom she was residing at the time of her marriage to Mr. Joslyn.




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


They had a family of three children, of whom William Newton and Mrs.
Alice Redfield are the only survivors. A stanch Republican in his political views, Mr. Joslyn was elected to various positions of trust and
responsibility, including township clerk for three years, supervisor,
member of the county board two terms and justice of the peace for a
long period. He held in the fullest degree the confidence and esteem of
his fellow citizens and was highly regarded by all who knew him in
Battle Creek, in which city the last eleven years of his life were spent.
William Newton Joslyn was ten years of age when he accompanied
his parents to Michigan, and his education was secured in the district
schools of Homer township, Calhoun county, which he attended when he
could be spared from the duties of the home farm. In 1868 his parents
removed to Battle Creek township, and there he assisted his father in
cultivating the old homestead, a tract of 160 acres, located onehalf mile from the city limits of Battle Creek. He has been identified
with agricultural pursuits all of his life, but during the past twenty
years has lived somewhat retired, his activities being confined to superintending the operation of the farm and looking after his various city
real estate holdings. The residence, at No. 31 Fountain street, west,
was erected under the direction of Mr. Joslyn and his father, and there
he lived with his parents until their death, tenderly caring for them in
their declining years. Although his father had been somewhat prominent in public matters, Mr. Joslyn has never cared to enter the p ublic
arena. On one occasion he was finally persuaded to make the running
for alderman of his ward, but on realizing the number of enemies he
would make and the hard feelings that were sure to prevail, he reconsidered the question and declined to act as a candidate. He supports
the principles and candidates of the Republican party.
Mr. Joslyn was married March 29, 1906, in Hillsdale, Michigan, to
Miss Frank Louella Willard, who was born in Ithaca, New York, and
educated in Litchfield, Michigan, also attending Albion College, from
which she was graduated in instrumental music in the class of 1887.
She is a daughter of D. F. and Elizabeth P. (Conklin) Willard, of
Hillsdale. Formerly Mrs. Joslyn played the pipe organ in the church
at Hillsdale, and was a general favorite at recitals. She now is well
known to the members of the Presbyterian church, is active in religious
work, and belongs to the Women's League of Battle Creek, in which
she is known as an energetic worker. She and her husband have numerous warm friends throughout the city, and both are held in the
highest esteem by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
JOSEPH MOUNT BROKAW. One of the most touching characteristics
of the people of the Far East those races of the Orient which we knew
comparatively little about until recent years, is their filial devotion.
Travelers are astonished and impressed by the affection and care lavished
by the children upon their parents, a love which endures as long as life
lasts, and which is something deeper and stronger than the meed of respect that is too frequently the only manifestation in the hurrying,
scurrying people of our nation. Sometimes there is a refreshing instance
in our own busy times. Friends of the late Joseph Mount Brokaw, of
Battle Creek, love to remember that this was one of his strongest characteristics. Upon his widowed mother he lavished the tenderest care, and
during the twenty years that she lived with him he accorded to her a
devotion which anticipated her every want, surrounded her with an
atmosphere of affection and repaid her day by day for the attention and
love that she had bestowed upon him in his tender years. It was a
beautiful phase of his life.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


637


Joseph Mount Brokaw was born in Ovid, Seneca county, New York,
on October 9, 1834, being a son of Tunis and Almira Brokaw, who in
1838'removed to Ypsilanti, Michigan. The father died soon thereafter.
The son acquired a common school education and at the age of fifteen
went to Detroit, where he started in for himself as a machinist apprentice. When he had completed his trade he worked there as a
journeyman for three years and afterwards went south to New Orleans.
He had a brother in that city who died of yellow fever, just prior to the
Civil war. His other brother, Austin Brokaw, was a very prominent
and well-to-do merchant of Angola, Indiana, but he too, has passed
away. The mother, early left a widow, resided as has been stated, with
Joseph for twenty years, and died in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Mr. Brokaw remained in the south for some time and was markedly
successful. He was promoted to the position of master mechanic of
what was then the shops of the Jackson & Illinois Railroad Company.
After the outbreak of the Civil war he was arrested and taken from the
office, charged with being an abolitionist. The accusation was made by
some of the older men in the department, over whose heads he had
been promoted, and who were in consequence jealous of his preferment,
although the latter was due solely to his superior ability.
In order to get out of the city he let it be known that he was going
to St. Louis on business for the company. In the meantime, in June,
1858, he had been married to Miss Mary Dowling, and he was doubly
anxious that she be removed from the possibility of danger. Their departure was dramatic. Mr. and Mrs. Brokaw, surrounded by an escort
of three hundred loyal men from the shops who had worked under Mr.
Brokaw, marched to the wharf. The men acted as bodyguard and repelled the advances of the mob, which made angry manifestations.
Thus they boarded the steamer, which was the last vessel to make the
trip up the river until after the close of the war.
Arrived at his boyhood home at Ypsilanti Mr. Brokaw found that he
did not wish to be triumphed over by the men who had caused him to
leave the south, so he determined to go once more to the Crescent City.
He sailed from New York to Havana and thence to New Orleans, arriving there just prior to the capture of Vicksburg and Port Hudson.
There were but two vessels insured against the "Alabama" and on one
of these he took passage, accompanied by his faithful wife, who declared
that she would brave any dangers that he cared to, and expressed the
determination to remain by his side. They remained in New Orleans
about nine months and then returned to Ypsilanti, Michigan. After
two years' stay they removed to Hudson, Michigan, which was their
home for eighteen years following. Mr. Brokaw was engaged in the
grocery and produce business there, with marked success. After a short
residence at Grand Rapids and Owosso he removed to Battle Creek on
September 18, 1883, where he spent the remainder of his life.
He purchased an uncompleted residence on West Fountain street,
now known as the Austin place. This he finished and later sold, removing to East Main street, where he erected a dwelling. He also began a
business block and later put up several other business houses and some
dwellings, as well as a flat building. At the time he purchased property
on East Main street there were comparatively few buildings in that
locality, and his development helped to boom that portion of the town.
He also became active in other fields of enterprise. In 1884 he began
dealing in dry-picked poultry, which he shipped by the car load to New
York and Chicago. He followed this until 1888 and then operated a
coal and wood business for fifteen years, selling out in 1900 in order to
devote all his time to the real estate business. The improvements which




638


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


he placed in the section of the city where he had invested, added greatly
to the general values of that neighborhood.
Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brokaw, of whom' six
died in childhood. Those who reached mature years were: Almira,
wife of Dr. J. J. Lawless, of Grand Jet. Colo. She died and was buried
in Battle Creek, as was also one of her children, Carroll, but the other
son, Fred, is living. Josephine resides at home; Joseph M. spent seven
years as a student at Assumption College, Sandwich, Ontario, a year at
Monroe, Mich., and two years at Baltimore, Md., where he graduated in
June, 1898, coming thence to Battle Creek. He was ordained to the
priesthood on November 27, 1898, by Bishop Foley and is now the beloved pastor of a Catholic church in Reese, Michigan, twelve miles from
Saginaw and Karo. Charles married Selina M. Dowling, of Pontiac,
Michigan, and they have three children: Clair, Pauline, and Charles. A
fourth child, Leo, is deceased. Austin, who is single, resides in St. Louis,
Mo., where he is a representative of Pabst Brewery of Milwaukee.
During the later years of his life Mr. Brokaw adhered to the tenets
of the Democratic party. In 1884 he was elected alderman of his ward,
but after a short time resigned the post on account of his impaired
hearing. He was always a supporter of the Catholic church and in his
later years became one of its communicants. One of the strongest and
most commendable elements in his life was his deep interest in young
men and their welfare. He gave them his sympathy, encouragement
and counsel and when it seemed desirable was not slow to extend
material assistance with an unstinted hand. He seemed to readily
comprehend the nature of young men and possessed the power of bringing to the surface latent and perhaps unsuspected qualities and developing what was best in the youth of his day. They had confidence in
him and readily responded to his advances. His heart was full of sympathy and his life was guided by broad humanitarian principles.
Perhaps the most touching tribute to his worth was paid when death
had sealed the lips that spoke such kindly admonitions and veiled the
eyes which knew only the glance of kindness. Mr. Brokaw died on
August 17, 1902, and the funeral was held in St. Philip's Catholic
church, where gathered one of the largest and most representative congregations seen in the parish in many years. The solemn requiem mass
was sung by his son, the Reverend Father J. M. Brokaw, assisted by the
Fathers Sadlier and Fisher and the body was laid to rest in Mount
Olivet Catholic cemetery. In the Sacred Heart church at Hudson,
Mich., there is a memorial window as a tribute to his life.
For five years prior to his death he was a great sufferer, but never
lost hope and was only confined to his bed for five days prior to his
demise. He bore his pain with Christian fortitude and resignation and
when the end came was cheered and solaced by the loving ministrations
of his family and uplifted by the last sacrament of the mother church.
Mr. Brokaw was a self-made man and was possessed of his own convictions. He left the South because he did not wish to join the Southern
army, but his widow today, who shared his experiences during the war
scenes is not sure that the southern people were treated right, in taking the slaves away from them. She knows that many of the slaves had
no means of support and firmly believes that many of them must have
starved to death afterwards. Her observation is that while some of
the slave owners were cruel more than seven-eights of them were good
to their slaves and merely guided their activities in a helpful way and
provided better quarters and food and raiment than the negroes had
after they were liberated. She feels a deep conviction that the ethical
idea of equal rights was no means sufficient justification for the terrible




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


639


toll of bloodshed and death and the laying waste of property that came
with the years of war.
Mrs. Brokaw still owns and maintains the family residence at 257
East Main street, which Mr. Brokaw built and where he died. Leo died
in Dearborn, Mich., and was brought back to Battle Creek for burial.
Mrs. Brokaw has disposed of a good deal of her property and now owns
her residence on Main street and the Brokaw Block on East Main. At
the time of Mr. Brokaw's death they were possessed of twenty-one rentable places in Battle Creek. Feeling that in her advanced years she
did not care to look after so many she disposed of most of them. The
home at 257 East Main street, which she keeps for sentimental reasons
is too far from church to suit her, so she rented a home at 18 Cherry
street, next door to the Catholic church, and is a regular attendant at St.
Philip's.
HOMER W. CLARK. Among the well known and influential citizens
of Battle Creek is Homer W. Clark, who for a number of years was
one of the substantial agriculturists of this state and for the past six
years has resided in this city and managed his interests in real estate.
Mr. Clark was born in Coylton township, Tuscola county, Michigan,
September 25, 1870, and was the only son of John Quincy Adams Clark
and Betsey M. (Moore) Clark. The parents were both natives of New
York state and were married there, and about the close of the Civil war
moved west to Michigan. Settling in Tuscola county, the father took
up one hundred and sixty acres of government land, and with a shanty
to live in began the arduous undertaking of making a home in a new
country and subduing the soil and the wilderness to cultivation. He was
a farmer all his life and a good citizen and neighbor. In 1876 he moved
to Mecosta county, where he acquired a new farm of eighty acres, on
which he lived until his death, in 1893. He was a member of the
Masonic order. Of the two children in the family the daughter is now
Mrs. Flora M. Bristol, wife of John Bristol, of Harbor Springs, Michigan.
Mr. Homer W. Clark received his early schooling in Mecosta county,
but at the age of sixteen, when his father died, took hold of the farm
work and from that time was vigorously employed in striving with the
realities of life. He was a practical and progressive farmer, and has
always been known as a successful man. In January, 1906, he and his
mother moved to Battle Creek, where they both own considerable valuable realty, and Mr. Clark now gives most of his time to its management. He and his mother reside at 50 Poplar street.
In politics Mr. Clark gives his support to the man he considers best
fitted for the office. He and his mother are both members of the First
Church of Christ Scientist in this city, and he is chairman of the board
of directors and treasurer of the building fund. Mrs. Flora M. Bristol,
the daughter, lost her husband by death in 1909. but she still makes
her home in Harbor Springs. Her one son, Mahlon D. Bristol, was
'born in Mescota county in August, 1889, and is now in his third year of
the dental department of the University of Michigan, preparing to begin
his profession as soon as he graduates in 1913.
JOHANNES DECKER. There was perhaps no better known man in
Battle Creek than Johannes Decker, and in his passing away on January 18, 1910, the city lost a man who had been a resident of the city
since his earliest manhood, and during whose life, his highest interests
had been synonymous with these of the community which he called
home. During the best part of his life, Mr. Decker had devoted himself
VdL II



640


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


to the dry goods business in one capacity or another, but the past ten
years of his business experience found him engaged in real estate matters, and he was largely identified with realty and building interests up
to the time of his death.
Johannes Decker was born in Ulster county, New York, on March
27, 1839, and was seventy-one years of age when he died. He was the
son of Josiah and Mary (Elma) Decker, both of Holland ancestry, and
the family came from New York when their son Johannes was a boy.
He received the major part of his education in this community, and
quite early in life began his career as a dry goods man by accepting a
clerkship in one of the stores of Battle Creek. Later he was engaged
as a clerk in the silk department of A. T. Stewart, a prominent drygoods merchant of New York city, and during his experience there,
which lasted throughout the war period, the young man learned much
of dry goods and business methods that was of immense value to him
in later years. In 1866 he returned to Battle Creek and accepted a
clerkship; the year following he made his first independent business
venture, engaging in a partnership with S. M. Ashby, and the two conducted business here for a number of years under the firm name of
Decker & Ashby. Following his connection with the firm of which he
was a partner, Mr. Decker engaged as a traveling salesman for Mills &
Gibbs of New York City, dealers in dry goods and notions, and he continued with them until the year 1899, when he severed his connection
with this firm and thereafter gave his undivided attention to the real
estate business.  His careful methods and honest open manner of
conducting his business affairs won him the confidence and esteem
of the public and he was known for one of the most reliable
and trustworthy men in his line of business in the city. IIe attained a
high degree of success in this line, his later years being the most prosperous ones of his life. He was a man who possessed a wide circle of
trusting friends, and his disposition and character were of a nature to
render him entirely worthy of every confidence placed in him, however,
great. Mr. Decker was a Republican, and active in a highly intelligent
way in affairs of a political nature, although he could never be prevailed upon to accept an office of any kind. He was a member of the
Athelstan Club of Battle Creek, and in his churchly relations, was a
member of the Independent Congregational church.
Mr. Decker married Miss Ruth A. Whitmore, the daughter of Giddings and Susan (Houston) Whitmore of Fredonia township, Calhoun
county, the marriage occurring on September 4, 1867. Mrs. Decker
was born in Fredonia township and there educated. Her father was
of English descent, while her mother was of Scotch-Irish parentage.
Both were horn in New Hampshire. The father was born on September 18, 1799, and died in Battle Creek in October, 1881, at the age of
eighty-two years. The mother passed away in 1886. Two children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Decker, both of whom died in infancy,-Lila and
one yet unnamed at its death.
In April, 1911, the sorrowing widow of Mr. Decker caused to be
erected at his burial place a handsome memorial. The solid granite
square, about six feet in height. was shipped to Battle Creek in its rough
state from Barre, Vermont, and was cut by A. G. MeNaughton, of this
city. The magnificent bronze figure of a woman which forms a part
of the monument typifies Memory, and is a notable piece of work, from
the design of Nellie V. Walker, a Chicago sculptor. A working model
of this figure was awarded first prize at the Art Institute in Chicago.
The memorial is by far one of the most beautiful in Oak Hill cemetery.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


641


WILLIAM D. WOOD, a resident of Battle Creek since 1902, has been
actively engaged in the contracting and building business in this city
for the past four years. In that time he has made phenomenal progress
with his business, and now occupies a prominent place among the builders
and contract men of the city. He is a native of the state, born in
Union City, Calhoun county, on February 12, 1871, and is the son of
Frederick Duane and Clara (Reynolds) Wood, both born and reared
in Chenango county, New York, in which place they were married.
Following their marriage the young couple came to Michigan, settling in
Union City, and they remained there for about ten years, when they
returned to their old eastern home. They remained there but a short
time, however, and on their return to Michigan located on a farm,
three miles north of Athens. Here they lived for about eleven years,
and later the mother died at the home there, her death occurring on
July 16, 1900. The father died in Battle Creek in September, 1908,
in which place he had lived for six years previous to his demise, making
his home with one of his sons. They were the parents of a goodly family
of eleven children, all of whom are yet living but one girl, Mrs. Marion
Hulce. The living are: Mrs. C. H. Avery is a resident of LeRoy, this
county; W. E., a resident of Battle Creek; Mrs. Emery Birmingham;
Frederick, living at Paw Paw Lake; Ernest, Frank, Arthur and Bert,
of Battle Creek; Myrton, of Factoryville, St. Joseph county; William
D.
William D. Wood received his education principally ill Athens, and
while vet-in his teens began to learn the carpenter's trade in that place.
In the year of the World's Columbian Exposition he worked in Chicago, and gained much of valuable experience in his trade in that year.
Following his Chicago experience he returned to Athens and worked at
his trade until his marriage in November, 1894, after which he engaged
in the meat business, continuing in that line for about three years in
Athens. He once more took up the carpenter business, carrying on that
work in Athens until 1902, in which year he made his advent into the
industrial life of Battle Creek. He did not engage immediately in his
own trade, however, as it was his intention to ultimately enter the contracting field, and lie was desirous of becoming more familiar with buhsiness methods in the city before he committed himself to the responsibilities of an independent business. He went to work for the Advance
Thresher Company, known now as the M. Rumely Company, and he was
in their employ for nearly six years, at the end of which time he set up
in business for himself. His efforts were crowned with success fromn
the beginning, and his business has expanded in a most satisfactory
manner. From a small beginning, Mr. Wood is now able to build and
sell his houses on contract, dealing principally with the laboring (class
of people, who find it an advantage to be able to buy a neat and wellbuilt home on the contract plan. His fair and honest methods make his
propositions of peculiar interest to his patrons, and Mr. Wood experiences no difficulty in securing orders for as many houses as he can build.
He has become the owner of a considerable quantity of valuable Battle
Creek property. his residence on the corner of Kendall and Grove streets
being his own property, as well as the residence next to his home. He
has also acquired other city property in desirable parts of the city. He
employs an average of fifteen men, and is busy the year around with his
contracts.
Mr. Wood is an independent thinker with regard to politics. He
may always be depended upon to support the best man in any political
issue regardless of politics, and his support when accorded, is valuable
and appreciated. He has kept well out of politics in the years of his.




642            HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
residence in Battle Creek, and although he has been solicited on numerous occasions to run for the office of alderman, he has always declined,
firmly believing that business and politics cannot be mixed successfully.
He is a member of Calhoun Tent No. 54 K. 0. T. MI., of Battle Creek,
and with his family, is a member of the Upton Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wood is an earnest churchman, and aside from his
regular church duties as a member of the board of trustees, he has
charge of a class of forty boys in the Sunday-school.
On November 1, 1894, Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Miss
Allie A. Nees, at Athens, Michigan. She is a daughter of W. M. and
Celestia (Ward) Nees, who came from near Marborough, Ohio, and
settled in Athens, where the father was employed as a tinsmith. Previous to that he had been engaged in the hardware business as the
proprietor of a store, and at one time taught school in Alliance, Ohio,
and in Uniontown, that state. He died in Battle Creek on February 14,
1911, and his widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Wood. The latter was born in Marborough, Ohio, and when she was about eight years
of age her parents moved to Schooleraft, Michigan, where she attended
school until she was about sixteen, finishing in Bellevue, Eaton county,
Michigan, after which her parents moved to Athens.
The Wood family occupy a warm place in the hearts of their many
friends and acquaintances in this city, where they are well and favorably known, and where Mr. Wood's business standing is wholly consistent with his high character and general uprightness.
WILLIAM I. FELL, to whom Battle Creek owes much for his business
talent manifested in so many ways for the benefit of the community,
and particularly for the part he has played in contributing to its industrial importance, is secretary, treasurer and manager of the Michigan Carton Company, and identified with other enterprises of an extensive nature. Mr. Fell was born in Belleville, Wayne county, Michigan, January 1, 1861, and is a son of William K. and Charlotte (Bush)
Fell. William K. Fell was a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
and was born in a Quaker community, his parents being members of
the Society of Friends. During his earlier years he was a miller, but
later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and at the time of
his death was the owner of a farm of 200 acres in Wayne county, about
twenty miles from Detroit, on which his widow, who is a native of Belleville, Michigan, now resides. They were the parents of four sons and
four daughters, as follows: Mrs. F. L. Robbe, deceased, who was a
resident of French Landing, Michigan; Mrs. R. E. Gorden, deceased,
who resided at Ypsilanti, Michigan; Henry L., a carpenter and builder,
residing in Battle Creek; William I.; Mrs. R. E. Gorden, of Ypsilanti,
who married her older sister's widower; Mrs. A. J. Hosmer, who married Dr. A. J. Hosmer, of Salt Lake City, one of the noted surgeons of
the West and chief surgeon of Holy Cross Hospital, Salt Lake City, and
a stockholder in the Michigan Carton Company, of Battle Creek; David
J., a teacher in the commercial department of the Central High school,
Detroit; and Robert M., who lives on the old homestead in Wayne county
with his aged mother.
The early education of William I. Fell was secured in the public and
high schools of Belleville, Michigan, and after graduating from the
latter in 1879 he took a course in the Detroit Business College. Desiring to obtain a thorough knowledge of business practices and methods,
he was for a number of years engaged in minor capacities in various
business houses, his first employment being in the store of the leading
clothier of Ypsilanti, the late J. F. Sanders. After five years with Mr.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


643


Sanders. He decided to embark upon a business career on his own account, accordingly, Mr. Fell then formed a partnership with G. W.
Densmore, and under the firm name of Densmore & Fell opened a
clothing and furnishing goods store at Ypsilanti, this business being
continued successfully for eight years. In 'the fall of 1898 Mr. Fell
sold his interest to Mr. Densmore, and came to Battle Creek, and with
William F. Fischer bought out the firm of Wadham, Ryan & Reule, who
had a store here as well as a large one in Ann Arbor, the latter city
being their headquarters and place of residence. The partnership concern of Fell & Fischer continued for three years, at the end of which
time Mr. Fell sold his interests and engaged in the manufacturing business, becoming one of the founders of the Hygienic Food Company, and
remaining as treasurer and member of the managing board during the
next five years. In April, 1907, he organized the Michigan Carton which
took over the Record Carton & Publishing Company, the present officers of which are William H. Mason, president; J. F. Byrne, vice president, and Mr. Fell, secretary, treasurer and manager. The firm manufactures folding paper boxes for food products, proprietary medicines
and other package goods, as well as paper shipping containers, grouped
cartons for window  displays, cardboard signs and kindred articles,
and has a trade that has been almost phenomenal in growth. On March
1, 1912, the forty-ton paper mill, which cost a quarter of a million of
dollars, and in which is manufactured the card-board used by the
company, was put into operation. It adjoins the plant at the back from
the other street, and is connected therewith by a steel structure over the
Kalamazoo river.
The value of this great plant in advancing the manufacturing interests of Battle Creek cannot be overestimated, and for his participation in the movement that brought about its erection, if for no other
reason, Mr. Fell must be recognized as one of the leading figures in the
industrial world of this section. He is also a stockholder in various enterprises. Fraternally he is connected with A. T. Metcalf Lodge, F. &
A. M., and has taken the Commandery degrees, also belonging to the
Shriners at Detroit, the Elks and the Athelstan Club of Battle Creek.
With his family he attends St. Thomas' Episcopal church. His career
shows a distinct and unqualified success. His personal character has
won esteem, and the consensus of public opinion shows that he is a man
of strict integrity, and as a progressive he has won a place for himself
in the confidence of his business associates and the respect of his fellowcitizens.
On May 17, 1893, Mr. Fell was married to Miss Frances Gibson,
daughter of the late Hon. Samuel Gibson, of Constantine, Michigan,
who died there in 1911. Mrs. Fell was born and educated at. Constantine, and also attended the Conservatory of Music at the State Normal
school, at Ypsilanti, where Mr. Fell first met her. Their wedding trip
included an extended visit to the World's Columbian Exposition, at
Chicago. One child, Lawrence G., was born at Ypsilanti, June 14, 1897.
The family residence is at No. 31 Orchard avenue.
CHARLES 0. BALL, postmaster at Homer, is faithfully and satisfactorily discharging the duties devolving upon him in that capacity, and
at the same time materially assists in maintaining the reputation of his
home township as being one of the finest and richest agricultural regions
of Calhoun county, having a well improved farm, which he is managing successfully. A native of Calhoun county, he was born, October
19, 1848, in Albion township, a son of Orrin and Sarah (Cogswell)
Ball, being the youngest child in a family of four children. His parents




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


were born and reared in the Empire state, and settled in Michigan while
a large part of the state was in its original wildness, the Indians still
claiming the dense forests as their happy hunting grounds, and wild
animals of all kinds roaming at will. Sarah Cogswell's father, Solomon Cogswell, was a lifelong resident of New York.
Acquiring his rudimentary education in the district schools of Albion township, Charles O. Ball finished his studies in the public schools
of Albion and Homer. Reared under the parental roof-tree, he became familiar with the manual labor of the farm when quite young,
and on the death of his father assumed the management of the homestead, which contains one hundred and sixty acres of land, and this
farm is now in his possession, and to its improvement he still devotes his
leisure time.  Politically identified with the Republican party, Mr.
Ball has filled many positions of prominence among the official authorities of town and county. He has served as justice of the peace; was
for four years, from 1903 until 1907, registrar of deeds; and in 1910
was appointed postmaster of Homer, and is filling the office most efficiently. Fraternally Mr. Ball is a member of Humanity Lodge, No. 29,
Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of Lodge, No. 88, Knights
of Pythias, of Homer; of Tent, No. 145, Knights of the Maccabees of the
World; and of Lodge, No. 131, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, of Battle Creek.
Mr. Ball married, in 1878, -Fidelia Gridley, a daughter of Abram
and Jane (Babcock) Gridley, both of whom died on their homestead in
Albion township. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Ball, namely: Frank E., plumber in Homer; Arthur, living in
Homer; Estell, a stenographer in Albion; and Floyd, living at home.
CHARLES GILCHRIST, who for the past fifteen years has been identified
with the manufacturing department of the great enterprise conducted
by Dr. Kellogg, is one of the well known citizens of Battle Creek. He
has lived here since his boyhood, when he began in a minor capacity the
service which from year to year has brought him increased responsibilities.
Mr. Gilchirst was born at Hornell, New York, July 10, 1880, the
youngest of the seven children born to Alexander A. and Margaret
(McLane) Gilchrist. Both his parents were natives of New York,
were married there, and the father died in that state, while the mother
now resides at Binghamton. The father, who was a painter by trade,
owned a shop of his own at Hornell, and was also for a number of years
superintendent of the painting department of the Erie Railroad shops
at that place. He was also a soldier of the Civil war, having served a
short time with an Ohio company. Four children of the family are
now living, the other three being: John G., of Morristown, New Jersey;
Catherine Doremus, of Duluth, Minnesota; and Nellie, of Retsof, New
York. Two of the children died in childhood, and a son was killed on
the railroad. All were natives of Hornell, but during their youth and
later years became widely scattered.
Charles Gilchrist spent most of his younger days on a farm and was
educated at Grand Traverse, Michigan. Fifteen years ago he entered
the employment of Dr. J. H. Kellogg at Battle Creek, being first in the
power house of the Sanitarium plant. Since 1903 he has been connected
with the plant of the Kellogg Food Company, and at the present time
he is the director of the baking and shipping departments.
Outside of the varied responsibilities of his business, Mr. Gilchrist
finds his greatest pleasures in his home at 105 Walter avenue. He has
a fine library and is a constant reader. He is not connected with any




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


645


of the fraternal organizations, though his father was a chapter Mason
at Hornell. Mr. Gilchrist was married in Battle Creek, June 18, 1907,
to Miss Mina Bell Harding, daughter of William and Eliza Harding.
Her parents were natives of Devonshire, England, and came to America
after the Civil war. Her father was a farmer at Maple Grove, Barry
county, where his death occurred in the spring of 1911, and where his
widow still lives. Mrs. Gilchrist was born at Maple Grove, but received
her education in Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist have a happy
home life, and are esteemed members of a large circle of friends.
HENRY HALLADAY. A resident of Battle Creek and vicinity during a period covering something more than seventy years, and for thirty
years of this time living in the same locality, Cass and Kalamazoo
streets, Henry Halladay is well known to the people of this city as a
man, who as an extensive contractor and builder, assisted in forwarding
the growth and development of the city. At the present time Mr. Halladay is living practically retired, although his active, energetic nature
will not allow of complete resignation from business affairs and his
alert mind is kept occupied in looking after his farm in Bedford township and his various real estate holdings in Battle Creek. Mr. Halladay was born four miles north of Grass Lake, in Jackson county, Michigan, October 23, 1840, and is a son of Austin D. and Johanna (Scidmore) Halladay.
Calvin Halladay, grandfather of Henry, came from the East, being
a native of the Empire State, and located in Battle Creek, Michigan, in
1838. Subsequently, however, he acquired property in Bedford township, Calhoun county, and this locality is now known as the Halladay
neighborhood, and the cemetery, in which grandfather Halladay and his
wife were both buried, is known as Halladay Cemetery. The grandfather became a prominent and successful citizen and gave to each of
his children eighty acres of well-improved and valuable land.
Austin D. Halladay was born near Seneca Lake, New York, February
21, 1812, and died in Battle Creek, Michigan, June 10, 1899. His wife
was also born in the same neighborhood in New York, October 19, 1811,
and passed away in Battle Creek, December 11, 1893. They came from
Geneva, New York, in 1836, to Jackson county, Michigan, and in 1842
to his farm in Bedford township, Calhoun county, and settled on the
farm, where they carried on farming, reared their children, and rounded
out long and useful lives. The eighty-acre farm which was the original
homestead of Austin D. Halladay is now in the possession of his son
Henry. He and his worthy wife are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek. They were the parents of six children, four sons and two
daughters, as follows: Reuben S., who died April 26, 1907, in Battle
Creek; Catherine E. and Henry, residing in this city; Austin C., who
died November 17, 1890; Abram, who married Mrs. Ella Andrus Helton.
of Battle Creek, and has two children, Mabel now the wife of Maurice
Willison, and Clarence M. of Battle Creek; and Mary Etta, who married Samuel D. Ball has one son, James of Battle Creek. Reuben S.
was a veteran of the Civil war, during which he participated in the
famous March to the Sea.
Henry Halladay received his education in the district schools of Halladay neighborhood, in Bedford township, which he attended during
the winter months, his summers being spent in the work of the farm.
As a young man, however, he decided to follow a business career in
preference to the vocation of an agriculturist, and this determination
he has followed out, having been a contractor and builder during nearly
all of his life. In 1872 he formed a partnership with Ml. M. Lewis,




646


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


under the firm name of Halladay & Lewis, and this association continued
twenty-two years, but in the spring of 1894 disposed of his interests to.Mr. Lewis and since that time had carried on operations alone up to
the year 1905, when he disposed of his holdings to Gillis & Snyder.
Since that time he has devoted the greater part of his attention to looking after his farm in Bedford township, located two miles from the city
line, and also owns seven houses in Battle Creek, in addition to his own
residence, at No. 147 Kalamazoo street, which he erected some twenty
years ago. He has lived on the corner of Kalamazoo and Cass streets
for over thirty years, and is widely and favorably known throughout
the city. He is a stockholder in the M. Rumely Company.  In politics
a Republican in national affairs, he uses his own judgment in local affairs,
selecting his favorite candidate rather on account of his abilities than
on account of party allegiance. During the administration of J. L. Whitcomb as mayor of Battle Creek, Mr. Halladay acted as alderman of the
Third Ward for two years. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church.
On May 20, 1861, Mr. Halladay was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah A. West, of Bedford township, and she died at Battle Creek,
November 21, 1880, having been the mother of three children, namely.
William H., who is deceased; Emma C., who married E. A. Kipp, has
two children, John H. and Evalyn May, and resides on a part of the old
farm in Bedford township; and Mrs. Clara May McCarthy, of this city.
Mrs. McCarthy has three children: Carl, Agnes and Marion. All were
born and educated in Battle Creek. On November 26, 1885, Mr. Halladay was married (second) to Miss Eva A. Belding, of Battle Creek,
and they have one son: Walter Earl, now bookkeeper for M. Maas &
Son of this city. He was born and educated in Battle Creek, attending
the Michigan Normal and Business College, and is married and resides
in this city.
Members of this old and honored family have distinguished themselves in various lines of endeavor, but none have left for their descendants a finer record than has Mr. Halladay,-a record without stain or
blemish, and one which reflects credit upon his work and himself.
CAPT. ALMON E. PRESTON. A man who during more than sixty-six
years of residence in Battle Creek has made his influence felt in promoting various movements for the betterment of municipal conditions,
as well as being an important factor in business, political and social
life, is Capt. Almon E. Preston, of No. 116 West street, who during the
past ten years has lived retired. He was born in Orleans county, New
York, July 15, 1832, the fifth in order of birth of the seven children
of Ephraim and Lucy (Rogers) Preston.
Ephraim Preston was born April 11, 1797, in Chautauqua county,
New York, a Quaker, of Quaker parentage. He was a millwright by
trade, at which vocation he worked for many years, and in 1844 left
the East and came to Michigan, settling first at Grass Lake, Jackson
county. Two years later he came to the Quaker settlement at Battle
Creek; in this city he did a great deal of work in putting in new water
wheels and similar labor, and here died July 25, 1877. His wife was
born December 18, 1801, either in Eastern New York or Connecticut,
her parents being natives of the latter state, where the men in the family
followed seafaring occupations. Her death occurred at Battle Creek,
August 22, 1869, and both she and her husband were buried in Oak
Hill Cemetery. They had a family of four daughters and three sons,
and all are now deceased except Almon E. and a brother, the latter of




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


647


whom is now eighty-four years of age and a resident of the Quaker
town of Whittier, near Los Angeles, California.
Almon E. Preston received what educational advantages were obtainable in the little schools of.Battle Creek when he was a lad, and as
a youth worked as a carpenter and inillwright with his father. In the
fall of 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil war in what was known
as the Howland Engineers, a company raised here for signal purposes,
but this organization was subsequently mustered out of the service, by
order of Gen. Scofield, having been adjudged illegal. Later, in the
fall of 1862, Mr. Preston raised Company L, Merrill's Horse, of which
he served bravely and faithfully as captain until August, 1864, when,
on account of disability, he received his honorable discharge at Little
Rock, Arkansas. On his return to Battle Creek, MIr. Preston built a
factory on South Jefferson street, for the manufacture of extension
tables, and during the four years that followed employed many men,
but subsequently sold his interests. In the meantime, with Capt. Rowell
and a Mr. Brown, Capt. Preston was engaged in a furniture business on
South Jefferson street, under the firm style of Preston & Rowell, with
which he was identified four years. He then entered the employ of the
Battle Creek Machinery Company, with which he remained for many
years, and while in this company's service was elected supervisor of
Battle Creek, his duties including the making of the city assessment, a
task which he accomplished alone, although the same work now requires
the labor of many persons. About 1870 Capt. Preston was sent to the
State Legislature. While a member of the board of supervisors the
new Court House was erected under his supervision, and while in the
city council he introduced the resolution to bond the city for $50,000,
for the building of the water works which are still owned by the city,
he being a member of the committee on water supply and alderman of
the Third Ward. He has also been a member of the board of education and in various ways has assisted in advancing the city's growth
and development. In political matters he is independent, preferring to
rely upon his own judgment in choosing the candidate best fitted for the
office, and recognizing no party ties. During the last ten years he has
lived retired, but since that time has invented a table slide, and numerous other inventions in wood working appliances and similar articles.
During the past thirty-five years he has lived in the same residence at
No. 116 West street. For some years he was identified with fraternal
work, but advancing years have caused his retirement from various societies, and his only connection outside of his home is with the Independent Congregational church.
On April 8, 1855, MIr. Preston was married to Miss Abigail Emeline
Freeman, of Victor, Ontario county, New York, born October 1, 1834,
at that place, and married in Battle Creek. She died here April 10,
1905, having been the mother of eight children, as follows: Mrs. Adeline Charlotte Fisher, of Ontario county, New York, who died in March,
1897; Frank H., of Butte. Montana; M1ay Preston, who is connected with
the city treasurer's office in Battle Creek; Grace L., residing at Missoula, Montana; MIrs. E. W. A. Rowles, of Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Herbert McCowen, also of Chicago, and two sons who died in infancy. All
of these children who grew to maturity were educated in Battle Creek
and graduated from the high school here.
DR. GEORGE E. ARNOLD is one of the best established representatives of his profession in this community, where he has been located
since his graduation in 1903. He is recognized as one of the advancing and ablest exponents of osteopathy known in these parts, and he has




648


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


already built up a laige and lucrative practice among the representative citizens of Albion. A native of Minnesota, Dr. Arnold was born
in the vicinity of Rochester, July 26, 1868, the son of James and Mary
Ann (Wheeling) Arnold, both natives of England and early settlers
of Minnesota.  The father was a farmer, to which calling he devoted
the best years of his life, and he died in Minnesota, well advanced
in years.
Dr. Arnold received his education in the public and high school,
supplementing that early training by a course of study in the Wasioja,
a Wesleyan Methodist Seminary, after which he went to Minneapolis
and pursued a commercial course in Caton's College of business
training, from  which he was graduated.  He then entered the Still
College of Osteopathy at Des Moines, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1903, and immediately thereafter he came to Albion, where
he opened an office and began his practice.  His office is located in
the post office block, where he has six rooms, thoroughly fitted and
equipped with every modern appliance known for the successful practice of his profession.
In addition to his studies as outlined above, Dr. Arnold was later
graduated from the College of Electric Therepeutics at Lima, Ohio,
and also from the Eugene Christian College of Applied Food Chemistry in New York City. He is a member of the American Osteopathic
Association, also the State Association and is making rapid and worthy
progress in the knowledge and practice of his profession.
Dr. Arnold is known as one of -the valuable citizens of Albion, and
as a man who is ambitious for the good of the community, being held
in the high esteem of his many friends in and about Albion.
LUTELLUS L. SWANK. A long and successful career passed in following mercantile pursuits and in contributing materially to the welfare
of whatever locality he has resided in, entitles Lutellus L. Swank to a
position of prominence among his fellow men in Battle Creek, where
he is known as a business man of integrity, ability and sound judgment.
At the present time he is the proprietor of a flourishing grocery business at No. 43 Aldrich street, and his letterhead bears the sub-title
"The North Side Grocer." Mr. Swank was born in New Haven, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1854, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah A. (Roody)
Swank, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in New Jersey.
They were married in Connelsville, Pennsylvania. The father was reared
to the woolen manufacturing business, and continued to be engaged
therein until late in life, when he opened a grocery at Belleville, Ohio,
about five years prior to his death, which occurred about 1885,
his wife surviving him about four years, and both were buried at Belleville. There were six children in the family. One child died in infancy; one youth died at the age of seventeen years; Mrs. Mary Sargent died in Belleville, Ohio, Mrs. Carrie Parsons is the wife of S. W.
Parsons, of Greenville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania; John H., resides
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Lutellus L. is the youngest.
Lutellus L. Swank was educated in Pennsylvania, and resided there
and was engaged in the wool manufacturing business until he was
seventeen years of age, at which time he went to Elmira, New York, and
there secured a position as clerk in' the Rathburn House. After two
years he went to Belleville, whence his father had removed in the meantime, and entered the grocery business in partnership with his father.
Subsequently he went to Delaware, Ohio, where he worked in a woolen
mill for a time, and later became a bookkeeper in a grist mill, where he
worked for thirteen years. He then spent three years in the grocery




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


649


business at Delaware, and after three years, in 1898, came to Battle
Creek and embarked in the grocery business at No. 231 West Main street,
with L. D. Hobbs, under the firm style of Swank & Hobbs, but after
seven years sold out to his partner, who was his son-in-law, and for
nine months lived quietly, being retired.from business activities. He
was of too energetic a nature, however, to remain long away from the
fascination of business life, and accordingly he embarked in business at
the corner of Lincoln and Aldrich streets, which he conducted for five
and one half years. In 1910 he erected his present cement, white-front
block at No. 43 Aldrich street, where he has continued to carry on a
fine business to the present time. His residence is at No. 55 North Kendall street. In political matters Mr. Swank is a Republican, but, although he has been prevailed upon to make the race for the office of
alderman in his ward, has never sought public preferment, the activities connected with his business being of such a nature as to satisfy
his ambitions. He belongs to Columbia Lodge No. 272 I. 0. O. F., in
which he has passed all the chairs and is past grand, and was for two
years on the building committee which built the Odd Fellows State
Home, at Jackson, Michigan. He has also been delegate to the Grand
Lodge and the Grand Encampment on several occasions. Mr. Swank
manifests an active interest in fraternal work, but his main interest is
centered in his home. His wife is a well-known member and was an
active worker in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, until twelve years
ago when she lost her hearing.
On March 28, 1876, Mr. Swank was married to Miss Lillie J. Null,
of Belleville, Ohio, daughter of John and Nancy A. (Toms) Null, Mrs.
Swank and her parents being natives of Ohio and educated there. Two
children were born to this union: Mrs. L. D. Hobbs, born in Belleville, Ohio, and educated at Delaware, who married L. D. Hobbs, a
sketch of whose life appears on another page of this work; and Arthur
L., born at Delaware, where he attended the public schools, subsequently taking a course in the Michigan Business and Normal College
of Battle Creek, and now a resident of Detroit. The high esteem in
which he is held by his fellow lodge members is testified to by a beautiful
watch charm which was presented him, and he also has numerous friends
in business life. It is a curious fact that Mr. Swank's birthday occurs
on New Years Day, while that of his wife falls on Christmas.
ALMON 0. JONES. It has been said that the beginning of civilization
is the discovery of some useful arts, by which men acquire property,
comforts or luxuries. The necessity or desire of preserving them leads
to laws and social institutions. In reality, the origin, as well as the
progress and improvement of civil society, is founded on mechanical
and chemical inventions, and in reviewing the circumstances of the life
of Almon O. Jones, it will be found that while acquiring business prominence and'financial success, he has also contributed to the comfort and
convenience of mankind. Almon 0. Jones was born in the Province of
Ontario, April 26, 1867, and is a son of Lorenzo and Hannah (Irvin)
Jones, the former a native of Sunderland, Ontario, and the latter of
Erie county, New York. Lorenzo Jones was born in 1830. and spent
his life in agricultural pursuits, passing away at Sunderland, where he
was buried, and where his widow still resides. They had a family of
two daughters and four sons, of whom Almon 0. was the youngest, and
all of whom survive, although the subject of this sketch is the only resident of the United States.
Almon 0. Jones secured his education in the common schools of
Sunderland, Canada, and his first employment was in a heating business




650


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


in Toronto. About three years later he went to Buffalo, New York,
where he remained a like period, removal then being made to Chicago,
Illinois, where he made his home for eleven years, but at the same time
traveled out of Milwaukee for five years in the employ of R. J. Schwab
& Sons Company. For six years he traveled in the interests of the
Boynton Furnace Company of Chicago, and then went to Toledo, Ohio,
where he remained a year and bought an interest in the Toledo Furnace
Company. It was while in Toledo that Mr. Jones conceived the idea
and invented and patented what is known as the Jones Side Wall
Warm Air Register, and in 1901 came to Battle Creek. Here he interested capital in his invention, and in February, 1902, the United
States Register Company, Ltd., was formed and the manufacture of
the product was begun in a small rented place on State street. The enterprise met with almost instant success and by 1904 it was necessary to
secure other quarters to meet the rapidly increasing demand, the present building, to which there have been made several additions, being occupied at this time. The Jones Side Wall Register, which according to
its manufacturers has done more to elevate the warm air heating business than any one improvement in the last decade, is sold to dealers
and jobbers only, and in the United States alone the company has more
than 8,000 customers, covering the country from Maine to California.
Branch factories are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Kansas City,
Missouri; Des Moines, Iowa; Toronto, Canada (the Jones Register
Company); and Albany, New York, and the goods are manufactured in
all these cities except Des Moines. The officers of the company are
L. F. Moblo, chairman; James P. Hamilton, vice-chairman; Almon 0.
Jones, secretary-manager; J. G. Redner, treasurer; and Charles J. Pearson, director.
Mr. Jones has not confined his energies to this company, but has
been connected with various other enterprises of an extensive nature.
He is a director and a stock-holder in the Merchants Savings Bank of
Battle Creek. Politically a Republican, he is at present a member of
the board of public works, and has also shown a decided interest in
fraternal matters, being a master Mason of Lodge No. 12, Battle Creek,
a member of Moslem Temple, Shriners of Detroit, and a thirty-second
degree Mason; past chancellor of Athol Lodge No. 278, Knights of
Pythias, Chicago, and a member of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. He
also holds membership in the Athelstan and Country Clubs of Battle
Creek, with the members of which he is decidedly popular. He and
Mrs. Jones attend the Congregational Church, and have been liberal in
their support of its movements.
On June, 4, 1886, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Alice Wilson, of
Napanee, Canada, who died in 1892, in Buffalo, New York, having been
the mother of one child, Florence May, who resides with her father and
was educated at the convent at Guelph, Ontario. On August 20, 1895,
Mr. Jones married Christine MacBeth, of Battle Creek, who died October 20, 1907. Mr. Jones' third marriage took place May 12, 1909,
when he was united with Genevieve Sheldon, who was born and educated in Battle Creek. The pleasant family residence is situated at
No. 129 Maple street.
Mr. Jones is a man of strong mentality and marked independence
in thought and action, progressive and public-spirited in attitude, and
ever ready to lend his aid and influence in behalf of all worthy causes
and projects which tend to progress and advancement. The family
occupy a prominent place in the social life of Battle Creek, and the
spacious and attractive home is a center of gracious and unreserved hospitality.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


651


EDWARD AUSTIN. An essentially representative citizen and business
man of the county which has been his home from his childhood days,
Edward Austin is a scion of a family whose name has been worthily
linked with the history of this county for nearly half a century, and
the prestage of the name he has most admirably upheld through his activities along industrial lines and through his prominence and influence
in public affairs. He has long been a prominent factor in the councils
of the Democratic party in Michigan and besides serving in various
minor offices he was incumbent of the position of county clerk of Calhoun county for three successive terms. He has contributed substantially to the civic and industrial advancement of his home county and
his sterling character has given him secure vantage ground in popular
confidence and esteem. He is essentially a man of affairs and his standing in the community is such as eminently to entitle him to special
recognition in this history of the county which has been his home during
virtually his entire life.
Edward Austin was born in the village of Canadice, Ontario county,
New York, on the 8th of April, 1861, and is a son of Alanson W. and
Mary A. (Stevens) Austin, the former a native of Orange county, New
York, and the latter of Ontario county, that state, within the borders of
which commonwealth the respective families were founded in the pioneer days. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mary A. (Stevens) Austin
was a valiant soldier in the Continental line in the war of the Revolution, and her father served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Alanson W.
Austin was reared and educated in his native state and was a man of
superior intellectuality and business ability. In his earlier manhood he
followed the profession of civil engineering in the state of New York
and there also he was engaged in teaching in the public schools during a period of sixteen years. He served as a. member of the New York
legislature, was county commissioner of schools in Ontario county, New
York, and also served as county treasurer, besides having held minor
offices of public trust. In 1865 he came with his family to Calhoun
county, Michigan, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres, in Battle Creek township, the same now constituting the site of
Merrill Park, one of the attractive suburbs of Battle Creek. Mr. Austin
not only became one of the representative exponents of the agricultural
industry in the county, but as a man of fine ability and impregnable
integrity he wielded much influence in public affairs of a local order,
the while he ever measured up most fully to the metewand of popular
approbation. He was a staunch and effective advocate of the principles
and policies for which the Republican party stands organically sponsor
and was an influential figure in its ranks in his home county. He
was a most zealous member of the Presbyterian church, of which his
widow also has long been a devout adherent, and he continued to reside
on his old homestead place for more than a quarter of a century, until
the time of his death, which there occurred in January, 1891. He was
a man of exalted character and most generous impulses, kindly and
helpful in his association with others, and his name will long be revered
in the county which was his home for so many years.' His wife who is
eighty-five years of age at the time of this writing, in 1912, still resides
in the old home, which is endeared to her by the hallowed memories of
the past, and she is one of the most venerable pioneer women of the
county,-one held in affectionate regard by all who have come within
the sphere of her gentle influence. Alanson W. and Mary. A. Austin
became the parents of three sons,-Jesse S., who resides in Battle Creek,
where he is engaged in farming; Marcus H.. who died in Battle Creek




652            HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
township, at the age of fifty-one years; and Edward, who is the youngest
of the number and is the immediate subject of this review.
Edward Austin was about four years of age at the time of the family
removal to Michigan and he was reared to maturity on the old home
farm in Battle Creek township. After duly availing himself of the advantages of the public schools, including the Battle Creek high school,
in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1879, he was
matriculated in the University of Michigan, in which famous institution
but owing to illness was prevented from graduating with the class
of 1883.
From his youth to the present time Mr. Austin has been actively
identified with industrial interests in Calhoun county, and he is now
the owner of one of the finest dairy farms in this section of the state,
the same comprising 170 acres and being situated in Battle Creek township. This figures as the oldest dairy farm in the county, as it has
been maintained as such, and principally under his personal supervision, since 1881. The most modern facilities are utilized on the farm
and the sanitary provisions are of the best. From the place milk and
cream are supplied for the Pullman dining car service on the Grand
Trunk Railway. In addition to his fine farm Mr. Austin is the owner
of valuable realty in the city of Battle Creek, including his attractive
modern residence, which he erected in 1894 and which is located at 38
College avenue. He removed from his farm to the city in the year last
mentioned, in order to afford his children the advantages of the local
high school.
Mr. Austin has identified himself with other lines of progressive
enterprise in his home county and has ever given his co-operation in
the furtherance of measures projected for the general good of the community. He is manager of the Roman Cut Stone & Brick GCompany,
one of the important industrial concerns of Battle Creek and one in
which he is a large stockholder. Among other enterprises in which he
is an interested principal is the Battle Creek Electric Light & Power
Company.
In politics Mr. Austin has ever accorded unqualified allegiance to
the Democratic party and for many years he has been a power in connection with party affairs in Michigan. He is now a member of the
Democratic state central committee and has retained this position since
1904, being now one of the oldest members of that body in point of consecutive service. He has been a most zealous and effective worker in
behalf of the principles and policies of his party and has been called
upon to serve in various offices of public trust. He was virtually run
the gamut of all official preferments in Battle Creek township, as he has
served in every township office save that of supervisor, for which last
he refused to become a candidate. In 1896 he was elected county clerk
and he continued incumbent of this important office for three consecutive terms,-from 1897 to 1903,-during which he gave a most careful
and acceptable administration. Ile has been a delegate to the state conventions of the Democratic party in Michigan and has twice served as
delegate to its national conventions.
Mr. Austin and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian
church, and he is affiliated with a number of the representative fraternal
bodies in Battle Creek, including the following named Masonic organizations: Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free & Accepted Masons; Battle
Creek Chapter. No. 19, Royal Arch Masons; Council, No.-,Royal &
Select Masters; and Marshall Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templars.
He is also identified with the Knights of the Modern Maccabees and the
Modern Woodmen of America.      He was a charter member of the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


653


Country Club, but is not actively identified with the same at the present time.
On the 4th of January, 1883, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Austin to Miss Elnora C. Fuller, who was born in Orange county, New
York, and who was a cliild at the time of the family removal to Battle
Creek, where she was reared and educated and where she was graduated
in the high school as a member of the class of 1880. She is a daughter
of the late William E. and Lavina (MAiller) Fuller, who were numbered
among the old and honored citizens of Battle Creek at the time of their
death, the father having here been engaged in farming for many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Austin have three children,-Ethel L., E. Clarke, and 1t.
Marjorie. The elder daughter was graduated in the Battle Creek high
school in 1904 and in Wells College, at Aurora, New York, as a member
of the class of 1908. She was a successful and popular teacher in the
public schools of Battle Creek until the time of her marriage, on the
20th of December, 1911, to Solon Wilhelm Webb, who was graduated in
the department of mechanical engineering in the University of Michigan
and who now holds a responsible position in the engineering department
of the Advance Thresher Company, of Battle Creek. E. Clarke Austin
was graduated in the Battle Creek high school in 1907, later completed a course in mining and engineering at the Colorado School of
Mines, at Golden, Colorado. He now holds a position in the employ
of the Durant-Doet Company, extensive carriage manufacturers in
the city of Flint, Michigan. Miss H. Marjorie Austin was graduated in
the local high school as a member of the class of 1-910 and is now a
member of the class of 1914 in Wells College, her sister's alma mater.
ARCHIBLE E. MACGREGOR, M.. D. Dr. MacGregor in his professional
service has been prompted by a laudable ambition for advancement as
well as by deep sympathy and humanitarian principles that urge him
to put forth his best efforts in the alleviation of pain and suffering. He
has gained recognition from the profession as one of its able representatives and the trust reposed in him by the public is indicated by the
liberal patronage awarded him. He has been a resident of Battle Creek,
Michigan, since Septemlber, 1903, and at present he is recognized as one
of the most capable physicians in Calhoun county.
A native son of the Wolverine state, Dr. MacGregor was born in
Saginaw, Michigan, on the 17th of February, 1877. HIe is a son of William P. MacGregor, who was born in Dumphries, Scotland, where he
was reared to the age of nineteen years when he came to America alone.
He was a lineal descendant of Rob Roy MacGregor. At the time of the
inception of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union ranks at
Saginaw, Michigan, becoming a member of Company E, Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was a gallant soldier for a period of four years. As
a business man he devoted his attention to lumbering operations and to
farming. He was the owner of a fine estate of two hundred and forty
acres in Tamouth township, Saginaw county, which he farmed until
1897, in which year he removed to Saginaw, residing in that city until
his demise, in 1906. IHe was an unusually shrewd business man and
gained a competency prior to his death. He married Isabelle Miller,
who was born and reared in the state of New York and who is a daughter of Alexander Miller. The Miller family located in the vicinity of
Flushing, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. MacGregor were married in the year
1866 and had been together for forty years when Mr. MacGregor was
called to rest. Mrs. MacGregor survives her honored husband husband
and still resides in Saginaw, where she is deeply beloved and esteemed by
all with whom she has come in contact. Of the five children born to Mr.
and Mrs. MIacCregor, all are living, in 1912.




654


IISITS'ORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Dr. MacGregor was reared and educated in Saginaw county and he
completed a high school course at Clio, after which he was engaged in
teaching school for a period of four years. He then, in 1897, entered
the Detroit Medical College, in which excellent institution he was graduated May 9, 1901. For one year thereafter hle was house surgeon in
the Detroit Sanitarium and September 1st, 1903, he came to Battle
Creek, where he has since maintained his home and where he now controls an extensive and very lucrative patronage. He is local surgeon
for the Grand Trunk Railway and is a member of and secretary of the
Staff of Physicians at the Nichols Memorial Hospital at Battle Creek. In
connection with the work of his profession he is a valued and appreciative
member of the Calhoun County Medical Society, the Michigan State
Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
In politics Dr. MacGregor is a staunch advocate of the principles
promulgated by the Republican party and fraternally he is, affiliated
with Lodge No. 279, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free and
Accepted Masons; and Battle Creek Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templars. He is also connected with the Athelstan Club of Battle Creek.
FREDERICK J. HEYSER. The career of Frederick J. Heyser is a noble
illustration of what independence, self-faith and persistency can accomplish in America. He is a self-made man in the most significant sense
of the word for no one helped him in a financial way and he is selfeducated. As a young man he was strong, vigorous and self-reliant.
He trusted in his own ability and did things single-handed and alone.
To-day he stands supreme as a successful business man and a loyal and
public-spirited citizen. Most of his attention has been devoted to work
along mechanical lines but since 1906 he has been connected with the
Gartner Baking Company at Battle Creek, of which concern he is secretary and treasurer.
Frederick J. Heyser was born at Marshall, Michigan, September
25, 1868, and he is a son of Phillip and Agnes (Schmidt) Heyser, both
of whom were born in Germany, the former at Schifferstadt and the latter at Rosenberg. The parents came to America' alone, while young,
and they met and married at Detroit, Michigan. Phillip Heyser was
an engineer on the Michigan Central Railroad in the antebellum days
when the old strap rails and wood-burner engines were in use. During
the war he was engineer on the Illinois Central lines and after the
close of hostilities he again entered the service of the Michigan Central
road. The family home was maintained at Marshall, Michigan, where
the subject of this review was born. Phillip Heyser lost one of his
eyes while on the road and after that accident he became a machinist
in the locomotive department of the Michigan Central, removing from
Marshall to Jackson when the Michigan Central Locomotive shops were
removed to the latter place. Mr. Heyser died in Ann Arbor, Michigan,
where he went for an operation, and his demise occurred December 25,
1897. His cherished and devoted wife died January 30, 1899. Concerning the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Heyser, John is a
resident of Battle Creek and is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Elizabeth is the wife of John A. Weickgenart, of this city; and Frederick J.
is the immediate subject of this review.
In the public schools of Jackson Frederick J. Heyser received his
educational training. As a boy he learned the machinist's trade in the
Michigan Central Locomotive shops at Jackson and he followed the work
of that trade up to 1906. He came to Battle Creek for the first time
when he was seventeen years of age and for a time worked in the shops




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of the Union Manufacturing Company (now the Union Steam Pump
Company). He returned to Jackson after a short sojourn in this city
and completed his apprenticeship in the Michigan Central Locomotive
car shops. In February, 1891, he went to Livingston, Montana, and
there worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company until the fall
of that year, when he returned to Battle Creek and commenced to work
for the Advance Thresher Company, in the tool room. He was with the
latter concern and with other companies during the ensuing three
years. April 6, 1906, he became connected with the Gartner Baking
Company, of which prominent concern he is now secretary and treasurer. This company was incorporated January 1, 1911, and Carl F.
Gartner is president. The Gartner Baking Company, in addition to a
fine line of cakes, cookies and pies, makes a specialty of Jersey Cream
bread, which is in great demand. They also bake the widely renowned
Buster Brown bread and the Holsum bread, turning out about fortyfive thusand loaves of bread per week. Shipments are made to all points
within a near radius of Battle Creek and some bread is sent even as far as
Goshen and Middleburg, Indiana.
Mr. Heyser is also financially interested in the Jackson Baking Company, of Jackson, Michigan, being a director of that concern. He is affiliated with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free and Accepted Masons;
Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons; and Battle Creek Commandery,
No. 33, Knights Templars. He is likewise a valued member of the Elks,
the Eagles and the Moose and is connected with the German Workmen's
Benevolent Association, all of Battle Creek, and also with the U. C. T.
and the I. C. A.
May 24, 1893, Mr. Heyser married Miss Ida Kummer, a daughter
of John and Anna (Brummer) Kummer, the former of whom is deceased
and the latter of whom resides in Jackson, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs.
Heyser have four children,-Clarence F., Warren R., Mildred H. and
Edith V., all of whom were born in Battle Creek.
ROLLIN D. ACKLEY. Distinguished as a business man of eminent
qualification, a public-spirited citizen and representative of an honored
pioneer family, the name of Rollin D. Ackley has for a number of years
been closely interwoven with the history and development of Battle
Creek. Mr. Ackley is superintendent of Battle Creek's great concern,
the American Steam Pump Company and his ability and sound judgment have contributed in no indefinite fashion to the remarkable growth
of the industry. It is, in truth, due to to his fine methods that its business has increased to its present great and ever-growing proportions.
Mr. Ackley was born in Convis township, Calhoun county, Michigan,
August 23, 1870, the son of Charles H. and Mary Elizabeth Corwin
(Morse) Ackley. The father was born in Shenango county, New York,
August 25, 1836, the son of Anson Ackley and Olive (Holliday) Ackley,
both natives of the Empire state. They were among Michigan's early
pioneers, coming across country in 1838 and settling in Monroe county,
where they resided for a short time before coming on to Calhoun county.
Arrived within the boundaries of the county, Anson Ackley located in
Convis township in 1839 and on this homestead farm he and his wife
lived until their term of life was ended. They were good citizens in the
highest sense of the term and stood for all that was best in the manysided life of the community. Ackley Lake in Convis township was
named after Anson Ackley, this body of water joining his farm on the
north. Under his roof-tree were reared to maturity seven fine children,
three being boys and four girls. Today, the father of the immediate
subject, and his sister, Mrs. Sarah M. Fitzgerald of Battle Creek are the
only survivors of the number.
Vol. IT-4




656


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Charles H. Ackley was educated in the district schools of Convis
township, this county and also was a student at Olivet before it became
a college, at that period in its history when it was known as Olivet
Institute. Before he had finished its curriculum, however, it had become
Olivet College. After finishing his education, Charles H. and his father,
Anson Ackley, purchased a mill property in Barry county, Michigan,
and this they conducted for a number of years in association. Charles
H. later purchased a farm, a part of which was the old homestead in
Convis township and he owned at one time one hundred and eightyeight acres, but later made a deal with his brother and this left him with
only one hundred and thirty-three which he subsequently sold. Mr.
Ackley was a most successful farmer and farmed on wholly scientific
lines, knowing just what the soil needed to produce big crops, and on
oAly fair farm land raising fifty bushels of wheat to the acre and one
hundred and forty bushels of ear corn on a similar amount of land. Instinctively he knew all the secrets of rotation of crops and fertilization.
He resided on his country property from 1866 to 1885 and in the latter
year removed to Bellevue, Michigan, where for a short time he engaged
in the agricultural implement business and was subsequently on the
road for five years for different firms in the implement line. In 1890
he came to Battle Creek to live and at the present time resides just
outside the city limits on West Main street, where he owns some valuable real estate and does some interesting gardening, rather in the amateur spirit than otherwise. This estimable gentleman is a veteran of the
Civil war, having served as private in Company M, of the Second Michigan Cavalry, which was organized from volunteers from this county
under Captain Dickie, of Marshall, Michigan. He enlisted September
20, 1861, and served under his country's flag for three years and two
months, being mustered out on October 20, 1864. He belongs to Farragut Post, No. 32, Grand Army of the Republic and takes great pleasure
in renewing the comradeship of other days. In politics he is a Republican and when a resident of Convis township was for eight years highway commissioner. He belongs to the First Baptist church of this city
in which he and the various members of his family are active workers.
He took as his wife Miss Mary Elizabeth Corwin Morse, the date of their
union being December 18, 1867, and its scene Walled Lake, Oakland
county, Michigan. Her father was Samuel K. Morse, who was a third
cousin of the celebrated Morse who invented the telegraph. The spirit
of invention evidently ran in the blood, for her father, S. K. Morse,
invented the modern hay loader which is used today, the devise being
hitched to the back of the wagon and raking up and loading at the
same time-a remarkable improvement over the old method. He died
soon after inventing this and never received the credit which was due
him. Mrs. Charles H. Ackley was born in Pontiac township, Oakland
county, Michigan, and was educated there and in the Northville schools,
and when a young woman she attended the State Normal school at
Ypsilanti, Michigan. Her mother was Sarepta (Reed) Morse. There were
eleven children in the family of which the subject is a member, six being
boys and five girls. The eldest of these is Mrs. George A. Case, of Battle
Creek, a half-sister of the others, as she is a child of Charles H. Ackley's
first marriage. S. A. Ackley is general secretary of the Young Men's
Christian Association of the state of Virginia, with headquarters at
Richmond, that state. He is a native of this state and is a graduate of
the Bellevue high school of Eaton county, Michigan. Rollin D., immediate subject, is the next in order of birth. Edith M., is a member of
the parental household. Gertrude E. is the wife of P. R. Finlay, of
Chicago, Illinois. Charles E., of Jackson, Michigan, is a graduate of the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


657


Battle Creek high school and is now connected with the Y. M. C. A. of
Jackson, Michigan. Grace M. died at the age of twenty years. Earl is
in Battle Creek and Charles, Earnest and Carrie died in childhood.
All were born in this county. The Ackley's were one of the first, if not
the first family to locate in Convis township, and in those far-away
pioneer days their first home was a log house in the woods. Like their descendants they were staunch and worthy people and they laid the paths
of civilization straight and clean. The subject's grandmother, Sarepta
Reed, was a missionary among the Indians in Oakland county, Michigan,
and the redmen still believed in that day that they were lord of the forest.
Rollin D. Ackley was educated in the Bellevue high school, leaving
the farm at the age of sixteen years to acquire his education. Previous
to that time under the excellent tutelage of his father he had secured
an insight into the many departments of the great basic industry.' In
March, 1889, he came to Battle Creek and started to work for the company with which he is today associated. At the beginning of his connection with the concern it was known as the Battle Creek Machinery
Company, and the late Dorr Burnham, who is represented in detail on
other pages of this work, was at the head of the same. He is one of those
who have been longest connected with the company and at first proving
faithful and efficient in small things was continually given more and
more 4o do until he occupies his present important post. He acted as
foreman from 1902 to 1911 and since January, 1911, has been superintendent. He is also one of the stock-holders of the company. When he
started in the factory, three sizes of pumps were being made, namely:
B. C. and D. After he began to have something to say the first "BB"
pump, which is the fourth size was made. When he first entered the
shops, there were somewhere in the world seven hundred and fifty
pumps made by the concern and on January 18, 1912, there were
108,243 pumps, in different climes and localities. The output is of
highest character and amply advertises itself.
Mr. Ackley is one of the most valued and useful of the members of
the First Baptist church of Battle Creek. He is particularly wellknown in Sunday school work and two years ago organized a men's
Bible class, there being two members in the class at the start. He now
has a class of seventy-five men, one of the largest men's Bible classes in
all the state outside of Detroit and Grand Rapids. It is called the
Baraca Bible Class and its leader is held in the greatest affection. He
is a forceful and logical reasoner as well as an interesting one, capable
of meeting the arguments of mature minds and he is doing a great
work in this.
Mr. Ackley was happily married in 1892, Miss Flora A. Callender of
Battle Creek, becoming his wife. This lady passed away in August,
1896, leaving motherless two children, namely: Allen Arthur, a graduate of the Battle Creek high school, class of 1912; and Ella Allene.
Both are at home and both were born at Battle Creek. The subject was
again married on November 3, 1898, in Centerville, St. Joseph county,
Michigan, the lady to become his wife being Miss Laura E. Knittle,
daughter of Charles and Susan Knittle. Her father died when she was
only two years of age, but her mother survives and makes her home at
Marcellus, Michigan. Mrs. Ackley was born and reared in the vicinity
of Clyde, Ohio. The subject and his wife have three children, Ralph
Emerson, Gladys Irene, and Charles Rollin. Two are deceased, Rollin
Lester and Flora Emma, who died when three months of age. The home
of Mr. and Mrs. Ackley is one of the hospitable ones of the city and is
located at 30 North Wabash avenue.




658


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


THOMAS HI. BUTCHER. It is a pleasure to enter record in this work
concerning young men who have through their own efforts attained
success in life and worked their own way to positions of business supremacy. Successful men must be live men in this age, bristling with
activity, charged with energy, steadied by perseverance, and directed
by principles of honesty and integrity. Thomas H. Butcher, of Battle
Creek, who, in the development of the "Butcher Shop," and the
"Walk Over Boot Shop," has made his name a familiar household word
in the city, holds high rank as one his community's able business men.
His career has been marked by consecutive endeavor and consecutive
advancement, and he is recognized as a man of broad business capacity
and executive force. Mr. Butcher was born in Battle Creek, February
28, 1871, and is a son of Judge John and Jane (Simpson) Butcher.
Judge John Butcher died in this city January 11, 1872, in the
fifty-third year of his age. He was not one of the oldest residents at
the time of his death, but had lived in the city a sufficient length of
time to acquire an extensive acquaintance and to establish an excellent
reputation. He was a native of England, having been born in the
vicinity of London, and after crossing the Atlantic several times, settled in New York, where he was for a long time connected with -the
Evening Post, and by his superior business and social qualities greatly
endeared himself, not only to his associates in that office, but in general
to those in the newspaper circles of the metropolis. He removed to
Battle Creek in 1869, having previously visited l}tis section and made
certain important investments here, from his confidence in the future
development of this place and the region in the vicinity. In the spring
of 1871 he was elected justice of the peace of Battle Creek, and most
judiciously and satisfactorily discharged the duties pertaining to his
office until interrupted by the illness which led to his death. He was
extremely courteous and gentlemanly in his intercourse with his fellow
men, and possessed great amiability of character. His views were liberal, and those needing aid or council were always recipients of his
kindness and generosity. As he was a useful citizen in public, so were
his virtues conspicuous in his private life, and in his death the city, his
family and his friends sustained a severe loss. Judge Butcher was
married in New York City to Miss Jane S. Butcher, who was born in
the north of Ireland, and she survived him until January 25, 1899.
They had two children: Jennie, who married Frank P Hickman, of
Battle Creek; and Thomas H.
Thomas H. Butcher attended the public schools of his native city,
and early in life displayed business ability and acumen of a high order.
When twenty years of age he engaged in business with H. L. Kneeland,
the firm of Butcher & Kneeland dealing in hats and furnishing goods
in a little store at No. 20, East Main street. After doing business there
for about ten years, they were forced to seek larger quarters to accommodate the rapidly-growing business, and went to No. 30 Main street,
west, where Mr. Kneeland continued with Mr. Butcher until 1906.
Since that time the firm has been known as the T. H. Butcher Company,
the firm being incorporated in January, 1906, when Mr. Butcher admitted to partnership two of his clerks, who had been with him thirteen and sixteen years, respectively. Subsequently, when he opened
the new shoe business, he admitted two more clerks, the new establishment, at No. 48 Main street, west, opening its doors to the buying public
in 1911, when the firm was re-incorporated, although it still bears the
same name. Associated with Mr. Butcher are C. L. Roberts, L. E. Millard, F. P. Hickman and David Black, the last-named gentleman having
full charge of the boot store. These establishments have been developed




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


659


into the leading stores of their kind in the city, and have a large and representative patronage. Not the least of Mr. Butcher's abilities is his skill
as an advertising man. Possessing a wealth of unique ideas and the
ability to express them clearly and forcibly, he has devoted a large part
of his time to keeping the name of his stores in the public eye; and this
knack of happy expression has also been used to good advantage indisplaying the,goods in his establishments in a pleasing and convenient
manner. Alive to modern methods, alert to take advantage of every innovation, enterprising and energetic in all things and at all times, he is
justly rated one of Battle Creek's most progressive business men. He
belongs to the Knights of Pythias, is a charter member of the Elks,
and a director of the Athelstan Club. His home, at No. 41 Orchard
avenue, is one in which refined courtesy is ever in evidence.
EARLE W. RANDALL. The name Randall has long been associated
with the milling interests of Tekonsha, Michigan, and the history of the
Tekonsha Mills is interwoven with that of southern Michigan. Quoting
from a recent article on this subject:
"The early settlers were obliged to haul their wheat to Ypsilanti, a
distance of eighty miles, over corduroy roads with ox teams, to the
nearest flouring mill. "Going to mill" was an undertaking of no little
importance and hazard, as it meant a week's absence from home and
exposure to danger from wild beasts and lawless men. In the development of civilization, necessity seems to be the 'mother of invention.'
The pioneers of the 'thirties realized the force of this truth, and among
their first enterprises was the construction of water powers, saw mills
and grist mills. The water power, upon which the Tekonsha Mills are
situated, was developed in 1835 and 1836. The work was contributed,
largely, by the early settlers.
"In 1850 Dr. Campbell Waldo, a native of Cayuga county, New
York, built the main portion of the present grist mill, a three-story
structure 36 x 50 feet in size, with basement. The mill was equipped
with the old process machinery-three run of stone-two for flour and
one for feed. During a period of forty years following its erection the
mill enjoyed a liberal patronage and took rank among the leading
establishments of the place. Such changes were made from time to time
in the earlier system as the necessities of the case and the progress of
the times demanded; but the old stone process was not discarded until
1889, when the mill was purchased by Arah H. and Arthur G. Randall,
composing the firm of Randall Bros., predecessors of the present management.
"Randall Bros. made a general overhauling of the property, improving the water power, installing new wheels, and supplanting the stones
by Nordyke & Marmon Roller Process. In 1893 the mill was enlarged
by the erection of a feed department and the ownership changed hands,
Randall Bros. giving place to A. H. Randall & Son. The reel bolting
system was supplanted by the sifter system in 1899. During the year
1902, the mill was again enlarged by the addition of a buckwheat department.
"The present mill complete comprises, in its various departments,
a flouring mill 36 x 50 feet in size, three stories high, with basement;
feed mill, 20 x 48 feet in size, two stories high, with basement; buckwheat mill 20 x 20 feet in size, two stories high, with basement; engine
room one story high and 14 x 28 feet in size; office, one story high,
11 x 14 feet in size; and a sack room, 10 x 11 feet in size; elevator; flour
storage. Power is furnished by a 35-inch Victor Wheel, under eight foot
head on flour run; a 44-inch special Leffel Wheel on feed and buckwheat,




660


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


supplemented by a 45-horsepower boiler with 35-horsepower engine.
Steam is used only in case of emergency during excessive drouth. The
mill is lighted by its own dynamos.     *  *  The amount of grain
ground consists of 80,000 to 100,000 bushels of wheat; 60,000 to 80,000
bushels of feed; 10,000 to 20,000 bushels of buckwheat-mostly custom
work. "
Earle W. Randall, the present manager of these mills, was born in
Tekonsha, Michigan, November 23, 1876, son of Arab Howard Randall
and Ada A. (Tucker) Randall.
Arah H. Randall, also a native of Calhoun county, was born April
9, 1848, third child in the family of Harvey and Rhoda (Howard) Randall, pioneers of southern Michigan. Further mention of the Randall
family will be found on another page of this work. Arah H. Randall
was a graduate of Hillsdale College, with the class of 1873; was married
that same year, June 24th, at Tekonsha, and for a time was principal of
the schools at this place, being the first to hold that position after the
erection of the brick schoolhouse.  Not long after his marriage he
engaged in merchandising with his brother, J. W. Randall, and later
engaged in farming in Branch and Calhoun counties, following which
he again spent some time in teaching school. In 1883, he purchased the
Calhoun Mills at Homer, which he conducted until 1889. That year he
sold out and joined his brother, Arthur G., in the purchase of the
Tekonsha Mills, which they ran under the name of Randall Bros., and
with which he was identified until the time of his death. About six
o'clock in the morning, June 29, 1900, he went to the mill to start the machinery. An hour later when his son Earle entered the mill the machinery was not in operation. A search for the father resulted in finding him drowned in the flume, with a broken clavicle. His sudden
death was the occasion of profound sorrow throughout the community.
No man in the town had a larger circle of acquaintances, and few, if
any, had more friends, than did Arah H. Randall. HIe was an enterprising citizen, a progressive business man, and a devoted husband and
father. Politically, he was a stanch Republican and took an active
interest in party affairs. He served as Township Clerk for several years,
and for many years he filled the office of Supervisor, at Tekonsha, Albion and Homer. At the time of his death he was a member of the
School Board of Tekonsha. About 1889 he was the Republican nominee
for a seat in the State Legislature, and came within a few votes of being
elected in a district strongly Democratic. He belonged to the Masonic
Order at Homer, and was also a member of the A. 0. Ut. W. In his
family were five children, as follows: Ray A.; Daisy, who died in infancy; Earle W.; Edna M., and Eleanor, who died at the age of eighteen months. Ray A., born June 5, 1874, graduated from Ypsilanti
State Normal College in 1897 and from the University of Michigan in
1900. In addition to his degree of B. S. from the University he was honored with the degree of M. Pd. from the Normal College. He served
as principal of schools at Goshen, Indiana, and superintendent of schools
at Plymouth, Indiana, from 1900 until 1911. In the spring of 1911 he
resigned his position as superintendent at Plymouth, Indiana, to become
a member of the firm of the Union City Milling Company, Union City,
Michigan, R. A. and E. W. Randall, proprietors. He was married in
1897 to Miss Edith Waite, Dexter, Michigan, and they have one daughter, Eleanor. Mr. Randall's sister, Edna M., is a graduate of the Tekonsha school and is now the wife of Joseph E. Eldridge of Tekonsha.
Earle W. Randall is a graduate of the Homer schools and of the
Commercial College of Ypsilanti. He first began work in his father's
mill when he was fifteen, and after returning from college he again en



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


661


tered the mill. In 1897 his father gave him an eighth interest in the
business and soon afterward he purchased a similar interest which had
been given to his brother. At his father's death he inherited a larger
interest, and the management of the mill devolved upon him. The business is carried on under the name of the A. H. Randall Mill Company.
Both by education and experience young Randall was fitted for the responsibilities that were thrust upon him, as miller and manager, at
the untimely death of his father, and he is carrying on the business
successfully.
April 18, 1900, Mr. Randall was married to Miss Kittie M. Batt, a
native of Tekonsha, and a granddaughter of Samuel Batt, who at one
time, in the sixties, was owner of the Tekonsha Mills. Mr. Randall's
maternal grandfather, Thomas W. Tucker, was also owner of the mill
at one time, and so the property is in possession of the descendants of
two of the early proprietors. Mrs. Randall is a daughter of L. M. and
Phoebe (Allan) Batt. Of this union there is one child, Tom R. Randall,
born in Tekonsha, May 13, 1901.
Mr. Randall was made a Mason in 1898, and maintains membership
in Washington Lodge, No. 7, F. and A. M.; Mrs. Randall is a member of
the 0. E. S., and in their organizations each has filled official position.
AMr. Randall also has membership in Coldwater Lodge, B. P. O. E. Politically, he is a Republican. In 1899 he was elected a member of the
Village council, and in 1901 he was re-elected. This office he resigned
in 1902. He and his wife are included among the popular young people
of the village.
COLONEL EUGENE L. lMARKEY. The gentleman whose name stands
at the head of this brief review well merits the designation of a "man who
has done things," nor is the verb to be restricted to the past tense, for
Mr. Markey is now at the very zenith of his activity and accomplishment.
Identified with one of Michigan's most famous and extensive manufacturing concerns, The Duplex Printing Press Company, whose product is
celebrated the world over, he occupies with the same a position second
in importance only to that of the president and in the telling capacity
of general sales mnanager he has made a remarkable imprint upon the
enterprise, whose continual progress and high standing is largely credited to the experience, executive ability, tireless energy, engineering
skill and genius in the broad combination and concentration of applicable forces possessed by him.
Colonel Markey is one of the commonwealth's native sons, his life
record having begun in Pinckney, Livingston county, Michigan, March
9, 1866. He is of Irish descent and in him are apparent some of those
excellent characteristics which are acknowledged as the birthright of
the son of Erin. His parents were James and Catherine (Morgan) Markey, the former of whom was born in County touth, Ireland, March 25,
1833. At the age of six years he crossed the Atlantic with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. James Markey, making the voyage on a sailing-vessel and
after many days landing at Castle Garden, New York. The little family
soon advanced to the northwest then opening up for settlement and located in Bunker Hill township, Ingham county, Michigan, where the father bought a large tract of land on which he and his children lived and
farmed for many years, hewing out the trees fromn the forest primeval
and building a log cabin in which they lived. Those first years were
filled with the hardships encountered by the representative pioneer,
but they were brave and determined and they met and conquered tasks
at which Hercules might have dislocated his arm. The subject's father
taught school during six years of his youth and later, on removing to




662


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Pinckney, Michigan, engaged in mercantile business. He married
Catherine Morgan of Unadilla township, Livingston county, on the ninth
day of June, 1856, and on June 9, 1906, they celebrated their golden
wedding, after a half century of ideal companionship.  This event occurred at Port Huron, whence they had removed in 1897, at which time
the subject's father was appointed supreme collector for the Knights of
Maccabees of the World, and in that city he and his worthy wife made
their home until his summons to the Undiscovered Country on November 9, 1911. For the last three years of his life he had lived retired after
a life of signal usefulness and industry. This honored pioneer was
survived by a widow, one daughter and seven sons. Mrs. Markey was
the daughter of Peter Morgan and wife, also emigrants from Ireland,
who settled in Unadilla township, Livingston county at a very early
day. James Markey was one of the first six justices of the peace appointed in Michigan, Gov. Kingsley Bingham     making the appointments. He was one of Port Huron's most prominent citizens and possessed numerous friends, the boundaries of Michigan by no means limiting them. The mother resides at the present time in Port Huron.
The children of the family of which Colonel Markey is a member
are as follows: Hon. D. P. Markey, of Detroit, is supreme commander
of the Knights of the Maccabees of the World, J. B. Markey is vicepresident and general manager of the Illinois Refrigerator Company of
Morrison, Illinois; Mrs. Floyd Reason, of Pinckney, Michigan, is now
deceased; B. N. Markey, of Detroit, is connected with an automobile
establishment, as one of the lads-in-waiting; the Colonel is next in order
of nativity; Gus L. is chief clerk in the offices of the Knights of the
Tented Maccabees in Detroit; Mrs. Albert Doe resides in Port Huron;
and Louis K. is a traveling representative of the Winkley Company,
manufacturers of brass goods, of Detroit. The four eldest were born in
Bunker Hill township in the old log house and the others in Pinckney,
Michigan, and all were educated in the Pinckney schools. Five out of
the eight taught school, having received a preparatory course at Howell,
Michigan, this being the scene of a country normal school which existed
at that time.
Colonel Markey possessed what sometimes seems like the most powerful "Open Sesame" to success,-birth on a farm. Two years he engaged in farming, and then assisted his father in the agricultural implement business, this employment consuming some six years, and his
headquarters being at Pinckney. In the meantime he taught school
winters, as his father needed his assistance only during the summertime.
Subsequent to that he was in St. Louis, Missouri, for six years as the
southwestern agent of the Union School Furniture Company of Battle
Creek. This great industry burned in 1891 with a loss of a quarter
million dollars and throwing hundreds of men out of work. The executive officer of the Union School Furniture Company, Mr. I. L. Stone,
is today the president of the Duplex Printing Press Company. The
two industries have largely the same owners. Mr. Markey's identification with the younger concern dates from October, 1892, and shortly
after he had charge of the exhibit of the Duplex product at the World's
Fair at Chicago in 1893. Since 1906, he has been general sales manager,
this position being the live wire of the whole business and second to
the president's in activity.
On May 1, 1911, Colonel Markey opened the eastern office of the Duplex Company in the World's Building, New York City, where he remained six months and met with great success, doing $160,000 worth
of business in four months. It is needless to add that his worth is recognized by the company.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


663


The Colonel has marked social proclivities and also finds time in
some way for other interests besides that of his office. He is a director
of the Athelstan Club of this city and is active in politics, being chairman of the Democratic city committee of Battle Creek. He is essentially public-spirited and is a member of the Board of Public Works
here. He was nominated by the Democrats of the Ninth District for
senator, but declined the nomination. Later he was sent as delegate
from the 3d congressional district to the national Democratic convention at Baltimore. He is one of the seven Michigan citizens who belong
to the New York Athletic club. He is of genial and pleasing personality
and is in great demand on all public occasions.
Colonel Markey was happily married on January 16, 1895, in Jackson, Michigan, his chosen lady being Alice A. White, daughter of James
and Mary (Walsh) White, the former born in England, and the latter
in Ireland. Mrs. Markey was born in Jackson county, Michigan, and
educated at Notre Dame academy in South Bend, Indiana. Colonel and
Mrs. Markey have one son, Eugene W., who is now a sophomore student
in the Battle Creek High school. He was born in this city, December
10, 1895. The family are communicants of St. Philips Catholic church.
They reside in a beautiful home at 54 Chestnut street, at the corner of
Calhoun street, one of the finest residence districts.
DON F. HALL. The name of Don F. Hall is one that is emblematical
of what may be accomplished by unrelaxing industry and unswerving
integrity. A native son of Michigan, he was born at Quincy, Branch
county, on September 1, 1851. His education was somewhat limited,
that which he obtained having been acquired in the public schools of
Coldwater, Michigan, for at the age of thirteen he left home and began
at that time of life the active duties which are usually taken up by men
at a much later age. He at once began to learn the blacksmith trade
and after he had mastered it he located at Bedford, Michigan, where
he followed his trade thirty-seven years. A conscientious workman and
one strictly honest in his dealings, his sturdy industry, perseverance
and close application brought him prosperity and what was still better,
the high regard of all who formed his acquaintance. In 1910 he removed
to Urbandale, where he bought ten acres, built a large two-story house,
which he fitted out with modern furnishings, and also built a good shop.
Already more business has come to him than he can do. Mr. Hall is
emphatically self-made, each dollar that he has acquired being one that
has represented his own toil, his own endeavor. He is well known in
Calhoun county, where he is uniformly recognized as a man whose honor
and self-respect are at all times his first consideration. In his political
views he is a Republican.
He is a son of John C. Hall and Wealthy A. Williams Hall, the
former of whom was born in Dutchess county, New York, and the latter in Pennsylvania. In 1886 these parents became residents of Coldwater, Michigan, where the father engaged in the livery business and
was a well known business man there for a number of years. He was a
Republican in politics and served as sheriff of Branch county several
terms. Andrew Hall, the grandfather of Don F., removed from New
York state to Coldwater, Michigan, where he followed his trade of
wagon maker many years and where he died. The maternal grandfather
of our subject was Emer Williams, a native of Pennsylvania who removed from his native state to Branch county, Michigan, and purchased a farm near Butler, on which he resided until his death.
In 1869, Mr. Hall wedded Nancy Jane, a daughter of Efevius Jones,
who was born in New York but later in life became a pioneer in Nebraska and died there. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have no children.




664


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


CHARLES B. FURNER. Owning and occupying a beautiful home near
Battle Creek, Charles B. Furner is one of the best known and most
highly respected citizens of Calhoun county; which he has served in different official capacities, his trustworthiness, discretion, and force of
character especially fitting him for positions of responsibility. A son of
Stephen Furner, he was born in Phelps, New York, October 9, 1848, of
English lineage.
His paternal grandfather, Rev. Stephen Furner, was born, reared
and married in England. Emigrating from there to New York, he became
somewhat noted as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church,
and continued a laborer in the Master's vineyard until his death.
Stephen Furner, a native of England, came with his parents to the
United States when young, and thereafter was a resident of New York
state, where he followed the trade of a shoemaker. He was active in
public affairs, and a stanch adherent of the Republican party. The
maiden name of his wife was Martha Sherburn, and she spent her entire life in the Empire state.
Soon after leaving school Charles B. Furner offered his services to
his country, enlisting in Company C, Forty-fourth New York Volunteer
Infantry. With his comrades he took part in various campaigns and
engagements, including the Battle of the Wilderness, the skirmish at
Laurel Hill, and the engagement at Spotsylvania, where on May 12,
1864, he was so severely wounded that he was forced to remain in the
hospital for treatment until the following September. Rejoining the
army, Mr. Furner was assigned to the One Hundred and Fortieth New
York Volunteer Infantry, vwith which he was associated until the close
of tlhe conflict, and the second Hatchus fight, meeting the enemy at
Five Forks, and being present at the surrender of Lee in Apporattox.
In 1874 Mr. Furner came with his family to Calhoun county, Michigan, and until 1892 followed his trade of a barber in Battle Creek. A
man of much infelligence, public-spirited and progressive, he became
promiinent in city and county affairs, serving as a member of the city
council two years, and as deputy sheriff four years. In 1903 Mr. Furner
was elected sheriff of Calhoun county, and for four years rendered efficient and appreciative service to his fellow citizens.
Mr. Furner married, in May, 1871. Elnora Southerland, a daughter
of Sherman Southerland, who came from New York, his native state,
to Calhoun county, MAichigan. bought land, and on the farm which he
improved spent his remaining days, passing away March 2, 1898. Three
children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Furner, namely:
Frank A., truant officer for Calhoun county, has two children, Catherine
E. and iMargaret, deceased; Carrie, who died at the age of fourteen
months; and Mattie E., wife of George W. Hard, bookkeeper and general
utility man in the Central National Bank of Battle Creek, who have one
daughter Elnora A., aged six years.
Politically Mr. Furner is identified with the Republican ranks, and
fraternally he is a member of Grand Army Lodge No. 131, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to Farragut Post No.
32, Grand Army of the Republic. His family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is lending material assistance to the
building of the new church edifice now being erected at Urbandale,
this being the third structure of the kind which he has helped build.
WARD S. WEEKS. An industrious and prosperous carpenter of Calhoun county, and an esteemed resident of Level Park, is largely identified with the upbuilding of Battle Creek, where he does a large amount
of work of importance. A son of the late William R. Weeks, he was




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


665


born on a farm in Athens township, Calhoun county, Michigan, August
24, 1872. His paternal grandfather, Shiverick Weeks, a native of New
York state, was a farmer by occupation, and spent his last years in
Indiana.
William R. Weeks was born and reared in New York state, his birth
occurring in Steuben county, in August, 1834.    From   1838 until
his death, in July, 1910, he was a resident of Michigan, during his native career having been a successful tiller of the soil. He supported the
principles of the Republican party at the polls as a usual thing, but he
was a warm advocate of Prohibition, and the first man in the county
to vote that ticket. He married Louisa M. Brimmer, a daughter of
John W. Brimmer, who was born in Pennsylvania, came to Michigan
when young, settling first on land in Calhoun county, but later removing to Manistee county, where his death occurred.
Educated in the district school of Athens township, Ward S. Weeks
had a practical drilling in agriculture while young, and was there engaged in farming for several years, at the same time developing his
mechanical talents by working some at the carpenter's trade. Moving
to Battle Creek in 1908, Mr. Weeks was for awhile employed in teaming.
but in 1910 built a nice home in Level Park, where he and his family
now reside. He now devotes his time to carpentry, and as a builder
has built up a large and profitable business, much of his work being in
Battle Creek. Inheriting the political views of his father, Mr. Weeks
is a sound Republican, with a decided leaning toward prohibition.
Mr. Weeks married, in 1898, Mattie Smith, who was left an orphan
in childhood, and was adopted by H. S. Smith, by whom she was brought
up as tenderly as if she had been his own daughter. Mr. and Mrs.
Weeks have two children, namely: Iris Louise, born in 1908; and Doris
Alay, born in 1911.
(A.\RLES J. ISHUMAKER, who has for a number of years past been
conducting a mercantile business, for the past three years at Level Park,
has been a resident of Michigan all his life. He was born in Barry
counlty. August 22, 1874, and is the son of Charles J. and Crisanna
(Tungate) Shumniaker. The father, a native of Wood county, was born
in 1846, while the mother, was born in New York state. Charles J.
Shumaker, Sr., is a retired farmer and lives in Urbandale. He has
been especially successful in his business, and is now passing the declining years of his life in a quiet retirement. He is a veteran of the Civil
war, and was a member of Company D, Seventeenth Michigan Infantry,
and was three years in the service. He escaped without injury, but for
a wound in the arm, received at the battle of Spottsylvania. Mr. Shumaker is a Republican, and has always supported the principles and
doctrines of the party. The maternal grandfather of Charles S. Shumaker, Jr., was Benjamin Tungate, born in England, coming to Michigan in early life and settling on a farm, on which he passed his life.
As a boy, Charles Shumaker attended school at Johnstown, and when
he had finished with the schools of that place went to Grand Rapids
and took a thorough business course. He then worked on a farm for,some little time, after which he entered upon the grocery business at
Banfield, where he continued for eight years, with much success, and in
1909 he came to Level Park where he opened a general store, and in
which he has done a nice business. He is the owner of his store property
as well as his house, and the business he is here conducting is a most
profitable and pleasing one.
Mr. Shumaker is a Republican in his political allegiance, but does
not go in for politics to any extent. He is busily absorbed in the direct



666


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ing of his own affairs, and beyond the duties required of any good citizen, he does not venture. He is known to be one of the solid and representative men of his community, possessing a stability of character and
a reputation for fair dealing that is second to none in this vicinity. He
has a brother and sister living, the brother, Chauncey, in Florida, and
the sister, Daisy Edmunds, living in Banfield, where she operates a
store.
In 1900 Mr. Shumaker married Miss Ida Bolyen, daughter of Dana
Bolyen of New York state. The family came to Michigan when Mrs.
Shumaker was a mere child, and settled on a farm in Barry county;
later they moved to Bedford, where Mr. Bolyen died in 1910. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Shumaker, December 29, 1903, named
Freda Marie.
WILLIAM H. MASON. Keen-sighted, energetic and progressive, William  H. Mason occupies a place of prominence and influence among
the leading citizens of Battle Creek, and is actively identified with
several of its more important industrial enterprises. Coming from substantial New England stock, he was born, November 8, 1842, at Battle
Creek, where his parents were early settlers, coming here when the -now
thriving city was a mere hamlet.
His father, Alfred Mason, wast born and reared in Vermont, where
he learned the trade of a carriage and wagon maker. As a young
man he listened to the call of the West, migrating from New England
to Michigan, locating first in Kalamazoo county, where he wooed and
won a bride. In 1834 he established himself as a wagon maker in
Verona, Michigan, and in 1840 transferred his residence and business
to Battle Creek, Calhoun county. Upon the organization of the manufacturing firm of Nichols & Shepard he sold out to them as did other
wagon-shop owners of this part of the county. He continued a resident of Battle Creek, however, until his death, November, 1880. He
married, in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, Charlotte Goodrich, who was
born in Connecticut, of German ancestors, while his were English.
She died in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1845, leaving four children, as
follows: Mrs. M. M. Hodskin, of Saginaw, Michigan, widow of Captain Hodskin; Margaret M. widow of Hiram Tobey, of Battle Creek;
William H., the special subject of this brief biographical review; and
Charles, deceased.  The daughters were born in Verona, Michigan,
but both sons were natives of Battle Creek, and the oldest daughter
was graduated from the Battle Creek High School.
Leaving school at the outbreak of the Civil war, William H. Mason
enlisted, April 21, 1861, for a period of three months, in Company
C, Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry.     Ere his term   of enlistment had expired, on May 10, 1861, he re-enlisted for three years
in the same company, in which he served bravely as a private until
mustered out, in May, 1864. The following four years he was variously
employed, and in 1868 embarked in business on his own account as
senior member of the newly organized firm of Mason & Rathburn,
lumber manufacturers and dealers, with plant at the corner of McCamley and West Main streets.    The firm, by the admission of a
partner, became Mason, Rathburn & Company, and remained as such
until January, 1899, when the business was sold to the firm of Rathburn & Kraft.
In 1881 Mr. Mason became identified with the Advance Thresher
Company of Battle Creek, of which he was first a director, and later
for three years serving as its president, and of which, since the presidency of Mr. Ammi W. Wright, he has been a director. Mr. Mason




k




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p




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


667


is also officially connected with various other enterprises of note, being
a director of the American Steam Pump Company, of Battle Creek;
of the Citizens Electric Company, and president of the Michigan Carton Company, of Battle Creek; a director of the Oconee Timber Company, of South Carolina; and president of the Alma Oil Company, of
San Francisco, California.
Politically Mr. Mason is a prominent member of the Republican
party, and has represented both the second and the third wards in
the Battle Creek City Council. He has served as a member of the
local Board of Education, and under the administration of President
Harrison was postmaster of the city. He is now an active and interested member of the Commission which is revising a new charter for
Battle Creek. Mr. Mason is a member of the Country Club, and of
the Athelstan Club, of which he was president for a year. He likewise belongs to Farragut Post, No. 32, G(rand Army of the Republic.
On October 26, 1870, in Montgomery county, New York, Mr. Mason was united in marriage with Tryphena J. Kneeland, who was born
and educated in that county, being a daughter of the late Ozias H.
Kneeland, who, after the death of his wife, came to Michigan, and
spent his last years at the home of his son, E. 0. Kneeland. in Battle
Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have one child, Cora Belle, who attended
the Battle Creek High School, and afterwards attended Alma College,
and a young ladies' school in London, Canada. She is now the wife
of Harry H. Flint, of Chicago, Illinois. And they have one child,
Barbara Mason Flint. In 1912 Mr. Mason was unanimously elected
president of the Chamber of Commerce.
EUGENE A. BOWEN. A well-to-do agriculturist of Calhoun county,
living quite near Battle Creek, E. A. Bowen is a fine representative of
the self-made men of Michigan, his present prosperity being entirely
due to his persevering industry, keen foresight, and wise management.
He was born, May 26, 1843, in Erie county, New York, a son of John
Bowen, and is of Scotch ancestry on the paternal side, the immigrant
ancestor of the Bowen family having come from Scotland to this country.  His grandfather, Jonathan Bowen, a life-long farmer of New
York, married Vashti Wheeler.
John Bowen spent his entire life in the Empire state, his birth occurring in 1822, and his death in 1888. He was of great enterprise,
progressive for his time, being engaged not only in general farming, but
being especially successful as an orchardist and fruit grower. He married Susan Lapham, whose father, Gideon Lapham, was born in North
Adams, Massachusetts, and as a young man moved to Western New
York, where he improved a good farm, on which he resided the remainder
of his life.
Completing his early education in the academy at East Aurora,
New York, E. A. Bowen became familiar with agricultural pursuits
while working with his father, having remained beneath the parental
roof-tree until attaining his majority. Coming to Michigan in 1865,
he worked by the month for two years, and then began farming on
shares. Accumulating some money while thus employed, he purchased
the farm which he now occupies in 1870, erected a substantial house and
outbuildings, and as a general farmer has been very fortunate in his
operations, his farm of eighty acres being well tilled, and highly productive. Mr. Bowen raises some stock, and makes to some extent a
specialty of dairying, an industry which he finds both pleasant and
profitable. He is a Republican in politics, and has served on the town
board, and for years has been a justice of the peace.




668


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In 1868 Mr. Bowen was united in marriage with Eliza Stringham,
who was born and educated in Calhoun county. Her father, the late
Elijah Stringham, came from New York state to Calhoun county in
1838, locating just north of Urbanville. The journey through the pathless woods from Detroit was made with an ox team, and the tract of land
which he took up from the government was covered with a heavy growth
of timber. He labored with untiring zeal in his efforts to clear the
land, and on the farm which he redeemed from the forest he spent his
remaining days, dying in 1901, at the age of seventy-five years, his'
birth having occurred in 1826. Six children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Bowen, namely: Susan, living with her parents; Carrie, wife of
George Jones, a farmer in LeRoy township; May; Kate; Ethel; and
Lynne, who runs the home farm.
DR. WILLIAM   E. DOCKRY.   In presenting to the readers of this
volume the biography of Dr. William E. Dockry we are perpetuating
the life record of one of the Boys of the Blue who in 1861, a youth of
eighteen years, promptly responded to the Union's call for defense and
continued a brave and loyal soldier in service until the end of the war.
Forty of the fifty years that have passed since then have been spent by
Dr. Dockry as a medical practitioner in Michigan, being now located
at Urbandale, Calhoun county.
Born in Canada, June 6, 1842, he went with his parents to Trumbull
county, Ohio, in 1849, and there spent his youth on a farm. In 1861,
when the cloud of civil war hung threateningly over our land, he was a
student in an academy preparing for college but there was no hesitancy
as to where his duty lay. Enlisting on April 22, 1861, at Akron, Ohio,
in Company G, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three months'
service, he left the state with his regiment in June. Arriving at Parkersburg, West Virginia on June 23, this regiment was made a part of
Gen. Rosecrans' brigade and on June 25 moved by rail to Clarksburg,
where it became a part of Gen. McClellan's "Provisional Army of West
Virginia." On the 29th it left Clarksburg with the advance and made
its first real march, reaching Buckhannon on July 2, and Roaring Creek,
July 7, encamping in front of the fortified Confederate position at
Rich Mountain. It distinguished itself in the fight at Rich Mountain
by the cool and handsome manner in which it held its post against a
flank attack. In August, 1861, Dr. Dockry returned to his Ohio home
and in September following reenlisted in the service, this time in Company I, Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With his regiment,
which formed a part of the Army of the Potomac, he fought at the battle of Winchester in 1862 and soon afterward was taken sick, his illness
requiring him to remain in the hospital until 1863. As soon as able
to do so he returned to the service and with his regiment participated
in the battle of Lookout Mountain and in all the engagements of Sherman's army in the Atlanta campaign, following him to the sea and up
through the Carolinas to Goldsboro. Dr. Dockry was the first man of
his regiment to enter Savannah, Georgia. He was mustered out on
July 22, 1865. Returning to Ohio, he resumed his interrupted studies
and completed a medical course at Western Reserve college, Cleveland,
Ohio, from which institution he was graduated February 18, 1867. He
began the practice of his profession in Trumbull county, Ohio, but seven
months later removed to Ashtabula county of that state and from thence
to Perry, Lake county, Ohio, where he followed his profession until
1873. From there he came to Pentwater, Michigan, where he engaged
in medical practice until 1885, when he removed to Big Rapids, Michigan, and was engaged in professional service there twenty years. In




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


669


1905 he assumed business interests in St. Louis, Missouri, but continued
to keep in close touch with his profession, and on October 20, 1911, took
up his residence in Urbandale, Calhoun county, Michigan, where he once
more resumed the practice of medicine. In each of his locations he built
up a large practice and at Urbandale where he has but recently located
he has already secured a very satisfactory clientele. He owns a comfortable home there.
Dr. Dockry comes from Colonial ancestry on his mother's side and
by paternal descent is of English lineage. Daniel Dockry, his father,
was born in the North of Ireland, the son of an Englishman who had
removed to the Emerald Isle but shortly returned to his native England
and spent the remainder of his life there. Daniel Dockry came to Canada
and there was married to Mary Landon. Her father Solomon Landon
was a native of Canada but was the son of a Connecticut Tory whose
loyalty to the mother country caused him to be driven from his colonial
home into Canada. The parents of Dr. Dockry came to the United States
in 1849 and settled in Trumbull county, Ohio, where the father followed
farming until his death in 1897. He was a shoemaker by trade but did
not follow that occupation after his removal to Ohio. Politically he
was a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mary Landon Dockry died in 1852.
On March 24, 1867, Dr. Dockry wedded Orlyntha Amelia, a daughter
of Richard Partridge. Mr. Partridge, who died in 1888, was a native of
Ohio and was by occupation a carpenter and mechanic. He also served
in the Civil war. Dr. and Mrs. Dockry have three children: Alta, who
married Rev. Charles H. Palmatier, now a retired Methodist minister residing on a farm in Barry county, Michigan; Ella, who became the wife
of William H. Verity and resides in St. Louis; Missouri; and William
E. Milo, a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mrs. Dockry is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Dockry has been affiliated
with the Masonic order since 1865. He is a member of Big Rapids lodge
No. 171, Free and Accepted Masons, of Big Rapids chapter No. 52, Royal
Arch Masons, and of the Knights Templar at Battle Creek. He served
as master of his local blue lodge many years and has also served as high
priest of his chapter. The days of 1861-65 are commemorated by his
membership in Farragut Post G. A. R. at Battle Creek, Michigan. In
politics he is an ardent Republican.
Though Dr. Dockry has been a resident of this county but a short
period he is of that type of citizen that any community gladly welcomes
and values, and it is with pleasure that the publishers of this volume preserve in this form a brief life record of a brave veteran of the Civil war
and a citizen that has given Michigan the best years of a long and useful life.
ORIN J. WRIGHT. The old philosopher's statement that we are sure
to get the better of fortune if we do but grapple with her is as true
today as when it was first uttered nearly 2000 years ago and has been
verified in the life story of every successful man from that time to the
present. Among the young men of Calhoun county, Michigan, who with
undaunted courage have entered boldly upon the conquest for success
in life is Orin J. Wright, now well established in a general mercantile
business at Urbandale. Indomitable energy and strength of character
have been the foundation of his accomplishment.
A son of Amos and Josephine (Crawford) Wright, he was born June
28, 1882, in the state of Nebraska, whither his parents had removed from
Michigan, their journey thence having been made overland in a wagon.
The father was a native of Canada, while the mother was born in New




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


York, a daughter of John Crawford who removed from his native state
of New York to Oceana county, Michigan, and there became a very successful farmer. After fifteen years' residence in Nebraska the family
returned to Michigan, where Amos Wright took up farming in Barry
county. His death while his son Orin was still of tender years made the
latter early dependent upon his own resources. The schooling of our
subject was concluded in the fifth grade of the' Battle Creek public
schools, further study being precluded at that time by the necessity of
his beginning life's struggle for himself and for the care of his mother.
At first he worked as a farm hand; then later he took employment as a
common laborer in Battle Creek. Following that, he worked six years
in a wholesale grocery there and then served the same firm four years as
a traveling salesman. In 1911 he entered into business independently
when he purchased the general store of W. H. Bradley at Urbandale.
He had gained a valuable training in the school of experience and was
therefore well qualified to take charge of this business and make it a
profitable venture. This he has done, for though he has been proprietor
of the store but a short time he controls a splendid country trade and
one that is growing. Mr. Wright is a young man and what he has
already accomplished without other capital than his own energy and
ability presages for him a still more successful future.
On June 26, 1907, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Glenneda,
daughter of Adam Wolf, the latter of whom is an extensive and very
successful farmer and one of the remaining early settlers of Barry
county, Michigan. Mr. Wright is a Republican in political faith and
fraternally is affiliated with Battle Creek Lodge No. 419 Free and
Accepted Masons. Mrs. Wright is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Both are young people of pleasant ways and stand high in the
estimation of all admitted to their acquaintance.
BURR L. WEEKS, of Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, is one of
the many energetic and enterprising men extensively engaged in
agricultural pursuits in this section of the state, and having brought to
his calling good business methods and sound judgment, his labors have
been crowned with success. A son of Darwin J. Weeks, he was born,
March 5, 1870, in Atlas township, Calhoun county, coming on the paternal side of the house of thrifty Welsh stock.
His grandfather, Shiverick Weeks, was for many years engaged in
farming in New York state, but later removed to Indiana, where he was
similarly employed until his death.
Born in the Empire state, Darwin J. Weeks was young when his parents removed to Indiana. He came to Michigan soon after it was admitted to statehood, locating in Calhoun county in 1838. Purchasing
a tract of wild land in Athens township, he set to work with a will to
clear space enough on which to erect a small house, and in the years
that followed cleared and improved a good farm, and was there an
honored and respected resident until his death in 1906. He married
Martha Willard, who was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, a
daughter of one of the original settlers of that part of the state, one
David M. Willard, who was born and educated in Massachusetts, and
as a young man made his way to Michigan, journeying from Detroit
to Kalamazoo county with ox-teams, following a blazed trail the greater
part of the way. Darwin J. Weeks was a stanch Republican in politics,
and his wife was a worthy member of the Baptist church.
One of a family of eight children Burr L. Weeks received his youthful
education in the district schools, later taking a business course at Battle
Creek. Being reared to agricultural pursuits, he naturally adopted




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


671


farming as his occupation, and when ready to establish a home of his
own purchased a farm in Bedford township, and for ten years managed
it successfully. In 1899 Mr. Weeks moved to his present home, and has
since been diligent in its improvement, each year adding to its attractiveness and value. His own farm contains one hundred and twenty
acres of rich and fertile land, and in addition to caring for that he also
manages his wife's homestead property, on which he and his family
reside.
Mr. Weeks married May 1, 1897, Eunie Conklin, daughter of James
E. and Rhoda A. (Loder) Conklin, and they have one son, Raymond
Weeks. James E. Conklin came to Calhoun county at an early period of
its settlement, and to the original tract of land which he bought from the
government, made by purchase, substantial additions, at the time of his
death was owner of five hundred acres of fine and highly productive
land. In his political relations Mr. Weeks is a steadfast Republican,
and in his fraternal affiliations he is a Knight of Pythias.
CHARLES E. BRADLEY, who has valuable farming interests in Bedford
township near Battle Creek, Michigan, but is now a retired resident of
Urbandale, is a native son of Michigan, born in Charleston, Kalamazoo
county, on December 31, 1843. Harmon Bradley, his father, was a
pioneer in Michigan and became a prominent and well known man in
Calhoun county, which he represented with marked credit in the Michigan state legislature in 1879 as a Republican. Born in Fairfax county,
Vermont, on November 30, 1817, of English lineage, Harmon Bradley
received a common school education in New York, whither his parents
had removed from Vermont, and then in 1835, while still in his teens,
came to Michigan and settled in Marshall. The first winter he hired out
for $13 per month and in the meantime located 40 acres of land seven
miles south of Ypsilanti. The following two years were spent in clearing
land for Dr. James P. Greaves and two more years were spent in similar
work for Sidney S. Alcott. Then on December 26, 1839, he married Miss
Mary Palmer and together they set up a home in the woods. He had
added sixty acres to the original forty acres he had located and all of
this he afterward sold for $55 per acre. He next purchased three hundred acres near Battle Creek for $40 per acre and lived on this homestead
a quarter of a century. His wife died on February 8, 1870, and in 1884
he removed to Battle Creek, where he passed away on March 30, 1902.
Eight children were born to these parents. Demmond and Betsey
(Dimond) Bradley, the parents of Harmon, moved from Vermont to New
York in 1823 and there the former died in 1827.
Charles E. Bradley received a common school education, though two
brothers, George D. and Albert Bradley, obtained collegiate training,
both being graduates of Kalamazoo College. After his schooling was
over he began work on his father's farm and finally bought two hundred acres of the original homestead. Besides the general lines of agriculture he gave considerable attention to the raising of cattle, sheep and
hogs and for ten years conducted a dairy. In 1904 Mr. Bradley retired
from the farm and on October 19 took up his residence in Urbandale,
where he has since resided.
In 1869 Miss Martha E. Sterrett, of Erie county, Pennsylvania, became his wife and helpmeet, their acquaintance having begun while she
was visiting friends in Michigan. She died on October 30, 1881, leaving
three children living: Willard H., who resides with his father and is
engaged in business in Battle Creek; George D., who has charge of the
home farm; and Floyd J., who holds a clerical position in a coal office
in Battle Creek. In 1883 Mr. Bradley took as his second wife Miss
Vol. 11-5




672


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Eunice MeAlester, whose father George W. McAlester was a farmer
resident of Calhoun county for many years.
Mr. Bradley is a Republican in politics and has held different of the
township offices. At present he is treasurer of the school board at
Urbandale and held the same position fourteen years with the school
board at his former home in Bedford township. For fifty-one years he
has been a devout and consistent member of the Baptist church, his
present membership being in the First Baptist Church of Battle Creek,
and at all times his life has been an example of the right living he advocates. He is a citizen of the best type and well deserves a place among
the representative men of Calhoun county.
WILLIAM H. FINLAY. No class of men contribute so largely and certainly none so substantially to any community as the thorough-going
business men-the men of affairs and dollars.  One of the prominent
and trust-worthy native born business men and agriculturists' of Calhoun county, Michigan, is William H. Finlay, who has had considerable
experience in other sections of our country but has found his native
county the pleasantest place of all and not at all lacking in business opportunity for the man who can recognize it and has the courage to attempt. He is a worthy scion of two of Michigan's early pioneers, Ebenezer Finlay and James Conklin, both of whom became well known and
successful men but have now passed away.
William H. Finlay was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, May 9, 1856.
His father was Ebenezer Finlay and his mother Sarah J. Conklin. Ebenezer Finlay came from New York, the state of his birth, to Kalamazoo,
Michigan, in 1838, took up farming there and followed it until in 1850
when he joined the gold seekers in California, making the journey overland with a mule team. After two successful years there he returned
to Michigan and bought two store properties in Battle Creek, in one of
which he opened a grocery business which he conducted a number of
years, his prudence, energy and foresight enabling him to amass an
unusual competency. His family was reared on a farm which he had
bought in Calhoun county but in his later years he took up his residence
in the city of Battle Creek and lived there until his death, leaving at
that time an estate valued at $70,000. The father of Ebenezer was a
farmer by occupation and was a native of New York, but resided in
Michigan at the time of his death. Sarah J. Conklin Finlay was the
daughter of James Conklin, an early settler here who was a cooper by
trade but followed farming during the most of his years in Michigan.
During his earlier residence in this county he went to Detroit to get his
corn ground.
William H. Finlay completed his education through the eighth grade
at Battle Creek, Michigan. He then began life on the farm in Calhoun county but at the age of nineteen went to California, where he
spent the following nine years. Returning to Michigan in 1884, he
was married to Olive L. Fuller, whose father was a well known and
highly respected farmer of Calhoun county, an immigrant from New
York state. That same year Mr. Finlay removed to the state of Washington, where he took up land from the government, improved it and
also engaged in the cattle business. He remained there seven years
and was quite successful. At the end of that period he returned to
Calhoun county and bought a farm of 160 acres in Bedford township.
This he operated a number of years; then he platted all of it. On the
portion he retained, eight acres, he built a modern home and this has
since remained the family residence. The platted portion now for*is
the town of Level Park. Mr. Finlay also owns considerable property




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


673


in the city of Battle Creek, is interested in the Battle Creek Building
& Loan Association, of which he is a director, and is also interested
in the Michigan Real Estate Company, which builds houses. Mr. Finlay has been very successful in his business undertakings and ranks
as one of the most substantial men of his community. In politics he
is a Republican.
Two daughters have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Finlay: Ethel,
now Mrs. Herbert D. Evans, and Hazel, now a senior in Albion College,
Albion, Michigan (1912).   The family are valued communicants of
the Methodist Episcopal church, Battle Creek.
HIRAM STAPLES. In the life story of the late Hiram Staples, the well
beloved, versatile and masterful citizen of Battle Creek whose death,
November, 28, 1904, closed a career of signal usefulness, the element of
tragedy had a potential part. His early struggles for a foothold in the
world of effort were hard and discouraging, and he passed through the
dangers of the great Civil war only to meet, while at the very acme of
his usefulness, with an accident that threatened to blight his life, ahd
which would have caused one made of less courageous stuff to give up all
effort, thoroughly disheartened. Yet through all the vicissitudes of life,
Mr. Staples displayed a cheerful spirit of hopefulness, a firm belief in
his ability to overcome obstacles, and a determination to win, that finally
brought him to his goal, raising him to a position of prominence in the
business world of his adopted community and in the respect and esteem
of his fellow citizens. Mr. Staples was born at Temple, Franklin county,
Maine, in March, 1841, and was a son of Alvah and Lydia C. (Burbank)
Staples, and a grandson of George Staples, who came from England and
settled in Franklin county, Maine, during the early days.
Alvah Staples was possessed of considerable natural mechanical ability, and conducted a blacksmith shop on his farm, doing a great deal of
work among his neighbors when all such labor was performed by hand.
After his children had neared ages of maturity, he removed to East
Douglas, Worcester county, Massachusetts, in order to give them an opportunity to obtain work in the manufactories of that place, and was
also identified with various business interests there milking a specialty
of manufacturing edged tools. Later he removed to New Hampshire, and
died in Nashua, where his wife also passed away.
One of a family of thirteen children, Hiram Staples received his early
education in the schools of Massachusetts, and later attended the institutions of New Hampshire, having the opportunity of spending about
three months out of each year in study. Although his early advantages
were somewhat limited, he later became a man of much general learning, gaining knowledge through experience, observation and reading.
From the time he was twelve years of age until he completed his school-.ng, Mr. Staples spent his time in learning the trade of making edged
tools, and at the age of seventeen years, when his studies were completed,
he had mastered his trade and was in the forging department. By the
time he was twenty years of age he was an acknowledged expert in his
line in that department. On leaving Massachusetts, Mr. Staples went
to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he worked for a short time prior
to the Civil war, then returning to East Douglas, where he obtained a
good position with the Douglas Axe Company. When President Lincoln issued his first call for troops to serve three years, he put aside all
business and personal considerations and enlisted in Company A, Twentyfifth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, a company which was
given the post of honor at the right of the regiment, the brigade, the
division and the army corps. The first service of Mr. Staples' regiment




674


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


was in the Burnside expedition, and was present at the bombardment
of Roanoke Island and the two days' fight, on the 7th and 8th of February, 1862. He also participated in the engagement at New Berne,
North Carolina, March 14, 1862, when the Union troops recaptured the
guns that had been taken from them at Bull Run; the battle of Kingston,
North Carolina, December 14th; Whitehall, December 16th; Goldsboro,
December 18th, and aided in the burning of the bridge near Kingston,
March 16, 1863. He was also at the battle of Deep Gully, March 13th,
at Gunswamp, May 22d, where an effort was made to surround the
Union troops by the Confederates, and it was at this place that Mr.
Staples was promoted to a position in the signal corps of the United
States army, his duty being to carry dispatches, for which he was furnished with the fastest horses that the corps could boast, and in addition assisted in displaying signal lights which conveyed to other divisions
of the army important knowledge of military positions and movements.
He was stationed at various places, doing important service in behalf of
his country until the close of his enlistment. After his discharge he
was detained for some time and prevented from returning to his home,
because of a quarantine on account of yellow fever, and while thus
patiently waiting at New Berne, North Carolina, for his papers, his
discharge papers were captured, with other mail, by the Confederates
in the Dismal Swamp. The Southerners were discovered, however, and
on being surprised, threw the mail into a fire and much of it was burned.
Mr. Staples' papers, however, although some what charred and shrivelled,
were of parchment, and were thus recovered, and ever afterward were
among his most highly-prized belongings, as mementos of his army experiences. He was known as a brave and faithful soldier, ready at
all times to do his duty, and by his cheerful spirit and manly qualities
winning the admiration and friendship of his comrades and the respect
of his officers.
On the completion of his army services, Mr. Staples returned to Massachusetts and again took up work in the Douglas Axe factory, where
he remained for some years, but subsequently went to New Albany, Indiana, to accept a position with the Western Axe and Edged Tool Company. When that firm suspended business, he entered the plow works
of B. F. Avery & Company, at Louisville, Kentucky, where he occupied
a splendid position; but while there met with a terrible accident, falling into hot steel which nearly burned his arm off. Because of this misfortune he was obliged to give up future work at his trade, and as this
had been his only means of livelihood it seemed as though his life was
a failure. However, during the years that had passed, he had spent his
spare time profitably, reading and studying, and as a result of his investigation and experiments, combined with his mechanical skill, he
brought out a number of inventions, securing his first patent July 27,
1869. This was an improved composition for concrete walks and roofing, and while recovering from his injuries and not yet able to walk,
he received an offer from the American Edged Tool Company to superintend the placing of the machinery in a plant for the manufacture of
edged tools to be erected at Battle Creek. This offer was accepted, and
in 1870 Mr. Staples came to this city, where he was associated with
the same company during all of its existence here. He made his home
in this city from that time on, and for the next quarter of a century was
actively engaged in producing sidewalks, building the first concrete walks
in the county and furnishing employment to a large number of mechanics
and laborers. He finally sold out to Fay B. Green, in 1895, and retired
from active business dealings, although death found him still in the
harness, he being suddenly called while superintending some work at his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


675


gravel pits. He was a great lover of home and seldom let himself become interested in public matters or fraternal work, 'although while in
MIassachusetts he belonged to Solomon Temple Lodge, of the Masonic
fraternity, at Uxbridge. As an intelligent man and reader he was always
well versed in the current events of the day, and while his strong selfreliance caused him to adhere with tenacity to those views which his
judgment and investigation led him to adopt, his sincerity was undoubted
and his integrity unquestioned. Holding the warmest place in the hearts
of those who knew him best, whether at the home fireside or in the circle
of friendship, his life and character were a tower of strength, and his
memory shall be a benediction to those who loved him so well.
In 1872 Mr. Staples was married to Mrs. Louisa Ann (Byers) Huff,
widow of the late George Huff, and she resides in the home built by Mr.
Staples soon after settling here, at No. 172 Jefferson avenue, South, in
front of which still stand the stately elms that were planted by his
hands. Mrs. Staples is a lady of culture and refinement and an excellent
business woman, and in addition to the old home place owns considerable other real estate in Battle Creek, where she is a general favorite
in social circles.
CARL F. GARTNER. If those who claim that fortune has favored
certain individuals above others will but investigate the cause of success and failure, it will be found that the former is largely due to the
improvement of opportunity, the latter to the neglect of it. Fortunate
environments encompass nearly every man at some stage of his career,
but the strong man and the successful man is he who realizes that the
proper moment has come, that the present and not the future holds his
opportunity.. The man who makes use of the Now and not the To Be is
the one who passes on the highway of life others who started out ahead
of him and reaches the goal of prosperity in advance of them. It is this
quality in Carl F. Gartner that has made him a leader in the business
world and won him an enviable name in connection with financial affairs
at Battle Creek, which place has long represented his home.
In the vicinity of Heidelberg, Germany, November 24, 1870, occurred the birth of Carl F. Gartner, who is a son of Julius and Elizabeth (Ruebel) Gartner. A small town near Heidelberg has been the
home of the family through many generations and there the subject
of this review was reared to the age of fourteen years. He attended
common school until his fourteenth year, when he immigrated, alone,
to America, coming here without friends or influence and carving a
name for himself in the business world. He came at once to Battle
Creek and obtained a position as a farm boy on the Betterly farm.
He knew nothing of the English language but during the two years
spent on the farm he became fairly conversant in that tongue. In 1886
he settled in Battle Creek, where he served an apprenticeship at the
baker's trade, being thus engaged until he had reached his legal majority when he embarked in business on his own account. His first
concern consisted of a small place, where he did his baking at night
and himself acted as salesman during the daytime. He began with
very limited stock but he possessed energy and ability and soon worked
his way upword, gradually increasing the scope of his business until
its growth now seems almost phenomenal. He was first located at No.
93 South Jefferson avenue, where he remained for eight years, at the
expiration of which he purchased a lot and erected a business block
at No. 78 South Jefferson avenue, this being a two-story brick building, twenty-five feet by seventy-eight in lateral dimensions. He also
built a large building on Hamblin avenue which adjoins the Jefferson




676


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


avenue structure at the rear and which is of brick, being ninety-five
feet by eighty-eigilt in lateral dimensions. The latter building is used
as a bake shop and is equipped with all the latest baking devices, including patent ovens. It' enjoys the distinction of being the only thoroughly equipped bake shop in the city. In the rear is a barn in which
the wagons and teams are sheltered. In addition to bread, cookies and
cakes, the Gartner Baking Company handles flour in wholesale quantities, supplying many of the stores in addition to what is required in
the bakery. The business was incorporated in January, 1911, with a
capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, under the name of the Gartner
Baking Company. Mr. Gartner is president of the concern and Fred
J. HIeyser, mentioned elsewhere in this volume, is secretary and treasurer.
An average of thirty-five thousand loaves of bread are turned out
weekly and a specialty is made of Jersey Cream bread, other brands
being the Buster Brown and Holsum bread. Shipments are made daily
to neighboring towns and bread is sent as far as Goshen and Middlebury, Indiana. Mr. Gartner is vice president of the Jackson Baking
Company, at Jackson, Michigan, which was opened up for business
July 22, 1910. Mr. Gartner started in business at Battle Creek October
13, 1891, with absolutely no capital except energy and a determination
to make a success. In addition to his bakery interests he is a stockholder
in the Union Steam Pump Company, the Battle Creek Brewing Company and the Advance Pump & Compressor Company, all prominent
business concerns in this city.
Mr. Gartner is a valued and appreciative member of the German
Workingmen's Society, the Eagles and the Elks of Battle Creek, and
the City Club and the Country Club of Jackson, Michigan. In their
religious faith he and his wife are members of the German Evangelical
church, to whose charities and good works they are most liberal contributors.
November 25, 1891, Mr. Gartner was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Rother, of Louisville, Kentucky. They are the parents of one
daughter, Edna Caroline, and she is attending school in Battle Creek.
In addition to a residence at No. 78 South Jefferson street a country
home is maintained at Franklin Beach, on Gull Lake.
HILAND GEORGE BUTLER. Battle Creek is world-famous for more
than one reason, but primarily, perhaps, for its industries, whose product is utilized in every country and every clime. One of the most
celebrated of these industries is the Hygienic Food Company, makers
of Mapl-Flake, a delectable article known to every well appointed
breakfast table. The president of the Mapl-Flake Company is the
gentleman whose name stands at the head of this paragraph, an Iowan
by circumstance of birth, but of family long established in this country,
his forbears having been distinguished factors in the earlier history
of New England, that cradle of so much of our national history. In
the ancestral record are numbered soldiers and patriots, men of prominence in several walks of life and at least one governor, and the subject is as loyal an American as any of them. He is a man of remarkable executive ability, who has made realities out of a number of vast
ideas; not, indeed, that his sky has always been set with stars of victory,
for he has known adversity in her most unpleasant mood and has conquered her.
Hiland George Butler was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, July
30, 1864. His father was George Ide Butler and his mother's name
previous to her marriage was Lentha Ames Lockwood, and Waterbury,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


677 '


Vermont was the birthplace of both. The family was of English origin,
and Ezra Butler, the great-grandfather of the subject, was governor
of the Green Mountain state. He was born in Lancaster, Worcester
county, Massachusetts, on September 24, 1763. In his seventh year
his father, Asaph Butler, moved to West Windsor, Vermont. When
in his seventeenth year Ezra Butler was for six months a soldier of
the Revolution.  In March, 1785, he came to Waterbury, Vermont,
with his brother Asaph, next older than himself, and in June of the
same year he was married to Miss Tryphena Diggins. He was the
first prominent settler in Waterbury, and, though a young man, took
a prominent part in all public movements. He built the first frame
house in the town. To him was issued the warrant to call the freemen
of Waterbury, in 1790, to organize the town, and at that meeting he
was chosen town clerk. From that time his official life was a remarkable one. From this humble beginning he went through almost every
grade to the chief magistracy of the state. The following table will
show in outline the main features of his career:
1794 to 1805 (except 1798) he represented the town in General
Assembly.
1807 chosen as a representative and member of the council acting
part of the time in one body and part in the other.
1808 again elected to the council, and with the exception of 1813
and 1814 when he was in congress, was annually reelected to this body
until 1826.
1803 elected assistant j adge of Chittenden county court, Waterbury, at that time belonging to that county, and reelected the two following years.
1806 elected chief judge of Chittenden county court, and held the
office until 1811.
1811 Washington county was organized and Judge Butler was elected
chief judge of that county court, and, excepting the two years when
in congress, 1813, 1814 and 1818, held that office until 1825.
1806 member of the Council of Censors.
1822 member of Constitutional convention.
1804 and again in 1820 a presidential elector.
1812 member of congress on the Republican general ticket.
1826 elected governor of the state, and was reelected the following
year, each time without an organized opposition.
Immediately after his second election, he declined to run again,
and at the close of that term retired from official life, having been in
office without interruption from the organization of the town in 1790,
often holding two or more important offices at the same time.
In addition to these civil and political offices he was on the committee to fix the site for the first state house in Montpelier; was a
commissioner in 1807 to help determine the place and plan for the
state prison, and subsequently a commissioner to locate the state arsenal.
From 1810 to 1816 he was a trustee of the University of Vermont.
There was hardly an office of honor or trust in the gift of the people
or legislature that he did not fill. In this respect the career of Governor Butler from an unlettered pioneer-(his schooling was limited
to six months in his boyhood)-from a hunter and trapper up through
almost every grade of office to the chief magistracy of the state, is a most
remarkable one, and has few parallels in history.
Mr. Butler had a religious as well as a political history. His was
the first conversion in Waterbury. About a year after he was baptized and united with the Baptist church in Bolton. At the organization of the Baptist church in Waterbury in about 1801, Mr. Butler




678


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


was ordained as its pastor, and amid the many civil offices he filled,
he continued to discharge the duties of this office until within a few
years of his death, and that without salary or remuneration. He died
July 12, 1838, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
These are the main facts in the life of the distinguished ~ancestor
of Hiland George Butler. The many public honors and positions of
trust that came to him were won by his sterling traits of character.
The public knew that whatever trust might be reposed in him was
safe, and that whatever was given to him to do would be done, and so
they always found it.
George Ide Butler, the father of Hiland G., was a very prominent
Seventh Day Adventist and was president of that denomination for a
period of fifteen years, which is the longest any man ever held that office.
He followed Elder James White to the office. He left his native state at
an early day and came to Iowa, where he resided until the subject was a
youth of eighteen years of age. He then removed to Michigan, where
he was elected president of the general conference of Seventh Day
Adventists. He was a man of signal ability and has been prominent
in several connections, having been president of the old Review and
Herald Publishing Company and also president of the Southern Publishing Company, of Nashville, Tennessee, which latter office he retained up to two years ago. He is now seventy-eight years of age and
lives retired at Bowling Green, Florida, where he has an orange grove
of fifteen acres, and engages in the raising of both oranges and pecans.
He has resided in Florida for the past twenty-three years. The admirable wife and mother was called to her eternal rest in 1900, and is
interred in that state. There were three children in the family: Annie, the only daughter, died when fourteen years of age. The other
two were twin brothers, William Pitt Butler and Hiland George Butler
of this review. William Pitt Butler now lives at Berwyn, a suburb
of Chicago, Illinois, and is manager and owner of a one-third interest
in the Johnson Fare Box Company and the.Johnson Coin Counter
Company, of Chicago, Illinois. He was at one time employed in the
offices of the old Review and Herald Publishing Company, but has been
a citizen of Chicago for the past twenty years. These twin brothers were
educated in the public schools of Mount Pleasant; Iowa, and both learned
practical occupations, Highland George being a book edge gilder by
trade and having learned the work when he was employed by the Review and Herald Publishing Company, at which time he had the contract for gilding all the books they published. He worked for them
about six years and then went to Florida, on account of the failing
health of his mother, with whom he wished to be in companionship
in her last days. In that southern state he lived for three years, and
for a part of the time was engaged in the orange business. However,
the cold winter of 1903-4 not only killed the oranges, but blasted all
his hopes of getting rich in this field of endeavor. To quote his own
phraseology, he "went broke on the proposition," and wishing to part
with the fickle south, he sent his wife back home on a passenger train,
this consuming all his spare cash, and he himself returned by freight,
deadheading his way all the distance back from Florida. For a time
in his younger days he "braked" on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad, and he knew just about how to "handle the boys" who remained officially ignorant of his presence.
After returning from  the "Sunny South," thus ingloriously by
freight, Mr. Butler began looking about him for an honest means of
livelihood, his courage by no means impaired by the buffetings of fortune. He secured a position with the old Sanitarium Food Company




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679


as bookkeeper, and finally developed into manager of the concern and
continued in the interest of the Kellogg people until about three years
ago. While in their employ he went to England with friends of Dr.
J. H. Kellogg, who is his brother-in-law. A Sanitarium Food Company
had been started by friends of the Kellogg people in that country and
had not proved a success and Mr. Butler was sent to the scene for the
purpose of inculcating the element of success into its affairs, and also
to straighten them out. He succeeded in this purpose beyond the
most sanguine expectations and the British company has ever since
been a money maker. In Battle Creek he has had, charge of the Sanitarium Food Company and the Sanitas Nut Food Company, and from
these two was developed the Toasted Corn Flakes Company, of which
Mr. Butler may be termed the father. He superintended the building
of the Kellogg Toasted Corn Flakes plant in this city, its owner, W. K.
Kellogg, also being his brother-in-law, and until quite recently he was
superintendent of the same. He selected its site and made every plan
in the way of buildings, etc., to the minutest detail and the world knows
that the concern has proved a success. He made the first toasted corn
flakes ever made. Until October, 1909, he was a stockholder and member of the Toasted Corn Flakes Company, but at the date mentioned
he sold out his interests here. He had become inoculated with the desire for the west and he went to the Bitter Root Valley in Montana,
where he made himself the possessor of one of the finest ranches in all
the west, this consisting of one thousand acres and from its superb
orchards he sold $10,000 worth of apples in one season. He also maintained a splendid dairy, one of the finest and best conducted in all the
Golden West. He was very fond of this section of this glorious country
of ours, but the climate proved inimical to his wife's health, and in
December, 1910, not without regret he sold his ranch for $75,000.
In June, 1911, Mr. Butler returned to Battle Creek and is now
connected with the Hygienic Food Company, one of the oldest companies
of its kind in the business. It had, however, been allowed to run down
and Mr. Butler's energy and enterprise proved a wonderful asset in
its fortunes. He bought up considerable of the stock and last fall
was elected to the presidency of the company, the other officers being
H. R. Scoville, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, vice president; Ralph H. Holmes,
of Battle Creek, treasurer; and Fred Wells, of Battle Creek, secretary.
That delightful food, Mapl-Flake, is manufactured from both corn
and wheat and the business is growing by leaps and bounds, MaplFlake proving in its excellence its own best recommendation. With
Mr. Butler's brains and genius for telling but conservative advertising, its future is assured.
Mr. Butler is a Mason. He takes no small amount of interest in
public affairs and was chairman of the committee of the first antisaloon league, the same putting Battle Creek on a dry basis for the
years 1909 and 1910.
On February 3, 1887, Mr. Butler was happily married, the young
woman who became his wife and the mistress of his household being
Clara Belle Kellogg, daughter of the late John Preston Kellogg, one
of Battle Creek's most prominent citizens, and a sister of Dr. J. H.
Kellogg, now head of the Battle Creek Sanitorium     and a man of
national reputation. Mrs. Butler was born and reared here and received her education in the old Battle Creek College. She is a woman
of charming personality and has proved an ideal life companion, as
her husband says "she is one of the best women and most satisfactory
companions in all the world." This year they will celebrate their silver
wedding anniversary. They have four children. William Pitt Butler,




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the eldest son, is associated with his father in the Hygienic Food Company; Mary Adelaide is now in school for girls at Haddonfield, New
Jersey; Ethel Priscilla is a junior student in the Battle Creek High
school and is one of the most proficient in athletics of the young women
of this city; the youngest member of the family, George Ide, is also in
school here. William Pitt is married, his wife previous to her marriage having been Ethel Reliance Hott, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
George S. Hott, of 170 Post avenue, this city. The engagement of these
popular young people was announced April 20, 1909, and the brideelect went to Montana, where she met her future husband and was
married. They have a small son, William Pitt, born near Stevensville, in the Bitter Root Valley, Montana, the date of his birth being
November 28, 1910, and according to his grandfather, the amount of
noise he makes would indicate that he is destined to be a great orator
in his day.
Mr. Butler takes the usual interest of the well balanced man in
outdoor sports and particularly enjoys ice skating, in which he indulges
with his children. In fact, he is willing to challenge any lot of men
of his age to a race on the ice at any time, and considers the question
of having a small pair of skates made for his year-old grandson, who
enjoys a warm place in his grandfather's heart. The family are all
strict vegetarians and have been such for years. The Butler family
at present reside in a rented property at 125 Garrison avenue, but will
erect a residence of their own within a short time. They are popular
as well as important members of society and are renowned for their
hospitality and kindliness. The plant of the Hygienic Food Company
is situated at 150 MeCamly street, south.
JOSEPH W. GETHING, M. D. In no profession is there more constant progress than in that of medicine and surgery, thousands of the
finest minds the world has produced making it their one aim and ambition to discover more effectual methods for the alleviation of suffering, some more potent weapon for the conflict with disease, some
clever device for repairing the damaged human mechanism. Ever and
anon the world hears with mingled wonder and thanksgiving of a
new conquest of disease and disaster which a few years ago would have
been placed within the field of the impossible. To keep in touch with
these discoveries means constant alertness, and while there may be
in many quarters great indolence in keeping pace with modern thought,
the highest type of physician believes it no less than a crime not to
be master of the latest devices of science. To this type belongs Dr. Joseph W. Gething, his constant thought and endeavor being devoted
to the profession of which he is so admirable an exponent.
Dr. Gething is a native of this locality, his birth having occurred
in Battle Creek township, March 29, 1872. He is the son of Thomas and
Ellen (Morgan) Gething, both natives of England. Upon their immigration to this country with their parents they settled in New York,
and in the year 1854 came on to Michigan, and made location in Battle
Creek township. Thomas Gething, father of the Doctor, was a farmer
by occupation and owned a good farm of two hundred and forty acres
in Battle Creek township. He died in 1875 (May 24), at the early
age of forty-two years, but the mother survives and makes her home
at 540 West Main street, her home being the residence adjoining that
of the subject. The Doctor and his brother, C. M. Gething, still own
the old homestead farm upon which they were born and which is dear
to them with many associations.
Dr. Gething was thus left fatherless at the age of three years, be



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681


ing the youngest of three sons. The eldest, William Gething, Jr. resides on a farm in Battle Creek township, but C. M. Gething has wandered farther afield and is now located at Vancouver, British Columbia. IIe is a mining expert and holds a government position. The
subject, sooner than he mnight otherwise have done, found himself
thrown upon his own resources. He received his preliminary education in the district schools and later became a student in the Battle
Creek High school from which he was graduated. He then entered
the Adventist College of this city and took a course preparatory to
university work. Having chosen as his own the medical profession
he entered the Rush Medical College, connected with the University
of Chicago and was graduated from the same in June, 1901, and subsequent to that took a course in the Cook County Hospital for the space
of one year. He inaugurated his practice in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, in
1902, and remained there for two years, following that in 1904 removing to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he has practiced ever since. Dr.
Gething's brother, C. M., is also a graduate of the Adventist College
of this city, of the class of 1895. The subject has proved remarkably
successful and has built up a lucrative practice.
In the matter of politics the subject of this brief review is an enthusiastic supporter of the policies and principles of the grand old
party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Elks. He is connected with the
various professional bodies,-the Calhoun Medical Society, the Michigan State and the American Medical Association, and an active worker
in all.
On April 18, 1905, Dr. Gething was happily married to Lydia E.
Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Phillips, pioneer settlers of
this locality, now deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation.
Mrs. Gething was reared and educated here and is a graduate of the
Battle Creek High school of the class of 1899. She subsequently attended the Ypsilanti Normal school for one year. Both the Doctor
and his wife are members of the St. Thomas Episcopal church and
aligned with the best interests of the community, of which they are
generally recognized as estimable members.
FOSTER MARTIN METCALF. It has been said that the beginning of
civilization is the discovery of some useful arts, by which men acquire
property, comforts or luxuries. The necessity or desire of preserving
them leads to laws and social institutions.  In reality the origin, as
well as the progress and improvement of civil society is founded on
mechanical and chemical inventions, and in reviewing the circumstances
pf the life of Foster Martin Metcalf, of Battle Creek, there is a pleasure in looking upon and contemplating an active and useful career
passed for the most part in the development of some of the most useful
of industries. Mr. Metcalf was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 26, 1857, and is a son of Martin and Julia Ann Cushman (Arms)
Metcalf.
The Metcalf genealogy is traced back to the first Michael Metcalf, who
was born June 17, 1587, and from   whom Foster M. Metcalf is descended through Michael Metcalf (2), born August 29, 1620; Jonathan
Metcalf, born September 10, 1650; John Metcalf, born in 1678; John
Metcalf (2), born in 1704; Joseph Metcalf, Esq., born in 1744; Rev. David Metcalf, born in 1785; and Martin Metcalf. Martin Metcalf was born
near Utica, New York, son of David and Mabel Bell (Tolles) Metcalf,
December 12, 1823. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and became one of the pioneers of Oneida county in 1814. At the age of
sixteen years Martin Metcalf entered upon a successful business career




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


as a hardware merchant, selling chiefly through peddlers who traveled
throughout the Empire state. With this experience he came to Battle
Creek in 1847 and established himself in.the same line, sending teams
throughout the country, but, having been burned out June 9, 1849,
at the time the old Liberty Press was destroyed by fire, he then went
to Detroit, where he engaged in his occupation as a coppersmith for
E. Shepard & Company, and subsequently went to Grand Rapids, where
he was employed in the same calling by Foster' & Perry, afterward
being admitted into partnership in the firm, which, as Foster, Martin
& Company, and later as Foster & Metcalf, was continued from 1857
to 1865. In the winter of 1869-70, Mr. Metcalf again became a resident of Battle Creek, where he engaged in the general hardware business for the three following years, after which he established himself
as a real estate, pension and patent attorney, a profession which he
followed up to the time of his death, December 26, 1897. In the preparation of papers, in acting as solicitor and counsel in patent cases,
and in the management of litigation both in the patent office and courts
of law, he met with a large measure of success, as he did also in the
presentation of claims to the pension bureau, in which his pertinacity
was a conspicuous feature and won for him a distinguished record in
the department at Washington for his energy and fidelity to the interests of his clients.
Mr. Metcalf was a pioneer in the propagation of fish by artificial
methods, and for several years was a co-worker with the Hon. Spencer
F. Baird, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and commissioner
of fisheries. He was the first to discover the habits of the Michigan
grayling, and their propagation by artificial means. For two or three
years he maintained a hatchery near Battle Creek where he raised trout,
grayling and German carp. For many years he was a regular contributor to the House Journal, while that paper was edited by the Hon.
N. P. Willis, many of his earlier writings being under the nome de
plume of "M. Forrest."
Mr. Metcalf was a man of extensive reading, varied knowledge and
large intelligence. He devoted many years to gathering the genealogy
of the Metcalf family, and accumulated extensive records of great value,
collaborating with other members of the family in publishing a record,
but much of his material has never been published. He took a lively
interest in the progress of invention and science, a trait inherited in
no small degree by his children, and was for many years a correspondent of the late Prof. Winchell, of the University of Michigan, taking
an active and prominent part in the investigation which led to the
discovery and development of the salt industry of Michigan. He was
also a conspicuous and efficient promoter of the provision secured from
the legislature of Michigan offering a bounty per bushel for the salt
manufactured when this great industry was first inaugurated within
the borders of the state. In 1862 he was appointed by President Lincoln, consul to Mexico, but in the disturbed condition of that country
and his own, and by the advice of friends in New York resigned his
commission, a copy of which follows:
"DEPARTMENT OF STATE
"WASHINGTON, April 24, 1862.
"To the person in charge of the Archives of United States Consulate,
Aguas Calientes, Mexico.
"SIR: The President having appointed Martin Metcalf, Esq., of
Michigan, to be Consul of the United States at Aguas Calientes, Mexico, I will thank you to deliver to him the records and archives of the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


683


Consulate, the seal, press, flag and arms, together with the Statutes at
Large, Wheaton's Digest, and all other books and property in your possession belonging to the United States. I am, Sir,
'Your obedient servant,
(Signed) "F. W. SEWARD,
" Assistant Secretary."
At the time of his comparatively sudden death deep sorrow was
expressed by a very wide circle of acquaintances in the vicinity of
Battle Creek and throughout the state. Mr. Metcalf was married January 6, 1857, to Julia Ann Cushman Arms, daughter of the Hon. Albert
Arms, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and to this union there were born three
children: Foster Martin, September 26, 1858; Albert Ball, September
7, 1860, and Fannie Marie, July 6, 1869. The mother passed away
July 6, 1906. Albert Ball Metcalf was married November 23, 1893,
to Mattie Moore, daughter of William Moore. Fannie Marie Metcalf,
who was educated in the schools of Battle Creek, married Edwin A.
Bush, and now resides in this city.
Foster M. Metcalf received his education in the schools of Grand
Rapids and Battle Creek, to which latter city he was brought by his
parents when eleven years of age, and in 1880 entered the employ of the
Upton Manufacturing Company.     When that company removed its
plant to Port Huron, he accompanied the force, but after one and onehalf years returned to Battle Creek and set up the first engine of the
Advance Thresher Company's manufacture, having returned for that
purpose. He continued with the Advance Thresher Company for about
two years, and then enlisted his services with what was then known
as the Battle Creek Machinery Company, but which later became the
Battle Creek Steam Pump Company, and is now known as the American Steam Pump Company, manufacturers of Marsh and American
steam pumps and woodworking machinery, and one of the largest concerns of Battle Creek. He has been the mechanical engineer for this
company since 1896, and has established and maintained a far-reaching reputation in his chosen field of endeavor. A stalwart Republican,
he has been a member of the board of public works for nearly two years,
and at the present time is acting as secretary of that body. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and fraternally
is connected with A. T. Metcalf Lodge No. 419, of Battle Creek, which
lodge was named for his uncle Abraham T. Metcalf; has attained the
chapter degree, and also holds membership in the Elks.
On June 20, 1888, Mr. Metcalf was married to Miss May Howe,
who was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, daughter of Chester D. and
Sarah E. (Fonda) Howe. Chester D. Howe, who was a well known
contractor and builder and highly esteemed citizen of Battle Creek
for thirty-two years, was born April 10, 1825, at Springwater, Livingston county, New York. At the age of twenty-four years he was
united in marriage with Miss Eunice M. Dake, who died June 19, 1852,
and some three years later, in the spring of 1855, Mr. Howe came to
Battle Creek. Here he continued to reside until his death, March 23,
1887, when his community lost an honorable and upright citizen, his
many acquaintances a warm-hearted friend, and his family a kind,
generous and indulgent father. On November 26, 1857, he was married to Sarah E. Fonda, who was born in Bellevue, Michigan, February 28, 1835, daughter of William C. and Lauretta Fonda. She removed with her parents to Pennfield when two years of age, and there
resided until her marriage to Mr. Howe, and from that time lived in
Battle Creek until her death, December 15, 1896. She was a devoted




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H1STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


member of the Presbyterian church, having made that her place of
worship for thirty-three years, and possessed a beautiful Christian
character, being much beloved by all her friends and associates. She
selected the text for the pastor, Rev. W. S. Potter, which she wished
to be used at her funeral: "Thanks be to God Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Mr. and Mrs. Howe were both
buried at Oakhill cemetery. They were the parents of two children:
May and Ida M.
To Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf there have been born four children: Howard Howe, May 14, 1889; Harold Chester, June 13, 1890; Earl Foster, September 3, 1891; and Mildred Ida, born November 1, 1892, all
in Battle Creek. All the boys are graduates of the Battle Creek High
school. Howard attended the University of Michigan, taking a twoyear course in the engineering department, and is now draughtsman
for the American Steam Pump Company. Harold Chester, who has
charge of the business office of the Battle Creek Journal, graduated
from  high school in the class of 1909, and in the fall graduated
from the Michigan Business and Normal College. Earl Foster, who is
with the office force of the Michigan Carton Company, of Battle Creek,
was a fellow student with his brother both in high school and college.
Mildred M. is now attending St. Mary's College at Monroe, Michigan.
The members of this family are widely known throughout Battle Creek
and are general favorites in the social life of the city.
SAMUEL STEVENS, M. D. The world instinctively and justly renders
deference to the man whose success in life has been worthily achieved,
who has attained a competence by honorable methods, and whose high
reputation is solely the result of preeminent merit in his chosen profession. We pay a deservedly high tribute to the heroes who on the
bloody battlefields of war win glorious victories and display as much
courage and skill as are required to wage the bloodless conflicts of civil
life. Especially in the arduous career of a physician are required all
the qualities which go to -make the ideal soldier-courage, daring, selfcontrol, and the keen judgment necessary to make an instant decision
when life itself is at stake. Absolute indifference to physical comfort as
contrasted with his duty, combined with a hardy frame and a complete
knowledge of his profession; these they must have in common, but the
physician must add to all these the divine gift of sympathy and a personal magnetism which often does more for his patients than medicine.
A man who represents in his personality all those qualities which go
to make up the ideal physician is Dr. Samuel Stevens, whose birth occurred in Cass county Michigan, June 15, 1868. He is the son of D. W.
and Elizabeth (Hultz) Stevens, the former a native of Port Byron,
New York and the latter of Cass county, Michigan. The father, who
is a veteran of the war between the states, has devoted his life to the activities of an agriculturist ever since the close of the war and is at present living on his farm in Cass county. The worthy wife and mother
passed to the Great Beyond in May, 1903. The father, who was living
in the Empire state at the outbreak of the Civil war, enlisted in Battery L of the New York Heavy Artillery as a volunteer and served for
over two years, seeing much active service. He and his wife were the
parents of six children, two being sons and four daughters. Dr. Stevens is the eldest member of the family and the only one residing in
Calhoun county.
For his preliminary education, Dr. Stevens is indebted to the district schools of his locality and he subsequently entered the high school




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


685


of Vandalia, Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class
of 1888. Upon making the decision as to his life work he entered the
medical department of the Illinois State University and in 1894 received his well-earned degree from the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Chicago. By no means of the type which is content to "let
well enough alone" Dr. Stevens has subsequently taken a good deal of
post-graduate work, among the institutions which he selected as an
assistance to his keeping step with modern progress being the Chicago
Polyclinic, the New York Polyclinic, the New York Hospital, the New
York Skin & Cancer Hospital and St. Bartholomew's clinic. He has also
attended clinic at Grant Hospital of Columbus, Ohio, and Harper Hospital Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Stevens began his practice in Keeler, Van Buren county, Michigan, and he went thence to Dowagiac, Michigan; after a short period he
removed to Kalamazoo, where he engaged successfully in practice, and
in October, 1908 he came to Battle Creek, where he has received general
recognition for ability of high order and where he has built up a lucrative practice. He does a general practice and has also followed the
tendency of the age toward specialization, those diseases to which he has
devoted a particular amount of study being rectal, skin and genito
urinary diseases.
Dr. Stevens is a public spirited citizen, being helpfully interested
in all causes likely to redound to the welfare and progress of the whole
community. He is independent in politics, in that he ever endeavors to
discover and support the best man and the best principle. He owns
a considerable amount of property, both here and in Kalamazoo and
has other interest of importance. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Battle Creek, Michigan.
Mrs. Stevens was previous to her marriage Miss Ruby Pearl Berger,
of Klinger Lake, St. Joseph county, Michigan. She was born and
reared in that locality and is a graduate of the White Pigeon high school.
In the family are two children, namely: Lola E., now teaching music
in Fresno, California; and J. Harold, with the Pennsylvania Railroad
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The attractive Stevens' residence is situated at 520 Lake avenue, while the subject's office is in the Tacoma
Block.
WILLOUGHBY L. GODFREY, M. I). The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved and whose
prominence is not the less the result of an irreproachable life than of
natural talents and acquired ability in the field of his chosen labor.
Dr. Godfrey occupies a position of distinction as a representative of
the medical profession at Battle Creek and the best evidence of his
capability in the line of his chosen work is the large patronage which
is accorded him. It is a well known fact that a great percentage of those
who enter business life meet with failure or only a limited measure
of success. This is usually due to one or more of several causessuperficial preparation, lack of close application or an unwise choice
in selecting a vocation for whieh one is not fitted. The reverse of all
this has entered into the success and prominence which Dr. Godfrey has
gained. His equipment for the profession was unusually good and he
has continually extended the scope of his labors through the added
efficiency that comes from keeping in touch with the marked advancement that has been made by the members of the medical fraternity in
the last third of a century. Since 1876 Dr. Godfrey has been engaged
in the practice of medicine at Battle Creek and the vears have told the
tale of an unusually successfully career, due to the possession of innate




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


talent and unusual ability along the line. of one of the most helpful
professions to which one can devote his energies.
D'r. Willoughby Lyman Godfrey was born just three miles south of
Battle Creek, in Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, Michigan, on
the 25th of April, 1852. He is a son of Lyman and Laura Jane (Carr)
Godfrey, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter
of whom was a native of New York. Lyman Godfrey was a child of
seven years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Michigan.
His father built the first log house in Battle Creek township and as it
was a large one many of the old pioneers spent their first days and
nights therein.  Grandfather Godfrey started the first brickyard in
Calhoun county and after Lyman grew to manhood he purchased it
and ran it for a number of years. He married Laura Jane Carr in
Battle Creek township about the year 1835; she came to Michigan with
her parents when she was a little girl. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Godfrey
became the parents of four boys and four girls, all of whom are living,
in 1912, except a daughter who died at the age of three years and a
son who died in his tenth year.
The eldest child in a family of eight, Dr. Godfrey, of this notice,
was reared to adult age and obtained his preliminary educational training in the district schools of Calhoun county. Subsequently' he attended the public schools of Battle Creek and in 1873 he was matriculated as a student in the University of Michigan, in the medical department of which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1876.
He initiated the active practice of his profession at Battle Creek in
March, 1876, and here he has resided during the long intervening years
to the present time, in 1912. He controls an extensive patronage and
has achieved a wonderful amount of good along the line of his chosen
work. His office is at No. 2 East Main street. In his political convictions Dr. Godfrey is a stalwart Republican and he takes an active
interest in all matters projected for the good of the general welfare.
He was the first married man to become a member of the Athelstan Club
at Battle Creek and he is still affiliated with that organization.
March 3, 1881, at Battle Creek, was celebrated the marriage of
Dr. Godfrey to Miss Lettie L. Lock, a daughter of H. L. and Lorenda
L. (Kent) Lock, of Battle Creek. Mrs. Godfrey was born in the state
of Vermont and she received her education in Battle Creek, whither
she came with her parents about 1874. She was graduated in the Battle
Creek high school. Dr. and Mrs. Godfrey have no children.. Their
home is maintained at No. 60 Marshall street and the same is the center
of many attractive gatherings. Dr. and Mrs. Godfrey are accorded the
unalloyed confidence and esteem of their fellow citizens, who love and
honor them for their exemplary lives.
SAMUEL R. EATON, M. D. One of the able and representative physicians and surgeons of Calhoun county, Dr. Eaton is engaged in the
successful practice of his profession in the city of Battle Creek, with
office headquarters at No. 2 Main street, east, and with residence at
36 West Van Buren street. He is a native son of Michigan and a
scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of the state, besides which
both his paternal and maternal ancestors settled in New England in
the early colonial days.
Dr. Samuel Reed Eaton was born in the city of Detroit, Michigan,
on the 21st of November, 1863, at which time his father was at the
front as a soldier in the Civil war, the latter having not seen his son
until the future physician was one year old. Dr. Eaton is a son of
Alonzo and Frances E., (Reed) Eaton, the former of whom was born




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


687


in Washtenaw county, Michigan, and the latter in the city of Detroit,
from which statement it becomes evident that both families were founded
in the Wolverine commonwealth in the early pioneer days. Alonzo
Eaton became a popular and influential citizen of Detroit, where he
served as register of deeds of Wayne county for four years,-from
1868 to 1872. Thereafter he conducted a successful conveyancing and
real estate business in the Michigan metropolis, in which city he continued to maintain his home until his death, which occurred in the
year 1898. The mother of Dr. Eaton passed to the life eternal in 1867,
when he was a child of three years. At the inception of the Civil war
Alonzo Eaton promptly tendered his services in defense of the Union.
He enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in
which he became quartermaster's sergeant, under Digby Bell, who later
served as United States collector of customs at the port of Detroit. He
lived up to the full tension of the great conflict through which the integrity of the Union was preserved, was promoted to the office of first
lieutenant, took part in many important engagements and after being
captured by the enemy was held in Libby prison for a period of six
months. He ever retained a deep interest in his old comrades in arms
and was a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic for
many years prior to his death. His political allegiance was given to the
Democratic party.
The original progenitor of the Eaton family in America immigrated
from England in 1635 and first located at Watertown, Massachusetts,
this place having been the nucleus of the present city of Boston. Later
on settlement was made at Dedham, Massachusetts, and representatives of the name were closely identified with the development and
progress of the old Bay state. Dr. Eaton is a descendant, on the maternal side, of Rufus Blodgett, who was a patriot soldier in the Continental line in the war of the Revolution. The genealogy is briefly traced
herewith. Thomas Blodgett, the first of the family in America, was
born in England, in 1605, and in 1635, in company with his wife, Susanna, and their two sons, Daniel and Samuel, he came to the new
world, to become one of the early settlers of Massachusetts. The subject
of this review is descended from Thomas, the second son, and thence
through the latter's son Thomas. The next in line was Joseph and the
latter's son Joseph figures as the next in the ancestral line. Joseph
Blodgett, II, married and became the father of eleven children, all of
whom were born in Brimfield, Hampden county, Massachusetts, and of
the number Rufus was the great-grandfather of Dr. Eaton. Four of
the sons, including Rufus, were valiant soldiers in the war of the Revolution and each received an honorable discharge after the close of the
great struggle for independence. Solomon, one of the number, was
present at the surrender of General Burgoyne. A son of Samuel, another of the brothers, became the owner of a large estate on the site of
the present city of Washington and there he erected the first house.
He invested ten thousand dollars to assist in the erection of the original
capitol and White House. Rufus Blodgett was born July 19, 1761,
and died on the 8th of January, 1828. On the 17th of January, 1788,
he wedded Bathsheba Hubbard. who was born November 22, 1762.
They reared several children, and their daughter Fanny married Samuel Reed, who died in December 25, 1851, he having been one of the
early settlers of southern Michigan.  Samuel and Fanny (Blodgett)
Reed became the parents of two children, George Clark and Frances
Eliza. On the 8th of October. 1859, was solemnized the marriage of
Frances Eliza Reed to Alonzo Eaton. and they became the parents of
two children,-Glendora Frances, who is now the wife of William E.
Vol. II-G




688


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Fenwick, of Bisbee, Arizona, and Dr. Samuel Reed Eaton, who is the
immediate subject of this sketch. Touching the agnatic ancestry it
may further be stated that John Eaton and his wife, Abigail (Damon)
Eaton, set sail on the ship "Elizabeth and Ann," from England, in
1635 and landed at Watertown (now Boston), Massachusetts, whence
they removed to Dedham in 1837, these having been the founders of
the American family of which Dr. Eaton is a representative.
Dr Eaton is indebted to the public schools of the Michigan metropolis for his early educational discipline and at the age of twenty years
he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railway Company. Through
faithful and effective service he won promotion, and from 1891 to
1896 he held the position of traveling freight agent for this great corporation. In the meanwhile he had formulated plans for a career of
broader usefulness, and in the autumn of 1896 he accordingly entered
the medical department of the University of Michigan, in which he completed the prescribed curriculum and was graduated as a member of
the class of 1900. After thus receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine he came forthwith to Battle Creek, where he has since been engaged in active general practice and where he has built up a large
representative professional business, based alike on. his technical ability
as a physician and surgeon and his personal popularity as a citizen of
loyalty and public spirit. He is identified with the Calhoun County
Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. In politics the Doctor is aligned as a staunch advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and he
and his wife hold membership in the Independent Congregational church
of'Battle Creek. Here also he is a member of the Athelstan  Club, and
is affiliated with the local camp of the Modern Woodmen of America as
well as with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free and Accepted Masons.
On the 16th of June, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Eaton
to Miss Mary Ione White, who was born in Ohio, where she received her
rudimentary education, and who was seventeen years of age at the time
of the family removal to Shepherd, Isabella county, Michigan. After
completing the curriculum of the public schools in that village she
took a course in the University of Michigan school of Music, and she
thus developed most effectively her fine musical talent. She is a daughter of Benjamin J. White, who is one of the representative business
men of Shepherd, Michigan. Dr. and Mrs. Eaton have two children,
-Frances Fay and Margaret Pauline.
PETER HOFFMASTER was born October 28, 1837, and died at Battle
Creek December 31, 1901. He was one of the builders of business and
civic leaders of Battle Creek, and to the generation that knew him and
his work a review of his career is hardly necessary. None of the citizens of the last century deserve a higher place in the history of Battle
Creek, and to the present generation his life and services have an intrinsic value and interest.
In business the chief monument to his enterprise is the establishment at 17-19-21 Main street West, known throughout this vicinity as
P. Hoffmaster Sons. Co. Limited. With considerable mercantile experience but small capital Mr. Hoffmaster came to Battle Creek in
1872 and with Charles Austin as a partner established the first exclusive
dry-goods store in the town. A room at 19 Main street, on part of the
site still occupied, was the place of beginning and the stock was not
remarkable in quantity or variety. But the personalities behind it gave
the business the impetus of a growing concern and in a short time
their trade was of a reliable and profitable character. Half of the




soft —,
tv 0 -







HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


689


store room at 21 Main street provided the first quarters for expansion,
and it is noteworthy that this was the first double store in Battle
Creek. Both the partners had sons whom they desired to take into
the business, and to make this possible it was decided to dissolve the
partnership, Mr. Hoffmaster buying the other's share in the business
at that location. He then started his sons as clerks and made their
promotion depend on the capability of their performances.
During the thirty years in which the business has been conducted
under the Hoffmaster name its prosperity has never decreased.  The
original enterprise was broadened by the addition of other mercantile
departments, and though always at the same site the quarters were extended to meet the demands of stock and trade. Thus was created
what justifies the honor of being the first large department store in
Battle Creek, although it has not included the varied stocks of a general
department house.
Up to the time of his death Mr. Hoffmaster was the creating and
energizing spirit of this enterprise, and the business policy which he
inaugurated has always been maintained through the changing conditions of modern trade. A foremost merchant, he was also identified
with other affairs in his city. He served as treasurer of the Home
Savings & Loan Association, was a director of the Merchants Savings
Bank, was a trustee of Kalamazoo College, and was vice president of
the Wequetonsing Resort Association at Traverse Bay, where he had
a beautiful summer home in which during his latter years he spent
two or three months each v(or'
Peter Hoffmaster was born in Poland township, Mahoning county,
Ohio, a son of Gottlieb and Susannah    (Eholtz) Hoffmaster.   The
family, which came from Germany early in the last century, was established in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1817, by George Frederick Hoffmaster, the grandfather. Gottlieb, the father, was born at
Fellbach, Wuertemberg, April 3, 1809, and was eight years old at the
time of the emigration. In 1823 the family removed to Mahoning
county, where he grew to maturity. In 1832 he married Susannah
Eholtz, and they continued to reside in Mahoning county for twentytwo years. In 1854 they came to Allegan county, Michigan, settling at
Hopkins. Here the wife passed away on June 17, 1878. Gottlieb Hoffmaster attained a great age. At his death, which occurred in Allegan
county, March 21, 1903, he was very nearly ninety-four years old.
The third in a family of seven, Peter Hoffmaster spent his youth
on the home farm and received a fair common school education. A,
fondness for reading was one of the sources from which he received
not only practical benefit in business but also the breadth of view which
enabled him to look upon the world with vision of its greatness and
sympathetic judgment of its defects. Having worked at home until
he was of age, he then determined to begin a career in business. At
Wayland, in Allegan county, he obtained employment in a hotel, and
the two years there gave him much valuable experience. In 1859 he
became clerk in a dry-goods house of Kalamazoo, and nine years as an
employe gaye him the proficiency which he displayed afterward in independent management. With the senior partner of the store in which
he had been employed he then established a new store at Kalamazoo,
and did a successful business until his removal to Battle Creek in
1872.
For many years Mr. Hoffmaster was a member of the Baptist
church. served as trustee and deacon, and gave liberally for its support. His personal morality was as marked as his piety. He never
used tobacco or liquor in any form, and temperate habits were an in



690


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


tegral part of his character. His interest in young men led him to
many acts of helpfulness. At Kalamazoo he was one of the enthusiastic
supporters of the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was
a charter member, and he also aided in the organization of the association at Battle Creek.
Mr. Hoffmaster was married, Feb. 14th, 1861, to Miss Lavina Blodgett. The careers of their two sons, twins, are sketched in succeeding
paragraphs. On August 14, 1865, Mr. Hoffmaster married Miss Helen
MeGown. She was born in Battle Creek and was a daughter of Edward
and Elsie (Deuel) McGown. Her father, a millwright, first came to
Michigan in 1833, locating at Verona. He later returned to New York,
where on July 19, 1837, he was married, and brought his bride to the
new home he had made in the west. He was actively identified with
the early development of Battle Creek and vicinity. Mrs. Hoffmaster
gave a wealth of affection and care to her two step-sons, and reared
them from the time they were children. Her death occurred Oct. 30th
1905, and both she and her husband now rest' in Mountain Home
cemetery at Kalamazoo.
WILLIAM M. HOFFMASTER. The chairman of P. Hoffmaster Sons
Company Limited, the large dry-goods, carpet, cloak and suit store
whose history has been told in preceding sketches, is William M. Hoffmaster, one of the twin sons of the late Peter Hoffmaster. Besides
his important place as the head of this company, Mr. Hoffmaster is
closely identified with other business affairs of Battle Creek, and is a
citizen of influence and progressive ideals.
He was born at Kalamazoo, August 31, 1862. When he was ten
years old the family came to Battle Creek, where he attended the public
schools and the Ellsworth Business College. He and his brother were
closely associated even during their school days, and have worked together in most of their business undertakings. He entered his father's
business in 1883, three years later than his brother. He proved a
capable clerk and soon gained the confidence and dependence of his
father, eventually being admitted to partnership. He and his brother
managed the store for two years after his father's death, until 1903,
when the business was incorporated under the style noted above. Wil.
liam M. Hoffmaster was elected chairman of the company, and has
held that position ever since.
He was also one of the original stockholders in the Advance Pump &
Compressor Company and is interested in the Union Steam Pump Co.,
all of which are manufacturing enterprises of Battle Creek. Like his
brother, he has also helped promote the real estate development of the
city, and is the owner of considerable business property and residence
lots on which he has erected a number of dwellings.
As a citizen he has served on the local police commission and has
given support to all the worthy movements for the upbuilding and
welfare of his home city. He affiliates with the Knights of Pythias
and the Elks, is a member of the Athelstan Club and at the Country
Club takes his diversion in golf. He is also a director of the Wequetonsing Resort Association at Traverse Bay, where his father had his
summer home.    His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church,
where he attends. Mr. Hoffmaster was married October 30, 1895, to
Miss Mary Elizabeth Deno, daughter of Anthony Deno, of Bay City.
Their residence is at 217 Maple street.
RILLIE F. HOFFMASTER. Of the two sons of the late Peter Hoffmaster, the first to enter business was Rillie F., who is now treasurer




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


691


of the P. Hoffmaster Sons Co. Limited, the splendid mercantile establishment whose founding and growth have been sketched above.
Rillie F. Hoffmaster was born at Kalamazoo, August 31, 1862, and
has lived in Battle Creek since 1872, in which year his father began
business here. Most of his education was obtained in the city schools,
and later he attended the Ellsworth Business College. As it was his
father's policy that both sons should earn their advancement on their
own merit, Rillie F., began as a clerk in 1880 and worked with the
other employees until he had acquired all the details of merchandising. On the death of his father he and his brother became executors
of the estate for the other heirs. February 1, 1903, the, mercantile
business was incorporated under the name of P. Hoffmaster Sons
Company Limited, which was capitalized at seventy-five thousand dollars.  William  M. Hoffmaster was chosen chairman, R. F. became
treasurer, and Helen M. Hoffmaster secretary.  At the present time
the officers are the same except that F. O. Nickerson is secretary. As
the oldest dry-goods store in Battle Creek, it is also one of the largest
in this section of the state in extent and volume of its trade. It occupies three store rooms and the basement of the Opera House block, on
the same site where the elder Hoffmaster began business forty years
ago.
Besides his association with this establishment for over thirty years,
Mr. Hoffmaster has also been active in other lines, especially real estate. In 1899 he built the two-story brick at 85-87 West Main known
as the Hoffmaster block, and in 1903 he erected what is called the new
Hoffmaster block, a three-story business and office structure, at 79-81 -83 West Main street, being still owner of both these buildings. For
some years he has been a director in the Merchants Savings Bank, and(
in the Advance Pump & Compressor Company. Fraternally he is a
Knight of Pythias, is a member of the Athelstan Club, and a charter
member of the Elks lodge. His residence is at 219 Main street East.
Mr. R. F. Hoffmaster was married January 6, 1892, to Miss Helene
Schoonmaker, of Savannah, New York. Her parents, Depuy and
Bianca (Stiles) Schoonmaker, both belonged to old Dutch families of
New York state. She was born and educated at Savannah, and also
attended school in Syracuse. She is one of the active and liberal supporters of the Presbyterian church in Battle Creek. Four children
were born of their marriage. Peter, who was named for his grandfather. died in 1896 at the age of three years. The other children are
Louise, Florence and Helen, all born in Battle Creek.
THOMAS J. SrIPP. One of the most consistent and important functions of this publication i's to accord specific recognition to those families
whose names have been closely and worthily concerned with civic and
material development and upbuilding of Calhoun county, and thus there
is distinctive satisfaction in presenting within this volume a brief review of the career of Thomas J. Shipp, who is a native of the county and
a member of a family that was here founded in the early pioneer days.
He has long been numbered among the substantial agriculturists and
stock-growers of Eckford township, which has been his home from his
boyhood days, and there he is now the owner of a well improved farm
of one hundred and sixty acres. He is a man who has accounted well
as one of the world's productive workers and he has gained independence
and generous prosperity through his well directed endeavors, the while
he has so ordered his course as to merit and receive the unqualified confidence and esteem of the community in which he has lived from his
youth to the present time.




692


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In the city of Marshall, the judicial center of Calhoun county,
Thomas J. Shipp was born on the 17th of April, 1845, and it may well
be understood that the present attractive city was at that time a mere
village, though it was an important trading center and one of the leading towns of southern Michigan.  Mr. Shipp is a son of Joseph Shipp,
who was born in the town of Chipping-Sodbury, Gloucestershire, England, on the 28th of May, 1816, and whose father, William Shipp, was
there engaged in the milling and baking business. Joseph Shipp was
reared and educated in his native land and in 1832, when about sixteen
years of age, he severed the home ties and came to America. For a
period of about ten months after his arrival in the United States he
found employment in Chautauqua county, New York, and in 1833 he
went to Toronto, Canada, where he remained until the early part of the
following year, when he came to the territory of Michigan  and established his home at Marshall, the capital of Calhoun county. There he
engaged in buying and selling of live stock and he became one of the
prominent business men and influential citizens of the pioneer community with which he thus identified himself about three years prior to
the admission of Michigan to the Union. He had gained experience in
the bakery business in the establishment of his father and for a period
of about one year he was associated with Edward Bostwick in the
conducting of a bakery in the little village of Marshall. In 1841 he
returned to his old home in England, for a visit, and on the 13th of
March, 1842, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Saunders,
the sixth in order of birth of the children of Thomas and Ann (Smith)
Saunders, both of whom were natives of England, where the father was
superintendent of a large landed estate, until 1832, when he came to
America. Thomas Saunders found employment in the woolen mills at
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, during his first summer in the United States
and he then went to Chautauqua county, New York, where he entered
into negotiations for the purchase of land, but he was drowned on the
4th of December, 1832, while crossing Silver lake, that county, in a
canoe. He was twice married and the maiden name of his second wife
was Christiana Shipp. Within a short period after the tragic death
of her husband Mrs. Saunders returned to her old home in England
remaining a short time; she passed the residue of her life in Lansing,
Michigan, where she died aged ninety-six years.
Immediately after their marriage Joseph Shipp and his bride set
forth for America, and the voyage was made on a sailing vessel of the
type common to that day. They arrived in the port of New York city
in June of that year, thence proceeded by boat to Albany, by canal to
Buffalo and then onward to Detroit, Michigan, by a vessel plying the
Great Lakes. From Detroit they proceeded with team and wagon to
Jackson and thence by stage to Marshall, where Mr. Shipp had previously established his home. Joseph Shipp secured three hundred
and twenty acres of land, in Eckford township, and finally removed
from Marshall to his farm, a very appreciable part of which he reclaimed from the forest wilds. He was one of the sterling pioneers of
Calhoun county, was a man of ability and inflexible integrity, and he
wielded no little influence in connection with public affairs in the pioneer
community: He attained to the venerable age of seventy-one years
and died on the old homestead farm, secure in the high esteem of all who
knew him. His wife is now at Homer, Michigan, with her daughter
Harriet.
Thomas J. Shipp gained his early education in the village schools
of Marshall and did not attend school after the removal of the family
to the farm, save for a period of two months, his age at the time of re



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


693


moval having been sixteen years. He assisted materially in the reclamation and other arduous work of the pioneer farmstead and in 1880 his
father divided the property and gave him one hundred and sixty acres
of the same, though he assumed in the connection an appreciable indebtedness. About ninety acres of the land had been cleared and made
available for cultivation, and after erecting a modest house on the
place established his home therein, in June of the year mentioned. He
has developed one of the fine farms of Eckford township, has made the
best of improvement of a permanent order, including the remodeling
and enlargement of his house and the erection of a large basement barn,
and he has for many years been known as one of the substantial and
progressive agriculturists and stock-growers of the county. He has
represented his township as a member of the county board of supervisors and was chairman of that body for some time, his effort having
ever been to further those public enterprises and measures which tend
to conserve the best interests of the county and its people. He cast
his first presidential vote for General Ulysses S. Grant, in 1866, and
has continuously remained a staunch and intelligent advocate of the
principles and policies of the Republican party. Both he and his wife
early became members of the Methodist church, and their ideal companionship continued for nearly thirty years, the gracious ties being
severed when the devoted wife and mother was summoned to eternal
rest, on the 22d of April, 1901, her memory being revered by all who
came within the sphere of her gentle influence.
On the 22d of November, 1871, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Shipp to Miss Frances S. Skinner, who was born in England and who
was four years of age at the time of her parents' immigration to Amer.
ica. She was a daughter of John Skinner, and the family passed the
first year in the state of New York, after which removal was made to
Calhoun county, Michigan, where Mr. Skinner became a substantial
farmer. Mrs. Shipp was reared and educated in this county and was
fifty two years of age at the time of her death. Of the three children
the eldest is Frank J., who is now general manager of the Dayton Last
Block Works, at Gaylord, Michigan; the second is Dr. W. Sam Shipp,
who is engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Battle
Creek and who is individually mentioned on other pages of this work;
and the youngest is Mary E., who is the wife of P. S. Davidson, of
Marshall. Frank J. was graduated in Albion College as a member of
the class of 1896, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and Mrs. Davidson completed her education in Kalamazoo College.
W. SAMUEL SHIPP, M. D. This representative physician and surgeon of Battle Creek is a scion in the third generation of a family whose
name has been prominently linked with the industrial and civic development of Calhoun county, where his grandfather, Joseph Shipp,
established a home in the early pioneer days. The Doctor is a son of
Thomas J. Shipp, who is one of the substantial farmers and sterling
citizens of Eckford township, this county, and a sketch of whose career
appears on other pages of this work, so that further details concerning
the family history are not demanded in the review here presented.
Dr. William Samuel Shipp was born on the old homestead farm,
in Eckford township, Calhoun county, Michigan, on the 22d of January, 1876, and after availing himself of the advantages of the district
schools he entered the high schools in the city of Marshall, where he continued his studies for some time. He thereafter finished preparatory
work and two years in Albion College. Within this period he served as a
clerk in the office of the secretary of state, at Lansing, his appointment




694


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


to this position having been made by Hon. Washington Gardiner, who
was at the time incumbent of the office of secretary of state of Michigan.
Dr. Shipp held this crelical position during a part of the years 1895
and 1896, when not pursuing his studies in college, and from June, 1898,
until September of the following year he remained on the home farm.
He then entered the medical department of the University of Michigan,
in which he completed the prescribed curriculum and was graduated in
June, 1903, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. After his graduation
he passed one year as interne in the university hospital and through the
wide and varied clinical experience there gained he the more thoroughly
fortified himself for independent professional work. In October, 1904,
Dr. Shipp opened an office in the city of Battle Creek, and here he has
since devoted himself zealously and effectively to the work of his profession, in which his success has been on a parity with his recognized
ability and his signal devotion to his chosen calling. He is essentially
one of the representative physicians and surgeons of the younger generation in his native county and through his character and services he has
added materially to the prestige of a name long honored in Calhoun
county. In politics he pays allegiance to the Republican party and he is
loyal and progressive in his civic attitude. He holds membership in the
Calhoun County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association. His office headquarters are in the
Arcade building, 49-51 West Main street, and he resides at 254 Calhoun
street. He and his wife are popular figures in the social life of their
home city, and here he is identified with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, as is he also with the lodge of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and that of the Knights of Pythias.
He is identified with the Athelstan Club andthe Country Club.
At Tecumseh, Lenawee county, Michigan, on the 28th of June, 1905,
Dr. Shipp was united in marriage to Miss Florence D. Temple, who
was there born and reared and who is a daughter of John S. and Helen
(Ide) Temple. Mr. Temple was engaged in the lumber business at
Tecumseh for a number of years and he is now devoting his attention
to agricultural pursuits and dairy farming, with a valuable landed estate
of three hundred acres, located in the vicinity of Tecumseh. Mrs. Shipp
was graduated in the Tecumseh high school, as a member of the class
of 1901, and thereafter attended the literary or academic department
of the University of Michigan for three years. Dr. and Mrs. Shipp have
a fine little son, Robert Temple, who was born on the 10th of November, 1908.
GEORGE B. FISHER. Beginning the battle of life for himself with
no armament for the conflict but his brawny arm, his skillful hand,
his ready brain and his determined spirit, George B. Fisher, one of
the leading farmers and livestock men of Fredonia township, Calhoun
county, has brought himself, by his tireless industry, business capacity
and good management to a condition of substantial worldly comfort
in a financial way, and one of high standing and general esteem as a
man and citizen wherever he is known.
Mr. Fisher was born in Pennsylvania on March 13, 1865, and reared
to the age of eleven years in that great hive of industry and universal
productiveness. He is a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Bane) Fisher,
also natives of Pennsylvania, the former born on March 12, 1824, and
the latter on February 6, 1829. In 1876 the family moved to this
state and located on a three acre tract of land in Eaton county, where
the father lived ten years. The closing years of their life were passed




HIISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


695


at the home of his son George, where he died in February, 1907. The
mother died in May, 1901.
They were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom are living. Of the whole number George was the eleventh in the order of
birth. His brother William was a valiant Union soldier during the
Civil war, going through the momentous and sanguinary conflict from
beginning to end, and seeing a great deal of active and perilous service. The father was a Democrat in his political faith and allegiance and
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in religious affiliation.
He attained the advanced age of eighty-three years, and died as he
had lived, held in high regard by all who knew him well enough to
understand and appreciate his genuine worth.
George B. Fisher attended the district schools in Eaton and Calhoun counties and completed in them the education he had begun in
his native state, where he also attended only a country school. At an
early age he was obliged by the circumstances of the family to seek
employment for his own support, and he found it as a hand hired by
the month on farms. This method of making progress he continued
until his marriage, then took charge of a farm on his own account. In
1892 he bought sixty acres of land, which was the nucleus of his present
fine farm of 382 acres, which his enterprise and skill as a farmer has
brought to its present advanced stage of cultivation and productiveness, and on which he has made all the improvements, erecting the commodious, imposing and convenient dwelling he occupies and all the outbuildings, fences and other works of construction on the place.
On this large acreage Mr. Fisher carries on a thriving general farming industry according to the most modern and approved methods of
tillage, conducting his work with such vigor and good judgment that
he makes every day of it tell to his advantage. Here he also has an
extensive business in raising and handling live stock, principally sheep
of good grades, of which he feeds great numbers every winter. In addition he buys and sells live stock extensively, and so great is his care
in every department and detail of his stock business that his output has
a high rank in the markets and his reputation as a breeder and stock
man is widespread and very good.
Mr. Fisher was married on March 21, 1888, to Miss Alice Skinner, a
daughter of John Skinner who was born in England and became a
resident of Eckford township in his young manhood. He passed the
remainder of his days in that township, after locating in it, all his years
being devoted to general farming and raising live stock, in both of
which he was very successful. At the time of his death he owned a
fine farm of 140 acres and other valuable property of various kinds.
Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have two children, their daughter Vera, who is
in school, and their daughter Bessie, who is at home. Both attend the
district schools. Their mother is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. The father is a Republican in political relations, active in public affairs and a man of influence in his township. He has served as
township treasurer, also director of the school district for the past fourteen years, not being desirous of public office and therefore not seeking
any. But he has always been loyal to his party and supports its principles and candidates in all the elections, township, county, state and
national, trying always, however, to aid in securing the nomination of the
best men on local tickets. He is essentially a self-made man in the commendable sense of the term, and his training in the hard but thorough
school of experience has made him wise to the needs of his locality and
energetic and intelligent in helping to provide them. He is regarded on
all sides as a representative and very-worthy and useful citizen.




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HIISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


EDWIN COLBY LEWIS. Of the younger members of the bar of Calhoun county, probably none have attained higher rank and a better class
of practice than Edwin Colby Lewis, who has been a resident of Battle
Creek since 1909. He came to this city to join Mr. Arthur B. Williams
in his large commercial and corporate law business. Since the retirement of the latter from the firm to become general counsel for the Postum  Cereal Company, Ltd., Mr. Lewis has succeeded to the general
clientage of the old partnership, which includes a number of the strongest financial and manufacturing institutions of the city..
Edwin Colby Lewis was born in Bryan, Texas, March 29, 1880. His
parents were Edwin C. and Katherine (Devine) Lewis, the former of
whom died about 1885 and the latter in June, 1904. The father, who
was a native of Northfield, Vermont, was an artist by profession, and
when the war broke out he enlisted from his home town in a Vermont
regiment. He was a.lieutenant of his company and later won the rank
of captain. After the enlistment of colored troops began, he served as
acting colonel of a colored regiment. At the close of his military experience, he lived for some years in the south, but when his son, Edwin C., was four years old, brought his family back to Waitsfield, Vermont, soon afterward. His wife, who was a southern woman, and whose
father and two brothers were killed in the service of the Confederate
army, was born at White Sulphur Springs, Virginia. She survived
her husband nearly twenty years and died at Detroit. There were
three children, the other two being: Robert E., of St. Johnsbury, Vermont; and Miss Katherine M., now living in New York City.
After his preparatory schooling at St. Johnsbury Academy, where
he was graduated in 1897, Edwin C. Lewis entered Yale College and
received his B. A. degree from that institution in 1901. For a year he
was engaged as teacher of mathematics at St. Johnsbury Academy, and
then taught for five years in the Detroit University school, a preparatory
school familiarly called the D. U. S. During the last three years there
he pursued his studies in the Detroit College of Law during the school
year and at the University of Chicago Law School during the summer.
His degree in law was obtained on graduation from the Detroit College, and he was admitted to the bar in 1907. Resigning his place in
the preparatory school he began practice in the office of the late Harlow P. Davock of Detroit, but after a few weeks he became associated
with the firm of Clark, Jones & Bryant of the same city. In February,
1909, he came to Battle Creek as already stated. The firm of Williams
& Lewis, whose offices were over the old National Bank, where Mr. Lewis
is still located, continued until April, 1911, at which date the senior
partner took up his present duties.
Mr. Lewis in politics is a Republican. He is a member and a director of the Athelstan Club, a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity. He
is a member of the Country Club and its secretary, and also holds memberships in the University and Boat Club at Detroit. He is a member
of Douglas Chapter of the law fraternity Phi Delta Phi at the University of Chicago and of the Phi Beta Kappa at Yale. His church
preference is with the Congregational, but he is not a member. Mr.
Lewis was married October 19, 1912, to Miss Grace Thompson, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Thompson, of Detroit, Michigan.
FRED C. GALE. A native of Calhoun county, Michigan, Fred Clayton Gale has here resided during practically the entire period of his
life time thus far. He is engaged in farming, in connection with his
father-in-law, on the beautiful Hall estate, located in section 11, Le



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY6


697


Roy township. This farm comprises two hundred and twenty-four acres,
is in a high state of cultivation and is recognized as one of the most
productive farms in the county.
Fred Clayton Gale was born in Battle Creek township, Calhoun
county, Michigan, December 26, 1887, and is a son of Richard and
Florence Amelia (Swart) Gale. The father was born in the city of
Melbourne, Australia, November 19, 1850, and he accompanied his
parents, Richard and Ann (Emery) Gale, to America in 1854, at which
time he was an infant of but four years of age. The Gale family first
located in New York, whence they came to Michigan about the year
1870. Location was made in LeRoy township, Calhoun county, where
the parents lived until their respective deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Gale became the parents of twelve children, of whom Richard, Jr., was
the sixth in order of birth. The young Richard was reared to maturity
in New York and a few years after his advent in Michigan, in fact,
on January 21, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Florence
Amelia Swart, a daughter of Walter J. and Mary (Pennypacker) Swart,
both of whom are now deceased. Four children were born of this
union, as follows: Ida is now Mrs. A. A. Cameron, of Battle Creek;
Olive G., also of Battle Creek; Mary Ann is the wife of Ray Fanning,
of Emmett, Michigan; and Fred C., the immediate subject of this review. Mrs. Gale was called by death on June 10, 1908. After his marriage Richard Gale, Jr., located on the Swart farm in LeRoy township
and he continued to work that estate for several years, at the expiration
of which he removed to Comstock, in the vicinity of which place he
was engaged in farming operations for two years following. He settled
on the DuBois farm in Battle Creek township and remained there for
eight years, after which he went to Emmett township, and in 1908 he
removed to Battle Creek, where he has since been engaged in buying
live stock and wool. Mr. Gale is a good citizen, broad-minded and liberal in his attitude toward the civic advancement of his community.
To the public schools of Emmett township Fred Clayton Gale is indebted for his early education, and as a youth he lived on his father's
farm, in the work and management of which he was an able assistant.
After his marriage in 1908, he and his wife settled on the Hall farm,
which comprises two hundred and twenty-four acres of land, and there
he and his father-in-law, Homer Hall, are engaged in diversified farming and the breeding of Holstein cattle, in both of which branches they
are very successful.
In politics Mr. Gale is a staunch supporter of the principles and
policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor. He has been
active in local politics, and in 1911 he was honored by his fellow citizens with the election to the officee of township treasurer. Mr. Gale
proved himself well able to handle advantageously the fiscal affairs of
the township, and is now serving his second term in the office of treasurer. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Gleaners.
On February 5, 1908, Mr. Gale was united in marriage with Miss
Eva Hall, who was born and reared in Calhoun county, and who is a
daughter of Homer Hall, a sketch of whose life appears on other pages
of this work, so that further information with reference to the Hall
family is not deemed necessary at this point. Mr. and MIrs. Gale are
the parents of one daughter, Dorothy, whose birth occurred on the 7th
of July, 1910.
GEORGE T. BULLEN takes unmistakable place todayas one of the leadiftg merchants of Albion. His inherent talent has brought him up from
humble circumstances through devious paths to a station of prominence




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and success, only attainable by one of his sterling qualities and singleness of purpose, and his experiences have with the passing years developed his character along lines of sincerity and integrity, while in
both his business and private life he has applied principles of living
that never fail to command respect and admiration.
A native son of Michigan, Mr. Bullen was born at Parma, Jackson
county, June 14, 1867, and is the son of George and Mary Ann (Height)
Bullen. They were natives of England, reared in Broughton, Huntingtonshire, and soon after their marriage they made their way to the
United States. After a short time in Ohio, they came to Jackson
county, Michigan, and located in Parma, where the father carried on
business as a farmer, stockman and butcher.   He was accidentally
drowned when his son George was a mere infant, leaving his widow
with six children. The mother survived him until 1891.
In the public schools of Parma George T. Bullen acquired such education as became his, spending his summer vacations in various employment. When he was sixteen years of age he came to Albion and
entered the service of McGinniss & Company, that being in 1883. The
following year he secured a similar position with E. M. Slayton & Company, with whom he remained for two years, and subsequently he spent
three and a half years with G. F. Bundy. After two months spent
with E. F. Mills & Company, Mr. Mills disposed of his interest in the
business to D. M. Galloway, a traveling salesman, and Mr. Bullen continued with the new firm as manager for two years, during the absence
of Mr. Galloway. On the expiration of that period he formed a partnership with C. S. Tucker under the firm style of Bullen & Tucker,
and they later purchased the dry goods business of W. B. Crane. The
partnership endured for two years, after which Mr. Bullen sold out,
severing his connection with the business on February 19, 1894. On
the 31st of March following he opened a new stock in the Eslow building on the corner of Porter and Superior street. Two years later he
moved across the street to the Dalrymple block, and enlarged his business
by adding a stock of cloaks and carpets. The business grew steadily and
after four years spent at that site, he purchased the S. M. Tuttle property, where for almost half a century a drug store had been conducted.
He improved and remodeled the building, making it into a three story
and basement building, and again increased his line of wares. In 1903,
still more room being required by the growing demands of his business,
he purchased the Brockway block at the corner of Erie and Superior
streets, which he has remodeled into a large and in every way modern
establishment. The store is thoroughly equipped with the best in modern accessories and is stocked with a large and carefully selected line
of dry goods, carpets, cloaks, suits and ladies' ready-to-wear of all kinds,
with housefurnishings in basement, and it is not too much to say that
not a finer store will be found in southern Michigan outside the city
of Detroit. The ever increasing volume of his trade has more than
justified the expenditures which he has from time to time felt called
upon to make in improvements, and they, in turn have brought him an
ever increasing patronage.
In Albion, Michigan, August 27, 1890, Mr. Bullen was united in
marriage with Miss Ella Young, daughter of John and Katherine Young,
old residents of Albion. Three sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Bullen,-Donald D., Ralph R., and George E., and a daughter, Katherine Mary. The family makes its home in the old Irwin homestead at
No. 103 Irwin avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Bullen are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Bullen is a member of the board of
trustees of the church, also. He is well advanced in Masonry, being




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


699


a member of Murat Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M.; Albion Chapter R.
A. M., and Marshall Commandery Knights Templar.       He is also a
member of Albion Lodge No. 57, Knights of Pythias, of which he is a
past chancellor, and he has been its representative to the Grand Lodge.
For a number of years Mr. Bullen has been a director and vice president of the Leisure Hour club and in 1902 was its president. For six
years he was a member of the board of education and for four years
acted as president of that body. Mr. Bullen is a Republican, but has
devoted himself exclusively to his business affairs, rather than give
himself over to office seeking, and in his well known character of an
earnest and conscientious man of business, his influence has been a
beneficial one in the affairs of the community, and his record as citizen
and private individual has been one well worthy of commendation and
approval.
GEORGE S. WOOLSEY. A prominent and influential agriculturist of
Calhoun county, George S. Woolsey was born in Marshall township, Calhoun county, February 29, 1840, and during his long and useful life
has been a dominant factor in promoting its interests. This township
is extremely fortunate in having been settled by  a remarkably enterprising, industrious and intelligent class of people, noteworthy among
the number having been the parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey.
The immigrant ancestor of Mr. Woolsey emigrated from England to
America in colonial times; he was of honored ancestry, being, without
doubt, a lineal descendant of Cardinal Woolsey, of world-wide fame,
although the line of descent has not yet been clearly traced. Mr. Woolsey's great-grandfather on the paternal side served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary war, losing his life on the battle-field. He left two sons,
the oldest, a lad of twelve years, subsequently going to New York City,
and Richard, who became the grandfather of George S. Woolsey.
Richard Woolsey was but seven years old when the news of his
father's death in the Revolutionary Army was received. Educated for
the ministry, he had charge of a Baptist church in Delaware county,
New York, for forty-two consecutive years. He subsequently bought a
farm in Seneca county, New York, and there spent the remainder of
his long life, being engaged in farming to some extent, although he
devoted much of his time to his Master's work, being a devout and faithful servant until the last.
Daniel Woolsey, father of George S., was born, March 5, 1808, in
Delaware county, New York, where he grew to manhood, and was educated. Moving with the family to Seneca county, he was there engaged
in agricultural pursuits for about five years. Coming to Michigan on
a prospecting tour in 1835, he took up a tract of wild land in Calhoun
county, paying the government price for it. Going back then to Seneca
county, New York, he remained there until the fall of 1836, when he returned to Michigan, shipping his goods to Detroit. He then started
for Calhoun county with horses, but was forced to trade the horses for
oxen, which could travel through mud and swamp much better than
the horses. Assuming possession of his land, which was located on
section eight, Marshall township. he built the typical log house of the
early pioneer, and in the years that followed cleared and improved a
productive farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he resided
until his death, June 27, 1887. In his earlier years Daniel Woolsey
was a Whig in politics, but was later a stanch supporter of the Republican party. Elected township supervisor in 1861, he served most creditably in that capacity for eight years, and during the Civil war he was
treasurer of the bounty fund. He joined the Baptist church when




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


700


twenty-two years of age, and was afterward a faithful memrber, serving as
a deacon for many years prior to his demise.
The maiden name of the wife of Daniel Woolsey was Juliana Shaffer. She was born in Colchester, New York, and died in Marshall township, Calhoun county, September 2, 1862. She was a daughter of Henry
Shaffer, a Michigan landholder, and was of German ancestry.
The fourth child in a family of six children, George S. Woolsey spent
his early years on the parental homestead, in Marshall township, and as
a boy assisted in the pioneer labor of hewing a farm from the forest, at
the same time enduring the hardships and privations incidental to
frontier life. He was given excellent educational advantages for his
times, attending first the district schools, later continuing his studies
in Tenney's select school, in Marshall, and at the age of sixteen years
entering Olivet Institute, as it was then known. At the end of a year
he had to leave college on account of failing eyesight, for three years
thereafter not being able to read even the newspapers, and until 1870
remained with his parents. In 1869 Mr. Woolsey bought one hundred
and eighty-five acres of land, on section thirteen, Marshall township, and
in the years that have since passed he has made improvements of a substantial character, including the erection of a fine residence, and substantial barns and outbuildings.
A leading member of the Republican ranks, MIr. Woolsey has been a
delegate to county and state conventions, and has filled various public
offices with credit to himself, and to the honor of his constituents. For
two or more terms he has served as township clerk and township treasurer; was township supervisor from 1880 until 1882; and county treasurer of Calhoun county two terms, from 1883 until 1887; and for many
years was a school officer. Always interested in everything pertaining
to the advancement of the farming interests, Mr. Woolsey was secretary
for five years of the Calhoun County Agricultural Society, and has served
that organization as a member of its executive committee, as a director,
and as its treasurer. For four years he was secretary of the Citizens
Mutual Fire Insurance Company; and for six years has been a director
and adjuster in the Michigan Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm
Insurance Company, which office he still holds.
Mr. Woolsey has been twice married. He married first, in 1867, in
Convis township, Martha Lamphier, who was born in Bloomfield, Newv
York, and came with her parents, Marcus and Susan Lamphier, to Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1857, settling near Albion. Two years later
Mr. Lamphier started for the gold regions, and died soon after his arrival
in California, in 1859. Mrs. Martha Woolsey passed to the higher life
February 15, 1890. To her and her husband eight children were born,
namely: Marcus Daniel, now a farmer in Marshall township on the same
farm his grandfather bought of the U. S. Government in 1835; Freddie,
lived but eighteen months; Edgar L., now deceased; Mary, also deceased;
Mabel, now the wife of Howard E. Pratt, of Oakland, California; Charles
Richard, of Vicksburg, Mich.; Edna, now the wife of Edwin Smith of
Concord, Mich.; and Ruth, who died in August, 1889, aged three years.
On October 7, 1890, Mr. Woolsey was united in marriage with Mrs.
Phebe (Hanchett) Dunham, who was born in Marengo township, Calhoun county, in 1840, a daughter of Caleb and Esther (Miller) Hanchett, and widow of Henry E. Dunham, a talented artist, who was born
and bred in Vermont, and died in Michigan in 1882. By her marriage
with her first husband; Mrs. Woolsey became the mother of four children,
namely: Edwin C. Dunham, for many years an engineer and conductor
on the Chicago and Alton Railroad, and now living retired at Glens
Falls, New York; Lillian, who became the wife of Dr. I. W. Houston, of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


701


Marshall; Charles S., a farmer of Marshall; and Montgomery H. Dunham, of Chicago.
Mr. Woolsey has been identified with the Baptist church for many
years, serving both as a deacon and as a member of its Board of Trustees.
HENRY RANDT. Among the prominent citizens of Newton township, Calhoun county, Michigan, Henry Randt commands to an enviable
degree the respect and esteem of those familiar with his career, and by
his own energy and well directed efforts he has gained for himself a
place on the roster of the county's representative farmers and stockgrowers. He has also entered actively into the public life of his community, giving of his ability and energies toward the upbuilding of
this section of Calhoun county, and at the present time is a member
of the town board.
Born in Buffalo county, New York, on the 15th of October, 1859,
he comes directly of German lineage, both of his parents having been
natives of the Fatherland. About 1849 or 1850 Henry Randt, the father,
immigrated to this country and settled on a farm in New York, where
he also worked by the day and month for others. Then in 1865 he came
to Emmett township, Calhoun county, Michigan, bought a farm, and
continued to reside on it until 1902, when he removed to Ceresco and
later died there. His parents also had come to Calhoun county and
continued their residence here until their deaths. The parents of Elizabeth Hagelshaw, his wife, also were natives of Germany and spent
their entire lives in the land of their birth.
The immediate subject of this review received his education in the
public schools of Emmett township. When he began life for himself
it was as a farm hand working by the month; later he took up carpentering and followed the trade for fifteen years. He is now established
as one of the foremost agriculturists of his township, owns a fine tract
of 129 acres that is well improved, and believes thoroughly in the use
of advanced methods in farming, his own attractive property giving
ample evidence of his progressive attitude in this respect. He is strongly
in favor of the good roads movement.
The first marriage of Mr. Randt took place on May 29, 1890, and
united him to Miss Sylvia Lewis, a daughter of John Lewis, who was
one of the early settlers and thrifty farmers of Newton township. To
this union were born three children, Doris, Donald and Dean, all of
whom are at home. The wife and mother died in 1904, a worthy member of the Protestant Methodist church. In 1909 Mr. Randt took as
his second wife Eva Luke, a daughter of John Mead, who was a farmer
and lumberman in his native state of New York.
In political affairs Mr. Randt has always supported the Republican party. He has served as school commissioner of his township,
as a justice of the peace, and for two terms as town treasurer, being
now a member of the town board. He has been a successful man in
a material sense, and what is of infinitely more value, has so lived
that he commands the respect of his fellow men as a citizen of honor
and true worth.
JAMES HARVEY HUGGETT is one of the estimable farmers of Penfield township in Calhoun county, whose quiet, well-ordered life is
truly representative of that great and worthy class of American citizens whose material products are so necessary and whose characters
are so substantial a part of our civilization. His parents were both
from the mother-country of England, where the father, Albert Huggett, was born in 1807 and the mother, Elizabeth Taylor, in 1812.




702


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


They came to America at the ages of twenty-one and eight respectively.
As years passed, Miss Taylor reached the age of maturity, her acquaintance with Mr. Huggett ripened into a closer bond and together
they founded the family represented by the subject of this brief biographical sketch. The home in which they lived for a number of
years was in New York state. In 1855 they came to Michigan where
they first located on a farm of eighty acres which Mr. Huggett purchased in Penfield township. After ten years they removed to the
property which is now owned, occupied and cultivated by the son who is
mentioned above.   Here Albert Huggett lived until his death in
1889, the same year in which occurred the demise of his wife. He is
remembered as a man of fine principles, one whose religious attitude
was most adequately expressed by the tenets of the Church of Dissenters, with which he was connected at Whitechapel, during the days of
his residence in England. He was a member of the order of Good
Templars in Battle Creek and adopted the political views of the Republican party.
While the home of the family was in Monroe county, New York, the
son was born who was named James Harvey Huggett. His systematic
mental development was that obtainable in the district schools of New
York state and of Penfield township, in the state of his latter youth.
His tastes were those of out-door life and of agricultural achievement.
He therefore remained with his father, first as his assistant, then as his
partner, until, as years passed, he became his successor.
James H. Huggett chose as the domestic companion of his earthly
years Miss Cornelia Hackett. Her parents were George W. Hackett of
Penfield township and Maria Gibbs Hackett, a native of Lenawee
county, Michigan; the former was born December 6, 1825, and died
May 13, 1906, the latter's natal day being January 28, 1835, and the
date of her death, August 11, 1878. Miss Hackett became Mrs. Huggett
on the 6th of December, 1873. In the years of their life together James
and Cornelia Huggett have become the parents of five carefully reared
children. The eldest, Francis M., is a fireman at Station Number Three,
Battle Creek; his wife was formerly Miss Verna Bertha Confer. Daisy
Mae Huggett became Mrs. John Davis and resides at Level Park in Calhoun county. Harvey J. Huggett married Ethel Hilton and is also a
resident of Level Park. The two youngest memberes of the family,
Stephen A. and Reuben A., are still members of the parental household
on the homestead farm.
The brothers and sisters of Mr. Huggett include the following: Albert John, whose life is given extended account in the biography of
Harry Huggett; Charles C. Huggett of Olympia, Washington, second
brother; Agnes Lucinda, who is Mrs. John Smith of Dundee, Michigan;
and Anson Mortimer, of Bellevue.
Mr. Huggett is a member of the M. E. church and a Republican.
He is not a man who is desirous of holding public office, but has been
a faithful member of the school board of his district. Throughout his
entire life he has followed the plow and conducted the time-honored operations of general farming. His well-kept farm occupies eighty acres.
ASA C. MCCURDY, M. D. With office in the Butcher building, at 30
West Main street, and residence at 445 E. Main street, Dr. McCurdy is
engaged in the successful practice of his profession as one of the representative physicians and surgeons of the younger generation in his native
city of Battle Creek, where he was born on the 12th of June, 1886. His
professional ability and personal popularity are well attested by the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


703


consecutive expansion of his practice, which is of substantial and representative order, and he is properly accorded specific recognition in this
history of his native county.
Dr. McCurdy is a son of William    D. and Elizabeth (Arnold)
McCurdy, the former of whom was born at Port Hope, province of Ontario, Canada, of staunch Irish lineage, and the latter of whom was born
at Marcellus, Cass county, Michigan, where their marriage was solemnized in September, 1883. William D. McCurdy was reared and educated in his native province and as a young man he came to Michigan,
where he was continuously identified with railroad activities until the
time of his death. He was employed in the shops of the Grand Trunk
Railway at Battle Creek for a number of years and eventually became
a locomotive engineer. He was engineer on a limited passenger train
between Battle Creek and Chicago at the time when his life's labors
ended, and was a most valued, efficient and trusted employe of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway Company, his service as a passenger engineer having been initiated in 1893, at the time of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, when extra train service was instituted over the lines
of the Grand Trunk. Mr. McCurdy's death occurred at the Nichols
Memorial Hospital, in Battle Creek, on the morning of May 7, 1912,
after an illness of but three weeks' duration. He was one of the most
prominent engineers in the employ of the Grand Trunk and was very
popular among his wide circle of friends. He was a man of sterling
character and most buoyant disposition, and was generous and considerate, and won the high regard of all with whom he came in contact.
He was affiliated with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Order of Moose; was a
Republican in his political allegiance, and held membership in the First
Methodist Episcopal church of Battle Creek, of which his widow likewise is a devout adherent. He established his home in Battle Creek in
1880, and here continued to reside until his death. Of the three children
Dr. Asa C. of this review, is the eldest; Anna E. remains with her
widowed mother, as does also William A.. who is in attendance at Battle
Creek schools.
Dr. MeCurdy gained his early educational discipline in the public
schools of Battle Creek and was graduated in the high school as a member
of the class of 1904. He then entered the medical department of the
University of Michigan, in which celebrated institution he was graduated
in 1908 and from which he received his well earned degree of Doctor of
Medicine. In order to fortify himself further for the active and exacting duties of his chosen vocation he thereafter passed one year as house
physician in the Erie County Hospital, in the city of Buffalo, New York,
where he gained valuable clinical experience. During the following
year he held the position of assistant surgeon for the Lackawanna Steel
Company, at Lackawanna, New York, and he then returned to Battle
Creek, where he initiated the active practice of medicine and surgery on
the 1st of July, 1910. He is recognized as a specially skilful surgeon
and is a close and appreciative student of the best in the standard and
periodical literature of his profession. He holds membership in the Calhoun County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society and
the American Medical Association, besides which he is affiliated with the
Phi Beta Pi medical fraternity, with which he became identified while
a student at the University of Michigan. He holds membership in the
local organizations of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the
Order of Moose, is a Republican in his political proclivities, and resides
with his mother in the attractive family homestead, at 445 E. Main street.
Vol. II-7




704


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


NEWTON E. RETALLICK. A busy, useful and eventful career has been
that of this well known citizen and substantial business man *of Battle
Creek, where he conducts a large and prosperous enterprise in the handling of all kinds of real estate and as representative of a number of the
leading insurance companies doing business in Michigan. His is one of
the most extensive and prosperous insurance agencies in Calhoun county,
and he also maintains a department for the extension of financial loans
on'approved real estate security. Through thorough knowledge of his
chosen lines of endeavor he has won distinctive precedence and success
and he is now recognized as one of the leading real estate and insurance
men of his home county, where he has secure place in popular confidence
and esteem. He has been a resident of Battle Creek for more than
thirty years and is a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of the
Wolverine state.
Mr. Retallick was born on a farm in Climax township, Kalamazoo
county, Michigan, on the 3d of June, 1857, and is a son of John Truscott
Retallick and Hilinda (Newton) Retallick, who were numbered among
the early settlers in that township, where the father became a prosperous
agriculturist and stock-grower. He continued to be identified with these
*great basic industries throughout his entire active career and was sixtynine years of age at the time of his death, which occurred with but slight
premonition, in March, 1904, in the court house at Marshall, the judicial
center of Calhoun county, where he had accompanied his son Newton E.,
of this review, for the purpose of transacting certain business.  Six
children, three sons and three daughters were born of this union. The
mother is living in Climax Village and her age is seventy-five years.
Newton E. Retallick was reared under the invigorating discipline of
the home farm, where he early learned the lessons of practical industry,
and in the meanwhile he duly availed himself of the advantages of the
common schools of the locality and period. He was an appreciative student and made good use of his opportunities, as is shown by the fact that
when nineteen years of age he proved himself eligible for pedagogic honors. During five winter terms he was a successful teacher in the
district schools, a portion of the time in Kalamazoo county and the remainder in Calhoun county. In the spring of 1881 he was elected township superintendent of schools of Climax township, Kalamazoo county,
and in that year he assisted in the election of the first county superintendent of schools for that county, under the new laws of the state, the incumbent for the first term having been chosen by the township superintendents and later elections having been of popular order. After serving
as township superintendent for somewhat less than one year Mr. Retallick
resigned his office, and assumed the position of brakeman on the Chicago
& Grand Trunk Railway. Under these conditions he removed his family
to Battle Creek in September, 1881, and here he has since maintained his
home. After serving as brakeman for eighteen months Mr. Retallick
was promoted to the position of conductor of a freight train, and after
holding this position nearly two years he abandoned railroad work and
became agent for the underwriting of life and accident insurance. A
year later he engaged in the grocery business on East Main street, Battle
Creek, and though he soon adopted an exclusively cash policy, in the face
of dire predictions on the part of his friends and other business men, he
made the enterprise a profitable one under this system. He retired from
the retail grocery trade after a period of three years and accepted a position with the Canada & St. Louis Railroad, whose line is now known as
the Battle Creek division of the Michigan Central Railroad. At the
expiration of ten months he again entered the.service of the Grand
Trunk Railroad and was soon given the position of conductor, in which




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


705


he continued to serve for twelve years, his last trip having been made
in April, 1902. He was in a number of railway wrecks during his long
period of careful and effective service, and on two occasions he narrowly
escaped death. In 1899 he was in a serious collision at South Bend, Indiana, the patent couplers on his train having pulled apart when the train
was running at a speed of fifty miles an hour, and the rear end of the
train having crashed into the front section. He was on the steps of a
coach in the rear section and in the impact was rendered unconscious
and reported killed. He did not regain consciousness for two and onehalf hours and when his wife arrived on the scene the next day she did
not expect to find him alive.
While still actively identified with railway work Mr. Retallick began
making a special study of insurance business in all lines, and in April,
1902, he again turned his attention to this field of enterprise, in which
his success has been unqualified and substantial. He is agent for the
following named life-insurance companies: The Old Line Bankers' Life
Insurance Company, of Lincoln, Nebraska; the Wisconsin National Life
Insurance Company, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; the Aetna, of Hartford,
Connecticut; and the American Surety Company, of New York. He is
the only agent in Battle Creek who does insurance underwriting on live
stock, and in this line he represents the National Live Stock Insurance
Company, of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also local agent for the following named fire and accident companies: Fireman's Underwriters, of
Newark, New Jersey; Northwestern National, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
Glens Falls, of New York; National Ben Franklin Lumber Insurance
Company, of New York; and the Continental Casualty, of Chicago. It
is probable that few if any other insurance agents in Michigan have contracts with a larger number of companies than has Mr. Retallick. He
further is agent for the New Jersey Plate Glass Insurance Company and
the Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland, each of which give insurance against burglary on banks, residences and other properties, and the
former indemnity on general accidents to plate glass.
In September, 1905, Mr. Retallick expanded the scope of his enterprise by engaging also in the real estate business, in which he formed a
partnership with Michael H. Vernon, under the firm name of Vernon
& Retallick. The alliance was dissolved on the 15th of February, 1909,
and Mr. Retallick has since conducted an individual enterprise in this
important department, his son being his effective assistant in the handling of the large volume of business of which he is the executive head.
He has never lacked in independence and self-reliance. Mr. E. P. Boggs
is the sales manager for Mr. Retallick. He has the most complete general
insurance office in the city and his real estate operations are of broad
scope, including the handling of both urban and farm property, the
renting of farms, residences, business places, and collection of rents. His
son, Eldred A. has general supervision of outside work in the insurance
department of the business, collection of rents, etc.
In politics Mr. Retallick gives his allegiance to the Republican party,
and while he has never been ambitious for public office his civic loyalty
has never been lacking, so that he proved a valuable member of the board
of aldermen of Battle Creek, to which he was elected in 1903, as representative of the Fifth ward. He was made chairman of the water-works
and sewer committee, and a member of the committees on bridges, public
lighting, and building inspection and permits. He proved a progressive
and valued member of this municipal body and served as alderman for
two years. He and his family are zealous members of the First Methodist Episcopal church in their home city and he has been a trustee of
the same for more than thirty years, besides which he served for some




706


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


time as classleader. Mr. Retallick has long been identified with the Order
of Railway Conductors, and he has filled nearly all of the offices in the
local division of the same, being its legislative representative at the time
of this writing, in 1912. He is also affiliated with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Modern Maccabees ajd the Independent Order of Foresters. Reverting to here to his connection with the
Order of Railway Conductors, it may be noted that in November, 1903, he
was elected chief conductor of Division No. 6, and, in company with his
wife he attended the convention of the grand division, at Detroit; as did
he later at Denver, Colorado, though he was not a delegate to the latter
assembly. He is the owner of valuable realty in Battle Creek, including
his handsome residence, at 251 Main street, east, and the substantial
two-story brick business block at 247 Main street, east, the latter having
been erected by him in 1888.
On the 17th of October, 1878, at Climax, Kalamazoo county, was
solemnized the marriage of Mr. Retallick to Miss Eunice Ann Eldred,
who was born and reared in that county and who is a daughter of the late
John A. and Polly.J. (Peckham) Eldred. The former passed the closing
years of his life at Charleston township, Kalamazoo county, having
devoted his active career to farming. His widow resides in Battle Creek.
Mr. and Mrs. Retallick have two children, both of whom were born and
reared in Battle Creek. Edith Blanche, who was graduated in the high
school as a member of the class of 1903, is now the wife of Edward C.
Galloway, of Battle Creek; and Eldred Austin is associated with his
father in business, as has already been noted in this context.
Mr. Retallick is deeply appreciative of the manifold attractions of his
native land and has indulged himself and his family in extensive travel
in the various sections of the United States, believing it the proper
policy to "see America first." In 1889, in company with his wife and
daughter, he made an extended trip through the west, and they visited
the principal points of interest in Colorado, including Canyon City,
where the excursion party was tendered a fine banquet by the citizens.
Passing through and visiting the leading cities and towns of Utah and
Montana, as well as Washington and Oregon, Mr. Retallick and his wife
and daughter arrived in Seattle three days prior to the great fire which
swept that city. The journey included an interesting trip on Puget
Sound, and from Portland the party proceeded by the Mount Shasta
route to San Francisco and Sacramento. Returning to Portland, the trip
was made up the beautiful Columbia river, and then the return journey
came, with short visits in Nebraska and Iowa. Mr. Retallick and his
family were absent from home two months and traveled a distance of
eight thousand one hundred and fifty miles. Mr. Retallick visited the
Centennial exposition, in Philadelphia, in 1876, and incidentally made a
trip to Niagara Falls and to points of interest in Canada. In 1893,
accompanied by his wife and daughter, he attended the World's Columbian exposition, in Chicago, and about seven years later he and his
family made a trip to Niagara Falls and into Canada. In 1905 Mr. Retallick made another extended and most interesting trip through the west
and on this occasion he was accompanied by his wife, his mother and
his sister. They traversed the entire Pacific coast of the United States
and covered a distance of more than eight thousand miles, as had been
done sixteen years previously. Incidentally the party attended the
great exposition in the city of Portland, and the entire trip was one that
proved most interesting and profitable. Mr. Retallick fully appreciates
the broadening influence of travel, and has gained a wide knowledge of
his native land, so that his admiration for and love of the same have been
greatly intensified.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


707


WALTER THOMPSON BOBO, M. D. As a member of the medical profession Dr. Bobo early appreciated the advantage of concentration of powers
and efforts, and he has been consistently designated as a successful
specialist in the treatment of goitre, a disorder that has been a matter of
speculation, experimentation and study from the dawn of medical science
and one that has baffled the leading physiologists, diagnosticians and
medical surgical experts.
Dr. Walter Thompson Bobo is of southern stock, in both the paternal
and maternal lines, and he himself claims the Lone Star state as the
place of his nativity. He was born in Tarrant county, Texas, on a farm
about ten miles east of the city of Fort Worth, on the 31st of January,
1876, and is a son of Joel and Anna (Bell) Bobo, the former of whom
was born in Tennessee and the latter in Virginia, both families having
been founded in the beautiful southland of our national domain in the
pioneer days. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of Dr. Bobo
were numbered among the pioneers of Texas, and there the parents of
the doctor were married, his mother having been summoned to the life
eternal in 1889, when he was about thirteen years of age. His father,
who has for many years been engaged in agriculture and stock-growing
in the Lone Star state now resides at Fort Hancock, El Paso county, in
which vicinity he has an extensive ranch. His father settled in Texas in
the early pioneer days and was the founder of the town of Bedford,
Tarrant county. Joel and Anna (Bell) Bobo became the parents of six
children, of whom only two attained to adult age,-Dr. Walter Thompson, of this review, and Nora, who is now the wife of William F. Fitch,
of Bedford, Texas.
Dr. Bobo gained his earlier educational discipline in the village
of Bedford, Texas, and supplemented this by a course in the high school
in the city of Fort Worth, after which he pursued higher academic
studies in Mineral Wells College, at Mineral Wells, Texas. In preparation for the work of his chosen profession he entered that excellent institution, the Marion-Sims College of Medicine, which is the medical
department of the University of St. Louis, Missouri. In this college, as
a diligent and appreciative student, he completed the prescribed course
and was graduated as a member of the    class of 1898, with the Well
earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. On the 19th of April of the following year was accorded to him by his alma mater a special mark of
recognition, the same being a certificate of honorable mention for the
high degree of excellence in his examination for the degree of Doctor of
Medicine.
Immediately after his graduation Dr. Bobo came to Battle Creek and
became associated with the Dr. Peebles Institute of Health. In addition
to his interest in the Dr. Peebles Institute of Health, Dr. Bobo is a stockholder and director of the Hygienic Food Company, of Battle Creek,
manufacturers of the celebrated "Mapl-Flakes" and other products.
In politics he is a staunch Republican and he is a popular member of the
Athelstan Club and the Country Club, of which latter he was one of the
organizers.
On the 22d of June, 1906, Dr. Bobo was united in marriage to Miss
Kathryn V. Hollinger, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who was born in the
province of Ontario, Canada, and who completed her education at Sault
Ste. Marie, Michigan, where her father was a representative business
man. Dr. and Mrs. Bobo have a pleasant home at 31 College avenue
and are actively identified with the social life of their home city.
MOSES WIGHT WHEELOCK, who for more than twenty years was a
resident at Battle Creek and vicinity, where his memory is still held in




708


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


high respect and honor, was born in Greensboro, Vermont, December
2, 1808. Both he and his ancestors possessed those rugged qualities of
physical and moral character which are familiarly associated with the
colonial New England people, and it was the vigor and weight of his
personality as much as his achievements that gave the late Mr. Wheelock
such an influential place in this community.
His parents were Samuel and Betsey E. (Wight) Wheelock.     His
father, a farmer, moved with his family in 1814 to Athens township,
Bradford county,Pennsylvania, being attracted by the glowing advertisements of an English speculator and owner of large tracts of lands in
that state.  The father was a practical man and taught his son Moses
the habits of industry and frugality and of depending on his own efforts.
His first hard work was in helping his father clear the land of their
Pennsylvania home and fitting the soil for cultivation. The family included  eleven children,, eight sons and three  daughters, five sons,
Ephraiin, Elias, Moses, Samuel and Henry being born in Vermont, while
the remaining  six, Charles, Mary, Sarah, Harriet, Thomas and James,
were born in Athens township, Pennsylvania. All these reached maturity except Charles Wight, who died in 1814.
Moses Wheelock's grandfather Wheelock was a colonel in the Revolutionary war, and his grandfather Wight was a man of marked literary
attainments, inherited from his English ancestors, who came directly
with their name from the Isle of Wight. A very complete and exhaustive history of the Wight family has been compiled by William
Ward Wight, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, funds for the publication having
been furnished by Sarah Wight Wheelock, the maiden sister of the subject of this sketch. Miss Wheelock was the constant companion and helpmeet of her brother Moses, not only in their Pennsylvania home, where
Moses, by his industry and strict frugality acquired quite a fortune, but
also in their Michigan home until the time of her death.
After some years spent in clearing land and in farm work, Moses W.
Wheelock became interested in manufacturing, his operations along that
line including a grist mill, plaster mill, and later a woolen mill. These
were located in a small hamet known as Milltown, the water power being
furnished by a stream of water named Shepherd's creek from a family
of early settlers, the place now being a part of the railroad town of
Sayre, Pennsylvania.
Neither Moses nor Sarah Wheelock ever married. After accumulating what in earlier days was considered a good fortune, much of which
was made in the manufacture of woolen goods and army blankets during
the Civil war, Moses with his sister Sarah moved to Battle Creek in
1872. Having invested several thousand dollars in mortgages and loans,
while a resident of the state of Pennsylvania, where six per cent was the
legal rate of interest, with a penalty attached to a charge of a higher rate,
he yielded to the temptation to transfer his residence and loans to
Michigan, where a rate of ten per cent was permitted and easily obtained.
He was preceded one year by Simon Morley and family, a Pennsylvania
friend, who did much to influence his removal to Michigan,' advised him
in his Michigan investments and loans, and, as noted hereinafter, was a
pallbearer at the funeral of Moses Wheelock.
One of his first investments in Michigan was the purchase of a farm
on the old Marshall road, across the Battle Creek river just east of
Verona. To this by later purchases were added several adjoining tracts,
including the Waldo farm on the north, and what were later known as
the Chilson and Wade farms on the south, the whole tract comprising
some three hundred and sixty acres. The old homestead, of two hundred and fifty acres, at the death of Moses Wheelock came into the posses



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


709


sion of his nephew, Charles H. Wheelock, who was appointed administrator of the estates of both Moses and Sarah Wheelock. While the farsighted, fortunate real estate investor anticipated the purchase and use
of a portion of his farm by the Grand Trunk Railway Company for the
location of their shops, he did not live to see the consummation of these
anticipations. In 1904 something over one hundred and fifty acres off
the south end of the farm was sold to the Grand Trunk Railway Company, on which they have already located extensive railroad shops, one
of the largest and most important industries of the city of Battle Creek.
Later, in 1906, the north portion of the farm, on which are located the
Flowing Wells, was sold to the city of Battle Creek for a source of water
supply.
Moses Wight Wheelock was a man of firm religious convictions, and
with his sister Sarah was a member for years, until the end of his life, of
the Dutch Reformed church, later merged with the Presbyterian church.
They both retained their membership in the home church at Athens,
Pennsylvania, during their residence in Michigan. He was very devout
in his regard for Bible teachings, especially concerning Sunday observance and temperance, and was also severely exacting along these lines of
those in his employ. Being possessed of more than ordinary physical
strength and with an iron constitution, he was much inclined to tax his
physical powers beyond a proper limit, even after he had passed the age
of four-score years.
His last illness was the result of over-exertion in a hot August sun,
and death came to him on the 13th day of September, 1893, when he was
eighty-four years old. He had been a most worthy citizen, had contributed to a number of charitable institutions, and during his residence in
Michigan had acquired the esteem of the best people of this vicinity for
his fine integrity. The funeral at Verona was largely attended, and the
services were conducted by Messrs. Potter, Kulp, Barker and Chapman.
The pallbearers were Dr. Rorabacher, Dr. Robertson, H. A. Preston, E.
L. North, A. Bramble, and W. J. McMillen. The honorary pallbearers
were M. H. Joy, Dr. Wattles, V. P. Collier, William Merritt, John Cooper
and S. H. Morley. The remains were taken for burial to Athens, Pennsylvania.
SARAH WIGHT WHEELOCK was born in Athens, Bradford county,
Pennsylvania, September 18, 1819, and her life was spent in that township until 1871, when she removed with her brother to Battle Creek,
where they lived together until separated by death. She died a few
months before her brother, on March 25, 1893. During her long residence
in Pennsylvania she took an active and prominent interest in everything
pertaining to the welfare of the community. She was generous to the
needy, and was always among the first in kindness and benevolence. In
early life she united with the Presbyterian church at Athens, and continued a member of this church until her death. Her attachment to the
home of her childhood and youth was strong, and she had always hoped
to return and spend her last days there. Her interest in and love for her
church were especially strong, and she rejoiced in its prosperity and
contributed liberally to its support. In her personal life and character
she was tender-hearted and ingenious, was simple in her tastes and unostentatious in her manner. She retained her natural cheerfulness and
vivacity to the years of her age, and as a noble Christian woman was
loved and respected by many friends both old and new. She now rests
with other members of the family, and beside her beloved brother, in the
family lot at Athens, Pennsylvania.




710


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


CHARLES H. WHEELOCK. The character of a city as business and
home center depends to a very large degree on the enterprise and public
spirit of the few men who in every community constitute the leaders in
civic affairs. One of these civic leaders in Battle Creek is Mr. Charles
H. Wheelock, the up-to-date farmer, real estate man, roofing contractor,
and energetic promoter of every movement for the social welfare and
solid progress of this vicinity.
Mr. Wheelock was born in Athens township, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1850, and is a nephew of the late Moses W. Wheelock,
whose career for many years was closely identified with this city and
vicinity, and whose sketch appears on preceding pages. Mr. Wheelock's
parents were Henry Wight and Millicent Bradley (Bell) Wheelock.
The latter's mother was an Allen and a direct descendant of that Revolutionary hero, Ethan Allen. For many years of his active life Henry
W. Wheelock was associated with his brother Moses in the east in the
woolen manufacture, and during the war times they had large contracts
for the manufacture of army blankets, this being a large factor in the
prosperity of their business. Both father and mother died in Pennsylvania, and one of their daughters has erected a memorial chapel in their
name at Milltown, Pennsylvania. Two sons and two daughters constituted the family, namely: Lucy Bell Reeves, now deceased; Harriett
Newell Angell, wife of Henry Angell, of Waverly, New York; and Joseph
Ephraim, of Sayre, Pennsylvania; and the subject of this sketch.
Charles H., who is the only member of the family residing in Battle
Creek, was reared in western Pennsylvania, where he attended the public
schools, and later graduated from the Waverly Institute, at Waverly,
New York.    He became identified with a manufacturing business at
Wilkes-Barre, and that city was his home previous to his removal to
Battle Creek about twenty years ago. His presence here was for the
purpose of settling his uncle's estate, and since then this city has been his
permanent home.
While much of his time has been directed to the care of the property
in and about the city, he has also taken a very active share in matters
affecting the general welfare of this community. For about three years
he gave his services, entirely gratis, to what might be called a social welfare work at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, special features of which were
the planning of entertainments for the guests and sight-seeing trips about
the city and surrounding country. At the suburb of Elm Lawn he has
erected a chapel, after the plan of the chapel eredted by his sister in the
east, as already mentioned. It is now known as the Elm Lawn Chapel,
but will later be called Wheelock's Memorial Chapel.
Two very attractive farms in this vicinity are owned by Mr. Wheelock. One of these, called Pine Lodge, is located between the Flowing
Wells and the Grand Trunk shops, and is his present home, his mail
service coming over the R. F. D. route No. 5. Originally this was an
estate of two hundred and sixty acres, containing the site of the Flowing
Wells, and the portion that has been sold will in a few years be included
within the city limits. He has also platted a considerable portion of the
Pine Lodge farm, which now comprises sixty acres. The other farm, of
fifty-four acres, is "The Oaks," situated between Greenfield and Brownlee Park, and is one of the most attractive portions of the landscape
about Battle Creek.
Since 1908 Mr. Wheelock has been engaged in business as roofing
contractor. He had the contracts for roofing the Sanitarium and a num.
ber of other buildings in the city, and has built up his business entirely
on his record for first-class, satisfactory work. Originality has been one
of the largest factors in the success. Utilizing new ideas of his own




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


711


conception, he has never got into a rut, and every enterprise he undertakes has something characteristic about it. He is the originator
of all the advertising by which he has brought his business service to the
attention of the public.
The roofing business being rather dull in winter seasons, he has
undertaken to supply not only his own employes but any other laboring men in the city with work during these months. For that purpose
he established, on December 9, 1911, a free employment agency to furnish
nish employment of some kind to any who applied for work, the object
being to keep mechanics and laborers in the city until such a time as
their service would be required in the regular activities of the shops.
The agency has been maintained without any cost to those who get work
through it, and has proved a boon to many a workman during the past
winter. About the first of April, 1912, six hundred and fifty applicants
were listed at the agency, and during the previous three months work
had been found for 1,200 persons. Such an undertaking is for the best
social welfare, and it is services of this kind rendered by individuals
which constitute the highest form of good citizenship.
Mr. Wheelock was one of the organizers of the Maple Street M. E.
church, of which he is still one of the active members. In July, 1876,
he was married to Miss Christine Hutchinson MacCulloch, and they
have had a happy married life of more than thirty-five years' duration.
Mrs. Wheelock was born at Kingston, Pennsylvania, daughter of William
and Christine MacCulloch, both of whom were natives of Scotland and
of pure Scotch stock. She was educated in the Bloomsburg Normal
School in Pennsylvania. One son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock,
Raymond Patterson Wheelock, October 20th, 1879, whose native town
was Sayre, Pennsylvania. His education was in the Battle Creek high
school, of which he is a graduate. He prepared for college in the private
school at Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and later graduated as a mining
engineer from the University of California at Berkeley. He is now director and superintendent of the Enterprise Mines at Kingman, Arizona, and is one of the very successful men of his profession. In October,
1905, Raymond P. Wheelock married Gertrude, the daughter of Major
Wm. E. Mensch of Kingman, Arizona. Major Win. E. Mensch has for
years been a mine operator.
Raymond has contributed several articles for the prominent mining
journals and is the patentee of valuable improvements used in the production of ore.
LEVANT COLE was born in Batavia, New York, on September 30,
1852, and he is the son of Walter and Sophronia (Blanchard) Cole.
The paternal ancestors of the Cole family came from Scotland several
generations back and established an American branch in the eastern
states. The grandfather of Levant Cole removed from Vermont to
Western New York in the beginning of the 19th century, and he became
one of the pioneer settlers of that locality. He purchased a tract of
wild land at Batavia, forming a part of what was known as the "Holland Purchase," and he became an extensive land holder and farmer,
being especially active in the early improvements and developing of
that section of the country. When the nation became engaged in hostilities with England, he joined the American army and served throughout the war. tis son, Walter Cole, the father of the subject of this
review, was born in Batavia, and after reaching years of young manhood was married to Sophronia Blanchard as mentioned above. She
was a descendant of the Trall family, well known in western New




712


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


York, Dr. Trail becoming prominent in connection with the conduct
of a sanitarium and the water-cure establishment. After his marriage
Walter Cole engaged in farming and devoted himself especially to the
raising of high grade stock. After a number of years he sold his stock
and all equipments to one "Lucky"   Baldwin, of Southern California,
and at a later date the Cole family removed to Southern California
where Walter Cole became a prominent ranchman. While a resident
of Batavia, he was long recognized as a leading figure in Republican politics in his section of the state, and he exerted a widespread influence
in behalf of the principles of the party to which he gave his support.
He was altogether one of the most prominent and popular men in
Genesee county, and his removal to California was a distinct loss to the
city and county in which he had been born and reared, and where he
had reared his family.
In the common schools of Batavia, Levant Cole received his early education, and at the age of sixteen he was graduated from the high
school of that place. He thereafter took a course in Eastman's business college at Poughkeepsie, New York, and then became connected
with the florist's business as an employe of the firm of Storrs & Harrison
of Painesville, Ohio, a small beginning which was later to develop into
his life work. His next position was with James Vick of Rochester,
New York, then and for many years after one of the most noted florists
and nurserymen in the country. Here he had charge of the propogating department, a most responsible position, which he held successfully
until 1882, when he severed his connection with the company and removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was employed in a similar
line of business. His health failed him in the Missouri climate, and
Mr. Cole came to Battle Creek in 1888, here forming a partnership
with John W. McCrea, with the firm name of McCrea & Cole. Mr.
Cole had charge of the building of the first greenhouse at 87 Wendell
street, a small plant at first, but enlarged to meet the growing demands
of the business. On April 10, 1900, Mr. Cole purchased his partner's
interest and he has since conducted the business alone, and he now has
the largest greenhouse in Battle Creek, and one of the largest in the
state. It is splendidly equipped for the handling of his representative
and ever increasing business, and his long connection with this line
of enterprise has given Mr. Cole a thorough knowledge and understanding of the best methods in all the practical details of the business. He
sells to local trade, both wholesale and retail, and ships to surrounding
towns within a radius of one hundred miles. He makes a specialty of
roses and other cut flowers, and in the nursery line he handles shrubbery as the principal item of his stock. To roses, cut flowers and plants
he gives the best part of his time and attention, and he is wonderfully
successful in the nurture of them. His specials in the rose family are
the White Killarney, the Chatney and the Richmond. His nursery is
located in the Davidson addition, and he owns practically an entire
block. He also owns an eighty acre farm in Pennfield township, where
he has a fine summer home, at which the family frequently spend their
summers.* It is known as Deep Lake Farm, that being the name of
the Lake on which it is situated.
In 1883 Mr. Cole married Miss Ada Merry of Geneva, New York.
They have three children, Walter B., Fannie R. and Howard B. They
were the parents of four children, but the eldest, Mrs. Margery Agnew,
died in 1905.
The family attend the Maple street Methodist Episcopal church,
of which Mrs. Cole is an earnest member.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


713


JOHN H. STEPHENS. The real history of the Civil war is written
most deeply on the hearts of those who participated in that mighty conflict.  The sacrifices of the volunteers did not cease when peace was
declared for none of them came out of the war as they entered it. If a
few were fortunate enough to escape bullet, shell and imprisonment,
there still lingered seeds of disease, shattered nerves and other ailments, which will cling to many as long as life lasts. For this and
many other reasons the survivors of the Civil war are regarded with
such veneration and given the honored respect of the nation they helped
to save. In this connection extended mention should be made of John
H. Stephens, a Civil war veteran, who has suffered greatly during his
life from disease contracted while a prisoner in the horriible Southern
prison camps. He is now engaged in the real estate, insurance and
pension business, and acts in the capacity of county agent of the State
Board of Charities and Corrections. Mr. Stephens was born June 29,
1845, in the town of Gates, Monroe county, New York, and is a son of
John and Lucy   I. (Baldwin) Stephens. John Stephens was a farmer
by occupation, and in the spring of 1859 came to Barry county, Michigan, where he accumulated a farm of 110 acres in Assyria township.
There he spent the remainder of his life, as did also his wife. They
were the parents of six sons and one daughter, two of these children
dying in infancy, and two still survive: John H. and Charles M., both
of Battle creek.
John H. Stephens received his education in the district schools of
Barry county, Michigan, and was reared to the vocation of an agriculturist, which he was following at the outbreak of the Civil war. He was
one of the first to enlist for service in the Union ranks, becoming a
member of Company A, First Michigan Sharpshooters, under Capt.
L. C. Rhiner. On June 17th, 1864, after having seen considerable service, he was taken prisoner at Petersburg and incarcerated at Andersonville for five months. He was subsequently sent to Savannah for
one month, and then was at Millen for a month, and when the war was
closed was honorably discharged, June 28, 1865, from the hospital at
Baltimore, Md. With his health utterly shattered, he returned to Barry
county and resumed farming, in which he was engaged until 1886, when
he was compelled to give up this vocation, finding that he lacked the
bodily strength and health to continue. During the next eight years he
was in the auditor general's office, but since April, 1901, he has been
engaged in the real estate, fire insurance and pension business, and in
March, 1912, was appointed by Gov. Osborn as county agent for the
State Board of Charities and Corrections.  In political matters Mr.
Stephens is a Republican. He is a member of Lansing Lodge No. 33,
F. & A. M., and is serving his second term as commander of Farragut
Post, G. A. R., No. 32, and belongs also to the Order of the Eastern
Star.,
Mr. Stephens married Miss Jennie E. Mercer, of Rock Elm, Pierre
county, Wisconsin, September 1, 1881, she having been born at Hartford, Wisconsin, and educated there. One son has been born to this
union, Charles M., born in Battle Creek, February 2, 1890, graduated
from the high school and spent one year in the Michigan Agricultural
College, and now at home taking a course in vocal and instrumental
music, under Prof. Carl Goff. The home of the family is situated at No.
242 Calhoun street, and Mr. Stephens maintains, offices at No. 14 West
Main street. During the time when this country was in the throes of
vicious warfare he proved himself a valiant and patriotic defender of its
flag, and in times of peace has shown himself to be just and capable, faithful and public-spirited. During his residence in Battle Creek he has




714


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


drawn around him a wide circle of friends, who recognize and appreciate
his many admirable qualities of character.
CHARLES M. STEPHENS. The senior member of the Stephens &
Haughey Real Estate and Loan Company at Battle Creek has been engaged in a career of varied and interesting activities beginning when he
was a boy in years.
Though only fourteen years old when the Civil war broke out between the states, his ardor and patriotism could not long be restrained.
On the 28th of December, 1862, he enlisted as a musician in Company A
of the First Michigan Sharpshooters, and saw an eventful service of two
years and ten months. He was one of the intrepid drummer boys of the
Union army, and it was a service fully as hazardous and requiring as
much courage as that which involved the carrying of a musket. On
June 29, 1864, he was advanced by promotion to aide-de-camp on General Wilcox's staff. At the siege of Petersburg he was wounded, and
spent three months in hospital at City Point, Virginia. For about three
months he filled the post of call drummer on the old hospital boat Columbia. After that he returned to his regular command at Petersburg,
and.was with the first regiment that entered that city. For several
months after the final surrender of the southern armies he continued in
the service, and was not mustered out until October 18, 1865, the muster
out being held at the Delano House in Washington. Among the survivors of the great rebellion few have more spirited reminiscences of
its scenes than Mr. Stephens, and he is also among the youngest of the
old Grand Army men.
Charles M. Stephens was born in the town of Gates, Monroe county,
New York, August 18, 1847, so that he was a little more than eighteen
years of age when he returned from the south as a seasoned veteran of
many campaigns. His father, John Stephens, a native of England,
came alone to this country at the age of sixteen, having lost his father
a number of years before and his mother following him to America.
He settled in Monroe county, New York, where he afterwards married
Miss Lucy M. Baldwin. As a farmer he was successful and acquired a
good property in that county. Later he bought a farm and settled in
Orleans county, New York. Unfortunately he sold this property and
invested the proceeds in the Erie Canal & Boat Association, the venture which practically bankrupted him. After this disaster he came to
Michigan in 1859, the following year settling in Assyria township, Barry
county, where he bought a hundred and sixty-five acres of raw land with
what he had saved from the wreck of his fortune. Beginning at the bottom, before his death he had againreached the position of a prosperous
citizen. He was a very progressive and energetic character, and to
this he owed the success of his life. He died on his homestead in Assyria
township, in 1881, and his wife passed away in 1883. Two of their
children are now living, Charles M. and John H., the latter being also
a prominent citizen of Battle Creek.
Mr. Stephens whose early years were spent in the different localities
where his parents resided received part of his schooling in his native
Monroe county and also attended the district schools of Assyria township. His school days were interrupted by his enlistment in the army,
and when he returned in 1865 he entered the old Battle Creek high
school, where his educational equipment was finished. He began his
business career at Kalamazoo, where for two years he was clerk in the
Kalamazoo House. Then for a year he had charge of a restaurant in
Rochester, New York, with twelve men under him, this restaurant being
run in connection with the Pert Hotel of that city. From there he re



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


turned to Michigan and for several years was in the employ of the
Haines & Hutchins Company in Jackson. He was there during the
political campaign for Grant's second term, and he furnished the martial music on the many occasions of that campaign.
Mr. Stephens took up his permanent residence in Battle Creek in
1885. For a number of years he was engaged in the mercantile and
agricultural implement business, the firm being Stephens & Manchester.
The wound received during the war compelled him to retire from business
for two years. In 1894 he established the real estate business with which
his name has since been identified, and he is the oldest real estate dealer
in the city. His first partner was J. Bryan Sperry, under the name of
Stephens & Sperry, which continued until the latter went on the road
as representative for the Adventists. Henry Pettengill then joined
him for three years until his death, after which H. J. Iden was part of
the firm of Stephens & Iden until 1909, when Mr. Iden's death occurred.
Mr. A. M. Smith was his partner up to December, 1911, at which date
the firm was constituted in its present form by the admission of James
R. Haughey as the junior member. Their business comprises a general
real estate and rental, collection and loans, and they are local agents
for lands in Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Dakota and in Alberta, Canada.
Their Florida lands are in De Soto county, known as the Arcadia
Groves. The firm represent several fire insurance companies, and also
do a bonding business through a Detroit firm. The offices of the firm
have been at 24 East Main street since 1905.
With his many friends of the war Mr. Stephens keeps his associations through membership in the Farragut Post No. 32, G. A. R. He is
also a member of the "Just Enough Club" and of the Loyal Order of
Moose. He and his brother John are both Republicans, although their
father was a Democrat. He is a member of the Spiritualist church of
Battle Creek. One of the local organizations to which he devotes much
attention is the Battle Creek Drum  and Trumpet Corps, which he
founded, and of which he is secretary and treasurer, and W. H. Eldred
president.  This Corps, which furnishes very stirring martial music,
consists in instrumentation of twelve snare drums, two bass drums and
four to eight bugles and trumpets. Mr. Stephens is owner of a considerable amount of city real estate and farm property in different parts
of the state, and also has a Missouri farm of one hundred and fifty-five
acres. His residence is at 234 Calhoun street.
Mr. Stephens was married April 15, 1874, to Miss Phebe A. Cole,
daughter of William W. Cole, one of the pioneer residents of Assyria
township, Barry county. Mrs. Stephens was born at Holly, Oakland
county, this state, and received her education in the district schools of
Assyria township and in the Battle Creek high school. Three children were born to their union. William  M. is a resident of Battle
Creek. Don H. at the time of the Spanish-American war enlisted as a
private in Company D of the Thirty-second Michigan Volunteers, and a
few days after his return from the campaign his death occurred as a
result of the tropical hardships. Vera H., the only daughter, is the wife
of Harry C. McCamly, timekeeper for the Postum Cereal Company, Ltd.,
and a member of one of the oldest Calhoun county families. Both the
sons were born in Bellevue township, Eaton county, and the daughter is
a native of Le Roy township, this county.
PATRICK HAYES. A venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Marshall,
Calhoun county, Patrick Hayes was for many years an active factor
in advancing the mercantile prosperity of the city, by his excellent
character and straightforward business course fully establishing himself




716


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


in the confidence of his fellow-associates, and having achieved success as
a merchant is now living retired from business cares. A native of Ireland, he was born in County Cork, and there received his early education, for a time attending a select school.
Immigrating to America when quite young, Mr. Hayes was variously
employed for a few years in different parts of Michigan. Locating in
Marshall, Calhoun county, in 1863, he learned the cooper's trade, which
he followed for two years. Desirous then of changing his occupation,
he entered the dry goods establishment of Mr. William Martin, who is
still living, and clerked for him a year. Entering then the employ
of J. Cronin, Jr., he was for twenty-one years associated with one of
the largest dry goods stores of Marshall as general manager, filling the
position with credit to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of Mr.
Cronin. The ensuing four years Mr. Hayes was in the employ of Mr.
E. J. Murphy, a well-known dry goods merchant, and was afterwards
successfully engaged in the dry goods business on his own account, building up a large and remunerative patronage. Having accumulated a
competency, and becoming somewhat advanced in years, Mr. Hayes
disposed of his stock of goods, and is now enjoying a well-earned leisure.
During the Civil war, Mr. Hayes was a member of the Squirrel Hunters and went with them into Kentucky in pursuit of General Kirby Smith
and after the scare was over returned to his home in Ohio. Politically Mr.
Hayes is a Democrat, and interested in public matters. For four years he
served as alderman from the Fourth Ward of Marshall, and from 1907
until 1911, served as justice of the peace.
Mr. Hayes married Miss Isabelle McCary, who was born in Canada,
a daughter of William McCary, a native of Ireland. Eleven children
have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, five sons and six
daughters. The daughters are all married, with the exception of two.
The sons are as follows: Daniel J., of Galesburg, Michigan; Edward
D., of Detroit; Thomas W., of Indianapolis; and Lewis J., with Marshall
Field & Company, in Chicago, and one son died in childhood.
WILLIAM H. FARRINGTON. Enthusiastic appreciation in no small degree is accorded the man whose name stands as the title of this article.
The efficiency and completeness in all details of the police department of
this municipality have not been achieved by accident. Intelligence,
conscientiousness and the power to execute what he plans are characteristics of Battle Creek's Chief of Police, William H. Farrington, an account of whose family history and personal career will be of particular
interest.
His parents were Jesse and Lydia (Lewis) Farrington, who were
living in Pennville, Jay county, Indiana, when this son was born. On
the old homestead he spent his boyhood and most of the schooldays allotted to him. He was ten years of age when, in 1865, the family removed
to Harmonia, Michigan. After their subsequent removal to Battle Creek,
young William Farrington at the age of eighteen accepted a position as
painter for Nichols and Shepard, with whom    he remained for ten
years. In 1884 he went to see for himself the charms and possibilities of that much-talked-of west region. After spending about a year
in Washington-then a territory-in Oregon and in California, he eventually decided that after all there was no state that pleased him so much
as Michigan. He returned to this state, where he began farming, which
vocation he continued successfully for about five years, meanwhile buying and selling several pieces of property. In 1889 he once more made
Battle Creek his home, taking charge of the painting depot for the Hal



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


717


laday and Lewis Company, contractors, and continuing this engagement for two years.
During the years in which his employment has been reviewed, Mr.
Farrington had in various ways evinced interest in municipal affairs.
While he was an employee of Nichols and Shepard he had become a member of the Volunteer Fire Department and after a year or two joined the
Union Hose Team, allowed $25 a year by the city. From 1876 to 1884
he was connected with it and during that time had the rather thrilling
experience of acting as pipeman for the famous Potter House fire.
In the spring of 1892 he left the employ of Halladay to accept the
appointment as a member of the police force, which office he received
at the hands of (Mayor) Joseph L. Cox, and thereafter acted as patrolman for five years. In 1897 he reverted to his vocation of painting,
this time as an employe for Lewis and Sons. In April of 1898 when a
change was made in the city administration, Mr. Farrington received
from Miles Curtis the appointment to his present position as chief of
police, which office he has ever since held and the duties of which he has
discharged with such credit to himself and his subordinates.
During his incumbency he has made every effort possible to divorce
the police department from politics, believing that incumbency in such
office should depend upon the qualifications of the individual man in
question in each case and not upon his party allegiance. Never during
his administration as Chief has Mr. Farrington based a man's appointment upon support of any particular party, and Battle Creek today
can boast of a police department which is widely acknowledged to be
one of the most efficient in the state. Nor can any city in Michigan
show a more complete and convenient service than this. It contains, for
example, twenty-one more boxes for policemen's'reports than any other
city of three hundred thousand. A feature of these boxes that is both
unique here and exceptionally convenient is the presence in each box of
keys, making it possible for citizens as well as officers to call up the
department from these points in case of need. This is not done in any
other city of the United States. In all lines of his supervision, Chief of
Police Farrington has tried always to lead, never to follow, other systems. His one purpose has been to accomplish the best protection possible. for the welfare of the citizens of Battle Creek. In January of
1912 a large auto patrol was added to the police equipment and residents know that any other feature that may facilitate this department
will be promptly supplied by the fertile mind and able hand of Chief
Farrington. It is'interesting to add that Mrs. Farrington, who was
formerly Miss Minnie B. Camp of Marshall and the daughter of George
and Catherine (Moore) Camp, is the capable and kindly matron at the
police headquarters of Battle Creek.
The second generation of William Farrington 's family consists of
one son, W. Roy Farrington, who was born in Allegan county on September 25, 1886. He attended the city high school and has also had
the advantages of a business course in the Michigan Business and Normal
College of this place. He is a bookkeeper for the Battle Creek gas
company. In 1908 he was married to Miss Nina B. Nichols of Battle
Creek; they are the parents of one son, Norman. Mr. Roy Farrington,
is exceptionally free from  such habits as the use of tobacco and
liquors. His residence is 117 Highway street.
Chief Farrington is a member of the Knights of Pythias here and
also of the organizations of the Odd Fellows, and the Maccabees. Mrs.
Farrington holds membership in the Lake Avenue society and in other
clubs of Battle Creek. The family residence is at 25 Post avenue.
Although William H. Farrington is a man who in his municipal ac



718


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


tivities disregards party in the matter of appointments of this sort, he
nevertheless believes in the principles of the Republican party and acts
upon them with great consistency when making use of his franchise.
His first presidential ballot was cast for James A. Garfield in 1880.
JAY L. MARSHALL, whose business is "everything in real estate,"
has been successfully identified with the business community of Battle
Creek since 1901. He is one of the most progressive and enterprising
real estate men in southern Michigan, is a liberal advertiser, and not
only does a large volume of business, but also a business whose character
results in the permanent improvement and benefit of the city and vicinity.
As a medium for the exchange of realty he leads all the real estate men
in Battle Creek, and his reputation in all lines of the business is based
on reliable dealing and high-class methods.
Mr. Marshall is a native of Minnesota, and was born at Root River
on Thursday, April 4, 1867. His parents were James A. and Nancy.B.
(Squires) Marshall. His father was a native of New Hampshire and
the mother of New York, and they were married in Iowa. The father
was a machinist, engineer and "lime burner" or master mechanic, and
his death occurred in Iowa, and his widow still resides at Marcus, that
state. Besides Jay L. there are three other children: Charles, of Lowell,
Arizona; Mrs. Arthur Reed, of Hopkinton, Iowa; and Mrs. Charles
Fay, of Anoka, Minnesota.
Jay L. Marshall, the only member of the family to make Battle Creek
his home, was educated at Hopkinton, Iowa, attending the Lenox College
at that place. For a number of years his business was traveling salesman and contractor. He dealt in building material at Hopkinton four
years, and for twelve years he represented the Prudential Life Insurance Company of New York, for ten years of that time being assistant superintendent of the company. In that business he was located for
varying periods of time at St. Louis, Alton, Illinois, Grand Rapids, and
at Battle Creek. He has been a resident of this city since 1901, and
for about six years continued in the insurance business, finally selling
his fire insurance interest business which he had built up from this
headquarters.
He then engaged in the real estate business, and as already mentioned
deals in everything that comes under that head, being both an independent operator and also broker. Among his enterprises, he owns and
conducts a fruit farm of twenty-five acres two and a half miles east of
the city in Emmett township. This is a property in which he takes justifiable pride. It contains seven hundred apple trees, seven hundred
peach trees, one hundred pear trees, two hundred cherry trees, two hundred plum trees, two thousand grape vines, two thousand raspberry
bushes and approximately five thousand strawberry plants. This in
itself is a big business. In the city of Battle Creek he is buying and
selling property all the time.
His first two years of connection with the real estate business, Mr.
Marshall was in the employ of Alfred E. Paulsen. Later he and Herbert E. Butler bought the business and continued under the name of
Marshall & Butler. Herbert W. Taft bought Butler's interest, but after
a short time Mr. Marshall acquired the entire business. His office is at
8 East Main street.
December 19, 1891, Mr. Marshall married Miss Nida E. Jackson, of
Delhi, Iowa. She was born and educated in Delaware county, Iowa. They
are the parents of one son, G. Russell, who was born at Hopkinton, Iowa,
November 19, 1892. After being educated in Grand Rapids and in the
Battle Creek high school, he learned the art of photo-engraving




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


719


and is now employed in that work with the Gage Printing Company,
Ltd., of Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall reside at 128 Fountain
street West. They have membership in the First Methodist church of
this city.
CHARLES J. ARGUBRIGHT. So attractive, cogent and effective is the
presentation of facts in the literature issued in the annual catalogue and
other brochures of the Michigan Business and Normal College, of Battle Creek, that even a cursory survey of the same cannot fail to give
definite voucher for the high standing of the institution and the unequivocal success of its work. It has been consistently pronounced the
only real "actual-business" training school in southern Michigan, and
its functions in every department are practical and benignant. In this
review of the career of the president of this staunch institution, it is not
necessary to enter into details concerning the advantages offered and
general fine equipment of the college, for adequate information along
these lines is to be gained by application for the admirable descriptive
literature sent forth, but it is established beyond contradiction that no
institution of similar character in the entire state can claim precedence
over this, and it is a matter of pride to the metropolis of Calhoun county
that so noteworthy a.school is here maintained, the same having been
established in 1882, incorporated in 1896 and reorganized in 1898. The
college maintains the ablest of instructors in each department, occupies
five thousand two hundred and eighty square feet of floor space, gives
most scrupulous individual instruction and has no vacation intervals, so
that new pupils can enter at any time throughout the entire year. Tuition rates are reasonable and positions are guaranteed to graduates. The
unqualified testimonials given by those who have availed themselves of
the privileges of the college and have proved valuable factors in the
domain of practical business activities, afford ample evidence of the
excellence of the work in all departments, and the school is recognized as
a most valuable addition to the educational system of the county and the
state of Michigan.
Charles J. Argubright claims the Hawkeye state as the place of his
nativity and is a representative of one of its sterling pioneer families.
He was born in Linn county, Iowa, on the 2d of November, 1870, and
is a son of John T. and Lois M. (Brown) Argubright, the former of
whom was born at La Salle, Illinois, July 3, 1838, and the latter at Brookfield, New York, July 12, 1839. The father became one of the prominent
contractors and builders of Northwestern Iowa in the pioneer days
and maintained his home in Sioux county, that state, from 1873 until
1903, when he removed to the state of Washington, where he continued
to be identified with the same line of enterprise during the residue of his
active career, his death having occurred at Everett, that state, on the
5th of July, 1911, and his widow being now a resident of Victoria,
British Columbia. She is a woman of special culture, as she has ever
been an appreciative reader of the best literature and has notably excellent memory, so that she has been able to absorb and assimilate the
knowledge gained through reading and study, her husband likewise having been a man of superior mental ken. Thus it may well be understood
that the subject of this review had excellent advantages in the very environment and associations of his home life as a boy and youth, and his
heritage from an honored father and mother is one of which he is deeply
appreciative. He is the only son in a family of four children, and two
of his sisters are living.
Charles J. Argubright is indebted to the public schools of his native
state for his early educational discipline, and this was effectually supVol. II-8




720


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


plemented by a course in Hull Academy, at Hull, Iowa, in which institution he was graduated when seventeen years of age. In the same
school he also completed a post-graduate course of two years in university work, and in 1892 he was graduated in the Iowa Commercial College, at Davenport, Iowa. In the following year, after having determined to devote his attention to pedagogic work along the line of practical business training, he went to Helena, the capital of the state of
Montana, where he was a teacher in the Helena Business College for the
ensuing two years. During the following year he was a member of
the faculty of the Rock Island Business University, at Rock Island,
Illinois, and thereafter he held for one year the position of bookkeeper
and cashier for the National Packing Company, in that city. He then
returned to Helena, Montana, where he was executive head of the Helena
Business College for eight months, and during the ensuing year he was
in charge of the Woodbine Normal and Commercial College, at Woodbine, Iowa. He then came to Battle Creek, in 1897, to accept the position of traveling and editorial representative of the Ellis Publishing
Company, but within a short time thereafter he purchased the Krug
Business College, of which he thus became the proprietor in January,
1898. On the 17th of that month he effected a thorough reorganization
of the institution, the title of which was changed to the present form,
the Michigan Business and Normal College. His thorough training in
the line of work to which he has devoted the major part of his active
career has been supplemented by admirable executive and administrative
ability, and thus he has been able to upbuild one of the best business colleges in the state. He has been indefatigable in his efforts and has enlisted
the co-operation of instructors of the best ability in their respective
lines. From the institution of which he is the executive head have been
graduated hundreds of young men and women who predicate their
success to the instruction here received, and it should be noted that
Clyde H. Marshall, of New York city, who won the world's championship as the fastest shorthand writer in 1910, was graduated from this
school. The college has an average annual enrollment of two hundred
and sixty students, and the equipment and facilities throughout are of
the highest order, the average daily attendance of students being about
one hundred and forty, with an average of two hundred during the
winter months. Concerning David Sillers, the secretary of the college,
individual mention is made on other pages of this volume.
Mr. Argubright initiated his pedagogic career before he had attained
to the age of fifteen years, as a teacher in a district school in his native
state, and he has amplified his mental ken by close and effective reading
and study along many lines. He gave special attention to the study
of law while he was still engaged in teaching, and gained a thorough
basic knowledge of the science of jurisprudence, though he has never
made application for admission to the bar. Like many other successful
educators, Mr. Argubright believes that the national public-school system of the United States is distinctively ineffective in many ways. He
believes that the pupil should be led to think for himself, to make his
knowledge practical and to develop his special powers or "potential,"
instead of being rushed through to so-called graduation without regard
to individual predilection,-along which lies his greatest power for
worthy and gratifying achievement. In his own school Mr. Argubright
has thus made an insistent effort to develop the intrinsic powers of the
individual person and not to cause all to follow a definite routine. The
success of his work is the most effective evidence of the legitimacy of his
system and policies. He realized that not a tithe of the pupils who
come to his school for instruction have as thorough and accurate a




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


721


knowledge of English construction as he had when he was fifteen years
of age, and this in face of the fact that a large proportion of students
are high-school graduates. He holds to high ideals and high ambitions in
his chosen fields of educational work, and in connection with the same
has been signally fortunate in promoting the same attitude on the part of
students. Thus the success of the Michigan Business and Normal College has been not an accident but a logical result.
Mr. Argubright is progressive and public-spirited as a citizen and
takes lively interest in all that touches the civic and material prosperity
of his home city. He gives his allegiance to the Republican party, and is
affiliated with the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. His home is at
78 Chestnut street.
On the 22d of December, 1896, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Argubright to lViss Mary T. Dailey, of Port Byron, Illinois, where she
was born and reared. There she was graduated in the high school and
later she completed a thorough course and was graduated in the Iowa
Commercial College, at Davenport.
DAVID SILLERS. As secretary of the Michigan Business and Normal
College, one of the staunch and valued educational institutions of Calhoun county, Mr. Sillers has been actively identified with the upbuilding of the school and has been a potent factor in gaining to the same
distinctive precedence among other similar institutions in the state.
Concerning the same, adequate mention is made in the sketch dedicated
to its president, Charles J. Argubright, on other pages of this work, and
thus the article at hand needs but to give recognition to Mr. Sillers himself, as one of the representative factors in the educational circles of
the county and as one of the popular citizens of Battle Creek.
Mr. Sillers was born in Oxford county, province of Ontario, Canada,
on the 19th of July, 1861, and is a son of Thomas and Charlotte (Peat)
Sillers, both of whom were born in the vicinity of the city of Glasgow,
Scotland, their marriage having been solemnized in the Dominion of
Canada, to which Thomas Sillers immigrated when a young man, his
wife having come to America with her parents. Thomas Sillers became
one of the representative agriculturists of Oxford county, Ontario, and
both he and his wife continued to reside on the old homestead until their
death. Both exemplified to the fullest extent the sterling qualities of
the race from which they were sprung, and both commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community that represented their
home for many years. They were devout members of the Presbyterian
church and their lives were lived in harmony with the faith which they
thus professed. They became the parents of seven sons and two daughters, all of whom are living.
David Sillers was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and
gained his early education in the district schools of his native county,
after which he continued his studies in the high school at Weston
near the city of Toronto. High academic studies were then taken by
him in the Woodstock Collegiate Institute, at Woodstock, Ontario, and
after teaching in the country schools for two years he attended the
Baptist Institute of Woodstock, in the commercial department of which
he was graduated as a member of the class of 1884. Thereafter he took
a six months' course in shorthand at the Pernin Institute, in the city
of Detroit, Michigan, after which he passed about one year at Windsor,
Ontario, as a stenographer. For six months thereafter he instructed a
private class in shorthand at Woodstock, that province, and he then
came to Battle Creek, in 1886. He remained one year as instructor in
the Krug Business College and then went to the capital city of Mon



722


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


tana, where he was an instructor in the Helena Business College for
one year. He then returned to Battle Creek and again identified himself with the Krug Business College, of which institution he became
secretary upon its reorganization under its present title of Michigan
Business and Normal College. He has been a most able and valued
coadjutor of the president, Charles J. Argubright, and their relations
have at all times been of the most pleasing order, with common aims and
ambitions. Both were also associated in the organization of the Hygienic
Food Company, of Battle Creek, and are still stockholders in the same.
In politics Mr. Sillers gives staunch allegiance to the Republican
party. He has passed the various chairs in the local lodge of the Knights
of Pythias, of which he is now a trustee, and he is also treasurer of the
Battle Creek Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He
finds recreation in motoring and other outdoor sports and is a popular
member of the Athelstan Club, the leading social organization of representative business men in his home city, where he resides at 165 Fremont street, the home being a center of gracious hospitality, as Mrs.
Sillers was born and reared in Battle Creek and is a member of one of
the old and honored families of Calhoun county.
On the 13th of September, 1888, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Sillers to Miss Nellie H. Finley, daughter of Ebenezer R. Finley, one
of the sterling pioneers of the county, where he continued to reside until
his death.


ALBERT P. GROHENS. As secretary and general manager of the Lambert Machine Company and also secretary of the Marshall Business
Men's Association, Mr. Grohens occupies a place of distinctive prominence and influence in connection with the civic and industrial interests
of the beautiful little city of Marshall, the judicial center of Calhoun
county. His progressiveness, loyalty and public spirit have been exemplified in many directions and his character and achievement make him
specially eligible for consideration in this history of the county in
which he has maintained his home since 1900, and in which he has gained
secure vantage ground in popular confidence and esteem.
It would be impossible, even within the limitations of so necessarily
brief a sketch as the one here presented, to refer to the career of Mr.
G4rohens without directing special attention to his achievements in connection with the business and success of the Lambert Machine Company,
of which he is the executive head and which represents one of the important industrial enterprises of Calhoun county and its capital city.
If dauntless courage, honesty of purpose, careful and straightforward
business methods ever proved potent in saving a concern which all but
hung over the precipice of failure; in bringing order out of chaos and
success from the doom of defeat,-then the name of Albert P. Grohens
will live in exemplification of what sterling character, worthy ambition
and insistent progressiveness are capable of accomplishing in any legitimate business.
The Lambert Machine Company was organized in 1901. Among
the principal stockholders were Joseph Lambert, Dr. Isaac W. Houston,
Sidney H. and George H. Edgerton, and Albert P. Grohens. The
chief object was to manufacture a line of breakfast foods and to continue the making of a small peanut-butter mill and hand peanut-roaster,
which machines had been manufactured for several years previously
at Battle Creek, this county, by the firm of which Lambert and Grohens
were members. The company as organized in 1901 was known as the
Lambert Food & Machinery Company, with Joseph Lambert as the
head and general manager.     The breakfast-food proposition soon




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


723


proved a failure. Mr. Lambert sold his interest in and retired from
the business. The concern was in a bankrupt condition and for a
time the only feasible plan seemed to be to wind up the business for the
benefit of the creditors.
Finally, in 1904, with the help of several of the principal stockholders, Mr. Grohens reorganized the company and formulated a plan
upon which to carry forward the enterprise. This plan contemplated
the manufacture of a special line of food machinery, such as peanutbutter mills, peanut cleaners, and cereal and peanut roasters, and also
to perfect a line of coffee-roasting machinery. In view of the fact that
the first peanut-butter mill-a small hand machine-was first invented
by Joseph Lambert, in 1898, and that this little mill thus formed the
nucleus of the new industry instituted in 1904, it was deemed best to
retain the name of Lambert, and the title of Lambert Machine Company was definitely adopted.
So well has this business prospered within the last few years that
not only is the original indebtedness wiped out, but the company also
has tangible assets of more than forty thousand dollars, to say nothing
of the commercial worth and intrinsic value of the patents, machinery,
patterns and designs, and the good will of a firmly established industry.
Mr. Grohens is a thorough believer in modern equipments and is bending his entire energies to designing and perfecting new ideas to be incorporated in the line of products manufactured by his company, as well
as to amplifying by new additions. The Lambert electric coffee roasters,
the Lambert electric peanut mills and all the rest of the machines made
by this concern and marketed under the name of "Lambert" have
earned a national and even international reputation, and yet the man
who is responsible for them, the man who is at once.the designer, manager
and salesman, modestly continues to work all the harder for the success
of the business and for a line of machinery which bears another man's
name.
Born in the beautiful province of Alsace, Germany, on the 22nd of
March, 1868, Mr. Grohens there received excellent educational advantages in the German and French schools, and besides being a master of
the German and French languages he has perfected himself in the English language, which he speaks and writes with much grace of diction
and absolute fluency. This is shown by the fact that he frequently contributes to leading trade journals articles of interest, on topics in connection with which he is an acknowledged authority. He came to the
United States when a mere youth and the foundation of his business
career was laid by his completing a full course of studies in the Battle
Creek Business University, in which he was graduated in 1891. He is
an extensive traveler and the requirements of the business in which he
is engaged have brought him into close touch with conditions in practically every state of the Union. But it is when at home with his family that Mr. Grohens finds his real comfort and enjoyment, and anyone passing his beautiful suburban home in the early morning hours
may see him busy making garden, pruning fruit trees or attending to
the horses, cattle, chickens, etc.
Mr. Grohens has shown a loyal interest in all that touches the progress and prosperity of the city of Marshall, and in January, 1911,
he was elected secretary of the Marshall Business Men's Association.
He still retains this position and has been earnest in his efforts to promote the high civic ideals for which the organization stands sponsor. He
is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and is a captain in its military
rank.
In politics a Progressive. June 24, 1899 he married Miss Rebecca




724


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Atteberry of Keeneville, Illinois, and they have two children: Inez and
William, the last named being so called in honor of William McKinley.
FRED W. BARNEY. A man who can claim the combined distinctions
of belonging to one of the pioneer families of this region; and of having made good to an enviable degree in the business circles of Battle
Creek; and of having reared a family creditable to his character is
Fred W. Barney, the successful coal dealer of Jefferson avenue and
the genial commercial-traveling representative for the W. J. Hamilton
Coal Company.
The Barney name has been well known in Calhoun county and Bedford township for four generations. The grandfather of Fred W. Barney
was Nathaniel Barney, the popular old host of Barney Tavern of early
pioneer days. His son, Oliver Barney, was himself a man of note as a
pioneer. From 1832 until his death in 1900 at the age of seventy-eight
he was a resident of this community. He was widely known and highly
esteemed throughout Southern M/ichigan.  Mrs. Phoebe Barney, his
widow, is still living on the old farm, which is now only a mile from
the city limits and seemingly brought much nearer by the interurban
street-car line, which passes it.
On this farm Fred W. Barney was born on October 21, 1859, the
only other child of the family being Herbert A., who died at the age
of nineteen. Fred W. was educated in the public schools, completing his
quest for knowledge of book-lore in the old Battle Creek College. After
leaving the latter institution, he spent three years in contributing to
the education of the youth of the rural districts in Barry county. His
next experience of life was gained through a year's work as a traveling
representative for a book firm, his territory being Michigan and Ohio.
Following this experiment, he accepted a position as resident salesman
in the hardware store of Bock and Peters of Battle Creek. After being
thus engaged for seven years he bought out a coal and wood business,
in which he has ever since been engaged. Three years ago he purchased
the property on Jefferson Avenue, to which he moved his business,
known by the firm name of Barney and Son, Dealers in Hard and Soft
Coal, etc. Since the son of Mr. Barney has attained his majority and
has become his father's partner, our subject has been able to devote
his time and attention to other lines. For the last two years he has been
acting as road salesman for The W. J. Hamilton Coal Company of Columbus, Ohio.
Mrs. Barney was formerly Miss Elizabeth Kirkpatrick of Battle
Creek township, and the daughter of William and Isabell (Moore) Kirkpatrick, an account of whom is given elsewhere in these volumes. The
first child of Mr. and Mrs. Barney was named Oliver, in memory of his
grandfather and others of the family lineage, and is the son referred to
above. He is a hustling young business man and a favorite about the
city. He resides at home and is a member of the Athelstan Club and
of the Elks. He is a graduate of the Battle Creek high school and of
Krug's Business College. He has been his father's partner since 1910.
Of the daughters, Isabell May, who was a graduate of the Battle Creek
high school class of 1904, is now Mrs. Frank W. Bryce of this city;
while Helen May, of the class of 1906, resides at home with her parents.
The Fred W. Barney family is one of those prominent in the support
of the Baptist church, of which they are members. Mr. Barney is also
a member of the Order of Elks and the Union of Commercial Travelers.
His residence is at 194 West Main street and he is also the owner of the
old homestead before mentioned. This property lies just beyond the
Country Club and is the only farm between Battle Creek and Urbandale.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


725


Its one hundred and five acres will eventually be platted for city lots.
All municipal interests claim the fair attention of Mr. Barney, who
nevertheless has always been quite free from any political ambition. His
party affiliation is Democratic, but in local matters he makes a personal
discrimination in favor of the most worthy, regardless of party. He is
known among his fellow-citizens as a man who is deservedly successful,
as well as justly popular.
WILLIAM KIRKPATRICK was born in county Antrim, Ireland, on the
21st of October, 1828 and here he spent his boyhood days. In 1851 he
came to New York City, and remained there for some time, later coming
west to Michigan, where he hired out as a farm hand. In 1857, an event
took place that was the culmination of a romance that had its beginnings
back in his boyhood days in the little Irish village. This was in his
eastern trip when he was married to Miss Isabella Moore, who was born
in county Antrim on the 14th of May, 1828, and who had been the companion of his childhood. The marriage took place the 12th of March,
1857, at Newburgh, New York, and on the same day the young people
started for the West. Their wedding journey, therefore, was to Battle
Creek, Michigan, where they settled on a small piece of property in
Battle Creek township. The only building here was a little log cabin,
and in this humble abode the pair began their wedded life. For several
years Mr. Kirkpatrick devoted all of his attention to the clearing of the
land and to getting it under cultivation. When he set to work upon it,
it was entirely unimproved, but he soon had the timber cut, the land
plowed and the first crop sowed. He was successful from the first, and
after the land was in good condition he turned his attention to the house.
He replaced the cabin with a modern farm house, and as his financial
resources grew larger, he bought more land. At the time of his death
he owned three hundred and forty acres, and his farm was considered
one of the finest properties in Battle Creek township. He had spared no
expense to have everything on the place of the most up-to-date model, and
the crops which he was enabled to raise were sufficient proof that he had
worked in the right direction.
Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick were the parents of nine children, four of
whom died in infancy. The others are Ella, Elizabeth, Louise, William
J. and Marie M. All of these children had the privileges of a good
education, and some of them have taken advantage of their opportunities
to a very great extent. All of them were sent to the Battle Creek high
school, of which school Ella and Louise are graduates. Louise R. spent
two years in the University of Michigan, and later, after a period devoted to educational work, she went to the University of Chicago, where
she spent one summer. In June of 1899, Louise and Marie went abroad,
visiting Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, France, England and Ireland. They saw the most interesting of the places famed in
history, and many of the world-famous paintings and pieces of architecture, that America with all her natural beauties can not show. They
visited the birth place of their mother in Ireland, spending several days
with her only surviving sister, and meeting many of the girlhood and
boyhood friends of both parents.
Louise R. is now a teacher in the high school at Battle Creek and Marie
M. is with the Trades and Workers Association, which is located on the
fifth floor of the Post building in Battle Creek. The two sisters live together at 29 Guest street. The eldest daughter, Ella, after teaching
school very successfully for several years, married Eugene B. Root, and
is now living in Los Angeles, California. Elizabeth is now the wife of
Fred W. Barney, of Battle Creek, who is mentioned elsewhere in this
work, his family being pioneer settlers in this county.




726


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. Kirkpatrick was a man who possessed many sterling traits of
character, and was a devoted husband and father. He was a Democrat
in politics, and though he never sought office was at one time elected
justice of the peace, and discharged the duties of that office most efficiently. He belonged to the Presbyterian church and took an active part
in the work of that church for many years. At the time of his death he
was serving as elder. He died on the 7th of October, 1888, and his wife
survived him nearly twenty years, living until the 19th of February,
1906. Both of them are buried in the Reese cemetery in Battle Creek
township.
The children were all born in the old log cabin on the old farm in
Battle Creek township, and this old house stood within a stonesthrow of
the old Reese school house where all of the children first attended school.
ROBERT G. BOCK. One of the most profitable and satisfactory business connections is that which exists between father and son when they
are associated together in ventures of an important nature. The experience of the elder man and the enthusiasm of the younger are welded
together into a strong chain that makes their efforts productive and of
remarkable results. Such. a combination exists in the.well-known hardware and sporting goods house of Bock-Walker Company, of Battle
Creek, the able and energetic secretary and treasurer of which, Robert
G. Bock, has inherited the business ability of his father, Frank F. Bock,
the president of the concern, and of his grandfather, Charles Bock, the
founder of the business, both of whom are represented by biographies in
other parts of this volume.
Robert G. Bock was born August 10, 1889, in Battle Creek, Michigan,
and secured his education in the public and high schools, graduating
from the latter in the class of 1907. He at once entered the business
which had been founded by his grandfather many years before, and
which was reorganized in April, 1909, at which time the president, Frank
F. Bock, retired from active participation in the company's operations,
although he still holds the presidency and an interest in the business.
Arthur Walker became vice-president and general manager and Robert
G. Bock, secretary and treasurer, and under this management the firm is
doing a large and steadily increasing business. In addition to hardware
and sporting goods of all kinds, the Bock-Walker Company deals in
paints, oils, glass, varnishes, paper, cordage and grocers' specialties, and
has a large, well-equipped establishment at No. 18 West Ma.in street.
Robert G. Bock has displayed an unusual amount of ability in handling
the affairs entrusted to his capable hands, and his energy and enterprise
are constantly being employed in introducing new and progressive features into the business. Modern methods have found in him a stanch
adherent, and 'his years of experience and training have made him
thoroughly conversant with every angle and branch of his business and
given him prestige in the hardware trade. He has manifested his interest in the progress of Battle Creek, and is ever ready to contribute
time and money towards the support of any measure which he believes
will work for the ultimate good of all concerned. Following the example
of his father and grandfather, he is a stanch supporter of Republican
principles. Socially he is a general favorite, and a popular member of
the Athelstan Club, of which his father was one of the organizers and
a charter member.   His religious connection is with the St. Thomas
Episcopal church of Battle Creek.
On August 23, 1911, Mr. Bock was united in marriage with Miss
Ada W. Hudler, daughter of Adrain W. Hudler, of Battle Creek. Mrs.
Bock was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, and attended the Battle Creek high




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


727


school, graduating in the class of.1907 with her husband. They reside
in a comfortable modern residence at No. 73 Groveland street, and are
well and favorably known in social circles of Battle Creek.
HARVEY E. LEWIS, one of the more prominent and well-to-do farmers
of Calhoun county, has been a resident of this favored section of the state
for more than half a century. He is a native of the Green Mountain
state, born in Waterbury, Vermont, on November 22, 1855, the son of
Samuel and Lucy (Montgomery) Lewis. The Lewis family is one which
traces its American ancestry back to the early part of the seventeenth
century, and their names have been prominent in early American history.
Samuel Lewis was the son of Josiah Lewis and was the tenth child in
a family of eleven, all of whom, on reaching years of maturity, left the
old eastern home and moved westward, some of them locating in Michigan. Samuel was one of these. Harvey Lewis, a brother of Samuel,
and the uncle of Harvey Lewis of this personal record, was among the
first settlers to locate in Battle Creek. He entered a quarter section of
land on a government tract, settling there near what is now the city
of Battle Creek, and for many years he conducted a tavern at what is
known as Du Bois'Corners. Samuel Lewis, the father of this subject,
was married on December 5, 1846, at his home town in Vermont, to
Lucy Montgomery, previously mentioned. She was the daughter of
Captain John Montgomery, who served in the War of 1812. They became
the parents of one son, Harvey E. In 1859 Mr. Lewis came with his little
family to Michigan and located on the farm now occupied by his son
Harvey. The farm consists of one hundred and thirty-four acres picturesquely situated on the banks of Sonoma Lake, and here Mr. and
Mrs. Lewis passed the remainder of their lives in the peace and quiet of
a happy country home. Mr. Lewis was a type of the genuine Vermont
Yankee. He was shrewd, clever and witty, and was possessed of a most
pleasing, but strong and sturdy character. Although he never studied
the subjeect in a business-like way, he was well versed in veterinary lore,
and for miles around he was consulted by all in need of such advice as
he could give, and which he always gave most generously, as well as
any practical assistance he might render. "Uncle Sam" is the sobriquet
by which he was known throughout the country, and there was not a
more popular man in the township than he. Mr. Lewis was a Democrat,
in his political convictions, but never took an active part in the political
life of the community, beyond exercising his right of franchise when
occasion offered. He died on September 26, 1892, some time before the
death of his wife, who passed away on July 11, 1901.
Harvey E. Lewis was educated in the public schools of LeRoy township, and as a young man was busily occupied with the multitude of duties incident to farm life on the home place. On November 24, 1880,
when he was about twenty-five years old, Mr. Lewis married, and with
his wife settled on a farm nearby that of his father, remaining there for
some time. He moved back to the old home place a short time before the
death of his father, and there he has continued to reside, carrying on
the work of the farm and living well up to the standard set by his father.
In conjunction with his farming interests, Mr. Lewis carries on a hunting
and trapping business, which is one of his greatest pleasures, as well as
a matter of financial moment to him. He is a hunter of some renown in
his part of the country, as was his father before him, who also conducted
a similar industry during his lifetime.
Mr. Lewis married Alice Owen, the daughter of Uriah and Catherine
(Holmes) Owen, a prominent family in LeRoy township. The Owen
household came from New York state in 1862, locating first in Battle




728


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Creek, and coming later to LeRoy. Uriah Owen was born in Cayuga
county, New York, while Mrs. Owen was a native of Orleans county.
They were the parents of ten children, of which number Mrs. Lewis was
the sixth born. Both are now deceased, Mr. Owen's death occurring in
1885 and his wife passing away in 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis became the parents of three children. Derr A.
is a teacher and musician located in Battle Creek. Glenn Owen, and
Kent Weston are still in the parental home. The family are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Lewis is a Democrat, as was his father, and has held some important positions with relation to party interests. He has been justice of
the peace in his township for a number of years, and is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America.
JOSHUA SIMON, M. D. Actively engaged in the practice of medicine
at Tekonsha, Calhoun county, Joshua Simon, M. D., is a man of wide
professional experience, and one who has given much time and thought to
the study of the diseases to which human flesh is heir, and to the processes of alleviating suffering. A native of Indiana, he was born, June
4, 1848, in DeKalb county, and is of Swiss ancestry, his grandfather,
George Simon, having emigrated from Switzerland to America in the
very early part of the nineteenth century, settling in Ohio.
Samuel Simon, the Doctor's father, was born, in 1812, near Canton,
Ohio. Moving to Indiana when young, he was there engaged in farming
until his death in 1868. He married Margaret Peppel who was born in
Ohio in 1812 and died in 1868. They reared five children all of whom,
with the exception of the first born, are now living, in 1912, the Doctor
being the youngest child of the parental household.
Brought up in Indiana Joshua completed his early studies in the Fort
Wayne high school. Learning telegraphy when quite young he served as
telegraph opereator for several railroad companies in his native state.
He subsequently took up the study of medicine with his brother and
before taking a full course began the practice of his chosen profession,
locating at West Point, Huntington county, Indiana. Later entering one
of the old and well-established colleges of that state in Marion he was
there graduated with the degree of M. D., in 1887. Returning to De
Kalb county, Dr. Simon located as a physician at Garrett, and practiced
there, and in other places in Indiana, until 1911. Coming then to Calhoun county, Michigan, the Doctor located at Tekonsha where he is
rapidly building up a large and remunerative practice, being well
patronized throughout the community.   He uses largely the eclectic
method of treating diseases, one not as well known in Michigan as in some
of the states, but which has been shown in all of its merits by Dr. Simon.
Dr. Simon married in 1879, Miss Winona Stanlsy, who was born in
Mankato, Minnesota, and to them two children have been born, namely:
Thomas Lee Simon, engaged in railroad work at Paradise, Montana;
and Mrs. Capitola Kelley, of Deming, New Mexico. Politically the Doctor is identified with the Republican party, and fraternally he is a member of the Yeomen of America.
WILLIAM J. SCHODER. Two closely related families who have been
prominently identified with Battle Creek and vicinity for the past
sixty years are the Schoders and Murphys, who are represented in
Mr. and Mrs. William   Schoder, of 475 East Main street in Battle
Creek. The original settlers bearing these names were people of great
industry and fine integrity, were successful in acquiring the fruits




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


729


of material prosperity, and their descendants have been worthy and
useful members of the community.
William Schoder was born on the old Schoder homestead in Battle Creek township, August 16, 1863.  His father, Henry Schoder,
who was born in Hanover, Germany, and died at the home in this
county aged sixty-five years, was educated in the old country for a
teacher, and engaged in that vocation for about ten years before coming to the United States. He crossed the Atlantic ocean three times. He
first came to this country and to this county about 1840, and for three
years worked at the nursery business in the employ of Henry Willis
and Isaac Mott. He then returned to his native land and married Miss
Marie Lesh, whom he had known and courted before his first voyage,
and for whom he had worked to prepare a home in the new world.
She was a native of Brunswick, Germany, where she was educated
and married. They then embarked on a vessel and were seven weeks
on board before landing at Castle Garden. Coming to Michigan they
settled on a little two-acre piece of land near Battle Creek which he
had bought with his slender means. To this as his prosperity increased
with the years, he added until he was eventually owner of a fine estate
of one hundred and ninety-two acres, in two different farms. Dairy
farming was his principal industry, and hlie was thoroughly esteemed
in this community both as a citizen and business man. In Germany
he had served the regular period of three years in the imperial army.
He was for many years a school director in Battle Creek township, and
the schoolhouse located within forty rods of one of his farms was
named in his honor, and it was there that his children obtained their
early education. In politics he was a Democrat. His farm became
noted for its fruit culture as well as for its dairy. He retailed his milk
by wagons in the city, and furnished a service that was well patronized
for years. He and his wife were both members of the German Lutheran
church in Battle Creek township. Mrs. Schoder, the wife and mother,
died on tile home farm in April, 1908, at the advanced age of eightyfour. Both now rest in the Oak Hill cemetery in this city. All the five
children, three sons and two daughters, were born on the homestead
and reached adult years, but William is now the only one living. The
names of the children were Mrs. Abraham Holladay, Morris, Alvin,
William and Nora.
On September 22, 1884, when William   Schoder was twenty-one
years of age, he married Miss Katharine Murphy, daughter of Robert
Murphy, whose history is given in detail below. Their marriage occurred in St.. Phillip's Catholic church in this city. They are the
parents of two sons, who are now among the progressive young business men of Battle Creek, being proprietors of the Schoder Brothers
Grocery Shop at 19 South Jefferson avenue. Raymond W., the older,
was born on the farm in Battle Creek township, August 14, 1887, while
Harry J., was born at the same place March 18, 1889. They were educated in the parochial and public schools, and Raymond attended the
Michigan Business and Normal College of Battle Creek and also the
Detroit College. Harry was a student in the local high school and also
attended the Notre Dame University at South Bend.
For five years after his marriage Mr. Schoder continued in the
dairy business which had been established by his father, and then
moved into the city and started the grocery with which his name was
associated for twenty years. He was a very successful and popular
merchant, and when, in November, 1909, he retired he was able to turn
over to the management by his sons a business of high class and profitable proportions. The store has been located at 19 South Jefferson






730


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


since 1906. He is the owner of considerable city property, and his
principal work at the present time is in looking after its management.
He is affiliated with the lodge of Elks in this city.
Mrs. Schoder was born in the old Murphy home on South avenue.
The house was long since taken away and the site has been sold to
the Grand Trunk railroad, but she finds pleasure in visiting the old
spot and recalling the memories of her girlhood days. Mrs. Schoder is
a graduate of the high school of the class of 1878, and takes an active
part in the life of the city, being a member of the Amateur Musical
Club and president of one of the departments in the Woman's League.
She is also owner of some valuable real estate in the city. The family
all resides in the attractive residence at 475 Main street East.


ROBERT MURPHY, in the death of Robert Murphy at his home on
South avenue, November 19, 1889, Battle Creek lost one of its old and
successful merchants and a citizen of fine integrity and wholesome
influence in the community. He left a large family, and they are now
active and useful members of society.
The late Mr. Murphy was born in Cork, Ireland, and when fourteen
years old accompanied his parents to America, settling on Long Island.
His parents being well to do gave him a good education in his native
city. He was married in Jamaica, Long Island, to Miss Jane Whalen,
who was born in Kildare, Ireland, and came to this country at the age
of eight with her parents, who also settled on a farm on Long Island,
where the subject was engaged in gardening..In 1855 Mr. Murphy and wife moved west and settled in Battle
Creek, where he became one of the early merchants and one of the first
regular grocers of the town. He began business in the Upton block
on Madison street, where the postoffice was afterward located, and
later bought a corner at Jefferson avenue and Jackson street, where
he continued in business until he retired, in 1886, about three years
before his death which occurred in November, 1888. His wife died
here on April 6, 1879.
He was a man of broad interests and public-spirited activities. He
had accumulated and brought with him what was at the time considered a large private library, and as he continued to be a reader of
varied literature all his life he left a very good collection of books at
his death. In politics he was a Democrat. He helped buy the ground
and was one of the first members of the St. Phillip's Catholic church
of this city, having assisted materially in the building of the church.
Also on the advice of the priest at Marshall, he bought with his own
money a tract of land on South avenue which for some years he used
as private pasture but which at the proper time he sold to the church,
and which is now the Mt. Olivet Catholic cemetery. His home, where
all the children but two, John and Sarah, were born and reared and
which was the scene of many happy associations in their early life, was
on South avenue, and its site is now part of the property of the Grand
Trunk Railway.
Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were the parents of twelve children, namely:
Mrs. Katharine Schoder, of Battle Creek; Edward R., of this city; Mrs.
J. P. Conway, of Los Angeles; Mrs. Spencer Pomeroy, of this city;
Mrs. Theresa Byrne, of this city; Francis J., of this city; and Sarah,
John, Jane, Joseph, Robert and William    who died in the order
named, and who now rest in Mt. Olivet cemetery. William and Francis
were educated in the local parochial schools and at Notre Dame University. Mrs. Pomeroy is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy of Monroe, Michigan, and Mrs. Byrne and Mrs. Schoder are both graduates of
the Battle Creek high school, the former in the class of 1889.




ROBERT MURPHY








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


731


ALBERT J. HORNBERGER. An industrious and skilful agriculturist,
Albert J. Hornberger is busily pursuing his free and independent occupation in Tekonsha township, and by persevering toil and good management receives each season excellent returns for the labor he expends
upon his land. A son of Mathias Hornberger, he was born in Fredonia
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, October 20, 1879, of thrifty German
stock, and of pioneer ancestry his grandparents, George and Christina
Hornberger, having settled on that very farm many years ago, just after
they came with their family from Germany to this country.
Born in Rheinberg, Germany May 10, 1843, Mathias Hornberger was
twenty-one years old when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents.
Although without means, he had strong hands, a willing heart, and plenty
of pluck and courage, assets of value. He worked out by the month for
several years, and when he had accumulated some money he began farming on his own account, buying the interest of the remaining heirs in the
parental homestead, in Fredonia township, where he tilled the soil to
good purpose. He has since removed to Newton township, where he has
three hundred and eighty and one-half acres of land, which he is cultivating with satisfactory results. He married November 25, 1874, in
Michigan, Louisa Fousel, who was born in Germany, August 10, 1856,
and came with her parents to Washtenaw county, Michigan, when but
nine months old. Her father subsequently removed to Tekonsha township, Calhoun county, bought land, and partly improved the property
now occupied by Mr. Hornberger. He died on the farm where he had
spent so many happy years, and his widow, who survived him, passed the
later years of her life in the village of Tekonsha. Eight children were
born to Mathias and Louisa Hornberger, as follows: Louisa, now Mrs.
Esch Christ, of Ypsilanti; Albert J., the subject of this sketch; Fred,
Martha, now Mrs. Hes.-; Herman, Robert and Lena. The father is a
Democrat in politics, a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and
belongs to the German Lutheran church.
Albert J. Hornberger was educated principally in the district school
at Warner Lake. Following in the footsteps of his worthy ancestors, he
selected farming as his chosen work, and for two years was in the employ,
at Union City, of L. L. Harsh, a noted farmer and breeder of thoroughbred stock. He subsequently worked for his father a year, and after
his marriage took charge of the old Fousel estate of one hundred and
forty acres, on which he has since lived, paying rental each year, at the
same time making annual payments on its purchase price, it being now
largely paid for.
Mr. Hornberger married, December 4, 1906, Ida H. Reinecke, a
daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Reinecke. Her father was a pioneer
farmer of Calhoun county, where he cleared and improved a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres. He died, April 3, 1912, from a stroke of apoplexy, having been found dead in Mr. Hornberger's field, his death
being a shock to the family and the community. Mrs. Reinecke died
June 6, 1906. A woman of talent and culture, Mrs. Hornberger is a
gifted musician, playing with skill the violin, organ, and piano. Politically Mr. Hornberger is a Democrat, and religiously he is a Lutheran.
BERT HOWARD, holds high rank among the prominent husbandmen
of Calhoun county, wherein his entire life has been spent. Of him it
can be truly said that he is a native and to the manner born, his birth
having occurred, September 12, 1866, in Tekonsha township, on the
farm where he is now living, he being a son of the late George S. Howard. His grandfather, Alonson Howard, a native of New York state,
served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Coming with his family to Cal



732


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


houn county in 1843, he located in Tekonsha township, buying from
the government the land now owned and occupied by Mr. Bert Howard. He was a man of marked individuality, active in advancing the
Masonic order.
George S. Howard was born, October 31, 1826, in Sweden, New
York, and as a youth of seventeen years came with his parents to
Tekonsha township, where he assisted his father in the pioneer work
of clearing and improving a homestead. Succeeding to the ownership
of the farm on which he had so faithfully labored he subsequently
bought additional land, becoming owner of one hundred and eighty
acres, on which he was prosperously engaged in general farming until
about 1891. Retiring then from active business cares, he removed to
the village of Tekonsha, and was there a resident until his death, September 24, 1899. He was always a Republican in politics, having cast
his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. Religiously both he
and his wife were members of the Baptist church. He married, December 19, 1849, Louise Ames, who was born in Port Byron, New York,
February 7, 1827, and died on the home farm, in Tekonsha, February
21, 1907. Three children were born of their union, as follows: George
Merrett, Bert, and Mrs. Etta Howard Cater.
Acquiring his preliminary education in district school number six,
Bert Howard supplemented that by a year's study at Albion College, there acquiring ample knowledge to fit him for a worthy position
in the ranks of the world's workers. Returning home, he then assumed
the charge of the parental homestead, and now owns one hundred and
forty-two acres of choice land. Continuing the improvements previously
inaugurated by his father, Mr. Howard has five hundred sugar maple
trees in his well kept grove, and has piped the water from the fine
springs of clear, pure, health-giving water to his house, which is supplied with modern conveniences, and heated with a furnace, his home
being one of the most pleasant and attractive in the entire county.
Mr. Howard married, in 1899 Rose Olney a daughter of William
and Hannah (Carter) Olney, who settled in Girard t6wnship, Branch
county, Michigan, in pioneer times, and there spent the remainder
of their days. A strong advocate of the principles of the Republican
party, Mr. Howard has served as highway commissioner.    He is a
member of Washington Lodge, No. 7, Free and Accepted Masons;
and the Order of the Eastern Star, to which Mrs. Howard likewise
belongs, and which she has served as worthy matron for four years.
CAMER A. HOWARD. A well-known and esteemed citizen of Tekonsha
township, and one of its skilful and prosperous agriculturists, Camer
A. Howard is the descendant of one of its earlier pioneers, and the son
of one of its pioneer physicians, Dr. Alonson Howard. He was born,
August 3, 1868, on the farm where he now lives, and which has always
been his home. His grandparents, Alonzo and Priscilla Howard, came
from New York state to Michigan, locating in Tekonsha township, on
what is now the William Howard farm, and having taken up government land redeemed a homestead from the wilderness.
Born in Sweden, Monroe county, New York, in 1823, was but a
boy when he came with his parents to Calhoun county. In the district
schools of Tekonsha township, he laid a substantial foundation for his
future education, and subsequently took a course of study in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Choosing, as natural to one of his
mental calibre, a professional life, he entered the Cleveland Medical
College, in Cleveland, Ohio, and was there graduated with the degree
of M. D. Returning to Calhoun county, Dr. Howard was here success



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


733


fully engaged in the practice of his profession the remainder of his
life. Realizing that he might be of much more benefit as a practitioner if he made a thorough study of some particular branch of his
profession, the Doctor became a specialist in chronic diseases, and in
their treatment became somewhat famous, having patients in many
parts of the state, and traveling a good deal during his later years.
His death occurred at his home in Tekonsha township, in 1883, when
but sixty years of age. He married first Letitia Cone, who bore three
children, two of whom died in youth the third, Truman, is a farmer at
Blocker, Arkansas.  He married second in 1857, Cynthia Edmunds,
who was born in 1832, and died in 1899. Four children were born of
their union, Camer A. being the youngest of the family. The eldest
son, Manchie Howard, M. D., is one of the leading physicians of Penyville, Arkansas, the others being Mattie and Lettie. Dr. Howard was a
Republican in politics, and a Mason.
Camer A. Howard began his early studies in the district school,
afterwards continuing his education in the Marshall high school. Succeeding to the ownership of the parental acres, he has since devoted his
time and energies to general farming, his property being under a
fine state of tillage, with improvements of value.
Mr. Howard married, in 1895, Alice Fox, a daughter of Bowen Hewitt, of Burlington township. Mr. Howard is also a Republican in
politics but is not an aspirant for official favors.
EDWIN FRENCH. A native-born citizen of Tekonsha township, Calhoun county, Edwin French has spent the major part of his life within
its limits, and as a practical and progressive farmer has been an important factor in developing and advancing its agricultural interests.
He was born, October 25, 1852, in Tekonsha township, very near his
present home and was here brought up and educated.
His father, Willis French was born MVay 1, 1818, in New York
state. Reared to habits of economy and prudence, he saved his earnings, and when he had accumulated a small sum, he started westward,
coming to Michigan in 1842. Becoming a pioneer settler of Tekonsha
township, he took up sixty-nine acres of wild land, and on the homestead which he reclaimed, and on which his daughter, Mrs. Young, now
lives, resided until his death, in 1888. Although he came to this township without means, his only capital having been pluck, perseverance,
and two, strong and willing hands he accumulated a good property, at
the time of his death owning three hundred and ten acres of land. His
wife, whose maiden name was Roxanna Butler, was born in New York
state in 1827; was married in Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1845; and
died on the homestead in Tekonsha township, in 1905. Five boys and
two girls were born of their union, Edwin, the subject of this sketch,
being the fourth child in succession of birth.
Acquiring his elementary education in the district schools, Edwin
French continued his studies at a select, school in Tekonsha, afterwards doing high school work in Coldwater. He began life for himself
as a tiller of the soil, but subsequently removed to Marshall, Michigan,
where he was engaged in business for six years, having built up a good
trade as a dealer in agricultural implements. Returning then to Tekonsha township, Mr. French bought the interest of the other heirs in
one hundred and twenty acres of the old home farm, and has since
been engaged in general farming, carrying on dairying and stock
growing with much success, raising Jersey and Durham cattle, and
Poland-China hogs.
Mr. French has been twice married. He married first, in 1876,




734


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Lavina Abel, daughter of Moses Tompkins and Celestia (Bradley)
Abel, of whom a more extended account may be found elsewhere in
this volume, in connection with the sketch of Nelson Shedd. She passed
to the higher life February 21, 1910, leaving five children namely: Merton, a decorator in San Francisco, California; Ernest, of Homer, in
the feed, wood, coal and ice business; Mabel, wife of Burt Metcher, of
Tekonsha; Ida, wife of William  McCanliffe, of Albion; and Ray, of
Homer. She was a noble-hearted Christian woman, and a faithful
member of the Baptist church. Mr. French married second, Mrs. Sylvia Warner, who is likewise a member of the Baptist church. Politically
Mr. French is identified with the Republican party.
WILLIAM B. DURHAM. Noteworthy among the extensive landholders
of Tekonsha township is William B. Durham, who began his agricultural operations on a small scale, but has added to and extended his
business, being now one of the most successful farmers in this part of
Calhoun county. He is an exceedingly skilful agriculturist, and is in
all respects a valuable citizen of the township, fulfilling his duties and
obligations as such with fidelity. Of English parentage, he was born,
January 1, 1865, near Battle Creek, and has spent his life in this part
of the state.
His father, the late Barnett Durham, was born, January 31, 1821,
in Yorkshire, England. His prospects for earning a livelihood there
being not very brilliant, he immigrated to America in early manhood,
about 1842, locating first in New York. In the early fifties, not very
long after his marriage, he came with his family to Michigan, and
lived for a time in Emmett township, Calhoun county. He afterwards
bought land in Convis township, from there moving to Tekonsha township, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, on
which he made many improvements, and continued his residence until
his death, thirty-two years later, in 1904. He was never naturalized,
but he took much interest in the advancement of the public welfare,
and belonged to the Church of England, of which his good wife was
also a member. He married, in New York, Elizabeth Severance, who
was born, December 20, 1830, in Devonshire, England and died in
Tekonsha township on the home farm, in 1905. They were the parents
of six children, of whom William B. was the youngest child.
Gleaning his early knowledge of books in the district schools, William B. Durham was early trained to agricultural pursuits, becoming
fitted while young for his future occupation. He was by nature of an
active and enterprising disposition, possessing a resolute will and an
honorable ambition; thus equipped, he met with no failures in his
undertakings, but has from time to time added to his original purchase
of ninety-eight acres of land until now he has title to four hundred
and sixty-nine acres. Of this land, Mr. Durham has himself earned
the money to pay for all but one hundred and sixty acres. He is now
living somewhat retired from active pursuits, renting all but thirty
acres of his farm. Mr. Durham has never married, his sister living
with him, and presiding over his household.
DANIEL SUTHERLAND. Owning and occupying one of the finest
farming estates in Calhoun county, Daniel Sutherland, of Tekonsha,
has met with eminent success during his active career, and is now living
somewhat retired from business affairs. He is a man of decided opinions, possessing much force of character, earnest and thorough in his
work, wise in his judgments, and well merits the esteem and respect so
generally accorded him. A son of John Sutherland, Jr., he was born,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


735


September 23, 1857, in Eckfort township, Calhoun county, on the
place known as the Haskell Farm. His grandfather, John Sutherland,
Sr. emigrated with his family from Canada to Michigan, about 1846,
and settled first in Jackson county. In 1848 he moved to Fredonia
township, Calhoun county, and embarked in farming. A short time
later, being seized with a severe attack of the gold fever, he made an
overland journey to California, and never returned, the last that was
heard from him having been in a letter which he wrote saying that he
had been successful as a miner, and was coming home.
John.Sutherland, Jr., was born in Ottawa, Canada, August 30,
1833. At the age of thirteen years he came with his parents to Michigan, and in 1850, when he was but seventeen years old, he became the
main support of his mother and her family of ten children, his father
going in that year to the Pacific coast in search of gold. He had no
land, his only capital having been a pair of oxen for which he had not
money enough to pay. He labored industriously as a farm hand, first
in Fredonia township, and later being employed for one year on the
Haskell farm in Marshall township, and there for three years worked by
the month and then worked for three years on shares in Eckford township. Saving his money, he first purchased forty acres of land in that
township, and later added to it by purchasing an adjoining tract of
forty acres, and continued buying from time to time until he had a farm
of two hundred and twenty-seven acres, a large part of which was
under cultivation. Farseeing and prudent, he accumulated a handsome property, at the time of his death, which occurred January 27,
1909, being worth $10,000. He married Liza Earl, who died May
17, 1890. Eight daughters and two sons were born of their union, Daniel
being the oldest child. Thomas Sutherland, Charles Sutherland, and
George Sutherland, brothers of John Sutherland, Jr., served in the
Civil war, from which Thomas never returned.
Daniel Sutherland was educated in Eckford, going to school as a
boy at the command of his father, only, as he disliked studying books.
He now believes in giving a boy a practical education in useful things,
hut rather opposes the higher branches of study unless one is to enter
upon a professional career, supporting the views upon that subject
advanced by the late Richard T. Crane, of Chicago. Becoming a
farmer from choice, Mr. Sutherland first bought land on March 6, 1883,
when he bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he lived twenty-seven
years. He then purchased forty acres of land lying just across the
road from his original farm, which he sold to his son-in-law, John W.
Cook. Beginning life for himself without means, Mr. Sutherland has
labored with diligence and perseverance, felling the trees, uprooting
the sod, casting out the stones, an almost Herculean task as one might
judge when looking at his huge stone pile, twenty rods long and twentyone feet wide. He has spared neither time nor expense in improving
his estate, having erected a fine set of substantial buildings himself,
his farm being now one of the most desirable pieces of property in
the township. He has carried on general farming almost exclusively,
raising some stock, including O. I. C. hogs, which are his favorite breed.
Mr. Sutherland married, February 22, 1882, Ida Lusk, born in
Eckford township, and a daughter of Jerry and Nancy Lusk, of Tekonsha, who were early settlers of Eckford township, Calhoun county,
coming here from New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland are the parents
of three children, namely: Carrie, wife of John W. Cook, living on
the old home farm, has two children, Harold and Margie; Howard, a
farmer in Burlington township, married Ida Katz, and they have one
child, Naomi; and John, living at home.
Vol. i —9)




736


-IHISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


BRAY JOHNSON. An enterprising and progressive farmer, systematic and thorough in his methods, Bray Johnson, of Tekonsha township, is meeting with excellent success in his occupation, which he
finds congenial to his tastes as well as quite profitable. A son of Seeley
Johnson, he was born, November 29, 1860, in Rockford, Illinois, and
during the first eight years of his life lived in the Prairie state. His
parental grandfather, Thompson L. Johnson, was born, and lived and
died in New York state.
The birth of Seeley Johnson occurred in Seneca, Ontario county,
New York, September 10, 1827. In his early life he crossed.the plains
with the forty-niners, and for six years mined in the gold fields of California, being fairly successful in his search for the precious metal.
Returning to his old home in 1855, he remained there until 1859, when
he journeyed westward to Illinois, where he was employed in tilling
the soil for nine years. Coming from there to Michigan, he lived for
three years in Emmett township, Calhoun county, from there coming, in 1871, to Tekonsha township, where he is still living, retired'from
active pursuits a venerable and highly respected man. He married
Mary L. Bray, who was born in New Jersey, July 5, 1835, and died
May 8, 1912. Six children blessed their union, as follows: Gussie,
wife of Ford Cook, of Tekonsha; William T. died in 1910, aged fiftytwo years; Bray, the special subject of this brief review; Fred, engaged in the hardware business at Council Bluffs, Iowa; Charles, of
Tekonsha; and Alice, wife of F. P. Bach. A Democrat in politics, Mr.
Seeley Johnson has held some of the township offices, but has never
been an aspirant for public positions. In his younger days he lost
one of his fingers, which rather spoiled his good penmanship, and
prevented him from serving in the Civil war. Both he and his wife
united with the Presbyterian church many years ago.
Educated in the district schools, Bray Johnson followed in the
footsteps of his ancestors, and has nearly all of his life been a tiller of
the soil, an occupation in which he still finds his greatest pleasure.
In 1883 he purchased one hundred acres of the land included in his
present farm, and in 1910 bought eighty acres of adjoining land.
Since assuming possession of his farm, Mr. Johnson has steadily added
to the improvements previously inaugurated, his land being under a
good state of culture, and well supplied with comfortable and convenient farm buildings. Politically Mr. Johnson is a Democrat, and
has held various public offices. He has been justice of' the peace, a
member of the Town Board, and for thirty years was a school officer.
In 1912, in a Republican stronghold, Mr. Johnson was elected supervisor of Tekonsha township, receiving a large majority of the votes
cast. A firm believer in churches, and the work carried on by the
various religious organizations, Mr. Johnson pays liberally toward their
support, and attends the Episcopalian church, to which his wife belongs.
Mr. Johnson married, January 2, 1882, Zuba S. Carson, who was
born in Seneca county, New York, a daughter of Charles S. and Emily
S. (Kibble) Carson, who were life-long friends of Mr. Johnson's parents, having been born and brought up in the same neighborhood. Mr.
and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of six children, namely: Clarence
Carson, a well-known dentist of Jackson; Belle, who completed the
course of study in the Tekonsha high school, and was graduated from
the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1910; Claude, who was
educated at the Battle Creek Business College, is now engaged in
farming; Harold B., attending the Normal School at Ypsilanti, is a
member of the class of 1913; Donald B., a pupil in the Tekonsha




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


737


schools; and Bessie. Famed as an athlete, Clarence Carson Johnson
has won more honors on the athletic fields of Calhoun county than
any other one man, and while at Ann Arbor won distinction in
athletics.
BENJAMIN F. McMILLEN. Three generations of the McMillen family have called Michigan their home. When Benjamin F. McMillen's
father was a boy, his parents, Hugh and Hannah (Stark) McMillen,
located in Montcalm county. Their former home had been Watertown,
New York, where George S. McMillen had been born on January 7, 1849.
He grew up amid the rural scenes of Michigan and when he had grown
to maturity, he followed varied kinds of useful labor. He was a Republican in politics and a Baptist in religion, with secret society affiliations
in the orders of both the Maccabees and Odd Fellows. His wife,
nee Mary A. Thompson, was a native of Coldwater, Michigan, her
natal day being April 15, 1864. She was, with her husband, a member
of the Baptist church, though now connected with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. The three children of George and Mary McMillen
were two sons and one daughter, all of whom have grown to maturity.
The eldest George H., is now the editor of Athens Times. Lois, the
next in age, is now Mrs. W. F. Brown, a widow of Hudsonville, Michigan. Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, commands detailed consideration.
He was born in Portland, Ionia county, on April 16, 1882. His
early general education was derived from the Tekonsha public schools.
When only a boy he worked in a printing-office, where he gathered his
first technical information and skill in the line which is now his lifework.  When he was twenty-one years of age, he and his brother
founded a newspaper which they called the Lake Odessa Times, the
circulation of which was throughout Ionia county. They continued its
publication until 1905, when he removed to Tekonsha and leased the
Tekonsha News, a paper which had first been established in 1878 by
James Gribbins. Mr. Benjamin MTcMillen subsequently purchased the
plant of this weekly journal, which now enjoys a good circulation
with a very satisfactory advertising business. Its policy is independent.
In 1906 Mr. McMillen was united in marriage to Miss Lillian
Wright, a daughter of James and Ambia (Williams) Wright, of Lake
Odessa, the father being a stock buyer and retired farmer of that place.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McMillen are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Tekonsha.
In 1909 Benjamin F. McMillen was appointed postmaster at Tekonsha and has ably discharged the duties of that office. In personal politics he holds the views of the Republican party. He is alive to all
phases of public welfare and duty and has previously held the office of
village clerk for three years before his incumbency of this more important office. He is popular among the Tekonsha townsmen and holds
membership in several fraternal organizations. He is a member of the
order of the Modern Woodmen of America; of the Free and Accepted
Masons, in the Washington lodge No. 7; and of the Order of the Eastern
Star. He and his wife are also proud to formally continue their connection with Clan Macmillan, historically located in the south of Glasgow
in Scotland.
GEORGE W. MELLEN. If peace tribunals and councils of arbitration
accomplish the desired evolution in the international attitude regarding the bearing of arms by nation against nation, then will the old
soldier become a rarity indeed. But never will America cease to rever



738


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ence her patriots who have so courageously borne arms in her behalf.
The historian points with pride to every old soldier and among these
records with interest the chief facts in the life of George W. Mellen.
This worthy farmer is of Scotch-American ancestry. His parents,
Phillip and Aurora (Best) Mellen, were New Yorkers, who were born
in 1807 and 1811 respectively. Phillip Mellen, who was a cooper, left
New York for the newer civilization of Ohio, later taking up his residence in Michigan, where he bought a farm of 80 acres on which he
lived until his death.
George W. Mellen was born in 1837. He began life in the rural
surroundings, which ever since have been his chosen habitat. His earliest agricultural experience was gained through farming on shares in
Kalamazoo county. In 1856 he removed to Barry county, where he
bought a farm of 40 acres, which he retained and lived on for one
year. His success was such that at the end of that time he bought
another farm doubling the first in size in Calhoun county. This he
again sold, buying again with a second expansion of his property, to
the extent of 96 acres. He now owns a farm of 140 acres, well tilled
and improved.
Mr. Mellen's estimable help-mate was the daughter of Jonah and
Orenda (Isham) Outman, the former a New Yorker, the latter a native
of Vermont. Like Mr. Mellen's parents, they too, changed their residence first to Ohio and later to Michigan. Mr. Outman who was of
French descent was a particularly successful man for his day, becoming
the possessor of 240 acres of land. His family was of the good oldfashioned kind, numbering eleven children. Mrs. Mellen was born on
April 16, 1841.
The younger generation of the George Mellen family consists of
two daughters. The elder, Orende, was married to John H. Underwood,
a shoemaker of Battle Creek, whose death occurred February 21, 1910.
Mrs. Underwood now resides with her parents. The second daughter,
Phebe, is the wife of Mr. Bert Miller, a farmer of Athens township.
The family of George Mellen was brought up in the Methodist faith,
Mr. Mellen is independent in politics, always weighing the relative
value and fitness of men and measures in any issue. He is popular
with his neighbors and associates, having been for forty years a member of the Athens Masonic lodge, in which he has served as junior
warden. He is wide awake and interested in all live topics of the
day, although he is now rich in years and in memories of the time
when as a private of Company A, Sixth Michigan Regulars, he served
his country in many battles, including the siege of Mobile. May his
days be long in the land.
CHARLES A. PARLIN. A member of one of the pioneer families
from Ohio who have in past years done much for the building up of
Michigan, is Charles A. Parlin. He is, however, of New England blood,
his father, Aaron Parlin, having been born in Tyngsborough on April
30, 1798. His mother, Fidelia Isham, was a native of Norwalk, Ohio,
the date of her birth having been May 6, 1817. Their marriage occurred at the latter place on the 22d of January, 1838.     Of the
six children of this family, only three are living at this date. The
two sisters of the subject of this biography are Mrs. Martha F. Alvord,
a widow, who resides in Orange county, California, and Miss Ellen L.
Parlin, who lives in Athens township.
Aaron Parlin in his earlier manhood was engaged in teaching. For a
number of years he was an instructor at Milan Seminary and also for
some time in the public schools, subsequently being called to the prin




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


739


cipalship of the Milan Seminary. For his health's sake he turned to
work permitting him more out-of-door life and spent some time in
canvassing through an extensive region. He was eventually attracted
by the agricultural possibilities of this section of country, and in 1858
settled on the farm of 80 acres on which his son, Charles Parlin, now
lives. At the time of its first occupation it consisted entirely of woods,
which Aaron Parlin cleared and upon which ground he erected the
first buildings. Here he lived until his death, on September 6, 1872.
He was in religious denomination a Methodist, and as to political
party a Republican. His wife outlived him many years, dying in the
same locality on July 18, 1893.
Charles Parlin, who was born in Plymouth, Ohio, August 20, 1848,
was a boy of ten years at the time when the family removed to Michigan, and his childhood experiences were those of the typical pioneer's
son of that period and place. He attended the district school until of
an age when it seemed advisable for him to give all his time to assisting his father on the farm and to gather experience which should be of
benefit to him in his own future work. In his youth his love of horses
and his skill in estimating their worth and possibilities was more than
ordinary.
His landed interests have since become paramount, however, and his
property has been increased to a gratifying extent.
The marriage bond between Charles A. Parlin and Clarissa Joneswho was a daughter of Oliver and Hanna (Dirr) Jones, early pioneers
of Waukeshma township, Kalamazoo county, was sealed on July 28.
1872. Mrs. Parlin's family had been originally of Pennsylvania and
later of Ohio before their coming to Michigan. Since her marriage to
Mr. Parlin, seven children have come to them. Charles DeWitt lives
at Burlington, in this'state; Fred O. at Middlebury, Indiana; Gertie,
who is Mrs. E. Tuttle, in Athens township; Martha B., now Mrs. B. M.
Converse, also in Athens township; the twins, Eland D. in Athens township, and Everett I., at home; Nellie, the youngest daughter, is also
still with her parents.
On this farm where his children have been reared Mr. Parlin has
spent practically his entire life. He now owns 365 acres in Athens
township. He is very widely and favorably known in this vicinity and
and is especially active in the life of his fraternal order, which is that
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His membership is in Lodge
No. 326 at Athens. He has passed all chairs in this order and has three
times attended Grand Lodge. Politically he is a Democrat. For six
years he held the office of township treasurer and has also served as
pathmaster. In both offices he proved himself a capable incumbent. In
the latter case he was especially vigorous, accomplishing three hundred
and sixty days' work on the highways.
FRANK W. RICHARDSON. On his finely improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Athens township, Calhoun county, Michigan,
Frank W. Richardson is most successfully engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of fine cattle and horses. At one time he dealt
quite extensively in trotting horses, breeding and selling them. He is
a citizen of prominence in his home community and manifests a keen
interest in all matters projected for the good of the general welfare.
Mr. Richardson was born on the farm on which he now resides, the
date of his nativity being the 9th of May, 1854, and he is a son of
Henry and Mary Ann (Bailey) Richardson, both of whom were born
in England, the former in Lincolnshire, October 16, 1808, and the latter
in Leicestershire, December 12, 1819. Henry Richardson was the young



740


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


est in order of birth in a family of twelve children and his people were
hotel keepers in England. He came to America in 1838, at the age of
thirty years, and settled in Rochester, New York, where he found
employment in a butcher shop. In that place, on the 4th of May, 1843,
was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary Ann Bailey, who bore him
four sons and two daughters, three of whom are living, in 1912, namely,
-Henrietta, now Mrs. Welton, of Climax; James, of Trinidad, Colorado; and Frank, the immediate subject of this review. In 1843 the
Richardson family removed to Calhoun county where the father bought
a tract of forty acres of land, which he cleared and began to farm.
With the passage of time he gradually increased his original holdings
and at the time of his demise, November 8, 1891, he was the owner of a
fine estate of one hundred and sixty acres of most arable land. He
was a Republican in his political proclivities and both he and his wife
were Baptists in their religious faith, having been charter members
of the North Athens Baptist church. Mrs. Richardson survived her
honored husband for a number of years and she passed away February
18, 1906.
Frank W. Richardson passed his boyhood and youth on the old.
homestead farm and during his early life that estate was practically
virgin wilderness, the home being a little log house. His preliminary
educational training consisted of such advantages as were offered in the
neighboring district schools and after reaching years of maturity he
devoted his attention to farming operations. After his parents' death
he bought out the other heirs to the home farm, where he now devotes
his undivided attention to general farming and stock-raising. He is a
horseman and at one time handled trotting stock. In politics he is an
uncompromising Republican and he has acted as administrator for
various estates. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church
and in a fraternal way he is a valued and appreciative member of the
Knights of the Maccabees.
February 6, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Richardson
to Miss Lois M. Jacobs, a daughter of Robert and Helen (Monk) Jacobs,
the former of whom was long a prominent farmer in LeRoy township. Mr. Jacobs died August 13, 1876, at the age of forty-two years;
and his cherished and devoted wife died February 6, 1899, aged sixty
years. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of two daughters,
namely,-Jessie, who is the wife of Ernest Leggett has four children;
and Mae, who is Mrs. Edwin Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Hill reside in LeRoy
township and they likewise have four children.
PETER J. HOUVENER.    A prominent and particularly intelligent
farmer of Burlington is Peter J. Houvener, a native of Barry county,
and the son of Holland parents.   His father, Peter Houvener, was
born in Holland on April 11, 1835, and his mother, Elizabeth Johnson,
on October 22, 1839. They were married in their native country in
the year 1862, and there several of their children were born. In 1872
they came to the United States and immediately after landing came to
Barry county, where they settled on their first farm-one of ninety-six
acres. Mr. Houvener, senior, remained here throughout the rest of
his life, which closed in 1904, his wife surviving him three years. They
were people of a splendidly vigorous type and were the parents of
twelve children, all of whom are still living.
Peter J. Houvener, the fifth child of his parents, was born in the
Barry county home of Peter and Elizabeth Houvener, the same year
as that in which the family was transplanted to this country, the date
of his birth being May 25, 1872. He was educated in the public schools




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


741


and in the high schools of Prairie View and Richland, Kalamazoo
county. In 1892 he was graduated from the latter school. He soon
after married and began his independent activities.
Mrs. Houvener, nee Sarah J. Louden, is a daughter of William and
El Dorado (Smith) Louden, her father having been a prominent farmer
of Barry county. He died in 1908, but both her mother and her grandmother, the latter ninety-two years of age, are still living. Since the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Houvener, six children have come to enliven and bless their home. They are named Archie J., Jay J., Henry
C., El Dorado; Hazel E. and Pauline Margaret. All are still in the
parental home.
Twelve years of Mr. Houvener's active career was spent in farming. He then engaged in the livery business for five years in Delton.
In 1909 he traded his interests in that line for a farm of 130 acres in
Burlington township, Calhoun county. The years have brought him
steady progress in a remunerative way and in the esteem of his fellowmen. As a loyal Republican he has been conspicuous in local politics,
having served for four years as a deputy sheriff and being the present
incumbent of the office of overseer of highways in Burlington township.
Mr. Houvener is an unusually well-read man for one engaged in
a pursuit which makes such demands on one's time as agriculture. He
is analytic in mind and very observant of surrounding conditions. He
often writes for newspapers and articles of his have been frequently
used by publications.
GuY FISK. It is an indisputable fact that there are no nobler professions known to man than the tilling of the soil for the production
of food for mankind, and the fine and delicate task of husbanding the
unformed minds of youth. Those two vocations have for nearly half
a century been the mingled pursuits of Mr. Guy Fisk, who is well
known both as a farmer and teacher throughout this region. No one
understands better than he the problems of the rural school, which has
from time to time during his life been the chosen field of his pedagogical endeavors and achievements.
The parents of the subject of the present sketch were Putnam Fisk
and Eleanor Failing Fisk. Both were born in New York state, the
former being a native of Yates county in that commonwealth. After
their marriage they resided for a time in the same county, until in
the year 1866 they removed to Park township, St. Joseph county, Michigan. Here Putnam Fisk purchased a farm of 160 acres; a second farm
was later bought. He died in Centerville, Michigan, in February,
1904. He was a loyal Republican in politics and his eldest son, Samuel,
gave up his life in the service of the national demand that all men be
free and equal. Enlisting at the early age of 17 in Company C of the
6th Michigan Heavy Artillery, the young patriot served for eighteen
months and died during the struggle.   The family were connected
with the Methodist church and active in the work connected therewith.
Guy Fisk, the fifth of his generation of his family, was born on
February 2, 1857, while the family were still in Yates county, New
York. His intellectual training was derived from the district schools
of Branch and St. Joseph counties and in the public schools of Athens,
where it was completed.
His first independent enterprise was the farming of 65 acres which
he had purchased in the northern part of Athens township. Since
1876 he has followed teaching at various intervals, always returning to
it with renewed freshness aftd zest and winning approbation often de



742


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


nied to younger men. He is at present engaged in teaching the Pine
Creek school of LeRoy township.
Mrs. Fisk was formerly Miss Bertha Nixon and her marriage to
Mr. Fisk occurred in 1876. Her family were prominent farmers of
Athens township and conspicuous among its early settlers. Her parents
were Thomas and Frances (Blinston) Nixon and their family numbered three children, of whom Mrs. Fisk is the second.
Guy Fisk's well-known enthusiasm over higher education has doubtless been enhanced by the fact that he has successfully reared a family of four children. One daughter, Maud, is now the wife of Newell
Billington; Eleanor, was married to William Wooley; Ernest, lives in
Battle Creek, and Gladys at home is a senior in the Athens high school
(1913).
The family are members of the Baptist church of Athens, both Mr.
and Mrs. Fisk being consistent and active in all that pertains to their
religious life. He has been very popular in fraternal circles, being a
member of the Maccabees, of the Modern Woodmen of America, of the
Grange, and of the Masonic order, in the Athens Lodge. Politically,
Mr. Fisk has been frequently called upon to do public service as a
staunch Republican and a loyal citizen. He has served as Township
Supervisor, as Township Treasurer, as an official of the Board of Reviews, and as County Treasurer. He has two times been elected to the
last-named important position of trust.
JOHN NICHOLS. The late John Nichols, one of the founders and
for many years president of the Nichols & Shepard Company, was
born at Liverpool, Onondaga County, New York, January 1, 1814, and
died at his home 258 Maple street in Battle Creek, April 15, 1891.
It falls to the lot of a very few men in the world that their life industry and character became the foundation on which rests the material
prosperity of a community. Mr. Nichols was in that class, and it can
truthfully be said that his achievements as manufacturer and business
leader have for half a century been one of the cornerstones of Battle
Creek. He was one of the remarkable men of the last century whose
work was largely creative and who kept to the forefront of the unprecedented advancement in all lines of material civilization.  Personally he was a man of untiring industry, great executive capacity, indomitable energy and perseverance, so that in directing his enterprise
into new fields he never faltered before the untried obstacles that often
barred the way. Business sagacity was less an element in his success
than solid ability to do and direct others in doing.
The late Mr. Nichols was the son of Eliakim   and Sally Nichols,
early settlers of western New York. The environment of his youth and
the facilities of the age did not admit of his receiving much schooling
in the modern sense, but he improved fully the opportunities he had.
Owing to the limited circumstances of the family, he began. seeking his
own fortune when thirteen years old, and at Palmyra, New York, became apprentice to the moulder's and iron foundry trade. In time
he was master of his trade, and it served as the basis for his subsequent
independent career. When he was twenty years old, in 1834, he assumed the responsibilities of a home, and was married to Miss Nancy
C. Galloway, of Marion, Wayne county, New York. They had an unusually long and happy wedded life, continuing some years beyond their
golden anniversary, and Mrs. Nichols passed away December 26, 1892.
In the year following his marriage Mr. Nichols moved to Michigan,
which was still a Territory, and settlement had only partially progressed
over the southern counties of the present State. He lived on a farm




 7


Af,^yii^




I.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


743


near Clinton, Lenawee county for one year. He then moved to Detroit
and accepted a responsible position with the State of Michigan in their
shops in that city for the building of what is now the Michigan Central
Railroad. In the Presidential campaign of 1840 he was one of the most
active and enthusiastic Whigs in the county, and in the later years
of his life his reminiscences of early politics never failed to entertain
the circle of his intimate friends. He continued in business in Detroit,
for a time, but in 1848 became a permanent resident of Battle Creek.
In this town with whose industrial progress he was for so many
years identified he first opened an establishment for the manufacture
of stoves, plows and other farm implements and iron castings. Later
his factory in addition turned out engines, sawmill and gristmill machinery. After a brief visit to California in 1850, when he "crossed
the plains" with his company of five men, with three wagons and twelve
horses, he returned and formed the partnership with David Shepard,
which was the beginning of a firm name that has continued for more
than sixty years and has an international reputation wherever agriculture flourishes. Their earliest output was one of the crude types of grain
threshers in use during the decade of the '50s. They made a good machine, however, and they invented great improvements which soon made
it the leading threshing machine of its day and generation, and their
business has ever since kept abreast of the inventions and facilities of
each succeeding decade. It was largely owing to the genius and practical business talent of Mr. Nichols that the product acquired its popularity, and in a few years the old shops on Canal street were unable
to fill the orders for the "Vibrator" threshing machine as it was called.
Then in 1870 an increase of capital was made, a stock company organized and the extensive works were built on the present site in the
eastern part of the city, where the railway station on the Michigan
Central and the Grand Trunk bears the name Nichols Station.
Beyond the notable achievement of building such an industry, Mr.
Nichols possessed a generous public spirit and in many ways showed
his interest in the welfare of the community. He was the first one
to undertake the building of homes for the working men, and it was his
joy and pride to furnish the ways and means to his employees for the
building of comfortable homes which nearly all of them now own and
enjoy. Enterprises for the extension of the city as a business center
obtained his cordial co-operation, and the Nichols Memorial Hospital
is a monument to his substantial interest in the cause of humanity and
charity. From being one of the most ardent supporters of the old
Whig party, he afterwards gave the allegiance equally loyal to the Republican principles. Though for many years a factor in politics, he
never sought office and exerted his influence through his prominence
as a private citizen. His robust and generous nature and his straightforward, open-hearted manner of dealing, made him a great favorite
among all the employees of the extensive industry of which he was
president. He was the father of three children. His daughter, Mrs.
Helen N. Caldwell, died March 8, 1903, and a younger daughter Mary
Elizabeth Nichols died in 1854. His son, Hon. Edwin C. Nichols,
is president of Nichols & Shepard Company, and continues the varied
influences and work begun by his honored father.
Mr. Nichols was a great lover of the forest and streams and an ardent sportsman in pursuit of large game. It was his special delight
in the autumn of each year to take a party of invited friends into the
wilds of the north and west for a hunting season. For forty-four successive years did he follow this most interesting habit and the "Vibrator" hunting party of which he was host and directing spirit,




744


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


with its multitude of people, its great pack of hounds and the camp
equipage and supplies for entertaining most royally his friends and
the passers-by for many weeks, was one of the notable events of each
season. Although not a great killer of game himself, he was extremely
fond of offering the charms and comforts of his hunting camp to those
who were so fortunate as to be his guests, and no locality was too distant and no natural obstacle too great to be overcome in his pursuit of
this his yearly recreation. Many scores of men in Michigan and elsewhere will recall with interest and pleasure his generous hospitality in
these regards.
HON. EDWIN C. NICHOLS. One of the really big men of Battle
Creek today, one of the men who has had a guiding hand in her affairs
for many years and has helped to bring wealth and honor to her name
and to give her a more than local reputation, is the Honorable Edwin
C. Nichols. He is not only a dominant figure in the industrial life of
the city but he has figured largely in the political and social affairs of
Battle Creek, and wherever his influence has been felt, it has been for
the betterment of conditions, and for the advancement of whatever
cause he has championed. He is the president of one of the largest
manufacturing companies in Battle Creek,-the Nichols and Shepard
Company, manufacturers of threshing machinery, and is vitally interested in other important industries in the city. Quite characteristic of the generosity and broad-mindedness of the man is the following, clipped from  the Evening News of Battle Creek, for the first
day of January, 1912: "You want me to write a New Years Greeting and wish. It will be Industrial Peace and Prosperity for every
manufacturing concern in this city. Abundance of work at good wages
for every man and woman who is employed. Health, peace, happiness
and prosperity for each and every person in this growing city. In regard to my making a wish, will say that I made one some years ago,
and the wish has come true.
"Years and years ago I made the wish that I might live to see the
day when the Nichols and Shepard machines would be recognized all
over the world, and Battle Creek should have fifty thousand people. It
has come true-but will wish all a happy New Year."
Michigan is the native state of Edwin C. Nichols, for he was born
in Lenawee county, in the town of Clinton, on July 20, 1838. His
father was the late John Nichols, an account of whose life is given elsewhere in this volume. The Battle Creek Schools furnished Edwin C.
Nichols with his education, and the business, of which his father was
the founder, gave him his early experience in the latter field. He was
brought up in this business, and starting in at the bottom learned it
thoroughly in every detail.  He is now president of the Nichols &
Shepard Company, as has already been mentioned. This company was
founded in 1848, and during the sixty-four years its existence has
been of great importance to the industrial world. The first plant of
the company was a small shop on Canal street, and there the founders
of the company might be seen working side by side with their employees in the machinists department. John Nichols and his partner,
David Shepard, had unlimited faith in the ultimate success of their
ideas, and by their close attention to even the smallest detail of business, they lived to realize their expectations and witness with pardonable pride the achievements of a life time of work and energy. Since
1857 Hon. Edwin C. Nichols has been identified with the company, and
to him is due the credit for the later successful enlargement of the
industry. The officers of the company are: Edwin C. Nichols, presi



IONM-0 —M-17








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


745


dent; F. G. Shepard, vice president; C. C. Beach, treasurer; W. R.
Wooden, secretary; who, together with F. G. Shepard, H. C. ChatfieldTaylor, John T. Nichols, F. C. Stillson, F. J. Walbridge constitute
the directorate of the company. The Nichols & Shepard plant is now
located on Marshall street at the junction of the Michigan Central and
Chicago & Grand Trunk Railways, and, including offices, buildings
and grounds, covers about forty acres. Excellent shipping facilities
are afforded as the yards are penetrated by sidings from both of these
roads. The lumber yards and an immense dry kiln constitute a part
Gf the plant, it being the rule of the company to keep on hand a two
years supply of lumber. The employees of this extensive plant number from five to six hundred men. while from twenty-five to thirty
are employed in the office. The establishment has a capacity of about
seven hundred and fifty traction engines, fifteen hundred separators
and two hundred and fifty horse-powers, which find a market in all
parts of the world, and the aim of the industry, which is rightly
entitled to a place among the foremost manufacturing institutions
of the United States, is to anticipate every possible requirement in the
line of threshing machinery.
The Red River Special line of threshing machinery is manufactured
by this company, and they produce the only grain thresher that beats
the grain out of the straw just as would be done by hand with a pitch
fork, and it is capable of threshing more grain than can be delivered
to it. They also manufacture a traction steam engine of nearly one
hundred and fifty horse power, and an oil-gas tractor which can do one
hundred horse power work. The latter is a new product of the big
factory, and is so economical of fuel that it will revolutionize agricultural methods. The machine burns kerosene, gasolene or distillate,
is so well governed that it is steadier than most gas engines, has its
wearing parts so located that they can all be easily reached, and has
numberless other features that make it an invention that promises
great things.
In addition to his connection with the company which bears his
name, Mr. Nichols is president and director of the Old National Bank
of Battle Creek, is a director of the Commonwealth Power Railway
and Light Company, and is interested in the Union Steam Pump
Company. He is also interested in the Duplex Printing Press Company of Battle Creek, and in the Detroit Trust Company of Detroit,
Michigan, of which he is a member of the directorate. He has other interests along these lines, too numerous to mention.
In politics, Mr. Nichols is a Republican and has taken more than a
local interest in this important branch of American activity. He has
been mayor of the city, serving one term, and has been alderman a
number of terms. For many years he was president of the school
board of Battle Creek and the city owes her good schools partly to
his efforts. He was the first president of the Board of Public Works
of this city, and in this capacity accomplished things that alone should
win for him the undying gratitude of its citizens. He was a delegate
to the national convention in 1884 that nominated James G. Blaine
for president, and in 1907 was delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
He has refused the nomination for congress several times and has twice
refused the nomination for governor of the state of Michigan.
Being socially inclined and believing in the value of fraternal associations, Mr. Nichols is a member of a number of these. He is a Mason
and a member of the Battle Creek Commandery of Knights Templar.
He also belongs to the Athelstan Club and to the Country Club of
Battle Creek. In Detroit he is a member of the Detroit Club, the De



746


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


troit Country Club and the Yondatega Detroit Club, while he also
holds membership in the Chicago Club of Chicago, Illinois.
His religious affiliations are with no particular church, but he is a
liberal supporter of any which need his aid and gives freely to all
denominations in the city. Generosity is one of his marked characteristics, and his charity is extensive, much of it never being heard of and
remaining unknown to all save the giver and the recipient. The Nichols
Memorial Hospital is an institution in which Mr. Nichols is much interested and one which feels the touch of his generous nature in a substantial manner.
In 1860 Edwin C. Nichols. was married to Sarah J. Rowan, of Argyle,
New York. She was a daughter of James Hyatt, and the marriage ceremony was celebrated in Battle Creek. She died in 1897, leaving three
children. These are Mrs. Helen N. Newberry, of Chicago, Illinois; Mrs.
Harriet Atterbury of Detroit, Michigan, and John T. Nichols, who is a
prominent attorney in Detroit. All the children were born and partially educated in Battle Creek. The son received his literary and arts
course in Cornell University, and took his graduate work in law in the
Harvard Law school. Both of the daughters completed their educations
in a seminary for young ladies near Boston, Massachusetts. The hospital
and many other less conspicuous but hardly less valuable features of the
city's life have been the medium through which Mr. Nichols has manifested his public spirit and ideals of citizenship. Ile is one of the vital
forces in the progress of this community, and as the director of large
industrial affairs he has helped maintain the solid prosperity of his
home city. A city is great, not in its number of population, but in the
work it performs, and that Battle Creek in the past and present has
an important share of the world's work to its credit has been due in no
small measure to the broad capacity and ability of Mr. Nichols and his
father.
ERNEST C. HAMPTON. During practically his entire active career
thus far Ernest C. Hampton has been engaged in diversified agriculture
and the raising of high-grade stock in Athens township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, where he was born, reared and educated. The date of his
nativity is the 19th of April, 1867, and he is a son of Charles S. and
Josephine (Debow) Hampton, both of whom were born in New York,
the former May 20, 1837, and the latter May 7, 1838. The parents
were married in Athens township, Calhoun county, this state, in December, 1863, and they became the parents of two children, namely,May E., who is now the wife of R. B. Richards; and Ernest C., the immediate subject of this review. Charles S. Hampton came to Michigan,
with his parents, in 1856 and his wife came hither with her parents in
1855. He was a son of Robert and Eliza (Stone) Hampton, who located in Athens township on a farm of eighty acres shortly after their
arrival in Michigan. One half of this old farm is still in the Hampton family. Robert Hampton died in 1862, and at that time his son
Charles was a soldier in Company H, Second Missouri Cavalry, under
command of General Fremont. Charles Hampton served in the Civil
war for a period of years and during that time figured in some of the
important battles marking the progress of the conflict.  After the
close of hostilities and when peace had again been established he returned to Athens township, where he followed farming for the remainder of his life time. He entered a tract of one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Minnesota but later traded the same for land in Michigan. At the time of his demise, May 14, 1907, he was the owner of a
fine farm of one hundred and nineteen acres and his cherished and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


747


devoted wife, who still survives him, is now living on that estate. In
polities Mr. Hampton was aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and
in a fraternal way he was affiliated with the Grange and the Grand
Army of the Republic. He was a man of liberal ideas and broad human
sympathy and he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those less
fortunately situated in life than himself. He was a devout member
of the Baptist church in his religious faith and his wife is still con-.nected with that denomination.
Ernest C. Hampton, whose name forms the caption for this review, was reared and educated in Athens township and as a youth he
became associated with his father in the work and management of the
old home farm. In 1905 he purchased a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, the same being located five miles distant from Athens, and
he continued to operate that estate until 1912, when he sold the place.
He has since resided on the old homestead with his mother and devotes
his entire time and attention to the management of that beautiful old
farm. In his political convictions he is a Republican and in the timehonored Masonic order he is affiliated with Lodge, No. 220, Free and
Accepted Masons, at Athens.
August 8, 1897, Mr. Hampton married Miss Cora Olds, a daughter
of Orlando and Emmeline (Vreeland) Olds, the former of whom died
January 4, 1912, at the age of seventy-seven years, and the latter of
whom is now living in Tekonsha township, Branch county, where she
and her husband were old pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Hampton have no
children.
ELBERT J. RADFORD. Conspicuous among the leading citizens in
Athens township, Calhoun county, Michigan, Elbert J. Radford is
most successfully engaged in general farming and the raising of highgrade stock on his fine estate of eighty acres, the same being eligibly
located two and one-half miles distant from Athens. He is a man of
excellent business judgment and is broad-minded in connection with
all matters forwarded for progress and improvement.
A native son of Michigan, Elbert J. Radford was born in LeRoy
township, Calhoun county, this state, the date of his birth being the
29th of March, 1870. He is a son of Charles F. and Martha (Scott)
Radford, the former of whom is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Radford was educated in the district schools of LeRoy township
and in the Battle Creek high school. As a boy he worked on his father's
farm and after completing his educational training he returned home
and remained under the parental roof until he had reached his twentyfifth year. In 1895 he rented a farm in LeRoy township and launched
into business on his own account. Four years later he purchased a
farm in that township, the same comprising sixty acres, and he operated
that estate for the ensuing eight years. In 1909 he bought the farm
on which he now resides, this one being eighty acres in area and lying
in Athens township. He started life with practically nothing but energy
and a determination to forge ahead and through his own well directed
endeavors he has made of success not an accident but a logical result.
Substantial buildings beautifully located in the midst of well cultivated
fields are the best indication of his ability as a good manager and well
versed agriculturist.
In politics Mr. Radford maintains an independent attitude. preferring to give his support to men and measures meeting with the approval of his judgment rather than to vote along strictly partisan
lines. He served for three years as a member of the board of trustees
at East LeRoy and he is now a member of the Athens school board.




748


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In 1897 Mr. Radford was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Morgan,
a daughter of Jabez Morgan, who came to Michigan from New York in
the old pioneer days and who settled in Calhoun county, where he
passed the residue of his lifetime and where he died at the venerable
age of eighty-four years. A history of the Morgan family is given in a
sketch of William Morgan, brother of Jabez, the same appearing on
other pages of this edition. Mr. and Mrs. Radford are the parents of
three children, whose names are here in respective order of birth,Amy, Elmer, and Anna. In religious matters the Radford family are
devout members of the First Methodist Episcopal church at Athens.
ALONZO D. STARK, the cheery and obliging druggist of Burlington,
was born at South Lansing, in Thompson county, New York, on July
14, 1849. He was the son of George D. Stark, whose birth occurred
in Plains, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1804, and who
located in New York in his early youth. His first wife was Elizabeth
Page and during their life together five children came to them. But
their mother's life was cut short in its prime, after which George Stark
was again married. The second mistress of his home was a New York
lady, who in her girlhood was Miss Catherine Sarverschool. After her
marriage with Mr. Stark ten children were born, of whom Alonzo was
the sixth, and among whom only one other is now living. The family
removed to Michigan in the year 1866, locating on a farm on 103 acres,
which was George Stark's home until his death in 1885. Mrs. Stark is
also now deceased.
At the time when his father took up his residence in Michigan,
Alonzo Stark was about seventeen years of age. His education which
had thus far been profitably pursued in the excellent school system of
New York, was now continued in the Burlington schools until the young
man was 21 years of age, being then well equipped for a life not only
of usefulness but also of intelligent enjoyment of all beneficent opportunities. Mr. Stark began farming, which vocation he pursued successfully for a number of years. On October 22, 1875, he won as his
wife Miss Elizabeth M. Keville; her birthplace was on the Isle of Guernsey, her parents being the Reverend Edward and Lucy (La Page)
Keville. To Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Stark no children have been born.
The only brother of the former. Charles Stark. resides on the old homestead which was the first home of both when they came to Michigan.
The agricultural life did not quite satisfy all the demands of Mr.
Stark's commercially talented nature. He therefore turned, in 1883, to
the drug business. Opening a pharmacy in Burlington, he has ever
since catered successfully and satisfactorily to the needs of the people
of this place. Mr. Stark is, as was his father, a Democrat of sturdy
type. He is not, however, a politician of the type whose allegiance principles are merely hereditary. He is a rational, loyal citizen and one who
has a deep interest in questions touching the public good. Although
somewhat retiring in his attitude toward office-holding, he has been
induced to accept the office of Township Treasurer, the duties of which
he has ably discharged for two years. M\r. Stark is a popular member
of the K. O. T. M.
CHARLES J. MILLER is a decidedly progressive farmer and stockraiser in Burlington township, Calhoun county, Michigan, where he is
the owner of a well cultivated estate of two hundred acres. His loyalty
and public-spirited interest in local affairs have ever been of the most
insistent order and he is now serving his community as justice of the
peace.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


749


A native of Calhoun county, Michigan, Charles J. Miller was born
in Tekonsha township August 24, 1870. He is a son of Charles H. Miller, whose birth occurred in Ohio, January 29, 1840. The father spent
his early life in the Buckeye state and there was educated in the common schools. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted
as a soldier in Company I, Ninety-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He
served in the war for a period of thirty-four months and during that
time participated in a number of the most important engagements
rharking the progress of the war. In 1866 he married Sarah A. Davis,
a daughter of James and Sarah Davis, residents of Ohio. To this union
ten children were born, as follows,-James D. is engaged in farming in
Calhoun county, Michigan; William L. is a resident of Kalamazoo county; Frank D. maintains his home at Marshall, Michigan; Charles J.
is the immediate subject of this review; Ralph Rose resides in Calhoun county; Mary L. makes her home in Battle Creek, as does also
Anna M.; Pearl lives near Pattersonville, Ohio; George B. resides at
Aberdeen, Washington; and Earl is deceased.    After his marriage
Charles H. Miller came to Calhoun county and located in Burlington township on a farm. Two years later he purchased a farm of
eighty acres in Tekonsha township and resided thereon until 1884,
when he removed to the village of Tekonsha, where he is still living in
retirement. He was unusually successful in his various business ventures during his active career and before retirement had gained a competency. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and his religious faith
is in harmony with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church. He
retains interest in his old comrades in arms and signifies the same by
membership in Worth Post, Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Miller, of this notice, passed his boyhood and youth in Tekonsha township and he was graduated in the Tekonsha high school. He
remained at the parental home until he had reached his legal majority
and after his marriage, in 1892, he rented a farm north of Tekonsha,
where he resided for five years, at the expiration of which he located
on a dairy farm in Battle Creek township. Subsequently he resided
for one year in Athens township and there was the owner of an estate
of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1905 he purchased the Lilly Farm,
which was formerly known as the MeNeal Farm and which comprises
two hundred acres. In addition to diversified agriculture Mr. Miller
raises a great deal of thoroughbred stock. IHe is breeding Guernsey
cattle, Ramble A. Sheep and Duroc Jersey hogs and as a stock raiser
has met with remarkable success.
In his political convictions Mr. Miller is aligned as a stalwart in
the ranks of the Republican party, in the local councils of which he has
taken an active part. He was highway commissioner in Battle Creek
township for two years and is now, in 1912, serving his second term as
justice of the peace of Burlington township. For six years he has been
a member of the board of school directors and he ranks as an energetic
and progressive citizen, to whom the advance of the general welfare
is as important as his own personal aggrandizement. He is affiliated
with the Grange and he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
In the year 1892, at Tekonsha, Michigan, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Miller to Miss Ruth Thayer, a daughter of A. E. and Carrie
(Kyes) Thayer, the former of whom is engaged in the rug business
in the city of Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one son, Leo E.,
whose birth occurred in 1898 and who is now a pupil in the district
schools of Burlington township. The Miller home is one of generous
hospitality and is the scene of many social gatherings.




750


HI~ISTORY OFi CALtHOUN COUNTY-T


FRED KATZ ranks as one of the prominent and successful farmers of
Newton township, Calhoun county, Michigan, where he is the owner
of a finely improved estate of two hundred and ten acres, the same
being eligibly located eleven miles distant from the city of Battle Creek.
In Newton township, Calhoun county, Michigan, February 9, 1869,
occurred the birth of Fred Katz, whose father, Fred Katz, Sr., was
born in Fredonia township, this county, in 1834. Peter Katz, paternal
grandfather of the subject of this review, was the original progenitor
of the Katz family in America. He came hither from Germany, where
he was born, he located on a farm in Fredonia township, where he
was engaged in agricultural operations until his demise, in 1876. Fred
Katz, Sr., married Addie Finney, of Burlington township, and to this
union were born five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was
the second in order of birth. After the death of her husband, Mrs.
Katz married Elmer E. Ingles, of Burlington; she passed to eternal
rest in 1912.
Fred Katz spent the early years of his life in Fredonia township
and after his father's demise he was sent to live with an uncle, Peter
Katz, in Newton township. He was a member of his uncle's household
for a period of five years and at the age of twelve years he began to
care for himself. He received but very meagre educational advantages
and his first manual labor was at a farm hand in Fredonia township,
where he worked for a period of eight months. He then came to Newton
township and remained here for about five years, when he returned
to Fredonia, remaining there four months. Later he was again employed in Newton township, working for Jesse Underwood for two
years. After his marriage, in 1890, he was engaged in farming on a
rented estate in Newton township for one year and at the end of that
period he rented another farm in the same township. Subsequently he
went to East LeRoy, where he farmed for one year and whence he
went to Fredonia township. In 1908 he decided to settle down permanently and in that year purchased the Rapp Farm, which comprises two
hundred and ten acres and which is located in Newton township. He
devotes his attention to general farming and has a large and well cared
for estate. In politics he is an unswerving supporter of the principles
and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor and while
he does not take an active part in local politics he is ever on the alert
and enthusiastically in sympathy with all measures and enterprises
forwarded for progress and improvement.
In 1890 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Katz to Miss Della B.
Kirkland, who was born in Newton township, this county, and who is
a daughter of Thomas and Naomi (Colbert) Kirkland. Mr. Kirkland
was long a prominent farmer in Newton township and both his parents
were natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Katz are the proud parents
of eight children, as follows,-Victor is engaged in farming on his own
account in Fredonia township; Grover likewise lives in Fredonia township; and Edwin, Newman, Fred, Zeno, Delbert and Lola all remain at
the parental home.
JESSE PUFF. On a finely improved estate of one hundred and twenty
acres in Newton township, Calhoun county, Michigan, Jesse Puff is most
successfully engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of highgrade stock. He has resided in Newton township during the entire
period of his life time thus far and here he commands the confidence
and esteem of all who have known him from earliest youth.
Jesse Puff was born in Newton township February 7, 1880, and he
is a son of Paul Puff, a sketch of whose career appears elsewhere in




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


751


this work, so that further data at this point regarding the family histbry is not deemed necessary. Mr. Puff was educated in the Francisco
school in Newton township and he passed his boyhood and youth on the
old homestead farm, in the work and management of which he early
began to assist his father. Mr. Puff inherited a farm of eighty acres,
adjoining his present estate, and there he resided for a number of
years after his marriage, in 1902. Eventually disposing of that place,
he bought his present farm, which comprises a hundred and twenty acres
of some of the most arable land in Calhoun county. He settled on this
farm in 1908 and through careful methods he has gained a reputation
as one of the most expert farmers in his community. In politics he
is a stanch Republican and he is a man of progressive ideas and unusual
energy. He is a great believer in higher education, is exceedingly well
read and devotes all his spare time to study and reading. He is a man
of broad human hympathy and his innate kindliness of spirit has won
to him the friendship of all with whom he has come in contact.
In 1902 Mr. Puff married Miss Ella Boynton, a daughter of Fred and
Lyda Boynton, of Calhoun county. Mrs. Puff was born in Mattawan,
Michigan, May 30, 1886, and she was the only child by the first marriage of her father. By his second marriage Mr. Boynton has two
sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Puff became the parents of
three children, one of whom, Florence, is deceased. Those living are
Robert and Lyda, who are attending school in Newton township.
CHAUNCEY H. AVERY. One of the best known and most successful
farmers in Calhoun county is Chauncey H. Avery, whose farm is
located in Newton township. Mr. Avery is a natural farmer, one of
the kind that is born, not made, and he feels that if he were to be taken
away from his farm, he would be utterly lost, and would find it impossible to adjust himself to new surroundings, so firmly is the love
of the soil and the life of the farm ingrained in his nature. Such a
man is a valuable acquisition to any community for no man who has
not something innately fine and big in his nature can care for the
smell of fresh earth just turned up by the plow, or love the birds and
the little wild things of the woods. Recognizing therefore, the fineness
of Mr. Avery's character, his neighbors have accorded him the fullest
measure of respect and admiration.
Scadekuk, on the Hudson river, in New York state was the scene
of Mr. Avery's birth, the date being the 5th of May, 1848. He was
the son of William Avery, who was born at Mattewan, New York.
Here he was employed in a cotton factory, and here he spent his entire life, dying in 1852. He married Sarah Waite of Norwedge, New
York. The Avery family dates back to the early part of the sixteenth
century, and since coming to America, have lived for the most part in
the state of New York. William and Sarah Avery were the parents
of three children, namely: William Louis, Chauncey and Margaret,
who is now Mrs. Franklin. After the death of the father and husband
Mrs. Avery moved back to the home of her girlhood. Norwedge, New
York, and after a time she was re-married to Benjamin Franklin, who
was a prominent farmer of the section.
The early life of Chauncey Avery was spent in the state of New
York, mainly in the town of Guilford. He received a fair amount of
education, but his heart was set on becoming a farmer, and as soon
as he had an opportunity he took up this occupation, although he was
little more than a boy. He soon added a dairy business to his farm,
and rapidly became known as one of the successful young men of the
county. He followed the combined business of farming and dairying
Vol. II-1i




752


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


until 1871 when he determined to try his fortune in the west, and
migrated to Michigan, locating in Calhoun county. The farm whch
he selected was situated in Burlington township, and here he lived
for three years. That he was successful was proven by the fact that
when he returned to New York state, he was able to buy a farm. He
lived here for over fifteen years, but the charm of the Michigan country
drew him back, and in 1891, we find him again in Calhoun county,
searching for a place to locate. He finally found a farm that suited
him in Athens township. This farm of one hundred acres was located
three miles to the north of Athens, and here he lived for three years.
He then moved to a farm in Newton township, later removing to his
present home, on the Coates farm. Mr. Avery is not in very good
health, and is not able to do as much of the active work on the farm
as he would like, but his is the head that plans and the hand that directs.
For this reason, not knowing when he may have to give up farming altogether, he has not bought his present place.
In 1870, Mr. Avery was married to Lena A. Wood, the daughter of
Dewain and Lucinda (Reynolds) Wood, of Smyrna, Chenango county,
New York. In politics, Mr. Avery is a Democrat, and is an ardent supporter of the party. He is not a member of any religious denomination
but attends church regularly, as his health permits.
Mr. and Mrs. Avery are the parents of nine children, all of whom
are alive. Jessie is now Mrs. Button, of Le Roy township; Fidelia is
Mrs. Worth, of Athens township; Harry is a contractor and lives in
Toronto, Canada; Clarence lives nearby in Battle Creek, where he owns
the largest livery in Battle Creek; Mae, also resides in Battle Creek,
as the wife of Mr. Davis; Maude is Mrs. Hayes, of Athens township;
Bertha married Mr. Lehman and lives in LeRoy township; Emery is
also a resident of LeRoy and Grace is the wife of P. C. Farman of LeRoy township.
WILLIAM H. HAMMOND, postmaster of Burlington and proprietor of
a grocery and feed store in this town, is one of the best known men in
the county. He has been identified with the business interests of this
section of the country for a number of years, and is a native born
resident of the state, his birth taking place in Branch county on July
19, 1871. He is the son of John and Sarah (Schrambeling) Hammond.
The father was born in New York state on October 17, 1838, and was
himself the son of Amos Hammond, who died when John Hammond
was a small boy, the death of his mother occurring when he was an
infant. He came to Lenawee county, Michigan, with his father, when
a mere child, and after the death of his father made his home with his
uncle, Thomas Lewin, who was the owner and proprietor of a saw mill.
He worked about the mill until his marriage, after which he engaged
in farming in Lenawee county for about two years, then went to Branch
county where he became similarly engaged, and he followed farming
for the remainder of his life. He acquired a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres of valuable land and was known for one of the prosperous
men of his community. He and his wife became the parents of five
children: Frank, the eldest, died in 1900. Laverne lives in Sherwood,
township, Branch county. George is a resident of Elgin, Illinois. William H. of Burlington, and Julia, who died at the age of fourteen
years. Mr. Hammond died in 1885, and his widow survived him until
1908.
As a boy, William Hammond attended the district schools of Branch
county, also the schools of Colon, St. Joseph county, and was graduated
from the Colon high school in 1889.' He took up the butcher trade and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


753


followed that business until 1908, with the exception of an interval of
three years which he spent on a farm near Marshall in Calhoun county.
In 1903 he came to Burlington and here operated a meat market for
some time, and in 1906 he moved to a farm in the vicinity of Marshall,
where he remained for three years, after which he moved to Charlotte,
Eaton county, where he engaged in the butcher business and continued
in that enterprise for five years. He once more moved to Burlington
and opened a grocery and meat shop, in which business he continued
until 1907. In that year he was appointed postmaster of Burlington,
and he is still the incumbent of that office which is of the fourth class
variety, and which Mr. Hammond has handled in a manner wholly
satisfactory to all concerned. After his appointment to that office, Mr.
Hammond gave up his butcher business, and now conducts a grocery
and feed store in conjunction with the postoffice, a business in which
he is especially successful and prosperous. Mr. Hammond is a Republican in his political belief and is active in the interests of the party
in his locality. He has been able to give some time to the administration of township affairs, and in 1906 was treasurer of Burlington township. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons.
On June 22, 1906, Mr. Hammond was united in marriage with Dora
Gleason, daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Page) Gleason, who were the
parents of four children; Mary, the eldest, is the wife of James Spoor:
Newman is a resident of Los Angeles, California; Lizzie, is the wife of
Holden Sprague, and Dora married W. H. Hammond of Burlington.
RUSSELL W. RAPP. Since reaching years of manhood Russell W.
Rapp has shared his time between the butcher business and the farming
induqtry, but of late years he has given up the former business and
has devoted himself exclusively to farming interests, and is regarded
in Newton township as one of the foremost men connected with the
agricultural line in this section of the county. His father and his
grandfather were both identified with Newton township as farmers,
and both ended their lives on the farm which the subject now owns and
operates. Russell W. Rapp was born in Fredonia township on November 4 1880, and is the son of Fred Rapp, born in Germany in
1852. Fred Rapp came to America with his parents when he was eight
years of age. He was the son of Fred Rapp, Sr., and his wife, and the
family settled at Marshall, Calhoun county, where the father followed
farming in that township. In 1896 the founder of the family in America died on the Newton township farm, whereon he had passed many
years in pursuit of his farming interests. His son, Fred Rapp Jr.,
the father of Russell W., grew to manhood on the home farm in Newton township which his father acquired shortly after locating in Calhoun county. This was a tract of one hundred and fifty acres, and it
is adjoined by a farm of one hundred and twenty five acres owned by
the subject, who also is the owner of the old homestead. Fred Rapp
married Lennie Francisco, the daughter of Sylvester and Hannah J.
(Easterley) Francisco, also of Newton township, and old and highly
respected citizens. Of their son, Henry E., the brother of Mrs. Fred
Rapp, a life sketch is to be found elsewhere in the pages of this historical work. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rapp, Jr.;
Lena, now Mrs. Winfield Pullman; Will, in the laundry business in
Battle Creek; Russell, of this review; Louise, the wife of Nile Toland
of Battle Creek, and Ruth. who remains with her mother, in Marshall.
The greater part of Fred Rapp's life was spent on the home farm in
Newton, although he passed ten years in Fredonia, after which he re



754


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


turned to the farm and remained for the rest of his life. He died in
August, 1903, and his widow still survives him. Mr. Rapp was a Democrat, and during his lifetime held a number of township offices of some
importance. He was an exemplary citizen and ever exerted a worthy
influence in his home and in the community.
Russell Rapp was educated in the district schools of his township
and in the high school at Marshall. His education completed he returned
to the farm and thereafter carried on the work of the place until 1900,
when he went to Marshall and entered the cold storage business as an
employee. He continued thus for one year, then returned to Newton
township and purchased a farm   of sixty acres. After three years he
sold his place and once more located in Marshall, entering the butcher
business. This enterprise held his attention until 1908, when he moved
to Homer and opened a similar establishment there, and in a year's
time.gave up the business and returned to the home farm, which his
mother still owns, and which he continues to operate.
On October 19, 1899, Mr. Rapp was united in marriage with Miss
Ada Stine, daughter of Louis Stine, a business man of Ann Arbor.
Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rapp,-Esther Louise,
Gladys Ruth, Roscoe Fred, Winfield Wayne, Norma, Donald, and Douglass, twins, and Louis. The family are members of the Congregational
church, and Mr. Rapp is a Democrat.
HENRY E. FRANCISCO is one of the well known farming men of
Newton township, where he has lived all his life thus far. In fact,
he lives on the farm on which he was born March 15, 1864, and which
has been in the family for three generations.    Henry Francisco's
father, Sylvester Francisco, who was born in Bristol county, New
York state, in 1824, came to Michigan as a boy with his father and
mother, Thomas and Lydia Francisco. They located on the farm now
held by their grandson, Henry E., and there they ended their days.
Sylvester bought out the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead, and settled down to the quiet life which his father before him
had led, and he passed his remaining days in the old home. He married Hannah J. Easterly on April 14, 1851, and they became the parents of eight children: Lennie, now Mrs. Fred Rapp; Bertie, the wife
of P. Hughes; Jennie, who married Albert Underwood, is now deceased;
John, a resident of Battle Creek, Michigan; Will J., deceased; Nelson
C., a resident of Newton township; Henry E., of this review, and Louise,
now Mrs. Hallern. Sylvester Francisco was a Republican in his political faith, and was ever an exemplary citizen and a man of influence
in his community. His death, which occurred on December 29, 1873,
was a decided loss to the township in which he had spent practically all
his life, and was keenly felt by all who knew him. Mrs. Francisco,
who was born on November 2, 1826, is still living at the advanced age
of eighty-six years, and makes her home with her son, Henry E., of this
sketch.
The boyhood life of Mr. Francisco was as uneventful as that of most
of the youth of our country. He spent a deal of his time at work upon
the farm, and attended the district schools in the winter seasons, which
practically constituted the extent of his education, from the stand-point
of booklearning. However, he has acquired a broad and useful knowledge of life which he could not cull from books, and he is a studious and
practical farmer, all of which removes him from the condition of anl
uneducated man. Mr. Francisco has carried on the work of the farm
since his father's death in 1873, and is now the owner of the home
stead. The farm, while not large, is ample for his needs, comprising




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


755


a tract of one hundred and sixteen acres, and in its excellent state of cul.
tivation, is as productive as a much larger tract might be in a less
cultivated state. It is sufficiently large to require all his time and attention, and affords ample scope for his energies.
Mr. Francisco, like his father, is a Republican, but has no political ambitions, another point of similarity to his honored parent. He has
been justice of the peace for a number of years, but is not in office at the
present time. He is a member of the Congregational church, with his
family, and is associated fraternally with the Maccabee lodge.
On February 15, 1888, Mr. Francisco was married to Miss Nina
Carnes, daughter of William G. and Martha A. (Francisco) Carnes of
Newton township.   Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Francisco,-Buell, Blaine, Mattie B. and William B.
The family is one of great sociability and strong personal attach-.ments, and the yearly re-union of the house of Francisco is an event
that is looked forward to by all who are privileged to share in the
happy gathering.
PAUL PUFF. Among the prosperous agricultural men of Newton
township, none is more worthy of mention in this historical and biographical work than is Paul Puff, a resident of this township since
1873, which year marked his arrival on American shQres as a youthful emigrant from the German Fatherland. He has been tht author of
large and worthy accomplishments in the development work of this section of the country, both industrially and in a commercial way, and
much of the constant and ever moving progress of the township is
directly traceable to the vigor and enterprise of Paul Puff.
Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on June 25, 1853, Mr. Puff is the
son of John and Martha Josephine Puff, both natives of Wurtemberg.
The father went to the Italian wars and never returned. The mother
still lives in the old home in Germany. The son, Paul, was educated
in the common schools of his native land, and when he was twenty
years old came to America, arriving in Newton township in 1873, and
locating on a piece of land two miles from his present home. This was
a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres and for two years he
worked on it in partnership with another man. The association proved
an unfortunate one for Mr. Puff, for he lost everything he put into the
deal, in both time and money, and was obliged to begin once more
where he started on his arrival in America. He secured another farm
of one hundred and sixty acres, part of it wild and uncultivated, and
he lived for twenty-five years on that spot. In the years of his residence here he estimates that he has himself cleared one hundred acres
of land in this township. He later purchased the farm on which he now
lives, which consists of one hundred and forty acres, in addition to
which he owns another one hundred and sixty acre tract of valuable
farm land. In the years of his residence here Mr. Puff has owned five
fine farms in the township, three of which number he still retains.
Mr. Puff is unquestionably one of the most enterprising and progressive men of this locality, and his influence and vigor has been felt
in business circles for many years. He was one of the chief promoters
of the electric road now contemplated, and he operates one of the finest
summer resorts known to this section of the country on the banks of the
Lee Lake, one of the finest lakes in southern Michigan, and particularly
suited to such a purpose on account of its fine gravel shore and suitable
surroundings.
In 1876 Mr. Puff married Eliza Hughes, a daughter of John and
Catherine Hughes of Newton township. They have one child, Jessie




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


J. Puff, now living in Newton township. Mrs. Puff died in 1880, and in
1894 Mr. Puff married Bertha Rolfe, a German girl who came to America in 1893. They have four -children,-Harlan Louis, Alice Catherine, Genevieve Louise and Lawrence Emery.
The family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Puff is a
Democrat in his political convictions, and has held various school offices
in the township. He is an automobilist.
JAMES C. VAN TUYLE. An enterprising and influential citizen of LeRoy township, Calhoun county, Michigan, is James C. Van Tuyle, who
was formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits in this section of the
state but who now devotes his attention to the conduct of his well
stocked store at Sonoma. He is interested in all that tends to further
the general welfare of his home community and has served LeRoy
township in the capacity of highway commissioner and treasurer.
A native son of Michigan, James C. Van Tuyle was born in Battle
Creek township, Calhoun county, February 2, 1868, and he is a son of
James W. Van Tuyle, whose birth occurred at Barrie, New York, January 12, 1842. At the age of two years the father came with his parents, James and Rhoda (Gould) Van Tuyle, to Michigan. James Van
Tuyle was born at Greenville, New York, November 2, 1805, and his
wife, whose mailen name was Rhoda Gould, was born in the same
place March 8, 1809. They were married at Parma, New York, March
10, 1830. Seven children were born to them and of the number James
W. was the fifth in order of birth. James Van Tuyle died at LeRoy,
Michigan, September 24, 1865, and his cherished and devoted wife
passed away in Louisiana, August 30, 1892. On coming to Michigan, the Van Tuyle family located in Battle Creek township,
Calhoun county, and here James W. grew to manhood. After completing his education in the district schools he turned his attention
to farming and was engaged in that line of enterprise in Battle Creek
township until 1900 when removal was made to Louisiana, where the
family continued to reside until Mrs. Van Tuyle's death. Mr. Van
Tuyle in now living in Sonoma with his son. He married, December 27,
1862, Catherine Minor, a daughter of William Minor, of Battle Creek
township. To this union were born seven children, of whom the subject of this notice was the second in order of birth.
James C. Van Tuyle was educated in the district schools of his
native place and at the age of thirteen years he started to work out
on various farms by the month. After his marriage, in 1890, he followed farming and gardening until 1909 when he purchased a general
store in the village of Sonoma. His store is well stocked with high-class
groceries and merchandise and an extensive and lucrative trade is controlled in LeRoy township and the country normally tributary thereto.
He is an unusually capable and shrewd business man and inasmuch as
his admirable success in life is the direct result of his own efforts it is
the more gratifying to contemplate. He is noted for his fair and honorable dealings and is held in high esteem by all with whom he has come
in contact. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the Republican
party and for three years he was incumbent of the office of highway
commissioner. He was elected township treasurer and he held that office for a period of two years. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with
the Modern Woodmen of America and with the time-honored Masonic
order.
October 3, 1890, Mr. Van Tuyle married Melvinnie Wright, eldest of
the three children born to Cornelius and Anna (Lemcoll) Wright, the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


757


former of whom is a prominent farmer in Kalamazoo county, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Van Tuyle have an adopted daughter, Edith.
DELOS HUTCHINS, who is living virtually retired     at Sonoma,
Calhoun county, Michigan, is a fine old veteran of the Civil
war. He was born in New York but has been a resident of Michigan
during the greater part of his active career. He was engaged in farming operations in LeRoy township for many years but he is now spending the evening of his life in retirement, enjoying to the full the fruits
of former toil and endeavor. As a citizen he has ever been loyal and
public spirited and he gives freely of his aid and influence in support
of all measures and enterprises projected for the good of the general
welfare.
In Seneca county, New York, October 8, 1840, occurred the birth of
Delos Hutchins, a son of James Hutchins, who was born in New York
in 1814. The father was a mill wright by trade and during much of his
life time he conducted a saw mill in Seneca county, New York. James
Hutchins married, Mrs. Lorenzie (Hutchins) Weeds, a cousin. This
union was prolific of three children, as follows,-Delos, the immediate
subject of this review; Harriet, the wife of John Joslyn, of Rochester,
New York; and Cicero, deceased. Mrs. Hutchins passed to the life
eternal in 1850, at the age of thirty-eight years, and he passed away in
1892, aged seventy-eight years. He was a Republican in his political
convictions and in religious matters attended and gave his support to
the Baptist church, of which his wife was a devout member.
Delos Hutchins passed his boyhood and youth in the Empire state
of the Union and he was educated in the public schools of South Butler,
New York. At the age of eighteen years he came to Michigan, arriving
in Battle Creek September 26, 1858, at which time he enrolled as a student in Olivet College. He completed a two-years' collegiate course and
at the outbreak of the Civil war immediately offered his services as a
volunteer, enlisting as a private in Company A, Sixth Michigan Infantry. His company participated in the siege of Port Hudson, the
battle of Baton Rouge and in a number of engagements along the banks
of the Mississippi river. When war was declared Delos Hutchins received a letter from his father telling him that unless he went to war to
uphold the rights of the Union, he, the father, would feel bound to do
so. Delos, realizing the advanced age of his father, immediately enlisted and he acquitted himself with all of honor and distinction in the
capacity of soldier.  After the close of hostilities and when peace
had again been established throughout the country, Mr. Hutchins returned to Battle Creek. After his marriage, in 1868, he and his wife
went to live with her parents on the old Shepherd farm in LeRoy
township.  Soon thereafter Mr. Shepherd's health failed and Mr.
Hutchins assumed the responsibility of running the estate himself.
Subsequent to his wife's death, in 1901, he sold the farm and came to
Sonoma to live. He was unusually successful as a farmer and stockraiser and as such acquired a competency.
Mr. Hutchins has been twice married. March 7, 1866, he wed Phoebe
A. Shepherd, a daughter of M. E. and Margaret (Spencer) Shepherd,
both of whom are now deceased. The old Shepherd farm included the
plot of ground on which the Methodist Episcopal church now stands and
that land was donated to the church by Mr. Shepherd. Mrs. Delos
Hutchins died in September, 1901. There were no children born to the
union. In 1908 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hutchins to Mrs.
Jennie Mulhallon, of Sonoma. She had two children by her first husband, Maud, wife of idyhArry Minty of Battle Creek, and Claude E.
deceased.




758


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In his political convictions Mir. Hutchins is an uncompromising Republican and he has ever been deeply interested in community affairs
although he has steadily refused to run for public office of any description. He is a devout Methodist in his religious faith and for many years
was a member of the board of stewards and a trustee in the church.
Fraternally, he owns to membership in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His life history is well
worthy of emulation and of commendation for he was strictly honorable
and straightforward in his business dealings and his life has ever been
exemplary in all respects.
THOMAS W. SPRAGUE. Americans are beginning to realize the moral
as well as the historical significance of genealogical foundations. A nation which relies upon the record of its homes for its national character,
cannot afford to ignore the value of genealogical investigation as one of
the truest sources of patriotism. The love of home inspires the love of
country. There is a wholesome influence in genealogical research which
cannot be over-estimated. Moreover, there is a deep human interest to
it. The Sprague family is one of ancient English lineage, the original
progenitor of the name in America having come hither in 1628. His
name was William Sprague and his descendants in this country have
ever figured prominently as citizens of worth and intrinsic patriotism.
The great-grandfather of the subject of this review, gained distinction
as a soldier in the war of the Revolution and he received a grant of six
hundred acres of land for his services in the Colonial army.
Thomas Wesley Sprague, of this notice, was born on the farm on
which he now resides in Section 11, LeRoy township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, January 12, 1855, and he is a son of Thomas Sprague, whose
birth occurred in the town of Hannibal, Oswego county, New York,
March 11, 1812. The father was reared to maturity in New York and
there obtained a common school education. He was a son of Jonathan
and Margaret (Carr) Sprague, who came to Michigan, with their
four sons, about 1835. The sons settled on a government grant, a portion of which is now owned by the subject of this review, and Thomas
Sprague immediately set about preparing a home for the reception of his bride, formerly Mary Mills, whom he married at Hannibal,
New York, December 27, 1835. The Mills family came to Michigan
shortly after the Spragues had settled here and they located on land
in the western part of Calhoun county. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sprague
became the parents of six children, of whom three are liying, in 1912.
July 15, 1851, Mrs. Sprague was summoned to the life eternal and subsequently Mr. Sprague married Lucy A. Millen, a native of Wyoming
county, New York, where her birth occurred August 24, 1821. Three
children were born to this union and of the number Thomas Wesley was
the second in order of birth.
Thomas Sprague was early converted to Christianity and at the age
of seventeen was accepted as a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. During the early, pioneer days in Michigan, with some of his
neighbors, he formed a class and became an earnest exhorter of the
Methodist faith. In July, 1864, he was ordained to the ministry and
he was pastor of various churches in Michigan until his demise, which
occurred at Kendalls, Kalamazoo county, October 26, 1880. In addition to his church work he was a man of prominence and influence in
public affairs, having held different township offices. For twelve years
he was justice of the peace and he was likewise incumbent of the offices
of highway commissioner and town constable of LeRoy township for
many years. It was largely through his efforts that the- Methodist




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


759


Episcopal church at East LeRoy was built and he was one of the most
liberal contributors to the fund collected for that purpose, having made
a donation of six hundred dollars. His wife gave a sum of fifty dollars
and she was an earnest and zealous church worker. After her husband's death the second Mrs. Sprague married William B. Gleason, of
Newton township, Calhoun county.    She was called to eternal rest
February 11, 1905.
To the district schools of LeRoy township Thomas Wesley Sprague
is indebted for his early educational training and that discipline was
supplemented with a course of study in the Battle Creek Business College. After reaching years of maturity he turned his attention to farming and he is now the owner of the old homestead, the same comprising
194 acres of most arable land and representing one of the finest estates
in the entire county. Mr. Sprague is a scientific farmer in the most
significant sense of the word and he has gained distinctive prestige in
this section of the state as a breeder of thoroughbred Holstein cattle.
The head of his herd is Sir Prilly Hengerveld, concerning whom the
following information is here inserted, the same being a statement gotten out by Mr. Sprague.
This fine young bull's dam is Prilly Princess, whose record is 25.13
lbs. butter in 7 days, with milk averaging 5.45 per cent butter fat. His
granddam is the famous Old Prilly, record 25.20 lbs. butter, milk averaging 4.40 per cent butter fat. Old Prilly's five daughters have records
of over twenty-six pounds each. The butter records of Old Prilly, her
daughters and granddaughters have never been equalled by the Holstein or any other breed.
Sir Prilly Hengerveld's sister has a world record of 28.25 lbs. butter
at three years of age. His sire is Judge Hengerveld De Kol, whose dam
has a record of 28.59 lbs. butter, and whose sire is the noted Hengerveld
De Kol who has to his credit one hundred and two tested daughters, of
which two have a record above 30 lbs. In view of these facts it is to be
said that no more desirable sire than young Sir Prilly Hengerveld is to
be found anywhere.
January 21, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sprague to
Miss Libbie Jane Swart, a daughter of Walter J. and Mary (Pennypacker) Swart, both natives of New York, the former having been born
at Amsterdam, that state, January 7, 1820, and the latter at Gorham,
Ontario county, June 18, 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Swart were married in
1843 and they came to Michigan in 1865. Mr. Swart died in LeRoy
township August 7, 1890, and his wife passed away in May, 1893. They
were the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Sprague was the
youngest in order of birth. Mrs. Sprague was born in Gorham, New
York the 22d of August, 1854. Three children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Sprague, as follows,-Wilbur W. is engaged in the creamery
business at Battle Creek; Lottie is the wife of John Rolfe, of Battle
Creek township; and Eda Marie is the wife of Amos Morgan Johnson.
Mr. and Mrs. Sprague have spent most of their lives thus far on the
home farm, with the exception of a few years spent in Battle Creek,
where the children completed their educational training.
Mr. Sprague is a Republican in his political allegiance and he has
held a number of township offices, including that of supervisor. He is
a Mason, a member of the Gleaners and with his wife is affiliated with
the Knights & Ladies of Security. Their religious faith is in harmony
with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Sprague home
is one of generous hospitality and is the scene of many social gatherings.




760


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ELMER BLOSSER, is most successfully engaged in the farming and
stock-raising business on his fine estate of eighty acres in Section 23,
LeRoy township, Calhoun county, Michigan. Mr. Blosser was born
at Logan, Hawkins county, Ohio, June 9, 1864, and he is a son of Nicholas Blosser, who was born in the Buckeye state April 1, 1840. The
father was reared and educated in Ohio and in that state was solemnized
his marriage, in 1863, to Miss Mary Downer, who bore him three children, as follows,-Elmer, the immediate subject of this review; Libby,
who is the wife of John Gallagher, of Traverse City, Michigan; and
Nora, widow of the late H. Miller: she resides in Traverse City. In
1868 the Blosser family left Ohio and came to Michigan, locating in
Branch county, where Mrs. Blosser died in 1875. Subsequently Mr.
Blosser married Etta Garber. In 1878 the family removed from Branch
county to Antrim county and thence to Indiana, some years later, the
home was established in Minnesota but later Mr. Blosser returned to
Antrim county, Michigan, where he and his wife are now living. He
is a stalwart Republican in his political allegiance and in religious matters he and his wife are members of the Menonite church, in which faith
they reared their children.
A child of five years of age at the time of his parents' removal to
Branch county, Michigan, Elmer Blosser was there reared to the age
of fourteen years, when the family settled in Antrim county. In the
latter place he completed his educational training and at the age of
fifteen years entered the Railroad Telegraph office at Mancelona. After
thoroughly familiarizing himself with the art *of telegraphy he followed that line of enterprise for the ensuing seven years, at the expiration of which he accepted a position as brakeman on the Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railway three years. After his marriage, in 1890, he
was variously engaged until 1896, when he came to Calhoun county
and purchased a farm of eighty acres in LeRoy township. For the next
ten years he devoted his attention to diversified agriculture and the
raising of high-grade stock but in 1906 railroading again called him
and from that time until 1911 he was in the employ of the Grand Trunk
Railroad, his headquarters being at Toronto. Since 1911, however, he
has resided on his farm, which is in a high state of improvement and
which ranks as one of the most productive estates in LeRoy township.
In the midst of well cultivated fields are substantial farm buildings,
thoroughly equipped with modern conveniences, the same being ample
proof of the excellent ability and management of their owner.
In his political affiliations Mr. Blosser accords an uncomprising allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Democratic party
stands sponsor. He has never participated actively in local politics but
is deeply interested in community affairs and is ever on the alert to do
all in his power to advance the general welfare. He is a self-made man
in the most significant sense of the word and is well deserving of the
unqualified confidence and esteem accorded him by his fellow citizens.
In 1886, at Mancelona, Michigan, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. Blosser to Miss Minnie Lybarker, a daughter of Asbury and Julia Lybarker. The former was engaged in farming enterprises during his
active career, he is now deceased.
RAYMOND SPRAGUE. In Section 26, LeRoy township, Calhoun county, Michigan, is located the finely improved farm of Raymond Sprague,
the same comprising some 275 acres. Mr. Sprague is a prominent and
influential citizen of the younger generation in this section of the county
and while he devotes most of his attention to the management of his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


761


farm he is deeply and sincerely interested in community affairs and
gives freely of his aid and influence in support of all measures forward
for progress and improvement.
A native of Calhoun county, Michigan, Raymond Sprague was born
on the farm on which he now resides, the date of his birth being October 20, 1880. He is a son of Elliot Sprague, who was likewise born in
this county, his nativity having occurred July 25, 1843. Thomas
Sprague, grandfather of him whose name forms the caption for this
review, was born and reared in New York, whence he came to Michigan in the year 1832. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Mills.
Elliott Sprague passed his boyhood and youth in LeRoy township and
received his early educational training in the public schools, this discipline having later been supplemented with a course in Olivet College. His father was a Methodist Episcopal minister. December 25,
1869, Elliot Sprague married Miss Maria Baker, daughter of Bayze
W. and Eunice (Northrope) Baker, who came to Calhoun county from
Elmira, New York, in 1867. The Baker family located on the farm on
which Raymond Sprague now lives and Mr. and Mrs. Baker were the
parents of six sons and three daughters, of whom Maria was the youngest in order of birth. At the time of his marriage Mr. Sprague purchased two hundred and seventy-five acres of the old Baker estate, which
originally comprised four hundred and forty acres. Mr. and Mrs.
Sprague had four children, as follows,-Belle died at the age of three
years; Fannie is the wife of Robert C. Talbot, of Battle Creek; Raymond is the immediate subject of this review; and Evis resides in Battle Creek. Elliot Sprague passed to the life eternal June 27, 1908, and
his cherished and devoted wife died March 15, 1912. He was a great
believer in scientific farming and was a breeder of registered stock,
making a specialty of trotting horses, French merino sheep and Hereford cattle. In politics he was a stalwart in the ranks of the Republican party, in religious matters, was a devout Methodist and in a fraternal way was a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. He was a
citizen of prominence in his home community and commanded the unalloyed confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
Mrs. Sprague was gifted in a literary way and wrote a number of
stories for the Boys' and Girls' section of the Detroit Free Press. Of
her published books "Janice and Other Stories" is best known.
Raymond Sprague was reared to maturity on the home farm and
after completing the curriculum of the district schools he attended the
Battle Creek high school, in which he was graduated as a member of the
class of 1902. He also pursued a commercial course in the Business and
Normal College at Battle Creek. In 1903 he returned to the old homestead farm, which he has since conducted. He devotes his attention to
diversified agriculture and the raising of high-grade stock and Meadowbrook Farm is one of the most attractive rural estates in the entire
county. In his political convictions he supports Republican principles
and he attends the Congregational church. He is unmarried.
JOHN A. AND EDWARD F. GLAU. Among the list of enterprising and
progressive young men in East LeRoy, Michigan, John A. and Edward
F. Glau stand out prominently. Both of them ambitious and hardworking they give promise of being numbered among East LeRoy's
most substantial citizens.
The father of these two young men is William Glau, a successful
farmer of Newton township. Mr. Glau, Sr., was born in Holstein, Germany, but two years after attaining his majority came to America, not to'
avoid serving in the German army,'the motive that impels a large num



762


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ber of Europeans to seek another home, because he had already fulfilled
his obligations in that regard, but to see for himself the big opportunities
reputed to be open in the new land. He first located in Toledo, Ohio,
where he was employed by a railroad, until 1882 when he moved to
Calhoun county, Michigan. After working here for about seven years
at various different occupations he bought a farm of eighty acres in
Newton township. A little later, however, he sold this and has since
owned several farms, among them the one of fifty acres in Newton township on which he is now living. Mr. Glau is a Democrat and a member
of the Grange. He attends the German Lutheran church of Fredonia.
He married Elizabeth Damon of Toledo, the daughter of Nicholas Damon,
an American of French and German descent, and from their union
four children are still living, Frances, now the wife of William Laupp,
a farmer in Newton township, William, who is farming in Iowa, and
John and Edward, the subjects of this sketch. Mrs. Glau died July 24,
1890, and later Mr. Glau was married to Mary Mite of Toledo, whose
death occurred December 27, 1909. There were no children by the second
marriage.
John A. Glau was born September 29, 1882, in Toledo, Ohio, but as
his parents moved to Michigan soon after his birth he spent his childhood in Calhoun county. He attended the district schools there, and
worked on the home farm until 1902 when he left to learn the hardware and tinner business with W. J. Hagelsham of East LeRoy. He
remained with him for two and a half years, and then entered the employ of Hall & Co., as a clerk and assistant repair man, staying with
them for two and a half years. His next position was with Wattles &
Son of Battle Creek where he remained for one and a half years. The
next two years he worked for Bock, Walker Company, hardware merchants of Battle Creek, and immediately after that, on February 6,
1911 to be exact, started in business for himself, purchasing in partnership with his brother Edward, the stock of W. J. Hagelsham at East
LeRoy. Since then the two brothers have worked up an excellent
business and their handsomely fitted, well stocked store is one of the
show places of East LeRoy. In 1901 Mr. John Glau was married to
Edith O'Herin, the daughter of T. W. O'Herin of East LeRoy, who
has been a section foreman on the Michigan Central railroad for twenty-two years. Mrs. Glau is the youngest in a family of four children.
She and Mr. Glau are the parents of three children, Genevieve, Francis,
and Edson.
Edward F. Glau, the youngest son of William Glau was born August 5, 1885, on the farm in Newton township, Calhoun county. He
spent his early life on the farm, receiving his education at the district
schools of Newton township. At the age of twenty he left the farm to
go into the company of V. C. Wattles & Son of Battle Creek, where he
stayed for five years, or until he and his brother, John, bought out the
hardware store in East LeRoy. On March 5, 1907 he was married to
Jessie Mae Manzer, the daughter of James and Dora Hartford Manzer.
Mr. Manzer, who was born in Michigan, is a prominent farmer of Newton township. They had three children of whom Mrs. Glau is the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Glau have also had three children, Marjorie and
Helen, who are twins, and Dorothy. Mr. Glau belongs to the I. O. 0. F.,
and like his brother John is a Republican.
DAVID L. SWAIN of East LeRoy is well known as a prosperous farmer
and mill owner. He is well liked both in social and business circles,
and has always held an active interest in the several lodges, Masonic,
Maccabees, and Gleaners, in which he'holds membership.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


763


Mr. Swain's father, John Swain was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Reading in August, 1834. He attended the public
schools of Pennsylvania, but soon after leaving them went to Ohio. He
was married there to Rozana C. Apolis, who was born in Germany.
They became the parents of eight children, Elizabeth, now the wife of
Mr. John Dunn of Gilead township, Branch county, Elias of Coldwater,
Michigan, Thomas, of Sherwood, David of Athens township, James, of
Coldwater, Sterling of Noble, and John, of Coldwater. One son is dead.
In 1858 Mr. Swain moved with his family to Michigan, and dropping
his former occupation of carriage maker, took up farming. Mrs. Swain
died at Noble, Branch county, Michigan, in 1899, and Mr. Swain, who
is now living at Coldwater, Michigan, has since retired from  active
work. He has been much interested in political affairs and has held
several township offices. He is in sympathy with the Democratic party.
The Lutheran church claims him as a member.
David Swain, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bethel township, Branch county, November 30, 1864, and spent his childhood in
Noble, attending the district schools there. He first took up his present business in 1890 when he moved to Calhoun county and entered
a grist mill, elevator, and implement business in East LeRoy. At the
present time his mill, which saws all kinds of hardwood, furnishing
lumber for the furniture trade, has a capacity of eight to twelve thousand feet of lumber per day. For sixteen years he operated nothing but
the saw mill, but in 1896 he purchased a farm of 181 acres in Athens
township, and has conducted both ever since. He and Edith G. Latta,
of East LeRoy township, daughter of Charles H. and Esther (Mott)
Latta, owners of a large farm in East LeRoy township, were married in
1900, and have had five children, Marian, Vivian, Lyle, Leona, and
Walter. All five are at home. Mr. Swain is a Republican and attends
the Methodist Episcopal church.
EULER GRANT HOUGHTON. There is perhaps no class of business
men who show the varying degrees of intelligence in the conduct of
their business that may be observed in the conduct of general stores in
towns and smaller cities. To provide for a community's needs of this
sort inl an indifferent fashion often suffices a merchant's ambition; to
supply them in the best possible quality and to make his place of business attractive to his patrons is the purpose of such men as Euler Grant
Houghton of East LeRoy.
Mr. Houghton's family was originally Pennsylvanian. His grandfather, Ezra Houghton, whose wife before her marriage was a Miss
Quail, came to Michigan when their son, Albert (later the father of
E. G. Houghton) was a boy of twelve. The latter, Albert Houghton,
was born in Pennsylvania on the 29th of August, 1829. The first Michigan home of this family was in Lenawee county, which location they
exchanged for that of Washtenaw county, where Ezra Houghton spent
the rest of his life and where he died in 1870. Albert Houghton became
a farmer, like his father, and lived the greater part of his life in Washtenaw county, although his agricultural existence was interrupted for a
year by his joining in the general quest for gold in California in 1849.
He went to the same state a second time for farming purposes, but conducted farming operations there for only a comparatively short time,
ultimately returning to Michigan, which was his home the rest of his
life. While in the west, however, he had been united in marriage to
Mrs. Mary (Wells) Bain, a widow and a native of New York state. The
only child born to them was Euler Grant Houghton, to whom this sketch
is dedicated. Mrs. Wells' daughter by her former marriage, Ida Bain




764


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


is now deceased. After his marriage, Albert Houghton settled in Webster, Michigan, where he purchased a farm on which he lived until 1872.
This farm was, on March 13, 1872, the birthplace of our subject. The
second home of his boyhood was another farm which Albert Houghton
later bought in Newton township, when the former was five years of age.
E. G. grew up here and here received his early education. In his more
mature boyhood he followed the vocation of farming with his father,
until in 1892, after the mother's death, he spent a year or two of experimental employment in Battle Creek and Galesburg. In 1894 he
came to East LeRoy, which has since been his home. In 1906 he was
joined by his father, who lived in the son's home until his death in the
same year.
Ever since his coming to East LeRoy in 1894, Euler Grant Houghton has been successful in all that he has undertaken. His merchandise
business which had its inception at that time has ever since gradually
developed and its various phases have been steadily improved. In
1902 he rebuilt his store, adding new and convenient features and in
every possible way facilitating business both from his own and his customers' points of view. He now conducts a general merchandise business on a large scale.
Shortly before coming to East LeRoy-on October 15, 1891, Mr.
Houghton was married to Miss Mary Clark, a daughter of Richard E.
and Ann (Polhemus) Clark. Mr. Clark was a native of Ulster county,
New York, where he was born on June 18, 1840. His father, Alfred
Clark, had been born in the same locality. The latter was a contractor
and builder from early life until 1854, when he located on a farm of
160 acres of Emmett township, Michigan; his wife was Ann Clearwater, a daughter of Edward Clearwater, of New York; of their
children and indeed of the original stock, Richard Clark is the only one
now  living.  His farming interests were at first identified with
his father's, but in 1872 he purchased the farm of 162 acreson which he now     lives.  He had won as his life's companion,
on October 9th, 1862, Ann Polhemus, a daughter of John and Ann
Maria (Voorhees) Polhemus, who were natives of Holland, New Jersey; who had come to Michigan during the 'fifties and who had made
their home in Battle Creek. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Clark were Alfred N. Clark, who is now extensively engaged in the
beet sugar business in Lansing; Mrs. Houghton, the wife of the subject of this article; and Lloyd M. Clark, who is a furniture dealer in
Utica, New York. Their mother, Mrs. Richard Clark, died in 1880,
since when Mr. Clark has traveled during a large part of the time,
spending much of it in New York. He leads a retired life, occasionally living on his farm for periods of varying length. In politics he
is a Republican as was the father of Mrs. Houghton.
Euler Grant Houghton and Mrs. Houghton are the parents of three
children, Howard L., R. Donald, and Clark W., all of whom are still
at home.   The family is connected with the Methodist church, and
Mr. Houghton is a valued supporter of the church, both spiritually
and financially, and the members of his family among its regular attendants. Politically he is a Republican, with a keen sense of public
duty. He has served efficiently as a Justice of the Peace. He is further
useful to his community as a notary public and is in many ways an
important citizen.
HOMER HALL. A well-to-do agriculturalist and worthy churchman
of LeRoy township, who may also view with satisfaction a successfully
reared family creditably placed in the world, is Mr. Homer Hall, whose




HTSTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


765


beautifully kept farm of 224 acres attracts the attention of all who visit
this region.
Truly enviable is the man of mature years, who can view with modest
satisfaction his own well spent years and regard with complacency
both his ancestors and his descendants, in their remembered or anticipated lives. Homer Hall's paternal grandparents were worthy farmers
of New England stock, named Thomas and Rosanna Hall. This pair
were the parents of a son whose name was Lyman Hall. He was born
in Rutland county, Vermont, on the twenty-eighth of December in
1813, and when he was but eight years of age death took his father
from the home. Lyman Hall grew up into energetic habits and ambitious ideas, which took form both in his vigorous occupation of blacksmith and in his enterprising claim-staking in Michigan in 1836. He
thus became the owner of 240 acres, which, however, was never his
home, as he exchanged it for another farm on which his son now lives.
He lived for some time in Battle Creek before occupying his farm and
his son remembers hearing him tell of cultivating corn on the spot
where the Battle Creek high school building now stands. He married
on January twentieth, 1841, Miss Lucy Champion, the daughter of
John and Rebecca (Hubbard) Champion, (Champion street in Battle
Creek was named after him), an English family who had lived in Pennsylvania before coming to Michigan in 1834. The children of Lyman
and Lucy Hall were four sons, of whom two died in childhood. Homer
Hall's brother, Lyman C. was the only one beside himself who grew to
manhood. He was well educated and entered the commission business
in New York city. His health failed gradually, and in spite of some
time spent in California in the hope of regaining it, he at last retired to
his home in LeRoy, where at the age of thirty-three years, he died. The
Lyman Hall home was a fine residence built in 1861, but now occupied
by Mr. Graves, standing opposite the site on which Mr. Hall has erected
his fine residence of concrete. Lyman Hall was very prominent in
the township, holding several offices and serving as a trustee of the
Methodist church until increasing frailty made it necessary for him to
give the office into other hands. He died on April 18, 1886.
The nativity of Homer Hall was in LeRoy township, on the farm
where he now resides, the date of his birth being June 13, 1853. After
the completion of his district school education, he pursued studies at
Union Business College in Battle Creek, and on the conclusion of this
course spent two years in the office of the American Express Company
in this same city.
He presently determined on the agricultural career as his life's
work and won as his life's comrade Miss Ella M. Stanton, a daughter
of A. C. and Jane E. (Ashley) Stanton. From their marriage on February 7th, 1877, their lives was a prosperous one. They have been the
parents of four children, all of whom are worthily settled in life. The
life of Fred S. Hall, the eldest, is the subject of an appended article;
Lewis R., who was born in 1885, lives in Athens, Michigan, and he and
his wife, nee Mearle Owen, are the parents of one child, Lyman Hall.
Eva M., who was born July 11, 1887, is now Mrs. Fred Gale and is
the mother of one child, Dorothy; Clara J., who was born June 28,
1891, is now Mrs. Clarence Foss. The two grandchildren of Mr. Hall
were born, respectively, on November 18, 1908, and on July 7, 1910.
Mrs. Hall died May 11, 1912.
Homer Hall is true to his family reputation in being an active member and officer in the Methodist Episcopal church at Sonoma. He has
for several years been a member of the Board of Stewards.
His farming is of a general nature and is quite extensive. His dairy




766


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


is the most notable feature of the group of productive industries carried on in the different departments of his farm. To the 124 acres with
which he began farming, he has added one hundred acres. He is, furthermore, a member of the firm of Hall and Company, of East LeRoy.
FRED S. HALL. Of an eastern family later locating in Calhoun
county, Michigan, his immediate progenitor being Homer Hall, a prominent and successful farmer whose life is elsewhere reviewed in these
pages, Fred S. Hall was born on his father's farm in LeRoy township
of Calhoun county, October 21st, 1878. At the old home near Barnum
Lake, Fred Hall with his brothers and sisters was given his home training. His elementary education was pursued in the public schools of
LeRoy and his later specific knowledge was gained from the Battle
Creek business college. Mr. Hall, unlike many young men, experienced
none of the confusion of purpose such as often delays the inception of
a career. While only twenty-one years of age he definitely entered
upon his present work of merchandise. The store then belonging to
Mr. Henry Knox was purchased and Fred Hall is now its able manager. It is owned jointly by his father and himself, the firm name
being Hall and Company. For some time the store has been one comprising general merchandise. Its stock is extensive and up-to-date and
it is the largest store in the township.
In 1904 Miss Madge Bushnell became Mrs. Fred Hall. She is the
daughter of Harlow and Clara (Wheeler) Bushnell, who are prominent farmers of LeRoy township. She is the elder of the two daughters of Mr. Bushnell and his second wife. In the years succeeding her
marriage to Mr. Hall, two children have been born to them, Harlow and
Margaret.
Mr. Hall is prominent and popular in both political and socially
fraternal circles. He is a Republican of rational views and of firm and
loyal principles. In 1900 he was the recipient of the honor of being appointed postmaster of East LeRoy, an office he has filled with efficiency
and faithfulness. He is a conspicuous member of the Masonic lodge
and that of the Maccabees.
Full data regarding Mr. Hall's father will be found in the article
dedicated to him, which also contains material regarding Mr. Hall's
brother, Lewis, of Athens, and his two sisters, Mrs. Gale, who with her
husband lives at the old Hall homestead, and Mrs. Foss, whose rural
residence is near Beadle Lake.
RYAN BARBER COWLES. Standing prominent among the intelligent,
capable and progressive agriculturists of Calhoun county is Ryan Barber Cowles, who is carrying on general farming, including dairying
and stock-raising, after the most modern scientific methods, his labors
being crowned with success. A son of Addison B. Cowles, he was born,
August 28, 1846, in Battle Creek township, Michigan, on the parental
homestead, which included the farm  on which he now resides. He
comes from an old and honored New England family, his grandfather,
Deacon Heman Cowles, having been a son of Nathaniel Cowles, of
Revolutionary fame.
Deacon Heman Cowles was born and bred among the rugged hills
of Vermont. Subsequently crossing the line into New York state, he remained there for sometime, being engaged in tilling the soil. In 1836 or
1837, he came with his family to Calhoun county, Michigan, locating
first at Battle Creek, but later removing to Milton, where he served as
postmaster under President Jackson. He was a farmer of means, and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


767


a citizen of influence and prominence. He was a Democrat in politics,
and a strong abolitionist. Religiously he was a pillar of the Free Will
Baptist church, and until his death, which occurred in 1866, at- the
advanced age of eighty-three years, contributed liberally towards the
support of Hillsdale College. The maiden name of his wife was Amanda
Barber.
Born in Ontario county, New York, Addison B. Cowles came to
Michigan in early manhood, locating at Battle Creek in 1837, and in
Calhoun county spent the remainder of his brief life of thirty-eight
years. He was for a time postmaster at Battle Creek, but later engaged
in farming, his homestead farm being finely situated in Battle Creek
township. He was twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name
was Mary Ellis, died in early womanhood, leaving one child, Eri Cowles.
He married for his second wife, in 1840, Hannah Sprague, who bore
him two children, as follows: Heman L., deceased; and Ryan B., the
special subject of this brief sketch.
Brought up on the home farm, Ryan Barber Cowles was given superior educational advantages for a farmer's son. After leaving the
public schools, he continued his studies for a time at the Lansing Agricultural College, going from there to Olivet College, which he attended
for three years. Entering then the Law Department of the University
of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, he was there graduated at the end of two
years with the degree of LL. B., and in April, 1871, was admitted to
the Michigan bar. Locating at Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mr. Cowles was
there engaged in the practice of law for awhile, but the close confinement indoors proved detrimental to his physical health, and he abandoned his profession in response to a recall to the soil. Inheriting his
share of the parental estate, Mr. Cowles bought out the interests of the
remaining heir, and resumed farming, making good use of the instruction 'which he had received at the agricultural college. In the
management of his fine estate he employs the most approved modern
methods, and as a general farmer has been very prosperous. Mr. Cowles
pays especial attention to stock-raising and dairying, his cattle being now
principally Jerseys and Durhams. He also raises Merino sheep and
Poland China hogs, and aside from breeding and raising Norman Percheron draft horses, and those of the Pilot stock, continued to raise
many Hambletonians, a breed which has been in the Cowles family for
upwards of half a century. More recently, however, he has introduced
some of the Wilkes strain of horses into his stable, which contains
many fine and valuable animals.
For five years Mr. Cowles served as township supervisor, and has
ever maintained a lively interest in local affairs. He taught school as
a young man, and for many years was superintendent of the Union
Sunday school. He is a member of the Olivet College fraternity, Pi
Alpha Pi, which he joined many years ago. Mr. Cowles likewise has
membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen; in the Patrons of Industry; and is a member, and past master, of the local grange,
Patrons of Husbandry.
'Mr. Cowles married, November 30, 1871, Nettie M. Steward, a
daughter of George W. and Lydia (Gray) Steward, early settlers of
Kalamazoo county, Michigan. Three children have been born of the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Cowles, namely: May Belle, deceased; Floyd,
who lives on the home farm, married Luella Goodrich, and they have
two children, June J. and George 0. and Ernest A., who passed to the
higher life in 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles are consistent members of
the Methodist Episcopal church.
Vol. II-11




768


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


FRANK HOYT. Among the native-born citizens, of Calhoun county
who have spent their lives within its precincts, aiding as far as lay in
their power its growth and development, is Frank Hoyt, who was born
in Emmett township, on the farm where he now resides, September 1,
1861.
His father, George Hoyt, was born, November 1, 1826, in Connecticut, where he was bred and educated, as a young man learning the
carpenter's trade. Coming west in 1853, he located in Calhoun county,
Michigan, when this part of the state was but sparsely populated. He
purchased forty acres of timbered land in Emmett township, and on
the farm  which he redeemed from    its primitive wildness spent his
remaining days, passing away in 1892. He married, in 1853, Eliza
Hungerford, who survived him many years, her death occurring November 16, 1911, aged eighty years. Six children blessed their union,
namely: Arthur, a machinist at Battle Creek; Fred died in infancy;
Frank, the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; Emma,
who married Bert Hokum; Nellie, wife of H. W. Cronkhite; and Edward, of Battle Creek, a civil engineer.
Brought up beneath the parental roof-tree, Frank Hoyt gleaned his
early knowledge of books in the district schools, and while assisting his
father became familiar with the general branches of agriculture. Since
assuming the management of the old home farm Mr. Hoyt has been successful in his operations, his farm being under an excellent state of
cultivation, and yielding good crops each year. Mr. Hoyt is an earnest
supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has served as
a member of the local school board, and as highway commissioner. He
attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mrs. Hoyt is a Presbyterian in faith.
Mr. Hoyt married, in 1899, Miss Lottie Van Voorhees, who was born
in Fredonia township, Calhoun county, Michigan, April 28, 1868, being
descended from an old and honored family which traces its lineage
back to the sixteenth century. Her father, Isaac Van Voorhees, was
born in New York city January 28, 1833, and subsequently removed
to Michigan, settling in Fredonia township, where he bought land, and
was engaged in tilling the soil until his death, February 1, 1870. His
wife, whose maiden name was Emily Hungerford, was born, July 16,
1838, in Connecticut, and died, May 27, 1908, in Michigan. Mr. and
Mrs. Van Voorhees were the parents of three children as follows: Lissie,
born February 24, 1861. died March 9, 1863; Lewis, born March 2,
1864, died February 19, 1880; and Lottie, now Mrs. Hoyt. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt, namely: Emily L.,
born May 9, 1901; Robert Boughton, born March 22, 1906; and Wesley
George, born November 1, 1910.
CHARLES E. KISTLER. Far-sighted and progressive, and endowed
with excellent executive and business ability, Charles E. Kistler is
actively identified with the development and advancement of the mercantile and manufacturing interests of Emmett township, Calhoun
county, and as proprietor of Beadle Lake resort furnishes the people
roundabout with one of the most delightful and attractive places for rest
and recreation imaginable. Located but three miles from Battle Creek.
on the Allegan division of the Michigan Central Railroad, this resort
is easy of access, and with its facilities for fishing, bathing, driving,
boating, dancing and joining in other forms of amusement, is exceedingly popular with all classes of people, either for a day's outing, or
for a long summer stay.
A native of Calhoun county, Charles E. Kistler was born on a farm




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


769


in Emmett township, August 28, 1863, on the paternal side coming
of thrifty Swiss ancestry.
His father, Jacob Kistler was born, in September, 1827, in Switzerland, where he was reared and educated. In 1847, desirous of enlarging his field of opportunities, he immigrated to the United States, a
land of hope and promise to the ambitious youth. Locating in Sandusky county, Ohio, he worked hard and in a few years had saved
enough money to buy a tract of land and embark in farming on his own
account. Disposing of his Ohio interests in 1862, he came to Calhoun
county, Michigan, settling in Ermmett township. Purchasing one hundred and fourteen acres of timbered land, he began the pioneer task of
hewing a farm from the wilderness, and has since been a resident of
this township, being now one of its most venerable and highly respected citizens, his home being not far from Beadle lake. He married,
in Sandusky county, Ohio, in 1851, Polly Beck, who was born in Ohio,
and into their pleasant household seven children have been born, as
follows: Benjamin, deceased; Rena, deceased; Henry J., a blacksmith,
lives in Lansing, Michigan; Charles E., the special subject of this brief
biographical review; Mrs. Etta Beeson, of Battle Creek; Edward J., a
machinist, is connected with the American Steam Pump Works, at
Battle Creek; and David, deceased.
Spending his early life on the home farm, Charles E. Kistler was
trained to agricultural pursuits, his early education being gleaned in
the public school of District Number eight. On reaching man's estate.
he embarked in mercantile pursuits, beginning on a modest scale by
opening a small store on the banks of Beadle lake. Being fair and
square in his dealings with all, Mr. Kistler was well patronized from
the first, and in responding to the demands of his trade he gradually
enlarged his operations, his business as a merchant being now extensive
and remunerative.
Succeeding to the ownership of thirty-five acres of his father's original farm, Mr. Kistler, who long ago perceived the value of its many
natural attractions and possibilities, has spared neither time nor expense
in developing its resources. and it is fast becoming one of the most
popular su:mmer resorts of Southern Michigan. Mr. Kistler was instrumental in having all trains stop at Kistler's Crossing, whiich is near his
resort, making travel by railway to and from the city easy anl convenient. He was the first man to keep boats for rent on the lake, and
to his equipments he has added a boat building shop. IIe has stocked
the lake with various kinds of fish, securino for his first shipment one
hundred thousand wall-eyed pike and five thousand large-mlouthed bass.
while the following year he put in fifty thousand perch and five thousand small-mouthed bass.  These, with pickerel, calico hass and blue
gills furnish ample sport for the anglers, who are almost always sure
of a good catch, and at the' close of a day's sport can regale their
hearers with a story well worthy of credence. For the benefit of the
near-by farthers, Mr. Kistler has installed a grist mill, which has a
capacity of eight tons every day of ten hours, it being operated by
gasoline power.
Mr. Kistler married, October 29, 1903, Miss Amanda Lapham, a
daughter of Ethan and Mary (Itoag) Lanhamn. who settled on a farm
in Emmett township' in pioneer days. Politically Mr. Kistler is an
ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party, invariably
doing duty at the polls. He was township clerk for seven successive
years, from  1903 until 1910, and for six years was postmaster at
Beadle.




770


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


JAMES M. JENNINGS is one of the prosperous farmers of Emmett
township whose residence in Calhoun county, Michigan is nearing
the half-century mark and whose citizenship has been of such a character as to make him one of the representative men of his community,
both for his business ability and for his personal worth and integrity.
His nativity occurred on a farm in Clarion county, Pennsylvania
on April 1, 1851, he being the fourth of eight children born to Gilbert
and Mary Jennings. Both parents were natives of Ireland and were
married there in 1844, two of their children having been born before
they came to the United States in 1849. Gilbert Jennings was born in
County Mayo, Ireland, February 14, 1806. When he came to this
country he landed at New Orleans and resided there for a time but
shortly afterward went to Pennsylvania and was a resident of that
state three.years. In 1849 he came to Michigan and located on a
farm in Fredonia township, Calhoun county, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death having occurred May 3, 1879. He was
a devout communicant of the Catholic church, and in politics was a
Democrat. Mrs. Jennings survived him until January 4, 1895, when
she too passed away. The eight children of these parents are as follows:
Margaret, now Mrs. Charles Mills, of Rockford, Illinois; Ann, who resides in Battle Creek, Michigan; James, deceased in infancy; James
M., the subject of this review; Gilbert, who died in infancy; Martin E.,
whose death occurred at Eckford, Calhoun county, Michigan; Mary,
now a teacher in the ~Marshall public schools; and Mrs. Elizabeth Hess,
now deceased. The farm of the father remains in estate, never having
been probated.
James M. Jennings spent his early life in New York State and first
came to Calhoun county, Michigan in 1867, residing in the city of
Battle Creek for some time thereafter. He then removed to a farm on
section four, Clarendon township, where he remained many years, or
until he came to his present place in Emmett township in 1908. Mr.
Jennings owns 208 acres of good land in Clarendon township and this
farm is now in charge of his son Edward R. Jennings.
On September 26, 1877, was solemnized his marriage to Elizabeth
M. Adams, whose parents Alexander and Margaret D. Adams were
formerly residents of Rochester, New York, but later came to Calhoun
county, Michigan. Mr. Adams was born in Ireland on April 9, 1813,
and came to America in 1837, serving as a soldier during the rebellion
in Canada in 1838. In Rochester, New York, in 1842 he wedded Margaret D. Murry, who was born in that state on March 17, 1822. For
many years he was a contractor in Rochester. They came to Calhoun
county in 1866 and resided here until their respective deaths, Mrs.
Adams having passed away in 1879 and Mr. Adams in 1894. Mrs.
Jennings is the eighth of their nine children, six sons and three daughters, five of whom are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Jennings have been born
seven children, namely: James F., now a resident of Othello, Washington;
Edward R., who is in charge of his father's farm in Clarendon township;
John A., located on a farm adjoining that of his father; and Frank,
George, Gilbert and William, all at the parental home.
Politically Mr. Jennings is a Democrat, and his religious faith is
expressed as a communicant of the Catholic church. In line with his
interests as a successful farmer he sustains membership in the Grange
and in the Farmers' Club.
Edward T. Adams was killed in the Civil war, battle of Petersburg,
Virginia. Samuel A. Adams resides at Homer, Michigan, and William
H. Adams resides at Eckford.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


771


PHILANDER M. KING. One of the well known agriculturists of Emmett township, Calhoun county, Michigan is Philander M. King, the
son of an early settler in Michigan and himself a resident of Calhoun
county for more than half a century.
Mr. King is a native of Michigan, born in Augusta, Kalamazoo
county on the 7th of June, 1841, to Philander S. and Sophia Mabie King.
The father's nativity occurred in Seneca county, New York on May
26, 1807 and in 1829 he was married to Sophia Mabie, who was born in
Canada. They came to Michigan in 1837 and located in Augusta, Kalamazoo county, where Philander S. King followed his trade of carpenter and joiner three years. Removing to Canada in 1844, he there
took up farming, but in the fall of 1855 he returned to Michigan and
located in Marshall, Calhoun county, where he followed painting and
carpentering until 1870. In that year he took up his residence in
Jackson, Michigan, remaining there until 1893, when he came to the
home of his son in Marshall, Michigan, where he passed away in 1896.
His wife survived him until the following year of 1897. Philander
M., our subject, was the fifth of eight children, four sons and four
daughters, born to these parents. The father was a Democrat in politics, a Mason in fraternal membership, and in religious faith was a
Baptist.
~ Philander M. King was three years old when his parents removed
to Canada and he remained there until the spring. of 1856 when he
joined his father in Marshall, Michigan. His education, which was
begun in Canada, was concluded with two years' attendance of the
Marshall public schools. Following that, he went to New York City
where he became apprenticed to a watch maker, but after three years
he gave up the work on account of ill health. Returning to Marshall,
Michigan, he took up decorating and followed it until 1896 when he
turned his attention to agriculture, the vocation in which he has since
been engaged. He located on a farm four miles west of Marshall and
remained there until 1911, when he sold that farm and in May of that
year bought another of 84 acres, known as the Berry farm, on which
he now resides.
Mr. King has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Ella
Thornton, of Canada, whom he wedded in 1861 and who bore him two
children: Clara, who was born in 1.863 and died in 1882, and Reuben
D., now engaged in the mercantile business at Brainard, Minnesota.
The second marriage of Mr. King occurred in 1880 and united him to
Mrs. Lottie J. Robbins, a widow and the daughter of Thomas and
Caroline (Shaver) Buddington, pioneers of Jackson, Michigan. The
residence of Mr. Shaver, grandfather of Mrs. King, was one of the first
built in the city of Jackson. Of the four children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Buddington, Mrs. King and a sister were all that grew to maturity,
the former born in Jackson, Michigan on October 18, 1843. Mrs.
King is the mother of three children, all by her first marriage. They
are Mrs. Caroline Houston, of Brooklyn, New York; George Robbins, of
Hammond, Indiana; and Agnes, who married A. K. Pierce and died
in 1909.
A woman of culture and splendid education, Mrs. King is possessed
of considerable poetic talent and has written a number of literary
gems. Both Mr. and Mrs. King, who are very proficient in vocal
music, sang in the Christian church choir at Marshall for many years
and are well known throughout Calhoun county for their ability in this
art. In political faith Mr. King is a Democrat and once served as
alderman at Marshall. He is president of the Ceresco Farmers' Club
and his church membership is held in the Christian denomination.




772


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Both Mr. and Mrs. King are of social temperament and are people who
command the respect and regard of their community.
A. FLOYD KINGSLEY, M.. D. Definite success in his exacting profession well attests the ability and personal popularity of this representative physician and surgeon of the metropolis of Calhoun county and
he is well entitled to special recognition in this publication. He maintains his office headquarters in rooms over the City Bank, at No. 1 Main
street, West Battle Creek, and controls a large and substantial practice,
with further objective recognition of his status as a liberal and progressive citizen.
Dr. Kingsley was born in the village of Leonidas, St. Joseph county,
Michigan, on the 15th of September, 1876, and is a son of Chandler R.
and Lucy D. (Clark) Kingsley. He was the only child of this union
and his mother died when he was but fifteen months of age, his father
having subsequently married. Chandler R. Kingsley has long been one
of the substantial and honored citizens of St. Joseph county and. is a
representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of that section of
the state, where he still maintains his home. Dr. Kingsley completed
the curriculum of the public schools of his native county and thereafter
taught one year in the school in his home district and subsequently in
other schools in St. Joseph county, where he thus set at naught any
application of the scriptural statement that a prophet is not without
honor save in his own country. He proved a successful exponent of
practical pedagogy but his ambition to enter the medical profession was
early quickened into decisive action. In 1896 he entered the medical
department of the University of Michigan, and in this admirable institution he was graduated in 1900, as next to the youngest member in his
class. After receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine he opened an
office at Centerville, the judicial center of his native county, where he
served his professional novitiate and where he continued in active general practice until the 22d of November, 1905, when he came to Battle
Creek. Here he has found a wider field of professional endeavor, and
the support that has been accorded him in the community has amply
justified his choice of location. He subordinates all other interests to
the demands of his profession and is one of its skilled, successful and
popular representatives in Calhoun county. He is a close student of
the best standard and periodical literature pertaining to medical and
surgical science, and he is actively identified with the American Medical
Association, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Calhoun County
Medical Society, of which he was elected secretary-treasurer in June,
1912. He was also a member and president for one year of the Battle
Creek Medical Club during the comparatively brief period of its existence and he is held in high esteem by his professional confreres in the
county.
In politics Dr. Kingsley is aligned as a staunch advocate of the
principles and policies of the Republican party, and in his home city
he is affiliated, with A. T. Metcalf Lodge, No. 419, Free & Accepted
Masons; Battle Creek Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons; Bryant
Chapter, No. 153, Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Kingsley
likewise is a popular member; and with the local lodge No. 29, of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Maple Street Methodist Episcopal church.
At Mendon, St. Joseph county, on the 15th of May, 1901, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Kingsley to Miss Rozie L. Leland, who
was born in Park township, that county, and who is a daughter of
William P. Leland, long one of the representative agriculturists of that












HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY      7


773


section of the state. Mrs. Kingsley was afforded the advantages of the
Mendon high school and also of the Michigan State Normal College at
Ypsilanti. She was a successful and popular teacher in the public schools
of her native county prior to her marriage and is a woman of culture
and gracious personality. Dr. and Mrs. Kingsley have four children,
the three eldest of whom were born at Centerville and the youngest in
Battle Creek, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Lucy (E.,
Sarah L., Fred L. and Paul C. The attractive family home, at 223 Calhoun street, is pervaded by an atmosphere of cordial hospitality and
Dr. and Mrs. Kingsley have a wide circle of friends in the community.
ERASTUS S. MARSH. The Calhoun county citizenship is fortunate in
the possession of such estimable members of society as Erastus S. Marsh,
one of the most admirable representatives of the county's agricultural
industry. Daniel Webster has said: "Let us never forget that the
cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. Man may
be civilized in some degree without great progress in manufacture and
with little commerce with his distant neio)hbors. But without the
cultivation of the earth, he is, in all countries, a savage. Until he gives
up the chase and seeks a living from the earth, he is a roaming barbarian. When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore,
are the founders of civilization." There is no gainsaying the truth of
this and the farmers constitute as everywhere, one of Calhoun county's
most independent and wholesome classes. In addition to other distinctions Mr. Marsh is a veteran of the Civil war and probably one of the
youngest of that gallant company, now, alas, growing so rapidly smaller.
He was born at Victor, Ontario county, New York, on March 9, 1847,
the son of William W. Marsh, whose birth occurred in the year 1811,
also in the Empire state. About 1852, in the manner of so many Easterners at about that time, he sought the newly opening northwest and
located in Michigan. He taught school at Flint for some time and then
returned to the Empire state where he engaged in farming. He married Sylvia C. Sharpe, of Woodstock county, Vermont, and of the seven
children born to their union, the subject was the third in order of birth.
The father departed this earth in 1862. He was a graduate of Middleton
College, New York, and early in his career he engaged in surveying,
his later years being divided between farming and school teaching.
He was a man of high principles and wide information; Republican in
politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The scene of the early life of Erastus S. Marsh was his father's farm
in New York and in the neighboring district schools he obtained his
education. His youth was shadowed by the lowering Civil war cloud
and being patriotic and high spirited it was a grievous matter to him
that he could not enlist at the beginning of the great conflict on account
of his extreme youth. In January, 1864 he donned the Union blue as
a member of Company L, of the Twenty-fourth New York Cavalry.
He was plunged at once into the thickest of the conflict, being in the
campaign of the Wilderness and on June 1, 1864, being wounded at
Bethesda Church. He was placed in a hospital at Washington, D. C.
and there remained for some time, then returning to the service and
being mustered out May 29, 1865, at the termination of the war.
The young man returned to New York and exchanged the musket
for the plowshare. He engaged in farming for several years, but in
1869 determined to come west and on March 24 of that year he arrived
in South Bend, Indiana, where he secured a position with the Studebaker
Manufacturing Company. He remained there, however, but a few
months and then went to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he took pos



774


~HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


session of a farm. He went thence to Bureau county, Illinois, where he
farmed for two years and he subsequently went overland to Kansas,
where he remained for ten years and then came to Battle Creek in
1883. He resided in that city for about two years, engaged in teaming,
but he was not content away from    the farm  and he purchased a
property south of the city. This well situated and valuable property
consists of seventy-two and one-half acres.
Mr. Marsh has been twice married. In 1874, Lydia Russell, of
South Bend, Indiana, became his wife. She passed away in June, 1900
and in 1902, he took as his wife Leila Knapp, of South Bend. There
were no children by either marriage.
Mr. Marsh is Republican in politics and has served for several years
on the school board, being a stanch champion of good education. He
is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
BENJAMIN F. MORGAN, known throughout Calhoun county as one
of its most prosperous and progressive farmers, as well as for his connection with numerous industrial enterprises which have had an important bearing upon the development of this section of the county, is
a native born American, though of full English parentage. His British
blood, coupled with his American breeding, have united to produce a
strong and powerful character, and Benjamin Morgan, like others of
the same name and family, has lived a life of fullest activity, productive of much of good to the community in which he has passed so many
years.
Mr. Morgan was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on May 5,
1829, and he is the son of William Morgan and Mary (Crook) Morgan,
both natives of county Kent, England, their emigration to the United
States bccurring in 1829. The father was a son of William Morgan
and further reference to his life and family will be found in the sketch
dealing with the life of William Morgan III, of Battle Creek, a brother
of Benjamin F. Morgan of this review, in other pages of this historical
work.
The young life of Mr. Morgan was passed on the farm of his father
in New York state. As to education, his advantages were of a limited
nature, and such success as Mr. Morgan has attained has been the direct
result of his own ability, inherent and invincible, and will go far to
disprove the assertions frequently made that success is dependent upon
the accident of education. When Mr. Morgan was yet a minor he left
home and went to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he became occupied in
mill industries, at a time when there were but two mills in the city, his
being one of them. He was twenty-one years old when he sold out in
Erie and went on a trip of inspection or sight seeing. He traveled on
foot through Wisconsin and Illinois, and eventually found himself back
in New York. In 1870 Mr. Morgan came to Michigan and located in
LeRoy township, remaining there forty-two years. He bought eight
farms in LeRoy and joined the entire properties, making an acreage in
this one farm of seven hundred and seventy acres. In Emmett township he controls an additional tract of four hundred and sixty-seven
acres, all of which he farms extensively and with most excellent results. He is a farmer of acknowledged ability, and his operations are
always on a generous scale, and altogether consistent with his usual
methods of doing business. Mr. Morgan has been identified with numerous industrial enterprises of a worthy nature in the years that he has
been a resident of this section of the state, all of which, with a single
exception, have resulted favorably from a financial and industrial
standpoint, the case in point being a company organized for the manu



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


facture of a breakfast food in Battle Creek, and which proved a failure
after a few years of consistent efforts to place it upon a paying basis.
He is connected with a buggy factory in a financial way. He is now
engaged in promoting the Michigan & Indiana Railroad Company, and
he with others interested in the project, are at present buying up the
right-of-way for the proposed road, which will extend from Coldwater
to Battle Creek. Mr. Morgan is a citizen of the most admirable type,
and is never too busy to serve his township in any capacity his fellow
voters choose to place him in. He has been township commissioner for
several years, and has in various other ways given of his time and
ability in the cause of good citizenship. He is a Republican, stanch
and true, but is without political ambition. Mr. Morgan is well known
as a man with detective ability, particularly so in tracing horse thieves.
When Mr. Morgan was twenty-three years old he married Harriet
Tracy in Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of John Tracy. Mr. and
Mrs. Morgan became the parents of five children, named as follows:
Lucy, the wife of Gilbert Johnson; John, a resident of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; William, engaged on his father's farm in LeRoy, as is
also Frank B.; Edwin, the youngest son, is his father's assistant. Mr.
Morgan has brought his children up to know the value of money, to
know hard work from actual acquaintance with it, and to be honest
and honorable in all the relations of life. He has given them but common school educations, believing that with a fair stock of book knowledge and a reasonable quantity of energy and persistence, they will
be sufficiently equipped for the battles of life, and it would seem, from
observation of his own case, that his reasoning is good. Certain it is
that all are doing well in the various lines of enterprise with which they
are connected.
VICTOR ft. JOSLYN. An essentially representative farmer of Battle
Creek township, Calhoun county, Michigan, is Victor H. Joslyn, who
resides on his well cultivated estate of one hundred and sixty acres,
located just eight miles distant from the city of Battle Creek. He is
engaged in general farming and the raising of high-grade stock and he
takes an active interest in all matters affecting the general welfare of
his home community.
Victor H. Joslyn was born at Charleston, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, the date of his nativity being the 9th of January, 1869. He is a
son of James L. and Samantha M. (Gould) Joslyn. James L. Joslyn
was the fourth in order of birth in a family of nine children born to
James and Lavina (Andrews) Joslyn and he was born at Darien, Genesee county, New York, February 12, 1843. He received a good educational training in his home state and came to Michigan in 1864, at
the age of twenty-one years, to visit his brother Joel. Being favorably
impressed with the opportunities of the west he decided to stay in
Michigan and for a number of winters after his advent in this state was
engaged in teaching school.  Eventually he entered the employ of
Fayette Gould and worked on the latter's farm for a number of years.
February 12, 1867, he married Samantha Maria Gould, daughter of his
employer, whose wife's maiden name was Betsy Olmsted. Mrs. Joslyn
was born in New York December 12, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Joslyn became
the parents of three children, of whom Victor H. is the immediate subject
of this review; Grace L. is the wife of Henry Peterson and resides in
Battle Creek township; and Hattie Sophronia is deceased. James L.
Joslyn was a Republican in politics and he was a delegate to a number
of county Republican conventions. He was possessed of considerable
talent as a musician and his two surviving children are also talented




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


musicians. His demise occurred January 14, 1910, and his brother Joel,
mentioned above, died on the 21st of January, 1910. Mrs. Joslyn survives her honored husband and resides with her son Victor H. She is
a devout member of the Christian church and is a woman of most
gracious and winning personality.
To the district schools of Battle Creek township Victor H. Joslyn
is indebted for his educational training. He has resided on the farm,
which he now owns and operates, since he was a child of but four years
of age. When large enough he began to assist his father in the work
and management thereof and as his father advanced in years he took
over the entire responsibility of the estate. He devotes his attention to
general farming and his finely kept place is indicative of thrift and
good business judgment on the part of the owner. The farm consists
of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which is under cultivation. In
a fraternal way Mr. Joslyn is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen
of America and the Grange or Patrons of Husbandry. His political
allegiance is accorded to the Republican party.
March 25, 1896, Mr. Joslyn married Miss Edith P. Eggleston, a
daughter of Samuel and Jemima (Wood) Eggleston, the former of
whom was born in New York and the latter in Calhoun county, Michigan. For many years Mr. Eggleston has been a prominent and influential farmer in Battle Creek township. Mrs. Joslyn was born near
Battle Creek, August 30, 1867, and she was the first in order of birth
in a family of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Joslyn are the parents
ot one son, Leo E., whose birth occurred on the 13th of February, 1898.
Mrs. Joslyn is a member of the Congregational church.
ORLOW A. MINGES. Among the prominent and influential citizens
of Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, Michigan, Orlow A. Minges
holds prestige as one who has achieved remarkable success as a farmer.
He is the owner of a fine estate in the close vicinity of Battle Creek
and in addition to running his farm he takes an active interest in township politics, having at one time been incumbent of the responsible position of township treasurer.
On the old homestead farm in Battle Creek township, Calhoun
county, Michigan, Orlow Amidon Minges was born, the date of his
nativity being the 29th of May, 1867. His rudimentary educational
training consisted of such advantages as were offered in the neighboring
district schools, which he attended up to the eighth grade, and he also
pursued a commercial course in the Krugs Business College, at Battle
Creek. After leaving school he returned to the farm, in the work and
management of which he assisted his father, Abram Minges, data concerning whose career appears in the sketch dedicated to Erwin G. Minges,
brother of the subject of this article. Orlow A. resided at home until his
marriage, in 1900, when he and his bride settled on a fine little estate of
forty acres just across the road from the old Minges homestead. Mr.
Minges is engaged in farming and stock-raising and he ranks as one of
the foremost citizens of Battle Creek township. In politics he is an
uncompromising Republican and he takes an active and interested part
in township politics. He was elected township treasurer and he held
that office for a period of two years.
February 26, 1900, Mr. Minges married Miss Sada Hamlin, a daughter of Cyprian and Louisa Hamlin, the former of whom was engaged in
farming near Battle Creek during the greater portion of his active career.
He died in 1904 and Mrs. Hamlin passed away in 1867. They were
both natives of the state of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Minges are the
fond parents of two children,-Ruth and Meda, aged, respectively,
20 and 14 years.




H1STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


777


Mr. Minges is a man of fine mentality and broad human sympathy.
He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society
of his family and friends. Hie is always courteous, kindly and affable,
and those who know him personally accord him the highest esteem.
Mr. and Mrs. Minges' lives have been exemplary in all respects and
they have ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift
and benefit humanity, while their own high moral worth is deserving
of the highest commendation.
FRANK MINGES. At this juncture in a volume devoted to the careers
of representative citizens of Calhoun county, Michigan, it is a pleasure
to insert a brief history of Frank Minges, who has ever been on the
alert to forward all measures and enterprises projected for the good
of the general welfare and who has served his community in various
official positions of trust and responsibility. He has been township
treasurer of Battle Creek township, has served as delegate to various
Republican county conventions and at the present time, in 1912, is incumbent of the office of highway commissioner. He owns and operates
a fine farm in Battle Creek township and is recognized as one of the
prominent citizens of this section of the county.
Frank Minges was born on the old homestead farm, in Battle Creek
township, April 22, 1873, and he is a son of Abram and Eugenia
(Amidon) Minges, the former of whom is deceased and the latter of
whom is now living in Battle Creek township. On other pages of this
work appears a sketch dedicated to the career of Erwin G. Minges
and therein will be found a summary of the life of Abram Minges, so
that further details in that connection are not' deemed necessary at
this point, as easy reference can be made to the sketch mentioned.
Frank Minges was educated in the public schools of Battle Creek
township an'd in 1891 he was graduated in the Battle Creek high school.
He has always lived on the old home farm and is operating it at the
present time. It consists of 200 acres and is located 4 miles distant from
Battle Creek.  In his political proclivities Mr. Minges is a stanch
adherent of the principles upheld by the Republican party, in the
local councils of which he is an active factor. He was elected to the
office of township treasurer and he held that responsible position for a
period of two years. On various occasions he has been delegate to
county conventions and he is regarded as a man of good judgment
and well weighs all affairs affecting the welfare of the township and
county, and is a public spirited citizen. In 1909 he was elected highway commissioner and he is incumbent of that office at present. For
the past twenty-two years he has been a valued member of the Grange.
September 1, 1910, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Minges to
Miss Laura Adams, who was born and reared in Battle Creek township and who is a daughter of Jasper and Ella Adams. Mr. Adams is
an agriculturist in this township, whither he came from Vermont.
Mr. and Mrs. Minges have no children.   They are popular factors in
connection with the social affairs in their home community and their
residence is a center of genial hospitality.
ERWIN G. MINGES. Many of the ablest men in America are ardent
devotees of the great basic industry of agriculture and it is well that
this is so because the various learned professions are rapidly becoming
so crowded with inefficient practitioners that in a few years it will
be practically impossible for any but the exceptionally talented man to
make good or even gain a competing living therein. The independent
farmer, who, in addition to tilling the soil, cultivates his mind and




778


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


retains his health, is a man much to be envied in these days of strenuous
bustle and nervous energy. He lives his life as he chooses and is
always safe from financial ravages and other troubles of the so-called
"cliff-dweller." An able and representative agriculturist, who has
done much to advance progress and conserve prosperity in Calhoun
county, Michigan, is Erwin G. Minges, who owns and operates a finely
improved farm in Battle Creek township.
Erwin G. Minges was born in Battle Creek township, Calhoun
county, Michigan, May 27, 1865, and is a son of Abram and Eugenia
(Amidon) Minges, the former of whom was born in Lycoming county,
Pennsylvania, in 1818, and the latter was born in New York, in 1845.
Abram Minges came to Michigan at the age of eighteen years. He
learned the trade of mill wright. In 1849 he joined the gold-seekers
on their way to the new '"Eldorado" in California and remained in
that commonwealth for two years, at the expiration of which he returned
to Michigan, settling in Battle Creek township, where he cultivated
a fine farm, on which he resided until his demise, April 1, 1908, at the
patriarchal age of ninety years. He erected a grist mill near his home
farm and ran the same for two years. He also built a number of other
mills, among them being the old Hart Mill in the city of Battle Creek.
He was twice married, his first union having been to Miss Elsie Cowlam,
of St. Joseph county, Michigan. Two children were born to this union
but both are deceased. Mrs. Minges died and December 24, 1863, Mr.
Minges was united in marriage to Miss Eugenia Amidon, a native of
New York, whence she accompanied her parents to Michigan in 1860,
at the age of fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Minges became the parents of
four children, three of whom are living, in 1912, namely,-Erwin G.,
of this notice; Orlow and Frank. Mrs. Minges is still living, her home
being in Battle Creek township. Mr. Minges was a stanch Republican
in his political convictions and for five years he was township supervisor.
He was a man of splendid business ability and he was always ready to
do all in his power to advance the general welfare of the community in
which he lived.
Erwin G. Minges was reared to maturity on the old homestead farm,
in the work and management of which he early began to assist his
father, and he was educated in the district schools of Battle Creek
township. He also completed a commercial course in the Battle Creek
Business College. Since reaching man's estate he has been engaged in
farming and October 4, 1888, he settled on his fine estate of forty acres,
located 4 miles distant from  Battle Creek.  He is engaged in diversified agriculture and stock-raising and has been decidedly successful in his farming operations. In politics he is a Republican and
at one time he was the popular and efficient incumbent of the office of
township clerk.
October 3, 1888, Mr. Minges married Miss Cora B. Cummings, a
daughter of Enoch and Mary Cummings, of Battle Creek township.
The Cummings family traces its ancestry back to old English stock,
the emigrant ancestor in America having come hither in the Mayflower.
Enoch Cummings was born in New York, in 1821, and he died in 1886.
He came to Michigan in April, 1845, and here married Mary Barlow,
also of New York. Mrs. Cummings is still living and of her six children Mrs. Minges was the second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs.
Minges are the parents of two children,-Elsie M., who is now Mrs.
Victor Scramlin, of Climax; and Clayton C., who remains at the parental
home. At the present time, in 1912, there are five generations of the
Minges family living.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


779


WILLIAM J. SYLVESTER. Calhoun county, Michigan, figures as one
of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the state,
justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise
which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of this section. The county has
been and is signally favored in the class of men who has contributed
to its development along commercial and agricultural lines, and in the
latter connection the subject of this review demands recognition as he
is engaged in agricultural pursuits, in connection with his father-inlaw, Fred W. Cowles, on a fine estate of 275 acres, in Battle Creek
township.
William J. Sylvester was born in Barry county, Michigan, January
20, 1881, and he is a son of the late Joseph Henry Sylvester, who was
born in Pennsylvania, January 8, 1854. As a young man the father
came to Michigan and here married Addie S. Fry, a daughter of Benjamin Fry, of Pennsylvania. The wedding ceremony was performed in
1878. Joseph Henry Sylvester was engaged in farming in Assyria township, Barry county, Michigan, during the greater part of his active
career and he was summoned to the life eternal September 13, 1903.
Mrs. Sylvester subsequently married John Frank Wright and they reside in Barry county. In his religious faith Joseph H. Sylvester was a
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife
were the parents of four children, namely,-Charles, Elmer, William
J., and John H. Charles and Elmer are deceased.
To the public schools of Barry county William J. Sylvester is indebted for his early educational training, which was supplemented with
one year's attendance in high school at Assyria Center. After reaching
years of maturity he came to Battle Creek, where for a period of eight
months he was engaged in the livery business. In 1906 he began to
work for the Duplex Printing Company and he was in the employ of
that concern for a period of three years. After his marriage, in 1909,
he became associated with his father-in-law, Fred W. Cowles, in running the old Cowles homestead, a fine estate of 106 acres, eligibly located
four and one-fourth miles distant from Battle Creek. Mr. Cowles and
Mr. Sylvester are engaged in diversified agriculture and in the raising
of high-grade stock. Fine buildings located in the midst of well cultivated fields are the best indication of the prosperity and thrift of the
owners of the estate and the same is equipped with every possible modern convenience.
November 11, 1909, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sylvester to
Miss Bertha A. Cowles, a daughter of Fred W. and Lovina Cowles, both
of whom were born in Calhoun county, the former on the 2d of April,
1860, and the latter February 28, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester have
one child, Walter J., whose birth occurred on the 22d of September,
1910.
While Mr. Sylvester has never manifested aught of ambition for the
honors and emoluments of public office he is ever on the alert to forward
all measures and enterprises advanced for the good of the general welfare. In a fraternal way he is a valued member of the Knights of the
Maccabees.
FRANK I. WETZEL, of Battle Creek, Michigan, is a horticulturist and
landscape gardener of some renown. Mr. Wetzel is a member of a firm
controlling a large nursery business in Battle Creek, and besides his
duties in connection with this he does a great deal of designing for the
laying out of individual estates. Both because of his artistic sense and
his practical knowledge he has achieved a big success in this latter work,




780


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and is so eagerly sought that he could employ his whole time as a landscape artist if he cared to.
John Wetzel, the father of Frank Wetzel, was born in (Germnany, in
1834 and came to America with his parents when he was between twelve
and thirteen years of age. They settled in Albany, New York, and after
John left school he entered the nursery business. With the breaking out
of the Civil war he left his work and enlisted as a Zouave in Company
B, 140th New York Regiment, serving for three years. After the war
was over he migrated to Painesville, Ohio, and again took up the nursery
business. Politically a Republican, and a member of the Catholic church
he was an active citizen of Painesville until his death in June, 1910.
He was married to Cynthia Margaret Lefiet, a native of Germany, in
Rochester, New York, and from their union were born twelve children.
Every one of the seven sons, Joseph of Fremont, Ohio, John of Painesville, Frank I., George I., of Battle Creek, Edward of Painesville,
Charles of Painesville, and Henry, followed in the footsteps of their
father and entered the nursery business. Of the girls Cynthia is now
Mrs. La Rue of Painesville; Maggie is Mrs. Beattle of Nashville, North
Carolina; Barbara is Mrs. Hathaway of Madison, Ohio; Lizzie is Mrs.
Jacobs of Painesville; Anna of St. Louis, Missouri. Mrs. Wetzel is still
living in Painesville.
Frank I. Wetzel was born in Rochester, New York, December 13,
1875, but spent most of his childhood in Painesville, Ohio, as his father
moved west soon after his birth. He attended the public schools there,
but from the age of ten on, spent his vacations in learning his father's
business, so that by the time he was ready to leave school he was already
an expert nurseryman. A good testimonial to his skill in that direction is given in the fact that he was employed for eighteen years by
Storse and Harrison. In 1901 he came to Battle Creek, Michigan, and
formed the firm of the Battle Creek Nursery Company. This has been
a highly successful concern and now consists of sixty acres of actual
stock. Their specialties are ornamental shrubs, trees, grapes, apples,
peaches, plums, currants, and strawberries. A great deal of their business has been secured through novel ways of advertising originated by
Mr. Wetzel. At present the attention of nearly every passerby is attracted by a misspelled word in the large sign hung in front of the
nursery. Three years ago Mr. W. A. Helmer became a partner and
the firm is now known as the Helmer Farm Nursery:
Mr. Wetzel attends the Catholic church, and belongs to the Repub-.lican party.
JOHN V. WOOD of Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, Michigan,
is a contradiction to the prevailing spirit of restlessness of the present
generation. He was born and has lived the whole sixty-four years of his
life on the same farm. His father Barnett Wood was born in Steuben
county, New York, in 1813, but the desire to go west animated him as
it did other young men of his time, and he became one of the earliest
settlers of Calhoun county, Michigan. John V. Wood was born May
12, 1847, in Battle Creek township, and in 1867 he was married to
Clara Reese, the daughter of Albert Reese. They have had four children, Mark T., who married Miss Lily Swailes and is living on the
home farm; Nettie, who is now Mrs. Porter; Myrtle, now Mrs. Christian; and Nina, now Mrs. Griffin. Mr. Wood is a Republican and belongs to the Maccabees.
MYRON YOUNG belongs to one of the old and substantial families of
Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, Michigan. He and his father




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


781


before him have occupied the one farm  since 1861. David Young,
Myron's father, was born in New York December 12, 1816, the son of
Joseph Young, a. man with a strong religious interest, and who after
serving for many years as a deacon in the Presbyterian church finally
joined the Adventists. Joseph Young retired from active life in 1861, and
died November 22, 1878, at the age of eighty-five years, ten months, and
twenty-one days. David Young left New York in May, 1832, and settled
on the farm in Battle Creek township where his son is now living. lesides his work on the farm he acted for many years as a justice of the
peace. A Republican and a Presbyterian he also took an active interest
in politics and his church. On October 23, 1845, he was married to
Delila Hilmer of Battle Creek township, and from their union five children were born, of whom only two are now living, Myron, and Edward,
at present in Battle Creek. Mr. Young died in 1898 at the age of
seventy-two years, two months and twenty-one days, and on August 23,
1909, Mr. Young followed her.
Myron Young, who was born on the farm in Battle Creek township,
October 9, 1852, has spent his whole life on the old homestead. His first
marriage took place with Josephine Dewey, April 26, 1879, and they
became the parents of two children, Jennie and Burr, who died in infancy. Mrs. Young died in 1894 at the age of thirty-eight, and in 1898
Mr. Young was married again, this time to Mrs. Eugenia Murdock. a
widow and the daughter of Edward and Triphena Goodenough. Mrs.
Young was born August 4, 1858. They have had no children. Their
present house, on their farm of one hundred and sixty acres, is a large
and imposing one, built by Mr. Young to replace the stone one built by
his grandfather in 1841 and which was destroyed by fire July 10, 1910.
Mr. Young is a Republican.
HARRY MAPES is a substantial and prosperous fclarmler of Calhoun
county, Michigan. Born in Kalamazoo county, May 14, 1877, he was
the third child in a family of nine children of whoml George W. and
Prudence Jane   (Eggleston) Mapes were the parents. George W.
lMapes was born in Battle Creek township, April 17, 1848, the son of
Anson Mapes, who came to Michigan in 1836 and settled in Calhoun
county. Mr. and Mrs. George Mapes were married D)ecember 29, 1870,
and Mr. Mapes, who is retired from active life, is now living in Battle
Creek. Ile belongs to the Democratic party.
Harry Mapes spent his early life on the farmn, receiving his education in the country schools. He was married October 15, 1905, to Loriah
N. Fox, the daughter of William A. Fox, of Barry county. They have
had two children, George and Wilma G. Mr. Mapes owns 160 acres
of land. 'He is a Democrat.
ALBERT EMANUEL PETERS. An enterprising and thriving agriculturist, Albert Emanuel Peters is a fine representative of the nativeborn citizens of Homer township, Calhoun county, his birth having
occurred on the farm where he now resides, February 15, 1874, being
an industrious and perservering farmer, and the worthy son of a worthy
sire.
His father, Andrew Peters, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bressler)
Peters, was born, February 23, 1832, in Union county, Pennsylvania,
of German ancestry. Coming to Michigan in the fifties, he spent several years at Colon, St. Joseph county. In 1865 he moved with his
family to Calhoun county, locating in Homer township, on the farm
now occupied by his son Albert, and embarked in agricultural pursuits, as a general farmer meeting with satisfactory pecuniary results.




782


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In 1893 he took up his residence in the village of Homer, and there
lived retired from active business until his death, November 10, 1907.
Identified with the Republican party, he held various township offices,
serving as commissioner of highways, and as drainage commissioner.
He was a member of the local Grange, and both he and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian church. He married Rebecca Wagner, who
was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1836, a daughter
of Daniel and Susanna (Yeatter) Wagner, who were likewise of German descent, their marriage being celebrated in 1854. Six children
were born of their union, and all are now living, as follows: William,
Daniel H., Joseph Franklin, Rosa Ellen, Edward Jacob, and Albert E.
Brought up in Homer township, Albert E. Peters acquired his early
education in the Boutin district school, and on the home farm was well
drilled in the art of agriculture. His parents gave up farming when
he was eighteen years old, and he accompanied them to Homer, where
he learned how to make good butter, working at that trade for two
years in a creamery. The ensuing two years he was engaged in the
grocery business with his brother, after which he spent two years in
Eckford. Turning back to the soil in 1901, Mr. Peters assumed charge
of the farm of one hundred acres, and in its management has found
a great deal of pleasure and much profit.
On February 19th, 1896, Mr. Peters was united in marriage with
Clara Mae Cook, a daughter of John D. Cook, a prominent farmer of
Clarendon township, and they have one child, Dorothy Mae Peters.
Politically Mr. Peters is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to
the Knights of the Maccabees.


WILLIAM E. CORNELL. Probably no educational institution in Battle Creek has a more practical relation to the business community, and
the individual welfare of many young men and women than the Graham School of Shorthand, which with the completion of its tenth year
in September, 1912, was opened in its new home, in the Arcade, West
Main Street, and it has been the aim of its owner to make it as thoroughly equipped and as complete in every detail as any Shorthand
School in the State.
The founder and proprietor has had excellent success as an educator, this success being based on a very extended experience in practical work for which he trains his pupils, and few shorthand school
proprietors have had a more interesting and varied career than his
has been.
The school was given the name of the system which is taught, the
system most generally employed for business and general reporting.
This is first of all a shorthand school, aiming to thoroughly fit young
men and women as competent stenographers, but in connection with it,
maintains a thoroughly up-to-date bookkeeping and penmanship department, Mr. Cornell being a past-master in the latter branch.
Associated with Mr. Cornell in the conduct of the school is his wife,
who is an experienced bookkeeper, and has charge of that branch of
the work; and together, with the help of additional instructors, they
have built the school up from a small beginning to its present size, the
past year there being an attendance of 175 pupils.
After graduating from the public school of his home town in Northern Michigan, Mr. Cornell began the study of shorthand in 1875,
coming to Battle Creek the following year, and entering the old Battle
Creek College, where he remained for three years. At that time he
was one of the few young men to choose the art of stenography as the
basis of his business career, and received but little encouragement in






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


783


his effort from his friends; but he stuck to it and became very proficient. He claims the distinction of being the first regularly employed
stenographer in Battle Creek, and for over a year acted as Dr. Kellogg's first stenographer. He has always maintained a very keen interest in the stenographic art, and were he to undertake it, he could
write a very interesting story of the many changes that have taken
place in the art during his experience.
In 1883, after his marriage, he removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where
he lived for fifteen years, during which time he was continuously employed in shorthand work, acting as private stenographer for the Governor of the State, also for various committees during several sittings
of the legislature, and in office and newspaper work.
A unique and interesting experience of his career was his service
for three years as private stenographer for a gentleman who spent that
period abroad.
Since establishing his school in 1902, he has continued to do considerable reporting which requires special skill, at conventions, lectures, court work, etc., and has been relied upon to report the speeches
of noted visitors to the city, like Taft, Roosevelt, Bryan and others.
His notes have the appearance of copper-plate, so perfectly are the
characters formed, even when reporting a rapid speaker.
Mr. Cornell was married at Jefferson, Iowa, December 24, 1882,
to Miss Irene L. Colcord, who was a native of Illinois, being born at
Sterling, where she spent the greater part of her early life. For five
years she was engaged in public school teaching, after which she took
a thorough commercial school training and for fourteen years since her
marriage has been engaged in practical bookkeeping work, an experience which has proved of exceptional value in her work of teaching that
branch.
MIr. and Mrs. Cornell's home is at 81 Howland Street. Their only
child died at the age of six years, but they have been greatly interested
in young people, quite a number of whom they have taken into their
home and educated, several of whom they have adopted.
CHRISTIAN HORNBERGER. Another of Marshall's German born citizens, who has reared his family and gained a plentitude of this
world's goods during his residence in this city is Christian Hornberger.
His birthplace was Wurtemberg, Germany, and his parents were
George and Christina (Schaible) Hornberger, who emigrated in 1866
to Fredonia township, Calhoun county, Michigan. His brothers and
sisters all reside in this state.  Mathias is a prosperous farmer of
Fredonia township; George is a painter, residing in Lansing; Christina
is the wife of Louis Younghind of Lansing, and John is also a resident
of Lansing.
Christian Hornberger began this life's activities in the German
fatherland on the 25th day of January, 1846, and was twenty years
of age when the voyage of the family to America was undertaken.
After the landing in New York the young -man came directly to Marshall, and then to Kalamazoo, where he remained for one year. At
the end of that time he made a journey to the far west, where he continued to occupy his time in various occupations for two years. During this time he was located chiefly in Kansas. Eventually, however,
the homelike atmosphere of Marshall again attracted him, with the
result that in 1873 he returned to his first American home. Here he
began in a small way to build up a brewery business. He met with
success, his commercial operations gradually growing in extent and
in pecuniary importance, and he continued in the business until the
Vol. II-12




784


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


year 1881, when he disposed of his brewery interests. Mr. Hornberger
then engaged in the wholesale beer business, supplying Marshall and
many of the neighboring towns in Calhoun and adjoining counties.
During the second year after his return to Marshall, Mr. Hornberger was united in marriage with Miss Mary Roller. She is a native
of Saginaw and the daughter of Peter Roller, who was among Saginaw's earliest settlers but later moved to Marshall and was for many
years a merchant in that city. Four daughters were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Hornberger, concerning whom    the following brief mention is
made: Anna is the wife of Henry Spees, of Marshall, Michigan; Lillian lives at home; Laura, a graduate in music, is the wife of Earl R.
Page, also in Marshall, and Louisa makes her home with her parents.
The residence of the Hornberger family is a commodious and comfortable one, well looked after by its owner, who since his retirement
from business, has occupied his time chiefly in the oversight of this
and his other extensive properties, all of which are located in the city
of Marshall. He enjoys excellent health and looks back with satisfaction upon his steady rise from financial dependence to affluence,
through the exercise of industry and close attention to business. His
political interests are those of the Democratic party. His chief enjoyments are domestic rather than social or fraternal, his only affiliation
with organizations of a fraternal nature being with the State Arbeiter
Society and the Order of Maccabees.
HENRY V. SNYDER. As general contractors the firm of H. V. Snyder
& Son, of Battle Creek, control a business that far transcends local
limitations, with the result that the concern holds prestige as one of the
most important of its kind in southern Michigan. The operations of
the firm have extended into the most diverse sections of Michigan and
also in to the states of Illinois and Indiana, and no better commercial
asset could be asked than that afforded in the high reputation enjoyed
by this progressive and substantial business firm of Battle Creek. In
the control of his extensive business Henry V. Snyder has an effective
coadjutor in the person of his only son, Leon R., who is junior member
of the firm. Mr. Snyder has shown splendid initiative and executive
ability during his exceptionally active and successful business career,
and is a man whose broad and liberal views, wide experience and abiding public spirit make him a valuable citizen of the city in which his
interests are centered and in which he commands secure vantage ground
in popular confidence and esteem.
Henry Vandling Snyder claims the fine old Keystone state of the
Union as the place of his nativity and is a scion of sterling pioneer
families of that commonwealth. He was born at Danville, Montour
county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1856, and in his career he
has fully manifested that independence which his natal day implies. He
is a son of William H. and Mary E. (Artley) Snyder, both of whom
were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where their marriage was solemnized and where the father learned the mason's trade in his youth.
At.the time of the Civil war William H. Snyder enlisted for a term
of ninety days, and he took part in the memorable and sanguinary battle
of Gettysburg, as well as other engagements. He was a member of a
Pennsylvania regiment and received his honorable discharge at the close
of his term of enlistment. In the spring of 1865 he came with his
family to Michigan and located in Lockport township, St. Joseph county,
whence he removed to Park township, that county, in the following
year. There he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits
until his removal to the village of Mendon, in the same county, and he




A. WJ            I




4




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


785


continued to maintain his home there until his death, which occurred
in 1907, his loved and devoted wife having there been summoned to the
life eternal in May, 1893. Mr. Snyder continued to be actively and
successfully engaged in business as a mason contractor vntil 1878, when
he was succeeded by his son Henry V., of this review, and thereafter
he lived virtually retired until his death, at the venerable age of 76
years. He was a staunch Republican in politics and both he and his
wife were members of the Methodist church. They became the parents
of eleven children of whom seven are now living, the subject of this
sketch having been the third in order of birth and three of the children
having been born after the family removed to Michigan. John W. is a
resident of the city of Chicago; Daniel M. resides at Gladwin, Michigan;
Sarah is the wife of John W. Miller of Mendon, this state; Margaret is
the wife of George A. Ingersoll, of that place; Mary E. is the wife of
Andrew O. Weinberg, of Three Rivers, Michigan; and Matilda, is the
wife of Otto W. Seeb, of La Grange, Indiana.
IHenry V. Snyder was about nine years of age at the time of the
family removal from Pennsylvania to Michigan and was reared to'adult
age in Park township, St. Joseph county. He made good use of the
advantages afforded him in the public schools of the locality and period,
as is indicated by the fact that he was a successful and popular teacher
in the district schools for eleven winter terms,-in St. Joseph and Kalamazoo counties. As a youth he learned the mason's. trade under the
able direction of his honored father and he was associated with the
latter in the contracting business at Menden until the spring of 1875,
when he initiated independent operations in this line, with which he
has been continuously identified and along which he has achieved marked
success and wide reputation. In the meanwhile he has been identified
with the agricultural industry in a subsidiary way, as he has owned
several farms in southern Michigan. At the present time he has a well
improved and valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres, in
Assyria township, Barry county, near the Calhoun county line, besides
which he is the owner of a considerable amount of excellent realty in
Battle Creek.
Mr. Snyder continued to maintain his home in St. Joseph county
until the autumn of 1887, when he removed to a small farm in Van
Buren county, two miles east of the village of Lawton. He continued
to give his attention to contracting, however, and did not personally
supervise the work of his farm. In the fall of 1889 he removed to the
city of Chicago, and he became one of the most extensive and successful contractors of the great western metropolis. From 1891 to 1.899 he
confined his business principally to mason contracting, and since the latter years he has been a general contractor. In Chicago he was associated in business with his brother, John W., under the firm name of
Snyder Brothers, and they handled many important contracts in and
about that city. In the spring of 1908, Mr. Snyder came to Battle
Creek. where he has since maintained his residence and business headquarters and, as already stated, the firm of H. V. Snyder & Son, general
contractors, is one of the most important of its kind in southern Michigan. The firm has recently completed the erection of a large and modern plant for the Uncle Sam Macaroni Company, at Tecumseh, Michigan, and more than two thousand barrels of cement were used in the
construction of the fine building. The firm has had also seven different
contracts with the Michigan Central Railroad Company, on construction work in Chicago and at other points. In a sketch of this order it is,
of course, impossible to note in detail the important contracts executed
by H. V. Snyder, but a brief list of buildings constructed may con



786


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


sistently be given: High school, Three Rivers, Michigan; Baptist College, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Post Tavern, Battle Creek; Crawford Hotel,
Crawfordsville, Indiana; Illinois Hotel, Bloomington, Illinois; Hackley
Library, Muskegon, Michigan, and public library at Three Rivers; Plan
of Constantine Hydraulic Company, Constantine, Michigan; two buildings for the firm of Deere & Company, Moline, Illinois; malt house of
American Malting Company, Chicago; Michigan Central freight house
in Chicago, paint shop in Jackson, Michigan and depots at Hammond,
Indiana, and Oxford, Michigan; reinforced concrete dam at Centerville, Michigan; Elks temples at Battle Creek and Dowagiac, Michigan.
and a number of fine buildings for the Union Steam Pump Company,
among which are the main machine shops and an office building. This
firm has also constructed a number of large additions for the Advance &
Rumley Company, and is at present engaged in the building of a one
hundred and fifty foot addition to the present foundry of that company. Mr. Snyder is the contractor and supervisor in charge of the
erection of the ten story addition to the Post Tavern in Battle Creek,
and has had many of the most important contracts in connection with
building construction in Battle Creek.
In politics Mr. Snyder is a stalwart in the camp of the Republican
party, but he has no predilection for political office. In the city of
Chicago he holds membership in the Builders' & Traders' Exchange, of
which he is a director, and there also he is a member of the Mason Builders' Association. In his home city he is affiliated with Battle Creek
Lodge, No. 12, Free & Accepted Masons; Battle Creek Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons Commandery, and with the local organization of the
Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the Benevolent & Protective
Order of Elks, besides which he is identified with the Athelstan Club.
On the 26th of December, 1882, M. Snyder was united in marriage
to Miss Mary A. Benfer, who was born and reared in Park township,
St. Joseph county, Michigan, and who is a daughter of Henry Benfer,
a representative farmer of that county; both Mr. Benfer and his wife
are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have one son, Leon Romaine,
who was born at Mendon, Michigan, on the 27th of December, 1883, and
who received his education in the public schools of Chicago, where he
was reared to manhood and received his initial business training. Leon
R. Snyder has been twice married and has one son, Leon R., Jr., who
was born in Battle Creek, September 18, 1904, and who is being reared
in the home of his paternal grandfather. On the 5th of March, 1911,
Leon R. Snyder contracted a second marriage, having then espoused
Miss Nellie Wenrich, who was born and reared at Joplin, Missouri,
where her father is a representative business man. They reside at 74
Henry Street, and Mr. Snyder, like his father, is a Republican and is
identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. Henry V. Snyder has an attractive modern residence
at 202 North Washington Avenue, and the same is pervaded by an
atmosphere of generous and unostentatious hospitality. The offices of
the firm of H. V. Snyder & Son are located at 55 South McCamly street.
O. FENN SPAULDING. Among the successful young business men
of Battle Creek, O. Fenn Spaulding has a high place of esteem.
Through good management and basing his service on the best interests
of the public, he has elevated his profession and business to a worthy
dignity and appreciation in this city. The undertaking business of
which he and his brother are proprietors is located at 24 Marshall
street.
Mr. Spaulding was born in this city, December 30, 1881, and be



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


787


longs to one of the old and highly respected families of Calhoun county.
His grandparents, John Allen and Eliza Adeline (Smith) Spaulding,
were among the early settlers of Emmett township in this county. The
father was the late Henry C. Spaulding, who was superintendent of
the city parks of Battle Creek at the time of his death, which occurred
July 3, 1903. He was born in Emmett township, January 23, 1845,
and up to the last twenty-three years of his life was engaged in farming. He then moved to this city and for a number of years worked
at the carpenter trade, which he gave up finally on account of ill health.
During his youth in Emmett township he had attended what was known
as the Spaulding school. He was a Republican in politics, and was
affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Select
Knights. He married Miss Lucy A. Carey, of Newton township, a daughter of Charles Carey. Since the death of her husband she has resided
in Los Angeles, California. The four sons and one daughter of these
parents were: Frank C., who is the associate of his brother O. F.;
May E., who lives with her mother in California; V. E., a druggist of
Kalamazoo; H. Allen, who died September 19, 1910; and O. F., the
youngest of the family.
Mr. Spaulding was reared and educated in Battle Creek, and except for five years' residence in Wisconsin, for the purpose of regaining his health, he has always lived in this city. His business he acquired through practical experience, working for W. S. Keet and for
William D. Farley, undertakers of this city. In 1904 he was made a
state licensed embalmer, and also obtained a state license from Wisconsin during his residence there. In the building at 24 Marshall street
he began business for himself in 1904, and was the first tenant of these
rooms which he had arranged to suit the purposes of the business.
Having a silent partner, he did the business under the name of O. F.
Spaulding & Company. After bringing the establishment to a profitable condition, ill health caused him to sell out to Caldwell & Hayner,
and he then removed to Wisconsin.   In October, 1911, he and his
brother Frank again bought the establishment, and have continued
the business in a very successful manner.
Mr. Spaulding is a member of the Elks lodge and of the Baptist
church.  On November 18, 1903, he was married to Miss Carol G.
Payne. She was born in Union City, but received her education in
Battle Creek. Her father is Victor T. Payne, who has been identified
with the Nichols & Shepard Company for the past thirty years, and
is one of the superintendents of the works and a stockholder in the
company. Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding, are the parents of two children:
Carlton F., born March 27, 1905; and Isidine L., born in 1911.
VICTOR T. PAYNE. Forty years ago Victor T. Payne entered the
employ of The Nichols & Shepard Company, then a small but enterprising concern, and began his business career in Battle Creek in a
humble capacity. A number of other young men were coming here,
full of hope and ambition, and resolved to win fame and fortune, many
of them setting out in the race better equipped, to all appearances,
than Mr. Payne. They had friends or money, many both, and some a
college education; Mr. Payne had none of these. Some of these young
men failed utterly, others achieved only a small measure of success,
but what has been accomplished by Mr. Payne is well known to the
citizens of Battle Creek. At the present time he is a stockholder in
the concern with which he has been connected for so long, and to the
success of which he has so materially contributed, and is recognized
as an influential factor in the manufacturing interests of the city.




788


HISTORY.OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Victor T. Payne was born in Battle Creek township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, September 1, 1852, and is a son of Rufus and Jane (Laraway) Payne.
Rufus Payne was born August 16, 1822, at Victor, New York, and
was nineteen years of age when he came to Michigan and settled at
Marshall. There he was married at the old Pacey House to Jane
Laraway, who was born in Washtenaw county, Michigan, and who
was brought to Marshall as a child, their union resulting in the birth
of three sons: Fred, born in Battle Creek township, who died at the
age of seventeen years; Victor T.; and Claud G., born in LeRoy township, and died in Battle Creek, October 25, 1907, at the age of fiftyone years, his wife passing away July 25, 1907, and their two daughters now being residents of Los Angeles, California. Rufus Payne
was a sawmill operator, and during the earlier years of his life operated
a mill in Battle Creek township, subsequently being the owner of a mili
in LeRoy township for about twenty years, and finally retiring from
active business and moving to the city of Battle Creek about six years
before his death, which occurred February 2, 1881. His wife passed
away August 28, 1895, and both are buried in Beckley Cemetery in
Battle Creek township.
Victor T. Payne received his educational training in the district
school of Battle Creek township, and in May, 1872, entered the employ of the Nichols & Shepard Company as a member of the packing
room force. General efficiency and faithfulness to duty caused his
promotion from time to time, and for about thirteen years he traveled
extensively for the company, subsequently becoming a foreman, He
has been foreman of various departments, and now has charge of the
planing room and is a stockholder in the company. A natural-born
mechanic, possessed of progressive ideas and the ability to carry them
out, Mr. Payne has been constantly seeking to improve the product
~of the company. With a fellow employe he made the first Flagg Separator from  the original draught, subsequently patented the Payne
Feeder, which is manufactured by the concern, and has later improved
at different times the other machinery owned by the company. He has
demonstrated his confidence in the future of Battle Creek by investments in real estate, and owns farming property in Battle Creek and
LeRoy townships, as well as his home, at No. 251 Marshall street, which
he had erected seventeen years ago.
On September 1, 1875, Mr. Payne was married to Miss Frances
Isadene Pearl, at the home of the bride, in Battle Creek township,
the occasion taking place on Mr. Payne's twenty-third birthday. Mrs.
Payne was born in Clinton county, New York, and received her education in the district schools of Battle Creek township, Lyons High school
and Olivet College. Her father, Cassius Pearl, was born at Grand
Isle, Vermont, in 1812, and was a land owner and speculator in farm
lands, and in 1863 came to Calhoun county, Michigan, settling in
South Battle Creek, on the old John Pearl place, which had been originally owned by his brother. His death occurred here in 1887, at the
age of seventy-five years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name
of Rosilla Safford, passed away in February, 1896, at the age of eightyfour years. Their ten children are all still living, Mrs. Payne being
the youngest. To Mr. and Mrs. Payne there were born three children: Grace Pearl, born and educated in Battle Creek; Carol C..
born in Union City, Branch county, Michigan,- and educated in Battle
Creek, now the wife of O. F. Spaulding of this city; and John Howard, born in Battle Creek township, educated in Battle Creek, and now
a machinist in the employ of the Nichols & Shepard Company. He is




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


789


a member of the Elks. As a public-spirited citizen Mr. Payne deserves
the high credit he possesses in the good opinions of the people of Battle
Creek, and his friends in the city are legion.
AWRA A. HOYT, M. D. Dr. Hoyt has gained prestige as one of the
able and popular representatives of the medical profession in his native county and is engaged in active general practice in the city of
Battle Creek, with offices at 210 Ward building, and residence at 222
Lathrop avenue. He has thoroughly fortified himself for the exacting
duties of his chosen profession and in the same is an effective exponent
of the benignant Homeopathic school of practice.
Dr. Hoyt was born in Battle Creek on the 27th of July, 1879, and
is a son of Wallace A. and Hattie (Pierce) Hoyt, the former of whom
was born in Syracuse, New York, and the latter in Barry county,
Michigan, where her parents were pioneer settlers. Wallace A. Hoyt
passed his boyhood days in his native state, though he was but fifteen
years of age when he came to Michigan. He learned the machinist's
trade and for a number of years he was employed at his trade in the
extensive plant of the Nichols & Shepard Company, of Battle Creek.
He then became a locomotive engineer for the Grand Trunk Railway
Company and in this capacity he was employed for many years, during
which he continued to maintain his home in Battle Creek, where all
of his children were born. After his retirement from railroad work
he was for a time employed as a machinist by the Union Steam Pump
Company, of Battle Creek, and he then purchased a small farm, of
thirty acres, in Bedford township, this county, where he and his wife
now reside, this change in occupation having been made primarily for
the purpose of giving him opportunity to regain his physical powers,
his health having become much impaired. He came to Battle Creek
soon after the close of the Civil war and he is well known and highly
esteemed in the county that has represented his home for many years.
The Hoyt family in America was founded by two brothers of the name
who immigrated from England and established their home in Massachusetts, in the early colonial era of our national history. The paternal great-great-grandfather of Dr. Hoyt was a valiant soldier of the
Continental line in the war of the Revolution, and representatives of
the name were also participants in the war of 1812 and the Civil war.
The maternal grandparents of Dr. Hoyt were numbered among the
pioneer settlers of Eaton county, Michigan, and later removed to Barry
county. He whose name initiates this review is the eldest in a family
of three children; Teresa L., the second child, died on the 9th of September, 1905, at the age of twenty-one years; and Elsie L. is now the
wife of Glenn Beckwith, of Battle Creek.
Dr. Hoyt gained his early education in the public schools of the
city in which he was born and whidh is now his home. He was graduated in the Battle Creek high school in 1899, and in the autumn of
the following year he was matriculated in the Homeopathic medical
department of the University of Michigan, in which he was graduated
as a member of the class of 1904 and from which he received his degree
of Doctor of Medicine. He passed the summer of that year as an interne in the Hahnemann Hospital in the city of Rochester, New York,
and he then located in Assyria township, Barry county, Michigan,
where he continued in the practice of his profession until the 1st of
January, 1907, when he initiated his practice in Battle Creek. He
opened an office at 7 East Main street and about one year later he
removed to 53 West Main street, where he became associated in practice with Dr. C. C. Landon. In October, 1911, he opened his present




790


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


office, in the Ward building, and he has since been engaged in practice
of a general order. He has built up a substantial and profitable professional business and commands secure place in the confidence and
esteem of the people of his native city.
In politics Dr. Hoyt is found arrayed as a staunch advocate of the
principles of the National Progressive party, and he is affiliated with
Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free & Accepted Masons; Assyria Tent
Knights of the Modern Maccabees; and Wideawake Court No. 591, Independent Order of Foresters, of which last mentioned he is examining
physician. He is also a member of the County Medical Society and the
State Medical Society.
On the 5th of September, 1906, Dr. Hoyt was united in marriage
to Miss Helen R. Jewell, who was born and reared at Assyria, Barry
county, Michigan, and who is a daughter of Preston K. and Belle
(Tompkins) Jewell, representatives of honored pioneer families of that
section of the state. Mr. Jewell has long been engaged in the general
merchandise business at Assyria and is one of the prominent and influential citizens of that locality. The Tompkins family was founded
in Assyria township in the early pioneer days and the family name
has been closely identified with the development and progress of Barry
county. Dr. and Mrs. Hoyt have one son, Jewell A., who was born on
the 28th of April, 1908.
WILLARD N. PUTMAN, M. D. At 205 Ward building, in the city
of Battle Creek, are located the office headquarters of this representative young member of the medical profession in Calhoun county, and
the substantial practice which he controls offers most effective voucher
for his ability as a physician and surgeon and for his possession of
those characteristics which make for objective confidence and esteem.
Dr. Willard Nichols Putman claims the old Empire state of the
Union as the place of his nativity and is a scion of a family early
founded in that commonwealth. He was born on a farm in DePeyster
township, St. Lawrence county, New York, on the 12th of April, 1881,
and is the younger of the two surviving children of Charles Edward
Putman and Lucretia (Willard) Putman, both of whom were born
and reared in the state of New York, where their marriage was solemnized and where the former was engaged in agricultural pursuits during the earlier period of his active career. He later became a traveling
salesman, with residence and business headquarters in the city of
Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he maintained his home until the autumn of 1903, when he removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he has
since maintained the agency for the products of the flouring mills of
George C. Christian & Company of Minneapolis.     He is a staunch
Progressive in politics and both he and his wife hold membership in
the Methodist Episcopal church. The elder of their two surviving
children, is the wife of Ira M. Cook, who is in the employ of the
Russell Miller Milling Company, of Minneapolis, in which city he and
his wife reside.
Dr. Putman gained his rudimentary education in the public schools
of his native state and was fourteen years of age at the time of the
family removal to Minneapolis, where he was graduated in the high
school as a member of the class of 1900. Thereafter he continued his
higher academic studies for two years in Hamline University, in that
city, after which he was matriculated in Hahnemann Medical College,
in the city of Chicago. In this admirable institution he was graduated
as a member of the class of 1906, his degree of Doctor of Medicine
having been conferred upon him on the 18th of May of that year.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


791


From January 1, 1907, until the 1st of the following January he served
as interne in the Chicago Homeopathic Hospital, in which he gained
valuable and varied clinical experience, and on the 1st of January,
1908, he opened an office in Battle Creek. Here he has built up an
excellent general practice, in which he has admirably exemplified the
efficacy of the benignant Homeopathic system, and where his support
is of representative order. He has put forth every possible effort to
fortify himself for the exacting work of his profession and has taken
effective post-graduate courses in Chicago, where he availed himself
specially of the able instruction given in orificial surgery by Dr. Edward
H. Pratt, a distinguished surgeon of the great western metropolis.
The Doctor is identified with the Michigan State Homeopathic Medical
Society. In politics he is aligned as a staunch supporter of the cause
of the Progressive party, and he is affiliated with A. T. Metcalf Lodge,
No. 419, Free & Accepted Masons; with Battle Creek Chapter, No.
355, Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Putman likewise is a
member; and with the local organization of the Woodmen of the World.
He is a member of the Athelstan Club and both he and his wife attend
and support the Maple Street Methodist Episcopal church, of which
Mrs Putman is a member.
On the 16th of December, 1908, Dr. Putman was united in marriage
to Miss Mary E. Gatiss, daughter of Henry Gatiss, of La Salle, Illinois.
Mrs. Putman was born and reared in La Salle, where she was graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1903. She was
also graduated in the training school for nurses maintained by the
Chicago Homeopathic Hospital, and there formed the acquaintance
of her future husband. Dr. and Mrs.' Putman have one son, Willard
Gatiss, who was born in Battle Creek on the 11th of August,
1909.
RAYMOND D. SLEIGHT, M. D. It is gratifying to be able to accord
in this publication specific recognition to an appreciable number of the
representative physicians and surgeons of Calhoun county, and well
entitled to such consideration is Dr. Sleight, who is engaged in the
practice of his profession in the city of Battle Creek, with offices at
201 Post building. In the work of his chosen calling he has seen the
expediency of concentration of effort and thus he has become a skilled
and successful specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of
the eye, ear, nose and throat.
Dr. Sleight finds a due measure of satisfaction in reverting to the
fine old Wolverine state as the place of his nativity. He was born
on the homestead farm of his parents, in Victor township, Clinton
county, Michigan, and made his appearance on the stage of life's activities on the 10th of July, 1875, the eldest of the three sons of James
D. and Louise (Reed) Sleight, both of whom still reside on the home
farm mentioned, the same being a well improved and valuable landed
estate of two hundred acres. James D. Sleight was a valiant soldier
of the union in the Civil war, in which he served three and one-half
years, as a private in the One Hundred and Fiftieth New York Volunteer Infantry, with which he accompanied General Sherman on the
memorable march from Atlanta to the sea. He took part in many of
the important engagements marking the progress of the great conflict
between the north and the south and as a citizen he has shown equal
loyalty in the "piping times of peace."  He is one of the substantial
agriculturists of Clinton county and is held in unqualified confidence
and esteem in the community that has represented his home for many
years. He is a Republican in politics. Of the three children the second,




792


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Roscoe E. is now professor of mathematics in Albion College, one of
the leading educational institutions of Michigan; and Roland W. is a
member of the class of 1915 in the Michigan Agricultural College.
The two elder sons were graduated in the Laingsburg high school and
the youngest son in the high school at St. Johns, the judicial center of
Clinton county.
Dr. Raymond D. Sleight was reared to the sturdy discipline of the
farm and after completing the curriculum of the district school he entered the high school in the village of Laingsburg, in which he was
graduated as a member of the class of 1893. His ambition did not lie
along the line of agricultural enterprise and he early formulated definite
plans for his future career. After leaving the high school he was
matriculated in the medical department of the University of Michigan,
and in the same he was graduated as a member of the class of 1897.
After receiving his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine he opened
an office in the village of Maple Rapids, in his native county, and there
he continued in active general practice for five years. His distinctive
ability and enthusiasm in his profession gained more than local recognition, since, in 1901, he was called back to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, where he was first assistant to the chair of diseases of
the eye, ear, nose and throat, in the medical department, until 1904, in
September of which year he established his home in Battle Creek, where
he has since controlled a substantial and representative practice as a
specialist in the treatment of the diseases just mentioned. In 1907
Dr. Sleight did effective post-graduate work in the city of Vienna, Austria, where he remained one year and where he devoted special attention to the study of and clinical work in the diseases of the eye, ear,
nose and throat, so that he has amply fortified himself for the work of
his chosen field of practice. He is the local eye specialist for the Grand
Trunk Railway Company and for the Nichols Memorial Hospital.
In politics Dr. Sleight is found aligned as a staunch supporter of the
cause of the Republican party. He is president of the Calhoun County
Medical Society, and is also actively identified with the Michigan State
Medical Society and American Medical Association, as well as the American Academy of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology. Dr. Sleight is the
owner of a valuable farm of one hundred acres in Emmett township, just
outside the corporate limits of Battle Creek, and there is reason to believe
that much of this land will eventually be included within the city, as
everything augurs well for the continuous growth and progress of the fine
metropolis of Calhoun county. The doctor is affiliated with Battle Creek
Lodge, No. 12, Free & Accepted Masons; Battle Creek Chapter, No. 19,
Royal Arch Masons; and Battle Creek Commandery, No. 33, Knights
Templar. He is also a popular member of the Athelstan and Country
Clubs. He is the owner of his attractive residence property, at 60 Orchard
avenue, and the home is known for its cordial and gracious hospitality.
On the 15th of February, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Sleight to Miss Ambra A. Patterson, daughter of Henry J. Patterson, a
representative citizen and business man of St. Johns, Michigan, where
Mrs. Sleight was born and reared. Her mother, whose maiden name was
Margaret Shattuck, is deceased and her father still resides at St. Johns.
Dr. and Mrs. Sleight have no children.
HENRY A. BROMBERG. A popular citizen and enterprising and representative business man of the city of Battle Creek, Mr. Bromberg has
manifested the initiative and executive powers which ever make for
definite success in connection with the practical affairs of life, and none
is more deeply appreciative of the advantages afforded in the United




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


793


States, none more loyal to our national institutions. He came from Russia to this country when a young man and through earnest and well
directed effort has gained secure place as a substantial business man
and progressive and public-spirited citizen of the metropolis of Calhoun
county. Here he is senior member of the firm of Bromberg & Gregory,
wholesale and retail jewelers, and through his energy and ability has
been built up a splendid business enterprise-one of the largest and
most successful of the kind in southern Michigan.
Henry A. Bromberg was born in the town of Kherson, capital of
the province of the same name, in southern Russia, and the date of his
nativity was August 7, 1860. He is a scion of one of the sterling families of that section of Russia and his parents there passed their entire
lives, his father having been a general broker by vocation. Mr. Bromberg attended the schools of his native town until he had attained to
the age of thirteen years and thereafter served an apprenticeship of
seven years in the establishment of Karl Maill, the leading jeweler and
imperial watchmaker of Russia. In this establishment, located in the
city of Odessa, Mr. Bromberg learned the jewelry and watchmaking
business most thoroughly and he is a recognized expert in this field of
enterprise. After completing his apprenticeship he was employed for
several years as a journeyman jeweler in his native land, and later he
traveled extensively through Europe and the oriental countries finding
profitable employment at his trade. He was thus engaged in Switzerland and in the cities of Vienna and Amsterdam, and in 11883 he came
to America. He followed his trade in New York city, Washington, St.
Louis and other metropolitan centers, and in 1886 he came to Battle
Creek, where he entered the employ of the firm of.Galloup & IHollister.
Later he was engaged for a time in independent business and he then
went to Paris, France, to attend the exposition. In 1889 he returned
to Battle Creek' and laid the foundation for his present extensive business by opening a small jewelry store in the Nichols & Austin block.
Careful and honorable dealings soon enabled him to build up a prosperous enterprise, and the same constantly expanded in scope, with the
result that he found it expedient to secure larger quarters. He accordingly removed to 361/2 West Main street, where he continued business
until his removal to his present large and attractive quarters in the fine
two-story brick block which he erected in 1910-11. This is one of the
most attractive business structures in the central district of Battle
Creek, and the same is located on Monument Square, opposite the postoffice, with numbers from 88 to 94 East Main street. The establishment
of Bromberg & Gregory occupies the corner store, which is metropolitan
in all appointments, including large and admirably arranged display
windows.   The magnificent establishment, in which are handled diamonds, watches, jewelry of all kinds, silverware, etc., has been designated
as the "home of jewelry" and as one in which popular prices prevail.
The trade has become one of large volume, both in the wholesale and
retail departments, and the high reputation of the concern constitutes
its best commercial asset. The firm originated the diamond refundingprice system, and the same has been accorded distinctive appreciation
by the public.
Mr. Bromberg became a naturalized citizen of the United States as
soon as possible after his arrival in this country, and he is deeply appreciative of the land of his adoption, where he has found opportunity for
the gaining of large and worthy success and where he has won a host
of loyal friends. He is essentially liberal and progressive in his civic
attitude and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party.
He is a member of the board of trustees of the Battle Creek lodge of




794


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and also holds membership in
the Knights of Pythias and the Athelstan Club. He was associated in
the organization of the Country Club, but is not identified with the
same at the present time. He finds his chief interests centered in his
home, which is one of ideal associations, and there he is usually to be
found when not engrossed in the affairs of business. He and his family
hold membership in the Independent Congregational church and he has
been one of its liberal supporters for a score of years. The attractive
home of Mr. Bromberg is a fine property and is owned by him, the same
being located at 136 Fremont street, at the corner of Henry street, and
being a center of gracious hospitality.
On the 5th of March, 1889, Mr. Bromberg was united in marriage to
Miss Etta A. Squire, who was born and reared in Battle Creek and who
is a daughter of Daniel Squire, an old and honored citizen of Calhoun
county. Her twin sister, Eva, is now the wife of Charles A. Broceus,
manager of the Oppenheimer Cigar Company's establishment in Battle
Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Bromberg have four children: Flora, who is the
wife of C. B. Powers, of Battle Creek; Margaret, who is a member of
the class of 1911 in Wells College, at Aurora, New York; and Henrietta
and Clara, who remain at the parental home.
Louis J. Gregory, the business associate of Mr. Bromberg, learned
the jeweler's trade under his direction nearly a quarter of a century
ago and was admitted to partnership, as junior member of the firm of
Bromberg & Gregory, on the 1st of July, 1911.
ARTHUR S. KIMBALL, M. D. The life of the city physician and surgeon in these modern days is one of unceasing activity. Modern methods
and the high rate of speed with which civilization pursues its relentless
way, makes demands upon the time and energy of the physician greater,
perhaps, than upon men in any other profession. The extent to which
specialization is pushed, the deep study required to keep abreast of the
discoveries of the age and the everlasting call of the suffering public
all combine to sap the vitality of the most rugged.
But as modern days are strenuous, so the modern man has something of power in his make-up which works best under pressure. Dr.
Arthur S. Kimball, the well-known Battle Creek physician and surgeon, is a modern instance of a man well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of high medical positions. He is a native of New England,
that cradle of so much of our national history, his birthplace being
Cummington, Massachusetts, and the date of the event April 25, 1878.
He is a son of Dr. Arthur H. Kimball, who died in this city August 6,
1894. He had removed to this city from Cummington some thirteen
years prior to his death. The mother, whose maiden name was Marian
Baker, survives and makes her home in this city, her residence being
at the old homestead at 196 Maple street. She, likewise, was a native
of the old Bay state, her life record having begun in the town of South
Dennis. Dr. Kimball's only brother, Frank H., is deceased.
Dr. Kimball was a child five years of age when his parents removed
to this city from Massachusetts. His preliminary education was
acquired in the excellent public schools of Battle Creek, and he was
graduated from their higher department with the class of 1896. He then
entered Dartmouth College at Hanover, New Hampshire, and received
the degree of Bachelor of Arts from that time-honored institution in
1900. Having in the meantime come to the conclusion to follow in the
footsteps of his deceased father in the matter of choosing a life work,
he matriculated in the medical department of the University of Michigan and in 1903 received his professional degree. He entered upon






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


795


his practice at this place and here has ever since remained, early receiving wide-spread recognition for his unusual attainments. He does a
general practice, and also makes a specialty of the diseases of children.
In evidence of the confidence in which he is held was his selection as
health officer under Mayor Bailey. At the present time he is a member
of the committee appointed to revise the city charter and in all matters
his counsel has proved of the most enlightened order. In addition to
his profession, Dr. Kimball has several interests of large scope and importance, being a stockholder in the American Steam Pump Company.
He was formerly one of the directorate, but resigned this office upon
going abroad in the year 1909.
Although Dr. Kimball's father was a staunch Democrat, the subject
gives hand and heart to the men and measures of the "Grand Old
Party. "  He is affiliated with the Athelstan Club and with all the
organizations intended to advance and unify the profession and its
members, namely: the Calhoun Medical Society of which he was for five
years secretary, and the State and American Medical Societies.
Dr. Kimball established an independent household on October 20,
1903, his chosen lady being Minnie G. Osterbind, daughter of H. C.
Osterbind and Mrs. Osterbind of Richmond, Virginia. In that southern city, Mrs. Kimball received her public school education and subsequently was a student at the Randolph-Macon College for Girls at
Lynchburg, Virginia, from which she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She afterward completed a two years course in the medical department of the University of Michigan, where she met Dr. Kimball,
and at his solicitation abandoned her professional career. Their marriage was celebrated at Richmond at the home of Mrs. Kimball's parents.
Mr. Osterbind is superintendent of the Tredegar Iron Works of that
city. The union of the subject and his wife has been blessed with the
birth of twin daughters, Virginia M. and Eleanor C., Battle Creek
being their birthplace. Their delightful and hospitable household is
situated at 245 Upton avenue while the Doctor's offices are at 310 Ward
Building.
On April 14, 1912, two children, Arthur S. Jr., and Mary O., were
born. In 1909 the Dr. went abroad and took special work in the Children's Hospital at London, Belfast and Edinburgh. In July, 1912, he was
appointed councilor for the 3d district of the Michigan State Medical
Society.
WALTER S. POWERS. As an active and successful attorney for the
past thirty-five years, Mr. Walter S. Powers has had a varied and
broad experience in his profession, and has long occupied a prominent
place among the lawyers of southern Michigan. Since 1899 he has
been identified with the citizenship of Battle Creek, his offices being
in the Winslow block at 55 West Main street.
Mr. Powers was born in Genesee county, New York, January 14,
1849. His family history dates back into colonial New England and
his forbears were highly respected and substantial citizens.     His
grandfather was John Powers, who married Eunice Squires, both being
natives of Vermont, and had settled in western New York in the early
years of the century. Eunice Squires had lived at Rochester when the
site contained only three houses. John Powers spent practically all of
his active career in farming in western New York. Late in life he came
to Michigan on a visit and died in Barry county, this state. One of
his sons, William, was a soldier in the war of 1812.
Another son of this New York farmer was John Richard Powers,
the father of the Battle Creek lawyer. He was born in Bedford town



796


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ship, Cayuga county, New York, about twenty-five miles from Auburn,
on November 28, 1818. He married Hannah Johnson. When he was
eight years old his parents moved from Cayuga to Genesee county,
and there he lived until he came west to Michigan. His early education was limited. For a time he attended the district schools, but
most of his education he acquired in the home chimney corner by the
light of the fire. This method of self instruction qualified him for
teaching, an occupation he followed several terms, until his father's
failing health made it necessary for him to take up the work of the
home farm, where he remained until 1850. In the fall of that year,
with his wife and three children, he set out for Michigan. Railroad
communication had recently been completed between the east and the
middle west. His journey was made by rail to Buffalo, thence by lake
boats to Detroit, and thence by rail to Battle Creek. From here he
drove to his destination in Barry county. His first homestead in that
county consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, with a rude shanty,
and with hardly any improvements to distinguish it from the original
wilderness. His entire capital was one hundred dollars, with which
he made a partial payment on the land, and by the time he had established his family here only ten dollars of the cash store was left. He
paid this as part of the sixteen dollars' purchase price of a cow, and
arranged to split rails at fifty cents a hundred to pay for the balance.
For two seasons he obtained the necessities for his family by outside
work for other settlers, and in the intervals of this period he was engaged in making a substantial cabin of side-logs, and the shingles he
made by hand. After some years, filled with hard labor, this period of
economic stress had passed, and he had a very productive and valuable
home. In 1884, having traded this first farm for land upon which the
Battle Creek suburb of Urbandale is now located, he removed to Bedford, having bought a farm of sixty acres in Bedford township, Calhoun county. The property about Urbandale he afterwards sold, with
the exception of about twenty acres, to his youngest son. There were
four sons and four daughters in his family, namely: Lydia A., a
teacher in the Battle Creek schools; James M.; Walter S.; Agnes, wife
of John Wing of Bedford township;. Herbert A., city physician of
Battle Creek; Eunice, now Mrs. Walter Stringham, of Battle Creek;
Daniel J., of Bedford township; and Lida, who resides at the old home
in this county.
Walter S. Powers was about one year old when the family moved
west to Michigan. The old homestead on which he was born was in
that part of Genesee county which later was set off as Wyoming county,
New York. His boyhood was all spent on the farm in Barry county,
and he obtained his early education from the local district schools. While
a boy on the farm he one day resolved that he would become a lawyer,
and the steady pursuit of this object has been the foundation of his
successful career.  At the age of twenty-two he became a country
schoolmaster in Newago county, having gone up into the pine woods
to find work in the lumbering region during the winter, where this
opportunity for teaching was presented to him. For some time later
he was a successful teacher in his home county, and afterward taught
in the village schools of New London, Ohio. While there he began
the study of law under the direction of his cousin, Rollin Powers, and
was admitted to the bar. Not being satisfied with his equipment for
the profession, he then entered the law department of the University
of Michigan, where he was graduated with the class of 1877.
His first place of practice was Bellevue, in Eaton county.   His
brother James having graduated from the University just a year later




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


797


than himself, now came to Bellevue and succeeded the former in practice. Walter S. then removed to Nashville, Michigan, where he practiced for a period of about twenty years and had a large and representative clientage. Since coming to Battle Creek in 1899 he has also
built up a profitable practice, and has a reputation for ability only
equalled by the leaders in the profession of this county. He purchased
the block in which his offices are located, and until recently when he
sold the property it was known as the Powers block. He has dealt to
a considerable extent in real estate. At the present time he is owner
of the building at 60-64 East Main street, in which the sessions of the
circuit court are held, Battle Creek being one of the two cities of Michigan, not county-seat towns, where the circuit court holds regular
sessions.. Some other city property is also owned by him.
Mr. Powers was married at Battle Creek on May 24, 1877. He has
two children, both of whom were born in Nashville, this state. Blanche,
the older, is a graduate of the Nashville high school and the Detroit Conservatory of Music. She was a successful teacher of music in the schools
of Charlotte and in the Battle Creek schools, and since September, 1911,
has been teaching in the grades at Grand Rapids. C. B. Powers, the son,
has since 1908 been engaged in the seed and feed business at Battle Creek.
He married Miss Flora Bromberg, daughter of H. A. Bromberg, and
they are the parents of one daughter, Marion. On June 5, 1910, Mr.
Walter S. Powers married Miss Alice Feighner of Battle Creek. Their
home is at 132 North avenue.
Mr. Powers is a member of the Athelstan Club, is a Mason and a
member of the local Knights of Pythias, having been transferred from
his original lodge in Nashville. He became a Mason while living in
New London, Ohio, and filled some of the chairs in that lodge. His
membership is now in Battle Creek Lodge No. 12. He was a charter
member of the Independent Order of Foresters at Nashville. He also
belongs to the Calhoun County Bar Association. In politics he has
been Republican for some years, but was formerly a Democrat. While
at Nashville he was president of the village board two years, was president of the school board, and was also appointed by President Cleveland to the office of postmaster of that town.
HERBERT A. POWERS, M. D. Many of the men in the medical profession to-day are devoting themselves in a large measure to the prevention of disease as well as its cure. They are exerting all the force
of their authority towards persuading people to use better methods
and are spending their time and money in the endeavor to find more
satisfactory methods of handling disease, and to make the general
public realize that in their own hands lies the prevention of a great
deal of disease and ill health. Among these men is Doctor Herbert
A. Powers of Battle Creek, Michigan, who in his position as health
officer of the city, has been able to accomplish considerable along these
lines.
Dr. Herbert A. Powers was born in Assyria township, in Barry
county, Michigan, on the 15th of March, 1855. His birthplace was a
farm, and here he grew up, receiving his elementary education in the
Assyria township district schools. When he was about twenty, having obtained as much knowledge as the district school teachers were
able to give him, he became a teacher himself, and for several years
taught in various sections of Barry county, Michigan. He saved his
money with the intention of some time attending a medical school, and
with this in mind he took up the study of medicine with Dr. A. L.
Van Hforn, of Dowling, Barry county. He worked under his direction




798


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


for about two years and then matriculated at the University of Michigan in the medical department, where he remained for a year. He
then attended the Toledo Medical College where he was graduated with
the class of 1888. He returned home, to Barry county, and there took
up the general practice of medicine. He soon won success, and stayed
among his old friends for twelve years. In 1900, however he moved to
Battle Creek, where he has been able to build up a large general practice. In April, 1911, the stability with which he had builded was
proved by his election as health officer of the city, a position which
he was glad to accept since it gave him an opportunity to put into
effect some reforms which he had long wished to see in use. He is now
hoping to see the reform which is closest to his heart become effective.
This is the substitution of sanitary paper milk bottles for the glass ones
now in use. No one knows better than a doctor the uses to which these
glass bottles are put, and he also knows that there is often a question
as to whether they are thoroughly washed before being re-filled. The
paper bottles can be manufactured by machinery, and after they have
been used once they can not again be used, consequently the public
would escape much dirt and filth as well as danger from   infectious
diseases. Dr. Powers hopes to secure his end with a little agitation,
but the fight will be an uphill one, for he will not only have to fight
the disinclination of the public to change its habits but the men who
are interested in the manufacture of milk bottles.
In politics Dr. Powers is a Republican, and before coming to Battle
Creek was township clerk continuously for a number of years, in Assyria township. He was also alderman for one year from the Second
ward of this city, and was elected in April, 1910, for another term of
two years. He resigned, however, to accept the office of health officer,
considering himself more especially fitted for the latter position, and
seeing here a greater opportunity for good. In the fight for nomination as alderman, Dr. Powers won the coveted honor from a man whom
every one said could not be beaten. The people, however, stood firm
in their faith that the doctor would give them the best service and
that he stood for good government and clean methods, therefore they
cast their votes for the man whom they trusted. Dr. Powers is also
much interested in educational matters and was director of the school
district in Assyria, when he resided there. He is an advocate of the
most modern methods in education and did much to raise the standard
of the schools in his district. He owns considerable real estate, consisting chiefly of twenty acres a half mile north of Urbandale, a suburb
of the city, and of his home at 391 West Main street. Dr. Powers has
his office at 59 West Main street with his brother W. S, Powers, the
well known attorney, who is spoken of elsewhere in this volume.
Dr. Powers was made a Mason at Bellevue, and was transferred to
the local chapter, being a member of Battle Creek Lodge No. 12. He
is also a Modern Woodman of America and a member of the Eastern
Star. In his own profession he is a member of the county and state
medical societies, and of the American Medical Association. During
1910 he was president of the Calhoun County Medical Association.
Dr. Powers has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Martha
A. Davis of Assyria, Michigan, and the marriage took place in that
town. She died on the 22nd of December, 1905, leaving three children.
Grace A. graduated from the Charlotte high school, and taught for a
while in the schools of Battle Creek. She then entered the University
of Michigan, where she is a member of the class of 1912, and will graduate from the literary course this year. Pansy 0. was educated in the
Charlotte and Battle Creek schools, and is now Mrs. Charles Marsh




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


799


of Battle Creek. Herbert A. received his elementary education in the
Battle Creek schools, afterwards taking a course in the Michigan Business and Normal College of Battle Creek, from which he was graduated
in 1908. He then went to St. Ignace, Michigan, where he entered the
St. Ignace National Bank, being eighteen years old at the time. He is
now assistant cashier of this bank. On the 30th of June, 1909, Dr.
Powers was married to Mrs. Mary Tossell, of Battle Creek.
JAMES HENRY MUSTARD in the five years that he has been a member
of the Calhoun county bar has acquired a position in the profession
which older lawyers might envy, and is recognized today as one of the
strongest attorneys of this vicinity. He began practice at Battle Creek
in 1907, having arrived in this city on June 3d of that year. He first
occupied offices with D. C. Salisbury' over the Old National Bank,
though they were not in partnership. Since September 1, 1909, he has
occupied No. 212 in the Ward building.
Mr. Mustard was born at Seaforth, Ontario, February 25, 1880, and
is of Scotch descent. His father, Donald Mustard, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and his mother, Catherine (MacDonald) Mustard, was
a native of Glengarry, Ontario, her parents having come from Scotland. The father and mother, who were married at Seaforth, are now
residents of Midland, Michigan. The father was engaged in farming
for many years, but is now retired. He is one of the influential Republicans of his town and county. There were four sons and two daughters in the family, but the daughters and one of the sons died in infancy
and childhood. James H. is the eldest; his brother John is now county
school commissioner of Midland county; and his brother Russell is a
student in the Midland high school.
Mr. Mustard began his advancement in public life at an early age.
He was graduated from the Midland high school in the class of 1899
and then took up school work. On February 24, 1901, the day before
his twenty-first birthday, he was nominated for the office of county
school commissioner of Midland county. With three candidates in the
field, he was successful, and after serving the two-year term was elected
again to the office, which at that time had its term changed to four
years. During the six years of his official career he was steadily preparing himself for his chosen profession. Every other week he spent
at Ann Arbor in the law department of the university, where in 1906 he
was graduated with the degree of LL. B. On the expiration of his term
as school commissioner he at once located in Battle Creek.
In politics he is a stanch Republican. He is a member of St. Philip's
Catholic church of Battle Creek, and is affiliated with the Knights of
Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose, and is also a member of the
Country Club. He belongs to the Calhoun County Bar Association.
His residence is at 211 Fremont street. Mr. Mustard was married at
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, June 30, 1908, to Miss Blanche Garvin.
Mrs. Mustard, whose father was M. E. Garvin of Mount Pleasant, was
born and reared there, and graduated from the high school in 1897 and
from the Central State Normal School in 1899.
WALTER D. KLINE. A successful attorney of Battle Creek, Walter D.
Kline is an energetic, upright young man, well versed in legal lore, and
is rapidly winning for himself a fine reputation for professional skill
and judgment. A son of George W. Kline, he was born, February 4,
1883, in Homer, Calhoun county, Michigan.
Born in Trumbull county, Ohio. George W. Kline has spent the
larger part of his life in Michigan, being engaged in agricultural purVol. 1-1 a




800


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


suits. His farm of one hundred and twenty acres, lying five miles south
of Homer, is well improved, and under his management produces abundant harvests each year. His wife, whose maiden name was Ida A. James,
was born in Allegan county, Michigan. They are the parents of two
children, namely: Walter -)., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; and Dora M., who was graduated from the Homer high school
with the class of 1904, and three years later was graduated in music
from Hillsdale College. She is an accomplished musician, and is now
successfully employed in giving lessons on the piano, being quite a popular instructor.
Receiving his diploma at the Homer high school in 1899, Walter D.
Kline completed the literary course at the Tri-State College, in Angola,
Indiana, where he was graduated with the class of 1904. In 1907 he
was graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan
with the degree of LL. B., and subsequently the Tri-State College conferred upon him the degree of Ph. B. Beginning the practice of his
profession in Oklahoma, Mr. Kline located at McAlester, where he met
with good success, in addition to his general practice serving as assistant county attorney of Pittsburg county one year. Returning to
Michigan in the spring of 1908, Mr. Kline has since been actively and
prosperously engaged in the practice of law at Battle Creek, his office
now being at No. 305 Post office building, and his residence at No. 130
College street. Politically Mr. Kline is a steadfast Republican, and fraternally he is a member of A. T. Metcalf. Lodge, No. 419, Ancient Free
and Accepted Order of Masons; and Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Kline married, June 29, 1909, at Logansport, Indiana, Miss Mary
Studebaker, a daughter of David and'Priscilla (Burrous) Studebaker,
of that city. Her father, a veteran of the Civil war, is now living retired from active business. Mrs. Kline was born and educated in Camden, Indiana, and after her graduation from the Camden High School,
entered the Tri-State College, where she and Mr. Kline first met. Their
only child, George Burrous Kline was born November 25, 1910.
LEOPOLD WERSTEIN. A man of integrity and worth, Leopold Werstein occupies an assured position among the substantial and respected
citizens of Battle Creek, where, having by dint of energy, thrift and
business ability, accumulated a competency, he is now living retired from
active pursuits, enjoying a well-deserved leisure. A native of Germany,
he was born, September 25, 1840, in Baden, and was there reared and
educated.
His father, Francis Werstein, spent his entire life in Germany,
passing away in 1850. He married Theresa Rice, who died in*1867. Five
sons and one daughter were born of their union, and all of the boys
served in the German Army. The daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Heinsman,
of Germany, an aged woman of eighty-two years, and Leopold, the subject of this sketch, are the only members of the family now living, the
latter being the only one that ever crossed the Atlantic.
After completing his early education in Baden, Leopold Werstein
learned the shoemaker's trade, and at the age of nineteen he entered
the army and served six years.
At the expiration of the service, he decided to find out for himself
what advantages the new world had in store for a poor young man. Immigrating to America, he landed in New York City, August 6, 1865.
He spent just a week in the city, and then proceeded to Marshall, Michigan, where he remained two weeks. Coming from there to Battle Creek,
he has since made this place his home. For a number of years he followed his trade of a shoemaker, being first in the employ of Mr. Ray



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


801


mond, and later working for Nicholas Lang. Later for about forty
years he was a representative of the Pabst Brewing Company. Publicspirited and generous, Mr. Werstein has ever taken a genuine interest
in local affairs, contributing liberally toward all beneficial enterprises,
in his esteem nothing being too good for Battle Creek. Although he is
now retired from business, he is serving as vice-president of the American
Steam Pump Company, and as a director of the Central National Bank
of Battle Creek.
Mr. Werstein is associated with various social and fraternal organizations, belonging to the Athelstan and Country Clubs, and being a member of the Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and is a Knights
Templar of Saladin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, at Grand Rapids, Michigan; of the Knights of Pythias;
and of the Benevolentand Protective Order of Elks.
At Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1866, Mr. Werstein was united in marriage with Miss Wilhelmina Weickgenant, whose death occurred four
years later. He married second, at Jackson, Michigan, April 11, 1877,
Miss.Josephine Boos, who was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and educated in Marshall, Michigan. Mr. Werstein's oldest child, Leopold, died
at the age of two and one-half years, and he has three children living,
namely: Louis F., of Battle Creek; Frank J.; and Josephine Amelia,
wife of Richard R. Hicks, of Battle Creek.
HOWARD W. CAVANAGH. Widely and favorably known in the legal
circles of Calhoun county, Howard W. Cavanagh, of Battle Creek,
holds high rank among the able and successful lawyers of his community, and as a public spirited citizen is ever ready to lend his aid and
influence toward the establishment of enterprises designed to benefit
his fellow-men. A son of James Cavanagh, he was born, June 12, 1867,
in Alpena, Michigan, of excellent Irish ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Michael Cavanagh, a native of Ireland, immigrated to New York
state in 1826, and subsequently married in this country.
James Cavanagh, was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1833,
and was there bred and educated. In 1860 he settled in Alpena, Michigan, and for several years carried on a thriving business as a lumberman, being associated with such men as the Burts, the Gilchrists, and
others of note. In 1873 he moved with his family to Oakville, Canada,
where he is still a resident, being now actively engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Although he has lived so many years in Canada, he has never
voted there, being a citizen of the United States still. While in Michigan he took much interest in politics, and for four years served as sheriff
of Alpena county. He married Mary Williamson, who was born in
Oakville, Canada, in 1835, their marriage taking place in Toronto,
Canada, at the home of the bride's uncle. Her father, James Williamson, emigrated from Ireland to Ontario, Canada, in 1826, about the
time that Michael Cavanagh, who was a Roman Catholic in religion,
settled in New York, Mr. Williamson being a Protestant. Two sons
and two daughters were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. James Cavanagh. One child, a daughter, died in early life, and three children are
living, as follows: Fred; Howard W.; and Mrs. Laura M. McKay, of
Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Fred Cavanagh, the eldest child of the parental household, was born
at Alpena, Michigan, July 27, 1865. He was educated primarily in
Canada, after his graduation from the Oakville High School teaching
school for a year. In 1888 he was graduated from the law department
of the University of Michigan with the degree of LL. B., and in the
spring of the same year was admitted to the bar on his university




802


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


diploma.  From  January, 1909, until November, 1909, he practiced
his profession at Battle Creek, but since that time has been located at
Homer, Michigan.
Completing the course of study in the Oakville, Canada, High
School, Howard W. Cavanagh subsequently attended the University of
Toronto until 1885, when he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan. In April, 1887, he was admitted to the Michigan
bar, and in June, 1887, was graduated with the degree of LL. B., being
then but nineteen years of age, and the youngest member of his class.
The following winter he spent in Detroit, in the office of IIon. John W.
McGrath, who was afterwards chief justice of the Supreme Court of
Michigan.
On attaining his majority, Mr. Cavanagh returned to Alpena, his
birthplace, and practiced law there for five years. While he was there,
during a political campaign, a committee called at his office to ask him
to accept a nomination as justice of the peace on the Republican ticket,
but he happened to be out at the time. His uncle, a brother of his father,
-was there, and on being told of the committee's errand declined the
nomination for Mr. Cavanagh, saying that being a Democrat Mr. Cavanagh could not run on a Republican ticket, but that he, himself, would
become the party's nominee. Mr. Cavanagh worked hard throughout
the campaign for his uncle, who secured the election, many who voted
for him thinking they were casting their ballots for Mr. Cavanagh,
whose father had formerly become widely known as sheriff of the county.
Until after the election Mr. Cavanagh was entirely ignorant of the
fact that he had ever been considered as a candidate for the office, and
as he was then a young man, just beginning the practice of his profession, he thinks it probable that had he known it he might have
consented to run for the office, which paid about three thousand dollars
a year, and might have joined the Republican ranks instead of clinging
to the Democratic party, but is now satisfied he did not.
On account of ill health, Mr. Cavanagh, in 1893, left Alpena, going
back to Oakville, Canada, for rest and recreation, and while there
studied Canadian law, and to some extent became interested in politics,
helping to secure votes for others. Returning to Michigan in 1896, Mr.
Cavanagh opened an office at Battle Creek, it being the office now occupied by Mr. Salisbury, for two years being' in partnership with C. R.
Mains, under the firm name of Mains & Cavanagh, but has since continued the practice alone, being now one of the leading attorneys of
the city. He also opened an office at Homer, Calhoun county, in 1896,
and made that place his home until November, 1909, when he removed
with his family to Battle Creek, where he has since lived, his residence
being at No. 35 Broad street.
Mr. Cavanagh was for thirteen years a resident of Homer, and was
quite active in public affairs. He served as village trustee, or alderman,
two years, and was afterwards candidate for president of the village,
but was defeated at the polls; he was justice of peace for the township
four years; village attorney five years; and for four years was secretary
of the EBomer Board of Education. In 1909 and 1910 he was prosecuting attorney for Calhoun county, in the latter year his brother Fred,
who is an expert abstractor, having worked in the abstract office at
Marshall for three years, being the assistant prosecuting attorney.
Socially Mr. Cavanagh belongs to the Athelstan Club, of Battle Creek,
and to its Conversational Club, and is also vice-president of the Irish
Historical Society for the state of Michigan. Fraternally Mr. Cavanagh
is identified with many prominent organizations, being a member of
Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


803


Battle Creek Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons, of Zabud Council,
No. 9, Royal and Select Masters, of Battle Creek, of Battle Creek Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar, of Battle Creek, Michigan; of Homer
Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, of Homer; of Moslem Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Detroit;
of Homer Lodge, Knights of Pythias; of Homer Tent, Knights of the
Modern Maccabees, of Homer Camp, Modern Woodmen of America;
of Battle Creek Lodge, No. 131, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks; and of the Loyal Order of Moose, of Battle Creek. Religiously
he holds membership with the Episcopal Church of Alpena.
In Albion, Michigan, August 29, 1899, Mr. Cavanagh was united in
marriage with Ula M. Cunningham, a daughter of James P. and Helen
Cunningham, of Albion township, where her birth occurred.     Her
father is still living, but her mother has passed to the higher life. Mr.
and Mrs. Cavanagh have one child, Helen M. Cavanagh, born July 1,
1904 at Homer, Michigan, a school girl.
CLARK E. WILDEY. Numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of Calhoun county is Clark E. Wildey, a well known and much
respected man, noteworthy for his good citizenship and many excellent
traits of character. A son of William Wildey, he was born in Jackson
county, Michigan, November 1, 1866, and is of honored pioneer stock,
his paternal grandfather, Gersham Wildey, having migrated from New
York to Michigan at an early day.
William Wildey was born in New York state. He came to Michigan while it was yet a territory, in March, 1836, walking from Detroit
to Jackson. He took up government land, and later purchased another tract of timbered land, and with heroic courage began the arduous task of reclaiming a farm from the woods. He there spent the
greater part of his life as a tiller of the soil, although he later bought
a farm in Callioun county, and was there a resident until his death,
in 1894. He was a Republican in politics, and a man of high character
and standing. He married Harriet Packard, who was born in Jackson county, Michigan, and is now riving in the vicinity of Lansing.
Both she and her husband united with the Methodist Episcopal church
in early days. He was a man of much business ability, and though
he had but three hundred dollars in money when he made his advent
in Michigan, he increased it many hundred fold, at his death leaving
a good estate. Harriet Packard was a daughter of Enos Packard, who
came from Vermont, his native state, to Michigan at an early period
of its settlement, and died in Jackson county, on the farm which he
improved from its original wildness.
The only child of his parents, Clark E. Wildey completed his early
studies at the Spring Arbor Seminary, and on the home farm gained
a practical experience in general agriculture. Locating in Calhoun
county, Mr. Wildey bought, in 1891, his present farm of eighty acres,
and has since devoted his attention to its improvement, each year adding to its value. One of the political leaders of his township, Mr.
Wildey supports the principles of the Republican' party, and for the
past six years has rendered able service as supervisor. Fraternally
he is a member of Lodge No. 333, Free and Accepted Order of Masons,
at Burlington, in which he has filled all of the offices except that of
master, at the present time being secretary.
Mr. Wildey married, in 1888, Avis Mathewson, a daughter of Ashal
Mathewson, a native of New York, and for years a farmer, and a
preacher in the Free Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Wildey have
one child, Gena C., who attended school in Albion two years, and is
now at home.




804


H1STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


BERIAH P. GARDNER. Among those who were closely identified with
the business interests of Battle Creek, Michigan, and are now gone to
their long homes, none are more deserving of prominent mention within
the leaves of this work than the late Beriah P. Gardner, who after
spending more than a half a century in business in this city, passed
away April 17, 1897. Mr. Gardner was born in the town of Pekin,
Niagara county, New York, and was fifteen years of age when he was
brought to Michigan by his parents. He received his education and
was reared in Barry county, being brought up to agricultural pursuits,
but as a young man learned the trade of wagon maker, which he followed throughout the remainder of his life. Coming to Battle Creek
as a pioneer business man of the city, and starting in business in a
small way, he so conducted his affairs as to build up an extensive and
far-reaching business, and to gain a place for himself among the substantial men of Battle Creek. When he passed away, at the age of
seventy-four years, a useful life was terminated, and a loving husband
and true friend was called away. In political matters Mr. Gardner was
a stalwart Republican and always supported that party's principles
and candidates, but could never be induced to accept political preferment
of any kind. Although not a regular member, he attended the Independent Congregational Church, contributing liberally towards its support
as he did to all worthy movements. He had the welfare of his adopted
city wholly at heart, and was always found in the front rank of any
enterprise that promised to be of benefit to Battle Creek.
In 1844 Mr. Gardner was united in marriage with Miss Fidelia B.
Harris, who was born in the city of Tenterton, County Kent, England,
the second of a family of four children. She was three years of age
when brought to America by her parents on a sailing vessel, and two
years later her mother died. She was then placed in a boarding school
by her father, whom she remembers as a man of the greatest kindness
of heart, and who had been married again. He died years ago and is
buried near Springport, Jackson county, Michigan. While Mr. Gardner was a gentleman of excellent character, possessing a genial and
obliging disposition, and being beloved by everybody who had the good
fortune to know him well, and respected by all who knew his life and
record, Mrs. Gardner was a fit companion for him. She is a highly
cultivated and well-balanced lady, who has much of the knowledge
of the schools and much also of that more practical kind which comes
from experience. Born May 14, 1824, she is now eighty-eight years old,
but would easily pass for one a quarter of a century younger, so remarkable are her strength and vitality. Until five years ago she never
wore glasses, and her sight is still so excellent that she can easily read
and write without them, and attributes much of her good health to the
fact that she has followed Dr. Kellogg's advice in regard to plain living
and plenty of out-of-door exercise, and to the fact that she has not
eaten meat for over twelve years. Possessed to the fullest degree of
all of her faculties, she attends to all of her own business matters, while
her many lovable characteristics have drawn around her a large circle
of warm friends. Her comfortable home is situated at No. 145 Van
Buren street, West. M-rs. Gardner built the finest home on Main Street,
and the first house in Battle Creek with bay windows. She was a fine
singer and both Mr. and Mrs. Gardner sang in the choir both here and
in Albion. Mr. Gardner was a fine musician and was a member of the
first band in Battle Creek, and also the first fire department.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gardner two sons and two daughters were born:
Charlotte F., died at age of six years; Frances A., wife of George C.
Morrow, a clothing merchant of Battle Creek, no children, both deceased,




BERIAH P. GARDNER


/ irw     c 0 1            1% %W~








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


805


she died at the age of thirty-four; Frederick B., died at age of four
years; Robert C., died at age of three months. Mrs. Gardner's only
brother, William Harris, a wealthy farmer and stockman of Kansas
died in 1907 at the age of seventy-five. Mrs. Gardner is a member of the
Congregational church, and is one of the most cheerful givers to the
poor and benevolent and Christian societies.
CHARLES F. BOCK. Those who were intimately acquainted with
the movements which really promoted civic and material progress in
Battle Creek during the last half century, and those who inquire carefully as to the prominent personalities in those movements, are aware
of the great importance of the life and services of the late Charles F.
Bock, the successful business man, the energetic but disinterested civic
leader, the kindly and helpful factor in many of the organized undertakings and institutions which comprise the city of Battle Creek. Few
men deserve to rank higher in the memories of their fellow citizens than
Mr. Bock.
Charles F. Bock was born at Buffalo, New York, December 23d,
1836, and died at Battle Creek, November 16, 1903. He was the oldest
in a family of ten children, of whom these still survive:-A. F. Bock,
of Battle Creek; Mrs. Mary Mills, of Buffalo; and Emma, of Chicago.
At the age of eighteen Charles F. entered the large wholesale hardware house of Pratt & Company at Buffalo, and during the next seven
years gained a thorough knowledge of this business. About 1860 he
moved to Michigan, and in 1861 settled at Battle Creek, which was his
home until his death. His employment for a time was in V. P. Collier's
hardware house, which he left to become a partner in the firm of Arnold
& Company, who for four years were among the hardware merchants
of this city. He next became senior member of the firm of Bock &
Peters, a prosperous partnership for fourteen years. In 1884, having
sold his interests 'to his partners, he then formed the firm of Charles
F. Bock & Son, a business which has been conducted with progressive
success down to the present date, and throughout that time in the location at 18 West Main street.* The title of the business was changed in
1909, after twenty-five years under the old name, to the Bock-Walker
Company. During his active career the late Mr. Bock never ceased
to give his energetic direction to this business, and he also possessed the
faculty, amidst so many changing methods in commerce, of keeping his
business arrangements up to date.
December 29, 1858, he married. Mrs. Bock is still living, her residence being at 85 Maple street. They were the parents of two children:
Frank F., for nineteen years his father's partner (see sketch below);
and Mrs. George G. Tanner, whose husband is a member of the wholesale metal and hardware house of Tanner & Company at Indianapolis.
Mrs. Tanner was born at Adrian, Michigan, where her parents resided a
short while before coming to Battle Creek, and she was graduated from
the Battle Creek high school.
A lifelong Republican, though never concerned in practical politics
or office seeking, Mr. Bock's official service to his community was represented by two terms in the city council from the Fourth ward. In Masonry he attained the Knights Templar degrees and was a member of
the Shrine, and had held the various chairs in the local bodies. He was
one of the presidents of the Athelstan Club, which for a number of
years has been a strong civic and business as well as social organization. He also served for a time as president of the State Hardware
Men's Association. During the closing years of his life he was stockholder and director in various companies and organizations: was a




806


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


director in the City Bank, was president of the Oak Hill Cemetery
board, was one of the organizers of the Citizens Electric Light Coinmpany, and was a member of the building committee which erected the
Post Theatre. Though not a soldier himself, he spent a great deal of
money and time in efforts to secure the proper recognition of the services of those who fought in the rebellion. To him certainly as much
as any other citizen is due the credit for the erection of the handsome
Soldiers and Sailors' Monument in Battle Creek. His remarkable energy
found many outlets besides his regular business, and afforded him occupation up to the last days of his life. The St. Thomas Episcopal church
was one of the institutions to which he gave much service. For over
forty years he was a vestryman, and was senior warden at the time of
his death. His last activity outside his home was in attention  to his
church duties, and it rarely happened in the course of many years that
he was absent from the church on Sundays.
In recalling these varied activities, the larger work of his career will
need no further commentary to his old friends. In his case, the energy
and efficiency which in early years were directed to private business in
later life were not allowed to sink into disuse but were applied to those
social endeavors which are not less useful than private enterprise in the
wholesome development of a community. Idleness was never to him a
phase of happiness, and for this reason he was a worker all his life, and
never really retired. His presence and influence as a citizen were as
beneficial to Battle Creek as years of official service, from lesser men
would have been. A city's character is molded by the characters of its
citizens, and his was one of the most effective in producing what is best
in the modern civic life of Battle Creek. It was in recognition of this
fact, as well as a beautiful tribute to his personality, that every place
of business in the city was closed during the hour of his funeral, a
mark of respect which has been unique in the history of Battle Creek.
FRANK F. BOCK, son of the late Charles F. Bock and Harriet Bock,
was for nineteen years associated with his father in business, and both
as a business man and a citizen has represented in his generation the
same fine qualities and services which made his father's name so esteemed in this city.
IHIe was born at Buffalo, New York, September 18, 1859, and has
lived in Battle Creek since he was two y ears old.  From  the public
schools of the city he went to Olivet College, and then returned, when
still young, to begin his business career under the direction of his
father. The store at 18 West Main street has been managed by the
business skill of three generations, since Robert G. Bock, son of Frank
F. and grandson of Charles F., is now the secretary and treasurer of
the company. From the time Frank F. was taken into the business,
the style of the firm was Charles F. Bock & Son, which was continued
until 1909, since which time it has been the Bock-Walker Company. At
that date Mr. Arthur Walker became vice president and general manager of the company. Mr. F. F. Bock, though president of the company, retired several years ago from any active part in its management.
In the general advancement of the community he has borne a prominent part. He was one of the six men who were the organizers of the
Athelstan Club, which has ever since been a factor not only in social
life but has contained in its membership much of the civic idealism and
practical expression of the community's life. He is also a charter member and actively identified with the Country Club. To him more than
any other individual was due the organization of the Battle Creek Busi



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


807


ness Men's Association, which has since become known as the Battle
Creek Industrial Association. He was its president at the time the
Grand Trunk shops were located in this city, and led the local enterprise to secure that industrial boon. The location of a branch of the
Quaker Oats manufactories, and of several smaller concerns, also received much encouragement and practical aid from him. At the present time he is secretary and general manager, and the third largest
stockholder, in the Post Land Company. In politics, while a Republican in national affairs, he belongs in that new alignment of political
activity that insists on principles and efficiency of the individual
candidates rather than on party labels. Fraternally he affiliates with the
A. T. Metcalf Lodge No. 419, A. F. & A. M., and with the Elks lodge
of this city.
The Bock residence is in Springfield Place, at 119 Twenty-second
street. Springfield Place is another monument to Mr. Bock's activity.
He saw the future possibilities of the district and planned its streets and
buildings. September 17, 1883, Mr. Bock married Miss Ina A. Gregory,
daughter of Myron and Emily (Shepard) Gregory, of Battle Creek.
Mrs. Bock was born and educated in Battle Creek, where her mother
still resides, her father being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bock are the
parents of four children: Mrs. Joseph L. Hall, of Indianapolis; Robert G., mentioned above; Mrs. Harry Mott and Miss Frances. Robert
is a graduate of the high school. Mrs. Mlott finished at St. Mary's Academy in South Bend, and Frances is now in high school.
CHARLES S. ANDREWS. A self-made man in every sense implied by
the term, Charles S. Andrews has accomplished a satisfactory work
both as a farmer and a merchant, and having accumulated a fair share
of this world's goods is now living retired from active pursuits, enjoying the pleasures of a well-earned leisure. A native of Michigan,
he was born, September 28, 1842, in Kent county of pioneer stock.
His father, Sylvester Andrews, was born, in 1798, in New Jersey,
where his parents were life long residents. Well educated and a fine
musician, he came to Michigan soon after it became a state, and engaged
in professional work, being a school teacher, and a teacher of music,
Until his death, while he was yet in manhood's prime, in 1843, before
his son Charles was a year old, and before he had accumulated any
means. His widow, whose maiden name was Mary Guyant, was born
in Connecticut in 1801, and came to Michigan with her parents, who
located in Jackson county, and there spent their remaining days. She
married a second husband and continued to live in Michigan until her
death. In those early days the country roundabout was in its virgin
wildness, the Indians claiming the forests as their happy hunting
grounds, and making frequent calls upon the new settlers while Mr.
Andrews was a boy, and he remembers hearing his mother tell that one
day when he was a babe in the cradle the Indians came into the house and
his sister a little older than himself being too small to carry him pulled
him from the cradle and dragged him out to where his mother was.
Availing himself of the limited educational advantages of his day,
Charles S. Andrews attended the district schools during his youthful
days, obtaining a practical knowledge of the common branches of study.
In 1861 he enlisted as a soldier in Company "H," Merril's Horse, afterwards the Second Missouri Cavalry, and was with his command in
numerous engagements, including those at Wilson's Creek, Memphis,
Moore's Mill, Kirksville, Crampton Ferry, Ashley Bayou, Bear Skin
Lake, Princeton, Camden, Franklin and at other places of minor importance, being with his command all of the time with the exception




808


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of six months, when he was ill at Saint John's Hospital, Little Rock.
At the end of three years he was honorably discharged from the service.
On returning from the seat of war, Mr. Andrews was for several
years engineer in a saw mill, but finally bought a small farm, and engaged in tilling the soil for awhile. Subsequently opening a store in
Sonoma, Michigan, he was there engaged in general mercantile business
for seventeen years, building up a substantial trade, and making money.
Disposing of his stock in 1902, Mr. Andrews bought forty acres of land
near Battle Creek, and is now living there retired, taking life easy.
Mr. Andrews married on March 3, 1875, Helen Owen, a daughter
of Vri Owen, who came from New York to Michigan, and was here successfully employed in farming until his death. Mrs. Andrews is a
most charming woman, and is a valued member of the Methodist Epis
copal church.
An active member of the Republican party, Mr. Andrews was township supervisor for nine years, during the last year serving as chairman of the board.
FRANK COOPER, a well known farmer of Marengo township, was born
on what is known as the Church farm, in this township, Calhoun county,
on February 16, 1859, and is the last and youngest of the four children
born to his parents, John and Mary (Buckley) Cooper, natives of Ireland. The subject was educated in the district school near his boyhood home, and as soon as he left school began farming in association
with his father. He remained on the home farm so engaged until 1893,
when he decided to establish a home of his own, and he accordingly
purchased the farm upon which he now lives. With the sole exception of two years which he spent in Albion, Mr. Cooper has always
lived in Marengo township.
On June 22nd, 1893, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Boughton, daughter of Charles and Emily (Merritt) Boughton,
both of whom are still living at the advanced age of seventy-seven and
seventy-three years, respectively. Mr. Boughton is one of the oldest
settlers in Calhoun county, having come to the district when he was
but four years old in company with his parents, and settling with them
in Marengo township, and he has always resided near to the home of his
boyhood.


ARTHUR B. WILLIAMS. During the last twenty years the bar of Calhoun county has contained no abler or more successful trial lawyer
than Arthur B. Williams, now acting as general counsel for the Postum Cereal Company Ltd., and Mr. C. W. Post. Previous to accepting
his present duties, which have caused his virtual retirement from general practice, he was retained on one side or other in nearly every important case tried ip the courts of this county during the last ten or
fifteen years. His ability in the law and his high standing in the profession and as a citizen give him rank as one of the leaders in the
modern activities and life of this county.
Mr. Williams was born at Ashland, Ashland county, Ohio, January
27, 1872. His parents, are now living retired at Charlotte, Michigan.
His father, likewise a native of Ashland, was of Scotch-Irish stock on
the paternal side and Pennsylvania German on the maternal side, the
family having long been identified with the state of Pennsylvania. The
father, after obtaining his early education in Ohio, was engaged in
farming there until about 1877, since which time he has been a resident
of Charlotte,. this state.
As the oldest of three children who reached mature years, Arthur






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


809


B. Williams attended the country schools of Eaton county, Michigan, up to the time he was fourteen, and then entered Olivet College,
which is honored as his alma mater and of which institution he is now a
trustee. Both his academic and collegiate studies were pursued there,
ending with his graduation as bachelor of letters in 1892. In college
he was an active member and president of the Adelphic Society. During his career at Olivet he had already begun the study of law. His
bar examination was successfully passed at Detroit in 1893.
Early in the next year he located at Battle Creek, where his talent
and energy and initial success quickly won him a very liberal patronage so that in a few years he was known as one of the busiest lawyers
of the city. From a general practice at the beginning he confined himself more and more to corporation and commercial law. As a pleader
before judge or jury, he has few equals in this part of the state. His
power as an impressive speaker has reinforced his long-continued habit
of earnest and thorough study, so that in any case that he undertakes
he is prepared for all its issues and a powerful opponent in every phase
of the trial. His law library now is one of the best selected and largest
in Battle Creek. Mr. Williams has lived at Battle Creek during his
entire professional career. During his practice he has been the senior
partner in several law firms. Associated with him during various periods
have been Andrew W. Lockton (now deceased), Ira A. Beck and Edwin
C. Lewis. Mr. Lewis was associated in the firm, under the name of Williams & Lewis for several years previous to April, 1911, at which date
Mr. Williams retired from active practice to accept the responsible place
of general attorney for the great cereal manufacturing firm of Battle
Creek.
On January 12, 1897, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Sue M.
Wilson. John T. Wilson, her father, was well known in financial affairs
at Charlotte, where he resided many years before his death. Her mother
is still living in Cliarlotte. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams is at
231 Maple street.
He is a director of the Old National Bank of Battle Creek and affiliates with Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, A. F. & A. M., and is also a
Knights Templar, and a member of the Knights of Pythias B. P. O. E.,
and I. O. F. For two years he was president of the Athelstan Club,
and was president at the time the elegant club quarters were arranged
for in the Post building. He is a member of the Country Club, and of
the Independent Congregational church. His service as a citizen and
lawyer has been helpful to the charter revision commission of Battle
Creek, of which he is a member. During the twenty years since he left
college Mr. Williams has gained more than ordinary distinction and
success.
MARK McCAMLY.      Probably there is no better known family in
Calhoun county than that of McCamly, nor is there one whose representatives have filled positions of greater trust or importance or have
rendered greater service to the community. One of the highly esteemed
citizens of this name, and one who is widely known throughout this
section, is Mark McCamly, one of the oldest living native-born citizen
of Calhoun county, now living a retired life in the city of Battle Creek.
He was born in Marshall, Michigan, June 2, 1832, the third white child
born in the county, a son of Judge Sands and Eliza M. (Coleman) McCamly.
Sands McCamly was born in Orange county, New York, October 16,
1793, his parents being David and Phoebe (Sands) McCamly, who emigrated to Orange county, New York, from Ireland, the family becom



810


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ing prominent agriculturists.  In June, 1831, Sands McCamly emigrated from Cayuga county, New York, to Michigan, and endeavored to
secure the present site of the city of Battle Creek, on account of its
general eligibility and because of the presence of water power much to
his liking. Failing, however, to secure this tract of land, he moved to
Nottawa prairie, where he and his family lived for about a year, and
in the summer of 1832 settled in Marshall, Michigan, where he resided
until November, 1835, at that time locating in Battle Creek. In February, 1834, he bought an undivided half of the Garnsey purchase from
a Mr. Sackett, who had previously entered it from the government,
General Convis having control of the other half, it being agreed
between the two that Judge McCamly should have full possession of
the water power if he would improve it. Later he bought the whole
original tract here and undertook its development, but subsequently
sold a part to Jonathan Hart and Abraham and Isaac Merritt, who
were pioneers, and to other actual settlers. He was the first postmaster
of Battle Creek, and on the admission of Michigan into the Union as a
State, was elected from his district as a State senator. He possessed a
strong, clear intellect and sound judgment, was a good judge of men
and things, and was inclined to view the sunny side of everything. His
death occurred April 30, 1864. On November 8, 1823, he was married
in Orange county, New York, to Miss Eliza M. Coleman, who was born
there November 5, 1805, and she died in Battle Creek in 1859. Merritt
Coleman came to Battle Creek at an early day and died in this city aged
ninety-three years. Judge and Mrs. McCamly were widely known for
their charity and kindness, and their names are still affectionately mentioned here, although they passed away many years ago. They had
three daughters and two sons, Mark being the only survivor. The old
homestead is now the Nichols Memorial Hospital.
Mark McCamly was educated in the public schools, and reared to
the vocation of an agriculturist, which he has followed throughout his
life, although he now lives retired. He owns one and one-fifth acres
where his home is now located, next to the Nichols Memorial Hospital,
on West Main street. He is a stockholder in the Merchants Savings
Bank. On September 29, 1856, Mr. McCamly was married on the old
farm to Miss Celina Whitmore, who was born in Vermont, daughter
of Giddings and Susan G. (Houstain) Whitmore, of Fredonia township, who were early settlers there, coming from Vermont and New
Hampshire in 1832, when Mrs. McCamly was one year old. They died
in Battle Creek after living with Mr. and Mrs. McCamly for over
thirty years. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 1McCamly:
Annie, who resides with her parents; Mrs. Harry Leon, of Decatur,
Illinois; Mary, the wife of Dr. L. C. Smith, a well known dental practitioner of Bay City, Michigan; and Harry C., of Battle Creek, timekeeper for the Postumr Cereal Company, Limited. All were born in
Battle Creek and educated there.
Mr. McCamly has seen marvelous changes take place during his
long residence here, and is an interesting conversationalist, with a stock
of anecdotes and reminiscences of the early days. He well remembers
walking every step of the way from the Missouri river to California,
when a lad a little past seventeen years of age, but with the exception
of that trip has spent practically all his life in Battle Creek, where he
is regarded as one of his city's most highly esteemed citizens.
LE VANT D. HOBBS comes of one of the pioneer families of Michigan. His father Alfred D. TIobbs was born in Brookport, New York,
on April 1, 1828, and moved to La Salle county, Illinois in 1832. He




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


811


was one of the early pioneers and helped his father clear the land on
which they located. He remained on the home place until 1850, when
with some of the neighboring youths he got the California gold fever.
They prepared a raft and made their way down the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers until they reached St. Louis, where they bought a full
equipment and struck out across the plains. So severe were the hardships encountered that during the half-year required to reach the coast,
several of the party succumbed, but the rest pressed bravely onward.
After nine years on the coast Mr. Hobbs returned home, desiring to
enlist for the Civil war, but conditions at home were such that he
could not be spared and he was reluctantly compelled to relinquish his
plan. In 1862 he married Eugenia Bernard, who was a worthy, affectionate and conscientious helpmate.
There were eight children in their family, the two oldest dying
about the time they attained their majority. Henry G. who was born
in 1863, died at the age of twenty, and John A. who was born in 1865,
passed away when twenty-five. Doctor Edward J. Hobbs now resides
in Galesburg, Michigan, and has a fine practice. He was born in 1868.
The next child was Nora May, who is now Mrs. Wirt C. Henry, of
Battle Creek. In succession came L. D. Hobbs and Byron Hobbs, who
are now partners in the grocery business. Ernest C. resides in Birmingham, Alabama. Mable is now Mrs. Dwight C. Fuller of Cullaman,
Alabama. All of the children were born in La Salle, Illinois, and received their education in Battle Creek, John, Edward and Nora attending the old Battle Creek College. Byron is a graduate of the No.
One School of Battle Creek, and L. D. Hobbs completed the High School
with the exception of one year.
The parents were great believers in education and gave their children all the advantages at their command. They remained on the farm
until 1889 when they moved to Battle Creek, where Mr. Hobbs, who
had been an endless toiler, continued active in a number of lines. Feeling the weight of years coming upon him he decided in the fall of 1901
to remove to the southland, where he could escape the severity of the
northern winters. He selected Cullaman, Alabama, and removed there
with his wife, his daughter Mabel, and also his son Ernest, and family.
In January, 1912, it was thought best to bring the old folks back to
Battle Creek as Mr. Hobbs had shown such a material improvement.
He stood the trip well, but began to fail a week after his return and
soon lapsed into unconsciousness, passing away at midnight, Tuesday,
February 21, 1912, at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 20 days. Mr.
Hobbs and the members of his family were of the Adventist faith,
which noble precepts soothed and cheered' his declining days. He was
sincerely mourned by all.
Le Vant D. Hobbs was born in La Salle, La Salle county, Illinois,
December 5, 1872. The life of his father has been commented upon.
His mother was Eugenia Bernard and she now divides her time between
the children in Battle Creek and those in Alabama. L. D. Hobbs went
from the school-room directly into business for himself and has never
worked for anyone else. He and his brother Byron decided to embark
in the grocery business, although neither one of them knew a single
thing about it. They had plenty of enthusiasm however, and signalized their independence by opening a store at 231 West Main street,
July 4, 1897. The firm was known as Hobbs Brothers, and the
partnership lasted until the fall of 1898, when Byron went to Chicago, and L. L. Swank, father-in-law of Mr. Hobbs bought out
Byron's interest. The firm of Swank & Hobbs continued for some
years. Then Mr. Hobbs bought out his partner and continued alone




812


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


until 1895 when he sold out to Satterlee & Son. He then took charge of
the retail store of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, located on North
Washington Avenue, also having charge of the booths in the Sanitarium
proper. This did not satisfy Mr. Hobbs after having been in business
for himself so long, and he resigned the position at the expiration of his
year's contract, forming a partnership with L. H. Weldin, under the
name of Weldin & Hobbs. They dealt in general merchandise at 245 -247 and 249 West Main street. The partnership continued until 1907
when it was dissolved and Mr. Hobbs took over the grocery end of the
business and conducted it alone. In 1908 he and his brother Byron got
together again and formed their second partnership, which has endured
ever since, the firm name being Hobbs Bros.
Mr. Hobbs is a Republican and was alderman from the Third Ward
for two terms in succession, a total of four years, two of them being
under Mayor C. C. Green and two under Mayor John Bailey. Mr.
Hobbs was chairman of the Civic Improvement Association, and also
Chairman of the Park Committee. The Community Club Park was one
of his ideas when in the Council and he was further responsible for the
putting out of shrubs of various kinds in the parks. He belongs to the
Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen, the Tribe of Ben Hur, and the
Industrial Association.
On September 7, 1900, Le Vant D. Hobbs was married to Miss
Bertha D. Swank, daughter of L. L. and Jennie (Null) Swank, of
Battle Creek. His wife was born in Belleville, Ohio, and educated at
Delaware, Ohio, graduating from the Delaware High School in the
class of 1888.  Her parents reside at 388 Champion street, Battle
Creek, and Mr. Swank conducts a grocery store at the corner of Lincoln
and Aldrich Street. Mr. Hobbs resides at 199 Manchester Street and
the store at 245 W. Main street.
His public arld private life have been such as to command the
respect and esteem of everyone, and no one is held in higher regard.
NILES BRYANT. An art, science and language-thus has music been
called by one of the masters. To some degree musical sounds affect
every race and condition of people, and it has even been demonstrated
that poor, distraught minds may be awakened and wild emotions be
controlled by musical compositions when every other influence has
failed to arouse interest.  Perhaps no record has ever been found
of the first musical instrument, so far back in the buried ages must the
historian search, but one may be sure that even the fabled pipes of
Pan had to be properly attuned in order to render the harmonies which
entranced the Arcadian nymphs.
Probably at no time in the world's history, has musical taste been
so highly cultured or musical perfection so demanded as at the present
day, when musical instruments are considered almost necessities in
every home. In the front rank of choice, stands the piano, that incomparable merchanism that seems so perfect that improvement does not appear to be possible, but that will never be supplanted. A piano, well
tuned, may be a constant joy to musician and music lover, but a piano
capable of producing only discords or dissonant chords must be a
source of irritation and keen disappointment and will never be tolerated
by one who understands and values true musical vibrations. Hence,
far back arose the acknowledged necessity for the services of an ex.
perienced piano tuner, one who must have trained and dextrous fingers
as well as quick and responsive ear. In this profession, as in others,
there undoubtedly is a right and a wrong way, or, to put it as perhaps
would Niles Bryant, president and founder of the Niles Bryant School




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


813


of Piano Tuning, at Battle Creek, Michigan, a way and a still better
way and his army of successful graduate students will endorse his
better way.
Niles Bryant is a well known figure in the business world of Battle
Creek. He was born in Porter township, Van Buren county, Michigan,
August 15, 1868, and is a son of John R. and Harriet A. (Smith) Bryant.
Both parents were born in New York and accompanied their parents to
Van Buren county, Michigan, when children, attended school together
in Porter township and subsequently were married there and resided
on their farm until 1876, when they moved to Battle Creek. Early
in the Civil war, John R. Bryant enlisted in the Federal Army, at
Lawton, Michigan, becoming a member of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry,
in which he served for three years. Afterward he became a passenger
engineer on the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad and continued in
railroad life for about twenty-five years. His death occurred at his
home in Battle Creek, March 24, 1895, his age being fifty-three years.
He was well known all over the state and possessed social qualities that
endeared him to a wide circle. He was a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M. and Commandery
No. 33, and was also identified with the Odd Fellows at Battle Creek.
He was one of the charter members of the Eastern Star at Battle
Creek and this lodge bears his name. His widow survived until April
19, 1909, and her burial was conducted by Bryant Chapter of the
Eastern Star, of which she also was a charter member. John R. Bryant
and wife were members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church at Battle
Creek. Two sons and one daughter were born to them: Niles; George
M., who is a resident of Cincinnati; and Edith, who died when about
four years of age.
Niles Bryant attended the public schools of Battle Creek and the
old Battle Creek College, securing thereby excellent educational training in a general line, but Nature had bestowed musical gifts on him
and very soon his natural bent became apparent. At Battle Creek he
was under instruction, from Prof. Edwin Barnes for two years and
from Prof. Cobb for five years more and then taught music for some
two years. All this time he was quietly studying out for himself a
perfect, tuning method, and learned the art of tuning with Leo Bettendorf, of Jackson, Michigan, going then to Detroit, Michigan, where he
remained for one year with the firm of Miller & Thompson, as salesman
and piano tuner. His mother's home was yet at Battle Creek and he
returned then to this city and employed the following year with his music
classes. There has always been, in Mr. Bryant's composition, a very
practical strain running along with what might be termed the emotional
one as represented by his musical talent, and about this time he decided
to enter a piano factory and for himself learn every detail of the manufacture of these instruments with which his life seemed so naturally
connected, and thus became a factory workman with the Smith &
Barnes Piano Company, of Chicago, Illinois. For five years Mr. Bryant
remained with that well known music firm, in the days when each workman made his own piano, hence there is nothing in the construction
of one of these instruments that is not familiar to Mr. Bryant. He was
advanced through every department of the Smith-Barnes Company, and
became inspector for the house, where he was held responsible for the
mechanical construction, finish and tone of every piano that was sent
out. What better preparation could he have had for his future work?
For several years afterward, having been thoroughly drilled while
with the above company in the art of tuning, voicing, regulating and
repairing pianos by Superintendent C. R. Ellias, he taught music and




814


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


followed piano tuning at Battle Creek, and while attending' to his
professional duties was impressed with a fact that had much to do
with the founding of his unique school of instruction. As stated in
the beginning of this brief biography pianos are being purchased in
rapidly increasing numbers all over the country, and of a necessity, in
order that they may be equal to the demands made upon them, there
must be well equipped doctors to attend to their ailments, especially to
keep up their tone. It was Professor Bryant's own idea that here was
the path which might be opened up before ambitious and industrious
men who were seeking foothold among the over-crowded professions.
The story of how he made a practical application of his idea and developed it into the Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning, is more than
interesting, it is absorbing, but present space permits only-the outlines.
In 1898, starting with one pupil, by September, 1906, the school was
incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan, owned one of
the most prominent business sites in the city of Battle Creek, and had
established its reputation for thoroughness of instruction and at the
present time of writing has its satisfied students in almost every country
on the globe.
Mr. Bryant is not only a musician, a piano tuner along scientific
lines, and a builder of a great educational enterprise, but he is also
an inventor and his own words may be quoted concerning how he discovered the principles which resulted in the construction of the Tunea-Phone, the perfect instrument that simplifies the teaching of the art
of tuning. M/r. Bryant says:
"About this time I had attained a series of most gratifying results
from certain researches in acoustics, which I had long been prosecuting
with the fixed purpose of getting at the ultimate foundation of certain
obscure and little understood phenomena underlying the theory of
temperaments and temperament building. Through long and patient
application and frequent employment of special apparatus for the study
of acoustic principles, much of which was of exceeding delicacy and
had cost me a small fortune to design and perfect, results had at last
been realized that had suggested to me the feasability of the Tune-aPhone, and in an instant the field of my future work flashed upon me.
The Tune-a-Phone made correspondence instruction in piano tuning
practical. "
The Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning not only imparts skill to
its students but it does more, it teaches them how to market that skill
which Mr. Bryant justly regards as an exceedingly important feature.
Through the efforts of this school there is no doubt but that hundreds
have been put on the path whereby at least a comfortable competency
has been secured. In addition to the Tune-a-Phone, Mr. Bryant has
invented other musical tools and assistants and one of these is a disc
for a phonograph for tuning pianos. He is interested in other concerns,
being a director of the Roman Cut Stone Company of Battle Creek, and
of additional enterprises, but his business interests have mainly been
in the line above indicated. He introduced the first piano-player at
Battle Creek and gave the first exhibition here, in the Annex Block on
South Jefferson street.
In politics, Mr. Bryant is a Republican and was a member of the
Board of Public Works under Mayor George Barnes for two years and
then resigned. He sold the City Hall site to the city for the sum of
thirty thousand dollars, on which the new City Hall of Battle Creek
is to be erected in 1912, the location being opposite the Post Office.
There Was a three year's warfare over this transaction but. Mr. Bryant
secured justice.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


815


On August 27, 1892, Mr. Bryant was married to Miss Jennie Gorman,
who was born, reared and educated at Toronto, Canada. They have
two sons: Niles, Jr., who was born at Chicago, Illinois; and James Gorman, who was born at Toronto. Both sons are athletes and they are
also bright high school pupils. Mr. Bryant and family enjoy a spacious
residence at No. 75 Garrison avenue, Battle Creek, and a delightful summer home at Gull Lake, where they have twenty-five acres, eighteen
of which is still in timber. Mr. Bryant is a member of Battle Creek
Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M., and belongs to Saladin Shrine at Grand
Rapids, Michigan; belongs also to the Elks at Battle Creek, and is a
member of the Athelstan and Country Clubs.
FRED WELLS has been a resident of Battle Creek since his boyhood
days and has here risen to a secure position as one of the representative
business men of the city, as well as one who has stood exemplar of the
utmost civic loyalty and public spirit. He was for a number of years
actively identified with banking interests in Battle Creek, having initiated his efforts in the capacity of messenger boy and having eventually
risen to executive position of responsibility and trust. He is at the
present time president of the Rathbun & Kraft Lumber & Coal Company,
one of the important industrial concerns of the metropolis of Calhoun
county, and one to which more specific reference is made on other pages
of this work,-in the sketches dedicated to Stephen J. Rathbun and
Arthur J. Kraft, who are respectively treasurer and secretary of the
company, of which the remaining executive officer is Edward Henning,
who is vice-president.
Fred Wells claims the old Empire state of the Union as the place
of -his nativity and is a scion of honored pioneer families of Onondaga
county that state, where both his father and mother were born and
reared and where their marriage was solemnized. He himself was
born in the town of Otisco, that county, on the 29th of June, 1864, and
is a son of Charles and Esther (Cummings) Wells. Charles Wells was
engaged in the hotel business during the greater part of his active career
but was an invalid during the last twenty years of his life. He came
with his family to Battle Creek in 1878, and here he lived virtually
retired from active business until his death. He was a Republican in
politics and was a man of ability and sterling character,-one who ever
commanded secure place in the confidence and esteem of those who knew
him. His widow, now venerable in years, still resides in Battle Creek
and maintains her home at 49 Upton avenue.
Fred Wells, the only child in the family, gained his rudimentary
education in the schools of his native state and was a lad of about fourteen years at the time of the family removal to Battle Creek, where he
continued his studies in the public schools until he had completed the
curriculum of the high school, in which he was graduated as a member
of the class of 1883.
Soon after leaving school Mr. Wells assumed the position of messenger in the Old National Bank of Battle Creek, and by effective and
faithful service he won promotion to the position of bookkeeper in this
institution, with which he continued to be identified for a period of
four years. He then became assistant cashier of the Merchants' Saving
Bank, and he continued as one of the valued and popular office executives of this institution for twelve years, at the expiration of which he
resigned, to devote his attention to other interests. In December, 1900,
he became treasurer of the Rathbun S Kraft Tiumber Company. Limited,
and he retained this incumbency until the 4th of April, 1906, when the
concern was reorganized and reincorporated, without the prior liability
Vol. 11-1 4




tf


816


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


limitation, under the present title of the Rathbun & Kraft Lumber &
Coal Company. He is now president of this substantial and progressive concern and gives to its administrative affairs the greater part
of his time and attention. He is a stockholder of the Hygienic Food
Company, Maple Flake Mills, of Battle Creek and is secretary of its
board of directors, and he is also a stockholder in the Old National
Bank.
Mr. Wells has shown a lively interest in all that has tended to foster
the civic and material progress of his home city, is a stanch Republican
in his political allegiance. In 1901 Mr. Wells was appointed a member
of the city board of education, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Joel Hopkins, and the most effective voucher for the
effectiveness of his services and the popular estimate placed upon the
same is that he has since been elected as his own successor on three
different occasions, his present term expiring in 1913. He is now secretary of the board and is also treasurer of the Battle Creek Chautauqua
Association. He is a charter member and was one of the incorporator$
of the Athelstan Club, and served as treasurer of the same during the
first seven years of its existence. He has an attractive home at 53
Upton avenue and the same is a center of much social activity of representative order.
On the 25th of June, 1885, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Wells to Miss Ora M. Flagg, who was born and reared in Battle Creek
and who was graduated in the high school as a member of the same
class as her husband. She is a daughter of Eli W. Flagg, long numbered
among the influential business men of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Wells
have two children,-Ruth tM. and Dean J.
JAMES J. LARMOUR.    A Battle Creek man who is doubtless more
closely associated with the government service, and more widely known
in that service, than any other in this state, as well as other states, is
James J. Larmour, who also enjoys the distinction of having lived here
from early childhood, more than a half-century ago. His parents,
James J. and Jane (Winant) Larmour, were natives of New York and
New Jersey, the latter having been born at Hackensack, where their
marriage took place. The original stock being that of the Huguenot
French and the Dutch of the Netherlands. James J. Larmour, the
subject of this sketch was born in New York City, on October 4, 1852.
When a child of four years, the family came to Battle Creek, where the
father pursued his vocation, which was that of architecture. It was
he who built the first brick Methodist church, where the present one
stands, and also the first public hall, which was known as Stuart's
Hall, and which building is now occupied by the Bock-Walker Hardware Company. Col. Stuart occupied the first two floors with his
store originally, the hall was on the third floor, and was for many
years the only public hall in the city. The elder Mr. Larmour's first
residence was built on the lot where the residence of E. C. Nichols
now stands, corner of Maple and Fremont streets. The lot with others,
was taken from a cultivated field at that time. He died here in 1886.
His first wife had died in 1861 and he had subsequently married Miss
Susan Clark, of Battle Creek. Of the first marriage were born four girls
and three boys; of these only James J. and two sisters are now living.
Of the sons he was the youngest. Alpheus, lived in and was identified
with, El Paso, Texas, but died in a sanitarium at Los* Angeles, Cal., in
1901, and William W. died in Waco, Texas, in 1909. Jane died in New
York, while a mere child; the death of Sarah occurred at Bangor,
Michigan, in 1881, she was Mrs. James E. Westervelt, having married






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


817


in New Jersey. Mr. Larmour's sister Matilda is the widow of Daniel
Schoonmaker, one of the prominent figures in New York'City real estate life in his time, and where she still resides. The other sister, who
is Mrs. DeForest Gilbert, lives in Battle Creek. The only child of
the father's second marriage is Mrs. Annie Chambers, also a widow, and
a resident of this city. Her mother died here in 1910.
James J. Larmour was educated in the schools of Battle Creek. His
first position as a boy was his employment in and about the postoffice.
But his earliest service to the postal department was fraught with misfortune. For, since his father was a member of the old school Democratic party, and the boy himself too young to demonstrate by his
vote the loyalty he felt for the party in power, he presently lost his
position. Politics work wonders, and make strange bedfellows, for
later the postmaster who was responsible for his temporary severance
from the postal service because his father was a Democrat, when he lost
his postoffice became the nominee, and ran as a Democrat on the Democratic ticket for Congress, but was defeated, and in later years frequently spoke of the incident to Mr. Larmour. His next experience was
in the office of the Battle Creek Journal, during which time the Daily
Jouzrnal was started, and Mr. Larmour who was running the press, or
assisting, at the time, preserved and still possesses the first copy of the
press of this paper, a most interesting souvenir of early journalism.
The postal service had always great attractiveness for Mr. Larmour,
who was not long in demonstrating his efficiency for it. In 1875 he
received an appointment in the postal service on the railroad, as what
was then known as Route Agent, and was assigned to what is now the
Grand Trunk, and was later transferred to the Michigan Central when
the service on that road was enlarged. In 1880 he was appointed a
Postoffice Inspector, which position he still holds. This service is attached to the office of the Postmaster General, and is directly under his
control through a Chief Inspector. The headquarters for this section
is located at Chicago and covers three states. Detroit is in the territory covered by Mr. Larmour, and which city occupies much of his
time. His affiliations with the city are of many sorts. He was one of
the first two aldermen of the Fifth Ward, when it was created. Was
an active member for many years of the volunteer fire department. As
a member of fraternal societies he has been exceptionally popular, having been a charter member of the original organization here of the
Improved Order of Red Men, a member of the United Workmen, the
National Union for many years, and the Elks. His extensive absence
from home, however, have led him toa discontinue his membership in
these societies, retaining only his active connection with the Knights of
Pythias, of which order he is one of Battle Creek's oldest members.
Mr. Larmour, notwithstanding the injustice he suffered in youthful
days, has always been a stalwart Republican. As such he has profited
by many enlightening experiences, especially in his acquaintance and
association with such men of the party as the lamented Senator Zachariah Chandler, Governor John J. Bagley, Victor P. Collier, C. M.
Wakelee, William Wallace, et al. It was his privilege, while yet a
young man, to hear the discussions of these men, to hear Senator
Chandler, while Chairman of the National Republican Committee, recite
in private conversation all the events in detail in connection with the
exciting close of the President Hayes campaign; to hear him say, had it
not been for the attitude of, and the loyal support given him by General.
then President Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes would have fallen short of
entering the White House as President of the United States.
An episode of Mr. Larmour's journalistic days has been of great




818.


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


importance in the development of his domestic life. In the printing
office was elhployed as type-setter, a young lady named Miss Emily
Kernen, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Kernen, a Swiss family
who had in early days settled in Charlotte, and finally in Alma, Michigan. This young lady was educated in Michigan and was a schoolteacher for a few years. In 1874 she became the wife of Mr. Larmour.
Two sons and two daughters have come to their home, both of the
former and one of the latter of whom are still living. Madalyn, the
eldest, is Mrs. Louis Lytton; both she and her husband are in theatrical
work. A. Fred. Larmour, the older son, is a successful druggist on South
Kendall street, where he established his business in 1909. Kathryn, who
had been graduated from the Battle Creek High School, died in January, 1910. James J., the youngest, is engaged in newspaper work, and
makes his home with his parents.
As a representative of "Uncle Sam" Mr. Larmour has been seen
forty-two years of service, during which time he has successfully handled
many important cases. Not, however, to experience, but rather to his
own inherent strength of character is due Mr. Larmour's exceptional
efficiency and his reputation for superior executive ability.


GEORGE P. WIRT. Belonging to that steady, reliable class of business
men who have gained prestige and high position through the medium
of their own efforts, George P. Wirt, manager of the commercial department of the Battle Creek Gas Company, is recognized as an able, shrewd
and active factor in the operation of one of his city's most important
enterprises. Like many of the successful business men of Battle Creek,
he is a product of the farm, having been born on his father's homestead at Arrowsmith, Illinois, January 17, 1875, his parents, J. B. and
Hattie (Howell) Wirt, being natives of Ohio. At the present time they
are residing on a farm two miles from Battle Creek, to which they moved
in January, 1912, the elder Wirt having always followed agricultural
pursuits. In the family there were three sons and two daughters,
one of the sons now being deceased, while George P. is the third in
order of birth and the only member of the family living in Battle
Creek.
George P. Wirt attended the district schools in the vicinity of his
father's farm, and as a youth followed farming. However, the life
of an agriculturist did not appeal to him, and at the age of twenty-two
years he left the parental roof in Illinois, and came to Battle Creek,
Michigan, where in 1900 he entered the service of the Battle Creek Gas
Company. Hard, faithful work won its reward in various promotions,
and in October, 1906, he was made manager of the commercial department, a position which he has since filled in a most capable manner. Attending strictly to business, he has always had the interests of his
company at heart, and has done much to advance its growth and development. For three years Mr. Wirt was a member of the Michigan State
Militia, belonging to Company L, of Battle Creek, and then secured his
honorable discharge. Fraternally, he is connected with Columbia Lodge
No. 272, I. 0. O. F.. in which he is very popular.
On September 25, 1903, Mr. Wirt was united in marriage in Battle
Creek with Miss Edith Hewgill, daughter of H. P. and Mrs. Hewgill
of Battle Creek, the former now deceased, and the latter living in this
city. Mrs. Wirt was born at Crown Point, Indiana, and secured her
education in the schools of Battle Creek. vtor children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Wirt, namely: Jmres Bruce. George Howard, Malcomb Lewis and Virginia Louise. The family home is situated at No.
160 West street.






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


819


WILLIAM  J. SMITH. A leading figure in the financial world of
Southern Michigan, whose management of both men and affairs has won
for him a reputation that extends far beyond the limits of the state,
William J. Smith, vice-president of the Old National Bank, is recognized as one of the foremost citizens of Battle Creek. Coming to this
city twenty-two years ago, he immediately became an important factor
in various movements which were interesting the leading business men
and financiers of the rapidly-growing city, and since that time has risen
to a position of almost national importance in the ranks of the Republican party. Mr. Smith was born in Charleston township, Kalamazoo
county, Michigan, October 26, 1865, and is a son of John and Katherine (Joyce) Smith. His father was born in Genesee county, New
York, and came to Michigan in 1857, settling in Kalamazoo county,
where he resided until 1866, then removing to LeRoy township, Calhoun
county. He became one of the leading farmers of his day and locality,
held various public offices, and at the time of his death, March 29, 1891,
his community lost one of its best and most highly esteemed citizens.
The family is of German ancestry, having been founded in New England
at an early date in the colonization of this country. Katherine (Joyce)
Smith was also a native of Genesee county, New York, and a daughter of
John Joyce, a soldier of the War of 1812, who was of Scotch-Irish origin,
the family having come to America at an early day.     Mrs. Smith
still resides on the old Calhoun county homestead, and is a faithful
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which her husband also
belonged.
William J. Smith was still in his infancy when he was brought to
Calhoun county, and he was reared on the old homestead, there becoming
familiar with the duties of the farmer.  He attended the common
schools of West LeRoy until he was fifteen years of age, at which time
he entered the Battle Creek High School, and after spending two years
there took a three-year course in Albion College. Subsequently he took
a course in the Detroit Business University, and being thus well equipped
for a business career, at the age of twenty-three years established the
Exchange Bank, at Climax, Michigan, which he conducted successfully
for two years. At this time, however, his health failed, and he disposed of his interests and spent several months in the South, but in the
fall of 1890 returned North and assisted in the establishment of the
Farmers and Mechanics' Bank. of Smith, Cole & Company, a private
banking institution of Battle Creek, of which he acted as cashier until
the spring of 1898. In the meantime this institution had grown to be
an important factor in the financial life of Battle Creek, carrying on a
most extensive business and enjoying an unassailable reputation for
reliability.  The close confinement made necessary by his arduous
duties, however, had undermined SMr. Smith's health, and he was
obliged to put aside all active business affairs for a time, the Farmers
and Mechanics Bank being then consolidated with the Old National
Bank of Battle Creek, Mr. Smith being made a member of the directing
board. In 1906 he became vice-president of this institution, a position
which he has held to the present time. Although not actively engaged
in outside operations he has various large manufacturing interests both
here and elsewhere, and is the owner of considerable farming property,
regardless of his various interests he gives his entire personal attention
to the Old National Bank.
Until 1896 Mr. Smith was a supporter of Democratic principles,
but in that year transferred his allegiance to the Republican party,
and since that time has risen to a high position in its councils. He
has been a delegate to various conventions, but has never aspired to




820


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


public office, preferring to limit his activities to the directing end of
political life. His acquaintance among the leaders of the party throughout the country is extended and confidential, and during the past eight
years he has been a prominent figure in national affairs. He made the
first canvass in Michigan for President Taft, and during 1912 was
offered the management of the President's campaign in this state, but
owing to the multiplicity of his business interests was forced to decline. When the President made his now famous trip throughout the
country, it had been originally planned that there were to be but three
stops made in Michigan, but through Mr. Smith's influence the route
was. changed so as to include Battle Creek and smaller points in
Michigan, the President speaking in Battle Creek, September 21, 1911.
Fraternally, Mr. Smith is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees,
and the Modern Woodmen of America, and also holds membership in
the Athelstan and Country Clubs, and the Sigma Chi college fraternity.
With his family, he attends the Independent Congregational Church.
On November 5, 1890, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Lovell, daughter of Hon. L. W. Lovell, of Climax, Michigan, and
they have one son: Wendell Lovell, born November 16, 1892, a graduate
of the Battle Creek High School, class of 1910, and now taking a
literary course in the University of Michigan, where he expects to
graduate in 1914. The home of the Smith family, at No. 161 Maple
street, which was erected by Mr. Smith, is located in the ideal residence
district of the city, and is a center of culture and refinement. Mrs.
Smith has been active in social and charitable work, and is one of the
best known members of the Women's League.
Probably there is no man in Michigan who has a wider acquaintance
among bankers or men in public affairs throughout the country, who is
more highly esteemed by them, than Mr. Smith. He has been distinguished for his faithfulness and single-hearted devotion to the interests
of the banking institution with which he is connected, but this is characteristic of the man, for fidelity to trust and conscientious discharge
of every duty is part and parcel of his nature. Personally, he is a man
whose nature has not been spoiled by prosperity, and he has made
friends in and out of business and political life, and, what is more,
has retained them.
HON. JAMES HENRY, of Battle Creek, who has been a resident of the
city for the past thirty years, is especially well known for his participation in public affairs. He is an able and popular citizen, and has
given much valuable service in return for the public honors bestowed
upon him.
Mr. Henry was born at Pittsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
December 12, 1859. He comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the stock which
was most prominent in the early settlement of western Pennsylvania.
At Pittsburg he received his education in the public schools, and at
the age of twenty-three, in 1882, came to Battle Creek, with which
city his life and interests have since been identified.
As an influential unwavering Republican he has been promoted from
one degree of public responsibility to another. His first office was
as justice of the peace. Then he was a member of the board of supervisors for twelve years, and during that time was chairman of the board
for several years. As a member of the board in 1899 he insisted on an
investigation of the County Officers and as a result of his efforts as chairman of an investigating committee, there was $4,800.00, money misappropriated, returned to the county treasury. In 1900, 1903 and 1906
he was elected to the office of city assessor. In 1900 the unanimous








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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


821


nomination of his party was given him for the office of probate judge,
but he was defeated in the election. In 1906 he was first elected as
representative from  the second district of Calhoun county, and his
subsequent service in the legislature is well known to all and has given
him a place among the leading legislators at the capital. Mr. Henry
was the first man from his district to be given a third term and at this
writing he has been renominated by his party without opposition for the
fourth.
In 1902, Mr. Henry platted Urbandale, a beautiful and prosperous
village, just west of Battle Creek and so well has he fathered and
promoted the growth of the town that he has been dubbed "King Henry
of Urbandale" and many people of the county know him by no other
name.
Mr. Henry resides at No. 247 West Van Buren street, city of Battle
Creek, and has a wife and two sons, T. J. Henry and David R. Henry.
WILLIAM E. TAYLOR. A live, wide-awake, enterprising man of business, William E. Taylor, head of the well-known firm of Taylor Brothers Company, is identified with one of the leading industries of Battle
Creek, the "Taylor Made" candy which the firm manufactures, having
acquired not only a state-wide reputation for purity and quality, but
being known and approved of by the wholesale and retail trade of
every state in the Union. Starting in a very modest way, Mr. Taylor
took for his motto "Quality first, price secondary," and he believes
that his strict adherence to this motto is what has brought him his success. Although the prosperity of the Taylor Brothers firm is largely
due to the fine quality of the output, yet it is also due to some extent
to the splendid management and the fine business qualities of Mr. Taylor.
William E. Taylor was born, on the 22d of April, 1875, in Oakland
county, Michigan, a son of Reverend William A. Taylor and a grandson
of the Reverend William Taylor, one of the early circuit riders of Michigan. He is the fifth in direct line of descent to bear the name of William, three of his ancestors having been ministers and it was naturally
supposed that he would embrace the same profession, but he turned
the energy and courage which made it possible for his forefathers to
live the lives of hardship and sacrifice, which their profession entailed
in the earlier days, into carving out an honorable business career for
himself, when the odds were surely not in his favor. His father, the
Reverend William A. Taylor was born near Romeo, Macomb county,
Michigan, and as a young man entered the ministry, continuing as a
preacher of the Methodist Episcopal denomination until about four
years ago, when he retired. His last charge was in Bellevue, Michigan,
and since his retirement he has been associated with his sons in business,
at present being vice-president of the Taylor Brothers, Incorporated,
as such having supervision of the trade in the far west. Before entering
the ministry and since Mr. Taylor has always been one of the old War
Horse Prohibitionists, being state lecturer, and serving for ten years
as secretary of the State Committee, and for a time being its chairman
also. He married Della A. Mosher, who was born at Holly, Michigan,
and died at Battle Creek, Michigan, on the 27th of December, 1908, leaving three children, namely: William E., D. M. Taylor, secretary and
treasurer of Taylor Brothers Company, Incorporated; and Miss Beulah
J. Taylor, living at home. The two younger children were born in
Lansing, Michigan, and were educated in Albion College.
Completing his early education in the schools of Lansing, Michigan,
William E. Taylor learned the trade of a candy maker, and began work
with the Johnson Baking and Candy Company of Owosso, Michigan.




822


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


At the age of eighteen he embarked in business on his own account in a
modest way, for two years, while living at Reading, where his father
was preaching, manufacturing candy at home, and selling and delivering in Reading and surrounding towns. He bought his sugar by the
dollars' worth and his chocolate in five and ten pound lots, making a
little handful of samples in a granite sauce-pan, -soliciting orders from
these. He subsequently worked for four years in different candy
factories, gaining valuable experience, and perfecting his knowledge of
the trade. Locating in Battle Creek, in 1902 Mr. Taylor and his wife
opened a retail candy store at 11 West Main street, and during the
ensuing year organized the Honey Chocolate Chip Company of which
he became secretary and manager, his brother in the meantime having
charge of the retail store. A year later he and his brother organized
what was called Taylor Brothers Company, Limited, and placed the two
stores that they were then running under the charge of one of their
trusted employees, R. W. H. Crabb, who is now owner of one of the
finest candy stores in Battle Creek, it being located at 44 West Main
street. The two stores which the Taylor Brothers then owned, were
merged into one, the present company being incorporated about 1905.
This company manufactures chocolates almost exclusively, making a
specialty of Sorority Chocolates and Honey Comb Chocolate Chips,
manufacturing for the wholesale trade and shipping all over the United
States, and across the Atlantic, their foreign trade being quite large
and constantly increasing. They now have six branch houses, and the
factory now occupies three buildings erected for the purpose. In 1910
they did a five hundred thousand dollar business in the United States
alone. They use about nine hundred thousand pounds of sugar a year,
and about four hundred and fifty thousand pounds of chocolate. The
plant is equipped with especially designed machinery, such as French dipping machines, which make it possible to manufacture over two million
pounds of Honey Comb Chocolate Chips per year besides other chocolates. The packing rooms where the candy is placed in boxes and pails,
as well as the large stock room, are refrigerated by a special refrigeration
plant, the method and installation of same was planned especially by
the Taylor Bros. They are reported by refrigeration engineers to be
the most modern and satisfactory refrigerated rooms used in the manufacture of chocolates in the United States-and, so far as they know,
the only plant of its kind in the United States. This special system
changes the air entirely every three minutes, as well as washing, filtering
and drying it. The firm maintains its own printing and paper box
making department, where their labels, stationery, advertising matter
and boxes are manufactured.
Recently Mr. Taylor has invented a new kind of cream which is
described in the following clipping taken from    the Battle Creek
Enquirer for December 30, 1911: "W. E. Taylor of the Taylor Brothers
candy company, has just perfected a chocolate cream on which he has
been experimenting for ten years. It is a filling which congeals instantly upon being exposed to the air. It is Mr. Taylor's intention to sell the
cream at a dollar the pound. They are said to be a very choice variety
and are to be marketed soon after the first of the year. In order to
insure this innovation in the candy lines against imitations and infringements, Mr. Taylor contemplates having the formula patented.
When Mr. Taylor first went into the candy manufacturing business with
his brother more than twelve years ago he made several attempts at
producing a cream that would be almost in a liquid form when the
chocolate covering was broken, but which instead of running would
form a hardened coating of its own when coming in contact with the








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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


823


atmosphere. Nothing along the line of Mr. Taylor's cream has ever
before been realized although it has been tried by many of the large
candy makers of the United States."
Socially Mr. Taylor is a member of the Athelstan and Country
Clubs of Battle Creek, and fraternally he belongs to Battle Creek Lodge,
No. 12, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; to Battle Creek Chapter,
No. 19, Royal Arch Masons; to Zabud Council, No. 9, Royal and Select
Masters; to Battle Creek Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar; to the
Michigan Sovereign Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of
Detroit; and to Moslem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, of Detroit.
At Grand Ledge, Michigan, on the 15th of June, 1897, Mr. Taylor
married Miss Katherine M. Pratt, daughter of the late Reverend B. S.
Pratt, and they have one daughter, Willa Elizabeth, who was born at
Battle Creek, Michigan. Mrs. Taylor's mother is still living, her home
being with Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, at 84 Meacham Avenue.
Dow MOSHER TAYLOR. Associated with his brother William E. Taylor in the firm of Taylor Brothers Company, extensive manufacturers
of high-grade confectionery and owners of the well-known brands of
'Taylor-Made,' 'Honey Comb,' and 'Sorority' Chocolate Specialties, is
Dow Mosher Taylor.
He too is notable for the characteristics of conscientiousness and thoroughness, the heritage of a long line of ministerial ancestors. When
William A. Taylor and Della Mosher Taylor, his wife, were living in
Lansing, Michigan, this son Dow Mosher Taylor was born, on March 25,
1882.
The education of D. M. Taylor was gathered from the schools he attended in various places while his father was in the ministry. He was
in each a short time, at Bath, Maple Rapids, Jonesville, Reading, Grand
Ledge, Holly and Ithata, all in Michigan. He was a pupil in these
public schools for about two years at a time. He spent one summer in
Mt. Pleasant Summer Normal School, and at the age of 17 was graduated from the Ithaca High School, the youngest member of his class.
Mr. Taylor gained his business experience in such ways as his enterprises and ambition developed. He began working for his brother
outside of school hours and during vacations, in the baker and candy
business. when he was 10 years old, and continued to learn the confectioners' trade in this manner until he finished school. He then began
his vocational life by driving a delivery wagon for which services he
accepted the small stipend of $1.00 per day. This work was pursued in
Ithaca, where he later held position as bookkeeper and billing clerk. He
then tested the possibilities of the bicycle business in Ithaca, and after a
short time engaged in this way, went to Weston, West Virginia, where
he worked in the jewelry and bicycle business.
Being practically brought up in the candy business, he then next
joined his brother at Ashland, Kentucky, in running a small candy factory there for about one year, at the end of which time on the persuasion of his father, he entered Albion College. He enjoyed the advantages of the courses of that institution for a short time after which he
accepted a position in a bicycle establishment in Battle Creek for one
season.  He then accepted an offer with the central sales manager
of a Soda Fountain Trust, and in this capacity he was manager, and
opened a store for them in Charlevoix, where he remained one season. The next season he held a similar position at Sault Ste. Marie.
In 1901' Mr. Taylor permanently located in Battle Creek and entered into the confectionery business in this city with his brother, tak



824


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ing charge of the retail store. One year later they organized the Taylor
Brothers Company, Ltd., of which he was secretary and manager, establishing permanent quarters on Champion street. In 1903, the Taylor
Brothers Company, Ltd., and the Honey Comb Chocolate Chip Company,
Ltd., were consolidated under the firm name of Taylor Brothers Company, of which firm he is secretary and treasurer. The business has
steadily grown in prestige and pecuniary returns until it ranks high
among business enterprises of the city and state.
Mr. Taylor resides at 61 Poplar street. Mrs. Dow Mosher Taylor
was formerly Miss Belle Loder, a daughter of William Loder of Albion,
Michigan and alumnus of Albion College. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Taylor took place in October 1908, and they are parents of a baby
daughter named Della Mable Taylor, who was born on October 9, 1910.
Mr. Taylor like his brother is popular in clubs and fraternities of
Battle Creek. He is a member of the old Masonic Lodge-Battle Creek
Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M. In 1909 he held the honored position of
Worshipful Master of this lodge, this giving him the additional honor
of being the youngest Master in the history of Battle Creek Masons.
During his incumbency he established the record of having initiated over
twice as many members during the year of his administration than any
year before or since. He is also a member of the other Battle Creek
Masonic bodies as follows: Battle Creek Chapter No. 19, Zabud Council, Battle Creek Commandery Knights Templar No. 33.        He is
also affiliated with the Scottish Rite Masonry, being a thirty-second
degree man of the Michigan Sovereign Consistory of Detroit, as well as
being a member of the Moslem Shrine.
JUDGE WALTER HARPER NORTH, since 1906, circuit judge of the
Thirty-seventh Judicial District, consisting of Calhoun county, in his
important position has made a record for efficiency and judicial bearing
that has won the respect and admiration of the bar of this part of the
state of Michigan. He is a native son of the state, his birth having
occurred in the township of Somerset, Hillsdale county, this state, November 1, 1871. He is the son of William H. and Amarantha (Harper)
North, both natives of Lodi, Washtenaw county, Michigan. The father
began life as a farmer, but after a good many years abandoned the
great basic industry and became a railroad man and it was while engaged
in such duties that he met with his death in an accident. He had
also at one time in his career been a merchant and in any and all
capacities he enjoyed the respect of his fellow men. The mother survives and makes her home at the present time in Battle Creek. Judge
North has two sisters, as follows: Jeanette, now Mrs. Homer S. Wetherell, of Chicago; and Mary L., now Mrs. Wm. A. Smith, of Chicago.
Judge North spent the earlier part of his boyhood amid the rural
surroundings of his father 's farm, and had his first introduction to
Minerva in the District schools and graduated from the North Adams
high school. He subsequently entered Hillsdale College in 1892 and was
graduated from that institution of learning in 1896, receiving the degree
of A. B. Following that he became a student at Ann Arbor, where
he made preparation for the profession to which he was to become an
ornament, in 1899, receiving the well-earned degree of LL. B. In
that year Hillsdale College also conferred upon him the degree of
Master of Arts.
When it came to choosing a location. Battle Creek was favored by
Mr. North, and he located here in the fall of 1899, entering into partnership with Jesse M. Hatch, who was at that time prosecuting attorney
and remaining in association with Mr. Hatch for about a twelve month,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


825


under the caption of Hatch & North. Ensuing upon that Mr. North
formed a professional association with Duane C. Salisbury, under the
firmn name of North & Salisbury and remained with him until after his
election to the circuit judgeship in the spring of 1905. He entered upon
the duties of his office on January 1, 1906, and has ever since remained
in this capacity. It is the consensus of opinion that he is eminently
qualified by literary and legal attainments, professional success and
experience, integrity of character and judicial qualities of mind and
heart for the high place which he occupies. Previous to going upon
the bench, Judge North was circuit court commissioner. In politics
he is Republican, having upheld the standard of the "'Grand Old Party"
since his earliest voting days.
Judge North is a member of the Presbyterian church. He stands
high in Masonry, and is eligible to the white-plumed helmet of the
Knight Templar. At the present time he is president of the Masonic
Temple Association of Battle Creek.
Judge North was happily married on the 24th of December, 1901,
to Miss Myrta Phelps, daughter of Josiah Phelps of Marshall, Michigan,
becoming his wife. Mrs. North is a graduate of Hillsdale College of
the class of 1893 and it was while attending that institution that they
became acquainted and the romance had its beginning which was to end
so happily. Mrs. North was born in Fredonia township, this county and
taught music before and after her graduation, her musical gifts being
unusual. Judge and Mrs. North share their charming household with
three children, as follows: Vera Onolee, born January 12, 1906; Walter
Phelps, born July 12, 1907; and Robert Harper, born November 8,
1910. Battle Creek is the birthplace of all of them.
WILLIAM E. HICKS. The establishment of the firm of Titus & Hicks,
the representative millers of Battle Creek, Michigan, dates back to the
year 1837, the original- proprietors being Nobles & Whitcomb. Ellery
Hicks and B. B. Hicks purchased the business in 1852 and operated it
for a year, B. B. Hicks then selling out his interests to Chester Buckley
and a year later Mr. Buckley's interest was bought by Richard F. Titus.
Since 1853 the mill has been conducted continuously under the firm
name of Titus & Hicks, although Ellery Hicks died in 1861 and
Richard Titus in 1868. The former was succeeded by his son, William
E. Hicks, and the latter by his son, Samuel J. Titus, the present proprietors of the business. The Titus & Hicks mill was thoroughly refitted with modern milling machinery in 1885 and is today one of the
best mills in this section, being operated by water power exclusively
and has a capacity of 200 barrels of flour and 1,000 bushels of ground
feed daily. All flour is manufactured by the full roller system.
William E. Hicks, senior member of the firm, was born in Perry, New
York, June 21, 1838, son of Ellery and Meribah (Wilcox) Hicks, who
were born and married in Palmyra, New York. They came to Michigan in 1851 and settled in Battle Creek, where Mr. Hicks spent a
short time in the mercantile business, and in 1852, with his brother, B.
B. Hicks, engaged in the milling business. He continued to be connected with the firm until his death, in February, 1861, and built up a
reputation as an industrious and progressive man of affairs. His wife
passed away some few years later, having been the mother of two sons
and three daughters, of whom one son is deceased.
The education of William E. Hicks was secured in the schools of
New York, and when his parents came to Battle Creek in the fall of
1851, he accompanied them. As a youth he entered his father's mill,
and since his early boyhood has been receiving a training in the busi



826


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ness, with the minutest details of which he is thoroughly familiar. On
April 28, 1860, Mr. Hicks was married to Miss Theresa Lawhead, of
'Battle Creek, who was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and to this union
there have been born five children: Charles; Mrs. Jennie Frank, Fanny
and James, all of Battle Creek, and Mrs. Mary Detrich, of Eastern
Pennsylvania.  Mr. Hicks' fraternal connection is with the Athelstan
Club. He is not a member of any religious denomination, but for the
past half a century has attended the Episcopal church, and has contributed liberally to all its worthy movements. His wife and children
are members of this church. The family home is at No. 61 Marshall
street, and is the center of gracious refinement, all the members of the
family being general social favorites. Mr. Hicks is a public spirited
citizen, and takes an active part in all movements that tend to benefit
his adopted city in any way. As a business man he is held in the
highest esteem by his associates, and fully merits the confidence in
which he is regarded by his fellow citizens.
WILLARD A. KNIGHT. In no profession is there a career more open to
talent than that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded
a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the ethics
of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of human
rights and privileges.  Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom
and determination fully to utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stem conservator of justice; and it is one
into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles
to be encountered and overcome and the battles to be won, for success
does not perch on the banner of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the legitimate result of capability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, Willard A. Knight
stands today among the eminent practitioners of Calhoun county.
He has also given "a taste of his quality" as a legislator, having
represented the county in the state assembly in most public-spirited and
effective fashion.
Mr. Knight is a native son of Battle Creek and is of the type which
the city is particularly proud to claim as its own. The date of his
arrival upon this mundane sphere was November 10, 1876, his parents
being Andrew and Delia A. (Dilley) Knight. The father was a native
of Marshall, Michigan, and the mother of New York. These estimable
people are residents of Battle Creek, their household being at 52 West
Van Buren street. The father is retired.
Mr. Knight is the elder of two children. He received his preliminary education in this city and was graduated in 1897 from the high
school. For the acquiring of his higher education he matriculated in
the University of Michigan and later entered the law and literary departments, where he received his professional training, and in 1902,
received the well-earned degree of LL. B. Also previous to this, having
a desire for a broad business training, he had taken an extensive
course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Chicago. In 1902,
shortly after finishing his law studies at Ann Arbor, Mr. Knight began
his practice in his native city and in a short time made evident those
unusual gifts and attainments which characterize him. He won speedy
recognition and also began to take an important part in the affairs of
the Republican party, at present being identified with the Republican
organization of this city, his word being of weight in the same. In
1905, he was elected to represent the interests of the people of Calhoun
county in the state legislature and in that body he made an enviable




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


827


record. It was during his term in that office that a signal service was
performed for the county of Calhoun. The litigation and general court
business of the county had become so large in 1905 that an improved
condition was imperative. It was through Mr. Knight's efforts that the
bill was passed which gave to the county the alternate terms of the
circuit court and gave the city of Battle Creek the circuit court as at
present located.
The first municipal courts with justices paid a salary, thereby abolishing the pernicious fee system formerly in vogue, were inaugurated
by amendments to the city charter fathered by Mr. Knight in the legislature.  Also the county salary system  was instituted whereby all.
county officers were paid a salary instead of fees which will save the
county thousands of dollars for years to come. His stand has always
been for progressive legislation in the interests of all the people. He
preceded Hon. James Henry. It is safe to say that such gifts as Mr.
Knight has shown will doubtless be ripened in the sun of future political
preferment.
On October 3, 1901, Mr. Knight was happily married, the young
woman to become his wife being Miss Isabelle Watson, of Raleigh, North
Carolina. Mrs. Knight was born at Burlington Beach, near Toronto,
Canada and was educated at Battle Creek. They share their household
with three small daughters,-Geraldine, aged seven; Frances, aged five;
Dorothy, aged two, and one son, David Willard the youngest. Mr. and
Mrs. Knight are prominent in social circles here and maintain an attractive household at 44 North avenue.
Mr. Knight's fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias,
No. 35, of Battle Creek; Lodge No. 29, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Fraternal Order of Orioles; Knights of the Modern Maccabees;
Modern Brotherhood of America and Fraternal Order of Eagles. His
brother, Lloyd 0. Knight is also located in Battle Creek. Further mention of the family history is made in the sketch of the father, Andrew
Knight, which appears on other pages of this work.
LELAND H. SABIN. Among the able and representative members of
the Battle Creek bar is the junior member of the law firm of Stewart
& Sabin, Leland H. 'Sabin, who has won reputation for his thorough.
knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and as an advocate of distinctive ability. He is a native of Michigan, and was born May 14,
1872, at Centerville, Saint Joseph county, son of Dr. Marden and Mary
(Smith) Sabin, both of whom reside in Centerville, where Dr. Sabin has
a large practice although now living somewhat retired. Dr. Sabin is a
veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted some time during 1862 in the
One Hundredth Indiana Volunteers as a private, and after serving about
three years was honorably discharged as captain of his company. A stalwart Republican, he has been state senator and village president for a
large part of the time, and has also acted as president of the village
school board. In 1910 the degree (honorary) of Master of Arts was
conferred upon him by the University of Michigan. He and his wife
had two children: Mrs. H. Curtis Hoffman, of Oak Park, Illinois; and
Leland H.
Leland H. Sabin received his preliminary education in the village
schools of Centerville, and in 1891 graduated from the high school at
Ann Arbor. In the class of 1896 he was graduated from the University
of Michigan, in law, and in 1898 completed his studies in the literary
department, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Thus thoroughly
fitted for the practice of law, he returned to Centerville and entered thli
office of Mr. H. P. Stewart, but after one year came to Battle Creek,




828


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


where he practiced alone from 1898 until 1902 and in the latter year
Mr. Stewart came here and a professional partnership was formed,
under the style of Stewart & Sabin. Mr. Stewart still maintains an
office in Centerville, but Mr. Sabin has no connection therewith. In
political matters Mr. Sabin is a Republican, and fraternally he is
connected with the local lodge of the Masonic order.  He also is a
popular member of the Athelstan Club. of which he has been president
and is the present chief executive of the Country Club. Member of
Baptist church of Centerville. His modern residence is situated at No.
136 Henry street, and is a center of culture and social refinement. Mir.
Sabin is constantly gaining ground, both professionally and in a personal
way, being a desired addition to every social circle, and having a
potential influence in regard to all matters of public interest.
On June 2, 1909, Mr. Sabin was married to Miss Eloise Skinner, who
was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, daughter of B. T. Skinner, who is
still living, her mother having died in 1909. Mrs. Sabin was educated
in the public schools of Battle Creek, and was graduated from the high
school in 1900. -She and Mr. Sabin have one son: Brainard S., who
was born in Battle Creek, April 19, 1910.


HUGH P STEWART. As a member of the bar of Calhoun county who
holds distinguished professional prestige and marked honor as a publicspirited citizen, Hugh P. Stewart, of Battle Creek, senior member of
the law firm of Stewart & Sabin, is well worthy of mention in a work
of this nature. He was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, July 6,
1856, whence his parents, Daniel and MIary (McFarland) Stewart, natives respectively of Albany and Saratoga, New York, had come in 1837.
They had been married in the Empire state, and drove through to
Michigan, where Daniel Stewart was engaged in farming and contracting and building until his death in 1876, his widow surviving until
1887. Of the eight children born to them, only three are now living.
The last-born of his father's children, Hugh P. Stewart received
his early education in the schools of St. Joseph county, and as a youth
studied law under the preceptorship of the late ex-Judge R. W. Mellendy,
who was attracted to the lad, saw promise in him, and educated him
in law, literature and other branches according fo his own ideas. In
1878 Mr. Stewart was admitted to the bar and at once commenced
practice in the village of Centerville. A stanch Republican in politics,
he was prosecuting attorney of St. Joseph county for four years, acted
as a member of the Constitutional convention, and in 1893 was nominated for circuit judge, but owing to political conditions at that time,
met with defeat. For one year Mr. Stewart was in partnership with
Leland H. Sabin in Centerville, and followed the latter to Battle Creek
in 1902, the firm of Stewart & Sabin now maintaining well-appointed
offices at 602-603 Ward building, while Mr. Stewart also continues his
offices in Centerville, where he also has his home. He is known as a
thoroughly well equipped lawyer, strong advocate and safe counsellor,
is a man of individuality and high attainments, and enjoys unmistakable
popularity in both professional and social circles. Fraternally, he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Centerville, the Council and
Commandery at Three Rivers, and the Consistory and Shrine at Grand
Rapids, and is also a valued member of the Athelstan Club of Battle
Creek.
On December 17, 1884, Mr. Stewart was married in Centerville to
Miss Anna Harbrouck, who was born, reared and educated in that
place, where their two children were also born: Madge Anna, a graduate of the Ann Arbor high school and the literary department of the
University of Michigan; and Donald P., both residing at home.






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


829


HON. ALBERT CHARLES KINGMAN. For a quarter of a century one
of the most skilful and successful members of the Calhoun county bar
was Albert Charles Kingman of Battle Creek. A few years ago M\r.
Kingman retired from the active ranks of the legal practitioners, leaving
the honors and rewards of the profession to the succeeding generation of
attorneys. However, he has by no means retired from all the public
activities of his city and county. In 1908 and again in 1910 he was
elected to the state senate from the ninth district, comprising Branch
and Calhoun counties. His broad experience and ability have been of
great service in the work of the upper house. In his home city Mr.
Kingman is prominent in the public and social affairs of the community.
The Kingman residence, at 27 Elm street, is one of the best constructed
and most beautiful homes in Battle Creek, an inviting and reposeful
place in which to spend the latter years of a successful career.
Senator Kingman was born at Corning, Steuben county, New York,
June 18, 1850. His father was Wilson Kingman, a tinsmith by trade
who in later years was also a hardware dealer. His mother's maiden
name was Abigail Hungerford. When Albert C. was quite young the
family moved to Angelica, Allegany county, New York, where they
lived until 1867, during which time the son received a part of his
education in the local academy. In 1867 the family came to Michigan
and located at Cassopolis, where the Kingman name is well known,
and here the parents spent the remainder of their lives, and they are
buried in Cass county.
In 1868 Mr. Kingman entered Kalamazoo College as a freshman, and
was graduated there with the degree of A. B., in 1872, and two years
later was given the degree of A. M\. at the same institution. In the
meantime he had begun the study of law at Dowagiac and then at
the University of Michigan, and in 1874 was admitted to the bar. In
April, 1877, he located at Battle Creek and soon had a large and profitable practice in this county. Besides his profession he has been interested in much of the business progress of this city, and is still a
stockholder in the Nichols & Shepard Company, the Old National Bank
and other local enterprises. However, almost his only business activity
now is connected with his real estate holdings. In 1902 he erected the
Kingman block, one of the well known office buildings, and has his
own office in one of the suites of that block.
For many years he has been one of the influential members of the
Republican party. Besides the honor and responsibility conferred on
him by his election to the state senate, he also served on the school
board for six years and represented the Fourth ward in the city council
two years. For fifteen years he was president of the board of the Independent Congregational church, and was chairman of the building
committee when they built what is considered the finest church edifice
in Battle Creek and one of the best in the state. He is also a member
of the Country Club.
At St. Joseph, Michigan, May 2, 1876, Mr. Kingman was married to
Miss Emma M. Edwards. Mrs. Kingman is a native of Milwaukee, and
received her education at Fox Lake Seminary in Wisconsin and at
Kalamazoo College. Her parents, William  and Sarah (David) Edwards, both now deceased, were born in Wales, and her father was one
of the early settlers and for many years engaged in the jewelry business
at Milwaukee. Miss Regina Kingman. the only child, was graduated
from the Battle Creek high school in 1903 and then attended the University of Michigan for two years. She now resides at home and is a
teacher in public school No. 3.




830


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


CHARLES P. MCKENZIE, LL. B. Prominent among the members of the
legal profession in Calhoun county is Charles F. McKenzie, of Battle
Creek, who has taken a prominent place among the active and progressive
legists of the city, and who has rendered signal service in official capacities. Mr. McKenzie was born in Banfield, Michigan, September 7, 1874,
and is a son of John and Carrie E. (Fish) McKenzie.
John McKenzie was born near Aberdeen, Scotland, and was a representative of the old McKenzie clan of that country. When seven years
of age he emigrated to Ontario, Canada, with his parents, the family
being established near London, where Mr. McKenzie was reared to
maturity. In 1865 he removed to Barry county, Michigan, and there
engaged in farming near Banfield. In that locality he was married to
Miss Carrie E. Fish, of that county, in which locality her parents had
located on their removal west from New York. She died May 6, 1903,
and he passed away in 1910, on the old homestead in Barry county,
where they had spent the greater part of their lives.
Charles F. McKenzie was educated in the district schools near Banfield, after which he attended Albion College, and there took an elective
course preparatory to taking up the study of law. Having spent four
years at Albion College, he went to Ann Arbor and became a student
in the law department of the University of Michigan in 1896, and after
studying there for a time engaged in business in Detroit for one year.
He had for some time been a member of Company L, Detroit Light Infantry of the National Guard when the Spanish-American war broke
out, and with his company he enlisted and was mustered into the United
States service as a member of Company L, Thirty-second Regiment,
Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The command was sent to Tampa,
Florida, and was stationed there and at Fernandina until the close of
the war. Upon his return to the North, Mr. McKenzie took up his law
studies in Ann Arbor, and after two years graduated with the class
of 1900, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Immediately thereafter
he was admitted to the bar and went to Detroit, where he remained with
a prominent law firm for some time. During the fall of the same year
he came to Battle Creek, Michigan, opening an office at No. 306 Post
building, and since has built up a large and representative business. He
has been connected with a number of well known cases of importance in
the city, and is acting in the capacity.of attorney for a number of large
corporations. Politically a Republican, Mr. McKenzie was made alderman of the third ward, serving until April, 1908, to fill a vacancy, and
was then elected to the office for a regular term of two years, beginning
April 1, 1908, and ending in April, 1910. He also served as circuit court
commissioner from 1904 to 1906. He belongs to the A. T. Metcalf Lodge,
F. & A. M., No. 419, of this city, and to the Knights of Pythias and the
Athelstan and Community Clubs. He was one of the early members of
the Association of Spanish War Veterans, becoming a charter member
of the post in this city. He has held the office of chaplain and has served
as aide-de-camp on the staff of M. Emmett Murell, the commander-inchief, which gives him the rank of colonel, his commission bearing the
date of January 2, 1903. In September, 1903, he attended the national
encampment held at New Haven, Connecticut, and took an active and
interested part in founding the command at Battle Creek.
On December 14, 1899, Mr. McKenzie was united in marriage with
Miss Birdie L. Miles, of Battle Creek. daughter of Amos S. and Alice
A. (Marsh) Miles. and to this union there has been born one daughter:
Pauline Louise. The modern family residence of the McKenzies is situated at No. 21 Glenwood avenue.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


831


MILES S. CURTIS. As postmaster of Battle Creek since 1906, Miles
S. Curtis has performed a large amount of useful public service for his
home city and has managed the affairs of his office to the best advantage
and convenience of the citizens. Mr. Curtis has been a resident of Calhoun county nearly forty years, and the family name has been identified
with worthy citizenship and business ability throughout this period.
Miles S. Curtis was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, April 1, 1852.
His father was Elijah Curtis, a native of New York state, who settled in
Ohio when he was about twenty-one years of age. At the three-months'
call for soldiers in the Civil war he enlisted, served the entire time, then
entered the longer service in the Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and finally
was iin the Twenty-ninth Ohio when he was wounded and discharged.
His occupation had always been farming. Having relatives in Calhoun
county, where he had visited occasionally from 1868 on, in the spring
of 1874 he settled here permanently on a farm three miles north of the
city of Battle Creek. After the death of his third wife, about 1878, he
made his home with his son Miles until his death, which occurred in his
eighty-seventh year. His first wife's maiden name was Harriet St. John.
One of the children, Lorrell, who was seven years older than Miles, went
into the army at the age of nineteen as a member of the Twenty-fifth
Ohio battery of light artillery, and died in service, being buried at Little
Rock, Arkansas.
The present postmaster received his early education in his native
state of Ohio, where he lived until he had attained his majority. He was
in school at the Grand River Institute in Austinburg six years, then
taught a term in district school, and for a time had charge of the bookkeeping and penmanship department in the high school at Jefferson,
Ohio. In 1873, when he moved to Michigan, he went on the farm with
his father, but after his marriage moved to a farm of his own, part of
which he still owns. Since the fall of 1895 he has been a resident of
Battle Creek, and for ten years held the office of grand keeper of records
and seals for the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Battle
Creek Lodge No. 35 of this order, and is one of the leading representatives of the order in Michigan, having been through all the degrees and
held all the offices of the Grand Lodge.
His first appointment as postmaster came on June 26, 1906, from
President Roosevelt. His second appointment was made by President
Taft and is dated June 13, 1910. He has taken an active interest in public affairs for many years, was supervisor of Penfield township two
terms, and in 1895 was a member of the legislature and served two years.
Then in 1898 was elected for one term to the office of mayor of Battle
Creek. Besides his prominent connection with the Knights of Pythias
he is also a member of the Masonic order. He is a member of the Athelstan Club of Battle Creek.
The Curtis family home is at 163 Calhoun street. October 31, 1879,
Mr. Curtis married Miss Mary E. Nye, of Battle Creek. After serving
one term as mayor, Mr. Curtis refused to accept another term and also,
refused to accept another term in the legislature, believing it his duty to
serve the Knights of Pythias and served twelve years as grand keeper of
records and seals and gave up that office when appointed postmaster
of Battle Creek by President Roosevelt.
They are the parents of two sons: Lorrell N. is connected with the
Merchants Savings Bank of Battle Creek: Claude C., who graduated in
mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1907, is now
employed with the Stone-Webster Company of Boston, having recently
been transferred from Portico to the main office in Boston. Lorrell N.
is married and has a son, Wilbur N., born February 24, 1906. Claude is
Vol. TI-1 5




832            HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
single. Both sons were born and received their early education in Battle
Creek.
FRED G. REMINGTON. The practical management and success of the
Battle Creek Gas Company depend on the capable services of Mr. F. G.
Remington, the general superintendent. He has been identified with the
company for the past eight years. Previous to that he was connected
with the gas company of Detroit, his entire business career having been
spent in this line of manufacturing.
Mr. Remington was born in Detroit, March 24, 1872, a son of Fred
A. and Mary (Greenfield) Remington, who reside at 936 Lafayette boulevard in Detroit. For the past ten years or more his father has been
connected with the Detroit City Gas Company. Of the five children,
Fred G. is the oldest and the only representative of the family in Battle
Creek.
After his public schooling in Detroit he spent one year in the pharmacy department of the Detroit College of Medicine, but then gave up
his intention of pursuing this profession, and began as an apprentice
in the various branches of the gas business with the city company. He
was clerk in the station B plant, also worked at station A and main
offices, and then following another period in the station B he came to
Battle Creek as superintendent of manufacture for the local company.
In April, 1904, he was made general superintendent, in addition to his
previous duties taking charge of the distribution department, which includes the laying of mains and all the service of supplying the facilities
of distribution to the consumers. He has thus managed all the large
extensions of the company's facilities during the last eight years. He
also owns some of the stock in the plant.
With fraternal affairs his interest is with the Masonic order, his
membership being in the Palestine lodge at Detroit, and the B. P. 0. E.
at Battle Creek. His family belong to the Episcopal church. Mr.
Remington's home is at 611 West Main street. His wife to whom he
was married April 15, 1903, was formerly Miss Emma Schmeltz. Mrs.
Remington was born and received her education in Detroit. Her father
was the late Henry J. Schmeltz of that city, where her mother is still
living.
WILLIAM J. FOSTER. Progressively identified with the interests of
Battle Creek and vicinity, the family of which Mr. William J. Foster
is a representative has witnessed and contributed to the increase and
prosperous growth of this city since 1867. It is an old and honored
name in this part of the county, and the essential facts of its history
should be recorded in this work.
Joseph Leonard Foster, who founded the family here, was born in
Oneida county, New York, August 5, 1815. As a resident of his native
state for half a century, he became a substantial farmer and acquired
the reputation of an authority by his success in sheep husbandry. He
was married February 21, 1.838, to Miss Jane McCrory. Born in Ireland, at the age of eight years she was brought to America in her
parents' family, and spent seven weeks in passage on an old sailing vessel. This worthy couple in 1867 came west and settled on the estate in
Battle Creek township on Goguac prairie, with which locality the name
has since been specially identified. Here the parents lived until their
death, about 1895, one having survived the other only about six months.
Their son William J. Foster was born in Wyoming county, New
York, February 11, 1839, being the only child. His early education
was obtained chiefly at the Wyoming county academy, and on leav

I i




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


833


ing school he returned to his father's farm and began the career in
agriculture and stock raising by which he acquired his substantial position in material affairs. He moved with his father and mother to Calhoun county, where he has been influential in business and in public
life. The Foster estate, which originally comprised one hundred and
sixty acres was contiguous to the town of Battle Creek, and with the
growth of the city one hundred acres have already been absorbed and
cut up into city lots. Mr. Foster is owner of one hundred and sixty
acres of farm land at another location in Battle Creek township.
Both he and his father have gladly co-operated with the progress
of their home community. The farm separates Battle Creek from the
attractive Goguac lake, and when the old horse-car line was constructed
the late J. L. Foster contributed a strip of ground through his estate
for the use of the road. Mr. William J. Foster took a like progressive
attitude when the electric line was built, allowing the company to run
its way through the middle of his farm.
In 1901 the votes of the second district of Calhoun county elected
Mr. Foster as their representative in the state legislature, where he
justified the expectations of his many friends by working for the best
interests of his locality and state and gaining a reputation for sound
principles and thorough integrity as a legislator. In politics he is a
Republican, is a member of the Masonic order of Battle Creek, a member of the Athelstan Club, and attends, though not a member, the Congregational church.
Mr. Foster's first wife, whom he married in New York state, died at
Battle Creek in 1891. There were no children by that union. June
30th, 1897, he was married to Mary E. Linihan. Her father, Martin
Linihan, was one of the old and respected settlers of Battle Creek township, where she was born and reared and after her education in the
Battle Creek schools she was engaged in teaching in this city and at
Homer. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have one son, Joseph Leonard Foster, who
was born in Battle Creek, July 22, 1906. The comfortable home of the
family is located just outside the city limits, on rural route No. 10.
ABRAM ROBERT MCINTYRE, retired railroad official, was born near
Montreal, Canada, on the St. Lawrence river, January 24, 1851, and is.
a son of Abram Harvey and Jane A. (Donaldson) McIntyre, both native Canadians. Abram Harvey McIntyre was for a number of years a
hotel keeper, but during the latter years of his life engaged in farming. Of the thirteen children born to himself and wife, six died in
childhood. His wife passed away in Canada in the sixty-fifth year of
her age, and after her death he lived at various times at the homes of
his children, his demise occurring in Canada when he was eighty-one
years old. Five children are still living: Abram Robert; Mrs. Daniel
Waldorf, of Cornwell, Canada; Mrs. Herman Waldorf, also of Cornwell; Lillian, of Ossining, New York, and for a number of years matron of the Old People's Home, a charitable institution maintained by
wealthy patrons; and James Albert, freight agent of the Michigan
Central Railroad, at Union City, Michigan.
Abram Robert McIntyre was educated in the schools of Canada,
and in 1866 left home and went to work for the Grand Trunk Railroad as operator. In 1869 he was transferred to what is now West
Detroit, where he remained until April, 1870, then going to Fort Gratiot, Michigan. In April, 1876 he left the service of the Grand Trunk,
finding that he could better himself as to working hours and in other
ways, and came to Battle Creek as chief dispatcher for the Peninsular
Railroad. He had charge of the line betwen Lansing and Valparaiso




834


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


until 1885, in which year he was transferred to Chicago, and there
became trainmaster of the Western Division of the Grand Trunk lines.
In May, 1888, he returned to Battle Creek, as assistant superintendent,
this title lasting over the D. G. H. & M. and Cincinnati, Saginaw and
Mackinaw and the Chicago & Grand Trunk from Port Huron to Chicago. He continued as assistant superintendent until 1898, at which
time he severed his connection with the road on account of ill health.
After spending a few years in the mountains of Colorado, Mr. McIntyre
was persuaded, in May, 1902, to resume railroading, accepting the
agency of the D. T. & M., now a part of the Vanderbilt System, and
was agent here until May, 1906. At that time he was transferred to the
main office of the Michigan Central Railroad at Battle Creek, taking
charge of all of that company's business. In May, 1910, ill health
again caused his resignation. In 1904 Mr. McIntyre built a handsome
home at No. 257 Garfield avenue. He has shown his confidence in the
welfare of Battle Creek's industrial concerns by investing in a number of manufacturing companies. He is a master mason of A. T. Metcalf Lodge No. 419, and for a quarter of a century was connected with
the Athelstan Club. With his family he attends the Congregational
church.
On April 14, 1879, Mr. McIntyre was married in Battle Creek to
Miss Mary Lois Latta, daughter of Alfred and Martha E. (Hill) Latta,
a sketch of whose lives will be found in another part of this work. Mrs.
McIntyre was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was there educated and
at Olivet College. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McMcIntyre was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was there educated and
Ida Martha, born and educated in Battle Creek, graduating from the
high school in the class of 1909, and also a student in the Michigan
Business and Normal College. As a railroad man Mr. McIntyre is
known throughout this and several other States, and is recognized as a
railroad operator of capacity and ability. Having begun his career as
a railroad man, as agent in a country station, he has thoroughly familiarized himself with all the details of railroad business and management,
and has earned promotion by hard work and thorough honesty, intelligent effort and efficient services. He has made a close study of what
may be termed "the science of railroading," has knowledge of the
principles governing the operation of railroads, the rules and regulations pertaining to railroad traffic, and is a man also of extensive general
information. As a citizen he has the respect and esteem of his fellowcitizens.
Louis E. STEWART. An active and able member of the Michigan
bar, Louis E. Stewart of Battle Creek, head of the firm of Stewart &
Jacobs, has achieved a splendid success in his profession through a
wise and systematic application of his abilities to his work, which ever
demands veritable talent and a broad knowledge. A son of Henry W.
Stewart, he was born August 19, 1870, near Grand Rapids, Kent county,
Michigan.
Reared to agricultural pursuits, Henry W. Stewart was for many
years engaged in farming in Michigan, but is now a resident of Florida.
In the fall of 1882 he was elected sheriff of Antrim county, Michigan,
and served in that capacity for eight years, winning a fine record as a
public official. His wife, whose maiden name was Adeline Holden, died
in 1883, in Antrim county, Michigan, which had then been the home of
the family for eight years.
Educated in the schools of Mancelona, Michigan, Louis E. Stewart
taught school the summer in which he attained his majority, after




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


835


which he learned the printer's trade in Bellaire, Michigan. The following year he resumed his studies, and in 1894 was graduated from
the Bellaire high school. His natural tastes and inclinations turning
towards a professional life, Mr. Stewart then entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, where, in 1896, he was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Immediately locating in Albion,
Michigan, he remained there six years, during which time he built up a
substantial patronage.  Since November, 1902, Mr. Stewart has been
actively engaged in his professional practice at Battle Creek, and in
partnership with Mr. Henry F. Jacobs, since May 1, 1904, being senior
member of the firm of Stewart & Jacobs, attorneys-at-law. This firm
carries on a general law business, with some corporation practice, and
has an extensive and lucrative clientele, it being one of the leading law
firms of the city.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Stewart is a stanch Republican,
and since early manhood has been more or less identified with public
affairs. At the age of twenty-one years he was elected city marshal of
Bellaire; was circuit court commissioner while living in Albion; in
1907 and 1908 le served as prosecuting attorney of Calhoun county;
and in 1911 was elected to the Battle Creek Board of Education for a
term of three years. Fraternally Mr. Stewart is a member, of Battle
Creek Lodge, No. 12, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; a
member of the Order of the Eastern Star; of Bryant Chapter, Modern
Woodmen of America, of Albion; and of the Knights of Pythias, of Battle Creek. He is also a member of St. Andrew 's Scottish Society,
and of the Athelstan Club, of Battle Creek. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On August 5, 1903, at Albion, Michigan, Mr. Stewart was united in
marriage with Miss Clarissa Dickie, who was born in Hastings, Michigan, and was educated at Albion College, being graduated from its Conservatory. Her father,.Dr. Samuel Dickie, M. S., LL. D., is president
of Albion College, and one of the advisory editors of this work. Mr.
and Mrs. Stewart have two children, namely: Mary, born in Albion,
Michigan; and Elizabeth, born in Battle Creek, Michigan. The family
have a pleasant residence at No. 192 Fremont street, and there take
pleasure in entertaining their many friends.
HENRY F. JACOBS. In considering the prominent legal firms in
Battle Creek one's mind instinctively turns to the firm of Stewart &
Jacobs, of No. 6 Kingman Block, a concern which has acted as counsel in some of the most important litigation carried on in the Michigan courts in late years. The younger member of this partnership,
Henry F. Jacobs, was born in Mount Elgin, Ontario, October 26, 1872,
a son of Samuel J. and Melissa (Smith) Jacobs, natives of County Oxford, Ontario, of Irish and English descent.
Henry F. Jacobs was six years of age when brought to the United
States, his parents settling in Watrousville, Tuscola county, Michigan, where the lad was reared on his father's farm and attended the
graded and high schools. Graduating from the latter in 1891 he began
teaching school, a profession which he followed four years, and in the
spring of 1895 entered Albion College, where he remained until February. 1899. He then became a student in the literary department of
the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1900, and
in June, 1902, completed his studies in the law department. shortly
thereafter being admitted to the bar. In November, 1902, a professional
partnership was formed with a classmate, Lewis W. Leisening. and the
firm of Leisening & Jacobs at once began practice in Battle Creek, the




1


836


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


association continuing until the death of the senior partner, in March,
1904, when the firm of Stewart & Jacobs was founded. Mr. Jacobs
possesses a keen and analytical mind and a broad and comprehensive
mental vision, enabling him to assimilate the correlation of ideas and
to instinctively grasp the fundamental and basic elements of the subject under consideration. Added to this he is a logical reasoner and
an eloquent and forceful public speaker. While in Albion College and
at Ann Arbor, he was very active in oratorical and debating work, representing both institutions on several occasions in contests with institutions of other States. These attributes and accomplishments are essential in a successful legal career, and by the possession of these superior
qualities, which in themselves are marks of distinction, Mr. Jacobs has
attained an enviable station in his profession. He has served as counsel in some very important litigation that has attracted widespread
attention, and his ability and superior merit has obtained the recognition that it deserves.
Mr. Jacobs was married June 25, 1902, at North Branch, Michigan,
to Miss Mabel G. Butler, whose mother died in 1901, while her father,
William Butler, still survives, and for more than thirty years has been
engaged in the hardware and farm implement business. He is prominent in local politics, and one of the most influential Democrats in
Lapeer county. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have two children: William H.,
who is eight years of age; and Ethel Maude, aged six. Mr. Jacobs has
been a lifelong Republican.


EDWARD CHAUNCEY HINMAN. The Central National Bank of Battle
Creek, located at the corner of Main street and Jefferson avenue, was
organized in 1903. With a capital stock of $200,000 and a surplus of
$50,000, this is the largest bank in this section of Michigan, and has
had a prosperous, progressive record during every year of its history.
In March, 1912, the capital stock was increased to $300,000.00 and surplus to $150,000.00 and with resources over $4,500,000 makes the Central National Bank the largest and strongest bank in southwestern
Michigan. The bank has fine offices and the latest improvements for
safety and facilitation of business.
One of the men most active in the organization and president of the
institution from the beginning is Edward Chauncey Hinman, who has
been prominently identified with the business and civic life of Battle
Creek for nearly forty years. A member of the Hinman family which
has contributed to the development of Battle Creek and Calhoun county
almost from the pioneer era, he was born in this city March 1, 1852, a
son of John F. and Harriet E. (Hayt) Hinman.
The first American ancestor of this branch of the family was Sergeant Edward Hinman, who was born in England in 1609, was a member of King Charles First's body guard, and during the time of
Oliver Cromwell escaped from England and became a resident of Stratford, Connecticut, in 1650. From him in the line of descent comes
through Benjamin Hinman, Judge Noah Hinman and Abijah Adoniram
Hinman, both of the latter being Connecticut soldiers in the war of the
Revolution. A son of the last named was Truman H. Hinman, who
lived and died at Castleton, Vermont, where he followed the occupation of farmer.
A son of this Vermont farmer, the late John F. Hinman was born
at Castleton, March 17, 1816, was reared there, but in 1836, when a
young man of twenty years and at a time when southern Michigan was beginning to fill up with the first tide of settlers, he came
west and settled at Bellvue, in Eaton county. He was one of the early




A'




I




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


837


merchants of that community and remained there until 1851, when he
sold out and moved to Battle Creek. Here he and his brother established a large store under the firm name of B. F. & J. E. Iinman.
Both in business and public affairs John F. Hinman was successful
and influential. He was recognized as one of the strong adherents of
the Republican party from its first organization, but he never ran for
any office. The Hinman block, erected by himself and brother, contained the old Hinman Hall in which the first Republican meetings in
Battle Creek were held. After a long and honored career, John F. Hinman passed away February 6, 1900. His widow Harriet E. Hayt Hinman died March 17, 1907. The Presbyterian church counted them
among its members for half a century or more.
Harriet Elizabeth Hayt, who became the wife of the late Mr. Hinman, was the daughter of John Tompkins Hayt. Her lineal descent
from the famous John Alden of New England is as follows: John
Alden and Priscilla Mullens' daughter Elizabeth became the wife of
William Paybody. Their daughter Rebecca married William Southworth. Joseph Southworth, their son, wedded Mary Blake. To them
was born a son Constant, who married Rebecca Richmond.
A son of the last named, Major William Southworth, who won his
title by valiant service in the Revolution, married Mary Throop, and
their daughter Harriet became the wife of Ira Tillotson. Harriet Tillotson, a daughter of this marriage, was the wife of John Thompkins Hayt, of Patterson, New York, and the mother of Mrs. Hinman.
Mr. Hayt brought his family to Bellvue, Michigan, where his daughter
and John F. Hinman were married April 23, 1845. Six of their children reached mature years.
Edward Chauncey, one of these children, was reared and received
his early schooling at Battle Creek. His college days were passed at
the University of Michigan, where he was graduated with the degree
of Bachelor of Science in 1874. He is a member of the Chi Psi college
fraternity. His first active work was in the government engineering
work on the Fox and Wisconsin rivers improvement, at which he was
employed from 1874 to 1880. For the next two years he was in the
grain business at Port Huron, and since 1882 has been permanently
identified by residence and business with his native city. Until 1888
he was senior member of Hinman & Ward, millers. In 1890 he purchased an interest in the Battle Creek Machinery Company. That was
then one of the smaller factories of the city, and about fifty men were
on the payroll and its output restricted in amount and in extent of
sales territory. With Mr. Hinman as secretary and treasurer of the
company, the business was greatly increased, until in 1898 it was reorganized and incorporated under the name of the American Steam Pump
Company, with capital stock of $500,000 and with no indebtedness. In
the new company Mr. Hinman continued to hold the same office he had
under the previous organization until he was made president.
Besides these two enterprises which have foremost place in a business summary of Battle Creek, Mr. Hinman has many other interests.
Successful in business, he has also given his energies and civic spirit for
the betterment of his home city. It was largely through his instrumentality that the appropriation for the federal building was obtained. A
member of the Athelstan Club, during his two years as president the
elegant club rooms were opened in the Post building. He also affiliates
with the Metcalf Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also with the chapter, council
and commandery in this city, and with Saladin Temple of the Mystic
Shrine at Grand Rapids. His other fraternal connections are with the
Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. As a Republican but




838


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


more as a good citizen, he has served as alderman from his home ward,
the fourth, but has refused all other offices. His residence at 303 Maple
street is one of the most attractive homes in this city.
Mr. Hinman married, in 1876, Miss Carrie L. Risdon, who passed
away in 1887, leaving two daughters, Gertrude B. and Belle R. Mrs.
Hinman had been reared at Ann Arbor, and was educated in Dr. Annett's school of Boston. She was a daughter of Lewis C. and Gertrude
B. (Judd) Risdon. The latter was a descendant of Thomas Judd, who
came from England in 1633. Another of Mrs. Hinman's ancestors was
Thomas Hastings, who settled in Boston in 1652, and on the father's
side her ancestry goes back to Orange Risdon, Josiah Risdon and David
Risdon.  The present Mrs. Hinman was before her marriage Miss
Isadore M. Risdon, a sister of the first wife.
THEODORE E. SANDS, M. D. For a quarter of a century a practicing physician and surgeon of Battle Creek, the life of Dr. Theodore E.
Sands was a benefit and an inspiration to the people of his community,
and in his untimely passing out on June 22, 1911, Battle Creek lost a
man who could hardly be spared from the ranks of her valuable and
admirable citizens. His life and work among the people of the community in which he had been a familiar figure for so long was of an order
eminently calculated to win to him the respect and love of all, and in
those qualities his life was richly endowed.
Dr. Theodore E. Sands was born in Shipping Port, Pennsylvania,
June 5, 1861. He was the son of Elijah Sands, captain on a river boat
running between New York and New Orleans. The son, Theodore, remained in his native town until he reached the age of sixteen years, attending the public schools, and he then moved with his parents to
Napoleon, Ohio, where the father became engaged in the lumber business, and where he continued his studies in the high school until he was
about eighteen years of age. He then entered the law office of Judge
David Meekison, it being his intention to pursue the study of law, and
he continued his studies under the preceptorship of the old judge until
he was ready to take his final examinations, which he passed successfully, and was admitted to the bar as soon as he had reached his majority.
He entered upon active practice in Napoleon, but a thorough test of the
profession convinced him that the work was not congenial to him, and
that he was better fitted for other labors. He had been strongly attracted by the medical profession, and after mature consideration, he
decided to give up his legal work and study medicine. In the fall of
1882 he became a student in the office of Dr. W. J. Fairfield of Battle
Creek, then medical superintendent of the Health Home. In 1883 he
pursued a course of study in the University of Michigan covering a
period of two years, after which he attended the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, graduating from that institution with honors.
The young doctor then returned to Battle Creek, where'he became the
recognized successor of his former friend and preceptor, Dr. Fairfield,
being appointed to the responsible position of superintendent of the
Health Home, which he held during the remainder of its existence.
The institution was later superseded by the Nichols Memorial Hospital, with which Dr. Sands was subsequently connected as consulting and visiting physician and surgeon. He always maintained an
abiding interest in the hospital, and as a member of the staff gave much
of his time to the enterprise, not alone in his advisory capacity but in
lecturing before the training classes. His private practice was exceedingly large, and his days were planned with a view to utilizing every
valuable moment, that being the only possible way in which he might




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


839


meet the heavy drafts upon his time. Dr. Sands was a registered pharmacist, and a post graduate in therapeutics. As a devoted member of
his profession he spent considerable time at various intervals in the
foreign hospitals, and his skill in surgical work was widely acknowledged, while he made an especial study of the subject of gynecology.
Dr. Sands was one of the original promoters and owners of Urbandale, a suburb of Battle Creek, and he was interested in real estate
and general building to a large extent throughout the city. He was
a member of Battle Creek Lodge No. 12 A. F. & A. M., Royal Arch
Masons and Knights Templar, and with reference to his profession, he
was a member of the Calhoun County Medical Society and the American Medical Association, being prominent in both organizations, and
a contributor to numerous medical journals, as well as having made
frequent addresses before the assembled societies of which he was a
member.
Dr. Sands was twice married. His first wife was Miss Hilah Miller,
and she died January 26, 1904. The doctor's second marriage occurred
on April 23, 1905, when he married Miss Elizabeth Millspaugh of
Evanston, Illinois.  The bereaved widow still remains in the family
home on West Van Buren street. She was born in Penn Yan, N. Y.,
and educated there, and is a graduate of Penn Yan Academy of Penn
Yan, New York.
The sudden and untimely death of Dr. Sands was brought about
as the result of an operation performed to relieve a mastoid affection
of the middle ear. The doctor had suffered for some time from the
trouble, but did not regard it as serious, but the symptoms became
suddenly aggravated while on a trip to Detroit and he consulted a specialist. An immediate operation was pronounced necessary, and it
was performed, but without avail, death coming within a few hours
after the operation, and without his once regaining consciousness.
The sense of loss sustained by the people of Battle Creek will long
be felt, and the love and esteem in which the doctor was generally held
is aptly expressed in an editorial from the Battle Creek News of June
23d: "On the street, in the office, across the counter, they speak sadly
of the death of Dr. Theodore E. Sands. In the home they discuss his
going out as a personal loss. A good soldier went down in the thick of
the fight and in the prime of his service, and they say it is a great pity
that he might not have lived on to fight, for the victory that was in his
blows and the inspiration that was in his example. They say, too,
that it is a great pity that one who had battled so bravely and so often
for others should have had so short a battle against such cruel odds,
for himself. But they also say, upon reflection, that this crushing suddenness of his attack and defeat has its compensations, in that they
will remember him as he was before he fell-the watchful guardian,
the smiling friend, and the strong, resourceful fighter. Success operates many scales-but she has, after all, only one standard of values.
She weighs fame and notoriety, prosperity and influence, but she writes
her enduring certificate of value upon the record of useful life and
helpful deeds. The good that men do lives after them, and this, on a
local or a national scope, is success. The record room of success is
in the heart, and the good physician and the kindly gentleman is recorded there."
Numerous tributes to the memory of the beloved doctor were paid
at the funeral services, which were in charge of the Knights Templar
of Battle Creek. Reverend B. Frank Taber, pastor of the First
Baptist church, who was called home from the East to officiate at the
funeral, said in part: "I pay a tribute to my friend and yours, whose




840


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


sudden and untimely death has brought to us a sense of great personal
sorrow. Cicero said that friendship is the only thing concerning which
all men agree. That a man is richer in his friendships than in his
gold, and it is a sad day for any man when he loses a friend. The
friend-making qualities of Dr. Sands and his genuine interest in people, his constant giving of himself for the good of others, and the fact
that all over the city there are homes that feel the personal loss of his
death, were evidences of his splendid manhood. There are some people
whose acquaintance we shall wish to renew in the next world, and I
count Theodore Sands as one of these."
Among others who spoke feelingly of the life and death of their
friend was Edward C. Hinman, who said in brief: "Dr. Theodore
E. Sands has passed away long before the allotted life of man. We
have lost a true friend and Battle Creek has lost a good citizen, one
who never knowingly did a wrong to another. He was gentle as a child,
brave as a lion, patient and long suffering, and at the last, sacrificed
his life for the benefit of his patients, for had he thought more of
his health he would undoubtedly be alive today. He did not practice
medicine for the money he could make from his profession, but rather
for the pleasure he derived from helping others. I, among many others,
owe my life'to him. Our loss is great, and it seems the more unbearable
when we consider that Dr. Sands should have been spared to us for
many years, but we can console ourselves with the thought that if we
are privileged to meet Dr. Sands in the life to come, death should
have no fear for us, for he is with the blessed. The words of Abraham
Lincoln apply to our friend: 'I do the very best I know how-the very
best I can and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings
me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If
the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would
make no difference.'
"The end brought Dr. Sands out right, and he died as he had lived;
a true friend, a good samaritan, a devoted husband, loved by people
who knew him well. Those who tried to malign him should repent as
those who loved him mourn."
FRANKLIN B. SPRING. Twenty-five years ago, or in 1887, there was
added to the roster of Calhoun county citizens the name of Franklin
B. Spring, who located on the farm of 128 acres in Clarence township
on which he has since resided. This he has developed into an attractive
and comfortable rural home and has proved himself a citizen.of character and enterprise who in making his own a valuable farm property
has materially aided in the upbuilding of this section and therefore has
added to the wealth of the whole county. He is a depositor in the State
Bank at Springport.
New York is his native state and the date of his birth was May 7,
1838. Henry Spring, his father, was born'in New York in June, 1803
and died in 1879 at the venerable age of 76 years. He was married in
New York to Louisa Steadman, whose birth occurred in Massachusetts
June 20, 1822, and whose father, Arnold Steadman, was a native and a
life long resident of New York. Henry Spring removed with his family
to Ohio in the earlier years of his career and there became the owner of
a farm of fifty acres, which he successfully operated during his active
years. His wife joined him in death in 1881. Of the six children that
came to their union Franklin B. was the eldest and is one of three now
living (1912). Henrv Spring was a Whig in politics until after the
organization of the Republican party and then gave his allegiance to
the latter party. As a citizen he entered actively into the public life




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


841


of his community and held various township offices. Both he and his
wife were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His father, also named Henry, was a native of New York and was one of the
very early settlers in Ohio.
Brought up on the Ohio farm, Franklin B. Spring obtained a practical common school education in the district schools of his locality and
when of responsible age he chose as his occupation the one to which
he had been reared, that of farming, to which he has now devoted over
half a century of honest and fruitful toil. Allured by the promises
which newer states offer in the way of opportunity he removed from
Ohio to Wisconsin, but in 1887 returned eastward to Michigan and
bought his present homestead in Calhoun county. He built a nice
country residence and as the years have passed he has added to the
home and grounds touches here and there which lend it an air of comfort and convenience.
In  1866 he wedded Sarah, daughter of George Myers, who was a
native of Pennsylvania but had been a resident of Ohio many years
prior to his death. A son and a daughter have blessed the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Spring, namely: Edgar B. and Elizabeth May, the latter
of whom became the wife of Millard Cooper and now resides on a fine
farm in Jackson county, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Spring are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Spring is affiliated with two
of the oldest of fraternal orders, being a member of Springport Lodge
No. 284 Free and Accepted Masons, of which he has passed all the
"chairs," and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at the same
place. He is a Republican in politics and in an official way has served
as township supervisor three terms and also as a justice of the peace.
Mr. Spring started in life a poor boy. Through good business acumen
and untiring effort he has become a man of competence and well-to-do
and has also assisted his children in making their start in life. It is
such men that any community welcomes and values as a citizen.
HON. WILLIAM H. PORTER. Conspicuous among the leaders of the
Calhoun county bar is Hon. William H. Porter, of Marshall, who is now
serving as judge of probate, a position for which he is amply qualified,
and which he is filling with credit to himself, and to the acceptance of
all concerned. A son of Robert H. Porter, M. D., he was born, September 27, 1839, in Marengo township, Calhoun county, Michigan, and was
there brought up.
Coming from Irish ancestry, Robert H. Porter, M. D., was born, in
1812, in New York state. As a young man he took up the study of
medicine, and in 1836 migrated to Michigan, settling in Calhoun county,
where he continued the practice of his profession until 1880, being one
of the leading physicians of that part of thecounty for many years.
Giving up active work in 1880, he lived retired until his death, in 1890.
Dr. Porter married Mary Northrup Bull, who was born in Washington
county, New York, near the Vermont line, a daughter of Henry Bull, a
citizen of prominence and influence, active in business circles and in
the political arena. She died in 1864, leaving six children, three sons
and three daughters.
Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the rural
schools of his native district, William  H. Porter entered Kalamazoo
College at the age of fifteen years, and was there graduated with the
class of 1859. In 1861, going to Ann Arbor, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, which, in 1862, conferred upon him
the degree of LL. B. Then passing a successful examination before a
committee of which ex-Governor Felch was a member, Mr. Porter was




842


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


admitted to the Michigan bar. Coming to Marshall a few months later,
he entered the office of H. A. & L. G. Noyes, well-known lawyers of this
city. The junior member of the firm passed to the life beyond in
April, 1864, and Mr. Porter succeeded to his position in the firm, and
continued as a partner of Judge H. A. Noyes until 1877, when, owing to
ill health, Judge Noyes retired from business. Since that time Mlr.
Porter has engaged in the practice of his profession alone, and through
his untiring industry and thoroughness of application has won a place
of distinction in the legal fraternity of Calhoun county. In the fall of
1908 he was elected judge of probate for a term of four years, his
popularity with all parties being made evident at the polls, when he
overcame an adverse Republican majority of twenty-seven hundred
votes.
A stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, Judge
Porter has been a potent factor in municipal affairs for many years,
having served as city attorney 12 terms, and as mayor of Marshall 5
terms. In 1884, he was elected prosecuting attorney, and for 30 years
prior to July, 1911, was a member of the school board and its president
for 5 terms. Fraternally, the Judge is a member of Saint Albans Lodge,
No. 20, Free and Accepted Order of Masons, of which he was master
two years; of Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons, which he
has served as high priest the past five years; of Marshall Commandery,
No. 17, Knights Templar, of which he was for three years eminent
commander; and is likewise a member of Knights of the Maccabees.
Religiously, Mr. Porter is inclined to the Baptist persuasion but attends
the Trinity church, and is a generous contributor towards its support.
Judge Porter married first, in 1866, Miss Frances E. Reed, of
Jackson, Michigan. She died six months later, in early womanhood.
Judge Porter married second, in 1869, Miss Jessie Chesebrough, who
was born in Connecticut, of excellent New England stock. Talented
and cultured, she was fitted when young for a professional career, and
at the time of her marriage was teaching school in Marshall. Four
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Porter, two of whom haive
passed to the higher life, Robert Burnham, who died at the age of seventeen years; and George W., who lived but six short months. Two
daughters are living, namely: Jessie C., a graduate of the Marshall
high school, of the University of Michigan, and who has taught in
high schools in Port Huron, Marshall and Charlotte for nine years and
who is now probate registrar in her father's office; and Anna Bernice,
wife of George H. Miller, employing superintendent of a, well-known
Chicago firm, Sears, Roebuck & Company.


SAMUEL F. DOBBINS. Clear-sighted, practical and capable, possessing an excellent knowledge of men, and a wonderful power of organization, Samuel F. Dobbins, president and general manager of the Marshall
Furnace Company, is justly entitled to the high position which he has
attained among the leading business men of Calhoun county.. A son of
the late Charles M. Dobbins, he was born, November 4, 1856, in Plymouth, Michigan. His paternal grandfather, Charles Dobbins, was
for many years an honored resident of Victor, New York.
Brought up and educated in the Empire state, Charles M. Dobbins
went to Canada as a young man, and was there a resident until after
his marriage. Migrating to Michigan in 1841, he located in Plymouth,
Wayne county, where he followed his trades of a blacksmith and wagon
maker for many years. Later in life he bought land, and turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits. being engaged in general farming
until his death, in 1889. He married, in Canada, Lucy A. Smith, a






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


843


native of New York. She survived him, passing away February 18,
1911, at the venerable age of ninety-five years.
The youngest of a family of 11 children, Samuel F. Dobbins attended
first the public schools of Plymouth, Michigan, later continuing his
studies at the Buffalo, New York, high school, and Bryant & Stratton's
Business College. Thus equipped for his future career, Mr. Dobbins returned to Michigan, and for five years was bookkeeper for J. L. Dobbins,
of Marshall. In 1881, in company with E. H. Grant, Mr. Dobbins began
life on his own account as a manufacturer and seller of hot air furnaces. Succeeding well in his undertakings, le bought out his partner's
interest in the business at the end of seven years, and continued his
operations alone for a long time, building up an extensive and lucrative trade, which has extended into all parts of the Union. In June,
1908, Mr. Dobbins was instrumental in having the Marshall Furnace
Company incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000, an amount
that was increased in 1911 to $150,000. The company is under control
of men of unquestioned ability integrity, its officers being as follows:
Samuel F. Dobbins, president; Charles W. Dobbins, vice-president;
Claud S. Stout, secretary and treasurer; and G. H. Dobbins, superintendent. This firm, which deals in mantels and metals as well as in
furnaces, has acquired an extended reputation as manufacturers of the
celebrated Wolverine Furnaces, which are adapted to all kinds of fuel,
and are especially noted for their excellent heating powers, and for
the economical use of fuel. These furnaces are sold in every city and
town of prominence throughout the United States, the company being
represented by live, wide-awake salesmen, who faithfully exploit the
good qualities of these furnaces.
A Republican in his political affiliations, Mr. Dobbins takes an intelligent interest in the growth and prosperity of Marshall, and has
filled various municipal offices most acceptably, having been mayor of
the city one term, a member of the City Council three years, representing the First ward, and for nine years was a member of the Marshall
Board of Education, a part of that time being its secretary. Fraternally
Mr. Dobbins is a member of Saint Albans Lodge, No. 20, Free and
Accepted Order of Masons; of Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch
Masons; and of Marshall Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templar, of
which he has been captain general for the past seven years. He is a
regular attendant of the Presbyterian church, of which he is one of
the trustees.
On February 14, 1883, Mr. Dobbins was united in marriage with
Marie L. Mitchell, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, but was then
living in Owosso, Michigan, where her father, William Mitchell, was
engaged in business as a merchant. Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins have three
children, namely: Dale M., Charles W., and S. Fremont.
ERNEST C. SAWDY. One of the best known and most highly esteemed residents of Marshall, Calhoun county, Ernest C. Sawdy has
for upwards of a score of years been identified with the Michigan Central
Railroad Company as agent at this place of its freight department, and
is also distinguished for the honorable record which he has won as
mayor of the city, an office which he is now filling for the fourth term.
Progressive and enterprising, he is greatly interested in the welfare
of Marshall, his achievements as a citizen and a public servant proving
his loyalty to one of the best cities of Michigan. A son of the late Edwin Sawdy, he was born in Marshall, December 25, 1863, and has here
spent his life.
A native of Pennsylvania, Edwin Sawdy grew to manhood in that




844


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


state, and there married Martha Pratt, who was likewise born and
reared in the Keystone state. In 1850 he came with his wife to Michigan, locating in Marshall, where he soon found remunerative employment. In 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming
a member of Company -, Fifteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and
died while in the army. His wife survived him many years, dying in
Marshall, Michigan, in 1909.
Acquiring his early education in Marshall, Ernest C. Sawdy left the
high school while a young lad to enter the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, finding a position in the Railroad Dining Hall,
of which he was subsequently manager until it was abandoned. Entering the freight office of that road in 1890, Mr. Sawdy has since served in
different capacities in that department, for many years having been its
agent at Marshall. Competent, experienced, and intelligent, he can
always be depended upon to fulfill his exacting duties to the letter, his
thorough acquaintance with the freight business making his services of
great value to the company.
Politically Mr. Sawdy supports the principles of the Democratic
party, and his popularity with all classes of people is amply proved by
his election, in 1909, as mayor of the city, and his subsequent re-election every term since.
Mr. Sawdy married, in 1888, Miss Elizabeth O'Leary, a native of
Marshall, and they are the parents of two children, Donald S. and Harold.
FREDERICK G. FISHER, who has been a resident of Battle Creek since
1895, is a well known business man and citizen. For the past two years
he has been manager at Kalamazoo of the branch office for Hulburd,
Warren & Chandler, stock brokers and commission merchants of Chicago, one of the best known firms in the Chicago Stock Exchange, and
affiliated by membership with the exchanges of other large cities.
Mr. Fisher is a native of Lind, Wisconsin, where he was born December 26, 1868. His family were among the pioneers of that vicinity,
where his grandfather, Josiah Fisher, took up government land in the
early days. His parents were Henry H. and Mary (Randall) Fisher.
The mother who died in 1874, when Frederick was six years old, was of
a family which came to Wisconsin from Erie, Pennsylvania, and she
was married in Wisconsin. Henry H. Fisher, who now lives retired at
Fresno, California, was for many years a substantial farmer in Wisconsin. During the war he served three and a half years in the Fourth
Wisconsin Cavalry. Another member of his company was Hon. George
W. Peck, who acquired fame as the author of "Peck's Bad Boy" series.
Frederick G. is the oldest of the three children who grew up, and he
has a brother, William H., of Beatrice, Nebraska, and a sister, Mrs.
George M. Coone, of Red Cloud, Nebraska.
Mr. Fisher spent his early life in his native state, and attended high
school at Waupaca. He has been in the grain and brokerage business
since 1902, and for the last two years has had charge of the Kalamazoo
branch office already mentioned. He is prominent in the social life of
both cities. He is a member of Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M.,
and is also a Knight Templar, a thirty-second degree man, and a member of the Moslem Temple of the Shrine at Detroit. He is a member
of the Park Club, the leading business men's and social organization
of Kalamazoo.
His home in Battle Creek is at 41 Washington avenue North. He
was married at Loyal, Wisconsin, September 9, 1896, to Miss Harriet E.
Brasier, of that place. Mrs. Fisher is an active member of the Woman's
League of Battle Creek and also connected with the Eastern Star chap



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


845


ter in this city. She was born at Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, and is a
graduate of the schools at Loyal, that state. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are
the parents of three children, all natives of this city:-Maud V., now in
the high school; Ernestine L. and Gertrude G.
ELMER E. DOTY. The triumph of a genius, that is surely the title
that should be applied to the story of the life of Elmer E. Doty. But it
must not be understood that he was a genius in the ordinary sense of the
word, that is he did not possess a wonderful gift by which with a comparatively small amount of effort on his part he was able to bring Fame
to his feet. His genius might be called the Genius of Hard Work, for
it was by determined effort, close application and a spirit that was
never satisfied, but that always longed to do something better that he
succeeded. He was born with a desire to do something worth while,
and the circumstances of his life forced him to do his work a little better
than others, for he was a photographer, and at first the keen competition which he had to meet, forced him to excel others in order to live.
His life has been a courageous struggle, in which he always had some
definite aim to work towards, and his story should be an inspiration to
any young photographers who are ambitious, but who must often face
disappointment and defeat. With the production of Mr. Doty's masterpiece "Gladys S," he sprang from an almost unknown photographer
into the rank of the world's greatest craftsmen, and he is ever ready
and eager to help others over the road along which he has toiled.
Elmer E. Doty was born on the 16th of July, 1873, in Steuben county,
Indiana. When he was a child of three years, his parents moved into
Greene county, Missouri, and there he lived until he was eight. This
part of the country was wild and mountainous, and the wonders of
Nature and of the busy life of her creatures in the fields and woods, left
a strong impress on the mind of the child, and inculcated in him a love
for the open which he still clings to. He was educated in the common
schools of Indiana, and'then entered Battle Creek College. He had
always been very fond of sketching and drawing and when he was seventeen, he took up crayon enlarging with a view to making something out
of it. Part of his school expenses were paid in this way, but better
than that, his work came to the notice of an engraving and printing
house in the city, and they were so impressed by the quality of the
work that they sent for the young artist and induced him to give up his
college work and devote himself to pendrawing for reproduction and
to wood engraving. He was eminently successful and remained with
this house for four years, though he was not employed as an engraver
during all of this time. When the panic of 1893 made engraving work
hard to find, the house took him into the office and the experience that
he gained in business methods has since proved to be very valuable to
him.
It was about this time that he became interested in photography,
though at first only in an amateur way. After a time although he had
risen to a very good position, he decided that photography was too interesting to dabble in, and went into the work seriously. Early in 1897
he opened his first studio, or as it was then called, gallery, at Ashley,
Indiana. He had no capital and no practical experience, and in addition to these drawbacks, he had a wife and two small children, who
though they were very far from being drawbacks, yet had to be provided for. Conservative people would call him a fool, but it takes nerve
to succeed in these days, and by reading and experimenting he managed
to produce some work that was fairly good for those days. Meanwhile
with the help of his wife he managed to scrape along, but business was




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


mighty slim. In the same block with his gallery were the offices of a
doctor, a dentist and a lawyer, all just starting out in their various
professions, and the four were known all over town as "The
Hungry Quartette."   The four of them very likely did not have business enough for one man, and most of their time was spent on the back
veranda of the block, shooting at rats with a target rifle. When the
animals had become exterminated for the time being, the doctor contributed pill boxes which were tossed up for targets.
After a year in Ashley, Mr. Doty came back to Battle Creek and
opened up the Werstein studio. He was only employed on a salary to
run this business, and although the financial backing was ample, yet he
was not satisfied with the position, and when an opportunity was offered
by which he could learn photo engraving he was glad to resign from
the studio. He began his new work as an apprentice at $5.00 a week
but owing to his previous knowledge and to his natural ability he advanced rapidly and after about a year he was earning a good living.
After serving his apprenticeship he continued to work for the house
and remained with them for six years, getting a valuable experience in'
practically every branch of commercial work. He credits his rapid
progress since leaving there to the thorough drill in the technical side
of his work that he there received. HIe was now no longer a servant
to his tools, but was free to devote himself to the artistic side of his work.
Upon leaving this house he came to Belding, Michigan, and here after
setting his business on a firm financial footing, he began to look about
him and see what other men in his profession were doing. The first
convention that he attended was the Toledo meeting of the Ohio-Michigan Photographers Association, to which he took his best work. Out of
a possible one hundred per cent his work received twenty-five, but he
awoke to the fact that some of the men of the organization were doing
work that he came no where near touching, so he went back home with
a mind made up to show them that he too could do something worth
while. For a year he did nothing but work, experiment and study, and
at the end of that time he went to the Detroit meeting and received the
highest per cent given by the Ohio-Michigan Photographers Association, for that year. The first national convention which he attended
was one held at Niagara Falls, and while he was there his ambition was
given further impetus by the announcement of the diamond medal which
was to be given'by the Daguerre Memorial Institute, and he made up his
mind to win that medal if it was within his power. When he reached
home he ordered the best authority on composition, lighting and kindred
subjects, together with all the reproductions of the Old Masters which
he did not already own, and once more set to work with a definite end
in view.
The result of this work was the picture "Gladys S," and it received
the diamond medal of honor, in July, 1907. The picture which is valued
at $500, hangs in the salon of the Daguerre Memorial Institute. It is
eight by ten inches in size and represents a young girl, whose soft duskty
hair is crowned by a drooping hat. The high artistic merit of the picture
lies in the lights and shadows, in the beauty of the lines of the figure,
and the grace and ease of the pose. There is nothing strained about it;
it is quite simple anid free from affectation, but in this very simplicity
lies the high art of its creator, for simplicity is the most difficult and the
most exquisite of all art.  The jury who awarded the medal to this
picture said: "ID the Doty picture the Dar uerre Memorial Institute
comes into possession of the most artistic photograph we have ever seen."
In October of 1910. Mr. Doty returned to Battle Creek, and opened
a studio, at 42 North Washington avenue. Here he is kept very busy,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


847


although his patrons are of the class which really ask artistic work,
and as a rule this is not a large class.
Besides his purely photographic portraiture he also does work in oil
and water, color, and expects in the future to make this a prominent
feature of his business.
Mr. Doty has won seventeen gold medals from different societies in
all parts of the world since 1907, among them being the gold medal,
which was the world's highest honor, given at the International Photographers Exposition, held in Dresden, Germany, in 1910. Mr. Doty is a
member of all the American societies of his profession, and he has been
made an honorary member by many. It is a great honor to Battle Creek
to possess such an artist, and it is to be hoped that she values him at
his true worth, for other cities would be only too glad to claim him as
one of their citizens.
JAMES L. DOBBINS, of Marshall, Michigan, is a native of the old
Keystone state, born in Jefferson county, December 2, 1833. He is the
son of Joab and Elizabeth (Guyant) Dobbins. Joab Dobbins married
Elizabeth Guyant, daughter of William  Guyant, a native of Scotland,
and his wife, Anna (Butts) Guyant, who was born in Victor, New
York, July 15, 1805. Three children were born to Joab and Elizabeth
(Guyant) Dobbins, of which number James L. is the eldest. Emily A.,
the second born, married S. W. Dunning and makes her home in Allegan, Michigan, while Helen M., unmarried, lives in Marshall. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins lived for some years in Pennsylvania and there the father and husband was engaged as a dealer in
merchandise, and after their removal to Michigan in 1842 or thereabouts, he was occupied for some time as a boot and shoe dealer in Battle
Creek. Ile removed from that city to Marshall, where he passed his
remaining days and died in this city on March 27, 1884, his faithful
wife having preceded him some months previously, the date of her
death being December 11, '1883.
James L. Dobbins was but nine years old when his parents came to
Michigan, and in this state he grew up and completed the education
which had barely begun when they removed from their eastern home.
He was attending the high school at Battle Creek when his parents
removed to Marshall and he remained in the former city about three
years, in that time studying architecture and building. He then came
to Marshall where he took up contracting and building. combining with
that occupation the manufacture of furniture on a small scale. He carried on this business until 1870, running a planing mill and furniture
manufactory, and doing an exclusive wholesale business.
Among the prominent buildings which Mr. Dobbins erected may be
mentioned the Peter Block, Academy of Music, old Academy of Music,
now used as a furniture store, the Methodist Episcopal church, and
many of the finest residences in the city. After entering into partnership with Mr. Phelps, Mr. Dobbins still conducted his mill and factory
operations until May, 1872, when they were destroyed by fire and he
suffered a heavy financial loss. He finally turned his attention entirely
to the hot air furnace business. His partner in the business was William M. Phelps, patentee of the Tubular Furnace, and in a few years
he found it expedient to purchase the interest of Mr. Phelps. He conducted the business on his own responsibility and built up an amazing
patronage in his line. He dealt in furnace fixtures, registers and ventilators, and manufactured all kinds of wood and coal furnaces under
the Phelps patent. These furnaces were shipped to various points, the
principal trade outside the state of Michigan being in Ohio, Indiana
Vol. I —1 C




848


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and Wisconsin. From three to five men were kept on the road between
March and December in the interests of the business.
On May 3, 1880, Mr. Dobbins was united in marriage with Mrs.
Emma Wagner, the widow of James Wagner. She at one time made her
home in Canandaigua, New York, and is the daughter of Bennett and
Hannah Tiffany. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins, one of whom died in infancy, Bertha E. surviving.
Mr. Dobbins has accumulated a goodly bit of real estate in Marshall,
in addition to his handsome home and his business property. He has
been identified with numerous financial and industrial enterprises in
the city, of his home in the years of his residence here, and has a well
established reputation for stability and progressiveness. He is a director of the First National Bank of Marshall and of the Central National
Bank of Ellsworth, Kansas. Fraternally, Mr. Dobbins has membership
in Marshall Lodge No. 20, F. &. A. M. and in the chapter and commandery.
WILL A. KRENERICK. Energetic and able men, whether they elect
to be identified with the professional, commercial or industrial worlds,
are always the most highly valued citizens of any community, for they
seldom fail in personal accomplishment and thereby become factors of
importance in the general public progress. The farming interests of
Calhoun county have a prominent representative in the person of Will
A. Krenerick, a native and now treasurer of Clarence township, whose
father William Krenerick and grandfather Adam Krenerick were in
their times both numbered among the most substantial and influential
citizens of that community. Mr. Krenerick inherited the fine property
he now owns but throughout his business career he has displayed that
acumen and judgment which mark him in his own right a man of strong
business ability.
Born October 10, 1877, on the farm on which he now resides, he
here grew to manhood and received his earlier education in the local
district schools. Later he was a student in the business department of
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, and also completed the normal course in the state normal. After student days were over he took
charge of his father's farm and at the latter's death heired the estate.
There are 204 acres in the property and besides general farming he
feeds a good many cattle and hogs. The family became established in
Clarence township with the removal of Adam and Henrietta (Hundleberger) Krenerick, the grandparents of Will A., from Ohio to Calhoun
county, Michigan about 1853. Here Adam Krenerick bought a farm
from a Mr. Drew, who had taken the land up from the government, and
became one of the most prosperous and prominent men of this vicinity,
owning several hundred acres at the time of his retirement and removed
to Albion some fifteen years before his death. He passed away in that
city in 1906 at the advanced age of ninety-three years. His wife preceded
him in death a number of years, her demise having occurred in 1890 when
seventy-three years of age. Five children came to their union, one of
whom died in infancy. The other four were Adam, deceased; Mrs.
Caroline Sheek, of Albion; William, deceased; and Mrs. Emeline Roper,
also a resident of Albion.
The late William Krenerick, the fourth in this family in order of
birth and the father of our subject, was born in Ohio on January 2,
1844, and came to Michigan with his parents as a lad of nine years.
Here he grew to man's estate and received his education in the district
schools and in the high school at Marshall, Michigan. He took up independent activity as a carpenter but only followed the trade four years




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


849


and then returned to his father's farm, the agricultural vocation thereafter claiming his attention until 1901. He owned the farm of 204
acres which at his death passed to his son Will. Seriously troubled with
asthma all of his life, he went twice to Colorado and once to Florida
in search of relief from the disease. He passed to the life beyond on
June 30, 1908, at Albion, a citizen held in high esteem. In Michigan, in
1872, he was united in marriage to Minnie Kline, who was born in Ohio
July 2, 1855. A daughter and a son blessed this union; Mary, now
Mrs. Daniel Holland, of Denver, Colorado, and Will A. Krenerick of
this review. The senior Mr. Krenerick was a Democrat and had served
as clerk of Clarence township. In religion he was a Lutheran, the faith
in which he was reared, and fraternally he affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1902 was solemnized the marriage of Will A. Krenerick and Miss
Orah Reed, daughter of Alfred and Alma Reed, who are now living in
Albion and were pioneer settlers in Sheridan township of Calhoun
county. Mr. and Mrs. Krenerick have one daughter, Vera Lucile. In
politics Mr. Krenerick is a Progressive Democrat and is now serving his
second term as treasurer of Clarence township and has also served on the
board of reviews: His fraternal connections are as a member of the
Patrons of Husbandry.
CHARLES C. GREEN was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, January 15,
1876. He is the son of James and Cornelia (Kellogg) Green, both of
whom are mentioned at length elsewhere in this biographical work.
Charles C. Green was the only child of his parents, and he passed his
boyhood and youth in regular attendance at the.public school of his home
town. He was graduated from the Battle Creek high school with the
class of 1894, immediately following which he entered the University of
Michigan, graduating from the literary department of that institution
in 1898 and from the law department the following year.
Following his university course, he began the practice of law in
Battle Creek, conducting a lucrative and constantly growing practice
between the years of 1899 and 1905, after which he became connected
with the Advance Thresher Company as a director of the company and
a member of the executive committee, as well as acting as assistant
treasurer of the company. In October. 1911, he, together with the other
stockholders, sold out his interest in the Advance Company to The M.
Rumley Company.
Mr. Green was mayor of Battle Creek from April, 1907, to a corresponding time in 1909, his tenure of office being marked by a number of
changes consistent with the advancement of the best interests of the city.
He is a Republican in his political faith and adherence and has been
active and enthusiastic for the advancement of the party at all times.
Mr. Green is prominent in business circles of his city, being at the present time president of The Citizens Electric Company, and president of
The City Bank of Battle Creek. He is affiliated with numerous fraternal
societies, being a member of the Alpha Delta Phi. since his college days.
He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Athelstan Club. He is a member of
the Independent Congregational church and is active and interested in
the work of that body.
On November 20. 1901, Mr. Green married Miss Ella Louise Williams, the daughter of Herbert R. Williams of Battle Creek, ex-sheriff of
the county. Mrs. Green was born in Cleveland. Ohio. and received her
education in Battle Creek, being a graduate of the Battle Creek high




850


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


school of the class of 1896. Mr. Green is the only living representative
of his father's family in this country today.
REV. FATHER JAMES CAHALAN. A man of earnest convictions, strong
character, and deep consecration, Rev. Father James Cahalan, rector of
Saint Mary's Catholic Church, at Marshall, is a faithful and tireless
worker in the cause of the faith, and a firm friend and a wise counselor
to all who go to him for advice and consolation. He was born in March,
1870, in Hubbardston, Ionia county, Michigan, a son of John and Mary
(Needham) Cahalan. His father, a native of Ireland, immigrated to
America when young, and having bought land in Ionia county, Michigan, erected a good set of buildings, and was there for many years successfully employed in general farming.
Obtaining his preliminary education in the rural schools of his native district, James Cahalan subsequently continued his studies at Saint
Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he spent a year. Going
then to Ontario, Canada, he attended Assumption College for a time,
after which he entered Saint Mary's Seminary, in Baltimore, Maryland,
where he was graduated in 1895. On June 20, 1895, he was ordained
to the ministry, and immediately assumed charge of St. Joseph's Church
at, Trenton, Michigan.  Transferred to Saint Anthony's Church, at
Hillsdale, Michigan, Father Cahalan remained there nine years doing
most efficient and satisfactory work. Accepting the pastorate of Saint
Mary's Church, in Marshall, in 1908, he has here held the position since,
and has led a busy and useful life, administering wisely to the spiritual
needs of his large congregation, which embraces two hundred families,
while in the school, which is under his control, there are one hundred
and thirty-five pupils enrolled.
The church edifice, which is a substantial brick structure, reflects
credit upon the loyal men and women of the parish who contributed so
generously towards the support of their church. A brief history of the
church appears on another page of this volume.


IRA A. BECK. Among those who have gained distinctive prestige
as representative members of the bar of Calhoun county is Ira A. Beck,
who is established in the successful practice of his profession in the city
of Battle Creek, with offices in suite 206, Post Building. Recognition of
his ability and success is the more pleasing by reason of the fact that
he is a native son of the fine old Wolverine state and that he is a scion
of one of its sterling old fanilies.
Mr. Beck was born at Charlotte, the judicial center of Eaton county,
Michigan, on the 21st of September, 1878, and is the oldest of the five
children of John T. and Ella (Foster) Beck, the former a native of New
York and the latter of Michigan. John T. Beck was long numbered
among the representative exponents of the agricultural industry in
Eaton county and commands secure place in popular confidence and
esteem. He is now living virtually retired and he and his wife have an
attractive home in the city of Charlotte. He is a stalwart Republican
in his political adherency. As already stated, the subject of this review
is the eldest of their five children: Charles H., Mary and Ruby are eesidents of Detroit and Pearl remains at the parental home.
Ira A. Beck is indebted to the public schools of his native city for his
early educational discipline and has the distinction of having been the
youngest person ever graduated in the Charlotte high school, the curriculum of which he completed as a member of the class of June, 1893,
so that he was but 14 years of age at the time of his graduation. After
leaving the high school Mr. Beck began reading law under the effective


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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


851


preceptorship of Judge Horace S. Maynard, one of the leading members
of the bar of Eaton county, and was admitted to the bar of his native
state in 1899, shortly after attaining to his legal majority. He served as
register of the probate court of Eaton county, a position to which he had
been appointed in 1896 and of which he continued the incumbent until
1901. His initial work in his profession was done in his native city, where
he was for a brief interval associated in partnership relations with his
honored preceptor, Judge Maynard. In 1901 he went to the city of
Chicago and entered the offices of the leading and influential law firm of
Flower, Smith & Musgrave, with which he remained until the 1st of
January, 1904, his connection with this representative firm in the great
western metropolis having afforded him especially wide and varied experience along professional lines.
Mr. Beck made consistent observance of the advent of the new year
of 1904 by coming to Battle Creek, where he entered into a professional
partnership with Arthur B. Williams, with whom he was associated in
active general practice for the ensuing five years, under the firm name
of Williams & Beck. The alliance was then dissolved and since that time
Mr. Beck has been engaged in individual practice, with a clientage of
representative order. He has built up a substantial professional business and has gained prestige as a strong and resourceful attorney, as
well as a counselor well fortified in technical knowledge and mature
judgment. In politics Mr. Beck accords unfaltering allegiance to the
Republican party and he has given effective service in behalf of its
principles and policies. He is affiliated with Battle Creek Lodge, No.
12, Free & Accepted Masons, of which he is senior warden in 1912; with
Battle Creek Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons; with Battle Creek
Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar, of which he is serving as generalissimo at the time of this writing; with De Witt Clinton Consistory
of Grand Rapids and with Saladin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Grand Rapids. He also holds
membership in the Battle Creek lodges of the Benevolent & Protective
Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and is identified with the
Athelstan, Country and Community Clubs, all representative social
organizations of the metropolis of Calhoun county. He and his wife
attend and support the Independent Congregational church in their
home city and both are popular factors in the social activities of the
community, their home, at 69 Garrison avenue, being a center of
hospitality.
On the 21st of March, 1906, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Beck
to Miss Mildred Phillips, who was born and reared in Battle Creek and
who is a daughter of Dr. Albanus M. Phillips, individually represented
on other pages of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have two children,Margaret and Dorothy.
DR. ALBANUS M. PHILLIPS. At the time of his retirement from
active practice, in 1905, Dr. Phillips was the oldest representative of
the dental profession in the city of Battle Creek, in the matter of years
of continuous practice in the metropolis of Calhoun county, where he
successfully followed the work of his chosen vocation for nearly forty
years, during which entire period he continuously occupied the offices
in the Eldred block, at the corner of South Jefferson avenue and East
Main street. He has long held prestige as one of the skilled and successful exponents of the dental surgery in Calhoun county and he
controlled a large and representative practice until the time of his retirement.  He is well known throughout the county and commands
secure place in the confidence and esteem of its people. As one of the






852


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


pioneer dentists and sterling citizens of this section of the state he is
eminently entitled to recognition in this publication.
Dr. Albanus Moulton Phillips is a scion of one of the honored pioneer families of the historic old Western Reserve of Ohio and is also a
representative of families that were founded in New England in the
colonial era of our national history. He was born in Bainbridge township, Geauga county, Ohio, on the 19th of November, 1844, and is a
son of William  S. and Sarah (Richardson) Phillips, both of whom
were born and reared in North Adams, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, where their marriage was solemnized. In 1832 they came to the
West and established their home in Geauga county, Ohio; where the
father became a substantial farmer and influential citizen.  He was
a man of strong individuality' and impregnable integrity and his life
was one of earnest and effective industry. He continued to reside on
the old homestead farm until the death of his loved and devoted wife,
and he himself was a resident of Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
during the closing days of his long and useful life, his remains being
interred beside those of his wife in the old home township in Geauga
county. In politics he was originally a Whig and later a Republican.
Of the three sons and three daughters all are living except the eldest son,
Nelson H., who continued his residence in Ohio until his death; Marie is
the wife of Mr. Robbins, a prosperous farmer of Battle Creek township,
Calhoun county, Michigan; Anna L. is the wife of Mr. Reed, of Chagrin
Falls, Ohio; Dr. Albanus M., of this review, was the next in order of
birth; Julia is the wife of Mr. Lake, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and William
R. resides in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dr. Phillips was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and
after availing himself of the advantages of the district schools of the
locality and period he pursued higher studies in Chester Seminary. His
preliminary training for the work of his chosen profession was secured
in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, under the preceptorship of Dr. H. H.
Newton, one of the leading practitioners of that city. After thoroughly
learning the scientific and practical details of his profession Dr. Phillips
established himself in practice, at Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where he remained
about five years, at the expiration of which, on the 29th of September,
1869, he came to Battle Creek and opened an office in the Eldred building. There he continued in active practice, with a large and appreciative clientage, during the long period of thirty-eight years, at the expiration of which he felt himself entitled to release from active application
and retired from practice. He is now enjoying the well earned rewards
of former years of earnest endeavor and he and his wife have a host of
loyal and valued friends in the community that has so long represented
their home.
As a citizen Dr. Phillips has always been loyal and public-spirited
and while he has never manifested any desire for political preferment
he has been found continuously aligned as a stalwart supporter of the
principles and policies of the Republican party. He is affiliated with
Battle Creek Lodge, No. 35, Knights of Pythias.
At the home of the bride's parents, in Battle -Creek township, this
county, on the 24th of September, 1874, was solemnized the marriage
of Dr. Phillips to Miss Adella Beach, who was born and reared in that
township and who completed her education in the Kalamazoo Female
College. Mrs. Phillips is a 'daughter of Morgan G. Beach, who long
maintained his home in Battle Creek township, where he was a representative agriculturist and highly honored citizen. He died a number
of years ago and his venerable widow now resides in the city of Battle
Creek. Dr. and Mrs. Phillips have one daughter, Mildred P., wife of.:








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f::




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


853


Ira A. Beck, who is one of the representative young attorneys of Battle
Creek and who is individually mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
WALTER S. KEET. One of Battle Creek's most representative and
public-spirited citizens is Walter S. Keet, who is without doubt, one of
the most thoroughly up-to-date and scientific undertakers and funeral
directors in the state of Michigan. This honored citizen has maintained
his residence in this city since 1878, and in the ensuing period has by
no means played a passive part in the wonderful progress and growth
enjoyed by Battle Creek. in his particular field of endeavor he has
kept pace with the improvement which has characterized the age, and
the methods employed by him are at once modern, scientific and dignified.
Mr. Keet was born in Waterloo, New York, October 16, 1857, and
is of English origin, his parents, George and Maris (Beadle) Keet,
having been born in "the right little, tight little Island."  The father's
birthplace was Richmond, a part of the great city of London, and the
date of his nativity October 10, 1810. There he learned his trade of
carpenter and mill wright and there married Miss Beadle, who had
been born in London in 1835. In course of time the elder Mr. Keet
decided to sever old associations with his native land and to come to
America in quest of its much-vaunted opportunities for himself and his
family. They located in Waterloo, New York, where he engaged in
business for a number of years and where he became prominent and
influential in public affairs. He died on July 14, 1889, but his good
wife preceded him to the Great Beyond by many years, her demise occurring in 1859, when Walter, the subject was but one year old. The
elder Mr. Keet served at one time as township assessor and he and his
wife were devout communicants of the Episcopal church.
Walter S. Keet was the youngest member of a family of thirteen
children. He received his education in the schools of Waterloo, New
York, and under his father's tutelage learned the trades of carpenter
and millwright. In December, 1878, about the time of the attainment
of his majority, he came to Battle Creek and here became engaged at
work in his trade in the employ of Nichols & Shepard, with whom he
remained for seven years. At the end of that time he entered upon an
independent career as a carpenter and builder and he followed that
business until 1890, when he joined the firm of Baker & Caldwell, undertakers of Battle Creek, with whom he was associated for four years.
He next purchased a stock of furniture and undertaking goods from
J. H. Mykins, of West Main street, and at that location he remained
successfully engaged in business for some two years. After the dissolution of the firm of Baker & Caldwell, Mr. Keet joined the former gentleman in a partnership under the firm name of Baker & Keet, which enterprise was inaugurated March 1, 1897. These gentlemen continued in
the furniture and undertaking business until the spring of 1903, when
they closed out the furniture business in order to devote their entire
time to that of undertaking, that branch of their establishment having
in its business grown to extensive proportions-so extensive, in fact, that
it easily ranked as first in this part of the state of Michigan. This partnership was maintained until June 17, 1903, when Mr. Keet, purchased
the interest of Mr. Baker and has ever since continued alone in this
large business. On January 1, 1904, he opened very extensive and
modern undertaking parlors at 80 East Main street, occupying the
building erected for the Baptist parsonage by Charles Willard in
memory of his sister, Laura Harris Willard,-an ideal location.
Mr. Keet is a member of the State Association of Funeral Directors
& Embalmers and has served as treasurer of the same.




854


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


On September 28, 1881, Mr. Keet laid the foundations of a happy
household and congenial life companionship by his union to Miss Angie
L. Davis, daughter of Gilbert and Susannah L. (Blanchard) Davis. A
good many years ago, Mr. Davis, with his family, removed from Lockport, New York, to this city, and here engaged in his occupation as a
stone mason, he having been connected with the construction of many
of the early buildings of Battle Creek, when the municipality was in
its youth. This good citizen was a veteran of the Civil war, having served
valiantly in the dark days of the '60s as a member of the First Michigan
Sharp Shooters, which organization was among the first to go to the
front. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mrs. Keet being the
only surviving member of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Keet share their
attractive household with one daughter, Marjorie. All three are members of the Maple Street Methodist Episcopal church, in whose work
Mr. Keet is active.
Mr. Keet is a popular and prominent lodge man, belonging to Battle Creek Lodge, No. 29, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 911, Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, A. F. &
A. M., and being a charter member of the Battle Creek Lodge, No. 35,
Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor and of which fraternity he has been a representative in the Grand Lodge.
In the matter of political conviction Mr. Keet is a Republican. He
has taken particular interests in school affairs and in the school system
and its possibilities of improvement. In September 1897, he was elected
a member of the school board and is now president of the body. During his first term as member of the board, school building No. 5 was
erected. He has taken an active stand in favor of needed improvements
and because of his progressiveness in this line, he was re-elected in 1900
for a second term of three years. In 1903 he was again re-elected and
during that term school building No. 2 was enlarged by the addition
of twelve rooms, making it a sixteen room building. Subsequently No.
10 has been erected and contains ten rooms, and the new high school has
been built. Mr. Keet advocates paying the teachers such salaries that
the best services can be secured, it being his conviction that in the important matter of education the best is none too good. In all matters
he demonstrates that public spirit which makes him so good a citizen,
while in business circles he is a leader. He has been connected with
the board of education for fifteen years of his thirty-three in Battle
Creek.
Mr. Keet has the distinction of being the first undertaker in Battle
Creek to establish an exclusive undertaking concern. He is decidedly an
innovator and owned the first ambulance in the city.
JUDSON C. PEEK. Well worthy of representation in this volume
is Judson C. Peek, one of the leading farmers of Clarence township,
who is highly regarded in his community both for his ability in a business way and as a citizen of character and worth.
A son of Egbert Peek, he was born in Ontario county, New York,
on September 16, 1861. He has no recollections of his birth state, however, as he was but three years old when his parents came to Michigan
in 1864 and located in Eaton Rapids. Orphaned of his father when
but a child, he was thereafter largely dependent upon his own resources in making his way in life and every dollar's worth of property
he has acquired has come to him as a result of his own efforts. He
received a common school education and when he began life for himself
he chose farming as his occupation and business. He first became an




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


855


independent owner of land in 1900 when he bought sixty acres in Clarence township, Calhoun county. This he cleared and provided with
the necessary farm buildings and then bought forty acres more. Another subsequent purchase has brought his holdings up to 120 acres
of good fertile land, and as a husbandman he has shown that skill and
practical knowledge of agriculture which have made his farming operations result in both pleasure and profit. His political views are those
of the Republican party, and his fraternal associations are as a inember of Springport Lodge No. 131, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Egbert Peek, the father of Judson C., was born in New York, and died
in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on March 20, 1869. He was married in his
native state to Mary A. Enos and with his wife and family removed to
Eaton Rapids in 1864. A master workman in his trade of moulder and
blacksmith, he was thus employed in Eaton Rapids until his death, at
which time he left a fair estate. He was a staunch Democrat and was an
active and prominent worker in behalf of his party in Eaton county.
His father was Vanslyke Peek, who spent his entire life in his native
state of New York. To Egbert Peek and wife were born six children, of
whom Judson C. was fifth in order of birth. Two daughters, Mrs. James
M. Gifford and Mrs. Daniel C. Allen, are also residents of Clarence township, Calhoun county. Mrs. Peek is still living and resides with her son
Judson. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
NEWTON PERRY CASE, for many years a resident of Calhoun county,
is a native of Ohio, born in Huron county, July 11, 1830. He is the
son of Chauncey and Paulina (Perry) Case, both natives of Connecticut, who were among the early settlers of Huron county, Ohio. Both
parents passed the remainder of their lives in that state, where the
father was a prosperous farmer in Huron county.
Their son, Newton Perry Case, acquired his early education in the
public schools, and after leaving school in his teens, he spent seven
years on the home farm, then removing to LaPorte, Indiana. For a
time he was employed on the Lake Shore railroad as fireman, after
which, he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and then to Muskegon, Michigan, where he was employed by a lumbering firm in the pine woods
for several months. His next move took him to Calhoun county, Michigan, where he purchased eighty acres of land in Marshall township
and engaged in general farming and stock raising. This farm is in an
excellent state of development and cultivation and has good buildings.
It is' now occupied by Mr. Newton Case's son, Liva, while Mr. Case
resides on a smaller place of fifteen acres of choice land, upon which
he has reared a substantial brick dwelling and suitable out-buildings.
This little farm is devoted to pasture land and small farming on a
portion which Mr. Case has leased, and here he is passing his declining
years in well deserved comfort, and in a manner retired from active
farm life.
In 1860 Mr. Case married Miss Jane Brown, a native of Ohio where she
was reared and passed her girlhood days. To them were born three
children: Liva, the eldest, is living on the home farm, as mentioned
above; Clara is a seamstress in Marshall and Frank P. is engaged in
business in Marshall.
Mr. Case has taken an active part in the politics of his community,
but has never been a candidate for office or in any way ambitious for
honors in that way, although he has served for fourteen years as a
member of the school board, doing good and efficient work for the
cause of education in Marshall township..He is a member of the Baptist church and has always taken a hearty interest in the work of the




856 ~


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


church, and for a time was a teacher of the bible class. Altogether,
he is one of the solid and reliable men of. the village, and his influenee
has ever been a power for good in his community.
THOMAS L. CRoNIN. A man of sterling integrity and ability, the
late Thomas L. Cronin was for many years one of foremost merchants
of Marshall, but his prosperity instead of being accidental was the
legitimate result of years of persevering industry, combined with an
amount of good sense and sound judgment that would have commanded success in any business.   A  life-long resident of Calhoun
county, he was born, February 12, 1842, in Marshall, and here, on May
14, 1909, he died, his death being a loss to the entire community, as
well as to his immediate family. His parents, Jeremiah and Elizabeth
(Lee) Cronin, natives of New York state, came to Michigan in 1836,
ere it assumed the garb of statehood, locating in Marshall, where they
reared their family of nine children, of whom  Thomas L. was the
youngest child, and was also the last survivor of the family, all of
whom died very suddenly, passing out of the world with scarce any
warning. The subject was an able business man, and founder of the
large mercantile business now carried on by Harry L. Cronin.
Acquiring a substantial education in the public schools, Thomas L.
Cronin became familiar with the details of mercantile trade while
serving as a clerk under his older brother, Jeremiah Cronin, Jr.,
founder of the S. E. Cronin Company, of Marshall, who was then conducting a general store in Exchange street, on the present site of
George Hindenach's blacksmith 's shop, which was then in the very
heart of the business portion of the city. In November, 1869, in company with another brother, Henry Cronin, embarked in business on
his own account, opening a store in the Stuart block, where Joseph
Cunningham is now located. The new firm of Cronin Brothers prospered,
and in 1876 built the brick block at the corner of State and Jefferson
streets, where the brothers subsequently continued in business as long
as they lived. M~r. Cronin was a member, of the first board of directors
of the Commercial Savings Bank, and so remained until his death, and,
with W. J. Dibble, was one of its original promoters.
On December 4, 1876, Mr. Cronin was united in marriage with
MAiss Orpha Cary, and of their union two sons and one daughter were
born, namely: Jessie, Hairy L., of whom a brief sketch may be found
elsewhere in this volume; and Thomas L., Jr.    Of a deeply sympathetic and charitable nature, Mr. Cronin was ever animated by the
broadest spirit of humanitarianism, and was always ready to lend aid
to the sorrowful or needy, as many an individual and family can testify. Honest and upright in all of his dealings, Mr. Cronin gained the
confidence and esteem of the people, and built up not only a large and
lucrative patronage, but won the sincere friendship of a large circle
of people.
HARRY L. CRONIN. Although yet a young man, Harry L. Cronin
has already attained a position of prominence and influence among
the keen-sighted, progressive business men of Marshall, where he is
prosperously engaged in mercantile pursuits, having succeeded to the
trade first established by his father and uncle, Thomas L. and Henry
M., which was afterward continued by Thomas L. Cronin, Harry L.
Cronin's father. A brief biography of the father appears on another
page of this work.
Obtaining the rudiments of his education in the Marshall schools,
Harry L. Cronin took the commercial course of study in the Ypsilanti




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


857


Business School, there fitting himself for a business career. After his
graduation from that institution, he was a clerk in the store which he
now owns and occupies until the death of his father, in May, 1909.
IIe then assumed charge of the store, and in addition to settling his
father's estate has since continued the business in a manner satisfactory to all concerned, his establishment, in which he carries a large
line of selected groceries, being centrally located on State street, in a
two-story brick building, twenty-two feet by eighty feet. Mr. Cronin
is also financially interested in various other substantial enterprises,
being a stockholder of the Commercial Savings Bank; of the Burrough
& Blood Buggy Company; of the Lambert Machine Company; of the
Citizens' Telephone Company; and of the Athwood Steel Company
of Chicago, Illinois.  Mr. Cronin owns two automobiles, one being
employed in his business for delivery purposes, the other being a fivepassenger car which he uses for pleasure.
Mr. Cronin married, November 9, 1902, Miss Myrtle DeLong, of
Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and they have one son, Harry L. Cronin, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Cronin, who have a cozy residence at 214 North Madison
street, are members of the Episcopal Church, and take an active part
in the social affairs of Marshall.
WALTER WATERS WOOLNOUGH. The name of Walter Waters Woolnough is closely allied with the history of Battle Creek which for fiftynine years he aided in upbuilding by personal endeavor and a facile
pen, dying February 2d, 1904, at the age of 83 years. At the time
of his demise he was the dean of Michigan journalists.
Mr. Woolnough was born in Bungay, Suffolk county, England,
July 10th, 1821.  Coming to this country with his parents when a
lad of eleven years, he acquired a thorough knowledge of the art of
printing in Rochester, New York, working under the apprentice customs of that time. He came west to embark in business for himself,
settling in Battle Creek in 1845, where he started the first newspaper
printed in the city, The Western Citizen. In 1846 he was editor and
publisher of The Michigan Tribune which went out of existence two
years later for want of patronage.
In 1852 Mr. Woolnough became editor and publisher of the Battle
Creek Journal, started the previous year, and which is now a leading
local publication, thus making him the founder not only of the first
newspaper printed in Battle Creek, but of having placed on a permanent foundation a present-day publication.  He disposed of the
Journal in 1863 and rested for a time. From 1871 to 1877 he was part
owner and editor of a second Michigan Tribune, selling his interest to
his partner in the latter year.
Mr. Woolnough served in the State Legislature, was an alderman four
years, member of the Board of Education nine years and a justice of
the peace. In politics he originally was a Whig, belonging to the antislavery wing and was one of the first, in fact there is good reason to
believe the first, to advocate the dissolution of the Whig party and
formation of the Republican party through the columns of the Journal.
It is a matter of incontrovertible history that the first steps toward the
organization of the Republican party were taken at a meeting held in
Mr. Wolnough's office early in 1854, himself acting as chairman.
Resolutions were adopted at this meeting and were later ratified at
a mass meting held under the Oaks at Jackson, Michigan, July 6th,
1854, he being one of sixty delegates. This matter of local history is
recorded in the newspaper files now reposing in Willard Library.
When Horace Greeley was nominated for the presidency Mr. Wool



858


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


nough gave him ardent support and from that time adhered to the
tenets of true democracy, supporting Samuel J. Tilden by pen,
through the columns of the Michigan l'ribune, as well as on the platform in the fight for the presidency in 1876.
For nearly twenty years Mr. Woolnough was political editor of
the Battle Creek Daily Moon, his vigorous work being recognized
throughout this state.
He maintained an unimpaired mind to the day of his death and
was looked upon as a local historian, so accurate was his knowledge of
dates and events.
His life was an example worthy of emulation as the highest type
of splendid manhood and good citizenship.
MVr. Woolnough was married August 23d, 1843, to Emeline Dorcas
Manley of Ashtabula, Ohio, a woman of culture and refinement whose
death occurred March 10th, 1899. Two daughters of Mr. Woolnough
are living, Mrs. Frank W. Clapp and Mrs. Emeline W. Egery, of Battle
Creek, the latter a member of the Daily Moon editorial staff.
MRS. JULIA D. BOLLES, formerly Mrs. William H. Mesrole, has had
a varied and interesting life, much of which has been lived in this
state, chiefly in this vicinity. She was a daughter of Jackson and Hannah (Sandy) Woodmansee, of Lee, Calhoun county, Michigan. Her
hand was early sought in marriage by William H. Mesrole, whose name
is a familiar one among the old families of Marshall.
Mr. Mesrole was a son of Jonathan Mesrole, of Lorain county, Ohio,
and was born in that region in the year 1842. He grew up among
agricultural activities and rural school interests, and chose for his
vocation the cultivation of the soil and the industries related therewith. He was but a young man, however, when the great conflict which
was to preserve the integrity of the nation appealed to his patriotic
enthusiasm. On August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, 12th
Michigan Infantry, at Jackson, Michigan, and seven days later was
mustered into service. But the strenuous conditions and necessary
privations of army life were more than his constitution was able to
endure. He succumbed to disease, of which he died, on April 14, 1864.
His young wife was left with three small children and the memories
of a too short life with her courageous young husband.
After a season of lonely widowhood, with its heavy family responsibilities, Julia Mesrole became the wife of William S. Bolles, a native
of New York state, but a resident of Litchfield, Calhoun county. Mr.
Bolles was a man of excellent education and one who followed the vocation of printing, having had charge of two newspapers at different
times. He was a man of genial and kindly disposition, contributing
much of generous and indulgent spirit to the atmosphere of the happy
home of which he was the head. To him and Mrs. Bolles was born one
daughter, Mary Mabel. William Bolles lived until he had passed his
73d year and is remembered for his many excellent qualities.
The children and grandchildren of Mrs. Bolles, together with her
property interests, constitute her life's most important interests. Her
son, Charles H. Mesrole lives at Olivet, Michigan; her daughter Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Walter Rich and is now a widow, resides in
Lee; her daughter Nellie, the wife of N. J. Brangwin, lives on a farm
in Convis township. Her three grandchildren are James G. Brangwin, an artist of Detroit; Guy Harrison, of Battle Creek; and Bertha
Church, the daughter of Thomas Church, of Marshall. Mrs. Bolles
lives cosily in her neat home in Marshall. her sixty-acre farm being
leased and in good hands. The twelve dollars pension which she receives monthly, in addition to the income from her farm, enables her




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


859


to live independently and comfortably. She lives alone, is hale and
hearty, and professes to be perfectly happy.
L. C. WILLIAMS. Especially worthy of mention in a work of this
character is Mr. L. C. Williams, of Marshall, who has for many years
been an important factor in developing the agricultural prosperity of
Calhoun county, and is now rendering able and faithful service as
drainage commissioner. He was born, November 22, 1856, in Galena,
Illinois, where his childhood days were passed.
His father, W. W. Williams, was born, bred and educated in New
York state. 'When quite young he migrated to Illinois. He married
Mariette Williams, before leaving New York, who, although bearing
the same surname, was not a relative. He subsequently bought a tract
of land in Illinois, and there carried on general farming with excellent
pecuniary results for many years. Acquiring a competency, he came
to Michigan, and here lived in retirement the remainder of his life,
enjoying to the utmost his well-earned leisure.
While a school boy, L. C. Williams attended the Yates Academy,
in Yates, New York, and after returning to his home in Michigan pursued his studies for a year in the Albion High School and the State
Normal at Ypsilanti. Entering then upon a professional career, he
taught school sixteen terms, mostly in Calhoun county. Having accumulated some money as a teacher, and feeling the lure of the soil, Mr.
Williams then bought one hundred and forty acres of land in Lee
township, Calhoun county, and having erected a substantial set of
buildings, put the greater part of the land under cultivation, and was
there successfully engaged in general farming from 1892 until 1910,
for ten years making a specialty of handling sheep, an industry which
proved profitable.
Public-spirited, and much interested in town, city and county
affairs, Mr. Williams has served his fellow-citizens in various capacities, and always to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1891 and
1892 he was a school examiner; from 1906 until 1911, inclusive, he
served as township supervisor; and in 1910 was elected to his present
position as county drain commissioner for a term of two years.
Mr. Williams married, in 1888, Miss Nora E. Wilcox, of Moscow,
Hillsdale county,. Michigan, a daughter of Foster A. Wilcox. Their
union has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Nellie, a
school teacher; Florence; Foster; Wayne; and L. C., Jr. Fraternally
Mr. Williams is a member of Peninsular Lodge, No. 5, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of Marshall.
FRED W. EGELER. Another of Marshall 's native-born citizens of
practical and useful vocation and a man whose industry and economy
have raised him from modest means to a position of material success,
is Fred W. Egeler, whose work as a moulder is well known in this
community. His family represents the solid German virtues which
have been proved so important in both intellectual and industrial enterprises of the world. Mr. Egeler's parents were J. C. and Emily (Hoffmouth) Egeler, both of whom were born in Wittenberg, Germany,
emigrating to America while quite young, J. C. Egeler being but fifteen years of age when he came to seek his fortunes in a strange land.
In 1857 he settled in Michigan, first spending one year in Albion, after
which he made Marshall his permanent home. The blacksmith shop
which he opened here was long a feature of Marshall's activities, for
he conducted it for no less than fifty-six years. His faithful and unpretentious life continued until January 23, 1908-his seventy-fifth




860


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


year. He was especially active and prominent in the fraternal life of
the city, being a member of Albans Lodge No. 20 of the Free and Accepted Masons; of Lafayette Chapter No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; and
of Marshall Commandery No. 17, Knights Templar.      Emily (Hoffmouth) Egeler lived an inconspicuously noble lite, continued until
April 16, 1912, at which time she had passed her seventy-sixth year.
Fred W. Egeler, the son of the above-mentioned estimable pair, was
born in this city on April 12, 1870. He passed through the public and
high schools of Marshall, leaving the latter for the work he found at
hand in the blacksmith shop of his father. Here he learned the inherited trade, in which he continued for five years. This was excellent
as preliminary to the occupation to which he then passed; for he next
entered the employ of Anton Egeler, his uncle. Having mastered the
details and operations of this work, Fred Egeler accepted a position
in the establishment of Samuel F. Dobbins, a manufacturer of hot air
furnaces. From that time, the year 1899, he has steadily continued in
the same line of activities with Mr. Dobbins and has proved' himself
to be a most efficient workman.
Mr. Egeler's interests are chiefly those of his vocation and of his
home. The latter was established when Miss Winifred Hughes became
the companion of his domestic life on September 1, 1902. She is a
daughter of Patrick Hughes, an old and much respected citizen of
Marshall.
Fred Egeler is politically conscientious but not politically conspicuous, preferring to let the thoughtful casting of his vote be his chief
expression of national and civic interest.  He votes the Democratic
ticket. Mr. Egeler lives in a comfortable and attractive home, which
he owns, at 302 Soith Madison street. He is in possession of considerable good property and is regarded as one of the enterprising and
honorable citizens of Marshall.


FRANK D. MILLER. One of the leading educators of Calhoun
county, Frank D. Miller is widely and favorably known as county
school commissioner, a position which he has held for twelve
years, during which time he has distinguished himself by the ability
and fidelity with which he has discharged the multifarious duties devolving upon him. Far-sighted and progressive in. the management
of the many schools which come under his supervision, he formulates
his plans for their betterment with care and wisdom, and in their
execution labors with earnest zeal and enthusiasm. A native of Calhoun county, he was born June 1, 1869, in Tekonsha, on the farm of
his father, Charles H. Miller
Born in Carroll county, Ohio, in 1838, Charles H. Miller came to
Calhoun county, Michigan, when a young man, and having purchased
land near Tekonsha, cleared and improved a good farm, on which he
was for a number of years prosperously employed in tilling the soil.
Removing with his family to the village of Tekonsha in 1882, he conducted a bakery and meat market for sixteen years, and is now living
retired from active business, devoting his time and attention to his
private interests. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Davis.
was born in Ohio, and died, in 1892, in Tekonsha, Michigan.
Gleaning his elementary education in the common and high schools
of Tekonsha, Frank D. Miller subsequently attended the Fenton Normal School, in Genesee county, and the Ypsilanti Normal School, in
those institutions preparing himself for a professional career. For
sixteen months after leaving school, Mr. Miller was employed in the
Chicago Stockyards, first as a bookkeeper, and afterwards as assistant


i




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


861


foreman, a position which he resigned during the big strike of 1893.
Returning then to Calhoun county, Michigan, he took charge of a
school, and continued as a teacher in the public schools for eleven
years. In 1904 Mr. Miller had the honor of being appointed county
commissioner of schools to fill out the unexpired term of Ernest Burnham, a period of three years. In this capacity, he proved himself so
capable that in the fall of 1907 he was elected to the position, and has
held the office continuously since by re-election, at the last election
receiving a majority of four thousand, two hundred and five of the
ballots cast, he and Judge North polling the same number of votes.
Mr. Miller, whose present term of office will expire on July 1, 1915,
has in his circuit one hundred and sixty-four schools, with one hundred and ninety-five teachers, every school in the county being under
his control, with the exception of the Battle Creek schools and the
Albion schools, which are incorporated under the city charter.
Mr. Miller married, June 3, 1902, Miss Pearl Cowles, of Burlington, Michigan, a daughter of William  and Nancy (French) Cowles,
and into their home two children have made their advent, Ernest Lyle
and Frank Duane. Fraternally Mr. Miller belongs to St. Albans Lodge
No. 20, Free and Accepted Order of Masons; to Marshall Lodge,
Knights of Pythias; to Eudora Chapter No. 385 Order of Eastern Star
and to Marshall Temple No. 96 Order of Pythian Sisters.
WILLIAM F. GRAFF. A native-born citizen of Marshall, Michigan,
and the representative of an early pioneer family of this part of Calhoun county, William F. Graff is well known both as a prominent
member of the Knights of Pythias, and as a clerk in the Marshall Post
Office. He was born November 24, 1883, a son of thelate John Graff.
His paternal grandfather, John G. Graff, was born and reared in Wurtemburg, Germany. Immigrating in early manhood to America, he
made his way directly to Michigan, settling in Calhoun county, and
for many years being an honored and respected resident of Marshall.
He rounded out a life of upwards of four score years, passing to the
life beyond, April 23, 1912.
John Graff was born, bred and educated in the city of Marshall,
where he spent his brief life, passing away in 1887, while yet in the
prime of manhood. He married Hannah Burkhardt,' who was born in
Washtenaw county, and is a resident of this city.
Acquiring a practical education when young, William F. Graff was
graduated from the Marshall High School with the class of 1902, and
immediately after began life on his own account as a clerk in the Post
Office, a position which he has held ever since, his record of service in
that capacity bespeaking his ability and trustworthiness.
Fraternally Mr. Graff is identified with St. Albans Lodge, No. 20,
Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and is a member of Marshall
Lodge, No. 179, Knights of Pythias, in which he has filled all of the
offices, including that of chancellor, which is the highest in the lodge.
Mr. Graff is widely known as a progressive citizen, and has the friendship and esteem of his acquaintance. He is still unmarried.
DR. CHARLES E. STEWART. With a staff of the well known excellence
of that of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, it is by no means an easy
matter to gain a place upon it and still harder to hold such a position
once it is obtained. Occupying a place of prominence among this group
of well known men, is Doctor Charles E. Stewart, who is vice president of
the Battle Creek Sanitarium Board. He has been in active practice in
Battle Creek, practically all of the time since his graduation, and has




862


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


proved, many times, his value to the institution with which he is connected. He is a skilled physician, an indefatigable worker, and a man
of forceful personality.
The 21st of March, 1869, was the date of Doctor Charles E. Stewart's birth, the town in which he was born being London, Canada. His
father was John Paton Stewart, who was a native of Scotland.' John
Stewart came to this country with his parents when he was eight years
old. They settled near London, Canada, and there the father learned
the carriage making and blacksmithing trade.   He was married in
London to Margaret Grieve, who was a native of London, Canada.
After living in this section for several years, they moved to Minnesota,
near Moorhead, where John Stewart became a farmer. This removal
took place in April, 1883, and there they lived until they moved to
Tennessee, where they remained for a short time. In 1899 the family
came to Battle Creek, and after only a few weeks of residence here,
the father died. The mother is still living in this city. There were
ten in this family, seven boys and three girls, and eight of these are
now living. Of these Doctor Stewart is the eldest. William G. and
John E. are both living in Minnesota; Mrs. Arthur Brown is a resident
of Worcester, Massachusetts; Robert P. lives in Oregon; Fred M. is
out in the state of Washington; Chester A. is in Porto Rico, and Ruth
E. is living in Battle Creek.
The early education of Doctor Stewart was obtained in the public
schools of London, Canada, and in the schools of Moorhead, Minnesota,
where he graduated from the high school, in the class of 1889. The
following year he came to Battle Creek, and took a course in nursing
at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, from which he was graduated in 1891.
He was inspired by this work to go into medicine and consequently
entered the University of Michigan Medical School during the same
year. He was graduated from this institution with the degree of
M. D. in 1895, and began his practice in Battle Creek, where he has
since continued.
Doctor Stewart was married to Elizabeth Reith, daughter of John
and Jean (Moir) Reith, on the 28th of June, 1898. The marriage
took place in Chicago, Mrs. Stewart being a native of Canada, where
her parents were farmers near London, and now residents of British
Columbia. She was educated in Canada and is a graduate nurse of
The Battle Creek Sanitarium. Doctor Stewart met his wife at the
Sanitarium, where she was later, matron of the nurses' department.
They have four children, all of whom were born in Battle Creek. These
children are Edwin R., Elizabeth M., Jean F. and Eleanor R., the last
named being a Christmas gift, for she was born on the 25th of December, 1911.
FRANK W. CLAPP, eldest of the lawyers now in actual -practice in the
county of Calhoun, was born in Bedford, Ohio, on November 25, 1844,
and came, with his parents to Battle Creek, Michigan, in May, 1845,
where he has since lived.
He attended the public schools of Battle Creek until June, 1865,
and in September of that year entered Olivet College. graduating therefrom on June 18, 1868, with the degree of B. S., later receiving the
degree of M. S.
In the fall of 1868 Mr. Clapp entered the law department of Michigan University and received the degree of B. L. on March 30, 1870.
After spending some time in the law offices of Joy and Sherman in Battle Creek he opened a law office in his home town in October, 1871, and
has continued in the practice of the law since that time. On June 23,
1875, he was married to Josephine Woolnough, daughter of Hon. Walter
W. Woolnough, the family relationship remaining unbroken.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


863


Politically, Mr. Clapp has always been a member of the Republican
party and has been city attorney of Battle Creek several different terms,
prosecuting attorney of the county of Calhoun from and including
the years 1875-1879, member of the state legislature during the years
1891 and 1892, state senator, representing the counties of Calhoun and
Kalamazoo, from and including the years 1893-1896.
His political activities, as far as office holding is concerned, were
finished as mayor of the city of Battle Creek, serving one term from
April, 1904, to April, 1905.
WALTER F. HALE. By thirty or more years of successful activity as
an agriculturist Walter F. Hale has earned a place on the roster of
Calhoun county's representative citizens and deserves mention among
those who have been valued factors in the upbuilding of Clarence township. Himself a native son of Michigan, he is a scion of two of this
state's pioneer settlers and has other ancestral inheritance of more than
usual interest. The Hales were a prominent colonial family of the old
Massachusetts commonwealth and Walter F. Hale has the distinction of
being the grandson of Nathaniel Wallace, an aide to General Washington
during the Revolution.
Born in Cass county, Michigan, October 16, 1844, Walter F. Hale is
a son of Jerome H. and Lucy (Wallace) Hale, pioneers, of Michigan,
who were residents of the state many years. The father was born in
Massachusetts in 1824 and when a boy came to Michigan with his parents
in 1836, the family spending their first winter in Detroit but later removing to Niles. After he had taken up independent responsibilities he
became a merchant at Wauconda, Illinois, where he remained a number
of years, or until 1857, when, failing in business he returned to Michigan, which state thereafter remained his home. After his return here he
followed carpentering until his death and was fairly successful. In
politics he was a Republican and took an active and leading part in the
local affairs of his party. While a resident.of Wauconda, Illinois, he
served as postmaster six years and was a candidate for treasurer but
was defeated on account of his strong dislike of slavery. He was a son
of Dr. Benjamin F. Hale who, as previously mentioned, came to Michigan in 1836. He was a physician of skill and spent the remainder of
his life in this state as an active practitioner at Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti,
passing away in 1869. Lucy (Wallace) Hale, the mother of our subject, was born in New York in 1826 and was the daughter of Nathaniel
Wallace, the Revolutionary patriot referred to above who served seven
years in the struggle for national independence and was an aide to General Washington. He was a native of New York and was a wealthy silk
merchant. Mrs. Hale drew a pension for his war service. She was a
regular attendant of the Presbyterian church.
Walter F. Hale is one of two sons that came to his parents, the other
being Wallace Hale, now deceased. He received good educational advantages, his preliminary studies in the common schools of Wauconda.
Illinois, having been supplemented by a period of study in the academy
at Wauconda and by two years' work in the University of Michigan.
Ann Arbor. He began business activity as a photographer, and followed that line of endeavor three years. At the end of that period he
took up farming, on the shares until his marriage in 1874, and -after
that independently on his present homestead of fifty-six acres in Clarence township, where his attention has since been given to general
farming and to peach raising, having a fine large orchard of this fruit
on his place. In political views and affiliations he is a Republican and
Vol. n-1 7




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


in an official way has served as constable, township clerk, highway commissioner and as township supervisor in 1902 and 1903. Mrs. Hale was
Miss Jennie Bell prior to her marriage, a daughter of Oliver S. Bell
and Reliance M. (Dixon) Bell, who were highly respected pioneer residents of Clarence township. i\Mr. Bell was born in New York in 1816
and came to Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1836, locating on an eighty
acre farm  in Clarence township which afterward remained his residence until his death in 1874. His wife, who also was a native of New
York, was born in 1823 and died in 1904, at the advanced age of eightyone years. Andrew Bell, the grandfather of Mrs. Hale, was a soldier
in the war of 1812. The education of Mrs. Hale included a term at
Albion College. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Hale, namely: Frederick, who married Eva Graham and who manages
the home place; Nellie, who married Charles Sabin and Maude, the wife
of Edward Van Sickle, who resides in Clarence township, and who was
a soldier in the Spanish-American war. They also have six interesting
grandchildren: Orvil O. Hale; Walter C. and Aaron 0., the sons of
Mr. and Mrs. Sabin; and Frederick, Ethel and Edwin, the children of
Mr. and Mrs. Van Sickle.
CHARLES W. RYAN, M. D. It is entirely within the province of true
history to commemorate and perpetuate the lives and character,. the
achievements and honor of the illustrious sons of the state. High on
the roll of those whose efforts have made the history of medicine in Michigan a work of fame appears the name of Dr. Charles W. Ryan, specialist
in the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, who for the past nine years
has been numbered among the medical practitioners of Battle Creek,
Michigan. He is a representative of a fine old southern family and
was born in the city of Charleston, West Virginia, February 16, 1872.
He is a son of Rev. Edward Winson and Susan B. (Cherrington) Ryan,
the former of whom was born and reared in Kentucky and the latter
of whom was a native of Virginia. Rev. and Mrs. Ryan were married
at Catlettsburg, Kentucky. He was a captain in the Confederate army
during the war of the Rebellion and as a young man became ordained as
a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. He began preaching at
the age of twenty years and is an extremely well educated man and
an orator. In 1886 he was transferred from the West Virginia conference to the Detroit, Michigan, conference and at the time of his
retirement he was preaching at the Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church
in Detroit, the second largest church of that denomination in the state
of Michigan. He is now seventy-two years old and resides at Detroit,
where he is well known and beloved by all with whom he has come in
contact. His wife died at Detroit in 1886. Rev. and Mrs. Ryan were
the parents of three boys and four girls, four of whom are living at the
present time, in 1912, namely,-Edward B. is with the Western Methodist Book Concern at Cincinnati, Ohio; Mamie D. Copeland resides in
Detroit, Michigan; Dr. Charles W. is the immediate subject of this review; and Genevieve C. is the wife of Dr. Milton T. Watson, of Detroit.
Dr. Charles W. Ryan was a child of fourteen years of age at the time
of his parents' removal to Detroit. He received his preliminary educational training in the public schools of West Virginia and subsequently attended school in Detroit and in Bay City, Michigan, being
graduated in the high school of the latter place in 1887. He entered
the University of Michigan in 1892 and was graduated in the medical
department of that institution as a member of the class of 1896. For
three terms thereafter he was assistant professor at his alma mater in




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diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and in diseases of children. He
entered upon the active practice of his profession at Jackson, Michigan,
in 1898, but remained there only a short time because of the impaired
condition of his health. He came to Battle Creek in 1903 and since
then has here enjoyed a large and lucrative practice in the diseases of
the eye, ear, nose and throat.
At the time of the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, in 1898,
Dr. Ryan enlisted as a volunteer in a Michigan company, serving as a
private in Company II, Thirty-first Michigan Regiment, until the close
of hostilities. He is a Progressive Republican in politics and in a fraternal way is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a man of broad human sympathy and
being gifted with unusual ability along the line of his chosen profession
he is able to do a great deal of good for mankind. As a citizen he is
loyal and public spirited and he commands the unalloyed confidence and
esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.
October 21, 1908, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Ryan to Miss
Margaret Boulden Jan Delle, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Jan
Delle, of Battle Creek. The Jan Delles are old settlers in Calhoun county
and Mrs. Ryan's father is engaged in the buying and shipping of cattle and stock. Mrs. Ryan was born in Marshall township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, and she was graduated in the Marshall high school. Through
self study she has become one of the best educated women in this section of the state, is well versed on the leading topics of the day, and
is a stanch advocate of Socialism. The Ryan residence is at No. 64
Broad Street. Dr. and Mrs. Ryan have no children.
NORRIS JOSEPHI FRINK was born in Marshall, MIichigan, March 9,
1842, being the second child of Joseph Colton and Caroline Amelia
(Norris) Frink. His father was one of the pioneers of Marshall, and
one of its more highly respected citizens.
Mr. Frink's boyhood and youth were spent in his native place. At
the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, he was but a slight and
slender youth, yet full of patriotism, and while yet in his minority he
enlisted in the service of his country. In September, 1862, he entered
service as second lieutenant of Company A, Twenty-fifth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and at once left for the front. He was stationed in
various places in Kentucky, including Louisville, Munfordsville, Bowling Green and Lebanon, crossing the mountains into East Tennessee,
in the meantime making a fine record as a brave and dashing soldier,
and being promoted, October 10, 1862, to the rank of first lieutenant.
Tiring of provost and guard duty, he resigned from the army October
29, 1863.
In July, 1864, Mr. Frink was commissioned by Governor Blair captain, and recruiting officer, for the Twenty-ninth Michigan Volunteer
Infantry. The Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth regiments being consolidated, Captain Frink was commissioned major, and his regiment,
which was assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, participated in the
battles about Nashville from December 12, 1864, until December 16,
1864, "where it fully established a reputation as a gallant regiment, and
at once reached the high standard of Michigan troops."
From March 8 until March 10, 1865, the regiment took part in the
fighting at Wise's Forks, and it was Major Frink's gallantry at that
time that secured for him the appointment, dated March 13, 1865, for
brevet lieutenant colonel of the United States Volunteers "for gallant
and meritorious services." He also served with honor and distinction
as inspector general on the staff of Major General Ruger. Being hon



866       HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


orably discharged from the army, June 5, 1866, he at once returned to
larshall, and assumed the position of cashier in his father's bank.
On March 29, 1870, Mr. Frink married Isabella Wilbur Gorham, a
daughter of Charles T. Gorman. Soon after that event, he became associated with the First National Bank of Marshall as assistant cashier,
and was afterwards made cashier, a position that he was holding at the
time of his death. During all the business years of his life, he took an
active and intelligent interest in public affairs, and for many years
served faithfully and efficiently on the municipal school board, being
almost unanimously re-elected at the expiration of his many terms of
office.
Politically Mr. Frink was a Republican, and for many years was
one of the party leaders, having repeatedly been a delegate to county,
congressional district, and state conventions. Although strongly averse
to running for office, he was persuaded, in the spring of 1888, to accept
the nomination for mayor of Marshall, and was elected by a large majority in a Democratic stronghold, just twenty-four years to a day after
his father was elected to the same high position. While filling the
mayor's chair, Mr. Frink did much to advance the interests of the city,
and was promoter of the present system of water works.
Mr. Frink was a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, having passed every degree, and occupied many chairs, in the various lodges
of Marshall. He was a Past Eminent Commander of Marshall Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templar, and had many times been a representative to the state bodies. He was initiated February 1, 1872, in
Marshall Lodge, No. 294, Free and Accepted Order of Masons; was
exalted to Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, April 10, 1872; and received the
Order of Knighthood in Marshall Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templar, May 2, 1882. 'He was also a member of De Witt Clinton Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons of Grand Rapids, at
the time of his admission to that body having been the only thirtysecond degree Mason in Marshall. He was also a Mason after the Third
Veil in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Michigan. Mr.
Frink was likewise a member, and past commander, of C. Colegrove
Post, Grand Army of the Republic; and a Companion of the First Class
of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
* Mr. Frink died April 29, 1890, from the effects of a surgical operation, and was buried in the family lot in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Marshall.
His death was deeply mourned by the whole community, rich and poor
alike feeling the personal loss of a true friend. In honor of his memory
the schools were closed, and all business in town suspended, the day of
his funeral.
Mrs. Frink, his widow, still survives, and with their only child, Amelia
Norris, (Mrs. James Redfield) lives on the old homestead, in Marshall.
WAYNE D. MARSH. The mercantile enterprise of Battle Creek has
one of its best representatives in Wayne D. Marsh, the dealer in wall
paper, paints, oils, glass and window shades, at 13 Jefferson avenue
North. Mr. Marsh is an experienced and successful merchant, and belongs to one of the old families of Calhoun county.
He was born at West LeRoy, this county, February 10, 1861. The
pioneer of the family in this vicinity was his grandfather, Samuel
Marsh, who during the '50s moved from Erie county, New York, to
Michigan, and secured land in this county, probably as one of the original homesteaders. He and his.wife passed away some thirty years ago.
About three years after his settlement in this county, his son Hiram S.
with his wife Harriet N. (Warren) Marsh came on from Clarence, Erie




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


867


county, New York, where they both had been born and married, and
located at West LeRoy. These were the parents of Mr. W. D. Marsh
of this sketch. In 1865, the father moved into Battle Creek, and established the firm of Marsh & Mills and later Marsh & Moulton, meat dealers,
their shops being where Minty's cigar store now is. Later, for about
four years before his death, he was in the bottling business (soda water
and other soft drinks). His death occurred September 30, 1888, and
his wife died in 1882. He was affiliated with the Odd Fellows lodge in
Battle Creek. There were just two children, Wayne D. being the older.
His brother James W. has been associated with him in business for the
past five years.
Wayne D. Marsh, after getting a fair schooling, began his business
experience by keeping books for his father while the latter was in the
meat business. In the fall of 1880 he became an employe of Horace
Howell, whose establishment was at 13 North Jefferson and handled
about the same lines as Mr. Marsh does now, being in fact the predecessor of the present store. By attention to business and a thorough capacity for trade Mr. Marsh by 1890 was able to acquire, with Mr. Eli Link
as partner, the business of his former employer. Up to five years ago
the business was run under the firm name of Marsh & Link, since which
date Mr. Marsh has been the proprietor. However, Mr. Link still is
joint owner with Mr. Marsh in the store building. This is an extensive business, and is not confined to selling the stock on the shelves. It
is a business office for both the supplies and work of painting, decorating, wall papering, etc., and about twenty-five men are kept busy all
the year around.
Mr. Marsh is a charter member of the Athelstan Club, the most influential civic and social organization in Battle Creek, and he was also
formerly a director in the body. Politically he is a Democrat, and is a
member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He is a vestryman in
the St. Thomas' Episcopal church and for ten years was its treasurer.
His residence is at 38 West street. December 19, 1894, he married at
Monroe, Wisconsin, Miss Lelia C. Studley, who died in March, 1907.
On November 1.9, 1909, at Buffalo, New York, Miss Jessie Ferguson became his wife.
JAMES W. MARSH, brother of Wayne D. Marsh, and associated with
him in the business already described, was born at West LeRoy, this
county, May 28, 1862, the son of Hiram S. and Harriet M. (Warren)
Marsh. The family moving to Battle Creek when he was three years
old, he was reared in this city and was graduated from the city schools
with the class of 1880.
The greater part of his business career was spent in Buffalo. New
York. Leaving his home town in the fall of 1882, for fifteen years he
was general bookkeeper for the American Exchange Bank of Buffalo,
and when that bank went out of business, he held the same position with
the Fidelity Trust Company for ten years. Mr. Marsh returned to
Battle Creek in 1906, and since that date has been with his brother in
business.
Mr. Marsh is a vestryman of St. Thomas' Episcopal church and a
short time ago resigned the office of treasurer. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, having joined the order in Buffalo
and later transferred to Battle Creek; also with the Elks lodge, and
is a member df the Athelstan Club.
He was married December 24, 1895, to Miss Eva Elizabeth Scobell, who was born and reared in Kingston, Ontario.  They are the
parents of one daughter, Emily Josephine, born at Buffalo, August 18,




868       HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1901, and now attending the Battle Creek schools. MIr. Marsh and family reside at 38 West street. Mr. Marsh is a member of Battle Creek
Lodge, No. 131, B. P. 0. E. and also a Mason, belonging to Battle Creek
lodge, No. 12.


CHARLES N. KANE. Among the successful and enterprising merchants of Battle Creek, Charles N. Kane has a prominent place as proprietor of the South Side grocery at 259 Lake avenue. In his advertising he emphasizes the fact that this is "The Clean Store," and in that
respect as in his other methods he is up-to-date and vigorous in securing the best class of trade and keeping it continually patronizing at his
place.
Mr. Kane, who represents one of the oldest and best known families
of Calhoun county, was born in Battle Creek township, November 1,
1859. His parents were Andrew M. and Jane Elizabeth (Hart) Kane.
The late Andrew M. Kane, who died at his home in Battle Creek
township, May 2, 1908, had a varied and eventful career, beginning in
this county when it was just emerging from the conditions of the wilderness. He was born in Burnt Hill, New York, in 1824, coming to
Michigan with his parents when he was fourteen years old, and though
he experienced many hardships and always was a vigorous and active
worker, attained to the advanced age of eighty-four before he died. His
father was one of the early coopers who settled in this part of Michigan,
and the son learned that trade under him and was engaged in the work
for some years. After the outbreak of the Civil war, and soon after the
first battle of Bull Run, he followed the example of many younger men
and enlisted and became a private in Company I of the Second Missouri
Cavalry, better known as Merrill's Horse Guards. He was advanced to
the rank of second lieutenant, but a serious illness in his family called
him home and ended his military career.
In 1850 he had engaged in the milling business, and for many years
he was known through this enterprise in South Battle Creek as proprietor of the flouring mill on Langley creek. He also owned a farm of
eighty acres, where his children were born and where one of his sons
still resides. In 1862 an accident in the mill caused him the loss of an
arm, but despite this handicap he was successful both as a miller and
farmer, and did his work as well as many men better physically equipped.
Before the war he was one of the strong abolitionists of this section, and
with the formation of the Republican party became one of its stanch
adherents. Then when other public questions rose into prominence, he
allied himself first with the Greenback party, and in later years adopted
the general principles and usually voted for the labor ticket. In local
affairs he served his township in the office of treasurer and also as highway commissioner.
He was married at the age of twenty-two to Miss Elizabeth Jane
Hart, who died June 29, 1873, and she was the mother of his three sons
who survive him. He was again married in 11874. His three sons are:
Eugene F., who resides on the old Kane homestead; Henry P., a groceryman of Battle Creek; and Charles N., the youngest.
Charles N. Kane during his boyhood attended the common and high
schools in Battle Creek, and has always followed a business career. For
about fifteen years he was a bookkeeper. half of that time keeping the
books for the board of public works, and the other half being employed
by the Advance Thresher Company (now the Rumely Company). For
about four years he was on the road, covering the states of Iowa and
Minnesota, selling the Chamnion harvesting machinerv and implements
for the Warder-Bushnell & Glessner Company. In 1907 he established






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


869


his South Side Grocery, and has since built up a large trade, and is
one of the independently successful merchants of Battle Creek.
Mr. Kane is a Democrat in politics, and is affiliated with the Battle
Creek Lodge No. 35 of the Knights of Pythias. He was married on
July 29, 1891, to Miss Alta A. Stewart. Her death occurred February
25, 1911. Mr. Kane still keeps his home at 256 Lake avenue, his store
being across the street from his residence.
J. LYMAN READE. A resident of Battle Creek nearly all his life, Mr.
J. Lyman Reade has been identified with this city's business and public
affairs in many ways that give his name prominence in the history of
this vicinity.
For the past nine years he has been the active head of the J. L.
Reade Company, insurance, real estate, bonds and loans. This is a copartnership with a silent partner, Mr. Reade having developed the business from the start, and it is now one of the best known and most reliable agencies of the kind in the county. The offices of the company
are in the New Kapp building at 24-26 Main street West.
J. Lyman Reade was born at Kalamazoo, Michigan, December 2, 1864,
a son of George W. and Mary A. (Nolan) Reade. The Reades are a very
old and prominent family in this state. The mother was a native of
Monroe, Michigan, and the father was born in New York, and both now
rest in the Oak Hill cemetery of Battle Creek. The grandfather, whose
name was J. L. Reade, was among the early settlers at Bellevue, Michigan, along with the Hinmans and others well known in that vicinity.
He was a man of high character and aristocratic manners, dressing in
the ruffled shirt and silk hat of the olden fashion, and he was a strict
churchman of the Episcopal faith. He was an. early manufacturer, and
for some years lived in Battle Creek. George W. Reade, the father,
was by trade a cabinet maker. Before the Civil war he had established
at Memphis, Tennessee, a furniture factory and had built up the business so that it employed about fifty hands. His northern sympathies
and principles prevented him from fighting the Union and his refusal
to assist the south resulted in his factory being burned, and he barely
escaped himself from the southern soldiers. By sleeping in the day and
traveling on foot at night, he finally came within the Union lines and
then returned to Michigan. He was a resident of Battle Creek about
twenty-five years, and then moved to Chicago, where for twenty years
before his death he was associated with his brother in the brokerage
business. His wife died at Kalamazoo. J. Lyman is the older of their
two children, and his brother, George W., who was born in Jackson,
Michigan, now resides with him in this city. The grandparents on both
sides are buried at Kalamazoo.
Mr. J. L. Reade was reared and educated in Battle Creek and was a
student in the Adventist College for three years. At the age of seventeen he began learning telegraphy with the Michigan Central, and for
six years was operator and train dispatcher for that railroad, until his
usefulness in this capacity was terminated by operator's paralysis. For
a year and a half he was associated with his father in general contracting, and then returned to the railroad business as telegrapher and
freight clerk for the old Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw road. The
company promoted him to the position of general agent, an office which
he filled for sixteen years, with headquarters in Battle Creek.
Mr. Reade took an active part in the organization of the Battle 'Creek
Breakfast Food Company, and left the railroad to become secretary of
the company. The chief products manufactured by this company were
the popular cereals-Egg-O-See and E C Flakes. The factories of the




870


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


company are now located at Quincy, Illinois, and Buffalo, New York,
and the general office in Chicago. While the office was in Battle Creek
Mr. Reade was officially identified with the company.
The present J. L. Reade Company was established August 3, 1903,
and has handled some of the largest real estate deals in this city during
the last ten years. As representative of some of the best known fire
insurance companies, he has developed a business of very large proportions.
Mr. Reade for a number of years has assumed responsibilities in
connection with the municipal government and is also one of the leading
Democrats of the county. He is now closing a four-year term as police
commissioner. He succeeded the late H. M. Rathbun by appointment,
serving four months as alderman from the Second ward, and in the following election he was the only Democrat chosen on the city ticket.
Under Mayor Metcalf he was a member of the board of public works,
and was its secretary three years and president one year. Fraternally
he affiliates with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias, has been a member of the Athelstan Club for the past twenty-five years, and also belongs to the Country Club. A great lover of horses, he has at this writing eight colts of fine trotting stock which he is raising and training to
sell later.
Mr. Reade's residence, at 55 Fremont street, is one of the most beautiful homes in the city and is located in one of the best residence districts.
He has a wife and one daughter. December 7, 1887, he was married to
Miss Carrie E. Cowles, daughter of Truman H. Cowles, of Battle Creek.
Her father died before their marriage, and her mother now lives with
Mr. and Mrs. Reade. Mrs. Reade, who was born at Johnstown, Barry
county, is a graduate of the Battle Creek schools, is a member of the
Independent Congregational church, and belongs to the Woman's Club
and the Woman's League. Their daughter, who is now in high school,
is Marion Mary, named after her two grandmothers.
REUBEN J. SPAULDING. One of the progressive real estate men who
are promoting the development of Battle Creek and vicinity is Reuben
J. Spaulding. The R. J. Spaulding Realty Company, of which he is
proprietor, with offices in the Post building, has a large clientage and
has an excellent reputation among owners and buyers of real estate.
Mr. Spaulding was born in Bellevue township, Eaton county, Michigan, May 2, 1881, and his family is one of the oldest in the state of
Michigan. His great-grandfather, Captain Daniel Spaulding, settled in
this state when it was a wilderness. His grandfather is John A. Spaulding, still living at Bellevue, who for a number of years was treasurer of
Eaton county and a very prominent citizen. R. J. Spaulding's parents
are George G. and Ella E. (Nelson) Spaulding, who have resided in
Battle Creek since 1911. The father was born in Bellevue township,
Eaton county, and the mother in Assyria township, Barry county, where
her parents owned a large farm at Section Hill. Until his removal to
Battle Creek Mr. George G. Spaulding was a farmer and stock buyer
for many years. In this city he has become interested in business with
his sons. He is president of the Spaulding Cigar Company (Inc.), in
the Ward building at 35 North Jefferson avenue. His three sons are all
connected with this business, R. J., being vice president, Roy D., secretary and treasurer, and Clifford N., manager. Besides these three sons
there is one daughter, Mrs. Fred Bowen, of Addison, Michigan, where
she taught school two years previous to her marriage. All the children
were born in Eaton county and are graduates of the Bellevue high
school. R. J. and Roy D., both graduated in the class of 1901, while




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


871


Mrs. Bowen was a member of the class of 1904 and Clifford in the class
of 1906. R. J. and his brother Roy also attended'Olivet College two
years, and their sister was a graduate of the Ypsilanti Normal in 1907.
Mr. R. J. Spaulding began his business career in Battle Creek in
1903, in August of that year starting a retail grocery here. Afterwards
his brother Roy joined him in this enterprise, under the name of
Spaulding Brothers, and their store was on Maple street across from
the No. 5 school. In April, 1909, Mr. Spaulding sold his interest in
that business, and then engaged in real estate and insurance under the
business name already given. His first office was in the Ward building, from which he removed to the Post building on June 11, 1911.
On November 19, 1902, he was united in marriage with Miss Edith
M. Hamlyn, daughter of Richard Hamlyn, who was also one of the
early settlers of Eaton county. Her mother died about 1900, while
her father, who has been in the meat business all his life, is now owner
of a market in Grand Ledge, this state. Mrs. Spaulding, who was born
in Bellevue, graduated from the same class in high school as her husband, and they were married in Bellevue. They are the parents of
two children, Adriel H., aged seven, and Aylond R., aged four. The
Spaulding residence is at 105 Van Buren Street, East.
ROBERT P. ROE. Civilization will hail riches, prowess, honors, popularity, but it will bow humbly to sincerity in its fellows. The exponent of known sincerity-singleness of honest purpose-has its exemplification in all bodies of men; he is found in every association and
to him defer its highest honors. Such an exemplar, whose daily life
and whose life work have been dominated as their most conspicuous
characteristic by sincerity, is Robert Percy Roe, who formerly owned and
conducted an art store in the city of Battle Creek but who is now
engaged in the supervision of the art department of the F. C. Root
Art & Paper Store, owned by F. C. Root. Mr. Roe has ever manifested
a great interest in public affairs and while he is not an office seeker
he does all in his power to forward the best interests of his home city.
Robert Percy Roe was born in Brooklyn, New York, February 22,
1874, and he has been a resident of Battle Creek since early childhood.
He is a son of Robert and Mary J. (Duncan) Roe, further data concerning whose lives appear in the sketch dedicated to Mary J. Roe.
In 1878 the Roe family came to Michigan, settling in Battle Creek,
where Robert P. was a pupil in the public schools until 1896. As he
early manifested an aptitude for artistic work, he entered the art store
of F. M. Hopkins, working there afternoons. Later he was in Kalamazoo, where he worked as a clerk in one of the leading art stores of
that city. Upon his return to Battle Creek, in 1897, he assisted Warren
Wright in establishing an art store in this city. From 1897 to 1899
he attended the University of Michigan. A short time thereafter he
went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was foreman in the extensive and
beautiful art establishment of Barton-Mackey, in which place his artistic talents were given full sway. He proved to be one of the most
valuable employes in the above establishment as his ideas, being so
unusually artistic, were of the greatest importance in the decoration
of store and display windows. In the spring of 1900 he purchased the
store of Mr. Wright and conducted the same under the name of the
Roe's Art Store, at No. 54 West Main street, for the ensuing four
years. His taste in framing and mounting pictures is unexcelled as he
combines artistic ideas with the best possible workmanship. He is so
eminently well fitted for his particular line of work'that he is considered the art criterion by all lovers of art in this community. After




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


disposing of the Roe's Art Store, mentioned above, Mr. Roe went to
California, remaining in that commonwealth for three months, at the
expiration of which he returned to Battle Creek, where he lived retired for the following year. In 1906 he assumed charge of the art
department in the store owned by Mr. Root and he has continued the
efficient incumbent of that position to the present time, in 1912. In
addition to his art work he is the owner of the Roe Flats of Battle
Creek and other valuable city real estate.
In a fraternal way Mr. Roe is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias,
and he is likewise connected with the Athelstan  Club, being on the
entertainment committee of that organization, and the Xi Psi Phi
college fraternity. In politics he is a stalwart supporter of the principles put forward by the Republican party. Religiously, he and his
wife are devout members of the Independent Congregational church,
March 20, 1901, Mr. Roe was united in marriage to Miss Mabel
Mead, a daughter of Marion and Electa (Ray) Mead, the former of
whom is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Roe was born in
Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and received her elementary educational
training in the public schools of Battle Creek, where she was graduated
in the high school in 1896. She was also a student in the University
of Michigan for two years and is a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority.
The Roe home is at No. 159 North avenue and Mrs. Roe's mother is a
member of the household, her husband being deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Roe are popular in connection with the best social activities of their
home community and they command the unalloyed confidence and
esteem of all with whom they have come in contact.
MARION MEAD. The family of Marion Mead was one of Michigan's
early families. His father, Thomas Mead, who was born in 1804 and
whose former home had been at Ithaca, New York, came to this state
in 1833 and took up government land in Washtenaw county. It was
here that Marion Mead was born on May 4th. 1836. Three years later
his father sold his land and removed to Kalamazoo county, where he
purchased 148 acres of land. Thomas Mead was one of the earliest
settlers of this county, his first home here being a little log cabin of his
own building. It is interesting to record the fact that he, with the
breaking team which he kept, was one who broke ground on the spot
where Battle Creek now stands. He was a well known figure in those
pioneer days and outlived many of his contemporaries. His last days
were spent in Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, where his death
occurred in May, 1878. His wife, who in girlhood was Fanny Bloom
of Tompkin county, New York, died in 1886.
Of the four sons and four daughters in Thomas Mead's family,
Marion was the third child and second son. His early education was
begun by attendance at classes taught in a private house in Bedford
township; he next attended school in a building partly in Calhoun and
partly in Kalamazoo county; and his studies were completed in the
public schools of Bedford township. Having been always energetic
in the work of the home farm, where at ten years of age he had first
driven oxen in helping his father to break sod, he continued with his
parents until he had attained the years of his majority. At this time
he began his first independent enterprise, which was the threshing
business and with the outfit he had purchased continued this work for
four years.
In 1860 he married Miss Electa Roy, a daughter of William and
Harriet (Harris) Roy, of Phelps, Ontario county, New York. Her
parents were both New Yorkers, the father a native of that county and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


873


the mother of Dutchess county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Mead settled in the northeast corner of Charleston township, where he
entered upon the pioneer task of developing a farm. On this land
he built the first house and barn and here he lived for fifteen years.
Having developed this farm, he later removed to another in the same
section, which he also improved. His work so prospered that he was the
owner of four excellent farms which, altogether, consisted of nearly
five hundred acres of land, at the time when he left farming to make his
home in Battle Creek. His last rural residence was two miles from Augusta, in Kalamazoo county and the present city home of the family is
one of the old land marks of Battle Creek where it was long known as
the Metcalf home. Although built about sixty years ago, it has now all
modern improvements and is beautifully kept.    He died in Battle
Creek on the fifth of November, 1896, only two weeks after his retirement from his agricultural activities.
Mrs. Mead now resides at the home on 159 North avenue, which
is her property. She has disposed of her farms and has invested in
other property. The two daughters, who were the only children of
Marion Mead and his wife, are both married.    The elder, Stella L.,
was married before her father's death to Elmer R. Cowles and now
lives in Berkeley, California, which has been her home since 1901. Her
son, Russell R., is a graduate of the University of California, which
is located in Berkeley. The younger daughter of the Meads, Mabel,
was married in 1901 to Mr. Percy Roe, whose life is reviewed elsewhere
in these volumes. She is a graduate of the Battle Creek high school
and was for two years a student in the University of Michigan at Ann
Arbor. She and her husband live with Mrs. Mead in.the family residence at 159 North avenue.
CHA RLES C. McDERMID. A citizen of Pennfield worthy of honorable mention is Charles C. McDermid.
He was born near Waukesha, Wisconsin, February 22, 1844, came
to Cambria, Hillsdale county, Michigan, in 1848, with his parents, Andrew J. and Harriet Hall MeDermid, was educated at home and in the
early district schools, and in Hillsdale College, from which he graduated in 1865. He was married August 15, 1866, to his classmate, Miss
Lydia E. Bouton, who has been a most worthy and efficient helper in all
his undertakings, and is still the good genius of his pleasant home. He
removed to Pennfield late in 1869, where he has ever since resided, except
for four years at Marshall as county clerk, and a year at Lansing in department work. His lifelong occupation has been farming; he has
been locally prominent as a Grange and Farmers' Institute worker; is
now making a specialty of dairying, and has a fine herd of Jersey cows.
Mr. McDermid has invariably aimed to be an intelligent citizen,
larger and broader than his immediate work, whatever it might be.
He has never ceased to be a reader and a student, and to keep fairly in
touch with the world's progress. His later diversions are botanical
study and amateur photography.
On the father's side Mr. McDermid is descended from John MeDermid, Sr., who came from Scotland at an early age, and lived and
died near Saratoga, New York. His immediate ancestor, Andrew Jackson McDermid, was born shortly after the battle of New Orleans, and
was named from the hero of that engagement. In the early 30's he
came to Michigan with his brother John McDermid, the two exploring
a large part of southern Michigan looking for fine farming lands and
water power, sleeping in the open woods with the camp fire keeping
the wolves at bay. Together' they located the power and mill site at




874


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Cambria, Hillsdale county, where they afterward built and operated
lumber and flouring mills for many years, in addition to extensive
farming operations, and were prominent and influential citizens. Andrew J. died April 14, 1861, the sad day to the loyal north, of the
surrender of Fort Sumter, after its heroic but hopeless defense by the
gallant Major Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. McDermid have seven children: Mrs. Eva M. Woodworth of Pennfield; George W. McDermid,
of Assyria, Barry county, a thriving farmer; Clara E. McDermid,
teacher, Grange and Institufte worker, at the old home; Mrs. Junia
E. Pierce, Assyria; Herbert B. McDermid, mechanical engineer, Keokuk, Iowa; Fred C. McDermid, farmer at the old home; and Frank
H. McDermid, horticultural expert, Missoula, Montana. Mr. McDermid has been a lifelong Republican, influential in his party, and in
local enterprises; "Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before," he cannot now be other
than a Progressive.
HENRY A. SHURTLEFF, M. D. Noteworthy among the successful
physicians and surgeons of Calhoun county, Henry A. Shurtleff, M. D.,
has a long and valuable professional experience to his credit, and is
now enjoying an excellent patronage in Marshall and its vicinity. He
was born, September 7, 1857, in Washtenaw county, Michigan, near
Ann Arbor, on the homestead of his father, Hon. Seldon Shurtleff,
and is of substantial pioneer stock, his paternal grandparents having
settled in Michigan in territorial days.
Born in Canadaigua, New York, Hon. Seldon Shurtleff lived there
until twelve years qld, when he came to the southern part of Michigan
with his parents, and subsequently assisted his father in the arduous
task of redeeming a farm from its original wildness. Selecting for his
life occupation the independent work to which he was reared, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Washtenaw county,
about five miles from Ann Arbor, and was there successfully engaged
in general farming until his death, at the age of sixty-four years. A
man of sound sense and good judgment, he became one of the foremost
agriculturists of the county, and gained prominence in public affairs,
having been one of the leading supporters of the Republican party.
He held many offices of importance, representing his district in the
state legislature one term, serving as a member of the Board of County
Supervisors twelve years, and having been justice of the peace a number of terms. He died in 1887, his death being mourned as a loss to
the community in which he had so long lived and labored. Hon. Seldon
Shurtleff married Margaret Johnson, who was born in Canadaigua,
New York, and died in Michigan, in June, 1890, having survived him
three years. Six children were born of their union, Henry A., the
subject of this brief sketch, having been the second child in succession
of birth.
After completing the course of study at the Ann Arbor High School,
Henry A. Shurtleff began preparing himself for a professional career
under the tuition of Dr. Frothingham, a well-known physician, and
subsequently entered the Medical Department of the University of
Michigan, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D., in
the fall of 1879. Dr. Shurtleff immediately began practice with his
former preceptor. Dr. Frothingham, in Ann Arbor, but after a time
removed to Partello, where he remained for many years, having built
up a large and remunerative practice. Coming from there to Marshall
in 1909, the Doctor has ben equally as successful here, his patronage
in the city and its suburbs being extensive and lucrative, his natural




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


talents, industry and skill classing him among the more able trustworthy physicians of this section of the county.
The Doctor is a member of the Calhoun County Medical Society,
and of the Michigan State Medical Society. Fraternally he belongs to
Saint Albans Lodge, No. 20, Free and Accepted Order of Masons; and
to Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Dr. Shurtleff married Stella Thomas,
who was born in South Haven, Michigan.
EDGAR H. GRANT. A man of sterling integrity and worth, possessing superior business ability and judgment, the late Edgar H.
Grant was for many years actively and prominently identified with
the best interests of Marshall, being an important factor in promoting
its manufacturing and commercial interests, and in advancing its public welfare. He was born, July 18, 1854, in Marengo township, Calhoun county, a son of Lachlin Grant, and his death, which occurred
June 21, 1908, deprived Marshall of one of its most useful and valued
citizens.
Receiving his early education in the schools of his native district,
he remained with his parents until sixteen years of age, when, in
search for remunerative work, he came to Marshall.  Energetic and
ambitious, he had no trouble in securing good situations, and after
being in the city three years entered the employ of Phelps & Dobbins,
manufacturers of hot air furnaces, with whom he remained eleven years.
The following seven years Mr. Grant was similarly employed on his own
account, being in partnership in business with Mr. S. F. Dobbins. In
the meantime, making use of his inventive talent and ability, Mr. Grant
had been laborng to perfect a folding bath tub, which he had invented,
and which he finally had patented. Mr. W. E. Bosley became interested in the invention, and a factory for the manufacture of these
tubs was erected on South Kalamazoo avenue, Marshall, where it is still
in operation, each year turning out a large number of combination
folding bath tubs, which are readily sold in all the leading cities of the
Union.
Taking a genuine interest in public matters, Mr. Grant filled various
offices of trust and responsibility most ably and efficiently, giving the
same care and attention to the welfare of the people that he did to his
private interests. In 1894 he was elected as alderman from the Fourth
ward, and served for two years, declining a re-election in 1897 in order
that he might accept the nomination for mayor. Being elected to that
high position, Mr. Grant held the mayor's chair two terms, during which
time, in connection with Mr. George H. Southworth, he had the good
fortune to secure to Marshall the Municipal Water Works Plant. The
plant, which was then owned by an outside syndicate, had been placed
in the hands of a receiver. The city had previously offered the owners
$70,000 for the plant, the offer being refused by the syndicate. An advertisement stated that a receiver's sale would be held in June, and
that one of the terms dictated that $15,000 in gold should be deposited
before a bid would be accepted. Mr. Grant secured the aid of Mr.
Southworth, who was on hand to comply with all requirements. The
date of the sale was postponed until September, where Messrs. Grant
and Southworth again stood ready to meet all demands, and were successful in securing the water works for the small sum of $42,000,
which was about one-half its real value. Mr. Grant immediately brought
the matter before the City Council, which confirmed the sale, and ordered the issuing of bonds to raise money to buy the plant fronm Mr.
Southworth, who had paid the purchase price. During Mr. Grant's last




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


term as mayor, plans and specifications for a sewerage system throughout
the city were adopted, his entire administration having been one of intelligent progress and civic improvement.
In 1901 Mr. Grant was appointed one of the electric light and water
commissioners, and at his death was serving his seventh year as a member of the Board of Electric Light and Water Commissioners, for two
years having been its chairman. While a member of that body, he induced the city to raise $16,000 in bonds to improve the electric light
and water plants, and his idea of using electricity for power at the
Water Works has already saved the city thousands of dollars.
Mr. Grant married, November 5th, 1877, Mary Jane Flemings, who,
with their two sons, Royal F. and Glenn E., survive him. Fraternally
Mr. Grant was a member of St. Albans Lodge, No. 20, Ancient Free
and Accepted Order of Masons; of Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, Royal
Arch Masons; and of Marshall Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templar.
ROYAL F. GRANT. Energetic and enterprising, Royal F. Grant is
an excellent representative of the successful business men of Marshall,
and is well known throughout the city in connection with the Peerless
Fixtures Company, of which he has been the secretary and treasurer
since its formation. The oldest son of the late Edgar H. Grant, of
whom a brief sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, he was born, November 11, 1878, in Marshall, Michigan, which has always been his
home. He is of pioneer stock, his paternal grandfather, Lachlin Grant,
having been an early settler of Marengo township, Calhoun county, in
which the birth of Edgar H. Grant occurred.
Securing a fine record for scholarship as a boy, Royal F. Grant completed the course of study in the Marshall grammar and high schools,
and in 1896 was graduated from Cleary's Commercial College, in Ypsilanti. Returning home after receiving his diploma, Mr. Grant entered
the employ of his father, and continued with the Folding Bath Tub Company for several years. In June, 1909, he assisted in the organization of the Peerless Fixtures Company, which was incorporated under
the state laws, with a capital of $25,000, with the following named officers: W. E. Bosley, president; G. E. Grant, vice-president; and Royal
F. Grant, secretary and treasurer. This firm, which was established
in 1890, and incorporated in 1909 is carrying on an extensive and
highly lucrative business as designers and manufacturers of counters
and fixtures, more especially for use in grocery and general stores, employing a large force of men in the factory, and selling its goods
throughout the United States.
Following in the footsteps of his honored father, Mr. Grant is a
Democrat in politics as far as state and national affairs are concerned,
although in local matters he votes for the best men and measures regardless of party restrictions. For two years he served as city recorder,
and is now chairman of the Electric and Water Board Commissioners,
which is composed of two members beside himself, the others being
Francis S. Deuel and Collin Sinclair. Fraternally Mr. Grant is a member of Marshall Lodge, No. 179, Knights of Pythias; and the Knights of
the Maccabees; and St. Albans Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M.
In 1901 Mr. Grant was united in marriage with Grace Westfall, a
daughter of Mrs. Mary E. Westfall, and they have one child, Myron E.
Grant.
HENRY A. BUNNELL. Belonging to that class of men who have gained
a position of import among their fellows through the exercise of their




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


877


own powers and abilities, Henry A. Bunnell, one of the leading farmers
of Clarendon township, has been a resident of Michigan for about a half
century. During this time he has witnessed marvelous changes in this
part of the country, in seeing it grow from an untamed, timbered wilderness, to a prosperous farming community and center of education
and commercial activity. Mr. Bunnell was born in the state of Pennsylvania and is a son of Stephen and Hannah (McCray) Bunnell also
natives of the Keystone state. The father, who was born in 1819, was a
son of William Bunnell, an early settler of Pennsylvania, who spent
his last years there in agricultural pursuits. In 1862 Stephen Bunnell
came to Michigan, setting first in Tuscola county, where for some years
he was engaged in conducting a sawmill and in handling timber. In
1870 he went to Colorado to give his attention to mining, but during his
latter years went to Massachusetts, and there his death occurred. In
politics Stephen Bunnell was a Republican, but did not care for public
office nor position. He and his wife, who was born in 1824, had a family of seven children, Henry A., of this review being the third in order
of birth.
Henry A. Bunnell received his early education in the district schools
and completed his training at Ypsilanti. He then taught school for a
number of years and for six years was superintendent at Homer, subsequently removing to Carthage, Missouri, where he remained one year
in school work. In'the meantime he had carefully saved his wages, investing a little money judiciously, and in 1878 was able to make the first
payment on a farm of one hundred and eighteen and a half acres. IIe
pursues a course of mixed farming in connection with stock-feeding.
His property has been greatly improved by the erection of good, substantial buildings, fitted with modern appurtenances, and the entire
property gives evidence of the presence of excellent management. Mr.
Bunnell is regarded as one of the substantial men of his community, and
the able manner in which he has handled his own affairs has caused to
be placed in his care the settling of a number of estates. This is evidence
of the confidence in which he is held by those who know him, and that
he has retained that confidence is clearly evident. A Republican in his
political views, he has served as township inspector and member of the
board of county school inspectors. IHe and Mrs. Bunnell are members
of the Presbyterian church, she being especially active in religious work
and belonging to a number of societies in connection with the work of
the church. For some years she was engaged in teaching school in
Homer, beine' a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary, in Kalamazoo.
In 1875 Mr. Bunnell was married to Miiss J. Emma French, a daughter of George IT. French. who came to Calhoun county in 1835 and settled on a farm in Tekonsha township. In 1839 he moved to Homer,
where he was engaged in mercantile business, from which he retired
about two years prior to his death, which occurred in 1898. Mr. and
Mrs. Bunnell have three children: George F., a traveling man whose
home is in Fort Worth, Texas; Sarah Louise, who married Roy D. Gardner, cashier of the Calhoun County State Bank, of Homer; and Charles
A., engaged in the tin and plumbing business at Homer.
LUKE R. HAUGHEY. At Kalamazoo, Michigan, lives a man whose
life has been one of more than usual interest and adventure and continues to be remarkable in that, in the evening shadows now enveloping
It, robustness of body is equalled by lucidity of mind. A veteran of
two great wars in which the United States has participated, and an Indian fighter when the frontiers of civilization were threatened, Luke R.
Haughey has a world of experiences to draw on, and to the present




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8HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


generation these are more interesting, because personal, than the pages
of romance.
Luke R.i Haughey was born near Belfast, Ireland, May 15, 1820.
When a lad of fifteen years he left his native land for America, two of
his sisters also crossing the Atlantic Ocean but probably not at the same
time. When he landed in the United States the Erie Canal across the
State of New York to Buffalo, was in course of construction, then deemed
a stupendous engineering feat, and the youth secured work and was
more or less so employed as a canal laborer until 1846. In the meanwhile his sisters had acquired homes at Joliet, Illinois, and it was while
on a visit to them that he was given a position as lock-tender on the
canal at that point and there joined other young men when war with
Mexico demanded that a military force should be sent to the border.
He became a member of Company D, Sixth United States Infantry,
which command was hurried to the front and landed at Point Isabel,
near Vera Cruz, and then marched overland to join the forces of General Winfield Scott, at Puebla. The first real battle in which Mr.
Haughey took part was that of Contreras, where, the American troops
overcame the Mexicans and then marched on to Churubusco. The victories which followed the American army and the distinction which was
won by its commanders, are matters of history, but the heroism and
valor which made conquest possible, can never all be sufficiently told.
With the victorious army under General Scott went Private Haughey
and it was in storming the defenses of the city of Chapultepec that he
won admiration from his comrades for his daring. Perhaps there have
been few more gallant and courageous attacks, in any subsequent war,
than that made on the castle of Chapultepec. This fortification, guarding the gateway to the capital of Mexico, was located on a high rock and
its situation, with its mighty stone parapets bristling with cannon, was
supposed to be impregnable. Nevertheless it was apparent to General
Scott that that castle must be reached and among the 500 men chosen
from his command, on account of their known intrepidity, was Private
Luke R. Haughey, and he was one of the one hundred volunteers who,
with a ladder on his back, in the face of artillery, rushed down the hillside, and planted his ladder against the rocks. With a rush he, and
his comrades, scaled the wall and fell upon the surprised Mexicans.
The party had planned that half of the number should rush across the
inside of the garrison and close the gates before the Mexicans could escape, while the troops were entering on the other side, and Mr. Haughey
was one of the number who accomplished this dangerous mission. He
became a marked man and had his capture been effected otherwise
than on the day before General Scott took possession of the city of
Mexico, he might not be living today in his ninety-second year, to
modestly recall those historic days.
As a Mexican soldier, Mr. Haughey, after his two years of service,
was entitled to a bounty of 160 acres of government land and this he
proceeded to locate in the northeastern part of Kalamazoo county, Michigan. On this land he built a log house and having married some years
previously, moved his family on it. In spite of this attempt at improvement, it was a wild and lonely spot. As a farmer Mr. Haughey was
not particularly successful, never having been trained.to agricultural
pursuits and having a natural love of adventure and a somewhat roving
spirit as so often is combined with great physical courage. In 1861,
when a call resounded throughout the country for the gathering again
of, a great military force, Mr. Haughey found it irresistable and a
few months afterward enrolled his name as a member of Company H,
Seventh Michigan Volunteer Cavalry. Before he left for the front he






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


879


moved his wife and children back to their former home in Kalamazoo,
with the thought that in the town she could better bear his absence
and care for their little ones. This, however, did not prove to be the
case for times were hard and although her courage and resourcefulness
never failed, she soon realized that she must return to the desolate farm
and there try, in some way, to provide food and raiment. None will
ever fully know the heroism of her life. She strove and struggled with
wind, weather, sickness and misfortune but with it all never lost her
beautiful faith in an All-seeing, loving Heavenly Father, whose protecting care she daily, yes hourly, sought for her children. These children naturally, in their early years, had but meager educational opportunities, but this lack she patiently supplied as far. as was in her power
and the religious faith she implanted has never left them and they acknowledge its controlling force in their lives. The absence of her husband and his constant position of danger, was a source of constant
distress and a son has tenderly and vividly told to others of his recollections of her, when she would return to the waiting family with a letter from her husband, after a walk of sixteen miles, to the post-office
and back, to secure the precious message telling of his safety.
In the meanwhile Mr. Haughey was bravely and cheerfully performing a soldier's duties and during his three years of campaigning
was never wounded, never sick for one day and was never out of the
ranks for any purpose. He served in the army of the Potomac, under
such commanders as Custer, Kilpatrick and Sheridan-great warriors
all-and was present on many notable occasions, was in the battle of
the Wilderness, participated in the mighty struggle and slaughter at
Gettysburg, saw General Sheridan dash into Winchester and witnessed
the surrender at Appomatox. With many testimonials as to his valor
as a soldier and with the rank of first sergeant, Mr. Haughey returned
once more to private life but scarcely remained long enough to take up
home responsibilities before he joined his old commander, GeneralCuster, in the West and took part in the Indian warfare that antedated
the peaceful settlement of our western frontiers. He remained in the
West for some time, fortunately returning just prior to the great tragedy
on the Rosebud. Upon his return once more to his farm he again endeavored to adjust himself to agricultural life but it was difficult to
gain the right perspective after so many years of absence and soldiering and his efforts at farming and stock raising did not succeed. A
man may be a highest type of success in one career while in another he
may be a complete failure. The time came when this hero of 130 battles
was dependent upon his government pension as his sole independent
source of income, a pension justly earned and all too small in consideration of his public services.
In 1853, at Kalamazoo, Michigan, Luke R. Haughey was married to
Miss Mary Talbott, who was born in County Kildare, Ireland, February
11, 1835, and died in Kalamazoo, Michigan, November 2, 1906, when
aged seventy-one years. Her father was a man of comfortable means in
Ireland but he was led to believe that the United States offered still
better advantages for his children, and hence, in 1838 he disposed of his
possessions in County Kildare, and with his family came to America
and located in what was then the small hamlet of Brunson, which has
developed into the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In many ways both
he and wife were unprepared for the conditions that met them and in a
short time both died, six children surviving them, Mrs. Haughey being
then eleven years old. Through misplaced confidence she never received any portion of the forty-acre farm her father had bought and improved. From the above early age until her marriage she provided
Vol. II-18






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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


for her own necessities while attending school and as a young woman
was noted for her beauty, her household capacity and her deep seated
piety, a fervent, trustful and devoted member of the Roman Catholic
Church until the close of her life. To this marriage nine children were
born but only seven reached mature years, these being:   Mrs. Anna
Baumann, who is a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan; W. H., who is a
prominent physician and surgeon at Battle Creek, Michigan; Mrs. Ellen
Bellenger, who survived marriage but a short time; Minnie, who is the
wife of Dr. Grace, a physician in practice in Oklahoma; J. Charles, who
is in business at Tonica, Illinois; and Mrs. William Clark, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Haughey passed the anniversary of their
fiftieth year of marriage but no celebration.was held as at that time the
health of Mrs. Haughey was precarious. The life of Mr. Haughey has
bridged a great span in the history of his country and, venerable as
he is, he still takes a keen interest in all that concerns its welfare, not
deeming himself any hero, but nevertheless our present peace and prosperity rest on just what such men accomplished in the earlier day.
W. H. HAUGHEY, M. D. In the professions that make up a notable
element of public life and usefulness, at Battle Creek, Michigan, that
of medicine and surgery, as elsewhere, occupies a foremost place, and
in no section of the country has scientific progress been more eagerly
followed or more intelligently adopted. Old ideas and antiquated methods no longer rule the profession here, and there are practioners at
Battle Creek who have accomplished much in promulgating general
medical knowledge along lines of their own scientific discoveries, and
have performed miracles in surgical practice. A credit to his profession and an honor to his community in his enthusiasm, good citizenship, moral standards and personal life, whose twenty-four years of
continuous residence here has been one of usefulness and beneficence,
Dr. W. H. Haughey, secretary of the board of councilors of the Michigan State MLedical Society, may justly claim attention.
Dr. Haughey was born at Kalamazoo, Michigan, July 6, 1856, and is
a son of Luke R. and Mary (Talbott) Haughey. The father was born
near Belfast, Ireland, May 15, 1820, and still survives, a veteran of two
wars in the United States and a hero in both. The mother was born in
County Kildare, Ireland, near the Dublin line, February 11, 1835, and
her life closed at Kalamazoo, Michigan, November 2, 1906, when her
age was seventy-one years. Of this mother, who was a woman of rare
character and of wifely and parental devotion beyond compare, her
son has said: "All that I ever have been, all that I now am, all that
I ever may be, I owe to my mother." Her parents came from Ireland
to America in 1838, settling at what is now Kalamazoo, Michigan, but
later moving on a small farm. Her mother died shortly afterward and
at the age of eleven years she was fatherless. Her childhood was thus
burdened with grief but perhaps the hard discipline of those early
years partially strengthened her for the bearing of sorrows yet to come.
At the age of eighteen years she married and became the mother of
nine children. Circumstances entirely beyond her control brought about
hardship and privation during their youth, military service kept her
husband from the home fireside through many years of anxiety, and
it was not until age had reached her that peace and comfort came upon
her. A devoted and faithful member of the Roman Catholic Church,
she was not only diligent in her own religious life but set the example
and explained the precepts which her children benefitted by and which
have supported them in times of stress. Of her nine children seven
lived to maturity, these being: Mrs. Anna Bauman, of Kalamazoo,




I
e!








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881


MAichigan; W. H., of Battle Creek; Mrs. Charles L. Yeo, of Battle
Creek; Mrs. Ellen Bellenger, who died soon after her marriage; Minnie, who is the wife of Dr. Grace, of Oschelata, Oklahoma; J. Charles,
of Tonica, Illinois; and Mrs. William Clark, of Kalamazoo, where all
were born and educated.
Luke R. Haughey left Ireland when he was fifteen years of age and
after reaching the United States worked on the Erie Canal then being
constructed between Albany and Buffalo, New York. He was sent to
Joliet, Illinois, as lock-keeper on the canal there and from that point
he enlisted for service in the Mexican War, his commander being General Winfield Scott. For two years he served in Mexico and gained distinction for his valor. At the battle of the city of Mexico he was taken
prisoner but as the United States troops entered the city on the following day, his imprisonment was speedily ended. After he returned to
Kalamazoo his marriage took place and as he was entitled to a bounty of
160 acres of government land in Kalamazoo county, he settled on that
and partly cleared it. When civil war was precipitated he again awoke
the military ardor and enlisted as a private in Company H. Seventh
Michigan Cavalry, in the army of the Potomac, in which he served for
three years. After the close of the Civil War he accompanied one of
his old commanders, General Custer to the Indian country and had returned to his family just prior to the massacre on the Rosebud. For
some years he lived on his farm in Ross township, Kalamazoo county,
Michigan, but his present home is with his daughter, Mrs. William
Clark, at Kalamazoo..W. H. Haughey attended school in Kalamazoo county in boyhood
and youth and later, when his choice of career had been made, entered
the Detroit College of Medicine and completed his medical education
in that well known institution. In the spring of 1888 he came to Battle
Creek to enter into practice and here he has remained, building up his
reputation as a medical practitioner and skillful surgeon and making
and cementing connections with all that is important and pleasant in
the city's life. In his professional connections he has frequently been
honored by different bodies. He has served the city one term as health
officer; belongs to the American Medical Association; is a member and
for nine successive years was secretary of the Calhoun county Medical
Society, and for ten years has been secretary of the council of the
Michigan State Medical Society. He has long been identified with the
Knights of Columbus.
Dr. Haughey was married August 6, 1879, in St. Augustine Church,
Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Miss Elizabeth E. Converse, who is a daughter
of William H. and Sarah (Cooley) Converse.. The parents of Mrs.
Haughey were early settlers in Ross township, Kalamazoo county, where
they still reside, being now in the enjoyment of the home comforts which
their earlier efforts provided. Both are natives of New York, the father
having been born in Cayuga county, not far from Jordan, New York,
February 14, 1826, and the mother in the same vicinity, July 6, 1835.
To Dr. and Mrs. Haughey five sons and one daughter have been born,
namely: Wilfrid, who is a practicing physician at Battle Creek, with
office with his father, in the Kapp Block, No. 24 Main street, West;
Charles B., who has resided on his plantation in Cuba, since 1905, was
married in that island; Anna W., who fills the position of license clerk
in the city recorder's office; Walter J., who is superintendent of the
Buick Auto Company, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Louis J., who is in the
sales department of the above firm at Buffalo, New York; and Frank,
who is a student in the Battle Creek High School. All the children
were pupils in the parochial schools when young and several are high




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


school graduates. The family residence is at No. 24 Poplar street, Battie Creek. Dr. Haughey and family are members of St. Philip's Roman
Catholic Church at Battle Creek.
GALUSHA E. LAMB. A man of undoubted business sense and qualifications, Galusha E. Lamb, head of the firm of G. E. Lamb & Son, at
Marshall, is carrying on a substantial trade as a dealer in lumber, coal,
and builder's material of all kinds, being an active and influential factor in advancing the mercantile prosperity of this part of Calhoun
county. A native of Michigan, he was born, April 1, 1842, in Fenton,
Genesee county, and there grew to manhood.
His father, Hiram L. Lamb, was born in Wayne county, New York,
a son of Peter Lamb, a prosperous farmer, who was descended from
one of three brothers named Lamb, who emigrated from England to the
United States, one settling in Massachusetts, one in New York, and in
Ohio, the latter having been, without doubt, the Peter Lamb that located in Fairfield county, that state, in colonial days. Hiram L. Lamb
learned the trade of a millwright when young, and subsequently located
in Michigan, where he followed his chosen occupation many years.
Having a thorough acquaintance with every detail relating to his trade,
he built many of the flouring mills and saw mills between Pontiac and
Genesee, in each mill installing all of the necessary machinery. He
spent his last days retired from active work, passing away in 1894. His
wife, whose maiden name was Martha Eldred, was born in Wayne county,
New York, and died in Genesee county, Michigan, in 1875.
Laying a good foundation for his future education in the common
schools of Fenton, Michigan, G. E. Lamb continued his studies in the
Literary Department of the Ypsilanti College, after which he took a
commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, in Detroit. The following five years Mr. Lamb conducted a general store at
Saint Johns, Michigan.   Selling out at an advantage, he went to
Stanton, Montcalm county, where for seventeen years he carried on.
a good business as lumber manufacturer and dealer. Wishing to enlarge
his operations, Mr. Lamb formed a partnership with Lewis Thompson,
of Saginaw, Michigan, and was there in business as a member of the
firm of Thompson, Lamb & Company from 1890 until 1903. Disposing
of his Saginaw property in the latter year, Mr. Lamb moved with his
family to Marshall, where he had financial interests in several lumber
yards, in this part of the county, and here he has since built up a very
large and ever increasing trade, being senior member of the wellknown firm of G. E. Lamb & Son. This firm carries an extensive and
well selected stock of lumber and builders' supplies, including all
distinction in both sides of his house, and with traditions and examples
judiciously to the affairs of the township greatly to his own credit
materials used in building, and also dealing in coal.
Fraternally Mr. Lamb belongs to Saginaw Lodge, No. 77, Free and
Accepted Order of Masons, of which he is past master. HIe invariably
supports the principles of the Republican party at the polls, but has
never been an aspirant for official favors. He is fond of outdoor sports,
his special delight in the way of recreation is to go with his rod and
tackle to some nearby lake, where he can sport with the finny tribe, the
catching of bass being the most exciting and amusing entertainment
which he can imagine.
Mr. Lamb married, in 1866, Oracy M. Marlatt, daughter of Murray
Marlatt, a prosperous agriculturist of Frmnington, Oakland county,
Michigan. Two children have blessed their union, namely: Mary L.,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


883


wife of S. C. Jackson, now of Seattle, Washington; and George M.,
junior member of the firm of G. E. Lamb & Son.
COLLIN SINCLAIR. Endowed by nature with much mechanical ability, keen perceptive faculties, and a resolute spirit, Collin Sinclair
has won unquestioned success in his chosen occupation of a railroad
carpenter, and is now living retired from active pursuits in Marshall,
Calhoun county, having a pleasant home at No. 333 North Linden
street. Coming from honored New England ancestry, he was born, May
7, 1856, in Manchester, New Hampshire.
His father, Collin Sinclair, Sr., was a New Hampshire railroad
man in early life, for awhile resided in Lowell, Massachusetts, working
at his trade of a boiler maker. Coming to Michigan, he was employed
in the Michigan Central Railroad shops at Marshall for a number of
years, and subsequently lived retired until his death. His wife, whose
maiden name was Elizabeth Radford, outlived him many years, passing
away in 1902. She was the mother of three children, of whom Collin
is the only survivor.
Having acquired a practical education in the common and high
schools, Collin Sinclair began his active career as soon as through with
his early studies, for a number of years thereafter being employed in
the bridge department of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company.
Returning to Marshall, Mr. Sinclair was here similarly employed for
awhile, later superintending the building of the Cincinnati, Jackson and
Mackinac, now the D. T. and M., continuing with that company for
twenty years. Later accepting a position with the Santa Fe Railroad
Company, Mr. Sinclair located at Temple, Texas, where he remained
one year, at first having control of the building of tracks and bridges,
but afterwards serving as general railway master, having under his
direction about thirteen hundred men along the different lines. Returning north, Mr. Sinclair had charge of the building of the Lima &
Northern shops at Tecumseh, and in 1909, when he retired from railroad work, settling in Marshall. A man of sterling integrity and
worth, Mr. Sinclair has won well-deserved success by his thorough
mastery of his chosen work, and fidelity to his trusts, the respect in which
he is held throughout his community giving evidence of his upright
and manly life. He was formerly owner of two valuable farms, but
those he has sold, his financial interests being now centered in Marshall.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Sinclair was elected a member of the
Electric Light and Water Board Commission, and is now serving as its
chairman. Fraternally he belongs to Marshall Lodge, No. 179, Knights
of Pythias, of which he was a charter member.
In June, 1890, Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage with Miss Bertha
Wirtz, of Marshall, Michigan, and they have one child, Edna M.
Sinclair.
LYMAN PITTEE. When the death of Lyman Pittee occurred Battle
Creek lost a citizen who had aided materially in making her the beautiful city she is today. He came to this part of the country in pioneer
times and, without money or property, set to work to make a success
out of his life. He suffered numerous reverses, his mill being twice
destroyed by fire but with indomitable pluck he went forward, with a
serene trust in the God he served and a belief that all would be well
in the end. He built some of the finest homes in the city, and the
present condition of these structures is a striking proof of the honesty
and uprightness of the man. He has left behind him monuments that
will last for many years yet, and how many builders of the present




884


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


flimsy structures can be sure of such a reward of labor. Although
he never complained of the buffets he received from     the hand of
Fate, the struggle evidently was too much for him, for he was not an
old man at the time of his death.   A fitting tribute was paid to his
work and to his noble character, at the time of his death, in the text
from which his funeral sermon was preached "Know ye not that there
is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?"
Lyman Pittee was born in Pike, Wyoming county, in the state of
New York, on the 19th of February, 1821. His boyhood was spent in
the state of New York, and it was when Battle Creek was a tiny village
that he came to Michigan. This was in 1843 and he and his two brothers,
all of whom were carpenters by trade, had to face all the privations of
life on the frontier. At this time letters were sent on the C. O. D.
plan and a letter from home cost twenty-five cents. Often they went
to the postoffice, knowing that if a letter was waiting for them  they
could not have it because they did not have the money. In fact few
people in the little settlement did have any money in those days and
work was poorly paid, though prices were exorbitant. The brothers
struggled on and such courage and perseverance as theirs could not fail
tb meet with success. Hiram went into the employ of the Nichols and
Shepard company and remained with them until his death. Silas continued at the building trade until his last illness. Lyman took advantage of the fine water power at the corner of Jackson street and Jefferson avenue, and built a large planing mill here. This is now the site of
the Turner property. The mill began to prosper, and times were becoming easier for Mr. Pittee when the mill burned to the ground one
night and not only the building itself was lost but all of the valuable and
costly machinery. The loss was great and Mr. Pittee was staggered at
first but only for the moment. With splendid courage he rebuilt and
for two years the busy hum from his sash, door and blind factory was
heard. Then this too, met with destruction by fire. The excessive
rates for insurance in those days had made it impossible for him to
carry any on either of the structures which had been destroyed, but
when he built for the third time he took out an insurance policy. He
never fully recovered from the effects of these heavy losses, but he was
still the same cheerful man, whose presence was a welcome one in the
homes of so many people.
He continued after the destruction of his mill to work as a contractor and builder, and among the most important of his contracts,
though the buildings that he erected might be numbered by the scores,
are the following: the home of Dr. Spencer and that of the Neale
Brothers, on West Van Buren street; the Miss Roe home on Green
street; the brick residence on the corner of Yuba and Marshall streets;
the Peter Hoffmaster home, the 0. S. Clark residence on East Main
street and his own beautiful and costly residence at the corner of East
Main and Pittee streets; the Mayor Zelinsky, Foster and Hickman properties on Bennett street, the flat adjoining his own home on Pittee
street, the properties of ex-Mayor Green and Mr. La Fever on Marshall avenue, the Bathrick home on Upton avenue, all of which were
handsome and well planned residences, even before the installing of
the modern improvements that were not then in existence. In repairing
these homes and putting in electric lights and plumbing, the carpenters
have found lumber used that nowadays would be nearly priceless or at
least beyond the reach of the person of moderate means, showing how
conscientious Mr. Pittee was in all of the work that he did. Worn out
by a life time of toil, he died on the 27th of February, 1889. The following is an extract taken from an issue of one of the newspapers,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


885


published at the time of his death: "Mr. Lyman Pittee, whose death
occurred early Wednesday morning, after an illness of several months
was born in Pike, Wyoming county, New York. He came to Michigan
in 1843. He at once entered upon that business career which in time
made him one of the men of mark in our community. What he lacked
in means he made up in perseverance. He met with business reverses
and repeated losses by fire, but he met them in that brave, determined
spirit which plucks victory from the jaws of defeat, and while he never
fully recovered from these losses he did what was far better, and rare
under the circumstances; he maintained his honor and paid his honest
debts. He took a deep interest in the prosperity of Battle Creek, and
did what he could to advance its interests materially and morally. He
was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for more
than forty years was connected with its officiary either as steward or
trustee. He held the latter office at the time of his death.
He was a man of strong convictions politically; originally a Whig,
he very naturally became a Republican when that party was organized,
and to that party he remained true to the last. The only time he was
out of his house, for six months prior to his death, was when he was
taken in a cab to the polls, to vote for General Harrison.
"He had his share of domestic affliction, having lost two wives and
three children by death. His second wife and her only child, a bright
little boy, died within two weeks of each other. Mrs. Lina A. Benedict,
of Brooklyn, New York, is the only surviving child of his first marriage,
and Clarence H. Pittee, the only one of his last union.
"His strong frame and indomitable will held death at bay for many
months; he only yielded to the inevitable. A man of less strength and
resolution must have succumbed long before. He was brave and patient
throughout his long illness. If he expected to live he said little about
it and still less about death, he was not a man to shirk the one or fear
the other. His trust was in the Lord Jesus Christ, and more than once
he expressed perfect acquiesence in the Divine will. His mind was
bright and clear to the last. His last words to his weeping family were
'All be good.'
"His funeral was held from the Methodist church Friday afternoon,
and notwithstanding the storm, was largely attended. The pew he had
occupied regularly for twenty-nine years was vacant and draped in
mourning.  The funeral sermon by Reverend James Hamilton, from
II Samuel, third chapter, thirty-eighth verse, though eulogistic of a
strong man's character was not over drawn or undeserved. The floral
offerings, the singing and the ritual services were all in keeping with
the proprieties and the solemnities of the occasion. Thus one after another of our pioneer citizens are passing away, may those who succeed
them be as noble and as upright as they."
The widow of Lyman Pittee now resides at the old home at 185 East
Main street. She was Charlotte Dwinnell, and her marriage to Mr. Pittee took place on the 13th of September, 1859. She is the daughter
of the late Henry L. Dwinnell. Her father and his brother were closely
connected with the history of the town of Wheatfield, which is situated
in the Kalamazoo river valley, and is surrounded by some of the richest
lands in the state of Michigan. In 1831, during the month of August,
the two Dwinnell brothers took up the land, which later became the
town site. The farm upon which they located had at one time been an
old Indian village, and the burying ground and the corn fields were
near by. During the early days of the white race in this country the
farm had been the site of a French trading post, and a number of
graves of these French settlers were found. Each of these graves had




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


little pens built of poles around them, and at the head was a wooden
cross. Henry Dwinnell was the first person to be married in Emmett
township. He married Celista L. Warren, a daughter of Stephen Warren. The ceremony took place on the 18th of December, 1834, and the
justice of the peace, who performed the ceremony was Benjamin T.
Dwinnell, the brother of the groom. The first bridge across the Kalamazoo river in this township was one built of poles, by the Dwinnell
brothers. Mrs. Pittee, having a father who was so active in the early
days of the state, has a right to feel a very real interest in the affairs
of the community. She is proud of the work that her father and his
family did in the building of the state, and no less proud of the record
which her husband left behind him. Her only surviving child, Clarence H. Pittee, who is route agent for the National Express Company,
lives in his home next to his mother's at 10 Pittee street. Her daughter Mrs. 0. A. Allen died very suddenly, while apparently in the best
of health, leaving two children. Louise M. is now the wife of Frank
W. Calvert who is connected with the post-office in Battle Creek. The
son Charles H. Allen lives with his grandmother, Mrs. Pittee.
JERVIS H. WATTLES, M. D. In point of years of consecutive practice in Battle Creek Dr. Wattles is now the city's oldest active representative of the profession which he has signally dignified and honored
by his character and services, and he has long held precedence as one
of the distinguished physicians and surgeons of this section of the
state, even as he has stood for the highest ideals of citizenship and has
retained secure place in the confidence and affectionate regard of the
community in which he has lived and labored with much of self-abnegation and with great ability, his circle of friends in Calhoun county
being coincident with that of his acquaintances and few citizens
being better known. For nearly half a century has he been engaged
in active professional work in Battle Creek and the surrounding country, and while in recent years he has attempted to retire in large degree
from his arduous labors he has found it impossible to resist the demands
of many of the families to whom he has ministered long and faithfully
and by whom he is regarded as "guide, philosopher and friend."  He
has achieved specially high reputation as a surgeon and has been a
close observer of the highest ethical code of his profession. Further
interest attaches to his career by reason of the fact that he is a native
son of Michigan and a scion of a family whose name has been identified with the annals of the state since the territorial epoch in its history.
Dr. Wattles was born in Troy township, Oakland county, Michigan,
on the 7th of September, 1840, and is a son of Harper and Emeline
(Dewey) Wattles, the former of whom was born at Binghamton, Broome
county, New York, and the latter at Franklin, Delaware county, that
state. The parents were numbered among the sterling pioneers of Oakland county, Michigan, where they established their home in 1837, the
year which marked the admission of Michigan as'one of the sovereign
states of the Union. The lineage of the Wattles family is traced back
to staunch Scotch origin, and the original orthography of the name was
MeWattles, this being retained by the founders of the family in America, where the prefix was eliminated from the name, which has been
linked with the history of the nation from the colonial era.
Alexander Wattles, grandfather of the Doctor, first came to Michigan in 1835, making the trip by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo, where
he purchased a pony, which he rode through Canada to Windsor, from
which point he crossed on the ice over the Detroit river to Detroit, on




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


887


Christmas day of that year. He made his way into Oakland county, to
explore the district in search of land, but he was not at the time pleased
with the conditions and opportunities presented, with the result that
he returned to Detroit, from which point he rode his pony through to
Chicago, which great western metropolis was then represented by Fort
Dearborn and the few log buildings surrounding the same. From Chicago he returned to Oakland county, Michigan, where he finally took
up a tract of government land, in Troy township, but he did not remove
his family to this new home in a virtual wilderness until 1837. Both he
and his wife passed the closing years of their lives in Oakland county,
and he was eighty-four years of age at the time of his.death. Ile became
a citizen of prominence and influence in the county, did much to foster
its civic and industrial development and at one time served as its
representative in the state legislature. Both he and his wife were
devout members of the Baptist church, and in the early days, in the
absence of a regular clergyman, he frequently occupied the pulpit and
gave earnest sermons. Of his five sons and five daughters, none are
now living. The youngest of the sons, Silas B., died from accident July
2, 1912 aged 84, still owning and residing upon the old homestead
farm.
Harper Wattles, father of the Doctor, came with other members
of the family to Oakland county in 1837, the members of the party and
the household goods being transported by way of the Erie canal to
Buffalo and thence by sailing vessel on Lake Erie to Detroit, from
which point the transfer to the new home in Oakland county was made
by means of team and wagon. He became prominently identified with
early development and progress in southern Michigan and devoted considerable attention to work as a civil engineer, in which he had much
proficiency. He had assisted in the construction of the Erie canal, and
after coming to Michigan he was engaged for two years in the work of
surveying for the canal from Mount Clemens to Benton Harbor across
the state. In these operations he was assistant to John B. Jervis, who
was a man of much ability and prominence at the time and in whose
honor the subject of this review was named. Harper Wattles continued
to be successfully identified with agricultural pursuits and other interests in Oakland county for many years, but his health became much
impaired and he passed the closing years of his life in the home of his
son Dr. Jervis H., in Battle Creek, where he died at the age of sixtyfour years, his loved and devoted wife having passed away in Oakland
county, at the age of forty-four years and both having been zealous
members of the Baptist church. The remains of both rest in the cemetery of their old home township in Oakland county. They became the
parents of three children, of whom Dr. Wattles is the eldest; Emma G.
is the widow of Eugene Harbeck, and resides in Chicago, the youngest
of the number, Ralph D. Wattles, resides in Battle Creek. Dr. Wattles
gained his early education in the common schools of his native county
and after due preliminary discipline along academic lines he entered
the medical department of the University, which he attended during the
years 1864 and 1865. He then returned to Oakland county and engaged in the practice of his profession in the village of Birmingham,
in the meanwhile continuing his medical studies. In the autumn of
1865 he entered the Cleveland Medical College, at Cleveland, Ohio, the
medical department of the Western Reserve University, and there he
distinguished himself by special proficiency hn all branches, so that
he was graduated with high honors, as a member of the class of
1866. In addition to the regular curriculum he pursued a thorough
course in the manual of operative surgery, under Professor Milton




888


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


J. Woodworth, and he was in this connection one of the first
class in this or any other medical institution to receive separate diplomas for qualification in special surgery. His precedence in the knowledge of anatomy obtained him further recognition, as during his college
course he served for a portion of the time as demonstrator of anatomy.
After receiving his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine, Dr.
Wattles returned to Birmingham, where he continued in successful
practice until May, 1868, when he came to Battle Creek, which has
continued the stage of his protracted and notably successful work in
his profession during the long intervening years. No local physician
and surgeon has attained to a higher degree of success and prestige
and none is held in higher esteem in the community. An idea of the
extent of his service in a professional way may be gained from the
statement that he has been present as attending physician at the birth
of fully two thousand children, and that he has thus ministered in
ushering into the world children of a goodly number at whose birth
he likewise attended. He is striving to retire from the more exacting
work of his profession, but there are a number of the older families and
loyal friends who will consent to having no other physician.
Dr. Wattles has within recent years in connection with his brother,
Ralph D. Wattles started a model fruit farm, which is situated
four miles west of the city, in Bedford township, and which is being
conducted on thoroughly scientific lines. He takes great interest in
this place, and has over one thousand fruit trees of different varieties,
and in attending to the "Wattles Fruit Farm," as it is known, he finds
both recreation and satisfaction. In politics the Doctor has ever given
stalwart allegiance to the Republican party; he is a charter member of
A. T. Metcalf Lodge, No. 419, Free & Accepted Masons; and is a zealous
and liberal member of the Independent Congregational church, of which
his wife likewise was a zealous adherent. During his long years of
practice he has kept. in touch with the advances made in both medical
and surgical sciences and has availed himself of the most approved
methods and remedial agents.
On the 4th of November, 1863, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Wattles to Mrs. Caroline Whitney, who was born and reared at Oneida,
New York, and who came in her girlhood to Michigan, her father, the
late David Seymour, having been one of the honored pioneers of Oakland county. Mrs. Wattles was a woman of most gentle and gracious
personality and her memory is revered by all who came within the
sphere of her influence. She was summoned to the life eternal on the
14th of January, 1905, and is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Eudora
E. Webb, who was born in Birmingham, Michigan, and whose home is
now located near the old homestead of her father, at 116 North avenue,
the latter having been the residence of the Doctor since 1876 and his
loved wife having made it a center of most refined and gracious hospitality. Mrs. Webb has one son, Jervis B., who was graduated in the
mechanical engineering department of the University of Michigan in
June, 1912, and who is destined to achieve marked success in his chosen
profession. He was president of the Delta Upsilson fraternity at the
University at the time of his graduation, and now holds an important
position in a new field of "Acoustical Engineering" with the Johns
Mansvill Co., of New York City.
BERNARD J. ONEN. Of the younger members of the bar in Calhoun
county, Bernard J. Onen is one of the most prominent. He has practiced for a little over ten years, and has succeeded in building up a
practice which an older lawyer might envy. He is a clean, wholesome




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


889


young man, of the best type that our big universities turn out, and
who in themselves are irrefutable proofs of the fallacy of the late Mr.
Crane 's remarks concerning college and university men.   I-Ie is ardently enthusiastic over his work, and his personal charm has had much
to do with his success. He has much tact, and yet is frank and open in
all of his dealings. His training for his profession was very thorough
and he has never ceased to study and to keep abreast of the times. He
is of Irish descent and inherited two of his most striking characteristics from this parentage, his wit and his love of a good fight. He is a
fighter to the last gasp, and when he is enlisted in an affair he will
never give up until the case is absolutely settled one way or another.
This fondness for battle, as well as his belief that every man should take
an active part in politics or at least as far as possible, has led him into
the political field. He has been as successful a politician as a lawyer,
and further triumphs are waiting him in the former capacity.
Bernard J. Onen was born at Dowagiac, Michigan on the 20th of
January, 1878. His father was James Onen and his mother was Cecelia
(Duffy) Onen. Both of his parents were born in New York state and
both were of Irish blood. His mother has been dead for twenty-two
years, but his father is still living. His parents were married in the
state of New York and came out to Michigan about 1856 or 1858. His
father has been interested in various industries, at different times. He
has been a miller and interested in the meat business, and he now is in
the hardware business at Dowagiac.    He is a fine old man, of that
sturdy class who have spent their lives helping to make Michigan a
great commonwealth, and although we are now beginning to give the
credit that is due them to that first group of early pioneers who opened
up the land and first ran a plough through the soil, we are in danger of
forgetting that those who followed somewhat later, also had much to
do with the industrial, and commercial development of the country.
Bernard Onen was the youngest of five, the other children being Mary,
Frances, Dennis H. and Helen. All four live at home, and Bernard is
the only one of the family who is married.
His early education was received in the public schools of his native
town, and he was graduated from the high school in 1896. He received
his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1900, having spent
three years at Ann Arbor. He was admitted to the bar the same year
that he was graduated, the scene of this event being Ann Arbor, Michigan. In November of this same year he came to Battle Creek and went
into practice. He entered the office of Hulbert and Mechem, leading
firm of old practitioners, and started in by himself in March, 1902. He
had the necessary self confidence, and learned the lessons that all
young men have to learn by experience. He has had his offices in the
Post building for practically the whole time, and his practice has been
general.
In politics Mr. Onen is Republican, and in the campaign of 1912, he
takes an active interest, and is willing to do his share for the grand old
party. He has represented his fellow citizens as alderman from the
Third ward, and during the four years, from 1904 to 1908, in which
he served, he was ever ready to back any bill or movement that was
progressive, or beneficial to the people. He is greatly in demand in
the social world of Battle Creek, and is a member of the Athelstan
Club and of the Elks.
On the 20th of April, 1906, the marriage ceremony was performed
between Bernard Onen and Miss Louise C. Crispell. The bride was the
daughter of Theora and Alice H. (Hamblin) Crispell.     Her parents
were old residents of Battle Creek, and her grandfather. Alexander C.




890


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Hamblin, was one of Battle Creek's first bankers and did much to
build up the town in a commercial way. Mrs. Onen was born on the
site where the Post building now stands. She was educated in Battle
Creek and in New Mexico, where her father spent fourteen years in an
attempt to regain his health. He was finally forced to give up the struggle and died in that far away state. On coming back to Michigan, Mrs.
Onen attended the Sherwood Conservatory of Music in Chicago, and is
an accomplished musician. Her mother is still living, and she and Mr.
Onen are the parents of a little baby girl, who was born in Battle Creek,
on the 5th of September, 1910. The residence of Mr. Onen is 130 Frelinghuysen avenue, and his offices are 303 Post building.
JOHN F. HALLADAY. Few families have been longer and more acdays. In the present generation the name is most familiarly associated
tively identified with the interests of Calhoun county than the Hallawith the flourishing wholesale grocery concern of J. F. Halladay &
Son at Battle Creek, but back in the pioneer times the men of this name
were also widely known as successful farmers and land owners.
Calvin Halladay, the grandfather of the late John F. Halladay, was
the founder of the family in this county, and was the original owner
of an entire section of land in Bedford township, where by his enterprise and pioneer endeavor he helped promote the material development of this county out of the conditions of the wilderness. One of
his sons was James C. Halladay, who died at Battle Creek in 1872,
and he in turn was the father of John F. Halladay.
At his death on May 8, 1895, John F. Halladay had attained conspicuous business success and a place of high honor among his associates and in the community. Fifty years of age when his career closed,
he was born in Battle Creek in 1845. After a few years spent in school
he began the serious work of life at an early age, both in the fields on
his father's farm and in his brick yard. He was still a youth when he
and his brother, Austin S., engaged in the retail grocery business, with
which he was identified for thirteen years. In 1882 he became the representative for the sale of the Standard Oil Company's products in this
territory, and continued in this business until his death. In 1885 he
established the wholesale grocery which has had such an important position in the larger trade of Battle Creek for over a quarter of a century,
and he himself was the active head of the business until his death. The
original location of this establishment was at 41 East Main street. By
legitimate and honorable business methods he acquired material independence, and throughout his career had a reputation for just and
considerate dealings with all men.
He was a member of the St. Thomas Episcopal church, and his politics was Republican. A charter member and prominent in the Knights
of Pythias lodge, he served as representative to the grand lodge. His
wife, whose maiden name was Caroline M. Squire, a daughter of Daniel
Squire, died on May 8, 1896, just one year after her husband and within
fifteen minutes of the same hour as his death occurred. They were the
parents of two children: Frank E., whose sketch is given below; and
Blanche E., the wife of Hilliard Lyle, of Detroit.
FRANK E. HALLADAY, son of.the late John F. and Caroline M.
(Squire) Halladay, is joint owner with his sister (Mrs. Hilliard Lyle)
of the wholesale grocery at 54-58 East Main street which for many years
has been conducted under the name of J. F. Halladay & Son.
Mr. Halladay was born in Battle Creek, June 16, 1865, and is the
great-grandson of the Halladay who in 1837 settled in Battle Creek, his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


891


being the seventh family to locate in this little community. As a boy
he attended the local schools and after his graduation joined his father
in the business which the latter had established largely for the benefit
of this son. For several years the wholesale house was conducted under
the name of J. F. Halladay, until 1889, when the present title was
adopted. Frank E. Halladay had a thorough business training, and
through his energy and commercial initiative has made this establishment rank high among the jobbing houses of southern Michigan.
He and his sister own the property in which the business is conducted
and also the adjoining Halladay Inn Hotel, besides other real estate in
the city.
One of the progressive citizens, he has co-operated with the movements for the commercial and civic upbuilding of his home city, and
for four years held the office of alderman from the fourth ward. In
politics he is Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and the Elks, and of the Athelstan Club. His home is at
158 Fremont street.
Mr. Halladay was married October 17, 1887, to Miss Jennie Louise
Hunsiker. She is a native of Bellvue, Michigan, where her parents, now
deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hunsiker, were one of the pioneer families. At the time of his death her father was in the general merchandise
business at Bellvue. Mrs. Halladay received her education in that town,
and there she was married. The three sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Halladay are all preparing to take an active part in the wholesale grocery
business. They are Clare E., Robin E. and John F. They received their
schooling here in Battle Creek, the first two being graduates of the
high school, and the youngest being still in school.
ALBERT N. FORD. A successful counselor at law and the present circuit court commissioner, Albert N. Ford has been identified with his
profession in Battle Creek for the past six years, and has an influential place in the affairs of this city.
Mr. Ford is a native of Battle Creek, born here January 17, 1882.
His father is Duane D. Ford, who for more than thirty years has conducted a real estate business here. His mother, whose death occurred
October 4, 1910, was Mrs. Sadie H. (Avery) Ford. Both parents were
natives of Bellvue, Michigan, and soon after their marriage they moved
to Battle Creek. Before their marriage the father was a steward for
the Goodrich Transportation Company on the lakes, with his headquarters in Chicago, but since locating in Battle Creek he has given
most of his attention to real estate and insurance. Of the two children, the other is Mrs. C. E. Patterson, of Toledo, Ohio. She received
her education in the St. Mary's convent at Monroe, this state, being
graduated from that school.
From the Battle Creek high school, where he was a member of the
class of 1901, Albert N. Ford went to the Michigan Military Academy
at Orchard Lake, one year, and then entered the University of Michigan, where he was graduated in the law department in June, 1906.
The same year he successfully passed his bar examinations before the
supreme court at Lansing, and during the following year was in the
employ of the Title Guarantee & Trust Company of New York City.
Returning to his home city in 1908, he began his practice in association with Arthur B. Williams and Ira Beck, their offices being over the
Old National Bank. After a year Mr. Ford withdrew and has since
conducted his own practice. September 1, 1909, Governor Warner appointed him to fill the vacancy in the office of circuit court commissioner,




892


HIISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and in the fall of 1910 he was chosen at the regular election for this
office.
Mr. Ford is chairman of the city Republican committee and takes
an active interest in local politics. He is a member of the Calhoun
county and the State bar associations, and belongs to the Episcopal
church. His office is over the Central National Bank, and he resides
at 35 Adams street. Mr. Ford has always taken an active part in social
affairs and the activities of the school and community. He was president of the high school class during his senior year, and was a member
of both the baseball and football teams during his four years in high
school, being captain of the baseball team in his senior year. Before
the abolition of fraternities in high school, he became a charter member
of the Kappa Iota Gamma of the Battle Creek high school. At Orchard
Lake he was a Kappa Phi, and a Sigma Chi in the university. He was
also on the junior hop committee at the university.
A. F. AVERY. Among the prominent business men and citizens of
Battle Creek in the generation about Civil war times, one of the most
honored and successful was A. F. Avery, who was born in 1835, and
came to Battle Creek in 1856. Here he learned the business of jeweler
with Mr. Claude Avery, and soon afterward went into business for himself. His ability resulted in the accumulation of a handsome property,
though he was still a young man at the time of his death.
Mr. Avery died at the age of forty-one, at Bellvue, Eaton county,
Michigan, February 27, 1876. He was laid to rest in Battle Creek,
where he had so many friends and business associates, with the Masonic
rites. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and one of the few at that
time who had taken so many degrees in this state. Mr. Avery's jewelry
business was conducted in a store where the Central National Bank now
stands. Bellvue was his home for a number of years, though his business was always at Battle Creek.
About 1859 Mr. Avery was married to Miss Frances Newton. Her
death occurred in 1861. Their only child became the wife of Mr. D. D.
Ford, and the mother of Albert N. Ford, the present circuit court commissioner of Calhoun county.
HONORABLE WILLIAM E. BOSLEY. One of the more successful business men of Calhoun county, Hon. William E. Bosley, president of the
Peerless Fixtures Company, and a wholesale and retail dealer of hardware, has been a commanding figure in the mercantile and industrial
circles, of Marshall for upwards of thirty years, his personal attributes
being such as would make him a leader in any sphere. He was born,
March 30, 1837, in Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, a son of
Daniel Bosley, and grandson of Edmund Bosley, who was born in New
England, of English ancestry.
Daniel Bosley embarked in business for himself when young, and
was prosperously engaged in mercantile pursuits in Livingston county,
New York, until his death, at the venerable age of seventy-nine years.
To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Lucia Richmond, six
children were born, as follows: B. R., of New York; Daniel B., of New
York; William E., the subject of this brief sketch; George H., for
many years a practicing physician in New York City; Lucia M., wife
of Charles Neff, of Livingston county, New York; and Ella, wife of
Herbert McClintock, also of Livingston county, New York.
Brought up in his native county, William E. Bosley was educated
principally in the Geneseo Academy, where he completed a full course
of study. He subsequently became familiar with the details of trade in::..




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


893


his father's store, and soon after attaining his majority embarked in
business on his own account, for twelve years thereafter being a general merchant at Lakeville, New York. In the spring of 1871, perceiving the rapid development of the middle west, Mr. Bosley migrated
to Calhoun county, Michigan, and for five years was engaged in general farming in the town of Marengo. Locating in Marshall in 1876, he
opened a store, putting in a good supply of machinery and implements,
and here built up a good trade with the near-by farmers. Succeeding
well in his venture, Mr. Bosley, in 1882, enlarged his stock, putting in
a line of shelf hardware, tinware, cutlery, and general house furnishings, and now carries a complete stock of everything connected with an
up-to-date hardware and implement establishment. Upright and square
in his dealings, and possessing good business tact and judgment, he has
built up a large and profitable wholesale and retail business. He is a
stockholder in other enterprises of note, and is president of the Peerless Fixtures Company, one of the leading industries of the city, and
is president of the B. B. Buggy Company. He is also one of the directors of the Commercial Savings Bank, a position which he has held
since its organization.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Bosley has served as a member of the
City Board of Aldermen, and in 1890 was elected mayor of Marshall.
In 1904 he represented the First Legislative District of Calhoun county
in the state legislature, and while a member of that august body was
ever true to the highest interests of his constituents. Fraternally he
is a member of St. Albans Lodge, No. 20, Ancient Free and Accepted
Order of Masons; and of the Knights of the Maccabees.
Mr. Bosley married, in 1863, Miss Julia A. De LaVergne, who was
born in Batavia, Genesee county, New York, a daughter of the late
Samuel and Marie De LaVergne. Mrs. Bosley passed to the higher
life in 1905, leaving two children, namely: Mary A. and Daniel W.
ALFRED H. TUTTLE, a practical and thriving farmer of Clarence
township, has devoted all of his responsible years thus far to the oldest
and most honored of occupations, the tillage of soil, and by honest and
fruitful endeavor has earned a place among the representative agriculturists of Calhoun county. He was born in Marengo township, Calhoun county, Michigan, February 25, 1865, was reared and received a
common school education there, and began in early life to make his
way by his own efforts. For a number of years he worked by the month
as a farm hand; then in 1900 he bought his present farm of forty acres
in Clarence township where he has since given his attention to general
farming. He has improved the property to considerable extent since
he has been its owner and has a pleasant rural home. In political views
he is aligned with the Republican party.
On the paternal side Mr. Tuttle springs from an old New York
family, there still being many residents in that state bearing his family
name, and on his mother's side he comes directly of Irish ancestry, she
having been born in Ireland. Harvey Tuttle, the father, was born near
the city of Rochester, New York and married Rosana Graham. They
came to Michigan about 1853 and settled on a farm of eighty acres which
they bought in Sheridan township, Calhoun county, and on which they
resided a number of years. He was a blacksmith by trade. The wife
and mother passed away in 1870 and the father later joined, her in death.
They were the parents of six children, of whom three are now living and
of whom Alfred H. was fourth in order of birth.
In 1890 was solemnized the marriage of Alfred H. Tuttle and Miss
Anna Cole, daughter of Franklin and Susan (Palmer) Cole.      Both




894


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. and Mrs. Cole were born in New York, he in 1819 and she is 1822.
He came to Michigan in an early day and in 1865 bought a farm in Calhoun county, but later removed to Ottawa county, Michigan, where he
died. A Republican in politics, he at one time served as supervisor of
Clarence township, and both he and his wife were members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle have no children.
CHARLES E. WALKER. The agricultural and stock interests of Calhoun county have an enterprising representative in the person of Charles
E. Walker, of Clarence township, who is one of the most prosperous
farmers of that community and is especially interested in the breeding
of fine horses. He owns and handles the imported French coach stallion, Serious, also owns several Percheron mares, and is much interested
in the raising of fine draft horses. He is a member of the Michigan
State Breeders' Association. He was married in 1872 and shortly afterward bought the farm of 125 acres in Clarence township on which he has
since resided. That was not the beginning of his identification with
the industry of agriculture, however, for he was reared a farmer boy
and had worked by the month for different farmers for several years
prior to taking up the occupation independently. He has put thought
as well as labor into his efforts and has been well rewarded. Besides
this comfortable homestead he also owns another of eighty acres near
Brookfield, Eaton county, Michigan, and has given his attention principally to general farming.
Charles E. Walker was born in Ohio, January 12, 1849, and is a
son of the venerable John T. Walker, of Eaton county, Michigan, who
has reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. The father is a native
of Pennsylvania, in which state he was born October 30, 1826, was
reared and educated. John T. Walker was wedded in Ohio to Mary
Ann Lewis, who was born in New York in 1828 and died on January 12,
1861. She bore him four children: Charles E. of this review; Horace
J., now a resident of Clarence township; Amelia, the wife of Austin
Price, one of the representative farmers of Clarence township; and
Edgar E., who resides in the village of Burlington, Calhoun county.
In 1865 Mr. Walker took as his second wife Miss Emily Ferguson, who
died in 1900. No children came to this union. From 1850 until 1867
he farmed in Ohio; then in the latter year he removed to Eaton county,
Michigan, and located near Brookfield, where he purchased a farm of
eighty acres and still resides on it. In earlier years he was a Whig,
but for the last half century he has given his political allegiance to the
Republican party and has held different of the township offices. In
religious faith he is a Methodist and has served on the board of stewards
of his church.
Charles E. Walker was entering young manhood when the family
removed from Ohio and in that state he had received a practical common school education. Shortly after coming to Michigan he took up
work by the month as a farm hand and was thus employed until his
marriage in.1872 to Annie M. Armstrong, daughter of John Armstrong,
of Eaton county. Soon afterward he settled on his present homestead
in Clarence township and for nearly forty years has been numbered
among the sterling citizens of that community. He is a Republican in
politics. Death entered the family circle on April 12, 1905, and claimed
the loving wife and mother. The four children that came to Mr. and
Mrs. Walker are: John A., associated with his father in his farming
and stock business; Elmer A., who conducts his father's Eaton county
farm; Stella, the wife of Claude Towns, a Jackson county farmer; and
Nannie, who is now Mrs. Horace Barnum, of Eaton county. Mr. and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


895


Mrs. Walker also reared twin niece and nephew of the latter, Lawrence and Florence Betts, whom they took under their care at the age
of six years. Lawrence is still with Mr. Walker, but Florence is now
Mrs. Charles Graham and lives at Albion, Michigan.
SAMUEL J. TITUS. An industry whose wheels have been turning and
whose machinery has been making useful products for more than
half a century is always an interesting institution in the life of a
community. This interest is enhanced in the case of a mill which
through all these years has been making a commodity for the daily
vital sustenance of the people. To provide food for the people is an
occupation possessing all the fine qualities of service and dignity that
can be ascribed to the most aristocratic of pursuits and professions.
And this has been the successful work, through two generations, of the
mill out on West Madison street in Battle Creek. For sixty years the
waters of the stream have been turning its machinery, and its product
has furnished the bread for many of the oldest as well as the youngest
citizens of this vicinity.
The Star Mills of Titus & Hicks are of course the modern institution
-a fine roller-process flouring mill, with a daily capacity of two hundred
barrels. Though water power has always been used, the crude water
wheels and mechanism of the pioneer times have long since been replaced by the machinery of modern invention. Yet as an institution,
the mill has had a continuous history, and for practically sixty years
has been operated by the same families.
The first directory of Battle Creek, for the year 1869, states that
the Titus & Hicks mill was the first grist mill in the town. It was
established about the year 1852. Chester Buckley and Ellery Hicks
owned it together for a time, until 1853, when Richard F. Hicks bought
the Buckley interests, thus creating the firm of Titus & Hicks under
which name the mill has ever since been operated. At the time of the
directory above mentioned, the business was known as the People's
Mill.
Richard F. Titus was born at New Rochelle, New York, October 20,
1800. His parents were Samuel and Sarah (Pearsall) Titus, the
former a substantial miller at New Rochelle during the early years of
the nineteenth century. In that mill Richard F. worked while a boy
and obtained a fundamental knowledge of the business. While he was
a boy the sea exercised a powerful fascination for the youth residing
near the Atlantic, and he was one of the many who sailed before the
mast. At the age of eighteen he had advanced to be captain of a sailing vessel, and for many years was engaged in the West Indies and
South American trade.
In 1843, having left the sea, he came to Michigan and settled at
Battle Creek, where he spent the remainder of his life. The following
year, 1844, he was married at Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Frances Walling, who was born in Vermont, and they then returned to Battle Creek
and began married life at the homestead where their son Samuel J.
still resides. They were both Quakers by training and faith, and at
Battle Creek they were among a number of like religion who were
early settlers here. For some time Richard F. Titus engaged in the
merchandising business with Jonathan Hart, and then was a partner of
Henry Cantine in the lard and oil business. This was in the years
before the introduction of petroleum, and a considerable industry for
some years was the manufacture of what was called "lard oil" for
illuminating purposes. While he was engaged in the merchandise
business, his store was in the building at the corner of Main and MonVol. 1I-1 9




896


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


roe streets that is still standing as one of the landmarks of the old
business district.
Then in 1853 he bought the interest in the grist mill which brought
him into business association with Ellery Hicks, as already mentioned.
At the death of Mr. Hicks soon afterward, he was succeeded by his son
William, who has ever since represented the second name in the firm
of Titus & Hicks. Richard F. Titus died in June or July, 1868. His
wife survived him many years, passing away in March, 1894. Of their
two sons, the younger, Richard, died when three years old.
Samuel J. Titus, son of the pioneer miller and his successor in
business, was born here in Battle Creek, January 16, 1846, and obtained
his education in the public schools and business college of this city. A
year before his father's death he entered the mill, and since 1868 has
been a member of the Titus & Hicks firm. In 1874 the old mill was
torn down to make room for the mill that has been in use to the present
day. At the same time the capacity was increased from twenty-five
barrels of flour a day to one hundred and twenty-five. However, the
old burr-system of grinding was still retained, up to 1885, when the
roller process machinery displaced all the old style equipment, and at
the same time the capacity was enlarged to two hundred barrels a
day.
Mr. Titus has been identified with much of business and civic life
of his city for many years. He has been a director of the Old National
Bank since 1894, and is treasurer and a director in the Millers Mutual
Fire Insurance Company of Lansing and a director of the Commercial
Insurance Company of the same city. In 1909-10 he served as president
of the Athelstan Club, and is also a member of the Elks. He and his
family reside at 115 Maple street. November 21, 1871, Mr. Titus was
married at East Aurora, New York, to Miss Kate F. Hills. Her father
was Henry Hill of East Aurora. She was born at Buffalo, New York,
where she also received her early education. Mr. and Mrs. Titus are the
parents of three children:  Mrs. William  Skinner of Battle Creek;
Francis Moulton of Rockford, Illinois; and Richard H., of Battle
Creek-all of them natives of this city, where they attended the local
schools.
CHARLES MERRITT. One of the men to whom Battle Creek, Michigan
owes a debt of gratitude, though were he alive he would say that he
should be grateful to Battle Creek for the prosperity she gave him, is
Charles Mlerritt, who has been dead for a number of years but whose
memory is still bright in the hearts of many. His family were pioneer
settlers in Battle Creek, and his connection with the life of the city was
a close one. In handling the large pieces of real estate which were
under his care, he showed a keen business sense, but in all his dealings in real estate, a business which bears a reputation for offering
greater opportunities to the dishonest than any other save, perhaps,
horse-trading, he never swerved from the straight path of honor. He
would sooner have lost his fortune at one fell swoop than to have cheated
another out of a cent. Had Mr. Merritt not. been a man of wealth and
prominence in the city, his influence would still have been a powerful
one, on account of the strength of his character and the power of his
mind, which easily separated the false from the true, and read men
like an open book.
Charles Merritt was born in Saratoga county, New York, on the
14th of October, 1820. His father was Joseph- Merritt, who was also
born at the old home in the same house where his son was born. The
date of his birth was the 19th of June, 1782 and here on the farm he




ex ^ Af jvu^C








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


897


was reared and married and his nine children were born. He carried
on farming on an extensive scale, but he determined to go to the west,
in spite of the success which he was meeting. This was partly on account of his sons in order that he might have more land to leave to
them, and partly in hopes that his health, which had not been very good
would improve in the bracing air of the western prairies. He came to
Battle Creek in 1835, his family came in 1836, with the exception of
his son, William, who had preceeded the others and acting as agent, for
his father had purchased a section of land. This section was located
within the present limits of Battle Creek, lying between north and East
avenues. The first home of the family was built on the present site
of the Merritt homestead on Maple street. At one time a part of the
old house was moved to another part of the farm and in 1900 it was
torn down to make room for more modern buildings. Joseph Merritt
practically lived in retirement after coming to Michigan, though he
continued to interest himself more or less in the work of the farm until
his death. He took an active interest in all of the questions of the day,
especially in those relating to slavery. His home became a meeting
place for prominent anti-slavery workers, and frequently such men as
William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Parker Pillsbury and Henry
C. Wright were entertained at his home, where Lucy Stone and Sojourner Truth were frequent visitors. While Mr. Merritt never took
the platform in defense of the abolition of slavery, he nevertheless exerted a strong though quiet influence in that direction. Through many
generations the Merritt family had been members of the Society of
Friends, and as is well known the Friends always championed strongly
the abolition of slavery. Joseph Merritt with his brothers Abram and
Isaac and his brother-in-law, Jonathan Hart, founded and supported
a Friends' meeting house on the site now occupied by St. Philip's Roman
Catholic church. The Merritt family became a strong moral force in
the community and Joseph Merritt exerted a powerful influence for
good which was felt long after he had passed away. His death occurred
on the 24th of October 1863.
Joseph Merritt was married on the 18th of August, 1813, to Miss
Phoebe Hart, a native of the state of Connecticut, where she grew up.
Mrs. Merritt was born on December 17, 1791, and died on November 2,
1870. Eight children were born to this couple, namely: Jane, who
became the wife of Thomas Chandler, of Adrian, Michigan; William,
who for many years was a resident of Battle Creek, and died in 1902;
Jonathan H., who died here in 1837; Daniel, who died in 1839; Charles,
of this review; Richard B., who was long a resident of this city but is
now dead; George, who is now living, San Diego, California; Phoebe
H., the deceased wife of Frank Stickney, and Joseph J., who died in
California.
Charles Merritt was a youth of fifteen, when the family removed
to Michigan. He had received good educational advantages in the east
and here he attended a Friends private school, conducted by John Mott.
He later went to the home of his uncle.George Barrett, at Spring Valley, Ohio, and here he began to learn the woolen manufacturing business. He became thoroughly acquainted with this business, and after a
time engaged in the business on his own account, in connection with his
brother George, under the firm name of Merritt Brothers. The enterprise was a success but feeling that his duty was in Battle Creek with
his father, Charles Merritt returned to the city to take care of his
parents who were now well along in years. He assumed the management of the estate, not however giving up his interest in the woolen
mills. This plant was after a time moved to Indianapolis, Indiana,




898            HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
and it was not until 1865, that Charles Merritt relinquished his interest in the business. He assisted in the government survey of northern Michigan, and in the Mineral Region. He in 1848 staked the spot
on which the now famous Calumet mines are located.
Joseph Merritt had made extensive purchases of land, including a
tract at Homer, on which was a mill, and also property at Bellevue, in
addition to large investments in reality in this locality. His property
here was known as Oak Openings. Charles Merritt took charge of all
this, relieving his father of the responsibility and care connected with
its management, and developed into a fine real estate man. He became
one of the pioneer fruit growers in this part of the state, and went into
fruit growing extensively. He made a speciality of the cultivation of
strawberries and peaches, having large beds and extensive orchards. He
also made a great success with the Lawton blackberries, and he speedily
became known as an authority on fruit culture, his opinions being
eagerly sought by fruit growers all over the state. He wrote many
valuable articles for the leading horticultural journals and one of his
articles on "Strawberry Culture," appeared only a short time before his
death in the New York Agriculturist. Mr. Merritt continued in that
line of business until the expansion of the city brought his land into
the city market and old orchards and gardens were subdivided and
platted, and were placed upon the market as Merritt's First, Second,
Third and Fourth additions to Battle Creek. Turning from fruit growing he now gave practically the whole of his time to managing his real
estate. Orchard avenue, a beautiful street, now lined with fine residences,
passes through the spot where the old orchard was. During the financial panic of 1872, Mr Merritt suffered heavy losses, but he succeeded in
winning back a large portion of his fortune.
On the 9th of June, 1857, Charles Merritt was married to Miss Elizabeth Margaret Chandler, daughter of William G. and Sarah (Taylor)
Chandler. Mrs. Merritt was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
and was educated at Kennett Square, Chester county, and was living
in Philadelphia when her marriage occurred. Her father spent his
boyhood and youth in Philadelphia, and after attaining his majority
married Miss Taylor, who lived in Chester county, Pennsylvania. Mr.
and Mrs. Merritt became the parents of four children, as follows: Mrs.
Minnie C. Fay, who resides with her mother in this city; Charles
Wendell, of Denver, Colorado; Maud Elizabeth, wife of Professor
Joseph H. Drake, of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and William Guest, of Oak Park, Illinois, which is a suburb of
Chicago. All of these children were born here in the old home. While
the Merritts were living in their first home in Battle Creek, then on
the farm, Colonel Stuart, expecting that Verona would be the town site,
built the house now occupied by Mrs. Charles Merritt. After the town
was deserted, this part of this house was purchased by Charles Merritt, and with the oxen used for breaking prairie it was removed during
the winter season to its present site and there remodeled.
On the 7th of April, 1893, Mr. Merritt died, and since that time
Mrs. Merritt has.supervised the property interests of the estate, showing marked ability in coping with the business world. She conducts
the sale of the lots with splendid success and her husband could not
have left his estate in better hands.
Mr. Merritt was always deeply interested in the welfare of the city
of Battle Creek, and was active in any movement that tended to better
conditions therein. He was a staunch Republican but always refused
to accept, office, though no man in his knowledge of the issues of the
day was better fitted to cope with public affairs than was Mr. Mer





HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


899


ritt. His leisure time was given entirely to his family and friends, and
how truly he was appreciated by the latter is shown in the following
letter written by a prominent man, to Mrs. Merritt shortly after her
husband's death. "While the loss is a severe one to you and the children
and a sad one for his friends, there are many comforting things connected with his passing away. First, we feel the separation is one for
a brief period; then we feel it is well with him. He had a broad, kindly
nature, a loving and generous disposition. He was gentle and in addition to this he was thoughtful and he not only thought good things
but what it better did them. Your children will be better for having
had such a father, you for having had such a husband, others for such
friendship. He was so entirely frank and honest that one only needed
to meet him to realize he knew a good man."
HOWARD V. ALLEN is one of the representative citizens of his town,
and a farmer of considerable ability. He shares with his father an
enviable reputation in that respect, and with him is engaged in the
operating of one of the fine farms of Calhoun county. Born on August
18, 1880, on the farm on which he now lives, Mr. Allen is the son of
Daniel C. and Matilda Caroline (Peek) Allen.
Daniel C. Allen is the son of Norman A. and Anne Eliza (Brown)
Allen, both natives of New York state, who came to Michigan in 1848.
The Allen family first located in Washtenaw county, but remained there
a very short time, moving into Calhoun county, and securing an eighty
acre tract which is a part of the farm now owned and occupied by his
son and grandson. Here Norman Allen and his wife lived and died,
rearing their family in the quiet, simple manner dictated by their similar natures. Mr. Norman was a prominent man in Calhoun county in
his time, and was a leader in the Democratic party. His wife was a
devout member of the Baptist church, and he was ever a regular attendant with her, although not a member. They reared a family of seven
children, of which number Daniel C. was the fourth born. When the
parents passed away, Daniel bought out the other heirs to the old home,
and there he continued to live, and still makes it his home and the
center of his life's activities. He has increased the farm to one hundred
and seventy acres, and with his son conducts a general farming enterprise. They have been very successful, and their combined efforts have
made the old homestead one of the attractive spots in the community.
Mr. Allen has always taken an active part in the political and civic life
of the town and county, and like his father, has been prominent in
the ranks of the Democratic party for years. He was supervisor of his
township for several terms, justice of the peace for years and commissioner of highways on more than one occasion. On the whole, he
takes rank as one of the leading citizens of the township and stands
high in the esteem and confidence of the community. In 1875 Daniel
Allen married Matilda Caroline Peek, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, on October 9, 1856, and came to Michigan in 1866 with her parents,
Egbert and Mary (Enos) Peek, natives of Pennsylvania and Canada.
The father died in 1869 at the early age of forty-three, while the
mother still lives. They became the parents of three sons;-Egbert L.,
now a teacher in the Central high school of Minneapolis, Minnesota;
Howard, of this review; and Norman W., also at home.
LIike his brothers, Howard Allen was given a liberal education.
After finishing the schools at Clarence, he took a complete course in
business training at Ypsilanti, followed by a special course in engineering at the Michigan State Agricultural College in Lansing. His tastfes
and inclinations led him to continue with the farm rather than to




900


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


follow any other line of activity, and he has thus remained with his
father, assisting him in the operating of the fine farm which represents
the birthplace of himself and his father.
He promises to lead a life of activity in county politics, and as a
Progressive Republican, was elected supervisor of his township in a
strong Democratic community, making the run with a large majority.
He is highly regarded among his fellow townspeople, and is known for
one of the most eligible bachelors in the township.
CHARLES R. W. SOUTHWICK, M. D. A well-known member of the
medical profession of Calhoun county, whose chosen field of practice is
the thriving village of Partello, is Dr. Charles R. W. Southwick, a
physician whose skill and ability have gained for him the universal
confidence and regard of the people of his community. Dr. Southwick
was born near the city of Cleveland, Ohio, April 20, 1875, a son of
Charles H. and Harriet Anne (Roth) Southwick, the former born in
Ohio, in 1853, and the latter in New York, in 1855, of English parentage.
Dr. Southwick traces his ancestors in America back to the year 1630,
when Laurence and Cassandra Southwick, Quakers, came to this country. His paternal grandparents were Lucien and Luciena (Stannard)
Southwick, and on the maternal side his grandparents were Richard and
Grace (Buckingham) Roth. Charles H. Southwick, the Doctor's father,
who is now living a retired life at Mount Pleasant, Michigan, was engaged in carpenter work and engineering during his early years, but in
1889 came to Michigan and located on a farm near Mount Pleasant.
Here he accumulated 100 acres of valuable land, but disposed of it in
1903, at which time he moved to Maryland, and was there engaged in
farming until 1910. Since that year he has lived a quiet life in Mount
Pleasant. He is a Democrat in his political views. Mr. and Mrs. Southwick have had four children, as follows:  Dr. Charles R. W.; Ellis
Eugene, who died September 10, 1911, at Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of
thirty-five years; Grace Alice, aged twenty-seven years, who married
William Sprague, of Mount Pleasant; and George Washington, of
Cleveland, Ohio, who is engaged in carpenter work.
Charles R. W. Southwick received his early education in the country
schools of Ohio and Michigan, supplementing this with attendance at
the Mount Pleasant high school, where he was graduated in the class
of 1901. At that time he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann
Arbor, remaining two years, in 1905 being graduated from the Detroit
College of Medicine with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately entered upon the active practice of his profession at Weidman, in Isabella county, Michigan, but four and one-half years later
came to the village of Partello, which has since been his field of practice. The Doctor has built up a large and lucrative professional business, and his remarkable success in a number of complicated cases has
given him a widespread reputation, both among his patients and his
professional confreres. He is an active and valued member of the
Calhoun County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association, and also holds membership in the
Blue Lodge of Masons at Olivet, and the Odd Fellows at Weidman.
His political convictions are those of the Republican party, but he has
not been an office seeker, his professional duties having demanded his
attention and satisfied his ambitions.
On August 17, 1904, Dr. Southwick was united in marriage with
Miss Edith M. Whipple, daughter of Mrs. Martha M. Whipple, and to
this union there have been born three children, as follows:    Lyla




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
I


901


Genevieve, who is deceased; and Helen Irene and Wayne Alden, who
are at home.
GEORGE RUNDLE. Although he has been engaged in agricultural
pursuits all his life, George Rundle is well known to the citizens of Lee
township, where he is operating a well-cultivated tract of forty-three
acres of valuable land. The successful manner in which he has conducted
his own affairs has made him the choice for one of the supervisors of his
township, where the citizens have faith in his ability to conduct public
interests as well. Mr. Rundle is a native-born citizen of Lee township,
Calhoun county, Michigan, his birth having occurred January 15, 1878,
the oldest of the seven sons comprising the family of Ellet and Ellen
(Diedrich) Rundle.
Peter Rundle, the grandfather of George Rundle, was the progenitor
of this family in America, coming to this country from England at an
early day and settling in Calhoun county, Michigan, on a farm in
Newton township. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Rundle was a native of the Fatherland and his wife of France, she bearing the maiden
name of Mary Campbell, and on coming to the United States they
settled on a farm in Marengo township, where they spent the remainder
of their lives. Ellet Rundle was born in Newton township and was
there reared and educated, but in his later years removed to Lee township, where he continued to follow farming during the remainder of his
life. He was a Democrat in his political views, but not a politician, and
never sought public preferment. He interested himself in fraternal
matters as a member of the Odd Fellows.
Like other farmers' sons of his vicinity, George Rundle divided
his boyhood between the district schools, which he attended during the
winter months, and the home farm, where he spent his summers, assisting his father and being taught the principles of successful tilling of
the soil. Subsequently, however, he decided upon a business career, and
engaged in the implement business in Marshall, conducting an establishment at that place until 1912, when he again returned to farming,
and now has a property of forty-three acres. This he is developing into
one of the best properties of its size in this part of the country, erecting
substantial buildings, grading, leveling and tiling, and making numerous improvements which have greatly increased the farm's value. Progressive and enterprising in all things, Mr. Rundle is in favor of the
use of modern machinery and methods, and has found that they greatly
facilitate his own work.
In 1900 Mr. Rundle was united in marriage with Miss Orpha Cook,
daughter of Lymas Cook, formerly of Ingham county, Michigan, and
now a resident of Olivet, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Rundle have had a
family of three children, all of whom are living at home: Claude, Clell
and Ruth. Mr. Rundle is a Democrat in his political views, and has
served on the school board for a number of years, in addition to which
he acted as township treasurer for two years. In 1912 he was elected a
member of the board of township supervisors, a capacity in which he
is serving at the present time. Fraternally, he is a popular member
of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America.
MYRON BOLLES. The only survivor of his family, that is his father's
immediate household, and therefore having no one but himself to depend on, and having risen to his present estate of comfort in a worldly
way and consequence among the people in reference to all the interests
and activities of his township and county through great trials and over
great obstacles, Myron Bolles of Marengo township is entitled to high




902


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


credit for his success and strong admiration as a type of the self-reliant
and resourceful American citizen, who laughs at fate and dares her do
her worst, then wins in the unequal contest by reason of his force of
character and adaptability to every requirement that may be laid upon
him.
Mr. Bolles was born in the township in which he now lives on
September 26, 1848, and is a son of Benjamin T. and Corlinda (Lattin)
Bolles, the former born in the state of New York about 1800 and the
latter in Vermont in 1824. She died in 1851 and the father in 1855.
They were married in Michigan and became the parents of three children,
of whom Myron, the last born, is the only one living. The other two
were Stephen, who died many years ago; and Lucy, who became the
wife of N. Jewell and whose death occurred in 1871.
The father, Benjamin T. Bolles, came to Michigan when a young
man and was followed by his father and the rest of the family soon
afterward. He was a son of Julius Bolles, and in company with his
father took up a large tract of government land. They cleared this
land and made it their home for a number of years, the son then locating
at Marengo. There and at Marshall he worked at his trade as a tanner
in connection with extensive farming operations. The grandfather of
Myron Bolles on his mother's side was Daniel Lattin, a man of prominence and influence in the locality of his residence, or the several
places in which he lived from time to time, for he was a man of great
force of character and considerable intelligence.
Myron Bolles obtained his education in district schools, and obtained
it under difficulties of pressing weight. His parents died when he was
yet but a child, the mother when he was but three years old and the
father four years later. By their death the home was entirely broken
up and the orphan boy was obliged to make his home wherever he
could find one, first with one family and then with another, working
during the summers and attending school when he could be spared
during the winter months.
When he had nearly attained his majority he began farming on
his own account, and after a few years of patient industry in the employ
of others and frugal living for himself, he was able to purchase forty
acres of land in which his sister owned a one-half interest. To this he
afterward added twenty acres and enlarged his operations as his prosperity and facilities increased. In time he sold this farm and bought
fifty acres of a better tract in Sheridan township, which he farmed for
two years and then sold it. His next purchase was a tract of forty acres
in Eaton county on which he lived three years, remaining until 1881,
when he located on a farm belonging to his father-in-law, the one which
he now owns and cultivates.
This farm he worked on shares five years, then bought it. It comprises 160 acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. On
this farm, which has been the field of his operations ever since, and a
source of great pride and solicitude to him, he has a fine brick dwelling
and good barns and other necessary buildings. The barns have concrete
floors in the stalls and other modern features which make them particularly desirable and give him many conveniences for an extensive business in raising live stock, which he carries on with vigor and profit;
but he does not raise thoroughbred stock' as he only caters to the
markets which supply meat for food. His farming operations are
general in their character and he makes them pay well by the enterprise
and intelligence with which he conducts them. He is well qualified for
specialties, but does not care for them, preferring to give his attention to his farm as a whole, in the ordinary way, without a variety of
requirements.
f..




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


903


Mr. Bolles was married on December 7, 1869, to Miss Anna McGhee,
a daughter of James McGhee, a prominent farmer of Clarence township, this county. She died in 1871, and on March 7, 1877, he contracted
a second marriage. In this he was united with Miss Ella M. Carrier,
a daughter of Edwin B. Carrier, who lived on the farm Mr. Bolles owns
but is now living at Oconto Falls, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Bolles are the
parents of six children: Ethel, the widow of John Ovenshire; Cecil
M., who married Louis L. Avery of Albion; Cornelia Florence, who is
the wife of Harold Weeks of Albion; Olive Lucile, the wife of Aro
Hotchkiss, professor of the Commercial College at Elgin, Illinois; Burt
Glenn, a graduate of the polytechnical school in Peoria, Illinois, but
now teaching manual training at Butte, Mont; and June Ray, who is
also living with her parents, and is a student in the Albion high school.
In his political faith and allegiance Mr. Bolles is a Republican Prohibitionist, but he is not an active partisan in any way. He is now and
has been for some years a member of the school board, but he was
elected for this office and performs its duties without regard to political
consideration. Mr. Bolles and family are regular attendants of the
Methodist Protestant church, where they have been active workers for
many years. The people of Calhoun county regard him as one of their
most useful and representative citizens and esteem him accordingly.
MATTHEW C. THOMAS. Prominent among the well-known residents
of the village of Partello, may be mentioned Matthew C. Thomas, who
for about sixteen years has been living retired from active business
life. He has built up for himself a lasting reputation as a man possessing most excellent personal traits of character, upright and honorable in
his business transactions, and imbued with that generous public spirit
that made him always ready to assist in whatever was calculated to
promote the welfare of his community. During a long and honorable
career he has been elected to various positions of trust and importance,
in all of which he has demonstrated himself to be a public-spirited
citizen who holds official office as a sacred trust. Matthew C. Thomas
was born May 27, 1842, in Marengo township, Calhoun county, Michigan, and is a son of Clark and Abigail (Bunn) Thomas.
Clark Thomas was'born in the state of New York, about the year
1808, and in 1836 came west, locating in Marengo township, where he
was engaged in farming up to the time of his death, which occurred in
1843. He owned a property of forty acres in Marengo township, and
another farm in Lee township, and although still a young man at the
time of his death was known as one of Calhoun's rising business men.
In politics he was a Democrat, but never cared for public office. His
wife, also a native of the Empire state, was born about 1826, and died
in 1887, having been the mother of two children: Azuba, who married
a Mr. Woodmancy and resided in Cherokee, Oklahoma; and Matthew C.
Matthew C. Thomas was only about one year old at the time of his
father's death, but managed to secure a good education in the district
schools of Marengo township. He was engaged in work on the home
farm until the outbreak of the Civil war, and in 1861 enlisted in Company A, First Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which he
served until May 3, 1862. In June of the same year, he veteranized by
becoming a member of Company H, Seventeenth Regiment, Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, and remained with that organization until the
close of the war. With the army of the east he saw considerable hard
fighting, and among his numerous battles were those of South Mountain
and Antietam. He also became familiar with southern prisons, when




904


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


he was captured and confined at Winchester, Virginia, but eventually
paroled. On his return to Calhoun county, Mr. Thomas settled in
Lee township, where he was married in 1865 to Armenia A. Murray,
daughter of David W. Murray, of Lee township. Of the three children
born to this union, only one survives, Arthur D., who is now living in
Battle Creek, where he is in the employ of Kellogg's Toasted Corn Flakes
Company. He married Florence Luff, and has three children.
Mr. Thomas, on his return to Calhoun county, engaged in farming
in Lee township, where he owned a farm of something over eighty-seven
acres, but two years later engaged in the mercantile,business at Partello, where he remained two years. He again went in the mercantile
business in 1878, but during the past sixteen years has not engaged in
activities of a business nature. In political matters a Democrat, under
President Cleveland he served as postmaster of Partello, and also served
as deputy sheriff of Calhoun county for two years, and as constable for
twenty-six years. Fraternally he holds membership in Olivet Lodge,
F. & A. M., and the local lodge of the Knights of the Maccabees, and
is also a valued comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and
his wife have numerous friends in Partello, and their comfortable modern home is often the meeting place for those with whom they have been
intimate during the long years of their residence here.
Mr. Thomas' half-brother, Lovinas A. Belding, reenlisted in '61 in
the Civil war and served throughout the war; he returned to Calhoun
county and remained till 1867 when he joined the regular army but
nothing has been heard from him since 1888 while at Atlanta, Georgia.
CYRENIUS C. SMITH, M. D. Worthy of especial mention in a work
of this character is Cyrenius C. Smith, M. D., who has been busily and
successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Bedford, Calhoun
county, for upwards of a quarter of a century, during which time lihe
has won an honored position in the community, not only as a skillful
physician, but as an esteemed and highly respected citizen. ' A native
of Illinois, he was born, April 22, 1860, in McHenry county.
His father, George Smith, was born and reared in New York state,
where his parents were life-long residents. In 1856 he came with his
young wife to Illinois, settling on a farm in McHenry county. Soon
after the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in an Illinois regiment, and died while in the army. He married, in New York, Mary Griswold, a daughter of Johial Griswold, who spent his entire life in New
York state. Shortly after the death of her husband, she moved with
her family to Michigan, and was here a resident until her death, in
1910, at the venerable age of four score and four years.
A small child when brought by his mother to Michigan, Cyrenius
C. Smith acquired his preliminary education in the public schools,
afterwards continuing his studies for a year in the medical department
of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, for a year. Going then
to Chicago, he was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College
with the class of 1884. Immediately locating at Bedford, Calhoun
county, Dr. Smith has here built up a large and highly remunerative
patronage, his practice extending many miles into the country in either
direction. Left fatherless in early childhood, he has in truth been the
architect of his own fortunes, being mainly. self-educated and self-made.
He is exceedingly prosperous, both as a physician and as a business
man, owning a beautiful home, and other property of value, including
the building in Bedford in which he was for a short time engaged in
business as a general merchant. He devotes himself to the demands of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


905


his profession, and is an interested member of the American Medical
Society.
Politically the Doctor is a loyal Republican, and although not an
office seeker has served on the Bedford Board of Education, of which
he is now a member. Fraternally Dr. Smith is a member of Bedford
Lodge, No. 207, Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of Battle Creek
Chapter, No. 16, Royal Arch Masons, and of Battle Creek Commandery,
No. 33, Knights Templar.
Dr. Smith married, in 1897, Lydia Haynes, a daughter of James
Haynes, of Canada. She was fitted for a professional career, and was
caring for a patient as a trained nurse when the Doctor met her. Two
children have been born to the union of Dr. and Mrs. Smith, namely:
Geraldine and Lelahl, both now in school. The Doctor and his wife are
both members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
JAMES COURT. The salient points in a sermon recently preached by
Dr. Newell Dwight Hillis, of Brooklyn, New York, referred to heredity
and environment as being but half truths, the part which they play in
determining a man's career being as nothing compared with the influence that he can himself exert if he so prepares himself that he is
ready when opportunity knocks at his door. The life record of the
late James Court, head of the firm of James Court & Son, of Marshall,
shows that he was ever alert to take advantage of fortune's offers, at
the same time furnishing a forcible example to the rising generation of
the material success to be obtained by persevering industry, and a wise
system of economy. A native of England, he was born, November 26,
1839, in Berkshire, being the only son of James and Typhosia (Crutchfield) Court. His father, a farmer, was accidentally killed in 1843, and
his mother afterward married again.
Brought up in his English home, James Court, who was left fatherless when but four years of age, had but limited educational advantages
as a boy, his knowledge having been largely acquired by private study
and extensive reading. In 1855, desirous of enlarging his scope of
action, and becoming better acquainted with other parts of the great
world than he could by the gathered reports of other people, he immigrated to the United States, landing in New Orleans. Staying but
a short time in that southern city, Mr. Court came north on a Mississippi
river steamboat to Stillwater, Minnesota, and during the following year
worked in a hotel at Marine Mills. In the fall of 1856 he made his
first appearance in Marshall, Michigan, but his stay was then of short
duration. Proceeding to Kalamazoo county, Mr. Court found remunerative employment in the lumber camps, chopping wood and logging.
He took a contract for clearing three hundred and twenty acres of
woodland for the Michigan Central Railroad Company, a work in which
he had to hire twenty-five choppers, and employ thirteen teams. Investing in real estate, Mr. Court bought a tract of land in Kalamazoo
county, but soon after traded it for property in Marshall.
In 1877 Mr. Court took up his residence in Marshall, and started
in business for himself as a dealer in poultry, beginning operations
on a modest scale. Meeting with encouraging success from the start, he
enlarged his operations each year, dealing not only in poultry. but buying and shipping eggs and butter, not only in the state but in more
distant markets. His business subsequently assumed such large proportions that he erected, in Marshall, an immense plant for the handling of
dressed poultry, and butter and eggs, and a little later admitted his son,
Frank W. Court to partnership, the firm name becoming James Court
& Son.




906


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In April, 1897, in order to facilitate his business, Mr. Court bought
a tract of land in Allegan, this state, and having erected a large storage
and packing house there built up a fine trade, which the firm has since
continued, the plant being located on the line of the Michigan Central
Railroad. Mr. Court also built a plant at Bellvue, Eaton county, and
that and the two others were controlled exclusively by Mr. Court and
his son, who also had a half interest in the plant at Homer, being at
the head of the firm of Court & Hardy. In his business operations
Mr. Court, with his partners, kept a number of men busy all of the
time, the work of gathering the poultry, eggs and butter for the central
plants requiring many hands and many teams.
In 1891 Mr. Court, who was ever on the alert to secure the best methods and equipments for carrying on his business interests, erected a large
poultry house, with a double refrigerator, the house at that time having
been the largest and best of the kind in Michigan. He gained entrance
to the leading markets of the east, and continued in active trade until
his death, which occurred at his home in Marshall, March 20, 1902, his
death being a cause of general regret in business, fraternal and social
circles, he having been deservedly popular with all classes of people.
In his political affiliations Mr. Court supported the principles of the
Republican party, and though not an aspirant for public office served
as a member of the City Council two terms, during which time the electric light plant and water works were taken over by the city. Fraternally he belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr.
Court and his wife were both members of the Congregational church,
but there having been no religious organization of that denomination in
Marshall they were regular attendants of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Court married, October 18, 1862, Salina Williams, who was
born in Oxford, England, came to the United States when a young girl,
and died in Marshall, Michigan, March 4, 1902. Of the six children
born of their union, two died in infancy, James, Jr., died in early manhood, and three are now living, namely: Frank W., of whom a brief
sketch appears on another page of this volume; Kate; and Reuben, the
latter has charge of the Litchfield plant.
FRANK W. COURT. One of the enterprising and progressive business
men of the city of Marshall, and a worthy representative of the mercantile interests of Calhoun county, Frank W. Court is widely known
as a wholesale and retail dealer in poultry, eggs and butter, his immense trade in this line of merchandise going to the leading markets
of the east, his name being familiarly known to the leading commission
merchants of New York and Boston. The business which he is so successfully conducting was started upwards of thirty years ago by his
father, the late James Court, and has been continued without interruption ever since, the firm name for the past few years having been
James Court & Son.
Frank W. Court was born in Marshall, July 21, 1863, being the eldest
son of James and Salina (Williams) Court, natives of England, the
father's birth having occurred in Berkshire, and the mother's in Oxford. Both came to this country in early life, and were here married
in 1862. Further parental and ancestral history may be found elsewhere in this biographical work in connection with the sketch of
James Court.
Acquiring a practical education in the common and high schools of
Marshall, Frank W. Court subsequently received an excellent training in
business matters under the wise guidance of his father, who was a man
of superior business ability and judgment, acquiring while yet a




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


907


young man an experience and a knowledge of men, that has enabled
him to direct his energies and efforts not only to his own advantage,
but to the benefit of his employees. On being admitted to partnership
with his father, he became junior member of the firm of James Court
& Son, which has acquired a far more than local reputation for its enterprise and stability, ranking with the leading mercantile concerns of
the state. Since the death of his father, in March, 1902, Mr. Court has
continued the business so advantageously started, pushing it and extending it until it has assumed great magnitude. He has made valuable
improvements to the Marshall plant of the company, it being now one
hundred and twenty feet by one hundred and forty feet, two stories in
height, with two large warehouses and a cold storage room. The Company also has plants in Litchfield, Bellevue, Allegan, and Homer, these
being under the management of local superintendents, but operated by
the home plant. Mr. Court is also interested in everything pertaining
to the welfare of his home city, and is a generous contributor to all
enterprises conducive to the public good. One of his sons, George
Court, is principal of the Battle Creek high school.
Mr. Court married, in 1888, Miss Mary A. Lowe, of Marshall, a
daughter of John Lowe, and to them four children have been born,
namely: Frances May, George W., Richard E., and Hazel J.
Prominent in Masonic circles, Mr. Court is a member of Saint Albans Lodge, No. 20, Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of Lafayette
Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; and of Marshall Commandery, No.
17, Knights Templar. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
J. E. CROSBY. One of our greatest modern statesmen has said:
"Our civilization rests at bottom on the wholesomeness, the attractiveness and the completeness, as well as the prosperity of life in the country.
The men and women on the farms stand for what is fundamentally best
and most needed in our American life." This fact is rapidly being
recognized and scientific farming is assuming its rightful position
among the leading commercial and professional occupations. One of
Calhoun county's most highly respected and successful agriculturists
is J. E. Crosby, whose splendid farm of two hundred and seventy-eight
acres is located in Emmett township, in which section, in adjoining
township, his honored father was one of the stalwart pioneers who laid
the paths for coming civilization straight and clean. He is one of
his township's leading Republicans and has held several important
public offices with much credit, being now township supervisor.
Mr. Crosby was born on a farm in Battle Creek township February
28, 1833, the son of Peter Crosby, a native of Bath, Steuben county,
New York. Peter Crosby, like so many of his neighbors, came to the
northwest at an early date in quest of the opportunity presented by
the newly opening country. His arrival within the boundaries of Michigan was as early as the year 1840, and he took up government land
west of Battle Creek. He was married July 4, 1850, Mary Jane Webster,
a native of Ohio, becoming his wife and helpmeet. Of the five children
born to these worthy people, the subject was the second in order of birth.
He and his sister are the only survivors. In the later years of his
life, Peter Crosby moved into Battle Creek, where the respect of his
fellow men attended him as in his previous surroundings. He was a
Republican in politics. He passed to the Great Beyond on January 15,
1901, but his widow survives and makes her home in Battle Creek.
The early life of the subject was passed in Battle Creek and in
the public schools of that city he received his general education. Following that he took a commercial course in Battle Creek, but has for




908


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the most part devoted his energies to agriculture rather than to business. Afer his marriage in 1873, he engaged in farming in Berry
county and after a period there, he removed to LeRoy, Osceola county,
where for a number of years he engaged successfully in the shipping
of lumber. Still retaining his connection with the lumber company
he removed in its interests to Manistee. However, the pleasures of farm
life did not diminish in attractiveness for him and in December, 1891,
he secured his present splendid farm, which under his thrifty management has developed into one of the county's model farms.
Mr. Crosby is of the proper caliber for public responsibility and he has
made an enviable public record. At the present time he holds the office
of township supervisor and when a resident of Osceola county, he held
the office of treasurer of his township. He is school director and has
ever demonstrated his sincere conviction that the best education possible to secure for the young people is none too good. In truth, there is
nothing of public import in his community in which he is not helpfully interested, and all measures which in his judgment promise
benefit to any considerable number of his fellow citizens have his cordial
advocacy and generous support. He and his wife and daughter are
valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is
one of the standard bearers of the Grand Old Party.
Mr. Crosby was married in 1873 to Ida M. Lang, daughter of Daniel
Lang, Greenville, Michigan, long since deceased. Their only child
is a daughter, Hazel Belle, now a student in the Battle Creek high school
and a very accomplished and attractive young woman. Their home is
one of Emmett township's most popular gathering places.
JOHN H. MANBY. Noteworthy among the many enterprising men
who are prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits in the rich and
fertile country in and around Calhoun county is John H. Manby, who
uses excellent methods and good judgment in the prosecution of his
calling, and is meeting with satisfactory success. He was born in New
York state, December 12, 1857, and is of English ancestry on both sides
of the house, his paternal grandfather, Robert Manby, and his maternal
grandfather, William Keely, having been life-long residents of England.
His father; Job Manby, was born and educated in England. Desirous as a young man to try the hazard of new fortunes, he immigrated
to America, locating in the Empire state about 1850. In 1864, lured
still farther westward, he came with his little family to Michigan, and
having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Bedford township, Calhoun county, he was there engaged in general farming a number of years. He subsequently removed to Battle Creek, and there
spent his last days, passing away in 1893. He was a Democrat in
politics, and both he and his wife were faithful members of the Baptist
church. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucy Keeley, was born and
bred in England, where her parents spent their entire lives.
A lad of seven years when the family came to Michigan, John H.
Manby acquired his early education principally in the district schools,
attending school one term, only, in Battle Creek. Becoming familiar as
a boy with the various branches of agriculture he assisted his father
in the care of the home farm for several seasons, after which he worked
as a farm hand for several years, receiving wages by the month. In
1898 Mr. Manby bought the parental homestead in Bedford township,
and as a general farmer is meeting with good results. In addition to
this he is quite successful as a stock raiser and dealer, finding it a
profitable and pleasant industry.
A stanch supporter of the principles promulgated by the Demo



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


909


cratic party, Mr. Manby takes a genuine interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community, never shirking his responsibilities as a man and a citizen. In 1904 he was his party's candidate
for the office of township supervisor, and having been elected served
ably and acceptably for four years. In 1911 he was again his party's
nominee for the same position, and notwithstanding that the township
is a Republican stronghold he was elected by a handsome majority, the
votes cast in his favor showing his popularity in the town. Mr. Manby
married, in 1889, Miss Susie Errington of Penfield township, who died
the following year.
In 1892 Mr. Manby married Nellie Foster, a daughter of Richard
H. and Alitia (Piper) Foster. Her father, a native of Canada, migrated
to Michigan in 1864, settling at Battle Creek, where he was engaged
in blacksmithing until his death, in 1873, but a few years after his
marriage with Miss Piper, who was born and reared in New York
state. Mr. and Mrs. Manby are the parents of two children, namely:
Charles J., who was graduated from the Battle Creek high school,
assists his father on the home farm; and Harold, now attending the
Battle Creek Business College. Mr. Manby and his wife are members of
the Congregational church.
WILLIAM C. MILLS. Prominently and profitably engaged in farming, and one of the most enterprising and progressive men in the business in Marengo township, this county; well educated and still very
studious, and having in addition to his scholastic attainments a large
fund of practical general information, and thereby a leader of thought
in his locality; earnestly interested in the public affairs of his township and county, moral, mental, material, political and social, and an
active factor in directing them, William  C. Mills has exemplified in
the fifty-five years of his life many of the best and most admirable
and useful traits of character and attributes of citizenship, and is
esteemed in accordance with his genuine worth and sterling American
manhood.
Mr. Mills was born in Flowerfield township, St. Joseph county,
Michigan, on October 1, 1857.  His parents, Rev. Levi and Esther
(Blair) Mills, were natives of Washington county, Maryland, where
the former was born in 1811 and the latter in 1812. The mother died
in 1884 and the father in 1888. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom grew to maturity. Five of these are living: Anne
C., who is the wife of W. Lewis and resides in Battle Creek; Esther, wio
married Dealton Durham and has her home in Barry county; Levi,
who is a resident of South Dakota; Jennie, who became the wife of L. T.
Clark and now lives at Marengo, and William C., who was the last born
of the eleven. James B., who also grew to manhood, died at Hastings,
Barry county, and was probate judge of that county at the time of his
death.
The parents moved from Maryland to Ohio at an early period in
the history of that state, and a few years later came to Michigan. They
were located in Monroe county for a time, then, after a residence of
some years in St. Joseph county, came to Calhoun county about 1858.
They took up their residence in Penfield township near Battle Creek.
The father was a Methodist Protestant clergyman, and the rule of
itineracy of that church, which still prevails, especially in the rural
districts, made him considerable of a wanderer, and a circuit rider in
many places. Both parents died at Rice Creek in Lee township, where
the father owned a small farm, and both were well alvanced in years
at the time of their demise.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


910


William C. Mills obtained his early education in the district schools.
He also passed two years in a high school in Three Rivers, St. Joseph
county. On the foundation thus laid he has built a superstructure of
wide general intelligence through extensive reading and studious observation, and is considered one of the best informed men in his township. He moved to the farm he now occupies in 1900. It is a large
one and he has about 240 acres of it under cultivation, doing general
farming with enterprise and judgment, and also raising live stock on
a considerable scale.
Mr. Mills was married on February 22, 1887, to Miss Carrie Wilder,
a daughter of Nathan F. Wilder, who is now living in Marengo township. Of their union three children have been born. The oldest,
Harry, is living in Detroit and is in the employ. of the Oldsmobile
Works as a member of its office force, and Ralph and Edith are still
members of the parental family circle. The father is a Republican in
politics and attends the Methodist Protestant church for religious
services. He has served on' the school board a number of years and is
now township clerk, an office to which he was elected in 1912. Throughout the county he is well known and in all parts of it is held in the
highest esteem on account of his genuine worth as a man and his progressiveness, high tone and usefulness as a citizen. In Marengo township he is easily among the leading men from every point of view.
RAY COURTRIGHT. Since he was twenty-one years old, Ray Courtright has been independently engaged in farming; at first, operating
another man's land on shares, and since 1904 running his own farm,
which his father deeded to him at that time. Mr. Courtright was born
on the farm he now owns and occupies in November 18, 1873, and is the
son of Leonard Courtright and his wife, Mary Anne (Lamb) Courtright. The father was born in the township of Butler, Wayne county,
New York, on August 1, 1827, while the mother was a native of Cayuga
county, New York, born there in 1831. In 1844 Leonard Courtright
came to Michigan with his parents, who located in Clarence township,
near the farm on which the subject now lives. Here he married his
wife, who came to Michigan with her parents as a young girl, they also
settling in Clarence township. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Courtright, as follows: May married Louis North, and is now deceased;
H. June is a resident of Dallas, Texas; Eva is dead; Cass Juan is engaged in the monument business in Sprirrgport; J. L. is a resident of
Albion; Ray, of this review. Leonard Courtright bought this farm from
the government. He cleared the land, and built upon it a log house,
which he furnished complete with furniture made from the logs he
cut on the place. He started life with nothing but his strength, his
courage and determination, and the splendid character that came by
endowment to him from his sturdy ancestors. By the application of
those qualities, he has risen front comparative penury to the position of
a well-to-do man. His first farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres
he added to from time to time until it represented an acreage of three
hundred or more acres at one time, which he operated up to its limit.
In later years he built upon this place one of the finest brick houses in
the township, with fine large barns and stables suited to his needs. He
was ever a hard-working man, and though small of stature, never
weighing more than one hundred and forty pounds, he was capable
of performing more actual labor, with greater powers of endurance
than many a man by far his physical superior in weight and size. He
was a Democrat, but not more than ordinarily active in the political




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


911


affairs of the community. He died on January 19, 1909, while his wife
preceded him on August 14, 1894.
The boyhood of Ray Courtright was one of unusual freedom for a
farm lad, and it was not until he was twenty-one that he settled down
to actual responsibility. In that year he began to operate his present
farm on shares, and after a year thus engaged he took another farm of
120 acres in the northern part of the township, which he continued
to work for two seasons. In 1900 he returned home and his father deeded
him his present farm, consisting of seventy-five acres in the finest part
of the township. He does a general farming business and raises some
stock, as well.
On December 25, 1894, Mr. Courtright married Rena Augusta
Starks, the daughter of D. C. and Emma (Williams) Starks. Her family is one of the oldest in the state, her grandparents having come to
Michigan in the early territorial days. The family was founded in
Michigan by Samuel C. Stark, who was born in Whitehill, Washington
county, New York, on January 16, 1818, dying in Michigan in 1892.
He settled in Michigan in 1844, locating in Branch county, and a year
later moving to Calhoun county. He first bought property in Albion,
which he later traded for eighty acres of land in Clarence township,
that place now being owned by A. J. Cortright. The last years of his
life were spent on a small farm in the southern part of the township.
His son, D. C. Starks, attended the district schools of Clarence township, and in 1872 was employed as a fireman on the Michigan Central
Railroad. Later he became interested in the saw mill business in
Brookfield, in which he continued for fourteen years. His parents then
were in their old age and needed his care, and he accordingly went
home and looked after them until their death. During the last 18
years he has lived in Springfield, engaged principally in the elevator
business. He was married in 1874 to Emma Jane Williams, the daughter of Vine and Phylinda Williams, and they became the parents of
three children:-George Riley, of Springport; Rena Augusta, who married Ray Courtright, and Eva Maude, the wife of J. E. Hoag, a bookbinder of Springport. Mr. and Mrs. Courtright have one child,-Eva
May, in school at present.
ANDY J. CORTRIGHT is another representative of the fine old family
of that name, which has been identified with the agricultural history
of Calhoun county for the past seventy years, and as such is worthy
of a place in the historical and biographical work devoted to that county.
He was born in Clarence township on January 20, 1862, and is the son
of Emerson and Miranda (Barber) Cortright, both natives of New
York, the father being born there on September 1, 1823, and the mother
on April 15, 1833. Emerson Cortright came to Michigan with his
parents, Simeon and Margaret (Haines) Cortright, in 1844, and they
bought a farm in Clarence township on which they passed the remainder
of their lives.
In 1848 Emerson Cortright bought a farm in Clarence township
consisting of one hundred and twenty-five acres, to which in later
years he added an eighty-acre tract, so that when he died he was the
owner of two hundred and five acres of land. His death occurred in
1909, his wife having passed away in the previous year. Of their eight
children, Andy J. was the fifth born, and but four of that number are
now living. Fred and William are residents of Clarence township, as
well as the subject.
Andv J. Cortright secured a limited education in the district schools
of his day, and worked for his father on the home farm until he was
Vol. n-20




912


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


twenty-one. In 1883 he married Elizabeth Taylor, a daughter of John
C. Taylor of New York, who came to Michigan in 1872 and passed the
remainder of his days in the farming industry, in which he was particularly successful. He died in 1903.
Mr. and Mrs. Cortright have three children;-Maude M. married
Gaylord Wagner and lives in Battle Creek; Emerson lives with his
parents, as does also Ross, the youngest son.
The present farm home of the Cortrights was purchased in 1899,an eighty acre tract which in point of improvements and up-to-date
methods of operation, is not to be excelled in the township. Mr. Cortright is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and a Democrat
in politics, but not an active participant in such matters, although
he has held several responsible positions in township and school offices,
also in the Farmers' Mutual Telephone Association.
ANDREW WOODEN was reared in Emmett township under pioneer
influence. He has always been engaged in agriculture, doing much
hard work in improving the homestead which he now owns and occupies. The place is situated in section fifteen and was purchased by his
father, Daniel Wooden, from the patentee, in the early days of the
county.
Born in Ontario county, New York, April 10, 1835, Andrew Wooden
is the son of Daniel and Frances (Palmer) Wooden. The father was
born in New York state in about 1804, and was the son of John Wooden,
a native of the state of New York. John Wooden owned four hundred acres of land near Geneva, New York, and was one of the most
prosperous farmers in that region. In 1836 Daniel, his son, came to
Michigan, there buying the land which is now owned by his son, the
subject of this review. The rough pioneer life and its many attendant hardships broke down the health of the young home-seeker, and
after four years he returned to New York, where he died at the early
age of thirty-eight years. Daniel Wooden was a man of unusual character and mentality, and was an admirable citizen and an adherent of
Democrtic principles. His wife was born in New York state in 1809.
They were the parents of four children, but one of which number now
survives,-Andrew, of this sketch. The others were: Alma, the wife
of George Beckett, who died in 1862; Caroline, who died in 1879 and
Harriett, the wife of J. B. Lee, who died in 1867.
Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Wooden returned to
Calhoun county in 1843, accompanied by her children. She of necessity endured many hardships in the new country, but lived to see the
forests cleared away, the Michigan Central Railroad built, and the
fields to blossom with abundant grain. In 1896 she died at the age of
eighty-six years and ten days old, her daughters all having preceded
her.
Andrew Wooden was married in 1863 to Nancie Kane, a native of
Calhoun county. Her parents, George and Nancy (Stiles) Kane, were
also among the early settlers, coming from New York state in 1833. To
Andrew and Nancie (Kane) Wooden were born four children: Frances,
the wife of A. D. Johnson; Lillian, who married R. H. Kernan; Rena,
the wife of Guy Wells, and Mark. The son still lives with his father
in the old homestead.
Mr. Wooden built his neat and attractive home in the year 1863.
Two barns also have been reared on the place, one in 1862 and the other
in 1872, as well as other out buildings, all in keeping with the character
of the main structures. His farm of one hundred and forty acres is
located five miles east, a few miles distant from Battle Creek and is
known as one of the best improved places in the county.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


913


The family circle remained unbroken until December 28, 1911, when
Mrs. Wooden, at the age of seventy years, was called to join those who
had passed before her.
CHARLES E. SAWYER. He whose name initiates this review is one of
the able and well known civil engineers residing in Calhoun county and
has been identified with mqich important work in connection with railroad construction, as well as topographical surveys, meandering of
rivers, etc. He owns and resides upon an attractive farmstead of eightyeight acres in Marshall township, and gives his attention to the same in
connection with more or less work of a professional order. He has
maintained his home in this county since 1896.
Mr. Sawyer claims the old Hoosier state as the place of his nativity,
his birth occurring on a farm in Noble county, Indiana, on the 6th of
July, 1860. He is a son of John and Catherine (Strater) Sawyer, the
former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Germany,
whence her parents immigrated to America and established their home
in Noble county, Indiana, when she was a child. John Sawyer was
reared to adult age in his native state and as a young man he numbered
himself among the pioneers of Ohio, whence he later removed to Noble
county, Indiana, there becoming a substantial farmer and a citizen who,
commanded unqualified confidence and esteem. He continued to reside
there until his death, which occurred in 1908, and his venerable widow
still lives on the old homestead farm in that county, near Kendallville.
Charles E. Sawyer gained his earlier educational discipline in thl
public schools of Kendallville, the judicial center of his native county,
where he also attended a select school. Thereafter he continued his
studies in what was then known as the Rockhill College, in the city of
Fort Wayne, Indiana. Soon after attaining his legal majority Mr. Sawyer became identified with practical civil-engineering work, in the line
of street and sewer grading, and later he was engaged in important
engineering and construction work on the Michigan Central, the New
York, Chicago & St. Louis, the Chicago & Northwestern, the Lake Shore
& Michigan Southern, the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic, the Pittsburg,
Bessemer & Lake Erie railways besides which in later years, he was
concerned in the survey work on the electric interurban line between
Jackson and Detroit. Since that time he has been identified with professional work in surveying rivers and creeks in Michigan,-especially
in the matter of hydraulic topography and the installing of sewer systems, now with the interurban between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
He has been called upon for services of local order in the work of his
profession and is one of the representative civil engineers of this section
of the state. He has made excellent improvements upon his farm,
which is devoted to diversified agriculture and stock-growing and he
finds much satisfaction in supervising the varied activities of the attractive homestead.
Mr. Sawyer is distinctively progressive and public-spirited in his
civic attitude and is a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a member of the Association of American Railway Engineers.
In the year 1897 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sawyer to Miss
Lizzie Laberteaux, daughter of the late Tunis Laberteaux, who was one
of the early settlers of Marshall township and who was a citizen of no
little prominence, and influence. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer have three chil





914


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


dren,-Leora, who is a successful and popular teacher in the public
schools of the city of Marshall; Charles E., Jr., who is associated in
the work and management of the home farm; and Marguerite, who
still remains in the parental home, and is attending the Marshall public
schools.


RICHARD R. HICKS. Wide-awake, enterprising and progressive, Richard R. Hicks is a splendid representative of the up-to-date business
man and his connection with one of Battle Creek's most important industrial enterprises,-the  American Steam   Pump   Company-has
worked in no indefinite fashion towards the success of that concern.
He has been associated with the same for seventeen years, and since
1908 has held the offices of secretary and assistant treasurer. He is,
in fact, an able exponent of the progressive spirit and strong initiative
ability which have caused Battle Creek to forge so rapidly forward as
an industrial and commercial center.
Mr. Hicks is a native son of this city, his birth having occurred
within its pleasant boundaries on May 13, 1871. He is the son of
Charles H. and Frances (Moore) Hicks. The father was born in Perry,
Wyoming county, New York, December 13, 1844, and died in Los Angeles, California, whence he had gone in quest of health, on May 8,
1881. He was connected with the business of Nichols & Shepard in
this city for many years, and in honor of one who possessed the respect
and affection of all with whom he came in contact the great factory was
closed on the day of his funeral in this city, all that was mortal of
him having been brought back from California for interment. Previous to the business connection mentioned, Mr. Hicks, the elder, was
with the American Express Company. He was a veteran of the Civil
war, having enlisted at the age of seventeen years in Company C, of
the Twentieth Michigan Infantry and having served as corporal. His
military service covered more than three years of the period of the
great conflict between the states. He was educated in the east and
also in the schools of Battle Creek and was a graduate of the schools of
this city. He was one of the charter members of the Athelstan Club.
Charles H. Hicks was the son of Ellery and Maribah (Wilcox)
Hicks, and in the fall of 1851, his parents accompanied by their six
children made the long and difficult overland journey from their old
home to Michigan, proceeding by stage from Perry to Buffalo and thence
by lake to Detroit, from which city they made the remainder of the trip
to Battle Creek by rail. In New York, Ellery Hicks had been an iron
manufacturer, but in the Wolverine state he turned his attention to
other pursuits. In 1852 he purchased an interest in what is known today
as the Titus & Hicks Flour Mill and operated the same until his demise
which occurred in 1860. The mill is at present the property of S. J.
Titus and William E. Hicks, the latter a son of Ellery Hicks and a
brother of Charles H.
Charles H. Hicks was married June 24, 1868, Miss Frances E.
Moore, of Battle Creek, daughter of William and Rebecca (Hamlet)
Moore, becoming his wife. The Moores were early settlers here, having migrated to Battle Creek in 1854 from New Hampshire. William
Moore was a Battle Creek shoe merchant and passed away, March 30,
1904, the demise of his wife having occurred many years before on
September 16, 1860. He was a prominent Mason and this body held
the last ceremonial rites and consigned his body to the grave. He was
the father of two children, Mrs. Charles H. Hicks being the eldest and
J. E. Moore, the younger. Mrs. Charles H. Hicks, mother of the immediate subject of this review, makes her home with her sons here and










Q   I4-  7te*lO




ft


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY                        915
was born in Nashville, New Hampshire. There are two sons, the subject being the elder. The other, Louis E., is also a citizen of Battle
Creek.
As mentioned in a preceding paragraph, Mr. Hicks has been connected with the American Steam Pump Company of Battle Creek for
the past seventeen years and since 1908 the duties of secretary and assistant treasurer have been vested in him. Previous to that he was
cashier. During the world's fair in Chicago he resided in that city and
was for a time in Detroit, but in 1895 came to Battle Creek and when
the concern with which he is identified came into existence he started in
with it at the beginning. Like his honored father, he is identified with
the ancient and august Masonic order, having membership in Battle
Creek Lodge, No. 12. He is also connected with the Elks and the Athelstan Club.
On November 4, 1897, Mr. Hicks became a recruit to the ranks of
the benedicts, his chosen lady being Josephine A. Werstein, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Werstein, of whom more extended mention is
made on other pages of this work. Mrs. Hicks was born and reared
here, being a pupil in the public schools and subsequently attending
Sacred Heart Convent at Grosse Point, Detroit. She received her finishing education in the Anna Brown School for girls in New York
City. To Mr. and Mrs. Hicks have been born two children, but both
are deceased. John W., born December 13, 1898, died on December 17,
1898; and Frances Josephine, born May 2, 1900, died November 29,
1909. The Hicks residence, one of the favorite gathering-places of the
city, is located at 60 Chestnut street.
Louis E. Hicks, brother of the foregoing, was born in Battle Creek,
Michigan, July 28, 1879 and here received his education. He is associated with the Postum Cereal Company, Ltd., having charge of the
personal books of C. W. Post. He has been with Mr. Post for fifteen
years and for awhile was employed in the general offices. From May,
1903, until May, 1904, Mr. Hicks was in Peoria, Illinois, in the interest of Mr. Post, that gentleman manufacturing health sugar and candy
at that point. The enterprise lasted only for the comparatively brief
period of fourteen months, as the machinations of the sugar trust made
it impossible for them to secure sufficient sugar to run their plant.
One of the fifteen years in which he has been associated with Mr. Post,
Mr. Hicks was with the Malta Vita Company-from May, 1902, to
May, 1903. His relations with this representative Battle Creek firm
have always been of the happiest character. Mr. Hicks is a member of
the Athelstan Club and is a loyal adherent of the Republican party.
On December 14, 1904, Mr. Hicks was united in marriage to Miss
Myrta Louise Johnson, of this city, daughter of Joseph S. Johnson. Mr.
Johnson is one of Battle Creek's pioneer mail carriers, having been in
the service of Uncle Sam for over twenty years. The mother, who died
in March, 1894, was Emma Jane Johnson previous to her marriage.
The father and two sisters make their home at 68 Merritt street, this
city. Mrs. Hicks was born and educated here and is the second of her
father's three daughters, Eva being the eldest and Helen the youngest.
Mr. and Mrs. Hicks share their home with one son, Richard Joseph, born
in this city, November 24, 1906. Their home is situated at 26 Chestnut
street. Mrs. Charles H. Hicks resides the greater part of the year with
them, but usually goes south in the winter. The name of Hicks is one
held in high esteem in this city.
JOHN C. REYNOLDS, M. D. The professional career of Dr. Reynolds
excites the admiration and has won the respect of his contemporaries,




S


916            HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
and in a calling in which one has to gain reputation by merit he has
advanced steadily until he is acknowledged as the superior of most of
the members of the profession in this part of the state, having long
since left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few. He
has been most successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at
Battle Creek for the past thirty years and here he is recognized as a
citizen of intrinsic loyalty and public spirit.
A native of Canada, John C. Reynolds was born near Port Hope,
Province of Ontario, April 15, 1857, and he is a son of Francis and
Margaret (Kells) Reynolds, both of whom are deceased, the former of
whom died in 1885 and the latter of whom passed away in 1908, at the
age of eighty-six years. Francis Reynolds was a, prosperous farmer in
Canada during his early life; he was the owner of a large estate but,
being possessed of an extremely kind heart, he signed notes for a number
of would-be friends and eventually lost practically everything he owned
prior to his demise. His last words to his children were to the effect
that none of them should ever sign a note for a friend. In 1862 he left
his native heath and came to the United States, locating in Rochester,
New York, where he remained for a period of three years, at the expiration of which he came to Battle Creek, Michigan, here passing the
remainder of his life. After disposing of his farm in Canada he turned
his attention to other lines of business, in which he achieved a fair success. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds became the parents of five boys and six
girls, of whom but four boys and one girl are living, in 1912, namely,Margaret, who is the widow of Ezra Kipp and who resides on Adams
street in Battle Creek; Frank, the oldest child, is now a resident of
Pensacola, Florida; William maintains his home in Texas; Dr. John C.
is the immediate subject of this review; and Joseph W. is an attorney
at Duluth, Minnesota. One brother, Thomas, was drowned at Battle
Creek when twenty-one years of age.
Dr. John C. Reynolds received his early educational training in
the public schools of Rochester, New York, whither his parents removed
when he was a child of five years of age, and in the schools of Battle
Creek. At the age of nineteen years he began studying medicine under
the able preceptorship of Dr. Austin S. Johnson, of Battle Creek. Subsequently he attended a course of lectures at the Pulte Medical College, in Cincinnati, Ohio, in which excellent institution he was graduated
as a member of the class of 1882, duly receiving his degree of Doctor
of Medicine. He initiated the active practice of his profession at Battle Creek immediately after leaving college and has been a practicing
physician in this place ever since. In order to better qualify himself for
his chosen work he took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College in 1895. He controls a large general practice but
devotes special attention to the diseases of the head, throat and lungs,
along which lines he is particularly skillful. In connection with his
work he is a valued and appreciative member of the Michigan State
Medical Homeopathic Society and in a fraternal way he is affiliated with
A. T. Metcalf Lodge, No. 419, Free and Accepted Masons; and
Commandery, of the Knights Templars.     He is also connected with
the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and
he has served as alderman of the Fifth ward for two terms. He is
the owner of a great deal of valuable city property, both business and
residential, and his home and office are at No. 16 North Division street.
iNo one in this city holds a higher place in the confidence and esteem
of his fellow citizens than does Dr. Reynolds, who manifests so deep
and sincere an interest in all matters affecting the general welfare.
On the 5th of August, 1885, Dr. Reynolds married Mrs. Elizabeth






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


917


H. Briggs, a daughter of Major Hudson, who was a resident of Paw
Paw, Milchigan, prior to his demise, in 1884. Their only daughter Al.
line B.-married D. Graham Wells of Detroit, and they have four children, Martha E., Helen, Mirian, John A.
CHARLES H. ETSON. The career of Charles H. Etson offers both
lesson and incentive to the younger generation because he has, through
his own unaided efforts, carved a name for himself and achieved a success which is well worthy of recognition and emulation. He has ever
been on the alert to forward all measures and enterprises projected for
the good of the general welfare and has served his community in various
official capacities of trust and responsibility. He has been highway
commissioner and has also served as justice of the peace of Pennfield
township. He is the owner of a finely improved farm of two hundred
acres in Pennfield township and devotes his attention to diversified
agriculture and stock-raising.
Charles H. Etson was born in Michigan, September 16, 1835, and he
is a son of Caleb M. and Lovina (McArthur) Etson, the former being
born in New York state. Caleb Etson came to Michigan in 1835 and
settled on a farm. Two years later he met with financial reverses and
lost everything. He then moved to Eaton county, Michigan, where he
took up land and again took up the responsibilities of life where he had
started before, and for thirty years thereafter he made his home in
Eaton county. He then went to the west, where he remained for a few
years, returning to Michigan where he passed his remaining days. Solomon McArthur, the maternal grandfather of Charles H. Etson, was born
and reared in New York, and he passed away in Michigan, whither he
came in 1840.
To the public schools of his native place Charles H. Etson is indebted for his preliminary educational training and for two terms he
was a pupil in the public schools of Battle Creek. He had been variously
engaged until 1870, in which year he purchased a small tract of land
and engaged in farming. He has since added to his original purchase
and now has an estate of two hundred acres embracing some of the
best land in Calhoun county.
Mr. Etson has ever given his political allegiance to the Republican
party and has served that organization in various capacities of important order. He has been honored by his fellow citizens with election to the office of highway commissioner and justice of the peace,
serving in the latter capacity for a period of years. He and his family
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take a healthful
interest in the various departments of the good works of that body. Although now in his seventy-seventh year, Mr. Etson is still strong and
active and retains all the elasticity and energy of his earlier years. He
is a public-spirited citizen and a kind, generous-hearted friend, who is
never to be found wanting when his services are required in behalf of
those less fortunate than himself.
In 1859 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Etson to Miss Mary
A. VanVolkenborgh, a daughter of Adam VanVolkenborgh, who came
from New York to Michigan in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Etson are the parents
of five children: Frank owns and operates a farm; Dennis assists his
father on the home farm, and Genevieve, Door and Fred all reside at
home.
STEPHEN W. THOMPSON. A retired farmer of Marshall, and a citizen of good repute and high standing, Stephen W. Thompson proudly
wore the "blue" during the Civil war, bravely doing his duty in camp




918


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and on the field of battle, and also suffering for a time the hardships
and horrors of prison life. He was born, July 31, 1842, in Oakland
county, Michigan, of English lineage. His father, John B. Thompson,
a native of England, immigrated to America in 1833, coming almost
directly to Michigan. He subsequently married Mary Jane Baker, who
was also born and reared in England, and settled on a farm in Springfield township, Oakland county, where he remained a number of years,
being engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock. On retiring from
active labor, he removed to Marshall. Of their children, the following named grew to years of maturity: Margaret, Sarah, Stephen W.,
John C., and James M.
Brought up on the home farm, Stephen W. Thompson was well
drilled in the rudimentary branches of study in the rural schools of
Oakland county, and as a youth became exceedingly familiar with
farm work of all kinds. On August 20, 1862, inspired by patriotic
ardor, he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, which was
commanded by Colonel Broadhead, and with his regiment went to the
front, where he participated in several engagements, including the battle at Gettysburg. Captured by the enemy, Mr. Thompson was taken
first to Richmond, thence to Libby Prison, from there being sent to
Belle Isle. Being paroled in March, 1864, Mr. Thompson was granted
a furlough, and spent two months at his home. On May 7, 1864, he
rejoined his regiment in Annapolis, Maryland, and the following few
months saw active service at Winchester, and at other points, being
honorably discharged from service June 27, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas.
Returning home, Mr. Thompson remained in Oakland county for
some time. When ready to begin farming for himself he came to Calhoun county, and having purchased forty acres of land in Clarence
township at once began its improvement. Laboring earnestly and judiciously, he put the land under a good state of cultivation, erected a
substantial set of buildings, and was there prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1903. Removing then with his family to Marshall, Mr. Thompson has since devoted his time to his general affairs.
Having been severely injured in the breast while serving as a soldier,
Mr. Thompson is badly crippled, being unable to perform much manual
labor, and on account of his affliction he draws a good pension. He is
an active and prominent member of the C. Colegrove Post, No. 166,
Grand Army of the Republic, which he has served as commander two
years. A straightforward Republican in politics, Mr. Thompson has
filled some township offices, including those of highway commissioner
and township treasurer.
In 1870 Mr. Thompson married Anna Britton, of Oakland county,
a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Cash) Britton. She was born
in England in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of three
children, namely: Elmer L., a farmer in Clarence township; Winnie,
wife of Willis Hammond, of Marshall; and Flora B., who married Rev.
John Bretz, a Methodist Episcopal minister.
JOHN HEYSER, actively identified with industrial and manufacturing interests in Calhoun county, Michigan, makes his home at Battle
Creek. He is deeply interested in community affairs and his efforts have
also been a potent element in the business progress of this section of
the state. He has with ready recognition of opportunity directed his
labors into various fields wherein he has achieved success, and at the
same time has conducted a business enterprise that has proved of more
than local value, largely promoting the commercial activity of the state.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


919


Mr. Heyser is general superintendent of the Union Steam Pump Company of Battle Creek and is president of the Advance Pump & Compressor Company of this city.
A native of Marshall, Michigan, John Heyser was born on the 3d
of January, 1858. He is a son of Phillip and Agnes (Schmidt) Heyser,
both of whom were born in Germany and both of whom are now deceased. On other pages of this work appears a sketch of Frederick J.
Heyser, brother of the subject of this review, and therein is given a
summary of the lives of the parents, so that further data in that connection is not deemed necessary at this juncture.
John Heyser was educated in the public schools of Marshall, Michigan, and as a youth he learned the machinist's trade in the Michigan
Central Railroad shops, at Jackson, Michigan, working there for a
period of seven years, at the expiration of which he came to Battle
Creek, where for three months he was in the employ of the Grand Trunk
Railway Company. Soon thereafter he began to work for the firm of
Nichols & Shepard, remaining with that concern for five years. In
1885 a number of mechanics started a jobbing shop, which was a copartnership business and which included the following men: Mr. Allen
Preston, Mr. James Gridley, Mr. Edward Keet and the subject of this
notice. One year and a half later this copartnership was merged into
the Union Manufacturing Company of Battle Creek. In 1891 the concern was reorganized into what is now the Union Steam Pump Company, in which Mr. Heyser is a heavy stockholder. He is the only
one of the original founders still connected with the company and he
has been general superintendent of the concern since 1893. The Union
Steam Pump Company are manufacturers of the Burnham and the
Moore steam pumps and they also manufacture air compressors, condensers and power pumps. The plant at Battle Creek is well equipped
in every detail and a splendid business is controlled by the company.
Mr. Heyser is likewise connected with the Advance Pump & Compressor Company of Battle Creek, being president thereof. He is a director
and stockholder in the Old National Bank of this city and is financially
interested in a number of other business enterprises of broad scope and
importance.
In politics Mr. Heyser is an uncompromising supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and
in a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; the Athelstan Club and the Country Club. He is a shrewd
business man and an enterprising citizen and is held in high esteem by
his fellow men, who honor him for his exemplary life and sterling integrity of character.
November 24, 1887, Mr. Heyser was united in marriage to Miss
Amelia Weickgenant, a sister of Jacob Weickgenant, one of Battle
Creek's most prosperous merchants. Mr. and Mrs. Heyser have four
children-three boys and one girl, namely,-Harold L., who was graduated in the Battle Creek high school in 1908 and who is now a student
in the University of Michigan; Agnes was graduated in the Battle
Creek high school in the class of 1911; and Richard and Robert are
'both pupils in the Battle Creek public schools. The Heyser home is
maintained at No. 181 North avenue and it is a center of most generous
hospitality.
RORERT A. ROE. Among the families identified by long residence
and influential activities with Calhoun county is the one which was
founded here in 1876 by the late Robert A. Roe, who died at his home
near Battle Creek, April 6, 1894. His family are still represented in




920


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the city and county and are well known and public-spirited citizens.
Robert A. Roe was born at Kennitty, Kings county, Ireland, in
1824, ard had reached the age of three-score and ten at the time of his
death. Reared and educated in his native land, he landed at New York
during the fifties, and for many years was a resident and successful
business man in Brooklyn. He conducted a hardware store across the
river in New York city in the days before the erection of the Roebling
suspension bridge, when a ferry was the only means of getting over
East river. In the spring of 1876 he moved west and located on a small
farm of about thirty-eight acres just outside the present city limits of
Battle Creek. This place, in Bedford township, is now called Washington Heights. Here he was quietly engaged in the occupation of farming until overtaken by death nearly twenty years later.
-In his boyhood home in Ireland he had played with and in boy
fashion domineered over a little girl named IMary J. Duncan. In 1849
her parents had emigrated to America and located in Pittsburg, where
she was reared and lived until about 1866, when she took up her residence with a brother in Brooklyn. Here she again met the companion
of former years, and whom as a child she had disliked so much. But
this did not interfere with their pleasant course of love and courtship,
and in 1868 they were united in marriage at her brother's home in
Meadville, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mary (Duncan) Roe was born in 1835
and surviving her husband fifteen years died in Battle Creek, October
21, 1909, being at the time of one of the oldest residents on Green
street where her home was.
Several of Mrs. Roe's brothers attained prominence in the business
world. One of them was Thomas J. Duncan, who died in Belfast, Ireland, June 1, '1871. He was frail in health and never married, and
much of his wealth went to the cause of religion and charity. He was
an intimate friend of the late Bishop Matthew Simpson of the Methodist
church, and traveled extensively in his company through Europe and
elsewhere, contributing liberally to causes which the Bishop advocated.
His name is especially remembered here in Battle Creek because of his
gift of ten thousand dollars to the Methodist church, a donation which
was made in the sixties when gifts of such size were rare. Other
brothers of Mrs. Roe were William C., George S., Richard C. Frank
H. and Col. James F. Duncan. George S. Duncan more than sixty years
ago entered a telegraph office at Pittsburg as a messenger boy, and his
immediate predecessor in that humble capacity was Andrew Carnegie,
who had by dint of application gained his first promotion toward business eminence by becoming a telegraph operator, and young Duncan
was soon advanced in a similar way. Colonel James Duncan was a well
known oil operator in the early days of the Ohio oil fields.
The late Robert A. Roe and wife were the parents of four children:
William George, who died in childhood; Clara B., now a resident of
Ypsilanti; Robert Percy, of Battle Creek (see sketch elsewhere); and
Jessie L., who resides in the old home in Battle Creek. The three oldest were born in Brooklyn, and Miss Jessie in Battle Creek, and all
of them attended the Battle Creek schools. Clara graduated from
the high school in 1894 and from the University of Michigan in 1904.
Miss Jessie is a graduate of the high school class of 1897 and from the
University of Michigan with the class of 1902. The family's religious
choice has been the St. Thomas Episcopal church.
ASAHEL'BEACH, M. D. Dr. Beach was one of the honored and influential pioneers of Calhoun county, where he established his home
about three years prior to the admission of Michigan to statehood, and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


921


he played a large and benignant part in connection with the development
and upbuilding of this now opulent section of the Wolverine commonwealth, the while he exemplified these sterling traits of character which
ever beget objective confidence and esteem. Well, indeed, may a publication of the province assigned to the one at hand, pay a tribute of honor
to this worthy pioneer, and it is deemed a privilege to enter in these pages
a brief review of his career. Dr. Beach was one of those favored mortals
whom nature launches into the world with the heritage of a sturdy
ancestry, a masterful mind, and energy enough for many men. Planted
in a metropolis, he would have used his talents in competing with and
uplifting his fellow men. Planted in the wilderness, he used them in
developing the things that the environment needed. He was the type
of a true gentleman and a representative of the best in the community,
-dignified, and yet possessed of an affability that won to him warm
friends among all classes and conditions of men.
Dr. Asahel Beach was born at Cambridge, Washington county, New
York, on Christmas day of the year 1799, and was a son of Thomas
and Mary Beach, honored pioneers of that county, where the father
devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and was a man of prominence and influence in the community. The lineage of the Beach family
is traced back to stanch English origin, and representatives of the name
settled in New England in the early colonial epoch of our national
history. The parents of Dr. Beach continued to reside in Washington
county, New York, until the close of their lives, and their names have
enduring place on the roll of the sterling pioneers of that section of
the Empire state. Dr. Beach was reared to the sturdy discipline of
the home farm and in the meanwhile availed himself of the advantages
of the common schools of the locality and period. This discipline was
supplemented by a course of study in a well ordered academy in his
native town, and in 1821 he began the study of medicine in the office of
Dr. Thomas Beach, Jr., who was his kinsman and a representative
physician and surgeon of Ontario county, New York. Later he continued his technical studies under the effective preceptorship of Dr. A.
G. Smith, who likewise was one of the eminent representatives of the
medical profession in western New York. After such preliminary
training Dr. Beach went to Vermont and entered the Vermont Medical
College, at Castleton, Rutland county, in which institution he attended
two courses of lectures. He was graduated on the 24th of December,
1824, and received from this excellent college his well earned degree of
Doctor of Medicine. Thereafter he gave his attention for some time
to post-graduate study and research, under the direction of Dr. Anderson, who was professor of anatomy and operative surgery in a medical
college in the city of Albany, New York. Thus admirably fortified for
the work of his chosen profession, Dr. Beach engaged in active general
practice at Victor, Ontario county, New York, where he remained about
ten years and where his success was of unequivocal order.
In the year 1834 Dr. Beach came to Michigan and numbered himself
among the pioneers of Calhoun county, this section of the state at that
time having been little more than a forest wilderness. He located in
township of Milton, now called Emmett township, where he secured a
tract of about nine hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land.
His intention was to devote himself to the reclaiming and cultivation of
a farm in the new country, but he soon found his services much in requisition in ministering in a professional way to the settlers throughout
a wide area of country. He was one of the first physicians and surgeons to engage in practice in Calhoun county, and in his work he lived
up to the full tension of the pioneer days,-riding on horseback through




922


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


winter's blasts and summer's heat to minister to those in affliction and
distress, and encountering hardships that the physician of the present
day would consider far too great to endure. It is needless to say that
he became the friend and counselor of the pioneer families and that he
gained the affectionate regard of those to whom he ministered with so
much of ability and self-abnegation,-especially during the season of
1838, when much sickness prevailed throughout this section. He continued in the active work of his profession until about 1858, when he
retired, his removal to the village of Battle Creek having taken place in
October, 1843. In the meanwhile he had effected the development of
much of his land, which he had brought under effective cultivation.
He wielded much influence in the community and was known as a man
of sterling character, fine intellectual and professional attainments,
and most progressive ideas. He gave his co-operation in the support of
all things tending to advance the material and social welfare of the
community and was identified with various industrial and business
enterprises after establishing'his home in Battle Creek, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the 29th of December, 1879. His loved and devoted wife, a woman of singularly gentle
and gracious personality, was summoned to the life eternal on the 1st of
March of the same year, so that in death they were not long divided.
In politics Dr. Beach was originally an old-line Whig, but upon the
organization of the Republican party he espoused its cause, and he ever
afterward continued a stanch and influential advocate of its principles
and policies.
On the 24th of October, 1826, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Beach to Miss Martha Ann Cady, who was born at Mendon, Monroe
county, New York, on the 24th of October, 1809, and the date of whose
death has already been noted. Her father, General Cholett Cady, was
a pioneer of western New York and gained his military title through
belonging to the home militia. Dr. and Mrs. Beach became the parents
of four children, and of the number the only survivor is Cholett C.
Beach, who is treasurer of the Nichols & Shepard Company, of Battle
Creek, and concerning whom individual mention is made on other
pages of this work. Concerning the other children the following brief
data are given: Martha A. was born on the 20th of November, 1831,
and died on the 1st of November, 1834, while the family were en route
to the new home in Michigan; Mary became the wife of Frank N. Bennett and passed the closing years of her life in Battle Creek, Michigan,
where her death occurred on the 24th of November, 1880; and Thomas
S. was a resident of Dayton, in the state of Washington, at the time of
his death, which there occurred on the 5th of December, 1893.
CHOLETT C. BEACH. On other pages of this publication is consistently entered a memoir to that honored pioneer, the late Dr. Asahel
Beach, who was numbered among the earliest settlers of Calhoun
county, and in the article mentioned is given adequate information concerning the family history, so that a reptition of the data is not demanded in the present sketch, that of the career of the only surviving
child of Dr. Asahel and Martha Ann (Cady) Beach. He whose name
initiates this review is a native son of Calhoun county and here he has
well upheld the prestige of the honored name which he bears. He has
long been numbered among the representative c itizens and influential
business men of Battle Creek, where he is treasurer of the Nichols &
Shepard Company, the great industrial concern which has done more
than any other agency to further the commercial precedence of the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


923


metropolis of Calhoun county. Of this corporation due mention is made
elsewhere in this publication.
Cholett Cady Beach was born on the old homestead farm, four miles
east of Battle Creek, in Milton township, on the 24th of November,
1836, the year prior to the admission of Michigan as one of the sovereign
states of the federal Union, and his memory thus forms an indissoluble
link between the early pioneer epoch and the latter days of opulent
progress and prosperity. He was reared under the benignant influences
of the pioneer era and his early educational advantages were those afforded in the schools of Battle Creek, which was then a mere village.
In 1855-6 he was enabled to complete an effective course in a commercial
college in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Beach was about seven years
of age when, in October, 1843, the family removed from the farm to
Battle Creek, where he has maintained his home during the major part
of the long intervening years and where he has contributed his quota
to the development and upbuilding of a thriving industrial and commercial city. As a youth he secured a position as clerk in the dry-goods
store of Leicester Buckley, and in this capacity he continued about four
years.
In the year 1858 Mr. Beach became associated with his brother-in-law,
the late Frank N. Bennett, in the retail crockery business, which they
conducted, under the firm name of Bennett & Beach, for a period of
about three years, after which Mr. Beach was employed in turn as a
clerk in the retail grocery of John Gowdy & Son and in the banking
establishment of Alexander C. Hamblin. In 1864 he went to the city
of Chicago, where he became associated with his uncle, David Cady, in
the produce commission business, under the title of Cady & Beach. He
remained in Chicago until 1866, when he responded to the overtures
made by his former employer, Alexander C. HIamblin, with whom he became associated in the private banking business in Battle Creek, under
the title of A. C. Hamblin & Company. This alliance continued about
ten years and the enterprise proved most prosperous.
On the 1st of February, 1879, Mr. Beach initiated his connection
with the Nichols & Shepard Company, and he has since continued to be
identified with the same, the while he has been one of the influential
factors in the development of its splendid industrial enterprise, that
of manufacturing grain separators and other agricultural machinery,in which line it is excelled in extent and importance by no concern in the
world. In the early years Mr. Beach had charge for some time of the collection department of the business, and after a year's absence, on account
of impaired health, he assumed the office of cashier for the company. This
position he retained consecutively until the death of John Nichols, one
of the founders of the business, when he was made treasurer of the company, an office in which he has served continuously since 1891. Mr.
Beach has made an enviable record as a conservative, reliable and progressive business man, and no citizen of Battle Creek has more secure
place in popular confidence and esteem. He is a stockholder and director of the Nichols & Shepard Company and also of the Old National
Bank of Battle Creek.
As a loyal and public-spirited citizen Mr. Beach has ever stood ready
to lend his influence and tangible co-operation in the furtherance of
measures and enterprises projected for the general good of his home
city, county and state, and while he has had naught of desire for the
honors or emoluments of political office and has refused to become a
candidate for the same, he accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican
party. With abiding filial faith and admiration he states that the
only reason he is a Republican is because his father was. Both he and




924


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


his wife are valued members of the Independent Congregational church
of Battle Creek; he is affiliated with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free
and Accepted Masons; is a charter member of the Country Club, of which
he was the first president; and is a charter member of the Athelstan
Club, of which likewise he has served as president. He finds his most
effective and inspiring source of recreation through his insistent devotion to the game of golf and to other outdoor sports, and his prowess
on the links is of no uncertain order, reinforced as it is by his presence
on the fine golf course of the Country Club on every pleasant afternoon
during the golf season. The game has no more ardent devotee in Battle
Creek, and the mention of its name in the presence of Mr. Beach is
certain to call forth words of enthusiastic appreciation on his part. He
was for many years an adept in the fine old sport of archery, in which
connection he made some of the best scores tallied to those participating
in the game, and on one occasion,. at a meeting of representative archers
in the city of Chicago, he had the enviable distinction of winning the
American championship. He still retains his appreciation of and fondness for all normal outdoor sports and recreations. Mr. Beach resides
at 23 Beach street, a thoroughfare named in honor.of his father, and
is the owner of other valuable realty in his native county. The home
is a center of refined and gracious hospitality, under the regime of its
popular chatelaine, Mrs. Beach, who is a leader in connection with the
best social activities of the community.
At Jackson, Windham county, Vermont, on the 21st of April, 1861,
was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Beach to Miss Eva Luana Peebles.
Mrs. Beach was born at Marathon, Cortland county, New York, and is
a daughter of James and Nancy (Brown) Peebles, concerning whom,
and the family history, due mention is made in the sketch of the career
of her brother, Dr. James M. Peebles, on other pages of this work,
so that further mention is not required at this juncture. Mrs. Beach
was afforded the advantages of excellent schools in the state of Vermont
and also attended school for a time in Battle Creek, Michigan. She is
an active and appreciative member of the Society of the Daughters of
the American Revolution and is one of the leading members of the
Woman's Club, one of the most prominent literary organizations of
Battle Creek, as well as of the Woman's League, another representative
organization. She is specially active in church and club work and is a
woman of fine intellectuality and most gracious personality, with a wide
circle of friends in the city which has so long been her home and in
which she and her husband celebrated their golden-wedding anniversary on the 21st of April, 1911. They became the parents of three
children, of whom two are living: Martha B., who is the wife of Dr.
Carl C. Warden, a representative physician and surgeon in the city of
Los Angeles, California; and Nancy B., who is the wife of Frederick
I. Griswold, a clerk in the city water office of Battle Creek. The
daughters were born and reared in Battle Creek, to whose public schools
they are indebted for their early education. Mrs. Warden completed
her literary education in Helmuth College, at London, province of
Ontario, Canada, in which institution she was graduated; and Mrs.
Griswold is a graduate of the Misses Leggitt's school for young women,
in the city of Detroit. Mrs. Warden has two children-Helen Luana,
who is now (1912) a student of music under Madame Zigler, in New
York city; and Cholett Beach, who was named in honor of his maternal grandfather and who is now a student at the Evans school, at Mesa,
Arizona.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


925


JAMES M. PEEBLES, M. D., M. A., Ph. D. Distinguished as a physician
and surgeon, as an extensive traveler and as a man of high intellectual
attainments, Dr. Peebles, who has attained to the patriarchial age of
ninety years, has left a definite and benignant impress upon his day
and generation, and his multifarious contributions along literary lines
of the higher order are certain to perpetuate his name and talents long
after he shall have passed from the scene of life's mortal endeavors.
He has spent a very appreciable portion of his later years in Battle
Creek, and it is most consonant that in this history of Calhoun county
be entered a brief review of his particularly interesting career.
Dr. Peebles was born at Whitingham, Windham county, Vermont,
on the 22d of March, 1822, and is the eldest son in a family of eight
children born to James and Nancy (Brown) Peebles. More than a century ago the father served as captain of a company of militia in southern
Vermont, and there he was familiarly known as " Captain Jim Peebles."
He was long numbered among the representative agriculturalists of Windham county and was a man of prominence and influence in his community. He was called upon to serve in various town and county offices
and he ever commanded secure vantage ground in the confidence and
esteem of his fellow men.
The Peebles family was founded in New England in tile early colonial
epoch and the name was most closely and worthily linked with the industrial and civic development of that section, which was the cradle
of much of our national history. The lineage is traced back to the
staunchest of Scottish origin, the ancestral records of authentic order
date from the seventh century. In the eleventh century the Peebles
family was one of the most distinguished and influential in the north of
Europe. The county of Peebleshire, Scotland, was named in honor of
this family, and the old town of Peebles, of that county, is the ancestral
home, the same being situated on the river Tweed, twenty-two miles
south of the city of Edinburgh. This ancient town was at a very early
period a favorite resort of Scottish kings, who found diversion in hunting game in the neighboring forests of Ettrick. John Peebles attained
to an earldom and in the works of Sir Walter Scott is made mention of
this impetuous scion of a family whose name has been one of marked
prominence in the history of Scotland and one of close connection with
Scottish royalty.
James and Nancy (Brown) Peebles, parents of him whose name
initiates this review, passed the closing years of their lives at Shelburne
Falls, Franklin county, Massachusetts, and in the cemetery at that place
their remains were laid to rest. Patrick Peebles, grandfather of the
Doctor, came to America in company with two of his brothers and they
made settlement in one of the Massachusetts colonies, whence representatives of the name later removed to Vermont. Josiah Brown, greatgrandfather of Dr. Peebles on the' maternal side, was a valiant soldier
with the Continental forces in the war of the Revolution, in which he
participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, his company having been
the last to retreat before the onslaught of the British regulars. He was
born January 30, 1742, at Concord, Massachusetts. and his death occurred at New Ipswich, New Hampshire, on the 18th of March, 1831.
He enlisted for service in the Revolutionary war on the 10th of May,
1775, and was mustered out on the 11th of the following July. He was
first lieutenant of his company, of which Ezra Towne was captain, and
the regiment was commanded by Colonel James Reed.
Dr. James Peebles passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the
states of Vermont and New York and was afforded excellent educational
advantages of a preliminary order. His academic or collegiate course
was completed in the Oxford Academy, in the latter state, and in the




926


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


same he was graduated as a member of the class of 1841, with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later the degree of Master of Arts was
conferred upon him by the same institution. In preparation for the
work of his chosen profession, Dr. Peebles was matriculated in the
Philadelphia University of Medicine & Surgery, in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in this excellent institution he was graduated in 1876, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Later he received honorary diplomas from several leading medical colleges, in
recognition of his distinguished attainments and service in his profession. The Doctor initiated the practice of medicine in Philadelphia but
during the greater part of his active professional career he maintained
his home at Battle Creek, Michigan. In addition to other notable literary
work he has made many and valuable contributions to standard and
periodical publications devoted to medical and surgical science. For
several years he was a member of the faculty of the Eclectic Medical
College in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, and later he served as president
of the College of Science in the city of Los Angeles, California. Residing in Battle Creek for a period of about half a century, he was here
engaged in the successful practice of his profession; in connection with
the work of which he founded the Peebles Institute of Medicine, in which
he had as his effective coadjutor Dr. W. Thompson Bobo, under whose
management the institute is still maintained as a beneficent and flourishing institution, Dr. Peebles being its president.
Dr. Peebles has received distinguished recognition on the part of
many learned societies, and it may be noted that he is a member of the
New Orleans Academy of Science; the Anthropological Society of London, England; a fellow and honorary member of the Psychological Association of the same city; a fellow of the Academy of Arts and Sciences at Naples, Italy; a fellow of the American Society of Science; a
member of the International Climatological Association, the American
Institute of Christian Philosophy and the Victoria Institute and Philosophical Society of Great Britain.
Dr. Peebles has owned and edited six different newspapers and is
the author of many volumes upon professional scientific, hygienic and
general literary subjects, besides those giving record of his extensive
travels, together with innumerable tracts, pamphlets and other brochures. Admirably preserved in mental and physical powers, notwithstanding his venerable age, he exemplified in his wonderful vitality the
principles of living which he has ever striven to inculcate and he is at
the present time writing for thirty or more magazines and other periodicals in this and foreign countries. Some of his works were published
in London and Australia, and many of his books have gained extensive
circulation. An edition of fully twenty thousand copies was required to
meet the demand for his interesting and valuable work entitled "How
to Live a Century and Grow Old Gracefully."
Few Americans have traveled more widely over the habitable globe
or have gained from such source more than has Dr. Peebles. He has
circumnavigated the globe five times and has made prolonged sojourns
in India, Egypt and Palestine, with especially extensive research and
study in the Babylonian regions. He has visited Mexico and has written comprehensively concerning the ruins of Uxmal, Palanque and other
prehistoric and buried cities of Yucatan. In connection with his travels
he has lectured in many leading foreign cities and in every state of the
American Union except South Carolina.
In the climateric period leading up to and culminating in the Civil
was Mr. Peebles was one of the most implacable opponents of the institution of human slavery, and he was known as one of the most ardent
D::




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


927


of abolitionists, his residence at this time having been in the city of
Baltimore, Maryland. He espoused the cause of the Republican party
at the time of its organization and has since continued a stalwart advocate of its principles and policies. In 1869 President Grant appointed
him to the important post of United States consul in Trebizonde, a city.of one hundred and seventy thousand population, in Asiatic Turkey,
and he held this position about two years. In 1868 he had been appointed a member of the Nortjiwestern Congressional Indian Peace Comlmission, in the deliberations of which body he took an active part, his
associate members being Generals Harney, Sheridan, Sherman and
Sanborn and Colonel Tappan. In 1881 the Doctor was appointed representative of the United States as a delegate to the meeting of the International Arbitration League, in the city of Paris, France. He has
been for many years affiliated with various Masonic bodies, including
the Knights Templar, and also with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Sons of Temperance and the Independent Order of Good
Templars, of which last'named organization he was one of the founders
and in which he was the first incumbent of the office of right worthy
grand chaplain of the national grand lodge.
In his religious views Dr. Peebles is broad and liberal, and his investigations and study along these lines have been carried far and appreciatively. He has the deepest reverence for spiritual verities, as represented in the various religions of the world, and he has written extensively upon the doctrines and general religious history of the Brahmins,
the Buddhists and the Parsees. He is unalterably opposed to warfare,
which he considers but a relic of barbarism and as aggregate murder as
little justified as that of individual order. Under these conditions it
has been but natural and consistent that he should have taken for many
years an active and influential part in the affairs of the Universal Peace
Union. The doctor has been a close student of sanitary and hygienic
matters and to the same has brought the broad scientific knowledge and
wide and varied experience gained in connection with the work of his
profession. He is a rigid vegetarian and has been for nearly threefourths of a century a staunch advocate of temperance, woman suffrage
and other reforms, being a bitter opponent of the practice of vaccination and of vivisection. Though now ninety years of age (1912), he
is vigorous in mind and body and has the appearance of a man many
years his junior. He has obeyed the laws of nature, and right living
and right thinking have made him a patriarch whose course challenges
admiration and emulation. In the gracious evening of a long and useful life he finds himself compassed by those benignant influences which
make for serene content and happiness, and he has not in the least
abated his lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour or the
welfare and progress of the race. He maintains his home in the city
of Los Angeles, California, during the greater part of each year, but
makes regular visits to the home of his sister, Mrs. Cholett C. Beach, of
Battle Creek, so that he continues to be well known in Calhoun county,
Michigan, where he has a wide circle of loyal and valued friends.
On the 23d of May, 1852, Dr. Peebles was united in marriage to
Miss Mary M. Conkey, daughter of Thomas H. Conkey, of St. Lawrence
county, New York. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Peebles was a teacher
in the Clinton Liberal Institute. at Clinton, New York. She was an
accomplished artist and was a devout communicant of the Protestant
Episcopal church, in which she was an ardent worker. She passed away,
at Hammonton. Atlantic county, New Jersey, in April, 1909..Vol. IT —2 1




928


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


WILLIAM C. HUNT. For nearly a half century Mr. Hunt has been
identified with Calhoun county, where he began his career on a little
farm, and where he has won prosperity and has lived with honor for
many years. He is one of the Grand Army men still living in this
county, and he is now retired and has a pleasant home in the city of
Marshall.
William C. Hunt was born in New York, March 17, 1842, on a farm
where his father, William Hunt, then lived. The mother's name was
Jane (French) Hunt. Five years later the family moved to Ohio, where
the father died, the mother having died in New York. When William
was a mere lad he was left an orphan, he was then bound out to a farmer
until he was fourteen years old. This home and its surroundings were
not very pleasing, and the boy later returned to New York and made
his home with a sister. He had a meagre schooling, and most of his
youth was spent in the labor of earning his living, so that he has been
dependent on his own resources practically all his life, and all his prosperity has been the result of his own efforts.
Up to the time he was twenty-one he worked as a farm hand, and with
the savings from this employment he came to 'Calhoun county and
bought a little place of twenty acres, where he began his practical career
as a farmer. In the spring of 1865 he volunteered for the service of
his country and was taken into the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry,
of which Colonel Monroe was commander. The first camp was at Unionville, and then three months were spent in drill and preparation at
Camp Butler, in Springfield, Illinois. After several months service
during the closing scenes of the great war, the regiment was returned to
Michigan, and after a brief confinement in hospital Mr. Hunt was discharged in June. The little farm then became the scene of his labors,
and with increasing prosperity he soon afterward bought a hundred
acres in the same neighborhood. For thirty odd years he was known
as one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of Calhoun county,
and his name is still associated with one of the distinctive country
places of the county. In 1897 he retired from the steady pursuits of
the farm, and has since resided in a fine home at 311 South Marshall
avenue. He still has his farm and other interests to employ his time,
and as a good citizen takes considerable part in local politics. For
about half a century his influence has been on the side of progress and
worthy achievement in his own community, and honor and esteem have
accompanied his advance to the age of threescore and ten. In politics
he is a Republican
Mr. Hunt was married first, January 14, 1862, to Miss Harriett E.
Earl. Mrs. Hunt was born in Columbiana county, Ohio. Four of their
children died, and the two now living are: Elmer, one of Eckford township's able farmers; and Earl, of Tekonsha township. Mr. Hunt married
second, February 3, 1898.
JAMES R. HAUGHEY. It is to such safe, sane and conservative business men as James R. Haughey, junior member of Stephens and Haughey
Real Estate and Loan Company, of Battle Creek, that Calhoun county
owes its present prosperous condition. Those whose only interest in
business lies in looking after personal gains do little or nothing to advance their communities, but the men who have the welfare of their sections at heart so conduct their operations as to build up and develop the
resources of the country, thus opening up new avenues for the prosecution of undertakings that will bring out the best resources of the localities in which they live. Having all the essential qualities of a useful
and successful business man, quick to perceive, ready to act, Mr. Haughey




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


929


meets minor business questions with great ease, while, careful to act
rightly, larger matters are the subject of full consideration, and it is
this careful consideration that has made him a safe and important
factor in developing his community's interests. Mr. Haughey was born
in Bowersville, Green county, Ohio, June 25, 1859, and is a son of John
Quincy Adams and Lavina (Paulin) Haughey.
John Q. A. Haughey was born at Bowersville, Ohio, and in early
manhood engaged in agricultural pursuits, carrying on general farming and devoting much attention to stock raising. During the Civil war
he conducted a cold storage plant at Cincinnati, at a time when meat
and produce were bringing exorbitant prices. He moved to Michigan
about 1872 or 1873 and settled on six acres of land known as the old
Elder White place, adjoining the sanitarium, this being platted off by
Mr. Haughey into lots and sold. Subsequently le engaged in seat
manufacturing and built the old factory standing on the corner of
Tompkins and Champion streets. His real home when he first came to
Battle Creek was what is now the Old Peoples' Home, of the Adventist
society. It is located on Aldrich street, and this he sold. Finally he
made an exchange of some property in Battle Creek for 380 acres of
land at Assyria, Barry county, and there he died two years later, July
1, 1909, at the age of eighty years, three months and seventeen days.
His widow still survives and makes her home on the old McCardle farm,
three and one-half miles northeast of Battle Creek. She was born
three miles north of Jamestown, Green county, Ohio. Four children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Haughey: Alonzo Alfred, a well-educated
man and stockraiser by occupation, who resides with his mother; David
Paulin, deceased, who lived for some years at Bowersville, Ohio; Prof.
Joseph H., a graduate of the Seventh Day Adventist College of Battle
Creek; and now connected with the college of the same faith at Berrien Springs, Michigan; and James R.
James R. Haughey received his education in the college of the
Seventh Day Adventist Church in Battle Creek, and as a young man
engaged in contracting and building, and for nine months was foreman
at Phelps Sanitarium. At one time he owned fifteen houses in Battle
Creek, but these have all been sold, and now, as a partner of Mr. Stephens, with whom he has been associated since December, 1911, he has
carried on extensive operations. Property is bought and sold, money
loaned, houses rented and rents collected, a general collection agency
operated, pension vouchers executed, and lands handled in Oklahoma,
the Dakotas and Alberta. The well-equipped offices are situated at No.
24 Main street, East, where the partners treat their many clients with
the utmost courtesy and consideration. Mr. Haughey is considerate and
broad in his judgment of general business conditions and tendencies and
a most certain and intuitive judge of the character of men.
On June 24, 1883, Mr. Haughey was married to Miss Sue Alice
Smith, who was born at Oakland, Coles county, Illinois, and they have
had three sons and three daughters, as follows: Arthur R., of Chicago;
Hazel E., now Mrs. Daniel Hickey, of Battle Creek; Ruby Alice, now
Mrs. S. E. Gross, wife of the famous founder of Gross Park and other
suburbs of Chicago, and millionaire builder of more than 3,000 houses,
who is now residing in Battle Creek; Myrtle Alice, who is attending
school; and Norman Ryder and Milburn Mathias, at home. These children were all born in Battle Creek with the exception of Myrtle, who
was born in Assyria, Barry county; and Norman, who was born three
miles west of Battle Creek, in Bedford township. The daughters are
very talented musicians, and their mother possesses one of the most
artistic voices in the city. The family home is at No. 39 Hill street.




930


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


JOHN J. WALBRIDGE. A former resident of Battle Creek, who is
still well remembered by many of this city's old-time business men,
was the late John J. Walbridge, whose death occurred April 28, 1889,
and whose widow, a lady of eighty-two years, resides at No. 79 Maple
street. Mr. Walbridge was born in Orleans county, New York, May:
4, 1826, and was a son of John J. Walbridge, who was born in Vermont in 1778 and served as a member of the State Legislature there
at the time Seward was governor of the state. He died in Orleans
county in 1841. His wife was Caroline M. Collins, and they had but
one child, John J. Jr., and the mother passed away in Battle Creek,
Michigan, November 4, 1888.
John J. Walbridge was educated in the public schools of Orleans
county, New York, and on coming to Michigan settled first at Lowell,
where he established himself in business. In the fall of 1865, after
nearly a year spent in the commissary department at Chattanooga,
Tennessee, during the Civil war, Mr. Walbridge came to Battle Creek,
and from that time to within a year of his death he was engaged in
traveling for a Chicago wholesale grocery. His father was a strong
Whig, but Mr. Walbridge adopted the principles of the Democratic
party, and supported its candidates throughout his life. While a resident of the East, he belonged to the Odd Fellows.
Mr. Walbridge was married April 16, 1850, at Gaines, Orleans
county, New York, to Miss Martha Moss, who was born October 5, 1831,
in Genesee county, New York, daughter of Samuel and Mercy (Sherman) Moss. She was educated at Albion Seminary and Mount Holyoke College. There were two children in the family: Fred J., born
July 4, 1851, in Gaines, Orleans county, New York, and now manager
of the account department of the Nichols & Shepard Company, with
which firm he has been connected forty years; and Henry Clay, born
September 8, 1853, in Gaines, and for twenty years a resident of Chicago, Illinois, where he is employed in the grocery department of
Siegel, Cooper & Company. Mrs. Walbridge is a member of the First
Presbyterian Church, but attends St. Thomas' Episcopal Church on
account of its convenient situation, it being just across the street from
Mrs. Walbridge 's residence, which is located at No. 79 Maple street.
Here she has resided only eight years, the home being that of her sister,
Mrs. Thomas, and is an old city landmark, being located on the two
cornered lot across from the Public Library, at Maple, West Van
Buren and Adams streets.
Mrs.. Walbridge has passed her eightieth year, but is still in full
possession of all of her faculties, and looks like a woman of twenty
years younger. An interesting conversationalist,.she recalls many incidents of pioneer days in Battle Creek, and her reminiscences are
instructive and of much historical value. She has a handsome collection of old dishes, many of which were presented to her by her numerous warm friends in Battle Creek. Kind hearted and charitable and
possessed of a lovable nature, she has made many friends in Battle
Creek, who have been drawn about her by her many fine qualities of
mind and heart.
ROBERT MOSS WALBRIDGE, son of Henry Clay Walbridge, of Chicago,
Illinois, was born October 13, 1876, in what was then Lakeport, Bonhomme county, Dakota Territory, but is now Yankton county, South
Dakota. Since he has been two years of age, however, he has resided
at the home of his grandmother in Battle Creek, in which city he is
well known in business circles as manager of the Battle Creek office
of the Western Union Telegraph Company. Henry Clay Walbridge,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


931


who is connected with the grocery department of Siegel, Cooper &
Company's big store in Chicago, was born in Lockport, New York, and
his wife, who bore the maiden name of Celia Smolik, and who also
resides in Chicago, was born at Radnitz, thirteen miles from Prague,
in Bohemia.
Robert Moss Walbridge was educated in the public schools of Battle
Creek, and then learned the trade of telegrapher, working for one year
in the offices of the Postal Telegraph Company. In 1894 he entered
the employ of Nichols & Shepard Company, with which concern he was
connected for about ten years in the collection department, but since
March, 1907, has had charge of the offices of the Western Union Telegraph Company. He is recognized as a business man of much natural
ability and capacity, and as a citizen who has the public welfare at
heart. Under his efficient management the company's lines are giving
excellent service and the business of the concern has increased commensurately.  Fraternally, Mr. Walbridge is connected with the
Knights of Pythias, and he and Mrs. Walbridge are members of the
Episcopal Church and attend with St. Thomas' congregation.    He
is a great reader and a lover of books, being intensely interested in
everything pertaining to nature and history. His numerous friends
testify to his popularity, and he belongs to that type of men representative of Battle Creek's best citizenship.
Mr. Walbridge was married February 1, 1908, to Miss Margaret
Helen Hartley, who was born in Binghamton, New York, and educated
there. They have two children: Caroline Hartley and Margaret Elizabeth, both born in Battle Creek. The family residence is at No. 79
Maple street.
FRANK E. SMITH. Working for other persons in various occupations until he was able to do something on his own account, and since
then and before taking an active part in public local affairs in several
different public offices of his township; giving faithful and intelligent
attention to church duties, political requirements and the interests of
one good fraternity; manifesting always an earnest, practical and serviceable interest in the progress and further development of his locality
and the welfare of its people, Frank E. Smith, one of the enterprising
and progressive farmers of Marengo township, Calhoun county, has
pursued the ordinary course of sturdy American manhood, and made
his mark on the section in which he lives. Mr. Smith is a native of
Northampton county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on November
1, 1856. His parents, Benjamin F. and Susan (Spangenberg) Smith,
are also natives of Pennsylvania, the former born on July 15, 1830,
and the latter on October 21, 1836. Both are still living and have
their home in Marengo township not far from where their son resides.
Four children were born of their union: Frank E., the interesting
subject of this review; D. S., who is serving the government as a rural
mail carrier from Marshall; John R., who is engaged in the same occupation as his brother D. S.. and a fourth child who died in infancy.
The father came to Michigan in 1884 with his wife but the children
had preceded them, having come here in 1880, and located first in Eckford township, where he followed farming for a time, then moved to
Marengo township, and here he and the mother have lived ever since.
As a young man he worked at the carpenter trade, but after his arrival
in this state he became a farmer, and this line of endeavor occupied
his attention until his retirement from active work a few years ago,
about 1908. In politics he is a Republican, but he has been much more
deeply interested in church work than political affairs, although never






932


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


neglecting a good citizen's duty in connection with matters of public
interest. He has long been a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a very active church worker, serving as steward.and
class leader of the congregation to which he belongs for many years.
The mother is also a member of that church.
Frank E. Smith's grandparents on his father's side were Ludwig
and Catherine (Groob) Smith, both Pennsylvanians also by nativity
and lifelong residence, and both nearly eighty years of age when they
died. In his young manhood the grandfather was a school teacher, but
he too later became a farmer and made that his employment for the
rest of his life. The maternal grandfather was Daniel Spangenburg.
The former was born and passed the whole of his life in New Jersey,
where he was a farmer from his youth to the end of his earthly career.
He chose farming as his life work and after tilling the soil for a few
years in Pennsylvania, came to Michigan, arriving in the year 1880.
In 1883 he bought the old Rogers homestead of ninety-five acres, which
is one of the best farms in Marengo township, and is well improved
with good buildings of every kind necessary for its purposes. On this
farm Mr. Smith erected all the barns and smaller structures and made
many other improvements, converting it into a beautiful rural home.
He does general farming, and at one time for some years he also raised
thoroughbred sheep of superior strains, but he has not been engaged in
any live stock business for some time except what has been necessary
for his farming operations and incidental to them from year to year.
M\Ir. Smith was married on January 24th, 1883, to Miss Nettie F.
Rogers, a daughter of Isaac and Margaret (Travers) Rogers.     The
mother died in 1875 at the age of 56 years, and the father in 1888, aged
75. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children: Margaret S. and Arthur
R. Both are highly esteemed and prominent in its social life and
other activities.
In his political relations Mr. Smith is connected with the Republican party and belongs to the progressive wing of the organization.
He served as township clerk one year, and has been filling with credit
to himself and benefit to the township the office of supervisor. In
religious affiliation he is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been, steward and Sunday school superintendent
of the congregation to which he and his wife belong. Fraternally he
is affiliated with the Order of Gleaners, and in this fraternity he also
takes a cordial and helpful interest. He is thoroughly progressive and
enterprising in his own affairs and displays the same qualities in
reference to the affairs of his township and county, being always ready
to aid in promoting their improvement along all lines of wholesome
and enduring advancement, intelligently desirous of promoting the welfare of their residents in every way and sparing no effort on his part
to accomplish the utmost good for the people around him.
JAMES W. PERRY, a veteran of the Civil war, may be found a resident on his estate of one hundred and seven acres in Pennfield township,
Calhoun county, Michigan, in which location he has made his home
for the most part since 1855, which year marked the advent of the
Perry family into Michigan. He was born in Ireland, October 14,
1840, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Brown) Perry, both
of whom were born and reared in the north of Ireland, where their
marriage was solemnized. They came to America in 1841, when the
subject of thik review was an infant of one year, and located in Canada,
where they made their home until 1855. In that year they made their
way to Michigan and William Perry purchased a farm in Pennfield






Ii








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


933


township which he cleared and cultivated and on which he maintained
his home until his death, which occurred on March 17, 1897, when
he was eighty-nine years of age His devoted wife survived him until
1906, passing away at the patriarchal age of one hundred and four
years. William Perry was a Republican in his political adherence
after becoming a citizen of the United States, and the years of his life
in MIichigan brought him a pleasing degree of prosperity as a farmer
and business man.
James W. Perry was primarily educated in the public schools of
Canada and later attended the schools of Calhoun county. When the
dark cloud of Civil war darkened the national horizon he made manifest his inherent loyalty to the cause of the Union by enlisting as a
soldier in a Michigan company, under General Fremont. After he
was dismissed from the army, his regiment became known as the SixtySixth Illinois Western Sharpshooters. Mr. Perry participated in a
number of important engagements during the progress of the war,
including the battles at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Atlanta,
at which latter place he received his honorable discharge. On his
return to Michigan Mr. Perry purchased the old homestead farm on
which he has since resided. He has devoted himself to diversified
agriculture during the long intervening years to the present time, and
in these lines of enterprise has enjoyed success. In his political attitude, he is an independent, preferring to support men and measures
meeting with the approval of his careful judgment rather than to vote
along strictly partisan lines.
In 1865 Mr. Perry was united in marriage to Miss Electa Bayles,
a daughter of William Bayles, who was born and reared in the state of
New York, from whence he came to Michigan in 1857. He settled at
Hastings and there resided until he entered the army for service in the
First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. He was a member of the
Union forces for a period of three years, and then returned to Michigan. Subsequently he went west and he died at Leavenworth, Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Perry have three children, concerning whom the following brief data is here entered: Frank is engaged in the transfer business at Battle Creek; Guy is likewise a resident of Battle Creek and
devotes his attention to the automobile business; and Blanche, who is
the wife of William Bloom, resides at the parental home. With reference to the religious affiliations of the Perry family, they are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Perry has lived a life of usefulness such as few men know or
realize. God-fearing, law-abiding, progressive, his life is as truly that
of a Christian gentleman as a man's can well be, and throughout his
life he has unwaveringly clung to the right as he has interpreted it.
CLIFTON L. CORPENING. As manager and lessee of the Post Tavern, Clifton L. Corpening has a very responsible part in maintaining
and extending the reputation of one of the chief cities of southern Michigan. The Post Tavern, which was constructed over ten years ago by
Mr. C. W. Post, is a hotel with a reputation far beyond that of the
usual commercial hotel in cities much larger the Battle Creek. It has
all the facilities, comforts and luxuries offered by the high-class American hostelry, and during the year 1912 a ten story annex is being
erected, which is to be not' only the loftiest building in this part of Michigan, but will make the Tavern one of the finest hotel structures in the
country.  Constructed in the main to match the present Tavern,
the annex will represent the latest ideas in hotel architecture and




934


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


equipment.   An overhead bridge corridor will connect the Tavern with
the Post building on the opposite side of the street, and with other
building construction and improvements soon to be made by Mr. Post
in this immediate vicinity, this section of the city will be completely
changed.
Twenty years of experience in the hotel business equipped Mr. Corpening for the important task of supervising the Tavern. A native of
North Carolina, born at Statesville, December 5, 1873, he was the son
of Dr. Thomas J. and Susan (Boyd) Corpening, the former a native of
North Carolina and the latter of South Carolina. The father, who was
a dentist by profession, died in 1891 at Morganton, North Carolina,
where he practiced during the court sessions, though his regular residence
was at Statesville. In the latter city the mother died in 1900. There
were eleven children in the family, three of whom died in infancy, and
the five sons and three daughters now living are as follows: Thomas
B., of St. Louis; R. I., of Dallas, Texas; Clifton L.; Arthur G., of Rockingham, North Carolina; Edmund O., of Dallas, Mrs. D. M. Furches, of
Statesville, the widow of the late distinguished jurist D. M. Furches,
who was an associate justice of the North Carolina supreme court and
ten years before his death was appointed chief justice; Miss Lelia, of
Rockingham, North Carolina; Miss Julia Altona, of Statesville.
Mr. Corpening received his early education in the Male Academy
at Statesville, but since his father's death in 1891 he has been continuously identified with the hotel business. And few of the American hotel
men have made a better record of progress and success than he. Beginning as clerk, he was connected with hotels in Statesville and Durham,
North Carolina, at Omaha and Council Bluffs, and with the opening
of the Post Tavern on January 1, 1901, became chief clerk. On January 1, 1910, he leased the Tavern and has since been its active manager. The success of this enterprise has devolved upon him more than
any other individual, for he has been intimately associated with the
patronage upon which every hotel depends, and he has supervised and
maintained a service that has given the best satisfaction. The Tavern
now has one hundred and twenty guest rooms, and with the completion
of the annex will have eighty more. It is conducted on the American
plan, and the rates are three to four dollars a day.
Mr. Corpening is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias lodge, and
the Athelstan and Country clubs. He is one of the leading members
of the St. Thomas Episcopal church, being treasurer and a vestryman,
and is also a member of the music and finance committees. On April
29, 1908, he was married to Miss Bertha L. Wheaton, of Battle Creek.
Her father is Charles Wheaton, now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; her
mother died when the daughter was three years old. Mrs. Corpening
was born at Mancelona, Michigan, was educated there and in the Business College at Battle Creek, and for eleven years before her marriage
was bookkeeper for the Ellis Publishing Company of this city, and for
the past six years has been vice president of that company. Mr. and
Mrs. Corpening make their home in the Tavern.
ADELBERT JEFFERSON MURRAY.     The Murray family is one of the
oldest and most prominent in the history of Calhoun county, having
been identified with this portion of the state of Michigan for more than
seventy years. Its early members bore their part in the pioneer development, and all have occupied places of distinctive worth and honor as
citizens.
The representative of this family above named is a native son of
Calhoun county. His long continued work as a farmer, his well known
position in business and his prominence in public affairs are such that




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


935


no introduction is required for the better acquaintance of this citizen.
He was born in Lee township, August 15, 1846, a son of Arunah and
Susan (Saunders) Murray, the former a native of the town of Pawlet,
Rutland county, Vermont. The paternal grandfather, David W. Murray was a farmer and wool and cloth dresser in Vermont, whence he removed his family to Sedina, Genesee county, New York. His name belongs among the Calhoun county early settlers, for he came out to this
state in 1840, and after four years' residence in Marengo township
settled on section 13, Lee township, which continued his home until
his death at the age of seventy-five.
Arunah Murray, the father, was one of the interesting and enterprising old settlers of Calhoun county. His early boyhood was spent
near the Erie Canal, which was then at the height of its prosperity,
and he began his career as a tow-boy, which later brought him to the
position of boat captain. During the winters he worked in the lumber
woods. While a resident of New York he married a native of Sedina,
Miss Susan Saunders. Her father, Benjamin Saunders, a New York
farmer, was also a settler in Eckford township, Calhoun county, where
he spent the latter years of his life. Susan Saunders' grandfather,
Matthew  Bond, during the war of 1812, had been captured by the
Indians, who held him prisoner a number of months and tortured him
by burning his feet.
Arunah Murray and wife in 1840 made their journey to Calhoun
county in a wagon, and after six weeks of travel arrived at Marengo,
which was their first home. They soon afterward packed their goods
and drove on to northwestern Illinois, but were discouraged from
making a home there and returned the same winter to Calhoun county.
In 1844 they bought forty acres on section 12, and with the pioneer axe
and plow laid the forest and disclosed the soil for cultivation. Having
traded this land in 1854 for eighty acres, he once more applied himself
to the labor of developing a homestead from the wilderness. This was
the homestead where he and his wife spent their last years, and was
one of the fine farms and country homes of Lee township. His wife
died there December 2, 1890, and he passed away August 13, 1897. He
had been treasurer of the county, and was otherwise active in citizenship and business.
Adelbert Jefferson Murray, who was one of a family of five sons
and three daughters, spent his boyhood in the Calhoun county of fifty
and sixty years ago, when the Indians were still here along with the
deer and wolves. Free schools were not yet established, so he got most
of his education in the subscription schools. His practical career began early. At the age of eleven he was hauling lumber and staves to
Marshall and elsewhere. On leaving the home farm at the age of twenty
he was engaged in carpenter work for a time, after which he bought
forty acres of heavily timbered land, and like his father developed
a farm out of the wilderness. To add to his income he employed the off
seasons in chopping wood and stave bolts. His wedded life was begun
on this farm, and with increasing prosperity he became the owner of
about two hundred acres in Lee township. As a farmstead of Calhoun
county, his place has long borne a fine reputation for improvement and
productivity. Stock raising was one of the industries which he followed with success. In April, 1912, Mr. Murray removed to Marshall,
where he resides in a comfortable home on East Mansion street.
November 17, 1869, Mr. Murray was married to Miss Mary Lewis,
and to their happy union six children have been born. Milton L. is
a prosperous farmer in Lee township; Milo C. is principal of the Michigan City public schools; Arthur 0. lives in Marshall; Jessie, at home,




936


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


is a graduate of the Valparaiso University; Clyde E. manages the old
homestead; and Bessie is the wife of Burt Oxby, of Lee township.
Mrs. Murray, who was one of a family of twelve children, was born
at Lorain, Ohio, July 10, 1851.   Her parents were both natives of
New York, and in 1858 moved to Calhoun county, where they spent
the rest of their lives on a farm in Lee township. The mother died in
1867 and the father in 1881.
Mr. Murray has not confined his efforts to the routine duties of the
farm. Farming and stock raising with him were a highly developed
and successful business, and the same qualities which he used in those
lines were applied to other affairs and to public life. He has been
connected with public affairs of township and county for many years.
He became pathmaster in his township at the age of twenty-one and
held the office nine years. He was highway commissioner seven years,
township treasurer two years, and an official of the schools for nearly
forty years. He has also served as supervisor, and has been chairman
of the Democratic central committee. He is a Mason and has long been
identified with the Patrons of Husbandry. He has been a member of
the Citizens Mutual Fire Insurance Company thirty-two years, and
for twelve years has been secretary of that important local enterprise.
He is a director and local representative of the Hastings City Fire
Insurance Company, and likewise represents the Lansing Hail Company. Mr. Murray is also a member of the Calhoun Agricultural Society. He is a citizen of broad interests and activities, and his efforts
and influence have for many years been exerted for the advancement
and material and civic welfare of his home and native community.
Louis E. GARDNER, the oldest grocer of Battle Creek, whose business
has been developed from a humble beginning nearly a quarter of a century ago to one of the leading establishments of its kind in the city, is
known as one of the leading business citizens of his adopted city. He belongs to that class of men who have been the architects of their own
fortunes, having started in life with little save energy, determination
and inherent ability, and the position he has gained in business circles
has come as a reward of long years of persevering effort. Mr. Gardner
was born at Hubbardstown, Ionia county, Michigan, August 28, 1862,
and is a son of Robert and Eliza (Chick) Gardner, natives of England.
They were married in their native country, where their oldest child was
born, and came to the United States during the early 'fifties, locating
first in New York state, where Mr. Gardner was employed in the Schenectady Locomotive Works for a short period. He was a wagon maker by
trade, and on coming to Hubbardstown, Michigan, opened an establishment for the manufacture of vehicles, in which he was engaged for
nearly half a century. Both he and his wife died at Hubbardstown,
where they are buried. They had a family of thirteen children, of whom
all except two lived to grow to maturity, and the following are living
today: Charles, who is engaged in wagon making at Muir, Michigan;
Charlotte, who married H. E. Jackson, a resident of Florida; A. W., living in Hubbardstown; John T., a druggist of Cass Lake, Minnesota;
Louis E.; Mrs. H. A. Sessions, of Traverse City, Michigan; Mrs. C. W.
Mack, of Hannibal, Missouri; Mrs. George Demming, of Rochester, New
York; and Robert, engaged in the grocery business at No. 547 Maple
street, Battle Creek.
Louis E. Gardner received his education in the Hubbardstown public schools, and began his business career as a clerk in the general store
of L. W. Robinson, who later came to Battle Creek and now has a large
dry goods store in the Post building. After spending seven years in
d:..




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


937


the employ of Mr. Robinson, Mr. Gardner embarked in business on his
own account, and for three years was proprietor of a grocery business
at Hubbardstown. In 1889 he came to Battle Creek and bought out the
business of N. E. Retallide, who also has a sketch in this work. At the
start, Frank A. Harris was Mr. Gardner's partner, the firm being known
as Gardner & Harris, but after one year Mr. Gardner bought out Mr.
Harris' interest in the business. Fifteen minutes after the deal had
been consummated, Mr. Harris started home for his supper, and when
crossing the Grand Trunk Railroad tracks, located within a short distance of the store, he was struck by a train and killed. Mr. Gardner
has been engaged in business alone in his present building, No. 247 Main
street, East, to the present time, and carries a complete line of fancy
and staple groceries. Many groceries have changed hands during the
twenty-two years since Mr. Gardner's arrival, a large number of them
having proved unprofitable, but Mr. Gardner's business has prospered
and shown a steady growth, and he now controls one of the finest trades
in the city. Good business judgment, fair and honorable dealing and
progressive methods have served to make his establishment popular with
the buying public, while his courteous and genial personality has made
friends of his customers. He is a valued member of Lodge No. 35,
Knights of Pythias, of Battle Creek.
On October 2, 1883, Mr. Gardner was married in Sanilac county,
Michigan, to Miss Ida Lena Hinkson, who was born and reared in that
county, daughter of Charles J. and Eliabeth Hinkson. Her father, who
was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, died in 1910,
while her. mother is still living and makes her home at Port Huron,
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have one daughter living: Ida Lucille,
who was born in Hubbardstown, Michigan, and educated in Battle
Creek, graduating from the high school in the class of 1906 and subsequently attending Kalamazoo Seminary for a short time.   A son,
Charles Bruce, was born in Hubbardstown, Michigan, and died there at
the age of six months.
The family residence is situated at No. 364 East Main street. Although Mr. Gardner is a very busy man, he finds time for recreation, his
chief pleasure being found in automobiling. He owns a large modern
touring car, and during the summer of 1912 made an extended trip
through the east, visiting the home of his sister, Mrs. Demming, in
Rochester, New York. Both he and Mrs. Gardner have numerous friends
in Battle Creek, drawn about them by their many admirable qualities of
mind and heart.
CHARLES J. PRYER. One of the oldest and best known native citizens
of Marshall is Mr. Charles J. Pryer, who was reared and educated in this
city, went from here into the service of the Union army, then returned
and for upwards of half a century has been identified with the teaming
and transfer business.
During the pioneer period of Marshall's corporate existence he was
born in one of the homes of this village, on November 13, 1845. the oldest son of James and Mary (Wetherly) Pryer. The parents, who were
natives of England, were married in Calhoun county after their families
had separately migrated to this country. James Pryer. the father, was
a brick and stone mason, and gave many years of an industrious life to
that calling. Both he and his wife died in Marshall.
As the oldest of the family, Charles J. had to begin the practical
work of life before his education was carried to completion. The local
public schools gave him most of his training. including a short time spent
in the high school, and after leaving school he worked as a farm hand.




938


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


He volunteered and became a member of Company E of the Sixth Michigan Heavy Artillery. This was Colonel Bacon's regiment. With this
regiment he went to New Orleans, thence to Port Hudson and Vicksburg, from there up White river to Little Rock and to Duval's Bluff, participated in the skirmish at Fort Gaines, was engaged in the siege of
Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay and was present at the capture of the city
of Mobile, where the 15-inch mortars were used in the reduction of the
city, and adjacent fortifications. His honorable discharge was obtained
at New Orleans, August 20, 1865, and he then came up the Mississippi
and returned to Marshall as one of the honored veterans of the great
war. During the many subsequent years of civilian pursuits, he has
built up a thriving business, and has used several teams and wagons to
handle the traffic.
Mr. Pryer is a member of the C. Colegrove Post, No. 166, G. A. R.
His home for many years has been at 317 South Marshall avenue. He
was married in 1870 to Miss Emaline Saunders, whose parents, Stephen
and Jane Saunders, came from England and were early settlers of Calhoun county, where Mrs. Pryer, like her husband, has spent practically
all her life. Mr. and Mrs. Pryer are the parents of two children. Charles
A. is a carpenter and builder in Marshall, and Etta May is the wife of
E. G. Bangham. There is one granddaughter, named Fern.
WILLIAM GLAU has spent the main portion of his life within the confines of Calhoun county; and the state of Michigan, and particularly the
county of Calhoun, knows no more loyal citizen than he. He is one of
the successful farmers of Newton township where he resides, and although
no longer a young man takes an active part, not only in the work of the
farm, but also in the public affairs of the community, putting some of
the younger men to shame by his activity and energy. However, William
Glau has German blood in his veins, and this accounts somewhat for
many of the strong traits of his character, for no better blood has ever
been brought into this country than that of our Teutonic brethren, and
it is to be sincerely hoped that those of the future generation who can
boast German ancestors will cling to their heritage and never forget that
the German race stands for the highest in morals and in intellect.
William Glau, the eldest son of his father, Dedloff Glau, was born
in Holstein, Germany, on the 14th of January, 1851. His father was
also a native of Holstein, Germany, and his mother was Amanda Bach of
that place. Dedloff Glau was a farmer in the Fatherland, but his peaceful agricultural life was interrupted by war, and he was called upon to
serve his country. For six years he was a soldier in the German army,
and took an active part in all the campaigns during the war with Denmark. He finally determined to come to America. Upon his arrival in
New York he came across country to Sioux City, Iowa, near which place
he settled down as a farmer. Here he spent the remainder of his life,
dying in 1906, two years after the death of his good wife. In his political
views Mr. Glau was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Glau, as follows: William; Henry; John, who is deceased; Chris, a
farmer in Iowa; Julius, also a farmer in Iowa; Edward, located at Charter Oak, Iowa; Dedloff, also located in Iowa, where he has a farm near
Sioux City; Lena, who is Mrs. Rosenaff and lives in Virginia; and Bertha,
the only one of the family to remain in Germany, is the wife of George
Urbann.
William Glau came to America before any of his family, and it was
his enthusiastic reports of the New World that brought the others. He
first located in Toledo, Ohio, and secured work on the railroad known as




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


939


the Toledo, Wabash & Western, and remained in the employ of that company for two years. He then came to Newton township, Michigan, and
located on a farm, not far from the one he owns at present. This farm
consisted of eighty acres, and he succeeded in raising good crops and
was soon accounted one of the prosperous men of the community. After
the death of his first wife, to whom he was deeply devoted, he sold this
farm where they had spent the happy years of their wedded life, and
bought his present place of forty-five acres near his old home.
William Glau was married the year after he came to America that
is, in 1874, and his wife was Elizabeth Damon, who was born in Paris,
France, on the 14th of November, 1849. She came to America with her
parents, Nicholas and Elizabeth (Scheiferstein) Damon, in 1873. They
located at Newton and both the parents are now. dead. Four children
were born of this marriage: Willard, now living in Sioux City, Iowa;
Frances, who married William Laupp and lives in Newton township;
John and Edward who live in East Leroy and who are mentioned at
greater length elsewhere in this work. Elizabeth Damon Glau died on
the 24th of July, 1893. After an interval of several years Mr. Glau married Mary Madt of Toledo, whom he had known as a child. She died
on the 10th day of December, 1909, leaving no children.
Mr. Glau is a Democrat, and he has had an active share inll the affairs
of the party in his community, at one time holding the responsible post
of overseer of highways for Newton townships. He is a member of the
Lutheran church, the faith of his fathers.
LUTHER H. HOLTON. Of the old and well remembered merchants
of Battle Creek, one of the most prominent was the late Luther
H. Holton, who was a druggist of this city for thirty years. A successful business man, he displayed much public spirit in the civic affairs,
was a kindly and highly esteemed associate and friend. His death,
which occurred March 23, 1889, closed a career of substantial achievement and good citizenship.
Mr. Holton was fifty-eight years old at the time of his death. He
was born in Yates county, New York, July 12, 1831. In 1855, at the
age of twenty-four, he came to this city, and four years later established
himself independently in the drug business. In 1869 his brother, Samuel M., now a retired citizen of Battle Creek, became associated with
him in the firm of Holton Brothers, of which he was president at the
time of his death. Their store was located on East Main street in the
place now occupied by the American Express Company.
The late Mr. Holton was devoted to the work of his church, the Independent Congregational of this city, and was a member and official
for many years. In politics he was a Republican. The responsibilities
that fell to his lot he carried with fidelity, and his life record was honorable. In 1878, at 243 Maple street, the corner of Chestnut, he
erected the residence which was his own home for eleven years, and
where his wife and daughter have ever since lived. He was married
on the 6th of September, 1876, at Bennington, Vermont, to Miss Electa'
C. Boardman. Mrs. Holton, who was a daughter of George and Caroline (Stark) Boardman, was born in Vermont at one of the historic
localities of that state, and received her education and lived there up
to the time of her marriage. HIer daughter, Adelaide C. Holton, who
is a native of Battle Creek, graduated from the Bittle Creek high school
and then attended the well known woman's college, Wells College at
Aurora, New York.
Mr. Holton was married twice, first to Miss Sophia Packer of Vermont. One child of this union was born but died in infancy. They were




940


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


married in January 1861. She died in 1868 and was buried in Battle
Creek.
SAMUEL M. HOLTON, M. D. One of Battle Creek's well known
retired citizens, Samuel M. Holton, of No. 141 North avenue, who for
nearly a quarter of a century was engaged in the drug business in this
city, and an honored veteran of the great Civil War, was born February 22, 1836, in Yates county, New York, a son of James and Rachel
(Williams) Holton. Mr. Holton's grandfather was one of the first
settlers of Western New York, and James Holton, his father was born
in York county, Pennsylvania. He was married in Rushville, New York,
to Rachel Williams, a native of Massachusetts, and they spent the remainder of their lives in that vicinity, Mr. Holton being engaged in agricultural pursuits. They had a family of six sons and three daughters,
of whom Samuel M., is the only survivor.
Samuel M. Holton secured his education in the little red schoolhouse in the vicinity of his birthplace, subsequently attending Franklin
Academy and Fort Plains Seminary. In 1857 he came to Battle Creek
to study medicine with Dr. Cox, in whose offices he remained two
years, and then went to Ann Arbor to attend a course of lectures. While
he was there the Civil War broke out, and May 25, 1861, he enlisted for
service in the Union army, becoming a member of Company C, Second
Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, as a private. With this regiment he served four years and four months. On the organization of
the regiment he was made corporal of his company, and on April 20,
1864, was made assistant surgeon, subsequently, March 11, 1865, receiving the promotion to the rank of surgeon and as such was mustered
out and honorably discharged July 28, 1865.    A younger brother,
Charles M. Holton, came to Battle Creek and studied law for one year
with L. H. Stewart, and on September 4, 1862, enlisted as sergeant of
Company A, Seventh Michigan Cavalry, being made second lieutenant
March 22, 1864, and first lieutenant May 24, 1865. He resigned June
23, 1865, and received his honorable discharge. His death occurred in
the State of Washington in 1898, he being the owner of the Yakima Republican, at the home of his son, who died later, and both were brought
back and buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek.
After completing his services to his country, Samuel M. Holton returned to his medical studies, and received his degree at the University
of Michigan. Shortly thereafter he came back to Battle Creek and
with his brother, Luther H. Holton, embarked in the drug business under
the firm name of Holton Brothers, an establishment being opened on
West Main street, where the concern of Skinner & Titus is now situated,
and later on East Main street, the present site of the American Express Company. This association continued until the death of Mr.
Holton's brother, after which he was engaged in business alone in the
Werstein Block for three years, making a period of twenty-four years
that he was one of Battle Creek's leading pharmacists. For the past.fifteen years he has led a retired life. Mr. Holton belongs to Metcalf
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., being a charter member and past master, and is
also post commander of Farragut Post, Grand Army of the Republic.
On November 17, 1867, Mr. Holton was married in Rushville, New
York, to Miss Mary A. Chapman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Chapman, farming people of near Rushville, where Mrs. Holton was
reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Holton have one daughter: Florence J., who was born in Battle Creek and graduated from the high
school, since which time she has been engaged in teaching in the public
schools. She makes her home at the family residence, No. 141 North
avenue.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


941


WILLIAM W. WHITNEY. Standing prominent among the more enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Calhoun county, William W.
Whitney owns and occupies a well-improved and well-managed estate
near Battle Creek, where he carries on general farming after the most
approved modern methods, in his undertakings meeting with highly
satisfactory results. A son of N. S. and Mary (Pratt) Whitney, he was
born, January 7, 1848, in Vermont. His grandfather, Cyrus Whitney,
who was also a tiller of the soil, spent his entire life of ninety years in
the Green Mountain state.
N. S. Whitney was born, in 1810, on a Vermont farm, and among the
rugged hills of his native state grew to a sturdy manhood, for a number
of years there working at the machinist's trade. In 1854, foreseeing the
future development of the then western states, he came with his family
to Michigan, and for eight years lived on rented land in Kalamazoo
county. Although he was almost penniless when he located there, he
was quite successful in his operations, and having accumulated some
money he looked about for place in which to invest it, and having purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres in Calhoun county began the
improvement of the homestead now owned and occupied by his son William, the subject of this sketch. He was a Republican in politics, and a
citizen of worth, his death, in '76, being a loss to the community. He
married Mary Pratt, whose father, Daniel Pratt, a life-long resident of
Vermont, was engaged in seafaring pursuits as a young man, having been
captain of a boat, but during the later years of his life was a farmer.
Having acquired a practical education in the common schools of Calhoun county, William W. Whitney was early initiated into the mysteries
of agriculture, and at the death of his father succeeded to the ownership of the parental acres, to which he has since added eighty acres of
land by purchase, his farm now containing two hundred and fifty-five
acres of as fertile and fruitful land as can be found in this section of
the county.
Mr. Whitney has been twice married, by his first marriage having
three children, namely: Norman S., assisting in the management of the
farm; DeForest, a machinist in Lansing; and Ruth, a bookeeper for the
Battle Creek Paper Company, at Battle Creek. Mr. Whitney married
second, in 1904, Mrs. Lina (Snyder) Cooley, a daughter of Levi Snyder, a farmer and carpenter in Barry county, Michigan. Mrs. Whitney
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Whitney is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees.
LEWIS M. SCIIRODER. As president of the Schroder Brothers Company, dealers in dry goods, women's garments, millinery and draperies,
at 33-35-37 Main Street, West, Lewis M. Schroder holds precedence
as one of the most alert, progressive, popular business men of the city
of Battle Creek, and while he has been indefatigable in furthering the
upbuilding of the splendid enterprise of which he is the executive head,
he has also stood exponent of loyal and public-spirited citizenship.
To men of such character and ability is due the distinctive prestige
held by the metropolis of Calhoun county as a trade center, and in
the conducting of the extensive business of the company, which is
incorporated under the laws of the state, his effective coadjutor and
valued associate is his brother Sherman, who is secretary of the company and of whom specific mention is made on other pages of this work.
The Schroder Brothers Company represents one of the most metropolitan mercantile establishment in Battle Creek, and its large and
select stock in each department affords wide range of choice to the
appreciative patrons of the concern. Fair and honorable dealings and




942


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


effective service have given this house high reputation, and its interested principals command unequivocal confidence and esteem in both
business and social circles.
Lewis M. Schroder was born at Galesburg, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, on the 28th of January, 1861, and is a son of John and Mary
(Bostwick) Schroder, the former of whom was born in Germany and
the latter of whom was born near Galesburg, a member of one of the
old and honored pioneer families of Kalamazoo county. John Schroder
gained his rudimentary education in his native land and was a lad of
twelve years at the time of the family immigration to America. He
was reared to maturity in Galesburg, and it has been his to achieve
large and worthy success as one of the world's productive workers.
His marriage was solemnized at Galesburg, where he and his devoted
wife still maintain their home, and he has long been numbered among
the representative citizens of Kalamazoo county, where he is the owner
of a large and valuable landed estate, consisting of several well improved farms, and he is also interested in one of the leading mercantile enterprises in his home village. He is a man of distinctive business
acumen, of sterling character and of most genial personality, so that
he holds impregnable vantage place in the esteem of the community
which has long been his home. He has passed the psalmist's span of
three score years and ten but is still active, with admirably preserved
mental and physical powers. He accords unwavering allegiance to the
Republican party and both he and his wife hold membership in the
Methodist church. Of the three children the eldest is Lewis M., whose
name initiates this review, and his business associate, Sherman, is the
second son; Clarence, the youngest of the number still resides in Galesburg and is one of the successful and popular business men of that
attractive village, where he has the management of the store established
by his father, the latter still being identified with the business.
Lewis M. Schroeder was reared to adult age in his native town, to
whose excellent public schools he is indebted for his early education.
He early gained practical training in business, in the mercantile establishment of his honored father, and in 1886 he initiated his independent career by removing to Clyde, Cloud county, Kansas, where he successfully conducted a general merchandise business during the ensuing
nine years, at the expiration of which he removed to Nevada, Vernon
county, Missouri, where he was engaged in the dry goods business for
six years. His brother Sherman became associated with him at Clyde
and they have continuously maintained their effective alliance since
that time, their relations having been always of the most harmonious
order, as each has been deeply appreciative of the ability and earnest
co-operation of the other. The title of Schroder Brothers Company
was adopted while they were engaged in business in Kansas, and upon
coming to Battle Creek, in October, 1900, they opened their dry goods
store at their present location. They originally used but limited space
and confined their attention exclusively to the handling of dry goods,
but with the expansion of business other departments were added and
the business quarters were amplified to the present large dimensions.
At the start they utilized floor space of about eight thousand square
feet, and the substantial growth of the enterprise is indicated when
it is stated that more than fifteen thousand square feet of floor space
are now demanded for the accommodation of the large and substantial business. Both the first and second floors of the building at the
numbers indicated are now in commission, as is also the basement.
The company carry a good, subsantial grade of stock in all lines and
their large patronage, which may be said to be drawn from the "great




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


943


majority;" stands as the tacit recognition and appreciation of effective
service and fair and straightforward dealing. The concern has insistently kept faith with its patrons, and its advertising policy is broad
and liberal.  The Schroder brothers are among the most extensive
newspaper advertisers in Battle Creek and the value of their advertising is enhanced by the fact that they have at no time or through
no agency permitted no equivocal or exaggerated statements to appear
in their public announcements. This has begotten popular confidence
and support of the most insistent type, and thus has been built up
an enterprise creditable alike to its promoters and to the city in which
it is established.
The Schroder Brothers Company was incorporated in 1906, with
a capital of sixty thousand dollars, and the stockholders and executive officers of the company comprise Lewis M. Schroder, presidenti
Mrs. Elizabeth M. Schroder (wife of the president), vice-president;
Sherman Schroder, secretary; and Mrs. Hattie M. Schroder, treasurer,
the latter being the wife of Sherman Schroder.
Lewis M. Schroder is well fortified in his opinions concerning political tenets and policies and is a stalwart advocate of the principles of
the Republican party, though in local affairs, where no issue is involved,
he is not constrained by strict partisanship, as he gives his support
to the men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment. He
and his wife are most zealous and valued members of the First Presbyterian church in their home city and he has been an elder in the
same for the past decade. He is a member of the board of directors
of the Battle Creek Industrial Association and served as its president
for two years. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and is a
member of the Athelstan Club, the leading social organization of Battle Creek business and professional men.
On the 3d of November, 1887, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Schroder to Miss Elizabeth M. Malloch, who was one of his schoolmates at Galesburg in his boyhood days. Mrs. Schroder was born in
the state of New York and was about seven years of age at the time
of her parents' removal to Galesburg, Michigan.    Later the family
removed to Harvard, Nebraska, where she completed her education,
and her parents were residents of Bellevue, Kansas, at the time of her
marriage to Mr. Schroder. Her father, who devoted the major part
of his active career to merchandising, died at Houston, Texas, in 1899,
and her mother is now with her as a loved and gracious inmate of the
home in Battle Creek. Mrs. Schroder is a member of the Woman's
League and is active also in church work, besides being a popular factor in the representative social activities of her home city. Mr. and
Mrs. Schroder have three children.-Lloyd J., who was born at Clyde,
Kansas, and is now employed in the store of the Schroder Brothers
Company; Keith M., who was born at Nevada, Missouri, and who is
attending the public schools, as is also Ronald, who was born in Battle
Creek. The respective dates of birth of the three fine sons are here
entered: October 31, 1888; April 14, 1899; and April 18, 1902. The
eldest son was graduated in the Battle Creek high school and also in
the Michigan Business & Normal College, in this city. The attractive
family home is at 122 Fremont street.
Apropos of the broad and      effective advertising policy of the
Schroder Brothers Company, it may be noted that in the spring of
1912 they made a most benignant and timely innovation, by the distribution of five thousand seedlings of catalpa among the school children of the city. the distribution being made on Arbor Day, in order
that each pupil might have the opportunity of planting his own special
Vol( r-2 2




944


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


tree on that day, the district schools of the vicinity also being supplied.
Concerning this interesting and worthy enterprise on the part of the
Schroder Company the Battle Creek Evening News spoke, in part,
as follows: "It is the intention to give every boy and girl in the grammax grades a seedling tree, to be planted and cared for until it is big
enough to grow by its own hardihood. The Schroder Brothers Company has been planning this useful innovation in advertising for several months. The consent of the school board and its approval of the
project have been secured, and distribution will be made through the
principals of the schools. 'It is our thought that the planting of such
trees will give new impetus to the nature study that is now being
fostered in the schools', said Lewis M. Schroder. 'It should give to the
children a continually  increasing interest in the great outdoors.  It
may, in cases where such planting is possible, enlarge the field for school
gardens.' "
SHERMAN SCHRODER. On other pages of this publication is entered
a review of the career of Lewis M. Schroder, elder brother of the subject of this sketch and president of the Schroder Brothers Company,
of which the latter is secretary. In the article to which reference is
made is given adequate record concerning the fine business enterprise
built up and controlled by the company, in the handling of dry goods,
millinery, women's garments, etc., and also a brief review of the fanlily history, so that it is not necessary to repeat the data in the present
connection with the upbuilding of the business noted and has been
associated with his brother since 1888, when they conducted business
at Clyde, Kansas, as did they later in Nevada, Missouri, from which
place they removed to Battle Creek and established their present extensive enterprise in October, 1900.
Sherman Schroder was born in the village of Galesburg, Kalamazoo
county, Michigan, on the 10th of January, 1866, and to the public
schools of his native place he is indebted for his early educational training. There he gained his initial business experience in the mercantile
establishment of his father and later he held a clerkship, for one year,
in the store of the old-time firm of Bruen & Skinner, in the city of
Kalamazoo. In 1888 he became associated with his brother Lewis M.
in the mercantile business at Clyde, Kansas, where operations were
continued for nine years, at the expiration of which removal was made
to Nevada, Missouri, which was the stage of the business activities of
the brothers until they came to Battle Creek, in the year noted above.
The brothers have been thus closely associated for nearly a quarter
of a century, and both have gained high reputation and distinctive success as thorough, reliable and progressive business men, citizens well
worthy of the confidence and esteem in which they are uniformly held.
In his political proclivities Mr. Schroder is a staunch Republican,
and he and his wife are specially active and valued members of the
First Presbyterian church of Battle Creek, in which he is the zealous
and popular assistant superintendent of the Sunday school at the time
of this writing, in 1912. Mr. Sehroder is affiliated with A. T. Metcalf
Lodge, No. 419. Free & Accepted Masons; Battle Creek Chapter, No.
19, Royal Arch Masons; and Battle Creek Commandery, No. 19,
Knights Templar, of which eommandery he is past eminent commander, besides which he has passed various official chairs in the lodge and
chapter. Hie is also past chancellor of the local lodge of the Knights of
Pythias and is a member of the building committee of the local Masonic
Temple association. lHe is a popular member of the Athelstan Club and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


945


the Gull Lake Country Club, and at the lake mentioned he has an attractive summer cottage.
On the 6th of September, 1893, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Schroder to Miss Hattie AI. Coulter, of Iowa City, Iowa. She was born
and reared at that place, the seat of the University of Iowa, in which
institution she completed her education. She is a daughter of the late
Dr. J. P. Coulter, who was one of the representative physicians and
surgeons of Iowa City for.many years prior to his death, his wife likewise having passed the closing years of her life in that city. Mrs.
Schroder is prominently identified with the leading social activities of
her home city and is a prominent member of the Woman's League.
The family home, at 113 Frelinghuysen avenue, is a center of gracious
hospitality. Mr. and Mrs. Schroder have two children, Mildred Maureen and Wayne Maurice. Miss Mildred Schroder is one of the most
popular factors in the social and musical circles of her home city and
is a specially talented musician. She was born at Clyde, Kansas, and
was graduated in the Battle Creek Conservatory of Music when only
fourteen years of age, the youngest person ever graduated in this excellent institution, whose director, Professor Barnes, pronounced her
one of the most talented students ever graduated in the conservatory.
As a pianist she is much in demand in concert work and public and
private recitals in her home city. She is now a member of the class of
1913 in the Battle Creek high school. Wayne Maurice Schroder was
born in Battle Creek on the 16th of June, 1907, and is a sturdy youngster who never permits an atmosphere of lethargy to pervade the family
home.
ANDREW KNIGHT.     So varied and interesting has been the career
of this honored citizen ofl Battle Creek and so closely has the family
name been identified with the history of Calhoun county that it were
impossible within the compass of a publication of this order to do more
than give the merest epitome of his life record and of the history of
the sterling family of which he is a worthy scion. His parents established their home in Calhoun county the year prior' to the admission
of Michigan to the Union, and he is a native son of the county, which
he saw develop from little more than a forest wilderness to its present
state of opulent prosperity. The name which he bears has been most
prominently identified with industrial and civic progress in this favored
section of the Wolverine state and in connection with industrial interests in Battle Creek he himself well upheld the prestige of the name
which he bears. His reminiscences touching the pioneer era in the
history of the county are graphic and of distinctive interest, and few
residents of this part of the state have a more intimate knowledge
concerning the various stages of progress that have marked the passing
years. Even these brief statements indicates how many are the salient
points that might well be touched in offering a resume of the career
of Mr. Knight, but it is hoped that even the brief sketch here presented
may prove adequate to reveal somewhat of his personal achievement
and of the family record.
Andrew Knight was born in Marshall, the judicial center of Calhoun county, Michigan, on the 2nd of May, 1838, the territory having
become in the preceding year one of the sovereign commonwealths of
the federal Union. He is a descendant in the fifth generation from
Charles Knight, who was a native of England and who came to America
in 1724. This sterling ancestor secured a tract of land near Worcester,
Massachusetts, and there he passed the residue of his life. His son
Charles. great-grandfather of him  whose name initiates this review,




946


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


likewise lived and died on this ancestral homestead, and the latter's
son, Charles (III), was there born and there passed his entire life. In
addition to being successfully identified with the agricultural industry
he also owned and operated both a saw mill and grist mill. He was a
citizen of prominence and influence in his community and was a valiant
soldier of the Continental line in the war of the Revolution. His son
Charles (IV), father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Worcester,
Massachusetts, where he was reared and educated and where he learned
the business of manufacturing sash, doors and blinds. As a young man
he removed to Clarence, Erie county, New York, where he engaged in
that line of enterprise in an independent way, and there also was solemnized his marriage to Miss Angeline Nash, daughter of Moses Nash,
a representative citizen of that section. They continued to maintain.
their home at Clarence until 1836, when Mr. Knight disposed of his
interests there and came to the territory of Michigan, which was at
that time beginning to draw largely upon New York state in the settling
and developing of its southern counties.
Upon coming to Michigan Charles Knight established his home in
Marshall, Calhoun county, which was then a small hamlet, with only a
few business places. There he began the manufacturing of sash, doors
and blinds and also initiated business as a contractor and builder. He
was one of the first regularly equipped contractors in this line in the
county, and he soon built up a prosperous business. In 1840 he removed with his family to Clarendon, this county, and in the autumn of
1842 he established a permanent home in Battle Creek. Here he engaged in the same line of enterprise which he had previously followed,
and his manufacturing plant was located on the site later occupied by
the original threshing-machine works of Nichols & Shepard. After a
time he erected a factory adjoining the Mason & Ward woolen mills,
on what is now Madison street, and he continued to be actively engaged
in the manufacturing business of the one order until the close of his
life. He was originally a Whig in his political proclivities but espoused
the cause of the Republican party at the time of its organization and
ever afterward continued a stalwart advocate of its principles and
policies. Both he and his wife were zealous adherents of the Presbyterian church and were numbered among the leading members of the
First Presbyterian church in Battle Creek. Of the children of these
honored pioneers, six sons and four daughters attained to years of
maturity, Andrew, of this review, having been the fourth in order of
birth, and of the others one son and but one daughter are living at
the time of this writing, in 1912.
Andrew Knight was a child of about four years at the time of the
family removal to Battle Creek, and here he gained his early education in the pioneer schools, his first teacher having been A. D. P. Van
Buren, and the original "temple of learning" which he attended having
been a log building, twelve feet square, with a slab door, puncheon
floor and slab benches, the heating facilities being summed up in a
huge fireplace in one end of the room. Later Mr. Knight attended a
select school and he completed his youthful education in the building
of the first union school established in Battle Creek.
At the age of nineteen years, in 1857, Mr. Knight went to Chicago,
which then gave slight evidence of being the nucleus of a great metropolis, and he secured a position as clerk in the general store of Christopher Metz, at 52 State street. He was thus engaged for a period of
eighteen months and soon afterward he went to New York city, whence
he sailed to Savannah, Georgia. After making two trips of this kind
he accepted the position of storekeeper on the steamship "Ariel," on




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


947


which he made five voyages to important ports of England, France
and Germany. On his final return voyage to New York the vessel
encountered a terrible storm, with which it battled for twenty-eight
days. The boat nearly met wreck at several times; the captain was
killed at the post of duty and all of the other officers were disabled.
The vessel finally reached port in New York, when fourteen days overdue, and it had been given up for lost ten days previously. All on
board suffered great hardship, but the experience did not discourage the
seafaring propensities of Mr. Knight. Soon afterward he embarked on
the "Philadelphia," bound from New York to New Orleans, by way of
Havana, Cuba, and thereafter he and his brother Charles M., were
identified with navigation interests on the Gulf of Mexico until May 16,
1861. When the Civil war was precipitated upon a. divided nation he
was held under close surveillance in the south, as it was known that
he was a northern man, and two weeks passed before he was able to
escape espionage and set forth for the north. He took passage on the
"William H. Morrison," and on this packet steamer he made his way
up the Mississippi river from New Orleans to St. Louis, this having
been the last ship to make the voyage up the river prior to the establishing of naval and military regulations along its course. Mr. Knight
arrived in St. Louis two days after the serious riots there caused by
sectional animosities, and he arrived at his home in Battle Creek on the
16th of June, 1861.
On the 20th of June, 1862, in response to President Lincoln's call
for three hundred thousand volunteers, Mr. Knight enlisted in Company C, Twentieth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and after the command made rendezvous in Jackson it proceeded to Washington, D. C.,
where it arrived just after the battle of Chantilly. The regiment
became a part of the First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army
Corps, under General Burnside, and it made a most gallant and meritorious record, as it participated in thirty-two battles besides numerous
skirmishes and other minor engagements. After participating in the
engagements at Fredericksburg, Vicksburg and Jackson, the Twentieth
Michigan was sent back to eastern Tennessee, where he took part in
the battles of London Bridge, Campbell Station, Knoxville, and Strawberry Plains, with incidental skirmishes at frequent intervals for nearly
a year. In the spring of 1864 the regiment returned to the national
capital, and thereafter participated in the battles of the Wilderness,
Spottsylvania Courthouse, Nye River and Bethesda Church. It then
crossed the James river, arriving at Petersburg on the 16th of May,
1864, Mr. Knight was in the conflicts at that point on that and the
succeeding day and, on the night of the 17th his brother George C.,
who was captain of the First Michigan Sharpshooters, was killed. Mr.
Knight himself went into the battle again on the next day, but about
ten oo'clock in the morning he was wounded so severely that he had
to be removed to the field hospital, from which he was transferred to
the Army Square hospital, in the city of Washington, where he remained for a year. He was then transferred to the hospital at Chester, Pennsylvania, and there he received his honorable discharge on the
22d of June, 1865. For six years after he sustained the wound in battle Mr. Knight was an invalid from the result of the injury, and he
patiently endured much suffering during this long period.
In 1879 Mr. Knight assumed the management of the manufacturing business which had been founded by his father in Battle Creek,
and he amplified the same by manufacturing a general line of building
material, in addition to the original output of sash, doors and blinds.
The family name was perpetuated in connection with this line of enter



948


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


prise in Battle Creek for about six decades, and at the time of his retirement he was the oldest man in this field of industry in Calhoun county.
Many other enterprises of like order had been established in Battle
Creek, but his outlived them all. He had an extensive plant at 147-9
West Main street. His original plant, that established by his father,
was destroyed by fire, and after renewing operation in the Leggett
building he again met with similar disaster, after which he built the
large plant on West Main street, where he built up an extensive and
prosperous business.  Eventually the available supply of lumber in
this part of the state became so depleted that he deemed it expedient
to close his factory, and he was further led to take this action on account of advanced age and somewhat impaired health. He accordingly
retired from active business in 1910, and there is no factory of similar
functions in the city at the present time. The factory building has
been remodeled and is now rented as an automobile garage. Along the
frontage on West Main street Mr. Knight has erected a series of ten
stores, which are rented for various lines of business. Mr. and Mrs.
Knight have occupied their present home, at 52 West Van Buren
street, for the past thirty-six years, and the gracious hospitality of
the same has never waned.
In politics Mr. Knight has ever given unqualified allegiance to the
Republican party and he is admirably fortified in his opinions concerning matters of public polity. He has taken deep interest in all
that has tended to advance the civic and material progress and prosperity of his home city and native county, both of which are endeared
to him by many gracious associations and memories. He and his wife
have been for many years zealous members of the First Baptist church
and both were formerly active in connection with the various departmnents of its work, especially the Sunday school. Mrs. Knight is at the
present time (1912) president of the Ladies Aid Society of this church,
but advancing years and the cares of her home now prevent her from
giving as much time as she formerly did to the affairs of the Women's
Christian Temperance Union, various clubs and general social affairs.
Both she and her husband are well known in Calhoun county and their
circle of friends is limited only by that of their acquaintances. Mr.
Knights is affiliated with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free & Accepted
Masons and is a charter member and honored and valued comrade
of Farragut Post, No. 32, Grand Army of the Republic.
On Christmas day of the year 1874 was solemnized the marriage
of Mr. Knight to Miss Delia A. Dilley, who was born and reared in
Akron, Erie county, New York, and their ideal companionship has thus
continued for nearly half a century. Mrs. Knight is a daughter of
William Dilley, who came from Akron, New York, and established his
home in Jackson county, Michigan, in the pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs.
Knight have two children,-Willard A. and Lloyd 0. The elder son
is a representative member of the bar of Battle Creek and is individually mentioned on other pages of this work. Lloyd 0., who was engaged in manufacturing with his father in this city, married Miss Mary
Courter, daughter of Prof. Frank C. Courter, a talented artist residing
in the city of New York, and they have two sons,-Maxwell Lloyd and
Robert Louis. Lloyd O. Knight and his family reside in an attractive
home which adjoins that of his father and which was erected by the
latter in 1876.
GEORGE S. SMITH. One of the fine old veterans of the Civil war,
who has also worthily lived the useful life of a traveling man is George
S. Smith, whose genial nature has won him many friends during his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


949


life's journey. He has lived in Calhoun county since he was a lad of
eleven years and has therefore seen more than fifty years of development in this vicinity. His parents, Sidney and Mary P. (Lighthall)
Smith, were both natives of New York state. They came to Michigan
in 1854, locating in Calhoun county. The first farm purchased by Sidney Smith was in Marshall township, his later property being in Fredonia township, where he erected good buildings and became one of
the prosperous farmers of the community. His last residence was in
the city of Marshall, where he died in 1883, the seventy-sixth year of
his life. Mrs. Sidney Smith lived until 1887. She and her husband
were the parents of five children, of whom George S. was the first.
The date of George Smith's nativity was June 15, 1843, and his
birthplace was Albany county, New York. That locality was the home
of his childhood and there he attended the district schools until the
time of the family emigration to Michigan. After the establishment
of the home in Calhoun county, he attended the Marshall public
schools, until he had reached an age at which it was advisable that he
share the labors of the farm with his father. He was eighteen years
of age when the Civil war began and his youthful patriotism was such
that he at once enlisted in the service of his country, joining the 16th
Michigan Infantry, under the regimental command of Colonel Stockton. His first discharge was in February, 1862. He re-enlisted in
August of the same year in the 20th Michigan Volunteer Infantry,
Colonel 0. B. Cutchin commanding the regiment. His regiment was
ordered to the front and was stationed in front of Petersburg, where a
rather prolonged time was spent in guarding that place. During this
engagement Mr. Smith was shot through the right breast and arm, the
wound proving to be such a serious one that he was taken to a hospital. Here he remained until he had to some extent recovered his
strength, whereupon he returned to Marshall. Here after practically
completing his convalescence, he returned to his regiment. In all he
served forty-four months.
In 1869 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Van
Voorhees as his life's comrade. She was the daughter of Isaac and
Maria (Mead) Van Voorhees, her parents settling in Calhoun county
in 1847, among the early pioneers. She was at that time but one year
old, her birth having occurred April 5, 1846, in New York City. Her
home was in Fredonia township before her marriage. During the
years of her life with Mr. Smith, two children have been born to them,
who are named as follows: Frederick W., Charles C. The three hundred-acre farm which was the home of this family became an attractive
and productive one under the care of Mr. Van Voorhees, who improved
it in various features, both as to convenience and good appearance.
Since his retirement from the activities of life, Mr. Smith has been
honored by election to the office of city treasurer, and has served as
city supervisor. In politics he is a pronounced Republican but his attitude toward those entertaining different views from himself is always
one of respect. He retains his active connection with the Grand Army
of the Republic, as a member of Colegrove Post, No. 166. His interesting reminiscences of the exciting years of national upheaval, as well
as his clear and kindly outlook on all present affairs of public interest,
make his residence at 721 East State street an attractive rendezvous
for those of his appreciative friends who treasure the opinions and
philosophies of those who have lived.
PHINEAS H. LANG. In partnership with his son-in-law, Phineas H.
Lang is cultivating a well improved farm of two hundred and eighty




950


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


acres, the same being located in Le Roy township, Calhoun county,
Michigan. Mr. Lang is a self made man in the most significant sense of
the term. His success, in life is due entirely to his unremitting labors
and conscientious devotion to duty. He is a man of honorable and
straightforward principles and is everywhere accorded the perfect confidence and high esteem of his fellow citizens.
In Piqua, Ohio, June 25, 1860, occurred the birth of Phineas H.
Lang, the son of George and Mary (Maston) Lang, both natives of the
Empire State. The father was born in Rochester, New York, on February 22, 1812, and there was reared to maturity. They became the
parents of eleven children, of which number Phineas H. was the youngest
and five are living at this time. William is engaged in farming on the
Post farm in Newton township; Libby is the wife of Mr. Dixon; and
Mary is the widow of Mr. Riley. George Lang removed with his family
from New York to Ohio, but he remained in the latter state only a short
time. He came to Michigan soon thereafter, and located in Kalamazoo
county, where he eventually accumulated sufficient of this world's goods
to enable him to purchase a farm, on which he lived during the remainder
of his life. He raised his family there and when he died was well situated
from a financial viewpoint. He passed away in 1882, aged seventy years.
He was a Democrat in politics and in his religious adherence, was a Methodist, as was also his wife. His eldest son, Rowe Lang, enlisted in a
Michigan regiment at the time of the War of the Rebellion, and met his
death on the field of battle at Bull Run.
Phineas Lang was but a child at the time of the family removal from
Ohio to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and he received a fair education
in the district schools. At the early age of twelve he started out on
his own responsibility, and his first occupation was riding a horse
hitched to a cultivator, his remuneration for that service being five cents
daily. In 1902 he had so far advanced financially that he purchased a
farm of eighty acres in Washtenaw county, but it so happened that he
never resided on that place. Later he bought his present estate in
Calhoun county, which originally comprised one hundred and twenty
acres. He purchased the place on credit and worked another farm on
shares to earn the money to meet the payments, and eventually found
himself clear of debt in that connection. Since 19- he has been associated in farming enterprises with his son-in-law, P. M. Voyee, and together they own and operate a fine estate of two hundred and eighty
acres. In politics Mr. Lang is an uncompromising Republican. He is
not a seeker after public office or honors, and the only office he has held
in the township is that of Moderator of the Blackett school in Newton
township. While not formally connected with any religious organization, he attends and gives his support to the Congregational church, of
which his wife is a member. In a fraternal way, he is affiliated with the
Modern Woodmen of America at Sonoma, and for several years was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1887 Mr. Lang was united in marriage with Miss Anna Smith, a
daughter of Oscar and Anna (Miller) Smith, the former of whom was
born in Ohio, as was also Mrs. Lang, her birth occurring in the year 1863.
The Smith family came to Kalamazoo county and there the parents passed
the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Lang have one daughter,
Agnes, who is the wife of P. M. Voyee. Mr. and Mrs. Voyee have three
children-George, Ruth and Helen Gladys, here named in the respective
order of their birth.
JAY C. SNYDER. The name of Snyder is a well known and respected
one in Clarence township of Calhoun county where a member of each of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


951


three successive generations of the family has been numbered among its
most prosperous and worthy citizens. Jay C. Snyder is the present representative of the family in this community and has well upheld the prestige
of the family name for honor and useful citizenship.
He was born April 2, 1869, in Clarence township, where also was born
his father, Myron Snyder, whose nativity occurred in February 15, 1841.
Myron Snyder is the son of John B. Snyder, who with his wife, Betsey E.
(Collins) Snyder, came from New York to Calhoun county, Michigan, in
1839 and settled in Clarence township. Here John B. Snyder became the
owner of a farm of 160 acres, on which he resided until his death. He
was one of the first supervisors of Clarence township. Myron Snyder remained a resident of Clarence township until his retirement from the
farm in November, 1911, at which time he removed to Albion, his present
abode. He was educated in the district schools of this locality and until
he reached manhood he assisted in the duties of the home farm. After
his father's death he bought the interests of the other heirs in the estate
and became the owner of eighty acres, to which he added by subsequent
purchases until his holdings aggregated 370 acres. He started in business
life without capital save for those qualities of character which are more
valuable assets than money in the achievement of success, and retired from
active life a man of substance. In politics his allegiance is given to the
Democratic party. He served as supervisor of Clarence township seven
years and also served as township treasurer a number of years. He took
as his wife and helpmeet Miss Cornelia J. Southworth, whose parents,
John H. and Emeline (Granger) Southworth, came from New York to
Michigan in the early '40s and located near Tekonsha.
Jay C. Snyder, whose name introduces this review, is the only child
of his parents. He received his education in the common schools of Clarence township and was reared to the occupation of farming. He was associated with his father on the home place until the latter's retirement in
1911, at which time he bought his father's 200 acre farm and has since resided on it. Besides the general lines of agricultural industry he gives
special attention to the raising of beans. In political faith he too is a
Democrat and he has served as supervisor of Clarence township six years
and as treasurer four years, which is convincing evidence that he enjoys
the same high standing and confidence in his community which were also
accorded his father and grandfather. Fraternally he is a member of
Springport Lodge, No. 284, Free and Accepted Masons.
In 1886 Mir. Snyder was united in marriage to Harriet B. Sine, daughter of John and Mary Sine, the former a native of Germany and the latter of New York. The father was but four years old when his parents
immigrated tothe United States and settled in Michigan, and the mother
also accompanied her parents to Michigan when she was but a child.
They were married in this state and resided here the remainder of their
lives. One daughter, Mildred B., came to Mr. and Mrs. Snyder and left
them at her death on January 28, 1911, when just blooming into young
womanhood, being then seventeen years of age.
DR. ARTHUR H. KIMBALL. A leading member of the medical profession of Battle Creek during a long and active career, the late Dr. Arthur
H. Kimball stood high in the ranks of the fraternity, and in his death,
which occurred August 6, 1894, the profession lost an honored member
and the city a valued and valuable citizen. Dr. Kimball was born October 23, 1850, in Corinth, Vermont, and was a student and later a tutor
in Barre Academy, in his native state. He graduated in medicine from
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, in 1875, and later completed a postgraduate course in Bellevue Hospital, New York. The doctor began the




952


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


practice of his profession at Cummington, Massachusetts, where he remained seven years, and in 1883 came to Battle Creek, being here engaged
in practicing medicine and surgery up to the time of his death. He was
a close and careful student, keeping fully abreast of the various changes
and conversant with the discoveries made in the sciences of medicine
and surgery, and accordingly built up a large and lucrative practice.
A Democrat in political views, he served Battle Creek very acceptably
in the office of health official, and while a resident of Cummington,
Massachusetts, acted in the capacity of school director. He died at his
home at No. 196 Maple street, and his widow now resides in the family
residence, which was built by the doctor. Dr. Kimball took an active
interest in the work of the various medical organizations, and was a member of the Calhoun County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He was a prominent
Mason, and belonged to the Athelstan Club of Battle Creek and to the
Independent Congregational church.
On September 15, 1876, Dr. Kimball was married to Marion B. Baker,
in South Dennis, Massachusetts, she being a native of that place, where
she was educated. Two sons were born to this union: Dr. Arthur S., a
well known physician and surgeon of Battle Creek, a sketch of whose
career appears on another page of this work; and Frank Hamilton, who
died in Battle Creek, May 17, 1906, and left a widow, who has since died
in California. They had one son, Oliver Arthur, who is now living with
his maternal grandmother in Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Kimball
spends her winters in the South and West, last winter being spent in St.
Petersburg, Florida, and the summer months in her home in Battle Creek.
She is a lady of culture and refinement and has many friends in social
circles of the city.
GEORGE W. JENKINS. Farming, with all its branches, has been considered a good line of business since the beginning of the world, but
within the past quarter of a century it has been developed in a remarkable degree, and at this time offers a splendid field for the man of energy,
perseverance and ability. In this class stands George W. Jenkins, of
Clarendon township, a man who has been in a remarkable degree the
architect of his own fortunes, and who owes his present success in life
entirely to his own efforts. Mr. Jenkins was born in New York, August
17, 1851, and is a son of Alfred and Mary A. (Lillie) Jenkins, natives of
New York. The Jenkins family originated in Wales, from which country three brothers, John, James and William Jenkins, came to the United
States during early colonial days, and settled in Chautauqua county,
New York. The grandfather of George W. Jenkins, Joseph Jenkins, of
New York, served as a soldier during the War of 1812-14, and during
his later years came to Clarendon township, Calhoun county, Michigan.
where he and his wife, Roby (Simmons) Jenkins, spent the remainder
of their days. On the maternal side, George W. Jenkins is descended from
Adam Lillie, a native of Germany and common laborer, who emigrated
to the United States and spent the rest of his life in New York. Alfred
Jenkins was born in 1817, in New York, and came to Michigan in 1852,
settling in Clarendon township, where he purchased a farm of forty acres.
This wild land he cleared from the brush and timber, and erected a log
house, in which the family resided for twenty years. He died in 1905,
on the old homestead, having been the father of five children, of whom
three are living and George W. is the eldest of these. He and his wife,
who was born in New York in 1823, were good Christian people and faithful members of the Disciples church, and in his political views Mr. Jenkins
was a Republican.












HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


953


After completing his course in the district schools of Clarendon township, George W. Jenkins entered Holbrook Academy, Lebanon, Ohio,
and there spent two years. On graduating from that institution he began teaching school, and so continued for some five years, but eventually
removed to Nebraska, where he took up a homestead, and there remained
eight years in farming and stock raising. Selling his homestead, Mr.
Jenkins returned to Calhoun county and purchased his present farm,
now a tract of eighty acres, all being under cultivation. In addition to
carrying on general farming, he raises considerable stock, and in all his
ventures has been evenly successful. A Republican in politics, he not
only takes an interest in the success of his party, but gives attention to
aiding in the advance of affairs in his township. He is a member of the
Ancient Order of Gleaners and with his wife is a faithful attendant of
the Methodist Episcopal church.
In 1886 Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage with Mrs. Lucinda
(Moore) Craig, daughter of Stephen Moore, a native of New York, who
came to Michigan in the early 'fifties and spent the rest of his life in
agricultural pursuits in Calhoun county. Mrs. Jenkins died in November, 1906, without issue, and in 1908 Mr. Jenkins was married (second)
to Mrs. Anna (Hundy) Hadley, daughter of Reuben Hundy, a native
of Canada, who spent his last years in Calhoun county, being a shoemaker and market gardener.    The family is well known and highly
esteemed in Homer township, occupying a pleasant home and being possessed of numerous warm personal friends.
WILLARD S. EELLS. While the development of a city depends first
of all on its business, that is, work it has to do in the world and the purpose it must fulfill, there is another factor, only second if not equal in
importance, and that is the proper housing of the inhabitants. To stimulate an interest and desire for good comfortable homes is a work which
any philanthropist might well undertake. In a large measure this has
been the regular business of Mr. W. S. Eells in Battle Creek for the
past fifteen years, and through his agency hundreds of residents have
found homes and helped to raise the general living conditions of this
widely known city of homes.
Mr. Eells was born in Battle Creek, February 20, 1873. His father,
Calvin B. Eells, who died in this city December 20, 1908, was born in
Herkimer county, New York, on December 19, 1834. He was educated
at West Winfield, Herkimier county, in a private school, and his cousin,
Leroy Bliss, also was born there. Well educated, Mr. Eells taught school
during his early manhood for some years, and for five years he was a
member of the Home Guards in the New York State Militia as orderly
sergeant of his company. For many years he was a traveling salesman,
and also sold bankrupt stocks in the East. After several years of arduous traveling in the south he came to Battle Creek for his health, and
after his recovery remained here as a permanent settler. He bought
some city property in the shape of houses for renting purposes on Goodale avenue and later purchased sixty-five acres of land in Battle Creek
and Bedford townships, which was his regular home until his death.
This property now joins the city limits and is reached by the Upton
avenue car line. It constitutes a very desirable property today, and is
located next to the Post Land Company's addition. It is still owned by
the heirs of Calvin B. Eells and it is the plan and intention of Mr. W. S.
Eells to plat it in a few years and sell it for residence lots. Calvin B.
Eells had the distinction of being a participant in the historic meeting under the oaks at Jackson where the first organization of the Republicjan party was affected. He had ability as a public speaker and




954


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


during his considerable activity in politics made stump speeches in
many places.   The father of Calvin B. Eells was Joseph Eells, who
served with distinction as a captain in the war of 1812. The family is
one of Welch origin. Calvin B. Eells first came to Michigan in 1865,
locating in Battle Creek, Calhoun county, where he lived for nine
years, then moving to Battle Creek township. On July 3, 1871, he
married Miss Mattie Benton, who was a daughter of Felix Benton, whose
father was a Revolutionary soldier. Thomas H. Benton, her cousin,
was a senator from Missouri prior to the Civil war period. She was
born and educated at Middlebury, Vermont, where she attended Middlebury College and a Female Seminary in that place.    She came to
Michigan with a group of Seventh Day Adventists who came to Battle
Creek as colonists, and she taught school in the township, and she was a
resident at the old Health Reform Institute, the original of the present
Battle Creek Sanatorium, while Calvin Eells was regaining his health
there. In this manner an acquaintance was formed which culminated
in their marriage on the date mentioned above.    Two sons and two
daughters were born to them: Mary J., who lives at home in Battle
Creek; Willard S. of this review; Charles F., who lives on the farm; and
Mrs. Bessie Jones of Jackson, Michigan. By a previous marriage, Mr.
Eells had one daughter, now Mrs. W. W. Clement, of Faribault, Minnesota. She was born in New York state. The children of his second
marriage were born in Calhoun county and here educated. The mother,
who still survives her husband and resides at No. 41 Orin street, is one
of the oldest members of the Seventh Day Adventist church.
When Willard S., was about six weeks old his parents moved out
to the farm near the city, and there he spent his youth. He attended
the city schools and also took a private business course and studied real
estate law with W. S. Powers and Henry F. Jacobs. He has been
dealing in real estate for the past eighteen years, and with one exception, is the oldest real estate dealer in continuous business in this city.
In 1897 he opened his office, and has continued in the business since that
time. His partner at that time for a year was John Walters, and the
firm was known as Eells Real Estate Co., but since the termination of
that association in a year after its birth, he has been an independent
factor in the real estate business of the city. His specialty has been
the building of houses to sell on the easy payment plan, and in this
way he has furnished opportunities to almost countless families to
secure their own homes. He is the owner of considerable realty in the
city, and during the present year (1912) has begun another active
campaign of building. The magnitude of this enterprise is indicated
by the fact that he and another real estate man of the city, Mr. I. W.
Schram, have jointly ordered through a local lumber company an entire train load of building material. Unlike most real estate men Mr.
Eells choses the sites near the business district for his building operations, instead of the outlying tracts. This middle field has often been
overlooked to the detriment of a growing city, and while his operations
have proved profitable, they are also productive of benefit to the permanent prosperity of Battle Creek.' Mr. Eells office is at No. 6 East
Main, street, and his home, a fine modern residence, is at No. 384 Upton
avenue, where he has lived for seven years. A bachelor, he has lived
alone and kept his own house without the aid of a housekeeper for
eighteen years.
Mr. Eells is a very enterprising man as an advertiser, and relies on
board publicity for the promotion of his business. He is one of the
leading citizens of Battle Creek, and has played an important part in
the history of the city in the years that he has been identified with its




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


955


development. As charter member of the Battle Creek Real Estate Board,
he was recently chairman of the committee of three to revise the by-laws
and constitution and provide for the incorporation of the board. He
was the administrator of his father's estate, and a considerable part of
his business has been in the administration of estates and trusts. For
many years he has helped to sustain and been an active worker in the
Young Men's Christian Association. Politically, his actions have been
independent of party, and his support may be depended upon to go to
the best man.
HENRY H. MILLER was born at Middleport, Niagara county, New York,
December 24, 1836. His father, Etheny E. Miller, a native of Connecticut, was born July 12, 1795, and was a stone mason by trade. He
removed from his early home in his native state to Crown Point, New
York, where he lived for some time prior to taking up his abode in Middleport. In 1838 he came from the latter named place to Wayne county,
Michigan, and, locating near Ypsilanti, Michigan, he worked at his trade
there for several years. In his old age he went to spent his last days
with his daughter, Mrs. Jesse Smith, at Lawton, Michigan, and died
there February 14, 1856. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy
C. Smith, was a native of Crown Point, New York, born about 1820. She
died in Wayne county, when her son, Henry H. of this review, was two
years of age.
Thus early deprived of the loving care of a, mother, Henry H. Mliller
was taken by his aunt, Hulda L. Robbins, of Niagara county, New York,
and was reared by her. He was given good educational advantages, first
attending the district school, then studying at Lockport Union school,
and he subsequently took the teacher's course at the Normal school at
Ypsilanti in this state. He took up the work of teaching at Lawton,
Michigan, in 1858, and continued to be thus engaged there until 1861.
He also taught school in Eckford township, having charge of the school
there for four winters after the close of the Rebellion.
When the war broke out Mr. Miller enlisted with Company C, Third
Michigan Cavalry, on September 17, 1861, and below is given an account
in brief of his actual experiences throughout the war, he having taken
part in nearly all the engagements of his regiment in the Army of the
Tennessee and Mississippi.
He left Grand Rapids with his regiment November 28, 1861, for St.
Louis, Missouri, the regiment being in command of Colonel R. H. G.
Minty.
In March, 1862, he was in an engagement at New Madrid and Island
No. 10, Missouri, and was in saddle and under fire for twenty days.
After surrender of Island No. 10 by the rebels, and assisting in rounding up seven thousand prisoners, lie went with regiment up the Tennessee
river and took part in the siege of Corinth, which lasted until the end
of May. (In saddle and under fire for twenty-one days.),
He was present at Iuka, the next battle fought, September 19, 1862;
Gen. Price of the rebel forces lost out of 12,000 men, one thousand as
prisoners and many killed. The Union loss was seven hundred and thirty
killed and wounded. (In saddle and under fire fifteen days.)
One of the hardest fought battles was that of Corinth, Mississippi.
October 3 and 4, 1862. Heat was intense and dust dreadful; for several
days in saddle and under fire, night and day. Followed retreat of
rebels under Price and Vandorn for seventy-five miles into the heart of
Mississippi, capturing many prisoners.
A few of the many other engagements in which his regiment participated might be mentioned as follows:




956


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


A charge into Holly Springs, Mississippi, early in the morning of
May 7, 1862, capturing whole outpost, 140 prisoners, with horses, arms
and equipments-distance traveled was thirty miles.
A charge into Hudsonville, Mississippi, November 14, 1862, capturing
one hundred prisoners with horses and equipments.
At Coffeysville, Mississippi, November 29, 1862, capturing many
prisoners; traveled seventy miles.
February 10, 1863, with sixty men crossed the Tennessee river at
Clifton one dark night-surprised and captured Col. Newsom of the
rebel forces, with sixty-nine men and horses, then recrossed river and
delivered them at headquarters, Jackson, Tennessee, the next day.
Grenada, Mississippi, August 14, 1863. Marched eighty miles, captured and destroyed sixty locomotives, five hundred railroad cars, depot
buildings, etc., besides capturing many prisoners.
November 29, 1863. Cavalry and sabre charge at Ripley, Mississippi,
after marching from Corinth, Mississippi, a distance'of twenty-five miles.
Fight lasted three days, secured one hundred and fifty prisoners. Sergeant Dexter, riding by side of Mr. Miller was shot dead. Several killed
and wounded.
Jackson, Tennessee, July 18, 1863. In desperate fight with Forrest,
the noted rebel raider. The command captured one hundred and seventyeight prisoners and two hundred and fifty horses; buried thirty-two
rebels on the field; a hand to hand fight of three hours. H. II. Miller
ran down and captured rebel lieutenant with sword, revolver and equipments;-the sword still being in Mr. Miller's possession. Distance traveled was about thirty miles.
Water Valley, Mississippi, December 2, 1862. Lieut. Corbin, Lieut.
*McEntee and several privates killed, and many wounded after march of
seventy-five miles from Corinth.
December 20, 1862. Cavalry expedition from Water Valley, Mississippi, to Holly Springs, fifty miles, then to Ripley, Middleburg and Bolivar in pursuit of the rebel general, Vandorn. The pursuit extended one
hundred and thirty miles into the heart of Mississippi, capturing many
prisoners and horses; in saddle nine days and nights with scant rations
and jaded horses.
In June, 1863, accompanied the General Grierson raid into Northwest
Missouri. On a dark night crossed the Talehatchie river, by the light
of bonfires; made the horses swim across; had fights at Holly Springs and
Panola. Captured six hundred mules and horses, six hundred negroes,
fifty prisoners from Forrest. Then marched back to Corinth, a total distance of one hundred miles.
Accompanied General Grierson in raid to Columbus and West Point,
Mississippi, a distance of one hundred and sixty miles; battled with'Gen.
Forrest of the rebel forces at West Point, Pontotoc, Aberdeen, Oakalona; lost and recaptured by sabre charge the First Illinois Battery. In
saddle fifteen days. Union forces secured one hundred horses, one thousand mules, horses and negroes; burned three thousand bales of cotton;
one million bushels of corn and destroyed miles of Mobile & Ohio railroad. General Grierson's aid and many others killed in this raid. H. II.
Miller, acting as Gen. Grierson's orderly, received shot through left bootleg and another through canteen and clothes near right side, but received
no wound.
Early in July, 1864, accompanied General A. J. Smith and Grierson's
raid to Hernando, Mississippi, Moscow, Tennessee, Saulsbury, Ripley,
Pontotoc and Tupelo, Mississipi, a distance of one hundred and thirty
miles. At Tupelo a terrible battle was fought with Forrest. Union loss
was seventy-seven killed and five hundred wounded, while the rebel


t




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


957


loss was two hundred and ten killed and eleven hundred and sixteen
wounded. Mr. Miller was with advance in severe charge of three hundred cavalry at Pontotoc, the Union loss in this charge being three killed
and fourteen wounded; rebel loss, seven killed, twenty-eight wounded
and forty-two prisoners. In saddle fifteen days; traveled one hundred
and fifty miles. Short rations and jaded horses.
August 21, 1864, Mr. Miller was present and took active part in driving out of Memphis, Tennessee, the rebel forces, when city was surprised
and occupied by General Forrest. In a charge to save General Hurlbut
and General Washburn's headquarters, Colonel M. H. Starr, inspector
general on Gen. Grierson's staff, was mortally wounded. Mr. Miller was
then the only clerk in his office. Colonel Starr was a noble specimen of
manhood and a gallant soldier.
Mr. Miller was with General Grant through Tennessee and Mississippi as a member of General Grierson's cavalry throughout the campaign of Vicksburg, and miraculously escaped unharmed though in the
thick of many a heavy fire of the enemy.
The regiment saw some of the hardest fighting of the war; distance
traveled was 10,800 miles, besides marches made by separate companies.
Prisoners captured by the regiment, 2,100. Total loss of regiment, four
hundred and fourteen officers and men.
November 28, 1863, Mr. Miller received detail as clerk and orderly
in inspector's department at General Grierson's headquarters, Memphis,
Tennessee, and accompanied General Grierson as orderly on all his
expeditions in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.
Mr. Miller has in his possession strong recommendations from the
famous Major General B. H. Grierson and his inspector, General M. H.
Starr of the. Cavalry Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps: Following
are copies of same:
HD. QRS. CAV. Div. 16 ARMY CORPS.
April 4, 1864.
I take pleasure in recommending Mr. H. H. Miller as an honest, industrious man and a good soldier. I am of the opinion that he would
make an excellent officer. My opinion is formed from personal acquaintance, Mr. Miller having been on duty in my office for six months.
M. H. STARR,
Col. and Asst. Inspector Gen.,
Cav. Div. 16 Army Corps.
HD. QRS. CAV. DIv. 16 A. C.
Memphis, Tenn., April 8, 1864.
Respectfully commended. Private Henry H. Miller has particularly
attracted my attention on account of his honesty, industry and sobriety.
I trust his application may receive consideration.
B. H. GRIERSON,
Brigadier General.
General George B. Halsted wrote him thus:
Memphis, Tennessee, June 1, 1864.
HENRY H. MILLER, Co. C, 3d MICH. CAV.:
Sir:-I have the honor to inform you that the examining board has
found you fitted for the position of Second Lieutenant in a regiment of
cavalry, and recommend your appointment accordingly.
Very respectfully.
GEORGE B. HALSTED.
July 4, 1864, received commission as second lieutenant, 4th U. S.
Heavy Artillery and served at Columbus and Louisville, Kentucky, also
at Pine Bluff and Little Rock, Arkansas, until discharged February 25,




958


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1866, at Little Rock, Arkansas, after having participated in thirty-four
battles, in addition to many minor engagements-thirty-four occasions
when life with all its youthful hopes was freely offered that the nation
might live.
In the spring of 1865, when stationed at Columbus, Kentucky, Lieutenant Miller received instructions from  Colonel McArthur, who was
commanding the post, to take ten picked men of his company and capture
a noted guerilla captain, named Cal Clark, who had been giving a world
of trouble, then somewhere ii west Tennessee. He succeeded in locating
and capturing the bushwhacker ten miles east of Columbus in an all
night raid, and marched him to headquarters to answer for his crimes.
The captain being home on sick leave, Lieutenant Miller commanded
his company from February to November, in 1865, then stationed at Columbus and Louisville, Kentucky. He remained in the service nearly
four and one-half years. In the spring of 1864, just after the massacre
of the garrison of Fort Pillow by General Forest, the regiment repelled
the attack and refused order for unconditional surrender from rebel,
General Buford, after which Generals Buford and Forrest made hasty
retreat out of Tennessee.
Upon leaving the army, H. H. Miller returned to Lawton, where he
was engaged in a general store for one year. He then exchanged the
store for a farm in Cass county, nine miles south of Lawton, comprising
eighty acres of land, of which forty acres were improved. He lived there
sixteen months, then sold the farm advantageously, and came to Calhoun
county, where he purchased forty-eight acres of improved land, nine
miles south of Marshall, in Tekonsha township. For the ensuing three
years he was engaged in farming this land.
In 1872 Mr. Miller sold this farm and bought his present place of
ninety acres, of which forty acres are on section ten and fifty acres on
section fifteen, in Eckford township. This is all improved land, with
house and barn in good condition, and the farm, which is especially fertile,
is on the whole, in excellent order.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage on March 18, 1867, to Sarah E.
Kennedy. She was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, October 22,
1834, and is a lineal descendant of Baron Kennedy of Kilbaron. Her
father, John Kennedy, died and was buried in Ireland. Her mother,
whose maiden name was Julia Flynn, came to the United States with her
children, when Mrs. Miller was seven years of age. When she was
twelve, the family settled in Marshall, and there the mother died in 1850.
Mrs. Miller was the fourth child in a family of three sons and two
daughters, of whom she alone survives today. Mr. Miller is one of six
children of his parents, he being the fifth in order of birth. He and one
sister are the sole survivors of the family.
Two children, a son and a daughter, have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Miller. Their son, George H., was born October 9, 1868. He was educated in the Marshall schools and was graduated from the high school
in 1888. He pursued the scientific courses at Ann Arbor and was graduated from the University of Michigan in the spring of 1893. Subsequently, for eight years, he successfully followed the profession of teaching, and was engaged in the high schools of Marshall, Michigan, and Blue
Island, Illinois. At the present time he is ocupying a lucrative position with Sears, Roebuck & Company, in Chicago, as general manager
of their employment department.
The daughter of the house, who was named Winnie B., was born
December 18, 1869. She was also a graduate of Marshall high school and
was for nine years one of the corps of teachers of the Marshall public




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


959


schools until her marriage to Schuyler C. French, September 20, 1898.
Her death occurred April 2, 1910.
Mr. Miller has ever been a Republican and cast his first presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. The cause of education has had for
him a peculiar interest and he has served it well as township superintendent of schools and as school inspector. He also held the office of
township clerk for eleven years.
In addition to his farm in Eckford, Mr. Miller owns a fine residence,
centrally located in Marshall, Michigan, where he has lived since 1890.
In the year 1891 Mr. Miller became a comrade in the G. A. R., joining C. Colegrove Post No. 166 of Marshall, Michigan. He was commander of his post three terms and has held other responsible offices
since he became a member of it. In addition thereto, he has held the
office of secretary of Calhoun County Soldiers' Relief Commission since
1907, and is still the incumbent of the office. He is patriotic instructor
of his post, an office which carries with it much important work, and he
has almost continuously held the office of chief marshal for Memorial
Day. He has also been honored with the office of colonel of Calhoun
County Veteran Battalion, a position which he now holds.
EZRA B. MURDOCK. As one of the representative farmers and stockgrowers of his native county Mr. Murdock is entitled to specific recognition in this publication. He is the owner of a fine landed estate of 160
acres, in Marengo township, and the same, with its admirable improvements and specially successfull operations, is known as one of the model
farms of the county. Mr. Murdock is a scion of a family whose name
has been worthily linked with the industrial and civic history of Calhoun county for nearly 60 years and as a progressive and substantial
agriculturist and grower of and dealer in live stock he himself has attained to marked precedence, the while he is held in high regard as a
loyal and public-spirited citizen.
Mr. Murdock was born on the old homestead farm, in Marengo township, this county, and the' date of his nativity was January 27, 1855
He is a son of Ira and Sarah (Bryan) Murdock, both of whom were
born and reared in the state of New York, and the latter of whom was a
daughter of Ezra Bryan, in whose honor the subject of this review was
named. In 1842 Ira Murdock came to Michigan and purchased a farm of
80 acres, in Clarendon township, only a part of the land having been
cleared. He traded this for a farm in Marengo township and added to
this until it comprised 170 acres. He became one of the prominent agriculturists and stockgrowers of the county and took special interest in the
improving of the grades of cattle and swine raised in this section of the
state, his reputation as a successful and enterprising breeder of fine
stock having been of more than local order. He was a man of sterling
character and indefatigable energy, and he gained definite success and
advancement through his own well directed endeavors. He was a Democrat in his political adherency and was influential in public affairs in his
community, and of their children one son and two daughters are now living. Ira Murdock continued to reside on his farm until his death, which
occurred in 1877, and his wife, who proved a devoted companion and
helpmeet, was summoned to eternal rest in 1899, the names of. both
meriting place on the roster of the honored pioneers of Calhoun county.
Ezra Bryan Murdock was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm
and after completing the curriculum of the district school near his home
he continued his studies in the public schools in the city of Marshall.
After leaving school he returned to the parental farmstead, with the
work and management of which he continued to be identified until the
Vol. II-2 3




960


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


death of his parents, after which he purchased the interests of the other
heirs and thus came into possession of his present and well improved
farm. He is aggressive and enterprising in the various departments of
his industrial activities, has been specially interested in the breeding and
training of fine horses, and has for a number of years conducted a prosperous business in the buying and shipping of live stock. His love of fine
horses has made him an adept in judging values and also in the training
of the noble animals, so that his services have been in requisition in the
development and exploiting of the powers of a number of fine standardbred horses owned by others. At the time of this writing he is training
for turf purposes the mare. "Blue Bell," which is owned by Richard
Conley, a representative horseman of Marshall township. The mare
mentioned is a most beautiful animal and is destined to make her mark
in racing events.
In politics Mr. Murdock accords a stanch allegiance to the Democratic
party, but he has never desired or held public office of any description.
In the year 1877 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Murdock to
Miss Alice L. Godfrey, who was born and reared in this county and who
is a daughter of Charles and Mary (Lyman) Godfrey, her father having
been one of the representative agriculturists of Emmett township, Mr.
and Mrs. Murdock became the parents of three children,-Charles I.,
who is a resident of Marshall where he is engaged as traveling salesman
for the Marshall Furnace Company; Stella. who is the wife of William
Wells, an employe in the postoffice at Marshall; and Roy L., who is
engaged in the hardware business at Union City, Branch county.
HARRY E. BURT. Now a prominent, a progressive and a representative resident of Battle Creek, and descended from a long line of ancestors, Harry E. Burt himself and his career are worthy of note. He is
in the eighth generation of the family in America, the progenitors of
which, Richard and James Burt, were early settlers of Taunton, Massachusetts. Richard Burt appears as one of the forty-six first purchasers,
in 1639, while James is first mentioned as a surveyor of roads in 1645,
although neither are on the military list of August, 1643. Most of the
heads of the various branches of Burts were farmers and iron workers,
and all were at some time residents of Taunton or Berkley, which, until
1735, was a part of Taunton. From tablets in Memorial Hall, Northampton, we find that David, Elkanah, Henry and Joel Burt were minute
men from 1775 to 1783; John Burt served in the French and Indian war,
1703 to 1713; Elkanah Burt served under Seth Pomeroy, Major, in the
expedition to Louisburg, in 1745, and Joseph and Oliver Burt were soldiers in the French and Indian war, 1754 to 1763, and all of these were
doubtless descendants of David of Northampton. Throughout the early
warfare with the Indians, the Burts bore the reputation of being fearless, hard-fighting men, and many interesting stories of their prowess
have found a place in history. It was the custom of the Indians during
those days to give their prisoners a chance to display their bravery, and
those who showed themselves to be men of couraee often were given their
liberty. On one occasion, so runs the story, one of the Burts was captured by the Indians and compelled by them to row them across a river,
during the crossing of which one of the redmen spat upon the prisoner.
The latter promptly arose, knocked the Indian into the river, and thus
winning their admiration by his fearlessness, secured his liberty. At
another time, when a party of white men were being made to run the
gauntlet, a favorite pastime with the hostiles in those days, one of the
Burts was knocked to the ground by a club held in the hands of a squaw.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


961


Arising, he gave her such a blow as to fell her to the ground, and continued his way through the gauntlet unmolested.
Mr. Burt's maternal great-grandfather, Samuel Severance, was a
native of Massachusetts, and at the age of eighteen years entered the
American army as a cook for Gen. George Washington, serving in that
capacity until 1781, when he entered the ranks to take the place of his
father, who had been drafted. He enlisted March 21, 1781, in a company
commanded by Capt. Francis Green, in the regiment of Col. Joseph Vose,
of the Massachusetts line, and served until June 8, 1783, when he received
Bradford county, Pa., and in 1815 settled at Springfield. He married
Azuba Smith, and their children were as follows: Sarah, who'married
his honorable discharge. Subsequently he removed from Shelburne to
David Phinney; Mary, who married Oliver Gates; Patience, who married John Harkness; and Clarissa, who married Almond Berry, the
latter being Mr. Burt's grandfather. Samuel Severance passed away
in 1835.
Ezekiel Burt, the father of Harry E., was born January 21, 1840, in
Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and has spent his life in agricultural
pursuits, being now a retired resident of Jamestown, New York. He
married Mary L. Berry, also a native of Bradford county, who died in
Maryland, June 4, 1900, and they had three sons: Caleb A., born December 4, 1861, who died February 13, 1863; Harry E., born May 20,
1866; and Charles F., born March 9, 1868, who is now a resident of
New York City, being chief clerk in the United States assay office on Wall
street.
The early education of Harry E. Burt was obtained in a little brown
schoolhouse in the vicinity of his father's farm in Bradford county,
Pennsylvania, and this was supplemented by attendance at the Troy
high school. At the age of nineteen years he left the parental roof and
went to Elmira, New York, to learn the watchmaker's trade with the
leading jeweler of that city, and in 1888 came west to Battle Creek,
Michigan. Here his first employment was with N. A. Osgood, then the
leading jeweler of this city, located on the present site of the Central
National Bank, but after about one year went to Kalamazoo and worked
for A. C. Wortley, in whose employ he continued six months. His next
location was in Saginaw, Michigan, where for about four years he worked
for the jewelry firm of J. C. Watts & Company, and during this time
married a Battle Creek girl. Giving up his position he returned to this
city and with a partner, Sherman W. Moody, bought out the old Osgood
store, in which he had been employed on first coming to Battle Creek,
and under the firm name of Burt & Moody did a large business until
1897. On August 7th of that year Mr. Burt became superintendent. for
the Postum Cereal Co., Ltd., which was then a small but rapidly growing enterprise, which now employs some 800 men. Much of the credit
for the growth of this concern must be given to the able management of
Mr. Burt, whose importance in the manufacturing field has grown commensurately with that of the business with which he is connected. A
thoroughly skilled mechanic, with all the true watchmaker's love for his.
art, he often joins his jewelers in some intricate piece of work, glad once
more to feel the tools of his trade in his hands. He is a general favorite
with the men under his supervision, who not only recognize his ability,
but realize the fact that he is working in- their interests and that he
will ask nothing of them that he himself is not willing to do. Mr. Burt
has not confined his activities to this company, being a director and
stockholder in the Advance Pump and Compressor Company since its
organization, and a stockholder in the Union Steam Pump Company of




962


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Battle Creek. He is a popular member of the Elks lodge and the Athelstan Club.
Mr. Burt was married September 15, 1891, to Miss Georgia Haddock,
daughter of the late George Wheeler Haddock, of Battle Creek, Michigan, a sketch of whom will be found in another part of this work. Her
mother makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Burt. Mrs. Burt was born
in this city and educated here, is prominent in the work of the Women's
League and the Women's Club, and is a favorite in social circles. Two
sons have been born to her and her husband: Harold H., born in Saginaw,
Michigan, October 9, 1892, educated in the public schools, the D. U. S.,
a boy's school of Detroit, and the Howe Military School, at Lima, Indiana,
and is now attending the Michigan Business and Normal College of
Battle Creek; and Robert C. born in Battle Creek, December 2, 1896,
and now attending school here. The Burt home, situated at No. 143
Frelinghuysen avenue, is one of the most beautiful in the city, being of
stucco and erected after the architecture of California homes, finished
in mission. The family are worthy the precedence which is theirs in
social life, exemplifying that innate refinement which dignifies and
harmonizes the various associations of humanity.
GEORGE WHEELER HADDOCK. The life of a good and just man and
the memory of his kindly, noble deeds, are in themselves his true biography. In the life of such an individual the observer of human character may find both precept and example. He may find in such a life
sermons that speak more eloquently and leave a deeper impression upon
the heart than any human words. The simple goodness and unconscious
influence of such a man is a benediction to all with whom he comes in
daily contact. Such were the attributes of the late George Wheeler
Haddock, who, although only remembered by those of the older generation, was for a number of years engaged in business in Battle Creek, of
which city he was a pioneer jewelry merchant. He was born at Griffens
Mills, near Buffalo, New York, March 1, 1838, and came to Battle Creek
in 1859, following the trade of carpenter and builder. During the winter
of 1860 he returned to Buffalo, but the west called him back, and he returned to Battle Creek, then a city of three or four thousand inhabitants.
After his return he clerked for Skinner & Decker, dry goods merchants,
a short time, and while with them became interested in watch repairing
and engraving. Entering the employ of Solomon Mapes, who ran what
was then known as a jewelry shop in the window of Skinner & Decker's
store, he mastered the trade, and in 1863 purchased a stock of jewelry
goods and materials for repairing and embarked in business in the dry
goods store of Clement Wakelee. In 1866 he was married to Miss Frances
A. Cady, who came to this city from Rochester, New York, with her
mother, Fanny H. Cady, and family, her mother buying and residing on
the farm now called "Plumfield."
Mr. Haddock remained in the Wakelee store until 1871, when he went
into partnership with N. A..Osgood, in the Riley Block, now occupied by
the Central' National Bank, and remained there until 1875, when ill
health compelled him to retire from business. He was a great sufferer
from that time until his death, and his infirmities prevented him from
reengaging in active business, but his energetic spirit demanded some
outlet and he was engaged until his deatl in buying and selling real
estate, and in repairing and building up his own property. He was of
a quiet, retiring disposition, loved by those who knew him best, of sterling honor and integrity in business dealings, a loyal husband and a
stanch friend. He was a Royal Arch Mason, having joined the local order
of Masons in 1859. and their principles were to him, if followed, the






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


963


highest guide of manhood. He died April 28, 1888, at his home, No. 69
Maple street, and was carried to his last rest, as he wished, by his brother
Masons, the funeral being conducted at the grave according to Masonic
ritual, the Rev. George F. Chipperfield officiating, and was largely attended. He was survived by his wife and one daughter, Georgia, who
was married in 1891 to Harry E. Burt, of Battle Creek.
In 1899 the family home was bought by the public schools of Battle
Creek, and the site is now occupied by the Willard Library. The old
home was of interest as being one of the fine old Colonial mansions, built
in 1850, by William Brooks, later owned by Chester Buckley, and purchased from his estate by Mr. Haddock.
LEWIS R. MEAD.. The first line of business that was carried on in
the history of the world was that of farming, and from then to the
present day men have found it profitable to till the soil and to raise
crops and breed stock upon it. Calhoun county is no exception to
this rule, in that within its confines many of its leading citizens are
found to be the owners of well-regulated farms, and in this class stands
Lewis R. Mead, of Clarendon township, who has spent his entire life
in Calhoun county. He was born in Clarendon township, on the farm
of his father, January 3, 1862, and is a son of Franklin and Mary (Lewis)
Mead, the former born in 1826 and the latter in 1832, natives respectively of New York and Calhoun county, Michigan. His grandfather,
Timothy Mead, was a native of New York, and about the year 1835 or
1836 came to Calhoun county with his family, and here remained during
the rest of his life. Franklin Mead received a district school education, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and continued to remain on
the home place as his father's assistant until the latter's death, at
which time he received his due share of the estate. HIe subsequently
accumulated 127 acres of land, became very successful in a financial
way, and at his death, in 1886, was one of his community's most highly
esteemed citizens. A Republican in his political views, he served as
highway commissioner for a number of years, and he and his wife were
faithful members of the Free Will Baptist church. His wife was a
daughter of Asa Lewis, a native of New York, who came to Michigan
during the early 'thirties, and lived and died in Homer, where he successfully followed the milling business for many years. Mrs. Mead died
in 1874.
The only child of his parents, Lewis R. Mead secured a district
school education and then went to Hillsdale, where he attended school
for two years. Returning to the farm of his father, he devoted himself
to working thereon, but decided to strike out on his own account and
accordingly rented a farm for two years. At the time of his father's
death. however, he inherited a part of the old homestead, and at this
time is cultivating sixty-seven acres.  He is one of the progressive
farmers of his locality and one who is steadily forging ahead. His
business record is excellent, he has every reason to be proud of what he
has accomplished, while his neighbors respect and honor him as an honest, reliable citizen.
In 11882 Mr. Mead was married to Miss Rosamond Chapin, daughter
of Royal Chapin, a native of New York, who is now living in Burlington township, Calhoun county, and she died in 1895, in the faith of the
Presbyterian Church, having been the mother of two children: Frank
Lane, living in Albion, Michigan; and Mary F., living at home. In
1897 Mr. Mead was married to Miss Lillian Chapin, sister of his
first wife, and they have two children: Stephen, who is attending
school; and Earl Chapin. Mr. and Mrs. Mead are members of the




964


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Presbyterian Church, and fraternally he is connected with Humanity
Lodge No. 29, F. & A. M. and Chapter No. 130, at Homer, in which he
has held office. In political matters he is a Republican, and has served
as township treasurer, highway commissioner and justice of the peace,
and in 1912 was elected a member of the board of supervisors, a position which he is acceptably filling at the present time.
LAMB BROTHERS. One of the best known and popular families of
Clarence township is the Lamb family, composed of the three sons and
four daughters of the late Isaac M. Lamb, who had been a resident of
Calhoun county nearly seventy years and was a citizen held in high
esteem. His sons Seward, Bert and Alger are agriculturists and all
of that progressive type which recognizes the value of brains as well
as brawn in successful farming -and regard their vocation as a science
and a business instead of a commonplace occupation. They stand representative of the best strength of Calhoun county's younger generation of native sons.
Isaac M. Lamb, born in New York in 1842, when but an infant came
to Calhoun county, Michigan with his parents, who located in Sheridan township. There as a lad he received his education in the district
schools. While still young he started out for himself as a farmer and
located in Clarence township, where he bought an eighty acre farm.
To this he added from time to time until at his death in 1909 he owned
240 acres, his attention having been given wholly to general farming.
In politics he was a Republican, and fraternally he affiliated with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. He saw two years of hard and
active service in defense of the Union during the Civil war as a member of Company G, Seventh Michigan Cavalry, which regiment bore a
gallant part at Gettysburg, participated in the Wilderness campaign,
and during its service was in almost conti.nuous activity, participating
in many of the important engagements of the Eastern campaign. Daniel
Lamb, the father of Isaac M., was born in New York and after a number of years' residence in Calhoun county finally returned to his native
state, where he resided thereafter until his death. Isaac M. Lamb married Annette Huffman, whose father James Huffman spent his whole
life in New York. She died in 1902. Eight children came to their
union and the seven now living are all unmarried and remain at the
parental home. In order of birth they are: Grace, Ida, Calista, Seward, Effie, Bert and Alger.
Seward Lamb, the eldest of the three sons, was born in Clarence
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, on December 18, 1880. As previously mentioned, he has chosen farming as his vocation and is in everysense a progressive agriculturist. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in politics is a Republican.
Bert Lamb, the second son, was born in Clarence township on December 15, 1886, and Alger, the youngest of the three, was born August
2, 1889. The brothers are associated together in the management of
the home farm of 240 acres and. besides general farming they give considerable attention to the breeding and raising of fine stock, especially
of Shlropshlre sheep and Brown Swiss cattle, of which they have a fine
large herd of imported stock. They are alert and resourceful young
men who have shown good business ability in the management of their
farming interests and stand at the fore among the most successful farmers
of this section.
RALPH S. DOOLITTLE. The occupation of farming is a profitable
one to those who know how to properly conduct their business, com



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


965


bining the various branches of the industry to the best advantage. One
of the leading farmers of Calhoun county, who has found that modern
scientific farming, in place of the old hit-or-miss style, pays well, is
Ralph S. Doolittle, the owner of a handsome farm of 160 acres in
Clarendon township. Mr. Doolittle has been a resident of Calhoun
county all his life, having been born at Clarendon, Michigan, March
9, 1872, and is a son of Augustus A. and Emma (Humeston) Doolittle.
Augustus A. Doolittle was born in Delaware county, New York. in
1830, and in 1836 came to Michigan with his parents, settling in Clarendon township, where he received a district school education. On completing his literary training, he started out on a business career with
meager financial advantages and no influential friends, and the success
which he gained in life was entirely the result of his tireless energy,
inherent ability and strict integrity. He at first accumulated a small
farm of ninety acres, but subsequently acquired his father's homestead,
a tract of 160 acres, and later purchased a farm in Tekonsha, having
in all about 450 acres of good land. His death occurred in Tekonsha,
where he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He and
his wife, who was born in Homer township, Calhoun county, in 1843,
had six children, all of whom are living, while Ralph S. is the fifth in
order of birth. Irwin Doolittle resides in Tekonsha township; Dwight
A., is a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the three sisters
are living at the Tekonsha home. Politically a Republican, Mr. Doolittle held all the minor township offices, arid at the time of his death, in
1900, left a record unmarred by stain or blemish.
Ralph S. Doolittle was educated in the district schools and the village schools of Tekonsha, and his business activities have always been
devoted to agricultural pursuits. On starting out on his own account
he had but little financial aid, but by the time he was twenty-seven
years of age had his original purchase of eighty acres all paid for. He
purchased his present farm of 160 acres in 1899, and this he has developed into one of the finest properties of its size in this part of the county,
erecting a handsome residence and outbuildings and making an ideal
country home.
In 1900 Mr. Doolittle was married to Miss Mae Harmon, daughter
of John Harmon, who was born in Michigan and served in the Civil
war. To this union there have been three children: Joy B., Stewart A.
and Ralph, Jr. Mr. Doolittle is a Baptist in his religious belief, and
during the past fifteen years has acted in the capacity of clerk of the
Baptist church, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal denomination. In political matters he is a Republican, and has served
as supervisor for three years and as chairman of the board for one
year. He was also a candidate for the office for county treasurer, but
on account of political conditions at that time met with defeat. His
popularity is assured among his fellow-townsmen, and he is known as
a man who can be counted upon to support movements tending to progress, morality, education and good citizenship.
JACOB LUTZ. On his eighty-acre farm in Newton township, Calhoun
county, Michigan, Jacob Lutz is profitably engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of high grade live stock. He is a citizen of
prominence and influence in his home community and has represented
Newton township in various official capacities of trust and responsibility.
He has been highway commissioner and at the present time (1912) is
holding the office of township treasurer, in which he has already proven
his ability in that capacity.
Jacob Lutz was born November 8, 1866, in Washtenaw county, Michi



966


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


gan, and he is a son of Michael and Mary (Mohardt) Lutz, both of
whom were born in Wittenburg, Germany, in 1834 and 1836, respectively. The father immigrated to America in the year 1857, when he
was a young man of twenty-three years of age. He came direct to
Michigan and located in the vicinity of Ann Arbor, where he turned
his attention to farming. He came to Calhoun county in the early '70s
and settled in Fredonia township, subsequently purchasing a farm of
forty acres in that township. Later he removed to Kent county where
he resided for eleven years, at the end of which he came to Calhoun
county, where he purchased a small place, and he continued to operate
it until 1900, when he retired from active farm life and has since made
his home with his children. His beloved wife passed away on October
3;, 1898.  They became the parents of children as follows: Fred;
Michael, Jr., died June 1, 1911, in Newton township; Jacob of this review; Tina; Anna, Carrie and Addie. Michael Lutz is a Democrat in his
political faith, and his churchly affiliations are maintained in the Lutheran church.
Under the sturdy and invigorating influence of the old home farm
Jacob Lutz was reared to adult age. His educational training was obtained in the public school, and at the age of twenty-one he started
out for himself as a farmer and thresher. In 1905 he purchased his
first farm, consisting of eighty acres. His land is in a high state of
cultivation and he ranks as one of the best informed farmers in Newton township. Mr. Lutz is a stalwart Democrat in his political convictions and was honored by his fellow citizens with election to the
office of highway commissioner, being subsequently elected to the office
of township treasurer, of which office he is still the incumbent in
1912.
In 1897 Mr. Lutz was united in marriage with Miss Cora Dekoger,
a daughter of John and Martha (Young) Dekoger, who were residents
of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Mrs. Lutz was born, in 1876. Mr.
and Mrs. Lutz are the parents of four children:-Glenn F., Neva G.,
Beulah Mae and Donald F., the names being here listed in the respective order of their birth.
RANDALL Z. CASE. A Calhoun county citizen whose mundane existence began in the earlier half of the preceding century and who has
rendered both military and pioneer service to this commonwealth is Mr.
Randall Z. Case, former postmaster of Partello and retired farmer of
Marshall. His place of nativity was a farm near Brockport, New York,
and the date of his birth was September 7, 1840. When but a small
child the exigencies of the farm were such that he, the eldest of five children, was necessarily required to assist with labors heavy and difficult
for one so young. His memories of days spent in clearing land are still
rendered vivid by the presence of a scar above his eye. The school opportunities of Randall Case were those of the primitive rural districts
and were permitted during only a part of each year. The rough building in which he learned his "three r's" was located just a mile from
Erie Canal. When his parents came to Lee township, in Calhoun county, Michigan, he was fifteen years of age, and from that time to the
present, he has called this locality his home.
Mr. Case had barely attained the years of his majority when the
smouldering opposition between the north and the south burst into the
flames of war. In October of 1861, he laid aside his agricultural pursuits in order'to contribute his share to the effort of the nation to preserve its integrity. Enlisting in Company H, of the Twelfth Michigan
infantry, he was mustered in at Niles. With his regiment he went




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


967


southward, where he was actively engaged in the conflicts of Pittsburg
Landing, Hatchies River and Middleburg, Tennessee.      The siege of
Vicksburg, that at Little Rock, Arkansas, and at Gregory's Landing
were other engagements in which Mr. Case and his fellow-soldiers participated, besides lending their courageous efforts in other battles and
skirmishes. On one occasion an incident occurred which proved to be
serious indeed to Mr. Case. While he and his comrades were being
conveyed by steamer from Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, they were fired at
by rebels on shore, one of whom severely wounded with buckshot the
left wrist of Mr. Case. His patriotic enthusiasm was such that he ignored the wound, landed with the others and assisted in the chase of the
enemy-some of Thompson's guerillas-fourteen of the rebels being
captured. During that exchange of hostilities Mr. Case was wounded
by a bullet which grazed his right cheek. Unsparing of himself, he
undertook and risked extreme privations and hardships, with the result
that his none too robust and always overworked physique suffered obviously from the life of the battlefield and the camp. At various times
he was obliged to temporarily succumb to illness, at one time spending
six weeks in a hospital. In 1862 the young man was granted a furlough and was carried home in a greatly weakened and wasted condition.
His former weight, which had been considerable for one engaged in
heavy farm labor, had decreased through the strenuous experiences of
the war until he weighed but ninety pounds. Ever ambitious and
always anxious to minimize any indisposition, he rejoined his regiment in the fall of 1862. It was soon evident that his reserve force
was insufficient to meet the demands made upon it. He was sent to
the hospital at Cairo, where for three months he lay sick with typhoid
malarial fever. When this period of illness was past, Mr. Case once
more rejoined his regiment, remaining with them until the close of the
war. Having served long and honorably, he was mustered out at Camden, Arkansas, in February, 1866, receiving his discharge papers and
his pay on the sixth of the following March.
After his period of military experience was ended, Mr. Case returned to his father's farm, where he again devoted his energies to
farm tasks. The following autumn he bought forty acres of land upon
which he established himself and which he proceeded to clear. Having
later purchased an adjacent tract of forty acres, he now is the possessor
of eighty acres of land in a superior state of cultivation.
The year in which Mr. Case began his independent farming also
marked the beginning of his domestic life with the worthy companion
of his home. Mrs Case, nee Mary J. Forsyth, is a native of Ohio and a
daughter of James Forsyth, an early settler of Lee township. Three
children, named Edward E., Emma E. and Justus M., have comprised
the second generation of the Randall Case home.                     (
Mr. Case's attitude toward public affairs is indicated by the loyalty
he has always shown toward the Republican party. His trustworthiness and ability in the administration of any affairs with which he is
connected are recognized by his acquaintances, who have honored him
with various civic responsibilities. In 1885 he served as a member of
the County Board of Supervisors; in 1889 he accepted the office of
township clerk; he has been efficient in his former capacity of school
director; and he has recently discharged with faithfulness and wide
discrimination the duties of school assessor. The most conspicuous honor
that has come to him has been his appointment to the office of postmaster
of Partello, his term in that position having been that which began
with the year 1889. Since the termination of his services connected




968


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


with the postal department, he has retired to his present attractive
home in Marshall, where he now resides.
Mr. Case's intelligent interest in practical matters is evident from
'his active membership in the order of the Patrons of Industry. His
perennial patriotism is indicated by his prominence in the Grand Army
Post, No. 256, at Partello, in which he has served both as Past Commander and as Adjutant.
HENRY B. WATERMAN. A representative of one of the honored
pioneer families of Calhoun county, the late Henry B. Waterman was
continuously a resident of Athens township, save for the exception of
one year passed at Lockport, Illinois, from 1838 until his death, which
occurred in the village of Athens, on the 1st of April, 1895. He well
upheld the prestige of the family name and concerning the same and
its long and prominent association with the history of the county adequate data are given in the memoir dedicated to his younger brother,
Adolphus C., on other pages of this volume.
Henry B. Waterman was born in Yates county, New York, on the
22d of October, 1822, and thus was seventy-two years and five months
of age at the time of his death. In the year following the admission of
Michigan to the Union, he came with his parents, John B. and Betsy
(Gleason) Waterman, to Athens township, this county, and he was at
the time a lad of about sixteen years. He had secured his early educational discipline in his native county and after coming to Calhoun county
he was for a time a student in the first school house built in Athens
township, the same having been a primitive log structure of the type
common to the pioneer days and having been situated in section 14.
Mr. Waterman was a man of strong intellectual powers and these he
developed and matured through careful and wide reading, through
which he became a man of broad and varied information. He continued to be actively associated with the work and management of the
old home farm, in section 13, Athens township, until after the death of
his first wife, and thereafter he was engaged in the manufacturing of
wagons and carriages. in the village of Athens, for a few years. He
then removed to his farm, in section 14, northeast of the village, where
he continued in the same line of enterprise, in connection with his
farming operations. In the summer of 1874 he again established his
home in the village of Athens, where he passed the residue of his life.
He was a Democrat in politics and was well fortified in his opinions
concerning public affairs. The following statements relative to this
sturdy pioneer are worthy of perpetuation in this connection: "He
was a great lover of outdoor sports, such as horse races, etc., and in his
younger, as well as his latter years, was a hail fellow well met. He
always enjoyed a visit from his neighbors, and the melodious strains
of his violin and fife will always be pleasingly remembered by the company of his generation of years ago, and especially the strains of martial music to the soldier boys in blue."
Mr. Waterman was first married to Miss Lydia A. Woodworth,
daughter of Erastus and Electa Woodworth, early settlers of this county, and four children were born of this union,-Dwight J., Bradley,
Dorr and William B. All of these children are now deceased except Dorr
and William B., who resides in Athens. Mrs. Waterman was summoned to eternal rest on the 28th of April, 1863,, at the age of thirtythree years, and in 1867 Mr. Waterman wedded Miss Celinda Wright,
of LeRoy township. Thev became the parents of six children, namely:
Lena, who is the wife of Vine Tenney; Lucy, who is the wife of Eugene
Culp; Charles, who is a resident of Athens, Michigan; Fred who resides




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


969


at Battle Creek; Lottie, who is the wife of Frank Bruce and Minnie,
who lives with her mother and brother at Athens.
ADOLPHUS C. WATERMAN. Measured by its definite achievement and
its integrity of purpose the life of the late Adolphus C. Waterman
counted for much, and the name of no one man has been more closely
and benignantly associated with the development and upbuilding of
the village of Athens, this county, than that of him to whom this memoir is dedicated. Quiet and unostentatious in bearing, he had much
of independence in thought and action and wielded influence of no
secondary order in the furtherance of civic and material progress in
the village and county which represent his home for many years and
in which he was a well known and honored pioneer citizen at the time
of his demise. This publication may well take cognizance of his life
and labors, as they constitute a very part of the history of Calhoun
county.
On a farm four miles west of Penn Yan, Yates county, New York
Adolphus Converse Waterman was born on the 14th of July, 1829.
He was a son of John B. and Betsy (Gleason) Waterman, the former
a native of Coventry, Rhode Island and the latter of Thompson, Connecticut, the homes of the respective families having been located in
the same vicinity, near the boundary line between the two states mentioned. It is supposed that the marriage of the parents was solemnized
in Connecticut and they resided for a number of years thereafter in
Rhode Island, where three of their children were born. John B. Waterman, was a skilled mechanic and millwright and finally he removed
with his family from Rhode Island to Yates county, New York. There
he remained until 1837, when he came to the west and established his
residence on Jackson Prairie, in Steuben county, Indiana. In 1839,
about two years after the admission of Michigan to the Union, he came
to Calhoun county, and here he rented, for a few years, a tract of land
from Asahel Stone, whom he had known in the east. Finally he purchased a tract of eighty acres of wild land, two miles north of the present village of Athens, and there he continued to be identified with the
great basic industry of agriculture until his death, which occurred January 19th, 1847. His wife survived him until April 28, 1863, and they
lived up to the full tension of the pioneer era in the history of this section of Michigan. They became the parents of eight children, the eldest
of whom, Louisa Maria, died in Yates county, New York; Benoni Cooke
was a resident of Denver, Colorado, at the time of his death; Lucy Ann,
who became the wife of William Hanson, died in Lockport, Illinois, as
did also her brother John Gleason, who was the next in order of birth;
Henry B., who died at Athens, is individually mentioned elsewhere in
this work; Betsy was the widow of Elisha Wallace and died in Battle
Creek; Adolphus C. is the immediate subject of this memoir; and
George died in Steuben county, Indiana, when a child of three years.
Adolphus C. Waterman was about ten years of age when the family
home was established in Calhoun county, and here he was reared to
adult age under the conditions and influences of the pioneer days, his
educational opportunities having been those afforded in the common
schools of the locality and period. His was a specially receptive mind
and through self-application, wide reading and close association with
men and affairs in later years he became a man of broad mental ken
and mature judgment. He had inherited much of the mechanical skill
of his father and in 1848 he went to Lockport, Illinois, where he became associated with his brother John, who had taken the contract to
build six sets of gates for six locks in the old Illinois and Michigan




970


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


canal. The father had intended to supervise the work, but his death
caused the two sons to assume the responsibility. Adolphus C. Waterman was thus associated in the construction of two of the gates on the
canal and remained at Lockport until 1850, when he and his brothers
John and Benoni yielded to the lure incidental to the recent discovery
of gold in California and joined the ranks of argonauts who were making their way across the plains to the New Eldorado. They crossed
the Missouri river on the 2d of May, 1850, and after the long, weary and
perilous journey arrived at Georgetown, California, on the 10th of
July. Their supply of food became exhausted before they reached their
destination and they endured their full quota of hardships and danger
while en route. Adolphus C. Waterman went to the placer mines about
three miles above Downieville, in Sierra county, and at a camp called
Gold Bluff he turned his attention vigorously to the search for the
precious metal. Early in the following spring his brother John returned to the east and in the autumn of 1851 the two remaining brothers came back to Michigan, bringing with them about ten thousand
dollars, as the tangible result of their successful efforts in the quest for
gold.
Soon after his return to Calhoun county Adolphus C. Waterman
purchased of his father-in-law, Jonathan Guernsey, about two hundred
acres of land, in Athens township, the property lying on both sides of
what is now Main street in the village of Athens. On this land was
erected the first house in the embryonic village, by Jonathan Guernsey
and well may he be termed one of the founders of Athens. The fine
old residence which he erected continued to be his home until his death
and the property, together with much other real estate, is still owned
by his widow and children. In the spring of 1852 Mr. Waterman married, and thereafter he devoted himself principally to agricultural pursuits for a number of years, within which he developed one of the valuable farms of the county, the village of Athens now occupying an appreciable portion of, his old homestead place. He was essentially progressive and public spirited and his business acumen was emphatically
shown when, in 1863, he dug a race, three-fourths of a mile in
length, from Nottawa creek to a site in Athens, where he became
associated with James Halbert in the erection of a flour mill for custom
grinding. Two years later he purchased his partner's interest in the
property and made the plant a merchant mill. As the owner of this
old-time mill he developed a prosperous enterprise,-one that had important bearing in furthering the growth and industrial prosperity
of Athens. The mill was long operated with buhr stones and later a
full roller-process was installed. He continued in the milling business until the '90s, and the plant is still under successful operation, the
old mill being now one of the landmarks of the southern part of Calhoun county and also a monument to the enterprise of its founder.
In 1901, though then venerable in years, Mr. Waterman began,
with characteristic earnestness, the study of the application of cement
blocks to architectural purposes, and in May, 1902, he filed application
for a patent on a process of manufacturing such blocks, the patent
having been granted on the 21st of July of the following year. While
thus engaged in investigation and experimentation he perfected a device for the manufacturing of cement railroad ties, and on the same he
eventually secured letters patent. As early as the '70s Mr. Waterman
began his zealous labors to secure railroad facilities to his home village, and after having been indefatigable in his efforts and having thrice
failed to secure the desired ends, he finally became the most influential
factor in obtaining the construction of what is now known as the Bat



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


971


tie Creek division of the Michigan Central Railroad. He was the first
vice-president of the original company and had personal charge of the
original survey, as well as the obtaining of much of the right of way.
He platted the village of Athens and Gas ever untiring in his efforts
to forward its upbuilding and its social and business prosperity. His
name merits a place of enduring honor on the pages of the history of
Calhoun county, and specially should his memory be held in high regard in the village for which he worked long and unselfishly, sacrificing his personal interests on many occasions for the general good.
Concerning John B. Waterman, father of the subject of this memoir,
it may further be stated that he served with gallantry as a soldier in
the war of 1812, as did his father, Benjamin, of Warwick, Rhode Island, born July 15, 1755, died March 23, 1829, His father was Col.
John Waterman, of Old Warwick, Rhode Island, (near Rocky Point)
who was born August 25, 1730, and died June 11, 1812. His father
was Col. Benoni of Old Warwick, Rhode Island, born May 25, 1701,
died November 3, 1780. He was the son of Captain John who was born
in 1664 and died August 26, 1728. He descended from Resolved Waterman, born Salem, Massachusetts, July, 1638, died at Providence, Rhode
Island, August, 1670. His wife was Mercy, the youngest daughter of
the Rev. Roger and Mary Williams. The record starts with his father,
Col. Richard Waterman who was born in England about 1590 and
came to America in "Higginson 's Fleet," landing in Salem, Massachusetts, Monday, June 29, 1629. He was one of the original founders
of the towns of Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island, after being
banished from Massachusetts, because he was adjudged to be "erroneous,
heretical and obstinate."  He died October 26, 1673, and was buried
on his own land in Providence on what is now the southeast corner of
Benefit and Waterman streets. When the family came to Michigan the
journey from Buffalo to Toledo was made by way of a, vessel on Lake
Erie, and from Toledo the trip was continued to Adrian over the line
of the first railroad constructed in Michigan, the same having been
equipped with strap rails of iron, laid on wooden leaders, and the
primitive cars having been propelled by horses. John B. Waterman
proceeded from Adrian, with team and wagon, to Jackson township.
Steuben county, Indiana, and came in the following year to Athens
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, where he passed the residue of
his life, on his farm in section 13.
Mr. Waterman was reared in the faith of the Democratic party and
cast his first presidential vote in support of President Franklin Pierce.
He ever kept in close touch with the questions and issues of the hour
and finally became a reader of the New York Tribune, of which Horace
Greeley was then the editor. He voted for Greeley in 1872 and for a
time he attempted to reconcile his views with the principles and policies
of the Republican party, but, finding this impossible, he finally held
himself aloof from strict partisan ties and gave his support to men
and measures meeting the approval of his judgment. Adolphus C.
Waterman died in the Nichols Memorial Hospital, in the city of Battle
Creek, on the 20th of June, 1907, and his name and deeds shall not soon
be forgotten in the county which was his home during virtually his entire adult life.
On the 10th of March, 1852, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Waterman to Miss Sarah E. Guernsey, who was born at Gorham,
Ontario county, New York, and who was a child at the time of the family removal to Calhoun county, Michigan. She is the only surviving
child of the late Jonathan Guernsey, one of the honored pioneers of the
county and one to whom special reference is made elsewhere in this pub



972


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


lication, so that further review of the family history is not demanded in
the present connection. Mrs. Waterman was reared and educated in
Athens township and her dearest memories center about the old home
in which she lived continuously for sixty-five years, in the village of
Athens, except two years in LeRoy township. Since the death of her
husband she has resided with her two surviving children, in a comfortable home in Battle Creek, and here she is accorded the tenderest
of filial solicitude, to which her gentle and gracious character and loving care in former years well entitle her, the writer of this article having had in his youth the privilege of knowing her well and having retained deep appreciation of her talent and charming personality. Mr.
and Mrs. Waterman became the parents of three children, concerning
whom the following data are given in conclusion of this memoir: Arthur
G., was born in LeRoy township, this county, on the 15th of December,
1854, and after due preliminary discipline he entered Hillsdale College in which he pursued higher academic studies. He then entered the
law department of the University of Michigan, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1875. For the last fourteen years of
his life he was a representative member of the bar of the city of Chicago, and there his death occurred on the 15th of March, 1907,-about
three months prior to the death of his father, the remains of both being
interred in the cemetery at Athens. Arthur Guernsey Waterman was
a man of most genial personality, of marked business ability and excellent professional attainments. He had a host of friends, and ever
retained deep interest in the old home town in which his childhood
and youth were passed. John Benoni Waterman, the second son, is
individually mentioned on other pages of this work. Miss Grace E.
Waterman, who resides with her mother and brother in the pleasant
home, at 93 North avenue, Battle Creek, was born and reared in Athens,
where she gained her early education, which was supplemented by a
course in the Michigan Business and Normal College, in Battle Creek.
She now holds a responsible position in the advertising department ot
the Central National Bank of this city, and is a popular factor in the
social circles of the community.
JOHN B. WATERMAN. It is not often that the writer has the privilege of super-imposing his burden of diction upon the devoted head of
so tried a friend of his youth as he to whom this sketch is dedicated,
and it is difficult to subordinate, as must needs be, somewhat sentimental and entirely gracious memories to the mere statement of fact.
Mr. Waterman is a native son of Calhoun county and a scion of one of
its sterling pioneer families. He is a son of the late Adolphus C. Waterman, to whom a tribute is accorded on other pages of this work, as is
also a memoir to his maternal grandfather, Jonathan Guernsey, so that
further data concerning the family history are not required at the
present juncture. He now holds the responsible position of chief clerk
in the collection department of the great manufacturing establishment
of the Nichols & Shepard Company of Battle Creek, and resides with
his mother and sister in an attractive home at 93 North avenue.
John Benoni Waterman was born in the old homestead, at the corner
of Main and Burr Oak streets, in the village of Athens, this county,
and the date of his nativity was March 2, 1865. He gained his early
education in the public schools of his native town, where he attended the high school, as did he also that at Union City, Branch
county. In 1885 he was graduated in the Parsons Business College, in
the city of Kalamazoo, and in the meanwhile he had received excellent
musical advantages, through the medium of which he had developed




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


973


his specially high talent along this line. In 1887 he obtained a position
in the Aberdeen National Bank, at Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he
remained for seven years and where he rose to the position of teller in
the institution. For three years thereafter he held a responsible executive position with the private banking house of S. R. Culp & Son, in
his native village, and in July, 1899, he assumed a clerical position in
the offices of the Nichols & Shepard Company, with which extensive
concern he has since continued to be identified and with which he now
holds the office of chief clerk in the collection department.
Mr. Waterman is a bachelor but this fact does not in the least militate
against his popularity in the business, social and musical circles of his
home city. While a resident of Aberdeen, South Dakota, he served as
organist of St. Marks church, Protestant Episcopal, of which he became
a communicant, and he has since continued active in musical work. He
is a specially talented pianist and organist and was musical director
of St. Thomas' church, Protestant Episcopal, in Battle Creek for five
years, since which time, and for a period of six years, he has held a
similar position in the First Baptist church. He is affiliated with the
Battle Creek Lodge No. 131 of the Benevolent & Protective Order of
Elks and also holds membership in the Athelstan Club, the while his
circle of friends in Battle Creek and elsewhere is coincident with that
of his acquaintances.
JONATHAN GUERNSEY. A publication of the province assigned to
the one at hand exercises a most important function when it takes recognition of the life and services of such sterling pioneer citizens as
was the late Jonathan Guernsey,?Who was an honored and influential
figure in the civic and. industrial development of Athens township nearly
sixty-five years ago and who passed the closing years of his life in the
village of Athens, where he died on the 18th of March, 1868. He was
a direct descendant of Lord Guernsey of England. Of his immediate
family the only surviving member is Mrs. Sarah E. Waterman, who is
now a resident of Battle Creek and who is the widow of Adolphus C.
Waterman, subject of a specific memoir entered on other pages of this
volume.
The genealogical record of the Guernsey family is one of most interesting order and touches most closely the annals of American development and progress. He whose name initiates this article was born at
Watertown, Litchfield county, Connecticut, on the 31st of August, 1801.
His father, Southmayd Guernsey, was likewise a native of Watertown,
Connecticut, where he was born on the 10th of April, 1763, and this
sterling patriot, a man of noteworthy ability, was a resident of the
village of Athens, Michigan, at the time when he was summoned to
eternal rest, on the 4th of April, 1850, his remains being interred in the
North Sherwood cemetery, in the adjoining county of Branch.      It
was his to render valiant service as a boy soldier in the war of the
Revolution, as he enlisted in a regiment of Connecticut troops when
but thirteen years of age. He had his full quota of arduous and hazardous service in the great conflict for national independence and proved
himself a loyal and patriotic soldier, though a mere youth at the time
when he received his honorable discharge. He applied for and received
a pension in 1849. His discharge papers constitute a valuable and interesting family heirloom. The youthful soldier had frequently seen General Washington, General Lafayette and other great men of the Continental line and of national repute. After Major Andre had been captured as a spy and had been incarcerated in an old church, one of his
guards, who was a friend of Southmayd Guernsey, permitted the latter




974


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


to peep through a keyhole to see the youthful prisoner. In later years
Mr. Guernsey frequently stated that he had never seen a finer looking
man than the unfortunate young officer and he always regretted his sad
fate, though realizing that the same was justified from the standpoint of.
the ethics of warfare.
The grandfather of Southmayd Guernsey was one of two brothers
who immigrated from the Isle of Guernsey, in the English channel, and
established their residence in Connecticut in the year 1635. The birthplace of Southmayd Guernsey, in Watertown, Connecticut, is still known
as Guernsey Hill, and the property has been in the possession of the
family continuously since 1735. Southmayd Guernsey wedded Miss
Sabra Scott, a daughter of Dr. Barnabas Scott, and finally, in company with his wife and their six children, he removed to Gorham, Ontario county, New York, where he purchased a very considerable tract
of land and where he continued to maintain his home until the death of
his devoted wife, in 1836. He then came to Michigan to live with his
children, and as already stated, he passed the closing period of his life at
Athens, Calhoun county,-one of the comparatively few Revolutionary
soldiers ever residents of this county. He was a man of much inventive
and mechanical genius and personally manufactured the tools with
which to complete certain parts of his house, which he erected himself.
He well merited the description of a typical Yankee as given by Rev.
John Pierpont: " 'Make it,' said I? 'Aye, if he undertake it, he'll
make the thing and the machine that makes it.' "
Southmayd Guernsey was the son of Jonathan and Desire (Bronson) Guernsey, and his descent' rJo  John Guernsey, one of the two
brothers who came to America''    the Isle of Guernsey, as already
noted, is here briefly indicated: Family tradition holds that upon coming to the new world John Guernsey settled at Milford, New Haven
county, Connecticut. Joseph, supposed to have been the son of John,
the founder of the line, married, in the year 1673, Hannah, daughter
of Samuel Coley, Sr., and their son Joseph. wedded Elizabeth Disbrow,
of Horseneck, after whose death he contracted a second marriage, the
personal name of his second wife having been Eleanor but her family
name being unrecorded in the family records: they lived at Milford.
Deacon Jonathan Guernsey, the next in order of descent to the Guernseys of Calhoun county, Michigan, was wedded, in 1724 or 1725, to
Abigail, daughter of Samuel Northrop, of Milford. Thereafter he
lived in that section of Waterbury which is now known as Watertown,
and the immediate locality is still designated at Guernseytown. His
son Jonathan was born at Milford, in 1729, and on the 5th of June,
1755, married Desire, a daughter of Joseph Bronson: their son Southmayd was born in 1763, and the latter's wife, whose maiden name was
Sabra Scott, as previously stated in this context, was born on the 14th
of January, 1766, she having been a daughter of Dr. Barnabas Scott
and Rebecca (Warner) Scott. The latter was a daughter of Dr. Ephraim Warner, a son of John and Esther (Richards) Warner. Esther
Richards Warner was a daughter of Obadiah and Hannah (Barnes)
Richards and her father was a son of Thomas Richards, of Hartford,
Connecticut.  Dr. Barnabas Scott was a son of Obadiah and Mary
(Andrus) Scott, whose marriage was solemnized May 30, 1733, and the
latter of whom was a daughter of John Andrus. Obadiah Scott was a
son of David and Sarah (Richards) Scott, the last named having been
a daughter of Obadiah and Hannah (Barnes) Richards. David Scott
was a son of Edmund Scott. The Guernsey and allied families were
prominent in connection with industrial, religious and general civic activities in the early days in New England, that cradle of much of our




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


975


national history, and it is gratifying to be able to give even the brief
genealogical record here entered.
Jonathan Guernsey, who was the father of Mrs. Sarah E. Waterman,
of Battle Creek, came to Michigan in September, 1848, and settled where
the village of Athens, Calhoun county, is now situated. There he became the owner of a landed estate of two hundred acres, and the major
part of the same he reclaimed from the wilderness, there having been
no buildings and few other improvements on the property at the time
when it came into his possession. His only surviving child, Mrs. Waterman, retains of this original homestead an entire village block in Athens,
save only one lot.
In 1819, at Gorham, Ontario county, New York, was solemnized the
marriage of Jonathan Guernsey to Miss Betsey Blakeslee, who was born
at Bethlehem, Massachusetts, and she passed the closing three years of
her life in LeRoy township, Calhoun county, where she died in 1854.
Adolphus C. Waterman     purchased of his father-in-law, Jonathan
Guernsey, the old farm in Athens township and the latter then bought
a half section of land in LeRoy township. where he continued to be
actively identified with agricultural pursuits until after the death of
his wife. He finally sold this property and returned to the village of
Athens, where he lived retired until the close of his long and useful life,
his death having occurred on the 18th of March, '1868, as has been previously noted in this article 've and his noble wife were numbered
among the representative p     ' of Calhoun county and their names
merit enduring place in its 'AJod oifthan Guernsey was a staunch
Democrat in his political pi oclivitie bUt would never consent to become the incumbent of public office, though he was eminently fitted for
such positions of trust. At one time he was elected justice of the peace in
Athens township, but he would not qualify for the office. He was a
staunch abolitionist during the climacteric period leading up to the
Civil war and was a man whose impregnable integrity and marked
ability gained and retained to him the inviolable confidence and
esteem of his fellowmen. He was a charter member of Athens Lodge,
No. 220, Free & Accepted Masons, and his funeral was held under
Masonic auspices.
Jonathan and Betsey (Blakeslee) Guernsey became the parents of
three children,-J. Mavor, Scott and Sarah E. The two sons married
and reared children, but all are now deceased, so that Sarah E., widow
of Adolphus C. Waterman, is the only survivor of the immediate family. Mrs. Waterman well recalls the scenes and incidents of the pioneer
days in Calhoun county and has stated that at the time when her parents established their home on the site of the present attractive little
village of Athens the spot was marked only by oak grubs, the present
beautiful trees in the village having grown within her recollection and
those about her own old homestead being specially large and attractive,
as the writer of this article has reason to recall from numerous visits
to the fine old home. The village and the home are endeared to Mrs.
Waterman by many hallowed memories and associations, and though
she now resides with her two children in the city of Battle Creek,
she reverts often and tenderly to the old home and finds gratification
in the fact that the near proximity of Athens enables her to make frequent visits there. Concerning her husband individual mention is made
on other pages of this volume, in which also appears a brief review
of the career of her only surviving son, John B. Waterman.
HENRY ALLEN WHITNEY. Some of the oldest and most distinguished
strains of New England blood are united in the Whitney family of
Vol..11-2 4




976


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Battle Creek, whose ancestors of the more recent generations were also
pioneers in Michigan. Henry Allen Whitney, the senior of this connection, who resides at 70 Cherry street, Battle Creek, came originally
from Rhode Island. He was born in Providence, November 6, 1832.
His wife, the late Mrs. Anna E. B. Whitney, came from New Hampshire,
and her people were prominent in that state and in Vermont. In many
lines of endeavor and in public and private life the representative of
these relationships have distinguished themselves and have borne honorable names among their fellowmen.
Henry Allen Whitney was a son of Leonard and Charlotte S. (Allen) Whitney. The paternal grandfather, Nathan Whitney, was a resident of Westminster, Massachusetts, and at one time was an extensive
land owner. On account of his services in the state militia he was quite
generally known as Captain Whitney. Leonard Whitney, father of
Henry Allen Whitney, was born in Worcester county, Mass., about
1808. He was engaged in the manufacture of woodenware in Providence
when he met and fell in love with the young lady who became his wife.
She was born in Providence 1809 and resided there until her marriage.
After their union, Mr. and Mrs. Whitney struck out for the west, locating at Niles, Mich., in 1836, and being numbered among the earliest
residents of that community.
There Mr. Whitney was interested in a chair factory, which he
conducted for some time. Subsequently he removed to Dowagiac, and
also followed manufacturing there. He spent his declining days at St.
Joseph, following fruit farming, for which the neighborhood is noted.
He took great interest in horticulture, and it was to him a pleasure as
well as an occupation. He was everywhere known as Deacon Whitney,
having always served in that capacity in the Congregational church, in
every community in which he lived. He also served as township treasurer in Lincoln township, near St. Joseph, filling that position for
many years. He died in 1880, many years after the demise of his
wife.
Henry Allen Whitney was a little lad of only four years when he
was brought by his parents to Michigan in the early days. He received
his rudimentary education in the primitive schools of that time, and
in reaching his majority set about learning the trade of a painter and
decorator in Battle Creek. He later had charge of the furniture store
of Henry Gilbert and others, acting in that capacity for about ten
years. A part of that time the business was conducted under the name
of Mr. Whitney.
During this period of his business activities Mr. Whitney was elected
alderman from the Fourth Ward. He became City Recorder for four
years during one of'the busiest periods of the city's history. It was
during this time that the waterworks, the street car system and the
electric lighting system were installed, putting Battle Creek on a plane
with other metropolitan communities. For four successive terms Mr.
Whitney was elected Recorder, always on the Republican ticket. His
father had been a noted Abolitionist, and his own sympathies in early
life were with this movement. Upon the organization of the Republican party he at once affiliated with it and his allegiance to its tenets
has never wavered. He has consistently supported the nominees of his
party and his own political activities have been consistently under its
auspices. He went over Berrien county, Mich., in the interests of the
first Republican paper published in that county, it being known as the
Niles Inquirer, and owned by Mr. Carlton, of Niles.
Following his service in the Recorder's office Mr. Whitney was
elected County Superintendent of the Poor for three terms, covering a




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


977


period of nine years. The following years, on account of the fusion of
forces of three or four other political divisions, the Republicans failed
to carry the county. Mr. Whitney was out of office for one term. He
was then re-elected Recorder for the term of 1898-9, and after three
years was again chosen Superintendent of the Poor, so that now he is
serving his 21st year, or will be in January, 1913.
No more capable official has ever occupied this important position,
according to those who have full opportunity for observation and who
are cognizant of all the circumstances.  For over 17 years he was
county agent of the State Board of Corrections and Charities, and upon
him devolved the care of all juvenile offenders in the county, as well as
a supervisors interest in the orphans who came under the care of the
state. It was his province to pass judgment upon the homes of those
who sought to adopt children, in order to guard against the latter falling into the wrong hands. He was the second man to hold this position
under the state law governing that branch of eleemosynary work.
When Mr. Whitney came to this county from Niles in 1863 he first
canvassed for Richie's steel engraving of Carpenter's painting, made in
the White House, Washington, D. C., of President Lincoln and his
Cabinet, and Carpenter's steel engraving of Washington and his Cabinet. This gave him a wide acquaintance and when he embarked in
the furniture business later he had the friendship of a large number
of people. This furniture business was later purchased by Ranger &
Parley and Mr. Farley is today running the same establishment. Mr.
Whitney does not have charge of juvenile offenders now, but is confining his attention to the supervision of the poor.
On September 11, 1860, Henry Allen Whitney was married to Miss
Anna E. Bellows, of Climax, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, a daughter
of William Edway Bellows, who removed to this vicinity from Bellows
Falls, Vermont, in 1836. It was for this family, as may readily be
conjectured, that the Vermont city was named. Mr. Bellows was a
cousin of Doctor Bellows, who became prominent in connection with
the sanitary commission during the Civil war, and who was a representative of a famous old New England family. Mrs. Whitney was born
in New Hampshire in 1834, and came to Climax with her parents when
she was four years old. There was a large family of children. Prof.
Bellows and Mrs. Garrett Decker were brother and sister of Mrs. Whitney. The professor was at the head of the department of mathematics
at the State Normal at Ypsilanti for twenty-four years, and he was the
organizer of the Central State Normal School at Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Mrs. Whitney passed away on July' 6, 1905, at her home in Battle
Creek and is buried in Oak Hill cemetery. She was a bright, intellectual woman, a teacher in the Sunday school for many years, and interested in all departments of church work. She was a school teacher
first at Climax, then at Kalamazoo, Augusta, Niles and Pawpaw, Mich.
Mrs. Whitney attended Olivet College in her youth and later graduated from Albion College. She and her husband were blessed with
five children, of whom four are living. The deceased one is T. Schuyler,
a son, who died on February 11, 1911. Those surviving are Kate W.,
Harlan K., Rose M., and Lavinia V. Miss Rose is a graduate of the
University of Michigan and previous to her matriculation at that institution she attended the State Normal at Ypsilanti. She taught in High
school five years in Coldwater and five years at Pontiac and at Adrian
high school where her health broke down. Miss Lavinia attended the
state normal for two years and took a teacher's diploma in music.
All of the living children are graduates of the Battle Creek High




978


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


School and all were born in this city except the eldest daughter, who
was born in Niles.
Mr. Whitney and all of his children are members of the Presbyterian church and are active in church work. Mr. Whitney was one
of the charter members of Security Lodge, A. O. U. W., and for ten
years was its financier. He was also a member of the National Union
and officiated and is now its secretary, having been secretary over
twenty years. He has been local treasurer for the Standard Savings
and Loan Association, of Detroit, Mich., for a decade and is regarded as
one of the most conscientious, upright and honorable citizens of his
home community.
HARLAN K. WHITNEY. From the very beginning of time the art of
the engineer has existed. When it became necessary for man to construct habitations, to lay out highways or bridge chasms, then the science
of engineering had its inception-born from man's necessity. And it is
today just as necessary, as the railroads are driven through mountains
or across morasses, or the waters are pent up in flood season that they
may refresh the soil in dry periods, where buildings rear their cobwebs
of steel or subways burrow through rock to give man more room for
transit, there the busy engineer is to be found, doing today in perfected
form what earlier members of the calling did more crudely and against
greater disadvantages, but none the less accurately.
Engineering is the science of exactness. Mistakes may be made in
some of the professions, and amended or overlooked, but in engineering
the least error is soon glaringly apparent. Every foot of property in
city or country depends upon the word of some engineer. The angle
of elevation on the outside rail of a curve that carries the flying
train in safety around the bend without hurling the passengers off at a
tangent is calculated by some engineer, when the walls of tunnels that
have for years been driven toward each other from opposite sides of a
granite mountain, unite smoothly and exactly it is another triumph for
the keen eye and the trained mind of the engineer.
A worthy present day prototype of the master minds who have
accomplished so much in this direction is Harlan K. Whitney, of Battle
Creek, who was born in this city, December 6, 1864, a son of Henry A.
and Anna E. (Bellows) Whitney, of whom a separate sketch appears
elsewhere in this work. Harlan K. Whitney graduated from the Battle
Creek High School in the class of 1883 and afterward spent two years
as a member of the engineering force of this city and on the Board of
Public Works. During this period-1891-2 he gave close attention to
civil engineering and surveying. On May 1, 1893, he started in business
with John Elsmere under the firm name of Elsmere & Whitney, surveyors and civil engineers, with offices in the Upton Block.
Their partnership continued for one season, being dissolved during the
winter of 1893-4. Mr. Whitney continued the business and soon secured
a patronage that was of large proportions and constantly increased.
In 1895 he entered the engineering department of the University of
Michigan and spent a year there, perfecting himself in his chosen profession. He has given especial attention to land surveying and the
platting development and beautification of cities and residence sections,
and has since that time followed this line, his headquarters being at
Battle Creek, but his work extending through the states. He has been
called as far south as Alabama, his work in the latter place being on a
cement factory proposition.
For two years Mr. Whitney filled the position of city engineer for
the City of Albion, during which time the first triple-arch concrete




GP




I




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


979


bridge with steel reinforcement ever constructed in the United States
was built at Albion, Mich., under his supervision. He at the same time
conducted the general city work for Albion and also looked after his
business at Battle Creek. He laid out a plan for a sewer system for
Albion, which included the business section, and superintended the construction of a portion of the district.
He also was acting county surveyor for two years, during which
time he planned and supervised the building of three miles of narrow
gauge railroad for the Peerless Portland Cement Company at Union
City, Mich. Especial attention has been given by Mr. Whitney to the
platting of cities and their subdivisions. He has platted over 1,000
acres of land. He laid out the grounds and walks for the Phelps
Sanatorium, which was one of the first pieces of landscape gardening in
this part of Michigan. Artistic platting particularly appeals to him
and he readily recognizes the possibilities of a piece of ground and
utilizes it to the best advantage.
Mr. Whitney's activities extend to all branches of his profession.
He is chief engineer for the proposed Battle Creek and Grand Rapids
Electric Road and the Kalamazoo, Gull Lake and Northern. He has
kept up his local and general work at all times and is never too busy to
give prompt service to his customers. He keeps two experienced engineers on his staff at all times, and frequently increases the force to a
material extent, four being the usual number. He was assistant city
engineer for about three months during the period when the Maple
street pavement was put in. He was also engineer for the Post Land
Company and held many other important commissions that might with
justice be enumerated. He and Col. Jacobs have had offices in the Ward
building since the first of November, 1905. Mr. Whitney is unmarried
and resides at the old family home at No. 70 Cherry street.
He is by no means so engaged with business and professional affairs
that he neglects more important duties of church and society. He is a
member of the First Presbyterian church and one of its most earnest
and zealous communicants. He is an elder and was clerk of the session
for about six years. The Sunday school department finds in him a
warm supporter, and has for many years. He was secretary of the
Board for a while and is now leader of the men's class in the Sunday
school. He was one of the founders of the Y. M. C. A. of Battle Creek,
was on its first directorate and during the first year or so attended to
the important duties of recording secretary. From    the age of his
majority Mr. Whitney has always been a stanch supporter of the Prohibition party, and is at present identified with the Progressive movement. He was a member of the Battle Creek Country Club the first two
years of its existence, and has long been a member of the Michigan
Engineering Society.
MARTIN H. GOODALE. One of the substantial and well ordered enterprises lending to the commercial precedence of the metropolis of Calhoun county is that conducted by the Helmer-Goodale Drug Company,
which conducts both a wholesale and retail business. Of this corporation
Mr. Goodale is now the executive head, and he has been long and prominently identified with the drug business in Battle Creek, where he is
known and honored as a loyal and progressive citizen and enterprising
business man.
Martin H. Goodale claims the historic old Western Reserve of Ohio
as the place of his nativity and is a scion of one of the sterling families of that favored section of the Buckeye state. He was born at Warren, the judicial center of Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 28th of October,




980


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1861, and is the only child of Ebenezer H. and Mary H. (Welch) Goodale,
the former of whom was born at Glastonbury, Connecticut, and the latter
at Warren, Ohio, where their marriage was solemnized. The father was
a carpenter by trade and became a successful contractor and builder in
Trumbull county, Ohio, where both he and his wife continued to reside
until their death. He whose name initiates this review is indebted to the
public schools of his native place for his early educational discipline,
and as a youth of sikteen years he first came to Michigan. For a period
of about four years he was employed on the farm of William Brown, one
of the old and representative citizens of Pennfield township, Calhoun
county, and later found employment in a drug store in Battle Creek,
in which city he established his home when he was twenty-six years of
age, having in the meanwhile passed a portion, of the intervening period
in Ohio. For one year he was a student in the Hahnemann Homeopathic
Medical College, in the city of Chicago, and he then returned to Battle
Creek, where he learned the drug business in the establishment of the
late John Helmer with whom he continued to be associated for about
ten years. Finally, in 1901, he opened the Post Tavern Pharmacy, in
the fine hotel building erected in Battle Creek by Colonel C. W. Post,
and this he conducted under the firm name of H. M. Goodale & Company until he sold the stock and business to Frank L. McClintock, the present owner. Prior to establishing this enterprise Mr.
Goodale had purchased the bankrupt drug business of Parker Brothers,
and the enterprise was continued under the title of Wheaton & Goodale
until sold to the present proprietor, Sidney Erwin. For a period of
eighteen months Mr. Goodale was a traveling representative for the
wholesale drug establishment of Nelson & Baker, of Detroit, and on the
21st of December, 1908, he became one of the interested principals in the
organization of the Helmer-Goodale Drug Company. His partner, John
Helmer, died on the 27th of April, 1911, and since that time the practical
management of the business has been maintained by Mr. Goodale, whose
thorough technical knowledge and distinctive administrative ability have
been the forces which have developed the enterprise into one of most
substantial-order. They also maintain two branch stores, one at Bellevue
and one at Climax, Michigan. Mr. Goodale is secretary of the Michigan
State Pharmaceutical Association, of which position he has been the
incumbent since 1910, and he is also identified with American Pharmaceutical Association and the National Association of Retail Druggists. He has attended the conventions of the latter organization and
was a member of its auditing committee in 1911. Mr. Goodale is a
stockholder and director of the Tampa-Cuba Cigar Company, of Tampa,
Florida, and has local capitalistic interests aside from those involved in
his drug business.
Broad-minded and public-spirited as a citizen, Mr. Goodale manifests
a lively interest in all that touches the welfare of his home city, and
while he has never had any predilection for public office he is a stalwart
supporter of the cause of the Republican party. He is affiliated with
A. T. Metcalf Lodge, No. 419, Free & Accepted Masons, and also with
the local organizations of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks,
the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Moose, in which last mentioned
he has served two terms as dictator. He and his wife are communicants
of the Protestant Episcopal church and are active in the affairs of the
parish of St. Thomas' church. The drug establishment of the HelmerGoodale Drug Company is located at 9 East Main street, and the attractive home of Mr. Goodale is at 41 Post avenue.
On the 15th of January, 1892, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Goodale to Miss Zulla Wheaton, daughter of Hon. Robert D. Wheaton,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


981


a representative citizen of Charlotte, Eaton county, Michigan, where he
served as mayor and where he was a prominent and influential factor in
public affairs for many years prior to his death, his widow still maintaining her home in Charlotte. Mr. and Mrs. Goodale have one daughter,
Elizabeth, who was born in Battle Creek and who remains at the parental
home.
OLIVER CLARK JOHNSON. In the honorable roll of those life-long
residents of Calhoun county who have done so much for the development
of its resources, and among the worthy sons of pioneer families of this
region we number among the foremost Mr. Oliver Clark Johnson, whose
father and maternal grandfather were both noted pioneers of the region.
The latter, Hasel White, was a native of New Jersey (born August 16,
1775) a soldier in the War of 1812, later a farmer in New York state
and subsequently a settler on Government land which he bought in
MIarengo township and developed into an excellent farm. A Democrat
and an ardent Methodist, his strong individuality left its stamp on the
community. It was his daughter, Miss Mary Ann White-born in Montgomery county, New York, on January 16, 1809, and died, aged 89 years,
who was the wife of Corren G. Johnson.
Corren Johnson was a native of Onondaga county, the date of his
birth being January 26, 1806. He was a young man when in 1831 he
located on section 17, Marengo township. Mrs. Johnson ably assisted
her husband in the difficult task of making a home in those wilds, and
her friends of today greatly value her recollections of that primitive
era nearly three quarters of a century ago. Her husband was throughout his life a prominent personality in the community, to which he contributed inuch in civic, social and religious lines of activity. Politically,
he was a sound Democrat. He was for two terms called upon to serve
Marengo township in the capacity of supervisor, or assessor, as the office
was then called. As a member of the Christian church, he was energetic
and consistent in promoting its cause.  When his death occurred in
January, 1858, all Marengo township acknowledged the great loss they
realized in the passing of so useful and capable citizen.
His son, Oliver Clark Johnson, began his earthly existence on the
farm above referred to, on the fifteenth day of March, 1838. With the
growth of the region which has always been his home, he has kept a steady
pace, becoming identified with all its movements for better prosperity
and higher standards. His education has been such as was possible
under the primitive conditions of his childhood, supplemented by his
practical use of opportunities which have come his way for further
broadening. His youthful training in farm industry was of the greatest value in his actual life, for he has proved himself a worthy son of
his father.
Mrs. Oliver Clark Johnson also comes of a pioneer family, having
formerly been Miss Catherine Elizabeth Ackerson, a daughter of Edward Ackerson, who was a native of New Jersey and long a resident of
Marshall township, Michigan. His death occurred here in 1889 and his
remains were interred in the cemetery which had been his own gift to the
township. Mrs. Johnson thus shares her husband's prestige as a representative of the first families of the section.
The Johnson home consists of one hundred and seventy-five acres of
choice land in fine condition. Its state of cultivation is superior, its
barns roomy and well-planned, its outbuildings numerous and commodious, its other improvements up-to-date and its management of a
decidedly intelligent type.
In 1905 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson removed from the farm to a homein




982


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Marshall.. They now occupy an attractive brick house, surrounded by
spacious and well-kept grounds of about 121/2 acres. Mr. Johnson occupies his time in looking after his various interests, enjoying social
intercourse and keeping in touch with public affairs. He is a member of
the Masonic order and a Knight Templar. He has held various offices
of public service, including those of Township Clerk, Road Commissioner and Pathmaster, besides having represented his township as a
member of the County Board of Supervisors: He is counted a man of
superior calibre of mind and character, as well as one notable for his
long connection with this locality. They have one child, Andrew and
he resides at home.


JOHN C. SNYDER. In the life of John C. Snyder, one of the wealthiest
and most influential farmer-citizens of Calhoun county, there may be
found a lesson that will be of benefit to those who feel that circumstances
have conspired against them-an example worthy of emulation by those
who have allowed themselves to become discouraged by their misfortunes.
Mr. Snyder is not only a self-made man; he is something more, for he
has retrieved a lost fortune by steady and persevering labor, and has
placed himself in a position where he commands the respect of his fellowmen and holds prestige in the world of business and finance. John C.
Snyder was born in Albion township, Calhoun county, Michigan, October
2, 1856, and is a son of Phillip and Betsy A. (Snider) Snyder, natives
of New York. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Snyder, took up 320
acres of land from the government, and was engaged in farming throughout his life. On the maternal side Mr. Snyder's grandfather was John
Snider, a native of New York, who came to Michigan at an early day
and spent the rest of his life following the vocation of a millwright.
Phillip Snyder accompanied his parents to Michigan at an early period
of the state's settlement, and was here educated, reared and married.
His life was spent in agricultural pursuits, and he was also influential
in Democratic politics, holding various township offices. He and his
wife had a family of seven children, of whom John C. was the fourth in
order of birth. The family was connected with the Methodist Episcopal
church at Homer.
John C. Snyder was given the advantages of a district school education and was reared to the life of an agriculturist, but turned his attention
to mercantile pursuits, and for ten years was engaged in business in
South Dakota. Various circumstances over which he had no control
caused the failure of his business ventures, and he finally lost all the
money he had invested in the enterprises. Nothing daunted by his misfortunes, he settled down to make a new start in life, and succeeded
in securing from his brother a tract of 160 acres of land in South Dakota,
the greater part on credit, and so successful was this undertaking that
he accumulated a tract of 1,900 acres of land, and when he left South
Dakota, had a capital of $50,000. Thus financially equipped, in November, 1902, he returned to Michigan, and purchased eighty acres of
land in Homer township, there building a beautiful country home, and
improving his property with substantial buildings, and stocking it with
fine livestock. He now owns and operates 345 acres, not a foot of which
is poor land, and in addition to carrying on general farming, engages
extensively in buying and selling stock. For some time he was president
of the Calhoun County State Bank, but at present acts in the capacity of
vice-president of that institution. The leading characteristics of Mr.
Snyder's life may be said to have been a persevering spirit that has led
him to keen steadily on to his cherished goal, and a sturdy, courageots heart that has refused to recognize or admit defeat. With these.::::I




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


983


however, have been combined absolute integrity, honesty to himself and
to his neighbor, and that regard for the rights of others which leads men
to acquit themselves with honor in the business arena. Such a man is a
credit to any community, and as such Mr. Snyder holds the esteem and
regard of his fellow citizens.
On October 19, 1878, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage with Miss
Ellen Cawthorpe, daughter of James Cawthorpe, a native of England who
now lives in northern Michigan, and four children have been born to
this union: Phillip, who assists his father in the work of the home farm;
Bessie, who died, aged 22 years; Rollo and Harlen, who are attending
school. In his political belief Mr. Snyder is a Democrat, and fraternally
he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen
MARTIN A. SINCLEIR. Ca~lhoun county holds no uncertain rank among
the numerous rich agricultural counties of Michigan and among the enterprising and self-reliant men who conduct its farming interests mention
is deserved by Martin A. Sincleir, of Clarence township, whose farmstead
is one of the most attractive and most valuable for its size of any in that
locality.
Mr. Sincleir was born July 30, 1854, in a log cabin that stood on the
place he now owns. Cornelius Sincleir, his father, born in New York in
1827, moved to Branch county, Michigan with his mother when twelve
years old and there grew to manhood. He married Emily Nye, also a
native of New York, in which state she was born in 1832, whose father was
a native of Vermont, was reared there and died there. Cornelius and
Emily (Nye) Sincleir became the parents of six children, as follows:
Marietta, who became the wife of E. Page and now resides at the Soldiers Home at Grand Rapids, Michigan; Edgar L., who spent twentyfive years in the Methodist ministry and now resides in Berry county,
Michigan; Martin A., the subject of this review; Marilla, deceased;
Emma, the wife of E. Collyer, of Springport, Michigan; and Rollin O.,
who is located in Idaho. Both parents are deceased, the father having
passed away in 1894 and the mother in 1909. They were members of
the United Brethren church. Cornelius Sincleir was a stanch adherent
of the Republican party and took a warm interest in its work. He
entered the Union army in August, 1864, as a member of the Twentyeighth Michigan Infantry and served until January 1, 1865. This regiment was mustered in October 26, 1864, and left the state that day for
Louisville, Kentucky, where it arrived on the 29th and was ordered to
Camp Nelson to act as a guard for a wagon train from that point to
Nashville, reaching the latter place December 5. There the regiment was
assigned to the 23d army corps and participated in the battle of Nashville in December, gaining a reputation for valor at once. Mr. Sincleir
was held three days as a reserve at Nashville. Taken sick with pneumonia during this time, he was unfit for further duty and was discharged. He was a son of John Sincleir and Catherine Quigley Sincleir, the former of whom ran away from his native Scotland at the age
of eighteen and made his way to the United States, locating in New
York, where he thereafter spent his life as a farmer. The mother of
Catherine Quigley was one of the children that strewed flowers in front
of Washington in the great celebration over his defeat of Cornwallis.
Martin A. Sincleir received a common school education and assisted
with the work of the home farm until twenty-eight years of age, when he
started out for himself, working in the woods for a number of winters.
In the meantime, in 1881, he contracted for eighty acres of land, which
he cleared from the stump and on which he placed good and substantial




984


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


improvements in the way of buildings. This is his present homestead and
forms a beautiful country home. The farm is a model as to cultivation,
for under Mr. Sincleir's intelligent management the fertile acres are
made to reach a high state of productivity and well reward him for his
thought and care. For this accomplishment Mlr. Sincleir has been wholly
dependent upon the resources within himself.
In 1875 he took as his wife Miss Etta Clark, daughter of James and
Emily J. (Cortright) Clark, the former of whom was born in Ohio and
the latter in New York. Mr. Clark was a traveling salesman and also
a farmer and he and his wife were early settlers in Calhoun county.
Mr. and Mrs. Sincleir have two daughters: Lodessa, who became the
wife of Ira Bair and resides in Clarence township, and Nora, now Mrs.
George Boult, of Eaton county, Michigan. Mr. Sincleir is a member of
Olivet Lodge No. 267 Free and Accepted Masons and holds his chapter
membership at Springport. In politics he is a Republican. He has not
entered into public life in an official way except for six weeks' service on
the jury at Battle Creek, during which time he helped to settle some very
important cases, but he is nevertheless interested in all that advances
Calhoun county or makes for public progress in any way.
GEORGE H. KIEFER. One of the most popular and esteemed members
of the farming community of Homer township, George H. Kiefer uses
sound judgment and wise business in his calling, and is meeting with well
deserved success, his finely improved property, with its substantial and
convenient buildings, giving to the passerby ample evidence of his skill
and ability as a practical and progressive agriculturist. A son of John
Kiefer, Jr., he was born May 19, 1849, in Homer township, coming on
the paternal side of the house of German ancestry.
His grandfather, John Kiefer, Sr., emigrated from Germany to the
United States in 1827, bringing his wife and children with him, and
settling in Homer township, Calhoun county, Michigan. Taking up one
hundred and sixty acres of timbered land from the Government, he
cleared and improved the homestead on which he lived during the
remainder of his life.
Born in Germany in 1817, John Kiefer, Jr., was but ten years old
when he came with his parents to Calhoun county. He assisted his father in the pioneer task of redeeming a farm from the wilderness, spending his youthful days in the log cabin which his father built in the
forest. He learned the miller's trade when young, and for thirteen years,
while in the employ of Lewis & Smith, had charge of the Calhoun County
Grist Mill, being engaged in the manufacture of flour, which he hauled
to Albion with teams, that being the nearest market and shipping point.
Subsequently returning to the old Kiefer homestead, he was there successfully engaged in tilling the soil until his death, October 29, 1870.
He married Jane Bailey, who was born in New York state in 1826, and
died on the home farm, in Michigan, in 1859. He was a stanch Republican
in politics, and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
while his wife was a Presbyterian in religion. Of the three children
born of their union, George H., the subject of this sketch, is the only one
living.
After leaving the district schools, George H. Kiefer entered Albion
College, intending to there complete the course of study, but the death
of his father after he had been there two years changed his plans, necessitating his return to the home farm. Mr. Kiefer has since carried on
general farming with splendid results, his estate being one of the best in
its improvements and appointments of any in the township. A Republican in politics, he is genuinely interested in local matters, and has




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


985


served as justice of the peace and as constable, and for three years was
highway commissioner.
On February 22, 1871, Mr. Kiefer was united in marriage with Lois
Bond, of Allen, Michigan, a daughter of John Bond, for many years a
prosperous farmer of Hillsdale county, where he spent his last years.
Mr. and Mrs. Kiefer have one daughter, Myrtle, wife of S. C. Eslow, who
is engaged in the shoe business in Homer.
WILLIAM G. NONEMAN. The Noneman families have been well known
in Marshall for many years, contributing materially to the necessary industries of the place and holding a leading position in the Germany
social activities of the city. Louis Noneman of Wittenberg, Germany,
came with his wife, Louisa (Heugel) Noneman, and their family, to this
country in the year 1882. For a time they stopped at Ann Arbor,
Michigan; they then spent a few years on a farm in Huron county; in
1885 he located in Marshall, which has since that time continued to be
the home of the family. Louis Noneman is now retired, his time being
chiefly employed in the oversight of his property, which is of considerable
value and extent.
One of the sons of this family is William G. Noneman, Marshall's
present city marshall and a retired ice merchant. He was born in Wittenberg on the sixth of November, 1867. His education began in the
fatherland and was continued in the public schools of Michigan. After
the family's emigration to this country, agricultural interests claimed
his practical attention for several years. After a time, however, he
went to Grand Rapids to gain information and experience in mercantile
transactions. He was there employed in a grocery store until 1894.
He subsequently returned to Marshall, where he conducted a similar
business with his brother Louis. In 1903 they sold out. In 1906 they
bought out the Marshall Ice & Fruit Company and conducted it until
1912, when William retired from active commercial pursuits.
Mr. Noneman's family consists of.his wife and one daughter. Mrs.
Noneman, formerly Miss Rose Noneman, was only distantly related to
the family of which William Noneman was a son. Her father was Carl
M. Noneman, one of Marshall's old residents. During the years of her
union with Mr. Noneman, one daughter has been born to them, who
was named Norma and who is now attending school.
The Deutschen Order of Harugari claims William Noneman as its
president, an office which he has filled for two years. He is also a
member of the Arbeiter Unterstuetzungs Verein. In the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows he is connected with Peninsular Lodge Number 5.
Politically he is a Democrat. In April of 1912 he was appointed to the
position of city marshall, the duties of which he discharges with conscientiousness and diligence.
WILL LAUPP. The great Empire of Germany has contributed its fair
quota to the upbuilding of the United States and among its representatives in this country are to be found prominent men in every walk of
life,-from the professions to the successful farmer. Will Laupp, though
a native of Michigan, is a son of German parents. He is the owner of the
old homestead on which he was born and the same is located in Newton
township, Calhoun county, Michigan.
February 2, 1868, in Newton township, Calhoun county, occurred the
birth of Will Laupp, who is a son of Michael and Fredericka (Schulster)
Laupp, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to
America as a young man in the early '50s and located in Michigan,
where he worked for a number of years as a farm hand. In 1864 was




986


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


solemnized his marriage to Fredericka Schulster, who came to America
with a brother and settled in Marshall, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Laupp
became the parents of five children, concerning whom the following brief
data are here incorporated: Fred is engaged in farming in Lee township, Calhoun county; Lizzie is married and lives in Marshall; Will,
of this review; Julia married Fred Weedle and they make their home
in Battle Cieek; John. After his marriage Michael Laupp purchased
eighty acres of land in the northern part of Newton township and after
clearing the same he erected a number of substantial buildings and began
farming. He was decidedly successful as an agriculturist and was summoned to the life eternal in 1896. His cherished and devoted wife passed
away in 1894. Religiously he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.
Will Laupp passed his early life on the home farm, in the work and
management of which he early began to assist his father, and his educational training was obtained in the neighboring district schools. At the
age of twenty years he started out on his own responsibility, working by
the month on various farms for the ensuing four years. For twelve
years he was engaged in threshing, and was the owner of a complete
equipment for that work. He has always made his home on the parental
estate, and has bought out the shares of his brothers and sisters.
His farm comprises eighty acres of some of the most arable land in
Calhoun county and on the same he is engaged in diversified agriculture
and the raising of high grade stock. He has owned other lands in
various sections of the state as a speculation. In politics he maintains
an independent attitude; preferring to give his support to men and
measures meeting with the approval of his judgment rather than to
vote along strictly partisan lines. In 1911 he was the efficient incumbent
of the office of highway commissioner. For recreation Mr. Laupp and
his family find automobiling suited to their tastes and have made many
a pleasureable jaunt in their car. Mr. Laupp is an enthusiast on the
subject of motoring and motor cars and is an expert meehanician along
those lines.
In 1898 Mr. Laupp was united in marriage with Miss Frances Glau.
She is a daughter of William Glau, a sketch of whose career appears
elsewhere in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Laupp are the parents of one
son, Lee, who was born in 1899, and who is now attending school'in Newton township.
PLATT A. MUMAW, office superintendent of the extensive monument business conducted by the members of his firm and family, is well
known as the son of Henry W. Mumaw, who was for thirty years engaged
in that business in Marshall. The latter, Henry W. Mumaw, who was a
native of Wilmot, Ohio, came to Marshall with his family in the year 1881.
His was an important share in the life of this city; for not only did he
build up a high-class business in marble and granite materials, but was
a useful and valuable citizen in other ways. For several years he was
a member of the Marshall fire department, of which he was for one year
chief engineer under Mayor F. W. Dickey. He was an active Republican
and was in 1906 honored by his party with the nomination for sheriff.
The order of the Knights of the Modern Maccabees claimed him as. one
of its members in Marshall Tent Number 105, and he was also much
interested in the work of the German Benevolent Society, of which he
was a member. His earthly life closed in February, 1911, at the age of
fifty-five. Those of his family who survive him are Mrs. Mumaw, his
wife; his three sons, Arlo, Harry and the subject of this sketch; and a
daughter, Mrs. W. J. Rudland of Red Wing, Minnesota. Ten of his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


987


fourteen brothers and sisters are also still living and are residents of
various parts of Ohio.
Platt A. Mumaw was born in Sevill, Ohio, February 10, 1880. He
was educated in the public and high schools of Marshall, after which he
spent four years in the Bliss Electric School of Washington, D. C. Having completed this period of study, he entered the employ of the Bell
Telephone Company in Washington. Three years later, however, he
joined his father in the steadily expanding granite and monument business in Marshall.  Their partnership continued until the elder Mr.
Mumaw's death, at which time Platt A. Mumaw and his brother Arlo
succeeded to the business. This firm has since been conducting a steadily
growing business in the handling of material for monuments, their
marble and granite being obtained from the quarries of Vermont and
Massachusetts, as well as from those of Missouri and the Red Sand
Stone quarries of Missouri. These men are noted for the quality of
their work as well as for superior marbles, having turned out many of
the finest pieces of work to be found in Oakridge and other cemeteries.
Their business extends throughout Calhoun and adjoining counties.
Mr. Mumaw's marriage took place August 23, 1910. Mrs. Mumaw,
nee Pauline Hoyer. She and Mr. Mumaw are the parents of one son,
named Henry. The fraternal organizations of Marshall are among Mr.
Mumaw's various interests, the Albion Lodge Number 20 of the Free and
Accepted Masons, the Lafayette Chapter Number 4 of the Royal Arch
Masons and the Knights of Pythias all including him among their members. He also belongs to the German Benevolent Society. In public
service he has done worthy service for two years as City Recorder, which
office he held during the years 1904-1905.
WILLIAM R. WOODEN. Of that type of citizenship of whose production the great state of Michigan is particularly proud is William R.
Wooden, secretary of the Nichols & Shepard Company of Battle Creek.
He is one of the representative men of Battle Creek, where he has maintained his residence since 1883 and no one has proved more loyal to its
interests. In addition to the connection above referred to, Mr. Wooden
has considerable property interests in this city. He is a leader in the
camp of local Republicanism and his word is of weight in party councils of the Grand Old Party, to which he has given heart and hand for
many years.
Mr. Wooden was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, October 6, 1856,
the son of Joseph W. and Elizabeth (Lair) Wooden. The mother survives at the present time, but the father passed to his eternal rest in
February, 1896, the scene of the demise of this worthy gentleman being
Battle Creek. In his earlier life he engaged in farming, and subsequently
embarked in the ice business in Tecumseh. There were five children in
the family, two being sons and three daughters, and at the present three
are living, the subject and two sisters. One, Mrs. J. J. Wakeham, resides
in Battle Creek, and Bertha is unmarried and makes her home with Mr
Wooden.
William R. Wooden received his preliminary general education in
the public schools of Tecumseh, from whose higher department he was
graduated. Desiring to drink deeper of the "Pierian spring" of knowledge, he matriculated in the University of Michigan and believing that
he wanted to enter the ranks of the legists, he made professional preparation in that famous institution, and received the degree of LL. B. in
1879. He first hung out his shingle in Tecumseh and remained at that
place engaged in practice until 1883. In that year he came to Battle
Creek and entered the employ of Nichols & Shepard as an office employe




988


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and also having charge of the collection department. His ability and
loyalty were recognized and rewarded by his election to the office of secretary of this important concern, which position he has ever since held.
He owns considerable real estate in this city.
Mr. Wooden has always taken a firm stand for whatever he considered
to be for the best interests of the community and society in general and
has always been the friend of good government and as much as possible
endeavored to follow after the things that make for harmony. Mr.
Wooden has not always been a Republican leader; in truth his first vote
was given to the cause of the Democratic party, and its men and measures he supported until 1896, it being his record to attend every Democratic convention between the years 1880 and 1896, as a delegate. In the
year last mentioned he experienced a change of heart and ever since has
attended Republican state conventions, given the causes represented
by the Republican party the same whole-hearted loyalty accorded its
rival in other days. He was sent as a delegate from this district to the
national convention in Chicago which nominated President Taft in
June, 1908. In 1890 Mr. Wooden was elected alderman on the Democratic
ticket and when Bryan was nominated in 1896 he was alternate delegate
at large. At the present time he is a member of the charter commission to make a new charter for the city of Battle Creek, an eminently
appropriate selection, for Mr. Wooden has ever done everything in his
power to advance the best interests of his fellow citizens and by indefatigable devotion to public duty has commended himself to the community at large.
The subject is affiliated with the Masonic order belonging to all the
bodies represented in Battle Creek. He is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and to the Country Club and the Athelstan
Club. He is past presiding officer of the Knights Templars and the
Elks.
On June 9, 1880, Mr. Wooden established an independent household
and congenial life companionship by his union with Minnie C. Hopkins,
of Tecumseh, daughter of Charles and Clarissa (Walker) Hopkins.
Mrs. Wooden was born in Binghamton, New York and received her education in the public schools of Tecumseh. Their union has been blessed
with one daughter, Clara, wife of R. S. Hinsdell, of Chicago, who was
born in Tecumseh and educated in Battle Creek and at St. Mary's Academy at Notre Dame. Mr. and Mrs. Wooden enjoy general confidence
and regard and maintain a hospitable home at 548 East Main street.
WILLIAM T. HAMILTON. Owning and occupying a valuable farm in
the near vicinity of Homer, William T. Hamilton is a man of excellent
business capacity, intelligence, and enterprise, and stands prominent
among the active and progressive agriculturists of Calhoun county. He
was born, December 6, 1863, in Hamilton, Canada, a son of Thomas
Hamilton. He is of Irish ancestry, his paternal grandfather, William
Hamilton, having been a life-long resident of County Donegal, Ireland.
Thomas Hamilton was born, in 1827, in Ireland, and there spent his
days of boyhood and youth. At the age of eighteen years he bade goodbye to home and friends, and crossed the ocean in his search for better
opportunities of increasing his finances. Settling in Canada, he took up
two hundred acres of government land, and began clearing it. He subsequently sold at an advantage, and in 1867 came to Michigan, locating
first in Lenawee county, where he remained a year. In 1868 he bought
land in Litchfield, Hillsdale county, and was there engaged in tilling
the soil until 1904. Retiring from active pursuits in that year, he came
to Homer, and thenceforward made his home with his son William until




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


989


his death, December 4, 1910. He married Caroline T. Barnes, who was
born in London, England, and died in Homer, Michigan. They were
consistent Christian people, uniting with the Congregational church when
they were young, but later becoming members of the Homer Presbyterian
church. They were the parents of two children, as follows: William
T., the subject of this sketch; and Martha M., wife of John Kerr, of
Homer.
Completing his early studies in the public schools of Litchfield,
William T. Hamilton gained a practical knowledge of agriculture while
young, and assisted his father on the home farm until twenty-eight years
of age. In 1890 he bought forty acres of land in Calhoun county, but
disposed of it a short time later, and in 1891 bought a part of the land
which he now occupies. He afterwards purchased fifty acres of adjoining land, and still later purchased fifty acres lying just across the road
from his original purchase, and now after having disposed of some, he
still has a fine farm of one hundred acres, on which he has made improvements of an excellent character. He is carrying on general farming most successfully, being never satisfied with less than the best possible results in his agricultural operations, and is paying considerable
attention to stock raising, breeding Durham cattle to some extent.
On March 12, 1890, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Lena
Boyd, a daughter of William Boyd, who was born in Ireland, and on
coming to this country located in Lenawee county, Michigan, where he
spent the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have three
children, namely: Buell Boyd, born May 26, 1891; Amos G., born March
17, 1895; and Thelma Irene, born July 16, 1901. Mr. Hamilton invariably
casts his vote in favor of the Republican party. In 1908 he was elected
supervisor, and is now serving in that capacity for the fourth year.
FRANK PONTO is a young agriculturist of Clarence township, Calhoun
county, who in the few years of his independent career has demonstrated
that the farm gives ample business opportunity to the man of ability
and discernment. He comes directly of German forbears and to what
extent his ancestral inheritance is responsible for his accomplishments
may not be stated, but certain it is that for his part he has well upheld
the proverbial reputation of the German as a thrifty and successful
agriculturist.
He was born in Clarence township, Calhoun county, Michigan, January 15, 1884, the youngest of the six children of his parents. Gottleib
and Henrietta (Schmidt) Ponto, his parents, were both born in Germany.
he in 1831 and she in 1833. They emigrated to America in 1871 and
located at Albion, Michigan, where they resided nine years and where
the father was employed as a laboring man. In 1880 he bought eighty
acres of the farm which Frank now owns and built thereon a beautiful
country home, together with other substantial farm buildings, making
it a homestead both attractive and valuable. He added to his original
purchase until at the time of his death his holdings comprised 160 acres.
Here he passed the remainder of his life and passed away in 1907. His
wife is still living and continues to reside at the old home. Four sons
and three daughters were the issue of their union, viz.: William, Henry
and John, all of whom are farmer residents of Clarence township;
Amelia, now Mrs. Lewis Stacher, of Battle Creek, Michigan; Minnie,
who became the wife of Otto Greennian and resides in Calhoun county;
Emma, the wife of Albert Behling of Albion township; and Frank, whose
name introduces this review. Gottleib Ponto was a Democrat in politics
and in church affiliations was a Lutheran. in the faith of which denomination he was reared from childhood.




990


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Frank Ponto began his education in the district schools of Clarence
township and concluded it in the public schools of Albion. When his
student days were over he returned to the farm and assisted his aged
father in its management while the latter was still living, and after the
father's death, or in 1908, he bought out the other heirs and in the short
period since then has so intelligently managed his farming interests that
he has paid this indebtedness and is now the owner of the old homestead.
Besides general farming he gives especial attention to the raising of beans
and has twenty-six acres devoted to that crop this year (1912). In
political views he is a Republican.
HENRY GOLDUP. A fine representative, not only of the prosperous and
well-to-do agriculturists of Calhoun county, but of the self-made men
of the state, Henry Goldup, of Homer township, is especially worthy of
more than passing mention in a work of this kind and value. Like many
other of Michigan's more prosperous citizens, he is of foreign birth and
breeding, having been born, January 15, 1844, in England. His parents,
Thomas and Caroline (Harington) Goldup, were life-long residents of
England, the father having been overseer on a large farming estate, and
both having been members of the Church of England.
At the age of twenty-one years, deciding that a change of scenes and
country might prove beneficial to his finances, at least, Henry Goldup, unaccompanied by either friends or relatives, crossed the Atlantic to New
York, and for two years worked by the month at Hoosick Falls, that
state. Being economical and frugal, he saved one hundred dollars the
first year. In 1868 he came to Michigan where land was cheaper than
in the eastern states, locating in Calhoun county, where he worked by the
month for three years, after which he rented land for two years, and
farmed on his own account. In 1875 Mr. Goldup first became a landholder, paying part cash down for eighty acres of land, which was in
its primitive wildness. Clearing a space, he erected a house and the necessary farm buildings, fenced the land, and continued his agricultural
operations. As his means increased, he invested in other tracts of land,
afid is now the owner of four hundred acres of as rich farming land as
can be found in his neighborhood. A broad-minded, liberal man, enterprising and progressive, he has spared neither time nor expense in adding
to the improvements of his property, and in addition to carrying on
general farming breeds Durham cattle, a branch of industry that he finds
quite profitable.
Mr. Goldup married, in 1868, Jane Hannah Peal, and to them twelve
children have been born, namely: Thomas, who bought the Cook farm,
which he is now managing successfully: James, working on his father's
farm; Clara, wife of Will Riechow, of Homer: Charley, twin brother of
Clara, lives in Albion; Susan, wife of John Mathias, of Homer; Florence,
lives with her parents; Willie, living at home; and Bessie, attending the
Homer high school, and four that died in youth. Politically Mr. Goldup
is a Democrat, and religiously he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
HENRY E. WHITBECK. A Convis township agriculturalist of broad
interests is Henry E. Whitbeck, who for more than forty years has been
a resident of Michigan and for forty or more a citizen of the community
where he now resides. Mr. Whitbeck is a New Yorker by birth, the Empire state having been the life-long home of both his father and his
grandfather. The last-named progenitor, Albert Whitbeck, was living
in Columbia county of the eastern commonwealth when his son, James
Whitbeck, was born, in the year 1795. The latter became a farmer of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


991


notable success, owning one hundred acres and living in the village of
Newark in his later years. He married Miss Elsie Statts, also of that
county, where she was born in 1824. James Whitbeck and his wife
reared a family of seven children of whom Henry was the youngest.
His brothers and sisters who are yet living include the following: Catherine, who is Mrs. John L. Van Auken, now a widow, nearly eighty years
of age, living in Iowa; Albert Whitbeck, of Missouri; John Whitbeck,
of Florida; and Lena, who is Mrs. B. D. Doane, of Ohio. This group of
sons and daughters were brought up in the faith of the Presbyterian
church, of which both the parents were members. The father was a
Republican in politics.
At the home of James and Elsie Whitbeck, in Wayne county, New
York, occurred on April 6, 1848, the birth of the son named Henry. In
the rural schools of his home locality and in the high school at Newark
he received his life's educational equipment. This he turned to immediate account by teaching a few terms of school, after which he devoted
his attention to his inherited vocation of farming.  After a valuable
variety of experience in assisting others in farm enterprises, he came
in the year 1870 to Michigan, where he bought land in Penfield township. After ten years of agricultural activity in that place he made a
permanent location in Convis township, where he has become a wellknown and influential citizen. His farm, which embraces a quartersection, is one on which all the pursuits of general farming are carried
on, dairy and fruit being special features of the same.
Mrs. Whitbeck was in her girlhood Miss Flora A. Shipman, a daughter of Albert and Rachael (Burch) Shipman. The Shipman family were
among the early settlers of Michigan. Their farm of one hundred and
sixty acres was well known as that of a successful agriculturist. Flora
Shipman was the only child of her parents and her marriage to Mr. Whitbeck occurred March 16, 1870. They became the parents of six children,
named and located as follows: Albert Whitbeck, in St. Paul; Lucius
located in the West; Flora, Mrs. C. C. Day, in Marshall, Michigan;
George, in Convis township, where he is a capable farmer; Charles, in
the parental home; Lena, who is a trained nurse, in Ann Arbor. The
members of this estimable family are connected with the Methodist
Episcopal church. The political affiliation of Mr. Whitbeck is Republican.
GEORGE S. WHITBECK and his worthy wife are typical exponents of
the faithfully industrious and unpretentious citizens who contribute the
most staple elements, both of material production and of character, to
the sustaining of our great country. Mr. Whitbeck, the son of Henry
Whitbeck, one of Michigan's representative agriculturists, was born on
January 1, 1878, in Penfield township. His early mental development
was accomplished under the public school system of Marshall township,
and as he neared the years of maturity he turned his attention and energies to the purposive pursuits of the farm which the family at that
time occupied in Convis township.
The useful activities pertaining to the landed property on which he
lives and the serene comforts of domestic life have ever been to George
Whitbeck the chief pleasures of existence. At the age of twenty-two he
fortunately won a life companion of high quality, since when his vocational progress has been steadily increasing in spite of occasional untoward circumstances. A brief period he spent in a business enterprise
of a nature related logically to the enterprises of the farm. Leaving for a
time the mingled and ever numerous agricultural duties to which he had
been reared, he removed to Battle Creek, where for one year he conducted
Vol 1.-2 5






992


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


a meat market. At the end of that time he purchased a property of eighty
acres adjoining the parental farm and returned to the freedom of rural
life. Not only does he pursue successfully the varied activities of general farming, but makes a notable specialty of dairying. He possesses
a very fine herd of registered Jerseys, which he is from time to time
increasing. Aside from the occupation of a part of his property by his
stock, he has sixty acres under an excellent state of cultivation.
Mrs. George Whitbeck was formerly Miss Agnes Van Nocker, a daughter of Andrew Van Nocker, regarding whose parents-representatives of
a New York family-information is given in the sketch of James Van
Nocker, in these volumes. Andrew Van Nocker was reared and educated among the rural scenes of Convis township, learning the various
phases of farm work from his father, with whom he remained until the
age of sixteen, at which time he began to gather a wider experience by
working by the month for neighboring farmers. In 1874 he married
Maggie Skillen, a daughter of David and Margajret Skillen; she was a native of New York state; the date of her birth being July 7, 1853. Mr. and
Mrs. Skillen never came to the state of their daughter's adoption. Her
marriage to Mr. Van Nocker occurred in 1878; their residence was established on a fine fruit farm; and their family was five times successively brightened by the coming of a daughter, of whom Agnes Adelllater Mrs. Whitbeck-was the second. Her elder sister was named Ida
May and her residence is still with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. V.an Nocker.
The three younger sisters were as follows: Ella Myrtle Van Nocker, now
Mrs. Arthur Carus of Penfield township and the mother of one child,
Ovid Merle Carus; Bessie Ethel Van Nocker, who is now Mrs. Frank Van
Laudagent of Kalamazoo city; and Celia Caroline, who is Mrs. Ellery
House of Battle Creek and the mother of two children, Duane and Mildred
Elois House. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Nocker and Miss Van
Nocker is one of the attractive places of Convis township. Mr. Van
Nocker is notable for his independent political views, which are somewhat socialistic.
The Van Nocker-Whitbeck marriage took place in 1900 and has been
blessed with one son, Sheldon Laverne, who was born January 14, 1903,
and who is now attending the Cleveland school in Marshall township. The
home of Mr. and Mrs. Whitbeck is one of the most interesting and progressive households of the younger agriculturists in Convis township.
Their house was unfortunately destroyed by fire in April, 1912, but the
business of constructing a new edifice was at once put into operation.
Mr. Whitbeck's outside interests include his political affiliation with the
Republican party and his fraternal connection with the order of the
Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and Mrs. Whitbeck enjoy social
activity.
CHARLES LAWRENCE ELLIS. To devote one's life to the betterment
of the conditions of the rising generation and to inspire the youth of
the land to equip themselves for more useful lives is a work that will
abide.  We who are now bearing the burdens of civil and moral
life must depend upon the oncoming generation to take our places in a
few short years, and we expect of them greater things than we have
accomplished, to do our work better than we have done it. The person
who contributes his energies and genius to this work will confer enduring benefits upon society, and those who come after us will be better
qualified than we are to make this old world a better place in which to
live.
To a remarkable degree has the life work of Charles Lawrence Ellis
been felt by the young men and young women of our land. He is::j::j




CHARLES L. ELLIS




f
i
I




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


993


enshrined in the hearts of the people not because he promulgated a
new code of morals, nor because of the discovery of an enlightened
religious dogma, nor for his advocacy of some amazing political creed,
but because he worked out in a practical manner the means by which
the oncoming generation can secure an education that will not only make
it easier for them to earn a livelihood, but will encourage them to become
better and more useful citizens. To this one idea he devoted his life.
His work has endured, and has influenced for good thousands of
young lives.
Briefly, Mr. Ellis, after years of thought and study devised a system
of business instruction for use in public and private schools that has
revolutionized the methods of teaching commercial subjects.   The
practicability of this plan of instruction has been amply demonstrated.
The author believed that the prevalent method of teaching commercial
subjects was wrong in theory and ineffective in practice, and said so
boldly. Mr. Ellis' ideas aroused the hostility of those who were wedded
to the old educational regime. The conservative wise man is liable to
resent new ideas as a challenge to his own wisdom. So the criticisms
came. The leading educational journals all over the country teemed
with articles pro and con, and the venerable and conservative dignitaries of the educational world declared that it was a fad and a fraud and
a scheme to delude the unwary. And so the war waged, until finally
the child of Mr. Ellis' brain, the idea of learning to do by doing won the
victory, simply because it was founded on the eternal principle of
progress and right thinking. The author had the satisfaction of seeing
to some extent the splendid results of his work before his death. The
promulgation of this great idea brought about a discussion that has had
no parallel in the history of education. Now that it has come to be
accepted and adopted it is acknowledged that it has done more than all
else combined to revive the popularity of business education. And so
Mr. Ellis' work lives, and more and more as the years go by do men and
women realize what he did for them and for the cause of sound and sane
educational methods. He builded better than he knew.
Charles 'Lawrence Ellis was born near Hubbardston, Michigan, in
Ionia County, on the 17th of April, 1856. He was reared on the farm,
receiving the hardy and practical training that falls to the lot of the
American country boy. He was sent to the village school, and when he
was yet a boy he became much interested in penmanship, in which art
he soon became an adept. He began his career as a teacher of writing
in Central Michigan, and it was not long before he became known as a
penman of great artistic ability. He particularly excelled as an ornamental penman, and his fine productions in this line marked him as one
of the best pen artists in the United States. He had no intention,
however, of adopting this profession as a vocation, so he studied
accounting and was soon prepared to accept a position as head bookkeeper for a business concern. He felt that he had not as yet acquired
sufficient education, so he resigned his position and entered Valparaiso
University at Valparaiso, Indiana. At the conclusion of his course in
this institution he accepted a position as teacher of penmanship and
bookkeeping in the Cleary Business College at Ypsilanti, Michigan.
The principalship of the Commercial Department of the Eureka
Academy and Business College at Eureka, California, was offered him in
1885, and he resigned his former position to accept this. In 1886, in
conjunction with N. S. Phelps, principal of this school, Mr. Ellis founded
the San Francisco Business College. It was while he was connected with
these schools that he developed the method of commercial teaching
that has made his name honored and revered wherever the subject is




994


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


taught. The system was so successful and it brought pupils in such
increasing numbers to the school, that the partners determined to publish the method. To facilitate this work they organized the Ellis Publishing Company. They later disposed of their interest in the San
Francisco Business College, in order to give all of their time to the
demands of the growing publishing business. In 1893 they located the
business at Battle Creek, Michigan, and here it has grown with the
years to its present large proportions.
Mr. Ellis was only forty-one years of age at the time of his death,
which came with a suddenness that was a great shock to everyone. He
had always been in perfect health and was a man of powerful physique.
His death was due to embolism of the pulmonary artery. He died in
Battle Creek on the 25th of September, 1897.
The Ellis Publishing Company publish the well known Ellis CabinetCard System of Actual Business, Ellis Industrial Bookkeeping and
the Tablet Method of Teaching Bookkeeping and Business Training, as
well as numerous commercial text-books. They also print school stationery, and other supplies, and they do a great variety of other printing. Their publications are not only popular as to subject matter, but
are attractive in mechanical appearance. The officers of the company
are W. B. Phillips, president; Mrs. Bertha L. Corpening, vice president;
and Mrs. Henrietta Ellis, secretary and treasurer. The company is
located at 15-17 East State Street. Their publications are used widely
by public and private schools throughout the United States and Canada.
On the 9th of February, 1889, Mr. Ellis was married to Miss
Henrietta Freeman, in San Francisco, California. Mrs. Ellis' girlhood
home was Detroit, and she had been a student of her husband's at the
Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. One daughter was
born to Mr. and Mrs. Ellis. This daughter, Myrtle C., was born in San
Francisco. She attended the Battle Creek schools and is now a student
in La Salle Seminary at Auburndale, Massachusettes. After Mr. Ellis'
death Mrs. Ellis, herself a trained business woman, took up the duties
of administering the estate and continuing her husband's work. In
this she has been unusually successful. Her tenacity of purpose, good
judgment, and integrity of character has brought her recognition from
the best business intterests of the city in which this thriving business is
located. She is actively associated in the management of the business
and is an important contributor to its success. Mrs. Ellis is a member
of the Independent Congregational Church, and also a member of the
Woman's League of Battle Creek.
Charles Lawrence Ellis was a man of strong personality. He was
remarkably alert and possessed a mind of originality and of extreme
inventive tendencies.  He utilized this inventive talent not only in
his chosen profession but also in other matters requiring mechanical
skill. He was strong and true in his affections, and was greatly devoted
to his family. His geniality won him a large circle of friends especially
among the young people, for he was a delightful companion. It is
difficult to understand why such a man should be lost to the world so
young in life, but the work which he did lives after him.
DWIGHT C. DICKEY. It is impossible to write of the enterprising
farmer and poultryman, Dwight C. Dickey, without first giving space
to the main facts of the life of his father, Franklin W. Dickey. The
latter was the son of Judge Charles and Mary (Wakeman) Dickey, who
are remembered by old residents of Marshall as being very prominent
in the city's earlier activities. Franklin Dickey was born in Marshall
on the eighteenth day of August, 1838. His education was that ob



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


995


tainable in the public and high school system of the city and his earliest
practical enterprises were those connected with his father's store and
farm. He was wide awake and ambitious, however, and soon began to
undertake independent business. He was twenty years of age when
he began farming on his own account and also commenced the wool
buying which he made so successful. He dealt largely in fleeces for
eastern dealers, whom he represented as a buyer. He bought and
shipped by carloads, becoming in a comparatively short time one of
the principal wool-dealers in this section of Michigan. Not only this
line, but that of'handling horses of superior breed engaged his ability.
He erected large barns and stables, bought horses such as his unusual
judgment enabled him to buy to great advantage, handled them with
exceptional skill and shipped them at fancy prices His farm property
he fitted up with a modern and spacious home, in addition to the
numerous large barns and stables erected for his horses  Seven Oaks
Farm is included within the corporate limits of Marshall and since
Franklin Dickey's retirement from  business the buildings formerly
devoted to that purpose have been taken down and converted into
other structures on odd lots. He still retains a lively interest in all affairs of personal and public nature. Formerly township assessor for
four years, member of the school board for seven years, secretary of the
Calhoun County Agricultural Society for several years and its president
for four years, he has given worthy assistance to the official responsibilities of the community. As a Republican he has been always definitely
active, having often represented his county in state and congressional
convention. His is also the distinction of having been promoted from
the private ranks to that of Major in the Second Michigan Cavalry,
during the Civil war.
Mrs. Franklin Dickey was formerly Miss Mary A. Perry, of Tecumseh, Lenawee county, Michigan. She and Mr. Dickey became the
parents of one daughter and two sons. They are well known in Marshall
as Miss Donna L., Harry P. and Dwight C. Dickey, the last of whom is
the special subject of this sketch.
Dwight C. Dickey was born in the same city that was his father's
birthplace and is still his home, the son's natal day being June 1, 1883.
He too was educated in the graded schools and the high school of
Marshall; and he too learned practical activities on his father's farm.
On the Dickey farm three miles southwest of the city, and comprising
one hundred and sixty acres, he spent much of his time until he had
reached the years of his majority. The farm which he now occupies.
is one of the best improved properties in the township. Here Mr. Dickey
conducts various agricultural enterprises, chief among which are the
extensive raising of grain and hay and of fine poultry products. He
owns five hundred hens and plans increasing the number to fifteen
hundred, while establishing a convenient and successful hennery. The
chief specialty with which he -is experimenting is that of Leghorn hens,
the greatest of egg producers, though not prolific breeders. Mr. Dickey
is testing the various makes of brooders, with the intention of bringing
chicken-raising to a scientific and successful stage. His incubators are
the latest and best improved on the market.
Mr. Dickey was married in 1904 to Miss Bertha E. Dobbins, a
daughter of J. L. and Emma (Tiffany) Dobbins. Mr. Dobbins is widely
known as one of the old residents of Calhoun county, where his land
holdings are extensive. The children of the Dwight-Dobbins marriage
are two sons named John Wakeman and Lawrence Dwight.
ROBERT E. DULLAM, M. D. Holding high position among his professional brethren in Calhoun county, Michigan, is Dr. Robert E. Dul



996


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


lam. Acute in his perceptions, widely read in his profession and skillful in applying his acquirements to practical use, his value as a physician and surgeon is of the highest character, and it is by such as he
that the famous couplet of Pope was inspired,
"A wise physician, skill'd our wounds to heal,
Is more than armies to the public weal."
Dr. Dullam was born in Flint, Michigan, June 22, 1874, the son of
Dr. William and Ida (Bump) Dullam, both natives of Genesee county,
Michigan. The father was of English descent and the mother traces
her origin to Scotch forbears. The former received his education at
Albion College in the early '50s and for his life work adopted the profession of a physician and druggist. He was a druggist at Flint for
many years and was a man of influence and one who commanded respect, both for ability and character. His parents had crossed the Atlantic in early days to become Michigan pioneers and all his life he was
one of the most loyal of Wolverine sons. In course of time he abandoned
the drug business and devoted his entire attention to the practice of
medicine, his career as a medical practitioner covering a period of
thirty years. The death of this gentleman occurred in Flint, November 24, 1905. His admirable wife was educated in a convent at Monroe, Michigan, and she and her husband became the parents of three
sons, the immediate subject of these lines being the eldest in order of
birth.
Dr. Dullam was graduated from the Flint high school, as a member
of the class of 1886 and subsequently matriculated in the Battle Creek
Adventist College where he studied for five years. To prepare for his
professional career he became a student in the Detroit College of Medicine, receiving his degree from this famous institution. Well fortified
theoretically, he went to Flint to begin his practice with his honored
father and he remained in this association for some three yeats, or
until the elder gentleman was summoned from a sphere of signal usefulness to the Undiscovered Country. In that same year, 1905, Dr.
Dullam came to Battle Creek and here his career has been of the most
satisfactory character, his training and attainments, combined with
personality of prepossessing sort having won for him the confidence and
regard of the community. Fraternally, Dr. Dullam is a member of the
Elks and the Knights of Pythias and he was a charter member of the
Country Club. He takes the interest of the intelligent and altruistic
citizen in all matters of public import, and his hand and heart are extended towards the support of all measures calculated for the betterment of the whole of society.
In November, 1911, Dr. Dullam had the happiness to be joined in
this city by his brother, Dr. M. Stuart Dullam, a dentist. The latter
was born in Flint, Michigan, August 21, 1876, and followed his public
school education with attendance at the Adventist College of Battle
Creek. He later became a student at Northwestern University, of Chicago, and prepared for his life work in the Detroit College of Dentistry, becoming a graduate of the same in 1902. He first hung out
his professional shingle at Flint, Michigan, and subsequently removed
to Manistique, and it was after practicing a year at the latter place that
he came to this city. In the steady growth and development which have
characterized the age, the science of dentistry has kept pace with the
general progress and in this profession Dr. Dullam  stands as a man
of eminent qualification. Both gentlemen maintain finely equipped
offices together at 19 East Main street, and Dr. M. Stuart Dullam, like
his brother, is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


997


Elks. Both doctors belong to Battle Creek's list of very eligible bachelors,
and make their home with their mother, at 67 Marshall street.
GLENN E. LOCKWOOD. He whose name initiates this review is numbered among the representative farmers and stock growers of his native
county, and his finely improved farm of two hundred acres is the old
homestead on which he was born. Mr. Lockwood is a scion, in the
third generation, of a family whose name has been prominently and
worthily identified with the annals of Calhoun county since the territorial era of the history of the state. His grandfather, Isaac Lockwood, came from the state of New York to Michigan in 1831, about six
years prior to the admission of the state to the Union, and he established his home in Marshall township, Calhoun county, where he secured
from the government a tract of heavily timbered land, a very considerable part of which he reclaimed to cultivation. He reached a venerable
age, and was one of the sterling pioneers of Calhoun county, where he
was known and honored as a man of ability and as a citizen whose influence was exerted in a benignant way. Augustus Lockwood, father
of Glenn E., was born in Delaware county, New York, and was nine
years of age at the time of the family removal to Michigan. The journey to the new home was made with horse and ox teams and the family knew full well the trials and vicissitudes incidental to overland traveling in the pioneer days. Augustus Lockwood became one of the prosperous farmers and stock-growers of Calhoun county. He was a man
of progressive ideas, and was a citizen who ever commanded a place in
popular confidence and esteem. He was a Democrat in politics, held
various offices in Marshall township and continued to reside on his old
homestead farm until his death, which occurred in 1910, five years after
the passing of his beloved wife. Her maiden name was Julia Pierce
and she was born in Vermont, whence her parents came to Michigan
when she was a child, her father, John Pierce, having been another of
the early and honored settlers of Marshall township, this county. They
became the parents of five children, whose names, in the order of their
birth, are as here noted: Jennie O., Ernest J., Albert S.. John P., and
Glenn E.
Glenn E. Lockwood was born on his present homestead, in Marshall
township, on the 10th day of May, 1873, and after availing himself of
the advantages of the district school in his native village, he attended
a select school in the village of Homer, after which he was for two
years a student in the Marshall high school. He then completed a thorough course in the Krug Business College, in the city of Battle Creek,
after which he was for a time traveling representative. He next renewed
his allegiance to the great basic industry under whose influence he had
been reared, and returning to the home farm was a number of years
engaged largely in the dairy business; he maintained a fine dairy herd
of about fifty cows. With this line of enterprise he continued to be
identified for thirteen years, and in the meanwhile he had made the
best of improvements on the homestead, especially in the way of provisions to facilitate his dairying operations. He erected a fine barn,
two stories in height, the first story being of reinforced cement. In
November, 1911, the upper story of this barn was demolished in a great
wind storm, which swept through this section, but the cows were uninjured, as they were protected by the cement construction of the lower
story, in which they were quartered. A portion of Mr. Lockwood's
house also was blown down and other severe damage was done, in the
destruction of fruit trees, etc. He had erected two fine silos with an
aggregate capacity of one hundred and twenty tons, but neither of




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


these were damaged by the storm. After this disaster Mr. Lockwood
sold his dairy here and has since given his attention to diversified
farming and stock-raising. His fine farm of two hundred acres is now
under a high state of cultivation and yielding good returns. During
the time he was engaged in the dairy business practically the entire
tract was given over to pasturage and the raising of fodder crops.
Mr. Lockwood has had no desire to enter the arena of practical
politics or to assume the responsibilities of political office. He is one
of the progressive citizens of his native county and here his circle of
friends is coincident with that of his acquaintances.
In the year 1909, Mr. Lockwood was united in marriage with Miss
Clarice Fitz John, who was born and reared in Eckford township, this
county, and who is a daughter of David Fitz John, an old and popular
citizen and substantial farmer of that township.
WALTER P. MARSH. To the Empire State must be given the credit
for supplying Michigan with some of its best citizenship. It has supplied men of training in the trades, learning in the professions and
thorough knowledge in the sciences, arts and vocations. Especially is
this apparent in the field of agriculture, many of the Wolverine State's
leading agriculturists being natives of the great State of New York.
In this connection it is not inappropriate to briefly sketch the career and
activities of Walter P. Marsh, a native New Yorker, who has added in
no small way to the prestige of Calhoun county as a center of farming industry. Mr. Marsh was born in Jefferson county, New York,
February 1, 1846, and is a son of James and Sarah (Membery) Marsh.
His father was born in England in 1809, and his mother two years
later, and they were married there in 1831. They became the parents
of eleven children, Walter P. being the ninth in order of birth. In
the same year that they were married Mr. and Mrs. Marsh came to the
United States, locating in New York, where Mr. Marsh followed his trade
of wagon maker up to within twenty years of his death, when he purchased a farm in New York, and there spent the balance of his life,
his death occurring in 1863, while his wife passed away two years later.
In political matters he was originally a Whig and later joined the ranks
of the Republican party, and both he and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Walter P. Marsh's early education was secured in the New York
public schools, the school at Watertown and Adams Academy, and as a
youth spent his time in work on his father's farm. In the spring of
1874 he came to Michigan, and after a short time purchased a farm of
200 acres in Clarendon township, on which he has since been engaged
in general farming, stock raising and dairying. He erected handsome
buildings and finished clearing his land, which he has developed into
one of the best farms in the township, and now raises large crops and
breeds cattle that bring top-notch prices in the markets. He has ably
demonstrated his ability as an agriculturist and his judgments is often
appealed to in matters pertaining to farm work. Mr. Marsh is a veteran
of the Civil war, having enlisted in August, 1864, in Company C, 186th
Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, with which organization he
participated in a number of engagements, including Danville Railway
and Petersburg, and received his honorable discharge in June. 1865.
In 1871 Mr. Marsh was married, while on a trip to Michigan, to
Miss Elizabeth Cook, daughter of Sylvanus and Lucy Cook, of Homer
township, Calhoun county, prosperous farming people who are now
deceased. and to this union there have been born two children: Frederick
C. and Henry. In political matters Mr. Marsh is a Republican, and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


999


has served in the office of highway commissioner, while he is fraternally
connected with the Odd Fellows, and is a popular comrade of the local
Grand Army of the Republic post. He and Mrs. Marsh are members
of the Presbyterian Church, and both are well and favorably known
in religious work and social circles.
AUSTIN PRICE. Born December 22, 1854, on the farm in Clarence
township on which he resides and now owns, Austin Price has spent
the whole of his life, or nearly sixty years, in this locality and as an
upright and worthy citizen stands high in the esteem of his community.
His parents, John K. and Clarissa (Price) Price, were numbered among
the many emigrants from New York who in the fore part of the last
century sought cheaper and better homes in the newer state of Michigan. The father was born in Livingston county, New York, on March
30, 1808, and the mother's nativity occurred in Genesee county of the
same state on June 30, 1818. They came to Michigan in 1850, locating
first at Albion, where John K. Price followed the coopering business a
short time. In 1852 he purchased the farm of fifty-six acres in Clarence
township now owned by his son Austin and set to work to clear it and
improve it. He built a log house and cooper shop, the former of which
the family occupied a number of years, or until the father and son finally
replaced it with a comfortable frame residence which remains the
dwelling of our subject. He was a successful farmer and at the time
of his death in 1874 had made considerable progress in the development
of his homestead. He was survived by his wife until 1883. Politically
he was a Republican, and both he and his wife were consistent members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of nine children that came to
their union but two are now living and Austin is the only one residing
in Michigan. Kent Price, the paternal grandfather of Austin, was a
native of Baltimore, Maryland, who moved to New York and spent the
remainder of his life there. His maternal grandfather Price was a
native of New York and spent his entire life in that state.
Austin Price was reared where he now resides and received such
educational advantages as the district schools of the time and locality
afforded. He knows by actual experience the toil and hardships entailed upon those who developed farms from the wild and timbered lands
of Calhoun county even though his period of experience came a score
or more of years after settlement had begun in this section of the state,
for he helped to clear his father's farm and to bring it to a state of
cultivation. He came into possession of the farm in 1871 and has since
been engaged in its management, his attention being given to general
farming. On his farm are to be seen a number of fine horses, which is
indicative of his interest in this direction.
On November 12, 1874, Mr. Price was united in marriage to Amelia
Walker, whose father, John Walker, was one of Eaton county's successful farmers during his active years and is still living there at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Price have one daughter, Almeda. who married Fay Burgess and lives in Jackson county,
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Burgess have a daughter, Esther.
Mr. Price sustains fraternal membership in the Mc]dern Woodmen
of America, and in political affairs his allegiance is given to the Democratic party.
HEMAN G. ALLEN. A varied and interesting career has been that
of Mr. Allen. who has won independence and prosperity through his
own well directed efforts and who has maintained his residence in Calhoun county since 1900, when he purchased the fine estate known as the




1000


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Butler farm, the same lying just inside the city limits of Marshall and
comprising one hundred and twenty acres, The farm has a large and
attractive brick residence and other excellent buildings and is one of
the most desirable suburban demesnes in the vicinity of the judicial
center of the county. Mr. Allen finds special satisfaction in the supervising of the operations of his farm and is otherwise virtually retired
from active business, after many years of earnest and successful endeavor, the generous rewards of which he is enjoying in the twilight of
his long and useful life.
Mr. Allen is a scion of a family that was founded in New England in
the colonial era of our national history. His grandfather, Cary Allen,
was born in Massachusetts and passed the closing period of his life at
Rockford, Illinois, where he died at the patriarchal age of ninety-six
years. He whose name initiates this review was born at Lincoln,
Addison county, Vermont, on the 25th of June, 1840, and is a
son of Almon C. and Mary (Derby) Allen, both of whom were likewise
natives of the old Green Mountain state. The father was for many
years actively identified with the iron-manufacturing industry, and in
1858 he removed with his family from Vermont to Wisconsin, whence
he later transferred his residence to Rockford, Illinois, where he died
at the age of seventy-nine years, his devoted wife having lived to the
venerable age of eighty-three years. They became the parents of two
sons and two daughters, and of the number one son and one daughter
are now living. Almon C. Allen was not only a successful business
man but was also influential in public affairs, in connection with which
he held a number of official preferments and was a prominent advocate
of the principles and policies of the Republican party, with which he
identified himself at the time of its organization.
Heman G. Allen gained his early education in the common schools
of his native state, but the major part of his discipline has been secured
under the direction of that wisest of all head-masters, experience. On
the 4th of December, 1854, when but fifteen years of age, he severed
the home ties and set forth to make his own way in the world. For several years he followed such occupations as he could. He made Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, his destination, where he remained but two days.
He then went to Hudson and then to Pepin, that state, a little hamlet
situated on the north shore of Lake Pepin, and for several years thereafter he was engaged in carrying mail from that place to various other
points in the vicinity; also operated a stage line to Chippewa Falls. He
next removed to Wabasha. Rice county, Minnesota, where he engaged
in the livery business. In 1863 he disposed of his property and business
at Wabasha and removed to Rockford, Illinois, where he established a
livery business and also engaged in the buying and selling of horses,
many of which were utilized by the government in connection with the
cavalry arm of the service in the Civil war. Mr. Allen remained at
Rockford until 1882, in which year he disposed of his livery business
and went to Chicago to engage in the livery business and in the Arms
Car Company, he being vice president and western manager of the latter.
The firm name was Arms & Company, which title was retained until
1896, the firm doing a large business in the shipping of horses to all New
England points and to various parts of the world. Upon the dissolution of the Arms Company Mr. Allen and Mr. F. W. Lipe, his son-inlaw formed the Allen Lipe Hay Company. Mr. Allen became president
of the company, a position which he retained until 1900, when the
enterprise was dissolved. In 1900 Mr. Allen retired from active business, having in 1899, purchased his present beautiful home within the
corporate limits of Marshall on the Verona Road. Since that time he






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1001


has lived practically retired, save for the attention given to the general
supervision of his fine farm, which is given over to diversified agriculture and the raising of excellent grades of live stock.
An active and busy life has been that of Mr. Allen and he has
achieved success worthy of the name, the while his course has been so
guided and governed as to retain to him at all times the unqualified
esteem of his fellow men. He is genial and whole-souled and may
well be gratified in finding himself compassed by "smiling plenty and
fair, prosperous days." Though he has passed the psalmist's span of
three score years and ten he has the vigor of a man many years his
junior, and he takes pleasure in devoting himself to his fine homestead,
which is one of the most attractive in this section of the state and
which he and his wife have made a place of generous hospitality. In
politics he maintains an independent attitude and gives his support
to the men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment, the
while he has never sought or held public office.
On the 12th of December, 1858, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Allen to Miss Ella Gilbert, of Rockford, Illinois, and they have two
daughters,-Sadie M., who is the wife of William   Lipe, of Toledo,
Ohio; and Haidie, who is the wife of C. T. Gorham, of Battle Creek,
Michigan. Mrs. Allen died in 1903 and in 1904 he married Miss Addie
Nickerson of Chicago.
JAMES W. VAN NOCKER, old resident and one of the best known and
most prosperous agricultural men of Convis township, is a native of the
state, county and town wherein he now lives, born on the farm he now
owns and operates on February 28, 1851. All his life has been lived in
the knowledge and companionship of the oldest and best settlers of the
district, and he has won to himself, not alone a goodly share of worldly
prosperity, but the respect and esteem of the community at large and
the friendship of an ever widening circle of good and wholesome
people.
The parents of Mr. Van Nocker were Andrew and Julia Caroline
(Humphrey) Van Nocker, the former born in New York state in 1798,
and whose death occurred in 1884 at his home in Convis township, and
the later born in the state of Vermont in 1811. She died at the home of
the family on August 10, 1888. Of the life of the father, it is but fitting
that some mention be made here, and following facts of his life are thus
briefly set forth. As a boy, he enjoyed but very meagre educational
advantages, being reared to hard work from his earliest youth. In his
young manhood he married Diana Woodward in New York state, and by
that marriage became the parent of six children. In the early forties he
migrated to Michigan, settling in Calhoun county and locating on a
farm near what is now known as Wheatfield station. During his residence
there his wife died, soon after which he moved to Penfield township.
There he later married Julia Caroline Humphrey, by whom he had
nine children, James W. being the sixth in order of birth. A few
years after his marriage he bought the farm in Convis township which
represented his home until the day of his death, and which is now the
home of his son, James W., of this review. He was a patient, quiet
and hard working man, aind from time to time he increased his land
holdings, until, when he died he was the owner of about 380 acres
of fine land, being regarded as one of the most successful men in
his district in his day. He was of a retiring disposition, never caring
for public life or politics of any sort, although he gave his political allegiance to the Republican party, and performed his full share of the
duties of a good citizen all his life. In the later years of his life he




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


united with the Baptist church, of which his good wife had long been
a devout member. He was a conscientious man, and reared his children
in the straight path of moral uprightness, teaching them the value of
money and early training them in the work of the home farm. His eldest
son, Azel Van Nocker, served in both the Mexican and Civil wars, in the
latter being a member of Company A. of Merrill's Horse.
James Van Nocker received some education in the district schools of
his home town, but early found it expedient to "shift for himself" as the
saying has long been. As a young man he was connected for a time with
the Michigan Central Railroad as a brakeman and switchman, remaining with them for about two years. Then, as the other brothers had left
the home farm, and his father felt the need of the help of his young
and stalwart son, James Van Nocker returned home and took up the duty
lying nearest to him. He continued to remain there, and has made
the old home place his abode through the passing years, there bringing
his wife and rearing his family in the home where he was born. When
he was thirty-five years old Mr. Van Nocker married Mrs. Charlotte
(Parmenter) Calender, and one son has been born to them,-Clifford,
who still resides with his father and assists him in the operating of the
farm. Clifford Van Nocker married Mabel Ford of Calhoun county,
and they have one son, Kenneth Van Nocker.
Mr. Van Nocker is easily one of the most prosperous and prominent
farmers in the community, and is in every way deserving of the success
he has achieved with the passing years. He is a Republican in his
political faith, but has never showed any preference for the "political
plums" of office. He has held the office of township overseer and is a
member of the school board, performing valuable service to his township in both positions, and is most highly regarded in his town and
county as a citizen of sterling worth.
JOHN W. SELLERS. A successful agriculturist of importance in
Convis is Mr. John W. Sellers, a son of the noted pioneer, Solomon Sellers, who is so widely known throughout this part of Michigan. The
German blood of his paternal line is mingled with that of the Irish
race to which his mother, Sarah Ann Dougherty, of New Jersey, had
originally belonged. In Convis township, to which his parents had come
from Pennsylvania in 1844, John Sellers was born on the third day of
November, 1860.
In his generation of the family four children were born, of whom three
lived to maturity and are widely known in this section. Mr. Sellers'
brother, Clarence W. Sellers of Battle Creek has been an extensive dealer
in stock for a considerable number of years and has also been prominent
as one of the organizers of the Albion Coal Company; while his sister,
Miss Luella Sellers has achieved an important position as a teacher.
In their childhood John Sellers and his brother and sister received
the best educational advantages of the district schools of Convis township,
and of the Battle Creek school system; and later studied further in the
old Battle Creek College. John Sellers pursued also a specialized business course. His preference has always been, however, for manual employment and his first independent occupation was that of blacksmithing,
Bellevue being his residence at that time. After one year of this work,
he returned to the more varied and healthful exercise of farm life. The
farm on which he then settled has ever since been his home.
In 1887 Mr. Sellers was united in marriage with Miss Vera Andrews,
whose parents were of New York birth, both having been born in the
same year, 1829; having come to Michigan in childhood, within a few
years of each other; and having been married in Bellevue. Of their




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1003


four children Mrs. Sellers was the second. Her father, who was a dry
goods merchant, was one of the gold-seekers in California in the early
fifties and during the last years of his life again went to that state. IIis
death occurred in 1903 and that of Mrs. Sellers' mother in 1889. The
former was a Democrat in politics and the Andrews family, including
Mrs. Sellers, have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. The children of Mrs. Sellers and her husband are two daughters,
both of a high grade of intellectual attainment. Zella A. is a student at
the Michigan State Normal College at Ypsilanti and her sister, Clella B.
is a graduate of the same noted institution.
The John Sellers farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres. Besides superintending the labor on his own quarter-section, this able
farmer also manages his father's farm of three hundred acres. He is
up-to-date in his ideas of farming and is an interested member of the
Grange organization.
Aside from his local enterprises, Mr. Sellers is also in touch with
political and educational affairs in a local way. He is a Republican of
intelligent views and has given public service as township justice and
clerk as well as on the board of school directors, now holding the position
of moderator of the last-named body, as well as serving efficiently as
present justice of the peace. He is also a member of the township board
and in this, as well as in every other capacity undertaken by him, is
proving his ability.
WILLIAM G. COBURN, superintendent of schools of Battle Creek, and
one of that city's foremost citizens, was born in Scotland, not far from
Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, March 27, 1864. When four
years of age he came to the United States with his parents, the family
locating in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Mr. Coburn attended the public
schools. When he was twelve years old the family went to Richmond
Michigan, the father, William Coburn, there following the trade of a
blacksmith. His dearth occurred in Kalamazoo county in 1905, and his
widow, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Laidlaw, now resides
near Galesburg, in that county. There were four sons and two daughters in the family, one of the sons being now deceased, and William G.
is the third in order of birth.
In 1877 William G. Coburn began working on a farm, an occupation
which he continued until he was eighteen years of age, spending only
four months of each year in the schoolroom. After two years experience
as a country schoolteacher, he entered the preparatory department of
Kalamazoo College, whence, having completed the sophomore year, he
entered the University of Michigan as a junior. He finished the course in
1890, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and also a State certificate. In the fall of the same year he was offered the chair of Greek in
an Ohio college, but, preferring public school work, he accepted the principalship of a high school in Minnesota. Returning to his own state after
a year in the west, he accepted the superintendency of the Vicksburg
schools. Notwithstanding the fact that the schools there were little
better than those of rural districts, he improved them after three years
of labor by the placing of the high school upon the University of Michigan
list for two courses and the school board there showed its appreciation
of his ability by raising his salary beyond the limit of the former superintendents. However, this town could not compete with large places, and
much to the regret of most of the citizens Mr. Coburn accepted an offer
from Allegan, Michigan, such as Vicksburg could not hope to make.
There he met with equal success, and in the spring of 1895 he added
that school to the University of Michigan list for three courses, viz: B. L.,




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


B. S. and Ph. B. In 1895 Mr. Coburn accepted the superintendency of
the Battle Creek schools, and at the present time is holding that position. He belongs to Battle Creek Commandery No. 33, and was commander thereof for two years, and also belongs to the Blue Lodge of
Galesburg, and Battle Creek Chapter, and to the Knights of Pythias.
His religious connection is with the First Methodist Episcopal church.
On July 3, 1895, Mr. Coburn was married at Galesburg, Michigan,
to Miss Nina M. Tobey, daughter of Hiram D. and Margaret M. (Mason)
Tobey. Mrs. Coburn was educated in Battle Creek, and is a graduate of
the Battle Creek high school and attended the University of Michigan.
Her father, a farmer by occupation, is now deceased, while her mother
makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Coburn. Three children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Coburn: Margaret M., Catherine L. and William M., all
in Battle Creek. The family home is at No. 14 West street, and Mr.
Coburn maintains an office in the Willard Library. Mr. Coburn has made
an excellent official, giving a conscientious regard to his duties that has
been the medium through which many changes have been wrought in the
public school system of Battle Creek. He is highly respected by his
numerous acquaintances and associates, and is a man in whom the people
of the county in which he resides have great confidence.


LAWRENCE P. HUBBARD. With practically unimpaired mental and
physical vitality, Mr. Hubbard is one of the most venerable citizens of
all who have continuously maintained their home in Calhoun county, and
he has been familiar with its history from the territorial epoch in the
annals of Michigan, so that his memory compasses the entire period of
the history of this commonwealth as one of the sovereign states of the
Union. Mr. Hubbard has had a career of marked activity and usefulness and was long and prominently identified with the agricultural and
stock-breeding interests of Calhoun county, within whose borders he
still retains a valuable landed estate in Marshall township. This includes
his finely improved farm of three hundred acres and also the little farm
of sixty acres on which he resides, the latter being within the city limits
of the city of Marshall. He is now living virtually retired and is enjoying the well earned rewards of former years of earnest toil and
endeavor, the while he has secure place in the confidence and regard of
the people of the county which has so long represented his home and in
which he is now one of the representative pioneer citizens.
Lawrence P. Hubbard was born in Sherburne, Chenango county,
New York, on the 6th of July, 1825, and is a son of Cyrus and Clarice
(Preston) Hubbard, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts and
the latter in Connecticut, both having been representatives of families
that were founded in New England in the colonial days. In 1836 Cyrus
Hubbard came to Michigan and purchased a tract of eighty acres of
timbered land in Marshall township, Calhoun county. He thus established his home in the county the year prior to the admission of Michigan to statehood, and he contributed his quota to the civic and industrial development and progress of Calhoun county. He added to his
holdings until he had a farm of two hundred acres, and both he and his
wife continued to reside on their original homestead until their death.
Their first dwelling was a log house, twenty-four by thirty feet in dimensions, and in completing the same he purchased lumber pine at the rate
of six dollars a thousand feet. Cyrus Hubbard was a man of superior
mentality and marked force of character, so that he became influential
in connection with public affairs in the pioneer community, in which he
was ever ready to lend his co-operation in the carrying forward of
progressive enterprises. He was about 76 years of age at the time of his






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1005


demise and his devoted wife passed away when about 84 years of age.
Of their children three attained to years of maturity and of the number
one son is now living.
In the pioneer public schools of Marshall, the judicial center of Calhoun county, Lawrence Preston Hubbard acquired his early educational discipline, as he was about eleven years of age at the time of the
family removal to Michigan. In a reminiscent way he recalls the circumstance that when a lad of fourteen years he was sent with team and
wagon to Detroit, with sixteen barrels of flour, and seven days were required to make the trip. After leaving school he continued to be identified with the work and management of the home farm until he had
attained to the age of twenty-six years, when, in 1851, was solemnized
his marriage to Miss Henrietta Hotchkiss, who was a graduate of Olivet
College and a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of
Oswego, New York. After thus assuming connubial responsibilities
Mr. Hubbard purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, in Bedford
township, and later he purchased an additional tract of one hundred and
twenty acres. He bought the latter in November, for a consideration
of four thousand dollars, and sold the same for seven thousand dollars.
After disposing of his original farmstead Mr. Hubbard returned to
Marshall township, where he purchased an excellent farm of one hundred
and twenty acres and turned his attention specially to the breeding of
high-grade short-horn cattle.  He gained wide reputation in this important field of industrial enterprise, in connection with which he exhibited his stock at state and county fairs and sold many fine animals
for breeding purposes, throughout divers sections of the United States.
The high class of his stock will be recognized when it is stated that he
sold one cow for four hundred dollars and a calf for six hundred dollars.
He became one of the leading cattle breeders of this section of the state
and continued to be identified with this line of enterprise for many years,
in addition to which he utilized his farm also for diversified agriculture.
Energetic and progressive and endowed with excellent business acumen,
Mr. Hubbard gained large and worthy success, and tangible evidence of
the same is shown in his fine landed estate of the present day. He has
other investments of a capitalistic order and is one of the substantial
men of the county, even as he is one of its best known and most highly
esteemed pioneer citizens, and has resided on his attractive little farm,
just outside the corporate limits of Marshall, since 1872.
In politics Mr. Hubbard espoused the cause of the Republican party
at the time of its organization and supported its first presidential candidate, Lincoln. He voted for Grover Cleveland as the Democratic
candidate for the presidency, when he showed his independence and his
determinate convictions by supporting the latter. Since that time he
has been aligned in the ranks of the Democratic party, though in local
affairs he gives his support to the men and measures meeting the
approval of his judgment, without regard to strict partisan lines.
On the 16th of July, 1912, Mr. Hubbard celebrated his eighty-seventh
birthday anniversary, and that he is one of the youngest of pioneer
citizens and gives effective denial of the years that have passed over his
head is shown by the fact that one of his chief diversions is to possess
himself of a cane pole and other adequate facilities and set forth on a
fishing excursion. On each occasion he proves that his ability as a piscatorial artist has not waned. He has a host of friends in the county
that has been his home since his boyhood days, and his reminiscences
concerning the pioneer era in the history of this favored section of the
state are most graphic and interesting.
Mrs. Henrietta (Hotchkiss) Hubbard, the first wife of the subject of




1006


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


this review, was summoned to the life eternal, and the three surviving
children of this union are: Cyrus M., a representative merchant of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Susan E., who is the wife of Frank Tillitson, of Marshall; and Helen C., who is the wife of Charles Mayne, of Los Angeles,
California. Mr. Hubbard married second Miss Nancy M. Brown, and
she passed away in 1905, being survived by two children, Mary M., who
is the wife of Frank D. Mitchell, and Clara M., who is the wife of Robert
Morrison, of New York city.
WILLIAM C. GAGE. The late William C. Gage was one of the business
builders and civic leaders of Battle Creek, and at his death, which
occurred on Monday, September 9, 1907, the sense of the community
agreed in this estimation and also that one of its fine characters had
been removed from the living citizenship.
The late Mr. Gage was born at Pepperell, Massachusetts, January 10,
1842, a son of Caleb and Susan (Claggett) Gage. When he was two years
old his parents returned to their native state, New Hampshire, where
he was reared and received his early schooling. Over fifty years of his
life were spent in the printing trade and business, so that he began his
apprenticeship very young, learning the trade at Manchester, New
Hampshire. When he first located at Battle Creek, in 1867, he was connected with the office of the old Review & Herald. Ill health caused him
to return to New Hampshire, where he remained for seven years, and then
became a permanent resident of Battle Creek. For a few years he was
again with the Review & Herald, but in 1883 began independently, on a
small scale, a printing business which, under its present form and
equipment, is one of the most prosperous concerns of the kind in the state
of Michigan. It was his energy, skill and business principles which
proved the substantial foundation on which the modern establishment
rests. At the time of his death he held the office of chairman of the
Gage Printing Company, Ltd., although he had not been active in the
management of the business for some time previously.
As a successful business man Mr. Gage had also taken part in the
public responsibilities of citizenship. He served as mayor in 1882, and
was also a trustee of the public schools and a member of the Board of
Public Works for some time. For many years he had been an adherent
of the Seventh Day Adventist faith and a member of the local church,
his large funeral being conducted at the Tabernacle. His widow, Mrs.
Nellie L. Gage, and four children survive him, namely: Fred W. Gage,
Frank H. Gage, Mrs. Paul Roth and Mrs. L. C. Coulston.
FRED W. GAGE. The large four-story building at 25-27 McCamly
street, North, contains one of the leading enterprises of Battle Creek, the
Gage Printing Company, Limited. Besides its facilities for printing,
especially for high-class typographical work, the plant includes a bindery, and engraving and electrotyping departments. So extensive are its
facilities, that its products go to every part of the state and many other
states. Finely illustrated catalogues have been a specialty for a number of years, and the company has also furnished large amounts of printing for the Michigan Central, the Grand Trunk and other railroads. The
present officers of the company are: Mrs. Nellie L. Gage, chairman; John
B. Neale, vice chairman; Thomas C. Morgan, secretary; Fred W. Gage,
treasurer.
The founder of this business was the late William C. Gage, whose
career has been sketched above. Associated with his father for, many
years and finally assuming the responsibilities of the business from him,
Fred W..Gage, the company's treasurer, has devoted all his active career




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1007


to the printing business. Born at Manchester, New Hampshire, April
5, 1866, he spent most of his youth at Battle Creek and completed his
education in the Battle Creek College. He became a practical printer in
the employ of the old Review & Herald while his father was connected
with that establishment. He then joined the latter in establishing the
independent business of William C. Gage & Sons. Through the energy of
its owners, this business has kept pace with the growth of Battle Creek,
and now ranks among the leading printing establishments of the state.
The building where the plant is located was erected in 1890, and ten
years later the business was incorporated as the Gage Printing Company,
Ltd.
Mr. Fred W. Gage outside of business is identified with much of the
social and civic life of his city. Music has been one of his avocations,
and he is president of the Battle Creek Amateur Musical Club. He is
himself a pianist of some ability. At this writing he is also president of
the Employing Photo Engravers Association of America, is a member of
the executive committee of the International Photo Engravers Association, and of the International Electrotypers Association, and is a member
of the Chicago Press Club. As secretary he has been of much service
to the Battle Creek Chautauqua Association. The Athelstan Club and
the local lodge of Elks are his social clubs.
Mr. Gage and family reside at 15 Bidwell street West. He was married in 1887 to Miss Kate M. Amadon, who died in 1909. Their four sons
are Harry L., Edwin B., Walter H. and William C.
JAMES M1. POWERS. On the roll of Calhoun county's honored and
representative citizens is to be found the name of James M. Powers,
for many years one of the leading legists of Battle Creek, and still
one of the greatest criminal lawyers in the State. Mr. Powers was
(born in Attica township, Wyoming county, New York, February 17,
1848, a son of John R. and Hannah (Johnson) Powers, the former
descended from Irish ancestors who settled in Vermont, and the latter
of Scotch extraction, her people having settled in the western part of
New York.
James M. Powers was three years of age when his parents came to
Michigan and settled in Assyria township, Barry county, and there he
passed his boyhood days, working on his father's farm and attending
the common schools in the winter until he was twenty years of age.
From 1868 until 1876 he taught school during the winters, with the
exception of two years which he spent in the pineries, and worked at
the carpenter trade in the summer, usually attending normal school in
the fall. Many influences were drawing him to the law as a great life
labor. His brother was studying law in the University of Michigan,
and James went to Ann Arbor with him to stay until the brother got
started in his studies. While there he became interested in the law
himself and determined to take a full course. On October 1, 1876, he
entered the law department of the University of Michigan, graduating
in the class of 1878, and was admitted to the bar at Charlotte, Afichigan, during the April term of court, 1878. He then practiced alone
for a time at Bellevue, Michigan, then removing to Charlotte, where
he carried on a general practice by himself until March 1, 1894, then
entering into a partnership with one of the priminent attorneys of
the central part of the state, under the firm name of Powers & Stine.
Mr. Powers gained a wide reputation as a trial lawyer, exercising the
greatest care in preparing his cases so as to cover every possible line
of attack and defense. He was the Democratic candidate for circuit
judge in 1893, but was defeated by a very small vote; was delegate to
Vol. 11-26




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the Chicago convention in 1896; served as mayor of Charlotte in 1897,
and was city attorney there for several years. In July, 1902, Mr.
Powers came to Battle Creek and established offices in the Ward building, but after the death of his son, in 1910, removed to suite No. 2, in
the Kingman Block, where he carries on an active and representative
general practice. His residence is located at No. 291 West Main street.
Fraternally, Mtr. Powers is a Royal Arch Mason, member of Blue Lodge
No. 12 of Battle Creek and Royal Arch of Charlotte and the Council
of Charlotte, and in politics, since the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt has voted the Republican ticket in national matters, although in
local affairs he reserves the right to vote for the man he deems best
fitted for the office at state, irrespective of party lines.
On December 27, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr. Powers with
Miss Eliza Davis, of Assyria township, Barry county, Michigan, where
her father was one of the solid and substantial farmers of the community. Three sons were born to this union: LaVerne, Harold and
Leslie. Leslie took a course as electrician but his health failed and
so he is living quietly at his father's home. Harold graduated in Business College at Battle Creek, studied in,his father's office, was bookkeeper two years and three years with Nichols & Shepard as stenographer and is now doing a profitable mail order business in Battle
Creek for himself. Harold married Mabel Kelsey of Battle Creek and
they have a son, Harold J., born March 25th, 1909.
LaVerne Powers, who was known as one of the most able trial
lawyers of the younger generation in the state, was born at Bellevue,
Eaton county, Michigan, October 2, 1879, and after graduation from
the high school entered the law department of the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1902, by the Supreme Court
of Michigan, and took charge of his father's practice in Charlotte.
About two years later he joined his father in Battle Creek, and was
engaged in practice with him in the Ward building until his death,
July 3, 1910, although he had also conducted an office in Marshall,
Michigan, for a short period. With an excellent training, natural inclination for his profession and inherited ability, he had a brilliant
future before him, and his death was a distinct loss to the profession
as well as to the many friends who had been drawn to him by his attractive and manly qualities. In September, 1902, he was married to
Miss Estella Wollford, of New York, and to this union a daughter,
Jane Lucille, was born April 22, 1910. The widow and child now make
their home in Battle Creek.
DAVID HENNING FRAZER. To a former generation one of the names
most intimately associated by the citizens of Calhoun county with business sagacity and enterprise was that of David Henning, often called
the "apple king" of Michigan. Though not a regular resident of this
county, he was known personally and through business relations to
hundreds of apple raisers and citizens generally throughout this section
of the state. His name and family, however, are permanently represented in Battle Creek by his grandson, David Henning Frazer, vice
president of the Battle Creek Gas Company, who has been identified
with.this city since 1898 and is prominent in business and civic affairs.
Mr. Frazer was born in Chicago, March 14, 1876, a son of Sidney
L. and Mary L. (Henning) Frazer. His father, who was a native of
Covington, Kentucky, was a stock broker of Chicago, where he died
in April 1911. The mother, who was born at Ann Arbor, is now living
in New York City. David Henning, her father, who died in April, 1901,
spent most of his life as a resident of Chicago, though his business inter



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1009


ests were of such varied scope that he was practically a citizen of many
communities. His business as an apple dealer brought him in contact
with the producers of this fruit in many states, and he had his apple
stations all along the line of the Michigan Central. In his later years
he retired from this business, and then became interested in gas nnd
electric lighting enterprises. His capital and management were in the
gas and electric plants at Leavenworth, Kansas, Springfield and St.
Joseph, Missouri, and in 1898 he bought the principal stock in the
Battle Creek Gas Company, of which he was president up to the time
of his death, and part of the time was a resident in this city.
David H. Frazer is the oldest of three children. His sister is the
wife of S. J. Rathbun, of the Rathbun-Kraft Lumber Company at Battle
Creek, and his brother, Sidney L., is a resident of Grand Rapids.
Dr. Frazer was reared and educated in Chicago until he was nineteen, at which time he became connected with the management of his
grandfather's plant at Springfield, Missouri. Three years later, in 1898,
he took charge of the gas company in Battle Creek. At that time only
six hundred patrons used the product of the company's plant; now
there are over six thousand customers, and the business has been developed to one of the most important of the public service facilities of the
city. Mr. E. Henning, an uncle of Mr. Frazer, is president of the
company and resides in Chicago, while Mr. Frazer is vice president,
treasurer and general manager.
As a citizen Mr. Frazer has taken an active part in many of the
progressive movements of his home city. He served as president, during
1908-9, of the Battle Creek Industrial Association, and was president
of the Michigan Gas Association in 1908. He is a member of the Elks
club in Battle Creek, and was president of the Athelstan Club from October, 1910, to the same month in 1911. He is also a member of the
Country Club, of which he was vice president in 1910, and for the past
nine years has been a member of the vestry of St. Thomas Episcopal
church. He and his family reside at 65 Orchard avenue.
December 1, 1899, at Springfield, Missouri, Mr. Frazer married
Miss Hattie Hubbell. She was born and received her education in
Springfield. Her family goes back a number of generations in American
history, and as a member of the Daughters of the Revolution is a lineal
descendant of one of the patriots of '76. Her father was L. W. Hubbell
of Springfield. Her grandfather, E. C. Leach, was prominent in early
Michigan history, was one of the men who founded the Republican party
in their famous convention at Jackson. During the Civil war he was
one of Michigan's congressmen, and also served in the state legislature.
For a number of years he was editor of the Traverse City Herald, and
at one time held the position of government Indian agent.
Mr. and Mrs. Frazer are the parents of four children:     Ruth
Shelton, David Henning Jr., Mary Elizabeth and Barbara Leach.
HON. JAMES GREEN, was born in Littleport, England, on October
5, 1840, and died in Battle Creek, Michigan, July 27, 1900. He came
to America in 1844 with his parents who first settled in Stratford,
New York, but later came to Michigan. In 1852, James Green, then
a lad of twelve years, came to Battle Creek and made his home with
the family of the late Charles P. Coy, then residing on what is now
the Foster farm at Goguac lake. When a young man he came into
the city, believing that with his particular ability success for him lay
in mercantile pursuits, a decision which his successful career has amply
justified. In 1873 Mr. Green, who had for some time been connected
with the Sweetland & Smith Lumber Company of Battle Creek, became associated with Messre. Mason & Rathbun, who had in 1868 estab



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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


lished a lumber yard at the location now occupied by the Grand Trunk
transfer depot, and who purchased the Sweetland & Smith business
when Mr. Green became a member of the firm. The three partners,
William H. Mason, F. M. Rathbun and James Green, had previously
been associated together considerably in a business way, and they
worked together in a spirit of harmony and unison which was productive of generous results in a financial way, and which was broken only
by the death of Mr. Rathbun a few years previous to the death of Mr.
Green in 1900. Even at his death the interests of Mr. Rathbun were
not withdrawn from the firm, but it was continued under the same
name until January, 1899, when the old firm was succeeded by Messrs.
Rathbun & Kraft. The Advance Thresher Company, for some time
a slender organization, had in 1883 branched out into a flourishing institution, and Mr. Green, who, with his partners, Messrs. Mason &
Rathbun, were among the earliest members of the concern, became
general superintendent of the company, and he remained the incumbent of that important position until his death occurred. As superintendent of the Advance Thresher Company, he was warmly regarded
by the hundreds of employes of that concern over whom he had general supervision, and it is perhaps not too much to say that nowhere
was his loss felt more acutely than among the employes of the company
of which he was superintendent and a member of the directorate for
so many years. As a citizen of the highest rank, he was invaluable to
the city. He was always a leader in any enterprise or movement tending to elevate the best interests of the community and his loss was
keenly felt in a civic way, as well as from the more personal viewpoint.
Mr. Green was an enthusiastic Republican, always active in the interests of the party, but he was averse to publicity of any sort and disliked public office. He was prevailed upon on one occasion to become
a candidate for the office of mayor of Battle Creek, and he was elected
to the office by a flattering majority, filling the place with credit to
himself and his city. In his capacity as a citizen, he was known to be
thoroughly honest, of unimpeachable character, kindly, straightforward and outspoken. In his residence of nearly a half a century, he
found secure position in the esteem and love of his fellow beings. He
was a member of the Independent Congregational church, and always
an earnest worker in and a generous supporter of that organization.
He was also a member of the Battle Creek Lodge of the Knights of
Pythias.
In February, 1870, Mr. Green was married at Richland, Michigan,
to Miss Cornelia Kellog, at the home of Mr. Coy. Their union was a
thoroughly happy affair, and one son came to them, Charles C., whose
life is outlined elsewhere in the pages of this work. Mrs. Green passed
away on March 17, 1898, preceding her husband by a brief period only.
EDWIN S. LEWIS. Although he has been. considerable of a wanderer,
living in many places and pursuing several different occupations, Edwin S. Lewis has finally settled in the locality of his birth, and, so far
as present appearances give any indications, he expects to pass the
remainder of his life there. He is living on a fine farm of 160 acres,
known as the "Old Church Farm," which was obtained from the government by one of his ancestors and has never been out of the family
since. He also owns another tract of fifty-five acres of superior land,
and has one of the most valuable and beautiful rural homes in Marengo
township, and one that has few superiors of its size anywhere in the
country.
Mr. Lewis was born in the village of Marshall, Calhoun county,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1011


Michigan, on March 19, 1858, a son of Seth and Celina (Church) Lewis,
the former a native of Vermont. The father came to Marshall when
a young man and founded the Marshall Statesman. Three children
were born in the family: W. R., who is a resident of Marshall; Eber
Ward, who died in infancy, and Edwin S.
The father was a Republican in politics and served as postmaster
of Marshall three terms. In fraternal relations he was a member of
the Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife both belonged to the
Presbyterian church. They were held in the highest esteem throughout the county and deserved the regard and good will so freely bestowed upon them. For they were upright'and progressive citizens,
manifesting always a keen practical interest in the progress and improvement of their locality and the enduring welfare of all its residents
in every way.
Edwin S. Lewis was educated in the schools of Marshall. His first
engagement after leaving school was as a clerk in the postoffice, a
position which he filled for three years. At the end of that period he
went to Nebraska, and during the next two years he was employed on
a large cattle ranch in that state. He then entered mercantile life as
a partner of Frank Davis, the firm being known as Davis & Lewis. A
little while afterward he bought Mr. Davis' interest in the business,
and during the next three years conducted it alone.
His next venture in business was as a merchant at Eckford, this
county, where he also served as postmaster, remaining three years.
From Eckford he returned to Marshall and for some time engaged in
the manufacture of windmills. But he still had a warm spot in his
heart for Nebraska and went back to that state. There he followed
farming six years and afterward handled farm implements for three
years at Elba, Nebraska. But Marshall kept beckoning him back with
a winning hand, and he once more came to that town, but not to remain
in it. He located on his ancestral homestead, and on this he has been
living ever since.
On this farm and his other one of fifty-five acres, of which mention
has been made, he carries on general farming on an extensive scale,
conducts a large and active dairy business and raises large numbers of
superior Holstein cattle, making each branch of his business bring him
in handsome returns by the vigor, skill and excellent judgment with
which he conducts them all, the intelligence he applies to them and the
general good management of his affairs which he displays.
On October 31st, 1883, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss
Frances A. Adams, a daughter of John Adams, who has been a resident of Marshall for about forty-six years, and several times mayor of
the town. He was at one time an extensive manufacturer of brass and
iron products, and made all the brass and iron castings for the Michigan Central Railroad. He has been a very successful man and is well
and favorably known throughout this county and a large extent of the
surrounding country, in fact in all parts of Michigan and the adjoining states.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have five children: Allan Adams, who lives
in Toledo, Ohio, and is in the employ of the Toledo Computing Scales
Company; Mary Hortense, who was educated in the Marshall High
School and is living at home with her parents; Dorcas Laura, who also
is a graduate of the high school and still a member of the parental
family circle; and Elizabeth M. and John D., who are still living with
their parents also.
Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Episcopal church, which Mr. Lewis
and the other members of the family also attend. In fraternal relations he is a Freemason and holds his membership in St. Albans Lodge




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


in the order. In politics he is a firm believer in the principles of the
Republican party and an earnest and effective worker for its success
in all campaigns. He has never been an office-seeker, but served two
terms as treasurer of the city of Marshall. He is not only one of the
leading farmers in his township, but one of its leading citizens in
reference to the control of public affairs and the promotion of public
improvements and general progress. The people in all parts of the
county have a high regard for him and look upon him as one of their
most enterprising, useful and representative men, commendable for
the judicious way in which he manages his private affairs, and also for
his interest in the general welfare.
HERMAN C. MARKS. As a living example of what resolute working,
earnest endeavor and indomitable perseverance will accomplish, Herman C. Marks stands prominent among the worthy citizens and successful agriculturists of Lee township. Throughout his career he has been
engaged in agricultural pursuits and through his own efforts has accumulated a well-cultivated tract of land in Lee township, in addition
to which he is conducting his mother's farm in the, same locality. Mr.
Marks was born in Germany, July 8, 1870, and is a son of Edward and
Amelia (Marine) Marks.
The father of Mr. Marks was a native of the Fatherland, and was
born in 1840, his wife, also a native of Germany, having been born
the year previous. Mr. MVarks died in February, 1912, while his widow
survives him and lives in Calhoun county. They were married in
Germany, soon after which time, Mr. Marks seeing only long years of
hard labor in front of him in his native land, with but little hope of
ever becoming independent, he decided to try his fortune in the new
world and accordingly set sail for the United States. After landing at
New York, he made his way to the town of Albion, Michigan, where
he secured employment as a railroad laborer. At the start he had no
financial means, but by thrift and industry, assisted by the good management of his wife, he managed to accumulate enough to invest in a
farm of eighty acres in Lee township, and later bought other land until
he owned 155 acres, in addition to a nice house and lot in the town of
Marshall. During the later years of his life he became very successful, and was regarded as one of his township's substantial men. He
and his wife had a family of six children, of whom four are living at
present: Bertha, who married Julius Nagle and lives in Marshall;
Henry, living in Clarence township, Calhoun county; Mary, who married William Smith, and lives in Detroit; and Herman C., who is the
oldest. Edward Marks was a Democrat in his political belief, and with
the members of his family, attended the German Lutheran Church.
Herman C. Marks was educated in the district schools of Lee township, and resided on the home farm until 1892, in which year he purchased his first land. At the present time he owns sixty acres of land,
but is giving his attention also to the cultivation of his mother's property in Lee township, which he is working on shares. He is acknowledged to be a competent agriculturist, and as a man who has been the
architect of his own fortunes has the respect and esteem of those with
whom he has come into contact.
Mr. Marks was married in 1898 to Miss Ida Hart, daughter of Andrew Hart, who resided all of his life in Angola, Indiana, where he is
a successful farmer and stock raiser. Mr. and Mrs. Marks are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes a decided interest
in the work of the Gleaners, of which he is an active member, and in
politics is a Republican, but outside of keeping himself posted on all




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1013


matters pertaining to the welfare of the township, has not given much
attention to public affairs. Both he and his wife have numerous
friends in Lee township, where the family is well known.
IHOMER A. CLUTE. The manufacturing, financial and industrial interests of any community are the source of great pride to its citizens,
'but it is to the farms that the country eventually must turn for its
support, and in the hands of the agriculturists lies the possibility of
the country's prosperity or depression. Calhoun county has its full
quota of manufacturers, financiers, statesmen and members of the
various professions, but particularly is it noted for the high standard
set by its agriculturists, who have done so much in the past few years
towards making this county one of the garden spots of the state. One
of the successful agriculturists of Lee township, and a native born
citizen of Calhoun county, is Homer A. Clute, who was born in Lee
township, March 4, 1872, a son of Henry A. and Florence (Crossman)
Clute.
Henry Clute, the paternal great-grandfather of Homer A. Clute,
was descended from one of the early Dutch families of the Empire
State, three brothers of the name settling in Esopus Meadows soon
after the founding of New York City. Henry L. Clute, son of Henry,
and grandfather of Homer. A., resided at Johnstown, New York, his
native city, until thirty years of age. and was there married. He engaged in tanning as well as the manufacture of gloves, and about 1835
removed to Wayne county, New York, where he followed the latter
occupation. He also engaged in the manufacture of mittens and in the
tanning business there until 1842, at which time he traveled through
the West buying deer skins to use in his business. At Windsor, Michigan, he exchanged the money he had brought from the East into "Wild
Cat" currency, and not being able to secure the number of skins that
he had expected, decided to remain in the new country, subsequently
investing in eight acres of land in Convis township, at what is still
known as Clute 's Corners. Soon afterward, Mr. Clute returned to
New York, and in 1844 brought his family to Michigan, journeying by
canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Detroit, and across country to the
new property by team. He settled upon his land and added to it until
he had 400 acres, continuing to reside thereon until his death in 1855.
His widow survived him for a long period of years.
Henry A. Clute, father of Homer A., was born in Wayne county,
New York, and was a son of Henry L. and Alazan (Rhodes) Clute,
the latter a representative of an old Connecticut family. Henry A.
was but four years of age at the time he was brought to Michigan by
his parents, and his education was secured in the district schools, supplemented by a short attendance at Olivet College, this, however, being
cut short by the death of his father, when he was compelled to take
charge of the home farm. That he was an industrious, capable and
hard-working lad is shown by the fact that when he was but nine years
of age, he hauled seventy cords of wood by a yoke of oxen, over the
roads in the midst of winter to Marshall, receiving one dollar per cord
when delivered. The outbreak of the Civil War found him hard at
work on the home property, and it was not until August 30, 1862, that
he felt he could leave the family. On that date he enlisted in Company
H, Merrill's Horse, an organization then in the field. He joined his
command at Mexico, Missouri, and the regiment was engaged in scouting duty all through Missouri, but in 1863 went to Little Rock, Mr.
Clute, however, being left at the general hospital at Ironton, being
troubled with defective eyesight. He was subsequently put on detached




1014


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


duty at St. Louis and treated by a specialist there, and on recuperating
rejoined his regiment, with which he served to the close of the Civil
War. Returning home, he added to his property and had 387 acres
of land in his Calhoun county tract, in addition to 160 acres in the
state of Kansas, where he lived from 1882 to 1885. He was engaged
in farming and stock raising until his retirement in 1895, since which
time he has lived in Marshall, and sold his last land in 1911. For
many years he has been connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Colegrove Post, of which he was commander in
1903. Formerly a member of the Republican and Greenback parties,
at present Mx. Clute is a Democrat, and has served three terms as a
member of the board of supervisors of Lee township and one term as
a member of the state legislature. In 1867 he was married to Florence
Crossman, who died in the faith of the Methodist Church, September
10, 1888, and they had a family of eight children, as follows: Charles,
who lives in Marshall; Schuyler, living in Western Kansas; Homer A.;
George, living in Convis township, on a part of the old homestead originally settled by his grandfather; Harry, living in Chicago; Grace, who
married Fred Wilbur and lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan; Sydney, living
on a farm in Marengo township; and Josephine, living with her sister
in Ypsilanti.
Homer A. Clute received his education in the district schools of
Convis township, following which he attended a business college at
Battle Creek for one winter term. Returning to the home farm he
worked for one year by the month and another year on shares, and
in 1897 purchased 188 acres of the home farm, on which he erected a
beautiful country home, modern in every respect and equipped with
the latest conveniences, as are his substantial barns and outbuildings.
His success in life has been due to his own efforts as he started his career
with no advantages other than those of an alert mind, willing hands
and determined spirit. He is an automobile enthusiast, owning his
own car, which he finds helps him not only in facilitating the discharge
of his business duties, but also is a source of much pleasure in taking
trips to various points in the state. Fraternally, he is connected with
St. Alban Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., of Marshall, and the Chapter
at the same place, and he and Mrs. Clute are regular attendants of
the Baptist Church. A stalwart Democrat in his political views, he
has taken an adtive interest in public matters, and has served as supervisor three terms. Personally, the wide circle of warm personal friends
which has been drawn about him, testifies to his popularity with all
classes.
In 1895 Mr. Clute was united in marriage with Miss May Carver,
a native of Lee township, where her father, Henry Carver, of Calhoun
county, settled at an early day. He still resides in Lee township,
where he is the owner of a well-cultivated farm. Mr. and Mrs. Clute
have one child, Bernadine, a bright pupil in the township schools.
FRANK B. GARRETT. It is always pleasing to the biographer to
enter into an analysis of the character and career of a tiller of the
soil.  Of the many citizens gaining their livelihood, he alone stands
a totally independent factor. His rugged honesty and sterling worth
are the outcome of a close association with nature and in all the relations of life he manifests that generous hospitality and kindly human
sympathy which beget comradeship and which cement to him the
friendship of all with whom he comes in contact. Successfully engaged
in diversified agriculture and the raising of cattle, Mr. Frank B. Garrett is a prominent citizen of Calhoun county, Michigan. He is the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1015


owner of a fine farm   of two hundred acres in Pennfield township,
where he has resided during practically his entire life time.
Frank B. Garrett was born in Pennfield township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, the date of his nativity being the 4th of March, 1856. He
is a son of Caleb and Harriet (Bellace) Garrett, the former of whom
was born in Canada, the latter being a native of the old Keystone state.
Caleb Garrett was a son of Isaac Garrett, who was a British soldier in
the war of 1812 and who' lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-nine
years and eight months. He came to Pennfield township in 1848 and
here passed the balance of his life. Caleb Garrett was a young man of
twenty-five years when he accompanied his father to Pennfield township in 1848. He was engaged in farming during the greater part of
his active career and died in 1910, when in his eighty-eighth year of
life. His wife died at middle age. He was a Republican in his political
faith after the formation of that party.
Frank B. Garrett was educated in the district schools of this township, and he also was privileged to attend the State Agricultural College at Lansing and the Parsons Business College of Kalamazoo. In
1893 he purchased a farm consisting of 140 acres of land. He inherited
a tract of sixty acres from his father's estate, all of which is now under
cultivation.
With reference to his political affiliations, Mr. Garrett is a staunch
Democrat, and he is a member of the Grange. On January 16, 1883,
Mr. Garrett was united in marriage with Miss Frances E. Olmstead,
a daughter of Norman Olmstead, who was born and reared in Vermont and who came to Michigan in the 40's. For twelve years Mr.
Olmstead ran the stage between Battle Creek and Hastings, after which
he engaged in farming. One child was born to Mlr. and Mrs. Garrett,Harold C., who is now (1912) attending Michigan Agricultural College.
REUBEN J. EMERY. One of the oldest citizens and foremost agriculturists of Sheridan township is Reuben J. Emery, who was born June
13, 1849, in a log house that then stood in the yard of his present home.
Here his whole life has been spent and has been so ordered as to secure
for him the high regard of his fellow men both for his personal character
and business ability, and to make him one of the representative men of
Calhoun county.
Reuben Emery, his father, born near the Delaware river in 1817, was
a native of Pennsylvania who came to Calhoun county, Michigan, in
1835. The first few years he worked by the month in Marengo township;
then in 1843 he bought 500 acres in Sheridan township and this forms
the present homestead of our subject. Until his death on March 15, 1863,
he gave his attention assiduously to the cultivation and improvement of
this large estate and from the beginning his efforts were attended by
success. A stanch Abolitionist, he was one of that memorable group that
gathered under the oaks at Jackson in 1854 when that band of patriots
brought into being the Republican party as an expression of their convictions and determined purpose. Reuben Emery was twice married.
His first wife was Harriett L. Rositer. who died leaving a child that
shortly afterward joined her in death. His second marriage was to Mrs.
Sarah Fanning nee Austin, who was born in New York in 1815 and
died in Michigan June 7, 1887.
Reuben J. Emery, the subject of this review, is the only child of this
union now living and was but thirteen years old when his father died.
A part of his father's estate had been in litigation over twenty years
and the case had been carried before the supreme court several times,
costing the elder Mr. Emery thousands of dollars. At the age of seventeen the son took charge of the place and began his labors of restoring




1016


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


it to its former condition, the property having suffered from neglect
during the years of litigation and after the father's death. Gradually
the young man accomplished his purpose, continuing the work that had
been begun by removing stumps, repairing old buildings and adding
new ones and developing and improving the homestead in various ways.
Mr. Emery now owns 450 acres and his farmstead is one of the most
valuable in Sheridan township. On this farm was established the old
Abbott tavern and the Waterburg postoffice, the latter of which at that
time included the people of Albion among its patrons as there was then
no office at the latter place. Here also was the old Waterburg sawmill,
which sawed the lumber for families for miles around and which stood in
front of the Emery home. Mr. Emery still owns the water site.
For the last twenty years Mr. Emery has been extensively engaged
as a stockman and in some directions had been engaged in the stock business some fifteen years earlier. He raises large numbers of Ramboulett
sheep and has always been a premium winner at the different fairs at
which he has beeni an exhibitor.
On August 23, 1871, Mr. Emery was united in marriage to Miss
Ella L. Bunn, whose parents Matthew and Mary (Burt) Bunn were natives of New York state and were early settlers in Calhoun county, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Bunn established their home in Marengo township,
where Mr. Bunn became prominent in the public life of that community.
Mrs. Emery was born in Marengo township August 31, 1852. She was
educated in the public schools of Battle Creek and in Albion College, of
which latter institution she was a student one year, and taught school for
a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Emery have two children, a son and
a daughter. Their son Elmer K. Emery married Miss Mellie Cary, of
Marshall township, and to their union has been born a daughter Thelma.
Aura L. Emery, the daughter, married Bruce Fish and now resides on
a farm in Marengo township.
Mr. Emery is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. He is
public-spirited in civic affairs and stands for moral progress both in public and private life, and as a means toward that end he is a warm advocate of temperance. In political views he is aligned with the Progressive Republicans. Like his father, it has been his to participate in the
organization of a new party to fulfill a purpose for which the old parties
have seemed to have inadequate power of accomplishment. He took a
prominent part in the convention at Jackson, Michigan, on July 20, 1912,
when the first state ticket of the National Progressive party for Michigan
was nominated. In 1896 he was a candidate for sheriff and, although
defeated by a small margin, he led his ticket by 360 votes. He served as
president of the Citizens of Calhoun County Mutual Fire Insurance
Company several years and for five years was president of the Calhoun
County Agricultural Society. It is to citizens of Mr. Emery's type that
Calhoun county owes its progress and strong prestige as a commercial and
agricultural center. Mr. Emery also served as a director of the Central
Michigan Agricultural Society at Lansing for ten years. Also member
of school board for fifteen years.
HENRY LEHMANN. One of the representative business men of Ceresco,
Michigan. is Henry Lehmann, who is there engaged in a general merchandise business and is accounted one of the sterling men of that community. Mr. Lehmann comes directly of German ancestry and through
his useful activities has helped to sustain the high opinion in which
the German-American citizen is almost universally held in this country.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, August 21, 1874, the eldest son of
Joseph Lehmann and his wife, whose maiden name was Sophia Reineke.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1017


Both parents are natives of Mecklenburg-Schwern, Germany, where the
father was born in 1847. They were married in the Fatherland in 1870
and that same year came to the United States, locating first in Chicago,
where they remained until 1877, in which year they removed to Calhoun
county, Michigan. Joseph Lehmann had followed various occupations
during his residence in Chicago, but on coming to this county he purchased a farm of 120 acres in Newton township and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He has subsequently bought other land
but still remains a resident of Newton township. Both he and his wife
are members of the Lutheran church. The seven children that have
been the issue of this union are as follows: Henry, the subject of this
review; Carl, now a resident of Battle Creek, Michigan; William, a
farmer residing at East LeRoy, Calhoun county; Frederick, who resides
with his parents; Minnie, now Mrs. W. Hines, of Woodland, Michigan;
Anna, who is the wife of B. W. Owens and resides at Battle Creek,
Michigan; and Martha, now Mrs. Clyde Warsop, of Tekonsha township,
Calhoun county.
Henry Lehmann was but a child when his parents removed to Calhoun
county and he has therefore spent practically his whole life here, securing his education in the common schools of Newton and Fredonia townships. Until 1906 his attention was given to agriculture, the vocation
to which he had been reared, and for seven years he farmed on the shares
in Newton and Marshall townships. He then removed to Ceresco and
opened a hardware store, but after conducting this business two years
he sold out and purchased from E. B. Phelps a general merchandise
business at Ceresco, which he has since conducted.
In 1898 Mr. Lehmann married Miss Dora Bartehard, whose father
William Bartehard died when she was an infant. Her mother remarried,
becoming the wife of Henry Reineke, and now resides in Tekonsha township of this county. Mrs. Lehmann was the seventh of eight children born
to her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Lehmann have one son Arthur C. Lehmann,
born September 10, 1901.
In political views Mr. Lehmann is a Republican, and he is the present
township clerk of Marshall township, which office he has now filled two
years. His religious creed is that of the Lutheran church, in which faith
he was graciously reared by his parents, and fraternal ties are sustained as a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners.
GARRETT D. BLAKE. The profession of farming, as now practiced by
the intelligent and progressive agriculturist, is as different from the
operations of several decades ago as could be imagined. The day of the
work-hardened, horny-handed farmer is over. In these days scientific
treatment of the soil has displaced the old hit-or-miss style and among
our country's most prosperous citizens will be found agriculturists.
Among this class may be mentioned Garrett D. Blake, of Marshall township, Calhoun county, Michigan, the owner of a finely-improved tract
of land and one of his community's best citizens. Mr. Blake was born
December 3, 1843, in Albany county, New York, and is a son of James D.
and Jane Ann (Donaldson) Blake.
James D. Blake was born in Albany county, New York, June 6, 1817,
and died November 14, 1887, while his wife passed away March 5, 1898.
They came to Michigan in 1861, settling on a farm in Marengo township
which consisted of seventy-two acres, and two years later moved to the
farm on which Garrett D. Blake is now living. During the remainder of
his life he continued to be engaged in farming and hog breeding, became well known throughout the township, and so conducted his affairs
as to win the universal respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen. He




1018


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


was a Republican in his political views, and he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. She was a daughter
of Peter Donaldson, a successful miller of New York, who had a family
of eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Blake had two sons: James H., who is
deceased; and Garrett D.
Garrett D. Blake was educated in the district schools and reared to
the occupation of an agriculturist, which he has followed all of his life.
He remained at home and assisted his father until his marriage, when his
father died he left him the old homestead, and there Mr. Blake now
carries on operations. He is progressive in his methods and scientific
ideas have always governed his operations, while the use of modern
power farm machinery has greatly facilitated his work. During his long
residence here he has formed a wide acquaintance, and he has numerous
friends throughout the county. He is independent in his political tendencies, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
On April 19, 1870, Mr. Blake was married to Miss Helen C. Crossman, and three children were born to this union: Howard, who resides
at home and assists his father in the work of the farm; Harry, connected
with the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Battle Creek; and
Luther, who studied mechanical draughtsmanship and is now employed
in a patent office in Kalamazoo.
Luther G. Crossman, father of Mrs. Blake, was born in Oneida county,
New York, son of Nathaniel and Mercy (Pratt) Crossman, natives of.
Taunton, Massachusetts, from where they removed to Deerfield prior to
1807. The grandfather was a carpenter by trade, but on locating in Deerfield took up the vocation of agriculturist. Luther G. Crossman was born
February 10, 1808, and as a young man assisted his father on the farm
and subsequently learned of him the carpenter's trade. At this he
worked during the summer months, while in the winter terms he taught
the district school, so continuing until coming to Calhoun county, Michigan, in February, 1832. Purchasing a farm in 1832, he spent the next
five years in carpenter work, and then settled down to agricultural pursuits in Marengo township. On April 19, 1837, Mr. Crossman was married to Miss Amanda M. Burlingame, daughter of Eseck and Lucy
(White) Burlingame, natives of Rhode Island who moved to Massachusetts. Mrs. Crossman was born at Governeur, St. Lawrence county,
New York, July 15, 1818, and with her parents removed to Herkimer
county. When she was nine years old she was taken to West Bloomfield,
Ontario county, New York, where she was married to Mr. Crossman.
Her grandfather Burlingame was a Revolutionary soldier and was one of
the party that surprised the British general Prescott at Newport. In
1832 Mr. Crossman aided in building the first frame barn and dwelling
in Calhoun county, for Mr. Bertram, a farm dwelling 30x40 feet, there
being a grand festival and jollification. Sidney Ketchum held one post,
General Crary another, John D. Pierce a third, and old Lemuel Spencer
acted in the role of general utility man. Mr. Crossman was first a
Whig and later a Republican, and in 1884 he and his wife joined the
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Crossman died April 7, 1879, and his
wife April 12, 1899.
EDWARD F. HOUGH, who is established in the general merchandise
business at Ceresco, Calhoun county, Michigan, was born on a farm in
Emmet township of this county on November 4, 1855, and is a representative of a family long residents of this locality, his father, John Hough,
having settled in this township about 1837. The Hough family originated
in this country with William Hough, son of Edward, of Westchester,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1019


Cheshire county, England, who came to America in 1645. John Hough
was a native of New Hampshire, his birth having occurred at Lebanon,
Grafton county of that state on the 25th of December, 1816. He grew
to young manhood amid the hills of his native state, but when he had attained his majority he came to Michigan and located in Emmet township, Calhoun county, where he purchased a farm and resided on it many
years, his abode during later years, however, having been on a farm
that he had purchased near Wheatfield. At the age of twenty-four he
was married to Eliza Harper, of Calhoun county, Michigan, whose
parents had settled here in 1831 and were among the early pioneers of
the county. To this union were born five children, of whom David,
Henry and Helen are deceased. The other two children are Charles
Hough and Edward F. Hough of this review. Mrs. Hough died in 1891
at the age of fifty-eight and was survived by her husband until 1898
when he too passed away. John Hough was a Democrat in politics
and was a well known and prominent man in this locality, having served
for a time as a member of the Michigan state legislature.
Edward F. Hough spent his early life on the farm in Emmet township
and obtained his education in the district schools of that locality and
in the public schools at Battle Creek. After school days were over he
took up the duties of the home farm, finally assumed its sole management
and continued to conduct it until he sold his farm interests and took up
the general merchandise business at Ceresco, which has since been his
line of endeavor.
In 1887 he was united in marriage to Miss Isadora Hoffmann, the
youngest child of Thomas and Elizabeth Hoffmann, farmer residents
of Emmet township. Mr. and Mrs. Hough have three children, namely:
John, a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, who is now
with the General Electric of New York City; Edna, who has taken up
the profession of teaching and is now employed in Newton township;
and Mary, a high school student at this time.
Mr. Hough gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party.
He is the present supervisor of Marshall township and has now filled the
office for four years. Fraternal associations are sustained as a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of
Gleaners. In the three-quarters of a century that this family has been
established in Calhoun county its members have ever maintained a high
standard of citizenship and their name is one which stands for true
worth and attainment.
GILBERT B. WHITE. Born in the township of his present residence
and on the farm which he now occupies and cultivates, and which his
grandmother took up in a totally wild and unbroken condition from the
government, Gilbert B. White of Convis township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, bears an unusual relation to the soil in this locality and presents in his history elements of unusual interest. He represents the third
generation of his family in occupancy and tillage of the same tract, and
the difference in its condition now from what it was when the place
came into the possession of the family represents not only the achievements of its successive occupants in cultivating and improving it, but
also the general progress of this region since civilization was first
planted in it.
Mr. White's life began on this farm on July 17, 1874. He is a son
of William N. and Amanda (Gilbert) White, the former also born on
this farm, the date of his birth being October 1, 1847, and the latter a
native of Eckford township, this county. The paternal grandparents
were Reuben and Chloe (Fish) White, who came to Michigan at an early




1020


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


date and were among the first pioneers of Convis township. Reuben
White was born and reared in Connecticut and his wife in the state of
New York. On their arrival in this county Mrs. White took up a homestead of 120 acres of land, a portion of Gilbert White's present farm,
as has been noted, and on this she and her husband passed the remainder
of their lives.
Their son, William N. White, succeeded them in the possession of the
farm, and on it he has ever since made his home. He is now traveling
for a large establishment that manufactures and handles aluminum ware,
but his wife still resides on the family homestead. They became the
parents of seven children, five of whom are living, Gilbert being the
oldest of them. In political relations and service the father is a Prohibitionist; in religious connection he is a Presbyterian, and in fraternal life
a Freemason. While never an office seeker or desirous of political prominence, he has served as township clerk and treasurer with credit to himself and decided benefit to the township and its residents, and is favorably remembered for the excellent record he made in these offices as well
as highly esteemed for his progressiveness as a citizen and his genuine
worth as a man.
Gilbert B. White obtained his education in the district schools. He
began farming on the home place on his own account at an early age,
and here he has followed the plow ever since with increasing prosperity
and in the most advanced and enterprising manner. In addition to his
general farming industry, he raises numbers of graded Durham cattle,
and is widely and favorably known for his success and intelligence as a
live stock breeder as well as for his skill and advanced methods as a
farmer.
Mr. White was married on Nov. 27, 1891, to Miss Mattie Loumnis, a
daughter of Guy Loumis, one of the pioneer farmers of Convis township.
Four children have been born of the union: Thera, Guy and Glenn
(twins), and Esther. Thera is a student of Marshall and Guy, Glenn
and Esther are in school near their home. The farm on which they
live now comprises 140 acres, and is one of the best and most highly improved in the township. It shows in every phase of its appearance and
condition the care and intelligence with which it is cultivated, and is
considered a very valuable piece of property.
In politics Mr. White is a pronounced Democrat. He was elected
township clerk in the spring of 1912, which makes second tenure of
this office, he having been elected to it in 1904 and held it after that for
four years in succession. He has also served several years as a member
of the school board, and like his father, he has given the people of the
township excellent service in every office he has held. Of the fraternal
societies so numerous among men he has membership in but one, the
Patrons of Husbandry, but in this he takes a warm, constant and practical interest, doing everything in his power to make it as useful as possible, and seeing in it a source of great benefit to the agricultural interests of the country. This is in line with his general attitude toward
everything which involves the welfare of his township and county.
He is always enterprising and progressive in connection with the public
weal, and withholds no effort possible on his part to aid in its promotion.
The residents of Calhoun county hold him in the highest esteem as a man
and as a citizen, and he is well worthy of the regard they bestow upon
him.
CALVIN J. HOTCHKISS. Owning one of the finest farms and country
residences in Marshall township, Calhoun county, and standing high in
the regard and good will of all classes of the people, Calvin J. Hotchkiss




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1021


might justly feel proud of his work as a self-made man and the success
he has achieved in life, if his good sense and genuine modesty did not.
forbid him to indulge in any self-laudation in word or thought. Like all
men of genuine merit, he does not overrate either his abilities or his
achievements, but is thankful for his opportunities for advancement
in life and for the possession of the manhood and good judgment to make
the most of them.
Mr. Hotchkiss was born in Ohio, on May 19, 1854, and is a son of
Calvin and Sarah (Ives) Hotchkiss, natives of Connecticut, where the
father was born in 1816 and the mother in 1810. The father journeyed
from his native state to Ohio, when he moved to that great commonwealth, in a single wagon, and arrived at his destination with only $5 in
money. He was resolute and self-reliant, however, and lost no time in
getting a start in his new home. He bought eighty acres of land, which
he cleared and improved. He afterward bought more land, and kept
on buying and improving farms until he owned 300 acres, all of which
was in his possession at the time of his death.
He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom Calvin
J. came fifth in the order of birth. The mother was a devout member
of the Methodist Protestant church, and the father belonged to the Republican party in his political relations. The grandparents on both
sides of the house passed the whole of their lives in Connecticut, and
their forefathers were residents of that state from an early period in its
history.
Calvin J. Hotchkiss was educated in the public schools of his native
state, preparing himself in the district schools and completing his course
in the high school in Malta, which he attended one winter. He was
reared as a farmer 's son and began life for himself in the occupation to
which he had been trained. He purchased eighty acres of land and cultivated that tract until 1906, when he came to this county and bought
the farm of 140 acres which he now owns and lives on. He has made a
very superior farm of it and has it improved with a fine dwelling house
and other necessary buildings in keeping with this.
On March 23, 1884, he was married to Miss Emma Wood, a daughter
of Thomas Wood, a carpenter and shingle maker who passed the whole
of his life in Ohio, whither his parents moved from Pennsylvania. Mr.
and Mrs. Hotchkiss have four children living. Aro G. is a school teacher;
Edgar resides on his father's farm; Harry is living at home with his
parents, and Raymond is in school. They are all creditable representatives of the family and are held in cordial esteem by the people all around
them.
Fraternally Mr. Hotchkiss is a member of the Order of Patrons of
Husbandry, or the Grange, as it is popularly called. In politics he is
a Republican, and as such served four years as township assessor in
Morgan county, Ohio, before leaving that state, where he was prominent in local public affairs. In Calhoun county he also stands well in
the estimation of the people, and shows that he is entitled to the esteem
they bestow upon him by his interest in their welfare, his enterprise with
reference to the progress and development of the county and the elevated and useful character of his citizenship in all particulars.  He has
made his own way in the world without help from the outside, except
$1,200 which he got from his father's estate after he was well established
in life.
GEORGE C. HAIGH. Standing high in the regard of his neighbors and
associates as a farmer, and so firmly fixed in their confidence and esteem
as a man and citizen that he has repeatedly been elected to public office




1022


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


by a constituency with a majority opposed to his political beliefs and
alliances, George C. Haigh, one of the substantial and enterprising resi'dents of Convis township, Calhoun county, Michigan, occupies an enviable position in the estimation of the people around him. And this is
all the more creditable to him since he has attained it by his own ability
and industry in his business and his unvarying uprightness and straightforwardness in all the relations of life.
Mr. Haigh was born in the township of his present residence on
July 21, 1864, and is a son of James and Azelia (Crothers) Haigh, the
former a native of Yorkshire, England, born in 1812, and the latter of
the state of New York, where her life began in 1822. The father came
to the United States in 1833, and sometime afterward located at Battle
Creek in this state. For a number of years he worked at his trade as a
weaver in Battle Creek, then bought a farm of 100 acres in Eaton county,
on which he lived for a time. Later, however, he returned to this county
and bought a farm in Convis township, on which he passed the remainder
of his life.
The mother's real name was Van Allen, but in her childhood she was
adopted by a Mr. and Mrs. Crothers, her mother having married Mr.
Crothers, and then she was given their family name. She was married
to Mr. Haigh in 1847 in Battle Creek, and they became the parents of
seven children, four of whom are living: Addie, who is the wife of
Charles Walkinshaw; Fred, who is in business in Battle Creek; Nellie,
who is the wife of Charles Hall and lives in Detroit, and George C.
The parents were members of the Baptist church, and in his political relations he was a Democrat, loyal to his party and zealous in its service.
He died on July 4, 1899, having survived by five months his wife, who
passed away in February of the same year. He was a very successful
man in his several occupations, having begun life with nothing in the
way of capital and dying possessed of a comfortable estate. He was a
son of James Haigh, who also was born in England and who passed the
whole of his life in that country.
George C. Haigh was reared and educated in this county acquiring
his academic training in the district schools. He began life for himself
as a farm hand, and after a few years of steady industry in this line
of work, went to Battle Creek in 1900, and there he remained eight
years engaged in the feed trade. In 1909 he bought the farm on which
he now lives and located on it at once. It comprises 120 acres of firstrate land, and he has brought it to an advanced state of cultivation and
richly improved it from the condition it was in when he took possession
of it. In farming this land in a general way he finds plenty to do and
feels no temptation to seek any other occupation or line of effort.
Mr. Haigh was married on January 10, 1894, to Miss Florence White,
a daughter of Joseph and Emma (White) White, the former born near
Sandusky, Ohio, in 1847, and the latter in Milton, Pennsylvania. They
now live in Lee township, this county, where the father owns a fine farm
of eighty acres. Four children were born in the family, Mrs. Haigh
being the first in the order of birth. She was educated in the district
schools and the high schools at Olivet in Eaton county. She is a member
of the Baptist church, and Mr. Haigh finds social enjoyment and good
associations in the Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has long been a
member, and in which he has for years taken an active and helpful
interest.
In political faith and allegiance Mr. Haigh is warmly attached to the
Democratic party. Yet notwithstanding this he was elected township
supervisor in the spring of 1912 by a majority of thirty-two votes although the township is normally a Republican one in its political corn



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1023


plexion. This is a strong proof of his enterprise, public spirit and intelligent and serviceable interest in the welfare of his township and
county. He also served as township clerk five or six years, and made an
excellent record in that office, as he is making in the one he now holds at
the time of this writing, the summer of 1912.
Having been the architect of his own fortune, and having built it
well and substantially, Mr. Haigh is entitled to all the credit due to a
self-made man in the best sense of the term. But while he has been
closely attentive to his own affairs, and made them profitable to him, he
has never slighted the interests of his township or those of Calhoun
county in general, but has always done his full share toward promoting
them and the enduring welfare of the residents of this part of the state.
They all esteem him highly as one of their most substantial and useful
citizens.
JOHN C. COOPER. Born on a farm and reared as a farmer's son,
and afterward working several years in the farming industry, but now
one of the leading merchants of Marengo township, Calhoun county,
and also successful and enterpriseing as a fire insurance agent, John
C. Cooper of the village of Marengo illustrates in his career the great
uncertainty of foretelling any man's destiny or occupation in this land
of great diversity of employments and almost boundless opportunity.
His case is but one of millions of instances in which men enter upon
the stage of action in one pursuit and are found before many years
have passed in an entirely different one. And it is a proof of the versatility of American manhood that a very large number of them succeed in everything they undertake, as is true of Mr. Cooper
Mr. Cooper was born in Monroe county, New York, on August 31,
1854, and is a son of John and Mary (Buckley) Cooper, who were born,
reared and married in Ireland. The father's life began in 1829 and
the mother's in 1825. They came to the United States in 1847 and
located in the state of New York, where they remained, industriously
engaged in farming, until 1856, when they moved to Michigan. Here
the father bought a farm of 120 acres in Marengo township, and on
this farm the parents died, the mother in 1893 and the father in 1910.
The father was a Democrat in his political faith and allegiance.
Four children were born of their union, of whom John C. was the
second in the order of birth. His older sister Ella has her home with
him. Their brother Thomas died in 1910, and their other brother,
Frank, lives in Marengo township and is engaged in farming and raising live stock. A sketch of him will be found on another page of this
work. The grandfathers of these children were Thomas Cooper on the
father's side and Martin Buckley on the mother's. Both passed the
whole of their lives in Ireland, where their families had been domesticated for many generations.
John C. Cooper was educated in the district schools of Marengo
township, as he was but two years old when his parents moved to this
county. He assisted his father in the labor on the farm while attending school and after completing his education, and then remained with
his parents for some years afterward. He began life for himself on a
farm and conducted its operations until 1902; but previous to this he
determined to turn his attention to merchandising and in 1895 founded
the general store which he has ever since been keeping at Marengo. In
1895 he was made postmaster of this village and he held the office continuously for fourteen years thereafter.
On June 4th, 1884, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage with Miss
Julia M. Crossman, a daughter of Luther G. and Amanda (BurlingVol. 11-27




1024


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ame) Crossman, natives of New York state who came to Michigan sometime in the thirties, and passed the remainder of their lives here successfully and profitably occupied in vigorous and enterprising farming operations. They stood well in their community, too, as citizens
and in social life, and were regarded throughout the county as most
estimable and worthy persons.
Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have two children, their daughter Agnes and
their son Stuart F. Agnes is a school teacher employed in Lagrange,
Illinois. She obtained part of her education in a summer school at
Ypsilanti and was also graduated from the high school at Albion, and
attended college at Albion also. Stuart F. is now in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended the State Agricultural College at Starkville, Mississippi, where he made an excellent record in his studies and also attained high rank as an athlete, being prominent and effective in the
football, basket ball and base ball teams.
Mrs. Cooper is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which
her husband also attends. He is a member of the Democratic party in
his political relations, and always true and loyal to his party although
not what may be called an active partisan. Neither has he ever been a
seeker of public office or desirous of political prominence, but he has
served as township clerk in response to a demand from the people of
the township for his services. For he has proven himself to be a progressive and enterprising citizen, warmly interested in the advancement
and improvement of his township and county and zealous in assisting
to promote the welfare of their residents in every way open to him.
He has a good and growing business in his store, which is a popular
mart for a large extent of the surrounding country, and in addition
does considerable work in writing fire insurance. Both in his business and in general relations to the community he is a leader of thought
and action, and is universally esteemed throughout the county as one
of its most useful, enterprising and representative citizens, always ready
for any duty for the general well being and giving a fine example of
elevated manhood in all the relations of life and in all respects.
WILLIAM FRANCIS LESLIE, M. T. D. The restoration of minds and
bodies congenitally weak or weakened by disease and misuse is a subject
which within recent years has forced itself upon mankind and gained
the practical attention and study of the wisest leaders of every race.
The subject covers a much broader field than the ages-older one of
medicine and surgery. To make life more efficient, to develop the latent
powers of the human being, to substitute wholesome vigor for the
defective physical machine-these are objects of attainment that are far
in advance of the old school of therapeutics and disclose a field of
possibilities the results of which are yet undreamed of.
In one branch of this distinctively modern science, W. F. Leslie,
Doctor of Mechano-Therapy, has made a very notable record during
his residence at Battle Creek. He is a graduate of the American College
of Mechano-Therapy at Chicago, and is the leader in this line of
practice in the state. The chief maxim    of the science of MechanoTherapy is "Permanent health through perfect circulation," and it is
around this principle that he has conducted his work with such excellent success in Battle Creek. By a scientific combination of food, circumstances, ideas, water, and motion for the stimulation of physiological
action by mechanical and other means, he has in hundreds of cases
succeeded in establishing a normal condition of the body, and has
accomplished results such as the regular physician would not attempt
or claim as within the powers of his profession. Dr. Leslie has never




U






I




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1025


relied on extravagant claims in building up his professional success. By
manipulation or artificial exercise of the body, under attendant conditions to favor the process, he promotes the restoration of powers and
organs that have atrophied or diseased, and the evidence of his patients
has been the means of his increasing success.
Dr. Leslie has had an interesting career and is a man of varied
attainments. He was born in New York City in 1877, his birthplace
being on Fourteenth street between Fourth and Fifth avenues, in the
heart of the downtown section of the metropolis. His father, Solomon
F. Leslie, was a Rusian Jew, a native of Russia, and his mother, Augusta
P. (Lear) Leslie, was born at Greenbach, Germany. The father, now
deceased, was one of Tiffany's diamond settlers. The mother is now a
resident of Battle Creek.
Dr. Leslie was reared in New York City until he was twelve years
old, attending the public schools there. He was then in Williamsport
and Bradford, Pennsylvania, for seven years, and during the last sixteen
years he has been a resident of Battle Creek. For seven years he was
a nurse in the Battle Creek Sanitarium, after which he took charge of
the physical culture, Swedish and bath rooms at the Phelps Sanatorium. For a part of this time he worked at the barber's trade, but all
this work was merely a means to an end, until he could perfect himself
in his profession. In January, 1909, he was graduated from the American College of Mechano-Therapy at Chicago, and since then has been
engaged in. regular practice in Battle Creek. He has practiced in this
branch of therapy longer than any other in the city. He has the best
possible equipment for the successful performance of his work, and has
all the practice he can conveniently care for.
Among the followers of aquatic sports and in athletic organizations
throughout the country, Dr. Leslie has for a number of years enjoyed
a reputation as a swimmer of most varied and remarkable skill. In
connection with Professor Haylock, known as the champion swimmer of
Michigan, he has given numerous exhibitions in cities throughout the
country, and as a demonstrator of scientific swimming Dr. Leslie is
probably without a peer in the country.
Dr. Leslie was a member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania at
the age of eighteen, during his residence in that state. He is a graduate
nurse of the Michigan Sanitarium at Kalamazoo. In music he has also
attained proficiency as a clarionet player, and was formerly a member
of the Pennsylvania Regimental Band, one of the crack military bands
in the United States. Fraternally Dr. Leslie is a member of the Battle
Creek Elks. Possessing all these varied accomplishments, Dr. Leslie
has done more than gain merely personal success. He has done much
disinterested service from  the impetus of professional zeal, and is
constantly giving his influence toward the promotion of saner and better
living among all classes of people. He is both a practitioner and a
teacher, and is deservedly held in high esteem in his home city.
RUFUS F. KATZ, an enterprising young farmer of Fredonia township, Calhoun county, Michigan, was born on the farm on which he
now lives, December 13, 1882, son of John and Minnie (Walbeck)
Katz.
John Katz was born in Germany in 1838. When he was quite young,
the Katz family emigrated to America; or, rather, they all started to
America, but on the voyage over, the father and one daughter died and
were buried at sea. John, with other members of the family, shared




1026


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the vicissitudes of life in a new land, with little means for maintenance.
Finally, he was "bound out" for several years to a farmer. On reaching manhood, he came to Calhoun county, Michigan, where he found
employment on farms, and was a wage worker until he was twentyseven years of age. He saved his earnings and in time had a farm
of his own. His first purchase of land was eighty acres near Burlington. Subsequently he sold this and bought a tract of land near Lyon
Lake, which he owned at the time of his marriage, in 1865. The following year he bought the home farm on which his son Rufus F. now
lives, and still later he bought twenty acres of Newton township. On
the home farm, which consists of 130 acres, he spent the rest of his
life and died, his death occurring in 1907. His wife, Minnie (Walbeck) Katz, was a daughter of Conrad and Magdeline (Kint) Walbeck
of Fredonia township. She was born in 1847, and died in 1910. Their
children, two daughters and two sons, are Lizzie, wife of Arthur J.
Gleson; Mattie, wife of William Mohrhardt; Frank, of Marshall, Michigan, and Rufus F. The parents were members of the Lutheran church,
and, politically, the father was a Democrat.                      I
Rufus F. Katz was reared on his father's farm, and has continued
to reside here, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. After
the death of his mother, he bought the interest of the other heirs, and
now owns the whole of his father's landed estate, which consists of 210
acres. An important feature of his farming operations is his stock.
He breeds Percheron horses, Durham cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs, horses, however, being his specialty.
August 17, 1910, Rufus F. Katz and Mary Kennedy were united in
marriage, and they are the parents of one child, Nile Leo Katz. Mrs.
Katz is a daughter of James and Mary Kennedy of Missouri.
Like his father, Mr. Katz is Democratic in his political affiliations.
GEORGE E. CHAPIN. Many of the successful young agriculturists of
Calhoun county are engaged in cultivating land formerly owned by
their fathers, having come into possession of it through inheritance,
and are continuing to carry on operations with the same degree of success that attended the older men's efforts. In this class stands George
E. Chapin, of Marengo township, administrator of the estate of his late
father and one of the enterprising and progressive business men of
his section. Mr. Chapin was born in Marengo township, Calhoun county, Michigan, October 11, 1878, and is a son of Edward Franklin and
Ellen S. (Conger) Chapin. His father, also a native of Marengo township, was born December 25, 1847, and during his entire life was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He spent a large part of his time in
raising stock, and became very successful in his operations, accumulating 360 acres of land. His death occurred March 16, 1909. His wife,
still lives in Marshall, and they had two children: May, who married Thomas R. Lusk, of Marshall; and George E. Mr. Chapin was a
Republican during the greater part of his life, but became a great admirer of William Jennings Bryan, and adopted the principles of the
Free Silver Democrats. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. The paternal grandfather of George E. Chapin, Samuel Chapin, was a native of New York, and came to Michigan in 1834,
taking up land from the government, and continued to live in the township during the rest of his life. He became widely known throughout
the county and was regarded as one of the substantial men of his community. His death occurred in 1888. The maternal grandfather of
Mr. Chapin, Jacob Conger, was also born in New York, and on com





HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1027


ing to Michigan settled in Hillsdale county, where he carried on farming and merchandising.
After graduating from Marshall high school, in 1897, George E.
Chapin attended Albion College two years, and then took a trip through
the West and South, spending two years in farming in Alabama. Following this he returned to Michigan, and for three years clerked in a
store in Battle Creek, eventually returning to the old homestead at the
time of the death of his father, whose administrator he is. An energetic,
industrious business man, with large responsibilities, he adds materially
to the industrial and agricultural importance of Marshall, where he
has a comfortable modern home. He is a Republican in politics, but
has found no time to engage in public affairs, although he manifests a
good citizen's interest in all matters that influence his community's
welfare. Fraternally he is connected with Battle Creek Lodge No.
12, F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Chapin was married in 1906, to Miss Louie MeWethy, daughter of Reuben H. McWethy, a lifelong farmer, veteran of the Civil war,
and prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, who is
now living in Albion. The family moves in the best social circles of
Marshall, and its members have numerous friends.
GEORGE W. HARVEY. Starting in life for himself with no capital
but his skillful hand, his active brain and his resolute spirit, which
saw success was possible to him and determined to win it, George W.
Harvey, who owns and operates a large saw mill and hard wood lumber
factory in Marshall township, this county, has shown by his career
that he did not overestimate his capacity to both see opportunities for
advancement and make the most of them when he seized them. He has
been very successful and has won his way wholly by his own unaided
efforts and his excellent management of his affairs.
Mr. Harvey is a native of Calhoun county, and was born in Athens
township on August 13, 1857. He is a son of Israel and Rhoda (Davis) Harvey, the former born at Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1814,
and the latter in the state of New York on July 4, 1822. The father
was a son of Jonas Harvey, who passed the whole of his life in New
Hampshire. He was a farmer and also owned and operated a large
saw mill. His wife died when her son Israel was but five years old,
and he was therefore from childhood without the considerate and directing care of a mother.
He came to Michigan in 1835. He and his wife were early settlers
at Marshall, where they located on their arrival in this state, and saw
this part of the country in its state of almost primitive wilderness. Mrs.
Harvey, who is still living at the advanced age of ninety years, tells
of seeing the first train go over the Michigan Central Railroad, and
many other interesting experiences of the early days of her residence
in this county. During the Civil war she was a widow living on a
farm, her husband having died in 1859. She had a hard time to rear
her family, and while the sectional strife in this country lasted she was
obliged to undergo many hardships and privations, and other portions
of her long life have been by no means free from care and have laid her
under strong requisitions for endurance and fortitude. These qualities, however, she has always shown in a degree that made her equal to
all the demands of her situation. She is a daughter of Lemuel and
Clarissa (Allen) Davis, who lived all their lives in Franklin county,
New York, and attained to far advanced ages.
Israel Harvey, the father of George W., was a cabinet maker, and




1028


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


for a time after his arrival in this state worked at his trade. He then
bought a farm of eighty acres in Athens township and lived on that
until his death, which occurred in 1859, as has been noted, when his
son George W. was but two years old. Five children were born in the
family. Charles, the first born, is in the livery business in Athens.
Isabelle, the second child, married H. H. Brownell, and after his death
became the wife of Rev. John McDonald, a Baptist clergyman. They
are now living in Elgin, Illinois. Francis E. died a number of years ago.
George W. came fourth in the order of birth, and the fifth child is
Jennie, who married George Clearwater and resides at Greenville in
this state.
The father was a Democrat in his political faith and allegiance, and
filled a number of township offices. He also served some years as captain of a company in his home town, something like those which compose the state militia. The mother now makes her home with her son
George. She is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
attentive to all the duties enjoined in its teachings in her daily life,
and is venerated as one of the most worthy and estimable matrons in
the county.
George W. Harvey had no facilities for education except those furnished by the district schools, and he was not allowed to attend these
with any degree of continuity or regularity. The death of the father
when the son was only two years old put the family in hard straits,
and each member of it was obliged to go to work as soon as sufficient size
and development were attained for the purpose. He began work in a
saw mill at Muskegon, Michigan, where he was employed twelve years.
At the end of that period he returned to Calhoun county and erected
a saw mill and established a hard wood manufactory of his own, locating his plant on the site it occupied for a number of years, and from
which it was moved to the present site on April 1, 1911. At the old
location he was very successful, cleaning up $21,000 in six years, and
at the new one he conducts a very extensive business carrying on an
average 500,000 feet of lumber in his yard, and finding the other features of his trade in keeping with this large stock.
Mr. Harvey was married in 1887 to Miss Camilla Weeks, a daughter of William and Camilla Weeks, early settlers in Calhoun county.
Three children have been born of the union, all of whom are living.
Mark is in the United States navy, was in China, now in San Francisco and will be home September 18, 1912. Paul works for his father
in the mill and lumber business; and Ruth is a pupil in a business
college in Battle Creek.
The mother is a member of the' Baptist church, which the other
members of the family also attend. The father is a Freemason fraternally and holds his membership in Athens Lodge No. 220 in the order. He is also a Royal Arch Mason and belongs to Chapter No. 146
at Athens. In politics he is independent, looking only to the best
interests of his community and his country in the bestowal of his suffrage, and not governed by partisan considerations to any extent, but
always zealously attentive to the duties of citizenship. The people
regard him as an excellent citizen and worthy of their highest esteem,
which they freely accord him.
JESSE C. STAGE. A resident of Calhoun county for more than forty
years, Mr. Stage is one of the extensive landholders of this section of
the state and is senior member of the firm of Stage & Casey, who conduct a large and prosperous business in the buying, feeding and shipping of cattle, in connection with which they own and utilize a tract




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1029


of about twelve hundred acres in Calhoun county, the home farm of Mr.
Stage being situated in Marshall township and being one of the admirably improved places of the county. The firm of which he is a
member is one of the most important of the kind in this part of the
state and controls an extensive business in the shipping of live stock.
Mr. Stage is well known throughout southern Michigan and his careful
and honorable business methods have indicated his sterling integrity
tof character, with the result that he commands unqualified popular
confidence and esteem.
Jesse C. Stage was born in Otsego county, New York, on the 20th
of September, 1848, and is a son of Ryner and Katherine (Richard)
Stage, the former of whom was born in Otsego county and the latter
in Livingston county, New York, in which state they passed their entire
lives, the -father having devoted virtually his entire active career to
agricultural pursuits. He whose name initiates this review was reared
to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and in his native county received a good common-school education. In 1871, soon after attaining
to his legal majority, he came to Michigan and established his home
in Calhoun county.   He engaged in farming in Marshall township,
where he has continuously maintained his residence during the long
intervening years and where, through earnest and well directed endeavor he has won large and worthy success. He finally began to
deal in live stock on a modest scale, and as prosperity increased he expanded the scope of his operation in the feeding and shipping of live
stock, the while he increased the area of his landed estate from time to
time until he now has' a fine farm of five hundred acres. He formed
a partnership with Garrett M. Casey, under the firm name of Stage &
Casey, and this effective alliance which was effected more than 30 years
ago has since been continued. The firm has become extensively engaged
in the buying of stock, much of which is secured from the great Chicago
stock yards, and on the extensive lands controlled by the firm the stock
is properly fed until in first-class order for shipment. The operations
of Stage & Casey cover a wide range and their methods have not only
given them high standing but have also brought to them a large measure
of success, the while they have contributed much to the industrial prosperity of Calhoun county.
In politics Mr. Stage is a staunch advocate of the principles of the
Democratic party, and while he takes a lively interest in public affairs
he has been too busy to desire or hold official preferment.
In December, 1872, Mr. Stage was united in marriage to Miss Julia
Tomlinson, who was born and reared in Watertown, Connecticut and
whose father, the late John Tomlinson, settled in the county in 1856.
Mr. Tomlinson became one of the successful pioneer farmers of this
county and was a citizen of prominence and influence.
Mr. and Mrs. Stage have an adopted daughter Mary, now Mrs. Millard Gardinier, of Marshall.
ISAAC SNYDER. A citizen of prominence and influence at Athens, in
Calhoun county, Michigan, is Isaac Snyder, who is president of the
Athens Hardwood Lumber Company, an important industry incorporated with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Snyder is a
man of loyalty and public spirit and his citizenship has ever been
characterized by the support of all measures and enterprises projected
for the good of the general welfare.
A native of the fine old Keystone state, Mr. Snyder was born in
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1850, and he is a son of
George Snyder, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, whence he re



1030


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


moved to Monroe county, Michigan, with his family in the year 1852.
In his native state George Snyder was a cabinet-maker by occupation
and a great deal of his time was devoted to making coffins from rough
lumber to meet the demands of his trade. After his arrival in Michigan he followed the trade of carpenter for a number of years and gradlaaly became interested in farming enterprises. At one time he was
the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Monroe county,
but in 1865 he disposed of that estate and removed to Kalamazoo county,
where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, which he
cultivated until his death. His father, George Snyder, Sr., accompanied
him to Michigan in 1852, but subsequently returned to Pennsylvania,
where he died. George Snyder, Jr., married Elizabeth Hoover, who
was born and reared in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of
thirteen children, ten of whom are still living at this time (1912).
Isaac Snyder was the sixth in order of birth among the thirteen
children of his parents, and was an infant of but two years when his
family moved to Michigan, in which state he was reared and educated. As a youth he attended the district schools in Monroe and Kalamazoo counties during the winter terms and during the summer seasons he worked on his father's farm. On reaching his majority he
learned the trade of a sawyer and when he was twenty-five years old
purchased a saw mill in Sherwood township, Branch county, this state,
where he remained for about five years, at the expiration of which he
removed to Union City, and in that vicinity he operated his sawmill
until 1885, when he came to Athens, here continuing his interest in the
milling business. For a time he was the owner of a mill some two and
a half miles east of this place and subsequently he built up the business
now known as the Athens Hardwood Lumber Company, which was incorporated under the laws of Michigan, with a capital stock of fifty
thousand dollars. He was formerly secretary and treasurer of this
concern, but is now its president and general manager. Mr. Snyder is
a man of executive ability and capacity and the position he now occupies
in the business world is entirely the outcome of his own well directed
endeavors.
Mr. Snyder is a staunch Republican and gives his support to that
party at all times. He was at one time a member of the Grange, but is
now no longer affiliated with that worthy society.
In the year 1875 Mr. Snyder married Miss Uranie Kindy, a daughter of David and Eliza (Culp) Kindy, residents of Kalamazoo county
during the latter years of their lifetime. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have one
son, Paul D., and an adopted daughter, Eva May.
SAMUEL Fox, well and favorably known among the agriculturists
of Fredonia township, was born in Marshall, Calhoun county, Michigan,
on the third day of February, 1849, and is the son of John and Angeline
(Hagenbaugh) Fox. Both were natives of Pennsylvania, the father
born there in 1820 and the mother in 1827. They came to Michigan
in 1848, locating in Marshall, Michigan. In 1849 John Fox purchased a
small tract of land from the government, to which he added later by
purchases from individuals thereabouts, until he held an acreage of
one hundred and twenty acres, that representing the extent of his holdings at the time of his death. He was a man of great industry and
energy, and with his own hands he cleared the most of his farm, erecting himself the buildings which one by one appeared on the place, and
in every way showing himself a true pioneer and worthy citizen of a
new district. He there reared his family and died there in 1891, his
wife following him some years later, in 1905. They became the parents




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1031


of four children: Clara, deceased; Ida, also deceased; Samuel of this
brief review; and Rosa Belle, living in Kalamazoo. John Fox was a
Republican in his political beliefs, but was never a politician. The family were members of the Lutheran church, in which church the father
was reared in his Pennsylvania home, where his worthy parent, John
Fox, was one of the well and favorably known men of his community.
Samuel Fox attended the district schools as a boy at home, and early
began to assist his father in the work of the homestead, remaining thus
until he reached his legal majority. He then became connected with
the carpenter business and gave his time and attention to that work for
a period of thirteen years, after which he was employed in the store at
Marshall, and later at Burlington and Eckford, his service in those
three places aggregating thirteen years. In 1895 he bought out the interests of the remaining heirs to his father's farm, and since that time
he has been engaged in carrying on the work of the old farm, in which
he has been singularly and pleasingly successful. He has proved himself a farmer, and in addition to the general farming which he carries
on, does considerable in the way of stock raising. His farm of one
hundred and twenty acres is one of the best kept and most productive
spots in the township, and is in every way a credit to the man as well as
the farmer.
In 1897 Mr. Fox married Miss Ida E. Wright. a daughter of Myron
W. Wright, a native of Vermont who came to the state of Michigan in
the early fifties, and is now a resident of Fredonia township. They
became the parents of three children;-LaVerne married Arlington
Sebring and lives in Fredonia; Jessie and Inez are still in the parental
home. Mrs. Fox is a member of the Evangelical church. In his political persuasions, Mr. Fox is a Republican, and is active in the best interests of the party in his district. He is a valuable citizen, and his
towns folk have honored him in his election to the office of township treasurer. Mr. Fox is a self-made man of a very creditable type, and is in
every way deserving of the high place which he occupies in the community which has represented his home and the center of his business
activities practically all his life.
LOTE C. ROBINSON. In naming the representative citizens of any
community, we invariably find among the most prominent the men who
started out in life with little or no advantages, and who have worked
their way to the top through their own perseverance and industry. One
of the most successful farmers of Eckford township, and a man who has
been an influential factor and active worker in public affairs, Lote C.
Robinson, may be named in this class. He was born in Battle Creek
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, November 15, 1857, and is a son
of Solon E. and Mary Jane (Granger) Robinson.
Solon E. Robinson was born in Orleans county, New York, August
17, 1820, and in 1836 came to Michigan with his older brothers, settling in Tekonsha township, from whence he hauled his grain by oxteam to the market at Jackson. After accumulating a farm in Tekonsha township, he disposed of it and moved to Battle Creek township,
just south of the city, and there purchased 160 acres of land. Although
he had but little to start on he was a hard and industrious worker and
became very successful. From Battle Creek township he moved to
LeRoy township, and eventually secured the farm in Eckford township on which Lote C. Robinson is now carrying on operations, and on
which he first located in 1867. There he resided until his death in
1899. A Republican in politics, he was prominent in the affairs of his
day, serving in the State Legislature in 1873, and both he and his




1032


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


wife were faithful members of the Baptist church at Marshall.   He
was married in 1845 in Tekonsha township, to. Mary Jane Granger,
who was born January 29th, 1824, at Sweden, Oswego county, New
York, and to this union there were born five children: James C., who
resides in California; Francis L., of Chicago; Adrian D., living in
South Haven, Michigan; Chauncey C., who is deceased; and Lote C.
The mother of these children passed away in 1909.
Lote C. Robinson received his education in the district schools and
the school of hard work, or as he himself aptly expresses it, "gradduated from the university of hard knocks." His early life was spent
in working for his father, and after the death of his parents he bought
the property from the other heirs, and on this tract of 100 acres he
still carries on operations. He has devoted himself assiduously to general farming, but has also found time to interest himself in public affairs, and, like his father, has been prominent in Republican politics.
For two years he served as treasurer of Eckford township, was also
township clerk for two years and served as chairman of the county committee for six years, and in 1903 was sent to represent his district in
the State Legislature. In all these offices he displayed much executive
ability and a conscientious regard for the duties of his position, thus
firmly establishing himself in the confidence and esteem of his fellow
townsmen. He has made an enviable reputation as a man of sound
judgment and unquestioned integrity, and is recognized as a champion
of progress and good citizenship.
December 15, 1880, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Fannie
Overy, daughter of Thomas and Fannie Overy, of Sheridan township,
the former of whom met his death in a railroad accident when Mrs.
Robinson was a small child. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have one son:
Solon Thomas Robinson, who now lives at home and works on the farm,
although he spent four years in the county clerk's office, and one term
in the auditor's office at Lansing. Fraternally, Lote C. Robinson is
connected with the Knights of Pythias, at Marshall, the Modern Woodmen of America, at Homer, and the Knights of the Maccabees, at Eckford.
EDWIN A. RANDALL. Impelled by native force of character, and
with the stimulus of high examples from his sturdy ancestry on both
sides of the house to incite him to action, Edwin A. Randall, one of
the progressive and far-seeing farmers and live stock men of Convis
township, this county, has been true to his inward promptings and
also to the lessons of the past in his family, and has used all his opportunities for advancement among men to good advantage and with gratifying results. He began life for himself on a small scale. He is now a
man of worldly substance in good degree and stands well in the estimation of all who know him. The path between the humble beginning
and the present elevation has been rugged and thorny, but that he has
successfully traversed it is proof positive that he is a man of real mettle
and might have commanded success in any line of effort to which he
was adapted no matter what the circumstances might have been.
Mr. Randall is no importation into this region, but is wholly its
own product. He was born in Convis township on March 20, 1872, a
son of Theodore and Maria (Deitrich) Randall, the former a native of
Clarkson, Monroe county, New York, born on September 30. 1829,
and the latter of Marengo. Miehiian. where her life began on October
1. 1836. The father came to Michigan and Calhoun county at an early
day and settled on a farm in Convis township which he farmed during
the remaining years of his life. In earlier life in his native state




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1033


he was a school teacher, and he followed this pursuit a short time after
his arrival in this state. But nearly all of his time here was devoted
to farming with enterprise and success. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The mother died in 1903 and
the father in 1904, she passing away on the home farm in Convis township while he passed away in Bellevue, Eaton county.
They were the parents of four children, Edwin being their last
born. Fannie, the wife of James Grinnell, lives at Bellevue. Augustus
died a number of years ago. Fred E. lives in Convis township. The
father was a Republican in his political faith and firmly adhered to
the principles of his party in all campaigns. He was recognized as a
man of force and ability and filled nearly all of the.offices in the gift
of the township in which he lived. His first purchase of a farm in
this county was a tract of forty acres of land, which he afterward
traded for a farm of 115 acres. Late in life, when he retired from
active work and after his wife passed away he moved to Bellevue, in
the adjoining county of Eaton, where, as has been stated, his long and
useful life ended.
The paternal grandfather, Theophilus Randall, was born in Ashburnham, Worcester county, Massachusetts, on September 10, 1791.
After reaching maturity he moved to the state of New York where
he passed the rest of his life, actively and successfully engaged in the
practice of his profession as a physician and surgeon, in which he attained considerable local celebrity. The grandfather on the mother's
side was George Deitrich, a Pennsylvanian by nativity, born on February 16, 1796, at Stroudsburg, Monroe county, in the great Keystone
state, and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Best, was born on
June 25, 1800, at Moorestown, Northampton county, in the same state.
Both died in Convis township, this county, the former on September
11, 1858, and the latter on May 22, 1879. They had thirteen children,
of whom their daughter Marie Anna, the mother of Mrs. Randall, was
the tenth in the order of birth.
Edwin A. Randall, like most other country boys in our history, obtained his education in the public schools. He began life for himself,
on a farm, working for his father until he attained his majority. He'
bought the farm  he now owns and cultivates in 1899. It comprises
160 acres, nearly all of which are under cultivation and highly productive. The tillage is progressive and skillful, and as the land is fertile
and responsive, the returns are good. On this land Mr. Randall carries
on general farming operations, and also raises and feeds live stock extensively for the markets.
On November, 14th, 1893, Mr. Randall was united in marriage with
Miss Rose Cooley, a daughter of Levi and Jane (Van Nocker) Cooley,
the former born in Genesee county, New York, in 1826, and the latter in
Newton township, this county, in 1836. The father died in 1881 and
the mother in 1900. They were farmers and the mother was a faithful member of the Baptist church. Nine children were born of their
union, six of whom are living, all but one of them residents of Calhoun
county. They are: Lyman, Charles, Elmer, Vera (the wife of Alonzo
Kellogg), Julia (the wife of William Walkinshaw), and Mrs. Randall.
Elmer lives in Eaton county.
Mr. and Mrs. Randall have five children, all of whom are still living at home with their parents.  They are:   Leah, Edna, Maynard,
Leslie and Robert. The parents are members of the Baptist church
and the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and the father is a firm adherent of the Democratic party in political relations. He is loyal to
his party in all its contests, and does good work for its candidates in




1034


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the campaigns, although he has never held or desired a political office
himself. His activity in this respect springs from his devotion to the
welfare of his locality and his desire to promote that in every way.
He believes that the public weal will be best secured by the supremacy
of the principles of the party to which he adheres. But he is an excellent citizen rather than an active partisan, and the people throughout the county hold him in high regard as such.
ELI WILSON FLAGG. The eminence of Battle Creek among the industrial centers of the middle west has been due to the presence here
of a group of men possessed of remarkable genius as manufacturers
and of fine capabilities as organizers and business, builders. Capital
has been less conspicuous in the net results than personal ability, and
it is with pride that the city regards its list of inventors and industrial
executives.
A high place of honor in this record belongs to Eli Wilson Flagg,
whose genius at mechanical contrivance and invention has contributed
some of the most important elements. to the splendid manufacturing
enterprise of the Nichols & Shepard Company, with which he has been
identified for forty years. Mr. Flagg has been a resident of Battle
Creek for nearly sixty-five years, is one of the oldest living citizens,
and has had a notable career.
He was born in the village of Mlassena, St. Lawrence county, New
York, November 2, 1838. He was the second in a family of eight children born to Barzillai and Sarah (Wilson) Flagg. Seven of the children grew up and five are living, Mr. Flagg being the oldest, and the
other four are: William H., Mrs Clara Morgan, of Nashville, Michigan; Elijah, a machinist with the Rumely Company 4 this city; and
Mrs. David M. Sherman, of this city. The two children now deceased
were Mrs. Elizabeth Detro and Clark Flagg, both of whom died in
Battle Creek. Clark Flagg served as a private for about three years
in the First Michigan Sharpshooters. The father of this family was
by trade a carpenter and millwright, and followed that occupation
after coming to Battle Creek until his death, which occurred April 16,
~1852. He was a native of Massachusetts, while his wife was born in
Canada, and they were married at Massena, New York. The mother
passed away in Battle Creek in February, 1884.
Eli Wilson Flagg was ten years old when, in 1848, the family came
to Battle Creek, and about three years later his father's death occurred.
He had attended the local schools and gained the rudiments of an education, but as the oldest son of the large family, and his mother being
in limited circumstances, he had to turn his efforts to practical use in
supporting the home. For.a time he worked as a farm hand, and during this experience he helped in making hay on the site now covered by
the Nichols & Shepard plant. At the age of fifteen he entered the employ of the woolen mills, and during the summer seasons continued in
this way for six years, at wages of from twelve to sixteen dollars a
month. During the winters he accepted any work that he could find.
In the year 1859 he first became connected with the Nichols &
Shepard factory, having entered as an apprentice to learn the mnachinists' trade. His first wages were seventy-five cents a day, which were
increased in 1862 to two dollars a day. He had the distinction of helping in the construction of the first thresher ever built by the Nichols &
Shepard Company. He left that firm in 1864 and began work for Brown
& Upton, the manufacturers of threshing machinery, and continued
with them until a few months before their plant was removed to Port
Huron in 1882. He then had charge of the machinery department of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1035


the Advance Thresher Company (now the Rumely works) until 1886,
and since that date has been continuously identified with the mechanical department of the great Nichols & Shepard Company. He is now
superintendent of the separator department, and has given invaluable
and original service to this company.
While Mr. Flagg is a practical mechanic and for many years has
supervised the work of large forces of men, his most distinctive achievements have been in the field of invention. In 1886 he perfected and
patented an improvement on the old form of vibrator, which he called
the New Flagg Vibrator. He sold the device to Nichols & Shepard,
and it was manufactured and used on all their machines from 1888 to
1901. This was only the first of many important inventions and improvements due to the genius of Mr. Flagg. In 1891 he patented a
separating grate and check plate which separates the straw from the
grain at the cylinder, and this improvement was first made and installed by the company in 1900. It is now familiarly known as the Red
River Special. The first machine thus equipped was sent out to Iowa,
and did such good work that it at once became a leading feature of
the Nichols & Shepard machinery, and has been regularly manufactured ever since. In 1902 the device was improved and the patent reissued, and a third patent covered a still later improvement in 1903.
These are the chief among the original accomplishments of this quiet
inventor in the field of applied mechanics.
Mlr. Flagg was married on November 12, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth
M. Jewell, daughter of John M. and Naomi (Cooper) Jewell. Mrs.
Flagg died on January 19, 1899, leaving two children, Ora May and
John Jewell Flagg. Ora May, who graduated from the Battle Creek
schools, is now the wife of Fred Wells, who was in the same class at
school. John Jewell Flagg died in October, 1899, when a young man
of twenty-four and just entering upon a career of usefulness. He
received his education in the high school and business college at Battle
Creek. At Mr. Flagg's second marriage, on February 6, 1900, Mrs.
Marian (Dwinell) Edmonds became his wife. Mrs. Flagg is a native
of Battle Creek and a member of one of the oldest and most prominent
pioneer families. Her parents were Henry L. and Calista (Warren)
Dwinell. Her father was born in Bennington, Vermont, and settled
at Battle Creek in 1831. His wife was born in Holly, New York, came
to Battle Creek with her parents, and was married here at the age of
seventeen. Mr. Dwinell was for a number of years engaged in farming near Wheatfield, but later moved to Eaton county, where his
daughter Mrs. Flagg was reared, and she attended school at Olivet.
While his business career has had sufficiency of solid accomplishment to be matter of pride and honor, Mr. Flagg has also been effectively
identified with the public affairs of his community. His first presidential vote was cast in the campaign where Stephen A. Douglas was
the candidate of the northern Democrats. He was an earnest follower
of Democratic principles until 1896, since which time he has been with
the Republican party. He has given six years of service in the office
of alderman, having been elected in 1882 from the first ward and serving three successive terms. Hon. Edwin C. Nichols was mayor of the
city during that period. From 1862 to 1882 he had been an active member of the old volunteer fire department, and when he became a member of the city council he took much interest in improving the efficiency of the department. During his second term he was chairman
of the fire department committee, and also served on the water works
committee. In 1903 he was made a member of the police commission,
and was police commissioner under Mayor Fred Webb one year, under




1036


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mayor Frank Clapp one year, and under Mayor George Barnes two
years.
Until recently Mr. Flagg took an active part in fraternal matters.
He joined Battle Creek Lodge No. 29 of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows in 1867, and besides filling all the chairs of the lodge he
was representative to the grand lodge at Saginaw in 1876, at which
time he was made deputy grand master. In 1878 he became a charter
member of Security Lodge No. 49 of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and filled all the offices and was a member of the grand lodge
in Detroit. He has since dropped his membership in both these orders.
Now in the seventy-fourth year of his life, Mr. Flagg has spent an
unusually long and serviceable career. He has made definite and valuable contributions to the great field of mechanical industry which has
revolutionized the material civilization of the last century. As a citizen
he has been a worthy and public-spirited factor, and among family,
friends and associates enjoys the esteem paid to a singularly upright
and honorable character.
ARTHUR E..CARUS. Like many millions of other boys in this country
who make up the bone and sinew of our population and on whom its
present safety and future prospects for advancement rest, to say nothing of all its past of glorious history, Arthur E. Carus of Pennfield township, this county, was reared on a farm and obtained his education in
the district schools. And like hosts of others, while in the formative
period of his history he tried his hand at other occupations before settling
down to his life work on the farm. To carry the comparison farther, he
at last found his place in the industrial life of the land, and in that he
has made a complete and gratifying success.
Mr. Carus is a native of Michigan, born in Portland, Northampton
county, on September 4, 1882, and a son of Jerome W. and Mary (Bullard) Carus, the former a native of the state of New York, where his
life began in 1838, and the latter of the same state, where she came into
being ten years later. The father came to Pennfield township, Calhoun
county, Michigan, in 1882, and after his arrival in this part of the country served as principal of schools at Bellevue one year. He was well
qualified for the office, as he had taught school for a number of years in
his native state.
But the rich and fruitful land of Michigan awakened his desire for
a different occupation and he became a farmer, purchasing what he
transformed into a fine farm in Pennfield township, on which he
remained until his death in 1894. He was very successful, and at the
time of his death owned 100 acres of first-rate land, improved with good
buildings and in an advanced state of productiveness, and ranking
high in value. He was well and favorably known all over the county,
and by his worth as a man, his progressiveness as a citizen and his
general usefulness in regard to public improvements and the enduring
welfare of his locality, he won the lasting esteem of all classes of its
residents.
He and his wife were the parents of six children, four of whom are
yet living, Arthur E. being the last born of the family. The children
living in addition to him are: Charles, who is a resident of California;
Jennie, who married William Boyd and is now a resident of Cleveland,
Ohio; and Glenn, who lives in Battle Creek. The father was an independent Republican in politics, but he filled, from time to time, nearly
every township office. He studied law with a view to practicing the
profession, but gave up his design in this direction and devoted himself to farming instead. He and his wife belonged to the Baptist church,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1037


of which the mother, who is still living, and has her home in Battle
Creek, is yet a devout and consistent member, faithful to all her church
duties and taking a great interest in the affairs of the congregation to
which she belongs.
He was a son of Weaver Carus, who passed the whole of his life in the
state of New York. The maternal grandfather was Edward Bullard,
also a New Yorker by nativity, who never lived in any other than his
native state. Both were men of prominence and influence in the places
of their residence and helped to give trend and direction to the public
affairs where they lived and left their impress on the local institutions
which grew up and flourished in those places.
Arthur E. Carus, after leaving the district school in which he laid
the foundation of his education, attended, for a short time, a school of
more advanced grade in Battle Creek. He worked for a time on his
father's farm after leaving school, then for two years in Toledo, Ohio,
and one in Battle Creek, at bakery work. He also passed one year in
Fargo, North Dakota, but since then all his time has been spent on the
farm in useful and profitable labor, fruitful for himself and beneficial
to the community.
In 1896 he bought a farm of forty acres, which he still owns, and
he has since purchased an additional tract of forty acres more. His land
is nearly all tillable and under cultivation, and every acre is made to
yield good returns for the labor and skill bestowed upon it. The dwelling
house on the land needed enlargement and Mr. Carus made an important
addition to it. The farm needed many improvements, and he has made
them. In every way he has shown his public spirit and progressiveness,
and by so doing has a.ugmented and strengthened the large hold he has
on the confidence and esteem of the people among whom he lives and
labors.
On March 6, 1906, he was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Van
Nocker, a daughter of Andrew Van Nocker, Jr., whose history is given
at some length in a sketch of George Whitbeck to be found elsewhere in
this volume. One child has been born of the union, a son named Ovid,
who is now (1912) five years old. The mother is a. member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the father takes an active part in the fraternal life of the community as a member of the Modern Samaritans.
In political affairs he is independent. In all parts of 'Calhoun county he
is well and favorably known and held in high esteem and good will.
JOHN PAXTON. Struggling forward from his youth in gloom and
through difficulties toward success'in life and determined to win it;
confronting all the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" with a
resolute heart and an unyielding spirit; making steady progress by
industry, frugality and good management, and now established in
worldly comfort and public esteem, John Paxton, one of the enterprising
and progressive farmers of Convis township, is a product of native firmness of purpose, self-knowledge and self-reliance, and diligence and
good judgment in the use of these qualities and the opportunities they
brought him.
Mr. Paxton's life began in Marshall township, Calhoun county, on
March 27, 1845. His parents, William and Susan (Neilson) Paxton,
were natives of Scotland, whence the father came to this country about
the year 1833. He was born on May 14, 1810, and the mother on May
9, 1818. They were married in the United States on July 4, 1836, and
became the parents of nine children, of whom four of the sons are living,
John being the fifth child born in the family, and he and all the others




.. 1038


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


being born in the same house, which is still standing in Marshall, this
county.
Of the deceased children, one was Robert H., who was killed in the
battle of Murfreesborough during the Civil war. James, who was born
in 1842, now lives in California. Charles, whose life began on October
27, 1851, is a resident of Nebraska, and William Neilson, whose time of
birth was July 27, 1854, has his home in the state of Washington.
The father came to Marshall in 1836, the year of his marriage, to build
the Marshall House. He was a good carpenter and builder, and found
all the work he could do in this part of the country during the remainder
of his life. And he made all his efforts tell to his advantage, accumulating a comfortable estate and rising to a position of general esteem among
the people. His political affiliation was with the Republican party, and
he and the mother were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He died in February 28, 1875, and she on May 1, 1897.
The paternal grandparents passed the whole of their lives in Scotland, as did generations of their ancestors, the families being domesticated
in that country for a. very long period. The grandfather on the mother's
side,           Neilson, however, came to the United States and passed
the greater part of his remaining years in this state, dying in Pontiac,
Oakland county. All were sturdy people in their activity and stability
and sterling in their character and fidelity to duty.
John Paxton obtained a common school education in Marshall and
began life for himself as a farmer soon after leaving school. He struggled along with slow progress at first, saving his earnings and looking
forward to the time when he could own a farm of his own. This did not
come until 1892, when he bought a tract of eighty 'acres of land, for
which he put himself in debt $500. He is now out of debt and has his
farm well improved and highly cultivated, and he owns other property
in addition. On this farm he erected the dwelling house and out buildings, and made all the other improvements, and he has transformed a
wholly unimproved tract of land into a fine country home devoted to
general farming.
Mr. Paxton has been married four times. His first matrimonial union
was in 1882, and with Mrs. Matilda Labteaux, a daughter of Edward
Shumway Labteaux, one of the early settlers in Eaton county and an
educator of note. She died in 1884, and in 1892 occurred his second marriage, which united him with Miss Louise L. Phine. Her demise took
place in 1897. One year later he married Mrs. Eliza Arnold as his
third wife, who abode with him until 1910, then she too passed away.
His latest venture in the field of wedlock united him with Mrs. Ella
Commings on April 10, 1911. She is a Christian Scientist, and one of
the devout and ardent champions of the sect and its claims and teachings according to its most advanced beliefs.
Mr. Paxton 's political faith and allegiance are given zealously to
the Republican party, and he is always true to its principles and candidates. He is practically a self-made man in the most acceptable sense
of the expression, and knowing his own struggles he is sympathetic with
those of other men in the same straits. He has also learned from his own
experience the value of industry, foresight and the exercise of judgment,
and he applies these forces to all matters of public improvement and
all undertakings for the promotion of the good of his locality and the
welfare of its residents. They, one and all, look upon him as an upright
and capable man of genuine worth and a citizen of great usefulness, and
give him their cordial respect in accordance with this estimate.
WILLIAM R. HOFFMAN. From the beginning of the postal service the
representative men of each community have been chosen to fill the im



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1039


portant office of postmaster, it being necessary for them to be men of
strict honesty, reliability and solidity, as so much responsibility rests
in their hands. William R. Hoffman, postmaster at Eckford, Michigan,
is one of the most popular officials in the state, and is discharging his
duties in a way that awakens admiration and commendation on every
side. Mr. Hoffman was born in Eckford township, Calhoun county,
November 7, 1877, and is a son of George and Clara (Rapsher) Hoffman, natives of New York, where the father was born in 1851 and the
mother two years later. They were married in Eckford township in 1874,
and had a family of six children, all of whom are still living: Walter,
of Clarendon township; William R.; Solon, of Clarendon; Olive, who
married R. E. Pemberton, of Spokane, Washington; and George and Roy,
residents of Clarendon. George Hoffman was brought as a lad to Eckford township by his parents, Henry and Mary Hoffman, who were born
and married in Germany, and who spent their last years in agricultural
pursuits in Eckford township, Mr. Hoffman owning a farm of eighty
acres. His death occurred in 1900 and that of his wife several years
earlier. In young manhood, George Hoffman chose carpentering as his
life work, and this he had continued to follow throughout his career until
1906, at which time he devoted himself to farming in Clarendon township, where he now owns a valuable tract of 200 acres. Mrs. Hoffman
passed away in 1911, in the faith of the Baptist church, of which she
was a devoted member. Her husband is a Democrat in political matters,
and while a resident of Eckford township served one term as treasurer.
The early education of William R. Hoffman was secured in the public
schools of Eckford, and his first employment was in a grocery store in
that city, where he acted as a clerk. He subsequently held a' like position in a store in Albion for two years, and spent four years in the establishment of Mr. McConnell, in Homer, in which city he embarked in
business for himself as a grocer and remained two years, meeting with a
fair measure of success. In 1909 Mr. Hoffman came to Eckford and
opened a general store and through industry and progressive methods
has succeeded in building up an excellent business. He carries a full
line of up-to-date goods, shows good judgment in their display, and
through fair dealing and a desire to be courteous to his customers, has
won a wide-spread popularity. In February, 1909, he was appointed
postmaster of Eckford, a fourth-class office, and still acts in that capacity.
On January 15, 1903, Mr. Hoffman was married to Miss Mary Hanna,
daughter of Frank and Mary Hanna, residents of Homer, the former a
retired railroad man. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have one daughter, Rena,
a student in the Eckford schools.
DEL A. SHAFFER. After considerable experience as to vocations and
locations Del A. Shaffer chose farming as his permanent line of endeavor and Calhoun county as the place, and both he and the county
have profited by his decision. Like a remarkable number of his fellow
citizens he claims New York as the state of his nativity. Born April 4.
1844 in Orleans, then Niagara, county of the Old Empire state, he
there grew  to manhood and acquired his education in the district
schools of his locality and in Yates Academy, Yates, New York. After
coming to Michigan he also took a business course at Mayhew's
Business College, Albion, Michiaan. The second year after leaving New
York he spent as a teller in a bank at Janesville, Wisconsin, returning
after that to Michigan. where for nine vears he taught school during
the winters atd worked on his father's farm during the summers. At
Vol. II-2 8




1040           HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
the age of twenty-seven he took up telegraphy and was stationed at
Michigan Center, Mich., but as he did not like the work he continued but
two years and then returned to the farm. About this time, or at the
age of twenty-nine, he was united in marriage to Sarah Robertson, whose
parents, Theodore and Christina (Houtz) Robertson, had come to Miehigan in the '50s and had located first in Branch county but about 1860
had removed to Calhoun county, where both passed to rest. Mr. and
Mrs. Shaffer began life together on a rented farm and continued thus
until 1880 when Mr. Shaffer purchased 320 acres in Kansas, on which
they resided four years. Not liking their location, however, they then
returned to Michigan but continued to hold their Kansas property for
ten years afterward. After working the farm on which he now resides for
five years he bought it of his father-in-law and has since made it his
home. Besides this property he also owns 160 acres in Sheridan and
Eckford townships. In politics he is independent, reserving to himself
the right to judge of men and issues and to cast his ballot in accord with
his convictions. While he has no political aspirations, he has been chosen
for office nevertheless and has served as a justice of the peace and is now
a member of the' Calhoun county board of reviews.
Mr. Shaffer is a son of John Shaffer, born in New York, who died
in 1892. His mother's maiden name was Susan M. Kenyon and she also
was a native of New York, born in Kenyonville, Orleans county, which
town was founded by one of her ancestors. The parents were married in
New York and resided there until 1863, when they removed to Parma
township, Jackson county, Michigan, where they had 120 acres of land
and where they remained five years. This was not their first experience
in Michigan, however, for they had come to Oakland county of this
state in 1841 but remained only one year before returning to New York.
They suffered considerably from ague on this first sojourn. From
Jackson county they removed to Albion township, Calhoun county, where
the father purchased 162 acres, which he held five years and then exchanged for a farm of eighty acres adjoining the one on which our subject
now resides. Later he removed to Eckford township and from thlence to
Branch county, Michigan, where he died. He was quite successful in a
financial way and became a man of competence. To John and Susan M.
(Kenyon) Shaffer were born eleven children, of whom Del A. was
second in order of birth and is one of six now living (1912). John
Shaffer was first a Whig and later a Republican in politics and while
he took a keen interest in his party's affairs he never entered actively
into party work or sought official preferment. Quiet in disposition and
unassuming in manner, he found his greatest pleasure in his home circle
and in his business operations. In each of his locations he became well
known and respected as an honest and upright man. Both he and his
wife were communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. and Mrs. Del A. Shaffer have three children living, their eldest,
son, George E., halving died in his sixth year. Their eldest daughter,
Susie E., is the wife of Frederick E. Clark, of Eckford township; Lillie
married Emil Oderkirk, a teacher in a business college at Aberdeen,
South Dakota; and Clara Belle, the youngest daughter, is at home with
her parents.
I. N. MOORE. One of the men who by originative and inventive genius
and by business ability have laid the permanent foundation of Battle
Creek's important manufacturing and industrial enterprise is Mr. I. N.
Moore, the vice president of the Union Steam Pump Company and prominent in other lines of business in the city.
Mr. Moore, who has spent most of his life in this county, was born


I




"""'/"








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1041


in Chester county, Pennsylvania, twenty-eight miles from Philadelphia,
December 23, 1850. The family have been well known residents or tins
county for about half a century. His parents were George W. and
Lavinia P. (Newbre) Moore. His father died on the old homestead in
Emmett township, Calhoun county. The mother, who was a daughter
of Ila and Irine (Gibson) Newbre, pioneers of this part of Michigan,
still lives on the old home farm in Emmett township and is now eightythree years of age. The Newbre family came west from Genesee county,
New York, and made the journey from Detroit to Sandstone in Jackson
county by stage, and their first crop of wheat was hauled in wagon clear
to Detroit market. George W. Moore, the father, was a carpenter by
trade, which he followed during his residence in Pennsylvania, but was
always a farmer in this county. Of the six children, all but the subject
of this article were born in Emmett township, and all are still living:J. W. lives on the home farm in Emmett township; Gainer P. is a resident of North Dakota; Mrs. Nellie Woodward has her home in Battle
Creek; Charles Elmer lives at Darington, Washington, and Owen in
New Mexico.
When I. N. Moore was sixteen years old he got his first introduction to the responsible duties of life by farming the old home place in
Emmett township for one season, during which time his father was
assisting an uncle in the building of a barn. His early education was
obtained in the Spaulding neighborhood of Emmett township, and he
early manifested a strong taste and genius for things mechanical. An
uncle who lived in Ohio had a machine shop, and there during one year
he got the rudiments of the trade. Returning home he finished his
apprenticeship with Merritt & Kellogg, in the old Nichols & Shepard
shops. Merritt & Kellogg built a traction engine before the large corporation took up the manufacture of that class of machinery.
On finishing his apprentice term, he spent a year at Saginaw with
the Wicks Brothers, manufacturers of sawmill machinery.  He then
became identified with Mr. Burnham of Battle Creek in the factory
which has since become the American Steam Pump Company. While
there an Adventist named Tripp was having a knitting machine made
in the shop, and Mr. Moore was assigned to the work. It was a machine
too complicated for its small capacity, as he soon saw, and he soon
designed a machine of his own which was a great improvement. This
invention was the beginning of his independent career, and in association with James Gridley and Eugene Steward he founded the Waupakisco Knitting Company, which had a very successful career for some
years. The late William Andrus was president of the company and
Warren Noble its secretary and treasurer. They made a specialty of
striped mittens, an imitation of hand knit, with two colors of thread.
Alonzo Noble, father of Warren, built a factory for them on South
Jefferson avenue, and the site is now occupied by part of the plant of
the Union Steam Pump Company. After about four years what were
known as the "full mittens" came in and made the further manufacture
of the striped mittens unprofitable.
During the next three years Mr. Moore had charge of the knitting
machinery for the Pembroke Knitting Company, on Champion street,
and then engaged with the old Battle Creek Machine Company, now
the American Steam Pump Company. While working there he invented
the Moore Steam Pump, which is now one of the principle outputs of the
Union Steam Pump Company and is used extensively on traction and
threshing engines. After he had perfected his design of this pump, he
induced Emery Upton to build a few of them in the little job machine
shop that he then had here. Having demonstrated the success of the




1042


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


pump, he turned the patent over to the Union Manufacturing Company
(now the Union Steam Pump Company), and in exchange took stock
and has since been identified with this successful manufacturing concern. This company manufactures both the Burnham and Moore Steam
pumps, air compressors, condensers and power pumps. The present
officers of the company are:-C. E. Kolb, president; I. N. Moore, vice
president; C. W. Brainard, secretary and treasurer; and John Heyser,
general superintendent.
Mr. Moore has also taken out a patent on a steam valve used on the
Burnham pumps, and now manufactured by this company, these valves
being of larger size than those used on the Moore pump. When Mr.
Frost perfected the pump which the Union Manufacturing Company
undertook to make, the company was enjoined from using the Frost
valve by parties who claimed an infringement on the Marsh steam valve.
Within twenty-four hours after the decision, Mr. Moore had perfected
a valve which was superior to the other in every way, and which received
the name of the Union steam valve. In all, Mr. Moore has taken about
ten different patents, in connection with knitting machinery valves and
other improvements.
Mr. Moore was one of the organizers and founders of the Advance
Pump & Compressor Company of this city, and is now vice president of
the company. His valve is also used in the Duplex pump made by this
company. He is also a stockholder in the Old National Bank. He is Republican in politics, belongs to the Athelstan Club, the leading business
and social organization of the city, and is president of the board of
trustees of the Maple Street M. E. church.
The residence of the Moore family is at 28 Garrison avenue. Mr.
Moore 's first wife was Miss Amelia Root. Her father, Alonzo Root, of
Newton township, was one of the early settlers in this county and helped
in the construction of the Michigan Central Railroad between here and
Detroit. Her death occurred in Battle Creek, and her three children,
who were born and educated in Battle Creek, are Mrs. C. H. Murry, of
Hammond, Indiana, and Earnest and George, of Los Angeles, California.
In Battle Creek Mr. Moore married second Miss Clara Johnson.
Mrs. Moore is a native of Pennsylvania, but was reared and educated
near Hastings, Barry county, this state. They are the parents of five
children, namely: Hazel, who is now Mrs. Henry Edwards, of Los
Angeles; Avis, Rhue, Raymond and Irma, all at home. They were all
born in this city and attended the local schools.
RAY H. COOK. Calhoun county is fortunate in that it numbers among
its most progressive and energetic men those who are yet in the very prime
of vigorous manhood, for from them much can be expected. Those of
the younger generation, profiting by the experience of those who have
gone before them, and thus being able to avoid the mistakes which have
frequently been made, are constantly adding to the county's prestige in
the various vocations, but this is probably more apparent in agricultural
work, in which such great advances have been made during the last few
years. Prominent among the farmers of Eckford township stands Ray
H. Cook, who in addition to cultivating his own tract of land is managing
the large farm of his mother, and who is recognized as one of the most
able and progressive young agriculturists of this section. Mr. Cook was
born April 7, 1889, at Petersburg, Michigan, and is the adopted son of
Theodore Cook. The latter was born March 8, 1839, on the property on
which Ray H. Cook is now carrying on operations. a son of Henry Cook.
one of the earliest settlers of Calhoun county. Theodore Cook was educated in the district schools of Calhoun county, and at the age of twenty




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1043


years began to follow the vocation of farming, carrying on general
farming, but giving special attention to the raising of wheat and to wool
growing. He died March 12, 1896, in the faith of the Baptist church,
of which he had been a life-long member. In political matters he was a
Republican, and at one time served Eckford township as treasurer. In
1873 he was married to Miss Julia Hafer, of St. Joseph county, Michigan.
Ray HI. Cook was adopted into the home of Theodore Cook when he
was five days old, and was given excellent educational advantages, attending the district schools, the high school at Homer, Michigan, and a
business college at Battle Creek, Michigan. On completing his course
at the latter institution, he returned to the farm, and in 1908 took charge
of the operations thereon, superintending them until the estate was
settled in 1910. At the present time he owns eighty acres of his own,
and also manages the farm of his mother, a tract of 187 acres which is
one of the finest properties of its size in the county. In addition to
carrying on general farming, Mr. Cook specializes in stock raising,
buying and fattening from one to two carloads of cattle and sheep for
the market yearly and giving special attention to Chester White hogs.
At this time he contemplates entering the business of poultry raising.
I-e is the most progressive of farmers and an excellent business man,
holds the full confidence of the community, and may take a pardonable
pride in what he has accomplished in so short a space of time.
In 1909 Mr. Cook was married to Iva A. Shultz, daughter of Jasper
and Roby (Thompkins) Shultz, for many years prominent farming people of Eckford township, and now residents of Battle Creek. Two
children have been born to this union: Theodore Warren and Clinton
Clifford. In his political views Mr. Cook is a Democrat, while his fraternal connection is the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Maceabees and the Modern Woodmen of America, all of Homer.
WILLIAMI KIDNEY has spent the most of his life in Fredonia and other
nearby townships, although he was born in London, Ontario, Canada, on
September 15, 1843. HIe is the son of James and Jane (Sutton) Kidney.
The father was born in Conquest, New York, in 1813, January 8th being
his natal day, and the mother in Chatters, England, in 1819. She came
to America with her parents when she was but fourteen years of age,
and with them settled in New York, later removing to Pennsylvania.
In the year 1832 Mr. Kidney came to Michigan for the first time. He
was unaccompanied by friends or family, and after looking about for a
time, settled in Eckford township, and for several years he worked about
the mill at Marshall, and it was not until 1854 that he bought the fine
farm which later represented his home and which is now the property
of William Kidney of this review. In 1840 James Kidney married Jane
Sutton, and to them five children were born, William being the second
born. After his marriage he moved to Canada and located in London,
Ontario, where he became interested in the window blind business and
was thus engaged for a number of years. He was in earlier life allied
with the Democratic party, but later embraced Republican principles
and was active in behalf of the party until he died in 1884. His religious belief was that of the Friends. The wife and mother died in
1872.
William Kidney as a boy at home attended the district schools of
Fredonia and of Marshall until he was about eighteen years old, helping
with the regular farm work between seasons. At that age he enlisted in
the Union army, as a member of Company M of the second Michigan
Cavalry, serving about four years. He saw much active service in that
time and gave gallant aid to the cause of the Union. He was at Gettys



1044


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


burg, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth and Murphysboro. He was with General Sherman for the most part, then with General Thomas, and was
twice wounded in action. After the war he went to Nevada, the spirit
of adventure not yet wholly subdued, and there he followed mining,an occupation in which he was especially fortunate. In 1868 he returned
to Michigan and located on a farm adjoining the old homestead. He
later bought thirty-five akcres, and still later bought his father's farm of
one hundred and fifteen acres.
In 1870 Mr. Kidney married Miss Eliza M. Fox, the daughter of
Daniel M. Fox of Fredonia, a prominent farmer and early settler of
this section of the country, who located here in about 1855. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kidney,-Alma, now Mrs. Charles Katz,
and Annie E., the wife of Clarence E. Miller of Eckford township.
Mr. Kidney is recognized for one of the leading citizens of his township, in which he has always taken a prominent part with relation to the
administration of municipal affairs. He has held various offices, calculated to evidence the confidence which his fellow townsmen place in
him, and has been township treasurer for one year, as well as justice of
the peace. He is prominent fraternally, holding membership in St.
Alban's Lodge No. 20 at Marshall in the Masonic Order, and being a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Marshall.
WILLIAM C. KATZ, SR., a prominent cement contractor of Marshall,
Michigan, and a leader in that business in the county, has been identified
with the cement business in an active way since 1902. He has learned
the business from beginning to end, and is known for one of the competent and capable cement contractors of the county.
Mr. Katz was born in Fredonia township, Calhoun county, in November 21, 1864, and has passed his life thus far within the confines of
his native state. He is the son of William and Caroline (Marshall) Katz.
The father died in 1866. The mother, born in Germany, died April 3,
1911.
Their son, William C., Sr., acquired his education in the public schools
of Marshall. After finishing with his high school course he learned the
trade of a cooper and followed the business for several years. In 1902
he first became connected with the cement business, and after learning
well the art of successfully mixing and blending the materials, he engaged in cement contracting, in which business he has continued since
that time, doing a thriving business in season. He now employs a large
force of men, and commands a good share of the cement business which
is annually let in Marshall. He is a heavy purchaser of the materials
used in his work and purchased his supplies by the car load, thus securing bottom prices. He procures his cement from Lansing and Chicago,
as well as such other materials as he has use for in the business. In
addition to the building of walks, curbs, foundations, etc., he also manufactures cement blocks for use in building, and his work may be found
on every street in Marshall, where he has a reputation not alone for performing well-appearing work, but work of the greatest permanency and
durability.
On December 23, 1886, Mr. Katz married Miss Anna D. Wackenhut,
a native daughter of Michigan, her parents being pioneer settlers of the
state. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Katz: John F.,
William C., Jr., who is associated with his father in the cement business;
Ernest C., Irwin F., Arthur G. and Viola May.
Mr. Katz is a member of the Maccabees, also of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows No. 5, and the Knights of Pythias. The family home is




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1045


maintained at No. 938 South Marshall avenue, and is a large residence,
in every way suited to the needs of the household.
OSCAR J. FREDENBURG. For more than forty years located on the
same farm and conducting its operations, during half of the period for
another man and the remainder for himself; keeping up to date with the
science of agriculture and making his enterprise in this respect pay him
well; standing high in the councils of his political party, with influence
in its management and an undisputed force in local public affairs,
whether political or otherwise; and chosen to one official position of importance and responsibility after another, Oscar J. Fredenburg, one of
the leading farmers and most esteemed citizens of Pennfield township,
Calhoun county, Michigan, presents in his career a fine illustration of the
value of thrift, enterprise and sterling manhood in this country, in spite
of all the madness of our politics, the diversity of our interests, and our
sometimes intense sectional pride.
Mr. Fredenburg was born far from the region of his present home,
his life having begun in Columbia county, New York, on November 1,
1849. He is a son of James P. and Paulina (Ashley) Fredenburg, the
former born in Vermont on July 4, 1824, and the latter in the state of
New York on July 1, 1827. The father was educated in the state of New
York, whither he went as a boy. He was a millwright, and after working
at his trade in New York a number of years, came to Michigan in 1854,
bringing his family with him.
In turning his steps in the direction of the setting sun he looked for
larger opportunities for himself and a better future for his family than
the old states of the east seemed to offer, and he was not mistaken in his
judgment of the situation. On his arrival in this state he found his
services as a millwright in great demand to harness the enormous water
power of this great, although then undeveloped region for the service of
the fast coming hosts of civilization and empire. And as the country
around him developed the chances for advancement for the next generation constantly improved and were quickened into larger proportions.
The father worked at his trade for one man twenty-eight years. He
bought a farm in this state but never found time to cultivate it, although
he lived to the age of seventy-eight, dying in 1902. The mother passed
away in 1900. They were the parents of four children of whom Oscar
J. was the second born and is the only one living except his sister Jennie,
the wife of Charles Fonda, whose home is in California. Julia, the first
child, and Libia, the fourth, have died. The father was first a Whig
in politics and afterward a Republican, and his religious connection was
with the Society of Friends, commonly called Quakers. The mother belonged to the Congregational church, and was a consistent member of it.
The paternal grandparents were Peter and Sarah (Powell) Fredenburg, who passed all of their years as farmers in New York state. The
maternal grandfather was Alden Ashley, who was also a New York
farmer. After many years of profitable industry he died in his native
state on a tract of land granted to his father by the king of England,
then and afterward known as Ashley Hill, and conspicuous in the history of its locality in peace and war, while the oboriginal Red Man
was still roaming and dwelling around it, and later, when the "Red Men"
of Great Britain were fighting to retain their hold on their abused and
insulted colonies on this side of the Atlantic.
Oscar J. Fredenburg was but five years old when his parents brought
him to Michigan and Calhoun county. He was educated in the schools
of Battle Creek in part. He also attended a school in Poughkeepsie, New
York. During a portion of his attendance at school he worked in a drug
store, and he also worked three years for a water wheel company.




1046


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


On May 24, 1871, Mr. Fredenburg was united in marriage with Miss
Olive A. Bordine, a daughter of Samuel W. and Mercy Ann (Van
Ness) Bordine, the former born in Orleans county, New York, in 1811,
and the latter born in the same state in 1817. They came to Michigan in
1844, and here the father bought a farm of 200 acres in Pennfield township, this county, on which he died on March 24, 1882, and the mother
in 1902. They had five children, three of whom are now living, Mrs.
Fredenburg having been the last born of the five, and the last one left at
home with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Fredenburg have seven children: Mertie A., who is the
wife of A. C. Miller; Clara, who married Bert Ellis; Maggie, the wife of
Calvin Shanzenbaker; James H.; Samuel W.; Charles A., and Laverne
A. The two last named are still at home with their parents. Mr. and
Mrs. Ellis own and live on a fine farm in Pennfield township, and all the
rest are residents of Battle Creek, where they stand high in public
esteem and are prominent in desirable social circles.
Mr. Fredenburg has taken a prominent part in the fraternal life of
the community as a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and in the
political affairs of his township and county as a Republican. He has
served as treasurer of Pennfield township and on its board of review, and
is now its highway commissioner. He is very influential in his party, and
has represented his county in many of its county, state and congressional conventions. He is prosperous in his business, doing general
farming and handling live stock extensively. The farm he lives on is the
one that formerly belonged to his father-in-law. He farmed it for twenty
years after his marriage for that gentleman, and at his death carme into
possession of it. He began his work on it in 1871, and has resided on it
continuously ever since. It is well improved and has great value as a
farm and attractiveness as a rural home.
GEORGE J. GENEBACH. One of the most prominent and progressive
men of Battle Creek is George J. Genebach, correspondent with the
Nichols & Shepard Company, his intimate connection with which during
the past several years has made him an influential factor in its development and prosperity. 'Prominent alike in social, public and business
affairs, with versatile talents and abilities, he is a citizen at once prominent and useful, filling with credit to himself and with satisfaction to
others the multiform duties and obligations imposed upon those whom
talent and industry have placed in positions of responsibility and trust.
George J. Genebach was born in Brooklyn, Jackson county, Michigan,
June 29, 1874, and is a son of Charles F. and Barbara (Stocker) Genebach. His father is identified with real estate interests of Brooklyn,
where he and his wife still reside.
The early education of George J. Genebach was secured in the public
schools, and subsequently he took a course in Cleary Business College,
Ypsilanti, where he was graduated in 1891, this being supplemented by
attendance at the State Normal College, where he took a special course.
In 1892 he matriculated in the law department of the University of
Michigan, and was graduated in June, 1894, having been previously admitted to the bar. He had early formulated plans, and thus his preliminary training had tended toward a business and law education,
while it might be noted that he was the youngest member of a class of
two hundred and seventy students. While a student in college he took
a great interest in athletic sports and was a member of the track team.
Immediately after his graduation he established himself in the practice
of his profession in Jackson, where his energy and ability soon gained




/


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY                       1.047
him recognition. On January 1, 1895, he entered into a co-partnership
with Elmer Kirkby, who had just retired from the office of prosecuting
attorney, although at the expiration of one year the partnership was
dissolved. In February, 1898, Mr. Genebach was tendered the position
of deputy county clerk, of which he remained the incumbent until July
1, 1900, when he resigned to enter upon his duties as justice of the peace,
having been elected to that position during the preceding spring. His
personal popularity was clearly indicated in this election, since he received a majority of three hundred and seventy-three votes, while the
head of the ticket upon which his name appeared was defeated by more
than four hundred votes. Mr. Genebach entered upon the discharge of
his official duties on July 4, 1900, and during the administration which
followed his rulings were in accord with justice and free from partiality,
meeting the approval of superior courts wherever reviewed. On the
completion of his service in the office of justice of the peace Mr.. Genebach became connected with the International Harvester Company, in
their Jackson office, as assistant to the manager, and acted in that capacity from 1904 to October, 1907. On October 7th of the latter year he
came to Battle Creek and became connected with Nichols & Shepard
Company, as correspondent, a position which he still holds. He is also
connected with the United Steel and Wire Company, formerly the Battle
Creek Oven Rack Company, which was organized in Battle Creek, in
February, 1909, by Mr. Genebach. In April, 1912, this became the United
States Steel and Wire Company, of which he is now secretary and
manager, and to which he gives a part of his time, and during the year
1912 a new factory was erected in Battle Creek, at the corner of
Burchard street and Fonda avenue.
In politics Mr. Genebach is a stanch supporter of the principles of
the Republican party. For three years he was a member of the National
Guard of Michigan, and while residing in Jackson belonged to the following fraternal organizations: Independent Order of Foresters, which
he joined in January, 1897; Elks, which he joined in July, 1898; Maccabecs, with which he became connected in February, 1900, and Jackson
Lodge, F. & A. M., with which he affiliated in September, 1901. He was
also a member of the Jackson City Club, held the office of vice chief
ranger of the Foresters, was later elected chief ranger, a position which
he held for three years, and in February, 1901, was made high chancellor
of the high court of this order for the western jurisdiction of Michigan.
At the present time he belongs to Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, F. & A.
M., Battle Creek Lodge No. 131, B. P. 0. E., and the Country and
Athelstan Clubs of Battle Creek. With his family, Mr. Genebach attends
the Baptist church, and the comfortable modern family home is situated
at No. 7, North Jay street.
Mr. Genebach was married November 18, 1896, in the city of Jackson,
Michigan, to Miss Ida B. Stevens, who was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Henry C. Stevens, who was formerly one of the leading oil operators of the Keystone state, and is now a resident of Jackson.
Mr. and Mrs. Genebach have had two children: Carleton Grey, who
was born September 16, 1897; and Lowell Burke, born October 13,
1898, both of whom are attending the Battle Creek schools.
HENRY CLARENCE HUGGETT. Enterprising, progressive and studious
as a farmer, live stock man and manager of an extensive and active
dairy business, and universally admired for his energy, ability and
intelligence in each of his lines of endeavor; wide awake, alert and zealous
in regard to the progress and development of the locality of his home and
the welfare of all its residents, and held in high esteem on this account




1048


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


as a citizen; and straightforward and upright in all his daily walk and
conduct as a man, Henry Clarence Huggett of Convis township, Calhoun
county, holds a high rank among the people of this part of Michigan,
and whatever he is, he is wholly a product of this region, and representative of all that is best in its citizenship.
Mr. Huggett was born in Convis township on November 25, 1867,
and is a son of Jesse and Fannie (Calendar) Huggett, the former born
in England in 1832 and the latter in Calhoun county, Michigan, in
1840. They were married in 1856, and became the parents of six children, five of whom are living, Henry C. being next to the youngest of
them. The father came to the United States with his parents, Thomas
and Mary Ann (Wickham) Huggett about 1834. The family history is
given at some length in a sketch of Jesse's brother, James, elsewhere in
this volume.
Jesse Huggett attained his manhood in the state of New York, and
then moved to this county and located on the farm of 160 acres in Convis
township which he still owns and lives on. He is now eighty years of
age, but still leads an active life, not much bent or worn by his burden
of years. This year (1912) he planted an acre of his land in potatoes
all alone, and has done plenty of other work on his farm. The mother is
also still living, and she too is hale and vigorous. In political relations he is a Republican, and has always taken a warm, practical and
helpful interest in the public affairs of his township and county. He
served as township treasurer at one time, and afterward on the board
of review and in several other local offices from time to time in the past,
but for many years he has neither had nor desired any part in official
life.
Henry C. Huggett's education was obtained in the district schools
of Convis township, and after leaving school he began farming in association with his father. At the age of twenty-seven he bought eighty
acres of his present faEm to start on, and he has since bought eighty
more, owning now 160 acres, nearly all under cultivation and highly
productive. The rest of the farm is valuable woodland. Mr. Huggett
carries on general farming to the limit of his resources in land for the
purpose, and he also conducts an extensive and active live stock business,
raising large numbers of cattle. In addition to these industries he has
a large and profitable dairy trade, especially in cream, which he sells in
large quantities in Marshall.
On October 23, 1895, Mr. Huggett was married to Miss May Brown,
a daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Templeton) Brown, long residents of
Convis township but both now deceased. The farm on which the Huggett family now lives was the old family home of Mrs. Brown, Mrs.
Huggett's mother. Six children have been born in the Huggett household, and all of them are living. They are: Jesse, Marvin, Mary and
Gladys, who are attending school, and Victor and Russell, who are as yet
too young for school.
In politics Mr. Huggett is a pronounced Republican. He was a
member of the school board for six years. When the office of school
auditor was in operation he also held that position. In fraternal relations he is connected with the Order of Good Templars..He is well
known throughout the county and in all parts of it is highly esteemed.
Mrs. Huggett's father was notary public for many years. He came to
Michigan in 1852 and died here April 19, 1895.
JAMES E. WALKINSHAW. Born and reared in Convis township, Calhoun county, near the scene of his present well directed and fruitful
labors, and having won success and consequence among the people by his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1049


fidelity, ability and sterling manhood, James E. Walkinshaw is like the
skylark, as described by Wordsworth, having learned
"To soar but never roam,True to the kindred points of Heaven and home."
Mr. Walkinshaw's life began on July 15, 1866, and he is a son of
David and Sarah (Van Fleet) Walkinshaw, also natives of Calhoun
county, the former born in the city of Marshall in 1844 and the latter
in Convis township in 1848. The father has been a farmer and also
given a great deal of attention to public affairs in the county from the
dawn of his manhood. He located on a farm in Convis township in 1876,
and remained on it until he was elected sheriff of Calhoun county in
1884; He served four years as sheriff, and also four as supervisor of
Convis township. At this time (1912) he is superintendent of the poor
in the county and resides in Marshall.
During the Civil war Mr. Walkinshaw, the elder, was a soldier in the
Union army, enrolled in Company M, Merrill's Horse Brigade, and
since the war he has risen to a position of great influence in the local
councils of the Republican party, of which he has always been a, member,
and for which he has been an active and effective worker for a long
time. He is also a great advocate of prohibition and lets his faith on
this subject be known at all times and under any circumstances.
I-e and his wife are the parents of two children, James E. and his
sister May. The latter is a teacher in a graded school in Marshall and
has her home with her parents in that city. The paternal grandfather
also James Walkinshaw, came to this country from Scotland and settled
in Michigan and Calhoun county at a very early date in their history.
He acquired land from the government, and as this improved and became productive under his skillful husbandry, he bought additions until
he became the owner of hundreds of acres, and made the greater part of
them productive.
James E. Walkinshaw obtained his education in the district school in
the vicinity of his father's farm, augmenting its course of instruction by
attending aq graded school in Battle Creek one winter. After leaving
school he went to work on the family homestead and has followed farming and raising live stock ever since. He and his father now have 440
acres of superior land of his own, which he cultivates with skill and
profit, and he is also extensively engaged in raising and feeding stock
for the markets. His specialty in the breeding line is thoroughbred
Shorthorn cattle, but he raises and handles all kinds of live stock, especially feeding large numbers of cows. He is well known in the stock
markets, where the output of his stables has a high rank because of the
care with which it is reared and fattened and the excellent condition in
which it is shipped.
On October 25, 1888, Mr. Walkinshaw was united in marriage with
Miss Clara M. Andrus, a daughter of Ira Andrus, who was among the
pioneer farmers of Convis township. Three children have been born
of the union: Vernice, who has recently completed her education at an
institution of advanced learning in Ypsilanti; and Mildred H., who is
a graduate of 1912 from the same school, and Harold J., deceased when
one month old. These young ladies are now at home with their parents,
and they add greatly to the light, life and attractiveness of the family
circle and the entertainment of the hosts of friends of the household who
visit it.
In fraternal relations Mr. Walkinshaw is a Knight of the Maccabees,
a Woodman and a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners. His political faith is embodied in the principles and theories of government of
the Republican party, and he gives his allegiance loyally and without




1050


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


stint to that organization. He has given' the people excellent service as
a justice of the peace and as treasurer and supervisor of Convis township. In other avenues of effort, outside of political activities, he has
also been of service to his township and county by his energy and intelligence in helping to promote progress and improvement, and his earnest
and effective support of all undertakings in which the advancement of
this part of the state is involved. The residents of his township regard
him as one of their most representative and useful citizens, and all
agree that he is worthy of the high rank they give him and the general
esteem which he enjoys among them. He has a very cordial interest in
the region in which his life began, the soil from which he has drawn his
stature and his strength, and the people with whom he has mingled from
childhood, and this he shows in every political and helpful way open
to him.
WILLIAM J. CLARK, one of the representative citizens of Calhoun
county, Michigan, identified with the agricultural interests of Fredonia
township, dates his birth in the State of New Jersey on the 23rd of
January, 1853. He is a son of William and Phoebe Clark, and was
sixth in their family of eight children. When he was a mere infant
they all came to Michigan and the new home was established in frontier
style on a rented farm in Marshall township, Calhoun county. And
while he was yet a small boy his mother died. His father subsequently
married a Miss Tower. Both his father and mother were natives of
New Jersey. The former was born in 1830, and died in 1900.
William J. received his education in the district schools of Marshall
township and in the high school at Marshall. At an early age he left
the parental home and started out to make his own way in the world,
securing employment as a farm hand. And he has since followed farming. He bought a portion of his present farm and moved on to it in
1904. Since then he has increased his holdings to 135 acres. He has
erected the most of the buildings on this place and made other improvements, and to-day has one of the best farms in his locality, devoted to
general farming and stock raising. With the exception of two years,
when he resided in Marshall, Mr. Clark has continued to make his home
on his farm.
In 1874 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Martha J. Tadman, daughter of William Tadman of Fredonia township. The fruits of this union
are eight children, seven sons and a daughter, of whom record is as
follows: Frank W., Edward H., Alonzo W., Fred G., Cyrus, Warren,
Ethel B., Donald D. Frank W. married a Miss Thomas and lives in
Eckford township, Calhoun county, has two children; Cyrus, who married Miss Lucy Thomas, lives in Marengo township, this county, also
has two children; Edward, also of Eckford township, is married and
has two children, the youngest deceased; Fred, who married a Miss Bailey
and has two children, is a resident of Marshall; Alonzo W., of Jackson,
Michigan, married Miss Zella Houston; Warren J. married Miss Pamelia Schnaitman; Ethel, wife of John E. Hoyt, of Fredonia, has two children; Donald, is attending school.
Politically, Mr. Clark is a Democrat, as also was his father; and he
has rendered local public service in the capacity of Highway Commissioner, which office he filled two years. By his own efforts and good
management he has acquired the fine property he owns, and his standing in the community as a man of sterling worth is unquestioned.
STEPHEN M. HAYES. Having been the architect of his own fortune
and built himself up from nothing to a man of substance and worldly




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1051


comfort, and from the obscurity of country boyhood to good standing,
large acquaintance and general esteem in his township and county,
Stephen M. Hayes of Fredonia township, this county, has demonstrated the genuineness of his make-up, the quality of his citizenship
and the sterling character of his manhood, and has also furnished for
the admiration of the people around him a worthy example of elevated
and useful American manhood.
Mr. Hayes is a native of Canada, where he was born on January 4,
1857. His parents, now both deceased. were James and Lucy (Landon)
Hayes, the former born in Ireland in 1811 and the latter in Canada in
1821. The father came to North America in 1823, when he was but
twelve years of age, and, with his parents, took up his residence in
Canada, where he grew to manhood and completed his education. He
then moved to Sanilac county, Michigan, where he bought a farm which
he cultivated for a number of years. In 1887 he became a resident of
Calhoun county, and here purchased a farm of 100 acres on which he
passed the remainder of his life, dying on this farm on November 11,
1900. He was of a migratory nature and changed the locality of his
residence frequently. Besides this he had a large family to provide for,
and so in the long run he did not accumulate much property. The
mother died in 1897. They were the parents of ten children, only
three of whom are now living: William, deceased; Margaret, Abigail,
deceased; George, deceased; Mary, deceased; Elizabeth, James, Hiram,
who is a resident of Battle Creek, this county; and Stephen M., who
was the last born of the family.
In political affairs the father trained with the Democratic party,
and, while he never sought or desired a political office of any kind, he
was true and loyal to his party, and always rendered it all the service
he was able to at the elections. His wife belonged to the United Brethren church, but he was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopalians, and
in fraternal relations he was allied with the Order of Orangemen.
Stephen M. Hayes obtained all the education he had opportunity to
get in the district schools. He began life for himself on a farm, and he
has passed all his subsequent years in farming.    In 1901, after
farming other men's land on shares for a number of years, he
bought eighty acres of his own, and on this he is still living. He
has made all the improvements there are on the farm in the way of
buildings and fences, and he has also made all the advancement the
place has shown in the way of productiveness and attractiveness in
appearance. In cultivating his land he does general farming, and he
does it with industry, skill and good management, making every acre
yield abundantly and the whole operation of the farm profitable.
On the 29th of October, 1889, Mr. Hayes was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah Metzger, a native of the state of New York. Two children have been born of the union: Nellie I., who has completed the
course of instruction in the district schools and is now living at home
with her parents; and Manuel E., has finished a business college in
Battle Creek, and is now at Flint, Michigan, with the Buick Auto Co.
Mrs. Hayes is a member of the Congregational church, which Mr.
Hayes also attends. He is allied with the Knights of the Maccabees in
fraternal life, and in politics he is a Democrat. His farm is a fine one,
and yields him a comfortable living. By all his neighbors and hosts
of other friends he is well esteemed, as he is wherever else he is known.
THEODORE W. SWIFT. Holding prestige as the dominant director of
affairs one of the largest grain shipping firms in the state of Michigan.
that of McLane, Swift & Company, Theodore W. Swift is recognized as




1052


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


one of the leading business men of Battle Creek, where for years le has
been identified with enterprises of an extensive nature.  A man of
energy and versatile business talents, during his long and successful
career he has extended his operations to diversified fields of commercial
and industrial endeavor, his energies being confined to undertakings of
a strictly legitimate nature, and his transactions being carried on in
such a manner as to win the entire confidence and esteem of his business confreres and the public at large. Mr. Swift was born at Birnmingham, Lorain county, Ohio, June 10, 1865, and is a son of Elisha E. and
Margaret G. (Wells) Swift.
The progenitors of the Swift family in this country emigrated from
England during colonial days, and Theodore W. Swift is a nephew of
Col. Frederick Swift, ex-postmaster of Detroit and an early settler
there. He is descended from the Rev. Elliot Swift, of Pennsylvania, and
the brothers of his grandfather were all Presbyterian ministers. Grandfather Swift, however, was a farmer, and at an early day left his native
State of Massachusetts and went to Buffalo, New York, from which
city he traveled on foot to the state of Ohio. There, in clearing his
land, he cut down acres and acres of black walnut trees, and not realizing of what value such timber would be in the years to come, burned
it up. Elisha E. Swift was born in Massachusetts, and as a young man
went to Indiana, where he was married to Margaret G. Wells. When
Theodore W. Swift was four years of age they removed to Grass Lake,
Michigan, where Mr. Swift purchased 220 acres, and the rest of his
active career was spent in agricultural pursuits. During his latter
years he retired from active operations and came to Battle Creek, where
his death occurred November 25, 1908, his wife having passed away in
this city January 9, 1904, and both were taken back to Grass Lake
for burial. They had a family of seven daughters and one son, who are
now scattered from New York to California, and Theodore was the fifth
in order of birth.
Theodore W. Swift remained on the homestead farm until he.was
twenty-one years of age, securing his early education in the public
schools of Grass Lake, and subsequently attending the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing. He then spent two years on the farm,
but eventually removed to Union Mills, Indiana, where he became a
clerk in the general store of G. L. McLane & Company, and two years
later bought an interest therein, as well as the grain business, but
bought Mr. Lane's interest some three years later, the business then
becoming T. W. Swift & Company. He later disposed of the general
store and established an elevator at Union Mills and several others at
different points on the Grand Trunk Railroad, and eventually, in 1908,
came to Battle Creek and built a large local and transfer elevator,
which burned one year later. This was replaced by a similar mill, but
it was also destroyed by fire, July 1, 1911, and Mr. Swift now operates
through an elevator at Port Huron, Michigan. The firm of McLane,
Swift & Company was incorporated in 1908, but Mr. McLane is not
now connected with the firm, Mr. Swift being president thereof and
principal stockholder. The offices of this firm are located in the Minty
Block, and it not only does a large business in grain shipping in the
state, but also has an extensive cash grain trade throughout the east
and central west. Mr. Swift was one of the organizers of the Hygienic
Food Company, and acted as its president until Mr. Butler became its
executive, although he still holds stock therein, as well as in the Old
National Bank of Battle Creek. In nolitics he is a Renublican, and
fraternally he belongs to A. T. Metcalf Lodge. F. & A. M., as well as
to the Athelstan and Country Clubs. With Mrs. Swift he attends the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1053


Presbyterian church, being one of its liberal supporters. He owns considerable property in Battle Creek, including his handsome modern
home at No. 53 Garrison avenue.
On February 28, 1895, Mr. Swift was married to Miss Mary L.
Miller, who was born and reared in La Porte county, Indiana, and they
have three children: Leland Miller, aged sixteen years, who was born
in Indiana; and Gertrude and Josephine, born in Battle Creek, all of
whom are pupils in the public schools.
Mr. Swift has traveled throughout this section of the country and
the practical knowledge of men and things thus gained, combined with
his eminent executive ability, has enabled him to avail himself of every
circumstance that has presented itself to him and enlist each into his
service for the benefit and advancement of his various business interests. It indeed goes without saying that his high business and social
standing is due wholly to his own personal efforts, and he is entitled to
the oft much-abused but honorable title of a "self-made man."
WARREN J. CLARK. Standing well as a farmer and held in high
esteem as a man and citizen because of his intelligent and helpful interest in public affairs and all matters in which the progress and improvement of his township and county are involved, Warren J. Clark
of Marshall township, this county, may well be taken as a representative man of the locality in which he lives. He has made his own way
in the world from youth, and all the success he has attained in every
way is the result of his own capacity, industry and enterprise. And
this is characteristic of the great bulk of the American people, and especially of our most sturdy and sterling citizenship.
Mr. Clark was born in Marshall township, Calhoun county, Michigan,
on June 4, 1885. He is a son of William J. and Martha (Tadman)
Clark, in a sketch of whom to be found in this volume the family history is given at some length. He obtained his academic education in
the district schools and afterward attended a business college in Battle
Creek for a special course of training in its lines of instruction. He
passed two years of his life after leaving school in Marshall employed
on furnace work, but he is now living on a farm which he rents of William Phelps. It comprises 120 acres and shows in all its phases the
presence of a master hand in its cultivation. Mr. Clark has farmed
it for three years, and under his management it has been made very
productive and attractive, his operations being conducted according to
the latest developments in the science of agriculture and rendered as
fruitful as possible through the skill and intelligence he applies to
them.
On April 22, 1912, Mr. Clark, was united in marriage with Miss
Pamelia Schnaitman, a daughter of John T. Schnaitman, who was
born in Germany, became an early settler in Calhoun county and now
lives in Marshall. He has been successful in all his undertakings in
this country and is now a man of considerable worldly wealth. He also
stands well in public estimation as an excellent man and an enterprising, progressive and public-spirited citizen, keenly alive to the interests
of Calhoun county and always ready to do all he can to promote them.
In his political fealty Mr. Clark is an earnest and devoted member
of the Democratic party. He was elected clerk of Fredonia township in
the spring of 1912, and is making a good record in the office. Having
looked out for himself from an early age, he has acquired a serviceable knowledge of the feelings, wishes and needs of others, and this
makes him useful as a public official where the interests of others and
the general public are in his care; and having been forced in his own




1054


H1STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


case to work hard and live frugally, he has acquired the habit of making every dollar go as far as possible in use, and this habit he applies
judiciously to the affairs of the townships greatly to his own credit
and the benefit of all the people. He is well known throughout Calhoun county and everywhere within its boundaries he is highly esteemed.
HARRY B. HUGGETT. Although descended from      ancestry of some
distinction on both sides of his house, and with traditions and examples
of inspiration in the history of his family, Harry B. Huggett, one of
the leading farmers of Convis township, Calhoun county, banks nothing on his forebears, but has made his way forward in the world wholly
by his own enterprise, ability, industry and good management. And
his progress has been so steady, secure and wisely ordered, and based
on such manifest merit that he enjoys in a marked degree the esteem
and confidence of the whole locality in which he lives.
Mr. Huggett is a native of Calhoun county, born near Battle Creek
on January 10, 1864. His parents were Albert J. and Sarah (Atmore)
Huggett, the former a native of Rush, Monroe county, New York, born
in 1837, and the latter of England, born in 1840. The father came to
Michigan with his parents in 1867. He bought a farm in Pennfield
township and located on it at once. On this farm he lived and labored
to good advantage until a short time before his death, when he sold it
and moved to Battle Creek, where he died in November, 1908. He was
a self-made man and successful in all his undertakings. The mother
died in 1911.
They were the parents of three sons, of whom Harry was the first
born. His brother John lives in Marshall township and their brother
Elmer in Pennfield township, both in this county. The father was a
Republican in politics and served on the board of review for a number
of years. He and the mother were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and faithful in attention to the duties in daily life which it
enjoins upon all its adherents.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Huggett of this sketch were Albert and Elizabeth (Taylor) Huggett. The former came to this country
and Michigan sometime in the sixties and bought a small farm in Pennfield township, Calhoun county, on which he passed the rest of his life.
He was a blacksmith, but only worked at the trade incidentally after
becoming a resident of this state. He and his father were both born in
England and belonged to distinguished families in that country, one
of the traditions of the family being that the Huggetts manufactured
the first cannon made in England, and produced other manufactured
products of their industry of great value to the country in peace as
well as in war.
The maternal grandparents were Matthew and Marie (Pond) Atmore, also natives of England and early settlers in Calhoun county.
The first work Matthew Atmore did in this state was on the Michigan
Central Railroad, which he helped to build. He afterward bought a
farm, and by his skillful management of it became a man of considerable wealth for.his day. He was also very prominent in the public
affairs of the county, being a man of influence and a leader in the councils of the Republican party in this section. He died about the year
1882, and was at the time of his death one of the best known and most
highly esteemed men in the county.
Harry B. Huggett obtained his education in the district school near
his father's farm  and the Battle Creek high school. He afterward
attended a business college two terms, and then turned his attention to




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1055


farming, which has been his life work ever since. In the course of a
few years he bought the old family homestead of his father, and on this
he has since lived and expended his efforts. The farm comprises 270
acres, is improved with an imposing and convenient dwelling house
and other necessary buildings of first-rate quality and construction, and
has been brought to an advanced state of development and productiveness.
Mr. Huggett was married in 1888, to Miss Laura Gorsline, a daughter of S. G. Gorsline, who was born and reared in the state of New
York and came to Michigan in the seventies. After his arrival in this
state and Calhoun county he took up his residence on a farm, and on
this he passed the rest of his life, dying well advanced in years and
standing high in the regard of the people of the whole township as a
farmer, a man of integrity and sterling worth and a citizen of continued usefulness.
Mr. and Mrs. Huggett have two children. Their daughter Elizabeth T., completed her education at the high school in Battle Creek,
of which she is a graduate, and is now living at home with her parents.
Their son Albert J., also attended the Battle Creek high school. He is
now assisting his father in the management and cultivation of the
farm, which is general and comprehensive in its character, based on a
judicious rotation of crops including everything suited to this region,
and governed with broad intelligence and practical skill in all its operations. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and the father's political allegiance is given loyally to the Republican
party. Every member of the family enjoys in full measure the confidence, regard and good will of all the people of the township, and
these manifestations of approval are freely bestowed because they are
based on genuine merit that has been amply shown.
JOHN R. BENTLEY. He to whom this memoir is dedicated was a
native son of Calhoun county and a member of one of its sterling
pioneer families. By his services he honored the county of his birth and
the name which he bore. He became one of the influential citizens of
Marshall. He was for many years cashier of the National City Bank
of Marshall, and he also was a stockholder of this substantial institution, besides which he was the owner of a valuable farm and other realty
in Marshall township and city. He achieved worthy success in temporal affairs, contributed his quota to the civic and material advancement of his home city and county, and was summoned to the life eternal,
on the 16th of January, 1899. It is altogether consistent that in this
history of Calhoun county be entered a brief tribute to the memory of
this citizen.
John Ryant Bentley was born on the old parental farmstead, in
Convis township, this county, and the date of his nativity was September 23, 1842. He was the eldest son of Joseph and Louisa (Ryant)
Bentley, the former of whom was born in England, on the 22d of September, 1811, and the latter of whom was born in Connecticut, on
the 14th of January, 1821, a daughter of Daniel Ryant, who was of
English lineage. Joseph Bentley was a boy at the time of the family
immigration to America and he was reared and educated in the east.
For some time after his marriage he was engaged in farming in the
state of New York, and in 1837 he came to Michigan, which was admitted to the statehood in that year. He established the family home
on a pioneer farm in Convis township, Calhoun county, and through
intelligent and well ordered endeavors he became one of the substantial
agriculturists and stock-growers of the county. He was a man who ever
Vol. 11-2 9




1056


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


held the regard of all who knew him and the names of both him and his
wife merit place on the roll of the pioneers of this county. He passed
away on the 17th of October, 1888, his wife having been called to eternal
rest on the 8th of May, 1884. Of their five children none is now living.
John R. Bentley was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home
farm and early began to assist in its work, the while he duly availed
himself of the advantages of the locality. Later he continued his studies for a time in Olivet College and thereafter he was for two years
a student in Albion College, so that he acquired an excellent academic
education. After leaving college he taught one term of school, but he
did not find it expedient to continue the pedagogic profession. Under
these conditions he returned to the home farm, in the work and management of which he was associated for several years thereafter. He never
lost his interest in or severed his allegiance to the great basic industries
of agriculture and stock-growing, and until the close of his life he found
much satisfaction in giving personal supervision to his fine farm of one
hundred acres, situated one mile north of the city of Marshall, on
Marshall avenue. He made excellent improvements on this place and
it is one of the model farms of the county.
In 1872 Mr. Bentley assumed the position of teller in the National
City Bank of Marshall, and on the 3d of December, 1878, he was elected
cashier of the institution, in which he continued a stockholder until
the time of his death, his incumbency of the office of cashier having continued for nineteen years. In politics he gave unswerving allegiance to
the cause of the Republican party, and served on various occasions
as delegate to Republican state and congressional conventions. His loss
was deplored in the business circles of the county which had ever been
his home.
On the 3d of April, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bentley to Miss Leora Bigelow, daughter of the late Stephen R. and Rocelia
(Day) Bigelow, of Oneida county, New York, where Mrs. Bentley was
born and reared. The only child of this union is Miss Ruth Bigelow
Bentley, who was graduated in the Marshall high school and then took
a course in the Ossinning boarding school at Ossinning on the Hudson.
MRS. F. C. STUART. The late Mrs. F. C. Stuart was an example of
the many wide-minded, zealous Christian women of Calhoun county,
who was never at a loss for good work to do and who entered into the
work about her with unfailing courage and strength. Though oft beset
by the difficulties ever attendant upon the efforts of those who give of
their best to those less fortunate, she lived to witness most gratifying
results from a deal of her zeal in the various causes to which she lent
her aid.
Orpha M. Parker Stuart was born in 1835 at Mt. Morris, New York,
the daughter of Mrs. E. B. Parker. Her father with his family, came
to Michigan in 1855, settling in Flint, where he was extensively engaged in the lumber business, of which he was the prosperous owner
and manager. The Parkers were a family of English descent, and
Ephraim Parker, the grandfather of Mrs. Stuart, was an honorable soldier in the war of 1812. His record was an enviable one, to which his
descendants have turned with pardonable pride.
Mrs. Stuart was a sincere and earnest teacher for some years prior
to her marriage with Mr. F. C. Stuart, an event which occurred in
Detroit, in the year 1859. Mr. Stuart was a jeweler of Marshall, Michigan, and he brought his bride to that place which represented their
home throughout the years of their wedded life. Seven children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Stuart. Frank P., the eldest, died at birth; Alice




I








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1057


E., was born November 4, 1861; F. A., born in 1863; Ernest, born in
1865; Lizzie, in 1868; Walter M., in 1873; Eden B., in 1876. Of this
goodly family but three are yet living.
It is not too much to say that no woman in Calhoun county was
more widely known for her good works in the various causes which
might be expected to elicit the support of such worthy women as
Mrs. Stuart. She was prominent in the W. C. T. U., and was a member
of that organization until her death. She gave years of strenuous labor
to the cause, working hand in hand with the organization and carrying the principles of the society into her home as well. She was for
many years a member of the I. O. G. T., and was on numerous occasions sent as a delegate to its conventions during the years of her membership. She took the highest degree in the Daughters of Rebekah,
that degree being known as the Decoration of Chivalry and was ever
an enthusiastic member of the order. Her work as a Good Templar
dated back to 1851, and she was an active member of the society for
more than a half century, a distinction which has fallen to but few of
its. members. In the Woman's Movement of the Crusaders in 1874,
she was a conscientious and able worker, and did much for the cause.
Mrs. Stuart was a Congregationalist and a member of that church,
and in all the years in which she was associated thus she gave of her
best and of that most freely. She entered the work of the church and
its various auxiliary bodies with that whole-souled sincerity and zeal
which was one of the dominant characteristics of her beautiful nature,
and her good deeds will live after her. Her many years of active and
helpful life in Marshall endeared her to a large circle of people who
have never ceased to mourn her departure, or to remember her with
loving thought and word because of the altogether beautiful life she
lived for years within their midst.
Mrs. Stuart passed away at her home in Marshall, Michigan, on
March 21, 1907, and was buried in Marshall March 24.
HON. NELSON ELDRED. From 1866 for a period of nearly forty
years, one of Battle Creek's most conspicuous and influential men in
business and civic affairs was the late Nelson Eldred. For those who
were familiar with the life of the city during the last third of the
nineteenth century, his career as a citizen would need no memorial. To
only a small number of men in any locality is it given to wield the
power and influence which he possessed and which he also exercised
with rare judgment and justice. In the history of the dominant personalities of southern Michigan during the last century, the omission
of his name and career could not be justified on any grounds.
The personal history of this late citizen of Battle Creek is closely
related with the history of this portion of the state from the pioneer
period down to the present time. The Eldreds were not only among the
first settlers but were among the builders of the civic and business
structure most characteristic of this part of the state.
Nelson Eldred was born at Laurens, Otsego county, New York,
January 9, 1822, and died at Battle Creek, September 9, 1903, aged
eighty-one years and eight months. Vermont was the original home of
the family during the late colonial period, and Daniel Eldred, the
grandfather of Nelson, was a highly respected citizen of Pownal, that
state, where he spent his entire life. At Pownal also were born Caleb
and Phoebe (Brownell) Eldred, the father and mother of the late Battle
Creek citizen. Caleb was born in 1781 and his wife in 1783, and they
were married in 1802. The following year they made the first stage of
their westward migration and settled in the wilderness at Laurens,




1058


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


New York. Here Caleb Eldred bore the brunt of pioneer development
in the clearing and improvement of about five hundred acres of land.
His was one of the first brick residences in that vicinity, and he burned
the brick on his own farm. He was one of the big factors in an early
community, and besides directing the agricultural operations over a large
tract of land he was one of the early manufacturers of local necessities.
His grist and sawmill was a supply center for his neighborhood, and
also, in the days when the business had no public opprobrium, he conducted a distillery. His prominence in the county led to his election to
the state legislature.
In 1830, six years before Michigan became a state, Caleb Eldred
made a prospecting tour of this western country. At Jackson, where he
was confined by illness for several days, only two log houses marked
the site of the now prosperous city. The following year witnessed his
emigration and permanent settlement in southern Michigan. As those
familiar with the early history of Michigan, know, at that time the
country was "settled up" hardly further west from Detroit than Ann
Arbor and all the now wealthy and populous counties to the west were
still in the wilderness domain with settlers' cabins only here and there.
From New York Mr. Eldred made the long trip with team and wagon,
and crossed the Detroit river on the ice. Continuing along the route of the
old Detroit-Chicago road to St. Joseph county, much of the time his
journey being made through snow, he finally reached the site of Kalamazoo, which then contained one house. The settlement at Comstock,
in the same county, it was thought, would be chosen for the county seat,
and there Caleb Eldred built his cabin and spent the winter. The
achievement by which he gained lasting recognition in the pioneer
history 'of Kalamazoo county was his building of the first grist and
saw mill, during the summer of 1832. The same summer he was joined
by the rest of his family from the east. The land office at White Pigeon
for the sale of all this portion of the state had been opened only in June,
1831, and improvement had hardly progressed to the point of laying
out the traces of public roads; not a stream or marsh was yet bridged
between Ann Arbor and Comstock.
In the meantime Caleb and one of his sons had found a beautiful
little prairie which they had chosen as the site for their permanent
settlement. In the discussion of a name f6r the prairie, the son (Daniel
B. Eldred) said: "This caps the climax of all we have seen, and I propose we call it Climax," which name was at once adopted and has been
retained to the present day. In this vicinity Caleb Eldred entered
three quarter sections, and his sons secured themselves other tracts.
After two years at Comstock he sold his mills and removed to Climax
prairie, which was his home until his death.
In many ways Caleb Eldred was distinguished among his contemporaries. For a brief tirme after his arrival in the state he served in the
territorial legislature, and became a member of the first state legislature,
during the time Stephen A. Mason was governor. He was also in the
legislature when its members were invited to ride on the first train run
over the railroad west as far as Ypsilanti. During the territorial period
he was appointed a circuit judge in Kalamazoo county. In politics in
early life he, had been a Democrat but afterwards became and remained.a stanch Republican. As a member of the Baptist church, he had taken
an active part in the organization of the first society on Climax prairie.
In a very practical sense he was one of the founders of Kalamazoo College.  Elder Merrill, an educated clergyman from     the east, whose
family then lived in Pontiac, Michigan, cherished the project of founding an institution of higher learning and had ridden over a large area




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1059


of this region partly on his clerical duties and partly to encourage the
idea of a college among the citizens. In Mr. Eldred he found an able
and enthusiastic coadjutor, who at once took much of the preparatory
work on himself. Together they finally secured a charter for the location of such a school at Kalamazoo, and with the funds raised through
their efforts the schools was begun, under the auspices of the Baptist
church. For a number of years Caleb Eldred was chairman of its board
of trustees. The institution was reorganized under its present name
and charter in 1843.
Caleb Eldred died in 1876, at the advanced age of ninety-five, having
survived his wife twenty-three years. Ten of their children reached
mature years.
Nelson Eldred was ten years old when the family came to Michigan,
so that he grew up amid the pioneer environment. From that time on
his education was such as the limited local facilities could supply. His
father had a private tutor for the children one winter, and in the fall
of 1837 he entered the institute at Kalamazoo which his father had been
instrumental in founding. Four years of his student days were spent
there. In 1841 he took up the practical affairs of life on the farm at
Climax prairie, and for many years followed farming as a vocation.
At the time of his death he still owned the tract of land where he had
begun his career, and the buildings which he erected in 1849 are still
standing. A part of the land which had been entered by his father
has never been out of the family name. His own homestead consisted
of two hundred and forty acres, all highly improved, and not far away
he owned another tract of eighty acres. This farm was his home until
1866, in which year he took up his residence and began his business
career in Battle Creek.
The previous year he had purchased the hardware store of Brooks &
Barber, and now engaged in its active management. In 1866 he bought
the residence property at 211 Maple street which was his home during
the remainder of his life and where his son Willard now lives. The firm
of Eldred & Peters continued in the hardware business until 1871,
when Mr. Eldred sold his interests.  He then, in association with
Richmond and R. P. Kingman, established the City Bank of Battle
Creek, a successful institution which is largely a monument to his
financial sagacity and judgment. He was one of its first board of
directors and the last survivor of this membership of seven. From 1875
until his death he was president of the bank, and when he died was the
oldest bank president in southern Michigan. His sound judgment in
financial transactions was rarely, if ever, at fault, and this faculty had
much to do with the permanent prosperity of the City Bank.
At the organization of the Battle Creek Gas Company in 1871 he
became one of the directors, and was connected with this public utility
until it was transferred to the new company a few years before his
death. Various other corporate business concerns enjoyed the benefit
of his financial interest and management. Adjoining the city and near
Goguac Lake was his fine farm of two hundred acres, forty acres of
which has since been subdivided and constitutes the addition known as
Highland Park.
November 15, 1848, Nelson Eldred married Miss Sarah Holden, and
fifty years later, at their home on Maple street, they celebrated the
golden anniversary commemorating their long and happy wedded life.
Mrs. Eldred was born at Arlington, Bennington county, Vermont, a
daughter of John Holden. The family located in Michigan in 1838, but
she remained in the east until her education was completed, and joined
her parents in South Climax in 1845, where three years later she was




1060


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


married. Her death occurred April 11, 1900, at the age of seventyfour. She was a member of the Episcopal church, while her husband
attended and supported the Baptist denomination in which he had been
reared. Of their two children, the son Nelson died in infancy, and the
family's only representative in this branch is now Mr. Willard H.
Eldred, whose sketch is given below.
The late Mr. Eldred in politics gave his allegiance to the Democratic
party. He was never in practical politics, but as a successful business
man and public-spirited citizen his services were sought for the management of several local offices, so that he served as supervisor of his
town in Climax, and in Battle Creek was a member of the school board
and was mayor of the city for a time. In features and expression his
friends often noted his resemblance to Lincoln, and he had many of
the rugged but kindly, sagacious but straightforward qualities that such
a resemblance would suggest. His life was broad in its interests, largely
useful in its activities, and benevolent in its character. He was a citizen
deserving the memory of subsequent generations.
WILLARD H. ELDRED, only son of the late Nelson Eldred, in the
business circles of Battle Creek is probably best known through the
large establishment at the corner of Jackson and Carlyle street where
his business as wholesale manufacturer of harness and saddlery and
jobber in saddlery, hardware, etc., is conducted. He is closely identified
with the larger activities of his home city, and is one of the citizens
upon whom the welfare and permanent prosperity of Battle Creek
largely depend.
Mr. Eldred was born at the old family estate in Climax township of
Kalamazoo county, April 23, 1855, and has been a resident of Battle
Creek since he was eleven years old. His education was obtained in the
local schools and he was a member of the high school class of 1871.
The harness and saddlery business was established here in 1877, and
was conducted as a retail concern up to 1898, since which date he has
confined the business to manufacturing and wholesaling of everything
in this general department of trade. A number of traveling salesmen
represent the house in different states. While this has been Mr. Eldred's
principal business for the past thirty-five years, he has also been busied
with many other interests. From his father's death up to April, 1910,
he served as president of the City Bank, and is still a member of the
board of directors. He is owner of a farm, aggregating one hundred
and ten acres, just outside the city, and thirty-five acres is within the
corporation limits. The old homestead of three hundred and seven
acres, in Climax township, is still in his possession. Part of this land
has had only two transfers, and he treasures the old deeds patent which
were signed by President Andrew Jackson. Among his city real estate
is the Eldred block at 2 Main street East, where the Kapp Clothing
Company is. His father built this block. Another block on State street
is also owned by Mr. Eldred.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Eldred served on the board of public
works during Mayor Green's administration. He is affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias lodge, is a member of the Athelstan Club, and was a
charter member of the Country Club but is not now a member of this
organization.
June 23, 1880, Mr. Eldred married Miss Jessie M. Green. Her father
was William H. Green, one of Battle Creek's prominent citizens. Mrs.
Eldred was born and reared in this city. They are the parents of two
children: Helena M., the wife of A. T. Dusenbury, of New Orleans,
graduated from the Battle Creek high school just thirty years to a day
later than her father. She was a student of Vassar College for a time,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1061


and later was in the public library at Battle Creek until her marriage.
Miss Morna M., who lives at home and is a teacher in the public schools,
was educated in this city and finished at Boston, where she prepared
herself especially for kindergarten work. For one year she was in the
government Indian school at Shawnee, Oklahoma, but has since lived at
home.
WILLIAM H. GREEN. In the death of William H. Green, April 25,
1893, Battle Creek lost one of its valued citizens, a man who had been
identified with the community for nearly forty years, and one of the
early merchants of the city.
He was born in South Shaftsbury, Vermont, November 22, 1814, and
became a resident in Battle Creek in 1856. In the list of merchants
engaged in business during the succeeding years his name had high rank.
He was an upright and honored citizen, and his career was fruitful of
good service to the community.
Besides his contemporaries among the citizens who honor and respect
his memory, Mr. Green's family are still represented in this city. He
was first married at Poughkeepsie, New York, where he conducted a
hardware business for several years, to Miss Sarah T. Free. Her death
occurred in Poughkeepsie. In 1853 he married Miss Dorcas F. Lattin,
who died at Battle Creek, in November, 1892. The living children of
Mr. Green are as follows: Mrs. Burgette L. Dewey, of Dowagiac,
Michigan, who is the only one living of the three children by his first
wife; Mrs. Willard H. Eldred, of Battle Creek; Mrs. Fred S. Parker,
Miss Anna Green of Aurora, Illinois; and W. A. Green, of Toledo, Ohio;
Horace L. Green, of Chicago, Illinois; S. B. Pittee, of El Reno, Okla.;
Mrs. A. W. Mather, deceased; and Miss Elizabeth A. Green, also deceased.
CHARLES W. GATCHELL. The annals of Calhoun county show many
records of the lives of farmers who have rounded out the duties connected with agricultural pursuits, and have amassed considerable fortunes gathered from the fertile soil. One who has met with remarkable success along these lines, and who has the added distinction of being one of the county's self-made men, is Charles W. Gatchell, of Fredonia township, where he is the owner of a handsome property consisting of 117 1-2 acres of well cultivated land. Mr. Gatchell was born in
Clarendon township, Calhoun county, Michigan, October 3, 1856, and
is a son of William J. and Diana (King) Gatchell.
William J. Gatchell was born in the State of Massachusetts in 1823,
and as a young man came to Michigan and settled in Marshall, where
he worked as a day laborer. During the excitement over the discovery
of gold in California, Mr. Gatchell went to the Golden State to try his
fortunes, and there was successful in his mining operations. On his
return he engaged in farming, and at the time of his death left an
estate valued at about $16,000. He was a Democrat in his political
views, and with his family, attended the Methodist Episcopal church,
in the faith of which he died in 1874. His wife, a native of New York,
passed away in 1869, having been the mother of five children, of whom
Charles W. was the third in order of birth.
Charles W. Gatchell attended the district schools of Clarendon township, and as a youth began his business career as a farm hand, working as such seven years. Being enterprising and industrious, by the
end of this time he had accumulated enough money to purchase his
sister's interest in an eighty-acre farm in Clarendon township, and




1062


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


immediately began to clear it up, selling many railroad ties and much
timber to the railroad company. In 1898 Mr. Gatchell disposed of his
Clarendon township interests and came to Fredonia township, where
for nine years he rented a farm from the Westfall & Briggs estate.
In 1906 he became the purchaser of his present fine property, a tract
of 117 1-2 acres, which he has developed into one of the nicest farms
in this part of the county, improving it with the erection of a new set
of buildings and in many other ways. It has been greatly increased
in value by reason of his intelligent operation of it and he has every
reason to be proud of his success.
In 1884 Mr. Gatchell was married to Sarah Lee, daughter of James
Lee, an early settler of Fredonia township, where he spent the last
years of his life in farming, and a native of England. One child has
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gatchell: Alta, who attended the Marshall
high school and then took a course in domestic sciences at Lansing, following which she taught school for three years and now resides at
home. She is a member of the Baptist church, in which she has been an
active worker. Mr. Gatchell is a Republican in politics and supports
that party's candidates, but does not seek public notice. He is a wholesouled, big-hearted man, always ready to help others, and always willing to assist in the advancement of his community. No movement for
the betterment of the township which he approves fails to receive his
support, and he has done much to bring about present prosperous conditions. It is to such men as he that the people of Calhoun county are
proud to point as representative of their business men and agriculturists.
JOHN C. GOODRICH. With many men there seems to be but one
line which they can follow, one vocation which fits their abilities, one
special occupation in which they can find success, and until they have
settled themselves in that special groove they make but little headway.
To the man of versatile traits and abilities, however, any line of occupation which presents itself is acceptable, and if he be persistent enough
he will win success in whatever field he finds himself. In this connection it is not inappropriate to sketch the career and activities of
John C. Goodrich, of Ellis Corners, who is not only a man of versatile
abilities, but is also a good example of the successful self-made man of
today. Mr. Goodrich was born April 23, 1871, in Fredonia township,
Calhoun county, Michigan, and is a son of John Christopher and Marietta (Fox) Goodrich.
John Christopher Goodrich was born in Wurttemburg, Germany, in
1840, and came to the United States at the age of fourteen years, settling in Michigan, where he lived until 1896, when he left the state.
Mr. Goodrich's paternal grandparents never left the Fatherland, but
the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Fox, natives of Pennsylvania, were early settlers of Fredonia township, the grandfather
being very successful in his business ventures and accumulating an
estate valued at $55,000. In politics he was a Republican, was a faithful member of the Lutheran church, and was well and favorably known
all over Calhoun county.
John C. Goodrich received his education in the country schools, and
subsequently spent one year in Albion. For a part of one year Mr.
Goodrich was employed in a drug store in Marshall, and in 1895, the
same year that he was married, started a business establishment of his
own at Ellis Corners, where he also acted as postmaster until 1904,
a period of eight years, when the office was abandoned when the rural
delivery route was done away with. He has a very large and profitable




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1063


business, extending over a great deal of country territory in Calhoun
county, and the success that has rewarded his efforts in this line has
been duplicated by that which has come to him as a farmer, he being
the owner of an excellent tract of seventy-seven acres. He handles a
full line of high class goods needed by the people of his community,
and his practice of giving the farmers with whom he deals the full
worth of their produce as well as a square deal for their money, has
won him a fine trade throughout the town and its vicinity. He is a
good business man and realizes that his best profits will come through
doing a large amount of business and having the confidence of his customers, and his business has increased correspondingly.  He will be
found supporting all movements for the good of the public or the community. In politics he is a Republican, and in addition to having been
postmaster, has also served one term as township treasurer. Fraternally
he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees, while in religious
matters he is a Lutheran and Mrs. Goodrich a Congregationalist.
Mr. Goodrich was married in 1895 to Miss Lois Fry, daughter of
Charles Fry, a farmer in Newton township, a German by descent who
at his death left an estate valued at about eight or nine thousand dollars.
Two children have been born to Mir. and Mrs. Goodrich, namely: Neva
L., who is attending the Marshall high school; and Ruth M., the baby,
who is two years of age.
JOHN BLUE. "When agriculture flourishes," observes Xenophon,
"all other pursuits are in full vigor; but when the ground is forced
to lie barren, other occupations are almost stopped."  The truth of this
statement has been proven time and again in every part of this country
when drouth, long continued, has caused a crop failure, or when any
of the various enemies of the farmer have caused there to be a shortage
of the agriculturists' products. Therefore it is necessary that the agricultural interests of every community should be carefully conserved, and
it is a noticeable fact that those communities which are the most prosperous are the ones which possess men skilled in the vocation of tilling the
soil. In this respect Calhoun is indeed fortunate, some of the finest
farms in the state being found within its borders, and among those who
are assisting in advancing the development of the farming interests here
is John Blue, of Fredonia township, where he was born January 11,
1850, a son of Gilbert and Nancy (Born) Blue.
Gilbert Blue was born in the state of New York, in 1816, and as
early as 1836 came to Calhoun county, Michigan, and settled in Fredonia
township, where he spent the remainder of his life in farming. He was
twice married, having one child by his first wife, and by the second marriage there were the following children: Selina, who married Frank
Cogswell and lives in Tekonsha; John; Leonard, living in the state of
Washington; Arthur, living in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Willis, living
in Clarendon township; and one who died in infancy. As a successful
and progressive farmer, Mr. Blue accumulated a large tract of land, and
at the time of his death in 1884 gave all his children the equivalent of
120 acres of land. The present home in which John Blue lives at this
time, was built by the paternal grandfather, Ezekiel Blue, a native New
Yorker, who came to Michigan in 1836, took up land from the government, and there spent the rest of his life in farming. The maternal
grandfather, also a native of the Empire state, came to Michigan in
1838 and settled on a farm in Calhoun county, there spending the rest
of his life in Calhoun county. Mrs. Blue, who was born in New York in
1828, died in July, 1908, in Tekonsha township. Mrs. Blue's father,
Wm. A. Warner was a soldier in the Mexican war, and one of the party


~*




1064


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


who traveled overland to the gold fields of California in 1849. Was
there two years, was successful there and then returned to Calhoun
county.
John Blue was educated in the district schools and subsequently attended a commercial college for a short period, and when his schooldays
were over he gave his attention to the operation of the home farm. Later
his father gave him 120 acres of land in Clarendon township, on which
he resided for twenty-three years, accumulating 236 acres, and in 1900
came to his present farm in Fredonia township, where he has fifty-eight
acres of well-cultivated land.
Mr. Blue was married March 15, 1883, to Miss Mary Warner, daughter of William A. and Maria (Finch) Warner, natives of New York,
where the former was born in 1816 and the latter in 1820. Mr. Warner
came to Michigan with his father and Asie Finch, in 1832 and took up a
great deal of land in Albion township, where he spent the remainder of
his life. The paternal grandfather, Warham Warner, became a prominent man of his township and gave all of his children a home. His son,
William A. Warner, was well known in Democratic politics and held
numerous township offices in Calhoun county. His death occurred in
1884 and that of his wife in 1906, Mrs. Blue being the seventh in order
of birth of her parents' nine children, of whom six are now living. Two
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Blue, namely: Florence, a
graduate of Marshall high school and of Kalamazoo Normal, now a
teacher in Coldwater public schools; and William, who graduated from
high school, took a three-year course in the agricultural college, and now
resides at home and is assisting his father in working the home farm.
Mr. Blue is a member of the A. F. & A. M., while his wife is connected
with the Eastern Star at Marshall. In politics a Republican, Mr. Blue
served as town clerk of Clarendon township for eleven years and as
supervisor for two years. He resigned the latter office on coming to
Fredonia township, and in 1912 was here elected a member of the board
of supervisors in 1912, a position which he at present holds. He was
secretary of the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company of Calhoun county
for six years, and a delegate to county and state conventions, ably discharging whatever duties he has been called upon to perform. He believes
in progress along all lines, and as a man who has the welfare of his community at heart has the esteem and friendship of a wide circle of acquaintances.
ROBERT P. WISNER. An Athens man who is progressive and enterprising in business, who is genial and agreeable in domestic and social
relations and whose interest in public welfare especially in matters of
education makes him a particularly valuable citizen, is Mr. Robert P.
Wisner.
Mr. Wisner may well claim Michigan as his home, for his paternal
grandparents, Abram Wisner and wife located near Adrian at an early
period. Their son, Alpheus Wisner, was well known as one of that energetic class of men, who, in the formative period of many of our middle
western states, combined clerical with agricultural work. Reverend
Alpheus Wisner was one of those spiritually ambitious men who realized the need of the scattered population in the matter of religious ministration, recognizing besides the fact that such a w6rk needed to be
supplemented by material resources gathered in some other way when
the support of a family was entailed. He came to Calhoun county in the
early forties, located in Athens and purchased a farm, a part of which
was a government claim. The real purpose of his life, however, was the
performance of his work as a Baptist clergyman; and this mission was




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1065


accomplished by means of the methods of that class of preachers called
circuit riders. The importance of such work in the building up of this
denomination throughout this section is inestimable and much gratitude
still accrues to Reverend Alpheus Wisner, who passed from this life in
1893. His memory has been treasured by many who remember his
ministerial services to this region in times of peace and to his country
as a chaplain in time of war.
His son, the subject of the present biography, was born in Athens
township on November 21, 1860, and received his early educational
training in the schools of Athens. His first experience in farming was
gained from his working of his father's farm. Here he continued to
reside until his marriage.
The first Mrs. Robert Wisner was Phoebe Barneblee, a daughter of
James and Sarah (Jacobs) Barneblee. Two children were born to this
marriage, of whom one died in infancy. The other is now Mrs. Harle
Spore of Battle Creek. During Mr. Wisner's first marriage, he spent
several years in residence on his father-in-law's farm in Mendon township. Later he moved with his family to Leonidas township where they
lived for three years. After his wife's death he lived for some time in
California, later returning to Calhoun county and located in Athens.
For seven years he was engaged in the hardware business in Athens, the
firm being known as Wisner Bros. During this time occurred his
second marriage, when he was united to Mrs. Bell Snell, a daughter of
Charles and            (Carpenter) Worden, of Leonidas township.
The children born of this marriage are Arthur L. and Francis, twelve
and ten years, respectively.
Later Mr. Wisner sold out his business in Athens and removed to
Battle Creek, where he had interests in the Malta-Vita Food Company.
Then the lure of the agricultural life led him to purchase a farm of 130
acres; this property, which is one of the early farms of the county. Here
Mr. Wisner now has a beautiful farm, well improved and conveniently
near the village, where so many of Mr. Wisner's activities lie. One of
his farm specialties is that of dairying, a vocation which of course relates
him closely with the life of the village. The creamery which he initiated
in Athens is an enterprise of particular interest. Further data regarding
it will be noted in the sketch of J. J. Snyder.
A number of official responsibilities have devolved upon this publicspirited man. While in Mendon township he was supervisor. He has
held the office of village president. He is now president of the village
school board, having held this position of trust for eight years. During
his administration the construction of the new Athens high school has
taken place. His political theories are Democratic, his individual
decisions being nevertheless unhampered by party dogmas. His socially
fraternal affiliations are with the Athens Chapter number 146, Blue
Lodge and Chapter Royal Arch Masons. From his neighbors and
acquaintances one hears only commendatory words of Robert P. Wisner.
LUKE BYRON WOOD. Distinguished as one of the more prominent
cattle and stock buyers of Southern Michigan, Luke Byron Wood is
carrying on an extensive and highly remunerative business as a member of the widely known firm of Wood Brothers & Outman, his brother,
A. L. Wood, of whom a brief sketch appears elsewhere in this work, being
a member of the same firm. A son of Smolleff and Martha (Johnson)
Wood, he was born, October 10, 1853, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Coming with his parents to Calhoun county, Michigan, when three
years old, Mr. Wood was educated in the district schools of Athens township, and on his father's farm was well drilled in all branches of agri



1066


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


culture. Endowed by nature with sound sense and excellent business
judgment, he began while yet in his teens to buy stock, and cattle, and
has the distinction of having shipped the first car load of stock ever sent
over the Battle Creek Division of the Michigan Central Railroad. In
company with his brother and Mr. Outman he has since built up a
very large and satisfactory business, shipping each week from  three
to fifteen car loads of stock to the eastern markets, having a heavy trade
in cattle. iMr. Wood also owns a good farm of sixty acres, lying south
of Athens, which is not now his home, his land being rented. For several
years he dealt extensively in wool.
Mr. Wood has been twice married. He married first, February 17,
1875, Harriet G. McNeal, a daughter of Robert and Huldah (Stevens)
McNeal, early settlers of Calhoun county, where Mr. McNeal cleared and
improved a good farm, on which he resided until his death, at an advanced age. She passed to the higher life September 13, 1892, leaving
two children, as follows: Leo, engaged in the lumber business with
Frank Woodruff; and Leona M., wife of Carl Gaw, of Athens, who is
in business with Mr. Wood. Mr. Wood married second, April 11, 1901,
Mrs. Jennie (Lewis) Wells, widow of Abe Wells, and daughter of William and Ann (Stancer) Lewis, pioneer farmers of Saint Joseph county.
Politically Mr. Wood is a Republican.   Fraternally he is a charter
member of the Knights of the Maccabees at Athens. He is a stockholder
in the Athens State Bank, one of the stable financial institutions of the
county.
EUGENE H. HILL. There is probably no class of people who quickly
grasp anything new and progressive like the prosperous farmer. While
he resides away from the hustle and bustle of the city and is not near
the manufacturing centers, as a rule, it is really surprising to see how
familiar he is with improvements that relate to farming. He is always
on the alert for anything that will economize, in fact, there is no more
shrewd and hard-headed class of business men than the farmers. The
hustling farmer is always on the alert for new inventions which will
minimize cost and production, and it is indeed interesting to visit a
well-equipped farm and scrutinize the various implements used in preparing the products of the ground for general use. One of the best
equipped farms in Eckford township is that of Eugene H. Hill, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist who has spent his entire life within
the borders of Calhoun county. Mr. Hill was born in Eckford township,
December 1, 1856, and is a son of William N. and Martha E. (Matthews)
Hill.
William N. Hill was born in Pittsford, Monroe county, New York,
February 15, 1822, and in 1852 came to Calhoun county, Michigan,
purchasing 120 acres of land, on which he resided until his death, July
29, 1900. In 1845 he was married in New York to Martha Elizabeth
Matthews, and five children were born to this union: Mary E., who married George W. Hinkle, of Illinois. son of Abner Hinkle who came to
Michigan and spent the rest of his life with his son; Clinton N. a painter
in the Advance shops, Battle Creek; Ida M., who married Carleton Clark
and resides in Kalamazoo; Eugene H.; and Mrs. Phenie Joslin, who is
deceased. The mother of these children died June 8, 1899, in the faith
of the Methodist Episcopal church, she and her husband having been
early members of the congregation at Eckiord. Mr. Hill was one of
the self-made men of his community, having started out on his career
with little but energy, industry and enterprise to assist him in his
struggles for independence. In his political views he was a Republican,
but public life held out no attractions to him, and his agricultural operations satisfied his ambitions.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1067


Eugene H. Hill was married in 1892 to Miss Ida Gaus, daughter of
Michael Gaus, the latter being a native of Germany, where he was born
September 29, 1826. His wife was born in Germany in 1840, bearing
the maiden name of Katherine Goodrich, and came to the United States
when seven years of age with her parents, who located in Washtenaw
county, and later in Fredonia township, Calhoun county. Mr. - Gaus
was thirty years of age when he emigrated to this country, and also
located in Washtenaw county and later removed to Calhoun county,
where he passed away in 1908, being survived by his widow, who is residing in M\arshall. They had eleven children, Mrs. Hill being the fifth
in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had four children: Harold,
Norma, Arol and Robert William.
Mr. Hill bought his present home in 1901, and now has a farm of
120 acres, 115 acres of which are under cultivation. IHe carries on
general farming and raises cattle, horses and sheep, and has achieved
considerable success in all his ventures. Modern methods and machinery
are used in the cultivation of his land, and as a result he has one of the
best and most productive properties in the township. Fraternally Mr.
Hill is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, at Marshall,
and his political belief is that of the Republican party, having served
his township very satisfactorily in the office of highway commissioner.
As a man who stands for progress, education, morality, and good citizenship, he is respected as one of his community's representative citizens,
and his many admirable characteristics have gained and retained for him
a wide circle of warm personal friends.
CHARLES H. KATZ. One of the enterprising and industrious agriculturists of Calhoun county whose activities are promoting the rapid
growth and development of the county's interests, is Charles H. Katz,
of Fredonia township, who has spent his entire life within its borders.
Mr. Katz was born in Fredonia township, January 25, 1869, and is a son
of Charles and Catherine (Hess) Katz, natives of Germany. Mr. Katz's
father was born March 30, 1838, and came to the United States as a baby
with his parents, Peter Katz and wife. Reaching this country during
the forties, he was given such educational advantages as the country
school of that day could afford, and was reared by his parents to habits
of industry, integrity and thrift, so often found in the German nature,
and to the vocation of an agriculturist, a vocation which he has followed
ever since attaining manhood. He is now the owner of 262 acres, a
great deal of which he assisted in clearing and is known as one of his
township's most prosperous and public-spirited citizens. In politics he
is a Democrat. He and his wife, who was born in 1845, and died May 15,
1902. had fourteen children, eleven of whom are still living, six sons and
five daughters, of whom Charles H. is the third in order of birth.
Charles H. Katz was educated in the district schools and befan his
business life as a carpenter, at which trade he was employed something
over fifteen years. He subsequently spent two years in California, in a
lumber camp, and was moderately successful there, but in 1892 returned
to Michigan and began working by the day. In 1902 he turned his attention to farming, first purchasing a tract of 120 acres, which he cleared
and spent four years on, and still owns his original purchase, although
in 1906 he bought his present 205-acre farm. Here he has erected large
and commodious buildings of the best material and of modern architecture, and has gradually developed this land into some of the finest in
the township. He uses modern machinery, carries on intensive general
farming, and has shown himself a thoroughly competent agriculturist
in every department of his work.




1068


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. Katz was married in 1894, to Miss Alma Kidney, daughter of
William Kidney, an early settler of this part of Calhoun county, and to
this union there have been born six children, as follows: Carl, who
received a district school education and also attended school for one year
in Battle Creek; Donald, Leona, Theodore Roosevelt and George W., who
are attending school; and Charles, the baby, two years old.
In his political belief Mr. Katz is a Democrat, but has never cared to
enter the -political field, his business activities satisfying his ambition.
However, he takes a good citizen's interest in all matters that effect his
county, and any movement for its betterment finds in him a valuable
co-worker and stanch supporter. He has a wide circle of acquaintances
and numerous friends in Fredonia township.
WILLIAM C. KLAWITER. It is one of the most encouraging facts
which can anywhere exist that, in this country, a large proportion of
those individuals who by their acquirements and talents have attained a
greater or less degree of prosperity, have risen by their own exertions.
In the lives of such men as William C. Klawiter, of Battle Creek, there
is always to be found something to encourage the exertions of those
youths who, without fortune or influential friends, are struggling to
overcome obstacles in the acquirement of position and independence. Mr.
Klawiter, who is vice president of the firm of John Brennan & Company,
and a forceful factor in the industrial life of Battle Creek, entered upon
the active duties of life with naught but his own energy and ability to
aid him, and has been the sole architect of his own fortunes, molding
his own character and shaping his own destiny. He was born in Detroit,
Michigan, August 27, 1864, and is a son of William and Katherine
(Hilbert) Klawiter, natives of Germany who came to the United States
in childhood.
William Klawiter entered upon his business career as an employe of
John Brennan, who conducted a boiler shop in Detroit, and continued
his connection with the works after the incorporation of the business
under the firm style of John Brennan & Company. In fact, his association with the industry was only terminated by his death, which occurred
after thirty-five years relation with the house. He was successively promoted until he reached the position of foreman, and afterwards was
made superintendent, and in 1883 when the company established a
branch house at Battle Creek, for the manufacture of boilers more
especially, (the Detroit plant being also devoted to the manufacture of
boilers.) Mr. Klawiter moved to this city and as superintendent had
charge of this plant until his death, October 1, 1892. He had the
unqualified confidence and good will of those whom he represented and
was a most capable man in the position which he occupied. He and his
wife, who survives him and lives in Battle Creek, were the parents of
three children: William C.; Mrs. Harry P. Lewis, of Battle Creek; and
Mrs. C. J. Austin, of Toledo, Ohio.
William C. Klawiter was educated in the common schools of Detroit, and on completing his literary course there, learned the trade of
boiler maker as an apprentice in the shop of John Brennan & Company,
remaining at the boiler works in Detroit for a year and then coming to
Battle Creek with his parents. Here he completed his apprenticeship,
and after becoming a journeyman was promoted through successive
stages until, upon his father's death, in 1892, he was made his successor,
becoming superintendent of the establishment in Battle Creek. He has
since given his time and attention almost exclusively to the supervision
of the plant, having control of the largest boiler works in this part of
the State. He is a stock holder and director of the company, which






~l~~7,~^/f    -^ -"~_l^-M~.








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1069


owns the works at Battle Creek and Detroit, the Detroit plant still
being larger than the one at Battle Creek, and is vice-president of the
company, the other officers of which are: F. S. Werneken, president;
C. T. Kingston, secretary; and F. E. Werneken, treasurer. This company manufactures all manner of work made from steel plate, welded
or riveted, and its products include marine and stationary boilers, upright and locomotive type boilers for tug boats, steam shovels and
dredges, boilers for sawmills, locomotive boilers, mounted and unmounted,
and feed water heaters, separators, filters, steel piping, steel tanks and
heavy plate work. The Battle Creek works are situated at Fountain
street and the Michigan Central Railroad tracks.   In addition, Mr.
Klawiter is a stockholder in the Old National Bank, the Citizens Electric Company, the Battle Creek Brewing Company and the Gartner
Baking Company.
In political matters Mr. Klawiter is a Republican, and during
1908 and 1909 served as alderman of the First Ward. At one time he
was a member of Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M., but upon the
organization of Metcalf Lodge No. 419, demitted to that lodge and became a charter member. He also belongs to Battle Creek Chapter, R.
A. M., and Battle Creek Commandery No. 33, K. T., and to the Elks
Lodge of this city.
As will be seen, Mr. Klawiter is a typical self-made man, one who by
his own ability, perseverance and acumen has risen from a comparatively
obscure and poor boyhood to his present condition of independence. He
has never married, but resides with his mother at No. 6, East Fountain
street, where he has an elegant and comfortable modern home, sursounded by a beautiful lawn. He has a wide business acquaintance
throughout the State, and enjoys to an enviable degree the respect and
esteem of his fellow citizens, who recognize in him those sterling attributes of character which have done so much to advance and develop
Battle Creek's industrial and commercial importance.
FRANKLIN E. ESTES. Conspicuous among the intelligent, enterprising and able men who are largely contributing towards the advancement
of the financial prosperity and material interests of Calhoun county is
Franklin E. Estes, cashier of the Athens State Bank, in which he is a
director, and one of its heaviest stockholders. A son of Freeman Estes,
he was born, January 20, 1874, in New York state, where his childhood
days were spent. His grandparents, Thomas and Sarah (Franklin)
Estes, were life-long residents of New York, both living to be upwards
of eighty years of age.
Born in the Empire state, April 11, 1855, Freeman Estes was there
educated and married. Coming to Saint Joseph county, Michigan, in
1882, he located in Mendon, where he purchased one hundred and twenty
acres of land, on which the only improvements were a log house and log
barn. He immediately began the pioneer task of redeeming a farm from
its pristine wildness, and in his labors met with excellent success. He
has erected new buildings of modern construction, placed his land under
an excellent state of culture, and has now a fertile and productive farm
worth at least one hundred dollars an acre, his estate being one of the
most valuable in the neighborhood. He is a Republican in his political
relations, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his
wife is also a member. He married Sarah Franklin, who was born in
New York state, in July, 1856, and they have seven children living, as
follows: Arthur C., of Goshen, Indiana; Susie, wife of J. L. Mischler,
of Goshen, Indiana; Franklin E., the subject of this brief biographical




1070           HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
review; Fred C., a farmer, living near Kalamazoo; Ernest L., cashier
of the First State Bank of Mendon; Raymond S., of Weiser, Idaho; and
Mabel, living at home.
After leaving the Mendon high school Franklin E. Estes took a course
of study at a business college in Petosky, after which he spent a year at
Buchtel College, in Akron, Ohio. Thus prepared for a professional
career, Mr. Estes taught school eight years, four years in the country,
and four years in the Mendon high school. Going then to Centerville,
Michigan, he was for five years associated with the Wolf Brothers State
Bank. In 1908 Mr. Estes organized the Farmers State Bank at Athens,
and it was subsequently consolidated with the Athens State and Savings
Bank under the name of the Athens State Bank. This flourishing financial institution, of which Mr. Estes is not only the cashier, but a director,
and one of the leading stockholders, is capitalized at $30,000.00, and has
a surplus and undivided profits of $8,000.00, while its average deposits
amount to $135,000.00.
Politically Mr. Estes affiliates with the Republicans, and while in
Centerville served as village treasurer and as assessor. Fraternally he
is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, and religiously he
belongs to the Congregational church.
Mr. Estes married, August 2, 1901, Georgia I-all, a daughter of
George W. and Clarissa Ann (        ) Hall, natives of Vermont, and
early settlers of Saint Joseph county, Michigan, where her father was
a prominent carpenter and contractor until his death, in 1904. Mr.
and Mrs. Estes are the parents of two children, namely: Gertrude
Helen, and Hall J.
FRANK G. WOODRUFF. Among the native-born citizens of Calhoun
county who have spent their lives within its precincts, aiding in every
possible way its growth and development, whether relating to its agricultural, manufacturing, mercantile, or financial prosperity, stands
Frank G. Woodruff, of Athens, a prominent lumber dealer, and a banker.
He was born, July 11, 1860, in Athens township, a son of Nelson Woodruff, and grandson of Gurdon Woodruff, who migrated from New York,
his native state, to Ohio in pioneer times, and was there a tiller of
the soil until his death.
Born in New York in 1822, Nelson Woodruff went with his parents
to Ohio, where he grew to man's estate. He came with his wife to
Michigan, locating in Athens township, Calhoun county. Purchasing
one hundred and sixty acres of heavily wooded land from the man who
had originally bought the tract from the government, he cleared a large
portion of it, placed it in a fine state of cultivation, and occupied it
continuously until his death, in 1883. He married Sophia Boughton,
who was born in New York, and died on the home farm in Michigan in
1907. Of the children born of their union, three are living, as follows: Melvin, a farmer in Athens; Frank G., with whom this sketch
is chiefly concerned; and Ralph, a resident of Arkansas. Nelson Woodruff was a Democrat in politics, and held numerous township offices,
always serving faithfully and ably in any position to which he was
elected. His wife's father, maternal grandfather of Mr. Woodruff, was
Truman Boughton, was born and reared in New York, and while yet a
young man served in the War of 1812. He subsequently settled on a
farm in Iowa, and there resided thirty years and the remainder of his
life in Denver, Colorado.
Receiving his preliminary education in the district schools of Athens
township. Frank G. Woodruff completed his early studies in Union
City, and subsequently taught school a year. Returning then to the






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1071


home farm, he assisted his father in its management until becoming of
age, when he rented it on shares. In 1884, a few months after the death
of his father, Mr. Woodruff bought the interests of the remaining heirs
in the parental acres, and was there profitably engaged in agricultural
pursuits about twenty years, and still owns the entire property. Moving to Athens in 1904, Mr. Woodruff looked about for awhile for some
congenial employment, and in 1906, in partnership with Mr. Leo E.
Wood, embarked in the lumber and coal business, and has since built
up an extensive and lucrative lumber and coal business, carrying in
stock large amounts of finishing lumber and builder's material and many
carloads of coal. He is also connected with one of the substantial financial institutions of the county, being president of the Athens State
Bank, which has a paid up capital of $30,000.00, with a surplus and undivided profits of $8,000.00  Mr. Woodruff has shown marked ability
in the management of his business affairs, having begun life for himself with but $1,500.00, a sum which he has since increased many fold,
having now a handsome competency. A Democrat in politics, he has
served as supervisor and as highway commissioner.
Mr. Woodruff married, in 1885, Lillie Carpenter, a daughter of
Henry L. and Susan (Palmer) Carpenter, natives of New York state.
Her father, who came to Michigan many years ago, bought land, and
was here employed as a tiller of the soil until his death, in his operations having met with good success. Her mother is still living, making
her home in Athens. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff have two children, namely:
Madge L., wife of Harry Lewis of Athens, a teacher in the Athens
schools; and Lorna A., wife of Leo Harrison, of Mason, Michigan. Mr.
and Mrs. H. has a daughter, Doris born November, 1911.
IAVID W. CORTRIGHT. It has been claimed by many that the real
development of our lands has just begun, that the possibilities of our
greatest national asset, the soil, which for all time to come is to be the
basis of human welfare, are just being realized. Any thought of the
future of the nation suggests the absolute necessity not simply of
conserving the soil, but of increasing its power to produce beyond
past and present averages, and it is to the progressive, enterprising
and highly skilled agriculturists that we must look for the successful
undertaking of this great work. Calhoun county, Michigan, has within
its borders not only some of the best land to be found in the State, but
also agriculturists who have been trained to the highest point of efficiency in their chosen vocation, and whose records in the matter of
crop production compare favorably with those of the agriculturists in
any other section of the country. One of these men is David W. Cortright, who has an excellently cultivated tract of 240 acres situated in
Homer township. Mr. Cortright has the added distinction of being
a native born Michigander, having been born in Hillsdale county, February 26, 1865, a son of Cornelius and Cornelia (Webber) Cortright.
The boyhood of David W. Cortright was spent on the home farm,
where he devoted his energies to the tilling of the fields during the
summer months, in the meantime securing his educational training in
the district schools of the vicinity during the winter terms. Subsequently he attended the Union school and the college at Hillsdale, and
after completing his course at the latter institution adopted the profession of educator. However, after teaching school for one term, Mr.
Cortright heard the call of the soil and returned to farming, being
a renter on his father's farm until 1900, when he purchased 159 acres
from his father, this being the nucleus for his present handsome property of 240 acres, on which he is carrying on general farming. DurVol. II-30




10,72


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ing the past fourteen years Mr. Cortright has also devoted a great deal
of attention to buying, feeding and shipping stock, and in both of his
ventures has met with well-deserved success. Progressive in all things,
he has always used the best and most highly improved farming machinery; his buildings are commodious and substantially built, and his
residence is one of the nice country homes of Calhoun county. Politically he is a Democrat, and fraternally he is connected with Humanity
Lodge No. 29, A. F. & A. M., and Homer Chapter No. 130, R. A. M.
Mrs. Cortright is a member of the Episcopal Church.
In 1889 Mr. Cortright was married to Miss May Phelps, daughter
of Edward Phelps, a native of New York, who conducted a foundry
and flouring mill in Hillsdale for a number of years. Six children
have been born to this union: Wells, who resides at Homer; Cornelia,
Howard, Helen and Freddie, who are attending school; and Max, the
baby. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cortright are widely known throughout
Homer township, where they have many warm personal friends.
DORR B. BURNHAM. At the time of his death, March 11, 1899, Dorr
B. Burnham held prestige as one of the prominent and influential citizens of Battle Creek, where he had maintained his home for a long
term of years. He was from early pioneer days intimately identified
with the industrial and productive activities of Michigan, and through
his business abilities accumulated a comfortable fortune. He was a
man of inflexible integrity and utmost honesty of purpose, and on his
life, ended in the fullness of years and well-earned honors, there rests
no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Mr. Burnham was born at
Williston, Chittenden county, Vermont, December 14, 1825, and was
descended from illustrious ancestry, his mother being a granddaughter
of the noted Governor Thomas Chittenden, colonial and state governor,
who was born in East Guilford, Connecticut, January 6, 1730. He was
one of the pioneers of Vermont, settling upon the New Hampshire
grants in 1774, and acquiring a fortune from his lands. In 1778 he
became governor of Vermont, before its formal separation from New
York was recognized. During the Revolutionary War the British and
Continental Congress received overtures from him, his terms being
recognition of Vermont's statehood. He retired from public life in
1796 and died in Williston, Vermont, August 24, 1797.
Hiram Burnham, father of Dorr B. Burnham, was born in Burlington, Vermont, in 1798, and came to Michigan some time between 1825
and 1830, settling near Saline and acting as a United States government surveyor in the northern woods and on the boundary between the
United States and Canada. His death occurred in 1852. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Minerva Chittenden, was born in Williston,
Vermont, in 1801, and died in 1848, having been the mother of two
sons and a daughter, Dorr B. being the second in order of birth.
Dorr B. Burnham was about three of age when his parents came to
Michigan, and his education was secured in the schools near Saline,
where he was himself engaged in teaching school for some time. On
his arrival in this section, Battle Creek was only a small settlement between the Kalamazoo river and Battle Creek, but it gradually and
steadily grew and progressed, and as young Burnham gained in years,
he here learned the trade of millwright. Although possessed of but
little capital, the youth was fortunate in having the much more desirable possessions of ability, ambition and perseverance, sterling characteristics inherited from a long line of successful ancestors and cultivated by a busy and useful life. With his brother-in-law, H. J. Cushman, he built the Bradley mill, located on the present site of the elec



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1073


tric light plant, at the corner of State and Madison streets, and also
engaged in buying wheat for an eastern concern. Coming to Battle
Creek prior to the Civil War, he built the third foundry in this vicinity for the purpose of manufacturing plows and all kinds of farming
machinery, and in 1869 began to make the Boult carver. In 1873 he
founded a company to carry on the increased business, C. C. Beach,
Frank Beach, J. M. Ward, William Andrus and Mr. Burnham composing the board of directors, and with trees, bushes and the river as
surroundings, the company started in business. This proved an instantaneous success, and soon the American Steam Pump Company,
as the enterprise was styled, moved its quarters into a large wooden
building on Jefferson street, built by Charles Mason and originally
used as a railway warehouse. This structure was used for years, but
some time prior to Mr. Burnham's death was torn down to allow the
construction of a modern building. He was known as the father of
the American Steam Pump Company, but after he had secured the
services of Mr. E. C. Hinman he stepped out of the concern as far as
active participation in the direction of its affairs was concerned, and
from that time on was only identified with it as a stock-holder, although his advice was often sought, and freely given, on matters ot
importance.
Mr. Burnham was an active and stalwart worker in the cause of
temperance, and labored continually to make the men in his employ
become Prohibitionists, although no employe was ever discharged on
account of his drinking habits, it being Mr. Burnham's custom to try
to assist his men in every possible way. He took an intense interest
also in the cause of education, serving on the school board for a number of years, and lending his aid and influence to all movements tending to aid and develop the public school system, with the late T. B.
Skinner and others. He also served acceptably as a member of the
city council during the early days, and was constantly being identified
with beneficial measures. For a number of years he was a member
and treasurer of the Twentieth Century Club. His death occurred at
the old family residence, No. 192 West Van Buren street.
On January 30, 1850, Mr. Burnham was married to Miss Harriet
McCamly, daughter of the late Sands McCamly, Battle Creek's first
prominent citizen, and a sister of Mark McCamly, who was the third
white child born in Calhoun county, and now the oldest native white
man here. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burnham: a
daughter who died in infancy; Hiram G., who resides in Ann Arbor;
Mark H., a sketch of whose life will be found in another part of this
work; and George McCamly, who met his death by drowning at Mullett
Lake, in northern Michigan, June 9, 1885. All the children were born
and educated in Battle Creek.
Mr. Burnham was a good citizen, whose aid to public enterprises
and whose bounty in private charity were substantial and appreciable,
although in no wise ostentatiously bestowed. Whatever tended to the
improvement of the community enlisted his active support, and his
public spirit was manifested so generally and so serviceably as to secure for him the universal and cordial esteem of his fellow citizens.
His death was a sad blow to his community, and he is mourned by a
host of friends, who still miss his genial, kindly counsel.
MARK H. BURNHAM. The son of one of Battle Creek's former oldest and most highly honored business men, and himself well known in
industrial and commercial circles of the city, Mark H. Burnham comes
of distinguished ancestry, being a direct descendant of Governor Thom



1074


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


as Chittenden, first governor of the state of Vermont. His father, the
late Dorr B. Burnham, a complete sketch of whose life will be found
on another page of this work, was known as "the father of the American Steam Pump Company," one of Battle Creek's largest industries,
and for a long period of years was identified with the business, social
and educational activities of the city, while his mother, Harriet (McCamly) Burnham, belonged to one of Calhoun county's oldest and best
known families. Mark H. Burnham was born in Battle Creek, March
28, 1861, and was one of four children born to his parents., of whom
but one beside himself survives, Hiram G. Burnham of Ann Arbor.
Mr. Burnham received his education in the public and high schools
of Battle Creek, graduating from the latter in 1881, when he became
identified with the American Steam Pump Company, with which he e
was identified until a few years ago. With his brother he owns an
equal share in the stock of this company formerly owned by their
father, but the greater part of his attention has been given to real estate transactions, and he has erected numerous structures in his native
city. He lives in the old family residence, at No. 192 West Van Buren
street, which was erected by Dorr B. Burnham at the time of his marriage, more than sixty years ago, and to which the son has made numerous improvements. In addition to this old land-mark, and the acre of
land on which it is situated, Mr. Burnham owns considerable other
city property, and his operations in the realty field have tended to
stimulate the city's building activities. As a young man, Mr. Burnham adopted the political belief of his father, that of the Democratic
party, but with the entrance of William J. Bryan into the public arena,
he began giving his support to the Republican party's candidates in
national matters, although in local affairs he reserves the right to cast
his vote according to his own judgment, irrespective of party lines.
Mr. Burnham was married March 1, 1884, to Miss Marion E.
Lawler, of Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, daughter of S. H.
Lawler. She died April 7, 1909, having been the mother of one daughter, Madge, an interesting child of ten years. Mrs. Burnham's father
is also deceased, but her mother survives and makes her home with
Mr. Burnham, tenderly caring for her granddaughter, who is attending the public school.
WILLARD CORYDON PHELPS. One of the successful and well-patronized
grocery establishments of Battle Creek is that conducted at No. 16 Jefferson avenue, South, by Willard Corydon Phelps. This business has been
developed through the energy, enterprise and progressive spirit of its
proprietor, whose reliable methods have gained the confidence and custom
of his patrons and brought about his present prosperity. Mr. Phelps has
not confined himself to this line of endeavor, however, as he has been
active in developing various parts of the city. He is a native-born citizen
of Calhoun county, being a son of Simary and Sarah (Willard) Phelps,
and was born in Fredonia township, in the farm home of his parents,
February 11, 1869. His two sisters, Mrs. Dr. C. G. Vary and Mrs.
Frank Sweet, and one brother, V. S. Phelps, also reside in Battle Creek.
The early education of Mr. Phelps was secured in the Francisco
school, in Newton township, following which be attended Marshall high
school, and later took a course at Krug's Business College at Battle Creek.
When he was fifteen years of age, Mr. Phelps moved with his parents to
the village of Ceresco, where he began work in the grocery store of his
father, there receiving a thorough training in every branch of the business. On February 18, 1891, he was united in marriage to Miss Dora
Godfrey, daughter of Oliver and Emily (Newbre) Godfrey, of Emmett




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1075


township, and two daughters have blessed this union. In 1893 Mr. Phelps
bought a grocery business at Battle Creek, on Marshall street, and continued to operate it for six years, but later sold this establishment and
moved with his family to Marshall, where he was business manager for
the Marsshall News for two years. Returning to Battle Creek in 1905,
he again entered the grocery trade, purchasing a stock of goods at No.
16 Jefferson avenue, South, where he is now located. In 1907, with Mrs.
Lucy Anderson, Mr. Phelps opened Franklin Court from Freylinghuysen
avenue half way to Calhoun street, and in 1910, it was extended to Harvard street. During the summer of 1911 he opened the Phelps Addition
to Battle Creek, a territory covering twenty-four lots, including Phelps
and Terrace avenues across to Bidwell street. He owns these desirable
properties, which are located just off the street car line on Lake avenue.
and just outside of the mile circle. Mr. Phelps has not been devoted to
his business interests to the exclusion of outside affairs, having served
as alderman of the Fifth Ward during the years 1898 and 1899, and
has taken a public spirited interest in the welfare of his city and county.
His contributions to church work and religious enterprises have been
liberal, and he is now acting in the capacity of trustee of the Independent
Congregational church. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of
Pythias and I. 0. O. F. Lodge No. 29, of Battle Creek, in which he has
many friends. Mr. Phelps' success in business may be said to have been
achieved by his consummate business methods and sound principles.
Always conscientious in the extreme, he has conducted his affairs in the
most honorable manner, so much so that for years he has found himself
surrounded by hosts of friends both business and social, while those with
whom he has come into contact in any of the walks of life grant him
that respect and esteem that is given only to the individual whose careers
have stood for business integrity and good citizenship.
CLARENCE G. VARY, M. D. Standing among the highest in his profession, and enjoying a. not less exalted position in the estimation of his
friends, the death of the late Dr. Clarence G. Vary, which occurred
August 7, 1910, came as a severe shock to all who knew him and was a
distinct loss to the medical fraternity of Battle Creek, where he had been
engaged in the active and successful practice of his profession for more
than ten years. Dr. Vary was a native of Calhoun county, having been
born on his father's farm, three miles west of Marshall, February 2, 1874,
and was a son of Edmund asnd Matilda (Godfrey) Vary.
Edmund P. Vary was born in Livingston county, New York, in Caledonia township, May 26, 1849, but received his education in Marshall
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, whence he had been taken by his
parents when he was twelve years of age. His father passed away in
Marshall, December 16, 1889, having lived retired for six years, and during his active career had been president of the Perrin Bank of Marshall.
The mother passed away May 28, 1894, in Union City, Michigan, where
she had moved some time after the death of her husband, and both were
buried in Marshall. They had a family of three sons, of whom two are
living: Edmund P., and Charles H. of Marshall. A half-sister, Mrs.
Carlton Miller, who had been born to her father's first marriage, died
September 24, 1890, leaving one son, Craig C., now an attorney of
Marshall.
After completing his tducation, Edmund P. Vary continued to work
on the home farm until his marriage, at that time embarking in agricultural pursuits on his own account. Eight years later, however, he returned to the homestead, and six years thereafter came to Battle Creek
and spent two years in business. HTe subsequently went to Ceresco for




1076


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


two and one-half years, but left that point to go to Olivet, in order to
give his son better educational advantages.  Since October 26, 1894,
he has resided in Battle Creek, where he made his home with Dr. Vary,
although he still owns the old homestead of 200 acres in Marshall township, and a part of which is still located within the limits of Marshall.
There he carries on dairy farming, Fraternally, Mr. Vary is connected
with Calhoun Tent No. 54, K. O. T. M., and his religious faith is that
of the Presbyterian church, which he attends at Marshall.
On October 9, 1872, Mr. Vary was united in marriage to Miss Matilda
Godfrey, of Marshall township, daughter of David Godfrey. She was
born in New York and came from near Batavia to Marshall with her
parents, attending the Marshall township schools, Ypsilanti Normal
School and Albion College. They had only one child: Dr. Vary.
Clarence G. Vary resided in his native township until his twelfth
year, when, with his father and mother, he removed to Battle Creek, his
elementary education being secured in the public schools of this city,
following which he took a three-year literary course in Olivet College.
In 1894 he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, where he was a student for three years, entering the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1897 to complete his medical studies. He
received the degree of -M. D. from that institution the following year, and
immediately after his graduation acted for one year as interne in St.
Timothy's hospital in Philadelphia, where he became known as a careful and conscientious physician. Early in 1899 Dr. Vary opened an office
in the Tacoma Block, Battle Creek, and during his years of work here
enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. A close and industrious student,
he possessed ability, aptitude and inclination for his calling, and that
sympathetic nature that always marks the successful physician. He was
a valued and popular member of the Calhoun County Medical Society
and the Michigan State Medical Society, and while a resident of Philadelphia, belonged to the J. C. Medical Society of that city, one of the
foremost organizations of its kind in the east. Dr. Vary has been medical
examiner for several local fraternities, including the Independent Order
of Foresters, the Fraternal Alliance, the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Firemen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Tribe of Ben Hur,
and was court physician for the Companion Order of Foresters and alternate examiner for the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company. He was a
popular member of the Athelstan Club, belonged to the Elks Lodge and
took a great interest in the work of the Masonic order, belonging to the
A. T. Metcalf Lodge and having attained to the Knight Templar rank.
The Knights Templar had charge of the funeral party which left Battle
Creek on a special interurban car for Marshall, where the remains of
the deceased were laid to rest. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party, taking a keen and active interest in all that pertained to its
success or to the welfare of his city or its people. However, he did not
seek public office, although he served for a time in the capacity of health
officer.
On June 1, 1899, Dr. Vary was married to Miss Emma Phelps, who
was born in Newton township and attended Albion College, daughter
of Simary and Sarah Elizabeth (Willard) Phelps. Mr. Phelps was a
farmer during his early life, but subsequently turned his attention to
mercantile pursuits, being for twenty years the properitor of a store at
Ceresco, where he is now living retired from active business pursuits.
He served during the Civil War as a. private in a Michigan regiment
of volunteer infantry. Mrs. Vary survives her husband and resides at
No. 93 Garrison avenue with her parents-in-law, and her only child,
Edward, who was born September 2, 1904.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1077


In closing this all too brief review of one of Battle Creek's most popular young professional men, we are allowed to quote from an article which
appeared in the Battle Creek Enquirer for April 8, 1910, and which
said in part as follows: "Following an illness extending over a period
of seven weeks, Dr. Clarence G. Vary, one of the foremost physicians in
the local medical fraternity, and former health officer of Battle Creek,
passed away yesterday afternoon, at his home on Garrison avenue, at
5:45 o'clock. The direct cause of death was Bright's disease, and naturally of a strong constitution, Dr. Vary made a remarkable fight against
the inroads of the malady, and during the early part of his sickness it
appeared as if his recovery was only a matter of time. Unexpected developments set in, however, a few days ago, and since that time he gradually failed until death came. Throughout his illness he bore his suffering patiently, and while the end was not altogether unexpected it came
as a severe shock to his family and friends. Dr. Vary was well known
in this part of the state, and his sterling qualities and honest and straightforward manner endeared him to a large circle of friends, both in and
outside of the medical profession."
GARRETT DECKER. Well may this publication take cognizance of the
character and achievements of the honored pioneer and sterling citizen
whose name initiates this review and who was actively and prominently
identified with business interests in the city of Battle Creek for fully half
a century. He was a man of exalted integrity, generous and kindly
nature and distinctive ability, so that he left a deep impress upon the
civic and business history of the community in which he long lived and
labored. In offering a tribute to his memory there' is all of consistency,
for he did well his part in furthering the social and material development and upbuilding of the fine metropolis of Calhoun county.
Garrett Decker, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed pioneer
citizens of Battle Creek, passed to the life eternal on the 1st of May,
1905, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles F. Atkinson, at Hinsdale,
a suburb of the city of Chicago, Illinois. He had there stopped for
a visit while on his way home from a sojourn in California, whither he
had gone for the benefit of his health, which has been much impaired
for some time. Mr. Decker was born in Ulster county, New York, on the
19th of November, 1835, and was thus nearly seventy years of age at the
time of his death. He was reared and educated in his native state and as
a young man he came to Michigan and established his residence in Battle
Creek, where he maintained his home continuously for more than fifty
years. Here he was associated with the late Thomas B. Skinner in the
retail dry-goods trade for twenty-seven years, and for the ensuing fifteen
years he continued in the same line of enterprise in an individual way,
as one of the leading merchants and most honored and influential citizens of Battle Creek. He retired from active business about ten years
before his death. From an appreciative article published in a local paper
at the time of the death of this pioneer business man are taken the following extracts, which are well worthy of preservation in this more
enduring form:
"Mr. Decker was a man possessed of untiring energy, and that trait
was ever in evidence, the while his manly Christian character and sterling qualities always made him a most valued citizen and worthy friend.
He was an active member and faithful worker in the First Presbyterian
church. He left his home in this city a few weeks before his death, accompanied by his wife and his daughter Genevieve, for a western trip,
thinking that the change might benefit him. They went to California
and other points on the Pacific coast and the change seemed to do him




1078


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


considerable good. A short time before his death lie left his wife and
daughter in the west, for a more extended visit on their part, and started
for the east. He stopped at Hinsdale, Illinois, for a brief visit with his
elder daughter and while there an acute attack of indigestion terminated
in his death."
In politics Mr. Decker gave his support to the ca.use of the Republican
party and while he never sought or desired public office he was ever
ready to lend his co-operation in the furtherance of measures and enterprises projected for the general good of the community. He filled
a large place in the business activities-of Battle Creek for many years,
and here his memory will be honored as long as there remains those who
knew him and had appreciation of his noble and kindly life.
On the 7th of January, 1863, in the village of Climax, Kalamazoo
county, Michigan, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Decker to Miss
Jennie M. Bellows, who was born at Climax, Mich., and who was a
daughter of Wm. E. Bellows, a representative pioneer of Kalmazoo
county. Mrs. Decker, a woman of gentle and gracious personality and
a devout member of the Presbyterian church, did not long survive her
honored husband, as she was summoned to the life eternal on the 6th of
October, 1911, at the age of seventy-one years. After the death of her
husband she broke up the old home and thereafter passed her time with
her children, her death having occurred at the home of her youngest
child, Mrs. Laurence W. Smith, of Ionia, Michigan. Concerning the
children of Mr. and Mrs. Decker the following brief record is entered,
in conclusion of this memoir: Dr. Charles E., who attained to distinction
in the medical profession, was in charge of the United States ma.rine hospital at San Diego, California, at the time of his death, in 1902; J. Newton, who still resides in Battle Creek, is individually mentioned on other
pages of this work; William B. was a student of medicine at the time
of his death, which occurred in Battle Creek, in 1898; Edward H., who
was graduated in the law department of the University of Michigan, is
now a member of the faculty of the law school of the University of
Illinois: he was engaged in the practice of his profession in Battle Creek
for five years and during three years of this period held the office of city
attorney; Anna Louise is the wife of Charles Atkinson, who is president
of the publishing house of Atkinson, Mentzer & Company school-book
publishers in the city of Chicago, and he and his wife now reside at San
Diego, California; Genevieve is the wife of Laurence W. Smith, who is
a representative member of the bar of Ionia county, Michigan, and who
maintains his home and professional headquarters in the city of Ionia,
the judicial center of the county. All of the children were graduated in
the Battle Creek high school and all were also graduated in the University
of Michigan except J. Newton, whose predilections led him into business
activities.
J. NEWTON DECKER. Elsewhere in this volume is entered a memorial
tribute to the late Garrett Decker, who was one of the most honored
business men and a representative citizen of Battle Creek for more than
half a century, and thus it is not requisite to make further reference
to the family history in this article touching the career of the elder of
the two surviving sons.
J. Newton Decker was born in Battle Creek, on the 12th of January,
1867, and duly availed himself of the advantages of the public schools
of his native city. He was graduated in the high school as a member of
the class of 1884 and forthwith became actively associated with the prosperous dry-goods business here conducted by his honored father. He
was finally admitted to partnership in the business, which was there



I
II




QAz. 4,


I - ~c




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1079


after conducted under the title of Decker & Son for a period of about
twelve years. Since that time Mr. Decker has been consecutively in the
employ of the Standard Manufacturing Company of Jackson, Michigan,
and as traveling representative of this concern he has charge of its sales
in all of the most important commercial centers from Chicago to the
Pacific coast, his success as a commercial traveler having been of a pleasing order, as is indicated by the fact that he has been in the employ
of the one concern for nearly fifteen years and has represented it in a
wide and important territory.
Mr. Decker has continuously maintained his residence in his native
city. He here erected, in 1910, his modern residence, which is located, at the corner of Calhoun and Chestnut streets. MAIr. Decker is a Republican in his political allegiance, both he and his wife hold membership
in the Independent Congregational church, and he is a charter member
of the Athelstan Club.
On the 20th of May, 1901, Mr. Decker was united in marriage to Miss
Gertrude Harrison, of Chicago, who was born and reared at Ottawa, Illinois, and who is a daughter of Hiram B. Harrison, a representative citizen of that place. She is a popular factor in the social affairs of Battle
Creek.
CHARLES EDWIN THOMAS. Biographical sketches of those who have
attained merited distinction in American law have a charm and force
in them that commend them to every sound thinker. An interest is
naturally felt in tracing the footsteps of those who have reached elevated
positions in public confidence, and have wielded their influence for
public good;, who, loving truth and integrity for their own sakes, have
undeviatingly followed their dictates, no matter what the personal consequences might be. Records of this kind are calculated to raise the
ministrations of law in public estimation, and are guides for the junior
members of'the profession in their pursuit of reputation, distinction and
position. Charles Edwin Thomas, of Battle Creek, is one of the distinguished-members of the Michigan bar, but it has not been alone as a
legal practitioner that he has been known to the people of his native
city. Rather has it been as a man who, taking pride in his city's growth
and development, has spared neither time, influence or means in promoting any and every movement calculated to be of benefit to its interests,
and as a public official who has held every duty a sacred trust.
Charles Edwin, Thomas was born in Battle Creek, November 28,
1844, and is a son of Thomas H. and Marinda (Whitford) Thomas, natives
of New York, whence the paternal grandparents of the former came
from Wales in 1806. On his mother's side he is of English and Irish
descent. The parents of Mr. Thomas came to Michigan in 1835, and
Thomas H. Thomas became one of the leading contractors and builders
of this part of the State, most of the first bridges of the Michigan Central Railroad having been constructed by him, as well as a number of
the early mills of Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties. He died December
27, 1850, and his wife July 13, 1881.
The early education of Charles E. Thomas was secured in the public schools of Battle Creek, and at the age of fourteen years he entered
the family of Dr. Edward Cox, a pioneer physician of Michigan, for
whom the Dr. Cox Block, built by Mr. Thomas on the site of the
old Cox residence on West Main street, was named.         A  sketch
of the Doctor appears elsewhere in this work. In 1864 Mr. Thomas
entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann
Arbor, and was graduated with the class of 1868. During the progress
of his law course he was a student in the law offices of Judge Ben



1080


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


jamin F. Graves and Myron H. Joy, of Battle Creek, and in 1869 became a member of the legal firm of Dibble, Brown & Thomas, a partnership which continued until 1871, when the firm of Brown & Thomas was
established. Upon the death of Mr. Brown, in 1887, Mr. Thomas succeeded to the business, and for some years practiced alone. On May 1,
1881, Mr. Thomas became connected with the Advance Thresher Company, being one of the original five stockholders and was soon after its
organization its secretary. AA a director and legal advisor and member
of the executive board continuously from the date of its organization, he
was connected with this great industry until November, 1911, at which
time the business of the Advance Thresher Company was purchased by
the Rumely Company of Indiana, which also absorbed the Gaar, Scott
& Company plant of Richmond, Indiana. He was one of the organizers
of the Union School Furniture Company, which burned out with a loss
of over a half million of dollars. No man has taken more pride in the
growth of his native city, and few done more in promoting the city's
finances, the city's industries and conducting them  on firm  business
principles.
A Democrat of the old school, Mr. Thomas in his younger days was
recognized as the "boss" of his party in this part of the State, and
although his party was for the most time in the minority, he was frequently elected to positions of responsibility and prominence. In 1873
he was elected a member of the school board, and for eighteen years
served in that capacity, being secretary all of that time. During this
period an indebtedness of $81,000 of ten percent bonds was completely
wiped out, and three new school buildings were erected, this accomplishment being credited in great part to Mr. Thomas's persistent and
untiring labors. In 1871 he was sent to the council as alderman for two
years, in 1873 reelected and in 1887 was appointed to fill vacancy and
then the following spring elected for full term. As chairman of the
ways and means committee provided the way in the payment of $200,000
railroad aid bonds, the payment of which had been stopped by the
Michigan courts and enforced by the United States Supreme Court,
after the lapse of five years. The bonds bearing eight and ten percent
interest accumulated to a large indebtedness. While a member of the
council or school board, no bonds or indebtedness were created except
the bonds for construction of water works. Mr. Thomas was chairman
of the committee that negotiated their sales, being the first low rate
interest bonds. Mr. Thomas has always been a firm believer that posterity should not shoulder the burden created by the former generation.
While in the common council he represented Calhoun county before the
State Equalization board. In 1882 he was chosen a circuit court
commissioner being one of three candidates elected on the Democratic
ticket for the first time in Calhoun county in twenty-four years. During Mayor Whitcomb's term and Mayor Bailey's first administration,
Mr. Thomas served Battle Creek as city attorney, and drew up many of
the ordinances of the city. In 1894 President Cleveland appointed him
postmaster of Battle Creek, and during his term of office the post office
at Battle Creek, was raised from a second-class to a first-class office and
many improvements in the service made. Mr. Thomas is a member of
the charter commission of Battle Creek, and by the commissioners was
delegated to make the first draft. He also assisted Mr. Dibble in drafting
the present charter. He is fraternally connected with the Knights of
Pythias and the Royal Arch Masons, and also holds membership in the
Athelstan and Country Clubs. During the last fifteen years he has been
clerk of Oakhill Cemetery and takes interest in it. He owns considerable




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1081


valuable real estate in Battle Creek, including the Thomas Block in
which the Central National Bank is located, the Dr. Cox Building, and
his own handsome residence at No. 216 South Jefferson street.
On November 25, 1873, Mr. Thomas was married at Pennfield, Michigan, to Miss Isabelle Adams, of Penfield, and they have one daughter,
Maud A. who was born in the old family home which stood on the present site of the Michigan Central Passenger Depot, and where SMir. Thomnas
was also born.
The passing of his old home to make way for the erection of the
great railroad depot is only one of the many changes Mr. Thomas has
witnessed during his long residence in Battle Creek. He has seen it
grow from a struggling village into a center of commercial and industrial activity, a city whose fame has spread all over the world. Ever
since reaching man's estate he has been constantly and untiringly striving to bring its interests to the front, often giving of his best effort in
behalf of his city to the detriment of his private affairs. Such loyalty
and public-spirit have earned a well-merited reward in the unqualified
confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen.
Together with Hon. E. W. Moore, Mr. Thomas was executor of the
will of the late Charles Willard and carried out his wishes in the
building of the Young Men's Christian Association Home and the
Charles Willard Library in Battle Creek, and also the dedication to the
city of the Charlotte Willard Park. As executor of the estate of
Charlotte M. Rogers, the Charitable Union received $23,000 donated
by her which enabled that society to built the Jabez L. Rogers annex to
the Nichols Hospital. Many other estates have been intrusted to the
care of Mr. Thomas by citizens now departed.
CHARLES W. LEWIS. One of the enterprising and public-spirited
farmers of Eckford township, Calhoun county, is Charles W. Lewis,
who, although educated with the intention of entering the field of business or finance, listened to the call of the soil, and has devoted his life
to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Lewis was born in Stafford, Genesee county,
New York, September 13, 1856, his paternal grandparents being Richard
and Mary Lewis, who died in New York state. John Lewis, the father
of Charles W., born in Lancastershire, England, came to the United
States in 1844, and was here married to Miss Livilla Gleason, a daughter
of Fortunatus and Joanna (Farwell) Gleason. Her father was born in
New Hampshire and her mother in Vermont. After the death of his
wife he went to Burlington, Michigan, to live with his son, surviving but
a short time thereafter and being buried in Burlington. Mr. and Mrs.
John Lewis began life in the Empire State, where the former died when
his son, Charles, was about four years of age. In 1865 Mrs. Lewis came
to Michigan and settled upon the farm now occupied by Charles W.
Lewis, bringing with her her two children.
At that time Charles W. Lewis was only nine years of age, and had
been able to secure no educational advantages whatever. However, he
was bright and enterprising, and on coming here soon mastered the
studies of the district and graded schools and subsequently took courses
at the Homer high school and Hillsdale College, from which he was
graduated at the age of twenty-one years. During this time he had intended entering a bank when he had finished his education, and, in fact,
had a position awaiting him, but instead chose the life of a farmer, which
has since been his vocation. On November 15, 1877, he was married at
Homer, Michigan, to Miss Addie Wait, daughter of Nelson and Orpha




1082


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


(Sylvester) Wait, she born in Calhoun county, and her father a native
of Vermontville, Vermont. His parents were Greene and Lydia (Moon)
Wait. The mother was born in Monroe county, New York, and was a
daughter of Seth and Laura (Burton) Sylvester, both born in the East.
The former died in Eckford township and the latter at Litchfield, Michigan. About 1840 the parents of Mrs. Lewis came to Michigan, settling in
Eckford township and subsequently removing to Newton township, and
then later returning to their former location. There Mr. Wait died,
while his wife passed away in Jonesville, Michigan, having been the
mother of five children.
After his marriage Mr. Lewis located on a farm of his mother's, and
this he rented and operated on shares for a number of years, but subsequently purchased eighty acres of land in section 26. Here he spent
the time until the death of his parents, since which event he has resided
on the old homestead, which he has entirely remodeled, having one of
the finest country homes in Calhoun county. He and his wife are faithful members of the Free Will Baptist church, and his fraternal connection is with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Maccabees. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, he having
cast his first presidential vote for Garfield in 1880 and has taken an
active interest in political affairs. He was elected to Board of Review
in 1886 and has served four terms; 1894 appointed census enumerator;
elected and served two terms as township treasurer; 1901 elected township supervisor; 1902 appointed a member of the building committee,
consisting of two persons to supervise repairs on the county buildings,
and served about six years. In 1903 he was elected chairman of the
Board of Supervisors and is still holding the office of supervisor and
is one of the auditing committee of the county at the present time.
Arthur W. Lewis was born March 23, 1889, in Eckford township,
Calhoun county, the only child of Charles W. and Addie (Wait) Lewis.
He was graduated from the Homer high school in the class of 1905, and
for the past five years has been connected with the Postum Cereal Company, of Battle Creek, as an accountant. In November, 1908, Mr. Lewis
married Miss Velma Kay, of Homer, daughter of Samuel Kay, who is
now deceased.
JOHN J. SNYDER. At this juncture attention is directed to a brief
history of the career of John J. Snyder, a representative citizen of Calhoun county, Michigan, and one who has ever been on the alert to forward
all measures and enterprises projected for the general welfare. He has
served his community in various important official positions of trust
and responsibility, having been highway commissioner for one year,
township clerk for four years and being, in 1912, trustee of the village
board of Athens.
A native of La Grange, Indiana, John J. Snyder was born November 28, 1873, and he is a son of Reuben A. and Christina (Mallow) Snyder, the former of whom was born at Lockport, New York, in 1838, and
the latter at Burr Oak, Michigan, in 1849. The father was reared and
educated in his native state and as a young man was employed on the
Erie canal. At the time of the inception of the Civil war he entered
the Union army as a member of Company M, First New York Light
Artillery, and he served as such for a period of three years and eight
months, during which time he participated in a number of important
engagements marking the progress of the war, including the battle of
Bull Run and the conflict at Antietam. After the close of hostilities
he returned to his home in New York, where he engaged in farming; sub



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1083


sequently he emigrated to Indiana, remaining in that state for one
year. In 1873 he came to Michigan and located in Athens township,
Calhoun county, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and ninety
acres of land, which he cleared and cultivated. This estate is now owned
by his son William H., a sketch of whose career appears on other pages
of this work. R. A. Snyder engaged in diversified agriculture and the
raising of Durham cattle. He was a stalwart Democrat in his political
convictions and at the time of his demise, February 4, 1908, was considered one of the most prominent and influential citizens in Athens township. His cherished and devoted wife, who is now living in the village
of Athens, bore him three children, concering whom the following brief
data are here incorporated. William H is a farmer in Athens township,
living on the old homestead; John J. is the immediate subject of this
review; and Maude Mae, who married Joel Shutt, is deceased.
John J. Snyder was a mere infant at the time of his parents' removal
to Michigan and he was educated in the public schools of Athens. As a
youth he assisted his father in the work and management of the old home
farm and for a period of five years, after reaching his majority he
worked on the farm belonging to his father-in-law. In 1901 he engaged
in the hardware business at Athens, being associated in that enterprise
with L. E. Doty for some ten years, at the expiration of which, in 1900,
he withdrew in order to engage in the creamery business. The Athens
Creamery Company is incorporated under the laws of the state of Michigan with a capital of three thousand, two hundred dollars of which
Mr. Snyder is general manager, secretary and treasurer. This enterprising concern has an output of over a ton of butter per week and is
recognized as one of the best creameries in Calhoun county.
In politics Mir. Snyder is an uncompromising Democrat. For one
term he was honored by his fellow citizens with election to the office of
highway commissioner and he served in that capacity for a period of four
years. He was likewise township clerk of Athens township for four years
and he is now a member of the board of trustees of the village council.
In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees.
He is a business man of marked ability and it is principally to him that
the Athens Creamery Company owes its prestige as one of the important
business concerns in this county.
October 7, 1897, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Snyder to Miss
Lina Estelle Carpenter, a daughter of Rial A. Carpenter, a brief outline of whose career appears in the following paragraph. Mr. and Mrs.
Snyder are the proud parents of four fine children: Carroll C., Mary R.,
Merna L. and Neil A., all of whom are attending school in Athens.
Rial Allen Carpenter was born at Naples, Ontario county, New York,
the date of his nativity being the 28th of October, 1844. He was a son
of Calvin L. Carpenter, who removed with his family to Michigan in
1853, locating in Sherwood township, Branch county. R. A. Carpenter
celebrated his ninth birthday while en route from New York and as a
boy he was a student in the public schools of Athens for a number 'of
years. -In March, 1865, he enlisted as a soldier in Company A, Twelfth
Michigan Infantry, serving at Camden, Arkansas, until his honorable
discharge, in 1866. After the war he returned to Michigan, where he
worked on different farms until 1870, when he married and began farming on an estate of his own. At the time of his death, September 27,
1905, he was the owner of a farm of 180 acres in the vicinity of Athens.
He was one of the promoters of the American Cement Post Company,
of Athens, and was prominent in public affairs in Calhoun county during
the latter years of his lifetime.
Mr. Carpenter married Melvina E. Doty, who was born in Bristol,




1084


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Ontario county, New York, February 12, 1846, and who is a daughter
of Chester Doty, a native of East Bloomfield, New York, where he was
born January 11, 1816. Mrs. Carpenter's grandparents were Chester and
Cynthia (Reed) Doty, natives respectively of Massachusetts and New
York. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter became the parents of one child, Lina
Estelle, now Mrs. John J. Snyder. Fraternally, Mr. Carpenter was affiliated with the time-honored Masonic order of Athens, with the Protective League, and the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Carpenter is
still living and she is a valued ahd appreciative member of the Order
of the Eastern Star. She resides at Athens.
CHAUNCY M. BREWER, one of the oldest, best known and most
highly respected citizens of Marshall, died August 20, 1889.
Mr. Brewer was born October 11, 1814, at Oneonto, Otsego county,
New York, and was the second child of his parents, Peter and Emma
(Marble) Brewer. His father died when he was nine years old, leaving his mother with six young children. Chauncey remained with the
family on the home farm, attending district school during the winter
seasons, until March 1, 1827, when he went to the village and began
to work in the country store of John Deitz. Those qualities which in
after life made for his financial success were early discernible in the
young man, for he was always at his post of duty and remained in the
same store for eight years and eight months. On November 1, 1834,
being then of legal age, and having agreed with a schoolboy friend,
Charles T. Gorham, that they would seek their fortunes in the west,
he left his employer and in a few days started with his friend for
Michigan.
During the winter of 1835-6 he had employment in a store in Clinton, Lenawee county, and in the spring he was joined by Mr. Gorham
and the two made a somewhat extended tour of the southern portion
of the state, finally deciding to locate in Marshall. In June, 1836, they
opened a general country store on the spot which is now the southwest
corner of Hon. M. V. Wagner's of "Marshall House" fame. In 1838
they bought land at the northeast corner of State and Eagle streets
and erected the first brick building in the western part of the village.
This partnership continued until 1840, when Mr. Gorham retired to
establish himself in the banking business, in which he arose to considerable prominence and power. Mr. Brewer took his brothers-in-law,
Edward Butler and John Dusenbury, as partners, but they retired in
1845 and Mr. Brewer continued uninterruptedly in the business until
he turned it over to the management of his sons, Charles D. and Edgar G., in 1873, on the completion of the rebuilding of the old store, at
which time he was the oldest merchant in Marshall, in point of establishment.
On October 15, 1840, at Binghamton, New York, Mr. Brewer married Miss Emily L. Butler and brought his bride to his western home.
To them were born six children, of which number George and Emma
died in infancy.   The others are Mary Eliza, now Mrs. Wheeler;
Charles D.; Edgar G. and Mark B., all of whom are residents of Marshall, and worthy representatives of the fine old name which their
father established in this city seventy-five years ago.
For many years Mr. Brewer resided at the corner where now stands
the Presbyterian church, but in 1859 moved into the new and elegant
residence at the head of Eagle street, since known as Oak Hill, a place
which has ever been noted for its warmth of hospitality.
Politically, Mr. Brewer was ever a Democrat. He was a man of
prominence in Marshall all his life, and when the village was incorpo



Hi STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1085


rated in 1837, was chosen treasurer, and reelected to the same office
in 1841, 1848-9 and 1850. He was village recorder in 1839, 1843, 1845
and 1846, and gave the best of service to the village in those offices.
Mrs. Brewer died October 29, 1887, some two years previous to the
passing of her husband, and although almost a quarter of a century
has flown on the wings of time, both their memories are still green in
the hearts and minds of all who knew them in the years of their
activity.
JOHN MCKINNEY. In the list of successful agriculturists of Calhoun county, who from modest beginnings have risen to positions of
influence and prosperity, mention belongs to John McKinney, who has
a well improved farm of 222 acres in Sheridan township.
Born December 19, 1869, on the farm on which he now resides, John
McKinney is the fifth born of the eight children of his parents, John
and Hessie (Hastings) McKinney,, the others being: James Boyd,
born in 1857; Peter, born in 1860; William, whose birth occurred in
1862; Hessie; Mary; Isabel; and Samuel J. T. Both parents were
natives of Ireland, where the father was born July 13, 1828, and the
mother on April 21, 1882. John McKinney, Sr., came to America, as
a young man and a few years later was joined here by his parents,
James McKinney and wife, both natives of the Emerald Isle, where the
former was born April 7, 1806. He located first in Tecumseh county,
Michigan, but later came to Calhoun county, where he purchased forty
acres of land. He had been married in Adrian, Michigan, in 1856, to
Hessie Hastings, and with her as his helpmeet he set about making a
home. Determined and persevering, he prospered and through the
energetic manner in which he conducted his agricultural pursuits he
amassed a property which placed him among the most successful men
in his vocation in Sheridan township. At the time of his death his
original holdings had increased to one hundred and sixty acres, all the
result of his own industry and ability.
In politics, Mr. McKinney was a Democrat and he had served his
township as treasurer, highway commissioner and supervisor. His religious faith was represented by his membership in the Presbyterian
church, and he maintained a membership in the Ancient Order of
United Workmen in a fraternal way.
After pursuing his education in the local district schools, John McKinney, Jr., took up farming with his father. In 1902 he bought the
interests of the other heirs of his father's estate, and it with other
lands which he has purchased, forms his farmstead of 222 acres. He,
too, is numbered among the successful farmers of Sheridan township,
the lessons that he learned as a boy under the direction of his father
having stood him in excellent stead in his pursuit of agriculture. Like
his father, Mr. McKinney is a Democrat and gives his allegiance to that
party.
Mr. McKinney married Miss Addie Peterson, a daughter of John
Peterson of Jackson county, where he still resides.
NELSON EMMET SHERMAN. A man who will be remembered only
by the older generation in Battle Creek, and whose remarkably promising career was cut off in the flush of young manhood, was the late Nelson Emmet Sherman, who at various times held positions of public
trust and responsibility, and who had gained an enviable eminence in
the ranks of the legal profession. He was born December 31, 1837, at
Albion, Orleans county, New York, and at the age of fifteen years ac



1086


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


companied his parents to Battle Creek, which city was his home during
the remainder of his life.
Mr. Sherman pursued his scholastic and professional education in
the schools of his adopted city, completing the required course and
graduating from  the high school.  Sometime afterwards he entered
upon the study of law in the office of the Hon. L. D. Dibble, and was
admitted to the bar in 1864. While pursuing his professional studies,
he was in 1861 elected to the office of city treasurer of Battle Creek,
being successively elected in the following year, and in 1864 and 1865
held by appointment of the city council, the office of city attorney. He
was also, in 1867, elected alderman from the First Ward, holding the
office for the full term of two years, and in all these positions acquitted
himself in a manner to retain the universal esteem of his fellow-citizens
by the ability and fidelity with which he discharged the duties required of him. After having acquired quite a large experience and a very
promising position in his profession, Mr. Sherman entered into partnership with Myron H. Joy, Esq., of Battle Creek, with whom he was
associated in legal practice at the time of his death, January 8, 1872.
In 1867 Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Mary J. Hubbard, daughter of the late C. B. Hubbard, of this city, and she now lives with their
only child, Howard B., a well known manufacturer of brass goods of
this city. Mr. Sherman was a man of remarkable uprightness, and
besides being endowed with a peculiarly genial temperament, possessed
those sterling qualities which caused him to share in an unusual degree
the public confidence. His candor and fairness, as well as his readiness
and fluency as a public orator, were gaining for him not alone a fine
reputation as an attorney, but enabled him to wield much influence
in the political affairs of the county and to be of great service in the
political canvass in this section.  His conscientious performance of
duty, both in public and private was a conspicuous trait of his character and will ever be most pleasantly associated with his memory.
HOWARD B. SHERMAN. Twenty years ago was founded the H. B.
Sherman Manufacturing Company, at Battle Creek, then a small company manufacturing only several articles, and during this time has
so increased its scope that today it is known as one of Battle Creek's
leading industries. The founder of this large campany, Howard B.
Sherman, is a business man whose accomplishments mark him as one
of the section's most progressive citizens, and he has also the added
distinction of being a native son. Mr. Sherman was born in Battle
Creek, Michigan, June 14, 1869, and is a son of Nelson E. and Mary
J. (Hubbard) Sherman, a sketch of whose lives will be found on another page of this work.
Howard B. Sherman was the only child born to his parents, and
his education was started in the public schools of Battle Creek. On
reaching his majority he gave his attention to the brass worker's trade,
and in 1893 became the founder of the H. B. Sherman Manufacturing
Company, of which he at that time was sole owner. In 1895 the business *was incorporated as a stock company, and W. C. Robinson became a stockholder and treasurer. The business from a small beginning, when but one or two articles were manufactured, has enlarged to
the present time, when a largke line of steam fitters' and plumbers' brass
goods is manufactured, many of the articles being patented specialties
which were invented by Mr. Sherman. Among other items manufactured is a roofing nail, known as the "Simplex" nail, which is manufactured in a separate factory on Kalamazoo street, erected and
equipped for this particular purpose. A large business has been




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1087


worked up on these roofing nails, which are sold in all parts of the
United States and for which there is a growing demand. The company
also operates a large smelting works in which is manufactured the ingot
brass used in their regular line of work. This smelting works is also
a separate factory building located on Kalamazoo street, and in this
is manufactured both brass and copper ingot which is used by the concern in its own business and the surplus is sold on the outside. The
present factory building was built in 1900, while the smelting works
and nail factory were built in 1907 and 1909, respectively. There are
employed in this factory from 150 to 175 hands steadily throughout
the year. Mr. Sherman, the active head of this great enterprise, has
at all times displayed remarkable business ability and commendable
spirit, and is vice-president of the Central National Bank. Last year,
through his efforts, the Country Club was reestablished and placed
upon a substantial foundation. He is also a popular member of the
Athelstan Club of Battle Creek and the Union League Club of Chicago.
On September 27, 1893, Mr. Sherman was married to Miss Ida May
MIitchell, daughter of Robert Mitchell, of Battle Creek. They have two
children: Marion Louise, at present attending Miss Sommer's school
in Washington, D. C., and Nelson E., attending the Battle Creek public schools. The family residence is located at No. 121 Maple street.
CHARLES D. BREWER. On November 8, 1901, Charles D. Brewer,
"Gave his honors to the world again,
His blessed part to Heaven, and slept in peace."
However, his influence in the line of advancement and public spirit
and his connection with such institutions as contributed to the material, intellectual and spiritual welfare of the community constituted
him a factor whose personality will not soon be forgotten, or his usefulness lost in effect. Mr. Brewer was born in Conneaut, Ohio, on
February 22, 1839, the son of Francis E. and Chloe B. (Sheldon)
Brewer, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Leonidas,
Michigan. Francis E. Brewer migrated from his native New England
to Ohio in company with his parents, in pioneer days, and when the
movement of emigration began to take its direction towards the northwest they went on to Michigan, locating in Coldwater. After making
their home in the locality mentioned for some time, they removed in
the early 50's to Battle Creek and here the father secured employment
with Adams & Smith, carriage manufacturers in the early days. Both
parents died many years ago and are buried near Marshall, Michigan.
These admirable citizens became the parents of three children, the subject being the eldest in order of birth. The two daughters, Emily
Frances and Mary died in young womanhood.
Mr. Brewer received such limited public school education as the
early days afforded as a student in the schools of Coldwater and Battle Creek. He also resided in Kansas with his father for a considerable
period in his early youth, this being previous to the removal to Battle
Creek. They went to that state for the purpose of taking up land,
but times were so hard there and the difficulties to be overcome so
great, that they decided to come back to Michigan. They located here
about the year 1857. When young Charles was a youth of about fifteen
years, he bade adieu to his desk in the village school room, and set forth
like the proverbial hero to seek his fortune.  He first went to St.
Charles, Illinois, where he worked for a short time and then proceeded
to St. Louis, Missouri, where he secured work with a Mr. Fisk, a wholesale boot and shoe merchant of that city. Later his employers established a wholesale boot and shoe house in Chicago, under the firm name
Vol. II-31




1088


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of Fisk, Kirkland & Company, which was one of the best known concerns of its day and generation. Mr. Brewer worked for them for a
time in that city and then worked for twelve months in Chicago in the
commission business in association with his cousin, Correl Smith. Subsequent to that venture, Mr. Brewer returned to his boyhood home and
took the management of the Battle Creek Journal, acting in the capacity of business manager, and this office he retained for many years,
much of the success of this well known publication being traceable to
his excellent executive ability and unimpeachable business methods.
He was also connected with the office force of the Advance-Thresher Company for a number of years. He had a wide acquaintance in Calhoun
county and enjoyed general esteem for.his many good gifts of mind
and heart. The demise of this gentleman, as mentioned in a preceding paragraph, occurred in 1901.
Mr. Brewer laid one of the most important stones in the foundation of his success by his marriage on November 29, 1865, to Miss Frances Willard, daughter of the late Hon. George Willard, a representative
and honored gentleman whose biography appears on other pages of this
work. It was with Mr. Willard that Mr. Brewer was associated in the
publication of the Journal, and it was after leaving the Journal that
he became identified with the Advance-Thresher. The union of the
subject and his wife was blessed by the birth of three children, all of
whom survive him.    Two daughters, Emily I. and Charlotte, reside
in Battle Creek; and the son, Willard Brewer, is located in St. Joseph.
Michigan where he is the publisher of the St. Joseph Daily Press. He
was born and educated in Battle Creek and also attended the business
college of this city. The girls are likewise natives of this city, and
Charlotte, the younger, graduated from the high school in the class
of 1889 and has ever since been one of Battle Creek's most efficient
teachers.  He was a member of Independent Congregational church,
with which his family are connected.
Mr. Brewer belonged to the ancient and august Masonic Order,
retaining his membership with a Chicago lodge, and never transferring
it to the Battle Creek lodge. When residing in St. Louis, he became
a member of the home guards of that city, known as the Hallack
Guards and at the outbreak of the Civil war, they were sworn into
service. They subsequently became a regiment, but Mr. Brewer did
not re-enlist with his comrades. The Hallack Guards saw some hard
service, situated as they were on the border between the north and the
south. It is an interesting circumstance that in Winston Churchill's
novel, "The Crisis," he made the captain of the Hallack Guards the
hero of his story.
Mr. Brewer was associated with his father-in-law, the Hon. Mr.
Willard, in the Journal office, for the decade between 1868 and 1878.
He was sixty-two years of age when he passed to the Great Beyond
and in the prime of his mental activity. He was genial and kindly, an
interesting conversationalist, and the possessor of social and literary
attainments of high order, He was, in very truth, one of Battle Creek's
most highly esteemed citizens and his memory will long remain green
in the community where he so long resided and was so well and favorably known. His wife died July 6, 1912 at her home in Battle Creek.
WILLIAM CONNOR. A man of advanced and progressive ideas, enterprising and stirring. William Connor, a valued and eminently respected citizen of Marshall, has been one of the foremost in advancing
the welfare of his adopted city, contributing generously of his time,
energy and money towards projects conducive to the welfare of the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1089


community, and the good of his fellow-men. As a commercial traveler
he formed a large circle of warm friends and well-wishers, and as a
prosperous merchant in Marshall gained to a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his associates.
Mr. Connor was born in 1830, at Wakefield, England, a city lying
a dozen miles, perhaps, to the south of densely populated Leeds. Private instruction prepared him to enter Queen Elizabeth's College,
where he was educated under the Rev. Dr. Carter, at that time the
distinguished head of that institution, from which he was duly graduated. Brought up under such influences, he early turned his attention
to work that was both useful and good. The first appointment that he
received was that of superintendent of the Infant Sunday School of
the Church of Saint James, a stepping stone, as it proved later, to general superintendent and treasurer, positions which he held many years.
He also filled, to the eminent satisfaction of those who elected him, the
office of Rector's warden, as well as that of secretary of the Saint
James Temperance Society; and was likewise honored by being one
of the first members of the English School Board.
In 1854 Mr. Connor took the degrees of Free and Accepted Masons,
and subsequently became a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows; of the Manchester Unity; the Independent Order of Foresters; the United Ancient Order of Druids; and of the Shepherds.
Years before, his older, and only surviving, brother had taken up
his residence in Boston, Massachusetts, and in 1879 Mr. Connor came
to the United States to visit him. Here the usual.again took place.
He liked America; he liked his American cousins, and he decided to
take up his abode with them. This conclusion reached, be brought
forward the recommendations that those who knew him were only too
glad to furnish, and he soon secured a position to travel in Michigan
for the firm of Michael Kolb & Son, clothing manufacturers of Rochester, New York.
In 1880 chance and circumstances brought Mr. Connor to Marshall,
Michigan. From the moment he stepped into her confines he was
pleased. Whether there was a fancied resemblance to the old city that
had sprung up in the English meadows and spread over them, or whether something about the welcoming streets that gave him a kindly greeting touched a responsive chord in his English heart has never been
known, but he liked the place, and stayed there, and the old Scotch
song that embalms in verse the fact that
"Maxwellton braes are bonny, when early fa's the dew,"
was realistic enough to find itself rising with increasing frequency to
his willing lips whenever he thought of the American Annie Laurie
whom he had found in one of. Marshall's happiest homes. There can
be only one ending to the song as he had learned to sing it, and after
he had lived in Marshall a year he married the girl whose "throat was
like the swan," Malinda Ann, the daughter of Edward and Lavinia
Ward.
*Happily married and settled, Mr. Connor began life in earnest as
an American citizen, and the many friends he made, whenever the
thing was possible, pushed him to the front. He was the "most popular man in town " and "lest he should forget " it they gave him a
gold headed cane, so engraved, as a willing testimonial of the regard
they had for him. The city needed an alderman-he had just the
build for that official-and in 1889 he took an honored place among the
city fathers of Marshall. Trinity Episcopal Church wanted a vestryman, and who so well as this man, with his church training and church
experience, could perform the duties of that office? Indeed they all




1090


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


wanted him, and fortunate enough it was for all that there was enough
of him to go round.
"Wilt thou?" said the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
Daisy Lodge, No. 48, Grand Rapids; Knights of Pythias, Lodge No.
540, Owosso; the Knights of Maccabees; the Peninsular Club; and
the church offices of the Good Shepherd, an Episcopal church at Grand
Rapids; and he wilted. In them all he has shown himself to be the
warm-hearted, generous, uplifting spirit which those horizon-widening
organizations wanted, and knew he would be.
As a commercial traveler-that touch of the trading world which
makes this man and the tradesman kin-he holds the same relation
to his brethren that Mahomet held to the mountain. "If the mountain
will not come to AMahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain."  For
years the mountain of this special branch of trade has been stationary,
and the traveling Mahomets have reversed the order of things, and
have come to him. For twenty years Mr. Connor was connected with
the same clothing house, at Grand Rapids, and for eight months of
every year the principal part of his customers went from all parts of
the state to Grand Rapids, where, at his quarters at Sweet's Hotel, he
catered to their wants and wishes. It was one of those rare instances
which shows, as nothing else so effectively can, that when confidence is
once established between a salesman and his customers the implicit
trust in his judgment and integrity will go where he goes, although
it be to the very ends of the earth.
It would be an easy matter for the writer to end here the brief
story of this successful salesman's life. A man, if he is what he ought
to be, is something more than a thing that buys and sells for gain.
True, there must be a man behind the bargain; but unless there are
mind and manhood behind the man, the ring of the coin that settles
the question of exchange is as sounding brass or tinkling cymbal, and,
so far as real manhood is concerned, signifies nothing. There may be
a glittering record of profits, and the bank account may reach far into
the third period of numbers, but it too often happens that the amount,
large as it may be, to represent faithfully the influence of the wealthgatherer upon the community in which he lives, must drop its significant figures, and leave a line of noughts.
William Connor is not that kind of a citizen. He has bought and
sold, but his neighbors in the meantime have not been forgotten. The
public weal and he have been no strangers, and more than one community has heard the sound of his voice, and has been benefited by
heeding his opinion. An Englishman, he emigrated to the United
States, but none advocate more strongly than he the measure and the
principle behind it, that an indiscriminate emigration law has a strong
tendency to interfere largely with the progress of the honest and industrious workman.
As a churchman, he has made his influence felt. Tongue and pen
have not been wanting in the expression of his opinion. While a cornmunicant of the church at Marshall, Mr. Connor advocated the free
and unappropriated pew system, and it was introduced; and when
years had burdened him with church honors, his only anxiety was to
step aside to make room for younger men to be brought into church
work.
Fraternal organization threw wide open to him its genial doors, and
good will on the threshold gave him a welcoming hand; but when he had
settled down into its routine, no opinion ever received more respectful
consideration than his. If a lodge was to be christened, he christened
it; and the wonder was that he alone should hit upon the only appro



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1091


priate name for it. He is a member of many fraternities, because he
believes in fraternity, and says so. When asked what he thought of
the Knights of Pythias, he answered that Pythianism, a thoroughly
American organization, is making great progress, and doing as much
good as any fraternal order to alleviate wickedness and vice; that so
beautiful and tender are its teachings, that it has found its way into
Europe, and will soon have lodges throughout the world. Believing
this, Mr. Connor is a consistent Pythian, and so leaves the seal of his
own character upon any organization to which he belongs.
Like Othello, Mr. Connor has "done the State some service."  He
became an alderman of the city of Marshall for just that purpose. He
was found to be a man with practical ideas, and, given the opportunity, they asserted themselves. The city was behind the times, and he
knew it. He advocated the purchase of the Perrine Water Power, and
of the putting in of the electric light system, averring that all such
possessions should be the property of the city. An injunction alone
restrained the issuing of bonds for this purpose; but two years later,
when the city had caught up with the advanced ideas of its ahead-ofhis-time alderman, it became the owner of the great water power; is
today the owner of its electrical light plant; and is putting in a system of sewerage which-when done as it should, and probably will bewill be a blessing to the town's prosperity, Mr. Connor believes, being
of more benefit than giving bonuses to induce manufacturers to locate
here-a system, speaking from his own experience, that is "a fraud upon
the citizens." So declares the business man as an alderman, and so
stands the record of a man who has left his impress upon the town
which he has aided with his helpful citizenship.
The pleasantest truth to write opposite Mr. Connor 's name is his
loyalty to America. He remembers-none more tenderly than he-the
beautiful land he has left; its mist-mantled coasts and sun-flooded
splendors of summer sea; its wind-swept uplands, and its spreading
meadows, daisy-pied and checked with hedges of blossoming hawthorn;
rivers that wind by crumbling tower and ivy-mantled castle rich in
tradition of prose and song; and more than all the home, "and every
loved spot which his infancy knew," and, loving not England the less,
but America more, he has not tried to turn a corner of the United
States into a bit of "Merrie England," nor to here carry out any of
the old ways and traditions. The Queen is still the Queen to him. God
bless her, but he uncovers his head as loyally to the United States.
England's history is his history, but the splendid record of her heroes
does not dim the deeds of Washington, whose name he reveres, and,
hat in hand, he is glad to do honor to the patriotism of this country,
the land of his adoption, which has won and has sustained this country's freedom, and there is no pleasanter ending to this narrative of
life, as worthy as it has been useful and interesting, than these three
lines which the hand of the successful salesman has written down:
"Here it is written: Toil shall have it wage;
And honor, honor; and the humblest man
Stand level with the highest in the land."
After the death of Mr. Kolb, Mr. Connor opened up a wholesale
commission business in the office of Senator William A. Smith, whom
he subsequently persuaded to assist in forming a company, of which
Mr. Connor was made president, and William A. Smith vice-president,
the organization being known as the William Connor Company. At
the end of two and one-half years Mr. Connor disposed of his interest
in the concern, and retired from the active management of the company.




1092


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. Connor's home is modern in all of its appointments, richly furnished throughout, and the grounds, which are extensive, are most
beautifully laid out, and ornamented with rare shrubs and plants,
while the garden, in which Mrs. Connor takes great pleasure, is most
artistically arranged, and is bright with flowers of every hue and shade,
being in truth a place of beauty and charm.
JOHN WHALEN. With the death of John Whalen, there passed
from among us one of the most highly respected citizens of Battle
Creek, and one of the oldest residents of the city. For sixty years he
was closely identified with the commercial and industrial life of Battle Creek and his loss was not only a personal one, but also left a gap
to be filled in the business world. Of a genial and generous disposition he made friends wherever he was, and his undoubted ability and
capacity for hard work made him a valuable man in the world of business. His ability to handle men, gained through sympathy and understanding of human nature, made him invaluable to the great company
to which he gave so many years of service, and his place was very
hard to fill.
John Whalen was a native of Ireland and was the third son of John
and Mary Whalen. The date of John Whalen's birth was 1823, and
his childhood was spent in his native land. After coming to this country he first found employment in the state of New York. Work was
hard and conditions ht first hand lost the rosy glow that had hung
over them when the land of America had been talked of in the little
home across the seas, but he was young and courageous and quick to
take advantage of every opening that offered. He therefore remained
in New York state but a short time, having an opportunity to come
west and engage in the nursery business. This was his first occupation on coming to Battle Creek, Michigan, buf he later entered the
employ of the Nichols & Shepard Company.     They were located at
the time on what is now West State street, and were then by no means
the important concern they have since become. Mr. Whalen started
with them in a modest position, but his ability soon showed itself and
he was advanced steadily throughout the forty years of his connection
with them. He retired from business in 1906 and-only lived a short
time after this.
Coincident with Mr. Whalen's daily pursuits of a personally utilitarian nature and his family life which was always a subject of deep
interest and importance in his eyes, a reasonable degree of enthusiasm
was felt by him for such political affairs as appealed to his sense of
responsibility as a member of the Democratic party.
His marriage occurred in 1847, when Miss Anna Dunn, of Battle
Creek, became his wife. She was the daughter of Timothy Dunn,
who moved to Battle Creek from   Barry county, Michigan.  He had
been a farmer in this section for many years and was one of the early
settlers of the section. He lived in Battle Creek for a number of years
previous to his death. Eleven children were born to Mr. Whalen and
his wife, of whom eight are still living. Of these, John resides in Battle Creek, where he holds a clerkship; William is a machinist, living in
New Mexico; James W. is also a machinist and makes his home in
Kansas City, Missouri; Anna lives in Detroit, Michigan; Thomas F.
is a well known grocer of Battle Creek; Edward C. is the proprietor
of a billiard parlor in Battle Creek; Frederick A., who is also a resident of this city, being in the grocery business, and George R., who is
also a grocer, lives in New Mexico. All of these children were born
and educated in Battle Creek.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1093


The death of Mr. Whalen in 1907 left a sense of loss in his large
circle of friends as well as in the family whom his death so closely
touched. The attitude of all who had known John Whalen demonstrated in marked degree how much the contact of his personality had
meant to them. On the day when the last rites were said over his body,
St. Phillip's Church, with which he had been so closely and worthily
identified was crowded with men and women who followed this departing sign of his recent life among them with the silent tribute of love
and respect.  The departments of the Nichols & Shepard shops in
wvhich Mr. Whalen had worked were closed for the day; their employes
formed in line and escorted the remains from the home to the church.
Requiem high mass was said by the late Reverend R. J. Sadlier,
a funeral address also being given by the priest; and beautiful choral
selections were given by the choir, in addition to which the expressive
"We Shall Meet Him Face to Face" was sung by Miss Josephine Brokaw. Profuse and beautiful were the floral reminders of affection and
high regard, among them being an exquisite pillow from the Nichols
and Shepard employes and a spray of roses from the employes of the
Whalen grocery store. Then the remains were laid to rest in Mount
Olivet cemetery.  The sons of Mr. Whalen-John, James, William,
Fred, Thomas, Edward and George Whalen-bore to its last home the
form so lately tenanted by a genial and beloved spirit. They had performed this same task for their mother who passed from mortal life,
on March 26, 1906. She is still vividly remembered as a highly respected and well known resident of this city.
In addition to those who called him father, the surviving relatives
of Mr. Whalen are grandchildren, the children of Thomas F., James
and Fred A.
THOMAS F. WHALEN, one of Battle Creek's successful and highly
esteemed citizens and business men, has been a resident of this city
from the day of his birth and is a fine example of the self-made man
who attains an enviable position by means of his own unaided ability.
He is one of the most enterprising merchants it has ever been the good
fortune of Battle Creek to claim as her citizen, and in addition to his
keen business ability he is one of the kind of business men who believe
that the best method of doing business is to give values for values. He
has therefore won the trust and friendship of everyone With whom  he
has come in contact, and this is the reason he has triumphed over competitors who started on their careers under far more favorable circumstances than Mr. WVhalen.
Thomas F. Whalen was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on the 13th
of July, 1870. His parents, John and Anna (Dunn) Whalen, were
Battle Creek pioneers. The mother was a daughter of the early settler,
Timothy Dunn, who had begun his life in Michigan in the Barry
county section, under very primitive conditions, and had later made
his home in Battle Creek, where his daughter and John Whalen were
married. A further account of John Whalen is given elsewhere in
these pages. Thomas F. Whalen is one of eleven children, eight sons
and three daughters, of whom eight are now living. He was the fourth
in line and with his brothers and sisters received his education in the
Battle Creek schools. When he was thirteen years of age he began his
vocational activities by acting as a clerk in the store of John Van
Valkenburg. In the course of the following years the store passed
from one owner to another many times, but young Whalen remained
at his post, believing that one way to success was by sticking to a thing.
The last proprietor, during Mr. Whalen's connection with the business,




1094


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


was the Honorable Charles Austin, who is now vice-president of the
Old National Bank. In 1901 Mr. Whalen went into business on his
own account, joining forces with a Mr. Taylor, and established a store
at 32 West lMain street, where he is now located. The firm was known
as Whalen and Taylor, and the good will that Mr. Whalen had won
for himself during his clerkship now brought him many customers.
After a short time Mr. Whalen bought Mr. Taylor's share in the business and for a number of years conducted it alone. As it grew rapidly
and its prospects were exceptionally promising, the owner incorporated
his interests, at which time Frederick A. Whalen, a brother of Thomas
Whalen was taken into partnership. The concern is now known as
the T. F. Whalen Grocery Company, with Thomas Whalen as president
and treasurer and Frederick Whalen as secretary. This grocery emporium is one of the model stores of its kind in the city. Its location
is the most central and the amount of retail business it handles is the
largest in Battle Creek.
Thomas F. Whalen is a man of broad interests and one whose many
superior qualities have made him a welcome member of Battle Creek's
social organizations. The fraternal orders of the Knights of Columbus,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent
Order of Foresters claim his membership and he is also connected with
the local Athelstan and Country Clubs.
The attractive home of Mr. Whalen at No. 23 Penn street is the
center of a most congenial and social life. Mrs. Whalen, who was Minnie M. Bishop before her marriage is a daughter of Giles D. and Adelaide (Van Kirk) Bishop, the former of whom was a wealthy stock
buyer of Eaton county, Michigan. Mrs. Whalen was born in Washington county, Ohio, but spent most of her life in Charlotte, Michigan.
She was married to Mr. Whalen on July 26, 1900, and they are the
parents of two children, Frances A. and Richard T., both of whom
were born in Battle Creek. The Whalen family are communicants
of the Roman Catholic church and are valued workers in this church.
BENJAMIN K. BENTLEY. The owner of a fine landed estate in
Marshall township, Mr. Bentley is exemplifying the most progressive
spirit in connection with the agricultural and live stock industries in his
native county, and is in all departments of his farm enterprise utilizing
the best methods. He gives special attention to dairying and in this
field is one of the leading exponents of what is a most important industry
in this state. He is a man of distinctive business acumen, publicspirited and endowed with those attributes of character which ever
beget the esteem of his fellowmen. His standing in the community is
unassailable and his prominence in connection with the great basic
industry with which he is successfully identified is measurably indicated
by the fact that he is at the present time president of the Calhoun
County Agricultural Society. Further interest attaches to the record
of his career by reason of his connection with one of the honored
families of the pioneer days of Calhoun county, with the history of
which the name he bears has been identified during the entire period
since Michigan was admitted as one of the sovereign states of the Union.
Benjamin Knight Bentley was born in Marshall township, this
county, on the 26th day of, October, 1868, and is a son of George C. and
Sarah (Knight) Bentley, the former of whom was born in England
February 24, 1809. George C. Bentley was a lad of nine years at the
time of the family immigration to America and he was reared to manhood in the state of New York, where his parents continued to reside
until their death. There he received such advantages as were afforded




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1095


in the common schools of the period and there he learned the trade of
carpenter and joiner. He became a skilled artisan and for a number
of years continued to devote more or less attention to the work of his
trade. In 1837, when twenty-six years of age, he came to Michigan,
that being the year in which Michigan was admitted to statehood. He
numbered himself among the pioneers of Calhoun county and became
associated with another man in the purchase of a tract of one hundred
and sixty acres of land, in Convis township. He later sold his interest
in this property to his partner and removed to Marshall township,
where he secured land in Section 16. Much of this he reclaimed from
its original forest state and eventually improved a large and valuable
landed estate, the same comprising four hundred and forty acres. He
was one of the representative farmers and stock-growers of the county
and a man who stood well in the regard of his neighbors. He contributed much to the civic and material development of Calhoun county
and his name merits enduring place on the roster of its honored pioneers.
Benjamin K. Bentley found his boyhood and youth compassed by the
conditions and influences of the home farm, which is now his place of
abode, and he was afforded the advantages of the public schools of the
city of Marshall. After completing the curriculum of the high school he
entered the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing, in which admirable institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1890, receiving at tlhat time the degree of Bachelor of Science. His thorough
training in this college has well equipped him for the industrial enterprise of which he is now so prominent a representative in his native
county, for he brings to bear the best of scientific attainments in agricultural matters and a practical experience of wide scope. After his
graduation Mr. Bentley went to the city of Denver, Colorado, where he
assumed a clerical position in the Denver National Bank, of which his
maternal uncle, Frank Knight, was an official. He retained this position
for some time and then resigned and returned to his native county,
where he took charge of the old homestead farm, upon which he has
since continued to live and which he has made one of the model places
of the state. He has given especial attention to the raising of hay and
high-grade live stock, and the county can claim none who has been more
progressive and far sighted along the line of agricultural and stock
growing industries. The large dwelling house erected by his father was
destroyed by fire, as was also the barn, in which were stored many of
the farm implements and fully one hundred tons of hay. He promptly
erected a new and commodious residence of modern style in architecture
and facilities, and the new barn which he built at the same time is one
of the best in the county. In connection therewith is also maintained
a fine silo, with a capacity of four hundred tons. Mr. Bentley is one of
the leading dairy farmers of the county, with a fine herd of thirty-five
milch cows, all of which are high grade and many of.them are of Holstein breed and duly registered.  The dairy barn is equipped with
cement floors and alleys and all other modern facilities for insuring perfect sanitation and proper care of the fine stock, the products of the Bentley dairy being unexcelled in quality and cleanliness. Mr. Bentley served
two years as secretary of the Calhoun County Agricultural Society and
is now president of the organization. He has done much to further
the success of the society and to make its annual fairs worthy of the
agricultural and live stock industries of the county. He has shown
deep interest in raising the standard of live stock raised in the county,
and has done much to foster this important phase of the industry.
Both he and his wife hold membership in Trinity Lutheran church
in the city of Marshall. He is identified with the Marshall lodge of




1096


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the Knights of Pythias, and in the capital city of the state is affiliated
with Lansing Lodge No. 84, A. F. & A. M. His beautiful home is a
center of hospitality in Marshall and is a favorite rendezvous for a
wide circle 'of friends.
In 1893, Mr. Bentley was united in marriage with Miss Bessie R.
Stephenson, daughter of the late John H. Stephenson, who was a representative citizen of Lansing. Mr. and Mrs. Bentley have two children,
Benjamin H. and Mary E. Knight Bentley, both of whom are under
the paternal roof.
EDWARD Cox, M. D. In the list of eminent professional men whose
activities have served, in days gone past, to reflect reknown upon the
city of Battle Creek, no name stands forth more clearly or has greater
right to be commemorated in the biographical history of Calhoun county,
than that of the late Dr. Edward Cox, for forty-four years a practicing physician, and throughout his life a man recognized as a leader in
professional, business and social circles. Dr. Cox was born January 6,
1816, at Cambridge, Washington county, New York, the same county
which gave birth to Jonathan Hart, another distinguished pioneer of
this city. His parents were Silas and Abigail Cox, both of whom spent
their last days in Battle Creek and enjoyed the respect of all who knew
them.
In 1819, when Edward Cox was three years of age, his parents removed to Onondaga county, New York, where, after suitable literary
preparation, he studied medicine in the offices of Dr. Benjamin Trumbull, of Borodino, and Dr. C. Campbell, of South Butler, New York.
He afterwards pursued his studies at.Geneva Medical College, at which
institution he took his medical degree in January, 1839, and entered upon
his profession with a high promise, which was fully realized in his subsequent career. He commenced practice in Wayne county, New York,
where he remained but six months, and in September, 1839, came to
Battle Creek, which was then a village of a few hundred inhabitants,
and permanently established himself as the second regular medical practitioner of the place, Dr. William M. Campbell, with whom he associated himself in professional practice, being the first. The town was
just emerging from a rivalry with Verona as the business center of this
section. Its first grist mill had been in operation but a little more than
two years, only three years had elapsed since its first frame building
had been erected, and the advantages here for a professional career
consisted largely in promise. Here, however, Dr. Cox cast his lot, and
soon, with his associate, Dr. Campbell, built up an extensive practice
for those days. With characteristic energy and public spirit he identified himself with measures for the growth and improvement of this
place, and came to be regarded as one of the foremost citizens of Battle
Creek. For many years he continued in practice with Dr. Campbell,
and at one time Dr. S. S. French was associated with them. Dr. Cox
welcomed and availed himself of all the recent discoveries and improvements in medicine and surgery while stoutly maintaining his allegiance
to the regular school in which he was educated. For many years and
to the close of his life he was one of the leading members of the Calhoun County Medical Society, and was a member of the State Medical
Society from the formation, serving on its most important committees
and in 1878 being made president thereof. At the time of his death he
was one of the State councillors of the Detroit Medical College, a position to which he had been appointed by the trustees. He was also a
member of 'the' American Medical Association, having represented his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1097


State in that body, as also in the International Medical Congress in
Philadelphia in 1876. He was a writer on medical topics and prepared
many papers to be read before medical societies and for papers and
periodicals, which attracted wide attention. It was a special aim of
his to maintain a high standard for his profession. One of his contributions was extensively copied and elicited the strongest commendation
from leading medical journals and physicians of this country and Europe. Among the latest of his efforts with the pen was the preparation
of a series of obituary articles written at the request of the county medical society. These embraced biographical sketches of several of the
pioneer physicians of the county. A few days prior to his death he
expressed the desire that the words "Practicing Physician for Fortyfour years" should be inscribed upon his coffin.
In politics Dr. Cox was a party leader and was most actively identified with the politics of the city and State. About 1844 he became
conspicuous as one of the Young Democracy who began to assert themselves and to assume prominence and succeeding to the place of the
older members of the party, Sands McCamley, Moses Hall, John Champion, Michael Spencer, Col. John Stewart, William M. Campbell and
others who had previously controlled party affairs. In lieu of these
arose, not in direct antagonism, but seeking to make their influence more
positively felt, Dr. Cox, Benjamin F. Graves, Thomas H. Thomas, Abner
E. Campbell, Joseph Barton, the Stillsons, Alonzo Noble and T. W. Hall.
Among these, Dr. Cox soon took marked prominence, and displayed that
he possessed the qualities for leadership. Ite was at one time a member
of the State Central Committee, and in 1872 was a delegate to the
Democratic National Convention in Baltimore. He was offered nomination on the State ticket, but declined. In 1853 he was president of the
village of Battle Creek, and was one of the city's first aldermen, a
position he held for six years. During 1873 and 1874 he served as mayor
of the city, and was also at one time a member of the school board and
member for many years of the cemetery board, of which he was president
at the time of his death.
In the Masonic fraternity he was master of his lodge at Battle Creek,
belonged to the Knights Templar, was high priest of the Royal Arch
Chapter and grand master of the Council of Royal and Select Masons.
For many years he was vestryman of St. Thomas Episcopal Church
here.
Dr. Cox was twice married, his first wife being Esther Ann Starkweather, to whom he was married September 2, 1840, and was the
first adult person buried in Oakhill Cemetery. On May 1, 1845, he married Miss Sarah Adams, of Penfield, Michigan. Three children were
born to Dr. Cox, one by his first wife, a daughter who died at the age
of eight years, and two by his second wife, these children dying in infancy. Dr. Cox had three sisters: Mrs. Dr. S. S. French, Mrs. T. C.
Gardner and Mrs. H. M. Joy.
EDGAR L. LAMPHIER, born in Bloomfield, New York in October, 1848,
is one of the leading agricultural men of Marshall township, of which
he has been a resident for the past forty years. He is the son of Marx
H. and Susan (Lianes) Lamphier, both natives of New York state, where
they passed their younger years, coming to Michigan in 1851. For a
short time they made their home in Jackson county, this state, where
the father engaged in farming and dealing in salt. He died in 1849,
and his wife about 1895, so that their son, Edgar L., has but little knowledge of his father.
As a boy in his father's home, Edgar Lamphier received a start in




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the district schools of his community, and he passed his boyhood days
on various farms in Jackson county until he was twenty-one years old,
which marked the time of his advent into Calhoun county. He located
on the old Waits farm, as it was then known, comprised of one hundred
and sixty acres, and he has lived thereon for the past thirty years, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He has improved his farm
in every way possible to the progressive and wide-awake farmer, and the
place lacks nothing in the way of machinery and implements. In
1911 Mr. Lamphier acquired the farm adjoining his, thus adding an
additional hundred acres to his already fine place, and it is one of the
most fruitful farms in the township. Mr. Lamphier has made a careful
study of the business from a scientific viewpoint, and by familiarizing
himself with the wants of the soil and guiding his operations accordingly,
he is able to keep his land in a fine state of richness, which yield him an
abundant return for every item in time and money expended thereon.
Hay and grain comprise a considerable portion of his crops, and he
devotes a considerable attention to stock-raising as well. The dwelling
on the Lamphier farm is a substantial brick affair, while the barns and
other buildings are in an admirable state of repair, speaking well of the
thrift and prosperity of their owner.
In 1872 Mr. Lamphier married Miss Susan Vaughn, one time of
Arkansaw and a native of Georgia, the daughter of Jarrett Vaughn.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lamphier: William V., an
engineer in the railroad service; George W., a farmer in Fredonia township; Albert E. on the home farm; Roy M.; Albert B.; Eva G., the wife
of Arthur Brownell of Albion; Martha is the wife of Albert Langridge;
Ross E. is at home, and Esther M. and Grace are also at home, attendants of the Marshall high school. They have two grandchildren, Helen,
aged seven years and Albert, in his fourth year.
Mr. Lamphier is a Republican, and has served his community as
township treasurer. He is now justice of the peace being elected to the
latter office on a mixed ticket of Democrat and Republican.
Mr. Lamphier is not only a successful and intelligent farmer, but
he is a man well versed in the topics of the day, and a good and reputable
citizen with the confidence and respect of all who know him.
ABRAM L. WOOD. Conspicuous among the foremost agriculturists and
successful business men of Calhoun county is Abram L. Wood, of Athens
township, an extensive landholder and stock grower, and a member of
the firm of Wood Brothers & Outman, the leading cattle dealers of this
part of the state. A native of Ohio, he was born March 18, 1851, near the
city of Cleveland, the son of Smolleff and Martha (Johnson) Wood.
Smolleff Wood was born in New York state during the latter twenties,
and spent a part of his earlier life in Cleveland, Ohio, where he acquired
some property. Shortly after his marriage he exchanged his Cleveland
holdings for one hundred acres of land in Athens township, Calhoun
county, Michigan, and immediately assumed its possession. He embarked in agricultural pursuits, and in addition to general farming became one of the foremost stock dealers of Calhoun county, buying and
shipping cattle by the train-load to the New York market. He died in
Quincy, Michigan, during the Civil war, leaving to his heirs a fine estate.
His widow, who was born in New York state about the same year that
he was born, died in Calhoun county.
Abram L. Wood, after completing his studies in the district schools,
continued in the free and independent occupation of his ancestors, and is
now engaged in agricultural pursuits on a finely improved farm of two
hundred acres. Inheriting in no small measure the foresight and ability






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1099


ill a business way which was the secret of his father's success, Mr. Wood,
together with his brother, L. B. Wood and Mr. Outman, has built up a
good business in buying and shipping stock  This enterprising firm of
Wood Brothers & Outman ships on an average four or five car loads of
stock every Wednesday from all points along the railroad line from
Battle Creek south. Their business is established on sound principles,
and the firm is well and favorably known throughout the territory in
which they operate.
In 1885 Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Race,
daughter of John and Mary Race, natives of New York state. Mr. Race
was engaged in the dairy business in that state for a number of years,
and after coming to Michigan turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and farming, living first in Union City and later in Grand Rapids,
where his death occurred in 1901. He was a man of sterling integrity,
a Republican in politics, and a consistent member of the Baptist church,
while his wife was a Congregationalist. They had two children-Anna,
the wife of Grove Church, and Mrs. Wood. One child was born to Mr.
and Mrs. Wood —Lynn, who is yet with his parents.
GEORGE S. BARNES. The success and influence of no enterprise in
Battle Creek have been more noteworthy than that of "The Michigan
Poultry Breeder," a journal which has had a growing prosperity and
circulating for more than a quarter of a. century. Its originator, Mr.
George S. Barnes, is still its editor, and the remarkable success of the
publication is an achievement for which he deserves full credit. Mr.
Barnes began his career when a boy by learning the printing trade.
A practical printer, he later became both a practical and professional
poultryman, and the permanence and continued influence of his journal
have been the result of this thorough experience in two lines of accomplishment.
Mr. Barnes is a native of Rochester, New York, where he was born
March 6, 1867, the son of Wilsey G. and Madeline (Sackett) Barnes.
The mother was a resident of Albion, Michigan, before her marriage,
and was married there, after which she went east to reside. The father
was a druggist, and it is an item of interest that he put the long-known
breath perfume, "Trix," on the market. About three years after the
birth of the son George, the parents moved to Battle Creek, where his
mother soon afterward died. His father on account of poor health went
to northern Michigan and returned to this city only a few weeks before
his death in 1889.
At this early age George S. Barnes was left in the care of his father's
unmarried brother and sister, Uncle Philander and Aunt Harriet Barnes,
in Battle Creek. He attended the public schools here, and at the age of
sixteen learned the printing trade. For a year and a half he worked on
the Reed City Clarion, in this state, and afterwards was employed in
printing establishments of Battle Creek for a time.
The publication of the Michigan Poultry Breeder was begun in 1885
when Mr. Barnes was eighteen years old. For three years nearly all the
work on the journal was done at night, during the day the proprietor and
editor was engaged in his regular trade in order to earn the necessary
capital to place his publication on an independent basis. At the same
time he bought the Game Fancier's Journal, which was continued for a
quarter of a century until 1909, when Mr. Barnes sold it. The first issue
of the Poultry Breeder, in January, 1885, was distributed free, and depended on its own merit to win subscriptions and popularity. It was at
first an eight-page paper. After three years the journal was self-supporting, and since then Mr. Barnes has given most of his energies to




1100


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


making this one of the best monthly journals of the kind in the United
States, and has succeeded so well that only a few enterprises of the kind
rank in the same class. The size of the Breeder has been increased
and the monthly issue is several thousand copies, and its subscribers are
to be found in every one of the forty-eight states of the Union.
As a practical poultryman, Mr. Barnes has since 1891 been engaged
in the breeding of high class Single Comb Buff Leghorns, of which he has
one of the finest flocks in America. His exhibits at the various poultry
shows have won blue ribbons in Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, New York
and other cities. Besides city real estate and a farm of forty acres, Mr.
Barnes is the owner of a model home just inside the city limits, where
he conducts this branch of his business, which has assumed very profitable
proportions.
An elegant four family flat is located on Green street, one of the most
handsome and best shaded thoroughfares in Battle Creek, and is owned
by ex-mayor of the city, Geo. S. Barnes, proprietor of the famous S. C.
Buff Leghorn yards. This flat is free and clear from all incumbrances.
It was entirely paid for by a yearly flock of from 125 to 150 Buff Leghorns, in just twelve years time.
In politics a Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Harrison in 1888, Mr. Barnes has taken an active part in local political and
municipal affairs. As alderman from the Fourth Ward for four years,
he was chairman of the committee on printing, the police department,
and the side and cross walks. His efforts to divorce politics from the
police department, was successful, and proved a great benefit. He was
one of the most energetic supporters of the street paving measure, which
was carried over the mayor's veto, thus providing for the first permanent
paving in Battle Creek. He was a member of the board of public works
six years, during which time he was its secretary and also president.
During the years 1905-06 he served as mayor of the city, an administration which was productive of much substantial benefit to the municipality. In the fall of 1910 Mr. Barnes was first a candidate for county office,
at which time he was elected county treasurer, and has held that office
since the first of January, 1911. Fraternally he is a member of the Elks
lodge. For. five years he has been a member of the executive board of
the American Poultry Association, and has been secretary and treasurer
of the American Buff Leghorn Club for the past eleven years.
Mr. Barnes and his family reside at 678 Maple street in Battle Creek.
He was married December 4, 1889, to Miss Fannie C. Webb. Mrs. Barnes
is a native of Battle Creek, where she received her education. Her
parents, both of whom are now deceased, were Caleb and Sarah (Green)
Webb, old and respected residents of this city. One child was born to
Mr. and Mrs. Barnes: Madeline P., who died on May 19, 1912, at the
age of twenty-one years. A local paper has to say of the sad event:
"The home of County Treasurer and Mrs. George S. Barnes, 678
Maple street, is saddened by the demise of their only child, Miss Madeline Barnes, who passed away at 4:30 o'clock Sunday morning after an
illness which began Feb. 27, when Miss Barnes was stricken with typhoid
fever. Since that time the disease has run its tedious course, resulting
in a complicated stomach trouble which terminated the life of this interesting young woman, who had attained the age of 21 years. The decedent was born and educated in Battle Creek, finishing her school work
with graduation in the class of 1909. With the election of Mr. Barnes
as county treasurer his daughter was duly appointed deputy and has
since given the duties of that office her conscientious attention, discharging all the responsibilities with promptness and to the satisfaction of the
county. A wide circle of business acquaintances was acquired and the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1101


many testimonials to the worth and character of this young woman are
evidence of her proficiency and courtesy. Miss Barnes was of very quiet
and retiring disposition, but those traits won the lasting affection and
esteem of hosts of friends who will join the family in mourning the untimely departure of one in the springtime of life. In the home of the
decedent was an obedient and devoted daughter, giving her parents the
best love of a pure and tender heart, and it is here that the affliction falls
heaviest. Services in memory of Miss Barnes will be held at the residence Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. William S. Potter, officiating, followed by a committal service in Oak Hill. The court house at
Marshall was closed for the afternoon out of respect to her memory."
Miss Barnes was one of the fair young flowers of her home city, and
one of the brightest girls in the Battle Creek high school, from which
she was graduated with the class of 1909. Her untimely passing has
brought sorrow to many and filled the lives of her parents with a grief
which time alone may in some measure assuage but may never obliterate.
CALEB WEBB. One of the highly respected citizens of the last century
in Battle Creek was the late Caleb Webb, who had been a resident for
nearly half a century. Mr. Webb died at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
George S. Barnes, on March 16, 1899, in the sixty-ninth year of his life.
Of English birth and ancestry, he was born in Sibford, Oxfordshire,
February 26, 1830, and was reared and attained his majority in the old
country. Emigrating to America in 1853, he located in the town of Battle
Creek the same year. In England he had acquired a thorough knowledge
of gardening, and this was his principal business during the active years
of his residence at Battle Creek. For a number of years he was also the
janitor for the St. Thomas Episcopal church, and later was sexton of Oak
Hill cemetery. A quiet, unassuming man, without being conspicuous in
business affairs, he was neverthless one of the honored citizens and
discharged his responsibilities in a manner deserving of the respect of
his own and subsequent generations. His last resting place is in the
Hicks cemetery in Pennfield.
Mr. Webb left a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely: Fred H. (see sketch elsewhere) Earnest D., Horace A., Mrs.
E. D. Sutton, Mrs. M. S. Hicks, Mrs. George S. Barnes, and Mrs. J. 0.
Barden.
ALVARES E. HOWELL. Ranking high among the more busy and prosperous citizens of Homer is Alvares E. Howell, one of the most intelligent and skillful veterinary surgeons of Calhoun county, and an agriculturist of experience and prominence. A native of this county, he was
born, April 6, 1838, in Albion township, where his father, Hiram Howell,
settled in territorial days. His grandparents, Jacob and Jane Howell,
were born, reared and married in New Jersey., but later moved to New
York, and there resided the remainder of their lives.
Born and bred in Montezuma, New York, Hiram Howell served for
two years in the War of 1812, enlisting when young, and was wounded in
a skirmish. In 1834, desirous of making a permanent home for himself
and family, he journeyed to Michigan, settling in Calhoun county, which
was then a heavily wooded country. His total capital consisted of seventeen dollars and fifty cents in cash, a small sum on which to begin life
in a new and strange land. Nothing daunted, however, he managed to
secure title to eighty acres of government land in Albion township, and
by dint of persevering labor met with success in improving his property. He subsequently bought more land in the same township, in course
of time becoming a prosperous agriculturist, and a man of influence. On




1102


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


retiring from active pursuits, he moved to Albion, and there spent his
declining years. He was a Democrat in politics, and held various township offices, and was also a prominent member of the Ancient Free and
Accepted Order of Masons. He married Lucy Downing, who was born
in New Jersey, where her father, John Downing, spent his entire life,
having been a farmer by occupation. They reared seven children, of
whom three are now living, Alvares E. having been the sixth child in
succession of birth. Mrs. Hiram Howell was a true Christian, and a
faithful member of the Baptist church.
As a boy and youth Alvares E. Howell attended the district schools,
in the meantime obtaining a thorough knowledge of the different branches
of agriculture. Leaving home at the age of twenty-three years, he took
a full course of study at the Toronto Veterinary College, and has since
followed his profession most successfully in Homer, where he has built
up a very extensive practice, his skill as a veterinary surgeon being
widely known and highly appreciated. Mr. Howell is likewise successfully employed in agricultural pursuits, having a finely improved and
productive farm of two hundred and thirty-four acres, which he is managing along scientific and systematic lines. For several years he made a
specialty of breeding horses, raising thoroughbred Hambletonian stock,
and for seven years he drove horses on the track, winning an excellent
reputation as a skilful driver.
Mr. Howell married, November 6, 1861, Josephine Pixley, a daughter
of Ebenezer Pixley, who came from New York to Calhoun county in
1859, and spent his remaining days on a farm in Albion township. Mr.
and Mrs. Howell are both valued and trustworthy members of the' Methodist Episcopal church, and contribute liberally towards its support.
Fraternally Mr. Howell is a member of Humanity Lodge, No. 29, Ancient
Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and politically he is identified with
the Prohibitionists.
ALLISON J. FLINT. A man of scholarly attainments and much force
of character, Allison J. Flint, superintendent of the public schools of
Homer, is prominent in educational circles, and especially well known
among the young men and boys of the county, having been instrumental
in the organization of the Young Men's Christian Association in Calhoun county, and being scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts, and athletic
coach of the high school. He was born, July 22, 1878, in Clarendon township, Calhoun county, a son of Samuel A. Flint. He is of substantial
New England ancestry, and of honored pioneer stock, his grandfather,
Aseryl Flint, having migrated from Vermont to Michigan in territorial
days, and being here engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death,
in 1856. His grandmother, Salome Flint, died in 1899, aged ninety
years.
Samuel A. Flint, who was born in Vermont in 1832, came with his
parents to Clarendon township, Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1838, and
was there reared to a sturdy manhood. After his marriage he bought
the farm of his father-in-law, the old Cooper homestead of one hundred
and fifty acres, and continued a tiller of the soil. He served as a soldier
in the Civil war, belonging to Company I, Ninth Michigan Volunteer
Infantry. A man of far more than average intelligence and ability, he
filled various public offices of trust and responsibility, having been township supervisor for twenty years, and notary public for a long time.
He married Laura Diantha Cooper, who was born in New York state in
1836, and came to Clarendon township, Calhoun county, Michigan, with
her father, William Cooper, in 1838. Four children were born of their
union, of whom two are now living, as follows: Albert W., of whom a




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1103


brief account may be found on another page of this sketch; and Allison
J. The father died in October, 1900, and the mother in January, 1912.
They were people of marked integrity and sterling worth, and valued
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Having been graduated from the Ypsilanti State Normal school with
the class of 1907, Allison J. Flint taught school in Deckerville, Michigan,
four years, gaining a good reputation for professional knowledge and
ability. In 1911 he accepted his present position as superintendent of
the schools in Homer, and has since fulfilled the duties devolving upon
him most satisfactorily, being popular with both the parents and the
pupils. He still retains the ownership of the old homestead farm on
which his parents lived and died, and which was originally owned by his
Grandfather Cooper. He devotes his summers to the care of his farm,
and throughout the year has charge of a large class in the Sunday school.
As scoutmaster Mr. Flint is in realty the physical, mental and character
trainer of the boys, his work with them going far toward making them
self-reliant, alert, and honest citizens.
Mr. Flint married, April 10, 1901, Jennie B. Hopkins, a successful
teacher and a daughter of Alvin and Clara (Andrus) Hopkins, and they
are the parents of two children, namely: Falvin Earl, and Don Albert.
Mr. and Mrs. Flint are active and prominent members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. Flint belongs to Humanity Lodge,
No. 29, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons.
Albert W. Flint, the oldest child of Samuel A. and Laura D. (Cooper)
Flint, and an elder brother of Allison J. Flint, was born in Clarendon
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, October 15, 1857, and was educated
in the rural schools of his native district. Forming an intimate acquaintance with the different branches of agriculture while young, he found
the occupation so congenial and profitable that he has continued a farmer
ever since. In 1879 he bought sixty acres of the land included in his
present estate, and five years later bought eighty-four acres of adjoining
land, and in its improvement has met with assured success. He carries
on general farming after the best known methods, and raises considerable
stock, including cattle and sheep. He is a Republican in politics, and
has served as school inspector, and for the past fourteen years has been
justice of the peace.
Mr. Albert W. Flint has been twice married. He married first, in
April, 1879, Emma S., daughter of E. A. and Margaret Coggswell, of
Calhoun county, and she lived but thirteen weeks after their marriage,
passing away in July, 1879. He married second, in September, 1881,
Ella E. Smith, a daughter of Eli and Sarah Cook Smith, of Homer, and
they have three children, namely: Sarah L. and Lena A., students in the
Ypsilanti State Normal school; and Mabel I., a student in the Homer
high school.
WILLIAM S. FRUIN. An essentially prominent and influential citizen
of Pennfield township, Calhoun county, Michigan. is William S. Fruin,
who is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, the same
being eligibly located a few miles distant from the city of Battle Creek
on Route No. 11. Mr. Fruin has been incumbent of the office of township
clerk and takes an active part in the local councils of the Republican
party. He devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising and in
those lines of endeavor has been wonderfully successful.
William S. Fruin was born in Berrv countv. Michigan. January 28,
1876, and he is a son of Richard C. and Ada O. (Shenard) Fruin, the former of whom    was born in Eaton county, Michigan. The paternal
grandfather of him to whom this sketch is dedicated was Richard C.
Vol.  I —. 2




1104


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Fruin, Sr., and he was a native of Milton, England, where he was
reared and educated and whence he came to America as a young man,
settling in Eaton county, Michigan,.where he cleared a farm and continued to reside until his demise. In the maternal line William  S.
Fruin is a grandson of F. Merritt Shepard, who was born in New York
and who came to Michigan in the early '30s, at which time there were
only two log stores in Battle Creek. He entered a tract of government
land, which he cleared for cultivation and which proved to be an excellent farm; it is now owned by his son, Albert F. Shepard. F. Merritt
Shepard was a soldier in the Civil war and he died at the early age of
thirty-three years.
After completing the curriculum of the district schools of his native
place, William S. Fruin worked on his father's farm until he had reached
mature years, when he purchased a farm of ninety acres. He disposed of that estate in 1906 and bought his present estate, which comprises one hundred and twenty acres and which is located in Pennfield
township. He raises cattle and hogs, in addition to which he runs a
large dairy and raises grain. He is now breeding Guernsey cattle. In
politics he is a stalwart Republican and he has ever manifested a deep
and sincere interest in community affairs. He was elected township
clerk and he served with the utmost efficiency in that capacity for a
period of six years. On different occasions he has been a member of
the Republican County Committee of Berry county and he is very
prominent in the local councils of his party. He is a business man of
marked ability and is loyal and public-spirited in his attitude toward
all that affects the good of the general welfare.
March 7, 1901, Mr. Fruin was united in marriage to Miss Bertha E.
Kent, of Assyria, Berry county, Michigan. She is a daughter of A. G.
Kent, who was a very early settler in Berry county and who is a wellto-do farmer. Mr. Kent is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party
and for a number of years was postmaster at Assyria. Mr. and Mrs.
Fruin have one son, Percy C., who is now a pupil in the district schools
of Pennfield township. In a fraternal way Mr. Fruin is affiliated
with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees.
SAMUEL D. STRONG. Possessing not only business qualifications of a
high order, but inventive talent and mechanical ability, Samuel D. Strong
holds a foremost position among the leading citizens of Homer, Calhoun
county, where he has built up an extensive trade as a hardware merchant
and furnace manufacturer and dealer. A native of Calhoun county, he
was born in Tekonsha township, March 10, 1862, of pioneer ancestry.
His father, the late Chauncey G. Strong, was born, June 10, 1832, in
East Bloomfield, New York, and at the age of sixteen years came with his
parents to Calhoun county, Michigan, locating in Tekonsha township,
where his father purchased from the government a tract of heavily timbered land. He assisted in clearing and improving a homestead, and
during his early life was prosperously engaged in tilling the soil. He
subsequently opened a hardware store in Tekonsha, where he continued
in business until his death, January 6, 1908. He was active in public
affairs, being a Republican in politics, and a valued member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belonged. He married Fannie E.
Withal, who was born in England, near London, August 8, 1835, and at
the age of nine years came with her parents to America, living for three
years thereafter in New York, and then coming with the family to Burlington, Michigan. She survived her husband, passing away January 25,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1105


1911. Of the eight children born of their union, five are living, Samuel
D. being the third child in order of birth.
Brought up on the home farm in Tekonsha township, Samuel D.
Strong was educated in the public schools, attending first the school in
district number six, the Windfall school. During his earlier years he
worked on the farm, but not caring to engage in agricultural pursuiits
as an occupation, he served an apprenticeship at the tinner's trade in
the store which he now owns, and which, when he was twenty-four years
old, he, with his brother, purchased, and for twenty years managed.
Utilizing his inventive genius, Mr. Strong devised a well-drilling machine, which he handled outside of his regular business, and he also became an extensive dealer in grain and lumber, an industry which proved
quite profitable, and in which he has recently sold his interest. Mr.
Strong likewise invented the "Home Ventilator Furnace," which has
proved a very popular heater in the modernly built houses of this part
of the country, its sales amounting to about a thousand a year, the particular feature of its construction, and the one that recommends it to the
public, being its one opening for both the cold air and hot air blast. Mr.
Strong is still interested in agriculture, he and his brother owning one
hundred and ninety acres of land in Tekonsha township.
Politically Mr. Strong holds high rank in the Democratic party, and
has rendered excellent service as a member of the Homer Board of Education, and as an alderman. Fraternally he belongs to Humanity Lodge,
No. 29, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; and of Homer
Lodge, No. 88, Knights of Pythias. Both he and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr Strong married, September 15, 1884, Ella J Dorris, a daughter
of William and Elizabeth (Boyd) Dorris, who spent their last years in
Tekonsha. Into their pleasant home circle six children have made their
advent, namely: C. Bruce, employed in his father's store; Roswell B.,
also working in his father's shops; Gerald D., attending Albion College;
Arda Mae, a student at the Michigan Agricultural College, in Lansing;
Ralph W.; and Margaret Esther.
ANDERSON G. DICKEY. One of the most beautiful country homes in
Calhoun county is that of Anderson G. Dickey in Sheridan township,
which is surrounded by a landed estate of 205 acres that for fertility and
productivity will rival any Michigan homestead of similar size. Its
owner is a native son of Calhoun county and his accomplishments stand
representative of the large intelligence and enterprise which for the
greater part have characterized the efforts of agriculturists of this county
and have placed it well to the fore among the wealthiest counties of the
state.
Anderson G. Dickey was born in Fredonia township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, November 22, 1846, was educated in the district schools and at
Albion College, and when he began life for himself he did so as a farmer.
To this vocation he has devoted his subsequent career, with the exception of thirteen years which he spent as an electrician in Albion, and the
appearance of his fine estate is in itself the most impressive testimony
as to Mr. Dickey's attitude toward advanced agricultural methods and as
to the character of his business ability. He removed from Albion to his
present home in 1900.
Mr. Dickey is of Irish descent on the paternal side and is a scion of
an old New England colonial family which originated in this country
with John and Margaret Dickey, emigrants from Londonderry, Ireland.
who settled in Londonderry, New Hampshire, in 1729. Marsh Dickey,
the father of Anderson G., was born in Acworth, New Hampshire, July




1106


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


12, 1808, to Benjamin and Isabella (Marsh) Dickey, both of whom were
natives of New Hampshire. When he was fifteen years old he accompanied his parents on their removal to the north part of Vermont, where
he continued a member of the parental household until he had attained
his majority. The summer of 1830 he spent in Brockport, New York;
then in 1831 he came to Michigan and after visiting different parts of the
state he finally located in Fredonia township of Calhoun county, arriving
there in November, 1840. There he purchased 120 acres, 'cleared and
improved it, but in 1864 disposed of it, together with other lands he had
acquired, and bought a farm of 205 acres lying in Sheridan and Marengo
townships. This remained his homestead until his death in 1899. In
politics he was a Whig and in religious faith he was a Methodist. In
1834 he wedded Susan Smith, who was born in New York and was a
daughter of Orrin and Rhoda (Branard) Smith, natives of Connecticut.
To this union were born the following children: Sylvester B., now a resident of Kankakee, Illinois; George, who died in infancy; Albert L., deceased, in 1907; Frances, who died at the age of sixteen; and Anderson
G,. the subject of this review.
On May 4, 1870, was solemnized the marriage of Anderson G. Dickey
and Miss Elizabeth Ott. Mrs. Dickey is the daughter of John and Christina (Emery) Ott, both natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania,
who came to Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1864. They located on a farm
in Albion township and became numbered among the most prosperous
residents of that community. Mr. Ott was a Republican in his political
views and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ott, seven survive,
the parents and five of them reside in Calhoun county, namely: Peter
Ott, of Marengo township; Mrs. John Smith, of Marshall township; and
Mrs. Catharine Aldridge, Susan Ott and Mrs. Dickey, all residents of
Sheridan township. James Ott, a brother, was a soldier in the Civil war
and now resides in Buffalo, New York.
Mr. Dickey is a Republican in political views and both he and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.


JOHN IELMER was for many years a leading and influential citizen of
Battle Creek and his activity in business affairs, his co-operation in public
interests and his zealous support of all objects that he believed would
contribute to the material, social or moral improvement of the community kept him in the foremost rank of those to whom the city owes
its development and present position as one of the leading metropolitan
centers of Michigan. His life was characterized by upright, honorable
principles and it also exemplified the truth of the Emersonian philosophy
that "the way to win a friend is to be one." His genial, kindly manner
won him the high regard and good will of all with whom he came in
contact and thus his death was uniformly mourned throughout Battle
Creek and the surrounding district. Mr. Helmer was pioneer druggist
in this city, where he resided for a period of about sixty years.
A native of New York, John Helmer was born August 29, 1836, in
Otsego county, that state. He was summoned to the life eternal at Battle Creek, April 22, 1911. His father was Philip Helmer, Jr., and his
mother was Sarah (Woodburn) Helmer, the former of whom died in
August, 1844, and the latter of whom passed away in September, 1844.
There were three children in the Helmer family, namely, Mrs. David
Young, now deceased; Andrew, who resides on the old homestead farm
in Battle Creek township; and John, the immediate subject of this review. John Helmer came to Calhoun county with his parents in 1844,
at which time he was a lad of but eight years of age. After the death of






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1107


his parents he resided with his brother Andrew, who reared him to
maturity. He was educated in the district schools of Battle Creek township and he removed with his brother Andrew to Galesburg, in 1854.
They returned to this county in 1856 and two years later Mr. Helmer, of
this notice, began to clerk in Mr. Andrus' drug store at Battle Creek,
subsequently becoming a partner in the drug business, which was known
under the firm name of Andrus & Helmer. In 1866 Mr. Helmer purchased the site where the present drug store is located, that is, the Helmer Block, at No. 9 East Main street. The firm then became that of
Amberg & Helmer and a short time later this partnership was dissolved,
Mr. Amberg opening a drug store of his own in another section of the
city. Thereafter Mr. Helmer continued to conduct his business alone
for a time but eventually admitted Mr. Martin H. Goodale as a partner.
This was in 1909 and the concern has since been known as the HelmerGoodale Company.
Mr. Helmer was the oldest business man in Battle Creek at the time
of his death and he had occupied his present store for a period of forty
years. He was a shrewd business man and was possessed of remarkable
foresight. In earlier years he manifested a keen interest in business
and social affairs, but after the death of his wife he gradually dropped
all other affairs in order to devote his entire attention to his extensive
business interests. In politics he was a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and
he was affiliated with a number of representative fraternal organization
at Battle Creek. His business is now owned and controlled by William
THelmer, a nephew. At the time of his demise, Mr. Helmer was the owner
of the Helmer Block, at No. 9 East Main street, and he also owned a
tract of four hundred acres of land in Battle Creek and Bedford townships. His death occurred April 22, 1911, and the funeral was held at
the First Presbyterian church, the Rev. William S. Potter officiating.
His remains lie in Oak Hill cemetery. Mr. Helmer is survived by one
brother, Andrew Helmer; three nephews: William Helmer, Edward
Young and Myron Young; and two nieces: Mrs. Nathaniel Huyler and
Mrs. Mattie Stillson.
At Battle Creek, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Helmer to Miss
Mattie Beach, who was born and reared in New York State, a daughter
of Emmett Beach. Mr. and Mrs. Helmer had no children. Mrs. Helmer
passed away in Battle Creek.
Mr. Helmer was a man of great philanthropy but there was a
modesty and lack of all ostentation in his work as a benefactor.  In
this day, when disinterested citizenship is all too rare a jewel, it is helpful to reflect upon a course of high-minded patriotism such as that of
Mr. Helmer. His deep sympathy and innate kindliness of spirit make
his memory an enduring monument more ineffaceable than polished
marble or burnished bronze. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is
not to die."
ANDREW HELMER. After many years spent in cultivating the soil
in any one vicinity, the average Michigan farmer is loath to turn over
his life work to other hands, but on coming to the realization that the
time has come for him to retire from active pursuits and settle down
to the enjoyment that his years of toil have earned for him, he invariably moves to the nearest town or village and there becomes one of its
best citizens. Andrew Helmer, a well known and highly esteemed, retired farmer of Battle Creek, was born in the town of Cherry Valley,
Otsego county, New York, June 29, 1827, and is a son of Philip and
Sarah (Woodman) Helmer. Mr. Helmer's parents were both natives




1108


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of the Empire State, and soon after the birth of Andrew they located
in the town of Oneonta, where the father was engaged in farming until
1844, then making preparations to come West. By wagon he traveled
to Utica, New York, where passage was taken on a canal boat on the
Erie Canal, and the journey to Buffalo accomplished without incident.
From Buffalo the trip was made to Detroit via lake vessel, and from
Detroit to Battle Creek was made by wagon. There were seven people
in the party beside Mr. and Mrs. Helmer and their two sons and one
daughter. They started on May 20th and reached Battle Creek, June
7th, settling on the prairie and making their residence in a log cabin
in pioneer style. The mother did not live long after coming here, passing away in August, 1844, and in September of the same year the
father died and both were buried in the Young Cemetery. In politics,
Mr. Helmer was a Democrat. He had had time to accumulate only
eighty acres of land, and soon after his death the family separated,
Andrew, then a lad of seventeen years, beginning to work by the month
and as a farm hand, and was thus employed for seven years. Starting
at a salary of eight dollars a month, his wages were gradually increased
until he was receiving fourteen dollars per month, and, being industrious and economical, soon saved enough to purchase land on his own
account. In 1849 he became the owner of eighty acres on section 10,
Battle Creek township, this being all covered with timber which it
was necessary for him to clear before he could begin planting. He
improved forty acres of this land and then sold it. In 1854 he was
married to Miss Marcia L. Andrus, who was born in Binghamton, New
York, in 1834, and was brought to Michigan by her parents in September, 1835. The young couple began their wedded life in the township
of Comstock, in Kalamazoo county, where Mr. Helmer engaged in the
improvement of a farm of 180 acres for two years. He then sold out
and returned to Calhoun county, locating in Battle Creek township,
where he bought 160 acres of land located on the southeast quarter of
section nine. Much of it was improved, and he made many more improvements and resided there until 1890. In that year he removed to
the place where he now 'resides with his son, this farm being located on
section 4, Battle Creek township, devoted to general farming, fruit
raising and gardening, and a specialty being made in the cultivation
of celery.
Mr. and Mrs. Helmer have five children: Harriet, the eldest, became the wife of William Graham, of Battle Creek township, and died
leaving one daughter, Iva, who makes her home with her maternal
grandfather; Frank, the second in order of birth, died in childhood;
William A., a resident of Battle Creek township; Nellie A. is the wife
of Vannatin B. Huyler of Emmett township and has two children,
Marcia and John; and Mattie is the wife of Fred C. Stillson, of Battle
Creek, and has one child, Donald R. In his political proclivities, Mr.
Helmer is a stanch and unwavering Democrat, and has served six times
as township supervisor of Battle Creek. The confidence in which he
is held and the strong popularity that is his have been shown by the
fact that although he lives in a strong Republican district, yet he has
never been defeated when nominated as a candidate for any political
position. Mr. Helmer is an excellent example of,the self-made man.
Successful in business affairs, prominent politically, popular among
a wide circle of friends, beloved by his family, he is indeed a man to
be envied, and when it is remembered that it was a poor boy with but
limited educational advantages who attained his present position, some
idea may be gained of what he has accomplished, and a proper amount
of credit be given him.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1109


WILLIAM ANDRUS. In the death of William Andrus, who passed
away May 4, 1912, at Canton, Ohio, the city of Battle Creek, Michigan, suffered a distinct loss, as for years he had been an important
factor in promoting and developing its various interests and through
precept and example encouraging others to emulate his persistent industry. Mr. Andrus was born at Binghamton, New York, August 9,
1826, and his ancestors can be traced back to John and Mary Andrews,
as the name was spelled, who were early settlers of New England when
this country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great
Britain. The line of descent is traced down through Daniel, Joseph
and Joseph Andrews, Jr., the latter a native of Farmington, Connecticut, and the father of Ebenezer Andrews, who wedded Mary Beckwith.
They were the great-grandparents of William Andrus. Levi Andrus,
the grandfather, was born in Southington, Connecticut, and wedded
Mary Judd. Among their children was Giles Andrus, who was born
in Oquaga, New York, in 1780, and was reared in Binghamton, New
York. There he wedded Miss Betsy Shaw, and there their children
were born. Giles Andrus followed carpentering and joining, and built
some of the finest homes in Binghamton in his day. In the spring of
1835 he went *West, in company with his son Charles, going by canal
from Oswego, New York, to Buffalo, thence by lake to Detroit, and
from there followed the territorial trail to the site of the present city
of Battle Creek, which was then the town of Milton and contained only
a few log houses but no postoffice, it being necessary to go to Verona
for mail. Giles Andrus selected a location on Goguac Prairie, where
he purchased farms for himself and three sons. Only the homestead
building on the place was a little log cabin. He made some improvements preparatory to receiving his wife and children, who joined him
in August of the same year. He was not long permitted, however, to
enjoy his pioneer home, for he died in November, 1838, aged fifty-eight
years. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and one of the
first of that denomination to locate in this section. He left a widow
and eight children and the mother survived for only four years and
died January 14, 1842. The children were: Henry; Charles; George;
William and James, who died in New Orleans, while on his way home
after serving as a soldier during the Mexican War; Elizabeth, who
became the wife of David Smith; Mary; and Marcia, the wife of Andrew Helmer, and all are now deceased except Mrs. Helmer.
William Andrus was educated in the Binghamton schools of New
York, and afterwards the district schools of the vicinity of his home
on Goguac Prairie. He remained at home until he was seventeen
years of age, at which time he came to what was then the village of
Battle Creek and here obtained employment and attended a private
school for a year. In 1845 he accepted a position in a drug store owned
by Allen T., Havens, who died in 1852, when Mr. Andrus purchased
the stock and succeeded his former employer. This was the first and
largest drug store here, and was located at No. 6 East Main street. He
continued the business successfully and in 1867 built the Andrus Block.
at Nos. 6 and 8 East Main street, one of the first three-story substantial
brick blocks in Battle Creek. He conducted a drug store there until
he sold out the business in 1872 to Grandine & Hinman, after which
he became an important factor in manufacturing circles of this city.
He was instrumental in establishing a number of manufacturing concerns in Battle Creek, including the Battle Creek Machinery Company,
now known as the American Steam Pump Company and was its president for some time. He was connected with this concern for some
fourteen or fifteen years. In the meantime, he assisted in reorganizing




1110


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the Advance Thresher Company, now the Rumely Company, here, and
during the second year of its existence served as its president. During
the nineties he sold out his interest in this company and from that
time until his death he gave his attention to personal investments and
to looking after his own estates and also supervising others placed in
his care. He erected many residences and numerous business blocks
here, which he later sold. His residence stood from 1860 to 1903 on
the present site of the postoffice. Mr. Andrus was one of the organizers
and one of the first directors of the Old National Bank.
Mr. Andrus was married June 2, 1852, to Miss Frances L. McCamly, daughter of Samuel W. and Janet McCamly, but she died June
26, 1854. On January 27, 1858, he married Nellie Grandine, daughter
of Edgar and Harriet Grandine of Waterford, New York, and she died
in December, 1876, at Atlanta, Georgia, where she and her husband
had gone in the hope that she might recover her failing health. She
belonged to the Episcopal church, and was very active in its various
works. For many years Mr. Andrus served as one of the vestrymen
of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek, but in 1902 resigned
and refused re-election, as he was to leave the city. He was chairman
of the building committee during the erection of the clmrch and contributed most liberally to the fund. Fraternally, Mr. Andrus was connected with Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M., in which he was
a past master; Battle Creek Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., Zabud Council
No. 9, R. & S. M., of which he was thrice illustrious master and Battle
Creek Commandery No. 33, K. T. In politics he was a Democrat, but
never was an aspirant for public office, his business and social duties
satisfying his ambitions. Mr. Andrus was buried in Battle Creek with
Masonic honors, and a large concourse of people followed to the grave
all that was mortal of a man, who, throughout his life had so conducted
his affairs as to win and retain the unqualified esteem and confidence
of all with whom he came into contact.
ARTHUR E. LEACH. Having his farm in Homer township almost
entirely under cultivation, Arthur E. Leach is deserving of the position he has attained among the agriculturists of Calhoun county. A
son of the late Elihu H. Leach, he was born, August 7, 1869, on the
farm adjoining the one which he now owns and occupies. He is of
honored pioneer stock, his grandparents having migrated from  New
York state to Michigan in the spring of 1834, taking up wild land in
Homer township, where he cleared a farm from the wilderness, and
otherwise improved it.
Elihu H. Leach was born in Wayne county, New York, July 22,
1823, and as a lad of eleven years came with his parents to Calhoun
county, Michigan, where, as soon as strong enough to wield an axe, he
assisted the pioneer task of felling the giant progeny of the forest, and
placing the land under cultivation. Subsequently serving an apprenticeship at the trade of harness maker, he embarked, in 1855, in business on his own account, engaging in the manufacture of harnesses in
the village of Homer, and also opening a branch shop in Jonesville.
Selling out his shops in 1868, he purchased from Henry Churchill the
farm now owned by his son Arthur E., and, with the exception of the
years of 1884 and 1885, which he spent in Nebraska, was there successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. He was very
prominent in Masonic circles, having been a charter member of Humanity Lodge. No. 29, Free and Accepted Order of Masons, with which
he was identified for upwards of forty years, and which he served as




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1111


master. He was a Democrat in politics, and, with his good wife, belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.
Elihu H. Leach was first married, October 6, 1847, to Mary J. Talmage, who was born in New York state, March 27, 1829, and died in
Calhoun county, Michigan, October 5, 1850. He married second, June
16, 1852, Elizabeth Eslow, who was born in New York state in 1830,
and died in Calhoun county, Michigan. Of the six children born of
their union, three are living, Arthur E. being the youngest child of
the family.
Acquiring a practical education in his youthful days in Homer
township, at the Agnew school house, Arthur E. Leach subsequently
acquired skill in breaking horses, and for a time followed that business.
He afterwards learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed steadily for four years, and then took charge of the parental homestead.
On the death of his father, Mr. Leach bought the interests of the remaining heirs in the estate, and has since been engaged in general farming.
Mr. Leach married, October 19, 1892, May Chamberlain, daughter
of Henry and Deborah (Riblet) Chamberlain, who spent the later
years of their lives on a farm in Hillsdale county, where Mr. Chamberlain, who learned the tinner's trade when young, was a pioneer farmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Leach have two children, namely: Herbert Elihu and
Louisa Delia. Politically Mr. Leach is a sound Democrat. Religiously,
both Mr. and Mrs. Leach are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
ABRAHAM A. GARLINGHOUSE. A prominent and prosperous business
man of Calhoun county, Abraham A. Garlinghouse is identified with one
of the leading industries of Homer, being proprietor of the large marble
and granite works of that place. A son of the late Benjamin Garlinghouse, he was born in Grant county, Indiana, January 15, 1839. John
Garlinghouse, his paternal grandfather, was born in New York state,
and his father, Joseph Garlinghouse, the great grandfather'of Abraham
A. Garlinghouse, was high sheriff of New York county, New York, when
William Morgan, of Batavia, New York, made his exposure of Masonry
in 1826, and he arrested Mr. Morgan to keep him from being lynched
by the Masons, who charged him with violating his oath, and publishing
the secrets of the order. Mr. Morgan was subsequently taken from his
home at night, and was never heard from afterward, saith history.
Benjamin Garlinghouse was born near Onondaga, New York, in 1815,
and while yet a young man migrated to Ohio. About 1837 he removed
with his family to Indiana, where he remained two years. He then returned to Ohio, and after living there awhile again turned his footsteps
westward, going to Kansas, where he continued in business as a worker
in marble and granite until his death. He married, in 1834, in Ohio.
Maria Williams, who was born in that state in 1815, a daughter of Abraham and Catherine Maria Williams, who moved to Ohio from New
York, their native state. Six children were born of their marriage, three
of whom are now living, in 1912, Abraham A. being the second child of
the parental household. The parents were both members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and the father was a steadfast Republican in politics.
The mother, Catherine Maria Williams was a descendant of Roger
Williams.
Having learned the trade of a marble worker in Illinois, Abraham
A. Garlinghouse began business on his own account in Topeka, Kansas,
where for twelve years he had a large yard, and was extensively patronized. Coming from there to Michigan in 1890. Mr. Garlinghouse




1112


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


began the manufacture of tombstones at Homer, where he has built up
a very large and highly remunerative business, his artistic tastes and
talents finding expression in enduring monuments of marble and granite.
He is now doing an annual business of about $16,000, much of his work
being shipped to different parts of Michigan, and to other states.
Mr. Garlinghouse married, in 1850, Agnes A. Rose, a daughter of
Cyler Rose, a thriving farmer living near Burlingame, Kansas.  She
passed to the life beyond, July 21, 1911, leaving three children, namely:
Raymond E., in partnership with his father, married June 25, 1884,
Nellie L., daughter of Warren and Addie Tompkins of Litchfield,
Michigan, and has one daughter, Valeria M., born April 25, 1885,
now a teacher in the public schools at Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Leona M.,
the wife of William Waterman, now living at St. Joseph, Michigan,
has one daughter, Jessie E., wife of Willis Williams, of St. Joseph;
Charley A., working for his father, married September 20, 1892,
Louise, daughter of James and Helen Hess of Homer and has two
children, Bryan H., born February 27, 1897, and Viola L., born March
13, 1901. Abraham A. Garlinghouse is a supporter of the principles of
the Democratic party, and in addition to having served as township clerk
and assessor has been a member of the city council of Homer four terms.
He married again June 29, 1912, Mrs. Villa Brooks of Union City
becoming his wife. He is a member of the Episcopal church, to which
his wife also belongs.
HON. GEORGE WILLARD. If the city of Battle Creek had wished to
express through the character of one citizen its best ideals of thought
and action during the second half of the nineteenth century, no one
man could have represented them so broadly and fully as the late George
Willard. An educator, an editor, a speaker and leader in public affairs,
a man of many interests and accomplishments, he was without a doubt
a peer of any of his contemporaries in the state.
Hon. George Willard was born in Bolton, Chittenden county, Vermont, March 20, 1824, and died at his home in Battle Creek, March 26,
1901, aged seventy-seven years. Like many of the early settlers of
southern Michigan, the Willards were of old New England families
dating back into colonial times.  Simon Willard, the founder of the
American branch, was born in England in 1607, emigrated to Massachusetts in 1634, and the following year joined the Rev. Bullock in
establishing the colony of Concord. From 1636 to 1652 he successively
represented that colony in the general court of the Massachusetts colony,
and then served as governor's assistant up to 1676. He explored the
headwaters of the Merrimac, and was one of the commissioners to settle the boundary line dispute between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the stone boundary mark still bearing his initials. During King
Philip's war he commanded the Middlesex county militia, and led a
force to the relief of Deerfield.
From this remarkable figure in old colonial days many generations
have traced their descent. One of his sons, Major Samuel, was a pastor
of Old South church in Boston and acting president of Harvard College,
and also a contributor to the religious literature of the period. Another descendant at a later date was president of Harvard, and another
was commander of Fort Dummer, the first settlement in Vermont.
Oliver Willard, great-grandfather of George Willard, received from
the colony of New York a patent to Hartland township, and first settled there.
The parents of the late Mr. Willard were Allen and Eliza (Barron)
Willard. Allen Willard was born at Hartland, Vermont, February 10,




4      hi      ff








HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1113


1794, and in 1816 entered Dartmouth College, where one of his mates was
Rufus Choate. In the disturbed conditions incident to the epoch-making Dartmouth College case, during his junior year he left college and
located at Bolton, Vermont, and engaged in teaching and later in farming, until 1836, when he came to Michigan and settled on the place at
Goguac lake which for three quarters of a century has been the Willard homestead. Allen Willard had an interesting character. Ie was
independent in forming his views of men and measures. At the first
nomination of Andrew Jackson for the presidency he was one of the
three men in his Vermont town who cast their votes for him. Later,
after Jackson's executive interference with the United States Bank, he
left the Democratic party, became a Whig. He was a lover of literature,
especially the Greek and Latin, which he continued to read until the
last years of his life. His death occurred February 12, 1876, at the
age of eighty-two. His wife was a descendant of one of the early Irish
families that settled in New England. Their two children were George
and Charles Willard.
George Willard lived in southern Michigan from the age of twelve
years until his death, and witnessed practically the entire period of developmlent from pioneer conditions to the modern twentieth century.
Owing to his father's scholarship and his own ardent desire for learning-an intellectual curiosity which all the years of his long life never
satiated-the crude school facilities of the new county did not prevent
him from acquiring what would still be called a liberal education. The
Three R's he had mastered by the time he was eighty years old, and at
fourteen he read the gospels in the original Greek and was also familiar
with Homer. At sixteen he was teaching school at LeRoy, and at the
age of twenty was graduated from Kalamazoo College. The succeeding
years he spent in teaching and preparing himself for the ministry of
the Protestant Episcopal church, to which he was ordained in 1848.
With that event he began the career of varied activity and accomplishment which continued for more than half a century.   He was
successively rector of churches in Coldwater, Battle Creek. and Kalamazoo, until 1862, when, his convictions of duty having undergone a change
so that he felt he could no longer continue in the discharge of the priestly
office, he resigned and soon afterward accepted the chair of Latin in
Kalamazoo College. Already he had been drawn into the current of
discussion and affairs that steadily flowed toward the crisis of war. In
1855, during the excitement in regard to the Kansas-Nebraska bill, he
wrote a letter to Hon. William H. Seward on the subject, receiving
a reply from which the following extract is of interest: "Truth in
every department of human knowledge and action, is entitled to open,
free confession and vindication by all classes of society; and I know
of no ground upon which any man anywhere, much less any man in a
republic, can suppress his convictions or refrain from giving his support to the truth on any great and vital question."
In 1856 Mr. Willard became a member of the state board of education, on which he served six years. His influence and exertions contributed largely to the establishment of the State Agricultural College at Lansing, which opened in 1857, and forty years later, as the
only surviving member of the board, he delivered the anniversary address at the college. In 1863 he was elected regent of the University of
Michigan. It was he who drew up the resolution opening the university
to women, and this action was characteristic of his advanced position in
many public affairs. He also strongly advocated the establishment
of a chair of homeopathy in the medical department, and he had much




1114


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


to do with securing the services of President Angell for the university.
From  this time forward for many years his public services were
almost constant. He was never a politician in the usual sense of the
word, for his public service was always disinterested and directed by
his convictions and his sense of duty. Elected in 1866 to the legislature,
he became chairman of the house committee on education and the following year was appointed to the same position in the constitutional
convention, of which he was also a member. In the state Republican
convention of 1868 he was chairman of the committee on resolutions.
In 1872 he was appointed a member of the centennial board of finance,
and in the same year was a delegate at large to the national convention
at Philadelphia, in which convention he was a member of the committee
on rules.
The same year having been nominated by this district for Congress,
he was elected by the unprecedented majority of 7,547. He was a member of the committees on civil service'and on coinage, weights and measures, and during his second term was a member of these committees and
also of the committee on the District of Columbia. After the famous
contested presidential election of 1876 he was a member of the committee to provide a method of counting the electoral vote, and he and
Mr. Springer were the sub-committee which later compiled the history
of the electoral count. With Senator Thurman of Ohio, he was made a
member of the United States Monetary Commission in 1877, and in that
connection thoroughly studied the silver question, attending all meetings
of the committee both in Washington and New York.
While in Congress Mr. Willard labored zealously for the adjustment
of sectional difficulties, and advocated a speedy settlement of the southern question on the basis of justice and charity. From almost the
beginning of his first term he attracted notice as a speaker who commanded a vast array of specific facts and relied on their logical presentation more than on the ordinary forensic arts. His speeches on the
subject of cheap transportation, in opposition to the Force bill, and
advocacy of a popular government, and on a bill to regulate the presidential vote, gave him a national reputation, and the last mentioned
speech was published in all the leading papers of both parties. Probably no representative in Congress at the time worked harder or more
intelligently on the matters within the scope of his duties. While he
looked after the material interests of his own district, he never forgot
that his responsibilities were of national character.
In 1868 he purchased the Battle Creek Journal, and four years later
established the daily issue of this paper, of which he continued as editor
and proprietor up to the date of his death. The qualities and attainments of his mind and character made him an ideal editor. The paper
was dominated by his personality, and in this respect was typical of
the best in what is now called the old-style journalism, the most notable
example of which was Greeley's New York Tribune. Mr. Willard's vast
and well digested information, his broad range of reading in many languages, his extended experience with men and affairs, and the breadth
of his sympathies, thoroughly pervaded his editorials and gave them
a lofty dignity and judicious independence that are rarely found in
the utterances of the neo-journalism.
A great reader, a student of both ancient and modern history, a fine
linguist who possessed a familiar acquaintance with German, French,
Italian, Spanish, Latin and Greek, Mr. Willard's scholarship, supplementing fine natural gifts, made him one of the foremost among the
throng of brilliant men of which Michigan is so justly proud. Although




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1115


advanced in years he had always possessed good health, and up to his
last illness retained fully the mental qualities of his vigorous manhood.
He was of medium height, of erect, robust figure, a fine head, blue eyes
and clear-cut intellectual features. His manner was dignified, and in
conversation he was both entertaining and instructive.  In all that
tended to the development and progress of Battle Creek he took a deep
interest, and contributed largely, by voice and pen and in other ways, to
its prosperity. A man of strictest integrity, with the courage of his
convictions, a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, he deserved
the high regard and esteem in which he was held. The tributes to his
career, spoken by representative citizens in various spheres of life at
the memorial services following his death, were of rare sincerity and
spontaneity, and the subjects taken by the different speakers indicate
the great range of Mr. Willard's activities and influence. As a leader
in religious thought, as an editor and competitor, what he stood for in
the city, as a political leader, as senior warden of St. Thomas church,
and chief of all, his fine manhood and character-from each of these
viewpoints it was possible to find instruction and inspiration in his past
life.
Mr. Willard always remained prominent in the church in whose
service his career began, and was a delegate to its triennial conventions
in 1856, 1886, 1889, 1892, and 1898. On April 10, 1844, he married
Miss Emily Harris, daughter of Rev. John Harris, of Battle Creek.
They were the parents of four children: Frances A., died July 6th
1912, the widow of Charles D. Brewer of Battle Creek; Charles, who
died in childhood; Lillie E., wife of E. W. Moore, who was former business manager of the Journal and is now a resident of Benton Harbor;
and George B., whose sketch is given below. Mrs. Brewer was educated
at Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, and Mrs. Moore received most of her
education in Ypsilanti. Mrs. Emily Willard, mother of these children,
died in 1885. In 1887 Mr. Willard married Mrs. Elizabeth A. Willard,
who survived him.
GEORGE B. WILLARD. The only surviving son of the late George Willard is Mr. George B. Willard, who for many years has been actively
identified with the business and civic affairs of Battle Creek. and particularly in newspaper work has supplemented and continued his father's
worthy activities.
Born in this city, June 11, 1858, Mr. Willard attended the local
schools and the business college, and in the Journal office gained the
initial experiences which determined his career. During his first years
in the office he became familiar with the printing trade and all the
mechanical industry connected with printing, and a natural talent and
thorough training equipped him for the editorial management. During the many years of his connection with the Journal he was recognized
as one of the ablest all-around newspaper men in southern Michigan.
His editorial control kept the Journal upon a high plane-it was progressive without being sensational, and was a definite influence in the
life of the community. Associated with his brother-in-law, Hon. E. W.
Moore, he continued the Journal after his father's death until April,
1906, when he sold his interests and retired from newspaper work.
He is owner of a beautiful farm of two hundred acres at Goguac
lake, which has already been mentioned as the original Willard homestead, having been settled by his grandfather Allen Willard. From him
it descended to Charles Willard, uncle of George B., and then to the
latter. Mlr. Willard has his summer home there, and is the owner of




1116


IIISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


considerable city property, including the home at 91 Fountain street.
Since leaving the newspaper work, he has been chiefly interested in
looking after this property.  He and his family usually spend the
winter either in California or the south.
Those movements which have been undertaken for solid prosperity
and advancement of the city have always found in Mr. Willard a willing
contributor and worker. As the representative of one of the oldest
and most esteemed names of this vicinity, he has quietly but effectively
exercised his influence many times for the well ordered progress of his
city. A lifelong Republican, he has been a delegate to many conventions, but has always declined nominations for office. He is affiliated
with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias lodges in Battle Creek, is a
member of the Athelstan Club, and he and his family attend and support, though not members, the Independent Congregational church.
George B. Willard was married in the home where he still resides,
June 16, 1880, to Miiss Hattie Henrietta Campbell. Her father, James
C. Campbell, who died many years ago, was a well known early citizen
of Battle Creek. Her mother is now the wife of William H. Flagg, and
they also reside at the Fountain street home.
William H. Flagg has been identified with Battle Creek and vicinity
for many years. During the Civil war he was a member of the Second
Michigan Infantry for three years and three months, with a record of
service including some of the great engagements of the war. As a youth
he learned the blacksmith trade, at which he became expert. For several
years he was with the Upton Manufacturing Works and later for a
number of years with the Nichols & Shepard Company. In 1885, under
Mayor F. M. Rathbun's appointment, he became chief of police, and his
term set a high mark for the equitable enforcement of law and order.
In 1886 H. C. Hall appointed him street commissioner and assistant
marshal, an office he held for three years. For several years past he
has been occupied with the active management of the Willard farm on
Goguac lake.
CHARLES WILLARD. In the death of Charles Willard on January 31,
1897, Battle Creek and this vicinity lost a remarkable citizen and benefactor. Through a long business career he acquired great wealth, but
was never married and always retained the simple tastes which require
so little money to satisfy. In this way he became the instrument for
the diversion and application of a large private fortune to the benefit
of the community, and so wisely were his benefactions bestowed that
for generations they will continue to aid the careers of young men and
women and increase the spread of culture throughout this vicinity. To
Battle Creek probably the best known of his contributions is represented
in the Charles Willard Library building, but this was only one of the
uses to which his fortune was directed.
Charles Willard was the younger son of Allen Willard and the
brother of the late George Willard, the interesting early history of the
Willard family being contained in previous sketches. Charles Willard
was born at Bolton, Chittenden county, Vermont, April 24, 1827, being
three years younger than his brother George. The family arrived at
Battle Creek on July 8, 1836, having been two weeks coming from Detroit with ox teams, and the journey from Vermont by way of the Erie
canal having taken a month. Like his brother George he received most
of his early education from his talented and classically learned father.
But though possessed of splendid judgment and intellectual powers,
he chose a cereer in the less conspicuous fields of endeavor and was little known in politics and other public activities. Through his youth




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1117


and mature years he continued to reside on the farm beside Lake Goguac where his father had located about 1841 or 1842. By honest
industry, good judgment and unwavering perseverance he won prosperity as a farmer. Then for many years he was recognized as a capitalist of secure standing and one whose property was obtained by
means approved both in law and morals.
Farming and the loaning of the accumulations therefrom comprised
his chief business until he became interested in the Advance Thresher
Company, during the years when the struggle was being made to lay the
foundations for what has proved its subsequent splendid prosperity.
Manufacturing had appealed to him not so much as a source of profit,!but because it would afford employment to so many more people than
the ordinary pursuits of an agricultural community, and would thus
prove of permanent benefit to his home city. For the success of this
company he, with others, was early pledged to the extent of more than a
million dollars, and the failure of the enterprise would have meant the
loss of all he possessed for his declining years. Yet he had the strongest
confidence in the company and never faltered, and the outcome not only
justified his expectations of giving this city a great industrial institution,
but also added immensely to his own wealth. Aside from private
bequests to his family, at the time of his death his public and religious
benefactions amounted to fully $271,000. For the Young Men's Christian
Association, $37,500; for the Charles Willard Library building, $37,500;
to endow a professorship of Latin and literature in the Kalamazoo
College, $30,000; the State Baptist Association a total of upwards of
$40,000; the poor students fund of the Michigan College of upwards
of $40,000; a public park to the city of Battle Creek worth $20,000.
These with others would make his gifts nearly a quarter of a million
dollars.
His father and mother were Baptist. While he was not a member
of the church, the church had great influence with him-and he was
always one of the main contributors to its support during his life and he
did not forget it in the distribution of his property. While not a member
of any church he took great interest in the progress and care of the
Baptist Society. His father's ways and religion was his-and had great
influence with him. Sixteen acres of oak woods bordering on Goguae
lake he deeded before his death as a public park for the benefit of the
people of Battle Creek. For the purchase of grounds and the erection
of a building he bequeathed $36.750 to the Young Men's Christian
Association of Battle Creek.
The bequest in 1875 of ten thousand dollars by the late Henry B.
Denman for the support of a public school library was always appreciated by Mr. Willard, and the thought doubtless appealed to him that
no more useful bequest could be made than the furnishing of a proper
home for the books and a convenient place where the public could have
free access to them. This was the source of his gift of $36,750 for the
Charles Willard Library Building, which was opened to the public in
April, 1905, and has ever since been one of the most popular institutions
of this city. Mr. Denman and Mr. Willard, both early promoters of the
welfare of Battle Creek, left legacies of lasting usefulness to the public,
and neither would ask a better acknowledgement of their deeds than
that this beautiful library should be constantly used by the people of
the city in the betterment of their minds and culture of their understandings.
Though not college bred, Mr. Willard possessed the broad understanding and culture that result from thorough study of the best in
literature and current affairs. He was a deep thinker, well read in the




1118


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


world's history, and his retentive memory stored up information that
the ordinary man seldom retains. He had an excellent command of
language, and few citizens could talk more entertainingly of the old
days in Calhoun county or on the larger topics of knowledge. He never
read light or trashy literature, and he thoroughly appreciated the value
of sound and solid education for young people, hence his benefactions
to education. His career of quiet but successful business and the sturdy
traits of his character deserve to be always associated with the institutions which have prospered or have become possible through his life.
EGBERT E. PAGE. It has been given this well known citizen of Calhoun county to achieve marked success and to have become one of the
essentially representative business men of his native city of Marshall,
where he is secretary and treasurer of the Page Brothers Buggy Company, one of the extensive, substantial and important industrial concerns
of the county and one that has done much to further the commercial and
civic progress and prosperity of the city in which its fine manufactory
is established.
Egbert E. Page has well upheld the prestige of a name that has been
closely and worthily identified with the history of Calhoun county for
more than half a century. He was born in Marshall, the judicial center
of the county, on the 7th of December, 1859, and is a son of William and
Amelia (Dean) Page. William Page was born at Newark, the capital
of Licking county, Ohio, in 1813, and was a son of Daniel Page, who was
one of the sterling pioneers of the old Buckeye state and whose father
was a native of England. William Page was reared and educated in Ohio
and there learned the carpenter's trade. As a young man he came to
Calhoun county, Michigan, and here he became a successful contractor
and builder. He continued to maintain his home in the city of Marshall
until his death, which occurred in 1876, and he ever commanded secure
place in popular confidence and esteem, the while he did much to advance
the development and progress of his home city and county. He was a
Republican in his political proclivities and both he and his wife held
membership in the Methodist church, in the activities of which they took
a deep interest. They became the parents of three sons and they are all
interested principals in the Page Brothers Buggy Company, of which the
eldest son, William L., is president, and in which Lucius F., is an active
executive. Mrs. Amelia (Dean) Page, the devoted wife and mother, was
a woman of most gracious personality and was held in affectionate regard
by all who came within the compass of her gentle influence. She was
born in the state of New York, on the 20th of January, 1825, and was
a daughter of Lyman Dean, who established his home in Calhoun county,
Michigan, in the pioneer days. Mrs. Page was summoned to the life
eternal in the year 1871.
Egbert E. Page is indebted to the public schools of his native city
for his early educational discipline, which included the curriculum of
the high school. As a young man he was identified with agricultural
pursuits for a time and finally he became associated with his brother
William L. in the manufacturing of vehicles, the enterprise having been
founded in 1869, by William L. Page, who began operations on a modest
scale. Egbert E. was admitted to partnership in 1882, and for the purpose of expanding the commercial facilities of the business, which had
grown to be one of most substantial order, the present stock company
was organized in July, 1890, the co-operation of other representative
business men having been enlisted and the business having then been
incorporated under the present title of the Page Brothers Buggy Company. Operations are based on a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1119


and the original executive corps was as here noted: William L. Page,
president; Charles Cronin, vice-president; William Connor, second vicepresident; Egbert E. Page, secretary; and John A. Bentley, treasurer.
The Page brothers now control the stock of the company, with William
L. as president and Egbert E. as secretary and treasurer. The enterprise
has been built up to large proportions and the plant of the company is
one of modern order, the main building being of brick and sixty by four
hundred feet in dimensions. It is three stories in height and is eligibly
located on the Michigan Central Railroad. The company manufactures
high grade vehicles, with a capacity of five thousand carriages annually,
and a specialty is made of car-load lots, the trade of the concern extending into the most diverse sections of the Union, and its unassailable reputation constituting its best commercial asset.. In the general industrial
chapter of this publication further reference is made to this progressive
and representative enterprise.
Besides having been actively concerned with the upbuilding of the
large and prosperous business of the Page Brothers Buggy Company,
Egbert E. Page has identified himself with other business enterprises
in his home city and is known as a loyal, progressive and public-spirited
citizen. In politics he accords a staunch allegiance to the Prohibition
party, but he is essentially a business man and has had no predilection
for the honors or emoluments of public office, though ever ready.to
lend his influence and tangible aid in the furtherance of measures and
enterprises projected for the general good of the community. Both he
and his wife are most zealous and valued members of the First Methodist church of Marshall, and he has been a member of its board of trustees
for fully a quarter of a century, besides which he served for a number
of years as superintendent of its Sunday school. His fine modern residence, at 604 West Prospect street, is one of the most attractive in the
city, and is a center of gracious and unostentatious hospitality.
On the 2nd of November, 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Page to Miss Etta Hepner, who was born at Knox, Indiana, and who
is a daughter of the late M1. T. Hepner, an honored citizen of Knox,
Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Page became the parents of six children, of
whom four are living,-Forest E., identified with the Page Brothers
Buggy Company, Ethel M., Pearl E. and Franklin L.
WILLIAM GARDNER. In spite of the handicap of crude tools, poor
irrigation and wild, untamed land, the farmers of fifty years ago were
able, through their knowledge of agricultural methods and conditions,
by hard work and untiring perseverance, to make their farms yield good
crops, and the man who kept everlastingly at it was able to amass a
competence for his later years. In these days, however, the work is
not so hard, nor the success so difficult to gain, for the farmers of
today, profiting by the experiences and mistakes of those who have
gone before them, and being assisted in their work by the wonderful
power machinery of this age, have learned to cultivate their lanOt
scientifically, and as a result are making records in the raising of crops
that should make those of former years look to their laurels. One of
the successful agriculturists of Homer township, Calhoun county, whose
good judgment, industry and general training have made him one of
the leaders in agricultural work in his section, is William Gardner, the
owner of a well-cultivated property of 100 acres. Mr. Gardner is
thoroughly conversant with conditions in this part of the county, as
he was born on the farm on which he now resides, and with the exception of a few years spent in travel has spent his life here. He was
born September 5, 1860, and is a son of Barney A. and Larettie (Stookey)
Gardner.
Vol. II-33




1120


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Barney A. Gardner, who was affectionately known by his neighbors
as "Uncle Barney," was born in New Jersey, July 28, 1820, and as a
lad of less than seventeen years came to Michigan, where he arrived
May 26, 1837. He at once entered the employ of Powell Grover, and
during the next thirteen years worked on his farm and in his mill, at
the end of that period being able to purchase the farm now owned by
his son, William, then a tract of eighty acres. He spent the remainder
of his life in cultivating this land, and died on. his farm August 1,
1895, one of his community's most highly respected citizens. He was
married in Michigan to Larettie Stookey, who was born April 4, 1822,
in Pennsylvania, and she died January 3, 1872, having been the mother
of one child, William.
William Gardner received his education in the district schools, the
high school at Concord, Michigan, and the normal school at Valparaiso,
Indiana. On completing his schooling he went on an extended trip
through the west, visiting Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado,
and after six years spent in various occupations and in familiarizing
himself with agricultural conditions and methods, returned to the home
farm, which he has since continued to cultivate. He has devoted himself to general farming and has made numerous improvements on the
home property, including the erection of new buildings, among which
is a handsome barn. He is considered one of the substantial men of
his community, where his sterling integrity has won the confidence of
his fellow townsmen, and has many friends throughout the township.
In his political views he is a Republican, but he has never desired public office.
In 1894 Mr. Gardner was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Billman, daughter of Nathan and Evelyn (Fayler) Billman, the former
of whom still resides in Homer township, while the latter passed away
in June, 1879. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gardner:
DeWitt and Clair, both living at home.
WILFRID HAUGHEY, M. D.   Man's greatest prize on earth is physical
health and vigor; nothing deteriorates mental activity so quickly as
prolonged sickness-hence the broad field for human helpfulness afforded in the medical profession. The successful doctor requires something more than mere technical training,-he must be a man of broad
sympathy and genial kindliness, capable of inspiring hope and faith
in the heart of his patient. Such a man is he whose name initiates this
review. Since 1906 Dr. Haughey has been engaged in the practice
of his profession at Battle Creek, Michigan, where he makes a specialty
of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat.
Dr. Wilfrid Haughey was born in Ross township, Kalamazoo county,
Michigan, the date of his nativity being the 10th of August, 1880. He
is a son of Dr. W. H. Haughey, with whom he is associated in practice
and concerning whose career a sketch appears on other pages of this
work so that further data in regard to the family history is not required at this point. The first in order of birth in a family of six children, Dr. Wilfrid Haughey received his rudimentary educational discipline in the public schools of Battle Creek. Subsequently he attended
the Battle Creek high school, in which he was graduated as a member of
the class of 1900. He was matriculated as a student in the University
of Michigan in the fall of 1900 and was graduated in the literary department of that institution in 1904, duly receiving the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. Soon thereafter he entered the Detroit College of
Medicine, in which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine, in 1906. Also in this year he received the degree of M. A.,
from the Detroit College, now the Detroit University. He initiated the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1121


active practice of his profession at Battle Creek, in 1906, and since that
time has been associated with his father, who controls a large and lucrative general practice, while he devotes his attention to diseases of the
eye, ear, nose and throat. In connection with the work of his profession
Dr. Haughey is a member of the Michigan State Medical Society, of
which he is secretary, and he is also affiliated with the Calhoun County
Medical Society and the American Medical Association.  He is connected with the Detroit Otolaryngological Society; the American Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and
Otolaryngology. He is editor of the Journal of the Michigan State
Medical Society and was recently appointed, by President Taft, as First
Lieutenant of the Medical Reserve Corps of the United States army.
He is a member of the Phi Beta Pi Medical Fraternity, the National
Geographic Society, the Athelstan Club of Battle Creek, and in his
political convictions is a stalwart in the ranks of the Republican party.
At Sand Lake, Michigan, June 27, 1907, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Haughey to Miss Edythe L. Cowles, daughter of Clifton
S. and Louise Cowles, of Sand Lake. Mrs. Haughey was born at Sand
Lake and was graduated in the Greenville high school in 1901. She
also attended the University of Michigan and for one year was a teacher
in the Lowell schools, after which she taught for a similar period in
the Greenville high school. Her father is a farmer in the vicinity of
Sand Lake and she has two sisters, namely,-Mrs. R. R. Scott, of Ann
Arbor; and Mrs. Arthur Penney, of Cadillac, Michigan. Dr. and Mrs.
Haughey are the parents of three children,-Edythe Ellen, Wilfrid,
Jr., and Clifton Francis, all of whom were born in Battle Creek, Michigan. In their religious faith the Haughey family are devout communicants of the Catholic church, being members of St. Philips church at
Battle Creek. The home is maintained at No. 40 Poplar street and
the Doctor's office is at No. 24 Main street, in the Kapp block. Dr.
Haughey is a genial, kind-hearted man, one who is always considerate
of others and who is ever lending a helping hand to those less fortunately situated in life than himself. He is ever on the alert to give
of his aid and influence in support of all measures and enterprises advanced for the good of the general welfare and his civic attitude is
characterized by loyalty and public spirit of the most insistent order.
JAMES STEPHEN UPTON. The name of James Stephen Upton is significant not only of the intrinsic character of the man, which was of
an exceptionally high order; nor yet merely of that and the added importance of his influence on his city's growth and prosperity, which
has been notable; but rather for these combined values, in view of the
fact that his personality was one in Which the stamina of race is demonstrated. Therefore an account of this lately deceased citizen of Battle
Creek must be essentially a family history.
The Upton family is among those claiming most ancient lineage
in the Anglo-Saxon world. At the time of the Norman conquest, they
were settled in Cornwall, the known descent continuing in an unbroken
line from the twelfth century to the period of John Upton. He was
born in Cornwall in 1625 and became the founder of the Upton family in America. He came to America in 1652 and settled in the locality
then called Salem Village, but now known as Danvers, Massachusetts.
His wife was Eleanor Stuart, a scion of that Scottish family so conspicuous in the heroism, the romance and the tragedy of British history.
A descendant of John Upton was William Upton, who married Mary
Morse, a cousin of Samuel F. B. Morse, that man of mingled gifts whose
skill as an artist has been all but forgotten in the light of his fame as




1122


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the inventor of the telegraph. A son of John Upton (IV) and his
wife, was Daniel Upton, who was born in Dublin, New Hampshire,
on the fourth day of December, 1796. His wife was Electa Fifield
Randall, who was born in Danville, Vermont, on the eighth of August,
1888, and who was the daughter of Samuel Fifield, a Revolutionary
patriot of considerable distinction. Both Daniel Upton and his wife
died in the year 1888, at the family homestead near Batavia, New York.
This old homestead was, on the twenty-second day of July, 1831, the
birthplace of James Stephen Upton, to whom this sketch is dedicated.
The place, which is a station on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, is now
known as Upton Station.
Before viewing the career of James Stephen Upton, we will briefly
outline that of his brother, Major General Emory Upton, whose name
is so well known in the military world. His prominence grew steadily
during the Civil war. After his graduation at West Point in 1861 he
served in the army of the Potomac and in Georgia and Alabama. He attained the rank of brigadier-general in 1864 and from 1870 to 1875
was commandant of cadets at West Point. He was sent around the
world by the United States government on a tour for investigating the
military systems of Europe and Asia. On his return in 1876 he wrote
out his scheme for a military system for the United States-one which
embodied what he considered the best and most adaptable features of
the armies of the countries he had visited. For some years the manuscript lay in the archives of the war department at Washington. When
the Honorable Elihu Root became secretary of war, he recommended
its adoption. Mr. Taft, who succeeded Secretary Root, accomplished its
adoption and today the army is regulated by it. At the laying of the
corner-stone of the War College in Washington, General Upton was
given full credit for the plan. Another conspicuous honor which has
been recently accorded General Upton is the naming of a Hawaiian
military post Fort Upton. He has been widely known as a military
tactician from the time of the Civil war; he was the author of "A New
System of Infantry Tactics," published in 1867, and of "Armies of
Asia and Europe," published in 1878.
James Upton received his earlier education in the public schools.
He later attended Oberlin College, from which he was graduated. He
then entered the Poughkeepsie Law School, completing his course in
the year 1855, after which he came to Battle Creek to practice his profession.
On June third, 1857, he was married to Miss Viola Vernette Packer,
who was born July 25th, 1838, and who was a daughter of Edward and
Rachel (Platt) Packer, the father being a native of Guilford, Vermont. A family of fine attainments grew up about them, but it was
Mr. Upton's misfortune to lose his life's companion twenty years before
his own demise. Mrs. Upton died in Mobile, Alabama, in 1879.
From the time of James Stephen Upton's coming to Battle Creek
to the time of his death, he was closely identified with all its worthy
activities. Until 1860 he practiced his profession, being twice elected
city attorney. But he had gradually become interested in the business
interests of Battle Creek and in 1860 he left the practice of law and
identified himself with the Upton Threshing Machine company of which
he was made president and the signal success of which has been largely
due to his ability and discrimination. Those characteristics, combined
with certain others which make for good statesmanship, led the friends
and fellow-townsmen of James Stephen Upton to desire his activity in
the political world. In 1878 he received from his party the nomination for congress, although their minority in this section made an elec



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY.  1123
tion practically impossible. He was again honored by the Democratic
party, both during one of the Cleveland campaigns and in that of
Palmer, Bryan and McKinley, by being placed on the electoral ticket.
He is remembered by earlier citizens of Battle Creek as one of its postmasters and as one who served as alderman at two different times when
strong hands and intelligent minds were needed in such offices. In
these and many other ways Mr. Upton's interests were closely interwoven with those of the city which was his chosen home during the
years of his greatest efficiency. In religious affiliation he was a member
of the Congregational church, of which he was an important supporter.
His death occurred at home at 281 Upton avenue, on the fourth of
March, 1899.
Since not only in his deeds, but also in his children does a man live
after his earthly presence is no longer physically perceptible, the devoted children who survive their father must in their continuation of
family characteristics and their furtherance of worthy activities seem
a fitting sequel to an account of James Upton's personal achievements.
Four children were born to him and his wife. Edward Frank Upton, the eldest, was born on the 31st of May, 1859, and was married
to Jessie Peters of Chicago, on January 8, 1890. Two years later, in
Mentone, France, where he had gone with his wife in the hope of regaining his failing health, he passed from life February 25, 1892. His
remains were brought to Battle Creek for burial. Among the distinguishing activities of his too short life was his organization of the Athelstan Club of Battle Creek of which he was elected the first president;
it is considered one of the finest men's clubs in the state.
Marie Rachel Upton was born on the eleventh day of June, 1862.
She was educated at Ingham University in LeRoy, New York, from
which famous old school she was graduated in 1883. In 1887 she went
to New York City for further study, with a particular view to developing her artistic talent. To Florence, Italy, that Mecca of artists and
art lovers she later went for the superior training of the masters there.
On the 14th of April, 1898, she was married to Henry Martyn Strong,
of Battle Creek. He was the son of Martin Dewey Strong, his birthplace being Pawlett, Vermont and his natal day the 13th of August,
1848. His father was also a native of Pawlett, where for several years
he was judge of the probate court; his mother, Delia Maria Short, of
Granville, New York, died in 1872. Henry Martyn Strong has been
well known as a member of the firm of J. S. Upton and Company.
Mrs. Strong is a charter member and has for several years been
respectively regent and vice-regent of the Battle Creek chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution.,The third child of James S. Upton was Martha Platt Upton, who
was born December 16, 1864, and died nine days later. The youngest
daughter, Grace Marie Louise Upton, was born on the ninth of December, 1865. She was educated in the public schools and in the Ingham University at LeRoy, New York, from which she was graduated in
1885. She is the present regent of the D. A. R. On the 25th of December, 1889, she was married to Charles Francis Bathrick, a son of
Doctor Freeborn Bathrick and Georgiana Rowley, of the state of New
York. He has been for many years connected with the Nichols & Shepard Company of Battle Creek, he is also prominent in social circles of
the city, having been chairman of the Athelstan Club entertainment
committee for the past twenty-two years and having been the latest incumbent of its presidential chair.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bathrick-the grandchildren of J. S.
Upton-are three in number. Viola Georgiana Bathrick was born on




1124


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


April 21st, 1891. She was graduated from the Battle Creek high
school in 1909 and attended Miss Mason's well-known school, "The
Castle" at Tarrytown-on-the-Hudson, in New York. Donald Upton
Bathrick was born on the 4th of March, 1893; and Frances Grace Bathrick was born on the 27th day of July, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Bathrick
reside in the Upton homestead, at No. 281 of the avenue which bears
Mr. Upton's name.
ELLIS R. SMITH. One of the very interesting chapters in the history of any city is concerned with its theatrical and artistic activities,
its recreations. No one citizen of Battle Creek is better informed as to
these activities, and has been more influential in promoting and directing them, than Mr. E. R. Smith, who has been manager of the Post
Theatre since its premier opening, was for many years manager of the
old Hamblin Opera House, and for a quarter of a century has been the
local manager for the principal amusements furnished the people of
this city. Mr. Smith is closely connected with the general business
enterprise of the city, and has had an interesting and varied career in
which his energy and strong initiative have enabled him to create out
of small opportunities a large and responsible position in the community.
Representing one of the old and prominent families of this part of
Michigan, Ellis R. Smith was born in the town of Battle Creek, April
8, 1852. His father was Enos N. Smith and his mother Mary Ann
(Phetteplace) Smith. Enos N. Smith was born in Genesee county,
New York, February 21, 1821, and when a boy lost his father and then
went to live in a stranger's home in that neighborhood. Acquiring'
the trade of wagon-maker, he followed that occupation in the east, and
on his emigration to Michigan and settlement at the town of Otsego
he again found employment in the same line. At Jackson, this state,
he married for his first wife Harriet Holden, who at her death left one
son, Julian, now a resident of Jackson. After his wife's death, Enos
N. Smith returned to New York and was employed as a railroad engineer when railroads were new. After a few years he again took up
his residence in Michigan, and located at Battle Creek. Here he conducted, under the firm name of Smith and Gardner, one of the old
wagon shops of this city, owning and occupying property at the
corner of Monroe and State streets, where they did a wagon making,
blacksmithing and painting business. This was a very complete shop
for the time, turning out a high grade of light and heavy vehicles, and
the firm name soon became a guarantee for solid and enduring workmanship. In this way Enos N. Smith became one of the most prosperous business men of Battle Creek, and continued actively in the industry until the close of the war, when he sold out to his partner. Being an energetic man who could not endure idleness, he then entered
the shops of the Nichols & Shepard Company, and was engaged in
working on wheels for fourteen years, until failing health compelled
his retirement. He died at the old home on 27 North avenue, May 2,
1896. He had purchased this home property on coming to the city, and
built the residence which has been occupied by his wife for the last
third of a century. He also bought a large tract of land on North avenue and erected the first house on McCamly street. He was an honorable and upright citizen, and was held in high esteem throughout the
many years of his residence in this city. In politics he was a Democrat.
Enos N. Smith was married on March 12, 1851, to Miss Mary A.
Phetteplace, at her home in Plainwell, Michigan. Mrs. Smith, who is




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1125


now eighty-three years of a healthy old age, one of the venerable pioneer
women of Michigan, resides with her daughter in the old home on North
avenue in this city. She was born in Burlington, New York, October
17, 1828, a daughter of Eseck and Submit (De Costin) Phetteplace.
Her father, who was born in Rhode Island, October 23, 1800, when a
young man removed to New Berlin, New York, where in 1821 he wedded
Miss De Costin, daughter of Ebenezer De Costin, a French nobleman
and a man of superior education. Mrs. Smith's paternal grandfather
was Samuel Phetteplace, whose wife, Lydia Williams, was a descendant of the famous Roger Williams, the original settler and founder of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Eseck Phetteplace, father of Mrs. Smith and maternal grandfather
of Mr. E. R. Smith, was a Michigan pioneer whose career is identified
with several localities in the southern part of this state. In New York
he had been given a farm by his father, who was a wealthy man, but
later he sold that place and moved first to Crawford county, Ohio, and
thence to Michigan, settling at Coldwater in 1835. There he conducted
a grist and saw mill as one of the important enterprises for that new
community, and subsequently settled at Pine Creek in Allegan county,
where he had one of the pioneer mills for two years. He then bought
a farm near the village of Plainwell, in the same county. While living
there his wife died, and after that he was engaged in the grocery business. The last years of his long and eventful life were spent in retirement, and he died at the home of a daughter in Plainwell, October 22,
1892.
Mrs. Smith was educated in the schools near her father's home, and
though her girlhood home was one of more than ordinary comforts and
environment of prosperity, she witnessed many of the pioneer conditions inseparable from the life on the frontier. Since her marriage she
has been a resident of Battle Creek, and here her recollections go back
to the city in its village days. She was the mother of four children,
of whom Ellis R. was the first son. Daisy L., died when she was
twenty-three years, six months and nineteen days. Mabelle E. resides
with her mother. Lynn, who is also at home, is an actor of the old
school and until failing health recently compelled him to leave the
profession he was for years active in the work and traveled throughout the country.
Ellis R. Smith no doubt received from these ancestors many of the
qualities and faculties which have distinguished his own career. As a
boy he attended the Battle Creek public schools, and he and his two
sisters graduated from the high school. His first regular employment
was with H. J. Johnson, the news and stationery dealer. He was employed in the postoffice while J. S. Upton and William H. Fonda were
respectively postmaster and assistant postmaster, that being under a
Democratic administration. He then attended the Bryant & Stratton
Business College which was then located in Battle Creek, and graduated from that school. After L. B. Dibble had constructed the old
Peninsular Railway, now the Grand Trunk, Mr. Smith had an offer to
sell books, etc., on that railroad, and at the same time was given an opportunity to become bookkeeper in a bank at Burlingame, Kansas. On
the advice of an uncle he leased the news business for two trains on
the railroad. To increase his own capital for that enterprise he borrowed fifty dollars from this uncle, Mr. J. Phetteplace, his mother's
brother, who then lived in Augusta, Michigan, and afterwards died in
Denver, where he had gone for his health. During his career as a
"news butch" on the road, Thomas Edison, the inventor, was a newsboy running between Port Huron and Lansing. After he had been on




1126


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the road about a year he one day, while passing from coach to coach,
fell astraddle of the coupling. This narrow escape caused him to quit
that end of the business, and he then started a news depot in opposition to his old employer, H. J. Johnson, and continued in the business
for more than twenty-five years.
Out of this first enterprise have developed almost in regular sequence
most of his other undertakings. He established and is still proprietor
of the E. R. Smith Advertising Service, a bill posting and distribution
business which he has made an important factor in the advertising facilities of this city. Some twenty years ago he built in this city the Eclipse
roller skating rink, a place of amusement that will be recalled by all
residents of that time. For fifteen years he managed the Hamblin
Opera House, which had the best productions that came to the city
during that period, and many pleasant associations and memories linger
about the history of that old play house. Since March 13, 1903, he has
been the manager of the fine Post Theater, which is one of the largest
and best play houses in the state, and is claimed to rank among the
first dozen in capacity and equipment in the United States. Its seating capacity is fourteen hundred, and its stage has facilities for any
class of theatrical production. At the opening of the theatre, on the
date mentioned, Nat Goodwin and Maxine Elliott in "When we were
21" gave the premier performance. This theatre is owned by a stock
company and was given its name because of Mr. C. W. Post's large
financial support to the enterprise.
Mr. Smith is also a stockholder in the Union Steam Pump Company, the Battle Creek Brewing Company, the Post Theatre Company,
the Central National Bank and the City Bank of Battle Creek. In
politics he has always been a Republican, and at the first election after
he became of age he and his father went to the polls together, one of
them voting the Democratic ticket and the other the Republican. Mr.
Smith is a charter member of the Elks lodge in this city, and is also
one of the oldest members of the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the
Athelstan Club. While not a member of any church himself, his family belong to the St. Thomas Episcopal and he is liberal in its support.
Mr. Smith resides at No. 1 Green street, corner of East Main. He
was married on September 30, 1879, to Miss Ella. Andrus, daughter
of the late George Andrus, of Goguac prairie. Her mother was Diana
(Sweet) Andrus. Mrs. Smith is a native of this county, and is a graduate of the Battle Creek high school. One daughter, Beatrice F., was
born of their marriage, and she is the wife of Mr. W. P. Slayton, now
engaged in the mining business at Morgan City, Utah. Mr. Slayton is
a member of the family whose name for many years has been well known
through the Slayton Lyceum Bureau, now the Ridpath-Slayton Bureau, which has furnished the highest class attractions to chautauquas,
churches, lecture associations, etc. Mr. Slayton was himself until
about three years ago the active manager of the Slayton Bureau, and
is still identified with the business. Mr. and Mrs. Slayton are the parents of one son, Ellis Philip Slayton, who was born in Battle Creek,
February 19, 1906.
JAMES P. HUGHES. As postmaster at Marshall, James P. Hughes
is rendering the city and its people appreciated service, being an efficient, accommodating, and eminently popular public official. A native
of Calhoun county, he was born, July 24, 1877, on a farm near Marengo,
where his parents, Paschal and Anna B. (Francisco) Hughes, were
then living, although they are now residents of Marshall. His father,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1127


a native of Missouri, was born and reared in Lafayette, a village lying
near Lexington, which was the scene of a hard-fought battle during the
stirring times of the Civil war.
But seven years old when his parents settled in the vicinity of
Marshall, James P. Hughes acquired his early education in its public
schools, serving under Stephen F. Snyder, as a clerk in the Marshall
postoffice for two years. For political reasons, he was then relieved of
his position. Subsequently he took a position as manager for Andrew
Crystal, serving him about seven years. Mr. Hughes embarked in the
clothing business with Mr. H. M. Holmes, for five years, carrying on
a large and successful trade as senior member of the firm of Hughes
and Holmes. On October 27, 1910, Mr. Hughes was appointed by
President Taft postmaster at Marshall, for a term of four years, and
has since performed the duties devolving upon him in this capacity
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the patrons of the office.
Politically Mr. Hughes is prominent in Republican ranks, and has
served as chairman of the Calhoun County Republican Committee, and
secretary of the Lincoln Republican County Committee, and for four
years represented the Second ward as an alderman. Fraternally he is
a member of Saint Albans Lodge, No. 20, Free and Accepted Masons,
Peninsular Lodge No. 5, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Marshall Lodge, No. 179, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor;
and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America; arid to the Tribe
of Ben Hur and the Maccabees.
Mr. Hughes married, May 1, 1900, Mary D. Stone, of Marshall, a
daughter of W. D. Stone, ex-sheriff of Calhoun county, and one of its
well known and much respected citizens.
JOHN CARLOS BARBER. Michigan owes no little of her greatness to
those hardy pioneers who drove the Indians before them as they penetrated the fertile valleys, hewed down the forests and broke the primal
sod for the first harvests. Men and women were giants in those days,
for it took stout hearts, alert minds and willing hands to conquer the
wilderness. In the later, easier years those who survive have not lost
the qualities of courage, determination and infinite patience in the face
of discouragement and these have been transmitted to their children,
who, big, brave and brainy have trod the pathway to success in every
field of effort. One of Battle Creek's most notable pioneers is John
Carlos Barber, who as a lad five years of age, came with his father
across the country from far away Vermont to Michigan, making a
journey whose difficulties today would be inconceivable. That was in
1839, ever since which time he has resided in Michigan, and since 1861
in Battle Creek. He has been actively identified in this half century
with the many-sided life of the place and is now interested in several
important corporations, among them the Commonwealth Light &
Power Company.
Mr. Barber is a native of Benson, Rutland county, Vermont, his
birth having occurred there on March 14, 1834. His parents were
Edward and Abigail (Griswold) Barber. When he was a child but
three years of age he had the misfortune to lose his mother by death.
There were five children in the family and of this number he was the
youngest. The father married again, his second wife being Laura Root.
In 1839, the family set forth for the newer, richer northwest, their
destination being Vermontville, Eaton county, Michigan, whence a
number of their Green Mountain state neighbors had preceded them.
The father had visited Michigan in 1836 and had purchased a large
tract of land covered with dense timber. The journey from White



1128


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


hall to Buffalo, New York, was made by canal and then by steamer on
the lake to Detroit, and then from Detroit to Eaton county by wagon.
They reached the new home after many days and in the ensuing years
the father with the aid of his sons cleared and developed it and this
old homestead was the scene of the rearing of the subject, of his childhood and youth. He received his education in the district schools
afforded in that day and gave his youthful strength to the manifold
duties of the farm. When twenty-two years of age, he began to learn
the carpenter's trade, and served a regular apprenticeship receiving
ten dollars a month for his services. Later he came to the conclusion
that this was not his life work, and he accordingly sold his tools and
gave up building operations.
In the meantime Mr. Barber had married, the young woman to
become his wife being Sarah S. Welch and the wedding being celebrated
at Clinton, Michigan, December 29, 1858. She was born in Orleans
county, New York, the daughter of David and Olive (Whitmarsh)
'Welch, who had migrated to Michigan in 1851, and located in Charlotte, Eaton county, when Mrs. Barber was fourteen years old. After
his marriage Mr. Barber engaged in the livery business in Charlotte
and remained there until June 15, 1861, when he removed. his stock
to Battle Creek, then a town of 3,500 inhabitants. He located on what
is now the corner of State and Monroe streets and continued there
in business unfil he was elected sheriff of Calhoun county. After retiring from that office he again conducted a livery barn, but only for a
comparatively short period, for he became connected with the Union
School Furniture Company as a stock-holder and director, and continued thus identified until the factory was destroyed by fire in 1892.
This was a great disaster to the subject, for he had invested the substantial fortune made in his earlier years and he lost absolutely everything he had. In this hour of misfortune, which might have proved the
undoing of a less resolute man, his strong character became apparent
and conquering his discouragement he set to work to retrieve his lost
fortune. That he succeeded is shown by the fact that later on he became financially interested in a number of important corporations.
For about nine years he was collector with the Nichols & Shepard Company and did important work in the services of that large concern.
He is now a stockholder in the Commonwealth Light & Power Company,
in fact was one of the first stockholders. He is also identified in the
same capacity with the Power Company, Ltd., of Battle Creek. He
also has held for eight years the office of sheriff of Calhoun county,
having been elected four times to the same, but not in succession. No
one could have proved more faithful and efficient as the strong arm
of the law. In politics he is a tried and true Republican, his first
presidential vote having been cast for John C. Fremont in 1856. Mr.
Barber became familiar with the duties of the office of sheriff in youth,
having served as deputy in Charlotte, Eaton county, under B. W.
Warren, for a period of four years just previous to coming to Battle
Creek. After coming here he was again deputy for two terms under
Sheriffs Buck and Richfield, and all in all, no one knows more as to the
preservation of law and order than this gentleman. He was first elected
to the main office in 1876, and took office the following year, and being
subsequently re-elected, this time served two terms. After an interval
of two terms, he was again elected in the fall of 1884 and again in
1886.
Mr. Barber is a prominent Mason. belonging to Battle Creek Lodge,
No. 12. F. & A. M., Chapter and Commanderv. While residing at
Marshall during his office of sheriff he joined the ancient order and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1129


was subsequently transferred to Battle Creek. He was also at one time
a member of the Athelstan Club, but withdrew. Since the fall of 1904
he has been president of the Oak Hill Cemetery Company of this city.
In addition to the business interests above noted he was vice-president
of the Battle Creek Electric Company.
To the union of the subject and his estimable wife was born one
daughter, Nellie B., now the wife of Arthur W. Davis of this city. She
is a native of Charlotte, Michigan, and a graduate of the Battle Creek
high school. She and her husband have three children-Louise, Helen
and Edward C.,.and all reside in their parents' home, at 26 Fremont
street, over which Mrs. Davis presides in adequate fashion. The death
of Mrs. Barber, occurred in 1904 (May 26). Previous to that, Mr.
and Mrs. Barber traveled quite extensively. The subject and his family have ever enjoyed highest esteem in the communities in which their
interests have been centered.
WESLEY W. MCCLINTIC. Worthy of especial note among the energetic and progressive men who have contributed so largely toward the
development and advancement of the agricultural prosperity of Calhoun county is Wesley W. McClintic, a prominent farmer of Homer
township. A native of Ohio, he was born, October 17, 1846, in Wood
county, of Pennsylvania ancestry.
Thomas McClintic, his father, was born, January 12, 1812, in Pennsylvania, and when quite young removed to Ohio, where he worked at
farming for several years. In 1854 he came with his family to Michigan, and having purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in
Eaton county resided there twelve years. Locating in Albion township, Calhoun county, he worked on a farm for a time, and then purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Jackson county, and
continued his agricultural operations for twelve years. Selling that
property, he bought a smaller farm in the same county, and was there
a resident until his death, November 9, 1885. He was a politician to
some extent, being first a Whig, and later a Republican. As a young man
he belonged to the United Brethren church, but after coming to Michigan he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. While
living in Ohio, he married Margaret Needham, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 4, and died in Michigan in 1895. Twelve children were
born to them, Wesley W. being the sixth child in the succession of
birth.
As a boy and youth Wesley W. McClintic attended school in Eaton,
Calhoun and Jackson counties, and early became familiar with the
various branches of agriculture. Beginning life for himself poor in
pocket, but rich in energy and ambition, he worked by the day or
month as a farm hand, and also acquired some knowledge of the stone
mason's trade. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company C,
Twenty-eighth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and with his command
took part in several engagements, including the siege of Nashville, and
the Battle of Wise Forks. Being honorably discharged at the end of his
term of enlistment, Mr. McClintic returned home, and afterwards spent
a year in Missouri. Not liking that part of the country, he returned to
Michigan, and in 1822 first became a landholder, purchasing sixty acres
of land in Calhoun county. Selling out at the end of eight years, Mr.
McClintic bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty-nine
acres in Homer township, and for several years was active and successful in its management. Having accumulated a competency, he turned
the management of his estate over to his son, and lived retired from
business in the village of Homer until the death of his son's wife, when




1130


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


both he and his wife returned to the old home farm to keep house for
his son.
Mr. McClintic married, in 1872, Sarah C. Fisher, a daughter of
Matthias and Ann Maria (Mench) Fisher, residents of Jackson county,
where Mr. Fisher is a prominent farmer. Mr. and Mrs. McClintic are
the parents of two children, namely: Albert L., now on the home farm;
and Mrs. Mabel Bacon, of Lansing, Michigan.    Albert L. McClintic
married Florence Riggs, who died in 1911, leaving one daughter, Elva.
Politically Mr. Clintic is a Republican, and socially he is a member of
the Grand Army of the Republic.
FRED S. CORTRIGHT. Far-sighted, persevering, and possessing pronounced business acumen, Fred S. Cortright, of Homer, president of
the Homer State Bank, has contributed in no small measure to the
agricultural and industrial interests of Calhoun county as well as to
its financial prosperity. A son of C. C. Cortright, he was born, February 7, 1861, in Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he received his
early education.
His ancestors came from Belgium to America and settled in New
York state where the city of New York now is. The old Flemish town
of Kortryk is situated in the southeast part of West Flanders on the
east bank of the River Lys. It is a manufacturing town of 27,000.
This was the home of the earliest ancestors of the Kortryk (or Cortright) family, the first of the name coming to New York in 1663.
Born in New York state in 1827, C. C. Cortright remained at home
until after attaining his majority. Following the march of civilization
westward in the early fifties, he located in Hillsdale county, and for
nearly ten years was engaged in the manufacture of lumber, operating
a sawmill. Removing from there to Branch county, he opened a flour
mill at Podunk, near Coldwater, where he remained three years. Returning then to Hillsdale county, he assumed possession of the two
hundred and twenty-acre farm which he purchased several years prior
to that time, and was there engaged in farming for several years. In
1886 he erected a mill in Homer, and was here engaged in business until
his death, in 1904, owning and supervising the business that has since
been in operation under the firm name of the Cortright Milling Company. He was a man of integrity and worth, belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years, and though not a politician always voted the Democratic ticket.  He married, September
28, 1856, Cornelia Webber, who was born in Richland county, Ohio,
February 19, 1839, and died in Homer, Michigan, June 17, 1911. The
five children born of their union are all residing in Homer, as follows:
Mrs. Jennie Rising; Will H.; Fred S.; Mrs. Lucy Crane; and David W.
Obtaining his first knowledge of the three "R's" in the rural
schools of his native district, Fred S. Cortright completed his early
studies in Hillsdale, attending first the graded schools, and later a commercial college. He was subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm until 1886, when he came to Homer to assist
in the management of the mill established by his father. He retained his
connection with the milling industry until 1907, during the last five
years of the time buying stock, his health not permitting him to work
in the mill. Turning his attention then to agriculture, Mr. Cortright
purchased one hundred and nineteen acres of land at Grand Ledge,
Eaton county, and took up his residence in the village. Disposing of that
property, he bought, in Homer township, two hundred and forty acres
of the Gibbs estate, and lived upon it six months, when he sold at an
advantage. While on the farm, Mr. Cortright raised and fed hogs,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1131


and had a fine dairy of thoroughbred Jersey cattle. He also paid a
good deal of attention to the breeding of poultry, an industry in which
he had been interested from childhood, always keeping standard breeds
of poultry as well as of cattle and hogs. After selling his farm, Mr.
Cortright organized the Homer State Bank, of Homer, it being capitalized at $20,000.00, with a surplus 'of $4,000.00, and average deposits
of $50,000.00, opening the institution on February 7, 1911.
Mr. Cortright married, December 18, 1884, Jennie L. Holmes, a
daughter of D. C. Holmes, of Mosherville, Michigan, and they are the
parents of two children, namely: Bessie L., born January 31, 1886, at
Hillsdale, is a graduate of the Homer High School, and living at home;
and Le Grande H., born July 14, 1887, who is in business at Grand
Ledge. Politically, Mr. Cortright is an Independent Democrat, and
fraternally is a member of Humanity Lodge, No. 29, Ancient Free and
Accepted Order of Masons; and of Homer Lodge, No. 88, Knights of
Pythias.
CLELLAN A. FINLEY. Perseverance, energy, industry and resolute
purpose are shown in the life of Clellan A. Finley, who is one of the
progressive farmers and stock raisers of Calhoun county, and whose
excellent property of 168 acres is situated in Homer township. These
traits of character are the price of success in these modern days of
farming, when the hard, unremitting toil of former years has given
way to scientific use of modern machinery and a knowledge of the
proper treatment of the soil. Calhoun county has many skilled farmers, who treat their vocation more as a profession than as a mere occupation, and take a justifiable pride in their accomplishments, and
among these Mr. Finley holds a prominent position. Like many of
the successful agriculturists of Michigan, he is a native of the Empire
state, having been born in Walworth, Wayne county, New York, February 29, 1864, and is a son of Theron J. and Martha (Mason) Finley.
Theron Finley was born February 25, 1840, in Wayne county, New
York, and was there married, his wife being also a native of that county.
They had a family of seven children, of whom Clellan A. is the third
in order of birth. Mr. Finley was engaged in agricultural pursuits in
New York, and rose to a position of prominence, becoming supervisor
of his township. Subsequently he took his family to Calhoun county,
Michigan, and in 1898 located in Albion, where he now lives a retired
life, enjoying the well-earned fruits of a long life of industry.
Clellan A. Finley secured his education in the district schools of
New York, and was reared to the vocation of an agriculturist, which he
has followed throughout his life. He began his career in New York,
but in 1886 came to Albion township, Calhoun county, and for seven
years worked a farm on shares. Being industrious and enterprising,
he carefully invested his savings, and in 1899 purchased his present
property, to which he has added from time to time, now being the
owner of 168 acres. He has been one of the progressive agriculturists
of his section, and has also done considerable in the line of breeding
fine cattle. He is considered one of the best judges of stock in his
part of the country, and his judgment is often sought on questions connected with agricultural interests.
In 1890 Mr. Finley was married to Miss Edith Phillips, daughter
of Joseph Phillips, also of Walworth, Wayne county, New York, where
her parents still make their home, and three children have been born
to this union: Lucian, Frank, and one that died in infancy. In his
political views Mr. Finley is a Democrat, but his farming interests have
satisfied his ambitions, and he has not sought to enter the public arena




1132


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


as a candidate for office, although he takes a keen interest in anything
that affects his community, and is a supporter of movements calculated
to benefit its interests. He has found time to engage in fraternal work,
and is a popular member of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of
America. His postoffice address is Homer.
SAMUEL S. TEETERS. Ever since its incorporation, Calhoun county
has been noted for its phenomenal development, due not only to the
fertility of its land, but to the enterprise and public spirit of its citizens
as well. Especially has this growth and development been apparent in
the last few years, during which it has advanced in great strides and
taken its place in the front rank of Michigan counties. One who has
done his share in bringing about this state of affairs is Samuel S.
Teeters, of Clarendon township, the owner of a tract of 368 acres
of land, acknowledged to be one of the finest farms in Calhoun county.
Mr. Teeters was born in DeKalb county, Indiana, August 18, 1861, son
of Washington and Ethalinda (Cupp) Teeters.
Washington Teeters was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October
4, 1827, and was married April 19, 1858, to Ethalinda Cupp, who was
born September 7, 1838, in Stark county, Ohio. They had a family of
seven children, of whom Samuel S. is the second in order of birth. During his younger years Mr. Teeters had been a carpenter, but after his
marriage he took up farming as a vocation, and followed that occupation in DeKalb county, Indiana, until his death, September 1, 1885.
He became prominent in politics, serving as justice of the peace for
sixteen years, and as trustee of the township and in various other offices,
was successful in his business ventures, and was very highly regarded throughout his community, being often consulted on various
subjects by those of the community who were not so well informed.
Fraternally he was a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and his religious connection was with the Presbyterian church, to which his widow, who
survives him and resides at Auburn, Indiana, also belongs.
Samuel S. Teeters received his early education in the public schools
of Auburn, Indiana, and as a youth entered the hardware business
and also clerked in a private bank owned by John L. Davis. He returned to the hardware business, however, and for seventeen years
owned a large establishment in Garrett, Indiana, which he developed into
one of the most successful business ventures of that section of the state.
In 1907, however, Mr. Teeters heard the call of the soil, and, disposing
of his large interests in Indiana, came to Michigan and purchased his
present farm in Clarendon township. This tract of 368 acres is devoted
to general farming, but Mr. Teeters also devotes a great deal of attention to the raising of fine livestock, specializing in Guernsey cattle
and Shropshire sheep, and also breeding a fine grade of hogs. It has
been the policy of Mr. Teeters to strive for personal success, for he believes that the prosperity of the individual is the keystone to national
prosperity. He has always labored systematically, and with a definite
end in view, and the marked success which he has attained testifies to
the efficacy of his system. Politically a Democrat, while in Garrett
he served as president of the town board, and his religious belief is that
of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of Garrett Masonic
Lodge No. 127 and Chapter No. 129, and to Kendallville Commandery
No. 19, Knights Templar, and also holds membership in Garrett Lodge
No. 602, I. O. O. F.
On August 23, 1885, Mr. Teeters was married to Miss Effie McDanel,
daughter of the late Henry McDanel, a farmer of Richland county, Ohio,
and nine children have been born to this union: Frank, engaged in the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1133


insurance business in Chicago; John, a hardware clerk at Tiffin, Ohio;
Paul, who assists his father on the home farm; Boyd, a graduate of the
Tekonsha high school, class of 1912; William, a member of the class
of 1913 at that institution; Catherine, Thompson and George, who are
attending the graded schools; and Jessie, the baby, at home.
FRANK EDWARD DEMING. Prominently identified with the advancement of the mercantile prosperity of Calhoun county, Frank Edward
Deming, of Homer, has built up a substantial business as manager of
one of the largest, best-kept and best managed department stores in this
part of the state. The representative of an early and highly esteemed
pioneer of this county, he was born, August 12, 1866, in Clarendon
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, at Bentley's Corners.
His father, Col. A. L. Deming, was born in New York state, in 1808,
and there grew to manhood. He was active in public affairs, very
patriotic and public-spirited, and during the Black Hawk War commanded a body of troops. Subsequently locating in Homer, Michigan,
he won an extended reputation as an able and influential lawyer, and
became quite prosperous, acquiring some property ere his death, which
occurred in 1870, when he was but sixty-two years of age. He was
twice married. The maiden name of his second wife, to whom he was
married in 1865, was Isabella Bentley. She was born, in 1844, in Clarendon township, Calhoun county, where her parents were prominent
pioneers. She is still living, and was the wife of the late Albert Winterstein. Col. Deming was a Democrat in politics, and quite influential
in party ranks. Fraternally he was a member of Humanity Lodge, No.
29, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and served as master
of his lodge. Religiously he was an Episcopalian.
The only son of his parents, Frank Edward Deming received his
preliminary educational training in the district schools of Homer
township. Subsequently, having been left fatherless when but four
years of age, and dependent to some extent on his own resources, he
worked by.the month or day on a farm until attaining his majority.
His health becoming impaired from overwork while thus employed, Mr.
Deming took charge of a district school the following winter, and at the
end of the term went to Albion to continue his studies. The ensuing
winter found him again at the teacher's desk, and when completing
that term he took a business course at Cleary's Commercial College, in
Ypsilanti. Unable on account of his health to then enter upon a professional career, Mr. Deming accepted a position in a store at Ypsilanti,
where he remained a year, receiving three dollars a week as wages to
start. The following year he was similarly employed in Charlotte,
Michigan, from there coming to Homer, and entering the mercantile
establishment of Mr. Linn, for whom he worked six years as a clerk.
In 1902 Mr. Deming took over the business of Mr. Linn, and is now
manager of a very large and attractive department store, which is
owned by a company, and in which he is the controlling stockholder.
Mr. Deming married, in 1898, Miss Ella M. Collins, of North Adams,
Michigan, a daughter of Norman and Helen Collins, of Homer, Mr.
Collins being associated in business with Mr. Deming. Three children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Deming, namely: Helen Isabelle, Ruth
Ella, and Donald C. Politically Mr. Deming is independent, voting for
the best men and measures, regardless of party restrictions. Both he
and Mrs. Deming are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
which which he united when about twenty years of age. He is a member
of its board of trustees, and for many years has served as superintendent of its Sunday School.




1134


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


GEORGE A. HAYNES, M. D. Identified with one of the most useful
and exacting professions to which a man may devote his time and
energies, George A. Haynes, M. D., of Homer, has won a place of
distinction among the able and successful physicians of Calhoun county,
and by his genial manners and kindly courtesy has endeared himself
to all classes of people. Coming from honored New England stock,
he was born, May 15, 1858, in Princeton, Massachusetts, which was
also the birthplace of his parents, Joshua Albert and Charlotte (Perkins) Haynes. He is a grandson of Captain Aaron Haynes, who won
fame as an officer in the Revolutionary army, and traces his ancestry
back in a direct line to the sixteenth century, while mention of that
branch of the Haynes family from which he is descended is frequent
in the early history of New England.
The sixth child in order of birth of the parental household, George
A. Haynes gleaned the rudiments of his education in the public schools
of Princeton, Massachusetts, and in 1880 was graduated from Wesleyan
Academy, at Wilbraham, Massachusetts. He subsequently served as
principal of the high school in Dalton, Berkshire county, Massachusetts,
and afterwards studied medicine in New York, having for his preceptor
a graduate of the University of Michigan. He entered the Medical
Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was
there graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1884. Immediately beginning the practice of his chosen profession in Homer, Dr. Haynes met
with encouraging success from the start. The Doctor is a member of
both the Calhoun County Medical Society, and the Michigan State
Medical Society.
Politically Dr. Haynes is affiliated with the Republican party. Fraternally he belongs to Humanity Lodge, No. 29, Ancient Free and
Accepted Order of Masons; and to Homer Lodge, No. 88, Knights of
Pythias. Both the Doctor and Mrs. Haynes are valued members of the
Presbyterian church.
Dr. Haynes married Dec. 1, 1892, Kittie A. Dorsey, a daughter of
Thomas and Frances (McCarthy) Dorsey, of Homer, and they have two
children, namely: Fannie L., and Theodore Parsons, born in 1901, who
attends the public schools of Homer.
SUMNER ORLANDO BUSH. Conspicuous among the real builders and
promoters of Battle Creek is Sumner Orlando Bush, who possesses a
rare combination of qualities that has, even in this competitive age,
won him eminent success in the business world, and placed him in a
position of prominence and influence among his fellow-citizens. A native of Michigan, he was born, May 7, 1847, in Jackson county, where
his childhood days were spent.
His parents, Frederick E. and Cynthia M. (Willard) Bush, were
born, reared and married in Portage Falls, New York. Following the
tide of emigration westward soon after their marriage, they lived several years on a farm in Jackson county, Michigan. In 1853 they removed
to Le Roy township, Calhoun county, Michigan, where they purchased
land, and continued farming until ready to retire from active pursuits.
They spent their closing years at the home of their son Sumner, at
Battle Creek. Both were valued members of the Congregational church,
and the father was a Republican in politics.
Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1135


country schools, Sumner Orlando Bush subsequently entered Olivet
College, in Olivet, Michigan, where he was graduated in 1870 with the
degree of Bachelor of Science. During his collegiate course, he taught
in the institution a part of the time, and later, after teaching one term
in Le Roy township, was elected superintendent of the Le Roy township schools, a position which he held several years. After his marriage, Mr. Bush managed his father's farm for a number of seasons, and
also bought and shipped stock, wool, and apples, carrying on an extensive and successful business. Ere leaving the farm, Mr. Bush became
financially interested in the Advance Thresher Company of Battle Creek,
and on March 1, 1888, was elected a member of its board of directors.
During the same year, being elected vice-president of the organization,
he removed with his family to Battle Creek to assume active connection with the company, and, owing to the absence of its president, Mr.
Wright, of Alma, Michigan, the duties of that office also devolved
upon him to some extent. On February 16, 1889, he was elected general
manager, and in the control of the Company's affairs, Mr. Bush showed
marked ability, greatly enlarging the scope and magnitude of its
business. When he first became associated with the Company, its plant
was small, occupying but one of the two buildings now used, and giving employment to about a hundred people. From time to time, as the
demands of the business required, other buildings were erected, until
now it is one of the largest threshing machine plants in the country,
sending out an annual product valued at more than three million dollars. The plant now covers forty acres of land, and is situated on two
great railroad lines, the Grand Trunk and the Michigan Central, and
furnishes employment to nearly one thousand men in addition to the
one hundred and fifty commercial salesm'en traveling all the time
throughout the Union. The Company likewise has branch houses in
all the principal cereal growing states of our country, its business having assumed gigantic proportions. In November, 1911, this great Company with which Mr. Bush was so long associated was sold to the
Rumley Company, of New York, but he still remains one of its stockholders.
Mr. Bush is connected with other enterprises, being vice-president of
the Peerless Portland Cement Company, of Union City, Michigan;
vice-president of the Silexoid Portland Cement Company, of Chicago;
and is chairman of the Consolidated Ice Company, Limited. He still
owns the parental estate of three hundred and sixty acres, five hundred
and twenty acres in all, in Le Roy township, where he raises both stock
and grain, more as a source of pleasure and recreation than for profit,
although the latter is almost inevitable.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Bush was president of the Battle Creek
Board of Public Works for five years, during which time work on the
sewer system was inaugurated. In 1896 he served as presidential
elector, casting his ballot for William McKinley. He has frequently
been a delegate to state conventions, but has never been an aspirant for
official honors, doing his best public service as a private citizen. Socially
he is a member of the Athelstan Club.
Mr. Bush married, September 26, 1877, Miss Vernellie Daley, a
daughter of Elijah and Mary (Shean) Daley, and of their union three
children have been born, namely: Vernon E., Charles S., and Bertha
V. Both of the sons are graduates of the University of Michigan, and
each has taken post graduate work. Miss Bertha was graduated from the
Battle Creek high school, and later was a member of class 1904, in the
Mount Vernon Seminary, at Washington, District of Columbia. The
Vol. II-34




1136


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


pleasant home of Mr. Bush and his family, at No. 182 Maple street, is
a center of social activity, and the scene of many a brilliant function.
AUSTIN WHITE ALVORD, A. M., M. D. Occupying a prominent position as a member of the medical profession not only in Battle Creek
but throughout the state of Michigan, Dr. Austin White Alvord, an
eminent physician and surgeon, comes of an old and honored family
that was established in New England only a few years after the landing
of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth Rock. It was in 1635 that the first
of the name came to the New World, crossing the Atlantic and locating
near Gloucester, Massachusetts, others of the family removing later
to Granby, in the same state.
Gad Alvord, grandfather of the Doctor, married Phoebe White, a
direct descendant of Peregrine White, the first white child born in the
Plymouth colony. The grandfather was killed by accident when about
forty-five years of age, there having been eleven children born to him
and his wife, the tenth in order of birth being Alanson Alvord, the
father of Dr. Alvord. His birth occurred in Granby, Massachusetts,
June 26, 1803, and he acquired a liberal education, largely through the
medium of his own efforts. After spending two years in Yale College, he entered the Union Theological Seminary, of New York, and on
completing the course of study in that institution was graduated and
ordained as a minister of the Congregational church. He entered upon
his ministerial labors at Chester, Massachusetts, in 1835, and during
the years that followed his earnest efforts proved a potent force in the
moral development of the community. In 1847 he was one of the seven
home missionaries who went from Massachusetts to Illinois to inaugurate the work of the Congregational church in that state, and was present and assisted in the founding of the First Congregational church of
Chicago, Illinois, in 1851, Dr. Alvord also being present on that occasion. The new organization began its existence with thirteen members,
and at this time is one of the largest congregations in Chicago. Rev.
Alvord became the pastor of the Congregational church at Downer's
Grove, Illinois, where he remained until accepting a call to the pastorate
of the church at York, Pennsylvania, in which place he continued his
labors up to the time of his demise, in 1862. His influence was of no
restricted order and there was not denied to him the harvest nor the
aftermath of his labors. A man of scholarly attainments and untiring
zeal, he became recognized as one of the leading representatives of the
Congregational ministry, and his death was mourned not only among the
members of his own congregation and his immediate family, but by all
who had ever come in contact with him either as minister or as friend,
his many admirable qualities of mind and heart having drawn all to
him. Rev. Alvord was married to Miss Barrows, of Brimfield, Massachusetts, a lady of broad education, culture and refinement, who was
chosen by Mary Lyons as one of her teachers when she founded her
seminary for young ladies at Mount Holyoke. She traced her ancestry
back to the year 1640, when a member of the Barrows family located
in Salem, Massachusetts. Her grandfather was a soldier during the
Revolutionary war, and her father, Abner Barrows, was a farmer of
Brimfield, Massachusetts.  To Rev. and Mrs. Alvord were born four
children, of whom Austin W. is the eldest. The mother died in 1849
and was buried at Concord (now Chapin), Illinois.
In his early youth Dr. Austin W. Alvord obtained a good, practical
education in the common schools, and afterwards prepared for college
at Oberlin, Ohio.. He entered Oberlin College, but during his junior
year left that institution and entered the literary department of the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1137


University of Michigan, from which he now holds the degree of Master
of Arts, an honorary degree conferred upon the Doctor by the university of 1902. On the completion of his literary course, he engaged
in teaching for a number of years, being superintendent of the schools
of Owego, New York, at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. At
that time Dr. Alvord enlisted in Company H, 109th Regiment, New
York Volunteer, Infantry, and went to the front as captain of his company, many of his former students going with him as members of his
company. Going into camp at Binghamton, New York, they went from
there to Washington, D. C., where they were engaged in guarding the
railroad for some time. Later the regiment became a part of the Ninth
Army Corps of the Army of Potomac and participated in all the campaigns up to the time of the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomattox.
Early in 1864 Dr. Alvord was promoted to the rank of Post quartermaster of the Department of the South, on the staff of Gen. Foster, with
headquarters at Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina. He acted
as surgeon during the greater part of the closing year of the war, for,
although he had not graduated, he had spent two years as a student in
the medical department of the University of Michigan. By the order
of the Secretary of War, he was finally honorably discharged on account of disability, in October, 1864, for he was broken in health and
was discharged by order of Secretary of War on recommendation of
Board of Army Surgeons, although his release came greatly against
his own wishes. On regaining his health to some extent, he completed
his course in medicine, graduating in 1868 from the medical department of the University of Michigan, from which institution he now
holds two degrees.
At that time Dr. Alvord established an office at Clinton, Lenawee
county, Michigan, where he was engaged in practice in 1882, when, in
order to avoid the arduous duties of a large country practice, he came
to Battle Creek. Here he has risen to an eminent place in his profession, and although he has given a great deal of attention to general
practice is probably best known for his success in surgical cases. Dr.
Alvord is a member of the Calhoun County Medical Society and the
State Medical Society, and of each has served as president, and a member
of the American Medical Association. He was also a member of the
first State Board of Registration that attended to the registration of
medical practitioners in Michigan; is chairman of the committee on
colleges and standards and sole examiner in surgery. He has served
as surgeon of the Nichols Memorial Hospital of Battle Creek. In
political matters he is a stanch Republican.
Fraternally, Dr. Alvord is connected with A. T. Metcalf Lodge, F.
& A. M., is past high priest of Battle Creek Chapter No. 19, R. A. M.,
past commander of Battle Creek Commandery No. 33, K. T., and a
member of the Shrine, at Grand Rapids. He is a member of the Loyal
Legion, of Detroit, the only other member from Battle Creek being Col.
Hale, a sketch of whose life also appears in this work. He is past commander of Farragut Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Dr. Alvord
examined nearly all of the boys who left Battle Creek for service during the Spanish-American war, has been a member of the State Medical
Board since the passage of the law authorizing it in 1899, and is an
enthusiast along the line of improved standards in medical education.
This is the only board in America that is recognized by the medical
bodies of Europe. Dr. Alvord formerly belonged to the Athelstan and
Country Clubs in Battle Creek, but as only a part of his time is now
spent in the city he has given up his membership. At this time 'he
is employed by the government as a member of the board of pension




1138


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


examiners, and he is also medical examiner for more than twenty life
insurance companies. Dr. and Mrs. Alvord are consistent members
of the First Presbyterian church.
In 1861 Dr. Alvord was married (first) to Miss Eliza Barnes, of Ann
Arbor, Michigan, and four children were born to.this union, of whom
two are living: Grace, now the widow of the late T. J. Kelleher, of
Battle Creek, mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Dr. William Roy,
of Detroit, Michigan, a practicing dentist. These two children were born
at Clinton, Lenawee county, Michigan. Mrs. Alvord died June, 1877,
and in 1878 Dr. Alvord was united in marriage with Miss Fannie R.
Little, of Grinnell, Iowa, who died in August, 1901. Two children were
born to this union: Louise, who was born and education in Battle
Creek, and Grinnell, Iowa, and here married in 1906 to Paul Plato
Meyers, of Grinnell, Iowa; and Max, born May 25, 1910, in Battle
Creek, who died May 25, 1910. Dr. Alvord's third marriage occurred
July 25, 1902, when he was united with Mrs. Addie S. Anderson, widow
of the late Dr. Anderson, and a niece of Dr. Alvord's first wife. Mrs.
Alvord is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Dr. and Mrs. Alvord now spend the winter months at St. Petersburg,
Florida, and their summers at their beautiful home at No. 29 Wendell
street. They are widely known for their many charities, liberally contributing to all movements which have for their object the advancement of education, morality and good citizenship. Their home is a
center of culture and refinement and no family in Battle Creek has more
valued friends.
GEORGE A. DYKEMANN. Among the successful young business men
of Battle Creek, George A. Dykemann has won a place solely as the
result of his industry and perseverance, without any of the aids and
advances which fortune or family often extend to young men when beginning their careers.
Mr. Dykemann was born in this city on the 12th of December, 1876,
a son of Albert and Agnes (Richardson) Dykemann. As a boy he had
only limited opportunities for acquiring an education, and to his experience and his own efforts he owes more than to the schools. At an
early age he began to labor, and has always been known as a hard
worker. By trade he is a machinist, and he learned it during several
years of employment in the Grand Trunk shops of this city. Then for
five years he was connected with the Duplex Printing Press shops, and
his last work at his trade was in the tool room of the Advance Thresher
Company, now the Rumley Company.
Mr. Dykemann bought property at the corner of Lake and Prairie
avenues when this plat of the city was first placed on sale. Here in
1903 he built the residence where his family make their home, and in
1908 on the same ground he built a store building, and in the following
year put up a barn. This is now a fine property, in a good residence
neighborhood, and on the Lake avenue car line. On the 8th of April,
1908, he began business as a grocer in his store building, and during
the past four years has built up one of the best grocer trades in the
city. He prides himself on keeping a clean store, modern and sanitary
in arrangement, with a first-class stock, and his trade has been gained
by reliable dealing at judicious prices.
Mr. Dykemann gives a good citizen's attention to local and general
government and politics, but votes only for the best man without regard to party. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian
church of this city. He was married on the 14th of July, 1902, to Miss
Mary R. Rall. Her father, the late J. H. Rall, was for a number of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1139


years well known as a wagon maker of this city and conducted a good
shop and had a prosperous business. Her mother, who is still living, is
Mrs. Josephine E. Rall, whose home is on Upton avenue. Mrs. Dykemann is a graduate of the Battle Creek high school with the class of
1896, and is now one of the teachers in the No. 4 city school. They
were married in Marshall, this county. Their home is on the corner
of Prairie avenue at No. 630 Lake avenue, and the store is 16 Prairie
avenue West.
M1YRON LA MONT. Men of integrity and courage who have a capacity for business and are willing to strike hard blows seldom fail of
the merited reward of their labors. Though there is no fixed formula
for success, so there are no obstacles which undaunted resolution and
industry cannot surmount. Myron La Mont, an agriculturist of Sheridan township, started in life with but his own resources to assist him
in making his way, and today his comfortable farmstead of 100 acres,
with a pleasant country residence thereon, is the evidence of his accomplishment.
Calhoun county may claim him as a native son, for he was born
in Sheridan township November 29, 1861, a son of David and Caroline
(Coykendall) La Mont. Both parents were natives of New York, the
father born in 1813 and the mother in 1822. David La Mont came
to Michigan in 1845 and bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he
afterward resided until his death in 1899. He also started in life
with no assistance in the way of money and at his death had accumulated a comfortable competence and was accounted a successful man.
His parents were natives and life long residents of New York. In politics he was a Republican. There are eight children of David and Caroline La Mont living, namely: Jane, who married A. J. Babcock and
resides near Battle Creek, Michigan; Frances, who is the widow of
Frank Elliott and resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Orrin, a resident of Albion, Michigan; John and Jenette, twins and both residents
of Albion, the latter of whom is now Mrs. William Sabastine; Myron
and Myra, twins, the latter of whom married Michael Nolan and resides in Sheridan township; and Emma, who became the wife of John
Wiseogle and resides in Albion, Michigan.
Reared on the Sheridan township and educated in the district
schools of its vicinity, Myron La Mont began independent activity as
a farmer and has since been identified with the industry of agriculture. He bought his present homestead in Sheridan township in 1910,
has 100 acres of good land and has a nice country residence.
In 1889 Mr. La Mont wedded Miss Rosie Linebaugh, daughter of
Joseph and Sarah (Dailey) Linebaugh. Mr. Linebaugh, a native of
Pennsylvania, was born in 1842, came to Calhoun county, Michigan
from Ohio in 1872 and was a farmer. He died in November, 1910, and'
had been preceded in death a little more than a year by his wife, who,
passed to rest in April, 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. La Mont have been
born eight children, as follows: Ethel, now Mrs. Albert Root, of Albion, Michigan; Gladys, at home; Florence, deceased; and Bessie, Myrtle, Olive, Marion and Theo, all at the parentalhome. A Republican in
politics, Mr. La Mont served as treasurer of Sheridan township one
term, and fraternally he is united with the Modern Woodmen of America.
CHARLES D. BREWER. Noteworthy among the many highly respected
and valued citizens of Calhoun county is Charles D. Brewer, a retired
dry goods merchant of Marshall, who is descended from an honored




1140


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


pioneer family of that city, and is a worthy representative of one of its
earlier settlers. A son of the late Chauncey M. Brewer he was born
in the city of Marshall, October 2, 1850. His grandfather, Peter Brewer,
a life-long resident of New York state, where his death occurred in
1823, married Emma Marble, a native of Massachusetts. Their son,
Chauncey M. Brewer, was born October 11, 1814, in Oneonta county,
New York, where he was reared to man's estate. In 1835 he followed
the trail of the emigrant westward to Michigan, where he passed the
remainder of his life. He married Emily L. Butler, and of his life and
work and more detailed account will be found elsewhere in this history.
Charles D. Brewer acquired his rudimentary education in Marshall,
after his graduation from the high school further advancing his studies
at Olivet College in Eaton county. Then entering his father's store, he
continued there as a clerk for three years, becoming thoroughly familiar
with the details of the business. In 1875 Mr. Brewer,, with his brother,
Edgar G. Brewer, assumed possession of the business of Chauncey M.
Brewer, their father, and under the firm name of Brewer Brothers
built up an extensive and prosperous trade. After a full quarter century of financial prosperity, Mr. Brewer in 1900 sold out his interest in
the concern to his partner, who is still conducting the business along
the same lines of conservatism which brought the firm so large a measure of prosperity in former years. Since his retirement from mercantile pursuits, Mr. Brewer has devoted all his time and energies to
his several farms, which aggregate about one thousand acres. He rents
his farms on shares, and thus has time to devote to other personal affairs,
his many interests keeping him well occupied.
On October 18, 1878, Mr. Brewer married Miss Anna M. DeWolfe,
who was born in New York state, and as a child came to Michigan with
her parents. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer,
namely: Chauncey M., as plant manager in the employ of the H. M.
Byllesby Co., Electrical Engineers of Chicago; Catherine, a graduate
of the Marshall high school, and the wife of Murry Irwin, of Jackson
Michigan; and Margery with her parents.
Politically, Mr. Brewer supports the principles of the Democratic
party, and though never aspiring to office himself, takes an active interest in the election of his friends to positions of public trust. He is. a
member of the Saint Albans lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., and of Lafayette
Chapter, R. A. M.
WILFORD B. LAWRENCE. Naturally a man's success in life is generally measured by his prestige in business, political or social circles,
and when he figures prominently in all, then he has accomplished much.
In this class stands Wilford B. Lawrence, a successful agriculturist of
Clarendon township, a welcome guest in the best homes in his section,
and a power in Republican politics in his township, which he is at
present representing as clerk. Mr. Lawrence is a native son of Clarendon township, and has the added prestige of being a self-made man. He
was born March 9, 1870, on the farm adjoining the one on which he is
now carrying on operations, and is a son of Riley H. and Maggie A.
(Dutcher) Lawrence.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Lawrence, William H. Lawrence,
was a native of New York, and only came to Michigan as a visitor, but
on one of these visits he died. Among his children were several sons
who served as soldiers in the Union army during the Civil war. Riley
H. Lawrence was born in Sullivan county, New York, in 1844, and his
wife in the same section, February 6, 1846. They became the parents




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1141


of five children: Charles V., who is engaged in farming in Clarendon
township; Wilford and Milford, twins the latter of Homer township;
Minnie R., who died in April, 1911; and Peter G., a clerk in the Michigan Central Railroad office at Elyria, Ohio. After their marriage in
New York, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence came to Michigan, in 1869, and after
spending one year in Springport came to Clarendon township, where
Mr. Lawrence purchased forty acres of land. To this he added from
time to time, and also sold parts thereof, and at the present time is the
owner of eighty-seven acres. During the past ten years he has lived
retired, enjoying the fruits of a life of industry and activity. In politics he is a Republican, and at various times has held township office,
always so conducting his affairs as to win the fullest confidence and
esteem of the people of his community.
Wilford B. Lawrence was educated in the district schools and was
reared to the vocation of an agriculturist, his leisure, time being spent
in the work of the home property. He continued to remain on the
home property until his marriage, in 1894, at which time he purchased
the farm adjoining his present land, at that time a tract of sixty-five
acres. After residing thereon for six years he disposed of that property and purchased the 145-acre farm on which he is now carrying on
operations. As one of the men of his community who have been the
architects of their own fortunes, he well merits the esteem and respect
in which he is universally held, and is everywhere conceded to be an
able and efficient agriculturist. Mr. Lawrence's land shows the presence of good management, comparing favorably with any of its size
in this section of the county, but during his operations he has found
time to act in public capacities. A stanch supporter of Republican
principles, he has demonstrated his ability in the office of township
clerk, to which he was elected in 1909, and has also been a member of
the school board for the past nine years. In 1900 and 1901 he won
township treasurer and was census enumerator in 1900,
On November 28, 1894, Mr. Lawrence was married to Miss Nellie
Church, daughter of Albert D. and Minnie A. (Dibble) Church, retired farming people of Clarendon township, and four children have
been born to this union: Herbert C., Vara M., Elsie E. and Wilford
A., all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
WILLIAM BOYD, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of
Sheridan township, first touched American soil as an Irish lad of eleven
years when his parents emigrated from the Emerald Isle in 1851 and
followed the path of the western stars. After two years' sojourn in
New York the family came to Lenawee county, Michigan, and from
thence Mr. Boyd came to Calhoun county, where he has now resided
nearly forty-five years, a citizen of unquestioned standing.
Born in County Antrim, Ireland May 30, 1839, he is the fourth of
five children that came to Samuel Boyd and Jane (Kyle) Boyd, both
natives of Erin's soil. In 1851 Samuel Boyd came with his family to
America and first located in New York, but in 1853, after two years
there, he came to Lenawee county, Michigan. Here William Boyd received a common school education and then started out in life for himself. He purchased land in Lenawee county, but in 1868 he disposed
of his holdings there and came to Calhoun county, locating on his
present farm in Sheridan township which has since been his home.
His parents came with him to Calhoun county and here died. He has
200 acres, a large portion of which he cleared from the stump, and on
it he has placed splendid improvements in the way of a fine brick coun



1142


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


try residence, fine barns and such other buildings as are appurtenant to
a well equipped farm property. Dairying is his principal line of agricultural industry, and his farm is now largely managed by his son
John L. Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of heroes: those who
win victories for their country and fame for themselves as soldiers
and those who remain at home battling each day with trials and adverse
circumstances, without plaudit for their victory and ofttimes without
the knowledge of those nearest them. When the Civil war broke out
David Boyd donned the Blue, while William his brother, at his solicitation, remained at home to care for their parents. David Boyd, was a
student in the University of Michigan when hostilities began, and
went from there to the front as a member of the Eighteenth Michigan
Infantry. He afterward became captain of a company in a colored
regiment and saw the most of his service in the vicinity of Nashville,
Tennessee. He returned to the university after the war and graduated.
On December 2, 1864, William Boyd was united in marriage to Margaret T. Boyd, who, although also a native of Ireland and bearing the
same surname, was not a relative of Mr. Boyd. Her parents never came
to America. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were the parents of seven children, as
follows: Samuel K., now living in Greeley, Colorado; A. T. Boyd, a
resident of Albion, Michigan; Vander H. Boyd, who resides in Homer,
Michigan; John L., who has the management of the home place; Maude
E., now Mrs. John R. Boyd, of Albion; William E., engaged in the
wood and coal business at Marshall, Michigan; and Lee, a graduate
of the Michigan Agricultural College. Mrs. Boyd died July 6, 1907, a
consistent member of the Presbyterian church.
Although his first vote was cast for Lincoln, Mr. Boyd is now a
Democrat, his change in political parties having been made at the time
of the free silver movement. He served several years as township supervisor and has also served.as treasurer, clerk and highway commissioner
of Sheridan township. In 1901 and 1902 he represented his district in
the State Legislature. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and he has so lived that his name
will go down in history supported with all the attributes of a well spent
life and an honorable career.


EDSON D. BOOTH. The growth and development of Calhoun county
has been rapid and sure, and its present general prosperity, especially
in agricultural circles, is due to the efforts of progressive citizens who
have been steadfast and earnest in their efforts in behalf of their section's interests. One who has made his home in this section for a number of years and holds prestige among the farmers of Clarendon township is Edson D. Booth, who is cultivating a tract of 107 1-2 acres, and
also owns sixty acres in Eckford township. Mr. Booth was born in
the northwestern part of Caldwell county, Missouri, March 25, 1872,
and is a son of Allen N. and Sarah (Butler) Booth, natives of Ontario
county, New York, where the father was born in 1844 and the mother
two years later. They were married in New York in 1865 and in 1867,
with one child, moved to Caldwell county, Missouri, where they resided on a farm until 1882. In that year the family, there being now
seven children, came to Michigan, settling on a farm in Eckford township, Calhoun county, where Mr. Booth purchased eighty acres of land
and engaged in farming until the last years of his life. He eventually
retired to Homer, and there passed away April 9, 1903, and his widow
still resides at that place. Mr. Booth was a Democrat in political matters, and a member of Humanity Lodge No. 29, of the Masonic order.






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1143


Edson D. Booth received his education in the country schools of
Eckford township, and as a youth was brought up to agricultural pursuits, assisting his father on the home farm until he reached his majority. At the age of twenty-one years he started out to make his own
way in the world, purchasing a tract of sixty acres which adjoined the
farm of his father, and there carried on operations until he was thirty
years of age. In 1902 he was married to Miss Bertha Rogers, daughter of Albert and Miartha Rogers, leading farming people of Clarendon
township, and two children have been born to this union: Norman
and Martha. After his marraige Mr. Booth rented a farm from his
father-in-law for one year, and then returned to his old home for three
years, at which time he purchased the homestead of Mr. Rogers, where
the latter had been born and spent his whole life. Here Mr. Booth has
made numerous improvements, erecting new buildings throughout, including two large barns and silos, as well as a tenant house, and has
rebuilt the residence and put new fencing around the entire property.
His land is well stocked with cattle, sheep and hogs of the finer grades,
nearly all of the land is under cultivation, and in general appearance
the tract is one of the finest in the township. Mr. Booth still owns
the sixty-acre tract in Eckford township, this being occupied by a
tenant.
In his political views Mr. Booth is a Democrat, but he takes only a
good citizen's interest in public matters. Both he and Mrs. Booth are
consistent members of the Baptist church, and fraternally he is connected with Humanity Lodge No. 29, F. & A. M., at Homer, and the
Modern Woodmen of America. Like his father he has always been identified with the best interests of the county, and the people of his township have every reason to be glad that such progressive and enterprising men as those belonging to this family have been numbered among
its residents.
ARTHUR J. WHITE. To some men is given the foresight that understands the drift of the times and is able to prognosticate future
events, and happily they are also sometimes blessed with the initiative
ability to carry out the plans which their keen vision inspires. Such
a man is Arthur J. White. He it was who saw the immense advantages
that would accrue from the establishment of street railway systems in
several of the prosperous cities of Michigan, and he set to work to prove
this to the people, who were somewhat dubious by building these railways. He was the first to build lines in Muskegon, Jackson and Battle
Creek. He was also the first man to put electric lights in at Battle
Creek. Why did he have a broader vision than most of the men of this
time?  Very likely because he had traveled very widely, in our own
country, in Europe and elsewhere, and he had fully realized that progress was being made in other places, and that it was time to take some
radical steps at home did Michigan wish to "keep up with the procession." He realized from the growth of other parts of the country, that
if this section of the state wished to grow she must take bold steps, she
must be able to offer inducements to homeseekers who might pass her by
and go further west. He is now retired, and lives on his farm near
Battle Creek, and everyone feels that he has well earned his hours of
rest.
Prattsville, Green county, New York, was the birthplace of Arthur
J. White. The son of James B. and Julia L. (Vandenburg) White,
he was born on the 8th of April, 1846. His father was born in Ireland, and came to this country when he was a child. As a youth he
learned the tanner's trade, and he became prosperous enough to go




1144


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


into business for himself. He came in time to own a large tannery at
Prattsville, New York. He retired some years before his death, which
occurred in Pennsylvania. He was the son of Doctor Alexander T. White,
who was a surgeon in the Army of Great Britain for thirty years. In
politics James B. White was a Democrat. He married Julia L. Vandenburg. She was a daughter of John I; Vandenburg, and was born at
Lexington, Green county, New York. Her father was a native of
Holland, and had come to this country as a young man. He was a
farmer and lived out his life in New York state.
Arthur J. White received his education in a seminary at Franklin,
New York. Obliged to earn his own living rather early in life, he took
the first position that offered, which chanced to be that of baggage
master on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railway. He was
later made conductor, and spent altogether six years with this road.
For some time he had wished above every thing else that he might
have an opportunity of seeing more of the country, and presently he
found an opportunity to gratify this wish in a rather unusual way.
He joined the circus of P. T. Barnum, as ticket seller, and treasurer.
He worked for the great showman for three years visiting every place
of any size in Europe, and seeing much of it in the most interesting
way, afoot. He was extremely successful in this line of work and received the only medal given for ticket selling at the World's Fair in
Chicago, thus becoming the champion ticket seller of the world. After
his years of wandering life he was ready to settle down for a time, and
went to Minneapolis as private secretary to the president of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway. He remained in Minneapolis for some
time, but the thirst for excitement and the need of change were too
strong for him, so he determined to go to Central America. He had
enough thrilling experiences in this almost unknown country, at that
time, to form a plot for a dime novel. His purpose was to hunt for
gold, but before he reached his destination, he was shipwrecked, and
then began his search for civilization. He walked from the Atlantic
to the Pacific ocean, without encountering a white person. The natives
were kind to him on the whole, but the journey was full of hardships,
and of dangers which he scarcely realized. It was with the happiness
of the drowning man that he came to the seacoast and to the town where
the American consul resided. This official was very kind to him, and
he will ever be remembered by Mr. White. Never before had he appreciated the glory of the Stars and Stripes, or been so thankful that he
was an American citizen.
Upon returning to America, he went back to Minneapolis and worked
in that city for ten years. He was quite successful, and in addition to
his financial prosperity, he gained a good knowledge of the ways of
the business world, and of the thoughts and methods of business men.
Therefore when he came to Jackson, Michigan, he was prepared to
venture bigger things than he had ever dared before. It was 1880 that
he completed his first venture, the building of the first street railway
in the city. He then went to Muskegon, where he duplicated this feat,
in connection with Mr. H. H. Brown. He later built the first railway
in Battle Creek, of which he was the sole owner, for three years. As
has been mentioned he put the first electric lights into the city, and
has since been ever ready to advocate any progressive moves such as
these. Fourteen years ago Mr. White went to the Klondike region,
on a prospecting trip, but he only remained a short time.
Mr. White is now retired, and lives alone on his beautiful farm,
about a mile from Battle Creek. He owns one hundred and sixty acres
of land, and the buildings upon it have been built with an eye not




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1145


only to utility, but to artisticness and beauty. His home itself is modern, with all the luxuries that the word implies, and is named Maplehurst. In connection with the farm he runs a dairy and breeds blooded
cattle. He does not concern himself with any business affairs now,
finding that the farm occupies all the leisure time that he has. He
started in life with little or nothing. He now looks back at the long
road over which he has traveled and wonders how he ever was enabled
to accomplish what he did. The answer lies in his own strong will, and
in his faith in his own good judgment and in the future of the country. He has never desired a prominent place in the political world, and
contents himself with casting his vote at the polls.
Mr. White married Anna M. Williams, a daughter of James
Williams, who owned the Williams House in Battle Creek. Mr. Williams came to Michigan from Rome, New York, reaching here with
fifty dollars in his pocket. He settled at Abscota, Michigan, where he
cleared land for a farm. He later came to Battle Creek, where he
built the Williams House, and where he lived until he died. He was
very successful in his business, and was able to give his daughter many
advantages. She was well educated and was not only a woman of unusual intellect but also was a gifted artist. She was known all over the
country, and her death on the 1st of March, 1909, was a great loss not
only to her family and immediate friends but to the country at large.
FRANK M. RATHBUN. A life marked by large and worthy achievement and exalted integrity of purpose was that of the late Frank M.
Rathbun, who was long numbered among the prominent and influential
business men of Battle Creek and whose services in behalf of the city
and its people entitle him to enduring honor. He ever held to the
things that were good and true and his high ideals found exemplification in all of the relations of his active and useful life. He served
as mayor of Battle Creek and held other positions of public trust, and
few have there been who have taken a deeper or more helpful interest
in the social and material advancement of the thriving metropolis of
Calhoun county. Secure in the unqualified confidence and esteem of
the entire community, Mr. Rathbun continued as one of the essentially
representative citizens of Battle Creek until his death, which was the
direct result of a pitiable accident, the details of which have been noted
in the following statements: "On December 29, 1893, Mr. Rathburn
left his home, in good health, and entered the store of Ranger & Farley. He made his way toward the office, beside which was the unguarded
opening of the freight elevator. In the darkness he did not realize his
danger, and he stepped into the opening, through which he fell into
the basement of the building. Besides sustaining a broken leg he received internal injuries, and, while conscious but a few hours thereafter, he survived two days. He passed away at eleven o'clock on the
night of December 31, 1893, just as the old year was passing out."
Frank M. Rathbun was born in Laurens township, Otsego county,
New York, on the 20th of November, 1844, and was a scion of a family
that was early founded in the old Empire state, the original representatives of the name having settled in New England in the colonial era
of our national history. His parents continued to reside on their homestead farm, in Otsego county, until the close of their lives, and there
the subject of this memoir was reared under the sturdy discipline which
was a concomitant of agricultural industry in the locality and period.
He was afforded the advantages of the common schools and upon attaining to his legal majority he went to the city of Poughkeepsie, New
York, where he completed a full course in the old and celebrated East



1146


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


man Business College, in which he was graduated. After his return to
the home farm he found that conditions and opportunities did not satisfy his ambition, and having received from his cousin, Henry Potter,
who has established a home in Battle Creek, he decided to come to Michigan, where he felt assured of opportunities for the gaining of success
and independence through his own powers and efforts, as his financial
resources were very limited. He came to Battle Creek about the time
of the close of the Civil war, and his first employment was in the lumber
yard of the firm of Potter & Gilman. After a period of six months he
gained advancement and in the meanwhile he formed the acquaintance
of William H. Mason, who was employed in the same yards. Finally,
in 1867, these two ambitious young men formed a partnership and effected the purchase of the lumber yard and business, the yard having
been at the time situated on the site of the First Presbyterian church.
When he initiated his independent business career Mr. Rathbun 's available capital was about five hundred dollars, and he effected a loan of
a sufficient amount to cover the remainder of his share of the purchase
price of the business, in which connection he assumed the obligation of
paying interest on the loan at the rate of ten per cent. The firm of
Mason & Rathbun continued operations under this title until James
Green was admitted to partnership, whereupon the title was changed
to Mason, Rathbun & Company. The enterprise was continued in the
original location until 1883, when the same was removed to a larger and
more eligible site, on South Jefferson street. Mr. Rathbun continued
his active identification with the business until the time of his death.
Diligence, progressive policies and keen business acumen were salient
features in his career and brought to him large and definite prosperity, as well as prestige as one of the most substantial business men
of his adopted city. At the time overtures were made for establishing in Battle Creek the manufacturing plant of the Advance Threshing
Machine Company, Mr. Rathbun was one of the foremost in advocating the enterprise and giving it requisite support, though many other
leading citizens considered the venture hazardous or one of questionable value to the city. He became one of the stockholders of the new
concern, in which he invested ten thousand dollars, and he became a
member of the original board of directors, a position which he retained
until his death, the while he had the satisfaction of seeing the enterprise develop into one of the largest of the kind in the Union and to
prove one of the most valuable agencies in furthering the industrial
and commercial progress of Battle Creek. The scope of the enterprise
may be appreciated when it is stated that the plant and business were
sold, in December, 1911, to the Rumley Company, of New York. city,
for a consideration of more than three million dollars.
Mr. Rathbun also gave his influence and ready co-operation in the
support of other enterprises and measures projected for the general
good of the community. He was a member of the directorate of the
Citizens' Electric Light Company and was a stockholder in various
other local corporations.
Ever unswerving in his allegiance to the cause of the Democratic
party, Mr. Rathbun became one of its leaders in Calhoun county and
was an effective advocate of its principles and policies. He served for
several years as a member of the city board of aldermen and also as
supervisor of Battle Creek township.     He was elected mayor of
the city, and he gave a most progressive, businesslike and popular administration of municipal affairs. He served one term and within his
regime were compassed many permanent improvements of value. He
was a member of the board of aldermen, as representative from the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1147


Second ward, at the time of his death. Mr. Rathbun was a most consistent
and earnest member of the Independent Congregational church in Battle Creek, as was also his wife, and he was a member of its board of
trustees at the time when he was summoned to the life eternal. He was
one of the organizers and a charter member of the Athelstan Club, and
was affiliated with the local organizations of the Knights of Pythias and
the Ancient Order of United Workmen. From an appreciative estimate published at the time of his death are taken the following extracts,
with minor paraphrase:   "Mr. Rathbun was a very popular man in
Battle Creek, his social nature and affable disposition winning him
many friends. His honor in business, his fidelity in public office and
his devotion to his friends were qualities which greatly endeared him
to his fellow men and made his example one well worthy of emulation. When the news of his death was received the prearranged festivities of New Year's day in Battle Creek were all postponed, and his
death was the cause of deepest mourning throughout the city.
On the 10th of November, 1870, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. Rathbun to Miss Mary Hughes, who was born in Brady township,
Kalamazoo county, Michigan, on the 12th of September, 1851, and who
was a daughter of William and Emma (Prindle) Hughes, both of whom
were born and reared at Elmira, New York, where their marriage was
solemnized and whence they came to Michigan about the time that the
state was admitted to the Union (1837). They settled in Battle Creek
when the future metropolis of Calhoun county was scarcely more than
a forest hamlet, with primitive log cabins, and later they removed to
Kalamazoo county, where Mrs. Hughes died at the age of forty-two
years. Mr. Hughes passed the closing period of his life in Battle Creek,
where he died in 1882, at the age of seventy-six years. He was one of
the sterling pioneers of southern Michigan and was well known throughout this section of the state. A better record concerning Mrs. Rathbun
could scarcely be given than that which appeared in a Battle Creek
paper at the time of her death, which occurred at her old home, at
48 West Fountain street, on the 11th of June, 1911, and with but slight
change the estimate is perpetuated at this juncture:
"Mrs. Rathbun was but eight years of age at the time of her mother's
death, and was reared under the care of a sister, Mrs. Selina Wandell,
who survives her. The Wandell family came to Battle Creek fortyfour years ago. With them came the young woman, Miss Mary Hughes,
and here began the acquaintanceship which culminated in her marriage to Mr. Rathbun. During her young womanhood the decedent
was very popular, because of her sunny and gentle disposition and her
cheerful and kindly manner. These qualities matured and strengthened with the passing years, enabling the possessor to draw around her
a choice circle of friends, who remained such through life and who will
ever cherish in loving memory this noble woman. The young Mrs.
Rathbun was especially agreeable, ever catholic in attitude and charitable in expression. She will be deeply mourned not only by a wide
circle of acquaintances but also in the vicinity of the home which she
has graced these many years and whose doors were always open to
hospitality, graciously dispensed. Though not devoted to social matters Mrs. Rathbun held an enviable place in these realms, yet found
time to attend to religious duties and those acts of charity which made
her so beloved, no one seeking sympathy or aid having been denied the
same by her. A loving wife, mother and friend has gone to the reward
made sure through good deeds and the discharge of every obligation.
She is survived by two sisters,-Mrs. Selina Wandell, of this city, and
Mrs.' George Wilson, of Bellaire, Antrim county."




1148


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun became the parents of four children, concerning whom the following brief data are entered in conclusion of
this memoir: Luella R. is the wife of George H. Williams, of Battle
Creek; Stephen J. is individually mentioned on other pages of this
volume; Frank J. is associated with the White Automobile Company, of
Cleveland, Ohio; and Earl H. is in the employ of the Vogue Publishing
Company; in New York city. All of the children were born and reared
in Battle Creek and all were afforded the advantages of the University
of Michigan.
STEPHEN J. RATHBUN. Holding precedence as one of the representative business men and progressive and public-spirited citizens of
Battle Creek, Mr. Rathbun has been a resident of this city from the
time of his birth to the present and is a scion of one of the old and
honored families of the fine metropolis of Calhoun county, where he is
now treasurer of the Rathbun & Kraft Lumber & Coal Company, one
of the most extensive concerns of its kind in the county. He is a son
of the late Frank M. Rathbun, who was long one of the most honored
and influential citizens of Battle Creek and who was intimately identified with the civic and industrial upbuilding of the city. To this
sterling citizen a special memoir is dedicated on other pages of this
work, so that further reference to his career and the family history is
not demanded in the present connection.
Stephen J. Rathbun was born in Battle Creek on the 21st of September, 1876, and in his youth he fully availed himself of the advantages of the excellent public schools of his native city, after which he
completed an effective course in Krug's Business College, which was
then one of the well ordered educational institutions of the kind in
southern Michigan. After his graduation in this college Mr. Rathbun
assumed the position of bookkeeper for the Advance Thresher Company, of Battle Creek, in which his father was an interested principal,
and he remained with this concern, now known as the Rumley Company, for three years.
In 1896, at the time of the organization of Company D of the Second
Regiment of the Michigan National Guard, Mr. Rathbun became a member of the same, as a private, and in 1898, at the inception of the
Spanish-American war, he enlisted with his company and regiment in
the United States service, the regiment being mustered in as the Thirtysecond Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The command was mobilized at
Island Lake, Livingston county, and thence proceeded to Tampa, Florida, where Mr. Rathbun was promoted to the office of corporal of his
company. The regiment was assigned to General Shafter's command
but did not go to Cuba, as its transport vessel became disable just at
the time when needed. Under these conditions the command was ordered to Fernandina. Florida, whence it later proceeded to Huntsville,
Alabama, from which point it finally returned to Island Lake, Michigan. The members of the regiment found it a matter of deep regret
that they had not been able to take part in the active military operations on the stage of conflict. Mr. Rathbun received his honorable discharge in September, 1898.
Upon his return to Battle Creek Mr. Rathbun became bookkeeper
for the lumber firm of Mason, Rathbun & Company, of which his father
had been one of the organizers and was a member until the time of his
death, in 1893. In January of the following year he became associated
with Arthur J. Kraft in the purchase of the business, and thereupon
the concern was incoporated under its present title, the Rathbun &
Kraft Lumber Company. The officers of the company are as here




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1149


noted: Fred Wells, president; Edwin Henning, vice-president; Stephen
J. Rathbun, treasurer; and Arthur J. Kraft, secretary. The company
has a well equipped planing mill, for general work and for the manufacturing of interior finish, sash, doors, blinds, etc., and deals extensively in lumber, lath and shingles, as well as hard and soft coal and
genuine gas coke, besides cement and lime, brick and plaster. The office
and yards are located on McCamly street south, and the office number
is 57. The concern controls a business that is not exceeded in scope and
importance by any of similar character in southern Michigan, and its
high reputation for effective service and fair and honorable dealings
constitutes its best commercial asset. Mr. Rathbun is essentially alert
and progressive as a business man and is one of the prominent and influential figures in the industrial and commercial activities of his native
city, where his personal popularity is of the most unequivocal order,
his circle of friends being coincident with that of his acquaintances.
Reared in the faith of the Democratic party, Mr. Rathbun has found
his mature judgment such as to beget a continuous allegiance to the
same, and he has been one of the active workers in the local ranks of
his party, which he has frequently served as a delegate to conventions,
both county and congressional, and in 1899 he was appointed alderman
from  the second ward, to succeed his business associate, Mr. Kraft,
who removed from that ward to another part of the city. He served
during the unexpired term and did not become a candidate for re-election. Mr. Rathbun was chairman of the city board of health during
the time, in 1899, when the smallpox epidemic was raging in Battle
Creek, and he was indefatigable in his efforts to check scourge through
practical and insistent measures of isolation and care. In the autumn
of 1902 he was made the Democratic nominee for representative of his
district in the lower house of the state legislature, and he made a most
effective canvass, with the result that his personal popularity and the
favorable impressions he made in this specific connection caused him to
run far ahead of his ticket, though from the start he had no expectation of being able to overcome the large and normal Republican majority. Mr. Rathbun was reared in the faith of the Congregational church,
his parents having been prominent members of the Independent church
of this denomination in Battle Creek, but he now attends and supports
St. Thomas' church, Protestant Episcopal, of which his wife is a zealous communicant. He is a member of the Athelstan Club, and is affiliated with the local organizations of the Benevolent & Protective Order
of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights of Pythias, as
well as with the adjunct of the last named, the Dramatic Order of the
Knights of Khorassan. In addition to his extensive business interests
already noted he is vice-president of the American Motor Company, one
of the important industrial concerns of Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs.
Rathbun are most prominent and popular factors in the representative
social activities of the community, and their fine modern home, at 59
Orchard avenue, is one of the attractive centers of gracious hospitality
in the city.
On the 12th of September, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. Rathbun to Miss Julia Henning Frazer, who likewise was born
and reared in Battle Creek and who is a daughter of Sidney and Mary
(Henning) Frazer.   The late David Henning, maternal grandfather
of Mrs. Rathbun, was president of the Battle Creek Gas Company
and was one of the honored and influential citizens of the county. To
him a specific tribute is dedicated on other pages of this volume. Mr.
and Mrs. Rathbun have two children,-David Henning and Mary
Louise.






1150


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ARTHUR J. KRAFT. There are turning points in every man's life
called opportunities. Taken advantage of they mean ultimate success.
The career of Arthur J. Kraft is a striking illustration of the latter
statement. Diligent and ever alert for his chance of advancement, he
has progressed steadily until he is recognized today as one of the foremost business men of Battle Creek, Michigan. Here he is held in high
esteem by his fellow citizens, who honor him for his native ability and
for his fair and straightforward career.
Arthur J. Kraft was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, February
17, 1868, and he has always been a resident of this city. His father,
James H. Kraft, during his active business career was engaged in the
grain business at Battle Creek. He died June 21, 1896. His wife, whose
maiden name was Mary A. White, was born in this city and was a
daughter of Dr. William White, whose death occurred in Meadville,
Pennsylvania. She passed to the life eternal, September 11, 1891,
and both she and her husband are buried in the Oak Hill cemetery.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kraft, namely,-Arthur J.,
to whom this sketch is dedicated; and Etta, who is the wife of J. D. O.
Powers, of Seattle, Washington.  Rev. Powers is a minister in the
Unitarian church at Seattle, where the family have resided for the
past six years. Mrs. Powers was born and educated in Battle Creek,
where she was graduated in the high schol. For six years prior to going West she and her husband resided in the state of Maine.
After completing the curriculum of the public schools of Battle
Creek, Arthur J. Kraft was graduated in the high school of this city.
In 1888 he entered the employ of Mason, Rathbun & Company, serving
that concern in the capacity of bookkeeper until 1899, when the firm
of Rathbun & Kraft was formed. In 1903 Fred Wells became interested in the business and the same was incorporated, with a capital
stock of one hundred thousand dollars, under the name of the Rathbun and Kraft Lumber & Coal Company. Of this thriving concern
Fred Wells is president; Stephen J. Rathbun is treasurer; and Arthur
J. Kraft is secretary. On other pages of this work appear sketches of
the careers of Messrs. Wells and Rathbun. The company are extensive
dealers in lumber, lath and shingles, hard and soft coal, and genuine
gas coke. They also handle cement and lime and brick and plaster.
The office and yard are located at No. 57 McCamly Street, South.
In his political adherency Mr. Kraft maintains an independent attitude. In April, 1899, he was honored by his fellow citizens with
election to the city council as a member from the Second ward.  He
continued incumbent of that office until the following October, when
he resigned because of his removal from the ward.  He is a charter
member of the Elks Lodge at Battle Creek and is also affiliated with
the Fellowcraft Club of Detroit.
August 10, 1897, Mr. Kraft was united in marriage to Miss Grace
E. Knibloe, who was born at Nunda, New York, and who is a daughter
of Gilbert and Sarah Knibloe, of Battle Creek. Mrs. Kraft came to
Battle Creek with her parents and here she was reared and educated.
Both her parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft have two children,
-Glen A. and Arthur G., aged, respectively, eleven and ten years.
The Kraft home is maintained at No. 11 West Fountain street.
EDGAR F. NYE. Prominent among the best known and most useful
citizens of Bedford, Michigan, is Edgar F. Nye. postmaster, who, in
this capacity, has during the past ten years rendered prompt, acceptable. and efficient service to the people of the community. A son of
the late Willard Nye, he was born, June 6, 1841, in Bedford township,










q
%.Z
4                       I




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1151


Calhoun county, coming on the paternal side of excellent New England stock.
Willard Nye was born and educated in Vermont, but subsequently
removed to New York state, where he met and married Arvilla Young.
Shortly after that important event, he came with his young wife to
Michigan, settling, in 1836, in Bedford township, where he worked at
his trade of a carpenter and joiner, and also as a farmer. He subsequently engaged in lumbering, putting up the first saw mill erected
in Bedford, and finally settling permanently in Barry county, where
he improved a good farm, on which he spent his remaining years.
Obtaining his rudimentary education in the district schools, Edgar
F. Nye subsequently attended the Battle Creek High School one term.
On September 8, 1862, inspired by patriotic enthusiasm, he enlisted
in Company A, Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and served with his command until after the close of the conflict, being mustered out December 15, 1865. With his comrades he took part in many engagements
of importance, including the battle at Falling Waters, and the Battle
of Gettysburg. On returning to Michigan, Mr. Nye bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Barry county, and in its improvement met with genuine success, in addition to carrying on general
farming profitably, making considerable money in raising Short Horn
cattle. In 1891, he embarked in the hardware business in Bedford,
where he has since resided, although he retained the ownership of his
farm until 1905, and his hardware business until that same year. In
1902 Mr. Nye was appointed postmaster at Bedford, and has filled the
position continuously since, his long record of service bespeaking the
ability and fidelity with which he has filled the position.
A stanch Republican in his political affiliations, Mr. Nye has ever
evinced a loyal interest in public affairs, and while living in Barry
county was clerk of Johnstown township eight years, and supervisor
twelve years. He also served as treasurer of Bedford township two
years. After the passage of the Mortgage Census law, he took the
mortgage record for his district, which included five counties.
Mr. Nye has been twice married. He married first, in 1862, Agnes
Irving, a daughter of William Irving, a pioneer settler of Michigan,
and an early farmer. She passed to the higher life in 1891, leaving
three children, namely: Claudie, wife of Cyrus Rice, of Lansing,
Michigan; Adella E., wife of Flutell Mosier, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Myrta, wife of Verne Doty, of Battle Creek. Mr. Nye
married second, in 1892, Agnes Fox, a daughter of William G. Fox,
a veteran of the Civil War, who lived in Berry township a number of
years, but spent his last days in Battle Creek, Calhoun county. Mr.
and Mrs. Nye have one child, Edgar F. Nye, Jr., a student in the public school of Bedford. Mr. Nye has accumulated considerable wealth,
owning' two houses and lots in Battle Creek, his own home in Bedford,
and other property of value.
ROBERT HENRY KIRSCHMAN. Calhoun county has not had a more
efficient servant in the office of prosecuting attorney than the present
incumbent, Robert Henry Kirschman. It was his proficiency in his
profession and his popular citizenship which, in the election of 1910,
gave him a majority of 1,422, a larger majority than was received by
any other county candidate on the Republican ticket that year.
Unfailing industry and worthy ambition have used the solid natural
gifts to bring Mr. Kirschman into prominence in his profession. He
was born at Allegan, Michigan, September 13, 1874. His parents, Jacob
and Christiana (Oesterle) Kirschman, migrated from Germany to this
Vol. II-35




1152


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


country, both being young orphan children when they came. The mother
died while her son was a student at the University of Michigan. The
father was engaged for many years in the manufacture of wagons at
Allegan and in Grand Rapids and is now living retired at Muskegon.
At an early age Mr. Kirschman moved with his parents from Allegan
to Muskegon where he finished his early education and was graduated
from the Muskegon high school in the class of 1894. For a short time
he attended the Benton Harbor College. For eight years he was engaged
in teaching. This was the intermediate stage of his career,-the period
of preparation.
He then undertook to work his way through the University of Michigan, in which effort he was quite successful. He entered the law department of the University of Michigan from which he was graduated in the
class of 1907, when he received the degree of "Bachelor of Laws."
Along with his other university work he took an active part in the
work of the Webster Debating Society, a literary society in which he
served as president; he was also a member of the Law Presidents' Club
during his university career.
On his admission to the bar he located at Battle Creek where he
formed a co-partnership with the late Judge Robert J. Kelley. Kelley
& Kirschman was a leading firm until the death of the senior partner,
Judge Kelley, since which time Mr. Kirschman has managed a large
and growing practice himself. In 1909 his appointment as assistant
prosecuting attorney of the county, called his professional services to
the public interest. He resigned this, however, after a year, in order
to devote his time exclusively to his private practice. Then in 1910
came his election on the Republican ticket to the office of prosecuting
attorney, which office he has since filled with marked ability, having
recently been re-nominated and re-elected for a second term by a large
plurality, running ahead of his party ticket by more than 1,000 votes.
Mr. Kirschman is worshipful master in the A. T. Metcalf lodge No.
419, F. & A. M., and is also identified with the chapter, council and
commandery of Masonry. His other fraternal memberships are with
Battle Creek lodge No. 33, B. P. 0. E., and Battle Creek lodge No. 35,
K. of P. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and their comfortable residence is at No. 22 Terrace avenue.
November 15, 1899, Mr. Kirschman married Miss Winifred Alles
Fuhrman, daughter of John C. and Margaret (Alles) Fuhrman, of
Muskegon. She is a native of Hersey, Osceola county, Michigan, and
received her education in the Muskegon high school and at the University of Michigan, while her husband was also a student there. Both
her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kirschman have two children: Robert Everett, born at Houghton, Michigan, and Winifred
Alles Oesterle, born at Hersey, Michigan.
ROBERT J. KELLEY. The death of Judge Robert J. Kelley, at Battle
Creek, March 8, 1909, closed the career of one of Michigan's leading
lawyers and public men. His accomplishments and his personality
combined to make him a distinctive character in the life of the state.
The closing years of his life were spent in Battle Creek, where he was
one of the successful lawyers, and at the time of his death he was the
senior partner in the firm of Kelley & Kirschman, the latter being now
prosecuting attorney for Calhoun county.
Robert J. Kelley was born at Monroe, Michigan, September 3,
1843. His parents were John and Mary N. (Henderson) Kelley. His
father, a native of county Down, Ireland, came to America in 1814,
and spent a number of years as a resident of New Hampshire. During




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1153


his employment in a factory at Dover he met and married Miss Henderson, who was a native of New Hampshire, and about 1838 they came west
to Michigan, which was then a new state. He remained a resident of
Monroe county until his death in 1868, having for a number of years
been engaged in farming. His wife survived until 1871, and at her
death left eight children. In 1861, when the Civil war broke out, there
were four sons and six daughters in the family. All the sons entered
the army, three of them becoming members of the Eighteenth Michigan
Infantry, while Robert J. joined the Fifth Michigan Cavalry. Thomas,
the eldest, gave his life to the Union, his death occurring near Lexington, Kentucky.
On the old homestead in Monroe county, Robert J. spent most
of the years of his boyhood, and was educated in the country schools
and the high school at Monroe. At the age of eighteen he became a
student at the Ypsilanti Seminary, of which Prof. Joseph Esterbrook
was the principal. The following year, September 2, 1862, instead of
returning to school work, he enlisted in Company K, of the Fifth
Michigan Cavalry. This regiment, which made a notable record, and
with the First, Sixth and Seventh regiments of this state constituted
General Custer's brigade, the record of which has a place of distinction
in the history of the war and was one of the fighting machines that
made up the Army of the Potomac. Gettysburg, Brandy Station, Cold
Harbor, Trevillian Station, the struggles in front of Petersburg and
Dinwiddie courthouse were the most important battles in which Mr.
Kelley participated. At the time of Lee's surrender, the Fifth Michigan occupied a place on the extreme left of Grant's army. Then followed the grand review in Washington, and soon afterward the regiment
was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, and was finally mustered out in
Detroit, July 3, 1865.
After nearly three years of military experience, the young veteran
soldier resumed his academic course at Ypsilanti, and having completed
it, entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where
he was graduated in March, 1868, and soon afterward obtained his
license to practice. Becoming a resident of Alpena in 1869, he began
a successful career as a lawyer and for many years held a place of
large influence in the Republican party. In 1877 the Alpena district
sent him as representative to the state legislature. Two subjects of
legislation in which he took a very prominent part are events in the
history of the state. One was the bill, in the passage of which he was
very instrumental, providing for the first state gravel road ever constructed in Michigan. Another was the measure securing the school
district organization for each township, whereby the public schools
were placed under the central authority of a township board of trustees.
In 1888 his private practice was exchanged for judicial service through
his election as judge of the twenty-sixth circuit, which included Alpena,
Presque Isle, Otsego and Montmorency counties. At the close of his
second term, December 31, 1899, he retired from the bench, and in May
of the following year became a resident of Battle Creek, where he was
engaged in practice until the time of his death. He was counsel for a.
number of the larger corporate interests of this city, and was also financially interested in several manufacturing enterprises here.
As a Republican, Judge Kelley long exercised influence that constituted him one of the leaders of the state party. He was a delegate to
the national convention which nominated James G. Blaine in 1884.
Especially during his later years his law practice was very extensive
and he had the choice of a large clientage. He was past master of
Alpena lodge No. 199, A. F. & A. M., was past high priest of Thunder




1154


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Bay chapter, R. A. M., and was afterwards a member of the chapter at
Battle Creek, also Battle Creek commandery No. 33, K. T., the Detroit
Consistory, and the Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Detroit. He
served as commander of Farragut Post, G. A. R., at Battle Creek, and
was also a member of the local lodge of Elks. After his death his
extensive and fine collection of legal works was purchased by his partner,
Mr. Kirschman, who has thus one of the best law libraries in Calhoun
county.
In August, 1872, Judge Kelley married Miss Marion Rutherford,
a daughter of Adam    Rutherford, formerly a well known citizen of
Alpena. The one daughter of this marriage is now Mrs. Mary C. Kelly,
of East Orange, N. J. Mrs. R. J. Kelley is now deceased. She was a
member of the Episcopal church during her residence in Battle Creek,
and her husband was a liberal supporter of that church.
VICTORY P. COLLIER. It would seem as if a prescience had inspired
the parents of the Honorable Victory Phelps Collier when they bestowed upon him the cognomen of Victory, for his subsequent career
was one long series of victories. I-Ie rose to high position in his city,
county and state, and never knew from actual experience the meaning
of defeat. As a matter of fact, however, his given name was the family
name of his maternal grandmother. Mr. Collier was born in Victor,
Ontario county, New York, on April 25, 1819. His father was Stephen
Collier, an early pioneer of this region. To Victory was accorded such
early education as could be acquired in the common schools of Victor,
after which he attended for a time the seminary at Lima, New York.
At the age of fourteen, owing to adverse circumstances, the boy was
bound over for the sum of $50 a year to work in a dry goods store at
Rush, New York. After remaining six months he left with his parents
for Michigan on September 25, 1835. The trip was made by canal to
Buffalo, thence by steamer to Detroit, five days being occupied in making the journey. At Detroit they secured an ox team and after traveling ten days arrived at Battle Creek, on October 16th. The senior
Collier secured the use of two yoke of oxen in exchange for a barrel
of salt in the latter part of November, and Victory P. Collier returned
to Detroit for a load of household goods, which he succeeded in landing in Battle Creek in December. The weather was very stormy and
the cold intense, being coupled with very bad roads, and V. P. Collier
never fully recovered from the injury to his health sustained on that
journey.
The father located a piece of land four miles south of Battle Creek,
which he sold in 1837, moving thence into a log house which stood off
the main street of. the village. Soon thereafter he bought government
land in Barry county, and in the fall moved to Johnstown. As the
country was an unbroken wilderness they were obliged to follow an
Indian trail from Battle Creek, through Barry county. There were no
white inhabitants in the region at that time. Mr. Collier's family was
the first in Johnstown, and remained there until 1847. During this
time V. P. Collier worked in the woods and was naturally entirely
isolated from society.
At the age of twenty he was solicited to teach school, and with
many misgivings consented to assume the responsibility. So successful
was his pedagogical work during the three winter months that he retained the school during the two winters that followed.
His long, varied and useful public career was inaugurated in 1842
by his election to the office of sheriff of Barry county. He served one




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1155


term in this office, and was later elected to the positions of school
inspector and town clerk.
In September, 1847, when he was twenty-eight years of age, Victory
P. Collier left home with only $2.00 in his pocket and came to Battle
Creek, where he engaged for $10 a month as salesman in the store of
H. Marsh & Company. The firm dissolved partnership in 1849 and Mr.
Collier assumed the management of the business in connection with
Mr. William Wallace. The latter disposed of his interests in 1855, and
the firm became Collier & Coy. Owing to ill-health, Mr. Collier soon
thereafter sold his interest to Mr. Coy, but bought it back after his recovery, and the firm became Collier & Wallace, under which designation
it continued until 1858, when on account of ill-health, Mr. Collier
retired.
In 1861 he engaged in the hardware business and continued in the
latter line for fifteen years. He was elected state senator in 1864 and
became chairman of the finance committee, which position he retained
when re-elected to the senate in 1866. During the first four years of
Battle Creek's existence as a city, Mr. Collier represented the fourth
ward in the city council. He was elected mayor in 1875 and served
one term. During the war his services were invoked as an agent to
raise means for filling the quota of troops from Battle Creek. IHe was
a member of the Republican State Central Committee for many years,
and did good work for the party. His influence and acquaintanceship
extended far beyond the confines of his city and county, and in 1870
he was elected State Treasurer, being re-elected two years later. In
1875, just after completing his second term as state treasurer, he was
appointed United States Minister to the Netherlands by President
Grant, but declined to accept the office. In 1876 he was United States
Centennial Commissioner to the Philadelphia Exposition, representing
the state of Michigan. In the spring of that year the President offered
him the position of United States consul to Frankfort-on-the-Main, in
Germany, which, however, he declined. He was also offered the position of assistant-secretary of the Interior but declined it.
In the spring of 1877 he was elected Regent of the State University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The day after his nomination he was appointed Regent by Governor Croswell to fill the vacancy then existing,
but in August resigned on account of poor health. IHe was later appointed by Governor Baldwin as one of the inspectors of Jackson prison
and filled the position with marked ability. In addition to his public
services he was president of the First National Bank of Battle Creek,
a position which he filled with dignity and with credit to himself and the
institution for twenty-five years.
Mr. Collier was married in October, 1849, to Miss Minerva Pew of
Battle Creek, the latter dying in 1861.  Five children were born to
them. For his second wife Mr. Collier married Mary Fitzgerald, their
union occurring on March 18, 1866. They had one child. The second
wife died on May 3, 1897. Mr. Collier passed away at his home at 140
Maple street, Battle Creek, June 28, 1898, leaving three sons and one
daughter, as follows: William W., now of Pontiac, Michigan; George,
since deceased; Victory F., and Mrs. Jessie C. Mechem, the wife of
Professor Floyd R. Mechem, of the University of Chicago.
It falls to the lot of but few people to attain the name and fame
that were won by Victory P. Collier, and at the same time achieve
a lasting place in the hearts of one's fellow citizens. Mr. Collier was
prominently identified with Battle Creek for more than half a century
and was regarded as one of Michigan's most distinguished men. At the
time of his death he had been retired for some years from the scene of




1156


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


his former activities, not through any desire for a life of ease but on
account of physical disability. He suffered from blindness and it was
the trouble with his eyes that finally terminated his life.  He was
financially, politically and socially identified with the history of Battle
Creek for a longer period than the average life time, and there is no
name that is more highly honored.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SPENCER. A man of versatile talents, full of
vim and energy, Benjamin F. Spencer, of Tekonsha, Calhoun county,
is an accomplished, genial, man, and a royal entertainer, catering to the
tastes of the public both as owner and manager of a circus, and as an
operator of a motion picture show. A native of Calhoun county, he was
born, August 27, 1873, in Newton township, a son of Elijah Spencer.
His paternal grandfather, Cyrus Spencer, who married Martha Willea
located in Eckford township in pioneer days, and having purchased
two hundred and forty acres of land was there employed as a tiller of
the soil until his death, at the comparatively early age of fifty-six years.
Elijah Spencer was born, February 21, 1842, in Ohio, and as a boy
of eleven years came with his parents to Calhoun county, Michigan,
where he assisted his father in clearing and improving a homestead.
Choosing farming for his occupation, he resided in Newton township
until 1900, when he removed to Clarendon township, Calhoun county,
where he is still engaged in his free and remunerative occupation. He
married, in 1864, Sarah Wandall, who was born in New York state,
June 4, 1841, and of the six children born of their union three are
living, Benjamin F. being the youngest child of the household.
Obtaining his preliminary education in the rural schools of his native district, Benjamin F. Spencer subsequently entered the Marshall
high school. Much attention was given to the development of his natural musical talents while he was a boy, and after he left the public
schools he was sent to Toronto, Canada, where he took a full course in
music. Mr. Spencer afterwards taught music for two years at Mullen's
Conservatory, in Sarnia, Ontario. The following twelve years he was
profitably engaged in the theatrical business, and at the present 'time
is successfully conducting the circus which he owns during the greater
part of the year, employing time during the winter seasons teaching
music and operating a motion-picture theater.
Mr. Spencer married, in 1901, Maude Crowell, of Thompsonville,
Michigan, a daughter of Frank and Beatrice Crowell, her father being
a prosperous farmer of Benzie county. Their only child, Ila Spencer, is
a pupil in the Tekonsha public schools. Politically Mr. Spencer is a
Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to Coldwater Lodge, No. 1023, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and to the Yeomen of America.
CHARLES AUGUSTUS STARK. A stretch of fair and fertile land that
is neat and well-kept as well as productive is doubly a credit to its
owner. Such a farm is that on which Charles A. Stark resides and
which he manages, the property belonging jointly to him and his
brother, A. D. Stark, whose life is reviewed elsewhere in these pages.
His parents were George and Catherine Stark, of whom more detailed
account is given in the sketch to which we have referred. He first
opened his eyes upon life on November 9, 1854, his birthplace.being
Tompkins county, New York. His earliest years were spent in that
eastern state, where his education was begun. He was twelve years of
age when the family first sought this region, then practically a virgin
wilderness, and the boy had his own share in helping to prepare it for
its agricultural purposes, as well as in assisting with the buildings




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1157


which were erected upon it. Such schooling as he was permitted to receive after the family removal from New York to Michigan was secured
in Burlington.
In young manhood Mr. Stark married Miss Clara Amelia Strong,
the daughter of Nelson and Hannah (Chittenden) Strong, who were
notably prominent farmers of Burlington, and who later removed to
Kansas where they passed the remainder of their lives. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Stark occurred in 1879, and three children have come
to them. The second of that number, George Nelson, is devoted to the
pedagogic profession and is engaged in that work. Katherine Kaola is
yet at home with her parents and Luella Clare the eldest, the wife of
A. W. Wallis, resides in Litchfield.
Mr. Stark is a Democrat in his political theories, but with regard to
local matters, his views take an independent color, with the best good
of the community always the uppermost consideration. He is a member of the Maccabees, but beyond that has no other fraternal affiliations.
HON. ARTHUR D. BANGHAM, M. D. Aside from the important work
which he has done for humanity in the line of his profession, Dr.
Arthur D. Bangham is entitled to distinctive mention in this volume
for other reasons. As state senator he has labored with patriotic zeal
for the best interests of the commonwealth and has also been active in
the promotion of some of the strongest fraternal organizations which
have for their object the inculcation of principles which promote brotherly kindness, mutual helpfulness, and which ameliorate many of the
hard conditions of life. He is especially prominent and influential in
community affairs and his senatorial service has also extended his
labors to interests affecting the entire state.
Dr. Bangham is a native son of Calhoun county, his birth having
occurred in Marengo township, November 8, 1859. His parents were
Sandusky K. and Minerva E. (Hanchett) Bangham. The Bangham
family is one of German lineage. Sandusky Bangham was born in York,
Washtenaw county, Michigan, and was a son of John Bangham, a native
of Newark, New Jersey, who as a young man moved to Somerset,
Niagara county, New York, and there married a Miss Mead. After her
death he married Mrs. Anna Emmons, who became the mother of
Sandusky K. Bangham. John Bangham bought one hundred acres of
the Holland purchase and engaged in farming in Niagara county. In
his earlier manhood he had followed the trade of a tanner and prior to
his marriage served his country as a soldier of the War of 1812. In
November, 1834, he removed to Washtenaw county, Michigan, purchasing a slightly improved tract of land upon which he made his home and
engaged in tanning until 1845, when he came to Calhoun county and
secured a farm in Clarence township, making his home there until his
death, and carrying on general agricultural pursuits. His wife, who
survived him for some time, died in 1876.
S. K. Bangham was reared upon his father's farm, passing his
youth, for the most part, in this county. He acquired a good practical
education and after his marriage to Miss Hanchett he located in Marengo
township, where he owned a farm upon which his death occurred in
August, 1866. His wife was a daughter of David and Mary Hanchett,
who were pioneers of Marengo township, coming to this county from
Cayuga county, New York. The wife died on the home farm about 1858
and Mr. Hanchett, surviving her for some years, died in Marshall. Mrs.
Minerva (Hanchett) Bangham survived her husband many years and
never married again. Like him, she was a faithful member of the




1158


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Methodist Protestant church of Rice Creek, and she died in February,
1903.
Supplementing his early educational privileges, received in the common schools, by a course in Albion College, Dr. Bangham afterward
engaged in teaching school and subsequently entered the office of the
late Dr. Smiley, of Marshall, Michigan,-one of the leading physicians
of this time in southern Michigan. A year later he matriculated in the
medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and
was graduated in 1882 as a member of the first class to complete a three
years' course, each year embracing nine months of study. The degree
of M. D. was conferred upon him at graduation, and he then entered
upon active work of his profession. In the meantime he had received
practical experience as one of the clinic assistants to Dr. Frothingham,
professor of ophthalmology and otology.
Locating in Dexter, Washtenaw county, Michigan, Dr. Bangham there
engaged in practice for a year, after which he disposed of his interests
and together with Hon. J. T. Honey and Edwin Bennett, of Dexter,
took a trip through the west, visiting Washington, Oregon and California. They investigated the conditions of the west, looking for an
opportunity for favorable investment, and spent three months on the
Pacific coast. On his return to Calhoun county, Dr. Bangham, in the
autumn of 1883, purchased an interest in a drug store at Homer and
also located for practice in that place, his professional connection with
the town antedating that of any other physician of the locality. Later
he became sole proprietor of the store, which he superintended in connection with the duties of a large private practice. He has kept fully
abreast of the times in the progress that is being continually made by
the medical fraternity and his reading and investigation have covered a
wide range. In 1899 he took a post graduate course in the Chicago
Polyclinic. Dr. Bangham was constantly called in for consultation, his
professional confreres recognizing his ability, and the demands of a
large private practice left him but little leisure. He is at present a
member of the Calhoun Medical Society, of which he was at one time
the president, and he is also a member of the State Medical Society.
Dr. Bangham possesses excellent business ability and keen foresight
and in this connection has been the promoter of various interests of
importance in trade circles.
In political circles in southern Michigan Dr. Bangham is especially
active, prominent and influential, known for one of the leading representatives of the Republican party. While residing in Homer he was
for a number of years village trustee and for two terms was village
president, during which time the electric light plant was installed and
the system of cement sidewalks was adopted, the village paying onehalf of the expense of laying the walks. He was president of the Board
of Education for one term and championed every progressive educational measure. In the active work of the party his aid has been marked.
He was a member of the county executive committee for a number of
years, including the period covering the McKinley campaigns. In
1900 he was elected senator from the Ninth District of the state, comprising Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties,-one of the most populous
and wealthy districts in the state. He received a plurality of nineteen
hundred and six votes, the largest vote given any candidate on the ticket,
and assumed the duties of the office January 1, 1901. He was a member
of the following committees during that term: Asylum for the Insane
at Newberry; Education and Public Schools; Reformatory at Ionia;
State Lands; State University; Saline Interests. During that term Dr.
Bangham was actively interested in the passage of a number of important bills and was the author of a bill providing for the institution




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1159


of a psychopathic ward at the University Hospital, which was passed.
This ward has been in successful operation for a number of years and
is the only one of its kind under state supervision in the United States.
The doctor was reelected in 1902 by a generous plurality and in 1903 he
was made chairman of the committee on education and public schools
and executive business and also on the committees on apportionment,
asylum for the insane at Traverse City, industrial school for boys, state
lands and the state prison at Marquette. He was the father of an important bill on corporation laws which passed both houses and is now
on the statutes as the Bangham bill. He also introduced a bill, and secured its passage, making it possible for each city and village to inspect
their slaughter houses and meat supplies, which was received with favor
by workers in behalf of improved sanitary conditions throughout the
state. He also introduced another bill requiring undertakers to know
something of embalming and the proper care of bodies, for the purpose
of'protecting the public health and for the further purpose of advantageous transportation of bodies. He was the author of the bill of 1901
and amended it in 1903, making this the first law governing undertakers
of Michigan placed on the statute books of the state. It is estimated
that during his term of service in the senate he has probably secured the
passage of as many good bills as any other member of that body. In
November, 1903, Dr. Bangham   removed with his family to Albion,
Mich., in order that his children might have the educational advantages
afforded by Albion College, and he there engaged in the active practice
of his profession. In 1910 Dr. Bangham was appointed to the position
of postmaster of Albion, and he is still the incumbent of that important
place. In that, as in all other of his undertakings, he has proved himself a master hand, and the office has never been more capably administered than under his regime. He was for nearly sixteen years a member of the United States pension board of Marshall, and was president
of the board for a number of years, when he resigned in 1910 to accept
the appointment of postmaster at Albion, Michigan.
On August 26, 1880, Dr. Bangham was married to Miss Estella Austin, of Marengo township, a daughter of Theodore N. Austin, one of the
early residents of this county. She completed her education in the
Marshall high school. Five children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Bangham. Of that number, the first born, Austin S., died October 21, 1891,
at the age of nine years. The others are: Belle D., Harrison A., Flossie
E. and Leila Ruth. Mrs. Banghamn died Aug. 29, 1905, at her home in
Albion. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
the doctor has been a member for many years, as well as holding the
office of church steward and being superintendent of the Sunday school.
At the time of the completion of the new church parsonage at Homer;
then the finest in the conference, he was a member of the building committee. He has always been deeply interested in church work, and the
moral growth of the community, and his efforts in that direction have
been most beneficial and effective.
The doctor is a man of large social instincts, and his fondness for
that phase of life is indicated by his fraternal affiliations. While a
resident of Homer he was a member of Humanity Lodge No. 29, F. &
A. M., of Homer, and was the master. He was also a charter member of
Homer' Chapter No. 130, R. A. M., and was High priest of the chapter
for more than twelve years. He belongs to Albion Council, R. & S. M.;
Marshall Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templar. He was one of the
organizers and a member of Stella Chapter No. 140, Order of the Eastern Star, of which he was the first worthy patron, holding the office for
six years. His wife was also a member of that chapter. The doctor was




1160


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


a member of Homer Lodge, No. 232, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is Past Grand; Homer Lodge, No. 88, Knights of
Pythias, of which he is Past Chancellor, and he was also one of the organizers of the Maccabee Tent and the Modern Woodmen Camp at
Homer. He is Past Commander of the Maccabees Tent.
Since coming to Albion, he has transferred his membership in the
fraternal organization to similar organizations in this city, and in addition has become a member of Saladin Shrine, Grand Rapids.
March 24, 1906, Dr. Bangham was united in marriage to Ruth A.
Ludlow, daughter of Frank S. and Mary A. Ludlow. Mrs. Bangham
is a graduate of Albion high school, Albion College and the University
of Michigan. They have one son Frank Ludlow Bangham, born August
2, 1907.
Dr. Bangham's interest in the welfare of the commonwealth is deep
and sincere and his legislative course has shown marked familiarity with
existing conditions and a close study of many methods of remedy where
reform and improvements are needed. He takes an active part in the
business which is transacted in the council chambers of the state and
his course has ever been above suspicion. The good of the nation he
places before partisanship and the welfare of his constituents before
self-aggrandizement.  In the senate he commanded the respect of every
member and at home, in the county of his nativity, where he is best
known, he inspires personal friendships of unusual strength, and all
who know him have the highest admiration for his strong mentality,
his professional skill, his loyalty in citizenship and his devotion to the
public welfare.
CARLTON E. CONVIS. A farmer of note and a citizen of unusual
loyalty and public spirit in Battle Creek township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, is Carlton E. Convis, who is the owner of a fine estate of one
hundred and thirty-seven acres located two miles distant from the city
of Battle Creek. He is engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising
of stock and has achieved remarkable success during his business career.
A native of Calhoun county, Carlton E. Convis was born in Pennfield township, August 21, 1874. He is a son of Samuel and Harriet
(Forshey) Convis, the former of whom was born in the state of New
York, whence he came to Michigan as a young man, settling on a farm
in Pennfield township, Calhoun county, where he resided during the
balance of his life time. He had extensive farming interests in this
county and from 1874 to 1893 was a heavy stockholder in the Old National Bank at Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Convis became the
parents of one child, Carlton E. of this review. F. John Forshey, maternal grandfather of Carlton E. Convis, was born and reared in the
state of Indiana. He settled in the vicinity of Harmonia, Michigan, in
the early pioneer days and there passed the balance of his life time.
He was a man of broad mind and splendid executive ability, took a
prominent part in public affairs and was well known throughout the section in which he resided.
Carlton E. Convis was reared and still lives on the old parental
homestead, in the work and management of which he early began to
assist his mother, as his father died when he was eight years old, and he
received his educational training in the neighboring district schools.
Most of his attention has been devoted to the growing of grain but he
also raises some stock. He has worked at filling silos at odd times and
is decidedly a progressive young farmer. In politics he accords an
uncompromising allegiance to the principles and policies for which the
party stand sponsor and while he has never been incumbent of any pub



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1161


lic office he is ever on the alert to advance all measures and enterprises
projected for the good of the general welfare. Though not formally
connected with any religious organization, he attends and gives his support to the Baptist church at Battle Creek, of which his wife is a member.
In 1897, at Pennfield, Mr. Convis was united in marriage to Miss
Clara Lee, a daughter of Alson Lee, who was a prominent resident of
Pennfield township, the rest of his life since ten years of age. Mr. and
Mrs. Convis have two children, Harriet and Lena Belle, both of whom
are now attending school.
CHARLES M. RANGER. In the very early days of the colonial epoch
the original American ancestors of Charles M. Ranger, in both the
agnatic and maternal lines, were among the citizens of New England,
and Virginia colony and in that and each succeeding generation have
been found men of virile powers and sterling character. Himself a
worthy representative of this old and honored family, Mr. Ranger is
now living a somewhat retired life, his activities being confined to the
superintending of the old family home, although for many years he
was identified with business enterprises in Battle Creek, where he has
made his home since 1882. Mr. Ranger was born near Morenci, Lenawee
county, Michigan, October 31, 1852, and is a son of Samuel Montgomery
and Nancy (Goss) Ranger.
Mr. Ranger's parental great-grandfather, of English descent and a
native of Vermont, served as a drummer boy at Concord and Lexington,
during the Revolutionary war, and was present at the surrender of Lord
Cornwallis at Yorktown. His maternal grandfather, Levi Goss, a descendant of Holland Dutch ancestry, who settled in Virginia, participated in the War of 1812. Samuel Montgomery Ranger was born in the
State of New York, and as a young man migrated to Michigan, settling
on land one and one-half miles west of Morenci, in Medina township,
Lenawee county. There he spent his life in agricultural pursuits, his
death occurring in 1904, while his wife, a native of Ontario, Canada,
passed away in 1888. There were two sons born to them, the younger
of whom, Frank N., died unmarried on the old homestead in 1902.
Charles M. Ranger was educated in the district schools of Medina
township and the high school at Morenci, subsequently attending the
literary department of Albion College, from which he was graduated
with the class of 1877, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Qualifying as an educator, he then became principal of the high school at
Morenci, a position which he held for two years, and for three years held
a like position at Elk Rapids, but in 1882 gave up teaching to embark
on a business career. Coming to Battle Creek he entered the furniture
and undertaking business in partnership with William D. Farley, under
the firm style of Ranger & Farley, an association which continued
twenty-eight years and was ended July 1, 1910, when Mr. Ranger, on
account of impaired health, retired from the firm. Mr. Ranger had
charge of the funeral directing for the firm, and was one of the pioneer
arterial embalmers of the state. He was president of the State Funeral
Directors Association, and soon after the license law went into effect was
made a member of the State Board of Health, an office which he has
held during the past ten years. He is also a member of the Conference
of Embalmers Examining Boards of North America, of which he served
as president one year. In 1889 he was elected a trustee of Albion College and has held that position since, being president of the board of
trustees for the past five years. Since selling his interest in the furniture and undertaking establishment, Mr. Ranger has been practically
retired from active business, spending the greater part of the time out



1162


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of-doors, which he has found very beneficial to his health, and devoting
his summers to superintending work on the family farm, a 255-acre
dairy farm, of which he is now the owner. His residence is at No. 30
Upton avenue. In political matters a stanch Republican, he has not
desired public office, but in 1893 served as a member of the board of
education. Fraternally, he is connected with Calhoun Tent No. 54,
K. 0. T. M. M. of Battle Creek. Mr. Ranger has been a member of the
First Methodist Episcopal church here for many years, and for twentyseven years has been a member of the board of trustees.
Mr. Ranger was married August 20, 1880, in Albion, Michigan, to
Miss Lilly N. C. Robertson, who was born in Sheridan township, Calhoun county, Michigan, three miles west of Albion, daughter of Theodore Robertson. She was a graduate of Albion College in 1877 in the
same class as Mr. Ranger, and subsequently was employed as a governess and as a school teacher in the Chelsea (Michigan) high school until
her marriage. She has taken an active interest in hospital work, being
chairman of the Training School Committee for Nurses, and is now
second vice-president of the board of trustees of Nichols Memorial Hospital of- Battle Creek, and is a member and has been president of the
Women's League. Her brother, Dr. Robertson, is a well-known physician and surgeon of Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Ranger have had two
children: Carl F., born in Battle Creek, graduated from   the high
school in 1902, and from the M. A. C. in 1906, having taken a course in
Mechanical engineering, and now being employed by the Packard Automobile Company, of Detroit, married Miss Bertha F. Root, of this city;
and Miss Genevieve, born in Battle Creek, graduated from the high
school in 1905, and from Albion College in 1910, was the teacher of
mathematics in the high school at Jackson, Michigan. She was married
August 21, 1912, to Samuel B. Moffett of Flint, Michigan. Mr. Moffett
is in the wholesale grocery business in Flint.
In the municipal prosperity of his home city, Mr. Ranger has taken
a lively interest, and has won, both as business man and citizen, the
esteem, confidence and cordial regard of his friends, neighbors and
acquaintances everywhere.
MERRICK E. CORTRIGHT represents the third generation of his name
and family who have called Michigan their home, state, and the name
is further perpetuated by his children and grandchildren. Born in
Clarence township, Calhoun county, on March 2, 1861, Mr. Cortright is
the son of Clarendon Isaiah and Martha Orceno (Evans) Cortright, the
former born in Buttler township, Wayne county, New York, in 1835,
the mother being born in the same state in 1837. Clarendon Isaiah
Cortright came to Michigan in 1844 with his parents, Simeon and Margaret Cortright, the family settling on a farm near to the place which
now represents the home of the Cortright family. Here he was reared
to young manhood, the youngest of a family of ten children. He was a
farmer all his life, beginning with a farm of eighty acres, to which he
eventually added another eighty, and he died on the old homestead in
1903, his widow still surviving and making her home with their son,
Merrick E. of this review. Mr. Cortright was inclined to the independent view in politics, and his political activities were ordered accordingly.
He was a prominent man in his community, and filled many important
offices in the township which for so many years represented his home.
He was township supervisor for a number of years and served several
terms as township treasurer; he served on the board of highway commissioners for some years and was justice of the peace when he died.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1163


Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cortright, the subject being
the only one surviving at this time.
Merrick E. Cortright was educated in the district schools of the
township of Clarence, and his first occupation was as his father's assistant on the home farm. He was in his father's employ for a number
of years, then bought the home farm, to which he added from time to
time. He has always been especially prosperous, carrying on a general
farming business, and has been and still is one of the prominent men of
the township, as men of his name have ever been since the family first
became identified with the community. He is a Democrat, and is now
a justice of the peace, while he has served on the school board for upwards of twelve years, the results of his presence on that body being
noticeable in improved conditions in the school system of the township.
Two years ago Mr. Cortright sold one of his farms to his son-in-law, and
he still retains a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he continues to operate.
In 1884 Mr. Cortright married Edna Oakley, the daughter of Hickford Oakley of Clarence township. Two children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Cortright: Vella Kate, now the wife of Albert Hyatt, and living
on the old Cortright homestead; they have two children; and Clarendon
O., who shares the parental home.
Beyond his membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, Mr.
Cortright has no fraternal affiliations.
JOHN WINTER. Twenty-seven years ago, or in 1885, John Winter, a
young Englishman yet in his teens, came to this country to push his way
a stranger in a strange land. Though the United States has long been
famed as a veritable mine of opportunity, yet like the mine it yields its
treasures only to those of pluck, resolution and willing endeavor. These
were qualities of character that this young man possessed, together
with a large capacity for work, and he has not been denied the merited
reward. When he reached Michigan he had $2.03 in the way of money;
today he owns a farm of 120 acres in Clarence township of Calhoun
county free of all indebtedness and with good improvements. All of
this has been Mr. Winter's own accomplishment, for he has had no assistance whatsoever save that which came through his own ability and
effort. In recent years he has also assisted his father.
John Winter was born in England on April 4, 1867. Iis father,
Albert Winter, was born in England in 1842 and has spent all of his
active years there as a workman in a brick yard. He is still living in
England. Mary (Mitchell) Winter, the mother of our subject, was born
in England in 1839 and passed to the life beyond in 1910. John Winter
spent his youth in England and there acquired the most of his education, though he attended a night school some before coming to the
ITnited States and after coming to Michigan attended the Dean school
in Jackson county. Hle emigrated from England in 1885 and upon his
arrival in Michigan he secured employment in completing the erection
of a building. Following that he took up work by the month as a farm
hand, continuing thus employed for two seasons, and then began farmincg on the shares. By industry and frugality he finally saved 'sufficient
means to make a payment on a farm and in 1896 bought his present
homestead of 120 acres, going in debt for it to the amount of $4,300.
This indebtedness has now all been removed and in 1908 Mr. Winter
replaced the former dwelling with a comfortable brick farm house. He
has been engaged in general farming and also gives considerable attention to the raising of Shropshire sheep. Ile has not only proved his
ability as an agriculturist and business man, but has also attained high




1164


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


standing and influence as a citizen. He has served as highway commissioner of his township and is now a justice of the peace.
On November 7, 1885, Mr. Winter was united in marriage to Sarah,
daughter of Charles and Mariah Booby, both of whom were natives of
England. Mr. and Mrs. Winter have five children, namely: Ernest J.,
now employed on a farm near Albion; William A., who assists on the
home farm; Maude, now Mrs. William Miller, of Clarence, Michigan;
and Mabel and Theodore R., both at the parental home. In religion Mr.
Winter was reared in the Episcopal faith, and in political views he is a
Republican. He is a member of his local Grange.
FRANK WATSON ENGLE, who occupies a representative position among
the agriculturists of Calhoun county, Michigan, was born on the farm
on which he now lives, in Tekonsha township, September 20, 1854, son
of James T. and Ella J. (Watson) Engle, early settlers of this township. Further mention of the Engle family will be found on another
page of this work, in connection with the sketch of James A. Engle, a
brother of Frank W.
Frank W. Engle received his education in the district school near
his home and at the Tekonsha high school. Also for a time he attended
school at Burlington, Michigan. Farming, has been his life work, though
he taught school one term. In 1881, he took over the home place, on a
contract from his father, this being the year previous to his father's
death. He carried out the terms of the contract, and in time not only
paid off the indebtedness, but also bought and paid for a 40-acre tract
adjoining his land, making in all one hundred acres, on which he carries
on general farming and stock raising. He has an attractive country
home, the surroundings of which give indication not only of his prosperity but also of the culture and refinement of his family.
Mr. Engle was married, in 1883, to Miss Patience E. Crandall, daughter of John A. and Melissa Crandall; and they have two children: Earl
J., a graduate of the Ypsilanti Normal School, now superintendent of
the schools at Brighton, Michigan; Alice Blanche, a member of the
June, 1912, class of the Ypsilanti Normal School. Mrs. Engle and her
son and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mrs. Engle's father died in 1900, and her mother, Mrs. Crandall, makes
her home with them.
Although not a politician, Mr. Engle maintains a deep interest in
public affairs and gives his earnest support to the Prohibition party.
ERI COWLES, the eldest child of his parents, was born on the estate
of his father, Addison Cowles, in Battle Creek township of Calhoun
county, Michigan, on the 13th of March, 1839. Among the representative men of this county he takes appropriate rank, for, as noted above,
he is a native born citizen and he is one of its most successful farmers as
well. Whether we consider the virtues that adorn character, or the
benefits which a useful and successful man confers on his community,
the subject of this sketch is equally deserving of mention in this work.
His father, Addison Cowles, who was a farmer and pioneer settler in
Calhoun county, is mentioned more specifically in the sketch of R. B.
Cowles appearing on other pages of this volume. His mother was Mary
Wells prior to her marriage. The death of the father when Eri was
fourteen years of age threw upon his young shoulders heavy responsibilities, for it devolved upon him to take charge of the home place and to
assist his mother in providing and caring for the other children, unselfishly performing this filial duty as long as it was necessary. He
eventually came into possession of the old homestead, which is his pres



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1165


ent abode, and owns altogether 150 acres of valuable land, the most of
which he cleared. He also has made the splendid improvements to be
found thereon, making it one of the attractive and comfortable homes of
the township. Besides the lines of general farming, Mr. Cowles has
given considerable attention and very successfully to stockraising. He
was educated in the district schools in the vicinity of his birthplace
and for a number of years during the earlier part of his career taught
school in this county.
Mr. Cowles has been twice married. His first wife was Salvania
Consadine, whom he wedded in 1865. She was the daughter of Daniel
Consadine, a native of Ohio and a wagon and carriage maker by trade.
In religious faith and membership she was a Presbyterian. Frank R.
Cowles is the only child of this union now living and he resides on his
father's farm. The second marriage of Mr. Cowles was in 1875 when
Miss Elsie Sprague became his wife. She is the daughter of Argalus
Sprague and a member of one of Calhoun county's highly respected
families that was established here in pioneer days. She is affiliated with
the Methodist Episcopal church. To their union was born a daughter
Grace, now the wife of C. C. Miller, a farmer in Newton township.
In political affairs Mr. Cowles is inclined to be independent in his
views and supports those men and measures he deems best suited to promote the welfare of the whole people. Long years of exemplary living
and a character unblemished have established Mr. Cowles as one of the
venerable and most esteemed citizens of Emmett township, and as such
and as a worthy pioneer of the county we are pleased to preserve in this
form a brief sketch of his life, thus placing his name among the men
who have contributed to the wealth and progress of Calhoun county.
AARON E. BLANCK holds distinctive prestige as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Battle Creek, Michigan, where he has
resided during the greater part of his active career. On account of
the impaired condition of his health he retired from business activities
in 1905 but up to that time was engaged in the contracting business
here. Many beautiful and substantial buildings stand as a monument to his ability and genius as a builder. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens Electric Company and is a stockholder, director and chairman of the executive committee of that concern at the
present time, having formerly been incumbent of the offices of president and vice-president of the company. He is also financially interested in the Advance Pump & Compressor Company, the City Bank
of Battle Creek; the Michigan Carton Company and the Battle Creek
Brewing Company, in addition to which he is the owner of considerable valuable real estate here.
A native of the fine old Keystone state of the Union, Aaron E.
Blanck was born in Allegheny township, Venango county, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1847, and he is a son of Samuel W. and Lydia A.
(Morris) Blanck, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a
farmer in Pennsylvania for a number of years and he also devoted
considerable attention to his trade as a carpenter. He was an extensive dealer in lumber and logs and after cutting his timber in the Allegheny Mountains would float it down the Allegheny river to the Ohio
river and thence to market in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1864 he removed
to Canandaiga, New York, there purchasing a tract of land' within
corporate limits of the town and engaging in farming. Two years
later he established the family home at Dexter, Michigan, and in 1866
he came to Battle Creek and purchased a farm in Emmett township,
just two and a half miles east of this city. There he continued to reside




1166


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


during the remainder of his life time, his death having occurred on
March 27th, 1879.
Aaron E. Blanck was the fifth in order of birth in a family of
eleven children and he received his early educational training in his
native place in Pennsylvania. He early began to assist his father in
the work and management of the home farm and was also engaged in
the lumber woods in the Allegheny mountains. At the age of sixteen
years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, under the tutelage of his
father. After the removal of the family to Canandaiga, New York,
he attended the academy in that place and subsequently to the removal
to Dexter he completed his apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade.
In 1873 he rented a farm of two hundred and fifty acres of land in
Bedford township, Calhoun county, and farmed the same with remarkable success for a period of three years.  In 11877 he went to
Sacramento, California, where he assumed charge of a ranch of several hundred acres, and later he was employed as a conductor on the
street railway in Sacramento. In 1878 he returned to Michigan with
the intention of again going to California, where he had arranged
for a position in the Central Pacific Railroad shops.  In the meantime he was married, and upon the persuasion of his wife and parents,
gave up his second trip to California.
In 1878 he entered the employ of the Upton-Brown Threshing iMachine Works, at Battle Creek, and remained in the employ of that concern for a period of two years, at the expiration of which, he purchased
the old homestead in Enmmett township from the heirs, his father having died in March, 1879. The ensuing three years were passed in farming on the home estate and then Mr. Blanek disposed of it and removed to Battle Creek, where he entered the service of the Grand
Trunk Railroad Company as a bridge and depot builder. Later, he
took charge of the building of the Wakelee Block, as superintendent,
and later began contracting and building on his own account. He has
erected many of the substantial structures in Battle Creek, having been
contractor for the Rupert & Vesey Block and superintendent of the
building of the Stone Block. He also had charge of the building of
a number of the manufacturing plants and storage buildings in Battle
Creek. He built a number of residences on his own account and later
disposed of them and has also erected some of the fine homes of the
more prominent families here.
In addition to the contracting business, Mr. Blanck has long been
interested in various local business enterprises of broad scope and
importance. He helped organize the Citizens Electric Company, and
served that concern in the capacities of president and vice-president.
He is still a stockholder in the company, is a member of its board of
directors and is chairman of the executive committee. He has money
invested in the Advance Pump & Compressor Company; in the City
Bank of Battle Creek, in the Michigan Carton Company and in the
Battle Creek Brewing Company. He is the owner of a number of
residence and business lots and has always manifested a deep and sincere interest in all matters tending to promote progress and improvement in Battle Creek and Calhoun county. He also makes a specialty
of estimating fire losses, as an expert, both for owners and for insurance companies.
In 1905 Mr. Blanck retired from active participation in business
affairs, on account of poor health, and now contents himself with a
general supervision of his extensive interests. Just after his retirement he took a trip to California. spending six months on the coast and
traveling around in various sections of the country. He was made a




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1167


Mason in Bedford Lodge, No. 207, Free and Accepted Masons, in 1874,
but later became a charter member of A. T. Metcalf Lodge, No. 419,
at Battle Creek. He is likewise affiliated with the Chapter, Council
and Commandery of the Masonic order and is a valued member of
Saladin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, at Grand Rapids. He is connected with the Athelstan Club
in this city and has ever been a booster for Battle Creek, insisting
that there is no place on the map like it. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for Grant in 1868. He has taken an active
interest in local politics but has never been an aspirant for public
office.
Mr. Blanck has been twice married, his first union having been to
Lucretia Doy, who was born in Hull, England, a daughter of Dr. John
and Jane (Dunn) Doy. This ceremony was performed in 1870 and
Mrs. Blanck was called to eternal rest in 1900, at the age of sixty
years. Two children were born to this union,-John Elmer and Catherine. Both died while young. March 18, 1908, Mr. Blanck was united
in marriage to Miss Blanche Fishler, who was born at Wellsburg, New
York, but who was a resident of Elmira, New York, at the time of her
marriage. 'Mr. and Mrs. Blanck reside at No. 70 North avenue, this
city.
Mr. Blanck is a man of unusual enterprise and initiative and he,
himself won the splendid success which has come to him in the business
world. He gives freely to all worthy movements for the betterment
of mankind. His life history is certainly worthy of commendation
and of emulation, for along honorable and straightforward lines he
has won the success which crown his efforts and which makes him
one of the substantial residents of Battle Creek, where he has so long
resided and where he commands the unqualified confidence and esteem
of all with whom he has had dealings.
J. BYRON SPERRY. Among the veritable captains of industry in
Calhoun county is numbered this representative citizen and alert and
progressive business man of Battle Creek, and here his interests are
not only varied but also of broad scope and importance. He has been
a power in the promotion of enterprises that have had emphatic influence in furthering the industrial progress and material and civic prosperity of the metropolis of Calhoun county, and his high standing as
a citizen as well as his large achievement as a man of affairs specially
entitle him to recognition in this history of the county. He is president
of the J. B. Sperry Company, one of the most important contracting
and building concerns of the county; is secretary of the Battle Creek
Building & Loan Association; and is one of the principal stockholders
and chief executive of the Level Park Lumber Company, besides which
he and his son are owners and managers of the business conducted by
the Crystal Sand & Gravel Company, which is incorporated under the
laws of the state. These represent not all of the activities of Mr.
Sperry, and he has done and is doing much to further the advancement and upbuilding of his home city and county, where his circle of
friends is coincident with that of his acquaintances.
J. Byron Sperry was born at Panton, Addison county, Vermont,
on the 29th of June, 1854, and is a son of Rev. Charles W. and Rachel
Ann (Gardner) Sperry. both of whom were likewise born in the old
Green Mountain state, the respective families having been founded in
New England in the early colonial days.  The father of Mr. Sperry
was a leading member of the clergy of the Seventh Day Adventist
church, and both he and his wife passed the closing years of their lives
Vol. II-3 6




1168


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


in the state of New York. He, whose name initiates this sketch was
reared in the home of his maternal grandfather, Henry Gardner, and
in 1864, when nine years of age, he accompanied his grandparents on
their removal to Battle Creek, Mr. Gardner having previously been
a successful farmer in the state of New York and having come to Battle Creek as one of the early representatives of the colony of the members of the Adventist church, of which he and his wife were most zealous adherents. J. Byron Sperry was but seven years of age at the time
of his father's death, and his devoted mother was summoned to the
life eternal about two years later, he having been the only child. He
was reared with tender solicitude and care by his grandparents, who
continued to reside in Battle Creek until their death and the names
of whom he holds in reverent memory. He was reared and educated
in the city that is now his home and was one of the first pupils in the
Adventist select school which was here established by Professor Bell
and which later, developed into Battle Creek College, one of the leading institutions of the Adventist church for many years. As a youth
Mr. Sperry entered the employ of the Review & Herald Publishing
Company, in the offices of which he became a skilled workman in the
various departments of the printing business. He remained with the
company for a period of thirteen years, within which he served as
foreman of the press room and also as foreman of the composing room
for some time. He was one of the valued and popular employes of this
staunch old concern, which was maintained under the auspices of the
Adventist church, the interests of which were so long centralized in
Battle Creek.
Since 1888, Mr. Sperry has been actively identified with real estate
operations, in connection with which, he began an individual business
on a modest scale, and he has been for many years one of the leading
representatives of this important line of enterprise in this part of the
state. In 1903, he found it expedient to handle his extensive interests
in this line by the organization of the Michigan Real Estate Company,
Limited, of which he has since been the executive head. He is also
president of the Level Park Lumber Company and the J. B. Sperry
Company, builders and contractors; and is secretary of the Battle
Creek Building & Loan Association, which was organized in April,
1908, and which is exercising most benignant functions in assisting
those of moderate financial resources to obtain homes of their own.
Mr. Sperry is also president of the Crystal Sand & Gravel Company,
incorporated, in which his associate is his second son, Charles G. This
company have fifty acres of the finest sand and gravel banks in the
state, the products being of all commercial grades and the splendid
banks being situated at Level Park, Calhoun county, with a practically
inexhaustible supply. The gravel excavation has been carried to a
depth of seventy-two feet and the integrity of the deposit at that depth
remains unimpaired, while experts have pronounced both the sand and
gravel to be unexcelled in the entire state, the property having been
given a concervative valuation of sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Sperry
is also the owner of the Meadow Lawn Park addition to the city of
Battle Creek, the same containing twenty-three acres, and the property
is being improved according to the best modern standards. Mr. Sperry
is associated with William H. Hamilton, of Battle Creek, in the ownership of Level Park, which is a tract of one hundred acres and which
is eligibly located about three miles of Battle Creek. He has erected
eighty-seven residences in Battle Creek and has given special attention to the building of houses for working men, to whom he sells the
properties on the installment plan. He conducts a well ordered real




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1169


estate 'business and as a contractor and builder has been one of the
most prominent and influential exponents of this line of enterprise in
the city and county which have been his home from his boyhood days
and in which he has found ample opportunity for worthy and productive effort. In connection with other interests, he is local representative of five leading insurance companies, and controls a substantial
business as underwriter for the same. Mr. Sperry has admirably developed his powers as a man of large capacity for affairs of breadth
and importance and is a progressive, liberal and loyal citizen who
commands impregnable vantage ground in popular confidence and es.
teem. In politics, he gives his allegiance to the Republican party and
he was formerly an active and effective worker in the ranks. He has
never been a seeker of public office but served three years as city assessor of Battle Creek. He and his family are zealous and valued members of the Tabernacle church, Seventh Day Adventist, and he has
ever held closely to the religious faith in which he was reared. He
is liberal in support of the various departments of church work and
is a member of the board of trustees of the Tabernacle church. In
a social way he is affiliated with the local organization of the Independent Order of Foresters.
On the 18th of June, 1883, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Sperry to Miss Nellie Nelson, of Battle Creek, where she was reared
and educated; she was born in the state of Maine and was a child at
the time of the family removal to Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry
have three children, all of whom were born and reared in Battle Creek.
Deo R., the elder son, completed his education in the old Battle Creek
College, and has been a resident of California since 1903. He now has
charge of stock in the plant of the Pacific Press Publishing Company,
at Mountain View, that state. In the year 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Linda Lawrence, of Battle Creek. Charles G., the second
son, resides at Level Park and has charge of the extensive business in
which he is there associated with his father, as the other interested
principal in the Crystal Sand & Gravel Company, Inc. He likewise
was afforded the advantages of Battle Creek College, and in December,
1909, he was united in marriage to Miss Mae Bather, of Detroit. Beulah H., the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sperry, was a student in
Battle Creek College until the time of its removal to Berrien Springs,
and was graduated in the local high school as a member of the class
of 1908. In September, 1910, was solemnized her marriage to Howard
G. Bayley, who has been a resident of Battle Creek since he was twelve
years of age. He was born at Metamora, Lapeer county, Michigan,
and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Burns) Bayley. His father was
a representative business man of Metamora, where he was engaged in
the buying and shipping of live stock at the time of his death, in 1896,
and his widow now resides in Battle Creek.
HENRY J. SCHWARK. One of the most progressive and best known
men of Newton township, Calhoun county, is Henry J. Schwark, a
successful agriculturist and one keenly awake to all that makes for
advancement, not only in his particular vocation but along all lines
of industry. He is one of the leading promoters of the interurban railroad that is to be built cpnnecting the cities of Battle Creek and Coldwater, and in various other ways he has demonstrated that he belongs
to that class of American farmers who are both advanced agriculturists
and alert business men.
Mr. Schwark was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on August 19,
1862 and was a lad of but eleven years when his parents, Henry and




1170


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mary (Mau) Schwark, emigrated from     Germany and settled in Emmett township, Calhoun county, Michigan. Until 1875 Henry Schwark
worked by the year there; then he bought a farm in Newton. township,
where he continues to reside, an aged and highly respected citizen.
Both parents were born in Germany, the father's birth having occurred
in 1829 and that of the mother in 1831, and both were devout members
of the Lutheran church; the latter has passed to the life beyond.
Henry J. Schwark has spent the most of his life amid the scenes
of his later youth, for he was reared in Newton township and pursued
his education in the common schools there. When beginning life for
himself he took up the vocation with which he had become familiar,
that of farming, and has followed it continuously since. His capital
with which to begin consisted of an industrious nature, a good fund
of energy, and that tenacity of purpose which has been his strength
in overcoming difficulties. He has grappled with fortune and won,
for he is now the owner of 213 acres of good land and is well established as one of the prosperous men of his township.
In 1882, Mr. Schwark was united in marriage to Miss Llewella M.
Love, a daughter of Almond D. Love, a native of Calhoun county, who
for a time taught school and also farmed and later, became a merchant
at Burlington, Michigan. Mrs. Schwark died in 1903.     She was an
active member of the Baptist church. The marriage of Mr. Schwark
and his wife gave issue to five children, namely: Cora, who died when
seventeen years of age; Jesse A., who is now associated with his father
in the management of the home farm; Llewella, at home; and Mertie
L. and Guyle, both of whom are attending school.
In politics, Mr. Schwark is a staunch Democrat, takes an active
and leading part in the local affairs of his party, and attends all of
the different conventions. That he is recognized by his fellow citizens
as a man who believes in improvement is evidenced by the fact that
he has served twelve years altogether as supervisor of Newton township, and he has also served as town clerk six years. He was once his
party's candidate for sheriff, but was defeated, owing to the predominence of Republican voters within the county. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Knights of the Maccabees. As stated at the beginning
of the sketch, Mr. Schwark is one of the chief promoters of the'interurban railroad that is to connect Battle Creek and Coldwater and is
widely recognized as a citizen who is contributing to the prestige of
Calhoun county and is pushing its progress.
CHARLES H. GILLIS. As executive head of the representative firm
of C. H. Gillis & Sons, general contractors and builders, Mr. Gillis is an
able and successful exponent of a line of enterprise that has most
important bearing upon the civic and material development and progress of any community, and is recognized as one of the leading representatives of the same in the city of Battle Creek. The mill and office
of the firm are situated at 53 South MeCamly street, and the facilities
controlled are of the best order in all departments, a specialty being
made of fine cabinet work and stair building.
Charles H. Gillis was born at Vermontville, Eaton county, Michigan, on the 12th of April, 1855, and is a son of Edwin and Elizabeth H. (Mead) Gillis, the former of whom was born in the state of New
York and the latter in Meadville, Pennsylvania, she having been a
representative of the family in whose honor the town was named and
one which was specially prominent in the activities of the Civil war.
Edward Gillis was reared and educated in his native state and there
learned the tinner's trade. He came to Michigan more than half a century ago, and he was comparatively a young man at the time of his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1171


death, which occurred in Battle Creek, in August, 1869. His wife survived him by nearly a quarter of a century and passed the closing
years of her life in Battle Creek, where she died in 1893, at the age of
53 years. Her remains were interred in Oak ITill cemetery, and beside
them rest the mortal relies of her husband, the same having been removed from their original resting place, in the cemetery at Marshall,
and reinterred beside those of the wife of his youth.  Edwin and
Elizabeth II. Gillis became the parents of five sons, one of whom died
in infancy, and of the four surviving the subject of this review is the
eldest; William H., who was born in Battle Creek, is now a resident
of Garrett, Indiana; Edwin, who was born at Galesburg, Michigan, is
a resident of Kalamazoo, this state; and Harry B., who was likewise
born at Galesburg, now maintains his home at South Bend, Indiana.
Charles IT. Gillis was a child at the time of the family removal to
Galesburg, Kalamazoo county, where he gained his early education in
the public schools. He was but fourteen years of age at the time of
his father's death and as the family was left in straitened circumstances
he began to depend upon his own resources when a mere boy. Thus
it is that he contended with adverse circumstances, learned the value
of practical industry and self-reliance, and became animated with that
ambition which has enabled him to gain definite and worthy success
through his own well directed endeavors. In his youth he learned the
carpenter's trade, and he followed the same for virtually a quarter of a
century, during the major part of which period he did independent
work as a builder. He has passed the major part of his life in Battle
Creek. IIe was married at Vicksburg and thereafter resided for two
years at Galesburg. He then returned to Battle Creek, which has continued to be his home since 1880. In 1907 he purchased his present
mill property and since 1900 he has been engaged in general contracting
and building, in which his sons became associated with him as partners.
He has been the contractor in the erection of many excellent houses and
other building in Battle Creek, including the fine edifice of the First
Methodist Episcopal church and a substantial business block on State
street. He now gives employment to a larger number of men than does
any other contractor in the city, and a very considerable number of his
employes are engaged in handling the work at the mill, which is
equipped for the turning out of the highest grade of cabinet work and
interior finishing, the plant being operated as a custom mill. A specialty
is made of the installing of store fronts and other remodeling and also
of the manufacturing of window screens, which has become an important part of the business.
In politics Mr. Gillis is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the
Republican party, but he is essentially a business man and has had
neither time nor inclination for the activities of practical politics,
though his sense of civic duty caused him to make favorable response
when he was tendered the nomination for representative of the second
ward in the city board of aldermen, as a member of which body he is
now serving his fourth year, his term expiring in April, 1912.
At Vicksburg, Kalamazoo county, on the 21st of August, 1878, Mr.
Gillis was united in marriage to Miss Dora L. Russell, who was reared
and educated at Galesburg, that county, and who is a daughter of
L. W. and Susan M. (Sharpstein) Russell. Her father was a wagon
maker by vocation and was a. valiant soldier in a Michigan regiment
in the Civil war; he passed the closing years of his life at Mancelona,
Antrim county, and his widow now resides at Galesburg. Mr. and
Mrs. Gillis have two sons. Floyd RI. was born in Battle Creek, on




1172


HIISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the 20th of September, 1885, and was here reared and educated. He
has been actively associated with his father in business, as a member of
the firm of C. H. Gillis & Sons, since 1911, and is one of the alert and
popular young business men of his native city. On the 2d of July,
1906, he wedded Miss Laura Gillett, of Battle Creek, and they have two
children, Charles Henry and Martha Dora. Carl H., the younger son,
was born in Battle Creek, and like his brother is a member of the firm
of C. H. Gillis & Sons, though he now resides in the city of Chicago,
where he holds a responsible position with the National Biscuit Company. After availing himself of the advantages of the public schools
he completed a course in the Michigan Business & Normal College, in
Battle Creek, in which he was graduated. The attractive modern home
of the subject of this review is located at 180 Upton avenue, and his
elder son resides at 479 West Van Buren street.
ELBERT COREY. A remarkable percentage of the citizens of Calhoun
county have sprung from families that were first established on the soil
of the old Empire State, but responded during the early part of the last
century to the invitation of the virgin and fertile soil of Southern
Michigan to found new homes. Though there were to be endured the
hardships incident to life in a new and undeveloped country, those of
staying qualities found there the promised advantages of greater opportunities and better home. Among the names connected with the
early settlement of Calhoun county appears those of the Corey and Barker families, both of which Elbert' Corey represents as a descendant.
He was born in Athens township, Calhoun county, Michigan, July
27, 1859, one of eight children that came to his parents, William and
Mary (Barker) Corey. The father was born in New York in 1820 and
the mother's nativity occurred in the same state in 1823. Both accompanied their respective parents to Calhoun county, Michigan, when but
children, were reared in Athens township, and received their education
in the district schools of their vicinity. William Corey took up farming and followed it with success until his death on the old homestead in
1909. He was a Republican in his political views. When his father settled in Athens township the tract upon which he located was wild and
unimproved and had to be cleared, thus William grew up familiar with
the life of the pioneer farmer in Michigan. Both father and son prospered and became large owners of land. The maternal grandfather of
our subject took up his land from the government and resided on it the
remainder of his life. His brother, Martin Barker, served with distinction in the War of 1812.
The educational advantages of Elbert Corey were limited to those
of the district schools. When he assumed independent relations in
life he did so as an employe on his father's farm and by working out
by the month for others, continuing thus until his marriage March 18,
1885, when he became established where he now resides, the property
being that which his wife inherited from her father. Mrs. Corey was
formerly Miss Lola Hurd, a daughter of Luther Hurd, who was another
of the very early settlers in Calhoun county and one of the most prosperous farmers of Newton township. At the time Mr. and Mrs. Corey
began life together their farm was not cleared. It is now all under cultivation, its well-tilled acres forming an appropriate settling for a
beautiful country home, with other numerous buildings appurtenant to
a well-equipped farm, all of which Mr. Corey has placed there. In
politics he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Corey have two children, Morris and Emma, both of whom are at home with their parents.




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HANNAH W. BRYANT




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1173


MRs. HANNAH WILLIS BRYANT. Stephen Healy Willis was for many
years a resident of Calhoun county and was in his time classed with the
leading agriculturist of the state.  He entered business life somewhat handicapped by physical infirmity, yet he achieved a success that
many a more able-bodied man might have envied. He was a man of
unusual force of character, which, together with his ambition, enabled
him to win a degree of success and prosperity of a pleasing nature. He
reached the age of eighty-four years, and his name will long be rermembered kindly in the community where he made his home for many
years.
Born on the 5th of January, 1805, in Greene, Chenango county,
New York, Stephen Healy Willis was the third child of his parents,
iMatthew and Sarah (Lyon) Willis, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. At an early period in his life Matthew Willis made his home
in Tompkins county, New York, and later resided in Clyde, that state.
He kept a tavern in Tompkins county and was at one time quite a
wealthy man, but an unfortunate turn of fortune's wheel lost his entire property to him, and with his family. was practically turned out of
their home, when their youngest child was but an infant in arms. This
unfortunate event took place when Stephen Willis was a lad of ten,
and he was soon thereafter bound out, as a means of easing the family burden. His crippled condition made life unduly hard for him and
when he was about seventeen he returned to his parents, who were
then located in Clyde, New York. He remained with them till he was
well on in his twenties, and his assistance proved valuable in enabling
his father to become the owner of a farm. This accomplished, the
young man started out for himself and secured employment in a glass
factory. He was later employed on the Erie canal and afterward went
to Rochester, thence to East Bloomfield, New York.
It was in the springtime of 1835 that Mr. Willis first came to Calhoun county. He came in company with the man who later became
his brother-in-law, and for a time he was in the employ of Judge Olin.
The country then was in a wild, unsettled state, but Mr. Willis, with his
natural insight into the future, recognized the splendid opportunities
which the virgin country presented, and in the autumn of 1837 entered two hundred and eight acres of land from the government, his
deed to the land being signed by President Van Buren,-a paper which
is still in the possession of his daughter, Mrs. Bryant. In May, 1838,
he returned to East Bloomfield, New York, and there the young man
married Miss Thankful Case, a native daughter of Rhode Island, and
the child of Jesse and Tabitha (Hopkins) Case who removed to Ontario county, New York, during the girlhood of their daughter. Mr.
Willis returned with his young bride and the pair established their
home upon the land he had secured from the government. They met
with all those trying experiences common to the pioneer in a new land,
incident to short means and the usual primitive conditions, and it is a
fact of which they often spoke that there were times when they found
it difficult to secure the cash to pay the postage rate, then twenty-five
cents, upon letters to their friends in the home state. Two children
came to them, but one died in infancy, and lies buried with the parents
in Riverside cemetery. The other, Hannah M., is the only living representative of the family in this section of the state, and now lives at the
old homestead.
Mr. Willis was more or less closely connected with the public affairs of his community through the years he passed in this vicinity,
and his name figures somewhat conspicuously in relation to the history
of Albion. The city of Albion was in the early days known as The Forks,
and it was upon the petition of Mr. Willis and Amos Babcock that the




1174


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


legislature granted a charter for changing the name. The name Albion was chosen, because it was the name of a town near to Mr. Willis'
old New York home. The personal activities of Mr. Willis in a business way were resultant in a continuous upbuilding of his fortunes, and
he gradually accumulated a valuable property, including the home
farm of four hundred acres. This land was in a wild and uncultivated
state when it came into his hands, but the passing years saw a wondrous transformation in his property, and it eventually came to yield
him splendid crops as the result of his applied industry and enthusiasm.
Mr. Willis was always known for a man of the most scrupulous
honor and integrity, and his success was the result of unremitting labor,
wisely guided by common sense and sound business judgment.
In 1881 the faithful wife of Mr. Willis died at the age of seventynine, and it was about seven years later that he passed on. Following
the death of his wife he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Hannah
M. Bryant, who cared for him most faithfully and tenderly during his
declining years. About three years previous to his death he fell and
broke his hip, and though he recovered sufficiently to be able to get
about with the aid of crutches, he was almost an invalid as a result of
the accident, and he died on the 13th of October, 1888, at the venerable
age of eighty-three years, nine and a half months. He was cognizant
that the end was near, but his faith in the love of the All-Father was
sufficient for him and he died calmly and peacefully. He was reared
in the faith of the Presbyterian church and was a member of that denomination, but he was ever deeply interested in the Baptist church
of Albion and gave most generously to its support. His friends of the
Baptist church, in appreciation of his unfailing generosity, presented
their friend and benefactor with a gift of an easy chair on his eightieth
birthday, which afforded him much comfort during the last three years
of his life. He was a kind hearted, generous Christian gentleman and
none ever came to him in vain for sympathy or aid, and when he finally
passed away, he was deeply mourned by many who had loved him and
who had reason to feel they had lost a friend. A local publication said
of him at the time of his death: "He was a man of strict integrity,
true to what he believed to be right, energetic and persevering, doing
well whatever he undertook. He was known to everybody as a good
man and we have yet to hear the first word against his character. He
was a great reader and possessed more than ordinary mentality. His
presence will be greatly missed, but his good example and wise counsels
will not soon be forgotten. Thus has passed away another of our old
settlers and a man whose memory will be cherished by a large circle
of friends."
Mrs. Hannah M. Bryant, the sole surviving member of the Willis
family, was born arid reared in Calhoun county, and she was married on
the 27th day of February, 1867, to Mr. Squire Calhoun Bryant, who
was born on November 8, 1838, near Dansville, New York. After his
death his widow made her home for six years in Rochester, New York,
and in 1878 returned to her father's home, where she remained until
his death. She is now the owner of the old farmstead which he entered from the government nearly eighty years ago, and is busily engaged in its operation. To the four hundred which her father left
her Mrs. Bryant has added three hundred acres and is now the owner
of at least seven hundred acres of fine land in Calhoun county, together
with other valuable property.  Mrs. Bryant has exercised the same
keenness of discernment in the manipulation of her affairs which characterized her father's operations, and she is regarded as one of the most




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1175


successful women of the county today. Thoroughly understanding farming from the most improved and modern view points, she has amply
demonstrated her ability to farm scientifically and with profit. In
1899 she erected a handsome residence on her farm at a cost of about
five thousand dollars, acknowledged to be one of the fine country homes
of Calhoun county, and hospitality abounds in her pleasant home..Mrs.
Bryant has endeared a large circle of friends to herself with the passing years, and is one of the most beloved women of the county.
FRED D. COTTON. Noteworthy among the energetic farmers who mlaterially assist in maintaining the reputation of Calhoun county as a
superior agricultural and stockraising region is Fred D. Cotton, who
has made his own way through life, every dollar that he possesses having
come to him through his own efforts. A son of John Cotton, he was born
January 9, 1872, in Marshall county, Kansas.  His paternal grandfather, Dudley Cotton, was born in Vermont, of English lineage. Coming to Michigan many years ago, he took up government land in Le Roy
township, Calhoun county, and on the farm which he hewed from the
wilderness spent his remaining days, dying at the venerable age of four
score and four years.
Born and brought up in Le Roy township, John Cotton assisted his
father in the pioneer labor of clearing and improving a farm, remaining at home until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when he volunteered his services, and served for three years as a soldier, taking part
in many engagements of importance. He made farming his chief occupation, and is now living in Battle Creek. IIe married De Ette Rider,
who was born in Calhoun county, Michigan, on the farm where her
father, Benjamin Rider, settled on coming to Michigan from New York.
Selecting for his life occupation the free and independent calling
of a farmer, Fred D. Cotton has been engaged in agricultural pursuits
for many years. He has displayed marked ability and intelligence in
his labors, and in his work has been quite prosperous. In 11909 he
bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and is meeting
with very satisfactory results as a general farmer and stock-raiser, each
year adding to the improvements and value of his estate. Politically
Mr. Cotton is a steadfast Republican, and fraternally he is a member of
Climax Lodge, No. 59, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons.
Mr. Cotton married, in 1896, Mabelle Hayes, a daughter of Leonard
Jerome Hayes, who was born in New York state. was for some time
engaged in farming in Michigan, and later removed to South Bend,
Indiana, where he carried on a prosperous business as a baker. Mrs.
Cotton's paternal grandfather, Captain Hayes, who served in the Civil
war from 1861 until 1863, was born, lived, and died in Hebron, Washington county, New York. On July 19, 1874, Leonard Jerome Hayes
married Ellen Blackett, a remarkably capable young woman, who was
an expert dressmaker, and an accomplished musician, having for a
number of years given instruction on the piano, and to them three
children were born, Mabelle, Carrie and Jesse. Mrs. Cotton's maternal grandfather, William  Blackett, was born in Warwickshire,
England, in 1825, and came to America in 1844, landing in New
York, from there walking, with his brother, Robert, to Detroit, Michigan. For five years thereafter he followed his trade of a blacksmith, and
then, in 1850, bought two hundred acres of land lying south and west
of Battle Creek. He subsequently lived in Kalamazoo a few years, and
while there developed his great artistic talent, creating from fifty to sixty
large and valuable oil paintings, some of which won either first or
second premiums at the Chicago and Detroit fairs. He was widely




1176


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


known as the "farmer artist." William Blackett married, in 1846, Lucy
Chamberlain, who was born in Berkshire, England, in 1826, and came
to America with her parents in 1837. In 1838 her father took his family
back to Old England, and in 1840, with his wife and six children, returned to the United States, being three months in crossing the ocean.
Mrs.. William  Blackett died in 1900, two years before her husband,
leaving six children, as follows: Sidney, William, Charles, Frank,
Henry, Ellen and Libbie.
Mr. and Mrs. Cotton are the parents of four children, namely: Bessie, Walter, Aulean, and Wallace.
OTIS F. KIMBALL. Although badly handicapped as a young man by
the loss of his right arm while fighting for his country, Otis F. Kimball,
now a prosperous and wealthy agriculturist of Newton township, bravely
began his active career without means, but without a doubt of ultimate
success, and by dint of industry, thrift, and superior business management has attained a position of affluence and influence among the leading men of his community. A son of Jesse R. Kimball, he was born,
February 8, 1845, in Burlington township, Calhoun county, of substantial New England stock. His grandfather, Wills was of ScotchIrish ancestry, and came from a family noted for its military spirit and
service, several of his kinsmen having been officers in the Standing
Army, while he himself served in the Revolutionary war.
Jesse R. Kimball was born, in 1798, in New Hampshire, and among
its rocks and rills grew to manhood. Following the march of civilization westward, he came to Michigan with the pioneers of 1835, and for
thirty years thereafter was engaged in tilling the soil in Burlington
township, Calhoun county. Selling that farm about 1865, he purchase.d
land in Newton township, and was there employed in general farming
until his death, in 1882. He was a man of sterling integrity and worth,
and a consistent Christian. His wife, whose maiden name was Sallie
Rood, survived him, passing away in 1885. She was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.   He inherited the patriotic spirit that
characterized his ancestors, and during the War of 1812, when but fourteen years old, served in the army as a drummer boy.
In 1862, while yet in his teens, Otis F. Kimball, enthused with patriotic zeal, enlisted in Company A, First Regiment Michigan Sharpshooters, and with his command was sent to Indiana to look after Morgan
and his raiders, pursuing the band to North Vernon and to Pierceville.
He was subsequently at the front in the Battle of the Wilderness, and
again at Spottsylvania, where he was so severely wounded that after the
engagement he was forced to have his right arm amputated. He remained in the Columbia hospital until December, 1864, when he was
discharged from the service, and returned home. With only one arm,
Mr. Kimball sought some comparatively light work, for a time serving
as a book agent, and later becoming a dealer in stock. In course of
time he accumulated some means, which he invested in land. In 1882
he purchased his present home farm in Newton township, and has since
placed the larger part of his one hundred and sixty acres under a high
state of cultivation, and has erected a commodious residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, his improvements being of a practical
and substantial character. He is Independent in politics, voting for the
best men and measures without regard to party prejudice.
On April 19, 1881, Mr. Kimball was united in marriage with Florence
Stolp, who was born in New York state, a daughter of William Stolp,
who came to Michigan in 1850, bought land in Calhoun county, and was
subsequently engaged in farming the remainder of his life. Mr. and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1177


Mirs. Kimball have two children, namely: Courtland V., living on the
home farm; and Leonia, a student at the Northwestern University,
Evanston, Illinois.
JOHN P. CLOUGH, a well known and substantial farmer of Sheridan
township, is the son of English parents. Born in New York, Mlarch
23, 1851, he came with them to Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1856 and
for fifty-six years has been a continuous resident of the township in
which they settled. Here he grew up a farmer boy, attended the country
schools, and when he came to responsible years took up carpentering
as his occupation. After seven years in this line of employment he took
up farming, the first five years on the shares. In 1882 he bought his
present farm of 219 acres in Sheridan township and went in debt for the
whole of it. Energetic, ambitious and self-reliant and not afraid of
work, he set about with courage and vigor to make it truly his and today
he is its owner free of all indebtedness. A man of unquestioned force
and probity of character, he has.thus from a small beginning made his
way to the very first rank of Sheridan township's successful and influential agriculturists through an unconquerable determination to succeed. It is through the efforts of such men that so much has been accomplished in the development of Calhoun county and upon such citizens
depends the future progress and standing of the county. Besides general farming Mr. Clough is also interested in dairying and has twentyone cows.
He is a son of Henry and Ellen (Blackhurst) Clough, who as previously mentioned became settlers in Sheridan township in 1856. Both
were natives of England, where he was born in 1828 and she in 1830.
Henry Clough came to America in 1848 and settled in New York, where
he was married and from whence he came to Michigan. He was a resident of Sheridan township forty-four years, or until his death in 1900,
and was accounted one of its sterling men. He worked a farm near
Hillsdale one year and so successfully managed it that he made $1,000,
and with this as his capital purchased the farm of seventy acres which
formed his homestead. It will thus be seen that both father and son
have been self-made men. Henry Clough was a Republican in politics.
Ellen Blackhurst Clough was the daughter of Stephen and Fannie (Taylor) Blackhurst, who were English settlers in New York but finally
made their home in Michigan and passed away in this state. To the parents of our subject were born five children, of whom two besides John
P. reside in Calhoun county, namely: Kara, now Mrs. Wallace Abbott,
of Albion township, and William Clough, of Sheridan township. The
mother was a communicant of the Episcopal church.
In 1879 John P. Clough took as his wife Miss Eliza Kimmer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Kimmer, old residents of Sheridan township. To this union have been born four children, viz: Kara D., the
wife of Charles Schroyer and a resident of Michigan; Charles, who
operates a farm in Sheridan township; Clara, now Mrs. Max Roots, of
Sheridan township; and Laura, at home. Mr. Clough is a member of
the Ancient Order of Gleaners, and in politics is a Republican.
CHARLES R. LAMB. Calhoun county is well favored in the number of
its intelligent and enterprising farmer citizens, one of whom is Charles
R. Lamb, a native of Marengo township who has continuously resided on
his present homestead in Clarence township since 1844. Removed to
Clarence in 1845. This homestead is one which his father, Andrew Lamb,
bought in 1844, on October 9 of which year Charles R. was born.
Andrew Lamb, born in 1800, and his wife Susan (Lincoln) Lamb were




1178      HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


both natives of New York, in which state they were married and from
whence they removed to Calhoun county, Michigan. They were among
the very early settlers in this county and located in Clarence township, wheire they bought a farm  on which they spent the remainder of
their lives and which their son Charles R. now owns.  Andrew  Lamb
had no capital to assist him in making his way in life save the will and
willingness to do, and all that he accumulated was the result of his own
labor. IHe died in 1862. To these parents were born ten children but
five of whom survive at this date (1912), namely: Sanford Lamb, now
a resident of Eaton county, Michigan; Emery Lamb, who resides in
Albion, Michigan and was a, Union soldier in the Civil war; Mrs. Martha
Olds, whose home is in California; Sarah A., who first married John
Wise and after his death became the wife of Charles Square, now also
deceased; and Charles R. Lamb, the subject of this review. Andrew
Lamb was a son of Isaac Lamb. In political affairs he was first aligned
with the Whigs and then later with the Republicans.
Charles R. Lamb grew to manhood on the parental Clarence township
farm and in the meantime received the usual common school education.
He was yet in his teens when his father died but he continued to work on
the home place and later bought it. At the time of his purchase it was
encumbered. By untiring industry and steady perseverance he acquired
the means to remove the mortgage; he built up the farm, and in recent
years erected an attractive and comfortable brick residence on the west
side of Duck Lake. Today he owes no man, is the owner of a. good farm
of eighty-four acres, and has acquired that competence which so far as
finances are concerned insures him a comfortable old age.
In 1868 he was united in marriage to M. J. Gribble, daughter of
John and Susan (Clark) Gribble, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania in 1812 and the latter in Ohio in 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Gribble
came to Calhoun county, Maryland in the early '50s and settled on a
farm of eighty acres in Clarence township, where the former passed
away in 1862. Ile was a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb have two children. Their son Wilkes is a resident of Jackson county, Michigan, and
their daughter Cecelia is the wife of Frank Abbey and resides in Albion,
Michigan.
Mr. Lamb is an advocate of prohibition. In religious faith he is a
Christian Scientist, with the merits of which teachings he first became
acquainted some twenty years ago while seeking relief from sickness.
He had been in ill health several years and all attempts to secure beneficial help had thus far failed when he came under the influence of Christian Science teachings and found the long sought relief, for he has not
had a sick day since. He firmly believes in God and His good works.
Mr. Lamb is one of the most influential men of Clarence township, a
position he has attained through long years of worthy living during
which his honor and integrity have ever been his first consideration.
He is therefore deservedly mentioned among the representative men of
Calhoun county.
JOHN M. THOM. "Talent alone cannot make a book; there must
be a man behind the book," writes Emerson, and, had the American
philosopher been discussing matters which had to do with the making
of monuments as well as those pertaining to literature, he might have
added: "Stone cutting alone cannot make a monument; there must
be a man behind the instruments," a man, too, possessed of the necessary qualifications; a man of brain, training and talents that are bound
to lead to success and comfortable competence, as in the case of the
subject of these lines. John M. Thom, widely and favorably known




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1179


as a sculptor of ability, and manufacturer of granite and marble monuments, statuary, etc., located at No. 60 Virginia avenue, Battle Creek,
was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, April 28, 1881, and is a son of George
and Jessie (McDonald) Thom, both of whom are now living retired
in Aberdeen. The father was for a long period a granite manufacturer
in Scotland, but during the last ten years has not been engaged in
active business. He has visited this country on two occasions, but his
wife has never left the land of her birth. They had a family of seven
children, two sons and five daughters, and all are now married except
one sister, who resides with her parents. Two boys and one sister now
reside in the United States: John M.; Mrs. R. J. Cummings, residing
in Omaha, Nebraska; and Alexander, second engineer in one of the big
manufacturing plants of Cleveland, Ohio.
John M. Thom was educated at Aberdeen in the Robert Gordon's
College and also attended the Gray School of Art. Following this he
enlisted as a volunteer in the British army, becoming a member of the
First Batallion, Gordon Highlanders, a famous, hard-fighting regiment, with which he was connected five years. For eighteen months
he served in South Africa, under Gen. Kitchener, in the Boer War,
during which he had an uncle, William R. McGregor, who was killed,
and a cousin wounded. Mr. Thorn received his honorable discharge
in 1902, and during the following year set sail for the United States.
He landed first at Montreal, Canada, where he remained only a short
time, then going to Barre, Vermont, where he worked in the granite
quarries for five years. Subsequently, he spent a short time in Ottawa,
Canada, and in 1909 came to Battle Creek, Michigan, and engaged in
business with William McDonald, under the firm name of McDonald
& Thorn. Two years later, however, his health failing, Mr. McDonald
was forced to go to California, and accordingly went to Los Angeles,
where he has since resided, Mr. Thorn being sole. owner of the business.
He has erected some of the first monuments in Oak Hill and the Catholic Cemetery, and makes a specialty of carving and designing. He is
a man of sterling enterprise as well as artistic ability, which is manifested in every detail of his business, and during his long experience
has made a special study of each branch of his profession; all of which,
combined with the strictest integrity and honorable dealing, leading
characteristics of those of Scotch birth, have won for him innumerable
friends and a wide business connection. The monuments in our cemeteries are evidence of the respect and affection the living entertain
for their dead, and honoring the dead has been the inspiration of sculptors in all ages, a desire to execute those wonderful creations that have
filled the world with monuments of beauty. The designing and execution of memorial work is not a trade, but an art, and furnishes a wide
range for men possessed of such artistic attainments as have been bestowed upon Mr. Thom. One of the best known specimens of his work
is to be found in Oak Hill cemetery, marking the grave of Dr. A. E.
McBeth, a former old and honored physician of this city. On rough
granite is a perfectly executed representation of the Doctor's horse,
above which is a Masonic emblem, a symbol of his long and honored
connection with that great fraternity. The whole work is graceful in
its symmetry and strikingly impressive, a beautiful ornament to that
city of the dead. Another beautiful monument is that of the late Mrs.
W. H. Staley, erected by her daughter, Mrs. C. L. Post, of Battle
Creek. Both these works were executed by Air. Thom and are admirable specimens of his talent, his handicraft and his sympathetic
understanding of his art. His establishment, situated at No. 60 Virginia avenue, within three minutes' walk of Oak Hill and Mt. Olivet




1180


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


cemeteries, is fitted with pneumatic tools and all modern machinery
and appliances. In addition, Mr. Thom acts as agent for the Stewart
Iron Wvorks Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, manufacturers of iron reservoir vases. His skill in lettering caused him to be chosen to do all the
lettering on the new large Battle Creek Mausoleum, at Oak Hill cemetery, one of the largest pieces of work of this kind that has been done
here.
In fraternal matters Mr. Thom is connected with St. Andrews Society, the Woodmen of the World and a Scotch society of Barre, Vermont, the Clan Gordon Society. He and his family are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The family home is located
at No. 11 Pauline avenue, and Mr. Thom and his wife have many
friends in their neighborhood, as he has in business and fraternal circles of Battle Creek.
On August 27, 1907, Mr. Thom was married at Barre, Vermont,
to Miss Ellen McMinn, of Barre, she being a native of Bessbrook, Ireland, and accompanied her parents, John and Elizabeth McMinn, to
the United States when she was a very small child. She was educated
in the schools of Barre, Vermont, where she resided until after her
marriage, and where her father was engaged in stone cutting for a
number of years. Mrs. Thom 's parents now make their home with
their daughter and son-in-law, in Battle Creek, and Mr. McMinn still
follows his trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Thom there have been born two
children: Eleanor Jessie, who was born in Barre, Vermont; and Russell Winston, born in Battle Creek.
HOWARD W. MILLER. A man of scholarly attainments and pronounced ability, Howard W. Miller is one of the best known men of
his township, distinguished not only for the great good he has accomplised as a preacher in the church of the Seventh Day Adventists, but
for the success he has achieved as a farmer and stock raiser. A son
of Hickman Miller, he was born, July 29, 1848, in Carroll county, Ohio.
His paternal grandfather, Charles Miller, a native of Pennsylvania,
served in the War of 1812 as a brave and gallant soldier. He subsequently migrated to Ohio, where he took up large tracts of Government land, and later bought other tracts, acquiring title to six hundred
or more acres in that state, where he spent his last days, dying at the
venerable age of eighty-two years. He was a Whig in politics, and
well known not only in Carroll county, but in all of the near-by counties, having beee prominent in public affairs, and for forty years serving as justice of the peace. Mr. Miller's maternal grandfather, Stephen West, a native of Pennsylvania, became an early settler, and a successful farmer, of Carroll county, Ohio, but later moved to Michigan,
and died in Branch county.
Hickman Miler was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, but
when quite young moved to Carroll county, Ohio, where he resided a
number of years after his marriage to Elizabeth West; a native of that
county. In March, 1862, he came with his family to Calhoun county,
Michigan, bought land in Tekonsha township, and was there successfully employed as a farmer until his death. He was a staunch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, but not an office
seeker.
About fourteen years of age when he came with the family to Calhoun county, Howard W. Miller attended the country schools for a
time, subsequently receiving his collegiate education in Albion. Entering then upon a professional career, he taught school, both in Calhoun and Branch counties, several years, and for three years was asso



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1181


ciated with the college at Battle Creek, having charge of the dormitory,
and of the Bible class. He likewise preached in the Adventist church,
and still continues as a preacher, although at the present time he has
no regular charge.
Mr. Miller owns two hundred acres of land in Newton township,
and in its care and cultivation takes much pleasure, at the same time
finding the rural occupation of a farmer quite remunerative. He not
only tills the soil, but raises considerable stock, making a specialty of
Percheron horses. True to the political faith in which he was reared,
he is a staunch Republican, and has filled some of the township offices.
Mr. Miller married, September 27, 1873, Savina R. Jones. Her
father, Alvy N. Jones, crossed the plains to California in 1851, and
for a time after his arrival in the gold fields was prosperous, but it is
supposed that he died ere he had been there long, as he was never
heard from after the first few communications. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1813, and his wife, was born in the same state, in 1810. Mr.
and Mrs. Miller have two children, namely: Clayton C., living on the
home farm; and Clyde H. Clayton C. Miller was graduated from the
Ypsilanti Normal School, and subsequently taught school twelve years,
being successful as an educator. Clyde H. Miller, graduated from the
Battle Creek high school, later studied law, and is now engaged in the
practice of his profession at Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Miller
are trustworthy members of the Seventh Day Adventist church.
FRED J. FUNK. A man of superior business ability and judgment,
Fred J. Funk, of Newton township, has through his own efforts, attained a position of eminence among the foremost agriculturists of Calhoun county, his finely improved estate, with its commodious and substantial buildings, giving ample evidence to the passer-by of his skill
and good taste as a practical farmer and rural householder. He was
born, December 24, 1865, in Germany, a son of John H. and Dorothea
(Paap) Funk.
Born and brought up in Germany, John H. Funk there spent his brief
life, dying in 1879, ere reaching manhood's prime. He was a shepherd
by occupation, and in humble circumstances, leaving his family with
exceedingly limited means. In 1883 his widow brought her family
to Calhoun county, Michigan, and here her death occurred three years
later, in 1886, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Lampky. Fred
J. Funk during those years had been her chief support.
For a short time after coming to Calhoun county, Fred J. Funk
worked for Mr. Alonzo Root, in Newton township, attending school
during the time, and working for his board. He entered the employ
of John Hyde, a farmer and there became accustomed to the ways of
the country, and learned the language, receiving thirteen dollars a
month wages. In 1885, Mr. Funk married Lucy I. Root, a daughter
of his second employer, Alonzo Root, who at that time deeded to him
and his wife his eighty acre farm, Mr. Funk assuming all debts and
incumbrances. In the management of the property Mr. Funk made
good, paying off debts in a comparatively short time, and has added
more land, his farm now containing one hundred and sixty-three acres
of rich and fertile land, from which he reaps excellent harvests each
season.
Mr. Alonzo Root was born and bred in Connecticut. Migrating to
Michigan in 1837, he settled on a farm in Newton township, Calhoun
county. becoming owner of eighty acres of land. While successful as
an agriculturist, he accumulated but little property, being liberal, and




1182


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


free-hearted, donating generously to charitable institutions, and giving
to his neighbors. Mr. Root was one of the best known and most popular men in the county, being held in high esteem by young and old.
He was a staunch Republican in politics, and filled the various township offices most acceptably to all concerned. He was of Scotch and
English ancestry, and belonged to a family of prominence, Elihu Root,
Secretary of State, being a cousin of his. He died April 13, 1901. The
maiden name of the wife of Mr. Root was Mary Phelps. She was a
daughter of Rev. Asa Phelps, a noted pioneer Methodist Episcopal
preacher, who came to Calhoun county at an early period of its settlement, and founded the first church of that denomination in Battle
Creek. He died with a Bible in his hands.
Mr. and Mrs. Funk are the parents of six children, namely: William R., a farmer; Barthold F.. at home: Mary Ethel, wife of Nelson
Eddy; and Donald, Alonzo, and Ruby D., attending school.
MlVr. Funk is a steadfast Republican in politics, and for twelve years
served as treasurer of the township school funds. He is very active in
the establishment of beneficial enterprises, and was largely responsible
for having the township roads graveled, donating one and one-half
miles of gravel for that purpose. He belongs to the local Grange, and
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
DANIEL REASONER. Among the many prosperous and prominent
agricultural men who have done so much for the development and upbuilding of the community in which they have located in Calhoun county,
Daniel Reasoner of Le Roy, is eminently deserving of some mention,
brief though it may of necessity be, and a history of Calhoun county
could not do justice to the district without including his name, as well
as the names of others of his township.
Born in the Empire state, on August 2, 1832, Daniel Reasoner is the
son of James and Peggy (Jenkins) Reasoner. The father was a native
of New York, born there in 1802, and he moved to Michigan in 1854,
settling first in Calhoun county. Later he bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres near Augusta, also in Calhoun county. The land
was new and unbroken at the time, and much strenuous labor was required to reduce it to a state of fertility, but Mr. Reasoner was entirely
equal to the task. He moved later to Battle Creek and then to Climax,
where he died in 1878. He and his wife were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and in the later years of his life, Mr. Reasoner was a
Republican. They reared a family of eight children, who lived to reach
years of usefulness and are filling places of responsibility in their various
niches in life. The mother died in 1842.
Daniel-Reasoner was educated in the common schools of New York
and also attended the high school of Lima, New York. He has spent
the greater part of his life on the farm and the splendid success he has
won in his agricultural labors is the direct result of the close application
he has ever given to matters pertaining to that line of industry. In 1864
he bought a farm of two hundred acres, and there he built the home
which has sheltered the family during the years that have passed, and
with the recurring seasons he managed to make of his wilderness farm
one of the finest places in the county. Modern, well equipped, well kept
and abundantly productive, the homestead of Daniel Reasoner is one of
which he may well be proud. He is a thorough farmer, and his qualities
of citizenship are not less worthy than his traits as a successful farmer.
He is regarded as one of the valuable men of the county, and his influence
is felt beyond the immediate sphere of his activity.
In October, 1859, Mr. Reasoner married Hannah Mills, a daughter




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1183


of Amon Mills, who was one of the earliest settlers of Calhoun county,
where he owned and improved a fine farm, on which he lived until his
death. Mr. and Mrs. Reasoner became the parents of seven children.
They are: Mabel, the wife of Samuel Marshall, who lives near Hastings, Michigan. Lewell is in Detroit. Carl is with his father on the
farm. Jessie married Dr. Zelinsky, of Battle Creek. There are deceased
three children, Olin, Luna and De Witt C.
The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Reasoner is a Prohibitionist in his political belief.
LEROY R. BLISS. Among the younger of Calhoun county's native
sons who have become patrons of husbandry is Leroy R. Bliss, of Sheridan township, who owns one of the valuable farm properties of that
community and whose efforts have been in the direction of general farming and the raising of small fruits, especially berries. Mr. Bliss was
born in Sheridan township, Calhoun county, Michigan, May 24, 1875, a
son of William and Nancy (Strickland) Bliss. William Bliss was born
in Herkimer county, New York, in 1842 and died in Calhoun county,
Michigan in 1901. He came to Michigan about 1870 and located at Albion, where he met and married Nancy Strickland. The first three years
there he ran a milk wagon; then he bought the farm of 100 acres in
Sheridan township which forms a part of the estate of his son Leroy
and on which he thereafter resided until his death. He made a specialty
of raising berries. Starting in life with nothing in the way of capital,
by means of perseverance, industry and like virtues he accumulated a
gratifying competence and died well-to-do. He was a member of the
Masonic order and of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics
was a Democrat. When the storm of Civil war burst over the country in
1861 he enlisted in the Twenty-sixth New York regiment of infantry,
which was mustered into the service May 21, 1861, 'at Elmira, for a three
months' term. It left the state on June 19 for Washington. When the
advance of the army commenced in March, 1862, it was assigned to the
1st brigade, 2nd division, Department of the Rappahannock for a month,
and it then became a part of the 2d brigade, 2d division, 3d corps, Army
of Virginia. Under special orders from the war department the regiment was remustered on August 21, 1861, for the remainder of two
years' service. The regiment was present at Cedar Mountain and participated in the campaign in Virginia under General Pope, and lost
heavily in the second battle of Bull Run. Iere Mr. Bliss was wounded.
but on his recovery rejoined his regiment, which had then been assigned
to the Army of the Potomac, and with it participated in the engagements
at South Mountain and Antietam, being wounded for the second time at
the latter battle. It met its heaviest loss at Fredericksburg. The regiment performed advance picket duty during the Chancellorsville movement during the spring of 1863, and on May 28, 1863, was mustered out
at Utica, New York. Mrs. Bliss, who is still living and resides with her
son, was born near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, in 1847, a daughter of
John Strickland who became an early settler in Albion. He was a stone
mason by trade and helped to erect the college building at Albion. William Bliss was a son of Charles Bliss, a native and a life long resident of
New York state.
Leroy R. Bliss was reared on the homestead in Sheridan township
which he now owns. Educated first in the local district schools, he later
graduated from the Albion high school and then took a course in the
business department of the Albion College. After his father's death he
bought out the other heirs in the estate, added to it, and now owns one
of the valuable farms of this section, comprising 151 acres. He follows
Vol. II-37




1184


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


general farming and like his father gives special attention to the raising
of berries. He also feeds considerable stock.
Mr. Bliss was married in 1905 to Edith McLean, daughter of Arthur
McLean, now of Chicago. To their union have been born two children,
Willard and Josephine. Mr. Bliss is a Mason and affiliates with the
Blue Lodge No. 14, and Chapter No. 32 at Albion, and also holds his
council membership in that city. In politics he is a Democrat.
JESSE A. HURD. An able and worthy representative of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Calhoun county, Jesse A. Hurd is
a practical and skilful farmer, and an eminently trustworthy and valued
member of his community. He was born, May 17, 1877, in Newton township, Calhoun county, which was likewise the birthplace of his parents,
Frank and Delia (Eyre) Hurd.
His grandfather, Luther Hurd, who married Emma Van Fleet, was
born in Vermont, being descended from a family of prominence. Coming
west in early life, he settled in Calhoun county, taking up government
land in Newton township. He was a keen-sighted, energetic man, and
as a farmer was very prosperous, ere his death, which occurred in 1897,
becoming owner of hundreds of acres of valuable land.
Born in 1855, in Newton township, Frank Hurd succeeded to the occupation of his ancestors, and was successfully engaged in agricultural
pursuits in Newton township, until 1905, when he retired from active
labor, and is now enjoying a life of ease and comfort.  Delia Eyre,
whom he married, was a daughter of John Eyre, who came from England to America as a young man settling in Calhoun county where he
became highly successful as a tiller of the soil, at his death leaving to
-his heirs a fine estate.
Educated in the district schools, Jesse A. Hurd was trained to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, and finding farming congenial
to his tastes has continued in that occupation all of his life. In 1900 he
bought the farm on which he is now living, and in its improvement
has since devoted his time and energies. IHe has built a new house, and
erected the necessary outbuildings, everything about the premises being
suggestive of the thrift and good management of the proprietor of the
handsome property.
Mr. Hurd is a Republican in politics, supporting the principles of
his party by voice and vote. In 1901 he was elected township clerk,
and served for five consecutive years. He was subsequently again elected
to the same position, and is now filling the office most acceptably. Fraternally he is a member of Burlington Lodge, No. 333, Free and Accepted
Order of Masons.
Mr. Hurd married, in 1902, Angie Spooner, a daughter of John
Spooner, a prosperous farmer of Newton township. Mr. Spooner served
four years in the Civil war, and though he took part in numerous engagements was neither wounded nor captured. He is a man of sterling
integrity, and a very worthy and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
HOSEA B. G. CARTER is one of the oldest citizens of Clarence township, Calhoun county in points of both residence and age and is a son
of one of Eaton county's pioneer settlers. In 1844, when but a little
child he came to Michigan with his parents and there is probably no
one more familiar with the development of this section of the state during the intervening interim of sixty or more years than is Mr. Carter,
there being few remaining that know by experience of the order of life
that obtained here in that early day.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1185


Timothy Carter and Charlotte Wilson, the former born in 1804 and
the latter in 1809, were wedded in their native state of Massachusetts
and became early settlers in Ohio, in Knox county of which state- Hosea
B. G. Carter, the sixth of their eleven children, was born on November
3, 1839. Along in 1844 the parents removed to Michigan and settled in
Eaton county, which was then almost an unbroken wilderness, in fact
so dense and large was the forest in which they located that the father
had to mark a trail to reach and leave his home. HIe bought 160 acres,
cleared it, and resided on it until a short time before his death, which
occurred near Eaton Rapids. IIe was a wagon maker by trade and for
years followed that occupation in connection with general farming, being
quite successful in both lines. First a Whig and later a Republican in
politics, he was a very enthusiastic adherent of the latter party and gave
it staunch allegiance during the remainder of his years. He was a son
of John Carter, who was born, reared and lived his life out in Massachusetts. Besides our subject there is but one other of the family now
living, that being Silas N. Carter, a farmer resident of Eaton countyt
Hosea B1. G. Carter was reared on the Eaton county farm and received his education in the district schools of its vicinity. Responsible
farm life began for him at the early age of ten and the whole of his
career has since been spent as an agriculturist. His first purchase of
land was an eighty acre tract, to which he has added until he now holds
160 acres. His efforts have been in the direction of general farming
and he also gives much attention to the raising of stock, especially of
Shropshire sheep and Short Horn cattle. In politics he is a Republican,
and fraternally he is a member of Springport lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
In 1870 Mr. Carter was joined in marriage to Narcinna J. Starks,
daughter of Thomas Starks, who was a well known citizen of Clarence'
township. Mr. Starks in an early day came to this county from New
York, of which state he was a native, and settled on a homestead in
Clarence township where he followed the cooper's trade in connection
with farming. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are the parents of six children, but
four of whom are now living. In order of birth they are as follows:
D. Carter, deceased; Reba, who married Charles Devenport and resides
in Clarence township; Bert, who remains at the parental home; Benjamin, deceased; Rhea, now Mrs. Frederick Leightner, of Jackson county;
and Adrain, also at home.
WILLIAM H. LEONARD, retired farmer and capitalist of Clarence,
Calhoun county, Michigan, has been a resident of the state since 1863
or 1864, in which year he came to Grand Haven from New York state,
and then to Albion. He was born at Rochester, on November 5, 1840,
and is the son of Asa and Mary (Latimer) Leonard, the father being
born in Rochester, in 1821 and the mother in Batavia, 'New York, in
1824. Daniel Latimer, the father of Mrs. Leonard, was the first postmaster in San Francisco, and he, together with John Kenion, established the town of Batavia, being its first settlers. When gold was first
discovered in California, Mr. Latimer went to that state, and in later
years made his home in San Francisco, where he died. Asa and Mary
(Latimer) Leonard were married in New York in 1842. and they became the parents of ten children, of which number William H. of this
review was the third born. Four of the ten are now living. As mentioned previously, the family came to Michigan in the 80's, locating
first in Detroit. Mr. Leonard was engaged in the jewelry business in
Spenceport, New York, and later conducted a boot and shoe store in
Fairport. that state, and also operated as a grain buyer. After locat



1186


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ing in Detroit he made his home with his daughter, Alma, the wife of
Thomlas Nadill, and here he lived until his death in 1907. His widow
survived him until 1910. He was a Republican and a member of the
Freewill Baptist church.
The early education of William H. Leonard was of a meagre order.
lie attended school in Brockport, New York, for a time, and his mother
taught him at home, the knowledge thus imparted representing the
greater part of his book-learning. He was twenty-three years old when
he came to Michigan and he made his first location at Grand Haven
where he worked for an uncle as a lumber inspector. Two years later
he came to Albion and went into the bakery business, remaining thus
occupied for about three years, then returning to Rochester, New York,
where he took up farming, the work in which he had been occupied
in his early days before coming to Michigan. There he operated one
of his father's large farms for a few years and in 1870 returned to
Albion, Michigan, where he was engaged in conducting an estate for
Dr, Stephen Monroe. He eventually purchased a portion of the estate,
his purchase amounting to 429 acres in Clarence township, located on
Duck Lake. He there began the operating of a saw mill, and cleared
away all the timber for miles in his vicinity. The timber stripped from
the lands, he sold all but two hundred and fifty acres, which is now
one of the finest farms in that locality. To him belongs the credit for
building the greater part of the village of Duck Lake, and he operates
in the village two stores. He controls boating privileges on the lakes.
Mr. Leonard was postmaster of Duck Lake for fifteen years, and
served three terms as treasurer of Clarence township. He is a Republican and has always taken an active interest in the politics of the
county.
In 1860, Mr. Leonard was married to Miss Betty M. Monroe, tne
daughter of Leonard MIonroe, of Parma, Monroe county, New York.
One daughter has been born to them; Amalla, who married Arthur
Starks of Clarence, the business manager for Mr. Leonard.
DR. GEORGE CLINTON HAFFORD has with the passing years become
well and favorably known in and about Albion as a physician of exceptional ability, and the liberal patronage accorded to him is a speaking testimony as to the trust reposed in him in his professional capacity. His experience has been a varied one thus far, and his identification with this city has continued since May, 1897, when he succeeded
to the practice of Dr. Thomason.
Born in Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson county, New York, on July
10, 1862, George Clinton Hafford, M. D., is the son of Jacob T. and
Lydia (Matteson) Hafford. The family is one of English lineage, the
first of the name in America coming from that "Right little, tight little
Island" on the good ship "Planter" in 1635, although at a more remote period in the history of the house of Hafford it was known as De
Heyford and the ancestors were residents of Wales. Thus the family
became established in Massachusetts in the early part of the seventeenth century, and representatives of the name have taken their full
share in the responsibilities of the nation from those days of colonial
dependence down through the many changes that have been wrought
in those same little dependent colonies to their present status as one
of the great world powers. Jacob T. Hafford was the son of Jacob
Hafford, also a native of the Empire state. During the time of the
gold excitement in California, Jacob Hafford, the father of the subject. visited the Pacific Coast, but never entered deeply into the life
of the mining speculator of that period. He married Miss Lydia Mat



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1187


teson, a native of Ontario, and spent his later life engaged in farming
pursuits in Milan, Michigan, until four years prior to his death, when
he became a member of the household of his son, Dr. Hafford. Here
he died on October 4, 1902, and his widow survived him until March
15, 1904, when her death occurred at the advanced age of seventy-six
years.
Dr. Hafford as a boy pursued his early studies in the common
schools of the vicinity of Milan and when he was thirteen years old
entered the printing office of the Monroe Democrat, at Monroe, Michigan. He continued to be employed there for two years, when he Was
forced to give up the work, owing to an attack of lead poisoning. The
boy had not neglected his studies, however, and when he recovered
from his illness, while it was not deemed expedient for him to return
to the print shop, he secured a position as a teacher, having successfully passed the examination for that work, and for one term he was
engaged in teaching. He then entered the office of Dr. Pyle of Milan,
Michigan, who directed his medical reading for a year, at the end of
which time he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He
matriculated in the autumn of 1883, pursued a full three years' course,
and was duly graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1887. He then
entered the office of Professor Frothingham at Ann Arbor, Michigan,
and in the succeeding spring went to the Upper Peninsula of MIichigan, where in the newer country he hoped to find greater advantages
for a beginner in the profession. He located in Manistique, and was
there engaged in the general practice of medicine until 1895, in that
time building up a wide patronage. He was in that place during the
time when the Soo Line was being built, and his practice extended over
many miles of the road. In 1895, when the depression in business as a
result of lumber conditions was at its height, Dr. Hafford left Manistique, severing his connection with the Soo Line and became surgeon
for the Bay de Noquet Lumber Company, at Nahma, Delta county,
Michigan, and was engaged thus for three and a half years. His growing family, however, awakened in him the desire to provide better educational advantages for them than was possible in his surroundings
at Nahma, and although making rapid progress in his profession and
having a wide practice in that district, he gave up his work there and
moved with his family to Albion, where he has since been located.
While located at Nahma, Dr. Hafford pursued a course in the Post
Graduate school in New York, spending the summer of 1893 in that institution, and he afterwards took special work in Chicago in the study
of the diseases of women, and modern surgical practice. In lMay,
1897, he located at Albion,, as the successor of Dr. H. D. Thomason,
and he has since come to be recognized as one of the most capable general practitioners in this section of the state. In the summer of 1902
Dr. Hafford took special work in the University of Michigan, and his
general and specific knowledge of the science of medicine has been consistently and continuously widened by the most careful study at various noted clinics in different parts of the country and rigid investigations.
Dr. Hafford was formerly president of the Calhoun Countv Medical Society, and is now the first vice president of the State Medical
Society. tHe has also held other important positions in connection with
that organization, including that of chairman of the surgery section.
He is a member of the Tri-State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and is a member of various county medical societies
in Michigan. His standing in his profession is clearly indicated by
the numerous official honors which his confreres, have bestowed upon




1188


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


him in connection with the various organizations with which he is
affiliated.
On the day that he was graduated from the State University, June
30, 1887, Dr. Hafford was united in marriage with Miss Cora E. Ulsaver, of Saline, Michigan, a daughter of Stephen Ulsaver. Five children have been born to them: Alpheus Tisdale; Clinton S.; Doris;
Cora and Clarence E. Dr. Hafford and his wife hold membership in
the Presbyterian church. The doctor is fraternally identified by his
membership in the Masonic order, and was first made a Mason at Manistique, Michigan, when he became a member of Lakeside Lodge No.
371, F. & A. M. but is now a member of Murat Lodge, No. 14, of Albion. He is likewise a member of the chapter and council and commandery. He is a member of both the subordinate lodge and the uniform rank of the Knights of Pythias and was formerly surgeon-major
of the First Battalion of the Third Regiment of the Michigan Brigade,
comprising the four companies of Battle Creek, Charlotte, Albion and
Mason. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and various other fraternal societies.
Dr. Hafford is a Democrat, and has served his city in a public way
as alderman from the Fourth ward to fill a vacancy, and later for a
full term. He has been chairman of the finance committee, and great
credit has been laid at his door as having done more than any other
one man in Albion to establish the first city paving, the work being
effected in 1903. He also was especially active in securing the passage
of the ordinances granting street lighting and the electric railway
franchise. He has also served a number of years as health officer of
the city and is at present a member of the school board, and while at
Manistique was a member of the pension board.
WILLIAM  EDWARD WARE was born in Allegan county, Michigan,
December 19, 1850. His parents were Sylvester S. and Judith E.
(Watkins) Ware. His father was born in Vermont and his mother
at Naples, near Watkins' Glen, New York.   They were married in
Indiana, and soon thereafter removed to Allegan county, where they
resided but a short time when they came to Athens, in this county.
They continued living at Athens until 1861, when they located at
Colon, Michigan, where they continued to reside until 1863, when they
again removed to Athens.
While living in Colon the father built a mill for the manufacture
of interior finishing materials, and continued in the operation of it
while he remained there. Soon after his return to Athens he improved
the water power and constructed another mill of the same character
which he operated there for many years. During that time he constructed many dwellings and other buildings throughout the county,
a considerable number of which are still in good condition as proof of
the stability of his work. While a resident of Athens, he went to
North Dakota, where he made entry upon a considerable tract of
government land, but his frail constitution copld not endure the rigors
of that climate and he died there January 23, 1873. Physical disability
prevented him from serving in the field during the war, but he took a
very active part in his vicinity in raising troops and funds and subscribed liberally to the Union cause. He was an ardent anti-slavery
Whig in politics, a student and debator of more than average ability
and was a member of the Masonic order. He and his wife, for many
years and up to the time of their death, were members of the Methodist
church. The wife died at Union City, Michigan, February, 8, 1877.
His father, who died in early manhood while he was yet a small boy,




ll:. i i...




Ie




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1189


located in Michigan previous to 1836 and was one of the early pioneers
and ministers of the Presbyterian church in that state.
Sylvester S. and Judith E. Ware were parents of four children, one
of whom (lied in infancy. William   E. is the oldest.  His brother,
Charles Clark Ware, for nearly twenty-five years has been connected
with the Toledo (Ohio) Humane Society for the prevention of cruelty
to animals and children, having for the past twenty-one years and
upwards been its superintendent and chief agent, a position which he
still holds. During that time he has made a remarkable record for
efficiency. He is one of the organizers and officers of the State Federation of Humane Societies for Ohio, and is an active worker in the
National Humane Association. The only daughter, Carrie Belle, who
died near Mendon, in September, 1909, was the wife of Charles Gunthorpe, who died in 1907, and their one child, Veva, is now living
near Union City, Michigan.
William E. Ware, after his education in the village schools of Athens
and Colon was completed, began the study of law at Marshall, Michigan,
under James A. Minor, one of the leading lawyers of the place ati the time
and afterwards a federal judge in Utah, his death occurring while on
the bench. When young Ware began the study of law in June, 1872,
he was a green country boy, wearing a salt-and-pepper suit two sizes too
large for him. His father approved of the suit, however, saying the boy
would soon grow so it would fit him. Despite such equipment, the lad
settled down to hard study and after the first few months maintained
himself without expense to his father, and in a few years was in the
midst of a career full of public activity.
In January, 1875, he moved to Union City, Michigan, and it was
during that summer and the following winter that he became especially
interested in the currency question. This question was beginning to
agitate the people at this time and there were few who had given the
matter as much thought as had the young law student. As early as
March, 1876, widespread interest had developed in the question and he
was invited by a large number of the older citizens of LeRoy township
to speak to a political meeting in their schoolhouse. This was the first
speech of the many to come in his long and active career.
From  this time forth Mr. Ware was deeply involved in politics.
During the summer of 1876 and the campaign that followed, he made
many speeches throughout southern Michigan and northern Indiana,
everywhere speaking to houses that were crowded to their utmost capacity, or to open air meetings attended by several thousand people. His
main subject was the currency.
In the meantime he continued his studies under the direction of
Marc. A. Merrifield, a prominent lawyer of Union City, and was admitted
to the bar at Coldwater upon examination in open court, in June, 1878.
While living at Union City, he held the position of city attorney from
1876 to 1879, in the fall of 1879 removing to Coldwater. In the campaign of 1878, Mr. Ware was nominated for the office of prosecuting
attorney of Branch county upon the Greenback ticket. At this time
there were three tickets in the field, Republican, Democratic and Greenback. Mr. Ware made numerous speeches that summer throughout the
southern part of the state, in defense of the principles for which his
party stood. The Republicans carried most of the offices, Mr. Ware
being defeated by a majority of sixty-seven as shown by the official
count. These were in the days before the Australian ballot system was
in operation, and Mr. Ware learned ten years later that ballots bearing his name were taken out and others substituted by one of the
inspectors of election so that his defeat was assured.




1190


H1STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Upon removing to Qoldwater, Mr. Ware became the junior member of the firm of Thompson and Ware, his partner being the late Judge
Thompson, one of the old members of the Branch county bar. Severing
his relations with Judge Thompson, he opened an office of his own
at Coldwater, in the spring of 1880, where he continued in the practice
of his profession for a number of years, his reputation as an attorney of
ability increasing from year to year.
During this time Mr. Ware had been extremely busy in politics.
During the campaign of 1880 he took only a nominal part, not being
in sympathy with the arrangement between the Democratic and Greenback parties whereby a joint ticket was agreed upon. He was nominated on this ticket for prosecuting attorney but was defeated with
the rest of the ticket. In 1882, when throughout the state the Greenback
and Democratic parties united forces, Mr. Ware could no longer support
his party and again affiliated with the Republican party, making a
large number of speeches throughout Southern Michigan. From that
time forward he worked actively, delivering many speeches in each campaign for the standard of the Republican party to 1896. During all
of these campaigns, his name was always a prominent one among the
speakers listed for meetings all over the state, and since this was in the
days when men obtained their political ideas, not from the newspapers,
but from listening to the speeches of the men who really knew something about the questions of the day, his influence was telling and effective. He was ever the advocate of policies in advance of the time. In the
campaign of 1884 he was especially active in the support of James G.
Blaine for the presidency of the United States. He regarded him at the
time, and still looks upon him, as one of the most brilliant and able men
the country has ever known, an opinion that, as people are able to get a
proper perspective, is becoming more and more general; and historians
of today are exceedingly regretful that James G. Blaine was not permitted to hold the highest office in the gift of the people.
The position which Mr. Ware took on the currency question, and
which he supported ardently until this question was settled once and
for all in 1896, was in favor of the bimetallic standard. He believed
and advocated government control of not only silver and gold, but paper
money. He believed also that every dollar of whatever material, should
be just as good as every other dollar, and one of his greatest fears for
the country was that the money would come into the control of private
interests. He foresaw that if this happened the result would be panics,
great combinations of capital for the enriching of the few, and general
unrest in the world of business. He was never in favor of the "fiat
money" theory, but during the times when the greenback was being
taken out of circulation and the National bank currency established by
the government, his slogan was "Save the greenback."
Among other reforms that Mr. Ware advocated was the establishment
of a Postal Savings bank; the conservation of natural resources; the
holding of public lands for actual settlers; a tariff system to offset the
difference between the cost of labor here and in foreign countries; and
the doctrine of reciprocity, which was first advocated by James G.
Blaine, met his hearty approval and received his enthusiastic support.
The national surplus he believed should be used for internal improvements, and he thought the financial system of the country should be
so controlled by the government that its elasticity would be such as to
prevent the possibility of a scarcity of currency. One might suppose
that his political interests would have taken him away from his law practice to a considerable extent, but not so. He was still the same hard working lawyer as of old, and his practice had now grown to be.a large and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1191


important one. In 1887 he went into partnership with Elmer E. Palmer,
who was then a young attorney in Coldwater, and who is now one of the
ablest lawyers in southern Michigan. Mr. Ware was a member of the
Coldwater board of education in 1881 and 1882, having been elected to
the office on the Republican ticket. In the campaign of 1886 he was
elected on that ticket as prosecuting attorney of Branch county, an
office which he held for two successive terms, also receiving his second
election as a Republican. A third nomination was offered him by a vote
of eighty-nine of the one hundred and nine delegates in the county convention, but he declined the nomination, and in the fall of 1891 removed
to Jackson, there entering a partnership with Richard Price, then, as
now, a lawyer of that city, the new firm being known as Ware & Price.
In September, 1892, Mr. Ware entered into a partnership with Charles
H. Smith, one of the prominent attorneys there, who for some years past
has been a, federal judge in the Philippines, still holding that position.
His partnership with Mr. Smith continued about four years, and
during that period their offices were Republican headquarters, both
being active as Silver Republicans. In 1896 his views on the currency
question led him to support Bryan instead of McKinley. In doing this
he contends that he did not leave the party, but that the party left
him and, in support of his position, calls attention to the Republican
platforms in this state prior to that year. He was present at the conference convention held in Lansing that year, at which was inaugurated
the movement towards the consolidation of the opposition in Michigan
to the gold standard plank in the Republican national platform: He
"walked out" of the McKinley convention, following Teller, DuBois,
Towne and others and, returning to Jackson, called a Silver Republican
county convention. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, eightynine "olti line" Republicans of the county met in convention and
organized a county committee with representatives from each ward and
township in the county. The chairman of this committee was Mr. Ware.
The campaign that year was opened in Jackson by the calling of three
conventions, the Populist, the Democratic and Silver Republicans, all
of whom were in opposition to the gold standard. Conference committees
were appointed by each of the three and a joint ticket was agreed upon,
in which Mr. Ware was named for register of deeds. He was at the
time city attorney of Jackson, but after a most exciting campaign, in
whieh he delivered many earnest appeals in the county and throughout
the state against the establishment of a gold standard, he was elected to
the office of register of deeds. The state convention of the Silver Republicans that year was attended by more than seven hundred and fifty
Republican members, and Mr. Ware, being one of the conference committee appointed, became the author of the famous party vignette which
was placed at the head of the ticket, consisting of the silver dollar with
the words, "Sixteen to One."
In 1896, Mr. Ware dissolved his partnership with Mr. Smith, and,
except while serving as register of deeds, practiced alone in Jackson
until 1903, when he removed to Battle Creek where he has since maintained his offices in the Post building. He held the office of register
of deeds until 1898, but since 1900 has not been active in politics. During 1909 and 1910 he was city attorney of Battle Creek.
Since the settlement of the currency question Mr. Ware has continued
to affiliate with the Republicans, but is in hearty sympathy with the
progressive element of that party. He has always believed that a man
should decide political questions for himself and exercise independenee
in voting, not casting his ballot for a man because he is the candidate
of his party, but because he himself considers him the best man for the




1192


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


position, or that the principles he stands for are the best for the nation.. Mr. Ware is a member of the Masonic order and affiliated with the
A. T. Metcalf lodge, No. 419, Free and Accepted Masons of Battle Creek,
and Jackson Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch Masons, of Jackson. He is also
a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Modern
Maccabees, of Jackson. His church is the Presbyterian and he and his
family have long been members of it. Their home is at the corner of
Cleveland and East Fountain streets.
On October 22, 1879, Mr. Ware was united in marriage with Miss
Elva V. Wood. Her father, S. H. Wood, was for many years proprietor
of the "Old Pine Creek House," one of the old time hotels on the
Battle Creek road, four miles north of Athens, and was well known as
an extensive stock buyer as well. Mrs. Ware was born at Athens in the
Old Pine Creek House, which in its palmy days was a popular stopping
place for the many farmers and others driving to and from Battle Creek,
which was then the market for that territory. She received her education
in the country schools near her home and at the Union City high school,
from which she graduated. Mr. and Mrs. Ware have one son, Donald
R. Ware, who was born at Coldwater, September 7, 1884, and was
educated in the Jackson schools. He is now a stock and bond salesman
and insurance man. He was married in August, 1910, to Miss Maud
MeTaggart, of Battle Creek, which is still their home.
As a citizen, Mr. Ware has always maintained a high standard for
business integrity and fair dealing and, while holding well defined and
clear. opinions upon the important questions arising from   time to
time, he has always respected the opinions of others when honestly
expressed, and met in a spirit of fairness those opposed to him in
business, political or social affairs.
Among the members of his own profession Mr. Ware is known as a
careful and efficient lawyer, and it is said of him that he possesses an
unusually keen and analytical mind which invariably grasps the important elements of a question and is quick to take advantage of every
opportunity. As a trial lawyer he always carefully prepares his cases,
and, when the trial begins starts an aggressive fight which never ends
or waivers until the case is submitted for the decision of the court or
jury. Although a skilful trial lawyer he never depends upon forensic
eloquence alone to win his cases, but by hard and persistent work in
his office prepares for every contingency which can be foreseen, giving
to the slightest detail the same careful attention which characterizes
all of his work. He will always be remembered by those who have
known him as a good citizen, a true friend and genial companion, an
able lawyer loyal to his' clients, and an indefatigable worker and persistent and tireless fighter for any cause which he espouses.
ZACHARIAH B. MOHLER, one of the most successful and prosperous
farmers in Le Roy township, is the descendant of one of the oldest German families in the United States today. The Mohlers came to America
from Germany in about 1660, and settled in the eastern part of the
country. The family has spread in numbers and is now to be found in
practically every state in the Union, and wherever they are found,
the family name is upheld by the staunch and sturdy German blood
that flows in the veins of all who bear the good old name.
Born in Canton, Ohio, on April 12, 1865, Z. B. Mohler, is the son
of Henry and Harriet (Beck) Mohler. The father was born in Canton
in 1839, and the mother in Akron, Ohio, in 1843. He was a farmer
and coal miner, and still lives in the state where he was born. He was
a soldier in the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteers and served two and a half




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1193


years in the Civil war. Returning from the war, he took up his life
where he had left it off, and he still lives in the old Ohio home. He is
the son of John Mohler, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who
moved to Ohio in early life and there settled. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Mohler of this review, was a native of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Mohler was educated in the public schools of Canton, Ohio,
and when he was twenty years old he made his way to Michigan. He
found himself in Battle Creek in the year 1885 with three dollars in
his pockets, which constituted his entire wealth at that time. He went
to work on a farm and in 1894, nine years from the date of his arrival
here, he bought his first farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres.
This he has increased until he now owns two hundred and forty acres,
and he has erected fine buildings of every required variety on the
place. The farm is a model of convenience and modern improvements,
and is easily one of the finest kept places in the township. In addition
to this splendid farm, Mr. Mohler is the owner of two houses and lots
in Battle Creek.
Mr. Mohler is one of the popular men of his community and occupies a prominent place in the affairs of the township, as well as in
the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. He has been a member
of the school board for nine years, and is in every way a citizen worthy
of the name.
In 1890, Mr. Mohler married Miss Minnie Frohm, a daughter of
Joseph Frohm, a native of Germany, but who passed the latter years
of his life in Michigan. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mohler,-May B., who became the wife of Shirley Lossing, and Laura H.,
who is single and remains in the parental home as yet. The family
are members of the Congregational church.
ARTHUR LAMBERT GRAVES, one of the successful farmers of Calhoun
county, and a native of the state, was born in Barry county on May 31,
1865. He is the son of James I. and Amanda (Aldrich) Graves, a
farmer, born in Monroe county in 1838, who was reared and educated
in that county. In his young manhood he went to Barry county and
undertook the clearing up of a piece of wild land, and in 1867 he moved
to Calhoun county and there bought a small farm of eighty acres. Later
he was able to add to his holdings an additional forty acres, and this
farm, which he improved and worked until it had reached a high state
of cultivation, was his home until he died in 1908. Mr. Graves was one
of the important men of his community, and for twenty years was a
member of the school board. He was a well known and successful
farmer, and one who took a leading part in all the affairs of the civic life
of the community.  He was a Republican in his political allegiance.
His father, Isaac Graves, was born in New York, and came to Michigan
in his young manhood. He settled in Monroe county, where he passed
the remainder of his life. He died young, and his son, James I., the
father of Arthur Lambert Graves, was adopted by one Mr. Lambert, a
friend of the family living in their community, and reared by him.
The maternal grandfather of Mr. Graves of this review was Joseph Aldrich, who came to Michigan in early life and settled on a farm in Barry
county. He passed the remainder of his days there, passing away on his
farm home after a well spent life. The mother of Arthur Graves died
in 1906, at the age of sixty-four years.
Mr. Graves was educated in the country schools, and early became
acquainted with hard work incidental to farm life. His father was an
invalid from the time the son was nine years old, and much fell to the
young shoulders that might otherwise have been spared him for years to




1194


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


come. However, he learned early the details of successful farming, and
in 1907 Mr. Graves bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres.
He owns forty acres of the old homestead. He carries on a general
farming industry, and is known for one of the prosperous men of the
community.
In 1896 Mr. Graves married Mrs. Mary (Luce) Bonnie, a daughter
of Albert Luce, who was a prominent farmer and minister and a brother
of ex-Governor Cyrus Luce. Mr. Luce was one of the successful and
prominent men of Calhoun county, in which he was well known and
highly esteemed. Mr. and Mrs. Graves are the parents of one son,
Harry, still attending school.
The family are members of the Congregational church of Le Roy,
and Mr. and Mrs. Graves are members of the Grange. She is a member
of the Royal Neighbors and the Maccabees. Mr. Graves is a Republican
and displays an active and intelligent interest in the activities of the
party, but is not politically ambitious, being content rather to operate
his farm to the best of his ability and live quietly and contentedly on his
home place.
FRANK G. STERLING. A prominent, enterprising and progressive
agriculturist of Calhoun county, Frank G. Sterling has a fine home and
farm in Penfield township, his estate in regard to its appointments and
improvements comparing favorably with any in that locality, giving evidence to the passer-by of the wise management and thrift of the proprietor. He is one of the strong men of the community and enjoys the
respect of every one with whom he is acquainted.
A son of the late George S. Sterling, he was born on the 27th of April,
1857, in Battle Creek, Michigan. The Sterling family originated in
Scotland, and some of them went from Scotland into England and
thence to America. Lord Sterling, who was the father of George S.
Sterling, was descended from these early settlers from England. He was
born, lived and died in New York state, and here his son George was born
on the 15th of April, 1815. He was one of a family of twelve, and grew
up in the state of his birth, where he received a fair education as education went in those days. He came to Michigan and located on a farm
near Three Rivers, making the journey by the Erie canal and by wagon
from Detroit. The canal had only recently been opened and was still a
nine days' wonder, and the busy teeming life of this great thoroughfare
opened the eyes of the young traveler to a new world. He went back to
Lima, New York, after about five years spent in Michigan, and bought
a farm near the town. It was while living here that his first wife died.
Her maiden name was Martha Backus, and she was a native of West
Bloomfield, New Jersey. There were three girls by this marriage. SMrs.
Julia Roberts, married the late Rev. W. S. Roberts. She was born in
Three Rivers, Michigan, and is now living in Stamford, Connecticut.
Mrs. Anna L. Scott, the wife of the late Sidney Scott of Battle Creek.
Mrs. L. Arthur Beadle died in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1907.
Mr. Sterling came to Battle Creek in the spring of 1855 and went into
partnership with D. B. Burnham, carrying on an extensive hardware
business, under the name of Burnham and Sterling. Their place of
business was located where the American Steam Pump Company is now.
He also was engaged in the manufacture of plows and other agricultural
implements. In July, 1856, he was married again to Miss Emily A.
Carter of Battle Creek. She was a native of East Bloomfield, New
York, and she and Mr. Sterling became the parents of six children, of
whom five are living. Frank G. the oldest is a resident of Penfield township. George C. was killed in Battle Creek during the summer of 1911,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1195


in a Michigan Central Railway accident.     Mrs. John Powell and
Agnes Sterling both live in Marshall, Michigan. Mrs. W. A. Wood
lives in Decatur, Michigan, and Fred S. Sterling resides in Battle Creek.
The firm of Burnham and Sterling continued for about ten years, and
Mr. Sterling became known as one of the active and successful men of
Battle Creek. Upon retiring from the mercantile business he bought one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Penfield township and here he lived
until 1880, when he sold this farm and bought another of the same area
near Marshall, Michigan. Here he lived for a number of years, till he
finally decided to retire from active life, and moved to Marshall, living
here until his death on the 28th of December, 1893. Iis wife died on the
5th of July, 1904. Mr. Sterling's death was a great loss to the community, but fortunately he left sons and daughters who were faithful to
the high ideals of their parents, and who have brought honor to the
name of Sterling.
Of these, Frank G. is the oldest son. Educated in Battle Creek, he
worked for his father until he was twenty years old, when he spent a
season in Kansas. Not pleased with his prospects in that state, he returned to Michigan, and re-entered his father's employ, traveling on
the road as salesman for a short time. Turning towards the soil, he
then invested his money in land, buying a farm east of Battle Creek,
and there being successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr.
Sterling bought two hundred acres of rich and fertile land in Pennfield
township, and in its improvement has found both pleasure and profit,
his estate being one of the most attractive in this section of the county.
He is a sound Republican in politics, but has never been an aspirant
for official honors.
Mr. Sterling married, on the 30th of May, 1883, Lottie A. Beadle, a
daughter of Joseph G. Beadle, who came from New York to Michigan
about 1852, and lived for many years in Kalamazoo county, although he
is now a resident of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling are the parents
of nine children, namely: Arthur G., a draftsman, who resides in Detroit; Kate E., a teacher in the rural schools of Calhoun county; George
R. is employed in a store in Battle Creek; Marjorie; Clara L.; Everett
E.; Sidney; Harold R.; and Theodore R. Five of these children are
still attending school.
RAY C. STONE, M. D. Dr. Stone has been established in the practice of his profession in Battle Creek since 1906 and is known as one of
the able, ambitious and successful physicians and surgeons of Calhoun
county, as well as a liberal and progressive citizen. He is an enthusiast
in his exacting profession and keeps in close touch with the advances
made in both medicine and surgery. The estimate placed upon him by
his confreres in the profession is measureably indicated by the fact that
he is at the present time (1912) secretary of the Calhoun County Medical Society and Secretary of the surgical section of the Michigan State
Medical Society.
Dr. Ray Clinton Stone was born in the city of Ionia, Michigan, the
judicial center of the county of the same name, and the date of his
nativity was September 9, 1879. He is a son of Charles W. and Mary
(Merritt) Stone, the former of whom was born in the province of Ontario,
Canada, and the latter at Ionia, Michigan. June 26, 1849, and a member
of one of the old and honored pioneer families of that section of the
state. She passed the closing period of her gentle and gracious life
in Battle Creek, where she died on May 21, 1911. Charles W. Stone was
engaged in the dry goods business at Ionia for more than thirty years and
was a citizen who wielded much influence in the civic and business affairs




1196


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of the city, where he served as alderman and as a member of the board
of public works. He still maintains his home in Battle Creek and is a
traveling representative in the middle west for the Kalamazoo Corset
Company. Of the two sons and two daughters, three are living; the
elder son, Glenn, having died at the age of 40. Ethel is the wife of L. R.
Gault of Detroit, and Eleanor is the wife of Charles A. LeFever of
La Porte, Indiana.
Dr. Stone gained his early education in the public schools of his
native state and city, and after the removal of the family from Ionia
to Battle Creek he attended the high school from which he retired about
three months prior to the time of his class graduation. In 1901 he was
matriculated in the Detroit College of Medicine, in which he completed
the prescribed curriculum and was graduated as a member of the class
of 1904. After receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine he served as
house physician for one year in the children's free hospital department
of Harper Hospital, one of the fine institutions of Detroit, and for the
ensuing year he was physician and surgeon for the Dolores Mines Company, in Mexico. In November, 1906, he opened an office in Battle Creek,
where he has since continued in active general practice and where he has
built up a substantial and representative professional business.  He
holds membership in the Calhoun County Medical Society, of which he
is secretary, as previously noted, and in addition to being actively
identified with the Michigan State Medical Society, of whose surgical
section he is secretary, he is also a member of the American Medical
Association. In his home city he is a member of the Athelstan and
Country Clubs, and both he and his wife attend the Independent Congregational church. His offices are located at No. 308 Ward building
and his home is at No. 25 Adams street.
On the 4th of October, 1911, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Stone to Miss Jane Pryor, who was born and reared at Houghton,
Michigan, and who is a daughter of James and Mary J. (Gale) Pryor,
well known residents of that thriving little city of the copper district
of the state. Mrs. Stone completed her education in the private school
of Miss Knox, at Briarcliff, New York, and she is a most popular factor in the social activities of her home city.
At the present writing, Dr. and Mrs. Stone are absent on a European
tour, and will return to their home about January 1, 1913.
DALE M. DOBBINS. The Dobbins Hardware Company, at 36 East
Main street, is one of the largest and most progressive establishments
of the kind in Calhoun county. It was founded in 1907, and succeeded
the old hardware house of Pittman & Coates. The business is incorporated, and the officers are: Dale M. Dobbins, president and treasurer;
S. F. Dobbins, of Marshall, vice president; and George P. Barth, secretary.
Dale M. Dobbins represents a family that has long been prominent
in the business affairs and citizenship of Calhoun county. He was born
at Marshall on June 9, 1885. and is the son of Samuel Fremont and
Maria (Mitchell) Dobbins. His mother died in 1908. Samuel F. Dobbins, the father, is proprietor of the Marshall Furnace Company, one of
the principal manufacturing industries at Marshall, and is also on the
directorate of the First National Bank of Marshall. Dale M. is the oldest
of the three sons in the family, his brothers being Charles W. and
Samuel F., Jr., both at home in Marshall.
Though Mr. Dobbins has been successfully identified with business
since he was twenty-two years old, he had previously prepared himself
4.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1197


for a professional career. After his graduation from the Marshall high
school in 1902, he entered Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio, and later
the law department of the University of MIichigan, where he was graduated in the class of 1907. However, he has never practiced, since in
the same year as his graduation he established the present hardware
business, and has devoted all his time and energies to the development of
a large mercantile concern. The business was incorporated under the
present title in March, 1908. Mr. Dobbins is also a stockholder in the
Marshall Furnace Company.
His politics is Republican, and both in business and social circles he
is one of the influential young men of this city. IHe is a member of the
Athelstan Club, the Country Club and the Elks Lodge of Battle Creek,
and is also affiliated with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias at
Marshall, being a member of the St. Albans Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and
the Knight Templar Commandery No. 17, and the K. P. Lodge No. 179.
Mr. Dobbins has erected an attractive residence at the corner of Garrison and Henry streets.
On June 15, 1912, Mr. Dobbins was united in marriage to Holly E.,
daughter of the late Edward L. and Helen (Bailey) Murphy oT Marshall, Michigan. Mrs. Dobbins received her education in the schools
of Marshall and finished at Battle Creek, graduating in music from the
Battle Creek Conservatory of Music.   Mrs. Dobbins' father was a
prominent drygoods man of Marshall.
JAMES A. ENGLE. Calhoun county, Michigan, includes among its
representative farmers and highly respected citizens, James A. Engle,
R. F. D. No. 4, Tekonsha. Mr. Engle is a native of this township and
was born January 25, 1859, son of James T. and Ellen J. (Watson)
Engle.
James T. Engle was born in New York in 1823, son of John and Julia
(Frayer) Engle, natives of New York. The -grandparents were past
middle life when they came west to Michigan, and here they spent the
rest of their days and died in Tekonsha township. It was in 1845 that
James T. Engle came to Michigan. He settled on an eighty-acre farm
in Tekonsha township, which he cleared and improved and on which he
spent the rest of his life. In 1876 he replaced his original farm house
with one more commodious and attractive, and his last years were spent
in comfort. Iis death occurred in 1882. His wife also is deceased. She
was born in New York in 1831, daughter of George Watson, a veteran
of the war of 1812, who lived in Michigan for a number of years, and
died near Albion, at the age of eighty-eight years. James T. Engle and
wife were the parents of five children, of whom James A. was the fourth
born and is one of the four now living, namely: Charles, of Burlington,
Michigan; Frank W., of Tekonsha township; Fred G. of Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and James A.
James A. Engle was reared on his father's farm. In his youth he
learned the carpenter's trade, and has alternated that with farming.
He is now the owner of 130 acres of land, which he devotes to general
farming, and on which he has made numerous improvements, including
his own beautiful home, his house representing his own plans and
handicraft.
Mr. Engle was married in 1885 and he and his wife are the parents
of two children, Clayton L. and James T., the former employed in a
grocery store at Albion, the latter in school. Mrs. Engle, formerly Miss
Lena A. Phelps, is a daughter of John A. and Adelia (Blashfield) Phelps,
both natives of Michigan. Her grandparents came to Michigan at an




1198


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


early day and settled in Clarendon township, Calhoun county, where
they lived and died, both dying during the Civil war period.
Politically, Mr. Engle is a Prohibitionist. Mrs. Engle is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM H. PALMITER. Numbered among the thrifty and successful agriculturists of Calhoun county is William  H. Palmiter, who is
likewise a fine representative of the self-made men of his community,
having through his own efforts acquired a fair share of this world's
goods, at the same time winning by his upright dealings the respect
and good will of his fellow-associates. He was born, February 2, 1858,
in Convis township, Calhoun county, Michigan, a son of Alonzo Palmiter.
His paternal grandfather, Enos Palmiter, was born and reared in Kentucky. Becoming licensed as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal
church, he was engaged in his pastoral labors in different places in New
York, Ohio, and Michigan, spending his last days in the latter state, his
death occurring about 1880, at the venerable age of eighty-nine years.
Born in New York state, Alonzo Palmiter spent a part of his early
life in Ohio. Coming from there to Calhoun county, Michigan, he
purchased land in Convis township, where for many years he successfully carried on general farming. Retiring from active pursuits, he
spent the later days of his long life with a daughter at Battle Creek,
Michigan, passing away in October, 1905. He married Fannie Cooley,
who died in January, 1905, but a few months before he did. Her father,
Almon Cooley, came to Michigan when a young man, and having purchased a tract of wild land near Jackson improved a good farm, and
there resided until his death.
One of a family of seven children, W. H. Palmiter acquired his early
education in the district schools, and under his father's instructions
became familiar with the different branches of agriculture. Choosing
for his life work the independent occupation of his immediate ancestors,
he began his active career by working as a farm hand for six years. Diligent, faithful and thrifty, he accumulated some money, which he wisely
invested in forty acres of land in Calhoun county. Success attended
him, and as his means increased Mr. Palmiter bought more land, now
owning in addition to his first purchase the one hundred and sixty
acres included in his home farm, which is advantageously located in the
vicinity of Battle Creek.  Mr. Palmiter is quite prominent in local
affairs, especially in the Republican ranks, and is now serving as a member of the Board of Review. For fifteen years he was a member of the
local board of school directors.
On March 25, 1884, Mr. Palmiter was united in marriage with Ada
L. Palmerton, who is of French lineage, the immigrant ancestor from
which she is descended having been one Sylvanus Palmerton, who came
from France to America in colonial days, and with the English fought in
the French and Indian wars. Her father, John B. Palmerton, was
born in New York state in 1824. With his parents he came to Michigan
in 1835, settling first in Albion, from there moving, in 1838, to Pennfield township. He subsequently engaged in farming on his own account, and in his operations met with much success, bringing his land to
a high state of cultivation, his estate being one of the most desirable
in the township. He lived to a good old age, passing away in July,
1908. having lived on the subject's farm for 70 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Palmiter are the parents of four children, namely:
Clarence A., employed in the Rumley shops at Battle Creek; Floyd J.,
working for his father; Edith M.: and William L.. living at home with
his parents. The children attend the Union Methodist Episcopal church.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1199


MIYRON L. BRIGGS. The history of a nation is nothing more than
a history of the individuals comprising it, and as they are characterized
by loftier or lower ideals, actuated by the spirit of ambition or indifference, so it is with a state, county or town. Success along any line of
endeavor would never be properly appreciated if it came with a single
effort and uhaccompanied by some hardships, for it is the knocks and
uruises in life that make success taste so sweet. The failures accentuate
the successes, thus making recollections of the former as dear as those
of the latter for having been stepTnine-stones to achievement.  The
career of Myron L. Briggs, who has had every difficulty to contend with,
having lost both of his legs in an accident, but accentuates the fact that
success is bound to come to those who join brains with ambition and
are willing to work. Mr. Briggs is the owner of a fine farm in Pennfield
township and the same was accumulated by his own unaided endeavors.
Myron L. Briggs was born in Gratiot county, Michigan, December
12, 1867, and he is a son of Horace and Helen (Miles) Briggs, both of
whom were born and reared in the state of New York. Horace Briggs
went to Ohio and thence he came to Michigan, locating on a farm in the
vicinity of Jackson, in 1843. He was the owner of a half section of
land and farmed the same until his demise, in 1903, at the age of eighty
years. He was a money-maker and a successful business man. He and
his wife were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living in
1912 and of whom Myron L. was the fifth in order of birth. The maternal
grandfather of the subject of this review, came to Michigan from New
York and settled on a farm on the ground where the state capital of
Michigan now stands.
To the district schools of his native place Mr. Briggs is indebted for
his educational training. He has always been a farmer, with the exception of two years when he was conductor and motorman on the street
car line at Grand Rapids. It was during that time that he had both legs
cut off in an accident. Mr. Briggs started in life with a capital of one
dollar and inasmuch as he is now the owner of a fine farm of ninety acres
of more arable land in Battle Creek township, his success is the more gratifying to contemplate. His land is well improved and he has a beautiful
new home on it. He devotes his attention to general farming and, although so severely crippled, he works all the time, driving his mowers and
turning his hand to almost any of the farm   work.  In politics Mr.
Briggs gives a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies for which
the Republican party stands sponsor in all matters affecting the welfare
of the nation but in local politics he maintains an independent attitude,
voting for the best man. He has served as school director in his township. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of broad
mind and liberal views and, having had troubles of his own, he is
deeply and sincerely sympathetic with all who find life a difficult problem.
January 21, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Briggs to
Miss Mary McArdil, a daughter of John McArdil, who was born in Ireland, whence he came to America at the age of sixteen years. He was
a peddler for some time after coming to this country but eventually
settled on a farm in Calhoun county, Michigan, where he passed the
remainder of his days. Mr. McArdil was well known throughout his
section of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have no children.
RAY E. HART. Among the residents of Calhoun county who are especially worthy of notice as having been active in the improvement and
prosperity of the county and have built up admirable reputations in good
citizenship should be numbered Ray E. Hart, now serving upon his third
Vol. II-38




1200


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


term as county clerk. Not only has Mr. Hart proved a fine public official, with an eye single to the good of his constituents, but he also has
been identified with the industrial life of the section. He has in addition to the interests above noted a fine stock farm of two hundred and
eighty acres in Indiana, which he has carried on most successfully.
By the circumstance of birth Mr. Hart belongs to the Hawkeye
state, his eyes having first opened to the light of day in Marion county,
Iowa, November 24, 1875. He is the son of Russell A. and Buena Vista
(Morrison) Hart, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of
Illinois. The former engaged in farming in the Green Mountain state
until about the age of twenty-six years and then entered the ministry of
the Seventh Day Adventist church, in which he continued until 1884,
when he was sent to Battle Creek as superintendent of The Review &
Herald Publishing Association. In 1888 and 1889 he was sent to Norway
by the General Conference of his church and for twelve months had
charge of the publishing house at Copenhagen. He succeeded in putting
that institution which was nearly bankrupt on its feet and then returned
to America. He then engaged in the manufacturing of printers' supplies
at Battle Creek and has ever since remained in this field, being now in
that business, and also in contracting and building, his offices being
located at 42 Lincoln street. There were three children in the family,
Ray E. being the second in order of nativity. The two daughters, Minnie 0. and Lelah May are neither at home. The former is teaching
school in an Adventist Academy at Akron, Ohio, and the latter, an
artist of ability, has a china studio in Denver, Colorado. The three
children are natives of Marion county, Iowa. Their histories have been
further coincident in that all received their educations in the Battle
Creek public schools and subsequently in the Seventh Day Adventist
college here.
Ray E. Hart is one of Calhoun's leading young Republicans and his
influence is of weight in party councils. His first office was under Governor Bliss. the chief executive appointing this dependable young man
as state factory inspector, and so well and conscientiously did he fulfill
the duties appertaining that he was re-appointed by Governor Warner.
He resigned the afore-mentioned office upon his election to the office
of county clerk of Calhoun county, his first election to the clerkship
being in November, 1906, and his assumption of the office on January 1,
1907. He has had the most eloquent of comments made as to the opinion
of the people in his services in his second re-election.
Mr. Hart has always been closely associated with his father in business, as father and son usually are, and he has assisted materially in the
good fortunes of his father's concern. His previously mentioned stock
farm is in Fulton county of the Hoosier state and upon its broad acres
the subject raises the best kind of beef cattle, namely: Black Poll Angus
and Durham cattle.
Mr. Hart is one of the state's most prominent members of the Knights
of Pythias. He has passed all the chairs and has been twice elected to
Grand Lodge. In 1911 he was elected Grand Outer Guard of the Grand
Lodge, which is the stepping stone toward the highest honors in that
body.
On August 25, 1896, Mr. Hart was happily married to Miss Bertha
M. Miller, daughter of Charles Miller of Battle Creek. Michigan. Mrs.
Hart was born in Three Rivers, Michigan and received her education in
that place and in Battle Creek, her parents removing here in her girlhood. Into their attractive household has been born two children, as
follows: Ruby Marie and Russell E. Their residence is situated at
108 Manchester street, this modern and substantial abode having been:




H1ISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1201


built by Mr. Hart in the summer of 1896, he and his wife having removed to it three months after their marriage. The father, Russell A.
Hart and his estimable wife, Buena Vista, make their home at 42 Lincoln
street. The elder gentleman's residence here dates from 1883 and that
of his family from 1884.
CHARLES D. HYATT. A prominent and successful business man of
Tekonsha, Charles D. Haytt is widely known not only as an extensive
dealer in real estate, but as a botanist, and as expert grower of mushrooms, for which he has large and ready sale. He was born, December
7. 1872, at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, a son of C. C. Hyatt.
His grandfather, Daniel Hyatt, was born in Ovid, New York, and
while yet in his teens took an active part in the War of 1812. In 1835
he followed the emigrant's trail to Michigan, but at that time did not
stay very long. Returning eastward, he spent several years in Ohio,
being engaged in agricultural pursuits. About 1849 he came again to
Michigan, bringing his family with him, and settling in Eaton county,
where he carried on general farming until his death, in 1882.
Born in Clyde, Ohio, in 1847, C. C. Hyatt was but two years of age
when his parents located in Eaton county, Michigan, where he grew
to man's estate. During the Civil war, he enlisted in Company A, First
Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and while fighting for his country received injuries from the effects of which he never recovered. He subsequently settled in Burlington, Michigan, and there built up a lucrative business as a stock buyer Going to Battle Creek for the benefit of
his health, he died in the Sanitarium of that city, May 8, 1902. He was
a sound Republican in politics, and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife was likewise a member. He married
Elizabeth Howland, who was born, in 1850, in Burlington, Michigan, of
English ancestry. Her father, William Howland, was born in 1824, in
Lisle, New York, but in early life came to Michigan and was here prosperously engaged in business until his death.
Having completed his early education in the district schools, Charles
D. Hyatt began life for himself as a clerk, and later was for four years
engaged in the hardware business on his own account. Embarking in
the real estate trade in 1909, Mr. Hyatt has since been identified with
the exchange of realty in all parts of the county, being one of the heaviest dealers in real estate in this part of the state. Always interested
in botany, he has made a special study of mushrooms, and having attained success as a grower of the plants has built an extensive and
lucrative trade in that edible fungus, which he proposes to cultivate on
a much larger scale, having recently purchased four or five other tracts
of land suitable for that purpose.
Politically Mr. Hyatt is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs
to Washington Lodge, No. 7. Ancient Free and Accepted Order of
Masons; to Lodge, No. 1023, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
of Coldwater; and both he and his wife are members of Tekonsha
Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
On July 10, 1901, Mr. Hyatt was united in marriage with Daisy
Eberhardt, a daughter of George Eberhardt, who came from Indiana,
his native state, to Michigan in 1874, settling in Union City. his present
home, where for thirty years he had charge of the local express office.
Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt have two children, Margaret and Ella Louise, both
of whom are now in school.
RALPH WEEKS, a prosperous farmer of Athens township, was born
and reared in the community in which he now lives, and which has




1202


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


represented the center of his activities from his earliest recollections
up to the present time. A son of Darwin J. Weeks, he was born December 1, 1873, on the farm of his parents, of whom a more complete
account appears elsewhere in this volume, in connection with the biographical sketch of Burr L. Weeks, a brother of the subject.
Educated in the district schools, Ralph Weeks commenced as a boy
to do chores on the home farm, obtaining in his boyhood a practical experience in the art of tilling the soil, and early deciding to follow the
vocation of his father. He began life for himself poor in pocket, but
rich in energy and courage. In 1909 another forty acres were added
to their home.
Mr. Weeks has shown himself a good citizen, displaying an interest
in all affairs pertaining to the welfare of his township and county, and
does his share towards the support of all beneficial enterprises.  He
is a member of the local Grange and has served his town as constable,
being elected to the office on the Republican ticket.
In 1896 Mr. Weeks married Anna Doubleday, daughter of George
C. Doubleday and his wife, Ella (Cole) Doubleday.   Mr. Doubleday
was a lineal descendant of the emigrant ancestor, Elisha Doubleday,
wTho, with his two sons, Elisha and Elijah, settled in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1676, whence they came from Yorkshire, England. Mrs.
Week's paternal grandfather, a son of Elisha and Mercy (Bement)
Doubleday, was educated in Yates county, New York, where his parents settled soon after his birth which occurred in Westfield, Washington county, New York, February 20, 1802. In 1825 he married Betsey Wallace, a daughter of Samuel Wallace, of Steuben county, New
York, where she was born in 1802. In 1832 he with his wife and children came to Branch county, Michigan, becoming pioneers of Sherwood township, and there they improved atract of wild land, gradually
evolving a pleasant home, where Mrs. Doubleday died in 1852 and Mr.
Doubleday spent most of the remainder of his life with his daughter
Harriet, but died with his oldest son Harvey W., in 1890. They were
the parents of six children, none of whom are now living. They were:
Harvey M.; Harriet, who married D. D. Riley; Myron; John M.;
Frances and George C. George C. Doubleday was born on the Sherwood township farm of his parents, in 1840, and there grew to manhood. He spent some time in the western states, during the "gold
craze." After his marriage he bought land in Branch county, and was
there occupied in agricultural activities for many years, but later
bought a farm in LeRoy township. On retiring from active life, he
removed to Pine Creek, LeRoy township, where his death occurred,
November 19, 1907. To him and his wife were born four children:
William; Anna, now Mrs. Ralph Weeks; and Lee and Dee, twins, Dee
dying in infancy. No children have come to Mr. and Mrs. Weeks.
WILLIAM S. HOAG, a prosperous and practical farmer and a representative citizen of Clarence township, is a New York man by nativity,
born in Ontario county of the Old Empire State on January 1, 1870,
but was reared from early childhood in Calhoun county, Michigan. His
father was the late William W. Hoag, born in New York in 1834, who
died in Clarence township on June 2, 1909. Charlotte Bennett Hoag,
the mother of our subject, was born in New York in 1844 and was a
daughter of William Bennett, a native and a life long resident of New
York. William W. Hoag brought his family from New York to Michigan in 1874 and located in Calhoun county. where he bought a farm.
This he sold shortly afterward and in 1884 bought another farm of
forty acres in Clarence township, on which he resided until his death.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1203


As an agriculturist he was successful and as a citizen he received the
cordial respect of all who knew him. A member of the time-honored
Masonic order, he affiliated with Springport Lodge No. 284 Free and
Accepted Masons, and in political affairs he gave his allegiance to the
Republican party. The union of William W. Hoag and Charlotte Bennett was blessed by the birth of three children, of whom William S.
is the youngest. Daniel J. Hoag, the father of William W., removed
from his native state of New York to Michigan in 1885 and died here.
Educated first in the district schools of Clarence township and
later in the city schools of Eaton Rapids, William  S. Hoag took up
farming after his school days were over and has proved an excellent
representative of this noble and honest occupation, for the labors of
which he was well fitted by his practical qualities of character. He
bought his first farm about 1894, a tract of twenty acres; in 1896 he
bought ten acres more, and has so continued to add to his holdings
until he now owns 170 acres. Untiring industry and good business acumen have been the means by which he has progressed steadily toward
prosperity, for in a financial way Mr. Hoag is distinctly a self-made
man. Besides giving his attention to his farming interests he also conducts the boat house and st6re at Ducklake, a popular pleasure resort of
Calhoun county.
In 1891 Mr. Hoag was happily married to Miss Emma I. Straight.
Daniel Straight, the father of Mrs. Hoag, came to Michigan from his
native state of New York in an early day and became a well known
and substantial farmer of Gratiot county, where he was the owner of a
section of land and where he died. In political affairs he was an adherent of the Democratic party. Two sons, Gerald V. and Alonzo W.,
have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hoag and both are at the parental home. Mr. Hoag is a staunch and representative Republican and
has held the office of justice of the peace and has served as a member
of the Clarence township school board nine years and also as a member
of the Calhoun county board of review. Fraternally he is affiliated
with the Ancient Order of Gleaners and with the Mystic Workers of the
World. Mr. Hoag has recently removed to Albion to educate his children and resides at 1012 South Eaton street.
ELSWORT1H H. PUFFER is most sucessfully engaged in farming operations on his finely improved estate of eighty acres in Pennfield township, Calhoun county, Michigan. He is possessed of ambition and determination and his energy, courage and business judgment have brought
him to a position of esteem and influence among the citizens of his home
community, where he is a man of mark in all the relations of life. He
has been a member of the township board of supervisors for the past
eight years and is filling that position with the utmost efficiency at the
present time, in 1912.
In Steuben county, New York, June 30, 1862, occurred the birth of
Elsworth H. Puffer, who is a son of Tisdale and Mary J. (Gifford)
Puffer, the former of whom was born in the state of Vermont and the
latter in Massachusetts. Tisdale Puffer removed to New York as a
young man and thence came to Michigan in 1865. He enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of a New York company and was a
soldier in the Union ranks from 1864 until the close of hostilities. After
his advent in Michigan he settled on a farm in Bedford township, Calhoun county and subsequently he removed to Pennfield township, where
his death occurred in 1874. He was a Republican in his political affiliations and was decidedly successful as a business man and farmer.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his






1204


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


wife, who still survives him  and who maintains her home at Battle
Creek, is now a member. Tisdale Puffer was a son of Tisdale Puffer,
Sr., who was likewise born and reared in Vermont and who came to
Miichigan and there resided until his death. The maternal grandfather
of him to whom this sketch is dedicated was Levi Gifford, born in Massachusetts. He removed to Michigan in 1863 and here was engaged
in agricultural pursuits until his death.
To the public schools of Calhoun county Elsworth H. Puffer is indebted for his educational training, the same including one year's attendance in the schools at Battle Creek. As a youth he helped clear
his father's land and he is now the owner of that estate, the same comprising eighty acres. Mr. Puffer devotes his attention to general farming and he is a member of the board of directors of the Hail Storm Insurance Company. He is a Republican in politics and has held practically all the township offices. For eight terms he has been township
supervisor and in all his public offices he has acquitted himself with
honor and distinction, ever doing his duty most conscientiously.
On September 14, 1884, Mr. Puffer married Miss Georgiana Merrill,
who was born in Michigan. She is a daughter of Horace Merrill, who
is a resident of Batavia, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Puffer are the parents of thirteen children, as follows,-Mrs. Earles Kresge was graduated in the Battle Creek high school; Raymond is associated with his
father in the work and management of the home farm; Francis was
graduated in the Battle Creek schools; Eva is the wife of Ernest Foreman and they reside at Detroit; Richard was graduated in the business
college at Battle Creek and is now engaged with the Michigan Central
Railroad at Detroit; Harry is at home; Helen is attending high school
at Battle Creek; and Georgia, Leona, AMarion, Elsworth, Mildred and
Jeanette, all are at home. The Puffer family are members of the Methodist Protestant church and Mr. Puffer is affiliated with the Knights of
the Maccabees.


C. W. POST was born October 26, 1854, at Springfield, Illinois, at
that time a little town with muddy streets, where Abraham Lincoln,
citizen, was known among the boys as "Uncle Abe."
Mr. Post descended from Yankee stock  Puritans. His mother was
a Lathrop from Connecticut, and his father, Charles R. Post, was born
in Vermont and moved to the west when a boy about eight years old
and located south of Springfield on a farm with his father. When the
gold fever of 1849 spread, the elder Post went with a party of "Forty
Niners" to the mining camps of California.
At the time the subject of this sketch was born, his father was a
merchant at Springfield. The boy was in due time placed in the public schools and gained what education he could up until 1868, when he
was placed in the University of Illinois at Champaign an dtook a military course, inasmuch as his youthful mind had become attracted by
military affairs, he having been among the camps of the soldiers from
1861 to 1865. After about two years of hard training for a military
life, he decided that was not what he wanted, therefore he left college
and went back to Springfield to work for his father.
In 1871, during the Chicago fire, he served under General Phil Sheridan when Chicago was under martial law. Shortly after that he went
to the frontier when buffalo herds roamed the plains and when Indians
were frequent marauders along the outpost, and made his start in the
hardware business at the age of seventeen. In this enterprise the young
man made some money, but found it profitable to sell out his interests
the succeeding year and return to what was then known as "the states."






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1205


Shortly thereafter he accepted a position to travel for an agricultural implement concern and after spending seven or eight years in a
commercial way, covering a number of western states, he finally became
manager at Kansas City for a large implement factory. Later on he
returned to Springfield and with local capitalists started the Springfield Plow Works. This concern under his management built quite a
large factory which, with later additions, is still in existence and successfully conducting a business under the name of The Satley Plow
Works. Severing his connection with the plow company, he went to
California with a corporation made up of railroad managers interested
in exploiting and selling land. He made money at this, although during the operations at Springfield, he had broken down physically from
overwork, and still remained more or less of an invalid. This condition continued for seven or eight years and finally drifted him to Battle Creek, Michigan, for treatment at a sanitarium. After about nine
months he was given up to die and was taken out of the sanitarium,
to be healed under an entirely different method of procedure.
Being then out of business he purchased an old home place in Battle Creek with about twenty-seven acres of orchards and lawns. Here
for about four years Mr. Post conducted a small sanitarium, chartered
under the laws of Michigan, further pursuing his studies in medicine,
dietetics, hygiene, and particularly what might be termed "suggestive
therapeutics."  He attended some of the clinics in Paris for five or six
successive years and made a very careful study of the organs of digestion and assimilation, and particularly of the effect of the mind upon
the functioning of those organs.
While he was in practice at this small sanitarium his attention was
attracted to the fact that nervous patients were very seriously handicapped if they used coffee. Therefore, he proceeded to devise a beverage that would give them a morning drink, warm and nourishing, but
free from the drug effects of coffee. It took about a year to perfect
this article, and when perfected it was furnished free to patients, and
sold in ordinary brown paper bags to a few interested outsiders. Later
on the demand grew, and in 1895 he started the manufacture of the
product, calling it "Postum."  This was the beginning of the pure food
business which has now attained a position, the largest in the world in
that particular line.
At the present time there are over ten acres covered with factory
buildings making the pure foods, for which the Postum   Cereal Company, Limited, has become famous. These foods, Postum, Grape-Nuts,
Post Toasties and Post Tavern Special, go to every country in the
world.
Some years ago, Mr. Post bought a ranch in Texas of 204,000 acres,
situated in Garza and Lynn counties, about 250 miles west of Fort
Worth. Later, when Garza county was organized one of the sections of
Mr. Post's ranch was selected for the county seat and a little town
started, named Post City. Thereupon he decided to build a good comfortable western town and proceeded to erect houses, some big stores,
a hotel, cotton gin, planing mill, machine shop, garage, water works,
and later on a cotton mill. Twenty-six miles of streets were laid out,
all lined with trees. There are now something over sixty miles of trees
in and about Post City, an improvement very unique for a western
town.
Mr. Post served several years as President of the National Citizens'
Industrial Association, and four years as President of the National Association of American Advertisers. He has an international reputa



1206


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


tion as an expert in labor questions and his articles on this subject are
very widely read and quoted.
He helped to organize the National Trades and Workers' Association and presented it with a home for indigent and decrepit members.
The association is a non-strike labor organization, having branches in
many of the larger cities of the United States.
His industrial city, Postumville, adjoining the works at Battle Creek,
is regarded, both in Europe and America, as perhaps the most practical example of home building for working people.
OWEN L. HUBBARD. Conspicuous among the foremost citizens of
Marshall is Owen L. Hubbard, an extensive landholder, and a retired
capitalist, now occupying a palatial residence at the corner of Kalamazoo and Brewer avenues, the estate being named "Pine Knot."  The
house is picturesquely situated on a rising knoll, and is surrounded by
beautiful pines, oaks and elms, giving charm and variety to the scenery,
and commands an extensive view of the surrounding country. The
only son of the late Deville Hubbard, Owen L. Hubbard was born on
a farm adjoining the city of Marshall, February 26, 1866. His grandparents, Cyrus and Clarissa Hubbard, came from New York state to
Michigan in 1835, locating just north of Marshall, where they improved
a farm of eighty acres, which now forms a part of the Deville Hubbard
estate.
Deville Hubbard was born, February 7, 1829, in Sangerfield, Oneida
county, New York, being one of a family of three children. He succeeded
to the ownership of his father's farm, and through wise investment and
superior management added to its area until he had title, at the time of
his death, February 27, 1884, to two thousand acres of rich and fertile
land.  He married Alice Moore, who was of pioneer stock. A brief
biographical sketch of Deville Hubbard appears elsewhere in this volume, and will be of interest to many of the readers of this work.
Until seventeen years of age Owen L. Hubbard attended the winter
terms of the public schools of his district, in the meantime studying at
home under the tuition of his mother, who was a woman of culture and
education. He remained on the parental homestead until twenty-six
years of age, superintending a large part of the work after the death
of his father. Continuing then as an agriculturist on his own account,
Mr. Hubbard formed a partnership with J. C. Beckwith, and as head
of the firm of Hubbard & Beckwith built up an extensive business, buying and shipping hay, grain and wool, dealing for a number of years
with prominent eastern firms. Having accumulated considerable wealth,
Mr. Hubbard sold out to Mr. Beckwith, who is still conducting the
business with characteristic success.  Since selling out, Mr. Hubbard
has devoted himself to his farms, which consists of three different tracts
of land, aggregating one thousand acres, the greater part of it being
leased to parties on shares.  His farms contain 'some of the richest
and most fertile land, of which Calhoun county can boast, being of a
rich loam mixed with clay, a combination most desirable for the raising of crops of good quantity and quality. In addition to his large
land holdings, Mr. Hubbard is a stockholder in the First National Bank
of Marshall. He is a Democrat in politics, and with his family, attends
the Episcopal church.
Mr. Hubbard married, in 1893, Miss Rose Kast, a daughter of
John Kast, an old and much respected citizen of Marshall, and into
their home three children have been born, namely: Irma L. and Alice
M., attending school in Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Deville H., at home.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1207


EDWARD F. WILLIS is an enterprising and prosperous agriculturist
and dairyman in Bedford township, Calhoun county, Michigan, where.he has resided during practically his entire life time thus far and
where he is honored and esteemed by all with whom he has come in
contact. His fine farm of 119 acres is located five and one-half miles
distant from the city of Battle Creek and is one of the best improved
estates in the entire county.
A native of Calhoun county, Michigan, Edward F. Willis was born
on the 20th of December, 1867. He is a son of Isaac C. and Margaret
(Traut) Willis, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, the former
in Chester county, September 13, 1827, and the latter in Lancaster
county, July 27, 1827. Isaac C. Willis was a son of Henry Willis, who
was born on the ocean while his parents were en route from England
to America. He passed his childhood days in Pennsylvania and came
to Michigan in 1837, taking charge of the building of the Michigan
Central Railway at Kalamazoo. In 1843 Henry Willis started the first
nursery in Calhoun county and subsequently he erected a pottery plant
at Battle Creek. He was always interested in the various railroad enterprises and in the spring of 1885 he became acquainted with Sir
Henry Tyler, in whose company he made a trip to England. He died
December 20, 1886. Jacob Traut, maternal grandfather of the subject of this review, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. As a
young man he removed to western Pennsylvania and later came to
Michigan, locating on a farm in the vicinity of Assyria and eventually
settling in Pennfield township, Calhoun county, where he resided during the remainder of his life time.
Isaac C. Willis was reared and educated in Pennsylvania and came
to Michigan in 1864. He helped to bring the first locomotive ever run
into Battle Creek. He also put up the first telegraph wire ever put
into Detroit. In 1887 he purchased a farm in Pennfield township, this
county, and so successful was he in his various financial ventures that
he left a finely improved farm of four hundred and fifty acres at the
time of his demise February 17, 1911. For a number of years he ran
saw mills; he was independent in politics and he and his wife were
members of the Quaker church. He married Margaret Traut in 1858
and to this union were born five children, all of whom are living, in
1912, namely,-Lydia, Maggie, Henry, Thomas and Edward F. Mrs.
Willis survives her honored husband and makes her home with the
subject of this sketch.
Edward F. Willis was reared to adult age on the old homestead
farm and received his rudimentary educational training in the district
schools of Calhoun county. In 1896 he went to British Columbia, where
he remained six years, during which time he was engaged in the produce
business. He was fairly successful in that line of enterprise and returned to Michigan in 1902, at which time he settled on the old homestead, where he has since maintained his home. He is engaged in general farming and in dairy work, having a large herd of fine cattle. He
is a successful farmer and is the owner of a finely improved estate of
119 acres. While he has never had aught of ambition for the honors
or emoluments of public office of any description he is a stalwart Republican in all matters affecting the welfare of the nation. In local
matters he maintains an independent attitude, giving his support to
men and measures meeting with the approval of his judgment.
November 9, 1904, Mr. Willis was united in marriage to Miss Florence Campbell, a daughter of William Campbell, a prominent farmer
in Barry county, Michigan. William Campbell was a son of George
Campbell, who served in the Civil war and who died of Yellow fever.




1208


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. and Mrs. Willis have two children, namely,-Marie L., is attending school in Pennfield township; and Harold E., remains at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Willis are factors in connection with the social affairs of
their home community.
HON. DELOS FALL, M. A., Sc. D., educator, lecturer and author,
and now superintendent of Public Instruction in Michigan, stands today as one of the most distinguished champions of the public-school
system in America; and certain advance movements which he has inaugurated are regarded by many of the most progressive steps that
have been taken along the line of public education in a quarter of a
century. His professional connection, aside from his official service, is
that of Professor of Chemistry in Albion College.  As a writer and
lecturer he has attained distinction in the literary and scientific world
and he has been the promoter of legislation which has had a far reaching and beneficial eftect upon the schools of Michigan.
His ancestry is one of long connection with America and her interests on both the paternal and maternal sides. His paternal greatgrandfather came to America as a British soldier in the Revolutionary
war, and after the close of hostilities, remained to make his home in
the New World. Iis son, Daniel Fall, the grandfather of the subject,
was born in Connecticut, March 1, 1780, and became a pioneer settler
of Monroe county, New York. He married Hannah Treat, and in their
frontier home Benjamin F. Fall, the father of Professor Fall, was born
on March 12, 1810. He removed to Michigan, settling in Washtenaw
county, near Ann Arbor, about 1836. Mr. Fall was a blacksmith and
worked at his trade for many years. Later he took up his abode at
Ann Arbor, where his death occurred in 1869. when he was fifty-nine
years of age.  He was leading member of the Methodist Episcopal
church of his locality and took a prominent part in its work, filling its
various official positions and co-operating in all the branches of the
church work. His home in the early days was always open for the reception of the pioneer ministers. He was also prominently identified
with the Masonic fraternity, its tenets concerning the brotherhood of
man appealing to him most forcibly.
The mother of Professor Fall was born near Mendon, New York,
January 12, 1813, a daughter of Henry and Dorothy (Sackett) Bassett. Her father was a son of Henry and Mary (Percy) Bassett, the
latter a daughter of Sylvanus and Abagail (Durein) Percy, and a
granddaughter of Lord Percy of England, who was a member of one
of the most distinguished and forceful families, according to history, in
England. Henry Bassett, grandfather of Professor Fall, bore a Christian name which was also borne by his father and grandfather. The
family was established in New England during an early epoch in the
colonization of the new world, and the first Henry Bassett, the grandfather, and Dorothy Sackett, were married in 1797, their daughter Ann
M., becoming the wife of Benjamin F. Fall. Her death occurred ii
Albion, Michigan, in 1899, when she was in her eighty-seventh year of
life.  She had three children who reached mature years. The eldest
son, Charles S. Fall, was a soldier of the Civil war and received from
Congress a gold medal in recognition of bravery displayed in action at
the battle of Spottsylvania Court House. He is now living in Los Angeles, California. Delos and DeWitt C. Fall are twins, and the latter
is now a resident of Jackson, Michigan.
Professor Fall pursued his education in what is known as the "lower
town" school at Ann Arbor, also attended a country school and subsequently continued his studies in the Ann Arbor high school. In 1870




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1209


he matriculated in the University of Michigan and after studying there
for a year engaged in teaching for one year in the high school of Ann
Arbor, thus continuing a work which he had begun in connection with
the district schools of the locality. Returning to the University he was
graduated with the class of 1875, at which time the degree of Bachelor
of Science was conferred upon him.
Following his graduation Professor Fall went to Flint, Michigan, as
principal of the high school there and remained thus engaged for three
and a half years. He was then called to Albion College, in the fall of
1878, as Professor of Natural Sciences and filled that chair until 1888,
when he was elected Professor of Chemistry in the same institution,
and has since held that chair. The growth of this department under
his guidance was so great that in 1893 the McMillan Chemical laboratory was built. It is one of the finest and most modern buildings for
the purpose to be found in the state and is devoted entirely to chemical uses. It was erected by Senator James McMillan at a cost of forty
thousand dollars, including the equipment. The laboratory has become
well and favorably known throughout the country, and aside from
analytical and compound work, is doing a large amount of work in
Portland cement, marls, clays, peat, and also in the examination of
flours and other food products. Here is carried on a large amount of
water analysis, sanitary and quantitative. Professor Fall has thus not
only become widely known as a leading educator, but also in analytical
chemistry, in which he is regarded as an authority. He does a large
amount of work in this line, not only in Michigan, but also in many
other states throughout the Union. In recognition of his special work
the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him in 1882 by the University
and in 1898 he was honored by Albion College with the degree of Doctor of Science for twenty years of capable service. He is now the senior
professor of the college.
Professor Fall's labors have been of the utmost practical benefit in
the educational field.  Education is the basis of industrial success.
Without the hand disciplined to execute, and the mind trained to plan
and direct, the industrial organization of the modern commonwealth
could not exist. The state recognizes this, not only in its watchful
care and endowment of its public schools but in the higher institutions
of learning that have been established for both mental and manual
culture. It is this consideration that has always entitled the founder
of a great school or a disinguished educator to special honor, and in
this connection Professor Fall well merits the position of prominence
which he holds in the public regard and the honors which have been
conferred upon.him in the state and country. He has been very active
and prominent in association work and was at one time president of
the State Teachers' Association.   For many    years he has been
a member of the National Educational Association, of which he is now
vice-president In 1886 he was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the most important organization for the benefit of science in America.  He is well known as a
writer, has been a frequent contributor to educational journals and is
the author of "Qualitative Chemical Analysis," which has been well
received.
For twelve years Professor Fall was a member of the Michigan State
Board of Health with which he was prominently identified as an active
worker. He was largely instrumental in placing on the statute books
the law relative to the teaching of methods concerning the spread and
prevention of contagious disease in the public schools. It was also dur



1210


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ing this period that he was a member and active worker of the American Public Health Association and the National Conference of the
Boards of Health. About the same time he wrote and lectured to a
considerable extent on sanitary science, and some of his writings have
been copied into the sanitary journals of the old world. His labors in
this direction have been effective in promoting health conditions in
Michigan.
Along other lines Professor Fall has put forth earnest effort for
community interests and the welfare of his city. He has been a member
of the common councils of Albion and was a member of the Board of
Health of Albion for twelve years. He has ever stood for improvement
in educational lines and during his connection with the school board
marked advance wasmade as the result of his efforts. In 1899 he was
nominated State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Michigan,an election that was extremely complimentary, for he received the
greatest number of votes ever given a candidate for that office in Michigan, his majority being almost one hundred thousand. He entered
upon the duties of the office on the first day of the twentieth century
and was reelected in 1901, also by a very large majority. During his
incumbency marked advancement has been made in connection with
the work of the office, especially along the line of rural schools. The
laws were perfected whereby the centralizing and consolidation of rural
schools was made possible, thereby increasing their efficiency. At the
suggestion of Professor Fall there was also a law passed by the Michigan 'Legislature for the establishment in each county of a County Normal Training Class, in which the teachers of rural districts are given
professionals instructions, and as a result of this they return to their
schools prepared to do more effective, practical and valuable work than
before. This is considered by many to be one of the most far-reaching
~ and beneficial results brought about during the last quarter century for
the improvement of the rural schools. A large part of the duties of the
State Superintendent are in connection with the state board of education, of which he is an ex-officio member and secretary. During his
administration as superintendent of public instruction there have been
notable additions made to the buildings and equipments of the three
normal schools of Michigan, and the fourth school of this character
has been established, known as the Western State Normal School, located at Kalamazoo. Judged by what he has accomplished in the line
of educational advancement, Professor Fall well merits the honored
position which he occupies in the public regard.
At Flint, Michigan, July 24, 1877, Professor Fall married Miss Ida
Andrews, and five children have been born to them: Frank Andrews,
Allen Percy, Mark, Florence and Donald Mac. Professor Fall is a
member of Murat lodge, F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has served on its board of
trustees, has been superintendent of the Sunday-school at different
times and has taken a very active and helpful part in the work of the
church. He was a lay delegate to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, held at Los Angeles, California, in 1904. Professor Fall has ever borne himself with a dignity and honor which has
gained to him the respect and esteem of all. His life work forms an
important chapter in the history of educational progress in the state
and he has wielded a wide influence along other lines of. advancement,
particularly of moral growth and legislative accomplishment.    His
strong mentality, invincible courage and determined individuality have
rendered him a natural leader of men and a director of public opinion.






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1211


JOHN H. VAN ARMAN. Among the sterling citizens of Calhoun
county who went forth in defense of the nation's integrity at the time
of the Civil war is he to whom this sketch is dedicated. Mr. Van Arman
has been a resident of Calhoun county since his childhood days, is a
representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this favored
section of the Wolverine state, and after long years of close and successful devotion to the great basic industry of agriculture he is now living virtually retired, in an attractive home in the city of Marshall, the
judicial center of the county. He is held in high esteem in the community and this fact shows that he has fully measured up to the effective
guage of popular confidence and approbation.
Mr. Van Arman was born at Canada, on the 25th of July, 1838,
and is a son of Luke and Sarah (Chisholm) Van Arman, the former
of whom was born at Quebec, Canada, and the latter near Edinburg,
Scotland. In 1844, when the subject of this review was a lad of about
six years, the family came to Calhoun county, Michigan, and the father
secured a tract of sixty acres of land in Lee township. Later he purchased additional land in the same township, and he finally became the
owner of a valuable estate of two hundred acres. He reclaimed much
of his land from the virgin forest, was a man of energy and indefatigable, and with the passing of the years he achieved definite prosperity.
Both he and his wife continued to reside on the old homestead until
their death, and the names of both merit enduring place on the roster
of the honored pioneers of the county. They were consistent members
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics Luke Van Arman
gave his allegiance to the Democratic party.
John H. Van Arman was reared to manhood under the sturdy and
invigorating discipline of the pioneer farm, and thus early gained fellowship with strenuous toil and endeavor, the while he availed himself of the advantages of the common schools of the locality and period.
Mr. Vali Arman continued to be associated in the work and management of the home farm until he had attained to his legal majority, and
he then entered the employ of the firm of Buck & Hoyt, who were engaged in manufacture of grain cradles in the city of Battle Creek.
When the dark cloud of civil war cast its pall over the national
horizon Mr. Van Arman, who was then a young man of twenty-three
years, was among the first to tender his services in defense of the Union.
In 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, he
enlisted as a private in Company E., Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry.
Shortly after this he was taken with typhoid fever and was ill almost a
year. In 1865 he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Michigan Infantry,
being mustered in March 15th. He joined the regiment May 23, 1865,
but took part in no battles, doing guard duty at the State House,
Nashville, for General Thomas. Mr. Van Arman has ever retained a
deep interest in his old comrades in arms and signified the same by his
membership in C. Colegrove Post, No. 166, Grand Army of the Republic,
in the city of Marshall.
After the close of the war Mr. Van Arman turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, and he became the owner of a valuable farm
property in Marengo township. His estate comprised 71 acres and
upon the same he made the best of improvements, the while he was
energetic and ambitious in carrying forward his various operations as
an agriculturist and stock-grower, with the result that he eventually
became one of the substantial and representative farmers of the county.
In 1898 he removed from his farm to the city of Marshall, where he is
living in the serene enjoyment of the rewards of former years of earnest
toil and endeavor. He has been liberal and public-spirited in his civic
attitude and has contributed in generous measure to the development




1212


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and upbuilding of the county that has been his home for many years
and in which his circle of friends is limited only by that of his acquaintances. Mr. Van Arman accords allegiance to the Democrat party
and has been a staunch supporter of its cause, though he has had no
desire for public office. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On the 2d of May, 1866, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Van
Arman to Miss Laura A. Tabor, who was born at Erie county, New
York, on the 15th of April, 1845, and who has proved a devoted companion and helpmeet. They have two children,-Frederick Bismark,
who remains on the old homestead farm, and Earl Chisholm, who is
in Fredonia township, Calhoun county, and resides upon a farm of his
own.
WILLIAM MORGAN. Education and financial assistance are very important factors in achieving success in the business world of today,
where every faculty must be brought into play, but they are not the
main elements. Persistency and determination figure much more prominently and a man possessed of these qualities is bound to win a fair
amount of success. William Morgan, whose name forms the caption for
this review, is strictly a self-made man and he has climbed to a high
place on the ladder of achievement. He is a prominent and influential
citizen of Bedford township, Calhoun county, Michigan, where he has resided thirty-eight years, and where he is the owner of a fine farm of
three hundred and seventy acres, all of which is well improved.
A native of England, William Morgan was born November 5, 1826,
and he is a son of William and Mary (Crook) Morgan, both of whom
were born in County Kent, England, whence they immigrated to the
United States in 1829, locating in New York. The father entered a
tract of government land in Chautauqua county, New York, and there
literally hewed himself a farm out of the virgin wilderness. Subsequently he disposed of his farm and removed to Pennsylvania, where he
engaged in farming and where he achieved a fair success. His father
was likewise named William Morgan and he came to the United States
from England, residing in New York until his death. The maternal
grandfather Crook of the subject of this sketch was leader in the English
navy band.
To the public schools of Chautauqua county, New York, William
Morgan III, of this notice, is indebted for his somewhat limited educational training. At the age of twenty-one years he went to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he was in the milk business for the ensuing twenty-one
years, at the expiration of which he came to Michigan, settling in Bedford township, Calhoun county. Here Mr. Morgan purchased a fine farm
with his savings and with the passage of years he has gradually added
to his original estate until he is the owner of a farm of three hundred and
seventy acres, in 1912. He is engaged in diversified agriculture and in
addition thereto devotes considerable attention to dairy work, having a
herd of thirty-four cows. He likewise raises stock and cattle and has a
beautiful country home. Inasmuch as his splendid success in life is
entirely the outcome of his own well directed endeavors, Mr. Morgan's
achievements are the more gratifying to contemplate. In his political
convictions he is an uncompromising supporter of the principles and
policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and in a fraternal
way he is an honorary member of the Knights of Pythias.
In 1862 Mr. Morgan was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Gordon,
a daughter of James Gordon, a native of New York. Mrs. Morgan was
called to the life eternal in 1897. She was a woman of most gracious




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1213


personality and was beloved by all who came within the sphere of her
influence. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan became the parents of two children,Jessie, who married George H. York, a traveling man and they have
one child, Mrs. Helen York-and Benjamin G., who married Jennie Moore
of Battle Creek and resides on the farm with his father, and they have
three sons, William E., Ross H. and Paul M.
JOHN T. SMITH, who is most successfully engaged in the great basic
industry of agriculture in Pennfield township, Calhoun county, Michigan,
is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres located
four and one-half miles distant from Bellevue. In addition to general
farming he is a horticulturist and devotes considerable attention to the
raising of bees, having as many as from one hundred to one hundred and
twenty swarms all the time. His farm is in a fine state of cultivation and
is improved with beautiful, substantial buildings.
A native of the fine old Buckeye state of the Union, John T. Smith was
born in Huron county, Ohio, December 24, 1852. He is a son of Joseph
and Sarah (James) Smith, both of whom were born in England, the
former in 1819 and the latter in 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were reared
and educated in England and there their marriage was solemnized November 14, 1844. In the following year they immigrated to the United
States, settling first in Huron county, Ohio, where they remained until
1855, and then coming to Calhoun county, Michigan. In 1858 Mr.
Smith entered a tract of government land and literally hewed himself
a farm  out of the wilderness. He devoted the major portion of his
active career to farming and was summoned to the life eternal, August
2, 1889. His wife also has passed away. They were the parents of four
children, all of whom grew to adult years and two of whom are living,
in 1912, namely: Edward J., who is a resident of Battle Creek, and
John T., the immediate subject of this review. Both the maternal and
paternal ancestors of the subject of this review were natives of England
and none of them ever came to America.
John T. Smith was a child of but three years of age at the time of
his parents' removal to Michigan and he was educated in the district
schools of Pennfield township, Calhoun county. He worked on the
home farm as a youth and eventually purchased that estate from his
father. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of most arable
land, on which he is engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising
of peaches and bees. He keeps from one hundred to one hundred and
twenty swarms of bees on hand all the time and has marketed as much
as two tons of honey in one season. He is a. prosperous and progressive
citizen and is one of the most prominent and influential farmers in this
county. In politics he is a Lincoln Republican and he served for six
years as justice of the peace of Pennfield township. Mr. Smith is a
valued and appreciative member of Bellevue Grange and though not
formally connected with any religious organization he attends and gives
his support to the Methodist Episcopal church at Battle Creek, of which
his wife is a member. He is an interested collector of ancient curios
and Indian antiques and old coin, and has a very large and valuable
collection.
Mr. Smith has been twice married. In 1876 he wed Miss Clara O.
Burleigh, a daughter of Orren W. Burleigh, who was a farmer and
an early settler in Calhoun county. She died December 18. 1909, and
is survived by two children,-Ermina E. is the wife of R. E. Murray,
who is a traveling salesman for a Hardware concern at Danville, Illinois;
and Huber J. is engaged in farming on his father's farm. May 16, 1911,
Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Mrs. Cordelia M. Archer, widow




1214


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of the late W. J. Archer and daughter of Cassius Gibbs, who was a Civil
war soldier and who died of disease at Nashville, Tennessee, January
11, 1865; he was buried in the National cemetery at Nashville. W. J.
Archer was a railroad man and was killed in -a wreck at Battle Creek in
1907. Mrs. Smith is the mother of four children by her first marriage,
Pearl, who was graduated in the medical department of the University
of Michigan, and who is the wife of Frederick B. Kershner, president
of the Christian University at Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Kershner is a
writer of note. He was born in Maryland; was graduated in Princeton
University and for years was a missionary in the Philippine Islands.
T'he children of Mrs. Archer were Pearl Maude, Claude and George T.,
both raiload men, George being a conductor on Grank Trunk.


DEVILLE HUBBARD. Beginning life for himself not on the plane of
affluence, but in humble circumstances, Deville Hubbard, late of Marshall, Michigan, attained noteworthy success in agricultural and industrial circles, and to say that he was a "self-made man" expresses an
evident truth in commonplace language. He was born, February 7,
1829, in Sangerfield, Onedia county, New York, coming on both sides
of the house of substantial ancestry, his relatives having been able and
influential citizens.
His father, Cyrus Hubbard, came from New York state to Michigan
in 1835, bringing with him his wife and children. Purchasing eighty
acres of land lying north of Marshall, he cleared a farm, which later
became a part of the large estate of his son Deville. Clearing an opening in the primeval woods, he erected the typical log house of the pioneer,
and for many years thereafter was active in advancing the settlement of
his adopted township. To Cyrus and Clarissa Hubbard, three children
were born, namely: Lawrence, Deville, and Caroline.
But six years old when he came with his parents to Calhoun county,
Deville Hubbard grew to manhood among pioneer scenes, obtaining his
education in the old log schoolhouse in Marshall, which was then a mere
hamlet, he and his brother Lawrence bravely trudging back and forth
each day through the long strip of almost pathless woods, taking their
dinner with them. The wild beasts of the forests had not then fled before
the advancing steps of civilization, and the howling of the wolves along
their path often filled their hearts with fear.
Deville Hubbard was a lad of much determination and resolution,
and through persistency seemingly found a way to conquer all difficulties. When he was yet young his mother, who was tired, worn out
physically, and homesick, was anxious to visit her early home, there
seemed to be no possible way by which she could procure money enough
to pay her expenses on the journey. Deville, who was energetic, enterprising, and full of resources, determined at once that her desire should
be gratified. Going forth with his traps, he set many in the surrounding woods, and two weeks later he had the gratification of presenting his
mother with one hundred dollars which he had received from a Marshall
man, who dealt in pelts.
After leaving school Deville Hubbard worked on the farm for three
years. Then, on attaining his majority, he, with two companions, James
Culver of Barry county, and Stanley Meacham, of Battle Creek, made
an overland trip to the Pacific coast, Mr. Hubbard driving the fourhorse team. Spending a few days in Salt Lake City, Mr. Hubbard
worked for Brigham Young as a hand in the harvest fields, receiving
six dollars a day, a small sum compared with the sixteen dollars a day
in gold which was later paid harvest hands in that vicinity. Arriving
at Yuba river, Mr. Hubbard met with much success in his mining opera





H1STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1215


tions, at the end of twenty months spent in the California gold regions
returning to Michigan, and buying, from Dr. Sibley, two hundred and
forty acres of land adjoining his father's farm.  Cutting down and
clearing off the timber, he upturned the sod, and later embarked in
general farming, making a specialty of sheep raising, his favorite breed
having been the Shropshires, of which he usually had large flocks.
In 1861 Mr. Hubbard was instrumental in raising the First Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, furnishing the money therefor, and going to the
front as captain of Company 1, and taking an active part in many engagements, including the Battle of Bull Run. Public-spirited and generous, Mr. Hubbard was ever one of the foremost in the establishment
of beneficial enterprises, and was one of the leaders in securing money
and means for building railways. He was one of the stockholders in
manufacturing interests, and was identified with nearly every project
designed to promote the welfare of city or county. Iis death, which occurred at his home, February 27, 1884, was a loss to the community,
and a cause of general regret.
Mr. Hubbard married, in 1862, Miss Alice Moore, who was born in
Syracuse, New York, January 11, 1845, and was educated in the Packard
Institute, at Brooklyn, New York. When nineteen years of age she came
with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Moore, to Marshall, Michigan,
and here spent her remaining days, passing away June 20, 1905. Five
children were born of their union, among whom, of those now living, are
Owen L. Hubbard, of whom a brief sketch may be found on another
page of this volume; and Mrs. Beatrice Babbitt.
Mrs. Babbitt was born on the Hubbard homestead, in Marshall, and
after her graduation from the Marshall high school.attended the Chicago
Musical College, there developing her musical talent, and becoming a
most skillful pianist. She resides in the fine residence erected by her
father several years before his death, it being one of the most attractive and beautiful homes in the county. She is an extensive land
owner, having a thousand acres of highly improved and productive land
adjoining Marshall.  Mrs. Babbitt lihas one son, Allison Babbitt, of
Marshall.
CHA _RLES F. RADFORD, prominent among the more successful agricultural men of Le Roy township, has been a resident of the state since
his boyhood, although he was born in Lysander, New York, on January
11, 1847. Te is the son of James and Lydia (Zimmerman) Radford, natives of Albany, New York, the father born there in 1812 and she in
1809. In 1855 James Radford came to Michigan, bringing his family
with him. He bought a farm in Le Roy township in 1858, buying the
place on credit, and depending entirely upon himself and his energy
to pay for the place and make of it a. tillable piece of land. In the
course of a few years he had reduced the land to a fine state of cultivation,
had paid for it, and was on the highroad to financial independence,an independence which none know so well nor can so well appreciate
as the man with a productive farm. In 1868 Mr. Radford died, his
wife surviving him until 1883. The maternal grandfather of Charles
F. Radford of this sketch was Conrad Zimmerman. a native of New
York state, where he passed his life. He was a veteran of the war of
1812. Mrs. Radford was one of a family of fourteen children.
Charles F. Radford was educated in the grade schools, but his training in that respect was not of a generous character, the farm claiming
much of his attention as a boy and youth. In 1870 he became the
owner of the old homestead, and he has lived on the place continuously
since that time. He has carried on the good work conducted so profitVol. 11-39




1216


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ably during his father's lifetime, and has brought about many improvements in the matter of buildings and other necessary equipment. He is
engaged in diversified farming and stock raising, and is generally conceded to be one of the most successful men in his business in the township, or indeed, in the county.
In 1869 Mr. Radford was united in marriage with Martha Scott, a
daughter of Andrew Scott, born in Germany. Mr. Scott came to America as a young man and lived a great many years in New York. He
later in life came to Michigan, where he became absorbed in farm life,
and here he passed his latter days. Four children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Radford. Elbert J., the eldest, is a farmer, as is also' Frank
E. Edith married William Doubleday, and Fred is located in Lansing,
where he. is in the employ of the Reo Automobile Company.
The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr.
Radford is a member of the Grange, to which he gives a deal of his
time and attention in the interests of the lodge. He is a Democrat, but
is not politically ambitious, although he is a citizen of the best type,
conscientious in his every duty of citizenship, and a valuable member of
society in his community
HON. ABRAHAM T. METCALF, D. D. S., was born February 26, 1831,
in Whitestown, New York, and is a representative of a family that has
been conspicuous in New England history from an early period in the
seventeenth century. His ancestors were English dissenters who sought
a home and religious liberty in the New World. The early education of
Dr. Metcalf was acquired in an academy in his native town, after which
he entered upon an apprenticeship as a worker in sheet metal. He
came with his father's family to Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1848, but
remained only a few months and then returned to New York in order
that he might take up the study of dentistry in Utica. After his preparation for the profession he began practice, in which he was very successful, and continued in the east until 1854, when he visited his father
in Battle Creek. At the solicitation of Governor Ransom, who desired
his professional council, he went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he
took up his abode in 1855. His patronage almost immediately reached
extensive as well as profitable proportions, but close application to business and the hardships of the climate proved detrimental to his health,
and he was obliged to seek rest and recuperation. In 1857 he went south
to New Orleans, where he rapidly recovered, and then formed a partnership with Dr. A. P. Dostie, a dentist of that city. After Gen. Butler
entered that city, Dr. Dostie was made collector of the port, and he was
afterwards made a member. of the Constitutional Convention, for his
acts in which body he was shot down and killed on the streets of New
Orleans. Dr. Metcalf spent the summer months in Kalamazoo, but the
winter seasons were passed in the south, where he continued until the
outbreak of the Civil war.
Dr. Metcalf was a close and earnest student of the great problems
which aroused the interest of the country prior to the war, and his
sympathy was with the Union cause, not hesitating to express his ideas
as to the questions at stake. In the spring of 1861, soon after Louisiana
had passed the ordinance of secession, the Doctor was imprisoned for
treason against the state, the first arrest made upon this charge in New
Orleans. The affidavit solemnly stated that the good doctor had "uttered
seditious language against the government, saying that, if he were in
Lincoln's place, before a single state should be allowed to go out of the
Union, he would burn the city of Charleston to the ground and drown
the city of New Orleans with the water of the Mississippi river; and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1217


other incendiary language."  He was released from prison on the authority of the attorney general of the state.
In his professional career Dr. Metcalf attained distinguished honor
and success. He was instrumental in organizing the Michigan State
Dental Association in 1855, and was the first secretary..of that body
and several times president and later the historian. He secured from
the Legislature the first appropriation for the dental department of the
University of Michigan, a college that now stands second to no other
dental college in the world. He was also mainly instrumental in securing the passage of the law creating a State Board of Examiners in dentistry and was the first president of the board and a member thereof
for several years. He invented the dental engine and the first device
of this kind ever made he placed on the market. He also invented the
dentists' annealing lamp, which was invaluable to the profession previous
to the introduction of adhesive gold foil. He was also the first to introduce the preparation for filling teeth known as sponge gold, and with
his brother invented the tinman's pattern sheet which is an indispensable guide to workers in sheet metal. In 1872 the degree of Doctor
of Dental Surgery was conferred upon him by the New Orleans Dental
College, and thus in the city in which he had once suffered imprisonment,
because of his loyalty to honest convictions, he was later honored by a
leading collegiate institution.  At the time of his removal to Battle
Creek, in 1890, he retired from active practice and has since given his
attention to real estate interests and to the management of several
valuable estates. He has done considerable building here and contributed largely to the development and improvement of Battle Creek.
On June 25, 1857, Dr. Metcalf was married to Miss Helen E. Noble,
daughter of Hon. Alonzo Noble, one of the prominent pioneer settlers
of this city. She was born in Milton township, Vermont, March 27,.
1834, and was brought by her parents to Battle Creek, MIichigan, in
1836, and here she acquired her early education, which was supplemented by a course of study in the Ladies' Seminary, of Rochester, New
York. Following her father's death, she and her husband came to Battle Creek to care for her mother. They had but one child, Alonzo T.
Metcalf, who was a very bright boy, but died suddenly of rheumatic fever
when but fourteen years of age. Mrs. Metcalf, because of her culture,
refinement and kindly spirit, became a leader in social and church
circle of Battle Creek. She was very prominent in the society of St.
Thomas' Episcopal church, and her life was largely filled with generous.
deeds, it being noticeable that she rarely, if ever, spoke ill of others,
always putting a most charitable construction on the motives of thosewith whom she was associated. She died in Los Angeles, California,.
February 26, 1898, and her remains were brought to Battle Creek for
burial. As a tribute to her worth and beautiful womanly character, the
various municipal offices of the city were closed on the day of her
funeral from two to five o'clock.
Dr. Metcalf is a member of St. Thomas Episcopal church, although
for years he was a vestryman of St. John's church, of Kalamazoo, and
after his removal to this city continued as vestryman here, and is now
the only warden of St. Thomas' church, the senior warden having been
removed by death.
In Masonic circles, Dr. Metcalf is recognized as a leader throughout
Michigan, and is the highest eMason in the United States at this time
and has been since the death of Gen. Samuel C. Lawrence, of Boston,
Massachusetts, who died during 1911. Dr. Metcalf, who is now supreme
councilman for the Northern Jurisdiction, was made a Master Mason,
November 26, 1856, in Kalamazoo Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M., and quickly




1218


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


advanced in the organization until in 1861 he was made worshipful
master. He was re-elected in 1862, in 1863 and again in 1869, and in
1887 was demitted with others from Kalamazoo Lodge for the purpose of
reviving Anchor Lodge of Strict Observance No. 87, and in February,
1888, was made the first worshipful master under the restored charter.
Soon after his removal to Battle Creek, a new lodge was formed and
named in his honor, A. T. Metcalf Lodge No. 419, of which lodge he
became the first worshipful master. He was chosen junior grand warden
of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, in January, 1862, and re-elected in
1863, and was elected right worthy senior grand warden in 1864-5. He
was elected deputy grand master in 1865, 1867 and 1868, and became
grand master of the state in 1869 and re-elected in 1870. He succeeded
to this office at a critical period in the history of the Michigan Grand
Lodge.  The many strong and determined acts which he performed
during his first year to correct the loose habits into which some of the
lodges of the state had fallen, arouse     d m arked antagonism on the one
hand and remarkable appreciation on the other, and his position and
attitude were sustained by the Grand Lodge in the face of all efforts
to the contrary. In Capitular Masonry, lie held several offices, having
been elected high priest of Kalamazoo Chapter in 1861 and again in
1868. His identification with Chivalric Masonry began in 1860, when
he was made a Knight Templar in Peninsular Commandery No. 8,
Kalamazoo. IHe served as eminent commander in 1868, 1869 and 1882,
and in 1892 was admitted to Battle Creek Commandery No. 32, K. T.,
and was elected commander of the latter about the same year. IHe is
an officer of Zabud Council, R. & S. M., of Battle Creek, and has been
an active representative of the Scottish Rite for many years. In 1866
he was elected commander in chief of DeWitt Clinton Consistory, and
was re-elected each succeeding year up to and including 1870. IIe is
now an active member of Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United
States, and for six years was district deputy for Michigan.  He has
attained an honor accorded few representatives of the craft, that of
being a thirty-third degree Mason.
In politics Dr. Metcalf has held prominent position. As a member of the Democratic party, he was elected to the board of trustees
in Kalamazoo, and was chosen president of that village by popular suffrage in 1879. He represented the second district of Kalamazoo county
in the State Legislature in 1875-6. After his removal to Battle Creek,
he was elected mayor of the city in 1897, and many of his friends in both
parties consider him one of the best mayors the city ever had, his efforts
being among progressive and practical lines which would prove of the
greatest good to the greatest number. A clean and well-spent life has
left him sound in body and mind at the age of eighty-one years, and
much of his good health he attributes to out-of-door exercise, even the
coldest days of winter finding him taking his long walks.  His is a
familiar figure on the streets of Battle Creek, where he is accorded the
respect and esteem due those whose activities have served to advance
their community's interests, and he is universally regarded as one of
Battle Creek's foremost citizens.
ALONZO NOBLE. The late Alonzo Noble was so closely associated with
the development and business interests of Battle Creek that his life
history forms an integral chapter in its annals, which if omitted would
leave an incomplete record of the city. He established the second store
in what was then the little hamlet, and from that time identified himself
with the various changes and enterprises that caused its growth into a




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1219


great commercial and industrial center. Mr. Noble was born in Richmond, Chittenden county, Vermont, June 3, 1809, and was a son of
Enoch Noble whose birth occurred in Westfield, Massachusetts, two
years prior to the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and three years
before the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Enoch Noble
was reared to manhood in Westfield and was married there to Matilda
Smith, who was born in the old Bay state, July 17, 1771. Soon after his
marriage, Enoch Noble removed to Richmond, Vermont, where he followed the blacksmith's trade, and it was in that town that Alonzo Noble
was reared to manhood.
Alonzo Noble received a good practical education and as a boy entered
a store in the capacity of a clerk, in which business he was promoted
from time to time. When he had sufficient capital, which he had saved
by industry and economy, he engaged in business for himself at Milton,
Vermont, and remained there until 1836, when he disposed of his store
and started for the great and growing west. Making his way to Michigan, he settled in Battle Creek and established a store at the corner of
Jefferson avenue and Main street, bringing to this hamlet its second stock
of dry goods, a Mr. Coleman having opened a store a few months before.
Mr. Noble erected a small building, in which was placed the first brick
chimney in Battle Creek. This was a two-story structure and the second
floor was used by Mr. Noble and his wife as a residence. They occupied
it for twelve years, after which time, Mr. Noble having been successful
in his business ventures, he erected one of the most modern and beautiful
residences in the city. In 1850 the frame building in which he had
commenced business was replaced by a substantial three-story brick
block, which is still standing and known as the Noble Block. lie occupied this with a large and well-selected line of dry goods, and for
many years had the leading mercantile establishment of Battle Creek,
and in all his dealings displayed integrity and probity. The passing
years brought him a competence that enabled him at a later date to put
aside all business cares and to live a retired life.
Mr. Noble was married before leaving the east to i\Iiss Rhoda Murray,
October 1, 1833, the wedding ceremony being performed at Williston,
Vermont, by the Rev. William Arthur, whose son was the late President
Arthur. Mrs. Noble was born June 11, 1812, and was a daughter of
Calvin and Rhoda (Allen) Murray. Her father was a farmler and died
in early manhood in the Green Mountain state. Unto this union was
born a daughter: Helen E., who became the wife of Dr. A. T. Metcalf,
whose life is reviewed in another part of this volume.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Noble had a wide circle of friends in Calhoun
county, and in public affairs he was prominent and influential. During
President Buchanan's administration, he served as postmaster of the
city, having the office in his store. Ite was also one of the early mayors
of Battle Creek, being elected to that office on the Democratic ticket,
being a stanch adherent of that party. The same honorable dealing that
characterized his business life was brought into his administration of
public affairs, he regarding his office as a sacred trust. In fraternal
matters he belonged to Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M., Chapter
No. 19, R. A. M., and Battle Creek Commandery No. 33. K. T.. and
was most active in the work of the craft and charter member of the
lodge and chapter. In his religious views he was a Universalist, his
wife also being a member of that church, but after his death she became
identified with St. Thomas' Episcopal church. Mr. Noble died in Battle
Creek, March 27, 1874, after a residence in the city that had covered
almost four decades. In his death Battle Creek lost a man who was
representative of its highest type of citizenship, and he was mourned not






1220


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


only by his immediate family and friends, but by those with whom he
had come in contact and who had learned to appreciate his many admirable qualities of heart and mind.


JOHN H. CALLAHAN. It has been given Mr. Callahan to gain prestige
as one of the most successful and popular hotel men of his native state,
and he is at the present time owner of the Albion and Commercial
hotel properties in the city of Albion, and also the Clifton hotels in
Battle Creek. He gives his personal supervision to the two Clifton
hotels in the latter city and rents those in Albion. Exceptional achievement is implied when a man is thus the owner of three hotels in a
single county and all of these of high class. Mr. Callahan has shown
special adaptability to this important line of enterprise, is most scrupulous in maintaining service at high standard, and his genial, wholesouled nature has won to him the high regard of the traveling public
and the esteem of the citizens of the two cities in which his interests are
centered.
John H. Callahan is a native of Michigan and a scion of pioneer
families of this state. He was born on the old homestead farm of his
father, in Parma township, Jackson county, on the 7th of October, 1863,
and is a son of Michael and Adesia (Carpenter) Callahan, the former
of whom was born in County Cork, Ireland, and the latter of whom
was born in the state of New York, of English lineage, her parents,
Jas. Carpenter and wife, having removed to Michigan when she was a
child and having numbered themselves among the pioneers of Ingham
county, where her father became a representative farmer and where
she was reared to maturity, her marriage having been there solemnized.
Michael Callahan was a lad of twelve years when he came with his
parents to America, and his father secured a tract of land in Parma township, Jackson county, Michigan, where he reclaimed a productive farm
from the forest wilds. Michael Callahan was reared to manhood in
that county and there continued to be successfully identified with agricultural pursuits during his entire active career,-a man of sterling
character, marked industry and unequivocal civic loyalty. He died in
1905, in the Nichols Hospital in Battle Creek, whither he had come for
medical treatment, and he was sixty-eight years of age at the time of his
demise. Mrs. Adesia (Carpenter) Callahan died on the old homestead
in 1864, when her son John H., of this review, was but three years of
age, and the father subsequently contracted a second marriage. John
H. is the eldest of the three surviving children; Jennie is the wife of
Dr. Win. H. Atterbury, of Litchfield, Hillsdale county; and Josephine
is the widow of Chas. Sykes, of Albion.
John H. Callahan was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home
farm and after availing himself of the advantages of the public schools
of the township of Parma he completed a commercial course in Albion
College. Thereafter he was associated in the work and management of
the home farm until he had attained to the age of twenty-five years.
Thereafter he was engaged in the agricultural-implement business at
Albion. May 1, 1891, he became proprietor of the Commercial hotel
in the city of Albion. He purchased this excellent property and after
personally conducting the hotel for seven years, at the expiration of
which he went to Colorado, where he remained about four years, during
the greater part of which he was identified with mining enterprises in
the Cripple Creek district. He was successful in this line and upon his
return to Albion he resumed control of the Commercial hotel and also
purchased the Albion House, long the leading hotel of that city. TIe
continued to give his personal supervision to his hotel interests in






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1221


Albion until 1902, when he rented both properties. In March of that
year he purchased the Bismarck hotel in Battle Creek, this being a
modern house conducted on the European plan, and in January, 1911,
he amplified his enterprises in this city by the purchase of the Clifton
hotel, a house of sixty-eight rooms and one that has long been the most
popular American-plan hotel in the city. IHe has brought both of these
houses up to a high standard in all lines and both receive large and
appreciative patronage under his effective supervision. Mr. Callahan
is one of the progressive and public-spirited business men of Calhoun
county, and it may consistently be said that his circle of friends is
coincident with that 'of his acquaintances. Iis political allegiance is
given to the Republican party and he is a charter member of the lodge
of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks in the city of Jackson. Mr.
Callahan still remains on the roll of eligible bachelors and he maintains his home in the Clifton House.
GEORGE W. PERKINS. Another of the native sons of Calhoun county
who has done well with his life in a business way is George W. Perkins,
agent of the Standard Oil Company and wholesale and retail dealer in
oils, in Albion, since 1882. For years he was identified as a member of
the firm of Perkins & Steele with one of the leading enterprises in Albion, as dealers in coal, wood, flour, feed and illuminating oils, at wholesale and retail, but after nine years of that association, he withdrew from
the firm, thereafter to confine his attention to the oil business exclusively.
Mr. Perkins is a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer
families of Calhoun county, and was born in the township of Tekonsha,
March 30, 1853. IIe is the son of Stephen and Mary Ann (Strobe)
Perkins, both natives of New York state, who moved from that state to
Michigan in 1849. locating in Calhoun county. The father first settled
in Marengo township, where he leased a farm for a time and then bought
eighty acres in Tekonsha township, to which he gradually added until
he had one hundred and twenty acres. He improved his farm      constantly, with new buildings and in many other ways as well, so that with
the passing years his farm took on the appearance of the home of a
well-to-do farmer, which, indeed, it was. Te resided on the place until
1871, when he moved into the village of Tekonsha, and in 1884 he
bought another farm in the township, on which he continued to reside
until his death in 1885. He was ever an enterprising citizen and a man
of energy and thrift, and a strong man in his convictions.
George W. Perkins received the usual early training of the country
boy, and his education was commenced in the district schools of the
community, and continued in the village school of Tekonsha. He remained on the farm until he was about twenty years old, and then purchased a, team and wagon, when for six years thereafter he was engaged
in draying in the village of Tekonsha. In 1882 he came to Albion and
engaged in the sale of coal, wood, flour, feed and oils, dealing both at
wholesale and retail. As mentioned above, he formed a partnership with
one Francis E. Steele, and this partnership continued for nine years, during which time they conducted a large local business, as well as shipping
to neighboring towns and cities. After nine years Mr. Perkins bought
out his partner and continued the business alone until he disposed of
it to L. C. McDougall, himself retiring from the firm, thereafter to give
his entire attention to the oil business. He has enjoyed a large and
worthy success in that business as such enterprises are reckoned in a
city of the size of Albion, and has accumulated a goodly quantity of city'




1222


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


property, represented in the main by business blocks and store buildings
in desirable parts of the city.
In 1874 Mr. Perkins married first, Miss Dora Simonds. She died in
1889, leaving two children: Glenn, who died, aged nearly sixteen years,
and Elizabeth, wife of Louis McDougall, of Albion. He married secondly,
in 1890, Mrs. Ella (Sears) Hoglin. Mr. Perkins is a prominent Mason,
having membership in Murat Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., Albion Chapter,
No. 32 R. A. M. and Marshall Commandery No. 17. He is also connected with Moslem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine of Detroit.
Mr. Perkins occupies a leading place among the business men of
the city.


FREDERICK LEE. All his life Frederick Lee has been a resident of
Fredonia township in Calhoun county, his birth occurring there October 16, 1856. He is a son of James and Christina (Katz) Lee, the
father being a native of England, born there on April 3, 1832, and the
mother of Germany where she was born in 1847, a daughter of William
Katz. They became the parents of eleven children, of which number
eight are now living, Frederick being the third in order of birth. Mr.
Lee came to America with his parents in 1842. They were John and
Sophia Lee. They located in Fredonia township, and there John Lee
became the owner of sixty acres of land, working it up into a fine state
of productiveness. On this farm they spent the remainder of their days.
Their son James, the father of Frederick Lee of this review, after
reaching years of manhood, took a farm on the west side of the township, and he gradually increased his land holdings until he was the
owner of more than five hundred acres of fertile land. I-e was more
than ordinarily successful in all his undertakings, and was known as
one of the leading farmers in this section, as well as the most prosperous.
He began with no capital beyond his natural pluck and energy, and
when he died on January 31, 1904, he was known for one of the well-todo men of the community. In 1874, on February 4, his wife died and in
later years he married Miss Kate Malloy, of which union four children
were born. Three of the number are yet living. Mr. Lee was a Lutheran
in earlier years, that being the faith of his first wife, but when he married Miss Malloy he united with the church of her faith, the Roman
Catholic, and has maintained his membership in that body ever since.
He was a Democrat all his life.
Frederick Lee was educated for the most part in the district schools
of Fredonia. For a time he was employed on his father's farm, but
eventually entered a partnership with his brother, Charles Lee, now
deceased, and they together conducted a threshing business, in which
Mr. Lee continued for about twenty years. In 1897 he decided to settle
down to farm life and accordingly bought the farm he now occupies,
consisting of one hundred and forty-two acres, in addition to which
he has a forty-acre wood lot, considered to be a valuable adjunct to his
farm proper. He has erected suitable buildings on the place, and all
are strictly modern and. well appointed in every respect. Hle has every
modern appliance and convenience known to practical and scientific
farming, and in addition to his general farming operations, raises large
numbers of stock, but principally sheep.
In 1908 Mr. Lee was united in marriage with Dora Snyder, a girl
of German birth. They have no children. She, like her husband, is a
member of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Lee is a stanch Democrat, in
his political relations being a firm supporter of the cause. He is a member of the Maccabee Lodge, beyond which he has no fraternal affiliations.






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1223


ALFRED LATTA. There are inherent qualities in some men that insure success in almost any undertaking, and this genius of adaptability
was well demonstrated in the career of Alfred Latta, whose death occurred in Battle Creek, December 13, 1886. A master of expedients, in
his long and intimate association with the history of this section, he
did not fail to make the most of opportunities presented, and was
known as one of the representative business men and public-spirited
citizens of Battle Creek, the scene of his well-directed efforts for more
than a third of a century. Mr. Latta was born in the Empire state.
being a native of Lewiston, Niagara county, where his birth occurred
April 6, 1821, his father, John Latta, being all early pioneer and leading manufacturer of western New York.
One of a family of ten children, Alfred Latta received the benefits
to be derived from a common school education, and subsequently passed
two years in the Lewiston Academy. When twenty-two years of age,
in 1843, he went to Wisconsin, on his way passing through Chicago, then
a city smaller in size than Battle Creek, at the time of his death. He
taught school in Wisconsin for a short time, after which he took up
land for farming purposes, but soon returned to New York, where he
entered upon an agricultural career. In 1848 he was married to Miss
Martha E. Hill, and in 1853, came west again, settling in Miichigan, and
purchasing a farm on South Portage street, Kalamazoo, formerly owned
by Judge Mitchell Hinsdale, a prominent pioneer of Michigan, and
father of the late Hon. E. C. Hinsdale, of Detroit. Moving to this land
with his family, Mr. Latta improved and added to it, and in 1865, on
account of failing health, sold the land to D. C. Reed and during the
next two years lived retired from active life. Ile then purchased the
Downs farm of 600 acres, located near Ceresco, and entered the agricultural field on a large scale, but his health again failed and he sold out
and came to Battle Creek in 1872, from that time on being engaged
in real estate matters and house building. Mr. Latta belonged to that
class of men to whom the city is indebted for its present prosperity. A
member of the Congregational and Presbyterian church, (now the Independent Congregational church on Maple street), he is remembered
by those of the older generation as an excellent neighbor, and as a generous friend to the sick and needy. He was buried in the family lot at
Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Latta was married in 1848 to Martha E. Iill. who (lied March
25, 1909, at the old home at No. 202 North avenue, where her husband
had passed away so many years before. In her eightieth year at the
time of her death, Mrs. Latta was esteemed and beloved by all. She
was identified with the Women's Club of Battle Creek for many years,
and had been almost continuously on the official board of the Independent
Congregational church. where she was recoanized by her associates as
one of the most useful and valued members. She was also one of the
founders of the Independent Movement, under the late Reed Stuart,
and as a kindly, lovable Christian woman, her death was sincerely
mourned by a wide circle of acquaintances. She and her husband had a
family of five children: Mrs. A. R. McIntyre, of Battle Creek; H. A.,
the owner of a fine fruit farm in Oregon: Mrs. C. J. Paul, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mrs. E. S. Glouer, of Tacoma, Washington; and Col.
Frank H., of Battle Creek.
COL. FRANK H. LATTA. It is always gratifying to note the success
which has been attained through personal effort, and the title of selfmade man, so peculiarly American and so often mis-applied, is one of




1224


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


which any person may well be proud, for it implies energy, application
and integrity of character. Among the business men of Battle Creek,
one who has attained a very appreciable amount of success in his private
ventures and has also risen to positions of trust and responsibility in
public life, is Col. Frank H. Latta. MIr. Latta was born in the. little
town of Lewiston, New York, situated on the Niagara river, in Niagara
county, July 18, 1851, his father being Alfred Latta, a native of New
York, who moved with his family to Kalamazoo, Mlichigan, in 1853, and
separate mention of whom is made in another part of this volume as one
of the pioneers of Battle Creek.
Mr. Latta obtained his early education in the public schools of
Kalamazoo, Michigan, and on coming to Battle Creek entered the twelfth
grade, high school, being graduated after one year, in 1873. He then
attended Olivet College for one year, and went to Chicago, but in the
spring of 1875 returned to Battle Creek and at once opened a repository
for the sale of carriages and farming implements, a business which he
conducted successfully until the winter of 1898-99. At that time, in
order to give his entire individual attention to his official duties he
disposed of the business of which he had, been the originator and sole
manager for nearly a quarter of a century. Aside from his business
career, Mr. Latta has manifested his public spirit in many enterprises
affecting the welfare and prosperity of his city, and has found a congenial
field in politics, in which he has been especially active. He has always
been a stalwart Republican, and has done yeoman service as chairman
of the county committee of Calhoun county and the city committee of
Battle Creek, serving therein four and eight years, respectively. IHe has
attended numerous conventions, has been alderman from his ward, and
has always worked actively in the interests of his party. A personal
friend of the late President McKinley, he attended receptions in the
White House, and through his efforts the martyred president spoke in
Battle Creek while touring the country, and in 1898 Col. Latta was the
president's choice for the office of postmaster of Battle Creek. Subsequently, he was reappointed by President Roosevelt, and continued to
act in the capacity of postmaster until 1906. IIe was a charter member
of the Elks, and belongs to the Knighits of Pythias and A. T. Metcalf
Lodge No. 419, F. & A. M., and the Knights Templar. At the present
time he is platting nine acres just one block outside the half-mile limit
of Battle Creek, reached by the Garfield avenue car line, and known
as the Latta Addition. He has already spent something like $8,000 in
grading and making numerous improvements to this property, which
will be a valuable addition to Battle Creek. He also built the block
on the corner of Jackson and Jefferson streets, and owns considerable
other city property, but has invested more extensively in manufacturing
projects than in real estate, being interested in the Union Steam Pump
Company, the Advance Pump and Compressor Company and the Citizens Electric Company of Battle Creek. Military affairs have been given
a due share of Mr. Latta's attention. For four years he was aide on the
staff of Governor Rich, with the rank of colonel, and while serving was
instrumental in obtaining the acceptance of the local military company
into the state service as Company L, the quota of state troops being
otherwise full at the time. The credit for the formation of this company
is largely due Mr. Latta, it being composed of some of the finest young
men in the city, and ranked with the best in the enrollment of the state
troops.  During the Spanish-American war, Mr. Latta devoted both
time and money in enlisting recruits, personally conducting one squad
to Island Lake. For nine years he was a member of the executive board




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1225


of the State Agricultural Society, remaining thereon until the society
was cleared of debt, and has served as a member of the Battle Creek
Board of Trade, and as president of the local branch of the Standard
Building and Loan Association of Detroit. lie is duly recognized as
one of tie city's leading men, his success in business, his agreeable social
qualities, his high character and his excellent judgment on all questions
of public interest giving him influence of a potential nature among
those with whom he is associated.
* The marriage of Mr. Latta occurred November 10, 1881, when he was
united with Misss Kittie Upton, daughter of the late Stephen Upton, a
well known manufacturer of Battle Creek. One daughter has been
born to this union: Belle, who was married November 18, 1907, to Wells
L. Walker, of Battle Creek. Mrs. Walker graduated from the Battle
Creek high school in the same room in which her father had graduated
so many years before. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have one son, Frank
Ward, who was born at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Latta, No. 171
North avenue. The family attends the First Presbyterian church of
Battle Creek, and is prominent in churcll circles and social life of tie
city.
HON JOHN WILLIAM BAILEY. Battle Creek, MLichigan has no better
known resident than John William Bailey, ex-mayor, prominent lawyer
and energetic Democrat, whose courage, resource and general ability
has caused his name to be frequently mentioned in association with
gubernatorial honors. A strong, fearless and hard-fighting Democrat
in a city that is strongly Republican, he has long been the dominant
figure in local politics, and the capacity he has displayed in executive
positions has won the respect and admiration of Battle Creek citizens
generally regardless of party and made him universally recognized as a
man the force of whose influence is a leading factor in the city's government.
Mr. Bailey was born in Battle Creek in the home in which lie still
resides, at No. 24, College street, and is a son of Michael and Catharine
(McCarthy) Bailey, natives of Ireland.
Michael Bailey came to the United States when fourteen years of
age, and met and married his wife in Battle Creek. On their wedding
day they started housekeeping in the family home, at No. 24 College
street, which Mr. Bailey had just built on two lots purchased from
Judge Sands McCamly, one of the old pioneers here, who had secured
the land from the government. Michael Bailey spent forty years in
the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad, being yardmaster at Battle Creek during the greater part of this time, and died in this city,
August 9, 1889, his wife following him to the grave, November 24,
1892.
There were seven children in the family, all of whom survive: Mary,
the wife of Peter W. MeLee, of Battle Creek; John William; Julia, the
wife of Robert S. Egan, an attorney of Elgin, Illinois; George F., of
Battle Creek; Helen B., the widow of the late Edward L. Murphy of
Marshall, the mother of four daughters; Catharine, who was principal
of the Maple Street Number Five School in Battle Creek for several
years, and for three years principal of the United States Government
Schools at Ancon, Empire, and Gorgona, Panama, Canal Zone, and who
now teaches at Boise, Idaho; and Anne, a graduate of the University
of Michigan, who also taught in the high schools of Battle Creek, Duluth, Minnesota, and Toledo, Ohio, who is now a teacher in the Central
high school of Detroit, Michigan. All the children graduated from the
Battle Creek high school.




1226


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


John W. Bailey was the youngest member of and the valedictorian
of the class of 1876 of the Battle Creek public schools, Professor Hempl,
now of Leland Standford University, being also a member of the class.
After his graduation he accepted a position with the Michigan Central
Railroad, drawing wood with one horse, and piling it on a stand for
use in the old woodburning engines of that day. Later he was promoted to a position in the warehouse of the company, and subsequently
became foreman thereof, later was baggageman, ticket-seller, cashier,
and chief clerk and in 1883 was appointed freight and ticket agent of
the Battle Creek station, which position he held until 1896 when he
was appointed commercial agent of the Michigan Central at Toledo,
Ohio, having charge of the freight business of the company and its
fast freight lines at that point and also being in charge of traffic from
the Ohio, Indiana and Illinois territory, and all points south, but during this time continued to make his residence in Battle Creek.
In 1899, Mr. Bailey left the railway service and entered the Law
Department of the University of Michigan, graduating in the class of
1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He immediately commenced
the practice of the law in Battle Creek, with George W. Mechem, a
partnership which continued until 1905, since which time Mr. Bailey
has continued in practice alone. In 1889, Mr. Bailey was elected a
member of the Battle Creek school board, and was elected for three
successive terms of three years each thereafter, but resigned in 1896
when he went to Toledo. When he was first elected mayor, in 1890,
he was the youngest chief executive the city has had before or since
that time. He served one term in that office, and in 1909, despite the
fact that he is a Democrat and Battle Creek is overwhelmingly Republican he was again sent to the mayoralty chair.
When he returned to Battle Creek, after gradualing with honor,
from the University of Michigan, a full-fledged corporation lawyer, he
set politics aside forever, as he thought, but the strenuous insistence
of his own, the Democratic party, and of his friends in the Republican
party finally induced him to break his resolution to keep out of public office and after one of the most spirited local elections ever held,
when the votes were counted it was found that Mr. Bailey had been
elected mayor.
When John W. Bailey, Democratic lawyer, was elected mayor, his
friends and enemies alike forecast an administration in which the chief
executive would be but a figure-head, unab-le to accomplish his desires
through the unbending opposition of the antagonistic city council which
was entirely Republican, but Bailey, a giant Irishman with a square
jaw that sets like a steel trap when the occasion demands, calmly announced: "Having been elected mayor, I intend to be mayor." From
the moment he took office, Mr. Bailey made good his claim, and his
altercations with the Republican council attracted widespread interest.
At that time, the Republican mayor, Charles C. Green, was in South
American, and Alderman L. G. Nichols, President of the Council, was
acting mayor. Custom dictated that such a condition maintain for
two weeks before Mr. Bailey should appear in the crowded council
chamber and with a great celebration assume the mayoralty. Custom,
however, did not figure in Mr. Bailey's plans. He walked over to the
office of City Recorder Thomas Thorne, where he forced Mr. Thorne
to swear him in, and he left the office mayor of Battle Creek. This
was an innovation, and the newly-elected Republican aldermen, not
knowing just what to do, were also sworn in, one by one, just as Mr.
Bailey had been, and the annual inaugural show was cancelled.
It was then that Mr. Bailey's resource, courage and determination




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1227


began to assert themselves. He appointed Dr. Eugene Miller, a. Democrat, to the office of health otticer, but the latter was imtmediately refused by the Republican council, and MLr. Bailey subsequently named
Dr. A. S. Kimball, a Republican, who at the time was in Europe studying medicine, whom the aldermen accepted forthwith. Mayor Bailey,
as soon as Dr. Kimball was contirmied, at once installed Dr. Miller as
"temporary" health officer, thus gaining his point.  Mayor bailey
wanted Ela Shoup for street commissioner, but the aldermen advised
Charles Caldwell, chairman of the Republican City Committee, to keep
his position as street commissioner, as they would not confirm Shoup.
This Mr. Caldwell did, until lie found that without the Mayor's signature he could not collect his salary, nor the wages for the men he
hired, and until the mayor preferred charges of graft against him and
started in to prove them, when Caldwell resigned under fire. Mayor
Bailey at once appointed Shoup to fill the vacancy which appointment
did not require the Council's confirmation.
In Mr. Bailey's election, Alderman F. H. Starkey, a Republican,
had played an important part. Mr. Starkey had wanted the Republican mayoralty nomination and had been defeated by Mr. Jacobs, who
at the election was defeated by Mr. Bailey. For a while Mr. Starkey
was the mayor's only support, but subsequently, when he attempted to
dictate to the chief executive, their friendship ceased, and Mr. Starkey
became ''opposition leader.'"  After leading numerous encounters, Mr.
Starkey became so pugnacious one evening that Mayor Bailey ordered
his removal from the council chamber. Police Capt. McCarthy obeyed
the mayor, and Mr. Starkey was ejected. He came back later, considerably cowed, but once again his belligerency arose, and the mayor
instructed Chief of Police Farrington, a Republican, to eject the alderman. The chief refused, and the mayor at once suspended the chief
for ten days. The mayor had not bothered to ask the police comnmission to co-operate, whereupon the commissioners became angry and
made threats. Chief Farrington, however, remained suspended for ten
days, when he resumed his duties after assuring the mayor that in future
he would promptly obey all orders. None of the threats materialized.
A $10.000 damage suit was brought by Starkey against Mayor Bailey
and Capt. McCarthy. but it was not looked upon seriously by the general public, and it was finally dismissed.
The Battle Cr(ck Jo urnsal bitterly opposed Mr. Bailey at the election
and continued that policy through his two year administration. Mr.
Bailey replied to their attacks in his message to.the council and forced
the Journal to print his replies which were bitter attacks on them, under its contract to print the council proceedings. As a result of Mr.
Bailey's attacks on the Jo'urnal, that paper, at one time, had libel suits
against him aggregating $100,000, all of which they later gladly disimissed because the mayor stated lie intended to prove the truth o; the
statements.
The Bailey administration was a series of struggles, and scarcely a
week passed without a clash of some kind, but the mayor always seemed
to rout his adversaries. He dared not leave the city for fear a council
meeting would be held without him, and was for this reason compelled
to refuse invitations to banquets outside the city, and to refuse the invitation of the Wayne county Democrats to share the programme with
ex-Gov. Folk and other notables at the big banquet held in Detroit at
that time.
During the two years of the Bailey administration an overdraft
and overdrawn accounts amounting to $65,000 inherited from the previous administration were fully paid. The wages of all men and teams




1228


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


were raised. More sidewalks were built, more pavement put in, more
sewers were built, more water pipe laid than in any previous two years
in the city's history. The tax rate was not increased and at the end of
the two years there was in the city treasury $87,000 cash, a larger sum
than the combined total amount left by outgoing mayors during the previous twenty years. This was truly a remarkable showing.
The citizens of Battle Creek knew that John William Bailey was
mayor, and there is no doubt but that he could again secure the office
should he so desire. His reputation has spread far beyond the confines
of Battle Creek and undoubtedly would have been the choice of the
Michigan Democracy for the governorship of Michigan in 1912 had he
consented to the use of his name, but for business reasons Mr. Bailey
steadfastly declines to become a candidate for that high office.
For years, Mr. Bailey resided in the family home on College street
with his sisters. Should he so choose, he could have a more pretentious
dwelling, but it has been his pleasure to live in the same quiet, unostentatious manner that characterized the lives of his revered parents. His
offices at Suite No. 309 Ward Building, are the finest in the city.
Mr. Bailey is prominent in club life, having been third president of
the Athelstan Club, an office he held five years, and during his administration, the Athelstan and Nepenthe Clubs were consolidated into one
organization, larger and stronger. He is also a member of the Country
Club and the County and State Bar Associations, and is president of
the University of Michigan Alumni Association of Calhoun county.
On July 14, 1910, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Lillian May
Cobb, daughter of M. W. Cobb and Eva May Cobb, a most estimable
and popular young lady whose entire life had been spent in Battle
Creek.
June 6, 1912, an eight pound boy was born to bless the union and to
make the proud parents supremely happy. John William, Jr., is a strong,
healthy boy and has his career already planned for him by his parents
who hope he will follow the law, the profession of his father.
From every angle, John W. Bailey is an interesting figure, and his
future career will be watched with intense interest by both his friends
and his enemies.
GEORGE H. YORK. The active business career of Mr. York has been
virtually one df constant and successful application in the position of a
traveling commercial salesman, and after representing the great Chicago house of Marshall Field & Company in this capacity for nearly a
decade he assumed a similar position with the extensive wholesale
house of Bernstein & Myers, of New York city, which he now represents in a territory comprising Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and a part
of Minnesota, as a salesman of women's and children's cloaks and suits.
Mr. York is one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of Battle Creek, which has ben his home during the major part of his life, and
he is a scion of honored pioneer families of Michigan, both his paternal
and maternal grandparents having established their residence in Barry
county, this state, in an early day and both having immigrated from
Cayuga county, New York.
George Henry York was born in Johnstown township, Barry county,
Michigan, on the 8th of October, 1860, and is a son of Stephen V. R.
and Helen (Van Dweezer) York, both of whom were born in Cayuga
county, New York, whence they accompanied their respective parents
to Barry county, Michigan, when children, both having been reared and
educated in that county, where their marriage was solemnized, and
where the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, when he re



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1229


moved to the little village of Bedford Station, Calhoun county. There
he was engaged in the hardware and agricultural-implement business
until about ten years prior to his death, the closing period of his long and
useful life having been passed in Battle Creek, where he died. His
cherished and devoted wife died on the old homestead in Barry county,
both having been consistent members of the Methodist church. Of the
three children the eldest is Jennie, who is the wife of George N. Champion, of Hartington, Nebraska, where he is now serving as clerk of
Cedar county; George H. York, of this review, was the second in order of birth; and WVilliam Ellsworth, the youngest, was a resident of
New Orleans, Louisiana, at the time of his death, which occurred when
he was about thirty-four years of age.
George H. York was a lad of about two years at the time of the
family removal to Calhoun county and here he gained his early education in the public schools, including the city schools of Battle Creek.
He was employed for a time in clerical work in Battle Creek and in
1885, when about twenty-five years of age, he became a traveling salesman for Marshall Field & Company, of Chicago, in the handling of
women's cloaks and suits. He retained this position for eight years,
during four of which he maintained his residence in Chicago, and his
assigned territory during the greater part of the time included the
states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and a part of Minnesota. At the
expiration of the period noted he assumed his present position with the
inew York house of Bernstein & Myers, for which he has built up a
large trade in his territory. He is one of the best known and most popular of the very appreciable contingent of commercial travelers maintaining residence in Battle Creek, and the family is one of prominence
in the social activities of the city, the beautiful home, at 207 North
avenue, being a center of most gracious hospitality.
In politics Mr. York pays staunch allegiance to the Republican
party; he and his wife are members of the Independent Congregational
church in their home city; and here he is a charter member of the lodge
of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, besides which he holds memIbership in the Athelstan Club and the United Commercial Travelers.
On the 22nd of March, 1888, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
York to Miss Jessie E. Morgan, daughter of William Morgan, an honored
citizen of Calhoun county and one of whom specific mention is made on
other pages of this volume. Mrs. York was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania. and was a child at the time of the family removal to Calhoun
county, Michigan, where she was reared and educated. She is a most
popular factor in the social affairs of Battle Creek and is here actively
identified with the Woman's League. Mr. and Mrs. York have one
daughter, Helen M., who was born in Chicago, but reared in Battle
Creek, where she availed herself of the advantages of the public schools,
after which she continued her studies in St. Mary's College, at South
Bend, Indiana. She was one of the most popular figures in the social
activities of her home city up to the time of her marriage, and is a
young woman of most charming personality. On the 23d of April,
1912, she was united in marriage to Whitney Payne, who holds a responsible executive position with the Curtis Publishing Company. in
the city of Chicago, where they now maintain their home. The wedding and incidental observations were among the most important social
events of the season in Battle Creek, the marriage ceremony having been
performed in the Independent Congregational church and thereafter a
reception was tendered at the home of the bride's parents, fully two
hundred guests having been present on the occasion. From an account
of the wedding appearing in a local paper are taken the following state



1230      HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ments: "The bride has a charming personality which has made her
many friends, and a musician of talent, having devoted considerable
time to vocal study in one of the leading conservatories of Chicago.
She has spent nearly all her life thus far in Battle Creek and is one of
the most charming members of the younger society circle. Mr. Payne
is connected with the Curtis Publishing Company in Chicago and has a
host of friends. His father, Will Payne, is editor-in-chief of the Chicago Saturday Evening Post."
GEORGE M. IHOWARD owns and occupies one of the best improved
farms in Tekonsha township, Calhoun county, Michigan. He put not
only purchase money into this place, but also he invested his energies
-laid his plans and worked them out. He first bought seventy acres,
making a small payment to secure title, and being accorded credit for
the balance. By careful management and continued effort he paid for
this land and acquired more. To-day he is the owner of one hundred
acres of choice land, on which are substantial buildings, including one
of the best country homes in Calhoun county, and all these buildings
and improvements have been placed here by him.
AMr. Howard is a son of George Hloward, of whom personal mention
will be found on another page of this work. He was born on his father's
farm, in the townlship in whichll e now lives, October 21, 1852, and received his education in a district school-Windfall school district No.
7. Under his father's training, he at an early age became familiar with
every phase of'farml work, and he remained on the home place, engaged
in farming, until he was twenty-seven years of age.
About the time he reached his majority, in 1873, George M. Howard
was united in marriage with Miss Emily Hamblin, daughter of Charles
and Cynthia (Smith) Hamblin, of Eckford township, Calhoun county.
The Hamblins were New York people who came to Michigan in 1859
and settled on a farm in Eekford township. Here Mr. Hamblin was
prospered in his undertakings, and at his death left an estate worth in
the neighborhood of $20,000. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have one child,
Lydia, who was educated at Albion and has made a special study of
music.
Mr. Howard has always affiliated with the Republican party, but
aside from doing his duty at the polls has taken little interest in politics.
On one occasion he was nominated for local office, but refused to accept
the nomination. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.


JAMES W. MURPHY. Thirty years ago James W. Murphy, then a
young man, began business life in Battle Creek, Michigan, with $5 as
his capital in money but with more valuable assets in the way of energy,
an industrious disposition, a natural business acumen and a tenacity of
purpose that has made him the final master of every adverse situation.
Today he is one of the principals of the Amberg-Murphy Drug Company Limited, which is one of the largest business establishments of the
city of Battle Creek, occupying its own building of four stories, with
a large warehouse on Madison street.
Mr. Murphy was born in Dansville, New York, on May 24, 1857, and
when ten years old accompanied his parents to Michigan. In the country schools of Barry county and at the village school at Prairieville,
Michigan, he obtained his education, at the conclusion of which he began
to clerk in a drug store at Prairieville and continued to do so for three
or four years. It was then that he came to Battle Creek, where he
again took up duties as a clerk in a drug store. Two years later, or in
1884, he purchased an interest in the drug store of Isaac Amberg and






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1231


in the interim since then the partners together have built up the splendid establishment and trade which they now control. Mr. Murphy gives
his whole attention to this business and is master of its every detail.
He stands to the fore among the keenest business men of this city.
He is the son of James Mi. and Mary P. (Haas) Murphy, both of
whom were born in New York State, were married there and came to
Michigan in 1867. James M. Murphy, who died in 1875, was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation all of his life. IHe was a
son of Patrick Murphy, who was born in the north of Ireland but emigrated to America, and settled in Syracuse, New York, where he resided
until his death. Mary P. Haas, the mother, was a daughter of W. M.
Haas, a native and a life long resident of New York. She was a member
of the Episcopal church.
In 1884 James W. Murphy wedded MTiss Jessie Figg, who at the
time of her marriage was a teacher in the graded schools of Battle
Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have one son Jesse W. Murphy, who is
now associated with his father in the drug business. Mrs. Murphy is a
member of the Adventist church.    The fraternal associations of Mr.
Murphy are with the Masonic order, being a member of the blue lodge,
chapter and commandery at Battle (reek and of the consistory at Detroit, -Michigan. I-He is a Democrat, as was also his father, but he takes
only a voting interest in political affairs, his only entrance to the political arena having been when he once was a candidate for the office of
city treasurer but was defeated on account of the large Republican
majority at Battle Creek.
The thirty years that Mr. Murphy has been a resident of this city
have been fruitful of a personal success, the earnest and close attention which he has given to his business during tlese years having not
only builded up his own interests but at the same time having contributed to the growth and prestige of Battle Creek as a business center, and has therefore earned. the high standing he enjoys both as a
business man and as a citizen.
JOIHN J. FLYNN. Ideas backed with indefatigable energy,-the desire and power to accomplish big things-these qualities make of success
not an accident but logical result. The man of initiative is he who combines with a capacity for hard work an indomitable will. Such a man
recognizes no such thing as failure and his final success is on a parity
with his well directed efforts. John J. Flynn, who is now farming on
the old Henning estate in Emmett township, Calhoun county, Michigan,
has recently purchased a farm  of three hundred and eighty acres in
Marengo township, to which he will move in the spring of this year,
1912. He is a hard worker and through thrift and energy has won the
admirable success which he enjoys as a prosperous and progressive
farmer.
November 30, 1861, in Livingston county, New York, occurred the
birth of John James Flynn, who was brought to Michigan by his parents in 1868. He is a son of Peter and Ann (Gibbons) Flynn, both of
whom were born in Ireland, the former in county Kings, and the latter
in county Mayo. The father came to America at the age of sixteen
years and settled in New York, where was solemnized his marriage, in
1861. He moved, with his family, to Michigan in 1868, and located in
the township of Fredonia, Calhoun county, where he was identified with
farming operations until 1896, since which time he has lived retired.
He and his wife now reside at Marshall, Michigan. They became the
parents of six children, as follows,-John J. is the immediate subject
of this review; Martin E. is engaged in the farming business at Emmett;
Vol. II —40




1232


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Frances is farming; Charles is deceased; Mary Ann is the wife of G. R.
Conley, of Marshall township; and Peter, Jr., is a resident of Marshall.
John James Flynn was six years of age at the time of his arrival in
Michigan and here he has since resided. His early educational training was obtained in the district schools of Calhoun county and subsequently he was a student for one term in Assumption College, in the
province of Ontario, Canada. As a young man he learned the carpenter's trade and he was engaged in that line of work for a period
of twelve years, residing during that time in Oregon, California, Washington and Chicago, being in the latter place during the World's Columbian Exposition. In 1895 he returned to Michigan and settled on the
old Henning estate in Emmett township, Calhoun county. Here he
is engaged in general farming and the raising of high-grade stock and
he has been wonderfully successful as a farmer. In the spring of 1912
he contemplates moving to his fine estate of three hundred and eighty
acres in Marengo township, having but recently purchased this large
and well cultivated farm. In politics he is a Democrat and in their
religious faith he and his family are communicants of the Catholic
church.
February 1, 1893, Mr. Flynn was united in marriage to Miss Anna
Margaret Tynan, a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Mathews) Tynan,
the former of whom was born in Ireland and the latter in New York,
of Irish parents. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn are the parents of one son, Leo
John born November 25, 1895, now a student in Assumption College, at
Sandwich, Canada.
ALFRED C. BEHLING, well known as one of the most prominent and
prosperous farmers and feeders of Albion township, has been engaged
in his present business since 1909, and it is in this enterprise that he
has achieved his greatest success in business life. General farming and
stock raising and feeding occupy his fullest attention and his operations
are conducted on a generous scale.
A native son of Germany, Mr. Behling was born in Schifelbein, on
April 12, 1871, and he is the son af Daniel and Augusta (Oldenburg)
Behling, and the father was a sheep shepherd in his native land until
he came to the United States in 1882. He settled on Hannah street, in
Albion, there making his home for some eight years, after which he disposed of his city property, and bought an eighty acre farm in Albion
township. He began farming operations there and was so occupied
until his death, October 9, 1909. His widow still survives him and
makes her home on Center street, this city.
Alfred C. Behling received his initial education in the fatherland,
and after coming to Albion attended the public and high school, and
thereafter for three years attended the night school department of the
Three Rivers Business College located'at Three Rivers, Michigan. When
he was seventeen years of age he set about learning the trade of harness
maker under the direction of the firm of Rausau & Alsdroff, with whom
he remained for a term of three years, and for twelve years thereafter
followed his trade as a journeyman harness maker. He spent seven
years in business in Concord, and then purchased his present farm of
one hundred and seventy-three acres. This farm was owned then by
Lafayette Sillamen and was known as the Sillamen place. It had been
in the possession of its owner for forty years or more, and he had
erected thereon a substantial dwelling, three good barns and other buildings. Here Mr. Behling set himself at work as a general farmer, and
how well he applied himself to his labors is evidenced by his splendid
position today among the producers of the county. He is one of the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1233


principal feeders of lambs in the township, and makes that a leading
part in his enterprise. He buys these young lambs in spring by the
carload, feeds them on grass until the cold fall weather comes on, when
they are shut up in yards and sheds and fattened for the eastern markets.
The products of the farm in the grain line is never sold; but is fed
upon the place.
June 14, 1899, Mr. Behling married Miss Emma Ponto, the daughter of Gotlib Ponto, an old resident of Calhoun county. Three children
have been born to them,-Ethel, Harold and Rachel. The family residence is located on an elevated plane commanding a splendid view of
the surroundings and is one of the fine places of the community. The
lawn is ornamented with native oaks and they have named the place
" Oaklawn."
Mr. Behling is a staunch Republican, but has never been an office
seeker, and has kept out of politics all his life. Although he began his
career in a modest way, he has by continued energy and close application to duty, become the possessor of a valuable property and a thriving business. He is a man of ideas, and is well read on topics of the
day, while he enjoys the esteem and friendship of a large circle of
friends in and about his home community.
CHARLES P. COLLIER. An enterprising and promininent agriculturist
of Pennfield township is Charles P. Collier, the present clerk of that
township and formerly its treasurer, who also is a native to the soil of
Calhoun county and is a scion of one of its earliest pioneer families.
Stephen Collier, the grandfather of Charles P., removed from his native state of New York to Connecticut and from thence to Michigan in
1835, settling on a farm in Calhoun county, which, together with the
whole state of Michigan, was at that time practically an unbroken wilderness. He was a wagon maker by trade and made some of the wheelbarrows that were used to haul out dirt when digging the mill race at
Battle Creek. Later he took up his residence in the adjoining county
of Barry but was always recognized as one of the pioneers of Calhoun
county. Earl Collier, the father of our subject, was an infant but nine
months old when his parents came to Michigan in 1835 and he therefore
grew up familiar with all that, was incident to pioneer life in this state.
A portion of his life was spent in Barry county, but along in the '50s
he returned to Calhoun county, where he became a successful farmer
and where he spent the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in
1904. He was married to Lamyra Read, a daughter of Alonzo Read, the
latter of whom was born in Vermont but early removed to New York.
where he spent the remainder of his life as a farmer.
Charles P. Collier was born to Earl and Lamyra (Read) Collier in
Calhoun county, Michigan on the 2d of April, 1862. Educated first in
the country schools, he later attended the public schools of Battle Creek
three and a half years. He began independent activity as an employe
in a factory at Battle Creek and continued to be engaged in that manner
five years. Since that time his whole attention has been given to farming. He became an independent owner of property in 1896 when he
bought a farm of sixty acres five miles northeast of Battle Creek. Here
he'still resides and is successfully engaged in the general lines of agricultural industry and in stock-raising. He is a Republican in politics,
is now clerk of Pennfield township. and has also served as township
treasurer. Mr. Collier had but those resources within himself as his
capital with which to begin life and he is therefore a self-made man, one
who has grasped opportunity and has turned it into possession. Such
men form the bone and sinew of any community and it is to such men




1234


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


that Calhoun county owes its increasing prosperity and importance as a
great farming community, as well as a commercial center.
On May 28, 1891, Mr. Collier wedded Miss Minnie Poorman, whose
father, Chauncey Poorman moved from his native state of New York
to Calhoun county, Michigan in the '50s and still resides on a farm in
Pennfield township. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Collier: Ralph, Frederick and Florence (twins), and Bertha, all of
whom are attending school.
GEORGE C. HICKS. But few citizens of Calhoun county, Michigan,
if any, share the distinction of George C. Hicks as a native born son of
this county who has remained a continuous resident of it seventy-three
years, or nearly three-quarters of a century. The true mission of biography is to seize upon such points of character and career as may be
presented for imitation, emulation and encouragement for the young
and to preserve for future generations the record of those whose lives
have been of usefulness to their community, contributing to its upbuilding and preservation. The career of George C. Hicks is a practical exemplar of a useful life. He bears further distinction as a veteran of
the Civil war, as a son of a soldier of the War of 1812, and as a grandson
of a patriot of the Revolution.
Mr. Hicks was born in Calhoun county, Michigan April 29, 1839 to
William and Nabby (Younglove) Hicks. Iis father was a native of
Nova Scotia but when five years old came to the United States with his
parents, who first settled in New York but removed from thence to
Michigan in September, 1836. They settled on a farm, consisting of the
west half of the southeast quarter of section 17, Pennfield township,
Calhoun county, being among the first to come to that locality. Battle
Creek had not then become of much importance as a trading point.
Here he acquired extensive land holdings and became one of the most
prominent farmers of the county. He died in 1878. He had served in
the War of 1812, and in politics was a Republican. Nabby (Younglove)
Hicks survived her husband until 1883. Of the nine children born to
these parents, George C. is the only one now living (1912). William
Hicks, the grandfather of our subject, was of English stock, who fought
throughout the Revolution in the English army against his wishes, and
after its close removed to Nova Scotia and from thence to New York,
where the remainder of his life was spent as a farmer. John Younglove, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Hicks, was born in Vermont but
spent the most of his life in New York and died there. He was a
patriot under General Washington during the Revolution and served in
the Continental army seven years.
George C. Hicks received his education in the district schools of
the early day, attended the public schools of Battle Creek one term,
and was also a student at Olivet College a short time. He began work
on his father's farm and continued to be thus employed until twentytwo years of age, when he enlisted for three years, on August 22, 1861
in Company H, Second Missouri Cavalry. He was discharged for disability, and subsequently re-enlisted. This regiment was known as "Merrill's Horse," the name being conferred by Mrs. General Fremont, and
was in arduous and brilliant service for years. Mr. Hicks remained
with his regiment three years, during which he participated in a number of the most serious engagements, and was finally mustered out at
Chattanooga, Tennessee in June, 1865. Returning to Michigan, he again
took up farm life, working on the shares with his father. In 188. he
bought his present homestead and now has 160 acres of fine land. Mr.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1235


Hicks is extensively engaged in the breeding and raising of fine Guernsey
cattle and also in stock of all kinds.
-is marriage to Mary M., daughter of William Sabin, took place on
November 22, 1865. Mr. Sabin was an early settler in Calhoun county,
Michigan, but went to California in 1849 and became a miner and
prospector, later going from thence to Peru, Sonth America where he
died. A son and a daughter have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Hicks. Truman Victor Hicks, the eldest of the two children, attended
high school and is also a graduate of a business college. In him his
father has an able and enthusiastic assistant in the work of the farm, for
he is fully imbued with the progressive spirit of the advanced agriculturist of the day and achieves results by scientific methods and not by
chance. He is one of the best known young farmers of Calhoun county.
The daughter Jennie Alice married Guy C. Adams and now resides in
Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Adams is a graduate of the Battle Creek
high school and taught four years in the graded schools of that city prior
to her marriage. Mr. Adams is southern manager for the Advance
Threshing Machine Company, with headquarters at Nashville, Tennessee,
and has been remarkably successful in that business position.
Mr. Hicks is a Republican in political views, and fraternally is
affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons and the Royal Arch
Masons.
EDMOND C. WEST. The demand for wholesome food supplies is
constantly increasing, and recent national and state pure food laws have
resulted in the placing upon the market of a class of goods of a vastly
better quality than has ever before been given to the public. For these
and other equally cogent reasons, the business of catering to this demand
and giving out only first-class goods, is proving one of the most profitable
and satisfactory in the various lines of commercial endeavor, and Calhoun county has its own quota of responsible grocers. Among those who
rank among the leaders in this class is Edmond C. West, senior member
of the firm of E. C. West & Son, of 270 East Main street, Battle Creek,
whose well-appointed establishment is the reflection of all that is latest
and best in all staple, fancy and green groceries, tastefully displayed
with due regard to sanitation. Combined with his excellent stock, is n
fair method of dealing, as well as good service, and consequently his
volume of business shows a healthy and rapid increase from year to
year.
Edmond C. West was born in Milan, Ohio, February 20, 1853, and is
a son of James Jesse and Mary (Rogers) West, the former born in
Pennsylvania and the latter in Ohio, their marriage taking place at
Milan. The father was a mason by trade, following that vocation during
the greater part of his life, although in his latter years he also devoted
some attention to farming in Bellwood, Nebraska, where his death occurred. His wife passed away in Quincy, Michigan, neither she nor
her husband ever having lived in Battle Creek. There were eight children in their family, four sons and four daughters, of whom six lived to
maturity, and two sons served in the Civil war, both enlisting from
Coldwater, Michigan. Henry was killed in the battle of Resaca, being
a member of the Nineteenth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry;
while James A., served in Loomis' Battery, and came safely through the
war. Four children are now living, namely: Mrs. Harriet Fay, a resident of Quincy, Michigan; Mrs. Anna Rustine, also a resident of Quincy;
James A., residing in Bellwood, Nebraska; and Edmond C.
Edmond C. West was seven years of age when his parents took their
children to the town of Quincy, Brbanch county, and there he secured a




1236


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


public school education. Following in the footsteps of his father, he
learned the trade of mason, at which he worked for about fifteen years,
in Quincy, Coldwater and Battle Creek, in which latter city he plastered
the new hospital building that was subsequently burned. From Quincy
he went to Constantine, Mlichigan, where he was engaged in the grocery
business for three years, and then came to Battle Creek and embarked in
a market business. However, after one year, he purchased a grocery
stock, and in June, 1889, opened a grocery at No. 269 East Main street,
which has since been moved away, the land belonging to the Grand
Trunk Railroad. In 1905 he erected the block at Nos. 270, 272 and 274
East Main street, and at this time has his grocery located in No. 270,
his residence being over the store.  In addition to owning a large
grocery establishment, with a complete line of all that is best to be
found in this business, Mr. West owns various residence properties in
Battle Creek, and is looked upon as one of his city's substantial business
citizens. Politically, he is a Republican, but he has preferred to devote
his time and attention to his business, and hence has not entered the
political arena.
On December 8, 1874, Mr. West was married at Quincy, Michigan,
to Miss Mary A. Hedge, daughter of Samuel K. Hedge, who is deceased,
and they have one son, Julius H., born in Quincy, Michigan, December
29, 1876. He was educated in the schools of Quincy and Constantine, and
subsequently took a course in the Michigan Business and Normal College, and since 1900 has been in partnership with his father, under the
firm name of E. C. West & Son. He is a business man of much more than
ordinary business ability, and through his efforts and enterprise the
business has profited greatly. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias
and Elks, and resides at No. 27, Newark avenue. Julius H. West was
married in June, 1904, to Miss Minnie Cooley, of Battle Creek, who came
to this city from Scotts, Michigan, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Irving Cooley, when she was quite small. Mr. and Mrs. West have one
daughter: Dorothy M., born June 16, 1909.
JAMES W. HARRINGTON.     The agricultural interests of Fredonia
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, have for half a century had worthy
representation in James W. Harrington. Mr. Harrington's identity
with this locality dates back further than this, to 1856, when he came
to Michigan, a poor young man, from New York. Here he worked farms
on shares, and afterward as salesman with headquarters at Albion. In
this latter occupation he was associated with a business man he had
known and worked with in New York.
Mr. Harrington was born in Savanah, Wayne county, New York,
July 4, 1833, son of Nehemiah and Jane (Patterson) Harrington. The
Harringtons are of English descent, and Nehemiah Harrington was a
native of Massachusetts. The greater part of his life, however, was
spent in New York state, where he was engaged in a lumbering business,
furnishing spars and masts for ships. He died in 1900. Politically, he
was a Democrat, prominent and influential in local affairs. His wife,
Jane (Patterson) Harrington, died at the birth of their son, James W.
At the outbreak of Civil war, James W. Harrington tendered his service to the Union cause and joined Company M, as First Corporal, Second Michigan Cavalry, with which he went to the front and entered the
fray, being under command of General Phil. Sheridan. He was in the
army three years. Among the engagements in which he participated
were those of Corinth, Shiloh and New Madrid. At the expiration of
his term of service, he returned to Michigan, bought a bakery in Marshall which he conducted for ten years. He then bought a farm in Fre



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1237


donia township, Calhoun county, and here he has since lived and prospered. He has 240 acres of choice land, improved with good buildings,
residence, barn, etc., all of which he erected; and here he carries on general farming.
Mr. Harrington was married in 1856 to Miss Matilda Biilars, and with
the passing years sons and daughters to the number of twelve came to
bless their home. The two eldest, Mrs. Jane Reil and Henry W. are residents of Marshall, Michigan. The next two, James G. and Franklin E.,
are on the home farm; Robert R. is a resident of Battle Creek, Michigan;
Lavina V. is the wife of Dr. MacMillan of Denver, Colorado; Susan R. is
the wife of Charles Schultz, conductor on the Grand Trunk; Ulysses
Grant lives in Marshall; Mansfield E. is a traveling salesman for a wholesale drug house; Arabella E. is the wife of Elmer Bennett of Ohio;
Queenie the eleventh child died in infancy, and Gertrude M. the youngest,
is at home. Mrs. Harrington's father was an officer of the Royal House
Af Germany. She is a member of the German Reform church.
While Mr. Harrington has never been a participant in political
affairs, he casts his franchise with the Republicans and keeps himself
well posted on the doings of the day.
HOMER J. PAUL. A resident of Battle Creek for more than half a
century, during which time he has contributed to the city's growth and
development in various ways, Homer J. Paul is well known to the business men of this section, and is also honored and esteemed as a veteran
of the Civil war. He was born in what is now Wyoming county, New
York, January 29, 1830, and is a son of Lemuel J. and Sarah (Sykes)
Paul, natives of Vermont, the former descended from Scotch ancestry,
while the latter was of German descent. They were married in Vermont, but spent the greater part of their lives in Wyoming county, New
York, where both died. Lemuel J. Paul was a farmer by vocation and
became prominent in public affairs, serving as justice of the peace of
his community for more than twenty years. He and his wife had three
daughters and four sons, of whom only two sons survive: Homer J.,
and Cyrus L., the latter residing at Arcade, Wyoming county, New
York.
The early education of Homer J. Paul was somewhat limited being
confined to the rather circumscribed course of the district schools of
Wyoming county. He came to Michigan from      Genesee county, New
York, where he had lived for about six years, in 1853, and during the
following year settled in Battle Creek. As a young man he had learned
the trade of carpenter, but during early life spent a great deal of time
as a manager in a woodworking machinery manufactory. During the
last year of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in Company F, Sixth
Michigan Cavalry, and after a service covering about fifteen months received his honorable discharge at Salt Lake City, from whence he came
home on foot, driving four yoke of oxen, after spending a year on the
plains. Mr. Paul has led an active and industrious life, and has accumulated a comfortable competency.  He has interested himself to some
extent in building operations, and has erected about ten modern homes
in Battle Creek, including his own handsome and comfortable residence
at No. 192 North avenue. In political matters Mr. Paul is independent,
voting for the man he deems best fitted for the office, irrespective of
party ties.
On December 16, 1853, Mr. Paul was married in Valparaiso, Indiana, to Miss Sarah E. Norton, who was born April 27, 1834, at Mount
Pleasant, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Elijah E. and Sally
(White) Norton, both her parents tracing their ancestry back to the




1238


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mayflower, and both having ancestors in the Revolutionary war. Mrs.
Paul was educated in her native place, where she resided until she was
sixteen years of age, the family then removing to Genesee county, New
York, where she met and married Mr. Paul. After a short residence in
New York, Mr. and Mrs. Norton moved to Indiana for a short time, and
in 1854 came to Battle Creek, Michigan, where Mr. Norton engaged in
agricultural pursuits until his retirement. Both he and his wife passed
away in this city.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul celebrated their golden wedding anniversary,
December 16, 1903. They have two sons: Clarence J., of Minneapolis,
Minnesota; and H. Maurice, of Battle Creek. Clarence J. Paul received
his education in the public and high schools and then turned his attention to law, studying in the office of Brown & Thomas, and being admitted
to the bar a few days after he had passed his twenty-first year. He practiced in North Dakota for twelve years, but for the past sixteen years has
carried on a law business in Minneapolis, and has met with well deserved
success. He married Miss Alice Latta, a sister of Col. Frank Latta,
of Battle Creek, a sketch of whom will be found in another part of this
volume, December 28, 1880, and they have two daughters: Florence and
Leila. H. Maurice Paul also received a public and high school education
and a law training, but is now successfully engaged in the manufacture
of the Battle Creek Heat Controller, which has been installed in numerous residences and office buildings in this and other cities and is a decided
innovation in the heating line. On August 1, 1906, he was married to
Miss Bessie Doy, of Battle Creek, and they have one son, Homer D.
Homer J. Paul and wife also had a daughter, Florence, who died in
1872, when fourteen years of age.
WILLARD H. WARNER is a retired grain merchant of Albion, Michigan,
of which place he has been a resident since his boyhood, having come to
Michigan with his parents from New York state in 1855. He has seen
a considerable experience in farm life and in the grain business, the latter occupation occupying his attention and energies for twenty years.
Advancing age and a multiplicity of outside interests has caused him
to withdraw from his connection with the grain trade, and he is now
living a retired life.
Mr. Warner comes from a good old New England family, and was
born in the town of Phelps, New York, in July, 1834. He is the son of
William and Clara (Tower) Warner, both natives of New York. The
mother was born near Syracuse, where she met and married her husband. In 1855 the Warner family moved from New York state to
Michigan, locating in Albion, or more correctly speaking, in a section
which is now included in the town site of that city. He there bought
eighty acres of land and continued to devote himself to farming. He
carried on diversified agriculture, and was successful and prosperous
in his operations. He was known among his fellow townspeople as one
of the intelligent, enterprising citizens of the town, and was ever held
in high repute wherever his name was known. He died in 1873, his
widow surviving him until 1886. They were the parents of two sons
and two daughters. One son is deceased, Mary and Helen, the latter
married G. M. Anderson, and she with Willard H., of this review,
survive.
Willard H. Warner acquired his early education in the common
schools of New York, and later attended a select school in his native
town. After coming to Michigan he attended the public schools of
Albion, then entering Albion College, where he pursued a course of study.
He then devoted some little time to the home farm and was later em





HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1239


ployed by James M. Ja.mieson, who was engaged in the grain business,
and with whom he remained for a number of years, and in that connection he became thoroughly conversant with every detail of the industry.
In later years he engaged in the business on his own responsibility,
and so thorough was his working knowledge of the business that from
the first he enjoyed a pleasing success in his private venture. He bought
and shipped large quantities of wheat and other grains, principally
wheat, however, of which commodity he handled millions of bushels
during his identification with the line. He continued to be thus occupied
up to 1890, when he sold his interests to Frank K. Nowlin, who continued where Mr. Warner left off. Advancing age, and the press of other
matters, as intimated in a previous paragraph, compelled his withdrawal from a business which was at its height of prosperity, but Mr.
Warner has been amply occupied in attending to his interests of a more
private nature. He was at that time the owner of two valuable farms,
but he has since disposed of one of them.
Mr. Warner has been twice married. His first marriage took place
in 1862, and the wife, whose name was Mary E. Wade, became the mother
of one child, is deceased, as is also the child. In June, 1898, he married
his second wife, who was Miss Flora Foster, the daughter of Ira and
Lydia (Hicks) Foster, formerly of New York, and for many years a
resident of Calhoun county. Mrs. Warner was but three years old when
brought to this section of the country by her parents. The Warners
have a very comfortable and happy home, over which she presides.
Mr. Warner is a stanch Progressive. He cast his first vote for John
C. Fremont for president. He is very much in sympathy with the principles advocated by Colonel Roosevelt. He has given public service to
his county in the capacity of deputy sheriff under Dr. D. R. Snyder,
David Smiley and David Walkinshaw, and proved himself a capable
and efficient officer. His long residence and extended business record
has given him a wide acquaintance in Albion and the surrounding country, and he is a man much respected for his splendid qualities of character, and as such is held in high repute in his community.
WILLIAM R. CARY. Among the native sons of Calhoun county, Michigan, who have achieved success as agriculturists mention may worthily
be given to William R. Cary, who has succeeded in spite of adverse
circumstances during the earlier years of his life, and by his own toil,
his honest endeavor, and right living has established for himself the
reputation of a worthy and highly respected citizen.
Mr. Cary was born in Marshall township of this county, March 10,
1845, Levi Cary, his father, who was a native of New York, came to
Michigan as early as 1832 and took up a farm from the government,
cleared it, and resided on it for a number of years. Later he became a
resident of Pontiac, Michigan, and died there. Hie was the son of Archibald Cary. also a native of New York, who spent his entire life in that
state as a farmer. The mother of our subject was Miss Irene Wilcox before her marriage, a native of Massachusetts and the daughter of parents
that remained residents of the old Bay State until their deaths. She
died in 1865 and was a member of the Christian church. While her
children were still young the father left his family and then followed
years of struggle on the part of the mother to provide for and rear her
children. William R. Cary took up life's responsibilities at the age of
thirteen and thereafter until his brothers had arrived at an age to assist
him he labored for the support of his mother and her family. In 1864,
a youth of nineteen years, he became a member of Company D, Fifth
Michigan Cavalry, with which he remained at the front but a short time,




1240


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


however, as he was sick and in the hospital during the most of his
service. He returned to Michigan after the war and worked by the
month until 1875, when he purchased forty acres of land in Allegan
county of this state. Previous to this, however, he had removed to Calhoun county and had bought a tract of forty acres, a large portion of
which he set out in fruit trees. This developed an orchard that was the
source of large profits in subsequent years.
In 1874 he was united in marriage to Clara Fisher, a daughter of
Christopher and Maria (Kane) Fisher. Mr. Fisher came to Michigan
from his native state of New York in 1833 and settled first in Jackson
county, but in 1837 transferred his abode to Calhoun county, where he
became the owner of 86 acres of land and as years passed became well
provided for financially. He died in 1896 at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Cary, who had cared for him in his declining years and are now the
owners of his old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Cary have four children living, namely: Jessie, who married Harry Miller, a farmer in Fredonia
township, Calhoun county; Earnest, an employe in the American Steam
Pump Factory at Battle Creek; Richard, who also is employed at Battle
Creek; and Elmer E., associated with his father in the work of the home
farm. Mrs. Cary is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In political affairs Mr. Cary gives his allegiance to the Republican
party. His farm holdings now comprise 143 acres and all of his attention is given to his agricultural interests. His education was obtained
in the district schools as far as books were concerned, but the more
valuable part he acquired in the school of hard knocks and experience.
In his struggle for success he had only those resources within himself
upon which to rely and what he has accomplished therefore represents
his own energy and ability. He has earned and enjoys a high standing
among the best citizenship of his community.
BENJAMIN W. PHILLIPS. Michigan received many accessions from
the State of New York during the early and middle period of its settlement, its fertile soil having an alluring attraction to homeseekers and
well repaying those of staying qualities and not afraid of hardships.
In 1869 there became residents of Newton township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, the family of Walter and Mary (Teague) Phillips, whose
son is the subject of this review. The parents were natives of England,
were married there, and five of their children were born before the
family came to America. They located first in New York and there
Benjamin W. Phillips was born on August 2, 1855. When the storm
of Civil war broke over the country, Walter Phillips espoused the cause
of the Union and entered the service as a member of a New York regiment, with which he participated in the battle of Gettysburg and in other
of the hard fought engagements of that conflict. A son Thomas, now
deceased, who entered the army at the age of eighteen, served until the
close of hostilities and for a period was a prisoner in the infamous Libby
prison. After receiving his honorable discharge the father returned to
his family in Ontario county, New York, where he resumed farming and
continued to reside until 1869, when he came to Calhoun county, Michigan, and bought a farm of 80 acres in Newton township.    This continued the family abode until he retired from farming and took up his
residence in the city of Battle Creek. He was a successful man in his
business relations and had well provided for his old age. In politics
he was a Republican. His wife was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Of the children born to Walter and Mary (Teague)
Phillips, six are living and are as follows: Eliza, who married Arthur
Bishop and resides in New York; Sarah, the wife of John McCombs, of




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1241


South Dakota; Mrs. Libbie Ward, also a resident of South Dakota; Robert, who resides in Marshall, Calhoun county; B. W. Phillips, the subject of this sketch; and Edward, a resident of Texas. Steven Phillips,
the grandfather of our subject, was a native of England and died there
after reaching the remarkable age of 112 years. He was a farmer by
occupation and until his death was active in body, with his mental
faculties seemingly unimpaired and as keen as ever. Thomas B.
Teague, the maternal grandfather, also owned his nativity to England
and spent his active years there as a shoemaker.
B. W. Phillips received his education in New York State and was
old enough at the time of the war to remember some of the privations
and hardships that so often attended the families of absent soldiers.
He began life on his own responsibility at the age of thirteen as a farm
hand. About a year after he had reached man's estate, or in 1877, he
went west and bought 160 acres of land in Minnesota. This he sold,
however, and in 1879 returned to Calhoun county, Michigan, where he
bought a sixty acre farm in Newton township, the nucleus of his present
holdings now comprising 235 acres of fine land. What Mr. Phillips had
accomplished represents years of toil, industry and good management,
together with good business acumen in the handling of his interests.
Much of his land was timbered. This he cleared and he has placed good
improvements upon the property. Iis attention is devoted to general.farming.
December 25, 1879, he married Carrie Francisco, a daughter of
Ienry Francisco, a native of Germany and an early settler in Newton
township who prospered there as a farmer and left a large estate to his
four children. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have been born six children, as
follows: Emery, now located in Battle Creek; Lottie, who married Herbert Salsbury and resides in Emmett township of this county; Henry,
associated with his father in the work of the home farm; Oral and Goldie,
at the parental home; and John, a pupil in the public schools.
Mr. Phillips is a member of the local Grange, and in politics is
aligned with the progressive branch of the Republican party.
ARZA L. MIcCuVTCHoN has heen engaged in the real estate and fire
insurance business in Albion since 1886, and he is without a doubt one
of the best known, insurance men in Calhoun county today. He controls a goodly share of the fire insurance business of this city, representing a number of the most reliable concerns in that line known in the
east, and is, on the whole, particularly well established. In addition to
his other business he is justice of the peace, an office which he has held
continuously since 1904.
A native son of Michigan and Calhoun county, Arza L. IMcCutcheon
was born in Albion township on his father's farm, on May 10, 1855. He
is a son of Rensselaer and Elvira (Bishop) McCutcheon, both of whom
were natives of Tompkins county, New York state, from whence, in
1839, they removed to Michigan, and settling in Albion township, Calhoun county, and there securing land from the government. H-e followed farming until the close of his life, and died at his home in the city
of Albion on May 2, 1880. His wife survived him until February 8,
1892. The McCutcheon family originated in Scotland, and in the early
days of our National independence emigrated to this country, settling in
New England, and finally finding a location in New York state. Their
son, Arza L., acquired his early education in the district school and later
entered Albion College, there pursuing his studies for three years. He
left college in 1876 owing to depleted health and some little time thereafter opened a real-estate and insurance office in Albion, which he has




1242


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


since continued to conduct. His success from the beginning was of an
encouraging order, and, representing as he did some of the best companies in the fire insurance world, he soon gained a reputation which
has been one of the most valuable assets in his possession. The business
has grown with the passing years, until it has reached splendid proportions, and he is well known in and about Albion in the insurance business.
In 1900 Mr. McCutcheon married Miss Adah Stevens of Jackson
county, a daughter of Oscar W. Stevens, one of the prosperous and
highly respected citizens of the county. One son was born to Mr. and
Mrs. McCutcheon-Thomas T., who is attending school in his native
town.
Mr. McCutcheon is a Democrat of pronounced type, and gives unfailing support to the labors of that party. He has done his full duty
as a citizen in Albion, and has served the city in various capacities. In
1897 he was elected mayor by a flattering majority, and during his
administration a number of valuable improvements came to pass within
the city. In 1904 he was elected justice of the peace, and as mentioned
previously, he is still the incumbent of that office, having been reelected
from time to time and serving with credit throughout the years.
Fraternally, Mr. McCutcheon is affiliated with Calhoun Lodge No.
60 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 113 Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, and of the Knights of the Modern Maccabees.
He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and is past president of the local
lodge of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Mr. McCutcheon is one of a family of six. IHis brothers, Isaac and
Robert, are both deceased; Melissa, the only sister, married, and is now
a widow; Otis E. McCutcheon is dean of the law department of the
University of Idaho, and Orrin died July 4, 1912. He was a conductor
in the service of the Michigan Central Railroad, and between that company and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul had served for forty-two
years.
SAMUEL I. ABBEY. During a residence of thirty-five years in Battle Creek, Samuel I. Abbey has been one of the most useful citizens,
successful in business, and a kindly, energetic, public-spirited member
of the community. While he has not taken the conspicuous roles in
public life, his citizenship has always been a wholesome factor for the
welfare and advancement of his city.
A native of Madison county, New York, he was born on a farm near
Brookfield, May 13, 1846, and was a son of Ira and Rhoda B. (Rhodes)
Abbey, who were also natives of New York state. The parents came
out and settled at Battle Creek in 1871, and for three years the father
was superintendent of the institution which has since become the Battle Creek Sanitarium. In 1876 he and his wife returned to New York,
and again made their home on the old farm of one hundred and eightyseven acres which had been in the possession of the Abbey family for
one hundred and twenty-five years. This old homestead lies in the
beautiful Chenango valley within view of the Lackawanna railroad.
On both sides the parents were descended from ancestors whose original home was at Hartford, Connecticut, and several of the mother's
uncles were sea captains. The parents both died in California, where
their bodies now rest. There were seven children in the family, two
sons and five daughters, namely: Lucinda M. Abbey, of Battle Creek;
Mrs. Wheeler, of California; Mrs. Eleanor Satterlee, of Battle Creek;
Rosette Perry, of Brookfield, New York; Decilvin Abbey, who is now
deceased; and Lillian Caron, of California.
Mr. Samuel I. Abbey, who was the fourth in order of birth, spent




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1243


his early life on the farm in the vicinity of Brookfield. Besides the
district schools which he attended, he was also a student in a select
school at Hamilton, New York, and for three winters was in the Bryant
& Stratton Business College at Rochester. He did not choose a vocation but merely followed the leadings of his strong delight in horses
and at an early age began buying and selling horses, which was his
occupation throughout his residence in New York state. Most of his
purchases were made in Canada, and were disposed of in the New
England states.
In 1877 Mtr. Abbey permanently located at Battle Creek, and engaged in the livery business at the Sanitarium  barns, from which fact
he was long known as the Sanitarium liveryman. Later he built the
two barns at 169-170 Champion street, where he continued the business
until 1907, in all a period of thirty years, so that at the time of his
retirement from the business he was the oldest liverymnan of the city.
When the water works plant was established in Battle Creek, he had
the contract for drawing all the water mains. He has always been an
active, vigorous business man, and for a number of years has given
much of his time to the development of real estate. He has built over
forty houses, and good ones at that, and is building and selling this
class of property all the time, having at this writing some ten residences in the city. He formerly owned the North Meadow farm in Assyria township, Barry county, located on the "'base line," and sold
this fine estate in 1892.
In politics he is a Republican, but is not an office seeker. His interests in behalf of the social welfare have been very quietly but effectively
directed to the acts of helpfulness and real philanthropy which lie and
his good wife have for years carried on among the poor. Mr. and Mrs.
Abbey are both members of the Adventists Tabernacle. Mrs. Abbey
has for many years sung at funeral occasions there, and is still called
on for that purpose. Mrs. Abbey, before her marriage, which occurred
March 19, 1871, was Miss Mary L. Smith, daughter of Cyrenius and
Louise (Sawyer) Smith. Her father was born in Vermont and her
mother in Massachusetts. and they were among the very early pioneers
of Michigan. In 1832 they settled in Jackson county near what was
then the hamlet of Jackson, but the farm is now included in the city
limits of Jackson. On this homestead, now covered by the residence
and business buildings of Jackson, Mrs. Abbey was born, but her parents moving to Battle Creek in 1855, she was educated in this city.
Before her marriage she learned the trade of printing and proof-reading, and a number of years ago looked after the proof-reading of the
Sanitarium for Dr. J. H. Kellogg. The Kellogg and Smith families
were close neighbors and friends here in the early days.
Mr. and Mrs. Abbey are the parents of one son, J. Lynne, who was
born in this city, April 21, 1883. He married Miss Lillian J. Babcock,
of this city, and they have three daughters, Dorothy, Beryl and Elizabeth. The son and family reside at 36 Buckeye street. Mr. and Mrs.
Abbey's home is at 171 Champion street.
ANDREW C. HEBBLE. Among the enterprising citizens of Battle
Creek who owe their success and advancement in life to their own industry and well-directed efforts, is Andrew C. Hebble, funeral director,
who conducts one of the most modern establishments in this part of
the state. Mr. Hebble is one of the valued citizens who were given to
this city by the Keystone state, his eyes having first opened to the light
of day in Lancaster. Pennsylvania, on December 26, 1862. His father
was Benjamin Hebble and the name of his mother previous to her mar





1244


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


riage was Lydia Shaffer, the former being a native of Pennsylvania
and the latter of Maryland. They were united in the bonds of matrimony in Frederick, Maryland, the town made famous by the incident
of Barbara Fritche at the time of the Civil war. Previous to coming
to Michigan Benjamin Hebble engaged in the carpenter's trade, but
upon his location in new scenes he devoted his activities to the great
basic industry, his farm being situated in Assyria township, Barry
county. He still owns the old homestead farm upon which he has
lived for a half century and resides upon it, his years now numbering
eighty-three, but the good wife and mother passed away in the year
1900. Two children born to this couple lived to years of maturity,
the subject's sister, Mrs. J. W. Bird, being also a resident of this city.
Young Hebble received his early education in the district schools
of Barry county, Michigan, and having decided to devote his endeavors
to business he became a student in the old Battle Creek Business College. In 1890 he came to Battle Creek and for a number of years engaged in mechanical work, but subsequently made a study of embalming and undertaking. He has now been independently in business for
three years, since 1909, and has one of the large establishments, if not
the largest in the field of any undertaker in Calhoun county. He has
made an enviable reputation for square dealing and for work of excellent quality and enjoys the confidence of the entire community
He is alert to adopt and secure every advance made in his science and
every new and modernized equipment. He owns the white ambulance
and has a fine and most complete outfit of funeral cars, together with
casket service and flower wagon equal in beauty and excellence to the
finest establishments in far larger cities.
Mr. Hebble is a. Mason and exemplifies in his own living the ideals
of moral and social justice and brotherly love for which the order
stands. His affiliation is with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, and the
Knights of the Tented Maccabees, the Moose, and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows.
On November 30, 1888, Mr. Hebble was happily married to Miss
Esther H. Smith, of Penfield, Michigan, thus establishing an independent household. Mrs. Hebble is a native of his home district-Assyria township, Barry county and was educated there and at Hastings,
Michigan. Subsequent to that she attended the State Normal College
at Valparaiso, Indiana, and then taught school both in Barry county
and up to a few years ago in the schools of this city. The Hebble residence, an attractive and cultured abode, is located at 225 North avenue
and is the center of a gracious hospitality. Mr. Hebble's undertaking
establishment is at 108 West Main street.


INGRAM W. SCHRAM. One of the most prominent members of the
Real Estate Board of Battle Creek is Ingram W. Schram. While engaged in a general real estate and insurance business, he is less of a
broker than an actual builder and developer of city property. An illustration of his enterprise is found in his activities for the year 1912.
With another real estate man, W. S. Eells, he has joined in the ordering of an entire trainload of building material, comprising altogether
between fifteen and twenty cars of lumber and other material. In addition to the many houses which he has already erected in the city, he
is planning to build, from his share of this train load, some twenty-five
houses north and west of the Sanitarium annex besides about twenty
other in different parts of the city. The building of houses for sale
on easy terms has been developed by him to a large business, and many
families now live in homes of their own who could never have attained






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1245


this element of independence without such facilities as are offered by
Mr. Schram.
Although practically all of his business career has been spent in
Battle Creek, Mr. Schram is a native of the northwest. He was born
in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, October 21, 1874. His parents were
Horace and Catherine (Donnelly) Schram, who were natives of Canada and were married there, and in 1872 moved to Blue Earth county,
where the father took up one hundred and sixty acres of government
land. This he improved into a good home and resided on it until his
death, which occurred March 5, 1909. Though by nature very retiringand never participating in public life, he was an exceptionally good
farmer and a very industrious and ambitious citizen. The mother now
resides in the state of Washington. Of the ten children in the family,
one daughter died when two years old, and the rest are scattered in
Washington, Miinnesota, Kansas and Michigan. The oldest is Mrs. William Franklin, of Blue Earth county; Mrs. M. H. Gregory, of Independence, Kansas; Mrs. E. C. Mericle, of Blue Earth county; Mrs.
A. S. Coon, of Pomeroy, Washington, both she and her husband being
osteopathic physicians; James A., of Pomeroy, Washington; Mrs. M.
B. Gregory, of Battle Creek; George B., of Blue Earth county; Ingram
W., of Battle Creek; and E. D., of Battle Creek. The three eldest
were born in Canada, and the others in Blue Earth county, where all
of them received their educations.
Mr. Schram was reared on the farm and worked there up to the
age of nineteen, and then, in October, 1893, arrived in Battle Creek,
which has been his place of residence for nearly twenty years. For
the first ten years he was engaged in several lines of work, and then
in 1903 established on a small scale the business which he has since
developed to such profitable and large proportions. His office was at
35 Washington street until 1909, and since then he has occupied quarters at West Main and Washington. He is a member of the Real Estate Board, and is now president of the Home Land Company of this
city. Politically, he is a Republican, but has never engaged in practical politics.
His pleasant home is at No. 392 Washington avenue North. He
was married at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, November 3, 1897, to Miss
Hattie Wilbur. Mrs. Schram was born and educated in that town,
and was the oldest daughter of William and Marilla Wilbur of that
place. Mr. and Mrs. Schram are the parents of three children, all of
them born in Battle Creek, namely: Fern Lenora, aged twelve; Wilbur Alden, aged seven; and Marjorie Ruth, aged two.
WARREN D. BAKER. One of the wealthy and influential men of
Calhoun county, Michigan is Warren D. Baker, whose estate of 305
acres all in one body lies in Burlington township and forms one of
the finest homesteads of the county. Mr. Baker is not only one of the
most extensive farmers of this section and a prominent man in public
affairs, but his name has become very widely known in his own state
and practically all over the Union as a breeder of fine horses.
He was born in Genesee county, New York on September 10, 1834,
a scion of an old New York family that was originally of German
lineage. His parents, Nathan and Eliza (De Mott) Baker, were both
natives of the Empire State, where the former was born in 1796 and
the latter in 1798. Nathan Baker was the son of Rev. Nathan Baker,
who was born in New York and spent his entire life there in the Baptist ministry. Nathan Baker was reared and educated in New York.
Early in his career he removed to Wisconsin; then about 1834 or 1835




1246


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


he bought land in Le Roy township, Calhoun county, Michigan. About
1855 he brought his family to Burlington township and continued to
reside there until his death, at which time he left a large estate. All
of his life had been devoted to farming and with marked success. Warren D. Baker is now the only surviving member of this family. The
maternal grandparents of our subject, also were natives of New York.
After her husband's death Mrs. De Mott took up her residence in Michigan and died in this state.
Mr. Baker received both a common and high school education, his
studies having been pursued in Racine, Wisconsin and in Battle Creek,
Michigan. He began life for himself on a farm and has devoted many
years to the great basic industry of agriculture, his efforts having
been attended by the most successful results. Though now well advanced in years, he continues in the active management of his large
estate of 305 acres and also raises considerable stock. As previously
mentioned, Mr. Baker was for a number of years actively engaged in
the breeding of fine blooded horses. He bred Robert Kernan, that had
a record of 2:061/4 and later was purchased by John D. Rockefeller
and used two years by him as a driving horse. Mr. Baker has sold
horses all over the United States, the last one of which he disposed
having become the property of A. W. Shulthis, of Independence, Kansas. Mr. Baker is a staunch Republican and has taken considerable
interest in the political affairs of his party in Calhoun county. He
was once a candidate to become a member of the Michigan legislature
and failed of election by but one vote. He has accumulated wealth
by the exercise of a keen business judgment and by a half century or
more of useful and honorable activity, and by his individual enterprise and public spirit has been a potent force in contributino to the
material wealth and prestige of Calhoun county.
Mr. Baker has been twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth
Jenner, a daughter of Lomas Jenner and the great-great-granddaughter of Dr. Edward Jenner, an English physician who was the discoverer
of vaccination. She died, leaving one son who died at the age of thirteen years, In 1876. Miss Martha Wells became the second wife of Mr.
Baker. She is the daughter of Lewis B. and Lois H. (Kimball) Wells,
both natives of New York, from whence they came to Michigan where
they spent the remainder of their lives on a farm. The father was a
blacksmith by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have two children, both of
whom have been afforded excellent educational advantages.   Vivian
D-,. their daughter, completed the literary course in the University of
Michigan and was graduated from that well known institution in 1911;
Gerald is a graduate of the high school at Union City, Michigan. Both
are at home with their parents.
A. J. BAADER. Since 1902 A. J. Baader has been engaged in the
manufacture of cigars in Albion, and is known for one of the leading
manufacturers in the community today. He is prominent, progressive
and popular, and is recognized among the substantial citizens of the
city in which he has made his home since his boyhood.
A native of Germany. born in Baden, March 19, 1863. Mr. Baader
is the son of Carl and Hannah (Lane) Baader. In 1872 the family
emigrated to America, proceeding at once to Manchester, Michigan,
after their arrival in New York city. The father, a man of humble
means, was for years engaged as a section foreman in railroad bed
construction, and he died in 1876. His wife, ever devoted to him and
a kind and indulgent mother, survived him until 1902. Their son,
A. J. Baader of this brief review,' received his initial schooling in his




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1247


native land, and after coming to the United States with his parents
entered the Manchester high school, wherein his education was completed. When he was thirteen years old he left school and began to
work for himself, his first employment being in the cigar business,
where he was engaged by M. G. Lonecker at Jackson, Michigan, where
he was for eighteen years and then in 1894, came to Albion, and in that
early position he gained a comprehensive knowledge of the manufacture of cigars, to which business he has devoted himself from then to
the present time.
In 1902 Mr. Baader started in business on his own responsibility
and erected a suitable building for his work on the lot on which his
private residence is located. For a time he was associated in the business with one F. A. Wocholz, under the firm name of Wocholz & Baader, and this partnership endured for three and a half years, at the
end of which time Mr. Baader bought his partner's interest in the
business and continued operations under the firm name of A. J. Baader
& Company. Mr. Baader employs ten people in his factory, and his
product is well known in this section of the country, supplying many
of the neighboring towns.
On September 8, 1886, Mr. Baader was married to Miss Henrietta
Beilfuss, and four children have been born to them: Minnie is the wife
of Fred Ficher; Della is at home, as is also Mary and Carl, the youngest, is yet a student.
Mr. Baader is affiliated with various fraternal orders, among them
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of
America and the German Lodge, D. 0. H., of which he is a supreme
member. He is likewise a member of the Cigar Makers' Union and of
the Illinois Commercial Travelers Association, also the Supreme Maccabees. He is a Democrat and in 1897 was elected alderman of the
Third ward, serving two years in that capacity, and further proving
the high order of his citizenship while filling the office.
L. P. SEBASTIAN is a member of the firm of L. P. Sebastian & Son,
dealers in granite and monuments, originally known as Barry & Sebastian, when the firm was first established in Albion in 1891. Five
years after the organization of the firm, Mr. Sebastian bought out the
interest of his partner, Mr. Barry, and the new firm of Sebastian & Son
came into existence. From its inception, the business has grown apace,
and the operations of this concern today extend throughout Calhoun
and many adjoining counties.
Mr. Sebastian is a native son of Calhoun county, born on one of its
farms on January 27, 1859. He is the son of Frederick D. and Salome
(Kimmer) Sebastian, both natives of Baden, Germany. The family
emigrated to America in 1835 or thereabouts, and upon arrival in New
York city came direct to Calhoun county, where they bought an eighty
acre farm in Sheridan township, to which they added until their holdings totaled one hundred and sixty acres. They engaged in general
farming and stock raising and Frederick Sebastian came to be regarded
as one of the most successful farmers of the township. He died on
the farm which had represented his home and the center of his activities from the time of his arrival in America, his death occurring in
1875, and his widow still survives him. She makes her home on the
old Sebastian homestead, and although now in her eightieth year, is
yet hale and hearty. Eleven children were born to Frederick and Salome Sebastian. named as follows: William W.. Frederick D., Charles
H.. L. P.. of this review, George E., Flora C., Kate A. M. and Reuben,
Vl. II-4 41




1248


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the last named being deceased. All the brothers are engaged in agriculture with the exception of L. P.
As a youth on the home farm, L. P. Sebastian attended the district school conducted in what was known as the little Davis school
house. The winter months he was privileged to spend in study if he
would, but the summer seasons were passed in work upon the farm,
as was the custom of the day. He left the farm while yet in his teens,
determined to learn the monument business, and secured employment
with Ira D. Reed, with whom he remained for three years, and it was
in this connection that he learned the business in all its minutiae. In
1891 he felt himself sufficiently conversant with the various details of
the business as to permit of venturing out on his own responsibility,
and thus was formed the early partnership between himself and Mr.
Barry. As stated above, the firm continued as organized for five years,
and in 1896 Mr. Sebastian took over his partner's interest, reorganizing the firm, and conducting the business alone until in recent years
when he took his son into partnership with him, the firm being known
since then as L. P. Sebastian & Son.
Both Mr. Sebastian and his son are skilled mechanics, and understand the monument business in its every detail. Their plant is one
of the most complete to be found in the country and is equipped in the
most modern and thorough fashion with the latest mechanism for the
production of perfect work. The plant is located near the Michigan
& Lake Shore Southern railroad tracks, which affords them the best
of shipping facilities. They not only have a large local trade, but their
business extends out into many of the adjoining counties, where they
have placed many handsome and costly monuments. The granite used
in their business is procured from the best known quarries in the
United States, while their finest marble is imported from Europe.
In 1878 Mr. Sebastian married Miss Sarah Ellen Keck, of Calhoun
county, a daughter of Michael Keck, a native of Germany and an early
settler of Calhoun county. One son, Edward H., has been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Sebastian. His birth occurred March 22, 1880. On March
22, 1904 he was married to Chloe E., a daughter of Lloyd and Eulalia
Conklin of Manchester, Michigan and they have a son, Glenn and a
daughter, Stella E.
Mr. Sebastian is a member of the Monumental Dealers' Association
of Michigan, and he and his wife are members of the First Baptist
church of Albion, of which he has been a deacon for a number of years.
The family home is maintained at 1005 North Eatqn street.
OTIS A. LEONARD, secretary of the Homestead Loan and Building
Association, since 1893, secretary of the National Spring & Wire Company since 1904, and further identified with the fire insurance business
in Albion, is one of the enterprising and progressive men of his community. He is a native son of Michigan, born in Linden, Genesee
county, Michigan, June 17, 1868, and is the son of Allen anrd Lovina
(Hyatt) Leonard. The father was a native of New York state and one
of the early settlers of Michigan, the mother also being a New Yorker
by birth.
Allen Leonard was one of the prosperous farmers in Genesee
county, and was the owner of a well tilled farm, graced by a fine dwelling, with adequate barns, sheds and out buildings of every variety necessary to the conduct of a modern farm. He continued to be engaged
in diversified farming until his death in 1880. His wife yet survives
him and makes her home in Albion.
Otis A. Leonard acquired his early education in the public and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1249


high school in Genesee county. He then entered Albion College, where
he pursued his studies until his graduation in 1891, after which he
located in Albion and engaged in the insurance business. He gave
close and careful attention to his new enterprise and succeeded in
building up a good business as a result of his energy and his fine business ability. He is now recognized as the leading insurance man of
the city. In addition to his efforts in that direction, Mr. Leonard, has
with the passing years become identified with some of the leading
industries in Albion as stockholder and director, and, as mentioned in
the opening paragraph, is secretary of two of the more important concerns. Among other equally important concerns, he is a director of
the Albion State Bank, one of the most reliable banking institutions
of the city.
In October, 1893, Mr. Leonard married Miss Elizabeth I. Fiske of
Albion, the daughter of Rev. L. R. Fiske, who was president of Albion
College for twenty years. Rev. Fiske had not only a local but a national
reputation, and he served as pastor of the M. E. church for a number of years. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard.
Mr. Leonard is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity,
as a member of Murat Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., also Albion Chapter
No. 23, R. A. M. He is also a member of Albion Lodge, No. 57 of the
Knights of Pythias. The family residence is located at No. 110 North
Ingham street.
FREDERICK KATZ has lived his life thus far in Fredonia township,
where he was born on September 13, 1856. He is the son of Peter and
Mary (Frink) Katz, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, born there
in 1832 and 1830, respectively, and the grandson of Peter Katz, Sr.,
who came to America in 1848, bringing his family with him. Mr. Katz,
Sr., came on to Michigan immediately, his son Peter, the father of Frederick of this review, remaining in Buffalo for a period of two years.
The father located a farm of three hundred and twenty acres of land in
Fredonia township, living on it for several years, after which he sold
out and bought land in Newton township, where one of his descendants,
Charles Katz, Sr., now lives. The old gentleman remained there until
his death in 1905. In 1850 Peter Katz, Jr., came to Michigan. He
took up his residence with his father and became the owner of forty
acres in Fredonia township, which he later sold and moved into Newton township, there becoming the owner of a fine farm of two hundred
acres. tIe continued to reside in Newton until his death in 1905. He
was a very successful man, always prominent and popular.in the community he called home, and took a leading part in civic affairs. He was
a Democrat in his political faith, and a member of the Lutheran church,
being one of the organizers of that church in Marshall.
Frederick Katz received his early education in the schools of Newton
township, his educational advantages being somewhat meagre, as confined to the district schools of the day, and he was early initiated into the
mysteries of farm life by his father. He continued to be associated with
his father in the work of the home place until one year after his marriage, which occurred in 1880, when Catherine Keifer became his wife.
She is the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Keifer, prominent farming
people of Fredonia, and early settlers of Washtenaw county. Both her
parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Katz are the parents of four
children, as follows: Lottie, the wife of Edward Lee of Fredonia;
Myrtie, the wife of Frank Katz, also of Fredonia; Edith, who lives at
home, and Elizabeth, who married Clifford Johnson. They have four




1250


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


grandchildren, Blanche and Thelma Lee, Blaine Katz and Donald F.
Johnson.
After his marriage, when Mr. Katz severed his connections with the
home place, he rented a farm in Fredonia, which he held for four years,
after which he lived for seven years in Newton, and then returning to
Fredonia worked the Rowley farm for fifteen years, until he came to
his present place. After the death of Mrs. Katz in 1897, Mr. Katz did
not care to purchase a farm outright, and has since continued to rent,
a plan which makes it possible for him to retire from active farm life
whenever he feels so inclined without being incumbered by property
affairs.
Mr. Katz is a Democrat, and has always been a leader in the political
affairs of his township. He has held numerous offices, in all of which he
has acquitted himself in a manner becoming a citizen of high integrity,
such as he has ever been regarded. He served as township treasurer for
two years; as clerk for five years; as highway commissioner for one year,
and as supervisor four years. He has also been chosen as a delegate to
various county conventions of the party, and is known throughout the
county as one of its strong and steadfast Democrats. As to his churchly
relations, he holds membership in the German Lutheran church, the
church of his fathers, and fraternally he is identified by his membership
in the Maccabees and the Modern Brotherhood of America.
REV. JOSEPH S. MARX is pastor of St. John's Catholic church, at
Albion, Michigan, where he has been located since 1901. He is a native
of the Buckeye state, born in the city of Cincinnati, on December 31,
1875, the son of Andrew and Caroline Marx. The father was a pioneer
of Cincinnati, and during his life there was variously engaged in business venture. He died in 1911, his widow still survives. The father
held some minor offices in Cincinnati of a public character and was a
stanch Democrat and a man of strong convictions. In 1881 with his
parents Father Marx moved to Detroit.
As a boy at home, Father Marx received his early education in the
parochial schools of Detroit and for a time attended a select school at
Detroit, Michigan. From that city he was sent to Assumption College,
in Canada., where he pursued his studies for some time, graduating in
1894. He then entered St. Mary's University at Baltimore, Maryland,
in which institution he pursued, his theological studies for a period of
five years. He was graduated from St. Mary's in 1899, and in the same
year was ordained by the Right Reverend John S. Foley, of Detroit,
Michigan. Soon after his ordination the young priest became assistant
to St. Mary's church under Father Riley at Adrian, Michigan, where he
continued until 1901, when he came to Albion as pastor of St. John's
Catholic church, where he is still occupied. In addition to his clerical
duties in connection with his Albion pastorate, Father Marx supplies the
Catholic church at Charlotte and Eaton Rapids, Michigan, his time being
about equally divided between the two churches. In each parish he has
a rapidly growing congregation, and his labors among his people have
been rewarded by the increase in numbers and in churchly zeal among
the members. Father Marx is a brilliant speaker and a scholarly gentleman-wide-minded and tolerant, and held in the highest respect and
esteem in the communities in which his labors have made him a familiar
figure.
EDWARD C. MACK. A retired agriculturist of Calhoun county,
Edward C. Mack has accomplished a satisfactory work in his chosen
occupation, and, feeling that he has performed his full share of hard




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1251


work is now enjoying to the utmost the well-merited reward of his longcontinued and unremitting toil. He was born August 22, 1846, in Calhoun county, a son of William and Chloe (Cox) Mack, natives of New
York state.
William Mack came from New York state to Michigan in early life,
settling on a tract of heavily timbered land, coming at a time when the
country was in its pristine wildness, with here and there an opening in
which stood the pioneer's cabin. Lured westward in his search for gold,
he went on a prospecting trip to Colorado, returned to Michigan, and
then back to Colorado and there died.
Early thrown upon his own resources, Edward C. Mlack worked at
any honest employment that he could find as a boy and youth, laboring
chiefly as a farm hand until 1864. In that year he enlisted in Company
A, Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and was first sent with his command to
Cedar Creek, later taking part in the Shenandoah valley campaign. Receiving his honorable discharge from the army in 1865, Mr. Mack continued his former occupation, being engaged in farming until his retirement from active business. He is a Republican in politics, and for forty
years has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
has held all of the chairs of his lodge.
Mr. Mack married, in 1866, Sarah Talmage, a daughter of Alva Talmage, of Calhoun county. She passed to the life beyond in 1899, leaving
three children, namely: Minnie, wife of William McCracken, of Burlington township; Alva, living on a farm in Burlington township; and
Chloe, wife of William Burrows, of Battle Creek. A brief sketch of the
son, Alva P. Mack, may be found following this.
ALVA P. MACK. One of the foremost agriculturists of Burlington
township, Alva P. Mack is carrying on general farming, including stock
raising and dairying, with gratifying results, year by year adding to
his wealth, and growing into the esteem and respect of his neighbors.
A son of Edward C. and Sarah (Talmage) Mack, of whom a brief sketch
may be found on another page of this work, he was born in Newton
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, January 14, 1868. His grandparents, William and Chloe (Cox) Mack, were pioneers of Michigan,
coming from New York when this section of the country was in its primitive wildness, the dense forests being habited by the dusky savage, while
wild beasts of all kinds roamed at will.
Alva P. Mack spent a part of his earlier life in Clinton county, where
his parents lived for a time, attending the district schools as a boy and
youth. HIe began life for himself on a farm, working by the year until
after attaining his majority. In 1890, imbued with the restless spirit
characteristic of the true American, he went westward to Ontario, Oregon, where he secured a fine position in a general mercantile establishment, one of the largest concerns of the kind in the Pacific states, and
was there employed for six years.. Accumulating considerable money
during that time, Mr. Mack purchased one hundred and twenty acres of
land, paying twenty-five dollars an acre for it, and embarked in farming.
Making good use of his early training, he improved his property, and at
the end of seven years disposed of it for one hundred dollars an acre,
making a handsome profit on his former investment. Coming then to
Burlington township, he bought the old Morehead farm of one hundred
and twenty acres, and in its management is meeting with eminent sueeess, the general appearance of his property manifesting to the most
casual observer the thrift and care of the owner, showing conclusively
that he has a thorough understanding of his business. MIr. Mack raises
much stock, not entirely thoroughbreds, and pays considerable attention
to dairying, a branch of the business that he likes.




1252


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


Mr. Mack married Lulu Wellington Knight, daughter of Elbridge
and Lois (Kenfield) Wellington, of Clinton county. Her father, who
was a painter by trade, was also a successful farmer. Mr. and Mrs.
MIack are the parents of five children, namely: Lloyd A., of Three Rivers,
Michigan; Merle Edward, attending Union City high school, being a
member of the class of 1912; Ella, also with Union City high school;
Gary G.; and Lois. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mack are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Mack is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Union Lodge, Knights of Pythias, in which
he has passed all the chairs.
THOMAS ZELINSKY, M. D. As one of the most important small cities
of the state of Michigan, Battle Creek has extended municipal services
and facilities, and its government is a matter of interest to every citizen.
To the office of mayor, Dr. Thomas Zelinsky, who was elected in the
spring of 1911, has brought the broad experience of the capable physician and the epergy and public spirit of a young citizen who represents
the modern practical ideas of government.
Dr. Zelinsky was born at Madison, Wisconsin, January 16, 1876, but
most of his youth was spent in Battle Creek, where he attended the public schools. In 1901 he was graduated from the University of Michigan
with the degree of M. D., and in the same year located for practice at
Battle Creek. Much of his work has been in surgery, in which skill and
experience have given him a generous success, and he has enjoyed a high
rank in the medical fraternity of southern Michigan. Politically a Republican, he served as health officer during Mayor Green's administration, and in 1911 was elected for two years to the office of mayor.
In the line of his profession he is an active member of the Calhoun
County and the State Medical societies; affiliates with the Masons, the
Elks and the Knights of Pythias; and is a member of the Athelstan
Club of Battle Creek. His office is in the Post building, and his residence at 7 Bennett street.
Dr. Zelinsky married Miss Jessie Reasoner. She was born at East
Leroy, a daughter of Daniel Reasoner. Her education was obtained in
Battle Creek and at the Ypsilanti Normal, after which she was engaged
in teaching at Hillsdale until her marriage. Dr. and Mrs. Zelinsky have
one child, Frances M., born at Battle Creek, December 29, 1910.
EDWARD L. PARMETER, M. D. Dr. Parmeter, who is well established
in his profession as one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Albion, Michigan, was born in Concord, Jackson county, this state, on
November 9, 1851. He is the son of James R. and Caroline (Worth)
Parmeter, natives of Vermont and New Jersey, respectively. They were
settlers of Jackson county among the pioneers of 1831, that year marking their removal from New York to Michigan. They located on a Jackson county farm, and came to be classed among the most prosperous.
farmers of their section. Mr. Parmeter was born in 1802, and died in
1872, his death resulting from an accident. The wife and mother was
born in 1806 and passed away in her fifty-ninth year. She was a daughter of William Worth, who had the distinction of being one of the first
settlers of Jackson county, and a member of the first jury in the county.
The paternal grandfather of the subject was Jesse Parmeter. a native
of Vermont, who in later life settled in Jackson county, which represented his final home.
As a youth. Edward L. Parmeter acquired the fundamentals of an
education in the public schools of his community, and later went to




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1253


Albion College. He left his studies there to engage in teaching, and
passed one year thus occupied. He then began to read medicine with
Dr. W. N. Keeler of Concord, Michigan, and after a time entered Bennett Medical College at Chicago, Illinois, from  which school he was
graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1876. Immediately thereafter
Dr. Parmeter located at Concord, Jackson county, where he inaugurated
the active practice of his profession, and one year later he came to
Albion where he opened an office and engaged in general practice. He
is now recognized as being among the oldest physicians of the city in
point of practice, and with the passing years has built up a wide and
lucrative practice.
In 1883 Dr. Parmeter married Miss Sarah E. Graves of Denver Colorado, a daughter of Col. P. Graves, who was a soldier in the Civil war
and served as Colonel of the Twelfth Michigan Infantry during the Civil
war. Dr. and Mrs. Parmeter have one son, Rolland L., who is a graduate
of Rush Medical College of Chicago, and is now engaged in the active
practice of his profession in Detroit where he is already well established.
Dr. Parmeter is a member of the Calhoun Medical Society, the State
Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and in a purely
fraternal way, has membership in the Masonic order, affiliating with
Albion Lodge No. 14, A. F. & A. M. and Albion Chapter No. 32, R. A.
M., as well as Albion Lodge No. 57, Knights of Pythias. He is also
a stockholder of the Malleable Iron Co., president of the Union Steel
Screen Company, and a member of the City Park Board.
EDWIN M. MOUNTEER. As proprietor of the Albion bakery, Edwin
M. Mounteer has attained a pleasing success in the city which has represented his home and the center of his business activities since September 15, 1899. From a modest beginning in his present business he had
gradually increased his capacity until today he bakes from two to four
thousand loaves daily, and in addition to his large local trade, makes
daily shipments to neighboring towns in the county.
Mr. Mounteer is the son of William and Louise (Tamblin) Mounteer,
both natives of Canada. Edwin M. was born in Dresden, Canada,
October 2, 1872. The father was a business man and came to Calhoun
county, Michigan, September 15, 1899, and with Edwin M. engaged in
the bakery business where he thus continued about one year. He then
retired from business, Edwin purchasing his interest.
As a boy in Concord and Charlotte, Michigan, Edward M. Mounteer
received his education in the public and high school, and after leaving
off his studies was employed by Richard Baxter of Charlotte. in the
bakery business, and later on by the Hill bakery, Grand Rapids, with
whom he remained for a number of years, about five in all. He then
embarked in the grocery business under the firm name of Gaskill & Co..
an association which endured for five years further, and he then came
to Albion and became associated with his father in the bakery business.
In timife he came to be the sole proprietor of the business, and under his
wise and careful manipulation it has assumed its present wide proportions. In his bakery Mr. Monteer has installed the latest and most
improved machinery known to the bakery business, and he employs on
an average of ten experienced bakers. The business is well established,
and ranks among the leading industries of the city. In addition to his
interest in this business, he is identified with other industries in the
city.
Mr. Mounteer married Miss Mary Marple, a native of Ohio, where she
was reared and educated. One son has been born to them, Carl E., who
is attending the high school of Albion, and during his vacations assisted




1254


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


his father in the business. The family home is maintained on Irwin
avenue, where they have a fine residence, with a beautiful lawn ornamented with native oaks, elms and rock maples. The place is easily
one of the fine ones of the city.
Mr. Mounteer is a member of Albion Lodge No. 60, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and is popular in business and social circles of
the city which represents his home. He is a clever and affable gentle.
man, eminently deserving of the position he occupies in this community.
THOMAS FRENCH. Living on his pleasant homestead in Burlington
township, Thomas French is numbered among the successful and wellto-do agriculturists of Calhoun county, where he has spent a busy life,
actively engaged in the cultivation of the soil. A son of Martin French,
he was born in this township, February 27, 1869, of pioneer ancestry,
his grandfather, Thomas French, the first, having come to Michigan in
territorial days, settling in the dense woods, and hewing from the forest
the farm on which he spent his remaining days. His ancestors were
eastern people of some prominence, his great grandfather, Hiram
French, having been a life-long farmer in New York state.
Martin French was born, in 1838, in New York state, and as a child
of four years came with his parents to Michigan. He grew to manhood
in the log cabin which his father reared in the primeval woods, and
gleaned his early education in the pioneer schools. Industrious and
thrifty, he was quite successful during his earlier years as an agriculturist, becoming owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres
in Burlington township. He subsequently met with reverses, ere his
death, which occurred in 1896, losing considerable of his property. He
was prominent in the Democratic ranks, and as township supervisor,
and as township treasurer. Fraternally he belonged to Burlington
Lodge, No. 333, Free and Accepted Masons, and served as its master.
He married Belle Cole, who was born in New York state in 1840, and
came to Calhoun county, Michigan, with her father when a young girl,
he, David Cole, having located at an early day in Burlington township,
where he cleared and improved a homestead.
Having acquired his education in the district schools, Thomas French
became a tiller of the soil from choice, and after his father became
involved he bravely assumed the management of the home farm, and in
the course of a few years cleared it of debt. He now owns one hundred
acres of fine land in Burlington township, his homestead being now one
of the most attractive in the vicinity, and well supplied with convenient
buildings and all the appliances for carrying on his work after the most
approved modern methods. Mr. French is a breeder of Holstein cattle;
keeps Black Top Delany sheep and Poland China hogs; and raises Buff
Rock poultry, while his daughter makes a specialty of breeding Buff
Leghorns.
Mr. French has been twice married. He married first in July,
1889, Agnes M. Mohardt, a daughter of Christian Mohardt, an early
settler of Calhoun county. She died October 15, 1904, leaving two
daughters, namely: Edith, a successful teacher in Burlington; and Katherine, attending school in Burlington. Mr. French married second, November 8, 1905, Mabel Leonard, a daughter of Charles Leonard, of Burlington. Politically Mr. French is identified with the Democratic party,
but is quite independent in his views, and votes according to the dictates
of his conscience without regard to party affiliations. Fraternally he is
a member of Burlington Lodge, No. 333, Order of Masons; and of the
Knights of the Maccabees, in which he is a policy holder.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1255


WILLIAM WAFFLE. Among the enterprising and self-reliant men who
are ably conducting the farming interests of Calhoun county is William
Waffle, of Burlington, a prosperous agriculturist, especially noteworthy
for his good citizenship and many excellent traits of character. A son of
the late David W. Waffle, he was born, October 7, 1871, in Medina
county, Ohio, where the first three years of his life were passed.
David W. Waffle, a son of John Waffle, was born in Ohio, March 6,
1833, and lived there until MIarch, 1874, when he migrated with his family to Michigan, locating first in Washtena.w county, where he purchased
eighty acres of land, and for four years was engaged in tilling the soil
at the same time working at his trade of a carpenter. In 1878 he came
to Calhoun county, and afterwards devoted his attention entirely to
farming, continuing his residence here until October 11, 1910, when he
was accidentally killed by a train, near Union City, his death being a
shock to the community. He was an active member of the Republican
party, and served many years as justice of the peace. Both he and his
wife were members of the Congregational church. David W. Waffle
married Hannah Sheffield, who was born in Sharon, Ohio, December 12,
1836, and died in Calhoun county, Michigan, May 3, 1902. Four children were born of their union, as follows: Charles, of Three Rivers,
Michigan, is connected with the Sheffield Car Works; Ella, died June
10, 1898; William, the special subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Leila
Kister.
About seven years of age when his parents removed to Athens township, Calhoun county, William Waffle was there educated in the district
schools, later becoming familiar with the different branches of agriculture while working with his father. When he married, he lived for
awhile in Union City, from there moving to Sherwood township, in
Branch county, and later spending two years in Athens. Returning to
Braneh county, Mr. Waffle purchased eighty acres of land, and was there
for a time engaged in tilling the soil. He afterwards bought his father's
homestead, on which he lived and labored for four years, when he sold
out. He then purchased his present estate of one hundred acres, widely
known as "Fairview Farm," and, with the exception of two years,
when he rented his land and lived in North Dakota, has since devoted
his energies to its improvement, having now one of the best improved
and most desirable farms in the vicinity. He carries on general farming and stockraising, specializing in Percheron horses. He is a stanch
Republican in politics, and has served as justice of the peace. Religiously he is a member of the United Brethren church, but attends
the Methodist Episcopal church.
On April 3, 1896, Mr. Waffle was united in marriage with Alta M.
McCrary, the oldest of the three children of LeRoy and Alice (Mover)
McCrary, both natives of Michigan, her father's birth having occurred
in Tekonsha township, Calhoun county, October 12, 1847. Her grandfather, Alexander McCrary was one of the early settlers of Calhoun
county, and his marriage with Ella Dean was the first celebrated in
Tekonsha township by white people. LeRoy McCrary died in Union
City, as did also Mrs. McCrary. Mr. and Mrs. Waffle have a fine family
of six children, namely: Alice, Ernest, Roy, Glenda, Gladys and Bruce.
ERVIN A. WARSOP. A wide-awake, industrious young man, possessing energy and good judgment Ervin A. Warsop, living near Athens, is
a splendid representative of the thriving agriculturists of Calhoun
county, his farm comparing favorably in its appointments with any in
the vicinity. A son of Harry Warsop, he was born, December 29, 1881,
in Athens township, of English ancestry. His paternal grandparents,




1256


HISTORY OF' CALHOUN COUNTY


Joseph and Ann (Grey) Warsop, emigrated from England to the United
States, settling in Michigan. After spending a short time in Detroit,
they moved to Marshall, where the grandfather was for many years
employed as a machinist in the Michigan Central Railroad shops.
Born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1852, Harry Warsop was but
two years old when he was brought by his parents to Michigan. He
received his education in Marshall, and began life for himself on a farm
in Athens township, Calhoun county. Disposing of his interests in that
locality in 1895, he bought land in Athens township, and was there successfully engaged in general farming until his death, in 1900. He was
a Republican in politics, and, with his wife, belonged to the Congregational church. He married, in Burlington township, Jane Remch, a
daughter of George W. Remch, who came from Ohio to Michigan, and
has since lived in Burlington township, where he is now numbered among
the veteran farmers, being eighty-two years of age. Of the children born
of their union, three are living, as follows: Daniel, of Athens, a rural mail
carrier; Ervin A., the special subject of this brief sketch; and Loren B.,
living on the home farm.
Acquiring his rudimentary education in the public school of District
No. 1, Athens township, Ervin A. Warsop completed his early studies at
the Union City high school, where he was graduated with the class of
1900. He taught school the ensuing four years, but abandoned the desk
in favor of farming. He bought his present farm of one hundred and
twenty acres in Athens and Burlington townships, and in its management has met with unquestioned success, the land being under excellent
tillage, and the improvements of a practical and substantial nature.
He raises abundant crops each season, and makes a specialty of breeding
Duroc hogs, a branch of industry which he finds profitable. In his political affiliations, Mr. Warsop is a Republican, and takes an active part in
local affairs. He was for three years overseer of highways, and had the
supervision of the construction of the first gravel road in Athens town.
ship, and at the present time is serving his second year as supervisor.
They have four children, Edna, Joseph, Raymond and Reuben.
BURRITT HAMILTON was born in Sturgis, St. Joseph county, Michigan, October 4, 1869. His father, Robert C. Hamilton was the owner
of several large farms in Michigan and Indiana, and here the son was
endoctrinated in the gospel of hard work. Equipped with sound health
and a high school education, he entered the University of Michigan in
1889 and graduated from the law department of that institution in
1891. During his student days, he took an active part in the literary
activities of his college class, and served as secretary of the Jeffersonian Society. He was admitted to the bar in the Washtenaw County
Circuit Court May 29, 1891, and opened an office for the practice of
law at Sturgis, Michigan, in November of the same year.
In June, 1894, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Miss
Rena L. Tompkins. Four years later he moved with his family to
Battle Creek where he has since remained. His home is in the country
and commands a view of unsurpassed beauty upon the picturesque
Kalamazoo river.
Mr. Hamilton enjoys a large general practice and is widely employed in corporation matters. He is the author of several well known
text books, among which are works on commercial and corporation
law. In 1911 he was chairman of the executive committee of the
Michigan State Bar Association, and in 1912 he was elected to a second
term as president of the Calhoun County Bar Association.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1257


ANDREW J. FISHELL. An esteemed and thriving agriculturist of
East Le Roy, A. J. Fishell is intimately associated with the advancement of the agricultural interests of this section of Calhoun county,
owning and occupying a farm which he is constantly improving. He
is a native of Michigan, his birth having occurred February 18, 1862,
in Eaton county, where his father, the late John Fishell, settled many
years ago. His grandfather Fishell, a native of Germany, came to
America when a young man, and subsequently moved with his family to
Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his years.
John Fishell was born in Rochester, New York, in November, 1827,
and was brought up in Michigan, near Lansing, where his parents located when he was a boy. When ready to establish a home of his own,
he bought land in Eaton county, and on the homestead which he
cleared and improved, was engaged in general farming until his death.
He was a Republican in politics, and a devout and conscientious Christian, having been a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, to
which his widow, who still lives on the home farm in Eaton county,
belongs. He married Jeannette Anderson, who was born, in October,
1835, in New York state, a daughter of David and Abigail (Wood)
Anderson, the former of whom was born in Ireland, of Scotch parentage, and came to this country in early life.
The youngest of a family of five sons, A. J. Fishell was educated
in the district schools, and while young acquired such a thorough
knowledge of the different branches of agriculture that his early experiences have been of practical benefit to him in his labors. Leaving
the home farm at the age of twenty-five years, Mr. Fishell engaged
in the printing business at Battle Creek, and for many years had
charge of the stock department of the Review and Herald, displaying
marked ability in that capacity. Returning to the soil in 1904, Mr.
Fishell bought his present farm of one hundred acres in Athens township, and in its improvement has since been busy, among its more recent improvements having been the erection of a commodious and
conveniently arranged residence. He carries on general farming, paying much attention to the raising of stock, having among other animals
a fine flock of Black Top Delaney sheep. He is held in high esteem
throughout his community, and, true to the religious and political faith
in which he was reared is an Adventist and a Republican.
Mr. Fishell married, in 1887, Ida M. Jones, one of the eight children of Hiram and Philena (Barrett) Jones, early settlers of Eaton
county, and respected members of its farming community. Her father
died in February, 1907, and her widowed mother still resides in Holly,
Michigan. She belongs to the Seventh Day Adventist church, of which
Mr. Jones was likewise a member. Mr. and Mrs. Fishell have five children, namely: Irma B., who married Roy L. Foster and they live in
Wisconsin; Hubert S., in Montana; Leslie B., a pupil in the Union City
high school; Carroll M., a school boy; and Deal M., an infant.
MERRITT 0. SHEPARD. As president of the Citizens Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, of Calhoun county, Michigan, for the past twenty
years, Merritt 0. Shepard has won a wide acquaintance and an enviable
standing in business circles of Calhoun county and in the city of Albion, which has represented his home since 1899. Previous to that
year he had been identified with the agricultural industry from the year
1869, and in that, as in his present business, he was a successful and
prosperous man.
Merritt 0. Shepard was born in Genesee county, New York, on
July 6, 1848, and is the son of Ira and Ruby (Chaddock) Shepard,




1258


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


both natives of that state.  The father was a farmer by occupation
and was a native of Otsego county, New York. In January, 1869, the
family removed from their native state to Michigan, settling on a farm
just northeast of the city of Albion. He operated that place for six
years, then moved into the city and made his home in Albion, living
a retired life, until his death in 1890. His widow survived him until
1904.
The early education of Mr. Shepard was received in the district
schools of his native state and in the high school at Pikes Seminary,
Wyoming county, New York. It was in April of 1869 that he came to
Calhoun county, and within that year he married, after which he settled on a farm in the town of Sheridan, in Calhoun county, and engaged in diversified farming. He was an industrious young man, and
had received valuable training in agriculture as a youth at home, so
that the thirty years he spent in this place rewarded him abundantly
in material things. At the end of ten years he purchased his father's
farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Albion, engaging in farming
and stock raising. He later added ten acres of desirable land to his
place, and for years was busily occupied in the raising of cattle, hogs,
sheep and grain, in which he was agreeably successful.
In 1899 he removed from the farm to the city of Albion, to assume
charge of the business of the Citizens' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and he has since made his home here. It was while living on the
farm that he first became interested in the insurance company, and
soon after its organization he was elected president, a position which
he has held continuously for twenty years. The Citizens' Mutual Fire
Insurance Company is undeniably one of the solid institutions of the
county and is regarded as being reliable in every respect. Mr. Shepard has proven himself an able and efficient head of the company, and
is one of the principal adjusters of the losses of the concern. Mr.
Shepard is now doing a large and lucrative real estate business, under
the firm name of Wright & Shepard.
As previously mentioned, Mr. Shepard was married in 1869, to Miss
Elizabeth Van Slyke, a daughter of William Van Slyke, one of the old
and honored residents of the county. Five children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Shepard. as follows: Jessie M., who is deceased; Wirt
V., a graduate of the Albion high school and now employed by the
Gale Manufacturing Company; Carrie L. is the wife of George L. Schofield and resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Morrell D., also of Kansas
City; Ruby C., who graduated in June 1912 from the State Normal
School at Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Mr. Shepard is fraternally affiliated with the Masonic order, as a
member of Murat Lodge No. 14, A. F. & A. M.; of Albion Chapter No.
32 R. A. M., and of Marshall Commandery No. 17, Knights Templar.
He was also treasurer of the Board of Regents for three years. For
two years he was assessor of the city of Albion, and was a director of
the Albion State Bank for fourteen years.
GERMAIN SERVIS. Prominent among the Calhoun county citizens
who are carrying on mixed farming with unquestioned ability and success is Germain Servis, of Athens township, whose finely improved estate ranks among the best and most valuable in his neighborhood. A
son of James Servis, he was born, August 2, 1849, in Yates county,
New York. where his childhood years were passed.
James Servis was born in New York state in 1821, and died on his
homestead, in Athens township, Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1902,
at the venerable age of eighty-one years. In 1857, taking advantage




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1259


of the cheaper lands in the West, he came to Michigan, and selected
Athens township as the most desirable place in which to locate. Buying
a tract of wild land, he erected a log house in the wilderness, and with
true pioneer courage began the work of hewing a farm, a labor which
proved successful in his case. He became active and interested in public affairs, supporting the principles of the Democratic party.  His
wife, whose maiden name was Sallie Barker, was born in New York,
May 9, 1822, and died in Athens township, June 9, 1910, at the age
of eighty-eight years, and one month. Her father, Enoch Barker, a
native of the Empire state, spent his last years in Michigan. Of the
children born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. James Servis, four are
living, as follows: Orin, a farmer in Saint Joseph county, Michigan;
Germain, the subject of this sketch; William, residing in Kansas; and
Alice, wife of E. U. Hunt, a civil engineer in Battle Creek. One of
their sons, Wilbur Servis, served in the Civil war, and was killed in
its last big battle.
Educated in the district schools of Athens township, Germain Servis worked with his father until he was seventeen years old, after
which he worked out by by the month for a few years, gaining valuable
knowledge of experimental farming, and of the practical labor required
in agricultural pursuits. He subsequently rented land on shares until
1899, when he invested his savings in land, buying one hundred acres
in Athens township. With characteristic diligence and perseverance
he began its improvement, and has met with signal success, having
now a new house and substantial outbuildings, with his land under a
good state of cultivation, and highly productive. Mr. Servis has wisely
invested his accumulations in other land, his farm now containing one
hundred and eighty acres of choice land, and being one of the best in
the locality.
Mr. Servis married, January 1, 1874, Ella Bruce, who was born,
June 8, 1855, in Athens, Michigan, just after the arrival in this state
of her parents, George and Amanda (Gordon) Bruce, who came here
from New York, their native state. Mr. Bruce, who was a life-long
farmer, was born March 15, 1813, and died in Michigan, January 26,
1892, and Mrs. Bruce, who was born in New York, March 30, 1822,
died in Michigan, March 12, 1905. He was a Republican in politics,
and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Mr.
and Mrs. Servis are the parents of two children, namely: Ralph, who
owns eighty acres of land, and is now working his father's farm on
shares; and Merta, wife of George E. Adams, of Battle Creek. In
his political relations Mr. Servis is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.
CHARLES C. DE Bow, the owner of a well managed and highly productive farm in Athens township, has been a resident of Calhoun county
for upwards of half a century, and occupies a place of prominence
among the more intelligent and respected citizens of his community.
A native of New York state, he' was born, November 16, 1853, in East
Bloomfield, Ontario county, a son of Henry De Bow.
Born in the Empire state in 1810, Henry De Bow was for many
years a railroad man, being connected with the earlier railways of
that state. A man of much enterprise, he foresaw the possible resources of the West, and made his way to Michigan, locating with his
family in Athens township, Calhoun- county on May 10, 1856. Purchasing eighty acres of land, he cleared and improved a homestead, on
which he lived until his death, in 1883. A man of honest worth, he
was held in high regard by his fellow townsmen. He was a straight



1260


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


forward Republican in politics, and a trustworthy member of the Baptist church, to which his wife also belonged. He was of French descent,
his father and a brother having emigrated to the United States from
France. The father served in the War of 1812 as an army officer, and
some of his descendants served in the Union Army during the Civil
war, while descendants of his brother were prominent during the same
war in the Confederate service, being officers in the president's cabinet.
Henry De Bow married Jane Brundage, whose father, a native of New
York, was drowned while following his occupation of a deep-sea fisherman. They were the parents of six children, of whom three are deceased, one son, Garrett De Bow, having died while serving as a soldier in the Civil War.
Being reared to agricultural pursuits, Charles C. De Bow naturally
adopted farming as his life work, beginning his career by working his
brother's farm on shares. A man of push and energy, diligent in his
labors, he made a success of the work in which he engaged, and in 1888
bought forty acres of the land included in his present fine estate of one
hundred and twenty acres. Previous, however, to buying land, Mr.
De Bow was for seven years engaged in business as a general merchant
at Pine Creek, where he had an extensive patronage. His farm is under a good state of tillage, and, with its comfortable and convenient
farm buildings, gives evidence of the thrift and prosperity of the
owner.
Mr. De Bow married, January 15, 1882, Mary E. Tunison, a most
estimable woman, and a congenial companion. Her father, Hampton
Tunison, a veteran of the Civil war, located in Calhoun county in
the seventies, and was here successfully engaged in tilling the soil during the remainder of his active life, residing in the county until his
death, in 1909, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Mr. and
Mrs. De Bow have two children, namely: Floyd, living near Athens;
and Guy, working on the home farm. Mr. De Bow is decidedly independent in politics, voting according to the dictates of his conscience
for the men he deems best fitted for the positions, regardless of party
prejudice, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
EDWARD P. KEEP, president of the First State Bank of Tekonsha,
Michigan, and an extensive dealer in lumber here and elsewhere, has
been identified with Tekonsha for nearly four decades.
Mr. Keep is a native of the Empire State. He was born at Homer,
New York, May 27, 1848, son of Timothy and Silvia (Backus) Keep.
Both his paternal and maternal grandfathers were natives of Massachusetts. The former, Seth Keep, moved to New York when a young
man, and spent the rest of his life and died there; the latter, Joshua
Backus, who was a farmer, also passed the greater part of his life and
died in New York state. Mr. Keep's great-grandfather, Simeon Keep,
fought for independence in the Revolutionary war. Timothy Keep was
born in 1801 and died in 1877, and his wife, born in 1805, died in 1874.
They were the parents of six children, Edward P. being the fifth born
and one of the three now living. Timothy Keep was a farmer, he owned
130 acres of land, and he carried on farming operations for many years.
Politically, he was a Republican; religiously, a Congregationalist.
On his father's farm Edward P. Keep grew to manhood. His education, begun in the district schools, was continued at Courtland
Academy, where he was a student for several terms. Then for eight
years he spent his winters teaching school. He worked by the month
on a farm for three years and was in the saw mill business in New York
three years. On coming to Michigan in 1875, he settled at Tekonsha




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1261


and at once established himself in the lumber business, in which he has
been engaged more or less extensively ever since. He furnished most
of the lumber for the town of Tekonsha, and for years his lumber has
found a market in nearly every part of Calhoun county and also in
adjoining counties. Mr. Keep is also interested in banking, being president of the First State Bank of Tekonsha. This bank has a capital
stock of $30,000; surplus and undivided profits, $6,000, and average
deposits $125,000.
With public and political affairs, Mr. Keep has for years been
closely identified, harmonizing with the Republican party and receiving honor in the way of official preferment. In 1899, he was the choice
of his Republican constituents for representative in the State Legislature, and as such served with credit to both himself and them. While
in the legislature he was a member of the Elections, State Prison, Public
Lands and State Public Schools committees.
In 1878, Mr. Keep was married to Miss Eva M. Allen, daughter of
Erastus and Sina (Feagles) Allen; and they are the parents of one
child, Luta B., wife of Don Martinson. Mr. Martinson is engaged in
the lumber business with Mr. Keep. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were natives
of New York. They came to Michigan some time in the 40's and settled in Tekonsha township, where Mr. Allen was for many years engaged in farming. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian
church.
For a number of years Mr. Keep has been identified with the Masonic Order. He maintains membership in Washington Lodge No. 7,
F. & A. M., and is Past Master of the Lodge.
HARVEY N. RANDALL, a representative business man of Tekonsha,
Michigan, is a native of Calhoun county, this state, having been born in
Tekonsha township, September 7, 1859, son of Harvey and Rhoda M.
(Howard) Randall.
The history of the Randall family dates back to the time when John
Randall accompanied William the Conqueror to England. "The name
of John Randall appears in the noted Doomsday-book as one of the
favored followers of the Conqueror, who received his share of the Saxon
territory upon its division. While the name Randall often appeared in
the official court records of England, the family cannot be said to have
attained to any very high stations under kingly rule. There was an
occasional Randall coat-of-arms, which the generations past considered
evidence of prominence, but all such insignia has faded from sight and
the descendants of John Randall are mostly found in the United States
today.
"So far as known the first Randall to sail from England was William Randall, who left his native country for America in 1635, leaving
the port of London, April 24th for Providence, Rhode Island. William
Randall was born about 1600 and died October 13, 1693. He had nine
children, the last of whom, Isaac Randall, lived to be 101 years of age.
From the family of William Randall, the Puritan, have descended a
numerous progeny, whose living representatives may be found in nearly
every state in the union."
John Randall, the grandfather of Harvey N., was born in Bridgewater, Oneida county, New York. His wife, Lucinda (Granger) Randall, was born at Sheffield, Connecticut, October 29, 1793. Their family consisted of five children, namely: John G., who died in 1844; Charles
G., who died in 1805; Sarah Ann, who died in 1888; Francis W., who
died in 1887; and Harvey, who died January 22, 1897. The father of
this family died in 1855; his wife, September 22, 1884. They were faith.
ful members of the Baptist church.




1262           IISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
Harvey Randall, the father of Harvey N., was born at the family
home at Sweden, Monroe county, New York, June 10, 1819. In 1842, he
came to Michigan, and six months later was joined by his parents and
other members of the family. They settled on Section 19, one and a half
miles east of the present village of Burlington. That same year, December 28, Harvey Randall was married to Rhoda M. Howard, daughter of
Alonson and Priscilla Howard, residents of Tekonsha township.
"After marriage the real, stern work of life began. With no equipment but two strong hands, a brave heart, and a courageous spirit, loyally and earnestly supported by his wife, he set about establishing a
home in the Michigan wilderness. Those early days of trial, against
obstacles that would appall a young man of today, were filled with vicissitudes that would fill a volume with interesting reminiscences. The
first child-John Wesley Randall-was born December 3, 1843-now a
leading merchant of Tekonsha. Alinda M. (Randall) Nichols, wife of
Dr. D. J. Nichols, of West Plains, Missouri, was born April 7, 1846;
Arah H. Randall, proprietor of the Tekonsha Roller Mills, was born
April 9, 1848; Arthur G. Randall, commissioner of schools of Calhoun
county, was born August 9, 1850; Alice A. (Randall) Main, now living
on the old homestead, was born April 3, 1855; Harvey N. Randall, the
youngest child, merchant and produce dealer of Tekonsha. It was the
fortune of this happy family not to be invaded by death, until the
death of the mother, April 1, 1867-a period of forty years. A second
marriage was made by Mr. Randall July 26, 1888, to Mrs. Charlotte E.
Wilson of Tekonsha, who was born in Cayuga county, New York, August
15, 1832, but reared in Ohio."
When Harvey Randall settled here, his land was covered with heavy
timber, "which was felled by the owner's ax and heaped into great log
piles by the aid of an ox team. Farming at that time was crude, and the
tools used were such as could be made at home with ax and saw. Wheat
was sown on the virgin soil and dragged in with a bushy tree of moderate
size. All the products of the farm were marketed at Marshall, a distance of nearly sixteen miles.
"Upon the homestead this God fearing, industrious couple, raised
their family of six children, giving all of them educational advantages
not dreamed of by themselves when young. Mr. Randall was a carpenter by trade and constructed all of the buildings upon his farm, together
with the barns and houses of nearly the entire neighborhood. The Baptist church in the village of Tekonsha was designed and built by him
in 1870. Conscious of his worth and ability, his fellow townsmen elected
him to various offices from justice of the peace to supervisor.
"During the Civil war he served as enrolling officer and at one time
assisted in organizing and drilling a regiment of troops, preparatory to
their going south. In 1867 he was elected to the state legislature, serving one term, representing his constituency to their entire satisfaction.
His greatest efforts were in the interests of the Christian religion. He
was converted while a youth and identified himself with the regular
Baptist church, of which he was a consistent member for nearly sixty
years. During all of this long period he never shirked a duty, whether
it came in the way of benevolence or Christian activity. And in all that
goes to make up a strong and unfaltering manhood, -worthy of the highest respect of his fellow citizens, he was every inch a man.
"Rhoda M. Randall, wife of Harvey Randall, daughter of Alonson
B. and Priscilla Howard, was born in the township of Sweden, Monroe
county, New York, August 2, 1821. Her parents were of English descent and noted for their intense piety. It was from these pious parents
that Mrs. Randall received her deeply religious nature, which so dis



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


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tinguished her in after life. Her educational advantages were very
meagre, being such as was afforded by the district schools of the day. In
her youth she was distinguished for her cheerful, buoyant and trustful
disposition, which afterward ripened into a character rich in all the
Christian graces.
"In 1842, together with her parents and the following brothers and
sisters, she came to Michigan: Alonson B. Howard, Samantha (Howard)
Randall; Sophronia (Howard) Granger; George Howard; William
Howard; Jennie (Howard) Strong. But two of this large family are
now living-George Howard and Mrs. C. R. Strong. As narrated in the
biography of Mr. Randall she was married December 28, 1842. Her
death occurred April 1, 1887, at her home in Tekonsha, in a startling
and unexpected manner. She was in her usual health, and retired at
night with her husband, who awoke in the morning to find her dead at
his side, with no evidence of the slightest struggle. Her sudden departure was deeply mourned, not only by her large circle of friends and
relatives, but by the entire community. She was converted in a series
of meetings held in the First Baptist church, Ogden, New York, in 1841.
After coming to Michigan, she united with the Baptist church of Burlington, and subsequently with the Baptist church of Tekonsha, of which
she was a faithful member until her death."
Harvey N. Randall, the direct subject of this article, was reared on
his father's farm and educated in the township schools and the school at
Tekonsha. His business career began in Tekonsha as a grocer. He was
in the grocery business about ten or fifteen years, after which he opened
up a stock of hardware, and subsequently he turned from hardware to
produce, in which line of business he is now engaged. Also he is interested in banking, being a stockholder and director of the First State
Bank of Tekonsha, and he owns valuable property in the town. He
takes an active interest in local affairs, and affiliates with the Republican
party, not, however, being a politician or an office seeker. As a member
of the school board, he gave good service, and he can always be counted
upon to support any measure or movement for the betterment of the
town.
May 26, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Harvey N. Randall
and Miss Dell Warboys, daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Warboys. Her parents, born and married in England, came to America in
1854 and settled in Genesee county, New' York. Her father was a
butcher by trade, at which he worked for some time after coming to this
country. Later he settled on a farm, and he was engaged in farming
until his death, which occurred in 1906, at the age of eighty years. Her
mother is still living in New York state. In the Warboys family were
twelve children, all living at this writing. The father was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and, politically, was a Republican.
Mrs. Randall was reared in New York. She came to Michigan to visit
her sister, and here met and married Mr. Randall, and here she has since
remained. She and Mr. Randall have had four children, of whom three
are living: Howard, in business with his father; Dana, a teacher in
Jackson, Michigan, and Wesley, attending school. Mrs. Randall is a
member of the Baptist church.
HONORABLE FRED H. WEBB. Upon the long list of Battle Creek's
eminent, useful and loyal citizens no name stands higher or shines with
more brilliant lustre than that of Hon. Fred H. Webb, who for forty
years has been intimately associated with one of the foremost industries
of the city, and in addition has filled most ably and faithfully many
public positions of trust and responsibility, while as an active member
Vol. 11-42




1264


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of the local fire department he won a splendid record for bravery and
efficiency. A native of Michigan, he was born, May 10, 1854, at Battle
Creek, which has always been his home.
His parents, Caleb and Sarah (Green) Webb, were born, reared, and
married in Oxfordshire, England. Immigrating to the United States
in 1853, they immediately settled in Battle Creek, Michigan, and here
spent their remaining days, the father being for many years sexton of
the Oak Hill cemetery. They became the parents of seven children, of
whom Fred H. was the first-born.
Spending the days of his boyhood and youth beneath the parental
roof-tree, he acquired his education in the grammar and high schools. Beginning the battle of life on his own account in 1870, Mr. Webb worked
as a farm laborer for two or more years. In October, 1872, he entered
the employ of Nichols & Shepard Company, a firm with which he has
since beeu actively connected being now one of its oldest representatives.
Until 1887 he was employed in the wood working department, being
then promoted to time keeper, and in April, 1888, being made paymaster. This responsible position Mr. Webb has since filled with characteristic ability and fidelity, having full charge of the payment of the
five hundred and seventy employees connected with the operation of the
extensive plant.
In October, 1872, Mr. Webb joined the Tempest Hand Engine Company No. 2, a volunteer fire company, and for thirty-one years was connected with the city's fire department. In 1875 he attended the National Firemen's Tournament in Chicago, while there gaining information of much value to him in regard to the fighting of fire. On March 8,
1880, Mr. Webb formed a new company of thirty members known as the
Goguac Hook and Ladder Company, which was a volunteer company for
a year and a half. In October, 1881, it became a paid company, its
membership being reduced one half. Mr. Webb continued with this
company the ensuing thirteen years, the greater part of that time acting
as its secretary and treasurer. On February 5, 1894, he was elected
assistant chief of the company, and held the position continuously until
1904, a period of ten years, when, just after his re-election for another
term, he resigned from the company. As a fireman Mr. Webb did able
and faithful service, his record being unparalleled in Battle Creek, and
perhaps in the state, and to him the city owes a debt of gratitude for
his efficient services in that capacity.
An earnest and active supporter of the principles of the Republican
party, Mr. Webb has served his fellow-citizens in many public positions,
and has ever discharged the duties devolving upon him efficiently and
faithfully. In April, 1893, he was elected alderman from the Fifth
Ward, and during that year Fire Station No. 1 was erected. In 1895
he was re-elected to the same office, and again in 1899, after an interval
of two years, was again honored with a re-election as alderman. In 1896
Fire Station No. 2 was built. In 1901 Mr. Webb was again chosen alderman for a term of two years, but resigned the position in 1902 to accept
that of mayor of Battle Creek, having been a member of the city council
eight years, a longer period than that of any other incumbent. During
his first term as mayor Fire Station No. 3 was bhilt, and improvements
of great value were inaugurated. As mayor of the city Mr. Webb stood
firmly for a strong and clear administration, and for the enforcement
of existing laws. His determined attitude in these respects offended certain classes of the people, and a united effort on their part was made
to prevent his again filling the mayor's chair, but the better element
rallied to his support, and his stand for law, order and justice was vindicated by his renomination and reelection as head of the municipal




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


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government in 1903, receiving a majority of seven hundred votes at the
polls, voters from all political parties casting their votes in his favor.
Since that time Mr. Webb has served as a member of the Board of
Public Works, having been appointed to the place by ex-mayor George
S. Barnes, his brother-in-law.
Fraternally Mr. Webb is a member, and past chancellor, of Battle
Creek Lodge, No. 35, Knights of Pythias, which he has represented
three times in the Grand Lodge; a member of the Uniformed Rank of
Knights of Pythias; and is a charter member, and past commander, of
Calhoun Tent, No. 54, Knights of the Modern Maccabees.
Mr. Webb married, June 3, 1874, Miss Carola V. Babcock, and in
1899 erected, at No. 98 Green street, the fine residence which they now
occupy, having previously lived in the four-suite apartment building
which he erected.
DR. Rosco GENUNG LELAND is an exceptionally promising young
physician of East Leroy, although he has been engaged in medical practice only since 1909 in the autumn. In the time which has elapsed since
then his advance has been rapid and he has already made an enviable
place for himself in professional circles of the community, giving unmistakable evidence that the coming years will fix him among the leading
medical men of this section of the state. He holds a number of offices,
in connection with his profession and along other lines, and is a man
to whom all who come within the sphere of his influence accord their
esteem and confidence.
Dr.* Leland's family was established in Michigan in the year 1835.
In that year Andrew Leland, the grandfather of the subject, came from
his native state, Pennsylvania, and settled in Michigan. One year later,
George Leland, the father of Andrew, followed his son to this state, and
here passed his remaining days, as did Andrew. George W. Leland,
the son of Andrew and the father of Rosco, was born on September 27,
1846, in St. Joseph's county, Michigan. He was educated in the district
schools and spent all his early life on his father's farm in Mendon township. Later he engaged in farming on his own responsibility, owning one
hundred and eighty acres of land; he followed that occupation until he
retired from active farm life in 1903. He was a Republican in his
political faith and was a man of considerable importance in his town.
He held the bffice of county treasurer for one term, and in other ways
demonstrated his good citizenship in the years of his activity among
his fellow townspeople. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church,
and was a member of the Maccabees. In 1875 Mr. Leland married Lydia
M. Heimbach of Mendon township, St. Joseph county, and she still lives.
They had one child, Rosco Genung Leland, of this review.
As a boy and youth, Dr. Leland passed his days on the Mendon township farm of his father, and attended the primary and district schools
of Angevine district. While he attended the Mendon high school, as a
lad in his teens, he employed his leisure time as an assistant in the First
State Bank of Mendon. In the spring of 1903 he was graduated from
the high school and in the autumn following entered Kalamazoo College, where he spent one year in study, then entering the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor. He pursued a six year course there, receiving
his A. B. degree in 1907 and his M. D. in 1909. Although he was a
brilliant student during his college course, and neglected none of the
other activities that engage the time and attention of the live student,
he still found time to act as an assistant demonstrator of anatomy. In the
year following his graduation he served as an assistant to Dr. Reuben
Peterson, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, and during the sum



1266


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


mer of 1910 filled the position of instructor in obstetrics. That same
Fall he came to East Leroy to take up a permanent residence there, and
is now enjoying a large and steadily increasing practice. Although Dr.
Leland is a general practitioner, he has made somewhat of a specialty
of obstetrics and gynecology, and it is expected that he will some day
do some original work along those lines. In addition to his other duties,
Dr. Leland is a member and takes an active interest in the affairs of the
American Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Society, the
Washtenaw  County Medical Society and the Kalamazoo Academy of
Medicine. He is the medical examiner for the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, the Michigan State Life Insurance Company, the Ladies
of the Modern Maccabees and the Gleaners, and is health officer for the
township of Leroy. Like his tfather, Dr. Leland attends the Methodist
Episcopal church, and is a stanch Republican. He is a Mason and a
member of the Phi Chi Greek letter medical fraternity.
Dr. Leland was married to Miss Clara Etta Doane-Carson on June
23, 1909, and they have one child, Elizabeth Carson Leland. Mrs. Leland is the daughter of James and Liola Doane Carson of Owosso, Shiawasee county, Michigan, but after the death of her father, who was a
teacher, she made her home with an uncle, Dr. Jabez Perkins, who died
in 1907. She was graduated with the class of 1901 from the Ypsilanti
Normal College and took her A. B. degree from Mt. Holyoke College at
South Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1907.
HONORABLE JOHN WAGNER. A man of rare ability and integrity,
well educated and public-spirited, the late Hon. John Wagner was a
worthy representative of those brave pioneers who settled in Calhoun
county at an early period, and in the great work of transforming the
country roundabout from its original wildness to a magnificent agricultural region contributed his full share, having cleared and improved a
fine farm in Leroy township. Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April
18, 1818, he was there brought up and educated, obtaining a good knowledge not only of the German tongue, but of the English language.
Emigrating to America in 1838, he lived for seven years in Cleveland, Ohio, and there won for himself a bride. Coming from there to
Michigan with his family in.1845, he purchased eighty acres of land in
'Le Roy township, Calhoun county, and, as his means were very limited
and his energy and ambition very great, he not only worked his own
land but for several seasons earned money as a farm laborer, being employed by neighboring farmers. Prosperity smiled upon his every venture, and through wise investments he acquired a good property, at the
time of his death, which occurred December 13, 1876, having been the
owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres of as rich and productive land as could be found in his community.
A stanch Republican in politics, he served his fellow-citizens in many
offices of importance and trust, in each position performing the duties
devolving upon him ably and faithfully. For five years, from 1865 until
1870 he was supervisor of Le Roy township; in 1868 he was elected to
the state legislature, and while a member of that body was ever true
to the interests of his constituents. Elected township treasurer in 1864,
he served in that capacity for three years, and in 1873 was again honored with an election to the same responsible position. Mr. Wagner
was liberal in his religious views, and a faithful member of the Ancient
Free and Accepted Order of Masons, at his death being interred with the
imposing ceremonies of that order, the burial services being beautiful
and impressive.
Mr. Wagner married, in Cleveland, Ohio, Susan Grant, who was horn




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1267


in London, England, April 25, 1823, and at the age of seven years came
to the United States with her parents, who were among the older and
more prominent settlers of Cleveland. Of the eleven children born of
their union, two sons and five daughters grew to years of maturity, and
four.are now living, as follows: Julia, widow of Asbury Lybarker; Josephine, wife of Richard Vaughn; Frank N., married Aylett A. Wagner;
Cora, wife of Henry Blackett. Mr. Wagner is a member of the State
Central Committee of the National Progressive Party of the 3d district.
JOHN A. WAGNER. Prominent among the rising young attorneys of
Calhoun county is John A. Wagner, of Battle Creek, who has started out
in life with fair prospects for a brilliant professional career, his knowledge, energy and ability being sure to win him great success in life. A
native of Calhoun county, he was born, May 26, 1885, in Le Roy township, of honored pioneer ancestry, his grandfather, Hon. John Wagner,
of whom a brief account is given elsewhere in this volume, having been
an early settler of this county.
Frank N. Wagner, his father, was born in Le Roy township, and is
now living retired from active business pursuits at Battle Creek, Michigan, having a pleasant home at 50 Franklin Court. He married Aylett
Amanda Addington, who was born at Battle Creek, a daughter of the
late De Witt C. Addington, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
biographical work. Of the two children born of their union, one, De
Witt Clinton Wagner, the first-born, lived but eight years, and John A.,
the younger child, is the special subject of this brief sketch.
Receiving his rudimentary education in Calhoun county, John A.
Wagner was graduated from the Battle Creek high school with the class
of 1905. His natural talents and mental calibre led him to choose a profession, and he subsequently studied to such good purpose that, in 1908,
he was graduated from the University of Michigan with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws. Two weeks after receiving his diploma, Mr. Wagner
began the practice of his profession at Battle Creek, and is meeting with
well merited success, having won a fair share, of patronage. While a
student, he ever maintained a high rank for scholarship and good conduct, at his graduation from the Battle Creek high school, having been
president of his class, and while at the University of Michigan being
secretary of the Students' Lecture Association, and, likewise, president
of the Taft Republican Club. Fraternally Mr. Wagner belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America, and is a member, and the commander,
of Calhoun Tent, No. 54, Knights of the Modern Maccabees.
On June 29, 1909, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage with Alice M.
Goucher, who was born in Convis township, Calhoun county, Michigan,
a daughter of Franklin and Lucy (Ackerson) Goucher, neither of whom
are,now living. Her father was also a native of Convis township, being
of pioneer descent, but her mother was born in New Jersey. Mrs. Wagner was educated in Battle Creek, being graduated from the high school
in 1905, in the class with Mr. Wagner, and afterward taking a course of
study in the Michigan Business College. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have one
child, Alice Belden Wagner, who was born at Battle Creek, July 24,
1911.
DE WITT C. ADDINGTON, M. D. Distinguished as one of the pioneer
physicians of Calhoun county, De Witt C. Addington, M. D., was for
nearly half a century actively engaged in the practice of his profession
at Battle Creek, during which time members of three generations, without doubt, were benefited by his medical skill and advice. His long and
varied experience, his promptness and success in the conception and




1268


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


treatment of disease in its various phases, and his untiring devotion to
his many patients, entitled him to be called the ' Good Physician." lHe
was born, December 12, 1828, in Aurora, Erie county, New York, and
died at Battle Creek, Michigan, December 2, 1903.
His father, Hawkshurst Addington, a son of Hosea Addington, was
born on Long Island, New York, and as a young man moved to Erie
county, New York, where he became a man of prominence and influence.
lHe was at one time an extensive landholder, but subsequently lost a part
of his property through speculating in Buffalo land. He married Huldah M. Abbott, who was born in Bennington, Vermont, a daughter of
Seth Abbott, who was a worthy representative of an honored New England family, and both he and his wife spent their later years in Erie
county.
Receiving his elementary education in the public schools of his native county, De Witt C. Addington continued his studies for a time at an
academy in Buffalo, New York, and from the age of eighteen years until
twenty-two years old, taught school, after which he served as township
superintendent of schools. He then entered the office of Drs. Nott and
Prindle, the leading physicians of Erie county, who wisely directed his
reading for three years. He subsequently attended a course of lectures
at the Buffalo Medical College, and when through; at the solicitation of
his father, who had a very extensive and practical knowledge of indigenous plants and their uses, entered the office of Dr. Blakely, a prominent botanical physician, with whom he remained three years. Having
spent seven years in preparing for his profession, Dr. Addington was
engaged in the practice of medicine in his native county four years,
and was afterwards located at McKean, Erie county, Pennsylvania, for
two years, meeting with good success in both places.
Migrating to Michigan in 1857, Dr. Addington located at Battle
Creek, which was then a mere hamlet, and from that time until his death
made this city his home, although he spent four winters in California.
Intelligent and progressive, he always kept in touch with the times,
reading broadly, and carrying his investigations far and wide into the
realms of medical science and research. In 1877 he was graduated from
the Bennett Medical College of Chicago, Illnois, and while in that institution became a member of the Eclectic Medical Society. In addition to
being a very successful and popular physician, the doctor was extensively
engaged in the buying and selling of real estate, both in city and country
property, and became the owner of valuable real estate in Battle Creek.
Dr. Addington was twice married. He married first Miss Bryan,
a daughter of Judge Russell Bryan, of Eagle, New York, and of their
union three children were born, namely: Spencer Howard, who died
when young, in Erie, Pennsylvania; Helen M., widow of Frederick Russell, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Aylett Amanda, wife of Frank N.
Wagner, of Battle Creek, and mother of John A. Wagner, of whom a
brief biographical review may be found on another page of this work.
The doctor married for his second wife Maria Antoinette Davidson, of
Battle Creek, a daughter of William Davidson, who came from Cherry
Valley, Otsego county, New York, to Battle Creek. She survives him,
and is now residing at No. 13 Wabash avenue, North.
For many years the doctor's office was at the corner of Main and
McCamley streets, on the site of the present postoffice building. Dr.
Addington was independent, both in politics and in religion, and of him
it can be truly said that no man had a stricter regard for right, justice,
and truth than he, and not one was more kindly and charitable towards
the poor.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1269


COLONEL JOHN BALDWIN. If there be any solace or consolation to the
hearts of bereaved families in the knowledge of loyal and faithful service on the part of their loved ones in the defense of the nation, then
the widow and sons of Colonel John A. Baldwin are blessed four fold,
even in their sorrow. For his was a life crowded to the very edges with
the fullest activity and the most telling and effective service in his country's cause. Although he was cut off from the activities of life in the
very prime of his manhood, having seen but fifty-two years of life, Colonel Baldwin had been privileged to give constant service to the nation
in his various military capacities, on each and every occasion of action
adding new honors and glory to his list of achievements. His death,
which came on March 15, 1903, at Battle Creek, Michigan, was the direct
result of illness contracted in his Philippine service, and terminated a
life which, in the natural order of events, might have been spared to its
country's service for another quarter century.
Colonel Baldwin was born in Fairfield, Iowa, on March 30, 1851,
and he was the son of Thomas and Ann Braithwaite Baldwin. His boyhood years were passed in Westchester county, New York, where he attended the public schools and subsequently attended New York College in New York. In 1872, when he was twenty-one years of age, he
was appointed second lieutenant in the Ninth U. S. Infantry by President Grant. For twenty years thereafter he was engaged in frontier
service, and took an active and prominent part in the many struggles
with the Indians during those years, notable among the many engagements he participated in being the fight with the Sioux at Tongue River,
Dakota, in 1873. He was with General Crook in the campaign against
the northern Cheyennes and Sioux warriors three years later and assisted in the chase after Geronimo in Arizona during the Apache war.
When war with Spain was declared, Lieutenant Baldwin, then Captain Baldwin, was serving on the staff of the governor of Arizona, and
he did not rejoin his regiment until it sailed for the Philippines on
March 24, 1899. He was in command of a battalion of the Ninth Regiment in the fight at Cavite and Manila, and was complimented for gallantry and efficiency by General Lawton, and was promoted to the rank
of major and transferred to the Twenty-second Infantry. He served
under General MacArthur in the campaign from San Fernando to Tarlac, and in all his Philippine service his action was distinguished by
signal bravery and skill as an officer and soldier. He was breveted major
for distinguished gallantry on the field of battle in the Philippines.
His most arduous campaign was with Wheaton's expedition brigade
over the Infernal Trail in the mountains of Northern Luzon. After
his return home he was promoted to the Sixteenth Infantry and breveted
Colonel for distinguished and gallant service in the Philippines. He won
distinctive praise and mention in the press of the nation for his exceeding gallantry early in the Spanish war, and from a New York
newspaper is quoted the glaring three column headlines appearing on
the morning of August 5, 1899: "Through a galling fire led by Major
John A. Baldwin, the brave boys of the Ninth Infantry saved the Colorado Volunteers from annihilation at Guadeloupe Ridge." Many were
the tributes paid to Col. Baldwin in praise of his service to his country
and the flag in those days of strife, but lack of space renders impossible
more than the merest mention of the fact.
Arduous service in the Philippines, together with the unfamiliar
climatic conditions, had sapped the strength of the heretofore strong
and rugged soldier, and on his return from the islands he was compelled to take the first sick-leave in all the years of his service. In 1902
he came to Battle Creek in search of health at the Sanitarium, and here




1270


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


he remained until his death in the following year. Funeral services were
held at St. Thomas Episcopalian church in this city and interment
made at Arlington cemetery, Washington, D. C. It was a military funeral and conducted under the auspices of the Battle Creek Commandery
of Knights Templar. A detail of United States officers accompanied the
remains from this city, and the pallbearers were: Hon. E. C. Hinman,
Charles F. Bock, F. H. Boughton, L. B. Brocket, B. J. Owen, Col. F. H.
Latta, Dr. Lamoreaux and A. J. Little. He was buried with civic and
military honors. Colonel Baldwin was an intimate friend and associate
of the famous Generals Funston and Otis, and was well known in army
circles throughout the country for his gallant service and brilliant military achievements. His untimely death called forth many expressions
of regret and sincerest personal sorrow, and his widow received innumerable letters of sympathy, many of them coming from such men as
Major-General Lloyd Wheaton, General Frederick Funston, General E.
S. Otis, Captain Hodges, Colonel James Reagan, and countless others of
high standing in military circles, all testifying to the magnificent
courage, the splendid achievement, the general esteem and popularity
of the man, both as a soldier and in his private capacity.
Colonel Baldwin was the second United States Army officer to be
made high priest in the Masonic Lodge of which he was a member at
Sackett Harbor, and appropriate resolutions were adopted by this lodge,
a copy of which it is deemed most appropriate to incorporate in this
brief memorial sketch, attesting as it does to the high standing of the
Colonel in the hearts of his fellow men. Here follows a copy of the
resolutions: "To the E. H. P., officers and companions of Sackett
Harbor Chapter No. 68, R. A. M., April 21, 1903.
"WHEREAS, a few weeks have passed away since the mournful tidings
reached the outer door of our earthly Temple that a beloved companion
had been called to that Temple above, that house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens, Excellent Past High Priest, John A. Baldwin is
no more. He was one whom nature had liberally endowed with all those
sweet traits of character that contribute so much to the social congeniality and universal fraternity of man.
"As long as we sojourn upon earth may we who were personally associated with him in our order revere and pay loving tribute and respect
to his memory. He was exalted to the most sublime degree of Royal
Arch Mason in Sackett Harbor Chapter No. 68 March 22, 1892. He
served this Chapter as King two years and as Excellent High Priest one
year.
"His career as an officer in the United States Army was more than an
ordinarily honorable one, as was attested by his superior officers in the
field. He held the high rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States
army at the time of his death.
"Companion John A. Baldwin died at Battle Creek, Michigan, March
15, 1903. His labors are over and he rests in the peaceful embrace
of the eternal sleep, but the influence of his labors and of his many good
deeds will remain as a halo of glory about his name. A man dies, and the
place that once knew him knows him no more, but his expressed thoughts
and words will influence in a silent manner generations who never spoke
his name. And so our companion, though dead, yet liveth in the hearts
of men, and though silent, yet speaketh to generations to come. How
blessed to close life's record with a knowledge that there remains a
stream of personal influence whose exhaustless source has risen in some
kind word spoken, some good deed done or in some noble effort to benefit
mankind!
"RESOLVED, That while we humbly submit to the will of the Grand




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1271


Architect of the Universe, we deeply mourn the loss of our late Companion John A. Baldwin.
"RESOLVED, That in the death of Champion Baldwin the chapter
has lost a pillar of strength and support, his wife a loving husband, his
sons an indulgent father, and the community an honest and esteemed
citizen.
"RESOLVED, That we extend to the widow and sons our deep and
heart felt sympathy. We commend them to Him who doeth all things
well, who in His infinite love and mercy will help them bear their
great affliction.
"RESOLVED, That as a tribute of respect to the memory of our late
companion, the furniture and jewels of this Chapter be draped in mourning for two months.
"RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the
family of the deceased companion and that they be entered upon a
memorial page of the Book of Records of this Chapter.
"JAMES A. WILSON,
"LEWIS W. DAY,
"Committee."
Obituary notices appeared in the leading papers of New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and many other prominent cities of the
United States,' all paying splendid tribute to the worthy life and
splendid accomplishments of Colonel Baldwin, and his loss was keenly
felt in army circles, wherein he was ever a leading favorite. He was a
member of the Athelstan Club and of St. Thomas' Episcopal church in
Battle Creek, and in the comparatively short time of his residence there,
though suffering constantly from ill health, he won to himself many
friends, stanch and true, who yet mourn him in their hearts, and cherish
bright and tender memories of the brave soldier,-the kind and courtly
gentleman who knew so well how to win and keep their affections.
On June 3, 1891, Colonel Baldwin was united in marriage with Mrs.
Lucy F. Hamilton at San Francisco, California. Mrs. Baldwin is a
daughter of George W. Prescott of that city, and she was born and
reared there, her advanced education being received chiefly in the east.
Her father was a prominent wholesale lumber merchant of San Francisco,
well known and popular there in his day, but he passed away many years
ago. Mrs. Baldwin's mother resides with her in her home in Battle
Creek, where the family has made its home since 1902. Two sons were
born to Colonel and Mrs. Baldwin. Geoffrey Prescott was graduated
from the Battle Creek high school in 1911 and is now a cadet in the
United States Military Academy. The younger son, John Braithwaite,
is now a junior in the high school in this city. Both sons were born at
Madison Barracks, New York.
Mrs. Baldwin is a member of the Country Club of Battle Creek, and
is Regent of the Battle Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. The family residence is maintained at 37 Chestnut street.
GEORGE U. MCCARTY is mayor of the city of Albion and foreman of
the Gale Manufacturing Company. Since his election to the mayoralty
in 1912 he has gone far towards demonstrating his capability as a public official, and the city has every reason to congratulate itself upon
its choice of a chief executive.
A native son of Michigan, Mr. MVcCarty was born in Allegan county,
on March 31, 1868. His parents were Charles E. and Katherine McCarty, early settlers of Allegan county, where the father was occupied




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


in farming pursuits. He died there in 1908 and his widow, who still
survives him, makes her home in Albion.
George U. McCarty was educated in the public and high schools in
Allegan county, Michigan. On leaving school he began to make his
own way, and was for a time variously employed in divers lines of business. In 1879 he entered the employ of the Pere Marquette Railroad
in their machine shops, and he remained with them'for five years, learning the trade of a machinist from the bottom up. On leaving the Michigan Central shops he secured employment with the Gale Manufacturing
Company, and he was promoted step by step in their shops until he
was accorded the position of foreman of the shops in 1902. He continued in that capacity, giving excellent service to his employers, but in
the meantime he became interested in local politics to some extent, and
in 1909 he was elected alderman of the Fourth ward, serving three years.
In 1912 his political popularity had grown so that he was elected to
the office of mayor of Albion, and he resigned his office as alderman
to assume the duties of the greater position of mayor. His administration already has witnessed several important improvements in the.civic
life with others just beginning and still others in contemplation. Mr.
McCarty still retains his position as foreman of the Gale works, but
devotes his evenings and Saturday afternoons to the duties of his office,
and is able to keep matters well in hand, as a result of his close attention to business.
In 1888, Mr. McCarty was united in marriage with Miss Cecelia
Fitch, daughter of Norman Fitch, an old resident of Allegan, Michigan.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McCarty;-Irene, the
eldest, is the wife of Jay Ganka; she was a graduate of Albion College
and for a number of years was employed as a stenographer with the
Gale Manufacturing Company; Blanche is a graduate of the Albion high
school, and with her brother, Norman I., the only son of the parents,
remains at home.
Mr. McCarty is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 60 and of
Encampment No. 63, Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican, and
takes an active and intelligent interest in county and state politics. He
and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. The family home
is maintained at No. 515 West Cass street, where they own a comfortable and substantial residence.


BERTRAM COLBERT KIRKLAND. Associated with one of the leading
industries of Battle Creek, and contributing materially to its importance
in the business world, Bertram Colbert Kirkland, factory manager of
the Kellogg Food Company, takes a foremost position among the progressive, enterprising young business men of the city, where he has
resided since his ninth year. Mr. Kirkland was born in Burlington
township, Calhoun county, Michigan, January 6, 1883, son of Samuel
and Carrie E. (Smallwood) Kirkland.
Thomas Kirkland, the paternal grandfather of Bertram C., was born
in Derbyshire, England, in 1825, and when about twelve years of age,
came to the United States, residing in Canastota, Madison county, New
York, prior to coming to Michigan. In 1863 he purchased one-quarter
of a section of land in Newton township, Calhoun county, and was
there engaged in farming until his death, which was caused by a fall.
He is buried in Burlington township cemetery. His wife, Naomi (Colbert) Kirkland, was born in Boughton, Huntingshire, England, in 1835,
a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Wood) Colbert. Samuel Kirkland
was born in Marengo township, Calhoun county, May 22, 1861, and is a
bridge builder by trade, his calling necessarily taking him to various
parts of the country. He was married in Burlington township, March






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1273


1, 1882, to Carrie E. Smallwood, who was born near Adrian, Michigan,
August 28, 1862, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Wyrill) Smallwood.
The latter was born in 1840, in England, and came to the United States
with her father, two brothers and one sister (the mother died two years
previous to their coming to the United States), when she was eleven
years of age, the family settling in Tecumseh, Michigan. Thomas Smallwood was born on a farm in Middlethorpe, near York, in Yorkshire,
England, and when about twenty years of age, against the wishes of his
parents, made his way to the United States, settling first near Tecumseh, Michigan. His father was twice married, having six children by
each wife, and Thomas was born to the second union. He finally took
residence near Adrian, from whence he enlisted for service in the Civil
War, becoming a veterinary surgeon in the Eighth Regiment, Michigan
Cavalry, with the rank of sergeant, and served with that organization until
he contracted typhoid fever, in camp, and died in Hospital Tent No. 3, at
Kingston, Tennessee, being buried in National Cemetery at Chattanooga,
Tennessee. Samuel and Carrie E. (Smallwood) Kirkland had three children: Bertram Colbert; Alto V., born in Newton township, April 9,
1886, and now the wife of William T. Drever, musical director at the
Sanitarium; and Melbourne J., born in Newton township, October 19,
1887, and now a superintendent of manual training and at present of
that department in the public schools of Big Rapids, Michigan. The
mother of these children still survives and makes her home with her
daughter, Mrs. Drever, in this city.
The primary education of Bertram C. Kirkland was secured in the
district schools of Burlington and Newton townships, and when he was
nine years of age the family moved to Battle Creek, where he attended
the public schools up to the tenth grade. His early boyhood was spent
in one of the old time log houses of Burlington township, which had
been erected by Hiram French, an early pioneer settler of that section.
When he was fifteen years of age, Mr. Kirkland began to learn the trade
of druggist, serving an apprenticeship of four years in the store of
M. H. Goodale & Company, on the present site of the Baker Drug Company, on West Main street. Later the store was sold to F. L. McClintic,
after the Goodales moved it to the Post Tavern Corner, and Mr. Kirkland continued with Mr. McClintic four years, taking a course in a private school of pharmacy and passing his examination while there. He
is now registered as a pharmacist in five states, viz.: Michigan, Illinois,
Oregon, Texas and the District of Columbia. In a class of one hundred
and one pupils, only thirty-one passed the examination of the State
Board of Michigan, and after successfully passing this examination,
Mr. Kirkland took a leave of absence from Mr. McClintic and went
abroad, visiting England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy,
Switzerland and France. On his return, he became manager of the
pharmacy of Charles Young, located on North Jefferson street, and
after Mr. Young's death continued for two months with his successors,
the Dawson Brothers, who later sold out to the Baker Drug Company.
Mr. Kirkland resigned from Dawson Brothers and accepted a position
in the pharmacy in the main building of the Battle Creek Sanitarium,
where he had charge of the department for three years, resigning his
position to accept the factory managership of the Kellogg Food Company, in which capacity he has continued to act to the present time.
He is admirably fitted to discharge the duties of his present position,
snd is recognized as a business man of much more than ordinary ability,
possessing in the fullest degree the confidence and esteem of his business
associates. He has dealt some in real estate, and among other holdings
has his modern residence at No. 145 Oaklawn avenue, which he erected.




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


In political matters he is a staunch Republican. He was reared in the
faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an enthusiastic motorist and a member of the Battle Creek Automobile Club, and Chamber
of Commerce.
On October 14, 1908, Mr. Kirkland was united in marriage at the
home of Dr. J. H. Kellogg, to Harriett Eleanor Kellogg, adopted daughter of Dr. J. H. Kellogg. She was born at East Cowes, Isle of Wight,
England,'daughter of Capt. Daniel and Fanny (White) Sargent, who
had eleven other children, and who still reside in England, Capt. Sargent being the owner of several boats. Mrs. Kirkland was brought to
the United States when seven years of age with her sister, Mrs. Dr.
Case, of Battle Creek, by Dr. Kellogg. Mrs. Kirkland was educated
both by private tutor and in the old Battle Creek College, and subsequently graduated from the Philadelphia Training School for Kindergartners, and for two years had charge of the Sanitarium Kindergarten. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland: Elizabeth
Eleanor and Helena Louise, both at home.
HON. ADRIAN F. COOPER ranks among the leading attorneys of Albion, of which city he has been a resident since 1891. From the status
of the farmer boy he has risen gradually from place to place until he is
now recognized for one of the leading lawyers of the county, and he
has filled numerous important offices in the public life of the city and
county.
Adrian F. Cooper was born in Ontario, Canada, in January, 1873.
He is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Amos) Cooper, the father being
a native Canadian of Irish descent and the mother a Canadian of English descent. Joseph Cooper was a farmer by occupation, and to that
calling he devoted many of the best years of his life. He came to Albion, Michigan, in 1891, and there died in April, 1905, while his widow
passed away in this city in 1911. Their son passed his boyhood on the
farm and for a time attended the district school. He later attended the
public school and thereafter entered the preparatory department of
Albion College, where he pursued his studies for five years, and was
graduated from that institution in 1896. He began his independent
life as a teacher and going to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, was
engaged as a teacher at the little towns of Dollar Bay and Chassell in
Houghton county for a space of four years. He then returned to Albion
and began to read law under the direction of D. M. Weeks. In 1900
the young man went to Chicago and became established in the office of
Kremer & Greenfield, where he was engaged for one year. Returning
to Albion once more, he was admitted to the bar of the state of Michigan on May 10, 1901, and thereupon engaged in the practice of his
profession. He later went to Jackson, Michigan, but his stay there
was a brief one, and he was soon back in Albion, where he formed a copartnership with his former tutor in the law, Mr. Weeks. The firm
was known as Weeks & Cooper, and they have since continued to be
connected in that early association, both of the principals to the firm
being popular and prominent in the profession and with their large and
representative clientele.
Mr. Cooper has held numerous offices of importance in Calhoun
county, his first public service being represented by his election to the
office of circuit court commissioner, in which he served for four years.
In 1903 he was elected city clerk and served two terms in that capacity.
In 1909 he was elected mayor of the city of Albion, and he held this
important office for two terms, being elected on the Republican ticket,
of which party he is a staunch adherent. He has served five terms as




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1275


city attorney of Albion, and also has twice filled the office of chairman
of the Republican County Committee. He is, in a civic way, equally
prominent and has served as secretary and treasurer of the Albion
Business Men's Association. He is a member of the Athletic Board of
Albion College, and has served as president and director of the Alumni
Association of that institution. In a fraternal way, Mr. Cooper is associated with the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of Murat Lodge
No. 14, A. F. & A. M., Albion Chapter No. 32, R. A. M., also of the
Council of Albion, No. 57, and of the Order of the Eastern Star.
In October, 1906, Mr. Cooper married Miss Emma Worden, of Reading, Hillsdale county, Michigan, where her father was prominently engaged in the hardware business. Her parents were George and Ella L.
(Chester) Worden. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have two children, Helen Marie
and Donald W., the latter born September 16, 1912. The family attend
the Methodist Episcopal church, and their residence is maintained at No.
706 South Superior street. In addition to his home place, Mr. Cooper
is the owner of two or three representative dwellings and other city property of considerable value, which he rents.
Mr. Cooper has two brothers living,-W. A. Cooper, a farmer of
Jackson county, Michigan, and Oscar H. Cooper, who is engaged in the
transfer business in Albion.
LEWIS S. HODGES, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of his
profession at Tekonsha, Michigan, the past eight years and is ranked with
the leading citizens of this community. Some personal mention of him
is therefor of interest in this connection, and a resume of his life and
parentage is as follows:
Lewis S. Hodges was born in Cayuga county, Ohio, November 20,
1874, son of Henry L. and Lucy (Campbell) Hodges, natives of Jefferson county, New York. Henry L. Hodges was born in June, 1848, and
died in 1905; his wife, born in 1848, died in 1882. In 1865 he moved
to Ohio, where he lived until he came to Michigan and settled in
Oceana county. He was a farmer all his life. In Ohio he cultivated
rented land, and after coming to Michigan he bought one hundred twenty
acres, a hundred acres of which he cleared. He was in the Union Army
during the Civil war, and as a member of Company C, Thirteenth Light
Artillery, was a participant in the seven-days fight at Antietam and the
engagements at Cold Harbor, and Gettysburg. On one occasion he was
wounded, receiving a ball that he carried through life. Politically, he
was a Republican; religiously, a Methodist.
Dr. Hodges' grandparents, Stephen and Mary (Dodge) Hodges, were
born and spent the greater part of their lives in New York State. About
1885 they came to Michigan, but subsequently went back to New York
and there died. Grandfather Campbell, the father of Doctor Hodges'
mother, was also a native of New York, and lived and died in the "Empire State." While a soldier in the War of 1812, he swam the St. Lawrence river to escape the British, and while he evaded the enemy he
contracted a cold from the effects of which he died.
In the family of Henry L. and Lucy (Camipbell) Hodges, were twelve
children, of whom Lewis S. was the seventh son and ninth child.
Lewis S. Hodges was seven years old at the time his parents moved
to Michigan, and here he was reared and educated. He worked his way
through Ferris Institute, Big Rapids, and the State University. The
latter institution he entered in 1900. Here he spent four years, preparing himself for his life work. Having graduated in 1904, and received his degree of M. D., he came that same year to Tekonsha, where
he entered upon the practice of his profession. Success attended his ef



1276


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


forts from the beginning, and he soon established himself in a growing
practice.
In 1908 Doctor Hodges and Miss Clare E. Osborne were united in
marriage, and they have two children: Richard C. and Harriet E. Mrs.
Hodges is a daughter of Barton R. and Elizabeth (Barnes) Osborne,
both natives of Michigan. Her parents now reside on a farm near Tekonsha. She was reared a Baptist, her father and mother both being
identified with the church, and she also is a member.
Doctor Hodges maintains fraternal relation with the Modern Woodmen of America and the A. F. & A. M., and he has membership in both
the County and the American Medical Associations. Politically, he
harmonizes with the Republican party.
JOHN F. BYRNE. The career of John F. Byrne, vice-president of
the Michigan Carton Company, of Battle Creek, illustrates most forcibly
the possibilities that are open to the young men who possess sterling
business qualifications. It proves that neither wealth nor social position, nor the assistance of influential friends at the outset of his career,
are at all necessary to place a young man upon the road to success. It
also proves that ambitious perseverance, steadfastness of purpose and
indefatigable industry, combined with sound business principles, will be
rewarded, and that true success follows individual efforts only. John
F. Byrne was born September 30, 1871, in New Haven, Connecticut,
and is a son of Henry and Joanna (Halpin) Byrne, natives of Ireland,
both of whom came to the United States with relatives when young.
They were married in New Haven, Connecticut, where the father followed the trade of silver plater during the days when that work was
done by hand, but as he died when John F. Byrne was about four years
of age, the latter does not remember much about him. There were two
sons and a daughter in the family, all of whom are living: John F.;
Mrs. J. G. Felsburg, of New Haven, Connecticut; and Harry E.. a resident of Memphis, Tennessee. Mrs. Byrne still survives her husband
and makes her home in Battle Creek with her son.
The necessity for him to help in the support of the family precluded
any possibility of Mr. Byrne's securing exceptional educational advantages in his youth, but by attending night school and doing much home
study he became possessed of much general information. In 1888 he
began his business career at New Haven as a press feeder for Munson
& Company, proprietors of a folding paper box business, a concern with
which he was connected three years, and then entered the employ of
Cornell & Shelton Company, of Shelton, Connecticut, in the same business, as a department foreman. Three years later he wqnt to Brooklyn,
New York, and worked for one year for Robert Gair, after which he was
for six years identified with the National Folding Paper Box Company,
of New Haven, Connecticut. On May 20, 1900, Mr. Byrne came to Battle Creek and started the manufacturing end of the Battle Creek
Paper Box Company for C. W. Post, acting as superintendent of
that plant, and continuing with Mr. Post until July 31, 1905, at
which time he left his employ to take charge in the same capacity of the
Record Publishing and Carton Company. In 1907, the Michigan Carton Company was formed and absorbed the Record Publishing and Carton Company, and Mr. Byrne joined the new company with W. I. Fell
to take charge of the manufacturing end of the institution. In 1908 he
was elected a director and vice-president of the company, in which
capacities he has since acted, and is also superintendent of the plant,
which is now one of Battle Creek's largest manufacturing institutions,
a large paper mill having been added to the plant's equipment recently.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1277


The other officers of the company are: William H. Mason, president,
and W. I. Fell, secretary and treasurer. The company manufactures
folding paper boxes for food products, proprietary medicines and other
package goods, its products including paper shipping containers, grouped
cartons for window displays and cardboard signs. Mr. Byrne is a
hustling, progressive business man, and is a representative of a class
to whom, more than any other, is due the continued growth and prosperity of the thriving city of Battle Creek.
Mr. Byrne has interested himself in fraternal matters, being past
eminent commander of Commandery No. 33, Battle Creek Knights Templar, and belongs to Battle Creek Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M., and to the
Shrine at Grand Rapids. He is also prominent in the B. P. 0. E., belonging to Battle Creek Lodge No. 131, and to the Athelstan Club. In
political matters he is a Republican, but has found his business interests
too engrossing to allow of activities in the public arena.
On April 10, 1896, Mr. Byrne was married at New Haven, Connecticut, to Miss Elizabeth Heeran, of New Haven, daughter of Patrick and
Margaret Heeran. Two children have been born to this union: Helen
M., who was born in New Haven, and is now attending the Battle Creek
high school; and Harry J., also born in New Haven, and now attending
the departmental grades. Mr. and Mrs. Byrne attend St. Thomas Episcopal church, although they are not members thereof. The modern family home is situated at No. 138 Chestnut street.
LESLIE TALMAGE has gained distinctive success as a farmer and sheepraiser on his fine estate of one hundred and one acres in Newton township, Calhoun county, MIichigan. He is a man of sterling integrity of
character and by reason of his straightforward, honorable business methods he has won the high regard of all with whom he has had dealings.
A native of Michigan, Leslie Talmage was born in Newton township,
Calhoun county, December 1, 1849, and he is a son of Alva P. Talmage,
whose birth occurred in the state of Massachusetts in 1821. In early life
the father removed to New York state, where, as a boy, he was canal
boat driver on the Erie canal. He married, at the age of twenty-one
years, Caroline Knight, a native of Connecticut, whence she had accompanied her parents to Michigan at the age of thirteen years. She is a
daughter of Benjamin and Sarah C. (Osborne) Knight and was a cousin
of her husband. Alva P. Talmage was a son of Harvey and Ruth
(Knight) Talmage. He came to Michigan at the age of nineteen years
and was married, two years later, in Newton township, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres, later purchasing another estate of one
hundred and thirty acres. Mr. Talmage was summoned to the life eternal
in 1897, at the age of seventy-five years, and his cherished and devoted
wife, who still survives him, makes her home on the old farmstead. Mr.
and Mrs. Talmage became the parents of twelve children-eight boys
and four girls,-as follows: Harvey (deceased); Sarah, who became the
wife of Edward Mack, is likewise deceased; Leslie is the immediate subject of this review; Iola Ruth is the wife of Edward Bingham and resides
in township Burlington; Albert Howard is deceased; Albert Thomas
is engaged in the mason business at Battle Creek; Emeline died in infancy; Eugene is a resident of Newton township; Osee resides at Bedford; Maria is Mrs. Henry Allwardt; Floyd lives at South Bend, Indiana; Cyrenus, deceased. Alva P. Talmage was a Democrat in politics
and he served as town clerk for several terms and also as township treasurer. He was a member of Home Grange No. 129.
The early life of Leslie Talmage was spent at home on the farm in
Newton township and his preliminary educational training consisted of




1278


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


such advantages as were afforded in the district schools. At the age of
twenty-two years, in 1871, he purchased a farm of eighty acres, thus
forming the nucleus of his present estate. He helped erect a log cabin
on his farm and in the following year was married, 1873. With the
passage of time he has improved his farm and it is now recognized as
one of the most attractive rural estates in Calhoun county. In addition
to diversified farming he is an extensive breeder of Black Top Delaney
sheep, all of his flock being registered, and he likewise breeds Poland
China hogs. Mr. Talmage takes special pride in his sheep and he has
had wonderfully good luck with them.
In politics Mr. Talmage is a Democrat, and though not formally connected with any. religious denomination he favors churches and is fully
cognizant of the amount of good accomplished by them.
Mr. Talmage married Miss Catherine Elizabeth Ford, a native of
Newton, Michigan, and a daughter of George and Martha (Smith) Ford,
the former of whom was born in Ireland, and the latter in Erie county,
New York. Mr. and Mrs. Talmage have two sons,-Obi Harvey, whose
birth occurred in 1875, is living in LeRoy township, Calhoun county;
O. C., whose birth occurred in 1880, is engaged in farming operations on
an estate which lies in Newton and LeRoy townships.
RICHARD J. MILLER. About forty-five years of a long and active
career has been spent by Mr. Miller in Battle Creek. During his early
life he vigorously followed his trade of painter, and still does a large
amount of contract work in that line, but he is now best known through
his establishment at 32 South Jefferson avenue as dealer in wall paper,
window shades, paints, oils and glass. He has a large business based
upon his proved reliability to two generations of Battle Creek citizens.
Richard J. Miller, who represents one of the New England families,
was born in Ferrisburg, Vermont, on Monday January 21, 1839. His
birthplace was on the shores of Lake Champlain, opposite Essex lighthouse and the famous old Split Rock. His parents were Jeremiah and
Catherine (Teal) Miller, the former a native of Vermont and the latter
of Whitehall, New York, and both of them died at the old homestead at
Ferrisburg. The father was a carpenter and followed that vocation all
his life. As a ship.carpenter he built many canal and steam boats, but
was also a builder of houses and barns. He and his brother had a contract for removing the cedar-post fence about the old arsenal grounds
in Vergennes, Vermont. The old posts had been in the ground forty
years, and were still sound. There were two sons and two daughters in
the family, Richard J., being the youngest and the only survivor, and he
is likewise the only representative of the family to come to Michigan.
During the early years spent in the old Green Mountain state he attended district school and completed his education in the academy at
Vergennes. From an early age he began his practical career, and has
always been noted for his enterprise and bustling activity. At the age
of fifteen he secured a school to teach, and spent three winters as the
master of a district school in Vermont. During the summer intervals
he was engaged in learning and working at the painter's trade, and in
this way he was a self-supporting man by the time he had attained his
eighteenth year.. Mr. Miller lived in the east until he was twenty-nine, and in 1868
came west and made his permanent home in Battle Creek. At the time
of his removal the price of white lead, which is such an important element in his working materials, was sixteen dollars a hundred pounds.
Nearly for a century Mr. Miller has been known in Battle Creek as the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1279


proprietor of a reliable painting business, and with a number of men
in his employ he has performed hundreds of contracts during this period.
He has also for many years kept a paint store, his first location being
on Jackson street, but he has been in his present quarters since Philander
ba.rnes erected the building. Since 1897 he has included wall paper
and other similar commodities in his stock.
Mr. Miller's home is outside the city limits in Battle Creek township
on an attractive little fruit farm of seventeen acres, the management
of this estate having been a great delight to his later years. In politics
he is not a formal party man, but gives his support to the candidate he
considers best fitted for office. At the present time his religious affiliation is with the World's Hope Institution, a body among whose cardinal
principle is an affirmation that there is no eternal hell. For many years
he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, later of the Free
Methodist, but has ceased his connection with either, though he is an
attendant at the Free Methodist church. Morally Mr. Miller has kept
his mind and body free from attractive influences that weaken so many
men, and he is a splendid specimen of a vigorous young age. He has
never used tobacco in any form, nor any of the narcotic liquors. Deep
breathing and outdoor exercise have been his stimulants, and through
all his years he has never failed in eating three good meals a day and
in sleeping to refreshment every night. He has made a wise choice of
the good things in life, and his example is a worthy one to be followed.
Mr. Miller was married in Westport, New York, before the war to
Miss Sarah Ellen Allen, a daughter of Joseph Allen and a direct descendant of Ethan Allan, the Revolutionary hero. Mrs. Miller was
also born at Ferrisburg, the Allen and Miller families being neighbors
and friends, and the children grew up together, and attended the same
school. Their romance was so well known that the newspapers of the
old home town had once or twice announced their marriage, and it was
for this reason that the young couple, after finally settling the date,
chose to be wedded in New York. Mrs. Miller's father was by profession
a government surveyor. In this work he had come west and had surveyed in the vicinity of Battle Creek before the arrival of white men,
when the Indian trails were the only path through the wilderness, and
he slept every night on the ground. He was an early resident of Battle
Creek, where he was engaged in blacksmithing for a time, and was also
owner of considerable property in this vicinity.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and two sons and
two daughters are still living, namely: Jerry A. and Joseph R., both
of Battle Creek; Katie was a graduate nurse in Grand Rapids and is
now the wife of H. K. Knowlton, cashier of the Cadillac State Bank at
Cadillac; Charlotte is the wife of S. B. Aiken, and they reside on a
half-acre site given them from his farm by Mr. Miller.
MYRON J. BRYANT, who has for a lifetime resided on the soil which
is his present farm, is not only an efficient and up-to-date farmer, but is
the son of an able agriculturist and the grandson of a Michigan pioneer.
His father, James Bryant, was but sixteen years of age when he came
with his parents, in about the year 1836, to this state, where they located
at Hickory Corner, Barry county, Michigan. He was then slight of
build as well as young in years and before he was able to unyoke his own
oxen was entrusted with the responsibility of three times driving an
ox-team from Hickory Corners to Detroit for the purpose of buying
flour. His hauling he was able to accomplish without difficulty and the
kind hearts of the strangers he met made it easy for him to find assistance
in the yoking and unyoking of his animals. In 1884 he began life for
Vol. II-43




1280           HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
himself, buying first an eighty-acre farm in Convis township. This he
cleared and plowed, after which he erected the needed buildings. The
beautiful farm which he constructed and the accessory buildings erected
with such thoughtful care still stand and are counted among the best in
that locality. He later doubled his property and lived on his well-improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres until his death in 1893.
James Bryant had married Miss Anne Atmore a native of Norfolk, England and a woman of unusual intelligence. Her son, who remembers his
father's interesting stories of having helped George Rogers and George
Angell to chop and haul timber from what is now Main street of Battle
Creek, also recalls his mother's accounts of the primitive conditions during her teaching experience in Penfield township when she was a young
lady. Before her marriage she was accustomed to making twice at each
weekend a trip on foot between her. home and the location of her school.
Her ability in the pedagogical line was also called in requisition after
her marriage. She was married in 1844, at the age of twenty-three, to
James Bryant, who was then twenty-six. Of their nine children Myron
Bryant, the special subject of this brief biography, was the fifth.
His birth occurred in 1858, on the farm which he now owns. His
home has always been the center of his life interests. Here he grew up
and here he lived while securing his education, which was that of the
rural schools. As his fater's close companion, he early received the
training necessary to make his chosen vocation a successful one. After
the death of his father, Myron Bryant bought out the other heirs in
order that he might permanently occupy the family homestead, to the
development of which he has given so much attention.
Mrs. Myron Bryant was formerly Miss Jean Chisholm, a daughter
of Samuel Chisholm, a fine old Scotchman who came to Calhoun county
during the later years of his life and who died in 1900. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Bryant took place March 15, 1877. They are the parents of four sons, who are named and located as follows: Harry, who
lives at Battle Creek, is a fireman at Station No. 3 of that city's system;
James, who is a successful farmer and who is a resident of Marshall
township. Joseph, who is still at the home of his parents; and John,
who also lives at the old homestead.
Myron Bryant is a leader among his friends and associates in matters of political import. He is a Republican of logical views with a good
deal of enthusiasm in expressing them. He is, however, no aspirant for
office, and accepts such offices as his acquaintances force upon him as
serious responsibilities rather than as empty honors. His church interests are those of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the local congregation of which he is capably active as a trustee. Otherwise his chief
activities are those of his farm, which comprises in its general farming
and dairy specialties an extensive field for the energies of a progressive
farmer such as Mr. Bryant is acknowledged to be.
MAURICE SNOW GIBBS, M. D. It is a very rare occurence for a young
medical practitioner to meet with immediate success in his chosen profession, and within the short space of something over one year's time to build
up a large and lucrative practice, but such has been the experience of
Dr. Maurice Snow Gibbs, of Eckford, whose training, ability and natural
inclination so fitted him for his vocation that he immediately won the
confidence and patronage of the people of his selected field of endeavor
and as a consequence made a place for himself among the rising young
physicians and surgeons of his community. Dr. Gibbs was born in the
town of Concord, Jackson county, Michigan, January 16, 1888, and is a
son of Rev. William L. and Phoebe (Snow) Gibbs, natives of Hamilton






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1281


county, Ohio, where the former was born March 6, 1839, and the latter
ten years later.. Dr. Gibbs was the only child of his parents, but they
had two adopted children, William Cowden and Helen, the latter the
wife of Floyd Butler. Rev. William L. Gibbs was educated in the Ohio
public schools, and Lombard (Illinois) College, where he received the
degree of Bachelor of Arts, subsequently taking his theological course
in Lawrence University, Canton, New York. During the same year he
was ordained and entered the Universalist ministry. He has had various
charges throughout Michigan, having been pastor of the churches at
Manchester, Marshall, Liberty, Horton and Concord, and still resides
at the last-named place, In addition to his clerical work, he has won a
wide reputation as a temperance worker. In his political views he is
independent, depending on his own judgment to advise him who is the
best man for the office at stake, and fraternally he is connected with
the Masons, in which he has attained the Knights Templar degree, the
Maccabees and the Odd Fellows.
Dr. Maurice S. Gibbs received his primary education in the public
and high schools of Concord, following which he attended Dean Academy, at Franklin, Massachusetts, and the medical department of Boston University. He then spent three years at the Detroit Homeopathic
College, from which he was graduated in 1911 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and at once settled in practice at Eckford. From the very
first he has enjoyed a practice, which has shown a steady and rapid increase, and at the present time is building a large office for the care
of patients wishing for minor operations. He is a close and careful
student, a steady-handed surgeon, and keeps himself posted on the
latest discoveries in his profession by subscription to the leading medical journals. He takes special interest in the work of the various organizations, belonging to the Calhoun County Medical Society and the
State Homeopathic Medical Society, and belongs also to the Maccabees,
the Gleaners and the Alpha Sigma medical fraternity. At the present
time he is acting in the capacity of health officer of Eckford township.
He and Mrs. Gibbs are faithful members of the Universalist church,
and in his political belief he is a Republican.
Dr. Gibbs was married in 1909 to Miss Harriet Jones, daughter of
Clifton Jones, a prominent farmer of Concord, and one daughter, Helen
has been born to this union.
JAMES W. LANGRELL. Among the prosperous farmers of Calhoun
county, Michigan, is James W. Langrell, who has lived on his present
farm of one hundred sixty acres near Tekonsha, since 1890. He started
out a poor young man, and has worked his way up to a position in
life where he enjoys the fruits of his early years of toil. His farm is
well cultivated, and well stocked with Durham cattle, Poland China hogs
and Shropshire sheep; and the constant and careful attention here given
to the various details of the farming operations at once indicate the
character of the owner.
Mr. Langrell is a native of the State of Delaware, and was born
July 1, 1855, son of James and Anna (Kinnaman) Langrell, both natives of that state, as also were his grandparents-William and Sarah
(Scott) Langrell and Samuel and Hannah (Burbank) Kinnaman. Both
paternal and maternal grandparents lived and died in Delaware, Grandfather William Langrell being ninety-seven years of age at the time of
his death. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits as have been many
of his descendants. James Langrell was born in 1827 and died January 4, 1883, and his wife, born in 1829, died in 1891. They were married in 1846. In 1856 they moved to Maryland, where he was engaged




1282           HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
in farming the rest of his life. He was, politically, a Democrat, and,
religiously, he and his wife were worthy members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which faith they reared their family. Of their
nine children, eight are living, James W. being the fifth in order of
birth.
At the time the Langrell family moved to Maryland in 1856, James
W. was a babe in arms. He grew up on a farm, early becoming familiar with all kinds of farm work as carried on in the east. At the age of
twenty-three years he came west to Michigan, and here he has since resided.
December 21, 1882, Mr. Langrell married Miss Ella L. Aldrich,
daughter of Charles and Louisa (Failing) Aldrich. Charles Aldrich, a
New Yorker, had moved to Michigan at an early day and taken claim
to a section of government land, which he developed into a fine farm on
which he spent the rest of his life and died. He was a successful and
influential man; cast his franchise with the Republican party, and worshiped with the Presbyterian church, of which he was a worthy member.
Mr. and Mrs. Langrell have three children: Ivan W., Anna L. and Margaret A., all at home. The family are identified with the Methodist
Episcopal church, and his political loyalty Mr. Langrell gives to the
same party his father supported-the Democratic party.
W. R. SKELLENGER, M. T. As a specialist in the broad field of therapy, Dr. Skellenger, Mechano-Therapist, has built up a large private
practice in Battle Creek and to many has brought the means of better
health and capacity for the daily responsibilities of life. The essence
of his work as a specialist is stated in the brief line, "Permanent health
through perfect circulation," and the science of mechano-therapy is
based on the well known principles that the functions of the human
body and life itself depend for efficiency on the proper circulation of
the. stream of blood through all parts. Instead of restoring circulation
by haphazard exercise or other means commonly employed, mechanotherapy applies artificial exercise by graduated and scientific manipulation of all portions of the body.
Dr. Skellenger was born in Otisco township, Ionia county, Michigan, June 2, 1872, was reared on the home farm there, attending the
district schools, and was graduated from the Belding high school with
the class of 1890. For his first regular occupation he chose the trade
of barber, and was one of the popular men of the trade in Battle Creek
for thirteen years, and still owns a financial interest in a shop in this
city. From this his interest turned to a broader sphere of usefulness,
and he took up his studies with the American College of Mechano-Therapy at Chicago, where he was graduated with the degree of M. T., on
December 9, 1908. Since beginning his practice he has gained, through
his individual skill and studious and careful application of the principles of his specialty, a foremost position among the practitioners in
his line, and has a large patronage. He has treated people from all over
the world, and there are hundreds who might testify to the benefits received from his practice. His offices are now in the Arcade building.
During many years of residence in Battle Creek, Dr. Skellenger has
won a host of friends, and is one of the popular men of his city. In
politics he inclines to the principles of Socialism. His party placed his
name without his solicitation on the city ticket for alderman of the
first ward, and he made a very strong campaign, though defeated by
the older party candidates. He is past grand of the Odd Fellows lodge
of Battle Creek and is a member of Calhoun Tent No. 54, K. 0. T. M. M.






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1283


Dr. Skellenger's home is at 33 Tompkins street. He was married at
Kalamazoo, Michigan, on October 17, 1891, to Miss Laura Musser, and
they are the parents of four children, namely: Kenneth A., who was
born at Kalamazoo; Lewis E., born in Ionia county; W. Brian and
Martha, born in Battle Creek, and they are all attending the Battle
Creek schools.
FRANK A. WARREN, M. D., the efficient physician, whose professional
services are so often in requisition in Tekonsha and its vicinity, is the
descendant of a family of New England stock. His father was Lyman
Warren of Vermont and his mother (who was Lyman Warren's second wife) was Betsy Brown Warren, the daughter of George Brown of
New York. Frank A. Warren was the only child of this family. His
birth occurred on May 10, 1845, in Jackson county, Michigan. His
general education was secured in the public schools of Albion and later
in those of Dewitt public school in Clinton county.
After completing this preparatory development, Frank Warren spent
some time in a variety of temporary and experimental employments and
then entered Cleveland Medical College. The latter part of his course,
however, he pursued in the Detroit Homeopathic Medical College, from
which he received his physician's diploma in 1875.
Dr. Warren was united in marriage to Miss Maria A. Dake, in 1872.
The first Mrs. Warren was born in New York and died in Tekonsha in
1895. The children born of this union were five, four of whom have
grown to maturity and into their own vocations. Grace E. is Mrs. J. A.
Harsh of Idaho; Hattie A. is a teacher in the public schools of Buffalo,
New York; Ada died at the age of four; Jennie B. is an attorney at
Hoquiam, Washington; Mrs. Charles Smith, whose husband, Howard
D., is a bank cashier at Deary, Idaho.
In July of 1897 Dr. Warren was married to Miss Edith A. Batts, a
daughter of William S. Batts of Petoskey, formerly a farmer but now
deceased. To this latter union one daughter has been born, who was
named Hazel.
Dr. Warren is noted for his serious attention to the arduous duties
of his profession, to which he gives his entire time and energies. He has
never allowed either social or political affairs to interfere with his business of healing the sick and of saving life. He keeps abreast of the times
in the science of which he is such a worthy exponent, being a wide
reader on medical subjects and a member of the State Medical Society.
July 2nd, 1912, Dr. Warren removed from Tekonsha to Smyrna, Ionia
county, Michigan, where he has charge of a large sanitarium and he with
his wife Edith A. Warren,.are proprietors and manufacturers of a
goitre and catarrh remedy with which they are having remarkable success.
CARL A. COLBURN, M. D. The medical profession of Calhoun county
is represented by some of the most skilled and learned men of this calling to be found in the state. They have devoted themselves, their time,
energy and lives to the preservation of public health, and the alleviation
of human ills. Theirs is no easy task, nor is it always remunerated as
befits their high standing and undoubted great work, and yet they cheerfully accept the disadvantages, make the countless sacrifices asked of
them, content to feel secure in well doing. Their training is exceptionally rigid, and embraces not only an ordinary college course, but months
in a hospital as well, so that when they begin their practice they are
really better fitted for their work than the old-time physician was after
a lifetime of endeavor. One of the representative physicians of Cal



1284


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


houn county, whose sympathy as well as knowledge has made him beloved among his patients, is Carl A. Colburn, M. D., whose field of
practice is the city of Homer. Dr. Colburn was born in Washington
county, Vermont, February 28, 1840, and is a son of Alanson and Monicy
(Dodge) Colburn.
William Colburn, the paternal grandfather of Dr. Colburn, was a
native of New Hampshire, where he spent his entire life. He reared
a family of nine children, each of whom lived to be more than eighty
years of age. Alanson Colburn was born in Lyme, New Hampshire,
February 22, 1809, and in 1820 removed to Vermont, where he spent his
life until 1867. At that time he removed to Cambria, Michigan, and
subsequently went to the town of Butler, where his death occurred in
1890, he having been a carpenter in early life and subsequently turning his attention to farming and becoming the owner of seventy-five
acres of land. In politics he was a Republican. He and his wife, who
was born in Washington county, Vermont, October 16, 1813, were members of the Hard Shell Baptist church and the parents of two children:
Arthur T., born in 1836, and now deceased; and Carl A. The maternal
grandfather, Nathaniel Dodge, spent his whole life in his native Vermont.
Carl A. Colburn received his early education in the schools of Vermont, and there attended the academy at Morrisville. During five
years he studied medicine, but during the Civil war turned his attention to photography, and he sent many a picture of wives and sweethearts and others to soldiers of Vermont, in the army to help cheer
them up. At close of war he entered the office of Dr. A. M. Ruggles,
of East Hardwick, Vermont, and in 1866 began practice there, but
in 1867 came to Michigan. At that time the field of medicine was not
so prolific as at present, and Dr. Colburn found it necessary to engage
in various other occupations, for some years being a jack-of-all-trades,
working at painting, wall paper hanging and farming, and in fact turning his hand to whatever honorable work presented itself. During all
this time, however, his practice had been steadily growing, and in 1878
and 1879 he went to the Cleveland Homeopathic College. On his graduation therefrom, he located in Butler, Michigan, and there continued
in practice until 1891, at that time coming to Homer. He has since
built up a large and lucrative practice here, and is recognized as one of
Calhoun's capable and thoroughly trained physicians and surgeons. He
keeps abreast of all the changes in his profession, and is a valued member of the Michigan Homeopathic Medical Society, is a Republican in
his political views, and with his wife is a consistent attendant of the
Presbyterian church.
Dr. Colburn was married in 1866, to Myra 0. Johnson, and to this
union there have been born three children: Nellie, who married Clarence
A. McDonals, a farmer of Butler, who has served as clerk, treasurer and
supervisor of Branch county; Mabel, who married John Fair, of Homer,
engaged in the undertaking business; and Clyde, who is deceased, married Lucina A. Hopkins.
WILL E. HALLADAY is a native born resident of Battle Creek, and as
such is one of the best known citizens in the city. He is the son of W.
Thompson Halladay and Ann Rebecca (Sweeney) Halladay. The father,
who was a native of New York state, came to Michigan with his parents.
James and Mary Ann (Fiero) Halladay, and James Halladay owned and
operated a brick yard in Bedford township for years. His son. W.
Thompson, there grew to years of maturity, and eventually married
Ann Sweeney, and for a time thereafter he was employed in the brick



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1285


yard by his father. Subsequently he became the proprietor of the Battle
Creek House, and he later owned and conducted a hotel near the former
site of the Michigan Central depot. In later years he took possession
of the Crane House, afterwards known as the Commercial House, which
he conducted prosperously until the Civil war period. Hotel business
became dull at that time, and he lost heavily, and was eventually compelled to withdraw from the business. He took a position in the store
of J. E. Halladay, his brother, and later was employed by another
brother, A. S. Halladay. He then began in business for himself again
and conducted a grocery store on Main street, a business in which he
continued until failing health compelled him to retire from active commercial life. Mr. Halladay was a prominent and popular man in Battle
Creek, and he was a musician of more than ordinary ability. For many
years he was a member of the Halladay Orchestra, in that period a
noted organization in southern Michigan. Mr. Halladay played both the
violin and the double bass viol. He died on May, 26, 1902, and his wife
preceded him, passing away on June 13, 1899. Both are buried in Oak
Hill cemetery. They were the parents of eleven children,-eight boys
and three girls, of which number four boys and one girl are yet living.
They are: Mott S., of Van Horn, Texas; Mrs. C. R. Dye of Battle Creek;
Will E., of this review; Claude B. of Laporte, Indiana; and Harold F.
of this city.
Will E. Halladay was born on December 4, 1863, and he is the seventh
child of his parents. He received his education in this city, after which
he spent two years in various parts of Texas, and returning home went
to work for the Michigan Central Railroad. He was employed for six
years as a cashier with the company, after which he entered the service
of the Advance Thresher Company, now the M. Rumley Company.
He first became identified with the business in 1890, and he has remained
continuously with them during the years that have passed, twenty-two
in number, holding the position of traffic manager of the company.
Mr. Halladay was a stockholder in the old Advance Thresher Company,
and is a stockholder in the newer firm, the M. Rumley Company. He is
also a stockholder in the Union Steam Plow Company of this city.
Mr. Halladay is a Republican with regard to his political beliefs, but
is not particularly active in such matters. He is a member of Battle
Creek Lodge No. 12 A. F. & A. M. and of the Chapter of the R. A. M.
He is a member of the Athelstan Club, and is the owner of a summer
cottage at Goguac Lake where the family frequently spend the summer
months.
Mr. Halladay married Miss Nellie E. Metcalf, the daughter of David
H. and Lydia (Muffley) Metcalf, an old and highly respected family
of Battle Creek. Mr. Metcalf makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Halladay, and Mrs. Metcalf passed away in-1910. Mrs. Halladay was born,
reared and educated here, and is one of the best known and most popular
matrons in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Halladay are the parents of one son,Ivor R., born here on July 31, 1889. He was graduated from the Battle
Creek high school in the class of 1907, and is now in his fifth year in the
law department at the University of Michigan. Mrs. Halladay has been
secretary of the Women's League of Battle Creek for almost two years,
an office which may not be held for longer than a two year period; hence
her term of service in that capacity is nearing an end.
COLONEL JOHN WATSON. Years of honorable and efficient service
for a great corporation and varied activity in civic and social life have
constituted a very complete and praiseworthy career for Colonel John
Watson, one of Battle Creek's best known citizens. He is one of the




1286


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


oldest native sons of southern Michigan, and practically all his life of
more than threescore years and ten has been spent in this state.
Colonel Watson is a native of the famous old pioneer town of White
Pigeon in St. Joseph county, where he was born on the 10th of October,
1836. His parents, William and Mary Watson, who were born and
married in England and thence came to America, settled in southern
Michigan about the time the country was opened to actual settlement
and purchase of the lands by white people. At the town of White
Pigeon which was the seat of the land office and a'very important place
in early days, the father built and kept the White Pigeon Hotel, a hostelry where hundreds of settlers and pioneer emigrants were entertained
in addition to many of the prominent professional and public men of the
day. Nine children were born to William and Mary Watson, and seven
of them grew up, and two sons and two daughters are still living.
At White Pigeon John Watson spent his youth, getting his education
in the local schools and learning the hotel business from his father.
When the Lake Shore Railroad was constructed from White Pigeon to
Grand Rapids he was engaged in the work, and was one of the first conductors on that line. It was not long after this that he entered the
service of the Grand Trunk Railway as dining car superintendent.
When on May 1, 1908, Colonel Watson retired and his name placed on
the pension rolls he was dean of the dining car superintendents, a work
and a service which he had worked in almost from its crude beginnings
on American railways. He had been a dining car superintendent for
the Grand Trunk for thirty-seven years, and a circular sent out by the
officials of that railway commended and honored his. long and efficient
career in that capacity. At the convention of the dining car superintendents at the Palmer House in Chicago in 1901, he was the guest of
honor and was the chairman who called the meeting to order.
Colonel Watson is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is past commander of the Battle Creek Commandery No. 33 and a member of the
Saladin Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids. He also affiliates
with the Elks Lodge, and was formerly a popular member of the Athelstan and Country Clubs, but is no longer active in those organizations.
Colonel Watson for nearly seventy years has known conditions and
people in southern Michigan, and through half of his lifetime he was
one of the familiar figures along the route of the Grand Trunk. His
knowledge easily extends back to the pioneer era, for his father was one
of the settlers who took up government land about White Pigeon, becoming owner of six hundred and forty acres there in the early days.
On July 29, 1855, Colonel Watson was married to Miss Sarah A.
Miller, of Centerville, Michigan. Their married life extended through
thirty-five years, until her death at Battle Creek on August 6, 1890.
There are four children: Addie, who married Frank E. Smith, and died
at Minneapolis in 1909; S. E. Watson, a resident of New York; Mrs.
Hulda MacDonald, of Grand Rapids; and W. W. Watson, of Portland,
Oregon. Colonel Watson married, at Milwaukee, on Christmas eve of
1892, Jessie F. Crosman. Her father was Galen T. Johnson, whose
death occurred in Battle Creek, May 1, 1911. Colonel Watson and wife
reside at 150 Chestnut street. His home for many years was at White
Pigeon, where his children were all born and educated.
WILLIAM H. SNYDER. As a representative of the great basic industry of agriculture and as one who has met with more than ordinary success in the prosecution of his independent calling, William H. Snyder
is pleasantly located on the productive farm of one hundred and ninety
acres, eligibly situated in Athens township, Calhoun county, Michigan,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1287


where he is most profitably engaged in general agricultural operations
and stock-raising.
William H. Snyder was born at LaGrange, Indiana, December 8,
1869, and he is a son of Reuben A. and Christina A. (Mallow) Snyder,
the former of whom passed to the life eternal January 1, 1908, and the
latter of whom is now a resident of the village of Athens. On other
pages of this work, in a sketch dedicated to John J. Snyder, brother of
the subject of this review, appears a summary of the life of R. A. Snyder
so that further mention concerning the family history at this point is
not deemed necessary.
The first in order of birth in a family of three children, William
H. Snyder was a child of but four years of age at the time of his parents'
removal to Michigan, in 1873. The family located on a farm in Athens
township, Calhoun county and in due time the father became the owner
of a fine estate of one hundred and ninety acres, all of which he cleared
and cultivated himself. This beautiful farm is now conducted by Mr.
Snyder, of this notice. He received his rudimentary educational training in the public schools of Athens and as a youth assisted his father
in the work and management of the home farm. In about 1894 he began
to work in a cooperage factory at Athens and he remained in the employ of that concern for three years, at the end of which he returned
to the old homestead, which he has since managed and operated. In
addition to diversified agriculture he raises considerable live stock and
he has gained precedence as one of the foremost farmers in Calhoun
county, where he is looked upon as a man of mark in all the relations
of life. He is aligned as a stalwart in the ranks of the Democratic
party in his political convictions and while he does not participate
actively in local politics he gives freely of his aid and influence in support of all measures and enterprises forwarded for progress and improvement.
May 15, 1895, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Snyder to Miss
Myrtle Holcomb, whose birth occurred at Burr Oak, St. Joseph county,
Michigan, February 4, 1875, and who is a daughter of Milo and Frances
Celia (Hutchins) Holcomb. Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb are both living,
their home being in Athens township, and Mrs. Snyder's grandfather
Hutchins, who has reached the age of ninety-three years, maintains his
home in the village of Athens. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have two children,
-Vernor 0. and Letha F., both in school at Athens.
NELSON A. SHEDD, R. F. D. No. 3, Tekonsha, Michigan, has been
identified with the agricultural interests of this locality all his life.
His parents, Ranodyne and Phoebe (Robinson) Shedd, natives of New
York, came west to Michigan in 1835 and settled in Tekonsha township,
Calhoun county, and it is a matter of record that George Shedd, a
brother of Nelson A., was the first white child born in this township.
Ranodyne Shedd helped to build the mill race at Marshall and also the
one at Tekonsha. When this work was completed, he turned his attention to buying and clearing land. He prospered in his undertakings
and acquired a large estate, at the time of his death being the owner of
680 acres. He had made the emigration tour from New York to Michigan by wagon, and he experienced every phase of pioneer life as it
was found here, and here he and his good wife reared their family to
occupy useful and respected places in life. Of their eleven children
only two are now living.
Ranodyne Shedd was a son of Samuel Shedd, who lived and died in
Vermont, and who belonged to the family of Shedds in this country
fathered by Daniel Shedd who came to America in the sixteenth cen



1288


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


tury. It was in 1812 that Ranodyne Shedd was born, and he died in
Michigan in 1887. He was, politically, a Republican, and at various times
he was elected to local office and served efficiently; indeed, he filled all
the township offices. His wife was a member of the Baptist church. Her
death occurred in 1876.
May 22, 1858, in Tekonsha township, Nelson A. Shedd was born,
youngest of his father's family. He was educated in the district schools
and early in life was made familiar with all kinds of farm work. Today
he is the owner of 264 acres of land, and in addition to carrying on
general farming he is engaged in the ice business, packing ice in winter
and in summer delivering it to city customers.
On reaching his majority, in 1879, Mr. Shedd' took to himself a wife
in the person of Miss Delina C. Abel, daughter of Moses M. and Emma
(Bradley) Abel, natives of New York, who came to Michigan at an
early day and settled on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Shedd have five children: Clyde, George, Glenn, Leon and Dora, all at home except George
who is with the Albion Malleable Iron Works, Albion, Michigan. Clyde
and Leon are interested with their father in farming.
While he has never sought official preferment, and is wholly out of
politics, Mr. Shedd has always been a loyal supporter of the Republican
party. Mrs. Shedd is a member of the Baptist church.


HENRY F. GILBERT has long been a resident of Albion, and is a native son of Calhoun county, born at Tekonsha on May 11, 1845. He is
the son of Burton and Laura (Mix) Gilbert, who were natives of New
York and Vermont, and the father was engaged in farming in Calhoun
county for many years. When the Civil war broke out Henry F. Gilbert
was but sixteen years of age, but like many another loyal son of Michigan, his youth was not sufficient to restrain him from offering his services in behalf of the Union, and he accordingly enlisted from Tekonsha,
Calhoun county, on September 16, 1861, in Company E, of the First
Michigan Third Brigade, in the First Division of the Fifth Army Corps,
and he began active service at Gaines Mills, followed by engagements at
Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam,
Shepardstown Ford, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Mine Run, Cold Harbor, Weldon R. R., HAtcher's
Run, Siege of Petersburg, Five Forks, High Bridge, Appomatox, with
several minor skirmishes. Mr. Gilbert was discharged on February 28,
1864, at Beverly Ford, only to re-enlist as a veteran in the same command, after which he was given a furlough of thirty days. In April,
1862, he was detailed as guide for the Brigade and served two months.
On August 30th, he was slightly wounded at Bull Run and in September,
1862, received a slight scalp wound at Shepardstown Ford. In December, 1863, he was attacked with lung fever, or pneumonia, and was
in regimental hospital camp at Fredericksburg for three weeks. He
was honorably discharged July 9, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Indiana, after
having served throughout the war and participated in some of its
most noted engagements. Mr. Gilbert's half-brother. John C. Failing,
also served in the Civil war and was shot through the lungs at Chancellorsville. His maternal grandfather, Thomas Gilbert, served in the
War of 1812.
Mr. Gilbert has made his home in Albion for many long years, and
has been occupied during his life time as a glazier. On November 2,
1870, he was married to Ada L. Cogswell, a daughter of Myron and Betsey, nee Hart, Cogswell, both of whom are deceased. Four children
have been born to them;-Myron B., Merritt C., John F. and Laura A.
Mr. Gilbert is a loyal member of Hollingsworth Post No. 210, and






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1289


his wife is a member of the Women's Relief Corps, No. 136, of Albion.
Mr. Gilbert is on the pension list of the United States, and receives
quarterly the remuneration accorded to soldiers of his class by a grateful nation.
Mr. Gilbert is a member of the Calhoun County Soldiers' Relief
Commission. Served the city as alderman for two terms. Is secretary
and treasurer of the First Michigan Infantry Association.
CHARLES A. FAILING, a general farmer and stock raiser, and highly
respected citizen of Tekonsha township, Calhoun county, Michigan, is
a native of this township, and was born April 21, 1871, son of Joseph
M. and Esther (Lowry) Failing, the former a native of New York and
the latter of Ohio. His maternal grandfather, Laban Lowry, lived and
died in Ohio. John Failing, the father of Joseph M., was born in New
York state, and lived there until 1833, when he came west to Michigan
and took claim to a tract of government land. His death occurred at
Albion, Michigan, about ten years after his removal to this state.
Joseph M. Failing was born in New York, February 10, 1833, and was
an infant at the time he was brought by his parents to Michigan. When
he was ten years of age his father died. A portion of his boyhood days
were spent in Ohio, where he attended the Academy at Milan, and in
his youth he worked at the trade of ship-building. Also for a time he
was engaged in the milling business. In 1859, he went to California,
and subsequently he crossed the Isthmus of Panama. Returning to
Michigan, he bought out the interests of the other heirs to his father's
farm of one hundred sixty acres in Calhoun county; here he established
his home and lived for a number of years, until his removal to Tekonsha, where lie now resides. He has been a Republican all his life, and
has served officially in various capacities, having filled all the township offices and served twelve years as postmaster of Tekonsha. For
many years he has been identified with the Masonic Order, with membership in Washington Lodge, No. 7, F. and A. M., at Tekonsha, in which
he has served as Master. His wife, Esther (Lowry) Failing, whom he
married in Ohio, was born in Ohio, November 6, 1834, and died November 10, 1893. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and in her life exemplified the teachings of the faith she professed.
Charles A. Failing received his early training in the schools of
Tekonsha. He took a business course at Ypsilanti and attended normal
school at Trenton, after which he taught school one year. He had a brief
experience in a railroad office, where he did clerical work; and in
Chicago he was for a time in the employ of Swift & Co., and Libby, McNeil & Libby. The farm, held its attractions, and he returned to the
scenes of his boyhood and settled down to agricultural pursuits.
In 1893, Mr. Failing married Miss Pearl M. Perine, daughter of
Henry and Sarah (Doolittle) Perine. Mr. Perine was a native of New
York who came to Michigan at an early day, lived here for a time, and
then moved to Missouri, where he settled on a farm. He returned to
Michigan, however, and passed his last days and died here. Mr. and
Mrs. Failing have two children: Esther and Joe, both attending school
at Tekonsha. Like his father, Mr. Failing votes the Republican ticket
and affiliates with the Masonic Order. He has served as Junior Deacon
and Secretary of Washington Lodge, No. 7, F. and A. M., and he has
filled the township office of Road Commissioner. Mrs. Failing is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ISAAC L. WILLIAMS. The scion of old English families and the son
of English parents, yet himself a native of this country and the state




1290


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of Michigan, in which he was also reared and educated, Isaac L. Williams, one of the enterprising and progressive, and therefore successful
and prosperous farmers of Convis township, began the struggle for advancement among men with two valuable assets acquired from heredity
and association. He was born with the sturdiness and balance of the
English people, and he was trained under the stimulating influence of
the strident and all-conquering enterprise characteristic of the United
States, and especially that which distinguishes the Middle West, or great
Mississippi valley. He had therefore within himself the elements of success in whatever he might undertake, and, having adhered to the calling
for which he felt himself best fitted, he has achieved success. Mr. Williams' life began in Marshall, this county, on December 31, 1860. His
parents, John and Sarah (Langridge) Williams, were born in England,
the former in 1812 and the latter in 1830. The father came to the United
States in his young manhood and was married in this country, the mother
having been brought to America in her childhood. They became the
parents of twelve children, of whom their son Isaac was the sixth in the
order of birth, and six of whom are living, five of them in Michigan.
When the father arrived in this country he first took up his residence
in Schenectady county, New York. From there he came to Michigan and
located on a farm  which he cultivated for awhile, then went to Wisconsin for a short time. When he returned to this state he located in
Marshall, but soon afterward bought a farm in Eaton county comprising forty acres of good land. This did not entirely suit him, however,
and he moved to Sheridan township, Calhoun county. During his subsequent years he lived on several different farms in Calhoun county and
always farmed the land under his control with industry and the best
intelligence available to him.
The father was fairly successful in his undertakings, but as he had
a large family to support, his accumulations in a worldly way were not
particularly extensive. In the regard and good will of all who knew
him, however, they were considerable, and he was worthy of the full
measure of the general esteem bestowed upon him. For many years he
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and true in his daily
life to its teachings. He died in 1887, but the mother is still living.
His political faith attached him warmly and serviceably to the Republican party.
Isaac L. Williams obtained his education in the district schools of
Calhoun county. He began making his own way in the world at an early
age as a farmer, and to this occupation he has steadfastly adhered ever
since. For some years he owned land in partnership with his fatherin-law, but in 1892 bought and located on the farm of eighty acres
which he now occupies and cultivates with commendable enterprise and
skill. He also owns a farm of ninety-four acres in partnership with J.
Huggett.
Mr. Williams was married on October 8, 1890, to Miss Libby Stroup,
a daughter of Moses and Lelia (King) Stroup, of Olivet in the adjoining county of Eaton on the north, where they were pioneer farmers
and where they died, the father in 1908 and the mother some years before. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have six children: Wesley, who is a student of mechanical engineering at the State University of Michigan;
Lawrence, who is attending the Bellevue high school; and Grace, Norris
and Rupert and Luther (twins), who are pupils in the district school.
The father is a Republican in his political relations, and as such has
served two years as township treasurer and four as school director. He
is widely known and highly esteemed.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1291


FRANK J. DIBBLE. Having begun his active career on a low rung
of the ladder of attainments, Frank J. Dibble, cashier of the Homer
State Bank, has, by close application, untiring energy, and a diligent
use of his faculties and opportunities, made steady progress upward,
achieving success through his own efforts. A son of Wallace Dibble, he
was born, November 6, 1862, in Marengo township, Calhoun county,
coming from pioneer stock.
His grandfather, Ralph Dibble, married Mary Osborn, who bore him
ten children. In 1836 he came from New York state to Michigan, took
up land in Eckford township, and on the farm which he redeemed from
the wilderness was prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits until
his death, in 1880. As a young man he was identified with the Whigs,
but was later a supporter of the principles promulgated by the Republican party.
Wallace Dibble was born in Ontario county, New York, February 3,
1834, and when but two. years old was brought by his parents to Calhoun county, Michigan, where he was reared and educated. During
his early life he spent a year in Kansas, but was not enough impressed
with the country to locate there. Returning to Michigan, he lived a
short time in Marengo township, where he bought land, and carried on
general farming. He subsequently bought ninety acres of land in Clarendon township, and on the homestead which he improved remained
until his death, in 1906. He was a Republican in politics, and both he
and his wife belonged to the Baptist church. He married Eliza Silverthorn, who was born in Hope, New Jersey, December 8, 1836, a daughter of Joseph Silverthorn, who came with his family to Michigan many
years ago, and died a short time later. Six children blessed their union,
five of whom are now living.
Educated in the common schools of Calhoun county, and at the
Normal School, Frank J. Dibble subsequently taught school for twenty
years, becoming well and favorably known as an educator. He has
acquired through his own exertions property of much value, owning a
good seventy-acre farm in Clarendon township, and a handsome residence in the city of Marshall. He is now connected with the Homer
State Bank as its cashier, a capacity which he is filling most ably and
satisfactorily. This bank has a capital of $20,000.00, with a surplus of
$4,000.00, and deposits amounting to about $30,000.00, it being one of
the most flourishing institutions of the kind in the county.
Politically Mr. Dibble is a Republican, and influential in local affairs,
having held all of the offices of Clarendon township, including that of
supervisor, and in 1906 was elected treasurer of Calhoun county, and
was re-elected to the same responsible position in 1908, serving in all
four years. Fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 5, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, at Marshall, and religiously both he and his wife
are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Dibble married, in 1884, Carrie M- Blashfield, a daughter of
Alvin and Elizabeth (Marshall) Blashfield. who came from New York
to Michigan, and settled on a farm in Clarendon township, where they
spent their remaining years. Mr. and Mrs. Dibble have one child, Calla
C., who was graduated from the Marshall high school in 1911.
GEORGE BURKLEY. At this point in a volume dedicated to the careers
of prominent and successful citizens of Calhoun county, Michigan, it is
a pleasure to direct attention to the life of George Burkley, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his beautiful estate of
one hundred and sixty acres in Newton township. Mr. Burkley is deeply
and sincerely interested in community affairs and is intrinsically loyal




1292


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and public-spirited in connection with all matters affecting the general
welfare of Calhoun county.
George Burkley was born at Wurtemburg, Germany, February 17,
1849, and he is a son of Christian and Christina (Smith) Burkley, both
of whom were likewise born in Wurtemburg, Germany, where they
were married. They became the parents of eleven children, of which
number the subject of this brief review was the youngest born. In
1851 the Burkley family came to America and located in Barry county,
Michigan, where the father purchased a small farm, on which he resided
until his demise at the age of seventy-six years. After his arrival in
America Mr. Christian Burkley became a stalwart Democrat in his political allegiance and in religious matters he and his wife were devout
Lutherans. Mrs. Burkley survived her honored husband for several
years and was eighty-eight years of age when she died. She was a very
intelligent woman and retained her mental and physical faculties in
much of their pristine vigor until death called her home.
In Barry county, Michigan, whither he had been brought by his
parents when but a child of two years, George Burkley was reared to
maturity. In 1866 he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Fredonia
township, residing thereon for the ensuing thirty years. In 1906 he
removed to his wife's old home,-the Ulrich Farm, in Newton township,
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, one of the finest farms in Calhoun county. Mr. Burkley is an intelligent farmer and an excellent
manager, he is independent in politics and a supporter of all matters
projected for the betterment of educational conditions. In their religious faith they are Lutherans.
In the year 1877 Mr. Burkley was united in marriage with Miss Anne
Carrie Ulrich, a daughter of John and Louise (Schray) Ulrich, who
were early settlers in Newton township, whither they came from Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1852. Two daughters have been born into the
Burkley home, who are still living.
THE NEALE FAMILY. The Neales of Battle Creek, to whom this
statement applies came from Chipping Sodbudy, Gloucestershire, England, a place which, in 1848, of about eighteen hundred inhabitants and
is situated on a main turnpike between that city and London, ten miles
east of Bristol, as Bristol then was. The Neale family was an old one,
having authentically traced lineage dating from the time of the Norman
conquest of England, as recorded in a work published in 1906, by John
Alexander Neale, D. C. L., a graduate of Queens College, Oxford, entitled "Charters and Records of Neales of Berkeley, Yate and Corsham," of two hundred and sixty-three folio pages.
For more than three hundred and fifty years the immediate ancestors of the Neales of Battle Creek had been a conspicuous family in
the parish of Yate, a bucolic and grassy place of fine dairy farms in the
valley of the Severn,-of local fame for its fine old church and bell
tower, and the picturesque, ivy-covered ruins of its moated court, of
which its rustic population was very proud. This review was prepared
by William F. Neale, of Battle Creek, and the text of his original manuscript concerning the family of which he is now the only representative
of the older generation in Calhoun county, is given with slight variation.
As I first remember my father's family at Yate, he was carrying on
the business of boot and shoe-making, being, it was said, the first to engage in mechanical business of all their long line. They had been uniformly connected with the land, as owners or lessees. Father was a man
of good mentality and a communicant of the Church of England, was




/


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY                     1293
six feet in height. Transcripts of parochial records of baptisms, marriages and funerals, and floating legends, regarding ancestral persons
and common events, in our home at Yate, were matters of frequent and
interested talk, which had its effect on our personal consciousness, as
family connections had upon our place among the people of the parish.
Our home at Yate occasionally was a meeting place of local musicians.
Father Gabriel Neale played the flute or sang baritone, but he was not,
however, a member of the church choir. The music generally practiced
was sentences and anthems to be used in the services of the church.
Occasionally the instrumentalists would "show off" by taking up some
simple form of sonata, or the singers would exploit a three-part glee.
There were five boys at home,-three older and one younger than myself,-and to all of us these musical meetings were just delectable. To
Maurice, my younger brother, and myself they were fascinating to such
an extent that music became the dominating enjoyment of our lives, and
we always lived near to each other until his death, in May, 1904. Father
died at Yate, in July, 1837, and the family moved to Sodbury, I believe,
in 1841. Mother was fourteen years younger than father, who was sixtythree years of age at the time of his sudden death. She was born at
Sodbury and her maiden name was Mary Iles. Mother was fond of
poetry and flowers, and had almost a phenomenal memory for poetical
quotations. Of her family, beyond her parents, I never knew anything.
She died at Sodbury, the year before Michael and Maurice left there for
Battle Creek, Michigan, her death being the result of pulmonary consumption.
Michael and his newly wedded wife, whose maiden name was Mary
Louise Worlock, of Codrington Court, a nearby parish, and Maurice H.
eighteen years of age, February 28, 1848, came to Battle Creek in June,
1848. They were followed by William F., of Sodbury, and Gabriel, of
Bristol, in April, 1849. Battle Creek in 1848 had passed the pioneer
stage and was a bustling, ambitious and rapidly growing village, having
a noticeable unity of faith in its future, upon the ground of its sense
of common interest and fraternal helpfulness. It had its mill-race, conveying water power to its three flouring mills,-Titus's, Hart's and Cushman's; Mason & Ward's and Wallace's factories; Nichols & Shepard's
foundry and saw-mill engine establishment; and other industries of less
note. It had its dry-goods stores, groceries, drug stores, churches,
mechanic's shops, saloons and a weekly newspaper. Supplementing all
these, it had the transportation facilities of the Michigan Central Railroad, bringing commodities from the great outside world to this as to
all other places along its stimulating line.
From the first our strangers were met with a generous, helpful
cordiality, which had the effect of making them feel as if they had arrived at home again, and through all the intervening years they have
been identified and identified themselves with the interests of the place
as inseparable from their own. In its music, its enjoyment of literature, its public order and its social fellowship and good will, they
have tried to be at one with the most harmonizing movements of the
place. What these same have been and their success, Battle Creek, in
Calhoun county, must tell in its own unimpeachable way.
Socially there was probably nothing that specialized the first generation of the Neales of Battle Creek more than their family Christmas
gatherings. In the early 50's Christmas was only very exceptionally observed here, but for them it had always been the day from which and for
which the other days had been counted. They could not abandon it. It
raised pleasant memories of their own earlier lives and the still older
lives and usages of their ancestors, who brightened the short and cloudy
English days of the season with its historic merriments and hospitali



1294


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ties. At first these family parties of the Christmastide in Battle Creek
were held at the home of Michael Neale, the only brother then married,
but as time went on, and Maurice and myself were married, and children came to all of us, the Christmras family gatherings became to the
larger circle the red-letter day of all the year, and went the round of
our separate homes. In later years a few congenial friends were invited
to join us, and to all the occasions represented the high tides of social
life,-occasions it was good to experience and is pleasant to remember,
as a foretaste of that blessed time when "Man to man, the world o'er.
shall brithers be, an' a' that."
In July, 1850, Michael and Maurice H. Neale, as partners under the
firm name of M. & M. H. Neale, commenced the manufacture of boots
and shoes, in a one-story wooden building on North Jefferson street.
Since then-now over sixty years-it has remained in the family and
has been devoted substantially to the same line of business. Changes of
partners have been made among the brothers, and in March, 1906, George
F. Neale became sole proprietor, by purchasing the interest of William
F., the writer of this article. It has never been other than the Neale
shoe store, and represents one of the oldest, if not the very oldest, continuous mercantile enterprises now to be found in Battle Creek. From
the beginning the establishment received liberal patronage, and at its
best development it gave employment to more than twenty workmen.
It is now entirely commercialized, in the handling of general lines of
footwear and such accessories as usually go with shoes. About 1860
Michael and Maurice H. Neale erected the present store building, at 11
North Jefferson street. Further than this it would seem     enough to
say that from first to last the several managements of this business have
held an unchallenged record for commercial responsibility and honest
dealing.
Of the personal occupation and public service of Michael, Maurice
H. and William F. Neale it may be said that at first they all worked at
shoemaking, all having been craftsmen of that order in England. Gabriel had been in the service of the Great Western Railway Company
at Bristol, England. He died, in August of the same year in which he
came to Battle Creek, his death having been caused by pneumonia. He
had made good progress in scholarly preparation for educational service,
and was a young man of fine character and physical presence, as he stood
six feet in height. He was a member of the Baptist church and was
zealous in the work of its Sunday school.
Michael, from the time of father's death, had conducted the business at Yate,-from 1837 to 1841,-and continued to be the head of the
family at Chipping Sodbury, in the larger business of that place, until
May, 1848, when he started for America, his arrival in Battle Creek
having occurred in June of that year, as has already been noted. Here
he was senior partner of the business founded in 1850, and he retained
this position until his death, in August, 1894. The one exception was
his being elected justice of the peace, for the term beginning in 1885.
He was a man of sterling integrity, of social habits and gracious personality, and he was extremely attached to his home. He built his home,
at the corner of Champion and West streets, and also the residence at
157 Van Buren street west, the present family abode of George F.
Neale.
Regarding Maurice H., it should be understood that above all else
he was a natural-born musician. Music was in the very attractiveness
of his personality. He was a handsome boy of eighteen and one-half
years when he came to Battle Creek, and was as brilliant an amateur
flute-player as I have ever known. He also played on the violin and


I




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1295


violoncello, and as a little boy he was a village celebrity at Yate,-as a
performer on a piccolo, and accordion and a six-hole tin whistle. Music
was inseparable from him during his whole life. One might as well
separate a skylark from its upward flight and its song heralding of the
sunrise. With all sorts and conditions of men and women he was a great
favorite as a salesman in the shoe store, and its early success was enhanced more than a little by his influence. He was elected city treasurer in 1875-6-7, and city recorder in 1878. The latter office included
the recorder's court at that time, this tribunal having charge of enforcing the city ordinances. In later life Maurice learned to make and
repair violins, and in manufacturing the same he modeled them after a
fine Cremona instrument that came into his possession in his long continued practice of buying and selling violins. In his business he was
intelligent and deeply interested. He passed to the life eternal on the
7th of May, 1904. He married Emily M. Campbell, of Battle Creek,
on the 15th of August, 1858, and she died on the 14th of February,
1896. They owned an attractive home that stood on the site of the
present Ward fountain, on the depot grounds of the Michigan Central
Railroad.
William F. Neale, the writer of this statement, after giving up his
shoemaking, which was principally the making of men's hand-sewed
boots in the establishment founded by his brothers, assumed charge of
the telegraph office maintained in the law office of Campbell & Stewart.
this change having been made in 1852. Here he read law books, between
the calls for his service as telegraph operator, and he thus continued to
apply himself until January, 1857, when he was appointed deputy register
of deeds for Calhoun county. His new office necessitated his removal to
Marshall, but after passing about one year in the register's office he resigned his position and returned to Battle Creek, where he resumed the
study of law but not his work as a telegraph operator. In 1858-9 he
was elected clerk of the village board, and in 1860 and 1861 he was
elected city recorder, in connection with which there was no recorder's
court at that time. In 1864 he was appointed commissioner to take soldiers' votes in Arkansas. In 1867-8 he was elected supervisor of Battle
Creek. From 1869 to 1872 he served as register of deeds of the county,
with residence at Marshall. From 1877 to 1879, inclusive, he was a
member of the board of education of Battle Creek, and from 1881 to 1884
he served as county clerk. By appointment, he was deputy county clerk
from 1865 until 1902' and he was the incumbent of the. office of notary
public continuously from 1869 until 1908. From    1885 until March.
1906, he continued as junior partner in the firm of M. & W. F. Neale, in
conducting the shoe business in Battle Creek.
On the 24th of May, 1862, was solemnized the marriage of William
F. Neale to Miss Susan Barton, of Battle Creek, and the great loss and
bereavement of his life came when she was summoned to eternal rest,
on the 6th of November, 1908. In 1884 Mr. Neale erected his home residence, at 163 Van Buren street west, and in March, 1906, he sold his
interest in the shoe business to George F. Neale. Since the death of his
wife he has found a pleasant home in the family of John B. Neale and
wife, who at the present time occupy the old homestead on Van Buren
street west. Here he is waiting the solution of the great beyond, firm in
the belief that "Life is ever lord of death," and that "Love can never
lose its own."
Of the second and third generations of the Neale family of Battle
Creek I shall present a mere catalogue:
George F. married, on the 8th of June, 1893, Miss Lydia Gage, of
Barry county, Michigan and following is a brief record concerning their
Vol. II-44






1296


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


children: Bertha Louise, born May 8, 1895, and is a member of the class
of 1913 in the high school; George M. born November 4, 1896, and was
drowned March 5, 1904; William F., Jr., born January 18, 1899; Lydia
Worlock born October 5, 1900; and Charles Gage born May 11, 1902.
The three last mentioned are doing good work in the public schools, and
this family represents the lineage of Michael Neale.
John Byington Neale, son of William F., and wife was wedded, on
the 30th of December, 1891, to Miss Ida Mary Peters, of Marshall, and
they have one child, Rachel Mary, who was born May 8, 1896, and who
is a member of the class of 1914 in the Battle Creek high school. John
B. Neale is superintendent of the Gage Printing Company, of this city.
Christopher Alfred son of William F., and wife was born July 16,
1869, and died February 18, 1885, of cerebral meningitis.
Robert Michael, son of William F., and wife was born December 7,
1870, and is now a resident of Grand Haven, Michigan. He married
Miss Louise Hatch of Battle Creek, March 16, 1898. Their son Robert
Louis, born March 23, 1900, is a student in the seventh grade in the
Grand Haven public schools.
William A. Neale, son of Maurice H., and wife was born March 16,
1862, and is a printing compositor by vocation. On the 31st of July,
1895, he married Miss Nettie M. Stillson, of Battle Creek, and they have
no children.
Maurice E. Neale, second son of Maurice H., and wife was united in
marriage, on the 14th of September, 1895, to Miss Margaret Brigstock,
of Battle Creek, and their only child, Maurice B., is in his first year in
the high school.


GEORGE F. NEALE. More than sixty years ago was established in a
modest way a boot and shoe shop in a building that stood on the site of
the present modern and handsomely equipped Shoe store of George F.
Neale, at 11 Jefferson avenue, north, in the city of Battle Creek, and
the enterprise has been continuously conducted by representatives of the
Neale family since 1850. It was founded by Michael and Maurice H.
Neale, the latter of whom later sold his interest to a younger brother, William H., who is now one of the venerable citizens and pioneers of Calhoun
county and the only one of the three brothers now living. Michael
Neale was the father of him whose name initiates this review, and on
other pages of this publication are given adequate data. concerning the
family history, so that it is not necessary to repeat the same in the
present connection. No name has been more prominently and worthily
identified with mercantile and civic interests in Battle Creek for a longer
period of years than that borne by the subject of this review, and both
as a citizen and business man he has well upheld the prestige of his
patronymic, the while he has been continuously identified with a line of
enterprise that has been followed by the family for three or more generations. His establishment is one of the oldest and most popular of the
mercantile houses of the metropolis of Calhoun county, and he has fully
upheld the high reputation that has so long been enjoyed by the family
of which he is a worthy scion.
George F. Neale was born in Battle Creek on the 27th of June, 1858,
and is a son of Michael and Mary Louise (Worlock) Neale, both of whom
were born and reared in England, where their marriage was solemnized
in 1848. In the same year the young couple embarked on a sailing vessel and set forth to establish a home in America. After a weary voyage
of several weeks' duration they landed in the port of New York City,
whence they came forthwith to Battle Creek, where they passed the
residue of their lives. Michael Neale having been summoned to eternal;I i4




H1STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1297


rest in August, 1895, and his loved and devoted wife having passed
away on the 3d of December of the following year. Michael Neale was
born and reared at Sudbury, Lancastershire, England, and was a son
of Gabriel Neale, who there followed the vocation of shoemaker and under
whose effective direction each of the three sons, Michael, Maurice H. and
William F., learned the trade of boot and shoemaking in a most thorough way. The sons all came to Battle Creek in an early day and in
1850 Michael and Maurice H. opened a shoe shop on the site of the present
store of the former's son, George F., of this review. In those early days
they manufactured all of the boots and shoes handled in their shop, as
this was before machinery was invented for this purpose, but eventually
they developed their business into a general handling of boots and
shoes of regular machine manufacture, thus keeping in pace with the
march of progress. The enterprise was conducted by the founders under
the original title of Neale Brothers until the '80s, when Maurice H. sold
his interest to his brother William F. The title of the firm was then
changed to M. & W. F. Neale, and this continued until the death of
Michael Neale, in 1895, as already noted. His son, George F., then became associated in the business and this alliance continued until 1906,
when the present proprietor purchased the interest of his uncle, since
which time he has individually conducted the large and prosperous
business, the establishment being one of the veritable mercantile landmarks of Calhoun county.
Michael Neale was a man of strong individuality, fine mental powers
and impregnable integrity, so that he ever commanded unqualified confidence and esteem in the community which represented his home for
nearly half a century. He took a deep interest in all that touched the welfare of his home city, which he had aided in developing from a mere
village, and while he was never ambitious for public office he served
for a number of years as justice of the peace. He was a stalwart and
effective advocate of the principles of the Republican party.  His
only child is George F., to whom this sketch is dedicated.
George F. Neale, whose name initiates this article, is indebted to the
public schools of his native city for his early educational discipline,
and from his youth to the present time he has been identified with the
shoe business, as he began to assist in the store of his father and uncle
when he was a mere lad. It may readily be understood that he is
thoroughly familiar with all details of this line of enterprise, is a good
judge of values and is able to select stock that will satisfy his large and
appreciative trade, the reputation of the fine old establishment constituting its best commercial asset. Mr. Neale is progressive and publicspirited and is ever ready to lend his influence in the furtherance. of
measures tending to advance the best interests of his home city and
county, to which his loyalty is of the most insistent type. He is associated with his cousin, Ned Neale, in the ownership of the building in
which his store is located, the same having been erected by the original
firm of Neale Brothers, and he is also the owner of other realty in the
city, including his attractive residence property, at 157 Van Buren
street, west. Mr. Neale is a Republican in his political adherency but
has never had aught of aspiration for public office. He is not identified
with any fraternal organizations but holds membership in the Athelstan
Club.
On the 8th of June, 1893, Mr. Neale was united in marriage to Miss
Lydia Gage, daughter of Charles C. and Sarah (Van Horn) Gage. who
still reside on their fine farm, in Assyria township, Barry county, where
Mrs. Neale was reared, though she was born in Pipestone township, Cass




1298


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have four children,-Bertha
Louise, William F., Lydia Worlock, and Charles Gage. The elder daughter is a member of the class of 1913 in the Battle Creek high school.
ALBERT H. SMITH is a prominent agriculturist of Newton township, Calhoun county, and is a scion of one of the worthy German
families of that township. Hie was born January 26, 1874, the eldest
son of John J. Smith and his wife, Anna Rommel, both of whom receive
more extended mention in the sketch of the former to be found elsewhere
in this volume. Albert H. Smith was reared in his native township of
Newton and there received his education in the district schools. He
chose as his occupation that to which he had been reared, farming, and
has followed that line of endeavor to the present time. For seven years
he worked on his father's farm and for others by the month; then in
1910 he bought 130 acres. This tract lies just south of the 160 acres
on which he resides, the property of his wife's mother, Mrs. Luther
Hurd, and both farms are under his management. The usual lines of
agriculture are followed and as a specialty he gives much attention to
the raising of fine blooded sheep. He enjoys a beautiful home and prosperity has repaid his efforts, making him one of the substantial men of
his community.
On December 9, 1896, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Jennie
Hurd, a daughter of Luther Hurd, more extended mention of whom
will be found in the sketch of Jesse A. Hurd. Three children have been
born to their union: Dean R., Wilbur It. and Wilma L., aged respectively twelve, ten and six years, the eldest two of whom are now
attending school.
Mr. Smith is a stanch adherent of the tenets of the Republican
party and has been influential in public affairs of a local nature. He
is the present highway commissioner of Newton township and has also
served two years as township treasurer. Fraternally Mr. Smith affiliates as a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and is also a member of his local Grange. He is a young man of vigor and ability, aligned
with that class of citizens who stand for progress and have made Newton
township one of the most prosperous sections of the county.
JOHN J. SMITH. Since the birth of our nation German-American
citizens have entered prominently into the life of our country. As
agriculturists they have been successful everywhere and there is no
community in which the thrifty German is not a welcome citizen.
Among the prosperous farmers of that nationality in Calhoun county,
Michigan, is John J. Smith, whose property is located in Newton township and forms one of the comfortable homesteads of that section.
Mr. Smith was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, November 10, 1846,
the oldest son of Joseph and Elizabeth Schmidt, both natives of the
Fatherland who spent their entire lives in the land of their birth. The
father had passed away before his son John came to this country. A
daughter, Mrs. Mary Russ, and a son, Joseph Schmidt, also survive the
parents and are residents of Germany.
John J. Smith acquired his education in the splendid public schools
of Germany and since his residence in America has become proficient
in the use of the English language, both to read and to write it. A number of English as well as German periodicals are received at his home
regularly and by their means Mr. Smith keeps well versed in the affairs
of the day. He emigrated to this country in 1869, a young man twentythree years of age, and came directly to Calhoun county, Michigan,




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1299


locating in Newton township. Four years after his arrival he became an
independent owner of property when he bought sixty acres of his present homestead. A subsequent purchase of forty acres has been added to
the original tract and the whole Mr. Smith farms, both intensively and
extensively, progressive methods being those used in the management of
his interests. To this bestowal of thoughtful care the soil has responded
with an abundance that makes his farm one of the best in the township.
In 1873 Mr. Smith married Miss Anna Rommel, who was the youngest of the five children born to her parents, Carl and Margareta Rommel. Both parents of Mrs. Smith were natives of Germany and emigrated from that country in 1869, locating in Newton township, Calhoun county, where the father died a short time after their arrival.
Mrs. Rommel survived until 1895, when she too passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Albert H., a prominent
farmer in Newton township, whose individual sketch will be found elsewhere in this work; Jeanette, now Mrs. Henry Spooner, and John A.,
whose untimely death on his twenty-fifth birthday, July 9, 1905, bereaved his parents of a loved son and also left a widow and two children to mourn his untimely passing. The two children, thus orphaned,
are Leon B. and Elmer J. Smith, and they make their home with the
subject, who is also their grandfather.
Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican, and his religious faith is expressed by his membership in the Lutheran church.
COLONEL HIRAM F. HALE. This venerable and distinguished citizen
of Battle Creek has had a varied and interesting career, in which he has
proved his powers as a man of affairs, as a gallant soldier and military
officer, and as a citizen of the highest loyalty and public spirit. For
nearly a decade past he has maintained his home in the Post Tavern,
in Battle Creek. Colonel Hale is a scion of a family whose name has
been linked with the annals of American history since the early colonial
era and the original American ancestor came from England to establish a home in New England, that cradle of so much of our national
history.
Colonel Hiram Fillniore Hale was born at Lockport, Niagara county,
New York, on the 23d of December, 1833, and is a son of Hiram and
Lucretia (Johnson) Hale. The mother was a sister of Franklin Johnson, who was one of the early presidents of the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company. Hiram Hale was engaged in the buying and shipping of wheat during the earlier part of his active business career, and
later he became general agent for a leading life insurance company.
I-e became established in Michigan and passed the closing period of his
life in Battle Creek, where he died when about sixty years of age,
secure in the high regard of all who knew him. His widow survived
him a number of years -and was a resident of Colorado at the time her
death occurred, when she had reached the venerable age of eighty-three
years. She was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, as was
her husband. Of their family of sons and daughters, Colonel Hale is
now the only surviving member.
In his native city Colonel Hale received excellent educational advantages, as gauged by the standard of the locality and period. It is impossible to enter into full details concerning his long and active career
in connection with activities of broad scope and importance. He came
to Michigan prior to the inception of the Civil war and promptly tendered his services in defense of the Union. He enlisted in the Sixth
Michigan Cavalry and was made major of this gallant command, with




1300


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


which he participated in many important engagements marking the
progress of this great conflict through which the integrity of the nation
was preserved. He also served for a time as commander of Company A.,
Merrill's Horse Guard, one of the finest cavalry regiments in the United
States army. He resigned his command and thereafter served as paymaster of the United States army, with which he was connected for
about five years. Receiving the brevet title of colonel, the honored subject of this review made a splendid record of service to the Union
army, and has ever maintained a deep interest in his comrades in arms,
as signified by his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic.
He is also an appreciative member of the Michigan Commandery of
the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the headquarters of the commandery being in the city of Detroit. The only
other citizen of Battle Creek who holds membership in this noble organization is Dr. A. W. Alvord.
Colonel Hale has been concerned with no small amount of railway
promotion and construction, largely in the west, and he was vice-president of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad at the time of the building of its original lines. He was numbered among the pioneers in
exploiting the gold-mining industry in the Black Hills of South Dakota,
and was very successful in his operations.  His constructive and administrative ability has been brought to bear in divers other lines of
enterprise but for the past twenty years he has lived a virtually retired life. He passes the winter season in the south, customarily at
Biloxi, Mississippi, and during the remainder of the year maintains his
home at the Post Tavern, as previously noted. In politics the Colonel
has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, and he has
been an effective exponent of its principles and policies. He has been
affiliated with the Masonic fraternity from the time of attaining his
legal majority. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
in the lodge at Weedsport, Cayuga county, New York, and became master
of the same in the following year. IHe is also identified with the capitular
order of Masonry, but his further progress in the fraternity was interrupted at the time of the Civil war, never to be resumed. He is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church and still holds membership in the church of this denomination at Junction City, Kansas, where
he at one time maintained his home for a number of years. In Battle
Creek, he is a member of that representative social organization, the
Athelstan Club.
Colonel Hale has been married three times, first to Miss Josephine
Colvin, who died at Lockport, New York. There are no surviving
children of his first marriage. Those of the second marriage are: Hiram
S., who is a resident of Denver, Colorado; William T., who resides at
Hancock, Michigan; Harry S., who maintains his home in Denver,
Colorado, and Annie, the wife of Frederick H. Plummer, of Beatrice, Nebraska. Colonel Hale next married Mrs. Helen (Nichols) Caldwell of
Battle Creek. She was the widow of J. M. Caldwell and a daughter of
the late John Nichols, one of the founders of the great threshing-machine manufactory still conducted under the title of Nichols & Shepard,
in Battle Creek..No children were born to this union, and Mrs. Hale
passed away on the 8th of December, 1903, her memory being revered
by all who came within the sphere of her gracious influence in the
city that was so long her home and in which her interests were centered.
DAVID YOXHEIMER. For nearly half a century was David Yoxheimer
numbered among the representative citizens of Clarence township, and
he was one of the most venerable pioneers of Calhoun county at the




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1301


time of his death, which occurred on the 18th of September, 1911, at
which time he was ninety-four years of age. He established his home
in Clarence township in 1863, and became one of the representative
farmers of that part of the county, and contributed in generous measure to its civic and industrial development and progress. His character
and services were such as to render most consonant the offering of a
tribute to his memory and a brief review of his career, the while his
name merits enduring place on the roster of the sterling pioneers who
aided in the development and upbuilding of Calhoun county.
David Yoxheimer was born at Bethlehem, Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, on the 11th of August, 1817, and was a sAion of one of
the stanch old families, of German lineage, that was founded in that
state in an early day. He was a son of George and Hester Yoxheimer,
who continued to reside in the old Keystone state until the second decade
of the nineteenth century, when they removed to Ohio and numbered
themselves among the pioneer settlers of Mahoning county, where they
passed the residue of their lives and where the father reclaimed from
the wilderness a productive farm.
He to whom this memoir is dedicated was a mere boy at the time of the
family immigration to Ohio and in Mahoning county he was reared to
manhood under the conditions and influences of the early pioneer epoch
in the history of the old Buckeye state. There he gained practical experience that proved of great value to him in the ordering of his affairs
in later years, as he repeated much of this experience in grappling with
the forces of nature after he had become a pioneer in the comparative
wilds of Calhoun county, Michigan.
In Mahoning county, Ohio, on the 17th of December, 1842, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Yoxheimer to Miss Harriet Towns, who
likewise was a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of
that section of the state. Within a comparatively short period after
his marriage Mr. Yoxheimer removed to Stark county, Ohio, where he
became a successful farmer and where he continued to reside until the
autumn of 1863, when he disposed of his property in that county and
came to Calhoun county, Michigan. He purchased a tract of land in
Clarence township, a portion of the same having been reclaimed from
the forest, but the major part having been still covered with the native
timber. With the passing years the concrete evidences of his energy and
industry were shown in the reclaiming and developing of the wooded
portion of his farm, and his progressiveness and good judgment enabled
him to make the old homestead one of the fine farms of Calhoun county.
He and his gracious wife endured the vicissitudes and hardships incidental to pioneer life, but their home was one of contentment and
happiness.
Mr. and Mrs. Yoxheimer ordered their lives in accord with the
highest principles of integrity and honor, strove to do good unto all
men and were kindly and sympathetic in their association with others.
They were held in unqualified esteem and affectionate regard in the
community that represented their home for nearly a half century, and
after long years of loving companionship they were not long to be separated in death. Mrs. Yoxheimer was summoned to the life eternal on the
6th of November, 1900, and her husband, venerable in years and
weighed down with the sorrow begotten of the severed ties, followed
her to the "land of the leal" on the 18th of September of the following year.
Mr. Yoxheimer was a man of splendid vitality and he continued in
active supervision of his farm long after the time when the average man
of such advanced age would have been found retired. For forty-eight




C


1302


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


years he resided on the old homestead and there his death occurred,
the place having been endeared to him and his cherished wife through
the gracious memories and associations of many years. He was ever
ready to adopt improved methods and accessories in connection with
the work of his farm, and it may well be noted that he had the distinction of being the first to bring a threshing machine into Clarence
township. This equipment he operated profitably for a number of
years. Though he never manifested any desire for the honors of public
office, Mr. Yoxheimer gave his influence and co-operation in support of
those measures and enterprises that were projected for the general good
of the community, and well informed concerning the questions and issues of the day, he accorded unswerving allegiance to the Democratic
party. During the years after the most of the children had departed
from the old home it was their custom to assemble each year at the homestead on the occasion of their father's birthday anniversary and to pay
honor to him and the devoted mother with all of filial solicitude. In
their declining years Mr. and Mrs. Yoxheimer were cared for with the
utmost devotion and sympathy by Mr. and Mrs. William L. King,-their
daughter and her husband,-who provided for them every comfort and
attention that love and sympathy could suggest. The two families lived
together for more than twenty years, in the closest ties of affection and
mutual interest, and the home relations were in every respect ideal.
The remains of Mr. and Mrs. Yoxheimer rest in the family lot in the
cemetery at Springport, Jackson county, not far distant from their
old homestead, and after years of earnest and useful endeavor they
"rest from their labors," the while the record of their lives offers both
lesson and inspiration. They became the parents of nine children, concerning whom brief data are entered in conclusion of this memoir: Harmon is a resident of Springport. Jackson county, as is also Rachael, who
is the wife of M\orton Austin; Hester resides on the old homestead, in
Clarence township, and is the widow of William L. King, to whom a
specific memoir is dedicated on other pages of this volume; Milo and
Orville maintain their home in Brookfield, Eaton county, as does also
Retta, who is the wife of Frank E. Dewey; Ella resides in Jackson, this
state; Mary Jane is the wife of William Bell, of Marion, Iowa; and
Clara is the wife of Daniel Annis, of Kansas City, Missouri. Fourteen
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren are now numbered among the
descendants of David Yoxheimer.


WILLIAM LEONARD KING was born at Bloomfield, Seneca county, Ohio,
on the 14th of February, 1844, and his death occurred at his home, in
Clarence township, Calhoun county, Michigan, on the 4th of September,
1910. He was a son of Ignatius S. and Susan (Brown) King, who were
representative of the pioneer element in the Buckeye state and who
became pioneers of Eaton county, Michigan, where they established their
home, in Eaton township, in 1853. The father reclaimed a farm from
the forest wilds and became a citizen of influence in the community in
which he lived and labored to goodly ends, both he and his wife continuing to reside on their old homestead until they were summoned to
the "undiscovered country from which bourne no traveler returns."
William L. King was a lad of nine years at the time of the family removal to Eaton county, Michigan, and there he was reared to manhood
under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the pioneer farm, the
while he duly availed himself of the advantages of the common schools
of the locality and period. In after years he never wavered in his allegiance to the great basic industry of agriculture and through its
medium he achieved success worthy of the same.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1303


In his home county, on the 4th of July, 1866, was solemnized the
marriage of Mr. King to Miss Mercy Elizabeth Foster and she was summoned to eternal rest on the 15th of March, 1873, and the only child of
this union is Charles H. King, of Chicago, Illinois. On the 18th of
February, 1875, Mr. King contracted a second marriage, by his union
with Miss Hester Yoxheimer, daughter of the late David Yoxheimer, of
Clarence township, Calhoun county, to whom a special memoir is dedicated on others pages of this work. Mrs. King survives her honored
husband and still resides on the old homestead, in Clarence township.
Mr. King continued to be actively identified with agricultural pursuits
in Eaton county until 1878, when he removed to the old homestead of
his wife's parents, in Clarence township, Calhoun county, of which he
purchased a part of, and where he continued to carry forward his energetic and successful enterprise as a farmer and stock-grower until
the close of his long and useful life. Two children were born to the
second marriage,-Zoe, who is now the wife of Dr. George R. Pray, a
representative physician and surgeon in the city of Jackson; and Harry
M., who resides upon and owns a part of the old homestead farm, in
Clarence township.
Mr. King was a man of broad views and well fortified opinions, and
he was intrinsically reserved and unassuming in all the relations of life.
He was generous and tolerant in his judgment of his fellow men, and
this attitude forefended objective enmities, with the result that there is
all of consistency in saying that he did not have an enemy in the world.
His political support was given without reservation to the cause of the
Democratic party and he was liberal and public-spirited as a citizen.
He served several times as treasurer of Clarence township and was
otherwise given marks of popular confidence and esteem. He was affiliated with Springport Lodge, No. 131, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, in the neighboring village of Springport, Jackson county, and
his funeral services were held under the auspices of this lodge, interment being made in the Springport cemetery.
Mrs. King, as already stated, resides on the old homestead, which is
hallowed to her by many gracious memories and association, since the
same has been her place of abode during practically her entire life.
EDWIN H. LUFF. It is due to the efforts of the energetic, progressive and intelligent farmers that agricultural conditions in Calhoun
county are now in such a healthy condition. Intelligent working of the
soil, recognition of the value of crop rotation, and the use of modern
machinery, have improved conditions wonderfully during the past several decades, and one who is assisting in the advancement of the county's
agricultural interests is Edwin H. Luff. Mr. Luff may lay claim to the
distinction of being a native born citizen of Calhoun county, his birth
having occurred January 10, 1874, and is a son of Henry O. and Parmelia J. (Lewis) Luff.
Samuel Luff, the grandfather of Edwin H., was born in England,
from whence he brought his family to the United States in 1830, settling
in Vermont for ten years, and then coming to Michigan and settling in
Marengo township, living there for five years, then moved to Lee township. Here Samuel Luff purchased the farm now occupied by Edwin
H. Luff, and when he died, his son, Henry O. Luff, who was born in
England in 1826, inherited the property. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits, throughout his life, and at the time of his death, in 1908,
was the owner of sixty acres of good land. He was a Republican in politics, but did not care to enter public life, his private enterprises satisfying his ambitions. He and his wife, who passed away December 25,






1304


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1896, were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the parents
of nine children, of whom Edwin H. was the sixth in order of birth,
while only one other child resides in Calhoun county, namely: Laura,
who married Raleigh Comstock.
Edwin H. Luff was educated in the district schools of his nativity,
and as a youth assisted his father in the work of the home farm. He
continued to reside on the old homestead, which he has owned since the
death of his father, and now has 146 acres, under a high state of
cultivation. He has erected a new home, substantial barn and appropriate outbuildings, and has devoted his attention to general farming
and the raising of live stock. Mr. Luff, like his father, is a Republican in
politics, and at the present time is serving acceptably as justice of the
peace of Lee township. He and Mrs. Luff are consistent members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they have been
active.
In 1896 Mr. Luff was united in marriage with Miss Anna B. Orrison,
the estimable daughter of John Orrison. Her father, a native of the
Buckeye' state, moved from there to Calhoun county during the early
sixties, but at this time is a resident of Jackson county, where he follows farming. At the outbreak of the Civil war he went back and enlisted in an Ohio regiment, and served gallantly for three years. Mr.
and Mrs. Luff have two interesting children: Marion, who is attending
school; and Henry, eight years old, also a student. Mr. Luff has been
an energetic and industrious worker since the time he left school, and
his energies have been expended in such a way as to benefit the interests
of his community. He has a wide acquaintance in Marengo and Lee
townships, enjoying the friendship of many of this section's best people.


WILLIAM R. VESTER has been actively identified with the mercantile
interests of Calhoun county since 1903, which year marked his establishment in that line of enterprise in Level Park, and here he has since
built up a thriving trade. A native son of Michigan, he was born May
8, 1869, in Barry county, and is a son of Rufus W. and Lucinda (Lydy)
Vester, the former of whom was a native of Monroe county, Michigan,
while the latter was born in Ohio. During the Civil war Rufus W.
Vester served two years in Company E, Michigan Light Artillery, and
after receiving an honorable discharge from the army at the expiration of that time, he turned his face toward Michigan again and thereafter gave his attention to agriculture, being for many fruitful years
engaged in tilling the soil in Barry county. He has in recent years
sold his farm and divided the accumulation of years among his children,
retaining only what he actually required for his immediate needs, his
present home being at Covert, Michigan.
Educated in Michigan, William R. Vester was graduated from the
Ypsilanti Normal School with the class of 1896, and during his student
days he supplied his more pressing needs by teaching school in Barry
county during alternate seasons. For six years after his graduation
he held a position in Battle Creek as proof reader on the Review Herald,
and in 1903 he came to Level Park, where he established himself in the
mercantile business. He put in a fine and comprehensive stock of general
merchandise, and in the management of that business has since been particularly successful, although without experience in the mercantile line
previous to his launching of this enterprise. He has drawn to himself
a pleasing patronage and the demands of his business are such that his
entire time and attention are required for the proper conduct of its
various details. In the early years of his residence here, however, prior
to that stage in the business when it made such heavy draughts upon his






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1305


energies, Mr. Vester taught school for three years in the vicinity of Level
Park. H-le is one of the leading and influential citizens of the community which represents his home and the center of his commercial activities, and has borne his full share of the civic burden since his establishment here. He is a Democrat, and with his wife, is a member of the
church of the Seventh-day Adventists.
In 1895 Mr. Vester was married to Miss Clara Fleming, a daughter
of Thomas Fleming, who was for many years a prosperous farmer in
Barry county, where he made his home until his death, which occurred
in 1902. He was a leading member of the Democratic party organization of his community and was ever an ardent advocate of the doctrine
of Free Silver. Mr. and Mrs. Vester have two children;-William F.,
iow a student in the Battle Creek high school, and Lucile M. attending
school in Level Park.
HAMMOND J. COLEMAN has for years been known for one of the most
extensive dealers in wool, grain, coal and pelts in Marshall, where he
has made his home for the best part of his life. He was born in 1855, in
Calhoun county, and is the son of Lincoln and Parmley (Bethel) Coleman. The father was born in 1825, and died in 1912, in the eightyseventh year of his life. He was a native son of England who emigrated
to America in young manhood, settling in Kalamazoo county, and later
moving into Calhoun county, where he settled permanently and there
passed the remainder of his life. He was the owner of a good farm,
well stocked and equipped, and he did considerable in the way of sheepraising. He was prosperous and was regarded as one of the enterprising
and representative men of his neighborhood.
Hammond J. Coleman was born on his father's Calhoun county farm
and as a boy attended first the district schools, and later the high school
at Marshall, their near-by town. Upon leaving school he turned his attention to stock-dealing, even in that early day his young mind recognizing the splendid possibilities that business offered. He carried on that
industry in connection with his farming of a general nature, and in 1882
he formed a partnership with his brother, George W., under the firm
name of Coleman Brothers, and engaged in the sale of groceries. Their
place of business was centrally located in Marshall, and they soon had
built up a thriving business in their line. They continued to be thus
associated until 1904 when Mr. Coleman purchased the interest of his
brother. George W., and thereafter conducted the establishment on his
own responsibility. Mr. Coleman, as might be expected. is well known
to the farming interests of Calhoun county, practically every farmer in
the county having done more or less business with him in the years that
he has been identified with his present line. which since 1888 has been
represented by wool, hides, coal, grain and seeds, that year making the
change in his business from a straight grocery establishment to one of its
present character.
Mr. Coleman has been prominent in the public life of Marshall, and
has sustained his full share in the civic burden with the passing years.
He has served as alderman of the second ward, and in 1892 was elected
mayor of the city, serving two terms in that capacity, and discharging
the duties of his high office in a manner most creditable to himself and
the city.
In 1882 Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Belle Cameron of Marshall,
and one daughter has been born to them,-Bethel J., now in school at
St. Thomas.
The family home is maintained at No. 308 North Division street,
where they have a fine and commodious residence. Mr. Coleman's fra



1306


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ternal relations are represented by his membership in the A. F. & A. M.,
Lodge No. 20.
CASH L. TUCKER. It is a very encouraging fact that among Calhoun
county's enterprising and progressive citizens are numbered many men
who are in the very prime of vigorous manhood, for it is to this class
that the county looks for its development. Especially is this so among
the agriculturists, and in every section are found men who have already
made a success of their enterprises, and who bid fair to make their communities into the garden spots of the state. In this class stands Cash
L. Tucker, one of the skilled agriculturists of Lee township. whose welltilled fields testify to his ability and enterprise. Mr. Tucker is a native
Michigander, his birth having occurred October 27, 1865, in Lansing,
Clinton county, and his parents being Samuel and Eliza Jane (Thomkins) Tucker, natives of New York, where the former was born in 1834
and the latter in 1840. His father died in 1912, but the mother still
survives, making her home at De Witt, Clinton county. They had a
family of four children. as follows: Frank, who is deceased: Cash L.;
Earl, residing in De Witt; and Fred, residing on the old homestead.
Mr. Tucker's father came to Michigan during the same year that
Cash L. Tucker was born. in 1865, and located in Clinton county, where
he spent the remainder of his life in farming. He owned 212 acres of
good land, and devoted a great deal of his time to sheep-raising, with
which he was identified for upwards of a quarter of a century. He belonged to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Knights Templar of Masonry,
and was a Republican in his political views, while his wife was an active
member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Cash L. Tucker secured a good common school education, attending
the institutions in DeWitt, and was reared to the occupation of an agriculturist. He continued to reside on the old home farm, assisting his
father until 1912, during which year he came to Calhoun county and
purchased 100 acres of good land in Lee township. This he has put in
an excellent state of cultivation, and on it has erected a comfortable
modern residence and substantial barns and out-buildings, the general
appearance of the property being such as to reflect credit upon its owner.
He is interested in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his community, and at all times is ready to lend his aid and influence in behalf
of movements tending to the general good. Like his father, Mr. Tucker
is a Republican, but he has never had the time nor the inclination to
engage actively in political work, although he has taken a good citizen's
interest in the leading questions and movements of the day.
In 1886 Mr. Tucker was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla Smith,
the estimable daughter of Samuel Smith, formerly a well-known agriculturist of DeWitt, but now deceased. One child has been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker: Ethel, residing at home. who graduated from the
institution at Springport with the class of 1912. The members of the
Tucker family are well known in church and social circles, and have
many friends throughout Lee township.
AMOS M. JOHNSON. An able and representative agriculturist, who
has done much to advance progress and conserve prosperity in LeRoy
township, Calhoun county. Michigan, is Amos M. Johnson, who owns
and operates a finely improved estate of one hundred acres. Mr. Johnson is an energetic young man and one who is bound to succeed in a
business way.
Amos Morgan Johnson was born in Newton township, Calhoun county,
Michigan, the date of his nativity being the 29th of December, 1887.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1307


He is a son of Amos Gilbert and Lucy Belle (Morgan) Johnson, both of
whom were born in Calhoun county, the former a son of Thomas Jefferson and the latter a daughter of B. F. Morgan. A sketch of the Morgan
family appears elsewhere in this work.  The father was engaged in
farming operations during the entire period of his active career and
since his retirement in 1911, he has resided with his family, in the city
of Battle Creek. He and his wife are the parents of four children,
whose names are here entered in the respective order of their birth,Amos M., of this review, Zilpha, Carrie and Florence. In politics Amos
G. Johnson is an uncompromising supporter of the principles promulgated by the Republican party and in a fraternal way he is affiliated
with the MAodern Woodmen of America. He has been the incumbent of
a number of important school offices and has proved himself an efficient
servant of the public interests in those capacities. He is a man of high
ideals and his innate kindliness of spirit has won friends for him in
every walk of life.
The Johnson family removed from Newton township to LeRoy township, Calhoun county, in 1892, at which time the subject of this review
was a child of five years. He was educated in the district schools of
LeRoy township and later pursued a commercial course in the Michigan
Business & Normal College. As a young man he worked in a store at
Sonoma, Michigan, for four years, at the end of which time he returned
to the home farm, where he remained for the ensuing five months. He
was employed as clerk in a feed store in Battle Creek for a few months
and after his marriage in 1909, he worked with his father-in-law on
the Sprague farm until August, 1911, when he assumed charge of the old
Johnson homestead, on which he has since resided. This farm is one of
the most attractive on the road, and comprises one hundred acres of the
most arable land. In addition to diversified agriculture Mr. Johnson
devotes considerable attention to the breeding of high-grade Holstein
cattle. He also breeds Berkshire hogs to some extent.
January 4, 1909, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Eda
Sprague, a daughter of Thomas Sprague, mentioned elsewhere in a
separate article in this work. Two children has been born to them,Aileen and Donald. In politics Mr. Johnson gives his support to the
Republican party and in religious matters, he and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Johnson is also a member of
the Gleaners.
BERTIRAM BARKER STEVENS. A career of successful business achievement and public-spirited citizenship has brought Mr. Stevens to a leading place of influence in the city of Battle Creek. Coming to this city
in 1886 at the age of eighteen, he learned the plumbing trade of John O.
Galloup, the plumber, heating and mill supply dealer. He was in that
employ for eighteen years, and then established an independent business.
Mr. Stevens is the largest contractor for plumbing and heating in
Battle Creek and has few competitors for the big contracts in all this
section of the state. By solid ability and a thorough experience he has
built up a business of first rank. When, a few years ago, he took the
contract for placing the plumbing and heating in the Grand Trunk car
shops at Battle Creek, his bid for the work being forty-three thousand
dollars, he succeeded in getting the largest single contract ever let in
this part of Michigan. As a business record, some of his other contracts
should be mentioned. He did the work in this line for both the old and
the new high school buildings in Battle Creek, and the plumbing contract for the Marquette Motor Company at Saginaw, both the plumbing




1308


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


and heating contract for the court house at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, besides many others in both public and private buildings, but those mentioned indicate the wide range of his business. He puts much energy
and good judgment into his business, and for that reason he has advanced far beyond the ranks of the local tradesman.
Bertram Barker Stevens was born in Cass county, Michigan, November 17, 1868, a son of Clinton and Candace (Rudd) Stevens, both
of whom were natives of New York. The father was a railroad man
until the great strike of 1894. In 1895 he located on a farm of three
hundred and sixty acres which he owns in Dakota, and has been one of
the prosperous farmers of the northwest. Before going west he had been
a resident of Battle Creek for over twenty years. For a long time he
served as one of the popular conductors on the Chicago & Grand Trunk
railway. His wife and the mother of the family died in 1908 at the
Nichols Hospital in this city, and is buried here. And the five children,
three daughters and two sons, are living, namely: Blanche, now Mrs.
Blanchard, of Dakota; Bertram B.; Mrs. Nellie Parmelee, of Jackson,
Michigan; Jay R., who learned his trade with Bertram B. and is now a
plumber in New York City; and the youngest, who lives with her sister
in Dakota. All the children were born in Cass county except the youngest
who was born at Kent, Ohio.
Mr. Stevens received his education at Battle Creek and at Elkhart,
Indiana, being a graduate of the high school in the latter city'with the
class of 1886, following which he began his business career. In addition
to the business already described, he is vice president of the Gartner
Baking Company and a director of the Battle Creek Brewing Company.
In politics he is a Republican, and is affiliated with the Battle Creek
Lodge No. 12, A. F. & A. M., the Knights Templar, and the Knights of
Pythias, Elks and Eagles. As a substantial business man he gives his
support to the movements for the general improvement of the city, and
has a large circle of warm friends. His best affections are for his home
and family, and when away from business he is usually found at his
attractive residence at 148 Lathrop avenue.
Mr. Stevens was married to Miss Maude Higgins, of Cass county,
Michigan, where she was born and reared. Her mother is dead, and her
father, Benjamin Higgins, now lives in Salem, Oregon, where he is a
grocer. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are the parents of three children, Hazel,
John W. and Bertram B., all natives of Battle Creek. The daughter, who
is a very accomplished young woman, was graduated from the high
school, and is also a graduate of the Battle Creek Conservatory under
Professor Edwin Barnes. John W. will graduate from the high school in
1912, and the other son is also still a student.


AUGUST KAPP. The enterprise and enthusiasm of the born merchant have been the elements in the success of August Kapp, now at the
head of the Kapp Clothing Company of Battle Creek. The Big Store
for clothes, hats and men's furnishings, at the corner of Main street
East and Jefferson avenue South, is an establishment that has been
created out of nearly a quarter of a century's individual energy and
reliable business policy. Obvious though this is as an illustration of
success, it does not tell the whole story. The difficulties overcome in attaining all this are a greater tribute to this merchant's character than
the actual figures that might represent his resources and standing in
business circles.
August Kapp was born in southwestern Germany, on the Rhine river,
June 2, 1865. His father, Moses Kapp, who was a farmer and cattle






HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1309


raiser during his active life, now lives retired at the old home where
this son was born, and is now past eighty years of age. The mother
died there in 1906. Five boys and three girls made up the family, the
youngest son dying in infancy, but all the rest are living. Of the
three sons who came to America, Jacob has recently sold out his general merchandise business at Three Rivers, this state, and Henry F.,
who is a traveling salesman for a clothing house, is also interested with
his brother in the business at Battle Creek.
During his boyhood August Kapp received some education in the
German schools. He was fourteen years old, when, in 1879, he landed
at New York City. He was a green immigrant, anQ his experiences during the first few months in American environment he can now regard
with humor, but at the time they were tragic. Unable to speak the English language, the boy was at still further disadvantage. A stranger
whom he met borrowed the thirteen dollars which was his capital for
beginning life in the new world. Needless to say, the borrower still
owes the money with interest. This was only one of the experiences he
had, and as he regarded it later he could see that he had been taken advantage of at nearly every turn up to the time he acquired the use of
English. Night study enabled him to overcome the master difficulties
of language, and he was then better fitted for his new career.
Rochester, New York, was where he learned the clothing business,
and he spent three years in that city, during part of which time he attended night school at the Rogers & Williams Business College. At the
age of sixteen, two years after getting off the boat at New York, he was
one of the highest salaried clothing men in Rochester. His employers
then sent him to manage their store at Canandaigua, where the former
manager had proved unsatisfactory. From there he went to Elmira,
where the same parties opened a store and Mr. Kapp opened and managed the store for them for three and a half years. The Elmira firm in
1888 engaged him to manage their business at Battle Creek, which
transferred him to the city which has since proved his permanent home.
After a year or so he acquired an interest in the business, which was
for several years known as the Frohlich & Kapp store. Buying out his
partner in 1894, Mr. Kapp conducted the business under his individual
name until 1908, when it became the Kapp Clothing Company. He is
owner of two-thirds of the stock, the rest belonging to his brother previously mentioned. At the reorganization of the business in 1908, Mr.
Kapp planned a stock company in which all his old employes should
have an interest in the business. This excellent purpose was defeated
through the selfish disposition of one of the lessors of the building.
Mr. Kapp has been very successful in material affairs. Real estate
has received considerable attention from him, and he is the owner of
the four-story brick Kapp block, 24-26 Main street west, which he erected
in 1905, and which is now occupied by one of the S. H. Knox & Company 5 and 10 cent stores. He owns another block at 6-8 East Main,
besides other city property.
In politics Mr. Kapp is an independent voter, his ballot going to the
men he considers best qualified. He is a thirty-second degree Mason,
affiliating with the Battle Creek Lodge No. 12 and other local bodies,
and is a member of the Moslem Shrine at Detroit. His membership is
also in the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 29, and he belongs to the Athelstan
Club. Mr. Kapp married, January 30, 1894, Miss Minetta Van Praagh.
She is a native of this city and received her education here. They are
the parents of two children, Josephine and Elsa. Their home is at 8
College avenue.






1310


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


EVERETT G. KNAPP has passed most of his life thus far in the state of
his birth, and will in all probability make Michigan his home for the
remainder of his days. He was born in Lenawee county, this state, on
the 27th day of August, 1839, and is a son of Joel F. and Electa (Blake-.
ly) Knapp, both of whom were born in the state of Massachusetts and
were married at Clyde in the state of New York. They came to Michigan
in 1837, locating in Lenawee county, and there both continued to reside
throughout the remainder of their active careers. Mr. Knapp passed
away on December 15, 1849, while -his wife was called home three years
previous, her death occuring on April 11, 1846. Mr. Knapp had been
engaged in Mercantile putrsuits in York.state, but in Michigan he turned
his attention to farming, and was thus engaged for the remainder of his
days. He was a staunch Whig and a leader in its local ranks in Lenawee
county, which he served for thirteen years as supervisor of Woodstock
township. He was a thoroughly conscientious man and was esteemed
and honored of all who knew him. Five children were born to the Knapp
home, of which number but two are yet living: Everett G. of this review,
and George, who is a resident of Presque Isle county, Michigan.
Everett G. Knapp was reared on a farm and early became accustomed to the strenuous work involved in that business. When he was
seven years old the death of his mother brought about his removal to the
home of Leonard Humphrey, and they remained his parents and guardians until he reached man's estate. Of Leonard Humphrey and his good
wife a more detailed sketch will be found elsewhere in this work, so that
further comment upon them is not deemed necessary at this point. Suffice it to say that their adopted son fared more fortunately than many an
orphaned child, for while he needed the care and guidance of earthly
parents he never knew the lack, and those worthy people in their declining years knew no home other than that of their foster son, who with
his wife, felt it a privilege to care for them with all tenderness and
devotion in the latter years of their life. Leonard Humphrey died in
1899 and his widow survived him for seven years, being eighty-four
years of age at the time of her demise.
Everett Knapp received a common school education and in addition
to becoming familiar with all details of farm work, he learned the tinner's trade, and for a number of years he devoted himself to that work.
Early in life, however, he taught in the district schools of Champaign
county, Illinois, meeting with excellent success in his labors in that
respect. He in later years turned his attention to farming, and for
twenty-seven years has been the owner and operator of the old Humphrey
place in Concord, Jackson county. It comprises one hundred acres of
land practically all of which is under an excellent state of cultivation,
while the buildings are of a substantial character, most speaking evidence of the thrift and prosperity of the owner.
Mr. Knapp has taken an active and helpful interest in public affairs
of a local nature. Serving as justice of the peace for sixteen years.
Politically, he is a sturdy Republican, and is a man well informed upon
issues of public concern. For a few years Mr. Knapp was a resident of
the state of Illinois, and Nebraska, and in Champaign county of the
former state he served in the office of township assessor. From that
state as a young man he went forth as a loyal defender of the Union, enlisting in 1861 as an orderly sergeant in Company I, Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he continued in active service for
three years and one month, participating in all the engagements in which
his regiment acted, save the battle of Stone river. He was severely
wounded in the battle of Missionary Ridge and confined to hospital for
some time. On December 27, 1861, he was promoted at Raleigh, Mis



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1311


souri, to a second lieutenancy. On December 29, 1862, he was made a
first lieutenant at Nashville, Tennessee, and he was promoted to a captaincy in his company on May 24, 1864, while under General Sherman
at the siege of Atlanta. He received an honorable discharge at Springfield, on September 5, 1864, after a long and honorable record, and returned to Michigan soon thereafter. Mr. Knapp is a member of Albion
Post No. 220 of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is the recipient of
a pension from the government. He was made a Mason at Mahomet
Illinois, in December, 1864, and is now a member of Murat Lodge No.
14, of Albion, Mich.
On April 7, 1869, at Mahomet, Champaign county, Illinois, Mr.
Knapp was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Clark, who was born
in Clark county, Ohio, on July 30, 1850. She was a daughter of John
F. and Rebecca M. (Bireley) Clark, who were pioneers of the state of
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have one daughter,-Maud E., who is now
the wife of Jesse S. Brigham, of Concord, Jackson county. Mrs. Brigham was a successful teacher in Jackson county for a number of years
previous to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are members of the Presbyterian church at Albion, and have ever been active and prominent in
the good works of that organization.
In February, 1910, Mr. Knapp rented his farm and purchased a
lhome in Albion at 906 Perry street, where he now resides.
LEONARD HUMPIREY. The late Leonard Humphrey was born in
Wayne county, New York, on July 10, 1814, and was the son of Ida
and Abigail (Field) Humphrey, the former being a native of Vermont
and of Scotch ancestry, born in 1777. The mother was a native of Massachusetts of English ancestry, and born in 1789. In 1835 he, in company with his father, came to this section of the state and in Jackson
county bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Section 3 and 4,
Concord township. They returned to New York in the autumn, and the
following spring, 1836, moved upon the place, where he resided up to
the day of his death, on February 11, 1899. Leonard Humphrey was
married on January 1, 1840, to Anna C. Humeston, the daughter of
James and Lydia (Knapp) Humeston. He held the office of notary
public for two terms, was superintendent of the Sunday-school over
forty years, and was a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he was ever a Republican. For more than half a century the name
of Leonard Humphrey was identified with the community of Albion,
and when he died he was in the eighty-fifth year of his life. His widow
survived him until 1906, and her passing was a loss to the community
equal to that of her loved husband. She was born at Clyde, New York,
in 1822, and came to Michigan in 1837. She united in early life with
the Presbyterian church at Concord, later becoming a member of the
Albion church, and more than thirty years prior to her demise she became a member of the Parma Presbyterian church, of which she was a
member at the time of her death. She had no children, but gave a true
mother's love to other children who were reared in their home. One
of the children to whom she and her husband gave the love and devotion
of parents was Everett G. Knapp, who became a member of their home
when he was seven years of age, and who in turn gave them the most
filial love and care in the declining years of their life.
Mrs. Humphrey was a woman gifted with more than ordinary faculties, and was a splendid scholar. The last twenty years of her life she
kept a diary, which was a most interesting book, as well as a source of
much pleasure to her. Her rare mind retained its alertness to the last,
although her body was greatly wasted by years of illness.
Vol. II-4 5




1312


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


FREDERIC SAMUEL GOODRICH, professor of Greek in Albion College
since 1892 and at present alumni professor of the English Bible, is one
of the most widely known men in college circles in the state of Michigan.
Dr. Goodrich was born on September 9, 1865, in Waterbury, Connecticut, and is the son of Augustus Ives and Helen Isabel (Corbett) Goodrich, both natives of the old Nutmeg state. The Goodrich family is one
of the oldest in the history of this country, the first representative of
the name to locate in America being William Goodrich, who came from
England. The first entry on the official records of Connecticut concerning him is that of his marriage to Sarah Marvin in 1648. William
Goodrich was deputy from Wethersfield in General Court held in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 15, 1662, and was an ensign in the train band
of Wethersfield, and is so spoken of in the Colonial records of Connecticut just following the close of King Philip's war. He died in 1676. His
wife, Sarah, was the daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Marvin, also of
Hartford, Connecticut.
The son of these parents, Ephraim, was born June 2, 1663, and died
in 1739. He married Sarah Treat, the daughter of Major Richard and
Sarah (Coleman) Treat, in 1684, and they made their home in Rocky
Hill, Connecticut. Their son, Thomas, was born September 27, 1701.
He married Hannah Reynolds, the daughter of John Reynolds, and their
son, Peter, born June 7, 1720, married Bathsheba Miller, on January
1, 1758. Luther Goodrich, the son of Peter and Bathsheba Goodrich,
was born on the 16th of July, 1776, and died November 12, 1832. On
November 16, 1797, he married Sarah Danforth.     They had a son,
George, born September 8, 1805, in East Haddam, Connecticut, and he
married Charlotte L. Ives on May 21, 1828. Their son, Augustus Ives,
who was the father of Dr. Goodrich of this review, was born on September 16, 1833, in Bristol, Connecticut, and on January 22, 1861, married Helen Isabel Corbett, as mentioned in a previous paragraph.
Augustus Ives Goodrich was for years superintendent of the Waterbury Clock Company. He is a member of the Methodist church, and
has always given his support to the Republican party. He was a man
always prominent in his own city and district, who stood high in the
regard and general opinion of his fellowmen. He was secretary of the
board of education for years, at one time was police commissioner, and
served two terms as representative from his district in the state
legislature.
Thus this fine old family kept its location in Connecticut from the
time of the first American representative down to the present generation.
Frederic Samuel Goodrich was born in Waterbury, and there he received his early education. He was graduated from the Waterbury high
school in 1882; from Wesleyan Academy, in Wilbraham, Massachusetts,
in 1885, and from Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Connecticut, in
1890. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, and Psi Upsilon fraternities. The years of 1890-91 he spent in study in the University of Berlin and in the American School of Archaeology in Athens, and in 1891,
upon his return home, he was appointed Registrar of Wesleyan University, and tutor in Greek. In the following year came his appointment
as professor of Greek in Albion College, at Albion, Michigan, the position which he is filling today. In 1897 he received the degree of M. A.
from the University of Michigan, and in 1909, Defiance College, in Ohio,
conferred upon him the degree of D. D.
On January 3, 1893, Dr. Goodrich married Mary Maltby Harrison,
the daughter of Stephen E. and Catherine (Summers) Harrison, the
father being a relative of President William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison. Mrs. Goodrich was educated in a private school con



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1313


ducted by the mother of Dr. Goodrich, and later studied in the Art
Students' League of New York City. Her grandfather, Gary Harrison,
was a missionary to the Indians in the "Great Northwest," and her
mother was exceedingly prominent in benevolent works in Waterbury,
Connecticut, where Mrs. Goodrich was born and reared. Dr. and Mrs.
Goodrich have two children, Frederic Harrison and Helen Ruth.
Dr. Goodrich is a Republican in his political faith, and his fraternal
relations are represented by his membership in the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, in which he has been Noble Grand; the Masonic order
and the Fraternal Aid Association.
Besides being an efficient man in his position in the college, Dr. Goodrich finds time for other dities that have called him. For eighteen
years he has been a member of the State Executive Committee of the
Michigan Y. M. C. A., and he is general secretary of the Michigan Sunday School Association, to which position he was appointed in 1910. He
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been a member
of the Detroit Conference since 1895. He is president of the Physical
Culture Training School in Chicago, -and he is much sought after as a
lecturer in the line of his work. In a "History of Waterbury" his
name is to be found among poets and authors as a writer of hymns, his
Advent Hymn, "The Triumphal Entry," being especially noteworthy.
It is not too much to say that there are few college professors in
Michigan who exert a wider influence than Dr. Goodrich, and to all who
have been associated with him a broader, nobler outlook upon life has
come, with a truer vision of service.
CYRUS B. HUNGERFORD is a retired farmer of Albion, and a veteran
of the Civil war. He has been a resident of Michigan since 1850, that:
year marking the advent of his family into Calhoun county, which has,
represented his home and the scene of his activities for the most part
since then.
Born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, in the town of Sherman, on
August 9, 1844, Cyrus B. Hungerford is the son of Stanley and Charlotte (Whitney) Hungerford, both natives of Connecticut. In 1850 the
family migrated to the state of Michigan, settling in Calhoun county.
where the father bought eighty acres of farm land. This land he settled down to improve and with the passing years put it into a splendid
state of cultivation, erecting a commodious dwelling and suitable barns
for his requirements. He was a carpenter by trade, and usually carried on the work of his profession in connection with his farming operations. He died in 1896, his widow surviving him until 1903, her death
occurring at Marshall, Michigan.
Their son, Cyrus B., of this brief review, received his early education in the district school of his home village, and for a time attended
school in Ypsilanti. He was reared to farm life and knew best how to
avail himself of such advantages in an educational way as came in his
direction, so that he profited well by such schooling as he was privileged
to know. During the Civil war, September 5, 1864, Cyrus Hungerford
enlisted in Company C, of the Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, with
Colonel Shomaker in command. He joined the regiment at Chattanooga,
Tennessee, and he took part in several skirmishes while on the march
to the sea. On June 8, 1865, he was honorably discharged, and returned
to his home in Calhoui. county, where he entered the State Normal at
Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 1898 Mr. Hungerford left the farm and moved
into Albion, where he has resided ever since, his principal duties being
those of janitor of the Presbyterian church of Albion.
In 1868 Mr. Hungerford married Miss Maggie Hardenburg, the




1314


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


daughter of Jerry and Polly Hardenburg and one son and three daughters were born to them. Hattie is a teacher in the Albion high school;
Perry R. is a graduate of the medical department of the University of
Michigan and is engaged in practice in Concord; Leslie is the wife of
C. E, Ackley, and lives at Marshall; and Ethal, who lives at Concord,
with her brother, Dr. Hungerford.
Mr. Hungerford is a member of E. W. Hollingsworth Post No.
210 G. A. R., and he and his family are members of the Methodist
church. He is a Republican in politics, and he is assured of a sufficient
income during his declining years by reason of the pension which he received from the government in token of his service to the Union in time
of war.
HON. JoiHN M. C. SMITH. There is no need to go into a detailed
account of all that the Honorable John M. C. Smith, of Charlotte, Michigan, has accomplished, for the simple fact, that his record stands out
in men's minds today, for the things that he has accomplished. His
work is too well known to be easily forgotten. As a lawyer, he has won
a reputation for ability in speaking and for a clean-cut grasp of his
subject that has brought him success many times. As a member of
Congress during a critical period in the legislative history of the country, he has proved faithful to the trust the people have reposed in him,
and a valuable member of that legislative body.
John M. C. Smith is a son of Richard and Barbara (McMunn)
Smith, who came to America in 1855, bringing their infant son with
them. He was educated in the Charlotte Union schools and the University of Michigan. In 1882 he was admitted to the bar in Detroit and
has ever since been in practice in Charlotte, Michigan. He is also admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition to his large and lucrative law practice he is also interested in farming and stock raising, and has manufacturing interests. His ability
along financial lines led to his election to the office of president of the
First National Bank of Charlotte. His varying interests, and his consequent mingling with men of many different kinds, gave him a thorough grasp of conditions and an understanding of the needs of the
people of his section.
His personal popularity and the confidence that the people reposed
in him is shown by his election as an alderman of the city, and two
terms prosecuting attorney. In 1908 he was sent as a member of the
Michigan Constitutional Convention, and in 1911 he received the highest honor that has yet come to him in being elected to the Congress of
the United States as a representative from the Third District of the
state of Michigan.
Mr. Smith married Lena Parkhurst, of Charlotte, Michigan, on the
6th of October, 1887. He is a Republican in politics and is a member
of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons and many other social orders.
FRANK E. NOWLIN. One of the most prominent business men, not
only in Calhoun county, Michigan, but also in the state, is Frank E.
Nowlin, of Albion. He is one of the most extensive shippers of grain
and hay and other farm products in the county, and has built up a
remarkably far reaching business from a very small beginning. He is
a modern agressive business man, who understands the value of advertising and of the modern idea that in order to get business one must
go out after it. He has built a reputation for furnishing just what
he promises to furnish, and a large part of his success has come from
the confidence that his patrons place in his reliability.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1315


PHILO DIBBLE was born December 2, 1790, in Mt. Washington,
Berkshire county, Mass.
His ancestor, Robert Dibble, with his son, Thomas, and daughter
Mary, came from Weymouth, England, and settled in Dorchester, Mass.,
in 1635. Their descendants were among the enterprising sons of New
England, took an active part in the settlement of the country, and
their names are found among those of the founders of several of the
towns of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Philo's grandfather, John Dibble, was one of the proprietors, or
original settlers, of Mt. Washington. Daniel, one of his three sons,
grew up and married in Mt. Washington; he served his country as Captain in the Revolutionary army. In the fall of 1799, having sold his
property interests in Mt. Washington, Daniel with his wife and eleven
children moved, with the aid of an ox team and one horse, into New
York state and settled in the wilderness-now     Meredith, Delaware
county.
We can hardly realize, in this day of cable encircled world, that
it was two weeks after General George Washington's death before the
residents in Meredith heard of it. The sad tidings were carried by
couriers on horse back. The grief and manifestations of sorrow following the receipt of the news made such a vivid impression on the child
of nine, that Philo was wont to relate it in later years as one of the
events of his childhood. Philo learned the saddlers trade; married
Susan Lawson of Newburgh, February 13, 1814.
They settled in Skaneateles, which was one of the towns on the stage
road between Albany and Buffalo. Its natural beauties attracted a
fine class of residents. Churches, schools and public library were early
established and well maintained. In the old records we find Philo Dibble's name as one of the generous donors towards these institutions.
His oldest child, Charles Philo, became interested in the movement
to the "New West," and they together, in 1835, started with horse and
buggy and drove to Michigan, visiting the wonderful Niagara Falls on
their way. They drove through southern Michigan and as far west as
Chicago, which then consisted of a fort and a few log houses near it.
Marshall was much more attractive and, after revisiting it, they decided
to locate there. They returned to Skaneateles.    The following year
Charles moved to Marshall and superintended the building of a house
for his father's family, at the northeast corner of State and Gordon
streets, the house is still doing good service, and the brick block so long
known as Dibble's Block. It was the second brick block in the town,
the first one was the Comstock Block, across the Marshall House Park,
southeast of the Dibble Block. In 1837, Philo with his devoted wife and
four younger children left their home, which is still one of the attractive places in Skaneateles, and came to the new home in Marshall.
Marshall was built in an oak opening, that is where the Indians had
burned the land. preserving from harm the magnificent oak trees, and
having no undergrowth save the green grass. One could ride in any
direction among the trees, and it was almost like fairy land. Indians
were plentiful in the surrounding country; they were peaceable and in
the summer they would swarm into the town selling baskets, bows,
arrows and berries.
One day Cornelia Dibble sat at her piano, playing the tunes learned
in the old home, when in walked a grave, tall Indian. Cornelia remembered having heard that an Indian never forgot a kindness shown,
so she welcomed him and continued playing, while one after another
Indian came in, until the room, the hall and the yard were filled. Cor



1316


HI STORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


nelia played till tired and then bowed and motioned with her hand and
they all silently withdrew.
After coming to Marshall Mr. Dibble did not re-enter active business. He was a silent partner in the firm of C. P. Dibble & Co., and
invested in farm lands. Mr. Dibble, with Andrew L. Hayes, Lansing
Kingsbury, Samuel Camp and others formed the Marshall Company
which platted and established the village of Hastings, now the beautiful
and growing county seat of Barry county. The plat of Hastings was
recorded August 8, 1836 and for many years thereafter Philo Dibble
was deeply interested in the success of the village. Mr. Dibble served
for a time as civil magistrate. He was always an attendant and liberal
supporter of the Presbyterian church; acting for many years as its
treasurer. Soon after uniting with the church he was elected an elder
and continued in that office until his death in 1867.
Although always possessing a cheerful and happy nature, he was
not exempt form the discipline of sorrow. During his life in Marshall
he was called upon to give back four of his five children. His wife
died in 1860 and he later married Mrs. Harriet Cook, who survived him.
CHARLES PHILO   DIBBLE, eldest child of Philo and Susan Lawson
Dibble, was born August 28, 1815, in Skaneateles, New York. From
his parents' home the ground sloped gently to the Skaneateles Lake,
and doubtless his strong love for the beauties of nature was the result
of his early life by that beautiful sheet of water.
Boy playmates, growing together into lifelong friends, were found
among the Allis, Porter, Pardee, Jerome, Brinkerhoof, Roosevelt, and
Sandford families. Well disciplined in school were they, for the early
residents of Skaneateles appreciated the advantages of sound mental
training. Charles was set to studying Greek when only nine years
old. When older he attended the famous Homer Academy.
At the age of fourteen he critized the way in which an employe was
conducting the store of his father in Kellogsville, a small village seven
miles from  Skaneateles. His father finally said, "You may take the
store and have any profit you can make out of it." Charles went to
Kellogsville, took charge of the store, conducted it for a year and then
sold out, making a good profit out of his year's work.
Returning to Skaneateles, he entered the store of Mr. Pardee. As
a clerk, he so won the affection of his employer, that in revisiting Skaneateles more than thirty years afterwards, Mr. Pardee was one of his
most frequent visitors, and he expressed often his great affection for
Charlie."
In 1835, as we have told in the sketch of Philo Dibble, Mr. Dibble,
with his father, drove through the country as far west as Chicago.
They then decided to make their future home in Marshall. He returned
to Marshall in 1836 and commenced his successful mercantile life there.
At the same time he superintended the building of a home for his
father's family, and the brick block, long known as Dibble's Block, on
State street. He moved his stock into the brick block and continued the
business through many years. In 1865 he took his eldest son, Charles
A., into partnership and gradually placed the management of the business in his hands. This enabled him to take more time for his many
outside interests.
With others, Mr. Dibble, put through wild land, the Marshall and
Bellevue plank road, finally making it into a hard gravel road.
He subscribed liberally and worked for new railroads, factories,
in short, for any betterment of Marshall. The Agricultural Society
was one of his interests. Mr. Dibble was vice-president of the. First




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1317


National Bank from   its organization; he served as acting president
during the years that the Hon. Charles T. Gorham served his country
as Minister to the Hague and later in the official life at Washington.
Mr. Dibble was married September 14, 1842, to Miss Hetty Johnson of Ithaca, New York. He was more than fortunate in the choice of
his life's partner. His home life was a happy incentive to the development of the best, in all who were sheltered there. And the gentle influence was radiated through home, church and community, a blessed
though unconscious urging towards the truly good in life. "Hospitality without grudging" was extended in that home. Relatives and
friends were ever welcomed, and many a laborer in God's vineyard,
minister, traveler or teacher, found there the cordial welcome and kindly
strengthening interest while they rested.
All through his busy life, Mr. Dibble responded fully to the outside
demands upon him. Anything that was for the best interests of the
town was his interest. At his death it was said that "no man in the
county ever enjoyed the confidence of the people to a greater extent
than Hon. C. P. Dibble." Hie was president or treasurer of many organizations formed in the county, township or city. Always faithful
himself, he had a warm appreciation for the same honest, helpful traits
in others.  Above all other interests, his homne, his church and the
schools were dearest to Mr. Dibble.
He bought in 1859 the place now owned by his son. William J. Dibble, and interested himself in making it into the beautiful residence,
Oaklawn, which adorns the city. Oaklawn has an historical interest.
It was the chosen place for the home of Sidney Ketchum, one of the
founders of Marshall.  Mr. Ketchuln first built a log house on the
western side of the large lot; the first boards sawed in the county were
used in making a door for the log house. The door was afterwards
used in the brick house which Mr. Ketchumn erected in 1838. This house
was long known and spoken of as the Mansion House.      Some years
previous to the purchase of the place by Mr. Dibble it was occupied
by Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Pierce. They conducted an excellent Young
Ladies' Seminary, a boarding and day school. This, in time, became
unnecessary because of the Uigh standing achieved by the public schools.
Over thirty oak trees were in the grounds when Mr. Dibble bought
the place. Many of them are still standing. Directly in front of the
house in the center of Madison street stood an oak tree with a board
seat or platform in it, from which, according to tradition, early settlers
shot the bears.
The beautiful home early had its sorrows;
"Its pensive memories, as we journey on,
Longings for vanished smiles and voices gone."
Three of the eight children were successively called by death, each
one full of promise, on the threshold of manhood and womanhood, Ben
in 1862, Louise in 1873 and Walter in 1883. "Not lost but gone before."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Dibble were brought up in the Presbyterian
faith. Friendship for the rector, Rev. Montgomery Schuyler, led them,
in their early residence in Marshall, to attend the services of Trinity
church and soon no other church was home for them. There they found
many of their warmest friends and co-workers, all inspired by love and
thankfulness to God, to give and do their best for church and community.
Bishop Gillespie gave his appreciation of what Mr. Dibble had been
to the church in the following words: "Coming to the parish he long
served as warden and in the ministries of an attached layman, we sadly
miss Mr. Charles P.,Dibble. The genial 'host of the church,' the fre



1318


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


quent delegate to our conventions, and in all our diocesan life a mem'ber of the board of missions, he was identified with us, a layman esteemed and valued. He was an intelligent, earnest churchman, quietly
giving his judicious efforts to his own parish and the diocese. Many of
the clergy will recall the genial hospitality of his home."
His interest in the schools was well summed up in the following
resolutions adopted by the School Board at the time of his death; and
some years after he ceased to take an active part in the work of the
board. The Hon. Charles P. Dibble was a member of the School Board
of the city of Marshall from 1850 to 1879, and an able and efficient
member thereof, discharging his duties with such integrity of purpose
as to secure the approbation of all our citizens. He was likewise an
earnest worker in the cause of education, promoting it by his wise counsel and was ever ready to render aid and assistance in building and
fostering this great public interest. To him should be accorded the
honor of having largely contributed and made attainable our present
high character in matters of education. Faithful to every public trust,
eminently honorable, courteous and just in all his relations with his
fellow men, in private life he was without spot or blemish. He needs
no other memorial than the sentiments of respect now abiding in the
memory of the community in which he lived a long and useful life.
"Resolved, that this expression of respect for his memory and regret
for his death, on the part of the present School Board, be entered on
the record for this evening's proceedings. "
Mr. Dibble died on April 22, 1884, while he and Mrs. Dibble were
visiting their son, Henry M. in Aiken, South Carolina. His body was
brought to his home and after public services in Trinity church, was
interred in the family lot, in beautiful Oak Ridge Cemetery.
MELVILLE J. WOOD. The genealogical and biographical, facts relating to Melville J. Wood, the prominent fur buyer of Athens, are full of
interest. In a general rather than exhaustive outline of these facts, we
note that his grandfather, Timothy Wood, who was of English origin,
came to Michigan at a very early date, settling here before the war and
remaining until the close of his life, at the age of ninety years. Timothy
Wood's son, Smoloff Wood, in 1854, brought his two sons, also, to Michigan, making the journey by boat to Detroit and traveling thence by teams
to Athens, where they settled on a farm of 80 acres. Smoloff Wood
was extensively known as the proprietor of Pine Creek hotel, which was
located four miles north of Athens on the stage route, and was one of
the most famous hostelries of the state in slave days. Of wide fame were
the Pine Creek Hotel dances, which sometimes continued for ten nights
in succession. Smoloff Wood was also heavily engaged in cattle buying.
His acquaintance was most extensive for those early days and even in
that period when fraternal organizations were far less accessible because of the newness of the country, he was a prominent member of the
Masonic order.
Melville Wood, who was born in Euclid, Ohio, on March 12, 1845, was
ten years of age when the trip was made to Michigan. He was married
at the age of 24 to Jennie Strambro, a daughter of Dr. C. M. and Levina
(Underwood) Strambro, her father having been one of the earliest medical practitioners of the county. To Melville Wood and his wife, Jennie
Strambro Wood, were born three children: C. L., who is at home and
in business with his father; Burr, who died in childhood; and Ray, who
is also in Athens and engaged in the fur and dairy business. The first
Mrs. Melville Wood died in 1900. Mr. Wood was a second time married,: *




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1319


in 1902, to Mrs. Emma C. Culp, who was a widow and the daughter of
Mr. Brunson.
Although his business interests are the most prominent feature of
Mr. Wood's life, it is interesting to know that he served during the last
year of the Civil war, although he was then but eighteen years of age.
He is still sensitive to the public welfare and although he is not a politician, he has served for some time as deputy sheriff. His nature is eminently social and he holds membership in the Masonic Lodge, No. 220, of
Athens; in that of the Elks, No. 131, Battle Creek; and in the organization of the Knights of the Grip.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Wood owned fifty dollars, a horse
and a sulky. He is now among the notably well-to-do men of the county.
A life-long characteristic of Mr. Wood's has been his fondness for hunting, fishing and trapping, which, during his boyhood days upon the
farm, constituted his diversion. Agricultural pursuits, however, were
never congenial to Melville Wood, whose commercial instincts craved
development and exercise. At the age of twenty-five he initiated his first
enterprise of a business nature by going to the village of Athens and
establishing a retail shoe store. He was successful to such a degree that
ever since that time, in spite of Mr. Wood's other interests, the shoe
business has continued and is known today as that of M. J. Wood & Son.
Very soon after he had begun the above mentioned enterprise, he
consented to undertake a fur-buying commission for a Detroit firm.
This work was at first local, but it was accomplished with such satisfactory results that Mr. Wood was soon urged by Henry A. Newland and
Company of Detroit to represent them throughout the entire state during the fur season. The offer was accepted in 1875 and for nearly a
quarter of a century, Mr. Wood remained an able and highly appreciated
buyer for this house. On the death of the senior member of the firm,
Mr. Wood accepted a similar position with the house of Wright Brothers of Boston. His fur negotiations are now carried on regularly in all
the larger towns and cities throughout both the southern and the northern peninsulas. The trade of which he has charge is remarkably large
and of a high quality. Mr. Wood has furthermore the enviable reputation of being particularly fair and liberal with his shippers. His business is by no means limited by state boundaries, for he receives shipments of fur from points in practically all parts of the United States.
He is the largest fur buyer in the state of Michigan, if not in the entire
country. Many who do not know him personally are familiar with his
name from its frequent appearance in the commercial departments of
numerous magazines. When one considers his achievements in this
line; his local business mentioned above; not to mention the fact a part
of his young manhood was given to the service of his country (with the
Twelfth Miichigan Infantry, Company H)-his many sided activity and
his success therein seem to proclaim him a remarkable man.
The fact that his success in his most conspicuous line has not come
easily is indicated in the following excerpt from a very complimentary
article published by the Detroit Herald of Commerce, an article which
has provided a part of the data for this biography:
"Mr. Wood has had many thrilling and perilous experiences during
his life as a traveling man. Once while on a trip to Northern Michigan,
at Mackinaw, he was obliged to cross the strait to St. Ignace. The steamboat became frozen in the ice and the party of seven men and one
woman started across the strait in a covered stage. As the mercury
registered about twenty-five degrees below zero, it was anything but a
comfortable ride; and to add to the discomfort of the passengers, when
nearly two miles from land, the whole outfit-stage, horses and driver




1320


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


-broke through the ice and went down into the cold, dark water beneath.
The occupants of the stage managed to tumble out of the rear end, and
paddled for ten feet through the water to solid ice. Every one of them
suffered severely from the frost and another stage coach came to their
relief as quickly as possible, taking them on to St. Ignace. When the
accident occurred, our subject lost his satchel, with all his papers, but
the entire party congratulated themselves that more serious results did
not follow."
The article above quoted shows a cut of Mr. Wood, holding a beautiful silver-gray foxskin from Ontonagon county, one for which he had
paid $100. His list for that season, which was typical, is as follows:
"Fitch, 2; civet cat, 9; fisher, 14; otter, 30; lynx, 38; badger, 46; wolf,
39; bear, 51; opossum 87; beaver, 67; housecat, 169; wildcat, 67; deer,
80; sable, 198; fox, 478; raccoon, 3,582; mink, 4,721; skunk, 7,467;
muskrat, 49,987."
Considering the significance of the above quoted figures and the
fact that the foregoing data are incomplete though interestingly suggestive it can hardly be gainsaid that Mr. Wood is one of the most conspicuous figures in his community and in his especial line a man of national reputation.
CHARLES E. GORHAM. It is no slight distinction that applies to Mr.
Gorham in connection with his incumbency of the office of president of
the First National Bank of Marshall, for his father, the late Hon. Charles
T. Gorham, was the founder of the institution and the same is the oldest in the state as well as one of the most substantial and popular in all
southern Michigan. It represents the outgrowth of a private banking
business that was established by Charles T. Gorham in the year 1840, and
its history has been one of careful and honorable policies and continuous success. The name of the Gorham family has thus been closely identified with banking and other financial interests in Calhoun county for
nearly three-fourths of a century, and upon the family record in social
and private life during these long years there has rested no semblance
of blemish, so that the statement made in the initial sentence of this
article is fully justified. Specific mention of the late Hon. Charles T.
Gorham is made in a memorial tribute on other pages of this publication,
and thus further data concerning the family history are not demanded
in the present connection. It may be said, however, that this honored
pioneer came to Marshall in 1836, the year prior to the admission of
Michigan to statehood, and that he became one of the most honored and
influential citizens of this section of the Wolverine commonwealth. In
Marshall he first engaged in the mercantile business, in association with
Charles M. Brewer, and the firm built up a most prosperous enterprise.
He retired in 1840 and engaged in the private banking business, which
he conducted until 1865, when he effected the establishing of the first
national bank in Calhoun county. He continued as president of the First
National Bank of Marshall until two years before his death and was succeeded by his son Seldon H., who retained the presidency until his death,
on the 18th of October, 1902, when Charles E., of this review, a younger
son, succeeded to the presidency, so that the executive head of the institution from the beginning to the present time has been a member of the
Gorham family.
The First National Bank of Marshall bases its operations upon a
capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars and that its management
at all times has been careful and conservative is evidenced by the fact
that it has successfully weathered all financial storms that have swept
the country during the long period of its existence-its solvency and




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1321


policies having at no time been a matter of the least conjecture. It is
one of the most substantial and popularly valued financial institutions
of Calhoun county, with large deposits and prosperous business. The
personnel of its executive corps at the present time is as here noted:
Charles E. Gorham, president; Frank A. Stuart, vice president; Charles
H. Billings, cashier; and Glenn E. Grant, assistant cashier. In addition
to the president, vice president and cashier the directorate of the bank
includes Samuel F. Dobbins, George W. Leedle, Charles E. Gauss, and
James L. Dobbins.
Charles E. Gorham was born in the city of Marshall, Michigan, on
the 5th of September, 1855, and here acquired his early educational discipline in the public schools, after which he passed five years in Europe,
where he availed himself of the advantages of the best of educational
institutions. In 1877 he became messenger in the First National Bank
of Marshall, and he was soon promoted to the position of teller, from
which he was later advanced to that of assistant cashier. Upon the death
of Norris J. Frink he was elected cashier of the bank, and of this office
he continued the able and popular incumbent until the death of his elder
brother, Seldon 11., in 1902, when he was elected to succeed the latter
in his present office of president. His entire business career has thus
been one of close identification with this one institution, and in his several executive capacities he has done much to further its success and
prestige. He is recognized as one of the able and representative factors
in banking operations in southern Michigan and in his home city and
county has ever maintained secure vantage ground in popular confidence
and esteem. He and his family reside in the beautiful old Gorham
homeste'ad, comprising a stately house erected by his father and surrounded by large grounds with abundance of fine shade trees and
shrubbery.
In politics, though never an aspirant for public office, Mr. Gorham
gives unqualified allegiance to the Republican party, and he is affiliated
with St. Albans Lodge, No. 20, Free and Accepted Masons; Lafayette
Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; and Marshall Commandery, No. 17,
Knights Templars, all in his home city, as well as with Moslem Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of
Detroit.
On the 3d of June, 1885, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Gorham to Miss Florence E. Walton, who was born at Rockford, Illinois,
and whose father, Rev. J. E. Walton, was rector of Trinity church, Protestant Episcopal, in Marshall, at the time of her marriage, her father
having been one of the distinguished members of the clergy of his church
in Michigan for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Gorham became the parents
of two daughters, the elder of whom, Marion W. died on the 7th of May,
1904, at the age of eighteen years, and the younger of whom, Gail, is
a member of the class of 1912 in Mount Vernon Seminary, at Washington, D. C.                A
LEVI S. WARREN, attorney at law of Albion, Michigan, is an enterprising citizen, born in the village of Fenton, Genesee county, Michigan,
on March 5, 1844. TIe is the son of Samuel N. Warren and Anna K.
(West) Warren, natives of Vermont and Kentucky, respectively. The
parents of Mr. Warren were among the very early settlers of Michigan,
the father coming from Vermont and locating in Oakland county,
Michigan, in 1827. The mother came from Kentucky with her parents
and settled in the same county in 1829, where they were married on
December 31, 1834. Samuel N. Warren died in Ann Arbor in his ninety



1322


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


second year and the mother in her ninetieth year. The great-grandsire
of the subject, David Warren, served in the War of the Revolution.
Levi S. Warren acquired his education in the city of Flint and in the
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, which he entered in September,
1862, enrolling in the literary department. He remained at his studies
until the holiday vacation when he returned home and on January 4,
1863, he enlisted in Company F, of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, Col.
Robert G. Minty commanding the regiment. Mr. Warren was sent with
his regiment to Tennessee and later to Alabama, and he served until
March, 1865, taking part in such engagements with the enemy as his
regiment participated in. He was wounded at Kingston, Georgia, by a
gun shot through the left leg. In March, 1865, he received an honorable
discharge and returned to Flint, MIichigan. In that city he read law
under Hon. Josiah Turner, Circuit Judge, with Hon. Charles D. Long,
late Supreme Judge, and was admitted to the bar in Genesee county in
October, 1877, and there began practice, continuing until March, 1891,
when he removed to Albion, here he opened an office and engaged in the
real estate business until 1900. In that year he was appointed special
examiner of the pension bureau and remained in that work until August,
1907, when he resigned his position and returned to Albion, Michigan,
his home.
Mr. Warren was married to Mary A. Garrison, his present wife, in
the Episcopal church at Marshall, Michigan, on April 19, 1866. Their
only child, Eleanor Anna Warren, was born at Flint, Michigan, March 9,
1869, and died August 8, 1886. She is buried in the family lot at Glenwood cemetery, in Flint. Mr. Warren, being in moderately good circumstances, gives but a portion of his time to the duties of his office, and
and his evenings are spent in his library,-one of the best selected
private libraries in the city of Albion.


HON. SAMUEL DICKIE, president of Albion College, and prominent in
this section of the state as an educator and strong temperance advocate,
has been a resident of the state of Michigan since he was a boy of seven.
He is a Canadian by birth, born in Canada, on June 6, 1851, and the son
of William and Jane (McNabb) Dickie, both natives of Scotland. The
father was born at the home of the poet, Robert Burns, in Mauchlin,
Scotland, while the mother was born in Glasgow. In early life the family
made their way to Canada, there locating, and in 1858 they removed to
Lansing, Michigan, where they passed the remainder of their lives.
In the public schools of Lansing Samuel Dickie received the foundation of his education, and in 1868, when he was seventeen years of age,
he entered Albion College, from which institution he was graduated in
1872 with the degree of M. S. For four years thereafter the young
man was employed as superintendent of the schools of Hastings, Michigan, and from 1877 to 1888 he occupied the chair of astronomy and
physics at his Alma Mater. He won griat popularity as an instructor,
and his influence with the student body who sat under his teaching was
particularly strong. In 1901 he was made president of the institution,
and he has since retained that important position, in every way justifying the wisdom of the choice of the board of trustees.
When Dr. Dickie reached his majority in 1872 and came to the
choosing of his political faith, he was turned toward the prohibition
party, as the result of the resolution incorporated as the sixteenth plank
of the Republican platform. Since that time Dr. Dickie has given
staunch allegiance to the interests of the Prohibition party and has voted
with it on all state and national issues. During the session of the national Prohibition convention, held in 1884, he occupied the chair, and


F
i
LI




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1323


two years later he was the Prohibition candidate of Michigan, polling
a vote one third larger than that of St. John as presidential candidate
two years before. In the spring of 1887 he conducted the campaign on
the issue of placing an amendment in the constitution of Michigan to
prohibit the manufacture and sale of liquor in the state. He won unusual
prominence of a national order in that campaign, although the amendment was defeated, and the party showed its appreciation by electing
him chairman of the national committee of the party, to succeed John
B. Finch, at the Chicago convention held in November, 1887. For five
years he maintained his headquarters in New York city, but in 1893
removed to his home in Albion, where he has since continued to reside,
his duties as an educator occupying a goodly share of his attention.
Dr. Dickie was married on December 22, 1872, to Mary Brockway, a
daughter of Rev. William  H. Brockway, of Albion. Four children
were born to them: Clarissa, Ada, Mary and Brockway.
HOMER C. BLAIR, president of the Commercial & Savings Bank of
Albion, Michigan, is a native son of Michigan, born in the town of
Tompkins, Jackson county, this state, on January 27, 1872. He is the
son of James and Mary (Elliott) Blair, the mother being a native of
Michigan and the father of Ohio. They settled in Jackson county in
1840, and there lived rural lives, and in the town of Tompkins, James
Blair was known for one of the most extensive wheat and stock growers
in his district. He died in 1906, while his widow yet survives and makes
her home at Leslie, Michigan.
Homer C. Blair was educated in the high school in Leslie and later
entered the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in
the department of pharmaceutics. In 1894 he came to Albion and was
here employed by the drug firm of Vaughan & Thomison, remaining thus
engaged for a period of three years. At the end of that time he purchased the stock of White & Beebe in the drug business and succeeded to
their established trade. He continued to be thus associated until 1912,
a period of fifteen years, and he recently disposed of his stock to L. C.
Van Gorden, M1\r. Blair retiring from the business. On July 1, 1912, he
was elected president of the Commercial & Savings Bank of Albion, and
is actively interested in the affairs of that institution.
In 1899 Mr. Blair married Miss Eleanor Hawkins, of Flint, Michigan, and one daughter, A. Elizabeth, has been born to them.
Mr. Blair is known for one of the intelligent, public-spirited men of
Albion and a valuable citizen in every respect. He was for six years a
secretary of the Board of Education and is now president of the board.
In addition to his other business interests, Mr. Blair is manager of the
Blair homestead farm for the estate. Fraternally, Mr. Blair is prominent in Masonry, being a member of Murat Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M.,
Albion Chapter No. 32, R. A. M., Marshall Commandery No. 16, Marshall Council R. S. M., Moslem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of
the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Detroit, and also a member of the
Knights of Pythias.
ORLANDO CHARLES GALE. The passing of Orlando Charles Gale on
February 29, 1912, deprived Albion of one of her oldest and most
esteemed citizens, as well as one of her most prominent business men and
a founder of the Gale Manufacturing Company, one of the giant agricultural implement concerns of the state. Mr. Gale's death, which occurred at the home of his son, 0. Harry Gale, on West Mulberry street,
was not entirely unexpected, as he had been gradually failing since a
year ago last July, when he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis, that




1324


IIISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


misfortune being followed by a state of invalidism. hIis mind, however,
was entirely unaffected by the stroke, and he was conscious up to the
hour of his passing.
In an obituary notice published at the death of Mr. Gale, a complete
and quite detailed account of his life is given. This notice is so relevant
to the matter in hand that it is here quoted almost verbatim, in lieu of
other material, perhaps less pertinent to the subject:
"Orlando Charles Gale was born in L 'Acadie, Lower Canada, on
June 3, 1823. He was the son of George and Harriet Gale, natives of
Vermont. The father had taken a contract to build fanning mills in
Canada which required some three years, the family moving there, and
it was while thus established that Orlando was born. The family returned to Barre, Vermont, and took a steamboat across Lake Champlain
to White Hall. From there they went via the Erie Canal to Royalton,
six miles east of Lockport, a journey of two weeks. They wintered there
until the first lake boats were starting west in the spring to Detroit,
and it was while coming up Lake Erie with his family that the father's
trunk was opened and some seven hundred dollars-all the money they
owned, was stolen. Unable to travel further without means, they stopped
at Dearborn for three months, the father taking charge of a gang of
men and teams getting out ties for the Michigan Central railroad then
being built out of Detroit. This was in the spring of 1836.
They then started for Moscow by team. They experienced great
lifficulty in getting through the muddy roads to Ypsilanti, having to
unload several times, and were helped out of the mud more than once
by hitching on an ox team whenever one ehanced to come along. It
took them about a week to reach Moscow.
Orlando Charles Gale worked on his father's farm and attended
school between seasons, walking three and a half miles to and from the
select school which he attended in winter. In 1843 the young man entered into a partnership with his father and they began the manufacture
of plows. He drove to Mishawaka, Indiana, one hundred and fifty miles
distant, for his pig iron and to Toledo, seventy-five miles, for his coal.
At one time he was able to get only half a ton of coal in the city and it
was almost impossible to get through the mud in the middle of the city
with even this size of load.
George Gale, the father, retired from the business in 1851, going to
California, and his son, Orlando Charles, conducted the business alone
until 1853, when he moved his family, consisting of a wife and three
children, to Jonesville, where he took in his brother, N. Brooks Gale, as
a partner. Almost three years later Brooks sold his interest to Augustus
J. Gale. The firm name remained O. C. & A. J. Gale till 1861, when
O. C. sold his interest to Horatio Gale and moved to Albion, buying out
the hardware establishment of his brother, Henry Gale, which had been
established by their father, George Gale, in 1856.
In 1864 A. J. and Horatio Gale sold out their factory in Jonesville
and with a brother-in-law, Elliot W. Hollingsworth, came to Albion,
entering a co-partnership with O. C. Gale, in the hardware business and
starting a small factory, using a building formerly belonging to Lane
& Porter, at the corner of Cass & Superior streets on the east side of
Superior street. The firm was known as O. C. Gale & Company. Two
years later they built a factory where the Kessler & Parker block now
stands, which extended through to Clinton street.
In 1874 a stock company was organized, known as the Gale Manufacturing Company, which is today one of Albion's principal industries.
While still interested in the hardware store, Mr. Gale retained A stock


-~




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1325


in the factory. He and E. W. Hollingsworth owned the store at this time
which they conducted until 1876, when Mr. Gale sold out to Mr. Hollingsworth. At this time in his life Mr. Gale spent a great portion of his
time in Minneapolis, Minnesota, until May, 1880, when he again purchased the hardware store at Albion and remained there until October,
1890, when he sold out to his sons, E. C. and 0. H. Gale, who have ever
since continued to operate the business.
For many years Mr. Gale was a member of the Leisure Hour Club,
and one of his greatest pleasures was in gathering a number of his friends
about him at the club and talking over the early days in Albion.
In 1847 Mr. Gale married Adeline C. Smith of Hanover, Michigan,
who passed away in 1890. They became the parents of eight children,
six of whom yet survive. They are: Mrs. Joseph King, of Homer,
Michigan; George H. Gale of Chicago; Alpheus S. Gale of Los Angeles;
Elliot C. Gale, of Albion; Mrs. Addie Butt, of Los Angeles, and 0.
Harry Gale of Albion. Charles and Hattie died in childhood. Mr. Gale
is also survived by one brother, A. J. Gale, of Los Angeles, deceased,
who for many years was identified with the business activities of this
city.
O. HARRY GALE is one of the leading hardware merchants of Albion,
in which city he was born on the old Gale homestead, November 28,
1870. He is the son of Orlando C. and Adeline (Smith) Gale, the former of whom died on February 24, 1912, and the latter on January
22, 1900. Orlando C. Gale was one of Albion's oldest and most respected citizens. He was one of the founders of the present Gale Manufacturing Company, the city's giant implement concern. Mr. Gale's
life was one pregnant with the elements of all those qualities that go
to make for success in this world, and he was one of those men who
rose from a penniless youth to a position of acknowledged business
power and success. Orlando C. Gale was born in L'Acadie, Lower Canada, June 3, 1823. He was the son of George and Harriet Gale, whose
home was in Barre, Vermont, and of his life and work a more complete sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume.
O. Harry Gale was educated in the public and high school in Albion,
also attended Albion Commercial College. Upon leaving school he entered the hardware store of his father, and there he acquired a thorough knowledge of the hardware business. His store is situated in the
business part of Superior street, the building being a three story affair,
24x115 feet, all floors being occupied in the operation of Mr. Gale's
business, which is one of the oldest hardware stores in Albion. Mr.
Gale carries a large and varied stock, so as to enable him to meet every
demand of his many customers. From his long acquaintance and his
continued years of business dealings he has become well and favorably
known and is in the enjoyment of a prosperous business.
In 11893 Mr. Gale married Miss Gertrude Brown of Norwalk, Ohio.
She is a native of Indiana and a daughter of G. Brown, an old and
highly respected citizen of his native place. Mrs. Gale was educated at
Angola high school, after which she entered Albion College and was
graduated from the art department of that institution. Her father,
Germ Brown, was editor of the Steuben County Republican for a number of years and was widely known in that connection.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gale: Robert G., Richard
E. and Grace Josephine. Mr. Gale is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Woodmen of the World in a fraternal way, and in line
with his business is affiliated with the Michigan State Dealers' Hard



1326


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


ware Association, of which he was elected president in 1910. Mr. Gale
is also a member of the National Hardware Association and a member
of the A. F. & A. M. of Albion, Murat Lodge.
At the present time Mr. Gale is occupying the old Gale homestead,
a substantial brick residence, with extensive grounds, ornamented with
native oaks, and one of the fine places of the city. He is recognized
in Albion as one of the intelligent enterprising and thorough business
men of the city, and a man of quiet and domestic inclinations which
have won him a most admirable reputation wherever he is known.
FRED W. SCHUMACHER. Among the leading business men of Albion, Fred W. Schumacher, as one of the intelligent, reliable and active
workers in the city, deserves especial mention in this historical and
biographical work. He is a member of the Albion Lumber Company,
and is in active charge of the brick and mason work for the concern, in
which capacity he is well qualified to act by reason of his early training
and his natural bent for the business.
Mr. Schumacher was born in Prussia, in March, 1868, and is the son
of Carl and Frederica (Raether) Schumacher, both of whom emigrated
to this country in 1869, and both died in Albion, the father on
April 17, 1901, having reached a fine old age. Their son, the subject of this review, received his early education in the schools of Albion.
His father, who was a stone mason by trade, taught him that business, and for some years he was thus employed. In 1888 he formed
a partnership with his brother, Carl A., under the firm name of Schumacher Brothers, and they engaged in the grocery business, continuing
until 1892. In that year Mr. Schumacher disposed of his interests
and thereupon worked at his trade, and in 1907 became connected
with the Albion Lumber Company as a representative in charge of their
outside work, in the line of mason and brick work. He prospered in this
connection, his skill and ingenuity, together with his marked ability in
the building line, greatly facilitating the business of the company. He
became a stockholder of the Albion Lumber Company. This concern has
long been one of the largest of its kind in Calhoun county, and does an
ever increasing business in lumber and building materials of all kinds.
They have built hundreds of houses in the city of Albion alone, and their
operations have also extended into the adjoining towns. At the time of
the flood in 1908, when all the bridges spanning the Kalamazoo river
were swept away in the rushing torrent, this company was given the
contract to rebuild all the bridges, the work being done under the supervision and management of Mr. Schumacher,-a splendid testimonial to
his reputation as a builder. Mr. Schumacher has become the owner
of a goodly portion of valuable city property, among which is the realty
formerly the Bishop property. In 1912 he became the owner of this
block, and in addition to repairing a large brick building which already
stood upon the premises he has erected other fine brick structures to
cover the entire block.
In 1889, Mr. Schumacher married Miss Ida Luedtke of Calhoun
county, her father being an early settler.  Two children have been
born to them,-Minnie, born in 1891, and Albert F., born in 1895.
Mr. Schumacher has served his city in a number of public capacities,
being elected alderman of the Second ward in 1896, and city marshal
in 1900, in both of which positions he gave faithful service, thus further
proving his citizenship to be of the most approved order. He is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, with regard to his fraternal affiliations, and is a member of the German church of Albion.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1327


BENJAMIN D. BROWN, a stock holder and director in the Malleable
Iron Company of Albion, Michigan, is one of the rapidly advancing
young men of business in the city. He is a native son of the state,
county and city, born in Albion on February 12, 1883, and his parents
were John G. and Ida R. (Fairbanks) Brown, natives of New York state
and Michigan, respectively.
John G. Brown was born in New York state on June 7, 1850, and
came to Michigan as a child of five years. The family located in Battle
Creek first, and later came to Albion, where his parents bought a lot
on the corner of Berrien and Michigan avenues, a property which has
remained in the family since then to the present time, and has represented the location of the family home. While in Battle Creek John
Brown attended Olivet College for a time and after coming to Albion
was graduated from the Albion College with the class of '71. Two
years later he was graduated from the University of Michigan in pharmacy, after which he located in the drug business in Albion, and was
thus engaged for years. In 1893 the Commercial Savings Bank was
founded and Mr. Brown was elected its first president. He retained
that position from the time of the founding of the bank up to his death
in 1909, with the exception of one year. Mr. Brown was interested in
the Albion Malleable Iron Company, and was a stock holder and director in that concern. Always a good citizen, the city schools of Albion
came in for a generous share of his attention, and for many years he
served as treasurer of the school board. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliating with Murat Lodge No. 14, A. F. & A. M.,
Albion Chapter No. 32, R. A. M., and Albion Council No. 57, R. & S. M.
His death, which occurred in November, 1909, was a distinct loss to
the city and his passing was felt in many avenues of life in the community which had represented his home for so many years.
Benjamin D. Brown entered the Albion College immediately after
his graduating from the Albion high school. Upon the completion of
his college course he assisted his father in the work of the bank, and
also took an interest in the operations of the Malleable Iron Works, in
which he eventually became a stockholder and director, and is actively
engaged in work in the different departments. Mr. Brown is a director in the Union Steel Company, and a director in the Commercial
Savings Bank of Albion, in all of which connections he has amply
demonstrated his ability as a business man of the progressive and
enterprising class. He is unmarried.
OTTO H. STECKER is general manager of the Commonwealth Power
Company, with offices in Albion, Michigan. He was born in the city
of Albion on February 19, 1878, and is a son of August and Wilhelmina (Stancranff) Stecker, both natives of Germany. In 1861 the
family emigrated to the United States, landing in the city of New York,
coming thence direct to Michigan. They lived in Parma four years
then located in Albion, on Perry street, and there they made their
home until the death of the father in 1882. His widow still survives
and makes her home in the city.
Otto H. received his early schooling in North Ward school and in
the Albion high school, after which he studied in the International
Correspondence School. He secured employment in the Albion Electric Light Company's offices where he remained for five years, after
which he was connected with the Albion Buggy Company. He was
later engaged in the capacity of chief engineer by the Albion Milling
Company, remaining thus for seven years. In 1909 he became manager
Vol. IT-4 6




1328


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of the Commonwealth Power Company at Grand Ledge, soon after
being transferred to Albion, where he is in charge of the plant of the
Commonwealth Power Company.
Mr. Stecker is a member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliating with.
Lodge No. 14, A. F. & A. M., and with Albion Chapter, R. A. M., as
well as the Council. He and his family are members of the German
church. He is a Republican, but has never held office.
In 1906 Mr. Stecker was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Austin,
a daughter of Alonza Austin, who has been for thirty years an engineer
on the M. C. R. R. One son, Austin Stecker, has been born to them.
WILLARD R. NOYES, as a member of the firm known as the Albion
Milling Company, has won a prominence in the business life of Albion
that has placed him in the front ranks of the enterprising men of the
city, while his service as city clerk since 1906 has further marked him
as a citizen of unusual order and genuine worth. He is a native son of
Michigan, born in Hillsdale county in the village of North Adams, in
February, 1872, and is the son of Franklin and Clara T. (Robison)
Noyes, both native New Yorkers and among the early pioneers to Michigan.
Franklin Noyes, the father of Willard R., was a doctor and for
many years was engaged in the practice of his profession in the vicinity
of Hillsdale county. He was a close friend and a classmate of Dr. Marshall of Marshall, Michigan, both having graduated from the Cleveland Medical College. Dr. Noyes died in 1906 at North Adams, and
his widow yet survives him, and makes her home in Albion. Dr. Noyes
commanded a far reaching practice in his district, and was a man universally respected and esteemed.
Willard R. Noyes acquired his early education in the schools of
North Adams, and following his high school days he went to Indiana,
where he was employed by the Lake Shore Railroad from 1889 to 1898,
as freight clerk and operator, and returning to Michigan in the latter
year, became bookkeeper for the Albion Milling Company. Thus began an association which in 1906 resulted in him becoming a member of
the firm, as the partner of John Haag, under the firm name of Haag
& Noyes, a partnership which has since continued. The office and place
of business of the firm is in the old stone mill located on the banks of
the Kalamazoo. This old landmark was erected as long ago as 1845,
and yet remains in a passing good state of preservation. The firm
handles flour, feed, grain and seeds, and in addition to its city trade,
does an extensive business with the farming interests far and near.
In 1897 Mr. Noyes married Nellie Groff, a daughter of John W.
Groff, an old and highly respected citizen of Albion. Mr. Noyes is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 57, Albion Lodge, and the F.
O. E., but maintains no other fraternal relations.
JOHN N. HAAG is a member of the firm of Noyes & Haag, dealers in
flour, feed and grain, in Albion, Michigan. He has been identified with
the business interests of the city since 1891, his connection at that time
being represented by association with William Knickerbocker, for many
years a miller of Albion. Since 1906 Mr. Haag has been a member of
the partnership just referred to, doing business under the name of the
Albion Milling Company, and they have since that time built up a
large business in the way of buying and shipping flour, grain and feed.
Born in Bavaria, Germany, December 25, 1856, John N. Haag is
the son of Roy and Elizabeth (Haag) Haag. He received his education
in his native land, entering school when he was six years old and con



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1329


tinuing until his thirteenth year. After leaving off his studies he
worked on the farm with his father until the autumn of 1871, when he
emigrated to the United States, and coming direct from New York city
to Marshall county, Indiana. He located at Plymouth, remaining there
during a year, and then coming to Flowerfield, Michigan, where he was
employed in a flouring mill. For six years Mr. Haag continued there,
determined to master the business, and when he emerged from his connection with that concern, he was a competent and experienced miller.
In 1891 he came to Albion, as previously mentioned, and here he secured employment in the old stone mill, then operated by William
Knickerbocker. This mill, which is one of the old landmarks of Albion,
was built in 1845, and it is still standing, in an excellent state of preservation, having witnessed many changes in the methods of milling in
these years of its active life.
In 1906 Mr. Haag formed a partnership with W. R. Noyes, the firm
name being the Albion Milling Company, and in the few years that
have elapsed then they have been able to build up a most excellent
business in buying and shipping the products in which they deal, and
enjoy a splendid reputation for high grade products and despatch in
handling the same.
In 1879 Mr. Haag married Miss Elizabeth Russell, the daughter of
Thomas and Mary (Scott) Russell, of Scotland. One son has been born
to them,-Roy Russell Haag, a graduate of the Albion high school
and of Albion College. He is now employed as principal of the Ludington high school, at Ludington Lake, Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Haag are members of the First Presbyterian church,
and he is a member of Albion Lodge No. 60, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is the owner
of a substantial home on Porter street, and is regarded as one of the
enterprising and progressive business men of the city.
MARCUS M. CALKINS. One of the prominent business men who have
been identified with the best interests of Albion, Michigan, for many
years is Marcus M. Calkins, wholesale dealer in lumber. I-e has beep
engaged in that business since his young manhood, his first connection
in that respect being in Coldwater, Branch county, Michigan, where
he was employed in a more or less humble capacity, and he has risen
by steady stages to the present high place he occupies in the lumber
interests of his community.
Born in Geauga county, Ohio, May 14, 1842. Marcus M. Calkins is
the son of Moses V. and Almira (Hudson) Calkins. The father was a
native of Vermont and the mother of Ohio, and the family were among
the pioneer settlers of Geauga county, Ohio. For many years Moses V.
Calkins was engaged in the mercantile and farming business, and in
1849 they removed to Branch county, Michigan, where he became interested in the manufacture of lumber, and operated a number of mills
throughout the county. He eventually became one of the most prosperous lumbermen of the county and was nrominentlv known throughout
that section of the state. He died in Coldwater, Michigan, in March,
1890, his widow surviving him for some years.
Marcus M. Calkins acquired his early education in the schools of
Geauga county. Ohio. his education extending through the curriculum
of the school. He then became associated with his father in the lumber
business. remaining with him until he attained his majority, and in that
time gaining a most valuable insieht into the various corners of the
lumber business, and becoming sufficiently familiar with it to wish to
continue in the same business. He went to Big Rapids, Michigan, upon




1330


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


severing his connection with his father, and there became a member of
the Fitch Phelps Lumber Company. Some little time thereafter he entered the business on his own responsibility and began shipping lumber
and logs. This business he carried on for a matter of fifteen years, and
his operations covered a large number of states. In 1898 he located in
Albion, where he has since continued to reside, and where he has large
wholesale lumber interests which require his attention.
In 1869 Mr. Calkins married Miss Cornelia Decker of Branch county.
She is the daughter of Lawrence Decker, an old resident who came to
Branch county in 1837. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Calkins: Ethel J., now a widow, and Kate L., who lives in Port Arthur,
Texas. Mr. Calkins and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The family home is maintained on East Porter street,
and is one of the fine modern residences of the city.
WILLIAM S. POTTER, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Battle
Creek, Michigan, has perhaps the widest acquaintance and can number more people as his friends than can any other man in the city of
Battle Creek or in Calhoun county. He has been pastor of the Battle
Creek church for twenty-three years, and since he is a man of broad
views and is in sympathy with any religious movement in so far as it is
beneficial to the people, he has gained many and warm friends and his
personal popularity has had a great deal to do with his success as a
minister.
William S. Potter was born at State Bridge, Oneida county, New
York, on the 30th of December, 1850. He received his first education
in the district school from which he entered the Verona high school and
then Whitestown Academy. Having completed the course at the latter
place he then entered Hamilton College, and upon determining to enter
the ministry, matriculated at Auburn Theological Seminary, from which
he was graduated.
The Reverend Mr. Potter was ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian church and has had three pastorates since that time. His ordination took place at Auburn, New York, in May, 1878, and from 1878
until 1884 he was located at Petoskey, Michigan. In 1884 he was transferred to Ionia, Michigan, and here he remained until 1888 when he
came to Battle Creek.
He was very active during his residence in Petoskey in the endeavor
to build up a good school system and was a member of the school board
as well as the incumbent of the office which is now known as the office
of county commissioner of schools. A short time before his settling in
Battle Creek Rev. Potter made an extensive tour of Europe, and in 1907
he took a Mediterranean trip, visiting the Holy Land, Egypt and other
places in Africa, Turkey, Greece, the south of France, Malta, and the
many other places in that part of the world where history has been
made.
When he came to take charge of the Battle Creek church, he found
it with a membership of one hundred and seventy-five. How faithfully
he worked and how successful were his labors may be seen by the fact
that when he resigned in August 18, 1911, to take a much needed rest
he left a church membership roll of seven hundred members. During
this time a new church building was erected and was dedicated in February, 1896.
In addition to the work of his pastorate, Mr. Potter has always taken
an active part in the affairs of the community. How busy his pastoral
life has been may be imagined from the bare fact that he has officiated
at sixteen hundred weddings and about eighteen hundred funerals dur



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1331


ihg his residence in Battle Creek. He was the father of the Young
Men's Christian Association, having taken measures soon after his arrival to secure this institution for the city, and for a number of years
he was its president.
The broad mindedness which Mr. Potter has always displayed, and
the friendship which he has for the churches and the work of other
denominations has won him the highest regard of the whole city, and
now that he is no longer in active work, his presence is greatly missed.
Mr. Potter does not consider himself as having permanently retired
but may after a while take another pastorate.
WILLIAM J. McFADDEN. As long as our republic endures will the
American nation owe a debt of gratitude and honor to the brave "boys
in blue" who went forth in defense of the integrity of the nation at
the climacteric period of the Civil war. One of the gallant and loyal
soldiers contributed to this conflict by Calhoun county is William  J.
McFadden, who has here maintained his home for nearly sixty years
and who is now living retired in the city of Marshall, secure in the high
regard of all who know him and numbered among the sterling pioneer
citizens of the county. He was for many years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and developed one of the valuable farms of the county.
He came to America as a mere boy and dependent upon his own resources
in making his way in the world. He faced the problem with the same
self-reliance, vigor and earnestness that characterized his service as a
soldier of the republic, and with the passing of years he achieved define
and worthy success as a member of the world's noble army of productive
workers. Now venerable in years and surrounded by friends who are
tried and true, he finds the gracious evening of his life pleasing in environment and associations, and his status in the community is such as to
entitle him to special recognition in this publication.
Mr. McFadden was born in county Antrim, Ireland, on the 10th of
April, 1836, and is a son of Arthur and Sarah Jane McFadden, both of
whom passed their entire lives in the fair old Emerald Isle.
William J. McFadden is indebted to the schools of his native land'
for his early educational discipline, and at the age of sixteen years he.
severed the ties that bound him to home and native land and courageously set forth to sek his fortunes in America. He landed in the port
of the national metropolis and remained in the state of New York about
three years, at the expiration of which he came to Michigan and made
Calhoun county his destination. He secured employment on the farm
of a Mr. Aldrich, and with the passing of the years he so ordered his
efforts and conserved his resources that he was enabled to purchase and
develop an excellent farm, of one hundred and fourteen acres. To this
he added until he became the owner of an estate of two hundred and
eleven acres, and this he still retains in his possession. He was long
numbered among the enterprising farmers and stock-growers of the
county and through his own ability and labors he achieved independence
and definite prosperity. In 1895 he laid aside the cares and responsibilities that had so long engrossed his attention, and removed from his
old homestead to a pleasant residence in the city of Marshall, where he
has since lived retired, and where he and his devoted wife are enjoying
the just recompense of former endeavors.
In the meanwhile Mr. McFadden had responded to the call of higher
duty, when the integrity of the nation was menaced by armed rebellion.
He subordinated all personal interests to go forth in defense of the
Union, and well did he serve the country of his adoption-a valiant and
loyal soldier who took part in many sanguinary conflicts on the battle




1332           HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY
fields of the south. In August, 1861, Mr. McFadden enlisted as a private
in Company I, Twentieth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which he
proceeded to the city of Washington and which was forthwith assigned
to the Army of the Potomac. He took part in virtually all of the engagements in which his regiment was involved, including a number of
the most important battles marking the progress of the great internecine
conflict, and he continued in active service until he received his honorable
discharge. The ranks of those who thus fought for the nation's integrity
are fast becoming depleted by the one invincible foe of mankind, but Mr.
McFadden continues to take a deep interest in his old comrades, as is
shown by his affiliation with the Grand Army of the Republic, in his
home city. The year 1867 bore record of the marriage of Mr. McFadden
to Miss Josephine Brown. He and his wife hold membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church.
JESSE HUGGETT. The ascent from poverty and obscurity to a comfortable worldly condition and consequence among men is a steep and
rugged one, beset with many obstacles and bestrewn with difficulties
until a commanding height is attained, when Fate seems to withdraw her
grudge and assist the resolute climber who has thus far challenged her
to combat and contested with her courageously and successfully. But
it is one that millions in this country have made and many millions have
tried to make and failed in the attempt.
Jesse Huggett, one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of
Penfield township in this county has succeeded in making this ascent,
and it is altogether to his credit that his success is due to nothing but
his own pluck, endurance and persistency. He is a native of England,
born on March 8, 1832, and a son of Thomas and Mary (Wickem) Huggett, also natives of England, the former born in 1803 and the latter in
1821. They were married in that country and came to the United States
in 1836, locating near Rochester, New York.
Although they seemed to be rather far West then, as they were for
that day, there was a growing allurement for them in the promise of the
wilds beyond them in the wake of the setting sun, and in 1854 they
eame to Michigan and Calhoun county, finding a new home in Convis
township. Here they passed the remainder of their days, the mother
dying in 1864 and the father in 1878. The father was a blacksmith and
wrought at his trade in his native land and during many years in this
country. Finally he bought a farm in this county, on which he was living at the time of his death.
Twelve children were born of their union, Jesse being the fifth in
the order of birth, and eight besides him being now alive. The father
was a Democrat in political faith and activity, and both parents belonged
to the Episcopal church, of which they were devout and consistent
adherents. He was successful in his efforts for advancement, and by
industry at his forge and on his farm accumulated a comfortable estate
for his time and surroundings, exercising good judgment in the management of his affairs. Jesse Huggett obtained his education in the district
schools, and began life for himself as a farmer after it was completed
as far as his opportunities allowed him to go. He also operated a threshing outfit for a few years in connection with his farming operations.
He started, however, as a farm hand, working by the month for three
years and saving his earnings with a view to the start on a farm of his
own, as indicated above. He also worked on a canal in New York for
one year, the great Erie canal, that mighty intenal waterway that has
done so much for the development and improvement of the interior of
New York state.






'HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1333


Mr. Huggett bought his first farm in 1856, the one on which he now
lives. It comprises eighty-five acres, and when he bought it was without
improvements of any kind. He erected all the buildings and fences and
made all the other improvements on this farm, and by his energy, thrift
and good management it has been transformed into a very productive
and valuable one. Here he has conducted general farming operations
with enterprise and skill for over half a century, and to such good purpose that he has been enabled, through what he has won from its fruitful
soil, to buy another farm of sixty-five acres in a different location, and
this also is under his direct control in its cultivation and everything that
pertains to it.
Mr. Huggett was married in 1856 to Miss Fannie Calender, a daughter of Dewey S. Calender, an early settler in Michigan and Calhoun
county, having as part of the land on which he located the farm now
owned and occupied by Mr. Huggett. He afterward moved to Wiseonsin, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Huggett have had six children, five
of whom are living: William, who is a resident of Convis township; Mary
Frances, who married Frank Avery, and with him has her home in Battle
Creek; George, who died a number of years ago; Maud, who is the wife
of Eric Southerland; her second husband, whom she married after the
death of Daniel Greinran, her first, and now is a resident of North
Dakota; Henry, who lives on a farm in Convis township, and Millie, who
is the wife of Abraham Walkinshaw.
Mrs. Huggett is a member of the Baptist church, which her husband
also attends. He is a Republican in politics, and has served on the school
board and as road commissioner. He has always been practically and
serviceably interested in the welfare of his township and county and
done all he could to promote it. The people around him and throughout the county esteem him highly and look upon him as one of their most
useful, upright, enterprising and estimable citizens.
JAMES LANE. Michigan was especially fortunate in having been first
settled by men of resolution, stability and true personal worth and integrity. Noteworthy among the earlier pioneers of Calhoun county was
James Lane, who not only cleared and improved a good farm in Convis,
but became widely known as a prosperous and popular tavern keeper. A
native of England, he was born, in 1807, at Great Cumberton, Worcestershire, his parents being then in humble circumstances.
When a small lad of twelve years, James Lane began hustling for
himself, a situation having been secured for him with Rev. Dr. Haggitt,
of Pershore, Worcestershire, with whom he remained for quite awhile,
being employed in different capacities, the last five years of the time
serving as butler. In 1833 MIr. Lane took unto himself a wife, marrying
Sarah Finch, of Forrest Row, county Sussex, England, and located in
London, where he embarked in business as a milk dealer. His health
becoming impaired, and his prospects for, very materially adding to his
finances being not very encouraging, Mr. Lane determined to try the
hazard of fortunes in the New World, and sailed with his wife to New
York. Pushing his way onward from the Atlantic coast to Michigan,
he arrived in Marshall, Calhoun county, November 5, 1835. Looking
about for a favorable place in which to invest his cash capital of sixtytwo pounds, he bought seventy-four and three-fourths acres of land in
section twenty-seven, Convis, and there began the pioneer task of clearing and improving a farm. Very soon after locating there, Mr. Lone
opened a tavern, and as "mine host" acquired an enviable reputation
among the traveling public, and formed the acquaintance of many
prominent men, who subsequently became his warm    friends.  As a




1334


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


farmer and inn keeper he met with satisfactory success, accumulating
a fair share of this world's goods ere his death, which occurred August
4, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. Lane became the parents of five children, all of whom
grew to years of maturity, as follows: Thomas, born in London, England, October 30, 1834, married, December 27, 1856, Marie L. Alton;
Charles James, born June 27, 1837, on the home farm in Convis married, in June, 1869, Cornelia Cook, and is now living in Marshall, retired
from his long and successful career as a physician and surgeon; Caroline, born August 31, 1840, became the wife of Henry Potter, of Convis,
their marriage having been celebrated December 9, 1859; Edward F.,
born November 24, 1842, married, in May, 1871, Milly Baldwin; and
William A., born March 31, 1845, married, August 23, 1870, Jennie
Hill.
CHARLES J. LANE M. D. For many years actively engaged in one
of the most exacting of all the higher lines of occupation to which a man
may lend his energies, Charles J. Lane, M. D., a retired physician and
surgeon of Marshall, gained not only marked prestige in his profession,
but has ever been recognized as a progressive and public-spirited citizen, and as one who orders his life upon the highest principles of honor
and integrity. A son of James Lane, of whom a brief record appears
elsewhere in this volume, he was born, June 27, 1837, in Convis, Calhoun county, Michigan, of English ancestry.
Acquiring his early education in log school houses, and at Olivet
Institute, he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan in 1860. The following year, in September, 1861, he entered the
army as hospital steward in Captain Howland's Battle Creek Engineer
Corps, and served until January 8, 1862, when he was honorably discharged, and embarked in private practice. Going to Philadelphia in
1863, Dr. Lane continued his studies in the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania, at the same time attending clinics at the
Pennsylvania and Blockley hospitals. In the early part of May, 1864,
armed with letters of introduction from prominent surgeons and government officials to the secretary of war, he went to Washington, and
was there appointed a medical officer in the regular army, with the rank
of first lieutenant. The doctor was then ordered to report for duty at
the Columbia College Hospital, and on the twenty-third day of that
same month was transferred to the department of the east, under command of General John A. Dix, with headquarters in New York City. He
was at once assigned to duty on board the United States Hospital transport "Western Metropolis," where he served as chief medical officer for
eight months. Being then transferred to the United States hospital
transport "Northern Light," he there served in the same capacity for
five months.
The "Western Metropolis" and "Northern Light" were among the
largest and best-equipped transports in use during the Civil war, the
former having been chartered by the government for $800.00 per day,
and the latter for $850.00 per day. These transports always carried
from five to eight medical officers, and to Dr. Lane fell the honor and
distinction of being the only one of the surgeons and physicians who
served continuously on those two magnificent steamers during the entire
time that they were in commission as hospital transports. On September 16, 1865. the doctor was sent by the war department to Port Royal,
South Carolina, where he was placed in charge of the officer's ward at
the United States General Hospital, at that point. Resigning his posi



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1335


tion on February 28, 1866, the doctor returned to Michigan, and was
actively engaged in the practice of his profession until his retirement,
in 1905. During the administrations of Presidents Harrison and Cleveland, he served as United States Pension Examining Surgeon.
Dr. Lane married, in June, 1869, Cornelia Cook, and they have a
pleasant home at 524 West Mansion street, Marshall. The doctor is now
filling two public offices, being justice of the peace and county coroner.
WILLIAM J. PORR is superintendent of the sewer department of
the city of Albion, and has for years been engaged as a practical
plumber and contractor in the city. He was born in Cochecton, New
York state, on May 9, 1857, and is the son of William J. and Katherine
(Prush) Porr, early settlers of Cochecton, Sullivan county, New York.
The father was a shoemaker by trade and a builder of some importance,
being connected largely with the public works. He also was interested
in farming to some extent. He died young, being but forty-two years
old, while the mother passed away in her fortieth year.
Their son, the subject of this review, was educated in the district
school and later attended the Home Academy at Wayne, Pennsylvania. He then entered the employ of the Lorain & Wheeling Railway, remaining with them three years. He came to Michigan in 1872,
soon becoming connected with the Windmill Manufacturing Company, after which he was employed by the Gale Springtooth, Harrow,
Seeder Company, as a traveling salesman, covering the states of Michigan, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. He was later employed by the Union
Windmill Manufacturing Company, his sales covering the states of Ohio,
Indiana and Michigan. Later he engaged in the plumbing business in
which business he continued until 1906, when he sold out his plumbing
business and decided to retire from business. He has from time to
time been employed by the city of Albion to superintend the more important of its great public works. It was under his supervision that
the waterworks system of the city was laid out and constructed. Later,
after the disasterous flood of 1908, when most of the bridges of Albion
were swept away, Mr. Porr was the inspector under whom the new
steel and concrete bridges were constructed. Practically the most important of the public works of the city that he has undertaken and
pushed through to successful completion is what is known as the Black
Ditch Sewer, a great artery, not only draining the vast swamp in the
southwestern part of the city, but furnishing the most comprehensive
sewer system in the city. This project considered by many engineers
impracticable and expensive to almost a prohibitory degree was completed
by Mr. Porr in less than one year at a cost of less than $10,000.00, or a
sum less than one-third of the engineers estimated cost. A number of
other difficult and expensive sewer systems have been constructed by him
with the same degree of celerity and economy so marked in the Black
Ditch Sewer.
Mr. Porr, by his industry and business capacity, has accumulated
a comfortable fortune. HIe is the owner of several business blocks in
the city of Albion and a fine farm just a short distance from the city.
In 1898 he was elected as one of the aldermen of the city, and later
became a member of the board of public works, an office which he has
held for a number of years.
In 1880 Mr. Porr was married to Miss Kate Rahrmann, of Albion,
a daughter of Anton Rarhmann. One daughter has been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Porr,-May, who is the wife of Raymond H. Bishop, of Los
Angeles, California.




1336


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


EDWARD B. ZIMMER. Among those who have made their own way
in the world from early youth, who have surmounted all obstacles in
their path and attained success in their chosen callings, Edward B.
Zimmer takes prominent place. Although his success so far is not of
gigantic or sensational character, it shows integrity of purpose and
true manhood, and he is known as an able and enterprising business
man of Battle Creek, where he acts in the capacity of secretary of the
Battle Creek Gas Company, one of the city's most important industries.
Mr. Zimmer was born at Spring Lake, Ottawa county, Michigan, August
16, 1877, and is a son of Nathan and Katherine (Spinner) Zimmer.
The former, who spent his life in the vocation of sawyer, passed away
some six or seven years ago, while the latter still survives and makes
her home in Grand Rapids. There were four daughters and two sons
in the family, Edward B. being the third in order of birth and the
only one residing in Battle Creek:
Edward B. Zimmer secured his educational training in the public
schools of Spring Lake, and in 1897 came to Battle Creek and entered
the Krug Business College, where he secured a thorough training in
business matters. His connection with the Battle Creek Gas Company
began in 1900, at which time he entered the employ of this concern
as collector and bookkeeper, but after two or three months gave up
collecting in order to give his full attention to the books of the company. In 1907 he had so gained the confidence and esteem of his employers, that he was elected secretary of the company, a position he
has held to the present time. An alert, progressive business man, he
has done much to advance the interests of his company and to improve
its service, and his work has been appreciated alike by the members
of the company and by the public at large. He is a member of the
Knights of Pythias lodge in Battle Creek, and was reared in the faith
of the Catholic church.
On June 18, 1902, Mr. Zimmer was married in Battle Creek to
Miss Ruth Agness Stewart, who was born in Calhoun county, and is a
graduate of Olivet College. The family home is situated at No. 27
Cliff street.
MRS. MAY LEVERANCE is the widow of Lovell B. Leverance, a man
well known for years in Jackson and Calhoun counties, and now deceased.
Mrs. Leverance prior to her marriage was May G. Jacobs, the daughter of
D. L. Jacobs, for many years a resident of Jackson county, who later
moved into Albion, there purchasing a number of brick blocks and
coming to own large real estate holdings. The mother of Mrs. Leverance was Lucy A. (Beebe) Jacobs, a native of Vermont, while the
father was a native of New York state. They were pioneer settlers of
Michigan and both are now deceased.
Mrs. Leverance received her education in the public and high school
of Hanover. She married Lovell B. Leverance in 1879, and following
his demise in 1887, she assumed entire charge of the farm, directing the
labors of her hired help and managing every detail in connection with the
work of the place. She has amply demonstrated her ability to manage
successfully the affairs of such a business as she conducts, and has made
splendid progress in a financial way in the years in which she has been
dependent upon her own resources. In 1901 she erected her present
fine residence at a cost of $2,200 and one of the finest country homes in
the township. Mrs. Leverance is one of the brilliant and prominent
women of the community, being not only well versed in matters pertaining to farming and stockraising, but is well versed on topics of the day,
and an interesting conversationalist. She is known to possess excellent




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1337


judgment, and her opinion on a business proposition within her ken is
always accepted as sound and practical. As previously mentioned, Mrs.
Leverance was married in 1879. Her husband, Lovell B. Leverance, was
born in Jackson county, Michigan, in 1832. He was educated in the
district school at Jonesville and then attended the Albion high school.
Following the completion of his education he was engaged in teaching in
the district schools for some time, after which he became associated with
Dr. Saxton, of Concord, in the drug business, and for five years he was
thus occupied. At the end of that time Mr. Leverance purchased the
old Newton homestead where he was engaged in farming for a number
of years, and in all his undertakings he enjoyed a generous measure
of prosperity. The farm was a model one in every particular and was well
kept up during the regime of Mr. Leverance, as it has been in later years
under the supervision of his widow. Mr. Leverance was the son of
Decaker and Sarah (Bullock) Leverance, both natives of New York
state, born at Oswego, and they located in Pulaski township, Michigan,
in their young life, purchasing a farm of 120 acres which the elder
Leverance put in a fine state of cultivation in the years he gave to its
care. Lovell Leverance was a member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliating with Concord lodge.
AUGUST E. ARNDT has contributed a considerable, in a material way,
to the growth of Albion in his capacity as contractor and builder in
masonry, and in the years of his active business operations has built
some of the most substantial dwellings and other buildings in the city.
His work has a reputation for honesty and all around quality that has
won him an enviable name in the city, and he is regarded everywhere
as one of the reliable business men of the community.
Born in Germany in 1865, August E. Arndt is the son of William
and Wilhelmina (Schumacher) Arndt. They also were German born,
and came to America in 1881, locating in Albion, Michigan, almost immediately. The father was a mason by trade and he soon found employmen, being still occupied at his trade, and living on Irwin avenue, one
of the principal residence streets of the city.
August Arndt received his education in Germany. He entered
school when he was in his sixth year, continuing until he was fourteen,
and then went into the works with his father to learn the trade of a
mason. He worked faithfully and learned every detail of the building
business, after which he continued in the business on his own responsibility until the removal of the family to America. Following his
arrival in Albion Mr. Arndt was employed by the Gale Manufacturing
Company, and worked with this concern during fifteen winters, following his trade during the summer months. He then began contracting and building on his own account, and since that time has been continuously engaged'in the business. He has done some of the best work
in the city, in Marshall, Battle Creek, Jackson and surrounding cities,
and his contract work is well known for its dependable quality, and his
use of honest materials and general honest methods are everywhere
acknowledged.
In 1891 MIr. Arndt married Miss Anna Schumacher, the daughter
of Carl and Fredericka (Raether) Schumacher, and to them have been
born four children,-Fred, Freda, Louisa and Olga.
Mr. Arndt and his family are attendants of the Salem church. He
is an Independent in his political faith, and has never sought or held
an office, having no taste for official life. He owns a comfortable residence at No. 500 West Irwin avenue, while the home of his parents




1338


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


directly adjoins his place. He is also a member of the B. M. & P. O. U.
of America.
GEORGE W. SWEENEY, one of the prosperous farmers of Albion township, in Calhoun county, Michigan, was born on section 7, Albion
township, his birth occurring on the old Sweeney homestead on May
14, 1869, and in this county he has passed his entire life in active farming operations of considerable importance. He is the son of John C.
and Elizabeth (Walkins) Sweeney, who were among the early pioneers
of Albion township. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and he
moved to Michigan in 1837, there locating those lands which have ever
since constituted the old Sweeney homestead. He was a good judge of
land, as many will affirm today, when looking over the tracts chosen by
him in that early period. In his day the land was covered with burr oak
timber, which is indicative of a deep, rich soil, especially productive
for grain, wheat, corn and beans. He improved his farm, erecting substantial buildings and bringing the wilderness into a state of complete
subjection to his will. His place comprised three hundred and nine
acres, and he was able to interest himself largely in cattle and sheep,
through having so large an acreage, and he prospered all the days of
his life. He was known as one of the most intelligent and successful
farming men of the community, and lived on this farm until his death,
his wife following him shortly after. She was a most devoted wife
and mother, possessed of all those splendid qualities so necessary in
the woman who is destined to endure the privations and hardships
attendant upon the invasion of a new country.
George W. Sweeney was one of the two sons of his parents. He was
reared to farm life, and knew all the rigors incident to his time and
station. He attended the district school, and later spent two years
in Albion College. That period was exceedingly profitable to him, for
it was then he acquired the knowledge which fitted him for a business
career. He continued on the farm until he was twenty-one, and in
1892 he married Miss Agnes H. Sheely, a daughter of Jacob Sheely,
an old resident of Concord, Calhoun county. After his marriage Mr.
Sweeney rented a farm in Homer, and there he resided for two
years. Following the passing of his father he returned to the home
place, and took charge of the business there until the death of his
mother, which occurred in February, 1912. He then engaged actively
in general farming, stock raising, and in the feeding of cattle and
lambs, which he found to be a most profitable business. Since the
death of his mother, Mr. Sweeney has purchased the interest of his
brother in the place, and is now the sole owner and proprietor of the
old homestead, his operations placing him among the big stock and
farming men of the county. Mr. Sweeney has one brother, William
A., who is a large contractor in painting and paper-hanging, and is
a man of considerable means. The Sweeney farm is supplied with a
substantial residence, two large barns, sheds and out-buildings of every
description, all in first class condition. The place taken as a unit, is a
model one in every respect and is maintained in a state of high cultivation. In addition to his stock-growing and feeding operations, Mr.
Sweeney is known to be one of the largest growers of corn and white
beans in the township, and has a wide reputation for practical methods
in the conduct of his business.
Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney are the parents of six children, as follows:
Jonathan C., Don C., Helen C., Lucy J., Mary F., and Katherine L.
In 1912 Mr. Sweeney was elected justice of the peace, and he has been
a member of the Grange for a number of years, as well as the Benevolent




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1339


Protective Order of Elks, with affiliation in lodge No. 113, at Jackson,
Michigan. His reputation in his community is of the highest order,
where he is known to be energetic, broad-minded and public spirited.
GEORGE HOWARD is a stock dealer and shipper, and operates two of
the principal meat markets in Albion. Hie was born in Albion township,
Calhoun county, just south of the city of Albion, upon the farm of his
father, on January 1, 1850, and is the son of James and Martha (Greenfield) Howard, natives of England.  The father, upon his arrival in
America in 1828 went direct to Port Byron, and thence to Auburn, New
York. In 1835 he moved with his family from the latter place to Michigan, making the trip in wagons. The family located in the city of Albion,
remaining there until the elder Howard might make suitable arrangements, and then moved to a farm two miles south of the city. He was a
harness and trunk maker, and he did such work as he could find to do
in the line of his trade for several years-about seven in all. He then
bought a farm of one hundred and thirty acres, and cultivated it in
conjunction with his other business. He was a man of considerable
force of character, widely known in and about the community where
he resided, and of some importance in affairs of a public nature. He
died in 1863 during the Civil war, his wife having preceded him in
1857.
George Howard was left an orphan at an early age, and such opportunities as he has found in life have been for the most part, of his
own making. He remained on the farm with his father, and received
some education in the district schools. He gradually worked into stockdealing and shipping in connection with the regular tilling of the soil.
He married early, and afterward engaged in buying and shipping, also in
feeding cattle and lambs by the carload, which he shipped to the eastern
markets. He occupies the farm of his father and the place is in a fine
state of cultivation. In addition to his buying and shipping business,
Mr. Howard operates two of the leading meat markets in Albion, being
the owner of a slaughter house, where most of the meat for his shops
is prepared for the market. He has prospered from the beginning
of his independent career, and his success in life may be said to be the
direct result of his splendid energy, enthusiasm and sobriety, it being
a fact that he has never indulged in intoxicating liquor, tobacco, or
in gambling. As a business man his integrity is of the most unequivocal
order, and his reputation is a most enviable one.
Mr. Howard married in 1871, Sarah J. Whitney, the daughter of Mrs.
Hannah (Harmon Wills) Whitney, once of New York, but later of Michigan. Two sons and a daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Howard,Fred G. and Frank S., both operating the meat markets which their father
established in Albion some years ago and Bertha E., now Mrs. J. B. Smith.
Mr. Howard employs one clerk, Frank Doolittle, who has been in his
employ for nearly thirty years, and is known as "'Trusty. " Mr. Howard
is a Progressive in his politics, though not especially active in party
affairs. He is a citizen of the most worthy instincts, public-spirited and
enterprising, and he built the Albion City Hospital, a substantial brick
affair costing about eight thousand dollars, which he rents to the city,
thus supplying a long felt want. He and his family are attendants of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and are popular and prominent in the
social activities of the city.
H. B. PARKER. The leading citizens of any community are those
men who are in control of important business and industrial operations
of that community, and it is always a promising sign when the younger




1340


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


men of a town or city are found forging their way to the front in any
of the commercial or industrial circles as leaders. H. B. Parker takes
a prominent place among men of this class in the city of Albion, where
he is occupied as vice-president of the Malleable Iron Company of
Albion.
Born in Chicago, August 21, 1871, Mr. Parker is yet a young man,
and the son of E. A. and Almira L. Parker. His paternal grandfather
was a clergyman of the Congregational church at Galesburg, Illinois,
and his father was general passenger agent of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for some time, and afterward occupied a similar
position with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, being connected with
the latter named corporation when he died in 1875. The mother of
the subject was a daughter of Calvin T. Beebe, an early pioneer settler
of Jackson, Michigan, who died there at the age of eighty-five years.
Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Parker married W. S. KEessler,
and she passed away on March 20, 1896.
Mr. Parker acquired his early education in the schools of Chicago,
and came to Albion with his mother and stepfather. It was at that
time that the Malleable Iron Company was organized and the young
man became connected with the new company straightway. He began
work in the factory and from there advanced steadily, becoming famililar
with every detail of the business in all its various departments. In
1892 he had so far advanced that he was made a director and vice-president of the concern, in which offices he has continued ever since. In
1899 he was made assistant general manager and in that important
capacity bears an active part in the responsibility and operations of the
business, which ranks as the largest of its kind in the state of Michigan.
The plant is located adjacent to the Michigan Central Railroad tracks
and covers 8 acres. More than 700 men are employed, a fact which
renders the plant a most valuable adjunct to the assets of the city,
furnishing as it does the means of maintenance to a large number of
families.
In addition to his interest in the iron business, Mr. Parker has been
connected with Mr. Kessler in real estate matters, and in 1900 they
erected the fine new post-office block. Mr. Parker is further secretary
and treasurer of the Marion Gas and Oil Company, with wells at Findlay,
Ohio. The oil lands of this company are excellent producers and that
business is proving as profitable as are the other concerns with which
he is connected.
On November 28, 1895, Mr. Parker was united in marriage with
Miss Theo Gardner, a daughter of Hon. Washington Gardner, of Albion,
Michigan. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs.
Parker is a member, and toward the support of which Mr. Parker is
a generous contributor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and is affiliated with Murat Lodge No. 14, A. F. & A. M., Albion chapter
Royal Arch Masons, and Marshall commandery Knights Templar. His
political support is with the Republican party, but he is not active in
its ranks as a politician. Mr. Parker has already attained an enviable
position in the business world, and great financial prosperity and influence
are predicted for him in circles where he is best known.
CHARLES K. BLISS, one of the best known men in Albion, represents
one of the old pioneer families of Calhoun county, Michigan. He was
born in the city which now represents his home, and is the son of Samuel Bliss and his wife, Isabelle K. Kellogg, both, of whom were natives
of New York. In 1836 Samuel Bliss came to Albion, Michigan. He
was a carpenter by trade, and in that industry was occupied more or




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1341


less for many years. After locating in Albion he purchased two lots
on Eaton street, on which he erected a two-story building. This he
divided into several apartments and rented out. The building was most
crude in construction, the frame work being of huge timbers, and the
studding of slabs with two straight sides but it sufficed as a shelter, and
in that early day people were able to content themselves with fewer
conveniences than at the present time.  He was a skillful workman
himself, and as his means accumulated he was able to build houses,
until he has some ten or twelve which he rented out. HIe continued to
work at his trade of carpenter until about forty years old, his death
occurring in October, 1893, when he was over eighty-one years old,
his birth having occurred on March 28, 1812. His wife, who was born
in 1824, died on November 19, 1874. They were the parents of four
children, Jerome, Viola, Charles K. of this review, and Kitrenah, the
latter of whom lives in Ionia county, Michigan.
As a lad at home, Charles K. Bliss acquired his early education in
the common schools of his native district, after which he entered Albion
College, where he studied for three years. After leaving school he
learned the trade of a mason, and engaged in contracting, confining
his labors to plastering. As his means accumulated with the passing
years, he placed his capital in first mortgages, and he is today the
possessor of some valuable real estate in the county, among the various
pieces being a hotel at Homer.
Mr. Bliss is unmarried. He has a cottage and hunting "shack"
at Long Lake, in Iosco county, Michigan, and his chief delights are
found in rod and gun. Here in the wilds of Iosco county he passes considerable time during every summer and autumn in hunting and fishing, and his outfit of guns and fishing tackle is one of the most complete
to be found in much traveling. He is a member of the Albion Club,
and a man well liked and possessing a host of good friends in the county
which has known him all his life.
LEONARD J. SHIELDS has for three years been engaged as a dealer
and shipper in all kinds of poultry, eggs, hay and produce in Albion,
and has come to be firmly established in that business through his
careful attention to details and his understanding of market conditions.
Previous to his connection with this business he was engaged as a
retailer of milk, and in that way gained a wide acquaintance in and
about Albion.
Mr. Shields is a native son of Calhoun county, born in Eckford township, on August 11, 1872. He is the son of Charles J. Elizabeth (Wigmore) Shields, both natives of England and born in Gloucestershire. In
1870 the Shields family migrated to the United States, and upon reachAmerican shores they made their way direct to Calhoun county, Michigan, where the father purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres and immediately engaged in farming and stock raising. He became
one of the prosperous farmers of this section, and died on March 19,
1897, one of the highly esteemed men of his community, and well
established in a business way. His widow still survives him and makes
her home in Albion, where she enjoys a modicum of health and strength.
Leonard J. Shields acquired his education in the district schools
of Eckford township and later was so fortunate as to be able to pursue
a commercial course in the Albion College, after which he returned to
the farm where he remained until he was twenty-six years old. In
1898 he located in the city of Albion, and there he bought and retailed
milk to a wide circle of customers, continuing in the business about
eight years. In 1909 he began to deal in poultry of all kinds, and in




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


the buying and shipping of hay and feed and he is today well established in this business, his place being conducted near the farmer sheds
and also near to the Michigan Central Railroad tracks. He has a wide
acquaintance in the county and the business is in a constantly expanding state, which is bringing him in a considerable revenue and winning
him a sure place among the successful men of the city.
In 1897 Mr. Shields married Miss Pearl Simpson, a daughter of
John Simpson, one of the old residents of Calhoun county. To their
union two sons were born,-Harold LaVerne and Warren Emerson.
Mr. Shields has two brothers,-Fred L., of Albion, engaged in the dray
and transfer business, and Frank H., a graduate of Albion College,
who is the founder and proprietor of the New Briton (Conn.) Commercial College. He had five sisters, named as follows: Florence
A.; Edna May (deceased); Lillian E; Maud and Cora M. Mr. and
Mrs. Shields and family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and the home of the family is maintained at No. 310 Irwin
avenue.
WILLIAM HENRY PERINE. Representatives ot that class of citizens
which Calhoun county attracted in the early forties from the vicinity
of New York City as the country slowly but surely recovered from the
panic of 1837, a class well equipped for the struggles and triumphs
in new fields, men of exceptional strength both physically and mentally, and already thoroughly Americanized by heredity and environment,-  was William H. Perine, who settled near Tekonsha, with his
wife and five children, in 1844. He was born May 17, 1808, at Southfield, Staten Island, being the youngest but one of the ten children of
Abraham   Perine, (1766-1831) who is buried    at old   St. John's
Episcopal church in New York City. The latter had spent his boyhood days amid stirring scenes, for his father, Henry Perine, born in
1730, was the patriot supervisor of the town of Westfield, Staten
Island, from 1774 to 1783. Henry Perine took an active part as a
member of the Whig County Committee and sided in the organization
of the patriots of his neighborhood into militia companies, thus risking
life and property, especially during the period when the British troops
seized and endeavored to keep the island under martial law. After
their departure he lived a respected and beloved citizen of Westfield
until his death in 1788. These activities were inherent, as his father,
Peter Perine (1701-1756) was Captain of "The Troop" of the Richmond County Militia as early as 1739, and his older brother, Peter,
was a New Jersey soldier of the French and Indian War. The father,
Peter, just mentioned, was the first of the four sons of Daniel Perine
(1672-1745) who, in turn, was the fourth son of the ancestor of the
American branch of the family, Daniel Perrin.
Daniel Perrin, "The Huguenot," son of Pierre Perrin, was one
of the eighteen male passengers, or emigres, a portion of whom were
French, from the Isle of Jersey, that were brought over in the ship
"Philip" by Governor Philip Carteret. They landed in New York, July
29, 1665, preparatory to taking up their abode in the Elizabethtown
Plantations, the first of the "New Caesarea" or New Jersey settlements,
under the grant to Sir George Carteret, John, Lord Berkley and Lord
Stratton, by the Duke of York, afterwards James II of England. In
the "Philip" also came Maria Thorel, the fiance of Daniel Perrin. She
also was of French lineage, her family having resided near the ancient city
of Rouen. The Perrins, or Perines, appeared to have come originally
from Nayers (Noyers-Bacage) in Normandy, about one hundred and fifty
miles west of Paris.
The arms on the ring worn by Daniel Perrin, according to copies of a




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1343


sketch or impression preserved for his descendants, bore, in addition to
the three pilgrim's escallops, a chevron with three crosses pattee, emblematic of the period of the crusades in which the common ancestors of the
Carterets and the Perrins had gained an enviable distinction, the most
important being Sir Roger de Barneville, whose praises have been sung
by Tasso in his account of the First Crusade. Roger, Seigneur de Barneville, and his son, Hugh, Seigneur de Rosel, were among the Norman
knights who accompanied William the Conquerer to England in 1066-67.
(Battle Abbey Roll, by Duchess of Cleveland.) In Domesday (1086)
Sir Hugh's hereditary title is mentioned, and a charter of the time of
Stephen (1135-1154) mentions his son, Robert, and in 1165 his grandson,
another Robert de Rosel, is given official record. The early maps of the
Isle of Jersey show not only a "Rosel Harbour" and "Rosel Manor
House, " but also a short distance from the latter an ancient watch tower
marked "Tour Perin or Rosel." The ancient pedigree or chart of the
family of the Cartarets states that in the time of Edward IV (1461-1483)
Rawlin Tampier, Lord of Roselle, married the daughter of Richard
Weston, and their daughter married Dominique Perrin. A son of the
latter, Edmund, became Lord of Rozel, and, according to a chart of 1564,
Edmund Perrin's daughter, Isabel, married John Dumaresq, a Seigneur
of the Isle of Jersey. This chart, moreover, shows that Anne Dumaresq,
a lineal descendant of John and Isabel (Perrin) Dumaresq, was, subsequent to 1644, married to Philip de Cartaret, who thus became Lord of
Rosel, in right of his wife.
Many other official and hereditary documents show that thq families
of Cartaret and Perrin had long been connected through blood or marriage, and on this account, the marriage on February 18, 1666, of Daniel
Perrin and Maria Thorel, as the first one was solemnized under the new
government, seems to have been especially fitting. The original marriage
license is still in existence. After the marriage, they removed across to
Staten Island and established their home on a tract of land granted to
Daniel Perrin in 1695 by the English Governor, Benjamin Fletcher.
After 1700 the spelling "Perine" appears to have been generally used
by those of the family who remained on Staten Island, while "Perrine"
was used by those living in New Jersey. *
It was the good fortune of William H. Perine, after serving his seven
years apprenticeship as a turner, to marry Susan Wade Wooley of New
York city on the 27th of February, 1830, and soon afterward to form the
partnership of Bucklin and Perine, whose specialties of turning and
blindmaking in mahogany, rosewood and lignum vitae, found ready sale.
Their establishment had become in the thirties one of the largest of its
kind in New York, and there were the beginnings of an export trade,
when Mr. Perine was compelled on account of his health to change his
occupation. His physicians advised him that his system was becoming
permeated by the fine dust that had been unavoidable in his constant
oversight of work on hard woods only, and therefore, his thoughts turned
to the northwest and to Michigan.
Mr. Perine's plans for removal were made with care. He made a trip
through northern Ohio, Indiana and Illinois into Iowa, returning through
southern Michigan. This trip was in the summer when the St. Joseph
river at Niles was so dry that he crossed by stepping from stone to stone.
By the spring of 1844 he had disposed of his business and his goods were
packed, when suddenly his wife and his youngest son, John, were taken
with varioloid. His former partner offered the use of his home and the
patients recovered in due course. A quick and uneventful journey of
two weeks to Michigan followed in November, their route being by way
*Note: Daniel Perrin, "The Huguenot" and his Descendants, 1665-1910; compiled by Howland D. Perrine, A. B., LL. B., of the New York Bar.
Vol. II-4 7




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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


of Rochester, the Erie Canal and Detroit to Marshall. On his earlier
trip Mr. Perine had visited his older sister, Clarissa, who with her husband, Thomas Warne, had settled about two miles north of Tekonsha,
so that the family found ready welcome. Mr. Perine first bought eighty
acres in section 24, about two miles northeast of Tekonsha, which had then
a population of about one hundred. Of this first eighty, about thirty
acres had been under the plow, while the rest was oak openings. The
family found temporary quarters in a vacant log house kindly offered by
Rutledge Enos, and later occupied another log house of Ira Burley, until
their own was completed. A second adjoining tract of eighty acres was
soon acquired on the south side of St. Joseph River. Their house being
situated less than a mile from the Clarendon line, the family became identified at once with the Methodists of Clarendon. Lewis Benham, Artemas
Humiston and Mr. Perine were the main stays of the Clarendon church.
Divine services were first held in a log school house across the river, but
before long Lewis Benham donated for the purpose the log house formerly
occupied by his family. Within a few years the need of a new church
was felt and Mrs. Perine toured the neighborhood and adjoining villages,
accepting any and everything that could be turned into cash for the purpose. She also wrote east soliciting funds and books. William Blash'field donated ground on one of the corners of his farm and the church was
built. Later it was moved across from the cemetery, where it now stands.
The Perine home with that of Lewis Benham became headquarters
for ministers. Among those who came most often was Manassah Hickey,
who did a great work among the Indians. He seemed to be followed
always, in the memory of Mr. Perine's eldest daughter, by a crowd of
Indians with their squaws and papooses. Thirty or forty at a time often
encamped across the road. Mr. Perine was a class leader for many years
and his house became known as the Methodist Tavern, as, distinguished
from Burley's Tavern, a short distance east.
The work of subduing the wilderness was well accomplished after
fifteen years, but not without cost, as the health of Mr. Perine and that of
his youngest son, failed under the strain, and neither was able to respond
to the call to arms in 1861. His second son, Jacob, however, who had
attended the Albion Wesleyan Academy in 1858 and 1859, was ready
for service, but held off a year in the hope that the farm could be sold
first. No suitable purchaser appeared, but Jacob Perine enlisted in 1862
in Company E, Fourth Michigan Infantry. On the second day's fighting
at Gettysburg he was wounded in the side and arm and reported dead.
His father hastened east and there was a mutual surprise when he found
his son in the hospital at Fort Schuyler, New York. Jacob Perine recovered and returned to the front in the fall of 1864, serving in Company K,
First Michigan Infantry, and was at Appomattox at the close.
After selling his farm in 1863, Mr. Perine removed to Albion, where
he had purchased a house on East Chestnut street. During the later
period of his life he built and occupied several houses on the same street.
He died May 20, 1893.
Mr. Perine was a large man of reserve temperament and impressive
demeanor, and in Albion, although respected by all, he was not given to
forming an intimate friendship with many, and it was only to a few old
friends like Jacob Anderson and Marsh Dickey that he disclosed his
naturally kind and companionable nature. He was a member of the
town board of Tekonsha for several years and was elected justice of the
peace in 1860. The way in which he was regarded may be judged from
the following incident. He was in a field on his farm one day in 1861,
when a young man, Dayton Wright by name, came to him and said: "Mr.
Perine I have enlisted. Will you look after my personal effects while I
am gone? " As Wright was generally considered to possess only a small




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1345


amount of goods, not exceeding $50 or $75 in value, Mr. Perine replied
without hesitation: "Certainly I will, my boy, if you wish it." To his
surprise, Wright took more than $800 from his pockets to be left without
security. True to his word, Mr. Perine invested the money and handed
it back with interest to Wright upon his return. He admonished the
young man, however, never again to do such a thing, with him or any
other man.
The first wife of Mr. Perine died suddenly of apoplexy at Tekonsha,
June 8, 1867. The following year, in Newark, New Jersey, he was married on March 23d, to Miss Lucinda Vail Hamilton. Their married life
together of nearly fourteen years duration was most ideal. Her activities
were many, especially in all that pertained to Methodism, and it was
while working in the church in the fall of 1876 that she contracted the
cold from which pulmonary disease developed and resulted in her death,
May 22, 1877. Her talents as an entertainer and conversationalist were
remarkable and it is related that her last pastor, Rev. William Henry
Perrine, D. D., said of her that he never knew a woman who made him
more disposed to laugh and forget his many responsibilities. She was
in advance of her time in many respects. Her last sentence before
passing away was, "Lord Jesus, come quickly, if consistent with Thy
will." Dr. Perrine, who was for ten years a professor in Albion
College, was descended from  Henry (1669-1765), the second son of
Daniel Perrin, while the subject of this sketch was descended from
Daniel (1672-1745), the fourth son lof the American ancestor.
Mr. Perine's third marriage occurred June 11, 1878, at Marengo,
to Mrs. Mary Blodgett Rowe, a daughter of Sardius Blodgett, formerly
of Boston. Mrs. Perine resides in East Porter street, Albion. At
the age of seventy-nine she continues her active interest in affairs, and
is now president of the Albion Women's Relief Corps, E. W. Hollinsworth, No. 36.
Mr. Perine had six children, of whom one daughter, Harriet, died
when two years old. The others were.: Henry Augustus, born in 1831;
married Sarah Reynolds Doolittle. He was blind for many!years
before his death in 1891 at Tekonsha, where his widow resides.
Mary Matilda, born in 1834; married (1) Letson Benham     (1827 -1879); (2) William B. Blashfield, (1838-1896) of Clarendon. She now
resides in Chicago.
Harriet Wooley, born 1836; she married William     B. Blashfield
of Clarendon, and died in 1888.
Jacob Harson, born in 1840; married Alice E. Parmalee. They
reside in Burr Oak street, Albion, Michigan.
John Edward Perine, the sixth and youngest child of William
Henry and Susan Wade (Wooley) Perine, was born December 11, 1841,
in Union, New Jersey. When about three years old he came to Tekonsha, Michigan, with his parents. He left the farm when twenty years
old, and after working in Cary's general store in Tekonsha, removed
to Albion in 1865, where he resided continuously with the exception
of one year in St. Charles and Detroit.
After about three years as a clerk in the store of H. P. Graves, a
short time with G. W. Maher and several years (1873-1877) with
C. W. Boyce, he formed a partnership in March, 1877, with O. S.
Chapman. In April, 1885, Mr. Perine purchased the interest of his
senior partner in the grocery concern of Chapman and Perine and
continued the business until he retired seventeen years later.
Mr. Perine was married at St. Louis, Michigan, August 28, 1873,
to Cornelia Ann Aiken, a daughter of Samuel Aiken (Aken) of Sheriden. Her mother's maiden name was Adaline Fox, and through her
father, Roswell Fox, Jr., of Huron, New York, she was descended from




1346


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


that English family which gave to the cause of the American Colonies
one of their staunchest champions in the long parliamentary struggle,
Charles James Fox.
Mrs. Perine attended Albion College in 1863, '64 and '65. She
was a teacher for ten years, nearly all of which was in the public
schools of Albion. At the time of her resignation in 1874 she had
the distinction of having taught in each of the four ward schools, as
well as in the central building. One of Mrs. Perine's brothers is
Charles C. Aiken, who resides with his wife in North Mingo street,
Albion. Mr. Aiken was First Sergeant of Company K, Ninth Michigan Cavalry. He was with General Sherman on the March to the
Sea, and fought in the battle of the Wilderness.
Aside from his business and home interests, Mr. Perine's activities
have been confined principally to duties connected with the Methodist
church, of which he was a steward and treasurer for upwards of ten
years. At the time of the erection of the present Methodist church,
he built also on East Erie street, facing Huron, a large brick house,
which is still one of the most attractive residences of Albion.
Mr. and Mrs. Perine, who now reside at 110 North Huron street,
have four children,-two sons and two daughters, each of whom was
graduated from Albion College, and two received degrees also from
Harvard and Smith College respectively.
JOHN HARVEY KELLOGG, M. D., son of John Preston and Anne Jeanette
Kellogg, was born at Tyrone, Michigan, February 26, 1852. Through
his grandmother, whose name was Gardner, he was descended from Mr.
Gardner, one of the Pilgrim Fathers who landed at Plymouth Rock in
1620. His mother, whose name was Stanley, claimed descent from Lord
Stanley. At the early age of twelve years he entered a printing office
and followed the printer's trade until he was twenty, with the exception of such time as was spent in completing his studies in the public
schools of the city and the Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti,
studies which were supplemented and extended by work of private
tutors.
In 1872 he entered upon the study of medicine, taking a course
at the medical department of the University of Michigan and graduating from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, which later became a
department of the University of New York, in the spring of 1875.
His preceptor while an undergraduate was Dr. Edwin Lewis, an eminent
New York physician. He was also a private pupil under the late
Prof. Austin Flint, Sr., the late Prof. E. G. Janeway, and after
graduating was pupil assistant of the eminent Dr. George N. Beard, a
pioneer in this country in the application of electricity in the treatment of disease.
After graduating in 1875, Doctor Kellogg became connected with the
Battle Creek Sanitarium and was appointed superintendent of the
institution, which honor he declined. However, he accepted a year
later at the solicitation of the board, on being informed by the board
that the determination had been made to close the institution unless
he would consent to take charge of it.
Doctor Kellogg was made editor of Good Health Magazine in
the spring of 1873, a position which he has held continuously since that
time, in addition to his work as superintendent of the Battle Creek
Sanitarium.
Five months were spent in Europe during the early part of the year
1883 in study in various hospitals and laboratories. Most of the time
was devoted to the study of surgery under the famous Bilroth in Vienna,
at the time the leading surgeon of the world. Special courses of in



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1347


struction were taken, under Bilroth's first assistant, Doctor Wolfler,
who shortly before had discovered the operation known as gastro-enterostomy. Special attention was given to the practice of this operation
and other operations upon the stomach, together with plastic operations.
upon the face and other parts, operations for which the clinic of Professor Bilroth was especially noted. Some time was also spent at the
clinics of Politzer in Vienna, Charcot and Landolt in Paris, and at
several London hospitals.
A second trip abroad was made in 1889, during which four months
were spent as assistant to the famous Dr. Lawson Tait of Birmingham,
England, at that time the leading abdominal surgeon of the world.
This was a most profitable season, as a very exceptional opportunity was
enjoyed for becoming thoroughly familiar with a department of surgical work which at that time was undertaken by comparatively few
surgeons and in which the mortality still remained at a very high
figure. During this visit to Europe, some time was also spent in watching the work of Savage, Thornton, Bantock, Lister, and other eminent
surgeons.
A third visit to Europe was made in 1900, on which occasion a short
trip was made to Egypt, Palestine, Turkey and the Balkan countries,
particularly for the purpose of studying the climate of these countries
and also to obtain a little needed rest. This Oriental trip of two weeks
was the only real vacation the doctor has ever taken during an active
professional life of more than fifty years. During this trip a considerable number of surgical operations were performed in Switzerland
and Denmark.
In 1902, after the fire and the laying of the cornerstone of the new
building, the plans for the building having been completed, Doctor Kellogg made an extended trip through Europe, visiting the leading hospitals and sanitariums for the purpose of securing for the new institution
the most up-to-date equipment possible.
Five years later a fifth visit was made to the leading medical centers
of Europe, special attention being given to the surgery of the stomach
and intestines. A visit was also made to St. Petersburg for the purpose
of studying the work of the famous Doctor Pawlow, whose researches
on the physiology of digestion have placed him foremost among the
physiologists of the world and secured to him the Nobel prize.
A sixth European trip, made in 1911, was spent in Dresden studying the great International Hygiene Exhibition, and in study with the
leading specialists of Berlin, Vienna and London. During this trip
a special study was made of the new remedy, radium, and of various
remarkable new appliances for the study and cure of disease recently
perfected by European experts.
Doctor Kellogg has also made numerous trips to Mexico, where a
mission was for years conducted under his general supervision, as
president of the International Medical Missionary Board. A trip was
made to Cuba in 1888, and to Porto Rico in 1909. During all these
trips, every spare moment, whether traveling on shipboard or on the
cars, was occupied in writing. The doctor rarely failed to return from
a long trip without bringing home the manuscript of a new book.
While devoting full time to his duties as superintendent of the
Battle Creek Sanitarium, Doctor Kellogg has found time to take part
in numerous additional enterprises. In 1895 he joined with others in
the organization of the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, as president of which he spent half his time for ten or
twelve years in the interest of the work of the board, which resulted




1348


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


in the establishment of numerous small sanitariums and homes in different parts of the United States and other countries.
In 1894 Doctor Kellogg, with others, organized the American Medical
Missionary College as a training school for young men and women
who desired to devote their lives to medical work in missionary lands.
After existing for fourteen years, during which time over two hundred
students were graduated, it was in 1910 merged with the medical department of the University of Illinois. In 1902 Doctor Kellogg, with
others, organized the Haskell Home for orphans, and in 1891 the James
White Memorial Home for aged persons. More than $100,000 was
raised for the complete equipment and maintenance of these institutions. Other philanthropic work has also been undertaken, including
the establishment of the City Mission in Chicago, to which weekly
visits were made for more than seven years. The work, which was
established more than twenty years ago, is still being carried on under
the charge of doctors and nurses who have been trained for this work.
Among other enterprises in which Doctor Kellogg has taken a special
interest as superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, are the
following:
Battle Creek Sanitarium and Hospital Training School for Nurses,
established in 1883. The first training school the students of which
received instruction in sanitary methods; and at present one of the
oldest, and for many years recognized as the largest, training school
in the United States.
Battle Creek Sanitarium School of Health and Household Economics,
an institution which undertakes to give to women interested in scientific housekeeping the broader training which the large practical
experience of the Battle Creek Sanitarium renders possible.
Normal School of Physical Education, another of the educational
departments of the institution. Organized for the purpose of preparing
young men and women to act as physical directors in colleges, seminaries,
normal schools, Young Men's and Young Women 's Christian Associations, and playgrounds.
Besides being a member of the American Medical Association and
Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine of Great Britain, Doctor
Kellogg is also a life member of the British Gynecological Society, corresponding member of the Societe d'Hygiene de Francais, and member
of the following organizations:  British and American Association for
the Advancement of Science, American Society of Microscopists, Mississippi Valley Medical Association, Tri-State Medical Society, Michigan
State Medical Society, and the American Geographical Society.
Doctor Kellogg has served for fourteen years as a member of the
State Board of Health, having received appointment from   four different governors.
Doctor Kellogg began his literary activities at an early date. At a
rather early age, when placed in the editorial charge of Good Health
Magazine, he had already had several years' preparation as a proofreader and editorial assistant in the Review and Herald printing office,
where he acquired a knowledge of printing and publishing. Although
the editorship of Good Health Magazine has occupied most of his time
which could be spared from his professional duties, time has been found
for the preparation of a considerable number of books, as well as the
publication for five years of a monthly medical journal, Modern
Medicine., Among the leading books which he has written or published are the following: "Rational Hydrotherapy," a work of 1,237
pages, especially designed for the medical profession. This work, published by the F. A. Davis Company, medical book publishers of Phila



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1349


delphia, has had a circulation of nearly 15,000, mostly among the physicians of the United States. The work is sold to some extent in other
countries. The "Art of Massage," a book for physicians and nurses,
has enjoyed a very considerable degree of popularity, having reached
its fifth edition. The "Home Hand Book of Modern Medicine,"
"Plain Facts," "Man the Masterpiece," "Ladies' Guide," and "The
Miracle of Life," are works prepared for the hygienic and sanitary instruction of the laity which have had a circulation amounting to several
hundred thousand copies, and have been sold extensively in England,
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and to some extent in India,
as well as in this country. Two text-books on physiology, written by.
request of the Harper Bros., first published by them, later by the American Book Company, have had an extensive sale as school text-books.
Some dozens of medical papers have been prepared and read before
medical societies and have been published in various medical journals.
Some of these have attracted considerable attention. A paper entitled
"Tendencies Toward Race Degeneracy" was published as a senate
document, and has been very widely circulated.
Doctor Kellogg has been quite active as an inventor, besides devising
several surgical procedures, some of which have been recognized and
adopted by surgeons in both this country and Europe. He has invented many medical appliances, especially for the application of passive
exercises, as well as numerous modes of applying water and other
therapeutic means. He first observed and described what was afterwards described and named by d'Arsonval of Paris as the sinusoidal
electrical current. The electric light bath and numerous appliances
for making use of light as a remedial agent was invented by Doctor
Kellogg for use in the Battle Creek Sanitarium afid has now become one
of the most popular of all methods of applying heat in the leading hospitals of the world. Many thousands of these baths have been installed in
European countries, although they have only within the last few years
begun to be appreciated in the United States.
The Universal Dynamometer, a device for determining the total
strength of the human body and the strength of each individual group
of muscles, which was perfected by Doctor Kellogg more than twenty
years ago after nearly ten years of experimentation, was several years
ago adopted by the United States government and has been in constant
use in all its military and naval schools. One of these devices was
recently. shipped to the Philippine Islands for the equipment of the
military academy there.
Another line of inventive activity in which Doctor Kellogg has been
conspicuous is the preparation of ready-to-eat foods and foods especially
designed for the use of invalids. Having been from his fourteenth year
a flesh abstainer, the doctor has been especially interested in improving the quality and increasing the variety of vegetable foods and food
preparations. Having given considerable attention to the study of the
chemistry of foods, he began, soon after he took charge of the Battle
Creek Sanitarium, a series of experiments, the result of which was the
development of a thoroughly dextrinized food ready for immediate use,
and, so far as is known, the first of its sort. Cereal coffee was the next
product, and then came the invention of flaked cereals prepared from
different grains, out of which grew the large business in flaked foods
which has been developed in Battle Creek and in various other places.
Doctor Kellogg's purpose in the preparation of foods has always been to
meet some need recognized in the work of the sanitarium. His arduous
duties as superintendent and surgeon of the Battle Creek Sanitarium
have led him to leave to others the commercial development of many
of his original ideas.




1350


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


On February 22, 1879, Doctor Kellogg was married to Miss Ella E.
Eaton, of Alfred Center, New York, herself an author of note and a
prominent W. C. T. U. worker. In lieu of no children of their own,
Doctor and Mrs. Kellogg have taken into their home and educated more
than a score of little ones, many of whom are now grown up and married
and have families of their own. All of these children, and the children's
children as well, have been reared in harmony with the health principles
which are promulgated at the Battle Creek Sanitarium.
MRS. ELLA EATON KELLOGG was born in Alfred Center, New York,
of Puritan ancestry, Joseph Eaton, her father, being a direct descendant
of John Eaton, who with his wife, Abigail, came to America in 1635 and
settled in Dedham, Massachusetts.
Mrs. Kellogg was educated in Alfred University, receiving her Laureate of Arts degree at the age of nineteen. During her college career she
took an active interest in the literary life of the University, being an
active member of the Alfredian Lyceum, and one of the editors of the
Alfred Student. After a short time spent in teaching and post-graduate
work in languages, Mrs. Kellogg received from her Alma Mater, in 1875,
her master's degree. In 1875 Mrs. Kellogg visited the Battle Creek Sanitarium, became interested in the subjects of sanitation and hygiene, and a
year later enrolled in the Sanitarium School of Hygiene, which covered
among others the subjects of anatomy, physiology, hygiene, and practical
nursing. Later on she joined the editorial staff of Good Health Magazine,
and in 1879 was married to Dr. J. H. Kellogg, superintendent of the
Battle Creek Sanitarium.
Mrs. Kellogg has long been prominently identified with the W. C.
T. U., in 1882 being appointed national superintendent of the Department of Hygiene. This position made heavy demands upon her time,
requiring her to hold health institutes in various parts of the country,
and to prepare a syllabus of lessons to cover the field occupied by her
department. In 1885 she was appointed associate superintendent of
the Social Purity department of the W. C. T. U., which work brought
her in close contact with Frances E. Willard.
Out of her experiences in the Social Purity work in the W. C. T. U.,
grew a pamphlet, in 1890, entitled "Talks to Girls," which has enjoyed
a very extended circulation. Other books written by Mrs. Kellogg are
"Studies in Character Building," published in 1905, and "Science in
the Kitchen," a book on popular dietetics first published in 1892, and
since passing through several large editions. Along with these duties
Mrs. Kellogg has found time to continue her work as associate editor
of Good Health Magazine, a position which she still holds, and to take
an  active interest in the work of the Michigan      Women's Press
Association.
Doctor and Mrs. Kellogg's home is celebrated throughout the world
by reason of the large family of children which they have adopted
into their home, in lieu of children of their own. All told more than
forty children, in most cases orphans and waifs from the submerged
quarters of our large cities, have found there not only protection, but
home in the highest sense of the word, proving abundantly that it is
not so much blood that counts as the care and devotion of a mother.
WASHINGTON GARDNER,* grandson of John Gardner and sixth and
youngest son of John Lewis and Sarah (Goodin) Gardner, was born on
*With Mr. Gardner's permission we here reproduce a sketch of his life by
Captain Robert F. Bartlett, a boyhood friend, which appears in a history of Mr.
Gardner 's native county of Morrow, Ohio, and published by this firm in 1911.
PUBLISHERS.




HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1351


a farm two miles due north from South Wobdbury, February 16, 1845.
In his fourth year the mother died, leaving a family of nine children,
six sons and three daughters. Shortly after his mother's death, the
subject of this sketch was taken into the home of his. paternal uncle, for
whom he had been named, and until he entered the army lived in or
near the village of Westfield. The young lad early learned the lessons
of self denial and self help. In the spring of 1859, when but fourteen
years old, his uncle engaged him to work for Robert Kearney, a most
estimable man who owned a farm a little west of Westfield, for six
dollars a month and board; the next year, for the same party, for seven;
and the next, for eight dollars a month. Mr. Kearney had a small
but well selected library, of which the "hired boy" made good use
during his leisure hours and in the long winter evenings after his next
day's school lessons had been prepared.
In the spring of 1860, after a winter in the village school, taught by
Mr. Joseph B. Breckenridge, who at this writing is still a resident of
Westfield and very proud of the career of his former pupil, he attended
the Mount Hesper Academy located in the Friends Settlement near South
Woodbury, then and for many years conducted by the late Jesse and
Cynthia Harkness. Many of the sons and daughters of Morrow county
were educated at this one time well-known and popular school.
On the evening of Saturday, October 26, 1861, a largely attended war
meeting was held in the lecture room of the Methodist Episcopal church,
addressed by James Olds, of Mount Gilead. At the close of the address
a call was made for volunteers and young Gardner was the first of a considerable number of Westfield boys to go forward to the desk on the platform and write down his name. The boy recruit, who had hitherto
scarcely been outside of his native county, now entered upon a new and
strange life. It was a rough and dangerous, but valuable school. Its
lessons given in the camp, on the march, around the bivouac, on the picket
post, during the siege, upon the battlefield and in the hospital were, if
rightly applied, such as to better fit one for the subsequent duties and
responsibilities of life. Mr. Gardner became a member of Company D,
Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry Volunteers. It is enough to say
that this (according to the official records) youngest member of the
company shared every campaign, march, siege and battle participated in
by his regiment until hit in battle on the afternoon of Saturday, May 14,
1864, at Resaca, Georgia, in Sherman's campaign for Atlanta. His clothes
were pierced by the bullet of a Confederate sharp-shooter in the battle of
Stone River and his bayonet scabbard cut into, and the little finger of the
left hand grazed on the second day at Chickamauga, but blood was not
drawn until the well aimed bullet was fired at Resaca which permanently
disabled and made him henceforth a sufferer for life. The wounded soldier was fortunate in the care he received in the temporary hospital near
the battlefield and again in Chattanooga, where he was confined for
months on a cot in the First Presbyterian church, which was used as a
hospital in that city. He was here when Hood's army invaded the Tennessee capital in December, 1864, and on the 14th of that month, the day
before the battle of Nashville opened, he was honorably discharged by
reason of expiration of term of service.
Returning to the home of his uncle, Washington Gardner, at Westfield on a Friday evening in December, 1864, a veteran of more than three
years of service in alar though still a youth under twenty years of age, at
once put into execution a resolution formed while in the army, viz.-that
if he lived to get home he would go to school. On the Monday morning
following his arrival home from the war on the preceding Friday night
he enrolled as a pupil in the Beach Grove academy at Ashley, Ohio.
After one term here he entered the preparatory department of Baldwin
Vol. II-4 8




1352


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


University, Berea, Ohio, where he remained four terms and in the fall of
1866 matriculated as a freshman in Hillsdale College, Michigan. He
remained in this institution for three years having in the meantime
among others as fellow students, Will Carleton, the poet; Albert J. Hopkins, for many years a member of Congress, and later a senator of
the United States from Illinois; John F. Downey, dean of the University
of Minnesota and one of the foremost educators of the middle west; and
Joseph H. Moore, now and for many years one of the justices of the Michigan Supreme Court. During his senior vacation in the summer of 1869
he visited among his old friends in Morrow county, some of whom prevailed upon him to take his last collegiate year at Delaware. After a
successful examination he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, from
which institution he graduated from the classical course on the 30th day
of June, 1870, receiving the degree of A. B. and later that of A. M. in
cursu.
During all his school days Mr. Gardner purposed to study law, with a
political career in view, but while at Delaware influences were brought to
bear that changed the course he had previously marked out for himself.
The fall of 1871 found him a student in the Boston University, School of
Theology. In the second year of his course his health gave way, after a
continuous strain in school and hard work in vacations to earn money
with which to meet his expenses in college. In the fall of 1875 he entered
the Albany Law School, from which he subsequently graduated as valedictorian of his class. In the meantime he had married Miss Anna Lee
Powers, of Abington, Massachusetts. Mrs. Gardner, on the paternal
side, is connected with the well-known Powers family of New Hampshire,
her father being a native of that state, distinguished in sculpture, law
and politics. Her mother was a Miss Reed, related to the people of that
name both in Massachusetts and Maine. Her ancestors on the maternal
side have lived in Plymouth county since the landing of the Pilgrims
from the Mayflower. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have been born seven
children-Grace Bartlett, Mary Theodosia, Carleton Frederick, Elton
Goldthwaite, Raymond Huntington, Lucy Reed and Helen Louis. All
are living except the first named, who died in early infancy. All are
married aid settled in life, except Miss Helen, who is at this writing a.
girl of eighteen.
In the fall of 1876 Mr. Gardner removed with his family to Grand
Rapids, Michigan, and entered upon the practice of law in partnership
with Mr. Samuel A. Kennedy, a former college chum. After one year in
the law he entered the Michigan Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
church and preached for twelve years, at the end of which time he was
tendered and accepted a professorship in Albion College, Michigan. In
March, 1894, while serving in this capacity he was, without solicitation,
requested by Governor John T. Rich to accept the position of secretary of
state to fill out an unexpired term. Laying the matter before the trustees
of the college they advised him to accept. He was subsequently twice
nominated by acclamation and elected to the same office. While serving
as secretary of state he was nominated and elected to congress by the
Republicans of the Third Michigan district and was five times elected to
succeed himself, serving in the 56th, 57th, 58th, 59th, 60th and 61st Congresses. Ten of his twelve years in congress he was a member of the
committee on appropriations. During his service on this committee
estimates aggregating $3,405,927,100.10 were considered and bills
amounting to $3,185,567,336.69 were framed and carried through congress, resulting in a saving to the government, below the estimates, of
$220,359,763.41. Mr. Gardner also served as chairman of the committee
on expenditures in the Department of Commerce and Labor. Through
the committee on appropriations he was closely associated with the build



HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


1353


ing of the Panama canal. It was before this committee that the chief
and his assistant engineers annually appeared to explain the progress of
the enterprise. Three times at the request of the President of the Urnited
States Mr. Gardner, with his associate committee members, visited the
Canal Zone and inspected the work with great care in order that the committee might have the fullest and most accurate information upon which
Porto Rico, Jamaica and other of the tropical countries.
to base their recommendations to the Congress. He also visited Cuba,
In Congress Mr. Gardner had the reputation of preparing with great
care and thoroughness of detail the appropriation bills of which he had
charge and of advocating and defining the measures presented by him
with such clearness and force that not infrequently bills carrying many
millions of dollars passed the critical scrutiny of the house with very
little of change. For ten years he was a member and for four years
chairman of the sub-committee having in charge the District of Columbia
appropriation bills. Such was the manner in which he discharged the
duties assigned him and so greatly were his services appreciated by the
citizens at Washington, that on the eve of his retirement from congress a
public dinner was tendered him at which there were present the President of the United States, the speaker of the house of representatives,
many members of congress, and about three hundred of the foremost
citizens of the Federal City. President Taft, in speaking for the capital
of the nation, said in part: "I came here to join with you in testifying to
the gratitude that we all ought to feel toward a member of congress who
has given so effective attention and so much of his time in Congress for
the benefit of the District of Columbia." The Hon. John W. Yerkes in
behalf of the citizens of Washington, in a personal tribute to Mr. Gardner said: "This homage, these thanks of the people of Washington-a
crown unlike the laurel and the bay will never wither-must, notwithstanding your modesty and simplicity, your abhorrence of show and
parade, accompany you back to your home in the Lake state, a trophy of
war yet of victory; the capture by you of the high esteem and affection
of a great city." Major William V. Judson, engineer commissioner of
the District of Columbia, in behalf of the district, said: "Mr. Gardner
has never inserted in an appropriation bill a single item to gratify a
friend or to win the applause of the thoughtless. No man in Washington
owes him a thank you for a special favor. I bear witness to the sterling
qualities of this man. His honesty, infinite patience and intelligent
application are too unworthily recognized by any mere public dinner.
In giving this slight token of respect we feel that we honor ourselves
more than we do him."  Admiral C. H. Stockton, the acting president of
George Washington University, said, that "the hand of Representative
Gardner is to be seen in every good thing in the district. There is no
one more just or better qualified to present our great projects to congress." Mr. Speaker Cannon said: "Have come to give my personal,
committee and political friend a sad farewell, because his going from us
is a real loss to the American congress." No greater welcome has ever
been accorded a guest of honor than when Mr. Gardner was introduced
by the toast master, Mr. John Jay Edison, to acknowledge the tributes
paid him. The entire company arose and cheered him mightily. Handkerchiefs were waved and flowers were tossed toward him.
We insert the above extracts from the Washington Star of February
26, 1911, as showing at the end of a long career in congress the esteem in
which a Morrow county boy is held in the capital city of the nation.
Surely it is a faraway distance from the place of an obscure, motherless
and self-dependent lad of fourteen years working on a farm at six dollars
a month to the central figure in a great banquet hall, in the capital of
the nation, receiving as a tribute for public service, well and faithfully




1354


HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY


performed, homage and plaudits from some of the nation's most distinguished citizens. It is but another illustration of the possibilities of
the American boy. The citizens of Morrow county are justly proud of
its having been the birth-place of Washington Gardner. They are proud
of his useful and honorable career. His home is at Albion, Michigan.










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