B 849,668 GRAD F 572.17 P85 rMiE i i: i ~, I u 9 a 0 0-~ 1 Ti4, i. t1, "IQ I IS4BELLA COUNTY, MICH. 1) 31), i D, 0 TAIMS AND BIOG1AAPHIGAL SKSEJGHES Il ppolinent and lRepeSetllatiVe litizerql of tje gountJ, I TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GO VERNORS OF AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. ALSO CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE COUNTY, FROM ITS EARLIEST SET TO THE PRESEINT TIME. CHICAGO: ) If" III, El R, S. 07~ 00, Z 'lN!,-, — A lol - _ I I.4 I Is:2 'A Y — X.1. ~ i Mk- N it11-Ik /* - I i III - N I -- M- - - W " . II ir6,-YP —4 if fl-K H- H I X,U 41'4t6 A Mf m.T N /" c 3G-t, - -s- -,aalaai u~H raofSSXltrti:jlikiPar,.,rolua..I ta:::D or1" IZ.A& h 2 - - 0 ---- -ll 4LIIQ t-LA4"rT*4A..V 4-CLSR~a, D.... a- PS) -j I I (0-W 6" -R Oo-,___r~e~pU l~p ~IPI E HAVE completed our labors in writing and compiling the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHi ICAL ALBUM OF ISABELLA COUNTY, and wish, in presenting it to its patrons, to speak Bl briefly of the importance of local works of this nature. It is certainly the duty il ' of the present to commemorate the past, to perpetuate the names of the pioneers, a2 l ato furnish a record of their early settlement, and to relate the story of their progress. a 9 The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which ^, s en of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, ( demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this region from its ~ I, primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their prime entered 3 the wild forests of Isabella and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to,~)~ their graves. The number remaining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement is, becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of historical matter without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not only is it of the greatest importance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essen) tial that the history of the county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its various phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, nay be handed down to the future. The present the age of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatious olden times; it is abrilliant record, which is destined to live in the future; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, their lives, whether commercial or military, do not sink into oblivion, but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age, and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and principles that will be advanced and observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten, and their very names hidden in obscurity. In the preparation of the personal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains were taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was passed lightly over or treated indifferently, and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever published. As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous representative citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, represented in this department; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the gentlemen whose portraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the callings and professions worthy to be represented. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence with those presented, but of course it was impossible for us to give portraits of all the leading men and pioneers of the county. We are under great obligation to many of the noble and generous people of Isabella County for kindly and material assistance in the preparation of this Album. a( CHAPMAN BROTHERS. CHICAGO, July, 1884. _l_. (n<^ ^ - nL i (i 'l'4 I I B - B )4 K v..,j." 1%Al !I' y 1= Z= 4)~1 lk 1 ( K-1 It XcB~BH~4 f ~- 44. 1 I~ 3=.C= 0 Il 3= 7= Y IC/ 4-' \\,-Ar(-J) r I If rim1- u ", —"~ 7 #A. O-n -FIST PsHESIDNT. FIRST PRESIDENT. I9 AMsjl~ ~ ~ ~ 2 —; ----~~~t ~ -- -i~ IM MI are t. 22. -tv Mail W2~tt~t~~t~ 8E8~~ ~e~8Bf~llCM:~~I~87 - OR", I HE Father of our Country was i, born in Westmorland Co., Va., l!Feb. 22, 1732. His parents ewere Augustine and Mary G t_4o (Ball) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not been satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grandfather, John Washington, emigrated to Virginia about I657, t and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The, - former married Mildred Warner 'i and had three children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first A married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second marriage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in I743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, and to George he left the parental residence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after he left school, when he received private instruction in mathematics. His spelling was rather defective. Remarkable stories are told of his great physical strength and development at an early age. He.was an acknowledged leader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but through the opposition of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two years later he was appointed surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In I75T, though only i9 years of age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four military districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this a very perilous mission was assigned him and accepted, which others had refused. This was to pro. ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was between 5oo and 60o miles. Winter was at hand and the journey was to be made without militi escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. Th i: Is 1I )I M nI II~ N r., @.9 i N D &I I l~f~: W Q, /, q a0 4 A "I% % ao -GEORGE WABSHING, T-.' ~:o: GEORGE VWASHINGON ' O -. ff Ai 8. a;i 7 I _...................................................................: Bf r7 -' _ v. v. i 1 1 / II(. r. ) s m } t w I~ trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished a full and, useful report of his expedition. A regiment; of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was ) then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, i755, known as Braddock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock were disabled early in the action, and Washington alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter to his brother he says: "I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, though death was levelino my companions on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit him. After having been five years in the military service, and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an active and important part. January I7, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John Parke Custis. When the British Parliament had closed the port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Congress of all the colonies was called to meet at Philadelphia,Sept. 5, I774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Washington was sent as a delegate. On May o1, I775, the Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of England were plainly apparent. The battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought. Among the first acts of this Congress was the election of a commander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and responsible office was conferred upon Washington, who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he receive no salary. -He would keep an exact account of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to trace'the military acts of Washington, to whom the fortunes and liberties of the people of this country were so long confided. The war was conducted by him under every possible disadvantage, and while his fores oftenmet with reverses, yet he overcame every obstle, aiid after seven years of heroic devotion and kiitma ess skill he gained liberty for the greatest nati f earth. On Dec 23, 1783, Washington, in a pting addre ssing beauty, resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the army to to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February,1789, Washington was unanimously elected President. In his presidential career he was subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new governmeht; trials from lack of confidence on the part of other governments; trials from want of harmony between the different sections of out own country; trials from the impoverished condition of the country, owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and while perhaps this alone kept our government from sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and very annoying. At the expiration of his first term he was unanimously re-elected. At the end of this term many were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March I797, at the expiraton of his second term as President, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there his few remaining years free from the annoyances of public life. Later in the'year, however, his repose seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to take command of the armies. He chose his subordinate officers and left to them the charge of matters in the field, which he superintended from his home. In accepting the command he made the reservation that he was not to be in the field until it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations his liie was suddenly cut off. December J 2, he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eighteenth his body was borne with military honors to its final resting place, and interred in the family vault at Mount Vernon. Of the character of Washington it is impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and admiration. The more we see of the operations of our government, and the more deeply we feel the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, the more highly we must estimate the force of his talent and character, which have been able to challenge the reverence of all parties, and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as extended as the limits of: the globe, and which we cannot but believe will be as lasting as the existence of man. The person of Washington was unusally tall, erect and well proportioned. His muscular strength was great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. He commanded respect without any appearance of ha ughtiness, and ever serious without being dull..6. I I i i 3 1 ( 9;4 ) A I g::: rJUtl N~f >Ax9a -a~ /0~1I(69& C SECOND PRESIDENT. 23 I -..-JN ADi-AMS I I"S ly X= -ow P. .14 VOW * -M ^^sp g OHN ADAMS, the second! President and the first Vice_ I President of the United States, was born in Braintree (now; s.w Quincy),Mass., and about ten ( mmiles from Boston, Oct. 19,: 7 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry F ] h Adams, emigrated from England i l about 1640, with a family of eight 7Ti^!, sons, and settled at Braintree. The (3 parents of John were John and J Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His father was a farmer of limited 'i means, to which he added the business of shoemaking. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical education at Harvard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a "school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purpose he placed himself under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He had thought seriously of the clerical profession but seems to have been turned from this by what he termed-" the frightful engines of ecclesiastical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature," of the operations of which he had been a witness in his native town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in I764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his marriage, (I765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxation turned him from law to politics. He took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu tions he offered on the subject became very popular throughout the Province, and were adopted word for word by over forty different towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leglislature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- = vocated the movement for independence against the majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies; should assume the duties of self-government. He was a prominent member of the committee of five appointed June I, to prepare a declaration of independence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but on Adams devolved the task of battling it through Congress in a three days debate. On the day after the Declaration of Independence was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the glov of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question was decided that ever was debated in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men. A resolution was passed withoutone dissenting colony, ' that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of July, 1776, will be a m erble epoch in the histo of, merica. I am apt to believe itwill be celebrted by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought oto be ommemorated as the day of deliveraince by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, sht s -l wV7 24 JOHN ADAMS.:. — ~ -* -~ r --- - - rr — ~ - - ~ -~II ~ I: FA' is ""^r.^: An r.: games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations froXm one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward for ever. You will think me transported i: with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend " these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not." In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money from the French Government. This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 1779. In September of the same year he was again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce ) with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet % might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He s sailed for France in November, from there he went to = Holland, where he negotiated important loans and = formed important commercial treaties Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed X Jan. 2I, 1783. The re-action from the excitementi toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After suffering from a continued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he ) was advised to go to England to drink the waters of Bath. W hile in England, still drooping anddesponding, he received dispatches from his own government urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip. I February 24, I785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face to face the King of England, who had so long re' garded him as a traitor. As England did not condescend to appoint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accomplishing but little, he sought permission to return to his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again at the second election -of Washington as President, Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, WashA ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,though not without much opposition. Serving in this offie four yearshe was succeeded by,Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics., While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, and it was upon this point which he was at issue with the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence originated the alienation between these distinguished men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies were with England and Jefferson led the other in sympathy with France. The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling had died away, and he had begun to receive that just appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till after death. No one could look upon his venerable form, and think of what he had done and suffered, and how he had given up all the prime and strength of his life to the public good, without the deepest emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar good fortune to witness the complete success of the institution which he had been so active in creating and supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest station in the gift of the people. The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half century since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, arrived, and there were but three of the signers of that immortal instrument left upon the earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is well known, on that day two of these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " INDEPENDENCE FOREVER." When the day was ushered in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew what day it was? He replied, "0 yes; it is the glorious fourth of July-God bless it-God bless you all." In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and glorious day." The last words he uttered were, "Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, resigned his spirit into the hands of his God. The personal appearance and manners of Mr. Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expressive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked the manners and address of Jefferson. Is 1:, Ed 8e 2 2Cr 4 a 0-IL,;1-1 ' 1-1 I i 0 OF FOURTH PRESIDENT. 3 ^ 3I. j1 Vi '" ' " AMES MADISON, '' Father of the Constitution," and fourth < I l President of the United States, was born March I6, 1757, and died at his home in Virginia, Q /' June 28, I836. The name of James Madison is inseparably connected with most of the important.. events in that heroic period of our country during which the foundai P tions of this great republic were a= l [laid. He was the last of the founders of the Constitution of the United S i\ States to be called to his eternal i reward. The Madison family were among the early emigrants to the New World, landing upon the shores of the Chesapeake but 15 years after the settlement of Jamestown. The father of James Madison was an opulent planter, residing.upon a very fine estate called " Montpelier," Orange Co., Va. The mansion was situated in u( the midst of scenery highly picturj esque and romantic, on the west side of South-west Mountain, at the foot of Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and political attachment existed between these illustrious men, from their early youth until death. The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of i8 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to study with the most im-,) |-.-B prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor of constitution. He graduated in I77, with a feeble body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsequent career. Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. This educational course, the spirit of the times in which he lived, and the society with which he associated, all combined to inspire him with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of mind, and his frail health leading him to think that his life was not to be long, he directed especial attention to theological studies. Endowed with a mind singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed all the arguments for and against revealed religion, until his faith became so established as never to be shaken. In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to frame the constitution of the State. The next year ( 777 ), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and consequently lost his election; but those who had witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the modest young man, enlisted themselves in his beha and he was appointed to the Executive Couiicit Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were Governors of Virginia while Mr. iMadison renained member of the Council; and their appreciation of hi.4,le I ( s 0 / / \ ) '2'I* H \ —/ )r 7 Alak6 11 -1 I s -1) 12 -::: l= 1:: i X|S *<(: intellectu al, social and moral worth, contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 17o8, he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions among them. ) For three years Mr. Madison continued in Congress, one of its most active and influential members. In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no national government, with no power to form treaties I which would be binding, or to enforce law. There was not any State more prominent than Virginia in the declaration, that an efficient national government must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commissioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. Five States only were represented. The convention, however, issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their ) delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 178j, to draft, a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of that Confederate League. The delegates met at - the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island a was represented. George Washington was chosen president of the convention; and the present Constir tution of the United States was then and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more active in framing this immortal document than the mind and the pen of James Madison. The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was to be presented to the several States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected we should be left but a conglomeration of independent States, with but little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the convention to draw up an address to the people of the United A States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, and urging its adoption. There was great opposition to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and went into effect in i789. Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Representatives in the first Congress, and soon became the avowed leader of the Republican party. While in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fascination, whom he married. She was in person and character queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied so prominent a position in the very peculiar society whch has constituted our republican court as Mrs. British orders in council destroyed our commerce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison was a man of peace.. Scholarly in his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchalance he selects any number whom he may please to designate as British subjects; orders them down the ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the battles of England. This right of search and impressment, no efforts of our Government could induce the British cabinet to relinquish. On the I8th of June, 1812, President MaXdison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, oh the 4th of March, 813, was re-elected by a large majority, and entered upon his second term of office. This is not the place to describe the various adventures of this War on the land and on the water. Our infant navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grappling with the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast of the United States under blockade. The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me ditator. America accepted; England refused. A British force of five thousand men landed on the banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladensburg, upon Washington. The straggling little city of Washington was thrown into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. Hie met our troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Washington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on Feb. I3, I8 15, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the remainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 2, 1849. i %Iio E= I under tration roachif war. &*ML I I mommoom I -.1...... Oi Akpi v;: I 1 1 I M'1A;-, I. FIFTH PRESIDENT. _;_-~ 35 '~ g" AMES MONROE, the fifth Presidentof The United States, was born in Westmoreland Co., U p Va., April 28, I758. His early life was passed at the place of 0 ~ nativity. His ancestors had for many years resided in the province in which he was born. When, x at 17 years of age, in the process aM of completing his education at William and Mary College, the Colonial Congress assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great Britian, declared the separation of the Colonies, and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left school and enlisted among the patriots. He joined the army when everything looked hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters increased from day to day. The invading armies came pouring in; and the tories not only favored the cause of the mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of contending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe,'who went right onward, undismayed through difficulty and danger, the United States owe their political emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, with a firm determination to live or die with her strife for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the melancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four months after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charging upon the enemy he received a wound in the left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was promoted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the campaigns of I777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volunteer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782, he was elected from King George county, a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age; and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards employed with unremitting energy for the public good, I 3 1 I 1 ( - t ^f \r ) I II I I ) r f K C7) 1) q~^~>$^e — ILn — <>n~ > ---____ __ 36 JAMES A (S) 1 '-, ------ fONROE. I -) Kr A, ~^ ( ^ I i he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the United' States. Deeply as Mr. -Monroe felt the imperfections of the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, thinking, with many others of the Republican party, that it gave too much power to the Central Government, and not enough to the individual States. Still he retained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member of the United States Senate; which office he held for four years. Every month the line of distinction between the two great parties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The two prominent ideas which now separated them were, that the Republican party was in sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a strict construction of the Constitution as to give the Central Government as little power, and the State Governments as much power, as the Constitution would warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Constitution, which would give as much power to the Central Government as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and Republicans were alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the good of the nation. Two more honest men or more pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the conbination of their antagonism was needed to create the light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was denounced as almost a demon. Washington was then President. England had espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the principles of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality between these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now combined to prevent the French from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous and noble nature. He violently opposed the President's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could appreciate such a character, developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, by appointing that very James Monroe, who was denouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three years. He was again sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the Province of Louisiana, which France had but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their united efforts were successful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana were added to the United States. This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. From France Mr. Monroe went to England to obtain from that country some recognition of our rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious impressments of our seamen. But England was unrelenting. He again returned to England on the same mission, but could receive no redress. He returned to his home and was again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned to accept the position of Secretary of State under Madison. While in this office war with England was declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during these trying times, the duties of the War Department were also put upon him. He was truly the armorbearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he resigned the Department of War, but continued in the office of Secretary of State until the expiration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the election held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presidency were the cession of Florida to the United States; the Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine." This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that time the United States had recognized the independence of the South American states, and did not wish to have European powers longer attempting to subdue portions of the American Continent. The doctrine is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and "that we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or controlling American governments or provinces in any other light than as a manifestation by European powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States." This doctrine immediately affected the course of foreign governments, and has become the approved sentiment of the United States. At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived until I830, when he went to New York to live with his son-inlaw. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, I83I. I A. i^)^.X r"I eD * q- J rll-%., M Z Or~~ di~ - R51i, il., 1-111~ u qll~ 0u -4 4 Berkeley NO accomplished, ':;' 5i iii^ RS1 — nH'n-. 39 -v A, SIX 7H PRESIDEN7. 39N7 0oD Oh1r nnonYs a~n'mg 11 JLPL6 /v % & X /4 V Ix IXA- 'IA.JL wo M ~?,B r o n~~a~r b'?/0~ Als ~ ~ s~oarm A &lz~r: I~l. - Z - WI 1.7 2;1 "le E* qv'-,,-nte ran - lC=WvmmL-7"Kzj== "Ci ul~ v t. OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the IIt isixth President of the United < ~ -Y 1 W i ) States, was born in the rural I home of his honored father, 4 John Adams, in Quincy, Mass., on the I Ith cf July, 1767. His X ii mother, a woman of exalted a n' worth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant absence&of his father. When but eight years of age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, listening to the booming of the great battie on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on upon the smoke and flames billowing up from the conflagration of Charlestown. When but eleven years old he took a tearful adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Europe, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as mnini-ter nlpnino'tentintrr T- intelliroenre -ttrnoterl in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance with the most distinguished men on the Continent; examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again became associated with the most illustrious men of all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal themes which can engross the human mind. After a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, when he returned to America. To a brilliant young man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a residence with his father in London, under such circumstances, must have been extremely attractive; but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he preferred to return to America to complete his education in an American college. He wished then to study law, that with an honorable profession, he might be able to obtain an independent support. Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, being then but twenty-seven years of age, he was appointed by Washington, resident minister at the *.i W~s = 1, the notice of these distinguished men, and he received Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached London in October, where he was immediately admitfrom them flattering marks of attention.tetotedlbrinsfMsr.JaadPncey X Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, - country, in 1779, ere he was again sentabroad. Again assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he Great Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in applied himself with great diligence, for six months, London,he proceededtotheHague. to study; then accompained his father to Holland, In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, the University at Leyden. About a year from this upon arriving in London, he met with despatches time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- him to remain in London until he should receive his ) ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. instructions. While waiting he was married to an In this school of incessant labor and of enobling American lady to whom he had been previously enculture he spent fourteen months, and then returned gaged,-Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter - to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London; Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the a lady endownd with that beauty and those accomwinter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, elevated sphere for which she was destined. ___ ___ __ ___ ___l A 2.~-'-' 1 40 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. I s: i3t.( ( e ] S I I 4 r. i, He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797; where he remained until July, 1799, when, having fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his recall. Soon after his return, in I802, he was chosen to the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. Especially did he sustain the Government in its measures of resistance to the encroachments of England, destroying our commerce and insulting our flag. There was no man in America more familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon these points, and no one more resolved to present a firm resistance. In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated John Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resigning his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked at Boston, in August, I809. While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense student. He devoted his attention to the language and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the European system of weights, measures, and coins; to = the climate and astronomical observations; while ih kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a = more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. A All through life the Bible constituted an important part of his studies. It was his rule to read five chapters every day. On the 4th of March, I817, Mr. Monroe took the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his numerous friends in public and private life in Europe, he sailed in June, I8I9, for the United States. On the I8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Monj roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary of State. Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second term of office, new candidates began to be presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirtyseven. As there was no choice by the people, the question went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 9 Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he was elected. The friends of all the disappointed candidates now: combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon ) Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in, the past history of our country than the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was an administration more pure in principles, more conscientiously devoted to the best interests of the country, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, was there an administration more unscrupulously and outrageously assailed. Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, abstemious and temperate in his habits; always rising early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast. seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his own fire and applying himself to work in his library often long before dawn. On the 4th of March, I829, Mr. Adams retired from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice President. The slavery question now began to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not long permitted to remain in retirement. In November, I830, he was elected representative to Congress. For seventeen years, until his death, he occupied the post as representative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of "the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the House, he announced that he should hold himself bound to no party. Probably there never was a member more devoted to his duties. He was usually the first in his place in the morning, and the last to leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, with expulsion from the House, with assassination; but no threats could intimidate him, and his final triumph was complete. It has been said of President Adams, that when his body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in his infant years. On the 21st of February, 1848, he rose on the floor of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and said " This is the end of earth;"then after a moment's pause he added, "I am content." These were the last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." 4/c v I g P fp, j \.e N DI-N 4 — ", o 9 ) / _ _ *. i I IN 6 - __ I e ---^, in-nnutG'a SE VENTH PRESIDENT. 43 -f (~, -------,.^^,, - $3?. ^ g^^~ jfLii^5 ^%J^$sr (stiL*s. >&*~. H,,, 6Cis^^^>^ zmS^ ^^ g ^t^ t^^^ -^ l4 s iB I*PI 1111 1111 1 NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President of the United States, was born in Waxhaw settlement, N. C., March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. His parents were poor emigrants >E i from Ireland, and took up Q their abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. I Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, grew up a very i rough, rude, turbulent boy. His features were coarse, his form ungainly; and there was but very little in his character, made visible, which was attractive. When only thirteen years old he joined the volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. In t-.iXT 1o.ti- Mis;c hrnt-lipr Rlhrt- t wrer rcantnlrerl ndl and took her sick boys home. After a long illness Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon left him entirely friendless. Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, gave more attention to the wild amusements of the times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish with the Sharp Knife. In I791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage trPnmartInxr nrQC ruP-rf, —rn~n q rAeranf toimn hlit th- nir/llr_ f a i I s. m* W\' _l If t= "C a 1/ Ile tII allU 1113 MLLLVI JIX W1 JLU1VAA -CLIIAdkIK WcQ j1 uksVt111Vs},-C tZ M1C;VI _V1II t1sU UL Wap vA- v imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. a ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am Jackson into disfavor. a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of During these years he worked hard at his profesthe dauntless boy. sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was especblow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. ially disgraceful. Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then ful gashes,-one on the hand and the other upon the containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the ^i head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a conwith the same demand. He also refused, and re- stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven /! ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. * disabled him, and which probably soon after caused The new State was entitled to but one member in his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jackwere finally stricken with the small-pox. Their son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he mother was successful in obtaining their exchange, rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held it JXH0 to 44 - NDRE - W JACKSON. 4 0MANDREW f J ACKSON. I 'I = = = *ss i,6 ) Is I sessions,-a distance of about eight hundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Democratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated England: As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose second term of office was then expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one of the twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been "wise, firm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held for six years. When the war of i8I2 with Great Britian commenced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who would do credit to a commission if one were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly expected to make an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was in command, he was ordered to descend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of several weeks there, without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comlrfort of his soldiers, won him golden opinions; and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white settlers, were committing the most awful ravages. Decisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assistance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the beridsof the Tallaoosa River, near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. With an army of two thousand men, Gen, Jackson traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suply of arms were assembled. The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly desperate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morning until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred warrios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. The power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter, so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. This closing of the Creek war enabled us to concentrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he was appointed major-general. Late in August, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore commenced a furious assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his troops, which numbered about four thousand men, won a signal victory over the British army of about nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be mentioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in T824, he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, successful in the election of i828, and was re-elected for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins of the government, he met with the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most memorable in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jackson's life were that of a devoted Christian man. (I T 1 - I I _Err r ) B r~~ I ---- I.q-kk I r * 4 K:>> 7', ,XI? "7 - EIGHTH1 PRESIDENT. 47., I, '^.:i.. - I,... ~70E f - ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth President of the i1 g). i United States, was born at g~ ~f Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1782. He died at the same place, July 24, I862. His body rests in the cemetery " fi at Kinderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft fifteen feet high, bearing a simple inscription. about half way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded by shrub or flower. There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography. His an he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of age, commenced the practice of law in his native village. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the cause of State Rights; though at that time the Federal party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing ruputation led him, after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, constantly gaining strength by contending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned ( ~:= i.? I X,:i. cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, the bar of his State. <,} and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.; to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- years she sank into the grave, the victim of consumpligence and exemplary piety. tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record > age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies of those years is barren in items of public interest. in his native village, and commenced the study of In 8I 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to;. law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to years of study in a law-office were required of him Mr. Madison's adminstration. In I8I5, he was apbefore he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved A a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- to Albany, the capital of the State. sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After While he was acknowledged as one of the most K spending six years in an office in his native village, prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had XN- -i ^ , _ — e^.4fARz — vA BuRE.t., > 44 IMARTIN VAN BUREN. - _ _. X, -.. I fore w. N I ~-~ 1) 4i ( the moral courage to avow that true democracy did not require that "universal suffrage" which admits the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of governing the State. In true consistency with his democratic principles, he contended that, while the path leading to the privilege of voting should be open to every man without distinction, no one should be invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue and some property interests in the welfare of the State. In 1821 he was elected a member of the United States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat in the convention to revise the constitution of his native State. His course in this convention secured the approval of men of all parties. No one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the interests of all classes in the community. In the Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. r In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to the Senate. He had been from the beginning a deb termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the = "State Rights" view in opposition to what was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. ' Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof )the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re4 garded throughout the United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to organize a political army which would, secretly and stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which few thought then could be accomplished. When Andrew Jackson was elected President he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This I position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately appointed Minister to England, where he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,. refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned I home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and s frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favorite; and this, probably more than any other cause, secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, I836, Mr. Van Buren received the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. He was elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the retiring President. "Leaving New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred upon him the power to appoint a successor." His administration was filled with exciting events. The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to involve this country in war with England, the agitation E of the slavery question, and finally the great commercial panic which spread over the country, all were trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- x tributed to the management of the Democratic party, q and brought the President into such disfavor that he < failed of re-election. With the exception of being nominated for the Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in I848, Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, and living within his income, had now fortunately a competence for his declining years. His unblemished character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned, patriotism, and the distinguished positions. which he had occupied in the government of our country, secured to him not only the homage of his party, but the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, ( he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics of the country. From this time until his death, on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he ( resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old - age, probably far more happiness than he had before ( experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. C -f A ---. I I 1 X I X \ I" )k Affc I Y'll, 44 lot-AIVA ArNINTH PRESIDl.ENTI, ca - s ffl I xv.E X ' - ft, I Ip 1;~ i, i ~ A m ILLIAM HENRY HARRIii ji LSON, the ninth President of lAthe United States, was born: at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. His father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively opulent circumstances, and was ' 11 one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an tl: intimate friend of George Washington, A as early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Virginia in fi resisting the encroachments of the British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Benjamin Harrison and John Hancock were both candidates for the office of speaker. Mr Harrison was subsequently chosen Governor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son, William Henry, of course enjoyed in childhood all the advantages which wealth and intellectual and cultivated society could give. Having received a thorough common-school education, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated with honor soon after the death of his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, signers of the Declaration of Independence. Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi dent Washington. He was then but I9 years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then appointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This. Territory was then entitled to but one member in Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that position. In the spring of I80o the North-western Territory was divided by Congress into two portions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was appointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now rapidly increasing white population. The ability and fidelity with which he discharged these responsible duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four times appointed to this office-first by John Adams, twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by President Madison. Whenhe began his adminstration there were but three white settlements in that almost boundless region, now crowded with cities and resounding with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About I' = it_ I IK i;V rz~ — a3 11 a-~w mom " :52 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. fe== = _ H i -* ^,5 v Ni 1o.. 10-M** 3 i.+1,. } A S=X S~r ~,,t *?. A f'J v the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or "The Crouching Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet." Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perseverance in any enterprise in which he might engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, and had long regarded with dread and with hatred the encroachment of the whites upon the huntinggrounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which they dwelt. But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was, in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. October 28, I812, his army began its march. When near the Prophet's town three Indlans of rank made their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a short conference, arrangements were made for a meeting the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with the Indian character to be deceived by such protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's encampment, he took every precaution against surprise. His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept upon their arms. The troops threw themselves upon the ground for rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversation with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possible, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all the desperation which superstition and passion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the little army. The savages had been amply provided with guns and ammunition by the English. Their war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the light aided the Indians in their aim. With hideous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them until day dawned: they then made a simultaneous charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing before them, and completely routing the foe. Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked to the utmost. The British descending from the Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable force; but with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burning, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into a state of consternation which even the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagration of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madison commander-inchief of the North-western army, with orders to retake Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but General Harrison was found equal to the position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the responsibilities. He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. The only fare he could give them was beef roasted before the fire, without bread or salt. In i8i6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of the National House of Representatives, to represent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested the attention of all the members. In I8r9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. In I836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him forward as a candidate for the Presidency against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. The contest was very animated. Gen, Jackson gave all his influence to prevent Harrison's election; but his triumph was signal. The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most brilliant with which any President had ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects of an administration more flattering, or the hopes of the country more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sickness, died on the 4th of April; just one month after his inauguration as President of the United States. \ k-/ I I i: III'A t l~l "I, WA* 6 I 1% 'o-, 0 q ~-~H u ~ — P5 — V I 0 1 N-,/ -& I N 0 ",U., - Y TENTH.f PRESIDENT. 55 Adg -------------------- A [ - ^ 6 L A w OHN TYLER, the tenth 4 J 'I,;Presidentof the United States. He was born in Charles-city Co., Va., March 29, I79o. He was the favored child of affluence and high social position. At the early age of twelve, John entered William i~' and Mary College and graduated with much honor when I lI but seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted himself with great assiduity to the study of law, partly with his father and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the most distin| guished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, ie commenced the practice of law. His success was rapid and astonishing. It is said that three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the docki et of the court in which he was not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legislature. He connected himself with the Democratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the unanimous vote or his county. When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national bank, internal improvements by the General Govern. ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict construction of the Constitution, and the most careful vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous that before the close of his second term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility, With a reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his native State. His administration was signally a successful one. His popularity secured his re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the United States. A portion of the Democratic party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. In accordance with his professions, upon taking his seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposition. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and voted against the bank as unconstitutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal improvements by the General Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress,-a record in perfect accordance with the principles which he had always avowed. Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of his profession. There was a split in the Democratic.. =c X.o I/^ * -, _w^ Asi If I 'D>M^ j f) 9 N ol (5 nlo -77 A - --- a>ci ----n -h 56 JOHN TYLER. 4 party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and ments upon him. He had now attained the age of privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this measnot without satisfaction that he resumed the practice ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, touched the pride of the President. for the better education of his children; and he again The opposition now exultingly received the Presitook his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. dent into their arms. The party which elected him By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national denounced him bitterly. All the members of his convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 1839. The maioritv of votes were given to Gen. Har- of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of meeting arid issued an address to the people of the the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- United States, proclaiming that all political alliance ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the between the Vhigs and President Tyler were at convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- an end. ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- Still the President attempted to conciliate. He thy with the Whig party in the North: but the Vice appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and President has but very little power in the Govern- Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- -men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary toresign, side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus i pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administraDemocratic Vice President were chosen. tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The In I84I, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs = dent of the United States. In one short month from and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,, that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler however he brought himself into sympathy with his:7 ~ thus found himself, to his own surprise and that ofold frends theDemocrats,until attheclose of his term, the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 1= chair. This was a new test of the stability of our Polk, the eocratie candidate for his successor. institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our On the 4th of March, 845, he retired from the country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and wa at homr in Williarnmhircrr when he rpecived the I robably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife. A Z5 unexpected tidings of the death of President Harrison. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of April was inaugurated to the high and responsible office. He was placed in a position of exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been opposed to the main principles of the party which had brought him into power. He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with counsellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, on the other hand, should he turn against the party which had elected him and select a cabinet in harmony with himself, and which would oppose all those views which the Whigs deemed essential to the public welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in> vited the cabinet which President Harrison had selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a i day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and bless us. The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the v incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with, his veto. He suggested, however, that he would Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; and in June, I844, President Tyler was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and intellectual accomplishments. The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly in retirement at his beautiful home,-Sherwood Forest, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in his manners, richly furnished with information from books and experience in the world, and possessing brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few friends who gathered around him, were it not for the storms of civil war which his own principles and policy had helped to introduce. When the great Rebellion rose, which the Staterights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confederates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the Government over which he had once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. I,4 I t ~ \ a a"X".L-I V QC* —.e_ 20 a %ELE VENTH PRESIDEN '. 59., r. --- —--------------------- ( ) T v JrAMES K. POLK, the nt AMES K. POLK, the eleventh sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the resident of the United States, counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. was born in Mecklenburg Co., This was to James a bitter disappointment. He ~ |N. C., Nov. 2, I795. His par- had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks @ -.-~ rents were Samuel and Jane were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this (Knox) Polk, the former a son uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his l" ~ of Col. Thomas Polk, who located earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made, l il at the above place, as one of the arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon.,. first pioneers, in 1735. after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With = 3 / I n the year Io06, with his wife ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed m3 "s W and children, and soon after fol- forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half;,=3: lowed by most of the members of years, in the autumn of I815, entered the sophomore = / the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi- class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel / grated some two or three hundred Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of miles farther west, to the rich valley scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing ) of the Duck River. Here in the himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious \ midst of the wilderness, in a region service. which was subsequently called Mau- He graduated in 18I8, with the highest honors, bery Co., they reared their log huts, ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in [ i and established their homes. In the mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty4 y hard toil of a new farm in the wil- three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this ai iW derness, James K. Polk spent the time much impaired by the assiduity with which he a,y early years of his childhood and had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of youth. His father, adding the pur- relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk gradually increased in wealth until renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who he became one of the leading men of the region. His resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few nother was a superior woman, of strong common miles from Nashville. They had probably been ' sense and earnest piety. slightly acquainted before. s Very early in life, James developed a taste for Mr Polk s father was a Jeffersonian Republican, reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politia liberal education. His mother's training had made cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was I him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- constantly called upon to address the meetings of his,j uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty party friends. His skill a a speaker was such that ( principles of morality. His health was frail; and his hewas popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. K father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a He was a 'man of unblemished morals, genial and. —......": oD ---.... 60 JAMES K. POLK. IE —L- - Si, I Ire courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic, nature in the joy s and griefs of others which ever gave him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his strong influence towards the election of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. In January, I824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was altogether worthy of him,-a lady of beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, until I839, he was continued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was always in his seat, always courteous; and whenever he spoke it was always to the point, and without any ambitious rhetorical display. During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, = and stormy scenes were witnessed; but Mr. Polk per~ formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac= tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of March, 1839. In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was elected by a large majority, and on the I4th of October, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In I841, his term of office expired, and he was again the candidate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. On the 4thof March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugurated President of the United States. The verdict of the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted its influence upon Congress; and the last act of the administration of President Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and left the country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message, President Polk urged that v Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re) ceived into the Union on the same footing with the. other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which commanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and war was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first called one of "observation," then of "occupation," then of " invasion,"was sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly and awfulTy slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. 'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower California. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right: there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, I849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good. With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the cholera-that fearful scourge-was then sweeping up the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, and died on the I5th of June, I849, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. T 1i ICi'kl i?:I 9 gz;- 5I? li —, a a,0 - ~ WI. a 7, jjj iis --- -— ^H aiu ^n -- TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 63 -&I ^.) ----— I --- —IN --- —-— _ * A XI J, \ / ':)'i~,_ fi A? @ %ARR TYe ^ 't I - 6 1 1. - T. I -i; ~ 1 -1% or T, lg%- t T- -V -4~ ^M M mommuml ilmal -on m 5V ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth __}, ~ l,. President of the United States, '~" ) 'i) ~was born on the 24th of Nov., ' E', I784, in Orange Co., Va. His?f( e0 father, Colonel Taylor, was a Virginian of note, and a dis~ - tinguished patriot and soldier of the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father with his wife and two children, emigrated to Kentucky, where he settled in:i Y(l the pathless wilderness, a few:= miles from Louisville. In this front7 T ier home, away from civilization and:3 l all its refinements, young Zachary " could enjoy but few social and educational advantages. When six years of age he attended a common school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of character He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his! childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation..,t In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for hiii 5 the commission of lieutenant in the United States army; and he joined the troops which were stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng1 land, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilderness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken i company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of i812, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their approach was first indicated by the murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident that their object was merely to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept them at a distance. The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that defeat was not merely death, but in the case of capture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No pen can describe, no immagination cart conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict continued. The savages then, baffled at every point, and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the rank of major by brevet. Until the close of the war, Major Taylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depthsof the wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There were no books, no society, no in ) I X=,C=': ~. IS< I.t dn 1. 'O,4 X i> v - -.,iq_ i;, y4'" A W AK. 4 w~ --- —-Stl...............,-.. 64 ZACHARY TAYLOR. I~ e: x,, e it g*'^ s= =,1 \\ I tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. In the year I836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and retire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, had promised they should do. The services rendered here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet; and soon after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief command of the United States troops in Florida. After two years of such wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty imposed upon him. In I846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. His careless habits of dress and his unaffected simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, the sobriquet of "Old Rough arid Ready.' The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonderful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-. lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announcement, and for a time would not listen to it; declaring that he was not at all qualified for such an office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 'for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen who had been long years in the public service found their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste remarked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer. His friends took possession of him, and prepared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was triumphantly elected over two opposing candidates,Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was pushing its claims with tireless energy; expeditions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California was pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington to be far more trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or Indians. In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, I850. His last words were, "I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, unpretending man, he had been steadily growinig in the affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly lamented his death. Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful description of his character:-" With a good store of common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been enlarged and refreshed by reading, or much converse with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the consequence. The frontiers and small military posts had been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His simplicity was child-like, and with innumerable prejudices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an outside pocket,-in any such case, this critic held the offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 'touch with a pair of tongs.' "Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dilworth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, few men have ever had a nmore comfortable, laborsaving contempt for learning of every kind." t" j Z. - —,,- - 11I-.-., 1 -... - -. -- -- ---- / - ", I 11 'Al T sSI on NwolBIsn N I'S (Ti0 - > THIR TEENTH PRESIDENT 67 a W 1 he 1MYILLUAR FILLMfHElR 1i{ p... *' ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- enterprising man had commenced the collection of a nI Q teenth President of the United village library. This proved an inestimable blessing I x 'X, <^, * '"'States, was born at Summer a | m A~ ~Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y., on g.. the 7th of January, 8oo00. His )( llY father was a farmer, and owing to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his mother, the }^ t daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,,I /C\..of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been / said that she possessed an intellect i of very high order, united with much personal loveliness, sweetness ofdisposition, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. She died in I831; having lived to see her son a young man of distinguished promise, though she was not permittedto witness the high dignity which he finally attained. In consequence of the secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender advantages for education in his early years. The common schools, which he occasionally attended were very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce and expensive. There was nothing then in his character to indicate the brilliant career upon which he was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy; intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid the foundations of an upright character. When fourteen years of age, his father sent him some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate; and the selections which he made were continually more elevating and instructive. He read history, biography, oratory; and thus gradually there was enkindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands; and he was becoming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, educated man. The young clothier had now attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample pecuniary means and of benevolence,-Judge Walter Wood,-who was struck with the prepossessing appearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaintance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advised him to abandon his trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied, that he had no means of his own, no friends to help him and that his previous education had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to take him into his own office, and to loan him such money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous offer was accepted. There is in many minds a strange delusion about a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to beliberally educated if he has graduated at some college. But many a boy loiters through University halls and then enters a law office, who is by no means as i) b#.>~j 1 I 4 I I Ii~,It) ci — ~~Rins I w " I~>i~~-~s-~c 68 MILLARD FILLMORE. X -— Ie --- Bil11 ( X C )/ ( III r==L in,( I~ well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothingmill at the end of four years of manual labor, during which every leisure moment had been devoted to intense mental culture. ' In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, his practice of course was limited, and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station she might be called to fill,-Miss Abigail Powers. His elevation of character, his untiring industry, his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, gradually attracted attention; and he was invited to enter into partnership under highly advantageous circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the State of New York, as a representative from Erie County. Though he had never taken a very active part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, and he found himself in a helpless minority in the Legislature, still the testimony comes from all parties, that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very unusual degree the respect of his associates. In the autumn of I832, he was elected to a seat in the United States Congress He entered that troubled arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our national history. The great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits, was then raging. His term of two years closed; and he returned to his profession, which he pursued with increasing reputation and success. After a lapse of two years he again became a candidate for Congress; was reelected, and took his seat in I837. His past expe. rience as a representative gave him strength and confidence. The first term of service in Congress to any man can be but little more than an introduction. He was now prepared for active duty. All his energies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every measure received his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled the State, and in the year I847, he was elected Comptroller of the State. he$.s —....... Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very considerable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for President and Vice-President at the approaching election. Far away, on the waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land. But it was necessary to associate with him on the same ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the namesof Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. On the 9th of July, I850, President Taylor, but about one year and four months after his inauguration, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became President. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend with, since the opposition had a majority in both Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt the inadequacyof all measures of transient conciliation. The population of the free States was so rapidly increasing over that of the slave States that it was inevitable that the power of the Government should soon pass into the hands of the free States. The famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fillmore, having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Presidency by the "Know Nothing " party, but was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that his sympathies were rather with those who were endeavoring to overthrow our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other., He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, I874.,,^n " S ll d C\ 'A ~`JL~~' —. - lkl~ Al I P V"ll V v I" - - , p E. e FOUR TEENTHI PRESZ1)ZAVT FRANKLIN FIRRKE INN % i B <~A-rf + ~E"i ~~~~~~ 3~iXS)3~~~~~~~sl~i jCG;C);~;C~~~'~~T''-~yX'~~.;G;~ c~~f Ci~rjij~ 7I t l ^.3 l_ / RANKLIN PIERCE, the 'l,!| fourteenth President of the 7 l? United States, was born in J~.i. Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 23, I804. His father was a > Revolutionary soldier, who, I t ~ with his own strong arm, r1 / hewed out a home in the l-t@ wilderness. He was a man 7 ~ of inflexible integrity; of strong, though uncultivated [:( \- mind, and an uncompromising Democrat. The mother of Franklin Pierce was all that a son could desire,-an intelligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the love of old and young. The boys on the play ground loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Without developing any precocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year I820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was one of the most popular young men in the college. The purity of his moral character, the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar. and genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. There was something very peculiarly winning in his address, and it was evidently not in the slightest degree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year I824, Franklin Pierce commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci. nating yet perilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four yeats. The last two years he was chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected a member of Congress. Without taking an active part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom he was associatad. In I837, being then but thirty-three years of age, he was elected to the Senate of the United States; taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced his administration. He was the youngest memberin the Senate. In the year I834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with wnich her husband was honored. Of the r,. I' 3= I I I #4l i rl leader 4tll 7 0 a:) ~- In H ~>4770 " 72 DFRANKLIN PI^ERCE. jb 72 FRANK;IN PIERCE. < _. I f.I - - i 2= three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with their parents in the grave. In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 5 residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous professional engagements at home, and the precariuos state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the X same time declined the nomination for governor by the Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. He took an.important part in this war, proving himself a brave and true soldier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native State, he was received enthusiastically by the advocates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his opponents. He resumed the practice of his profession,. very frequently taking an active part in political ques= tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery X wing of the Democratic party. The compromise x measures met cordially with his approval; and he strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infamous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious ) sensibilities of the North. He thus became distinguished as a "Northern man with Southern principles."' The strong partisans of slavery in the South consequently regarded him as a man whom they could safely trust in office to carry out their plans. On the I2th of June, I852, the Democratic convention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they continued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great unanimity. Only four States-Vermont, Massachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee -cast their electoral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce was therefore inaugurated President of the United States on the 4th of March, T853. I His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy between slavery and freedom was then approaching its ' culminating point. It became evident that there was an "irrepressible conflict" between them, and that this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half free." President Pierce, during the whole of his administration, did every thing he could to conciliate the South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution of the Union were borne to the North on every South ern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when President Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term of office. The North had become thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advocated those measures of Government which they ap- Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- A leviation of suffering and want, and many of his townspeople were often gladened by his material bounty. < "I I i I I~ S" .~(i"E arr~aa3 hr-i A k -P . ~7N I 10 p _ / QA.Io I IIll-Q ff JLt 'Ut Utt t 't' ^^AUAJW ^^<^^l^^<^c t~~t^^t~^<<^^^tc^^ T ili I I t x gAMES BUCHANAN, the fif_: ^ 1 ' ]teenth President of the United m"; I- - s States, was born in a small ~ f Rt f ~frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Allegha*~, j n~nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on the 23d of April, 1791. The place l l where the humble cabin of his Q P1 father stood was called Stony Batter. It was a wild and ro~/ mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-. tains, with towering summits rising grandly all around. His father was a native of the north of Ireland; a poor man, who had emigrated in 1783, with little property save his own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married TP.1i7anlilk qCrnt r thp rAll(rrl t,-r f q r t ^r^4~ 1. 1 f./ abled him to master the most abstruse subjects witl facility. In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar ii 18I2, when he was but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he successfully defended before the State Senate ore of the judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-:r.n..1~1\ I sk= 3; ^ t R ~X I ( i l *I.....U. crative practice. /, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder-e,,,,,. In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a! ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a, a a.... candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- f '.t en years he remained a member of the Lower House. form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this seDuring the vacations of Congress, he occasionally cluded home, where James was born, he remained r. * tried some important case. In I83I, he retired for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual rs T * * altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac. advantages. When James was eight years of age, his quired an ample fortune. father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where qured an ample fortune. his son was placed at school, and commenced a Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,, %' his son was placed at school, and commenced a ' I Ir, *.- '. Tappointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. T he r i course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His ppintedMr.Bucana minister to ussia. Th pr s rg f re duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 9 progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he.:. g vave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his returmn,: n i w entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- gave satistio to allparties. n his rur in. I833, he was elected to a seat in the United States veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among he was eete t a seat in th Uites, Weter Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, *) the first scholars in the institution. His application Clay, Wright and Calhoun. Headvocatedthemeas-; to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- an A-ll - -- — *+,e* UW n) —A —9 76 JAMES BUCHANAN. f — z- *........) \, \~ i II (; sals against France, to enforce the payment of our claims against that country; and defended the course. of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale p removal from office of those who were not the supporters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United States mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advocated that they should be respectfully received; and that the reply should be returned, that Congress had no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," said he, "might as well undertake to interfere with slavery under a foreign government as in any of the States where it now exists." Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of ) the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing. the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed, territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross K the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration: of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the account of the course our Government pursued in that a movement. Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with A the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind ) to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1 50, which included the fugitive-slave law, Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mission to England. In the year I856, a national Democratic convention nominated Mr. Buchanan forthe Presidency. The I political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re[ striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, received I14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,6i8, for Fremont, I,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been * allied in political principles and action for years, were seeking the destruction of the Government, that they might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed prin I ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in their assumptions. As President of the United States, bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the republic. He therefore did nothing. The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery party declared, that if he were elected, and the control of the Government were thus taken from their hands, they would secede from the Union, taking with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of the United States. Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery party was such, that he had been willing to offerthem far more than they had ventured to claim. All the South had professed to ask of the North was nonintervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Buchanan had been ready to offer them the active cooperation of the Government to defend and extend the institution. As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental imbecility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He declared that Congress had no power to enforce its laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, "The Union must and shall be preserved!" South Carolina seceded in December, I860; nearly three months before the inauguration of President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in Charleston; Fort Sumpter was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots of military stores were plundered; and our custom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by the rebels. The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, and close the administration, so terrible in its weakness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. The administration of President Buchanan was certainly the most calamitous our country has experienced. His best friends cannot recall it with pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. He died at his Wheatland retreat, June I, I868. II ia Ii WI 22~ f * X=;c.4p. id.4~_ > k A f c I _o"",U", 0 .s, r u t SIXTEENTHf P RE I f A ABRAHAM > ~bee i-C SIDENT. 79?' a *`+ *A*,QN, t t 1 I t, CX.g BRAHAM LINCOLN, the MI /cv ~sixteenth President of the,[ ^^ United States, was born in "'' 1Hardi-n Co., Ky., Feb. I 2, 'i) '_E/ 1i809. About the year 1780, a - man by the name of Abraham Lincoln left Virginia with his,l family and moved into the then wildsof Kentucky. Only two years I i after this emigration, still a young X man, while working one day in a field, was stealthily approached by an Indian and shot dead. His widow iwas left in extreme poverty with five little children, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, was four years of age at his father's death. This Thomas was the father of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled with the most prominent in the annals of our world. Of course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. Education he had none; he could never either read or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his starving mother, and push out into the world, a friendless, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired himself out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a laborer in the fields of others. When twenty-eight years of age he built a logcabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. "All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grateful son " I owe to my angel-mother. " When he was eight years of age, his father sold his cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where two years later his mother died. Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated community around him. He could not have had a better school than this to teach him to put thoughts into words. He also became an eager reader. The books he could obtain were few; but these he read and re-read until they were almost committed to memory. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was married when a child of but fourteen years of age, and soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emigrated to Macon Co., Ill. Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when he announced to his father his intention to leave home, and to go out into the world and seek his fortune. Little did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of education, and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin which ardent spirits were causing, and became strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxicating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression he was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by'the Mississippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven C=.t=~ A' I \ii arr r ii i. j) c /11A, lcaI 1- 4 * c kZI i 1, ( ) j _9,. > 80 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. e 8oI I c 1= =iS ~= *,*:t ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon his return they placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he received he carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this his business. In I834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected. Mr..Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and began his legal studies. When the Legislature assembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he removed to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great that he was soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. N Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. = In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in i856, he took an active part, and at once became = one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most! notable part of his history. The issue was on the slavery question, and he took the broad ground of the Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a far higher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the I6th of June, I860. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twentyfive thousand. An immense building called "The Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven| tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most prominent. It was generally supposed he would be the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: and aslittle did he dream that he was to render services to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of the whole civilized world, and which would give him i a place in the affections of his countrymen, second 3 only, if second, to that of Washington. Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 80 \ electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, constitutionally elected President of the United States.; The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good I and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was greater than upon any other man ever elected to this high position. In February, i86I, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his way making speeches. The whole journey was frought with much danger. Many of the Southern States had already seceded, and several attempts at assassination were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Baltimore had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row," and in the confusion to make sure of his death with revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret and special train was provided to take him from Harrisb'urg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected hour of the night. The train started at half-past ten; and to prevent any possible communication on the part ot the Secessionists with their Confederate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other prominent opponents before the convention he gave important positions. During no other administration have the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most courageous of men. He went directly into the rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left Springfield, in i86, however, plans had been made for his assassination,and he at last fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It was announced that they would Le present. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feeling, witt his characteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, very reluctantly consented'to go. While listening to the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth entered the box where the President and family were seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the next morning at seven o'clock. Never before, in the history of the world was a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a model. His name as the savior of his country will live with that of Washington's, its father; his countrymen being unable to decide which is the greater. i. A?r Sfti li {C'/ > f y K I ib~ ~;Qi I 1A wrE rCy) KTe fSyn '.| Pr;E D ~-~i- ~ aac~#a~-i~s —~ ---- -I SEVENT~EEVNTL PRESIDENT. 83, --- A\,>) 3) W + X _ *'S `reBai,,~,-~i~w -~~p crp_ Bk Iis 12 IIli i p i I J as! I!,i( 0~-~ 8 NDREW JOHNSON, seven^J' ~,?:teenth President of the United a ' t States. The early life of 1> KT ATAndrew Johnson contains but the record of poverty, destitu-: tion and friendlessness. He 0 was born December 29, I808, l ' in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, belonging to the class of the t "poor whites " of the South, were in such circumstances, that they could not confer even the slightest advantages of education upon their child. When Andrew was five I years of age, his father accidentally lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the I... I I.I I 1. pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, but assisted him in learning to combine the letters into words. Under such difficulties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to devote such time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who possessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In I828, he organized a working man's party, which elected him alderman, and in I830 elected him mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in political affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes,: 1 1 1 I _1 T -. 1_...1 _ _,_ A _1 3= 1.i F.I:: x NI labor.ot his m-other, who obtained her living with to wncn ne Delongea. in I135, ne was eiectci a (: her own hands. member of the House of Representatives of TennesHe then, having never attended a school one day, see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. and being unable either to read or write, was ap- He became a very active member of the legislature, prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those read from the speeches of distinguished British states- of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased: than ordinary native ability, became much interested his reputation. ~ in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in I843, he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. was elected a member of Congress, and by successive f?i He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and elections, held that important post for ten years. In #i' with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and X () learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- was re-elected in I855. In all these responsible posiman to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abilN C-E — I- i" 0 2Ad:,.~:.~.U 84 ANDRE W JOHNSON. rI ' -, ~)- A i~5. I =( ) r Pil z% XC ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr. Jolinson was elected United States Senator. Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would probably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also supported the compromise measures, the two essential features of which were, that the white people of the Territories should be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the free States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic; neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of I860, he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In I861, when the purpose of the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, I862, appointed him Military Governor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, i865, became President. In a speech two days later he said, "The American people must be taught, if they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong not only to protect, but to punish. * * The people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were preferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three months. A test article of the impeachment was at length submitted to the court for its action. It was certain that as the court voted upon that article so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great majority against him. The change of one vote from the not guilty side would have sustained the impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term, was but little regarded. He continued, though impotently,; his conflict with Congress. His own party did not think it expedient to renominate him for' the Presi- 3 dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-: alleled since the days of Washington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until I875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting ) struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- | nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- J gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of March. On the 27th of July, I875, the ex-President made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- t ing the residence of his child the following day, was stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. t He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at i 2 A.M., July 3i, aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, ( with every demonstration of respect. l,!(I < 4; r: E e ~ar '~ C: I N/ I l E~ I 9 I ";-N s rag f — " 1< OXHO '(ki Yr EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. 87 4 v w ^YSSES S. GRANT, the From Monterey he was sent,with the fourth infantry, Hi X aIW-V1W I eighteenth President of the to aid Gen. Scott. at the sieiPe of Vera Cruz. In I i K I k * ) United States, was born on the 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in a humble e home, at Point Pleasant, on the gs.;, banks of the Ohio. Shortly after his father moved to George. town, Brown Co., 0. In this relr^r mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses J i k^ received a common-school edu( cation. At the age of seventeen, in the year I839, he entered V the Military Academy at West I Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of infantry to one of the distant military posts in the Missouri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating Indians. The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that he performed a signal service of daring and skillful horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its ammunition. A messenger must be sent for more, along a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Chapultepec. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant returned with his regiment to New York, and was again sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The discovery of gold in California causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the immigrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. Grant resigned his commission and returned to the States; and having married, entered upon the cultivation of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not remunerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into the leather business, with a younger brother, at Galena, 111. This was in the year I860. As the tidings of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said,'Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though I have served him through one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and see Uncle Sam through this war too." He went into the streets, raised a company of volunteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, the capital of the State, where their services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the volunteer organization that was being formed in the State in behalf of the Government. On the I5th of -4 I/ IS 0. M i 11 I It r,.p, F1 — l""R, W~J - 88 UL YSSES S. GRA NT...., _*- _ f n ' f I June, I86I, Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such that he was soon promoted to the rank of BrigadierGeneral and was placed in command at Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and stripes were unfurled in its stead. He entered the service with great determination and immediately began active duty. This was the beginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he surprised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight ) at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was ~ immediately made a Major-General, and the military = district of Tennessee was assigned to him. Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how = to secure the results of victory. He immediately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two cannon. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and proceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of strategic and tactical measures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels were routed with great loss. This won for him unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of February, I864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenantgeneral, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials and enter upon the duties of his new office. -- - Jang I -~ Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National "i troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to destroy the rebel armies which would be promptly assembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole continent seemed to tremble under the trampof these majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains were burdened with closely packed thousands. His plans were comprehensive and involved a series of campaigns, which were executed with remarkable energy and ability, and were consummated at the surrender of Lee, April 9, I865. The war was ended. The Union was saved. The almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its salvation. The eminent services he had thus rendered the country brought him conspicuously forward as the ( Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 3J Presidency, and at the autumn election received a majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294i electoral votes.:= The National Convention of the Republican party / which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphatically indorsed by the people five months later, 292 electoral votes being cast for him. Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant started upon his famous trip around the world. He visited almost every country of the civilized world, and was everywhere received with such ovations and demonstrations of respect and honor, private as well as public and official, as were never before bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. It is not too much to say that his modest, courteous, and dignified demeanor in the presence of the most distinguished men in the different nations in the world, reflected honor upon the Republic which he so long: and so faithfully served. The country felt a great pride in his reception. Upon his arrival in San Fran-,. cisco, Sept. 20, I879, the city authorities gave him a fine reception. After lingering in the Golden State for a while, he began his tour through the States, - which extended North and South, everywhere marked by great acclamation and splendid ovations. _' I I,i,' -4 n~r~rrr i~3~ a~P0 '1I. - "A a* a r ~i 1rvK V ININETEENTH PRESIDENT. 91.. X,1 7 IY IIo 17; Kk^ xj3/ f).I j' j~?AS~j~~ ^feJ ~ M XJ~^ the nineteenth President of Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emia 1the United States, was born in grated thither from Connecticut, they having beenl pC Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- among the wealthiest and best famrlies of Norwich. \ most three months after the Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to = death of his father, Rutherford 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders / Hayes. His ancestry on both of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers X= the paternal and maternal sides, in the Revolutionary War. 3 Ki, was of the most honorable char- The father of President Hayes was an industrious, acter. It can be traced, itissaid, frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a mei as far back as 280, when Hayes and chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- ( Rutherford were two Scottish chief- ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to tains, fighting side by side with undertake. He was a member of the Church, active Baliol, William Wallace and Robert in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and conBruce. Both families belonged to the ducted his business on Christian principles. After nobility, owned extensive estates, the close of the war of 1812, for reasons inexplicable v and had a large following. Misfor- to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.! tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, George was born in Windsor, and remained there was a. very serious affair. A tour of inspection was during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes detertied Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- fever, less than three months before the birth of the:'j turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore beson of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was reavement, found the support she so much needed in.. born in New Haven, in August, 756. He was a farmer, her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the i blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to household from the day of its departure from Ver-, Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted?-. where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- some time before as an act of charity. ' erford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the Mr.Hysatti eio wa s ey waka nd th t N - - B — - - - 92 RUTHERFORD B. HA YES. - -.. - I _- -,,I, te *1 I I I I IK r. s I Ir, > s - = a1) I,rr ) I I I I:t i subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at most. As the months went by he grew weaker and weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of inquiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of him, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't wonder if he would really come to something yet." " You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him President of the United States yet." The boy lived, in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy death; and when, in I825, his older brother was drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his mother. The boy was seven years old before he went to school. His education, however, was not neglected. He probably learned as much from his mother and sister as he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her associates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of disposition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings of others, which are marked traits of his character. His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest in his education; and as the boy's health had improved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; but he was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He entered Kenyon College in I838, at the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head of his class in I842. Immediately after his graduation he began the study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he remained two years. In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he remained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his profession. In I849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambition found a new stimulus. For several years, however, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at this period, had a powerful influence upon his subsequent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as i everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did more than she to reflect honor upon American womanhood. The Literary Club brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high character and noble aims, and lured him to display the qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and modesty. In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of 1 the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to accept the nomination. Two years later, the office of ( city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council elected him for the unexpired term. In I86I, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the bar was among the the first. But the news of the attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up arms for the defense of his coiuntry. His military record was bright and illustrious. In October, I86i, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle of South Mountain he received a wound, and while faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that won admiration from all. Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services during the campaigns of I864, in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Democratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after his election was importuned to resign his commission in the army; but he finally declared, " I shall never come to Washington until I can come by the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in I866. In I867, Gen Hayes was elected Governorof Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Republican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a hard long contest was chosen President, and was in augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his full term, not, however, with satisfaction to his party, but his administration was an average one t~t II ki' i + g-)1% 7Fg PI M. wwwwmmm-~m ~: 4Z 0 - OWA. 211V ~~~ 3)N 'Ia i^~^ ^ --- aa-a>in4 i TWENTIETH PRESIDENT. 95 AT Ls - L A d X AMES A. GARFIELD, twen- gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his tieth President of the United origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug 1, ri.a r.=I States, was born Nov. 9, 1831, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., O His par' ents were Abram and Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England ancestry and from families well known in the early hisk. tory of that section of our country, but had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settlement. The house in which James A. was born was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that day. It was about 20 X 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. His father was a hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. The household comprised the father and mother and their four children-Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold contracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can tell how much James was indebted to his brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years succeeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, 0., near their birthplace. The early educational advantages young Garfield enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the little family to gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until he was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of employment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. After making many applications for work, and trying to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He remained at this work but a short time when he went home, and attended the seminary at Chester for about three years, when he entered Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in the meantime, and doing other work. This school was started by the Disciples of Christ in i850, of which church he was then a member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon "exhausted Hiram" and needed more; hence, in the fall of I854, he entered Williams College, from which he graduated in i856, taking one of the highest honors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram College as its President. As above stated, he early united with the Christian or Diciples Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous member, often preaching in its pulpit and places where he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion: ( I: r %,' ~,,fCL." ' ' AV -'-4..- e.. 0oo CHESTER A. ARTHUR.,..I m, I - - I 0 I I I I I. I S' I I followed their example. Before that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few special cars for colored per. sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention () at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Governor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineerin-Chief of his staff. In I86i, he was made Inspector General, and soon afterward became Quartermaster-General. In each of these offices he rendered x great service to the Government during the war. At the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, was added to the firm. The legal practice of this well-known firm was very large and lucrative, each of the gentlemen composing it were able lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if not indeed one of national extent. He always took a leading part in State and city: politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 I872, to suc_ ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,.= 20, 87 8, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at.the famous National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political convention that ever assembled on the continent. It was composed of the leading politicians of the Republican party, all able men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their respective candidates that were before the convention for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur for Vice-President. The campaign which followed was one of the most animated known in the history of our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his party made a valiant fight for his election. Finally the election came and the country's choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated March 4, I88i, as President and Vice-President. A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of suffering,-those moments of ' anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na I tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of the noble, the good President. The remarkable patience that he manifested during those hours and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suffering man has often been called upon to endure, was seemingly more than human. It was certainly Godlike. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his credit that his every action displayed only an earnest desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to serve the remainder of the term he had so auspiciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in deed or look of this man, even though the most honored position in the world was at any moment likely to fall to him. At last God in his mercy relieved President Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as never before in its history over the death of any other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of the high office, and he took the oath in New York, Sept. 20, i88I. The position was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, what policy he would pursue, and who he would select as advisers. The duties of the office had been greatly neglected during the President's long illness, and many important measures were to be immediately decided by him; and still farther to embarrass him he did not fail to realize under what circumstances he became President, and knew the feelings of many on this point. Under these trying circumstances President Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of affairs, he has happily surprised the Nation, acting so justly, so wisely, so well, that but few have criticised his administration. Should he continue during the remainder of his term to pursue the wise policy he has followed thus far, we believe President Arthur's administration will go down in history as one of the wisest and most satisfactory our country has ever enjoyed. His highest ambition seems to be to do his duty to the whole Nation, even to the sacrifice of his warmest personal friends. With the good of the people at heart, and guided by the wisdom already displayed, he will surprise his opponents, gratify his friends, and bless the American Republic, during the years he occupies the Presidential chair. 4, I~ N I -9 z I. t t ta. 9: t c rP4i. B u h-r II S 0- - " I6 61-1 1 0 a lll = 1"1~1t H H 1 ~"~~.~~~~;N WXS;-i ^ ^ "I * M IMDI 1M " 7 vY j~~~J4~~ -~gYni: -~~*i~.,$ 1;3'~v:c~i _~ i 1'"I ~i '~X-(~-~ ~vv tin , P, -X,, 111PI, -- lolevk` , r" Ile,!X!) i I, I -~I I' I ( 4 I - I [S )o ~-Nl co Z. 0 u -!, 0,, N -:, I 'o, -(r. Q Vi - - ', ", 11 -S-4",<;' "IX 1 7, 5. I I i =1 = I S I. a a k,71 / I "W, E, "J, 4) T i I k I I:Z=,*,A.*. 3=.4'. 5 k I 4 9 6. 1 *i i;. -,q ot( j-.,,, zAoAtv ___rl. C. 0 *) 4 --— VJ I, 11 -).1 - 6 0 wk Im n., $IN -, Jill, ~~ = =(~ =~ i I0 Ix "4 - 4 *1 X % V t t S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ r^)^- --— c, —., wQBe — ' ----' GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. Io05 e _ Ie *I, Dda4. IJ SLJ~' i k'1 N "-2 (t BSZ: S. A} fLP's TEPHEN T. MASON, the t Ifirst Governorof Michigan, was Ya son of Gen. John T. Mason, / 'f i[/ of Kentucky, but was born in r eVirginia, in I8I2. At the age of I9 he was appointed SecreI ^tary of Michigan Territory, and i served in that capacity during the 'll i administration of Gov. George B., &llaw Porter. Upon the death of Gov. ' Porter, which occurred on the 6th of July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Acting Governor. In October, I835, he was elected Governor under the State / organization, and immediately en' tered upon the performance of the duties of the office, although the State was not yet admitted into the Union. After the State was admitted into the Union, Governor Mason was re-elected to the position, and served with credit to himself and to the advantage of the State. He died Jan. 4, i843. The principal event during Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from the disputed southern boundary of the State. Michigan claimed for her southern boundary aline running east across the peninsula from the extreme southern point of Lake Michigan, extending through Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she claimed as a vested right-a right accruing to her by compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787, the parties to which were the original I3 States, and the territory northwest of the Ohio; and, by the succession of parties under statutory amendments to the ordinance and laws of Congress-the United States on the one part, and each Territory northwest of the Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior grant, or assignation of boundary. Ohio, on the other hand, claimed that the ordinance had been superseded by the Constitution of the United States, and that Congress had a right to regulate the boundary. It was also claimed that the Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a different line, and Congress having admitted the State under that Constitution, without mentioning the subject of the line in dispute, Congress had thereby given its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitution of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at some periods of the controversy, but at others she appeared to regard the question unsettled, by the fact that she insisted upon Congress taking action in regard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in 1812, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government. Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not run till 1818. In I820, the question in dispute underwent a rigid examination by the Committee on Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously urged by her delegation, and as ably opposed by Mr. Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The result was that the committee decided unanimously in favor of Michigan; but, in the hurry of business, no action was taken by Congress, and the question remained open till Michigan organized her State government. The Territory in dispute is about five miles in width at the west end, and about eight miles in width at the east end, and extends along the whole northern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and that claimed by Ohio was known as the " Harris line," = -9, 7i1 I_ __ ~ i~ 4 I I jid;,law f '0- 5~.b1rij u - c "~.r rr,, ~ (~, - I 1 I, k* I!1 06 STEPHEN T. MASON. A 1 1 v C t r s t i n t C < 1:? o n n n o C F Fi I n e B s' from the names of the surveyors. The territory was of their number, he found it convenient to content ^J valuable for its rich agricultural lands; but the chief himself for a time with " watching over the border.", value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the Several days were passed in this exhilarating employ-!> Maumee River, where now stands the flourishing city ment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his [ )f Toledo, was included within its limits The town mind to do something rash, two commissioners ar- ~) originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards rived from Washington on a mission of peace. They Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo. remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded him of In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed the consequences to himself and his State if he perin act extending the jurisdiction of the State over sisted in his attempt to gain possession of the disputed;he territory in question; erected townships and territory by force. After several conferences with:irected them to hold elections in April following. It both governors, the commissioners submitted proposi- Y ilso directed Governor Lucus to appoint three com- tions for their consideration. nfissioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line; and Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions, lamed the first of April as the day to commence the and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the;urvey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and his action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent declined to compromise the rights of his people by a i special message to the Legislative Council, appris- surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Govng it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised imme- ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however, Governor tiate action by that body to anticipate and counteract Mason partially fqllowed suit, but still held himself he proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the r 2th in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise. )f February, the council passed an act making it a Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was:riminal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or im- clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line with)risonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any out being molested, and ordered the commissioners = )fficial functions, or accept any office within the juris- to proceed with their work. A' Liction of Michigan, under or by virture of any au- In the meantime, Governor Mason kept a watch-.a hority not derived from the Territory, or the United ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent;tates. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote scouts through the woods to watch their movements, ' general Brown, then in command of the Michigan and report when operations were commenced. When ( nilitia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to the surveying party got within the county of Lenaneet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was wee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a nade on the part of Ohio to carry out the provisions warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made )f that act of the Legislature. On the 3ist of March, his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a portion -overnor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at of the party. The rest, including the commissioners, 'errysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying took to their heels, and were soon beyond the dis- \ he Harris line. He was accompanied by General puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the fol3ell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to lowing day in a highly demoralized condition, and nuster a volunteer force of about 600 men. This reported they had been attacked by an overwhelmras soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and ing force of Michigan malitia, under command of quipped. The force then went into camp at Fort General Brown. liami, to await the Governor's orders. This summary breaking up of the surveying party In the meantime, Governor Mason, with General produced the most tremendous excitement throughout 3rown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 120oo Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the trong, and were in possession of Toledo. General Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference krown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of to the "war." The question continued for some time lonroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Con- to agitate the minds of the opposing parties; and the (? tantine, Quartermaster; William E. Broadman, of action of Congress was impatiently awaited. Michigan: )etroit, and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-de- was admitted into the Union on the condition that amp. When Governor Lucas observed the deter- she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept ained bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. - — ' - ' ---,~ -- frmtenme ftesuvyr.Th ertryws o hirnmeshefudi cnein t otn A B s ci U[ ' I 4 = SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICHIGAN. Io9 S — W IlLLIAM 5OODBI0IDGE. --- X ILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the. jsecond Governor of Michigan, Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the was brn a Norwch, onn. eI r was born at Norwich, Conn., Aug. 20, 1780, and died at Detroit Oct. 20, 186I. He was of a family of three brothers..'~ and two sisters. His father, l j, Dudley Woodbridge, removed to ~ ( Marietta, Ohio, about 179o. The 1 tlife of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas. t I J I Lauman, from which this sketch is largelycompiled, mentions nothing concerning his early education beyond the fact that it was such as { i H was afforded by the average school Q of the time, except a year with the l French colonists at Gallipolis, iO where he acquired a knowledge of the French language. It should ' I [ be borne in mind, however, that home education at that time was spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes tic relations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2, 19, I860. Our written biographies necessarily speak more fully of men, because of their active participation in public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled the influence of good women upon the history of the world will be read side by side with the deeds of men. How much success and renown in life many men owe to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. enjoyed the best means of early education that the country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled her to improve her advantages. During her life, side by side with the highest type of domestic and social graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that formed the crown of a faultless character. She was a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine verses, some of which are preserved in a printed memorial essay written upon the occasion of her 1.1 T. 1 1 _.r --:A.._ ( 1 _ (4. Ar. / \*,*, i', bi an indispensable feature in the -1 tra ining the. i * i even in matters of minor importance, to elevate the training of the young. To this and' 'n'a i e m s reputation and add to the well being of her husband and to a few studies well mastered, in the various stations he was called upon to fill, gave is due that strong mental discipline which has served. her the highest satisfaction She was an invalid as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have a h t m o N h. during the latter portion of her life, but was patient adorned and helped to make our National history. 1- and cheerful to the end. Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a In i807 Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the young man subsequently distinguished, but known General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated atthe Senate, continuing a member by re-election until the law school in Connecticut, after a course there ofhis removal from the State. He also held, by a @ nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta pointment, durng the time the office of Prosecuting; in I806. In June, i806, hemarried,atHartford,Con- Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in, necticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trumbell, a the Legislature, and in 1812 drew up a declaration and distinguished author and judge; and author of the resolutions, which passed the two houses unamiuously II-,)?,-W —I.:/ '<>.... are^ T[ — I-cR-nLiWO — -- -ORIDvG " I Io VWILLIAM WOODBRIDGE. 4 TC) s s b.f iA I I I,ji. ) and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest and most emphatic terms, the war measures of President Madison. During the period from I804 to I814 the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had become widely separated. The latter was Governor of the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was, in 18I4, without solicitation on his part, tendered to Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesitation, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. The office of Secretary involved also the duties of collectorof customs at the port of Detroit, and during the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof of his duties, also including those of Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for about two years out of the eight years that he held the office of Secretary I nder the administration of "Governor and Judges," which the people of the Territory preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time after their numbers entitled them to a more popular representative system, they were allowed no delegate in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand for representation by a delegate, that an act was passedin Congress in 819 authorizing one tobe chosen. Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the old French land titles in the Territory according to the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain at the close of the Revolution; and another for the construction of a Government road through the "black swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus opening a means of land transit between Ohio and Michigan. He was influential in securing the passage of bills for the construction of Government roads from Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The expedition for the exploration of the country around Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mississippi, projected by Governor Cass, was set on foot by means of representations made to the head of the department by Mr. W. While in Congress he strenuously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip of territory now forming the northern boundary of Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the admission of the latter into the Union. Hle served but one term as delegate to Congress, declining further service on account of personal and family considerations. Mr. W. continued to discharge the duties of Secretary of the Territory up to the time its Government passed into the "second grade." In I824, he was appointed one of a board of commissioners for adjusting private land claims in the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of his profession, having the best law library in the Territory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the President, J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James Witherell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conventionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory. This court was apparently a continuation of the Territorial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and Judges" system. Although it was supreme in its judicial functions within the Territory, its powers and duties were of a very general character. In I832, the term of his appointment as Judge expiring, President Jackson appointed a successor, it is supposed on political grounds, much to the disappointment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The partisan feeling of the time extended into the Territory, and its people began to think of assuming the dignity of a State government. Party lines becoming very sharply drawn, he identified himself with the Whigs and was elected a member of the Convention of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution. In 1837 he was elected a member of the State Senate. This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career, because it is closely identified with the early history of the State, and the development of its political system. Since the organization of the State Government the history of Michigan is more familiar, and hence no review of Judge W's career as Governor and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Governor in 1839, under a popular impression that the affairs of the State had not been prudently administered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but little more than a year, when he was elected to the Senate of the United States. His term in the Senate practically closed his political life, although he was strongly urged by many prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice President in 1848. Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1828, Governor W. took up his residence on a tract of land which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a short distance below what was then the corporate limits of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder of his life. Both in his public papers and private communications, Governor W. shows himself a master of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustration, logical in arrangement, happy in the choice and treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expression. Judge W. was a Congregationalist. His opinions on all subjects were decided; he was earnest and energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times exhibited a vein of fine humor that was the more attractive because not too often allowed to come to the surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but the home of his adoption and for friends and family. VD I )! I -l.Ii t; -I i: d~c~L~j~0 - u 9 l aaj uP >474f4#f- 4 a frjTh ||@^^ -r; -- ungBn-su — ^^ vi, GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. II3? I I JOHN S. BARRY ^'^^^^ ^^^S —~. ~ t~~~~~~ —^-^'^ —,,,^~L, — ~,l C -+ *<< eel Iw I i (,= ^> f' ) r 0 a c C E C fc ir 2 f( d of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the 3 Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1842, clients were the victims of purchased treachery, > the number of pupils reported as attending the public rather than so many sacrifices to justice. schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In I843, a The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock State land office was established at Marshall, which P. M., Sept. 25, 185. On the 26th the prisoners were was invested with the charge and disposition of all put forward to receive sentence, when many of them the lands belonging to the State. In 1844, the tax- protested their entire innocence, after which the preable property of the State was found to be over siding judge condemned 12 of the number to the foltwenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the lowing terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the the State's prison, situate in their county: Ammi State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years; income from the railroads was nearly three hundred Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight thousand dollars. At this time the University of years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin, Hs Michigan had become so prosperous that its income eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price, was ample to pay the interest on the University debt; eight years; Lyman Champlin, five years; Willard J and the amount of money which the State was able W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five to loan the several progressing railroads was one years; Erastus Smith, five years. hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were In I840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in made to increase the efficiency of the common schools the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe with good results In 1845, when Gov. Barry's sec- to obtain information in reference to its culture. ond term expired, the population of the State was He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last more than three hundred thousand. public service was that of a delegate to the National The constitution of the State forbade more than two Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864. consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a position again in I850o-the only instance of the kind high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts i in the history of the State. He was a member of the bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private j Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven- nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been V* tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent- one of the most efficient and popular Governors the J atives. State has ever had. During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Nor- Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity. ' mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough e endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con- ( )f education consisting of six persons. A new con- victions and outspoken honesty made it impossible for stitution for the government of the State was also him to take an undefined position when a principle adopted and the "Great Railway Conspiracy Case " was involved. His attachments and prejudices were was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his which had been committed upon the property of the administration of public affairs. As a speaker he was Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line not remarkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, char>f their road, and finally the burning of the depot acterized his oratory, which is described as argumentit Detroit, in I850. ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely |; At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County, wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo- c kpril 24, 185I, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner rime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused rather awkward. )arties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Rail- so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered oad Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in- both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a luding David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A. thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less [an Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Dan- to political intrigue as a means of gaining posiel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public esepresented by six members of the State bar, led by teem by his solid worth. His political connections Villiam H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied were always with the Democratic party, and his opin- | our months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- ions were usually extreme. ned 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning: 49 in 40 days. M. Van Dyke addressed the jury of the ascendency of the Republican party, and caror the prosecution; William H. Seward for the ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He efense. died Jan. 14, 1870, his wife's death having occurred a The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence year previous, March 30, I869. They left no children. < ^ ^to — aop.0.0 I I I K 9 8 I -C.1UA A4. i;! ,1 IIlk —e — Wi ~ ni f Wiii ---t; W > GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. I7 -, - @.,i i i? ~/~ I- "I Xi K.-*,d Ti - LPHEUS FELCH, the third _i:,l/gl~)~t~'~~?Governor of Michigan, was ~~ ~: |' born in Limerick, Maine, Sep' i[,_ termber 28, I806. Hisgrandf_. Bfather, Abijah Felch, was a soldier in the Revolution; and en n when a young man, having with i l others obtained a grant of land beljl@I; /tween the Great and Little Ossipee J Bt Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re-; Hi gion when it was yet a wilderness. The father of Mr. Felch embarked in mercantile life at Limerick. He was i the first to engage in that business in that section, and continued it until w' his death. The death of the father, I followed within a year by the death of the mother, left the subject of this sketch, then three years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a home with his paternal grandfather. where he re Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by cholera, and when he had recovered sufficiently to permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the disease was too great to permit a journey down the river. He therefore determined to come to Michigan. He first began to practice in this State at Monroe, where he continued until I843, when he removed to Ann Arbor. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1835, and continued a member of that body during the years 1836 and I837. While he held this office, the general banking law of the State was enacted, and went into operation. After mature delibera. tion, he became convinced that the proposed system of banking could not prove beneficial to the public interests; and that, instead of relieving the people from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were laboring, it would result in still further embarrassment. He, therefore, opposed the bill, and pointed roit to thie Tonse the rClisater tnrhich in hli n''nirUir X= ( )! Iy ai# ~s e-r Or _rt 'd _i _4~f 3\ Aj WUL LU L1,_1% As_- X UZ% LJess., %_&L;3CL3LV._1~ WJJxJL 1> 11I 1113 Vrllll) II) i ained until his death. Mr Felch received his early were sure to follow its passage. The public mind, education in the district school and a neighboring however, was so favorably impressed by the measure academy. In i82I he became a student at Phillips that no other member, in either branch of the LegislaExter Academy, and, subsequently, entered Bowdoin ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at him in opposition to the bill. Early in I838, he was once began the study of law and was admitted to appointed one of the Bank Commissioners of the A practice at Bangor, Me., in 1830. State, and held that office for moie than a year. DurHe began the practice of his profession at Houlton, ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to Me., where he remained until [833. The severity that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks. T of the climate impaired his health, never very good, Almost every village had its bank. The country was: and he found it necessary to seeka change of climate. flooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex-.. He disposed of his library and started to seek aminations of the Bank Commissioners brought to a new home. His intention was to join his friend, light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly reON — ,118 ALPHEU'S ELCH. H? ( -- ---- ~......v ~ v I I If I 9 L ) )e I: ported to the Legislature, and were followed by criminal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing of many of their institutions. The duties of the office were most laborious, and in I839 Mr. Felch resigned. The chartered right of almost every bank had, in the meantime, been declared forfeited and the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State. In the year 1842 Governor Felch was appointed to the office of Auditor General of the State; but after holding the office only a few weeks, was commissioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Fletcher. In January, I843, he was elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired term. In 1845 he was elected Governorof Michigan, and entered upon his duties at the commencement of the next year. In I847 he was elected a Senator in Congress for six years; and at once retired from the office of Governor, by resignation, which took effect March 4, I847, when his Senatorial term commenced. While a member of the Senate he acted on the Committee on Public Lands, and for four years was its Chairman. He filled the honorable position of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great credit to the State of Michigan. During Governor Felch's administration the two railroads belonging to the State were sold to private corporations,-the Central for $2,000,000, and the Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State amounted in 1846 to $4,647,608. The total capacity of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving employment to I8,ooo seamen. In 1847, there were 39 counties in the State, containing 435 townships; and 275 of these townships were supplied with good libraries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes. At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 185 3, Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of the Commissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish / j. and Mexican land claims in California, under the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress passed for that purpose. He went to California in May, 1853, and was made President of the Commission. The duties of this office were of the most important and delicate character. The interest of the new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, both the native Mexican population and the recent American immigration; the right of the Pueblos to their common lands, and of the Catholic Church to the lands of the Missions,-the most valuable of the State,-wereinvolved in the adjudicationsof this Commission. In March, 1856, their labors were brought to a close by the final disposition of all the claims which were presented. The record of their proceedings,-the testimony which was given in each case, and the decision of the Commissioners thereon,consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited in the Department of the Interior at Washington. In June of that year, Governor Felch returned to Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged piincipally in legal business. Since his return he has been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Senator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court. But the Democratic party, to which he has always been attached, being in the minority, he failed of an election. In 1873 he withdrew from the active practice of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Europe, in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home in Ann Arbor. In I877 the University of Michigan conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan University, and in the spring of 1879 was appointed Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Bank Commissioner of the State, the oldest surviving Auditor General of the State, the oldest surviving Governor of the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving United States Senator from the State of Michigan. f. e) f 1^ ^s E Ii N, el I \ V u? c J; > 6 K: I mm — 1 — r~ ~l 7,'Ii~ ffl~lai i;>;4 (;_~_-ul -- * It N N X^^ -— e^su-^Tn- X Hnn a<> >..-* a GO VERNORS. 121 A,) A (<.* — " | WILLIAM L. GREENLY. e w3 o1 M.\SA I, OICA *s i @.4 t fi) $lk-"-o l~7 ~ A m A ILLIAM L. GREENLY, A ^t a^ IJ Governor of Michigan for the year 1847, was born at Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. I 18, I813. He graduated at Union College, Schenectady, in V.I 1831, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1834. In 36, having removed to Michigan, he settled in Adrian, where j he has since resided. The year following his arrival in Michigan he was elected State Senator and served in that capacity until I839. i n i845 he was elected Lieut. Governor and became acting Governor by the resignation of Gov. Felch, who was elected to the United '( States Senate. The war with Mexico was brought to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly's administration. We regret to say that there are only few records extant of the action of Michigan troops in the Mexican war. That many went there and fought well are points conceded; but their names and nativity are hidden away in United States archives and where it is almost impossible to find them. The soldiers of this State deserve much of the credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf. The two former of these companies, recruited in this State, were reduced to one-third their original number. In May, 1846,the Governor of Michigan was notified by the War Department of the United States to enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readiness for service whenever demanded. At his summons 13 independent volunteer companies, it of infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line. Of the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bearing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette, Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the remainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three, St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne County an additional company. Of these alone the veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into service. In addition to them ten companies, making the First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing from various parts of the State, but embodying to a great degree the material of which the first volunteers was formed, were not called for until October following. This regiment was soon in readiness and proceeded by orders from Government to the seat of war. iY,%K - "leW, I' "W, ~,~; "j <, 0 i"1 I.I " anm/r~~E~ td" — ~f jlal I.1IV 7) -1 i; 111-.* — 1 A l u-I _______ 1'> y -- --,, A nICU _ 4 r~ ~;~ ~BflyhP\ C~~~~~~ -xi b!~lY~~ li 'S. t,,: Qt i, ti ir r~. Ir Bie statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became |the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and tempoPresident of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in rary buildings for the use of the Legislature wereimwhich position he displayed the same ability that mediately erected, at a cost of $ 2,450. ':~~,-i-r —C n :3Tt~ KY Xc fl'c ft fl&--~Z~$. tt&t(~ wwr.HHyHH.tXtt it, 4< p 11 /K I Nd I I Al r. I )s I1 XV 4, 14 I '14 ,2 ' tii,,><;.~f fi irj -- it Lv**uu-rcn' -- -4,A;-go ki k GO VFERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 129 -' \.- - - -- - --- ---------------------- -^?'* ^ -,?ir ^I's 1** * '].i _OBERT McCLELLAND, overnor of Michigan from Jan. I, 185 2, toMarch 8, I853, #.,.'a was born at Greencastle, Frank" ' lin Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1807. 5// J/ Among his ancestors were several i officers of rank in the Revolution@'l ary war, and some of his family conJ \tn nections were distinguished in the ia war of 1812, and that with Mexico. His father was an eminent physician. and surgeon who studied under Dr. Benj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and practiced his profession successfully until six months before his death, at I the age of 84 years. Although Mr. McClelland's family had been in good circumstances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown upon his own resources. After taking the usual preliminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Penn., from which he graduated among the first in his class, in 1829. He then resumed teaching, and having completed the course of study for the legal profession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg, Penn., in 1831. Soon afterward he removed to the city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a year. f *-9 gA the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe examination, he became a member of the bar of Michigan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked among its ablest debaters. He was appointed the first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason, and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but declined both of these offices in order to attend to his professional duties. In I838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished as the head of several important committees, Speaker pro tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient member. In I840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelming majority, and at the same time the State of Michigan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry of" Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic party. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the acknowledged leaders of the latter organization; was elected a member of the State House of Representatives, and with others adopted a plan to regain a lost authority and prestige. This party soon came again into power in the State, and having been returned to the State Legislature Mr. McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives i,O^ X, In I833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in r an 3 — ~~j ~to, tw 4 Z;~aa 1 30 ROBERT McCLELLANDo. -130== _~-;_=__-r I j I r IK r ic i in I843. Down to this time Michigan had constituted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob M. Howard had been elected against Hon. Alpheus Felch by a strong majority; but, in 843, so thoroughly had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat of 184o that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate for Congress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about 2,500. Mro McClelland soon took a prominent position in Congress among the veterans of that bodyo During his first term he was placed on Committee on Commerce, and orgfized and carried through what were known as the "Harbor bills." The continued confidence of his constituency was manifested in his election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this session he had acquired a National reputation, and so favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Representatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. W, Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in which position his reports and advocacy of important measures at once attracted public attention. The members of this committee, as an evidence of the esteem in which they held his services and of their personal regard for him, presented him with a cane ' which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of =: his labors in Congress. SX In i847, Mr, McClelland was re-elected to Con. gress, and at the opening of the 3oth Congress be= came a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. While acting in this capacity, what was known as the 6 French Spoliation Bill" came under his special charge, and his management of the same was such as to command universal approbation. While in Congress, Mr, McClelland was an advocate of the right of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams, when the petition, was clothed in decorous language and presented in the proper manner. This he regarded as the citizens'constitutional right which should not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expediency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Giddings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District of Columbia, Mr. McClelland was one of the few Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot Proviso," with a view to prevent further extension of slavery in new territory which might be acquired by the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were together at the time in Washington, and on intimate and confidential terms. Mr. McClelland was in sev) eral National conventions and in the Baltimore convention, which nominated Gen. Cass for President, ^ in J848, doing valiant service that year for the election of that distinguished statesman. On leaving f Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClelland returned to the practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1850 a ) convention of the State of Michigan was called to, revise the State constitution. He was elected a member and was regarded therein as among the ablest and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the committee room and on the floor, in debate. In 1850, he was President of the Democratic State convention which adopted resolutions in support of Henry Clay's famous compromise measures, of which Mr. McClelland was a strong advocateo He was a member of the Democratic National convention in i8529 and in that year, in company with Gen, Cass and Governor Felch, he made a thorough canvass of the State. He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay compromise measures, and took an active part in the canvass which resulted in the election of Gen. Pierce to the Presidencyo In I85 [, the new State constitution took effect and it was necessary that a Governor should be elected for one year in order to prevent an interregnum, and to bring the State Government into operation under the new constitution, Mr. McClelland was elected Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for a term of two years, from Jan. I, 1853. His administration was regarded as wise, prudent and conciliatory, and was as popular as could be expected at a time when party spirit ran high. There was really no opposition, and when he resigned, in March, 1853, the State Treasury was well filled, and the State otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on the organization of thecabinet by President Pierce, in March, 85 3, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in which capacity he served most creditably during four years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly re-organized his department and reduced the expenditures. He adopted a course with the Indians which relieved them from the impositions and annoyances of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization among them. During his administration there was neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among agents, and he left the department in perfect order and system. In 1867, Michigan again called a convention to revise the State constitutiono Mr. McClelland was a member and here again his long experience made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and impressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective advocate. In speaking before the people on political subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In 1870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his extensive personal acquaintance with European diplomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than most travelers. Mr. McClelland married, in I837, Miss Sarah E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had six children, two of whom now survive. t j;,, s I nd,i >,! I Cg Z=g,Ir. kl/ I c? I I sA~ ~ f - - -- -- - I toa O uqgiP.~~-",- I+,I q! IK(~ Nzi r Nw tv py t GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 133 r.rip,(t ~ |?= 'NS-' N m 1 -J - 1; ' ~~;:1 _ it a -- I.." nls~ * S ova r_ *'*^*.4 _, l~ - NDREW PARSONS, Gover___ A_ ^T'' NI I I~ i"l~i f,-~ I %, ( 1 I 'All AO r.. 1:!::.jil=i''t 6\6:r --- — hiiar T"a rp, E.j an.fp-aa i r~~~~- ~ 'ii W.. x; 138 KINSLE Y S. BING4fAM. t I nessed the commencement of the civil member of the United States Senate. paratively short life of remarkable pron lic activity he was attacked with appopl suddenly at his residence, in Green Oak The most noticable event in Governs first term was the completion of the shit Falls of St. Mary. In J852, Angust 2< Congress was approved, granting to the ' igan seven hundred and fifty thousand for the purpose of constructing a, ship c. Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1853, tl accepted the grant, and provided for the of commissioners to select the donated 1 arrange for building the canal. A comp prising men was formed, and a contract into by which it was arranged that the be finished in two years, and the work rapidly forward. Every article of const chinery, working implements and mate for the gates, stones for the locks, as we] supplies, had to be transported to the sit )from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake rapids which had to be surmounted ha seventeen feet and are about one mile length of the canal is less than one mile, I hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it h & of solid masonary. In May, i 855, the w =r pleted, accepted by the commissioners,. delivered to the State authorities. The disbursements on account of the of the canal and selecting the lands amc million of dollars; while the lands wh signed to the company, and selected agency at the Sault, as well as certain Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to Government grant. The opening of th an important event in the history of the of the State. It was a valuable link in lake commerce, and particularly impo interests of the Upper Peninsula. There were several educational, chari formatory institutions inaugurated and o Gov. Bingham's administrations. The A ricultural College owes its establishment 1 of the State Constitution of I85o. Artic "The Legislature shall, as soon as prac vide for the establishment of an agricult For the purpose of carying into practice t legislation was commenced in I855, anc quired that the school should be within Lansing, and that not more than $r5 an ' be paid for the farm and college ground lege was opened to students in May, I85 existing argricultural colleges in the Ui Until the spring of I86i, it was under of the State Board of Education; since has been under the management of the 7 --- war while a of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose.; After a com- In its essential features, of combining study and aise and pub- Iabory and of uniting general and professional studies;. exy and died Ai its course, the college has remained virtually un-,Oct. 5, I861. 'changed from the first. It has a steady growth in or Bingham's number of students, in means of illustration and v p canal, at the efficiency of instruction. 6, an act of The Agricultural College is three miles'east of State of Mich- Lansing, comprising several fine buildings; and there acres of land are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the anal between professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled ie Legislature green-house, a very large and well-equipped chemical appointment laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the \ ands, and to United States, a general museum, a meseum of me)any of enter- chanical inventions, another of vegetable products, was entered extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for canal should the purposes designed. The farm consists of 676 was pushed acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a imption, ma- systematic rotation of crops. rials, timber Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan 11 as men and Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the e of the canal Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20 ports. The acres. There are four buildings, capable of accom- ( ive a fall of modating about 225 students. Attendance in I875 long. The was 179; total number of graduates for previous year, its width one 12I; ten professors and teachers are employed. Exas two locks clusive of the endowment fund ($80,ooo), the assets rork was com- of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furni- ( and formally ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands, m= etc., amount to more than $137,000. construction Hillsdale College was established in I855 by the )unted to one Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at ich were as- Spring Arbor, was incorporated in I845 It was kept through the in operation until it was merged into the present lands in the Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres, an acre the beautifully situated on an eminence in the western ie canal was part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and imposimprovement ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire the chain of in I874, and in its place five buildings of a more rtant to the modern style have been erected. They are of brick, three stories with basement, arranged on three sides table and re- of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80, pened during 48 by 7 2, 48 by 7 2, 8o by 60, 52 by 7 2, and they condichigan Ag- tain one-half more room than the original building. to a provision The State Reform School. This was established:le 13 says, at Lansing in i85 5, in the northeastern portion of the:ticable, pro- city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Ofural school." fenders, having about it many of the features of a his provision, prison. In I859 the name was changed to the State I the act re- Reform School. The government and dicipline, have. ten miles of undergone many and radical changes, until all the acre should prison features have been removed except those that A s. The col- remain in the walls of the original structure, and 57, thefirst of which remain only as monuments of instructive his- c nited States. tory. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The the control inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of that time it officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer State Board than under the more rigid regime of former days. Go 'X3~_ ~ l - ~' L~-P~i la~tai h Atrr " )? -, A ,., "';',,, ',, 7' I I ol; - -,J I I I -, 7 1 1 1 1,..., -01 r-, ,' I C,; - - rt — ^ - ^ m -- GO (VER2ORS OF MICHIGAN. IMCA -(~ -------------------------------------- wj... ^,.^ S~ Pi V f AW_ t83WV$' R( Ig& X ~,@ 141 llq! Y.r!']: OSES WISNER. Governor of e ^ 1^ ~1, Michigan from I859 to 186i, t. _,~ was born in Springport, Caytuip l ga Co., N Y., June 3, I815. His early education was only what could be obtained at a common school. Agricultural labor t and frugality of his parents gave 1,/\ nhim a physical constitution of unusi '\ ual strength and endurance, which A )Scwas ever preserved by temperate habe its. In I837 he emigrated to Michiv gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer County It was new land and he at f once set to work to clear it and plant crops. He labored diligently at his task for two years, when he gave up the idean of neinr a farmer. and removed to Pontiac. took little part in politics until after the election of Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in I852, when he took an active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a man of great ability, but relied less upon mere book learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend of trickery or artifice in conducting a case As an advocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the merits of his subject his eloquence was at once graceful and powerfil. His fancies supplied the most original, the most pointed illustrations, and his logic became a battling.giant under whose heavy blows the adversary shrank and withered. Nature had bestowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a popular orator were of a high order. On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1= AU = 1s?i Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law 1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening. in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost ' Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He and established himself in his new vocation at the actively participated in organizing and consolidating village of Lapeer. While there he was apppointed the elements opposed to it in that State, and was a by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July, county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well 1854, which was the first formal Republican Convenand gave promise of that eminence he afterward at- tion held in the United States. At this meeting the c tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but name "Republican " was adopted as a designation of a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became the new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs,. a member of a firm and entered fully upon the Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others oppractice. posed to the extension of slavery and favorable to its In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig expulsion from the Territories and the District of. of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti- Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to S slavery bias. His practice becoming extensive, he accept the nomination for Attorney General of the ~:_ I ---_ ^~nii^Bi 142 MOSES WISNER., __2 _ _ () I. 1 Ic State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nominated and at the annual election in November was elected by an average majority of nearly Io,ooo. Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to its support all his personal influence and talents. In his views he was bold and radical. He believed from the beginning that the political power of the slaveholders would have to be overthrown before quiet could be secured to the country. In the Presidential canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont, or Republican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of 1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, and as such received a very handsome support. In i858, he was nominated for Governor of the State by the Republican convention that met at Detroit, and at the subsequent November election was chosen by a very large majority. Before. the day of the election he had addressed the people of almost every county and his majority was greater even than that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. He served as Governor two years, from Jan. i, i859, to Jan. i, i86i. His first message to the Legislature was an able and statesman-like production, and was read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake to all the interests of the State and set forth an enlightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid settlement of our uncultivated lands and the development of our immense agricultural and mineral resources. It was a document that reflected the highest credit upon the author. His term having expired Jan. I, i86I, he returned to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his profession. There were those in the State who counselled the sending of delegates to the peace conference at Washington,but Mr. W. was opposed to all such temporizing expedients. His counsel was to send no delegate, but to prepare to fight. After Congress had met and passed the necessary legislation he resolved to take part in the war. In the spring and summer of i862 he set to work to raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland County, where he resided. His regiment, the 22d Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to march in September, a regiment whose solid qualities were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862. Before parting with his family he made his will. His regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the war turned his attention to military studies and became proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline. His entire attention was now devoted to his duties. His treatment of his men was kind, though his discipline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree the spirit of command, and had he lived he would no doubt have distinguished himself as a good officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at being kept in Kentucky where there was so little prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, so different from the one he had been leading, and his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience which was so natural and so general among the volunteers in the early part of the war, soon made their influence felt upon his health. He was seized with typhoid fever and removed to a private house near Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him. In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was disciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the justice of their cause and the necessity of their crushing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poignant grne was the prospect of not being able to come to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry." He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could find the enemy it would cover itself with glory,-a distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col. W. was no more. The malady baffled all medical treatment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1863, he breathed his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who received his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam. Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless ambitious of military renown and would have striven for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war to defend and uphold the principles he had so much at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with the causes and the underlying principles that led to the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, generous and brave, and like thousands of others he sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country. j \ I. ve i' g s I. c 1w — 5-i IC I p,. 4 I I 0 4? if f %WI' GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 145! g X1I~LJIo - ^lJ*.X iknt- am — n r To: Ire] R_ _ I4-.. \r,(- USTIN BLAIR, Governor ). /. \W:('/ of Michigan from Jan. 2, 86r, to Jan. 4, I865, and c- ~Li.. kown as the War Governor, is E S, and illustration of the benifi-: ycent influence of republican in% _d stitutions, having inherited neithiDlSl1 er fortune nor fame. He was born 6v. J. in a log cabin at Caroline, TompiTrjl kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, I818. t His ancestors caile from Scot}( )Xy land in the time of George I, and Jl for many generations followed the V pursuit of agriculture. His father, I George Blair, settled in Tompkins County in i809, and felled the trees and erected the first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the fourscore years of his life were spent on that spot. He married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him in the soil of the old homestead. The first 17 years of Mr. Blair's life were spent there, rendering his father what aid he could upon the farm. He then spent ayear and a half in Cazenovia Seminary preparing for college; entered Hamilton College, in Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of Dr. Nott, he changed to Union College, from which he graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving college Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet & Davis, Oswego, N Y., and was admitted to practice in I84I, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat ing in Jackson. During a temporary residence in Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton County. At the close of the official term he returned to Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously espoused the cause of Henry Clay in the campaign of I844. He was chosen Representative to the Legislature in I845, at which session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he rendered valuable service in the revision of the general statutes; also made an able support in favor of abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elective franchise, and at the same session was active in securing the abolition of capital punishment. In I848 Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil movement, and was a delegate to their convention which nominated Van Buren for President that year. Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson, in 1854, by the coalition of the Whig and Free-soil elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the movement, and acted as a member of the Committee on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson County in I852; was chosen State Senator two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Republican administration of i855, and holding the position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln in I86o. Mr. Blair was elected Governor of Michigan in I86o, and reelected in i862, faithfully and honorably discharging the arduous dutiec of the office during that most mo =79 A-A. =P,~" =7l*S INN til -1 Oll~~l~i~~~~-~" — ~ XO % " ---1AUSTIND BLAIR. A USTIN BLAIR..,,* * " 1 1... ', " ___- - -...','! I46 A_ I p II r=r mentous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov. Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive policy and the administrative ability which characterized his gubernatorial career. Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a brighter example been laid down, or a greater sacrifice been made, than that which distinguished Michigan during the civil war. All, from the "War Governor," down to the poorest citizen of the State, were animated with a patriotic ardor at once magnificiently sublime and wisely directed. Very early in I86I the coming struggle cast its shadow over the Nation. Governor Blair, in his message to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles of the Republic. After a review of the conditions of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the relations between the free and slave States of the Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of the State of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her interests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We are also citizeas of the United States of America. By this title we are known among the nations of the earth. In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of the' States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic, the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Government, we are deeply interested. The people of Michigan are loyal to that Government-faithful to its constitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace and prosperity; and under it they mean to abide to the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history of the past, they will not renounce the equally glorious hopes of the future. But they will rally around the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity and its constitution, with fidelity." The final paragraph being: " I recommend you at an early day to make mani fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and the laws and will defend them to the uttermost; and to proffer to the President of the United States, the whole military power of the State for that purpose. Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous storm! Let us hope that we will find him on the 4th of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our fathers-'Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever.'" How this stirring appeal was responded to by the people of Michigan will be seen by the statement that the State furnished 88, i men during the war. Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abundantly supplied by this State during all these years of darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter record for her devotion to our country than the Peninsula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism manifested in its defense. Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Fortyfirst and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis. trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he was a strong supporter of reconstruction measures, and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His speech upon the national finances, delivered on the floor of the House March 2 [, I868, was a clear and convincing argument. Since his retirement from Congress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his extensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L. Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, [849. Their family consists of 4 sons-George H., a law partner of A. J. Gould; Charles A., a law partner with hir father, and Fred. J. and Austin T. Blair, at home. Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and centers in the "Golden Rule." In I883, Gov. Blair was nominated for Justice of the Supreme Court of the State by the Republican party, but was defeated. 'I t C. P~' ^ "\ _ "4X(|i - A- LL, Z n,9 0 F.i.....: —. — ^ i1 h —... — > GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN... Of C~ " -o 149 "i' ",Z!r '111' +4z *iW;1 I-9./ X 4 icc^;.'" i) *\~ e 4* ENRY HOWLAND CRAPO, Governor of Michigan from ": l l.'I865 to 1869, was born May 'iJ, J 2fl 4, I804, at Dartmouth, Bris- l,tol Co., Mass., and died at C i ~Flint, Mich., July 22, i869. He was the eldest son of Jesse I 7. 1 and Phoebe (Howland) Crapo.;l His father was of French descent and was very poor, sustaining his / family by the cultivation of a farm in Dartmouth township, which yielded (2 nothing beyond a mere livelihood. His early life was consequently one of toil and devoid of advantages for intellectual culture, but his desire for an education seemed to know no bounds. The incessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a compara-.: ~ _, 1 l - 1 _1 I ___ IL: _i 1 -_ context, would then record the definition. Whenever unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word in which he had become interested he would walk from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose alone, and after referring to the books at the library and satisfying himself thoroughly as to its definition, would walk back, a distance of about seven miles, the same night. This was no unusual circumstance. Under such difficulties and in this manner he compiled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript which is believed to be still in existence. Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained possession of a book upon surveying, and applying himself diligently to its study became familiar with this art, which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was called upon, but had no compass and no money with which to purchase one. A compass, however, he must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop = i *^~ s^r tlvely sterile larl, naa no charm tor nm; and, longing,i vey sterr ar or m a, n ear at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he V for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for i w d e could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner, them in an education. His struggles to secure this ~i>i~ ' Ohe constructed the compass and commenced life as a end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted himhave discouraged any but the most courageous and self for teaching, and took charge of the village school persevering. He became an ardent student and pes. at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and unworker from his boyhood, though the means of carry- r r r,...... der the pressure of law, a high school was to be ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He.. s.. opened, he passed a successful examination for its sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having::,.,~.*principalship and received the appointment. To do ' money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to and th ppointment. To do procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile this was no small task. Th law required a rigid one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of examination in various subjects, which necessitated t! the English language, he copied into a book every days and nights of study. One evening, after con/ word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called and books, which came into his hands, from the upon the'preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed " 'g0~a — ^ml^ ---- l fi GO VERNORS OF AMCHIGAN. 153. 4 MENBlY P. IBAIDWIN.: ^ ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in ernor of Michigan from Jan. all things affecting the prosperity of the city and c:....: H I I 4, 1869, to Jan. I, I873, is a State of his adoption. He was for several years a J '~ A~ ~lineal descendant of Nathan-. S ielBaldwin, a Puritan, of Bucko w e inghamshire, England, who set@: i tied at Milford, Conn., in 1639. His father was John Baldwin, a graduate of Dartmouth College. He died at North Providence, R. I., in i826. His [ paternal grandfather was Rev. | Moses Baldwin, a graduate of Princeton College, in 1757, and the first who received collegiate honors at that ancient and honored institution. He died at Parma, Mass., in I813, where for more than 50 )ears he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Roxbury, Mass., about I638. His mother was a daughter of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's Society, an institution with a large library designed for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. An Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been prominent in home matters connected with that denomination. The large and flourishing parish of St. 'John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and also contributed the larger share of the cost of their erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has always been a liberal contributor to moral and religious enterprises whether connected with his own Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few public and social improvements of Detroit during the past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not in some way connected. He was a director in the Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its charter, and has been President of the Second National a 3b r "i a,,,. =r;) College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where Bank since its organization. ': tor 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist I 860 Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State Church. The subject of this sketch was born at Senate, of Michigan; during the years of 1861-'2 he Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New as made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a England common-school education until the age of r of Committee on Banks and Incorporatio s, I2 years, when, both his parents having died, he be- Chairan of the Select Joint Committee of the two came a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He re- Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Departmained there, employing his leisure hours in study, ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of u. the letting of the contract for the improvement of At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on Sult St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected his own account. a a, i Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in I870, serving I his own account. He made a visit to the West, in::&,.. i fron 1869 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved.. I837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the fo to G872, inclusive. It is no undeserved, eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es> spring of i838. Here he established a mercantile timating the necessary means to an end-the knowing house which has been successfully conducted until of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the. the present time. Although he successfully conducted thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform Ki,-*..iiil :> Ads 154 HENRY P. - '154 - i BALDW. IN. i, - BA~~ L I."" I ~'i 1- i i ( ( success that has attended his efforts in all relations of life. The same industry and accuracy that disC tinguished him prior to this term as Governor 'was manifest in his career as the chhf magistrate of the State, and while his influence appears in all things with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in the most prominent position to which he was called. With rare exceptions the important commendations of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislature. During his administration marked improvements were made in the charitable, penal and reformatory institutions of the State. The State Public School for dependent children was founded and a permanent commission for the supervision of the several State institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of Correction, and the establishment of the State Board of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his message of I873. The new State Capitol also owes its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection was made upon his recommendation, and the contract for the entire work let under this administration. Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under whose faithful supervision the building was erected in a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State. He advised and earnestly urged at different times such amendments of the constitution as would permit a more equitable compensation to State officers and judges. The law of I869, and prior also, permitting municipalities to vote aid toward the construction of railroads was, in I870, declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Many of the municipalities having in the meantime issued and sold their bonds in good faith, Governor B. felt that the honor and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the Legislature to propose the submission to the people a constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment of such bonds as were already in the hands of bonafide holders. In his special message he says: "The credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan, and the people can not afford, and I trust will not consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repudiation of either legal or moral obligations." A special session was called in March, 1872, principally for the division of the State into congressional districts. A number of other important suggestions were made, however, and as an evidence of the Governor's la> borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition of the State, a series of tables was prepared and submritted by him showing, in'detail, estimates of receipts, expenditures and appropriations for the years I872 to 1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s administration were the devastating fires which swept over many portions of the Northwest in the fall of I871. A large part of the city of Chicago having been reduced to ashes, Governor B. promptly issued a proclamation calling upon the people of Michigan for liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had this been issued when several counties in his State were laid waste by the same destroying element. A second call was made asking assistance for the suffering people of Michigan. The contributions for these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than $700,000 having been received in money and supplies for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were these contributions during the short period of about 3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation expressing in behalf of the people of the State grateful acknowldgment, and announcing that further aid was unnecessary. Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own country and has also made several visits to Europe and other portions of the Old World. He was a passenger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, I862, by Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting account of the transaction. The following estimate of Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is a characteristic document and possesses the lucid statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which have been marked features of all preceding documents from the same source. Governor B. retired to private life after four years of unusually successful administration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the State. For many years eminent and capable men have filled the executive chair of this State, but in painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be the peer of any or all of them. The State has been unusually prosperous during his two terms, and the State administration has fully kept pace with the needs of the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day possesses to such remarkable degree." 'W", ('. I I t C.* i k k1 f~Z A Y I l c i 'V AP i i,4,(4')q ~r16 — — r`\LJ"rP: 8 i ~iaa Ilui a \~Lir i KY4 1% GO VERNORS OF M t"-J A - t J@XS Jo BA x - PON W rICHIGA N. 157.. 5 kI a., L=i is rac C-) dr_ -s \ Ki~ no OHN JUDSON BAGLEY,: 1 | Governor of Michigan from 1873 to I877, was born in' dK Jl < Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., July 24, 1832. His father, John ( t) aBagley, was a native of New Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. I i Bagley, of Connecticut. He at*i 3'l tended the district school of Lock/^i, port, N. Y., until he was eight years / old, at which time his father moved J to Constantine, Mich., and he at/ tended the common schools of that /jvillage. His early experience was like that of many country boys whose < parents removed from Eastern States to the newer portion of the West. His father being in very poor circum-!1 stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work i as soon as he was able to do so.. Leaving school when 13 years of age he entered a country store in Constantine as clerk. His father then re( moved to Owosso, Mich., and he again engaged as clerk in a store. From early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of such books, papers and periodicals as came within his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and remained in this position for about five years. In 1853, he began business for himself in the manufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. has also been greatly interested in other manufacturing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and insurance corporations. He was President of the Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company of Detroit, and was its President from I867 to I872. He was a director of the American National Bank for many years, and a stockholder and director in various other corporations. Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Governor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serving six years. In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michigan, and two years later was reelected to the same office, retiring in January, I877. He was an active worker in the Republican party, and for many years was Chairman of the Republican State Central committee. Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not bound by any religious creed or formula. He held in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or denomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. I6, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan, who took an active part in the early educational matters of the State and in'the. establishment of its excellent system of education. It was principally, A= 31 A Iii!.Z.1 i S5 s 158s JOHN J. BAGLEY.,%O ask>:a x4 1.> IS I-4 I is. ^,.. through his exertions that the State University was founded. Mr. B:'s family consists of seven children. As Governor his administration was characterized bjy several important features, chief among which were his efforts to improve and make popular the educational agencies of the State by increasing the faculty of the University for more thorough instruction in technical studies, by strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College upon the public good will and making the general change which has manifested itself in many scattered primary districts. Among others were an almost complete revolution in the management of the penal and charitable institutions of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law,taking the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the establishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offenders through county agents, which has proved of great good in turning the young back from crime and placing the State in the attitude of a moral agent; in securing for the militia the first time in the history of Michigan a systematized organization upon a serviceable footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. in the earlier part of his administration that the law creating the State Board of Health, and also the law creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the State, were passed, both of which have proved of great benefit to the State. The successful representation of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s administration. As Governor, he felt that he represented the State -not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent represents his employer, and as the Executive of the State he was her "attorney in fact." And his intelligent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of the people he so much loved. He was ambitiousambitious for place and power, as every noble mind is ambitious, because these give opportunity. However strong the mind and powerful the will, if there be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to the fact that the more we have the more is required of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He had great hopes for his State and his country. He had his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to labor for them.: Self entered not into the calculation. I I - -- — I — - ' —c"c --- —-L His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered the conflict eagerly and hopefully. His State papers were models of compact, business-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of practical suggestions, and his administrations will long be considered as among the ablest in this or any other State. His noble, generous nature made his innumerable benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Literally, to him it was "more blessed to give than to receive." His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the comfort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his charities were known to his most intimate friends, or even to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipient of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew the hand that gave. At one time a friend had witnessed his ready response to some charitable request, and said to him: "Governor, you give away a large sum of money; about how much does your charities amount to in a year?" He turned at once and said: " I do not know, sir; I do not allow myself to know. I hope 1 gave more this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more next year than I have this." This expressed his idea of charity, that the giving should at all times be free and spontaneous. During his leasure hours from early life, and especially during the last few years, he devoted much time to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biography was his delight; the last he read was the "Life and Work of John Adams," in ten volumes. In all questions of business or public affairs he seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of the nut in the least possible time. In reading he would spend scarcely more time with a volume than most persons would devote to a chapter. After what seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value the book contained. Rarely do we see a business man so familiar with the best English authors. He was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and his elegant home was a study and a pleasure to his many friends, who always found there a hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas eve he gathered his children about him and, taking the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, closing the entertainment with "The Night Before Christmas," or Dickens's " Christmas Carol." r o r~,), t)\0' *CO, 4I Of 11 IC. 'w i ri ' I i At. t ~::-~ i, YvZ~~~~~'.V~~~ ir~~td-~ toe~~: 1 i&14A4 to i -I GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 61 " I A A,S HARLES M. CROSWELL, | of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in -, /( Governor of Michigan from i 'i Jan. 3, I877 to Jan. I, i88r, was born at Newburg, Orange B County, N. Y., Oct. 3I, I825. / He is the only son of John and Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His Ki 1 father, who was of Scotch-Irish f?.; extraction, was a paper-maker, and carried on business in New York City. His ancestors on l his mother's side were of Knicker9! bocker descent. The Croswell rj family may be found connected, s with prominent events, in New York e I, and Connecticut, in the early exisL ~1[' tence of the Republic. Harry Cros1 1 well, during the administration of,r1 President Jefferson, published a pa-; E c per called the Balance, and was I837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge. In I846, he began the study of law, and was appointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du. ties of this office he performed four years, when he was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected in I852. In 1854, he took part in the first movements for the formation of the Republican party, and was a member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jackson in that year, which put in the field the first Republican State ticket in Michigan. In I855, he formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Justice Cooley, which continued until the removal of Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor. In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city '. d r1 _ _ t..1..... %,/ AN i, / prosecuted for libeling the President In te spring o0 tne same year; and in the tall was X g under the obnoxious Sedition Law. chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State He was defended by the celebrated v He was defended by the celebrated| Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- and again in I866, during each term filling the posiion of the case establised the important ruling that tions above mentioned. Among various reports made the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam- death penalty, and another against a proposition to ous editor of the Albany Argus; also, Rev. William pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin, Croswell, noted as a divine and poet. which then commanded a very large premium, may When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age, be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, $., Ai River, at Newburg; and, within three months preced- for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first, ing that event, his mother and only sister had died,- amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the In I863, from his seat in the State Senate, he der family, without fortune or means. Upon the death livered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama~i'4''' ----'11 '-^- ^anD^- _ --- Gs,; J~U~ I62 CHARLES M. CROS WELL.,.I --- —'-. (<) (s C=,, f tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, and of his general policy in the prosecution of the war. This, at the request of his Republican associates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and chosen its presiding officer. This convention was composed of an able body of men; and though, in the general distrust of constitutional changes which for some years had been taking possession of the people, their labors were not accepted by the popular vote, it was always conceded that the constitution they proposed had been prepared with great care and skill. In I868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on the Republican Presidential ticket; in i872, was elected a Representative to the State Legislature from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the close of the session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, and the fairness of his rulings were freely and formally acknowledged by his associates; and he was presented with a superb collection of their portraits handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years, Secretary of the State Board for the general supervision of the charitable and penal institutions of Michigan; in which position, his propositions for the amelioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the benevolence of his nature, and the practical character of his mind. In I876, the general voice of the Republicans of the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party in August of the same year, he was put in nomination by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At the election in November following, he was chosen to the high position for which he had been nominated, by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. His, inaugural message was received with general favor; and his career as Governor was marked with the same qualities of head and heart that have ever distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. Governor Groswell has always prepared his addresses with care; and, as his diction is terse, clear, and strong, without excess of ornament, and his delivery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in the public prints, and have a permanent value. He has always manifested a deep interest in educational matters, and was for years a member and Secretary of the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal opening of the Central School building in that city, on the 24th day of April, I869, he gave, in a public address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public Schools." In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as exemplary as in his public career he has been successful and useful. In February, 1852, he was married to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She suddenly died, March I9, I868, leaving two daughters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member of any religious body, but generally attends the Presbyterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in business difficulties, for which his unfailing prudence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Governor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of like political faith with himself, but with those who differ from him in this regard. During Gov. Croswell's administration the public debt was greatly reduced; a policy adopted requiring the State institutions to keep within the limit of appropriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elections; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened, and the new capital at Lansing was completed and occupied. The first act of his second term was to preside at the dedication of this building. The great riot at Jackson occured during his administration, and it was only by his promptness that great distruction of both life and property was prevented at that time. i i a t~1'! B (t I I x.. g N I. 0 1 illllb~ atli k, i,!!kr 2 GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. *^ie n;T2Rn 4 smut+Xtenr~~:r~r~~:~~"~r' "a ~~n,,, ^ h+ ^Clmrr E Bca~RvAm -Ai^K~ r65. j I iI I X,Id 1> DAVID H. JEROME, Gover~[ I S nor of from Jan. I, I88I, to Jan. I, 1883, was born at Detroit Mich., Nov. 17, 1829. X His parents emigrated to Michigan from Trumansburg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in i828, = ) locating at Detroit. His father died March 30, 1831, leaving = ( n nine children. He had been t.( twice married, and four of the children living at the time of his death were grown up sons, the offI spring of his first union. Of the five children.by his second marriage, David H. was the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his widow moved back to New York and settled in Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained ' until the fall of I834, the four sons by the first wife 3 continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall I of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the Governor formed those habits of industry and sterling integrity that have been so characteristic of the man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the district school, and in the acquisition of the funda-; mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity and an application which won for him the admiration of his teachers, and always placed him at the head of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on f the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 years of age David received his mother's permission to attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attending there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now deceased, doing chores for his board, and the following winter performed the same service for James Ogden, also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of continuing her son in school. While attending said academy one of his associate students was Senator Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate before the gubernatorial convention in I88o. He completed his education in the fall of his I6th year, and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac. In I847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair County, and Volney A. Ripley Register of fieeds, David H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining as such during I848-'49, and receiving much praise from his employers and the people in general for the ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board the lake vessels. In i849-'5o, he abandoned office work, and for the proper development of his physical system spent several months hauling logs. In the spring of i850, his brother" Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer "Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her master. A portion of the season the boat was engaged in the passenger and freight traffic between Port Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which IX I,-IL 1~i AFI 1,7 heavy labor of th ie farm w,as carried on by his two, I lqN -i UUM a:-n ~;17gGn~_ I i66 DA VID H., JEFROM~E. "I r lk, O', di,,I J vessels could carry only about io,ooo bushels of grain. ~ Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels from one lake to the other, and put his plan into operation. Through the influence of practical men,among them the subject of this sketch,-Congress removed the obstruction above referred to, and now vessels can pass them laden with 60,ooo or 80,000 bushels of grain. During the season, the two brothers succeeded in making a neat little sum of money by the summer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract X to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the spring of I85 I, he was clerk and acting master of the steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying between Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The following year he was clerk of the propeller "Princeton." running between Detroit and Buffalo. In January, i853, Mr. Jerome went to California, N by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary. success in selling goods in a new place of his selec= tion, among the mountains near Marysville He remained there during the summer, and located the: Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, but when the water supply began to fail with the dry season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair CQunty, about a year after his departure. During hisabsence his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in 4 854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations in the valley. In I855 the brothers bought Blackmer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management of the business. From I855 to 1873 he was also extensively engaged in lumbering operations. Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising young man, of strong Democratic principles. The ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was elected by a handsome majority. When the Repubiican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, one of its "charter members.' In i862, he was com-, missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. C Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held,: meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm 'displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a brilliant record. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th. district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his opponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted il) in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was twice renominated and elected both times by increased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On taking his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on State Affairs, and was active in raising means and troops to carry on the war. He held the same position during his three terms of service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit.; He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, e> and in I865 was appointed a member of the State:? Military Board, and served as its President for eight \; consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the Committee on Finance. In 1875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners. In 1876 he was Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement, > of all existing difficulties. The commission went to 9 Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, f a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River. At the Republican State Convention, convened at Jackson in August, i88o, Mr. Jerome was placed in the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the month received the highest honor the convention could confer-on any one., His opponent was Frederick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was sup-, ported by the Democratic and Greenback parties.; The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties,:; and when the polls were closed on the evening of election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had a( been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to occupy the highest position within their gift. I I f k I I I IS e-.-. r x, o, 'I wmmm wmt —. 4 - OL 1-11, |<^i~~h —' — 'nB ---. GO VERNORS OF MICHIGA I6Nr 6:I, REiF p JOSIAH W. BEf~(MYI itSa>i; ki i? ji) -9n OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the present (1883), Governor of X( 1 Michigan was born in LivingStOll, County, N. Y., Jan. 20, N I8I15. His ancestors were of i French descent, and settled at: { - ~ an early period in the State of "=s:'J~ f Maryland. His grandfather, Capt. Bolles, of that State, was an officer in the American army during the war of the Revolution. About 1 the beginning of the present century both his grandparents, having become dissatisfied with the institution of slavery, although slave' holders themselves, emigrated to Livingston County, N. Y., then > Q i a new country, taking with them a i t number of their former slaves, who volunteered to accompany them. His father was an officer in the ( American army, and served during the war of I812. Mr. B. received his early education in a log schoolhouse, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill i Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a family of ten children, whose parents were in roderate though comfortable circumstances, he was early A taught habits of industry, and when 21 years of age, d) being ambitious to better his condition in-life, he re> solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it.was /.. then called. In August, 1836, he left the parental roof to seek a home in the Territory of Michigan, then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in Genesee County, and aided with his own hands in building some of the early residences in what is now known as the city of Flint. There were but four or five houses where this flourishing city now stands when he selected it as his home. In the spring of I839 he married Miss Harriet A. Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one, and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to enjoy with him the comforts of an honestly earned competence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perseverance and energy, he soon established a good home, and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a well improved farm of five hundred acres. Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a member of the Republican party at its organization. He served his townsmen in various offices, and was in r856, elected County Treasurer, which office he held for eight years. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confedrate bullet, in 864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. When a. few years later he was a member in Congress ( WS, I 1. 'A_. 4, SC_ -- \ ', Nifx 4-4= I:17 -o asO- tWk BEGO I70 JOSIAH W. BEGOLE?- " 7. t- 5? jl7 - It. Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers' receiving 149,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering ' bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit t soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and that has already won him many friends, and bids fair i. who should fare equally with him who came in at the to make his administration both successful and popeleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House ular. on account of the large appropriation that would be The very best indications of what a man is, is what required to pay the same. his own townsmen think of him. We give the folIn I870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclara- lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Retion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a publican paper in Gov. Begole's own county, and it, large majority. In that body he served on the Com- too, written during the heat of a political campaign, mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his sterof the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and ling worth: Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public- " So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the spirited view of the importance of a new capitol ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to building worthy of the State, and was an active mem- his character that can be alleged against him. He ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for same He was a delegate to the National Republi- sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his purcan Convention held at Philadelphia in I872, and pose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He was the chosen member of that delegation to go to is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit- ( () Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator terest political enemies. He has awarm, generous Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in.. convention that, by the express wish of his many the bosom of any man in Michigan. He isnotmuch friends, he was induced to offer himself a can- given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif- C didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con- cant of a man character than words. There are: gress, in which he was successful, after competing for many sore ofmen in all parts of the State where the nomination with several of the most worthy, able Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional Dis- demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to trict, and was elected by a very large majority. In step outside of party lines to show that they do not Congress, he was a member of the Committee on forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan art in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap- s too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demopointed by that committee to draft the most impor- crats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so tant report made by that committee, and upon the good a man as Mr. Begole." only subject recommended by the President in his This sketch would be imperfect without referring message, which he did and the report was printed in. to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity records of Congress; he took an efficient though an that in 88 overtook the people of Northeastern unobtrusive part in all its proceedings. Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of y fire and destroying the results and accumulations silver, and other financial measures, many of which, of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers. though defeated then, have since become the settled While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were. policy of the country. Owing to the position which quarreling over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a wrote to an agent in the but district a letter from "Greenbacker." which we make an extract of but a single sentence: In the Gubernatorial election of I882, Mr. Begole "Until the differences between the two committees i was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem- are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269, from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome, have money." This displays his true character hpru 2 ((AUi1) I 4 Al 1 (:-l l- <: sLL ^ I LOA\, ^ 1 MEAN& la u 0 I Kl WMf;~ II U~s: j777 ~ )A~ (Z} 41.1 ' I = = = i 6. I$, I " p A 1 7; 71 - - - 81 A.: 0 u lliw 0 t MISSING PAGE IMISSING1 PAG-E IMISSING~ PAGE MISSING PAGE I I tIltl I 9- - +-x I3SABELLA COUNTY. i8I, f x;i72 BAa (;s. 1W I\ I 1, ~:~'F K,~f;OiORNELIUS BENNETT, Judge of Probate of IsalR, ' bella County, resident at. Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 15, I839, in the township of Deerfield, Livingston Co., Mich. His parents, Michael and Bridget (Flynn) Bennett, were natives of the County of Kings, Ireland, where they grew to mature years and m narried. Shortly after that event, in 827, they came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming. The family the work of a pioneer land-holder in the township. His name is associated with the first religious enterprise in Northfield, and the first Church therein and its organization were due to his efforts, associated with several other settlers in the township, of similar religious connections. The record published in the "History of Washtenaw County" in I88i states that, "in I83I-'32 a few enterprising men who had left their homes in the ' Green Isle' settled in the town. Father Kelley came the same year and, with the assistance of his few Church people and Isaac Dickee, erected a log church on section 29. They were John Keenan, William Prindle, William Stubs, John McKernan, Philip McKernan, John Sullivan, I= C.. kA_ (!^ remained in the Keystone State four Michael Portal, John McIntyre, Michael Bennett, -: years and came thence in i837 to Michigan, where Peter Smith, Michael Neligan, Patrick Walsh, Mi^ they settled on a homestead claim of 80 acres in chael Walsh, Patrick Donavin and Bryan Galligan." f Northfield Township, Washtenaw County. In 1837 the primitive structure gave place to a comAt that time the townships of that county north modious frame building, which was for ten years the of range 84 east were connected with Ann Arbor for only church edifice in the township. municipal purposes. The first settler had made a Mr. Bennett, senior, sold his property and removed permanent location in 1824, and during the eight to Livingston County in 1837. He bought a half (. years ensuing the population grew until the number section in the township of Deerfield, where he and ) was sufficiently large to warrant an independent local his wife passed the remainder of their lives. The organization. The movement to effect this was in- mother died Sept 27, I873; the demise of the father itiated in the fall of 1832. The enabling act was took place in 1876. Their family included six chilA passed during the Legislative session of the winter dren,-three sons and three daughters. Two of the i following, and the first town meeting was held in latter, Bridget and Catherine, are deceased. Mary; April, 1833, two years after Michael Bennett began is the wife of John Downey, a farmer on section 35, C " -~ --- rl~li9Hll - /*Srj i b --- -^^, 'V — I 182 ISABELLA COUNTY. I 1= -'* = ~= 1=: A_. nd '*.. ' ) Isabella Township. James and Frank are farmers in Deerfield, Livingston County. Mr. Bennett, of this sketch, secured a good common-school education in his native place and alterP nated his periods of study with assisting on his father's farm. In I856 he commenced attending school at Ann Arbor, where he pursued his studies one and a half years, after which he spent one winter in teaching. In the spring of I858 he responded to an inward impulse, of which he had been a long time conscious, to see more of the world than that circumscribed by the boundaries of the Peninsular State with which he had grown familiar, and he proceeded to Leavenworth, Kansas, then on the western frontier and the center of interest from the recent contests between the border-ruffians and the Free-Soil element. That section of the United States was still, in a sense, debatable ground, and a sufficient intensity of the spirit that ruled the year I855 was yet in existence to engage the interest of young men of ambitious minds, to whom the daring and mystery seemed full of glory. It is probable that to the period of this country's history just preceding the civil war, the successful men of the present generation owe more than to any other. The shadows of coming events hung over the times, heavy with portent, and within the next decade the tree of American independence and enterprise burst into bloom. It was simply a verification of the sententious truism, that circumstances make men, and also the concomitant fact that men make history. The agents of the United States were stationed at the frontier posts to protect the interests of the Government there and in the unsettled territory beyond, and young Bennett joined a construction train, organized under the authority of Captain Russell and Majoi Waddell, Government agents, which was to proceed to (then) Sonora Territory to build forts in advance of emigration, for the United States soldiers necessary for the protection of immigrant settlers from the Indians. The train started Sept. 4, I858, and consisted of 54 wagons, each drawn by six yokes of oxen, and accompanied by a force of about 70 men. The wagons contained army supplies, besides immense quantities of axes, nails, saws and tools for use in the projected fort-building. It also included a herd of 280 oxen, technically called a " covey yard," for relief. The contract guaranteed $45 I monthly to every man for three years, and the orders were to operate until the supplies (which included the oxen) were exhausted. On arriving at Fort Bridger, within 0oo miles of Salt Lake City, it was ascertained that the Mormons had taken into their own hands the reins of the local government of the Territory over which they were to pass, had forbidden any approach to Salt Lake City, and destroyed the forage of Carson Valley, upon which the maintenance of the teams depended. The quartermaster took charge of the immense herd of upwards of a thousand oxen, and the expedition came practically to an end. Mr. Bennett, with 17 others, turned their faces homeward. He arrived at Leavenworth in December, i858, and in March, I859, he again set out for Denver, Col., in charge of the first general supply train that entered that place. It consisted of 28 wagons, each drawn by eight oxen, and bearing army supplies, also shovels, axes, picks. and sheet-iron for mining purposes. The site of the now prosperous city was reached in May, I859. The route was made under the difficulties peculiar to the state of civilization, or rather want of it, of that period, and the perplexities of the situation, coupled with its responsibilities as chief of the expedition, quite satisfied Mr. Bennett of the real value of a life of adventure in an unsettled territory, subject to the incidents of frontier life under the influences of the incongruous type of humanity which has made that time a marked era in American history. Jealousies arose, mutinies were instigated, and he found that the necessity for prompt and decided action, which was constantly arising, had little in it of glory or satisfaction. The actual dignity and character of affairs are aptly represented by the fact that, on one occasion, when the culmination of a conspiracy came to his knowledge, he rushed upon the scene and terminated proceedings, quelling the leader by the vigorous application of a red-hot frying-pan square in the face. It was rather ran inglorious conquest, but the victory that perched upon his banners was no less effectual, and its retrospective comfort no less complete, than though it had been achieved through the instrumentality of the knife or the revolver, then the predominating authority in the settlement of the question as to who should be greatest. Mr, Bennett spent about a year in Colorado, inter I 1F' 52, co I I! i,X fa - rr 4,30- - - U U- I %I - ~i u9. V 777~ ISABELLA COUNTY. I83 ested in mining, which he pursued at three different lips. As the crowd surrounded his victim, he brought: points within 40 miles of Denver, his headquarters. the fit to a termination and fled to his cabin, whither wl His experiences there were after the order of those Mr. Bennett followed him.: immortalized by the graphic pens of Bret Harte and Instant flight was determined upon, and Mr. Ben- i ' John Hay. Mining claims, legitimate or otherwise, nett returned to learn the next act in the play, as the engendered contests, and Mr. Bennett and his part- first in no sense outlined what was to follow. He ner, in one instance, became involved in a controversy found a crowd of men, anxious to furnish substantial which they attempted to adjust under the local regu- proof of their estimate of procedures, who had delations known as miners' trials. From incidents of cided that a murderer, either in fact or intent, needed much less romantic hue, gifted pens have woven be hung. When it was ascertained that he was bewebs of dramatic interest that have sent their author's yond their reach, their hunger for some retributive Y names down to the generations to come with death- act had reached a climax and a victim must be forthless fame. coming. The individual who had precipitated matThe confrere of Mr. Bennett was a man in whom ters not being at hand, it was decided to hang Mr. the exigencies of frontier life had developed the Bennett. The suddenness of the emergency brought principles of self-defense, and he held himself in his predominating trait of character to the front. In readiness to adjust his affairs according to his own imperturbable coolness he stood among the undisideas of right and justice. and in keeping with the ciplined, clamorous rabble, and by his fearless bear methods adopted by the element with which circumstances compelled him to deal. In the case referred to, a difference of understanding had arisen, and the species of administration of justice had been appealed to which was then the only approach to the methods of arbitration that were practiced within the borders of civilization. Mr. Bennett, his associate and the contestant, sat on a log, in preliminary council, surrounded by a crowd of miners, who constituted the court. The third party in the case lost self-control and indulged in a few sentences of disagreeable signification, which were so pointed as to demand immediate attention. In an instant a gleam of light from the polished barrel of a revolver flashed athwart the vision of the assemblage. Mr. Bennett arrested the arm that controlled the weapon and disreceoPrld itc hnlrdor A etnrrm nf hnt wnrle PncqiPl ing and deliberately chosen arguments, couched in unimpassioned language, he quelled their turbulence and disarmed their malicious intent. On leaving Denver, Mr. Bennett returned to Livingston County, where he attended school, pursuing his studies two years at the seminary at Howell. He passed the summers of I863-4 in the law office of S. F. Hubbell, of Howell, where he read for the profession under that gentleman's instructions. He then consummated the required period of study in the Law Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the degree of B. LL., March 25, I865. In May, of the same year, he came to Mt. Pleasant, believing that this section afforded a field for the exercise of his professional qualifications and an opening to a successful hl1Cincca rrPPr - Tp nropnp o an r\ffir'; mrm-mAt;cn-olr,. (!k i $~ As night came on, it was argued that the "shoot- upon his arrival, as an attorney. ist" and the other individual most intimately con- In November, 1869, his connection with the official cerned should retire beyond the encampment and affairs of Isabella County began. The death of talk over affairs. The plan was put into execution, James P. Welper, County Clerk and Register of Deeds, but the pair had hardly passed beyond the light of created a vacancy, to which Mr. Bennett succeeded the camp-fires when the report of a pistol awoke the by appointment. The two positions were held by echoes of the night. A scene of wild excitement fol- one incumbent until I87 2, when they became distinct. lowed. The would-be murderer had been attacked Mr. Bennett discharged the duties of County Clerk ' with an opportune " fit," in which his revolver shared three years, being elected to the office in I870. He f to such an extent as to inflict a serious wound upon officiated as Register of Deeds five years, receiving his companion. He lay on the ground, writhing in one election and one re-election, and serving one ) the contortions of epilepsy(?), his throat swollen and year as appointee. He held the office of Justice of 7 throbbing, and sheets of foam issuing from his livid the Peace from i866 to i882, and was also elected < 2'1~~XTA DI_./ —* —s —A s ' y I 184 ISABELLA COUNTY.. ( '1^ I I I.P i I t \1 4 z z m 3 z { a\~ 0,F, c qK, 4f in i866 to the office of Circuit Court Commissioner, which he held two years. In I880 he was elected to the position he now holds, of Probate Judge. He was nominated on the Democratic ticket, 5 and scored a gratifying triumph, as the county had at that time a conceded Republican majority of 400 votes. He received a majority of 179 votes. In 1875, Mr. Bennett, associated with John Hicks, of St. John's, Mich., and three other capitalists of Clinton County, established the privatebanking-house of Hicks, Bennett & Co. Their office is established in the Opera Block, now owned by the banking firm, and built by Albert B. Upton. The law business of Mr. Bennett has gradually merged into real-estate transactions, in which he has extensive connections. In 1882 he built the Bennett House, which occupies a prominent position at Mt. Pleasant, and is one of the finest and most attractive buildings in the village. It is constructed of brick, is three stories above the basement, and fitted with the best modern appliances. ^ Bennett's Addition to Mt. Pleasant includes 40 acres, m which he platted in I882. i Mr. Bennett was married, Dec. 20, i865, to Mary, = daughter of Nelson and Catherine (Tice) Mosher. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of this county, and her father was a prominent figure in its official history. She died, May 30, 1872, at the age of 29 years, leaving one child, Frank, born Sept. 28, 1868. The second marriage of Mr. Bennett occurred Dec. 15, i875, to Anna Palmer. She was born in Iosco, Livingston County, May 12, 1852, and is the daughter of Darwin and Elizabeth (Tice) Palmer. Mary, first child by this marriage, was born March 20, 1877, and died May 28, I883, of diphtheria. Nellie was born Feb. I6, 1879. The life of every man is a part of the history of his time. The swift succession of generations, affording room for others to come, bears an impressive meaning and places upon the leaders of events a weighty responsibility. The gravest question of the period is, whether the existence and achievements of the men of to-day shall be engulfed in the rushing tide and consigned to oblivion. The relations of in-? dividuals to the present and future impose upon them v peculiar obligations. He who recognizes an opportu-; nity and possesses the courage and hardihood to grasp and mold it to his advantage, is the marked man of _ the period. His importance is in no sense measured by the prejudice or rivalry of others, but his identity k becomes a part of the time and place where he lived. ( These considerations must impress themselves upon. those who weigh with impartiality the career of Judge Bennett. In his portrait and that of Mrs. Bennett, ) which are the first presented in the biographical portion of this work, the people of Isabella County will experience a lively gratification. The subjects are open to no fulsome flattery. They represent a class whose lives are a benefit to the public weal and which reflect honor upon their deeds and motives. eorge W. Baker, farmer, section I5, Fremont Township, was born Feb. 15, I851, in Defiance Co., Ohio. His parents were Josiah Baker, born Aug. o1, 1820, and Rachel A. Baker, born Aug. 7, 1827, and died Dec. ( 27, I863. The father is still living and resides in Fremont Township. George W. was reared on the farm, and remained: on the old homestead, assisting his father in the C maintenanceof the family and attending the common schools, until he attained the age of i8 years. On y arriving at this age he engaged in a stone quarry, and, alternating this with the brick-making business, was thus employed for several years. He then worked on a farm in the neighborhood and followed that occupation for a period of two years, when, in November, 1870, he came to this county. He located 80 acres of land on section I5, Fremont Township; subsequently purchased 40 acres more on section 22; t disposed of it and purchased another 40 acres on ( section 15, and still more recently purchased 80 acres additional on the same section. His landed possessions in Fremont Township amount to 200 acres, and of that amount he has improved and has in a good state of cultivation 185 acres, and has erected thereon a good residence and barn. When Mr. Baker first located in this county his financial condition compelled him to devote his winters to labor in the woods, and he only could spend his summers on the farm, on section I5. The fine r condition of the farm at the present time is indicative of what energetic effort will accomplish, and i truly places Mr. Baker among the progressive farmers of his township. t_-;4 ~ i" A: r. ~, ~ '. ISABELLA COUNTY. 185 ~ (r.^/.: ) - Jr _ _ _ _ _ _ I Politically, he is a Democrat, and has held the office of School Inspector, and also School Director a of his district. Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Hattie D. Terrill, Feb. 7, 1875. She was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, in I854, and was a daughter of Joseph and C. A. Terrill, natives of Lorain Co., Ohio. Her father was a farmer by occupation, a soldier in the late civil war, and died in a rebel prison. Mrs. Baker died in Isabella County, March 24, I876. She, was a true and loving wife, a kind neighbor and a generous friend, and left a host of relatives and; friends to mourn her loss. 7-7Y 1.jhaharles J. Ayling, farmer, section 7, LinJ i x coin Township, was born in Warren Co., " i Pa., Jan. I, I839. His parents were John % v,' and Sarah (Trussler) Ayling, natives of England, where his father followed the occu~ pation of farmer. The latter emigrated to c:: this country after marriage, locating in Freehold, Pa. Charles J. remained on the parental homestead, g assisted his father in the maintenance of the family and developed into manhood. He received the advantages afforded by the common schools of his native county, and improved his leisure time in the perfection of the same. July 5, I863, he was married, in Sugar Grove Township, Warren Co., Pa., to Miss Emma Woodin, a native of the same county and State, where she was <; born Aug. 3, 1842. Her parents were Thomas and Caroline (Grosvener) Woodin, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, and of New England parentage. They came to this State in 1862 and were among the earliest settlers of Lincoln Township, and are both residents on section i8 of that township. Emma lived with her parents in her native county until her marriage, assisting her mother in her household labors and attending the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. A. are the parents of five children, namely: Luella May, born July I6, I865, in Warren Co., Pa. She is now engaged in teaching in the e public schools of this county, and has justly obtained the credit of a thoroughly competent teacher. Thad W. was born Dec. 6, I868; Josephine, Nov. I6, I870; Lee M., March 14, i875; and Florence G., Oct. 25, 1879. The first year after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. A. lived on the old homestead in Warren Co., Pa., and then moved to Lottsville, same county, where they lived one year. In the fall of i865, they came to this State and for one year lived with the father of Mrs. A. During this year, I865, they purchased 40 acres of land on section 7, Lincoln Township, this county, and in the fall of I866 moved on the same, where Mr. A. entered on the laborious though in many respects pleasant task of improving it. Mr. A. has added 40 acres to his original purchase, and of his 8o.acre farm has 70 acres in a good state of cultivation. He has recently erected a large stock and grain barn on his farm, at a cost of $I,ooo. When Mr. Ayling first settled on his land, it was in a wild state of nature, and only through the persistent effort of earnest determination has he succeeded in placing it in the cultivated condition in which it is found to-day. Politically, Mr. A. is a supporter of and believer in the National Greenback party. He has held the office of Road Commissioner seven years, Township Treasurer, and other minor offices. erome Bachelder, farmer, section i, Fremont Township, was born Nov. 29, I828, in Genesee Co., N. Y. His father, Aaron, Bachelder, was born Dec. 2, 1797, in Vermont; came to New York State at the age of 14; in July, I853, he located on 80 acres of land in Clinton Co., Mich., where he died, August, i866; he was a farmer. His mother, Rhoda, nee Northway, was born Aug. 8, i803, in New Hampshire, and died Jan. 31, I839, in Genesee Co., N. Y. They had five children, of whom two sons only are now living. One of the latter, named at the head of this sketch, at 17 years of age gave his father $50 for the rest of his time, and commenced to work for himself. From December, 1852, to August, I862, he was a resident of Greenbush, Clinton Co., Mich.; since which time he has been a citizen of this county, locating first upon a quarter-section of land, where he still resides. He has sold 40 acres of his original purchase, and of the remainder he now has 90 acres in a good state of t^s':C= li* t:) # >,, ~ao~Fs~ i 86 ISABELLA COUNTY. _ -.C -* *:r.. ) I 't=. Bar II *,ES3,,3 and McKinzie. He fought in a number of skirmishes, but escaped unhurt. He, however, suffered for a time paralysis in the lower limbs, the result of an attack of diphtheria; and was in consequence obliged to use crutches for some time. He was honorably discharged Aug. i, I865. Returning to his home in New York, he came with his parents the same fall to Michigan. He stopped for a while in Shiawassee County, attending for two terms the union school at Corunna. He remained with his parents until i868, when he came to Isabella and settled in Vernon Township. He has added to his original purchase 120 acres and has a fine orchard of three acres. In the spring of I88I he erected a model stock and grain barn, which was destroyed by fire April 27, I884. He is expecting to replace it this season (I884). His parents afterwards came to this county and are now residents of the same township. He was married Aug. 31, I869, in Wayne Co., Mich., to Miss Lydia M. Potter, who was born in that county May 9, I851. Five children have been born of this marriage: Henry Ward, Oct. 4, I870; Edith J., Dec. i, 1872; Alton C., March 23, I875; Emerson, July 17, i880; Clark Y., July 22, I883. Mr. and Mrs. B. attend the Baptist Church, He is politically a Republican, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Highways. illiam Whitehead, farmer, owns the east half of the southeast quarter of section 30, Union Township. He is a son of Richard and Mary (Fuller) Whitehead, and was born in Cambridgeshire, Eng., May I3, I8i6. He ' was reared on a farm, and has followed agriculture and masonry ever since. Coming to this country in 85 i, he owned different farms in Wayne Co., N. Y., where he also followed his trade, until January, 1869. He then came to Union Township, this county, having bought 80 acres of timbered land in October previous. He -has cleared 40 acres. Mr. W. is now suffering from impaired health. He was first married in Spaulding, Lincolnshire, England, May I7, I841, to Elizabeth Bartee, a A 'COUNTY. 187 native of England. Of this marriage nine children were born, seven of whom are living,-Mary A., Jane, Charles R., George W., Matilda, Franklin B. and Stella. The deceased were infants. Losing his wife by death in the Slate of New York, Oct. 7, i86I, he again married, at Rose Valley, Wayne Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1865, Mrs. Ann Reed, widow of John Reed, who was killed at the first battle of Bull Run. Carrie A., William and Joseph are the names of the three children born of Mr. W.'s second marriage. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. e- — vaa^ ^ --- 4 1lzy Dush, farmer, section 2, Fremont Town ship, is a son of William and Hannah t ""a (Todd) Dush, natives of Licking Co., Ohio. A The former, by vocation a farmer, moved from Ohio to Michigan in 1867, settling on 40 acres of section 10, Fremont Township, this county. He died in Licking Co., Ohio, in I882, and his wife in Defiance County, that State, in 1853. Mr. Elzy Dush was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Dec. I5, 1835; remained at home with his parents until he was of age, when he commenced to work by the month as a farm laborer. In 1857 he came to Branch County, this State, remaining two years; then spent four years in Ohio. During the latter period he enlisted in Co. E, I4th Ohio Vol. Inf., was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain and of the Richmond campaign. He was wounded in the arm at the battle of Jonesboro, and was finally discharged, with honor, at Cleveland, Ohio, in July, i865. After a short visit home he went to Hillsdale County, this State, where he remained two years. He then came to Isabella county and located on section 3, Fremont Township, but afterward settled upon section 2, taking possession of 8i acres, where he has since been engaged in establishing the appointments of a comfortable home. In political affairs Mr. Dush is a decided Republican. He has been Justice of the Peace and Highway Commissioner two terms each. In i866 Mr. Dush married Miss Lucinda, daughter of Hiram and Catharine Beard, natives of the Keystone State. She was born Feb. 28, 1847, in Adams Co., Pa.' Mr. D. is the father of nine children, as I I~?i It: (:4,P L~j 3 X.A 2= "4 9 * S - a.-,<) F t 7,D I /) elj 4:7 M )^ -:w -- o{ni^-^ — — ^<>^ a -I6^ " C (1 —l-~- og uF i ~! -— y^ — c^ nBW ^ — 5tf^ -— ^ ^i| i88 ISABELLA CO UNVTY. * (@) _ _ _follows: Harriet (by a former marriage), born Jan. however, owing to a decline in values of fatted stock, Ft 9, 1862; Alice, Dec. 8, I867; William, Jan. 3, 1869; he lost a fortune. After this event he devoted his ~ I Martha, July 8, 1871; Olive, Sept. 6, 1874; Oscar, attention exclusively to farming. He came to Sept. 14, 1877; Claude, Oct. 14, 188o, and died Dec. Michigan in 1865, settling in Clare County, of which 23, 1883; Minnie and Mina, born Aug. 17, 1882. he was the first permanent settler. He raised the first wheat in that county. In October, J880, 'he came to this county, and has since resided with his R C.. son. He is now 74 years old. His wife is yet livI 5 illiam B. Crowley, farmer and carpenter, ing in Glare County, aged 67. l - i. ng in Clare County, aged 67..1, residing on section 27, Union Township, residing on section 27,.Uion Tonshi Their son, James D. Allen, was the youngest of ten j BUSS one mlle south of the corporation limits of oe mile souh of te corporation limits of children, and was eight years old when the family yd Mt. Pleasant, is a son of Lyman and Clarissa m < settled in Cla.re County, He went later to Ransom-! KS / A (Crook) Crowley, and was born in Wales. Crook) Crow, ad ws born in W s ville, N. Y., where he attended school for a time. Township, Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1828. He. Re., hn t f Returnint. he worked with his father on the farm. ( 7= I: - followed farming and carpentry in the Empire State until February, 1865, when he came to Mt. Pleasant, this county. His family came in August. He fol. lowed carpentry for a time, and the same year of his arrival he bought 80 acres where he now lives. He ) has since added 40 acres on section 22, and has al-, together go acres under cultivation. He has a fine A orchard and creditable residence and farm buildings. = He still follows his trade a portion of each year. He n is a member of the I. O. O. F., and, taking quite a: deep interest in school matters, has held several d offices in his district. He was married in Colden, Erie Co., N. Y., May 20, I860, to Miss Sarah Sharp, daughter of John and Susan (Markwell) Sharp. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp came from England to this country about 1843 or '4, and settled in New York, where they lived a number of years, farming. They moved thence to Burlington, Iowa, where he died Dec. 13, 1877, and a11 ur lTwr AKvrnlhPr TI Q T; r l1i.orb4-V- ri/rav Coming to this county in i88o, he bought 80 acres where he now lives. All his land is improved. He has an orchard, three acres in extent, and a barn 40 x 82 feet in dimensions, for stock, grain, hay, etc., which add much to his place. He butchers cattle, on a large scale, for lumber camps in this and adjoining counties. He was married July 29, 1880, to Miss Hattie A., daughter of William and Lydia M. Finessey, natives of New York and Michigan and of English descent. She was born at Greenville, Mich., June 20, i865, and is the mother of one son, Helon P., born Sept. 4, i88i. Politically Mr. Allen is a Republican. ~ harles A. Richardson, farmer, section I8, Lincoln Township, is a son of Charles G. and Caroline B. Richardson. natives of Maine., 011 111 lIV mv llucX I JU, Crowley, was born in Lir p 1840, and is the mother o: A born in South Wales, Erie Nellie B., born on the farrr I869; and William W., i I8, r874. ames D. Alien, f section 12, Vern Niagara Co., N. a son of David P. a Allen, natives of Ma The father was a far a time a very extensive stc IX iH Ud LIi, LVCiL. /JWS -- ncolnshire, Eng., Aug. 26,? His father was born in I820 and his mother fthree children: Etta A., in I829. They emigrated in 1852 or '3 to Q Co., N. Y., Feb. i6, 1863; Lorain Co., Ohio; two years afterward to Wood a in this county, Dec. 19, County, that State, near the village of Millgrove, )orn in this county, Sept. Perry Township; also to Sandusky County, where he was chiefly engaged in a saw-mill; in i865 they came, with their two sons and four daughters, and settled on section 9, Fremont Township, this county, armer and stock-raiser on on a tract of 80 acres of primitive forest, and proion Township, was born in ceeded to clear a farm and establish the essentials of i Y., June 28, 1857; and is a permanent home; but, finally, in i88r, they again Z,4 Lnd Clarissa A. (Timothy) moved, to the village of Dushville, where Mr. R. is issachusetts and Vermont. now engaged in general merchandising. He has *mer and drover, doing for been Supervisor of his township four terms, and for )ck business. One season, some time has now been Justice of the Peace. ' < u -" s< I I Ig ~ B ISABELLA COUNTY. 7,'i~- - i..."41I %. ~v (q' " 9, e,'N I_1' I IN `4, T==2~,' ) 1~ Z P~\ e" Mr. Charles A. Richardson, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Franklin Co., Maine, Jan. 15, I849; spent most of his youth lumbering in the winter and helping his parents on the farm during the summer seasons. When 23 years of age he married Miss Grace McLeod, who was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Aug. 12, I847, a daughter of Samuel and Grace (Craig) McLeod, who came to Isabella County in 1862, settling on a quarter of section i8, Lincoln Township, among the first settlers in that part of the county. They were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to America in I840. He was born Feb. 6, 1814, in the city of Edinburgh, and was killed Jan. 3, 1864, by the falling of a tree in the lumber woods. Mrs. McLeod was born July i6, i8r6, in Penningham Parish, Scotland, and died Dec. 19, I870. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of six children, one of whom is not living. The record is: Nellie G., born June 14, 1873; Harry A. and Clara A. (twins), Feb. 23, I875; Harry A. died Sept. 24, following; Charles E., born May 20, i876; Rudy R., born July 6, I878; and Roy A., born March 26, 1879. Mr. Richardson has always been counted a Democrat, on political issues, and has held the office of School Director for five years. Mrs. R. was a pioneer school-teacher in this county, teaching the first school in Fremont Township, in what was known as the "Caldwell District." as,|B. Dibble, farmer, section 33, Union Townt ship, owning 40 acres on that section and T3i 120 on 34, is the son of John C. and Eliza jt (Burdick) Dibble, and was born in Maryland - Township, Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1832. When he was quite young his parents removed to Monroe County, same State, where they lived until he was twenty years old, on a farm. At this age he left home, and coming to Dearborn Township, Wayne County, this State, he was for I5 years foreman of a force of track-repairers. He was married at the village of Dearborn, Jan. 28, i858,to Miss Abbie Kilbourn, who was born May 26, 1832, the daughter of Heber and Elizabeth Kilbourn. In i86i Mr. D. came to Union Township, this County, and entered i60 acres of land where he now lives. Union at that timecontained but I3 voters. His farm was then covered with dense timber, and there were no roads. He has now go acres chopped, and 75 under cultivation, with two nice orchards, several acres in extent. When he came here, he was transported by cars to St. John's, and traveled from that place to this by ox team. The remainder of Mr. D.'s family came to Union Township three years later. Mrs. D.'s family came to Chippewa Township, this county, several years previous. Mr. D. and wife have had six children, five of whom are living. The two eldest were born in Dearborn Township, Wayne County, and the others in this County. Laura J., the wife of Arthur Jones, a farmer of Union Township, was born Oct. 26, 1858; George H. was born Dec. 27, i86o, and died April 27, 875; Frank B. was born Oct. I, 1862; Carrie E., June 0o, I864; Daniel L., April I6, i866; Burt C., March 27, i868. The position of Mr. Dibble among the pioneers of Isabella County is such that his portrait is an especially valuable addition to the collection presented in this volume. ohn Rendell, farmer on section 0o, Rolland, is a son of Job and Elizabeth (Sims) Rendell, natives of England. The father was born in 804, the mother Io years later. They followed farming, and emigrated to Canada in 85 o, locating in Lennox Co., Ont., on ioo acres, which is their present home. Their family includes four sons and four daughters, all living. The subject of this biography was born Aug. 3, I844,; in Dorsetshire, Eng., and came to Canada with his parents when he was but five years of age. Remaining at home till I9, he then worked on a farm for five years. In 1869 he came to this State and settled in Ionia County, where he lived a year and a half. He came in 1871 to Isabella County and located on 80 acres on section o1, Rolland. He has since added 80 acres, and of his whole farm go acres are improved. He is a progressive farmer and a popular citizen. He was married in I870 to Miss Mary C. McCabe, who was born July 3o, I850, the daughter of Elias and Maria J. (Sharp) McCabe. Mr. McCabe was 111 ~/t. Vp~~, y ),, i7,, i 6.) I1~ez, ip 1 0 x\ 1.11I; l: I " -.1" iz~- 1 U 92 ISABELLA j.=.= I I I i - = JL_ Pa t t born in Canada in I8I8, and Mrs. McCabe was born in the same country in 1820. They yet live in the Dominion. They have eight sons and three daughters, all living but one. Mr. and Mrs. Rendell have had six children, whose record is as follows: Martha L., born June 26, I87; Libbie I,, July 8, 1873; Teresa M., Oct. Io, 1875; Phebe, March 12, I877; Emma A., April 8, I879, and Effie I., May 30, 1883. Politically, Mr. R. is an active supporter of the Republican party. He has been Moderator of his school district two terms, and in I88I was elected Highway Commissioner. He and wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. eorge McDonald, proprietor of a livery. _K stable on East Broadway, corner of ) Franklin Street, Mt. Pleasant, is a son of Charles and Sarah (Barnes) McDonald, and was born in Lockport, N. Y., Feb. 4, i856.:i He was reared by his grandparents on a farm eight miles from Lockport. x In I865 his parents came to St. John's, Clinton Co., Mich., and the following spring he came to the same place, his grandparents having died. His father was for several years a merchant at St John's, ) and was then in the livery business. When I5, George went into the woods near Bay City as lumberman. In July, i877, he came to Mt. Pleasant and bought a farm of 55 acres on section 3, Union, where he lived two years and cleared 20 acres, besides making other usual improvements. Coming then to Mt. Pleasant, he worked with his father during the winter of 1879-80. He next opened a saloon opposite the Bamber House, and a short time later he opened a billiard saloon in Carr & Granger's old stand. In the fall of 1882 he built on his present saloon site. After one week, he was burned out, at a loss of 70oo, but he speedily rebuilt and in I days was once more doing business. In the spring of i88I he built a large brick livery barn 38 x I Io feet in size, two stories in height, the upper story being his residence. He keeps a livery, board, feed and sale stable, and has a profitable business. His livery stock varies from 12 to I5 horses. He owns also two dwelling houses and two lots in Hopkins' Addition, and a vacant lot in the same vicinity. ~ avid Morse, retired farmer, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born July 2, I82I, in Genesee Co., N. Y. He was reared as a farmer, and is the son of Simeon and Catherine (Norton) Morse. He made profitable use of his opportunities, and at the period of his legal manhood he was the possessor of 50 acres of land, which he afterwards increased to ioo acres. In the fall of I853 Mr. Morse removed to Grand Rapids and became a salesman in the hardware store of Foster & Perry. After filling that position three months he opened a similar establishment at Ionia, in company with Loomis Mann. This relation existed about six months, and was terminated by Mr. Mann's becoming sole proprietor by purchase. Mr. Morse removed to Lyons, Ionia County, and opened a store for the sale of groceries, which he conducted about I8 months, and changed business into that of the sale of hardware. He sold the latter in 1859, and built a fine house, barn, etc., in Lyons. Jan. i, I864, he enlisted in Battery G., First Mich. Light Artillery, Capt. Burdick, and served until the close of the war. He joined his command at Matagorda Island, on the coast of Texas, where they were held in reserve some time. On leaving the military service he returned to Lyons and embarked in the commission business. He came to Mt. Pleasant in the spring of I866, where he spent some months working at the trade of a builder. He had previously obtained a claim of 320 acres in Chippewa Township, section 17, and, during the time named, he had 13 acres of timber chopped off and the land otherwise improved. He rented the Preston (now Bamber) House and managed it about two years, after which he built a house on his place and took possession of it, remaining until the spring of 1883. He placed 75 acres under improvement, which constitutes a good working farm. He was Justice of the Peace in Chippewa Township four years. The first marriage of Mr. Morse occurred Jan. I, r845, in Sheldon, Wyoming Co., N. Y., when Rosa COUNT Y. He was married in Mt. Pleasant, Jan. i, i879, to Miss Catherine Prothero, a native of Wisconsin. They have two children, Edith E. and George, both born at Mt. Pleasant. ___an, _ = ' w |^^^^^-s,5I'1 -!< It I 3 f 409 - 1% - ~:na~ai ~~aur~E4 "NXX" . ISABELLA mo mond Howes became his wife. One child was born of the union, Martin, now deceased. The mother, died in New York, and Mr. Morse was again married Nov. 8, 1849, to Clarissa M. Fisk, who died in Lyons, Mich., Feb. 21, I864. Mr. Morse was a third time married, in Mt. Pleasant, Oct. 30, i866, to Mary L., daughter of Nathaniel and Lucy (McKinstry) Millard. She was born Jan. 5, 1846, in Lake Co., Ohio. The six children now included in the family were born as follows, in Isabella County: Rosamond C., Nov. 8, I867; Charlie U., April 27, I 869; Flora J., Dec. 29, 1870; Archie P.., Aug. 13, I874; George H., March I3, I879; Frank D., Aug. II, 1882. The parents belong to the Presbyterian Church. COUNTY. 193 -- E I X=3. 4".} C3 t ohn Baker, farmer and stock-raiser on section 14, Vernon, was born in Peel Co., a Ontario, Feb. i6, 1828, and is a son of X Michael and Catherine (Frank) Baker, natives 1 of Ontario, and Pennsylvania German descent. The father followed farming and died in Ontario, Can., some years since. His family included eight children. Of these John was the fourth. He lived on his father's farm until 28 years old, at which age he engaged at carpentry. This trade, which he had picked up without serving an apprenticeship, he followed in Peel County for 12 years, when he went to Wellington County. There he took up a wild and unbroken forest track, and he led the usual life of a pioneer. In August, I866, he came to this State and County, stopping with his wife and family for eight months at Mt. Pleasant. He then went to Vernon Township and located 80 acres where he now lives. After a few months he erected a log house and moved in his family, including seven children. He carried thither his supplies and light furniture over an Indian trail for a distance of 13 miles. After he was fairly settled in his new home, he found he possessed only a small quantity of flour and pork, and ten cents in money. Accordingly, although his wife came down with a severe attack of typhoid fever, he was obliged to leave home and seek employment, that he might earn a little money. For two years he lived without any domestic animals of any kind, either for food or work. He has worked seven winters in the lumber woods of Clare, Isabella and Gratiot Counties. He has with commendable skill and perseverance kept abreast with his neighbors, in making a good home. He has added 80 acres to his original purchase, and has 65 acres in cultivation. A substantial stock and grain barn and a comfortable residence are evidences of his enterprise. He was united in marriage, in Peel Co., Ont., March 2, 1853, with Miss Julia A. C. Sharp, daughter of John and Jane (Roswell) Sharp, natives of England and Canada and of English descent. The father was by occupation a blacksmith, and died in Ontario, January i, 1875, aged 72 years and six months, on account of injuries received from a horse. The mother is still living, in the Dominion. Mrs. Baker was born in Ontario, April 7, "I835. She and her husband have had eight children, six of whom are living: Robert J., born Feb. 15, I854; William, May 3I, I855; Sarah E., Feb. 28, I856; Michael, March 25, I86I; Jane, May 31, I863; and Isabel, Oct. 3, I865. The deceased are Catherine, born Oct. 24, I859, and died Oct. I2, 1873; James, born Sept. 12, I876, and died Aug. 25, I877. Mr. B. is politically an earnest Republican. He has held the minor offices of his township. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. i onrad Hook, farmer on section 34, Chip. bi l pewa Township, is a son of John A. and g ^ G Margaret A. (Fladung) Hook, natives of Germany, who came to this country in Sep\ tember, I846, settling in Ohio, and came thence to Isabella County. He died Feb. 2, 1855, and she Jan. 28, i86o. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany Aug. 31, 1829, and was I7 years old when the family came to America. The father was a mason in the old country, and his work took him to various places away from home. At the age of 13 young Hook took up the same trade, and traveled with his father to different places, being thus engaged until they emigrated. In this country he followed his trade but a short time, and the same season that he came to Ohio he was, after three months' work in the mines, bound out for three years to the shoemaker's trade. He served his time and worked four years t I r i., I s _r. i.., ( i,,.. 1%1) 7 'rl ~i~lcJI I! C, I r~~j -A I <(4 ks___ ___ ___i___-_ _ —.af *S 11,`;i, 41A I r~ — A&L — AR i UNw —. ---- &r) t94 ISABELLA COUNT. Y. _e 1 = @ t j x Ij~F iI more for the same man, having the principal charge of the business, and becoming a man of standing in the community. Directly after his apprenticeship he attended for a time an English school, he having received a good education in the schools of Germany. In I85I-2 he made a tour of Ohio and Indiana, visiting many of the important cities and working at his trade. He then returned to Crawford Co., Ohio, and in the spring of I853 he came to this county and took up 120 acres under the Graduation Act, afterwards homesteading 40 acres more. Here he has since resided, except one year when he worked at his trade at Alma, Gratiot County. He has disposed of all but 80 acres, 50 of which are under cultivation. He was married at Alma, July I, I860, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Henry and Susannah (Bigley) Wolfe, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe settled first in Ohio and went thence to Monroe Co., Mich.; and in 1854 settled in Gratiot County, where he died, in Arcada Township, Feb. 8, 1862. She survives and is a resident of Pine River Township. Mrs. Hook was born in Jefferson Co., Pa., Nov. io, I84I. She and her husband have had two sons: Willie H. A. (died at the age of I4) and George W. T. J. Mr. Hook is a Freemason and an Odd-Fellow. Politically he is Republican. i I i i i iI I I I I he attained the age of 22 years. On arriving at this ' age in life, he bade adieu to the old homestead and went forth upon the sea of life to fight its battles t, alone. He worked at the carpenter's trade during X summers and attended school winters. In the fall of I863, Mr. Hillyard, true to the promptings of an honest conscience and a heart which beat in unison with the cause of justice, enlisted in Co. K, 27th, Mich. Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the Ninth Corps of the Army of the Potomac. During the winter of I863-4, he was engaged in recruiting, when he returned to his company and < acted as First Sergeant until his discharge. He participated in all the battles in which his company was engaged, from that of the Wilderness to Cold Harbor, and at the latter battle was wounded, June 3, I864. The wound disabled him for two months, and at the expiration of that time he rejoined his command. He received his muster-out at the Delano House, Washington, D. C., and was finally discharged at Detroit, Aug. i, i865. On receiving his discharge from his country's service, he returned to Hillsdale County and pur- of chased a farm of 40 acres, and there followed the >: occupation of farming for a period of four years. A Nov. 8, i866, Mr. Hillyard was united in marriage - with Miss Abigail Judd, who was born in 1838. She died Feb. I6, 1871, in Hillsdale County, leaving a host of friends, neighbors and relatives to mourn her loss. After the death of his wife, Mr. Hillyard turned his attention to the study of medicine. He prosecuted his studies under the instruction of Dr. Levi Stearns, of Hillsdale, and spent a portion of the % year 1875-6 attending the Eclectic Medical College 4 -at Philadelphia, Pa., and finally graduated and f received his diploma in 1879. Dr. Hillyard located in Camden, Hillsdale County, in the spring of 1876, and there followed the practice of his profession for four years, except the winter of I878-9 when he was at Philadelphia. While at Camden, the Doctor formed an acquaintance with Miss Anna V. Whaley, a daughter of David and Lydia Whaley, of that place, with whom he was ^ united in marriage, Dec. 7, 1879. She is an accom-? plished and affable lady. She was born in Camden, A Feb. I8, I858. The Doctor came to Dushville, this county, April A 1 arks H. Hillyard, physician and surgeon, / resident at Dushville, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 22, I840. His parents were Jesse and Lovina (Fur> geson) Hillyard, natives of the State of N. Y. His father was a farmer by occupation, and in I847 moved from New York to Illinois, where he followed his chosen vocation for three years, and in r850 came to Hillsdale County, this State, where they are at present living, at the venerable ages of 70 and 63 years respectively. Marks H. Hillyard, the subject of this biographical notice, was reared on the farm, assisted in the maintenance of the family and received only such education as he acquired by the improvement of his leisure moments in study and attending the district school. He thus labored and studied until I 4~ 41 1 A., i Nl I b., 2 — -_!, ~? - --,f*4, wx ~ u q i u u;-> Z 7. I ~ — 11 3r e, whgifye s ucs ISABELLA COUNTY. 195 30o, 1880, where, with a gratifying degree of success, June 29, I854, to Lucy H., daughter of Jacob and i he has since continued to practice the profession. Betsey Wood. Her parents were natives of New r Politically, he is a Democrat. Socially, he is a mer- Hampshire, and settled in life in the State of New. ber of Cambria Lodge, No. 259, F. & A. M. York. On coming to Michigan, they first went to Oakland County and thence to Eaton County, where.~ XAh the father died in 1877, and where the mother still resides. Two children have been born to Mr. and,, s n 6 Pne R Mrs. Allen: Nettie T., May 12, i856,and Myrtle H.,?Township, was orn No., 81, in en- Jan. 29, i861. The latter died in Milford, Oakland ^I~ Township, was born Nov. I, I831, in Sen-.County, June 23, 1883. eca Co., N. Y., and is the son of Cornelius, J 2 3 3. Mr. Allen was for many years an active Republi-j _b B. and Ann (Peterson) Alien. His parents, B. d An (ers) can, but of late has allied himself with the National were natives of New Jersey, and were respect- r T -> Greenback party. He has served three years as i'~ '[" ively of English and German descent. They ively of English and Geran descent. They Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are both first located in New Jersey, and later on in life re- members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They moved to the State of New York. In I838, they oved to the State of New ork. In 38, they have been zealous adherents to the interests of the settled in Lapeer Co., Mich., where the father died rii rii riu ir the nt y. Te Christian religion, and contributed of their strength the next year. The mother died in Eaton County. and means to its maintenance. The first preaching and means to its maintenance. The first preaching Mr. Allen came to the State of Michigan with his in is part of Gratiot County was done in the house.E parents when he was only seven years old, and when o M A b t Y of Mr. Allen, by the Rev. Ellery Hill. he was ii years of age he went to Ohio, and there " remained three years, when he returned to Lapeer -, County. On reaching man's estate, he went to:-' =,? Eaton County and acted as assistant in his brother's ' '. store two years. He then formed a partnership with rs. Elizabeth Hursh, widow of John M. a= A. Howland, and established himself in mercantile |p Hursh, one of the first settlers of the ~ business, a relation which existed a year and a half. county, is a daughter of George and PameOn disposing of his interests, Mr. Allen came to li: lia Brown, and was born in Rose Township, (~ Gratiot County and invested his means in 320 acres Wayne Co., N.Y., Sept. 9, 1819. She was of land in Pine River Township. He subsequently reared on a farm, and married in the same sold I60 acres, and of the remainder has go acres township, March 22, I837. Of her ii children six under cultivation, with commodious farm buildings. were born in New York State, and five in Union In all local history, it is nearly impossible to find Township. Harriet E. is the wife of Ezra Stringer, the periods within one generation so widely contrast- a farmer of this county; George H. is now in ing as that of the date of Mr. Allen's settling in Saginaw County; John D. is a hotel-keeper at Loomis,,' Gratiot County and his present circumstances, both Isabella County; Helen J. is the wife of Weslev of which periods are strongly typical. Soon after he Winter, a farmer of Deerfield Township, this county; located, the well-remembered time known as the Alonzo is a farmer at Loomis; Amy is the wife of starving period came on, from causes too well-known Wallace Mason, of Coleman; Isabella (the first girl to require elaboration here. Mr. Allen, like all born in the county, I853) is the wife of William others, exerted every effort in behalf of the suffering, Dodds, a farmer of Mecosta County; Adelaide is the and among other practical deeds established the sale wife of Angus Walker, a farmer of this county; of articles generally required, operating on his farm. Emily, Franklin and Julian E. are at home. i In 1859 he went to Alma, and there engaged intrade The family came to this county in I853, and for nearly two years. He met with financial reverses bought 80 acres on section 22 of what is now Union and lost nearly all his property, but honest effort Township, at the rate of a dollar an acre. They, and careful management have placed him among drove from Marshall, Calhoun County, and cut their + the substantial residents of Gratiot County. own road for the last ten miles. They raised a log He was married at Grand Ledge, Eaton Co., Mich., house, without lumber for doors, floor, window, or f <,/.t> > --- —i~ " ~t%$(rs~i~-~C:~3 Ct- 1 Q) -a ii d C 4. ) i@9,ISAB - MELA CiOUN. ---~ — ^w v|:: 196 ISABELLA COUNTY. --— @)i? glass or other necessity in the construction of a comfortable residence. They cleared all this farm, and a made a nice home. Mr. Hursh had frequently to carry his provisions from Saginaw, at one time thus transporting Ioo pounds. At the time of his death ) (Thanksgiving day, 1877), Mr. H. was keeping the Hursl House at Loomis. He kept. hotel there for four years, and was previously for a number of years extensively engaged in lumbering. About I87I, he bought a house and two lots on Church Street, Mt. Pleasant, which Mrs. H. now | makes her home. She also has a claim to a quantity of land in this county, at present the subject of litigation. k~QOj~)iiy+ ~k~3i~~ly.n?). - r~~aa date he enlisted in Co. A, 2ISt Mich. Vol. Inf., to serve in the late civil war, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Gens. Rosecrans, Buell and Sheridan. He participated in the battles of Perryville and Stone River and other minor skirmishes in which his company were engaged. At the battle of Stone River, Jan. i, I863, he was captured and after four weeks was taken to Libby prison, where he was confined for about 15 days, when he was paroled. Shortly afterward he was taken with small-pox and was discharged May 6, I863. After he was discharged from his country's service he came home, and, after recovery, ran a blacksmith shop in Barry County for two years. He then entered on the occupation of a farmer again and successfully cultivated his farm for a period, when he. ~,.:1 1 I T _ IL -:11 p 8 J SOlI it ana purcnasea a saw-mlll. ne ran tne mill ohn Rowlader, senior member of the firm for nine years, then sold it and moved to Seville [ of Rowlader & Winter, grocers at Blanch- Township, Gratiot County. From there he came to ard, this county, was born in Wurtemberg, Lincoln Township, this county, and purchased 120 Germany, Dec. I2, i828. When two years of acres of land on section I9 and 80 acres on section = age his parents emigrated with him to the New I5. This was in I873, and he has subsequently W orld and located in Herkimer Co., N. Y. given the farm on section I9, 120 acres, to his two T They remained there for six years and then moved daughters. He improved 70 acres of the 8o-acre I to Steuben County, same State. In that county, on a farm on section 15 and recently sold it for 4,ooo. Y farm, John was reared and educated,-remaining He invested $3,000, together with $r,ooo invested )under the parental roof-tree, assisting his father and by his son-in-law, in the business in which they are attending the common schools, until he attained the at esent engaged. Th are meeting with success age of i8 years. On arriving at the age stated, Mr. in the enterprise and have an increasing and profitRowlader went to Yates County, his native State, able trade. and worked two years for farmers by the names of Mr. Rowlader was united in marriage, March 23, Green and Abbott. He then went to Dansville, I852, at Carlton Center, Barry Co., this State, with ivingston County, and apprenticed himself to a Mr. Miss Mary Ann, daughter of William G. and Eliza Zachariah Dildine, to learn the blacksmith trade. (Robinson) Wooley, natives of New Jersey, and of He served his apprenticeship four years, and then Scotch and German extraction. The father was a worked as a "jour " in various localities for a period, farmer by occupation and came to this State June when he came to this State and established a general i8, 1837, settling with his family in Bowne and Calblacksmith shop at Woodland Center, Barry County. edonia Townships, Kent Co. He was the first white The date of his settlement in the place last named was man to settle in those townships, and was one of the I850, and the year following he purchased a farm in first white settlers in that county. From Kent Woodland Township, same county, and after mar- County he went, in Feb., 1843, to Carlton Center, riage moved upon it and followed his trade, together Barry Co., and was one of the pioneer settlers of that } with the occupation of a farmer. His brother was a township and county., partner with him in the business and the connection Mary Ann was the eldest of nine children, and was P lasted for i3 years. In 186i he sold his interest in born in Enfield Center, Tompkins Co., N. Y., March the farm to his brother and purchased another farm, 2I, I832. When one year old she was taken by her.9 which he cultivated until Aug. 6, 1862. On that parents to Ovid Township, Seneca County, same -aa —7!B -~ - 1. llli ltIK- --— ^T^ I1nn1s.....t.... ISABELLA CO UNTY. 1 97 State, where they lived until the daughter was five results. They have a judiciously selected stock, years old and then came with them to this State. This suited to their patronage. They own the buildingin! was three months after the admission of Michigan as which they arelocated. Mr. McQueen was elected & a State, and Mrs. Rowlader has resided within its Village Assessor in March, 1884. He is a member boundaries ever since. She was educated in the of the Masohic Order and belongs to the blue lodge common schools and in the school of "industry," and Royal Arch Chapter at Mt. Pleasant, and the which necessity required to be taught at home, and Council at Jonesville. at 14 years of age entered on the occupation of a He was married in Hillsdale, in December, I874, domestic. She followed that vocation for some time, to Sarah E., daughter of William and Eliza Nowlin. improving her leisure time in study. At the age of She was born Oct. 29, 1853, in Pulaski, Jackson ( 8 years she had acquired a good common-school Co., Mich..-, rillrlntionn nTn.qCl exnminnit;rn and entered on the profession of a teacher. She successfully followed her profession, teaching in the common schools of Barry County until her marriage to Mr. Rowlader, as stated. The husband and wife are the parents of five children, three of whom, Margaret J., Ada E. and Zana E., are living; and Jessie C. and Emma L. are deceased. The father and mother are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and have been faithful and energetic workers in the same for 20 years. Mr. R. politically is a Republican. He > is also a member of the blue lodge, No. 304, F. & A. M., at Woodland, Barry County, and of the Royal lbert W. Hance, farmer, section 25, Lincoln Township, is a son of Adam and Mary (Morrison) Hance, whose biography may be " found in this work, and was born in Bennington Township, Morrow Co., Ohio, Oct. 8, I841. Mr. Hance was the oldest of six children and remained on the parental homestead, in Ohio, assisting in the maintenance of the family and in the cultivation of the farm, and attending the common schools of the county, until the removal of the family to this State, in I865. He accompanied his parents to this ) i~ Ir1 A( -,o ICl; Arcn Cnapter at Hastings, same county. -. Arc, se c. State at the date named and, with the father, entered on the task of improving their wild land, which in () -:. - zC-^^- ~.-S -the future was destined to become the property of e ( our subject. They fought against deprivation and E phraim F. McQueen, senior member of want, and, urged on by faith in the future developthe firm of McQueen & Ralph, dealers ment of the county and a determination to succeed, ~2" in drugs, patent medicines, paints, oils, they spent no time in idleness but constantly labored - stationery, toilet articles etc., Mt. Pleasant to accomplish their aim. was born Sept. 30, 1852, in Bridgeton, N. J: Mr. Hance was united in marriage with Miss His parents, John and Caroline (Lee) McQuieen, Adda, daughter of Philander and Eliza (Beals) removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich., when he was three Hams, May 20, t873. Her parents are natives of years old, where they are still residents. His father Pennsylvania, are of Scotch extraction, and reside is a painter by profession and is still pursuing that in Coe Township, this county, where the father is enbusiness in Hillsdale. gaged in the occupation of farming. Adda was Mr. McQueen attended school until he was 13 born June 18, I856, in Coe Township. She remained years old, when he entered the drug-store of A. C. at home, assisting her mother in household duties (? Allen to learn the details of the business. After and attending school at the log school-house in her serving his time he served as a clerk some time in native county until the date of her marriage. *'. Ludington and Jonesville, coming from the latter Mr. and Mrs. Hance are the parents of two chil- d. place to Mt. Pleasant in March, I882. He soon dren, born and named as follows: Luna Bell, Sept.; after formed his present business association with 29, 1874; and Dew F., May 6, 1883. The young Frank W. Ralph, and opened the store in which they couple lived for two years with Mr. H.'s father after K have since transacted business, with satisfactory their marriage, on the old homestead, and then set/ AIm 'aM oil' I 98 ISABELLA L/ i COUNVTY. \ --— ___-,^ _ - ^... sti,g,, I,;.{4 (,l rdl T J7 E 'f^ tied on his present farm of 200 acres, on section 25, Lincoln Township. He has 40 acres of his place improved, and has recently erected a residence thereon at a cost of $i,ooo, exclusive of his own ) labor in the construction of the same. Mr. Hance, politically, is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has held the offices of his school district, and is a respected and esteemed citizen of the township. — ~-~<.< ^,.-t5 -atrick C. Sullivan, of the firm of Manners & Sullivan, blacksmiths at Mt. Pleasant, is a son of Patrick and Mary (Kelley) Sullif van, and was born in the township of Lowe, i Ottawa Co., Pr. of Quebec, Aug. 28, 1855. His parents are still residing in Lowe, on a farm. Mr. Sullivan learned his trade in Ottawa, Can., which he has followed since he was 19 years of age. He remained in Ottawa less than two years, and = went thence to Bay City, Mich., where he engaged in the service of Gates & Fay, operating in the winter = season in the lumber woods and during the summer R in their mill shops. He went in 880 to East Saginaw, where he remained until August, when he ) came to Mt. Pleasant and conducted a blacksmith shop about six months in company with Patrick Mason, after which he associated Wm H. Manners with himself in the same business. This relation is still existing, and they are engaged in general blacksmithing and in the manufacture of all kinds of lumber tools. They also do horseshoeing and repairing. Mr. Sullivan owns his shop and residence and grounds on Pine Street. He was married Nov. 22, 1883, at Mt. Pleasant, to Libbie M. Carroll, a native of Canada, born Aug. 22, 1859. Welland Co., Can., April 28, 1833. He was reared on a farm, and also worked some at carpentry, which he learned of his father. In 1859 he came to Port Huron, St. Clair County, this State, and worked in the lumber woods nine months. Then he came to Saginaw, where he was similarly engaged for two years. Next he spent a few months at Port Huron, and then was variously employed at Saginaw until the fall of 1862, when he came to this county. He has here followed lumbering a number of winters, being first in the employment of John M. Hursh. In 1863 he bought 80 acres, including the south 40 of his present farm. In June, 1865, he bought the north 40 of his present place, also 00 acres in Deerfield Township, 60 acres on section 25, and 40 on section 26. On his home farm 45 acres are in cultivation, and on the other tracts 17 acres are improved. He has built appropriate farm buildings, and a nice residence. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married in Union Township, March 8, 1864, to Miss Harriet E. Hursh, born in Palmyra, N. Y., March 3, 1839, the daughter of John M. and Elizabeth Hursh. The four children born of this marriage are as follows: Nellie, Jan. 24, i865; Alice E., born May 7, 1867; Maud, Sept. 3, i868, and Earl C., Feb. 20, 1876. The first named was born in Mt. Pleasant; the other three on the farm. 'or, " N4 - I -0 - - |'zra C. Stringer, farmer on section 30, 1 j t Union, owns 40 acres on either side of the quarter-line road, the southwest quarter. of the northwest quarter, and the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter; and also o1 acres in Deerfield Township. He is a son of Aaron and Mary (Hunt) Stringer, and was born in m-o —,- T) IC * ensselaer G. Whitney, of the firm of K Whitney Bros., liverymen at Mt. Pleasant, t was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. I2, \. 185o. He is a son of Benjamin and Caroline E. (Hall) Whitney. His father was a native of Vermont and a blacksmith; he died in Ontario County, aged 72 years. His mother was born in Ontario County, and is still living, near Salt ' River. 4 Mr. Whitney was brought up on a farm, and, on ' reaching his majority, joined his brothers, William / T. and Charles C. Whitney, at Mt. Pleasant. He: passed three years laboring as a builder, and in 1879 was elected Constable. While discharging the duties HQ1 --- —) | I I I -P,;, W 1'. 0 > ISABELLA COUNTY. 201.o —, WTA a.t I 1 if i ' r i,,T i Wfit de < t *.If',, \:g,trb I~ i,.xi \ 5 (.t i"< j k As' ro ii) ''*<~E / to![\ -m.-k I^r-:L a~" of the post (which he held one year) he was also en) gaged in draying. On the expiration of his term of office he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and has been the incumbent of the office ever since. In i883, i associated with his brother, George G. Whitney, he opened the livery stable which they are still managing. Their business is conducted in connection with the Bennett House, and they keep ten horses and livery accommodations in proportion to their patronage. They run an omnibus line for the benefit of the Ben/ nett House, and to accommodate the public. They? are also engaged to some extent in traffic in real A estate, buy and sell buildings, lots, etc., and now own three houses and five lots. Mr. Whitney is a member of the Order of Masonry. He was first married Sept. 2, I868, in Shortsville, Ontario Co., N. Y., to Sarah L. Beaden. His second marriage, with Mary R. Schuyler, occurred at Mt. Pleasant, in September, I876. She is a native of Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y..:i ohn T. Landon, a prominent farmer and, j,!G lumberman, residing on section 28, Chip~.m pewa Township, is a son of Jesse and Sally (Trickey) Landon, natives of Canada, where* they resided most of their lives. They first settled in Lansdowne, C. W., afterwards removing to Pittsburg, C. W., whence after a few years they returned to Lansdowne. The father was by occupation a farmer, but meeting with serious misfortunes he lost all he possessed. His wife died in Lansdowne, about I850, and he died at the same place, in the spring of I86i. Four children born to them grew to be adults, namely: Alfred, Sophronia, John T. and Rosanna. The subject of this biography, the second son, began life in Lansdowne, April 26, I840. He was about nine years of age when his mother died, and his father being in somewhat limited circumstances he went to live with a young preacher named James Peck. Here he found a good home for one year. The following two years he worked by the month for )oard. He was employed by various indiintil 21 years old, receiving sometimes as: $io per month. During many of these I years his work brought him in contact with men who drank and had other bad habits, but young Landon stoutly resisted all temptation. To this earle virtue his present standing and success are directly attributable. When young, he was often held fast by thoughtless and evil men who tried to pour whisky down his throat, and who used every means, foul as well as fair, to shake his resolution; but he bravely answered No, and was victorious. When a little over 21, that is, Nov. 29, I86I, he was united in marriage at Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., with Miss Martha, daughter of Samuel H. and Rhoda (Ferguson) Andress, natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Andress lived in the Dominion until 1862, when they came to Clinton Co., Mich. They lived then successively three months in Clinton County, two years in Canada, four years at St. John's, Clinton County, and two years in Gratiot County. They then lived for six years in Chippewa Township, this county, four years on a farm in Denver Township, and finally settled in Chippewa Township, where they still reside. Their daughter, Mrs. Landon, was born in Jefferson Co., Can., June 17, I840. i' I (i 1 C 3l JE T After marriage, Mr. L. resided in Canada until the? following summer, and in July, 1862, came to Clinton County, this State. Sept. i, following, he came to this county and sought employment, which he readily obtained for one year, at $15 per month and board for himself and wife. He then bought 40 acres on section 30, Chippewa, going in debt for nearly all the purchase price. One year later, during which time he worked out by the month, he moved on his land. He continued to work for others, clear-. ing his own land as fast as he could. Being.fond of hunting, he passed part of his time in hunting and. trapping. Three years later he bought another 40 acres, and in two years more he sold his whole 80 and bought I60 acres, where he has since resided. Shortly after locating the last time he took a contract of lumbering, which proved very disastrous, and he found his affairs badly involved; but by untiring en- ( ergy and perseverance he has surmounted all difficulties, and now " in the sunshine of prosperity he s can smile at the trials of the past." He has bought ( from time to time various tracts of land and now owns, in Chippewa Township, Isabella County: 157 3/ acres on section 28, 80 on section 29, 40 on C,Il = Or (,.'.A. 1% &f iYA -T4J ---J4lB6. 7tl-.1.n MH KC( j;3 a n y - ------- ^T^OBjfla i ^ ---- 202 ISABELLA CO UNTY. section 18, 160 on section 15, i60 on section I and land Counties, and then came again to Isabella 40 on section io; and in Greendale Township, Mid- County and worked in the lumber woods for M. land County: 120 acres on section I8, and 27 on Stinchfield. He has since cleared about 40 acres of, section 21;-in all, 9243/ acres, besides five village his land, built a good barn in the summer of 1883, lots in Mt. Pleasant and 4 acres in Gladwin County. and made other improvements. He has been an i I I I 1 ~, i 1SIx > is Pi J I n tLIne year 1073 nei uuit Ine nne D[rcK ireisciitc he now occupies, and which was the first brick structure in Isabella County. In 1883 he erected two new barns, and he now has on his place seven barns and two sheds, the latter 66 feet in length. He keeps o00 sheep, 40 cattle, 17 hogs and 6 horses. Mr. Landon has been President of the Isabella County Agricultural Society for four years, and to him belongs the credit of making that useful organization what it is. He cleared the land, arranged necessary details and advanced the means to put it in running order. He has often been urged to acF.-.. rf.;rPc,. ho;ft",f Mh; fal1Wr -i;+;.anc. hNO, hr1ko T c ) 0 1 ~s UYpL Uv11pt UC U03 LlI gJ invariably declined school offices. Pol occasions with the ] are active member Church. We are certain th will look for Mr. L and we therefore gi _F_ I t.UlllcI Ui 11is SnIIUUi Ui[liLLL LWU ILCIllJS, itllU in ICgdtLU to political questions takes Republican views. In the month of June, i871, Mr. Sandbrook married Miss Carrie F. Bezner, who was born in I845. Her parents dying when she was an infant, she was brought up in the family of a man named Shaw, in Wayne Co., Mich. She died May 9, I880, leaving two sons, namely: William M., born in October, I872; and Thomas, in June, I874. -.. _ L. _ o. eorge San mont, is a ven) Sand members of 1 died in I88I born March 7 the age of 12 he be{ he emigrated to the Garden, New York c dener until the foll year in Wayne Co., I869-70 he cut woc County; he then bo where he now reside it. The following w the spring he did so ing the summer he v M F —; 11Ls VI 111 iulluw U.L,&Z.J3, UUL 11C llb except in the case of several sectn 13 M. L o acts on al~l he rman D. Eldred, farmer, section I 3, (g itically, Mr. Landon acts on all.. Riticall, Mr. Lando acs on al Rolland Township, is the son of Judson D. Republican party. He and wife and Mary (Dopp) Eldred, natives of New rs of the Methodist Episcopal /.. e York State, the former born in New Lisbon, a May 20, 8 i9, and the latter in Geneseo, March, at the citizens of Isabella County 24, 1828. The former came to Michigan when X andon's portrait in this ALBUM, ~e it, on aa young man, residing at first for a while at Hillsdale,;* and in the spring of I866 he settled upon a oneeighth-section of land in Rolland Township, this (, county. In i870 he moved to Broomfield Township, — f- and in I88I he sold and went to Missouri; in a short time he sold out there and returned to Broomfield Township. They are both yet living on the farm he.dbrook, farmer, section 30, Fre- last purchased. Of their 14 children, 6 are deceased. i son of William and Ann (Bea- The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 15, 1852, Ibrook, natives of England and in Branch Co., Mich. the farming community: father When 20 years of age he engaged as clerk for T. and mother in 1878. George was C. Gardner, general merchant, at Millbrook; alsoY, 1842, in Merthyr, England; at worked some at carpentering. In 1877 Mr. E. came gan to work on the farm; in 1867 to the farm he now owns, the tract comprising 320 United States, landing a tCastle acres; 140 acres of this are now under cultivation. city, and working as a hired gar- He has good improvements, and one of the best barns owing April; next he resided a in the township, built in 1882. At present Mr. Mich., working on a farm; in Eldred is Supervisor of the township of Rolland and Ad for Charles Lamb in Clinton he has been Highway Commissioner one term. Is a ught 120 acres of primitive land member of the Masonic Order, and in politics is a!s, but did not then settle upon supporter of the Republican party. rinterhe spent at St. John's; in March 24, 1874, Mr. Eldred was married to Miss me chopping on his land; dur- Jennie, daughter of Champlin H. and Rachel (Slater) t was at work in Wayne and Oak- Roberts. She was born Oct. 5, 1856, in Susquehanna. n. r ISABELLA COUNTY. 203 I Co., Pa. Her father was born in 1835, and her mother, of Mt. Pleasant, which position he filled two terms. now deceased, was born in I836. He has officiated several terms as member of the < Mr. and Mrs. E. are the parents of three children, Town Council, and is at present one of the School!, namely: Alice E., born June 19, 1875; Florence M., Board. He is a prominent member of the Masonic ( Sept. 8, 1879; and Mary B., May 5, i882. Order, belonging to the Royal Arch Chapter and to the lower body, Lodge No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant. He is a charter member of the lodges at that place and I-".-m+".E$~cci3 " — at Salt River, and assisted in the organization of both. n M, m t at M. P Mr. Maxwell was married at West Unity, Ohio, to / ohn Maxwell, merchant at Mt. Pleasant,, Mrch las Mary C. Goll. Two children, John and Ellen, were /~ -was born March i5, I837, in Glasgow, as n ar,, D in l, born of their union. The mother died, and Mr. "^.0 Scotland. His parents, Daniel and Helen.. Maxwell was a second time married in I879, to M. z Ad tAgnew) Maxwell, were natives of the same - w, we n s o t s E. Slater, of Isabella County. Mr. and Mrs. Maxcountry, where they passed their entire lives.. E *,...,. well are members of the M. E. Church. His father was born in Stirling, and was a maltster by calling. His mother was born in the South of Scotland. When Mr. Maxwell was i years old he entered )into an apprenticeship to learn the trade of a watch> aker. He served five years under his indentures { onrad Buhrer, farmer, section 12, Rol-, and pursued the business some years longer. He land Township, is a son of Jacob and Bar= came to the United States in the fall of 1857 and t: bara (Bolle) Buhrer, natives of Switzerland. a X went to West Unity, Ohio, where he opened a shop His father was born in 1786 and died in I847,. m and continued in business five years. In the spring and his mother was born in I803 and died in _ of 1863 he came to Isabella County and entered a 1875, in Adrian, this State. " homestead claim of i60 acres of land on section 29, The subject of this sketch was born June 21, I839, ) in Lincoln Township, where he resided until the in Switzerland; landed at New York city May 3, ( spring of i870. His farm is valuable, with about 70 I86i, where he remained a short time; next, was acres under cultivation. He officiated as Supervisor three months at Toledo, Ohio, then at Adrian, Mich., of Lincoln two terms and held other minor offices. awhile, working on a farm, and Toledo again, workIn the fall of i869 he was elected Sheriff of Isabella nine months in a sash factory. At this time he conCounty on the Republican ticket. He held the po- cluded that patriotism required him to uphold the sition a year and on his resignation appointed County Union Government by risking his life upon the field of X Treasurer, to fill the vacancy created by the death of battle, or, what is worse, in the military camp. Accord9 the incumbent, Nelson Mosher. He held the position ingly, he enlisted in Co. K, 37th Ohio Inf., which seven successive years, being thrice re-elected. He served under Gen. Sherman. He was engaged in the established his present business April I, I880, in battles at Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Big Shanty company with J. E. Fessenden. A year later, the and Marietta, and was wounded at Atlanta, Aug. 24, connection was terminated by Mr. Maxwell buying 1864, in consequence of which he was in the hospital the interest of his partner, since which time he has 30 days, at home in Toledo on furlough, and then operated alone. He carries a well-assorted stock, till the close of the war at Cleveland, Ohio, where he suited to his trade, and estimated at $1o,ooo in value, was honorably discharged June 5, I865. He then including dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, crock- worked one year at Toledo, two years at Adrian, ery, ready-made clothing, hats, caps, etc. His es- Mich., and then he bought 40 acres in Fulton Co., O. ( tablishment is one of the leading business houses of On this he lived till Oct. 15, I879, when he came to Mt. Pleasant, and his trade is prosperous and satis-.his present home in this county. With regard to (I factory. His farm is managed by his son. national questions, Mr. B. is a Republican. Mr. Maxwell was the first President of the village In I868 he married Miss Frany, a daughter of GOI'n1hadMi anyadg ' d - -^v~n H 204 ISABELLA Jacob and Mary (Dinger) Master, natives of Germany, who live on a farm in Henry Co., Ohio. Mrs. B. was born July o1, 85o. The children of Mr. and Mrs. B. are: Minnie, born Oct. 20, I869; Jacob B., April 8, I871; Mary, June 15, 1873; Lydia, Oct. 12, 1874; Edward, April 19, I876; William, May 31, I878; and Alphena, Dec. 20, 1882.,iA._ CO UIVZ Y..=..X '~:~: I: t] i /. -C.+ I C=" "Q /t ewett E. Chatterton, general merchant at i A Mt. Pleasant, and member of the lumber firm of Walker & Chatterton, was born Dec. 7, I840, in Mt. Holly, Rutland Co., Vt. He is a son of Daniel and Betsey (Jewett) Chatterton, who removed to Michigan in I852. They settled on I60 acres of land in Meridian )Township, Ingham County, four miles east of Lansing. Their family includes four children: George. A. Chatterton, an insurance agent at Hubbardston, = Ionia Co., Mich.; Mason D. Chatterton, an attorney at Mason, Mich., and Probate Judge of Ingham 4 County; Sarah E., the wife of Augustus Sturges, and i residing on a celebrated piece of property near the r city of Richmond, Va., known as the Hopewell r Farm. Daniel Chatterton was born in 1807, in Mt. Holly, Rutland Co., Vt., and died in Meridian, Ingham Co., Mich., in i866. Betsey (Jewett) Chatterton was born in 1804, in Littleton, Mass., and died in the same place where the demise of her husband occurred, in I877. Her parents were natives of MassaI chusetts, of English descent. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were born in, Connecticut, and were of English ancestry. Mr. Chatterton attended the common schools of Ingham County until he was I7 years old. He then became a student in Lansing, and after two years of study he entered the Agricultural College near that city, where he was a student three years, after which h he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and pursued a course of commercial study at Eastman's Business College, where he was graduated in 1863. Meanwhile he engaged in teaching, and taught six winter terms from 1859 to I865. In the year last named he went to Hubbardston, Ionia County, and in company with his brother George, he established a mercantile business. The w relation existed four years, and after his brother's ( withdrawal Mr. Chatterton continued the manage- % ment of his mercantile interests at that point ten years. He came to Mt. Pleasant in May, i880, and.i at once established the business interests in which he has since been engaged. His average stock represents an estimated value of between five and eight thousand dollars, and his trade is in a thriving condition, requiring two assistants. In March, I88I, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, John! P. Walker, and they purchased a lumber mill in Mt. ( Pleasant, Mich. In the operations of this they employ about 25 men. The daily product averages 30,000 shingles, and they expect to cut about 2,000,000 feet of lumber in I884. They ship their products chiefly to the East. They combine building contracts with their other business and conduct a retail yard in connection with the mill. Mr. Chatterton owns four lots in the village of Mt. Pleasant, where he built a handsome brick residence in 1882-3. He also owns three lots, on which he has erected three.k nice cottages to rent. He is a member of the Order of Masonry. C Mr. Chatterton was married April 28, 1867, to A. 3= Elizabeth, daughter of D. D. and Angeline (Howard) y Adams, who was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., July 15, I841. Her father was born in i806, in Madison Co., N. Y., and was of English descent. He removed to Michigan in 1847, and died in Antrim, in the county of that name, in I880. His wife was born in 1814, in Connecticut, of English parentage. Her marriage occurred in 1834, and she died in Antrim Township in I854, leaving five daughters and 1 three sons. Mr. and Mrs. Chatterton have two sons: Howard E., born March i6, 1872, and Harry J., born f7 Nov. 10, 1874. lfred L. Young, hardware merchant, Salt River, is a son of John G. and Lydia A. I (Artz) Young, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in this county in I867 and died in Salt!) River. Their family comprised ten children. The fourth son, the subject of this sketch, was? born in Pennsylvania, June 12, 1850, educated in A I 1^ (G) I /I f I li-so,# 0 qV --- :4 a n > A> ISABELLI.^ = = = == ==or= = t the common schools, and came to Isabella County with his parents in 1867. He was first employed by his father in a grist and saw mill, in which business he was engaged until I876, when a'division was made, he taking charge of the grist-mill, with a younger brother, in the interest of their parents, until the death of the latter. In April, I883, they sold their interest in the grist-mill and formed a partnership in the the hardware and agricultural implement trade, in which they are succeeding well. Mr. Young is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in political affairs votes with the Democratic party. He was married, in Salt River, Aug. 30, 1879, to if Miss Clara, daughter of J. E. and Elizabeth (Baker) Morton, residents of Mecosta County. Mrs. Y. was born in Maine, Dec. 25, 1859. They are the parents of two children,-Elton M. and Alfred E. In July, 1869, Mr. Young met with a serious accident, by which he lost his right arm. In runring a belt upon a pulley he was caught by that arm,which was taken off nearly to the shoulder! He had, indeed a very narrow escape with his life. | ames Manwell, Supervisor of Fremont l ^ Township, residing on section 14, is a son j of Robert and Margaret (Scott) Manwell, j X, natives of Scotland and now residents of Can1 ada, upon a farm. The subject of this sketch was born June 20, 1844, in Lanarkshire, Scotland; in 1857 he emigrated to Canada; in 1865 to Portage Co., Ohio; after a time, returned to Canada; then to Portage Co., Ohio, again; and in 1876 to Isabella County, settling on section 22, Fremont Township. He afterward sold this place and bought a portion of sections I3 and I.1, same township, the amount being 80 acres. Here Mr. Manwell is winning from the soil a livelihood for himself and family, and is exhibiting the example of ' an industrious and prosperous farmer. He has been Township Clerk two terms, and has been Supervisor since the spring of I882. Of national questions he takes Democratic views, and he is a member of the Masonic Order, Wabon Lodge, No. 305. Aug. 17, 1878, Mr. Manwell married Miss Eurana Hunt, who was born March 20, i860, in the town of ~itaMi_- -- ii — ----- -t~ A COUNTY. 205 Fairfield, Lenawee Co., Mich. Her father, Jason A. Hunt, was born in the State of New York, and her mother, Chloe, nee Scovel, was born in Cuyahoga v Co., Ohio. They settled in Fremont Township, this county, in 1876, where they at present reside. Mr. ( and Mrs. Manwell have one child, Menso J., who was born May 4, 1879, in this county. VR i eorge G. Whitney, of the firm of Whitney Bros., liverymen at Mt. Pleasant, was fit born Oct. 4, 1845, in Ontario Co, N. Y., v and is a son of Benjamin and Caroline E. (Hall) Whitney. (See sketch of R. G. Whitney.) At the age of 11 years he was apprenticed to the Empire Drill Company, of Shortsville, N. Y., to learn wood and carpenter work on their machines. He remained in their service until he was 16 years old, when he enlisted. The civil war had broken out a few months previous, and he yielded to the influence which ruled all classes and conditions of men in the North. He enrolled at Canandaigua, in Co. L, 24th N. Y. Vol. Cav., as bugler, and served two years. He was with his regiment in the engagements of the Wilderness, at North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court-House, and on the i7th and I8th of June, 1864, in front of Petersburg. They were again engaged in the siege of that city Sept. 30, i864, and afterwards at Hopper's Farm, Farmville, Appomattox Court-House, Stony Creek, and in numberless skirmishes of minor importance. At the storming of Petersburg, June 17, 1864, he was slightly wounded in the head by a. piece of shell, otherwise escaping unharmed throughout the entire period of his service. He was discharged June II, I865, at Cloud's Mills, Va. In the month following he came to Michigan and located at Cambria Mills, Hillsdale County, where he pursued the business of a carpenter. In the spring of i883 he came to Mt. Pleasant, where he was similarly engaged a year. In the spring of 1882 he entered into association with his brother, in which they are now operating with gratifying results. Mr. Whitney was married Nov. 19, I865, in Cambria Mills, to Mary A. Jackson. She was born 1 O i iK 4 C~ *e.,. c \. WE Az.* N ( u. r L~~ --.~~a 206 ISABELLA March 19, I848, in Wheatland, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and is a daughter of Zachariah and Charlotte Jackson. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, as follows: Clara, Aug. 30, I866; Vettie, Oct. 24, I869; Charlie B., Aug. 8, 1872, and Everett, May 20, I874. The latter was killed at Isabella City, Aug. 25, 1883, by being thrown from a horse he was riding. His foot caught in the stirrup and he was dragged some distance, receiving injuries from which he died. fS % fii ^4 CO UNTY. ' Iharles Taylor, residing on section 29, Chippewa Township, is a son of Thomas and Mary (Church) Taylor, who were born and lived in England till the father's death. After that event the mother came to America and In. I. _r A __ - XT l7 1_. _v1 - k lived in Urleans to., N. Y., untii ner oeatn. [ Their children numbered three, Charles being the eldest. "* He was born in England in October, I829, and M was nine years of age when he came with his mother: to the Great Republic. He lived in Orleans Co., = N. Y., until 18 years old, attending school and working on the farm. He worked out by the month for nearly four years, and in i85 returned to England for a six months' visit, partly on business and partly for pleasure. He attended the World's Fair at London, one of the first of the great exhibitions which have been held frequently since in other cities. After one year more in Orleans County, he came, in April, I853, to Michigan, and lived in Eaton County about two years. In February, I855, he came to this county and bought 240 acres in Chippewa Township. He built first a log house, which he occupied about eight years, then a small frame dwelling, in which he lived until I87; and in that year he built his present residence. He has since disposed of all but 80 acres of his farm, and now has in cultivation 50 acres. He was first married in England, Jan. 15, I852, to Miss Ann, daughter of George Franklin, a native of Albion's Isle. She died March I7, I852. Aug. 26, of that year, he married, for his present wife, Miss Sophronia, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Trickey) Landon, natives of Canada and Virginia. Mrs. Taylor was born in the former country, April 23, I843, and has borne to her husband eight children, six of whom survive: Charles W., Warren D., William A., Mary A., Florence A., Rosina, Ella and Sidney. William A. and Sidney are deceased. Mr. Taylor has been Township Clerk and Justice of the Peace, and is now Township Treasurer, having been elected in the spring of I883. He takes a deep interest in education, and has held the several district school offices. Quite early in life, after receiving a common-school education, he began to study for the ministry. In I853 he was licensed as an exhorter and in i856 as a local preacher of the gospel, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he and wife are still consistent members. He has preached effectively at various points in this section, in Eaton County and in Gratiot County. Mr. Taylor votes the Republican ticket. 7-3-~ --- -7 —7-~ X' 1 eth S. Richardson, farmer, section 30, FreJ i mont Township, is a son of Asa P. and Jane (Staple) Richardson. The former was l, born in Vermont in 1797, was employed in farming, in lumbering, also locating lines in the wilderness of the Pine-Tree State; moved with his family to Ohio in i851, settling first in Lorain County, two years afterward to Montgomery Township, Wood Co., Ohio, subsequently to Jackson Township, same county, and finally, in I868, to this county, where he lived with his children until his death, which occurred March 30, I879, at the residence of his son Barnard. His widow, who was born in Maine in i8o6, is still living, " hale and hearty," with her son Charles at Dushville. All her 12 children are living and are heads of families, four in Ohio and eight in Michigan. The subject of this sketch was born Oct. 31, 1826, in the State of Maine; worked at lumbering and farming in his native State until he was 26 years of age, when he moved to Lorain Co., Ohio, and afterward to Wood County, that State. In I868 he moved to this county and homesteaded 40 acres; he subsequently purchased 120 acres more, and he now has about 60 acres in good cultivation. He has been Township Treasurer two terms, Highway Commis I, I r 1 i. K r $ s t "Xa ---. —3OJ$ —I 3;; ~.0 0,:7,:C ISABELLA CO UATY. 207 3 sioner two terms and school officer I3 years in suc- K., having no children of their own, have adopted cession. Politically he is a Republican. a son, whose name is Rollin S. Before he left the State of Maine, Mr. Richardson On national questions Mr. Kinter acts with the Re-, ^ married Miss Emily, daughter of Henry and Isabella publican party. Taylor, who was born Aug. 3, 1835, and died April 5, I857. Two years afterward he married Miss Mary -l.^-,wv_- l A., daughter of Samuel and Eliza A. (Ragon) McEwen, the former a native of Pennsylvania and Mrt Risr o D -.,~.iehtmel Murtha, Register of Deeds of Isathe latter of Kentucky, both now residing in Seneca Co.,m Mrs. R. was born May 8, bella County, residing at Mt. Pleasant, Co., Ohio, on a farm. Mrs. R. was born May 8,, C, on a farm. - was born May 7, 1844, in Portland Townf ship, Ionia Co., Mich. He is the fourth of number, as follows: Charles H.. born Nov. o1, I86I;. f,,., nine children born to his parents, Patrick and Eliza J., Dec. 26, I863; Emma, Oct. I2, i865; Geo.. i. Ann (Hoy) Murtha, all of whom are living. In W., Aug. 3, I868; Mary L., Dec. iI, I870; and. Cena A., Dec. 21, 873 The first te we brn 856 his father removed with his family to Coe TownCena A., Dec. 2i, i873. The first three were born.,.. ship, Isabella County, and settled on I60 acres of in Ohio, the last three in Michigan., land on section 8, which he afterwards increased by the purchase of 80 acres additional. Both his par| A d. ^ Dents died on the homestead.:. _ Mr. Murtha was reared on the farm and was engaged in farm labors until he was I9 years old. He illiam H. Kinter, proprietor of hotel, Salt obtained a fair education by devoting the winter seaZX |l ].o River, is a son of Cyrenus and Jane (Lee) sons to earnest study, and, after the age named, he == A Kinter, who were natives of New York spent some time in teaching and as a clerk. He:3 1 State and Illinois, respectively, and settled owns a farm in Coe Township, which is located on: J first in Eaton Co., Mich., where they lived section 9, and contains 40 acres of land, with 25 ' ' about 22 years; they then came and located in acres under cultivation. Coe Township, where they now reside. Mr. Murtha has officiated as Clerk of Coe TownIn this family were three children, of whom the ship one term, and as School Inspector several years. subject of this sketch was the eldest son. He was He has also served as Township Treasurer two terms. born in Eaton Co., Mich., Nov. 21, I842, and edu- In the fall of i882 he was placed in nomination on cated at the common school. In July, I86I, he en- the Democratic ticket, for the position he is now filllisted in the Fifth Mich. Vol. Inf. and served three ing. running against C. W. Gardner, and was elected years, being in 30 important engagements, from Jan. by 66 majority. He is a member of the Order of 9, 1862, to the siege of Petersburg, which continued Masonry. He was married Oct. 23, 1872, at Salt >? till April 3, I865; and he was also in numerous River, Coe Township, to Sarah, daughter of James skirmishes. He was discharged at Detroit, Mich., C. and Hannah W. Merrill. She was born in Portland, and, returning to his home in this county, he was Me., Oct. 3, I845. Their children are: James M., for about a year unable to labor, on account of sick- born Aug. 31, I873; Anna, May 9, I879; and an inness. He then bought a farm of I20 acres in Coe fant child, unnamed. Township, where he resided until 1883, when he Mr. Murtha's parents were among the first settlers purchased the hotel at Salt River, which he now of Coe Township. Following is the record of their manages. He has about Ioo acres of his farm in children: Stepheh P. is a farmer of Coe Township, cultivation. and married Catherine Gruber; George W. is a ^ He was married in Gratiot Co., Mich., July 4, I869, farmer in the same township, and married Maria 4 ~: to Emily, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Rossiter) Struble; Arthur is acting as clerk for Mr. Murtha, J( White, natives of the State of New York, who settled of this sketch; Richard E. is a student at the State in this county about I860. Mrs. K. was born in Normal School at Ypsilanti; Sarah A. is the wife of Calhoun Co., Mich., Feb. 27, I850. Mr. and Mrs. Dr. J. P. Young, of Turlock, Cal. E::: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 0o8 ISABELLA COUNTY. that company, and on the river and on his Pennsylvania farm. Since coming to this county he has worked some in the woods, and was foreman for T. E. is Arnold in the winter of 1865-6. 11n S. Fay, farmer on section 33, Chip- He has held the office of County Superintendent pewa Township, is a son of Silas and oba of the Poor for seven years, Township Treasurer three F n o C aryears, and Highway Commissioner four 'years. He b'! (Allen) Fay, natives of Connecticut and Ver-,.. itakes a deep interest in the welfare of the township,, mnont. The parents first settled in Wyoming..;.J and is pre-eminently one of its representative citizens. Co., N. Y., and about I865 they removed to Iowa, where the mother died, in November, I865. The bereaved husband went on a visit to New York and Pennsylvania, and while at Attica, N. Y., he died, e _ in June, 1873. His remains were taken to Iowa and buried beside his wife. Their family comprised three 'gc sons and five daughters, Allen being the eldest. X _ idney Clark, druggist and Postmaster, Salt He was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y.,Dec. 26, 1826, River, is a son of Robert and Martha and remained at home until nearly the age of 21, I ' (Clark) Clark, natives of New York State alternately attending school and working on his ' t[ who first settled in St. Lawrence County, that ( father's farm. He bought seven months of his time State, and removed to Isabella County in the from his father, paying for the same $40, and then; fall of I864, settling in Coe Township, where h worked out by the month. He then went to Penn- they now reside. Their family comprised six sons ' sylvania, where he worked in a saw-mill off and on and two daughters. for six years. The second son, Sidney, was born in St. Lawrence '% He was married in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Aug. 22, C., N. Y., May 7, 1843, and was educated at the i 853, to Miss Salina E., daughter of George and common school. He came with the family to this v Eliza (Buck) Wood, natives of New York. Mrs. county in 1864, and for about four years was in the '( Fay was born in Cattaraugus Co. N. Y., Oct. I8, employment of Aaron Wessells, at St. Louis and I828. Before marriage, Mr. F. had purchased a Salt River. He next engaged in mercantile purfarm in McKean Co., Pa., and they at once settled suits at the latter place, but soon abandoned them, on the same, where they lived three and a half years. selling out and buying 5o acres of land on section 14, He then sold, returned to New York State, and Coe Township, where he resided a year and a half; bought a steam saw and shingle mill, which he ran he then sold out and removed to Calhoun Co., Mich., about seven years. In the meantime he made a residing there two years, engaged in mill work and! ten-months visit to Pike's Peak in search of health. carpentering, and one year as a clerk; next he had }In the spring of I865 he came to Isabella County icharge of the machinery in a woolen factory in i and bought 8 acres of land on section 33, where he Van Buren Co., Mich., one year, when, on account of has since resided. He now owns 260 acres, I55 ill health, he returned to St. Louis, Gratiot Co., and under cultivation,-a handsome farm. for a year was employed as clerk by A. Wessells. He Mr. Fay is politically a Republican. He is a mem- was next engaged for two years in a shingle-mill in ber of the F. & A. M., and has belonged to the; Clare County, this State, and then, at Bay City, he I. 0. 0. F. He and wife belong to the Methodist was first engineer for N. B. Bradley for six years. ( Episcopal Church, of which he has been Steward I5 Then he returned to Coe Township and settled on a years. farm of 20 acres, which he conducted until January, Mr. F helped to build the tram-road for the Tuny 1883, when he sold out, moved to Salt River and Lumber Company, in McKean Co., Pa., which he established himself in the drug business, in which he ran for three years. He formerly made frequent is succeeding well. He was appointed Postmaster at trips down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, on rafts. this place Nov. 8, I883. He has also held the offices He spent altogether seven years in the employ of of Constable, Deputy Township Clerk and School _,'i.-~,". sp44efl I .4 > - ISABELLA CO UNT-Y. 211 I I 1.. o - I C *iS x [ [ I I 7..d A8 j2 f And i _ US ' #_., K Director. He is a member of the Masonic Order and of the G. A. R. In the fall of I86I, Mr. Clark enlisted in the g2d N. Y. Vol. Inf., served a year and over, in the " Balloon Corps," and was honorably discharged at Fortress Monroe, for disability. In political affairs he is a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the M. E. Church. Mr, Clark was married in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Feb. I4, 1864, to Miss Ruth Dunn, a daughter of Edward and Jane Dunn, natives of the Empire State. Mrs. C. was born in that county, Feb. 9, I844. They have had three children: Hollis N., now deceased, Iva M. and Eddie. 1. a I 1) f; ^^<"l l~- b^<& 0 II I x x 0 lexander Brodie, farmer, section 26, Union a Township, was born Aug. 13, I834, near Greenock, on the River Clyde, in Scotland, and is a son of James and Christina (Thompson) Brodie. Mr. Brodie was sent to school until he was 19 years old, and acted during the last four years of that time as an assistant in the school he attended. He came to Norfolk Co., Canada, before he was 20 years of age, and spent three years there in teaching. In I858 he transferred his interests to Sanilac Co., Mich., where he remained several months. In the spring of 1859 he went to Saginaw, and in the fall of the same year he made a prospecting trip to Isabella County. The next spring he settled in Union Township, where he has since resided. His farm was a part of land that came into market about two -years later, when he entered a claim of I60 acres under the provisions of the Homestead Act. The estate now includes i30 acres of cleared and improved land. Mr. Brodie now owns 440 acres of land, located on sections 26, 35 and 36, and on the entire tract I80 acres are improved and in tillage. Mr. Brodie has been a prominent citizen of Isabella County since he settled within its limits. He taught two terms of school in the days of his early residence, and has been identified with school matters quite extensively, having officiated in school offices some years in the locality where he is most closely interested. In the fall of I878 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for the office of County Treasurer, running successfilly against Richard Hoy. He was again nominated and elected in I880, and held the position altogether four years. He has acted as Supervisor of Union Township for many years. Mr. Brodie was married at St. Louis, Mich., May I2, I866, to Jennie E., daughter of Samuel and Grace (Craig) McLeod. She was born Jan. I5, 1844, in the city of Auburn, N. Y.; Lillie, the eldest child, was born Feb. 10, I868, in Lincoln Township. The three other children were born as follows, on the homestead: Hugh, July 12, I870; Grace, Dec. 28, 1876; Jessie, Nov. i, I88i. In i86i the parents of Mr. Brodie came to Union Township, where his father died, in June, I872. The mother is living, in a small house built expressly for her use and independent comfort, on her son's farm. The father of Mrs. Brodie removed from Shiawassee County to what is now Lincoln Township, in Isabella County, in i862, and entered a claim of 160 acres of land..The mother died there in I869. The father was killed in the lumber woods, in 1864. Upon a page in proximity to this sketch is given a fine lithographic portrait of Mr. Brodie, as a worthy and prominent citizen of Isabella County. KS obert Laughlin, conductor on the Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant branch of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, and residing at Mt. Pleasant, was born May 2, I830, in Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y. His father, Robert Laughlin, was born in I7 85, in Ireland, spent his life in the pursuit of agriculture and died -at Henrietta, at the age of 58 years. His mother, Elizabeth (Kincaid) Laughlin, was also born in Ireland, in 1787, and died at Dunkirk, N. Y., in I863. Mr. Laughlin was the ninth of ten children born to his parents, and was reared on a farm. At the age of 20 years he left home and engaged as a brakeman on the New York & Erie Railroad, where he was employed*from 1850 to 1865. He operated as a brakeman eight months, when he was promoted to i 1 (( I ) f,r I 3 I' f V, " ~C),Ii I/ 1f7,* pAfl7)'lfltl_________________ 212 ISABELLA COUNTY. < the po6sition of conductor, in which capacity he oper- elected President of the village of Mt. Pleasant, on ated four years. He then became a fireman, and, the Democratic ticket. He owns his residence and j after serving in that position 15 months, he became grounds, and another lot, where he intends to build a, an engineer. During the last I8 months of his stay dwelling; is also the owner of three building lots in ni in his native State, he acted as Secretary of the the city of Grand Rapids. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. His marriage with Mary McDonald occurred Oct. He came to Ionia, Mich., in I865, where he pur- 15, I854, in Greenwood, Steuben Co., N. Y. She was chased an interest in the mercantile establishment born Aug. 15, 1834, in Ireland, and is a daughter of 6f Peter Hackett, in which he continued one year. Joseph and Bridget McDonald. At the expiration of that date, he engaged in the furniture trade, in which he operated alone one year. < In 1867 he accepted a position as conductor on the o tonia & Lansing Railroad, in which capacity he officiated a few months, when he was appointed Superintendent and Master Mechanic of the railroad. eorge W. Fouts, farmer, section 13, Lin"' ]r1_.._L..... eL___ L1 —......Ie-__L,~.... J ______... L.___ _ ~. " 1 _.,:'%' ) Ign_ 2:= " ' < S3. two years later, axter tne consouiiaaon ot tne road with the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, he was appointed Assistant General Superintendent and Master Mechanic. He resigned the position at the expiration of 30 days, and became an engineer on the Ft. Wayne & Jackson Railroad. He continued in that employment one year, and went to Greenville, Montcalm Co., and took charge of the Grand Rapids, Greenville & Alpena Railroad. The affairs of the line were brought to a termination by the failure of the owners of the road six months after his appointment, and he entered the employment of the Chicago & Lake Huron Railroad, as conductor. He spent two months in managing freight trains, after which he was a passenger conductor. The road became merged in the Chicago & Grand Trunk, and he remained in its service until October, I880, when he entered the employment of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad Company, as a conductor on its Eastern Division. He ran a freight train about six weeks, when he took charge of a passenger train and has since continued in that position. In the spring of i88I, he removed his residence to Mt. Pleasant. He is a"member of the Conductors' Insurance Association; and is prominent in Masonic circles. He has been connected with the order since he reached the period of his legal freedom. He has taken several degrees and is High Priest of Mt. Pleasant Chapter, No. III, Royal Arch Masons. He was chiefly instrumental in the organization of that branch of the Order at Mt. Pleasant, in the spring of 1883, and it was instituted Feb. 4, I884. On the Ioth of March, 1884, Mr. Laughlin was ijl — i coin lownship, is a native o0 the State ot A Ohio, where, in Carroll County, he was born, Feb. 22, I846. His parents were George and Eleanor (Hemming) Fouts, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, and of German and English extraction. The father followed the trade of a mechanic, and died in Ohio, in I875, aged 63 years. The mother is still living, and resides in Carroll Co., Ohio, and has attained the venerable age of 68 years. George W. lived on the farm and assisted in the maintenance of the family until he attained the age of I5 years. At this age of his life the Nation called on her sons to protect her flag from rebel shot and shell, and Mr. F. went forth to fight for its perpetuity. He enlisted in Co. A, 8oth Ohio Vol. Inf., and his company'was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. His corps was known as one of " the Bloody i5th," commanded by Gen. Logan. Mr. F. was at once placed in the "drummer corps" as tenor drummer, which position he occupied for three years. He was in all the active engagements of the company during its service in the Army of the Cumberland. Together with the rest of the musical corps, Mr. F. was detailed as "stretcher bearer," which threw him in many dangers. /4A I KYi.4 ~ I IL, 7f-~' After serving in the army for nearly three years, he was discharged, and thereupon immediately reenlisted for the remainder of the war. After the (i close of the great contest, Aug. 14, I865, Mr. F. was honorably discharged after an active and continual ) service of three years and ten months,. DO[19-W' — ' -4 ^^'. S 0?^~-~y ~~ft zf. i q ( ISABELLA COUNTY. 213 a)=,*1 r7 i,, I - - -. - - - -. 1T,4 In After his discharge from the service, Mr. F. immediately returned to his home, that of his parents, in Wayne Co., Ohio, where he remained until the fall of 1867, when he came to this State. He located in this county and engaged in working in a mill. He followed this occupation for some time and then purchased an interest in the mill and remained as one of the firm for three years. At the expiration of this time he began farming for his father-in-law, which he continued for a period and then purchased 40 acres of land on section 13, Lincoln Township, where he has constantly resided ever since. Mr. F. was united in marriage, Sept. 14, I869, in Coe Township, this county, with Miss Mary E. Estee, who was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y.,Sept. 6, i85 I. She was the daughter of Perry H. and Carrie E. (Dole) Estee, whose biography may be found in this work. Mrs. F. came with her parents to this State and county and remained under the parental care until her marriage. She attended the "log-cabin school" at Salt River when six years of age, and, in company with her brother, seven years old, walked two miles to obtain this privilege. Later she attended the union schools at Mt. Pleasant, and there, together with occupying her leisure moments in study, she acquired a good education. One child has been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. F., namely, Free L., Feb. 28, I875. Mr. F. is at present Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the I. O. 0. F., Lodge 239, of Salt River, and of the G. A. R., of the same place. Politically, he is a believer in and supporter of the principles and doctrines of the Republican party. rthur B. Caldwell, farmer, section I2, Fremont Township, is a son of James C. and Nancy R. (Russell) Caldwell, the former born M in Massachusetts in 1824, and the latter in New York in I829, and died in this county, in August, 1867. In this State they first lived in Macomb County, then Clinton County, then located on section 12, Fremont Township, this county, where the subject of this sketch still resides. Mr. J. C. Caldwell has followed farming and lumbering since I coming to Isabella. On the above place he improved 1oo acres, and added two lots, of 45 and 35 X acres. He finally sold this farm, and he now lives at Two Rivers, Deerfield Township, this county. Arthur B. was born Nov. 8, I849, in Macomb Co., Mich., lived at home with his parents until of age, and at the age of 25 married Miss Mary E. Preston, who was born Dec. 5, I85 2,-in Wyoming Co., N. Y. She is a daughter of Albert A. and Martha (Nichols) Preston. Mr. P., a farmer, moved with his family from New York State to Wisconsin in I854, returning in a short time to New York, and in I863 came and settled on a quarter-section in Lincoln Township; but since the autumn of I882 he has resided at Mt. Pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have had three children, as follows: Lillian M., born Oct. 31, 1875, died Dec. 31, I877; Geneva M., born June 5, I878; and Alice M., Oct. o1, i88i. In regard to national issues Mr. C. votes with the Republican party. W. Carr, junior member of the firm of Carr & Granger, merchants at Mt. Pleasant, i \ was born June 15, 1848, at Prairieville, Barry Co., Mich. He is the son of David 0. j. and Chloe M. (Granger) Carr. His father was a hotel-keeper and lumberman, and removed from the State of New York to Michigan in 1836. Mr. Carr was but a small boy when his parents removed to Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich., where he attended the common schools until he was I6 years old; and then he was sent to Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Detroit. After finishing a complete commercial course, he went to Grand Ledge, Eaton County, and there formed one of the partnership of Babcock & Carr in the sale of drugs. The relation existed until i870, when Mr. Carr sold his moiety to his partner and opened an exchange bank, which he conducted one year. In i87 I he came to Mt. Pleasant and bought out Worden & Gayett, druggists. Mr. Granger was admitted to an interest in the business soon after and the partnership has since remained intact. The firm is the oldest unchanged business connection in the,4~1 lv) V r. V. ' jC,$5 a I' y'k i. vr a =X I It ^,h 4),?* i) il. -t I I,, ora I ~ —'i "I, 91:~l- - C1 ( 11r t ri C?: k~s4 Of,' 3 A <-L n^ KS^^ ";" " ~^^^ ISABELLA CO UNTY. f a 214 c ~ -- I town, and, it is supposed, in the county. They are the oldest liquor dealers in Isabella County, and handle also groceries, drugs, books, stationery, paints, oils, etc., and carry a stock which is estimated to represent $35,000. They employ five assistants. Messrs. Carr & Granger transacted their business six years at a location on the north side of Broadway, which is now occupied as a furniture store. They were burned out Aug. 5, I875, rebuilt at once, and in 30 days were in running order. Their loss by the.fire was about $5,000. In I877 they built the fine brick block in which their business is now established. The building faces on Broadway and Main Street, and is constructed in the shape of an L, 175 feet long. The wing is two stories in height, and the main portion is three stories high above the basements. The proprietors occupy. the entire structure with the exception of one room, which is used for an office. They own three lots on Broadway, known as the Wm. N. Harris property. Mr. Carr is the owner of his residence and grounds. His, marriage to Annie, daughter of Alexander Hapner, g occurred May I I, 873, at Mt. Pleasant, the ceremony x being performed by G. W. Gosling. Mrs. Carr is a C= native of Indiana. Bessie, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Carr, was born at Mt. Pleasant, Sept. 7, 1875. k.-,.harles Demlow, farmer, section 29, Fremont Township, is a son of John and - Sophia (Canford) Demlow, natives of Prussia, ' who came to New York State in I863, locating on a farm. Mr. D. is yet living in Erie Co., N. Y., but his wife died in 187 3, in that county. They had three sons and four daughters: one of the former is deceased, and all the living except one are married. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born March 12, I846, in Prussia, came with his parents to America, lived at home with them on a farm until i8 years of age, and in the fall of i877 came to Muskegon County, this State, remaining there four years. He then settled on his present place of I20 acres, 20 of which are well improved. He has a. comfortable house, and in 1883 he erected a large I I II and commodious barn. In regard to political issues Mr. D. is counted a Democrat. Nov. I9, 1869, Mr. Demlow married Miss Minnie, daughter of Charles and Sophia Hillman: the former died in New York and the latter in Michigan. She was born in Michelburg, Prussia. Mr. and Mrs. D. are the parents of six children, viz.: Charlie, William, Emma, Mary, George and Edward. --- dam Hance, farmer, section 23, Lincoln iJ Township, was born in Licking Co, Ohio, / Feb. 3, I825. His parents were Thomas and Polly, nee Douglas, Hance, the former a native of New York and of German descent, and the latter a native of Scotland. The name Hance, as spelled by our subject, is a patronymic of Hause, as it was spelled by the father of Thomas. The father of Adam was a farmer by occupation, and moved his family from New York to Licking Co., Ohio, in 1817. When he first went to that county it was but little settled, and the hand of improvement was hardly visible. He remained there for some time and then moved to Knox County, same State, and then went to Morrow (then Delaware) County and lived there until his death, in I879, being at that time in his 92d year. Adam was three years of age when his parents went to Morrow (Delaware) County, and spent his years until manhood in that county. He assisted his father on the farm and attended the common schools of the county, procuring a good common-school education and developed into manhood. When 22 years of age he engaged with his father in the mercantile business, and successfully continued in the partnership for two years. -At the expiration of that time he and his brother, jointly, followed farming on the old homestead, and so continued until 1865. During the above named year, Mr. Hance disposed of all his real estate and came to this State. d He came direct to this county and purchased 640 acres of heavily timbered land, on sections 23 and 24, Lincoln Township. On this land he established his "pioneer cabin," and entered on the arduous, X though in many respects pleasant, task of improving it. He encountered all the privations and obstacles I I NAu I A r (, L)'I. 0 else kkI 11 Nacon~~~~" ~J~_ X ISABELLA of the early pioneer, but, having faith in the future development of the country, he fought against all obstacles with a determination to overcome them, and succeeded. To his original purchase Mr. Hance has added 240 acres, on section 25, same township, and 7 of his entire estate he has 200 acres under good cultivation. Mr. Hance was united in marriage, in September,. I838, in Ohio, with Miss Mary Morrison, who was born in Licking Co., Ohio. She was of English and Welsh extraction, and was reared under the parental d roof-tree, receiving the advantages afforded by the i common schools of her native county. Mr. and Mrs. Hance were the parents of six chil mCOU2TY. 2r5 ^, COUNTY. 21 T5 *(1 i r ^1 3 ta 0iV dren, named as follows: Albert W., born Oct. 8, I841; Henry M., born Nov. I, 1843; John W., born Aug. 2, 1849; David W., born Dec. io, 1852; Sam'l. W., born Feb. 2, 1856; and Phebe, born Nov. 30, I854, and died Sept. 29, 187 2. Mrs. Hance departed this life at her home in Lincoln Township, Nov. 6, I88r, mourned as a true wife, a loving mother, a faithful friend and a generous neighbor. She lived to see all her children established in good homes and honorable callings, and " crossed the river " to meet her daughter gone before. Religiously, Mrs. Hance was a Spiritualist. In the maidenhood of life she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later in life became a believer in Spiritualism and was strong in that faith at the time of her death. Mr. Hance is a Republican in politics; has held the offices of his school district, but outside of educational matters withholds his acceptation of office. He takes a great interest in education, and is an honored and respected citizen of his township. S. home until he was 20 years old, assisting-on the farm. He was then variously occupied until 24 years of age, residing two and a halfyears in Muskegon Co., Mich., then seven years in Ohio, and finally, in I865, he settled at his present place of residence, on 80 acres of primitive woodland. Half of this is on section 19, and half on section i8. Twenty-five acres of this tract is now subdued to the plow, and corresponding improvements of every kind made or placed under headway. In the spring of I883 he built a neat residence. Mr. Earl has served his school district one term in an official capacity. In respect to national and State questions he votes with the Democratic party. At the age of 21 Mr. Earl married Miss Margaret M., daughter of Leonard and Maria Smith. She was born Oct. 28, I835, in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Her father, a farmer, was born in Scotland, and her mother was born May 28, I814, and died March 24, I837. The household of Mr. and Mrs. Earl have comprised the following children: George H., born April 4, 1858, and died Feb. 13, i860; Ida R., born Sept. 20, I862, and died March 2, 1864; and Leonard L., born July i9, I871. acob Kratz, farmer and stock-raiser, section 12, Lincoln Township, was born in e Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, I855. When nine years old he went to live with his relatives, and remained with them until he had attained the age of 15. He then followed the occupation of farming, working as a common laborer on the farms in the county of his nativity, until 1876. March i, 1876, he was united in marriage with Acelia Kindig, a native of Medina Co., Ohio, where she was born Aug. 7, I856. Mrs. Kratz remained under her parental care, assisting in the household duties until she attained the age of I6, when she entered on the profession of teaching. She continued to occupy her time teaching in the common schools of her native county until she was married to Mr. K. After marriage Mr. K. rented a farm and followed his chosen occupation for two years. In March, 87 8, they came to this State and county i, 2/ ~ ~ r: I =m s1: 1l Ir k: R "^f)E P eorge Earl, farmer, section I9, Fremont J1^ Township, is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth: (Little) Earl, natives of Ohio. The former was born in 1802, was a blacksmith by trade, lived + in Sandusky County most of his life, and died in r883; was a farmer in the latter part of his i life. The latter died in 1872.? The subject of this biographical notice was born March 20, 1834, in Columbiana Co., 0.; remained at!~' -It ** 0 ' 216 ISABELLA COUNTY. (R.1 A 14 / A.l c.;( and settled on 80 acres of land:on section 12, Lin-? coin Township, which Mr. K. had purchased in 1875. This land was in a wild state of nature, and earnestly and energetically'did our subject enter on the laborious though at times pleasant task of clearing ) and improving it. He now has about 50 acres of this land well improved, and erected thereon good and substantial farm buildings. Mr. Kratz is devoting a considerable portion of his time to the propagation of stock, and is handling the Percheron breed of horses with signal success. He has one horse of this breed valued at $I,ooo. The husband and wife are both members of the \ Regular Baptist Church, in good standing. They are the parents of three children: Anna M., born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. i, I878; Harvey D., born in this county, Sept. 27, I879; and a child, who died in infancy. Politically, Mr. K. is a believer in and supporter of ) the principles anddoctrines of the Republican party. 5 ^ acob Baker, farmer, section 14, Fremont - Township, is a son of Josiah and Rachel A. (English) Baker, the former a native of i) Maryland, and the latter of Licking Co., Ohio. Mr. Josiah Baker, a farmer, was first a resident in Defiance Co., Ohio, then four years in Hillsdale Co., Mich., then a few years in Ingham County, two years in Eaton County, and then located on section ten, Fremont Township, this county; next he occupied section i5, of that township, and finally he 9 purchased 40 acres on section 22, where he now lives. His wife died Dec. 27, 1863, in Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1848, and came to this county with his parents, remaining with them until he was 22 years of age. In 1872 he bought 8u acres of section 14, Fremont Township, which tract was then N principally unimproved; he now has 5o acres in good cultivation, with other substantial improvements. His nice barn was built in the summer of I883. Mr. Baker has held the office of School Treasurer, and was elected Township Treasurer in 1883. ) March 21, I872, Mr. Baker was married to Jerusha E. Heiser, daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Trine) Heiser, natives of Maryland. Mr. H. was a mason and farmer; is now living in Eaton County, this State. Mrs. Baker was born in that county, Sept. 29, 1853. The children of Mr. and Mrs. B. are: Norman J., born July 25, 1875; and Orville J., Aug. 3, 1879. --— ~-^-+-~~ ~.-S --- eter F. Dodds, attorney at Mt. Pleasant, and member of the law firm of Dodds Bros., was born Jan. 4, 1849, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. His parents, John and Catharine (Hoy.) Dodds, came to Coe Township, Isabella County, in i866, where they resided until in I875, then moved to Mt. Pleasant, at which place the father died, Dec. 3, 1879. The mother is still living. Mr. Dodds was 17 years old when he accompanied his parents to Isabella County, and two years later he began teaching, in which calling he has had a large experience, covering 57 months in the aggregate, from i868 to October, I874. He studied meanwhile and was graduated in the "Full English Course," in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, in June, 1874. He studied one term in the Law Department of the University at of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1875, as supplementary to a course of law reading, which he had passed while engaged in teaching, and in the fall of 1875 was admitted to the Bar, at Ithaca, Mich., immediately after which event he formed a partnership, for the prosecution of legal business with Hon. Isaac A. Fancher, who was at that time in active practice, a talented lawyer and at the head of the Isabella County Bar. D. Scott Partridge became a member of the firm April 5, I878, which relation existed until Aug. i, 1879. Francis H. Dodds, a brother, was admitted to the firm in April, I880, and Mr. Fancher withdrew and moved to Detroit, Jan. 6, I882. Soon after this, George E. Dodds, also a brother, entered the firm, and William I. Dodds, another brother, was admitted into the concern in January, I883. In the fall of I880, Mr. Dodds was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Isabella County, and served one term. He is now a member of the County Board of School Examiners; is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Wabon Lodge, No. 305, and of lkf*itI? (9> f f,4, AfiN "'# -ea_ _____9___ --- ^,.w --— 09>- LOU --. ISABELLA COUNTY. 27 *....?.... - z..... ^,..... ^.....l,....,,,,^.^,.,.. ~.~.,.*W...,.*,,-..-..^.. -....,....., Mt. Pleasant Chapter, No. iiI, R. A. M., of Mt. acres of this land well improved and has erected on Pleasant. it a fine frame cottage., IIn June, 1882, having pursued his studies under Mr. Simpson was united in marriage, Nov. 10, i88o, * the direction of the faculty of Olivet College, he re- with Miss Julia A. Stocker, at Metamora, Lapeer ceived from said college the degree of Bachelorof County, this State. She is a daughter of Dennis Arts, of which school his brother, Francis H. Dodds, and Laura A. (Varnum) Stocker, and was born in and his sister, Harmione H. Dodds, are also grad- Metamora, Dec. 17, I855. She lived at hone, asuates. sisted the mother in the household duties and He was.married, April 20, 1876, at Mt. Pleasant, attended the common schools. Early in life she to Minnie E., daughter of Henry S. and Cornelia formed a desire to become a teacher, and vigorously f A. Bouten. She was born March 12, 1859,in Homer, prosecuted her studies to accomplish that end, and;, Calhoun Co., Mich. completed the same at Oxford, Oakland County. In |. the summer of 1871, at the age of I8 years, she began teaching in Lapeer County, then in Genesee, R | Clinton and Oakland Counties, meeting with success in every school and receiving numerous encomiums. for her skill and mode of teaching. She continued e orge W. Simpson, farmer, section i, Lin- in the profession until her marriage, as stated. con Township, was born in Crown Point, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are the parents of one child, ( I N. Y., April i, 1848, the son of Thomas and Linnie Ray, born Sept. I, i882. Mrs. Simpson is / Are ( rc o o co- connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Aurelia (Lawrence) Simpson, natives of Scotland and Vermoi He is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 44, = r and and Vermont. When five years of age.... = rz= 3 Birmingham, Oakland County, and in politics is a A:, he accompanied his parents to Cattaraugus County, Dmora Democrat. = A same State, and two years later came with them to this State. They located in Oakland County, at a |_,,;. _ f S, --- — time when the hand of improvement was hardly visible in the vicinity in which they settled. It was in ~ ^ 1855, and the county was at that time but little set- X B iavid W. Hance, farmer, section 23, Lintled. The old Detroit & Milwaukee Railroadhad its coin Township, is a son of Adam and flat-bar rails and the development of the county was J| Mary E. (Morrison) Hance (see sketch), in its infancy. w and was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Dec. Io, Mr. Simpson remained with his parents, assisting 1852. He accompanied his parents to this on the farm and attending the common schools of the State in 862 and returned again the same county, until he attained the age of 17 years. At year to Ohio, where he remained, variously occupied 4 this age he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's until the fall of i865. He then came to this county trade, and after three years' apprenticeship under a and has constantly resided here ever since. His competent instructor, he mastered the same. He abode was the home of his parents, and there he then followed his trade, in that county, until 1873, lived and assisted in the improvement of the farm. when he went to Big Rapids, and remained for a Jan. 8, 1876, at St. Louis, Gratiot Co., Mich., he period, and then to Ludington, Mason County, this was united in marriage with Mrs. Etta (nee Sherman) State. He remained at Ludington until February, Utley. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary 1 875, when he went to California, intending to follow E. (King) Sherman. Her foster parents were Anhis trade; but remained only a short time and then drew J. and Martha E. (Hance) Utley. Etta was went to Oregon. He was in the latter State two born Oct. 9, 1858, in Iowa, and was four years of age years and then returned to this State and county and when she was adopted by the family of Mr. Utley, located on 60 acres of land on section i, Lincoln who were then living in Knox Co., Ind. The family.W.( Township, which he had purchased in 1879, and on moved from Knox County to Ohio, and then to St. which he is at the present time residing. He has 25 Louis, this State, where she lived until her marriage e; &''*',.>. -id; t,_ a u 3 A - - ri -— pnXa 218 ISA BELLA to Mr. Hance. Following are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hance: Morrison U., born Jan. 15, 1878; Blanche and John W. (twins), born June 23, i88i. In politics Mr. Hance is a staunch Republican. COUNTY. ^ === = = == ^== === === === ^ C J,a eorge W. Foglesong, farmer, section 14, Fremont Township, is a son of George and and Mary A. (Cromer) Foglesong. The father was born in Frederick Co., Md., and the mother in Virginia. The father followed the occupation of farming for a livelihood in his native State for a period, and then moved to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he located and followed the same vocation for a period of 28 years. From Ohio he came to Gratiot County, this State, in 1862, and located in Pine River Township, on a farm. The. mother died in May, 1853, in Seneca Co., Ohio, and: the father was again married, and on removal to this @ State died, in the year 1867. His widow is again t married and lives in Pine River Township, Gratiot County. George W. Foglesong, the subject of this biographical notice, was born Nov. 14, I841, in Hopewell Township, Seneca Co., Ohio. He remained at home, assisting on the farm and receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools of the county, and developed into manhood. At the age of 22 years he responded to the call of President Lincoln for troops, and enlisted in Co. K, 2ist Mich. Vol. Inf., Second Div., t4th Army Corps, under Gen. Sherman's command. The regiment was detached and assigned to the Engineer Corps. They built a bridge across the Tennessee River and constructed the barracks on Lookout Mountain. They were then placed in the field and were engaged in the battle against Hood at Nashville and also the battle of Goldsboro, N. C., and other minor engagements. He was finally discharged at Washington, D. C., in August, I865. Immediately after his discharge, Mr. Foglesong came to this State and settled with his parents in Gratiot County. In I867 he was united in marriage to the lady of his choice, Mrs. Susannah Jordan, daughter of Thomas and Catharine (Creps) Jordan.._She was born May o, 1840. The father was a me chanic and lived in Seneca Co., Ohio. Mrs. Foglesong was born in the State of Virginia. In I863 Mr. F. came to this county and secured 160 acres of land on section 14, Fremont, and April 19, i866, moved on the same and entered on the task of improving it, determined to make it a permanent home for himself and family. He has at the present time about 80 acres of the land under a good state of cultivation and has erected thereon one of the best brick residences in the county, at a cost so far of $2,000, and which will finally cost about $3,000. Mr. and Mrs. Foglesong are the parents of three children, namely: Nettie V., Ward F., and Henry N. Mrs. F. had two children by her first marriage,Margaret A. E. and Matilda E. J. Politically, Mr. F, is a Republican, and in religion he and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 'ohn Wagner, farmer, section 14, Lincoln Township, is a native of the State of Ohio, where, in the county of Seneca, he was >,: born, Nov. 13, I835. He lived on the parental homestead, assisting in the maintenance of the family and attending the common schools of the vicinity, until he attained the age of 23 years. At this age in life, he took the old homestead and farmed it on shares. He was successful in this adventure and continued to farm the place on shares for some three years. April 5, I850, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Shoe, in Tiffin, Seneca Co., Ohio. She was a native of Wood County, same State, and was born Aug. 13, I841. She lived at home, assisting in the labors of the household and receiving the advantagesafforded by the common schools, until her marriage. After working the old homestead of his parents, Mr. W. moved to Wood Co., Ohio, and purchased an 8o-acre farm of his own, which he continued to cultivate for a period of 12 years. He then rented his farm on shares, and in 1878 built a grist-mill at Rising Sun, Ohio, which he successfully ran until March, I88r, when he sold the same and came to this State. C: qB A\ -1A ~!r $I 11 a I,, i~~l~ ~a3; a-F T- -~~ i -" —Wmomm=NW Loool, 1I I., I "alp 'AL > ISABELLA CO UNTY..j r,,, iI 2213 I 11 /) i \3 On his arrival he purchased 40 acres of land on section 14, Lincoln Township, this county, and on which he has continuously resided. Mr. W. has made considerable improvement on his farm and his prospects for the future are unclouded. Mr. and Mrs. W. are the parents of three children, namely: Henry A., born Jan. 26, I86I; Amanda A., born Dec. 24, 1862, and Sarah I., born Nov. i8, I868. Henry A. married Miss Elba J. Swigard and is now residing in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Amanda A. married Arthur H. Rowlader, and is living in Lincoln Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. W. is Class Steward and Circuit Secretary in that denomination. Politically, Mr. W. is an adherent to the principles of the Republican party. -- And I " -- *{We'albert B. Upton, lumberman, resident at Mt. Pleasant, and member of the firm of - Leaton & Upton, lumber manufacturers, was born Dec. 7, I853, in Franklin Co., Mass. His parents, Josiah and Nancy (Woodbury) I Upton, removed to Michigan in I855, where his father became the proprietor of I,ooo acres of land, in Victor Township, Clinton County. After a residence there of 15 years the family removed to St. John's in the same county. Mr. Upton acquired a substantial elementary education at the common schools, and at the age of 15 he became a student at Olivet College, where he spent four years pursuing a classical course of study. On his return to St. John's he became a book-keeper in the First National Bank, where he officiated two years. In I876 he came to Mt. Pleasant as manarrer nf t-h hanlrinr hnoic nof TTirclrt RPnnatft Rr Cnr a The house own an extensive mill in the west part cf ~ the town, and they employ a working force of 75 men or more, from which the extent of their manu- i facturing interests may be estimated. They own large tracts of timber land, located principally in Midland, Gratiot and Isabella Counties, aggregating about I5,000 acres. An important item in the catalogue of private property belonging to Mr. Upton is a fine stock farm of 2,500 acres on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, in the Republican Valley, in the State of Nebraska. On this he has expended about $50,ooo and devotes the entire tract to the rearing of stock, including horses and cattle. He employs about a dozen assistants, and his herd comprises commonly an average of between five and six hundred head of cattle. He owns from 40 to 60 horses and makes a specialty of rearing the Norman breed. He owns an interest in the building occupied by the banking firm of Hicks, Bennett & Co., and also his residence with five lots attached. Mr. Upton has served several ' terms as Village Treasurer and aided with his means and influence in the progress and advancement ot x Mt. Pleasant. He was married Sept. 21, 1876, at Niagara Falls, a N. Y., to Miss Mell Denison, daughter of Jared C. y and Fannie Denison. She was born Jan. 20, 1858, < Ovid Township, Clinton Co., Mich., where her parents now reside. Julia, elder daughter, was born Dec. 14, i880; Stella was born Oct. 12, I883, and named for Mis. Leaton, wife of the business partner of Mr. Upton. The family are members of the Unitarian Church, in whose behalf Mr. Upton has exercised an active and substantial influence, having been largely instrumental in building the place of worship at Mt. Pleasant. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Upton are presented on pages 220 and 221. < II I?,. 3 3 v I i r I a- 4 i, of which he was a member. He is still connected with the institution and remained its manager until |illiam W. Dush, dealer in general merJan. I, I884, when he resigned his active connection chandise and Postmaster at Dushville, is '( therewith, to devote his undivided attention to his; a son of William and Hannah (Todd) lumber interests, which where assuming extended Dush, natives of Ohio. His father was born proportions. On coming to Mt. Pleasant, he asso- Oct. io, i8io, followed farming, lived 4 4 ciated I. E. Arnold with himself in the lumber busi- years in this State, and died in Licking Co., Ohio, in ness, under the firm style of Arnold & Upton. Later, July, I880. His mother died in I852, in Defiance the relation was changed to Pickard & Upton, and Co., Ohio., afterwards to its present style of Leaton & Upton. The subject of this sketch was born Sept. iI, i850 — i-t;" " (;nn"nn>A 224 ISABELLA CO UNTY. 3 in Defiance Co., Ohio. At the age of I8 he cor- Capt. E. B. Lee. Nov. 17, following, he was capmenced working in the lumber woods during the tured, while on picket, between the James and ApS winter season and improving his farm during the pomattox Rivers, and was confined for two weeks in other seasons. In 1875 he located on 40 acres of that filthy and awful den, Libby prison, and then for section 15, Fremont Township; the next year he three months in that not less terrible place, Salisbury started the village that bears his name, and now has. (N. C.) prison! then two weeks again at Libby! about 200 inhabitants. From 1877 to 1879 he ran a when he was paroled, which relation he held to the saw-mill, and was interrupted in this line of business close of the war. He was honorably discharged by the explosion of a boiler. He was appointed July I, 1865. Postmaster in the springof 1882. He is a Republi- On national issues, Mr. R. sides with the Repubcan in his political views, and is highly esteemed in licans. A his community as a man of energy, philanthropy and a high moral tone. He has done much to build up | i-U1 a n r 4ha., P t- -1; — 1 tne materiali nterests oI tne people. ne nas Deen Highway Commissioner and Constable two terms each, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 219, at Millbrook. Mr. Dush was married in June, 1877, to Miss C. A. Ingersoll, daughter of L. W. and Mary E. Ingersoll. He has one child living, Herbert E., born Sept. 9, 1878; and one deceased, Nellie M., who died in i88I, aged two months., e. 4.? ll~ 1Aa ll I a illiam Loomis, farmer on section 22, VerI non, is a son of Justin and Eliza (Drake), Loomis, natives of Connecticut and Penn> sylvania, and of German and English deJ scent. The father died in this county in I872, at the age of 80, having followed carpentry all his life. The mother is living in Vernon Township, aged 62. The subject of this sketch was born in Lockport,,3: — 0 - "- - - jE rie Co., Pa., March I7, 1842, and began to look out = ~ i, ' for his own livelihood at the immature age of ten, by ~ oseph Rudler, general farmer, section 22, working on the canal. Returning home, he atLincoln Township, was born in Hamilton tended the common schools of Erie and Crawford [ ' Co., N. Y., April 28, 1834; remained with Counties, Pa. i his father on the farm until of age, when for a At the age of 19, he enlisted in Co. K, IIth Pa. time he alternated between farm labor and Vol. Inf. He was assigned to the Reserve Corps of lumbering; when 30 years of age he came to the Army of the Potomac, and was in but one skirthis State and for some time worked as a lumberman mish. He was confined to a hospital for six months, in Muskegon County, toward the last alternating be- and was discharged for disability, Nov. 9, 1862.: tween this State and New York. In i875 he came Returning home, he was married and commenced X to this county, settling upon 40 acres where he now keeping a boarding-house in the lumber woods of Jefresides, about 25 acres of which he has reduced to a ferson Co., Pa. He afterwards followed farming, and good state of cultivation. He has recently erected then spent three years in the oil region, on Oil Creek, a good residence and a large barn. His good judg- in Crawford Co., Pa. He was next employed in a ment as a farmer is evinced by a corresponding saw-mill until December, 1870, when he came to prosperity, which his neighbors recognize. Isabella and bought 40 acres, where he now lives. He was married in Pennsylvania, and has had one He has erected suitable farm buildings, and improved son, Martin J., who was born Aug. 25, 1860. He 18 acres. still makes his home with his father. He was married in December, I862, to Miss Annie i Sept. 3, I863, Mr. Rudler enlisted in Co. G, 63d Gibbs, who was born June 24,1845, in Jefferson Co., ' Pa. Vol. Inf., of the Army of the Potomac, but Jan. Pa. Of this marriage seven children have been born, ) 22, following, he was discharged on account of sick- four of whom are yet living. Their record is as fol-, ness. Sept. 3, 1864, he re-enlisted, in Co. A, 21Ith lows: Donna, born May i, 1864, and married Oct. () Pa. Vol. Inf., Army of the Potomac, commanded by 5, 1882, to William H. Archamboult; Myron, born -— g — ijagllH4.. — jljj^^.^-i — ^^ -^^ II^fa ---t^|ng A-7 -ISABELLA COUANTY. 25 > *5 * Xs I i q, t)~ T. Ii_ k 1 Dec. 23, 1865; Harriet, March 2, 1870; Charles, July 27, I878. The deceased are: Florence, born Aug. 15, I868, died June '16, I869; Minnie, born March 6,1872, died July I5, 1873; and Emma, born April 15, I877, and died the same day. Mr. Loomis is politically a Democrat. He has held the office of School Assessor for two terms and is the present incumbent. -~-S4~~9~~ —<^4^ -$homas Turnbull, a genial and obliging " mine host," at Dushville, is a son of Will[_ iam and Agnes (Huggen) Turnbull. They. were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to Canada, landing at Quebec in I830. They remained at the latter place for a short period and then moved to Toronto, Canada. From Toronto the parents moved to Moore Township, Lambton Co., Canada, and located on a tract of Ioo acres of land, on which they are at present residing and on which the father follows the occupation of a farmer. The subject of our biographical notice, Thomas Turnbull, was born Oct. 19, 1836, in Moore Township, Lambton Co., Canada. He remained with the parents, assisting in the maintenance of the family and attending the common schools until I7 years of age. At this period of his life he left the parental homestead, with the consent of his parents, and went forth to fight for prosperity, single-handed and alone. He served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade for three years, then worked as a "jour " for three years and more, when he engaged in the business for himself. He conducted the business with a moderate degree of success for three or four years, and then sold it and came to this State. Arriving in Saginaw, he worked at his trade for some three years, when he moved to Midland County, and was there engaged for two years. In I866, Mr. T. moved from Midland County to Mt. Pleasant, this county, and there worked at his trade until the spring of I874. He then entered the hotel business and successfully followed that vocation for a year, when, in the spring of I875, he sold out and went to Ludington, Mason County, this State, and there was engaged for a short time only, in the saloon business. He sold this the same year (I875) and came to this county and located on a farm of 40 acres, which he I cultivated for three years. Leaving his farm he went to Dushville and engaged at his trade, which he followed for three years, in partnership with Mr. George E. Osborn. The partnership was dissolved in February, I881, and Mr. Turnbull took charge of the hotel, which he is conducting. The host and hostess are genial and obliging to their guests and have made themselves quite a reputation in the business they are conducting. He has also been for three years doing an extensive business in the sale of agricultural implements. Mr. Turnbull was united in marriage, Sept. 24, 1859, to Miss Anna Grayson, born Jan. 6, I844, in Lambton Co., Canada. She was a daughter of William and Anna (Ardel) Grayson, the former a native of Canada, where he died in 1882, and the mother a native of the Emerald Isle. Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull are the parents of three children: Agnes A., Ellen H and Thomas. Mr. T., politically, is a Democrat. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant. ewis C. Griffith, Clerk of Isabella County resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Dec. 26, I837, in Wayne Co., Ohio. His parents, Nelson and Sarah (Cobler) Griffith, removed in I839 to DeKalb Co., Ind., where they reared their children on a farm. Mr. Griffith obtained a good education at the common schools, attending winter terms until he was 18 years, old and after that he attended the academies at Vienna and Newville, Ind., three years, devoting the spring and fall seasons to study, and teaching winters. He followed teaching as an occupation until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted Nov. 12, I862, in the 23d Battery, Ind. Vols., and participated in all the engagements of the Georgia campaign. He was in the actions at Lost Mountain, Resaca, Dalton, Burns Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, through the engagements of the siege of Atlanta, at Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. He enlisted as a private, and before his command left Indianapolis he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. At Knoxville he was again promoted to the position of Sergeant, and received honorable discharge July 3, I865, t (I I,. *., 'N r].,, 1~~" ' AIt> 1 i I Itl AV ili- i"BlblS)\a\ flJlciLnni iFi' ~~ ~r2TW s -— ^^Bi iiMi- - 226 ISABELLA COUNTY. at Indianapolis. On his return to DeKalb County, in Seneca Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Levi and he engaged in farming for a time. Within the same Jane Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have been the year he came to Isabella County and purchased Ioo parents of nine children, three of whom are deceased. i acres of land on what is now section 29, Broomfield They were born and named as follows: Douglass, Township, but did not take possession of his property. July 26, 1862; Wilbur A., June 30, 1867; Nettie, In September, r866, he brought his wife to Broom- Aug. 29, I869; Alma, Jan. 24, r871; Dessie B., field Township, and settled on 80 acres, located on June 13, I873; Hortense M., Oct. I, 1875; Irving section 3o. He now owns 160 acres on sections 3 L., April 25, I878; Lena S., Nov. 22, I880; Bessie, and 31, and has 80 acres in a fine state of cultiva- Feb. o1, I884. tion, with excellent buildings, valuable orchards and other farm appurtenances of the best order. When s ) \ he became a resident on his present farm it was all in heavy timber, and located three-fourths of a mile from any thoroughfare. He found himself obliged to eorge F. Goll, general farmer, section I6, Lincoln Township, was born in Springfield cut his road thither, and with his ox team he drewLincoln Township, was born in Springfield in a thousand feet of lumber and made a camp of it Township, Williams Co., Ohio, Oct. I6, for the shelter of himself and wife until he cleared a 843, his parents being of French ancestry.3,and both died in Ohio; his father, a farmer small patch of ground and erected a log house. In nd both died in Ohio; his father, a farmer this he lived 13 years. dying in February, I882, and his mother in. December, i86I. O The organization of the township did not take. e. He lived with his parents, laboring as a farm hand S place until I868, when he was one of the petitioners., s, h A t and attending school, until 1I8 years old, when he A' = for the accomplishment of that purpose. He was.. =. enlisted in the I4th Ohio Vol. Inf., Co. E, April 23, elected first Clerk and discharged the duties of theor t. O 1862,.-. I86I, for the three-months service. Oct. 14, 1862, w< r= place five years in succession. He served as Superhe re-enlisted, this time in the 2ist Battery, Light ~ visor three terms, as Superintendent of Schools about. Artillery, Ohio Volunteers, Army of the Cumberland, * four years, and as Justice of the Peace one term. and was in several engagements. When Lee surHe was nominated on the Republican ticket for the rendered, the Ohio battery, then at Richmond, was office he now holds, in the fall of I88o, and made a... ordered to fire a salute, in the execution of which successful run against E. E. Willie. He was again order a cannon was prematurely discharged, tearing nominated for the same position in the fall of I882, o n a is, off Mr. Goll'3 right arm at the wrist and otherwise and scored another victory. He removed to Mt.... injuring him severely. His arm was amputated four Pleasant in January, i88, to take possession of his inhe h el. H was csequently laid.. A. rinches below the elbow. He was consequently laid office. In August following his becoming a citizen. He was n ryup in the hospital for nine weeks. He was honora- v of Mt. Pleasant, he was elected Superintendent of u, e r < bly discharged June I1, I865, and returned to his Schools of the township. He was elected a member r s t i. H home in Williams Co., Ohio, where he lay for some of the County Board of Examiners, and is the pres- tme e h was to e re ot io bsiess. time before he was able to venture out into business. ent Secretary of that body. He is also a member ofo he e t In I868 he came to Michigan and contracted for the village School Board. 80 acres on section 16, Lincoln Township, upon In connection with his business as an agriculturist which he moved the next year. It was then entirely and incumbent of successive local official positions, wild, and he improved 35 acres, built farm houses, he has labored as a minister of the Christian etc., exhibiting every evidence of good judgment in Church. He has been an evangelist in Mecosta and his vocation. April 4, I884, he sold his place to Isabella Counties, and the aggregate time of his m- Martin Bassett, of Canada, and he now resides in the istry is ten years. He is now preaching regularly in State of Missouri. Salt River and has been since April, 1883. He has Mr. Goll has been Township Treasurer eight years been a Sunday-school Superintendent in the Presby- and held other offices: has now been Township terian Church. His marriage to Sarah Brown oc- Clerk two years, and is also Health Officer. In polcurred, Oct. 13, 1861. She was born Jan. 26, 1840, itics he is a Republican. Je} a2/NN N 4i - ISABELLA COUNrTY. < ISABELLA COUNTY. 227 T OOct. 6, 1867, in Lincoln Township, he married Miss Malinda Knipe, who was born in Springfield- - Township, Williams Co., Ohio, Jan. 22, 1853, and came to this State in the spring of I868, since which arren Wing, farmer, section 2, Fremont.; time she has resided in this county, except one year Township, is a son of Wesley and Salana in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Goll are the parents of three (nee Wilcox) Wing, natives of New York. children, viz.: Lettie J., Feb. 14, I871; George B., They moved from this State to Iowa in I85o, May I3, I879, and an unnamed infant, deceased. J| and there the father followed the occupaMr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Free Methodist ' tion of farmer for two years. He then returned Church. to the State of New York, and after remaining there a short time came to that State (in the year I863) - h3 i- Y and located a homestead of i6o acres of land on <~ section i, Fremont Township, this county, for himself, and I20 acres on section 2, for his son, the? ames M. McMillen, farmer on section 31, subject of this sketch. The father and mother are Vernon, was born in Clarion Co., Pa., May yet living, in Union Township, this county, where 30, I829, and is a son of John and Sally the former is engaged in farming and is the possessor (Maxwell) McMillen, natives of Pennsylvania, of 120 acres of good land. and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father has Warren Wing, the subject of this biographical ) been a farmer, and is now living with his son, notice, was born May 5, I842, in Chautauqua Co., ( ) at the advanced age of 85. The mother died in the N. Y. He remained on the parental farm, assisting N State of Iowa, in July, 875. Their family included the father in the cultivation of the same and attend-. ten children, of whom James was the third. ing the common schools, until he attained the age of = X He lived at home in Pennsylvania, working on his 21 years. On arriving at this age he accompanied ~ 3 father's farm until 30 years old. In 1864 the family his father to ths State and aided him in the clearing z= removed to Lucas Co., Iowa, where he farmed for of six acres of land, on which they planted winter ) 15 years. Selling his property, he then came to this wheat. He then engaged as a common laborer in St'ate and county and purchased 80 acres of timbered the lumber woods and followed that occupation until (3) land on section 31, Vernon. He has since improved I864. During that year he enlisted in Co. H, Eighth 40 acres and erected necessary farm buildings. Mich. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the He was married Dec. 14, I854, in Armstrong Co., Potomac, Ninth Corps, commanded by Gen. BurnPa., to Miss Sarah J. Stewart, daughter of Matthew side. He participated in the battle of the Wilderness and Nancy (Jamison) Stewart, natives of Scotland. and was there wounded in the elbow, which crippled Mrs. McMillen was born Jan. I, I834, in Armstrong him for life, and on account of which he is at present /. County, and was reared and educated in Clarion a deserving pensioner of the U. S. Government. On X County, same State. Of her six children, one is de- receiving the wound mentioned, he was sent to the A ceased, James M., born July 12, i85 9, and died Nov. hospital, and on convalescing he acted as nurse in i7, I86I. The living are: Winfield S., born Oct. 4, the hospital for some time, when he was transferred I853; Evaline E., Aug. 1, 1857; Edwin C., Dec. I, to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was finally disI86I; Rachel A., June II, i866; and Frank S., charged in August, 1865, at Pittsburg, Pa. June 25, I872. Winfield S. was married July 4, On receiving his discharge, Mr. Wing went to New 1883, to Miss Mary E. Phillips, and is now a farmer York State and was there united in marriage with on section 30, Vernon. Evaline E. was married Miss Lucinda Burt, who was born in Chautauqua June 8, 1876, to J. R. Miller, and is now teaching in Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1843, and is a daughter of Q Jefferson Co., Pa. Willard and Mary H. (Hosier) Burt, of New Eng parental roof-tree, assisting her mother in her house- moved to Barry County, and continued his vocation, hold duties and attending the common schools of for four years, when he came to Isabella and located < the county, until the date of her marriage, as stated. on i60 acres of land in Coe Township. He now After his marriage, Mr. Tomlinson worked one of resides on section 30, Union Township. He has his father's farms until the fall of i865, when he been an active and prominent man, and his biogracame to this State and homesteaded I60 acres of phy appears on another page. _ _ _ _ ` MIISSING PAGE MISSING PAGE rji $^e'I — — 11 X 11 11D =-N_4 =V ISABELLA COUNTY. 233. -(I. I /. I N I A \? I Dewitt S. Johnson, the subject of this biographical 3 notice, was born March 3, 1852, in Barry County,; this State. He' was, as his father, reared on the farm and received the advantages afforded by the common school, and under the instruction of his parents and his own energetic, persevering determination, acquired a classical education. He accompanied his parents to this county, and in 1879 was united in marriage with Miss Almeda M. Ackley. She was born in DeKalb Co., Ind., in 1856, and was the j daughter of Harvey and Roxana (Coburn) Ackley, natives of Ohio. Mr. Ackley was a soldier in the late civil war, and died while in the defense of his country's flag. Two children were born of their union, namely: Ralph E., May 23, I880; and Erma, Nov. 5, 1882. Politically, Mr. Johnson is a believer in and supporter of the doctrines and principles of the Republican party. He has held the office of Constable, and is a respected and esteemed citizen of the township. Mrs. Johnson is an earnest and active member of the Disciples' Church. l. i i I* 1 I ct ) If x:!m -* r B- r; a >v ai u I I i 3,,4l I r -? ii f enry Woodin, farmer and mill owner on J, section 28, Sherman, is a son of Henry and Lydia (Earl) Woodin, natives of New York. Henry Woodin, Sr., was a farmer, and died in his native State. His son Henry was born Nov. 6, 1827, in Monroe Co.,N.Y., and lived at home until 19 years of age, receiving a good elementary English education in the common schools. After leaving the parental roof he was employed in various grist-mills until 1853, when he came to Saginaw, this State. He then worked at farming and lumbering until 1869, when he came to this county, selected a mill-site on Chippewa River, and erected a grist and saw mill, which he has operated ever since. He owns at the present time i,050 acres of land,including 120 acres of winter wheat. He has in all 200 acres improved, and good farm buildings. He was married in 1838, to Miss Sarah B. Rose, who was born Sept. o1, 1825, in Ontario Co., N. Y., the daughter of William and Anna (Barber) Rose, of New York State. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. W.: George E. was born Aug. r, T848. and was accidentally killed in his father's saw. mill, in I878; Anna A. was born July 12, i850; and Louella E., Aug. o0, i860. In political faith, Mr. Woodin is a Democrat. He was elected Supervisor in 1871, and held the office six consecutive years; and in I883 and I884 he was again chosen t& the same position. He is a member of the Masonic Order. ~~ lharles Stirling, farmer, section 26, Union i Township, is a son of James and Ellen ~ - (Murray) Stirling, and was born in Midlo> thian Parish, Scotland, July 13, I833. When he was 9, the family came to Coburg, Canada, where they resided eight years, and thence they removed to Brockway Township, St. Clair County, this State. Here Mr. Stirling was married, July 2, i861, to Miss Naomi Brown, daughter of David and Mary (Matthewson) Brown. She was born in London, Canada, March 12, 1845. In I867, Mr. S. came to Saginaw and engaged in lumbering and jobbing, he having for three years previous been similarly engaged at Lynn, St. Clair County. While at Saginaw he was also in the icei business. He was burned out, losing about $4,000. In the fall of 1875 he came to Union Township, this county, and settled on 8o acres of land, where he now resides. This farm he purchased in I870, and his father lived on it five years, until his death, Jan. 19, 1876. His mother died in Canada, in 1856. One year after locating here, Mr. Stirling bought 80 acres adjoining his first purchase, on section 27, and at the present time 35 acres of this tract and all of the 80 acres on section 26 are in a high state of cultivation. He has cleared 45 acres by his own efforts, and the various improvements make his farm one of the finest in Union Township. He has a splendid orchard, including six acres, in various kinds of fruit. He is still interested in lumbering, to which he has devoted more or less of his time for 20 years. Mr. Stirling is a member of the Masonic Order. His family numbers six. James, the eldest, was born in Brockway Township, St. Clair County, Oct. 5, I862, and is now in the employ of Doughty Bros., of Mt. Pleasant. Mary was born in Brockway, Feb. 29, I864, and was married Feb. 28, I883, to Free Estee, of Mt. Pleasant, Nellie M. was born in Lynn ( ) *a. Ort 3=5 llcC iI 3=3 *e<, ( - Iivl _ ( _f fT r,; ):x -.- 09 g7o, IIM 7: 234 ISABELLA Township, St. Clair County, Sept. 27, i866, is now attending school at Mt. Pleasant, and graduates in C June (I884). David B. was born in Saginaw, July 25, I869. Christina was born in Saginaw, April 27, 1874, and Charles B. was born Oct. 31, I876. The last three are also attending school. * The portrait of Mr. Stirling is given in this work, as that of a worthy, representative citizen. 7ili ^I3 - CO UNTY. /V /I IN I A nl.=. 4!". t3harles T. Puchert, farmer and blacksmith, i residing on section 10, Lincoln Township, was born in Germany, Aug. 12, 1839. He emigrated to this country when about I7 years of age and located in Huron Co., Ohio. Shortly after his coming into the country he apprenticed himself to a Mr. Aaron Abbey, to learn the blacksmith's trade. He remained with Mr. Abbey for one year and a half, and with his successor (Wm. Becker) for one year, at which time he completed his term of apprenticeship. He then went to work as a "jour" and was thus engaged until July 28, 1862. At that date, he enlisted in Co. A, 55th Ohio Vol. Inf., Capt. C. G. Gambey, and accompanied his company to the Potomac, to which army it was assigned. Shortly after his enlistment, Mr. P. was taken sick, and. after remaining in the hospital for some time he was honorably discharged, on account of disability, Dec. 13, 1862. He returned home and after convalescence he established a blacksmith shop in Huron Co., Ohio. He continued to run his shop for a year, and then sold it and once again went to work as a "jour." Mr. P. continued at his trade for a short time and then went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania. He soon retraced his steps to Huron County and erected another shop, but shortly sold it. In the spring of i866 Mr. P. opened a crockery store in Wood Co., Ohio, and successfully conducted the same for about a year, then sold it and went to Toledo, same State, and again worked at his trade. From Toledo, Mr. P. came to Lenawee County, this State, thence to Medina Co., Ohio, then back to Lenawee County, and in I87 went to Illinois, where he followed his trade for some time. From Illinois he returned to this State and located in Hills dale, and in 1875 came to this county and located on I6o acres of land on section 26, Lincoln Township, which he had previously purchased. He afterward sold this land and purchased 80 acres on section 14, same township. While residing on this land, Mr. P. was burned out, sustaining a loss of $500. He then sold and moved to Salt River. 'From the latter place he went to Hillsdale County, where he remained until 1882, and then returning to this county he purchased 80 acres of land on section o0, Lincoln Township, on which he is at present residing. He has been the owner of five farms, on each of which he made improvements. Mr. P. was first united in marriage, in January, 186 I, in Huron Co., Ohio, with Miss Sarah A. Gilson, born in the county in which they were married. They had four children: Albert F., Elizabeth (deceased), Charles E. and Isabella. His second marriage was to Miss Lucinda Sawdey, of Hillsdale County, this State, who was born Feb. i6, I847. Mr. Puchert is a " liberal " in politics, and has held the minor offices of his township. He is a member of the Order of F. & A. M., Lodge No. 288, at Salt River, in which society he has held the office of W. M. for two years. X ~ eorge P. Cullimore, farmer, section I7,. Fremont Township, is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Haines) Cullimore. His father was born in Ireland, of English extraction, and his mother, in Maryland. In his younger days, his father followed the occupation of a farmer, and also that of woolen manufacturer. He came to America in i8I9, landing at Salem, Mass., but soon afterward moved to Maryland. From that State he moved to Ohio, and located in Greene County, where he followed the occupation of farming for six years, and then moved to Whitley Co., Ind. Both father and mother died in the latter named county, the former in March, I862, and the latter, Sept. 9, i88o. George P. Cullimore, the subject of our sketch, was born Sept. 2, 1826, in Frederick Co., Md. He lived on the parental homestead, assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm and'attended the com 4x k 4 Scrape i* \ I l 1t i? "" (i i d1,1 A W. " 1"" I: I"1.11' j- -1u -I''0 / (, 0 u --- au-sunD — t: ISABELLA COUNTY. 235 ((. -----------— ^ -* --- ^ ^ ^ ^^._ ^ - mon schools, until he arrived at the age of manhood. since the fall of I882 he has been engaged in the He followed farming in Whitley Co., Ind., until Octo- drug business at Dushville. Steady and reliable, he Dji ber, I874, when he came to this county and settled has a growing trade. ' on 1571 acres of land, which he had purchased in In regard to questions of national policy, Mr. 1865, and on which he has since made his home. Taylor acts with the Republican party. At the age of 26 years, Oct. 31, 1852, Mr. Cullimore was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Per- * ---- kins, who was born Aug. 28, 1836, in the State of Ohio. By this marriage he has'one son, Daniel J. i yron A. Ackerman, farmer, section i8, Cullimore, born Aug. 25, I853. Mr. Cullimore was Union Township, was born Sept. 6, 830, again married; this time for his "life partner" he se- in efferson Co., N. Y., and is a son of lected Miss Martha E. Garner, to whom he wasSalmon C. and Emily (Dickerson) Ackerman. lected Miss Martha E. Garner, to whom he was - united in marriage May 24, I868, in this count. His father died when he, the son was four She was born Oct. 25, I850, in Howard Co., Ind., and four l his mother and is the daughter of James and Sarah (Shanley) was again married. She is yet living, in Jefferson Garner, natives of Ohio and North Carolina. The Co., N Y husband and wife are the parents of four children: Mr. Ackerman became a sailor when he was 5 Sarah I., bo Aug. 15, 1872; William G, born years old, and followed the lakes eight or nine seai) March 3, Io75; George H., born April 4, I877; and sons. He rose to the position of mate and sailed in John A., born May 9, 1880. that capacity two seasons. In i855 he bought 60 o h3; n acres of land in Adams Co. Wis. He remained 'N Politically, Mr. Cullimore is a Republican. He acres of land in Adas Co., Wis He remained i has held the office of Justice of the Peace one term, thee two years, sold out and went to Des Moines and Drain Commissioner, and is one of the repre- Co., Iowa, where he rented a farm and resided three m sentative men of his township.years. He became a soldier in the second year of < the war, enlisting Aug. 13, 1862, in Co. G, 39th Iowa = Vol. Inf. The regiment was assigned to the i5th s/. I ^c-Q., Army Corps, Fourth Division. They joined the di- d. {vision at Corinth and went with Sherman from Chat- ( tanooga to Atlanta, thence to the sea, and remained I eander L. Taylor, druggist at Dushville, with that command until the surrender of Gen. is a son of Lorenzo D. and Mary P. (Rob- Johnston. Mr. Ackerman was a participant in the inson) Taylor. Hisfather was born March battles of Resaca, Marietta, Kenesaw Mountain, I1, 18I7, in St. Joseph Co., Mich., was at first Altoona Pass and Bentonville. He was near Gen. a cooper by trade, and afterwards bought an 80- John Corse at Altoona Pass, when the latter was acre farm in Branch County, where he lived wounded and caught him in his arms as he fell. The! until his death, Aug. 3, I86I. His wife was born song, "Hold the Fort," took its origin from the action April 22, 1821, in the State of New York. In i865, at Altoona. after the death of her first husband, she married Dr. Mr. Ackerman was mustered out June 14, I865, Samuel Green, moved to La Grange Co., Ind., but in and went immediately to Kenosha, Wis., whither his 1876 returned to Branch County, where Dr. Green family had removed during his absence in the war. died, Aug. 13, i880. She was the mother of TI He again resumed his former occupation and engaged children, eight of whom are living, and all married as a common sailor two seasons, when he was placed; except Leander L. She is yet living, with her son, in command of a steam tug, running from Holland, named at the head of this sketch. Mich., which he managed five years. His next enThe latter was born April 22, 1858, in Branch Co., gagement was one season as mate of the "Kate Mich., and until 17 years of age was with his parents Howard," and the season following as a sailor " before on the farm and attending school. In I880 he went the mast." He then came to Riley Township, Clin- 4 9 to school at Fremont nine months; returning to ton Co.,.Mich., where he spent three years on a ' Branch County, he studied medicine six months, and rented farm. In I877 he bought 80 acres of land in yx es o antd ini _>, 1: i 23 IS iABELLA Nottawa Township, Isabella County. The property was wholly unimproved, and he devoted the next three years to clearing and placing in suitable condition for agriculture, about 20 acres. At the end of that time, he sold out and bought his present farm, which includes 45 acres. At the date of his purchase about 12 acres were improved, and Mr. Ackerman has increased his cleared and cultivated territory to 32 acres. He adopts the principles of the Republican party, and has a tendency to liberalism in political views. He served one term in Nottawa Township as Highway Commissioner. He was married Dec. 8, I858, to Sarah A., daughter of Greenleaf and Elizabeth B. (Moon) Bates. She was born April 6, I840, in Erie Co., N. Y., 22 miles from Buffalo. Their children areCharles E., born Sept. Io, I859, in Adams Co., Wis., died Feb. I4, 1863; Alice E., born March 27, I867, ) in Kenosha, Wis., was married Feb. 22, 1883, to Robert B. Reynolds; Mary E. was born in Holland ^ City, Oct. 9, 1873. W " 4 enry B. Copeman, general farmer and stockfA~ raiser, section 9, Lincoln Township, was born in Brant Co., Ont., March 30, I859. His parents, natives of New York and Canada respectively, moved when he was very young to Oakland Co., Mich., locating upon a farm. His mother died July 29, 1877, and he, being the youngest, assumed control of half the homestead, consisting of 90 acres. He inherited this place and followed farming here until April, t880, when he sold and went to Kansas, and thence to Colorado, on a prospecting tour. In the fall of that year he came to Lincoln Township, this county, and purchased oo00 acres of partly improved land. He has since cleared 25 acres, having now an aggregate of 75 acres in a good tillable condition, with a fine residence, recently erected, at a cost of $2,000. He is an active, progressive farmer. Politically, he sympathizes with the "National" party. March 30, i88I, in Mt. Pleasant, Mr. Copeman was married to Miss Emma Reimer, who was born Jan. i, 1863, in Northumberland Co., Pa. and when,,: ISABELL,! ===== = == ^ *l D - -- a~ — S If A COUNTY. 239 — 39 - ' *ki "II ( ties of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. At the I former he was wounded and was detached to survey the National Cemetery at Chattanooga. He was honorably discharged Nov. 21, I864, having served * three years and two months. After his discharge he went home to Indiana, and followed surveying for some time, and in i866 came to this county and located at Dushville. He has constantly resided at that place ever since. He has followed the ministerial profession since I858, and is a at the present time a member of the District Mis-? sionary Society. He also devotes his time to surveying during summers and to teaching winters, in addition to his ministerial labors. Mr. Coburn was united in marriage Oct. 25, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Johnson, born Oct. 25, I836, in Stark Co., Ohio. She was a daughter of David and Margaret Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved from that State to Hicksville, Defiance Co., Ohio, where they both died. Politically, Mr. Coburn is a supporter of and believer in the principles of the Republican party. He: has held the office of Justice of the Peace and School Inspector, and was Postmaster at Dushville for a number of years. ' ^ ----^Mf.~ --- ^ oseph A. Owen, farmer on section 36, Vernon, was born in Lower Canada, Dec. 3, 827, and is a son of Amasa and Mary (McNeal) Owen, natives of Vermont and New Brunswick and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was a farmer and mechanic, and is sup-:) posed to have been lost on a boat that sunk in Lake Erie, about I842. The mother died when Joseph was three years old. The latter lived from the time of his mother's death until x8 years old, with a man named Erastus Lawrence. While with him he learned the cooper's trade. At the age mentioned, he went to Rutland Co., Vt., where he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade. He followed this in that county for six or seven years, during which time he spent two seasons on the lakes and canal. He afterward went to North^ ern New York, where he was a captain on a Lake Champlain canal boat. Thence he went to Lancaster, N. Y., where he entered the machine shops and.t studied mechanics. He afterwards worked in various places throughout the Empire State. In 1854 he came to Flint, this State, and engaged there in the same trade, which he followed in that place until i860. Thence he went to East Saginaw, and for some time he worked there in the shops. He was for a time engineer and head sawyer. In I865 he took a trip through the Northern Peninsula, where he trapped for fur animals, with reasonable success. After following trapping in several other places, he returned to Saginaw, and resumed his trade of machinist, at which he worked until I875. Aug. 6, of that year, his clothing was caught amongst the machinery, and being new, its strength was such that the strain nearly killed him before his clothing was stripped from his person. For 14 weeks he was under medical care. After his recovery he worked for two years in the mill, and then, in i877, came to Isabella County and purchased 80 acres of land on section 26, Vernon. He has now 30 acres well improved. He was married Sept. r4, I869, in East Saginaw, to Miss Ann Trevidick, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hocky) Trevidick, natives of England. Mrs. Owen was also born in England, Aug. 18, I840. She was two years old when her people came to Canada, and nine when they settled at Mt. Clemens, Macomb County. She afterwards was employed at dress-making in Saginaw, having learned the art at Mt. Clemens. Mr. and Mrs. Owen have two children: Frank T., born Sept. 8, 1872; and John J., born Oct. 6, 1874. Mrs. Owen has been for 15 years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. O. is a member of East Saginaw Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., and is politically a Democrat.? I i^^ > t ' I.. ' r Ii, i ~r ~i: "i I;: ~~ ~id ba~ /~.-..~ iirrii f x I=s'tS -— f --- —~ ---I\ N ewis Green, farmer, section 19, Lincoln Township, was born in Seneca Co., N. Y. March 25, 182 1. Helived with his parents' in his native county, attending the common schools and assisting on the farm until he was 14 years of age, when he accompanied them to * Fulton Co., Ohio, where they settled on a farm. Mr. Green remained on the farm, assisting in the cultivation of the same, until his marriage to Miss Diana Steadman, July 2, i845. She was a native of laTiA i -'o;~ —.,.-1 inr ~, Vw'Im j-I~l I JJ,< --— C-^ (Q^Jv_-^ -— ^ "JJ 240 ISABELLA COUNTY. ----. ~I 'tT.0 I New York, and was born in Orleans County, that State, June Io, I821. Her mother died when she was quite young, and when she attained the age of 15 years she went to Fulton County, where she lived until her marriage. She has borne to Mr. Green one child, Winfield S., June 3, 1853. He was united in marriage with Miss Malessa A. Vanalstine, who was born in Prince Edwards Co., Can., May 4, i853. Malessa is the mother of two children, Lewis A. and John C., both living. Two years after Mr. Green was married he came - to Hillsdale County, this State, and settled in Jefferson Township. He followed the occupation of farming on this land until October, I864, when he came to this county and purchased I54 acres of land, on section I9, Lincoln Township, on which he has constantly resided ever since. Mr. Green has disposed of 49 acres of his original purchase and donated one )acre for a township burying ground, and has successfully brought into a good state of cultivation more!,h than half of the remainder. = Mr. and Mrs. Green were among the first settlers in this township, and experienced the obstacles and sr privations of the early pioneer; yet, having faith in ~ the future development of the country and an abundance of energy and perseverance, they battled against vicissitude and lived to see the realization of their faith. Politically, Mr. Green is a believer in and supporter of the Republican party. He has been honored with several minor offices within the gift of the people and is a respected and esteemed citizen of his township. 'artin Z. DeHart, farmer, section i8, Lin'a coln Township, was born in Fairfield Townl. '1 "ship, Richmond Co. (Staten Island), N. Y., Aug. 27, I845. The parents of Martin were John W. and Ann (Hicks) DeHart, both natives of Richmond County, and of French and German lineage. His father followed the occupation of "oyster dredger " until I865, when he came to this State and settled on a farm in Montcalm County, where they are both at present residing, aged 65 and 60 years respectively,:i_ ---n Mr. DeHart accompanied his parents to this State when ten years of age. He remained with them, under the parental roof-tree, and assisted in the maintenance of the family. He was the oldest of a family of seven children (five boys and two girls); and, the family being in meager circumstances, the greater portion of the labor fell to the lot of our subject; yet uncomplainingly he bore the burden and remained with the family until he attained the age of 20 years. On reaching this age in life, he set forth on the " road of trouble " to battle the vicissitudes of life without aid. He first worked on the neighboring farms, and, until he reached the age of manhood, gave one-half his wages to his father. He has recently obtained a clerkship in a store, and is at present following that vocation. In 1875 Mr. DeHart received the appointment of Deputy Postmaster, and has held the position to the present time. In the fall of 1876 Mr. D. purchased 40 acres of land on section 17, Lincoln Township, and has turned his leisure time to its improvement, and has 15 acres of the same in a good state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. D. is a supporter of and believer in the principles of the Republican party. gharles D. Bogue, farmer on section 33, Il| Vernon, was born in Shiawassee Co., p| Mich., Oct. 14, 1844, and is a son of James and Harriet Stimson, natives of the State of n\ New York. His father was a farmer, was one of the pioneers of Shiawassee County, where he settled 50 years ago, and died in that county, where the mother is still living. The subject of this sketch remained at home until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Co. D, First Mich. Vol. Cav., which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in all the engagements of his regiment, which achieved for itself a distinguished record. He received no wounds, but his health was seriously impaired, and he was honorably discharged, March ro, i866, after a service of nearly'five years. His last year was on the frontier, and his muster out was received at Salt Lake City. Returning to Michigan, he purchased the home #142 x y 4-f n,, 4 4 ~, t,... C; v -AD 910 u C-4 - I &I i.r~~;B:':: '"i I '?-t-: k. I~; ISABELLA COUNTY. r I17 - 243 I i-" 1*1"~ stead farm, which he cultivated one year; was then for a time on the lakes, and then once more he returned to his native place. With the exception of one year in the West, he worked the home farm until December, 1875, when he came to this county and bought I60 acres on sections 32 and 33, Vernon, wild and unsubdued. He has since sold the 80 acres on 32, and of the remainder has 35 acres improved. He was married July 2, i868, in Saginaw, to Miss Elizabeth Graham, daughter of John and Jennie (McFerrin) Graham, who was born in Wellington Co., Ont., July 12, I854. Of this marriage five children have been born, as follows: Jennie B., Oct. 0o, 1869; Hattie A., May I, I871; Lewie M., March 6, 1873; Nettie M., June 6, 1875; George L., Jan. I, i880. Mr. Bogue is a Republican and has held the minor offices of his school district. former in th< I9, I830, Mi in the familj ents of nine i85 I; Ariet Della. Tune e autumn of 1863. In that county, Jan. rs. C. was born. There were 13 children y. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the par-; children, viz.: Ira O., born May 5, ta, Feb. 13, i856; Frank, Nov. 26, x858; 24, 186o; Herbert, Oct. 3, 1862; Day, 9, 1864, died Aug. 5, I868; Burton, born 66, died Aug. 12, i868; Burton (2d), 6, 1870; Maud, born Sept. 13, 1872. - o.. I o w I I I born June i: April i9, I8 born May 2( I - - dward Bellingar, general farmer and stock- W raiser, section 4, Lincoln Township, was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, Sept. 8, I844. His father, Adam Bellingar, a farmer, was born in New York, of New England parentage and English ancestry, and died in Lincoln Township, this county, Feb. 8, 1875; was prominent in the pioneer history of this county. Edward's mother, Lydia (nee Jones) Bellingar, was of the same nativity, and died about 1854, in Hillsdale Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch was an infant when his parents moved to Hillsdale County, this State, where he grew up and was educated at the common school. In June, I86I, he, then aged 17, came to this county with his father, who homesteaded a quarter-section of wild land, where he still resides. He has always been a farmer, industrious and economical, and therefore prosperous, now owning all the homestead, -n — -ma, an caxtCnn A nnA r C Of thic- he has 200 >peter Chapman, farmer and stock-raiser, section I, Rolland Township, is a son of ji. Peter and Martha (Pierce) Chapman. His j father was born in I779, in Saratoga Co., N. J Y., and died March I7, 1857, in Monroe Co., ' N. Y. His mother was born in 1778, in Washington Co., N. Y., and died in I865, in Monroe Co., N. Y. They had two daughters and six sons, only.i A..i8. two of the children now living. 250 actrcs, un sci.t.u. L11.. - -l The subject of this sketch was born April i6, acres in a fine tillable condition. He has a stock 1825, in Monroe Co., N. Y. At the age of 17 he and grain barn, which cost $1,500, and a brick resi> engaged for the summer seasons at work upon the dence, that cost $2,000. Considering that he was X canal, for about 14 years; he then came to Michi- made a cripple for life by a cut in the left knee when gan and resided in Allegan County one year, in Ionia he was a child, compelling him ever to use crutches, Coulrty ten years, until 187, engaged in farming; great credit is due him for his business tact and amhis next place of residence, for five years, was on a bitious energy in agricultural affairs. He has held quarter of section 35, Rolland Township, this county, the school offices of his township, as well as that of and he then bought a quarter-section where he now Treasurer. With respect to national issues, he is a resides and has 1oo acres under good cultivation. staunch Republican. Mr. Chapman has been Treasurer of his Township June 30, x866, in Lincoln Township, Mr. Bellingar. three years, and Highway Commissioner for a num- married Miss Mary, daughter of William and Clober of terms. In regard to political issues he is a rinda (Spencer) Mull, natives respectively of Ireland Democrat. and New York, and of English,- Irish and German In the year 1849 Mr. C. was married to Miss Lo- ancestry. They both died in Hillsdale Co., Mich. dema, daughter of Ira and Clarissa Willis, who died Mrs. B. was born in Maumee, Ohio, Nov. i, 1842, in Monroe Co., N. Y., the latter in 1848 and the moyed to Hillsdale County when young, and to this 'p- ^;Q --- 6' -'sb-B — a; —r^ u n n --- 244 ISABELLA COUNTY. ~ county in I865, when 23 years old. Mr. and Mrs. is yet living, 60 years of age, in Rolland Township, 3 B. are the parents of five children, namely: Freder- this county. 4 ick, born May 3, 1869; Lydia C., Feb. 22, I871; The subject of this sketch was born July 4, I856,: Lillian T., May 4, 1874; Ednah I., Feb. 18, I876; in Henry Co., Ohio; remained at home until of age, h Ivy A., Feb. 22, 1878. The parents attend the helping to support his widowed mother and a family Methodist Episcopal Church. of seven children, who were dependent upon his Mr. Bellingar's portrait, on another page, is a val- labor and that of his brother; he then came to his uable addition to the collection presented in this present location, where he owns 40 acres of land, volume. with good improvements thereon. During the winter seasons he has been engaged in the lumber woods. | c -On national issues, Mr. Bundy has always been:: >ffi. ccounted a Republican. i homas Bamber, farmer, section 9, Union In I88i Mr. B. married Miss Sarah, daughter of < Township, was born in August, 847, in Mur- Jacob and Elizabeth (Harshman) Crum, natives of ray Township, Northumberland Co., Can. Ohio: father was born in Green County, that State, He is a son of Will and Clarissa(Bush) Bamber, in October, I82I, and mother Jan. II, 1827; and natives of England and Canada. His parents their four sons and three daughters are all yet living. settled on a farm in the Dominion of Canada. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bundy are, Elnora, They transferred their interests to Union Township, born Oct. 25, I882, and Edna, Sept. I6, 1883. ) sabella Co., Mich., in the fall )f 1869, where his father | bought the Preston House, conferred upon it his own ___.. __.___,Y' Iea name, and continued its management several years. He died in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Bamber assisted his father in the hotel several years, and after working about three years as a builder, he purchased the farm where he has since resided, comprising I20 acres of land. About 40 acres were in tillage at the time of his purchase, to which he has since added until he has 65 acres in very finely;..nArIVP'r n.nA o.lf;.,dtvnA tp A1i;nt;lin wt;+l o n. eorge W. Waight, farmer on section 25, 'B1ALP Sherman Township, is a son of William %'- and Harriet (Grinold) Waight, natives of the State of New York. William Waight was born in 807, and died in 874. He followed farming, and also worked at the stone-mason's trade, and died in his native State. O, N. e,. X lI.l~V~.L'VU bI U. UILIVUI U C VIlIULLIUl l, WVI11 r l. UlLU DIC; farm buildings. His son, George, was born June 27, 1844, in SteuMr. Bamber was married in East Saginaw, to Eliza- ben Co., N. Y., and worked on the farm and attended beth, daughter of Luke and Mary Murphy, natives school until he was nearly of age. He then enlisted of Canada. Five children have been bori of this in Co. H, I6st N. Y. Inf., and was assigned to the union, on the farmn in Union Township, as follows: Army of the Southwest, under Gen. Canby (the same i Richard, Clarissa, Annie J., William and Michael J who was a few years since killed by the Indians, in the far West). He was engaged in the siege of Mobile, Ala., and was finally discharged from the U. S. general hospital, June I5, 1865. Returning to his home in Steuben Co., N. Y., he there remained until I868, when he came to Kalaaeb Bundy, farmer, section 8, Fremont mazoo, Mich. He worked at farming and other emi? Township, is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ployment until 1877, when he came to Isabella; (Fessler) Bundy. Mr. Bundy, Sr., was born (County and located on 80 acres of wild land, 40 of. - iin the State of New York, in i 88; followed which are now nicely improved. farming until 1862, when he enlisted in an He was married in I867, to Miss Louise Towsley,. Ohio regiment in the Western Army, died in who was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in i848, and 4 ) the hospital at Chattanooga in I864, and was buried died in this county, March 7, 1883. He was again (. '. in the national cemetery at that place. His widow married, to Miss Hannah iarrish wh o was born Oct,. 7N 0juX U H V' ; — * =I i~- t*) =?:0,~ -- - -,,5n'- l io W He v} - - - \ A ISABELLA COUNTY. 245 30, 1845, in Medina Co., Ohio, the daughter of David of Michigan into the Union, and at that time Hillsj and Elizabeth (Appleman) Harris, natives of Colum- dale was but a hamlet. The country was truly a; i: biana Co., Ohio. Mr. Harris was born in 1797, and wilderness, and the hand of improvement was hardly * died in 1876, in Hudson, Lenawee Co., Mich. Mrs. visible. All around him was a dense forest, and | Harris was born in 1805, and is yet living, in Mt. only one family lived within a radius of 12 miles. y Pleasant, at the age of 79. Wolves came in great numbers howling round the Mr. Waight is politically a Democrat. He has log-cabin door, and on one occasion killed a two-yearbeen Treasurer of his township and Highway Com- old colt, and on another a two-year-old steer, belongmissioner, and is now Justice of the Peace. ing to Mr. Sutliff. Deer were also in abundance, and a good supply of venison was almost always on 9Shand. He killed five in one day, within a few yards } of his cabin. He lived here in the forest for nine. ^ le f, reire frmr re o years. His wife, with her scant supplies and few -ansley Sutliff retired farmer, residing on. L. a conveniences, likewise toiled, a song on her lips for section 2, incoln ncoln Township, and one of I*S -..r I r.. the birdlings in their nests, and a greeting for the P""V the self-made men ot the county, was born in Connecticut, Aug. I2, 1796. When seven years of age he accompanied his parents from Connecticut to New York, where they settled, and when Ransley was about 17 years of age both died. Thus, before he had ripened into years of manhood, Mr. S. was thrown upon the cold, unthinking world to fight the battles of life alone. He worked at common labor on the farm and otherwise until he attained the age of 27 years. May i8, 1825, in Wayne Co., N. Y., he was united in marriage with Catharine Barnhart, a native of New York, where she was born Dec. 3, I803. She is the mother of seven children, born to Mr. Sutliff, of whom three boys and two girls are living. Ang. I4, 1814, Mr. Sutliff enlisted in the services of the U. S. Government, but the regiment in which I..... I....... ' weary mate when he rested from his labors. After remaining there nine years, he removed to Clinton County, and was there engaged in farming for 12 years, when he removed to Montcalm County, and lived there four years, engaged in the same occupation, and then went to Newaygo County and located in Bridgeton Township, on the banks of the Muskegon River. From Newaygo, Mr. S. moved to Osceola County, and in 1872 came to this county and purchased 40 acres of land on section 2, Lincoln Township, where he is at present residing. Mrs. Sutliff is now living and has attained the venerable age of 8i years, and still retains her customary good health and to a great degree her strength. The venerable couple have celebrated their 59th marriage anniversary, and are greatly respected and esteemed by the citizens of their township..4-, I I k", j~d k ne enlisted was out only about three months, and he... was honorably dis chargedin N mb, 8. Politically, Mr. S. is a believer in and supporter of X was honorably discharged in November, I8 r4. r *i v ithe principles of the Republican party. >;) After he was married, Mr. S. settled in Orleans X Co., N. Y.; but, owing to the unhealthfulness of that. ~ -- county, he returned to Wayne County, same State, and remained a sufficient length of time to recuper- iron M. Hungerford, farmer, section i8, ate his health, which had been greatly impaired dur- Union Township, was born Oct. 15,1845, ing his residence in Orleans County, when he went in Somerset, Niagara Co., N. Y. He is to Monroe County, same State, and followed the vo- the son of Laban L. and Charlotte Caroline cation of farmer for three years. From Monroe (Corbin) Hungerford. His mother was born County he went to Cattaraugus County, same State, in the State of New York, and died in Genesee j and there followed agriculture three years, when he Co., Mich., in September, I864. The father is a nawent to Pennsylvania and was engaged in the same tive of New Hampshire and resides in Genesee / occupation until 1834. County.: In May, 1834, Mr. Sutliff came to this State and Mr. Hungerford was 14 years old when his parents located in what is now known as Basswood Corners, settled in Mundy, Genesee Co., Mich., and he reHillsdale County. This was prior to the admission mained at home until the advent of civil war, when;;:::~: —'' - i~ --- 246 ItLSABALLA - ~~~~ ~ l 174-1 — ~ ^ /- * 1^ tCOrNTPY. i _(i )) - I I _ - -I I ) at the age of i6, he became a soldier. He enlisted in Co. H, roth Mich. Vol. Inf., and was in the First Brigade, Second Division of the 14th Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He was in that command through all its battles and marches from Chattanooga to the surrender of Joe Johnston. Among the more important engagements were Bentonville, Chickamauga, Dallas, Lookout Mountain, Jonesboro, PeachTree Creek, etc. At the battle of Peach-Tree Creek he received a sunstroke and thenceforward, to the close of the war, he was on light duty. Previous to this injury he was never excused, from duty, and during the entire period of his service was never in a hospital and never rode in an ambulance. He was mustered out July 19, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. Soon after that event he bought 45 acres of land in Livingston Co., Mich. After eleven years' residence in that section of the Peninsular State he bought 45 acres where he has since resided. The entire acreage was in a state of nature and he has improved and placed 30 acres in fair farming condit= i tion. == Mr. Hungerford was married Oct. I4, I866, to Affa A., daughter of John N. and Rozzillah (Hurd) Barnes. Her parents were natives of the State of New York. Her mother died June 20, I873, at Tyrone, Mich. Mrs. Hungerford was born Aug. i8, ') 845, in the village of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Oakland Co., Mich. The children now belonging to the household are Ettie B., born May 30, I869; Edna B., Aug. 29, 1870; Miron B., May 9, x875. All were born at Tyrone in the county of Livingston, this State.:y. rus Crum, farmer, section i8, Fremont ] Township, is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth XH-e (Harshman) Crum. His father, a farmer, was born Oct. 26, 1822, in Montgomery Co., Ohio; and his mother, in Green Co., Ohio, 2 Jan. I, 1828. They lived in Indiana nearly 20 years, then in Cass County, this State, four years, then 13 years in Whitley Co., Ind., and finally came to their present abode on section I8, purchasing a quarter-section of wild land. Here they have improved 70 acres and erected substantial buildings. ~||<~)^ ---^^-^-^ They have had four sons and three daughters: four of the children are married. Mr. Cyrus Crum was born Feb. o1, I851, in Cass Co., Mich., and has always remained with his parents. He has charge of the farm. During the war the father was a soldier for the Union, being a member of Co. K, Eighth Ind. Inf., under Gen. Sherman. On account of ill health he was detailed to guard rebel prisoners at Indianapolis. He was discharged at the termination of his time of service, in I865. Last year (I883) Cyrus made an extended tour through Dakota Territory. He is a young man of good habits, and is recognized as such by the community in which he resides. On national questions he votes with the Republican party. aniel Lynch, merchant at Blanchard, is a Bx son of John and Joanna Lynch, natives of Ireland. The father was born in I830, and has been a sailor, until I88i, when he became a clerk in his son's store. The mother was born in I831 and died April I3, 1873, in Kent Co., Mich. Their son Daniel was born April I8, 1852, in Newport, R. I., and at the age of I6 years left home to learn the blacksmith's trade. Following this occupation as an apprentice five years, he then started in for himself at Grand Rapids, where he remained two years. His shop was consumed by fire. In I875 he started in the grocery business in the same city, continuing in it two years. He then followed blacksmithing about six months, at the expiration of which time (1878) he came to Blanchard, this county. After three months at his trade, he returned to Grand Rapids. Coming once more to Blanchard, he bought a lot and erected a grocery, where he began in mercantile life again. During this time the village of Blanchard was incorporated. He held the offices of Constable, Trustee, Marshal and Deputy Sheriff (under C. M. Brooks, Sheriff). In I879 he exchanged his store for 80 acres of land in Rolland Township, and June 20, I880, he again established a general mercantile business, resigning all other positions which demanded his time. He has, however, since held the office of village Treasurer two terms. He was married May 12, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth & i1 "I~ *11 Ar,"Nh9'' (i i- - ~~ -Ll AP il^ ^- 8 -—.^>s — BI>H-^fi- -- -tOla ISABELLA CO UNTY. 247 Condon, who was born June 17, 1852, in Kent Co., ing here in the winter of 1865. He remained with Mich., the daughter of John and Hannah Condon. his parents until the following spring and then went i< Mr. C. died in I873, in Walker Township, Kent to Ionia County. He was married in that county, ' County. The mother now lives in Grand Rapids. Jan. 13, i866, to Miss Minty Holcomb, a native of A Mr. and Mrs. Lynch are the parents of two children, that county, where she was born Sept. 15, 1851, and -Elinor, born March 28, 1876; and Bessie, born where she had lived and received her education. Nov. 25, I879. Shortly after marriage, Mr. W. moved to this county Mr. L. is politically independent. He and wife and entered on the vocation of farming. He folare members of the Catholic Church. lowed the same for a short time, then moved to Montcalm County, then to Ionia County, and finally returned to this county and purchased 40 acres of,.' ~. olnnil cn prt-inn R T inrrln Town'h;,i n r i-.;l i..-: k 0 mos E. Woodin, farmer, section 8, Lincoln Township, was born in Warren Co., 1 kj Pa., July 20, I844. IpJ ' Mr. Woodin was reared on his father's farm and assisted him in the cultivation of the same and in the maintenance of the family until he attained the age of 17 years.. At this period in the life of our subject, the nation s was aroused from her peaceful sleep of years by the: rebel fire on Sumter, and the call went forth for loyal hearts and strong arms to battle for the perpetuity of: the nation's flag. Mr. Woodin was one among the first to respond, and although only 17 years of age enlisted in Co. F, Ninth Reg. N. Y. Vol. Cav., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in almost all the battles in which his regiment engaged during the campaign, the number being 52. Prominent among them were Williamsburg, Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Shenandoah, Culpeper, Stephensburg, Oakes' Hills, Cold Harbor, Bunker Hill and Winchester. He was taken prisoner at Philomont, Va., June 22, I863, and was for a short time on Belle Island as a prisoner of war, but was soon paroled. He was not exchanged, but as retaliation for violation of the rules of exchange by Kirby Smith he was again placed in the ranks. At the battle of Winchester, Va., Mr. Woodin had four horses shot from under him, and was wounded in the left thigh by a collision of his horse with another. This happened Sept. 19, i864,.and on the I8th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged. Mr. Woodin returned to Warren Co., Pa., after his discharge from the service, and remained for a short period, when he came to this State (whither his parents had removed during the war and located a homestead on section 17, Lincoln Township), arriv-.IgtU - /1 \,b5'CkIVI { - J, JI~LV LLI J. V * 11 111, VI U11l W 1111;c 10 at present living. He has 35 acres of his farm 1ind"lr anl naTl''mlPnmI tt' - Mr W.-..l.; 11.l.y ' a t3 X, UlluJc gVulU IlllpVlUVClUvi ll. l.vti. VV., JJUlliatlly, IS a "National," and has held the minor offices of his township for several years. Mr. and Mrs. W. are the parents of three children, -Effie M., born Nov. 22, 1868; Jessie, born June 20, T874, and Xrchie, Aug. 26, I877. _d L —Of I C-= E ==: I - ' 0 _ I It -A I I i: ^j1mos F. Drew, farmer on section 6, Union, was born Aug. 22, 1825, in Orangeville, 1 Wyoming Co., N. Y., and is a son Nathaniel l,- and Sally (Nichols) Drew. Both parents died in Pine River, Waushara Co., Wis. He lived at home until 22 years old. His first work for others than his father, was in a saw-mill in Summerhill, Crawford Co., Pa. Here he was employed two years, at $1o per month. Going then to New York State, he spent two summers in grafting fruit trees. The ensuing two or three years were spent in saw-mill work in Allegany Co., N. Y. He learned the carpenter's trade, at odd times, not serving any regular apprenticeship. He is a natural mechanic, and has worked with tools much of his life. In the fall of i877, he came from Allegany Co., N. Y., and bought 60 acres, where he has since resided. His family arrived in September, 1878. He was married June 14, 1853, at Portage, Livingston Co., N. Y., to Miss Hannah, daughter of Hiram and Amy Hopkins. Of this marriage there have been born four sons and two daughters. George W. was born March 23, 1854, in Allegany Co., N. Y.; Charles F. was born in Crawford Co., Pa., June 23, I857; Julia A. was born March 28, I860, in Allegany Co., N. Y., and died Dec. 30, 1864; Mary Ann was born (A?. 3C3 IC/ ~ )\. I d ) I K B s~ " I - '-." /<.09,o H — 248 ISABELLA O N i. — - 248 ISABELLA COUNT Y. o 'Q:.1 i [B;~I'v March 3, I866, in the same county, and died Nov. 5, I870; Fred G. was born Nov. 6, I870, in the same county; John E. was born June 3, I874, in the same county. Politically, Mr. Drew is a Republican. Dec. 15, i86I, he enlisted in Co. C, Io4th N. Y. Vol. Inf. He fought at Thoroughfare Gap, Catholic Station, and Manassas Junction, and was discharged Dec. 24, 1862, on a surgeon's certificate of disability. He again enlisted Dec. 20, 1863, in Co. F, 4th New York Artillery. He was wounded in the thigh, June I8, I864, in front of Petersburg, and, after a ten months' confinement in the hospital, he was finally discharged from the service, March 2, I865. ilas B. Richardson, farmer, section 30, Fremont Township, is a son of Asa P. and Jane (Staple) Richardson, the former of whom was born in Vermont, in 1797; followed farming and prospecting for land in the State of Maine; removed thence to Ohio in 185I, first settling in Lorain County, two years afterward in Montgomery Township, Wood Co., seven or eight years after that in Jackson Township, same county, and finally with his children in this county. He died at his son Barnard's, March 3o, I870, and was buried in Fremont Cemetery. His widow was born in Maine in I806, and is still living, with her children, all of whom are yet living, twelve in number, four in Ohio and eight in Michigan. The subject of this sketch was born July 19, i833, in Somerset Co., Me. In I86o he married Miss Catherine, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Ross) Hess, who was born Feb. 28, 1842, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, in I8o6, and is yet living, near Bowling Green, Wood Co., Ohio; her mother was born in New Jersey in I817, and died Feb. ii, r868, leaving six sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have had seven children, all of whom are living, viz.: Henry A., Sarah J., John W., Silas B., Ida L., James G. and Lillian E. In regard to national issues Mr. R. votes with the Republicans; has been Justice of the Peace since 1874, School Inspector two years, and has held other school offices in his district,-in all, seven years. '1.harles F. Curtiss, farmer, section 8, Fre'].j{ mont Township, is a son of Waldo W. and t3ti Margaret (nee McCue) Curtiss. His father was a native of New York, where he was born in 1820, and his mother was born on the Emerald Isle, in 1825, and died in Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 14, I875. His father was a cooper by trade, and also followed the occupation of farming, and died in the month of December, I857. The grandfather of Charles F. was born June 9, 1796, and is still living. His wife was born, Feb. 13, 1797, and has passed to the better land. Charles F., the subject of our biographical notice, was one of six boys, all living, who constituted the family of his parents, and was born in Oakfield, Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, I857. He was reared on the farm, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools. His father dying when he (Charles F.) was only about one month old, he contributed his earnings to the support of the family until the death of his mother. After her death, the six boys, being thrown on the cold charity of an unthinking world, went forth upon the road of time to fight the battles of adversity alone. April 5, r88o, Mr. Curtiss came to this State and engaged with his brother in farming, which relationship existed for one year. He then, in I88I, purchased 80 acres of land on sections 8 and 9, Fremont Township, this county, known as the Thomas Williamson farm. He at once entered on the improvement of this land and by energy and industry has succeeded in placing 45 acres of the same in a good state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. Curtiss is an independent, and has held the office of Treasurer of his school district. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order and an esteemed and respected citizen of his township. Mr. Curtiss was wedded to the lady of his choice, Miss Mary Gannon, Feb. 20, I876. She was born May 3, i856, in County Wexford, Ireland, and is a daughter of James and Anna (White) Gannon. Her father is still living, in the Emerald Isle, following the vocation of coachman for a livelihood and has been engaged in that occupation in his native land for a number of years. His children comprised four I; ~ OC~o, -, i -,30 ' 'i (o\ fi '1 ":n,.* c1',".. f. a8 x,..,gdP ~-,ZiU.. IE 1, —;~l< ~ 0 q 9 H ISABELLA COUNTY. 249 C ___ - - --- ) boys and two girls, two of whom are deceased. Her mother died in the year I865. | a -.:,, Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss are the parents of four chilT dren, all boys: George W., born Nov. 26, 1876; | iichard S. Stanley, farmer, section I9, Fre' John A., born June i6, 1878; Waldo J., born March mont Township, is a son of Thomas and to, i88i, and Norman F., born Sept. 15, 1883. o 88 and Noran F., born Sept. 883Anna (Stowe) Stanley. They were both na-!? tives of England, where the father was born -if c| in 18oo, and the mother in I805. In I831, " they emigrated to this country and landed at Phila~ ohn Ruthruff, farmer on section 5, Rol- delphia, where the father was engaged in wagon-, ' land Township, is a son of David and making and blacksmithing for 14 years. He then i2 Nancy (Trayer) Ruthruff, natives of Penn- went to Lycoming Co., Pa., where he purchased two sX ylvania and Seneca Co., N. Y. The father farms and a saw-mill, and cultivated the farms and was a part of his life a farmer, and a portion a ran the mill until the date of his death, in the spring common laborer. He came to Branch County, of I867. The mother died in I88i,on the old homethis State, in I85 and lived there until his death in stead. i858. The mother died in the same county. Their Richard S. Stanley, the subject of this biographical family numbered nine, three of whom are not now notice, was born July 20, 1832, in Philadelphia, Pa. living. He passed his youth on the old homestead, working The subject of this biographical notice was born on the farm and attending the common schools. N in Seneca Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1828, and remained at When he attained the age of 23 years, he engaged. home until r8 years of age. He worked by the as a common laborer on a farm in the neighborhood, " month two years and then for three years was in the for one year. He then went to Williams Co., Ohio, > employment of Sam. Jones, near Lockport; after in i857,!and worked his uncle's farm for about three which he was for five summers engaged on the Erie years. Canal. At this period in the life of our subject, the late His next' step, Jan. II, 1852, was to form a life civil war broke out, and he enlisted in Co. H, i8th J partnership with Miss Emily Comstock, who was U. S. Inf. His company was assigned to the Army born May 2, 1835, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and a of the Cumberland, and was under command of Gen. daughter of Robert and Polly (McNeal) Comstock. Sherman. It did not participate in any general enHer father was born Aug. 4, I794, in Massachusetts; gagement, but was in many skirmishes, and was and her mother, April 30, 1799, near Bennington, finally discharged near Covington, Ky., in April, 1875. Vt. The former died in I841, in Erie Co., N. Y. After his discharge from the service, Mr. Stanley After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ruthruff came fo returned to Williams Co., Ohio. He remained there K Branch Co., Mich., where they lived until 1868. a short time, and then came to this county and loThey then lived one year in Lake County and a year cated on 40 acres of land he had purchased from a in Millbrook, Mecosta County. For the ensuing two Mr. Merrill, of Detroit, and on 80 acres which he years he was interested in a saw-mill, after which he homesteaded. He has since sold 40 acres and mads traded for I60 acres of wild land on section 5, Rol- additional purchases, and is now the owner of 80 land. He has now 74 acres improved, and good acres, 70 of which is in a good state of cultivation. buildings.Mr. Stanley was first united in marriage, April 20, To the family have been added seven children: 1859, with Miss Bethsua E. Wellman, born in Lorain Willlam H.. born July 30, 1853; Adelbert, Nov. 15, Co., Ohio, in 1839. She died in 1868, leaving one I: 1857, and died March I, 1855; Charles M., June child to the care of her husband, Florence; and Mr. 14, 1857; Edgar, June 15, i861, and died Aug. 15, Stanley was a second time married, the lady of his;i 1867; George W., May o1, 1864; Jay B., May i, choice being Miss Hannah M. Smith, of Sandusky ^ i868; and Nellie L., June 9, I873. Co., Ohio, where she was born in t858. She reK$ Politically, Mr, R. is a Democrat, mained wife and mother until I878, when she died, — * --- —-- I. — --- *e Z M — ^~^ —r^^ dC~n i ----~ ' 250 ISABELLA COUNTY. leaving three children-Cora A., Flora E. and Nellie Van Horn. The former is now living with our subE.-to their father's care. His third marriage was to ject, aged 62, and the latter died near Saginaw. Miss Jennie McSweyn, Dec. 7, I88I. She was born Mrs. Barnes was born in Springfield Township, ii in Kenyon Township, Glengary Co., Canada, Aug. Wayne Co., Ohio, Aug. 5, I849. 28, I843, and has borne to Mr. Stanley one child, a Mr. B. is politically independent. He is now K son, James, born Sept. 27, I882. Moderator in his school district. Mr. Stanley, politically, is a Republican. He has held the position of School Director of his district, and is a progressive farmer and respected citizen in his township. Mr. Stanley has been something of a traveler, having been in 13 States of this Union. a arriet A (Marvin) Hawkins, resident on.. * s,1 ^c section 26, Lincoln Township, was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, July 3, I837. She is a daughter of William and Sarah (Morrison) ilonzo W. Barnes, farmer on the southMarvin, natives of New York and New Jersey, i west quarter of the southwest quarter of west quarter of the southwest quarter of respectively. The father was a tailor by trade, section 7, Union, was born in Winchester Co., and moved to Sparta, Morrow Co., Ohio, about the Vt., Sept. 3, X833. His parents died in Geneva year 1825, where he followed his trade. Township, six miles south of Geneva, Ontario Harriet remained at home until she attained the Co., N. Y., having moved to that State when Alonzo age of ten years, when she was brought by her unwas eight years old. He was reared on his father's cle, Adam Hance, to this State, and in whose family ' farm, and was I6 years old when he commenced at she remained until she attained her I8th year. She } his trade of millwright, serving an apprenticeship of then returned to her parents and lived with them er three years. He then worked in a saw-mill at Bucy- until 22 years old. rus, Ohio, two years, when he went to Davenport, Dec. 20, I859, she was united in marriage with Iowa, and followed filing and sawing until the spring Abraham W. Hawkins, a native of the State of Verof I857. Next he went overland to California, being mont, where, in Rutland County, he was born July ( exactly six months in crossing the great West. 3, I833. After their marriage they came to this State For one year he filed circular saws for a firm named and located on 80 acres of land in Lincoln TownFuller Bros. He then purchased a half interest in ship, this county. The land was heavily timbered, a saw-mill at Sly Creek, Eldorado Co., Cal., where and they were compelled to cut a road to it through he and his partner, H. P. Neeland, were in the win- the thick woods before settling. Their experiences ter of 1861-2 "washed out," losing all their invest- were similar to those of many others of Michigan's \ ment by a flood. Going to Butte County, he was early pioneers. Obstacles and trials, deprivation there interested in a hotel and trading post until the and want encompassed them on every side, and yet summer of I865. He then returned home, on a they determinedly battled against and overcame ship, via Cape Horn. them. The roads, at times, were absolutely impassDuring his stay in the Golden State,'he made able. On one occasion, her brother was killed by a $250,000 in keeping hotel and furnishing supplies to log in a "running jam," which struck him, and the miners. This snug fortune was soon lost in silver- roads to their farm were so bad that it was impossimining speculations. ble to convey the corpse to their abode. Yet, amid After a three days' visit home he came to Saginaw all the hardships, their faith in the future developand followed filing for Bliss Bros. for four years. ment of the county was impregnable. The next three years he was similarly engaged for Of the 8o-acre farm on which they originally set- 4 A. W Wright & Co. April 3, 1882, he came to his tled, Mrs. H. has 50 acres under good improvements A present home of 45 acres, partially improved. and a good large barn.. She is the mother of three He was married June 24, 1867, to Henrietta Van children, one of whom is deceased. The two living 9 Hgorn, daughter of Jarle and lqonpra (Henderson) are George B., born Jan. ', i16i, and William W., ~e ^ ),~I i^ -—.A nnain A - I I \1r If I' Ct I , f, 41 - h 0 1-X.,I Iniii,, 0- -, W i - 711-~:;- ~,Z/ 77,vttP I'li, "11I(11 113 255 /,o,~~i' 'f`I ISABELLA COUNTY. I born Oct. 17, 1864. Fletcher, born Oct. 6, i866, died Feb. o0, I882. Religiously, Mrs. Hawkins is a member of the Free Methodist Church and holds a position of respect and esteem among the citizens of the township. c -- s-L-= - i' I oerry H. Estee, farmer, section i8, Coe } | Township, is a son of Silas and Mary X J.lE (Hodge) Estee, who were born in Salem,?;\) Washington Co., N. Y., married in that county, and in i8o1 moved to Erie Co., N. Y., where they remained until 1828; they then moved to Warren Co., Pa., where he met his death by the fall of a tree, Nov. I7, I842; she died April 4, I878, at the residence of her daughter, Emily Tillotson, in Harmony, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., at the advanced age ( ) of 91 years. In their family were three sons and three daughters, who are still living, inheriting a high t degree of longevity. Their names are, Ansel, Alvira, -: Emily, John, Louisa and Perry H. The last named, the subject of this sketch, was born in Water Valley, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, I824. ^ His early education was obtained in the district schools of Warren Co., Pa.,- and he subsequently attended the Hamburg Academy in Erie Co., N. Y. When he was 17 years of age his father died and he started out in the world for himself. He was brought up in a lumber country, and for about three years he was engaged in various occupations. He taught three winter terms of school, in Erie Co., N. Y. He then bought ioo acres of land of the Holland Land Company, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he fol-,~, lowed farming for about five years, when he sold the:A place, and, in the spring of 1854, went to Iowa in search of land, going a-foot about 85 miles west of Dubuque. After a sojourn of about three weeks in that part of the country, he re-crossed the Mississippi to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he purchased a quarter-section of Government land. He spent the following summer at his home in Erie Co., N. Y., whither the family had removed from Chautauqua I County. In the fall of I854 he started for Michigan, coming by rail to Kalamazoo and thence on foot to Ada, Kent Co.; thence, on foot, in company with a cousin, i to Muskegon County, reaching what is now Big Rapids when there were but two log shanties there Remaining over night at this point, the next day they reached the house of a lumberman named X Utley, in Newaygo County; thence to Ionia; thence, in company with two men from Ohio, they started for. Giatiot County, in search of land. Passing through the northern part of Clinton County, they met a party of 17 men returning from Isabella County, from whom they learned that all the land in this county was good; and as there were about 50. men already here making rapid selections, they had better hasten back to the land office at Ionia, make their entries, 1 and then come and look up what they had entered: it would be safe. One of the party exhibited a plat of Coe Township. The advice was taken, Mr. Estee selecting the northwest quarter of section I8. The haste was so great that, although it was one o'clock in the afternoon and they had I6 miles to go, they went on foot and reached the land office at half past four o'clock, so as to be at the office before it closed for the day. Returning to Kent County and resting a day or two, Mr. Estee and his companion came on foot to F Isabella County, and for 17 miles on the township r lines they found not a house. The first night, there-: fore, they camped, on the bank of the Salt River, during a storm of rain. Next day they found and examined their lands, and returned to the campingground, for the night. At this time they had but one biscuit for each left. Shortly after Mr. E. returned to Erie Co., N. Y., taught school the following winter, and in May, I855, in company with another man, he started for his home in the forest. They came by boat to Detroit, rail to Pontiac, and stage to Saginaw, where he met A. M. Clapp, the original owner of St. Louis. He f took a scow to what is now Midland, and a canoe to what is now St. Louis, arriving July 2, I855. On the morning of the "4th " they started on the trail for Isabella County, reaching Coe Township by a circuitous route. This day Mr. Estee cut the first tree on the northwest quarter of section i8. His nearest f neighbor was a mile distant. I I i "r ) I EI I 00 He at once put up a bark shanty, i He then chopped ten acres of his lane log house; which now stands on sectic Township. During the two and a ha was engaged in the preceding work, h W^^ —1 - 2 feet square. d, and built a on 13, Lincoln If months he e killed eigh 'N Cil!!)-.Im " 1( 011 -11111/00 . s)6 - G us- ^I R 256 J1SABELL.,5 I I9fA ) I '' w r deer, seven of them on section i8. When he completed his log house he returned again to New York, i for his family, and came by rail to Fentonville, Mich., thence by stage to Saginaw and thence to Alma by a E rudely constructed boat, run by the late Gen. Ely. Their voyage hither was a tempestuous and dangerous one. The boat was upset and the family had a narrow escape with their lives. They were two days in coming from Alma to their new home, with an ox team. He had previously cut out one mile of road south, and he afterwards cut out one mile east, on his farm. They reached the place Dec. 5, 1855. Mr. Estee helped to erect the first frame building in the county, namely, a saw-mill owned by John Reynolds on section 9. Since his arrival here he has disposed of 50 acres of his land, and of the remaining I04 acres all but i acres is in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Estee was a member of the State Constitutional Convention of I867, from the "Midland District," which then embraced the original counties of Midland, Isabella, Iosco and Alpena, with the territories attached. He was elected Judge of Probate in I860, and held that office four years; was the first Township Clerk of Coe, and has been Supervisor of the township 13 years; was the second Supervisor, for three years; was Chairman of the first Board of Supervisors, and was a member of the Board when this county was attached to Midland for two years, and removed the county seat to Mt. Pleasant, driving the first stake at that place; has also been Justice of the Peace eight years; Notary Public for a time, and for six years he was President of the Farmners' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Gratiot and Isabella Counties. In the olden time he belonged to what was known as the "Abolitionist" party, and has been a Republican since the organization of that party. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church. He was married in Eden, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 24, I848, to Miss Carrie E., daughter of Linus and Esther M. (Van Dusen) Dole, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. Mrs. E. was born in Eden, Sept. 13, I825. They are the parents of five children, namely: Linus D., Mary E., Free and Perry H., Jr., living, and Hattie M., who died Oct. 12, I863, nearly ten years of age. The portraits of Mr. Estee and his estimable wife are given on previous pages. Those who have seen continuously to the present time, for three years in Oakland County and since I872 in this county. In I880 he was married to Louisa Newman, who was born April 30, I858, in Prussia, and died Oct. 28, 1883, leaving two children,-Lena M., born Aug. 23, I88I, and Charles T., Oct. 27, I883. Mrs. H. was the daughter of Charles and Louisa Newman, natives of Prussia, and now living in Ionia, this State. Mr. Hummel is politically a Republican. He has been Treasurer of his township two terms, and is now holding that office. He has also been Moderator of his school district. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 4 COUNTY. this blooming county develop from swampy forests into a prosperous, well-inhabited region, through the labors of such men as P. H. Estee, will esteem this work the more highly for these permanent reminders of their familiar features. i m. A. M. Hummel, farmer on section 12, Broomfield, is a son of Gustav and Sophia (Fick) Hummel, natives of Prussia. (See - sketch of Theodore Hummel.) He was born Dec. 18, I855, in Prussia, and came with his parents to America in 1869. He has lived with them IL I) yiiE~~ i 1?1" ewis Priest, farmer, section I4, Fremont Township, was a son of Dyer and Julia |/4t9 (Todd) Priest. The former was born in X v Maryland, in I8I7, and the mother in Ohio in Q:' 1820. The father follows the occupation of a farmer and-is at present residing in Hillsdale County, this State. The mother died in Hillsdale, Hillsdale Co., Dec. 4, 1878. Lewis Priest, the subject of this notice, was born Aug. 30, I839, in Licking Co., Ohio. At the age of 21 years he enlisted in Co. H, First Mich. Sharpshooters, which was assigned to the Ninth Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court- ( House, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and others, and was, present at the surrender of Gen. Lee, April 9, i865. (a After passing through the war and receiving no -n — |,7' ""`'6 11 ISABELLA COUNTY. 257 ~ - wound of a serious nature, he was honorably dis- mated at $3,500. In r877 he purchased 40 acres of charged, in the city of Detroit, April Io, i865. land in Union Township, on section 15, of which he,i Ad After his discharge from the service he returned has platted 20 acres. It is situated in the south-?/ to the parental homestead in Hillsdale County, eastern portion of Mt. Pleasant, and is known as: ( this State, remaining with his parents until the fol- Hall's Addition. He also owns his shop and a busilowing year, when he was united in marriage with ness lot on Broadway. Miss Louisa Baker, the date of their wedding being Mr. Hall was married Dec. 26, 1 864, in Minerville. Feb. 2, i866. She was a daughter of Josiah and Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Jane A. Jeffers; she was Rachel A. (English) Baker. The father was born born in Minerville, and is a daughter of William and Aug. 10, i820, in Maryland, and the mother in Lick- Susan A. (Buchanan) Jeffers. Mr. Jeffers was born ( ing Co., Ohio, Aug. 27, 1827. The father followed in 1802 and died in I882; his wife was born in i809:j? the occupation of a farmer, and is still engaged in and died in I86r. Mrs. Hall was born Sept.. that pursuit; and the mother died in Defiance Co., 5, I846. Four children have been born to Mr. Ohio, Dec. 27, 1863. Louisa, the daughter, was and Mrs. Hall, as follows: Francina, Sept. 28, born June o1, I846, in Licking Co., Ohio. I865; Jeffers C., May 8, 1873: Robert C., Sept. 3, The husband and wife were the parents of three i879; Gracie M., May 23, i88i. children, namely: George A., Dire Allen and Attie 0. Mr. Priest came to this county in I874 and located on 80 acres of land on section I4. He had faith in the future development of the country and devot-: ed his time and energy to the clearing and improving an of his land; and, as a proof that "honest effort brings =. reward," he now has 50 acres of his land in a good;: state of cultivation and comfortable necessary buildi n gs. v Politically, Mr. Priest is a Democrat, and socially he is an esteemed and respected citizen of his - township. illiam H. Saxton, liveryman and proprietor of the stage route between Loomis and.x( and Gladwin, was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., July 22, 1839. He is a son of Silas and Amanda (Lee) Saxton, natives of Tompkins Co., N. Y. They removed to the State of Pennsylvania, where the father died, April 9, I880, and the mother in October, 1883. Mr. Saxton was i2 years old when his parents became residents of the Keystone State. He remained at home, acquiring his education, until he was 16 1n, - aT.. T:.-, r*f Or-;:/' I I years of age, when he came to St. Clair Co., Mich. j Blexander Hall, boot and shoe dealer at He spent the first summer in fishing at Thunder! J Mt. Pleasant, was born Dec. 17, 1838, in Bay, and after that season hewas engaged inlumber-, i Montgomery Co., N. Y., and is a son of Alex- ing until I862. In the fall of that year he entered; ' r ander and Hannah (Smith) Hall. His father the military service of the United States. He enlistwas born in 1793, and died in 1864. His ed in the 22d Mich. Vol. Inf., and served until July, mother was born also in 1793, and diedin n 865, when he was honorably discharged at Detroit. i868. The father was a manufacturer of boots and His command was attached to the Army of the shoes, and the son learned his trade underhis super- West, and he participated in all the engagements in vision. He spent two seasons as a carpenter and which his regiment was an actor. joiner, but finally determined to pursue the avenue Immediately upon his discharge, he came to the f of business in which he has since engaged. county of Isabella and located at Mt. Pleasant, where 4 Mr. Hall remained in his native State during the he embarked in the grocery business. At the end of 4 life of his father and mother, and in I874 came to four years he sold out and passed the ensuing four 2 r/ Mt. Pleasant, where he opened a shop for the prosecu- years in lumbering. In 1872 he commenced team"; tion of his business, in which he has since been con- ing, and in I875 he commenced operations in his tinuously engaged. His trade is thriving, requiring presentline. He obtained the mail contract between two assistants, and he carries a stock of goods esti- Mt. Pleasant and Clare, and ran a stage line in con-7 2$58 ISABELLA COUNTY. ~ ~ - = - ~. - -;i;i nection with it two years, when he sold out his stage and a daughter of William and Jane Moore. She interests, retaining his livery business. In the sum- calne with her parents to New York when young, mer of I883 he removed his interests to Gladwin, and there followed the occupation of a seamstress where he now resides and is engaged in carrying until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Converse have f the mail between Loomis and Gladwin. He is a a son, Lucius M., born March 26, I869, and a C. Republican in political sentiment. In t876 he be- daughter, Lillian, born July 20, I871. came proprietor of 40 acres of land in Union Town- Mr. C. is a Republican, and has held various ship, and has about 20 acres under cultivation. He school offices in his township. He is a member and also owns property in the village of Mt. Pleasant. Deacon of the Congregational Church, and his wife Mr. Saxton was married Jan. I7, I867, in Chippewa and daughter are also members of the same Church. Township, Isabella Co., Mich., to Lepha F., daughter of John and Sylvia (Ferris) Fraser. She was born -r-*.-_ July 9, 1847, in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and her parents - were also natives of the Empire State. They are | ames H. McFall, farmer on section i, now residents of Mt. Pleasant. Nine children have Vernon, was born in Middlesex Co., Ont., been born to Mr. and Mrs. Saxton, seven of whom Aug. 26, i858, and came to this county survive. Their names are Julia C., Nellie A., g with his parents when 19 years old, having reEmma M., Edwin F., Sylvia, Carrie E. and Eva. ceived his education in his native county. Two children died in infancy. Oct. 26, I879, in Vernon Township, he was mar- r ried to Miss Jane Baker, daughter of John and Julia t s A. C. (Sharp) Baker, (see sketch of John Baker). A r=ex r.= C=l N I f I ilton L. Conv Vernon TowI Co., N. Y., Ar Thomas D. and verse, natives of 1 and of New Englan( have followed farming as side with their son in Vei They are aged respectiv enjoy good health. They Congregational Church, a The subject of this ske er's farm, and for four y Academy in his native co took charge of the home five years. He then exc in Pierpont Manor, sam about two years. In County, where his brotf and secured 80 acres or ship, where he has sinc purchased 80 aces on sec has 40 acres of his horn able farm buildings, He was married in the 21, x866; to Miss Jennie erse, farmer on section 12, nship, was born in Jefferson )ril 23, 1838, and is a son of I Elisheba (Kirkland) ConTew York and Connecticut d parentage. The parents an occupation, and now rernon Township, this county. rely 78 and 8i years, and are faithful members of the _...,nd hope for a future life. |enjamin F. Kyes, dealer in musical etch was reared on his fath- merchandise, sewing-machines, etc., at (?l; ears attended the Belleville Mt. Pleasant, was born Feb. 5, I854, in unty. At the age of 23 he Sheridan Township, Calhoun Co., Mich., and farm, which he cultivated is the son of Ransom and Harriet (Living-:hanged for village property ston) Kyes. In i855 his parents came to ie county, where he lived Isabella County, Mich., and settled in Coe Township. I871 he tame to Isabella The father bought 200 acres of unimproved land on ler had previously located, section 6, and the family were among the pioneer 1 section 12, Vernon Town- settlersof the township. They resided on the farm -:e made his home. He has until i866, when they removed to the village of Mt. i:tion i, same township, and Pleasant, the father having been elected Sheriff of "" e farm improved, with suit- Isabella County; and they continued their residence there until 1872, when they returned to the estate in, city of Oswego, N. Y, June Coe Township. Moore, a native of Ireland, Mr. Kyes devoted his youthful years to the acqui- e d G. 4-SJ She was born in Ontario, May 31, 1863, and came to this county with her parents when only a child. She received a good common-school education in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McF. have one child, Mary J., born Jan. i8, 1883. They scatled after marriage on an 8o-acre farm on section T: Vernon, given Mr. McFall by his father. Political y, he is a supporter of the Republican party. _ AO (_f3&%i~4 G A _ Y (9.Y^'J>4 V? n a ISABELLA COUNTY. 259 *) ' | - I- (^ I ' sition of a good education and availed himself of the / advantages afforded by the schools of Mt. Pleasant while his father's family resided there. After that event he taught two terms of school, and in I875 he commenced farming on 80 acres of land on section 5, of Coe Township, and remained in that occupation until the fall of 1883, when he formed a partnership with 0. W. Stebbins and established the business in which he is now engaged at Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Stebbins retired in April, 1884. His stock comprises a judicious selection of small musical instruments and organs, including the Chicago Cottage Organ and that manufactured by Kimavall & Co., of Grand Rapids; also the White, Davis and Domestic Sewing-machines. Mr. Kyes was married June 27, I875, at St. Louis, Mich., to Carrie A. Atkin, daughter of George and Sophia Atkin. She was born July 21, 1854, at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. T. on. Alonzo T. Frisbee, residing at Oak X j.~~ Grove, Livingston Co., Mich., State Senator x from the o2th District, and owner of one of the largest farms in Isabella County, was born in ~ Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 12, i840, and is the son of Ezra and Lucinda (Thompson) Frisbee, natives respectively of Montgomery and Herkimer Counties, N. Y. The parents are now residing in Livingston County, with Mr. Frisbee. He received a good education through the facilities afforded by Michigan's admirable school system, 1A and completed his education at the Howell High School with the highest honors of the institution. On arriving at the age of 21, his father told him he could work by the month on the farm, or pack his clothes and go out to make his own way in the world. He accepted a proposition made by his father and > remained on the homestead until 28 years old. On I settling up then with his father, he found there was coming to him the snug little sum of $2,000. It was during war time, with wages high. flay Having heard much of the prairies of Iowa and Minnesota, he planned a visit to them in I870, with: a view to settle in one or the other of those States. He therefore spent an entire summer in journeying over the prairies; but after a thorough consideration of the circumstances, he determined to make his future home in his native Michigan. Returning to his father's, he remained until the oth day of November, 187 I. In this year he came to Isabella County with the expectation of buying Indian lands, the Government having a short time previous given to the aborigines the title of their reservation in severalty. But in this plan he was disappointed. He was a stranger, the Indians were suspicious, and he found it difficult to deal with them. Learning that the school section (i6) in what is now Nottawa was good land, he took a surveyor from Mt. Pleasant by the name of Coburn, found and examined the land. After a week he returned to Lansing and purchased 400 acres on the section mentioned. Four years later, or on the 2ISt day of October, 1875, he returned to his purchase by way of Farwell, being piloted through the woods by a land-looker named Frye. He learned from this gentleman that a man named Dibble had moved into the neighborhood and was opening up a farm about two miles east of his land. Fixing the points of the compass well in his mind, he started for Mr. Dibble's. Finding the place, he told Mr. D. he had come to look over his land, with a view to improving it, and wished to stay over night. He made Mr. Dibble's his home until he had built some log shanties, roofed them with basswood troughs and covered them with moss. This was his primitive home. A few weeks later he built a store, after the pattern of his house with the exception of a shingled roof, knowing that the troughs might be easily removed and thieves break in and steal. As soon as possible he filled his store with goods, which he sold to the Indians and the few white settlers. In three years he had added to his original purchase 440 acres of land and cleared, by the help of the Indians, 160 acres. His first wheat crop yielded 23 bushels per acre; and was put in without plowing,simply sowed on the ground and dragged over three times. In the fall of 1878 his father desired him to return to the old homestead; therefore, on the first day of April, 1879, he returned home to care for his parents in their declining years. Realizing that he owed to them a debt of gratitude he could never more than partially. repay, he rented his farm and left for his old home, where he yet resides. il17 'I, 2 - I I.(, = *^,I - _ip4 vap-, A, I I I iP j*PB.'~ I ~nnana ~ jtl `"I \i.XJ;*. i' C i da ILlj rn — ___.... ___ —_1 —_-__....__-_. H. 260 ISABELLA COUNTY. Mr. Frisbee has never married. He is an agree- excellent trade, manufacturing with his own hands as able gentleman, of polished manners, and makes much as $100 worth of stock per month. Before he friends of all whom he meets. He was for three had driven the first nail he had orders for 40 pairs of <' years Supervisor of Nottawa Township, and has also boots, and his reputation as a workman was such been for several terms Supervisor of Cohoctah Town- that he frequently had orders from a distance of 40 ship, Livingston County, where he resides. He was to 6o miles. elected Township Clerk of his native township when Over-devotion to his business, together with night only 2I years of age; and this was followed by his work, impaired his health to such a degree that in being elected to the office of Supervisor the next 7875 he was obliged to withdraw from further purseveral years in succession. Of the sixteen times suitof that trade. His father dying a year later, he his name has been before the people for their suf- assumed control of the home farm, which he has frage, he has been successful thirteen times, since cultivated. He has now one of the best farms i although many times his party was in the minority. in Vernon Township. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Frisbee is one of the pioneer Greenbackers of his State. He believes that law makes money, and not the material of which it is made. He holds that ' 43 -gold and Silver is too expensive and cumbersome for money; that money is not value itself but a repre- | illiam P. Towns,farmer and proprietor o sentative of value; that the greenback was a repre- of a boarding-house at Blanchard, is a son sentation of the best blood in our country spilled in of Thomas and Anna (Parso) Towns. its struggle to continue its existence, together with The mother was born in Hartford, Oxford.Y the best resources of the people, and was a token to C M c a= )-~. & Co., Me., March i2, I795, and died in i883, the people that they had done something for their = '.. at the advanced age of 88. The father was:<; X Government, and was redeemable by each other and as: the last subject that held it-held the token of its born in 783 and died about 1849. He was a farmer, carpenter and shoemaker, and never moved from his, worth in labor and material, to be redeemed in turn and shoemaker, and never moved from his native State. by his neighbor.natve tate ) With all of Mr. Frisbees successes in life, he has The subject of this record was born Jan. 29, I828, had his misfortunes, principal among which was that in Hartford, Oxford Co., Me. and at the early age of caused by the tornado that swept over his farm in I was bound out to a farmer named Samuel PillsNottawa on the I9th day of September, 1878, which bry. He remained wth hi ten years, receiving very unkind treatment. He had no schooling, and laid s fan waste his farm in waste, destroyed his store by blowing unknd treatment He had no schooling, and it away in fragments, goods and all, and leaving no- all his needs were neglected. After leaving Mr. thing but ruin and desolation behind. Pillsbury, he worked in the lumber woods and then on the river. He was variously occupied until I876.: In the fall of that year he came to Grand Rapids, and in December following he came to Isabella County. The three years ensuing he was foreman in rvine M. Armstrong, farmer on section 6, the business of lumbering, in the employ of P. G. Vernon Township, was born Nov. 3o, 1849, in Blanchard, of Grand Rapids. He is the oldest setPeel Co., Ont., and is the fourth of a family tier of the village of Blanchard, having come before of I children. At the age of 15, he left his na- the first tree was cut towards starting a village. tive county and went to Erin, Wellington Coun- Mr. Towns was married April 17, 1856, at the age A ty, to learn the trade of shoemaking, under the of 28, to Octavia L. Doughty, daughter of Elias and 4 instruction of a man named Archibald Thompson. Louisa (Pool) Doughty. She was born in I838, in Serving his three years, he returned hbme, and in the State of Maine, and died Sept. 3, i866, having the winter of 1869 came to Farwell, Clare County, been the mother of two children: Carrie E., born his parents meanwhile locating in Isabella County. July 8, I860, and Philip S., born April 9, I864. Mr. He started the'first shoe-shop in Farwell,and had an Towns was subsequently married to Carrie M e | ~ -— 6 a lA - - u( ISABELLA COUNTY. 261 K> — ~!,"' Hi. i i, Or'}I ":X#' 10 I I A Flanders, who was born Feb. 17, I842, in Kennebec Co., Me., the daughter of Samuel and Cynthia (McClure) Flanders, natives of the State of Maine. Mr. Flanders was a farmer, and worked in the woods in the winter seasons. In the late civil war he enlisted in the First Maine Heavy Artillery, and he died in the service at Washington, D. C. Mrs. Flanders died April 14, I870, in the State of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Towns have one son, Frank L., born May 12, 1870, in Maine. Politically, Mr. T. is an earnest and influential Republican. awrence J. Petz, M. D., physician and surgeon, at Mt. Pleasant, was born May I2, 1a I854, in Bavaria. He is a son of Martin and Teresa (Gess) Petz. His father was a brewer by profession and died in the "Faderland" Aug. 26, 1876. The mother is still living, in her native country. Dr. Petz was early placed at school, in accordance with the custom of the class to which he belonged, and when he was nine years old began the study of Latin, to which he devoted five years. At 14 he began a course of metaphysical study, which occupied two years, and he then entered upon his preparatory course of reading for his profession. He studied medicine five years at Munich, Bavaria, and was graduated Aug. 26, I874. He practiced in Newberg and Straubing two years, and went to Rome, Italy, where he entered the Giovanni Maria Alfieri Hospital as physician and surgeon. After a stay there of I4 months he went to the Holy Land to study the symptoms of the febrile diseases incident to that location, and spent four months in that branch of medicine, and in the observation of small-pox. He went thence to France and practiced in the city of Paris until January, I878. During the period he was in France the Franco-Prussian war was in progress, I87 1-3. He then came to the United States and spent a year in the Philadelphia University and Hospital, and received the credentials of that institution Feb. ii. I879, He then entered the hospital of the Central New York Eclectic Medical Society, and received a diploma May I7, i882. He spent upwards of a year at Utica, N. Y., as a medical practitioner, going I thither in July, 1882. January 17, i882, the U. S5 National Institute of Eclectic Medicine at St. Louis, Mo., conferred a diploma upon Dr. Petz, and March 2, 1882, he received a similar distinction from the College of Ludovicieuse in the same city. May I9, I 880, the New York Pharmaceutical Association conferred upon him the honors of that organization. Dr. Petz came to Mt. Pleasant in the summer of 1883, and has succeeded in establishing a prosperous business, which is gradually extending. He was married July 24, i88i, at East Syracuse, N. Y., to Josephine G. Shandorf. Mrs. Petz was born May I5, I858, at Manlius Station, Onondaga Co., N. Y. Josephine M., elder child of Dr. and Mrs. Petz, was born May 8, 1882, at Utica N. Y. Eleanora T. was born at Manlius Station Oct. 7, i883.. ----q~. saac N..Shepherd, farmer and lumberman, Salt River, is a son of Robert and Ann (Leach) Shepherd, natives of England, who emigrated to this country about 1834, settling first in New England, and in Coe Township in January, T856, where they remained until their death. Their children numbered eight, five of whom grew to be adults. The fifth son, the subject of this sketch, was born in Vermont, Dec. 31 1840; when 13 years old he came with his parents to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and a year and a halfafterward, that is, in January, 85 6, they came to Isabella County, where has since resided. He remained at home till 22 years of age, contributing to the support of his parents. About I86i, he bought 80 acres of land in Coe Township. Since then he has bought and sold many tracts of land, and at the present time he owns about 2,000 acres of land, having about 250 acres under cultivation. In the summer of I873 he built the residence which he now occupies: it is one of the finest in the county. He also owns and operates a lumber, lath and shingle mill inChippewa Township, which has a daily capacity of 30,000 feet of lumber, 40,000 shingles and 20,000 lath. He is also interested in the Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern Railroad, being a director in the company and a member of the executive committee. Mr. Shepherd is a member of the Masonic Order, B~T, 4i & I F;r;.~'I* j s; i: ~ -— s ~~~ " i I ii; " BE 6' 6 9-' lk 01"N a3~: i-t~-~~ — c1 bf "1'-ts-3;Igsl'i';"5 -- ~ -^ ^ D C^T -- — 1 -— iQ.l: P~-Cl '~~ 262 ISABELLA COUNTY. \ of the Baptist Church and of the Prohibition party. Mr. McKay is a member of Farwell Lodge, No. He was married in Jackson Co., Mich., Jan. 3, 355, F. & A. M., and is politically a Republican. (: 1i864, to Catherine, daughter of John and Rachel He and wife are members of the Presbyterian *:: (Sloat) Neely, who were natives of New York. Mrs. Church. S., who is also a sister of Mrs. James Campbell, \>y _ % In s- s _ A. was born in Jackson County, Mich., July 8, I838, and she has become the mother of five children, namely: John L., Jennie L., Franklin S. (who died June 4, I883, aged 14), Annie R. and William I. N. M* S (I I= \.,f *t 1B ) Fi r \ I * ndrew M. McKay, farmer on section r, Vernon, was born in County Derry, Ireland, | ^f March 17, 1843, and is a son of John and V' Sarah (Dowling) McKay. His father was in l Ireland a raiser and manufacturer of flax, etc., and in I846 he came to Canada. There he purchased a large farm, on which he resided until his death, Feb. 26, I884, at the extreme age of 95. He was one of the earliest settlers of Simcoe Co., Can. His wife is yet living, at the age of 93. Of their nine children seven grew to be adults. Andrew M. was next to the youngest of the family. He was but three years old when the family came across the ocean, they being about six months on the water. He was educated in the common schools of Simcoe Co., Can., until 6 years old, when he served a three-years apprenticeship to a carpenter named William Lenox. Low prices being paid carpenters at that time, he returned to the farm for four years, during which time he was married. He then worked in saw-mills, most of the time as head sawyer. In the summer of I879, he came to this State, and stopped at Clare until he could build a house on 80 acres he purchased on section i, Vernon. He has now improved 45 acres. Some of his farm buildings were built by his unaided hands. Sept. 7, I863, was the date of his marriage to Miss Margaret McKee, daughter of James and Mary J. Murdock. They were natives of Ireland, where the daughter also was born July 27, I842. The family came in I848 to Ontario, where the parents are yet living, on a farm, agedlrespectively 70 and 65. Mr. and Mrs. McKay are the parents of five children,-Mary J., born June 7, 1864; James A., Feb. 19, I866; William O., April I8, I867; Margaret E., March 25, I869; and Edmund J., Aug. I8, I870. Caaniei Doxsie, farmer on section 22, Rolland, is a son of Samuel and Phebe (Young) Doxsie. The father was born in the State of New York, July 6, i815, and has followed farming all his life. He was married in Ontario, Can., in I837. Coming to Michigan, he has lived for 30 years in Eaton County, where he reared three of his children. His wife was born in New Jersey. June 21, I818, and died in March, i88I. They had in all eleven children, three of whom are dead. The oldest son died at Detroit, of wounds received in the army. The subject of this sketch was born at Norwich, Ont., May 2, I842, and lived at home until within two days of his majority. He then left home, sending his father $5 for the two days' time, and worked for two years at laying a stone wall in Calhoun Co., Mich. During the war he served in the Quartermaster's Department at Nashville, Tenn. He was not an enlisted soldier, but was paid by the Government. Returning to Michigan, he lived eight months in Eaton County and then, in i865, came to Isabella and located on 60 acres of wild land on section 22, Rolland. He has now 80 acres, including 40 acres well improved. He was married Sept. 3, i868, to Angeline Peterson, who was born May 24, I850, in Tuscarawas, Co., Ohio, the daughter of William M. and Mary A. (Richardson) Peterson, natives of New Jersey and Ohio. Mr. Peterson was a carpenter and joiner until he came to Michigan, since when he has followed farming and lumbering. He now resides in Deerfield Township. Mr. and Mrs. Doxsie have two children of their own,-Ella M., born June 21, I869, and Lillie E., born May 29, 1871; and an adopted son, Peter S., born Oct. 27, I878. Mr. D. has been Township Clerk two years, Township Treasurer one year, Supervisor four years, successively, then School Superintendent two terms and Supervisor two years more, being the present incumbent. He has also been a Justice of the Peace seven A.1. ~{'D;. 1. v,lk iita Afi;\.'ll, 7..*ni I fol(D aolo~ ,r,,,, -,i 1, I, A ''di, I " 4 ) - ---;, q, I265 I'l- 12 IfSABELSLA COUNTY., IS L C Y 2 years, and a Notary Public six years. He was commissioned a Notary by Gov. Bagley in March, I875, and by Gov. Jerome in July, I88I. He is a member of the Republican party. He has belonged to Lang sing Lodge, No. 33, Grand Ledge Loge, No. I79, and Wabon Lodge, No. 305, F. & A. M. { ev. Robert P. Sheldon was one of the most prominent pioneers of Isabella County, eo: and one of the few that will be longest remembered by those whose interest is warm in early days. He was born in Canada Aug. 27, 1806, and his parents were also natives of the Dominion. At an early period in his life, however, the family removed to the State of New York. The father being in limited circumstances, was not able to afford Robert a liberal education, and the latter gathered up the crumbs of learning as well as he could, in the face of obstacles smiliar to those that have risen up in the path of many noble, self-made men. He had no trade, and he worked by the month as a farm laborer most of the years of his youth, at a time of life when similarly gifted young men of this generation are preparing for life in the high school or college. At the age of I8 he was married to Miss Amy Marsh, a native of the Empire State. She possessed an intelligent, well-trained mind, and was of great assistance to her husband in improving his scholarship. Becoming imbued with the idea that he was divinely called to preach the Gospel, he bought books as fast as he could afford them, and improved his leisure hours in study. After some years he was licensed as an exhorter in Ohio, and several years later he was ordained as a minister. Beginning at Bucyrus, in the Buckeye State, he labored in the cause of Christianity for a number of years on both sides of the Ohio River. -Jn the fall of I860 he turned his course northward, and selected Isabella County as his home. Here he devoted the remainder of his life to his chosen calling. He was the father of Methodism in this section, and by unanimous desire his name, together with that of the first Presiding Elder of this Conference, is placed in the memorial window of the handsome Methodist Episcopal church at Mt. Pleasant. On his first arrival he bought 80 acres in Coe Township, which he afterwards sold, and he purchased another tract of equal size in Chippewa. He disposed of half this land, and at the time of his death 20 acres were in cultivation. He remained up to the close of his life faithful and enthusiastic in his ministry, and nothing ordinary would prevent his promptly filling his numerous appointments, to do which required frequent long journeys on foot, over logs and tree-tops and swamps. His health gradually failed, but he made no pause in his work until about six months previous to his death. His departure to his final and enduring rest occurred at two o'clock in the morning of Oct. 17, I882. By his first marriage he had five children, of whom three survive. Their names are Ansel L., Huldah M. and George N. His wife dying Aug. 20, I854, he was again married March 20, I855, in Wheatland, Hillsdale Co., Mich., to Mrs. Susanna McDowel, daughter of John and Susanna Kinzie, who were natives of Switzerland. She was born at Berne, in that rocky republic, and was first married to John McDowel, in Seneca Co., Ohio, by whom she bore two children. Of these, Otto survives. Mr. McDowel died in Canada, at the hands of an assassin. To Mr. Sheldon's second marriage there were given seven children, of whom the five survivors are named Charles 0.. Eugene P., Jesse F., Franklin B. and Alice R. Two died in infancy. In Mr. Sheldon's portrait, which appears on a previous page, our readers will recognize one of nature's noblemen, a man who was as universally beloved and respected as any pioneer of this county, and one whose true worth cannot be too highly lauded, or whose memory cannot be too carefully cherished by the future generations. J ames Armstrong, farmer on section 6, Vernon Township, was born in Peel Co., Ont., Aug. I3, I844, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Baker) Armstrong, natives of Ireland and Canada. The parents were married in Peel Co., Ont., and came to Michigan in March, I869, locating in Vernon Township, this county, among its first settlers. The father was for many years a school-teach*So " f *;;' S;!" - <*f - -.f -. e ~ — '"- At * —;g-. 266IS L A --- COUsNT-. u --- -- 4e 266 ISABELLA COUNTY.. (@ I N, A I= = I er in Ontario, and taught one district school 14 terms in succession. He died in Vernon, Nov. 12, I875, aged 66; the mother lives with her son, Irvine, and is now in her 62d year. Their family numbered i2, of whom i are alive, and all residents of this State. James is the eldest. He lived at home until I6 years old, alternately attending school and working on the farm. At that age he commenced to work out, and he was in the employ of various neighbors until 24 years old. In May, I868, he came to Michigan and secured 95 acres on section 6, Vernon. He at once set about making a home, clearing his farm and raising grain, which product was in steady demand among lumbermen and railroad contractors. He has now 39 acres improved, out of the 50 acres which he retains. Losing his health in a measure, from malarious influences, he followed the carpenter's trade from I871 to 1874, in which latter year he resumed farm work. He was married at Stanton, this state, Nov. 21, = I876, to Miss Louise J. Hinds, daughter of Ansel C. = and Emily J. (Pepper) Hinds, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English descent. Mr. Hinds was by oc= cupation a farmer, and while chopping a tree in Montcalm County, this State, a dead tree near by fell upon his head, producing instant death. Mrs. Hinds now lives at Stanton. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Bradford Co., Pa., Oct. o1, I858, and came with her parents to Montcalm Co., when five years old. She was educated at the public schools of Stanton, and lived in that county until her marriage. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. A., two of whom are living. These are Clarence R., born July 9, I879; and Emily F., born Aug. 30, i88r. Maud was born Jan. i, 1878, and died the same day. Mrs. A. is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Armstrong is politically a Republican, and has for three years been Justice of the Peace. event Mrs. R. went to live with her daughter in the same county, where she remained until her death. In this family were ten children, nine daughters and one son. William R., the only son, and subject of this biographical notice, was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, I806, and remained at home until of age, obtaining a common-school education. Then, for one year, he carried on his father's farm, on shares. Next he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he prosecuted nearly 40 years. His last job in that line was the erection of the Baptist church at Salt River, striking the first and the last blow ini the building of that edifice. From Washington Co., N. Y., he moved to Milwaukee Co., Wis., where he worked at his trade one summer. In the fall of 1855 he came to this county and settled on 320 acres of wild land, on section 2I, Coe Township, which he had purchased the preceding spring. After residing there five years, he sold the place and bought another 320 acres, on sections i6 and I7 In I874, he sold this and bought six acres on section i6, where he built a frame house, which he still owns. He also owns the building which he occupies, and carries on a flourishing business in general merchandise. Mr. Robbins has held the office of Supervisor of Coe Township for three terms, Township Clerk three years, Justice of the Peace two terms, and Constable for a short time. He was appointed Notary Public soon after his settlement in this county, which office he now holds. He was appointed Postmaster under President Buchanan's administration in the spring of I856-the first Postmaster in this countyand held the office for 14 years, when he resigned. From the foregoing date one may observe that Mr. R. is a very early pioneer of Isabella County; and as a citizen he has been very prominent. During the panic and famine of I857, he was appointed agent for the county to solicit aid for the people, and bonds of the county to the amount of $1,500 were placed in his hands for disposal. Only one bond, of $500, however, could be negotiated, but the proceeds prevented the people from starving until their crops could be harvested. While attending to the above business, Mr. R. bore his own expenses. In religious matters he is a prominent member of the Baptist Church, and in political affairs he is a Republican. Mr. Robbins was first married in Granville, Wash '1r ka k I I S illiam R. Robbins, merchant, Salt River, is a son of Marcus and Amy (Robinson) S Robbins, the former a native of Wethersfield, Conn., and the latter of Rhode Island. They first settled in Washington Co., N. Y., where he (Marcus) followed the occupation of joiner, and resided until his death. After the latter ala --- r \~ -.> ISABELLA W) f a 1 (!)n xaouNY. 267 I COUNTY. 267 1 'IT) /' N " 41 ington Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, I857, to Miss Catherine, daughter of James and Catherine (Wiley) Grant, who were of German and Irish ancestry. Mrs. R. was born in Granville, N. Y., Oct. 12, i808, and died June 22, I847. The children by this marriage were Cordelia C., James W., Mary E., Sidney, Amy and William R. James W. died in Dover, Del., June 27, I876. The remainder of the children are married and settled in life. Mr. Robbins was again married, in Rensselaer County, N. Y., Nov. 10, I847, to Miss Lydia, daughter of Francis and Sally (Eggleston) Robinson, natives respectively of Rhode Island and New York. She died Oct. 7, I870, in Coe Township, and Mr. R. married for his third wife (in Hampton, Washington Co., N. Y.), Dec. 26, I870, Miss Juliette, daughter of Thomas Wilson, natives of New York State. She was born Aug. I4, I828. 14 X heodore Hummel, farmer on section I2 aI Broomfield Township, is a son of Gustav " and Sophia (Fick) Hummel, natives of Prussia. The father was born March 8, i8I2, and was a shepherd in the old country. He came to America in the year I869 and located in Oakland County, this State, where he lived three years. He then came to Isabella County and settled where he now lives, with his son William. His wife was born March I6, I812. Their son Theodore was born Feb. i8, I841, in Prussia, and lived at home until 14 years of age. He then worked by the year as a shepherd for different parties, until I869, when he came with his parents across the waters. He bought 80 acres where he at present lives, 50 being now under cultivation. He was first married in I865, to Mary Prest, who was born in 1838 and died in 1869. He was again married in I870, to a sister of his first wife. She was born in I844 and died in I877, leaving five children,-Minnie, born June r8, 1871; Frank, Sept. 27, 872; Emma, April i9, I874; Margaretta, May 27, I876; William, May 28, I877 (died in September following). His present wife, Fredrica (Fowlman) Hummel, was born in Macomb Co., Mich., Dec. 2, i855, the daughter of John and Minnie (Cline) Fowlman. Mr. and Mrs. F. are yet living, in Macomb County. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hummel,-Eddie, Sept. 20, I878; William, July 28, I88o; and Mary, June 2, i882. Mr. H. is a Republican and has been Assessor of his school district several terms. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. ames C. Caldwell, proprietor of Two Rivers Hotel, Deerfield Township, is a son of Moses and Lucy (Hotchkiss) Caldwell, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. After residing a while in the Bay State they lived seven years in Pennsylvania, 20 years in Massachusetts again, a short period in the Keystone State the second time, and settled finally in Oakland Co., Mich, in I840. He died at the advanced age of 92 years, and she at the age of 86. The subject of this sketch was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Aug. 2, I8I8, received his education at the common school, and at the age of 15 went with his parents to Pennsylvania. In 1840 he came to Michigan and worked a season in Oakland County, then two years in Macomb County, then purchased and carried on for three years a farm in Oakland County, sold, and rented different farms about five years, then rented a farm for seven years in Clinton County, in the meantime purchasing a farm which he owned but a short time, and in the spring of I863 came to this county and bought a quarter-section of land in Fremont Township, lived there till the fall of 1878, when he sold and bought a farm of 60 acres in Deerfield Township, on section io. He now has 38 acres in a state of good cultivation. In May, I882, he started the Two Rivers Hotel, which he has since kept, except the summer of I883, when he was visiting in Ohio. Mr. Caldwell was Supervisor of Fremont Township one year, Township Clerk one year, Township Treasurer one year, County Superintendent of the Poor three years, and has held many other offices. In politics he acts with the Republican party, and in social matters he is a member of the Order of Good Templars. Mr. Caldwell was first married in Macomb Co., Mich., May 14, 1843, to Miss Nancy Russell, a native of New York State, who died Aug. 8, 1877. r ( ~ I * 4 1 I 3 3 r A, iIt.. ~.; f I, J.. i'4 |.,i t. I 0 i, t vk ON 11 A,,r —'.I~, 'i ~"ia."/, It /: li A",-","l: P ~ii~ir~2 'G Y I ~ Bi:~ A- - 9 ; s ~, ~ 2663 r% ISABELLA CO UNr Y. =! Their five children were, Roscoe M., Arthur B., ~r Irene V., Ada A. and Ella May. The eldest was. killed in the battle of Cold Harbor; Ada died when one year old. July 28, I878, Mr. C. married Mrs. Harriet L. Duttler, widow of Peter Duttler and daughter of Jason Streeter. She died Oct. x6, 1883. Feb. 27, 1884, he married for his present wife Mrs. Sarah Griswold, widow of Robert Griswold and daughter of David and Mary Ann (Thompson) Graves. She has by her first marriage a daughter, Florence, now the wife of Robert Riley, of Cleveland, Ohio.. —,ql-~...~arren Wardwell, general farmer and black-:4 ~ smith, section 5, Lincoln Township, was., born in Ledyard, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. X 4, 1831. His parents, Lemuel and Betsey: (Whitmore) Wardwell, were natives of New England, of English and Scotch ancestry. Mr. Wardwell, Sr., was a farmer, and died in Scipio, Hillsdale Co., Mich., in February, I859; and the latter is still living, in Lincoln Township, this county, aged 74 years. Warren, the subject of this sketch, lived in his native county until nine years old, when the family made a removal to Seneca Co., N. Y. When 17 years old, in I848, he left home and returned to his native county and for a year and a half followed his trade as blacksmith, which he had learned under the superintendence of Levi Elmendorff, at Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y., serving as an apprentice two years. While in Cayuga County he worked for Hiram Finch, at Springport. Returning again to Seneca County, he re-engaged himself to Mr. Elmendorff, as a "jour." Afterward he went to Wayne Co., N. Y., and established a general blacksmith shop, which he conducted two years; then he worked as a journeyman two years in Lock Berlin, same county. In January,; 855, he went to Red Creek, Cayuga County, and worked for a Mr. Toole until September, I856; then he followed his trade until next year at Seneca Falls. In April, I858, he came to this State and settled at Litchfield, Hillsdale County, where he worked at; blacksmithing for Chauncey Calhoun; from 1859 to i86I he carried on a shop of his own., and in the fall of the latter year he moved to this county,!t'N f,. w,~ I "squatting "on a quarter-section of wild land, on section 5, and " homesteading it " in I863. He was three weeks making the journey to this county, coming with three wagon loads of goods. On arriving here there was no building within two miles of him excepting a deserted hunter's shanty, in which he lived three weeks, while erecting a cabin on his own place. The shanty was made of poles and roofed with bark, and was barely large enough to contain them and their goods. The township was yet not organized, and the first permanent settlement was three miles away. It required five days to go to St. John's or Ionia, to secure provisions. He disposed of 80 acres of this place to his brother, to apply on services rendered in the war, and nearly all the remainder is improved and in good farming condition. Of the whole original tract he cleared about a hundred acres. Dec. 29, I849, in Wayne Co., N. Y., Mr. Wardwell married Miss Mary, daughter of Peter and Serena (Scott) McQueen, natives of Wayne Co., N. Y., of English, Dutch and Irish ancestry. Mrs. W. was born also in that county, March 20, I827. They have no children, but have an adopted daughter, Estella G., who was born Sept. 6, 1869. Mr. W. was Road Commissioner in I865-6; in political matters he is a Republican, and, with his wife, is a member of the Christian Church.. -.- - i i fred J. Doherty, teacher, real-estate and i insurance agent, and present Principal of?-~ the public school of Clare, was born in i zJ New York city May i, i856. His father has been a lumberman most of his life, and, with his wife, now resides in the State of New York. When a child, Alfred came with his parents to Defiance Co., Ohio. There and in Paulding County the father followed lumbering extensively and profitably for a number of years, when he moved back to Allegany Co., N. Y., where he owns a large farm on the Genesee River. The subject of this biography was educated in the seminary at Belfast, N. Y., and later in Bonaventura College, where he was graduated in 1876. The following year he was married, and for a time afterward he followed farming. He came to Clare, Michigan, I;SABELLA COUNITY. 269 I L COUNT._ 26 in 1878, and has since been identified with the history of that growing village. He owns 40 acres in Grant Township, and has one of the finest and best arranged residences in the village, the same costing $3,000. He is a shrewd business man and a competent teacher. He has held some school office ever since coming to Clare, has been one of the Board of School Examiners, and County Superintendent of Schools. He has been a member of the Village Council for four years and a Notary Public for some time. Politically, he is an active and influential Republican. He is a member of Clare Lodge, No. 333, I. O. O. F., and is Secretary of the same. His marriage occurred July i, I877, at Belfast, N. Y., to Miss Alice B. Gleason, daughter of Redding and Eunice (Scott) Gleason, natives of Vermont and of New England parentage. The father, a farmer, died in I866. The mother lives now with her daughter, at Clare. Mrs. Doherty lived with her parents in her native county until her marriage. She is the mother of three children,-Floyd E., born Feb. 15, 1878; Francis B., March I4, i88o; and Eliza B., March 31, I883. E. Lyon, member of the firm of Hopkins & Lyon, Mt. Pleasant, is a son of David S. and Iva L. (Chase) Lyon; and was born in Knox Co., Ohio, March 21, 841. He was reared on a farm, received a good commonschool education, and also attended the Halcyon Academy at Hartford, Ohio. He taught school 14 ter ns. In the fall of I864 he came to Isabella County and bought 120 acres on section 7, Union Township. He now owns 200 acres, 125 of which are under cultivation. The farm is now under the charge of his son-in-law, W. R. Hatch. He has lived in this county since his first coming, except from I865 to I869, when he was in the State of Ohio. His three children are Wesley C., on the farm; Gertie A., wife of W. R. Hatch'; and Carrie E., at home. In the spring of 1871 he was elected Supervisor of Union Township, and in the fall of 1872 he was elected County Clerk, which office he filled five years. 'During this term he assisted in making a set of abstracts of Isabella County. He has had ten years' experience in abstract-making, first in the employment of I. E. Arnold, then Arnold & Upton, then Uptojl & Hance; which firm, and Brown & Seaton, he succeeded in business. Jan. I, 1883, he formed his present business connection with Hon. S. W. Hopkins, and they now do a large business in real estate, insurance and loans. J erome H. Denslow, farmer on section I8, Sherman, is a son of Jeremiah and Desire (Griffith) Denslow, natives of the State of New York. Jeremiah Denslow was born in I80o, and died in Lenawee Co., Mich., Feb. I3, I875. His wife was born in I8II, and died in the State of New York, in I880. Their son Jerome was born Oct. 4, I836, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and at the age of 19 left home, went to Jamestown, N. Y., and worked in a manufactory for two years. In i858 he went to Chicago and was employed by E. Wood in fitting grain crates for use. Returning to New York, he shortly came to Livingston Co., Mich., where he lived four years. During his stay there, Sept. 27, 1859, he was married to Miss Asenath Savage, who was born Jan. 9, I834, in Carrollton Township, Genesee Co., N. Y., the daughter of William and Urina (Sprague) Savage, natives of New York. Mr. S. was born in I806 and died in August, X88i, and Mrs. S. was born in 1797 and died in 184r. Mr. Denslow enlisted in the navy during the late war, and was on the "R. P. Cuyler." His vessel was engaged at Fort Fisher, N. C., and was occupied in cruising along the coast for rebel boats. He was discharged June 7, T865, at Norfolk, Va., went on board the receiving ship "Constellation," and returned to his parents in New York. He soon after removed to Lenawee Co., Mich. In I877 he came to this county and located on section 22, Sherman. A year and a half later, he settled on his present place. He owns 200 acres, of which 30 are improved. His family includes eight children, born as follows: George H., Sept. 5, 1859; Frederick L., Sept. 20, i860; Willard G. and William L., lug. 8, I863; Myrtle I., June 5, I866; Grant H., Oct. r5, I868; Frank E, May 9, I87; and Viola E., March 3, 1874. Mr. D. was elected Justice of the Peace in i880, 270 ISABELLA and Township Treasurer in 1883. He is the present incumbent of the latter office. He is a member of the Masonic Order, Addison Lodge,No. I57, F. & A. M., at Addison, Lenawee Co., Mich. COUNTY.. -- -..^ A; A A i.\ f KcX* t\.' ^' imon S. Smith, merchant, Salt River, is a son of Alexander and Susan (Barger) Smith, '" who were natives of Greene Co., Pa., and moved to West Virginia, where the father was killed by a railroad accident, July 20, I854. The mother, since re-married, is now a resident of Parkersburg, W. Va. Their family comprised two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, the subject of this sketch, was born in Greene Co., Pa., Nov. 8, I840, educated mostly at a private school, and at the age of 14, when his father was killed, he had to commence the battle of life for himself, first engaging as a clerk in a country store for his step-father fora year; was next in the employ of Smith & Barger for nearly a year, and then for a short time in that of Ullom & Owen in West Virginia, then for Miles A. Himan, same State; attended school three months, taught three months, and then, in April, I86I, he bought a stock of goods and began merchandising on his own account. He followed this business about nine months, and soon afterward purchased a farm in West Virginia, which he carried on about two years. He then sold out and moved to the southern part of Virginia and was employed as clerk about a year. In March, 1865, he formed a partnership with Isaiah Lomon, under the firm name of Lomon & Smith, which continued three years. At the end of the second year they built two stores, and at the end of three years they divided their stock, Mr. S. continuing until September, I868, when he sold out and came to Isabella County. Here he was first engaged for a year and a half in mercantile business at Reynolds' Mill. In March, 1870, he removed to Salt River and bought out the stock of H. Struble & Co., but six months afterward he sold again and went to live on his farm of 107 acres, on section Io, Coe Township. Here he remained 12 years, in the meantime purchasing the "Reynolds farm," of 75 acres, and also the grist-mill connected with it. In October, I88I, he moved again to Salt River and bought out the stock of general merchandise of N. W. Struble, where he now carries on a flourishing business. In 1882 he built an addition to his store and made further improvements. In April, 1883, he purchased a two-thirds interest in the Salt River grist-mill, which has a capacity of 150 bushels of wheat per day. Into this mill he transferred the machinery of the Reynolds mill. It is now owned and managed by (S. S.) Smith & (J. B.) Struble. Mr. Smith has held the office of Highway Commissioner about two years, and that of School Director and Moderator. Is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and (with his wife) a prominent member of the Disciples' Church, being one of the Elders. They were formerly active members of the Baptist Church. In the last mentioned he was Clerk and Deacon, and when they built their house of worship at Salt River he was Chairman of the Building Committee. On national issues he is a Republican. Mr. Smith was married in Greene Co., Pa., April 6, 186i, to Miss Mary, daughter of William and Maria (Roach) Pettit, natives of the same county, who removed in i851 to West Virginia, where they now reside. Mrs. S. was born in the above county April 13, 8'43. A remarkable coincidence of dates in this family's history deserves mention. Mrs. S. was born in April, married in April, and all the three children were born in April; and the same minister that baptized them into the Church also married them. -— ^-^^A.~^~~g;^-^|^3~VA.-^ ester Briggs, Deputy Sheriff of Isabella County, proprietor of the Penobscot House and livery man at Blanchard, is a son of Oris and Adelia (Fields) Briggs. The father was born in i8i i, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and the mother was born in the State of Vermont in 8I17. The former engaged in agriculture, moved from New York in i843 to St. Joseph Co., Mich., two years later to Cass County, I8 years later (I867) to Lenawee County, and in I87 3 came to Gratiot County, where he died, in Emerson Township, April 22, I874. The mother died in I88I, at the home of a daughter in Lenawee County. The subject of this sketch was born Feb., I849, ',1 -1n. kL`'ip1 (W::' A.: N N "t Q el: 1 - '-;i I" ~N "I,,. - _ _ _ _ _ _ ~ k _ _ _ _ '%'0 ISABELSLA ACOULTY. 271 COUNTY. 271 i ~@,k i ON i el CI_ lh~. I-8, -- 7 in St. Joseph Co., Mich., and remained at home until 15. At that early age he enlisted in Co. C, Ninth Ind. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Fourth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment waas not in any general engagement, but was in some skirmishes. He was discharged for disability in the fall of I865, when he returned to his parents, who then lived in Cass County. One year laterhe went to Lenawee County, where he resided until i88r. Next he lived at St. John's, Clinton County, until I881, and then for two years at Edmore, after which he came to Blanchard. He was married at St. John's, Clinton County, to Miss Josepha, daughter of Levi and Hannah (Pullfrey) Longwood. Her father was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., in I800; her mother, in Pennsylvania, in I8rI. Her father died in St. John's, May 2, 1878; her mother is yet living, at the same place. Their daughter, Josepha, was born April 24, 1849, in Seneca Co., N. Y., and was the fourth daughter of a family of seven, five of whom are yet living. Mr. Briggs is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He has been a Constable almost constantly ever since I2 years old, and Marshal of the village of Blanchard for a time. He resigned to accept a position as Trustee of the village. In the fall of I883 he was appointed a Deputy by Thomas Pickard, Sheriff of the county. Politically, Mr. Briggs supports the Republican party....... - I short time, going thence to Alma, and engaging in business there eleven months; after which he again came to Mt. Pleasant and established himself permanently. He is the pioneer resident jeweler and has been engaged in a prosperous business in his line from the first. Mr. Switzer was married Oct. 8, I876, at Mt. Pleasant, to Matilda A. Brown, a native of Canada. One of two children born of this marriage is living, but unnamed. Daisy D. was born Feb. 14, I88I, and died Oct. 3r, 1882. Mrs. Switzer had two children by a former marriage, one of whom, Marshall H., is living, and one, Willie, is deceased. Mr. and.Mrs. Switzer are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. S. is Trustee. He is active in Sunday-school matters. ames A. Converse, farmer on section 12, Vernon Township, was born in Oneida Co.,, N. Y., Nov. I, 1834, is a son of Thomas D. and Elisheba (Kirkland) Converse, natives of New England. He is the elder of two sons, and when 13 months old was taken by his parents to Jefferson Co., N. Y. Here he lived at home until 24 years old, receiving a good education at the Belleville (N. Y.) Union Academy. At the age mentioned, he left home and engaged as traveling salesman for a New York wholesale establishment. His route extended over various parts of the Empire State. In the fall of i868 he came to Michigan. Spending one year in Shiawassee County, he came thence to Isabella and pre-empted 80 acres, where he now lives. It was then entirely wild. He had to go to Mt. Pleasant, a distance of 15 miles, for mail and marketing. The only work animals in the township at that time were an Indian pony and an ox team. For the first four years of his residence here he carried on his back all the supplies he purchased for home use. There was no work in his immediate neighborhood, and as money was scarce and times were hard, he would frequently take a cake of maple sugar and a loaf of bread and travel for days in search of employment. He gave what time he could to the improvement of his own V, I (vi~~ 1, its,, / XA-4. I I.avid Switzer, watch-maker and jeweler at I li[ Mt. Pleasant, was born Sept. 1x, 1840, in t X Elgin Co.,Can. His parents, William and,g Eliza M. (Cowell) Switzer, were both natives. of Canada and are still living there. Mr. Switzer was reared on his father's farm, and in 1864 went to Fingal to learn his trade. His employer afterwards removed to Wardsville, whither 7 he accompanied him, as he had not completed his preparation for business. In I87I another move was made, to Byron, Shiawassee Co., Mich., under the same circumstances. Not long afterward, Mr..! Switzer succeeded to the business and continued its prosecution at Byron nearly three years. In I873 V he came to Mt. Pleasant, where he remained but a -';45. n i j i 0 pH I,- it.. k dI 272 ISABELLA. COUNTY. Y 27 ISBEL CoU TY farm. He has erected necessary farm buildings and brought under cultivation 45 acres. He was married in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, I858, to Miss Elina M. Burnham, daughter of Emerson and Emily (Ellsworth) Burnham, natives of New England. She was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, I839, and lived at home until her marriage, receiving a good common-school education. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. C.: Mary E. (Brown), born Aug. 23, 1863, and married Sept. 20, 1883; and Julia E., born Dec. 19, 1875. Mr. C. is politically a supporter of the Republican party, and has been Township Clerk of Vernon two years. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. ohomas Judge, farmer and lumberman, section i, Fremont Township, is a son of William and Catharine (Kelly) Judge, natives of Ireland. His father was born in i8 i, came to Canada in I830, and died in I865, in Topeka, Kansas. His mother was born in I8i8, and is yet living in Topeka, Kansas. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. I5, 1829, in Ireland; was six months old when he accompanied his parents across the sea to this country; remained at home till he was 23 years of age, assisting on the farm; in I869 he came from Canada to this county, settling on 200 acres of wild land where he now resides and has I50 acres in a good state of improvement. In I882 he erected a fine brick residence, at a cost of $4,000. He has also large barns and other commodious farm buildings, and he owns good live stock. He has just (March, I884) completed a job in the lumber line, putting 2,000,000 feet on the track of the Mackinaw Division of the Michigan Central Railroad. In regard to national questions Mr. Judge is Democratic. He has been School Assessor six years and Township Supervisor. At the age of 23, Mr. J. married Dora Tighe, daughter of James and Mary Tighe, natives of Ireland. Her father was born in i8o0, and died in I839, in Ireland; and her mother died April 27, i88o, and is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In their family were seven children, all of whom are deceased except two. In Mr. Judge's family 12 children have X, b.> S. 8; ^?am, (-. been born, all living, as follows: James B., June 27, I85 2; Thomas, Nov. 27, 1853; Mary, March 3, i856; William, Oct., 13, I857; Catharine, Sept. 15, i86o; John, Dec. I, I862; Dora, Dec. i6, i863; Sarah, Nov. 27, i866; Charlie, Feb. 14, I868; Anna, March I6, 870; Celia, Feb. 22, 872; and Daniel F., Dec. I5, 1876. Four of the above are heads of families. - o~o, t.yrus H. Thompson, jeweler, at Mt. Pleas~ ant, was born May T, I818, in Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y., and is a son of Heath and Margaret (Anderson) Thompson. He was left fatherless when a little more than eight years of age, and his mother became the wife of a man named Samuel Miles, who removed with his family to Orwell Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Mr. Thompson acquired a good elementary education at the common schools, which he had attended until he was 16 years old. He subsequently entered Jefferson Academy, where he studied one term, and was a student some months afterward at Farmington Academy. He taught one term after leaving school, and at I8 went to Ashtabula to learn his trade, at which he served three years, most of the time at Cleveland, Ohio. At the end of the time mentioned, he went to Ashtabula and opened a shop, where he operated three months, going thence to Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich. He worked at his trade there a few months, and in -839 went to Jackson, where he conducted his business six years. During that time he purchased a farm in the township of Leoni, adjoining the city, and after a brief residence upon it he went to Adrian. A few months later he went to Lansing, then in its early days. He bought a lot in that small "city," which was all in timber, cleared it up and erected his dwelling. He located his store therein and managed his business there until the winter of I849-50, when he went to Coldwater and formed a partnership with Henry N. Moore, a relation which existed nearly three years. He next bought a two-thirds interest in a large brick store and continued in his business alone. In the fall of i86o he exchanged his property for that of a similar character at Marshall, Mich., and continued its management until I875. In October of that year he came to Mt. Pleasant and established the business in / I a/ ISABELLA which he is now engaged. His stock comprises a:i well selected assortment of clocks, watches, plated ei goods and jewelry. His business includes repairing and engraving. Mr. Thompson owns considerable ( town property in Mt. Pleasant. COUNTY. 275 co — @~,'7s ~. He was married June 4, 1843, in Leoni Township, Jackson County, to Paulina, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Coon) Maxson. She was born in Bennington, N. Y., Aug. 28, I824. Following is the record of the seven children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson: Cynthia Priscilla married first William H. Wells (of Marshall, now deceased) and is now the wife of I. E. Wilcox, of Mt. Pleasant; Alice is deceased; Cyrus H. is a jeweler at Marshall; Ella G. married William H. Bryan, of Chicago (now Postmaster, express and station agent at Ravenswood) and died in I874; Eva is the wife of Samuel A. Foster, of Mt. Pleasant; May V. is the widow of Frank H. Dusenberry; Lizzie, the youngest, is deceased. The family attend the Presbyterian Church. He then made a tour through Wisconsin, came to this county and purchased a quarter of section 14, Lincoln Township, made some improvements upon it and sold it. Previously, however, he had bought 80 acres on sections 13 and 14, to which he has added 50 acres by purchase, and the whole 130 acres are in a good state of cultivation. He has three large stock and grain barns, which cost nearly $1,500, and his large residence cost $1,300. Mr. V. is a member of the G. A. R. post at Salt River, holding now the office of Surgeon. In his township he has been Highway Commissioner, Supervisor two years, and held other minor offices. With regard to national questions he votes with the Republicans. Nov. 12, i866, at Mt. Pleasant, this County, Mr. V. married Miss Martha J., daughter of Benjamin and Eunice (Calkins) Cole, the latter being natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania, of English ancestry. They were early residents of Lincoln Township. The father, afarmer, died in June, 1877, aged 69; the mother is still living, at the age of 68, at Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. V. was born in Ohio. Oct. 8. I c. (%-Ill, Jll~,~' Tl~' ic kJtr */, 'I I: /0~d -'e.i = —I-,AC, A3 849. When she was two years old her parents lbert C. Vredenburg, general farmer and Vredenburg eneral farmer and moved to Allen Co., Ind., and in i866 to this State, = stock-raiser, section 13, Lincoln Township, where she has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. V. have | was born in Ingham Co., Mich., April 4, four children, namely: George H., born Nov. 21, 1846. His father, George W., was a native of 868; Perry H Aug. 29, 1872; Mary A., Oct. Newark, N. J., of German parentage, was a 877 and Fannie M., Sept. 29, 879 farmer, and died in Jackson Co., Mich., June,M.,r. V.'s portrait is given in this volume, as that of 17, i863; his mother, Rebecca (nee Williams) VredenX a truly representative agriculturist. burg, was a native of New England, of English descent, and died in Pennsylvania in 1852. Albert C., the second son in the above family of | t,, _g_.: four children, was three years old when his parents ") moved from this State to Pennsylvania; they lived i six years in JeffersonCounty, that State, during which li ames Ayling, general farmer and dealer in time his mother died, and he came with his father to l $ blooded sheep, section 6, Lincoln TownJackson Co., Mich., in 1855, settling near the city. | ship, is a son of John and Sarah (Trusler) Here young Albert received a good education. When X Ayling, natives of England, who came to Amerhe was I6 years old his father died, and when i8 he ica in i856, settling in Freehold, Warren Co., threw himself into the jaws of death for the salvation Pa., where they passed the remainder of their of his native land, enlisting in Co. G, 29th Mich. Vol. lives, the former dying in I876 and the latter in I880. Inf., Sept. 9, I864, commanded by Col. Saylor, of the James, the subject of this sketch, was born in the Army of the Cumberland. He was inthe battles Surrey, England, Jan. 15, 1823, was 14 years old of Decatur, Ala., November and December, 1864, of when the family emigrated to this country; remained Murfreesboro, Tenn., and many others. During at home, working on the farm, until 22 years of age, &) his term of service he was promoted Corporal, and when he was married. In the spring of I867 he was honorably discharged Sept. 20, 1865. moved to his present place, then comprising but 80 X )- n S ^@-^<1^ --- ^< -— ^r-t,, --- -— Hj276 ISABELLA COUNTY. i) i x r s i I V 1(t I~ acres, to which he has since added by acres; and here he has erected, by his ( small residence and several good farm i Mrs. Ayling is a member of the C] United Brethren in Christ; Mr. A. is a influential Republican, has held the offi visor two and a half terms, Township T terms, Justice of the Peace four year public positions. Jan. 19, 1845, in Warren Co., Pa., M married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jane (Cochran) Baker, natives respective and America, who were married in P Mrs. A. was born in the township of Be after her grandfather, the first settler Co., Pa., May 25, I828. In this famil born the following- i children: Sarah J 23, 1846; Mary A., July 20, I847; Ren 12, i85o, died Feb. I9, I872; John W., Ella R., Aug. 25, 1853; Herman J., M Charles L., March I3, 1858, died Or Henry H., March 13, 1859; Jesse G., c died Nov. 20, I86I; Estella M., Oc Minnie G., March 17, 1866, died Oct. 5 _ illiam L. Faunce, farmer, sec Township, is a son of Alden (Coburn) Faunce, the former > Massachusetts and the latter of They first settled in Trumbu where he died; Mrs. F. is still livir The subject of this sketch was born ii mentioned county, Feb. 20, i845, was the common school, and two terms at a at the age of 20 he started out in life for gaging in farming most of the time he Ohio. In September, 1875, he came to and, in company with Lewis Hutton, pu "Reynolds Mill," ran it for 13 months, bought 40 acres on section Io, Coe T which Mr. F. has since added 46 acres has 57 acres in good cultivation. Mr. F esteemed citizen in his commuhity. He Treasurer of Coe Township in April, i8K re-elected in April, I883; he is also Sch< M\e,$^ ---~_ purchase 60 In politics he is a Republican, and in religion both own hands, a he and his wife are members of the Disciples'Church. f buildings. Mr. Faunce was married, in Trumbull Co., Ohio, hurch of the Sept. 23, 1875, to Miss Agnes, daughter of Joseph n active and and Ann Young, natives of Scotland. Mrs. F. was ces of Super- born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Oct. 23, I850. Their?reasurer two three children are Annie L, Garfield and an infant. s and minor r. Ayling was William and ly of France a homas J. Fordyce, resident at Mt.Pleas'ennsylvania. ant, was born in the village of Clinton, aker (named Greene Co., Pa., Sept. 4, I834, and is the ), Allegheny son of John W. and Sally (Bane) Fordyce. v have been His father is a native of Greene County, where, brn April he was born Feb. I3, I8I3, and in early life i was a tailor by profession. He is now a resident in July I, A852l section 27 of Coe Township, this county, where he y, 8 owns 40 acres of land. His mother was a native of lay 15, x855; t 86; Washington Co., Pa., and died in May, I880, in Coe It. ir, 1867; Township. /!ept. 5, i86i, Township. t. 16, I8Mr. Fordyce was reared to the age of 17 years on: t6, 1864 his father's farm in Pennsylvania, and at that age he a;867. went to Preston Co., W. Va., and passed between six and seven years in railroading, about two-thirds -. of that time as superintendent of a construction corps. He was married while there, Aug. 22, 1856, to Elizabeth Turner, daughter of Z. C. and -Sarah Turner.:tion io, Coe She was born Jan. 7, I835. After-his marriage Mr. and Lucretia Fordyce engaged with James Kane as foreman in the ra native of lumber woods of West Virginia and operated in that f New York. capacity until the spring of I864, when he engaged 11 Co., Ohio, as assistant superintendent of the Preston County ng. Candle & Gas Coal Company. n the above He remained with them until Sept. 30, 1865, when educated at he came to Isabella County. He made the route by f in academy; stage from St. John's to St. Louis and thence through r himself, en- the woods to Coe Township, where he bought 40 acres remained in of timber land on section 26. On this he resided this county, about eight years and cleared nearly 30 acres. He irchased the sold the place in i872 and bought 80 acres of land sold it and on section Ii, of Coe Township, lo acres of which ( Township, to were improved and under cultivation. The place I He now was in his possession but one year, as he sold it in ro 'aunce is an the spring of 1873. ) was elected In the fall of 1872 Mr. Fordyce was nominated on 82, and was the Republican ticket for Sheriff, and was elected, ool Assessor. over Cornelius Bogan by a majority of 273 votes. He ~^*A..ISABELLA COUNTY. E / - - \. 277 *~n - - - w - a^n was re-elected in I874, and a year after the expira- o, i878. Roddie J. was born July 20, 1870, and: tion of his term of office he moved to a farm of 80 died Feb. 15, i88i. i5 acres in Chippewa, which had previously come into The parents are members of the Baptist Church. his possession by exchange. Sixty acres of the place Mr. T. is a Republican and has held various local T f? was under cultivation and he continued to reside on offices. and manage it until Jan. i, 1884. He moved into Mt. Pleasant Feb. I, following, and has since continued to reside there. He owns two residences and. oTB ta'l Morrison, farmer, section i i, Isabella lots in town, situated on Bennett's Addition. He is a eal orrison, frr ion, rfi D 'r 1l 4s Township, was born in the vicinity of a member of the Order of Masonry and belongs to Townsh, as bon in e n o. Montreal, Canada, Feb. 3, I832. He the fraternity of Odd Fellows. He has held numer- a,,. *S remained on the parental homestead, assistous township and school offices and has officiated as r o t p, a - I Cn ing his father in the maintenance of the family, Constable. until he attained the age of 20 years. On arriving at this point in life he began working in the lumber -~-~ ~ + | woods and continued that vocation for two years. He then "ran " logs and lumber on Lake Erie for several years, after which he returned to his former ^ rlando B. Thayer, farmer and blacksmith, occupation in Haldimand Co., Ont., and successfully residing on section 22, Vernon Township, continued the same for a period of seven years. ( was born in Binghamton, Broome Co., N. In i864, Mr. Morrison came to this State and; S Y., June I2, 1846, and is a sop of Joel L. and located in Macomb County, and again entered on *i Mary B. (Ashcraft) Thayer. His father was his chosen occupation. He continued farming in a native of New York, followed farming and that county until the year 1876, when he came to f died in Isabella County, Aug., 6, I88I. His mother, this county and purchased 80 acres of land, unimalso a native of New York, yet lives in this county. proved and heavily timbered, on section ii, Isabella; Of their three children, Orlando was the eldest. Township. He immediately began the improvement The two others were named Clarence R. and of his homestead, determined to make it a pleasant Roddie. home and a remunerative investment. He has He lived in his native county till he was nine cleared and improved 75 acres of his land, erected years old; then four years at Lansing, this State; thereon a large stock and grain barn and a good resifive years in Eaton County; and ten years at Mason, dence, and is content with the accumulation of his Ingham County. In March I876, they came to this own industry. county and located on section ia, Isabella Town- Oct. 7, I857, Mr. Morrison was united in marship. In March, 1879, Mr. Thayer exchanged the riage, in Ontario, with Miss Sarah Gormley, a native 80 acres in Isabella for 80 acres in Vernon, which of Ireland, where she was born Aug. 14, I837. Her is now his home. He has now 3o acres improved mother died when she was three years old, and she and suitable farm buildings. accompanied her father to the New World, where, in He was married at Eaton Rapids, Sept. 22, 1869, Haldimand Co., Ont., they located and where she to Miss Melissa Disenroth, daughter of John and lived until her marriage. Anna E. (Fearer) Disenroth, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are the parents of eight The daughter was also born in the "Fatherland," children. The living are: Jane, born Aug. 4, 1858; April 4, I847, and came with her parents to America Christina, Sept. 17, I860; William, Oct. 8, 1862; when seven years old. She lived some years in Peter, Oct. 28, 1864; Neal, Jan. 24, I867; Sarah, I. New York State, and then came to Ingham County, April 2, I874; and Jane, March I6, 188o.. which was her home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison is a member of the Roman Catholic a' Mrs. Thayer have four children living, who were born Church, while Mr. M. is a Presbyterian. Politically, A) as follows: Delpherniaept, Sept. 3 872; Leroy, Sept. he is a believer in and supporter of the principles of 7 23, i874; Lewis, Aug. go, 1876; and Lorenzo, June the Democratic party. theDemor-aticparty. ' 5ue --- a iI nfl-^278 ISABELLA COUNTY. children,-seven sons and four daughters. Six of _____ the children are living. Coming to the United States at the age of 35, he X ffirst located in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. He established S iBvah D. Weston, mason at Dushville, is a a large wagon and blacksmith shop, in which he did son of William and Lydia (Miner) Weston, an extensive business for nearly twenty years. In natives of the Empire State, residents for a 1862 he had visited this county and selected 80 acres a DI time in Branch Co., Mich., from I852 to 1877 in Vernon Township; and when the F. & P. M. railin Hillsdale County, since which time they road was built through his farm, he left Ohio permahave resided on an 8o-acre tract on section I2, nently, to settle here. He laid out 40 acres in village Fremont Township. Mr. Weston, the father, was lots, and named the place Vernon City. At that born Feb. 25, 1812, and has been a farmer all his life. time no house was nearer than four miles. His house, < Mrs. W. was born in I827. Mr. W. has had 13 chil- a large frame one, was made at Flint, already to be dren, four by his present wife. put up as soon as hauled on the railroad to his future The subject of this biographical sketch, Alvah D., home. It was the first plastered house in the county. was born June 30, 1854, in Hillsdale Co., Mich. At He afterwards erected a blacksmith shop, which he 20 years of age, he commenced and served a two operated for a time. This he abandoned, however, years'apprenticeship at the mason's trade, since which to give his time to improving his farm and starting time he has followed that business. In 1877 he the village. He is a shrewd business man, and had came and settled in Fremont Township, on section been very successful in his residence in Ohio, but 13, remaining there a year; was then one year in was opposed by several unfavorable circumstances, Mecosta County, and then located at Dushville. of which one was the impossibility of reconciling his: In 1875, Mr. Weston was married to Miss Nancy, wife and children to a life in a new country. He X> daughter of Ashley and Cordelia (Hunt) Wilson. has given half his property to his wife, but still owns S Her mother died in I870, in Lenawee Co., Mich., and 20 acres in village lots. Politically, he is a Democrat.. and her father, a farmer, is a resident of Mecosta / County, where he owns a farm. There are six chil) dren in his family, three sons and three daughters, all heads of families. Mrs. Weston was born March:i ii, 857, and she and Mr. W. are the parents of three homas Hannett, real estate and lumbering, children, viz: Fred E., born May 17, I876; Oren B., Salt River, is the son of John P. and Mary April 28, 1878; Grace, June 28, r880. 1 Hannett, natives of Lower Canada. They With reference to political questions Mr. W. is a died in the Dominion;the former was drowned 4"National," and religiously both he and his wife be- in September, 849, and thelatterdied in 854. Their family consisted of four boys. ~ long to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ther c sted of four boys.;-lThe second son, the subject of this sketch, was | Aborn in Canada, Sept. ii, 1843. His school privileges: I being limited, his mental force was concentrated upon such practical education as he would gain by experiohn L. Markley, blacksmith at Vernon ence; and this has been considerable, as he has great City, was born in Germany, Oct. 24, I8I7, energy and perseverance. He was about six years and lived in the old country until 35 years old when his father died, and at the age of ten he of age. He learned his trade of his father, went to live with a farmer, until he was 17; he was and at the age of i8 went out to work at the then apprenticed for three years to learn the blacksame, 'traveling over a good part of Germany. smith's trade, but, being very apt, he became profi- At He received a good education in the schools of his cient in a short time, and did not remain as an apprennative country. He was married at Frommare, Feb. tice the full term of three years. After working as a << 14, 1849, to Miss Anna M. Appler, who was born in journeyman about two years, he started in business () Germany, May 2, 1827. She is the mother of Ii for himself inCanada, but soon soldout and went to Alp _ ~J~Dl> a A ISABELLi!,. = = I. I 1, ( the oil regions of that dominion, where he was employed at his trade, and also engineering, for about,: two years. In i868 he came and located in New Haven Township, Gratiot County, purchasing a farm and residing upon it about three years, when, about 1872, he moved to this county and purchased a farm of 400 acres in Coe Township; after owning this about five years he sold the whole tract except 8o acreson section 13, which he still retains. He also owns 40 acres on section 36, 40 on section i, i60 on, section 12, 27 in Lincoln Township, and property in:: Salt River. About 70 acres of his land is in cultivation and productive of good crops. In the spring of I88r, Mr. Hannett was elected Supervisor of Coe Township, which office he now fills. In politics he is a Democrat, and in social matters he is an Odd Fellow and a Good Templar. Mr. H. was married, at Maple Rapids, Clinton Co., Mich., Jan. I, I869, to Caroline A., daughter of Philip and Mary Burlingame, who was born in Wisconsin,; Sept. 22, 1849, and died March 29, 1879; their five * children are, Alice E., Emory H., Ella M., Royal J. and Claude H. Mrs. H.'s father is a minister of the ^ United Brethren Church, and is located near Reed City, Mich..__ z v — a --- ndrew J. Clute, of A. J. Clute & Co., lumber manufacturers, residing on section 23, Vernon, was born in Erie Co., Pa., July 14, I847, and is a son of Christopher and Martha C. (McKay) Clute, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The parents now reside in Clare. Of their five children, four are sons and one a daughter, and Andrew is the eldest. He lived until 14 years old with his parents in his native county, then four years in the State of Ohio, and then they came to Midland County, this State. He received a good common-school education under his father's care, and on setting out for himself worked at lumbering for four years. Thence he went to Clare, and thence to Sheridan Township, Clare County. In I876 he selected Isabella County as his home, and in partnership with his father-inlaw, William Turbush, erected a saw-mill on section 23, Venion, which they have since operated. The - r I - oren A. Houghton, M. D., physician and surgeon, of Blanchard, is a son of Loren and Esther M. (Scott) Houghton. The mother was born in Vermont, March 27, I824, and died April I3, 1855, in Woodland Township, Barry Co., Mich. The father was born in New York State, July 3o, 1823, and adopting the vocation of farmer came to Barry County, this State, in 1852. Ten years later he moved to Ionia County and lived there until 1883. He then returned to Woodland Township, where he now resides, at the age of 6i. The subject of this biography was born Jan. 3o, 1845, in Pittsfield, Lorain Co., Ohio. At the early age of Io, losing his mother by death, he went out in the world to take care of himself. He lived with his grandparents until 17 years old, and then commenced working out for $5 per month. A few months later he went to Ionia County, where he alternately attended school and worked on a farm, until 22. He then commenced the study of medicine, remaining six months with Dr. Rawson, of Woodland Center, Barry County. For the next two years he studied with Drs. Perkey and Merritt, of Charlotte. He then took a course at Ann Arbor, and was graduated March 27, 1872; when he began the practice of medicine in Ionia County. In the autumn of I883 he located in Blanchard, where he is becoming popular and has an enviable practice. In June, I873, he married Miss Diana Foster, daughter of Lorenzo and Cordelia (Dusenberry) Foster. Mr. Foster was born Dec. 25, 1821, in New York, and Mrs. Foster was born Sept. 9, 1827, in the same State. They reside in Eaton County, this State. 1= ' ia.= to he N i COUNTY. 279 mill has a daily capacity of 8,ooo feet, and the firm handle annually about 1,000,000 feet of lumber. ) He was married in Vernon Township, Dec. 24, V I88r, to Miss Ernstine Turbush, who was born in Ingham County, this State, Oct. 7, I858. She came with her parents to this county when eight years old, and was educated in the public school at Clare. She began teaching at the age of I6, and continued in that vocation until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Clute have a son, Christopher W., born Nov. 14, I882. Politically, Mr. C. is a staunch Republican. I I I ~f — I 'ask! "5 a 2'80 ISABELLA COUNT Y. i i) _. srv |. an Their daughter was born July 30, 1848, in Eaton Co., Mich., and was the oldest daughter in a family of six children, all but one of whom are living. Dr. and Mrs. Houghton have had a family of three: Earl, born Aug. I5, 1875; Edwin, born May 4, I880; and Edith, born May 4, I880, and died Oct. 24, i880. Politically, Dr. Houghton is a National. -43Y - m,' obert Johnston, farmer and stock-raiser, ~A section 14* Isabella Township, and one of e. the leading and representative men of the same, was born in the vicinity of Ottawa, Onf tario, June 23, 1842. At ten years of age Robert accompanied his parents to Pontiac County, Province of Quebec, where they located on a farm. Here the father continued the occupation of a farmer until his death, 't March 20, 1859.:= On the death of his father Robert became heir to i 50 acres, mostly improved land. He lived with his = mother until I865, when he came to this State and engaged in lumbering in different counties for a period and then returned to Canada. ) Mr. Johnston was united in marriage with Miss Lorena Leventure, March 12, I874. She was a native of Renfrew Co., Can., where she was born Nov. 2, I854. Her mother died when Lorena was in childhood's years and she lived with her father, in her native county, until she attained the age of I6 years, and then accompanied him to Upper Canada, where she lived, assisting in the household duties and attending the common schools until her marriage. The husband and wife of this biographical notice are the parents of two children: Clara L., born Feb. 2, 1875; and Percy J., born June 15, 1883. After his marriage Mr. Johnston came to this State and located in Clare, Clare County, and engaged in the lumber business, which he continued for some months and then moved to Farwell, same county, and continued in the lumber business for two years. At the expiration of this time, July, 1878, he came to this county and purchased 120 acres of land, on section 14, Isabella Township. He has since added 40 acres to his original purchase and of his entire 0 — h n I - I I I landed interest he has IIo acres in a good state of cultivation. Considering that at the time Mr. Johnston purchased his land it was all in its original state of nature, a wild and unbroken forest, he has certainly displayed great energy and perseverance in bringing his farm to its present state of improvement. He spent three winters of his time lumbering, and his estimable wife accompanied him to the camp and did her part to wrest sufficiency from the hand of opportunity. Politically, Mr. Johnston is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian Church, and are respected and esteemed citizens of the township in which they reside. "i~ I T j "* athan S. Parmenter, farmer, section 32,., Coldwater Township, was born June 12, i: i809, at Brandon, Rutland Co., Vt. His ~ parents were natives of Massachusetts and are both deceased. Their family included three sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to mature years. (: Mr. Parmenter remained at home several years beyond the period of his majority, and worked as he found opportunity until he was 28 years of age. When he was 32 years old, he purchased 80 acres of improved land in his native town of Brandon. After conducting the place two years, he sold it, and bought a farm in the town of Chittenden, 12 miles from the former. On this he resided two years, when his / father died and he again sold his estate for the purpose of residing with and caring for his mother on the family homestead. She lived but two years, and he again bought a farm in Brandon. The place comprised 85 acres, and he retained its ownership five years. He then went to the State of New York and: bought a place in the county of Wyoming, in which ( he resided i6 years. In i88i he came to Sherman City, in the township of Coldwater. William W. Parmenter, his son, had previously bought 240 acres < of land near Sherman City, and Mr. Parmenter of this sketch came here to reside with him. He is a Republican in political principle. He was married May,< ss~" n^A^ --- ISABELLA 19, I833, to Azubah, daughter of Kenney and Betsey i (Walker) Grover. She wasbornOct. 30, 1814. Her: parents were natives of Vermont and died in Wyoming Co., N. Y. Their five sons and five daughters grew to maturity. Following is the record of the ' children of Mr. and Mrs. Parmenter: Wilson A., born March 29, 1834; William Wallace, Jan. I8, I837; Anna L., Dec 6, I846; Mary A., May 5, 1848; Emma Augusta, Sept. i6, 1852. The third child (unmarried) died in early infancy. 0 ' 'S COUNTY. 281 - =g I illiam Turbush, of the the firm of A. J. Clute & Co., manufacturers of lumber, residing on section 23, Vernon Township, was born in Albany Co., N. Y., Aug. 30, ' 833. He was the third child and second son of a family of four. He lost his fatherwhen 14 years old, but his mother lived until I882. At the age of I8 he moved to Wayne County, N. Y., and lived there three years, including one season ^X which hepassed as a sailor on the lakes. Coming A to Ingham County, this State, in 1854, he learned and then worked at, the trade of carpenter and joiner, until I864. ) In August of that year, he enlisted in Co. I, ist Eng. and Mech., and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, under Sherman. He fought at Nashville, Tenn., but being employed mostly in mechanical work he escaped much actual fighting. Being taken sick the last of December, I864, he was sent / to the hospital at New York city, and while there he was transferred to the U. S. Regular Infantry, in a which he served until June 29, 1865. On that date he was honorably discharged. He returned to Michigan by way of Albany, N. Y., where he paid a short visit to the home and friends of his youth. Arriving in Ingham County, he shortly resolved to come to Isabella County. He moved here? Aug. 12, 1865, and entered the first i60 acres of land ' taken in Vernon Township. This was on section 34.: He soon moved into the woods and commenced to improve his land. He has worked at his trade in Mt. Pleasant a portion of the time, and spent one season in "looking" pine land in this and adjoining counties. He has given a son 80 acres, and of the I remainder of his farm he hasunder cultivation 57 acres. He was first married in the spring of 1854, in Wayne Co., N. Y., to Miss Clara Wells,who was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in Dec., I834. She died at her home in Ingham County, this State, in the fall of r86r, leaving three children,-Jesse, Ernest and Ellsworth. The first two are married. He was again united in the bonds of matrimony in Ingham County, in June, 1864, with Mrs. Nancy (Hazelton) Hunt. She was born in Ontario, Can., April r5, I832, and when six years old came with her parents to Ingham County. By her first marriage to a Mr. Reeves, she had four children,-Elizabeth, Francis E., Stella M. and William (deceased). By her subsequent marriage toMr. Hunt, she has a son, Elmer D., and of her present marriage there has been born one son, George. Mrs. T. is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. T. is a member of the F. & A. M. and the A. 0. P. S. In political matters he is an earnest supporter of Republicanism. lichard Goodwin, farmer, section 32, Isabella Township, is a son of Richard and Laura (Jones) Goodwin, and was born in the vicinity of London, Eng., Feb. 28, 1834. The parents of our subject are natives ot England and Wales respectively, and of English and Welsh extraction. The father was a farmer by occupation and emigrated with his family to the New World and located in Scio Township, Washtenaw Co., this State. He shortly went to the Empire State and died there, in 1858, aged 63 years. The mother died two years afterward, in I860, in San Francisco, Cal. Richard was but six months old when his parents came to this country and settled in Washtenaw County. When seven years old, he accompanied them to Waterloo Township, Jackson County, and three years later went with them to Ann Arbor. At this age in life Mr. Goodwin launched his lifeboat on the sea of events and went forth to fight the battles of the cold, unthinking world alone. His " roses " grew not without thorns, and, going to Washtenaw County again? he went to work as a common laborer on the farm, which occupation he continued 3= 1=1 g > S, J,(v f) 9' \ 'O I. I I -I * -. 282 ISABELLI,r == I COUNTY. Y < for ten years. He then went to work for a gentleman in Lima Township, where he worked for 21 years, at the same vocation. Feb. 4, 1858, in Washtenaw County, Mr. Goodwin was united in marriage with Miss Susan, daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Lacy) Clements, natives of New Jersey and Maryland, and of Irish and English extraction. They came to Washtenaw County in 1826, and were among the first settlers in that locality, and Susan was the first white child born in Lima Township, that county, the date or her birth being Nov. 24, I827. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin are the parents of four children, two of whom are deceased. The living children are: Samuel C., born May 28, 1865; and Henry C., born Feb. o1, 1868. Charles, born Aug. 7, 1870, died March 22, 1872. One child died in infancy. After his marriage Mr. Goodwin located a farm in l\ ) Lima Township, Washtenaw County, and successfully prosecuted the occupation he had previously fol-! lowed, farming, until the year I877. In the summer of that year he sold his property in that township ) and came to this county. He purchased 40 acres r on section 32, Isabella Township, all unimproved. i When he first came to the township there was but little settlement, and the hand of improvement was ( ) hardly visible; and he entered on the task of improving his land under the most embarassing circumstances. He has succeeded in placing 20 acres of his land in a good state of cultivation. Politically Mr. Goodwin is a Republican. He is at present Justice of the Peace, and has held that position for six years. Religiously his wife is a memX ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church: X athaniel W. Struble, merchant, Salt River, is a son of Henry and Rebecca J. (Murphy) Struble. (See sketch of Henry Struble.) He was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 185 2, received a common-school education and remained at home with his parents till nearly 24 years of age; came to Isabella County in fall of I868 and assisted his father in the store until Oct. 20, I875, when he bought out his father. He still owns the place, and is carrying on the mercantile 8B<^,@ '. --- 5R business with fine success. About a year after commencing here he formed a partnership with J. B. Struble, which continued about two years, when N. W. Struble bought out his partner's interest. He after.. ward sold out to Isaiah Lomon and engaged in the real-estate business about a year, when he purchased the stock and trade of W. W. & J. B. Struble. After prosecuting business here about one year he sold out to S. S. & B. Smith, and bought the Lomon stock. In July, I883, he sold a half interest in this stock to J. H. Struble, and the firm is now N. W. & J. H. Struble, who do a prosperous business, averaging $20,000 to $30,000 annually. Mr. S. is a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M., and also of the chapter, R. A. M., at Mt. Pleasant; is also a member of the I. 0. O. F. In political matters he belongs to the Republican party. Jan. I8, I879, in Salt River, Mr. Struble married Miss Nettie T., daughter of James B. and Lucy H. Allen, natives of Oakland Co., Mich. Mrs. S. was born in Gratiot Co., Mich., May I2, I856. They are the parents of one child, Myrtie Pearl, born Nov. 12, i88o. 6, `. e 'v,\.Vy i fll.,~.,fI' i, "I I'll,`~!-C, - -; 7.7, 4 -,i): ': II A"67zCt/eA f-e/&'d2 C.-ee r I /. r; I oe//,O& 1.0 --- -C", Y 'ISABELLA COUNTY. 287 1 -' —. —~- ' -: in Isabella Township, this county, to Mrs. Mary Ash- but on account of physical disability was not acman (nee Williams), born in Saginaw County, this cepted. In the spring of 1861, he was chosen t;| State, in 1856. Her parents both died in this county. Supervisor of Coe Township, and served one The husband and wife, subjects of this biography, year. In politics, he was formerly a staunch Repub-. are the parents of four children, one deceased. The lican,but now sympathizes rather with the "Nationliving are Maria, born Nov. I9, I876; Matilda J., al" party. He has often been urged to accept Feb. I5, 880; and Samuel, Nov. 25, I882. Christina, office, but as often declined. For three or four born April 17, 1878, died Nov. 27, I882. Mrs. Brad- years he was a director of the Gratiot and Isabella ley had one child by a former marriage,-Lucy A., Insurance Company. born April 3,- 874. Both father and mother are Mr. Bigelow was first married, in Chili, Monroe members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1847, to Miss Adaline S., daughMr. Bradley, politically, is a believer in and sup- ter of Zebulon and Sophia (Scribner) Phillips. Her porter of the principles of the Republican party. He father, a native of Massachusetts, died in Churchhas held the office of Township Treasurer three years, ville, Monroe Co., N. Y., Jan. 7, I883, and her and has been School Director for ten years. mother died in Chili, N. Y., July 25, i827. By this MaDOflPR'- — LX7aL rrLZliJbb.jWIorace. 0. Bigelow, farmer, section 8, Coe - i ~ - Township, is a son of Chandler B. and Amanda (Wright) Bigelow, natives of Colchester, ~ Conn. They settled in Genesee Co., N. Y., X where she died. He afterward moved to Monroe Co., Mich., in I85I, and died in Dundee, Mich., in November, I872. There were four children in the family. The subject of this sketch was born in Bergen, Genesee Co., N. Y., March 17, 1826, and was educated at the common school. At the age of i6 he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, but on. tr ~ ~r 1 ~ l 1, 1 as _ or1 _ _1- __I marriage there were two children, Olney B. and Francis Z. Mrs. B. died Dec. 5, 1852, in Clyman, Dodge Co., Wis., and Mr. B. was again married, in Riga, Monroe Co., N. Y., April 6, I853, to Mary E Phillips, a sister of his former wife. She was born in Riga, Aug. 21, 1823. By this union there were five children, viz.: Adaline A., Frances E., Chandler B., Zebulon E. and Horace 0., Jr. In presenting the portraits of Mr. B. and lady, we feel assured that all will acknowledge them to be fit examples of the worthy, substantial, industrious pioneers who deserve to be retained in lasting remembrance by the citizens of Coe Township and Isabella County. ()v *\. 3 I\i *11 size. He carries a stock worth $5,ooo, and does an annual business of $Io,ooo. March 22, I873, in Jackson County, he was married to Miss Alice M. Wheaton, who was born in that county Sept. I, I853. Four children are now included in the family circle, who were born on the following dates: Clarence H., Dec. 26, 1875; Claud W., Feb. I2, I878; Mabel A., May io, i88i; and Ray, March 31, I883. Mrs. T. is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. T. is in political sentiment a Democrat. He has filled the office of Township Treasurer for two terms, and has been School Assessor. o --- —-g^Iml^^ --- —^.' axwell GO. Shappee, stock-raiser and i farmer, section 24, Lincoln Township, J was born in the vicinity of Elmira, N. Y., )''X Oct. 24, 1837. His father, Guy Shappee, was a native of the same county, of French descent, a farmer, and is still living, at the age of 75, in that county; and his mother, Mary, nee Van Gordon, was a native of Chemung Co., N. Y., of German descent, and died in her native county, about 1867. The subject of this sketch remained at home with his parents, working on the farm and attending school, until the breaking out of the war, when, in August, 1862, he enlisted-in Co. C, I41st N. Y. Vol. Inf., Capt. E. G. Baldwin, first of the Army of the Potomac, then, in I863, of the Cumberland. He participated in all the battles from that at Resaca to the end of Sherman's campaign. At the battle of Peach-Tree Creek, July 20, i864, he received a gunshot wound in the right hip. He entered the ranks as a private; in the fall of I862 he was elected 5th Sergeant; one year later he was promoted as Orderly Sergeant, and in another year he was commissioned First Lieutenant. Owing to his capture and parole, he was detailed for special duty, and it fell to him to bring home the company in which he first enlisted. In June, i865, after the close of the war, he was honorably discharged. Returning immediately to his native home, he was married, Dec. 2, i865, to Mrs. Ardella A. Fancher, nee Hoover, who was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, April 22, I843, went to New York when three years old, returned to Ohio when twelve, and later returned to New York again. She was educated in the High School at Seneca, Ohio, and followed teaching, in both common and graded schools in her native State. After marriage, Mr. S. resumed control of the homestead and the care of his mother, who died two years afterward. Maxwell was the second son and third child in a family of six children, two girls and four boys. His father spent his time among the other children. Mr. Shappee, the subject of this sketch, became possessor of the homestead. This he sold, and bought property in Breesport, same county; a year later he engaged in the hotel business, which he continued until the summer of 1873. He then sold out his interest there and came to Michigan, purchasing 40 acres of wild land where he now resides. He added by purchase 20 acres to the original tract, and he now has 30 acres well improved, with a comfortable residence and other buildings. He was formerly reduced by hard times from comparative independence to poverty; but by his pluck and good judgment he has once more made for himself and family a good home. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, Township Treasurer two years, and the school offices of his district. With respect to national questions he takes Republican views, and in religion he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. a i lliam B. Forbes, farmer, section 22, Coldwater Township, was born June 3, I839, a_; in Niagara Co., N. Y., and is the son of Leander J. and Nancy (Hudson) Forbes. His father was born in Erie Co., N. Y. and is still living, in Clinton Co., Mich. The mother was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., and died in Clinton Co., Mich. about I868. Their family included, one daughter and seven sons. The sister was the eldest. Mr. Foster was the third child of his parents. He spent the first 14 years of his life in his native county, and remained under the home roof during his minority, except two months, during which he was occupied as a farm laborer in Oakland County, and one farming season, when he managed a rented farm in Livingston County. On the I4th of October, I86i, I 1> N krj. I,} f W9) F. rw3C'4;;;- - X ISABELLA COUNTY. 289 ( he enlisted in Co. A, Tenth Mich. Inf. His corn- 4 acres, erected a fine barn, etc. This place was? mand was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi an unbroken forest when he came.,^, and connected with the 14th Corps. In the fall of In political matters Mr. Stringer is counted among *; f I862 the regiment was assigned to the Army of the the Republicans. In his township, he has held he Cumberland, and was under Sherman in his historic office of Drain Commissioner and School Assessor march to Atlanta and the sea. He was mustered out two terms. of the army service Feb. 6, i865, after a long and He was first married in his native county in arduous connection with the military service of Ontario, Jan. 7, I867, to Miss Ellen V. Ryersee, the United States. On receiving his discharge he who was born in the same county, Dec. 12, 1840, came back to Clinton County and bought a thresher, and died at her home in this county, July 30, i880. which he managed one season. In June, i866, he She had two children, Dexter D. and Ada A. Jan. i entered a claim of 80 acres of land, where he has 29, 882, Mr. S. again married, this time Mrs.; since resided. He has cleared and improved 50 Mary S. Austin, nee Banister, a native of Woodhouse acres, and has placed his farm in a fine agricultural Township, Norfolk Co., Ont., where she was born condition. He is a man of sterling traits of charac- March 29, 846, and came to this county in 1882. ter, spotless repute and acknowledged ability. She is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.. ).\.s a_ T.,'e' a X **r...:;- ) He was married April 13, I866, to Mary A. Hammond, daughter of Carmi and Mary A. (Willett) Hammond. She was born July 20, I846, in Oakland County. Her father was a native of Vermont and died in the township of Coldwater. Her mother was born in New York, and died in Clinton Co., Mich. The nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Forbes were born as follows: Isolina M., Nov. i8, 1867; L J, Feb. 16, I868 (died Nov. i, I880); L V, April 30, I869; Wm. H., July 28, 87 I; Lizzie E., Jan. 24. 187 3; Alfred J., July I6, I875 (died Nov. 8, 1880); Nora A., Sept. 2, I876; Effie M., April 2, 188I; Myrtie, March 26, I883. Mrs. Forbes is one of ten children -six sons and four daughters-born to her parents. Mr. Forbes is a Democrat in political connection. He has held the office of Supervisor of his township three terms, has been Treasurer seven years and J Si lark H. Sutherland, merchant at Clare, ~[~,was born in Deerfield Township, Livingj ston Co., Mich., Sept. 9, 1852. When he was only two years old, his father, a blacksmith, removed to Genesee County; and here Clark lived with his father until 1870. Going in that year to Ithaca, he was for one year employed as clerk in the store of John Jeffry. Next he was engaged as salesman for the Monroe (Mich.) Nursery, and was on the road for three years. In the spring of I874 he came to Clare County and purchased 40 acres of wild land in Hayes Township. Here he farmed for I 8 months, after which he worked n c1hrt time in a caw-mill. "o,. 3=r 1=-, lk U Highway Commissioner two years. C r. i - In the fall of 1875 he came to Clare father started a blacksmith,hop. He " "^ this work until July, 1876, when he be law with E. D. Wheaton, an attorney of ewis Stringer, farmer, section 9, Lincoln studied until January following, when. E Township, was born in Norfolk Co., Ont., the duties of the double office of Count March 3, 1843, of American ancestry ex- Register of Deeds, to which he had b y tending back into Scotland and Germany. He served the county with credit for thr His mother died in i877; his father is still liv- six years. Immediately after the expir; ing, in that dominion, having been in earlier life official life, he established a hardware st a farmer. in company with Henry Trevidick, \ Young Lewis was I8 years old when he set out worth $3,000. They do an annual for Michigan, to work as a common laborer in the $0o,ooo.:;) lumber'woods. In February, i868, he settled upon He was married at Clare, May 6, ie i' 80 acres where he still resides, and has improved Rose B. Alger, a native of Ontario, Can S<~) )^^ --- —hDlA0 — q and with his continued in:gan to read Clare. He he assumed ty Clerk and >een elected. ree terms, or ation of his tore at Clare, vith a stock business of 377, to Miss She was ^~)$^~ ---- ^n Has 290 ISABELLA born July 25, I858, and came to this county when quite young. Her three children are all living: OthoM.,born March 2I, 1878; Roy L.,June 6, I880; and Edwin C., March 3, i882. Mrs. Sutherland is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. S. is a member of Farwell Lodge, No. 335, F. & A. M., and Harrison Lodge, No. 331, I. O. O. F. He is now President of the Village Council of Clare. In political affiliation he is a Democrat. -r Q Co UNTY. ==== =============^ ==== == I I J-i A0 I-lH, d ( 4 i'' mornelius Bogan, merchant and Postmaster r iat Calkinsville, Isabella Township, was t ' born in County Tyrone, Ireland, Dec. 4, I833. i When I3 years of age he was apprenticed by his father to a flax dresser, and remained at that vocation for three years, until he was I6. )On arriving at that age, he joined the English regular army and served with it four years. During that s time he was engaged in the Caffre war. At the = expiration of four years he left the service, his term 4 of enlistment having expired, and came to this = country. He arrived in the New World April 7, 1852, and came almost direct to Osceola Township, Livingston County, this State. Here he followed the occupation of a farmer for three years and then went to Wayne County, where he was engaged in farming and burning charcoal until the year I86i. That year he moved to Washtenaw County, and was there occupied in "job ditching " until the breaking out of the late war. No sooner had the news flashed along the wires "that Sumter had been fired on," and a call was made for strong hands and loyal hearts to battle for s the perpetuity of the Nation's flag, than Mr. Bogan offered his services. He enlisted in Co. E., Seventh Mich. Vol. Cav., and was assigned with his company to the Army of the Potomac. After his discharge, in i862, he joined the construction corps and was engaged in East Tennessee and Georgia, until the; close of the war. After the war Mr. Bogan came to Washtenaw County, this State, where he remained until the fall ) of the same year and then came to this county and i purchased 200 acres of land in Vernon Township. ) He entered on the task of improving and cultivating, this land. He improved 50 acres of it and erected I thereon a good residence, and then sold it and went to Calkinsville. At that place he engaged in the! mercantile business, and has continued the same to ~ the present time. Mr. Bogan was one of the first settlers of Vernon \ Township. He helped to organize the same and was elected the first Township Clerk, which office he held for two years. He was afterward elected Supervisor and held that position for five terms. He also held all the minor offices of the township and gave general satisfaction in each. - Mr. Bogan was first married at Manchester, Eng., Aug. 13, I85 I, to Miss Ellen Farrell, a native of Ire- | land, where she was born about the year I833. She was the mother of seven children to Mr. Bogan, five of whom are living: Edward, born Nov. 21, 1853; Cornelius, May 6, I856; Margaret, Dec. 8, I858; Mary, June 5, I865; and Lydia Nov. 7, I867. The deceased are: Ellen, born July, 31, I86i, died July ( 27, I866; and John, born Aug. 5, I863, died July 25, 868. Mrs. Bogan departed this life at her home in Calk- ' insville, May 23, I880, leaving a host of friends and relatives to mourn her loss. She was a good wife, a I kind and a loving mother. In April, I88I, in Saginaw, Mr. Bogan was a second time married, choosing for his life partner Mrs. Mercy A. Miller (nee Curtis.) She is a native of ( Ontario, Can., where she was born in i858. She is the mother of two children by her former husband (B. Curtiss),-Jeannette and Frank. Mr. Bogan is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public for a considerable length of time. He is a member } of the Order of Masonry, Lodge No. 305, at Mt. g Pleasant, and is an esteemed and respected citizen: of his township. eorge B. Alger, farmer on section 15, Verji4, non Township, was born in Northumber- ( land Co., Can., June iI, I847, and lived in his native county on his father's farm until ' i6 years old, when he went to Houston Co.,! Minn. After a time he returned to Canadi and spent two years there, when he came to St. ( Clair, this State, and with a brother enlisted in the - K"i Y i I Ai I II~ I; j,i F I — 0 a - I- -- - 0 1lL-I -> 7-C-1 ~a s< es —~-~ G o ISABELLA f army, enrolling in Co. H, ist Conn. Heavy Art. He was at the storming of the gun-boats on the James; River, and was also present at Lee's surrender. He was honorably discharged Oct. 10, I865. Returning to St. Clair County in 1867, he and his father and a brother came to this county, locating on 380 acres of land on section 15, Vernon Township. The two sons afterwards removed to Kansas and for two months carried on farming in Osborne County. Thence they went to Colorado, and then returned to Isabella County. He bought 80 acres on section 2, and in 1875, selling this, he bought his father's: homestead of 80 acres. He has since added greatly a4 t-lh 4th1eb nf tei nlirp hvr mnkllrncr imrnrorVPnlPt.s. COUNTY. 291 _.. LVU LIJt aLC; V1 LU J11 t AldVus lJ A 1 MaM6V~b lilUv*W1 u *.~ He was married March 25, 1875, in St. Clair County, to Miss Eva Ledsworth, who was born in Ontario in 1855, and died at her home in Clare, April 5, 1877, leaving one daughter, Cora, born June 16, 1876. He was again married, in Clare, March 18, i88o, to Miss Maggie Murdock, born in New Brunswick in i860. She died in Vernon Township in March, I88I, leaving a son, George, born March i, i88i. He married his present wife April I8, 1882, being united with Miss Ann Jane Greenaway, who was born Jan. 9, 1852, in Ontario, and came to this State in the spring of i88r. She has had one child, Morley, born March 22, 1883, and died Dec. 6, 1883. Mr. A. is a member of Clare Lodge, No. 333, I. 0. O. F. He is politically a Democrat, and has held the office of Township Clerk for two years, being the present incumbent. The civil war broke out about the time he engaged in his.opening struggle with independent life, and, as soon as his summer's labors drew to a termination, he resolved to enter the military service of the United States. In September, i86I, he enlisted in the 78th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and in 1863 his regiment was consolidated with the io2d N. Y. Inf. The command was assigned to the 12th Corps in the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Colley was wounded twice at the battle of Chancellorsville, one bullet passing through the right lung and another striking him under his left arm. Both bullets passed through to the shoulder blade. He lay on the field until the third day after he was wounded, when he was taken prisoner, and was placed in a field hospital. He was paroled two weeks later, and went to Acquia Creek hospital, going thence a short time after to the Chestnut Hill hospital. He was next transferred to the Convalescent Hospital in Virginia, and as soon as sufficiently recovered he joined his command at Raccoon Mountain. The regiment proceeded to Stevenson, Ala., where its mair body re-enlisted. The surgeon rejected Mr. Colley, and he was mustered out Oct. 31, I864, at Atlanta, Ga. Immediately after his discharge he came to Barry Co., Mich., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land, where he entered upon the work of the pioneer. He resided there nearly two years, when he sold out and entered a claim of 80 acres of land in Coldwater Township. The tract was wholly unimproved, and the pioneer experiences were as severe and full of privation as are in the records of others that have been transcribed a countless number of times.- Mr. Colley's arrival in the township was preceded by but one individual, Harry Brubaker, but he did not bring his family until after Mr. Colley came. Prices of provisions at the points where they were to be obtained were fabulous. Pork was 30 cents a pound, and flour sold at $22 per barrel. The only means of locomotion were furnished by ox teams, and the settlers were obliged to obtain all their supplies from Mt. Pleasant and Millbrook, traveling thither with oxen and camping out over night in the woods. One of his first crops was millet, which he sold for $40 per ton, and bought potatoes for $2 a bushel. During the first winter after their arrival they sold a piece of land in the southern part of the State. The nearest official by whom the papers could be made out lived at Millbrook, i8 miles distant. The ox v4 Adi) o~r i_. <,'..IfI SE I.. x., xY- - —._aI v_.... ~. amuel C. Colley, farmer, section 34, Coldwater Township, was born Nov. 26, 1841, in China, Wyoming Co., N. Y., and is the son of Charles and Polly (Chase) Colley. They were both natives of the State of New York. His mother died in August, I841. His father was twice married, and lives in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. The issue of the first marriage was two sons, both now living in Isabella County. Five children were born of the second marriage, three of whom are deceased. Mr. Colley became the master of his own fortunes at the age of 20 years, and passed the first summer K thereafter as a farm laborer, working by the month. ( J4::* gY2 2 Paah-e ^m. 292 ISABELLA COUNTY................ x v y R V e M @ /;' ) t — ~=3 Xs (< team had been sent away to be kept through the winter, as they had no feed. Mr. and Mrs. Colley put their baby in a hand-sled and walked to Millbrook, in order to conclude their business engagement. It was midwinter and the journey was most wearisome. Mrs. Colley became so fatigued that she sat down on the sled with her little child in her arms, and her husband drew the double burden to enable her to recover her strength and obtain a little rest. Mr. Colley is a Republican in political faith and action, and has been prominent in the affairs relating to the progress of the township since he became a resident. He has served two terms as Justice of the Peace and one term as Township Treasurer, in which office he is now serving. Mr. Colley was married July 25, T865, to Lucia M. Harper. She is a daughter of Benjamin F. and Delilah P. (Chase) Harper, and was born Dec. Io, 1845. Mr. Harper's family included I 3 children, nine of whom are living. Both parents are still alive and reside in Isabella County in the near vicinity of their daughter. The record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Colley is as follows: Charles F., born Aug. 7, i866; Lloyd Clayton, July 26, I871; Guy G., Nov. 5, 1875; Walter Eugene, Jan. 13, 1882; Eva, Aug. 5, I876 (died March 6, I877); Iva, Feb. 7, 1878 (died April 5, I878); Lloyd David, Sept. 19, i868 (died Aug. 5, i871); Myron, July 14, 1879 (died Sept. i6, 1879). l illiam Ross, general merchant at Clare, was born in the town of Mentz, N. Y., Dec. 9, I841, and lived in his native place i until 1861, with his parents. His father, 'Hon. Giles Ross, came to this State and _ located in Livingston County, where he still resides, at the advanced age of 70. He has held various local offices, and has been Representative in the Legislature two terms. His wife, A. Melvina (Forshee) Ross, is also living. At the age of 3, the subject of this biography entered Auburn Academy, and took a course of five years, academic and collegiate. He lived with his parents on the home farm until I872, when he came to Clare as State Road Superintendent, his father being a contractor. At that time the main street had only been "logged out;" wolves and deer were plentiful in the woods around, and were often seen in the town; and there were but three mercantile establishments. His brother owned one of these,a general store, and here he worked while he erected a building for hiniself. He often worked at night. He started first a flour and feed store, and three years later commenced the sale of general merchandise, on Main Street. He has done an annual business of $22,000. He owns a fine frame residence, and has in various ways contributed towards the building up of his town. He was married June i, x865, in Hartland, Livingston Co., Mich., to Miss Laurie A. Smith, who was born in that county about September, I840. She received a good education, finishing at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, and followed teaching as an occupation until her marriage. The following children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross are living: Junius, Derward, Giles and Charles (twins) and Maud. Willie and Maud are the names of two who died. Mrs. R. is a memberof the Congregational Church. Mr. R. is politically independent, and was the first Trustee of the village. homes J. Root, farmer on section 29, Union Township, owning ioo acres on the eastern part of the northeast quarter of section 29, ( is a son of Collins and Hannah (Parker) Root, and was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, May 29, I839. He was reared on his father's farm and followed agriculture in Ohio until December, 1870, when he came to Union Township, this county, and bought his present farm, ten acres of which were then cleared. He now has a fine farm, with 80 acres under cultivation, a valuable orchard, substantial barn and other improvements. He intends to make a specialty of fine sheep, and has already 79 head, including 25 merinos. He takes an interest in horse-flesh also, and owns five good colts, besides a fine stallion sired by Henry Clay, Jr. At the Mt. Pleasant fair of I883, he took two prizes for a span of roadsters, one aged two years and the other I3 years. At St. Louis, he took first prize for the two-year old as a roadster, and a second prize for his stallion. A An be y sa (^ b 9 > 7 1% /. i aa63n ) ISABELLA COUNTY. 293 ->.. i~j -eli,.,, I r1 i Ni) T: I~J~,1"2 iaI L= Ai He was married in Andover Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, March 7, I864, to Miss Martha C. Butler, daughter of George and Ruth E. (Cochran) Butler. She was born in the same locality where she lived until marriage, April 21, 1840. Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Root, all are living but one. Lena E. was born in Andover, June 26, 1865; Lemuel J., April Io, i868; Gertie, in Union Township, this county, April 5, I870; Clinton L., July 29, 1874; Nina P., July 27, 1873; Claudie E., April 4, 1878; Bessie, and an infant which died unnamed, Aug. II, 1882. Mr. R. and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been Highway Commissioner for two years, and is the present incumbent. He enlisted Jan. o1, I86i, at Meadville, Pa., in Co. I, Tenth Pa. Vol. Inf., as a private under Capt. Ayer. He enlisted for " three years or the war," but was taken with ervsipelas and fever at White-House Landing, in front of Richmond, and was discharged at Newark, N. J., Dec., I3, 1862, on account or disability. Jtfne 18, 1864, at Galena, Ill., he again enlisted, in Co. C, I4oth Ill. Vol. Inf. He held the appointment of Third Sergeant, and served six months, 'fighting in a number of skirmishes with the guerrillas in Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi. He was finally discharged at Chicago, Oct. 27, I864.:: ames M. O'Brien, farmer on section 22, Vernon Township, was born in Ireland, in December, 1827, and at the age of 15 carie l with his sister to New Brunswick, where he lived for five years. Thence he went to the State of Maine, and three years later he came to Ontario, where he operated a saw-mill until 1865. In the spring of that year he came to Saginaw, and in March, I867, he settled on 80 acres of wild land in this county. Here they had many thrilling pioneer experiences and suffered many privations incident to a life in a new country. Deer, foxes, bears, wolves and other animals were often near the house. Supplies could not be purchased nearer than 12 miles away, and extortionate prices were charged for the necessities of life. Meat frequently sold at 25 cents per pound. Mr. O'Brien has now improved about half his farm, which includes a fine orchard, six acres in extent. In December, I846, at St. John's, N. B., he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Sullivan, who was born in that city March 2, I833. Nine children have been added to the household, seven of whom are now living. Their record is as follows: Bartholomew, born Aug. 12, 1847; Simon, Aug. 3, i853; Anna, Jan. I7, i856; Frank, May 5, I857; Mary, April i, 1859; Irwin, May 1, 1865; Margaret, July I1 I869. The deceased were Catherine, born March 2, 1851, and died Feb. 17, I868; and James, born in January, I855, and died Aug. 19, I877. Mr. O'Brien is politically a Democrat. He has held various local offices in his township.:h hineas J. Jakeway, carpenter and joiner, i section 6, Lincoln Township, was born on i [jI the site of Saratoga, N. Y., May 4, I8I2,,1 when but a few log huts comprised the buildJ ings of the place. When 14 years of age he was apprenticed to Chauncey Kidney, of Saratoga, to learn his trade; in 1828 he went with Mr. K. to Rochester, N. Y., remaining with him in his employment; at 21 he was made foreman, with the promise that, if he remained faithful, he should come into possession of all his master's property at his death, which provision was carried out, the property amounting to $5,ooo. After the death of Mr. Kidney, Mr. Jakeway continued his trade in Buffalo, N. Y. July 4, 1832, at Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., he married Euphemia Kerr, a native of Newark, N. J. The following year he moved to Calhoun Co., Mich., and completed some mills and bridges which had been contracted for previous to Mr. Kidney's death. Then he did some work in Branch County, while making his home in Calhoun County, in which latter place his wife died, in 1835, leaving two children, Calvin and Cynthia, both of whom now reside in Wyoming Co., N. Y. In I840 he built his last flouring mill, the first erected in Saginaw City, Mich. He then was in Buffalo, N. Y., until 85 r, when he came to Detroit Mich., and built the residence of the noted millionaire, Capt. E. B. Ward. Next, he moved to Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., where, Oct. 10, o 858, for his second wife, he married I~r l,1 3=~J. I I xir a.A.? /,:,. 3" A., _i I w^ I I9 XSNQ 294 ISABELLA COUNTY ---a 294 ISABELLA COUNTY. An (),,= V i I I I ";NI rZR= X= 11 * Mrs. Harriet E. Chapman, nee Edwards, who was born in Covington, Genesee Co., N. Y.,Dec. I6, I827, resided in Ohio from I840 to I854, and since that time in this State. By her first marriage her children were, Adelia, Henrietta J., Martha A., Seldon and John,-the second and third of whom are married and reside in Lincoln Township, this county, and the two latter are deceased. By the present marriage the children are Miles and Fred J. July 4, I86I, Mr. Jakeway enlisted in Co. A, First Mich. Vol. Inf., in the Army of the Potomac, and was taken prisoner in July, 1862, during the sevendays battle at Gaines' Mill. After a confinement in Libby prison for five weeks, he was exchanged, and he was finally discharged at the hospital at Washington, D. C., by Dr. Starr, in the fall of 1862. In December, 1863, he re-enlisted, in the Sixth Heavy Artillery, in the Department of the Gulf, under Gen. Banks. On his discharge, Sept. 5, I865, he went to Ann Arbor, Mich. In February, I866, he came to this county and bought 40 acres where he still resides. He has continued to work at his trade, having built most of the houses in Mt. Pleasant up to I875. In I874, his leg was mashed, in the erection of J. Q. A. Johnson's block. He erected the first self-supporting bridge across the Chippewa. Most of his land is improved, by his sons. In regard to national issues Mr. Jakeway votes with the Democratic party. I war the family returned to Warsaw, where they resided until the death of the father, when, in I873, they removed to Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Graves read for his profession with his father and became thoroughly familiar with office work under his direction. Later, he entered the Law Department of Louisville University, where he graduated in I869. He was admitted to practice Feb. 8, I865, when but i8 years of age, and prosecuted the business of an active attorney until he received his degree. In the same fall he came to Detroit and entered the office of his brother-in-law, J. W. Long, then Indian agent. In I871 he came to Mt. Pleasant and opened an office for the practice of his profession, combining this with dealings in real estate. He was associated with S. J. Scott in the practice of law from 1873 to I876, and from that date until June, 1882, pursued his duties singly. He then became associated with Cyrus E. Russell, which relation existed until March 4, 1884, when his partner withdrew. Mr. Graves has seen much public service in the affairs of his county. He was appointed Supervisor of Isabella Township in November, I87 I, to fill an unexpired term. He was also Highway Commissioner of that township one term. In 1872 he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Isabella County, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Albert Fox, and discharged the duties of the position until Jan. i, I874. In 1876, and also in 1878, he was the candidate on the Democratic ticket, in opposition to S. W. Hopkins, for the position of Representative in the Legislature of Michigan. He was appointed Village Attorney in 1883, and re-appointed in i884. In I880 he was appointed Chief of the Fire Department, which position he has filled continually to the present time. He was editor and proprietor of the Isabella Times during the years I877-8, and sold his journalistic interests to Major Long. He managed the paper in the interests of the National Greenback party, and its later proprietor has converted the sheet into a Republican journal. Mr. Graves is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to Wabon Lodge, No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant, and St. Louis (Gratiot Co.) Chapter, No. 87. He owns his residence at Mt. Pleasant and about Ioo lots in the village of Longwood, north of the former place; also eight acres on section 15, of Union Township, which he designs converting into a vineyard. llki lO 10,.; k: I~~ I. k enry H. Graves, attorney at Mt. Pleasant, was born Jan. 12, I847, in Warsaw, Ky., He is a son of Lorenzo and Virginia(Hampton) Graves. His father was an attorney and died Feb. 13, 1873, at Warsaw. The mother is a native of Kentucky and resides at Mt. Pleasant with her daughter, Mrs. C. E. Westlake. On the breaking out of the Southern insurrection the family removed to Cincinnati, as they were not in sympathy with the rebellion. Two daughters, now. Mrs. J. W. Long and Mrs. John B. Doughty, were, placed at school in the Oxford Female College, at Oxford, Ohio, and Mrs. Westlake at a preparatory f) school. Mr. Graves, of this sketch, only son, was \ sent to the Miami University at Oxford. After the --- ^W -— h BB %-1 f, -J~I >,'t $,11 t" ZIA 0~sl b 4# I c>, > nAs ISABELLA COUNTY, 297 a) I V 4, ~i. d I if.,, s IB a4 s I=. ".*, II= A He is connected with a company that owns 1,200 acres of land in the counties of Leelanaw and Emmett. The marriage of Mr. Graves with Lulu B. Robinson occurred April 18, 1871, in Warsaw, Ky. She was born in that city and is the daughter of Frank S. and Martha P. Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Graves have had six children, two of whom are deceased. Their births occurred as follows: James R., April 18, 1872; Henry, Jan. 12, 1874, and died Nov. 3o, 1876; Lulu, Aug. i8, 1876; and died Oct. 14, 1883; Archibald, June 17, 1878; Thurman, Dec. 3, i88o; Nellie, March 22, I883. ~ oenry Struble, retired merchant, Salt River. is a son of John W. and Sarah (Laycock) i \ Struble, who were natives of New Jersey, and settled first in Morrow Co., Ohio, where the former died, about I834. The latter afterward removed to Fulton Co., Ohio, and in I86i died at the residence of her son Henry, in Williams County, that State. Their family comprised seven children. The subject of this sketch was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Nov. i8, 1824, and when ten years of age his father died; he remained at home with his mother until of age, working for the support of his mother and the younger members of the family much of his time until i6 years of age. In the meantime he learned the tanner's trade, and when of age he embarked in the business with his brother William, in Morrow County, and also in Williams County. The partnership continued about seven years; Henry then carried on the business alone for about five years, when, on account of failing health, he abandoned the vocation and engaged in the butcher's business for about four years. He then entered the mercantile trade,'first in Fulton County and afterwards in Williams Co., Ohio. In three or four years he sold out and returned to butchering for about two years. In June, 1868, Mr. Struble came to this county and embarked in mercantile business at Salt River, and, although he met with many heavy losses, he prosecuted a flourishing trade until 1874, when he sold out to his son, N. W. Struble, and purchased a farm of 40 acres in Chippewa Township, managed it about two years, sold, and moved to Salt River, where he has since resided. He was once elected Highway Commissioner for a term of three years, but, on account of business, he resigned after one year. He has often been urged to accept various public trusts, but has generally refused such positions, never aspiring to office. In national affairs he acts decidedly with the Republican party. He is a charter member of the blue lodge of Freemasons at Salt River, also of the Royal Arch Chapters at Mt. Pleasant and St. Louis, and of the Salt River Lodge of Odd Fellows. Mr. Struble was first married, in Fulton Co., Ohio, to Miss Rebecca J., daughter of Barrett and Guthrie Murphy, who were natives of New England. Mrs. S. was born in Richland Co., Ohio. In this family were born three children, namely: Nathaniel W., Rebecca J. and Sarah L.,-the latter dying when 18 months old. Mrs. S. died in Fulton Co., Ohio, and Mr. S. was again married, in the same county, to Eliza, daughter of James H. Wickham. She was born in England. By this marriage, there are four children, viz.: Catherine M., Jason H., Albert and Kenneth. oeter Sanford, general farmer, section 3, Lincoln Township, was born near Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, i. 1831. Excepting a few years spent in Canada and Michigan, he remained at home with his ' parents until 30 years old. Being the eldest of seven children, three boys and four girls, he had in a great measure to care for them and a widowed mother. He was married in I855, to Miss Rhoda Ann Campbell, a native of New York, who died at her home in Allegany Co., N. Y., seven years afterward. She had one child, Melvin, who was born May 27, I857. Two years after her death, Mr. S. came to Michigan and located a quarter of section 3, Lincoln Township. Aug. 22, I865, he was again married, in Coe Township, this county, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Isaac E. and Margaret (Withum) Hunt, natives of Ohio, where Mrs. S. was born, in Bennington, Morrow County, June 22, 1845. When i6 years of Y1 I S,:r=, I X Q X..; '' i ( A. - -q A'f 1)-, g L~/Af o k, <1CM 298 ISABELLA COUNTY. age she came to this State, and devoted some years In the fall of I874, Mr. Kinney came to this coun- i < to teaching. She is a member of the Free Methodist ty andpurchased 120 acres of land on sections 3 (, Church. Their children are, Minnie M., born Feb. and o, Isabella Township. He did not settle on 5 15, 1867; Hattie E., April 14, I873; and Floyd I., this land until the spring of i88i, when he located, Sept. 6, i88i. on 40 acres of the original I20 he had purchased. ( Mr. Sanford has disposed of half his original pur- He has cleared and improved 36 acres of the 40 and chase, and improved 50 acres; has held the school the remaining 84 acres is heavily timbered. offices of his township, and in politics is a decided On the I4th of November, I88I, Mr. Kinney was Republican. united in marriage at Mt. Pleasant, this county, with Mr. Sanford's portrait is given on a previous page. Miss Mary, daughter of James and Alice (McHaney) g |Fitzgerald, natives of Ireland. Her father died in | A1 l *^^i^^^K~ *7^^^V';F; ^^I ^. illiam Horning, farmer on section 36, Vernon Township, was born in Jefferson Co., Pa., Nov. 14, i848, and went with his.' parents when six years old to New York J State; three years later, to Lorain Co., Ohio; and in i866 to this county, locating on the township and section above mentioned. In 1874 he purchased 40 acres of land, all wild, and of this tract three-fourths is now cleared and under cultivation; and he has also erected good farm buildings. Ebvart, Osceola Co., this State, and her mother lives in Deerfield Township, this county. Mary was born in Ontario, March II, I863, and came to this county with her parents, where she has constantly resided since i878. The husband and wife are the parents of two children; Frederick J., born Aug. i, 1882; and Ellen L., born Dec. 23, I883. They are both members of the.oman Catholic Church, and have been connected with the same from childhood. Politically Mr. Kinney is a Democrat. At Jan. I, I876, in this county, he was united in mar-:. riage with Miss Angie Matthews, who was born inmos F. Abright, farmer, section 24, GilRichland Co., Ohio, Nov. 8, I857, and came to mor, May I, I8oI, in i more Township, was born May 15,1801, in Isabella in I874. Two children have been born: nc.. s r Seneca, N. Y. His parents were natives of i Quincy E., Jan. 27, I877; and Myrtie M., Nov. 27, Germany; and the son is the sole survivor of 879 9. a large family. While he was a babe, his parents In political faith, Mr. H. is a zealous Republican. removed to Genesee Co. N. Y., where he remained a resident until he was 31 years old. (O)))In 1832 Mr. Albright went to Ross Co., Ohio, where he resided four years. While there he buried his Iames Kinney, farmer, section 3, Isabella first wife, two children, mother and brother. He,:s, I Township, was born in St. Nicholas, Prov- was a miller and millwright by trade, and he built g o ince of Quebec, Canada, June 7, 856. and owned several mills in Michigan. He went to; While quite young he accompanied his parents Oakland Co., Mich., in I836, where he remained unto Cornwall, Ont., and there lived for seven til 1838. His next remove was to Livingston County, years. From Cornwall the family moved to this State. He built there a flouring mill, which Dickinson's Landing, Stormont Co., Can., taking proved an unfortunate investment, and, not long afJames with them. He lived with his parents in this ter his property passed out of his hands he went to. county, assisting his father in the maintenance of Davisonville, Oakland Co., where he remained two the family and receiving the advantages of the com- years, going thence to Northville, Mich. While livmon schools, until he attained the age of 16 years. ing there he buried his second wife. He made anOn arriving atthis age, Mr. Kinney left the parental other remove to Milford, where he built a flouring home and engaged to learn the art of cooking, which mill. He next went to Linden, Genesee Co., Mich., A. f he readily acquired and followed, being engaged as where he spent a year occupied in, building a grist- (i $ cook in lumber camps a number of years. mill. In 1864 he became Superintendent of the -1 I ISABELLA COUNTY. 299 ~ F.B A_ r7 _ _ _ e.i Government mills at Indian Village in Isabella; County, which furnished the milling supplies for the: Indians. He operated in that capacity until I870, i when he entered a homestead claim of 80 acres and A} has since devoted his attention to farming. Mr. Albright was married in 1822 to Olive Wheeler, by whom he had six children. Three of these met with death by accident, one by scalding, one by drowning and one by laudanum poisoning. His second marriage, to Miss Marietta Blackman, occurred ^ in 1837. The issue of this union was four children, i the youngest of whom lost his life in the battle of the | Wilderness. The third marriage of Mr. Albright occurred in 1846, and his wife bore him seven children. He is a Baptist in religious connection and a zealous Republican in politics. One of the most prominent positions of his life was that of member of the convention at Jackson, Mich., when the Republican ) party was organized. He has held several local official positions.!s/ ___ i I_ they still reside. Mrs. B. was born in the same county, May 30, 1847. The children of Mr. and Mrs. B. are: George L., Annie E., James E., Ida May and Harvey R. One died in infancy. The parents are of the Methodist persuasion, and in politics Mr. B. is a Republican. illiam W. Cox, of the firm of W. W. Cox & Co., druggists at Mt. Pleasant, was born 2 April 12, 1851, in Princess Anne Co., Va., and is the son of Isaac and Virginia (Williamson) Cox. His father was born in Albany Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, I82 r, and was a physician by profession, graduating in 1848, at the Woodstock (Vt.) Medical College. He died Jan. 23, 1865, in the city of Philadelphia. His mother was born Nov. 12, 1830, in Norfolk Co., Va., and is now living in Berkeley, in that county. When he was less than two years old the parents ot Mr. Cox went to Southampton Co., Va. He attended I a, 'I,% i: 4,-t It =i Z. ivW %. thn. e b ^ 9 common schools until he was about 14 years old, than Button, farmer, section 9, Deerfield when he came to Michigan and entered the drug. Township, is a son of Ethan and Lois store of his uncle, Dr. W. G. Cox, at Ypsilanti. He ) Lawrence Co., N. Y., and the latter of Connec- Department of Pharmacy at the University of Michiticut. They first settled in Oswego Co., N. Y., gan, one term. About 872 he opened a drug store where the former died, May 26, 1862 The Detroit, which he continued to manage I8 months. widow afterward came to this county, and died Aug. He went thence to Howard City, Montcalm County, 2, 1879, at the residence of her son Ethan, in Deer- where he was similarly engaged two years, after field Township. In this family were 14 children, which he went to Norfolk, Va., and was employed in seven of whom grew up, six sons and one daughter. that city four years as a clerk. In April, 1879, he ~ The subject of this sketch was the i3th in the entered the naval service of the United States, enabove mentioned family. He was born in Oswego listing at Norfolk for special duty as first-class apotheCo., Jan. 22, 1843, educated at the common school, cary. He officiated in that capacity three years, and and at 15 years of age was employed on the Erie canm thence to Milan, Monroe Co., Michigan, where Canal, where he continued for 15 seasons. He then he opened a drug store. He continued in business settled on a farm in Oswego County, which he had there eight months, when he returned to Norfolk and purchased some time previously, and which he car- spent two years s a clerk. In February, 1884, he ried on for two seasons, and then exchanged it, in opened his present business at Mt. Pleasant, where 1878, for a quarter of section 9, Deerfield Township, he is now meeting with satisfactory success. Mr. this county, where he resides. He has since bought Cox is a member of the Order of Knights of Pythias, ' and sold different tracts of land, but he still owns the American Legion of Honor, Chosen Friends and i 160 acres, 22 of which is subdued to cultivation. Knights of Maccabees. A In Oswego Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, I865, Mr. Button His marriage to Mary E. Winnigder took place in e^ married Miss Eunice, daughter of Lorenzo and An- Berkeley, Va., Oct. 16, I879. She was born May 17, ) nette (Porter) Bartlett, natives of that county, where 859, in Portsmouth, Va., and is the daughter of Jacob 1....-. 7. ".... 300 ISABELLA and Virginia (Smith) Winnigder. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born as follows: Clarence B., in Portsmouth, Va., Nov. I8, I88o, and William G., Nov. 9, I883, in Berkeley, Va. i COUNTY. A *t __ fi:4 a I eorge E. Dixon, farmer on section 8, Denver Township, is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Summons) Dixon, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to Quebec in 1843 and lived there till their death. He was born in Quebec, June 23, 1847, and when quite young went to live with an uncle in Petersboro Co., C. W., where he remained three years. He came to Saginaw in I865 and was employed in a saw-mill about three years. He then spent a year in Manitoba, and returning to Saginaw was employed on the river handling logs most of the time until January, i882. He then came ' to Isabella County and settled on 80 acres of wild; land in Denver Township, which he had bought the = year previous. He built a good log house and other b buildings, and now has 25 acres cleared. = He was married in Saginaw City, Nov. 25, I875,; to Miss Mary A., daughter of Richard and Mary, (Raggart) Pearson, natives of Ireland. She was ) born in Canada, Sept. 25, 185 I, and is the mother of one son, George E. Mr. Dixon is politically a Republican. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. I *< KI = (= seven years. He was on the "Black Swan" when she sunk near Cleveland, in I862, and escaped unhurt with the rest of the crew. The succeeding three years he was employed in a vineyard on the banks of Lake Erie; and in August, 1865, he selected this county as his permanent home. The following year he bought 40 acres on section 13, Vernon. This he did not occupy; but he afterwards bought 40 acres on section 36, where he has since resided, and has improved the whole tract. He was married Aug. 19, 1870, in Vernon Township, this county, to Catherine Curtis, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Miller) Curtis, natives of Ontario, Can., where the daughter also was born, Oct. 10, I853. Losing her father when two years old, she lived with her mother until her marriage, coming to this State when 1 years old. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. H., only one of whom is living. Irvin W. was born March 2i, I876; and Myrtle A. was born Oct. 25, I879. Mr. H. is a member of Clare Lodge, No. 333, I. O. O. F., and is politically an earnest Republican. He has been School Inspector, Highway Commissioner two terms and Justice of the Peace. This last office he has held four years. homas McGuire, farmer, section i, Gilmore Township, was born March o1, I844, in Canada. His parents, Charles and ReK. becca (Boyd) McGuire, are natives of Ireland and reside in Ontario, Can. Mr. McGuire resided with his parents until he was of age, and when he began his struggle in life on his own responsibility, he engaged in lumbering, in which he was interested five years. At the expiration of that time, he removed to Saginaw, where he was engaged in similar business ten years. About I873 he purchased 80 acres of land in Isabella County, of which he took possession Oct. 13, I878. At the time he located upon it, it was wholly unimproved, but diligent and persistent labor has placed 55 acres in creditable farming condition. Mr. McGuire is a Democrat in political connection. His marriage to Sarah McKnight occurred Sept. O=r ~-. X -.^.,. ( )%. i srjs z ( 1ir=0o eorge B. Horning, farmer and carpenter, residing on section 36, Vernon Township, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., March 20, 1 846, and is a son of Adam N. and Mary A. (Waldon) Horning, natives of New York, and of German-English descent. Mr. Horning, Sr., was by occupation a farmer, moved when George was very young to Lorain Co., Ohio, and after several other moves died, in Texas, in 1880. His wife died ~ in this county, in i872. The subject of this biography lived with his parents, attending the school and growing up after the manner of most farmers sons until I8 years of age. He then followed the lakes as a sailor for about A, H ag-^I-a 1(: S I -rj ~~ U U -7 k ISABELLA 24, I878. She was born April io, I858, and is the. daughter of Samuel and Mary (Mills) McKnight. j Robert B., only child, was born Nov. I2, 1879..9 -ct-Q{ — COUNTY. 301.I e ewis C. Hawkins, farmer on section 7, Denver Township, is a son of Jacob and Margaret Hawkins, natives of Steuben and Dutchess Cos., N. Y. His father died in Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 15, I86r, and his mother yet survives. The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 14, J835. He attended the common schools in his youth and lived in his native county until 26 years old, employed in farming. He afterwards removed to Ingham County, where he worked at different occupations nearly 17 years. He then lived a short time in Kent County, and in November, 1876, he came to Isabella County and bought 8o0 /N acres where he has since lived. He has about 35 4 - = acres improved. He was married in Ingham County, Mich., Oct. I 13, 86, to Emily, daughter of Alexander and Emily ~ (Bailey) Moore, he a native of Ireland and she of X the State of New York. Mrs. Hawkins was born in Schuyler Co., N. Y., Feb. I4, I846, and is the mother of one son, Claud L., born March 4, I878. Mr. H. has been Township Treasurer two years, Justice of the Peace four years, Supervisor three years, and has held various school offices. He is the present Supervisor of Denver. He enlisted Aug. 7, I862, in the 24th Mich. Vol. Inf., and served /. till Dec. 31, of the same year. He was honorably X discharged for disability. A.0 X] homas Phillips, farmer, section 3, Deerfield Township, was born in Ontario, Can.,? Oct. 3, I834; his father, Matthew Phillips, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died when he (Thomas) was a year and a half old. The?? Ilatter was adopted by William Cosgrove, of! West Gillensbury, Ontario, Can., and lived with him s until 15 years old. The next four years he worked by the month, after which he cultivated a rented farm for five years. He then was employed by the *Su uS)-^ ^ month for six years, after which, in his 3Ist year, he moved to Michigan, arriving in West Bay City May 3, I865, where he resided five years, and in South Bay City, nearly five years; in I874 he came to this county, where, on section 3, he has since resided as a farmer, except one year at Bay City. When he made his present location the only white men within six miles were two lumbermen; so that he is truly a pioneer. Sept. 27, I853, Mr. Phillips married Miss Jane Alexander, who was born in Ontario, Can., Nov. I2, 1836. Eight children have been born in this family, six sons and two daughters, namely: Joseph, William Henry, Thomas Albert, Frankie and Annie, living; Mary Jane died March 27, I865; Edmond (" Eddie "), in March, I872; an infant died at birth. lf illiam I. Simmons, general farmer, section lll( I3, Lincoln Township, was born in Novi, Oakland Co., Mich., May 22, I851. His father, Richmond C., was born in Wayne County, Mich., of New England ancestry, and has ever been identified with the agricultural interests of Wayne and Oakland Counties; is one of the most prominent farmers of his county. His grandparents were people of unusual force of character, and possessed a large amount of property in Wayne County, this State. His mother, Huldah (nee Power) Simmons, is a native of the Empire State, of New England ancestry, and is still living, in Oakland Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of four children,-three sons and one daughter; lived with his parents until 30 years of age; was educated at the Northville union school, at Ypsilanti, Pontiac and Ann Arbor. During the summer he worked on his father's farm until he was 20 years of age, when he began teaching in the public schools. He graduated at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti in I872, and until 1882 he alternated between teaching and attending college. His last school was in the district where he now lives. He has had two union schools, namely, at Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich., and at Pewamo, Ionia County. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Republican. Sept. 8, I880, in Plymouth Township, Wayne Co., c —. ---_s IZS'I faal ~f "'~"'i i I:.ii sV c=,. ( JI i I/ I. 0r Yt ( I3 Lo J > ( X ~*?- *,H 302 ISABELLA Mich., Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Hattie E.,! daughter of John and Sarah (Cumming) Shoesmith,. natives respectively of England and Canada, and of English ancestry, who now reside in Ingham County, this State. Mrs. S. was born at Almont, Lapeer Co., Mich., Jan. i, 1857, where she lived until six years old, and then went to Wayne County, where she grew up and was educated. She is a member of the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. S. have one child, Floy L., born May 2, I882. CoiUNTY., ----s A4 f COUNTY. 1 ----- AI,V.,. ", ames Reed is a farmer of Wise Township, residing on section 6. He is a native of the Dominion of Canada, where he was born in October, 1842. His parents, James and Margaret (Erwin) Reed, were born in Ireland and emigrated to Canada, where the father died, in J842. The mother still survives Mr. Reed remained in his native province of Lower Canada until 14 years old, and then in Upper Canada until Y866, when he came to St. Clair Co., Mich., and resided there 12 years, on a farm of 40 acres which he owned. In November, I877, he sold his property and came to Isabella County. He resided some time at Loomis, but eventually bought a farm in Denver Township. On this he pursued agriculture about four years, when he bought 120 acres of improved and in Wise Township. He has cleared about i8 acres. In politics Mr. Reed is a Republican. He was married March 25, 1864, in the county of Victoria, Can., to Sarah A. Hook. They have had ten children, eight living. Robert E., William J., Charles W., Margaret J., James H., Almina M., Albert Allen and Alice Ann. The two last named are twins. Mary R. and an infant are deceased. ber, I855, and he first took up his residence at Marshall, Mich., where he spent six months farming and chopping. At the expiration of that time he went to Detroit and worked for a butcher seven months. In January, i866, he purchased 80 acres of land in Isabella County, whither he removed his family Oct. i, i868. Not long afterward he -entered a claim of 80 acres under the provisions of the Homestead Act near the land he purchased and where he has since resided. He is one of the earliest settlers of Gilmore Township, and has held various township offices. Mr. Phillips was married July 5, i861, to Cynthia Jane, daughter of Isaac P. Terry. She was born Nov. 28, I844. Following is the record of the six children born of this union: Mary E. was born Oct. I, I864; George Edwin, May T4, I866; Emma Gertrude, born April 26, i868; Francis Warren, June 24, I874; Joseph Henry was born Nov. 7, 1862, and died May i, 1877. Thomas A. was born May 14, i866, and died June 25, I870. i eorge M. Quick, carpenter and lumberman, resident at Loomis, was born April 23, I839, in Canada, and is a son of James and Sarah J. (Loranay) Quick. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. The first 20 years of the life of Mr. Quick were passed in his native place, and during that period he attended school, worked at farming and was also occupied in lumbering. At the age mentioned he went to the city of New York, where he remained about three months, and at the end of that time he came to Saginaw County, Mich. He spent three years there in lumbering, and in I863 he went to Kentucky and other Southern States in the employ of the United States Government, and worked as a carpenter about two years, when he returned to Saginaw County and for a few months followed his trade there. He went thence to Grand Haven, Ottawa County, where he remained until I869. In that year he again returned to Saginaw County. In the spring of I87 he came to Isabella County and located at Loomis, where he has since resided with the exception of I8 months, which he spent in Saginaw County and the northern counties of Michigan. Since he became a resident *: dc6~:_~ i ~: i ~ i i bo. 9ci:: i "; d.r icholas Phillips, farmer, section 36, Gilmore Township, was born Aug. 25, 1834, in West Kent, England, and is the son of Joseph and Mary (Johnson) Phillips, both of whom were natives of England, The mother died Dec. 25, i88r. Mr. Phillips emigrated to this country in Novem— t' S -'^.^ ii, I!i:Az "4,~~ i11 iJ-ni — aa, i.., " |l|. ISABELLA COUNTY. 303 < X I (y J of Loomis he has been occupied as a carpenter and l: lumberman. ' Mr. Quick belongs to the Democratic party in pol' itics. He has been prominent in public life and was first elected Supervisor of Wise Township in the spring of 1873. He served one year, and in the spring of I876 was re-elected and continued in the incumbency of that office until the spring of I881. He has been Highway Commissioner two years, Justice of the Peace two years, and in I876 was appointed Notary Public, which position he still holds. g He is a member of the Masonic Order and belongs. to Waubon Lodge, No. 305, at Loomis. He was married March Io, 1865, in EastSaginaw, to Abby A., daughter of Russell and Loretta (Fancher) Lytle. The parents were natives of the State of New York, and the daughter was born Jan. 14, 1848, in Shiawassee Co., Mich. Of five children born to them three are living,-Effie M, Charles M. and ' Ella L. Martha J. and Vida are deceased. 3 ames L. Bush, farmer and proprietor of the ' - "'Half-Way House," between Clare and 7 g1 Mount Pleasant, at present residing on I i -n section Io, Isabella Township, was born in Petersboro Co., Ont., June 25, I837. He is j the oldest of a family of nine children, and was reared on the farm, assisting his father in the maintenance of the family. He remained under the parental roof-tree until he attained the age of manhood, when he engaged on a steamboat and soon became a pilot on a Rice Lake boat, which position he held for ten years. Among the reminiscences of his life during his vocation as a pilot, he relates that on one occasion a lady passenger missed her footing and fell into the lake, and he, being a good swimmer, jumped in and rescued her from a watery grave. On another occasion,-having from boyhood turned his attention to music and become proficient in the use qf the violin, — while a large dance was in progress, he began playing on his violin in the immediate neighborhood, and soon the hall was vacated, and the dancers stood listening to the sweet music of our subject's skillful performance rather than keep time to that of a first$ class string band which was playing for them. Three years after the death of his father, Mr. Bush brought his mother, brothers and sisters to this State and located in Midland County. At this time he became proprietor of the " Half-Way House" between Midland City and Mt. Pleasant, and for six years successfully conducted the same. At the expiration of that time he went to Clare, Clare County, and established the first hotel ever built in that place. At this period in the life of Mr. Bush he received a very severe injury, which was undoubtedly the cause of his mother's death and came very near costing him his life. He was at Mt. Pleasant, and while there and engaged in moving a house, a beam struck him, breaking his jaw and also his shoulder. Few men could have received the injury he did and recover, and to his hardihood and iron constitution he is indebted for his life. In December, 1873, he came to this county and located on section io, Isabella Township, and entered at once on the laborious task of improving his land. The purchase he made was all wild land-a forest-and with his usual energy and perseverance he entered on the arduous though pleasant task of clearing and improving it, determined to make a permanent home for himself and family. Mr. Bush was united in marriage at Sidney, Ont., Dec. 23, 1873, to Miss Nancy J. Hanna, a native of the same county in which Mr. B. was born, and of Scotch extraction. She was born Aug. 5, I839, and lived with her parents until the date of her marriage. Mrs. Bush is the mother of five children born to her husband. The living are Jerry T., born Nov. 25, I873; and Emily J., Sept. 28, 1882. Mary J., James H. and Hattie M. are deceased. The husband and wife are members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Churches respectively, and in politics Mr. B. is a Republican. V 1y) x4,3 a t: =Ar ^ _!W I _ Pa 'Aan/udw~ur*\m* gg _ _ - harles W. Robinson, farmer and merchant, section 23, Rolland Township, is a son of Barton C. and Henrietta (Ransford) Robinson, natives of Ohio. His father, an agriculturist, emigrated to Gilead, Branch Co., Mich., and afterward to Calhoun County, where he now resides, in the city of Marshall, engaged in gardening for the city. His mother died in 1859, in'Branch County. I i ~'; "L r: Mt ~ ~0 )4W ~ -— X-USn CaD^ --- 304 ISABELLA COUNTY. t Mr. R. was born Aug. 22, 1852, in the last named fall of I873 he came to this county and settled on county; was nine years old when the family returned I60 acres, the northeast quarter of section 9, Vernon to Calhoun County; was in Iowa two years; then in Township. This farm, covered with an unbroken t Branch County a year; then worked on a farm in forest, he had purchased in I869. By industry and ( St. Joseph County four years, and finally came to perseverance, he has redeemed a large portion of his this county, settling on 80 acres of section 23, where farm to a condition of usefulness, has erected good he now resides; but half of this he has since sold. buildings, and is now beginning to reap the rewards Politically, Mr. R. is a Republican, and he has of his labor. held the official position of Constable. He was married in Romeo, Macomb Co., Mich., In 1875, Mr. Robinson married Elizabeth Kreigh- Jan. i, i856, to Miss Orpha Beagle, who was born baum, who was born May 25, I858, a daughter of in that county April I9, 1837. Ter parents, Charles George and Caroline (Dougherty) Kreighbaum, B. and Salomi (Inman) Beagle, were natives of New natives of Ohio. Her mother died in 1876, in this England, followed farming, anddied in this State, county; her father, who has been a farmer and a the mother in I839 and the father in 1878. Mrs. carpenter, is still living with this family. Mr. and Cope lived with her fatherand step-mother until marMrs. R. have three children, namely: Charles H., riage, receiving a good English education. Followborn March 29, 1877; George F., May 28, I879; and ing is the record of the children of this marriage: Barton, July 7, I88i. Rosetta M. E., born June 4, I858; Charles D. M., Dec. 29, 1859; Ella A., May 4, I865; Lewis Frank) lin, Nov. 2, I866: Ransom M. XV., Dec. 31, I870; \>^ and Cora E., Nov. 30, 1871. The two deceased are: a child which died in infancy; and George A., born.,-,,.T T.RA-, -,, iA Al ',A ro -, 0. T 13, —.a ' /tn M A.r ~ r. z i I! K P.. - = ( I J I onas C. Cope, farmer on section 9, Vernon Township, was born in Brant Co., Ont., Feb. 7, I831; and is the son of David and Amanda (Patrick) Cope, natives of Canada and New York. The parents are yet living in Brant County, aged respectively 85 and 83. They have reared six children,-Melinda M., Frances L., Charlotte C., Ransom M., Jonas C. and Lewis C. All are living and reside in Ontario, with the exception of Ransom M., who served four years in the lJUV. 1, LOU/L UllU. UlCU.V.L,L ) IU. 3. X. % BV.LL1 I.... E. was married Jan. i, I878, to John A. Allen, a x farmer of Vernon Township. Charles D. M. is em- T ployed in a mill at Mt. Pleasant. The others are at ~ home. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Free Methodist Church, with which denomination he has been long connected. He filled the pulpit for ten years. He is politically an "Andrew Jackson Democrat." Being no office-seeker, he has invariably declined thP nnciitinnc of trn. t nnd honor which have heen ten army and now lives in Nebraska, and Jonas C., the -. -— i.. - dered him. subject of this sketch. The father of the family is '. worth about $15,ooo, and his sons are well-to-do farmers. The subject of this sketch attended school and rA worked on his father's farm until i6 years old, when. imothy Dingman, farmer, section 26, Isahe apprenticed himself to Messrs. Fisher &jMcQues- jf bella Township, was born in Lexington, tion, of Hamilton, Ont., to learn the tradeof molder. Co., Ont., June 15, I834. His parents After serving his time (four years), he came to this died when Timothy was only two years old State, first locating at Romeo, Macomb County. and he went to live with his uncle in NorthHere, for some five years, he worked at carpentry, umberland County. He remained with his which he had learned without special preparation. uncle, working on the farm and a portion of the time Returning to Ontario, he lived nine years more in attending the common schools, until he attained the his native country, working at the same trade. In age of 14 years. On arriving at this age, Mr. Ding( April, 1869, he came to Ovid, Clinton County, and man went to work in the lumber woods, which vocafor the next four years he carried on farming. In the tion he continued until 26 years of age. He then _,' % Api,86,hcaetOid ClintoCunty n I., I If / 4, 7 ", I 1.4v 4.f _ Ar ne ~ ii it II1 > ISABELLA COUNTY. 3(07 ^,~"` e P n =e i I* - I 4s went to Clearfield Co., Pa., and there engaged in the same occupation for one year, when he went to Niagara Falls and ran a saw-mill for five years. On leaving Niagara Falls, Mr. Dingman came to this State and settled in Ovid, Clinton County. Five years later, in 1873, he came to this county and after a year at Mt. Pleasant, rented the " poor farm," which he cultivated for three years with a moderate degree of success. Leaving that farm, he moved to Isabella Township. He had purchased 40 acres on section 26, in 1873, and in 1874 purchased 40 acres on section 22, that township, and it was on this land he moved and began the arduous task of improving it. The land was heavily timbered, a perfect forest; and yet, having a firm faith in the future development of the county and the neighborhood, the enormous amount of labor necessary to clear and improve it did not daunt him. He has battled against obstacles and trials. and now has AO acres of his land under a good until 17 years of age, when she went to Niagara Falls.) On arrival at that place she engaged to learn the;` profession of dress-maker. She acquired the knowl-. edge of that art and followed the same for I6 years. In i868 they returned to Canada, but did not remain. long, believing they could do better in the " States;" and the following year, 1869, they moved to this State and settled at Ovid, Clinton County. The husband and wife are the parents of three children, born and named as follows: Ida K., April 13, 1867; Lorena E. M., April 23, 1869; Harry J., Aug. 12, i875. The father and mother are both< connected with the Presbyterian Church, and are respected and esteemed citizens of their township. Mr. Dingman, politically, is a Democrat. He has been honored with the district offices of his township, and is prominent for the stand he takes in the advocacy of temperance. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F. Todge. No. o'. Ovid. Mich. state of cultivation. He has met with considerable disaster, his house, which cost him $i,ooo, having been destroyed by fire May 23, 1883, with almost all: his household goods; and yet he never gave way to ' despair, but went manfully to work and soon had the lliam. Whitaker, Justce of the Peace,':, in Broomfield Township, and farmer on burnt structure replaced. His energy and persever-. "' section 23, is a son of William and Lepha *e ance, coupled with integrity and fair dealing, has ecton son of Lepha given him a prominence in his township, and his (Morson) Whitaker natives of New York....The father was born in Hamilton County, prosperity in the face of adversity has demonstrated, April 26, 1804, came to Michigan in I854, and his right to be denominated one of the progressiveame to Michigan in 1854, and s o e on. is now living in the State of Indiana. His wife was farmers of the township. ar. mr. D w unsit born in I802, and died in Branch County, this Mr. Dingman was united in marriage, May 7, I865, with Miss Maggie J. McKnight, a native of tate, n Ireland, where she was born Oct 846. When Their son William was born June 24, i833, in Ireland, where she was born Oct. 15, 1846. When. -. Hamilton Co., N. Y., and attended school until I6 six years of age her father emigrated to Canada. years old. He then came at that age to Branch Mrs. Dingman, though young when she crossed the,J Co., Mich., and worked by the month one year. He i waters, remembers well the seven-weeks voyage. A., r A... then shipped on board the barque Samuel Thomas, on terrible storm arose and daylight was almost dark- t s o, 1 which he sailed six years. During this time he visitened by the overhanging clouds, when the vessel i ed Africa, the Western Islands, West Indies, and Cape became disabled by losing her main-mast, bulwarks and cooks cabin The storm cme on wit all its Verde Islands, and landed at New Mattipoisett, Mass., in Sept., I85I after a three years' trip. Refury, and the Captain said One more wave and we Mass., in Sept, 85, after a three years t Rey. shipping on the same vessel, they visited nearly the shall all be lost!" The passengers fell on their knees, the same vessel, they visited nearly the d. i same places, and went on a whaling expedition, cap- ) I and then, in the center of the mighty ocean and in turing a great number of those animals. After a trip the midst of the raging elements, offered their united prayers to the Ruler of the Universe for deliverance. f thee years and four days, he landed once more at Their prayers were heard, and the disabled vessel, the same place. He then shipped at New Bedford S with its thankful passengers, landed safely at its as second mate of the "Oliver Crocker," also a whaler. destination. This voyage lasted four years and nine days, and 7, Mrs. Dingman remained with her father in Canada took them through the Indian Ocean, China Sea, to ^ "6.^-=l- -- -— d d-MW^9 — A" " "Al 308 ISABELLA COUNTY. I New Zealand and Australia. He came to this county in i879. - _ -~ - He was married in the State of New York, Feb. 14, i 859, to Miss Mary Steele, who was born April i, ames Ostrander, Postmaster and general. I843, in Fulton Co., N. Y., the daughter of Simon |es Post r ad and Amy (Van Wart) Steele, natives of New York. merchant at Loomis, Wise Township, was Mr. S. was born in I805, and died in I877. Mrs. S. born May I, 82, in Elgin o., Ont and was born in i8o6 and died in I865. and Mr. and Mrs.is the son of William and Sarah (Ryckman) Whitaker have three daughters,-Mary B., born June Ostrander, both of whom are natives of CanWada. The father died July 24, 1875; the 26, i86i; Lydia M., Nov. i8, 1862; and Hattie, born The father died tl a i; the 4 March5, I81 76. March I, i876. mother is still a resident of the Dominion. | Mr. Whitaker has held the office of Justice of the Mr. Ostrander passed the period of his minority in. Peace, and is now Drain Commissioner, to which the fulfillment of his filial duties, aiding his parents K office he was elected in the year 1882. He is a Re- n the support of ther family and working on his publican,andmemberoftheF. In 864 father's farm. On reaching the age of 2I years he he enlisted in the Union Army, and was assigned to undertook the management of his gandfather's far, the navy, on board the monitor Mahopac. This which he continued two years. His next enterprise vessel was engaged at the battle of Fort Fisher, N. C. was as a peddler of tinware and agricultural implemHe was discharged at City Point, Va., Nots, in which he was engaged five years. MeanI864, for disability caused in the line of duty. while, he bought Ioo acres of land in Howard Town/ We take pleasure in adding Mr. Whitaker's por- sh Canada, o which he commenced operations as a pioneer, building a log house and entering vigor-. trait to the " art gallery" of this ALBUM, as that of an a a se and entering vigorexemplary citizen of Isabella County.ously into the work of clearing and improving his X land. He remained on the place about eight years a Jo -.:.-l.8a~D -and had placed about 30 acres under improvements A |:: when he sold his farm, for $1,400, which he invested, iohn A. Wolfe, farmer on section 2, Broom- in 200 acres in the same town. He occupied this ^- field, is a son of Eli and Nancy (Allen) place until I862. 1 Wolfe, natives of New Jersey and Pennsyl- In i 860 he opened a daily stage route from vania. The parents were born respectively in Thamesville to Ridgetown and Morpeth. He opened i806 and 1814, and mad their home in New business as a general merchant at Ostrander postJersey, where the father died in I876, and office, where he was appointed Postmaster. He conwhere the mother yet lives. tinued his operations three years, but, meeting with Mr. Wolfe was born May 10, I834, in Warren Co., adverse fortune, he found himself under the necesN. J., and lived at home until 23 years old, He was sity of arranging for a different line of business, and > at that age, Aug. 30, I856, married to Miss Harriet he sold his stock. In I864, he came to the city of: X Garrison, who was born July II, I839, in Sussex Co., Detroit, where he remained through the winter. N. J., the daughter of Henry and Mary A. (Brush) During that time he encountered further disaster in Garrison, natives of New Jersey. After marriage, the form of severe illness, which dissipated his entire Mr. W. lived in his native state until I867, then was means. In the spring of I865 he came to Saginaw seven years in Ionia County, this State, and then City and kept a boarding house one year. The enmoved on his present 80 acres, of which 40 are im- terprise did not prove an encouraging success, and ' proved. he rented a small tract of land near Saginaw and Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have two children,-Matilda commenced gardening. The season was unfavorable A., born May 17, r858, and Eli E., born Oct. 29, I863. and he gave up that business. He vas again afflict- *: Mr. W. is politically a Republican. He has been ed with illness during the winter of I873, and in the (4 Highway Commissioner, Superintendent of Schools spring following he employed himself a short time in i and Justice of the Peace. His wife is a member the sale of fish at Saginaw, by which means he ob- ( v. of the United Brethren Church..tained something of a start; and soon afterward sef^jhurcS', 'r ISABELLA COUNTY. 309 j rssEL~ COLNTY.309 j.. cured a situation as a peddler of tinware, in which 1 he was engaged three years. In 1876 the Saginaw a capitalist and lumberman, Ammi W. Wright, engaged; him to take charge of the business owned by him at -:, Loomis and managed under the firm style of Wells, Stone & Co. He operated in that capacity two winters. In 1878 he rented a small building at Loomis and began business for himself. He gradually extended his field as his relations multiplied and widened, and he is now doing a good business. In 188i!, he received his appointment as Postmaster from President Arthur. In political affiliation Mr. Ostrander is a Republican. He belongs to the Order of Good Templars, and is a member of the Masonic Order, Farweil Lodge, No. 335. He was married Dec. 10, 1859, at Orford, Canada, to Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Webb) Gosnell, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where Mrs. Ostrander was born, May 20, I830. Ten children, born to Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander, were named as follows: Rachel, Mary, William L., George H., Sarah E., Eliza A., James H., Frances C., Ellen J.. and Ida A. George and Ida are deceased. All are y married except Ellen J., and all are sober, industrious and happily surrounded. J -S ---- ~p^ ---~ --- S enry E. Ward, farmer, section 5, Deerfield [ Township, is a son of Charles L. and Emily (Parmelee) Ward, natives of Genesee Co., N. Y.; she died in September, 1854, and he afterward moved to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he still resides. They have two daughters and r_ 26, 1876, to Miss Susie L.; daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth Dunn, who died the 7th of the following September; and Sept. 27, I880, in the same county, Mr. Ward married Miss Clara R., daughter of Lewis and Rosanna (Brower) Hager, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. Mrs. W. was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, I859. By this marriage there are two children,- Lewis M. and Ethel M. _- A Ad > 1_ ' Y Y Idt Y r ~F3 "oderick Campbell, farmer, section 2, Gil-: more Township, was born March I, 1828, a i on Tiree Island, on the west coast of ScotX land. His parents, Daniel and Nancy (McP Donald) Campbell, were born, reared and lived nearly their entire lives in the Scottish Highlands. Mr. Campbell left Scotland in July, I845, and landed at Halifax, N. S. He went to Sidney, Cape Breton Island, where he remained three years, working one year as a farm laborer, and the two years following, in ferrying by the month. He came thence to Boston, Mass., and went to Springfield in that State, where he stayed less than a year. He then moved to Wayne Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming at $i i per month. Two years after, he emigrated to Washtenaw Co., Mich., and worked on a farm three years, at $144 a year. At the expiration of that time he commenced to work land on shares, and he spent about eight years as a farm assistant and renter. In I867 he purchased 40 acres in the town of Augusta, Washtenaw County, for which he paid $600. On his arrival in Washtenaw County he had but 50 cents in money and a few household articles, which collection did not include a stove. In the upper part of the first house they lived in, Mrs. Campbell found an old baker which she scoured bright and made serviceable for six months. The farm purchased by Mr. Campbell was in an unbroken state of wildness, and he sold it I4 years later for $1,700. In February, 1882, he purchased a farm of i6o acres of partly improved land in Isabella County, for which he paid $I,ooo cash. On this he is expending his strength and energy with all the effectiveness of good judgment and laudable purpose. Mr. Campbell was married June 4, i846, to Mary, I ~ii -. J d K'> =3 1?,/ it I I two sons. The eldest son, the subject of this biographical notice. was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 185 1; when about six years of age his father came to Michigan, where he remained at home with him until about 30 years old, the last nine years of which time he worked his father's farm on shares. In the spring of 88r, he came to this county and bought 80 acres of partly improved land in Deerfield Township, where! he now resides and has about 33 acres under cultivation. He is an exemplary farmer and citizen, a man of sterling principle, and in politics is independent. He was first married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Nov. -.-. —, —ssa itiab^ II 45I Ih' 1%i a- I~ ----7-, L, -1~3l(- lJjill~i, 10o ISABELLA COUNTY. X ane, daughter of Herman and Mary (Thompson) land on section 35, Isabella Township, this county. n. She was born June 25, 24, in Nassau,He immediately moved on his newly acquired land C Rensselaer Co., N. Y. The following is the record and entered on the task of improving it, and now has of the six children born of this marriage: Josephine, 55 acres under a good state of cultivation. (orn Aug. 6, 184-; John C., April 24, I852; Mary Mr. Adams was first married in Alma, Sept. I7, Ann, Aug. 19, I855 (died July io, I86I); Eliza Jane, I863, to Miss Hannah S. Rogers, a native of Ohio, July 26, I858 (died July i6, i86i);Mary E., Oct. II, where she was born June 22, i844. She bore to Mr. I86I; Benj. H., June I8, I864. Adams three children: George, born Feb. 27, i866; Frank W., born Aug. I4, i868; and William H.,. --- — S ==i =born April 12, I873. Mrs. Adams died at her home, in Isabella Township, of a congestive chill lasting one enry Adams, farmer and shoemaker, re- hour, April 27, I876, mourned as a loving wife, kind siding on section 35, Isabella Township, mother and generous friend. was born in Hesse, Germany, Sept. 29, I840. The second marriage of Mr. Adams occurred Sept. When six years of age he was brought to the, I 876, at St. Louis, and the lady of his choice wasMiss Augusta Buchholz. She is a native of no New World by his brothers and sisters, the1,, country, being born on the "bosom of the waves parents having both deceased. They first located in while her parents were en route from Germany to Erie, Pa., and three years later moved to Ashtabula She asborneherhusthis country, Aug. 2x, I855. She has borne her husCo., Ohio. When 15 years of age, our subject ap- band two children: Minnie, Oct. 23, 77; and prenticed himself to a Mr. Nehemiah Phillips, for C O 2 four years, to learn the shoemaker's trade, and con- Mr. Adams is a believer in and supPolitically, Mr. Adams is a believer in and sup- ~'~ =X tinued in that vocation until the expiration of his ap-. He porter of the principles of the Republican party. He } prenticeship, working the last year as a "jour." He has held the position of Director of his school dis3= then came to Alma, Gratiot County, this State, and..... m=.trict, and is a progressive citizen of his township. ' engaged with Mr. James Gargett. During the civil war, Mr. Adams enlisted in Co. ( A, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., Feb. 25, 1864, commanded by Col. Ely, of Gratiot County. The company was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He partici- | rrin Moody, farmer on section 24 Rolland, pated in the battle of the Wilderness (six days) and | is a son of Israel and Abigail (Tubbs) all the battles in which his company was engaged up Moody, natives of New Hampshire and to the time of the battle of Petersburg. During the |* South Carolina. The father was first a resilatter named action he was taken sick and sent to the 6 dent of New Hampshire, but moved to Cayuga hospital at Philadelphia, where he remained until Co., N. Y., where he died in I8I9. His wife the close of the war; and he was honorably dis- died in the same county. charged May 5, 865. He was several times wounded The subject of this biography was born July 22, but received no injury of a serious nature. At the I8I4, in the State of New Hampshire, and lived at time the war opened, Mr. Adams was not a citizen home until 18 years old. Coming to Michigan, he of the United States, never having taken out his pa- lived in Washtenaw County three years, then in pers, and he took them out mainly for the purpose of Livingston County three years, and then settled in joining the army. Eaton CoiTnty, where he resided 40 years. He came After his discharge, in 1865, he came to Alma, this to this county in I880, locating on 80 acres on secState, and in the fall of that year went to Mt. Pleas- tion 24, Rolland, where he has now 24 acres in a. ant and worked at his trade for Mr. L. Bently for one good state of cultivation.?i 4 year. He then worked for himself, at Alma, and He was married in I835 to Desire Carr, who was X continued to carry on his trade at that place until born June 25, I8I6, the daughter of Nathaniel and: d the summer of I874, when he disposed of his village Esther (Conger) Carr, natives-of New York, where ( property by trading the same for 70 acres of wild the father died Nov. 2I, I865, and the mother in 0' |||<^ --- -hi ISABELLA COUNTY. 311: 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Moody have had nine children, ease and freedom from responsibility which was the 7 whose record is as follows: William H., born May just reward of their laborious and well-directed lives.,1I3, I838; Sylvester, born Aug. 7, 1840; Edward In return for this devotion Mr. Brooks received from m W., born July 14, 1842, and died Dec. 2, 1883; his parents the deed of the home farm. In 1865, soon Esther A., born Jan. 27, 1845; Israel W., born March after the decease of his father, Mr. Brooks sold the 14, I848; Augustus E. and Augusta, born Nov. 21, homestead and bought a farm in Van Buren TownI850; George L., born Jan. 30, 1856; Ellen J., born ship, Wayne County, where he resided until 1873, May 27, I858, and died Nov. 2I, i858. when he bought the place which is at present his Mr. Moody is politically a life-long Democrat. homestead, consisting then of 80 acres of land in a wholly unimproved state. The place now includes y 45 acres of improved and cultivated land. Mr. Brooks \ I eter J. Marthey, merchant at Leaton, Dents: l ver Township, is a son of Peter E. and,lI Margaret (Jennette) Marthey, natives of i France. The parents emigrated to America J ' in an early day, married and settled in Holmes Co., Ohio, where she died, July 3, I872. He survives. The subject of this sketch was born in Holmes / Co., Ohio, Sept. 30, I85r, and lived in his native =3 county until the spring of I882, engaged in farming. =t He then came to Isabella County and bought 77 acres of wild land in Denver Township, where he now resides. He has 48 acres improved. In June, I883, he bought out the stock of goods at Leaton, then owned by W. A. Chatterton; and he now car\ ries on that business. He was married in Holmes Co., Ohio, Nov. 22, 1877, to Josephine C., daughter of Joseph and Mary Trahan, natives of France. She was born in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 6, I854, and is the mother of three - t ll-^.- T^ t A Sv1 A% "1A ran f~: r is a Republican in political sentiment, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace one term and has acted one year as Supervisor. He was married May 4, I856, in Van Buren Township, Wayne County, to Miss Elsie M. Carpenter. She was born May 4, 1837, and is the daughter of John and Lucy (Bennett) Carpenter. Her father died in November, I874, and her mother is still living, in Belleville, Wayne Co., Mich. The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Brooks is as follows: J. Elmer, born Dec. 7, I858; Leone W., Feb. i, I862; Florence, Oct. 8, 1863 (died Oct. 27, I867); Frederick C., April 6, I869; Eva, March 2, 1874. '4^A2 jr IZ,,. I M= eorge W. Stine, farmer on section 26, Ver' non Township, is a son of David and Di-,' ana (Cordrey) Stine, of German descent,. and natives of Pennsylvania. The father was ';,,-, 1= 1 — A - — At I cuiLUretin-nUwaiu ~z., A11-geia ivi. ainu r raIIcis. in early nme a weaver, auu tLin a iaricer, aau Mr. Marthey is politically a Democrat. He and died in 1842, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. The - wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. mother lives in the same county, at the extreme age A of 96. _- ^ Their son George was the third child and first.: | son in a family of eight,-four sons and four daughG David W. Brooks, farmer, section 34, Cold- ters. He was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, May 30, 1 water Township, was born Aug. 20, i834, I830, and was taken to Tuscarawas County, same in Sumpter Township, Wayne Co., Mich. State, by his parents when two years old. At the His parents, David and Susannah W. (Allen) age of I6 he commenced work as a common laborer, Brooks, were natives respectively of Vermont and letting his pay go toward the support of his widowed: New Jersey, and died in Wayne Co., Mich. mother and her dependent family. Being given his i: Their family comprised nine children. liberty at the age of 21, he worked on the Ohio River, t Mr. Brooks is the youngest child of his parents and and in the mines until the call for volunteer soldiers remained with them until their deaths, caring for made by President Lincoln flashed over the wires K them in every filial manner and securing to them the and quickened the ardor of all patriots. j, —,- — l i U M Toe' "; 312 ISABELLA COUNTY. He enlisted Aug I7, 86i, in Co. I, 20th Ohio Vol. lowed farming in Tioga Co., Pa., up to the present Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. time. Mrs. Seely was born in Pennyslvania in I843. He fought at the second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, They had eight children, six of who n are now liv- i'; South Mountain, Antietam, Vicksburg, Mission Ridge ing. and all the battles involving the i5th Corps, and also In political sentiment, Mr. P. is a Republican. in numerous skirmishes. He escaped unhurt except by a bruise from a piece of bursted shell, which dis- _ - I _ fhlepd him for a ffw dvciy. and he was hmnrorahlv dic AVER -a. WL AVI CL XV,; I-AAC c39 Ctil%.L 11 *W M Uob}j %_10-v charged June 5, I865, being in the service nearly four years. He came direct from the army to this county, and 7 secured 80 acres of land, of which 55 are now improv-: ed. He was married March, I85o, in Tuscarawas i Co., Ohio, to Miss Mary Render, who was born in I ii England, July 15, 1825. Her father, Francis Render, died in Ohio in I875. Her mother, Elizabeth (Suttle) Render, died in the same State, in I854. Mr. and Mrs. Stine have six children,- Ann, Francis, Diana, Thomas, Rose and George. One, William, is deceased. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. S. is a member of Clare Lodge, No. 333, 1.0. O. F. He is politically a supporter of the Republican party; has been Highway Commissioner three years and is now School Assessor. ared H. Doughty, of the firm of Doughty Bros., hardware merchants at Mt. Pleasant, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, l, i839. His parents, George W. and Emeline (Storm) Doughty, removed to Van Buren Co., Mich., in I842, where his father bought a farm, including 200 acres of land. Mr. Doughty passed the years of his minority at home, working as his father's assistant on the farm during the warmer portion of the year,and attending school winters. On attaining the period of his legal freedom, he went to Lane, Ogle Co., Ill., and there engaged in acquiring a preliminary knowledge of the tinner's trade. He remained thus occupied one year, when he returned to Michigan and finished the acquisition of his trade with Parsons & Wood, of Kalamazoo. He remained with them over three y -A — 3 | years and then, associated with his brother George, ~ opened a hardware establishment at Paw Paw. The - relation was brought to a close by his brother's being rank D. Pierce, farmer on section 6, Rol- drafted in 1865, when Mr. Doughty sold out. He land Township, is a son of Leroy and remained in Paw Paw two years longer, and went -.d> Cynthia (Husted) Pierce. The father was thence to South Haven. born in Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y., in His stay at that place was brief, and in the fall i; 1827, and has been a carpenter and farmer. of I869 he came to Mt. Pleasant with his brother, The mother was born in Oxford, N. Y., in Wilkinson Doughty, driving to this place from Big 828. They moved to Pennsylvania, then to Illinois, Rapids with a horse and carriage. The trip ocwhere they lived two and a half years; then to New cupied two days. They found a small village with York State; and finally seven years later to Tioga no tin shop or hardware establishment of any kind. Co., Pa., where they now live. They at once founded a general hardware business, Their son Frank was born Dec. 9, I856, in Tioga and continued its management until Sept. I, I877. Co., Pa., and lived with his parents until 19 years In 1876 they erected a brick block on the corner of old, when he came to this State and county and lo- Main Street and Broadway, two stories in height and cated on 220 acres on section 6, Rolland Township. 48 x 77 feet in dimensions. At the date named, the He has now 170 acres well improved and good farm brothers dissolved partnership, each establishing himbuildings. self in business in one-half of the new building. Mr. E He was married Dec. 26, I880, to Miss Jennie Doughty, subject of this sketch, associated his brother Seely, who was born in i855, in Tioga Co., Pa., the Frank with him in a general hardware business, in daughter of Lewis and Mary (Burr) Seely. Mr. the corner store, wherethey operated until January, Seely was born in New York in 1829, and has fol- I884. In the summer of 1883 they erected a fine ISABELLA COUNTY. 313 S brick block 32 x 77 feet and three stories in height Following is the record of the five children born to ' above the basement; of which they took possession Mr. and Mrs. Hammond: Orton Claud, born Jan. at the date mentioned. They rent their former quar- 11, 1877; Orville Sylvester, Aug. 4, 1878; Mary.ters. Their stock is estimated at a value of $8,0o0, Belle, March 19, 880; Evalena, May 5, I88I. A and includes stoves, agricultural implements, sash, child, yet unnamed, was born Sept. 8, 1883. - doors, etc., and they manufacture tin and sheet iron. Their business is thriving and requires the aid of I —^ —,. S-,four assistants. Their rooms for the manufacture of all kinds of tinware are above their general sales- |.. room, and a shop for reparing is connected there- ( niel e, farmer, section 34, Isabella: "~~.- &.. ll\ ownshipl Wallaco,' f armer, con 3 4, I with. Mr. Doughty is the owner of his residence Tow, as born in Perth Co., Ont.,:- A L,P May i, i837. The parents of Daniel were % and grounds. He has been a member of the Town Tioty and M83 T ar ker) Walace. His w Cn o ye^a Timothy and Maria (Parker) Wallace. His t Council one year. T A - one, yer father was a native of Malone, N. Y., of. He was married Sept. 29, I869, in Mattawan, Van Scotch extraction, and by occupation a farmer. Buren Co., Mich., to Julia Sutton, daughter of Alden. He died in Washtenaw County, this State, June 9, and Isabel Sutton. Nettie B. and Glenn H. are the 1877, aged 71 years. His mother was a native of names of the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Doughty. G, ae. - Genesee Co., N. Y., and of Pennsylvania-Dutch exThey were born June, 874, and. 21, 883 re- traction. She is the mother of i children, five sons spectively. The parents are members of the Meth- daughters living, andone son ad one ) odis. Epil. and four daughters living, and one son and one (... odist Eiscopal Churchdaughter deceased, and is still living, in the vicinity <.<.of Ann Arbor, this State. Daniel is the oldest of the II.children, and re-. = " t i mained under the parental roof-tree until he attained ' ylvester C. Hammond, farmer, section 26, -the age of 23 years. He assisted on the farm and in, Coldwater Township, was born in Essex, the maintenance of the family, receiving the advan* f Clinton Co., Mich., Dec. 7, 1854. He is a tages afforded by the common schools of the county, l son of Carmi and Mary A. (Willett) Ham- and developed into manhood. mond, bothof whomare deceased. Hisfather July 5, 1857, Mr. Wallace was united in marriage was born May 3, 1807, in Vermont, and died with Miss Amy J. Brundage, daughter of Stephen July 9, 1883, at the residence of his son in Coldwater. and Sarah Ann (Arnold) Brundage. They were naHis mother died Feb. 20, 1876. tives of Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, of New Mr. Hammond grew up under the care and guid- England parentage, and the father was a farmer by ance of his father until he was of age. A short time occupation. He died in Ontario, April 25, 1846, and previous to obtaining his majority he began to learn the mother died in the same place. Amy J, was X the carpenter's trade in Clinton County, which he born in Ontario, Sept. 26, 1837. Her father died K, completed after he was 21 years old. He is a natural when she was nine years old, and she lived with her mechanic, with an aptitude for tools and little taste mother, assisting in the household duties and the for farm labor. He owns 80 acres of land and has maintenance of the family, and attending the com25 acres cleared and improved. He first came to mon schools, until her marriage. Isabella County in the fall of. I866, returning in a few Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are the parents of nine chilweeks to his home. He decided on establishing a dren, all living and born and named as follows::: permanent residence in the county, and in the fall of William M., Sept. 15, 1858; Daniel E., Nov. 28 > i 1875 he bought his farm in the township of Cold- I860; Ann J., Oct. 3, I862; Edward, Jan. 9, 1865; water. Charles T., Feb. 4, 1867; Nellie M., Sept. 2, i869; He was married March 5, 1876, to Jennie F., Amy A., Feb. 14, 1872; Alice M., Jan. 17, 1875; I daughter of Martin M. and Harriet Isabella (Van- Frank A., Dec. 15, 1877. tine) Ryerson. (See sketch of M. M. Ryerson.) Three years after his marriage, Mr. Wallace moved (), She was born Oct. ii, I859, in Huron Co., Ohio. to Iowa and there followed the occupation of farmX I 1;i>'M..ll A. i 314 ISABELLA COUNTY. ing until i861, when he came to Washtenaw County, married Miss Mary Burkhardt, who also was born in this State, where he followed the same vocation, en- Berne, Switzerland, Nov. 2, 1832, educated there and -$$ gaged a portion of the time in running a threshing- emigrated to America in her 22d year, leaving par- + machine, for i8 years. He has threshed 67,000 ents and friends. The children of Mr. and Mrs. D. bushels of wheat, besides oats and barley, in one have been 12 in number, three of whom are deceased,< season. His next move was to Livingston County, namely: Edward, born Jan. 6, I856; Fred, May II, this State, where he remained, engaged in farming, 1862; Emma, Feb. 29, 1864; Albert and Alice (twins), for three years. April 20, i866; Celia, June 8, I868; Mary, March In March, I876, he came to this county and 29, I870; Ellen E., June Io, I873; Carrie, June 8, bought 80 acres of land in Isabella Township. The I875; the deceased are, Mary, born Aug. 6, I857, township was at this time an " Indian reserve," and died Sept. 7, i86i; Anna E., born Jan. I3, 1859, the Indians proved to be very friendly to the settlers. died Sept. 7, I86I; Lena, born Aug. 21, I860, died' Mr. W., from the first, gained their confidence, and Nov. 29, 186I. by fair and honest treatment always retained it. After they were married, Mr. and Mrs. D. "worked To his original purchase Mr. W. has added 80 out " until the next fall. In the spring of 1856, they acres, and of his entire area of land he has I Io acres bought 40 acres in Wayne Co., Ohio, resided upon it in a good state of cultivation. The improvement until 1864, and then came to this State and purchased was mostly accomplished through his own energetic a quarter of section I2, Lincoln Township, where he labors. He has erected a fine barn on his farm, the now resides. Only a small portion was then im-( material costing him $600, the labor being performed proved. Mr. Dubois has now ito acres in a state of exclusively by himself. good cultivation, a good stock and grain barn, and a i. Religiously, the father and mother are strict moral- residence lately erected, at a cost of nearly $2,o000. f ists, and take considerable care in the cultivation of He has proven himself an industrious and judicious' the minds of their children in that direction. farmer and a worthy citizen. Is a member of the=: = Politically, Mr. W. is a believer in and supporter Farmers' Club of Coe Township, is a Democrat, and-f. of the principles and doctrines of the Republican he and wife are both connected with the Dutch Re-y party. He has held the minor offices of the town- formed Church. ship, and has often been solicited to accept the highest office in the gift of his townsmen. He is also a strong temperance man, and holds a position in the esteem and respect of the citizens of his township not. l tephen Hart, farmer on section I8, Denver undeserved, but as a reward of past acts of integrity Township, is a son of Stephen and Ann and adadTownship, is a son of Stephen and Ann and honest and fair dealing. / r ad het ad fa (Stephens) Hart, natives of England. The,! { —(jMc" intnon ~ I C 61~( 6t4@t Y/7 r i fi --- - - N i""M -a),* e Z > ISABELLA.I. II, A, t. "r McMullen, natives of Scotland. She was born in B Canada in July, 1837. Of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hart, the following seven survive: Stephen, Hugh, John, Allen, Annie, Samuel and Thomas. The three deceased were named Margaret, Mary and Maria. Politically, Mr. Hart is a Republican. i i t eorge A. Ferris, farmer, section 36, Union p ziJX-~ ~ Township, was born Nov. 18, 1835, in Broome Co., N. Y., and is a son of Albert G. and Betsey (Conkling) Ferris. He was reared on a farm, and in I855 his family came to Saginaw. Not long after their arrival Mr. Ferris set out with A. M. Merrill, John M. Hursh and five Indians for a tract of land in Union Township, including the whole of section 32, and owned by Mr. Merrill. The Indians were employed to carry ^ provisions and every man in the procession had a, load. The red men carried I25 pounds each, Mr. T ITT.,,1,' hkA n 11-,A _f -_ no ett1o A-r -I,,- — A XLS I COUNTY. 319 ing. He was engaged in the labor of a carpenter during the first five years of -his residence and spent I several winters in lumbering, meanwhile improving 4J. his farm. He has 95 acres cleared and cultivated, land, well supplied with orchards, etc. He is a Re-. publican in political sentiment; has been Drain Com-n. missioner four years and Road Commissioner 12 years. Mr. Ferris was married March 8, I862, in Union Township, to Susan, daughter of George and Sophia (Bidler) Miser. She was born March 4, I835, in Wayne Co., Ohio. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Ferris were'born on the homestead as follows: Laura A., Feb. 13, I863; Eli L., Aug. 29, I864; George I., Oct. I5, I865; Nettie, April 22, 1870. The parents of Mrs. Ferris came to Michigan from Ohio about I858 and settled two miles northwest of the village of Salt River in Coe Township, where her father had previously purchased I60 acres of land. He lived on the homestead during the remainder of his life..lm:: fl,(. i. fw't 4~, iuSa n nIa iu iou lU Ut 120 puunuas U porK anu ivir. Ferris, then about 20 years old, had a burden of 75 A. Brubaker, farmer, section 30, Gilmore pounds weight. Mr. Merrill carried a ponderous Township, was born July 8, I834, in Wayne 5# bundle of leather done up in a woolen blanket, un- Co., Ohio, and is the son of George and. der which he staggered and groaned to such an extent | Elizabeth (Buikett) Brubaker. The parents were that his companions forgot their own burdens in sym- both natives of Pennsylvania, and the father is pathy for his sufferings. At their journey's end the deceased. The mother is living in Ohio. The bundle was investigated and weighed, and exhibited year after he attained his majority, Mr. Brubaker only I5 pounds avoirdupois! The party carried their went to California and remained there between three loads from Midland, 25 miles through the woods, and four years employed as a miner. consuming two days in the trip, traversing a trackless He returned to Ohio, and from I859 to I866 was route to Chippewa Township, and cutting their way. engaged in farming and operating a thrashing-ma-:< They camped there five weeks and then cut a road chine. In the year last named he came to Coldwater through to the claim of Mr. Merrill in Union Town- Township, Isabella County, when that section of ship, driving an ox team. Mr. Ferris returned sev- Michigan contained within its limits not a vestige of eral times to his father's home in Saginaw County, cultivation nearer than Millbrook. Mr. Brubaker entwo miles northwest of the city of Saginaw. He tered a homestead claim of 80 acres in the township was employed by I. E. Arnold, of Isabella County, of Coldwater, where he was the first white resident. in the building of four Indian shed-houses. His He built a board shanty; and the condition of the father superintended their construction. country may be estimated from the fact that one night, ) In October, 1862, Mr. Ferris "squatted "on i60 as he lay asleep on the floor of his abode, his dog *. acres of land, where he has since resided; and when sprung across his face, having been driven in by a the property came into market he entered his claim wolf! When he raised his log house, he went 13 \ according to the regulations of the Homestead Act. miles and hired 13 men to aid him, to whom he paid On taking possession, he cleared a small patch and $I.50 per day for three days' work. His house was erected a log house, which is now a part of his dwell- the shelter and home of many of the first settlers as eW_9 I ~ $-o 320 ISABELLA 1- -, IVAPI 0, '*?,3 I A (C;) they came into the township, and he extended all the aid, sympathy and encouragement in his power to them, while they were preparing shelter and making ready for citizenship. Sometimes three or four families were under his roof at the same time, and at one period 2I children inhabited his home for several days. Mr. Colley (see sketch) was three miles distant, and Mr. Summerton resided about a mile away. These were the nearest neighbors. The next in proximity were located at a distance of 12 miles. The first boarding-house at Farwell, Clare County, was kept by Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker in I870. The first meal was cooked over a log heap, and the table was set in a railroad shanty. The meal was eaten by the light of a torch held by Mr. Brubaker. The value of that gentleman as a pioneer settler of Isabella County can be ascertained from the sketches of several of the early settlers in Coldwater Township, each of whom pays grateful tribute to his sympathy and rare abilities, as he was for some time the factotum of the township in emergencies, when timely aid and advice were imperative. There was no physician nearer than Mt. Pleasant, and Mr. Brubaker was supplied with medical books, a stock of medicines and a clear head and sound judgment, which obtained their full value in the straits in which his neighbors sometimes found themselves. He resided on his place in Coldwater Township 12 years, when he sold out and purchased 280 acres in Gilmore. Of this tract about oo00 acres are under first-class improvements and in a state of progressive cultivation. COUNT1Y E As the subject of the foregoing record is one of the most prominent pioneers of Isabella County, we give I< in this volume a portrait both of himself and his < estimable wife. 4. ^, A AA E=~a *I:t 7 I t( I #->)B,N""* I - ichael McGihon, farmer on section 32, Nottawa Township, is a son of Robert and Margaret (Morgan) McGihon, natives of Ireland, both whom died in Canada. He was born in Wellington, Can., July 20, 1836, and made his home with his parents for some years after he was of age. He learned the carpenter's trade soon after attaining his majority, but he has worked more at farming than at carpentry. Leaving home, he came to Detroit and spent four years in the lumber woods. He bought his present farm of i60 acres in this county in 1869. He has since sold 40 acres, and of the remainder 65 acres are improved. He was married Jan. II, I872, to Miss Sarah Bennett, daughter of James J. and Priscilla (Margeson) Bennett. Mrs. McGihon was born Oct. 25, 1859, and is the mother of seven children,-five living: Robert James, born Oct. 2, I873; John Thomas, Dec. 2, 1875; William Francis, Dec. 8, I877: George, July 19, I879, and David, May 22, I882. Mr. McG. was the first white settler in Nottawa Township, and was its first Supervisor. At the time it was organized there were five white and 28 Indian voters within its limits. He has held also the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk. — L IILL I i row,fri ~a., He was married May i, 1859, at Indian Diggings, California, to Elizabeth E. Gilbert, daughter of J. t W. and Abigail (Bradley) Gilbert. The parents are:. deceased; they died at Plymouth, California, on the JB yron Winters, of the firm of Rowlader & same day, their deaths occurring about six hours Winters, general merchants at Blanchard, apart. Mrs. Brubaker was born May 7, 1844, in | is a son of William and Susan (Brown) Shiawassee Co., Mich. Of nine children born to Winters, natives of Canada and New. York. b Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker, six survive. The record is The mother was born in 1829, and died in as follows: Orel G. was born April 8, I860; William 1877 in LincolnTownship, this county. The i B., March 21, i862; Abbie C., Feb. 24, 1864; Charles father was born in 1826 in the State of New York, A L., July I4, I869; Harry, July 8, 1875; George 0., went with his parents to Canada, and in 1862 came t May 28, 1879; Gary R. was born Dec. 13, 88r, and to this State and county and settled in Fremont ).died Feb. i6, 1883: Mary L. was born April 9, 866, Township, where he died, in 1863. 9) nd died Aug. 23, of the same year. Another child The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 5, 1853, (i > died in infancy. in Canada, and came to Michigan with his parents, 2 +~) | ---— aA ISABELLA COUNTY. 321 at whose home he remained until 23 years old. He Wallace, born Nov. 17, 1870; at Green Island, and i% was then married to Maggie Rowlader, who was died atthe same place, April 27, I871; James W., h born in 1856, in Barry Co., Mich., and is the born Aug. 28, I872, in Waterford, N. Y., and died e f daughter of John and Mary A. (Wooley) Rowlader. March 26, 1873, at Canajoharie, N. Y.; Jennie L., t The father was engaged in farming and in sawing born July o1, I875, at Ilion, N. Y., and died Nov. 5, lumber until I884, when he bought an interest with I882, at Van Decar. his son-in-law at Blanchard. Mr. Van Decar's second marriage occurred June 3, Mr. and Mrs. Winters are the parents of two chil- I877, to Miss Carrie A. Vanderpool, daughter of Samdren living: Zenith, born Jan. r. I877; and Jay, uel Smith and Henrietta (Gould) Vanderpool. Of this born Nov. 14, 1878. A son, Johnnie, was born Feb. marriage three children have been born: Bennett 2, I88r, and died Dec. 28, I88I. Mr. W. is a mem- T., born April 28, I878, in Herkimer, N. Y.; Evalina, h ber of the I. O. O. F. and is politically a Republican. born March 29, I880, at Van Decar, and died at the same place, Nov. I9, I882; Edward M., born May t --- BB --- — 27, i883, at Van Decar. y Mr..Van D. is a Presbyterian in religious faith, allace M. Van Decar, farmer on section22, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Nottawa, is a son of Cornelius F. and Lucy Church J d (Bailey) Van Decar. The father was born e ', in Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., near the Mohawk River, and died at the same place ilbert Johnson, farmer, sections 31 and 6, ' ~ ' June I5, 85 2. The mother was born in Delhi, | Coldwater Township, and merchant at.: Delaware Co., N. Y., and is now living at Ballston Sherman City, was born July 31, I845. -; Spa, Saratoga Co., N. Y. He is a son of Amos Stanton and Eliza (Gil.Their son Wallace was born in Waterford, Sara- bert) Johnson. His mother is still living, in r y toga Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, I844, and resided with his Wyoming Co., N. Y. His father died when he I parents until 24 years of age, when he was married was three years old, and he went to live with his ) and went to keeping house at Green Island, Albany grandparents, with whom he remained until he was ( Co., N. Y. Here he was employed as a machinist. He 17 years of age, when he began his single-handed served his apprenticeship with Elias Ander, manu- contest in life. In the spring of I870 he came to facturer of the Button Steam Fire Engine, for whom East Saginaw, Mich., where he engaged in lumbering he worked four years. He was for five years at about seven years. He spent the winter in the woods; Troy, following his trade; then two years at Lansing- and during the summers he looked for pine woods burg; then a year and eight months at Canajoharie. for lumbering. In I88o he purchased a half interest > Thence he went to Ilion, and thence to Troy, and in his brother's store at Sherman City, and they pass- < for over one year had charge of the machine shop of ed two years lumbering, in company. S. H. Brown. From there he went to Herkimer, and Mr. Johnson is enjoying the run of a fine mercanNov. 5, I879, he made his last move, coming to Isa- tile business at Sherman City, and owns 240 acres bella County, where he has since been engaged in of land, with nearly ioo acres under good improvefarming and lumbering. He is buying logs and pre- ments and well cultivated. He takes great pride in paring to erect a saw and planing mill. He enlisted his agricultural operations, and devotes much attenin the Union army in January, I864, and served until tion to the improvement of his farm. He was marAug. 21, 865. ried Dec. 10, 1872, to Clara, daughter of Joseph and He was first married July 4, I867, to Miss Jennie Lucy A. (Lamson) Dotson. Her father was born in E., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Van Antrop) _November, I820, and her mother Nov. 28, 1821. ^r Gosline. She was born Aug. 12, 1848, and died Dec. Both parents are living at West Bay City, Mich. 8, 1876, having been the mother of four children: Their family included three sons and threedaughters: X ( Joshua B., born Nov. 4, 1869, at Green Island, N.Y., Alexander D. and Orbison S. are twins; Charles H. and died at the same place, Dec. 29, I869; George died Nov. 17, I880; Alice A. died Nov. 30, 1873 ' 4XZ)- >a4az l ^@)^ i — ^ers —b^ n n;) — -- ~'~:~' 32-y 322 ISABELLA COUNTY. ' fo~_ '. I _ _ ~% ';, F ",l 1 i I Rose N. is the wife of Henry B. Allen, of Chicago. Mr. Johnson had three brothers, two of whom died in the army. Amos Johnson, sole surviving brother, resides in the county and village of Mecosta. Mr. Johnson's household includes an adopted child, —Mattie M., born July 4, 1876. rancis N. Boyden, farmer, section 15,:Deerfield Township, is a son of Francis E. ' and Jerusha (Redman) Boyden, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massachusetts. The latter died in February, I867, and the former Feb. 9, I884. The subject of this biographical notice, the youngest of eight children in the above family, was born Dec. I2, 1842, in Lapeer Co., Mich., and came to this county in March, i860. He has a tract of 120 acres, 65 of which are under cultivation. Feb. 22, 1870, at Ovid, Clinton County, Mr. Boyden was married to Miss Lacy Groesbeck, daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Fonda) Groesbeck. She has by a former marriage a son, Harry A., born Dec. 25, I864. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in political matters Mr. B. is independent but inclines to the Democratic party. I A, I.( d_ which he was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability. On being discharged he returned to Allegany Co., N. Y., and spent a year working by the month when he and his parents came to Allegan Co., Mich. He passed the next two years working alternately in a saw-mill and on a farm. He then sold his farm and entered a homestead claim of I6o acres in Mason Co., Mich. He also engaged in lumbering and remained there about eight years, when he came to Isabella County, reaching here in the spring of I88x. He located on a farm he had bought six months before. Mr. Ford is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Order. He has been Highway Commissioner one term and held the various school offices of his District. He was married Nov. I2, I865, to Lucy, daughter of David and Emily (Jones) Allen, both of whom are still living. She was born in the State of New York, in '1848. The six children born of this marriage have been named Emma (deceased), Levi, David (deceased), Della, Elmer and John. C iram Barrett, farmer on section 30, Denver Township, is a son of Hiram and Mary (Fox) Barrett, natives of the State of New York. The parents removed to Ohio in I836 to Oakland Co., Mich., in I84I, to Washtenaw County three years later, and still later to Montcalm County, where they died. His departure took place Dec. I7, I867, and hers Jan. 23, I875. Their fifth son, Hiram, was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Aug. 4, I83I, and was ten years old when the family removed to this State. He left home at the age of 18, and two years later took up the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed seven years. He then engaged in farming in Montcalm County, where he lived 2I years. He sold out in March, I880, came to Isabella County and purchased 80 acres, nearly all wild land, where he now lives. He has 35 acres under cultivation. He was married in Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 2, i856, to Miss Mary M., daughter of Abraham and Barbara M. (Haner) Vanderpool, natives of Herkijner Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Vanderpo6l left the Empire State in 1855, and came to Monroe County, t, 0 12 I - -L "IQI~I iohn M. Ford, farmer, section 26, Gilmore Township, was born in Independence, Allegany Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, I845, and is the son of Levi and Susan (Herrick) Ford. The parents were natives of the State of New York, and the mother survives. The father started for Calfornia about I850, and was never heard from. Mr. Ford remained on his father's farm until he was I6 years of age, when he entered the military service of the United States. He enlisted in the 85th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was mustered out about a year later, because of disability. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and he participated in all the battles in which McClellan's forces were engaged, until the time of the engagement at Fair Oaks, when he was sent to Douglas Hospital, Washington, where he remained two months, after _:t-xa,, I ft Of" H'I A. I i r. ma '*K., — (. 1a m\ "I '7;~r Wsa~'~' ii., ISVcF'.i L"*;iatl iY ~o; -~~~li~(r- i;il~~~ PnoasliJr =sa:,l I IcTI_1 ISABELLA COUNTY. 323 this State, soon after removing to Washtenaw County. a limited education in the common schools. He was i) Two years later they removed to Wayne County, engaged in farming in his native county until the: where they now reside. Their eldest daughter, Mrs. spring of I882, when he came to Isabella County and i': Barrett, was born in Yates, Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. bought 72 acres of partly improved land on section 1 12, i834. Cora and Ida are the names of the two 30, Denver Township. He has now 60 acres under daughters that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. B. cultivation. Ida died May 15, 1874, aged 14. He was married in ColumbianaCo., Ohio, Jan. 23, Mr. B. is politically a Republican. He and wife 1879, to Mary, daughter of John S. and Mary (Reahm) are members of the Baptist Church. Rukenbrod, natives, the one of Germany, the other of Pennsylvania. The father died in Carroll Co., A -F- -z --- |Ohio, Sept. 5, 1856, and his widow now lives in this v: STf, county. Mrs. L. was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, April 7 C. Caldwell, farmer, section 9, Deerfield I, I854. She is a member of the Methodist Epis~l = Township, was born in Clayton Co., Iowa, copal Church. Politically, Mr. L. is a Republican. Oct. 8, 1856; his father, Harris H., was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother, ) Louisa, nee Boyden, was born Oct. o1, I837. In this family were three children: the eldest f died in infancy; Herbert C. and Alice. oohn Hyslop, farmer on section 0o, Nottawa Township, is a son of Robert and MarThe subject of this sketch came to this county garet (Marshall) Hyslop, natives of Scota with his parents when quite young, and has lived in l arent s ie t si ees apa, Sct ew ar > * *-3 land. The parents died but six weeks apart, al 4 Isabella most of the time since. He was married x in the year I873, at Coldwater Lake, Isabella m=: Aug. 6, I882, to Miss Mary J., daughter of Samuel p P. Roberts, the latter of whom was born Oct. 31,ounty. 832, in England, and emigrated to this country with The subject of this record was born in the town of his parents when he was only six months old. Her Forres cotland ne 5838, and lived with his ' mother, Jane, n born Dec. 13 1838. parents until his marriage, in August, I855, to Margaret Bain, daughter of Alexander and Margery ( that family were eight children, the youngest of whom et Ba, daughter of Alexander and Margery (Nory) Bain. She was born May 24, I838, inForres, died in infancy. Mrs. Caldwell was born in Perry Scotland. The young couple at once emigrated to Co., Ohio, Sept. IO, i858, and is the eldest of her,. America. Landing at New York, they proceeded to father's family who ate living. r. C has 0 aref land on n eamsville, Can., where they lived about two years Mr. C. has 40 acres of land, on sectio 9, 23 on a rented farm. Removing then to Bothwell, Can., acres of which are improved. In politics he is a Re- a re frm R t o we, Ca s. Mr. H. purchased a farm of 5~ acres, where they: publican, but as to religious matters he is not a mem- M H a a of 50 a, the ber of any Church. Mrs. C. is a member of the lived seven years. At the expiration of that time Disciples' Church. Mr. and Mrs. C. have a son, they removed to Teeswater, Can., and purchased a Disciples' Church. Mr. and Mrs. C. have a son, farm of Ioo acres. Two years later they came to William H., born May, 31, I883. Ridgeway, Mich., and worked a rented farm for seven years. Their next move was to Coldwater Lake, this "county, where they purchased 40 acres and lived five or six years, when they settled on their present home-. ames H. Lloyd, farmer on section 30, Den- stead of 40 acres. He follows farming in the sum1 ver Township, is a son of Benjamin and mers and lumbering in the winters. Keturah (Peterson) Lloyd, natives of Penn- Nine children have been added to the household, sylvania and New Jersey. The parents settled and seven are yet living, though mostly in homes of in Mahoning Co., Ohio, where the father died, their own. Following is the record: Margery M. in September, 1879. The mother survives. was born Oct. I6, i856, in Beamsville, Can., and The subject of this biographical outline was born married David Fordin 1873; Margeretwas born June in Mahoning Co., Ohio, March23, 854, and received3, I858, in Bothwell, Can., and married Eugene Nich-_ ---- ^n i s fA. / -n-SE i^ ^^ 324 ISABELLA I-. I COUNTY. i B.".... It Ia A (I., g A 4 A'; )~':, > 3=S.s e, - t,,: Jlw ols Dec. 25, I883; Jessie was born Feb. 25, i86o,in Bothwell, Can., and married Fred Speck in 1878;, Robert A. was born Dec. 6, I862, in Teeswater, Can.; Orpha O'Dail was born Aug. 30, I864, in Ridgeway, Mich., was married to David West in 1879, and died in I880; Eliza M. was born Aug. 20, i866, in Ridgeway, Mich.; Alice J. was born March 3I, 1868, in Ridgeway, Mich., and died April 29, 1869; Ellen Lorinda was born June 5, I874, at Coldwater Lake, this county; and Estella was born Feb. 5, 1871, in Ridgeway, Mich. Mr. Hyslop helped organize the first school district in Nottawa Township, and was its first Director, holding the office two terms. He is politicaily a Democrat. |. enry C. Dodge, farmer on section 20, Vernon Township, was born in the vicinity of Utica, N. Y., Nov. 26, 1836. His father died when he, Henry, was nine years old, and his mother removed three years later to the northern part of New York, where he was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade. This calling, and other mercantile pursuits, he followed in Jefferson County for nearly 20 years. During this time he was Postmaster at Millen's Bay, in Cape Vincent Township. In the month of September, 1864, he enlisted in the I68th New York Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was after a short time transferred to the Pioneer Corps, under Gen. Griffin. He was at the capture of Petersburg, being in one of the first companies which entered that long besieged city, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865. During the service he was run over by a wagon which crippled him for many years. Returning to Jefferson Co., N. Y., he shortly disposed of his property there, and went to Ontario, Canada, where he was engaged in agriculture for a year. Then for three years he managed a hotel at Gananoque, Frontenac Co., Can. At the expiration of this time (in 1873) he came to Isabella County and purchased 8o acres on section 20, Vernon Township, where he has since made his home. He was at the time of his first settlement surrounded by the natural forest, and his nearest neighbor was miles away. He has improved a large portion of his farm, and has also erected suitable dwellings. He was married in Jefferson Co., N. Y,, Nov. 28, I846, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Silas and Martha (Van Cura) Mosher. Mr. and Mrs. Mosher were of English-German descent, followed farming and died in the State of New York. Mrs. Dodge, their daughter, was born in Prescott, Ontario, Nov. 5, I823, and when a young girl went with her parents to the county where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have had II children, four of whom are not living. The survivors are: Alwilda E., born Nov. 12, I847; Lois Georgianna, July 4, 1849; Delia C., Aug. 4, I85I; Frances C., Feb. 6, 1855; Orsa Jane, March 8, I859; Carrie E., March 14, I865; Willie F., Aug. 27, I867. The deceased were born and died as follows: Martha A., born Sept. 8, I853, and died Dec. i, 877; Dulcin H., born March 15, I857, and died Oct. 9, I866; Ambro, born June 30, 1869, and was drowned May I7, I864; Nettie E., born Sept. 19, I863, and died Nov. 20, i866. Mr. D. is in political sentiment a Republican. He has been Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, and is now School Director. ames A. Burwash, merchant at Loomis, Wise Township, was born March 2, 1826 in the county of Argenteuil, Quebec, and is the son of Stephen and Sarah (Flint) Burwash. His parents were born in Vermont, of Welsh ancestry. They resided in the Green Mountain State a short time after marriage, and removed to Canada. They settled about 45 miles northwest of Montreal, where they engaged in farming and remained during the last years of their lives. They had seven sons and three daughters. Mr. Burwash was the sixth son of his parents, and remained at home until he was 1 years old, when he obtained a position as clerk in a country store, in his native province, where he was employed until he reached his majority. During the last five years he was head salesman and book-keeper of the establishment. He went to the county of Granville, in Upper Canada, where he embarked in mercantile affairs in: cl 'VAO. ^.. Xit O., Jo... j { *I, ^i "V~a il /t i I i i.* Fe x.e Ar Al A 7t2,) k ' v " - Tj ~ 0 q 0 ~ —)I4 1, ~-,I - -11~,-~,, St. Andrews, Can., to Mary Beattie, a native of that 4 COUNTY. 35 place. She became the mother of nine childeren, six of whom attained maturity,-Mary, Eliza M., Annie J Belle, Kate, Sarah and John. Their mother died and:t Mr. Burwash was again married, to Catherine McNeill, who was born in Scotland. Five children were born of this marriage, two of whom, Frank M. and Stephen, survive. Mrs. Burwash is a member of the Baptist Church. -o^g^~^3=i=-.illiam M. Peterson, farmer, section I8, lo Deerfield Township, is a son of Peter and?, Deborah (Moslander) Peterson, natives of j ' New Jersey. They died in Indiana, within J nine days of each other, in 1849. William M. was born near West Creek, Cape May Co., N. J., May 6, 1823. He accompanied his parents, when 12 years of age, to Columbiana Co., Ohio, and there remained, assisting on the farm and attending the common schools for three years. He then accompanied them to Stark County, same State, and again engaged with his father in the vocation of farming, at which place he remained for 12 years. His next move was to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and, after following his occupation in that county for eight years, he moved to Kosciusko Co., Ind., and farmed for ten years. Sept. 3, I865, he and his family came to this county and settled on the northeast quarter of section 34, Rolland Township. He lived there for ten years, until 1875, when he moved on his present farm on section I8, Deerfield Township. His farm consists of 200 acres, 80 of which are in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Peterson was united in marriage, Aug. 9, I846, to Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Tom) Richardson, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. Her father died in 1834 and her mother in I846. Mrs. Peterson was born April 15, I828, in Stark Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of ten children, all living but one, namely: Orlando, born Sept. I9, I848; Angeline, May 24, I850; Geo. W., July 25, I854; James R., Jan. i, 1857; Alice L., Jan. 14, I859; Lucinda, March 17, I86i; Wm. Henry, April 13, 1863; Josephine, June 29, I865, John M., Nov. II, 1867; Mary, March 14, I852, died Oct. 21, i88o. Mr. Peterson was a soldierin the late war, enlist l Ir 1 d I " i-,.~<. r,, -I: u; ^1 el B sofa I R Cs v114, 141 _r"f r-` i.1.:x s s; rta bitkfn iir c ";:'BF%__r Prr'g- I.: I.: 5iay b* 326 ISABELLA ing in the 57th Ind. Vol. Inf., and participated in the battles of LaVergne, Stone River and Hoover's Gap, and was mustered out of service in August, I863. ' Mr. Peterson has held the position of Supervisor v~ or::r_:. L 14 (4 COUNITY. or nis townsnip ror eight years since coming to tme county. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Mt. Pleasant, and he and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. P. is a Republican. He is a representative man of the township, and an honored and respected citizen. I t I.::: ahlon H. Malcomb, farmer, section 10, Gilmore Township, was born Dec. 20, 1 842, in Mill Township, Grant Co., Ind., and is the son of Samuel and Beulah Malcomb. The parents were both natives of Indiana; the mother died in Grant Co., Ind., and the father in Osceola Co., Kansas. At the age of i8 years Mr. Malcomb entered the military service of the United States. He enlisted Sept. 5, i86i,in the 34th Ind. Vol. Inf., and was mustered out Oct. 20, 1864, at Auburn, N. Y. He was in the engagement at Port Gibson and Champion Hill, and was in the skirmish at New Madrid, Mo., and at Jackson, Miss. At the latter he was wounded in the left arm and passed nearly a year in the hospital. On his discharge from the sick list he was assigned tothe g9th Regiment, V. R. C., in the Invalid Corps. When he was discharged from the service he returned home and assisted his father March 6, 1870, and died Aug. 2, I870; John Wesley, Sept. 5, I872; Mary Amanda, Dec. I5, I874; Martha Eunice, May o1, r878. The second marriage of Mr. Malcomb occurred Nov. 7, I880, to Mrs. Susan A. (Powell) Bugbee. She was born May 31, I845, in Perry Co., Ohio. They have a twin son and daughter, Arthur and Artie, born July 19, I882, and a daughter, Ive, born April 24, 1884. Mrs. Malcomb has been married three times. Her first husband was George W. Blackstone, to whom she was married in Perry Co., Ohio. They emigrated thence to Kansas, where the husband died, Aug. I7, I866, one year after removal there. One child, James Orlando, was born June 14, I866, and died Oct. 2, following. She was a second time married Feb. 22, 1874, to G. E. Bugbee, who died May I8, I879. Of the second marriage three children were born, whose record is as follows: Elinora, born Dec. I8, I875, and died March 8, I876; Eli was born Oct. 29, 1876; Freddie, born Aug. 30, 1878, and died in October, 1878. Their parents are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Malcomb is a Republican in political sentiment and has served two terms as Highway Commissioner. He owns 120 acres of land and has 20 acres improved. Mrs. Malcomb owns 40 acres in Coldwater. e m__k.r-p ). 4 *? (k?,? I' ~st,d, K amuel C. Zeiter, lumberman, resident at Loomis, Wise Township, was born May i, s 843, in Erie Co., N. Y. His parents, Joseph and Sophia (Schafer) Zeiter, were natives of Pennsylvania and resided in that State. k about one year, and in October, 1865, came to Isa- a short time after their maraiage, when they bella Co., Mich., where he homesteaded 80 acres of removed to the State of New York. In 1855, they land on section 2, which he afterwards sold and came to Genesee Co., Mich., and eight years later bought 80 acres on section 14, and also 40 acres on became residents of Gratiot County, where they now the section on which he resides. This latter tract reside. he purchased with $oo00 which he received from the Mr. Zeiter was a boy of i years when his parents U. S. Government. came to Michigan, and he remained at home, assistMr. Malcomb was married Sept. II, I866, at Mt. ing his father, until he was 19 years of age, when he ' Pleasant, to Rachel M., daughter of William and entered the military service of the United States. i Sarah Phipps. She was born Nov. o1, 1848, and He enlisted Aug II, 1862, in the 23dMich. Vol. Inf. i died Dec. 27, 1879. Six children born of this mar- He was in the service three years, and received an: riage are recorded as follows: William Jasper, born honorable discharge at Salisbury, N. C. He was on Feb. 2, i868, died July 26, 1870; Florence Louisa, continual duty during the'entire period as private, July 13, I869, died'July 30, I870; Reuben Uriah, Corporal and Sergeant, andreceiyed two slight injur-. -—: y I-i - eni )s i-~fjj^ ^~la^ I CYgJI ~, I~~ ~L-iIII ISA BEL;L. i: i — ies. While on picket before Atlanta he was hit in the head by a spent ball, and at the charge at Resaca he was slightly wounded in the right shoulder, but in neither instance was he incapacitated for duty. On receiving his discharge he returned to Gratiot County, and soon after became interested in lumbering, which has occupied his attention since that period. He settled at Loomis, Isabella County, in October, 1882. He formed a partnership with J. T. Horning, of Flint, and the firm are extensively interested in lumbering. They own and operate a saw and shingle mill and employ a working force of 6o men during the winter season, and about i6 through the remainder of the year. Their mill has a producing capacity of 25,000 feet of lumber daily. Mr. Zeiter is a Republican in political principle. He was married Jan. 0o, i868, in Gratiot Co., Mich., to Annie J., daughter of Robert and Lucy (Shatton) Webb. She was born Sept. 5, I850, in Norfolk Co., Can., and is of English parentage. Frankie A., only child, was born June i6, I871. Mrs. Zeiter is a member of the Baptist Church. J elson Wellman, farmer, section 26, Gilmore Township, was born June 3, I837, in Wayne Co., N. Y., and is a son of Eli and l Harriet (Fowls) Wellman. They were natives, of Vermont, and both died in Barry Co., Mich. the demise of the father occurring in July, I872, and that of the mother Dec. 28, 188i. Mr. Wellman accompanied his parents to Barry Co., Mich., when he was 19 years old. His father purchased a farm and he worked as a farm assistant by the month. In I860 he purchased a farm of his father in Barry County, and he has owned three others of 40 acres each at different times. He disposed of his Barry County property in March, I879, and soon after purchased 80 acres of land in Isabella County, under partial improvements. He is a Republican in political sentiments, and is now a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Wellman was married July 6, 1859, to Caroline, daughter of John and Zilphia (Crippin) Duffey. She was born April 26, 1842, and is the mother of six -- A COUNTY. 329 children, whose record is as follows: Belle was born; June I9, 1860; Effie, Aug. 20, 1862; Charles W., (:! Aug. i, 1864; Violet, Feb. 7, I877; Alta V., Aug. 28, I879; Clyde, Nov. 14, 1883. Mr. Wellman became a soldier of the United States during the civil war, enlisting April 23, 1862, in the 23d Mich. Inf., and was assigned to Mulligan's Brigade. He was mustered out June 23 following, at Camp Douglas, Chicago, on account of disability. - t vjji - i^ - - Z __ S -lfred C. Rowlader, farmer and teacher, secj f| tion 15, Lincoln Township, was born in m Woodland Township, Barry Co., Mich., 1j. April 21, 1856. His father, Washington Rowlader, was a native of New York State, is a farmer by occupation, and is still a resident of Barry County; his mother, Permelia (Myers) Rowlader, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and died at her home in Barry County, in I865. Alfred, the subject of this biographical notice, lived with his parents in his native place until 22 years of age. Having received a good common-school education, he began teaching at the age of 19, in Ionia County, and taught four terms of school. In the spring of 1878 he came to this county and purchased 80 acres of land, owned previously by Nelson Ives, on section 15, where he now resides. After spending one year on the place, and boarding, he returned to Barry County and married Miss Cora J., daughter of Israel and Elizabeth (Smith) Cooper, natives of New York, of New England ancestry and of German extraction. They both died in Barry County, he in 1864 and she in I867, aged respectively 57 and 42. Mrs. R. was born in Woodland Township above mentioned, March 26, i858. Being young when her parents died, she qualified herself with a good education, and began teaching at the age of I6, and followed this profession and that of music until she was married. The young couple immediately settled at their new home in this county, where they have since lived and prospered. Their children now are, Bessie P., born Jan. 5, I880; Inez L., June 22, I88I; and Alfred W., March o1, I883. Mr. R. is a skillful farmer, although young, having now about 60 acres in a good state of cultivation, with (..j ( *, i;Ji L 1 i a-~ a "c i;;, r I 5 C, I -? ;.I —..- a~:;4!Ci;t. m i m~ ~r?-4 -qi~ 5~~;aa t4-.D ~;i~--~~.- "i~ii r, I, -~~s. —.i ~ " C-.. LY ,_,i ~,. ~i *''B ~r:.~~ .V gP-i ".. — I —. - i~CI; X~, —9 Ad- ua~nn~^ as^y --- — 330 4ISABELLA COUNTY. ~[ comfortable residence, barn, etc. He has held the Then for three summers he followed the lakes as a ~1 office of Township Clerk, and is now Supervisor, sailor. During the last season he met with a dis- '. being elected to the latter office in April, 1883. On tressing accident, breaking his right leg, in consef national affairs he is counted in the Republican quence of which he was laid up one year. He then ~ party. came to Saginaw and worked a winter in the woods, The portrait of Mr. Rowlader, on a preceding driving logs in the spring ensuing. He was employed page, is an addition to our collection of which the for four summers by the Tittabawassee Boom Comcitizens of Isabella County will certainly feel proud. pany, and until I875 he was engaged in lumbering, logging or some kindred business. At that time he = — ==_ came to Isabella County and bought 80 acres in Den) ver Township, where he now has 65 acres under lames C. Hammond, farmer, section 26, cultivation. _ Coldwater Township, was born Jan. 30, He was married in Georgetown, Holton Co., Can., y5 3 0 At r - - Q< o r ns- ATip, A — An a.. 3T0 PO,{'~'^ I857, near St. John's, Clinton Co., Mich., and is the son of Carmi and Mary A. (Willett) Hammond. His parents were born respectively in Vermont and New York. They came to Coldwater Township, Isabella County, in the spring of 1876, where his father bought i60 acres of land. His mothei died in Clinton County, Feb. 21, 1876, and the demise of his father occurred in Coldwater Township, July 9, 1883. Mr. Hammond remained at home with his parents until he was of age. He was married July 3, 1876, to Mary M., daughter of G. W. and Esther Brown. She was born Oct. 24, i856. Following is the record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hammond: Willett, April 29, 1877; Esther Ann, Nov. 3, 1879; Alma Grace, Sept. 20, i882. Mr. Hammond is a Republican in political sentiment. iviay u, I u9, LU iviary A., uauginter i JXoUert anu jane (Shaw) McCormick, natives of Ireland. Mrs. P. was also born in Ireland, April 6, 1847. She and her hnsband have three children, Jennie, Ella M. and Robert. Mr. P. has held the office of Supervisor of Denver Township two years, Justice of the Peace four years, School Moderator five years, Township Treasurer two years, and is at the present time Treasurer and Deputy Sheriff. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is politically a Republican. -..,. - K o oseph A. Graham, farmer and County Sur_ veyor, residing on section 5, IsabellaTownship, was born Jan. 23, I838, and is the son X6 of Andrew and Maria (Shaw) Graham, natives of Ireland, and of pure Irish extraction. The zzrnt ln ad H L+,,, hat." o F paCIlCIIb al; i UULII ucc;Ca eu, LieC latir uylilg iiear 1 Ot:naid fToronto, Can., in I88I, aged 70 years, and the moth- _ obert Pearson, farmer on section I8, Den- er in the same place in I875. ver Township, is a son of Richard and Joseph lived with his parents, assisting the father t. Mary (Ryan) Pearson, natives of Ireland. in the maintenance of the family and attending the The father emigrated to Canada in I838, and common schools, until he attained the age of 24 married and settled in the Dominion, where years. During this time he spent two years attending still lives. commercial college at Buffalo, N. Y. He completed The subject of this biography was born in the his course there in 1856, and then entered on the county of Holton, Can., April 8, 1842. He received profession of teaching, which he followed seven con- r an elementary English educaton, and at 15 years of secutive years in his native county. ' age went out to work. He was employed for one In I874 Mr. Graham purchased 80 acres of land a. man, driving a team, for six years and nine rmonths. in this county, and the following year (I875) arrived, At the expiration of that time he left Canada and here and at once began its improvement. The land came to Detroit, Mich., where he was employed by was all heavily timbered, and the hand of improve$ the Government as a teamster for seven months. ment in his neighborhood was hardly visible. He S --- -----— (0 0 ~ l --- —--- A ~EJINS jok. Tt -~~0; --—,i~- ~~)nufrr l:-~ --- — i~~P4;:~~are ISABELLA COUNTY. 331 ' nevertheless was firm in the belief that the near He has converted about 38 acres from the condition; future would witness a wonderful development in in which it was placed by nature, and has a valuable the county, and, armed with this faith and energy, he and profitable farm. Mr. Gaumer belongs to the,. began to clear and prepare his land for a future and Republican party in political sentiment. j permanent abode for himself and family. He subse- He was married Sept. io, 1879, to Florence A., quently added 40 acres to his original purchase, and daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Shoemaker) Isanhart, of his entire landed interest he now has 80 acres un- both of whom were natives of Ohio. Her mother der first-class improvement, and on it is a fine orchard died in November, 1876, in Sheridan Township, of 2oo trees. He has erected a large stock and grain Mecosta County. Eula, only child, was 'born Nov. barn on his farm, at a cost of $900, and also built a 18, I88o. commodious and comfortable residence, and is, with _g_:;-: his family, enjoying the fruits of his own energetic.f; labors. Jan. 30, 1862, Mr. Graham was united in marriage at Toronto, Can., to Miss Mary A., daughter of Hugh and Catharine (Cook) Graham, natives of New York and Connecticut, and of North Ireland parentage. She was born in the vicinity of Toronto, Can., Oct. 8, 1838. The husband and wife are the parents of three children: Hugh A., born Jan. 28, 1863; Frederick, born April I8, 1865; Catharine E., born Dec. I4, i 1866, died Nov. 7, I88i. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members of long standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. G. is a: memberof the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 305, at Mt., Pleasant. He is the present County Surveyor and has held the position for four years. Politically, he is a Republican, and has creditably held the offices of his township and school district. eter Conley, farmer, section 23, Coldwater Township, was born June 24, I833, in jl. CountyTyrone, Ireland. His parents were both natives of the Emerald Isle, and emiJ. grated to the New World in August, I849. His father bought 200 acres of land in Sheffield, Canada. Mr. Conley remained with his parents, and in the Dominion, until 1852, when he went to Charlotte, Monroe Co., N. Y., where, and at Clarkson and Brockport in the same county, he remained three years. In 1855 he returned to Canada, where, in company with his father, he purchased 200 acres of land. After a few years, they divided the estate and Mr. Conley sold his half. During his residence in Canada, he had been engaged alternately in Michigan and Canada, working as a lumberman and on the Ionia & Houghton Lake State Road, working in if, f <,. (. the interest of E. Hall. In July, 187I, he sold his 4.harles W. Gaumer, farmer, section o, property in Canada. Three years previous, in March,! JI ~ Coldwater Township, was born April i7, i868, he made a homestead claim in Michigan and; 1852, in New Jersey. His parents, Isaac and returned to the Dominion. Through the species of 'Mary (Metz) Gaumer, were natives respect- chicanery known as "jumping," which has wrought i ively of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In so much mischief and against which struggling setI855 they came to Michigan, and rented a tiers have been so powerless in the whole history of farm in Rochester, in Oakland County. Ten years Michigan, Mr. Conley lost his claim, and, on coming later, they rented a place in the vicinity of St. John's, to Michigan to make a permanent settlement, he Clinton County, where they remained five years, bought 80 acres of land of the Flint & Pere Mar< when they came to Coldwater, Isabella County. The quette Railroad Company, which he yet owns, and to father died April 13, I879, at the residence of his which he has since added 80 acres by purchase. Of A son; his mother is still living and is cared for by her this he has cleared and improved all but 60 acres. daughter, Mrs. Jesse E. Forbes, of this township. Mr. C. is a Democrat in political faith. 4 Mr. Gaumer was under the control of his parents He was married June 18, I873, to Mary Helen, ) during his minority, and in i88i he became the pro- daughter of Jackson and Louisa (Wilson) Alexander. ~ K prietor by'purchase of 8o acres of unimproved land. She was born in Minnesota in I857. The children ">*;*&-^;5'<'-1" K'k-i;~'3 ae Ir~54~~t3tYi --- ^-i M 332 - ISABELLA t of Mr. and Mrs. Conley are three in number and ' were born as follows: Richard Arthur, April I6, I875; Frederick Henry, July 23, 1877; Owen Thomas, Sept. 27, I88o. Two children died in infancy. COUNTY. k,-, ^ \. t =_. it _-.7! *73 C3_ * a ohn Miller, farmer, section i6, Deerfield Township, is a son of William and Rosanna Miller, both natives of Ireland, who came to Canada in i830, the former dying there the same year and the mother in I854. John lived there until i868, when he moved to Iowa, and ten years afterward he came to this county, purchasing 80 acres from the State and his sons buying 240 acres of land from Brown & Goodale. He has Ioo acres under good cultivation. Mr. Miller was born Sept. 15, I828, in Ireland; was married April i, I853, to Miss Mary Kating, daughther of Nicholas and Julia Kating. (Her father died Aug. 19, I877.) Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had 12 children, ii of whom are living, namely: William, born Jan. 19, 1854; Rosanna, March i8, I855; James, June 7, I857; John, Feb. 24, i859; Ella, Feb. I7, i86ir; Stephen, Jan. I3, 1863; Thomnas, Dec. 28, I864; Mary, Dec. 21, I856; Sarah, Aug. I5, I869, Elizabeth, Aug. 2, 1873; Julia, June 2, I875; Eliza, Nov. 9, 1870; died Aug. 19, 1872. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Catholic Church. homas W. Robinson, farmer, section 8, Wise Township, was born Feb. 3, 1839, in - ok Canada. His parents, John and Margery ' (Montcreaf) Robinson, were natives of the State of New York. Mr. Robinson came to Saginaw when he was eight years of age, where he remained four years. In I85I he went to Iowa, where he continued to reside until he was 23 years old, and was chiefly engaged in teaming. At the age named he returned to Canada and became interested in mercantile business at Hastings, in the county of Peterborough. In i871 he came to Saginaw and engaged as a check clerk in the employment of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad Company. In the fall of 1873 he located at Loomis, and since that time has been chieflyinterested in lumbering. In I880 he bought 80 acres of wild land on section 8, in which he settled in the spring of 1882. Of this he has cleared and improved 35 acres. Mr. Robinson is a Republican in political sentiment and has officiated eight years as a Justice of the Peace, as School Director three years, and two years as Notary Public. He is a member of the Order of Masonry and belongs to Lodge No. 1772, Knights of Honor, at Loomis. He was married Feb. 25, i86i, at Norwood, Ont., to Eliza Weston, a native of England, where she was born Feb. 22, I845. Of seven children born of this marriage three are deceased,-Maud, Ray and Eliza. George W., John S., Thomas B. and Violet A. are living. The mother died Jan. i8, I876, at Loomis. anson Wing, farmer on section 34, Vernon Township, was born in Haldimand Co., Ont., May 30, 1839; and is the son of John and Almira (Randall) Wing. The parents were natives of Vermont, of New England descent, and their family included two daughters and ifivi sons, Lanson being the youngest. Both parents died in Ontario, the mother when the subject of this sketch was very young. For a short time after his mother's death, he was under the charge of his father; and then, with a a brother and sister, he was sent to live with a man named George Brown, where he remained over ten years. He then went to live with a sister, and for some time alternately worked on the farm and attended school. He came to this State in 1859, and located at Port Huron, where he followed the trade of carpentry. This he had learned when a boy. In the summer of I863 he removed to Saginaw, and in the fall of I865 he came to this county. He remained a year at Mt. Pleasant, during which time he worked on the first church edifice in that village, for the Methodists, at that time under the charge of Elder Bradley. He 'then obtained 80 acres where he now lives. His was the tenth family to locate in Vernon, and that season (I866) was the first when any logging was done in that township. He has improved most of his land, and erected the usual farm buildings. He was married in Ontario, May 25, I860, to Miss 1A II /: I (11-4,ii I,- i " 6 1~ J~- riiltir, JP ~: ~, ii; j nrrk Ilgi J~ r 8, il~..r, ~~ ---:"" ri' / r.r; ill I 4,O " —,., i. ISABELLA COUNTY. 333.., I '7 Anna Flanagan, daughter of James and Anna /; (Goslin) Flanagan. The parents and daughter were - natives of Ireland. where the latter was born, Nov. I4, I845. When she was three years old, her, parents settled in Ontario, where she lived until her " marriage. She is the mother of II children, nine of whom survived. Following was the record: Hattie A., born March 15, I863; John A., April 20, i867; Anna, March I9, 1869; Lanson, April 17, I873; Levi F.,Feb. 6,1877; Ellen, Feb. i, 1879; Freddie and Josephine, Sept. 20, I88I; Thomas, March 6,: 884. Edwin H. was born March 30, I86I, and died Aug. 18, 1873. Mary was born Feb. 8, I875, j~ and died March 6, 1875. Mr. Wing belongs to Clare Lodge, No. 333, I. 0. O. F. He has been Township Treasurer, and is now Justice of the Peace and School Director. He supports the Democratic party. r::' obias P. Horning, manufacturer of lumber andl hingles, residing at Clare, was born in X; t- Amherst Township, Erie Co., N. Y., March 28, I843, and lived with his parents until legally of age, alternately attending school and working on the farm. He then came to this State and located in Richfield, Genesee County, where he was engaged in a saw-mill. He was a natural machinist and engineer, and without any special training undertook to run the engine, in which he was successful. After a year at the engine he exchanged his work for that of head sawyer and filer. In 1865 he went to East Saginaw, where he 1 was employed principally as a filer. In the fall of the same year he returned to Genesee County, where he was married; and two years later he came to Isabella County and located on section 21, Vernon Township, where he and his brother bought 640 A acres of pine land. Two years afterwards he removed to Clare and engaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles, which is his present occupation. In I878 he erected a grist-mill in connection with his saw-mill; but finding it unprofitable he exchanged it after three years for an 8o-acre farm in Vernon Township. His present saw-mill has a capacity for cutting 15,000 feet of lumber and 30,ooo shingles daily. He owns also a fine residence. He was married in Genesee County, this State, Oct. 2, 1867, to Miss Amelia Reece, a native of that county. Guy R. and Ray R. are the two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. H. Mr. Horning is politically a "National." He was for two years Township Treasurer, and has been also village President, and has been village Trustee several years. He is at present Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of Clare. -^^^ nilliam H. Hanne, farmer, section 9, Deer-,_ field Township, is a son of John and CS Catherine Hanne, both of German ancestry. (His mother died Sept. 18, i882.) He was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, i' 850; lived in the Empire State until I870, when the family moved to Ohio; a year and a half afterward he went to Kings City Township, McPherson Co., Kan., and i years subsequent to that he came to this county, purchasing 120 acres of land, where he now has 13 acres well subdued to cultivation. June 12, I875, he married Miss Charity, daughter of Henry H. and Mary E. (Lauderdale) Stewart. Her father died about three years ago, and her mother is still living, in Fulton Co., Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanne have been born five children, namely. Homer E,, Florence S., William Howard, living, and two who died in infancy. With regard to political issues, Mr. Hanne votes with the Republicans. lames Campbell, farmer, section 17, Coe '. Township, is a son of John and Maria }, i (Tusten) Campbell, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania, who passed their lives in Chester Co., Pa., she dying in I837 and he in I859. They had seven children. The subject of this sketch was born in the above county May I, 1830, was reared on a farm and edu-: i I A. *,.W,; I xli~ V2i 334 ISABELLA COUNTY.. X -I -- -I I V A i \,) I ES3 s? () f cated at the common school. When of age he came to Jackson County, this State, where for two years he worked on a farm by the month. In October, I854, he came to this county and entered 240 acres of land in Coe Township. He has since disposed of all but I o acres, and he now has 90 acres in good cultivation, with a good residence and fine farm buildings. He was a pioneer, commencing with a log cabin in the wilderness, and has prospered as an industrious, economical husbandman, having now the essentials of a comfortable home. He has been Pathmaster for several years, and is at present School Director, which office he has held,for 15 years. In national politics he is a Democrat, and in religion he, as well as wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In September, I864, he enlisted in the I5th Mich. Inf. and served about nine months, receiving an honorable discharge at Washington, D. C. During his military experience he received no wound and met with no serious accident. Mr. Campbell was married, in Jackson Co., Mich., Jan. 18, i855, to Euphemia, daughter of John and Rachel (Sloat) Neely, who were natives of New York State. Mrs. C. was born in Manchester, Mich., May 17, i834. The children born in this family are, Isabella, Rachel A., Nettie, George LB., Ada and Ella, besides Hattie and Charlie, deceased. harles Robbins, farmer, sec. 14, Gilmore <| Township, was born April 23, 1847, in t Montcalm Co., Mich., and is the son of p Noah and Eliza (White)Robbins. His father is deceased and his mother is living, in the south part of Isabella County. When Mr. Robbins became of age, he entered his first papers to a homestead claim of 40 acres of land where he now lives. The entry was made in I868 and his patent was granted him in I873. He has placed his entire farm under cultivation. He is a Republican in political connection. He has been twice married. His union with Keziah, daughter of William and Sarah Phipps, occurred June 6, 1872. She was born Feb. 26, I839, and died Dec. 9, I879. Following is the record of the children born of this I marriage: Albert P., born Aug. 9, 1873, died Dec. 3If 13,1879; Alfred S., born July to, 1875, died Dec. |: I879; James was born Sept. I 2"878, and died: soon after birth. Lucy K. was born Dec. 2, 879, and died nine days later. Three children died within 22 days and the household was desolated with' the exception of the father. He was a second time married March 17, I 88, to Nancy A., daughter of George W. and Esther Jane (Powell) Brown. She was born Nov. I8, I853. The two children now included in the family circle were born as follows: Melinda, \ Jan. 28, I882, and George W.,born Feb. 22, 1884. I;'? homas Carroll, farmer and present Supervisor of Isabella Township, residing on section I r, was born in Ireland, March 15, 1847. The parents of Mr. Carroll, Patrick and Margaret (Kelley) Carroll, were natives of the i "Emerald Isle," and of pure Irish blood. The father ' was a farmer by occupation and followed his calling in his native country, and there died, about the year I848. The mother also died in the same country, about the same year, within a week of the demise of i the father, and when Thomas was only one year old. rSoon after the death of his parents,, Th9mas was brought by his relatives to this country. They located in Seneca Co., N. Y., and a few years after their settlement, Thomas was adopted by a Mr. John D. King, a farmer of that county. He lived with Mr. King, working on the farm and attending the comnmon schools until I87 I, when he came to this State and settled in Branch County. Here he worked a ':: farm on "shares" in the county of Coldwater, and > then went to Bay City, where he worked for a Mr. H. O. Fisher, an extensive lumberman of that place. Six years later, in I875, Mr. Carroll came to this county and purchased 40 acres of land on section It, Isabella Township. The land was heavily timbered, and by honest industry and energetic effort he has, ' unaided, placed 30 acres of it in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Carroll was united in marriage, in Clare, April 5, I875, to Miss Udella, daughter of John S. and i Margaret (Weaver) Skinner, natives of New York A and residents of Michigan almost all their lives, in j ~ Lo fo ra naaa -i t~iia) ii - / sii~ " \ r i W " r;-"s ~~l g ' > 9 m.,,. 6... 4i.A A( * tional ticket and again in i880, but failed to secure the election in both instances. In I88I (spring) he was nominated for Congressman, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of O. D. Conger, running against Cyrenus B. Black, Democratic nominee, and John T. Rich, Republican candidate. His party claimed the election through mistake by the opposition, but he made no effort to secure the position. In 1882 he was nominated for Representative on the Fusion ticket and made the canvass against Edward Vincent. He refused to have his name used, but he was placed in nomination despite his protest, and making no special effort, he was defeated by only about Ioo votes. Mr. Kinney was married July 31, I858, in Clyde, to Margaret W. Atkins. She was born Sept. 14, I838, in Glasgow, Scotland. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Kinney were born as follows: Arnold, July, 3, I860; Nettie, Nov. o1, I862; Laura, April 22, I865; Bertha L., Sept. 9, 1867; Marion, Feb. 12, I872. A. Letson, farmer, blacksmith and merchant, section 22, Coldwater Township, J4 l. was born July 8, 842, near Norwalk, )jd Huron Co., Ohio. He is a son of Freeborn and Esther (Rounds) Letson. His father was born in Rhode Island. His mother was a native of New York. Both parents died in Coldwater, Branch Co., Mich. They emigrated to St. Joseph Co., Mich., in I855, where the father purchased an improved farm. Mr. Letson found himself the master of his own fortunes at the age of I8, and went to work in an ax factory, where he spent two years. He then engaged as a farm assistant, working by the month for two years, when he bought 20 acres of land about two miles from the city of Coldwater, in Branch Co., Mich. The entire tract was in timber, which he converted into fuel and sold in the city. When this was accomplished he went to Houghton Lake, and, in company with a partner, Frank Sixbey, spent five months in trapping and hunting, taking bear, marten, beaver, otter, fishers and wolves. At the close of the season, they took an Indian canoe and carried their furs to Muskegon, 300 miles distant. Their labors netted them $5oo each, but were attended.t, I" 55''A Ao, I~ ~,I t~.~ E" i5* ~i~ res t~4:aj IPlk w"-r .?t liiaWP` ~:s ~ii: r iii.~ J: """"" Ir*; 5-x ~;d;,r*I r'? "'' b ~i *~, 4:iSti,,~: O V r 6j74 "'i 1kk ( 340 ISABELLA COUIV7TY. 3" with some inconveniences and privations, the sever- The port: est of which was their entire removal from the society corned in tl of white men. and accordi Mr. Letson next spent a summer in the West, visit- commencer n ing Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas, after which he spent two or three months in Fulton 0 Co., Ohio. He then came to White Pigeon, Mich., where he rented a farm for two years, after which he came to Isabella Co., Mich. During his stay at the - former place, he enlisted, Aug. 29, 1864, in the i4th E Michigan Battery. The command was assigned to the 22d Army Corps under Gen. Hitchcock. They i de were first sent to Nashville, Tenn., where they re- i mained two months, after which the battery was stationed at Fort Greble on the Potomac to guard ermany, the National Capital. Mr. Letson was mustered out he e July I, I865, and came to Isabella County in i866, emloyed reaching Mt. Pleasant on the I7th of June. On the.. e the breakiJ ~ day following, he took possession of the farm on which he has since lived. He remained three days, 7, lof the Shei clearing out underbrush, driving stakes for his house H and cutting timber. He then went back tosome old c es er, Cedar Mou cabins on the Chippewa River, known as Ward's shan-. TAntietam. * ties. Soon after he started for St. John's, Clinton ~:..third day's County, going thence to lonia to the land office, fo. where he made the first entry on his land, homesteads transferred ing 80 acres. He bought of the State 80 acres in where he rc ) addition, and to this he has since added 40 acres th1e Wester; more. His farm now includes 140 acres of cleared the Wester land. Mr. Letson is one of the first settlers in Cold- his comma of Mission water Township, and has been one of its most valu- of Mission sea, and at able and substantial citizens. a an a man until t He was married Feb. 27, i866, to Anna Elizabeth, nt /Ament was t daughter ofCarmi and Mary Ann (Willett) Hammond. '~,Savannah. 9 She was born Dec. 7, I848, in Clinton Co., Mich. He was { Her mother died Feb. 21, i876, near St. John's, Clin- w lived in Eri ton County, and her father died July 9, 1883, in. Coldwater, at the residence of her son, Cornelius ing. Comi Hammond. Following is the record of the eleven boug a a children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Let- ears. Ma Here he finr son: Orrin D., born Dec. 7, I866 (died May 15, rented 40 a 1 i875); Oliver A., Aug. 21, i868 (died May 13, 1875); abandoned ) Burt M., Sept. ii, 1869; Myrtie B., Sept II, I869 none, (died May 20, 1875); Mary S., Oct. 13, I87I (died ntoe res July 28, 1872); Mira, Oct. I3, 1871 (died Oct. 3, building at - following); Nonia, born Oct. 13, 1871 (died the day ments for a ' of herbirth); Loren S., Jan. 6, 1875 (died May 25, x6o acres i i 1875); Cora B., Dec. i6, 1876; Hamilton L., March five years. _ 30, I880; Tena, April i6, 1882. of 80 acres, rait of Mr. Letson will doubtless be welhe gallery of this ALBUM by the public ingly it appears, on the page facing the nent of this sketch. in Block, farmer on section 36, Nottawa, s a son of Frederick and Mary (Florep) 3lock, and of German descent. The father in Mecklenburg, Germany, and the mother t. Pleasant, this county. was born Jan. i8, 1836, in Mecklenburg, and, residing with his parents until of age, me to the United States. He was first or six months in a stone quarry in Buffalo, then worked on farms by the month until ng out of the war, when he enlisted in the Vol. Inf. He participated in the battles nandoah Valley, under Gen. Banks, Winedar Creek, Cross Keys, Chancellorsville, intain, second Bull Run, Gettysburg and At Gettysburg he was wounded in the fight, a piece of a shell breaking his left was in field hospital seven days, and then to the hospital at Bedloe's Island, N. Y., emained until the corps was transferred to n Department under Hooker. He rejoined nd at Alexandria; was in the engagements ary Ridge and Sherman's march to the t Chattanooga. He marched under Sherthe surrender of Gen. Johnston. His regihe first to enter Atlanta and the first in mustered out at Alexandria, Va., then ie Co., N. Y., one year, engaged in farmng to Livingston County, this State, he,rm of 62 acres, and there lived for four rch I, I870, he arrived in Isabella County. st followed teaming for six months. He cres of land, but owing to ill health he for a time the idea of farming, and went taurant business. He erected a suitable Mt. Pleasant, and sold liquor and refreshyear. Selling out, he bought a farm ot n Union Township, which he cultivated He then exchanged for his present farm 65 of which are improved. get. or I I i i I1 rk;a 1%, ~): ~;a- I; — I N 5~;l I r,~"^:3 %f. %^~ c*- r i t[i At=.i a,, -V< — '9'X ' ~ M. and Elizabeth (Stranahan) Stokes, natives of England and New York respectively. They are both deceased, the father dying in Minnesota and the mother in Ohio. Abbie E. was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., June 10, 1827. She accompanied her parents to Ohio when 12 years of age, and when 26 years old came to this State. Her education was received in Nelson College, Portage Co., Ohio. At the age of 15 years Mrs. M. entered on the profession of a teacher and continued the same with credit and success until I873. She taught the first school in District No. 6, Lincoln Township. Mr. and Mrs. M. are the parents of two children: Ellen A., who was born April r3, 1857, died Feb. 19, 1883, at her home in Lincoln Township. She was married in this county, Nov. 24, 1873, to Samuel D. Kyser, born July 29, 1847, in Ohio. He came to this State in I866. They are the parents of two children,-Jenny S., born Jan. 28, I874, and Forest D., born Nov. 17, 1876. Katie S. Mattison, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M., was born Oct. 6, I86, and now is at home. She is a teacher by profession, having entered on the same at the age of 15 years. Mr. Mattison, politically, is a staunch Democrat. He has held the office of Supervisor and other minor offices in the township. rlrs. Celia W. Taylor, M. D., physician and |/; druggist at Loomis, Wise Township, was ]A'" born atNorthbridge, Mass., July 17, I856. ' She is the daughter of Paul W. and Miriam S. (Coon) Williams. Her parents were natives respectively of Massachusetts and Connecticut and her father died Feb. 5, I884. Her mother is still living, with her. The parents of Mrs. Taylor came to Michigan when she was quite young, and she received her early education mostly at East Saginaw. In 1878 she became a student at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in the Medical Department, July i, i88o. She had read medicine to some extent, but had been obliged to suspend assiduous attention to it from a threatened disease of the eyes. V-s I-', ':,-, A (, SX XI k A.i "I 4f i \l, X i 1 (8a u 4 /.,.. &: a CSq&)- -- - a - - ___C:n u/ 7 a -," < 342 ISABELLA COUNTY. ~ In 1876 she resumed her studies in that direction, after a short stay proceeded to Hudson, Lenawee:: reading under the directions of several different phy- County, where he remained during the last years of:" sicians. After graduation, she at once entered upon his life. The mother also died in Hudson.; her practice. She lived five months at Fentonville, When Mr. Faulkner was 20 years old he deter-,> Genesee Co., Mich., and, with that exception, she has mined to change his vocation, and turn his attention continued in her profession at Loomis to the present from farming to other business. He accordingly time. In the spring of 1883 she bought a stock of went to Adrian, when he entered the tin shop of R. drugs and has a considerable business in that line, L. Bate, and passed three years in learning the trade. in addition to the duties of her profession. In Jan- He came to Mt. Pleasant July 2r, I876, where he I uary, I883, she was appointed District Physician, and operated four years in the tin shop of L. N. Smith. Th she is the present Physician of the Board of Health In 1880 he established himself in the business in; at Loomis. She is widely known as a skillful and which he is now engaged, associated with Frank; successful practitioner, and has a large and increasing Patterson, under the firm style of Faulkner & Patter-..;.-..-. Eqnn Thie rlAt;in Trlt;,l,,rl r -....th 1-lo.o...r,;,h1 A. Z X A. -- ii N; "~ 1 a *f( -::'Te >,: ) I ts 11 d tLLX.A eorge E. Dawson, of the firm of Feighner ~jAs & Dawson, merchants at Clare, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., March 14, I853. Four years later the family came to Ingham County, this State, where he lived until 17 years old, attending school most of the time. At that time he came to Isabella County, where he worked in the lumber woods for ii years. In the spring of 880 he made his present location at Clare, where he is doing a growing business, now of $o,ooo0 annually, in the sale of meats. He was married April 17, 1882, in Barr.y County, this State, to Miss Carrie Jones, a native of that rnolnt-r (One rhhlil O'rn hef 1APPn Arlr f, +1-n t, Cn;,Vl. I Il..l/C.IVI l Vt L t11.JIII IUt 1U IU ll/li H, 111 C W i111I 1 Mr. Faulkner has done business singly. He changed his location June i, i88r, removing to the building he has since occupied. His stock is estimated at $5,000 in value and comprises general hardware, stoves, tinware, paints, oils, glass, steel goods, etc. A repair shop is connected with his establishment and he is doing a good job business. His trade requires the aid of two assistants. He built in 1882 a fine residence, the ground of which include two lots. Mr. Faulkner was married at Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich., June 6, 1.882, to Annie Denison. She was born June 26, I86I, near that place, and is the daughter of Jared and Fannie Denison. Fannie, only child, was born June 10, 1883, at Mt. Pleasant..,%-%JU % j t. %. i icr Hage YlMU, ULciJ UlV C1 1U1V1 1- tlll (Si ily circle, born Nov. 2, I883. Politically, Mr. Daw- r son is a Democrat. I tesley Ellis, farmer, section 31, Coldwater J t i ra Township, was born Jan. II, 1833, in Pike,:f!!,,/,t,? Wyoming Co, N.Y. He is a son of John T -. &'. and Lany (Helmer) Ellis. His father was born Aug. 22, i808, and died Oct. I9, I867; eorge C. Faulkner, dealer in general hard- t his mother was born Feb. 3, 8 o, and died f ware, etc., at Mt. Pleasant, was born Oct. March 22, i88i. 19, 1854, in Toronto, Can. His parents, On leaving home when he attained his majority, Mr. Isaiah and Mary (Clark) Faulkner, belonged Ellis became a farm assistant, working by the lmonth to the agricultural class in the Dominion of for five years in the same employment. Hle enlisted Canada. His father was a native of Ireland May 15, 1861, in Co. F, 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was and emigrated to America when he was but a lad. mustered out June 22, 1863. He re-enlisted in - In 1859 he removed with his family to Lockport, N. September. 1864, in the 25th N. Y. Independent Y., where he resided a year and went thence to Nor- Battery. He w.as in the battles of Lee's Mills, W'ilwalk, Ohio. A year later he made another move, to liamsburg, Mechanicsville, White Oak Swamp, Mal- 4 Bellevue in the Buckeye State. After a residence vern Hill, Aitietam, Fredericksburg(frst and second) there of fo:ir year;, he went to Hillsdale, Mich., and and South Mo:intain. During his period of enlistment, S / <~) ^H, -,,,' - - - ^ 0tEn l AI - '-~ --- --- I iW^ f -- - ig - -7. 1 g> ISABELLI ghl il anea ett hegnrlhsi a he was slightly ill and was sent to the general hospi-:i tal, when he ran away, and, after two days' travel.,' and two nights' camping out, he caught up with his regiment. The date of this escapade was when Burnside took command after the battle of Antietam, subsequent to crossing the Potomac. The battery did garrison duty at Brashear City and at New Orleans, but was in no active engagements. On his return to his home in Wyoming County after he was discharged, he engaged in farming in t connection with his brother, on a farm which they | owned together. A year later he sold out to his brother and came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., Mich., where he remained two years at work in shingle and saw mills. March i, 1879, he came to Isabella County and wrote to his brother Frank, who joined him here, and together they bought 120 acres of land on which they have since resided. Mr. Ellis owns 80 acres of the orioinal tract, and has 5o acres improved. He is a Republican in politics and has. served one year as Supervisor of Sherman Town-.. ship. ";7 Mr. Ellis was first married Dec. 24, I866, to Jean-; nette Phelps, of Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mr. Ellis was: a second time married Nov. 19, I878, to Arvilla, v daughter of Obadiah and Abigail (Fay) Russell. i There have been no children by either marriage. l, obert Neelands, farmer on section I, Noti- tawa Township, is a son of Andrew and, ~t Jane (Howey) Neelands, both natives of Ireland. The father now lives in Canada,; where the mother died, in December, 1864. Their son Robert was born in Ontario, Can., Dec. 4, 1855, and lived with his parents on the farm until he came to man's estate. He then, at the age of 22, came to this county, about the first of April, 1878. For the ensuing year and a half, he worked by the month at farming, and then he passed a winter, in Canada, and then he located permanently in Isabella County. He worked by the month for three * years more, and then settled on his farm of 40 acres, i| purchased in the fall of i88o. He has 25 acres: improved. -) He was married Dec. 20, 1882, to Annis M. Har+ rison, daughter of Joln D. and Almira R. (Frazier) ldtln a --- - 4 CO UNTY. 343 3.4 Harrison. The parents are of English and Canadian ancestry, respectively, and are residents of Isabella County. Mr. and Mrs. N. are members of the Meth- C odist Episcopal Church. He is in political sentiment a Republican, and has been School Treasurer of his district. -G)_J, onathan Tanner, farmer, section 32, Coldwater Township, was born Sept. 27, 1841 in Ontario, Canada, and is the son of James and Sarah (Sumner) TInner. His parents are natives of England, and are both living in Coldwater Township. Their family includes 13 children, three daughters and ten sons. Mr. Tanner was bound out by his parents when he was seven years old, but ran away before the termination of the first year of his indenture, because of ill usage. He spent the period of his minority in working out by the day, month or year, and when he was 21 years of age he rented a farm, which he managed two years, after which he again became a day laborer, and was thus employed two years, except when his daily time and strength were absorbed by the ague, which he had in one of its severest forms In I866 he came to Isabella County and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres, on which he has since resided. He has since increased his landed possessions by the purchase of 40 acres additional. The experiences of the family in the early days of their settlement were those common to all the pioneers of this section, but now and then an incident occurred which was out of the common order of things. The family of Mr. Tanner occupied a shanty, and at the time referred to, it was also occupied by a neighbor, pending the erection of her home. Mr. Tanner was felling a tree in the vicinity. The wind was blowing hard and caused the tree to take an unexpected direction toward the shanty. He called to his wife to fly with the children. She caught up one child and the other woman seized two others and ran. The tree fell and Mrs. Tanner was caught between the branches. She was slightly injured in the shoulder and the child was so much hurt that he lay unconscious three da s and three nights. There was no physician nearer than Mt. Pleasant, ard Mr. Tanner ran to the home of a neighbor-James Johnson I Wk i/ r-t.. ~_:, K2 si i 4 i t (VI r nl*- is iat -r, c, ~nina~ ?BBP 8iaa, \" *fY r *ij~2 ~;ii s IV 8 344 ISABELLA COUNTY. 344 t j t who hastened to Mr. Brubaker, three and a half i- miles distant, the latter having a set of medical books *il and an assortment of medicines. The child showed i no signs of life for two hours, and medicine was i forced through his clinched teeth. He was ill for a year, but finally recovered. Mr. Tanner is independent in political faith and action. He has served four years as Highway Commissioner, and one year as Constable. He was married Jan. 15, I863, to Mary Ann,, daughter of John and Charlotte (Edwards) Boughen. The father died in Canada in 1872, and the mother resides at Mt. Pleasant. Both were English by birth. Mrs. Tanner is one of ten children born to her parents,-two sons and eight daughters. The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner is as follows: Ernest Albert was born Feb. 21, 1866; William James, Feb. i6, 1864 (died Oct. 3, i865); Minnie Jane, July 15, i869; Anna Maria, June 22, 1872; Melvin John, May 28, 1875; Charlotte Laura, Feb. v I6, 1877; Martha Augusta, March 29, 1879; Elmer,: March 15, I88I (died April 3, I88i). i -,_ ndrew J. Miller, farmer on section 7, P.oli ' ___land Township, is a son of Barnett and 2 Margaret (Nusebaum) Miller. His father was born in the year 1834, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio; his mother was born in Ohio in 1836 and died in November, I866. Mr. Miller, senior, was a farmer in Ohio until I860, when he removed to Indiana. After a time he returned to Ohio,, and now resides in Defiance County. He had by his first marriage nine children, and by his second three. The subject of this biography was born Nov. 24, 185 r, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and lived with his parents until 15 years old. Losing his mother at that age, he went out to battle with the world and worked by the month for three years. He then came to Michigan and worked for three winters. In the spring of 1874 he came to Isabella County, was married and located on a farm of 119 V acres. He has i 60 acres nicely improved. His wife's maiden name was Libbie Pratt. She i was born Aug. i, I858, in Montcalm Co., Mich. Her ) parents, Nathan and Charlotte Pratt, followed farming. The father was a soldier for the Union in the late war, fell at Chattanooga and is buried in the National Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of two children,-Lawrence B., born May 17, 1874, and Alice E., born Nov. 24, I88i. The parents are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. Miller has been Moderator of his school district two terms. Politically, he is a Democrat. -esse H. Jordan, farmer on section 30, Den> ver Township, is a son of William and I " Mary (Garlock) Jordan. His parents were, born, married and for a time afterwards lived in l Cherry Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They moved thence to Schuyler County, where the father died. The mother afterwards removed to Allegany Co., N. Y., her present home. Their family of eight were named Julia, Catherine, William, Lucinda, Jesse H., Andrew, Charles A. and Norman. The subject of this biography was born in Schuyler Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1826, and alternately attended school and worked on his father's farm. Leaving the paternal roof at the age of 20, he worked out for three years, afer which he bought a farm of 50 acres in Schuyler County, which he carried on for three years. He continued at farming until the spring of i865, when he came to Ionia County and bought 80 acres of partly improved land. A year later he sold, and bought another farm in the same county, which, after seven years, he traded for an 8o-acre farm in Clinton County. He lived there three years, when, disposing of his Clinton County property, he came, in November, I878, to Isabella County and bought 160 acres of wild land in Denver Township, where he has since lived. He has disposed of half his land, and of the remainder 70 acres are improved. Soon after settling in this county, he built a good farm house, which he now occupies. He was first married in Yates Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1848, to Matilda, daughter of James A. Swarthout. The father was a native of New York State, and the daughter was born in Yates County, Oct. 9, i829. Of this marriage five children were born,-James (died when four years old), Alice H., Charles M. (died Sept. 9, I880), Wellington A. and Franklin 0. His wife died in Denver Township, this county, Sept. I2, I880, and he was again married, March 14, I88I, / r 4t,<. f i:' I, p, t, 0 j r,..I, i*',' i HE ' 1 a\'' E?45 "x. -ept rSr7 r t.i S1 n~i \ cl-~leba/l ra ~:i "~ —, 14: 1Sit iit,~2ap i,~.r*cpi~: -— t~~.~ " ,_:*~ |'?i<: —F *>L COU....... --- 1 ISABELLA CO UNTY. -_-.v^ r,.*\SD.^ A 9 -,. 345 > 1... _. * j4. lk!5 to Sophia R., daughter of Conrad and Elsie G.: (Reeves) Young, and widow of E. G. Battles, who died Dec. 23, 1873, leaving three children,-Ida G., Elsie A. and Minnie N. The first and last of these three are deceased. Mrs. Jordan was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Aug 4, 1839. Mr. J. has been Township Treasurer two years, Justice of the Peace four years, and in the fall of 1883 was elected Coroner, which office he now holds. He is also Deacon of the Baptist Church, which was organized in Denver Township in May, 1879. Mrs. J. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Jordan votes the Republican ticket. -,i enjamin A. Cohoon, farmer on section I9, i Coe Township, is a son of Lidick and | 1 at? Martha (Pickard) Cohoon, natives of the State of New York. The parents came to Jackson Co., Mich., in 1847, where she died. He remained there until the spring of I86i and then came to Isabella County, where he now resides.:- The subject of this narrative was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1837, and was to years old when his parents came to Michigan. Remaining with his father until 23 years of age, he then worked at lum-! beringon the Muskegon River for eight months. Sept. 9, i86i, he enlisted in the Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., and served until June 13, i866, at which time he was discharged. He was captured at the battle of Secessionville, on James Island, June i6, I862, and was kept a prisoner for four months. He was again taken, Aug. 6, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, and he was not released until March i, 1865. Duri ing his first incarceration, he was for a few days in the Libby, but spent most of the time at Columbia, J S. C. The second time, he was at Danville, Va., Andersonville, Ga. (five months) and Florence, S. C. i Returning from the service, he settled in i867 on 80 acres on section 19, Coe Township, which he had bought the year previous, and on which he now resides, with about 45 acres under cultivation. He was married in Jackson County, June 17, 1867, to Eudora, daughter of William and Lydia (Page) Gallap, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. C. was born in Jackson County, Dec. 29, I842, and has been the mother of eight children, six of whom survive: Leonora, Ransom M., Lillian E., Mabel, Henrietta 0, L. and Cora E. The other two died in infancy. Mr. C. has been School Director for two years and. Pathmaster. He is a member of Ralph Ely Post, f No. 150, G. A. R., and is politically a Republican. ^l lharles B. Shaver, Superintendent for A. B. Long & Son, at Blanchard, is a son of k {I John and Mary (Rose) Shaver, natives re-;. t spectively of New York and Delaware. His:: father was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., in ) I826, and has followed lumbering most of his life. His mother was born in 1831. They came to this State in I870, locating in Emerson Township, Gratiot County. They afterwards removed to St. Louis, where they yet reside. Their son Charles was born Aug. 7, 1855, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and lived with his parents until I6 - years old, when he commenced work in a mill in: Gratiot County. He was afterwards for a time in the employ of Whitney & Stinchfield, as a foreman. He }':: then came to Blanchard for A. B. Long & Son, of: Grand Rapids. He was married Dec. 6, I883, to Miss Lena A.: Roberts, who was born May 2, I864, the daughter of X E. D. and Ora A. (Pierson) Roberts. The parents were born in Bangor, Me., in 1822 and i836, respectively. The father has followed lumbering much of his life and now lives in Mecosta County. Mrs. Shaver is the third daughter in a family of two sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living. Politically, Mr. S. is a Republican., eorge Miller, farmer on section 9, Coe.. Township, residing at Salt River, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, I8I6. His father, a lawyer, died when George was about six months old. His mother married again, and lived at Port Huron until her death. He K was the only child of his father, and was bound out (li to a man by the name of Robert Purchase, in his native county. It was agreed that he should have his board, clothes and schooling, and $ioo when he 0 ci~~-iifa~'' dia nP(~ m _ a, J ~;~-I, j:,~~~;~' fr':: T r~- i ___~iirII rs;Iii~--~-_pi-i iii;a Ib-i;ri:ii w; I aTB &1 i" 36 s4 — -I-SP dll aa CONi-T -Y -— i - j ISABELLA COUNTY. 35' ing to the present time; and it will give an idea of the position he has held several terms. Mr. Glass is a ' extent of his operations to state that he has put in Republican in political views.: this season (1883-4) upwards of 3,000,000 feet of In 1872 he had an unusual experience, which } logs. In 1883 he purchased I40 acres of well im- merits record. He set out from Mt. Pleasant with;, proved land on section 13, Isabella, where is his an ox team and wagon and found the bridge over present home. Sept. 28, 1880, at Mount Pleasant, the Chippewa River had been washed away by the he was united in marriage to Miss Emily McLachlin, high water. He was informed by parties in the daughter of John and Catherine McLachlin, natives neighborhood that fording was practicable, and he of Scotland. Mr. McL. came to this country when made the attempt. He was hardly into the water quite young and is now a farmer in Isabella Township, before he found himself floating down stream in his: this county. Mrs. Raymond was born in St. ClairCo., wagon box, and the oxen swimming in the direction ) Mich., Oct. I, I86i, and came in 1872 to this county, from which they came. On reaching some float-? where she has received most of her education. To wood, Mr. Glass jumped upon it and made his way Mr. and Mrs. R. have been given two children: to land on the same side of the river he had left, Eunice E., born Aug. 5, 1882; and Daniel J., born while the box moored itself on the opposite side. Dec. 26, 1883. He paid a man a halfa dollar to swim across and atIn political faith, Mr. Raymond is an active sup- tach a rope to the recreant box, by which means Mr. porter of the Republican party. He and wife adhere Glass obtained possession of his property once more. to the tenets of the Presbyterian Church. He was first married May 7, 1844, to Harriet C., daughter of Nathan and Susan (Higbee) Rasco. 4 X — She was born May I8, 1822, in Orange Co., N. Y. 4 At 4'> I v, X K ufus F. Glass, farmer, section 24, Gilmore - Township, was born Nov. 2, 1819, in Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y. His parents, Rufus and Nabby (Webb) Glass, were natives of Connecticut and died in Genesee County. Mr. Glass received the training of a farmer's son, and remained under the guidance of his father until he was of age. He then acquired the details of the builder's trade, which he followed 25 years. He lived a portion of that period in his native county and in 1841 came to Michigan. He purchased 80 acres of land in White Lake, Oakland County, of which he retained the proprietorship five years. He disposed of the property by sale and bought 80 acres near Howell, Livingston County. He owned and managed this I8 years, and in December, 1867, came to Isabella County, where he has since resided and owns 16o acres of land, with 60 acres under improvements. He was elected the first Justice of the Peace of the township and held the position 12 years. He was also the first Supervisor in the township, and served in that capacity four terms. He was the first Superintendent of Schools under the township law and is now County Superintendent of the. Poor. In I880 he was Census Enumerator of two towns in Isabella County; and is now School Inspector, a The record of the children born of this marriage is as follows: Herbert, June 2, I845; Caroline Rosamond, Oct. i6, 1846; Egbert, July 19, 1848; an unnamed infant child was born Jan. 15, 185i, and died seven days later. The mother died soon after. The marriage of Mr. Glass to Harriet Ann, daughter of Solomon and Susan (Chambers) Gould, occurred April 11, 1852. She was born Feb. 26, 1831. Ot five children born of this marriage three are living. The record is as follows: Algernon Sidney, born April 26, 1853; Clarissa, April 29, 1855; Florence, Nov. 2I 1858. Hampden was born Sept. 5, I857, and died Sept. 30 following. Rufus was born Dec. 25, 1860, and died March 22, 1875. Amid the worthy constellation of protraits in the ALBUM OF ISABELLA COUNTY, we are proud to place those of Mr. and Mrs. Glass. -j-S -:.* * -,-.( I Ig n t' Yl I I i I,,? 4,'xf l!, AI ",d |icero Kimball, of the firm of Kimball Bros., wholesale and retail marketmen at Mt. Pleasant, was born Oct o1, I844, in Erie Co., N. Y. He is the son of Samuel and Caroline (Parker) Kimball, who reared their nine children on a farm. Mr. Kimball came to Mt. Pleasant in the spring of Snj^U "^ —.~ ^ I I f. In( 0- - 0 (I-i u q a ~ -- ^ ^ --— ~ c:c 352 ISABELLA COUNTY. {(^ X:; i 1869 and worked one summer as farm assistant with ($) Wallace Preston. In the following fall he opened a * shop on Broadway, where he followed his present f business for four years. The shop was destroyed by ( fire in 1875, entailing a loss of $2,000. The spring of the same year, a livery barn belonging to him burnt, causing a loss of $500. He then started a livery stable and stage line from Mt. Pleasant to St. Louis, which he conducted one year. He managed the same business between Clare and Mt. Pleasant the year following. In January, 1877, he formed a partnership with his brother Adelbert, bought the A site where they are now established and erected the building they occupy. Their stock includes all varieties of articles common to similar establishments, comprising also fish and game, and they are transacting a thriving business. The present business of the Messrs. Kimball requires three assistants. ) Mr. Kimball was married Jan. 4, I870, at Mt. Pleasant, to Adelle, daughter of Saxton Jackson. She was born in Holland, Erie Co., N. Y. Lelah B., born Oct. 2, i873, and Bessie M., born May I, 1875, are the children now included in the family circle. Mr. Kimball belongs to Wabon Lodge, No. 305, at ~ Mt. Pleasant. He has served several years as UnderSheriff and two years as Village Marshal. E ' M obert Ervin, farmer, section 2, Nottawa A, Township, is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Synnott) Ervin, natives of Ireland. The 4 father emigrated to this country when seven /' ) years of age, and the mother when she was i6 e years old, and they are both still living.? Robert was born in Gray Co., Can., Sept. 2, I855. He remained under the parental roof-tree in Canada, assisting his father in the maintenance of the family, until he attained the age of I4, in I869, when he accompanied his parents to this State, and settled with them in Sanilac County. He remained in that county for two years, and then moved to Midland County, and variously occupied his time for five? years, when he came to this county. He arrived in March, I877, and worked at various occupations for, three years, until the spring of i88I, when he moved upon his present farm, where he has since lived. Mr. Ervin was united in marriage with Miss Clista, I daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Green) Boucher, July 8, I878. Her mother died March 27, I875, and her father is still living. Mrs. E. was born Sept. 26, i86o, in Brant Co., Can. The husband and wife have been blessed with two children, born and named as follows: Samuel Joseph, Aug. 9, I880; and Abigail R., March 25, 1882. Politically, Mr. E. is an adherent to and a believer in the principles of the Republican party. He has held the official position of School Director and Path Master. His farm consists of 40 acres on section 2, Nottawa Township, and he has some 12 acres of the same in a good state of cultivation. ^^ aIrharles W. Gardner, farmer, residing at Sherman City, was born July 25, 1847, i" and is a son of John H. and Isabella D. (Gra2 ham) Gardner. His mother died when he was io years old, and he grew up under the care of his father and grandfather, learning the trade of blacksmith of the one and that of boiler-maker of the other. He was but 14 years of age when the civil war broke out, and two years later he became a soldier. He enlisted Nov. I, 1863, in Co. M, Sixth Ohio Vol. Cav., and was mustered out June 24, I865, at Petersburg, Va. He was under Gen. Grant from the time he took command of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of Gen. Lee. He took part in the battles of Leed's Farm, second action at Malvern Hill, Weldon Railroad, Boyd's Plank Road, Hatcher's Run (first and second), Hicksford, Dinwiddie CourtHouse, Five Forks, etc. He participated in 17 general engagements, besides being in numberless skirmishes. After leaving the United States service, he engaged in farming and attending school. After studying about five months at New Harrisburg, Ohio, he engaged in teaching one term, after which he spent some time in the pursuit of the trades he had acquired. His next engagement was as a farmer, and he spent three years in agriculture, managing the farm of his father-in-law. In 1877 he came to Isabella County, and on the I5th day of December he '-" i,.-,Saint-, f", Y I'll Ill.-,, - Ii 4, k, I i I 6',i; ii, Av%, 4.nj I I, - ", ~ "-,l rl,, " " - — L ", -- 4 T j ~ l~c;i ~., trZ~ 11k7-z i W r roil 11:$ * A i\^ is E jISABELLA CO UCNT. 353. a settled on 80 acres of land in Sherman Township, 1856; Arthur Orsemus, April 28, I859; Lyman Mil- J.: which he had purchased April i, I870. Since April ler, June 25, i86o; Albert Eugene, March 25, I863,r, I884, he has made his home in Sherman City. all living. She died June 4, I863, at Almena, Mich., He has 20 acres improved and supplied with farm and Mr. C. again married, Oct. 866, to Mrs. buildings, an orchard, etc. He has been engaged in Mary C. Barker, nee Ballard. She was born Feb. I3,,i teaching and preaching, since he came to this county, 1837, in Springfield Township, Oakland Co., Mich., and is at present laboring in the interests of the Dis- and Oct. T6, 1857, married Franklin Barker, who ciples' Church. He has been Superintendent of the was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and in Poor of Isabella County one year, Clerk of Sherman consequence of the wound died, Nov. 6, 1864, at Township four years, and has served during the last Chattanooga. By her first marriage she had one year as Inspector of Schools. In 1882 he was nomi- child, Clara A., born Feb. 4, I858, and is now the nated for Register of Deeds, but was defeated by 69 wife of Wm. E. Redfield. By the present marriage votes. Mr. G. is a Republican, and in I880 took the Mr. and Mrs. Coles have one child, Eddie E., born census of the townships of Sherman, Nottawa and Sept. I, I867. Isabella. Mr. Gardner was married Sept. i, 1869, to Jeru-: — sha Maggie, daughter of John and Margaret (Wiley) McGavram, residents of Columbiana Co., Ohio. She was born Aug. 23, I849, in Carroll Co., Ohio. Three children were born as follows to Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, on the homestead in Ohio: Maggie Belle, Oct. 14, 1870; John F., May 24, 1874; Mary W., Oct. 30, 1876. Ir W/,.. A us OM - - f~~ " PM i~ —, -- - i- - M' t Xl~j1g ranklin W. Ellis, farmer, section 3 1, Coldwater Township, was born Feb. II, 1844, X| ~T, in Pike, Wyoming Co., N. Y., and is the son of John and Lany (Helmer) Ellis. His i, father was born Aug. 22, I808, in Connecticut, and died Oct. 19, 1867. The mother was born Feb. 3, I8Jo, in Schoharie Co., N. Y., and died March 22, I88I. Mr. Ellis was a little more than 17 years old when armed rebellion stirred the nation to its uttermost, and he enlisted May 15, i86i, in Co. F, 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf. He was mustered out June 22, I863, and re.enlisted in September, 1864, in the 25th New York Independent.Battery. Among the battles in which he participated were Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Mer-hnnirwc~ill Wh~-'_;tN- l.Svwamn Milvrrn Hill An I-x r ( I a~ j ~ r=~l~ r= ad 3 \laid ' ^l2 olum1ubus Coles, farmer, section i, Deer_ field Township, is a son of Horace and gl' Laura (Miller) Coles, natives of Massa) chusetts; his mother died April 16, I858, t and his father Oct. I5, 1882. He was born in Williamsburg, Hampshire Co., Mass., April E f R' tR WQ UTk- ton 17> wira T TT vr o r of qerr t he f miIv t I I i i I i i f is 1 Ov, 1 V -o. W am.11C WA\ II 3 YCULZtl0 VAm* wow.j tl.-I L A. I.., —..,ILC-%.. tC,H. W, i.LZ aM..L T ~L 1.1 I... *.. - \ ~1 settled in Bainbridge, Ohio, where he lived with his tietam and Fredericksburg. On receiving his disparents until he was 26 years of age, when he moved charge, Mr. Ellis engaged as a miller at Pike until: i to the town of Almena, Van Buren Co., Mich.; but the death of his father, when he went upon the home ten years afterward he returned to Ohio, locating in farm. In i868 he sold out, and in March, I869, Solon, Cuyahoga County; and nine years after that came to Stanton, Mich. There he rented a house he moved to this county, where he has since resided, and left the family while he proceeded to Sherman arriving March 29, I878. He bought 80 acres of City and bought 120 acres of land of the Flint & wild land, and at this place he is making a home for Pere Marquette Railroad Company. He removed ' himself and family, having now 15 acres improved. the family hither in August, I869. He has 40 acres D? He is a Freemason (now demitted), a Republican, of land improved, and owns 440 acres in Mecosta ^ and, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist County. Episcopal Church. Mr. Ellis was married Jan. 4, 1873, to Mary A., March 22, 1855, Mr. Coles married Miss Ann, daughter of Jesse and-(Price) Bright. She was nb oMarch 22, i854, in Dark eS Cio. Her m:*) daughter of Obed Stevens. By this marriage there born June 26, I854, inDarke Co., Ohio. Hermother were four children, viz.: Laurie A., born Aug. 22, died when she was young; her father was born in d) tied 'we sh ayog; asTher — w(a rn 1in 354 ISABELLA I1809, and is living in Mecosta County. Two chil-: dren have been born by this marriage: Vernon,, April 7, I874 (died Feb. 17, 1875), Ira J., Aug. 24,! I876. \j -— P_ COUNTY. ~ _ _ ~.'wf I r 4,,-c, '~5 T-I '3 r.:, ',I -lred K. Palmer, farmer on section 15, Nottowa Township, is a son of George and H- '"Elizabeth (Key) Palmer, natives of England. The father died March 29, 1883; and the mother is now living in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich. The subject of this biography was born in Plymouth, Wayne County, this State, Sept. i, 1857, and lived on the farm with his parents until he arrived at man's estate. Attaining his majority, he commenced working on a farm by the month, which occupation he followed for four years. March 28, 1882, he arrived in Isabella County, which he has since made his home. Dec. 15, 1879, he had purchased his farm of 80 acres; and now, in two years, he has made a number of valuable improvements, such as building a good frame house and stable, and has 20 acres cleared. He was married Dec. 14, r88r, at Plymouth, to Miss Julia A. Perin, daughter of Jesse and Emily A. (Power) Perin. To them one daughter, Katie A., was born Jan. 29, 1884. Mr. Palmer is politically a Republican. He is now Drain Commissioner of his township. came to Michigan and first located at Alma, Gratiot County, where he remained about a year and a half, and in 1871 settled in Isabella County, July i, i871, he took possession of 200 acres of land in Gilmore Township, which he had previously purchased. Of this tract, which was in an entirely original condition, he has improved i20 acres. In the fall of I883 he removed his residence to a point in Clare County near Harrison's Junction, formerly known as Hinck. ley's Mills, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles. He was married Dec. 19, 1851, to Isabella B., daughter of Robert and Mary A. (Bulwer) Purdy. She was born June 6, I830. The children now comprised in the household of Mr. Robbins were born as follows: Eliza E., April 5, 185 2; Robert W., March 19, I854; Althea B., Oct. 31, I856; Catherine A., Sept. i, i858; Eva, Sept. 24, i860; Mary Letitia, Nov. i6, 1863; Henry, March 25, i866; Rufus, Nov. I6, 1855 (died Jan. 3, i856); Gracie, May 27, I875 (died June 23, I875). eorge H. Hersey, a prominent farmer and l breeder of stock, resident on section 181, Wise Township, was born Sept. 8, 1853, 0 in Lapeer Co., Mich. His parents, Julius B. and Sarah E. (Pridden) Hersey, were natives respectively of Michigan and England. They settled in Dryden, Lapeer County, where the father is still living. The mother died about Jan. 3, 1872. Their family included the following named children Amelia E. (deceased), John P., Alelia E., Geo. H., Fremont D., Victor C., Vorilla S-. and Annie A. Mr. Hersey passed the years of his early boyhood at school, and at the age of 13 found himself with the problem of making his way in the world on his hands for solution. He passed the following six years as a farm assistant, working by the month as he found satisfactory positions, with the exception of one winter which he spent in lumbering, and a summer season which he devoted to labor in a sawmill. In the spring of 1875 he bought 40 acres of unimproved land in Wise Township. He built a log house for temporary purposes, and gave his attention to the work of placing his property in creditable faming condition. He has increased his farm to 80 A.\. I'D,~ t i ll'A, s + Ie,.Sg I' tia Au bei soe the for ca].. gj rince H. Robbins, farmer on sections 22 _. and 23, Gilmore, and mill owner in Clare -f County, was born May 20, 1829, at Yar) mouth, N. S. His parents, Rufus and Letitia (Wyman) Robbins, were natives of Nova ScoThe father was born May 21, I792, and died lg. 7, I867; her mother died in 1873, her exact age ing unknown. The father was captain of a vessel, and when the n attained his majority he shipped as a seaman in e same boat. He followed the sea as a vocation 22 years, rising to the positions of mate and ptain. After spending six months in Worcester Mass., he - **" C,(1. * — ~i na c:e-.i ~-t- f cir i.r lli ~~;Z-C~-;*F 1 X- - - ISABELLA COUNTY. 355 acres by further purchase, and has 62 acres of the 2I, 1884, to Lillian Lawrence, and lives in Deerentire tract under culture. He has increased the at- field Township.: tractiveness and value of his place by the erection Aug. 27, 1864, Mr. Drew enlisted, in Shiawassee; of one of the finest barns in Isabella County, second County, in the 29th Mich. Vol. Inf., went to Tento none for convenience and completeness. It is 30 nessee and Alabama under Gen. Thomas, and particiby50 feet in dimensions. He keeps on an average pated in the battle at Decatur, Ala., and in several 17 head of cattle, 20 sheep, a yoke of oxen and two skirmishes. He was mustered out June 27, I865, horses. In political faith Mr. Hersey is a Republi- on accountof disability. Is now receiving a pension can, and he has held the offices of School Moderator of $i 2 a month. and School Treasurer, which latter office he now In regard to political issues Mr. Drew votes with fills. the Republican party. ' Mr. Hersey's marriage to Mary A. Jacobs occurred at Romeo, Macomb Co., Mich., April 24, i873. She R w vr hlrn in H1 n- nd. T- S rr c N. Vo. Co N. Y.e-fiV irt ..ii r\ C"/ p: c;t E; IbT;~ Ig vvW Z UViXL II IILIJVIiU, ~.a~. L..., Aug. 24, I855, and is the daughter of Richard and Betsey (Hammond) Jacobs. Her parents were born respectively in Ireland and in St. Lawrence Co. N. Y. They settled after marriage in the latter place, and later in life removed to Lapeer Co., Mich., and are still resident there. James H., only child of Mr. and Mrs. Hersey, was born March io, 1876, at Mt. Pleasant. 'esse Perin, farmer on section I5, Nottawa Township, is a son of Pheroras I. and Diana (Phillips) Perin, both of whom were born in the State of New York and are now deceased. He was born in Perington Township Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 28, 1821, and June i, the year following, the family arrived at Detroit, on their way to a new home in the Peninsular State, which was then, however, a Territory. They located in Oakland Co., Mich., and Jesse was 2= C A ( *; 8"-" 9. I A sthere reared and educated. He lived with his parents r -ohn~ A. Drew, farmer, section 8, Deerfield until 21 years old and in and about the old home for (| *.j- Township, is a son of Orrin and Julia A. four or five years more. He then went to the city of r (Meeker) Drew, natives of Vermont, both Detroit, where he was connected with the milk busiI of whom finally located in Shiawassee Co., ness for five years. His next move was to Plymouth, t Mich., where they died. Wayne Co., Mich., where he rented a farm and workHe was born Feb. i8, 1833, and in October, ed it about two years. Returning to Detroit, he fol1838, the family moved to Lapeer Co., Mich. He lowed the milk business again there for a year and a lived with them until 1856; then lived in Shiawassee half, and then went to Rochester, Oakland County County until I869, and since then in this county. where his wife engaged in the millinery business, and [ He first bought a farm of 80 acres, which he occu- he was employed as a huckster. Here he lost his pied until i879, when he sold it and purchased his wife by death, March 17, 1863. present place of 80 acres. Going next to Milwaukee, Wis., he took his children Dec. 26, i859, in Shiawassee County, Mr. Drew to a sister to be cared for, and followed the telegraph married Miss Mary A., daughter of David J. and business for five years. He then removed to DearMary (Sickner) Tower, the former a native of Ver- born, Wayne Co., Mich., and followed for one year mont and the latter of the State of New York. Mr. the manufacture of lumber and flour. At the expira- v 1 and Mrs. D. have had i children, seven of whom tion of that time he exchanged for mills in Farmingare living, namely: John 0., J T, Mary E., Peter ton, Oakland Co., Mich., remaining in the business! ) James, Joseph Henry, William A. and Laura Ann. four years more, in the meantime erecting a saw-mill. David J. died June 26, i865. Clayton A., March The mills at Dearborn coming into his possession by I) 14, 1859; Anna Estelle, Jan. 19, I874; and Colonel non-payment, he returned to that place for two years., Benjamin, June 26, 1876. J T was married April Selling out at the end of that period, he removed < & kuA -^ — - - %ii>tnl l; t-v ---"- I - Ag V 35 6 ISABELLA CO UNTY. once more to Plymouth Township, where he lived on year, and Highway Commissioner one year. He was,,, a rented farm for five years. elected the second Sheriff of the county in the fall of # He made his last move Aug. 14, I882, to Isabella I860, and served two years. He is a member of the:. County. He bought a saw-mill at Van Decar, known I. 0. O. F., and supports the Republican party. a as the Luke & Rathbun Mill, which he ran until the He enlisted Sept. 28, 1863, in the First Mich. winter of 1883-4, when he sold to Mr. Van Decar. Eng. and Mech., and served until Oct. 6, i865. He He is now living on his farm of 40 acres, where he was captured at one time by guerrillas, but was has built a comfortable frame house and barn. He liberated after a short time. is at present Justice of the Peace. He was married in I846, to Emily A. Power, who. ---..-, E was born in 1823 and died in Oakland County, this X State, in I863. She was the mother of four children,: >T~., _iY l T A * ei i illiam W. Parmenter, farmer section 32, ( of whom one daughter, Julia A., survives. She was illiam W. Parmenter, farmer section 32,:i(~ Io,-Coldwater Township, was born Jan. 18, ('1 born Feb. 17, 1859. He was a second time marriedoldwater Townshp, was born Jan. 8, Sept. I9,1867, to Mary E. Phillips, daughter of Jere- i ss I837, in Bra andon, Rutland Co., Vt., and miah and Nancy (Fifield) Phillips, both of whom are the son of Nathan and Azubah (Grover) dead. Of this marriage was born a daughter, Lotta Parmenter (See sketch of N. S. Parmenter.) A., March 22, 1869. Attheage 6yearsMrarmenter - I r= 411-*;a h~ I.~1 -oseph Miser, farmer on section 5, Coe Township, is a son of George and Sophia (Beidler) Miser, natives of Maryland and; Pennsylvania. The parents first settled in Holmes Co., Ohio, and afterward came to this county and settled in Coe Township, on section 5, where he died, Aug. 12, i866. She survives, and her home is with Mr. Miser. Their family included three sons and five daughters, Joseph being the eldest son. He was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Jan. 28, 1831, and passed his minority in Holmes, Wayne and Tuscarawas Counties, attending the district schools and assisting his father on the farm. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he now follows, in connection with the pursuit of agriculture. In April, i858, he came to Isabella County, and one year later he bought 40 acres on section 7, Coe Township. He now owns 80 acres, of which 65 are highly improved. He was married in Tuscarawas Co, Ohio, Nov. 30, I854, to Wealthy A., daughter of John Minard. Parents and daughter were natives of Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Miser was born, June 20, I836. To this marriage, six children have been born: Sevilla J. (died when ten months old), Leander 0., Frances Ella, Ida M., Joseph E. and William D. Mr. M. has been Constable of Coe Township one menced his unaided struggle with life. He had acquired the carpenter's trade, and at the time named he made a tour of observation through the Western States, and after traversing through I3 of them he went back to Vermont and stayed two years. He was married Oct. 8, 1859, to Emily Wood. In i86i Mr. Parmenter settled at Waverly, Bremer Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming on the estate of his father-inlaw. The civil war was in progress, and the history of the Hawkeye State during the course of the rebellion is well and widely known. The enthusiasm of the period was universal and a large percentage of the best element of the State hastened, in the early days of the war, to enroll under the standard of the United States Government. Mr. Parmenter enlisted Aug. 22, 1862, in the 14th Iowa Vol. Inf., and was made First Sergeant of Co. B. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi and was in the service along the course of the river. He was in the Red River Expedition under Gen. Banks, and was in Sherman's raid from Vicksburg to Meridian. He participated in the battle at Jackson, Miss., and was at the taking of Fort Derusey under A. J. Smith. At the fight at Pleasant Hill in Louisiana, he was wounded twice, a spent minie ball striking him on the left arm, and soon after he was struck on the shoulder by a spent cannon ball. He was sent to the U. S. barracks hospital at New Orleans, where 'he remained three weeks, and was sent thence to Memphis, Tenn. Four weeks later he received a furlough of 60 days, which he spent at his home in Iowa. He (,,. I... * _,S `% 59 k:-:";"B~~ r I ifr'i ipiijiL;~1Ijn.crLanC-r. i! ~~ —CO.:;""'" ` --- —-?'9:~iI -. ( ISABELLA COUNATY. 357 rejoined his regiment at Holly Springs, Miss., and 5, Rolland, where he now has 50 acres finely im- 9 participated in the pursuit of Gen. Forrest in the Ox- proved. I;:~ ford raid. The command fell back to Memphis, and He was married June 14, I877, to Susan Cum-: proceeded to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Three cor- mings, who was born July 30, 1859, in Hocking Co., ) } panies of the I4th Iowa accompanied Gen. Ewing to Ohio. She is the daughter of William and Harriet ) Pilot Knob, as body guard. During the last days of Cummings, natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Green September, I864, trouble commenced at Ironton, and are the parents of two children,-Philip H., born the rebels under Gen. Price, not long afterward sur- Jan. I2, 1878; and EvaG., born April I4, i88o. rounded Fort Davidson and Pilot Knob. The fort Mrs. G. is a Wesleyan Methodist. In political was evacuated the same night, and the fleeing Union- sentiment, Mr. G. is a Republican. f ists were pursued by the enemy through the Ozark | Mountains. They reached Leesburg, where a skir- _g,:;n mish ensued; reinforcements arrived, and the rebels were repulsed. The regiment was mustered out atesse J Struble, M D, residing at Salt Davenport, Iowa, Nov. 22, I864. J truble D residng at alt iDavenport, Iowa, Nov. 22, 864. River, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, March Mr. Parmenter returned to Vermont, took his par- | e was b Knox oh Ma ents and went to Wyoming Co., N. Y., where he re- 83, and is the son of John W. and *. * *.. b yN Sarah (Laycock) Struble, natives of Essex Co., mained three years. He was engaged in hotel busi- (Laycock) truble, natives of Essex Co. N. J. The parents finally settled in Knox Co., ness, in working at his trade, and finally purchased a, /r 1 c O Ohio where they carried on farming until their boat, which he ran for a time on the Genesee Canal. He sold the latter, and on the 2oth day of August death- He departed this life g. 27, and she i 1867, he started for Michigan. He stopped at Stan- Jan. 23, I863. Their family numbered seven and: ton, Montcalm County, where he worked at his trade wee naed as fllows Daniel S., William W.,: three months, and then, in company with A. S. John- Henry John V., Jesse J., Lewis A. and Jcob P. The subject of this biography was the fifth son son, came to Sherman City. He worked for a time as The subject of this biography was the fifth son,. X clerk for Mr. Johnson, when he bought 80 acres of and as five years old when his father died. He / land, and entered a claim of 80 acres under the continued to live with his mother until i years old, regulations of the Homestead Act. To this he has and was at that early age expected to make his own ( way in life. He was variously employed for the ensince added 80 acres by purchase, and has been chiefly way in life. He was variously employed for the enengaged in lumbering winters. He has cleared 20 suing six years, managing generally by diligence and acres for his farm. He engaged some years in the perseverance to attend school in the winter seasons. hotel business, but is now giving his entire attention From I7 to 20 he worked out and took proceeds of his to farming, and his parents are keeping his house. labor to pay his board, that he might later on be enHe is a Democrat in political faith. abled to study farther. At 20 he began to read medicine, and for the next five years he prosecuted: _; -Jhis studies, in the face of many difficulties. He was - -"- r T< ' kindly aided, however, by several physicians, who g- did all in their power to facilitate his progress. At e scar Green, farmer on section 5, Rolland the age of 25 he began to practice his chosen profesTownship, is a son of Abraham and Eva sion, in Primrose, Williams Co., Ohio, where he. Green, both of whom were born and died resided about eight years, meeting with gratifying in the State of Pennsylvania. They followed success. Persuaded by friends in this county, he ) farming. reluctantly left Primrose in the spring of 1867, and.. Their son Oscar was born in Clearfield Co., adopted Isabella County as his future home. Here j: Pa, in 1856, and was orphaned at the tender age of he has since resided, and has built up an enviable ten. He then went to Meadville, Pa., and engaged reputation as an efficient and skillful physician. in farm work. He came to this State in the spring He was married in Sandusky Co., O., Dec. 12, 78, -: of 1876, and lived a yearin Grand Rapids. Coming to Miss Harriet F., daughter of Walter F. and Mary then to this county, he located on 80 acres on section E. (Foster) Osborne, natives respectively of New 358 iISABeLL.,! - _ e9A,4j.. w I.8 I k York State and Pennsylvania. The parents made their home in Black Rock, N. Y., but the father, being a superintendent on the Erie Canal, spent much of his time in the city of Albany. He died Nov. 26, 1842, and his wife now resides in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Mrs. Struble was born in the State of New York, April 23, 1829. She and her husband have been the parents of seven children, five of whom survive: Allen J., Harriet E., Clarence E., Clark E. and Jay J. Mary E. and Florence R. are deceased. Dr. Struble is a member of Salt River Lodge, No. 288, F. & A. M., and is politically a Republican. D. Estee, proprietor of the Exchange Hotel at Mt. Pleasant, was born March i8, 1850, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. He is a son of Perry H. (see sketch) and Carrie (Dole) Estee, and when he was five years old his parents removed to Michigan, where his father bought I6o acres of land, in Coe Township, Isabella County, under the Graduation Xct, for which he paid 50 cents an acre. Mr. Estee grew to mature years on his father's farm and aided materially in its improvement and cultivation during the years of his minority. He became the proprietor in his own right of 51 acres of land on section i8, adjoining the homestead of his father. It is in a finely cultivated condition, and has been brought by his own labor and efforts from its original natural state. It is supplied with a good ~- I __ - _1 1.._ 1__1 _1___ 1__ __1 _ I _ ( i2 I ' (letcher M. Tubbs is a farmer of Wise Township, resident on section I7, and was A born Aug. 25, 1838, in Chemung Co., N. Y. He is the son of James and Charlotte j, (Bailey) Tubbs, whose sketch may be found elsewhere. His parents came to Michigan in I843, and he continued to reside at home mainly until 1874. In the fall of 1872 he accompanied his family to Isabella County, and for the next three years he acted as his father's assistant in a hotel at Loomis. In 1875 he bought 120 acres of wild land on section 17, in Wise Township, where he has since resided, with the exception of three years which were passed in Genesee County. In political connection Mr. Tubbs is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and be longs to Lodge 1772, at Loomis. He was the pioneer agriculturist of Wise Township, and raised the first crop of wheat and oats within its limits, and built the first frame house and barn outside the cor poration of Loomis. Mr. Tubbs was married in Holly, Oakland Co Mich., Oct. 22, I860, to Louisa Van Valkenburg, a native of Genesee Co., Mich. No. 239. 7 i.ri. ^(sn^- ---- A COUNTY. nominee for Sheriff and made the campaign against V9 Thomas Pickard, Democrat, who was elected. Mr. Estee ran in advance of his ticket on the home vote and in the townships adjoining. He is a member ot the Odd Fellows fraternity and belongs to Coe Lodge,,( %l-, IL r-I I 4 - e, II, C-, I rd: J, Z u, nouse, Darns, and otner outoulIuings, oesiaes naving valuable and well-selected orchards. It is accredited one of the best farms in the township according to its ---size. Mr. Estee was married in Erie Co., Pa., while on > dward Drum, farmer on section 9, Coe a visit to relatives, to Sarah A., daughter of Orlando. l Township, is a son of John and Ruth and Lorinda Miller. She was born in the county (Bennett) Drum, natives of the State of where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Estee have New York. The parents settled in Franklin an adopted son-Claude-born in Coe Township, Co., N. Y., where they lived till their death. ' March i8, 1879. The subject of this narrative was born in FrankMr. Estee rented the Exchange Hotel in 1883, lin County, July 15, I8I9, and remained at home t taking possession Sept. i8. He has been actively until 21 years old, attending school and assisting his interested in local politics and school matters. He father on the farm. At the age of 23, he bought a was Deputy Sheriff two years under F. W. Swarts, farm in his native county, on which he lived seven () and filled the same office two years with Charles M. years. Selling out, he rented for two years, and then Brooks In the fall of 1883 he was the Republican he bought a farm in St. Lawrence County, same heougta fariSt. La re I I II Ii I i Ii i i I A I I I -1 4', 1 ( a li "II I'kV 11 / i 0'" ~W 'l- I I ".>; i^s^ iii 361 I-. E{ ISABELLA COUNTY. L '4 < State. There he lived until December, 1864, when he sold, came to Isabella County and bought 157 acres of wild land in Coe Township. He retains 67 acres, of which 50 are under the plow. He was married in the county of his birth, April 7, I8-13, to Jane M., daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Grant) Hollenbeck, natives respectively of New York and Canada. Mrs. Drum was born in Dundee, L. C., Dec. 26, 1823. She and her husband have had six children, three of whom are deceased. The living are David, Ruth and John H. The dead are Har-:" riet, Luella and an infant. -?> Mr. D. has been Pathmaster about five years. Politically, he supports the principles of the Republican party. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. __...-_'J" X Eaniel J. Hopkins, farmer, section 28, Nct' tawa Township, was born in West Greenwich, Center Co., R. I., Sept. 6, i855. His father, Arnold Hopkins, is a native of Connecticut, and his mother, Almira (Billingington) Hopkins, of Rhode Island. The parents remained in Rhode Island until Daniel was 14 or 15 years of age, when they moved, about 1870, to New York State, and located in Livingston County. Here the subject of this sketch lived about six months, when he left home to battle against the trials so often encountered in the onward march of progress. Without aid or assistance, and accompanied only by his ambition and determination, he launched his life-boat on the sea of the world, and went to Castile, Wyoming Co., N. Y. He there followed the occupation of farming, working from farm to farm by the month for a period of about five years, and then, March 8, I875, came to this State and located at Portland, Ionia County. In June, 1877, Mr. Hopkins purchased 40 acres of land in this county, and in October of the following j year he came and located on the same, and now has: 28 acres of the farm in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage, March 2, i 1874, at Portageville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., to Eliza-; beth Campbell, daughter of Daniel and Lucy (Dana) > Campbell, the former of whom is living in New York State, and the latter died in 1873. She was born July 17, I854.? Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are the parents of three S children, born and named as follows: Minnie Allen, Sept. 20, 1875; Carrie May, July 23, I878; Arthur Adelbert, Nov. ii, 1882. Politically, Mr. H. is an adherent to and believer in the doctrines and principles of the Democratic party. if illiam Broomfield, farmer and lumber- f man on section 31, Broomfield Township,,?, was born in Ontario, Can., Oct. 2, I832, i and is a son of Neil and Catherine (Mc He has been State Road Commissioner by appoint- ( ment, and has held the office of Supervisor for ten q 0;". I ' i ii I 'I I'l r I I; i A, a i; r I"a Brau 4 i _:ifi~-i-`c --- —-m t- i iiF?."P F~6_ r __o — /tl - 7 H ||i> --- i (3, 362 ISABELLA COUNTY. years. He is a member of the Order of Masonry. to improve his place until I864, when he sold and re-,i Hs was married in Ontario, in April, I859, to Miss moved to Vermont. There he bought a farm on 4 Ellen J., daughter of Marshall and Mary (Jackson) which he remained one year; and again selling out,.% Macklin. She died Oct. 31, i868, of typhoid fever, he returned to Isabella County and settled on 80,, leaving three children: Ida, born March i, i860; acres on section 7, Coe Township, which he had preNellie, March 15, I86I; and Marshall, June 17, viously purchased. Here he erected good buildings, I863. His second marriage occurred in Ontario, and improved about 65 acres, residing on the place Can., March I7, 1870, to Elizabeth, daughter of Mal- until February, 1882, when he sold again, and bought colm and Agnes (Cameron) Malloy, natives respect- 40 acres on section i6, where he now resides. He ively of Scotland and Canada. Mrs. Broomfield has 30 acres under cultivation. was born April I, 1840. Three of six children born He was first married in the State of Vermont, Oct. } of this marriage are living: Catherine, April I, i87I; 8, I849, to Louisa Gleason, a native of Waterbury, Neil, Jan. I4, I873; and Archibald, July 3, I875. Vermont. They had one daughter, Louisa C., who A portrait of Mr. Broomfield is given in this work, died Oct. io, 1878, nearly 28 years old. His first appearing on a page in proximity. wife dying Nov. ii, I85o, he was again married, in Waterbury, July 12, i856, to Cornelia V., daughter of I Daniel and Betsey (Williams) Woodward, natives of Vermont. Mrs. Hoy was born in Vermont, July 9, ').ichard.oy, farmer on secn 6, 832. To this union have been born four children: l t X i - ichard Hoy, farmer on section i6, Coe {| ~ '~ -l o, farmer on section ~6, oe Annie A., Mary C., Fred R. and Frank P. 1 Township, is a son of Patrick and Cathe- Annie A, Mary C, Fred R. and Frank P. p4 Mr. Hoy has been Township Clerk two years, Su__. rine (Pentleton) Hoy, natives of Meath Co., Mr has been lerk rs Su Irland The parents came to the United pervisor two years and School Inspector several terms. Ireland. The parents camne to the United * s i a\ f He has also served the county with credit. He was;? < States in 1827, and settled first in Vermont,.. =::, elected the first County Treasurer of Isabella County, and later in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where and later n St. Lawrence Co., N.Y, wherserving one term. He held the office of Probate they lived until their death. He departed this life r o Supt of. -ju.. dge four years, and was also Superintendent of the > in May, I857, and she, Feb. 28, I857. Their family,.. Poor for two terms. Politically he is a supporter of included seven sons and four daughters, Richard Democratic principles, and he is a member of the l! being the youngest son. M ic Masonic Order. He was born in Ireland, March 8, 1827, and was brought in infancy by his parents to this country. At the age of seven, he was taken by his sister Margaret, with whom he lived two years, and he then lived for. gjf hauncey Kyes, farmer on section 6, Coe r( seven years on a farm with a man by the name of Township, is a son of James and Cas- Jenison. Next, for one year he was employed in a g sandana (Williams) Kyes, natives of New iwoolen mill at Ogdensburg, N. Y. He then went to York and Vermont. The parents first settled Burlington, Vermont, and was employed in a mill in Royalton, Genesee Co., N. Y. In I830 from 1846 to i860, at the expiration of which time he they came to Calhoun Co., Mich., where they took a trip through the New England States, visiting died, she in the summer of 1871 and he Jan. i6, 1876. different mills. His next enterprise was a grocery at Their family comprised five sons and four daughters, Winooski Falls, Vermont, which he conducted one Chauncey being the eldest son.,A year. Selling out, he removed to Clinton Co., N. Y., He was born while his parents resided at Royalton, where he was employed in a mill about one year. In April 8, 1823, and was seven years old when the 1 1852, he went to California, in search of gold and family removed to Michigan. His father being in health, remaining on the Pacific slope until Novem- meager circumstances, and having a large family, 1'?-l / ber, I855. He then returned to the East, arriving in Chauncey was early expected to contribute to his ' Isabella County the following month, and taking up own maintenance. At the tender age of eight, he 4 120 acres on section i6, Coe Township. He built a began to drive cattle 'and perform such other light / log house and frame barn and shed, and continued work as he could get to do. At 15, he commenced vve uum\)E —i~^ *: S.~ i *\ISABELL4 IikTAO k'Aaa working by the month for others, often visiting his parents in the meantime. When 21 years old, he entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad, with which he remained for three years. He bought 40 acres of land in Calhoun County, on which his father settled, and retained it five years, when he gave it to his father. He then bought a farm in Jackson County, which he worked for three years, and then sold, being unfortunate in his health. In the fall of 1856 he came to Isabella County, bought 40 acres on section 6, Coe Township, to which purchase he soon added 40 acres more. He at once built a log house and set about making for himself a home. At the present time he has 50 acres under cultivation. He was first married in Jackson Co., Mich., Oct. 14, i844, to Huldah Wright, a native of New York. Mrs. K. died April 20, 1864, having been the mother of three children,-Marvin H., Warren M, and Ida L., all of whom are deceased. Mr. K. was again married in Chippewa Township, this county, Feb. 3, 1870, to Catherine Jane Oathout, a native of New York. She died June I5, I879, and Dec. 23, I882, he married for his present wife Alta L., daughter of Henry D. and Margaret E. (Mudge) Rice, natives of Vermont and Michigan, respectively. Mrs. K. was born in Leslie, Ingham Co., Mich., July I8, 1864. Mr. Kyes has been Constable one year. Highway Commissioner five years, and politically supports the Republican party.. ohn L. Nichols, farmer, section 22, Nottawa Township, is a son of William H. and Sophia D. (Otto) Nichols. The fatherwas X ] born in Columbia Co., N. Y., of Holland parentage, and died in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 882; and the latter was of the people known as Pennsylvania Germans, was born in New York State, and died in Wayne County, N. Y., in I878. The subject of this biography was born in Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 4, I852, and lived with his parents until he attained his majority. He came to Isabella Township, this county, in the fall of i876, and for two years taught school in the Government's Indian school at Nipissing. In the fall of 1879, he li C O -_/ — ^ 4 COUNTY. 363 S took up his residence on his present farm of 40 acres S purchased in the summer of 1877. He has about H eight acres improved. In I883 he purchased 40 -:, acres more in partnership with his brother. He was married March 5, I872, at Rose Valley, Wayne Co., N. Y., to Miss Anna M. Stewart, daughter of John and Jane (Graham) Stewart, natives respectively of Canada and Ireland. Both parents are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have four children of their own: Fritz G., born Sept. 24, 1873; Roy Eugene, June 2, I878; Patience, Feb. 8, i880; and Hope Eunice, April 7, 1883; and one adopted,; daughter, Cora Ellen Sixbury, born Sept. 8, 1871. c A ewis Richards, farmer, section 36, Gilmore Township, was born Oct. 4, 1844, in Green v M Bay, Wis., and is the son of Julian and Margaret (Satemaux) Richards, natives of Wisconsin. At the early age of eight years Mr. Richards commenced life on his own responsibility. He became a clerk in a store at Fort Howard, Brown Co., Wis., and remained in that business until he was 15 years old, when he went to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and was employed in a blast furnace in the Lake Superior region three years, engaged in melting iron. While there the civil war broke out and he became a soldier. He enlisted Aug. 2, 1862, in the 23d Mich. Vol. Inf., and was mustered out in February, I863, on account of physical inability. His command was attached to the Western Division of the army and Mr. Richards was in very little-active service. On receiving his discharge he went to Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, where he worked two years by the month as a farm laborer. He spent the subsequent five years working by the day. In the fall of I868 he came to Isabella County and settled upon a tract of land he had purchased in i866. It comprised 80 acres of land, and 40 acres are now under advanced improvement. Mr. Richards has spent Ii years on his farm and three years in the south of Michigan, variously occupied. He was married July 4, i868, to Sarah Matilda, daughter of John A. and Betsey E. (Sones) Harriott. She was born Oct. 27, I856. Five of eight children *~"1,-''' ";.a i.`.: '1." D'-' ' ssqS I o an crl'Sr Hn ~ L_liL7Xi*: BHB~ ~~';i c, a~ra 61bl Die- 7t -- at u 1 o^r- ^i — *-^ v|X. 364 ISABELLA COUNTY.. 1 born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards are living. Their then worked the ensuing summer in Livingston Coun- p ' record is as follows: Eva Estella, born Sept. io, ty. Returning to Isabella County, he was employed.' 1I876; Lulia 0., March 30, I878; Catherine 0., July from 1863 to 1867 in the woods and in farming. In 2, 1879; John A., April 25, i881; Ernest J., July December of the latter year he bought 80 acres of 3! 23, 1883; Isabella was born April 24, I870, and died wild land on section 34, where he has since resided. A May i8, I873; Mary E., born Sept. 4, i874, died He has under cultivation 40 acres. Besides his farm, Feb. 4, I875; Nellie Belle, born Jan. 13, 1875, died he now owns in this county 107 acres, mostly pine. March 13, I876.' He was first married in Coe Township, this county, Mr. Richards was the first Township Treasurer of Oct. 23, 1864, to Laura A., daughter of Jacob and Gilmore and has been School Moderator. He is in- Eliza E. (Liddle) Middaugh, natives of the State of dependent in local politics and affiliates with the New York. Mrs. Miles was born in Eaton Co., } Republican party on public matters. He has been a Mich., Oct. i8, I845, and bore to her husband four ' local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church children, named Florence M., Charlie I., John G. | during the last three years. and Winona V. His wife dying Oct. i8, I881, Mr. 1-',~, I IV ". r" I, I.,y*,^ - i. J h,.$ * l illiam Miles, farmer on section 34, Chippewa Township, is a son of David and ~ Ellen (Marooney) Miles, natives, he of Ireland and she of the State of Michigan, though of Irish parentage. The parents settled first in Redford, Wayne Co., Mich., where they lived till the mother's death, Aug. 15, I847. The Miles was again married, at Salt River, this county, Dec. 2, I882, to Addie, daughter of Peter and Isabella (Donald) Hollenbeck, natives of Canada and Scotland. Mrs. Miles was born in Canada, March 24, I861. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner two years. Politically, he has always supported the Republican party, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. _n ~y r -- father owned a valuable tract of land near Detroit, but after his wife's death he became discouraged and., led a sort of roving life. Losing his property and eorge W. Ruthruff, farmer on section 31, his friends, he died, in Livingston Co., Mich., about 11 Broomfield Township, is a son of David 1873. Their four children were named John, Daniel, |. and Nancy (Trayer) Ruthruff, natives of William and Bridget. Pennsylvania. The father was born in 1799, The subject of this biography was born in Wayne and died in 1858, in Branch Co., Mich. The Co., Mich., Aug. 15,. 844, and was three years old mother was born in I805, and died in I87I, when his mother died. The children were kept to- while living with a daughter in St. Joseph Co., Mich.: gether about five years, when William went to De- The subject of this outline was born Oct. 2, 1834, troit to live with his grandfather, with whom he had in Niagara Co., N. Y., and lived at home until of age, a good home until able to care for himself. At the receiving a little schooling. Attaining his majority age of 12 or I3 he went to work for a farmer at $3 he left home and worked on a farm by the job. In per month. He labored three months, but receiving i858, in Branch Co., Mich., he married Miss Ann no wages he left the place with only three cents in E., daughter of Michael and Ann E. (Cooper) Blass, his pocket, with which, boy-like, he bought a fish- natives of New York. Mrs. R. was the second hook and line. Going to Livingston Co., Mich., he daughter of a family of five children, four of whom worked out by the month four and a half years, four are yet living, and was born June I6, 1842. years with one man. During this time he had the Eleven years after his marriage, Mr. R. went to privilege of attending school during the winter sea- the State of Nebraska, where he lived two years. sons. He then lived in Branch County, this State, until 4g ) In October, I862, he came to this county and was I868, when he came to this county and located on e2 occupied in hunting until the following spring and 80 acres on section 31, Broomfield. He has now 45 Now I I I~, I r A 4 ~ 1 - K, V.'-. A > ISABELLA (^ c n a~' -''-'i"~ on"FnM i- --— <, v~| COUNTY. 367 I I { acres in a creditable state of improvement. In 1881 f he erected his substantial barn. He is intending: soon to erect a new dwelling. The family circle includes five children, three sons and two daughters, born as follows: Mary R., March 14, I859; Elmer M., Jan. io, I862; Nellie M., July i8, i868; Clarence E., Nov. 6, 1874; and Uriah J., April 25, I877. Politically, Mr. R. is a supporter of the Democratic party. He was elected Highway Commisr sionerin I880 and i88I. 1 3.. e rrin E. Ford (deceased) was a farmer, re| sided on section 13, Fremont Township, and was born July 22, 1832, in North Madison, Lake Co., Ohio. His parents were Dexter and Lucy (McKinstry) Ford. The father was born Sept. 13, 1805, in Massa-: chusetts, and was a machinist by occupation. The: mother was born in the same State, Jan. 12, 1803. The parents lived in Lake Co., Ohio, and there ^ reared a family of three children, Clorinda R., Orrin E. and Reuben D. The father died in Lake Co., Ohio, and the mother died in Hillsdale Co., Mich., in I855. Orrin E. Ford, the subject of this biographical notice, was reared under the parental roof-tree and received the advantages afforded by the common schools. He remained with his parents until the breaking out of the late civil war, when he enlisted / in Co. B, First Mich. Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the seven-days battle before Richmond (commonly known as the battle of the Wilderness), and was there wounded by having two fingers shot off. He was then sent to Washington, and, becoming indisposed, was sent to the hospital. He remained in the latter place for some time, when he was sent to Philadelphia, where he remained for six months, and was then discharged on account of disability, having contracted a chronic disease. After his discharge, Mr. Ford came to this State and lived with his family in Hillsdale County, for two years. He then moved to this county and located A on section 24, Fremont Township. He entered on i the task of improving his land, determined to make it a permanent home for himself and family, and after laboring- for I8 months on the farm passed to the land beyond the grave, his death occurring Aug. 29, I869. Mr. Ford was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Pease, Dec. 31, 1855. She is a daughter of Henry and Nancy (Scott) Pease, natives of New York, and was born in Washtenaw County, this State, May 5, I837. The father was born Oct. 6, i805, and died Nov. 22, 1875, in Isabella County, this State, and the mother was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 81 2. They were father and mother of six children, one boy and five girls, and only one of each sex survives. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are the parents of three children, all girls, namely: Josephine C. A., born Dec. I, i858, in Hillsdale County, this State, and is the wife of Henry L. Brainard; Jennie J. A., born Feb. 10, I86i, in Woodbridge, Hillsdale County, and is the wife of Stephen Moody; Lucy C. S. was born Feb. I, I866, in this county. The father was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church while living, and the mother is and has been a member of and an active worker in the same Church for a number of years. eorge W. Cole, general farmer, section Io, Lincoln Township, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, I842. His parents, Benjamin and Eunice (Calkins) Cole, were natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania, of English ancestry. His father was a farmer and died in this county, in June, 1876, and his mother is still living, in Union Township. This family moved first to Ohio, and four years later to Allen Co., Ind., where for I2 years young George worked with his father on the farm and attended school. In August, i866, they moved to the present homestead, then an unbroken wilderness. They took possession of a quarter of section o0. Subsequently, Mr. George W. Cole bought half of this of his father, of which he now has 70 acres in a high state of cultivation; he also has erected several good farm buildings, and made other improvements. Politically, Mr. C. is a staunch Republican. He has held the office of Township Clerk, Cpmmissioner d s. *'*- 4*I - I= c< cr= -1 (; 'V.,\.. I I r, AIN w i i~,,i --- ~ —~ID i,i ---- dibuu .. a r, CI i, "\ d a', Q 111-l ---[< 368 ISABELLA of Highways, and other offices. In religion, he, as well as his wife, is a Seventh-Day Adventist.,1 Aug. 12, I866,in Allen Co., Ind., Mr. Cole mart ried Miss Rebecca J., daughter of Samuel A. and Margaret'(Burrell) Watters, natives of Ohio, where also Mr. C. was born, April 23, 1849, in Crawford County. She was two years old when the family moved to Allen Co., Ind., where she grew up and was educated. Mr. and Mrs. C. are the parents of six children, all of whom are living, namely: Harriet A., born July 3, I868; Warner S., Dec. 13, 1870; Rosetta M., July 23, 1873; Vernon D., Feb. 12, 1874; Joseph W., Sept. 15, 1879; and Elmer M., April 23, 1883. Mr. Cole's portrait appears on a preceding page. go 0^ -- ----—.^aa(~V^ COUNTY. 'N (I* I I. *}~.I, r~ *e.. evi B. Van Decar, a prominent farmer, merchant and mill owner, residing on section 14, Nottawa Township, is a son of Funda and Lucy. (Bailey) Van Decar, natives of the State of New York. The father has been dead 29 years, and the mother lives at Ballston Spa, New York. The subject of this notice was born Sept. 12, 1848, at Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., and received an elementary education in the district schools. Growing up, he learned the brick-mason's trade, after which he removed to Macomb Co., Mich., in the year i868. He subsequently worked at his trade at Romeo, Imlay City, Oxford and Lapeer, and in I879 came to Isabella County. While living at Imlay, the family lost their dwelling house and contents by fire, -which calamity was repeated three years later at Oxford. Arriving in this county, he purchased 120 acres of land in Nottawa Township, to which farm 80 acres have since been added. About half his farm (ioo acres) is under ciltivation. He is now a general merchant and lumberman, as well as farmer, and in his store is the postoffice of Van Decar. He has a saw-mill, in which he first used a threshing-machine power; but his business having greatly enlarged, he has increased the capacity of his mill by putting in larger power. The village of Van Decar has been started four years. He has strong hopes that the Toledo & Ann Arbor Railroad will pass through the place. When Mr. Van D. first came to his present farm he built a log stable, in which he lived two months; then built a log house on the site of his present store. He opened his mercantile business with a $75 stock in a lintel in the back part of his house, and his wife attended the store while he cleared the land. He hauled the goods from Mt. Pleasant, with a pair of Indian ponies hitched to the hind wheels of a lumber wagon, taking 450 pounds at a load. The roads were so muddy that he had to unload five times between Mt. Pleasant and his destination. For the first few years his trade was principally with the Indians, bartering goods for furs. Mr. Van Decar tells that an Indian woman died on his place, of consumption, and describes the unique funeral. He furnished the boards for the coffin, which the woman's husband constructed in a rude fashion. The corpse was drawn in a wagon by oxen, the Indian husband driving! One child rode on one of the oxen, and another rode on the coffin! The burying took place in an Indian cemetery two miles north of Mr. Van D.'s corners, and lies on Mr. Frisbee's land. His Indian neighbors practiced many peculiar customs, one of which was that of holding war dances at corn-planting time, and also when the corn was large enough to roast, and again when it was harvested. They had a long tent, with curtains around the sides, but open above. They built a fire in the middle of the tent, and around this tent they danced. A box of tobacco was placed on either end, and the dancers would smoke when tired of the exercise. The dance would continue 24 hours, or " as long as the whisky lasted." Sept. 24. 188i (Sunday night), about midnight, Mr. Van Decar's house was destroyed by fire. He himself was sick at the time. His wife was aroused first, by hearing something burst in the store. Looking in, she saw it was all ablaze, although the roof had not yet fallen in. She wished to enter and save a part at least of the burning merchandise, but he held her back. A hired girl and a hired man who slept above were so stupefied with the smoke that they were awakened with great difficulty. The youngest child had a narrow escape. Mrs. Van Decar had scarcely handed him to Mr. Van D. when a large brand of ii t,, _: I;~ I= if \/ C,!, ( (1 A..). k. e;. Of,,;i.,- /. z ~ 1. i;it ~ ja a U -- - -"; '. --- ^ " i eISABELLI A.., i j a fire fell upon the bed where he had just lain! They ~ had an insurance of $800, and their net loss was $2,180. In May, 1882, Mr. Van D. drew up a petition for a postoffice, and forwarded the same to Washington. 7d The Postmaster-General replied that if he would establish a route the Government would let a contract for the same. Mr. Van Decar carried the mail twice a week to Mt. Pleasant for six months, and Mr. Schubauck did the same for three months, free of ex X penses. The Government did as promised. He was married Feb. 15, 1871, to Nancy H., i youngest daughter of Erastus Day, of Armada 1 Township, Macomb County. She was born Sept. I, I85i. Two sons have been added to the family circle: Harry D., born June I2, 1872, in Lapeer County, and Frank, born at Oxford, May I8, 1879. Mr. Van Decar is politically a Republican. He has been Township Clerk one term. Both he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. 'R -'o<(i) S:' I harles Barden, farmer on section 14, Coe:::: _ Township, is a son of William and Sophia {C" 0 (Norton) Barden. The parents lived first a in New York State, then in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, next in Jackson County, this State, and finally in Ingham County, where they died. Their son Charles was born in Ohio, July i8, I830, and was four years old when the family removed to this State. Leaving home at the age of 17, he worked out by the month at farming until 20 years old, and then bought a farm in Ingham County, which he worked until the fall of I862. He then sold his Ingham County property, and came to, Isabella County and bought 80 acres of wild land on sec13, Coe Township. He afterward exchanged this for another 80 acres on the same section, and bought 40 acres on section I4, where he now resides. He has now 70 acres under cultivation. He was married in Ingham County, Oct. 29, 1849, to Jeannette, daughter of Hiram and Mary (Gerard) Austin, natives of the State of New York. She was born in Jackson County, this State, April 23, 1833, and is the mother of two children,-Lavant P. and Nora S. Mr. B. has been School Assessor of his district for 4 COUNTY. 369 I9 consecutive years. Politically, he votes with and 9 works for the Republican party. His wife is a mem- ( ber of the Disciples' Church. -i-.s - e — I 1illiam Swanston, farmer, section 7, Wise e Township, was born March 15, T85I, in ' Glasgow, Scotland. His parents, John -, and Elizabeth (Beck) Swanston, were also ) natives of the capital city of Scotland, and emigrated with their family to Canada, where the mother died and where the father still resides. Mr. Swanston has been a resident of the United States since he was one year old: He continued to reside at home until the age of 20 years, when he came to Detroit. He remained there a year, and in I872 came to Isabella County, and has since been engaged in farming and lumbering. His estate comprises 200 acres in Wise Township and 80 acres in Vernon Township, and he has o09 acres cleared and otherwise improved. In political sentiment Mr. Swanston is a Republican. He was married Oct. 21, I876, in Canada, to Annie Wilson, who was born in the Dominion, April 24, I859. James A. and John A. are the names of their two children. Mrs. Swanston is a member of the Presbyterian Church.; oseph B. Fox, farmer, section 8, Fremont i Township, is a son of William and Ellen (nee Bird) Fox. The father is a native of;Z England and was there born May i, 1795, and the mother was born on the Emerald Isle, in 182i. The father followed the occupation of a farmer in his native country, and emigrated to the New World in the year 1829. He landed at New York city and from there moved to Hastings Co., Can., where he now resides, aged 87, and the mother 63 years. Joseph B. Fox, the subject of our biographical notice, was born in Hastings Co., Can., Dec. 23, 1842. He was reared on the farm, assisting his father and receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools of the country, until he attained the age of 6 years. On arrival at this age in life, he 1F I,11'I / i, Ir dr ~\>' _=~ X =if e. 3C5=\ I_ hi I \ Air Is "Al I N a~.,.. illrr.l 'E''g~ icl:Inn:a:aa~~ m c\'P i. 'M c \ca, 't --- I, ---( v:auc ns-) ---e --- 9sat, 370 ISABELLA COUNTY. / launched his life-boat on the sea of events and went his parents until 15 years old. He was then employ- k forth to battle against the trials of life alone. He ed by the month on farms in New York and Michigan.?( worked as a common laborer, for a gentleman in the until 874. He came to Isabella County in March, neighborhood for I6 months, at $8 per month, and 1875, and bought 40 acres of land on section 7, Coe afterward followed various occupations until I865; Township, where he has since resided. He has now i and during that year he came to this county and nearly all his land under cultivation.; stopped at an old lumber camp, the property of a He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 25, Mr. Whitney, of Detroit. He worked at this camp I874, to Josephine, daughterof Robert and Annis during the winters and in the summers worked on (Hunt) Bullis, natives of the State of New York. a farm in the neighborhood. In 1870 he purchased Mrs. Irish was born in Livingston Co., Mich., May 82 acres of land on section 8, Fremont Township, 27, 1852. She and her husband have had two chilthis county. There were ten acres of this land i-t- dren, of whom one died in infancy. Roy C. was born proved at the time of purchase, and at the present April 17, I882. Mr. Irish is a member of the Ma- ~ time Mr. Fox has 65 acres of his farm in a good sonic fraternity, and is a supporter of the Republican state of cultivation. He built a large barn on the party. I I land in 1875 and the following year erected a fine house. His accumulations are but the reward of honest, energetic labor, and his success entitles him to a position among the progressive farmers of his township. Mr. Fox was wedded to the lady of his choice, Miss Jane Bushel, April 17, I87 I. She was born in Hastings Co., Can., in I847, and was the daughter of William and Mary (Bird) Bushel, natives of Ireland. The father died some 25 years ago, and the mother is still residing in Hastings County. The husband and wife are the parents of five children, namely: Martha E., born Dec. 3, I872; Mary E., born April 8, 1875; William W., born Oct. 12, 1877: Effie J., born May I2, 1879; Minnie E., born Jan. 22, 1882. Politically, Mr. Fox is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Socially, he r,,1 s 'i ar - rir o * g_ io 2 - ohn A. Harris, cashier in the banking house of Brown, Harris & Co., at Mt. Pleasant, was born Sept. 23, i842, in London, England. He is the son of William and Sarah (Heath) Harris, and his parents were born respectively in Cornwall and London. His father was a provision merchant in the city of London some years, and in 1852 came to America with his family, consisting of his wife and five children. He settled in Montcalm Township, Montcalm Co., Mich., where he bought 40 acres of land, and there resided until the spring of 1854, when he died. His family made that their home until i866. The farm was all improved and in the best possible agricultural condition, when they moved to a farm they purchased in the north ) Is a memDe Elm Hall. _ _ ell esee County where she d last years wi The subje County, this r L1 tne wasonmc urcer, Lodge NO. 257,.. part of the township, which contained 200 acres of land. The father died in the city of New York, hav-: ^ —z —,,..^.^^ c- ing left home on business. William E. Harris, eldest child, and Henry G. Harris, fourth in order of birth, are both millers at Mt. Pleasant. Sarah A., lington Irish, farmer on section 7, Coe third child, is now Mrs. Warner Churchill. Charlotte 'ownship, is a son of Smith and Ann E. M. (Mrs. Lorenzo Kent) is the youngest born of Rice) Irish, natives of New York State the family. The husbands are both millers at Mt. Connecticut. The parents settled in Gen- Pleasant. Co., Mich., and afterwards in Shiawassee Mr. Harris is the second child of his parents and S. Thence they returned to New York, remained with them until 1872, when he came to, ied, May 15, 1862. He is spending his Mt. Pleasant, and, in company with his elder brother, (/ ith his son Wellington, in this county. built the Mt. Pleasant flouring mills, which are still *ct of this notice was born in Genesee under their control. They do merchant and custom State, June 20, I848, and remained with work, and their mill has a manufacturing capacity of _ --- __ n in > --- -_-__ L.< i ' " "~. ^s I IMISSING- PAG-E IMISSING PAG-E 39Vd ONISSIIN MISSING PAGE i|@< ^ —^e^ -r; oa~uuT — i — - ^~v( a ISABELLA COUWNTY. 375 -I - -.. M, 4.1 I in " a I,, ~i""!A~ j,'-. bI Ioo barrels of flour daily. They are also engaged in heavy transactions in grain and ship to various points. The banking house of Brown, Harris & Co. was organized and commenced operations Jan. 12, 1883, and in March of the same year, Mr. Harris withdrew from active supervision of his milling interests to assume the position of cashier, and hascontinued to discharge the duties of that office. The business of the house is similar in character to like institutions, and is thriving and prosperous. Mr. Harris owns his residence and a half-interest in 30 acres of land attached to the mill. His marriage to Catherine Holmden occurred May 31, 1872, at Greenville, Montcalm County. She was born in Grand Rapids, and is the daughter of George and Hester Holmden. Cassius A., Hester, Edwin 0. and John Glenn are the names of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris. -on. Samuel W. Hopkins, of Mt. Pleasant, s is a son of Samuel and Freelove Burlingame (Arnold) Hopkins. The father was born in Coventry, R. I., Jan. 10, 1803, the son of Rufus and Amy (Shippee) Hopkins. Rufus Hopkins was the son of Esquire Samuel and Phebe (Case) Hopkins. Esquire Samuel Hopkins' father was Judge Samuel Hopkins, who was the son of Joseph Hopkins. The last named married a daughter of Edward Whalley, one of the regicide judges who fled from England upon the restoration of Charles II. Judge Whalley lived and is buried upon Hopkins' Hill, West Greenwich, R. I. It is from this ancestor that the subject of this biography takes his middle name, spelling it with but one " I," however. Most of the Hopkins family have been engaged in the great industry of Rhode Island,-cotton manufacturing. Mrs. Freelove Burlingame (Arnold) Hopkins was born in Warwick, R. I., Jan. 15, 1807, the daughter of Elijah and Sally (Gorton) Arnold. She was an only daughter, and had three brothers. Elijah Arnold was the I7th child of James and Freelove (Burlingame) Arnold, and James Arnold was the son of Thomas Arnold, who bought a square mile of land in Warwick, R. I., and divided it into six farms. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born on the middle one of these (on Cowesett road), known as Arnold's Square. Mrs. Sally (Gorton) Arnold, Mr. Hopkins' maternal grandmother, was the daughter of William and Sally (Whitford) Gorton. William Gorton was the son of Dr. Samuel Gorton, whose father was Samuel Gorton. This ancestor came to Massachusetts from England, and was called a heretic by the Puritans, who drove him from their colony. He bought a home of the Indians in Rhode Island and named it "Patuxet." He lived to be a centenarian. Samuel Hopkins, the father of Samuel W. Hopkins, lived in the towns of Coventry, West Greenwich and Exeter, R. I., until 1857, extensively engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods. He built several mills, and was a prominent man in his section of the country. The great financial panic of I857, which engulfed so many thousands in the vortex of ruin and which affected lo some degree every business man in the United States, was the end of his active business career. He had been a very energetic, shrewd man, of sanguine disposition and buoyant spirits, but this failure seemed to break his strength of mind. With the remnant of his means he bought 80 acres of land in Coventry, Conn., where he lived a retired life until his death, Feb. I9, I875. His family included nine children,-seven sons and two daughters. Seven of the nine lived to adult age. Samuel Whaley Hopkins, the youngest of the family, was born April i, I845, in Exeter, R. I., where he lived until the age 1 years. He was very precocious, being able to read and spell when but three years of age. He attended the district school in Exeter for some time before leaving that town. In 1856 the family moved to Coventry, Conn. Here he studied in the district school and also received private instruction from a Miss Mary K. Hutchinson. At the age of I5 he attended the Ellington Academy, and the following year the academy at Manchester. The ensuing winter he taught at Andover, then he spent the summer at home on the farm, and the next winter he taught at Willimantic, Conn. After another summer at home he was for a month or so at Charleston, S. C., selling boots and shoes for a brother, then went to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the Bryant & Stratton Business College. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Felton, resident Principal of the Bryant & Stratton school, and a Mr. Bigelow, estab I si/ 4Nt, I'll T re I Al.1 I- $ ', r1,C V2 'a" "- I" e,,, X;~t;i i i (B ''!~i Cr /" ftCi.Ifau8:;i! cst3- ct 1E Tcr,"' v .~ a^^ ^Ad - _.4-* u u X f c * ^',- -.^^ ii 376 ISABELLA COUNTY. lished the Union Business College, from which Mr. with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constit- q 1 Hopkins was graduated in the spring (I865). uents. While in Coventry, Conn., he was, at the age C4, 'He was at home the summer of that year, sold of 22, elected a member of the School Board, on books in the fall, and taught school near home in the both tickets, Democratic and Republican. He served T winter. The ensuing two years were spent partly at three years. In the early part of 1873 he was ap home and partly in selling books for Gurdon Bill pointed Clerk of Union Township, this county, to fill and Henry Bill, publishers. In the fall of I868 he a vacancy, and the same spring he was elected to taught a select school at Andover. He taught at to that position. He was twice re-elected Clerk, and Little Falls, N. J., the next two years. During he also served seven years as Justice of the Peace. the summer season he read law with Benezeret He also officiated a year or so as Deputy Township H. Bill, of Rockville, Conn. In the summerof 1870 Clerk, while holding the latter office. He was for } A he studied law at home, and in the fall he entered one term Superintendent of Schools at Mt. Pleasant, the Law Department of the Michigan University. and for three years Chairman of the Board of School He took a two years' course at that institution, study- Trustees. He was the first Village Attorney of Mt. ing in the summer of 187 with Hon. John M. Hall, Pleasant. of Willimantic, Conn. In I875-6 he served the county as Prosecuting,...*. e. I i, r.N I1 ~* n I i LA -.if xzl " 40i In He was graduated in March, 1872, and then visited at home for a few weeks, after which he located temporarily at Grand Rapids, this State. There he was admitted to the Bar, but he was principally occupied in settling the estate of a Mr. Gardner. While at Clare, Clare County, making collections for the estate, he met the Hon. I. A. Fancher, of Mt. Pleasant, who induced him to make Isabella County his future home. These two gentlemen were partners in the practice of law for three years. Mr. Hopkins was then for two years connected with Michael Deveraux. Commencing with Jan. r, 1875, his partner was, for nearly two years, Wade B. Smith. He then associated with himself Free Estee, who had formerly studied law with him. Mr. H.'s health having failed, principally from mental overwork in the Legislature, his business was looked after almost entirely by his partners, first Mr. Smith, then Mr. Estee. He spent two summers at Higgins Lake, Roscommon rCnintv nintr in t'hp wiantpr rf TRr-r7 elicitord 1>i' _I_ J - - - - - - - - - Attorney. During his term he literally reformed the village of Loomis, which had become infested with criminals and law-breakers. He was also instru- f mental in breaking up an organization known as the Knights of Agriculture, which had been formed for A proper purposes but which had drifted into the: management of bad men. He also defended the A county against an injunction brought by the authori- ' ties of Vernon Township (to which Clare county had Y been attached) in a matter involving a large sum of ~ tax money. He afterwards, in the Legislature, defended the county in a similar case against the counties of Mecosta and Midland, to each of which a moiety of Isabella County was formerly attached for municipal purposes. This matter brought on a hard-fought struggle of four weeks in the Legislature, and at every step Mr. Hopkins won. He was elected to the Legislature first in the fall % of I876, running against Henry H. Graves, and took I,* JL VItUL v aJ, 111 tL9A s k.J^ I^ xL V1 L-UU LiV13 his seat in January following. He was a member of, mother at Coventry, Conn., where he remained for the Committeeson Judiciary PublicLandsandLiquor six months. months.Traffic. During this session he introduced a bill The first of January, 1883, he formed his present making libel a crime. This measure passed the business cont ection with Daniel E. Lyon. They do House, but was killed in the Senate. In the fall of an extensive business in real estate, insurance and 1878 he was re-elected to the House, taking his seat ( loans. In i883 they loaned over $Ioo,ooo. They in January, 1879. He was at this time a member of (; represent i sound insurance companies, and do the the Committee on Judiciary, and Chairman (though * largest business in that line in the county. youngest member) of the most important committee -: Mr. Hopkins is politically a staunch Republican. of the session-Special Joint Committee on Taxa- (i He has always taken a deep interest in politics, and tion. In this he was associated with Messrs. Hall 7t) he has been and still is of great influence. He has Stanchfield, Ferguson and Kuhn, of the House, and 6; served his community in numerous official positions, three of the ablest members of the Senate,-J. W. _ _ _ 0, _ _,_ ,, ISABELLA (.... '! Childs, of Washtenaw, James V. Cochrane, of Midland, and George A. Farr, of Ottawa. They pre-.^ pared and introduced a bill reorganizing the tax t system of the State. This bill passed the House, but was lost in the Senate. The next year a commission was appointed by the Governor, which carried into effect the provisions of the law now in force, which are much like those in Mr. Hopkins' bill. Mr. Hopkins would have been sent to the Senate, but the failure of his health forbade his acceptance. He has been for the last six years Chairman of the::) Republican County Committee, and this position he now fills. In the fall of I882 he was unanimously nominated for the office of Prosecuting Attorney. Not desiring this position, he made no canvass, and his opponent, Charles T. Russell, was elected. In 1877 he was nominated for President of the Village. Mr. Hopkins platted an addition to Mt. Pleasant in 1874, on the south, known as "Hopkins' Addition." He was married at Jerusalem, N. Y., Dec. 10, I873,. to Miss Margaretta, eldest daughter of Rev. Dr. Edwin Vedder and Ida (Williams) Vedder. Dr. V. is a native of Schenectady, N. Y., and his wife, of New Jersey, and both live at Jerusalem, Albany Co., / N. Y. Mrs. Hopkins was born Feb. I, I846, at Littie Falls, N. J., and lived successively at that place, Berne, Middleburg, Gallupville, Schoharie and New Scotland. All these places but the first are in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have had one son, Herbert Vedder, born at Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 2I, I876, and died at Jerusalem, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1877. Mrs. H. is a Presbyterian, and Mr. H. is a member of the Unitarian Society, of which he has N been for two years Vice-President. In 1884, Mr. Hopkins was chosen Alternate to the Chicago Convention that nominated Blaine and Logan. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are presented on other pages of this work. ^ g.i j -- ^ 2 — X CO UNT Y. 377 The subject of this biography was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., May I, 1817, and was quite young when his parents removed to Ontario County. He received:, a common English education, and assisted largely T in the support of his parents, especially in their declining years. He remained in Ontario County till about 1867, and then lived for two years in the State of Wisconsin. In February, I870, he came to Isabella County and bought 53 acres of land in Coe Township, where he has since resided, having now 26 acres improved. He was married at Richmond, Ontario Co., N. Y.,. May 9, I852, to Ellis, daughter of Thomas and Jane. (Skeldon) Todd, natives of England and Canada. a, _ -...- -> I. Mrs. Hall was born in Canada, April 4, I834. She and her husband have had born to them a family of nine: Mary A., Aug. i, 1853; Carrie J., Oct. 31, 1855 (died April i6, I874, at the age af I8); Olive E., May i8, 1858; Phebe E., May 14, I86o; Emma J., Oct. 30, 1862; Ella A. and Nellie I. (twins), March i8, 1865; William T., May 21, 1867; Lillie E., May I2, I870. Politically, Mr. H. is a Democrat. ~ enry Burr, farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, Lincoln Township, and one of the lead/P3 ing and representative men of the county, was born in Plymouth, Wayne County, this State, Aug. 3i, 1837. The parents of Mr. Burr were Ambrose and Mary (Jones) Burr, natives of Connecticut and of English and Welsh descent. The father claimed a close connection to the Quakers who settled in New England. He was a farmer and ir3 ( \, S= r' p W a@ * e>. _i Xt ( *' A: drover in the New England States and came from A: there to this State and located in Wayne County when the same was but little settled and the hand of improvement was hardly visible. He now makes his hnme with nir Slhjbict. aged 7 vears T-Ti mother.- —.-o<( < died in this county Jan. 15, 1876., Henry lived at home in his native county until he A iram T. Hall, farmeron section 9, CoeTown- was I8 years of age. He was engaged in assisting, ship, is a son of Thomras and Annie (Ral — his father on the farm and received the advantages;"" ston) Hall, natives of the United States and s of te Us afforded by the common schools. On arriving at that Ireland respectively. The parents settled in age he went to work by the month, which he continued."I Cayuga Co., N. Y., afterwards removing to On- for two years, and until the breaking out of the late ) tario County, where they died, he Dec. 6, 1857, war. He then enlisted in Co. H, First Mich. Cav., K and she Nov. 7, 1866, nearly nine years afterward. Col. 'Broadhead, and was assigned to the Army ~ ^*^*j '00iK'g,^ 378 ISABELLA COUNTY '. of the Potomac. He participated in three general has lately erected a residence on the farm, costing (f engagements, namely: second battle of Bull Run him $2,200, and his hearthstone is surrounded with r - (Aug. 30, 862), Gettysburg (July I, 2, 3, 1863) and peace, plenty and happiness. Mrs. Burr is connected,' Winchester, Va. (Sept. 19, I864). He also partici- with the Methodist EpiscopalChurch. a pated in many other smaller battles and skirmishes, Politically, Mr. Burr is inclined to the principles in which his company was engaged. At the battle of and doctrines of the Republican party. He held the Gettsyburg he was wounded by a ball crushing the office of Supervisor in 1879, also Justice of the Peace joint of the index finger of the left hand. He was and other minor offices of his township. promoted Commissary Sergeant early in 1863, and Dec. 31, I863, he re-enlisted.At Winchester he was again wounded, this time by a gunshot breaking the arm above the wrist. He was; finally discharged for disability, at St. Louis, Mo., illiam B. Bo wen, farmer on section I6, June 15, I865. Coe Township, is a son of James and Jane? June 5, 865. (Westfall) Bowen, natives of Rhode Island After his discharge from the service Mr. Burr came (W tfa) e n, naties of Rh de Island to this State, and Feb. 19, i866, in Washtenaw and New Jersey. The parents settled.,. 7'.,.. - ' Bradford Co., Pa., and afterwards removed to County, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice D., C, ad r d -,. Oswego, N. Y., where he died. She died in daughter of William A. and Elizabeth (Skidmore)swego Y where he ded he ded Jones, natives of Genesee Co., N. Y., and of Welsh oe Township, Aug. 15, I879, at the advanced age parentage. Alice D. was born in Dexter, Washtenaw of 88. County, this State, Feb. 8, 1842. She lived under Their family comprises Ii children. William B.,.T^ a.tily Pfcn wn hnrn in.Rrf rl rno Pi Tinm I 1, II the parental roof-tree, assisting her mother until the latter's death in her household duties, and attending the common schools of the county, until her marriage ^ to Mr. Burr. Her mother died when she was 15 years of age, and she kept house for her father, improving her leisure moments with study. Her education was not neglected, and her refinement is indicative of what energy and determination may accomplish. Mr. and Mrs. Burr are the parents of four children, one of whom is deceased. The living are, Amy H., born Sept. I3, I868; Elmer W., Feb. 8, I873; Cora X C., Aug. 19, I880; Edith M., born April 9, 1867, and died April 29, 1871. One vear after marriage Mr. Burr moved to Tack I LIC CA1C3ZL Z buI) W.a3 Lj 11 lU i l U I ui UIU 1 ~ d. J Ul \ 28, I8I5. He received a rudimentary English education in the common schools, and at the age of i6 went out to work by the month, which he did until he was 25 years old. He then rented a farm in Monroe Co., N. Y., for two years, and then another farm in the same county for one year, when he came to Columbus, Ohio, and was for a year overseer in a mill. In I843 he came to Lenawee Co., Mich., and bought a farm, which he worked a year and then sold. He built a house in Adrian, in which he lived four years, his occupation being teaming and lumbering. He afterwards bought and sold several farms in that county. In October, I854, he came to Isabella County and took up 80 acres of Government r.Ar f, at - son County, this State, where he remained for two d on secton oe To hip. He built a log years and then removed to Pontiac, Oakland Co., house, and returned to Lenawee County for his where he engaged in the dairy business. While in family, who came on in February of the following this he milked 44 cows and supplied more than 60 year. After four years' residence, he removed East families with milk. with his family, with the purpose of educating his In the winter of 1869 Mr. Burr removed to this children, and lived I2 years in Tioga Co., Pa., enT county and purchased 80 acres of heavily timbered gaged in lumbering and in mercantile pursuits. He ( land, on section 30, Lincoln Township. He ex- sold his Isabella farm in I860. In I870, he returned? perienced the obstacles and trials of the early pio- to this county and bought 40 acres on section I6, neer, but with a firm faith in the future developmentwhere henow resides. Nearly all of this farm is of the county and an abundance of determination, now under cultivation. he overcame them all and has at the present time 70 Dec. 2, I840, in Monroe Co., N. Y., he was united acres of his land in a good state of cultivation. He in marriage with Sarah H., daughter of Elisha and -BX~)^ ->- -; —GuI --- —-I — - ^ i5};V Ns l"l I ISABELLA W) ===I COUNTY. 381 I - =,, 14 i Rosina (Lawrence) Stewart, natives of Rensselaer Co., N. Y. She was born in Sweden, Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, i8i8. Of their six children, only two survive,-Eugene S. and Rosina J. The deceased are Alice C., Emma R., Delphine and Emeline R. Mr. B. was the first Supervisor of Coe Township, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1857. He has been Highway Commissioner three years, Drain Commissioner three years and a school officer two years. He is a Good Templar, and a strong temperance man. He is a Republican, and with his (: wife belongs to the Baptist Church. Of this religious? society, he has been for i6 years Deacon, and is i now Clerk and Treasurer. arvey J. Koons is a farmer on section 22, Deerfield Township. His father, George -~ Koons, was a native of Pennsylvania, and:%. died in April, I853. His mother, Chloe (Weifi mer) Koons, also a native of the Keystone State, is still living, in Athens, Athens Co., Ohio. In the last named county, Dover Township, Harvey J. was born. When 23 years of age, he came with his mother and step-father to this county, arriving May 29, I864, and settling on his present farm, where he has lived ever since, with the exception of about six years in Saginaw and Ohio. He once exchanged the farm for a house and lot in Ovid, Clinton County, this State, but shortly afterward exchanged again, taking possession of his present place a second time. March 23, i868, on the "Mission Farm," by Father Sheldon (a missionary to the Indians), Mr. Koons was married to Mrs. Louisa, widow of Harris H. Caldwell, and the children since born to them are: Frank Ami, born Jan. 12, 1869; and Lucy Lillian, Aug. 23, 1875. Mrs. K., whose maiden name was Boyden, was born Oct. Io, I836, in Macomb Co., Mich., and when four or five years old moved with her parents to Dryden, Michigan, where, io or 12 years afterward, June i8, I854, she was married, and moved to Volga City, Clayton Co., Iowa. Eight years afterward they moved to Maple Rapids, Mich., and one year later moved to this county, homesteading a quarter section of land in the township of Lincoln. Mr. Caldwell commenced working for I. E. Arnold, and during the ensuing winter was drowned in the Chippewa River, near the Bradley bridge. His children were, Herbert C., born Oct. 8, 1856, and Alice J., Aug. i, 1859. On the preceding page is a portrait of Mr. Koons, as that of a representative citizen of Isabella County. S nthony McKay, farmer and stock-raiser, - section 19, Lincoln Township, was born in Northumberland Co., N. B., on the Mira1 michi River, Nov. 22, i822. The parents of Mr. McKay were Donald and Zilpha (Rogers) McKay, natives of New Brunswick and of Scotch extraction. Mr. McKay's paternal grandfather was a member of the 74th Highlanders, a regiment the members of which, after serving against the rebellious colonies, settled in New Brunswick, on land given them by the king. Donald McKay's occupation was that of a lumberman, and he continued to follow the same in his native country until the time of his death. The mother is supposed to be still living, in California. Anthony lived at home, in New Brunswick, assisting his father in the maintenance of the family and attending, as time would permit, the common school, until he attained the age of 17 years. He spent the greater portion of his time until he had attained the age stated in " log-driving " on the St. John's River, and has driven them 300 miles. When 17 years of age he left home and engaged in the same occupation in Maine. He continued this in Maine for a period of I7 years, and during that time worked for the well known lumberman, E. G. Dunn, of that State, a portion of the time as manager of their drive. In the fall of I857, Mr. McKay came to this State and located in Gladwin County. While there he engaged himself to Newell Barnard & Co., lumbermen, eight miles above the mouth of the Tobacco River, and was in their employ until 1859, when he went to Gratiot County and worked for Joshua Dunn, of Seville Township. He afterward bought a tract of 300 acres bf land in that county, and in the year 1874 exchanged the same for 8o acres in this county, Lincoln Township, section 19. To this he has added 80 acres by purchase, and of the i60 he has 65 acres Il iI I. o...*, oy I \ J. _*h _wC *t. I i AI.j (., * 1 'S. ll. f,' i L ihj I 9 C. l)- afiN:1 s i,i-, V,., -, I 382 ISABELLA COUNTY. in a good state of cultivation. He has erected a after bought I60 acres of wild land on section 28, # ~ good residence and substantial barn on his land, Coe, but continued to reside at Salt River, on account ~ -' and has met with signal success in his agricultural of educational advantages, until July, I880. He then: affairs. moved on his farm, where he has since made his ' Mr. McKay was united in marriage in July,- 868, home. He has now 46 acres in a highly satisfactory in Gratiot Co., this State, to Miss L. Cranfield, a state of cultivation. native of the State of New York, where she was born He was married in Medina, Lenawee Co., Mich., Nov. I, I840. She is a member of the United Feb. 29, 1856, to Belinda, daughter of Jabez and Brethren Church. Mr. and Mrs. M. have two ad- Keziah (Birkhime) Jones, natives respectively of Viropted children, named Lydia and Phineas respect- ginia and Pennyslvania. She was born in Ross Co., ively. In politics Mr. B. is a supporter of and Ohio, March I6, 1832. Seven children have been believer in the principles of the Republican party. added to the household, of whom the following five V Alsurvive: Henry D., Hannah K., Mary C., Sarah 5 'i- | J. and Ella M. Abraham L. and Edward S. are i -3 $-~ t f-' deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Alvord are members of the Univer| Asalist Church. Politically, he has heretofore been a ccdward E. Alvord, farmer on section 28, d., Republican, but he now supports the National party. Coe Township, is a son of Justus and Hannah (Thorpe) Alvord, natives of the State of Massachusetts. The parents re_- C- - &,, r-...4 4_ T,, A s- 6 4N.Y r=B; moveda rom mte bay itate to New YorK, anc later settled in Williams Co., Ohio, where he died, Sept. 9, I868, and she July 31, I871. Their eight children were named: Mary, Hiranm B., David H., Justus H., Edward E., Nathan k., Eli L. and Henry D. The subject of this notice, the fourth son, was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., April I8, I831, and was ii years old when his parents removed to Ohio. He lived at home until 22 years old, then worked out by ackson Alexander, farmer, section 26, Coldwater Township, was born July 4, r827, in Washington Co., Pa., and is the son of John and Mary (Harden) Alexander, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. The father was born in March, 1797, and died April 27, I88I. The mother was born Nov. the month one year, and then for two years followed 30, I8oo, and died Jan 19, I884. In I829, the pardifferent occupations. Next, he bought a farm in ents removed to Jefferson Co., Ohio, where the faHillsdale County, where he lived four years. Rent- ther purchased a timbered tract, which he put in fair ing it for two years, he then returned to Williams agricultural condition, with the aid of his son, whose a: County and carried on his father's farm. He then labors were necessary to that work, and the main- WJ; lived on his own farm a year and a half, when he tenance of the family from a very early age, sold, went to Iowa and bought 320 acres of wild At i8 years of age, Mr. Alexander became his own land in Linn County. After two years' residence in master, and he went to Stark Co.. Ohio, where he the Hawkeye State, he returned to this State and spent three years as a farm laborer. In i854 he bought 80 acres in Pine River Township, Gratiot went to Elkhart Co., Ind., where he engaged in job County. He lived there I8 months, and in the work, both laborious and profitable. He was married,~f spring of I869 sold and removed to Salt River, this May 15, I856, to Louisa, daughter of John T. and county. Forming a partnership with Henry Struble, Nancy (Carpenter) Wilson. Her parents were natives.?, he opened a general provision store. of Ohio, where they passed their entire lives. Mr., XI 11 vX -,i.@ 'i I ~~, jgjW:-jl ---,.ij~i o0 —;r jlr rs Fg tl^A- — 7-?$ U '- X. 'e_ k> ISABELL-.r -~ I A fli; I~ ii house, barn, etc. He is one of the substantial farmers of this part of the country. Mr. Cowles' farm is known as " Maple Farm." He has a sugar grove of 775 trees, and uses the latest processes in the manufacture of the purest maple sugar. He has marketed 2,000 pounds in one season. His place is known far and wide, and is visited by people from every direction during the sugar-making season. Oct. 17, I867, at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Mr. Cowles married Miss Alvira M., a daughter of John and Sophronia (Harris) Manchester, natives of Rhode Island and New York. The former, whose father was a soldier in the Revolution, fought in the war of i8I2, and contributed four sons to his country's service in the late rebellion. He served in the 3oth U. S. I., and is one of the very few veterans of the second war with Great Britain who yet survive. He is 88 years old, is hale and hearty, and can jump up in the air and strike his feet together twice as well as any agile farmer's son. He served under Gen. Wade Hampton (grandfather of the present Senator from South Carolina), fought in the campaigns on the border of Canada, and participated in seven battles. He now lives at Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio. In his family were ten children, eight of whom are living. Alvira M. was born Aug. 6, I846, in Auburn, Geauga Co. Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Cowles have been born five children, four of whom are living, namely: Linnie A., Jan. 23, I869; John H., May Ii, 1871; Bert E., Dec. 20, I877; and Roy M., May 3, i880. Ray E., born Aug. io, 1875, died Aug. 9, I878. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. C. in politics 4 COUNTY. 389 of land in Coe Township, where he now resides. He has since added 37 acres to his farm, and now has? 40 acres under the plow. He was married in the county of his nativity, T Dec. 16, 1855, to Rhoda, daughter of James and. Hannah (Wilson) Fry, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Washington Co., Pa, April 20, 1833, and is the mother of six children,-Isasc N., James L., John H., Eliza B., Phebe H. and Samantha J. ' T __N/ L 1 r...... _ L —I -L Y_ - ___t I:_ ivLr. a. votes tne uemocratic ticKet, anc witn nis wife belongs to the United Brethren Church. - (I. i:/ " { I evi B. Quick, farmer on section 31, Coe Township, is a son of Ralph and Calista (Treat) Quick, natives respectively of Bucks Co., Pa., and Seneca Co., N. Y. The parents first settled in Oakland Co., Mich., and in I871 removed to Gratiot County. The mother died in Sumner Township, that county, in March, r882. Their family numbered 12, named as follows. Mary E., Nancy S., Charles, Levi B., Ellinor, Corrilla, Gustavus, Edwin 0., Frances, Walter, George S. and Lucy J. The subject of this sketch, the second son, was born in Lyon, Oakland Co., Mich., April 7, 1839. He received an elementary English education and lived at home until he attained his majority. He then worked out by the month for two years. He enlisted Aug 9, I862, in the 22d Mich. Vol. Inf., and served nearly three years. He was under fire often. and was in the terrible battle nf Chickra a is a Republican........ a mauga, where his regiment was all cut to pieces. He,:.._... received a severe wound by a minie-ball in the ): ':~ R d Township. Township, is a son of Archibald and Catheri When James S. was three years of age he was left ine (Lord) Grant. His father was born in 1814 a half orphan by his father's death, he having been in Evonshire, Scotland, and died in 877, in - thrown from a buggy by the horse becoming fright- Canada. His mother was born in I819, in Ireened and running away. He lived with his mother land, and died in 1879, in Canada. and brothers in his native county, doing his share Their son, Lewis Grant, was born March 15, 1840, toward the maintenance of his family and attending in Scotland, and lived with his parents until 22 years the common schools, until he attained the age of 22 of age. Coming to America with them, he worked years. first for two years in the lumber woods of Minnesota. In the fall of 1873 Mr. Graham came to this county Next he was engaged on a farm in the State of New and settled in Isabella Township, on 80 acres of wild York for two years; and then, coming to Michigan, land on section I6, which he had purchased the he engaged with Mr. Edmund Hall, his present emspring before his coming. He located on this land ployer, working the first year as a common laborer. A and at once began to improve it, but soon sold, and The succeeding three years he was a foreman, and.i engaged in the mercantile business at Calkinsville. after that he became superintendent of all Mr. Hall's The capital required to manage this business was lumbering operations in Broomfield Township. some $5,000, and he conducted the same with a He was married in 1875 to Miss Ida Eldred, who moderate degree of success for two years. In 1877 was born Sept. 24, 1854, in Hillsdale County, this he sold out his mercantile business, and purchased State, and daughter of Judson and Mary (Dopp) ElI 6o acres on land on section 23, where he lived until dred. Mr. E. was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1821, April, I88I, when he sold the same and purchased and is now a farmer in Broomfield, of which town1 40 acres on section 22, and 40 acres on section 15, ship he was one of the early settlers. Mrs. E. was same township. He has 50 acres of the 80 under a born in the State of Ohio, in 1832. good state of cultivation, and is acknowledged as one Mr. Grant is politically a supporter of the Repub^~: of the progressive farmers of the township. lican party. ) Mr. Graham was united in marriage with the lady As one of the representative business men of Isa-, of his choice, Miss Margaret I. Johnson, in Peel Co., bella County, and a gentleman worthy the esteem and (|)X-f- i n -.t=>' I ^4~) 396 ISABELLA ( 39 -honor of his fellow citizens, we place Mr. Grant's, portrait in this volume. As a fitting companion pic~ ture to' Mr. Grant's, we place beside it that of his wife. 2 # t.A_ COUNTY. — ---- COUNTY. Y = (^} y\aeleat ^ I3I 3 * = 1., ~-) i y llis G. Faunce, farmer on section 21, Coe Township, is the son of Alden and Lucretia (Coburn) Faunce, natives of Massachu0 setts and New York. The parents settled in Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he died, Feb. 22, 863. The mother yet survives. Their family consisted of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom Ellis G. is the sixth. He was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Oct. i, I846, and received a rudimentary English education, living at home until I865. The following three years were spent in Michigan and Ohio, and in i868 he bought a farm of 80 acres in Monroe Co.. Mich., where he lived seven years. He then sold, and for a year and a half was employed in a grist-mill in Allen Co., Ohio. -In the spring of I877 he came to Isabella County and bought 40 acres on section 21, Coe County, five years; then California three years, where he was in the mines, and a part of the time engaged in engineering; in Ionia County ten years; and then came to Isabella County, Aug. 20, I877, purchasing a quarter of section 13, where he now resides. It was then wholly unimproved, but he has cleared ten acres and sold 80. In connection with the place is a good mill site. He built the first saw, grist and shingle mills in Deerfield Township. The saw is an "upright," and the grist-mill has two run of buhrs. Mr. Dickerson was married Jan. i, I865, at Ionia, to Miss Hannah Christina, daughter of Oliver and Lydia (Brazee) Decker. They have no children. Mr. Decker is in political sentiment a Republican. C. Payne, physician, section 28, Nottawa Township, is a son of Barton and Maria (Cronk) Payne, natives of Ontario Co., N. Y. His father and mother are both deceased, the former dying April Io, 1862, and the latter July 7, I877. Dr. Pavne is a native of this State, and was born i k1.. Township. He has since added 40 acres, and has in Salem Township, Washtenaw Co., Feb. 17, 1848. N under cultivation 42 acres. He spent his childhood years until he attained the He was married in his native county, Nov. 26, I868, age of eight. in his native county, when his parents to Syrion L., daughter of Orrin R. and Louisa (King) moved to Ypsilanti, where they lived for two years Gates, natives of Vermont and Ohio. To this union and then moved to Shiawassee County. The family three children have been born,-Eva E., Orrin L. and remained at the latter place 18 years, during which Leila B. time young Payne assisted on the farm and attended Mr. F. is a Republican, and with his wife belongs the common schools and developed into manhood.: to the Christian Church. From Shiawassee County Dr. Payne removed to:1 Eagle, Clinton County, remained five years and l~ * '. — ' " ---'f - ~ four months, and then went to Westphalia, same r^ county, and variously occupied his time for two I l hancy C. Dickerson, farmer and miller, years. ~Ji section 13, Deerfield Township, is a son of The Doctor came to this county March I7, I883, I John W. and Catharine Jane (Appleman) located on section 28, Nottawa Township, and enDickerson; his father, a native of Pennsylva- tered upon the practice of medicine, a profession he nia, died April 5, i865, and his mother, a na- had selected and mastered at an earlier day. He.); tive of New Jersey, is still living. has continuously followed the practice of his profes- I: The subject of this sketch was born June I, I841, sion, having located his office at Beal City, Nottawa in Lorain Co., Ohio; was in Wisconsin from about 9 Township, ever since coming to the county, and has i 2 to 12 years of age; in Lorain Co., Ohio, for five years; met with signal success.. (i in Hillsdale Co., Mich., one year; next, Bowne Dr. Payne was united in marriage, Dec. 25, I871, Township, Kent County, nearly a year; then Ionia with Miss Frances, daughter of Mary E. McCrum, t() - _. --- —. i 1-,* __.~S",^. r ISABELLA COUNTY. 397? who was born Sept. 2, I855, in Livingston Co, this publican in political sentiments and has held the >. State; and their union has been blessed by one office of School Director. child, Minnie, born Oct. 29, I873. He married Oct. 2, 1864, Viola A., daughter of: Dr. Payne is a member of the Masonic Lodge at William F. and Lozina (Decker) Baker. She was Wacousta, Clinton Co., this State. In politics he is born July 23, I843. Her father died Oct. 30, 1876, an adherent of the tenets of the Democratic part. and is buried on Mr. Delaney's farm. The mother Mrs. Payne is a member of the Methodist Episco- is living with her daughter. Two children of Mr. pal Church. and Mrs. Delaney are living: Edward, born Aug. 7, I880, and Edna Alba, born April 9, I883. William 4 —' — E"'-c | B. was born May r, I876, and died the same day. 4 XViola Edwina was born July 19, 1877, and died on; '1. dward Delaney, molder, residing on sec- the day of her birth.:< tion 22, Coldwater Township, was born The farm of Mr. Delaney contains a boiling spring, Sept. 29, 1837, in the city of Rochester, which is the object of much curiosity, and around. N. His parents, William and Mary (Fagan) which cluster strange Indian and other traditions.. It is an object of great veneration among the red Delaney, were natives of Ireland. The decease, men, who believe it the ancient burial place of their of his father occurred at Rochester, and his o ther occrred at ocete, ad chiefs; and several individuals claim that in its immother died in Prince Edward Co., Ont.. other died in Prince Edward Co., Ont. mediate vicinity a large sum of money was buried Mr. Delaney is the eldest of six children born to. The iss ) Be.during the second war with great Britain. The issue '; his parents, and he lived at home until he was 18 hs n of water averages 500 gallons per minute. Mr. Deyears old, when he went to learn the molder's trade, h eseaed ~(i.. laney's place was the first that was homesteaded " 3 and in his journeyman days he went to Adrian. north of the Indian reserve. Copper has been found =: Mich., where he found employ in the car-shops, re- t in the springs on the farm, and will some day prove a maining there most of the time until 1861, when he ~:;:::~r..a source of profit.: enlisted in the military service of the United States. a % He became a soldier during the first months of the <-cc- K/ war, enlisting in Co. B, 47th Ohio Vol. Inf. The f entire company were Michigan men with one excep- I. SE ornelias Wolfgang, farmer, section I2, tion, who was from Cincinnati. The regiment was JAM Fremont Township, is a son of Samuel assigned to the I5th Army Corps, of which General and Mary (Baker) Wolfgang, natives of Sherman was in command. It was afterwards under York Co., Pa. The former, a weaver b vc a Gen. Logan, and Mr. Delaney participated in the tion, moved to Ohio in 1834, locating in battles of Vicksburg and Charleston (W. Va.), be- Champaign County; five years afterward he! sides taking part in numberless skirmishes. He moved to Clark County, that State; in 1854 he: received a wound in the left arm while on picket moved to De Kalb Co., Ind., and finally to Goshen, } duty near Ripley, W. Va., in September, 1862. He Elkhart County, where he died, in September, 1882. f was again wounded at Vicksburg, May I8, I863, re- His wife had died in I855, in De Kalb Co., Ind. ceiving a charge of buckshot in the left ankle, which The subject of this sketch was born in Champaign is still where the rebels planted it. The regiment Co., Ohio, May 24, 1834; his parents being in very veteranized at Cleveland, Tenn., and was mustered straitened circumstances, he was placed out at the out of service Aug. I, I865, at Little Rock, Ark. tender age of six years to be brought up by other On receiving his discharge he returned to Fulton people; consequently he was kept at hard work. i Co., Ohio, and soon afterward came to Gratiot Co., From the time he became of age until he was marMich., and resided two years in the village of St. ried he was engaged in various pursuits in Indiana.! Louis. In 1867 he filed a homestead claim of 80 In I86I he married Miss Caroline Hood, who was!, acres of land in Coldwater Township, to which he born Dec. 24, t834, in Stark Co., Ohio. Her parents, H removed with his family the year following. He has John and Susan (Hartman) Hood, were natives of < placed 35 acres under improvements. He is a Re- Pennsylvania, the former a shoemaker by trade. In; —.....;~;.a1i <7- -- - 398 ISABELLA CO UVTY. A 1832 they settled in Stark Co., Ohio, and afterward Ontario, March 13, 1846. She lived in her native Ke W! in De Kalb Co., Ind, where they died about the county until she attained the age of ten years, when - year 1856. she accompanied her parents to Ionia County, this Mr. Wolfgang came to this county in I86I, settling State, where she lived assisting in the labors of the upon r48 acres where he now resides, and where he household and attending the common schools until ( has Ioo acres well improved, a large barn, comforta- the date of her marriage. ble residence, etc. He has been Treasurer of his Shortly after marriage Mr. Kellogg moved on a township and Constable, and has held the school part of the old homestead, and cultivated the same offices of his district. He belongs to the Lutheran until the spring of 1879, when he came to this Church, and in political matters he votes for the county and purchased 80 acres of land on section 30, "best men." Lincoln Township. He has added 80 acres to his The children of the family of Mr. Wolfgang are: original purchase and of the 160 he now has 1o Frank, born Nov. 8, I858; John, Jan. 26, I86I; acres in a good state of cultivation. He is classed A: i? Seright, Jan. i6, 1863, died in i865; Susan, June 26, as one of the progressive farmers of the county, and I865; and Eddie S., Dec. 2, I867. The first two has met with signal success in his vocation. Recently were born in De Kalb Co., Ind., and the last two in he erected a large stock and grain barn on his place, this county. which cost him $I,ooo. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg are the parents of four chil-._ dren, one of whom is deceased. The living are: ') Chester A., born Nov. 26, I872; Lea, June I, I874, ' S * and Neal, May 21, 1876. Politically, Mr. K. is a a arding Kellogg, farmer, section, inconRepublican. He has held the various offices of his: ownship, was rn in S. Laarene Co., school district, and at the present time is School =iN. Y., May 17, 1846. The parents of rA or. r Inspector of the same. ) 1_...u.-g w.', Ok: v...ct1 ai- Iv1a )= I"L / X riarcuiiig weir: ozL~i-t.CK an. ivala r Kellogg, natives of Vermont and N shire, of English descent and of Ne' parentage. The father followed the occu carder and cloth-dresser in his native Sta moved to Ionia Co., this State, in 1849, an lowed the occupation of farming. He among the first to settle in Ionia County. a visit to the home of our subject in this father died, the date being Nov. 14, mother died April 15, 1884, aged 63 years When three years of age, the subject graphical notice was brought to Ionia Cou parents and lived there until he attained manhood. He was the oldest of the chil parent's family and grew up among the p tlers of Ionia County. He assisted his fat farm and attended the common and villa until he attained his majority, when he him at a stated salary to work on the farn Mr. Kellogg was united in marriage Jun with Miss Eliza, daughter of Thomas (Horsburgh) Conner, natives of Canada land respectively and of English and Scot tion. Eliza was born in Brant Township, ra tiarK) Few Hampw England pation of a te, and red there folwas one While on county, his I88. His Bi lexander Cameron, farmer, section 17,Isat ( bella Township, was born in Middlesex -(lG Co., Ont., Oct. o1, 1829.' He was reared on J the farm and lived under the parental roof-tree, I"' I Xt fi t';V assisting in the miintenance of the family and V of our bio- attending the common schools until he arrived at i inty by his manhood's age. the age of The parents of our subject were of Scotch and dren of his Welsh extraction, and the father followed the occuioneer set- pation of farmer in Canada, and there died, at the ther on the age of 75 years. The mother is still living, in the Lge schools State of Iowa. engaged to On arriving at the age of manhood, Sept. 19, 850, n. Mr. Cameron was united in marriage, in his native te 2, 1867, county, with Miss Sarah Ward, a native of the same and Ellen county in which our subject was born, and where she and Scot- was born, March 8, I833. She lived with her par- 2 tch extrac- ents until her marriage, assisting her mother in her Brant Co., household labors and receiving the advantages af'"' n ~~'k,,,. -7,t:'' i lwx I 9 V jN$ af ` ,~;i~-~~ — c -i*""O::: I;qO-~~ 1L ~na ~":-i is ni~~~t i ISABELLA COUNTY. 401 ~ forded by the common schools of her neighborhood. f After his marriage Mr. Cameron at once entered: on the occupation he had followed all his life, and continued that vocation in his native county, cultir vating ioo acres of land, until the year 1872, when he went to Lambton Co., Can., and there farmed 200 acres for six years. He then sold out and came to this county. On his arrival he purchased i60 acres of land, on sections 8 and 17, and began the task of improving it. He believed the county was ~ sure to develop into a wealthy community and he threw all his energy into the clearing and improving of his land, determined to establish a permanent home for himself and family. He at present has 85 acres of his original purchase under a good state of cultivation; has erected a large stock and grain barn, at a considerable expense, the same being 36 x 66 feet in size, and has other comfortable and necessary buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are the parents of 12 children, one of whom is deceased. The living are: * Samuel T., Calvin W. (married), Margaret (mari;ed), c Catharine E., Alexander, Sarah J. (married), Jessie, Mary E., Athelinda, William, Elizabeth and Albert. Se John E., born May 15, i860, died March 25, I88I. The husband is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is Elder. Politically he is a Republican. I -1~i over go, and others to nearly go. The family of William W. Johnson included a daughter and eight A sons, three of the latter being now dead. John was, the eighth child and seventh son. He lived at home until i8, receiving a commonschool education. At that age he came to Michigan, locating first at Dundee, Monroe County, and engaging in agriculture. He was soon after married. After four years he removed to Barry County, where he farmed for seven years. In June, I855, he came to Isabella and located on section 22, Coe Township. He was one of the first I2 settlers of the county, and.the seventh settler in Coe. This was three years be- % fore Isabella County was organized. The first house he constructed did not contain a sawed board, was covered with elm bark, and had a puncheon floor. The house was raised by all the neighbors within several miles, and the dinner for the occasion was brought them in a basket a distance of eight miles. All their supplies were purchased at high prices in St. Louis.: Aug. 21, I86I, he enlisted in Co. C, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Carolinas. After serving nine months he was taken sick = and confined to the hospital for three months. He O was discharged for disability, Sept. I8, 1862. Returning home, he located in Union Township, in \y January following. Here he had once more to live 4 the life of a pioneer. He cut a road a mile and a ( half to reach his farm. The cabin in which he first lived still stands as a reminder of first things. He was the first settler on his section. Of his I60 acres, 65 are improved. He has a very fine fruit orchard, four acres in extent, and his fruit always takes the lead in county fairs. Politically, Mr. J. is a staunch Republican. He was elected Sheriff in 1863, and held the office two years. In I876 he was elected Probate Judge, which position.he filled four years. He has also held the minor offices of his township. He was married Feb. I7, 1844, in Monroe Co., Mich., to Miss Margaret Sutherland, daughter of Eli and Thankful (Russell) Sutherland, natives of Orange C and Westchester Cos., N. Y., and of English-Scotch and German-Irish ancestry. The mother died in e Lenawee Co., Mich., in i88I. The father is living ( in that county, at the age of 85. He has lost the sight of one eye. Mrs. Johnson was born in Hector, Rehsselaer Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, i825, and came with I I A, ohn Q. A. Johnson, farmer on section 30, Union Township, was born in Vienna, Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 3, 1826, and is a son of William W. and Nancy (Whittaker) Johnson The parents were born in Williamstown Township, Berkshire Co., Mass., and their marriage and the births of their first three children occurred in that township. They were of old New England stock, and descended from the Eatons, a family well known in Connecticut and the rest of New England. The father died in Oneida Co., N. Y., May 27, 1830, aged 44 years, six months. The mother died at Grand Rapids, this State, Nov. 27, I88i, at the age of 93 years and five months. She was of a very long-lived family. Among the instances of longevity that might be mentioned are these: her father lived to be 98, a brother 96, four sisters ", " i,;L)4l~ N% (;; ~'q >~ I II e n ~~-0 T 402 ISABELLA COUNTY. her parents to Monroe County, this State, when 17 desire was to become proficient in teaching, and fN,,- years old. Ten children have been born an prior to and prior his majority he had so closely confined him-,, Mrs. J., two of whom are not living. The record is self to study that on reaching that age he was; as follows: Mary A., born Nov. 2, 1844; Louisa A., thoroughly competent to enter on the practice of the March 24, I846; Warren J., Nov. 6, I849; De Witt profession. He continued to follow that for a period S., March 3, I852; Jared R., Sept. 15, I854: Harty of 20 years, and was the recipient of many encomi- v J., Jan. 29, 1858; Elma E., Aug. 13, I863; and urs for his ability and system of teaching. Minnie E., Sept. I7, r865. The deceased were Wel- Feb. 8, r866, Mr. Lyons was united in marriage come, born Feb. 15, I848, and died Oct. I8, I851; with Miss Manilla White, who was born Sept. 8, and Lucy T., born Jan. 20, i86o, and died July 21, 1835, in Guernsey Co., Ohio. She was a daughter i 186. Those living are all married and residents of of Johi and Hantah (Guthrie) White, natives of the this county. One son is interested in saw-mills, one Key-stone State, where her father was born in 1798:*; is a merchant and five are farmers. and her mother in 1803. Her father was an agriculi We take great pleasure in presenting the portrait turist by vocation and died in May, 1874. Her of Mr. Johnson in this ALBUM, upon a page in prox- mother is yet living, and resides in Muskingum Co., imity to this sketch. Ohio.. I o;hn P. Lyons, farmer, residing on section " Io, Fremont Township, is a son of James it G and Mary J. (Little) Lyons, natives of the Emerald Isle, where the father was born May 4 r6, I79I, and the mother Oct. 27, 1798. The latter came to this country in i816 and the father in I817, both landing in New York city. They were united in marriage in Pittsburg, Pa., March i6, I8I9. Soon after their marriage they moved to Rocky Fort, Licking Co., Ohio, and located on a farm, where, Nov. 6, 1867, the father died. The mother is still living on the old homestead, at the venerable age of 86 years, and is yet hale and hearty. The father and mother were the parents of eight children, six boys and two girls. Two of the brothers are deceased. William, the oldest, lives near Dunlap, in Monona Co., Iowa. James lives on the old homestead, with his mother, in Licking Co., Ohio. Samuel was killed while walking on the railroad track. Isabella lives in Perry Co., Ohio. Sarah lives in Licking County. Andrew J. lives in Rooks Co., Kan. David M. died on the old homestead; a 4 John P., our subject, resides on section o1, Fremont Township, this county. Mr. Lyons, the subject of this biographical notice, was born March I8, I833, in Licking Co., Ohio. He i remained at home assisting in the maintenance of the family and attending the common schools of his district until he attained the age of 21 years. His Mr. Lyons came from Ohio to this State, Oct. 25, i88, and located on i60 acres of land on section Io, Fremont Township. He at once settled on his land and began its improvement, determining to make it his permanent home, and at present has a goodly portion of the same in a fine state of cultivation, and substantial buildings erected thereon. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons are the parents of four children: James W., born Oct. i, i868; Wm. H., born Jan. 6, I873; John C., born April 30, I874, and Junietta M., born Jan. o1, I876. Politically, Mr. Lyons is a Democrat, and is at present Justice of the Peace of his township. Socially, he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a Ruling Elder for 12 years. He is also School Inspector, and occupies a prominent and respected position in his township..._ n at t r ai I I: I i' iles Schofield, farmer, section 26, Gilmore |1 Township, was born March I6, 1844, and;'" is the son of James and Mary (Drenner) '. Schofield. His parents were natives of England and came to Amerca in I840. The father died in Nashville, Tenn., the mother re- F: sides with her son. Mr. Schofield remained with his parents until he was 23 years of age, obtaining his education and working with his father as a stone mason. In I867 i he came to Isabella County and settled upon the (, farm on which he has since resided. The township e l4 /I " f ~t: r~- "h —97 'Iay mmgllL ~ ';~Pt A.., z -; I, I" ~ n I& il;lrss j ai';'JIrs Wt-sC-r il~ Iclnrraneii,;3~ v ~r g ISABELLA -^ - v was in a comparatively unbroken state of nature and ai., but few permanent settlers were located. The fam-, ily of Fordyce Leonard had been residents for about t three months, and Mrs. Schofield was the first white A v woman they had seen. The settlers were obliged to go to Mt. Pleasant for all supplies, and it was the nearest postoffice. Salt River, 30 miles distant, had the only grist-mill in this section, and consequently the staff of life was sometimes difficult to secure. At one time, during the second autumn after Mr. Schoj field's settlement. his family were two weeks without COUNTY. 403. _. bread, and for some time subsequent to their locating their neighbors were two miles away. The homestead includes 80 acres, 40 acres of which are improved. Mr. Schofield is a Republican in political affiliation and has been Justice of the Peace and Township Treasurer three years; has also served several. years in the various school offices. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. }- He was married Sept. 6, I867, to Mary Ann, daughter of Charles C. and Fannie D. (Martin) Thompson, and was born July 28, 1847, in Tyler: Co., W. Va. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schofield, five of whom are living: Sarah F., born July 29, I868; Ida V., born Sept. i8, I869; Orlando C., born Feb. 20, i871; Ira 0., born Nov. 9, 1874; Rupert R., born May 9, I877. James Everett, born Nov. 27, I872, died Aug. 29, I873. ^ -- "I fffl^^ - - bella Township. He engaged in the lumber woods until I878, when he entered on the occupation he had followed in boyhood, farming. He has added 40 acres, by purchase, to his original tract of land, and of his present landed possessions he has 65 acres under a high degree of cultivation, with comfortable and commodious frame buildings erected thereon. He was united in marriage, Jan. 23, I882, at Mt. Pleasant, with Miss Hannah M. Stoyle, a native of Hastings Co., Ont., where she was born Jan. 20, 1850. She renoved to Toledo, Ohio, in I868. and at that place she lived until i88I, when she came to Mt. Pleasant, and there lived until her marriage. The husband and wife are parents of one child, George H., born Nov. 21, 1882. Mrs. Fraser is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. F. is a member of. the Order of Orangemen of Seymour Township, Northumberland Co., Ont., and in politics is a Republican.! oseph F. Gachter, farmer, section 22, Nottawa Township, is a son of Joseph F. Gach-:, ter, a native of France. Joseph F., Sr., X emigrated to the United States in I837, and four years later, in I841, returned to his native land for his family. He returned with them the same year and landed at Castle Garden, New York city, Aug. o1, of that year. He afterward, in September of the same year, removed to and settled in Stark Co., Ohio, where his father and mother died, the former in March, I88I, and latter May 24, I845. Joseph F., Jr., the subject of our biography, was born in St. Germain, Canton de Fontaine, Department of the Upper Rhine, France, Feb. 28, I830. A year after the death of his mother, in March, 1846, Mr. Gachter left Stark County and went to Wheeling, Va., where he was variously occupied for some 18 months, and then removed to Cincinnati, in which place he remained about three months. His next move was to New Orleans, where he occupied his time in boating on the Mississippi and its tributaries for two years. As the electric wires flashed from State to State the terrible news of the bombardment of Sumter and war.known to be inevitable, the heart of Mr. Gachter beat in unison with the " cause of justice," and he tl/ a j". I )r -1, homas E. Fraser, farmer, section 22, Isabella Township, was born in Northiimber-, A land Co., Ont., Feb. 28, I850. He was e reared on a farm in his native county, and at the age of 15 years began working in the lumber woods of the same county. He continued that vocation until the year 1872, when he camie to this State and located in Midland County. There he was variously occupied for one year and then: came to this county; and in July, i873, he purchased 40 acres of unimproved land on section 22, Isabella -! Township, where he is at present residing. i) When Mr. Fraser first came to that township, but few families were there, and the hand of improvement was hardly visible, and he may be said to have k passed almost the entire period of pioneer life in Isa` 14- Z;..,) fr,?r I ~: P. )CC~;Ph,~?iil\~jpa ~ ~ ^""4~4~.... E I - v "). r. f nr JI~~~III~~~I~* ~-8 77-X tpensioner of the Revolutionary War. On his, and Margaret Xnn, March 4, 1883, in Nottawa Town-pensionerof the Revolutionary War. On his sh, tis c. death, when the son was about six years old, the R: ship, this county. c... e to ts c pension reverted to the mother, who continued the 4 Mr. Gachter came to this county June 15, I882, recipient of i ts benefits until her death in the auwith his family and purchased a farm of 80 acres in recipient of its benefits until her death in the auV Nottawa Township, 24 of which he has in a good tumn of i868 She lacked three days of being 93 state of cultivation.years old. Politically, Mr. G. is an adherent to and supporter Mr. Brown was the second child, in order of birth, Politically, Mr. G. is an adherent to and supporter of five children born to his parents; and a year after of the principles and doctrines of the Republican his father's death he went to live with a man named party, and has been honored by numerous offices of his fathers death e went to live with a man named trust and responsibility, among which were Drai Joseph McDonald, with whom he was engaged until C ommissioner, School Inspector and Director in he was 25 years old. On reaching his majority he rented land of Mr. McDonald, which he worked on <: Clinton County), and is now acting Supervisor of. n ad ishares. He continued to pursue farming on the estate Nottawa Township, this county.. of his foster-father several years, when he removed to $: another farm five miles distant, which he rented until.~ -_ the outbreak of the Southern rebellion, when he enlisted. N. Gulick, farmer, section 36, Deerfield, He enrolled in the United States service Aug. 3, Township, is a son of Henry and Ann i86i, and was mustered out Sept. 17, 1864, on the i (Dean) Gulick, natives of New Jersey, and expiration of his term of enlistment. He belonged ' both still living, in Union Township, this county. to Co. A, 3Ist Ohio Vol. Inf., his regiment being asThe subject of this sketch was born Oct. 22, signed to the First Brigade, Third Division and I4th ~A:. 1 848, in Wyandot Co., Ohio; lived in Seneca Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. The first:p J Co., Ohio, eight years; in Ionia Co., Mich., three engagement of any importance in which Mr. Brown - years; then, in October, I859, he came to this county, participated was at Mill Spring, Ky., and afterwards where he has since lived, except one summer in at Stone River, Mission Ridge and at Lookout Moun- 8 f D * _I -A I, I ~ii$P Lp 2/I .-~^~ ---r-^a - rD G^ ---ISABELLA COUNTY.407 f,^. — ~^ I P rC tain. He received a flesh wound in the right arm in ~.; the engagement at Mission Ridge, and also received.. a slight bayonet scratch in his side. At the battle of Chickamauga, his haversack, canteen and knap-. sack were shot away, and he received injuries which. consigned him to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained until he was mustered out of service. He received his discharge at Atlanta, Ga., and returned to his family in Athens Co., Ohio. For a few months he was variously employed, and on the 8th of March, 1865, he came to Barry Co., Mich., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land, i which he sold in the spring of 1871, and in the fall i of the same year he entered a homestead claim of 80o acres of land in this township, which he has since occupied, and has cleared 40 acres. He has deeded 40 acres of land to his son. He was married in 1851, to Esther Jane, daughter of Empson and Mary (Latta) Powell. Mrs. Brown was born Dec. 4, 1828, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. - Her parents died in Athens County, in the Buckeye State. They had four sons and four daughters, all ^ of whom lived to mature life. Five of six children:. born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown are now living: Nancy A. was born Nov. 18, 1853; Mary M., Sept. 24, 1855; Empson C., Feb. 12, r661; Minerva J., Oct. 5, 1863, % died Dec. 8, i88i. All these were born in Athens Co., Ohio, except Minerva, who was born in Franklin County, that State. Jerdeena was born Nov. 8, 1865, in Barry Co., Mich. James William was born Aug. 28, 1867. The parents are members of the Disciples' Church. Mr. Brown is a Republican in political connections. I education in the common schools, and remained with his parents until their death. He now resides on a homestead, and owns 8o acres, 5o of which are under intelligent cultivation. He was married in Coe Township, Dec. 9, i877, to Catherine, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Wolbaugh) Gruber, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in the spring of 1877. Mr. and Mrs. M. have had three children, one of whom died in infancy. The surviving are Nellie and Sarah M. Mr M. is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and is politically a warm supporter of Democratic principles. ason B. Dibble, farmer, section 24, Notta'j]? 'wa Township, and one of the leading and j. representative citizens of the county, is a son of Asel B. and Judith (nee Tower) Dib"ble, natives of the State of Connecticut. They moved at an early date to New York, in which State the mother died in 1858. The father is still living, at the advanced age of 85 years, in Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y. Mr. Dibble, Jr., the subject of this biography, was born in Maryland Township, Otsego Co., N. Y., 12 miles from Cooperstown. His father moved from that place when our subject was only five years of age and settled in Cattaraugus County, and lived at Freedom, that county, until 1865. In December of that year, he moved to this State and settled at Muir, Ionia County, to which place he brought his family in the following year. He lived at Muir six years, and while residing there was extensively engaged in lumbering, and, in company with Messrs. Fox & Armstrong, purchased 2,316 acres of pine lands. His next move was to White Co., Tenn., near Sparta, where he purchased 5 [3 acres of land within six miles of that place. His intention was to make a home on this land, but he became dissatisfied with that country and remained there only a few months, and then removed to Elkhart Co., Ind., and purchased a farm of 140 acres. He lived on this farm for about i i months, then came to this county and purchased a large farm, and is now the owner of about,000ooo acres. The subject of our sketch, Mr. Dibble, moved on his father's farm April 30, 1875, and has improved *i *i~y "i k(, Ja I I 'I~ r~-3,A(, $>:1 CSS11 *V.~ 11 I,O' I; C i I C O~ lll` Alf-'% tephen P. Murtha, farmer on section 8, Coe Township, was born in Portland, Ionia County, Aug. 6, 1846, and is the son of Patrick and Ann (Hoy) Murtha, natives of Ireland. The parents were married in this country, having crossed the waters when quite young, and settled in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. They afterward lived 12 years in Ionia Co., Mich., farming, and in February, 1855, the family came to Coe Township, this county, where they died, she Nov. 13, 1875, and he March 30, 1878. The subject of this notice received a rudimentary c 01, N J~Q~!O gn c.I~ ii~~W ieL~~r 11a ii-~ ~ X I- ^~ — - 7ll. 408 IISABELL. 408 Ifo 711. ~4,-,r-,: ~ about 350 acres. He has four barns on the place and a good commodious residence. Mr. D. was united in marriage, Feb. 15, I846, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., with Miss Mary H., daughter of W. G. and Eleanor (nee Childs) Fisk, who was born Aug. 8, 1826, in Walworth, Wayne Co., N. Y. Her father and mother were both natives of Vermont, and both died in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in I85I. Mr. and Mrs. D. have one daughter,-Elizabeth Ann, born June 26, i85I. She is now the wife of John A. Bamborough, living near Mt. Pleasant. They have three children; the oldest died in infancy and the remaining two are Mason A., born June 22, 1874, and Thomas, born Aug. 23, I876. Mr. Dibble was formerly a member of the CloseCommunion Baptist, and Mrs. D. of the Free-Will Baptist, Church. He is politically an ardent'Republican, and, though not an office-seeker, has held various local positions of trust. We are pleased to place the portrait of Mr. Dibble in this ALB UM, which will preserve permanently th! features of a worthy and representative citizen. eorge A. Ruse, farmer on section 32, Coe Township, is a son of Aaron and Elizabeth, (Shedenhelm) Ruse, natives of Ohio and * Maryland. The parents first settled in Seneca Co., Ohio, where the father died, in December, 1864. The mother came to Michigan, and three years later returned to Seneca County, where she died, in August, 1876. Their family consisted of three sons and three daughters, George being the youngest of the six. He was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, June 22, 1845, and received a common English education. He hired out by the month at the age of 12, and alternated that with attending school until i8 years old. Adopting the vocation of agriculture, he came, in February, I869, to this county and bought 40 acres on section 33, Coe Township. Selling this, he returned to Seneca Co., Ohio, and bought 80 acres, which he worked for five years. He sold out once more,'and came again to Isabella, buying 80 acres on section 32, Coe, where he now resides. He has 55 acres under cultivation. He was first married in the county of his nativity, esse H. Wood, farmer, section 34, Gilmore ' Township, was born Dec. 12, 1838, in Greene Co., Pa., and is the son of William and Hannah (Hartley) Wood. His parents both died in Isabella County. Mr. Wood remained under the home roof until he was of age, when he was married, and rented a farm in his native county, on which he lived five years. In February, I864, he enlisted in the First W. Va. Cavalry, and remained in the service until the close of the war, receiving his discharge in the latter part of July, i865. At the first engagement in which he was under fire, he was under Gen. Averill, near Winchester, in the Valley of the Shenandoah. He was also at the famous battle of Winchester. His command was attached to the corps of Gen. Custer, and later of Gen. Sheridan, and in the spring of 1865 was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, where the regiment was in action at Five Forks, and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee. His marriage to Martha J., daughter of David and Sarah (Boler) Leonard, took place Aug. 25, I858. Mrs. Wood was born July 26, 1842, and the five sons and two daughters she has borne are all living. They were born in the following order: Thomas T., Nov. 17, i860; Hiram L., Oct. 29, 1863; William W., Jan. 17, 1867; Hannah L., Oct. 7, i869; James Edward, July 21, 1872: Henry H., Sept. I3, 1875; Mary Effie, Dec. 24, i88i. Mr. Wood is one of the earliest settlers of the township in which he resides, locating upon his land at the same time with Rufus F. Glass, Nicholas A4 COUNTY. x to Martha, daughter of Samuel and Mary King. She Ve was also a native of Seneca County. They had one child, which died about five months old. Mrs. R. dying, he was again married, in Seneca County, to; Eliza, daughter of John and Margaret (Miller) Ruch, X and widow of John Woodmansee, who died Nov., i, I868. She had by the first marriage three children, -William L., Cora B. and Margaret C., the first of whom died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruse have been born three children,-John A., Letta M. and Irena F. John A. died when two years old. Politically, Mr. R. is a Republican. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. n r I I ^ s 1 -; alit,.F 0~y Ml^,kP~"; ~l"~.'^-> - lii)liXrsb" r L I i~i ----,-~ rl iii;i:.,nntn n,. \-:irc"; 1~~ ~x .C1$ M r * p 11 P" T.71, f~ 7 - - *, __________. ISABELLA Phillips and Asa Leonard. He has served one term as Supervisor and seven terms as Township Clerk.; During the 12 years in which he hat been resident he has been engaged in the duties pertaining to the various school offices. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are both i members of the Disciples 'Church. CO UATY. 409 9 -- e.: _'5) Jt (, - i 'h arles E. Coon, farmer on section 12, Coe (. j Township, is a son of Simeon B. and Clars K~ issa (Sanford) Coon, the former a native of Lodi, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and the latter of Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y. The parents lived in the last mentioned place until I844, when they came to Portland, Ionia County, this State. There were at that date few white settlers, and the numerous Indians roamed freely through their native forests. He died in that place Dec. I9, 1862, and i she followed him Aug. 2, I873. Their family included four sons and three daughters, the following six of whom grew to be adults: Charles E., Mary A., Annis,: Catherine, Simeon and Fred. T: he subject of this sketch, the eldest of the family,?:was born in Wayne, Steuben Co., N.Y., Nov. 4, i834,, and was ten years old when his parents came toIonia County, this State. During his boyhood he had ii many interesting experiences with the Chippewa Indians. At one time an Indian offered him I6 silver dollars for one pint of whisky, which young Coon declined to accept. He received the elements of an English education at the common schools of his neighborhood, and assisted his father on the farm as I he grew to man's estate, until he was 27 years old. - a He then bought a 40-acre farm in Sebewa, lonia: County, which he worked, in connection with other pursuits for three years. Disposing of his Ionia County interests, he came, in April, I865, to Isabella County and bought 200 acres of wild land in Coe Township, on which he built a house and barn and set about clearing a farm. The result shows the reward of industry and intelligence. He has I25 acres in a state of higli cultivation, and progress is seen in, every quarter. sI He was married at Watertown, Clinton Co., Mich., Aug. 28, I863, to Temperance, daughter of Peter and Jane (Hazelton) Alien, natives of New Jersey and New York, in which latter State Mrs. Coon was also born. Eight children have been added to the household, five of whom survive: Clarissa S., Charles A., James E., Frank and Annis F. Frederick B., Lucy J. and Haryey L. died in infancy. Mrs. C. is a member of the Baptist Church, while he inclines to the Universalist faith. In politics he has been a Republican, but now adheres to the tenets of the National party. He is a free-trader. Mr. C. visited New York in June, I878, and purchased the well known stallion "Bashaw, Junior" (sired by Greene's "Bashaw"), which has had a famous record. He once trotted a mile in 2:32, after trotting ten heats. He was at one time purchased by Miss L. A. Gould (127 W. 4ISt Street, New York city), for $9,ooo. He is now in Aberdeen, Dak., in the possession of Levi Reid. He is the sire of some very fine horses in this county. j ugh Graham, farmer, section 15, Isabella Township, is a native of Canada, where, in Peel Co., Ont., he was born March 15, I844. The father of Mr. Graham died when he, the son, was nine years old, and he lived with his mother, attending the common schools and aiding in her support, until he attained the age of 22 years. On arriving at this age he went to York Co., Can., and worked in the machine shop of Mr. John Abel, located at Woodbridge. He continued in that vocation for four years and then returned to Peel County. After remaining in that county for a short period he came to this county and purchased 60 acres of wild land, on section 15, Isabella Township. This was in the fall of I874, and the hand of improvement was hardly visible in the portion of the township in which he located. But i i acres on his place had been chopped. He nevertheless had faith in the future development of the county, and with a firm determination to establish a permanent home for himself and family, he threw all his energy into the laborious though pleasant task of making a home; and of his original purchase of 6o acres, 45 acres are at the present time well improved; and he has erected thereon a stock and grain barn, together with other necessay buildings. Mr. Graham was united in marriage Dec. 6, I866, in York Co., Ont., to Miss Elizabeth Baldwin. She ci II rn., Q 1-*I * *v f p E=.~^, < y A ( I I 3 ( C~.S F~z~j: I6> f~41~3Q 3'~.r~~p d* 11 aLi~J 4107^ IAEL 410 ISABELLA COUNTY. < ((5) =(,. aii.,: dore and Catharine Inman. Her father was born in New Jersey, in I831, and her mother in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1834. The daughter was born Feb. i, I853, in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Mr. Richardson came to this county in I870 and located on 40 acres of wild land. He has since increased his acreage to 200, and, disposing of a portion, now owns I20 acres, a goodly portion of which is in a fine state of cultivation. He has also a half interest in a store at Duslville, and a half interest in a branch store at Two Rivers. When Mr. Richardson first came to this county he was scarcely worth $25, all told, and yet by continual and laborious exertion he has secured a competency, and around his hearthstone content sits in the lap of plenty. He and his wife are the parents of five children, four girls and one boy, namely: Fannie M., Mary E., Lura B., Alta M. and Orrin H. Mr. Richardson politically is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has held several offices of trust in the township and school district in which he lives, and is a respected and esteemed citizen thereof. eorge H. Sanford, general farmer, section i _ 7 I 7, Lincoln Township, was born in Portage ' Township, Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. I, I 832; was three years of age when the family came to this state and settled in Liberty Township, Jackson County, on a farm, in pioneer times. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, as a farmer. April I4, I853, he married Miss Elizabeth R. Begel, who was born in Howard Township, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1832. When she was two years old her people moved to Hanover Township, Jackson Co., Mich., where she lived until her marriage, receiving a common-school education, and teaching school from the age of i6 to 20, the time of her marriage. The children of Mr. and Mrs. S. are, Clarence F., bornOct. 24, I854; Herbert A., March I8, t I860; and Fred C., June i, 1864. The eldest, a deaf mute, graduated at the Asylum for the Deaf? and Dumb at Flint,Mich., June 30, I870. Theother | two are students at Hillsdale (Mich.) College, con- ' templating graduation at the State University at Ann Arbor after completing their course at Hillsdale. "I - d I. /< f i t;;ca --- — v~ *liT, * r;c- i ..i ntb I~ 1 ~er k r; Ji*ii ~: i- t,:-~1.. Kt; ---- 414 ISABELLA r — i 1v i~.''~~~ f D* zt:~ AM., I A year after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sanford located on a farm of 150 acres in Moscow Township, Hillsdale County, a farm given him by his father; and four years afterward they returned to Jackson County, and eight years still later they moved to Flint, in order to give their son an education at the State institution there. While residing in that city, Mr. Sanford was engaged in insurance, real estate, lumber and lending money. In the spring of I870 he came to this county and located 400 acres of timber land, on sections i6, 17 and 20, Lincoln Township. He then owned also I,ooo acres of pine land in other parts of the State. His land property at present comprises 440 acres at his homestead, 280 of pine land in Sheridan Township, Clare Co., Mich., and 40 in another part of the same county. Of his homestead, 200 acres are well improved. Mr. Sanford is a reliable and leading Democrat, has held the office of Township Clerk one year, and other offices. In presenting Mr. Sanford's likeness on a previous page, we record permanently the features of a substantial farmer and a worthy citizen. exter F. Arnold, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born April 15, I862, in the village where he has grown to manhood. He is the son of Irving E. and Adelaide (Ferris) Arnold, and was the first child born within the present limits of Mt. Pleasant. (See sketch of Irving E. Arnold.) Mr. Arnold secured all the advantages of the common schools of his native place, and at 17 was placed in the High School at Saginaw City, where he was a pupil i8 months. On his return to his native place he entered the abstract office of W. N. Brown, becoming silent partner. He remained in that connection until the spring of I882, when he formed a partnership, with Fred Russell in the transaction of insurance business. The firm sold their business during the following winter to Hopkins & Lyon, and Mr. Arnold taught school one term at Sherman City. He engaged in the same business the same length of time, in district No. 5, in Coldwater Township, in the vicinity of Sherman City. His next engagement was in the office of Hopkins & Lyon, where he re j lj ansom Kyes, farmer on section 6, Coe ^ -: Township, is a son of James and Cassane,-; dana (Williams) Kyes (see sketch of!" Chauncey Kyes), and was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1827. He was but three years old when the family came to the Peninsular State, and he lived with this parents until 18 years of age. He received a rudimentary English education, and was for one season employed as fireman on a lake steamer. During the two years following, he was engaged in a hotel at Parma, Jackson Co., Mich. He rented a farm for two years in Calhoun County, at the expiration of which time he bought a small farm in the same county. Three years later, he sold, and in April, 1855, he came to Isabella County and purchased 200 acres in Coe Township. On this, his present residence, he settled with his family the following May, and his home has been there continuously except five years, when he lived at Mt. Pleasant, as Sheriff of the county. He now owns I8o acres of land, of which 150 are in an advanced state of cultivation. Aug. I2, 1849, in Jackson Co., Mich., he was united in marriage with Harriet, daughter of Ezekiel and Margaret (Gillett) Livingston, natives of the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Livingstop moved to Michigan in an early day, settling in Jackson County, where he died, in August, 1844. She afterwards removed to Gratiot County, and died in January, I863. Mrs. Kyes was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, I827, and she and her husband have been the parents of seven children, three of whom survive,-Benj. F., Douglass L. and L D. The four deceased are Charles, Josephine, Lillie Dell and Hattie. Mr. K. was elected Sheriff of Isabella County in i866, and held the office four years. He has also been Constable and Road Commissioner, and has 11 Yi I::: I. Sn t * )^ - A.. e^ GI COUNTIVY. mained in active duty until September, I883. His V present position is with W. I. Cutler, in his real-estate #| and abstract business. Politically, Mr. Arnold is a Democrat. He is the present Clerk of the village of i Mt. Pleasant, having been elected in the spring of! 1884. ADEfi^^^ j-^^^^^^^-^^aw 5.;"" ~"; I m 7 t- i i D r a< A*,, ''I' A;-t ^!x 7 00 " b ISABELLA COUNTY. 415 held the various school offices of his district. Politi- minie ball, which was never extracted. In conse. cally he supports the National party. quence of these wounds he was honorably discharged. In September, 1864, he enlisted in the Ioth Mich. Returning then to Gratiot County, this State, in * T Cav., and served till the close of the war, when he I867 he bought 8u acres in Chippewa Township,; was honorably discharged at Knoxville, Tenn. He where he now has 35 acres improved. fought at Strawberry Plain, Tenn., Henry Court- He was married in Pine River, Gratiot County, House and High Point, N. C., and in numerous June 17, i868, to Julia A., daughter of Amos and skirmishes. Matilda Johnson, natives of Nova Scotia. Mr. Johnson resides now in Gratiot County, but Mrs. J. is deceased. Mrs. Wolfe was born in Canada. To her and her husband seven children have been born: Mary E., Frederick W., Ximonia R., Foster W., Faneorge Murtha, farmer on section 9, Coe cier W., Nina R. and Martha L. Township, was born in Ionia Co., Mich., Mr. Wolfe is a Republican, is a member of Ralph Jan. 20, 849, and is the son of Patrick and Ely Post, G. A. R., and belongs to the F. & A. M. A — iT — -J 7 '- Ann i fc utla aie o r n. (e Ann (noy) iviurtla, natives ot Ireland. l(See sketch of S. P. Murtha.) He received a common-school education, coming to this county with his parents when seven years old. He has resided in Coe Township, and owns 40 acres of land, 28 of which are under cultivation. He was married in Chippewa Township, this county, July i, 1876, to Maria, daughter of Henry and Eliza (Wickham) Struble, natives of Coe Township. Mrs. Murtha was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Nov. 14, 1858, and is,the mother of three children,Mabel N., Winnifred and Leslie. Politically, Mr. M. is a worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. dJilliam E. Ward, of the firm of C. A. & W. E. Ward, general merchants at Mt. Pleasant, was born Sept. 5, 8, in Clyde,. 2N Wayne Co., N. Y. His parents, Chester A.. x and Caroline D. (Young) Ward, removed to the city of New York when he was but a boy, where they resided about five years. They afterwards came, in I858, to Burr Oak, St. Joseph Co, Mich., and remained until the fall of 1867. The son spent his boyhood years in attending school, and at 13 years of age began to aid his father as a clerk in his store, where he was thus occupied about two years. His next engagement was in the postoffice f..N sr= ''1' *+ Att -4 *..n ~...t,..y. went to De Kalb Co., 11l., and later to Kendall )County, in that State, where the mother died, in ga. 1880. The father lives in Kane Co., Ill., and, asso- l illiam H. Bowen, lumberman, resident o ciated with one of his sons, is managing a grist- section 6, Wise Township, was born July mill, which he purchased soon after the death of his a 26, I827, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. His wife. a parents, Nicholas and Nancy Bowen, were Mr. Tombs was an inmate of his father's home natives of Montgomery Co., N. Y, and died [: until the removal of the family to De Kalb County, in Onondaga County, in the Empire State. | where he became the proprietor of 80 acres of land, Mr. Bowen obtained his education at the common | a acquiring 40 acres by purchase and 40 acres by gift schools and remained at home until 28 years of J from his father. He sold his property two years age, spending his time in farming and running a later, and in i852 he went to California, where he thresher. After that period he was variously occupied spent two years in mining and lumbering. He was until i86I, when he engaged exclusively in farming. accompanied to the Golden State by three brothers In 1869 he came to Clinton Co., Mich., and built a and made the journey thither by the overland route. threshing-machine, which he has since continued to He worked by the month in a saw-mill, for the stipu- manage, in connection with lumbering. He came to A lated sum of $Ioo per month, but his employer Isabella County in the spring of 1883 and bought 20 ' failed and he lost his arrearage of wages, amounting acres of land, which was chiefly in timber. He e. to $. He returneto o Illinois and purchased 40 erected thereon a saw-mill, with a producing capacity ( acres of land in Kendall County, where his father of 0,000o feet of lumber daily. Politically, he is a '} then resided. He occupied the place a year, sold Democrat. K out and went to Bremer Co., Iowa, where he bought Mr. Bowen was married March 2, i855, in Onon- > ____ — ^ - H o D g.W 04( — --- —:A- J9; ~. Zn?+, ~"^ ark X ISABELLA,, daga Co., N. Y., to Lucy A. Marvin. She was born ) in that county, and is the daughter of Robert D.!, Marvin. Her parents were both natives of the Em'i pire State. Ida M., Willard B., George A., Hattie and Jennie are the names of the five children born ) to Mr. and Mrs. Bowen. -2s~ o,,,, andilll ~ 5~IS t COUNTY. 417: - ~ (3 II il, 11 0..I'avid Loomis, farmer, section i, Lincoln J |, Township, was born in Waterford Town~ ship, Erie Co., Pa., Dec. 14, I834. The father of Mr. Loomis, David D., was a native of New York, of New England parentage and English extraction. He was adescendant of the old Puritan fathers who left their native country to seek a home free from persecution. He followed the occupation of a farmer in New York until I838, when he brought his family to this State and settled in Oakland County. They finally came to this county and the father died here, in Union Township, Sept. I6, 188I. David's mother, Sarah (DeCamp) Loomis, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Spanish and Irish descent, and died shortly after the family's arrival in Oakland County, about the year 1838. David was only four years of age when his parents came to this State, and consequently has spent the greater portion of his life here. He remained with his father until he attained the age of i6 years, when, with his father's consent, he launched his lifeboat on the sea of fortune and went forth to battle against the obstacles strewn along the pathway of prosperity. He worked as a common laboreron the neighboring farms until I86i. Nov. 9, i86f, he responded to the Nation's call for loyal hearts and strong arms to battle for the perpetuity of her dishonored and insulted flag, and enlisted in Co. K., i4th Mich. Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and under command of Gen. Rosecrans. He participated in three active engagements-Stone River, Lavergne and Nashville-and several skirmishes. He escaped uninjured, but, becoming indisposed, he was sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and received an honorable discharge on surgeon's certificate of disability, April I6, I863. He returned to this State and again entered on the vocation of a farmer. Mr. Loomis was united in marriage Oct. 6, I864, in Clinton County, this State, to Miss Lucy M. Sutliff, a native of this State, where she was born Oct. 30, I841, in Hillsdale County. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis are the parents of 12 children. The living are: Lizzie F., Emma, Nellie, Nettie, Mary A., Hattie, Sarah D. and Lucy E. The deceased are: Emi, Amelia, Jessie and Arthur Garfield. Four years after marriage Mr. Loomis brought his family to this county and settled on I60 acres of wild land on section i, Lincoln Township, which he had purchased. He afterwards exchanged this land for 47 acres on the same section and 40 acres on section 36, Union Township. Of the 87 acres on which he is at present living, 75 acres are cleared and improved. Both husband and wife are identified with the First Congregational Church of Victor, Clinton County. Mr. Loomis has held the school offices of his district, and in politics is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. - 3 - eorge Atkin, farmer on section 6, Coe!! Township, is a son of William and Helen ~ 1p. (Bacon) Atkin, natives of England, where '. they passed all their lives. Their family included six sons and six daughters, George being the fourth son. He was born in England, May i6, I820. He was educated in his native country, and remained a resident of Albion's Isle until 27 years old, learning the trade of lace-making. May 21, I847, he sailed for the Great Republic, arriving the following month. He located at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and for the first season worked by the month at farming. He then worked a farm on shares for one season, after which he bought a farm of 24 acres, and worked it until 1855, when he sold. In April of that year he came West in search of a home, and located 125 acres on section 6, Coe Township, under the Graduation Act. He at once erected a log house and began to improve his land; but, his means being limited, he was obliged to work out much of the time of the first year that he wished to devote to clearing his own farm. As an additional means for raising money, k 9T, (f$ } 4';i'/ 'v o^*. 'Atk* SC// r, "I! 'I K i "Ip, i ')~~,.J~ I Of, p;* > '< O n 48 ISABELLA COUNTY. he sold 40 acres. By untiring industry and persever- Superintendent of the Poor, etc. He was in February, ', ance, and the assistance of a faithful and loving wife, 1882, appointed Postmaster of Alembic, which office ^: he has been able to clear 45 acres, which area is now he now holds. Politically, he is a Republican. He (>. in an advanced state of cultivation. and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal He was married in England, in May, I843, to Church. > Sophia, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Wallace) Hodson, natives of England. Mrs. Atkin was born - ---- ----— win England, March i8, I8I8, and is the mother of s seven children, four of whom survive,-Joseph, Wil- ^ i' lin8on Ne Twomley, carpenter and joiner, liam, Caroline E. and Susan E. The deceased are on B Twomley, carpenter and joiner Sarah H., George and an infant. resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Feb. Mr. Atkin has been Justice of the Peace two years, in Newstead, Erie Co., N.. H Postmaster three years, Tax Collector nine successive a son of James C. H. and Miranda C. (Miller) years, and has held all the offices in his school dis- Twomley. His father was a farmer and retrict. He is politically an ardent Republican. He moved when hs son was but three years of belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of age to Cattaraugus County. Engl. Mr. Twomley received a good education and was England. trained to the calling of agriculture, which he followed until he was 21 years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1867, he came to Jonesville, -v.. |. Hillsdale Co., Mich,, and remained there until the fall of 1873, when he transferred his residence to C.T Orange Township. Ionia County. He spent one -- = I i, eorge W. Howorth, farmer on section 2, Chippewa Township, is a son of Peter and Mary (Fay) Howorth, natives of England and New York State. The mother died in 1842. George was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., April i, 1826, and lived in the State of New York till about 25 years old, when he went to Erie Co., Pa. Two years later he came to Jackson County, this State, where he remained i8 months. In January, i856, he came to Isabella County and bought 60 acres in Chippewa Township. He has since disI r t _ _1 *I... __1 ~ _.... year on a farm, and came to Mt. Pleasant. where he has worked as a builder and contractor and spent the winter season in teaching. He has taught seven terms of school in Isabella County. He taught in the winter of I883-4 in Lincoln Township. Mr. Twomley was married in Danby Township, Ionia County, April 4, I872, to Mary, daughter of Jesse and Sarah Wellfare. She was born Sept. 19, 1852, in Tekonsha, Calhoun Co., Mich. The family includes one child,-Ethel I.,-born Jan. 12, i88i, at Mt. Pleasant. 3==3 IT oh et A>. I /. /* y posec o0 oo acres ana nas 50 acres nicely improvead. ---He was first married in Erie Co., Pa., April 4, > 1847, to Sophronia A. Godfrey, a native of New | ndrew J. O'Boyle, farmer on section 33, York State. Five of their seven children are living: Coe Township, was born in New York Helen M., Delavan G., Mary A., Julia R. and Melvin f State, July 4, I854, and is the sonof John L.; and two are deceased: Henry H. and Darwin v and Mary (Connolly) O'Boyle, natives of IreL. His wife dying May 30, 1878, Mr. Howorth was land. At the age of g9, he was employed as T again married, in November, 1878, to Amaretta, a brakeman on the Canada Southern Railroad, daughter of William D. and Deborah (Carrier) Kim- for about one year. He was afterward, for about a - ball, and widow of John B. Waite. She was born in year and a half, in th! employ of the Baltimore & 1 Delaware Co., N. Y., March 12, 1839, and she and Ohio Railroad Company. He came to Isabella Mr. H. have one son, Claud W. County in 1874, and bought 40 acres in Coe TownMr. H. has been Township Clerk, Highway Corn- ship, on which he settled three years later. missioner, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, County He was married in Gratiot Co., this State, in March, F _ _ _ ~ i n;) Am-rN *., --- A~tlt^I aI^^ ------ ^ ^! 1 --- — CO UNTY. 49,. 4x9- ' I i ''/'^ \^ Q Frederick Speck, farmer, section 27, J]!r Nottawa Township, is a son of Jacob, Speck, a native of Prussia who landed at Quebec, Canada, June 12, I863; lived in New X Hamburg three years, then at Wyandotte, Wayne Co., Mich., I866-74, working most of the time at the molder's trade and the rest of the time at farming; then was a farm laborer in Clinton County a year, and finally settled in this county. Frederick was born in Holstein, Prussia, Jan. 4, I846; April 19, 1878, he married Miss Jessie, daughter of John and Maggie (Bain) Hyslop, natives of Scotland and still living, in Nottawa Township. Mr. S. has no children. He owns 80 acres of land where he now resides, having 30 acres in cultivation and prospering as a farmer. With regard to national issues he acts with the Democratic party; is now School Assessor, and has been Supervisor one year. Mrs. S. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. -— ^-^^gl-H~ —^ --- g eorge Blesch farmer, section 22, Coldwater Township, was born Dec. 20, 1846, in the iUp township of Berlin, Waterloo Co., Ont., t and is the son of Michael and Margaret (Meckler) Blesch. The parents were both born in the vicinity of Elsass, Germany, and died in Waterloo Co., Can. Mr. Blesch was four years of age when his father died and left his mother with two sons. She married again and her son remained in the family until he was I2 years old, when he became a clerk in a store and afterwards was an assistant in a hotel. After reaching the period of his legal freedom, he attended the College of St. Jerome, and acquired a fair educa tion, after which he came to Michigan. He was for three years engaged in the lumber business for Edwin Hall. In I87 he came to Coldwater and home. steaded his place, entering his claim on the I4th day of November. He resided on it at intervals of six months, and in the fall of the succeeding year he returned to Canada, where he was married, Oct. i, 1872, to Mary Ann, daughter of Wendell and Catherine (Hass) Biek. She was born June 25, I854, in Prussia, and when she was seven weeks old her parents emigrated to Canada, where her father worked a few years at his trade, and then bought a farm. They are now passing their declining years in Hawksville, Can. Mr. and Mrs. Blesch have had six children: Joseph William was born Aug. 20, 1873; George S., June 20, I875; Bertha Amelia, March I3, 1877; Ida Matilda, May 6, I88o; Mary Norma, April 19, 1882; Allan Louis, April i6, I884. The parents are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Blesch is a Republican, and has held various local offices. He now owns I60 acres of land, having added 80 acres to his original purchase. Of this, 65 acres are in tillage..&lenjamin P. Mount, farmer section 34, }-/. Gilmore Township, was born May 18, ii. i832, in Middlesex Co., N. J. His parents, William and Lydia (Pierce) Mount, were natives of the State of New Jersey and are both deceased. At the age of 17 years Mr. Mount became the arbiter of his own fortunes. His first move was to proceed to the city of New York, where he learned the variety of business known as spar-making, which he pursued 13 years. In 1862 he settled in Jackson Co., Mich., where he bought a farm. Three years later he went to Livingston Co., Ill., where he became the proprietor of a second farm and there resided eight years. At the expiration of that time, he sold his property in the Prairie State and returned to Jackson Co., Mich., where he again became the owner of a farm, which he cultivated until I879. In that year he removed his family and interests to Isabella Co., Mich., where he owns and resides upon 80 acres of land in Gilmore Township, and has 55 acres I I -< 3r=.4., 1155, u~ 8 i I~ i ',,' Al: i i t o ~ A 7~. A.f7~ -~II. 420 ISABELLA COUNTY-. under good improvement. About 30 acres were un- He owns their business building, and three improved? der culture at the date of purchase. In 188I he was lots in the village. > made Township Treasurer by appointment. His marriage occurred at Saginaw, Nov. 18, 1873, i, Mr. Mount was the first time married in April, to Miss Mary Steckert, who was born April 28, 1855, K 1856, to Adeline E., daughter of George and Fran- in Saginaw County. Their two children are Edna ces Deborah (Field) Kirg. She was born Nov. i6, S., born April 28, 1874, and Ethel, born Nov. 12, 838, and died Aug. 3, I874. Following is the record I879. of the children which constituted the issue of this Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the Congregamarriage: George W., born June 23, I858, died tional Church, of which Mr. E. is clerk. He has Aug. 25, I860; Susan Frances, born June 25, 1860; been Justice of the Peace and has served as TownMary E., June 17, i863; Julia E., born Jan. 6, i868, ship Clerk one year and Village Treasurer two years. i D/ died Dec. 4, 1871; Caroline, Feb. 26, I871. Mr. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W. and is politically Mount was a second time married Nov. 6, 1877, to a Republican. Huldah J., daughter of Norman and Sarah D. (Dayton) Collins. She was born Aug. 26, 1844. Of;.-_ three children born of this marriage one survives. Following is the record: William R. was born Jan., f t oOAamuel Earl, farmer, section 14, Lincoln I6, I878, and died Jan. 2I, 1883; Sarah A. was ~ -.... i6, ad dd. 21,8; Sa A. wl Township, is a native of the State of Ohio, ) born Aug. I6, I880, and died Sept. 28, i88i; hr, in Cia, where, in Columbia County, he was born Verenea J., was born May 21, i883., Jan. 4, 1831. His parents, Daniel and Eliz- 4 ~ |. abeth (Little) Earl, were natives of the same / r=: ' State and County in which Samuel was born,; '-a l~-~ ~ ^and were of English and German descent. The fa-? e ther was a blacksmith by trade, and during the latter days of his life turned his attention to farming. < Elden Both parents are deceased, the father dying Nov. I9, ) illiam 1nH. Elden, of the firm of Elden & 1883, aged nearly 82 years, and the mother in i868, T' 1 -, I ~ -eale ~ ~ ~ _ N w nite, dealers in jewelry, sewing-machines, f stationery, etc., at Clare, was born in Genesee County, this State, July i8, I850; and lived with his mother (his father dying when., he, William, was five years old) until 12 years of age, attending school and assisting on the farm, which was the support of his widowed mother. He was the third of a family of six,-three sons and three daughters. From 12 to 20 he worked out in the summer and attended school in the winter. At 20 he went to Saginaw and bought 40 acres of improved land, which bi- rii1t;.t nttar for tub, upnrz T-T;z nova.. mn.,-n a-,-n aged 65 years. Samuel worked on the parental homestead and aided the father in the maintenance of the family until he attained the age of maturity. On arriving at this age, he went forth to "' plant his roses on the hill of difficulty." They grew not without thorns, and he engaged as a common laborer on the farms in the county where his parents had moved. He i' followed this vocation until the event of his marriage with Miss Mary A. Putman, which occurred in that county March 15, I855. She was the daughter ot Michael and Elizabeth (Bates) Putman, natives of Trob,,~-,t-..:;,,l A: _ v -:,. 4 _ r- C 0- 1 --- — A J C ll;.Utv.,U IVI LItVV jCIo. X113 IIXAtL iIVVC waS LOU t reIbyivall ia all.u oU11CtLILiLt, anIlu OI otrerman anu Midland, where he was apprenticed to learn the English extraction, and was born in Wyandot Co., i Y jeweler's trade under George W. Abbey. Serving his Ohio, April 29, 1839. 1 time of two years, he married and came with his wife One year after their marriage Mr. Earl rented a hOne rear after their marria e Mrr Earl rented a fr? to Clare, where he established a jewelry store with a farm, which he successfully cultivated for a short i small stock. This has been enlarged to meet the period, and then purchased a home of his own, ~ demands of an increased patronage, and he and his consisting of 40 acres and situated in Sandusky,, partner (received Oct. I5, 1883) now have a stock Co., Ohio. He lived on this homestead until 1876, () 7' worth $2,000, with an annual trade worth $8,ooo. when he sold it and moved to Rising Sun, Ohio, for / it5 J I / N~l ar j|||^,)ft — ----— TWn;i ^i tes nlc f 0- --- 4^^v||| ISABELLA COUNTY. 425 ()........... m I,, 4'.S: LAi three years, or until 1879. In the spring of that year he came to this State, and purchased I20 acres of land on section I4, Lincoln Township, this county, where he at present resides. Mr. and Mrs. Earl are the parents of six children, viz: Leroy, born Oct. 30, 1856, married Miss Lydia Hill and now resides at Rising Sun, Ohio; Alpheus Jefferson, born June 15, I859, married Miss Sophia Stahl and resides in Sandusky Co., Ohio; Jacob, born Dec. 12, i868; Dorsey, born June o1, I874;Truby, born Dec. 28, 1877; Nettie, born July i6, I866, died March 17, I869. Mr. Earl is a member of no Church, but believes in the " Golden Rule." Politically, he is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.: on. Samuel W. Hopkins, of Mt. Pleasant, is a son of Samuel and Freelove Burlingame (Arnold) Hopkins. The father was born in Coventry, R. I., Jan. o0, 1803, the son of Rufus and Amy (Shippee) Hopkins. Rufus Hopkins was the son of Esquire Samuel and Phebe (Case) Hopkins. Esquire Samuel Hopkins' father was Judge Samuel Hopkins, who was the son of Joseph Hopkins. The last named married a daughter of Edward Whalley, one of the regicide judges who fled from England upon the restoration of Charles II. Judge Whalley lived and is buried upon Hopkins' Hill, West Greenwich, R. I. It is from this ancestor that the subject of this biography takes his middle name, spelling it with but one "1," however. Most of the Hopkins family have been engaged in the great industry of Rhode Island,-cotton manufacturing. Mrs. Freelove Burlingame (Arnold) Hopkins was born in Warwick, R. I., Jan. 15, 1807, the daughter of Elijah and Sally (Gorton) Arnold. She was an only daughter, and had three brothers. Elijah Arnold was the I7th child of James and Freelove (Burlingame) Arnold, and James Arnold was the son of Thomas Arnold, who bought a square mile of land in Warwick, R. I., and divided it into six farms. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born on the middle one of these (on Cowesett road), known as Arnold's Square. Mrs. Sally (Gorton) Arnold, Mr. Hopkins' maternal grandmother, was the daughter of William and Sally' (Whitford) Gorton..William Gorton was the son of Dr. Samuel Gorton, whose father was Samuel Gorton. This ancestor came to Massachusetts from England, and was called a heretic by the Puritans, who drove him from their colony. He bought a home of the Indians in Rhode Island and named it "Patuxet." He lived to be a centenarian. Samuel Hopkins, the father of Samuel W. Hopkins, lived in the towns of Coventry, West Greenwich and Exeter, R. I., until 857, extensively engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods. He built several mills, and was a prominent man in his section of the country. The great financial panic of 1857, which engulfed so many thousands in the vortex of ruin and which affected to some degree every business man in the United States, was the en'd of his active business career. He had been a very energetic man, of sanguine disposition and buoyant spirits, but this failure seemed to break his strength of mind. With the remnant of his means he bought 80 acres of land in Coventry, Conn., where he lived a retired life until his death, Feb. 19, I875. His family included nine children,-seven sons and two daughters. Seven of the nine lived to adult age. Samuel Whaley Hopkins, the youngest of the family, was born April i, i845, in Exeter, R. I., where he lived until the age i years. He was very precocious, being able to read and spell when but three years of age. He attended the district school in Exeter for a time before leaving that town. In 1856 the family moved to Coventry, Conn. Here he studied in the district school and also received private instruction from Miss Mary K. Hutchinson. At the age ot 15 he attended the Ellington Academy, and the following year the academy at Manchester. The ensuing winter he taught at Andover, then he spent the summer at home on the farm, and the next winter he taught at Willimantic, Conn. After another summer at home he was for a month or so at Charleston, S. C., selling boots and shoes for a brother, then went to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the Bryant & Stratton Business College. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Felton, resident Principal of the Bryant & Stratton school, and a Mr. Bigelow, established the Union Business College, from which Mr. Hopkins was graduated in the spring (r865). He was at home the summer of that year, sold fr fi h~ (;"'! i r=3 I'.:s^ G:d. ( *' I * > L - Of * r cc Ali ",% (;WI t I (Ni " 9 5i 1116 italfib (1 ~47a rI.. QtlriB" ~~i I II rr' I- r ~-. —~.i 426 ISABELLA COUNTY. ' books in the fall, and taught school near home in the of 22, elected a member of the School Board, on a'? winter. The ensuing two years were spent partly at both tickets, Democratic and Republican. He served. home and partly in selling books for Gurdon Bill three years. In the early part of 1873 he was ap. t and Henry Bill, publishers. In the fall of i868 he pointed Clerk of Union Township, this county, to fill taught a select school at Andover. He taught at a vacancy, and the same spring he was elected to Little Falls, N. J., the next two years. During that position. He was twice re-elected Clerk, and the summer season he read law with Benezeret he also served seven years as Justice of the Peace. H. Bill, of Rockville, Conn. In the summer of 1870 He also officiated a year or so as Deputy Township he studied law at home, and in the fall he entered Clerk, while holding the latter office. He was for the Law Department of the Michigan University. one term Superintendent of Schools at Mt. Pleasant, t He took a two years' course at that institution, study- and for three years Chairman of the Board of School *c- ing in the summer of I87I with Hon. John M. Hall, Trustees. He was the first Village Attorney of Mt. >') of Willimantic, Conn. Pleasant. He was graduated in March, 1872, and then vis- In 875-6 he served the county as Prosecuting ited at.home for a few weeks, after which he located Attorney. During his term he literally reformed the temporarily at Grand Rapids, this State. There he village of Loomis, which had become infested with was admitted to the Bar, but he was principally occu- criminals and law-breakers. He was also instrupied in settling the estate of a Mr. Gardner. While mental in breaking up an organization known as the at Clare, Clare County, making collections for the Knights of Agriculture, which had been formed for I: estate, he met the Hon. I. A. Fancher, of Mt. Pleas- proper purposes but which had drifted into the ant, who induced him to make Isabella County his management of bad men. He also defended the 12 future home. These two gentlemen were partners in county against an injunction brought by the authori3 the practice of law for three years. Mr. Hopkins ties of Vernon Township (to which Clare county had ]s:' was then for two years connected with Michael Dev- been attached) in a matter involving a large sum of X t2 eraux. Commencing with Jan. I, I875, his partner tax money. He afterwards, in the Legislature, de- Ac was, for nearly two years, Wade B. Smith. He then fended the county in a similar case against the A; associated with himself Free Estee, who had formerly counties of Mecosta and Midland, to each of which 0< studied law with him. Mr. H.'s health having a moiety of Isabella County was formerly attached failed, his business was looked after almost entirely for municipal purposes. This matter brought on a by his partners, first Mr. Smith, then Mr. Estee. He hard-fought struggle of four weeks in the Legislaspent two summers at Higgins Lake, Roscommon ture, and at every step Mr. Hopkins won. County, and in the winter of I88I-2 visited his He was elected to the Legislature first in the fall mother at Coventry, Conn., where he remained for of I876, running against Henry H. Graves, and took r six months. his seat in January following. He was a member of >^ The first of January, 1883, he formed his present the Committees on Judiciary, Public Lands and Liquor?: business coni ection with Daniel E. Lyon. They do Traffic. During this session he introduced a bill an extensive business in real estate, insurance and making libel a crime. This measure passed the loans. In 1883 they loaned over $loo,ooo. They House, but was killed in the Senate. In the fall of represent I X sound insurance companies, and do the 1878 he was re-elected to the House, taking his seat largest business in that line in the county. He is in January, 1879. He was at this time a member of a director in the banking house of Brown, Harris the Committee on Judiciary, and Chairman (though; & Co. youngest member) of the most important committee Mr. Hopkins is politically a staunch Republican. of the session-Special Joint Committee on TaxaHe has always taken a deep interest in politics, and tion. In this he was associated with Messrs. Hall,,; he has been and still is of great influence. He has Stanchfield, Ferguson and Kuhn, of the House, and, served his community in numerous official positions, three of the ablest'members of the Senate,-J. W. 1 with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constit- Childs, of Washtenaw, James W. Cochrane, of Mid-. uents. While in Coventry, Conn., he was, at the age land, and George A, Farr, of Ottawa. They preM 9 > - t ~ '; "' &,~ ~~N I SABELLA COUNTY. 427 ( pared aid introduced a bill reorganizing the tax two years and Supervisor two years. In political mati system of the State. This bill passed the House, but ters he is a Democrat, and in religion both he and.:" is was lost in the Senate. The next year a commis- his wife are Second Adventists.? sion was appointed by the Governor, which carried April 21, 1875, Mr. Bennett was married to Miss into effect the provisions of the law now in force, Nancy Jane, daughter of Silas Prothero. Her parents which are much like those in Mr. Hopkins' bill. He are both living, in this neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. has been for the last six years Chairman of the B. have no children. Republican County Committee, which position he now fills. In the fall of 1882 he was unanimously Ag nominated for the office of Prosecuting Attorney. ( Not desiring this position, he made no canvass, and a B - - his opponent, Charles T. Russell, was elected. In fa r ~1 )~~- Township, was born in I845, in County F: 1877 he was nominated for President of the Village. T sh was born 845n ounty {aJ.. R "in Antrim, Ireland. His parents, Patrick and Mr. Hopkins platted an addition to Mt. Pleasant,, k a, Mary (McCali) Bone, were natives of the "land in 1874, on the south, known as "Hopkins' Addi-, tiO."0 of the harp and shamrock," and about I850. emigrated to the New World. They settled He was married at Jerusalem, N. Y., Dec. Io, I873, near Geneva, Seneca Co., N. Y., where they resided to Miss Margaretta, eldest daughter of Rev. Dr. win V er and tda (illiason) Veder. Dr. about four years, then they removed to Wayne Co., Edwin Vedder and Ida (Williamson) Vedder. Dr. V. Mich., where the father bought 3o acres of land. t \ is a native of Schenectady, N. Y., and his wife, of ch where the father boht 3 acres f land New Jersey, and both live at Jerusalem, Albany Co., Their family included three children, all of whom are. living. Their father died Aug. 7, I862, in Browns- /\ l N. Y. Mrs. Hopkins was born Feb. i, I846, at Lita t town, Wayne Co., Mich. The demise of the mother =i tle Falls, N. J., and lived successively at that place, occurred Feb. 5, I876-; Berne, Middleburg, Gallupville, Schoharie and New ccud 1876.: ':= ' Mr. Bone was the first son of his parents, with Scotland. All these places but the first are in thee a t State of New York. whom he remained until the year in which the notes State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have of civil war in America rung like the blast of a temhad one son, Herbert Vedder, born at Mt. Pleasant, ug., pest round the whole world. He became a soldier, Aug. 2i, i876, and died at Jerusalem, N. Y., Aug. 4,. enlisting Oct. 29, i862. He was enrolled in the 27th 1877. Mrs. H. is a Presbyterian, and Mr. H. is a 877. Mrs. H. is a Presbyterian, and Mr. H. is a enMich. Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the Ninth member of the Unitarian Society, of which he has Mich Vol Inf. which was ed to the Ninth been for two years Vice-President. In 884, Mr. Army Corps and attached to the armies of the East been for two years and of the West. He was in all the battles and Hopkins was chosen Alternate to the Chicago Convention that nominated Blaine and Logan. skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged until The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are pr- he was wounded, at the battle of Spottsylvania, by a The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are pre-. o o p o t.minie ball in the left shoulder. Thereupon he was sented on other pages of this work. first sent to Fredericksburg, and then to the hospital ".i^......~s3. at Washington, where he remained until sufficiently i ___p ~recovered to return home. He was discharged Nov. I l hydelous F. Bennett, farmer, section 32, 9, I864. i Nottawa Township, is a son of J. J. and He then came to Wayne Co., Mich., where he en|^ Priscilla (Margeson) Bennett, natives of tered the employment of a farmer, but his strength ~ i! New York State, the former born Jan. 26, was not sufficiently recuperated for labor, and'he j I821, and the latter Dec. 26, I830; both are caine to Isabella County about Nov. i, 1865. He i still living. was in the employ of E. Hall about three years, and ^i The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 12, 852, toward the end of that time he entered a homestead, lived with his parents until of age, when he pur- claim of 80 acres, which he proved in the course of chased an unimproved 8o-acre tract and settled five years and obtained his patent. He has improved x upon it, where he now resides. The place is in about 60 acres. Mr. Bone was formerly a member ~) r good condition. He has been Township Treasurer of the Catholic Church. He holds the position of ----— A^I, — u U. ---0et' >.428 ISABELLA @.. COUNTY..' -- (^ I Major, or Vice Commander, in J. Bowley Post, No. 77, G. A. R., at Sherman. He was married March 20, I876, to Minerva, daughter of Empson and Mary (Latta) Powell. She was born Oct. 6, 1848, in Perry Co., Ohio. Her parents both died in Athens Co., Ohio. They had 14 children, of whom Mrs. Bone is the youngest. She is the mother of four childreln, born in the following order: Patrick, Dec. 12, I876; Empson, May 6, I879; Mary Elizabeth, Oct. 6, 88i; John Francis, Jan. 7, I884. t — j^ ^^-^=i iI ^-. f. 'r ie 3 v r:, I / I' aniel Bardick, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section I6, Lincoln Township, was born in Williams Co., Ohio, July 25, i838. His parents were Lewis and Rachel (Cook) Burdick; the father a native of Massachusetts, the mother of New York, and both of New England ancestry. The father followed the occupation of farming and spent the major portion of his life in Ohio engaged in that vocation. He died in Livingston Co., Mo., Aug. 15, I873, aged 64 years. The mother departed this life in April, i849, in Williams Co., Ohio, aged 36 years. Daniel Burdick was the sixth child of a family of ten children, nine of whom were girls. When he attained the age of 22 years he apprenticed himself to his brother-in-law to learn the shoemaker's trade. He continued at this trade until the breaking out of +1-. 1.,4ef -. r Mr. B. passed through the battles in which his regiment was engaged without receiving any serious wounds, but in one of the engagements a ball passed through his hat and cleanly shaved the hair from his head. After his discharge from the service Mr. B. followed his trade for a short period, and then came to this State. He arrived here in i865 and purchased 80 acres of land on section I6, Lincoln Township, where he is at present residing. At the time he came to Lincoln Township, the hand of improvement was hardly visible, and he entered on the task of clearing and improving his land amid numerous difficulties. He was compelled to cut a road one and a half miles through the dense woods to his land, but withstood all the trials and now has 160 acres, of which 70 are in a good state of cultivation, a comfortable residence and two commodious stock and grain barns. Mr. Burdick was united in marriage, Nov. 28, 1862, in Delaware Co., Ohio, with Miss Mary Hackett, a native of Jamestown, Ontario, where she was born Aug. 15, I847. She came to the " States " with her father in 1850, her mother having died, in Canada, in I848. Her father located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained for about I2 years, following his trade of wagon-making. While in Cleveland, Mrs. Burdick attended the public schools, and from that place accompanied her father to Columbus, and thence to Delaware County, same State, where she remained until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. B. are the parents of six children: Orion L., born Oct. 15, I865; Elmer E., born March I 4,,i XI c atc war.26, i867, died Jan. I9, 1874; Ernest E., born Feb. ~1 When the news flashed over the wire that Sumter 22, 1869; Theron D., born May 28, 1872; R. Idella, had been bombarded with rebel shell, and the call born Sept. 28, i873; Gracie M., born Oct. 26, I875. i went forth for the sons of liberty to rally round their olitically, Mr. is an adherent to and believer Politically, Mr. B. is an adherent to and believer imperiled flag, our subject was among the first to principles of the Republican arty, and has respond. He enlisted in Co. D, 38th Ohio Vol. Inf., h the min offics of township. Aug. 15, I86I, and his regiment was assigned to the 3d Division, I4th Corps, of the Army of the Cumber-< — = =land, commanded by Gens. Sherman, Rosecrans and Thomas. He was in numerous engagements, promi- | dison S. Hipkins, druggist at Blanchard, is A nent among them being Mill Spring, Shiloh and De- a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Loup) catur. At the latter battle he was taken prisoner, was Hipkins, natives of Pennsylvania. The i. (F paroled and finally, in 1863, was exchanged and re- father was born March 14, i8i i, was a drug- (i i turned to his regiment. He accompanied the gist by occupation, and died in 1867, in Gilboa,. regiment in its march to Atlanta and participated in Ohio. The mother was born Oct. 25, I825, (j all its engagements: was discharged Sept. 25, 1864. and is yet living at Gilboa. ____fits dis'arge Sep2A5d N~~ I .~ ISABELLA a. / I -,*to Axk I I 0 1 The subject of this sketch was born at Gilboa, Putnam Co., Ohio, April 14, 1851, and remained at home until i6 years of age, when he became a drug clerk. In i87i he entered the pharmacy institution at 45, Bleeker Street, Utica, where he remained until I874. Returning to Gilboa, he entered the drug establishment of McClure & Mathias. Mr. Mc Clure subsequently bought his partner's interest, and after a time he sold to Harmans & Son. A short time after this last change, Mr. Hipkins went to Bairdstown, Wood County, and bought a stock of drugs of Cattor Bros. After two years there, he sold to one Getman, and came to Michigan. He clerked for George Finch for a while, and in i88i came to Blanchard, where he has since conducted a profitable business. Nov. 7, 1877, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna Phillips, daughter of Miles and Sarah (Redson) Phillips. She was born Jan. 7, I855, the second daughter in her father's family. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. H., named Edison Maxwell, Jan. 5, I884. In political sentiment, Mr. Hipkins is a Democrat. -acob P. Yuncker, farmer, section 27, Nottawa Township, is a son of Hubert and Barbara Yuncker, natives of France. Mr. Y., Sr., emigrated to America in June, I847, settling in Erie Co., N. Y., with his parents; when he was i8 years of age the family moved to Alden, same county. By occupation he, as well as his father, was a boot and shoe maker, for some years in the early part of his life. His father died in Erie Co., N. Y., and his mother in Clinton Co., Mich. Jacob P. was born Dec. 23, I837. Jan. 9, i866, he was married to Margaret Pohl, a daughter of Nicholas and Ann C. (Maurer) Pohl, both of German descent, the latter deceased and the former still living, in Clinton County. Mrs. Yuncker was born in Westphalia, that county, Nov. 2I, I843. Of the ten children born in this household, nine are living, —six sons and three daughters. Their names are Mary, Rosa, Henry, Joseph, Louisa, Louis, John, Arthur and Edward. In political affairs Mr. Y. is independent; has been Supervisor in Clinton County four years, High illl --- COUNTY. 43 I way Commissioner in Nottawa Township, this county, two years, and School Director, which last position he now holds. Mr. and Mrs. Yuncker are members ' of the Catholic Church. t1iT "If I7 ( ) 6, \..; 1sy t').,z,9 3 amuel Craft, farmer, section 7, Deerfield Township, is a son of Ridgeway and Esj ther (Bailey) Craft, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, of German and English ancestry. They settled in Washington Co., Ohio, where they lived until they came to Michigan, in I836, settling in Lenawee County; there they lived one year, and then 'they passed the remainder of their days in Branch County, he dying Jan. I, I863, and she, Aug. I3, I878. Their family comprised seven children, five daughters and two sons. Samuel, the youngest of the family, was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1832; when nearly four years old the family moved to Michigan, settling in Branch County, where he grew up and was educated. He had sole charge of his father, who was a cripple the last 17 years of his life. In I865, Mr. Craft moved to Greenville, Montcalm County, invested in town property and resided there about 14 years; he then sold out and came to Isabella County, and bought I20 acres of wild land, in Deerfield Township, where he now lives. At present he owns 320 acres in this county, about 25 of which is under the plow. Mr. C. has taken great interest in the agricultural affairs of the county. He was the first Vice-President of the Agricultural Society for Deerfield Township for three years; he drafted the constitution and by-laws of the society, has served on 11l the important committees, is now Chairman of the Executive Committee, and for each year has been General Superintendent. In April, I879, he was elected Supervisor of Deerfield Township, since which time he has served continuously in that office. He has also held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, School Inspector four years and has been Sanitary Adviser since I879. In politics he is in sympathy with the Democratic party, but reserves the right to "scratch the ticket." May i, I859, in Branch Co., Mich., Mr. Craft was,K *}. 2=:,~3 3 *=f:/ X (:)1 it pr (C"21 h,,rr;,:arr:aa~ — n - - -~-,,:t"(,, C-~~ ~i iu.~\ r,.i s:..~~ ' 432 ISABELLA i married to Jeannette, daughter of Charles W. and (I Jemima (Westfall) Lawrence, natives of New York - State who moved to Branch County, this State, about T 1850, where they lived until death; she died July 14, 185o, and he, April 2, I86i. Mrs. C. was born in Rochester, N. Y., June 9, t841. The children born of this marriage are: Burt W., Florence J. and R S. We are happy to place Mr. Craft's portrait in this ALBUM, as that of a representative citizen of Isabella County. It will be found on page 430. J -;(.i - - -—. — 3: CO UATY. the necessaries of life. They were obliged to go 50 o miles, to Detroit, for provisions. X I' (~ f ' > iN's5 2; 'i: r~ i arr rs na i~i ur3r(; pllh C ~ —en; ' *'7* "1H1 tr, \- - - -— ~W n.p n 17P -T ISABELLA COUNTY. 433 urer of Clare Village. He was for two terms Assist- Dec. 25, 1840. Seven children have been born of i / ant Sergeant-at-Arms of the State Senate, and for one her marriage: Margaret, Catherine, John W., Hen- i; term Sergeant-at-Arms. Politically, he is a staunch ry S., Wiliiam J.,Annie L. and Minnie M. W. The, and influential Republican, as are all of his father's parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal 7. family. In I868, his father and five sons went to the Church. g polls together and cast their votes for U. S. Grant. Mr. R.'s wide experience and varied talents fit himY y for almost any position. and render him in every, sense a representative citizen. It is such men as he | annibal Gaskill, farmer on section 30, Coe that are so rapidly developing the wilds of Northern |t Township, is a son of William and Lydia Michigan, planting civilization and wealth where for (Brown) Gaskill, natives of New England; untold ages have been barbarism and waste. and was born in Lockport, N. Y., July 3, 1824.: He remained at home until 19 years of age, at\tlintnrr c ',hrnl, ncl nr iqtinc?' hiq f4th-r.n tht kz vt;q ~~ I I illianm Lansing, farmer, section 8, Wise Township, was born Feb. 18, I832, in Iennox Co., Ont., and is the son of William 2' and Catherine (Sprung) Lansing. The father a. was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., and the ' mother was a native of Prince Edward Co., Can. The former died in February, i867, in Canada. The latter has reached the age of 84 years and is totally blind. Mr. Lansing came to Isabella County in 1877, having spent the years of his previous life in Canada, with the exception of one year which he spent in Missouri, and six months in the State of New York. In boyhood he attended the common schools, and on -ntpno rn i 1v lt-fP i lf 1.CP -rf'n-P a fqrnmer Tn the fill I -JULLJr 3L llV l L UWnlLl5ll 11LC 1aLllK; ULI L1a farm. He attended one term at the Wilson Collegiate Institute, at Wilson, Niagara Co., N. Y. Since then, he has taught 28 nearly consecutive winters, working out by the day during the summer season. He has devoted all his leisure moments to study, especially history, both sacred and profane. He is a close Biblical student, but is liberal in his reasoning and interpretations. He spent one winter in Minnesota, teaching and farming. He first came to Michigan in the spring of I845, but remained only a few months in Clinton County. In September, I854, he settled in that county, buying a farm of 40 acres. In 1878, he traded this for 80 acres in Isabella County, where he has since resided. He has i8 acres under cultivation. He was first married in Niagara Co., N. Y., March 25, I858, to Rachel A. Clark, a native of that county. One daughter, Mary F., was born to them. Mrs. G. diep Tilv TN, r,5r, andl ho w.ac Boain rnorriot in 4% r -46! C, lLC1611%l lll.,ttVW It 11ck C, aLtkVtt 11.,..Li, s, aII,u I..,I I.JJ JA, a., c,. I.. i. LU.,, CTI.I, 61,, 1 c ll i Ls, W.llL,,,i ll1 y of I877, he bought 80 acres of land in its natural 1865, to Anna Jeffrey, a native of Michigan. Mr. condition in Wise Township. He has since added G. is politically a Democrat. In religious belief he 80 acres by purchase to his estate, and has 60 acres is a Universalist. cleared and in tillage. Mr. Lansing is a member of the Republican party in political affiliation, and has -'q-:- -- been quite prominent in public life. He has held. the office of Highway Commissioner one year, and | ^' acob L. Fordyce, farmer, section 34, Gilin the spring of 1882 was elected Justice of the Peace, more Township, was born April 2, I828, in:; of which office he is the present incumbent. | ' Greene Co., Pa. His parents, Archibald 1 He was married Oct. 8, 1855, in Hastings Co., G. and Nancy (Leonard) Fordyce, were both. f, Canada, to Minerva J., daughter of John and Marga- natives of Pennsylvania, where the father is ret (Spears) Hart. The parents were natives respect- still living. The mother died in I847. A ively of Vermont and Canada. The mother died in Mr. Fordyce studied medicine in his earlier years, the Dominion, May 21, r86i, and the father May 19, and at 25 years of age went to West Virginia and (i 1863. Mrs. Lansingwas born in Hastings Co.,Can., commenced its practice, to which he devoted 12 t(Siri --- O -__.x( >J~ fct,4s-*;..*'^^^ 434 ISABELLA COUNTY. (~ - -. -- --- ------ *,. mv Am- --.7""."" _ ^' E years at Little's Mills, Tyler County. March 28, of whom are now living, namely: John Wesley, V, 865, he came to Isabella County and located on 20o born Sept. 6, 1868; Richard Asa, Dec. 5, 1870;: | acres of land in Coe Township. In I871 he disposed Sterling Asa, July 23, 1873; Hugh Oliver, Nov. 28, I< of the place by sale and purchased I60 acres in Gil- 1875; Helen Elizabeth, March 4, 1877; Paul Emer< more Township, with a small tract of 12 acres cleared. son, Oct. 3, i88o; Esther Mabel, May 20, 883; and He has since sold 80 acres, and retains but one-half Charles Ernest, born Dec. 22, 1878, died April 14, his original acreage. On this he has good and suit- I88o. able farm buildings. He served as Supervisor of Mr. Winter has been Commissioner of Highways Coe Township two terms, and has filled the same two terms (first in the township), Moderator three position four terms in Gilmore. He is a Republican and School Assessor five years. in political affiliation. He was married Jan. 6, 1853, in Greene Co., Pa., to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Wood) Jacobs. She was born March 31, I834. Followingn se n 2 Ce is the record of the nine children born to Mr. andndre Jackson farmer on section 2, Coe Mrs. Fordyce, four of whom are deceased: Lakins Township, is a son of Joseph B and Hanwas born Jan. 5, 1854; Clarinda, April 29, 1859; ' nah (Hagerman) Jackson, natives of the EiAg. l. 1, 86; Horace State of New York. The parents lived in the Eli, Aug. 25, i86i; Silas, Dec. 17, I865; Horace, _. Feb. 2, 87. i; WilliamS was born Nov. 8, I855 (died Empire State until the mother's death, in i833., He afterwards came to Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1863, of diphtheria): Jarret, born Oct. 4, 21rT diphtria J t where he died about 1863. 1857 (drowned July 17, i86i); an unnamed child w e h d a died of measles March,863, who was born Feb. Te subject of this biography was born in Seneca: =c Co., N. Y., March 4, I823, and at the age of 0o mov= 24, of the same year; John Linza, born Feb. i, i868 ed with his parents to Genesee County, same State. 'vv (died Feb. I, I884, of malignant erysipelas).,* > = e e 4, l mr e i - Four years later he came with his father to the Pen- P 3 The parents are zealous members of the Disci-. - * * pes' Church. l insular State. In I857 he came to East Saginaw,.pwhere he followed teaming 13 years. Next, he lived / four years in Pontiac, and in December, I874, he came to Isabella Crounntv and hought no ncres in Cn oe f esley J. Winter (m field Township in Norfolk, Ca ' William Winter, "' Dominion," and children in his family When 23 years of county, and for the first fe camps. In 1873 he pure which he has since added Here he has improved 4 bition to continue until 1 home. June i6, I867, in Uni( Mr. Winter was married t of John M. Hursh, the fir who died Nov. 27, 1877; in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. W. In this family have been JRjil --- —, farmer, section 36, Deer), was born Dec. 30, I840, I,.-1rlt Wo-z1- hi-c f.-r+1-.l r I — L..%, By I-W LA.. L, FIJI +VWbl as. Township, where he now resides, with about 29 acres cultivated. He was first married in Livingston Co., Mich.,.pntt * T RA6 n Rn anna McT.,clhl1in whn wnc l-arn LlIU;ad ~~ 3 lt. -1113 IlICIaUCF " V%,F Y~V LU IVNUCsU ~ ~ go% sX,,tL ao J8IztJ~ Ad "V ill was also a native of the in the State of New York, Aug. I2, I825. To this died in 1882. Of the 13 marriage have been born seven children, four of,eight are now living. whom survive: Mary, Jennie, Theodore and Fan-:age, Wesley came to this nie. The deceased are Dillis D. (drowned in Sagiw years worked in lumber naw River Jan. 28, 1870), Charles and Ellen. Mrs. J. hased 40 acres of land, to dying May 22, I869, Mr. J. was again married, in by purchase 40 acres more. Saginaw, Mich., Jan. 6, 1870, to Esther E., daughter 5 acres, and has the am- of Samuel and Angeline (Newcomb) Bishop, and ie has completed a good widow of A. G. Lipscomb, who died in I870. She was born in New Brunswick, March 4, 1824, and has (; on Township, this county, six children by her first marriage: Sarah A., Rinaldo o Mrs. Helen J., daughter D., Amanda E., Ryerson C.,Theresa V. and Aramanst settler in that township, tha M.;her mother is still living, Mr. and Mrs. J. are members of the Methodist ' is a native of New Jersey. Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Jackson votes born eight children, seven the Democratic ticket. <-s^Dlasnnl^ -^ ---e-M4 i-~g~~ak^~ I I Fii, — i:-Ub v=,: :~::':;-~~,, I * ~i~~;~~:;~ 1: i ~ir ~:-~-:::~.-~ ~i;~:.ii ~;::.~ Adti " ISABELLA 5, o^.!:)k " <:7-,'O ~' 7I -rar ", " eorge House, farmer, section 4, Isabella * ml Township, is a native of England, where, in Somersetshire, he was born Dec. ii, 1828. The parents of our subject were William and Sarah (Stower) House, natives of England and of pure English extraction. His father followed the occupation of a baker in that country and there died. His mother also died in her native country, in January, 1864. George was only ten years of age when his father died, and remained under the care of his mother until he attained the age of i6 years. At this age he entered the mercantile business,; hich he continued, with a moderate degree of success, until he attained the age of 24 years, living by himself and keeping ) "bach." May 6, I852, in his native county, Mr. House was: united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Chancellor, a 9 daughter of William and Mary (Stower) Chancellor, natives of England, of pure English ancestry, and both died in their native country. Elizabeth was born in Walton, Somersetshire, Eng., Jan. 29, 1836, and lived at home in her native town until her marriage, as stated. She received the advantages afforded by the common schools of her native country, and acquired a good English education. After his marriage, Mr. House followed the occupation of farming in Somersetshire, Eng., and continued that vocation with a fair degree of success until 1869. In the spring of that year he came to the New World and located in Wellington Co., Can. He remained there for a period of one year, when he removed to York Co., Ont., and there followed the vocation of farming for five years. Mr. House, at the expiration of the time stated, came to Monroe County, this State, and purchased 265 acres of land in that county, and entered on the laborious though pleasant task of improving it. He B farmed this land until the year 1879, and then sold it and came to this county and purchased i60 acres? on section 4, Isabella Township. He brought his family, consisting of himself and wife and ten children, and settled on his newly purchased land and ) began the improvement of a home in the then wilderness. There were only three acres of this land from I COUNTY. 437 which the trees had been chopped, and yet with such a combined determination did they one and all enter on the task of clearing and improving the homestead that to-day go of the i60 acres are in a good state ot cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. House are the parents of ten children, born and named as follows: Alexander J. G., born in England, May 15, 1859; Sarah A. S., born in England, Dec. 28, 1860; James George, born in England, Aug. 12, 1862; Henry George, born in England, June 8, I864; Ferdinand George, born in England, May 6, i866; Mary C., born in England, Feb. 29, I868; Eustace George, born in Canada, June 9, I869; Elizabeth M., born in Canada, Feb. 7, I872; Emily A., born in Canada; and George, born in Monroe Co., Mich., July 6, 1876. The father and mother are both members of the Close-Communion Baptist Church, and eight of their children are of the same belief. Mr. H. has occupied the position of Deacon in the Church for considerable time. Mr. House politically is a supporter of and believer in the principles of the Republican party, and has held minor offices in his township. He is one of the representative and progressive men of his township and has met with signal success in his vocation. His family are all industrious, energetic and hardworking, and true representatives of the progressive element of the county. ark F. Fasquelle, M. D., physician and, surgeon at Mt. Pleasant, was born Oct. 1 i8, 840, in Detroit. He is a son of the well-known Louis J. Fasquelle, late Professor of Modern Languages in the University of Michigan. Professor Fasquelle was born in Guinnes, France, in i8o8. He was thoroughly educated and studied medicine, but never became a practitioner. He went to England, where he was engaged in teaching, and in I833 he came to America. He settled in Detroit for a short time, going thence to the vicinity of Pinckney, Livingston Co., Mich., where he purchased a large tract of land, comprising nearly i,ooo acres. He remained there until I846, when he accepted the Chair of Modern Languages in the University at Ann Arbor, which he continued to hold until his death, which occurred I ^ — f '.~ x..! 1.= ~k 1~.~ *(i I.:, I i (.A f( I.. t N -,9K i *li 6* Z!,. C - 438 ISABELLA COUNTY., s -.=., I t.t ix k T *>;, S! ).a Oct. 1, 1862. Professor Fasquelle was married in England to Grace Whiddon, a native of Barnstable, where she was born in i8io. She died at Ann Arbor, in March, 1876. The family of Professor Fasquelle included four children: Louis W., a physician at St. John's, Clinton Co., Mich.; Caroline M., the wife of Alfred Hennequin, Assistant Professor of French at the University of Michigan; and Frances E., a resident of Ann Arbor. Professor Fasquelle attained permanent distinction through his series of French text books which have been standard works for more than 30 years, and their excellence is fully attested by the fact that they are still in use in many leading educational institutions, notwithstanding modern innovations. He was technically conversant with 72 languages and dialects. " Fasquelle's French Course " was published in 1850, followed successively by "Telemaque," "Napoleon," " Racine," " Colloquial French Reader," "Juvenile Grammar" and the "The Key to the French Course." His works were published by Newman & Ivison, and afterwards by the successors to that house. Professor Fasquelle was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery at Ann Arbor. No finer ~ -I, 1 -., Cf', A.,1 -.. 3 - -., his profession a few months. On the first of January, I873, he came to Mt. Pleasant and established himself in practice in company with Dr. Miller. Four months later he opened an office independently and has continued to conduct the business of his profession with steady and growing success, his field of operation including a large portion of Isabella and adjoining counties. Dr. Fasquelle is a member of the State Medical Society of Michigan and belongs to the National Health Association. He was married March 21, I863, in Ann Arbor, to Julia F., daughter of Seth and Amelia Smith. She was born Feb. 8, I841, in Connecticut. Grace A., only child, was born May 17, 1869, at St. John's, Clinton County. In presenting the portrait of Dr. Fasquelle, the publishers of this work take more than ordinary satisfaction. He is a worthy son of an honorable sire,-one whose best work is a part of the peerless educational history of Michigan. The private and professional record of him who represents a name which the world of learning delights to honor, is such as to reflect luster on these pages. 1 Vo~ i 4' * N.\ -*/ \ - fl,-/, II PI * r=""~. ~,N 1 w - tllllfllllllllllli- -.4;/ triute to tne merits ot nis metnoas or instruction -: could be offered than that afforded by the adoption of. ) the " French Course" in the training of the primaryrenus Kinter, retired farmer, living on classes in the Chautauqua School of Languages, a Lincoln Township, and one of..Xdsection II, Lincoln Township, and one of movement which establishes their value beyond t r s m o t.avi -~ the representative self-made men of the councavil. cv... ty, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., March I6 Dr. Fasquelle, the subject of this biography, was educated at Ann Arbor, matriculating at the Uni- 1 812. f versity in 1856, and completed his studies in the The parents of Cyrenus, BarneyandOrril (Thomp- l classical course in I860. In 862 the second son) Kinter, were of German and Connecticut parentdegree-Master of Arts-was conferred upon him. age. The father was killed in the battle at Black '. During the year i861-2 he studied in the Medical Rock in the war of I8I2, and the mother died the: Department of the same institution. Meanwhile he year previous. purchased i6o acres of land in Lodi, in Washte- At the time of the death of his father, Cyrenus naw County, where he resided until the spring of was but two or three years old, and was the eldest of 1866. He sold his farm and came to St. John's, two children, brothers. Thus, at an early age he Clinton County, and established a shoe store under was bereft of father and mother, and thrown on the the firm style of Fasquelle & Wells. The partner- charity of foster parents. His foster father was a, 9 ship soon terminated, and Mr. Fasquelle operated Mr. PeterPowers, and our subject remained in his I singly until the summer of 1869, when he returned family until he attained the age of 25 years. Mr. to Ann Arbor. In the fall of 1870 he resumed study Powers died when our subject was 16 years of age, i J in the Medical Department of the University, where and Mr. K., being obliged to work toward the support h.N he was graduated in the spring of I872. He opened of the family, was debarred from seizing the opportuan office in the city of Ann Arbor, where he practiced nities afforded by the common schools, and only ob- < g||, -— U 3 ^13t^-P ---- — 4N^(|g , 1ISABELL Aj tained such education as his leisure moments enabled him. I i rre il I~ L J An- er *H ",. I.~" When Mr. Kinter left the Powers home he came direct to this State and settled on a piece of land in Eaton County, which he had purchased in 1836. He lived on this land about 20 years and improved 60 acres of the I3o-acre tract. "Hope" brought him to the State, " Faith " kept him here, and earnest Effort, " the mother of success," crowned his labors; but his " roses," planted in the establishing of his home in this then wilderness, grew not without thorns. He experienced all the trials and difficulties of the early pioneer and yet, being endowed with that energy and lerseverance which are so essential to success, he conq(lered them all, and looking from the present to the past he contemplates the pleasure and happiness which honest effort has accomplished. In 1859 Mr. Kinter came to this county, and made an exchange of his property in Eaton County, for 320 acres on section 8, Coe Township. This trade was made with Mr. Eben Stewart, and before the organization of the county, and while it was in its wild state. At this time Coe Township embraced the entire county. This was just prior to his establishing the Indian Mills near the present city of Mt. Pleasant, and he usually went to St. John's and other distant towns for his supplies. Mr. K. entered upon the improvement of this land, and, although "clouds of difficulty obscured his star of prosperity," he relied on his faith and brought all his energy to bear upon his enterprises, and nobly fought the vicissitudes which accompanied him and sits today in the sunshine of happiness and plenty. Mr. K. gave one of his sons 80 acres of land and another 120 acres, equalizing the difference with a moneyed consideration. In 1882 Mr. Kinter sold the remaining 120 acres in Coe Township to his youngest son, and purchased 40 acres on section i, Lincoln Township, on which lie and the sharer of his toils and trials in the past have settled for a life-time in the enjoyment of the comforts surrounding them. Mr. Kinter was united in marriage, April I, 1839, with Miss Jane Lee. She was born near Chenoa, McLean Co., Ill., Dec. I, i8r9. Her parents were Henry and Betsy (Meech) Lee, natives of New York and of Irish descent. The father was a farmer by occupation and moved into Illinois prior to its being t11o1 _LCi k_) Jl%. OFIL ~1& VCIH1~%JLVVU C IJV to - tly pioneers; and even now, while enjoying the comforts of plenty, she looks back upon the past with many pleasant recollections. Mr. and Mrs. K. are the father and mother of three children: William H., born Nov. 2r, 1842, married Emily White, and is the present proprietor of the hotel at Salt River; James M., born Aug. I, I844, married Miss Clara McFarren, and now resides in Coe Township, this county; Mary J., born Nov. 9, I841, died Feb. ii, i865. Mrs. K. is identified with the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. K. is a Republican in politics, and has been honored with the office of Highway Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, and other minor offices of his Township..4 'a I1= *. '4, (I A COUNTY. 439 _ - _. --- -- @,, admitted as a State, and settled near Chenoa, in f McLean County. Here Mrs. K. was reared and educated. Her " palace " school-room had " mother fr. earth " for a floor, and the open door for a window. T The scholars studied their lessons on the " loud " plan, > and the louder they studied the more they were supposed to learn. When she was I8 years of age, her parents came to this State and settled in Ingham County, and they were the third family to settle in the county. Mrs. Kinter's life has been spent in true pioneer style. She was born in the pioneer days of McLean Co., Ill., and spent her girlhood among the, first settlers of that county. Coming to Ingham Co., C this State_ she nDent her womainhnnood amna its ear 3ecCaSJX mvP. lo~j sr a:13 `~ric il 1$ rid':) l -ohn Yarnell, farmer on section 22, Coe %GIj Township, is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Schneider) Yarnell, natives of Pennsyli vania, and was born in the Keystone State, April 22, I832. He received an elementary education in private schools, and at the age of 17 engaged to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he has since worked, in connection with farming. He has built 58 barns and 20 houses. He remained in Pennsylvania until the spring of i876, when he came to Isabella County, and bought 4o acres in Coe Township. He has of this 30 acres improved. He was married in Crawford Co., Pa., March 2, I853. to Sarah, daughter of George and Margaret 1(.... —..i4@J( ~i~j~~i~~i~i-z r ~ i,,Ii i '.k- -,,~- VI -Ap ~ - -"E, "" Al-cn -I (. i iiiH' ---- ^IKS Ult l; -4;i'3;9 --- —--- S-4 440 ISABELLA COUNTY. ' (Helmholtz) Hollabaugh, natives of Pennsylvania. and resided in Canada until 2I, attending the district Mrs. Y. was born in the Keystone State, in February, school and working on the farm. In the fall of 1854 (i. 1834. She and her husband have had nine children, he came to this county and took up 200 acres of f * seven of whom survive: Mary A., William H., Mar- Government land on sections 21 and 22, Coe Town'~ garet J., George W., Ellen, Emma E. and Ida R. ship. This land he did not occupy, however, and The two others died in infancy. eight years later he sold it. He returned to Canada Mr. Y. is politically a National. He and wife are soon after his first visit to Isabella County, but not members of the United Brethren Church. permanently. He soon came once more to this county, and bought 80 acres on section 13, to which —,,,''._ | he has since added 80 acres on section 9. He has in all 80 acres improved. /1: | iichael Dalton, farmer on section 13, Ver- He was married in Canada, July 2, t86o, to i PI, non Township, was born in Ireland, in Melinda, daughter of Robert and Christine (WagoL aI Oj ctU U_' ilS IdLllt V P.Y l ) I I - rlUi bL, I U45, CllLL 1UL 11N S dLllCl W11CH.q three years old. Five years later he came to America with his mother. For ten years he lived in Ontario, and then, having become an orphan, he went to Pennsylvania. He worked in the mines and woods in McKean and Elk Counties one year, and was then employed for five years in the woods of Minnesota. Next, he followed farming for six years in the Red River Valley. In December, 1878, he came to Michigan and bought 160 acres on section 13, Vernon, partly improved. He was married Jan 7, I874, to Miss Catherine Purkill, who was born in Ontario, in March, i856. She is the mother of five children, as follows: John H., born April 22, 1875; James E., Jan. 29, 1877; Frank D., June 4, 1879; Edwin M., Nov. 22, 1883; and one which died in infancy. Mr. Dalton is a Republican, and is present School Treasurer. He and wife are Catholics. I' ff illiam H. Wonch, farmer on section 9, Coe. Township, is a son of Francis and Cathaf * rine (Campbell) Wonch. The father was i born in St. Catharine's, Canada, and the moJ ther was also a native of Canada. They resided in that Dominion until her death, which occurred Aug. 2, I86o. The father then came to Sanilac County, this State, and thence to Isabella County, where he lived to years. He then went to Saginaw, where he died, in I882. Their family comprised four sons and five daughters, William H. being the eldest one of the nine. He was born at St. Charles, Can., July 30, I833, *, ner) INUur, natves oi America anu Germany respeciively. Mr. and Mrs. Nutt lived several years after their marriage in the State of New York, and then removed to East Missouri, Oxford Co., where they lived until their death. He died July I3, 1865, and she Nov. 22, 1873. Mrs. Wonch was born in Canada, Aug. 23, 1837. Eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. W. survive: Robert H., William A., Anna M., Francis B., Alice M., Luman L., George W. and Howard E. The parents are members of the Methodist Epis- f copal Church. Mr. W. is politically a Republican. W on. John W. Hance, Senator from the 24th Wi^ District of Michigan, was born Aug. 2, 1848, at Marengo, Morrow Co., Ohio. His paternal ancestors were German Quakers, who settled at an early period of the history of America in New Jersey. His father, Adam Hance, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in February, I8-, there attained to man's estate and married Mary A. Morrison. She is a native of the Buckeye State and descended from Welsh ancestors. Five sons and a daughter (now deceased) constituted the issue of this union. In i863 the family removed to Michigan and settled in Isabella County, where they became identified with the agricultural element. The sons are all practical farmers and landholders in this county. Mr. Hance is the third son of his parents. He had fair educational advantages in his native State and developed rapidly, in early youth, in mental N, I f I r 4 a i g S. IS r^W. I I, r") i I.{.3. ~i} I r ~ —~1.~q ijB n:P:all~~;g;ie; 9 .;,i i*i ar~e I .k 'A'4 I _ j~d7)yI ISBELL CUT 443 -_^S^ ---VdtI --- — ISABELLA COUNTY. 443 ~ ((e I --- —-------—. - @ "jir't ",~:,*Fi -a i i growth. He grew up under the influences of the period of "storm and stress" which preceded the civil war. Morrow County lay in the direct route of the refugees from Southern bondage, and the father and grandfather of Mr. Hance were agents of one of the stations of the "Underground Railroad.' That scene in "Uncle Tom's Cabin " which portrays with inimitable power the depth of feeling and hatred of oppression in the breasts of those who lent every assistance to the fleeing victims of the slave element, was a daily repetition under his observation, and imbued him with the earnestness of purpose and decision of character which are his predominating traits. He passed the years of his minority in the discharge of the duties pertaining to his nonage, and at the expiration of that period engaged in teaching, which vocation he followed six years. The character of the work he performed in the sparsely peopled districts where he labored, made his value known to the leading men of Isabella County, and to his faithful and laborious as well as able efforts, he owes the position to which he attained in the early years of his manhood. In January, I875, he entered upon the duties of Deputy County Clerk and Register of Deeds, to which position he had been appointed by Joel C. Graves, who had been elected to that two-fold office in the fall of 1874. The circumstances of the appointment of Mr. Hance possess a curious interest. He made a visit to Mt. Pleasant previous to the commencement of another term of school, for which he had engaged. Chance threw him in the way of Mr. Graves, to whom he was introduced by a mutual friend. Mr. Graves remarked: "I am glad to see you, and I am reminded that I had a singular dream last night, in which I was officiating in the duties of the office to which I have been elected, with you as my deputy; and I propose to make it reality, by tendering you the appointment." Mr. Hance accepted the offer and hastened to release himself from his engagement. In t876 he was elected to succeed Mr. Graves, who removed to Brownsville, Col., and in 1878 was again elected. In the fall of 1882 he was placed in nomination on the Republican ticket for Senator from this District, which includes Isabella, Gratiot, Midland and Clare Counties. He made a most gratifying run, receiving a majority of 700 votes over the Fusion candidate. He did effective service in behalf of local and general interests, and was Chairman of Committee on State Public School. He was also member of Committees on Canals and River and Harbor Improvements, on Banks and Incorporations, and on Federal Relations. Among the important bills introduced by Mr. Hance was that which constituted the office of State Agent for the Public School at Coldwater, a measure whose practical benefit has already proven the wisdom of its instigators. On his removal to Mt. Pleasant Mr. Hance interested himself in transactions in real-estate and in lumber traffic, continuing the management of his farm of i60 acres of land, adjoining the village. He has continued his operations in those avenues until he has largely extended his connections and scope, and is one of the substantial and prominent business men of the county. Associated with Mr. Devereaux, in i883 he built one of the largest and finest brick blocks in Mt. Pleasant. It is 45 x go feet in size, two stories above the basement, and is utilized as stores and offices. He is one of the stockholders in the banking house of Brown, Harris & Co., at Mt. Pleasant. ~ ohn B. Walton (deceased), late farmer on section 4, Coe Township, was born in Ma^u comb Co., Mich., Novr. 30, I833. Losing his mother when quite young, he remained with his father six years longer, and then for ten years he worked at farming by the month. In the fall of 1855 he came to Isabella County and took up i60 acres under the Graduation Act. He built a log shanty and began clearing his land. "keeping bach " for three years. He was married Jan. o1, I858, to Miss Artemisia, daughter of Frederick and Anna (Watkins) Blount, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Walton was born in Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 31, 1834, and is the mother of six children, as follows: Mina, born Sept. 6, 860 (wife of Miles Abbott, and mother of one child, Hazel, born Jan. 23, 1884); Fred, April 8, 1862 (married to Lillian Vining, and father of one daughter, Mina, born June I2, 1882); Perry, July 26, I866; Charles, Dec. 15, i868; Frank, June 2, 1874: Willard, July 15, I878. Mr. W. disposed of 80 acres of his farm, and at 14 iA I l1; J=E c< *,. iS - 4. 4 (; i t'.\ or A,., (7 I r<> 1-S Nk,, I- - 'j, - -!, - - 7, I, ~3c~-~~ --- IBD n^ ^*444 ISABELLA COUNT rY. 3O the time of his death, June 15, 1879, the entire 80 in the settlement of the arbitrary claims of the State 9 acres remaining had been reduced to a system of of New York. Jonas B. Partridge, son of Joseph, i,:; scientific tillage. He was a man who stood excep- was born Nov. 25, 1795, in the Green Mountain State. i: tionally high in his community. He was for three Dr. D. Scott Partridge was born in 1827, in Pratts- i i years Road Commissioner. burg, N. Y., and died as stated, two and one half We take pleasure in presenting Mr. Walton's por- months before the birth of his son. trait to our readers, on a previous page. Mr. Partridge, of this sketch, attended the common schools of his native county until he was 13 years _I —LSr ig z-. _ old, when he came to Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich., making the trip alone. He entered the High School i. there, where he studied one year. He returned to -i, —aA~ Scott Partridge, cashier in the banking ~j, fI 1))P -IL I - I 14 '70 -....7.,AI 460 ISABELI:LA COU VTY. bought 80 acres of timber land on section 23, in Nov. 7, 1835, and received a common-school educaUnion Township, where he resided till March, 1884, tion and assisted on his father's farm until 15 years ( 7 when lie sold the estate. He removed to a farm of old, when he was for two years employed at gun-: 40 acres, which he owns on section 14, and which smithing. He was next employed on the Erie Canal, I he is vigorously engaged in placing in first-class farm- and then worked for a short time in a hotel. In the ing condition, and proposes to erect thereon a fine fall of 185 he came with his oldest brother, Benhouse and suitable buildings. He also owns three jamin, to the Peninsular State, and lived for one building lots in the village. year in Parma, Jackson County. He then lived alMr. Brooks has been continuously in public office ternately in New York and Michigan until the fall of for the last decade. He served as Township Treas- i866, when he bought a farm in Montcalm County, urer during the years 1874-5-6-7, and in I878 dis- on which he lived two years. His next venture was charged the duties of Supervisor. In the autumn of to build a hotel at Carson City, same county, which that year he was nominated for Sheriff on the Demo- he operated one year. Disposing of his hotel, he cratic and Fusion tickets and mande a surccessfll run bought a farm in Inuham Countv. which he worked 1 i,( t, N. 9o. c 33 4.e.4\ ) I against Thomas J. Fordyce, Republican nominee, and Tunis W. Swartz, whose name appeared on the Independent ticket. Mr. Brooks received a majority of 24 votes. In the fall of 1880 he achieved another triumph, being re-elected to the same position by I50 majority. He returned to his farm in January, 1882, and was elected Supervisor, which position he is now occupying. During the year I881-2 he was engaged, in addition to the business of his office, in selling agricultural implements, in company with Messrs. Hance & Upton. The firm style was Charles M. Brooks & Co., and the business was located on Broadway, nearly opposite the Bennett House at Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Brooks was married June i8, i868, in Columbus Grove, Putnam Co., Ohio, to Mary A. Mc Clure. She was born Dec. 15, I843, in Putnam County, annd is n dlnirhter of Andrew an nd Mrv A MoCJllrO five years. He then lived one year in Gratiot County, and in January, 1875, he came to this county and bought 80 acres in Coe Township, where he has since resided. He has disposed of 40 acres, and one-half the remainder is under the plow. He was married in Dryden, Tompkins Cc., N. Y., Nov. 7, I856, to Eliza, daughter of Alanson and Sarah (Weeks) Turner, natives of New York. She was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., July 27, I840. Of this marriage one daughter has been born, Delilah A., the wife of Frank Williams. Politically, Mr. D., is strictly independent. i4Z ohn A. Schafer, farmer, section 14, NottaI l "wa Township, was the son of Mathias and I 6 - rz i- -_ f - -_ - - M _, - _- -11 - XA t- - r-. Stratton D., only child, w Bates Co., Mo. f nson Davenport X Township, is a s 7 (English) Dave of Rensselaer Co., '1 The parents first se I Y., and afterward, County, same State, wh( I They then returned to To] died, he in October, I84E Their family included eigh Anson being the fifth son. He was born in Dryd -~i I"...... X.... if...,, -;atharnne nee cilcueller) bchaler, natives ras born Sept. Io, I869, in of Germany. The father died Sept. 2, I874, and the mother is still living, in Dallas Township, Clinton County, this State. Mr. Schafer, Jr., the subject of our sketch, was, farmer on section 26, Coe born in Prussia, July 3I, I848. He emigrated with ion of Hezekiah and Nellie his parents to America and settled at Westphalia, nport, natives respectively Clinton County, this State, July o1, 1854. N. Y., and Tioga Co., Pa. Coming, as he did, to Clinton County at an early ttled in Tompkins Co., N. day, he experienced all the trials of the early pioneer s removed to Onondaga and successfully battled against and overcame them. 5 ere they lived two years. He remained in that county until i880, when, on the mpkins County, where they 3d day of June, he came to this county with his 3, and she in April, I851. family. He had previously, Jan. 27, i880, purchased it sons and three daughters, a farm of 8o acres, on which he moved and entered on the pleasant though laborious task of improving it. )) en, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 26, the same year, Mr. S. purchased 40 acres - r,D"X" D V l -— V I I ...V...,.i..., '... ','.:~..,.,''"",.i k A., daughter of Daniel and Almira A. (Munson) Ride- 1877, to Miss Hester A., daughter of Henry and: nour. She was born Oct. 12, i852, in Brighton Bellmira (Manning) Yuger, natives of Ontario, Can., ':% Township, Clinton Co., Mich. Ada Almira, born where, in Middlesex County, Hester was born July;-' Sept. 17, 1873, and Minnie Alta, born March 22, 8, I860. When 17 years of age, she came to this: I878, are the children now included in the family county and he resided until her marriage. circle. The husband and wife are the parents of four __A Achildren, namely: Alice B., born April 5, I879; - o-.~9 - W — Thomas, Aug. 25, i88o; James, Jan. 29, 1882, and.... William, Nov. 9, 1883. Politically, Mr. S. is a Reeter Graber, farmer at Salt River, Coe publican and he and wife both incline toward the ' Township, is a son of John and Catherine doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. - 5:' || i~ (Faust) Gruber, natives of Pennsylvania,; (*I:'i and was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Dec. | "~ 3 6, 18i6. He followed farming in that county till the spring of 1867, when he came to Isa- ^ h harles K. Mitchell, farmer, section ii, bella County and bought I60 acres in Coe Township. Nottawa Township, is a son of Charles K. He has since disposed of 40 acres, and has now and Harriet W. (nee Peabody) Mitchell, the about 45 acres under cultivation. former a native of Massachusetts, and the, He was married in Clarion Co., Pa., June 27, 838, i latterof New Hampshire. The father died I to Lydia Machnay, and has had five children, Cathe- a t m, rine, John E., Fietta, Mary E. and Jacob M. Mrs. Montcalm County this State. Montcalm County, this State.,: G. died March I, i853. ': a. 1 The subject of our biography was born in MerriPolitically,. Mr. Gruber is a Democrat. s a Dmac, Hillsborough Co., N. H., Sept. 22, 1832. He;.:?i lived under the parental roof-tree, assisting in the =, - |-. maintenance of the family until he attained the age. ~ -s of I8 years, when he went forth amid the trials and. ames Swindlehurst, farmer, section 26, troubles of life to battle against vicissitude alone. Isabella Township, is a native of Canada, He first went to Lorain Co., Ohio, where he remained g i^ where, in Peterborough Co., Out., he was two years, and then removed to Monroe County, this born July Io, I85I. He lived on the paren- State. He remained in the latter county about six tal homestead, assisting in the maintenance of months, and then went to Ionia, Ionia County, at i the family and attending the common schools, which place he was variously occupied for about one r4 until he reached the age of manhood, in 1872.- On year. He then removed to Montcalm County, where i;, arriving at that age, Mr. S. came to this State and he followed farming and lumbering until I861. He located at Evart, Osceola Co., where he remained was for a short time in Monroe Co., Mich., and then for a short time, and then came to this county. He went to Wood Co., Ohio, where he enlisted in the purchased 80 acres of unimproved land in Isabella United States service the following year. He reTownship, on section 26, and entered on the labo- turned to Monroe County after his military service, rious though pleasant task of improving the same. and managed a store for six months. Removing to His purchase consisted all of wild land, and yet so Lucas Co., Ohio, he was similarly engaged for two strong was his faith in the future development of the years. He lived the next four years in Montcalm county, that he threw all his energy into the work of County; then a little over four years in Iowa; and (I clearing and improving his land and establishing a Feb. 13, 1878, he located where since has been his ' home for self and family, and now has 60 acres of his home. farm in a good state of cultivation. His neat resi- Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage Sept. 22, 4i dence was built in 1876, and his commodious barn I858, near Greenville, Montcalm County, with Miss was erected in 1874. Pamelia, daughter of Shubael and Clara (Hills) Mr. Swindlehurst was united in marriage, June, 7, Conant, both natives of Connecticut. The former is,(,I~fl1E).. 466 ISABELLA ' living in Montcalm County, this State, five miles from Greenville, and the mother died Sept. 17, i88o. % Mrs. Mitchell was born Jan. I, 1838, and is the! mother of five children born to her husband, as fol-: lows: Charles S., March 21, i86I; Clara E., Nov. 4, I866; George C., Sept. 14, I869; Letta A., April 29, 1878; Willie A., July 4, i88o. Mr. Mitchell was a soldier in the late war, enlisting Aug. 2, 1862, at Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio, in the I8th U. S. Inf., and served for two years, seven months and seven days. He participated in the /;: battles in which Gen. Sherman's army engaged during its march from Chattanooga to Atlanta. He was COUaNTY. --..- _ * * - ( -; W ~34 at this point, and his field of labors extends over a considerable territory, including a Church in Seville, Gratiot County, comprising about 50 families, a mis- i sion at St. Louis of 25 families, one in Nottawa Township, of 45 families, and a station in the township of Vernon, where the membership comprises about 40 families. At Mt. Pleasant, Nottawa and St. Louis there are fine church edifices. That in Nottawa was erected in the summer of I883, and that at St. Louis was purchased in the same season. The multifarious labors of Father McCarthy crowd his time and make heavy draught upon his strength and endurance, while his charges are rapidly growing in membership, especially at Mt. Pleasant, where the building of a fine, large brick church is contemplated. t Ki'arti n MlY. Ryerson, farmer, section 24, ( 1.~~ Coldwater Township, was born May 5,, Ji^ r' 833, in Sussex Co., N. J., and is the son / of Peter and Elizabeth (Farber) Ryerson. V: His parents were natives of the same State, and there they spent their lives. The mother died = in i847, and the father married again three years K later.,, P j IL " t g. r K.4~, a,,, \ l )N Ill L. I 11.Ullia5. Lo UlJ, iltrLU L, llla Ui DLL1 VU I tl. lLtll., Ga., Aug. 7, I864, was wounded in the arm by a shell, that broke the bone and necessitated the amputation of the arm, which was done on the I5th of the same month the battle.was fought. He received his discharge March 9, i865, in consequence of his disability. Mr. Mitchell has a fine farm of 120 acres on section ii, Nottawa Township, 40 acres of which are well improved. Politically, he is an adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, and has held the z office of School Director of his district. I f', in " s.. = 1-Er-sa N l ^. ). 3 _m_>__Mr. Ryerson was under the care and guidance of his father until he was 17 years of age, when he went G.f ato learn the carpenter's trade with his brother. The I ev. James J. McCarthy, resident Priest oflatter removed in I850 to Huron Co., Ohio, accom| a the Parish of St. Charles, at Mt. Pleasant, panied by his brother, George. He completed his was born Dec. 28, 1854, at Pittsburg, Pa., and apprenticeship, and just previous to his attaining the <:is the son of John and Rese (Tracey) Mc- age of 21 years, he began the pursuit of his trade in o. ( Carthy. He was educated in the common his own behalf, which he followed until the outbreak X schools until he was i6 years old, when he of the rebellion. The issues of the contest engaged; was placed at St. Michael's Seminary, near Pittsburg, his interest, and awakened his patriotism, and he reto begin his preparation for the priesthood. He solved to enroll himself among the defenders of his studied there six years, and went thence to St. Vin- country's flag. He enlisted July 2, 1863, in Co. H, cent's Seminary, in Westmoreland Co., Pa., where he 88th Ohio Inf., and was mustered out July 3, i865. was a student three years. He received tonsure and The command was assigned to the department of the minor orders, also sub-deaconship from the Bishop at Ohio in the Western Army, the regimental headthe cathedral in Pittsburg, and afterwards was or- quarters being at Columbus and Cincinnati, where it 4 dained deacon, and received priest's orders at Sand- was on provost and guard duty during the entire t wich College, Ontario. period of Mr. Ryerson's service. In September, I879, he came to Mt. Pleasant to In October, after receiving his discharge, he came,i: assume charge of the parish in which he has since to Lenawee Co., Mich., where he purchased 40 acres, officiated, including now about I50 families. He is of land half a mile from the village of Addison, where ) the first permanent priest established over the Church he worked two years at his trade and carried on agriS<, ) C $(i- i:ronii "-t'K ~^~^ *'~"* S - I 'N w a r. -_ '42 --— ^ (K 11 B*) ---- ^'' ~ I.SAB L CO- ---—. 46 ISABELLA COUNTY. 469 culture. In i867 he came to Coldwater Township, where he established a homestead claim of 8o acres on section 26. He remained about seven years on that property, sold out and purchased 80 acres on section 30, Gilmore, which is now the property of Mr. Brubaker, to whom he sold the place a year later. He then rented a farm of his son-in-law, which he managed two years. In I878 he rented 80 acres of land on section 24, Coldwater, leasing the same for five years. At the expiration of four years, in the fall of 1882, he bought the place. of which 35 acres.t are now improved. He served as Township Treas-. urer three terms from the organization of the township. Mr. Ryerson was married Dec. 21, I852, to Harriet Isabella Vantine. She was born July I7, I834, in Huron Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Charles and Mindwell (Hurlbert) Vantine. Her mother died Oct. 22, 1867, in Lenawee Co., Mich. Five of the children born of the marriage of Mr. Ryerson are living; five are deceased. The following is their record: Ann Elizabeth, born May 9, 1854, married:: Hanford Roberts, Sept. 4, I872, and died Sept. 2, 'i I877; Charles Melville, born Sept. 24, 1855, died?:s: March IO, 1859; Mina Isabella, born Jan. Io, 1858, died Sept. 13, I861; Frances Jane, born Oct. 11, 1859, married Sylvester Hammond March 6, 1876; Elsie May, born July 4, I861, married Andrew Hill, Nov. 30, 1879; Florence A., born May 3, 1863, married Charles E. Wilcox, July 14, I880; Mary Belle, born June 18, i866, died Feb. 12, i867; Willie A., born Jan. 2, I868, died July 15, I875; Milo Elmer, May 13, 1870; Clara Helen, July 6, 1872. S jilliam T. Whitney, of the firm of Russell llV & Whitney, at Mt. Pleasant, and County - ' Superintendent of the Poor, was born Dec. 2 8 I17, i838, in Hopewell Township, Ontario,\ Co., N. Y. He is a son of Benjamin and Caroline (Hall) Whitney, who were born respectively in Vermont and New York. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and later in life became a farmer, which calling he pursued until his death, which occurred in the State of New York. The I) mother resides at Salt River in Isabella County., Mr. Whitney was brought up on his father's farm, and in 1858 he and his uncle, John F. Hall, bought a saw-mill in Middlesex, Yates Co., N. Y. After continuing the management of this two years, they % sold out and Mr. Whitney went to Mason Co., Ill., { where he operated six months as a farm assistant. Afterwards he went to Cambria Township, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and engaged as a builder until the second call for troops in the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted Aug. 6, 1862, in Co. D, i8th Mich Vol. Inf., Capt. C. B. Van Valer. Mr. Whitney served with his regiment in all the service for which it was detailed and was in action in several skirmishes. He was in the detachment which left Decatur Sept. 24, 1864, to reinforce the garrison at Athens. The command included 231 officers and men. When within two miles of Athens they were attacked by a rebel force under Gen. Forrest, and, after five hours' desperate fighting and pushing toward the fortifications at Athens, they surrendered, as the fort was in the possession of the rebels. A few of the command escaped, the remainder were captured, killed or wounded. / Mr. Whitney was among the latter and received four / gunshot wounds,-in his right leg, abdomen, right = fore-arm and left lower leg. He was wholly disabled: and was finally discharged from Harper's Hospital, = Detroit, May 2, 1865, when he returned to Hillsdale s County. In the spring of 1866 Mr. Whitney came to Mt. Pleasant, where, in company with his brother, C. C. Whitney, he engaged as a builder until 1870. After that date he was variously occupied. He was the proprietor of the Whitney Exchange Hotel in 1882-3 and has since operated in insurance and other light business. In January, i884, he formed his present association with F. Russell, and the firm are transacting insurance business. Mr. Whitney has never recovered from the severity of his injuries received in his country's service. Besides the duties of his official trust as Superintendent of the Poor, he his discharging the obligations of the offices of Secretary of the Village Board, Village Clerk, and Clerk of Union Township. He was Township Treasurer in I879-80. He is a member of Lodge No. 217, I. O. 0. F., at Mt. Pleasant, and belongs to Wabon ~ Lodge, No. 305, Chapter No. i i, R. A. M., and member of Wabon Post, No. 250, G. A. R. The marriage of Mr. Whitney with Selinda M. ( Fry occurred Sept. 2, I858, at Farmington, Ontario. r a; j: a. J Iii I ( #i I? 1* r LZ z-:SS-: ~ ~i-: r(iF, r\?.j rc;t ---- 5;tlsa i~ e-, s t!si;: ~;f -1 Ca -i: 470 ISABELLA,, Co., N. Y. She was born Jan. 17, I841, in Allegany j Co., N. Y., and is a daughter of Obadiah and Luna? Fry. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, three of whom are deceased-Isabel, Hiram!: B. and Walter. William B. is a printer in Coburg, Can. Irving E. and Wallace remain with their parents. The portrait of Mr. Whitney is presented on another page. It will prove a substantial addition to the collection of portraits of representative men in Isabella County. MK - COUNT Y. "- - (< I. i:) -T *^ '%Nk;W =X if i I > ----BRADB^ --— o:.rzra P. Plowman, farmer on section 32, Coe Township, is a son of William T. and t'~ Mary A. (Potts) Plowman, natives of the. State of New York, and was born in Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 15, 1834. At the age of seven, he went with his parents to Clinton County, where he developed into manhood, securing a limited English education. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county and bought i60 acres in Coe Township, where he now resides. He has since sold 40 acres, and of the remainder go acres are under cultivation. He was married in Gratiot County, March 3, 1857, to Barbara I.., daughter of Joseph and Martha (McKee) Brady, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. P. was born in Wyandot Co., Ohio, May 20, 1840, and came to this county with her parents in I855. Having no family of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Plowman have cared for and reared three children,-William Small, Salem V.. Richardson and Louisa M. Gifford. Mr. P. has held the office of Highway Commissioner several terms. Politically, he is independent, but he generally supports the Republican party. where the father was a renter until i865, when he removed his family and interests to St. John's; Clinton Co., Mich., and rented farms in that vicinity until r869. In that year, Mr. Gaumer came to Isabella County and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres in the township of Coldwater, which he made his residence and lived upon about six years, when he exchanged farms with his father, who owned 80 acres on section 22. On this he resided about eight years, when he sold out and about a year afterward he bought i8 acres on section 22, where he has since lived. In the year 1877, Mr. Gaumer went to Denver, setting out on the first day of January. He returned July 28, I877, and, during his absence, was engaged in carpentry at Ballarat and Jamestown, excepting a few days, when he was employed in the Smuggler mine at Ballarat. Mr. Gaumer was married June 19, 1873, to Sophronia A., daughter of William F. and Lozina (Decker) Baker. She was born Aug. 30, I853. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaumer, as follows: Edna A., Sept. 7, 1875; Mattie S., May 3, I877 (died Feb. 21, 1883); Charles E., March i8, i880; William T., Sept. 30, I883. Mr. Gaumer is a Republican in political faith. His father died April 13, 1879, in Coldwater Township, and his mother resides with her daughter, Mrs. Jesse E. Forbes. l ames Tubbs, proprietor of the Loomis House, at Loomis (Wise Township), was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., March 22,.l I812. His parents, Lebbeus and Hannah (Matthews) Tubbs, were natives of Orange Co., N. Y. After their marriage they settled in Chemung Co., N. Y., where they passed the remaining portion of their lives. The father died July 29, I843; the mother died about 1853. Mr. Tubbs has been an agriculturist during the greater part of his active life. He was a resident of his native county until he was 32 years of age. In May, I844, he settled in Oakland Co., Mich., where he rented different farms for a period of four years, after which he removed to Genesee Co., Mich., and settled upon i60 acres of wild land. He spent i6 years **T,o % fi I I k I it I,I,jl,. i '!kl:1 F.X ^rr2 I ( I I;e,l~ 8 w illiam H. Gaumer, farmer, section 22, Coldwater Township, was born May 15, i 85 o, in the State of Pennsylvania, county of ( j Lehigh. His parents, Isaac and Mary D. (Metz) Gaumer, were born respectively in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They came to Mich( igan in April, 855, and settled in Oakland County, "i- 3a u a I (i I 1/ -1% ~aui J II: Ai!0%, -! ---... I ISABELLA a' in its improvement, and at the end of that time sold out and made another transfer to Oakland County. -- He bought 240 acres of land in the township of Highland, and resided thereon until the spring of I869, when he again disposed of his property and removed to Fentonville, Genesee Co., Mich. He was in impaired health, and he spent one year in that village in comparative idleness to regain health and strength. In the spring of 1871, he purchased a hotel in Holly, Oakland County, which he retained, and managed nearly two years. He again sold out, and in the fall of 1873 he came to Isabella County and became the proprietor of the hotel which he is now conducting, and which is the most prominent p ublic house in Loomis. In regard to national affairs. CO UNTY. 47 I * — (t? he is a Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. Mr. Tubbs was first married in his native county, in December, I833, to Charlotte Bailey, a native of the same county. She bore him four childrenRobert B, Melinda, Fletcher and Alice G. The second named died when she was 24 years old. The mother died April I7, 1865, in Oakland County. Mr. Tubbs was again married, in the last named county, Aug. 8, I866, to Jeannette Maxwell. She was born Jan. II, I834, of Scotch ancestry. Mrs. Tubbs is a lady of more than ordinary educational attainments, and was a successful and popular teacher of Oakland County, where she taught 17 terms of school. his first acts was the erection of a saw-mill, and he built the first dam across Grand River. He has always been a man of activity and enterprise, and identified with the progress of the place. He owns a valuable estate of 280 acres near Grand Ledge, where he resides; and he is 66 years old. Calvin C., Oliver E., J. Newton and Fred are the names of his other sons. Mr. C. T. Russell is the sixth son of his parents. He was a student in the district schools, and afterwards studied at the High School in Grand Ledge. He decided on the profession of law for his vocation in life, and on leaving school he engaged in teaching winters and reading law sumnmers. He passed three years in this manner, and was admitted to practice in the State Courts of Michigan, at Charlotte, Eaton County,Oct. 15, I877. He came to Mt. Pleasant, where he opened his office for practice, April 25, I878. He has met with gratifying success, and has attained some notoriety through his connection with noted cases, among which was the trial of Joseph Bucher, at Harrison, Clare County, for murder, in which case he was associated with H. H. Graves. The following journalistic comments on the management and outcome of this celebrated trial, will present a better exhibit of the forensic abilities of Mr. Russell than later records can do, as they were cotemporary and the public interest in the case was at the time intense. The Mt. Pleasant Tribune said: "Chas. T. Russell, as counsel for the defense in the case of People vs. Bucher, made one of the most eloquent arguments to which we have ever listened. He is a lawyer of rare promise, and we predict for him a brilliant future." Saginaw Courier: " Mr. Charles Russell, one of the defendant's counsel, argued the law points to Judge Hart, in which he showed great familiarity with his subject. His brief was very exhaustive, exhibiting extensive research among voluminous legal matter. If the defendant is not acquitted, it will not be the fault of his counsel, who have not left a stone unturned that would work to the defendant's benefit. Mr. Russell is a young man, and though not long in practice, is fast climbing to the top round of the ladof the Bar of Isabella County." Other notes; "They secured for their client a dis-.4'r I YIi ( A"/ i E=2 *41 o, ( )X ey.harles T. Russell, Prosecuting Attorney of of, Isabella County, was born May 17, 1853, k." g J in mGrand Ledge, Eaton Co., Mich. John ' \ 'I? W' Russell, his father, was born Aug. 24, 1819, in Oneida Co., N. Y., of English ancestry. He was married in I841, to Sophronia L. Campbell, a native of Canandaigua Co., N. Y., where she was born in 1820, of Scotch parentage. Their family included seven sons, two of whom became soldiers for the Union. Edwin 0. and James Franklin, the \ two eldest, enlisted in the Seventh Mich. Cav. The latter died May o1, I865, of disease contracted in. the army. He was i9 years old, and passed through much arduous service under Gen. Sheridan in the valley of the Shenandoah and elsewhere. John W. i- Russell was, in point of fact, the founder of Grand i\ Ledge, where he settled about the year I844. Among!iX<-i- iiO ~;^ "*' —*':** I IL g 03 Can b i 2 - r i, < 472 ISABELLA COUNTY. ) agreement of the jury, and he was never convicted." (Clark) Dickerson, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mr. Russell's argument to the jury was a striking L. was born in Washington, Pa., May 25, 1826. To f exhibit of his character as a man. His position was this marriage six children were born, four of whom C, that of a defender of the general principle of human survive: William D., Orlando A., Leroy B. and rights, and that every accused person is presumably Lizzie M. Lot L. and an infant are deceased. innocent until conclusively proved guilty; and he argued with distinguished ability on the essentials to crime and the necessity of integrity in the evidence where so great a question as human liberty is involved. _ d _ In I880, Mr. Russell was appointed Village Attor- lbert A. Shaver, dealer in furniture, underney, and in I88i accepted the position of Villageer, and Treasurer of ClareCounty,rePresident. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney sides a near te I la County le on the Democratiat Clare, near the Isabella County line. on the Democratic ticket by a majority of 267 votes, He was born in Steuben Co. N.. Set. 7 l He was born in Steuben Co., N.Y., Sept. 17 ir ' ),r.N 'I -a most flattering result, as the district is strongly Republican. The vote on the village ticket of Mt. Pleasant was Republican, and Mr. Russell was the only successful nominee on the Democratic ticket. He has been the incumbent of numerous minor official positions. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows at Mt. Pleasant. The marriage of Mr. Russell to Nettie M. White occurred March 22, 1882, at Burlington, Vt. She was born at Duxbury, Vt., March 8, i853, and is a daughter of Walter H. and Lestina White. One child-Ruby-was born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell, Feb. io, 1883. Mr. White was born in Vermont, March 8, I823, and has been a prominent farmer and active politician of Chittenden County many years. He was a member of the Assembly of the Green Mountain State in the years 1878-9. His wife was born in Duxbury, Vt., March 31, 1833. Supreme Court, and that he received special official moral attitude is unblemished, and in his religious J commendation from the Attorney General. - connections he is most consistent and tolerant. He On the termination of his connection with the is a communicant of the Church of England, and one office of the Attorney General, Mr. Brown returned of the most substantial testimonials to his liberality to Saginaw and began his career as an attorney, de- and genuine Christian purpose is the elegant church voting himself especially to a class of cases for which of the denomination in which he was born and bred his character and peculiar abilities eminently fitted near his residence at Mt. Pleasant, in the erection him, and of which the state of affairs in Isabella and equipment of which le and his wife were chiefly j( County were in extreme need. The interests of the instrumental. The inside of the beautiful building. ' non-resident land-holders were in the utmost peril is designed after a model on the estate of the Duke from the manipulations of a variety of rascals, whom of Devonshire, and is very elaborate without the least Federal institutions seem powerless to eradicate, and attempt at ostentation. whose business is the direct outcrop of the mal- In 878 the only daughter of Gen. Dwight May feasance in office which has left indelible stains became the wife of Mr. Brown, and they celebrated became the wife of Mr. Brown, and they celebrated upon the escutcheon of the Republic. To the honest their marriage by an extended continental tour. efforts and clear-sightedness of Mr. Brown, is Isa- Mrs. Brown is in every sense the counterpart of her bella County indebted more than to any other one husband. Cultured, well bred, possessed of graces: individual for the peerless condition of her municipal and gifts of nature granted to fe, she sheds the affairs. affsairs.; |luster of a perfect womanhood over the elegancies of. In 1872 he established his legal practice at Mt. the circumstances which surround her. In her social ' / Pleasant. In I873 he was compelled by the colossal relations she is gracious and genial; in her domestic proportions of his office business to divide its labors, life she shines as nowhere else; and ai an earnest and he associated with himself John C. Leaton, un- Christian lady solicitous for the well-being of those J ISABELLA CO UNTY. 477 > c — -... ~ \ '. as I,f: around her, she has no superior and few peers. ) Among other local matters with which her name and: influence are inseparably associated is the public library at Mt. Pleasant, of which she was for a long ). time the chief official. The home of Mr. Brown is that of a gentleman of cultured taste and unaffected intelligence. Art and literature' have contributed to its adornment and value, and the mementoes of the foreign travels of Mr. Brown and his accomplished wife are everywhere visible. The collection of pictures is unique in this.^ section, in rarity anid notoriety; the private library A contains a large and choice selection from the best authors, and the law library of Mr. Brown is the most extensive in Northern Michigan. The exact attitude of a man to his generation and his influence in the community to which he belongs can be justly estimated from the stand-point of no other man's prejudice or favor. Opinions differ as education molds mentality, and experience teaches the bio/\ grapher to portray character from the standard of = motive and achievement. Opportunity may serve largely in what one accomplishes, but the underlying fact that a greater ability is necessary to the just comprehension and value of opportunity is left out of consideration. If a man takes advantage of a chance that opens before him, he is comparatively insignificant in view of the opportunity being afforded. Objects and sound are vain without the complements of sight and hearing; but the comparative significance is quite apparent, and the scope of the one unlimited while the other is in a sense but the result of accident. The responsibility lies with those who fail to take advantage of the tide and move on to disaster, while they who accept the flow at the opportune moment, win its advantages and seem but the children of prosperity. The fact that others fail, in no sense detracts from the merits of those who win. The relations of Mr. Brown to Isabella County are such as to render him prominent in his generation. His benefactions to the community of which he is a member are numberless, and in the majority of them he is simply wise and provident. He exercises the utmost discrimination and guides his operations with the view of benefiting the greatest possible number. He prefers to act untrammeled, and persistently refuses office, although repeatedly solicited to lend his name for positions which in themselves reflect honor upon the incumbent. He was nominated Sept. 7, I882, to represent the 24th Senatorial District of Michigan, comprising the counties of Isabella, Midland, Clare and Gratiot, but declined. The election was secure, as the Republican majority in the district was very large. Jan. r, I883, the bank of Brown, Harris & Co., was organized, and the institution has since operated in the financial avenues common to similar establishments with satisfactory results. Mr. Brown was elected the Vice-President and one of the Directors of the Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern Railroad, and is a member of its Executive Committee. He received election Feb. 5, subsequent to the incorporation of the road. The portrait of Mr. Brown appears on page 474. lijah Moore (deceased), late resident of: Coe Township, was born in Chautauqua t' Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1817, and is a son of Elijah and Jane (Cazar) Moore, natives of Massachusetts, and of Puritan ancestry. The parents were married in the Bay State, and journeyed on horseback ficm Massachusetts to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where they lived until their death, —he dying Nov. o1, 1840, and she May 26, 1862. They reared seven children out of nine born to them: Rebecca, John, Isaac, Catherine, Elsie, Walter, Elijah, Eben and Jane. The subject of this record was the fourth son. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood until i years old, and afterwards attended the academy at Mayville, in his native county, until 22 years old. With this efficient preparation, he taught school with gratifying success for eight years at Norwalk, Ohio, three years at Amherst, Ohio, and also at other places, —in all 52 terms. He was prominent in public affairs when he lived in New York and Ohio, and held many offices. He was engaged at various times in lecturing, and being possessed of a magnetic temperament, he always had complete control of his audience. He was the owner of a fine farm of 250 acres in Chautauqua County, which he sold in February, 1864, and came to Isabella County. He first bought 8o acres in what is now Salt River. He selected this land with the sole idea of founding a village, in which he succeeded. He also owned, 1 '. \ T ( -! I.: (,, - ('t: 1a, X= P '.I l" if VI, ~ I; Art as f1.t J,. l' s v S~i rrn -ian T-ii1' aBSiA, II,. ~- (..H.......Ai...... I a 478 ISABELLA COUATSY. - ----- ) i 6o acres in different parts of the township of Coe. County, and in 1879 he was elected Clerk of the ' He wasofa genial, hospitable disposition and, with Joint Committee on Taxation of the Legislature of,, a desire to form the acquaintance of all the new Michigan. During the same year he commenced comers in the neighborhood, he opened a hotel in a the publication of the Northwestern Tribune at Salt! f9 log house at Salt River, of the commodious dimen- River, and in March, i88i, he removed his interests sions of I8 x 20 feet. This was often filled to over- to Mt. Pleasant, where he is now engaged in proseflowing with travelers. He afterwards put up a cuting his journalistic enterprise. good house on the corner where a hotel is now kept by W. H. Kinter, and had an extensive patronage. --- ff - -- He kept a strictly temperance house. |::J He platted what is now Salt River in September, | t rancis M. Hopkins, farmer, section 3, Deer- 1i866. l field Township, is a son of Allen and Deli-, He was married in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Sept. lah (Hodges) Hopkins, natives of the State w: c.% "l-I!,,,.Y 12, I839, to Samantha, daughter ot Kobert and Betsy (Crane) Wilkins, natives of Maine. She was born in Stockton, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 4, I819, and became the mother of three daughters: Wealthy M., Betsey and Alice. The first named is now the wife of J. J. Upton, and the other two are deceased. Mr. Moore died at Salt River, Dec. 28, 1872, after a prosperous and useful life. His wife followed him from this world of care May 2, I880. He was a member of the Baptist Church, but was liberal in his views. Politically, he was a Democrat. of New Jersey, who moved to this State and settled in Ionia County in 1832, where our subject was born March 24, 1854. Francis M. remained under the parental roof-tree, assisting his father on the farm and attending the common schools until he attained the age of manhood. He then went to Montcalm County and remained 14 years, engaged in farming, and then returned to Ionia County. In the spring of i880, Mr. H. came to this county and settled on his present farm of 50 acres, 35 of which are in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage, ll; ~'=1* r=is 4, e~ -,,,,.;,, Aug. 21, 1870, with Barbara, daughter of George and M* Isabella (Dawalt) Myers. The father is deceased imeon C. Brown, editor and proprietor of and the mother is still living, in Steuben Co., Ind. the Northwestern Tribune, published at |Mrs. Hopkins was born in Williams Co., Ohio, March |J Mt. Pleasant, was born in Clay Township, 20, 851 Knox Co., Ohio, May I, 1825. He removed Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are the parents of six chilwith his parents, when he was 12 years old, to dren, all of whom are living, and were born as follows:. Marion Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1845. W. W, Oct 24, 87; Jennie, Nov., 873; Minnie, Aug. 30, t875; Elmer E., Feb. 20, 1878; Mary D-^ During this time lie was educated as a physician and ne, Aug. 30, 1875; Elmer E. Feb. 20, 1878; Mary A. Jan. i9, i88i, and Frederick C., May 20, i883. tu:; began the practice of his profession at Locke, Knox Mr. H. is an estd are spcte c itizen of his.., Mr. H. is an esteemed and respected citizen of his Co., Ohio, in the year 1845. He removed in I852 f Co., Ohio, in the year 845 He reoved i 85 township, and has held the offices of Township Colto Williams County in the Buckeye State, where he to and a aste d offices... lector and Path Master, and several school offices. pursued his chosen vocation until 1864, when he enlisted as a soldier in the war for the Union. He was in the service but a short time and was mustered out Feb. i, 1864, on account of disability. i j ebster T. Ross, farmer on section 23, Coe In 1867, Mr. Brown was elected Journal Clerk of |2 _J Township, is a son of Wilbur and Rachel, the Ohio House of Representatives. In the following ij- (Thorn) Ross, natives of the State of New year he removed to Gull Prairie, Isabella Co., Mich., York, and was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., ) While a resident there he was elected Justice of the Nov. 13, 1827. When he was nine years Peace and continued to hold the incumbency of the old, he removed with his parents to Lenawee.i position eleven successive years. He has served County, this State. There he lived until 1846, when 2< two years as Circuit-Court Commissioner of Isabella he returned and spent lo years in Ontario Co. N. Y ----- -011t^ De l%-a — - ~jij~g~~ ~i Me I '' 3:j i ~ jll 4ar 'SI. -. kli i- VNK- ',-11, ~4. f (201:1 (rfv 4o cjd~stt~ft f F ii^)).^ — --— ^7< n ^ n n^ —^c ISABELLA COUNTY. 483 ( n engaged in farming. In the fall of that year he came born in Saginaw, June 4, 1877; and Joseph Adrian, e? to Hillsdale County, this State, and in the fall of born in Vernon Township, Oct. 21, I880. 1863 he came to this county and bought 40 acres on Mr. Russell is in political affiliation a Republican.? section 23, Coe, where he has since resided. He He has been Highway Commissioner one year, and a has about 24 acres under cultivation. is a highly esteemed citizen of Vernon Township and He was married in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. io, Isabella County. 1850, to Eliza, daughter of James and Mary (Tower) We take great pleasure in presenting the portraits Eddy, natives of the State of Vermont. She was of both Mr. and Mrs. Russell in this ALBUM, on preborn in Chili, Monroe Co., Mich., May 22, 1831. ceding pages. Four children have blessed their marriage: William!i W., Charles A., George E. and Mary E. -—.-.kq-. -.B;:*) Mr. Ross has been Township Superintendent of i Schools two years, Drain Commissioner two years,arvin D. Richardson, of the firm of F. School Inspector one year, School Assessor one year, A Stebbins &Co., roprietors of the Benlei A. Stebbins & Co., proprietors of the Benand School Director 12 years. He is an educational nett House Mt. Pleasant, is the son of man, and has taught school in Isabella, Gratiot and ' nett House,. Pleasa, is the son of 1?.7 Elias and Lucinda (Doud) Richardson, and Midland Counties 60 months. He is a Freemason,.. was born in Royalton, Fulton Co., Ohio, June and is politically a Republican. Il, 1838. Elias Richardson was born July 3, I1821, in Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y. In 1836, in, eQet-tat company with five brothers and two brothers-in-law, ' ' — Thomas, Butler, Hiram, Elisha and Martin Rich- -=3 b1=: 'fe^.ardson, and George Welsh and A. H. Henderson,- = Sdwin Russell, farmer on section ig, Vernon he came to Ohio. They left Niagara County and _ - ' Township, is a son of Richard and Mary came to the city of Detroit by water. They set out = Ann (Walker) Russell. The parents were thence for Lucas Co., Ohio, where they settled, each S/; ~i natives of England, emigrated in 1855, and one entering a claim of i60 acres of land. They now reside in Simcoe Co., Can. The subject established a township, which they named Royalton, (i of this notice was born in Somersetshire, Eng., in memory of that they left, and which is now in Jan. 15, 1841, and lived with his parents until 23 Fulton County, then attached to Lucas County. years old. He came with them to America in 1848, Hiram Richardson is the only onhe of the brothers landing at New York. He went thence to Quebec, who is deceased, and all are living on the land of and then to Toronto. For four years he lived four which they were the original proprietors. X miles from the latter city. He then moved about Ioo The father of Mr. Richardson is the third son and:-J miles north of Toronto, to a place called Medonta, fourth child of his parents. His wife is a native of where he lived I years. In 1864 he came to Sag- the village of Cortland, N. Y., and was born Sept. 2, inaw, this Slate, where he remained 15 years, engag- I814. Their marriage occurred in Niagara Co.. N. ed in lumbering and milling. In I879 heremoved to Y. Their children were Melissa and Minerva Isabella County, where he had purchased his present (twins), who were born May 26, I836. The first farm of 573 acres about I868. Hehas industriously named died on the day of birth; the second died cut off the pine and improved for cultivation about June 9, following. Martin and Marvin (twins) were f 250 acres. He built a fine house in I882, and a barn born June 14, 1838. Martin died ug. 19, I838. in i88i, at a cost of perhaps $7,000. Minerva A. was born April 5, 1840, and is the wife He was married June 6, I873, to Emily Love, of T. G. Richardson, of Lyons, Ohio; Lovinia was T daughter of Jacob and Anna (Root) Love. The par- born June 7, I844, and died July 23 of the same,J ents are now residents of Tioga Co., Pa. Mrs. Rus- year. sell was born July 10, 1841, in Lycoming Co., Pa., and Mr: Richardson passed the years of his minority " is the mother of the following three children: Mary assisting his father in improving his farm, and when Ann, born in Saginaw June i6, 1875; Edwin Lovell, he reached the age of 21 years he went to Lyons, H --- I 484 ISABELLA COUNTY. W~ - (-' Ohio, where he purchased the mercantile interests of put in thorough repair. The house was opened Jan. Jenks Morey. He managed its affairs alone about I, 1878, and Mr. Richardson continued its managesix months, when he formed a partnershipwith James ment three and a half years, when he sold and went i?* Herrick. At the expiration of a year he sold out and to Detroit, and, in company with Wheeler & Merrill, returned to 80 acres of land deeded to him by his engaged for a short time in the perfumery business. father when he attained his majority. He was mar- In i88I he went to Ithaca, and in company with his ried while in Lyons, at Sylvania, Lucas, Co., O., Sept. son-in-law, F. A. Stebbins, leased the Fox (now Re3, i858, to Roby L, daughter of Sullivan and Fidelia tan) House. Later the firm leased the Clarendon (Worden) Johnson. Mrs. Richardson was born in House at Ionia, and Mr. Richardson went thither, Lake Co., Ohio, July 25, 1841. Her father was born and managed its affairs about two months, when, in / July I, 1814, in the town of Lunenburg, Essex Co., consequence of unforeseen circumstances, he relin- t & Vt. Her mother is a native of Manlius, Onondaga quished his claim and returned to Ithaca. Messrs. ' Co., N. Y., and was born April 2, 1818. The record Stebbins & Richardson came to Mt. Pleasant in May, ' of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson is I883, and on the I8th of June following they opened as follows: Lillie, born Sept. 2, I860, died March the Bennett House. It is the leading house in the 14, i861; Cora A. (Mrs. F. A. Stebbins: see sketch) pluckiest municipality in Northern Michigan, and is. was born June 2, 1862; Bettie I., March 13, i866; managed in a manner that has secured for it a Minerva P., Aug. 23, 1870, and Reedie E., Jan. 26, wide-spread, constant and increasing patronage. It ) I878.possesses every appointment and facility of modern Mr. Ricliardson continued on the farm two years, hotels and secures to its guests home-like and whole-: went he went to Lyons, Ohio, and bought the Ex- some accommodations of a first-class order. The ' change Hotel, which he managed I8 months. At proprietors are eminently fitted for their business j in temperament and character, are genial, affable X the expiration of that time, he sold the hotel property n temperament and character, are geial, affable and again embarked in mercantile business, asso- gentlemen, giving every attention to the comfort of -their patrons, and are business men of more than 5 ciated with George W. Edson. The connection ex- ther atrons, and are business of more than isted two years, when Mr. Richardson became sole ordinary abilities.; proprietor by purchase, and continued to conduct his Mr. Richardson secured a good education in his general mercantile interests eight years at that point, youth and taught several terms of school during his when he went to Morenci, Lenawee Co., Mich., and, minority During the civil war he enlsted in the in company with William Miner, established a large "National Guards," enrolling in the i3oth Regt. store, and also conducted a series of 14 cheese fac- Ohio Vol., Col. C. Phillips. He was in Company tories and creameries, located at different points in D, under Capt. L. J. Carroll. His term of service Southern Michigan and Northern Ohio. The man- continued Ioo days, and his regiment received official ck.orious services in the Army of the Potomac. - R agenment of their mIercantile connections required the acknowledgment from President Lincoln for meritassistance of I12 clerks, and they finished daily for orious services in the Ary of the Potomac. market about 300 cheeses. In 1872 Mr. Miner failed, and the entire concern was in the hands of -= =' -- Mr. Richardson, who operated alone until I873, when the financial crisis which convulsed the busi-! 4; ohn J. Grimm, farmer, section 34, Gilmore ness world caused a shrinkage of values in his ' i Township, was born Feb. 13, 1826, in, possession to the amount of $30,000. Disaster Greene Co., Pa., and is the son of Chrisfollowed financial stringency, and in I876 he relin- topher and Sarah (Parker) Grimm. His father: quished his business. In 1877 he came to St. Louis was of Geman birth and his mother was a qs hso, iwas of German birth and his mother was a S and bought the CommercialHotel, incompany with native of New Jersey; both died in Greene: S. R. Dewey. He took possession of the Leonard Co. Pa. House, in that village, which he occupied and con- After he was 20 years of age Mr. Grimm served ducted for the accommodation of the traveling pub- an apprenticeship of i8 months, learning the trade of: lic six months, while the "Commercial" was being shoemaking, to which he devoted several years. He _""M _ C - - --— T(i a CA ' — - - Xnn a)t a ----,H ISABELLA COUNTY. 495 V Carver removed to New York, where she died, in tween six and seven years, when he removed to ) Monroe County, July 2, 1839. He removed to Cal- Coldwater Township, Isabella County, reaching here;i houn Co., Mich., about 1850, and died Dec. 5, 1858. in January, i868. He took up his residence on land: Mrs. Fosgitt was born in Rupert, Vt., Dec. 7, 1822. which he had entered under the provisions of the, Of six children bornto Mr. and Mrs. F., three sur- Homestead Act, Dec. 6, I866. On this he resided vive, Abbie, William W. and Cynthia. The de- until June, 1876, when he sold the property and ceased were Robert, Sophia and an infant. bought the farm where he has since resided. It inThe parents are members of the Methodist Epis- eludes 80 acres, 70 acres of which are cleared and copal Church. Politically he is a Republican. improved. Mr. Smith is a Republican in his political connections, and has been Justice of the Peace -t and School Assessor. He has been a member of the - Order of Odd Fellows, but has withdrawn from active I I I II II I1 I I I * V >'-* "R-.?1 evi S. Smith, farmer, section 26, Coldwater Si Township, was born April 23, 1831, in the town of Fairfield, Harrison Co., Ohio. His parents, Hiram and Betsey E. (Longley) Smith, were both natives of the State of New York. In 1837 they emigrated to Allen Co., Ind., where the father purchased a farm, which he sold two years later and bought a tract of Government land in De Kalb Co., Ind., where he remained eight years, sold out and removed to Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1847. He purchased a farm and Mr. Smith remained as his father's assistant until he was 21 years old. On nttaininp his majoritv. he engaeed by the month membership in the fraternity. He was married Dec. 2. T8q6. to Fannie M..:1 JLJL"................ 7 -o-) —..... daughter of Warren J. and Melinda Louisa (Ellsworth) Ashley. Her parents were born respectively in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and are both deceased. Mr. Smith was born May 4, 1840. Of her marriage to Mr. Smith, eight children have been born, as follows: Perry L., Dec. 9, 1857; Warner A., March 17, 1862; Wallace D., May 11, 1864 (died Feb. 24, 1865); Florence R., Nov. 18, 1867; Clarence E., Jan. 27, I870; Milo J., Dec. 17, 1871; Clara M., July 28, 1873 (died Aug. 25, 1873); Burnett L., Sept. 7, I878. #II 2=3 * f -V, -A_ " ~I 443I. *2~ a-.,^ X, r D ----- -,, fr as a farm laborer about three years, when he fitted. himself for the trade of a builder, to which he de- - ---—;& —( voted the next 17 years without intermission. When I'. he was about 22 years old, he bought 80 acres of ichael Devereaux, an attorney at law and Government land in Montcalm County, 13 miles | Justice of the Peace of Mt. Pleasant, north of Ionia, which he sold not long after in the | |[' was born Jan. 17, 1845, in the township same original state in which it was at the date of E' of Irondequoit, Monroe Co., N. Y., about 8 purchase. May 2,1859, he started for the West, and miles from thecity of Rochester. His parents, went through Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and then, Patrick and Mary (Conklin) Devereaux, came '>: commencing May 20, traversed the length of the to Michigan in 1845, settling on a new farm of 40 Mississippi River to Baton Rouge, thence up the acres in Osceola Township, Livingston County, which Red River, which he followed into Texas, where the father had purchased at a previous period. The early in July he engaged in freighting from Shreve- family continued to reside there until 1855, when port, La., to Sulphur Springs, in the Lone Star State, they removed to Deerfield Township in the same a distance of 225 miles. He remained there until county and settled upon a farm of 80 acres, where the last of October, I860, and during the time he the mother died in November, 1858, leaving a family ( made the longest journey of his life on foot, walking of six children. In i859 they removed to the town[ from SulphurSprings to Gaines' Landing on the ship of Hartland in the same county, where the *, Mississippi River, 333 miles, occupying Io days on father, now about 70 years old, still continues to 4 the journey. reside. He returned from Texas to Hudson, Lenawee Co., The subject of this sketch, when but ten years old, Mich., where he engaged in working at his trade. met with an accident, cutting one of his knees while He bought a house and lot, and resided there be- making a hand sleigh, in such a way that it unfitted,,S. --- —;JI(I1 --- -$-, 9 'IS t"h.- X-..i 496 ISABELLA I 44f I e1 al x1=3 II -%A, =_ *Or\* v_ A, A_ him for farm work. His father then exerted himself to keep him in school, so that he might fit himself 9 for some trade or profession. Mr. D. attended the common schools until he was about 18 years of / age, when he became a student at the private seminary of Mrs. P. C. Dayfoot, in Howell, Livingston County. After a year of study there he spent some time at the Howell union school and then commenced teaching. His first teaching was in a district school in Osceola Township, where his father first settled. After this he taught the village school at | Fowlerville, in the same county, for one winter, and also had charge of the village school of Zilwaukee, in Saginaw County, for one year. He had an ambition for a more liberal education, and having earned sufficient money to prosecute his studies further, he went to the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, where he studied two years in the classical course. He then received an appointment as Principal of the union school at Ontonagon on Lake Superior, the school having at that time a corps of four teachers. He continued its management for five years, and in the fall of 1874 left the field of teaching and entered the Law Department of the University an Ann Arbor, where he graduated with the Centennial Class of I876, and in May of the same year came to Mt. Pleasant and formed a partnership with S. W. Hopkins for the practice of the profession. This relation existed until November, 1878, when his associate was elected to represent the county in the Legislature, and in the same month Mr. Devereaux was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county, by a majority of 17 votes over his Republican competitor, Dr. S. C.' Brown, himself and the Sheriff, Charles M. Brooks, being the only ones elected on the Democratic ticket. In May, I882, he entered into his present business relation, under the firm name of Hance & Devereaux, for the transaction of a general real-estate and loan business. They also deal in lumber, in connection with the regular business of their office, their interests in that branch being situated in Midland County, where, with Charles Stirling, they own the timber on 2,000 acres of land. Their logs are put into Salt River, and from there into the Chippewa and run to Saginaw. During the summer of 1883 Messrs. Hance & Devereaux built the fine business block where their oshua J. Upton, farmer on section 17, Coe Township, is a son of Joshua and Priscilla (Taggart) Upton. The parents were natives of Peterborough, N. H., where they lived until about ten years after marriage. They then lived one year in Warren Co., Pa., and then removed to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where they resided the remainder of their lives. He died in December, 1870, and she in the spring of 1878. The nine members of the family were named Priscilla, Albert, John A., James M., Joshua J., George W., William H., Thomas J. and Mary P. The subject of this biographical notice, the fourth son, was born in Peterborough, N. H. Jan. 8, i832, and was an infant of one year when his parents removed to Pennsylvania, and two years old when the family settled in New York. He received the elements of a common English education in the district schools of his neighborhood, and worked on his father's farm until 21 years old. He then began to work at the capenter's trade, which he followed most of the time ten years. In February, 1864, he bade adieu to the Empire State, and, selecting Isabella County as his future home, bought 80 acres of land in Coe Township, where he has since resided, and on which he has erected a creditable residence and other buildings. In connection with farming, he has worked at carpentry, and has built or assisted to build many buildings in the vicinity of Salt River. He has improved about 36 acres of his home farm, and owns in the township I57 acres, I 13 of which are improved. He was married in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, I862, to Wealthy M., daughter of Elijah and Samantha (Wilkins) Moore, natives of Chautauqua I t COUNTY. Y office is located. It is of brick, 45 x go feet in dimen-! sions and two stories high above the basement. The first story is devoted to mercantile business, while * the second is utilized for offices. Mr. Devereaux is actively interested in the educational interests of the county, being at present Chairman of the- Board of County School Examiners, and he has also been Secretary of the School Board since I877. The portrait of Mr. Devereaux is given on another page.. \3~ ~~~~-I~~4 -~34Eimi & dsS.l 4; I is I 4^ K;f'S i 1 - Ar;(/ 1% ~-g\7 -/ X 0 - - — l) - _' ISABELLA at Co., N. Y. Mrs. U. was born in Crawford Co., Pa., i JuLly 3T, 1842. Myrtie B., Lola L., Jedde L. and:, Iva P. S. are the four younger members of the family COUNTY. 497 4..... 2) 1:, A 0 circle. Mr. Upton has been Township Clerk one year, and School Inspector. He is a director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Gratiot and Isabella Counties. Politically, he is an ardent and influential member of the National party. Being an anti-monopolist, he is a believer in railroad competition as a legitirate agent in developing a new country, and he is largely interested in the proposed To. ledo & Ann Arbor line th'rough this county. He is very liberal in his religious views, and does not hesitate to denounce priestcraft as a cloud over human progress. jllbert A. Preston, residing at Mt. Pleasant, is a son of William and Mary (Fisk) Pres-,.] ton. The former was born in Stratford, Vt., June 28, 1803, and the latter in the same. locality Jan. 31, i806. They were married Sept. 7, I824, and were blessed with nine children, of whom five are now not living. The survivors are the following: Albert A.; Ellen L., wife of Samuel Woodworth, veterinary surgeon at Mt. Pleasant (she taught the first school at Mt. Pleasant, while her husband was absent in the army); Wallace W., now County Treasurer; and Althea M., wife of Hon. Isaac A Fancher, of Detroit. The deceased were Sarah E., wife of John Fuller; Mary A., second wife of John Fuller; Walter Scott; Celia E., wife of E. H. Bradley, of Mt. Pleasant (their marriage, the first in Mt. Pleasant, was celebrated Oct. 10, I865); and Emma A., wife of Albert Fox, who was at one time editor of the Isabella County En/erprise. Mrs. Mary (Fisk) Preston's father was born at Boscawen, N. H., April i8, 1773, and her mother was born at Newbury, Mass., May 28, 1777. They were married June 22, 1795, and of their nine children three are yet living,-Mary, mother of Albert A.; Ephraim, a farnmer in Geneva, Kan.; Levinda H., wife of Josiah Beckwith, a farmer of Buchanan Township, Berrien County, this State. William Preston's father, Robert G., was born Aug. 1 I2, 1766; and mother, Hannah, nee Brown, Dec. 6, 1770. They were married at Chester, N. H., May I, I786, and were the parents of 14 children,-John, Robert G. (first), an unnamed infant daughter, William (first), Roswell, Edward, Oliver W., Hannah, William (second), Hazen, Alniira, Eunice, Robert G. (second) and Royal. Robert G. Preston's parents (Albert A.'s greatgrandparents), Edward and Edna (Greenough), were married Jan. 27, 1763. Their six children were Moses, Robert, Edna, Molly, Edward and an infant not named. The subject of this biography was born in Strafford Township, Orange Co., Vt., Aug. i6, 1827, and was reared on a farm. When he was eight years old (I835) his family moved to Bethany Township, Gen, esee Co., N. Y.; and in 1839 they again moved, to Java Township, Wyoming County, where his father bought Ioo acres. Here Albert developed into manhood, having attended school most of the winters of his youth. In the spring of 1855 he moved to Sauk Co., Wis., returning in the fall of the same year to New York. In May, 1862, he came to this State and settled in what is now Lincoln Township, Isabella County, homesteading i6o acres of timbered land on section 2. At that time his nearest market was St. John's, 48 miles away. He has given his son Wilbur 6o acres, and now owns Ioo acres. Of the whole farm, he cleared Ioo acres. It was at first difficult to get lumber, and he had a bark roof, which let in the rain profusely, often saturating his bed and clothing. After getting in his first crop, however, he found time to construct a roof of shakes, which he split from the surrounding pines. Deer were plentiful, — also bear. His first team of horses were brought from New York State when he first came. His route was by lake to Detroit, thence by wagon via St. John's to his new home. The roads were muddy, the wheels were often in the mud to the axle, and he was five and a half days in making the trip. Mr. P.'s parents came to Mt. Pleasant in February, I864. On account of the illness of his father, Mr. Preston moved to Mt. Pleasant in the fall of I881, and he cared for his father until the latter's death, Nov. io, I88i. His present residence was the first frame house in Mt. Pleasant, and was built by Dr. Burt. Mr. Preston helped build many Vo~i 11 141, - 3 *~, X.,..,~} I.YI il I I 3T - I f -~% A 498 ISABELLA CO UNTY., of the first buildings in the village, including the (Kelly) Sears, natives of Franklin Co., Mass. Mrs. ~ three first stores. Wing was born in West Hawley, June 22, I839. il He was married in Java Township, Wyoming Co., The four children added to the household are Walter N. Y., April I3, I851, to Miss Martha Nichols, S., Wallace B., Lizzie G. and Clara E. daughter of George and Mary Nichols, who was Mr. Wing has been Supervisor of Chippewa three born in Keene, N. H., April i6, I833. Of five chil- years, and School Director several terms. Politically, dren given to Mr. and Mrs. P., four survive. The he is a staunch Republican. He and wife adhere to record is as follows: Mary E., born in Java Dec. 15, the faith of the Universalist Church. 1852, and now the wife of Arthur B. Caldwell, a farmer of Fremont Township, this county (she has had -,' -- three children,-Lillian (deceased), Genie and Alice); > Wilbur E., born Oct.2i, 1854, now a farmer on sec- ames Davis, stave manufacturer, resident }.i tion 2, Lincoln Township, and married to Marilla at Mt. Pleasant, was born Dec. 27, 1847,in Abbott; Alice, born Feb. 20, 1860, now the wife - OxfordCo.,Can. His parents, Thomas and of William Atkins, farmer of Coe Township; and i Catherine (Rourke) Davis, are both deceased. Wendell B., born Dec. i6, 1867, and now living at Mr. Davis was reared on his father's farm, home. David D. was born May I9, I863, and died and in 1867 went to Green Bay District, Wiswhen three and a half years old. consin, where he engaged four years in lumbering. IlL Z=~.401~, g io ' V\ee~i~j-R-,~-~r-r~~-7 M.- - ~ ~ a 'j |enjamin Wing, farmer on section 33, Chippewa Township, is a son of Benjamin and Bathsheba (Tobey) Wing, natives of Hampshire and Franklin Counties, Mass. The parents settled in Hawley, Mass., where they lived till the father's death, March i, I835. The mother died while on a visit to Kansas, Oct. 17, I871. Their children numbered four,Elizabeth M., Sarah, Benjamin and Bathsheba T. The subject of this sketch, the only son of his narents. was born in Hawlev. Mass.. March 20c. iTY8 In the spring of 1872 he came to Tuscola, Mich., where he established himself in the stave business. He spent some time subsequently in Clare County, Mich., and in 1878 came to Mt. Pleasant and founded his present establishment. He moved his family hither in I879. His business relations afford employment for a force of assistants numbering from 75 to I25 men. He ships his products chiefly to Quebec and New York. He manufactures yearly from Ioo,ooo to 200,000 hand-made Canada Pipe staves. Mr. Davis was married Nov. 3, 1879, at East Saginaw, to Mary, daughter of James and Mary Sweeney. She was born May 20, 1857, in Ireland. Three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, and received the rudiments of an English education as follows: Mary C., Aug. I2, i88o; Margaret L., in the common schools, attending also one term at Sept. 23, I88i; Helen E., Sept. I, 883. the Sanderson Academy at Ashfield, Mass. Losing his father when three years old, he lived with his Em mother until 21 years of age. He then worked out -''*g-l$E-" by the month for four years, when he bought a farm in Ashfield, Franklin Co., Mass. This he tilled until I^^ 1869, when he sold and removed to DeKalb Co., Mo. | harles W. Sawyer, farmer on section I6, ( He bought a farm there, but not meeting with the SI Coe, is a son of Charles D. and Mary success he expected, he sold out, and in the fall of |j (Covey) Sawyer, natives of Vermont. The 875 came to Isabella County and bought 40 acres parents emigrated first to New York, then to | of wild land on section 33, to which he has since Illinois, and three years later to Michigan, i added 60 acres. He has 80 acres under cultivation. locating in Barry County. In 1864 they came @ He was married in Hawley, Mass., May 22, 1860, to Isabella County and settled in Coe Township, p to Hannah M., daughter of Clark and Emeline where they lived till their death. The mother de- Hasm r- e inHe "2 I X I I. I Ak,..1. I. I.1: -:r 1 ' ' -, i 2 % . o 4,,-,.. -,.". - t - -, ool w ~ s fSABELLa i ISABELLti or),or,,, zr Ii f~ 41 k, I _A p.. i... r.A, parted this life June 20, i869, and the father Jan. r, 1 879 -The subject of this sketch, their second son, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, I842, and lived with his parents, following them in their several removes, until the death of his mother in I869. He learned the carpenter's trade of his father, which occupation he has followed a small portion of the time since. He was for one year at Salt River a clerk for Aaron Wessels, but he has been principally engaged, in agriculture. In i865 he bought 40 acres of land: on section I6, and he now has 25 acres under cultivation. He was married in Coe Township, April 3, I870, to Louisa C., daughter of Richard and Louisa (Gleason) Hoy, and adopted daughter of Dunham D. and Mary A. Burnham. Mrs. Sawyer was born in Colchester, Vt., Oct. 27, I850. Of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. S., two died in infancy. The surviving one is Richard R., born Jan. 15, 1878. Mrs. Sawyer died at her home in Coe, Oct. o1, I878. Mr. S. supports the principles of the Republican X party, is a Freemason, and has been Township ( Treasurer two years. Joseph Myers, farmer on section 21, Coe Township, is a son of Michael and Eve (McCoy) Myers, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The parents first settled in the Keystone State and afterwards removed to Stark Co., Ohio, and thence to DeKalb' Co., Ind. In the fall of I855, they came to this county, where the mother died. The father afterwards went to Williams Co., Ohio, where he died, in May, I866. The subject of this notice was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Jan. t6, I830, and was 13 years old when his parents removed to Indiana, where he lived until i855, engaged in farming. In the spring of that year he came to this county and bought 20 acres of Government land in Coe Township, where he has since lived. He has now 80 acres under cultivation. He was married in DeKalb Co., Ind., Oct. 8, I848, to Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Solama (Anthony) Sawvel, natives of the State of Pennsylvania. She was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. I8, I833. To this marriage were given 15 children, of whom 13 sur i ) esley J. Corbus, M. D., eclectic physician and surgeon at Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 17, 18I8, in Wayne Co., Mich., eight miles west of Detroit. He is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Britton) Corbus, and in 828 his parents removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich. About three years later they again removed and settled in Girard Township, Branch County,' where the father became the proprietor by purchase of i60 acres of land. Both parents died on the homestead in Girard. Dr. Corbus obtained a good elementary education, and at the age of 23 years he went to Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio, and taught school two years. He returned to Branch County and entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Moses E. Chauncey, a practitioner at Girard Center. He spent nearly four years reading for his profession under the instruction of Dr. Chauncey, and commenced his career in the practice of medicine at Warsaw, Ind. He remained in business there about three years and went then to Union City in Branch County, where he operated several years. His next place. of action was at Tekonsha, Calhoun County, where he remained until April, I863, when he came to Isabella County. He bought 320 acres of land on section 13, Lincoln Township, which was all in heavy timber. He cleared and improved 130 acres, erected good buildings, planted orchards, and put everything in the best order for successful agriculture. He has deeded a portion to his children, and retains 107 acres, with. 60 acres cleared and improved. He began his practice immediately on be I 91 id * '.,-. Ad M )M ~i 4 COUNTY. 501I vive: John F., Edward, Sarah J., Ralph, Mary, S 'Useba, William C., Addie, U. S. Grant, Elmira,: Samantha, Nellie and Elma. Charlie and Winnie f: are deceased.? Politically, Mr. Myers is a Republican. He was drafted in September, I864, was assigned to Co. I, 23d Mich. Vol. Inf., and served about nine months. He fought at Fort Anderson, Franklin (Tenn.), Columbia (Tenn.), Nashville (Tenn.), Wilmington (N. C.) and Goldsboro. He was severely wounded at Town Creek, Feb. 20, I865, and was honorably discharged at Salisbury, N. C., June 28, b following. i Ie 2.. (l(,,-P 1"d Bel I. -, it -a c~gii ~`b" IZ " @:2a --- 'r$<@v^: 502 ISABELLA COUNTY., r __ __' i) 5o2 IIk i~frl f` S3 Is K2I t I1::. 4a ~ coming a citizen of the county, and has. been actively engaged in the career of medicine without interruption since that time. In I874, Dr. Corbus purchased a farm adjoining the southern limits of the village corporation. On this he erected a fine residence, after which he sold the place, and in December, I875, he settled in Mt. Pleasant, opened an office and entered upon the vigorous prosecution of his profession. In I878, Dr. Corbus went to Cincinnati and took a course of study in the Eclectic Medical Institute, under the celebrated Dr. Scudder. He was graduated there in I879. His business includes a wide circle of town and country patrons, and is permanently established on the foundation of ability and success. Dr. Corbus is a Swedenborgian in religious views, and belongs to the Masonic Order, Chapter I i, Royal Arch. His marriage to Christiana Popham occurred Oct. 14, 1844, in Knox Co., Ohio. She was born Feb. 27, 1827, in Pike Township, Knox County, and is the daughter of Francis and Mary (Scoles) Popham. Following are the names of the six children born to Dr. and Mrs. Corbus: Mary A., deceased; Eugene M., a farmer in Oregon; Joseph, also engaged in agriculture in Oregon; Lydia B., wife of Michael Walsh, a farmer of Washington Territory; and Francis P., deceased. The portrait of Dr. Corbus is presented on a preceding page of this work.:hilip Servoss, deceased, late resident on section 31, Chippewa Township, was a son h of Daniel and Doxy (Briggs) Servoss, natives of New York State. The family numbered seven: Hiram, Charlotte, Philip, Chauncey, Olive, Margaret and Christopher; Philip being the second son and third child. He was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 8 8, and was six weeks old when his parents removed to Orleans Co., N. Y. Here he lived until April, I866, engaged in farming. Coming to Isabella County at the date mentioned (walking from Lansing), he bought 80 acres in Chippewa Township, where he lived until his death, April 10, I88I. He was married in Niagara Co., N. Y., May 20, 1856, to Miss Emma, daughter of Marcus and Deb orah (Manchester) Grinnell, natives of the State of New York. Mr. Grinnell came to Chippewa Township, this county (walking from Detroit), in the spring of i86i, and was employed several years as a Government blacksmith. He bought several tracts of land and at the time of his death owned 80 acres on section 31, Chippewa. He died Feb. 22, 1884. He held numerous offices,-Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk, and was in other ways prominent in his locality. He was the maker of "Grinnell's Universal Balsam." Mrs. Servoss was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., May 14, 1840, and has been the mother of seven children, six of whom survive: Hiram D., Carrie A., Elmer A., Alonzo D., Mina J. and Earl P. One died in infancy. Mr. S. held the office of Highway Commissioner and several school offices. He was a member of the Society of Seventh-Day Adventists, as is Mrs. SerVoss. rank S. Sweeney, of the firm of Sweeney & Co., grocers and provision merchants, i;. dealers in crockery, produce and baled hay, at Mt. Pleasant, was born in Scarborough, near the city of Toronto, Ont., Can., Oct. 31, I85I. His parents were Francis and Mary (Fox) Sweeney, and belonged to the agricultural class in the Dominion. Mr. Sweeney became a clerk in a London grocery house at the age of 15, but left the business shortly after, and at the age of I7 years came to Michigan and made the stave business his work for three years. Then for a few years he was employed as "landlooker," locating land and timber for parties in the Saginaws and Bay City. He next engaged in the manufacture of staves on his own behalf, and carried on the business successfully in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, as opportunities for profitable transfers presented. Had not the panic of 1872-3 demoralized the markets, Mr. Sweeney would have made a real success of the business. From his thorough knowledge of the timber and early experience he was called an expert by many of the leading stave men in the State. In I879 he engaged in the grocery and produce trade as an assistant in an establishment at Strathroy, Ontario, and in the spring of i88i located i, Vo[.~N )Fi~h Q1 f l* I 'i1 I I (11 I ( eS:1 4;l I Ilb IIa '-). i 17'.,') m.P^i etf >'i 1 J r.,, ^*''i -,... c r-irt brb: orBI!li C! L-1(8F arr.liZL!utf Q'L4-~-:$~ Ift '3 "P"lik j j.Ciarnar,'i 7i~ ~a ~~~ ~ a ISABELLA COUNTY. 503...) and G g at Mt. Pleasant, and formed a partnership with James and Glenn (twins) and Lulu J. The deceased were f Barry for the prosecution of the business which he named Willard, Jane and Levi.: has since followed. They purchased two very desir- Mr. and Mrs. Forbes came to this county in the, able lots near the corner of Main Street and Broad- fall of 872 and bought I60 acres in Chippewa Townway, and erected the building where they are now ship, where he now has i io acres in a state of profit- t. operating. It is 20 x 90 feet in dimensions, two stories able cultivation. He keeps 13 cattle, 40 sheep and high, with brick front, and with an addition in the 2 horses. Politically, he is an earnest Republican. rear 24 x 35, brick fire-proof, with a stone cellar, and He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. utilized as a warehouse. They have also built a warehouse on Main Street, near the Flint & Pere Marquette depot, 36 x 55, where they keep a first-class Dederick hay-press, and press and ship hay. Its *J 0 p capacity is one car-load per day. Their business is Mh arles C. Whitney, of the manufacturing; prosperous and includes extensive yearly purchases 1J firm of Jeffords & Whitney, at Mt. Pleasand shipments of produce, of which they make a ant, was born in Hopewell, Ontario Co., N. Y., specialty. June 15, i844. He is a son of Benjamin and Mr. Sweeney was married July I9, i88i, at Strath- Caroline E. (Hall) Whitney, and his father roy, Ont., to Maria T. McNulty. She was born in wa blacksmith by trade. Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney have one daughter, Mr. Whitney was i8 years old when the country Eva, born Aug. 9, 1882, at Mt. Pleasant. In matters r. was thrilled with the news of the rebellious assault s: of religion Mr. Sweeney is a Catholic; in politics a multitudes of the: staunch Republican. He was elected Treasurer of euli he do d the young, ardent sons of the Republic, he donned the his village and surrounding township in the spring of m he t e he o the enregulation blue and marched to the help of the en-.- I883, and re-elected in 1884 by one of the largest angered Union. He enlisted at Canandaigua, N majorities in the county. He has made some money,, as a p e in t 8 Y., Nov. 8, i86i, as a private in the i8th Vol. Inf., flew owns some real estate near Mt. Pleasant, and two e'n of the Empire State, under Captain H. H. Frote. very desirable building lots on Broadway, in that vil- g bttlesin which Mr. Whitney was under Among the battleskin which Mr. Whitney was under (I agefire were those at West Point, Va., Gaines' Mill, Sav>.age Station, Charles City Cross-Roads, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg (first and second) and in numberless l iharles M. Forbes, farmer and lumber- smaller skirmishes common to the fate of war. He [ J lt- man on section 20, Chippewa Township, received honorable discharge May 28, I863, at Alis a son of Levi and Charlotte (Hazelton) bany, N. Y., and re-enlisted Nov. io, i863, in Co. H, Forbes, natives of Massachusetts. The par- Capt. H. C. Thompson, i6th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, ents settled in Canada, where he died. She and received honorable discharge Aug. 21, 1865, afterwards removed to her present home in after the close of the war. He was in the engageIngham County, this State. ments at Fort Pocahontas and at Fort Fisher. The The subject of this record was born in Canada, only casualty he sustained was an insignificant inMarch 18, 1836, and was two and a half years old jury in the head by a piece of shell, at Gaines' Mill. when his mother came to Ingham County. He lived On receiving his well-earned release from the serat home until 14 years old, then worked out by the vice of his country, he returned to his native State, f month till 18, and then learned the cooper's trade. and in February, I866, he came to Cambria, Hills- ~ March I2, i856, in Ingham County, he 1arried dale Co., Mich. In April, i867, in company with Miss Frances M., daughter of Caleb and Margaret J. five other individuals, he came to Saginaw in quest, Hall, natives of the State of New York. She was of a -location. One of the party was his brother, also born in the Empire State, June 3, I839. Of six William T. Whitney (see sketch), and they made I children born of this marriage, three survive,-Date their way to the terminus of the railroad at St. John's../&~*i- -Adiiigo - '-x-.' ( || 504 ISABELLA COUNTY. They walked thence to Mt. Pleasant, with which the aid of which he succeeded in accomplishing his '. j place they made first acquaintance April o1, 1867. matrimonial intentions. He was, at the time, the? Mr. Whitney operated for a time as a carpenter, owner of $146. He paid the minister $5, bought a. f and later as a contractor and builder. In I880 he small elevated-oven cook-stove for $37, a barrel of I superintended the construction of the Opera-House flour for $24, and paid proportionately for other do- - Block, and in 188i he formed a partnership with mestic fixtures. The period was not long after the George A. Lance, and the firm entered into a con- war, and everything in the way of merchandise was tract to erect the Union School building. Its con- high, and had to be transported from St. John's and struction occupied a year, and at its completion the Saginaw by teams. It should be remarked that the firm terminated its business relations. The present wedding livery of Mr. Whitney cost him $4. partnership of Jeffords & Whitney was formed Dec. Mrs. Whitney was born July 31, 1849, in Hounsi; 2,5, 88i, and has since been in successful operation. field Township, Jefferson Co., N. Y. George B.,:. I: In I883 they constructed i6 buildings at Mt. Pleas- eldest child, was born Feb. 8, I869; Lulu, Nov. 17, ant, among them the Unitarian church. Mr. Jeffords 1874; Charles Francis, March i8, 1873 (died in July, was the proprietor of the Mt. Pleasant Novelty Works, 1873); Mary L., Nov. 14, 1874; Charles Frederick, and on combining their interests Mr. Whitney pur- Aug. 17, 1879. chased a half interest in the property. It is utilized Mr. Whitney is a prominent member of the Orders in the manufacture of doors, sash, etc. In the winter of Masonry and Odd-Fellows. In the former he is of I883-4 they built the mill where they now operate. connected with the Royal Arch Chapter and the )They employ about 30 assistants, do all kinds of blue lodge at Mt. Pleasant, and in the latter frabuilding, furnish plans, specifications and detailed ternity he has passed all the chairs. He has also?> drawings. They manufacture sash, doors, blinds, represented the local organization at the Grand K.n Z:: rough and finished lumber and ornamental scroll Lodge four times. He is also a member of the Uni- A I' work. They own four houses and lots, a blacksmith tarian Church. He owns an attractive and valuable A i: shop and three vacant lots. Their works include residence at Mt. Pleasant and 3 acres of land on,/ three lumber yards, situated respectively by their section 3, Coe Township. Mrs. Whitney belongs to % mill, on Wisconsin Street and on Main Street. They the Methodist Episcopal Church. i ) handle about 3,000,000 feet of lumber yearly, which( they ship chiefly to Saginaw and Detroit. —|A few months after Mr. Whitney located at Mt. Y_ Pleasant, he decided to change his condition in life, D and made a marriage contract with Miss Dora E., illiam D. Farren, deceased,latefarmer T. Y *r ^iTur r~aflf'. on section I, Coe, was a son of Thomas daughter of George W. and Louisa Howk. Their on section i. Coe, was a son of Thomas [? ' and Clarissa McFarren, natives of Washmarriage was celebrated Nov. 17, 867, in the Method- and Clarssa McFarren natves f W ington Co., N. Y.; and was born in the same ist Episcopal church at Mt. Pleasant, and was the - first event of that nature within its walls. Mt. Pleas- county April I7, I8r5. He lived in that. ant had half a hundred inhabitants, and the privileges, locality until I849, when he came with his farof the place were not of the latest and most approved ily to ckson Co., Mich. where he lived nne years. metropolitan order. The only livery in town was a He then removed to Inghar County, where he rejoint affair under the auspices of Moses Brown, who mained three years; and in I86i he came to Isabella owned a horse, and David Morse, who was the pos- ot and bought I60 acres of wild land on secsessor of a harness and a buckboard. With this equip- tion, Coe. He disposed of 80 acres, and of the ment, Mr. Whitney set out to fulfill his pre-arranged remainder had under cultivation at the time of his program, and when less than two miles on his route death about 50 acres His departure from this life 8 to Salt River, where the bride's parents resided, he occurred Jan 27, 884. met a man on horseback, who contrived to collide He was married in Whitehall, Washington Co., N. with his turn-out and dislocate one of the hind Y., March 6, 1839, to Miss Nancy Davis, who was wheels. He abandoned the vehicle and returned to born at the place of her marriage, April 14, I8I6. @ Mt. Pleasant and borrowed another buckboard, with Her parents, Winans and Nancy (Wilson) Davis, were 0t ---A-t st<:nii] --- is^ * "Ksis I i 1- I. ". A-, 11 '.4, -. '. ":, a,, I.- 11 4 atAlt" V-C(l !~:~:[- na-tives of Wsi ton Co., n.Y. As ah ^ -^ -cd j ISABELLA COUNTY. 507 1, natives of Washington Co., N. Y. As a coincidence, but have closed their relations in agricultural matters. it is worth relating that Mrs. Davis and her daughter Mr. Pickard has been engaged one winter since f ^ were born and married in the same room. Mr. and that date in lumbering alone. Mrs. McF. have had eight children, five of whom In January, 1882, he was appointed Under-Sheriff A survive. Their names are Mary J., James H. (de- by his brother, and has since devoted his attention to ceased), Arvila (deceased), Clarissa, William W. (de- the duties of the position. He owns his residence ceased), Seymour C., Leonard H. and Fenner A. in block 21, lots i and 2, in Bentley s Addition, and Mrs. McF. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. is pleasantly situated. He was married in St. Louis to Celestia Walker. She was born in Ohio and is a.... ~.~. --- daughter of John and Catherine Walker. The children belonging to the household are Charles and rank Davis, farmer on section 15, Coe Annie. i,; Township, is a son of Alden and Susan Mr. Pickard is one of the most popular and genial "A X, (Casey) Davis, and was born in Isabella citizens of Mt. Pleasant, and his portrait in this volCounty, Aug. 28, I858. He attended the dis- ume will afford genuine satisfaction to his numerous trirt crhnnls in his hovhoodn receiving a limited friends. W education. Losing his father in the battle of the Wilderness, in June, 1864, he lived at home with his mother until 14, and then went to live with his grandfather, P. D. Harns,'with whom he remained until April, 1883. Since then he has been carrying on his own farm, and boarding with Robert Wilson. Politically, he is a Republican. IrE illiam Pickard, Under-Sheriff of Isabella County, residing at Mt. Pleasant, was born ia- -, at Tobique, New Brunswick, Oct. 14, 1844,.' and is a son of John and Margaret (Jones) Pickard. His father was a farmer and lumberman, and the son was reared to a knowledge of both callings. He went to Old Town, Me., when he was 19 years old, and was there engaged in active lumber interests four years. In September, i868, he came to Isabella County, and after a year's labor in the woods he was placed in charge of the lumber camp of Gulliver, Remick & Whitney, of Detroit. He continued thus engaged between four and five years, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Thomas Pickard (see sketch), for the purpose of engaging in the work of lumbering in his own interest. They purchased timber lands and were diligently engaged in the various avenues pertaining to lumbering until I88o, when the partnership was dissolved. They also trafficked to considerable extent in real estate and carried on farming interests, I D avid Tucker, farmer on section 14, Coe. Township, is a son of Noah and Martha Tucker, natives of Ohio. The parents setted in Richland Co., Ohio, and lived there till their death. He died June i8, 1863, and she March 22, 1883. Their family consisted of ten, six sons and four daughters, David being the eldest son. He was born in Richland Co., Ohio, March 25, 1835, and lived at home, developing into manhood through the usual course of play, school and work on the farm, until 22 years old. At the age of 24, Sept. i, 1859, he was married to Elizabeth J., daughter of Daniel and Roxana (Lyons) Rising, who were natives of the State of New York. The father died in Sac Co., Iowa, at an unknown date; the mother died in Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. i6, 1873. Mrs. Tucker was born in Richland Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1841. After marriage, Mr. Tucker remained for three years in Richland Co., Ohio, removing then to Williams County, same State, where he bought a farm of 80 acres and remained nearly i8 years. Disposing of that farm, he came in the spring of i88I to Isabella County and bought 60 acres of improved land in Coe Township, where he has since made his home. In 1882 he erected a comfortable dwelling which will compare favorably with any in his part of the county. Politically, Mr. T. is a Republican. The six children surviving are named Mary J., Warren L., Edward F., Ada E., Martha A. and Jen I:.=3 * - i i_. i? a' i.: -s't IJ (i i,OAg m "'y I -- C.- imir-"~6ir n ma a) l4 i n-;,a-d esi r^ ----, 508 ISABELLA COUNTY. nie M. The deceased were Icabinda, George A., tional advantages afforded by its schools. Mrs. V 4 Florence B., Charles E., Eli W., Arthur and Willie Blake died in Rockford, March 12, 1872, aged 57 e7" B. Mrs. Tucker died Aug. 5, 1882. She was an years. Three children constituted the issue of her active member of the society known as the " Church marriage: Buel J., Elizabeth (Mr. W. E. Harrs: ( of God." Mr. T.'s parents also belonged to this see sketch), and Amelia. The latter became the: hurch. wife of Walter Van Alstyne, of Rockford, and died Nov. i, I869, aged 21 years. The son became a. ----- --- soldier for the union in the war of the rebellion., He enlisted in Co. K, 74th Ill. Vol. Inf. His regiames J. Campbell (deceased), late farmer ment was attached to the command of Gen. Sherman, on section 34, Coe Township, was a son of and Buel Blake was in many of the engagements of < e James R. and Catherine Campbell, and the corps. He was killed June 27, 1864, at the battle, the eldest son in a family of 13 children. He of Kenesaw Mountain. Mr. Blake, of this sketch, as born in Carroll Co., Ohio, May 30, 1838, became a resident of Mt. Pleasant in 1874. and lived in Ohio until November, i867, when ) I, r._ Ad*,!* T Viiiiiiii~~~~~~~~~ / )~1 he came to Isabella County. He bought I6o acres of land in Coe Township, and at the time of his death had about 80 acres under cultivation. He was married in Carroll Co., Ohio, May 3, i86o, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Caskey) Moore, natives of Ireland and Ohio. She was born in Carroll County, May 2, 1841, and is the mother of seven children,-George (died when five years old), Kate, Martha, William, James R., Frank and Effie E. Mr. C. died Nov. 28, i875. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. C. is a member of the Disciples' Church. ( illiam E. Harris, of the firm of Harris Bros., proprietors of the Mt. Pleasant Flouring i'j Mills, was born April 15, 1841, in London, j, Eng., and is the son of William S. and Sarah A. (Heath) Harris. In 1852 he and his father came to the United States and proceeded directly to Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. His father bought 40 acres of land in the township of Montcalm, and began to prepare for the comfortable location of his family, who followed in September of the same year. He died on the farm in New York in September, 1854; the mother is still living, at Mt. i_ amuel Blake, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was Pleasant. born Jan. 28, 8 6, on Grand Isle, Vt. His In I859 Mr. Harris went to Greenville to learn his * 14 l parents, John and Philura (Campbell) trade. He spent two years in a grist-mill, acquiring ( Jt Blake, removed from their island home on Lake all the details of the business, and in i861 went to Champlain to the Township of Georgia in Rockford, Winnebago Co., Ill., where he remained K Franklin Co., Vt., in 1824, where Mr. Blake nine years employed as a miller. He was married attained his majority. He was bred to the calling of there to Elizabeth Blake. She was born March 12, his father, that of a farmer, which he pursued many i846, in Illinois, and is the daughter of Samuel and years. Amanda (Loverin) Blake. Minnie, born in DecemHe was married Jan. 28, 1840, in St. Alban's, Vt., ber, i869, and Sammie, born in December, I873, are to Amanda Loverin, a native of Greenbush, Can. the names of the two children now included in the - After a residence of four years in Swanton, Vt., they family circle,.) went to Winnebago Co., Ill., where Mr. Blake be- In 1872 Mr. Harris came to Mt. Pleasant, and, ascame the owner by purchase of 200 acres of land, sociated with his brother John, bought the site of.j i6o acres of prairie and 40 acres in timber. It was their mill. It was in heavy timber, and they pro-; ^ located in what is now Durand Township. In 1858 ceeded to clear and improve the property in genuine x Mr. Blake rented his property and went to the city frontier fashion. They began building on a small of Rockford, in older to secure the superior educa- scale, erecting a mill 30 by 40 feet in dimensions, ---— ^An a^ ^ S>A- at — A>,> e -i --- fi:.ea l fl' -'&- U A ISABELLA COUNTY. O09, — a, with two run of stones. The structure has been enlarged and its facilities increased, and is now 42 by 62 feet in extent, and three and a half stories in! height. The fixtures include one run of stones and - ten pairs of rollers, affording a capacity of ioo barrels of flour daily. They do merchant and exchange work, and employ five assistants. The firm of Harris Bros. includes the brothers William, John and Henry G., and Warner Churchill, a brother-in-law. The works are usually in operation night and day, and in the fall of the year they ship large quantities of grain. The firm are also interested in the manufacture and shipment of hoops. "The Government Mill Prop-; erty," including ioo acres of land, is owned by the Harris Bros. | j eorge M. Gould, farmer on section I8, Coe /m 1 Township, is a son of James wV. and Mariette (Sisson) Gould, natives of the State of New York, and was born in Ionia Co., Mich.,! ~~ July 17, 1847, in which county he lived most of the time until he came to Isabella County, in: the summer of I865. That year he bought 20 acres on section i8, Coe Township, to which he has since added 77 acres. He has now 50 acres improved. He was married in Coe Township, June 8, I869, to Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Olive Brickley, natives of New York State. Mrs. G. was born in Summit, Jackson Co., Mich., Sept. 6, 1851. Mr. G. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is politically a Democrat. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff in January, I883, of which position he is still incumbent.. * ^ -— aa-i^ ---- - 3harles E. Westlake, Postmaster at Mt. i Pleasant and dealer in drugs, medicines, | wall paper, etc., was born Aug. 20, i853, at Long Lake, Mich., and is a son of Rev. Eli and Mary E. (Waterman) Westlake. His father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and passed most of his life in the active duties of his profession in Michigan. Mr. Westlake was a pupil in the common schools S until he reached the age of 14 years, when he was sent to the College at Albion, in Calhoun Co., Mich., where he pursued a classical course of study four years. In 1869 he went to the gold mines of Wyoming Territory, in company with his father, and there spent about eight months. He returned East, and in 1870 he came to Mt. Pleasant. Soon after his arrival, in company with J. W. Long, he engaged in the drug business, continuing to operate in that connection three years. In December, I872, Mr. Westlake was appointed Postmaster at Mt. Pleasant, and has continued to discharge the duties of the position since to the satisfaction of the public. He received a re-appointment in 1883 for four years. He re-opened his drug store in October, I88i, and is engaged in the transaction of a prosperous business His stock is valued at $3,000, and his trade requires the aid of two assistants. Mr. Westlake was married Feb. i8, 1879, at Mt. Pleasant, to Jennie, daughter of Lorenzo and Virginia Graves. Mrs. Westlake was born July 8, r86r, in Warsaw, Ky. f ames Barry, of the firm of Sweeney & Co., dealers in groceries, crockery, produce, seeds, baled hay, etc., at Mt. Pleasant, was born May 24, 1852, in Toronto, Can. He is a son of John and Johanna (Harrington) Barry, and was reared on a farm. When he was 18 years old he became a sailor on the great lakes and followed that vocation about i8 months. At the expiration of that time he returned to the profession of agriculture, and bought 120 acres of land in Middlesex Co., Can., where he managed business as a farmer and stock-dealer. In November, I88r, he came to Mt. Pleasant and formed a partnership with F. A. Sweeney in the business referred to. They bought the site of the building where they now transact business, and erected the same. It is 90 by 20 feet in extent, two stories high, with a brick front. Connected therewith, is a fire-proof warehouse two stories in height. They carry a well assorted stock of goods, and are operating successfully. In the fall of I883 they built their warehouse on Main Street, near the Flint & Pere 53kI0*5 ef, v ( 1^ F -" I:: t, u 7=3. A" ( _->N, a0A 6.m ISABELLA COUNTY. 515 "ff~~: in 1858, under the noms de plume of "Gabriella," " Phixanella " and " Florine." After his return North he became associated with journalism again as before stated, and, besides being on the regular staff and correspondent of the Boston Musical journal, he also at times has contributed articles to some of the leading magazines, notably among others, Frank Leslie's publications. Major Long has also had 36 pieces of original music published, all of which have met with a good sale, while a good percentage have met with a flattering reception from the public. His family is a decidedly political and literary one. His grandfather, John Long, of Randolph Co., N. C., represented his district in Congress for eight years; while two of his uncles were in the State Legislature. One of them, James A., was also editor of the Greensborough (N. C.) Patriot. A cousin, Hon. William H. Hilliard, of Alabama, has been Governor of that State, United States Senator, Minister to Belgium, and latterly Minister to Brazil. On his mother's side another cousin, Hon. Graham N. Fitch, of Logans-: port, Ind., has been United States Senator from that m State. His wife, formerly Miss Graves, is also related to some of our most notable men. Her father was Judge of the Court in the district in which he / resided, and by maternal descent she is related to Gen. Wade Hampton, of North Carolina; on her father's side she is related to the Branhams of Virginia. Major Long's family is one well known in the Regular Army. His father graduated at the United States Military Academy at West Point, in 1829, and subsequently married Phebe Ann Fitch. The issue of this marriage were John 0., Helen M. and James; W. John Osmond graduated at West Point in 1854, and was assigned to the Second Infantry. Helen M., his sister, married William Montgomery Gardner, a Captain in the same regiment, who was a graduate of the class of 1846. Two maternal aunts were married to two Lieutenants in the same regiment, viz.: Charlotte Fitch to Lieut. I. R. D. Burnett, and Jane Fitch to Lieut. Alex. T. Hoffman. So that from 1829 to 1871, the date of Major Long's resignation, there has always been a representative of the family in the regiment. Lieut. Alex. T. Hoffman's son, Alexander W., graduated in 1864, but was A assigned to the ioth Infantry. In the Navy the family was represented by Lieut. Commander Le Roy Fitch. The regimental record is as follows: Lieut. E. R. Long, from 1829 to 1846; Lieut. Alex. T. Hoffman, from 1830 to I839; Lieut. I. R. D. Burnett, from 1830 to 1846; Capt. William M. Gardner, from 1846 to i86, afterwards Brigadier General in the Confederate Army; Lieut. John 0. Long, from 185410 i86i, afterwards Colonel of the 22d Reg. N. C. T., C. S. A; Major James W. Long, from i86i to I871. The early life of the subject of this sketch was passed in garrison and in army circles, having been born and reared in the army, where money came and went easily, and his boyhood days having been spent under the protection of his grandfather, who was one of the rich planters in the South. His first experience of civilian life, where for himself he had to meet the world, where the motto was " Every man for himself and the Devil take the hindmost," was when he resigned his commission and came to Isabella County to live in the fall of I87 r. 1 Ai A., t-:9 i m Having had occasion to visit this county by reason ( of his duties as Indian Agent, and wishing to settle in a new place, he invested in property there. On / removing here he first platted a town called Longwood, where he opened a drug-store. The place. seemed to grow, by reason of the trade engendered = by the presence of the Government's Indian grist and saw mills; but as they were burned and not rebuilt, he K opened a store at M.t. Pleasant and purchased property here, building the St. James Hotel block in I874, shortly after he had completed his residence. Having brought considerable means with him, he endeavored to run a drug-store for the benefit of the people, having one at Longwood and another at Mt. Pleasant. The temperance people having importuned him successfully to disassociate the sale of wines and liquors from his business, and finding that a drug-store could not be run successfully in a new town without that, and his tastes being of a literary turn naturally, he sold out and devoted himself to journalism. IB rlr 41 1 1, *f j *-3.;rE I~. II X }z3..:N There have been five children born to Major and Mrs. Long: James Hampton, born at Louisville, Ky., April 4, i868; Edwin Ramsey and Henry Daw- ^ son, twin boys, born at Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1869; Annie Fitch, born at Mt. Pleasant, Nov. 21, I873; and Montgomery Gardner, born at Mt. Pleasant,.Nov. 26, 1878. Out of all these, around whom so many hopes were woven and so much affection given, only one remains to the stricken couple. James ^y^-uy - -^^^I r,- ii If" (o4. HV, 516 ISABELLA COUNTY. > Hampton died in infancy, at Louisville, Ky., June I. dying Sept. 4, 1873, he was again married, at St.; 4 29, 1868; Henry Dawson died at Mt. Pleasant, Nov. Louis, Gratiot County, March 23, 1875, to Lizzie A., 19, 1880, at the age of ii years; Edwin Ramsay died daughter of David and Lydia (Huber) Dutt, and?. at Mt. Pleasant, Dec. 6, I880; and Montgomery widow of Conrad Riess, who died in Venango Co.,: Gardner died at Mt. Pleasant, Dec. i, 880, aged r, Pa., June g1, 1868. Mrs. I. was born in Venango d leaving only one child, Annie Fitch. Co.. Pa., March I, I843. She has by her first marLost to their childhood's sweet promise. riage three sons, Henry K., Conrad V. and Charles Lost to their youth's luring strife, L., and by her second, two daughters, Emma M. and Lost to their manhood's )proud glory, Lost to their harvest of life. Flora E. This severe visitation of Death was a most ter- Mr. I. has been Constable two years, Justice of the rible one, their two twin boys ii years old and Peace four years and Township Treasurer one year. their two-year old baby, all being taken from them in He is politically a Republican, and religiously, he 22 days by that terrible pestilence, diphtheria; and and wife are members of the Disciples' Church. we cannot wonder that, although the Major is still a hard and earnest worker, yet both himself and wife | o < cannot feel resigned to their terrible loss, but can | rville W. Stebbins was born June 19, 186I, only wait as patiently as they can, until some day it in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, four will be all more plain why they were so afflicted, and |, miles north of St. Louis. His parents, Wilwhen they hope to see and kiss their little ones once iam L. and Lucinda (Francisco) Stebbins, remore. Of course the portrait of Maj. Long appears g moved, when he was three years of age, to the,N in this ALBUM, on a preceding page. village of St. Louis. His father spent some:; o(()time there working at his trade as machinist, and is v/m.^. ~now managing a boot and shoe store. i saac Ingersoll, farmer on section 26, Coe Mr. Stebbins employed his youthful years in the A ' ": t Township, is a son of Daniel D. and Eunice acquirement of his education, and at the age of 19 s:(Burton) Ingersoll, natives of Connecticut. began to fit himself for the business of a harness( The parents left that State for New York, and maker. He learned the details of that vocation with settled in Cortland County, where they died. thoroughness and opened a shop at Ithaca, which The subject of this biography was born in was owned by his brother, F. A. Stebbins. He conFairfield Co., Conn., and was a year and a half old tinued its management one year, when he went to when his parents removed to New York. He lived Solomon Valley, Kansas, and spent seven months at home until 20 years old, and then worked at car- herding sheep. In May, 1883, he came to Mt. Pleasj pentry for two years, and becoming acquainted with ant and formed an association with Herbert W. A::! the use of tools he spent three years in learning the Bennett, in the music business, afterwards being in ' carpenter and joiner's trade in Otsego Co., N. Y. partnership with B. F. Kyes. In April, 1884, he He then came to Ingham Co., Mich., where he fol- withdrew and is now traveling in the West. lowed his trade for three years. In the spring of I856, he came to Isabella County and took up T60oz g iL acres of wild land in Coe Township, under the Grad- A: uation Act. He now owns 120 acres, 80 of which 'lesse D. Frost, farmer on section 15, Coe are in a good tillable condition. Township, is a son of John J. and MargaHe was first married in Cortland Co., N. Y., May ret T. (Adamy) Frost, natives of New Jer3, 1846, to Jane Tripp, a daughter of Daniel and sey and New York, and was born in CheBetsey Tripp, born Oct. 9, [829. Of this marriage mung Co., N. Y., July 22, 1828. At the age 12 children have been born, nine of whom survive: of seven, he came with his parents to Portage Lewis B., Henry A., Sarah J., Isaac F., Alfred M., Co., Ohio, going thence to Crawford Co., Pa. In the N Charles, George, Edwin F. and Arthur C. The de- latter county he lived continuously from that time till 3 ceased are Amanda R., Inis J. and Mary A. Mrs. April, i876, when he came to this county and bought:_; v.. Lc > ISABELLA COUNTY. 517 20 acres on section 15, Coe Township. Of this interests. He owns considerable property at Mt. 4) farm he has now 60 acres under cultivation. Pleasant, including his fine residence, which he built. He was married in Venango Co., Pa., Jan. i, 1862, in 1882, and two lots connected therewith, a house to Nancy E., daughter of William and Jane Shank,and two lots on Fancher Avenue and Illinois Street,, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. F. was born Feb. 23, besides two business lots on Main Street. 1844, in the county in which she was married. Mr. Mr. Estee was married Feb. 28, I883, at Mt. and Mrs. Frost are the happy parents of five chil- Pleasant, to Mary, daughter of Charles and Naomi dren: William J., Diana E., Samuel E, Maria J. Stirling. She was born Feb: 29, I864. Mr. Esteeis and Robert J. a ready and fluent speaker, and is known as an active Mr. F. is politically a Democrat. Mrs. F. is a and influential advocate of the principles of his politconscientious member of the United Brethren ical connection in the local campaigns. He possesses:: ) Church. brilliant literary abilities, and has been for a number ' _ H__. _ _ of years a frequent contributor to various journals. His abilities and characteristics are winning for him a substantial recognition among business men, and ree Estee, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was e Estee, resident at Mt., he is secure of future advancement in his profession born Dec. 12, 85 6, in Coe Township, Isa- and business relations. bella County. He is a son of Perry H. and Carrie E. (Dole) Estee, who reside in Coe:;\,; ^ Township. He was one of the first children |.__+ born in that section of Isabella County, and is' a member of one of the most prominent representa- t,f tive pioneer families of Northern Michigan. He was unis W. rt, for 6 years a resident of Mt. ti reared on his father's farm to the age of i6 years, Pleasant, and for two and a half terms $;m attending winter terms of school. After reaching Sheriff of Isabella County, is a son of Tunis that age he engaged alternately in teaching and at-.( and Rhoda (Riggs) Swart, and was born in, tending at the union school of Mt. Pleasant and Orleans Co., N. Y., Feb, 27, 1836. While he the Commercial College at Grand Rapids. In i876 was an infant, his father moved to Michigan, he began to read law in the office of S. W. Hopkins, settling in Homer Township, Calhoun County, and of Mt. Pleasant, and in the fall of 1877 he entered soon afterward buying a farm of 80 acres in Clarenthe Law Department of the University at Ann Arbor, don Township, same County, where he died, Oct. 17, where he was graduated in the spring of I879. After I855. His wife died in September, 1857, at the taking his degree he taught one term of school, and same place. in 1879 went to Greenville, Ohio, and, associated The sonl was reared on that farm, and when I7 * with J. C. Royan, opened a law office. The relation years old learned the cooper's trade, which he folv' closed in February, i88i, when he returned to Mt. lowed in various places for 12 years. He came, in Pleasant. He devoted the autumn of i880 to cam- October, i865, to Mt. Pleasant, and bought 20 acres paign duty for the Republican party in Ohio. on section 26, Union Township, where he resided two On returning to Mt. Pleasant he formed a partner- and a half years. His residence was next in Mt. ship with S. W. Hopkins. The connection was dis- Pleasant, as Sheriff of the county. In I87 I he opened solved in the fall of i88i, since which date he has a grocery and provision store, which he carried on managed the business of his office singly. He has until 1880. In the summer of 1878 he built a fine ' officiated two years as School Examiner, and is at brick store on the corner of Main and Michigan present Justice of Peace and School Inspector. In Streets, 22 2x 70 feet in size, two stories and a base8 I882 he was named by the popular voice for State ment, with a barn in the rear. In this building he! Senator, but peremptorily declined, although his nom- did business for the last two years before he retired. ination and election were practically secure. In He has also built a fine brick residence, on two lots addition to the regular business pertaining to his on Main street, south of his store, and owns a dwellprofession, he is managing collections and real-estate ing and lot on the corner of Washington and Wiscon-—:t -77 - — ~o ii( \ n -- 518 ISABELLA COUNTY. ", sin Streets, and five acres on section 22, near the Bertie, Lydia M., Olive E. and Elmer. Franklin ' j corporation. died when about eight months old. J|, He was married in Clarendon Township, Calhoun Politically, Mr. F. is a firm supporter of the ReT County, April r, I86o, to Miss Laura J. Willett, who publican party. i) was born in Lenawee County, June 6, 1842, the. daughter of William S. and Marian W. (Alger) Willett. One son has been born to them, Fred H., -— <-> Feb. 12, 1871. Mr. Swart is a member of the Masonic fraternity. s IHe has been Constable of his township and village illiam W. Struble, ex-Judge of Probate of X several years, and has held school offices. He was Isabella ount, resident at Mt leasant, s/evera was born Nov. 6, 1822, in Morrow Co.,: a elected Sheriff in I868, and was again chosen in Ohio. He is a son ofJon W. and Sarah ) I876. Between those two dates he was for one i a. 1n Sar... s \ (Laycock) Struble. His father was a farmer and year appointed Sheriff in place of John Maxwell, who. s ar f er nd - a native of New Jersey; he died in Morrow i was chosen County Treasurer. He took to Jackson County, Aug. 27, 1835. The mother was born in the first convicts from Isabella County. They were County, Aug., in. New Jersey and died in Fulton Co., Olio, Dec. 29, two men sentenced for three years. _oQ e 7. V as =7r,.41\! CT,614211sai MA VDS,-66"CO". armlo., tz, w I " 'VI Ja. eorge H. Free] Coe, is a son of I' ward) Freemar London, England, ada. The parents Canada, and came 1869. Three years later ship, this county. which is family included six sons being the fifth son. He was born in De G For various reasons his e few, and he worked most ( enough to be a steady ha age of 20 he started out worked for others for a tin came into possession of 4c Township, where he has s 40 acres by purchase, and acres, 60 of which are imp He was married at Sa Miss Mary E., daughter o: son, residents of Coe Tow born in Wayne Co., Ohio, her husband five children h |3~^ --- man, farmer on section 21, f James and Phebe (Woodn, natives respectively of and the Dominion of Canlived a number of years in to Midland Co., Mich., in they settled in Coe Towntheir present home. Their and one daughter, George daughters live to hold her in sacred, loving remembrance: Sarah, the eldest child, is deceased; ore, Can., June 22, 1852. John B. is one of the proprietors of the Salt River, Educational privileges were Flouring Mills; Joseph A. is a farmer in Chippewa dl; of the time after he was old Township; Mary S. is the wife of Joseph Oklits, of P nd at heavy labor. At the Mt. Pleasant; Harriet is Mrs. W. W. Fosgitt, lumber on his own account. He dealer near Sutton's Bay, Mich.; James P. is a farmer ne, and in the fall of 1872 in Union Township; Franklin L. is engaged in farmacres, mostly wild, in Coe ing in Coe Township; Elmer E. is the manager of ince lived. He has added the homestead in Chippewa Township; Ulyses S. is now has a fine farm of 80 a farmer. From Galena Mr. Struble went to Mor- ( )roved. ow County, and was there engaged in the business It River, Dec. 24, I871, to of tanner about fouryears, and returned then to Fulton, f Jesse and Eliza Hutchin- County, where he operated with success about five ( nship. Mrs. Freeman was years. He then sold out and bought a farm in the Jan. 21, I853. To her and same county. where he engaged in agriculture until ( ave been given,-Franklin, his removal to Isabella County, in October, I864. 2 -,== ^" ---~7?:an 10UI2. Mr. Struble was reared to the same calling his father pursued all his life, and when he reached the age of i6 years, went to learn the tailor's trade. He served an apprenticeship of four years in Lexington, Richland Co., Ohio, and followed the same vocation two years as a journeyman. In May, 1843, he opened a shop in Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio, and continued to conduct his business there three and a half years. He was married Sept. 12, 1843, in Lexington, tc Mary Murphy, who was born Aug. 8, 1821, in Union town, Pa., and was the daughter of Baruch and Catherine Murphy. She became the mother of ii children. and died Oct. 2A. T878. Nine of the sonn and ISABELLA COUNTY. 519 t He bought I6o acres of timber land, which he placed section 26, Coe, in 1875. He has 30 acres improved. in a high state of cultivation. He has given 40 Politically, he is a Republican. Mrs. W. is a member '.* acres to each of his two eldest sons, and still holds of the Presbyterian Church. 80 acres as a homestead. He resided on his property in Chippewa Township until 1882, when he re-. +. tired fiom active farming and moved to Mt. Pleasant, e he i 1 wichael Schafer, farmer, section 28, Nottawhere he is snugly situated in a dwelling he owns I *r' thrg i a wa Township, is a son of Leonard and there. tere.. 1, Lena (Christ) Schafer, the former a native Mr. Struble was nominated for Judge of Probate in her r nate.,:, Q " of Germany and the'latter of this State, the fall of 1870, on the Republican ticket, and made. i thi. I..... where, in Clinton County, they both died. r, a most successful campaign against Richard Hoy, h, C bot i e s. ' ', { 1The subject of this record was born in WestX receiving a majority of 425 votes. He discharged the - - - du iphalia, Clinton County, this State, March 4, I855. duties of the office with credit to himself and satis- Clinton County, this State, March 4855 faction to all concerned. He was a second time He remained under the family roof-tree, assisting in married Oct. 23, 188r, to Catherine Converse, of the maintenance of the family and attending the cornChippewa Township. She was born in Ontario Co., mon schools, until he attained the age of manhood, Chippewa Township. She was born in Ontario Co., when he went forth to fight the battle of life alone, State of New York, Oct. IIx, 1833, and her parents Stt ofCo and came to Isabella County, this State. were among the pioneer settlers of Hillsdale Co.,e to Isbe conn tn th his broth. Mic In 1876, he, in connection with his brother, purMich. ) chased 200 acres of wild land in Nottawa Township,,.^.__..-?. -. 30 of which are now in a good state of cultivation.. * Mr. Schafer was united in marriage June 23, I879, / ^Cfird M^,74,he- rni ll,- k ar n f Volltio- nA,: A jlfi illiam M. Williams, farmer on section I 26, Coe Township, is a son of William R. and Betsey (Gibbs) Williams. The father,} was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March J 31, 1814, and the mother was born in the same county, in April, 1817. They came from New York to Michigan, and lived in Ingham County five years. In the spring of 1860, they came to Isabella County and located on section 35, Coe Township, where he died, June 29, r88I. She survives. Their familv inclrlllTe TT rhiilrlrPn 1nj,-1 nf wlA.1..rn-r +.-. 1. WILII kl,.Id l. LLLL, I UIt/ L Ual LLt I Ul V cL-11LLLLC aiIU Frances (Pauli) Mutz, both natives of Germany and at present living in Lansing, this State. Mrs. Schafer was born April 4, 1855, near Sandusky, Ohio. The union of Mr. and Mrs. S. has been blessed with two children, Frankie, born Dec. I, I88o, and Peter W., born March 29, i883. Mr. S. is at present Moderator of his school district, and himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church. X== 'r _. OF\ %JZ Sa3 * ') adults There were four sons and seven daughters, i. o William being the third son. ohn C. Hardgrove, farmer on section 30, He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 18,Chippewa Township, is a son of Washingto Michigan, and io years old when they settled in tives of Pennsylvania. Their family includes Isabella County. He received a rudimentary educa- four sons and four daughters, the subject of tion in the district schools and worked on the farm this biography being the eldest son. and in the woods until 24 years of age.e was born in Carroll Co., Ohio Sept. 8, I830,!i He was married in Pine River Township, Gratiot and received the rudiments of an English education Co., Mich., April 10, 1878, to Lovina, daulghter of at the district school. As soon as he was old enough; George and Agnes (Lockey) Wooley, natives of Cn- to work he began to help his father, and he remained A:; ada. She was born in Clinton County, this State, at home until 27 years old. He was married in the j Sept. 13, i86I. Of this marriage one daughter, Bes- county of his nativity, Oct. 7, 1857 to Miss Phebe, ) sie, was born June 12, i87 9. daughter of William and Sophronia (Sturgeon) Black$ Mr. W. bought his present farm of 40 acres on ledge. Mr. and Mrs. Blackledge were born in Greene -' —aK' ''"iV t~8;^.3.( '|S&&S jjjj[ ^g" -- ' I- ~n-i;u A 520 ISABERLL(d52 i COAUNTY. N-~~..~e 't < I e I I '<' N,\'o. Idk iC Co., Pa., and died in Carroll Co., Ohio. Mrs. Hardgrove was born in the latter county Sept. 26, 1832, and has had eight children, seven of whom are living,-Mary E., Franklin A., Frances R., George W., Emma C., Melvin H. and Corban. Hiram B. died Feb. 7, I882. Mr. H. is a Republican and has held various school offices in his district. He came to Isabella County in September, 1867. Of his I60 acres, 80 are in good cultivation. Herbert Soper, farmer on section 7, Coe, is a son of Ira and Olivia (Dane) Soper, natives of the State of New York, and now residents of Flint, Genesee Co., Mich. He was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, I846, and at the age of seven came with his parents to Genesee County, this State. He lived at home until the spring of I876, when he came to Isabella County and bought 80 acres, mostly wild, where he now resides. He has 32 acres under cultivation. He was married at Flint, Sept. 25, I872, to Miss Cynthia I., daughter of Alonzo and Mary Hemstreet, natives of New York. Mrs. Soper was born in the county of her marriage, March 29, 1847. The three children added to the family circle are Harry W., Edith 0. and Kittie M. J. Herbert died when a a year and 27 days old. Politically, Mr. S. is a Republican. ffi enjamin Whitney, deceased, a relative of S several residents of Isabella County, was born in the State of Vermont, Nov. I4, eS I802. Leaving that State at the age of 13, he spent some time in Batavia, N. Y., and then went to Ohio and lived in Rainsville several years. He then settled in Ontario Co., N. Y., where he followed blacksmithing and farming, and for a time was employed in driving stage for his father. He was married in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, i832, to Caroline E., daughter of Thomas and Annie (Ralston) Hall. Mrs. Whitney was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1815, and bore to her husband f nine children, as follows: Clarissa E., Emily J., i William T., Hiram B., Charles C., George G., Albert N., Rensselaer G. and Mary C. Hiram B. died March i8, I864, while on his way to Yorktown, as a member of the I6th Heavy Artillery. His body was embalmed and sent back to his mourning parents. Mr. Whitney enlisted Feb. 17, I864, in Co. E, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., and served I8 months. He fought at the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and in numerous other engagements; and while in a skirmish near Petersburg he was shot through the left hand by a minie ball. With other wounded and disabled men, he walked ten miles to City Point, Va., where his wound was dressed and he was sent to Washington, D. C., and afterwards to Philadelphia. He was assigned to the invalid corps, where he remained till Aug. 7, 1865, when he was discharged and returned to his home. He died of heart disease, Feb. 8, I874, in Yates Co., N. Y., while on a visit to his daughter, Clarissa E. avid C. Vroman, farmer on section 27, Coe Township, is a son of Tunis and Elizabeth (Craig) Vroman, natives of the States of New York and Maine. The parents first settled in Orleans Co., N. Y., and afterwards removed to Jackson County, this State, where the mother died. The father yet lives in that county. Their family numbered eight, and David C. was their second son. He was born in Jackson County, May 24, i836, attended school until 17 years old and remained at home until 23 years old. In February, 1859, he came with his wife to Isabella County and bought 120 acres on section 27, Coe Township. He has since disposed of 80 acres, and has improved 55 acres. t ),;.1 I Xa f b A a 8 He was married in Jackson County, this State, July I, 1858, to Julia E., daughter of David H. and Chloe (Sanford) Goldsmith. Parents were natives of Tompkins Co., N. Y., and the daughter was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. I3, 184I. Florence M., t) William H., Walter L., Zada A. and Raymond W. ^na- n^A - WAMMM"..Mom- - I T2I,~I~i" -1 ' ~ I ( i A. - I exl t? top - -0- - P-1 - ISABELLA COUNTY. 523 are the names of their five children. Zada A. died In political views and connections, Mr. Bowman is ' are the names of their five children. Zada A. died a. e h when a little over one year old. a Republican He has discharged the duties of Mr. and Mrs. V. are members of the Disciples'several local offices, and is now School Assessor. - Church. Politically, heis a emocrat. He is a member of the Order of Masonry, and belongs c to Corning Lodge, No. 335, at Farwell, Clare Co., Mich. 1..__- Mr. Bowman is a substantial citizen of his towns E. n, l a ship and county, one of the class of men whose I harles E. Bowman, lumberman and agriJI i. zealous industry and persevering prosecution of ine I A culturist, resident at Loomis, Wise Townp, was born May 3, i4, in Nia Co. flexible business methods is fast placing this section shp, was born May, 844, n Naara Co of Northern Michigan in fair rank with other portions f 1N. Y. His parents, Daniel and Jane (Denster) of the Peninsular State. His portrait is given on the Bowman, were also natives of the State of New opposite page. York. The former was born Sept. 14, I817, the latter He was married Oct. I, i868, to Julia, daughter May I9, I8I7. The senior Bowman was a shoe- of Nicholas and Sophia (Lavere) Raymond. She was maker by trade, and while a resident of his native born Jan. 10, 1851, in St. Clair, Mich. Her father State worked at that business, and also as a tailor. was born in 1813, in the Province of Quebec. He In 1850 he removed with his family to St. Clair Co., came to Michigan when he was but i8 years old, and Mich., and located 120 acres of unimproved land. followed the business of a blacksmith until his death He placed 40 acres under creditable cultivation, and in 1853. That event was the result of accident, erected thereon suitable and necessary farm build- from a falling limb off a tree from which he and his f ings. After eight years he sold the property and son were peeling the bark, striking him on his head. =: removed to Midland County, settling in a part now He survived five hours. Her mother was born May: included in the township of Edenville. Associated 20, 817, in Detroit, and is still living, at Port Huron,. W: with Timothy Jerome, a brother of the ex-Governor St. Clair County. The children of Mr. and Mrs... of Michigan, he built a saw-mill, which was run by Bowman are five in number, and were born as folwater power. Two years later he sold his moiety to lows: Wallace E., Nov. 6, 1869 (died Dec. I9, his partner and devoted his attention solely to lum- 1870); Warren G., Jan. 3, 871; Elmer D., Nov. i8, bering and agriculture. In 1865 he removed to the 873; Eber A., Jan. 17, 1878; Bessie May, May 6, State of Missouri. 1884. Mr. Bowman is of mixed English and Highland Scotch extraction, his father and mother having been respectively of parents descended from those nationalities. On attaining his majority he engaged in lumbering. His capital was invested in a span of horses, and he operated on the Tittabawassee River as a contractor in the avenues common to the business, to which he devoted his energies about two years, when he purchased 8i acres of wild land in Edenville, Midland County, and began clearing it for a homestead. He placed 45 acres in first-class cultivation and built thereon a house and barn. He,ohn Russell Doughty, editor and proprietor of the Isabella County Enterprise, was born at Henrietta Corners, Monroe Co., N. Y., within ten miles of the city of Rochester. His birth occurred Sept. 24, 1842, and he is the son l of George W. and Emeline (Storm) Doughty. When he was two years old his parents removed to Van Buren Co., Mich., where his father engaged in mercantile nirsuits at Paw Paw: he is still livino still retains its ownership, but after a residence there- there, aged 8o years. The mother died at Paw Paw on of some years, he removed to Isabella County to in I878.: follow his lumber interests. He located on sec- Mr. Doughty received all the educational advantion o1, Wise Township, where he has since resided tages afforded by the place where he grew to mature ' and vigorously prosecuted the business of lumbering. years, and he eventually entered the printing-office ( He owns 200 acres of land, which he is fast placing of I. 'W. Van Fossen, at Paw Paw, where he re in a highly creditable state of cultivation. mained between two and three years. He afterward IJ^ — HlS<-$>A-^ -- --- I 524 JSABELLA COUNTY...,~LJR I 2 eP A t - t (1,, (4 A1. io,.cnenectaay, IN. x.; Dut, returning to riorcaa, IN. Y., of the journal. At the. end of that time Mr. Fox daughter's, Olivia Caroline. she finally died at her daughter's, Olivia Caroline. died, when the paper passed by purchase into the In their family were four children, namely, Olivia hands of Mr. Doughty. He succeeded to its pro- Caroline, Richard, Isaac Alger (subject of this sketch) prietorship in July, 1873. The journal is nowv in iHatch. Richrd and Orrin are deceased. 20th year; it has the largest circulation of all papers r. Fancher, during his early boyhood, attended X in tne county and is conducted in accordance with e suler schools, as the school-house was too disthe principles declared in its motto. It is published taut for him to attend in winter. From the age of in the "interests of the Republican party and of Isa- to he had to work on the farm then for one bella County." Its popularity is growing with the in- year he attended school at Duanesburg, Schenectady crease of improvement and population of Isabella Co., N. Y., boarding with his sister Olivia; next, was County, and its business interests are gradually on the farm again until hewas 19 yearsof age; then, widening. A considerable job and book printing being anxious to obtain a better education, he atK. business is connected with the work of the paper, tended the Princetown Academy in his natve county 6. which is an important addition to its scope and is for a three-months term, and the following year two rapidly extending. terms more. Afterward he attended the Amsterdam W,: In I875, his printing-office, with all its fixtures, (N. Y.) Academy fo a school year, closing in June,,:Q was destroyed by fire, entailing total loss, as there 1856. In September following he left his native ) - was no insurance. The plucky editor was nothing State for the West, spent a short time in Kilbourn ~. daunted and ordered a new outfit from Detroit, set City, Wis., taught a winter term (1856-7) of school - Da 3% vsa _" ~ ---/ — k ".. - ~~~~ > ISABELLA COUNTY. 525 ' at Delton, that State, tiaveled a few months, and posing votes. In 1875 he was elected Senator from ) taught the same school the ensuing winter. In the. this. district, and served one term, with honorable. spring, on account of the death of his brother Orrin, distinction. He introduced a joint resolution authorT he returned to Florida, N. Y., for a short time, then izing the Auditor General of the State to credit the )f he went to Minnesota and bought 80 acres of land county of Isabella with upward of $ro,ooo, which had r near Rochester, that State, which he afterward sold. been, in the detaching of Clare County, wrongly Later in the season he went into Iowa for the pur- charged to this county. This money was appropose of locating several hundred acres of land for a priated to the building of the court-house at Mt. friend in the East. After going as far south as St. Pleasant. He has also served the county as ProseLouis, Mo., he returned to Delton, Wis. cuting Attorney, and for a time was Postmaster at In the fall of 1859 he went to the neighboring Mt. Pleasant. In 870 he was Census Commissioner - town of Newport, Wis., and entered the law office of for this and Clare Counties, and he has been honored (c ' Jonathan Bowman, who was formerly a resident of with many other public trusts during his sojourn in Charleston, Wis. 'After reading law there about 14 this county. He was a man of enlarged views, busimonths he attended the Albany (N. Y.) Law School ness energy and philanthropic spirit. about six months, and soon afterward opened a law He was largely interested in laying out roads in office at Kilbourn City, Wis. In the spring of 1862 Isabella and adjoining counties, so that all the imhe, in company with others, started for Oregon, but portant roads would center at Mt. Pleasant. Also, on account of unforeseen difficulties they turned their took great interest in the proposed Lansing, St. John's course southward, toward Nevada. The party di- & Mackinaw Railroad, and worked for it until over /N vided, and Mr. Fancher, with his party, settled near $400,000 was raised in municipal bonds, when such. Minerville, staking out a lot and building an adobe paper was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme D house. But soon afterward he made a short visit to Court. He was a Director in the company proposing " r San Francisco and returned via the isthmus to New a road from Owosso through this county, which is:;# York city, arriving Jan. 24, 1863, having been 24 now being built by the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North- = days on the ocean. Contracting chills in that city, ern Company. He also greatly aided in the con-:Y he hastened to his mother's in Schenectady County, struction of the Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad,, where he remained seven weeks. being Vice-President of the same until it was transIn the spring of I863 he spent a fews weeks at ferred to the Flint & Pere Marquette Company. Kilbourn City, Wis., settling up business, and July 4, He bought the first mill site in i865, which he had following, he arrived at Mt. Pleasant, having heard sought out, and afterward sold it to Hapner Bros., favorable reports concerning this locality. He im- who built a mill there, and subsequently Mr. F. purmediately bought three lots, erected a frame'house chased the property. He sold a half interest in the: and moved his family hither from Wisconsin, by water-power to Harris Bros. for a Government mill, X team, being 23 days on the route. He opened an and afterward sold his remaining interest to George, office and began the practice of his profession, and W. Bowen, and purchased the steam saw-mill built took an'active interest in the welfare of the place. by Owen & Clinton, which he subsequently sold to Having studied civil engineering, he also engaged A. B. Upton, and is now owned by Upton & Leaton. somewhat in surveying, as the country was new and At one time Mr. Fancher owned I69 lots in Mt. law business light. For several years he was State Pleasant. Road Commissioner. In I868 he was awarded a Mr. Fancher was married in Wyoming Co., N. Y., certificate of election to the Legislature by the Dis- June 6, I860, to Miss Althea May, daughter of Wil' trict Commissioners, but his opponent, Mr. Newman, liam and — (Fisk) Preston. Mrs. F. was a native.. contesting, he let the matter go, as he was not anx- of that county. She and Mr. F. have become the " ious for the seat; but he nevertheless got in all his parents of three children, namely: Preston Schuyler, public measures, which were carried through. He born June o1, 1861; Blanche, deceased; and Bessie paid his own expenses. In I873 he was elected Rhea, born June 9, I874.to Representative to the Legislature with only two op- In 1882 Mr. Fancher changed his residence to: 526 ISABELLA CO UNT'Y. " Detroit, where he bought a fine dwelling and is now sketch, Mr. Wm. E. Redfield, is the only one living. practicing law. In general politics he is a staunch He was born Nov. 20, 1852, in Twinsburg, Summit <: ' Republican, was Chairman of the Republican County Co., Ohio, and lived there until he was 26 years of s> Committee most of the time for 15 years, and from age; he arrived in this county May 5, i879, where T ~ r878 to i88o was a member of the State Central he now owns 6o acres of land,-20 on section 1o ( Committee of that party. He is a member of the and 40 on section I5. Order of Odd Fellows, being one of the oldest mem- Dec. 22, 1878, he was married to Clara A., bers of Wabon Lodge, No. 308, at Mt. Pleasant. daughter and only child of Franklin and Mary Calista (Ballard) Barker, who was born in Oakland Co.,: -Mich, Feb. 4, i858. To them have been born two illiam E. Redfield, farmer, section io, |children, namely: Ethel Grace, Dec. 20, 1880, and A Deerfield Townshipis a son of JosiaJosiah Franklin, Sept. 9, 1883. Mr. Redfield and, Eliza A. (Lane). Redfield. His father wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, j; was a native of Connecticut, and dieand died March d e is a Republican, in his political views. Her 15, 1862; his mother was born Jan. 12, 1813, father participated in the last war, being in the and is now living with him. There were three bloody battle of Chickamauga: he died in the hospichildren in their family, of whom the subject of this tal at Chattanooga. i i {amp - w} - r _____________________________________ rzt 'I 2;).1 'p S. I Z. r~l I ~ f K y -11( -.-O I I Il a i t i I I A, 1; S ISABELLA COUNTY. l\10 I INTRODUCQ],(v; I 529 - - "ll, 'jt'llV r[ORY. -I j V fvlwwemlwSS ^< — Q - 11 - — qw jq../W" NIt i~~? 11, I A CARCELY a score and a half years have passed since the unbroken forests of Northern Michigan were thought of as a possible home for civilized man. The Government surveyors rec Q( ported that it was an irreclaimable waste and not fit for cultivation i in any quarter, the soil being of that \B -' character which precluded the propagation of cereals. The rapidity of settlement and enormous crops of everyl thing in the line of cereals demonstrated conclusively their mistake, for no acreage surpasses Northern Michigan in productiveness. Notwithstanding the oft re, B_ -AR 4. -n I s - -, %&, n in + n I- A, n rA o 1a; Vot O + r] gathering the golden harvests; where the Indian's wild war. whoop was heard, stands the stately house of worship. Transportation of goods by ox-teams has given way to the power of steam, and a commerce has been opened up with all parts of the civilized world. Prosperity in a high degree has smiled upon her people, who are fortunate in living in the most healthful, beautiful and productive State in the Union, taking age into consideration. The history of this county is possessed of no small degree of interest. While other counties were connected with the frontier by large bodies of excellent lands, these seemed shut off from the gaze of shrewd speculators by reason of its heavy growth of timber. They were destined to become the heritage of an honest, industrious people, and the income derived firnm the timher and nrnoducts of the;oil hna civen 2=a 14 '\ i I X peateu tales ui waitL idnu iitld usiJs LtIU I.. ' U..Y u.^....... o by their sires? men of energy, with their families and many of the first comers a handsome competency. all their earthly possessions loaded upon a wagon This was the dark forest primeval; l But the pioneer came in his might, drawn by oxen, pushed their way step by step, through And down through the vast leafy temple the unbroken forests of Isabella, until they found Spread gleaming the pioneers' light... With his ax on his shoulder, he came suitable locations. With a spirit of heroism have From the hills and valleys away; (/ they toiled until the forests were laid low, and their Where the sun in his splendor uprising... Lights Bunker Hill's columns to-day. herculean labor is manifest in the broad acres of.,,, No marble-paved cities here shone,. highly cultivated land, upon which stand palatial res- No costly built palace here stood; idences and outbuildings of the most expensive char-But above and around, the dark forest rose, i With majestic, huge pillars of wood. acter. Over the grounds where the red man chased No highway that led through the grove the bounding deer, and the wildcat and wolves held Had bright little flowers scattered there, tyBut narrow paths, skirted with thorns, their nightly vigils, may be seen the husbandman Their naked feet ready to tear. " v >'9w@-it u ~ 530 ISABELLA COUNTY. < best agricultural counties in the State. As the vir- o4>0 | _tues, privations, toil and hardships the pioneers have ( undergone are well worthy of a more fitting memorial, than can be secured by a granite monument, the Value of Local History. Value ofocal ory. design of the publishers is to record a history of inestimable value to every citizen of the county. UT few of the present generation realize The facts mentioned have been carefully culled the great value of local history, living as from every source; neither pains nor expense has they do in an age of industry and thrift. been spared in the compilation of this work, which, NI The opportunities for speculation and the although not without error, is as correct as can be haste to become wealthy take precedence of gathered from the pioneers themselves, and men are everything else, and the fact is not taken into very apt to be mistaken in data. consideration that the pioneers are rapidly passing Upon local history depends the perpetuation of from the scene of their labors, leaving but little time facts heretofore unwritten, as well as the biographical for the compilation of biographical sketches which sketches of every worthy pioneer in the county that IN iE Pr,. constitute the heretofore unwritten history ot Isabella County. Their children have heard from the lips of their aged sires the story of privation and toil of those who were first at the front in the settlement of the county, but their children will lose sight of the facts unless they be recorded in such manner a; to become intelligible and kept fresh in the minds of succeeding generations. Surrounded, as we are, with everything which wealth and taste can suggest, the fact is almost lost sight of that here were the best years of the lives of our ancestry devoted to the development of one of the could be procured. Ebach sketch speaks volumes; and a history of one man's life, perhaps of an entire family, is now recorded where naught can efface or destroy it. From this will all future volumes of like import take their data. Those who have volunteered the information from which this work is compiled, will live in the history of this county as long as time lasts. No manlier hands e'er drew a sword than they who faced privation and danger while engaged in the subjugation of the dense wilderness which once covered this now beautiful land, and to them is this volume dedicated. ~'~d' t **^^li ia~~n cr ', S,: i.ii~ -— mA< in(iD^ '^ --- P -t ISABELLA COUNTY. 531 $*) --------- _ _ = = ^ -- _ -----....,,(;: * 4F; 45S gAgo{ A d 3X Maa gt- s hw+-,?4:,r= ls<^t-,a ah>-t?,'& -=,<,,&+,, 2+,s,'+,,s;41Ha~ t m X r By Major James W. Long, formerly U. S. Indian Agent. S1, J:;I[ X E, HOEVER attempts to write l S concerning the history of our CMX VV I North American Indians, with ~ G" ', // any knowledge of what he is writing, the result of either experience, observation or ing -:/ vestigation, does so with a regret Dm>^^1 that civilization has demanded (><) 0 so much of them and returned t so little. Their origin, how they came here in this country in ad1 vance of intelligent and scientific discovery, and where they;g| came from, is a subject that has challenged the attention of the tv1 antiquarians and historiographers mlever since the discovery of this all juvenile readers, " The Arabian Nights' Entertainments," and I shall endeavor to state my reasons for believing so. In the first place, the Arabians are recognized as the descendants of Ishmael, of whom it was said in Genesis xvi, 12, "And he will be a wild man: his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand will be against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren." What has been true of the Arabians, has been singularly true of the North American Indians; for, until overpowered by numbers and modern implements of warfare, their hands were against every man, and now every man's hand is against them, and they also dwell in the presence of their human brethren. In A. D. 622, the Arabians, under the name of Sarapcens. hoo'an their rtclrse nof 'onnnllpst nrtler Ma_, T a. X )/.I..t-. r In a o ft... At t^, *) country; and the writer of this ar- hammed. Their methods of warfare were, no quar-: ftlQ:| ticle, during the time that he had ter to prisoners, the debauchery of female captives itjls charge of the Michigan Indians and their destruction afterwards, physical torture and I as their Agent, gave considerable no mercy. The Indians in their natural state have I attention to this, being singularly, adopted this very method, as the result, I think, of a I but unconsciously, aided by the natural inheritance. I Indians themselves. Indians themselvesThen again, the Arabians, as Mohammedans, were One of the best tests in tracing descent where histotaught to believe in a heaven of perfect sensual and ry is silent on the subject, lies in idiomatic expressions, n n ' I lai physical enjoyment, where they would not onlv e be hyperboles and in rhetorical tropes. Added to these, s, r 1 I surrounded by beautiful houris whose only mission * we can readily call to our aid the prophecies of the sur ' Scriptures, and notice their fulfillment in this peculiar would be to minister to their animal enjoyment, but people. My idea about them is that they are de- that there, in that land, they would be all brave warscendants of the princes, sultans and califfs of Ara- riors,'invincible and unconquerable. What more of ( ' bia, so graphically described in the book so dear to a simile can we find than the idea the untutored A- cE *'- " ----- -- —.Ie. 532 IS,4BEL-L,4 COUNTY.aar~~n' i,9 X, 1q f Ha Indian has always had of the "happy hunting grounds?" Then, again, as to the similarity of their figures of speech. Instead of the Arabian salutation of, "Commander of the Faithful," our Indians substitute the equally poetical appellation of, "My Great Father." In oriental poetry and oratory, the simplest methods of comparison were used, so as to come within the comprehension of an ignorant people. Brightness of character, of visage or of mechanism was compared to the sun. Loveliness of character, or beauty of countenance, was compared to the moon; gracefulness, to some animal, such as a gazelle; swiftness, to a deer,-all homely comparisons, but easily understood. To this day, our North American Indians use the same figures of speech, and they did not learn them from their white conquerors. Another thing which tends to show their ancestry is their ceremonial observances. The Indian in his wild state has been compared by some persons to a brute. But brutes do not hold war and peace dances; they do not have ceremonial observances in honor of victories, or dejection over defeats; and the question is, where did they receive these ideas? A noted Mason in this country has said that even among Bodouins of the Desert he has observed Masonic rites and symbols; that while they lacked the perfection and finish of those of civilized Masonry, still they were sufficient for mutual recognition. Now, Free Masonry is older than civilization, and is described as having had a being " ever since symmetry began, and harmony displayed her charms;" and the Arabian and his descendant the Indian have, I believe, a valid claim to the same antiquity. We have every reason to believe that during the war of the Crusades, the ultimate friendship of Saladin, the Saracen chief, and Richard Coeur de Leon proceeded from their mutual recognition as Masons, Another thing is to be considered in this connection; and that is, the existence of the law of primogeniture among them, and the right of succession established of rulership or kingship from father to son. If they had been the original inhabitants of America from all time, and isolated from the rest of the world, with their savage, untaught natures, the strongest and most daring of them would have been chiefs, always providing they had even thought of the expediency of dividing themselves into bands, tribes and nations. But in Arabia they had this division from time immemorial. How did they come here? is the next question which will naturally arise; and this brings us to a natural comparison of the habits of the two people. The Arabians were a restless, nomadic and migratory people, of a decidedly warlike nature. If they could have no other, they indulged in internal war, to keep their hands in. Just so with the Indians. With the Arabians, the possession of women began to be the result of physical prowess. Just so with the Indians. With the Arabians, woman was a slave, not only dependent entirely upon her male lord, but simply a creature to gratify his lusts. Just so with the Indians. Then look at the similarity of names. The Arabians used the hyphenated syllabic method, each name meaning something; and so do the Indians. Where did they get this? Did they pick it up by chance? Here are two samples. One is the Arabian "Abd-el-Wahhab," or "The Servant of the Beautiful," and the other the Indian "Naw-o-quay-kezhick," or "The Noon-day Sun," both descriptive of some personal attribute, and of the same orthographical system. In A. D. 929, Arabia was disorganized and suffered for two centuries from internal warfare, and we have every reason to suppose that with escape possible, the defeated chieftains and their followers did not remain to be subject to the bastinado or the scimitar. The sea on one hand and the northern passage on the other was preferable to this, and with their traditions, their political and tribal divisions and other attributes they came to this country. I have space in this article to mention no more than generally and briefly my reasons for supposing that our American Indians are of Oriental origin; and having done so I will now be more definite and come down to our local Indians in Isabella County. *ky",0 i,6~ t kh 2/ ''I L,, ),*) (d K^ "1 ~I _ —>^i-o<~^((g g) t)>b>cXThe Chippewas of Saginaw Valley, Swan Creek and Black River. The above tribal designation is of comparatively recent date, the present tribe being the result of inter-marriage, and they lack both tribal descent and *' features. The old Iroquois blood is flowing in the veins of many of them, and here and there one can trace a descendant of the Miamis, the Senecas and oftener, '()tj> ^ -- '^^ Illl 4:Ja g ai -— i ( ISABELLA COUNTY. 533 <,, 1, - n J.. I, OAO f the old and once powerful Pottawatomies. The old a, Etowah and Ojibways (now corrupted into "Ottawa" and "Chippewa") are also represented largely; ] so, as we said before, the present tribe designated as ': "Chippewas of Saginaw, Swan Creek and Black River," is an amalgamation of several tribes which were once distinct. Ne-gaw-ne, an old man over ioo years old, was a warrior under Pontiac, and describes with great accuracy the part he took in the siege of Detroit, including the historical game of foot ball. These and j others, whose names escape my memory, have A{ told me about the big falling waters (Niagara Falls) and of Red Jacket, the famous chieftain and orator; and again others will tell of the fertile lands of the Ohio, and of the rivers which rose so high every spring that they could paddle their canoes over the land. The time of separation seems to have been at the, treaty of the River Raisin; but this time is after the segregation of many of the forefathers of our present Indians. In the Detroit treaty of Nov. 17, I807, the lands in the Saginaw territory were set apart for the Ottaway, Chippeway, Wyaidotte and Pottawatomie / nations of Indians, as part of a general and divided ' concession (?) from the Government; but it is not until the treaty made at Washington, May 9, 1836, that we see our Indians classified as "Chippewas of Swan Creek and Black River." During these years the Wyandottes and Pottawatomies seem to have wandered westward, though many of the latter tribe settled in the Michigan f Territory, south of what is now the line of the'Michigan Central Railroad. But among the new tribe of Chippeways of Swan Creek and Black River, there was a large number still of Wyandottes and Pottawatomies, although the prevailing number were divided between Ottaw.as and Chippewas, while occasionally to this day a Seneca Indian can be found. Civilization had been driving them remorselessly before its cultivated fields,-first from the beautiful valley of the Miami, up towards the Maumee; from there to the River Raisin where Monroe now stands; from there towards the Detroit River, but urging them both westward and northward; from there to the Flint and Saginaw Rivers,-but with all these temporizings urging them westward by offers of large annuities, which many of them accepted. On arriving at Swan Creek, Black River and Saginaw, this conglomeration of tribes, under their new name, began to clear land, to hunt and to fish; but even in what was then a wilderness they were not allowed to remain undisturbed; for the American Fur Company began the e:ection of trading-posts, and buying their valuable furs of the Indian hunter and trapper; they and the subsequent traders paid them off in poor whisky and cheap goods at an exorbitant price. As civilization (?) advanced, many of the whites took Indian women as concubines, living in this unholy alliance as long as it suited either their convenience or inclination to do so, thus giving to these untutored people their first lesson in civilization by teaching them the prostitution of their young women! But after a while this land became valuable to the whites. The steamboat appeared where before the waters of the Saginaw had known no more disturbance than the paddle of the Indian in his canoe. Business began to prosper, settlers to come in, and in 1855 these Indians were all called together and told practically that it was to their interest to give up land, then worth $roo per acre, and to move again northward into Isabella County, then almost a wilderness; and to this they consented and moved up here; and had it not been for the efforts of the writer in securing them their patents in fee simple, the probability is that before now they would have been removed from here to Isle Royale in Lake Superior, or some other equally undesirable locality. As it is, their present condition as compared with the past is bad enough. They are dwindling away or migrating each year; some of them have gone with their old relatives, the Ottawas on Lake Michigan, the straits of Mackinac and Sault Ste. Marie; others can be found among the Chippewas of Lake Superior, while those remaining earn a precarious living in either amateur farming, hunting, fishing, basket-making or, later, in working in the lumber woods in winter and on the drive. They are undoubtedly the victims of the inexorable logic of events; but it seems a pity that they, the original possessors of the soil, should have been comnpelled to give up so much when they received so little. At present they are living upon this reserva-, tion under the provisions of the treaty of October I8, 1864, which was supplemental to the treaty of ' I-, I4, ~,. I I{ t~ 4 111i.9: I w7:. E - i0 oq ~ l; C~ — an I... W t:- ", ~ a, 7~- t > 534 ISABELLA COUNTY. <,p... i) { (go<>, I,, T; d I I f ) I K'!, [, i ) August 2, i855. This treaty provides for the permanent settlement of these Indians and the dissolution of their tribal relations to the United States Government. It gives to each head of a family 80 acres of land, and to each Indian, male or female, arriving at the age of maturity, 40 acres, with a pro.. viso that the Indian Agent shall classify them as "Competent" and "Non-competent." In case they are reported as competent, then a patent in fee simple is issued to them, and they can transfer their land, or alienate the title, just the same as any ordinary freeholder; but if reported as non-competent, then, while a patent is issued to them, they cannot transfer the title without the consent of the Secretary of the Interior, who bases his opinion very greatly on the recommendation of the local Probate Court, about the same as in the case of minors at law. The reservation embraces the following Congressional townships, all being in townships north by ranges west of the meridian line; I6, 3, entire; 15, 3; 15,4; 15, 5, entire; 14,5, entire, and the north half of 14, 3, and 14, 4. There are exceptions to even this territory, being in the way of entries made by speculators in pine lands previous to the treaty. In the preparation of the first list for patents, the writer was embarrassed by the large acreage withheld from selections by what is known as the "Rust purchase;" but, this being subsequently removed by these gentlemen releasing to the Government their valuable investment, the Indians were allowed to select this land. The principal value attached to this land was the magnificent pine timber which grew on it, and its value was enhanced by the fact that it was within easy and practicable distance to the Chippewa and Salt Rivers, by which the logs could be floated to Saginaw or Bay City. Lumber speculators soon bought the pine, coupled with the right of removal, at a nominal figure; and after them the land speculators purchased the land. Some of the Indians kept their land (very few comparatively), but none of them kept their pine. It is perhaps just as well as it is. The theory of the Indian Commission and the would-be humanita rians, that the Indians of North America can be turned into a set of civilized farmers, is a chateau d'Espagne of the most enormous proportions. A percentage of them may be recovered and converted to civilization and its rules, by schools like that at Carlisle, Pa.; but ran Indian is an Indian, and nothing else. He had rather fish and hunt than farm, and the nomadic habits and tastes of his ancestors still cling to him with persevering force. Locality is one of their chief attributes. Although they-are entitled to land up here in Isabella County, not only land, but the means of having permanent and comfortable homes,-notwithstanding all this, which any white man would accept greedily, the Indian will not take, but even now can be found in his old haunts, rendered doubly dear to him by habitation and the traditions of childhood. The Indian problem has had a fair, honest and intelligent trial among the Chippewas of Saginaw, Swan Creek and Black River; and as far as ameliorating their condition is concerned, it has been a failure. Schools have been furnished them, with patient, earnest teachers; the gospel has been preached to them, by hard-working, self-denying ministers of Christ; many con speak English; some can write, read and cipher; some are members of the Church, and all are peaceable and quiet,-civilization has done this much, but it has all been for the benefit of its own cupidity and protection. As for the Indian (!) in the wild woods, unbroken by the ax of the pioneer; by the shimmering stream full of sustenance to him, and whose banks were bordered by the unstinted growth of medicinal plants whose virtues were unknown at that time, only to his medicine man: the _4tropa Belladonna, by which they charmed their enemies to death; the Blue, Black and Purple Cohosh; the " Taraxacum Dens-Leonis," or Dandelion, the PodIophyyllum pellatum, or Mandrake or May Apple; with nature at his command; with his bow and arrow on his shoulder, or his fishing pole or net in his hand, the Indian of primeval ages was more one of God's noblemen than the nondescript produced by the hypocrisy of civilization! f,, I %L.1 i t;4" r I 1 w w. f Ed. Clr f i r-_L ii; a`;i~ ;SSgtlaCni r~ 1 \ n.:ir ~ :., ' —t k ~;.ii-! y ISABELLA COUNTY 535. 5 35 I'''? a o ^^^g^Xg^^^^^^^ ^ to^^^ o' 'ii 7il I;;::9 - Jc,~C~,A ie I r -__T 3Z=. ESo - dP `. I 'ADD. GE.aN.. * 'i HE people of this generation, those who are reared in the midst of luxury and rocked in the cradle of affluence, i know comparatively nothing of the hardships and pleasures attendant upon pioneer life. The attractiveness of our beautiful farms and picturesque landscapes, dotted here and there with neat and substantial residences, present a pleasing picture in strong contrast with the humble I~AQZ I I@ ErV onhl rs V 1f T 9 r A 117h Ic!o 'Ch 1rellII e warm heart helped you fight life's battles, plied the busy needle, or prepared the frugal meal around the huge fire-place, whose crumbling remains are yet visible, is perhaps sleeping the sleep of death, while another enjoys the fruits of her toil and care. Silently you gazed on the features of that wan little one in that old cabin as its spirit winged its flight, and now the bodies of them both are resting side by side in the City of the Dead. Such memories cluster about the old log cabin that you can hardly lay rude hands upon the decayed material, even to remove it. Every log and chink has a history, and, could they speak, would relate a story worth listening to. But fCtrl-~C U >CI r"'IVIC+ srcr fnlern ta fba shor rrrrhrr;l. I i /lu og caUII Ui 1054, WlUtc w11 t11w: 1ct1 lubt I: m Ls g ive tace ) Lto [IUC l::UDL IIIusuLa I i sheltered a few articles of rude fur- and modern improvements, and ere another decade (^-:L niture, and the stumps in the door- has passed scarcely a trace will remain of pioneer < yard were repositories for cross-cut life. saws, the beetle and the ax. Many It is not a long time since the first entry of land of the children who were born beneath these humble was made in this county, nor since the date when the roofs, whose infantile cries were hushed by a tender first white inhabitant pitched his tent, and built a mother's soft lullaby as she carefully rocked them to log cabin to shelter his family from the inclement sleep in a cradle improvised from a basswood sugar- weather, as well as to afford them protection from (> trough, are the men who now fill official positions, the howling wolves or the crafty Indians. Should an and conduct the business affairs of this county. attempt be made to go back to the time that the first.: The log cabin yet remains; silent and unpreten- white man set foot upon this territory, much specula- t tious it stands, reminding us of former days and as- tion would have to be indulged in and no real benefit sociations. Who can look at one of these relics of derived by the reader. Missionaries, the advance /( pioneer life and not call to mind the toil and priva- and advancers of civilization, are said to have visited tions of early days? She whose willing hands and Detroit as early as the year 1620. This was when it 2a B ) -- Al@a>^ i;O ~lri~~.nn~;aL~-777I-7 m ioc7hl,, 536 ISABELLA COUNTY. was under French control, many years before the moved to this farm and formed the first nucleus for a fondest hopes and imaginations of man conceived settlement in the central portion of the county. / 3 that he in time should be the happy recipient of this About the same time, John Fraser crossed thle Titta-:? fertile virgin soil, and the favored possessor of that bawassee River, and with two or three others cut a (K highest of civil and political rights, personal and po- road along Pine River to the Old Indian Mission, litical freedom. then across to the land which he had entered and 11 this wilderness remained under French and subsequently improved. British rule until 1787, when it was ceded to the The early settlers upon coming into the new counUnited States by Virginia, to whom it then belonged, try found themselves subject to the pressing demands and became what was historically known as the of nature. Away from civilization, yet they must Northwest Territory. In i805, the Territory of Mich- live. After the first meager supply was exhausted igan was formed and set off, with the seat of govern. they were obliged to go out after more, and the nearment at Detroit, where it remained until I847, when est point for trade was Maple Rapids or Fish Creek, it was removed to Lansing. The old capitol build- both being 45 miles distant. Thither they were ing at the latter place, a frame structure, was obliged to go, not only for provisions, flour, etc., but destroyed by fire in I88i, and nothing remains a also to obtain their mail. Necessity is the mother memento of its primitive style. That magnificent of invention, and each week's travel over almost imbuilding, the new State Capitol, stands 50 to 1oo passable roads gave them ample time for reflection, rods northwest of the site of the old one. which soon suggested the idea of having mills at The territory embraced by Isabella County was set home, and "hand-mills" were introduced. The first p apart at the organization of the State, and remained one was purchased by Daniel Brickley, John Stewart ' *.- so until Nov. 28, 186i, when the first tract of land and others, who used it for grinding their own corn, s = was entered by Aloney Rust, it being the southwest and allowed their neighbors to use it at a rental of:; quarter of section 4, in township 15 north, of range one shilling per bushel. Some of the settlers were -Go tj " ISABELLA COUNTY. 537 -------- 37 I y i i,^ J TV' I? s. A/-,.'I 1 Xj -;R I, D'Og rz whereby nearly the whole of six townships in this county were ceded them and their descendants for life. What was known as the "Indian Mills" was soon after built by the Government on the Chippewa, about one mile from Mt. Pleasant; also a councilhouse to be used by the Indians. This led to the formation of a settlement on the river known as Isabella City, which has never been of much importance, although some shops and a store or two were built. F. C. Babbitt, with his family, were among the first to settle in the embryonic village. The hotel was built by W. H. Nelson, who also located there, and was afterward elected Judge of Probate. Chippewa River was the only thoroughfare into the central part of the county, except one road which could scarcely be traveled, and all the supplies were brought hither in a canoe. Privations of every sort were experienced, but the pioneers never flagged. They had made a stand, and nothing could cause them to falter. They had the soil and the will, and their labors have at last been crowned with success. The great forests have mostly been removed, and the soil gives forth abundant harvests. No greater monuments to their indu'stry can be erected than can be seen everywhere in substantial improvements, and the rapid increase in the value of real estate is unprecedented by any section in the State. The past should be to us all a valuable lesson (as history is but an experience of the past), from which we learn that by perseverance in our own honest efforts, working at all times by the standard of honesty and moral integrity, we cannot experience defeat; but, like the pioneers who have spent the best years of their lives in clearing and otherwise improving the country, we shall not only succeed, but like them shall also deserve the admiration and blessing of future generations. They were heroes of a true type, and too much praise cannot be awarded them. Isabella County was organized in I859, and was composed of three townships, Coe, Chippewa and Isabella. The first mentioned was named after Lieut. Gov. Albert G. Coe. Originally it comprised townships 13 and 14 north, of 3 west, and the remainder of the county comprised the townships of Chippewa and Isabella. The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held at the house of John Hursh, May 9, I857, at which meeting P. H. Estee, of Coe Township, was Chairman. Norman C. Payne, of Chippewa, and A. G. Ferris, of Isabella, with I. E. Arnold as Clerk, constituted the Board. Their first official act was to approve the bond of Richard Hoy as County Treasurer; the next, to issue $1,500 in bonds to relieve the destitute of the county, a petition asking for aid having been presented. William R. Robbins was appointed to negotiate these bonds, but was authorized to take no less than 75 cents on the dollar for the same, the money to be used in purchasing provisions, etc., which were to be sold on credit to those wishing the goods, on two years' time, he taking their notes with real estate for security. Several hundred dollars of these bonds were thus disposed of, and those most in need were substantially relieved for the time. These were the days which tried men's souls, as the entire crop for two years was almost a complete failure, there being but little improved land in the county, while their families were located in a wilderness, and in many cases without food or the means to purchase any. Only by the most rigid self-denial, and in some cases real suffering, did those brave pioneers maintain their ground and support their families. A glance over these broad acres and the well filled granaries present no traces of the destitution which then prevailed, not only in Isabella, but also in other portions of Northern Michigan, during the eventful years of 1857-9. The Government lands were taken out of market in i855, and none were sold for eight years. Those who had previously purchased under the "Graduation Act" were in good spirits, by reason of having had choice of the magnificent tracts of timber, which were composed of the finest specimens of pine, maple, ash and elm. The withdrawal of the lands from sale retarded the settlement of this county very greatly, but this may have been of benefit nevertheless, as those who then came were mostly men of means, which resulted in a rapid development of the county. The first county order was issued to M. D. Davis, for services in drawing a jury. It was written on foolscap paper, and read as follows: -3 r.=~ lk (I ),I: \'in I 55:,9j A*:* $*v: J'j.} 'v' X I IXsl $00.75. Treasurer of Isabella County': Pay to M. 1. ). avis, or l bearer, 75-100ths dollars out of inoney in your hands raised for incidenttals. Isabella Centre, Oct. 11, 1859. N IRVING E. ARNOLD, Clerk. P. H. ESTEE, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. W^^ --- —~ 114 C~~~~(cJ — "I 9 r ~- ~,,Ol,,i /*^ 538 ISABELLA COUNTY. -- - ------— ~_ —_- -.y —~- ~ ~ l I [," '\ I 7 f. *A ~i.. The first wolf certificates were issued in favor of Isaiah Ah-pwa-qua-hua, John Peboom and Abraham: Ah-ne-mah-gue-hong. Wolves were quite plentiful and the early settlers tell many stories of their un-? earthly howling at night while camped in the forest during the erection of their cabins. They were never known to attack man in this region, although they would follow him at a safe distance for hours. Game of every kind was very plentiful, the fur-bearing animals especially being numerous. Messrs. William Miles and John Landon, both well known men residing in Chippewa Township, have killed more game perhaps than any two men in the county, and hunted there only at intervals during the hunting season, both being farmers and having their lands, stock, etc., to care for. Keeping largely within bounds, they estimate that during the past i8 years they have killed over 300 deer, 17 wolves, 30 bears, and hundreds of smaller fur-bearing animals. The first Fourth-of-July celebration was held at the \ house of Henry Sherman, in 1854. Although there were only two families living in the county at that time, yet they were imbued with as much patriotism as are the people of to-day. Mrs. John M. Hursh is = authority for the statement that on July 4 of that ' year their family went to the cabin of Henry Sherman, their nearest and only neighbor, to celebrate our natal day. A grand dinner was served of roast pork and sturgeon. Mr. Sherman made a speech, and they sang the " Star-Spangled Banner," fired off their guns and made as grand a demonstration as possible under the circumstances. The first Fourth-of-July celebration that was publicly observed was in i86I, at the house of James Campbell, at Salt River. Norman C. Payne was \ President of the Day, Hon. P. H. Estee read the Declaration of Independence, and Hon. Nelson Mosher delivered an address. A pole was raised which was I20 feet in height, from whose tip floated a beautiful flag made by Mesdames James Campbell, D. D. Burham, H. O. Bigelow, James Wilsey, William R. Robbins and P. H. Estee. The ladies hoisted the flag with their own hands, and prepared f a bountiful dinner, which was spread in the woods, and to which the entire assemblage were invited. Fully I,ooo persons were entertained at this banquet. ) The pole stood a memento of that festive occasion until the night of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, when it was blown down in a storm. Miss Carrie Kilbourn taught the first school in this county, in a log school-house near Salt River. The first couple married in the county was Daniel Robinson and Jane Foutch. W. H. Stewart, a Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony and received his pay in "coon-skins," which at that time were practically " legal tender" for everything except taxes. There are several claimants for the honor of being the first female child born in the county. Mrs. John M. Hursh says that she and her husband came to the county in February, 1854, and her daughter Isabella was born in June following. It is also stated that Mary A. Fanning was born May 5, 1855, and Isabella Campbell also in the summer of that year. If Mrs. Hursh's story is correct, her daughter is undoubtedly the first. We leave this matter to be settled by our readers, but one of the three is certainly the first, and all of them the first girls born in Isabella, which entitles each to a place in the history of their native county. Adelbert Reynolds was the first male child born in the county, without doubt. It would be wrong for us to leave it for open conjecture as to whether the early settlers brought with them all of the desires and requisites of a high civilization: the moment we begin to inquire, we find that they did. On the 25th of March, i855, at the house of Eber Hamilton, religious services were held, Rev. Charles Taylor preaching the first sermon ever delivered in the county. Services were held by appointment at different houses in the neighborhood for some time. After school-houses were erected in different localities, it was more convenient for the people to attend worship, and nearly everybody attended divine services. The pioneers were mostly of the better class, morally speaking, and very few disagreements among neighbors arose. The first brick house erected in the county was the handsome residence of Mr. John Landon, in Chippewa Township. This is a credit to the enterprising spirit of Mr. Landon, whose fine farm ranks among the first in the county in excellence and character of improvements. The first corner's inquest was held on the body of James Robinson, who was drowned at Isabella Dam I, t I I ' A x /; I I gT- 6 r~n,., i7 ~ A (- - (;. H dl H z. "`; -_~~.;-if i iv ICI1LBIUI;sj si; --- \ h b; i.. -e -~u. -*. — i s/ -?L: 0"`.~I; ~~ T5 539 ) -.) ISABELLA COUNTY. ---- =, 1 or~ I on the 22d of April, 1859. Thomas Chatfield, an Indian, was the Coroner. The jury was composed of three white men and three Indians. The first piano brought into this county was a present from Mr. F. C. Babbitt to his daughter Nellie. This lpiano was brought up the Chippewa on an Indian canoe. The first lawsuit in the county was held in the township of Coe, in i856, before J. Q. A. Johnson, J. P., in a case wherein two neighbors, Daniel Brickley and D. Childs, had disagreed about some sap troughs. The difference was only $4, and to save expense each pleaded his own case. The first postmaster appointed in the county was William R. Robbins, who received his commission Aug. 8, I857. This office was located at Salt River. The first mail was carried on foot, and the route lay between Maple Rapids and Salt River, passing through Gratiot County. The first flouring mill was built by John Reynolds on Salt River. This was the first frame structure erected in the county, and was built in i856. The next year the Indian mills were built at Isabella City, but were not accepted by the Indian Agent, Rev. A. M. Fitcb, until the following year. This mill was built by Mr. Penmont, who I I without desk or blackboard, are busily engaged in obtaining an elementary education; yet there are a few still in the county built of logs; but all are equipped with fair school furniture. Although deprived of many advantages now possessed by children attending our public schools, there were many of the youth of both sexes attending school in those early days who are now ranked among the most talented business men and accomplished ladies of the country. Their education, although not a compound of Greek, Latin and French, has been of that practical kind which taught them how many pounds a bushel of corn, wheat or oats weighed, and how to compute interest at any given rate per cent. Such an education was worth infinitely more than one of the fashionable educations received to-day. The first flowers cultivated in Isabella County were brought here by Mrs. A. Babbitt, who lived at an early day in Isabella City. They were sent from Cleveland, her former home, and were guarded with jealous care. Mrs. Babbitt was a great favorite with the Indians, and her title of Wa-sash-com-mo-qua (the woman who brings light) was conferred upon her by the renowned chieftain, Sa-shaw-na-bees, who often came to her house for his dinner. He was one k,;: il I 'IBt. 4+, -.v rug had to transport all the machinery up the Chippewa of the best Indians that ever inhabited this region, V from Saginaw, upon two Indian canoes lashed to- and every confidence was reposed in him by white gether, upon which a sort of deck was built. men. Those who travel over the nicely graded roads of The house built by Mr. Babbitt at Isabella City the county to-day, cannot realize how utterly impos- was small, having only one room, in which were two sible it was for teams to draw a wagon at a early windows and one door. The Indians would frequently day along the narrow paths cut through the woods. slip in unobserved, but never appropriated anything which in many instances led across swamps almost belongingtherein. Mrs. Babbitt says: It was no impassable for man, not speaking of the greater diffi- unusual thing for me to return hoe and find a half X culty experienced by animals. In reviewing the dozen Indians squatted on the floor of my cabin;:situation, the old pioneer invariably remarks, "I and they often came to the windows, where, with Fi don't see how we ever did it." Even yet, "corduroy" eyes shaded, they peered inside, seemingly surprised roads are frequently found across some of the bogs; to note the manner in which my household affairs and without this method of filling in, it would have were conducted." To this day the Indians love her been impossible to cross the swamps, which in many with the same fondness displayed 30 years ago, and places abounded in quick-sand. all of them know her name. The first schools in the county, although held in Judge Wilbur F. Woodworth held the first Circuit log houses, were presided over by skilled teachers, Court in 858, at Isabella Center, Dr. Jeffries had and students receive the benefits of a thorough dis built a log court-house, but all his schemes failed to cipline in educational matters from the beginning. hold te county seat. f At this day it seems crude and uncomfortable to see There might have been previous law cases, but the i a log school-house, with long pine slabs for seats, first one appearing on the Circuit Court Journal is ( upon which are perched from 10 to 15 pupils who, from the township of Isabella, wherein Charles B. A-s - -- Ha 11.^-1 PO~ Jd~ p" fc;-~" *.. i ~, '>"n:'540 oISABELLA CO UNTY.,..... "I 9^w, ' Young obtained a judgment for $1oo.8o. This was the only law case tried at the January term of i866. The first petit jury was summoned by, Charles Rodd, the first Sheriff, July ii, 1859. L. C. Bright was the first man fined for assault and battery in the county, but the penalty was the nominal sum of one dollar; nevertheless, it becomes historic, being the first dollar paid into the county treasury. Only the first things are of the greatest importance in making historical mention of this character. In this connection the mention of the first church building is made, which was built on the southwest quarter of section 4, 14 north and 4 west, near the Mission School-house. It was dedicated in February. i861, and was destroyed by fire in June of that year. Another church was then built on the Indian reservation, at "Ne-bee-sing." Both these houses were built for the benefit of the Indians. The first official census of Isabella County was taken in i86o, at which time there were 67 families in Coe, and every family with a male head. In Chippewa, at the same time, there were 24 families, including 167 persons. Union and Isabella had 28 families, which at that time included Clare county in its territory. At that date, i86o, there were but 577 whites, and 85 6 Indians, making the total population 1,433 -The county has rapidly developed in the last 12 or 14 years, and is possessed of good soil and timber in plenty. 'Tis true that pioneer life has had its hardships; but it also had its pleasures, and their high hopes have been fully realized in the beautiful homes, the prosperity of the county and, best of all blessings, excellent health, a boon which it seems was vouchsafed to all the early settlers. The early days in the history of Isabella are ones long to be remembered. Mrs. Ellen Woodworth gave some graphic descriptions of the way ladies used to dress. Many of them went barefoot, and some of the wealthiest ladies of this county to-day used to braid their own straw hats. One of the ladies, whose name has been forgotten, came to visit her one day, the visit being principally to show a new delaine dress recently purchased. She was not the possessor of a pair of shoes, but the new dress compensated for lack of foot. gear. The costume worn by the delegation of ladies who made and hoisted the flag at the Fourth-of-July celebration in i86i, related on a preceding page, consisted of white cotton skirts with a short calico blouse. This, in that early day, constituted a "full-dress " costume. The people in those days thought nothing of walking five or ten miles to church, or to spend the day in visiting a newcomer. Every one was anxious for the welfare of his neighbors; and when one of them was ready to raise a log cabin, all the settlers for miles around was ready to lend a helping hand. One thousand and five hundred dollars was voted by the Board of Supervisors in 186o to defray the expenses of the county. This was certainly a modest amount to begin with, considering there were several salaried officers to be paid. The Gratiot NeVws, of Ithaca, Gratiot County, published the first report of the Board of Supervi sors of this county, in i86i. The total amount of State and county tax for that year was $1,035.07, of which $160o.71 was personal tax, divided among the several townships as follows: Isabella, $79.84; Coe, $40.07; Union, $86.12; Chippewa, $5.42. The people of this county had a serious time in appropriating money to build the present court-house, efforts having been made by the Supervisors for several years in that direction, but at the polls their schemes met with an invariable defeat. Through the management of I. A. Fancher, then the Senator of this district in the State Legislature, in 1876, the sum of $[0,486.76, due this county from some error on the part of the State Auditor on the detaching of Clare County, was recovered by special act. This fund being thus secured, the Supervisors appropriated $1 o,ooo of the amount for the purpose of building a court-house; $2,000 more was added by the citizens, and $i,ooo raised by taxation. The contract was let to Hemmeter & Kaiser, in May, 1876. The cornerstone was laid by the Masonic fraternity, assisted by other secret organizations, July 28, of that year. The building committee was I. E. Arnold, Wm. R. Crowley, Winm.- M. Peterson, Samuel Kennedy and H. H. Graves. The building was completed Oct. 26, 1877, which with the furniture cost the county $ 6,190.49,-every dollar of which was paid the day it was ready for occupancy. 1 }. 1! - i -k^ I ':~ I I 1sl;, `~~ Qis` r' I fi/*; <^. ilco ISABELLA COUNTY. 54 /24 _ J.,,,;, ' ' j.! (i~:1f.) 111 ) I== / _wZak, - z *)e<-~-. '. \. -<.. i~. HEi county of Isabella has iI been strictly Republican from the date of its organization,,7 |until the past four years. The Independent, or "Greenback," element, is, however, growing stronger day by day, and it is confidently expected that the next election will bring about a marked change in the political field. Be that as it may, Isabella County has been well governed during all these years, and is now out of debt, r with a nice balance in her treasury. (Her people are enterprising, honest c37C and industrious, and let come what will in the political fight, there is no doubt of the ability of her officials to manage properly the affairs of the county and subserve her interests in every way. T'Ph, clll,,,',r ic 1 i nf q-11 4llh rminftv cffirin1c John Maxwell.............. 870 Thomas J. Fordyce... 872-4 Tunis W. Swart...... 87 6 Charles M. Brooks.......878-80 Thomas Pickard............882 COUNTY CLERKS. I. E. Arnold................1859 Win. H. Nelson............ 86 Norman C. Payne... 862 Milton Bradley............. 1864 C. C. Foutch........... 66 James T. Welper............ 868 Cornelius Bennett.......... 1870 Daniel E. Lyon.......... 872 Joel C. Graves............ I874 John W. Hance...........876-8 Lewis C. Griffith............ 880-2 COUNTY TREASURERS. Richard Hoy.............1859 Nelson Mosher........1860-2 T.a nrrldn RPntlrtv - R - A-6.1-I; I " I. C io*U WII S 1i v 11SL ll Iii L LaILY VIlt t>i t Jt LiLct A y -UV " II..... v elected since its organization, with the date when Nelson Mosher.............868-7o each was elected. Where more than one year is in- John Maxwell..............872-76 dicated, the party was elected for more than one Alexander Brodie........... 878-80 term, and for the year given: Wallace W. Preston...... 1882 County Officers. REGISTER OF DEEDS.: SHERIFFS. Milton Bradley..1.859. Charles H. Rodd (Indian)... 859 Norman C. Payne..........1860-2 ~:? John Meisler........ 86o W. W. Preston............ 1864 Henry Dunton.............. 862 C. C. Foutch............ 866 John Q. A. Johnson.........64 James T. Welper............ 1868, Ransom Kyes.............. 866 Cornelius Bennett...........870-2; ~ Tunis W. Swart............ 868 Joel C. Graves............. 874 -d -. — 00. A'' r I~-777= W<-^ I:u ufis ---Sr w;:'vha-g k < 542 ISABELLA CO UNIY. (^ -. _ --- ——.. ~! John W. Hance.............876-8 William H. Nelson......... I860 of Charles 0. Curtis........... 88o Malcomb D. Davis........ 1862:: Michael Murtha............882 Isaac A. Fancher......... 864 ' JUDGES OF PROBATE. Emory H. Bradley......... I866, James Wilsey.............859 MyronMcLarren.......... 1868 Perry H. Estee.............86o Irving E. Arnold........... 1870 Wm. H. Nelson........ I.1864 Anson R. Arnold.......... 872-76 Richard Hoy.............. 1868 Almond K. Herrington..... 878 William W. Strtble........ 1872 Joseph A. Graham......... I880-2 John Q. A. Johnson.........876 CORONERS. _i Cornelius Bennett........... I880: I859. I870.; '( 0:. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 8 8:, Thomas C. Chatfield Delos Bromm Nelson Mosher............ 1859 H. Bielow. Bo H. Nizelow Simeon C. Brown! James P. Mosher........... 860 Moses Tompkins........ I862 Isaac A. Fancher.......... 864 Albert Fox............. i866-8 Isaac A. Fancher.......... 870 Albert Fox............... 1872 Samuel W. Hopkins........ 1874, Asa M. Tinker............ 1876 Michael Devereaux........ 878 Peter F. Dodds...........88 Charles T. Russell......... 882 W. H. Stout 1860. J. Q. A. Johnson John Collins Daniel Brickley 1 I,,. CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS. Nelson Mosher............ 185 James P. Mosher.......... I86 Moses Tompkins.......... I86 Isaac A. Fancher.......... 86, Cornelius Bennett.......... 86 Myron McLarren.......... 86 Isaac A. Fancher.......... 87 Albert Fox................ 87 Asa M. Tinker............ 87. Simeon C. Brown.......... I87 Asa M. Tinker............ 87' Simeon C. Brown......... i88' 9 o 2 4 6 8 o 2 4 6 8-80 2 I862. Andrew J. Goodsell Francis T. Cushway John Meiser I864. Albert L. Chatfield Milton Bradley Lyman Bennett I866. James C. Caldwell Oliver P. Comers 1868. Jesse J. Struble William J. Pratt 1872. Gideon S. Case Joshua Miller 1874. Levi A. Crane John Q. A. Johnson 1876. Allen J. Struble Solon D. Coon 1878. Jesse J. Struble James H. Seely 1880. Henry A. Dunton Jason A. Hunt 1882. Henry Burr Jesse H. Jordon. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. John B. Young............ I869 Charles 0. Curtis.......... 871-3 (The county superintendency system was abolished in 1875.) SURVEYORS. William M. Davis.......... 859 I /ii.. --- _y; ---An^jgat~ --- —q< _ -E ISABELLA COUNTY. 543 T:I ~+Z. ^ ^~ ~ X? Xa i g?,SF 28_P.- ^,^^ &, ^ n____ | ^llD -^((^^3^;^ltll^, o r ';1 ^t' ^t |j X3!3nss 3EPm m ItH il^ ^ c t t t c t t t t ^<^^ ^ t < t < ' t < < ^ ^ M Ad ^y mt;>tmt ~ Ah^s^^^^^ ^ * j^CB~t38 ~~ Z ~4 ( I~TAn UU —(>i -t ISABELLA CO UNTY. 545 -- ----— ~' -~~ --- --- I-~ ---- ---- - - -- -- \ s, _,..,5.-f-. ~ I",, "I j `i, I: r=ii~B; t,"\ built in the county, and his outbuildings rank among the finest in the State. Mr. Landon and Wm. Miles have been inseparable companions for a number of years; and, living within a convenient distance of each other, have indulged their liking for field sports to its fullest extent. Their hunting record is given elsewhere, but an anecdote or two are here related of their hunting exploits. In the spring of I883, they were out hunting, and night came on. The distance was fully three miles between them, and the woods were very dense, and a favorite rendezvous for bears. Miles lay down on a bed of pine boughs, and covered himself and his dog with a blanket in order to keep the animal from running after any game which might be prowling about. About midnight a bear came sniffing around, having discovered our friend so leisurely taking a nap. The breaking of the dry brush as the bear marched about awakened Mr. Miles, who, upon raising one edge of the blanket and discovering his bearship, took as good aim as possible in the darkness and fired. He missed the bear, but the moment the report of the gun was heard, the dog bounded after bruin and soon brought him to bay. This dog was one of the finest animals for bear-hunting ever owned by Mr. Miles, and had been trained for several years in all the mysteries of the chase; yet he was unwary enough to get within reach of the bear's paws and was hugged by bruin until several of his ribs were crushed, and the hide nearly torn from his body, by that beast's murderous claws! Notwithstanding the darkness, Miles knew his pet was getting worsted, and, running up to the scene of conflict, placed his gun within a foot of the bear's head and sent a bullet crashing through his brain. After caring for the wounded dog as well as he was able, Miles started out to find Mr. Landon, knowing very nearly the place where he would bivouac. As daylight appeared, he saw Mr. Landon lying under a tree wrapped in his blanket, while all around him were plainly visible the footprints of an enormous bear, which had inspected the sleeping man from every point of the compass but feared to now in the museum at New York, the proprietor having been offered $S,ooo for it. Allowing one prong for each year, the animal was, when killed, 35 years old. Wm. Miles, and his son Charles, only 15 years of age, killed 29 deer last autumn. Charles bagged six of them alone. Florence, the eldest daughter, is one of the finest target shooters in the county, and handles a revolver with as much precision as she does her rifle. Without lowering her arm, she can send six balls inside a two-inch circle at 20 paces. Neither are these the least of her accomplishments. Aside from attending to the household duties, which devolve entirely upon herself, she has acquired an excellent education and knowledge of music. Only the west half of Chippewa Township is very well improved, a large portion of the lands in the eastern part being covered with heavy timber. Onion and Potter Creeks flow through the southern and eastern sections, Chippewa River also passing through the northern part of the township from west to east. Millions of feet of excellent lumber are awaiting the coming of the lumberman with his ax, and that department of business will take precedence of agriculture for several years. Chippewa is bounded on the north by Denver Township, on the east by Midland County, on the south by Coe, and the west by Union Townships. It is numbered 14 north and 3 west. One postoffice, several school-houses, but no villages or railroads, can be mentioned in Chippewa. This township has been served by the following ( I' AS: * s^ i" _i~~ *Ci "Ui^1 < 19 I K SUPERVISORS: Norman C. Payne 185 9-6 Marcus Grenell 1862 Ryland J. Hill 1863 Stephen Humphrey 1864 O. P. Converse 1865-9 William W. Struble 1870-3 Marcus Grenell I874 Ephraim Salisbury 1875-7 Enoch Robbins 1878-9 Benjamin Wing i880-2 Jacob Struble 883-4. 12 I, attack him. ( These two gentlemen killed a large deer in this county whose horns weighed 40 pounds, and upon which were 35 enormous prongs! This specimen is '- C a p M '&:.:7 XP( tS Jh ) ----, —) | * 546 ISABELLA COUNTY. --------- -- whom he was in company, for he was reckless when ~ 'A ~ drinking, and this recreation consumed most of his ~aytime. He had a beautiful wife, of whom he became e;: Isabella Township. insanely jealous, so far as to endeavor to shoot Phil SABELLA was organized in I857, two )years t r i f t suspected of interference in his domestic affairs. before the organization of the county. It originally raced alld Campau was very proud of his personal appeari ' originally embraced all the territory bounded ~" by the county line, together with a part of Clare lby the line, together with a part of Clare ance, and thought nothing of paying $150 for a suit of clothes. His horses were of the fleetest and finest County, except townships T3 and I4 north, of excewhich money would procure. It is related that he, range 3 west. Chas. A. Jeffries was Supervi- i X when in his cups, would harness a thoroughbred sor, and the business affairs were conducted at Mid-. lsan, t h ihnt I w a r w- horse to a nice buggy, turn him loose and give him a land, to which county Isabella was attached for ju- cut with a whip just to see the buggy demolished as a.... *. a. cut with a whip just to see the buggy demolished as ~ dicial and municipal purposes. As the years rolled.t. he * ', 1 T the frightened animal dashed frantically along the by, the different towns were organized, leaving Isabella the same number of sections of which the stunipy road! others are composed. At one of the Indian camp-meetings, Campau The boundaries of this township are as follows: created quite an excitement, which came near reOn the north by Vernon, the east by Denver, the sulting disastrously for him. He purchased a fine ) south by Union, and the west by Nottawa Township. suit of clothes, and ornamented them with a hand- ( / It is numbered 15 north, and 4 west. The lands are some air of silver epaulettes and a ma;sive star;, well adapted to agricultural purposes, being well and, bringing with him several kegs of whisky, t watered and yet undulating enough to drain the en- opened out a refreshment stand, and soon the In- ) X tire township. dians were becoming quite hilarious. He declared ' The Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad divides sec- that he had been appointed United States Marshal,: tion 36 from northeast to southwest. There and was are ud thorized to arrest anyone whom he chose.., several nice streams traversing this township,-all The Indian Agent, Richard M. Sith, was on the branches of the Tittabawassee; and the timber was ground, but feared to say anything, knowing the formerly very fine, but most of this has been removed. quarrelsome character of Campau when drinking. There are a number of Indians yet living in Isabella, Smith went to Judge Bennett and asked him to use and much of their lands are yet unimproved. Most his infuence in getting Campau of the ground, as of these lands will pass into the hands of the whites there was sure to be trouble The Judge spoke to during the next five years, and the development of Campau, who was strutting about the encampment, Isabella will rapidly ensue. but his words only served to exasperate the halfCalkinsville, a small hamlet, is situated at the breed, who declared that if anything more was said crossing of the roads between sections io, II, 14 and he would arrest Mr. Smith. This he afterward did, x15. It has a store, hotel, blacksmith shop and and the Agent was led away with a pair of handcuffs f school-house, besides several dwelling-houses, but clasped upon his wrists. He was turned loose, howhas no commercial importance.ever, Campau thinking that discretion in the case Isabella was the home of Andrew J. Campau, one might save him from trouble with the United States of the best known Indians of his day. He was Government. He afterward apologized to Mr. Smith, really only a half-breed, being the son of a Frenc- and removed his whisky upon condition that no man, who now resides in Saginaw. Campau was prosecutions should follow. naturally shrewd, and was born to command. He Below are mentioned the names of those who have had quite a good education, and used to sway the served Isabella Township as Indian element just as he desired. His talent for SUPERVISORS: money-getting was unequaled, but his extravagantCharles A. Jeffries, 187-8 Qs habits proved his ruin financially, socially and morally. Albert G. Ferris, I 85 9 He was at once the life and terror of any party with Charles H. Rodd, 1860 Chares_,H.odd,"u I ISABELLA COUNTY. 547 Douglas H. Nelson, I86I-3 The first child born was May Caldwell, now the: W. A. Nelson, 1 864 wife of - Streator. Douglas H. Nelson i865 James Caldwell sowed the first spring wheat, i G. W. Jeffries, 866-7o Joln. Davis, 87 which when ready for harvesting was reaped by his H. H. Graves, 1872 son Arthur with a pair of sheep-shears! For a long John C. Davis 1873-4 time harvesting was done with the sickle and cradle, Peter Jackson, 1875-6 but the stumps have mostly been removed, and the John C. Davis I877-8 farmer now gathers up the ripened grain as it falls Thomas Carroll, I1879-83 James S. Graha, 884. already bound and ready for the thresher. S Dushville, a small village, is located on the northwest quarter of section I5. It has a store or two,,. |blacksmith and repair shop, boarding house, etc. ii! The inhabitants are a social, industrious people, and Fremont Township. have pleasant homes in the ouiet village. It is auite. t I. 4. P *. A*~i FEW families moved into the territory now, eembraced within the boundaries of this township prior to its organization, which was ' effected Oct. i6, 1863. The first election was held at the house of Jerome Bachelder, who, with J. C. Caldwell and William Tiffany, were Inspectors of Election. William Tiffany was elected Supervisor, William H. Harrison, Clerk, W. Winters, Treasurer, and Norton Skinner, Justice of the Peace. The township is numbered 13 north and 5 west; it is bounded on the north by Deerfield, the east by Lincoln, the south by Montcalm County, and the west by Rolland Township. Fremont was settled very slowly, but by a very good class of people, who still maintain the reputation won at an early day. Fremont is watered by tributaries of Pine River, which stream touches the southwest quarter-of section 31. Much of the land is yet quite heavily wooded, but the extensive mills in that township are fast manufacturing the noble trees into lumber, which has no superior in the markets. The first sermon preached in this township was by J. Q. A. Johnson, who was afterward elected Sheriff of Isabella County. A school-house was built soon after the organization of the township, and Miss Grace McLeod presided over the first school taught. Those were the days in which the teacher " boarded round," and received but small wages compared with the remuneration of the instructors of the present day. The first wedding in Fremont was that of Mr. William H. Harrison and Miss Wealthy Tiffany. I a convenient trading point for the neighboring farm. ers, who in that vicinity are prosperous. The Supervisors of Fremont have served only short terms, the voters preferring to give every man an opportunity to represent the township. Their names are given below. SUPERVISORS. William Tiffany 1864 J. C. Caldwell 1865 F. L. Williams I866 C. G. Richardson I867-8 Jacob Crum I869 Dean Newcomb 1870 Thomas G. Williams I87 Dean Newcomb 1872-3 C. G. Richardson I874-5 Thomas Judge 1876 John Ulam 1877-9 A. R. Bentley I88o George Davis i88 John Maxwell I882 James Manwell 1883-4 4""f t I* AX. I '/ 2 Cz?=n3. --. -4 I k, i I 1h f, Rolland Township. * M -OLLAND Township occupies the southwest f. r = corner of Isabella County. Its northern l t7* boundary is Broomfield, and its eastern i* FremontTownship; its southern Montcalm, and the western Mecosta County. It is nrlmbered 13 north and 6 west. This township has a number of rivers, of which Pine is the most imW^u H-' --- isi~.21- /' C, —, — ~ u -A —~;~ 548 ISABELLA 6) _ or eeyI,A XTQ T * ) at1 f Ir' I i= g 1-~1 ~:'''~' 2=3 ' er a_ s*_\ v > r<. portant. It crosses Rolland diagonally from the northwest to the southeast corner. The eastern branch of this river enters section 2 from Broomfield, and flows southeast into the main stream. Pine has two branches on the west,-the South Branch and Remick's Creek,-both of which rise in the western part, the former draining the central and the latter the southern section of the township. The first settlers went into this town under the Homestead Act,-act of Congress of I872. They were Grandison Norman, who took his location Jan. 9, 1863; Charles D. Robertson, Amos A. Norman, John Martin, Daniel W. Robinson, William B. Goodwin, Paul Smith, S. E. Chapman, William Cowdrey, William M. Peterson, Daniel Doxsie, A. Sanderson, E. Geer and others. A number of colored people, who are industrious and enterprising, have located in this township, and are among its best settlers. Rolland, formerly a part of Fremont Township, was organized Oct. 9, r866, at the house of G. W. Stein; William M. Peterson, S. E. Chapman and Daniel Robinson were the Inspectors of the Election. The first grave was dug on section 6, near the center, and it contains the remains of Amos A. Norman (colored), who died of brain disease. The first legal case in Rolland was before Stephen E. Chapman, Jr. The complaint was made by Amasa Wells, against his mother-in-law, for taking household goods and setting his wife against him. The old lady and two daughters, hearing of it, barricaded the doors to prevent their arrest, but the constable secured them in the course of a few days. They were convicted and fined. Not paying the fine, they were committed; but the constable, not having the means to pay the expense of taking them to jail, which was at Saginaw, had to let them go. A proof of the rapid advance in educational matters is the large number of school-houses scattered over this township. These institutions of learning have taken the place of the little, old, log school-houses, and during the school sessions are filled with bright and intelligent pupils. The first Sunday-school in this part of the county was organized in Rolland Township, and the first school-house built here was in I876. The incorporated village of Blanchard is a thrifty place located on section i8, on the Detroit, Lansing & Northern line of railroad. Bristol is a small ham The men who have been servants of the public in an official way are mentioned in this connection, space-only being had for the SUPERVISORS. William M. Peterson Daniel Doxsie Stephen E. Chapman Peter Chapman Daniel Doxsie H. B. Blanchard S. D. Eldred Daniel Doxsie 1867-72 1873-6 I877-8 I879 i88o-i 1882 I883 I884. ^^ uus^tc 1 — COUNTY. J let in the eastern part of the township, on Pine River. Rolland, like all other towns in the county, has furnished many millions of feet of lumber. Numer- ^ ous mills are rapidly thinning out the forests, and many of the farms are highly improved where ten years ago the dense forest stood. Energy and capital can accomplish wonders, and both are largely displayed in some portions of this township. I?i a I s IJi, I IIV',z Vernon Township. v ernon Township lies in the extreme northern part of Isabella County, and is bounded on the north by Clare County, on the east by Wise, on the south by Isabella and on the west by Gilmore Townships. The North Branch of the Chippewa River enters the township at the northwest corner of section 30, flows southeast, then southwest, entering Gilmore Township. The northwestern part is watered by Little Tobacco Creek and its tributaries. The creek rises in the western part of the township, in section I8, flows east and northeast into Clare County. In the eastern part we find the West Branch of Big Salt River rising in the northeastern part, in section I, flowing in a southeasterly direction and finally mingling with the waters of the North Branch of the Tittabawasee, in Wise Township. There are several less important streams, whose waters render the farming land of Vernon fertile and productive. Willow Lake lies in the western part, and its outlet is a branch of the Chippewa. A number of smaller lakes are scattered over the township, but none of them worthy of special mention. al,5 ac... 6.S i-,. r1i, 3~~ ii i r pc Cj;pr f hXvmd_ _brr arrriaai.?iiiii JS Ilii"liri i \jlIljtB79i r~ IJ SABELLA COUNTY. 549 Vernon City is the only village of any pretensions, SUPERVISORS. 4 and it is in the northern part of the township, on the William Phinesey 1866-7 ' right bank of Little Tobacco Creek. Clare is really Elias Wheaton I868-9 Cornelius Bogan i870-2 a part of Vernon City, although it is in Clare CountyE.liu Brogn I873 -tal When the railroad was built, it followed the levelCornelius Began 1874 land along the creek and the business was soon D. J. Brewer I875 transferred to locations nearer the depot. Cornelius Bogan 1876 J. L. Markley, a German, was one of the early Frederick Fishley 877-8 E. E. Willie 879-80 settlers, and the founder of Vernon City. He is E. S. Brown I88I wealthy and does business in real estate. The first E. E. Willie 1882 house built in Clare was erected by A. A. Shaver, the Joseph Dixon i883 NION Township was organized by the Board H of Supervisors March 19, I86I. The InOJ ' spectors of Election were Hiram E. Sherman, A. J. Goodsell and Albert G. Ferris. r The first township election was held at a log school-house in District No. r, where William s Crowley now lives, on the first Monday of April, 1I861. Langdon Bently was elected Supervisor. Union is bounded on the north by Isabella, on the east by Chippewa, on the south by Lincoln and on the west by Deerfield Townships. It is numbered 14 north and 4 west. The principal river is the Chippewa, a beautiful stream which traverses the township from the southwest to its northeast bound) ary. Mission Creek is a small stream rising in the r northwestern part, flowing east and emptying into " the Chippewa. x Mt. Pleasant is the principal village of the town-, ship. It is pleasantly situated on the Chippewa 3i River on section 15, and is the terminus of the j Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad. There are a s number of saw-mills in the immediate vicinity of the ) town, giving employment to a large number of laborers. It is the center of trade for farm products, not only of this township, but of all the adjoining ones. The mercantile houses do a thriving business, and in a short time Mt. Pleasant will be one of the most important towns of Northern Michigan. Isaf bella City is next in importance. and is located in the ) southeastern corner of section 3. i The first active representative of any religious society in this township was Elder Sheldon, of the Methodist denomination. The first sermon was delivered by him in the same school-house in which the first election was held. There are now a number of fine churches, and almost every denomination ~ is represented. The first man who settled in Union Township was, John M. Hursh, who, with his wife and six children, selected a homestead a half mile from Mt. Pleasant I and located there in 1854. At one time provisions became so scarce that Mr. Hursh was compelled to hire two Indians to accompany him to Saginaw, where they procured Ioo pounds of flour, and returned to their settlement, carrying it the entire distance on their backs! Many days they had nothing on which to subsist but bread and water! St. John's was the nearest postoffice, it being 50 miles distant. While Mr. Hursh was on his way to Union with his family, his brother-in-law was engaged in putting up a shanty for their protection when they came. The floor was earth, no windows, and a blanket served for a door. The roof was made of troughs. After paying the men who had aided them in their difficult journey to their new home, Mr. Hursh had just three cents left; but with strong hands and willing hearts they did not despair. It was two years before any one located within ten miles of the Hursh farm; then, Henry Sherman and family, and soon afterward Leonard Handy, joined the little band of pioneers. The sight of the newcomers and the prospect of having some neighbors made glad the hearts of the Hursh family. No formal or fashionable calls were made: on the contrary, they visited each other on alternate Sundays, always taking their stock along to prevent them from straying through the woods, which were so dense that it was almost impossible to find them if allowed to wander away from home. The first school-house in the township was built of logs, in 1855, one and a half miles south of Mt. Pleasant. The school was taught by Elizabeth Gulick. Succeeding years brought many settlers into the township, and it now ranks among the first in the county in agricultural interests. The productive character of its soil was a great induce.ment to owners of lands to clear away the dense forests. Lumber interests were for several years the chief industry, and many millions of feet have been taken from the acres which now rival in beauty and fertility any part of the State of Michigan. Union Township has been represented by a large number of men as Supervisors, all but three of whom have served two or more terms. Their names follow, to which are affixed the years they served. i ~=3 133 ~or *,^.,, (,) jX:*: w X X r d rv \...y~ I's i't A: eN 'I A F SUPERVISORS. Langdon Bentley I861-3, A. G. Ferris 1864 I. E. Arnold 1865 Milton Bradley 1867 g D. H. Nelson I868 ann^- ^ — dY ~.J1.~ I~i —_ i\,,i rr ----;~nl: ~- 4d 1 552 ISABELLA Milton Bradley I869 D. H. Nelson I870 Daniel E. Lyon I87 Alex. Brodie 1872-4 I. E. Arnold i875-7 Charles M. Brooks 1778 John Maxwell I879 W. W. Preston 1880-2 Charles M. Brooks 1883-4 Nottawa Township. CO Y. 1 SABELLA County has a large acreage of;t..-t valuable land, but in no part of it are there so many acres of splendid agricultural land in one body as are embraced in Nottawa Township. This is still included in the Indian reservation, and most of the inhabitants are Indians. Some of them are in good circumstances and are amassing a competency. The remnants of the.i. Chippewa tribe who are not actively engaged in farm=ing, are a lazy, shiftless set, who eke out a scanty A livelihood by hunting and trapping. Those of the r= tribe who live in the most primitive style and cling to S their old superstitions are numbered among the residents of Nottawa. ) The township was named in honor of an Indian chief who bore the name. He was one of the most noble and honored men of his tribe, whose teachings were listened to with rapt attention by his people. He advocated honesty, industry and the Christian virtues, and by his own acts exemplified his precepts. His death occurred Oct. to, i88I, and his loss was sincerely mourned not only by his own people but also by the whites as well. He had attained the advanced age of Ioo years, and until a short time before his death was quite an active man. One of the Indian marriage customs still practiced among some of the race who live in Nottawa Township, is as follows: The parents of the youth of either sex contract the marriage during the months of October and November. The affianced comes to the house of her future father-in-law, and takes up her quarters there for six mouths previous to the date fixed upon for the marriage to take place. During this period, no conversation is indulged in between the young folks, although living in the same house I and sharing the same bed. The latter is arranged by the father-in law, by placing a log lengthwise of the bed, thus separating the parties (!), who after the six months' probation are declared man and wife by the chief of the tribe. Everything must be arranged through the mother-in-law, who acts as mediator between the young people. All the game killed by the young man during this term of courtship, is dried by his mother and put away for future use. The hides and pelts taken in the chase during the same period, as well as all the maple sugar manufactured, are sold, and whisky and other refreshments purchased therewith to be used at the marriage feast,-which is made an occasion of great hilarity by the invited guests. The township was organized in I874, and the first election was held at Eli Ford's house in April, I875. The Inspectors were John Hyslop, Michael McGeehan and Eli Ford. The first white man locating in the town was Michael McGeehan, who was the first Supervisor. The second was Senator Alonzo T. Frisbee, who purchased half of section I6, and improved 200 acres of it in the best of style. Mason B. Dibble is also one of the first, and now the wealthiest men in the township, being possessor of 800 acres of the finest land, of which 400 acres are cleared and mostly under cultivation. At the first election, only 33 votes were polled, 5 white and 28 Indian. The voting population is yet very light, but the township will soon become peopled with whites, the Government having already given virtual permission to the Indians to dispose of their lands should they see proper. Patents will issue from the proper authorities at an early date, and the lands which are now unoccupied will soon blossom like the rose. A beautiful lake, through which Coldwater River flows, covers the whole of section 30. It abounds in fish and water-fowl. The Coldwater, flowing through the western, and the Chippewa River the eastern, parts of the township, afford unlimited facilities for the transportation of the myriads of logs to the mills below. Nottawa is numbered 13 north and 5 west, with boundaries on the north by Gilmore, the east by Isabella, the south by Deerfield and the west by Sherman. The following named gentlemen have represented Nottawa as fij. Ar N, I.. A I L - - - - -- -, -- --- __ r. 11 - > ISABELLA COUNTY. SUPERVISORS: Henry Wood? Michael McGeehan 875-6 J. H. Tinker:iN: Alonzo T. Frisbee 1877-8 Henry Wood Michael McGeehan 1879 Fred Speck 1880 Phidelous Bennett i881-2 Joseph T. Gachter 1883-4 Deer 553 lin in 87 i-6 I877-82 I883-4 field Township. Sherma Township. Sherman - Township. is ";A if e r= A IC *.,~ w 'l HERMAN is very sparsely settled, and quite heavily wooded. There is "one small village bearing the name of Slerman City, located partly on section 6 in Sherman, and section 31 in Coldwater Township. Here is located a postoffice and a few buildings, but the town has no commercial importance except as a convenient trading point for the farmer. Broomfield postoffice is located on section 27, at the junction of the Houghton Lake & Ionia State Road and the highway passing through the center of sections 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. It is well -watered by several creeks, which flow into the Chippewa, and but little attention is paid either to stock-raising or agriculture, the lumber interest taking precedence of any other industry. The township is numbered 13 north and 6 west, and is bounded on the north by Coldwater, on the east by Nottawa, on the south by Broomfield Township and the west by Mecosta County. It was organized Oct. I2, I868, and the first election was held at the house of Cyrus Dunbar, who, with Milo T. Dean and Aaron Osborn, were Inspectors of Election. The first Supervisor was Wesley Ellis, who served in I869. This township was named in honor of Gen. W. T. Sherman. The number of school-houses and children attending school in the township is given elsewhere, which shows the small number of inhabitants. Some very good farms and enterprising men are to be found in Sherman, but it will be many years before the forests can be removed and the land brought under a thorough cultivation. The names of the Supervisors are here given: I T 1 HE organization of this township was effected Oct. 14, i874. It is yet quite heavily T' timbered with excellent pine, hemlock and cedar, with here and there some bodies of splendid hard woods. The soil is a rich loam, mixed with sand and gravel in some localities, but highly productive. The first settlers in this township were Melvin Beach, Walter Blount, F. E. Boyden, George D. Brown, William M. Peterson, Thomas Phillips, Jesse H. Robinson and Jacob Smith. All these men came with their families in I874-5. From this date the population increased rapidly. Although many acres of valuable lands are yet in a state of nature, the woodsman's ax is fast laying low the monarchs of the forest, and the plow is destined to become the magician whose touch transforms the bosom of her heretofore undisturbed soil into a paradise whose fertility is a source of wonder to those who were accustomed to class Deerfield among the most desolate regions of Michigan. The first election was held at the house of Joseph Brazee, April 5, I875. Nine votes were polled, being sufficient to elect the several township officers. Today there are over 200 registered voters, while numerous school-houses and substantial dwellings are seen on every hand. The first religious services were held at the house of William M. Peterson, by Rev. Burlingame, an itinerant Methodist preacher. Samuel Craft, the present Supervisor, came to this township in 1877, and his enterprise and business tact has made him a valuable accession not only to the community in which he resides but also to the county as well. His first coming to Deerfield was accidental, but his practiced eye saw the advantages to be derived from a location in a financial way; and as soon as possible after looking the county over, he purchased a quarter-section of land inside her boundaries. Deerfield is well drained by both branches of the ( 6= C, kv I"? 111 (" i' m l -Pc Jll K |< i s SUPERVISORS.? Wesley Ellis 1869 John C.Cohoon I870 ||-' -^>n p r. i OW -A " 1-7-4 '-i ", - j 66i).1 0 - k i , U U 1% I -— a ----catii^t G -i> —,_ 554 ISABELLA CO UNTY. <.t)..(^} I /:11 I I^ r.; f-~ Chippewa and the Coldwater Rivers. These streams abound in fish, and the waters are as clear as crystal. Owing to the numerous springs in the bed of the Coldwater, the waters are cool and refreshing, even during the warmest weather. In the springtime, great numbers of logs are floated down to the large mill near the junction of the Coldwater with the Chippewa. Deerfield has one small hamlet, located on section 7, with a store, hotel, etc. The place bears the descriptive title of " Two Rivers," being near the Chippewa and Coldwater Rivers. A postoffice will soon be established here, in compliance with a petition containing over 200 signatures of voters residing within three miles of the place. J. C. Caldwell, the proprietor of the Two Rivers Hotel, is a vigorous man of 60 summers. He was recently married to a handsome lady from Ohio, )which occasion furnished a great deal of amusement to his neighbors. He had been a widower but a short.h time, when the "tender passion" became as firmly 3 planted in his anatomy as it would had he been a 4 youth of 20. Mrs. Sarah Griswold, of Bissell, Ohio, was visiting in the neighborhood, and her charming manner and handsome face completely captivated him. Shaking off the mental depression which had clung to him for four long weeks, he began paying court to the handsome widow, and his suit met with favor. Her visit nearing its end, she had fixed upon the day to return to her native village, but Mr. Caldwell's persistent pleading had a fitting reward, inasmuch as he had her promise that she would return P and become his bride. After her departure, letters from the twain were mailed regularly each day, but this mode of corresponding seemed too slow for the restless nature of our venerable friend. He longed to possess in reality what was his own by right of con-:quest, and the day had scarcely arrived in which his bride to be would return from her eastern trip, when he started from Deerfield, expecting to meet her in Mt. Pleasant. She was expected on the evening instead of the morning train, but, equally as impatient as himself, had started one day earlier than was # originally intended, and the long miles which were V traversed were rendered bearable in the anticipation / of taking her lover by surprise. Reaching Mt. Pleas_ ant early in the forenoon, she procured a livery team I i 4 and started for "Two Rivers," fondly anticipating the joyful welcome she would receive. The day was very cold, and the few persons venturing out were closely muffled to protect them from the frosty air. Mr. Caldwell was coming to meet his intended, and, to do the thing up in style, had engaged a driver, while he lay back in the sleigh covered by robes of fur, with a big stone, carefully heated to keep his feet warm, tucked beneath the blankets. The driver failing to recognize the bride to be, passed her sleigh in blissful ignorance of its fair occupant. Mr. Caldwell arrived in due season at Mt. Pleasant, and was soon made presentable through the skill of the tonsorial artist and a well paid tailor. Time hung heavily on his hands while awaiting the arrival of the evening train. He nervously paced the platform at the depot until the passengers had alighted. The object of his affections not appearing among them, he became uneasy and telegraphed to Ohio for particulars. An answer was returned stating that she had started the day before and certainly expected to arrive that evening. Nothing was to be done but wait patiently for the morrow. The morning train carried him to Coleman, where he confidently expected to meet her, but again he was sorely disappointed. Realizing that "there is many a slip," etc., he returned to Mt. Pleasant. In the meantime he had sent his team home, and was obliged to call on the livery man for favors. Here he was informed that his lady had arrived the day before on the morning train and was now safely quartered at the hotel at Two Rivers. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, a team was procured and the excited man started post haste for home. On the way he stopped at the house of Justice A. J. Stansell, and the worthy functionary dressed and accompanied him. When the pair arrived at the hotel, everybody had retired for the night; but the case being one which would not admit of delay, the household were aroused and preparations made to celebrate the nuptials of the pair who had been by accident so rudely separated for so many hours! The meeting of the lovers was affecting; and, after explanations were made and their exuberant feelings somewhat calmed, Justice Stansell pronounced them mated for life. No happier couple reside in the township, and their romantic courtship and marriage gives the story a place in the history of Isabella County.,I Pt '1~ a 1) N..:' T I f. ~- — i /c"Q I3 rtl N-oz ~iu ~ —7,~. n ll -,, " k~~~_ i;i~. j ( ISABELLA COUNTY. 555 Deerfield Township is numbered 13 north and 5 now resides on section 22. Harry Brubaker, now west. The northern boundary is Nottawa Township, living on section 20, in Gilmore, was the first man I the eastern, Union Township, Fremont Township on who moved his family to Coldwater. They came in i the south and Broomfield on the west. 1867. Samuel Colley, now on section 34; Wm. B. Only three Supervisors thus far have represented Forbes, on 22; Thomas Summerton, also on 22; 2 this township, and one, Mr. J. H. Robinson, was George Steed, Jonathan Lamer on 32; Charles Hunt, appointed to fill the unexpired term of a man who, near Mt. Pleasant; Martin Tombs and son, on i6; making some mistake in the assessment of the town, Jackson Alexander, on 26, and S. Smith, also living became frightened and left the country. on section 26, were the first men who settled in the township. SUPERVISORS. The first birth that occurred in Coldwater was that Wm. eterson I875-7 of a child of Harry Brubaker, and the death of this J. H. Robinson 187 8 Samuel Craft I879-83 infant was the first occurrence of this nature, the William H. Hanna i884 second being that of Posey Roberts.! I Coldwater Township. ) S=3 I kA_,.Z Frf 4* t e iP OLDWATER Township is situated in the northwestern corner of Isabella County, and is bounded on the north by Clare County, on the east by Gilmore and south by Sherman Townships, and on the west by Mecosta County. It is numbered i6 north, and 6 west. The soil of Coldwater is drained by two creeks, known as Walker and Colley Creeks. These two beautiful streams of crystal water flow through grassy meadows and shady woodlands, while from either side of their mossy banks stretch afar the broad acres of fertile and productive farm lands, where great quantities of corn, rye, oats and wheat are cultivated successfully. Garden vegetables of all kinds are also grown in this rich soil. On section 31 is located part of the little village of Sherman, called Sherman City, a small trading point and postoffice for those living in the vicinity of the hamlet. On the same day that Broomfield was organized, the Board of Supervisors conferred local self-government on the people of Coldwater, and ever since its organization it has been a temperance township. The first election was held on the first Monday of April, I868, at the house of H. B. Roberts. H. A. Brubaker, H. B. Roberts and W. W. Ryerson were the Inspectors of Election. Serel A. Letson, who bought land in this township in the year i866 and located on his claim in the following year, was the first pernfanent settler here, and The first marriage was that of Frank Bone and Sophronia Baker, in the fall of 1869. The first school taught was in District No. I, on section 26, in the year I870. Calaphael Taylor, one of the oldest residents of Coldwater, was a pensioner of the war of I812 until his death, which occurred on May 2, 1884, at the advanced age of 90 years. He died respected and beloved by every adult resident of the township. Over his grave many tears of sympathy were shed. The Supervisors who have represented this township from the beginning were all men of merit. Their names are given below in the order which they served: SUPERVISORS. J. J. Colley Harry A. Brubaker James McKersey J. J. Colley Clark Brown William B. Forbes James C. Colter David W. Brooks William B. Forbes David Colter I868-9 I87 0 -I872 I873 1874-7 1878 I879-80 i88 1882-3 I884 A-1" j( Lincoln Township. HE organization of Lincoln Township was effected Oct. 16, 1863. F. I. Williams, W. J. Corbus and H. N. Griswold were Inspectors of the first Election, which was held at Mr. Griswold's house. The same may be said of Lincoln as of each township in Isabella County, that it was densely ~run^ - I. 11 11 after midnight, when, hearing a peculiar noise, he necessary to propel the canoe, bathed them in per-:i knew a deer was rushing past pursued by some ani- spiration from head to foot. mal. The deer plunged into the river which ran in By the morning of the second day, the jug which proximity, followed soon by a wolf, which also took to contained the whisky was empty, and they begged i) the water in quest of its prey. Being now thoroughly " Jim" to give them a drink of his rum, even offering ) awakened, and feeling somewhat chilled, he arose to pay an exorbitant price for the same; but he per||c@A^^|~ — -^^ _~."^~a<(; Yr. cB r, b~i#r iiiii 560 ISABELLA COUNTY. sistently refused. The mosquitoes were getting so ing of 800 pounds of choice maple sugar. The v troublesome that it seemed impossible to withstand canoe was a small one, and, being heavily loaded, their attacks, and a scheme was devised which at sank deeply into the water. They had not proceeded, last allowed them some rest. One of the party far before the boat ran over a snag and capsized, f & stripped to the buff, and smeared himself from head throwing the contents in the water. Not one cake of to foot with grease from a bacon rind, which was sugar was recovered, and the loss was a severe one. found to be an effectual protection so long as the An entire failure in crops to-day would not be half surface was well coated with the unctuous but not so hard to withstand as was the loss of that canoe very pleasantly aromatic embrocation. The others load of sugar at that time. Atkin wept like a child followed suit, and the voyagers were thus enabled to at the prospect of want now in store for the family, keep their craft moving all the tilne.they being almost destitute of clothes and having Arriving at last at the house of Mr. Hursh, they no means of procuring any. concluded to stay all night; and two of the party All the men except Fraser returned home, he were detailed to watch Shepherd make a disposition being the only one of the party having any money. of his jug, he fearing the loss of its contents. Not He drifted down to Saginaw,made his purchases and long after the canoe was unloaded, he slipped out to helped his less fortunate neighbors out of sorry their the woods and secreted the jug in an old hollow plight. stump. Fraser and others made a note of its location, and when it became dark, made their way to | w ZOEw the spot and all took a hearty draught. The next( morning the same was repeated, and the empty jugn ndian Suicide... left standing, covered with leaves, which were so '=&.HERE are some very interesting anecdotes 3 = skillfully arranged that no signs of its being disturbed 1 i Ei are some veinteesting a dotes related of lhe Indians, and the hintory of Y were visible. When " Jim " went after his treasure S r nin, n =:r 1Isabella would not be complete without and found only an empty jug, he became frantic and I w *.. mention being made of some occurrences.,7 \: wanted to whip the whole crowd; but, not knowing. i e o e. M o ofr which happened not very long since. Most of N which one to begin on, finally concluded to let the the actors in the few in s r d ae the actors in the few incidents related are livmatter drop. His penuriousness taught him a valu- t n e ing on the reservation near Mt. Pleasant, and the able lesson, and he was always willing to divide any stories, gathered from first hands, are correct. thing after that._.... a I ------- - K11, -110 — 4 t is oeiieveu among tie inc ans mnat none oI their people ever commit suicide; but one old fellow actually did so far forget their customs that in a moment of desneration he nlunved a knife into his G) I Uor y A Heart-Bre W '-AVING neither st(.x early comers were provisions for th was turned to account legal tender for all de] settlers had no means Considerable quantities of factured in the spring-tim taken to Saginaw by boat ai and dry goods. John Fraser, Mason Fo George Howorth started for May with the proceeds of jZs^^ --- --- ---- -- -~^ --- — -- - ^_ ---- _ ~- _- _ -._ -- taking Loss. bosom and started on his journey to the happy hunting grounds alone. Judge Bennett is responsible for ock nor grain to sell, the this, as well as several other Indian stories, and his sorely puzzled to obtain well known popularity among the Indians gave him eir families. Everything almost the supremacy attained by a chief. t. Shingles werevirtually Me-saw-bay was quite a talented, but somewhat bts except taxes, but the demented, old Indian, whose mind was always ruminof getting them to market. ating upon the wrongs done the noble red man by maple sugar were manu- their white brothers. He had made several trips to ie, which was afterward Washington to see the "Great Father " and unfold nd exchanged for groceries his grievances, but no official notice was taken of them. He often took long walks through the forests, ) >utch, George Atkin and and while out for one of these lonely rambles, plunged r Saginaw one morning in his hunting-knife into his bosom. When the body ( their spring work, consist- was found, an inquest was held in the old court-house, n a 'D?;. '>- - i ili^ ^t^ — cs --- --- i-^nanna0- -< U. > ISABELLA COUNTY. 561 '. and a verdict rendered that he died by his own hand, devolving upon both farm and household, concluded there being no trace found of other footprints besides to engage a housekeeper; Hearing of a woman at: those of Me-saw-bay. Judge Bennett wanted to turn the county farm who desired a situation, William, the corpse over to the Indians for burial, but they re- drove over and had no trouble in making satisfactory >) fused to receive it, declaring that some white man arrangements. She accompanied him home, and, ) had killed him, and they would not bury the old man. during the few miles which intervened between the The body was thus left on the hands of Judge Ben- county farm and Mt. Pleasant, William proposed to, nett, who vainly tried to get some one to help him and was accepted by, his present wife. It was a case with the interment. It was midwinter, and the of love at first sight, he having never seen her until ground was solidly frozen; but the Judge, armed that morning; yet, with William, to love was an easy with a pick and shovel, started for the woods and dug matter, and the needs of his household were press-? a hole, to which place he carted the body of the dead ing ones. Meeting Rev. R. P. Sheldon on the highIndian and gave him a decent burial. way near Mt. Pleasant, William wished him to marry them without taking the trouble to get out of the *'~: 3 (( '~ wagon. Not being so romantically inclined, the Reverend insisted that the party go into the house of The Most Blood-Curdling Hair-Breadth Escape of Ala Mr. Brown who lived near, to which they assented. of/A11. ~I. Mrs. Brown kindly threw open her parlors, and the OHN Landon, Wm. Miles and his brother wedding was consummated on brief notice. e ] Daniel, while out on a hunting expedition, They are doing nicely, and are as well mated, perpied a bear a short distance away. Miles haps, as though they had known each other for years. ' ' ~, and Landon fired simultaneously, wounding== P a F a 2 s,. *= 1 __ * _.'e th e animal, which started to run. Landon:r endeavored to head him off, when the bear: made for him with the intention of eating him. Having become entangled in the brush, Landon was unable to free himself, and in his struggles fell down ) just as the bear reached him! In the meantime Miles came up from behind and, taking deliberate aim, shot the infuriated bear, which fell dead by the side of Mr. Landon, whose position was indeed a ctitical one. His chance for being shot was almost a. gnncl anC tiat of hoilncr L;lll hl-r h,+ I w... l71el,.:::::=,_' Isabella a Good County. HE coming of some of the most prosperous inhabitants of the county was purely acciAv dental. One of these was D. H. Nelson, '. who came in 1857 to witness the Indian payment, but had no intention of locating in this section. While he was here his father came to I 1,,.-11. -..A. ^.1._~. 1a-, rIla_ I,,...-. 1,- t, X=i SZ33 Sl~I "- t- fw,- J -"t.... V uE......y1 LjI U I)^i"a —UI(!3-, — 562 ISABELLA COUNTY. as trade was fair, and to this day he is quite an active all his might, but having a hard time trying to follow? business man, dealing in all sorts of commodities, the trail. He was followed by George Bradley, an-;| from a coon-skin to a section of land. other Methodist minister, who was sober, but wanted They tell the story on Judge Bennett, that his first to hear what Pay-she-no-nee had to say. After purchase was a blind ox; and, having all his money preaching to the Lord for a while and extolling his thus invested and the ox not being fat enough to mercy and goodness, he began complimenting the butcher, he too was forced to stay until the succulent devil upon his excellent attributes, and was lavish grasses in the spring could fatten his recent pur- in expressions of fealty to Satan and his cause. This chase. While waiting for this to occur, he found was more than Bradley could stand, as it seemed that employment, and by the time spring had arrived he his favorite exhorter was impolitic, to say the least. was doing quite nicely in a financial Way, and had Hurrying up to where Pay-she-no-nee was standing, no desire to go elsewhere. From that humble com- by a large pine stump, and delivering a wonderful mencement, we find him to-day ranking among the address in hardly intelligible language, Bradley acwealthiest and most popular men of the county, and costed him and asked why he was so complimentary his enterprise has done much toward peopling a to the devil, who, with his hosts, the Christians were large portion of it, he having been engaged quite so earnestly trying to conquer. Bracing up as well largely in buying and selling real estate. as he was able, Pay-she-no-nee replied: "May-be 4if II The Indians' Love of Whisky. - EARLY all the Indians were members of the Methodist and Lutheran Churches, but -i all of them loved whisky, and never lost [ an opportunity to gratify their tastes in this respect. Isabella City, while in its palmy days, was a great loafing place for the Indians, where, though no whisky could be obtained, the more elderly ones would frequently get tipsy. The secret was unearthed one day, by finding an Indian (Pay-she-no me die some time. I- me good, then I sure to go to heaven. May-be get drunk, then the devil sure to get me. Me already know God: now want to know devil." Bradley fearing some sober Indian might be in hearing, upon whom such an argument would work disastrously to the Methodist cause, helped Pay-she-no-nee home as quickly as possible. The love of the Indians for liquor is truly surprising, and we have been informed by good authority, that out of nearly 2,000 who came to this county in 1856, only the chief, Sa-shaw-na-bees, would not drink it., qA to _ - _-.0 1-44s*<-,= -. — Pioneer "Pleasures." nee) lying at the rear end of Mr. Babbitt's store, in o the lumber room of which was a barrel of hard cider. R. A. Dunham, one of the old settlers The door being open afforded all necessary explana-. here, reached Isabella County, in cointion, and this supply was soon shut off. Upon this.jl- pany with his son, in I86i. The first ' particular evening, several of the Indian elders, dea- man he met after his arrival in the new cons and class-leaders were pretty well "corned": county was " Uncle Robbins," from whom he before Mr. Babbitt knew anything about it, and they made inquiries concerning lands, and was told had hard work to get them started home, some of to go to 'Squire Estee, who would tell him all he them becoming quite quarrelsome and threatening to wanted to know. Mr. Dunham found the 'Squire, burn the store. This was averted, however, by Mrs. and, after partaking of a fine dinner, started out and i - Babbitt, who at all times seemed to exert great in- selected a tract of land, and determined to build a. fluence over them, and they wandered off through the shanty for his family. Unable to obtain an ax anywoods, whooping and yelling. where in the county, he started his boy off for Alma (e The Indian Pay-she-no-nee was quite a preacher, to get the indispensable article. When the boy reand was one of the most enthusiastic workers in the turned he brought with him an old second-hand ax, () Methodist Church. He started home preaching with with which he built his cabin, that sheltered eight a>- ^ mi' tlall^ - -- ) ISABELLA COUNTY. 563 9 children, the old woman and himself, and was set- scratched and bruised. To undertake the cutting of tled in his new home in just three weeks from the day a deer's throat, although entangled in a mass of float-: he selected his land. From this time he lived corn ing logs, is no easy matter, and but few men would f fortably, and had plenty of maple sugar, leeks and attempt it.. hominy. While many hardships have been under- - < gone, Mr. Dunham has prospered, and yet refers to the days of his " pioneering" as being the most Io. i.e.ri Pioneer Sociability. _1 _ _t 1_ _"_ _t""_! a Ii a,.. pleasant oI nis 11Ie! Nearly all the Men in the Army. r r=~a k" *r i 16 - / URING the late war, nearly every man able for military duty went into the army. S A man was taken sick at a lumber camp r& near Mt. Pleasant; and, to be cared for, was carried over to Mrs. Ellen Woodworth's, who lived near. His illness proved fatal, and the help of men could not be obtained who were able to carry the body to the cemetery. The four daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Preston-Mrs. Allie Fancher, Mrs. Ellen Woodworth, and the Misses Celia and Emma Preston-procured a bier, and with their own hands carried the body to the cemetery ana buried it! There was a shoemaker living near where Maj. Long's printing-office now stands, whose name was Bently, but neither would he go, nor allow one of his hands the privilege of paying this tribute of respect to a dead stranger! An Odd Method of Capturing a Deer. R. A. E. Chatterton once had quite an exciting adventure with a deer at a point in J the river nearly opposite the village of Mt. Pleasant. Seeing a large buck complacently making its way across the stream upon the floating logs which covered its bosom, Mr. C. determined to effect its capture. Meeting midway of the stream, he seized it by the head, when a series of " bucking " on the part of the deer were executed which outrivaled Mark Twain's " Mexican plug." It was a rough-and-ready fight, but Mr. Chatterton finally came off victorious, although considerably I ~1 ] N those pioneer days neighbors were so few ~] and far between that it was customary to { omit the fashionable call, and, hitching up the team of oxen, go to a neighbor's to spend the entire day and eat dinner with them. Tea and coffee, as well as other provisions, being therefore very scarce and very high-priced,-one pound of tea alone costing $2.50,-many odd substitutes were used. Mrs. Woodworth tells of a day spent with a friend who, in the absence of tea or coffee, steeped the inside bark of the pine for a beverage. Dried strawberry leaves were often used instead of tea. Scorched peas, beans, barley and corn made coffee. Sweet cakes were made with yeast and sweetened with maple sugar; and if fruit-cake was desired they had but to stir the dried fruit in this same preparation. Two More Bear Stories. l N 1875, Mrs. Nancy Brown was going from Mt. Pleasant to her home a half mile east t of the village, when she espied something moving along the road on all fours. It being dark and objects not distinctly discernible, she thought it was Billy Gruett (an Indian), who intended playing a joke upon her. Telling him to get out of the way and stop his nonsense, she was about to give the object a push with her foot, when the bear (not Billy Gruett), reared upon its hind feet, and with a sonorous growl invited Mrs. Brown to come a little nearer. She was too badly frightened to run, and as the bear did not advance she stood her ground. A wagon, happily for her, came along, and the bear ran away. She states that often when picking berries in the woods bears have walked very near her; and once, when picking the fruit, standing on a tree which II "ia —.3 CB=Ts~ %ZI I (1 C*3 i Mr~ ttI -VV V)- -E f"zti;:s;A" 564 ISABELLA CO UNTY.. * = 1* I ( ) r) I;v had blown almost down, she looked beneath, and there, within three feet of her, was an enormous bear f sitting on his haunches eating blackberries, and eyeing her complacently! The bear was content to go f away, leaving her unmolested, although badly frightened. Indian Morals Concerning Murder. HERE is an Indian living in Isabella Town[ ship who is quite prominent, not only with S those of his own race but also anmong the whites as well, to whom a story is attached that is true in every sense. He, with his young wife and aged mother, had gone on a hunting expedition to one of the northern counties a few years ago, when the following incident occurred: It was late in the autumn and trapping was excellent. A large number of furs had been collected, and the party were congratulating themselves upon the result in a pecuniary way, when the mother fell sick. A brisk snow-storm came on, which delayed their departure for home, and the invalid mother continued to grow worse. She declared her inability to travel, and a council was held between the wife and her husband, who both agreed that they must leave for home at once, for fear a snow-storm should come which would render traveling impossible. The loving son went into the wigwam to report the decision to his aged parent; but, finding her asleep, dealt her a tap on the head with his hatchet, when, to use his own expression, " she just straightened out and quit breathing!" With their hatchets a hole was dug in the ground, some bark piled over the old lady's remains, and the husband and wife packed up their traps and pelts, and made their way back to the reservation in Isabella, satisfied that under the circumstances they had done the proper thing by disposing of the old woman, as she was so old that only a few more months of life, under the most favorable circumstances, could be hoped for! The U. S. Government had built a blacksmith shop, as well as a mill and the council-house, at Isabella City. Me-she-gay-ka-kee, the foreman of the shop, was a handsome Indian, and was considered a great "catch" among the dusky maidens.,He was finally captured i by one of them and lived quite happily for a year or two, when his wife was taken suddenly and alarmingly ill. Condolences being in order, several of his former sweet-hearts came in to assist in caring for the sick woman; and the tender passion again quickened in the breast of Me-she-gay-ka-kee, and he proposed and was accepted by another one of the charming daughters of the forest. The wedding day was set, they thinking the sick wife could not possibly survive more than two or three days at the farthest. In this they were disappointed, she being, apparently, in an improved condition on the day the wedding was to take place. Me-she-gay-ka-kee hardly knew what to do. He did not think it just the thin^g to have two wives in the house at once, and feeling convinced that the sick woman must die 'some time, at least, if not just then, held a conference with wife number two, and it was decided to dispose of her in the easiest way possible. She was carried out and deposited on the ground in a fence-corner, a kettle filled with cooked corn placed by her side, after which she was covered with pieces of bark and left to her fate. She lived, surrounded by these proofs of affection, for two days before death came to her relief! All this time the newly married pair were enjoying themselves in. high glee, happy in the unexpected good fortune which allowed true love to run smoothly! These stories are related solely because they belong to the history of this beautiful county, and actually occurred, at an early day. They are typical of Indian life, and nothing was thought of such acts, they being considered strictly legitimate. (e'~ I br-. C"L' V.J..:.I Il An Old Newspaper. RS. Ellen Woodworth has a copy of No.. 2I, Vol. I, of the Northern Pioneer, the ' first paper published in the county. This was issued June 7, I865, and from its pages ~ are noted several important items regarding men in business at that time. The Pioneer was a four-column folio, I2 inches by 14 in size, but was a ' remarkably spicy journal. We notice by the above paper that most of the N county offices were filled by Hon. I. A. Fancher, his business card appearing as Prosecuting Attorney, < tUDU/ -- _~_.rrr-15Z P O.Dl) I H 9:, X < C~-Xt->.. —........... d, t H he a ISABELLA COUNTY. 565 A Circuit Court Commissioner and County Surveyor. ners more than made amends for lack of funds, and ) William H. Nelson was Judge of Probate; John Q. he became the center of attraction for a host of pretty A. Johnson, Sheriff; Langdon Bently, Treasurer; girls who swarmed about him as do moths about a. ' Milton Bradley, Clerk; Wallace W. Preston, Register lighted candle. of Deeds; and Cornelius Bennett, attorney and One, to whom more attention was paid than the counsellor at law. The post-office address of all rest, fondly imagined herself certain of becoming the these gentlemen was "Blunt P. 0.," except W. H. future Mrs. Bennett. She was interviewed by a comNelson, who was a resident of Isabella City. mittee selected for the purpose of ascertaining what The peculiarity of Judge Bennett's card, in which LL. B. was attached to Mr. Bennett's name for, they his name appears as having good reason to suppose her possessed of the? c. BENNETT, LL. B., knowledge. After much adroit questioning, she con-!> gave rise to much speculation among the ladies as to fidentially admitted that she, too, had been equally ' the significance of the abbreviated title. The Judge inquisitive, and had importuned the Judge until the was at that time a young man, and was looked uFon information had been gained that the letters meant with much favor by the mammas who had marriage- "Lots of Little Bennetts!" Thus was the secret exable daughters. The young lawyer was possessed of ploded, and the Judge's dream of happiness made very little cash; but a pleasant face and affable man- public, for "women" have no secrets! I -/"~b el" N 'E= i —=,~ %lrl II. ii /1"I., p —1 XQ;, T a point on the east bank of a history which, though brief, is important in a notice the Chippewa River, where of this nature. if there is a clear and rapid The county seat of Isabella County was first esstream near a hundred feet tablished, by commissioners appointed by the State i..~g] broad, with banks of good Legislature, at the geographical center of the county. height, and furnishing water- This was engineered by Dr. Jeffries, John G. Isbell power for a generous extent of and George W. Lee, who located in partnership a lll works and machinery, is the beau- section from the corners of four townships, giving the l;1 ll tiful and enterprising village of Mt. new county seat the name of Isabella Center. The Pleasant situated. It is the coun- Doctor built a small log court-house and endeavored! ty seat of Isabella County, a village to work up a boom for the town, but failed. The ' of over 2,000 inhabitants, handsome- county offices were all kept in two rooms, but the I - ly laid out with broad and straight accommodations being scarcely sufficient, efforts were!,(a, streets, well built; and the mercan- made to change the location of the county seat, (" tile establishments present an air of which was effected May o1, I860. The present site A business unexcelled by any village when selected was a wilderness, with no approaches c w of Northern Michigan. It has, in save " tote roads," and no future perceivable. common with nearly every county seat in Michigan, Isabella City, on the river a mile below, was built 2. — A gs _ 61;. --- 56 ISA ELL } 566 ISABELLA 'i~ 6,I, COUNTY. 1 ====== = = = === === = ==, -. I f to\.^ I ) 1= I;. 8~ Iq~ in 1857, and was at that time ihe only place in the county where business was done, that being the locality occupied by the grist-mill for aboriginal use, a store and some shops and dwellings. The first plat of the village of Mt. Pleasant was made by David Ward. He was assisted in this survey by I. E. Arnold, one of the most prominent citizens of the village. Five acres was donated by Mr. Ward for county purposes, and a court-house was built by W. H. Nelson, which cost the county $I40. It was accepted July 12, I860, and the first term of court was held in it in that year. There were no natural advantages at the geographical center, and the founders of the town owned only 1,700 acres of land, which was surrounded on all sides by the Indian reservation, that had been ceded to be held in perpetuity for them and their heirs forever. This was also used as a lever when the question of voting on the relocation of the county seat was given the people. Foremost in this matter were Nelson Mosher, John M. Hursh, A. M. Merrill, David Ward and Charles Rodd (the latter an Indian), who were all possessed of much influence among the Indians, to whose vote the location of the county seat at Mt. Pleasant was mainly due. Ward, although the owner of only I20 acres, was quite liberal with his lots; and, besides the donation of five acres for county purposes, he gave five of the Indian chiefs I7 acres on the west bank of the river opposite the old depot, which of course made them his friends; and a number of lots were distributed among the men before mentioned, as well as to several Indians who were laboring in his interest. The whole vote in the county did not exceed 400, and the majority could not have been very great. It was a wise thing to do, however, and a more elegible location for a county seat cannot be found. The village of Mt. Pleasant was again platted in 1863, the proprietors then being George and Harvey Morton. The first family locating on the village plat was that of Dr. Edwin P. Burt, who built the house, or a part of it, where Mrs. Preston now resides. Isabella Hursh was the first female child born inside the village limits, but this event occurred long before Mt. Pleasant was thought of. The date of her birth is mentioned elsewhere. Dexter F. Arnold, the present Village Clerk, was the first male child born in Mt. Pleasant. This event occurred April 15, I862. Of course, improvements were very slow, as but few people were living in the county and very little land was under cultivation. H. A. Dunton put in a stock of general merchandise in I864, which was the first venture in a mercantile way. John Kinney, a gentleman well known in the county afterward, purchased this stock of goods and that of Mr. J. C. Graves, who started a store in the summer of that year. The Bamber House was the first hotel in the place, and was kept by W. W. Preston. Moses Brown was the next man to embark in the mercantile line, whose stock was composed of a miscellaneous assortment of dry goods, which he brought in on a peddler's cart and displayed in the bar-room of the above mentioned hotel. John Kinney built a log house that was used for school purposes, and the first school in the village was taught by Mrs. Ellen L. Woodworth, in 1865. This house was also used for church and other purposes, and the first Sabbath-school organized in the village was in this building, in I865, the orginators of that movement being Mrs. I. A. Fancher, Mrs. Ellen Woodworth and Mrs. Langdon Bently. John Kinney, Esq., came to the county in I855, and was appointed first Postmaster of this village. He, although not a resident of the place at this time, is largely interested in the growth and prosperity of Mt. Pleasant, having a large amount of real estate inside the corporate limits. The first mill erected in the village was built by Hapner Bros.,in I866. The first grist-mill was built by Harris Bros., in I 872. In 1863, the future of Mt. Pleasant was very inauspicious. There were only three or four houses in the place, and they were small. Jo. Miser had a storyand-a-half house, which stood in the street west of where the Fancher Block stands. This house was sheeted inside to the gables, and covered with a shingle roof. I. E. Arnold had built a house near where the Flint &. Pere Marquette depot stands. Nelson Mosher had built the house now occupied by his son's widow, which was the third house erected in the village. I. A. Fancher drafted the plat of this village in June of I863. He took an active part in developing I' k*) A. C. a - 14-;,P-Ill of " 03~ i rS ~;.t-rCirt ir, f C~~; "-~II1III1 ~~i Zinjllur-ri, -c-s jj:.' -!:-* -^' Bnaa n — 8 ISABELLA COUNTY ~567 ( ^ and otherwise assisting the growth of the place, and t is yet, although permanently located at Detroit, aiding in every way every measure looking toward the advancement of her business interests. ') The first hardware store in the village was stocked by Doughty Bros., who still carry on the business, and have one of the largest and neatest stores in the place. The first brick block erected in the village was the building which they now occupy and own. It was erected in 1876. I. A. Fancher and Carr & Granger erected their 6)g fine brick blocks in I877, thereby adding largely to the value of the business portion of the village. Tunis W. Swart erected his block in 1879, and Albert B. Upton built the Opera-House Block the following summer. This is the finest block in the village, and the opera house is conceded to be the finest one this side of Detroit. In this block is located the bank of Hicks, Bennett & Co, real-estate and other offices. There are several fine brick residences in the town, ~ a and a number more will shortly be erected. The first election after the incorporation of Mt.; Pleasant was held May ii, I875, resulting in the x election of the following gentlemen: President, John i / Maxwell; Trustees- Cornelius Bennett, Wm. Rich-. mond, John A. Harris, Wilkinson Doughty, Dan. H. ) Gilman and George W. Brower; Clerk, Geo. N. Mosher; Assessor, I. E. Arnold; Street Commissioner, John Fox; Marshal, Cicero Kimball. The present officials are: President, Robert Laughlin; Trustees-J. N. Vansice, Michael Murtha, Peter Gardiner, Dennis Ryan, F. W. Ralph and Michael Garver; Treasurer, J. A. Harris; Clerk, Hi Dexter F. Arnold; Street Commissioner, Wm. J. Topping; Assessor, E. F. McQueen. The first vote polled was I23, which was increased to 347 in 1884. The business affairs of Mt. Pleasant have been well managed, and her miles of splendid sidewalks and nicely graded streets speak volumes. A pleasant council room is now owned by the vili lage, in which the fire department have their appa-. ratus and the Opera-House Band make headquarters. ({i The Opera-House Band numbers 14 members, and 4 disdains to be called " amateurs." Their permanent organization was effected in I88r, although a band has been in existence here for years. Mt. Pleasant is not burdened with debt, but is ' bonded for $ro,ooo to complete the payment of the Holly system of water works, which was established ^ in I882, at a cost of $i6,ooo. The village is by this means not only secure from great danger by fire, but an excellent supply of pure water can at all times be obtained. Mains will be laid during this year through all the principal streets, and those living remote from the business centers will be thus afforded the same protection in case of fire. The Fire Department have a splendidly equipped hook and ladder truck, 1 with buckets, etc., and a hose company who have, and can operate to good advantage,,000o feet of three-inch hose. H. H. Graves is Chief of the department. Mt. Pleasant has had several disastrous fires, but the one in I875 was the most serious which has ever occurred in the village. Twelve stores, with nearly all of their contents, were destroyed, entailing a loss of almost $5o,ooo upon their owners, which at the ime was keenly felt. Very little insurance was carried upon the same, but with a small capital most of them again started in business, and to-day not a = trace remains of the disaster. Handsome brick stores have taken the place of the wooden buildings, and = there are no villages of the size that excel Mt. Pleas- Z ant in the number of stores and amount of stock carried by her merchants. ( The first school-house was built where the houses of Messrs. Ward & King' now stand. It was used for a long time by the Methodists for church purposes priol to the erection of their church. Mrs. Mary Preston relates how they built the first Methodist church, and how good the people felt to have their own place in which to worship. Rev. George Bradley was at the time doing missionary work among the Indians, having been sent by the bishop to this field of labor. Services were held at private houses, in the woods and at school-houses, but the people felt the need of having a central place for worship. Mr. Bradley told Mrs. Preston that if she would procure a site for the church, he and his boys would draw the logs and help build a house. Mrs. Preston went to George Morton, who, with his brother Harvey, were proprietors of the town, and stated the proposition made by Rev. Bradley. Morton told her to select a lot, and she chose the two now owned by the county, upon which the jail and sheriff's residence will be erected. " I F "' r; r.0",, i., I I& -.. ~~ir\ e~~ fJ L` i-~:aai Ir k iZ 568 ISABELLA COUNTY. Mr. Bradley went to work, and was aided by a ful. Those of A. B. Upton, George Granger, J. C.; X number of people friendly to the cause, some of whom Leaton, Mrs. Henry Dunton, Henry A. Bouton and, furnished lumber, etc., and the house, now the coun- W. W. Preston, on Church Street, and Dr. P. E.. - T ci! room owned by the village, was built. Everybody Richmond, T. W. Swart, Charles Jeffries, William N. was happy when it was completed and regular ser- Brown and Mr. Ryan, on Broadway, will compare vices could be held in it, and many of the old pio- favorably with any village in the North. Shade-trees neers in Methodism speak of the joyful meetings are being planted along the principal streets, and a held there; and tears of regret fall when speaking few years will ensure beautiful avenues shaded by of the sorrow caused by the sale of the old building, the leafy elm and handsome maple, beneath the it.seeming like the sundering of the most sacred ties boughs of which the pedestrian may take a promen} to give up the old building hallowed by prayers of ade with the greatest satisfaction. % fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, although the Mt. Pleasant is noted for the number and excelelegant church now completed awaited their coming. lence of her hotels, the largest and best of which is When Mr. and Mrs. Preston came to Mt. Pleasant the Bennett House. This is an elegant three-story in i864, they were well provided with provisions, brick structure, handsomely finished, and furnished clothing, etc., having thought that very little could be in the modern style. It was completed in 1883, by procured in the new country. Two of their children Judge Cornelius Bennett, at a cost of $20,000. It had been residents in the neighborhood for two was formally opened in June, 1883, by the present: years previous, and they had undergone much priva- proprietors, F. A. Stebbins and Marvin Richardson, tion but no real suffering. Mrs. Mary Preston says both of whom are popular gentlemen, and general that they had coffee, sugar and other things enough favorites with the traveling public. Mr. Richardson i =i to last them 12 years, and absolutely found it hard to has been for 20 years engaged in the business, and J = dispose of. They purchased the house built by Dr. has a reputation second to none as a manager. The r } Burt, and had commodious quarters from the date of accommodations are first-class in every respect, and. their coming. Her daughter Celia wedded Emory the patronage all that could be desired. H. Bradley, the minister's son, in October, I864, The Peninsular House is a pleasant, spacious.. ( which was the first wedding in the village. Mrs. hotel, occupying an elegible location on North Main e Preston was the first lady who viewed the village of Street. Under the managemeut of Mr. J. N. VanMt. Pleasant from the top of the new court-house. sice, it is a fine paying investment and has a liberal Hundreds have since gazed with delight at the beau- share of business. tiful panorama spread before them from that elevated The Exchange Hotel is owned by Mr. Linus D. position, and the most perfect view can be obtained, Estee, one of the most cordial of landlords. This from this point, of the village and surrounding is a cheerful, home-like place, where the weary guest country. will find a cordial welcome, with plenty of good cheer that comes from a well filled larder. From i865, Mt. Pleasant has continued to grow in that comes from a well filled larder importance and numbers, until it ranks high among The Bamber House was the first hotel erected in W the villages in Northern Michigan in a commercial the village, and many noted guests have been way. A brief resume is given of her business indus- quartered within its walls. It is managed by Patrick tries, churches, etc., which determines well the enter- Donovan, one of the warmest-hearted Irishmen in prise of her citizens who anticipate a brilliant future the State, whose friends are legion. for the place, and none surely have more natural Michael S. Garvin is proprietor of the Union advantages. The geographical center of the south- House, the North Main Street hostelry, and the only ( e ern peninsula of Michigan is on section 24 of Coe thing lacking is room for more guests., Township, thus making this county the pivotal No stranger visits this village without carrying j|, point, and Mt. Pleasant the hub, which is destined away pleasant recollections of his accommodations to become one of the best business points north of at the excellent hotels during his stay. the Saginaws. The Ladies' Library Association is quite a flourThe residences in this village are neat and taste- ishing affair, and the records give proof of its successgo ~, -~-c/ fcxa ai .;-.-~ {it v~ Ad>,= uua...> SABELLA COUNTY. 569 ( - r" nS i, J ) 11~ ful management from the date of its organization. Six hundred volumes of the choicest literature are in circulation among the residents of the village. The management is entirely under the control of the ladies, who have aided the enterprise with their time and money until the permanent success of the association is assured. The officers of the society are: President, Mrs. Charles Westlake; Vice President, Mrs. Will. Hunt; Treasurer, Mrs. W. Doughty; Secretary, Mrs. Major Long; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. A. E. Chatterton; Librarian, Mrs. H. B. Pearson; Assistant Librarian, Mrs. Thomas Pickard. The society occupies pleasant rooms in the Nelson Block, which are open on Wednesday and Saturday of each week. A small sum expended annually gives the youth of Mt. Pleasant ample facilities for becoming conversant with the best and most talented authors of both history and fiction. This enterprise deserves substantial encouragement from the citizens, who are certainly largely benefitted by the use of so much literature at the small outlay a membership entails. i g, "o.t~ r=4 7=' JN 0 h,4 ) Harris Bros. are proprietors of the Merchant Mills, and are doing a fine business. They have three run of stone and ship large quantities of flour, besides doing a large amount of custom work. The roller process has been recently added, which gives them increased facilities for the manufacture of flour, their brands of which have become famous throughout Northern Michigan. The foundry and planing mills of Messrs. Proctor & Bamber are centrally located and do.q.uite a nice business in their line. The patent-hoop factory of F. E. Prince & Co. is a novelty in its way, and promises to revolutionize the manufacture of barrel hoops entirely. The machine was invented and patented by Mr. F. E. Prince last year, and is the only one of the kind in the country. The average number of finished hoops is 400,000 per month. This industry keeps 40 men in employment in getting out the timber, etc., and adds largely to the manufacturing interests of the village. Besides these industries, there are a large number of blacksmith and wagon shops, harness and shoe shops, all of which add to the business of the village in a marked degree. In the mercantile line the dry-goods and grocery trade is very large. The most extensive houses in this line are those of John Maxwell, E. E. Wood, A. E. Chatterton and E. A. & W. E. Ward. The staple and fancy grocery trade is well represented by D. H. Gilman, W. S. Hunt, Carr & Granger, D. Ryan, E. G. Curtis, F. L. Davis & Co. and -- Kane. C. H. Houk and John Kenny do a nice business and are popular restaurateurs. Nearly all the dealers in dry goods carry a large assortment of clothing and boots and shoes. Of these, Thomas McNamara, H. M. Angell and W. Doughty have the most extensive trade. W. H. Yerrick & Co. and A. Hall are exclusive dealers in boots and shoes, and C. H. Thompson and D. Switzer carry a large stock of jewelry, watches, clocks, etc. I =3 ) I= A *S. in ( 1) 4)C~ Business Interests. X ^ HE manufacturing interests of Mt. Pleasant are confined chiefly to lumber, shingles, etc. The mill of Upton & Leaton is the most extensive, having a capacity of 30,000 feet per day, and employing a force of 30 men. Allowing 290 working days in a year, the cut of this mill averages 8,700,000 feet annually, Messrs. J. P. Walker and A. E. Chatterton do an 6-3 extensive business in the manufacture of lumber, i having both a saw and shingle mill, the capacity of which is T5,000 feet of lumber and 30,000 shingles per day. They had on hand March ist, I,300,00o feet of logs, which, at the low estimate of $6 per thousand, distributed nearly $8,00o among the farmers from this mill alone. J7 The Mt. Pleasant Novelty Works was erected I during the fall of 1883, and is owned and operated by Messrs. Chas. Jeffords and Charles C. Whitney. ( They manufacture doors, sash, blinds, and also do scroll-sawing and ornamental work. Thirty men are employed by this firm when running the mill at its full capacity. I t,) The hardware business is immense; and no village of such pretentions as Mt. Pleasant can boast of larger and finer establishments in this line than those of Messrs. L. N. Smith, Doughty Bros. and Geo. C Faulkner & Co. The livery business forms an important factor in Tnho-^w — 21 11I 1 "I ~ Z.1. 7 ~ )- k~~;- q111-i ' L ---— \riin7i^^-> 570 ISABELLA COUNTY. 5 0 EI* i,,-j'lks is'3,j N 1 " IN 'I<*I..,t 4ir ~->It~ I all towns remote from railroad communication, and to this date Mt. Pleasant has not been classed as the most fortunate in this respect. Of the livery firms, George McDonald has the finest barn, and a splendid lot of horses and fine outfits. The Whitney Brothers and V. K. Brown also have splendid turnouts and an excellent trade. B. F. Kyes deals in music, sewing-machines, etc., and has quite a nice trade. Two artists, Messrs. Smith and J. T. Conlon, are popular photographers, and their studios exhibit evidences of their skill. Mt. Pleasant is one of the healthiest villages in the Peninsular State, yet a number of skilled physicians reside here, and their business, while not extensive, brings with it a nice income. We are pleased to mention the names of these gentlemen, all of whom enjoy the respect and confidence of the community in a high degree: Drs. P. E. Richmond, M. F. Fasquelle, F. H. Tyler, J. C. Corbus, L. J. Petz and Royal & J. J. Stoner. The different schools of medicine are ably represented by these geutlemen, among whom the greatest harmony prevails. Drug-stores are always found where civilization exists, and there is a growing demand for the goods handled in a legitimate business. W. W. Cox & Co. give theirs the significant name, "People's Drugstore." This firm have recently opened their store and the stock is complete. Charles Westlake is proprietor of the "City Drug-store," and is also Postmaster of the village. The office being located in his store, assures a large trade, aside from the popularity of its owner. Messrs. Carr & Granger have a large and choice line of drugs, chemicals and school-books. Their establishment is known as the "Central Drugstore." All three of these houses are located on Broadway. The " Main Street Drug-store" is owned and operated by Messrs. McQueen & Ralph, whose excellent tastes are magnificent in the neatness of arrangement in displaying their goods. Not less than $30,000 is invested by the four stores in the drug line alone. John Craig and Kimball Bros. are large dealers in fresh and salt meats, fish, game, etc. J. E. Wilcox and Fred Pferdesteller are engaged in the furniture and -undertaking business. Both carry complete stocks of everything in their line. The dental profession is represented by Drs. G. A. Goodsell and J; B. VanFossen, both skilled operators. Millinery is represented by Mesdames C. Kimball, O. S. Stanton and Ruth M.. Davis. All report a splendid trade, and their display of goods is artistic and elaborate. Wadhams & Farrell, S. May and Frank F. Foster deal largely in clothing and gents' furnishing goods. Everything in their line of merchandise can be procured at either of the houses mentioned. V. F. Conlogue deals extensively in agricultural implements, farm wagons, buggies, etc. Real estate is rapidly advancing, but bargains may yet be obtained of Messrs. Hopkins & Lyon, Judge Cornelius Bennett and W. I. Cutler, the latter of whom has also an abstract office. Other firms also handle real estate, among whom might be mentioned Brown & Leaton, A. B. Upton and Hance & Devereaux. Russell & Whitney do a legitimate insurance business, and allow the above mentioned firms a clear field in real estate. The pioneer bank of Mt. Pleasant is the one managed by the firm of Hicks, Bennett & Co. This corporation was organized in April, I875, and has since that time done a general banking business. Robert Young was the first cashier; he was succeeded by A. B. Upton, who retired Jan. I, 1884. D. Scott Partridge is now the cashier, and by his long business acquaintance and well known integrity has added largely to the interests of the corporation. The stockholders are all men of wealth and influence, and the firm of Hicks, Bennett & Co., is considered one of the most reliable in Central Michigan. The bank is located in the Opera-House Block, and have commodious quarters with a fire and burglar proof safe, secured by a double time lock, the same being fixed in a fire-proof vault constructed especially for the purpose. The firm of Brown, Harris & Co. have a neat building opposite the Opera-House Block, and the stockholders are composed of the following well known persons, all of whom are quite wealthy: William N. Brown, Elizabeth G. Kellogg, M. Devereaux, Minnie K. Brown, Amelia S. K. May, Samuel W. Hopkins, D. H. Nelson, John C. Leaton, Harris Bros. and J. W. Hance. The bank was opened for business Jan 12, 1883, since which time it has done a splendid business. John A. Harris is the cashier, t. $; 4i I;P (7 "I71 I I"r4z 4w" ~ u H ~-)-., Ir --- ~^- nr Ol --- ISABELLA COUNTY. 57' | and no more popular gentleman ever cashed ck. dedicated in I866. The services were conducted The business is all that could be desired, and is upon that occasion by Rev. George B. Jocelyn, D. H profitable to the stockholders and convenient for its D., LL. D., of Albion College, assisted by Rev. F. B.,. patrons. Bangs. f patrons _ Bs The year of 1872 was a very prosperous one for?,~ v ' '~ ~ the society, both in a financial and theological way. Many needed repairs were made upon both church Churches and Societies. and parsonage, all of which expenses were defrayed I.a by substantial contributions, Mrs. Sophia Bradley, I | YSTEMIZED social work is characteristic widow of Rev. Geo. Bradley, donating $250. The of civilization everywhere; and accordingly society, with varying fortune, maintained their ground, By J the new occupants of the soil in the forests gradually increasing the membership until it became ' of Isabella County made haste to organize evident that a new church must be built to accomChurches and societies for the general amel- modate the numbers desiring to attend Methodist serioration of their condition. We here give a vices, the present church being inadequate. sketch of the religious and other societies of Mt. In i88i Rev. J. K. Stark was appointed to the Pleasant. charae at Mt. Pleasant, and his energy in brinring, ) /\ T.__ I A,g.) i: THE METHODIST CHURCH. Religious services were held in this county by those who were members of this Church prior to the formation of a permanent organization. Rev. R. P. Sheldon was one of the first ministers who came to Isabella County; and, upon the formation of " Chippewa Circuit," which was effected in i86I, at the annual conference held at Battle Creek, he was appointed and placed in charge. Rev. George Bradley was the first Presiding Elder. This circuit originally embraced nearly the whole of this county, but as the county became more densely settled and new appointments formed it was divided, and now embraces Calkinsville, Dushville and all the appointments south of that in the county. In 1863, Rev. R. P. Sheldon was apain assigned to this circuit, with Rev. I D - 7 - - - ca -— D about the successful completion of the new church is deserving of commendation. The old church was exchanged for the site which the new church now occupies, the exchange being effected with Mr. D. H. Nelson, a wealthy gentleman residing in Mt. Pleasant, who, after the transfer had been made, donated the old church property, valued at $1,500, to the society. The building was sold to the village of Mt. Pleasant for a council room and engine house, and the lot was sold to the county, upon which a new jail and sheriff's residence will be erected during this year. Added to the already large donation of Mr. Nelson was the princely gift of $2,000 in cash, which stimulated the members and friends of the society until they determined to erect a church edifice that would afford ample accommodations for many years. I Tis 1\, ~ 4 F H. Hall The C the first class wa circuit. at the h( with Mo cuit had I870 it N In 1872 placed i Mt. Plea to be su] ant.,Presiding Elder. The contract was let to Mr. M. S. Anderson, and the! Thurch records fail to show when or where corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies K class was formed. The first mention of a July i, 882, an address being made by the Rev. H. X s while Rev. Eli Westlake had charge of the M. Joy, Presiding Elder of Grand Rapids, followed He organized one, consisting of 24 persons, by one from Rev. J. A. Sprague, Presiding Elder of ouse of Bro. Burger's, in Lincoln Township, this district )rris Titus as Leader. The name of the cir- The church was opened for services May 6, 1883, been previously changed to Isabella, but in when all the money was raised necessary to liquidate was again changed to Mt. Pleasant Circuit. all indebtedness. Rev. D. F. Barnes preached in ),Salt River and appointments south were the morning, and Elder Sprague at the evening ser-.n a separate charge, leaving the village of vice. August 19, 1883, the church was dedicated to, sant, Chippewa and Gulick's school-houses Almighty God, by Rev. J. A. Sprague, assisted by L. pplied by the minister stationed at Mt. Pleas- R. Fiske, D. D., LL. D. The Methodist church is the finest and most g irst church at this village was erected and commodious house of worship in the village, and i~lif~a*: n;~111~1 ~-~a-7_f;~~. The f — ^ -^l^^ - ----- 572 ISABELLA COUNTY. cost, with the grounds, $5,ooo000. The society is not most talented divines in Northern Michigan, and his indebted one dollar of the amount, and the mem- congregation are loth to give him up, although the > bers, as well as many persons outside the Chuch, are inexorable law of the Church demands it. Wherever i entitled to great credit for their liberality. The the Rev. Stark is called, will the Church find in him church is a handsome brick structure, built in the one of the most logical and earnest workers in the Gothic style of architecture, with a seating capacity theological field. of 400. The furniture is of black ash, trimmed with THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. walnut. The acoustic properties of the audienceroom a:e unsurpassed. The names of Rev. R. P. The Presbyterians of Mt. Pleasant and vicinity Sheldon, the first minister, and Rev. George Bradley, were the second so iety to undertake the difficult the first Presiding Elder, of Chippewa Circuit, adorn but almost imperative task of erecting a place of wor2 the memorial window in the new church, not solely ship. Having long felt the necessity of a permanent because they were the first, but they were a pair of place of meeting, the Ladies' Aid Society undertook noble workers in the army of God's ministers, through to procure, and did procure, the present site for a whose labors much good was accomplished, and the church building,-Mr. Cornelius Bennett donating love and respect of the whole Church obtained. one-half the lot. This magnanimous gift of the sociThis is a fitting tribute to those qualities of mind ety stimulated the Church members and friends to and heart which were so largely inherent in those two undertake the erection of a church, and after many worthy gentlemen, whose names will ever live in the trials and reverses, by dint of hard work and great perhistory of the society in Isabella County. On an- severance, with the aid of many and liberal subscripother window appear the names of Mr. D. H. Nelson tions of the citizens, they succeeded in presenting to and Mrs. Abigail Babbitt, both of whom gave with the society the present imposing and cheerful struc-; A lavish hand to assist in the erection of this elegant ture, which was dedicated to Almighty God in Feb. = x sanctuary. ruary, I875,-Rev. Mr. Middlemus, of Saginaw,; =: A new parsonage, corresponding with the beauty preaching the dedicatory sermon; Rev. Calvin Clark,: in design and finish of the new church edifice, will Rev. Mr. Willett Knott, Turrill Sparling and others, C be erected during the autumn of 1884. This will assisting. cost, when complete, with the lots on which it will beTHE UNITARIAN SOCIETY. ( erected, fully $3,ooo. In the summer of I88 the Rev. R. Conner, a UniThe rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church re- tarian minister, came to Mt. Pleasant and delivered quire that their ministers shall change locations at two lectures, to which a large number of the citizens least once in three years. Below are given the names of this place listened. The remarks of Mr. Conner of those worthies who have served this charge since awakened quite an interest in the minds of a number 1861, together with the dates of their pastorate: of the thinking people of this village, and a desire to R. P. Sheldon, i86I-3 form a society was apparent. Rev. R. W. Savage K L. M. Garlic, 1864 came in September, i881, and delivered a course of f D. 0. Fox, 1865 lectures, and in the following month effected a perJ. Webb, 1866-7 T.J. SWeb, 8667 manent organization, with about 20 members. W. T. Williams, I869 For one year and a half after its organization the Eli Westlake, 1870-2 meetings were heldin the Opera House. During this G. W. Gosling, 1873 time the society increased in strength and numbers, E. H. Sparling, 1874-5 (: A. C. Beach, 1876 and the necessity of a permanent place of meeting W. W. Ware, i877-8 was felt. The subject was discussed, and finally H. Bready, [879 plans, drawn by Donaldson & Meier, of Detroit, $ J. W. Hulenbeck, i88o were adopted. C. C. Whitney was the contractor. X J. K. Stark, I881-3 Star 881-3 The work was begun on the new church building in T The latter is the present Pastor, whose labors have February, 1883, and completed in December of the been fraught with much success. He is one of the same year, at a cost of $3,ooo. The frescoing is a - sae —yr ata cto,0o fri Xni SABELLA COUNTY. 573 @, (~1 ) B'nt 2) V. ). ^ r F '. 2)3 K:CX s / d) \^j A.* 1 fi t.+ ( >' I, beautiful piece of workmanship. The main body of the chapel has a seating capacity of 250, and with the parlors thrown open 50 more can be accommodated. The chapel was formally dedicated in the winter of 1883, at which time the State Conference of the Unitarian society was held here. Rev. R. Conner, of East Saginaw, preached the dedicatory sermon, assisted by Rev. T. B. Forbush, Rev. J. T. Sunderland, of Ann Arbor, Rev. Geo. Stickney, of Grand Haven, Rev. Julius Blass, of Jackson, and Rev. F. E. Kittredge, the State Unitarian Missionary of Michigan. Delegates were present from every society in the State except the one at Kalamazoo. At this dedication Miss Ida C. Hulton, of Athens, Mich., read a very interesting paper on "Woman and Her Work." This is the only "liberal " society in the county, and they are rapidly gaining ground and constantly increasing in numbers. Mr. Savage has been to the flock an able leader ever since its organization in I88I, and with his aid and good management they expect to build a beautiful brick structure for holding services, and the present building will be used for a chapel, Sabbath-school, socials, etc. A. B. Upton is President of the society; Hon. S. W. Hopkins, Vice President; Free Estee, Secretary, and Hon. J. W. Hance, Treasurer. The Executive Committee is composed of Wm. T. Whitney,'John Fraser and V. K. Conlogue. As an auxiliary to the Unitarian Society, there was organized, January i6, I882, a society known as the Ladies' Union. The object of this Union is the promotion of social life and general good in the community, by working in harmony with the First Unitarian Society of Mt. Pleasant. The funds of the Union are wholly under the control of its membership. Gentlemen are admitted as honorary mem.. bers. The first officers were: President, Mrs. A. B. Upton; Vice President, Mrs. J. J. Stoner; Secretary, L. J. King; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. C. C. Whitney; Treasurer, Mrs. W. Woodbury; Collectors, C. M. Brooks and Miss Denison; Reception Committee, M. Brown and Mrs. Whitney. The funds placed at the disposal of the Union during the first two years of its existence amounted to nearly $600. The society rendered very material assistance in the furnishing of the new chapel, and has paid the incidental expenses of the Unitarian Society, excepting the salary of the pastor, since the date of its organization. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Geo. C. Faulkner; Vice President, Mrs. Ralph; Secretary, Mrs. A. B. Upton; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. W. Woodbury; Treasurer, Mrs. C. C. Whitney; Collectors, Mrs. M. Brown and Mrs. E. Potter. The Sunday-school connected with this society is in a flourishing condition, and is under the able superintendency of Rev. R. W. Savage. Several valuable contributions of choice books have been received for the Sabbath-school library; among these is a collection of Io5 volumes donated by James Freeman Clark's Church, of Boston. The society of which Mr. Barbar, editor of the Unitarian Review, is leader, has also donated a nice addition to this library. Rev. R. W. Savage is rapidly building up the society by his eloquence and logical teachings. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. The Catholics had for a long time talked of building a permanent place for public worship. Some time prior to I876, Hon. I. A. Fancher donated to the society three acres of ground. The location is in a beautiful part of the village, and a neat and capacious church edifice that may well be the pride and glory of their best endeavors has been erected. The number of adherents to the faith has increased steadily, and under the present teachings of Rev. Father McCarthy the constant promotion and growth of the society is assured. ST. JOHN S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. One of the most handsome churches in Northern Michigan is the one bearing the above name, which was erected in 1883, and consecrated Jan. Io, I884, by Rt. Rev. Bishop George D. Gillespie, assisted by Revs. W. A. Masters, of Detroit, B. F. Matrau, of Saginaw, Stearns, of St. Louis, Pritchard, of Ludington, and Rhames, of Midland. After the ceremonies of consecration, the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered, a large number of those present taking part in the solemn rite. After the services, which lasted nearly three hours, the invited guests from abroad, and many of the prominent ladies and gentlemen of this village, were taken in carriages to the Bennett House, where they 'Iirl Tu ll I. IC/ i rar - d ("') ic-~ I --- ~~W~ti~d111;-~ W,6'b -4 ^u01!t0i)< 4 — - Oh's i 574 ISABELLA COUNTY. V dined as the guests of Hon. Wm. N. Brown, through (I884), services being held at convenient times by whose princely liberality this church was erected, he ministers from abroad. They have a live member-?i * having built it, at a cost of $4,300. which, with the ship to begin with, of 30 persons, who are determined entire furniture, etc., was upon that day presented to to employ none but the best talent to represent their ~ the diocese. The lots upon which the church stands cause. ) were donated by Gen. Dwight May (father of Mrs. THE BAPTIST SOCIETY. Brown) for church purposes. iAlthough having no church this society still mainToo much praise cannot be given Hon. Wm. N..c. c.. tains its organization. It was formed in i883, with a Brown, for his liberality, who, with his wife, unasB r w.. membership of six persons. Having no regular minsisted by any one, caused the erection, and donation ister, of course the growth must necessarily be slow, to the Episcopal society, of this, one of the finest. s, yet the intention is to erect a substantial church, e churches in the land. All the brick were made on r si n adsl te l r we employ a minister of talent and build up the society. Mr. Brown's own yard, the lumber sawed and cares own,. ea n c - Rev. Monroe, of Salt River, is entitled to the credit f fully selected at his own mill: the teaming, excavat-.... of forming the Baptist society in this village. ing, etc., were done by his men. He states that the building could not be contracted to-day for less THE SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. than $7,500. As a moral and religious educator, the SundayThis church is located on the corner of Washing- school forms a most important factor. The day is ) ton and Maple Streets, some distance from the bus- past when any man can successfully maintain that iness portion of this enterprising village. The Christianity does not exert a beneficial influence in # exterior presents a very handsome appearance. It every community in which it has a representation.:r has a substantial stone foundation, is brick veneered, Sunday-schools, that necessary auxiliary of the = Ai finished in an Elizabethan-Gothic style, the roof being Church, have been well established all over the ' - relieved from an ordinary appearance by four gable county, and are very well sustained. Too much t windows of stained glass. The building stands back cannot be said or done in that direction; it has many from the street some feet, and a number of steps bearings on the youthful mind; it molds and fashions I lead into it. The inside is patterned after a thought; establishes moral and religious habits, as church design on the Duke of Devonshire's estate in well as Christian associations; it draws the mind England, and is very elaborate. At the same time from baser thoughts, and causes it to dwell upon there is nothing gaudy in the arrangements or finish, that which is elevating and refining. If all would the whole work showing good taste on the part of use their best endeavors to promote the establishthose who selected the designs. It is finished in ash ment and growth of the Sunday-school, the results and oiled, the decorations being Venetian frescoing would be plainly apparent in the increased moral, and no painting of any sort. The pews are comfort- and intellectual growth of the youth in our land. X able and of a modern design, and have a seating The Sunday-schools under the supervision of the s capacity of 200. The aisles, altar and choir plat- Churches in this village and county are notable exform are neatly carpeted; the building is heated by amples of what can be accomplished in this direction. a furnace in the basement, and lighted by two handsome prism chandeliers. To the left of the altar MUSICIANS. are the vestry rooms, finished in the same manner as Among the many pleasant features of this beautithe other portions of the church, while on the right fll town, music forms an important factor. Very few of the chancel is located the choir loft. The chan- villages have so many accomplished musicians, and i cel is furnished with both a reading desk and fal- none ca bost of better ones. Major J. W. Long stool, while to the rear is the communion table and has had a large number of elegant pieces published, A chancel rail. The communion service is of solid the copyright of which has been sold in every in- () X silver, while the altar furniture is of the finest de- stance, and some of his finest productions are yet in, scription. manuscript. His wife is also a teacher of music, and 3 A resident pastor will be engaged during the year is one of the most accomplished musicians. '4)K ISABELLA COUNTY. 575 Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Woodworth furnish all the granted authorizing them to work April 9, r883. The music for balls, theaters, etc. charter members of this order were: Messrs. RobMrs. Cora Stebbins has few equals upon the piano, ert Laughlin, Mark F. Fasquelle, John R. Robinson, and surely none in affability. Silenus A. Simons, D. Scott Partridge, C. O. Curtis, [ A number might be mentioned who are excellent P. F. Doods, E. F. McQueen, Wm. A. Osborn, Cicero performers, but these are the most prominent musi- Kimball, I. N. Shepherd, John Maxwell, Samuel cians of the village, and they deserve special men- Kennedy, Richard Hoy, James B. Kennedy and tion. Henry Struble. WABON LODGE NO. 305, A. F. & A. M. The first officers elect were: Robert Laughlin, H. This lodge was instituted in 187I. The early P.; M. F. Fasquelle, K.; J. R. Robinson, S.; S. A. records were destroyed by fire, which makes it im- Simons, Treas.; D. Scott Partridge, Sec.; Chas. 0. -:) possible to give but a passing notice of its early Curtis, C. H.; P. F. Doods, P. S.; E. F. McQueen, history. The first officers were: Albert Fox, W. R. A. C.; Wm. A. Osborn, G. M. 3d V.; C. Kimball, M.; W. W. H. Gavitt, S. W.; W. H. Harris, J. W.; G. M. 2d V.; Jno. Maxwell, G. M. ist V., and I. N. I. A. Fancher, Treas.; John Manners, Sec.; L. J. Shepherd, Sentinel. Worden, S. D.; Charles Worden, J. D.; and A. B.. Wm. T. Whitney was the first one to receive the Balcom, Tyler. The charter members were the fol- degree of the Holy Royal Arch. lowing named gentlemen: A. Fox, William N. Harris, The present officials are: Robert Laughlin, H. William H. Gavitt, John Maxwell, Isaac A. Fancher, P.; M. F. Fasquelle, K.; I. N. Shepherd, S.; D. Scott Seth T. Worden, Charles E. Worden, James Fockler, Partridge, C. H.; E. F. McQueen, P. S.; W. J. CorDe Los Bramon, A. B. Balco, Charles 0. Curtis, bus, Treas.; Wm. T. Whitney, Sec.; John Maxwell, and H. M. Gilman. 3d G. M.; Cicero Kimball, 2d G. M.; John RichWabon Lodge is now one of the best working mond, ist G. M.; Chas. C. Whitney, Sentinel, and lodges in Central Michigan, and the present Master, John R. Robinson, Chaplain. r D. Scott Partridge, is peculiarly well fitted for the chapteris in a fourishing condition. They * i/ place he occupies. For several years he has served are pleasantly located in the lodge rooms of No. 305, the brethren in the capacity of Master, and their A F & A M. ' feelings toward him is well understood by the presen-, J H VH3 ~.S tation speech delivered by Dr. S. C. Brown, Dec. 12, 1883, and given on page 445 of this volume. The officers elect for the ensuing Masonic year are: D. Scott Partridge, W. M.; Wm. A. Starkweather, S. D.; Daniel M. Witt, J. D.; Myron A. Nott, Treas.; William I. Cutler, Sec.; Thomas Sampson, S. D.; Moses Brown, J. D., and John Maxwell, Chaplain. The prosperity of Wabon Lodge is only equalled by the harmony and good feeling which prevail among the brethren. MT. PLEASANT CHAPTER, NO. I1I, R. A. M.,.....c nra-;,,a -1;-. 7 QQ, Xl,1;.... A.......Ien KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. The lodge was instituted March 17, I884, with a membership of 22 persons. The order is calculated to promote friendship and brotherly love, besides being a mutual relief association. The officers are: F. H. Tyler, Past Commander; Charles T. Russell, Commander; V. F. Conlogue, Lieut.; Fred Russell, R. K.; F. W. Ralph, F. K.; W. C. Dusenbury, P.; F. H. Tyler, Physician; J. J. Kitchen, Sergeant; J. B. VanFossen, M. A. A.; O. W. Stebbins, ist M. of G; F. C. Prince, 2nd M. of G.; I. L. Swan, Sentinel; n,,r A T -T C1f-.,,.;. D,;1,t - wat s ugallzcu E u 4'ILOO4 I II U SICLIS'i'llWaS 1ana v. 1N oturis JrC" et.4-mI -— ~S ie"mom -- nen -;\.C ---- W 576 ISABELLA COUNTY. (~) - i 6? ^ Jv. <^ 1 I The Isabella County Enterprise.. i i I4 SN an early day in the history 3^! of the county, 0. B. Church started a weekly paper called I ^ i the Northern Pioneer. The material used and the printing press, which was the first press in the county, were hauled from Ithaca to Mt. Pleasant in ~ the year 1863, by order of Judge Estee. vlW2 It may be stated here that this same [ press is still in use at the Enterprise office; and, although it passed through the fire of I875, it is still in good working order. The first issue of the paper was dated Nov. 30, I864. It was Republican in principles, and has always been an exponent, and is still a supporter, of the Republican party. The name has been changed to the Isabella Enterprise, and John R. Doughty is now editor and proprietor. The original proprietor sold, in an early day, one-half interest to James P. Welper, and afterward the remainder to Myron McLaren, who subsequently bought out Mr. Welper. Mr. McLaren then sold to I. A. Fancher, and the latter in turn sold to Albert Fox, who owned and controlled it until his death, in February, 1873, when it was sold to its present proprietor. It is now entering upon its 20th year, with a reputation exceeding that of any former year, in circulation, etc. The editor, Mr. Doughty, has proven himself, during all these years, an able expounder of Republican principles, and its columns A is have done much to forward not only the growth of Republicanism, but also to advance the prosperity and moral tone of the good people of this county. The Northwestern Tribune. * T Salt River, in September, 1879, this enterterprising journal was established, the proprietors being then, as now, Dr. S. C. Brown & Sons. It was removed to Mt. Pleasant in March, x881, where it takes equal rank with the other able journals published in this village. Dr. Brown is one of the jolliest fellows that ever drew a pen in support of his country, and nothing but thorough Republican doctrines has ever been seen on the editorial page of the Tribune. It has a fine circulation, and, as the Doctor states, " grows in grace day by day." v fi Mt. Pleasant Times. HE Mt. Pleasant Times was established in ) I877, by Henry H. Graves, who was its proprietor, with James W. Long as editor. It |> was first run as a Democratic and afterwards as a Greenback paper, until Nov. i9, i879, when Major James W. Long, the present owner and publisher, took possession. Major Long con-:^allQ)"~^~_A-~-^P --- — j~~.Hq 14 S eiii- -;a - ^nri-o/nDnE/:' WW-W- s ''- 1 f ISABELLA COUNTY. 577 as) such e s ' T i th oir ~j verted it into an independent paper, and has run it have been published, viz: "Archibald Graham," l as such ever since. The Times is the official county " Little Gertie," " Tuck Meredith " and " Born to the.; paper of Isabella County, and also the official city People;" and at present a fifth one, entitled " Oriola," f paper of Mt. Pleasant. From the first it has enjoyed is running. These stories have been received with 9- a large run of patronage, its influence being sought avor, as an increasing subscription list testifies. for in times of election, and has been the favorite The Times is a large eight-page, seven-column office of the county for job and legal work. Its cir- paper, making 56 columns weekly, and has a larger culation is a solid one, its subscribers all being pay- amount of reading matter than any other paper in its ing ones. It is conducted as a family newspaper, vicinity. giving especial attention to live locals, general news, Being independent in politics, it supports the men A and, in the intervals between elections, publishing a whom it deems best fitted for office, regardless of.: continued story written by the editor. Already four their political affiliations. AfA7 Af.. t - __ __-...... d (-~ -\ " S~ I~-~ ~~ Ci68 I I - ^f> *^ i HE county of Isabella has not i ' 1 until recently enjoyed the advantages which railroad facilities bring, but it has already two lines established and in active operation, with [...: two other lines in contemplation, one of which is assured. Over these the produce of the il i country will be carried ere the termination of the year 1884. Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad. j I AGINAW & Mt. Pleasant Railroad was constructed in 1879 from Coleman, on the J W line of the Flint & Pere Marquette, to the \A village of Mt. Pleasant, the county seat of Isabella. The company for the construction of this line was organized under the general railroad law in March, 879, and the following gentlemen elected officers: President, Jesse Hoyt, of Ne VYork: Vice-President. I. A. Fancher. of Mt. I In the present age, it seems that Pleasant; Secretary and Treasurer, W. L. Webber, X |1 1 railroads constitute the most o- of East Saginaw. s' ~ Ii. ~ tential agency in the advancement The work of clearing and grading was commenced S" of human interests; and the days in the latter part of July, 1879, and track-laying!c of waiting for them in this county September 24, of same year. This work was com'2 ) ' t/f must have seemed long and tedi- pleted on Tuesday, December 8, and regular trains / ous to all the early residents. put on December 15. The road, with equipment c~<~))^i~~ ^~ --- e -h oaii^^ ^- ^ $~^ 578,-,-I -s - A B n.i 578 ISABELL. Vo %k )3 1=S i~ complete to commence business, cost $130,ooo. The enterprising citizens of Mt. Pleasant subscribed $15,ooo of that amount, and the entire right of way, together with a plenty of ground for stations and other purposes. The investment has brought thousands of dollars to Isabella County, and her lands, which now blossom as the rose, owe nearly all their enhanced value to the impetus given business by the advent of this railroad. The people of Mt. Pleasant hailed the completion of the new railroad with great joy. A grand street parade was made, in which all the citizens participated. The business houses were closed at IO A. M., and a committee repaired to the depot to meet the party of officials who arrived on the 11 A. M. train. The address of welcome was made by Mr. J. C. Leaton, President of the village, which was attentively listened to by a large concourse of people. Hon. I. A. Fancher, to whom much credit is due for his activity in helping forward the work, did much toward making this demonstration a success. Major James W. Long acted as Marshal, and the afternoon parade comprised: I.-Mt. Pleasant Cornet Band. 2.-President, Village Council and Distinguished Guests. 3.-Steam Fire Engine. 3 -4.-Hose Company. 5.-Hook and Ladder Company. 6.-Citizens on foot. 7.-Citizens in carriages. The procession formed at the depot, marched to the court-house, where William N. Brown delivered a pleasant address, followed by D. Nelson and Dr. H. C. Potter, one of the railroad officials, who in turn was followed by Hon. I. A. Fancher, the only one of the Board of Directors representing Mt. Pleasant. In the evening the court-house and nearly all the residences in the village were illuminated, and hilarity reigned supreme. Wm. N Brown's elegant residence was thrown open, and a reception held from 7 to I o'clock. There was a very general attendance and a most enjoyable evening was passed. The guests were received in a charming manner by the host and hostess, the latter having to aid her Mesdames I. A. Fancher, Cornelius Bennett, Major J. W. Long, J. C. Leaton, W. S. Hunt and J. R. Doughty. Delicate and tempting refreshments were served dur A COUNTY. 1 ing the evening ththe supper room presenting an animated picture, as the guests, full of glee, discoursed cheerily of the bright future in store for the town.? With the coming of the railroad, a boom began for Mt. Pleasant, and the rapid increase in business enterprise and population became marked. With outlets on the south and a road to tap the Lake Superior region, her people may be content, as it will thus give them communication with the world in all points of the compass. f The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. HIS road was built across Wise Township in 1870, being the first road completed in ' Isabella County. Loomis is the only station on that line in Isabella. The road was first completed from Flint to Saginaw in I862, and it has since been extended over a great part of this peninsula. Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern. ~ (I ORK on this road is being rapidly pushed, and much of the grading is already comf 's? pleted. This route was surveyed during the D(' winter of I883-4, and it was deemed by corn1 petent persons one of the best routes in prospective that traverses the State of Michigan. The country through which it passes is remarkably rich in soil, with large lumber interests yet undeveloped. As an investment alone, it is now considered one of the most profitable, and the stockholders expect large returns from their new enterprise. l,.. Z, f IS A.'*. ". ~^.T " P. *e 1=1,. 4}t,, $b"; ~/ s ^1 < 8 I The company was organized in January, I884, '"~ with A. W. Wright, President; Wi. N. Brown, VicePresident; Wm. S. Turck, Treasurer, and Marcus i Pollasky, Secretary. The following well known gentlemen, whose wealth is ample security that the road, will be completed within the year, constitute the Board of Directors: A. W. Wright, Wm. N. Brown,:,..- _.., tI, u r~iA f ~ i~~nlv~m~aA Va iISABELLA COUNTY. 579 L Wm. S. Turck, James Gargett, I. N. Shepherd, John With this, if not the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North-, A. Harris and George D. Barton. western Railroad as well, Mt. Pleasant will lose her } The road will have Lansing for its southern ter- name as being an inland village. There is but little [ minus, and will pass through an exceedingly fertile doubt fhat the latter road will be pushed northward, ) and beautiful country as it touches the enterprising as the company cannot afford to make St. Louis the ) villages of DeWitt, St. John's, Maple Rapids, Alma and Mt. Pleasant, on its way northward, to some point on Lake Michigan, which is not yet definitely settled. Mt. Pleasant will be the northern terminus, temporarily, but this outlet will be of vast importance to her business interests. It is quite certain that cars will be running on this new line before January, 1885, and real estate is rapidly advancing in value. terminus, and Mt. Pleasant, with her enterprise and unlimited facilities for manufacturing, is in no danger of being left out. The Lansing, Alma & Mt. Pleasant Railroad will be of more benefit to this village and county than any line from either direction could possibly be, as it passes through a better agricultural I country along the entire route than can be found in any other direction. t= '>. 33C A.S ulk Ur!*.a0. I "Ct Rae (,- f HIS heading comprises many Material Interests. a f-? interesting items, which are t' well worthy a careful peru- HE growth of Isabella County has been a sal. Among these may be rapid one. The census of i860 gave her mentioned the Pioneer Soci- 1,443 inhabitants; and the one of 188o, S X ety, Educational interests, I2,159* The school census of 1883 gives her the Agricultural Society, the 4,43I, which almost trebles the entire populaCounty Poor Farm, etc., all of tion of I860. The census report of r880 shows which are subjects with which I3,733 acres of wheat,yielding 176,480 bushels. Oneevery one should become familiar. fourth more has since been cleared and sown to All these matters are of equal im- wheat, and with the excellent prospect now in view portance with those which are more the harvest in Isabella this season may confidently ' regularly classified elsewhere in this be expected to produce 320,000 bushels. Add to 1 work; but their nature and other cereals e er ereaand vegetables for amount of matter concerning each' which this county is so famous, and to which may be make it more appropriate to place added the large lumber product, it will compare fathem under the above head, at the vorably with any county in Central Michigan. ^I. them under the above bead, at the._.v g.....'.. It is estimated by careful and competent persons ) conclusion of the historical department of this vol- that 50,000,000 feet of pine logs are annually floated umel.down the Chippewa alone. When we take into con-~ ~:A~ tH g X,0u'tS > Jl^ ^ ---- — 7H Hi 580 ISABELLA k 58o T Oj le I A: 3= as' 4k^ vl~ Is.:1 pm sideration that the Pine, the Big and Little Salt Rivers, and their tributaries, also carry away a wealth of lumber, as well as the hundreds of thousands of feet of manufactured lumber moved by rail, the value cannot be far short of $7,ooo,coo per annum. Add to this the amount of oak and stave timber, with the lath and shingles manufactured by the local mills in the county, and the total will exceed $I0,000,000. The lumbering interest will remain chief among the business industries for several years in several of the townships, but the removal of the magnificent forests will add largely to agricultural development. There is not a man in the county who cannot point with pride to the immense resources which Isabella has in perpetuity for her children. The rich soil, even and healthful climate, industrious inhabitants and air of prosperity prevail everywhere. The assessed valuation of both real-estate and personal property in 1862 was $270,995. In I883 it reached the sum of $3,7 7 2,346, in real estate, and the personal column foots up $419,227. Taking into consideration that these figures really estimate less than one-half the real worth of real estate and other property, it will be safe to say that real estate alone in Isabella County is to-day worth $7,500,000, while the lands are not yet brought under the highest state of cultivation; neither are one-fourth of the fertile acres embraced in her boundaries cleared of the wealth of timber which abounds. The county is composed of i6 full townships, with 23,040 acres in each one, making a grand' total of 368,640 acres, of which 2,000 acres or less might properly be termed "swamp lands," or lands unfit for cultivation. Patriotism of Isabella County. LTHOUGH no regiments or even a single company of men was raised in this county C[ Iduring the late war, yet patriotism was not Jjtr lacking, as shown by the number of volunteers -'.who enlisted and did noble service in defense of their country. This was almost a virgin forest when the first call to arms was made, and the inhabitants were illy prepared to make a living for their families, the country being so new and the improvements meager. When the first enrollment was COUNTY. made, only I5I men were found subject to military duty; of these, 137 enlisted! What act more noble i can be conceived of than this, in which nearly every C able-bodied man in the entire county left his wife and little ones, and hastened to the front in defense of his.>. X H v -ft /f The Pioneer Society. i s 8 HAT greater pleasure can be imagined _ than the annual love-feasts which are en-, d- gaged in by those whose heads are thickly i- silvered with 'grey hairs? What pleasant memories are associated with the well known stories related of pioneer life, when together they shared the toils, dangers, and even pleasures of the new country! In those days there were no strangers. The coming of a family into the neighborhood was hailed with gladness by every one who had made a small beginning, and men, women and children turned out to assist the new-comer in erecting a cabin, and were always ready to share their last crust with him. Theological and political questions were lost sight of in their efforts to promote the welfare of those who were endeavoring to make a home in the dense forests. Their isolation from the world made those of every nationality the firmest friends, and today the warmest expressions of welcome follow the hearty hand-shake of the veterans as they meet at the place appointed for their annual reunion. The first two meetings were held at the house of Daniel Childs, in Coe Township. The first was in I879, the second in I880. About 40 persons responded to the first call and a most enjoyable meeting was held. The officers elected at this meeting were: Walter McLean, Chairman, and Richard Hoy, Secretary. Rev. Chas. Taylor, Judge P. H. Estee and John Campbell delivered very fine addresses, and their remarks were humorously interspersed with countrys nagr Only a few of these noble men returned. Their lives had been cheerfully given that the Union might be preserved and the country for which their grandsires had fought, and as a heritage forever, remain among their children an unbroken heirloom in which no North, no South, no East or West should be known, save as a whole and undivided country. I (I s 1=,: I' "Q\ 'I t'.J, s AC^-)?\ II A.} (9 <&S^ i i. x.~ IJ I, - lIRIH.-WWMWWW Y ''"6 ~c; 2 u 9j c, ^g;r^^^- ----- r H il ^ i.X 0.)- -— itISABELLA COUNTY. 58I * incidents of pioneer life. The second meeting was sons who are in indigent circumstances, outside the ) not so largely attended, but an excellent program County Poor-house, for temporary relief, is over$2,ooo, -)1 was carried out. The third annual was held at the while the total for maintenance of the poor at the. ] court-house in Mt. Pleasant, July 28, 188i. Dinner farm and elsewhere averages $4,000. What a credit was served at the St. James Hotel, which hostelry to the county of Isabella is such careful treatment of.:- *,. sere,* Ade,. Jae Hoel rhc @ r s **..*.**tJ has since been destroyed by fire. No meeting was held in i883, but arrangements are now in progress to revive the organization, which, if allowed to be discontinued, would deprive the older people of the pleasure of an annual hand-shake, and the younger ones of an opportunity to listen to the tales of pioneer life which are related so graphically by the early settlers of this county. I her paupers! Few farmers' families are better clothed or fed than the unfortunate ones who are entitled to benefits at the expense of her people. (.') "I Z= ~8-. rs 3=S,v, Si..q C) I The Agricultural Society. I County Poor Farm.,. f ^I Bi MONG the benevolent institutions of IsaC~ bella County is the Poor Farm, which is, located in Chippewa Township, and is provided with buildings, most of which are new and in good condition. The house is not yet supplied with bath-room or bath-tub, but those conveniences will doubtless be added at an early day. The buildings are heated by wood stoves and ventilated by a transom over the door of each room. The paupers receive good and kind treatment, no corporal punishment being allowed. All who are able to work are required to labor on the farm according to their physical condition, and all are required to be cleanly. Their clothing is plain and comfortable, such as the farmer usually provides for himself. The food is plain and wholesome and of about the same quality as is found upon farmers' tables, such as wheat and corn bread, beef and salt pork, tea, coffee and buttermilk for drink, and fruit and vegetables in abundance. The sick are well cared for by the overseer and his family, and a competent physician is employed by the county. No especial accommodations are provided for the insane and idiotic inmates. The children are sent to a district school, which is one-half mile away, and where they have a good, kind teacher who endeavors to improve their minds and start their young lives in the right direction. The value of the county farm, including stock, buildings and all other property, is estimated at $9,250. The average amount paid annually to per ~ l t SABELLA, although a new county, is the F center of an excellent agricultural district, t and the annual exhibiton of the products of her soil are flattering in a high degree. More attention is lately given by farmers to the breeding of fine stock, and the last exhibition held on the grounds of the society was a surprise even to the farmers themselves. The Agricultural Society of Isabella County was organized in i868; but, having no grounds, the first three meetings were held on the court-house square. Two exhibitions were then held on some vacant lots in the northeastern part of the village of Mt. Pleasant. The exhibitions of stock and farm products had by this time assumed such proportions that the purchase of grounds and erection of suitable buildings could no longer be delayed, and the committee appointed for that purpose purchased the grounds in i880, which have since been enclosed with a tight board fence, and all the buildings, stables and pens for stock conveniently arranged, which are ample in every respect for the accommodation of exhibitors. Contrary to custom, this society has always paid every premium awarded in full. Efforts to promote and encourage the interests of those engaged in agricultural pursuits by members of this society have done much toward advancing scientific farming, the fruits of which are seen in the increased excellence of cereals, vegetables, stock and poultry. The race course is a full half mile, and turfmen say that it is the finest in the State, without exception, the one at Kalamazoo being second in the list. The location being central, and only one mile from Mt. Pleasant, the grounds are easy of access by carriage or rail, the Mt. Pleasant & Saginaw Railroad i ) i 3= EXf IC/ 'It 4Ca I U, '14 \, < P ( " I",I- O 0 q -~5~v -4 -a'4 582 ISABELLA l Company having built a platform near the entrance gate, at which place passengers are landed.: Only a small indebtedness yet remains, which f under the efficient management of the directors vwill, be liquidated during the year. The' present officers are: John Landon; President; Lewis Griffith, Secretary, and W. W. Preston, Treasurer. The Executive Committee consists of one Vice President from each township in the county. COr --- —- -2i T Y. COUNTY......,,? -40 6 - -, 4 — 1 40L bll~~ ~i.dC % u- A 4"ia ' 4=,r Nrl Educational Interests..DUCATIONAL work has undergone a complete change since the first schools were organized in Isabella County. The vast difference between the old and new methods is plainly apparent. In "ye olden times" the preceptor's word was supreme law in his little kingdom, and this law was enforced by a generous distribution of strokes from the well seasoned birch rod. To execute a pencil sketch upon a slate was deemed a misdemeanor which merited at least i2 strokes from this same reformer, wielded by the sturdy arm of an incensed pedagogue. To ask assistance in the solution of a perplexing problem in mathematics more than twice during school hours consigned the unfortunate pupil to a seat on the "dunce block," the most observed, but not the most envied personage, in the room. The old straight backed benches and pine desks, smeared with butter and molasses and defaced by the big boys' "jack"knives, have been superseded by single desks, where each student has all the comforts and conveniences he can desire. The text-books were, at that date, of a miscellaneous character, nearly every family having preserved the remnants of books which their fathers and mothers had studied during their school days, and were now brought into use by their children to save expenses, being deemed by the parents quite good enough for anybody. 11 the scholars possessed Ray's Arithmetic, the only text-book of which there, were a half-dozen alike. Geography was represented by "Peter Parley" and Monteith's Manual; readers, by McGuffey's, Sanders', Electic and National Series; graummar, by Pinneo, Green's Analysis, Clark's Easy Method and Brown's Parsing Lessons. Webster's Elementary, Sanders', Worcester's and the Eclectic Spellers were used indiscriminately. The scholars could hardly be classed, much less graded. Now, the systematic manner of grading pupils, the uniformity of textbooks, with improved methods of teaching by object lessons and otherwise, give pupils of this day advantages not dreamed of 20 years ago. Students 12 years of age are in many instances further advanced in rhetoric, physiology and mathematics than were the less fortunate pupils who attended public schools during the entire time prescribed by law, not two decades since. The elegantly arranged and substantial school i building in Mt. Pleasant was commenced in i88i, I but not completed until the following spring. In its I construction, special attention has been paid to ventilation, light and heating apparatus. The cornerstone was laid with appropriate ceremonies July 2, i881, in which is deposited copies of all the papers published in the county, and other articles of historic interest. The bLuilding is two stories in height, containing eight rooms besides closets, etc., which are splendidly arranged for the different grades. The furniture is well adapted for pupils of all ages, and the corps of teachers employed are the best that can be obtained; so that 400 pupils can be amply accommodated without using the recitation rooms. Six teachers are now employed, whose salaries amount to $2,620 per annum. The building and site cost the village $17,300. The site is an excellent one, having good drainage, and the location is easily accessible from any part of the village. The number of children enrolled in the several townships of the county are here given, together with the number of school buildings in each. Union Township has six whole and two fractional districts. The number of children between the ages of five and twenty years, according to the last school census, is 867. There is but one brick school building in the township,-that at Mt. Pleasant. Four out of the eight are frame structures, and three are still the primitive log school-houses. Isabella has seven whole districts and the number of children enrolled is 459. There are four frame school-houses, one log, and two situated in the Inidian Reservation and are under the control of the <1* ~ A >e Ia \ i f f 0~ - ~;a. n- I 7,,2 -Ik - ' Z q q~ 1) —. q rJ G us rfrir0:e ~ n D E mi ^< ^^- --- -- ^7" ina: — ~s —i ^v ~ ISABELLA COUNTY. 583 8 M; - -;.-~-. - - I E - s o -fL P CA I i:< aE3 vy*.~F~ L=.i e;i>. Is , I f Ea; HEREVER civilization exists, and ministers, doctors and other equally reputable people are found, may be expected disciples of Blackstone, without whom the morals and municijal management of the country would soon be at low tide. The legal profession everywhere is represented by men of talent, and the members of the Isabella County Bar are men of education and high standing in the community. Although the names given are all lawyers and members of the Bar, only eight of them follow the legal business exclusively. Of these, Charles T. and Fred Russell, Free Estee, H. H. Graves, Peter F., Wm. I., George E. and Francis H. Dodds are active members of profession, and all of them have a nice practice. Hon. Wm. N. Brown, John C. Leaton, John Maxwell, Dr. S. C. Brown, Charles A. Brown, S. W. Hopkins, Cyrus E. Russell, D. Scott Partridge and Judge Cornelius Bennett are all engaged also in other business, but find ample time and opportunity to keep their legal armor burnished; and many a hotly contested case has been won by these men, who not unwillingly resign the field to the younger and more ambitious gentlemen that really compose the active membership of the Bar of Isabella. All these men are residents of Mt. Pleasant, and the greatest harmony prevails among them. A case came before Judge Bennett while he was Justice of the Peace, which was settled satisfactorily without going to law. Wan-de-may-quay was a goodlooking widow, with a sprightly lad of 12 summers I her only heritage. Aw-zee-waw-me, her neighbor, was a widower, who also had a son about the same age. One day the boys went hunting, and his son fired his rifle at a robin and by accident killed his playmate, the widow's son. She came to Esquire Bennett's office to have the necessary papers made out for the arrest of her neighbor's son. The Esquire was giving her'some advice in the matter, knowing the killing was purely accidental, when Aw-zee-wawme came in, leading his boy by the hand. After hearing the story of her deceased son's excellent qualities, and the lamentations because her only support had thus been taken from her, he magnanimously tendered her his own boy instead! She, not liking the lad very well, refused the liberal offer. They talked the matter over together for a few moments, when Aw-zee-waw-me said, "Well, I throw myself into the trade." The widow joyfully accepted this offer and the trio left Esquire Bennett's office as happy as any newly married pair could feel, and returned to the widow's home to bury the dead boy. The nicest part of this story is, the couple are now living near Mt. Pleasant, and the husband is a missionary among his people. They are doing nicely, and their courtship, although brief, has brought with it quite a pleasant married life. A very rough character came through the town several years ago, and while stopping at the hotel, stole a pair of beaver gloves from the pocket of a guest. The fellow was detected in the act, and arrested. He was taken before Esquire Bennett, and a jury was summoned at the request of the prisoner. One or two witnesses had been examined, when the fellow arose, and, drawing the gloves out of his pocket, remarked, "Well, boys, this thing has gone far enough. Here's the gloves: let's go over and take a drink." He evidently thought the whole proceeding was a farce, but was apprised of his mistake when he was found guilty of the theft, and was afterward sentenced to confinement in the county jail for six months.,*F, All*1 T-. ct:~ I~.r=s:C=~i:Z= <.1 f I p, I A I I Q!1 -tt^ I " '-, I0 U9,A Dfl~Bn<9\ --- -<4^<(~AP,.I, e Nw\ ellv p -9 ifc 4;V 5;00, i, 0 Fj4 'y..41 j E, NAIAO , & lk i)Fa 0 Q 'In- 0 —) 711 lily N) i I i I I I r. 5!777-';-, — N ' q I;. ". if 'w, Ur Bolman, W. F..............39 Converse, J. A...............27 Dush, Elzy..................87 Bone, Francis.................427 Converse, M. L..............258 Dush, Wm. W...............223 Bowen, W. B.................378 Coon, C. E..................409 Bowen, W. H................416 Cope, J. C...................304 E Ackerman, B. A..............235 Bowman, Charles E.........523 Copeman, H. C...............236 Adams, Henry................3io Boyden, Francis N...........322 Corbus, W J., M. D.........501 Adams, John................. 23 Bradley, Joseph M...........282 Cowles, Whitney H...........388 Erl, George................215 Adams, John Quincy......... 39 Briggs, Lester................270 Cox, W. W.................299 Earl, Samuel...............420 Adams, Elden Win.................420 Adams, Wm..................452 Brodie, Alex..................211 Craft, Samuel Elden Wm.................420 Eldred, S. D..................202 Albright, Amos F............. 298 Brooks, Charles M............459 Crapo, Henry H..............I49 Alexander, Jackson........... 382 Brooks, David W............31 Creo, Frank C.463 Ellis, Franklin W...........35 3 Alger, George B..............290 Broomfeld, Wm.36 Crowley, E............ 346 Ellis Wesley..................342 Alen,E.W..................453 Brown, Ge. W............. 36404 Crowley,. R............ 188 rvin, obert................352 Allen, James B.............. 195 Brown, Moses................510o Croswell, Charles M..........6i Estee, Free...................517 M= Allen, James D.............188 Brown, S. C..................478 Crum, Cyrus.................246 Estee, L. D...................358 Alvord, E. E.................382 Brown, Wm. N............. 475 Cullimore, George P..........234 Estee, Perry H...............255 Armstrong, I. M............260 Brubaker, H. A............319 Curtiss, Charles F............248 B Armstrong, James............265 Buchanan, James............ 75 Curtiss, John W..............229 F Arnold, D. F.................414 Buhrer, Conrad..............203 Cutler, Wm. I................492 Arnold, I. E..................388 Bundy, Caleb.............. 244Facher, I. A......... 524 Arthur, Chester A........... 99 Burdick, Daniel..............428 Fasquelle, M F., M. D. 524 Atkin, George...............417 urnham, L. 0.4.............i786 D Faulkner, Geo. C.............342 Ayling, Charles J......... B H185 Burr, Henry.................377Faunce, Ells G.............4396 Ayling, James................275 Burwash, James A....... D t...Mauche W324 "uneWin.L2746 Davis, Frank..... Fech, Alpheus..............117 Davis, Jamnk498 Fers................ Geo. A319 Baurwdsr Jome. A e.. Davis, James................. 498 40 mrMlad... 31 Bachelder, Jerome...........85 Cawson, George E........... Fillmore, illard............. 67 BIagley, John J............... 157 DeHart, Martin Z..........240 Foglesong, Geo. W...........218 Baker, Geo. W...............184 Caldwell, Arthur B.........213 Delart, M r Z. 240.Fos......... 397503 Baker, Jacob......... 21.......26 Caldwell, H. C...............323 Delo, John................... 384 Forbes, Wm. B...............288 Frod, Johnn....M........... Baker, John.................. 193 Caldwell, James C............267 D)emlow, Charles..Ford, John M.. 322 ords, Orrin E................ 67 Baldwin, Henry P............ 153 Cameron, Alex................398 Denslow, J. H................269 Ford, Orn E............. Bamber, Thomas............. 244 Campbell, James.............333 DePuy, George W...........387 Fordyce, T. L............... 4 BardaFoidyce T................. 276 Barden, Charles........... 369 Campbell, James J...........508 )evereaux, M................ 45 Foidyce T. JSilas............ Barncs, A. W...............250 Campbell, Roderick.........3 ibble, D. B................. Fositt Silas..492 Barrett, Hiram..............322 Carr, F. W...................213 Dibble, Mason B.............407 ts.............. 212 Barry, James.................509 Carroll, Thomas..............334 Dickerson, C. C........... 396 Fox, Joseph B................369 Barry, John S................113 Chapman, Peter..............n243S Dingman, Timothy........... 304 Fraser, John.................45I Begole, Josiah W...........69 Chatterton, J. E..............204 Dixon, George E............300 Fraser, Thomas E........... 403 Bellingar, Edward........... 243 Childs, A. F..................458 Dodds, P. F..................216 Freeman, Geo. H..........58 Bennett, Cornelius............ 8 Christie, I. B...............384 Dodge, H. C.................. 324 Frisbee, Hon. A............. 259 Frost, Jesse................6 Bennett, P. F.................427 Clark, Sidney................208 Doherty, A. J................... 268 Bigelow, H. 0..............287 Clute, A. J..................279 Doughty, Jared H............312 Bingham, Kinsley S..........137 Coburn, E R.................238 Doughty, J. R...............523 G Blair, Austin.................145 Cohoon, B. A................. 345 Doxsie, Daniel................262 Blake, Samuel...............508 Cole, G. W............. 367 Drew, Amos F...............247 Blesch, George..............419 Coles, Columbus..............353 Drew, John A....,...........355 Gachter, Joseph F............403 Block, John.................340 Colley, S. C...............291 Drum, Edward...............358 Gardner, Chas. W..........352 Bogan, Cornelius...2........90 Conley, Peter................331 Dubois, Edward..............314 Garfield, James A............ 95 Bogue, Charles D...........240 Conlogu, V. F...............485 Dusenbury, G. A............ 452 Gaskill, Hannibal.............433 FosgittSias.............. 588 IND _X. _ Gaumer, Chas. W.............331 McFarren, Wm. D...........504 Preston, Albert A............497 Gaumer, Wm. H............. 470 McGihon Michael............320 Preston, Wallace W..........228 Glass, Rufus F..............351 J McGuire, Thomas............300 Priest, Lewis.................256 ( Goll, Geo. F..................226 McKay, Anthony............38I Puchert, C. T................ 234 Jackson, Andreww............. 43 ould,Geo. M.............509 Jackson, Andrew.McMillen, James M..........227 Graham, Hugh..............409 JMcNamara, Thomas..........486 Q Jakeway, P. J............. 29 3 Graham, James S............. 395 McQueen, E. F.............197, Jefferson, Thomas........... 27 Graham, Joseph A...........330 JeMiles, Wm....................364 Grant, Lewis.............395 Jeffords, Charles P........................464344 Quick, George M.............302 Jerome, David H 6............ i5 Quick, L. B.................. 389 Grant, Ulysses S............... 87 J nson, Andrew............ Miller, George................345 Johnson, Andrew.83 MillerG383 Graves, H. H...............-294 Miller, John..................332 Johnson, Dewitt S............230 Green, Lewis.................239 Miser, Joseph................356 R Green, Oscar..........Johnson, Gilbert 32 Mitchell, C. K...............465 Johnson, J. Q. A............401 Greenly, William I..........12 Johnston Robert........... Monroe, James............. 35 Griffith L. C................. 225oody, Orrin.................31 Ransom, Epaphroditus......125 Jordan, J. H....... 344 Grimm, John J.............. 484 Jordan, Thomas.............. Moore, Elijah............... 477 D.............346 Gruber George............... 485 Morrison, John...............410 Redfield, Wm. E.............526 Gruber, Peter.................465 Morrison, Neal..............277 Reed, James..................302 Gulick, I. N.................404 Morse, David................192 Rendell, John................. 9 Mount, E. P.................429 Richards, Lewis..............363 Murtha, George..............4I5 Richardson, Charles A...... i88 H Keen, Allen, M. D...........236 Murtha, Michael.............207 Richardson, C. W............4I3 Kellogg, Harding.............398 Murtha, S. P...............407 Richar.son, M. D...........483 Hall Alex....................257 Kennedy, Samuel.............491 Myers, Joseph................501 Richardson, Seth S...........206 H all, H. T...................377 Hammond, S. C..............313 Hammond, J. C............330 Hance, Adam.................214 Hance Albert W.............. 97 / Hance, D. W...............217 ^ Hance, Hon J.W............440 L Hanne Wm. H...............333 \ff Hannett, Thomas.............278 Hardgrove, John C...........5I9 3 Harris, John A...............370 ' Harris, Wm. E...............508 Harrison, Wm. H............ 51 Hart, Stephen................314 Hawkins, Harriet A..........250 Hawkins, Lewis C............301 Hayes, Rutherford B......... 91 Hengesbach, Theodore.......335 Hersey, Geo. H..............354 Higgins, Joseph..............389 Hillyard, M. H..............94 Hipkins, E. S............... 428 Hook, Conrad............... 193 Hopkins, D. J...............36 i Hopkins, F. M...............478 sJ Hopkins, Hon. S. W.........425 ~ Horan, Wm.................. 336 Hoining, Geo. B..............300 Horning, Tobias P...........333 Horning, Wm.................298 Houghton, L. A...........279 House, George...............437 Howorth, G. W..............418 Hoy, Richard................362 Hunrmel, Theodore.........267 Kimball, C.................351 Kinney, James.............. 298 Kinney, John..............336 Kinter, Cyrenus..............438 Kinter, J. M..................486 Kinter, Wm. H...............207 Koons, H. J..................381 Kratz, Jacob.................225 Kyes, Benj. F................258 Kyes, Chauncey..............362 Kyes, Ransom................ 414 L Landon, John TI..............20 Lansing, Wm...............433 Laughlin, Robert.........211 Leaton, John C...............446 Leonard, Merritt.............472 Letson, S. A................. 339 Liechti, Samuel.......... 237 Lincoln, Abraham............ 79 Lloyd, James H..............323 Long, Maj. James W........513 Loomis, David.............417 Loomis, William..............224 Lynch, Daniel.............246 Lyon, D. E..................269 Lyons, J. P...................402 M Madison, James............. 31 Malcomb, M. H............. 26 N Neelands. Robert............ 34 Ney, E. C....................453 Nichols, John L..............363 0 Oathout, Lafayette..........410 O'Boyle, Andrew J...........418 O'Boyle, Michael.............489 O'Brien, James M...........293 O'Connor, James............454 Ostrander, James.............308 Owen, Joseph A..............239 P Palmer, Fred. K..............354 Parmenter, N. S.............280 Parmenter, W. W.............356 Parrish, Thomas.............354 Parsell, Warren W...........390 Parsons, Andrew............33 Parsons, L. H................510 Partridge, D. Scott...........444 Payne, L. C..................396 Pearson, Robert............ 330 Perin, Jesse.................355 Peterson. Wmi. M............. 325 Richardson, Silas B...........248 Richmond, Jesse I............390 Roberts, Michael.............387 Robbins, Charles............. 334 Robbins, P. H................354 Robbinc, Wm. R............266 Robinson, Charles W.........303 Robinson, Rev. John R......454 Robinson, Thomas W........332 Rockafellow, J. C............432 Root, Thomas J..............292 Ross, W m.................... 292 Ross, W. T.................. 478 Rowlader, Alfred C.......... 329 Rowlader, John.............. 196 Rudler, Joseph............... 224 Ruse, G. A..................408 Russell, Charles T...........471 Russell, Edwin...............483 Ruthruff, G. W..............364 Ruthruff, John...............249 Ryerson, Martin M...........466 S Salisbury, E. A...............i86 Sandbrook, George..........202 Sanford, G. H................4x3 Sanford, Peter................297 Sawyer, Charles W..........498 Saxton, Wm. H...............257 Schafer, John A............460 Schafer, Michael............ 519 Schofield, Miles...............402 Hummel, Win A. M.. 2.......256 Manwell, James..............205 Petz, Lawrence J., M. D.....26 Servoss, Philip...............502 ) Hungerford, M. M.......... 245 Markley, J. L...............278 Phillips, Nicholas.............302 Shappee, M. G...............288 Hursh, Mrs. E..............95 Marthey, Peter J.............311 Phillips, Thomas.............30I Shaver, A. A...............472 Hursh, Sterling A............335 Mason, Stevens T............05 Pickard, Thomas..............489 Shaver, C. B................345 f'? Hyslop, John..... 323 Mattison, Amos D............341 Pickard, Wm..............507 Sheldon, Rev. R. P..........265 Maxwell, John...............203 Pierce, Frank D..............312 Shepherd, I. N............... 261 McCarthy, Rev. J. J.........466 Pierce, Franklin.............. 7 Simmons, Wm. I..............301 McClelland, Robert..........229 Plowman, Ezra P.............470 Simonds, Wm. H.............237 Ingersoll, Isaac...........6 McDonald, George...........292 Polk, James K............... 59 Simpson, G. W...............217 Irish, Wellington.............370 McFall, James H............258 Potter, I. M..................228 Smith, Levi S................49?5.Jn' j INDEX. 589 1%L Smith, S. S.................. 270 Taylor, Charles.............206 VanDecar, Levi B........... 368 Whitney, Wm. T............469 Soper, J. H.................520 Taylor, Mrs. C. W., M. D...341 VanDecar, Wallace M........321 Williams, Frank..............454 () Speck,G. F...................419 Taylor,L. L................235 Vansice, J. N................ 49 Williams, Wm. M............519;e Standbridge, Charles H.......229 Taylor, Zachary............. 63 Vredenbuxg A. C............275 Wilsey, James...............464 Stanley, Richard S...........249 Thayer, Orlando B............77 Vroman, David C............520 Wing, Benj...............498 Stebbins, F. A...............458 Thompson, C. H............272 Wing, Lanson................332 Stebbins, O. W............... 56 Tinker, James H.............237 Wing, Warren.............227 Stine, G. W..................311 Tombs, Martin A.............416 Winter, Wesley J............434 Stirling, Charles.............. 233 Tombs, Theodore A..........464 Winters, Byron.............. 320 Stringer, E. C............... 198 Tomlinson, Wm..............230 Wagner, John................28 Wisner, Moses...............141 Stringer, Lewis...............289 Towns, Wm. P...............260 Waight, Geo. W..............244 Wolfe, John A...............308 Struble, Allen J., M. D......5o Trevidick, Henry............287 Wallace Daniel..............313 Wolfe, Solomon...............415 Struble, Henry.............. 297 Tubbs, F. M.................358 Walton. J. B.................443 Wolfgang, Cornelius.........397 Struble Joseph A............490 Tubbs, James................470 Walton, T. W...............446 Wonch, Wm. H..............440 Struble, J. J, M. D........357 Tucker, David...............507 Ward, Arthur N.............459 Wood, Jesse H...............408 Struble, Nathaniel W.......282 Turbush, Wm...............28 Ward, C. A................490 Woodbridge, Wm..........og09 Struble, Wm. W..............8 Turnbull, Thomas............225 Ward, H. E..................3 Woodin, Henry........ 457 Sullivan, P. C...........x98 Twomley, C. B...............418 Ward, W. E................5 Woodin, Amos E.............247 Sutherland, C. H............ 289 Tyler, F. H................ 335 Wardwell, Warren..........268 S i,, v..............2 Tvler. John.................. c Washington, George......... 19 ~, u.~..,......,ir Swanston, Wm............... 369 Swart, T. W.................517 Sweeney, Frank S...........502 Swindlehurst, James..........465 Switzer, David............... 271 T Tanner, Jonathan............343 U Upton, A. B.................223 Upton, Joshua J..............496 V Van Buren, Martin........... 47 Wellman, Nelson............329 Westlake, C. E...............509 Weston, A.D.................278 Whitaker, Wm. H...........307 Whitehead Wm...............187 Whitney, Benj................520 Whitney, C. C................503 Whitney, George G...........205 Whitney, R. G...............298 x Yarnell, John.............439 Young, Alfred L..............204 Yuncker, Jacob P............431 z Zeiter, Samuel C.............326 ) (?) (w 2 X Sar m --. 42 -4 A lX r A ^ ^^.^^V^-'^l^ wK Y Yj % *^ '/- IL r Adams, John................. 22 Cole, G. W...............366 Grant, Ulysses S........... 86 Pickard, William.............50o6 Adams, John Quincy.......... 38 Corbus, W. J., M. D.........oo Greenly, William L...........120 Pierce, Franklin............ 70 Q Arthur, Chester A............ 98 Crapo, Henry H...........148 Harrison, W. H........... 50 Polk, James K.............. 58 Bagley, John J............ i156 Crego, Frank C.............462 Hayes, Rutherford B......... 90 Ransom, Epaphroditus......24 Baldwin, Henry P...........152 Craft, Samuel...............430 Hopkins, Hon. S. W........422 Rowlander, Alfred C.........328 Barry, John S................ i2 Croswell, Charles M..........i6o Hopkins, Mrs. Maggie V.....423 Russell, Edwin...............480 Begole, Josiah W...........168 DePuy, George W............386 Jackson, Andrew............. 42 Russell, Mrs. Emily.........481 Bellingar, Edward...........242 Devereaux, M................494 Jefferson, Thomas............ 26 Sanford, G. H................412 Bennett, Cornelius...........178 Dibble, D. B..................90o Jerome, David H............64 Sanford, Peter.......2........296 Bennett, Mrs. C..............179 Dibble, Mason B.............406 Johnson, Andrew............ 82 Sheldon, Rev. R. P...........264 Bigelow, H. 0...............284 Estee, Perry H...............252 Johnson, J. Q. A.............400 Taylor, Zachary.............62 Bigelow, Mrs. Mary E.......285 Estee, Mrs. Carrie E.........253 Koons, H. J............ 380 Tyler, John.................54 ( Bingham, Kinsley S.........136 Fasquelle, M. F., M. D......436 Landon, John T............ Upton, A B..............220 Blair, Austin.................44 Felch, Alpheus...........116 Letson, S. A.................338 Upton, Mrs. Mell.............221 Bowman, Charles E..........522 Fillmore, Millard.............66 Lincoln, Abraham...........78 VanBuren, Martin.......... 46 Brodie, Alex.................210 Fraser, John.................449 Long, Maj. James W.........512 Vredenburg, A. C............274 Fraser, Mrs Sylvia...........448 Madison James............... 30 Walton, John B..............442 Broomfield, Wm..............36o Garfield, James A........ Mason, Stevens T............04 Washington, George......... r8 Brown, Wm. N...............474 Aie Brbaer H A..........3 Glass, Rufus F...............349 McClelland, Robert.........128 Whitaker, Wm. H...........306 Glass, Mrs. Harriet...........348 Monroe, James.............. 3 Whitney, Wm. T.............468 rubakerMrs.E. EGrant, Lewis................392 Parsons, Andrew............. 132 Woodbridge, William......... o8 Buchanan, James..............73 Grant, Mrs. Ida..............393 Pickard, Thomas.............488 Woodin, Henry..............456 .1 e- <^e e INTRODUCTORY 529 A Rum Story 559 Episcopal 573 A Value of Local History 530 A Heart-breaking Loss 560 Baptist 574 INDIAN HISTORY 53 An Indian Suicide 560 Sunday-schools 574 t The Chippewas 532 Most Blood-Curdling, Musicians 574 EARLY HISTORY 535 Hair-breadth Escape 56i Masonic 575 POLITICAL HISTORY 4AI Love at First Sight _6I Maccabees c7; r. -4. to i= 7=3. N. >:: TOWNSHIPS Coe Chippewa Isabella Fremont Rolland Vernon Gilmore Broomfield Union Nottawa Sherman Deeifield Coldwater Lincoln Wise Denver ANECDOTAL J 5 543 543 544 546 547 547 548 549 550 55 552 553 553 555 555 556 557 -8 Isabella a Good County 56I The Indians' Love of Whisky 562 Pioneer " Pleasures" 562 Nearly All the Men in the Army 563 An Odd Method of Capturing a Deer 563 Pioneer Sociability 563 Two More Bear Stories 563 Indian Morals Concerning Murder 564 An Old Newspaper 564 MT. PLEASANT 565 Business Interests 569 Churches and Societies 57I Methodist 57 Presbvterian '72 THE PRESS 576 Isabella County Enterprise 576 Northwestern Tribune 576 Mt. Pleasant Times 576 RAILROADS 577 Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant 577 Flint & Pere Marquette 578 Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern 578 MISCELLANEOUS 579 Material Interests 579 Pioneer Society 58o Patriotism 580 County Poor Farm 581 Agricultural Society 581 Educational Interests q82 Miles Chased by a B Bear Afraid of Fire 1 i A* -a,. ifs)..: lear 558 Unitarian. 572 Driving-Park Association 583 559 Catholic 573 Isabella County Bar 584 ) I i - t I ^y- ' ti;''. m<^A-o ----^'"@>^ 3v - I ifflk WN I f a i 1 i: -of l t V: S OCT 1 2 1945 015 01210 00 UNeiv. OF MiCH. LIl8ARy ",,#. ow Fi f""i r# 1989 A, 1 DO NOT REMOVE OR MUTILATE CARD I a