I7,7,,77" S xt 0L / () F:' NEWkYCO COUNTY, IlICI,. PO iT AIMrS AND BIOGIAPHIGAL SKIETGHES ppoqinent and RepreieqltatiVe citizeql of tle gountg, TOGE'THER WI TH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL TIHE GO VERNORSU OF MAICHIGT. I - AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. ALSO CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY (OF THE COUNTY, FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. CHICAGO: C i A\ IP N I, () ir I 1884. S^))^ -— ^^niiG^ --- -^ ^ >, * *: ' < anai~a r *^@): A I, x "~ 5g faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of o: J the people who contributed to raise this region from its primitive state may be preserved. sai $,t29 Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their prime entered the wild forests of Newaygo C, and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number. i! remaining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement is becoming small indeed, i 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 time fall and accurate, but it is also essential that the history of the county, from its settlement lo the present day, should be treated through its various phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, may 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 a brilliant record, which is destined to live in the future; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, their lives, 4 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 t! ~ 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 in the entire book, 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 por- ( < traits of all the leading men and pioneers of the county. CHAPMAN BROTHERS. C.' CHICAGO, February, 1884. lat ~, > — -------------- NtI U1I)I N I I,I4, I 'A -11,N "ko A 1,Z=. e, w IV ff, I AI Y f II II 4 i b;i-,r^. *.~ ~ _~.- ir1 Apt c Ai Al..VP in ---^1^, jmq;-.,-, --;2 BIOci P I G pc. A Abel, Myrcn................406 Adams, John.................. 23 Adams, Johr Quincy........ 39 Alger, C. M..................365 Alvord, Charles N............187 Anderson, Robert............263 Anderson, Wm A............ 192 Andrus, A...................438 Angevine, A H.............418 Armstrong, A. F.............. 247 Armstrong, Hon. S...........265 Arthur, Chester A........... 99 Avary, Henry................ 229 B Backart, George..............335 Backart, J. B..................386 Bagley, John J.............157 Bailey, John.................212 Bailey, Wm. H...............244 Baillargeon, J.............. 259 Baldwin, Henry P............153 Barbour, Frank W........... 85 Bardan. Richard........ Bisard, Asahel................278 Bisard, Benj.................325 Bisard, Mrs. S................267 Bitely, Stephen..............391 Blair, Austin................. 145 Blair, Henry M...3..........83 Blood, Charles............... 195 Bonner, S. D................445 Botsford, J. A................333 Bowman, F. M...............437 Boyd, Richard................298 Boyd, Wm. A.............300 Brace, H. I................251 Breckon, Geo R., M. D.....406 Bromley, Henry.............. 203 Brooks, Samuel E............407 Brotherton, John............. 302 Brown, J. 0).................185 Buchanan. James...........75 Bull, M. D..................399 Burril, E. S..................249 Bush. Russell................285 C Campbell,A.A.............. x96 Cander, Benj.................411 rt..... T T-u I Cope, Wm. H............ 307 Cornet, John A...............198 Corsaut, James.............. 455 Courtright, W............... 467 Crabtree, James.............3c1 Cram, David..............259 Cram, Wm...................324 Crandall, John V.............393 Crapo, Henry H..............149 Crawford, H. W..............215 Croswell, Charles M.......... 16 D Dake, Aruna.................457 Daly, Peter..................2:6 Darling, Henry..............225 Darling, J. H................456 Darling, Wm................. 188 Davenport, Warren.......257 Davenport, Wm. M..........355 Davenport, Wm. H..........326 Davis, Daniel................226 Davis, Martin................ 269 Davis, Wm.................. 196 Day, Albert G................208 Dean, James M.............. 85 Dean. John T............... 207 Felch, Alpheus..............117 Fellows, H. H................283 Fillmore, Millard............. 67 Fisher, Robert................286 Flora, D.W, M. D..........303 Fowler, H.................207 Fox, Irwin C.................232 Franklin, J. A..............319 Franklin, Marshall B...... 476 French, Mrs. S. E............355 Frey, Theo. S...............202 Fuller, Wm. D............... 179 G Ganson, Fred A..............234 Gaid, Squire.................321 Garfield, James A........... 95 Gauweiler, J. F..............326 Gerber, Andrew.............216 Gerber, Joseph..............417 Gibbs, J. M.................360 Giddings, A. H..............474 Giddings. B...................4 22 IC/ *V (yT^ *^. s^ i 1i Barder, Joseph -a..............3o` Barder, Joseph.............301 Carlisle, Mrs. C. C...........204 Degroot, A. A., M. D.:......195 Gifford, Fred................247 Barks, John..................278 Carlisle, Jacob................418 Delong, Jesse P........ 46 Giles, Gustus..............82 Barlow, I. H...............440 Carpenter, Asa P............ 306 Dickinson,Wm...............88 Gleason, Edwin..............440 Barnhard, S. P...............223 Carpenter, Benj........... 359 Dingman, J...................414 Gowell, John D............. 209 Barnes, C. M.................412 Carpenter, J. R.............369 Dobson, E...................204 Gracey, Alex................455 Barnhard, Jacob............222 Carpenter, J. W..............54 Dobson, Hiram...............346 Grant, Ulysses S............. 87 Barnhard, John...........308 Carpenter, Wm. F............49 Docherty, J..................334 Gray, Edgar L...............452 Barnum, S. D......... 256 Carrington, George...........238 Doud, S. E................. 223 Graham, J. H................431 Barnum, Urben...............243 Cavender, L. L.............348 Dragoo, Tucker..............21 Graham, Wm................368 Barry, John S....... Chapman, ustice...........297 Dubois, Wm H..............288 Grant, J. A...................228 Bartlett, Geo. W............193 Childs, J. G..................306 Duffy, James.................369 Graves, Peter................465 Barton, Henry............... 378 Churchill,H.............. 320 E Grawn, John.................43 Barton,on. James...........293 Clark, Henry D............ 213.............369 Barton, Mark...............298 Coburn, S. D............... 249 Edgecomb, Silas............ 308 Greenly, William L..........121 Barton,Wm...................394 Cole, John..................276 Edwards, Edward............44 Grovesteen, J M........ 473 Basford, Frank A............456 Collins, David................394 Edwards, Timothy..........400 Grow, Gilbert...............321 i Beaton, Duncan.............412 Cook, Asa................ 3x5 Elwell, Elias...............315 Grundy, T. C.............. 225 Begole,Josiah W.............69 Cook, Joel G.................343 English, Geo. W............319. Bennett, John N..............279 Cook, Joseph W.............354 Evans, John F............213 H Bigelow, Geo. L.............. 212 Cook, Nelson P.............:.306 Evarts, F. E.................379 Haight, Ambrose.............356 Bigelow, Phebe E............209 Coolbaugh, B H............461 Evens, Samuel T.............205 Haight, E. R................468 37 Binooham, KinleyS.........., Ezra................28t, Everington, T................202 Hll, F. F...................334 -C.* vvi INDEX. Hall, Jotham W..............287 Lewis, Hiram.................332 Murphy, Wm. L.............288 Reynolds, Floyd............. 84 Harrison, P. A...............217 Lewis, Samuel................439 Myers, James...""..........276 Riblet, S. K..................380o Harrison, Wm. H............ 51 Lewis, Wm. A...............387 Rice, James R................345 Hart, James F...............279 Lincoln, Abraham............ 79 N Richardson, E................208 Hartt, Samuel...............366 Lordon, Dennis...............255 M. D Roedel, Phil. M..............420 Nafe, Geo. W., M. D.......270 Haskins, James H.........408 Luce, Eleazer...............314 Nelson, ERogers, Benj.................367 Hatch, David C..............262 Luton, George................465 Rogers, Robert...............315 U UNeville, Patrick...............04.. I } i I rHatliul, j. xE................ 222 Hawley, H. C., M. D.......205 Hayes, Rutherford B...... 91 Headley, H. A...............288 Headley, Orvin...........219 Hertzer, E. H................283 Hertzer, G. A. H., M. D....345 Hewett, J.W.................284 Hindes, J. A.................251 Hirdning, John.............238 Hoag, Abram J.............. 86 Hoag, Wm. H............... 240 Hoffman, P. P.............. 201 Homes, Henry...............458 Hopper, John W.............256 Horning, Wm. H...........261 Hyde, J. H............... 248 I Ish, Benj....................275 J Jackson, Andrew............ 43 Jakeway, Ami J.............. 194 Jarse, Mrs. Julia.............207 Jay, W m.................... 324 Jefferson, Thomas........... 27 Jenne, H. C................338 Jernstadt, John...............281 Jerome, David H............ 65 Jewell, J. B..................347 Jewell, Wm. J............... 296 Johnson, Andrew....... 83 Johnson, Arnold.............251 Jones, E. N.................. 208 Jones, Geo. B................284 Jones, Hiram................ 193 Joslin, D. R..................210 K i r I M Macumber, N. D...........267 Madison, James.............. 31 Mallery, J. B...............336 Mallory, Freeman............446 Manning, J. H;.............242 Marshall, Fred...............277 Martin, Geo. F...............426 Martin, Wm..................365 Mason, Stevens T............ 105 Mathews, Frank.........321 Maynard, F. J...............467 Maynard, Henry T........... 87 Maynard, J. F...............455 Maze, Jesse................. 266 McClelland, Robert.........129 McCool, Michael............ 264 McCowen, J. C..............432 McCullorr, Neil..............205 McDonald, Nelson...........305 McDonell, Thos..............348 McFarland,John...........297 McKee, J. H.............. 262 McKie, Charles...............258 McKinley, Alex..............274 McLellan, Peter.............433 McLeod, James..............336 McNabb, Orlando............ 197 McNabb, J. W., M. D....467 McNutt, George.............273 Mead, A. G...............476 Meeker, L. R................377 Meier, John..................357 M errill, I. D................451 Merrill, W. S............... 230 Meyers, Lewis............... 307 M illard, D..................223 Miller, Dennis...............211 Miller, George.............. 206 Newburg, M................. 402 North, E. S.................. 461 Northway, A. H............. 275 Norton, L. E., M. D.........455 Norton, Wm. H....2......... 214 0 Odell, James R.............443 Odell, Salmon P.............. 91 Ohrenberger, J. W..........357 Osburn, John.................408 Ostrom, Wm H..............286 Overly, Geo. D............ 215 P Packard, Geo. W.............279 Painter, John................ 439 Parmeter, J. F............ 248 Parmeter, L. L...............328 Parsons, Andrew.........1.. 133 Pawling, F.................. 263 Peacock, Richard........... 230 Peacock, Wm. J..............364 Peets, Charles W.........348 Persons, Wellington..........382 Peters, George H...........475 Peterson, F. H..........314 Peterson, N................263 Peterson,S.W............... 280 Pfeifle,C.....................392 Pickett, L. W................. 377 Pierce, Franklin.............. 70 Pierson, Wm. M...........191 Pike, Francis M.............407 Pittwood, John............468 Platt, Jonathan..............328 Platt, W. S..................238 Polk, James K................ 59 Pollard, George..............257 KOOke, john................ 197 Rose, Sam....................423 Rossiter, Jeremiah............221 Rull, George W..............286 Rupp, George................347 Russell, John...............241 Rutherford, R. W............239 S Schanck, Thercn C...........184 Schroeder, John F............302 Scott, M. W..................277 Seaman, W...................214 Seeley, Alex. M..............344 Seeley, A. S.................438 Selby, F. C...................426 Sharp, Monroe L............ 452 Shaw, E.............. 370 Shepherd, George...........274 Shick, Isaac.................260 Simpson, Parker.............407 Sidler, Wm. C............... 208 Simcoe, James................388 Skinner, A. S................ 426 Slocum, George B............413 Slocum, S. K................433 Smeltzer, Joseph.............326 Smith, Barlow..............212 Smith, C. G.................316 Smith, Daniel D.............318 Smith, 0. L..................277 Smith, Simon P............345 Smith, Tyson, M. D.........402 Snyder, A. H...............107 Spencer, James............206 Squier, A. T................. 364 Squier, David W........227 Squier, R J...............269 Stacey, Seth S...............388 Standish, Col. J. H..........462 ~. k Kaufman, C..................332 ier, Jacob...............230 ond, y................20 Stearns, C. E................274 Keefe, Charles F.............305 Miller, John..................279 Powers, David................474 Stevens, S. B. B............387 Kempf, Chri-topher......... 209 Millis, George H.............21o Preston, S....................226 Stirling, Walter..............256 Ketchum, John B...........95 Millis, Silas.................295 Price, T. L., Jr...............300 Stockton, J. E............. 343 Kimbell, Wm................259 Mills, Geo. A...............227Stone, on. Charles W......34 KinchT. C.............. 325 MillLE.................24Q Stone, H. C...............246 King, Levi W...............282 Misner, E...................381 Stuart, T. H................216 King, Wm. C................269 Misner, R. E.................221 Quackenbush, R.............328 Stuart, Richard...............358 Knowles, Alfred.............. 433 Monroe, Charles............ 283 R Surplice, Richard............358 Knowles, T................432 Monroe, James................ 35 Sutliff, A. E.................225 Kriger, J R................ 333 Monroe, P....................437 Race, Walter M..............346 Sutliff, C. A....237 Kritzer, Conrad...............228 Moon, Cyrus.................360 Raider, J. F. A................91 Swain, D. T.....336 Kritzer, Henry...............385 Moote, John.................323 Randall, J. H................287 Sweet, Alonzo..............192 Morgan, L. C............ 322 Randall, Leroy...............276 Sweet, John................228 L Morton, B. E................8 Randolph, C. T..............265 Moses, Michael...............241 Ranney, Edwin J........9...192 Lambson, A. W.........;.-...353 Mudge, Andiew........ 434 Ransom, Epaphroditus....... 152 Lareva, John................. 264 Mudget, A. T............. 342 Rathbun,C I.............240 Taite, Geo. W................196 c^ M Lawrence, Alex.............234 Mulde, K...................281 Read, H. M.................264 Tannewitz, J., Jr........367 Lawrence, SilasT........... 232 Mundy, A. J............ 2..246 Reed, H. T., M. D..........405 Taylor, Alanson.............224 Le Baron, Wm................316 Mundy, Jasper...............414 Reed, Joseph...........60 Taylor, George E............363 Leiitz, George...............356 Mundy,John A..............295 Reed, Sylvanus...........282 Taylor, Zachary..6............ 63 Leonard, Jackson.............232 Murphy, S. J., Jr..........458 Reinoldt, Louis...... 2.... 233 Thayer, Alonzo..............221 385, INDEX. vii -. 5!? Thomas, E. 0................224 Utley, C. W..................377 Weaver, P. H................466 Wonch, John R.......... 360 Tibbitts, B. E...............252 Utley, Ephraim..............411 Webster, G. D...............420 Wood, Benj. F...............296; Tibbitts, Margaret E.........220 Utley, George...............414 Webber, Wm. A.............250 Wood, Jack T............... 245 J- Tift, Leroy.................;255 Utley, Wm. S................381 Webster, Geo. R.............302 Wood, John F., Sr...........356 Toner, John................. 320 Webster, H.. F..............300 Woodard, C. M.............. 86 Town, Elias..................26 Webster, Dr. James..........375 Woodbridge, Wm............. 109 Town, J. A................. 258 V Webster, John E.............365 Woocds, Thos. T............194;' Townsend, J. C..............370 Webster, Wm. R.............313 Train, Mrs. L................246 VanBuren, Martin..........47 Westbrook, E. A.............280 Trask, R. S., M.D.........451 Vanderwater, Lewis..........344 Wheeler, Wm. M............240 Traver, D. C...............387 Whipple, D. J...............367 Treiber, J. F..............343 WA Whipple, Luther.............323 Trumbley, J................231 Whipple, Walter L..........37 Yates Alonzo...458 Trumbull, J. W.............26 Wade,Geo. White, Augustine.............202 Young, Clark N..............337 Tucker, J. W................ 323 White,W T......... YoungJohn................278 Walker, S. V.................457oungs, enj. 357 Tucker, Whitehead, Joseph..........198 Youngs, Benj.................357 ' Turcotte, Michael...........446 Whitehead, Joseph Wallace, R. C............... 231x Turner, Charles.............. 233 Whitman, Wm..............265 /i Warren Horace..............359 Turner, Hezekiah.. W93 Whitney,Frank.............285 Washington, George.......... 9 Z Turner, Wm................87 Waters L0 Wilbur S. R.................2 Tyler, John.................. 55 Waters, Merrick....... 249 Wilcox, Charles............. 439 5~ 5 dWaters, T. L.................198 F.c..Ap.. i Zerlauto, Henry...............245 Adams, John................. 22 Croswell, Charles M..........i6o Johnson, Andrew............82 Rose, Samuiel.................422 Arthur, Chester A...........98 Fillmore, Millard.............66 Labson, A W.............. 350 Sutliff, C. A..................235 Bagley, John J...............156 Fuller, Wm. D...............178 Lambson, Mrs. A. W.........351 Sutliff, Mrs. C. A.............236 Baldwin, Henry P...........152 Garfield, James A............94 Lincoln, Abraham...........78 Taylor, George E............362 Barry, John S................112 Gerber, Joseph...............46 Madison James...............30 Taylor, Zachary............. 62 Barton, James................290 Graham, J. H................ 429 Mason, Stevens T............104 Tift, Leroy..................254 Barton, Mrs. J................291 Graham, Mrs. J. H..428 McClelland, Robert..........128 Trask, R. S., M. D... 448 Bingham, Kinsley S. 136 Greenly, William L...........120 Monroe, James...............34 Tyler, John.................54 Bitely, Stephen...............390 Grovesteen, J. M.............470 Mulder, Kornelis.............281 Utley, Ephraim..............410 Blair, Austin..44 Grovesteen, Mrs. J. M........471 Odell, James R...............442 VanBuren, Martin.46 Bowman, F. M................436 Harrison, Wm. H.........50 Parsons, Andrew............132 Washington, George.......... 18 Bchanan, J......... Hayes, aRutherford B......... go Pierce, Franklin.............. 70 to, h 3: Bull,M. D.396. Ha...........396 HeadIley, Orvin..............2.8 Pierson, Wm. M..............88 Webster, James, M D.........372 - Bull, Mrs, M. D.............397 Hoffman, Philip..............oo Pierson, Mrs. W. M.........i8 Webster, Mrs. J.............373 Collins, David................ 394 Jackson, Andrew.42 Polk, James K... Wter............. R.310 lau, Webster, M rs. Pbebe A.......34 Coolbaugh, B. H.............460 Jefferson, Thomas............26 Ransom, Epaphrodius......124 Webster, Mrs. ph............ 14 /7~.', — ^ C;rao Hen H......... Crapo, Henry H........ 48 Jerome, David H...........1I64 Reed, H. T................404 Woodhridge, William.........o8,~:} b g: Vill INDEX. INTRODUCTORY 479 iNewaygo Republican.5 19 Postoflices 545 PHYSICAL FEATURES 481 Newaygo Tribune 520 TOWNSHIPS 546 Geology 482 Fremont Timnes 521 Ashland 546 -~f -' 1 -pe "Oe No. "10. T.= I,0( %,.,e. INDIANS 484 Indian Life 485 The Indian Dead 486 EARLY SETTLEMENI'F 488 H-ow Our Fathers Lived 490 MUNICIPAL 491 "Russell County" 496 Supervisors 497 THE BAR 500 NEWAYGO'S PART IN THE 'WAR 506 The Beginning 507 Enrollment and Enlistment 508 Drafts 1508 The End 508 The Close 509 TrHE " INDIAN WAR" 509 SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS" v remont inuicator Hesperian Ilesperian Investigator Gleaner Leader News EDUC-JAT1ONAL MATERIAL INTERESTS Navig-ation Railroads Lumber Interests Agricultural PIONEER SOCIETY REMHINISCENCES, BY T WATER MISCELLANEOUS County Jail Poor Farm Medicine 521 0521 521 521. 521 522 524 524 526 529 530 5032 IL.. 537 541 542 542 54:3 Bartoni Beaver Big Prairie Rridgetoni Brooks Newaygo Village C'roton lDaytoii Denver Hesperia Ensley Everett Gartleld Goodwell -Grant Lincoln Monroe Norwich Sheridan 547 5048 5048 549 5050 557 558 559 561 562 563 564 565 -REUAJNION 510 First Dam 543 Fremont 566 POLITICAL 511 First Marriages 543 Sherman 570 Election Returns 511 Fires in the Forest, 1871 544 Troy THE PRESS 519 Population 5,45 Wilcox 571 {D LOPt _j ). * J* >> v>/ -- —. a *a W t-.d,/k. " H)' ~ *K ".,\ *1, *u fe.K=s A^X^>ist 't1 ^.i r If 1 h r ' a.. T- -n — 1' ~:I.Fi -Q 't'>;e t..:g. f ~:~ IE~\~ e7~-~; tr ~d,-a fi Ikr>s fw/~` Csn.P~ tsii~a~. sfe./., C;.,r f-~~ -Ir~\I F-X\ - s~~ 4; ab Z; - Wtf ----*2;~ 0 WIV t,~ Vt I. 9,.=. Z=., *l /1t i ~ ~ ~ ~ A In.-^.~ ~a~ I,. ZN 9, 1. IjC E~T f. (a' *' A= *^ - fA. k A' I'4> -s 'YI,, i, C>* -,.,ilI(b ~1 — e~: -a, ~ --- sl i*~ e I Pb di:I i.. I,. ~;' -I: BE ~ -- Vt * #4ii ~/"~:tar 'A ~:-~^:::~~: -i I N f.'.T - ",)p I $-\ *#.f ~=3 2=3 *^ ' h I~3 11 ILL~ )T 1111; ii tf_~/ ' - ~..~ *fa I' S/9 I' -i-i,* - 4- "' = it 'f, X PiI 1% 0) C —\ - j) Wt1 *1 s->a - "c. fsf UiI .L: s C ''I*~ ~, i:C? ";~-: i! *U, ),..-C..T.... ~ FIRST PRESIDENT. 19 9 ~hi, M- Bra t _ t!! HE Father of our Country was 1 _ | I y born in Westmorland Co., Va., I Feb. 22 I732. His parents A lq J l^ were Augustine and Mary ~| er o f (Ball) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not been satisfactorily traced in 7 England. His great-grand'.(. Afather, John Washington, em[1 X;:1 ] igrated to Virginia about I657, and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner and had three children, John, M"^ Augustine and Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first [I married lane Butler, who bore 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 I4 years oldhe 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 19 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! rl l| him four children, two of whom, soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence n *Lawrence and Augustine, reached died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter ( maturity. Of six children by his who did not long survive him. On her demise the A second marriage, George was the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. eldest, the others being Betty, Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as LieutenSamuel, John Augustine, Charles ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was and Mildred. reorganized, and the province divided into four miliAugustine Washington, the father of George, died tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to,> in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on a very perilous mission was assigned him and acI the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- ' t and to George he left the parental residence. George ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North/ received only such education as the neighborhood western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed schools afforded, save for a short time after he left was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, school, when he received private instruction in and the journey was to be made without military mathematics. His spelling was rather defective. escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The, j^^t 20 GEORGE W. trip was a perilous one, and several times 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 A 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 leveling 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. 5ASHING7'TON.,,'I r=1 r=a "I, 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 17, I759, 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, 1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Washington was sent as a delegate. On May io, 1775, 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 I9, but upon the express condition that he receive no salary. He would keep an exact account of expenses and expect Congress to 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 forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his commission as commander-ii-chief of the army to A to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He! retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all i 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 government; trials from lack of confidence on the part of other governments; trials from want of harmony between the different sections of our 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 sub- = ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- / ters 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 life was suddenly cut off. December 12, 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 j 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. i He commanded respect without any appearance of haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. 7 r I. )s r^'; ^ r~p -.,~ " 'IN I tl ; I I I i r I SECOND PRESIDENT. 23 $ " ++S>C JaH A~AM~. 24 JOHN ADAMS. ~ 24: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I I pi.. games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward for ever. You will think me transported 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, I777, 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 I7,.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 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 Jan. 21, I783. The re-action from the excitement, 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. While in England, stilldrooping 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. February 24, 1785, 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 regarded 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, Washington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,though not without much opposition. Serving in this office four years,he 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 atissue 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 classof 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, I826, 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, "O 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 and 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. I nw: T', If,'4 -"A. Ii, le., e,. ilu, 4u I t —1:~ Ii - N i F - 0 'o, ";li: Y EIRD PRESIDENT. 27 _ T~D[OM9[ JbEF1ETfSOo T i. '^Jl> i b HOMAS JEFFERSON was / 1jir [t A born April 2, 1743, at Shadwell, Albermarle county, Va. His parents were Peter and - KW 77 2 ]f Jane (Randolph) Jefferson, i the former a native of Wales, p Aand the latter born in Lonm don. To them were born six daughters and two sons, of d, Ofwhom Thomas was the elder. When 14 years of age his / father died. He received a most liberal education, having been kept diligently at school from the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he entered William and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 X years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachaable in his morals. It is strange, however, under such influences,that he was not ruined. In the second year of his college course, moved by some unexplained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for exe ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out of the city and back again. He thus attained very: high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philosophy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished ' scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. Immediately upon leaving college he began the study of law. For the short time he continued in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distinguished himself by his energy and accuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for greater action. The policy of England had awakened the spirit of resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In I77 2 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, became the most distinguished resort in our land. In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, where, though a silent member, his abilities as a writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he was placed upon a number of important committees, and was chairman of the one appointed for the drawing up of a declaration of independence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Congress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that X ~'J I=. "*,k#;"IV, M3 *}F. r.=..1y ^i I r ha (r,: I W r, ~i~~Is 1~ jr. aF - - I ~t n llt''F - 0q Vx0 ,> 28 THOMAS J man-what the emotions that swelled his breastwho was charged with the preparation of that Declaration, which, while it made known the wrongs of; America, was also to publish her to the world, free, soverign and independent. It is one of the most re-. markable papers ever written; and did no other effort of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef-: ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in possession of the British troops. His wife's health, never very good, was much injured by this excitement, and:I a. clk o.....f T,-O,,-1-,,.;A-._o, EFFERSON. l ---- ---. - -._ _ _. In ne sumllmici uI 172o snic uicu. Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in I783. Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France. Returning to the United States in September, I789, he became Secretary of State in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned Jan. i, 1794. In I797, he was chosen Vice President, and four years later was elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In I804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, and George Clinton, Vice President. The early part of Mr.-Jefferson's second adminstration was disturbed by an event which threatened the tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a military expedition into the Spanish territories on our southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there a new republic. This has been generally supposed was a mere pretext; and although it has not been generally known what his real plans were, there is no doubt that they were of a far more dangerous character. sary of the Declaration of American Independence, great preparations were made in every part of the Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, and one of the few surviving signers of the Declaration, to participate in their festivities. But an illness, which had been of several weeks duration, and had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invitation. On the second of July, the disease under which he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants, entertained no hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next day, which was Monday, he asked of those around him, the day of the month, and on being told it was the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniversary. His prayer was heard-that day, whose dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed forever. And what a noble consummation of a noble life! To die on that day, —the birthday of a nation,- - the day which his own name and his own act had rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole'nation, who looked up to him, as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kindred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding countrymen; for half a century they had labored together for the good of the country; and now hand in hand they depart. In their lives they had been united in the same great cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not divided. In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes were light, his hair originally red, in after life became white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his forehead broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as well as personal courage; and his command of temper was such that his oldest and most intimate friends never recollected to have seen him in a passion. His manners, though dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that all found at his house a ready welcome. In conversation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and his language was remarkably pure and correct. He was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is discernable the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiquity. I ' 1 *^. f" k, In I809, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined to retire from political life. For a period of nearly forty years, he had been continually before the public, and all that time had been employed in offices of the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus devoted the best part of his life to the service of his country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his declining years required, and upon the organization of ( the new administration, in March, I809, he bid farewell forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole families came in their coaches with their horses,i fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and nurses,-and remained three and even six months. Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a i fashionable watering-place. The fourth of July, I826, being the fiftieth anniverA^- - _ oars P3 -iM2 ii I r^ -e^ploel-ee- 0-t -— ~ 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 youig 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 t battles of England. This right of search and im- d pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce B the British cabinet to relinquish. On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority, and entered upon his second term of office. This is i not the place to describe the various adventures of this war on the land and on the water. Our infant 5 navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grappling with the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commnenced in earnest ': by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, i I813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole H coast of the United States under blockade. s 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 1 House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to p await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Washington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on ( Feb. 13, I 8 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 Leau- [ tifuil home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- o mainderof his days. On June 28, I836, then at the; age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1849. ~ 1. I # ^ I,i 5 He I '.I i 8A -,f1 ~~T- j dI 0,91~. c:[a"~a~.~-~~~"~ s FIFTH PRESIDENT. 35 C s*:J7Jf^ s fl'OJeJO O f r art — aAMES MONROE, the fifth for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the melP Presidentof The United States, ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White i was born in Westmoreland Co., Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled l. M ~ f Va., April 28, 1758. His early before its foes through New Jersey. In four months life was passed at the place of after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots nativity. His ancestors had for had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of many years resided in the prov- Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the actofcharg- A 2 ince in which he was born. When, ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left: = X. J/&lJl at 17 years of age, in the process shoulder. r of completing his education at As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- = i William and Mary College, the Co- moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered lonial Congress assembled at Phila- from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,. ( delphia to deliberate upon the un- receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an ( just and manifold oppressions of officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the camGreat Britian, declared the separa- paigns of I777 and I778, in the actions of Brandytion of the Colonies, and promul- wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued gated the Declaration of Indepen- aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a probable that he would have been one of the signers regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon school and enlisted among the patriots. this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at He joined the army when everything looked hope- that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased ardor, the study bf common law. He did not, however, from day to day. The invading armies came pouring entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; in; and the tories not only favored the cause of the but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volunmother country, but disheartened the new recruits, teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- In 1782, he was elected from King George county, tending with an enemy whom they had been taught a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that i to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive t Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through Council. He was thus honored with the confidence difficulty and danger, the United States owe their of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age; and having e < political emancipation. The young cadet joined the at this early period displayed some of that ability ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards with a firm determination to live or die with her strife employed with unremitting energy for the public good, )| 63Gt! -— IIBC n? —q-.,, i, ~;~- a~~a --: au MR S MO Ha 0 R. -e,~ 1 (R 36fAMtS MONOE. r ^ -11, — *-. --- —-- --- *'_: ^ 'A,X d. I C. r;y r0* 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 3 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 a James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In; building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the combination of their antagonism was needed to create the ) ight 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 deV nouncing 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 i 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 4S odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-; land 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 armor-, bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his cabinet. Upoll the return of:= peace he resigned the Department of War, but continued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- A piration 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 Ixish i 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. i: At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired e to his home in Virginia, where he lived until i830, ' when he went to New York to live with his son-in- J law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 1831. ~o_,%,,. Af II I y i 3;4.-4 i n --- ne SIXTH PRESIDEN7. 739 J qA A r1 OHN OUTTTINCY ADAMS. the in the snrinca of TI82. he accomnanedl hiq frother. n sixth President of the United., ':.I./ I I" States, was born in the rural home of his honored father, _',, r John Adams, in Quincy, Mass.,.. —, ion the Irth of July, 1767. His pr} mother, a woman of exalted <2 9- 7 worth, watched over his childhood 13,I7t ] during the almost constant absence of his father. When but \i' eight years of age, he stood with i(i ' ihis mother on an eminence, listen-,g ing to the boonming of the great battie on Bunker's Hill, and gazingon upon the smoke and flames billowing up from the conflagration of (i Charlestown. _ When but eleven years old he took a tearful adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Europe, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as minister plenipotentiarv. His intelligence attracted Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance with the most distinguished men on the Continent; examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again became associated with the most illustrious men of all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal themes which can engross the human mind. After a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, when he returned to America. To a brilliant young man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a residence with his father in London, under such circumstances, must have been extremely attractive; but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he preferred to return to America to complete his education in an American college. He wished then to study law, that with an honorable profession, he might be able to obtain an independent support. Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, I794, being then but twenty-seven years of age, he was appointed by Washington, resident minister at the ^1 -.. I"' /\: ~^>~ j=r n *w: 1, (If'l!J the notice of these distinguished men, and he received Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached l from them flattering marks of attention. London in October, where he was immediately admitMr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, country, in 1779, ere he was againsent abroad. Again assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he Geat Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in applied himself with great diligence, for six months, London he proceeded to the Hague. 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 ~':f 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 accom- winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed plishment which eminently fitted her to moye in the his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, elevated sphere for which she was destined.,. r,-} ~ ---- ~ ' '1,9x~T kg --- ---.... 40 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. < ~;- ~x i~ (~?~_!~-;~ v Lv/ /k le Aw fr ) -oe.E c*~ Si5 I:C I, m ) He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 17 97; 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, I804. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. Especially did he sustain the Government in its measures of resistance to the encroachments of England, destroying our commerce and 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 I809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated John Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resigning his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked at Boston, in August, 809. 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 he 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. 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. Monroe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary of State. Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second term of office, new candidates began to be presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirtyseven. As there was no choice by the people, the question went to the House of Representatives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he was elected. The friends of all the disappointed candidates now combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in the past history of our country than the abuse which 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 fotght, 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, I848, 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 endof earth;"then after a moment's pause he added, "I am content." These were the last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." I w 1" ~: ~: Xo I (Wi ~k. I % I QNI - M -0-p - i 0, -10 (~0 -n"0 I _~r- `7'~-S-.'cat/-L a_ SE VENTH PRESIDENT. 4.3 Nea I, j. MI ` ^ | -NDREW JACKSON, the and took her sick boys home. After a long illness "iC 7 @I - \(/ ( 4^ W — r * 1 - A ro^a, nf, i m th-r:rnl Y,1' -^W /''arjiWseventi -rrescluent I t me SUnited States, was born in Waxhaw settlement, N. C., March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. His parents were poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up * ( their abode in Waxhaw set7 tlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. -( Andrew, or Andy, as he was P universally called, grew up a very 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 1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fearful gashes,-one on the hand and the other upon the head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert with the same demand. He also refused, and received a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite disabled him, and which probably soon after caused his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their mother was successful in obtaining their exchange, li.uriw JCt. iLCU, c{ll. LtlIM UCtLil Yl 11i iLIC~I l3VI.1 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 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage ceremony was performed a second time, but the occurrence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. During these years he worked hard at his profession, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was especially disgraceful. In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a constitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member in the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its,%t, XY4:C= 1 /, -4 it I, A. I R l ' \ I Flr~l or I ~: --- —- 01<1 -. 0 0 ~oa ~ r m p u n 0 - -eslv --- Ar —v 8 44 ANDREW J'ACKSON. N (e- --- i —. S._ I'll if 4 /.' N. 41 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 f-r six years. When the war of I812 with Great Britian commenced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown mar' 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 sev eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won 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 tone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assistance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend i of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the' narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suply of arms were assembled. The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly desperate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morning until dark, the battle raged. 'The carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred warrios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. The power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter, so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants of the bands caine to the camp, begging for peace. This closing of the Creek war enabled us to concentrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he was appointed major-general. Late in August, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore commenced a furious assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his littl,: 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 oyer 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 1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins of the government, he met with the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most memorable in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, r845. The last years of Mr. Jackson's life- were that of a devoted Christian man. l, I - Ant _.. s-i ~:, I I I I i,,f_f:- A, T,A: a op llta: S " R r1 '. "fIct i ir...A ( 1S119m -- -rm^ f I t z b-73 ----— ^^ figI EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 47 st I. sr~ Me4. E.. ) 0:- TI:E ! and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland | to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intelligence and exemplary piety. He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies in his native village, and commenced the study of; law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven ', years of study in a law-office were required of him ^ before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with,i a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pursued his studies with indefatigable industry. After t spending six years in an office in his native village, 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; tlough 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 the bar of his State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, the victim of consumption, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record of those years is barren in items of public interest. In 1812, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's adminstration. In I815, he was appointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved to Albany, the capital of the State. While he was acknowledged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had I2lk I A~ I I i i SF..' _ P~' I ~r I:,aa:aa~~ ~;i~ C -O "i? 13rR~~~ —~ *i* I i illy,, f f2!A --— ^an "< -— a > 48 MARTIN VAN BURE N. @ e --- - - -= --- — the moral courage to avow that true democracy did home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice not require that " universal suffrage" which.admits President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election J the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and i, governing the State. In true consistency with his frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that ' ) democratic principles, he contended that, while the Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination path leading to the privilege of voting should be open as ambassador. to every man without distinction, no one should be His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favorin some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue ite; and this, probably more than any other cause, and some property interests in the welfare of the secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief ExecuState. tive. On the 2oth of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren reIn I821 he was elected a member of the United ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat Jackson as President of the United States. He was in the convention to revise the constitution of his elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the native State. His course in this convention secured retiring President. "Leaving New York out of the the approval of men of all parties. No one could canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. interests of all classes in the community. In the Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a upon him the power to appoint a successor." conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. His administration was filled with exciting events. In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to inll, Presidential chair, Mr, Van Buren was re-elected to volve this country in war with England, the agitation.; = the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- of the slavery question, and finally the great commerg termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the cial panic which spread over the country, all were, e "State Rights" view in opposition to what was trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was atl deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. tributed to the management of the Democratic party,, Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof and brought the President into such disfavor that he the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his failed of re-election. seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United With the exception of being nominated for the States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether his death. entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, garded throughout the United States as one of the and living within his income, had now fortunately a most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. competence for his declining years. His unblemished r It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to had occupied in the government of our country, seorganize a political army which would, secretly and cured to him not only the homage of his party, but stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By the respect ot the whole community. It was on the these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, 4th of March, 184t, that Mr. Van Buren retired from Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, few thought then could be accomplished. he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics When Andrew Jackson was elected President he of the country. From this time until his death, on appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he ^ position he resigned in I83I, and was immediately resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of appointed Minister to England, where he went the culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old X X same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, age, probably far more happiness than he had before (: refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life.:-f~~~~~ga.".aJ'^_ fM ~i:;'~~ ''"I' i:;~~~..:~'. ,; :c:_?:1:~.~~:~ ~~.;~_:~~ 1:;IO;i;;i~:`-~,r ~1:x~:~-~l.;-.-; :EX.ir:Y'I:2~.: L L.5 i: ~::: -~;~.' ~;,::i::;::::::_:.:::_:::::k ~: ~ ilc;:~;:j: I I ~i '4:4, h iS if '!Avon;! 75-. ^x69414rz^ A NINTH PRESIDlENT. 5 -5 d,,,,.;r' -t X^ Y ^ aILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth President of the United States, was born at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 77.His father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively opulent circumstances, and was one of the most distinguished l ")4 men of his day. He was an )[\ i intimate friend of George Washington, w as early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous i among the patriots of Virginia in resisting the encroachments of the British crown. In the celebrated t Congress of 1775, Benjamin Harrison and John Hancock were.1 ~ both candidates for the office of l u i speaker. dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then appointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This Territory was then entitled to but one member in Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that position. In the spring of I8oo the North-western Territory was divided by Congress into two portions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called "The Territory north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was appointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He Mr Harrison was subsequently was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was inchosen Governor of Virginia, and vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now was twice re-elected. His son rapidly increasing white population. The ability and V William Henry, of course enjoyed fidelity with which he discharged these responsible: l in childhood all the advantages which wealth and duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- times appointed to this office-first by John Adams, ing received a thorough common-school education, he twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presientered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated dent Madison. with honor soon after the death of his father. He Whenhe began his adminstration there were but then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under three white settlementsin that almost boundless region, the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of now crowded with cities and resounding with all the Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements i" signers of the Declaration of Independence. was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French ( A withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he settlement. * abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison > having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About, ^"ef,nnfn /> fl a ~-e}J*-'' *^fr\~^s^ - -- ss~~~~~pc: —^-' iii1 — ^a - - -^ <~ ** '*-.^ '- sK lfk 52 WILLIAM HENR Y HARRISON. t if -,QI R =rr.3 the year 1i806, 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 an orator, 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, 1812, 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 I8I9, 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 oft 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. I i>, s I. 1 I.A. I.F9:,' i; 6 I I -41 I a I;1I C# ^^)}^;* i *- _( li_ I i1' EL X At *0.Pb -- ^ ^ - -rFaa^ n n- Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be received into the Union on the same footing with the r 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 awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. 'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower California. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right: there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 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, "l,8 I i A. k j s_ s f" I1 " 0 I I' 1,, (4),@, Xi;I'.'-:~ -- ~lr C r l!)- -~ Ml 6, -V N, BRITISH T S j 6A TWLELFTHI PRESIDENT. 63 2 ---------- - I, dt.C^ 2ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth X A i~ President of the United States,:;?.was born on the 24th of Nov., a_ (1,7 84, in Orange Co., Va. His A.iw father, Colonel Taylor, was a Virginian of note, and a dis" ~f tinguished patriot and soldier of was an infant, his father with his l wife and two children, emigrated 1 i V to Kentucky, where he settled in A V Ix the pathless wilderness, a few: j ( miles from Louisville. In this front* { ier home, away from civilization and v i all its refinements, young Zachary C( could enjoy but few social and educational advantages. When six years of age he attended a common school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of character He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. In i808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 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 Eng> land, in I812, 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 wilder-, ness 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 I company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of 1812, 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 can! 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 depths of the, wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which i empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little j to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There were no books, no society, no in- C 1i I i- """s Up\ ',". V\ \ I 1' / 051 i ---- — ~ -. - -/ uHi - H'1 - c 64 ZACHAR Y TAYLOR. <, 14~ 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 and Ready.' The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonderful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announcement, and for a time would not listen to it; 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 pre- \ pared 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, 1 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 j 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 i Indians. In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little "k over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of i but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, I850. c His last words were, "I am not afraid to die. I am I ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- i pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 1> 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 i been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his i' rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim-: plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- j dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an outside pocket,-in any such case, this critic held the offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), ' whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 'touch with a pair of tongs.' "Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dilworth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- " saving contempt for learning of every kind." C;/i *A A_ k I f A a I(^ - - - rr;,U I \ -^ ^ ^ I W |||^^>i — ^! iitc-^- ^^ - >4 TRE PRESDENT F, Ad- ina t-vt H t~r " THIR T'EENTH ePR9SIDEzT. 67 - 4 '\Q, -"VI 1,;.I 1\ , W To-r L - ~ -- _o~tliMILLAR RLNIB,~~ ~Itl I' 0 f- -,-4 -6~~I X 1^. A ILLARD FILLMORE, thirr% I' g L teenth President of the United AStates, was born at Summer LP Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y., on the 7th of January, i8oo. His father was a farmer, and owE/ ing to misfortune, in humble cirFIwlAl cumstances. Of his mother, the 0il daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,,Nt~!, of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been En g said that she possessed an intellect enterprising man had commenced the collection of a village library. This proved an inestimable blessing to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate; andthe selections which he made were continually N more elevating and instructive. He read history, # biography, oratory; and thus gradually there was en- x kindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- = coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, * _r. = =3;i Ac. of very high order, united with mch educated man. personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- The young clothier had now attaine position, graceful manners and ex- nineteen years, and was of fine persona quisite sensibilities. She died in and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so h 1 I831; having lived to see her son a there was a gentleman in the neighborh young man of distinguished prom- pecuniary means and of benevolence,ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high Wood,-who was struck with the prep a dignity which he finally attained. pearance of young Fillmore. He made 44 In consequence of the secluded home and limited ance, and was so much impressed with means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- attainments that he advised him to vantages for education in his early years. The com- trade and devote himself to the study of mnon schools, which he occasionally attended were young man replied, that he had no mea very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce no friends to help him and that his pr( and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- tion had been very imperfect. But Jud acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he so much confidence in him that he kin( was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy; take him into his own office, and to Ic > intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred money as he needed. Most gratefully influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, offer was accepted. 4 and had laid the foundations of an upright character. There is in many minds a strange de ~ When fourteen years of age, his father sent him a collegiate education. A young man i some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of be liberally educated if he has graduate a Livingston County, to learn the.trade of a clothier. lege. But many a boy loiters through u ' Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some and then enters a law office, who is by |6- D-;d the age of ( 1l appearance appened that iood of ample -Judge Walter )ossessing ape his acquainthis ability and abandon his the law. The ns of his own, evious educalge Wood had dly offered to >an him such the generous ~, 7, v\1 elusion about is supposed to d at some colniversity hal1 no means as +03 --- al~ -W4M ^^a ~ -- -"V L 68 LARD FILLMORE. R ___ - _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ * i ( f 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. I 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 I829, r he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the: State of New York, as a representative from Erie a County. Though he had never taken a very active t part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with a 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 degr e the respect of his associates. In the autumn of 1832, 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 ener-? gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every - measure received his impress. a Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and ) his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,,he was elected Comptroller of the State. 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 con-. siderable 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 o ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the.I names of 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, I849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but about one year and four months after his inauguration, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-. stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- rm dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which; the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. r Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend ^w jSX~~:~~f"'~X C^^^^^f'~~s c~~"'~'Y';'' \^ ^"~"~~~'"-~~~jIi~~C' ^$^" e0g ^^yg^ RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the. United States, was born in Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 23, 1804. His father was a " ' M Revolutionary soldier, who, with his own strong arm, 1C hewed out a lhome in the, wilderness. He was a man l 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 1rA- h;,1, T —lT; t —.-,la-re l-t, h=i,-t Th, laPri,"hhnre genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. There was something very peculiarly winning in his address, and it was evidently not in the slightest degree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year I824, Franklin Pierce commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the facinating yet perilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four yeais. The last two years he was chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. TIn t2, at tha i not r\,-f taeflntv-_nina hea iwc Pla,'tFo *S 3 IVCU 111111. lL, i3 LdVl.llk i O i.Vk lxl I. lk il lUllYiO I A. {l. a, V.I tm lJ —llll, 11k a MJ W^l Vkl,;LU looked upon him with pride and affection. He was a member of Congress. 'Without taking an active by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- he was associatad. veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural In I837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 7 devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, he was elected to the Senate of the United States; in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced *" When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he his administration. He was the youngest memberin entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane one of the most popular young men in the college. Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accomThe purity of his moral character, the unvarying plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every $ courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and station with which her husband was honored. Of the v<3>> — <-.-^ang.X.;a" * < F 72 FRANKLIN PIERCE. 72 Y~l! ii,' II 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. residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous professional engagements at home, and the precariuos state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the same time declined the nomination for governor by the d Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of b brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, I847. He took an important part in this war, proving himself a brave and true-soldier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native State, he was received enthusiastically by the advocates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his opponents. Het 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 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 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic convention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the g 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 K electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce was therefore inaugurated President of the United States o the 4th of March, 1853. His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy between slavery and freedom was then approaching its culminating point. It became evident that there was an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half free." President Pierce, during the whole of his administration, did every thing he could to conciliate the South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution of the Union were borne to the North on every Southern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when President Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term of office. The North had become thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advocated those measures of Government which they approved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, I857, President Pierce retired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two had died, and his only surviving child had been killed before his eyes by a railroad accident; and his wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left alone in the world, without wife or child. When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which divided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Government. He continued to reside in Concord until the time of his death, which occurred in October, I869. He was one of the most genial and social of men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the alleviation of suffering and want, and many of his townspeople were often gladened by his material bounty. i _ 8` N II l I I y N~~ (1-1 0 q~1a1; 11.,.,-1 — C* C49t6(9V9 .... A ~ ----ni ---- --,i MIFTEENTIf PRESIDENT.1, 0 I -; 3< AL. 1 -.tA. AMES BUCHANAN, the fif/ A kiteenth President of the United ^^^^JI t1ll States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Allegha( Y n nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on e i the 23d of April, 179. The place,! ( where the humble cabin of his. father stood was called Stony; i Batter. It was a wild and rot mantic spot in a gorge of the mounJ 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 i I783, with little property save his own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 117iah1-eth S1nenxr 1the dailahter of q rpscvfrtqhlp fnr!inar abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with facility. In the year I809, he graduated with the highest honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he successfully defended before the State Senate one of the judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- cratve practice. s)ed clim rred his l. In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a *, acandidate for Congress. He was elected, and for a: i clearing with his axe, and settled down there to perA ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se-.., r, During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally eluded home, where James was born, he remained..... tried some important case. In I83I, he retired for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual t s., altogether from the toils of his profession, having acadvantages. When James was eight years of age, his father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where quired an ample fortune. s w p a, Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, his son was placed at school, and commenced a. coursen, Ln ad G k. Hs appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The > course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His.........., duties of his mission he performed with ability,which.R progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in -& entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-. 1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among associates, Webster, Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, $ the first scholars in the institution. His application Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas\ to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri-v~)K A - -' I c4 ll K sals against France, to enforce the payment of our W claims against that country; and defended the course of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 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 = 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 = movement. Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 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 150, 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 for the Presidency. The 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 restriction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, received 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4th, I857, 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 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 offer them 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 froml 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, I86o; 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. =.4 v-i ii VA, i, V4 0 /1, 4 i? ~r i 1,.. v — i j1^ ) ' c- -^i:' I :. * --- annr^I) -^^ --- SIXTEENWTH PRESIDENT. 79 4... ABRAHAM L.. d -L ' `NNN f %N - ONTO J BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth President of the FJ~ United States, was born in "Ix f ^ ' /Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, [ ~!1~'~J-l' 1809. About the year 1780, a " man by the name of Abraham '_'/ ' Lincoln left Virginia with his family and moved into the then l wildsof Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, still a young } \ man, while working one day in a d/ ~ field, was stealthily approached by ( }~ an Indian and shot dead. His widow was 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 I830, 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 adveti I x r I: I ( I GA rN. " e 7,r ii lkr Ii I,i'i..!^muC.-sy * s i * I I: I t t s f\ t 1 t t k t t c C, 1 Af- n y -- - -80 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. tu.rehi s. e.w _... s. w l p.a,.t.hat u p o ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was ' his return they placed a store and mill under his care. greater than upon any other man ever elected to this In I832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he high position. In February, i861, Mr. Lincoln started? - enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his ii returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 way making speeches. The whole journey was frought years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but with much danger. Many of the Southern States had was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew already seceded, and several attempts at assassination Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, were afterwards brought to light. A gang in BaltiHis only post-office was his hat. All the letters he more had arranged, upon his arrival to " get up a row," received he carried there ready to deliver to those and in the confusion to make sure of his death with he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled made this his business. In I834 he again became a the plot. A secret and special train was provided to candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He unexpected hour of the night. The train started at walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of half-past ten; and to prevent any possible communi-: Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and cation on the part of the Secessionists with their Con- f began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, I836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In I839 he re- In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other His success with the jury was so great that he was prominent opponents before the convention he gave soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. important positions. In i854 the great discussion began between Mr. During no other administration have the duties, Lincoln and Mr, Douglas, on the slavery question. devolving upon the President been so manifold, and In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to in I856, he took an active part, and at once became the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and > one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in = speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in ' notable part of his history. The issue was on the determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his slavery question, and he took the broad ground of trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his the Declaration of Independence, that all men are own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- most courageous of men. He went directly into the test, but won a far higher prize. rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, The great Republican Convention met at Chicago with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he an the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and had left Springfield, in I86I, however, plans had been strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- made for his assassination,and he at last fell a victim five thousand. An immense building called "The to one of them. April 14, I865, he, with Gen. Grant, Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes was announced that they would be present. Gen. were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feelas a statesman had long filled the land, was the most ing, with his characteristic kindliness of heart, that prominent. It was generally supposed he would be it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to:he nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth Iream of the weary years of toil and care, and the entered the box where the President and family were )loody death, to which that nomination doomed him: seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the and aslittle did he dream that he was to render services next morning at seven o'clock.:o his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of Never before, in the history of the world was a nation >:he whole civilized world, and which would give him plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. place in the affections of his countrymen, second Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless;, )nly, if second, to that of Washington. anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received i80 in tears. His. was a life which will fitly become a electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, model. His name as the savior of his country will:onstitutionally elected President of the United States. live with that of Washington's, its father; his countrythe tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good men being unable to decide which is the greater,. N"aa ~u ~ " --- + e 9, X 1 H C'5, I N c i —. ne BO isn"G^ -At ~ SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT. 83 ' NDREW JOHNSON, seven- pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, teenth President of the United but assisted him in learning to combine the letters States. The early life of into words. Under such difficulties he pressed onAndrew Johnson contains but ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours the record of poverty, destitu- at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest tion and friendlessness. He and recreation to devote. such time as he could to ~ IN was born December 29, 18o8,reading. X== n Raleigh, N. C. His parents, He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at K belonging to the class of the Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- b poor whites " of the South, were sessed some education. Under her instructions he: ' |. in such circumstances, that they learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 'I could not confer even the slight- in the village debating society, and a favorite with est advantages of education upon ime8a he orest advantages of education upn the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he ortheir child. When Andrew was five ganized a working man's party, which elected him f years of age, his father accidentally alderman, and in I830 elected him mayor, which lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a position he held three years. friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew He now began to take a lively interest in political was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, labor of his mother, who obtained her living with to which he belonged. In I835, he was elected 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 1843, he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. was elected a member of Congress, and by successive?i He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and elections, held that important post for ten years. In. with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, I853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and (( learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- was re-elected in I855. In all these responsible posi- () man to borrow the book of speeches. the owner, tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abilma t brrw hebokofspec Te wnr AN DRE TV JOHNSON.. ' ~<~7'~~ ~.~ 4~rob C.;' ll'I I I ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected United States Senator. Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would probably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In I85o, 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 Sava ior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of I860, he r was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In I86I, when the purpose of the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, appointed him Military Governor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In I864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April I5, 1865, 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 I opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In the beginning of I868, on account of "high crimes and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were preferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three months. A test article of the impeachment was at length submitted to the court for its action. It was certain that as the court voted upon that article so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great majority against him. The change of one vote from the not guilty side would have sustained the impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term, was but little regarded. He continued, though impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own party did not think it expedient to renominate him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unparalleled since the days of Washington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until I875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Congress, and took his seat in that body, at the special session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of March. On the 27th of July, 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 reaching the residence of his child the following day, was stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, with every demonstration of respect. it ig I k, A f s I... a v' S.C%!. n< "~~. i It ii, I -. ~,i; Ace,,/. 's I? C( fr 18:. -7;* r -I tor0 1;1. ~~I Vt j EIGHTEENTH.PRESIDENT. 87 ^ ~ a -------------------------------- I! %7 ijr^~ e a ^x ErWEip.^Er'EN.8 ^ ^-^^ '^J^ Ws@) py a Whorfls,a2^lo ~C\~~jvlf ^;... LYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth President of the United States, was born on the 29th of April, 1822, of __-_ Christian parents, in a humble home, at Point Pleasant, on the banks of the Ohio. Shortly after his father moved to Georgetown, Brown Co., O. In this remote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-school edu-, cation. At the age of seventeen, in the year 1839, he entered " 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, I843, he graduated, about the middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of infantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis From Monterey he was sent,with the fourth infantry, to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Chapultepec. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant returned with his regiment to New York, and was again sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The discovery of gold in California causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the immigrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. Grant resigned his commission and returned to the States; and having married, entered upon the cultivation of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not remunerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into ftl 1loeathr hldInP CC with n viL inrv!r 1"rnrthr ~t ~.. _ *, 111,.,7.&,O,,kl l.l. i,J * 1 JW % ~,. V 1.161CI l 1., at A,souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary... g te v d ad lena, Ill. This was in the year I860. As the tidings X? solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating s d eof the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears: Indians. of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said,a The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was.". Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first I have served him through one war, I do not feel that battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here.... I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at. my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle * s...and see Uncle Sam through this war too." of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that th c s.... He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-:' he performed a signal service of daring and skillful o. unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, J horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am-... b h the capital of the State, where their services were munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along offered to Gov. ates. The Governor, impressed by a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.,^ Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the,") grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one volunteer organization that was being formed in the K. side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of (' - - gu~nn<^ —^^ — " a 88 UL YSSES AnI S. GRA N —.a S. GRANT. ' Gen.~~~~~~~~~~~ Grn eie sso sh okcag f~ kII t i P ) t r~ r.= I).f (00: s 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 stars 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. Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 3 the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal:. capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- i stroy 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, i868, he was unanimously nominated for the ~.: Presidency, and at the autumn election received a C= majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 y: 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 I pride in his reception. Upon his arrival in San Francisco, Sept. 20, 1879, 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 mark- () ed by great acclamation and splendid ovations. ' iI I - r/QH'>fl C>I I 4 S, "N VY&.'!! TV s&&ettt -- — (^flhI BC1I1;X --- N INETEENTH PRESIDENT. 91 < i. W R OD UTHERFORD B. HAYES, born. He was married, in September, i813, to Sophia the nineteenth President of Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emithe United States, was born in grated thither from Connecticut, they having been Delaware, 0., Oct. 4, 1822, al- among the wealthiest and best famnlies of Norwich. mosththree m::ths after th~k Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to dahof his father, Rutherford i635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders '%R Hays.Hi anesryon boh of Norwich. Btofher grandfathers were soldiers I * *' - t I w\ ____ - I the teral.andmaternal sides, in the Revolutionary War. shonorable char- The father of President Hayes was an industrious, acter It can b1e traced it is said, frual and opened-hearted man. He was of a me-| as far back as I1280, when Hayes and chanical. turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stockRutherford were two Scottish chief- ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to atains, fighting side by side with undertake. He was a miember of the Church, active Baiol, William Wallace and Robert in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and conn ^^^^^ arost three months after thyiHe ancestry on the male side are traced back to _^, Bruce. Bodeath fahmilies bRutherford 635, to Jothe ducted his busines on Christianthe principal founder B Haynobility, owned extensive estates, the close of rwich. Bothe war of i82, foher grandfatherasons inwere soldiers the paternal and a large following. Misfor- to his neighbors, int h e Revolved to emigrate to Ohio. stune overtaking^ was the family, George Hayes left Scotar- The joufather of Presidermont toHayes was anOhio industrioushat, v land in i 68o, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, George was born in Windsor, be ted, it is said, frugal and opened-heartedremained there was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- first madealtu, occupying fould months. Mr. Hayes detocked Sarah Lee, and lived from there timewo Scottf hish chiefmar- ming, or d to almove st anything elaware, where that he choose toarrived riage until his death in fighting side by side with undertake817. Hewas a member of the Church, avictivem of malarial son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and wasllace a manufac- fever, less the benevole montherprises ofore the birtown, and con-h of the turer of cythes at Bruce.adford, Conn. Rutherfornged tot he ducted his business on Christian prin hciples. After son of Ezekiel and grandfathery, owned extensive estates, was reavement, found the suppwar of 812, for reasons imuch nexplicableded in born in and had a large followin August, 1756. MiHe was a farmerto hiser brother Sardis, he resoo ad been a memigrate to Ohio. e tune overtaking the family, Georgeper. Hayes left Scot- The journeysehold from the day of its departure from Verin that day, land in 1680,at an unknownd settled in Wising in Brattleboro, mont, and in an orph can girals, steamers, nor railways, i 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 deterried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived wheriage he esuntil his d eath in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, in tim87. He died July 22, act822, a victim of caritymalarial son of Daniel, was born in o724, and was a manufac- fever, less than three months before the birth of the *^ turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- { } s son of Ezekiel and grandfather of Presidenlt Hayes, was reavement, found the support she so much needed in I If born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, her brother Sard is, who had been a member of the +|s >N blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to household from the day of its departure from Ver- a< \^ Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, |mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted X >/S 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 sn ^X~))^i^ ---::-. ^w^^ - ~92 RUTHERFORD B. HA YES. 9 ~ I ii J~ subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at i: most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 4 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 1825, 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 dispos sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings i of others, which are marked traits of his character. His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest I in his education; and as the boy's health had im= proved, 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 i the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he reQ mained 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 1849 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, I Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 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 the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to accept the nomination. Two years later, the office of city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council elected him for the unexpired term. In I86I, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the bar was among the the first. But the news of the attack on Fort Sumpter found him.eager to take up arms for the defense of his country. His military record was bright and illustrious. In October, I86I, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, i862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 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, "forgallant 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 Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. In I869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in I875. In I876 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, I875. He served his full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his party, but his administration was an average one. 1,I I.S...\* in r= T: '41 I C, i9 rr ~PII5; ~un~lF, ~- I I~ I O Lii I:: _~. e i a~s:i i':-.:(::: k:a-;:~I,;;:-; i:~ -C:t- 1 Q.;Ic31 ;~ ~i:..::i —i tn? ~-iP i~i F:.;~~E~-i: 7;f,i "I~: i.~,z:d: ~;5~ Sr24P.. ~r — i R F 6::;:~ a P1-i - ii-~-~ —~~i i~*; a. ipc:_ I ri? i-jr 'bf ~ -~ rd: 'r.P~YDV-fslPCraPueBPllqM~~CUlli I:: irs!~~ -iii* i;~;-~,,, And - - A^yk -N- s-^nn^BQ^ — ^^ —_^^^l. TWENTIETH PRESIDENT. 95 *9 a. _ AXi AMES A. GARFIELD, twenL tieth President of the United States, was born Nov. I9, 51831, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., O His parents were Abram and Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New I~ l England ancestry and from fami~l lies well known in the early hise, 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 i poor Ohio farmers of that day. It was about 20 X 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. His father was a hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. The household comprised the father and mother and their four children-Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 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 biother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years succeeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, 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 gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until he was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of employment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. After making many applications for work, and trying to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. 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 1850, 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; 1 AIF V If;i a9 aa j C0 tr~ S C>^e -—::-5 091nW-) --- in\^ > 96 JAMES A. GARFIELD., - __-...., _ ^a, I D> d-.I -J "President Garfield was more than a man of strong moral and religious convictions. His whole history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In my judgment there is no more interesting feature of his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to the less stately and cultured Christian communions in which they have been reared. Too often it is true that as they step upward in social and political significance they step upward from one degree to another in some of the many types of fashionable Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the church of his mother, the church in which he was trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsectarian charity for all 'who love our Lord in sincerity."' Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. i i, I858, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and mourned. To them were born seven children, five of ' whom are still living, four boys and one girl. Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in I856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meet7 ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, and in I86I was admitted to the bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He received his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Fortysecond Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 14, I861. He was immediately put into active service, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was placed in command of four regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driving out of his native State the officer (Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, although against great odds. President Lincoln, on his success commissioned him Brigadier-General, Jan. o1, I862; and as "he had been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now he was the youngest General in the army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its operations around Corinth and its march through. Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the f General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen, Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won r the stars of the Major-General. Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty years mainly by two men-Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time he entered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive reelections until he was elected President in I88o. Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says: " Since the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a tribunel of the American people, in regard to which you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argumenton one side stated, in almost every instance better than by anybody else, in some speech made in the House of Representatives or on the hustings by Mr. Garfield." Upon Jan. I4, I880, Gen. Garfield was elected to the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate of his party for President at the great Chicago Convention., He was elected in the following November, and on - March 4, I88r, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- i ministration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President Garfield, and every; day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first r of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre-, liminary work of his administration and was prepar-. ing to leave the city to hmeet his friends at Williams College. While on his way and at the depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was " the shot that was heard round the world " Never before in the history of the Nation had anything occurred which so nearly froze the blood of the people for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty days, all during the hot months of July and August, he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent bearing was teaching the country and the world the noblest of human lessons-how to live grandly in the very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the B ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The world wept at his death, as it never had done on the death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. AO The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and executed, in one year after he committed the foul deed. IN I, CEi' I jr4 ii rE —.~ K> &ll (~flNX b 'r 0X, -,'-'-!)( n._, ai ---, XA -^^@ TWENTYFIRST -RS PRESIDENT'. 99 i ';.s --- —--- -,- s --- —------------- *> / l::: 5: S ~t" 1 ~~P*Z~II~i~~\-~LJL~V-~TIL~~,. HESTER A. ARTHUR, 4~ 7^^ _ _twenty-first President of the United States, was born in '~- - I 'q Franklin County, Vermont, on the fifthof October, 830, and is the oldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His 1 father was the Rev. Dr. William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emigrated to this country from I the county Antrim, Ireland, in his 18th year, and died in 1875, in Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and successful ministry. Young Arthur was educated at Union College, Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. After his graduation he taught school Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occasion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided that they could not be held by the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed I n e. I no n vero o two years, ana at to represent the People, and they won their case, the expiration of that time came to which then went to the Supreme Court of the United New York, with $50 in his pocket, States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause and entered the office of ex-Judge of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs. E. D. Culver as student. After E. D. Culver as student. Afer Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward being admitted to the bar he formed emancipation of the black race. the emancipation of the black race. a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Another great service was rendered by General:" Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing Arthur in the same cause in I856. Lizzie Jennings, in the West, and for three months they roamed about respectable colored woman, was put of a Fourth |! in the Western States in search of an eligible site, Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. but in the end returned to New York, where they General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a.! hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- >:; ful career almost from the start. General Arthur ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride C? soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant on their cars, and the other car companies quickly < WAR-:.-Al.. 100 CHESTER A. ARTHUR. I followed their example. Before that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few special cars for colored per. l 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 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 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 20, I 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, I88f, as President and Vice-President. A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen President was the victim of the assassir's bullet. ''hen came terrible weeks of suffering,-those moments of anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na 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. I I ',, tk," is...fIt -< f I (~ I i v r {'0 X. I%'fJ~~2. , LB/ -- - — Lii i:atlau irp / 4=r i (Ir i r m~ t: >ft H. I-.~. I I, IQ I ~':i:C iV Wite1nnl l~ *cre tlt"~:."" Y A A4$8:~~- 8s ~ ~ ia~4~ ai;p ~ ~ B:` ~:P *; OzI /I A t BIk f;.-~ *1 —, 'B 1 4 I'a~I-;)~.4:7 1~4' gN3y A 4 0 u H, 1# *H i (5,,_;a I r > I C. I I) XI Y I AX - _____ *'^ i ace " C *S '4 0.< V a (i.:j I V r N T.. 01:.fti ~*~r Ws== *^-. r\ _ 4.} ~a 33 r.: )..I: _.W ~diX 3P:'~I,.-s ~. -. ~~n ~h-~ li ~ - ~-~ --- —--— /4a ~:: —L"-~- *Y^-|| t r I i) = - ~;Ih F9 I/"6 "(? b: A= Sc It'' -- *CS.4-,4, lc-~~ ~ " ' o. (. U U C M W :: 1: ~.~:.3'9-;-": J~~;r.,, -~~~ -I::~~: I ..~: ~.; i::: i::,;2; "'r-:~: *": "I i-`l;t ii-r::3~;1,:~3"'''.::j. l;t,_; tl:::l:i::::::.:. -:.I':: w.yh:~~r i_.*Ylj j ~~-:~. R:-i cc:~: ~:~ ~: 5~I! ~;- -!~?~~~:,.;~~:i..i: rr;;:'-~~~ ; —;~;~~-~ 1: C "C~.;-'-,~.~: ~I; ~"'?li:~~ 1~-:~ ~: II;::~::: j -i_r~ '"' I:~~~;::rr-;;:.~ -:::::::-'i-i -~:t.-I ~~ GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. I05 X FI W. i W T! i W T.4'-.a a viSJr~ts~ tu!~~s At~ $-~~~\~~'"~r vw~L.I- r, " A 1, 94~ L AAL d. i —?^ TEPHEN T. MASON, the t:l." first Governorof Michigan, was W I. il-) a son of Gen. John T. Mason, [ ~ /j of Kentucky, but was born in s Virginia, in I8I2. At the age of I9 he was appointed Secre/,l_ r tary of Michigan Territory, and J served in that capacity during the '1B'jl administration of Gov. George B. t % Porter. Upon the death of Gov. '( Porter, which occurred on the 6th of July, I834, Mr. Mason became Act' ing Governor. In October, I835, he was elected Governor under the State [ organization, and immediately eni 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, 1843. 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 13 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 I812, 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 I8I8. 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," it ~2r 4. s.a biNS df — ~, %,s? i,. or):s rI~~ I B rs,-s i v, n i, C- ~ _ lialtan~ ~ ---i ---- ~.. i>o6 STEPHEN- TW —7<. MASON. - t 106 STEPHEN T. MWASON. < ^I I A from the names of the surveyors. The territory was valuable for its rich agricultural lands; but the chief value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the Maumee River, where now stands the flourishing city of Toledo, was included within its limits The town originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo. In February, I835, the Legislature of Ohio passed an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over the territory in question; erected townships and directed them to hold elections in April following. It also directed Governor Lucus to appoint three commissioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line; and named the first of April as the day to commence the survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated this action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent a special message to the Legislative Council, apprising it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised immediate action by that body to anticipate and counteract the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the I2th of February, the council passed an act making it a criminal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or imprisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any official functions, or accept any office within the jurisdiction of Michigan, under or by virture of any authority not derived from the Territory, or the United States. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote General Brown, then in command of the Michigan militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was made on the part of Ohio to carry out the provisions of that act of the Legislature. On the 3Ist of March, Governor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at Perrysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying the Harris line. He was accompanied by General Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to muster a volunteer force of about 600 men. This was soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort Miami, to await the Governor's orders. In the meantime, Governor Mason, with General Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 200o strong, and were in possession of Toledo. General Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Constantine, Quartermaster; William E. Broadman, of Detroit, and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-decamp. When Governor Lucas observed the determined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note of their number, he found it convenient to content I himself for a time with " watching over the border."; Several days were passed in this exhilarating employ- ^? ment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his mind to do something rash, two commissioners arrived from Washington on a mission of peace. They I remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded him of the consequences to himself and his State if he persisted in his attempt to gain possession of the disputed territory by. force. After several conferences with both governors, the commissioners submitted proposi- il tions for their consideration. Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions, and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and declined to compromise the rights of his people by a surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Governor Lucus disbanded his forces, however, Governor Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise. Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line without being molested, and ordered the commissioners:: to proceed with their work. In the meantime, Governor Mason kept a watch- r:: ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent \T scouts through the woods to watch their movements, and report when operations were commenced. When the surveying party got within the county of Lenawee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a portion of the party. The rest, including the commissioners, took to their heels, and were soon beyond the dis- 1 puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the following day in a highly demoralized condition, and reported they had been attacked by an overwhelming force of Michigan malitia, under command of General Brown. This summary breaking up of the surveying party produced the most tremendous excitement throughout Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference ~ to the "war." The question continued for some time to agitate the minds of the opposing parties; and the f action of Congress was impatiently awaited. Michigan o/ was admitted into the Union on the condition that ' she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept:t in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. < -7 —, (Rl~S —, I I;;; %~,ISrt0 00 ,. I, - / i, IT ) —. - I,-c -- SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICHIGAN. o109 - ~ —W5ILLIAM COODBF IDGE. -- I 'a 4 % H i tgILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the H1U Slj second Governor of Michigan, Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the 77 was born at Norwich, Conn., spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domesX Aug 20 1780, and died at tic relations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2,19, i860. Detroit Oct. 20, I861. He Our written biographies necessarily speak more was of a family of three brothers fully of men, because of their active participation in and two sisters. His father, public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon ' ] Dudley Woodbridge, removed to the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The the influence of good women upon the history of the [ 1 life of Wi. Woodbridge, by Chas. world will be read side by side with the deeds of men.. I l L auman, from which this sketch How much success and renown in life manymenowe. i largely compled m tios no th to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. ena |N,is largely compiled, mentions nothg n hs e e joyed the best means of early education that the z3~O ~~ing concerning his early education...e C. beyondcthnfc hait was ucha country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled wa affordte by theta e scho o her to improve her advantages. During her life, side 8 X | was afforded by the average school.. t a rwi te by side with the highest type of domestic and social 51 1p~p1K\ of the tinle, except a year, with the.St Frc clfost at Gallipolis, t graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that W\IISFrench colonists at Gallpls wherenhe acquoire a koleeo formed the crown of a faultless character. She was 1;1111 where he acquired a knowledge of. n te Frenc la a. It s a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine lllllthe 'French language. It should.. b11 te.ren. mnguageve.verses, some of which are preserved in a printed be borne i memorial essay written upon the occasion of her home education at that time was death In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute X 1(-~|ez an indispensable feature in the tr g of te y. To teven in matters of minor importance, to elevate the X;9> w training ofthe young. To this and..d and t a.f tuise llmasoterad, reputation and add to the well being of her husband HA and to a few studies well mastered,. to 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 during the latter portion of her life, but was patient adorned and helped to make our National history. and cheerful to the end. Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a In i 807, Mr. W. was chosen arepresentativetothe young man subsequently distinguished, but known General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to:^young man subsequently distinguished, but knowncniugamebryrelctoutl at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at the Senate, continuing a member by reelection until. the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of his removal from the State. He also held, by a. nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta pointment, dung the time the office of Prosecuting 1 in i 806. In June, i 806, he married, at Hartford, Con- Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in —: necticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trumbell, a the Legislature, and in i 812drew up a declaration and E < distinguished author and judge; and author of the resolutions, which passed the two houses unamimously II, tJij ew@ --- i n nh ti^ - l-^ -— a WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE. A (6) - 1~ 1... --- and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of T and most emphatic terms, the war measures of Presi- his profession, having the best law library in the Terdent Madison. Duringthe period from I804 to 814 ritory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the: ~ the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had be- Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the ' T come widely separated. The latter was Governor of President, J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James With- l,) the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is convenand Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a tionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory. Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was, This court was apparently a continuation of the Terriin I8I4, without solicitation on his part, tendered to torial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesita- Judges" system. Although it was supreme in its jution, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could dicial functions within the Territory, its powers and make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. duties were of a very general character. The office of Secretary involved also the duties of In 1832, the term of his appointment as Judge excollectorof customs at the port of Detroit, and during piring, President Jackson appointed a successor, it is the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof supposed on political grounds, much to the disappointof his duties, also including those of Superintendent ment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The ' of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for partisan feeling of the time extended into the Terriabout two years out of the eight years that he held the tory, and its people began to think of assuming the office of Secretary Under the administration of"Gov- dignity of a State government. Party lines becomernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time the Whigs and was elected a member of the Convenafter their numbers entitled them to a more popular tion of i835, which formed the first State Constitution. representative system, they were allowed no delegate In 1837 he was elected a member of t? e State Senate. r in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career, the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand because it is closely identified with the early his= for representation by a delegate, that an act was tory of the State, and the development of its politi- = passedin Congress in 8 9 authorizingone tobechosen. cal system. Since the organizationof the State Gov-. Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence ernment the history of Michigan is more familiar, and ' of allparties. Hisfirst action inCongress wasto secure hence no review of Judge W's career as Governor ' the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Govold French land titles in the Territory according to ernor in 1839, under a popular impression that the the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain affairs of the State had not been prudently adminisat the close of the Revolution; and another for the tered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but construction of a Government road through the "black little more than a year, when he was elected to the swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus open- Senate of the United States. ing a means of land transit between Ohio and Mich- His term in the Senate practically closed his politigan. He was influential in securing the passage oficallife, although he was strongly urged by many bills for the construction of Government roads from prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and President in 1848. X fnr A the number of pupils reported as attending the public schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, a State land office was established at Marshall, which r was invested with the charge and disposition of all the lands belonging to the State In 1844, the taxable property of the State was found to be over twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the *income from the railroads was nearly three hundred V thousand dollars. At this time the University of Michigan had become so prosperous that its income was ample to pay the interest on the University debt; and the amount of money which the State was able to loan the several progressing railroads was one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were made to increase the efficiency of the common schools with good results In I845, when Gov. Barry's second term expired, the po1)ulation of the State was more than three hundred thousand. The constitution of the State forbade more than two consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the S position again in I850-the only instance of the kind ^ in the history of the State. He was a member of the Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven@ tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent3 atives. During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Normal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board of education consisting of six persons. A new constitution for the government of the State was also adopted and the " Great Railway Conspiracy Case " was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts which had been committed upon the property of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line of their road, and finally the burning of the depot at Detroit, in I850. At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County, April 24, i851, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this I crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Railroad Company employed ten eminent lawyers, including David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A. Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Daniel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were ) represented by six members of the. State bar, led by William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied four months, during which time the plaintiffs examined 246 witnesses in 27. days, and the defendants 249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury for the prosecution; William H. Seward for the defense. of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the 4 sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his i clients were the victims of purchased treachery, ' rather than so many sacrifices to justice. + The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock P. M., Sept. 25, I85 I. On the 26th the prisoners were put forward to receive sentence, when many of them protested their entire innocence, after which the presiding judge condemned 12 of the number to the following terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within the State's prison, situate in their county: Ammi Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years; Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin, ' eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price, t eight years; Lyman Champlin, five years; Willard W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five years; Erastus Smith, five years. In 1840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe to obtain information in reference to its culture. He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last public service was that of a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864. He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been one of the most efficient and popular Governors the State has ever had. Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity. His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong convictions and outspoken honesty made it impossible for him to take an undefined position when a principle was involved. His attachments and prejudices were strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his administration of public affairs. As a speaker he was not remarkable. Solidity, rather than. brilliancy, characterized his oratory, which is described as argumentative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely 1 wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo- S quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner rather awkward. J Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less to political intrigue as a means of gaining position. He was a true statesman, and gained plublic esteem by his solid worth. His political connections I were always with the Democratic party, and his opinions were usually extreme. Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning of the ascendency of the Republican party, and carried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He X died Jan. 14, 1870, his wife's death having occurred a year previous, March 30, I869. They left no children. T 4I., Ir 4a,S = —l a.. >^ * *. J 4 r7 y.1 V~ " hi The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence I,;,r N -0 - - L 7 4;;; q7 ( 74 0 0 lll Q 0 > i * ,~~; iLi:5: li2" ru ~3:l'i..*.,v: i:L. B' b: ~r I: "'Lz '~~ d ~~!C1;Ilf:% i a ~:. :~s:r; islIH~:!fE ii5 —I- n > GO VERN ORS OF MICHIGAN. 117 9 A.\ -- ------------------------- r II geofC~ ~ L~I~i;LI,5 ~ ~aL3 Zlr, ~UII) 5;r5 5;,P`srr\,-WiFsiT;-B I 1 — I — -- -.. — I. — --,- -1-e -* — -*-.- - 5i~~P4~~ $~ IN T 0 I. - & —.-& -qr- v 54=1504E4 —=-A IIW ff PI -n.^ LPHEUS FELCH, the third *mug Governor of Michigan, was J born in Limerick, Maine, September 28, i8o6. His grandfather, Abijah Felch, was a soldier in the Revolution; and ) when a young man, having with others obtained a grant of land between the Great and Little Ossipee 'g T. Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re-; gion when it was yet a wilderness. The father of Mr. Felch embarked in mercantile life at Limerick. He was the first to engage in that business in that section, and continued it until v 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 renained until his death. Mr Felch received his early education in the district school and a neighboring academy. In 182I he became a student at Phillips Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered Bowdoin College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at once began the study of law and was admitted to practice at Bangor, Me., in 1830. He began the practice of his profession at Houlton, Me., where he remained until 1833. The severity of the climate impaired his health, never very good, and he found it necessary to seek a change of climate. He disposed of his library and started to seek a new home. His intention was to join his friend, 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 1843, 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 I836 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 out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion, were sure to follow its passage. The public mind, however, was so favorably impressed by the measure that no other member, in either branch of the Legislature, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with him in opposition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was appointed one of the Bank Commissioners of the State, and held that office for more than a year. During this time, the new banking law had given birth to that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks. Almost every village had its bank. The country was flooded with depressed "-wild-cat" money. The examinations of the Bank Commissioners brought to light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly re ^ i *' "v I, I i A^* d- - at-^~~ -' -^ntun ni Ai is4Z APlHEUS 'EZ~~. f~........ p o rIto I t __ wf crim & — <.-:-I~a* -V 118 ALPHEUS FELCH. I I -- - I "'~,.AL.1 f 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 1839 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 I842 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 I845 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 j corporations,-the Central for $2,000,000, and the Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State amounted in I846 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 I847, 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. i At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, I853, Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of the Commissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish and Mexican land claims in California, under the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress 4 passed for that purpose. He went to California in May, I853, 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 5 State,-wereinvolved in the adjudicationsof this Commission. In March, I856, 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 princi-: pally in legal business. Since his return he has been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen- v ator, 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 g 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 Com- ( missioner 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. I - i lk Y'c~ I' i A ) —lI t r4-t-A:1 % —*) u u j W.W ut):3XFO — _ 'A.i~-. 1~LI I j. ~:: r.;.ep~,-p:~i.: I*P?"~ I: ~~~: ~~~.r~ ~''' 1; r~ i;:I ri i~i:::;; ~~-;-::.:. i ~`;-: Elir~i:i~;:- ~~:;: 'i:,- ` ~~;i~~ i; ----— ^ nn^|n.> - — ^ ^ -- i GO VEIRORS. 2 vI. i I (S c - -rta ^ I i~sE-^ T~ ~ T ^r^'/.crr sBl;1 '^ AT Y, ILLJAM L. GREENLY, Governor of Michigan for the:.year 1847, was born at Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 18, I813. He graduatedat Union College, Schenectady, in l[7 I73I, studied law and was admitted to the bar in I834. In I836, having removed to Michigan, he settled in Adrian, where he has since resided. The year following his arrival in Michigan he was elected State Senator and......1 ' 1__ a I....;:1 - 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 summuns 13 independent volunteer companies, i of infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line. Of the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bear (i<.!. v =* Ant., =, served in mar capacity untit 1i39. - 4servea in ta capaciry un I39. ing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette, C -A) f XIn I 845 he was elected Lieut. Gov- C1I SC IInIIr 8 hScott and Brady upon their banners. Of the reernor and became acting Governor mainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three,? l by the resignation of Gov. Felch, St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne who was elected to the United County an additional company. Of these alone the States Senate. veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into serThe war with Mexico was brought vice. In addition to them ten companies, making the to a successful termination during Gov. Greenley's First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing g( administration. We regret to say that there are only from various parts of the State, but embodying to a.i few records extant of the action of Michigan troops great degre the material of which the first volunteers in the Mexican war. That many went there and was formed, were not called for until October followfought well are points conceded; but their names and ing. This regiment was soon in readiness and pronativity are hidden away in United States archives ceeded' by orders from Government to the seat ofwar.,: ~ )3a.-A nen _: eC~o " _><^ -- A". VA~ z 9 \2 4: ~ I I A-.-L 3= %k* 3= 3= S:/ I'), I I Are* co-) $, 1 "I,. Alf i,o -A,(-1,,11)(- I- a I; - A JI.,1.~, a,,_III wv,Hone Sc, I, GO VERNORS. 1 5, HE HON. EPAPHRODI| TUS RANSOM, the Seventh H Governor of Michigan, was a native of Massachusetts. In > that State he received a collegiate education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar. Removing to Michigan about the time of its admission to the Union, he took up his residence shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor. I He held the office of Regent of the Michigan University several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy j in its management. *' Subsequently he was appointed receiver of the t:l land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres- ^ ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and 5=: where he died before the expiration of his term of / office. We sum up the events and affairs of the State under Gov. Ransom's administration as follows: The Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the V Ac.l.n. for the D)eaf Dumb and Blind. Both of 9 at Kalamazoo.., these institutes were liberally endowed with lands, Mr. Ranso served with marked and each of them placed in charge of a board of five ability for a number of years in the trustees. The appropriation in i849 for the deaf and \ State Legislature, and in i837 he was appointed As- dumb and blind amounted to $81,500. On the first sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was cormii was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he re- pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first distained until I845, when he resigned. patch transmitted on that day. The following figures Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in show the progress in agriculture: The land reported the building of plank roads in the western portion of as under cultivation in I848 was 1,437,460 acres; of the State, and in this business lost the greater portion wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other of the property which he had accumulated by years grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds; ( of toil and industry. maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cat- - Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of tle, 210,268; swine, I52,541; sheep, 610,534; while: Michigan in the fall of i847, and served during one the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills: term, performing the duties of the office in a truly amounted to 730. 847 an act waspassedremoving;4 statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and tempo- fo President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in rary buildings for the use of the Legislature wereim$ which position he displayed the same ability that mediately erected, at a cost of $12,450. atl r ete, a a. s J. - ^ 0t r1of i 2, 4 5- -x 'A 5, "'' fe ' A<..F. V. Q i 'ffi': a;~5 V~ i ~niZ #224, 'kb;~: rXQ.l~%,, ip " 2~~: I a~T': Fi~K 4a~?r ~ ~-i 9$r~~s r>; 2~ 'A @ '7 tt 'rcL ~*'-st"' kwmr i 4 7 -w vi4S ON Im uuxl~*-* Q:II1C Ig P" ht la-"a;.;;Y trrt-LB i Sa "as"ara GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 129 > (PI-t R7 17 q= --- 1- - me - A OBERT Mc CLELLAND, _. Governor of Michigan from Jan. I, 1852, to March 8, 1853, '= # was born at Greencastle, Frank-/ 2 lin Co., Penn., Aug. I, 1807. of{ \~ __ Among his ancestors were several X Q j officers of rank in the Revolutioni ) ary war, and some of his family con_f.'~ [ nections were distinguished in the war of 1812, and that with Mexico. His father was an eminent physician and surgeon who studied under Dr. i Benj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and?f r practiced his profession successfully ~i ei until six months before his death, at v: I the age of 84 years. Although Mr. i 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 I831. Soon afterward he removed to the city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a year. In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe examination, he became a member of the bar of Michigan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of success. In I835, a convention was called to frame a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked among its ablest debaters. He was appointed the first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason, and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but declined both of these offices in order to attend to his professional duties. In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished as the head of several important committees, Speaker pro tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient member. In I840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelming majority, and at the same time the State of Michigan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry of " Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic party. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the acknowledged leaders of the latter organization; was elected a member of the State House of Representatives, and with others adopted a plan to regain a lost authority and prestige. This party soon came again into power in the State, and having been returned to the State Legislature Mr. McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives I i V (1.! ",;4, 9:\ ~ p ":o I_ Lir~ sii:l (2 _aP-r-?C-I.cjlrSu,!Iji t i"' _.aoaai ~-~,,., ,prZ~.~itCZS \,, ';rd O -Po.13 ROBERiT IMcCLELLA 1VVD, N ,, Nk Of I 'm " ; 4 " " ",-,,, -; , I 4, I I:8 rf III r; /' 130 ROBERT.AkcLELLAND, i,,~ '-41 1_ 1 in 1843. 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 I840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate for Congress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about 2,500. Mr. McClelland soon took a prominent position in Congress among the veterans of that bodyo During his first term he was placed on Committee on Commerce, and organized and carried through what were known as the " Harbor bills." The continued confidence of his constituency was manifested in his election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this session he had acquired a National reputation, and so favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Representatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. Wo 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 Congresso In I847, Mro McClelland was re-elected to Con. gress, and at the opening of the 3oth Congress became a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. While acting in this capacity, what was known as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his special charge, and his management of the same was such as to command universal approbationo While in Congress, Mro 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 1848, doing valiant service that year for the election of that distinguished statesman. On leaving Congress, in I848, Mr. McClelland returned to the practice of his profession at Monroe. In i85o a convention of the State of Michigan was called to revise the State constitution. He was elected a member and was regarded therein as among the ablest and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the committee room and on the floor, in debate. In i850, he was President of the Democratic State convention which adopted resolutions in support of Henry Clay's famous compromise measures, of which Mro McClelland was a strong advocateo He was a member of the Democratic National convention in I852, 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 Geno Pierce to the Presidency. In I85 t, 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 constitutiono Mr. McClelland was elected Governor, and in the fall of i852 was re-elected for a term of two years, from Jan. I, I853. His administration was regarded as wise, prudent and conciliatory, and was as popular as could be expected at a time when party spirit ran high. There was really no opposition, and when he resigned, in March, I853, 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 thecabiret by President Pierce, in March, 185 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 constitution, Mr. McClelland was a member and here again his long experience made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and impressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective advocate. In speaking before the people on political subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In I87 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his extensive personal acquaintance with European diplomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than f- - - - --- - 4,.) t, most travelers,:. Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah " E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had 2 six children, two of whom now survive. laT'tL9 -C' ";i I b I;-I ~-:::- r:b3f* r~;r -d;,-,- an -.I -ld` ~~;;I c I l I GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 133...'.A W 1._ NO 4 / IrS ' \NDREW PARSONS, Gover-.\ nor of Michigan from March ~A ~8, 1853 to Jan. 3, t855, was born in the town of Hoosick,,, County of Rensselaer, and. State of New York, on the 22d ' day of July, 1817, gied died June 6, 855, at the early age of 38 >21 a years. He was the son of John i Parsons, born at Newburyport, Mass., Oct. 2, I782, and who was the son of Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary soldier, who was the son of Phineas Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, a descendant of Walter Parsons, born in Ireland in 1290. Of this name and family, some one hundred and:.1. r vI - 1- v:._ - 1- - -A; and accompanied their father and others to New England about I630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salisbury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in 17 30, ordained at Rye, N. H., Nov. 3, 17 36, married Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Boston, Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfather of Mary Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first settlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous race of the name are descended, including two Presidents of the United States. The Parsons have become very numerous and are found throughout New England, and many of the descedants are scattered in all parts of the United States, and especially in the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of 17 years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann tmrty years ago, Disnop jiison remiarKeu in nis cu ition of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable faily |Arbor, where for a few months he taught school which i of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of he was compelled to abandon from ill health. Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross." He was one of the large number of men of sterling j The following are descendants of these families: worth, who came from the East to Michigan when it Sir John Parsons, born 1481, was Mayor of Hereford; was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming Robert Parsons, born in I546, lived near Bridgewater, the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom, England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the natural resources, until to-day it ranks with the prouda Romish faith. He established an English College at est States of the Union. These brave men came to r Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest - born in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham; of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong;.. Bartholomew Parsons, born in i6i8, was another and willing hands. They gloriously conquered, how-,! noted member of the family. In 1634,Thomas Parsons ever, and to them is due all honor for the labors ~/ was knighted by Charles i. Joseph and Benjamin, so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation \X. brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England, which they laid of a great Commonwealth. "it) At —H esii -----,e 134 ANDREW PARSONS Q ----—. I%:9~~ 3:` * r. A It /45' 1 I "i '' tI I 1.iSra.4*' In the fall of I835, he explored the Grand River Valley in a frail canoe, the whole length of the river, from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia, County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons, also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shiawasse County, then with Clinton County, and an almost unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized township. In 1837 this territory was organized into a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (Andrew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840, he was elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and also in I844. In 1846, he was elected to the State Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in I848, and elected Regent of the University in 1851, and Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor, in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in I854, and, overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the responsibilities of his office and cares of his business, retired to his farm, where he died soon after. He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He was always true to his trust, and the whole world could not persuade nor drive him to do what he conceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most powerful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him, to induce him to call an extra session of the Legislature. Meetings were held in all parts of the State for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words. In other places the resolutions were of a demanding nature, while in others they were threatening beyond measure. Fearing that all these influences might fail to induce him to call the extra session, a large sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers tendered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of the State and call the extra session, but, immovable, he returned the money and refused to receive any favors, whether from any party who would attempt to corrupt him by laudations, liberal offers, or by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man could dispute, showing the circumstances were not "extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session. This brought down the wrath of various parties upon his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance: "though not always coinciding with his views I never doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times sought to perform his duties in strict accordance, with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests of his oath." The following eulogium from a politcal opponent is just in its conception and creditable to its author: "Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Democratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every public and private relation of life. As a politician he was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an executive officer firm, constant and reliable." The highest commendations we can pay the deceased is to give his just record, —that of being an honest man. In the spring of I854, during the administration of Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least as a State organization, was first formed in the United States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slavery men of both the old parties. Great excitement prevailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether slavery should exist there. For the purposeof permitting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise" (which limited slavery to the south of 360 30') was rerepealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas. This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who were opposed to this repeal measure were in short called "anti-Nebraska" men. The epithets, "Nebraska" and "anti-Nebraska," were temporally employed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery parties, pending the desolution of the old Democratic and Whig parties and the organization of the new Democratic and Republican parties of the present. - llj It, ii i IY 17-4 II ii:, I C;, Ai! i~l F;g k, ~<~N^^ — ^ ^ —A<^D mti^>^-^ ^- -^^^y fl r C |||4- 1- --- 1 ----< 07 Q(l > '* GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. I37 my~~' f,#.. - - - V'..~=-" ---- ~ II~,~ h; u /a KINSL Y S. BINGHAM. t~~~~g-~ ~ ' A\m~. S m -- g W VW 9 I 0 INSLEY S. BINGHAM, M ili< I;;, f Governor of Michigan from 1855 to 1859, and United States Senator, was born in Camillus, Onondaga County, N. Y., Dec. i6, i808. His father was a farmer, and his own 1NK] early life was consequently de( voted to agricultural pursuits, but notwithstanding the disadvantages related to the acquisition of knowledge in the life of a farmer he managed to secure a good academic education in his native State and studied law in the office of Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of lJ Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of 1 833, he married an estimable lady who had recently arrived from Scoti land, and obeying the impulse of a t naturally enterprising disposition, he emigrated to Michigan and purchased a new farm in company I with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on the border of civilization, buried in the primeval forest, our fate student commenced the arduous task of preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, putting up buildings, etc., at such a rate that the land chosen was soon reduced to a high state of cultivation. Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Postmaster under the Territorial government, and was the first Probate Judge in the county. In the year 1836, when Michigan 1 ecame a State, he was elected to the first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and Speaker of the House of Representatives three years. In 1846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Representative to Congress, and was the only practical farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed to the introduction of "Wood's Patent Cast Iron Plow" which he completely prevented. He was reelected to Congress in I848, during which time he strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the territory of the United States and was committed to and voted for the Wilmot Proviso. In I854, at the first organization of the Republican party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in I856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his administration, and among other profits of his zeal in their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing. In 859, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in Congress and took an active part in the stormy campaign in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit-;~~; 2~.. rr,, *% iQ P5-1 —. ari aa c II.c; ir ':* iX "'. ---Iii %* ~ ~, ~ 3 ~ i I 6~ '*i rr;i~..;sre A g -3-i I ' — 0[aXA G-<;-4,^ X < 138 KINSLE Y S. BINGHAM.: - _- _- _ nessed the commencement of the civil war while a of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose.: member of the United States Senate. After a com- In its essential features, of combining study and -*- paratively short life of remarkable promise and pub- labor, and of uniting general and professional studies," lic activity he was attacked with appoplexy and died in its course, the college has remained virtually unsuddenly at his residence, in Green Oak, Oct. 5, i861. changed from the first. It has a steady growth in ) The most noticable event in Governor Bingham's number of students, in means of illustration and. first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the efficiency of instruction. Falls of St. Mary. In J852, August 26, an act of The Agricultural College is three miles east of I Congress was approved, granting to the State of Mich- Lansing, comprising several fine buildings; and there, igan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled V Lakes Huron and Superior. In I853, the Legislature green-house, a very large and well-equipped chemical i accepted the grant, and provided for the appointment laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the. (< of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to United States, a general museum, a meseum of me-, arrange for building the canal. A company of enter- chanical inventions, another of vegetable products, a prising men was formed, and a contract was entered extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for - into by which it was arranged that the canal should thepurposes designed. The farm consists of 676 be finished in two years, and the work was pushed acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a rapidly forward. Every article of consumption, ma- systematic rotation of crops. chinery, working implements and materials, timber Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20 rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of modating about 225 students. Attendance in 1875 sev entr evel nd fer e and ar e about ane mle on The5 seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The was 179; total number of graduates for previous year, - length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one 121; ten professors and teachers are enmployed. Exhundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks clusive of the endowment fund ($80,ooo), the assets r...; of solid masonary. In May, I855, the work was corn- of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furnim== pleted, accepted by the commissioners, and formally ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands, 17 delivered to the State authorities. etc., amount to more than $137,000. o The disbursements on account of the construction Hillsdale College was established in I855 by the:' of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at million of dollars; while the lands which were as- Spring Arbor, was incorporated in I845 It was kept signed to the company, and selected through the in operation until it was merged into the present agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres, Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the beautifully situated on an eminence in the western Government grant. The opening of the canal was part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and imposan important event in the history of the improvement ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of iln 874, and in its place five buildings of a more X lake commerce, and particularly important to the modern style have been erected. They are of brick, interests of the Upper Peninsula. three stories with basement, arranged on three sides There were several educational, charitable and re- of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 8o by 80, formatory institutions inaugurated and opened during 48 by 72, 48 by 72, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they conGov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Ag- tain one-half more room than the original building. ricultural College owes its establishment to a provision The State Reform School. This was established of the State Constitution of I85o. Article 13 says, at Lansing in I855, in the northeastern portion of the "The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, pro- city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Ofvide for the establishment of an agricultural school." fenders, having about it many of the features of a For the purpose of carying into practice this provision, prison. In I859 the name was changed to the State \ legislation was commenced in I855, and the act re- Reform School. The government and dicipline, have (" quired that the school should be within ten miles of undergone many and radical changes, until all the I Lansing, and that not more than $15 an acre should prison features have been removed except those that:a ' be paid for the farm and college grounds. The col- remain in the walls of the original structure, and ( lege was opened to students in May, I857, the first of which remain only as monuments of instructive his-,! existing argricultural colleges in the United States. tory. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The, ~) Until the spring of i86, it was under the control inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of of the State Board of Education; since that time it officers, but the attenpts at escape are much fewer ' 7 has been under the management of the State Board than under the more rigid regime of former days..ue-r- te more- rigid rgime- of_ formr ada s y:. _____~-!~: ''r______;5;-~~~ Q GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 141 6 -_I I - E B b * V t.'tel'. OSES WISNER, Governor of ~ Ai i l Michigan from 1859 to I86I, e?[: ' awas born in Springport, Cayu-..L,, ga Co., N Y., June 3, I8r5.. His early education was only what could be obtained at a common school. Agricultural labor > 'g and frugality of his parents gave J~/l nhim a physical constitution of unusJ 7\'t ual strength and endurance, which IA was ever preserved by temperate habits. In i837 he emigrated to Michi(T. gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer County It was new land and he at X once set to work to clear it and plant crops. He labored diligently at his task for two years, when he gave up the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac, Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar and established himself in his new vocation at the village of Lapeer. While there he was apppointed by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well and gave promise of that eminence he afterward attained in the profession. He remained at Lapeerbut a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became a member of a firm and entered fully upon the practice. In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided antislavery bias. His practice becoming extensive, he took little part in politics until after the election of Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a man of great ability, but relied less upon mere book learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend of trickery or artifice in conducting a case As an advocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the merits of his subject his eloquence was at once graceful and powerfil. His fancies supplied the most original, the most pointed illustrations, and his logic became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the adversary shrank and withered. Nature had bestowed upon him rare qualities, and his pcwers as a popular orator were of a high order. On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He actively participated in organizing and consolidating the elements opposed to it in that State, and was a member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July, i854, which was the first formal Republican Convention held in the United States. At this meeting the name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of the new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs, Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others opposed to the extension of slavery and favorable to its expulsion from the Territories and the District of Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to accept the nomination for Attorney General of the t I x II 1L1 - f (;) I liv w-,I 1r \ - 142 MOSES W1SNEA.R. State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom- Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the ) inated and at the annual election in November was war turned his attention to military studies and be-,' elected by an average majority of nearly io,ooo. came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline.Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to His entire attention was now devoted to his duties. X its support all his personal influence and talents. In His treatment of his men was kind, though his disci- ( his views he was bold and radical. He believed from pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree the beginning that the political power of the slave- the spirit of command, and had he lived he would holders would have to be overthrown before quiet no doubt have distinguished himself as a good could be secured to the country. In the Presidential officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at canvass of I856 he supported the Fremont, or Re- being kept in Kentucky where there was so little publican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, 1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, so different from the one he had been leading, and iS. and as such received a very handsome support. his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience In I858, he was nominated for Governor of the which was so natural and so general among the volState by the Republican convention that met at De- unteers in the early part of the war, soon made their troit, and at the subsequent November election was influence felt upon his health. He was seized with chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of typhoid fever and removed to a private house near the election he had addressed the people of almost Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the every county and his majority was greater even than hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him. that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was disHe served as Governor two years, from Jan. I, 1859, ciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for 2 to Jan. i, I86I. His first message to the Legislature an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the jus-. was an able and statesman-like production, and was tice of their cause and the necessity of their crush-:: read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake ing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poig- < to all the interests of the State and set forth an en- nant grief was the prospect of not being able to come ^ lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry." s" Ssettlement of our uncultivated lands and the devel- He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could " opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re- find the enemy it would cover itself with glory,-a sources. It was a document that reflected the highest distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col. W. credit upon the author. was no more. The malady baffled all medical treatHis term having expired Jan. i, 86, he returned men, and on the th day of Jan., 863, he returned to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and profession. There were those in the State who iterred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con- by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who reference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all ceived his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam. such temporizing expedients. His counsel was to Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless send no delegate, but to prepare to fight. ambitious of military renown and would have striven h n c, s for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war After Congress had met and passed the necessary Afr Congressad met a pas the ar to defend and uphold the principles he had so much legislation he resolved to take part in the war. In. at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to arc i S r, re nt w s the causes and the underlying principles that led to raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland ^ t, e he r d. Hs r t te 2 the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of County, where he resided. His regiment, the 22d... Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to march in September, a regiment whose solid quali- mourn his loss Toward them he ever showed the '" ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and ji; Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862. welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen- ( Before parting with his family he made hiss s will. His erous and brave, and like thousands of others he B regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country. i- -- jU^ — ^' ^ng^Da\-f(lj^4. —1 1 —34tj I~ f > GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 145 r45 'o A.,. -- / 7j Ji X i USTIN BLAIR, Governor - /of Michigan from Jan. 2, I86I, to Jan. 4, I865, and kown as the War Governor, is: and illustration of the benificent influence of republican institutions, having inherited neither fortune nor fame. He was born in a log cabin at Caroline, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, i8i8. His ancestors came from Scotland in the time of George I, and for many generations followed the j pursuit of agriculture. His father, 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 184I, 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 844. 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 I854, 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 852; was chosen State Senator two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Republican administration of 1855, and holding the position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln in i860. Mr. Blair was elected Governor of Michigan in I86o, and reelected in i862, faithfully and honorably discharging the arduous duties of the office during that most mo 0 iv X=5 3=.411 Z:/., I^" ^s~tp **'> I #1I K;I~,4, Iill II O111, V - A: f-:~F ~i~t~iS, Zqlzt~ r7 ~inrriaj I ~lKr C.- 00 \ O"' ~ ~ qlltI 00 >1~ ^^@>N^^- - - n mn > --- s-^ Ai ' I46 A USTIN BLAIR. /~ I4, e, -A I " 4C. " I( I s ^*'D Xr *I-A, r.= =LI: I i 't *<8 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 I 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, iI 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, 868, was a clear and convincing argument. Since his retirement from Congress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his extensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L. Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, 1849. Their family consists of 4 sons-George H., a law 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. t i Iii L. t, X m:,0 1: g?;S" If,.. s$.( a x - I: 0 0 0 0 M~ e2 — ^e -- ~nn~iolr- Y —t^ v GOVERNAORS OF MICHIGAN. T49 < qar} a. tSi4 v ~A, +:t5i19 I.'@w\ W n t S H:NRY Rt C' Leas ~~~- atH @$ l Am [WE Q-g l g liil t ^ fd ---_sDx-I~ L s,@as... e ENRY HOWLAND CRAPO, g i f iGovernor of Michigan from H X M I^865 to I869, was born May L~ i t 24, 1804, at Dartmouth, Bristol Co.; Mass., and died at Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869. i He was the eldest son of Jesse and Phoebe (Howland) Crapo. l) His father was of French descent and was very poor, sustaining his 7 ~ family by the cultivation of a farm in Dartmouth township, which yielded (,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 comparatively sterile farm, had no charm for him; and, longing 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 - n r at Ihdur Upinnn thL fnrcnr, with c7U;'i LUV\- enn 1 T 7 - _ 11CdL ctL 11allU tLUll al 1UC u, uWIll U.11n tUois as nu. * for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for. for greater useflness and better things, he looked for could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner,,a:^ them in an education. His struggles to secure this em in an education. His struggles to secure t he constructed the compass and commenced life as a a end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would veyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted him-.A surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted himpersevering. He became an ardent student and have discouraged any but the most courageous and elf for teaching, and took charge of the village school at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and unworker from his boyhood, though the means of carry- pressure of law, a high school was to be - 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 money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to principalshi and received the appointment. To do this was no small task. The law required a rigid procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile was no sma task The law required a. one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of examination in various subjects, whicl necessitated the English language, he copied into a book every days and nights of study. One evening, after conword whose meaning he did not comprehend, and cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called and books, which came into his hands, from the upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed KAs,';~,. ep ofFriends A cade 150 HENRRY HO WLA ND CRAPO. I ) U-i - - I —_ ---- --- —-— _ a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that he was qualified, he walked back to his home the same night, highly elated in being possessed of the acquirements and requirements of a master of the high school. In 1832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he followed the occupation of land surveyor, and occasionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becoming a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held 'until the municipal government was changed,-about fifteen years,-when, upon the inauguration of the city government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector of taxes, a position which he held two or three years. He was also Justice of the Peace for many years. He was elected Alderman of New Bedford; was Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and as such prepared a report upon which was based the order for the establishment of the free Public Library of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if not in the world. The Boston Free Library was established, however, soon afterwards. While a resident in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticulture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indication of the wide reputation he acquired in that field of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an affecting eulogy to his memory was pronounced by the President of the National Horticultural Society at its meeting in Philadelphia, in I869. During his residence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dartmouth, of which he was part owner, was named the "H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him. Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for several years held a commission as Colonel of one of the regiments. He was President of the Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal government he compiled and published, between the years 1836 and I845, five numbers of the New Bedford Directory, the'first work of the kind ever published there. Mr. C. removed to Michigan in I856, having been induced to do so by investments made principally in pine lands, first in 1837 and subsequently in 1856. He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming one of the largest and most successful business men of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was President of that corporation unlil its consolidation with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company. He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been a resident of the place only five or six years. In 1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 1864 he received the nomination on the Republican ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a large majority. He was re-elected in I866, holding the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869, having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties. While serving his last term he was attacked with a disease.which terminated his life within one year afterwards. During much of this time he was an intense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his attention to public matters. A few weeks previous to his death a successful surgical operation was performed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion in business matters and State affairs suffered arelapse from which there was no rebound, and he died July 33, I869. In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated with the Whig party in politics, but became an active member of the Republican party after its organization. He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its welfare and prosperity. Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary A. Slocum, of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after he had attained his majority, and before his struggles with fortune had been rewarded with any great measure of success. But his wife was a woman of great strength of character and possessed of courage, hopefulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of his early years. For several years after his marriage he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living with her parents at the time, at whose home his two older children were born. While thus situated he was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident that at that period of his life no common obstacles deterred him from performing what he regarded as a duty. His wife was none the less conscientious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities and increasing requirements she labored faithfully in the performance of all her duties. They had ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son, Hon. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an honored Representative to Congress from the First Congressional District of Massachusetts. i i:IS 1 ^\: C I, 4,1-,,la I.. t; u -~~ - - -,-;I~k T O;i ~i -rY., 4:.p '' GO VERRVORS OF MICHIG 6 CS HENBY' P. BAI.L!1 iIs-, ENRY P. BALDWIN, GovM 1 'l ernor of Michigan from Jan. a2 1 1 w4 I869, to Jan. I, 1873, is a 1 lineal descendant of Nathan3 A > ielBaldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- inghamshire, England, who set/,Y tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639. His father was John Baldwin,..i0} a graduate of Dartmouth College. He died at North Providence, R. I., in 1826. His paternal grandfather was Rev. / Moses Baldwin, a graduate of Princeton College, in I757, and the first who received collegiate honors at that ancient and honored institution. He died at Parma, Mass., in I813, where for more than 50 years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Roxbury, Mass., about I638. His mother was a daughter of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 7 96, where for 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist Church. The subject of this sketch was born at Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New England common-school education until the age of 12 years, when, both his parents having died, he became a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He remained there, employing his leisure hours in study, until 20 years of age. At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on his own account. He made a visit to the West, in I837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the spring of I838. Here he established a mercantile house which has been successfully conducted until the present time. Although he successfully conducted I a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in all things affecting the prosperity of the city and State of his adoption. He was for several years a 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 Bank since its organization. In I860, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State Senate, of Michigan; during the years of i86I-'2 he was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations, Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Department and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of the letting of the contract for the improvement of Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected Governor in I868 and was re-elected in I870, serving from 869 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of estimating the necessary means to an end-the knowing of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform I r,, lr- I I fi SIY, I 0.1*' (115 '77-M 54 HENRY P. BALDWIN. ((ih { J o- _- t I 71 I.4 I it success that has attended his efforts in all relations of life. The same industry and accuracy that disg tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was I manifest in his career as the chief 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 P 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 ujpon his recommendation, and the contract > for the entire work let under this administration. a Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under 4 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 S 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 X bonds in good faith, Governor B. felt that the honor k 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, I872, principally for 3 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 laborious and thoughtful care for the financial condition of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub- 3 mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts, expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to.;. I878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin- z istration were the devastating fires which swept over many portions of the Northwest in the fall of I87I. 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. air 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 $700oo,00 having been received th 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 x country and has also made several visits to Europe X and other portions of the Old World. He was a pas- 3 senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and 'Sy bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, 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 i 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 un- I usually 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 X the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day possesses to such remarkable degree." i, I N I KE:c" 0 ( A- j A n - 'I^fNlM -( -AMA-~2 -.::jag9-~asr t:::-: 6 it M~l s : -~n~ 3" Purce9~lp~~ —-~-~~l~~".;i'":-;r " 36,:::esgglplsef 1. r -~CF i:::;:: i ~s; — ~-jsEi. -:11;::~: iBBBBBlsPLBg )p,%sarraramrksc#Jilpsl -4~ jJ,_',:sBBCBI isrrseaarrosP11Pk3. —-_il rC -------— p --- —- _^-i ---ixum yl*~igYjlLtBFgPaidtraJ;~aRe - i.Ir: ::::z;ii:7a;r:jl'~"""-":-c %:ieis 'f';""~:tiZI3:P P:; ":;:;1~:~ 153 11 Is-" -P1-~ A 'i ~; IdZ-. iiC:~ 1~a;;~~ A GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 157? I i:hl..ca!:,l OHN JUDSON BAGLEY, _.,~ ~ Governor of Michigan from 1873 to I877, was born in ':'6 a Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., July 24,1832. His father, John Bagley, was a native of New /e- 7_ Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. t[t < Bagley, of Connecticut. He at}33' H tended the district school of LockI i port, N. Y., until he was eight years 1l old, at which time his father moved to Constantine, Mich., and he attended the common schools of that village. 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 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 1872. He was a director of the Amer-: ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- } holder and director in various other corporations. Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same length of time. In I865 he was appointed by Governor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serving six years. In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michigan, and two years later was reelected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877. He was an active worker in the Reoublican partv. and stances, Mr. B was obliged to work for many years was Chairman of the Republican as soon as he was able to do so State Central committee. State Central committee. Leaving school when r3 years of age Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious i he entered a country store in onstan- views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. tine as clerk. His father then re- He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new moved to Owosso, Mich., and he again thought,from whatever source itmay come, but was not. engaged as clerk in a store. From bound by any religious creed or formula. He held early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one; and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de" such books, papers and periodicals as came within nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he 6, I855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev.:, secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan, 4 remained in this position for about five years. who took an active part in the early educationalmat-, In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex- (. ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become cellent system of education.. It was principally >.o)i- - _ -| 9- -^nf" — ^-^^ ' rij:C'..~~NS '0~i ""r, > 8./ -J. 158 JOHNI J. BAGLEY.,through his exertions that the State University was His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered?; founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children. the conflict eagerly and hopefully.:- As Governor his administration was charac- His State papers were models of compact, busi- ':: terized by several important features, chief among ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of - which were his efforts to improve and make popular practical suggestions, and his administrations will long the educational agencies of the State by increasing be considered as among the ablest in this or any the faculty of the University for more thorough in- other State. struction in technical studies, by strengthening the hold His noble, generous nature made his innumerable of the Agricultural College upon the public good will benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Literand making the general change which has manifested ally, to him it was "more blessed to give than to /itself in many scattered primary districts. Among receive." _,?others were an almost complete revolution in the His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the corn'management of the penal and charitable institutions fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his charof the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipilishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew ers through county agents, which has proved of great the hand that gave. good in turning the young back from crime and plac- At one time a friend had witnessed his ready reing the State in the attitude of a moral agent; in se- sponse to some charitable request, and said to him: curing for the militia the first time in the history of "Governor, you give away a large sum of money; about / Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- how much does your charities amount to in a year?" able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. He turned at once and said: "I do not know, sir; I = in the earlier part of his administration that the law do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more f~ creating the State Board of Health, and also the law this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the next year than I have this." This expressed his idea State, were passed, both of which have proved of great of charity, that the giving should at all times be free ' benefit to the State. The successful representation and spontaneous. ) of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an During his leasure hours from early life, and espehonorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- cially during the last few years, he devoted much time tration. to becoming acquainted with the best authors. BiogAs Governor, he felt that he represented the State raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life -not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same and Work of John Adams," in ten volumes. sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- In all questions of business or public affairs he resents his employer, and as the Executive of the seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of; State he was her "attorney in fact." And his intelli- the nut in the least possible time. In reading he < gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of would spend scarcely more time with a volume than: the people he so much loved. He was ambitious- most persons would devote to a chapter. After what ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- the book contained. Rarely do we see a business ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there man so familiar with the best English authors. He be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and the fact that the more we have the more is required his elegant home was a study and a pleasure i of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He to his many friends, who always found there a ' b had great hopes for his State and his country. He had hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend hA l his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as days doing the work of SantaClaus. Every Christmas broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and eve he gathered his children about him and, taking cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story,; asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to closing the entertainment with "The Night Before 1 labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation. Christmas," or Dickens's " Christmas Carol." a; ---d-a< Z ul > — --- 1A4A4 N. GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 161 CLIARLE~ 1 R W. __ __- f —', HARLES M. CROSWELL, of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in Governor of Michigan from 1,837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At: f Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. i, i88i, sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the carwas born at Newburg, Orange penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825. four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare He is the only son of John and time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge., Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap- ( Fl father, who was of Scotch-Irish pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du., eytr n. k, ties of this office he performed four years, when he 's 'A extraction, was a paper-maker, and carried on business in New vas elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected i York Ciy. His acestors on in 1852. In I854, hetook part in the first movements X ' o h s d. w for the formation of the Republican party, and was a r: / his mother's side were of Knicker-. r t. T ll member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- ' bocker dscn he Croswe son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- > family may be found connected publican State ticket in Michigan. In I855, he with prominent events in New York formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Juste o and Connectiutin Hearly exs- ttic e Cooley, which continued until the removal of 2h tence of the Republic. Harry CrosJudge Cooley to Ann Arbor. f1i well, during the administration of President Jefferson, published a pa- In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney pr e ble ad a of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city e per called the Balance, and was prosecuted for libeling the President in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was under the obnoxious Sedition Law. chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State He was defeebtc dSendate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, He was defended by the celebrated i Alexander Hamilton,and the decis and again in i866, during each term filling the positions above mentioned. Among various reports made ion of the case establised the important ruling that tions above mentioned. Amongvariousreportsade oti editor of the by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another by him one adverse to the re-estalishment 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 A 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,. River, at Newburg; and, within three months preced- for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first A ing that event, his mother and only sister had died,- amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. - T thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the In 1863,fromhisseat in the State Senate, he defamily, without fortune or means. Upon the death livered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclamai.....a. t — a — x-u ak ' 9 i 62 CHARLES M. CROSWELL. go 3( tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad-; and of his general policy in the prosecution of the dresses with care; and, as his diction is terse, clear, "i* war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- and strong, without excess of ornament, and his deates, was afterwards published. In I867, he was livery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many { elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in and chosen its presiding officer. This convention the public prints, and have a permanent value. He was composed of an able body of men; and though, has always manifested a deep interest in educational in the general distrust of constitutional changes matters, and was foryears a member and Secretary of which for some years had been taking possession of the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal /? the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- opening of the Central School building in that city, a: ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- on the 24th day of April, i869, he gave, in a public B tion they proposed had been prepared with great care address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public and skill. Schools." In i868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was exemplary as in his public career he has been sucelected a Representative to the State Legislature cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was marfrom Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, t the House of Representatives. At the close of the a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, suddenly died, March I9, i868,. leaving two daugh- j? and the fairness of his rulings were freely and form- ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member ally acknowledged by his associates; and he was pre- of any religious body, but generally attends the Pressented with a superb collection of their portraits byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, Af handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years, but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi' business difficulties, for which his unfailing prugan; in which position, his propositions for the amel- dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Govioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- like political faith with himself, but with those who nevolence of his nature, and the practical character differ from him in this regard. of his mind. During Gov. Croswell's administration the public: In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of debt was greatly reduced; a policy adopted requiring the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for the State institutions to keep within the limit of apGovernor; and, at the State Convention of the party propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually in August of the same year, he was put in nomination for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elecby acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the: the election in November following, he was chosen to Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened, i the high position for which he had been nominated, and the new capital at Lansing was completed and " by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. occupied. The first act of his second term was to preAi His inaugural message was received with general side at the dedication of this building, The great riot favor; and his career as Governor was marked with at Jackson occured during his administration, and it A (:) the same qualities of head and heart that have ever was only by his promptness that great distruction of 7 distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. both life and property was prevented at that time. mom" If 9 .MN Wo:!~ i~:;;~ ':~:::::;r:r~ii-;'';~,:i i-; ::1;::i~::. ~:~-:~~~;~ ~:;:r. ~;-I::.~':'-~-:lt~.:iY4iSii~~l:~ 2-'j1T::-;: -~~:~-' "c-a4 ( m zQ: :"'.I;;JC''' '::: -;r: i::;w: riis: -I-I _ ::: _:-i-~-:: -:~:~:: ~ 85-a:e: GO VERYNORS OF MICHIGAN. r65 _ i {.. J DA VIDIH. JEROME, Gover- older brothers, Timothy and George, and when '3 years of age D avid received his mother's permission to n. i 883, was born t attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attendtr, Mich. Nov. 7, 829 ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now deHis parents eigrted to ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following Michigan from Tuwinter performed the same service for James Ogden, Michigan from also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome ompkins Co N n 828 moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of i~ I l ocating at Detroit. His father C locating at Detroit. His father continuing her soin in school. While attending said 4?* 7 B died March 30, i831, leaving academy one of his associate students was Sena-; nine children. He had been tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate ( twice married, and four of the before the gubernatorial convention in i88o. He, children living at the time of his completed his education in the fall of his i6th year, death were grown up sons, the off- and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy I spring of is first union. Of the in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer five children by his second marriage, David H. was he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac. heM Hf. Mles downg the in St. Clair Rvr th ose lofn the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his In 1847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in widow moved back to New York and settled in ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained H Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remainin until the fall of i834, the four sons by the first wife as such during i848-'49, and receiving much prais continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall fromhis employers and the people in general fothe, X~ of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. Hey Governor formed those habits of industry and ster- lake vessels. ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the In i849-'5o, he abandoned office work, and for the man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the proper development of his physical system spent district school, and in the acquisition of the- funda- several onths hauling logs. In the spring of i850, % mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity his brother" Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer DA^ H, TM -r r~ o"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her masand an application which won for him the admiration Cautaqaand"ec e her mas-,,. ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged of his teachers, and always placed him at the head p n e o i c. in the passenger and freight traffic between Port -, of his classes. In the meantime he dd chores on Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was,i the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart used as a tow boat. Atht time there was a serious used aatowbheoat. At th latbti or the was a"serious; and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair re heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two Flats," betwee n Lakes Huron and Erie, over which f<~^ — <*^0u LWsuu -- P, * -- a - nu- --- i 66 DA VID H. JEROME. vessels could carry only about io,ooo bushels of grain. six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. i Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held;, from one lake to the other, and put his plan into meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm operation. Through the influence of practical men,- displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a among them the subject of this sketch,-Congress feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of manyk,' removed the obstruction above referred to, and now brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d vessels can pass them laden with 60,ooo or 80,000oo Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed bushels of grain. in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a brilDuring the season, the two brothers succeeded liant record. in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- In the fall of I862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op-;:.Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted: but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was spring of I85, he was clerk and acting master of the twice renominated and elected both times by insteamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- creased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On takfollowing year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chairton," running between Detroit and Buffalo. man of the Committee on State Affairs, and was acIn January, 853, Mr Jerome went to California,tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war. J by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary He held the same position during his three terms of service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' o! success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- service and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' 77 tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re-at Harper Hospital, etroit mained there during the summer, and located the He was d by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, ~ Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded and in I865 was appointed a member of the State millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. Military Board, and served as its President for eight He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine,consecutive years. In I873, he was appointed by but when the water supply began to fail with the dry ov Bagley a member of the convention to prepare season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the 1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for Committee on Finance. New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, In i875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of about a year after his departure. During his absence the Board of Indian Commissioners. In 1876 he was his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the 1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operatons Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement id in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Black- of all existing difficulties. The commission went to^ A mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, and, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River. of the business. From I855 to 1873 he was also ex- At theRepublican State Convention, convened at tensively engaged in lumbering operations. Jackson in August, i880, Mr. Jerome was placed in r i the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated o.. n n month received the highest honor the convention for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising - young man, of strong Democratic principles. The.. a r De tic. e ick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was supI ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was p b t..p....... ported by the Democratic and Greenback parties. *'i.. elected by a handsome majority. When the Repub- thoroughly canvassed by both parties 'i~ ' The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties, i/' iican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. d when the polls were closed on te evening of ~ Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention,election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had, ) one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was com- been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to 'j missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the occupy the highest position within their gift. " 1~, ~, — y - A d nn- ^ I -4 k I —,^ ^t ^7.* Oak,-* -- v '-"- a(inu —^ ^ ~v L GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN I69:: JO1A W.Bt|L' _ ls k. | present (1883), Governor of hS Michigan was born in Livingt~;~ ff /7 ston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1 sI-^ i8I5. His ancestors were of - French descent, and settled at an early period in the State of MaIyland. His grandfather,Capt.: Bolles, of that State, was an officer in the American army during the war of the Revolution. About the beginning of the present century both his grandparents, having become dissatisfied with the insti then called. InAugust, 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 I __:.........i P.........1..... 1_ _ 1....._. tution of slavery, although slave- worK on an unimprovea Iarm, wnere, uy nis persetui r on. verance and energy, he soon established a good home, holdand at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a.. ivingston County, N. Y, then | 1well improved farm of five hundred acres. u:.: a a new country, taking with them a r r a Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a ">5 W " number of their former slaves, who t a tm member of the Republican party at its organization. volunteered to accompany them. m/ r in He served his townsmen in various offices, and was, His father was an officer in the ricn a, and sed in 1856, elected County Treasurer, which office he American army, and served during. the war of 82. held for eight years.; the war of 18 2. l Mr. B. received his early education in a log school- At the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not house, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will: Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting i. family of ten children, whose parents were in moder- and frnishing supplies for the army, and in looking T ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The / taught habits of industry, and when 2 1 years of age, death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confeds being ambitious to better his condition in life, he re- rate bullet, in 864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. $ solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was When a few years later he was a member in Congress < /..- - ^ ^ -.^ 0 n h1, Ul" -—,e l i' ) j Ad'a IS = = IN t^ Ii '1 * t? r%: _I y ~) A< f,*'.A: Xri f>=,..I 1 >-: i' -;,. ^i;^-^" ---'it "*^*^*nn ~i~~ tI:r "? I, (C I = = "r. I 11 "7""s,' Is. h, h 0, 0 0, I I 11 == =A = I I * A A L I NE WA YGO COUNTY. I75 " ===:::: ==:::==:^ ^ ( <%{ Ar? INTRODUCTORY_ _ boar *^^^^'^^ - y^^^ — - A \ * a/ I 'bt' HE strength of the history of a section of country lies in the biographical records of its seto Al tlers and later residents. The eate its pioneer period; those of -r the other represent its progress and the status of the generation.T whose experiences constitute the period closed by the era of its collated records. Newaygo County is fortunate in its _ i! _ t" r ' 1 biased opinion. To demonstrate the exact relation of every individual represented to the generations of the past and present is its full scope in personal record. Succeeding ages sweep away the debris of human errors and perpetuate the real greatness of a community. Character stands out statuesque and events cluster about individuals forming the grandest and truest historical structure of which any age is capable. Only biography can fitly represent the foundation, progress and ultimatum of local history and portray with perfect justice the precise attitude and relation or-... ~ _ _ _1 a _ __.....4.... Gp aay. Its wonaeruil pioneer era laps ot men to events ana to circumstances. on its present period and the regis- Newaygo County is justly proud of her pioneer a tration is complete. Many of those record, and, so far as possible, the compilers of the 5, whose efforts gave the county its biographical sketches have striven to honor the rep- f I earliest impetus may still be seen resentatives of that period as well as those of to-day. 1 in its thoroughfares. Many of the Labor and struggle, performed in the light of hope S characters in the day of its first and the earnestness of honest endeavor, established things are still on the stage and the county on a permanent basis, and is rounding up watch with keen-eyed alertness the a period of glorious completeness. Her villages are manipulating of the present, still creditable and her agricultural community is com- ' jealous for the repute of Newaygo, posed of the best grades of humanity. "^ and eagerly solicitous for her sub- In the following sketches but one purpose has been ' stantial and permanent progress. kept in view-to collect floating threads of personal ) The projectors of these records strive to establish record, through which the enterprise of decades to ) but one claim for its biographical integrity. It is pre- follow may complete a perfect and continuous his-. ' pared from the stand-point of no man's prejudice or torical line from the earliest settlement of the county. 4 ( UQAI:) -OW 4( vxK Pr A I - 1-,, % k", " f, 3I 't #IN 7 Ne 40 I7 - - ^-^Ty^/'t j6 l"l"^l^! v^ L' ' ' ^t. Ir: I"-Si e. —^k'4in ^- a o l uX0 s --- S< 8 i 180o 'NE WA YGO COUNTY. > 'Cr T,T _, _ i '~~..fI I -' |* 0ftD jp I % A. 'i I 1 r that the event was made memorable by abnegation of the old family cognomen, and the compounding of a b new one which should perpetuate the memory of the j act of the English Government to the remotest generation. Cam and Dephilo became Camphield, and the orthography remained unchanged until the death of Thomas Camphield, in the I6th century, when the name was spelled Camfield, remaining thus until 1720, when it became Canfield. Matthew Camfield came from England to New Haven, Ct., in 1639. When that province made haste to secure the favor of the British Government in the early days of the l restored monarchy, the charter which the " scholarly A young Winslow, the best and truest man " in all her borders carried to King Charles, bore. the name of " Matthew Camfield " as one of the petitioners for a royal patent. Winthrop's tact and sagacity secured for the colony " the most liberal and ample " charter ever granted by an English monarch, and upon the people of Connecticut was conferred power to govern $ themselves, and this without qualification or restricL tion. Under the provision of this charter "Gold, Shert man and Camfield" were appointed Judges and vested < with power to hold court at Fairfield, opening April 5I i I669. Mr. Camfield afterward went with part of, his family to Newark, N. J., where he died and where a his name is perpetuated by numerous descendants. ) The distinction of his name and position is also marked by the fact that his son Samuel (first) was a member of the General Assembly of Connecticut in I669. Samuel Camfield (second) was born at Norwalk, Ct., in I672, and married Abigail Austin, of Stamford, Ct.,Aug. I, I709. Samuel Camfield (third) was born a June 4, 17 10, at New Marlborough, Mass. His estate is yet in the possession of his descendants. Thomas Canfield, son of the last named, was born at New Marlborough, and married a lady named Burr. Oliver Canfield, son of Thomas, married Sally Sherman in I782, and of this marriage was born at Tyringham, Mass., July 7, 810o, Celira, the mother of W. D. Fuller. a Her father died when she was in infancy, and her mother re-married and went to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, where she grew to womanhood. She married Edson Fuller, Feb. 4, I830. Her home in Ohio was with that of the pioneer element, and she had but little technical education, as she had the advantage of but ten weeks of school in her life. But she was ever a I student. The profession of medicine afforded deep i interest to her alert mental organization and, within I her scope, she pursued its practice both in Indiana and at Big Rapids, being signally successful in her efforts to alleviate suffering and baffle disease. She was ever prominent in educational, moral and religious movements. In i850, '5 and '52 she was in charge of the primary department of the union school at Grand Rapids, Mich. She organized the first Sunday-school at Big Rapids, whose sessions were held in the old red school-house. In moral avenues her influence was sensibly felt among the pioneers of the village and vicinity, and extended through the latter years of her life, when Big Rapids had become a city incorporate and her population had increased to thousands. Her religious ideas were in keeping with the simplicity and majesty of the Center of the New Testament, and she fashioned them into articles for the press, which were fraught with her own ardor and strength. After the death of her husband she re- " sided with her children. In November, i882, she went to Des Moines to pass the remainder of her t life, and during its closing months her intellectual activity seemed to culminate. She was ever keenly = sensitive to any real or implied attack upon the s Christian religion and hastened to give conscientious v and earnest support to the principles whose vitality she had proved. The following quotation is from an article from her pen published in reply to one who caviled at some of the methods of public religious worship as misleading and inconsistent with existing -9 facts: Most men have learned something of the Bible, but comparatively few have studied it carefully in or- | der to understand its teachings and live according to its requirements. They listen to quotations from its i pages and remember them, but do not know to whom the words were addressed, or the occasion which called them forth. More men have been driven to infidelity by the wrong application of Scripture and the divisions among Christians than by all other forces combined. Many people have very unwisely given over their spiritual interests to the keeping of f the clergy. They pay liberally toward building churches and supporting a preacher who is supposed to understand his business; attend church and are g very well satisfied with their position. But there are shrewd thinkers among them, men who think inde- < pendently, and after listening to the preacher for a 6 time, begin to question his doctrine. They attend - church some fine morning and the congregation is ( ii I, I ~ -Ai, * e -I II ir,J", ---- - -- - ---.. --- - - -- - I 4Y# II #+r n A M -N r, —< 09I:~ u9' ),- zq l i~3"- "ill'ai ~ A...... --- ': - <. ) i 'i.> ~ vNE WA YGO COUNTY. _____ v~~#~.\. N~`~iJi' _ I composed of those classed among the best members; of society. Much wealth is represented by the worshipers. Silks, laces and jewels adorn the persons of the women, proclaiming at least a competency of this world's goods. The minister arises in his place. His dress is faultless-the bluest of broadcloth, with the whitest of shirt-fronts, with studs and cuff buttons that glitter like diamonds set in gold. This is all very well. We will not question the right of those people to wear what they please, but we do question their right to sing, at the request of this richly dressed minister,-? " I'm but a stranger here,: Heaven is my home; Earth is a desert drear, Heaven is my home. Danger and sorrow stand Round me, on every hand; Heaven is my fatherland, Heaven is my home." Neither has he a right to say during his weak-worded prayer, "We confess that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth; that we have no continuing city, but seek one to come." Some of his hearers are ^ disgusted and denounce the whole thing as a farce. \ They say " that preacher don't believe what he says. If he does, why did he buy that corner lot when he already had a splendid home?" And so the word of the Lord is dishonored, for these are genuine quotations. Let us try and learn about these pilgrims and strangers. Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews, in order to strengthen their faith and encourage them in their afflictions, refers them to the ancient worthies whose deeds of faith were recorded in their own Scriptures. Also to the promise made to Abraham, " In thee and in thy seed (which was Christ) shall all the families of the earth be blessed." He recounts at some length the names of the men of faith and says " they had trials of cruel mockings and scourging, bonds and imprisonments: they were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, afflicted, tormented. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. These all died in faith, not receiving the promised inheritance, but believed the promises afar off, were persuaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." No one could object to these men calling themselves pilgrims or strangers. There is one more A quotation from Paul often used, not applicable to the people of our day, which he must explain himself. He says, I think, "that God has set forth us the! Apostles last, as it were appointed unto death. Even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst, are naked and are buffeted and have no certain dwelling place." Again, in Hebrews, he says, " Let us go forth bearing His reproach, for here we have no, continuing city, but we seek one to come." If a lawyer should make as many mistakes in ex- 2 plaining the meaning of our human law to a jury as do some ministers in trying to teach the people the, way into the kingdom of heaven, they would lose practice; but the people would never say, "We will put the law aside and be alaw unto ourselves." Let k us all look more carefully into the perfect law of liberty and be not void of understanding. She commenced the preparation of a series of lay sermons for the Newaygo Tribune, the first of which reached its publishers July 9, I883, and appeared July 25, in the same issue which contained the notice of her death. That event occurred July 12, three a days after her communication reached its destination. if Her five surviving children watched the closing hours of her life and placed her in her pale sleep by the husband at whose side she walked in wifely dignity, in maternal beauty, in Christian consistency, for nearly half a century. In her children her earthly record yet lives; her sons are all in honorable walks i of life, and her daughter, Mrs. Elma L. Hutchinson, of Des Moines, is a physician in regular practice and standing, representing the one characteristicof the mother, as the sons typify the race from which she sprung in sterling merit, honorable record and inflex-, ible courage. Corydon E. Fuller, eldest son, resides at x Des Moines, Iowa, and has held his present responsible incumbency of Treasurer of the Iowa Loan & Trust Company 12 years. Hon. Ceylon C. Fuller, Judge of the Twenty-seventh Judicial Circuit, is a resident of Big Rapids, Mecosta Co., Mich. Orrin T. Fuller, resident at Des Moines, Iowa, is the Interest Clerk in the office of the Iowa Loan & Trust Company. Ellen J. M. Fuller died at Grand Rapids, in I850, aged sixteen. In her memory, parents, } brothers and sister kept youth alive, and the oldest and youngest await the restoration of the household band in its entirety in the realms of perpetual morning. William D. Fuller was a lad of five years when his parents went to Grand Rapids, where he was a pupil in the common schools until he was i6 years old. He went to Indiana with his father's family and returned with them to Michigan. In the reversed ( ~tt v\ 6. "ns f F:..A i I,' ~'~ L?. a - t2 IE E I 0s I. i fortunes to which they were subjected he never flinched from the hardships which fell on all who. were able to bear a burden. He shrunk from no 5 labor, however menial, that promised proportionate 6 remuneration, and in the spring of I858 went to; Big Rapids, then a village containing three houses i and a saw-mill. When his father's store was opened tvyl-: ---- fI I I r""7,*, x - t ~- I K*1 182 NV WA YGO COUNTY. i _ --- —-------—, k i, H i and the first load of goods delivered a road was cut following December, bearing with him as trophies of '! to convey them to the building where they were his prowess in the undertaking the vouchers for an placed on sale. Mr. Fuller acted as the teamster, indebtedness of $r,ooo, his assets being represented '.. $ hauling the goods to supply the demand from Grand by his wife, one child and a modest collection of 2 Rapids, a distance of 65 miles, over roads which personal effects. were so far from imaginable that they cannot now Mr. Fuller had decided to enroll himself a member be brought within the scope of fancy. In the fall of the legal fraternity of Northern Michigan, and reand spring nearly a week was required for the trip, moved to Newaygo in order to take charge of the and among the well remembered experiences were office of his father-in-law, Col. Standish, who was the lying out nights beside the wagon, unloading winning distinction at the front during thewar. He I goods to make it possible for the horses to draw the established himself therein and, urged by necessity k remainder up hills, or over mud-holes, etc. The ar- and press of business, made immediate acquaintance ' duous labors of those days developed all varieties of with ard work, reading law and practicing in the human weakness, and the drinking habit was almost justice court. He was entirely without guidance, universal. Mr. Fuller possessed a rugged Saxon and at the time the Bar of Newaygo County was in temperament, capable of almost any hard task if the foremost ranks in point of learning and expemanaged judiciously, and he performed all his labors rience, a fact which, while it added greatly to Mr. without the aid of the stimulus of spirits or tobacco. Fuller's sense of inexperience and the responsibility He had only lo recuperate from weariness, and he of his undertaking, spurred him to effort and quickpassed this most laborious period of his life without ened his apprehension of details, indispensable to / permanent injury, sustaining the reputation of being his chosen profession and the importance of the dua one of the most useful members of the teaming fra- ties he had undertaken. Retrospection shows that: r ternity. the opportunity was a rare one, and its difficulties In the spring of I861, he went to Hiram, Ohio, to fade into nothingness beside its real advantage to bt attend school. The Rebellion of the Southern States the struggling, hard-beset young advocate. Judge;! v aroused the patriotic soul of the immortal Garfield, Barton was then in his prime. W. T. Howell, an exthen atothe head of the school, and it was disbanded perienced practitioner (afterwards Judge of Arizona), to aid in the re-establishment of the Union. Mr. A. H. Giddings, whose name is inseparably connected Fuller resumed his wonted occupation at Big Rapids. with the Judiciary of Newaygo County, and E. L. In the winter of 1861-2, he went to Geneva, Ohio, Gray, a lawyer of acknowledged ability as an advowhere he took a course of penmanship under the cate, were prominent contestants in the judicial personal instruction of Prof. P. R. Spencer, received arena. This array was strengthened by accessions his credentials and taught one term in Rochester, from the forensic talent of Grand Rapids, and to Fulton Co., Ind. The calling not proving attractive, it Mr Fuller was deeply indebted for much kind conhe went home and, not long after, came to Newaygo sideration. A substantial friend appeared in the t and read law in the office of Col. J. H. Standish. person of Sullivan Armstrong, of Ashland TownLater on he went back to Big Rapids and entered ship. He was then County Treasurer, the possessor into a contract to build a State road. of abundant resources and immoderately fond of Mr. Fuller was married Jan. I, I863, to Georgiette checker-playing, in which he loved to indulge in H., eldest daughter of Col. Standish, and entered the long summer days at the Brooks House, and soon after into one of the departments of lumbering the daily dollar which he paid to Mr. Fuller to secure and " put in " saw logs (about oo,ooo feet), banking the leisure he could afford, was a godsend to that inthem on the Muskegon River. He afterward sold dividual, and secured from him a gratitude which has S the same to Sextus N. Wilcox, whose name is syn- ever wavered. onymous with the lumber trade of Northern Michi- On the first of September, 1864, two years before: gan. In the spring of I863, Mr. Fuller engaged in the twenty-fourth recurrence of his birthday, Mr. { commercial business at Berlin, Ottawa Co., Mich., Fuller was admitted to the Bar of Newaygo County,, associated with his youngest brother. The venture Hon. F. J. Littlejohn presiding, and proceeded with '/ proved disastrous and Mr. Fuller retreated in the active practice as an attorney. Among the impor- 5: -- 'e4 u tea a - f.Z~/r. — ' I-~ —. f aO O U.T "-Ca Ie-"83 -V.\ > NEW.4YGO COUNTY. 183 ok -s- - - -I - -- = > tant relations he has sustained as a practitioner, is! his connection with the legal affiairs of Sextus N. Wilcox, and the lumber firm of which he was the leading factor. Mr. Fuller had for some years prior to his death been in sole charge of his extensive legal affairs relating to his lumber interests and those of the S. N. Wilcox Lumber Company, and is now attorney for his estate and the company. In November, i868, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Newaygo County and held the office four years. He served as Supervisor of Brooks A Township in 1867, '69-7I, and in I87, when D. P. 2 Clay commenced his operations to establish a railroad from Grand Rapids to Newaygo, he interested himself in the enterprise, contributed $I,ooo toward its consummation and subscribed another $I,ooo to the same end. The terrible realities of the year 1873, which wrought such financial havoc in Northern Michigan, swept away all the accumulations of his years of labor, and he found himself stranded, losing his home with the rest. In September of that year of disaster, he entered into partnership with Col. Standish, who had established his business at Grand Rapids, and conducted an office there until + Sept. 15, i880, when he re-established himself at v * Newavo-T 1882, was unanimously elected Chairman of the State Central Committee. In November, 1882, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Newaygo County, by a fair majority over the two opposing candidates, carrying the townships of Brooks and Garfield by I60 votes. In January, 1883, he was appointed State Swamp Land Road Commissioner, and in the summer and fall of that year traveled over 3,000 miles in the discharge of the duties pertaining to the office. More than 600 miles of the distance was traveled by team. Mr. Fuller is a temperance man practically and theoretically. He believes in the perpetuity of the Republic from its innate tendencies. The lessons he has learned from the march of events have convinced him of the deathless character of truth and the inevitable triumph of right. The family of Mr. Fuller includes five children, born in the following order: Jennie E., Oct. I6, 1863; Earnest S., Sept. 20, 1865; Hettie C., Nov. 19, 1867; Alice F., Nov. 4, 1869; John E., Nov. 12, i87 2. As a prominent county official and a representative of the element which distinguishes him by its support, we have the pleasure of presenting the portrait of Mr. Fuller to the citizens of Newaygo County. a%,..i B On the first of October, I879, associated with,, Timothy Edwards, Mr. Fuller assumed control of the Newaygo Tribune. The relation closed Jan. I, I88i, | enry M. Blair, farmer, section 35, Sheridan after which the paper was under his sole manage- T Township, was born in Portage Co., Ohio, ment until Oct. i, 1883, when the eldest son of Mr. June 17,828. His parents, Alfred and Julia Fuller, having attained to the age of 18 years, became (Miller) Blair, were natives respectively of Masassociate editor and proprietor by gift from his father, sachusetts and New Hampshire, and in early life a the style now being W. D. & E. S. Fuller. The pa- became residents of the same county where per is devoted in its political affiliations to the inter- they were married. ests of the National party, and has a satisfactory Mr. Blair grew to manhood in the Buckeye State subscription list in Newaygo County. and at the age of 20 years came to Michigan. He Mr. Fuller cast his first Presidential vote for Abra- established himself in the grocery and provision ham Lincoln, and regards that act as the crowning trade at Niles and continued to conduct the same privilege of his public career. He claims adherence until the spring of I85I, when he returned home to to the fundamental principles which the Republican secure opportunity to complete an invention which party was created to perpetuate, and clung to its tenets had engaged his attention for some time. It was a until the fall of I878, when he became identified machine designed to use double circular saws, conwith the National Greenback party. He was aware structed for the purpose of sawing staves, heading J that it was a forlorn hope, but he fearlessly adopted the and other prepared lumber. He succeeded in the principles enunciated in the platform of the Chicago accomplishment of his purpose, and after securing j Convention of I880, and has since been their cham- his patent went to Three Oaks, Mich., where he oppion. He has been honored by the organization, and eratea with his machine extensively and successfully X at the Michigan State Convention held in September,until the fall of 855, when he engaged in agricul^i^. ----ad: —c^^ —a - ---- l. a ~ ' "*-.^S} 184E EWA YGO COUNTY. Y. /0,00 i84 I - ture on a farm near Galien, Berrien County. After:; some time he went to the lake shore, where he en_: gaged in cutting and delivering wood at the pier of? Greenbush. Through exposure he contracted a pulmonary disease which compelled his return to his farm and, despairing of recovery, he prepared for a journey to California, but changed his intention and came to Newaygo, where he fixed his residence and passed three years in out-door active life engaged as a book canvasser. In I869 he settled upon a farm in Sheridan Township. It contained 80 acres of ^ land, and he has increased its dimensions to i60 il acres, a good proportion of which is under improvement. Mr. Blair was married in Berrien County, in i855, to Statira R., daughter of Gardner K. and Rebecca (Loop) James. The parents were born, respectively, in Rhode Island and New York. Mrs. Blair was born in Clay, Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 5, 1845. When she was six years old her parents located in Oakland County and afterwards in Berrien County. Seven of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Blair are living: Alfred H., James C., Alice, Ellen, Frank P., Edwin E. and Merritt W. Julia C., the eldest A child, is deceased. 4 -V loyd Reynolds, farmer, section 7, Goodwell Township, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., April 2, I836. His parents, John and Naomi (Cole) Reynolds, were born in the the State of New York. Before marriage his father was engaged as a teacher and preacher: after that event he passed the remaining years of his life as a farmer. Mr. Reynolds came to Michigan with his parents when he was but I6 years old, and located in Cook Co., Ill., in I851, where he resided until i856. In that year he came to Muskegon County, where he engaged in lumbering and in the manufacture of shingles. In I875 he came to Newaygo County and settled in (then) Big Pine Township, where he bought I40 acres of land. He has since purchased I80 acres additional, making his farm aggregate 320 acres, of which he has placed 40 acres under improvement. He is a Democrat in political principle and has held various township and school offices. He was married in 1857 to Susan, daughter of Silas and Eliza beth (Roberts) Belden, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Virginia. Mrs. Reynolds was born June 2, 1839, in the Old Dominion, and is the mother of five children: Jefferson D., Carrie B., Addie M. Oscar Rex and Claude A. heron C. Schanck, farmer, section I, Bridgeton Township, was born June 6, I835, in Livingston Co., N. Y. He is a son of Henry and Rachel (Harriott) Schanck, natives of New Jersey and of Holland-Dutch descent. The father was a saddler by trade, which he followed in his native State some time previous to his removal to the State of New York. The mother died when her son was but a few days old, and he was taken in charge by a family named Robinson, in the town of Springwater, Livingston County, by whom he was reared and educated. His foster-parents removed to Michigan previous to his arrival at man's estate, and he resided with them four years in Richmond Township, Macomb County, until the fall of I856, when he established himself in the business of stave-making in St. Clair County, afterwards removing to Sanilac County, where, and at other points, he continued to conduct the same enterprise until I864, when he engaged in rafting on the Mississippi River. He made a brief tour through Canada and afterwards returned to Michigan, where he again engaged in the lumber trade and rafting logs on the Muskegon River, until the summer of I870, when he made a permanent settlement on the farm whereon he now resides, and which he purchased from the United States Government. He has made some improvements, but has devoted himself chiefly to the river service, pursuing the lumber business. Mr. Schanck was married at Wales, St. Clair County, March I7, I860, to Barbara A., daughter of Richard and Catherine (Blackader) Kilgour. The parents were natives of Scotland, where the daughter was born, Dec. 2, I841, in the vicinity of Glasgow. Her parents came to the United States when she was four years old and located on Lake Erie, afterwards going to New London, Ontario, and thence to Port Sarnia, where they resided three years and removed to St. Clair Co., Mich. Following is the record of s.-~ 't i --- ',. 1,, ~. -. ~8.?.@ JF A 'I ta. * 7". NE WA YGO COUNTY. I85 Mi - the children of Mr. and Mrs. Schanck: Amelia A.; was born Dec. 12, i86i; Mary C., Nov. 8, 1863; William H., Feb. 2, i866 (died Aug. 30, 1867); Or' lando S., Nov. 4, 1870; Richard C., June 19, 1873; John H., Oct. 2, I876. The eldest daughter is a popular and successful teacher. The parents are devoted adherents to the doctrines of the Second Advent Church. Mr. Schanck is a Republican and has held the office of Assessor for the School District. i -'.-~-oU, --- — " when five years old. In politics Mr. Dean is a National, and himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. O. Brown, proprietor of the Forest House, Hesperia, was born in Cortland Co., N. Y., ----- Dec. 9, I843. His parents, Jesse and Mary I (Ostrander) Brown, were natives of New Eng_- rank W. Barbour, farmer, section 25, | land, and of German and Welsh English and. Norwich Township, was born at Pontiac, Irish descent. John was educated in the town;f4 ' Oakland Co., Mich., Nov. 20, 1840. He of Scott, Cortland County, and when i8 years of age, is a son of Theron W. and Abigail (Gates) Aug. 9, I862, enlisted in Co. D, I57th N. Y. Vol. j, Barbour, the former a native of Rutland, Vt., Inf., under command of W. O. Dunbar, and was and the latter born in Shoreham, Addison Co., confined to the Army of the Potomac, acting as Vt. The father came to Michigan in May, I830, and, drummer boy. He was afterward transferred to the located at Pontiac, where the family resided for 20 Department of the South, where he played the cymyears, then removing to Farmington in the same bal in the cornet band till the close of the war. county. In I869 they removed to Big Rapids, where During all the engagements in which the regiment the mother died, April 21, i88i. was called into action, this band was detailed to the Mr. Barbour obtained his education at the cor- dangerous post of "stretcher bearer." At the battle mon schools and academy at Novi Plains, attending of Gettysburg he was captured while on duty; was '? the latter three years. After leaving school he was held four days; was re-captured by the Union forces 4 variously engaged for a time until he went to study and placed in a hospital, where he served four i) dentistry under the supervision of Dr. J. A. Jackson, months as nurse, and was afterward again placed in i ' with whom he remained one year, going thence to the ranks as musician. He was honorably discharged ~ Ijjl H u — S-ia^-, UK 6 t Z71~uu4 i — — < " i ^a 86 NE WA YGO a~ X I86.. t e,.; I: *a X1 July IO, 1865, and returned to his home in New York. Soon after, he purchased a farm upon which he worked for a time, then sold out and followed the vvcation of teaching, in the common schools of his county. In I867 he came to Michigan and located in Pontiac, Oakland Co., and commenced to travel as salesman for Seymore Miller, of Cortland Co., N. Y. He was afterward in the employ of a Chicago house for a while, then abandoned that vocation and taught school again, this time in the vicinity of his home in Oakland County. About this time Mr. Brown became acquainted with Miss Dorothy A. Patch, and they were afterward married. Her parents were Anson B. and Emily (Sutherland) Patch, natives of New England, and she was born Oct. 31, I849, in Macomb Co., Mich. When she was very young her parents moved to Oakland County, and she remained there until her marriage. Mr. Brown then engaged in the sewing-machine business, which he has since followed until February, I882, when he became owner and proprietor of the Forest House in Hesperia, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four children: Ida M., born May 9, I871; Eda B., Oct. 3, 1872; Jessie A., Oct. i6, 1874; Newton E., Sept. 9, I877. In politics Mr. Brown is a Republican. bram J. Hoag, farmer, section 33, Norwich Township, was born near Cape Town, Can., July I3, I847, and is a son of John H. j and Isabella (Spankey) Hoag. The father was a native of England, and the mother of Scotland. They settled in Oxford Co., Can., where the elder Hoag died and where the mother still resides with a part of her children. When a boy of 1 years he left home and obtained employ as a day laborer on a farm, afterward engaging to work by the month. He came to Jackson Co., Mich., in i862, where he followed the same pursuit. He was there married, May 8, I872, to Kitty J., daughter of Joseph and Fannie (Walton) Longdon, born in England, Jan. 28, 1847. A year after his marriage he located in Norwich Township, Newaygo County, where he bought 80 acres of land, to which he afterwards added 40 acres more, and of the entire COUNT Y. tract 50 acres are under cultivation. In political f sentiment he is a Republican, and has officiated as (: Constable; is a member of the Free Methodist,LChurch. The family includes one child-Elizabeth May, born Dec. 24, 1878. " t'-^-^...^^ ^. assius M. Woodard, merchant at Grant Station, Ashland Township, was born Sept. 2 I, 185 6, near the city of Grand Rapids Kent County. His parents, Amos and Ruth (Congdon) Woodard, were early residents of that county, and were there married. They removed with their family to Muskegon County in 1860, and engaged in agriculture in Moreland Township. Three years later they returned to Kent County, went again to Muskegon County (Casnovia), and afterwards to Cedar Creek Township in that county. Mr. Woodard obtained a good practical education during the seven years he remained in Cedar Creek Township, and at i8 years of age became a teacher in the common schools of Newaygo, where he labored four years. In I878 he went to the Commercial College at Valparaiso, Ind., where he completed a full course of study according to the curriculum of the institution. He then went to Grand Rapids, where he embarked in the grocery business. In 1880 he established himself in trade in general merchandise in Bridgeton, transferring his interests later to Ashland Center. He made a permanent settlement at Grant Station in October, 1882, where he has since operated prosperously, and is gradually extending his radius of business relations. His stock includes all varieties of merchandise. to meet the local demand, representing a cash value of $5,000, with annual transactions aggregating $12,000. In addition he has established a tin shop, the trade therein requiring two assistants. In political sentiment Mr. Woodard is a Republican, and has always been active in local politics. He has been Superintendent of the public schools and Justice of the Peace for some time. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity at Newaygo and with Lodge No. 362, I. O. O. F., at Ashland Center. Mr. Woodard was married in Grand Rapids, Sept. 24, 1879, to Mattie, daughter of Calvin and Emily ' LI -Iz It,. r^ 19, f, 'l A,,' 8..iW^ I I'maaJ / I N ' A G C N...8... 7.... -— 7.. A NE WA YGO COUNTY. 187 I! nB L Twa - (Woodard) Sutliff. (See sketch.) She was born in Bridgeton, May 6, 1859, and received her education,in her native township. She was an industrious student, working with a purpose, and at I5 years of ~ of age she commenced teaching, in which profession she proved herself capable, efficient and successful. The household includes two children, born as follows: Claude M., March 20, i88r, and I)ennis E., Aug. 31, 1882. l| enry T. Maynard, farmer, section 27, Denvlb[' k ver Township, son of John and Lois (Camber) Maynard, was born Dec. 12, i86o. His parents were natives of Clinton County, Eng., and after coming to this country lived in New York two years, where his father was en~ gaged as a miller. They then moved to this State? and settled in Newaygo County on section 27, being: among the first settlers here. After a useful and: well-spent life in preparing a home for a large family, i they both died, leaving a vast circle of friends to mourn their loss.: Although a young man, Henry has had all the experiences of a pioneer. He secured a fair education in the district schools of his township, and the remainder of his time has been spent in cultivating his farm of 80 acres. He is a hard worker, and has I s I holding the household together. Mrs. Turner afterward married Joseph Smith. The family lived remote from schools and their circumstances prevented the children from obtaining much education; but their experience and observation supplied a large degree of this deficiency. Mr. Turner remained at home assisting his mother in her cares until he was 22 years of age. He was then married, Sept. i8, I858, to Hannah, daughter of Christopher and Jane (Smith) Stockdale, natives of England. Mrs. Turner was born in Lower Canada, Feb. 7, 1830, and of her marriage to Mr. Turner two children were born, as follows: Delilah, Sept. 6, i862, and Lydia, May 17, i868. The latter died July 21, I882. After marriage Mr. Turner continued to labor as a farm hand. He managed a place owned by Homer Ranney and devoted to dairy purposes, and after remaining in his employ eight years he resolved on turning his energies to his own account. He came to Michigan, arriving in the woods of Newaygo County Sept. 9, i874, and bought 40 acres of land, which he proceeded to improve. He cut the forest trees and destroyed them by fire to obtain a field for a crop, built a log house and has expended years of hard labor in preparing a home for his family. He has now 80 acres of land, with 25 acres improved. - T inherited the good qualities of his honest parents. In politics he is an active Republican. | Hharles N. Alvord, carpenter, builder and F | l farmer, section 27, Ashland Township,was t - born March 5, 1831, in Allegany Co., N. Y. -! ' His parents, Elias and Cynthia (Price) Alvord, ~were born in Cortland Co., N. Y., where they j i illiam Turner, farmer, section 27, Nor- were married and resided some years, remov~t W wich Township, was born in Cayuga Co., ing thence to Allegany County. The father of Mr. J N.Y., March 20, 1832. His father, John Tur- Alvord was a builder by profession and the son gradA, ner, was born in New York, and in his native ually acquired the details of the same calling, at which State was a " renter." Later in life he moved he worked under his father's instructions until he to Oxford Co., Can., and there engaged a was 23 years old. Soon after he had reached that i number of years in farming, removing thence to age he went to McKean Co., Pa., where he was mar-! Laporte Co., Ind., to a farm near Valpaaiso, Ind., ried, Dec. 25, 1853, to Mary E., daughter of Elister / where he spent the remainder of his life. He left a and Margaret (Culp) Hargrave. The father was born < i large family of children, with whom the mother, Sy- in England, the mother in New England. Their rerena (Smedley) Turner, returned to Canada, where spective families settled in McKean Co., Pa., where they were reared and contributed to maintaining and they were married, and the daughter was born, Feb. F__nu t u0, t, 8-8 88r u a, --- — -*AYGO CO UN t 188 NE WA YGO COUNTY. f -., _____________ _...___ A.*, * I -,I 14, 1832. She received a substantial education and t when 17 years old began teaching in the common schools of her native county, continuing five years in that employ, when she was married. Mrs. Alvord is a lady of fine intellectual attainments and worthy traits of womanly character. The year following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Alvord located in Kalamazoo Co., Mich., and after working a year at his trade Mr. A. worked as a farmer in the townships of Prairie Ronde and Texas in that A county, until the spring of I863, when they came to Newaygo village, where Mr. Alvord established a meat-market and grocery, which he continued to conduct until i867. He built a sash and door factory, where he carried on an extensive and prosperous business, selling out a year later. In September, 1869, he settled on an improved farm, in Ashland Township, containing 80 acres, most of which is now in a state of advanced cultivation. He has recently wife subsequently died. His second wife was Miss Sarah Barnes, to whom he was married Nov. 5, 1858 X Her parents, Elijah and Diantha (Drake) Barnes, "F were natives of New York, where they were married and subsequently moved to Fowler, Trumbull Co., k Ohio. Mrs. Dickinson was born at the last named place, Oct. 24, I848. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson moved to this county in the spring of I863, settling in Denver Township, where Mr. D. purchased 80 acres of land on section 36. He afterward purchased 120 acres more, and has 60 under improvement. ' Aug. 23, 1861, Mr. Dickinson enlisted in Co. A,: 41st Ohio Inf., and served in the Army of the Cum-. berland, commanded by Gens. Buell and Nelson. He was in the battle of Corinth, and came home on leave of absence July 24, 1862. He has] held the office of Highway Commissioner several years, and in politics is a Greenbacker. Their children are: Ida M.. born Tune 8. i8co: George 0.. Aug. II, I j; a -' J.l.,.1J- - ' 0 0 ' j erected handsome and substantial farm buildings, at 1863; Frank, July 23, i866; Gertrude, Feb. 14, I869; an expenditure of $2,000, and his new residence, just Alice, Sept. 4, I871; John, Jan. 20, 1873; Willie, ~ completed, cost about $3,000. He has further im- Sept. i, 1875; Orley, Sept. I, 1877; Philip, July I2, a: proved his farm by setting out an orchard of 200 i879; Chester, born Sept. 16, I86o, died June 22, 2 choice varieties of fruit-trees, and, altogether, has ar- 1876; Willie, born Sept. i6, 1858, died July 22, n = ranged his place and farming interests with good 1862; Sherman, born March 14, 1865,died Aug. 13 judgment and sound sense. Four children have been i866. born to Mr. and Mrs. Aivord,-Chester L., April 4, ca I856; James Walter, Jan. 31, 1858; Nancy E., ~~ March 24, i860; Everett N., June 23, 1862. Mr. Alvord is a decided adherent to the tenets of ilim Darling, the son of James and Marthe National party, and has held various township born i garet (Misner) Darling, was born in and school offices. The family attend the M. E. b. Church. 2 Tompkins Co.,N. Y., May 19, 1822. His '0' v father was a native of Scotland and mother?)!, of Germany. They came to America in an t early day and settled in the State of New York,; where they passed the remainder of their lives. i illiam Dickinson, farmer, section 36, Den- William remained at home until about 30 years of ver Township, is a son of Philip and age, working on his father's farm. He came to Mich9 Phebe (Hutchinson) Dickinson, natives of igan in the fall of i858, and purchased I60 acres of Connecticut and of Welsh-English ancestry. land, to which he has since added 40 acres of pine He was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., land and. has about go acres in good cultivation X Nov. 29, 1819. When he was ten years old his where he now resides. He was married in the State parents moved to Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he of New York, Aug. 3I, 1852, to Mary A., daughter, worked on a farm for i1 years. He then returned of Jonathan and Susan Purdun, of French descent. ' to his native county and married Miss Caroline Mr. and Mrs. Darling have had six children, viz.:! Hart, after which he engaged for severl years in Alice D., Lafayette, Dora A., and William Darling, the manufacture of charcoal. He then returned to Jr.; Mary J. and Dora Ann are deceased. Trumbull County and settled on a farm, where his Mr. Darling affiliates with the Republican party. i..s0 ---1 v-3-^^(jg-tu I L-, ft b imle,- -;:,,-,p,,,l. —.-,. r\ I N E WA YGO COUNTY. I91 2 f. ----,^ -- =========== =========^ ^ ' He held the office of Justice of the Peace, Dayton Mr. Pierson was married March I8, i8-, in Cas- f i- Township, which position he resigned after serving novia Township, to Harriet, daughter of Drayton and two years. He was a charter member of the Fre- Zilpha S. (Loomis) Moore, natives of New England,; mont Grange, No. 495, P. of H. of genuine Yankee stock. Mrs. Pierson was born in;, Portage Co., Ohio, May 7, 1836. Soon afterward her __:_ c_-. __parents went to Medina County, Ohio, and in l the autumn of I844 to De Kalb Co., Ind. She was S 17 when her family settled in what is now MusSilliam M. Pierson, farmer, section 35, kegon Co., Mich., where she was married. Ashland Township, was born July 2, I828, Mr. and Mrs. Pierson have eight children, born as in Steuben Co., N. Y. His parents were o ain Steube Yen c N Y. His parents were follows: Drayton H., Feb. 5, I856; Louisa C., May. gw Moses L. and Lydia (Fluent) Pierson. The, 857; Mion C, March 1, 1859; Rachel W, $ 22, 1857; Milon C., March 11, I859; Rachel W., } n ame represents old English stock which is Feb. 26, i86i; Lewis B., July 19, 1864; Dennis V., traced back to the original settlers of the July 14, I868; William W., Sept. 15, I872; Julius A., American Continent. The parents emigrated to Oct. 6, I875. The happy family circle is as yet inPortage Co., Ohio, in I838, and three years later, in tact, the dark-winged destroyer having never cast the fall of I841, to De Kalb Co., Ind. his gloomy shade over the brightness of paternal Mr. Pierson was a member of his father's house- and fraternal love and hope; and long may he withhold until he was 21 years of age, and obtained all hold his blighting visitation. The parents are dethe education possible in a new country, working in voted adherents to the United Brethren Church. Mr. the meanwhile on his father's farm. After attaining Pierson is an unmistakable Republican. \ his majority he pursued the career of a common As pioneers eminently worthy the place, we insert; laborer at various places until he came to Michigan, i this volume, in connection with this sketch, the. in the fall of 1852. He came to Casnovia, Muske- portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Pierson. ' gon County, and found employment as a farm assist-.' ant until i859, when he became a pioneer settler of t Ashland Township, where he was one of the first to |^"- r, put his shoulder to the wheel of local government. He was present at the first town meeting, and was elected to the post of Constable, but. disliking the s' ~ almon P. Odell was born in Reading, situation, he did not qualify. (The spring follow- Hillsdale Co., Mich., May 6, I846. He ing his arrival in Muskegon County he assisted at the ' lived at home most of the time until 20 organization of the township of Casnovia.) He built years of age, aettending school until 17 years the " palace of the pioneer " on his tract of land and old, then working at carpentering. In the; has placed Io5 acres under improvement, with credit- spring of 1863 he first came to Newaygo:<1 able and suitable farm buildings. He is a typical County, remaining only a short time, then returned to A Michigan farmer, and takes a just pride in what he Hillsdale County. In the fall of I864 he enlisted P has accomplished by the united efforts of hands and in the 3oth Mich. Inf., served nearly six months and head, figurative of strength and judgment. He received an honorable discharge at Jackson, Mich., persistently declines office to which he has been re- June 17, I865. This regiment was raised for State peatedly elected, and enjoys the esteem and respect duty, and, although mustered into the U. S. service, of his townsmen for the uprightness and integrity of was not called into the field. He again came to his daily life and bearing toward his generation. Mr.Newaygo County in the spring of 1867, and purchased Pierson enlisted Sept. 9, i86i, in the Second Mich. 40 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township. He *'' Cav., Co. E. His regiment was attached to the built a board house and cleared only a portion of the ~:; Western Division under General Halleck, and after land, when he sold his property to the Railroad Corn- f! X some active service Mr. Pierson was discharged on pany and moved into the village of Fremont, engag( * his surgeon's certificate of disability, his papers bear- ing in business with his brother, J. R. Odell, dealer (, $ ing date of Feb. 17, I862. in drugs and groceries. He afterward took the stock '0;7'-4 I —\ I:.y...>..-F>... > 192 NE WA YGO COUNTY. f,. _ X -- of groceries, and for a short time carried on the business alone. He then sold out his stock, and after a short service with the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad Company, entered the employ of his brother, where he still continues. Mr. Odell was married in what was then Sherman Township., but now Garfield, at the residence of, and by, Benjamin Alton, Esq., to Adelaide M., daughter of Elijah and Fidelia Fox, a native of Trumbull Co. Ohio. They have one child, Maurice, born June 9, 1871. Mr. Odell has held the office of Township Clerk one year, and Deputy Marshal about three terms. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed the chairs; he is also a member of Henry Dobson Post, G. A. R., and the Order of Chosen Friends. In politics he is neutral. illiam A. Anderson, farmer and miller, section 36, Denver Township, is a son of a James F. and Catherine (Forbes) Anderson, natives of Ontario, Can., and was born Dec. T 2, '40, in Wellington County, in that dominion. He was educated in the select schools of his native county, and during the summer seasons worked on his fathers farm, principally, until 20 years of age, when he entered the employ of Dr. C. Beadle, of St. Catherines, as retail agent, serving six months, then as collector for the same firm, in the nursery business, until 1863. His travel was extended over various portions of the Province. Mr. Anderson then came to this county and settled in Denver Township, where he was very extensively engaged in lutrmbering, disposing of many thousand feet of lumber annually, until 1878, when he turned his attention to farming. He has 80 acres of fine land, of which 40 are iml)roved. Dec. 25, 1864, he was married in Denver village, to Mrs. Phebe (Stone) Barnhard, daughter of Aaron and Amanda (I)ickson) Stone, natives of Connecticut. She was born in Litchfield County, Sept. Io, 1840. When she was 13 years old her parents moved to De Kalb Co., Ind., and lived three years, thence to this State, locating in Denver Township, where she lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have I I had six children: Delos G., born Feb. Io, i867; Carrie, Feb. I9, I869; Nellie, Nov. I5, 1872; Addie, Jan. 3, 1874; Willie B., born March I2, 1878, died Nov. i6, i88I; Albert G., June 22, 1880. Mrs. A. had one child by a former marriage: Ocelia, born Aug. 19, i86o, and died April 3, i863. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 180, Fremont, and is devoted to the Republican party. dwin J. Ranney, farmer, section 26, Norwich Township, was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Dec. II, 843. He is the son of Edwin and Eliza C. (Button) Ranney. The father was born in Massachusetts, the mother in Pittstown, N. Y., and died in I868. The former wa3 a cooper by occupation and came to Michigan in 1854, locating in Kent County, removing later to Ionia County, where he now resides. Mr. Ranney received a common-school education in Jonia County, where he was reared and bred to the pursuit of agriculture. In 187 he came to Newaygo County, and in the fall of that year homesteaded 80 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican and has held the offices of Township Clerk, Township Treasurer and Road Commissioner. 'i 4~ ---!Fp Ionzo Sweet,. sacddler. lDvtnn Townsliin x,4 A I 1i; 2,!~ was born in Walpole, Haldimand Co., Can., Oct. 28, [853. His father, Alonzo Sweet, was!? a native of the State of New York, and died in 1869, in Canada. His mother, Sophia (Silverthorne) Sweet, was born in Canada, and died in )ayton, this county, March 2, i878. At the age of 17 Alonzo left home and was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade, where he served three years. He then worked at his trade nearly two years, when he, in company with his brother, opened a store and commenced business for themselves. At the end of A: two years he sold out his interest, and in the spring of 1876 came to this county and settled in Fremont. He purchased a shop, which he removed to its pres- -?j ent location and which he now occupies and carries ' I i L ~11, (,gx NE WA YG \ on the leading business, in his line, of the town of Fremont. Mr. Sweet was married in Muskegon, Mich., April 1 4, 1879, to Julia A., daughter of Andrew and Ann Stone, natives of France and Ireland, respectively, who was a native of Canada, and lived at home until her marriage. They have one child, Blanche, born Dec. 14, i882. Mr. Sweet has held the office of Justice of the Peace two years in Dayton Township, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics is a - Republican.:0 CO UNT Y. 193 I }.)ezekiah Turner, farmer, section 27, Nor____~ wich Township, was born in Cayuga Co., A N. Y., Feb. 25, 1830. His parents, John and Syrena (Smedley) Turner, were natives of New York. The father died leaving a large family of children dependent on their own and their:> mother's exertions for a livelihood; consequently Mr.. T. grew to manhood with but few educational advantages save such as acquired by necessity and observa-; tion, a kind that fits a man to do noble pioneer service, and fill as honorable a position in the world as though he were trained under more favorable influences. Mr. Turner was married in i86o, to Matilda J. Turner, a native of New Brunswick, by whom he has had eight children: Charles W., Syrena E., Octavia E., Alice R., Ida L., Ada B., Lucretia A. and John C. The two latter are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Turner rPem ninirl in 'nnnrl n f,,iir xr fr, - +fftr.bir ',,rrio.. I a time at Bridgewater, Washtenaw County, and removed later to Saline. Mr. Bartlett spent the years previous to the age of i8 in obtaining his education and assisting his father. Arriving at that age he became manager of the family homestead and operated in that capacity until the fall of 1876, when he made a transfer to Bridgeton in Newaygo County, and pursued agriculture until the spring of 1883. In t 880 he founded a mercantile business, which he managed in connection with his farm until the above named date, when he disposed of both and located at Ashland (Center, where he established the business he has since conducted at that point. His stock in trade represents a cash value of about $5,000, and his yearly transactions cover an approximate amount of $9,ooo. His business is widening in its extent and popularity, and he is increasing his store facilities to accommodate the growing demands of his p)atronage. He was appointed Postmaster July i, 1883. Mr. Bartlett was Imarried Jan. 1, T87 1, in Alpine, Kent County, to Statira, daughter of Peter S. and Cordelia (Joslin) Smith, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Bartlett was born in Plainfield, Kent County, Feb. 2. 1848. Her parents removed in her youth to Alpine, where she grew to womanhood and obtained a fair education. Mr. Bartlett is a Republican in political affiliation, and both himself and wife are members of a temperance organization and of the Patrons of Husbandry, located at Ashland Center. Four children have been born to them, as follows: Charles E., March 8, 1872; Maurice, Sept. 15, r88i; Clyde, Oct. 14, 1876 (died March 15, i880); Arthur, f I I i...........,sI. c.m... L.II Ix l..a,. Jan. I6, 1879 (died March 7, I880)..?, when they moved to Michigan, bought a farm in Ingham County, and devoted themselves to its improvement. In 1875 they sold it and bought a farm in Newaygo County, containing 80 acres, with 35 acres now improved. (See sketch of William Turner.) I i firam Jones was born in the State of New G.o York, Jan. i6, 1833. His parents, Sullivan.) --- )))> and Phebe (Billings) Jones, were natives of. Massachusetts and settled in the State of New eorge W. Bartlett, merchant and Post- York, where the father died in i880. The * master at Ashland Center, was born Aug. mother resides in Tioga County on a farm owned ~2, 1850, in Saline Township, Washtenaw Co., by her son, Hiram. The latter lived at home until Mich. His parents, Phineas and Mary A. I9 years of age, when he went to Pennsylvania and G (Roys) Bartlett, were natives of New York, engaged in shingle-making, an occupation he followed l where they were married, and shortly after for ten years. In the spring of i863 he came to Ne- ) that event removed to Michigan. They settled for waygo. He first worked for a man by the name of e- --- FASTED - *tW * 4 + + S 4:a-^" ~Kr ( " - a: 4f 0as a n *-Ad -8 r194 ANEWA YGO COUNTY. fr ) * -, = *-* Y Blake, and was afterward employed by the Newaygo to Bridget Burke, who was born in I847, in Canada., Lumber Company, remaining with them seven years. Her parents were Michael and Ellen (Dorey) Burke. * He then engaged in business for himself, speculating Mr. Jakeway's family includes seven children: Mag-! f in lumber, etc., until the fall of 1872, when he came gie, Katie, Alice, Nellie M., Mary E., Lena L. and to Fremont and engaged in lumbering and farming. James R. He bought 320 acres of partly improved land, 220 acres being located in Sheridan Township. He....."...':... then engaged in the manufacture of broom-handles and cant-hooks, and is still following that occupation.. W r r bomeas T. Woods, furniture dealer, FreHe is general real-estate agent for the Empire Con- mont, was born in Mercer Co., Pa., Oct. 26 y ofMuskegon.__s mont, was born in Mercer Co., Pa., Oct. 26, pany of Muskegon. ~ T o; A/r r -i 1842. His parents were natives of Penn-. -:- In 1883 Mr. Jones formed a partnership with J 1 H p w n o P -... r.,;!' sylvania, and of English and Irish ancestry; 'W H. Keith, under the firm name of J. H. Keith & Co i ylvania ad o nlish ad Irish....., the father died in Pennsylvania in I857, and.* in the wine and liquor business in the village of i f.. the mother resides in Youngstown, Ohio. Fremont. He was married in Grand Rapids, Aug. Feont. te was marrie in Grand Rapids, Ag. Thomas left home when 13 years of age, and for 19, 1873, to Mrs. Ann (Cotely) Valiet, a native of New York. He has held theffice of Village Cou- two years was employed on the Ohio River as deckNew York. He has held the office of Village Councilman two years; has often been urged to accept.,,.-re^..c v, *... Ta year and a half, thence to the Oil Regions of Penndifferent offices, but invariably declines. In politics, a year and a half, thence to the Oil Regions of Penns a. sylvania, remaining three months. He enlisted in he is a Democrat.; the I2th Pa. Cav., and served three years. He was. i} in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, and / ~3 * | 2~.Winchester, under Milroy, in 1862. At the place r= 5 i~ last named he was taken prisoner, June 15, and was:f ^ Ilmi J. Jakeway, superintendent of yards confined seven months at Belle Island and Libby ~ and lumber at Hungerford, was born Dec. prison. At the former place he was very sick and 5, 1842, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is the came near losing his life. After being paroled, he II son of James and Catherine (Werrels) Jake- was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C., ' way, who were also natives of the Empire May 24, I864. After a time he re-enlisted in the State, and who moved to Michigan in I852. 8th Mich. Inf., and served till the close of the warThe former is deceased. nine months. He was in the engagement before Mr. Jakeway was approaching manhood when the Petersburg, Va., under Gen. Burnside, April 3, I865. civil war broke out and, Aug. 9, 1862, he enlisted in Upon his return from the army he settled in Detroit, the 25th Mich. Vol. Inf., serving in defense of the Mich., where he was employed in the car works of X Union until January, i865. He was in the battles that city for nearly two years, and soon after went t. at Perryville, Ky., Bowling Green and Knoxville. to Chicago, and worked in a sash and blind factory:: i At the latter place he was captured and finally sent nearly two years. He then returned to Detroit, reto the stockade prison at Andersonville, where his maining two years, and was then employed by the experiences, though the same in detail with thousands Detroit, Milwaukee & Grand Haven Railroad Comof others, are no less replete with horror and suffering. pany about nine years in bridge building, having in On receiving his discharge he came to Michigan and his employ from 10 to 40 men. engaged in lumbering in the employ of Messrs. In the spring of I874 Mr. Woods settled in FreHood & Gale, of Big Rapids, in 1867, with whom he mont, Newaygo County, and purchased the furniture remained five years. He then entered the service of stock of Benjamin Alton. He still carries on the '* Messrs. Blodgett & Brumon, where he operated in business, and, with a stock of $2,000, has the leading:. a similar capacity eight years. He came to Hunger- trade of this kind in the place. During the past d ford Sept. 14, 1882, and assumed the duties pertain- nine years he has been largely engaged in building, a ing to his present position. having erected a large number of the buildings in ) Mr. Jakeway was married in Kent County, in I867, Fremont. He was married at Grand Rapids, Mich., < iiv -P-F$ l-' NElWA YGO COUNTY. 201 a mainder of their lives. Thaddeus spent his boyhood days in Ohio, attending the common schools of that State, and at the age of 18 years came with his parents to Michigan. He taught school the ' last year he lived in Ohio and for two years after he came to Michigan. In the springof 1855 he came to Fremont, this county, purchased 40 acres of wild land, and at once commenced to clear it and build a log house. He spent most of his time in locating lands, and nearly all of the old settlers were con-. ducted through the vast forest, there being no roads leading to the north and west. Mr. Waters was married in Fremont, this county, May 27, I855, to Laura J., only daughter of Daniel and Emily A. (Salisbury) Weaver, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. They were married in the latter State and went at once to Michigan, then a Territory, settling in Adrian. In 1855 they came to Newaygo County, where Mr. Weaver built the first log house of Fremont, i which was used as a hotel, store and postoffice; it was also used as a school-house, and the first couple i ever married in Fremont was married in this same log house, the couple being Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Waters. The house was built on the lot nearly opposite the new brick school-house on Main Street. Mr. Weaver also built the first frame house in the town, which now stands directly opposite the brick schoolhouse, and the first frame barn, which stood on the spot where the brick school-house now stands. Mrs. Weaver died in Hesperia, this county, Dec. 22, 1879; Mr. Weaver still resides in Hesperia. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have had five children; Al. pha F., born Jan. 20, I857; Theron D., May I, I850; Albert J., July 4, i86o; Frankie E., Aug. 3, i868, X and Hiram J., March 30, I878.' Mr. Waters enlisted Aug. I5, I862, in Co. G, 2d Mich. Cav., and served nearly three years. He was in the battle of Perryville, Ky., Thompson's Station, Tenn., and the battle of Chickamauga. At the last named battle, Sept. 20, 1863, he was taken prisoner, and was retained until "s, the close of the war, being confined at Richmond, Va., two months, Danville, Va., six months, and ten months in that terrible prison at Andersonville, where so many of our brave soldiers were sacrificed; he was in the last squad of men that passed out of that dismal den of horrors. He received a bayonet wound in the hip by a rebel guard, while in Danville. He ( now receives a pension, which he justly deserves. I Mr. Waters has been engaged in surveying since I867. He surveyed and laid out the town of Hesperia, this county. He has held the office of Township Clerk three years, and is now Drain Commissioner of Sheridan Township. Mr. and Mrs. Waters are members of the Seventh-Day Advent Church. In politics Mr. Waters is a prominent member of the Greenback party. nI hilip P. Ioffman, farmer, section 35, Ash_'_ land Township, was born May 18, 1830, in J'j f^ Prussia, also the native country of his par}' ents, Philip P. and Mary M. Hoffman. The son received the degree of education common to his class in Prussia (which is much more thorough thin in this country) up to a certain age, when the final disposal of young men is determined upon, either to the trades or military life, save in time of war, when no choice can be enjoyed. Mr. Hoffman was apprenticed at the age of I5 years for two and a half years to acquire the trade of a builder, at which he worked until he was of age, when he was drafted into the German Government service and remained two years. He stayed at home but a short period after his discharge, and in the spring of 1854 came to the United States and settled in the city of Newark, N. J., where he operated as a builder until the fall of 1858, when he set out on a prospecting tour through the "Great West." He finally stopped at Milwaukee, and in the spring of I859 came to Muskegon, and remained until the summer of i 860, when he came to Bridgeton and entered the employ of I. D. Merrill as "shingle-packer,' and continued in that occupation until I870. Meanwhile, in 1863, he purchased 80 acres of land on section 35. Of this he took possession in all the high hopefulness and ardent anticipation of a man who brings the efforts of his life and all his expanding energies to bear upon the one purpose which gives promise to the future and makes labor sweet and privation endurable,-the building up of a home and domestic ties. Mr. Hoffman enlisted all the forces of his warm Teutonic nature in the crowning event of his life and devoted his best energies to preparing a I T' I* - I I I*~ i Is 00 '" t i I~~ i %P-!31Z rB~5,-~~;~kl 1~~ liiifiEll: a* ~.r, he,* ntfb. (IPI:~~ i-.~; # * iT r 3 -202 NE WA YGO COUNTY. * r(C1re; _~ =~i- _ =_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ u *t7 8~? home for the bride whose promise he had won, and to: whose precincts she would soon bring the grace and,~I beauty which in his sight was pre-eminent to that of all others of her sex in the world. But she was also fair to the angels of God, and shortly before the date appointed for her marriage she was called hence to an undying youth and a life of fadeless promise in the realms of eternal beauty. Loyal tothe love of his young, hopeful manhood, Mr. Hoffman has passed his years in the sacred observance of the vows to which he considers himself bound by the early death of his promised wife, and, after he had reconciled him-:- self to an occupation of the place which once meant so much to him, he devoted his succeeding years to rendering it beautiful and attractive. He is living in quiet, reserved retirement, hoping for reunion and the fulfillment of his delayed happiness and companionship. In political sentiment he is a Republican. The portrait of Mr. Hoffman appears on another / page in this volume. ~*a / "? f heodore S. Frey, Treasurer of Newaygo f XCounty, resident at.Newaygo, was born in CrawfordCo., Pa., Jan. 26, I835. Heis ason of Simeon and Mary (Lewis) Frey. His father is of German descent, and was born June 15, 1813, on the same farm he now occupies, in Crawford Co., Pa. The mother was born in the same county, of Welsh parentage. At the age of 22, Mr. Frey bought a farm of 50 acres in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where he resided until I867, when he removed to Ensley Township, Newaygo County, and located on a farm which he had obtained in exchange for the property named. He remained a resident of Ensley until January, 1883, when he was elected CountyTreasurer. He removed to Newaygo in April, i883, and bought the residence he now occupies. 4 He was married at Lineville, Pa., April 2, I857, A to Rachel V., daughter of Smith and Mary Line, born. in Lineville, Aug. 23, i836. Of their marriage four () children have been born: Alton S., Simeon Wilber, i Mary L. and Flora Adella. At the age of i8 Mr. Frey attended the Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and took a course of theological study. After completing his preparation for the ministry he was ordained at Youngstown, Ohio, and has continued the labors of a preacher, either local or circuit, ever since, in addition to his duties as a farmer and in his public capacities. After coming to Ensley he was received into the M. E. Conference, with which he was connected six years. He has been engaged in ministerial work most of the time since he came to Newaygo. lr ugustine White, farmer, section 22, is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth White, natives 'y t} of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively, and was born in the latter State Dec. 7,1849. At the age of seven years he came with his parents to Cass Co., Mich., where he lived most of the time until the spring of 1878, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of wild land on section 23, Sheridan Township; he purchased an additional 80 in I883, and has 60 acres, on which he now resides, under improvement. He was mar ried in St Joseph Co., Mich., to Isabella Stevens, daughter of Charles and Harriet Stevens, natives of Ohio and residents of Sheridan Township. They have three children: May H., Lou E. and Charles T. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Advent Church, and in politics he is a Greenbacker. Mr. White owns altogether 240 acres of land in Sheridan Township. i L S.y II I I imothy Everington, farmer, section I6, Dayton Township, son of Joseph and Ann (Pacy) Everington, was born in England June 12, I833. He remained in his native country until 21 years of age, when he came to America, first settling in Canada, where he lived about 8 years, then came to Newaygo County, this State. He was employed about three years in # chopping and lumbering, then purchased 80 acres of wild land on section I6, Dayton Township, where he,uq NE WA YGO COUNTY. 203,' 03'' I-` - -- — I — ---. ---. -. - --- —------— ` --- — now resides, and has 40 acres under good cultivation. Mr. E. is a charter member of the local grange of Patrons of Husbandry, and in politics is a Republican. acob Miller, farmer, Denver Township, is a son of Jacob and Catherine Miller, natives of France, and was born in that country A Aug. 25, I83I. He came to America when I9 years of age, and lived in Erie County, N. Y., v four years. In the winter of I855 he came to Newaygo County and took up 40 acres of Government land in Denver Township. He has since added I20 acres to his farm, and has ioo under cultivation. Mr. Miller was married Dec. 24, 1854, to Eliza Sigler, a native of New York city. Her parents died when she was seven years old, and she went to iive with an aunt until 17 years old, then ~ lived in Cattaraugus County until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had five children, three; of whom are living: Laura A., George L. and Willie G.; John died in infancy, and Frank died at / the age of II years. Mr. Miller has held the office of Highway Commissioner one year, and School Director three years. In politics he is a Republican. In the fall of 1882 he rented his farm in Denver Township, and now resides on the farm of his brother, George Miller. g. F*, v+ I874, he was married, in Newaygo County, to Rebecca E., daughter of Willis and Mary Covell, who was born in New York Sept. 30, 1853. Her parents were natives of that State, and came to Michigan in 1855, first settling in Kent County, and afterwards removed to Newaygo, where Mrs. Covell died, in I872. Mr. Covell still lives in Newaygo. Mrs. Canovan was but two years of age when her parents came to this State, and remained at home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. C. have one child, James H., born June 27, i875. Aug. 28, 1864, Mr. Canovan enlisted in the Ist Regt. Mich. Eng. & Mech., and served ten months, receiving his honorable discharge at Washington, D. C. After his return from the army he resumed his farm labor. The farm of which he is now sole manager contains about 400 acres, and seven men are constantly employed. Mr. C. is a Democrat. -------- 7E,enry Bromley, merchant, and farmer on sec. 27, Denver Tp., was blorn in Sandusky f~ Co., Ohio, Jan. I, 1847. His parents, George W. and Magdalena (Kasamoer) Bromley, were of English and German descent, and natives of New England. In i856 they moved to Steuben County, Ind., where their son Henry was educated in the district schools. When the latter was I6 years of age he enlisted, Nov. 21, i863, in the I29th Ind. Vol. Inf., Co. A, of the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by W. H. Cole. He participated in six heavy battles: Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville and Kingston, N. C. He escaped without injury or imprisonment, and was honorably discharged Aug. 29, I865. He returned home to Steuben County and purchased 20 acres of land in Scott Township, and then alternated between farm work and attending school until the fall of i868, when he came to Michigan and settled in Kinderhook Township, Branch County. Jan. 6, 1876, he was married in Grand Rapids, to Miss Eliza Quincy, daughter of Joseph and Julia (McCarty) Quincy, natives of New York, who was born in the city of Rochester, March ii, 1855. He then returned to Indiana and worked on his land three years, after which he came to Newaygo County and settled on a ohn H. Canovan was born in Greene Co., N. Y., June 27, 1842. His parents, John and Maria (Plank) Canovan, lived in New York I5 years; father was a native of Ireland and mother of New York. They came to Michign ig n in 854 and settled in Kalamazoo County,,where they still reside. Q John H. came to this State with his parents when: he was I2 years of age, and remained at home until: he was 21. He was engaged in various occupations for eight years, and since that time has been engaged in farming. He is now manager of the farm of Crepin, j Murphy & Son, in Sherman Township, Oct, i8, VV i An — -- -- --— ~u I i i a r" >1M-, 6'lop --— w.n yao co-.- ---- r 204 NEW YGO COUNTY. farm in Denver Township. He purchased 45 acres with him one year and then returned home. After k of timbered land and has it all improved. In I871-2 a few months he went to work for a farmer, where he s ' he owned and operated a saw-mill in Montcalm enjoyed some school privileges and a good deal of. County, this State. hard labor. In the summer of 1836 he apprenticed; In the spring of I88r, Mr. Bromley engaged in himself to Mr. Alva Cooley, of the town of Wysox, the mercantile business, and has a fast increasing to learn the shoemaker's trade. At the expiration of trade. They have one child, Bertha, born July Io, two years he commenced to work for the proprietor, I879. Mr. B. is now Postmaster at Denver, and has and was the principal manager for several months. been in Government employ for some time. In pol- He then spent some time in school, worked on a itics he is a Republican. farm for a brief period, and in the'fall of 1840, came tfto Michigan. Tackson County. where he worked at V i W. Wilcox was born in Branch Co., Mich., Dec. 3, 1844; his parents, Caleb JG and Maria Wilcox, were natives of New York, who came to Michigan about 1835, first t settling in Jackson County, then in Branch County, then Kent, and finally in Newaygo County, where they died. Mr. W., the subject of this sketch, has lived at home most of his life, and in company with his sisters, Caroline and Irene, owns 40 acres of land, all in good cultivation. He has held the offices of Overseer of Highway and Con_~ 1- I _ I_ - 1 '.' I..... his trade about three years. He then went to Oakland County, where he was treated by a physician' two months for a sciatic and spinal affection. In September, i86i, he came to Newaygo County and settled in Denver Township, where he has since resided. Mr. Dobson held the office of Township Clerk six terms, when Dayton Township extended nine miles from east to west and 2 1 miles from north to south. He was Postmaster at Panama in this county nine years. He is a member of the M. E. Church, a strong advocate of temperance principles, and in politics a Republican. T sta)ie. In political attairs he is a National. Aug. 20, I86i, he enlisted in the 8th Mich. Inf., ^ J and after serving three years was honorably dis-. — charged, at Petersburg, Va. He was in the battles rs. Cynthia C. Carlisle, Hesperia, was of Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Antietam, Sharpsburg N Y Mrc and a score of other battles. He was slightly 8. She is a daug of Run a _]i![~',",,85o. She is a daughter of Reuben and wounded in the hand by a minie ball in a skirmish h a of near Savannah, Ga. Anna E. (White) Dake, natives of New York. r4A Mrs. Carlisle attended the common schools of ^I Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties, and lived -t. A-c- ---- |t at home with her parents until the fall of 870, when * Cshe came with them to the State of Michigan, l- Dlocating in Denver Township, this County. Here she enezer obson soemaker faer was married, Sept. 25, 1870, to Mr. J. L., son of o on section 34, Denver Township, is a son Jacob and Hannah (Simmons) Carlisle. Mr. Carlf ames and Esther (Bul) Dobson, natives isle was born in Oakland County, this State, May of Orange County, N. Y.; was born in that 14, 1843, and remained with his parents until he was, county Aug. 22, I817. Soon after this event, 19 years old, when he began to learn the mason's I his father moved to Bradford County, Pa., and lo- trade. He soon completed his scholarship, and was: - cated upon a farm, where he lived until his death, known and acknowledged as a skillful workman. ^ which occurred when Ebenezer was four years old. In June, 862, he enlisted in Co. E, 21st Mich. The latter assisted his brothers in taking care of Vol. Inf., and participated in many hard-fought batI: their widowed mother until he was 13 years old, tes. In one of these numerous engagements he was when he went to work for a neighbor. He remained disabled for duty, and on application received an X)t — ifj ln l^.,-. - j;m ' i:** " i., * * 4~6 ~lu NIE WA YGC U F T honorable discharge and returned home. Here he g*: soon recuperated, and again enlisted in the defense ~, of his country. Again he met with an accident, and this time it left him a cripple for life. While being transferred from Nashville to Chattanooga the train was wrecked, and Mr. C. was among the unfortunates. His thigh was so badly crushed he was compelled to have the limb amputated. After he was discharged he returned home, and after a long spell of illness he sufficiently recuperated to resume again his trade, which he worked at until 1874, when he became stage-driver between Hesperia and Fremont. This position he held until July I, 1883, and on Aug. i i o of the same year was drowned in White.iver. Mr. Carlisle left four children to the care of his beloved wife, all living, and born as follows: Edith M., Sept. 14, I871; Charles I., May I, I873; Minnie, Dec. 13, 1876; John, June 3, I878. Mrs. Carlisle is an active worker and member of the M. E. Church. Ct 3 $ eil McCullom, farmer, section 6, Dayton r?!t l, Township, was born in Scotland, Oct. Io, ' l^ I841. His parents, Duncan and Isabella (Campbell) McCullom, were natives of Scot-,G land, and came to America in the fall of 1856, settling in Oceana County, Mich., where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. McCullom lived at home until 22 years of age, then rented a farm of his brother in Dayton Township, upon which he lived most of the time for three years. In the spring of 1865 he bought 122 acres of land in the above:' named township, to which he has since added 50 acres, and has about 120 acres in a fair state of cultivation, where he now resides. He was married in what is now Denver Township, Dec. 24, i864, to Sarah A., eldest daughter of Isaac H. and Susan A. (Sheldon) Cogswell, who were natives of New York, and came to Michigan in 1852. They afterward came to this county, settling in Denver Township, on section 28. Mr. Cogswell was one f of the oldest settlers of Newaygo County, and filled many prominent positions in the county and township, being Probate Judge six yeais, and Supervisor * of Dayton Township several years. He afterward > moved to Oceana County, where he lived until his -- 0 COUNTY. 205 death. Mrs. Cogswell is a resident of Lansing, Mich. V Mrs. McCullom was born in New York, June 20, I843 and came to Michigan with her parents, and remained at home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. McCullom have had seven children, viz: Maria, Archibald, Isabella, Henry and Duncan C. are living, Mary and Annie are deceased. Mr. McCullom is a member of the Masonic lodge; was a charter member of Hesperian Grange, No. 495, P. of H., and in politics belongs to the National party. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. | ~ amuel T. Evens, son of Samuel B. and Keturah (Lippincott) Evens, was born Dec. 13, I843. His parents were.natives of New Jersey, and were living there about the time William Penn settled in Pennsylvania. The mother is deceased and the father resides with his oldest daughter. Samuel remained at home with his father until he was 20 years of age, then went to Indiana for a few months, and afterward came to Michigan, where he purchased 55 acres of wild land on section 28. He afterward exchanged this land for 179 acres, with Ioo acres under cultivation, where he now resides. Mr. Evens was married in i868, in Niles, Mich., to Mary C., daughter of Uel and Jane (Barnhouse) Dragoo, natives of Virginia, who came to Michigan in an early day. Mrs. Evens was born in Berrien Co., Mich., in 1854. Children are: Lilly B., Nel. B., Keturah M. and Clyde L. Mr. and Mrs. Evens are members of the Church known as the " Baptized Believers." Mr. E. is a Republican. 0 lenry C. Hawley, physician and surgeon, -,/i Hesperia, was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y.,. Aug. IT, 1830. His parents were natives of New York, where they married and lived un-:. til I857, when they moved to Indiana, and both | lived to an advanced age. He attended school at the Academy in Saratoga, and assisted his father in the millwright trade until he was o2 years olCd, m- t U ". -^-^1. -; iiv ll-p pia - AVg ... -. —. 7<... 206NE WHA YG(,I:i I 11~ If then apprenticed himself to learn the pattern-making profession and served three years. June 6, I850, he was married, in Rensselaer County, to Miss Clarissa McGill, daughter of John and Sarah Jane (Hermonce) McGill, natives of New York, who was born in that State May 30, 1833. She was educated at Troy, and remained at home until her marriage. They moved to Aurora, Ind., in the fall of i852, where he followed his trade for a short time, thence to Louisville, Ky., where he remained three years. He then moved to Seymour, Ind., thence to Hardinburg, where, in 1858, he commenced to study medicine, under Dr. Alfred Force, of that place. He remained here until the spring of i86I, when, owing to the ill health of his wife, he came North and settled in the vicinity of Hesperia, this county. Here he began to practice his profession. The country being new, he was compelled to visit his patients by following a trail through the woods on foot; many times he has been obliged to creep through the woods where a horse could not go. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley have had 14 children, I of whom are living. There were five girls and nine boys; one of the former and two of the latter are deceased; of the living, three are married-two daughters and one son. Mr. H. is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 346, of Hesperia, of the Newaygo Chapter, R. A. M., of Newaygo, and the Muskegon Commandery, K. T., No. 22, of Muskegon; also a member of the I. 0. 0. F., 334, of Hesperia, and the I. 0. G. T. He has peen Tiiclirp of t1ie P Ce TR conqcfrntiive verr 11_ 9 CO UNTY. fall of I862 came to Newaygo Countf and purchased? 80 acres of partly improved land, where he now resides; 70 acres are in a fair state of cultivation. In January, 1859, he was married, in St. Clair County, to Ruth A., daughter of John C. and Anna X Ostrander, and they have had eight children: James, Edward 0., Edith M., John, Alexis, Charles F. and an infant. One child died in infancy. Mr. Spencer in politics is a Republican. eorge Miller was born in France, March f 3, i837, a son of Jacob Miller, a native of the same country, who died there. He emigrated to America in the fall of i866, and purchased I20 acres of land in Dayton Township, this County, where he now lives and has about 40 acres under cultivation. Politically, Mr. M. is a Republican. /\ a ---*^BI;BI --- < He '8 -" " i uy C. Pond, merchant, AEtna village, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 4, I8i2. i His parents, were Levi and Samantha (Lawrence) Pond, natives of New England, who moved to New York in a very early day. He was brought by his parents to this State, and they located at Brockport, Livingston County, where he was reared and educated. When i6 years old he was apprenticed to Mr. Mitchell C. Gardner, of that place, to learn the blacksmith trade, where he re- As mained three and a half years. After this he estab-: lished a general blacksmith shop of his own in the e town where he had learned his trade, and at the same time gained a reputation as a skilled workman. He worked at his trade 15 years, then moved to Detroit and opened a grocery, and afterward, to Capac, St. Clair County, where he carried on a general store on an extensive scale for over three years, when he had the misfortune to lose his whole stock and store by fire. He then moved to Cedar Creek, Muskegon County, and followed farming nearly four years. In tl January, 1869, he moved to AiEtna, where he worked, at his trade until 1882, and then opened a store of - general merchandise. pervisor io years, and County Surveyor six years. In politics he is an active and an influential Republican. ames Spencer, farmer, section 2, Dayton _i Township, was lorn in Scotland, Dec. i3, 1832. His parents, James and Jane { (Christian) Spencer, were natives of that coun1 try, where the father died; the mother subsequently came to America, and now resides with a son in Sherman Township. James was 22 years of age when he came to America. He lived in Canada < four years, and came to Michigan in the fall of i858. He spent four years in St. Clair County, and in the A n- - a —K I 4 k I sC 'J I@':: e-" c, r~711 1, " ~, ~ 00 * I -A-ILI % I m I -"rjl" . *. I:', ". NE WA YGO CO UNVTY. 207 f _ _.*______ —_, ______-_ --- —- ___- ------ ---— _-__ --- —__.-____ ---_ --- _____-___ ) N"* 0 Y,,,, /I , 0 - June 27, 1838, he was married, in the village of Brighton, to Miss Laura Roe, daughter of James and, Rebecca (Arnold) Roe, natives of Connecticut, who was born in New York July 7, 1809. She was educated in Ontario Co., N. Y., and came with her parents to this State. She died Jan. 7, I850, at her home in Brighton, leaving two children, Caroline H. and Levi; Mortimer and Charles died in infancy. March 15, 1850, Mr. Pond married Mrs. Frances M. (Hutchinson) McDonald, who was born in Connecticut Jan. 13, 80o6. She is now 77 years of age; remarkably active, does her housework and attends to customers in the store. Mr. Pond is an active member of the Masonic Order, No. i80, at Fremont; has held the office of Justice of the Peace six consecutive years, Notary Public 25 years and still holds that position, and Deputy Sheriff two terms. In politics he is a Republican. - - - tr. of $5,ooo, and contains quarters for the accommodation of 30 guests. Mrs. Jarse owns, besides the hotel and two lots on which it stands, a residence and one acre of ground in the village, and 80 acres of farming land in the township of Garfield. She has one son, John Bailey (see sketch), in business at Newaygo. cohn T. Dean was born in Pennsylvania,: March 15, 1843. His parents, James and Mary (Meller) Dean, were natives of Engi land, and came to America about I842, lived 1 I2 years in Pennsylvania, and since that time in Berrien County, this State. He was I2 years of age when the family came to Michigan, and when 18 he went to McLean Co., Ill., and worked as a farm hand two years. He then enlisted in the 5th Ill. Vol. Inf for thrpp vPnrpr_ lNlt w-r, htnnrn-Iv dtrli rcrllhrrla "Of; s Gat the end of a year on account of disability. He rs. Julia Jarse, proprietress of the Jarse returned to Berrien County a few months, and then House at Newaygo, was born at St. Mary's, came to Newaygo County, in 1864, buying 40 acres l Canada, Jan. I, 1821, and is the daughter of wild land in Dayton Township, on section I6, j of Peter and Margaret LeMay. The par- where he now resides; he has bought 80 acres more, - ents were of pure French descent. Her father and now has a farm of I20 acres, 92 of which is culremoved to Burlington, Vt., when she was 12 tivated. years old, where he engaged in farming about ten Mr. Dean was married in Dayton Township, this years, returning to Canada with his wife, where both county, June 21, I870, to Emma, daughter of Warren remained during the closing years of their lives. The and Alvina Broadway, natives of New England. She daughter was married at Vergennes, Vt., Dec. I, was born at Hillsdale, Mich., July 26, 1853. Their I838, to John Bailey, a native of Three Rivers, Can. children are: Mary I.., Eula C., Coral A., John 0., A By this marriage she became the mother of five chil- Clara A. Charles S. died in infancy. Mr. D. is a -d dren-Julia, Rosa, Josephine, John and Joseph. Mr. Republican. Bailey died in i85, and not long after that event she went with her children to Glens Falls, Washington Co., N. Y., and after a widowhood of three years was married, July 4, 1853, to David Jarse. He was ofW French lineage and a native of Montreal. In 1854 _ Mr. Jarse came to Michigan with his family and set- | A ierman E. Fowler, farmer, section 21I, Day- tied at Newaygo, where he operated about ten years _ ton Township, is a son of John and Abigail X as a saw-filer. In I865 he built a commodious house, ( Fowler, natives of New York, and was born which was utilized as a boarding-house until its de- inCayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. II, I854. When struction by fire in April, i883. Mr. Jarse died in he was about a year old his parents came to 1875. The burning of her house with no insurance Berrien Co., Mich., and afterward moved to La v involved a loss of $4,000oo, and Mrs. Jarse rebuiltwith Porte Co., Ind., thence to Eaton Co., Mich. He lived as little delay as was possible. The new structure is at home until I8 years of age, when he was employed f a handsome edifice, built of brick, at an expenditure by the month in farming until 1877. He then came ^ \g-. ---- ^ -a -X4 ' E~ kZ aC I.. r 208 NEWA YGO COUNTY.: —.. ---,4 ^ " ' i ' iV I i *ai1.; *,:t;.f I',. to Newaygo County and bought 120 acres of land in Dayton Township, where he now resides. He was married in Eaton County, Sept. 26, I878, to Maria L. Benedict, who was a native of that county, where she was born, May 30, I858, and where her parents reside. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have had two children, only one, Belle, surviving. They are members of the Congregational Church, the I. O. G. T., and Mr. Fowler is a Republican.,a ll i lbert G. Day, Attorney, resident at Newaygo, was born at Glens Falls, N. Y., April | 6, I845. He is a son of Pliny and Martha l' (Putnam) Day, and was educated in the schools of his native town. At the age of 18 years he engaged as a clerk in a general store, where he continued until the spring of 1864, when he came to Newaygo. He found employment in the mercantile establishment of S. K. Riblet and acted in the capacity of salesman until the summer of 1867, when he went to Cheyenne, making the trip from Ft. Laramie as an attache of a mule train. He came back to Chicago and remained during the winter. In the spring following he went to Muskegon, where he passed a year as a lumber inspector. In November, i868, he returned to his former employ with S. K. Riblet, and operated as clerk and book-keeper until November, I869, when he entered the law office of Wnm. D. Fuller, preparatory to engaging in the duties of his profession. He was admitted to practice in September, I870, and from the establishment of his office has had an extensive business, which is constantly increasing. Mr. Day has been connected with the local and general interests of Newaygo since he entered upon his business career. He was elected President of the village in 1878-'9. In 1872 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Newaygo County, and held the position four years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Day was married at Jackson, Mich., in March,,-, n HiI' 1874, to Libby, daul born on Prince Edv born of this marria! ghter of Charles S. Laird, who was vard's Island. One son has been ge. j illiam C. Sidler, son of Jonathan and Agnes (Frazier) Sidler, natives of Penn' 2E' sylvania, was born in Northumberland Co., t Pa., Feb. 8, 1844. When he was nine years of age, his parents came to Kalamazoo County, this State, where he worked on his father's farm. He received a good common-school education, and Feb. 26, 1873, he was married, at Schoolcraft, same county, to Miss Mary Judson, daughter of Albert and Mary Judson, natives of Connecticut and Nova Scotia respectively. They emigrated to Kalamazoo County, where Mary was born, March 19, i85o, and where she received a good education in the district schools. After marriage Mr. Sidler managed his father's farm until the spring of 1883, when he moved to this county and settled on a farm of 70 acres of fine land, in the vicinity of Hesperia. He has a fine residence, costing $4,500. Mr. Sidler is a staunch Republican, and although he has been here but a short time, he is destined to be one of the most prosperous farmers of Denver Township. Mr. and Mrs. Sidler have had three children, all deceased: the eldest, a girl, died in infancy; Roy W., born Aug. 14, I876, died Nov. 17, 1877; Mildred K., born Feb. 22, I879, died Sept. 15, I88i. Iv; L I I all ' fo I!l dward Nelson Jones was born in Medina County, Ohio, Jan. I, I837. His parents were Hamilton and Saloma (Jenne) Jones, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Vermont. Soon after their marriage they. settled in Medina County, Ohio, where they < lived until his father's death. His mother then returned to St. Lawrence County, N. Y.. where she *, passed the remaining years of her life. Edward N. e was but four years old when his father died. He 4 was taken to New York by his mother, and lived.j with his grandfather in St. Lawrence County until Ir Htl t Ai NVE WA YG( i!~;~ lk op If"", IS, r=, J,1, 4 he was 17 years of age. In the spring of 1855 he came to Michigan, spent a few months in Allegan County, and in November following came to Dayton Township and located 40 acres of good land, paying $1.25 per acre. He then returned to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he was married March 27, I856, to Elizabeth W., second daughter of Dexter and Mary (Wood) Glazier, natives of Mas;achusetts; she was born in Worcester County, Mass., Feb. 4, 1837. When five years old she went to St. Lawrence, N. Y., with her parents, and remained with them until her marriage. After this event Mr. and Mrs. Jones returned to their new home in Dayton Township, where they nowreside. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Jones pre-empted 80 acres of land adjoining his original purchase. In September, i866, he purchased 60 acres more, and he now owns one of the finest farms in Michigan; I80 acres all in one body, with 140 acres in good cultivation, and fine buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, viz: Ida M., born Aug. 25, 1857; Dexter M., Oct. 21, I859; George W. Aug. 12, i86i; Judson E., Nov. I3, 1863; Clark A. Aug. 25, i866; Effie M., Oct. 2, I868; EldaA., April 15, 1870; Mary S., April 3, I878. In June, 1882, Mr. Jones purchased 420 acres of, timbered land on section 32, Troy Township, with a grist and saw mill on the same. In June, I883, he sold the mill, and at the same time purchased ioo acres more of partly improved land in the same township. He now owns over 500 acres of land in this county, a portion of which is well improved. When Mr. Jones commenced life he had nothing but willing hands and a good constitution; but by hard labor and persevering industry he now enjoys a fine home, surrounded by an intelligent family and all that tends to make life enjoyable. He has given his son Dexter 80 acres of fine land in Denver Township, where he now resides, 40 acres of which are well improved. He introduced the first blooded stock of Durham cattle into the county, in 1873, which he purdhased in Oakland County, Mich., and has just taken the four first premiums for blooded stock in the fair, in which Newaygo, Oceana and Muskegon Counties compete. This is known as the "Hesperian Agricultural Society." Mr. Jones built the first frame barn in Dayton Township, in i858. He bought and operated the first eight-horse-power.ihristopher Kempf, farmer, section 32, Sheridan Township, is a native of Germany i and came to America when 20 years of age. He first settled in Muskegon, this State, and lived there about nine years. In the fall of I86o he came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township. He has since purchased 540 acres more and has 130 under cultivation. He was married in Muskegon to Catherine Kopf, who was born in Strasburg, Germany, in 1825, and they are the parents of three children: Robert, Gustaf and Emiel. Mr. K. has held the office of School Director nine years, and in the spring of 1883 he was elected Highway Commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Kempf are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. K. is independent. a>-Aw ai - 'T9 COUNrTY. 209 separator, and also put up the first windmill in the ' township. When he first came into this county he was obliged to chop trees in order to make a road,, all being a dense forest. He has seen these forests converted to beautiful farms, the log cabins give way to modern structures, and school-houses built with all modern improvements: truly he is a pioneer. Mr. Jones held the office of Constable one year in Dayton Township. He used to be identified with the Republican party, but now affiliates with the National party. -F Y Y -j. 'f I' "t A.> 't i W ^';A ' hebe E. Bigelow, daughter of Daniel L. and Elmira (Fuller) Bigelow, natives of jI r" Vermont, was born in that State March 26, 1823. She came with her parents to the State 4/ of New York, and they afterward moved to Ohio, where they remained about 9 years, and finally t moved to Michigan, settling in Newaygo County, I where they passed the remainder of their lives. Miss Bigelow remained at home until after her mother's death, then left her father's home, and for I6 years lived in the township of Everett, this county.? In the fall of i880 she purchased 40 acres of land wan;-~~!~9z A 'T F 6i-j, ii),:-____ - R(;J. Oq;b) l i 1), ) (1 ...................t...>.... - j>< W ' ~~- -a r e * I V 0 G3 CO- - ~ Y...U..* Y~ v ZIo NE WA YGO COUNTY. ' S.. —_..- = --. --- —,I.. '. of A. P. Bigelow in Dayton Township, where she / now resides. About 20 acres of this land is well / improved. \*,.. I f. fw eorge H. Millis, farmer, section 26, Den-.1 ver Township, is a son of John and Lois (Porter) Millis, natives of New England, and was born in Erie Co., N. Y., June 5, I828. He was engaged upon his father's farm and in attending the district school until 2I years of age, then came to Monroe County, this State, via Lake Erie, taking passage on the propeller Detroit. During the voyage, which lasted ten days, he experienced that terrible storm of October, I850, in which the fine boat, Henry Clay, was sunk, the Detroit being only one-half mile from the ill-fated vessel. He remained in Monroe County one year, during which time he was married, in the township of Dundee, to Miss Philena Weatherby, daughter of Reuben and Catharine (Harmin) Weatherby, natives of Saratoga Co., N. Y., who was born in Monroe County, this State, March 4, I834. She was educated in her native county, and remained at home until her marriage. In October, i85, Mr. Millis moved to Van Buren County, where he was engaged in various kinds of labor until the fall of I856, when he came to this county and settled upon a farm of 120 acres in Denver Township,. At that time it was a wild, unbroken forest, and many privations were endured before the land could be made productive. But Mr. Millis stemmed the tide, and now has 45 acres under the plow and in good farming condition. Owing to the many hardships and severe labor consequent upon being obliged to provide for a large family under so many difficulties, he contracted a disease of the liver, and has for many years been an invalid. But notwithstanding all this he has been able to secure a good home for his children. Mrs. Millis, an ambitious lady of remarkable physical powers, has been of great assistance, both at home and abroad; being always ready to aid the needy and nurse the sick at a moment's warning. She endured, with great fortitude, the trials of their pioneer life. Many times their children were obliged to go barefoot all winter, through rough, cold, stormy weather and deep snows. Mr. Millis is a member of the I. 0. G. T. at Denver, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and himself and wife are identified with the SecondAdvent Church. They have had nine children, four of whom are living: Ella M., born April 7, I864; Melvin J., July 17, 1867; Ortha, Aug. 17, 1871; Lois, May 23, I880; Albert, born Feb. 20, I854, died Nov. 20, 1879; Sarah, born May 23, I857, died Sept. 25, 1863; Gilbert, born March 17, 1878, died Oct. 23, 1879; George, born Jan. 22, i860, died Dec. 22 1862; one died in infancy. S aniel R. Joslin, resident at Newaygo, is Ci supposed to be the second oldest pioneer!I Cr settler in Newaygo County. He was born ^ Sept. i, 1816, in Madison County, N. Y., and '- is a son of Daniel and Martha (Jenks) Joslin. i Before he was a year old his parents removed to Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y., where he remained until 1836. Meanwhile his brother, John J. Joslin, had located at Utica, Macomb Co., Mich., and he went thither when he was 20 years old and remained a year. In I837 he came to Grand Haven, where he obtained employ as a sawyer and acted in that capacity two seasons, operating as a lumberman in the succeeding winters. In 1839 he went to Muskegon, where he found ready employ because of his skilled ability in the management of mill machinery. In 1843 he went to Croton, Newaygo County, where he rented a mill of Joachim & Bone, which he stocked and operated one year, shipping the products to Chicago. The next year (1844) he went to Allegan, Michigan, and after a residence of three years he went to Saugatuck and opened a grocery, which he managed one year. In 1848 he went to Manistee and engaged in his former occupation in a mill, continuing two years. In i850 he returned to Newaygo County and purchased 320 acres of land in the (now) township of Fremont, becoming with his family the first permanent settler in the township. He retained the ownership of the property until 1853, when he disposed of it by exchange, receiving as part payment a house and lot in what is nowfthe village of Newaygo, where he has since been a resident and variously I, 'f, I*kl I je, "'N' `k4, " 11 b sf i "r, ~ Is V:'v (s.A y "4 E...(: I',,:: 'j'E toae ' i '"?a R..,~ i Ii aana i r-r.ii dk *' \*, r,, , ~NE WA YGO COUNTY. 2II i - y employed in different mills. He owns considerable property at Newaygo. Mr. Joslin was married in Allegan, to Sarah A. Yeldom, a native of England, born near London, in 1826. Of eight children born to them Daniel (ist) and David are deceased. Daniel D. is the manager of Squier's Mills, located six miles south of Newaygo. Ellis is the wife of James Odell, druggist at Fremont. Franklin resides at Newaygo. Fleety A. is the second daughter. Fremont Jackson was the first: white child born in Fremont Township and was named therefor, the town having been named a few days before his birth. Byron is a job printer at Newaygo. - The wife and mother died Dec. 2, i86o. T, 'J > I I - - - -- -.1:* ucker Dragoo is a son of Uel and Jane (Barnhouse) Dragoo, natives of Virginia, and was born in that State July 9, 1842; he came with his parents to Berrien Co., Mich., when three years of age and lived there 24 years engaged in farming. In the spring of I869 he came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Dayton Township, where he now resides, and has 55 acres under cultivation. He was married Jan. 22, 1865, to Sarah Kirkendall, a native of Ohio, who was born Dec. 25, 1841, a and established a large custom shop, where he was quite successful. He afterward returned to Cattaraugus County, where he was employed in various places until Sept. 25, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. K, 12th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., Army of the Potomac, Ioth Division. He participated in the battles of Cold Harbor, Juries' Bluff, and many other minor battles. He was honorably discharged June 15, i865. Returning to Cattaraugus County, he worked at his trade until his marriage to Miss Esther A. Booth, who was born in East Bloomfield, Livingston Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1843. Her parents, Thomas and Harriet (Hunt) Booth, were natives of New York, and of German ancestry. Esther attended school in her native town. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur moved to Michigan, and located in Hesperia, this county, where he established his business, and he is known far and near as a skilled workman. They have had four children: Maud E., born Nov. 23, 1873; Lena M., Aug. 6, i874; two died in infancy. Mr. W. is a member of the G. A. R,, of Hesperia, also of the A. 0. U. W. He has held the office of Deputy Sheriff four years, and Constable two years. Politically his sympathies are with the Greenback party. J ennis Miller, farmer, section 28, Sheridan s Township, was born.in Paris, France, Jan. l e, I2, I 846. His parents, Ignatius and Teresa Miller, were natives of Germany. They came to America when Dennis was a year old and settled in Detroit, afterward moved to St. Clair Co., Mich., where the mother died in 1854. The father still resides there. Dennis lived with his parents until he was ten years old. After the death of his mother he went to live with a man named Joel Hart, with whom he remained nearly nine years. He then worked on the farm by the month until 21 years of age. In the fall of I865 he came to Newaygo County and bought i60 acres of land in Sheridan Township, where he now resides, and has 140 acres cleared. He married in Macomb Co., Mich., Oct. 3, i865, Rhoda S., daughter of David and Lydia Crawford, who was a native of Macomb Co., Mich, Her par daughter of Samuel and Margaret Kirkendall. They have three children: Adelbert J., Lawrence V. and Ida M. Mr. D. is a National in politics. "' amuel R. Wilbur, blacksmith, Hesperia, is a son of Job and Alice (Everts) Wilbur I l natives of New York, and was born in Bel\ 1> fast, Allegany County, that State, Sept. 25, I 'i x835. He attended school until 14 years of age, when his parents moved to Cattaraugus? County. When he was in his i7th year he returned ( to his native county and learned the blacksmith's. trade, under the instruction of Harrison Noble, of the town of Rushford. After serving three years' apprenticeship he went to Smithville, Chenango County, t* ) 4retF-ices-htp< yl (~Aj' i 11 } 4 - Ire:1' &>4 ~ --- 0 -,-,-"MI-Iill IINI- Oi" -212 I 212 NEWAYGO COUNrTY. \ {.-.., -----------------------— _ - _ __ -. --- —------------;~i f ents were natives of New York, and came to Michigan in an early day, settling in Macomb County. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of nine children: Charles J., Fannie M., Louise H., Egbert R., Frank D., Allison I., Lewis H., Chauncy 0. and Eva G. Mr. Miller has held the office of Constable about seven years, and Highway Commissioner six years, and in politics is a Republican. i eorge L. Bigelow, farmer, section 9, Dayton Township, is a son of Daniel L. and; Almira (Pratt) Bigelow, natives of Maryland, and was born in Vermont, March 30, 1827; he came to Michigan in the fall of 1858, first settling about two miles north of Newaygo, 1 ~ 1. _, -1 __ __ ~ _ J.1 _ t,_r roled. He participated in the battle of Stone River, Chickamauga, siege of Atlanta, and numerous smaller engagements. He was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn., then returned to Branch County a short time, and in the fall of i865 came to Newaygo County and purchased go acres of wild land in what is now the township of Sheridan. He lived here about two years, then sold out and bought 80 acres in Dayton Township. This he afterwards sold and took up 40 acres of Government land, where he now resides, and has 25 acres under improvement. He was married in Quincy, Branch Co., Mich., Sept. 6, I862, to Minerva Kirby, a native of New York, and they had one child, Marietta L., born Sept 25, I868. Mrs. Smith died April 25, I879. Mr. Smith is a Republican, and a member of Henry Dobson Post, No. I82, G. A. R. S- S I *;-t~. F — wnere ne lived about three years, and in tne spring ot - -6 — -- i 86 purchased 80 acres of wild land, and now has | r.: 5o acres under cultivation. Nov. 4, 1850, in Ohio, he | |ohn Bailey, of Newaygo, was born at Ver- 4 = married Betsey A. Ames, daughter of Lemuel H. and gennes, Vt., Dec. 8, 1848, and is a son of fy Hannah (Chamberlin) Ames, natives of the State of John and Julia (LeMay) Bailey. His = New York, born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Oct. 19, 1832, father died at Vergennes in 850, and his: and their children since born are: Pryntha J., mother was married again in 853, to David a Hannah A., Edwin L. (died when seven year re o es Falls, N. Y., who two years age), Edwin D., George N. and Phebe L. later removed with his wife and her children to Ner. and Mrs. B. are members of the Wesleyan waygo. The pleasant, promising village was then alMethodist Church. Mr. B. was once chosen Con- most in a state of nature; Main street was a thorstable, but declindd to serve. Politically, he is a oiughfare of stumps, and civilization was represented Republican. by the energetic prosecutors of the lumber interests, which almost wholly attracted hither and held the population. Mr. Bailey found his first employ at Newaygo in the shingle-mill of Fairchilds, and afterwards in that - — 'larlow Smith, farmer, section I, Dayton of George H. Hess and others, where he spent some Township, is a son of Elias and Mary E. years. In May, 1876, the year after the death of his a (Yates) Smith, the former a native of Ger- stepfather, he rented the Jarse House of his mother e many and the latter of New Jersey. He was and conducted it as a hotel one year. In I877 he born in Crawford Co., Pa., May 8, I844. He began to manage a saloon business on Main street, lived in his native State until 13 years of age, where he operated successfully until April, 1883, l I when his parents came to Steuben Co., Ind., where when the fire destroyed his business and two buildthey lived two years, then to Branch Co., Mich. He ings where he was located. He sustained a loss of? remained at home with his parents until he $3,000, with no insurance. He at once entered upon A w i8 years old. He then enlisted in the Ninth the work of re-construction, and has erected on the ), Mich. Inf., and was in the service 49 months. He was sanle site an elegant building of the same variety of ) in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he was white brick used in the edifices on Main street that:aken prisoner, but held only a short time, then pa- are rapidly replacing those destroyed in the " big fire" t..a a9 ii".Ptjo 0: A NE WA YGi E - Irg it^^tk.*1.*^ i~Y- gt* ---- ^^ ----T BGl K '"-'"~ which, ruinous as it was, paved the way for the grow-: ing and substantial beauty of the chief street in Ne-.l waygo. The block erected by Mr. Baileyis a double front, 50 x 75 feet in dimensions and two stories s high. Mr. Bailey occupies one front and rents the other. Besides his village property he owns 40 acres on section 2 in Grant Township. In addition to his regular business he operates as a loan broker quite extensively. Mr. Bailey was married at Newaygo, June 20, I874, to Sarah E., daughter of Silas and Aurelia Bement, a native of Centerville, Crawford Co., Pa., born Jan. 29, i855. March 15, I875, Lola and Lulu, twin daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey; also, June 21, I877, John, and Dec. 26, 1882, Harry. The latter died Sept. 22, 1883. Lulu died Sept. 25, 1876. g ohn F. Evans, farmer, section 20, Dayton E?; Township, is a son of William and Ann t.1 (Biddle) Evans, natives of England, and mE, was born in that country Sept. 8, I815. He X I came to America in the fall of 1831, and lived in the city of New York one year, then went to Niagara County, where he lived until I855. In the fall of that year he came with his family to Oceana Co., Mich., and purchased i60 acres of land. He afterward took up 40 acres adjoining, and had 1oo acres under cultivation. He also owned 80 acres near by. He gave his three children 40 acres apiece, in Oceana County, and then sold the remainder of his land and came to Newaygo County in the spring of 1882, and traded for 40 acres of land where he now resides. He was first married in Niagara Co., N. Y., to Margaret Tonks, a native of Erie Co., N. Y., and of English parentage. They had 13 children, five only surviving, having lost by death four at one time and three at another. The names of the living are: Ann M., Charles, Franklin, Margaret E. and Rosabelle; the deceased are Charlotte L., Sarah L., John F., Margaret E., William H., Mary, Joseph and Edwin; Mrs. Evans died in March, 1880, and in July, 1880, Mr. Evans married Amanda A. I)utton, widow ) of David R. Dutton, who died in March, 1872, leav_ ing five children: Frank P., Florence E., Florene 0 COUN Y. T213 23 'd' ), M., Eugene W. and Emigene D. (twins). Leslie M. died when six years old. 4 Mr. E. has held the office of Supervisor in Oceana ' County, and has been Justice of the Peace, Highway Commissioner and held various other offices. In politics he is a Democrat. t i H lenry D. Clark, son of John and Dorcas _,. (Sweet) Clark, was born in Lodi, Seneca X;( Co., N. Y., April 18, 1822. His parents were natives of New York, and moved from Seneca to Wayne County, where they lived six years, and where the father died; the mother then moved to Ohio, where she is still a resident. Henry D. left home when 12 years of age and went to live with John De Mott, who was a Brigadier General in the war of I812. He remained with him four years, going to school and doing chores, then went to the town of Lyons, Wayne County, and worked for his uncle on a farm during the summer season and attended school during the winter. He remained with his uncle four years, then went to Seneca Co., Ohio, with a cousin, for whom he worked two and a half years, clearing land, then went to Wyandot Co., Ohio, where he married Elmira Dunn, a native of Ohio. They lived here nearly three years, when Mrs. Clark died, leaving two children, Orral and Olive; the latter died when six months old. Two years subsequently, Mr. Clark married Barbara, daughter of Nicholas and Barbara Ish, all natives of Germany. After his second marriage, Mr. Clark moved to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and purchased 80 acres of land, which he partly cleared and occupied five years, then sold out and went to Oceana County in September, i855, his wife following him the next December. In the meantime he had built a good log house and had it in readiness when his wife came. The nearest railroad station was at Kalamazoo, and Mr. Clark was obliged to get his provisions at Newaygo and White Lake. He built the first house in Greenwood Township. In the fall of 1857 he returned to Ohio with his family, and rented a farm for which he paid $200 a year. His object in making this change was to obtain better school privileges. In fact, there J \ I ~~WRI... (I 1~ 4 114 l, 0 11 0 U, 0+ 1 I 2I4 NEWA YGO COUNTYT Y. r? -- I - --,,*. _...fi' L~ac i. itv I i was hardly a school-house in this section of the county at that time. Mr. Clark remained in Ohio eight years, and in the fall of 1865 again came to Oceana Co., Mich., and occupied the old log house he had built ten years previous. He lived in this house two years, then built a good frame house, which he now occupies. Two years afterward he built a fine barn, being at that time the largest barn in the State. Although Mr. and Mrs. Clark have no children of their own, they have reared five that were without homes. Their names are: Alice Ish, Milford Hitchne, Mary Nelson, Minnie B. McCormick and Willard Greene. Minnie is their adopted daughter. Mr. Clark is a Democrat. He never aspired to county or town offices, but takes a deep interest in educational matters and in all the reforms of the day. When he first came to this county the nearest voting place was 32 miles distant. He cut ten acres of wood where the town of Fremont now stands. He now owns 350 acres all in one body, and has 200 acres improved. He keeps over 30 head of Shorthorn cattle, nine horses and a herd of sheep, and from 30 to 40 head of swine. I Pitman, of Dayton Township, and they have two children: Lincoln G. and Bradford S. Mrs. Norton died in February, 1874, and April r, I876, in Sheridan Township, he married Cornelia Knowlton, widow of William Douglas, who died in 1872, leaving five children: Ida M., Alice S., Mary S., Nettie B. and Ora D. Mr. Norton is a member of Henry Dobson Post, No. 82, G. A. R., at Fremont, and in politics is a National. t $ashington Seaman, farmer, section I5, Ashland Township, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., May I6, I834. His par2 ents, John and Lucretia (Willis) Seaman, ' were natives of New York and Massachusetts, of English and German descent. They came in 1842 to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where the father managed afarm ten years, during which time the son devoted all his spare moments to obtaining such education as the times and circumstances permitted. His parents again decided to change their location -- - A 1 -:__ -Al_ —_1_1-. -_-'.L - -1-. N 1, #f ii ~ I anui nxeu on k.asnovia as a uesirauie point, wnere / they went in the fall of 1852. Mr. Seaman remained with his parents until I854, when he went to Mecosta County and located on a illiam H. Norton, farmer, section I, Sher- farm containing 80 acres in the vicinity where idan Township, was born in Maine, Sept. now stands the beautiful city of Big Rapids, en3, 1834. His parents were Samuel and gaged in farming and extensive prosecution of lumCharlotte (Waugh) Norton, who were natives ber interests. In the spring of 1867, he returned to of Maine, where they still reside. At the Casnovia and operated there until the summer of i age of 21 he enlisted in the Regular Army, serv- 870, when he came to Newaygo County. He lo. ing five years. When the war of the Rebellion broke cated on 80 acres of heavily timbered land, where he out he was in San Francisco, Cal.; and 'in August, has since devoted his time and energies to clearing i86I, he enlisted in the ist Reg. Cal. Vol. Inf., and and otherwise improving a home. His place is finely served over three years. While stationed at Fort located and his recently constructed house cost about Yuma, Cal., he was injured in the back while on $,500. guard duty, which laid him up six months. His reg- He was married Aug. 30, 1856, in Casnovia, to iment was engaged most of the time in fighting Sarah M., daughter of Drayton and Sophronia Indians. (Loomis) Moore, natives of Ohio. The daughter was After his discharge he returned to the East, and in born, Aug. 25, 1840, in Portage Co., Ohio. Her parApril, 865, came to Newaygo County. The follow- ents removed to De Kalb Co., Ind., when she was six; I ing May he came to Sheridan Township and pur- years old, removing eight years later to Casnovia, / chased 73 acres of land, mostly wild, where he now where she continued her efforts to secure an educaresides: about 30 acres are under cultivation. He tion in the common schools until she was married. was married in Fremont Oct. 24, 867, to Rose Ann Mr. and Mrs. Seaman are held in high esteem in -A% .NE WA YGO CON IT Y. "E I NEWAYGO CO UNVTY. /... 215 _%,tt,;d4 m.. _ _,,I I- - their community as energetic, enterprising, valuable f-I members of society. Both are members of the Baptist Church in full and regular standing. Their 4 seven children are all living, born as follows: Arthur E., Dec. 29, 1858; Julia C., Aug. 30, i860; EllaN.,.. July 26, I863; Martin L., April 5, I867; Frank R., Feb. 4, I871; Milton M., Nov. I8, 1872; Effie D., April 11, i880. Mr. Seaman is an adherent of the Republican party and a fearless advocate of the prohibition movement. He is present Township Clerk, and has: held the position of Supervisor and other offices. He belongs to Grange No. 545, P. of H., at Ashland Center. I::::: np. irl: i I '~~ i i:~ nf_;_ -'i Drolly W. Crawford, farmer, section 3, Sher_E idan Township, is a native of Macomb Co., iJ Mich., and was born June 24, 1837. His parents, David and Lydia (Farr) Crawford, were natives of New York, and settled in Macomb County in a very early day. They afterwards moved to Oakland County, where the father died, and the mother came to Fremont, this county, and afterward died. Holly W. was I2 years old when his parents removed to Oakland County. He lived there three years and then returned to Macomb County, where he lived until he obtained his majority, then went to Illinois and remained about three years. In June, I861, he enlisted in the I Ith Ill. Inf. and served three years. He was wounded in the hand and shoulder in the battle of Fort Donelson, and received a furlough of two months. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., and returned to Macomb County, where he lived one year, and August, t865, he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of wild land in Sheridan, in what was then Bridgeton Township, where he now lives, and has 50 acres under cultivation. He was married in Sheridan Township, in I869, to Luella A., daughter of John and Sarah Nelson, natives of Ontario, Canada, and New York, respectively. She is a native of Ontario, Canada, where she was born Feb. i6, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are the parents of seven children: Rilla M., John C., Reuben E., Perrin H., Guy W., Lydia A. and Geo. N. Mr. Crawford has held the office of Township Clerk two years, Justice of the Peace 17 years and Supervisor one year. He was appointed Postmaster at Sitka in I868, under P. M. Gen. Randall, and has since held that office. He is a staunch Republican. eorge D. Overly, carpenter and joiner, and XiJ' 1 City Marshal, Hesperia, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1844. His parents were Daniel and Mary A. (Glacon) Overly, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German-Scotch ancestry. When he was two and a half years old his parents moved to Wabash Co., Ind., and settled on a farm in Chester Township; and in i856 they went to Miami County, same State, where George attended school. When the civil war broke out he enlisted, Sept. 13, i86I, in Co. D, 29th Reg. Ind. Inf., and joined the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Gen. Buell. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, and several minor ones, without receiving even a scratch, and was honorably discharged Oct. II, i864. He immediately returned home, and Feb. i, I865, he again enlisted in Co. A, I55th Reg. Ind. Inf., and joined the Eastern army; but before he was called into action the war closed, and he was discharged at Indianapolis, Aug. 12, I865. Again returning home, he went to learn the carpenter's trade, under the instructions of David Cooper, where he remained one year, then commenced to work for Jacob Harman, remaining two years. In Oct., I870, he came to Michigan and settled in Hesperia, working at his trade, until I877, then engaged in milling two years; after this he became proprietor of the Hesperian Hotel, which he has operated until quite recently; he left the hotel to attend to his duties as City Marshal. Sept. 14, 1873, Mr. Overly was married to Mary E. Greyson, daughter of Martin and Mary (Font) Greyson, natives of North Carolina; they moved to Indiana, where her father finally died. She was born in Indiana, March 27, i851. Mr. and Mrs. Overly have had three children: George, born Sept. I2, 1874; Maggie, Nov. 25, I876; Nellie, born Oct. 3, 1878, died May i, I880. Mr. O. is a staunch Re V I I (P rl, ilT (3 ----~~ t`i;i~r Ii r"~ ;arran ir, r _a - I ~ %.,.-.' ~ l * - 1; -I I <2136 NE WA YGO COUNTY. - A2I16 NEWAr YGO COUNTY. C -: publican; is City Marshal, an office he fills very ac~. ceptably, and is a member of the I. O. G. 1., and Odd Fellows. *.sv, *P\~. 1=1 IV i v, * m,\* IS.'I eter Daly, farmer, section 20, Denver TownC H ship, is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth j| (Agen) Daly, natives of Ireland and of Irish 3~) descent. He was born in the town of Galloway, Ireland, June i6, 1838. At the tender age of eight years, he and a younger sister came by themselves to America, landing at New York, June 28, 1844. Shortly afterward he went to Long Island to work on a farm for nine months, thence to Saratoga County for a year, thence to New York city, where he engaged himself as cabin boy on a steamer. He remained here some time, and then, in company with his brother, came to Michigan and settled on a farm of timber land in what is now known as Climax Prairie, Kalamazoo County. They succeded in cultivating a farm that took the first premium at the State fair for five consecutive years. Mr. Daly then removed to Grand Rapids, where he was employed on the steamboat Empire, as steersman, on Grand River, until 1856, when he. sailed on Lake Michigan one year. While on the lake he was accidentally thrown overboard one midnight in November, and almost miraculously rode the waves for 12 hours on a part of a bale of shingles, when he was finally picked up by a passing vessel. After this he came to White Lake, Muskegon County, where he has since been engaged as pilot during the summer season, and winters engaged as foreman in the camps of'the pineries of this and Oceana Counties. In I867 Mr. Daly purchased 80 acres of land in Denver Township, which he has partly improved, and has since bought go acres more, partly under cultivation. Dec. 26, I868, he was married, at Whitehall, to Miss Annie L. Rossiter, daughter of Jeremiah and Bridget (Fortune) Rossiter, natives of Wexford, Ireland, where Anna was born, March 4, I850. When i8 months old her parents emigrated to Lower Canada, and after three years came to Port Huron, Mich. Here she received her education, and afterwards came to Denver Township, where she has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Daly are the par ents of seven children: Maggie, born April 25, 1869; Katie, June 30, 1871; Nellie, Sept. 17, 1873; Anna S., May 24, 1876; John, April I, 1878; Jennie, Aug. 15, I88; Bessie M., born Jan. 20, I868, died April 3, i868. They are active members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. D. has held the office of School Director and Postmaster for 13 years, and in politics is a Republican. l ndrew Gerber, tanner, Fremont, was born g in Valparaiso, Ind., Aug. 6, 1856. His parents, Daniel and Rebecca (Comfort) Geri4 ber, were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Michigan about the year 1863, settling in Douglas, Allegan County, where they now reside. Andrew attended the Presbyterian and Methodist Colleges at Valparaiso, and afterward attended the High School at Douglas. He remained at home until he was of age, then came to Fremont, and was admitted into the firm of D. Gerber & Sons, tanners, having previously had charge of his father's tannery about three years. Mr. Gerber was married in Fremont, May I3, 1883, to Sarah Mallery. He is a member of the F. & A. M., K. of H., and Order of Chosen Friends. In politics he is independent. x;. t si " {iC < s v8t I in j^ homas H. Stuart, farmer, section 6, Garfield Township, was born in Washington, e t Macomb Co., Mich., Sept. 26, I829, and is i. the son of Wilkes L. and Frances (Hopkins) Stuart. When he was 12 years old his father went to Tyrone, Livingston County, and took charge of I,ooo acres of timber land belonging to John A. Wells, Cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics' Bank, of Detroit, where the family resided seven years, clearing ioo acres. i In 1845, Mr. W. L. Stuart bought Ioo acres of, wild land in Hartland Township in the same county, i( and lying adjacent. He retained the place but a; short time and went to Cambria, Hillsdale County, (i where he bought 40 acres of land, and by additional (d- a iAV;: — i~u~ — ~~i~a~TO i I I i "" 0 00,rt~c *f.X 1 - AVNEW VA YGO COUNT Y. 2 1 il9 219 A -- --- -- --- --.... I 14 < purchases increased his farm to i60 acres. In 1856.; he sold out and came to Newaygo County, accompanied by his son, Thomas H., where, in company with I)aniel Weaver, he bought 320 acres of, land on the present site of Fremont Center and east j of that village. Under the regulations of the Homestead Act they could not hold the land in partnership, and it was consequently divided, Mr. Weaver taking the portion now constituting the village site. The entire tract was wild and covered with the primeval forest. Mr. Stuart and his companion made their way from Newaygo through unbroken woods, cutting their road as they advanced. On arrival they cleared ' a small space and built a cabin of logs, r8 x 24 feet in dimensions, on the present site of the residence of William Webber. The structure was occupied the succeeding winter by James B. Mallory and wife, Mrs. Stringham, Samuel and Henry Shupe and Philip Weaver, who kept open house for all new comers. Mr. Mallory built his house in the spring. Mr. Stuart, his son and Mr. Weaver returned to ' Hillsdale County for the winter. In the spring Mr. Stuart removed his family, consisting of his wife and; three sons, to the new home. On arrival in Newaygo County, Thomas H. Stuart bought I6o acres of land adjoining the farm where he. now resides, located on the southeast quarter of section 36 of town 13, range 14 west, where he built a house and resided about two years. In 1858 he went back to Hillsdale and passed one year, returning afterwards to his farm, where he cleared 50 acres, and resided until I865, when he exchanged his farm for the Mateva Hotel at Newaygo. He managed the house about I8 months, when he again exchanged his property with his father for 80 acres of land I- where he is now located. Only ten acres of this was tunder improvement at that time, but he now has 60 acres under cultivation with good residence, barns, orchards, etc., upon it. Mr. Stuart has accepted his share of the responsibilities of public life in the county. He was Supervisor of the old township of Fremont one year, served 12 years as Justice of the Peace in Sherman Township, and filled the same position in Garfield Township after its re-organization. He has been i Township Clerk several times and is at present Highway Commissioner, which office he has filled several years. He was one of the organizers of the Grange,, No. 494 at Fremont, in which he has held all the important offices. He was also one of the organizers of Pomona Grange, No. tI, at Newaygo, where he is an active worker in the interests of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. Stuart was married in Reading, Hillsdale Co., Mich., to Sarah A., daughter of Matthew and Sarah Mallory, and a native of the State of New York. Their two children, Wilkes C. and Mary A., were born on the first farm in (now) Dayton Township. The son married Mary Du Bois and resides at home. The daughter has been a teacher since she was 16 years old, and is now a student in the Literary Department of the Normal School of Michigan.. rvin Headley, farmer, section 35, Ashland Township, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1831, and is the son of John and Celia (Coburn) Headley. His parents were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York. They were of German descent, and when the son was in his sixth year they removed to De Kalb Co., Ind. The father there engaged in farming and educated his children in accordance with his means and the facilities afforded by the locality and period. Mr. Headley was married June 12, 1853, in De Kalb Co., Ind., to Julia A., daughter of Drayton and Sophronia (Loomis) Moore. Her parents were born in Massachusetts and New York and were of Puritan lineage. Mrs. Headley was born Jan. 7, I834, in Portage Co., Ohio, and while she was yet an infant her parents removed to Medina Co., Ohio, and from there to De Kalb County. She secured a good education and was engaged a number of years in teaching in Indiana, and continued to follow the profession for two years after coming to Michigan. The family includes an adopted daughter, Minta A. Coburn, born July 4, I869. Her parents were Orson and Ann (Headley) Coburn. Mr. and Mrs. Headley belong to the religious denomination known as Christians and hold their membership at Bailey. In I854, Mr. Headley came to Michigan. He moved his entire earthly outfit, consisting of his wife, household effects and farm stock. The locomotive power consisted of an ox-team and the journey con a A, T I,Ad.i I #1 K A A oil11 r . fi I i I Peq':j ~Wl' i D R rig ", t I:.^ I I I r rW -;~.1 i ~- I I 0 ir- a 1. <:; H ll- Lr4 -,l - m 4 AVEWA YGO CO UVTY. 221 2 'E.,.._ *- t:. i, R led an honest, active life and was highly respected by all who knew him. He was buried with Masonic honors. Mr. and Mrs. Tibbitts had six children: Jennie, born July i6, 1869; Willard, Nov. 12, 1871; Bertha A., March 28, 1876; John A., Oct. 17, i877; Bertie, born Aug. 9, 1873, died Sept. 24, I873; another child also died in infancy. Mr. Tibbitts held various township offices. He had for some time been a member of the Masonic Order: was a strong advocate of the temperance cause, and in politics a Republican. Both himself >( and wife were charter members of the Grange. Mrs. Tibbitts lost her sight in 1879, and since that time has been unable to recognize any one. A severe cold was the cause of this sad calamity. ber in good standing of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 4, 334, at Hesperia. In politics he is a National Greenbacker. aymond E. Misner, son of Ephraim and i Marietta (Darling) Misner, natives of New S York, was born in that State, April 14, y I850, and at the age of i6 years came to Michigan and settled in Newaygo County, where he was employed in a saw-mill for nearly ten years; was also employed about two years by the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad Company. Jan. i, I88o, he formed a partnership.with R. W. Rutherford, for the purpose of carrying onr the grocery, boot and shoe, flour and feed, and provision trade, under the firm name of Rutherford & Misner, in Fremont. They carry a stock' of about $2,000. Mr. Misner was married, in Fremont, Dec. 25, 1869, to Sophia J., daughter of Cornelius and Christina Addison, natives of Holland. She came to America with her parents, and remained at home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Misner have two children; Stella M., born Dec. 25, i870, and James E., born June 27, I875. Mr. M. was appointed Special Policeman the first year the village was incorporated and still retains that position. In politics, he is identified with the Republican party. QeQe;73'j- ..~.;~,/-r ~hu~,aZb J eremiah Rossiter, farmer, section 17, Denver Township, was born in Wexford Co., Ireland, June 4, 1829, and is a son of Joseph and Stacia (Fourlong) Rossiter, natives of that country. He attended the public schools of that place and worked on his father's farm until 21 years of age. March 4, 1848, he married Miss Bridget Fortune, daughter of Nicholas and May (O'Coner) Fortune, natives also of Wexford County. Mrs. Rossiter was born June i8, I835, and died in Denver Township, June I8, I880. They worked on the old homestead in Wexford County "~ until the spring of 185o, when they emigrated to Ot-. - o T[hayer,.mechanic andengineero - tawa, Can., where Mr. R. was engaged in lumberingi lonzo Thayer mechanic and engineer, sec-: until i857. He then removed to Toronto, Can., and tion 27, Ashland Township, was born in a year later came to Port Sarnia, on Lake Huron, | Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 12, i828. He is where he was engaged one year in a saw-mill. In the son of John G. and Hannah (Pangborn) the spring of 1859 he moved to Port Huron, Mich., Thayer, natives of New England, who settled in where he sawed for some time, and in the fall of Michigan previous to their marriage, which event i860 moved upon his present farm of 80 acres, took place in the city of Detroit, June 30, I8I3. which was then wild and uncultivated. He has add- The father was in the service of the United States ed 40 acres to his original purchase, and 80 of the during the entire period of the war of I812, with the 120 acres are well improved. rank of Captain. After their marriage they became;', Mr. and Mrs. Rossiter had six children, four of residents of Washtenaw County, and in 1840 went whom are living: Anna C., Nicholas, John and to Kent County, where the father died, in 1848. - is a member of the Catholic Church, and is a mem- and in April previous to his reaching that period he 4 14 n g ^S'^'^ ""^ "S i2 22 2NtiIVA YGO COUNTY.< -e --., -__ __ -. 9, set out on a prospecting tour through the West and Northwest. He traveled through eleven States and Territories, and in the fall of 1851 returned to Michigan. He settled in Ottawa County, where he was married April 3, 1852, to Sarah Jane, daughter of Caleb and Sabia (Hewitt) Whittemore, natives of Connecticut. Mrs. Thayer was born in Essex Co., N. Y., where her parents resided. They came to Michigan in 1850, and located in Kent County. After his marriage Mr. Thayer remained in Ottawa County and was occupied in a saw-mill, after which he came to Newaygo County and followed the same calling on the Muskegon River. His next remove was to Grand Rapids, where he resided until the spring of I867, when he made a permanent settlement in Newaygo County, buying 40 acres of land in Ashland Township, whereon he fixed his homestead and turned his attention and energies, to a certain extent, toits improvement and cultivation. He belongs to the National party in political connection, and is an active member of Ashland Grange, No. 545. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer were born as follows: Ella W., Feb. 26, I853; Myron F., Oct. 6, I857 Frank A., Feb. 22, I86i; Florence J., Oct. I, I863; Hiram, Feb. 23, i866; Emma E., Dec. 23, I870; Frederick A., Jan. 28, 1874. ohn E. Hatfield, farmer, section 26, Norwich Township, was born in the city of New York, Feb. 22, 1833. His parents, William and Sarah (Craft) Hatfield, were both born in Vermont, where his father was a farmer. He died when his son was in early youth, and the mother followed her husband to the grave not long after. Mr. Hatfield resided with a man named William Tross, and was cared for in his family until he was 16 years old, bred meanwhile to the calling of a farmer and acquiring a fair education at the common school. He afterward spent about five years as an assistant in a saw-mill, with Ulster, Sullivan & Co., and resided in New York until i86i, when he removed to Michigan, locating primarily at Grand Rapids. He was there employed in a mill until the fall of I867, when he entered a homestead claim of 4o acres of land in Norwich Township, and devoted his energies and time to its improvement. A later purchase has increased his landed possessions to 1 60 acres, where he is engaged in creditable and prosperous farming. In political faith he is an adherent of the Republican party, and has held the Township offices of Justice of the Peace, Highway Commissioner, Assessor, Treasurer, etc. He is earnestly and actively interested in whatever promotes the grade of progression in his township. Mr. Hatfield has been twice married. His first wife was Mary, daughter of Martin and Rebecca (Miller) Kator, a native of the State of New York. She died Dec. 9, I86o, leaving two children, Julia A. and Mary Emma. Mr. Hatfield was a second time married July 12, 1874, to Mrs. Rosa (La Fave) Langford, daughter of Oliver and Mary (Gonyon) La Fave. She was born Feb. 15, 1837, and is the mother of two children, Guy P. Langford and Della May Hatfield. m acob Barnhard, farmer, section 33, Denver Township, was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1809. When he was very young his parents left that locality, and after living some time in Pickaway County moved to Sandusky County. Here Jacob lived and worked on his father's farm until 22 years of age, when, in March, i832, he married Miss Sarah Hiland, daughter of Edward and Mary Hiland, all natives of Ohio. Mrs. Barnhard died in I836, at her home in Sandusky, leaving two children. June 21, T840, Mr. Barnhard married Miss Lucinda Reed, of Seneca Co., Ohio, and daughter of James and Nancy (Rowley) Reed, natives of that State. She was born in Huron Co., Ohio, Feb. 24, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhard settled on a farm in Sandusky County, where they lived till the spring of 1848, when they moved to Chicago, Ill.; from there they came to Muskegon, this State, where Mr. B. carried the chain to lay out the town. Finally they moved to this county and settled in Croton Township. Here Mr. B. located on a farm, where he lived until i855, when he removed to Dayton Township, and built the first " shanty " in that township. I 's1.All:4O;,W I ~ — ii <~ss 4 -y *.01 P ii 5 WRe =4 i — H.sP r ^tH; I - a- ~ ~ - 9 , zVE WA YGO COUNTY. 223 He labored hard and earnestly until he improved 80 On coming to this State our subject settled in acres of heavily timbered land. He has now grown Clinton County and was occupied there until i86o f to lbe an old man, and has always been highly es- in farming. He then came to Newaygo and engaged I teemed as a citizen, and recognized as one of the as a sawyer in the mill of the Newaygo Lumber leading men of the community in which he has lived. Company, where he remained until 1863, when he ' ) He has held the offices of Township Clerk, Director, began to operate as a contractor, putting in pine Supervisor, School Inspector, and at one time was timber. He bought 8o acres of pine land and operProbate Judge. In politics, he sympathizes with the ated on his own account for a time. In i866 he Republican party. March 15, 1883, Mr. Barnhard opened a meat market, which branch of trade he moved into Denver Township. operated eight years, when he added a grocery and | Mr. and Mrs. Barnhard have had seven children: provision department, and afterwards ready-made;Sarah A., Nancy J., Simon P., Thomas, Sylvanus, clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods. His } Margaret and Jonathan; two are deceased. They stock is valued at $.500oo and he transacts an annual y are members of the M. E. Church. business of about $7,000. He owns his store building and residence. He has served as Township ___ (Clerk two years and Under-Sheriff two years. _ si-i- |0 Mr. Millard was married in Allegany Co., N. Y., ~~ < Nov. 3, I854, to Phebe E., daughter of Dewitt C. ~'.| and Mary A. Hyde, a native of Allegany County. X~ '! eymour E. Doud, farmer, sec. 29, Sherman. Township, is a son of John and Amanda A. (Silliman) Doud, natives of Connecticut.-. IA A. and Massachusetts renectivelv. and was born..... in Trumbull Co., Ohio, July 13, 1854. He lived in his native State until 14 years of age, and March 3, 1869, he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of partly improved land in Sherman Township, where he now resides, and has 45 acres under tillage. He was married at Lansing, Mich., Oct. 23, 1875, to Lillian L., eldest daughter of Mark and I.orinda Alton. natives of Ohio: * he [J. imon P. Barnhard, merchant, Fremont, was born in Ottawa Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, CT 1 r844. His parents, Jacob and Lucinda 7L (Reed) Barnhard, were natives of that State. When Simon was four years of age they moved to Illinois, where they remained but six months, and came to the mouth of the Muskegon River, in Mhgn whr the l.e a shor tie the re I: S l}.. J l3Michigan, where they lived a short tile, then rewas born July?13, i858. They have three children: ' moved farther north into what is now Newaygo Ernest L., Eugene A. and Berniss A. Mr. D. has -.County, which was then a wilderness. Simon reheld the office of Highway Commissioner three years,.. and w as omained at home until 17 years-of age, when he en- X a and was also on the Board of Review one year. I an. *, a aa oe. I listed in Co. K, 3d Mich. Inf., and served two years - - politics he is a Republican... E and four months in the war of the Rebellion. He was then honorably discharged on account of wounds received at the battle of the Wilderness. He participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and numerous smaller engagements. At Chani. I ~ Millard, merchant, Newaygo, was born cellorsville he was wounded in the leg and left on the I March 5, i832, in Allegany Co., N. Y., and field, where he was taken prisoner, but was paroled. is a son of John and Polly (Doud) Millard. in 13 days. About six months afterward he was free 5?? ~ The father was a carpenter and joiner, and to enter the service again, where he remained until:. taught his son the details of the trade. The his discharge. He then returned to this county, g latter pursued the business during summers and where he attended school nearly a year, and taught.:) engaged in lumbering winters until he came to Mich- school for about four years. In the meantime he i i igan, which was in the fall of 1857. bought 40 acres of land at one time, and 40 at an-., 0cg1 1 1 H 4 l> --- Wv- 7A YGo C UN['Y 22 r NEWAYGO COUNTY. 227, _ i / T.. ~ held the office of Highway Commissioner, School time. In the spring of 1858, he settled permanently 3 i' Inspector and Justice of the Peace; has also been a in Newaygo County. During that season he bought;r member of Fremont Grange, No. 494, Patrons of I40 acres of partly improved land, where he kept; I Husbandry. hotel 12 years and has been constantly and heavily? X interested in lumbering, "running in" from two to ' v a seven million feet of logs each winter. He has been ___ -_ o y_ L __A,... -- '- Y Y one of the most extensive operators in pine and farm-s. ing lands in Northern Michigan, and is now in pos~l avid W. Squier farmer and lumberman, session of 8,ooo acres. One half of this immense section 7, ridgeton Township, was born territory is improved and cultivated, its management I. section 17, Bridgeton Township, was born in Ft. Edward, Washington Co., N. Y., being under his own personal supervision. His farm A March 15, 1822. His parents, John and buildings are on the most extensive scale, and his, i ary (Lampmaf private residence, built at a cost of $16,ooo, is reMary (Lampman) Squier, were natives of the same county and we-e of English and Hol- puted to be the finest farm house in Newaygo County. In political sentiment Mr. Squier is a Democrat. land Dutch lineage. Mr. Squier grew up on the n d Dg. M er gw he. He is no wire-puller nor office-seeker, and has perhomestead of his father, under whose care he re- ntly declined all proffered positions. sistently declined all proffered positions. mained until he was i8 years old, when he fulfilled a The children of Mr. Squier were born as follows: long cherished desire to devote his attention and enFrank W., Oct. 17, I853; Eva L., Dec. 5, i855; r ergies to lumbering, which he has made the pursuit, Oct. 85; Eva L., Dec., 855 these two alone survive. E. D., born May i6, i849, of his life, and in it has achieved a large degree of died June 12, I868; Nellie, born March 24, I86o, / success. He traces this inclination to the days of d, 8,.* 1died Oct. 8, i86o; David W., born June I1, 1864, *.m his boyhood when, more as a recreation than as labor, t i i died Oct. 5, I864. Frank W. Squier has attained a = i he assisted in rafting logs down the Hudson and... >,. fine position as civil engineer.,,.,. Susquehanna Rivers. He afterwards engaged in:- the same employment on Lake Champlain. In the \ years of 1844 and I845 he operated as a contractor in Monroe Co., N. Y., getting out timber to construct the schooner " Genesee Chief" and brig "Venice " L e_ for Lake Erie service, working in the heavily timbered | o eorge A. Mills, farmer, section 20, Sherregion traversed by the Genesee River. man Township, is a son of Stillman and Mr. Squier was married Dec. I8, 1846, to Sarah, Joanna (Harrington) Mills, the former a daughter of Idas and Paulina (French) Dayton. native of Vermont and the latter of New The parents were natives of Washington Co., N. Y. York; and was born in New York, April 20, i Mrs. Squier was reared and educated in Penfield, 1845. At the age of 12 years he went to live 2 Monroe Co., N. Y., where she was born, Jan. 23, I829, with a brother, where he remained until he was 17, and where she was married. The event of marriage and Sept. 15, 1862, he enlisted in the I49th N. Y. changed Mr. Squier's plans to some extent for the Reg., and served till June 12, 1865, receiving an hontime being, and he engaged in agricultural pursuits orable discharge at Bladensburgh, Md. Owing to in his native State until the fall of 1848, when he serious sickness he was confined to the hospital for located in the vicinity of Coldwater, Mich., and some time, and was then detailed on detached seragain pursued farming, interesting himself also in vice at Philadelphia. He afterwards rejoined his, buying horses for the Eastern market. In the fall of regiment in Tennessee and remained until his dis1851, he went twice personally to Rochester, N. Y., charge. He returned to New York, and was emwith a fine lot of animals for that market. He re- ployed in a paper mill nearly four years In the fall I' A mained in Monroe County until May, i856, when he of 1869 he came to Hillsdale County, this State, and @ A again came to Michigan and settled in Eggleston worked for his brother-in-law one year, and after- C, Township, Muskegon County, on the river, where he ward rented a farm three years. In the spring of (; \ managed a hotel and engaged in lumbering for a 1864 he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 o ftz zv? * - A A------ ~i~'a'lli; ---Iia;- ~ z 228 NE WA YGO COUNTY. acres of partly improved land in Sherman Township, number, born to Mr. and Mrs. Kritzer, are living. where he now resides, and has about 45 acres under They are, Matilda, born March 25, 1867; John, Feb. ~ the plow. 12, I870; Charles H., April 12, 1873; Mary E., Jan.. Mr. Mills was married in Auburn, N. Y., Aug. 20, I2, 1876; Maggie, March 28, 1879. Both parents 1867, to Esther A., daughter of George C. and belong to the P. of H., Lodge No. 545, Ashland CenEsther (Wilkins) Hayward, the former a native of ter. Mr. Kritzer is a member of Lodge No. 331, I. New Hampshire and the latter of Massachusetts, 0. O. F., at Ashland Center, and is a Republican. and she was born in Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, I845. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents - -- 4 a ' SNE WA YGO COUNTY. 229 I L.%X where he engaged in lumbering on the North Branch of the White Cloud River for Pingra & Sanford. The next spring he engaged as a farm laborer with David Squier, for whom he worked one season, afterwards engaging in lumbering. In 1869, he purchased his farm of 80 acres, nearly all of which was at that time in primeval forest, and by his industrious application he has placed 50 acres under good improvement. He also owns 40 acres of land on section 7, adjoining his farm, which was bought in June, 1883 Mr. Grant was married in Muskegon, May 24, 1871, to Maggie, daughter of William andHonora (Togan) Donahue, a native of Ireland. Three children have been born of this marriage, as follows: William A., Dec. 9, I872; Della M., May 5, I877, and John R., Dec. 31, 1878. henry Avary, farmer, section 20, Ashland Township, was born in Wayne Co., Penn., April 10, 1839. His parents, Lewis and Nancy (Avary) Avary, were natives of Pennsylvania, born respectively of French and English parentage. He was orphaned when five years old, and soon afterward was taken to bring up by a man named Horace W. Gager, of Lebanon Township, with whom he remained, operating as a farmer's assistant, until he was 17 years old; then, determined to do something for himself, he went to Sullivan, N. Y., and learned the trade of painter from his uncle, Isaac Newton. In the summer of I859 he located at Carbondale, Lawrence Co., Pa., and there pursued his profession. In the autumn of i860 he went to Lisbon, Ottawa Co., Mich., where he applied himself with energy to the work of acquiring an education. He studied a year and June 9, i86i, enlisted in Co. H, First Mich. Inf. His command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, where he was a participant in I6 active engagements and ten unimportant skirmishes. He was in action in the Seven Days' Battles before Richmond, at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Culpepper and the battles of the Wilderness. He was captured at Malvern Hill and held prisoner of war, two months and seven days, in the pens at Libby. He was wounded twice in the Wilderness, receiving two bul letsin his left arm. A minie ball passed entirely through the arm and at almost the same instant a bursting shell hurled a fragment directly on the elbow joint, shattering it completely. He refused inflexibly to have it amputated, and now has a stiff arm. In July, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, which he held until his discharge May I3, I865, his service having continued nearly four years' On returning to Michigan he lingered some time in Washtenaw and Ingham Counties, going thence to Bluffton, Muskegon Co., and engaged as an assistant in the lumber mills of Wilcox & Co. He remained until November, 1873, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of land in Ashland Township. He disposed of a portion of his first purchase and added another tract 40 acres in extent, making a convenient farm of 95 acres, which he has placed under good improvements with commodious and suitable accessory farm buildings. Mr. Avary was married in November, I864, to Esther Wykoff, who was born in Washtenaw Co., Mich., in 1842, and died in Muskegon County, in August, 1870. Mr. Avary contracted marriage a second time Feb. 27, 1872, with Minnie, daughter of William and Sarah D. (Wegg) Buckett. The parents were natives of England and the mother, aged 7 years, resides with her daughter. Mrs. Avary was born in the city of London, Eng., June 13, 841, and accompanied her parents to the United States when she was eight years of age. They resided for a time in New York city, next in New Orleans, La., then they returned to New York. where Mrs. Avary obtained her education. Her parents transferred their residence successively to Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin and back again to the Keystone State, making a permanent settlement at last in Muskegon Co., Mich., in the fall of 1869. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Avary: Ella G., Nov. i3, I872; Charles C., Jan. I6, 1875; Frank C., Sept. 5, 1876. Mr. Avary is a decided Republican, and has officiated in most of the positions of trust of the township government. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, Lodge No 362, at Ashland Center, in which body he has passed all the chairs, and is now Past Grand. Mrs. Avary belongs to the Daughters of Rebekah in the same order. Both are members of the Patrons of Husbandry, and Mr. Avary is present Master of Grange No. 545. ^ t MA,AI y..;'~ A "I' I - "S." -4 - I 4;. A' i 4-;. 1"4 S ' ~,':, '7 q q I ~;~ta~!a-., - q q d 230 LNEWA YG 230 -.:~), 53o NR V,4 ~ ~-x>-.a 'r It, d.,8 I 'VE, llichard Peacock, farmer, section 32, Garfield Township, was born at Kirton Lindsay, in Lincolnshire, England (situated 20 \miles from Hull on the River Trent), March I5, 822. His parents, Richard F. and Elizabeth (Stowe) Peacock, were born respectively at Kirton and Scotton, England, and came to the New World in 1844, settling in Dunham, Canada, where the mother is still living. She was born May 19, 1812. The father died when he was 74 years old. When he was 12 years old, Mr. Peacock entered the employ of a man named Thomas Brown, who was in the service of the British Government, buying horses for the batteries of artillery. In this position he remained five years, traveling through England, Ireland and Scotland. He next engaged as a plowman on the estate of Lord Thomas Hudson, where he served two years. He has in his possession four medals awarded him by the agricultural societies of his own and three other counties of his native country, attesting his superiority in his calling. He came to Canada with his parents and engaged for a time as a day laborer, and during the first year purchased 200 acres of farming land of a fine grade, for which he paid by the accumulations from his labors as a farm hand. He gave his parents a life lease of the place, and after seeing them established in comfort he went to the State of New York and engaged as a lumberman in Essex County several successive winters, and operating as a farm assistant in Bridgeport, Vt., in the alternate summers. While thus engaged he obtained his credentials of citizenship and exercised the freeman's privilege for the first time, in voting for James K. Polk. He returned to Canada and was married Sept. 22, I847, to Martha M., daughter of William and Marian (Hare) Lavery, born at St. Armour Tower, Canada, May 9, I824. Of this marriage seven children were born: William J., George R, David J., Thomas N., Martha E., Ann J. and Stephen Robert. All have grown to maturity and are settled in life. Mr. Peacock transferred his family and interests to Michigan, in August, I863. He worked through the harvest season of that year, in Branch County, where he left '0 COUNTAY. his family, and came to Newaygo County to operate v as a lumberman during the succeeding winter. His k family joined him in September, 1863, when he en- S tered the service of Samuel R. Sanford, and worked for him in lumbering I2 years. The firm with which Mr. Sanfora vas connected failed, owing Mr. Peacock a large sum of money which he never received. In 1875 he purchased the farm where he now resides, which was then in a state of nature. He bought 40 acres and now owns by later purchase I60 acres, with 40 acres under improvement. He has a comfortable house, convenient barns and other creditable farm (? fixtures. He also owns 40 acres of unimproved ' land on section 33. Politically Mr. P. is a Republican.? -VAUIYM- -~i:r~~~f~~~y-) ~ C3~~k I 5, i 41"t ^: 4~l |* '*^ k, i iinfield S. Merrill, farmer, section 17, Ashland Township, was born Jan. 7, I85I, in /\ ^1 Bridgeton Township, Newaygo County. 1: i He is a son of Isaac D. and Augusta (Mc' Kinny) Merrill, who were born in Maine. They were married in their native State and,:5 came to Michigan. After spending some time in the lumber woods on the Grand River they located in Muskegon County, coming later to Newaygo, where they resided a few months and went to Bridgeton, making the first settlement on Sand Creek in that township. Mr. Merrill passed the first i8 years of his life on his father's farm and operating in his saw-mill, devoting every leisure moment to the cultivation of a nat-, urally gifted mind, studying in the common schools ': until September, i868, when he went to Ithaca, N. Y., to enter Cornell University, where he studied three terms in the scientific course. Returning to Michigan, he became a teacher in the public schools of Muskegon and Newaygo Counties. He continued to make this his profession for some years, during which he officiated as County Surveyor. He has also de- t voted much time to making preparations to follow the calling of a farmer. ~:' He was married May 26, 1875, to Orinda M., a daughter of D. H. and Maria (Page) Scott, born re- i spectively in Ohio and England. Mrs. Merrill was >S born Dec. 4, 1856, in La Grange Co., Ind., and was N O A V P ~n " " r4 lp>l~:m --- w IrNEWAYGO COUNTY. 23r Z (. - educated in her native country, and spent some years showing what can be accomplished by industry and V f as a teacher. well directed effort. He belongs to the Patrons of 4 After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Merrill lived on the Husbandry and has served his township in various t farm in Bridgeton two years, and in 1877 located in officil capacities. Ashland Township, on 80 acres of stump land. Be- Our subject was married in Hesperia, Oceana Co.,: sides the fulfillment of his obligations as teacher and Mich., July 7, I870, to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas surveyor, Mr. Merrill has thoroughly improved 30 and Hannah O'Brien, who was born Oct. II, I846, acres of his farm. Mr. and Mrs. M. have one child, in Indiana. They have four children,-Edward L., -Karl G., who was born Nov. 9, I882. Mr. Merrill Joseph L., Georgie L. and Lena B. is a zealous and influential adherent to the principles of the Republican party, and has held the ofSuperintendent two years, and has also served as l School Inspector. He is a member of Blue Lodge.,.,.-. b oetCWale,.trmr,, section..3.,..Ash No. 13I, at Newaygo, and himself and wife are connected with Grange No. 545, at Ashland Center, of' which he is Secretary. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Church, and was County Surveyor two terms-from 1872 to 1874, and from I880 to 1882. oseph Trumbley, farmer, section I6, Garfield Township, was born Oct. 8, I848, in Canada, and is a son of Edward and Sophia (Gyatt) Trumbley. His parents are both natives of the Dominion and of French descent. The father was born in I830, the mother in I832, and both are yet living. Mr. Trumbley left the paternal home when he was only 13 years old and engaged in the capacity of a waiter on a Lake Champlain steamer, where he remained one season. After this he went to North Adams, Mass., and worked about I8 months on the Hoosac Tunnel. He next went West with a companion named Peter Blake, and traveled about two months, returning in June to Duck Lake, Muskegon Co., Mich., where they worked six months in a sawmill, and for a considerable time thereafter as lumbermen in that vicinity. He then came to Newaygo County, and has since spent the winters in lumbering, operating the last few years as a contractor. In I876 Mr. Trumbley bought 80 acres of wild land, in what was then Sherman Township, one-half lying respectively on sections i6 and 17. He has cleared and otherwise improved 50 acres, clearly!.i1t- obert C. Wallace, farmer, section 33, Ash-;!i land Township, was born in the city of If' --- Toronto, Can., April II, I844. His pari |o ents, William G. and Ann Wallace, were naT tives respectively of Scotland and Ireland, came to Canada in early life and were married in Toronto. Mr. Wallace had the best educational advantages until he was 13 years of age, but the bent of his inclinations was toward the career of a mechanic, and he became an engineer in the machine shop of Alfred Metcalf in his native city. He afterward went to Hamilton, Ontario, where he engaged in a meat market, associated with an uncle, and there operated until the spring of I86o, when he became a farmer in Haldimand Co., Ont. He remained there until the fall of I864, when he came to Michigan and located in Mecosta County, engaging in lumbering on the Muskegon River, spending the winter of 1864-5 in that occupation. He entered the employ of Alex. Blake of Newaygo, in the summer of I865, where he continued some time, as a laborer in the common departments of the lumber business, and at a later period was made foreman of the entire lumber interest of Mr. Blake. In the fall of I876 he became foreman for the lumber firm of Wyman, Buswell & Co., of Grand Haven, operating in their behalf until the fall of 1878, when he settled upon a partly improved farm on section 33, Ashland Township, where he has since expended his time and energies, with the exception of one winter. Mr. Wallace was married July I8, I876, to Mary Jane, daughter of John and Nancy (Austin) McIlveen. The parents and daughter are natives of Ireland, where the latter was born, in the city of Belfast, i4 T,11 III f, I e, A 64_ >^ 232 NEWA YGO COUNTY. ' (2._, _ _ _ _ ___ _ _. _ May I2, 1841. They came to the United States in 1852, and after landing at New York proceeded westward until they reached Ottawa Co., Mich., where Mrs. Wallace resided until her marriage. Mr. Wallace is a decided Republican, and is now (1884) filling his second term as Township Treasurer. He is a prominent member of the Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to the subordinate Lodge, No. 362, at Ashland Center, and to the Encampment, No. 82, at Newaygo. He holds the position of 4. P. in the latter named body and that of M. W. G. P. in the former. 3 'iilas Lawrence, farmer, section 27, Norwich Township, was born Sept. 4, I835, in f 1^ Upper Canada, and is the son of Samuel and Susanna (Kipp) Lawrence. He was but five years old when his father died, and he was placed in the care of John Kipp, with whom he remained until he was 21 years of age. He was married in i868, to Ellen McKeage, who was born in New Castle Co., Can., June 3, I841. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Coles) McKeage, the former a native of Canada, the latter of Ireland. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence seven children have been born: Mary E., William E., Martha E., Samuel H., Anna L., Carrie B. and George M. a-'r T.._-_-.- -....- A1 *_ r-... 1... 1_ In 1852, Mr. Leonard went to Marion Co., Ind., going thence to Illinois. He came to Michigan in the fall of I857, and in I859 went to Wisconsin, where he operated as a lumberman two years, returning to Michigan for a permanent settlement. In 1869 he located on section 20, where he bought 80 acres of land, all heavily timbered. Of this he has placed 45 acres under improvements, and erected suitable and substantial farm buildings. He was married Feb. 7, i866, in Muskegon County, to Susan A., daughter of Jabez Carter. She was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., and came to the county where her marriage took place, when she was 17 years old. Mr. Leonard belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a member of Blue Lodge No. 331, of Newaygo. Himself and wife are members of Grange No. 545, of Ashland Center, of which he is and has been Treasurer. He is a decided and active Republican and has held various township offices. A, "I rwin C. Fox, son of Frederick and Susan if (Kelsey) Fox, natives of Massachusetts id1 and Connecticut, respectively, was born in E Oswego Co., N. Y., June i8, i844. When he was about 13 years old his parents moved to Elkhart, Ind., and in J866 came to this county, settling in Dayton Township. When Mr. Fox was 17 years old he enlisted in the 9th Reg. Ind. Vol., ivir. Eawrence resiceu in Uanaaa until 1ec. i4, LvIr. iLawrenc~e resueu In 'anaa untii sec. I4, and served one year, when he was honorably dis1876, when he came to Newaygo County, and where b he resides, owning 40 acres of land, in Norwich charged on account of sickness, which was brought on by exposure. He returned to Indiana, where he }. Township. remained about one year, then went to the State of X New York, and attended the Commercial College i at Oswego, and in [864 again returned to Indiana. The great rebellion had not yet been crushed, and J once more his patriotic soul prompted him to again ackson Leonard, farmer, section 20, Ash- offer his services to his country. Accordingly the land Township, was born in Erie Co., N. following July he re-enlisted, this time in the I52d " g. Y., Sept. 27, 1834, and is a son of Orrin Ind. Vol. Inf.; at this time he served nearly eight ] and Harriet (Richardson) Leonard. His par- months, and was mustered out of the service in ents were born in the State of New York, of September, 1865. He was in the battle of Pittsburg i Scotch descent. They went to Chautauqua Landing, Camp Allegheny, W. Va., and several g Co., N. Y., in 1838, where the son obtained his edu- smaller engagements. In the spring of I866, he.3 cation and worked on his father's farm until he was came to Newaygo County and took up I60 acres of::;: I8 years old. land on section 30, under the Homestead Act, and <<(.F --- —-^^J^Q -- Xr ~b 0X 1 M1$- - - _______. NEWA YGO COUJNTY. 233 ' ~'J j! 120 acres on section 25, Greenwood Township, Oce/ ana County. The following spring he went to Indi-;: ana for the purpose of bringing his father's family to; Michigan, and they have since resided on this farm. He has 65 acres under cultivation, and has added 80 acres to his original farm in Dayton Township. Mr. Fox was married in Dayton Township, May 13, 1873, to Miriam E., eldest daughter of James and Sarah Toles. Her parents were natives of the State of New York, and after marriage removed to Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Fox have had four childrenNellie S., Bertha M., Edward G. and William C. Mr. Fox has held the office of Supervisor six years, i. Justice of the Peace four years, Highway Commissioner six years, Town Treasurer five years. He was County Superintendent of the Poor six months, and resigned to accept the office of Supervisor. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and of Henry Dobson Post, at Fremont. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Fox has been on the county ticket three successive campaigns for County Treasurer, also for 'j: County Clerk, and was defeated by only a small majority. Kiharles Turner, farmer, section 33, Norwich Township, was born in Oxford Co., and Syrena (Smedley) Turner, natives of the State of New York. They moved thence to Oxford Co., Can., and afterward to Laporte Co., Ind., where the father died. The mother returned -: with her family to Canada.; Mr. Turner attended the common schools during the winter months only, and remained with his mother until he was I8 years old, when he set out for himself in life, obtaining employment as a farm hand. He was married in I865 to Martha, daughter of Christopher and Jane (Smith) Stockdale, who was h born Jan. 2, I843, in Oxford Co., Can. Her parents were natives of England. Of the children of Mr. ': and Mrs. Turner, George D. and Nettie are living; Mary and LaFayette are deceased. Mr. Turner rep sided in the Dominion one year after his marriage, removing thence to Ingham Co, Mich., where he bought > 30 acres of land, which he improved and occupied as a homestead six years. In the spring of I87I he moved to Newaygo County, and bought the farm he now owns in Norwich Township, containing 80 acres of land, and at once entered upon the labor of its improvement; 40 acres is now well improved-all accomplished by his own hard labor. In politics Mr. Turner is a Republican, and has held the position of Highway Commissioner. i ouis Reinoldt, farmer, section I6, Ashland ~ 3 Township, was born Aug. 28, 1827, in the city of Hamm, Prussia. His parents, John \' - H. and Clarissa (Heinunk) Reinoldt, were nah tives of the same place, where the father was a brewer. He worked under the directions of his father until he was 14 years old, when he engaged with a man in the distillery business in his native place, with whom he remained two years. In 1843 he set out to travel through Europe, to visit the leading establishments on the continent of a similar character and to perfect his knowledge of the business of a brewer. He visited many of the principal cities and took thorough instructions in the details of his calling. He returned in February, 1847, and became foreman in his father's distillery, which position he retained until August, 1848. In that year he emigrated to the United States and located on a farm in the vicinity of Rochester, N. Y. Later he made a trip to Detroit, Milwaukee and Cincinnati, returning to Rochester, where he entered upon an engagement in a brewery and later in the wholesale liquor establishment of J. H. Martin. He finally resorted to the occupation of farmer, and was married Nov. i8, 1852, in Monroe County, N. Y., to Polly, daughter of Louis and Catherine (Byer) Baker, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Reinoldt was born Aug. I, I835, in Greece, Monroe County, where she grew to womanhood and was married. Mr. Reinoldt pursued agriculture there until the fall of I855, when he came to Michigan and managed a farm in the vicinity of Detroit three years, coming thence to Newaygo County. He purchased 40 acres of unimproved land, to which he has added 80 acres by subsequent purchase, and has cleared and otherwise improved 95 acres, placing it in a highly creditable condition, with handsome I., V', -I1 A I 4 1 At; (IW.~, 9 re;5~ N (. 911" 0H > 17 —" _I _ V,1OAtori 2 3. a G COUNT 234 NE WA Y GO COUNT Y.< h _* - 1 f iF.V., ft, An.v I.: il>, i ":, c~ --- -.-. - -. - -.- - I vr T:ii A1.1 house and barn. The family includes eight children: John H., Frank, Harvey L., Moritz, Fred., Peter, George and Mary; Sophia is deceased. Mr. Reinoldt lends his influence to the Greenback party, and is an active member of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, Grange No. 545, at Ashland Center. He was its first Master and has been an officer since its institution. He also belongs to the Order of Good Templars. L lexander Lawrence, farmer, section 28, Norwich Township, was born in Oxford Co., t-J Can., July 22, 1836, and is the son of Samuel,r and Susanna (Kipp) Lawrence, both of whom were natives of the Dominion. Mr. Lawrence obtained his education at the common schools of his native county, and was trained by his father to the calling of farmer. At 20 years of age he found himself at liberty to engage in active life on his own account, and entered upon the pursuit of cooper, for 15 years. He was married Aug. 9, i865, to Charlotte Hoag, and of their union four children have been born: Myrtie E., Anna M., Nora I. and Harris A. The family located in Newaygo County in 1867, settling -in Norwich Township when it contained but three permanent resident householders. He entered a claim under the Homestead Act, consisting of 120 acres of land, of which he still retains possession. In political tendencies he is a Republican, and has held the office of Township Treasurer four years. mon schools and seminary at Allegan, and spent the years of his minority under the guidance of his father, attending school until he had reached 21 years of age. He went to Oakland, Clinton Co., Ohio, to acquire the art of telegraphy, and made that his pursuit for three years. He first had charge of the office at Hamilton, on the C. &. W. M. R. R. (then the Grand Haven road); from there he went to Fillmore, on the same route, and thence to Holland. He stayed at the latter place nine months, and was then attached to the extra force of the same company. In September, i881, he came to Lumberton and officiated as operator until December, I882, when he embarked in his present business enterprise, in company with Archibald Campbell. He is engaged in keeping a general store and is doing a prosperous business. Mr. Ganson was married in i8-, to Ida E., daughter of Joseph and Charlotte Cook, born in 857, in Allegan County. He has held the office of Township Clerk of Norwich, and is now Deputy Postmaster. -— o.~- - 9o —, d ilber T. White, farmer, section 21, Ashland Township, was born March 20, 1846, in Walker Tp., Kent Co., Mich. His parents, Milo and Mercy (Ford) White, were born l" in New York and Vermont respectively. In early life they went to Ontario, Can., where they were married, and immediately after that event they located in Walker Township. It was about the year I832, when Grand Rapids consisted of two Indian trading posts, and Mr. White built the first saw-mill north of the present site of the city. He was prominent in social and official circles, and operated extensively in lumber and as an agriculturist in Kent County until i 864, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased i60 acres of land on section 21, in Ashland Township, whither he removed his family after preparing for them a comfortable and suitable home. Here he spent the balance of a useful, honor. able and well-ordered life, occupying positions of prominence and influence in Church and society until his death, Feb. 24, I873. He left a memory that is still cherished by those who knew him,and,j0F,O.:;rs': S r'"' YL I red A. Ganson, merchant, at Lumberton, [ wa; born at Jackson, Mich., April 25, i856, v:- and is the son of James H. and Polly (Roberts) Ganson, natives of the State of New York. His father was a pioneer of Jackson, and resided there until i856, when the family removed to Allegan County, where they now reside. One of the longest streets in Jackson has the family name. Mr. Ganson acquired his education at the com<^ -^ - 'nl.j 1 5 -I, X \ { ^), N,Kr. -- /- -J / a :|||:sk. X < ^ Xu a >Ta - '~ NE WA YGO COUNTY. 237 I " honored and brightened by the four children who!:J survive him. Mercy (Ford) White, his wife, died Nov. 19, i865, after a long and distressing illness, X which made her an invalid during many years, and called for the exercise of patience and endurance, such as characterized the wives and mothers of the pioneer class to which she worthily belonged. Mr. White passed the early years of his life as a laborer on his father's farm and obtaining his education. He accompanied his parents to Ashland f Township in I865, and on his father's death succeeded;; to the proprietorship of 80 acres of the homestead, where he is engaged in prosperous and practical farmi ing. He was married Feb. 23, I874, in Newaygo to Eva A., daughter of William and Polly (Bigsby) Whittington, natives of New York. Mrs. White was born in Eaton Co., Mich., May 17, I854. Her parents removed to Casnovia, Muskegon County, when she was four years old. She was an eager student and made the best use of her educational opportunities, entering the profession of teaching at 15 years of age and continuing to follow it until her marriage. = The two children of Mr. and Mrs. White were born as follows: Elsie A., May 15, 1875, and Bertha L., March io, I877. Mr. White is an active Republican and has officiated in the local offices of his township. He is Secretary of Lodge No. 362, I. 0. 0. F., at Ashland Center. County. They are now living in Isabella County, and enjoying good health, aged 87 and 80 respectively. Mr. Sutliff remained with his parents until he was 22 years of age, when he decided on his course of life, and in the fall of I849 initiated his struggle with the world by setting out for Newaygo, then in the depths of an almost unbroken forest. He spent two years in various employments in the vicinity, and in 1857 established his residence on the farm which has since been his homestead. He entered a claim of 320 acres of timbered land and immediately brought every energy to bear upon its improvement. The apparent results show what a persevering determination strong hands and zeal may achieve. His homestead now includes 270 acres, Ioo acres of which are under the best possible improvements, with fine farm buildings and attractive surroundings. He also owns 240 acres of land on sections 2 and i in Bridgeton Township, which are yet in a comparatively unimproved state. Mr. Sutliff has been a man of exceptionally vig. orous physical ability, which has been his best capital in the new country to which he removed before its municipal prerogatives had been regulated. He assisted at the township organization, was elected Township Treasurer and has served 13 terms in that capacity. He has ever been keenly alive to every enterprise that seemed to justify reasonable attention, and has made an impression on his day and generation that will outlive him. He is an inflexible Republican, and a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 131, of Newaygo. Mr. Sutliff was married May 27, 1855, to Emily H., daughter of S. M. and Lucina (Caswell) Woodward, both of whom were natives of New York. The daughter was born April 13, 1839, in Allegany County, and five years after her birth the parents settled in Kane Co., Ill., where she attended school until the fall of 1852, when the family came to Michigan and settled in Bridgeton Township. Both parents have recently deceased, the mother at the age of 67, the father at 70 years of age. They were members of the Methodist Church, of which Mrs. Sutliff is at present a member. Her father and mother were also members of the Methodist Church. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutliff, ten of whom survive: Mattie E. was born May 6, 1859; Albert E., March i8, i86; Flora E., / 1; -1 I-l', i- - 1, iCalvin A. Sutliff, farmer, section I2, Bridgeton Township, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1828, and is a son of Ransley and Catherine (Barnhart) Sutliff. His parents were of New England origin and of mingled Scotch and Dutch lineage. His father was a soldier of the war of I812, and is now drawing a pension for services rendered his country at that period. When he was three years old they removed to Erie Co., Pa., and soon afterwards, in the spring of I833, came to Michigan, and after a stay of one year in Lenawee County went to Hillsdale County and settled on a farm in Reading Township. Mr. Sutliff was reared and educated in that place, attending the schools there until 1843, when his parents made another remove, this time going to Clinton M i I' f h beefI t 238 NEWAYGO COUNTY. ' Dec. 24, i862; Solon D., Oct. i6, I864; Frank A., and held the office about eight years, when he re-; - Aug. 29, i868; Lotta G., June 21, i870; Nellie M., signed. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and j Sept. 5, i871; Jessie E., Aug. 29, I873; Milan R., is Adjutant of Henry Dobson Post, i82, Grand Army i June 19, i876; Charles A., Dec. I4, i88o; Ellen E., of the Republic. Politically, he is a radical Republi- i., May 28, i856 (died Nov. 20, I857); Nettie, Aug. 4, ca. i866, died Sept. 23, i88o); Libbie E., Feb. i, 1874 (died Nov. 8, i874). kk Mr. Sutliff has been quite extensively engaged as -T-'r T a lumberman ever since he became a resident of Newaygo County. As a type of his operations it ohn Hirdning, farmer, section 27, Garfield!f may be stated that in the winter of 1864 and for the o ar e o hri l "".!J ' @ __.,Township, was born in the city of Phila- } 7 next seven years following he put in on an average ie... d i e '. ^i).. it 5, ~? delphia April 4, 1836, and is son of George AA X one million feet of logs annually., v.....: A... p s prsn,, and Catherine Hirdning. His mother died With eminent satisfaction, the publishers present With.. ein s when he was two years old. His father marthe portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Sutliff as types of the e a d i 8 o His familr t-.. i ried again and in 1839 removed his family to agricultural community of Newaygo County. T hey r.... c. Sandusky, Ohio, which was then in its incipiency. belong to one of the classes referred to in the para-... 18. T he senior Hirdning remained there until 1854, when graphs which introduce the biographical department... he went to Australia. of this work,-the pioneers, whose stability of char-.. * Mr. Hirdning was married May 20, 1858, to Haracter, inflexible integrity, and fixedness of purpose nriet Reitz, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born r placed their generation in the foremost ranks of the n, F... Sept. 7, I839. Of I I children born of this marriage? ' element which has given this section of the Peninsular..... nine are living: Charles E., George, Rosa E. (wife a State a basis destined at no distant day to yield sub-,* Platt was appointed Postmaster of Fremont in i875, daga Co., N. Y., three years later removing to Greece % )1-^,( (v4- 1 IVE WrA YGO CO UNrT Y. 239 f.___ _ __. -, d, 7 Monroe Co., N. Y., where Mr. Carrington grew to Jennie, May 31, 1869; and Anna, born Nov. 4, 1869, 9i /' man's estate. died in infancy. The mother is a lady of gentle, afOur subject was possessed of an active, ambitious fable character, alive to the necessities of those;: temperament and a desire to take advantage of the about her, kind, sympathetic and charitable, forming privileges and possibilities accorded to every man un- opinions in the law of love and exercising toward all y der the institutions of the American Government. the spirit of lovely benignity she acquired in its full - He could not but contrast the improvement in the ness during a trial of almost unexampled acuteness, conditions of his family in a land of social and polit- having been during 17 years an invalid and suffering ical equality with their state in the land they had left; the distress attendant upon active disease. She has and his ambition was fired to make an honest attempt to a certain degree recovered her health and devotes to place himself on the grade accorded to successful her renewed strength to the benefit of those with effort, incited by a laudable desire to attain heights whom she is associated.:! reached by men of no greater worth or capacity. Mr. Carrington is a thorough type of his national- i " On reaching his majority he went to California and ity and an essential American, adopting the charac- J engaged in gold-mining, at which he was occupied teristics of the people of whom he is one by assimithree years with satisfactory results. He then sold lation and retaining his British traits of gayety and his claims and returned to his parents' home in the good fellowship. He is bluff and hearty, considerate State of New York. He fixed upon Michigan as a and energetic, and public-spirited to the last degree. favorable point for a location and in the spring of He is a true gentleman in the best acceptance of the 1858 settled in Ashland Township. He bought i60 term, and holds an elevated position in the estimation ( acres of land, to which he has since added by pur- of those with whom he is brought in contact in busi/' chase 26 acres. Of this tract he has put 70 acres in ness or society. He is an adherent to the principles.. first-class condition for farming, with all necessary of the Republican party and belongs to the Order of B: buildings and a suitable residence. Masonry. One of his connections in the latter is:: In 1870, Mr. Carrington desired to extend his bus- with the Blue Lodge, No. 131, at Newaygo, and the iness connections, and in November he suspended ag- other with the Royal Arch Chapter of Sparta, Kent ricultural pursuits and founded a mercantile business County. He is also actively connected with the at Trent. His initial stock represented a cash value Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 302, at Trent. of $700. The correctness of his judgment in the selection of a business and locality is substantiated | _,._t by the fact that he is at present carrying a stock.,.. worth about $6,000, and doing an annual business of: $15,000, with every prospect of a further proportion- ~bert W. Rutherford, of the firm of Ruthate increase of trade. But he has never lost his love erford & Misner, Fremont, is a son of Walker f for agricultural pursuits, and when his commercial| and Jeanette (Wrathie) Rutherford, natives of L A affairs reach a status assuring their safe managementt Scotland, and was born in that country Jan. by delegated parties, he contemplates a return to his 14, 1850. When only four years of age he came first love, for the purpose of placing his home in at- to America with his arents, remained with them tractive and satisfactory condition to pass his sunset until he s 20 years of age, and the entered the of life and to experiment in scientific farming. employ of J. H. Iarling as clerk, where lie remained Mr. Carrington was married Dec. i6, 1857, in six years. He afterward engaged in the lumber Greece, N. Y., to Sarah, daughter of Thomas and trade one season, and was then employed as clerk by Mary (Davis) Mitchell. She was born in the vicinity the "Patrons' Co-operative Co.," and remained with of Hastings, England, Jan. 12, 1837, and her parents them aout tree years. Jan., 88, he fored a A were also natives of that country. They came to the partnership with R. E. Misner, for the purpose of United States in her infancy and settled in Monroe carrying on the grocery and provision, and boot and County. To Mr. and Mrs. Carrington three children shoe trade, under the firm name of Rutherford & (. A have been born, as follows: Libby, Sept. 28, 1858; Misner, and still continues in that business. They ^.. ' ^ ^ A^,.- - s y - &<.n ^ n>^- -^ - - -"-^ ^ iI '^^A^*' ^,- - V, * -i * -V^-Q:^^ ;44 240 NE WAY —GO<- CUN TY. 4-^ i 240 NE'WA YGO COUINTY. A; * have a good trade and enjoy the confidence of the community. Mr. Rutherford was married in Fremont, Feb. 20, 1872, to Medora, daughter of Ephraim and Mariette Misner, natives of New York, where Mrs. R. was born, and lived with her parents until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford have had one child, William E., born April 14, I875. Mr. R. has been Township Clerk of Dayton Township two terms, and is now a member of the City Council. In politics he is a Republican. i XI illiam H. Hoag, farmer, sec. 4, Goodwell Township, was born July 13, 1847, in i Canada, and is the son of Henry H. and Isabella (Sparks) Hoag. The father was born in England and the mother in Scotland. Mr. Hoag was reared on a farm and educated in his native place. He was married Sept. 4, 1873, to Alice, daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Reed) Batterson, born May 28, I85o. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoag: Hattie M., Charles H., Alice P. and Mertie E. Mr. Hoag came to Michigan in i8- and settled in Jackson County, where he resided until 1874, when he settled on 40 acres.of land now constituting his homestead. He is present discharged on account of disability. In May, I863, x he went to Albion College, where he devoted two "i years to the study of such branches as were best adapted to the foundation of a solid education. He continued to pursue his course of advanced study; until the spring of I87, when he returned to Grand Rapids. He was married Oct. 5, 1873, to Emma R., daughter of Elisha and Mahala (Wilkinson) Mutchler. The parents and daughter were born in Pennsylvania, the birth of the latter occurring May 31, i856. Her father died when she was an infant, and t, her mother moved with her family to Wisconsin, and g five years later to Grand Rapids, where she died in I869, and where the daughter resided until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler remained in the latter city three years, when they went to Alpine, Kent County, and soon after came to Grant, Newaygo County. They located in November, 1877, on 40 acres of wild land, to which they have added ten acres by subsequent purchase, and have 17 acres improved. To them have been born two children: Francis L., Nov. 9, I876, and Henry W., July 3I, c I87 3. Mr. Wheeler gives his support to the Greenback A party, and is the present Clerk of Grant; has held \ other important local offices. I '.., Township Treasurer of Goodwell, and himself and 7l wife are members of the United Brethren Churchh..Ratbun, jeweler, Fremont, was born in Adrian, Mich., Sept. 20, 1841. His parents, Thomas R. and Hannah E..;' 7(Davis) Rathbun, were natives of New York I 1~ and came to Michigan in an early day, setilliam M. Wheeler, farmer and mechanic, tling first in Lenawee County, and afterward remov-. section 29, Grant township, was born in ing to Branch County, where they now reside. His " tleet, Province of Quebec, Dec. I4, 1835. father was one of the most prominent business men ].> His parents, Henry and Eliza (Williams) of Adrian. Charles I. attended the common schools Wheeler, were of English and French de- and afterward Adrian College. When the civil war -, scent, and natives of New York. In i839 they broke out he enlisted in the ist Regt. Mich. Inf., Co.. removed to Elyria, Ohio, and six years after to K, for three months. This company was known as Grand Rapids, Mich. the Adrian Cadets, and the regiment was the first Mr. Wheeler enlisted at Grand Rapids, Aug. 9, from Michigan to respond to the President's call for i 861. His command was assigned to the Army of troops. Being small of stature, Mr. R. was made the,' the Potomac, and he was in the service of the United "right general guide" of the regiment. He was in the States until Jan. 21, 1862, when he was honorably engagement when Alexandria, Va., was taken? and x g<~^^.-~-. —^^-.^n - '11 t e.sF —ah + <4J "INA ji~f. ^__k dl-1 >ATE UWA YG( f;'i. *.,'...'/: 9 COUNTY. 24I. _C _A (..G"^ ' y~! 14 O ' also at the first battle of Bull Run. He has several: mementoes of the battle of Alexandria; prominent t: among them is a piece of the rebel flag which floated! over the Mansion House; also three of the buck shot that were fired at Col. Ellsworth, which he dug out of the casing of the door, and a piece of the oil-cloth which was covered with his blood. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Bull Run. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he went to New York and re-enlisted in the IIIth Regt., Co. E. as Sergeant, and served three years, receiving an honorable dis-:/ charge. He was in the battle of Harper's Ferry when Miles surrendered and his entire regiment were taken prisoners; in three months they were exchanged, and were again in the field. He was in the battle of Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded in the foot with a grape-shot, and was in the hospital at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., I I months. He was in the battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg when Lee surrendered; he was " slightly wounded in the battle of the Wilderness. 7 After his discharge Mr. Rathbun came to Adrian,: Mich., remained a short time, then went to Buffalo, A N. Y., where he worked two years at his trade; (jeweler), which he had previously learned. He then went to Elkton, Ky., where he lived six years, then came with his family to Pentwater, Mich., where he opened a store and operated about one year. In the summer of I874 he settled in Fremont, where he now resides and follows the occupation of watchmaker and jeweler. He is the leading merchant, in this line, in Fremont. While living in Kentucky, Mr. R. was burned out by the Ku Klux, and lost all his household effects, tools, etc. He was married in Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 24, i868,, to Ida, daughter of Thomas and Artemisia (Sherman) De Lancy, the former a native of England and the latter of New York. They have one child, Clark, born Oct. 29, I871. Mr. R. has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years; Township Clerk, four years; and Village Clerk, five years. He is a memh ber of the Masonic Order, of the Odd Fellows fraternity, and is the Senior Vice Commander of Post 5 Henry Dobson, No. 182, Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is a Republican. He was a member of the fire department while in Adrian, holding offices in the same, and while in Kentucky was Postmaster,, under Grant, and agent for Adams' Express Company. ohn Russell, farmer, section 4, Goodwell Township, was born in Oxford Co., Dur'"' ham Township, Can., Nov. 14, 1829. His MU parents, James and Annie (Mail) Russell were both natives of England. They settled in Oxford County in i828, and there passed the remaining years of their lives. Mr. Russell was ten years old at the time of his father's death, and was 23 years old when his mother passed away. He was married to Harriet, daughter of Christopher and Jane (Smith) Stockdale, born in Canada, June 6, I834. In 1869 Mr. Russell removed to Newaygo County and settled in what wis then the township of Big Prairie, and bought I6o acres of of land, to which he has added by purchase until he he has 200 acres of fine land in Goodwell Township. Mr. Russell is neutral in politics, and has held the various school offices in the township. In 1882 he was elected Supervisor and held the office two years. The children of Mr. Russell's household are Hannah S., George and James C. ^~ ----e^BIiBsn ------ m ichael Moses, farmer, section 23, Garfield B Township, was born in Germany, May -' 29, I844. He is a son of Joseph and ew\ Mary A. (Tray) Moses, who came to Quebec, Canada, with their family in I855. The parents were German by birth, and the father died in Norwich, Oxford Co., Can., Dec. 22, 1879, aged 75 years and six months. The mother is still a resident of that place. Mr. Moses went to Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1859, and was variously occupied there until he enlisted as a soldier of the civil war. He enrolled Oct. 17, I86I, in Co. K, 12th N. Y. Vol. Inf., Capt. A. Root, and remained in the service until Sept. 9, 1862, when he was discharged because of disability. He was in the action at Fairfax Court-House and in several minor engagements. He returned to the Province of Ontario and engaged in agricultural pursuits until I866, when he came to Tuscola Co., T *1I VI llr I -?5 ~r;?' 't a t s~ dJ_ "i i " ii IS;t:,..~-ab-~ ~~~ %-;i]II I au s;53,, 242 NE WA YGC.r =4 = - 2 /V WA YG_ f ',1 v Mich., and interested himself several successive winters in lumbering, combining farming with his labors in the woods. Mr. Moses was married at Clio, Genesee Co., Mich., March 22, 1867, to Adaline, daughter of James B. and Rhoda A. Sigsby, a native of New York, born May I4, 1847. Of their marriage six children have been born, Adaline, Mary A., Martha, Teresa, Michael and Frederick. In I868 Mr. Moses bought 40 acres of land in Birch Run Township, Saginaw County, which he retained until the fall of 1870, when he disposed of the place, and with his family and effects drove through to Newaygo County. He at once purchased 40 acres of land where he now resides, and took possession. He has since purchased an additional 40 which, like his first investment, was all heavily timbered. He has 65 acres in a first-class condition and improved with good buildings, orchards and all fixtures common with well-to-do farmers.. —( --- 0<^o())),)o~,C-. Henry Manning, farmer, section 27, Grant Township, was born Aug. 23, I847, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. His parents, William and Rachel (Russell) Manning, were of English lineage and belonged all their lives to the farming community. They emigrated in I849 to Lorain Co., Ohio, where the father died in I867, aged 67 years. The mother is still residing there, 72 years old. After he was I2 years of age, Mr. Manning was engaged in agricultural labors almost incessantly. He married Sept. 28, 1870, in Penfield, Lorain Co., Ohio, Sarah J., daughter of George W. and Thalia (Shaw) Allen. The parents were natives of New England, and during the youthful period of their lives their parents settled in Medina Co., Ohio, where they were married. Mrs. Manning was born April I6, I849, in Hinkley Township, that county, and was educated there. She went to Lorain County at 17, and engaged in teaching, in which calling she made marked success. Two years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Manning came to Michigan and settled on 60 acres of land in Grant Township, situated in a dense, unbroken forest. The township was almost wholly COUNT IY. unsettled, and Mr. Manning has toiled manfully in his pioneer capacity until he has placed 40 acres of his estate under fair improvements. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held the position of Clerk of Grant Township five years. The family includes the following children: Rowena ' M., born July 21, 1871; Percy R., Oct. 15, 1874; Thalia, March 29, 1879; Willie, born Aug. 19, 1872, died Feb. 18, 1875.!!, I Y -P X | ucius E. Mills, farmer, section 3r, Garfield Township, and Postmaster of Brooks (postoffice), was born March 28, 1823, in Chit( tenden Co., Vt., and is a son of Daniel C. and Dolly (Farrand) Mills. His parents removed to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, when he was ii years old and settled at Cleveland, where the family resided eight years and the father was employed as a carpenter. The son acquired a knowledge of that branch of mechanics and pursued it as a vocation, in company with his father. The family removed to Branch Co., Mich., in 1843, where they settled on a farm of 40 acres. Mr. Mills remained in Branch County until 1835, working at his trade, when he went to Gibson Co., Tenn., and established a carriage and wagon factory in the village of Yorkville. He was doing business there at the period when the Rebellion made itself known and felt in all its hideous proportions, and Mr. Mills, who regarded the whole infamous scheme and proceedings with all the aversion he had inherited from his ancestors, and cherished under the influences which had molded his opinions, abandoned his property in Tennessee and made his escape to a region of security and immunity from the threats and venom of rebels. His father was a soldier of I812, and his paternal grandfather was a participant in the French and Indian war. The southern anarchists found no tolerance in a man of his lineage, and he made no compromise with them for any advantage whatever. He bought I o acres of land in Casnovia, Muskegon County, in i86i, where he was engaged in agriculture until the civil war had assumed formidable proportions, and he determined to enlist, which he did Oct. 4, 1864, at Grand Rapids, fi., I I I C;' ~ 4', " * 0 ~o, aa,, lyir, t I~ \ -cd — j C~ rrl)C. ~ ~,.L". 4Yk - _____ k"^; —.; " v:;'. g gId[qtn u a a-' --:<',W, X O "." IXUN IVE IVA YGO CO UNTY. -,,^ ---, — ^,^^;*l^U ^ I n 243y ______________43 < Y enrolling in Co. K, I6th Mich. Vol. Inf. He par#r ticipated in the battle of Five Forks and in numer-;*. ous minor engagements until the close of the war, when he tnjoyed the culminating scene of the Southern Rebellion in the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomattox Court-House. He received honorable discharge at Jeffersonville, Ind., in July, 1865. He returned to his farm in Casnovia, where he was resident until 1877, in which year he came to Garfield Township, where he owns 200 acres of land, besides I50 acres adjoining in Ashland Township. Mr. Mills is a successful and thrifty farmer, representing the industrious frugality of the people of New England, of whom he is a worthy type. He has proved his capacity for usefuless in public life by the manner in which he has discharged the duties of the various incumbencies to which he has been summoned by his fellow citizens in Casnovia and Garfield. He was twice elected Justice of the Peace in the former place, besides to minor offices, and has. been elected Superintendent of Schools one term in.' the latter. Mr. Mills was married in Casnovia, Dec. 31, i86i,. to Mrs. Helen M. Thomas, a native of New York, by whom lie has two children, Jesse E. and Lincoln D. The family includes Lafayette Eugene, a son of Mr. Mills by a former marriage, and Myron Q. and George Henry, two sons of his wife by her first husband. Mr. Mills is a member of the Masonic Order, in which he has taken ten degrees, and of the Knights Templar. in I870 came to Newaygo and engaged in rafting for the Newaygo Lumber Company. Not long after the transfer of their interests to D. P. Clay, Mr. Grawn was employed in his saw-mill as a setter, and a short time after succeeded to the position of sawyer. He has since had entire charge of the mill, which has a producing capacity of 30,000 feet of lumber per day. Mr. Grawn is a member of the Order of Good Templars, and owns considerable village property. He was married in Big Praiiie Township, June 3, 1877, to Alice, daughter of Seth Hubbard, born Jan. 3o, i86o, in Grandville, Kent County. One child, Philorus, was born of this marriage, and is now deceased. —, _ i —= 5G rben Barnum, farmer, section 33, Ashland I = Township, was born in Tompkins Co., N. Vj. Y., Dec. 22, I832. His parents, Czar and ~' Margaret (German) Barnum, were natives respectively of Connecticut and New York. In 1839 they removed to Ienawee Co., Mich., and the son remained at home aiding in the labors on the farm until he reached the age of 13, when he was engaged in the same capacity with a neighboring farmer, his father judging that the proceeds of his labors would further his own interests to better purpose than to retain him at home. When he was 19 years of age, associated with one of his brothers, Mr. Barnum took a farm in Hillsdale County, which remained under their joint management three years, where he acquired a practical knowledge of all the details of successful agriculture and an understanding of its responsibilities in an independent sphere. To this purpose he purchased a farm of 80 acres in Ashland, Newaygo County. Mr. Barnum was married Dec. 23, 1856, in Hillsdale County, to Susan, daughter of Nicholas and Barbara (Voat) Ish. The parents were born in Switzerland, and after their marriage came to the United States, locating in Stark Co., Ohio, where the daughter was born, Oct. 15, I832, and resided until she was r6 years old, when she came to Hillsdale County and lived until her marriage. About a year after that event Mr. Barnum settled on his farm in Newaygo County, which he had purchased as men I i, BES.. i, t.4 oi-ohn Grawn, sawyer and filer, Newaygo, 1 ' was born in Sweden, Dec. 20, 1851, and is ~.~ ' a son of Andrew and Christine (Rose) 'LT Grawn. His parents belonged to the agriculI tural community in their native country, and emigrated to the United States in I855. The father was also a shoemaker by trade, and after locating at Salem, Washtenaw Co., Mich., where he bought a small landed property, he found plenty of employ at his bench. The family removed to Sparta, Kent County, in I86I, where the parents are still resident, on a farm of 60 acres. Mr. Grawn passed the seasons of his early years alternately in farm labor and school studies, and." a; ~; 1> I '"i Si.. e: ~ ';., II ' j., - - - Ij, Ir Ed -- -j. >4-777 I II 0 V OU+ --— T- ^~~ x~ iTn --- 244 NE WA YGO COUNTY. $\. '.., * -- _.- --- _.,. '4' B.. aar o-}ls tioned. It was situated in the midst of unbroken forest, with no neighbors in sight; but himself and wife entered cheerfully and hopefully into the work of the " regulation" pioneer, encountering privation with hardihood, grappling courageously with toil and baffling circumstances, and emerging from all their conflicts with victory on their banners. The character of the spirit in which they have accomplished their life work is fully attested by the temper of their most prominent remembrance of those early days. Its fairest features and those which afforded relief and relaxation from cares are uppermost in thought and word, and their recitals are filled with interesting anecdotes and reminiscences of times when small opportunities were eagerly seized upon to secure a brief tenure upon social ties; and a ride five miles with an ox team over a forest trail to enjoy the festivities of a dance or the excitements of a revival meeting had attractions in no sense outdone by the more elegant accompaniments of a more perfect civilization. Mr. Barnum's farm how contains 200 acres, three-fourths of which is in a state of advanced and highly creditable cultivation. Mr. Barnum enlisted Feb. 15, I865, in Co. A, Ninth Mich. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He was in active service but five months, becoming disabled by camp fe er.. His regiment was discharged Sept. 13, 1875, but he was compelled to continue some time in the hospital to recover his health. In political faith Mr. Barnum is a Democrat, and has held various offices in the local government of the affairs of Ashland Township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Barnum, as follows: Edgar.M., Sept. 28, 1857; Frank L., Nov. 2, I859; Bertha J., Aug. 19, 1862; William H., Feb. 3, 1872; Fred. N., born March i, 1870, died Aug. 25, 1872. < 4 2; * I j I in his native country. In 1852 he came to the Dominion of Canada, and while a resident there he learned his trade of blacksmith. In i86I he went to Rochester, N. Y., where he worked at his trade, and after a time made another removal, to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and was similarly engaged until 1872, when he went to Chicago, remained four months and came to Newaygo County within the year. He was employed two months on the Chicago & West Michigan railroad, and after that worked three years for Steward, Ives & Co. At the expiration of that time he established a shop of his own. He owns 42 acres of land, where he is engaged in farming when not confined by press of business to his shop. He was married at Big Rapids, in i874, to Lydia Conkwright, who was born in Oakland Co., Mich., in I831. artin Willius, farmer, section 7, BridgeI, A ton Township, was born on the Rhine Rit River, Germany, Sept. 14, I834. The t.8 place of his birth was situated between W* Worms and Mainz in Rh&in-Hesse. His parents, Valentine and Anna (Oswald) Willius, were Germans and passed their lives in their native land, where the father was a fisherman on the river. Mr. Willius was educated in his native language and resided with his parents until 1853, when, in company with three others, he came to the United States. He went to Auburn, N. H., where he engaged to work a year for a gentleman, who removed within the time to Ontario, Can., and he accompanied him thither. He returned to New York on the expiration of his engagement and traveled through the Western States. He came back to Muskegon, Mich., in the spring of 1856. In the yearfollowing he came to Newaygo County and entered the employ of Robert Jibson. in Bridgeton Township, with whom he remained a long time, operating as a farm assistant. Meanwhile, he purchased and improved to some extent I20 acres of land, which he has increased to 200 acres by subsequent purchase, 'and has 60 acres under cultivation. He was married May 14, I866, to Anna E., daughter of Robert and Anna E. (Butler) Jibson, of Bridgeton. The parents were natives of England, and q: [ i m illiam H. Bailey, farmer and blacksmith, 1 section i6, Norwich Township, was born d' ) Jan. 25, 1830, in England. He is a son of.;, James and Jane (Hill) Bailey, natives of. f Kent Co., Eng.,where his mother still resides. Mr. Bailey had only the educational privileges > common to the class of people to which he belonged As<^ - n^.a 16 i. 3! r 41 I 'i -. "1, wX {: A: S 4 '.;r ~~ It 11Iu u, N.-Ei WA; -GO:- -7<^ru25rY. 4...... to DX -!s t ^. NEWAYGO COUNTY. 245: after their marriage came to this country. They settl tied in Muskegon, where their daughter was born, ~: May 29, I848. In 1862 they removed to Bridgeton. X Mrs. Willius died Jan. 9, I882, leaving three surviving children, born as follows: Anna E., May 4,: i868; Mary T., July 20, 1870; Emma J., July 7, I872. Three children preceded the mother to the better land of the hereafter. John W. was born March io, I867, and died 17 days afterward; Ellen M. was born July 4, I874, and died Nov. 17, 1881; Ida M. was born May 12, I876, and died Jan. 9,; I 882. Mr. Willius is a zealous Republican. He has: been Assessor seven years and School Director three years. j ack T. Wood, farmer, section I7, Brooks ' i5 Township, was born Oct. II, i857, in Vo{/ ~ h linia, Cass Co., Mich., and is a son of = Henry H. and Catherine (Gant) Wood. His father was born Oct. 15, 1822, in the State of New York. He was a farmer and also enA gaged to a considerable extent in the management! of saw-mills. In I849 he went to California, where he operated in gold-mining two years, and in I85I came back to Michigan. In 1858 he made another trip to the land of golden promise, remaining seven years. He died in Newaygo County, March 26, 1880. The mother was born Dec. I3, 1822, and is still living, in VanBuren Co., Mich. Mr. Wood was engaged in the callings of farmer?. and sawyer with his father during his minority, and ~' attended school winters. He is almost exclusively: engaged in farming, and owns i60 acres of land on sections I6 and 17 of Brooks Township. Of this, 50 acres is cleared and well improved, having good farm buildings and other creditable farm fixtures. He is a Republican in political affinity. Mr. Wood was married July 12, 1882, to Cynthia H. Wilson. She was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, Aug. 12, I863, and is the daughter of Thomas P. and Emily Wilson, both of whom are living in Newaygo County. They became residents ( of Michigan in 1864, when the daughter was six * months old. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have one child, > Loyd A., born June 3, 1883. C jenry Zerlaut, farmer, section 5, Bridgeton _ x Township, was born March I, I843, in Bavaria, Germany. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Steiner) Zerlaut, were also natives of Germany. They came to the United States in I852 and located at Providence, R. I., and in that place Mr. Zerlaut was a pupil for five years at the public schools. In the spring of I856 he went to Wauregan Mills, Windham Co., Conn., and two years after removed to Moosup in the same county, where he entered upon an apprenticeship to acquire the trade of weaver of cassimeres, with a man named Dalebarr. He worked at the bsiness at that point four years, and went thence to Pittsfield, Mass., where he remained until October, i86i, engaged a part of the time in preparing to follow the trade of barber, and at the date named he came to Muskegon, where he finished learning the trade. He worked five years for a man named Joseph Lasser, afterwards founding a similar business for himself in that city, which he conducted until the fall of i874, when the fire which effected such disaster to Muskegon destroyed his trade and he came to Bridgeton. He located a farm of 80 acres, on which he has since been engaged in successful and creditable agriculture, and has nearly the entire body of his land under improvement. Mr. Zerlaut was married Feb. 4, I865, to Adelia E., daughter of Guernsey and Lydia (Smith) Hall, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Zerlaut was born in Medina County, in the Buckeye State, Feb. 4, I846. Her parents removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich., when she was nine years old, and came thence to Muskegon, where she was chiefly educated. In the spring of I863 she came to Sheridan Township, where she remained until her marriage. A month after that event, March 14, I865, Mr. Zerlaut enlisted, but was discharged three months later without having seen actual military service, as the war was ended. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs Zerlaut: Edmund G., Nov. I6, I867; Grace G., July 26, i870; Jessie H., Nov. 5, 1872; Frederick B., May 3, I880; Earl V., Aug 23, I883; Roy S., Sept. i6, i875 (died Nov. 0 I' rc,l: k 4 N0A loot..nji A 246 NE WA YGO COUNTY. Y 15, 1877); Ermina C.,Aug. 13, 1877; died in No- Co., Ind., where he lived three years, and in January, ^ v vember, i879. 1855, came to Newaygo County and bought i6o acres Mr. Zerlaut is a Republican, has held the office of of wild land in partnership with his oldest brother, School Director, and was elected Justice of the Peace on section 26, Dayton Township. He lived on this at the last election. farm and continued to improve it for eight years, when he sold and bought 120 acres in Sheridan Township, on sections 5 and 6, where he now re"'""."'sides; he has 70 acres under cultivation. Mr. Stone was married in Dayton Township, June ilexander J. Mundy, farmer and lumber- 23, i859, to Ellen, daughter of Eleazer and Sarah man, Brooks Township, section 13, was Smith, who was born in Hillsdale County, this State, born March 8, 85 in Morrow Co., Ohio. and came to Newaygo County with her parents, and i His father, Elinus Mundy, is of Scotch de- lived at home until her marriage. Children: Alma, scent s,,.i New Franklin, Freddie, Oscar, Stella, Ella and Burt. Mr. scent, and was born Feb. iS, i821, in New Jersey. His mother, Experience Patience S. has held the office of Township Treasurer five (Peters) Mundy, was born of Welsh ancestors, Feb. years, Supervisor three years, School Director and 24, 822, in New York, and died March 28,1876, in several minor offices. Five of his family are members Brooks Township. John D. Mundy, father of E- of the I. O. G. T. He belongs to the National BrooksTownship. John D. Mundy, father of EliGreenback party. nus, was born in New Jersey June 30, 1788, and died G Aug. 8, i855. Elizabeth (Ballou) Mundy, his mother, was of French narentage. born Tan. i6. 707,. and..^ -.. #. = died Nov. 26, i86o. In I862 Mr. Mundy of this sketch came to Net waygo with his parents. His father bought 80 acres 3 of land, and afterwards i66 acres more. The son owns 67 acres of this and carries on lumbering operations thereon. He adds to his calling the trade of blacksmith, which he acquired in the shop of his father, for whom he worked six years. He spent four years in wagon-making, and served an apprenticeship of four years in learning the trade of builder. He possesses energy and the inclination to meet all drlmnnds nn his varied nnallifications. and is a valua ~/~iRrs. Lurana (Allen) Train, resident on 1, section 28, Grant Township, was born in | At Pavilion, Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb. 7, \ 1 i829, and is the daughter of Amasa and " Sophia (Kentfield) Allen. Her parents were members of the farming fraternity all their lives, and descended respectively from English and Scotch parentage. They were natives of New England, and in i834 removed to Medina Co., Ohio, where theyv settled. in Hinklev Townshin_. ble accessory to a.pioneer community. He is a'Dem- The daughter was married Dec. 31, 1854, to Sam- i 5 ocrat in political sentiment. (See sketch of John uel Train, now deceased. He was born March 2, i A. Mundy.) 833, in Massachusetts. His parents, Samuel and Y Mary (Burch) Train, removed in his youth to Hink. - -..^ ley Township, above mentioned, where he grew to manhood, and was married, at 22 years of age. He was occupied in farming until he enlisted as a soldier enry C. Stone, farmer, section 5, Sheridan for the Union in 1862. He enrolled in the Fifth f. Township, is a son of Aaron and Amanda Regt. Ohio Sharpshooters, Co. A. The regiment was ( (Dickinson) Stone, and was born in Glaston- first assigned to the command of Gen. Rosecrans and bury, Conn., Aug. 12, 1834. His parents were afterwards to that of Gen Thomas. Mr. Train was,;.?ti ' natives of Litchfield Co., Conn. His father died in much active and perilous duty. Being brave and 1 in Michigan; the mother resides in Dayton skilled in rifle practice, he was frequently detailed ( Township, this county. Henry C. lived in Con- for important and perilous service. He was in the necticut till i8 years of age, then went to De Kalb battle of Chickahominy and afterwards was ill with neit illyears o f a ge, thenwenttoea '7/4 iNE WAYGO CO i -TY. 247 a i,,> NEWA YGO COUNTY. 247 i /1 t! a i-' I' I ---- -— _-.-. - —.-r. — T — --- - ---- --- ) I;, we7,.,.>.,,! a,., camp diarrhea. May 9, 1865, while recovering from a serious attack of the disease named, he was exposed to small-pox, of which he died after six days' illness. His death occurred May 15, i865, in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and he was buried in the Second Army Cemetery in the city where he died. Mrs. Train came to Michigan in the summer of 1855 and entered a homestead claim in Grant Township, where she has since resided. Her first purchase consisted of I20 acres of timber land. Of this 20 acres were afterward sold and purchase made of 60 acres, and the farm now includes i60 acres. At the time she made her location the township was not organized, the postoffice was ten miles distant and the nearest mill i6 miles away. She came with her two sons to clear and improve a home for the father and husband, who was earning the best right to home and country by exposing his life for their preservation. He Aaron Courtwright, of Newaygo. A year afterward he went to Muskegon, where he continued four years, operating summers as a saw-mill hand and spending the winters as a lumberman. He is now a landholder, owning i.6o acres, on which he is industriously pursuing his chosen vocation of farming. Mr. Gifford was married at Muskegon, July 4, 1883, to Sarah L., daughter of Elinus and Experience Patience (Peters) Mundy. She was born May 7, 1863, in Newaygo County. Mr. Mundy was born of Scotch parentage, Feb. 15, I821, in New Jersey. The mother was a native of New York and of Welsh descent, born Feb. 24, 1822, and died March 28, 1876, in Brooks Township. Mr. Gifford belongs to the National party in political affinity. II it "-'-Ap 'I, ii: -6! died in a better cause than they who encountered the same peril to found an independence on a shameful - - and mad principle; and the home for which he | fred F Armstrong,farmerand carpenter, N / hoped, and the land for which he yielded up wife, section 5 Ashland Township, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Aug. I3, i823. His parr children and life, abide, the fixed monuments of his Monroe Co., N. Y., Aug. 13, 1823. His pardevoted, unflinching patriotism. He left two sons, ents,Bela and Mary (Palmer)Armstrong,we w r one of whom is yet living, John B., born April 8, natives of Connecticut. They settled in the 186i. Willie was born Nov. 13, 1858, and died Aug.Empire State, and in 1826 came to Oakland * 15, I873. He was the first born and too young to Co., Mich. The father died soon after and the realize the loss of his father. In his death the mother went back to the State of New York with her mother suffered anew the loss of the husband of her children. She returned in 1836 to Walled Lake youth. Oakland County, where she died Oct. 7, 1840. John B. Train was married Aug. 3, I879, to Sarah Mr Armstrong returned to New York after he V. Baker, born in Ohio Dec. 9. I856. Leona E., death and worked as a farm laborer until the fall o only child, was born July 22, I880. 1843, when he again came to Michigan. He interested himself in lumbering on the Grand River and - X followed that business about two and a half years > He passed some years in various employments, and in the fall of 1852 pre-empted a portion of section i5 in Ashland Township, where he has since resided red Gifford, farmer, Brooks Township, and operated as a farmer. He was the third permasection i, was born in Parma Township, nent settler, and is identified with the pioneer history Jackson County, Mich., Jan. i, i858, and of Ashland Township and the development of Neis a son of Walter C. and Margaret (Spoor) waygo County. He owns 80 acres of land, and has Gifford. The mother was born of German improved 45 acres. parentage, in I831, and the father of Scotch Mr. Armstrong was married July 3, i844, in Kent: ancestry, in I829. Both were natives of the State Co., Mich., to Sarah Jane, daughter of William and (i of New York and are still living, in Newaygo County, Deborah (Denton) Anderson. The parents were born 4 whither they came in i865.in Ontario, Can., of which place the daughter was $h^ Mr. Gifford lived at home with his parents until also a native. She died in Kent County, April 20, i. he was 20 years old, when he entered the employ of I848, leaving one daughter, Mary Jane. Mr. Arm-,.V., ^;. *" —** j a AnIt' 3 248 NE WA YGO COUNTY. N strong was a second time married in the fall of 185I1,: to Amelia Whittemore, born in Connecticut and died ox _? in Ashland Township, Aug. 28, 1867, leaving two chil-. dren, who were born as follows: Hattie, May i8, | I86i, and Alice, March 28, I852. The latter died in | l ohn F. Parmeter, farmer, section i, Asht876. land Township, was born in Addison Co., Mr. Armstrong is a decided adherent to the tenets Vt., Sept. 22, I8II, and is a son of Jesse of the National party. He has held the positions of L. and Elizabeth (Goo) Parmeter. The father Township Clerk and Supervisor for six years, and was of English parentage and the mother of Road Commissioner five years. French descent. The parents removed to Herkimer Co., N. Y., in I819, and four years later i X - _ made another transfer of their interests to Allegany:?, , e, A~~~~~~~~~id v'a -JXH tnuH-oa * ~U; JNE WA YGO Orlando and Mary M. (Mrs. M. H. Britton, of AshC land). Marcellus and one other are deceased. X Mr. Parmeter is an adherent of the principles and I issues of the National party, and has acted as Justice of the Peace four years. I,.S'^^^ ^^^^ ^^ COUNT Y. 249 -.c.... t I I. S.u iM: ierrick Waters, farmer, section 31, Sherl I man Township, was born in Warrick Co., I '" Ind., April 7, 1847, and is the fifth child >.\" of a family of seven children. His parents ' were Jonas and Lucinda (Bartholomew) Waters, the former a native of Ohio, and resides with his son in Sherman Township; his mother died in Indiana. When Merrick was seven years of age he went with his father to Minnesota, but remained only a short time, then came to St. Joseph Co., Mich., living there two years, and in January, 1855, they came to Newaygo County. He lived at home until 21 years of age, when his father gave him 50 acres of land in Sherman Township, where he now resides. He was married in Sherman Township, July I2, i868, to Henriette, daughter of Samuel D. and Ann Coburn, natives of De Kalb Co., Ind.; the mother died in Indiana and the father removed to Newaygo County. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have one child, Valleria C., born Oct. 2, 1877. In politics he is a National. five years. He then returned to De Kalb County and remained until 1865, and in the winter of that year came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of wild land. He has since sold this land, and purchased I20 acres where he now resides. He has 40 acres under tillage. He was married in De Kalb Co., Ind., to Annie Perry, a native of Ohio, who died five years after her marriage. Mr. Coburn then married Ann Dermolt, of De Kalb Co., Ind., who died in 1863, leaving five children: Henrietta, Franklin W., Charles F., Ella S. and Carrie. For a third wife Mr. C. married Sarah E. (Walkley), widow of Rufus W. Seaman, and daughter of Oliver and Parthena (Smith) Walkley. Mr. and Mrs. Coburn have three children: Viola L., Oliver L. and Parthena D. Mr. C. has held the office of Highway Commissioner; was elected Justice of the Peace, but did not serve; was School Director five years. He was elected Treasurer of Sherman Township in the spring of 1883, and is the present incumbent. In politics he is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of Fremont Grange, No. 494, P. of H.; they are also members of the Disciples' Church. > --- —g ----^iB ---B '! o'rastus S. Burril, merchant druggist, at Grant Station, Ashland Township, was born at Casnovia, Muskegon County, Nov. 22, 1850, and enjoys the distinction of being the first white child born in the township. His parents, Ezra and Eliza (Fellows) Burril, were natives of Ohio, and after their marriage settled in Kent Co., Mich., removing later to Casnovia. In i851 they located on a tract of land lying on sections I2 and 13, the " pioneer palace " being erected on the latter. It became a historic structure from the fact of its being the place of birth of John E. Burril, the first white child born in the township of Ashland. When Mr. Burril was ten years old his mother died, an event that severed the family, and made his self-sustenance a matter of necessity. He early realized the importance of an education, and, in addition to the work of self-support, he managed to obtain such schooling as the facilities of the times t ^. ^ i.1. '^ ^ amuel D. Coburn, farmer, section 29, Sherman Township, was born in New York, 7^ March 2, 1825. His parents, Girden and, Cynthia (Phillips) Coburn, were natives of Vermont. They first settled in Genesee Co. N. Y., and afterward removed to Ohio, where X they lived 17 years, then went to De Kalb Co., Ind., where the mother died; the father then came to: Michigan and lived in Muskegon County until his. death. Samuel remained at home until 22 years of age. He first purchased a farm in Allen Co., Ind., ) which he lived on two years, then moved to La n Grange County, same State, and worked at coopering ho..))^. — 5 --- n i'O f-, v l S' W -, uk,>44 — ~ 50- -E ' ---A.YG Or CO sui:"1sVY. l 250 N. XEWAYGO COUNTY. -; I' *;- -j,*'', ys1 I it afforded. His health became impaired, and he went to California to recruit, and to obtain a fair idea of the resources of the Great West. He fixed a temporary residence at Santa Cruz, remaining there until the fall of 1875, when he came back to Michigan. He was married Oct. I4, I875, to Josephine, daughter of Andrew and Clara (Holbrook) Baker. The parents were natives of New York, where they were married, and they eventually settled in Ashland Township, where the daughter was born Sept. 22, I857. Mr. and Mrs. Burril, soon after their marriage, removed to a farm on section ii, and there remained until the spring of I878, when Mr. Burril founded a mercantile business where he is now located, which he prosecuted until I88I, when he sold out his general stock, and established himself in the drug trade, with a stock valued at $2,500. His business is prosperous and increasing. He is a zealous Republican, and has held various local offices. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to Lodge No.- 362, at Ashland Center. To Mr. and Mrs. Burril have been born four children, namely: Ella M., Sept. 24, I876; Melvin E., June I7, I878; Joseph E., Aug. 15, i880; Lysle, Feb. 25, I883. ton W., Edith A. and Ceylon -L. William W. died Aug. 21, 1876, being three years and three months old. He has held the office of Constable one year, Township Treasurer eight years, Supervisor four years, and in politics his sympathies are with the National party. c ohn E. Nelson, farmer, section 31, Sheridan Township, is a native of Canada, And was born Nov. 9, I85o. His parents, John and Sarah (Sherman) Nelson, were natives of Canada and New York, and lived there until I855. In the fall of that year they came to Oceana Co., Mich., where his father died in 1859. His mother then moved to Ionia County with her family of six children, where they lived until 1862, and in the fall of that year came to Newaygo County and settled in Sheridan, then Bridgeton Township, where she has since resided. In the fall of 1862, the subject of this sketch went to Calhoun Co., Mich., to live with an uncle, with whom he remained until the spring of i865, and then came to this county. Since that time he has T I - I ----= PB - made several changes, but is now a resident of v e Sheridan Township. In the fall of 1873 he was married in Wisconsin, to Annie M. Larue, a native afayette Waters, farmer, section 30, Sher- of that State, and they have had two children: Florman Township, son of Jonas and Lucinda ence and Willie M., both of whom are deceased. (Bartholomew) Waters, was born in War- Mr. Nelson is very active in the temperance reform, rick Co., Ind., Feb. iI, I843. When io years andin politics is a Republican. of age he went with his father to Minnesota, remaining only a short time, when they came _ to St. Joseph Co., Mich., and lived nearly two years. In the winter of I855 he came with his father to Newaygo County and settled in Sherman Township, (jp illiam A. Webber, banker, at Fremont, was where they have made their home ever since. His born in Steuben Co., N. Y., May 27, I853. father first took up i60 acres of wild land, and after- | J| ) His parents, Samuel W. and Mariette ward bought 40 acres in Dayton Township. His | - (Bowen) Webber, were natives of Vermont mother died while they were living in Indiana, and and New York, respectively. They first since that time he has made his home with his father. settled in Steuben Co., N. Y., where Mr. Webber, They have about 75 acres under improvement. Sr., was engaged in farming. They came to MichiThe subject of this sketch was married in Sheridan gan in the spring of I856 and settled in Portland,: Township, March 17, I867, to Polly A., daughter of Ionia County, where the father now resides; the John and Elizabeth Nichols, natives of Ohio and mother is deceased. In early youth, William A. att) Massachusetts, respectively. They have had six tended the common schools, and during the winter children, five surviving: James L., Myron L., Carle- of I869-70 attended Olivet College, in Eaton Co., V r: i:...... A NE WA YGO COUiVTY. 251 25 i -r ij Mich. Soon after graduating he entered the banking house of S. W. Webber & Company, in MLuir, Ionia County, as book-keeper, where he remained nearly three years. His house owned a controlling interest in the First National Bank, and soon closed their private bank, and William entered the former as book-keeper. He continued there but a short time, when he left the bank and engaged in farming for about two years, then entered the banking house of Webber, Just & Company as cashier, and remained two years. May 15, I882, he came to this county and settled in Fremont, where he opened the bank of Webber. Hewitt & Company. He was married in Lyons, Ionia County, Sept. 7 1873, to Abbey B., daughter of Gabriel and Mary Trefry, natives of Nova Scotia, who came to Michigan about 1852 and settled in Lyons, where they now reside. Mrs. Webber was born in Ingham Co., Mich., March 7, I855. Mr. and Mrs. Webber have two children: Murdo J., born Oct. 22, I877, and John M., Feb. 14, 1883. Mr. W. is a Republican in politics. ble one year, School Director four years,-was reelected in I883. In politics he is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of Freniont Grange, No. 494, P. of H. irnold Johnson, farmer, sections 33 and 28, " Sheridan Township, is a son of Kurnel and G. Gertrude Johnson, natives of Germany, and was born in that country Aug. 14, 1827. At the age of 25 years he left his native land and came to America. He came directly to the Western country, and, after spending a short time in Wisconsin, settled in Muskegon, where he lived most of the time until I86i. He then came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, where he now resides, and has about 50 acres under cultivation. Mr. Johnson was married in Milwaukee, Sept. 26, i861, to Josephine Gross, who was born in Paris, France, Sept. 27, 1844. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living: Christian E., Adelia G., Arnold J., Philip S, John J., Herman S. and Henry W.; Jennie E. died when 19 years of age, and Gertrude died at the age of eight months. Mr. Johnson is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church. iram L. Brace, farmer, section 21, Ashland { Township, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., (X ~~ June 6, I833. He is a son of Hiram IL. and Jane (Vroom) Brace, of New England origin and English and Dutch descent. Mr. Brace withdrew from the protection of the parental roof on attaining his majority, and came to Coldwater, Mich., in the capacity of collector for the Pharos Lightning-Rod Company, where he had his headquarters for four years. Severing his relations with his employers, he became associated in partnership with the Vulcan Lightning-Rod Company, which connection continued until Dec. 17, i86I, when he enlisted in defense of the integrity of the Union. He enrolled in Battery G, First Mich. Light Artillery, onathan A. Hindes, farmer, section 32, * Sherman Township, was born in Canada, Dec. 10, 1844. His father, Moses Hindes, i, was a native of Vermont, and his mother, Jo-, anna (Austin) Hindes, was born in Canada. They lived in Canada until the fall of I855, then came to Michigan and settled in what is now -'i Sheridan Township about six 'months. They then ^: rented a farm in Dayton Township, upon which they lived a short time, and then moved on 40 acres of land in Sherman Township, where the father died, in the fall of I88o. The venerable mother resides on on the homestead with the subject of this sketch. Mr. Hindes owns 80 acres of land, and about 70 acres are improved. He. was married in this county > Nov. 6; 1867, to Malinda J., daughter of William and Lydia Sours, the former a native of Germany - and the latter of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hindes have had eight children, six of whom are living: William M., Charlotte H., Mary M., Frederick J., Catherine A. and Frank A.; Lydia J. and James A. r are deceased. Mr. H. has held the office of Consta-, or.: fin f, I. v~,11" J ""4 I iriBfd;\ 19~1~-.c~-~-Z, &. -~- nrr.* ii \,~~~~i,sYi~~-~ ~ an.. I, ~I- "/;** ~- * ii 252 NE WA YGO COUNTY. < _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ his command being assigned to the corps of Gen. # Buell, and joined the Army of the Cumberland. He.; was under fire at Chickasaw Bayou, Fort Hinman and Caney Bottoms, besides several unimportant skirmishes, escaping without suffering any of the exf treme exigencies of war. He received an honorable discharge, Jan. 23, I865. Mr. Brace married, near Coldwater, Mich., March 15, i865, Bernetta, daughter of William and Mary (Martin) Skinner. She was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, 1844, and when seven years of age came S to Branch County with her parents. She was edu< cated chiefly at Colon, St. Joseph Co., Mich., and became a successful and popular teacher. In the winter of i866, a year and a half after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Brace located on 80 acres of land, on section 2I, Ashland Township, and devoted themselves to the preparation of a suitable home for the establishment of their family interests. They remained residents until I870, when Mr. Brace established himself in mercantile business at Cedar Springs, Kent;. County, and prosecuted his interests in that direction three years, when he embarked in the manufacture of: heads and staves, continuing that pursuit three years. m In 1876 he again settled upon his farm. Mr. Brace is an active and influential member of the Republican party. He has officiated in the positions of Justice of the Peace, School Inspector, Treasurer, etc., and is still a member of the local government of the township. He belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 362, at Ashland Center, and is a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 131, at Newaygo. Both himself and wife are warmly esteemed as valuable members of the social element to l which they belong. i867, to Lucinda, daughter of John and Catherine Slater, all natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Tibbitts are the parents of seven children: Adaline L., Willard A., Ida A., Agnes C., John F., Myrtle E. and Harriet A. Mr. T. has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, and Drain Commissioner two years. In politics he is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. S~j donijah E. Upton was born in Adrian, m Mich., Nov. 29, 1837. His parents were Henry and Cynthia (Weaver) Upton, the '' former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. They first settled in North Adams, Mass., and afterward came to Adrian, where they lived 26 years. In 1855 they came to Newaygo County, where the father died, in i866; the mother is still living, in this county. Mr. Upton came to this county with his parents, where he still remains a resident, and is older in business than any other man in Fremont. He has dealt largely in real estate and still continues that business. He is also engaged extensively in farming and lumbering. He was married in Dayton Township, July I, I867, to Helen L., daughter of William and Lovilla B. Morton, residents of Dayton, who was born in New York, April 23, 1845, and they are the parents of four children: Ada L., Ralph E., Mary B. and William H. Mr. Upton has held the office of Treasurer of the old town of Fremont two years, Clerk one year, and has been Notary Public nearly all the time since 1859. He was formerly third Master of Pilgrim Lodge, No. I8o, F. & A. M., and was the first Secretary of the Lodge, two years. He represented this county in the Grange Convention held at the new capitol, at Lansing; was County Surveyor eight years. He was agent of the Empire Land Company five years, commencing when the population of Fremont was 150. In 1870 he was a partner with S. C. Hall, of Muskegon, in building a section of the Ionia & Mackinaw State Road, but, owing to the illness of Mr. Hall, Mr. Upton managed the business alone for several months. He built the bridge at the crossing of the Muskegon river, and a little town has X Y'l I;t, <4'-~, t I '1t enjamin E. Tibbitts, farmer, section 8, i S:Sheridan Township, was born in Shefford C A o., Can., Jan 24, I839. His parents, A j Arza and Adaline (Shattuck) Tibbitts, were natives of Vermont. He left home when 16 years of age, and came direct to Fremont i Center, in the spring of I855. He lived there one year, then bought 80 acres of wild land in Sheridan ( Township, where he now lives and has 35 acres under tillage. He was married in Fremont March 3,:.> ^ --- W^-7 s t"" ("' e;~ AVA Ia i( It~i~ af C i~i '' -~* 1.~::li i` >2 Ai 0i; -1 P:-lbltt-s ---u0: nn nnl:-1-. ~~ sC ---^ II iV o IVEWA YGO COUNTY. 255 2 5 '~' V sprung up at this point which bears the name Upton. He surveyed the village of Reed City, and many other village and city additions. He has been School Director six years, and a member of the School Board four years. He was largely interested in the organization of the Patrons' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was its Secretary four years. The company had at risk over $7 00,000 when it went out of his hands. He was an active worker in organizing the Patrons' Co-operative Company, was made its Vice-President and manager, and a large and successful business was done so long as he had charge of its affairs. Mr. Upton is emphatically a man of business and a business man. His mind is comprehensive in its range, yet grasps the minutest details. He persistently inquires until the whole subject is open before him, and then adjusts his plans. Himself and wife are attendants at the Disciples' Church, of which Mrs. Upton is a devoted member. He was also a Trustee of the M. E. Church about six; years. Politically, he was formerly a Republican,. but lately has voted with the National party. ennis Lordon, son of Thomas and AnIreland, was born in that country March 4, J 1845, and came with his parents to America when four years of age. They settled in New York State and remained there four years, and in 1853 came to Grand Rapids. Dennis was the third son of a family of five children. He attended the common schools of Grand Rapids, and in 1862 came with his parents to Newaygo County, where his father took up i6o acres of land, in Sheridan Township, which they managed together. He was married in Muskegon, Oct. i8, 1867, to Mary, daughter of Robert and Mary Meighen, natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Lordon have four children: Frank, Mary, George and Nellie. After his marriage Mr. L. settled on a tract of land adjoining his father, and they still carry on farming together. In i88o he fitted up a restaurant in the fine block recently built by Hart and Bowman, in Fremont, which he manages to the satisfaction of his patrons. In politics, he has heretofore acted with the Democratic party, but now,be$ longs to the National party. When Mr. Lordon was eight years of age he attempted to jump from a train of cars in motion, on the N. Y. & L. E. R. R. He lost his footing and the result was the loss of his right leg, just below the knee. The parents of Mr. L. reside on section 4, and are quite advanced in years. They are among the pioneers of the county. eroy Tift, farmer on sections 8 and 11, Croton Township, and resident at Croton village, was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., May 9, I832. He is the son of Martin and Elizabeth (Hunter) Tift, both of whom were born in the State of New York and of English ancestry. The birth of the former occurred Dec. I5, I807, and his death April 2, 88i, on Stearns' Prairie Newaygo County. The latter was born in i805 and died June iI, I858, in the same place where her husband's demise occurred 23 years later. The parents of Mr. Tift came to Michigan in the fall of i835, when the State was in its territorial days, and settled in what is now Kalamazoo County. In March, i853, they again sought pioneer life in Newaygo County. The son was i8 years of age when he became a resident of Croton, and he made his first start in life on his own responsibility in the capacity of a lumberman on the Muskegon River. He has made a fine record in his quiet, persistent, energetic efforts, and his admirable judgment is plainly manifest by his achievements, for which he makes but modest claims. He owns 5042 acres of land in the township of Croton and four lots in the village of Croton. His farm includes Io6 acres under advanced cultivation. He is somewhat prominent as a member of the Masonic Order and belongs to the Valley City Lodge, No. 86, at Grand Rapids, and in i865 connected himself with Newaygo Lodge, No. I31. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Tift has been married twice. His first wife, Elizabeth (Ferguson) Tift, to whom he was married April 6, I856, was born in the Province of Ontario, Sept. I8, I838, the daughter of Duncan and Mary (McCall) Ferguson, both of whom were born in the State of New York, and of Scotch ancestors. A ts~ rljj I; r C`;I"_i""r~i~T*;=i~:~~t~ --- ijlt r;IX benfiia N 256 NEWA YGO * The wife of Mr. Tift died Sept. 13, 1862, leaving one daughter, Mary Isabel. Mary Estelle, the first born j child, died before the mother. Mr. Tift married i Bessie Trask, June 29, 1869, in Kalamazoo Co., X Mich. She was the daughter of Oliver and Margaret Trask, natives of Maine and both deceased. Mrs. Tift died Aug. 30, I874, at Grand Rapids, leaving -three children-Libbie, Leroy (Jr.) and Martin 0. In view of his double representative character as a pioneer of the State of Michigan and county of Newaygo, the portrait of Mr. Tift, which appears on another page, has a two-fold value. aionr o i'n 'ohn W. Hopper, merchant, Fremont, was b Iorn in the State of New York, Dec. 7, -d I 186o, and attended the common schools 1 of New York, Michigan and Illinois. On leaving school he was employed in the grocery I store of R. N. Lloyd for three years, and was afterward employed as clerk in the store of M. B. Franklin six years. In i881, he formed a partnership with C. C. Mericle, for the purpose of opening business in dry-goods, boots and shoes, and clothing, under the firm name of Mericle & Hopper. This enterprise has been very successful. Mr. H. is a young man of industrious habits, is energetic, and has the reputation of being a shrewd business manager. In politics, he is a National. assistant until the death of the latter, when he went to learn the shoemaker's trade, which was chiefly his business until i86i, when he purchased the farm he now occupies. He was married July 5, 1849, to Ann McLaughlin, a native of Ireland. They have a family of five children: Agnes, Elizabeth M., James H., Mary J. and John D. Mr. Stirling came with his family to Newaygo in September, 1855, and during the winter of that year he worked in the lumber woods. During the succeeding years he followed his trade, finding his accustomed labor more profitable as well as more to his taste than the hardships and exposure of a lumberman's life. He took possession of his farm in 1862. At the time of the purchase it consisted of So acres of land in a wild state, 35 acres of which are now substantially improved. Mr. Stirling has been Supeivisor of the township two years, and is at present a School Inspector. ^ 2 tephen D. Barnum, farmer, section 33, Ashland 'Iownship, was born in Hector, iti~ Schuyler Co., N. V., July 29, 1829. His 7 parents, Czar and Margaret (German) Barnum, were natives respectively of Connecticut and New York, and were of mixed Scotch, French and German ancestry. In 1839 they located on a farm in Lenawee Co., Mich., where Stephen attained to the age of 19 years, attending the district school and working on his father's farm. Mr. Barnum early resolved to oltain -as good a degree of education as was in his power. In 1848 he set out to accomplish his plans and engaged as a farm laborer. He was industrious and economical, saving his earnings to secure his education, and attended the High School at Tecumlseh, Lenawee County, where lie studied two years. He put his stock of learning to practical use in teaching, which profession he followed until I855. The confinement of the school-room shattered his health, and he was compelled to abandon his favorite pursuit and seek the woods of Northern Michigan. He came to Newaygo County and located on 80 acres of land in Ashland Township. The place was in its original state, and since he has been its proprietor he has devoted his best energies to its improvement, and has placed 50 f NO Ae I,'i.r' In. -.. tA.l* (~..^ I [1{~j alter Stirling, farmer, section r8, Gar-:X,( uS 3 field Township, was born Sept. ir, I824, I r^/ in Lancaster, (lengarry Co., Can., and is a j' son of James and Agnes (Irving) Stirling. 1 When he was twelve years old his parents ' changed their location to Beauharnais County, where: the father bought a farm of Ioo acres. On this the parents passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying Aug. 21, I841. He was born April 7, ^ 853, of Scotch descent. The mother was the child of Irish parents and was born on the sea. Mr. Stirling remained on the farm as his father's rr 1 1! 1 ~ 1 'f, -,_ X e. '17"I. @ Wtncs-5- - -t. *I, 1^ ' I N iE 'A YGO COUNTY. 257, ------ acres in the best condition for successful farming. gia: Mr. Barnum was married Aug. 19, i855, in Mus% kegon County, to Roby A., daughter of Michael and Hannah (Carpenter) Kriger, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively. The daughter was born in Angola, Ind., July i6, 1840. Her p)arents settled in Hillsdale Co, Mich., when she was in infancy, and afterward removed to Casnovia, Muskegon County, where she resided until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Barnum have been the parents of six children, two only of whom survive: Ai, born April;', T, 1857, and Adella, March 23, I869. Adelsia was ^, orn April i6, I86o, and died Nov. 29, in the same year; Almond, born Dec. 6, T862, died March 25, 1863; Arthur, born July 1, 187 i,died Sept. 2, 1873; I)ecatur, born Aug. 18, 1:873, died March 6, I874. MIr. Barnum is a zealous and active Democrat. He has been School Inspector ten years, Justice of the Peace, 1 2 years, and Superintendent of Sclools several terms. He is also Clerk of the Baptist Society, of which (Church himself and wife are menibers.: ---— I is a native, born in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport have eight children: Jessie L., Walter, William F., Frank F., Rosa J., George W., Addie E. and Fred. C. Mr. Davenport is a Republican in respect to national issues. He has served his township as Justice of the Peace eight years. eorge Pollard, deceased, was born in,lll Yorkshire, England, Jan. 5, 1822. His _ parents, Joseph and Betsey (Hillingsworth) Pollard, were born, and passed the entire period of their lives, in England. Mr. Pollard worked in the woolen mills of Bradford, in his native country, until the age of 30. In I852, he emigrated to the United States, and located in Philadelphia, where he was employed in a flour and feed store two years. In 1854, he returned to his native land, and worked at his trade of weaver and wool-dresser until the spring of I857, when he again crossed the ocean and came to Michigan. He was emlnloved at various toints until iXn80 *4 1.0 and finally settled in Newaygo County. He prearren Davenport, fiarmer, section 14, Blar- empted 80 acres in Ashland Township, his claim i ton Township, was born in Whitley Co., being the last secured in the township uinder the law r Ind.,I May 5, i846. His father, Williamn governing pre-emption territory. Davenport, was a son of Jesse Davenport; In I869 Mr. Pollard became disabled from dysJ- the former was born Sept. 24, 1824, in Wayne pepsia and a kidney disease, which continued several Co., Ind.; was married July 31, 1842, to Jemima years. When their violence abated he found himself Stanley, of Richmond, Ind.; in 1845, he went to Co- to be afflicted with cancer of the stomach, of which lumbia, Whitley County, where he embarked in a suc- he died, May 9, 1875, after a long period of unmiticessful mercantile enterprise, and three years later gated suffering, which terminated in literal starva- 'b came to Newaygo County, and engaged in the busi- tion. This continued three months before death h ness of millwright; settled in Barton Township in brought a merciful release. He was endowed with a 1856, where he has since resided. fine mind and was an extensive reader, possessing Warren Davenport is the oldest of six children the ability to assimilate and make practically useful born to his parents. He received a fair educa- the knowledge he acquired. He was engaged during tion in the common schools of Indiana, and was all his active life in the best interests of Church bred to the calling of farmer, which he has pursued society and all movements for moral reform. He adalmost exclusively in Barton Township. He owns a hered to the tenets of the Republican party, and held fine farm of 214 acres, and is cultivating 120 acres, the post of Treasurer of his School District nine f:I which he has cleared and placed under most credit- years before his death. He belonged to the Baptist V able improvements. He was married Sept. 12, Church, was the Treasurer of the society and was an 1 863, to Eliza, daugeter of William C. and Lucinda outspoken and zealous advocate of temperance., (Lord) Bliss. Her father was born in New York Mrs. Elizabeth (Houlding) Pollard was born in the i and her mother in Pennsylvania, of which State she city of Leeds, Yorkshire, Eng., June, 1824. Her ^ty ""O''' f Ls En.,Ju n 84 He -'~ ~57 * ~F~.? r, K / A- 7 t.i —nugn XI BB> —*a(~^ - 4 258 NEWAYGO COUNTY. ---, ~ "I I- _ = = 1` ~ 11 11_ _11 — _1-, I —I --- —--- mother died when she was 20 years old, and upon her devolved the care of six younger brothers and sisters. This duty she continued to discharge, and also worked in the woolen factories of Leeds until I857, when she came to the United States, and, after a short residence in Philadelphia, joined her brothers in Ashland Township. She was married March 25, 1859, to Mr. Pollard, when death left her a widow with three children. Albert was born Nov. o1, 1859, and died Sept. 14, 1864. Those living were born in the following order: Alfred L., Nov. 10, 1859 (twin brother of Albert); George A., Dec. 3, 1862; Joseph W., March 6, i866. Mrs. Pollard is passing a peaceful, consistent, christian, sunny old age among her children on the homestead, situated on section 9, Ashland Township. lames A. Town, farmer, sec. I8, Sherman Township, is a son of Elias and Almira (Lewis) Town, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. He was born in Pittsford, Hillsdale Co., Mich., Oct. 27, I849. He came with his parents to Newaygo Co., and lived at home until 1872. Dec. 8, of that year, he was married to Miss Belle Hall, daugh*ter of Obed and Nancy (Brown) Hall, who was a native of Muskegon Co., Mich., born in 1855, and their four living children are, James A., Leota B., Lula E. and Leo G.; one is deceased. Mr. Town purchased 40 acres of wild land in the winter of 1873, and lived on it till the spring of I880, when he sold out and bought 80 acres on section 18, where he now resides, and has 15 acres under cultivation. In politics, Mr. Town is independent. Scotch descent. His parents went to Glengarry, Can., when he was five years old, where he remained until he had reached the age of 23 years. He had been reared as a farm laborer, and in I848 went tu St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he found employment for some time as a millwright, afterwards engaging in farming. He remained there until the fall of 1854, when he came to Michigan and settled in Newaygo County, at the point known as the "Plain," where he entered upon the business of rafting on the Muskegon River and otherwise interesting himself in the lumber business. In March, 1856, he secured a tract of land of the Government in (now) Bridgeton Township, by making a deposit with a condition attached giving him 30 days' grace. His fellow lumbermen made a bee on Easter Sunday of that year and built his house. No time could be afforded during the week, and the near expiration of the marginal time made the erection of the building on that day necessary. The Indians located in the neighborhood urged him to avail himself of their hospitable invitations, to place his wife and two little children under the shelter of their tents; and he wishes to record his appreciation of the liberal kindness he and his family received at their hands. He remained over night in their care, and the next day he set himself vigorously at work to render his rude hut suitable for the accommodation of his family. A nice residence, built at a cost of $1,ooo, replaces the pioneer home, and 65 acres of the then unbroken forest are cleared and otherwise improved. Mr. McKie was married April 7, i85o, at Burlington, Vt., to Anna, daughter of James and Mary (Ragen) Shehan. Parents and daughter are natives of Limerick, Ireland, where the latter was born June i, 1832. The father and mother came to the United States in her infancy and located at Quebec. They went thence to Montreal and later to Lancaster, Glengarry County, Ont., where the daughter remained until the fall of I849, when she went to Burlington, Vermont, and resided there until she was married. She has become the mother of nine children, born in the following order: Charles J., Feb. I7, i851; James E., Nov. i6, 1853 (died May 5, 1854); William P., March 25, 1854; John A., March 25, I860; Elizabeth A., Aug. 25, 1865; Alice M., April 8, 1867; Mary A., July 12, i869 (died 60, "7 % I I I 1. I.. j o^ ---- ~~m8~~mIp —BB^ ---< J j^ harles McKie, farmer, section 18, Bridge4 aIjJ ton Township, was born near the St. Lawrence River, 50 miles west of Montreal, Feb. X 26, 1825, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Campbell) McKie, both of whom were of Canadian birth and respectively of French and:- -- — ^g i *l Ip iC:,.. u ---aarrr ~ ~ F~~ ~Q""" ~ *i~~tj~5d7,-; aa t, ' ' 0 4' AVE WA YGO V April, 1870); Georgie A., April, I870 (died April 15, 1 871); Robert H., Dec. 22, 1871.:t Mr. McKie is a Democrat in political sentiment, and has held most of the local offices in the town- ship.; ~:z-:n....~ ~,.~, COUNTY. 259 259 ~~ ia 'avid Cram, farmer, section 5, Goodwell;?__ 'I Township, was born Jan. i8, I833, in Canada, near Turkey Point, and is the son J)i of William and Margaret (Hadley) Cram. a The father was a native of Scotland and the mother of England. He had the rearing common to the sons of farmers, and at a very early age was brought to face the necessity of carving out his own fortune. He spent some years working as an assistant in the saw-mills and as a lumberman, after which he came to Newaygo County and began to improve a tract of 120 acres of:% land, on which he remained some years; next, he re* sided for a time in Kent County, and finally returned: to his original location, of which he has since retained >~ possession. Zis Mr. Cram has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah, nee Hall, by whom he had three children, namely: Mary, James and an infant deceased. In 1880 Mr. C. married Isabella Sharp, who was born Oct. 25, 1862, in Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., a daughter of Richard and Lydia (Howell) Sharp.. —(-E ----3<^(X )))H~>C ---^< — oseph Baillargeon, farmer, section 8, ' j' ^ ~ Sheridan Township, was born in Canada " 1 ' Oct. 14, I843. His parents, Peter and i Angeline (Moxin) Baillargeon, were also natives of Canada. They removed to Muskegon, this State, and afterward returned to Canada, where the mother died, in the fall of I88I; the father still resides there. Joseph left Canada at the age of 20 years, and went to Massachusetts, where he followed }, the trade of machinist, which he had formerly:1 learned. He remained in that State about Io months. Dec. i8, I863, he enlisted in the 2d Reg't. Heavy Ne Artillery of Mass. Vol., Battery A., Capt. Kimball;:) this company was afterward transferred to the Light - Artillery. Early in September, T865, he was mustered out of the service at Smithville, N. C. He was in the battle of Plymouth, N. C., where two companies of his regiment were taken prisoners. After his discharge, Mr. B. went to Canada and soon after came to Muskegon, Mich., where he resided until I875, engaged in millwrighting, engineering and lumber surveying. In the spring of 1875 he went to St. Louis, Mo., and took charge of the Star Rolling Mill, of that city, and in the fall of the same year he came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, section 5. He improved 40 acres, and in the summer of 1883 sold out and removec to section 8, same township, built a house and barn, and still resides there. In the fall of I882 he built a steam hoop mill, for the manufacture of patent coil hoops. He removed this mill to section 8, and still carries on the business, manufacturing from 7,000 to 10,o000oo hoops per day, and employing about nine men. Aug. ii, i866, he was married to Artimise Secord, a native of Canada, and they have had nine clildren: Sarah A., Lea, Joseph E., Edith, Angeline and Harriet A.; Sarah Josephine and Rosamond died in infancy. Mr. Baillargeon has held the office of Highway Commissioner one year, Overseer of Highway two years, and in politics is a Republican illiam Kimbell, Sheriff of Newaygo County, resident at Newaygo, was born in Bed-.J ford, Cuyahoga Co., O., April 8. 1837. He is a son of William and Amanda (West brook) Kimbell, and was reared on a farm, obtaining his education at winter terms of school. From the age of 15 years he was variously engaged until he settled in Newaygo in 1853. In 1843 his parents transferred their family to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., wherehis father was a farmer. On coming to Newaygo, Mr. Kimbell interested himself in the pursuit which in some of its varied branches was that of nearly all men in active life in this portion of Michigan, namely, lumbering. Soon afterward he began taking contracts, engaging first with the Newaygo Lumber Company and successively with Kelly, Wood & Co., of Chicago, and Lyman a t | '. i\ W., A I1 SI 4.. N f I Eq,-7 H f;-~s jtlil::t$Sr,1 vBi~-e -— ^^-r ^t, 260.,A G. P~ 260 - NE WHA YGO — '^;~I 260 --- —~ —~~ --- I --- I -, i.,, >o I..X 1. S l..a T. Kinney, of Grand Rapids. He commonly employed a working force of about 50 men. In 1864 Mr. Kirnbell was drafted and issigned to Co. A, 13th Reg't. Mich. Vol. Inf. He served nine months and participated in the battle of Bentonville, besides doing duty in a number of skirmishes. On receiving his discharge he returned to Newaygo and resumed lumbering. He continued his operations in that pursuit until February, i88i, when he rented the White Cloud House at White Cloud. The hotel was under his management until December, I88I, when he was elected to his present official position and transferred his residence to Newaygo. Mr. Kimbell was married in Newaygo, Sept. 3, I85 6, to Sarah B., daughter of John and Matilda Hathley, a native of Canada, born April 12, I839. Of eight children born to them six are living: Ida J., Alice M., Ruey, Sarah, Jessie and Eddie. Martha A., eldest daughter, and Edward are deceased. Mr. Kilmbell came to Newaygo in its pioneer days and has been a witness to its varied steps of progress. Two or three shanties constituted its mlunicipality and the adjacent woods were the delight of hunters and trappers. Mr. Kimbell was one to whom the abundance of wild game was a great source of satisfaction, and his exploits as one of the Nimrods of this region are full of interest. Deer and bears abounded, and one of Mr. K's accounts records the slaughter, on one occasion, of four of the latter in the evening after supper! oseph Reed, farmer, section 29, Sheridan Township, was born in Canada, May 15, 1 846. His father, Nelson Reed, was a native of Scotland, and his mother, Josette (Thibbert) Reed, was born in France. At the age of i8 he left home and for two years lived in Vermont. He then went to Illinois for a short time, then to Muskegon, Michigan, where he remained until the fall of i872, then came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, where he now resides. He has since added 4o acres to his farm, and has about 6o acres under improvement. He was married i COUNTY. J'D Muskegon, June 13, i868, to Margaret Malett, a native of Canada. In politics he is a Republican, '; and himself and wife are members of the Baptist it. Church. -. ------- ^^-(^-^cr-t bil ' 1 saac Shick, farmer, Brooks Townshil, section io, was born March 8, 1831, in Portl7 age Co., Ohio. He is the son of Jacob and 6 Barbara (Swinehart) Shick. His father was ' born March 8, 80o8, in Berks Co., Pa, and died May 4, 1863, in Elkhart Co., Ind. He was of German descent, as was his wife, who was born Jan. 21, 18I2, in the same county in the Keystone State, and who is still living, in Elkhart Co., Ind. 'Ihey settled soon after marriage in Portage Co., Ohio. Mr. Shick remained in his native State until he was 14 years of age, when his parents went to Indiana. He interested himself in acquiring a good education, and as he designed to fit himself for teaching he became signally proficient as a student. I)uring his last term of school he was called on to take the place of his teacher, who was suffering from a temporary illness, and officiated in the capacity of a school-teacher, for the short space of one month. The experience wholly exterminated his aspiration to make teaching the basiness of his life. He is characterized by the clannish instincts of the nationality from which he has descended, and lived with his parents until he was 32 years old. He was one of 14 children, all of whom survived their parents, the youngest being eight years old when the father died. The father's death occurred soon afterward. Mr. Shick was married in the course of a few days thereafter, and continued to pursue agriculture in that State for ten years, when he came to Mlichigan. He settled on 240 acres of land in Brooks Township. He sold 80 acres of this, and has by his inherited thrift and god management cleared and put in firstclass condition the remaining T60 acres. The place is of increased value and made attractive by good farm buildings and a small orchard. Mr. Shick is a Democrat and Fas served his generation as Justice of the Peace, Highway Commissioner and School Director. He is a member of the F. & A. M. fraternity and belongs to Newaygo Lodge, No. 131.?.s i, i I 1) I - j.-o,-, NE WA YGO COUNTY. 261... | H-: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Z ~:. A L.._ _......................................=.. =._......... =. _...,. He was married it Springfield, Ohio, May i, I863, to Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Weyrick) Garl, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Shick was born Dec. o1, 1840, in Summit Co., Ohio. Samuel Garl was born in Portage Co., Ohio, July 22, 1818. He died March 29, 1873. His wife, Catherine, was lborn Aug. 27, 1819, in Mercer Co., Pa., and is still living, in Ohio. i I: i ^^^li as Town, farmer, section i8, Sherman Township, was born in Vermont Dec. 29, i8 26. His parents were Ira and Ruby (Prouty) Town, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of New York. They first settled in New York, then removed to Vermont, thence to Michigan in the spring of I845, and settled in Hillsdale County, where they passed the remainder of their life. In early life, Elias was en-; g(aged mostly in farming. He came with his par> ents to Hillsdale County, where he was principally ' engaged in carpentry for 22 years. In the spring of 869 le came to Newa) go County and bought 40 acres of wild land in Sherman Township, where he now resides, and has 32 acres under cultivation. He was married in Hillsdale County, in 1848, to Almira Lewis, a native of New York, where she was born July 9, 1828, and they have six children: Ari, Ida A., Alphonce J., Alfred J., Mayne A. and Nettie M. Mr. and Mrs. T. are members of the Advent Church, and in politics he is a Republican. f -/ of age, when, in Feb., I865, he enlisted in Co. C, Ninth ll. Cav. He served until the close of the war, and on his discharge went to Pennsylvania, where he attended Mansfield College one year. He then went to Wisconsin and engaged in lumbering, working a short time in the woods, after which he went to California, Oregon and Washington Territory, spending a year on the trip. He returned East and located at Sand Lake, Kent County, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles. After a residence there of eight years he came, in 187I, to Newaygo County, where he engaged in lumbering, in connection with Samuel Hart. Mr. Horning was married at Sand Lake, Kent County, in 1873, to Harriet, daughter of James and Harriet Kinney. She was born in Michigan in 1852. Three children have been born of this marriage: Angeline, Evaline and Arthur. The last named died in i88i. The first saw-mill erected by Mr. Horning and his partner cost about $2,000, and was destroyed by fire in 188i. They immediately re-built; and up to the present writing (1883) have manufactured in the aggregate 30,000,000 feet of pine lumber. Their present product is about 30,000 feet of lumber daily. Mr. Horning has officiated as Township Treasurer of Monroe, and is a member of the 1. 0. 0. F. of Sand Lake, Kent County. aiames W. Trambull, farmer, section 6, -^ Bridgeton Township, was born in Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 3, 1841. His father, Squire Trumbull, was a native of Vermont, and a descendant of the Trumbull family, of Colonial fame. The mother, Hannah (Crouse) Trumbull, was born in New York, of English lineage. The families of the parents came to Michigan at an early period. Mr. Trumbull spent his early life assisting his father on the farm and acquiring his education, until the year following his majority, when he yielded to the influence which filled the entire North and became a defender of the integrity of the Union. He enlisted April 28, I862, in the i8th United States Infantry, Co. H, under the command of Henry R. Misner. The regiment was assigned to the Army r..1 "s.%i *< k x 3/` I k J illiam H. Horining, lumberman, located on section 23, Monroe Township, was born in Bradford Co., Pa., Feb. 28, 1849, and is a son of James and Harriet A. (Barfield) Horning. His parents were both natives of the State of New York, and are deceased. *: The father died in 1853, and the mother removed with her family to DeKalb Co., Ill., where the son attended district school. When he reached the age of ten years he took upon himself the burden of his own support, working on a farm till he was 17 years.-alAa or f J Vk ~- 1~0 9 ~L 7" 262 NE WA YGO COUNTY. f of the Cumberland, and during his period of service then applied himself to the acquirement of the 7 i Mr. Trumbull was in action at Hoover's Gap, Chick- builder's trade, which he pursued five years. In -!.* amauga, Missionary Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, i875 he came to Barton Township and bought 80 f siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro and other battles of minor acres of land, which he has increased by subsequent i importance. He escaped without injury except a purchase to 120 acres, with 50 acres now under im-, slight gunshot wound in the wrist, and received honor- provements. Mr. Hatch is a Republican in political able discharge April 28, 1865. He returned to his affiliation. home and resumed farming. He was married July 27, i873, to Nora E., daughMr. T. was married Nov. 6, '65,to Ellen L., daugh- ter of Albert and Louisa Wightman, born July 3, ter of Silas andElvira (Ward) Winchester. Her fa- I854, in the State of New York. Her parents were ther's family was known to financial fame through natives of the Empire State, and in 1870 located in.~ its operations in England, and their descendants Greene Township, Mecosta County, coming thence to settled in Massachusetts. Mrs. T.'s parents settled Newaygo County, where they now reside. Three ' near Detroit in 1838, where she was born, March i, children have heen born to Mr. and Mrs. Hatch: I846. Her mother was a native of VTrmont. After Ella S., April i, i876; Earl H., Oct. 12, 1879; his marriage, Mr. Trumbull continued the pursuit Elmer A., June 3, i88i. re.~. i_ of agriculture near the home of his youth two years, going in I867 to Saginaw, where he interested himself in lumbering. In 1871 he went to Oakland County, and there once more engaged in farming. In the spring of I874 he came to Bridgeton and located on 7'9 acres of heavily timbered land. Nearly half of his place has been put under a fine state of improvement through the personal effort of the proprietor. Hattie L., only surviving child of Mr. and and Mrs. Trumbull, was born June 28, 1869. Francis A., born April 2, I867, died Nov. 26, i88o.! r I 1 1 ~.~ '. ' ~ ' ames H. McKee, photographer at Newaygo, was born at Kingston, Ont., Oct. 8, I842, ' and is a son of James H. and Eleanor (McCormick) McKee. The parents were natives of Ireland, born of Scotch parentage. They emigrated to Canada, where the father pursued his business as a merchant tailor, settling about I844 in Toronto, where he died in 1859, aged A6 vears The mother died at the age of A vears Mr. lrumbull is a Democrat in political sentiment, 'a....e- sa- - e. J ".. School Inspector (1884). He is a member of the Mr. McKee spent the years of his minority in and School Inspector (i884). He is a member of the Masonic Order and belongs to Zion Lodge, No. about Toronto, attending school, clerking a store at Detroitand working as a farm assistant. In 1864 he came to Michigan and found employment in a saw-mill in IA Croton, Newaygo Co. A year later he came to Ne- A 3waygo village and worked some time with the Newaygo Lumber Company. His first independent:' business venture was the purchase of a steam saw1 G,avid C. Hatch, farmer, section 4, Barton mill, and in this transaction he was associated with I Township, was born July 12, 1850, in On- R. D. Davis. They continued its management three tario Co.,. Can. His father, David W. years, when Mr. McKee again entered the service of t Hatch, was born Feb. 22, I806, and his theNewaygo Lumber Company, acting in various mother, Eleanor (Bowes) Hatch, May 4. 8Io, capacities. In i8 — he was appointed Deputy in Pennsylvania, of English ancestry. They County Clerk under Sanford Brown, and served i8 reside in and belong to the agricultural community months. In i8- he became Under-Sheriff with: of Canada. George Utley, and in I8- succeeded to the post of ( Mr. Hatch received the training of a farmer's son, Village Marshal of Newaygo. In October, I874, he i ) and at the age of 20 years, in 1870, located in the established himself in the mercantile business, locattownship of Big Rapids, in Mecosta Co., Mich. He ing opposite the old Brooks House, and operated - D\,)- --- s s ai!ii — - J 7:,.* * " ~~' ~.. A JE WA YGO COUNTY. 263 ' -----------. ----. --- —------. — - - - - - - - --- - - - - - - - -, 14 w f there until 1878, when he transferred his stock to the /) opposite side of the street. He closed his commercial affairs, and in i88i founded the business in which he is at present engaged. He bought the building where he operates and added the necessary t fixtures for the prosecution of his art. Mr. McKee was married at Newaygo, Jan. 13, 1876, to Jessie E., daughter of Elijah S. and Harriet Bennett, born in Portage, Livingston Co., Mich. One child, Grace E., is living. James H. and C. Irving are deceased. Mr. McKee is a member of the Masonic Order. He owns, besides his place of business, other property within the village corporation. i elson Peterson, Postmaster and druggist, at ' ]Woodville, was born in Denmark, Dec. 24, H v I85o. He is the son of Mads and Chris01'. tina (Swartz) Peterson, also natives of Den-,, mark. In his native country Mr. Peterson was X ) I if ''Gil j(,.s j i [,Kiram M. Read, physician and surgeon, a Woodville, was born in Kane Co., 111., July 22, 1859. He is a son of Charles and Adaline (Baxter) Read, the former a native of New Brunswick, the latter of Vermont. Heattended the common schools until the age of 14 years, when he was sent to the High School at Aurora, Ill.,,S where he was a pupil four years, after which he spent a year in study under the direction of the principal of,-*0 --- U U 4\~ Q, bi~ --- —-I — ihJ, li aNE 1W4 Y GO CO UNT Y. 265 > *...-,+i.CB.:. i 1 '.^n the school at Blackberry, Kane Co., Ill. He was then 20 year; old, and began his preparatory medical reading with Dr. O. L. Pelton, at Blackberry; where he remained one year, going thence to the University at Ann Arbor, Mich. He studied there one year and } during i88i practiced under Dr. W. A. Hendryx, of Big Rapids. The year next succeeding he attended Rush Medical College, in Chicago. On the first of March, 1883, he came to his present location, where he has since been engaged in the practice of medicine. illiam Whitman, proprietor of the Net -.waygo House, at Newaygo, was born * 2 June 28, 1840, at Brandon, Franklin Co., 9, N. Y. He is a son of Chauncey Whitman, and was reared on a farm. His mother died in I842, and in 1851 his father transferred his family to Muskegon Co., Mich. In 1863 they came to Garfield Tp., Newaygo Co., where the father and son bought 120 acres of land in joint partnership and engaged in lumbering. Mr. Whitman came to NeXVayTo..;ii iu CL niL ).f fliry T1d)i071 1itt.niu.:ni i._ Penobscot County. Here he remained until his 2 st year, then entered school. After completing his education he engaged in the lumbering business on the Penobscot River, remaining until the summer of 1843, when he returned home and purchased 200 acres of land in the town of AEtna, upon which he built a house. Dec. 17, 1844, he married Miss Elizabeth C. Moore, daughter of John and Hannah (Chapman) Moore, natives of Maine, who was born in Edgecomb, Lincoln Co., Maine, Nov. 13, i8i8. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph settled on the new farm, where they lived until 1849, then moved to Luzerne Co., Pa., where Mr. R. was engaged in lumbering until I855. They then returned to their former home, where Mrs. Randolph tarried for one year, and her husband came to Newaygo, this county, and worked in the mills for a few months. The following year his wife came, and they went to keeping house in Newaygo. In February, I86o, they moved upon a farm (of 80 acres, where he now resides, and which at that time was a dense forest. Mr. R. has since added 40 acres to his original purchase. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph have two children: John W. and S. Augusta. waY90 "I 1,v00 711 REV/, VVV Uwa3Cd3:3 l LLWUC La i 111 in the woods. In 1869 he bought the hotel, which he i has since continued to manage. The establishment; has accommodations for 25 guests, and is doing a good lon. Sullivan Armstrong, farmer, section business. He was married July 4, I864, in Muskegon 22, Ashland Township, was born in Monroe Co., to Susan, daughter of Charles and Sarah Carr, Co.,ah 3, aI s barents were Co., N. Y., March 3, 1821. His parents were who was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1848. 5 M ~ Bealy and Mary (Palmer) Armstrong; father Edward and Charles are the children born of this a an a aer rtron athe mrrwas born in Connecticut and mother in Rhode marriage. Island. Soon after marriage they settled in the State of New York, and when their son was five %! --— f —i -. --- years old they came to Michigan and fixed their ^_ 'place of residence at Walled Lake, Oakland County, l T. where the father died, in I827. In the fall of the harles T Randolph, a section 33, same year Mr. Armstrong returned with his mother Denver Township, was born on the is- to New York. In the spring of 1828 he went to land of Matinicus (?) in the Atlantic Ocean, Wyoming County, in that State, and became the emNov. 27, i8i8. His parents were Walter and ployee of a farmer named Burt, with whom he l Joanna (Hall) Randolph; father was born in remained until he was i8 years old. In 1839.' London, England, and mother in Maine, where they he came to Walled Lake once more, where he resided until their death. When Charles was remained two years. In the fall of 1841 he came to three months old he was bought to the main land, Walker Townshlp, Kent Co., Mich. ^ and lived at home, in Montville, Waldo Co., Me., Mr. Armstrong was married Dec. 4, I844, to Mary K until he was I4 years old, when his father moved to C., daughter of George and Sarah M. (Davis) X A4EnJ --- —l.|-iA- - ^ A ni' — "' ' * 11..! *-'*1 ' *" - A AA ":is tpe 7 '%T, I, i; 266 NEWA YGO Sheldon. The parents are of straight Puritan ancestry, born respectively in New York and Maine. Mr. Armstrong turned his attention energetically to farming and remained in Kent County until 1852. In the autumn of that year he decided to seek a permanent home in another part of Michigan, and in company with his brother set out as "land lookers." They fixed upon Newaygo County as a desirable quarter to locate, and Mr. Armstrong preempted 120 acres of land in Ashland Township. Through the assistance of John Ball, of Grand Rapids, he was enabled to establish himself on the place which has since been his homestead. As soon as practicable he erected the usual pioneer cabin, and took possession of his farm, with his wife and four children. The place and its fixtures make a creditable exhibit of the efforts and energy of the owner for the past 30 years. In addition to his farming interests he has extensively engaged in traffic in real estate, and during the winters of the past 25 years he has been occupied in heavy lumber transactions, putting in some seasons 3,000,000 feet of logs. His land operations have included over i,ooo acres, and he has added 40 acres to his home farm. Besides fine and expensive farm buildings, he has erected a residence at an expense of $4,000. In public life Mr. Armstrong is one of the most prominent citizens of Newaygo County, and has been identified with all its permanent interests. He has been actively alive to whatever promised to enhance the advantages of his township, and from the date of his settlement in the county has maintained the confidence and esteem of its citizens. He has been a Republican of decided principles, and in i860 was elected County Treasurer, and has served in that capacity three terms. In the fall of 1872 he was elected to the position of Representative to the State Legislature, which post he occupied two terms. He has officiated as Supervisor of his township 14 years, and, at various times, has filled most of the minor offices. On the organization of the National party he adopted its principles and issues, and so wide-spread was the repute of his influence and character that in the fall of i880 he was placed in nomination by the National Greenback Convention at Jackson, Mich., as candidate for the post of Lieutenant Governor. The party was in its early youth and its nominations were defeated by small maorities. Mr. Armstrong was not premonished of the COUNTY.,\., - I.,..,. _. ___ _, IK.. purposes of the Convention nor in any way made aware of the projected action. Of Ir children born to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, eight are deceased. Those living were born as follows: Sarah A., Dec. 28, 1845; Ida M., March 22, 1856; Herbert, Nov. 24, I86i. The sorrowful record of the early lost is as follows: Ellen, born Sept. 28, 1847, died April 26, I873; Amy A., Aug. 3, 1849, died Jan. 27, 1878; Sanford, Dec. 22, 1851, died Feb. I, i868; Fanny G., July 22, 1853, died July 2, i880; Arthur, May 22, 1858, died March 31, I860; Willis, Sept. 25, 1863, died Nov. Io, I863; Eugene, June 6, 1865, died Aug. 5, i865; Mabel, Jan. 9, 1868, died Sept. 8, i868. esse Maze, miller and farmer, section 14, Denver Township, is a son of Lancelot and Mary Maze, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch descent; and he was born in Summit Co., Ohio, May 30, 18jI. When he was three years old his parents moved to Madison Co., Ohio, and located on a farm, and thence to Delaware County, afterwards to Union County, both in the same State, where his father died, when he was in his I3th year. He was thus, at that early age, left to take care of his widowed mother, who soon after moved to Delaware County, where they lived four years, and finally removed to Medina County, where, April i, 1833, he married Miss Lydia Davis. She was a native of Ohio, and was born Sept. 22, 1813, and died Feb. i6, 1852, in De Kalb Co., Ind., having seven children, four girls and three boys. In the meantime Mr. Maze was engaged in milling through various portions of the country, and in 1848 moved to Indiana, where he still followed his trade. April 2, i856, he married, for a second wife, Mrs. Mary D. (Brown) Peck, daughter of Herman and Mary A. (Gaylord) Brown, who was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Aug. 25, I824. They have by this union one child, Willie H., born Feb. 18, I857. In May, i860, Mr. Maze moved to Newaygo County, this State, where he operated saw and grist mills until I864, then returned to Ohio, and in I858 removed to Illinois, where he lived until 1878, when.. kt f" 'r'i _IX. 'A "IF i 4 c-.~ k I 0I al~ lb~"~t ~ Pr NU. Qa" a k ;P rl r,1 ii c; I r ~e:i Y rli i QBIPl;i 'caa t*pslZa"Lil i"r; ~~'~-.ah" - -ern - "8 " cr*r-,,ga,*'l.le B nrE IA YG 0 COUNTY. 267 Z __ __-~ —6.~ _ _..,..,,..,,, <\ h e again came to this county, settling in Denver; Township, where he is now leading a quiet life on. 40 acres of land. In politics he is a zealous Repubi lican, and himself and wife belong to the Free Methodist Church. fames Corsant, foreman of the Western i- Michigan Saw-mill, located at Woodville, was b)or in I,ondon, Can., June II, 1838, and is a son of James and Millicent (Farrar) Corsant. He remained under the supervision and instruction of his father until he was 18 years old, at which age he came to Michigan and resided in Hillsdale County a short time. He then went to the city of New York and engaged as a seaman in the coast-sailing service, where he was employed three years. At the end of that time he located in Livingston County, where lie married Miss i Martha H., daughter of Elijah and Sarai Bisbee, f born in London, Can. He followed farming for two:t years thereafter, when he turned his attention to F lumbering one year, then again purchased a farm; butt, not finding agriculture a congenial pursuit, he embarked in his present business, taking charge of the mlill Jan. 8, I879, since which time he has been actively engaged in furthering the interests of the lroprietors. The family circle includes the following children: Florence A., Charles D., William D., Mabel WV. and Rubie M. Orson Bisard was born Sept. 27, I835, in Spencer, Ohio, and died Aug. 8, 1877, at his home in Dorr, Allegan County, leaving two children. He was a devoted husband and father, and his loss can never be compensated to the wife and children who still feel it as in the time of his removal. The widow removed with her fatherless ones to the protection of her father's home, where she supplies the place of both father and mother to her daughters, in care and self-sacrifice. Mr. Bisard was connected with the Orders of Odd Fellows and Freemasons. He was buried with the forms and ceremonies of the latter named body. In political faiti and action he was a D)emocrat. His daughters were born as follows: Anna C., May 19, 1871, and Tina D., June I, J877. l - athaniel D. Macumber, farmer, section 27, ^ ^- Denver township, was born in Bristol, Onll tario Co., N. Y., Fe 6, 87. His parents ol were Nathaniel and Mary (Clark) Macumber, J natives of Massachusetts, and of Scotch descent. Soon after their marriage they moved upon a farm in Bristol, N. Y., and in 1827 emigrated to the then Territory of Michigan, and settled in Oakland County, upon a farm of 80 acres in the township of Novi, near the present site of Novi village. In one month after their arrival in Michigan his father died, leaving a wife and five children. What is quite remarkable, these children are all living and are residents of this State; and, although the parents were weakly, there is not an invalid among the children, and all have acquired a competency. Their names are: Hannah, Jason, Mary, Nathaniel D. and John C After tile death of his father, Nathaniel was "bound out," and suffered more hardships and privations than usually fall to the lot of so young a man. After serving three years he sought his liberty, not by way of " coaxing off," but by suddenly breaking the bonds of tyranny that were crushing out his manhood. Accompanied by another young man, he started out to encounter the vicissitudes of life free from all restraint. He earned his first dollar by digging potatoes four days; and with this little sum he set out for Monroe County, which he reached in due season. j"* N i I., I 2 rs. Samantha Bisard, resident on section 26, Ashland Tlownship, was born in Spencer, Medina Co., Ohio, Nov. 6, I846, and is the dauglhter of Asahel and Emily, (Salisbury) Bisard, natives respectively of Ohio j and Orange Co., Vt. Her parents came to ~;~ Grand Rapids when she was five years old, and four years later they removed to Ashland Township. She remained a member of the household until her ' marriage, Nov. 6, 862, to Orson, son of David and Rebecca (Huse) Bisard, natives of New England. ; where he has since resided. Following is the record = of his children: Emma S., born April 2, 187.5;? Lula E., June 3, I879; Edna I., Nov., 23, i88i. Her parents were natives of England and New York, and went after their marriage to Norfolk Co., Ontario, Canada, where the daughter was born, Sept. i8, i847. When she was eight years old she came with her parents to Claybanks, Oceana Co., Mich. Her father died there in i85 i, and the family removed to Lyons, Ionia County, where she attended school four years and then came to Newaygo County, where she was soon after married. The husband and wife located on the farm which has since been their home, and devoted every energy and effort to its improvement. They own 240 acres of land, with 75 acres under cultivation. Following is the record of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Squier: Emily M., born Aug. 8, I864; Franklin B., Dec. 8 i866; Pearlie L., April 28, i872; Gracie O., July i, i877; Effie D., 21, I88o; Almon R., March 29, 1869 (died May 8, 187 ); an infant child, June I, 1873, died June 15, following. Mr. Squier is a Democrat in political persuasion. He is a veterinary surgeon, which profession he has followed for years, and is considered one of the best in Northern Michigan. William C., l)orn Fel). 20, 1877, died Aug. 16, 1879..__._, lK artin Davis, farmer, section 3, Barton. = - Township, was born March 9, 1840, in ''~' Jackson Co., Mich., and is a son of Asa,| M |1-ansom J. Squier, farmer, section 6, Bridge- B. and Caroline R. (Harrington) Davis. His a ton Township, was born Feb. 28, i838, in father was a native of Canada and spent his Washington Co., N. Y., where his parents, life in the pursuit of lumbering; he died in \John and Polly (Lampman) Squier, were born i 85 i. The mother was born in Vermont, and after / and whence they removed to Rochester, N. the death of her first husband married a man named Y. After a brief residence in that city they Elliot Cheney and returned to Kent County; she came to Coldwater, Branch Co., Mich. Some years was widowed a second time in Paris, Mecosta later they moved to Noble Co., Ind., and in the win- Co., Mich., in i871. She is now a resident of Barter of i855 removed again to Michigan, locating in ton Township, Newaygo County. Muskegon County. At 17 years of age Mr. Davis entered the family r. Squier remained with his parents, obtaining of Thomas Skinner, of Kent County, with whom he his education and engaged in farming, until the remained until he attained the estate of legal man-:: spring of i86o, when he pre-empted 16o acres of un- hood. He enlisted under the first call for troops i broken forest land in Bridgeton Township, on which after the assault upon the United States flag at Fort he immediately settled and began to make improve- Sumter, enrolling in April, i861, in Co., A, Sixth (; ments. Mich., Cav., and was in the service until July 4, Mr. Squier was married in July, i863, to Orella, 1863,when he was severely wounded in the left. daughter of John and Sarah (Sherman) Nelson. thigh by a ball and released from active duty. He .. 270 V VWAYGO C( di IfsI t A. j;j i' \^ v \. was transferred to the hospital at Little York, Pa., where he remained until April 27, 1865, when he was finally discharged and returned home. He came at once to Mecosta County and settled in the township of Greene, where he was a resident until I871. In that year he purchased his homestead in Mecosta County, where he resided until 1873, giving his time and attention to its improvement and cultivation. Mr. Davis married June 3, 1865, in Kent County, Phebe A., daughter of William and Hannah (Morgan) Haynes. The parents were born in England and came to the United States in i840. Mrs. Davis was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1847. William E., only child of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, was born April 9, I87, in Mecosta County. Mr. Davis is a Republican and has held the office of School Inspector and Justice of the Peace in his township. l eorge W. Nafe, M. D., Fremont, is a son bl;l of John and Mary M. (Stewart) Nafe, na' tives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and was born in Ohio June 19, 1848. He lived with his parents until about 22 years of age, attending the common schools, and afterward the High School at Rochester, Ind. He early gave his attention to the study of medicine, and attended the Pennsylxania University, at Philadelphia, Pa., two years, and was graduated in I871. He had previously studied in the office of Dr. Hector at Rochester, Ind. Upon leaving college he commenced the practice of his profession in Cass Co., Ind., where he remained six and a half years. In the summer of 1877 he came to Fremont, where he has since followed his profession, with gratifying success. Dr. Nafe has held the office of Village Trustee three years, President of the village two years, member of the School Board four years, and Director two years. In the fall of 1882 he was the Democratic candidate for Representative, but was defeated by Charles W. Stone, the Greenback candidate, who had the plurality, but of less than I00 votes. He is a member of the Fremont Lodge, 741, K. of H., and in politics is a Democrat. 9 U'NT Y. The Doctor was married in Rochester, Ind., April $ 6, 1872, to Cordelia, daughter of Christopher and Julia A. Ernsperger, who was born in Ohio, Aug, 15, I847. They have had three children: John C., born March 13, 1875; Julia M., born April 2, i88i; Nellie L., born Jan. 9, I873, died June 24, 1883. -— D- ^ --- — d; oseph A. Zerlaut, farmer, Bridgeton Township, section 5, was born in Bavaria, t Germany, Dec. 15, 1839. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Steiner) Zerlaut, were also born in Bavaria, and in 1853 he accompanied his mother to America, his father having died five years before. They located at Hopeville, R. I., and afterward went to Centerville, in that State. Mr. Zerlaut went in i856 to Wauregan Mills, Conn., and found employment in a woolen factory, remaining two years. In the summer of i856 he went to Moosup, in Windham County, and there pursued his trade until i858, when he came to Muskegon. He worked some time in a saw.mill, and at length, in company with an uncle, came to Newaygo County, in quest of land whereon to establish homes. He located 120 acres in Bridgeton Township, and remained until the spring following, making improvements. He returned to Muskegon, and not long after to the "land of steady habits," and in November, i86i, brought his mother and the remaining members of the family to his place in Bridgeton, where they established a home. Mr. Zerlaut enlisted Sept. 27, 1862, in the Sixth Mich. Cav., Co. H. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac, under Sheridan, and Mr. Zerlaut was in all the actions in which that division of the army participated, excepting those of the Pennsylvania campaign. He was at Buckland Mills, Va., Oct. 19, 1863, where he received a bullet wound just above the left knee, the shot passing upwards and coming out at the hip joint. He escaped all other mishaps of war and received an honorable discharge Dec. 5, i865. Mr. Zerlaut was married Feb. 17, I866, to Anna, daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Hedric) Bing, of Muskegon. She was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, -*~z i; 1jl IN,J,",:~, — x -— r art~ "; if, ill t? rrr ~- ~ I "C * J hii F::::-:: 1. a I t / NE WA YGO CO UNTY. 273 /-, I v V t ib SA I t, ( Germany, and remained in her native country until she was 17 years old, when she came to the United ' States and fixed upon Muskegon as a place of residence, where she engaged as a domestic until her marriage. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Zerlaut, nine in number, were born as follows: Henry, May I, I867; Joseph, Dec. I6, I868; George, June 20, 1872; Frank J., May I9, I874; Anna, March 28, I877; Fanny, Aug. 25, I880; Martin, Nov. 5, 1882; Elizabeth, May 9. 1876 (died Nov. I4, same year); / Frank, Oct. 18, I870 (died Nov. 9, following)., Mr. Zerlaut has made the record of a successful: and progressive farmer on his land, and has placed 65 acres under advanced improvements. He is a Republican in politics, and has held the positions of School Inspector and Drain Commissioner. -- - - '.1t^ eorge McNutt, one of the Directors of the ' i 1 M Darling Mill Co., Fremont, was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, I841. His parents, Alexander and Frances (Shellenberger) McNutt, were natives of Ohio; they first settled in Mahoning County, where they lived for about 30 years, then moved to Ashtabula County, where they remained until.their death. George received a good common-school education in his native State, and when only 21 years old the Southern Rebellion broke out in all its horrors. The first shot at Fort Sumter sent an electric thrill through every loyal heart in the North, and immediately, irrespective of pa;rty, the cry went up for vengeance. They abandoned the field of argumentand ceased to discuss measures and plans for the peaceable restoration of the National authority in the revolted States, and with singular unanimity and determination accepted the issues of war as the only means left to save and perpetuate the National existence, and the priceless liberties so long enjoyed. It was to preserve the flag which Washington loved, and which Jackson, Scott and Taylor with so many glorious triumphs defended, that the question " Who can go?" arose instead of "Who will go?" Acts of, true patriotism were to be seen on all sides, where men left mother, father, wife and children, and their business interests to keep the flag a union flag. Those brave men were stirred with this patriotism which, wherever it prevails in its genuine vigor and extent, swallows up all sordid and selfish regards, conquers the love of ease, power, pleasure and wealth: and when the partialities of friendship, gratitude and even family ties come in competition with it, it prompts a sacrifice of all in order to maintain the rights and promote the honor and happiness of our country. The true sentiments of patriotism are within their breasts to-day as when they left mother, father, wife and family for the front. Wherever they are found, in all questions of National or State import it springs forth. It is not spasmodic in its action, blazing forth only as in a comet's erratic course, in times of public trials or danger, upon great occasions and upon great incentive, but it is a rule of conduct, constant, equable, incorruptible and enduring. 'Wealth cannot bribe it. Power cannot seduce it. Ambition cannot blind it. Friendship cannot swerve it from justice. Fear cannot intimidate it nor injustice swerve it, nor bribery corrupt or enervate it. We speak only of those men who volunteered from the inspiration of patriotism, as George McNutt did. To such brave, true-hearted men too much honor can never be given. He enlisted Aug. 19, I86I, in the 29th Ohio Inf., and served until the close of the war, -over four years, and received an honorable discharge at Cleveland, Ohio. He participated in 14 heavy battles, besides numerous smaller ones; among them was the battle of Winchester. He was wounded in the arm and side at the battle of Fort Republic, and was wounded in the side at Dallas, Ga. He was in the hospital only three days during his service in the army, but was unfit for duty nearly three months. After his discharge he engaged in the saw-miliing business at Berlin, Ohio, for nearly a year, and in the fall of I866 came to Michigan, first settling in Allegan County, where he was employed by H. F. Marsh, Jr., of Allegan, six years, in the lumber business. He was then employed by the Chicago & West Mich.igan Railroad Company, as bill clerk, at Pentwater, where he remained for nearly a year and a half, and was then appointed station agent at Fremont, which position he filled about two years, after which he was appointed passenger conductor on the same road, filling the position for seven years, constantly on one train. He was then promoted Division Superintend., I e';_ ei B.' d - 1 Ii I,., (, C ~~ - Is I-11- - _ - '' - 11 - 111,I -\., n04 1 I,.. —! 274 NEWA YGO COUNTY. - ---... --—.- iz; 3 ent, which position he resigned in the spring of 1883, Clerk nearly eight years, and Justice of the Peace; to engage in the milliug business. He is now a part- six years. He is a Freemason, and in politics is " ner in the Darling Milling Company. neutral, but sympathizes rather with the Republican ~ He was married in Pierpont, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, party. ) July 2, I865, to Eunicia, daughter of Paul and Sarah Howland, a native of Ashtabula Co.,' Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McNutt have had three children: (ertrude E. and Maud E. George is deceased. Mr. Shepherd, faer, section 25, BarMcN. is a member of the Blue Lodge, No. i80, F. & org Township, was born i atlurst, Perth A. M., of Fremont, and of Pilgrim Commandery ton Township, was born in Bathurst, Perth Y Co., Can., Oct. 8, I835, and is a son of i No. 23, of Big Rapids. In politics he is a staunch Simpson and Sarah Shepherd. His father % Simpson and Sarah Shepherd. His father! Republican. We give his portrait in this work. was born in England, his mother in Ireland. The occupation of the former was for many? years that of a farmer, and he now resides in Plymp-., zvxz -^^^^rN^o'^7 a |ton, Lambton County, where he is a merchant and Postmaster. Mr. Shepherd remained on his father's farm until ^he was 25 years old. He was mlarried in i860, to l hester E. Stearns, dealer in furniture, I aura, daughter of William and Anna (Newett) D,Fremont, is a son of Daniel and Sallie Hoskins, born in England Jan. 4, 1839. In 1872 Mr. 0i (Coburn) Stearns, and was borll May 28, Shepherd disposed of his farm in the Dominion and 8= I824; his father was a native of Brattleboro, came to Michigan. He bought i6o acres of land in a,! < Vt., and his mother of Massachusetts. They Barton Township, has placed one-half of it under im. settled in New York. Chester E. attended the com- provement, and has good and suitable farm buildings. mon schools of that State until i6 years of age, Mr. Shepherd is a Republican in politics, and himself when he was apprenticed three years to learn the and family belong to the M. E. Church. cabinet-maker's trade; at the expiration of his time, Children: George W., born Dec. 3, 861; Martha he engaged in business with his father for several J., Selt. 7, I863; Richard E., Aug. 18, T865. years; was then employed by Norman Bonny four years; afterward worked at his trade until the fall____ of i853; at this time he went to Connecticut, where he was engaged two years in the manufacture of | hubs and felloes. In the spring of i856 he camle to leexander cKinley, farmer, section 5, i Newaygo County, worked at his trade two years,. Ashland Township, son of Robert and < and then settled on a farm of i60 acres, in what was | ' Christina (Black) McKinley, was born in Hunthen known as the township of Fremont. He lived ter, Ontario, Feb. 10, 850. The parents were on this farm until December, i88o, when he sold ( born and married in Scotland, and afterward out and moved into the village of Fremont, soon came to Canada, where they now are living. afterward opening a furniture store, where he is now Mr. McKinley spent his youth under the superconducting a successful trade. vision of his father, and in the fall of I869 left the Mr. Stearns was first married to Freelove Bemis, family home and came to Michigan. He spent two daughter of Benjamin and Marilla Bemis, and they years in the Upper Peninsula, working on a farm in | had one child, Henry E. Mrs. S. died on Nov. 19, Marquette County during the summers, and in the 1856, in Newaygo. Mr. S. married Anna (Bezent) lumber woods during winters. In September, 1851,. Hammond, a native of England. The children by he returned to his native place in Canada, but after; this marriage are: Lettie E., Libbie L., Lafore C. a brief delay he came to Michigan and purchased A and cOlive L. George died in infancy. Mr. S. has 80 acres of land, which he has increased to 20 'o, been Highway Commissioner eight years, Township acres by later purchase. His farm is well improved X. < "~aia --- — W ^W —^-^-~ —^-_,~I rville L. Smith, fanrer, section 12, Barton, A ' Township, was born Aug. 6, I849, in Madi-, t,son Co., N. Y. Hi: parents, Daniel D. and * ~' Sylvia L. (Chappell) Smith, were also natives of that county, and resided there until the / n month of April, i865, when they removed to; Michigan and fixed their residence at Grand Rapids I) for a time. In the winter of i867 they came to Nei waygo County, where they are still residing,,C.'-', 'WInI I: r rrcc oc1_ b~0U,~-, " i -- A 278 NEWA YGO COUNTY. 1 Mich., Nov. 3, 1852, to Martha M., daughter of Na- service he returned to his native county, where he i r thaniel and Mary Collins, natives of Massachusetts found plenty of occupation in the various depart-:.. and New York, respectively, and she was born in ments of his trade. He was married Oct. o1, I845, q t Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 9, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Scott to Emily, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Salhave had four children. He has formerly been iden- isbury, born Sept. 15, 1825, in Orange Co., Vt. Her tified with the Republican party, but of late years parents removed in 1833 to Winstead, Cuyahoga sympathizes with the National party. Co., Ohio, and later to Medina Co., Ohio, where she grew to womanhood.. - -- ))>c - After his marriage Mr. Bisard engaged a year in a >*i 'cabinet shop, after which lie went to Erie County in - ohn Barks, farmer, section 32, Dayton the Buckeye State, and engaged in farming until the Township, is a son of John D. and Sophia summer of 1851, when they located in Grand RapC. (Cool) Barks, and was born iln Marion ids. Mr. Bisard there pursued the business of mason Co., Ohio, July 20, 1843. His parents were for four years. In the spring of 1855 he settled on natives of Ohio, and moved to La Grange Co., 80 acres in Ashland Township. It was in its origInd., when John was but two years old, and inal condition, and he has now placed it in a very lived there until they came to Michigan. John Barks, the subject of this sketch, came to Muskegon in I865, and worked there and at other places for three years. In 1867 he moved upon his farm of 80 acres, which he had previously purchased, and now has 60 acres in good cultivation. In the winter of 1872 he married Emeline Palmer, who died Sept. 20, 1876; in 1878 he married Helen, second daughter of Smith and Mary (Ellsworth) McDonald, a native of Canada. Their two children are Americus and Canialena. In August, 1862, Mr. B. enlisted in the iooth Ind. Vol. Inf. and served nearly three years, in the 4th Division of the I5th A.... ft'A _^^......... -. - - '- *.1 fine state of cultivation, with a substantial farm residence in process of construction. The other farm buildings are proportionately good, and among other improvements he takes a just pride in his orchard of 200 trees of choice selection of fruit. Mr. Bisard is a radical Democrat, and both him. self and wife belong to the M. E. Church. Their six children were born as follows: Samantha (see sketch), Nov. 6, I846; Franklin, Dec. 25, 1847; Polly, July 22, 1850; Charles L., Jan. 14, i855; Orson, Aug. 27, i862; and John, Jan. 27, I864. _-_-< j ^ oc^>..- i Allliy Vu1jbp, tulCti Ollcillaln, partulIpating in tneI engagements at Vicksburg, Atlanta, Chattanooga oohn Young, farmer, section 32, Sheridan and in the march to the sea; and was present at Township, is a son of Brancrats and Barthe capture of Richmond. He was in a great many bra (Classer) Young, natives of Germany; engagements, but never Jreceived even the slightest the former is deceased and the latter is living wound..| in Bridgeton Township, this county. He was - born in Germany, Nov. 6, i833, and at 18 years of age came to America. He first lived at B |Muskegon for about six years, and in the fall of 1857 sahel Bisard, farmer, section 26, Ashland came to Sheridan Township, this county, and purT ownship, was born iu Medina Co., Ohio chased 40 acres of wild land. He has since added '^ April 5, 1825, and is a son of Philip and Bet- to his farm and now owns 240 acres, with over ioo. sey (Rush) Bisard. The parents were natives acres under cultivation. He was married in Musof Pennsylvania, of Dutch extraction. kegon, in 1853, to Barbara, daughter of John and ' Mr. Bisard was chiefly employed upon his Barbara (Hooper) John, natives of Austria, where she: father's farm until he was I6 years old. On arriving also was born in i831. -Mr. and Mrs. Young have at that age he went to Green Co., Pa., and ap- had eight children, five surviving, namely: Caroline, prenticed himself to his uncle, Daniel Rush, to learn L., Frederick, Mary E., John and William A. the mason's trade. On the completion of his time of In politics, Mr. Young is a Republican. I. -- -^- -X1.,N w r^ ^^ - -^7 1 1^,:6-X (-'.i, NE WA YGO COUNTY. 279 -, ^^^ ohn N. Bennett, farmer, section 28, Sheri. ~. dan Township, was born in New York, June 15, I842, and is a son of Elias and Annie M. (Vanderhoof) Bennett, natives also of New York. They settled in that State and f afterward moved to Branch Co., Mich., where Mrs. B. died; her husband lives with his son John. The subject of this notice came to Michigan when 21 years of age, and was engaged in farming in Branch County nine years. In the spring of 1872 he came to Newaygo County and bought I60 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, where he now resides and has about 50 acres under cultivation. He was married in Branch County, Feb. 22, I872, to Mary E. From, a native of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of five children: Anna M., Ida E.,, Martha A., Jonathan E. and Julia E. In politics Mr.. Bennett is a Republican. carry them on together. In the spring of 1883 they began the erection of a fine block, known as Music Hall, on North Division street, which is already completed. When Mr. Hart commenced business he had very little means; but by industry and frugality, and close attention to business, he has acquired a nice property. He was married in Allen Co., Ind., to Catharine Cope, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have had seven children, six of whom are living: Joseph F., Frank, Willie, Bertie, Jack and Mortimer; Eugene died when 9 months old. Politically, Mr. Hart is a Democrat. ohn Miller, farmer, section 21, Sheridan T Township, is a son of Peter Miller, a native of Sweden, and was born in that country in June, I837. He came to America in I864 and went directly to Illinois, where he lived two and a half years engaged in farming, then came to Muskegon, Michigan and worked in mills and on the railroad till the fall of I876. He,5r I I r<>.H Ai then came to Newaygo County and purchased 120 11ames F. Hart, Fremont, was born in Allen acres of land, to which he has since added 40 more, Co., Ind., May I, 840. His parents were and now has about 50 acres under tillage. He was Stephen and Hannah (Gillett) Hart, the married in Sweden, Dec. 31, I859, to Ida Peterson, a former a native of Massachusetts and the native of that country. They have had nine children, latter of New York. Soon after their marriage seven of whom are living: Peter M., Charles J., Otto they settled in Ohio, and then went to Alen A., Ida D., Jennie O., Hilma M. and Emily E. In thev settled in Ohio, and then went to Allen;.. a R.,. politics he is a Republican. X County, Ind., where they passed the remainder of at their days. J. F. lived at home until 22 years of i age, and then came to Muskegon. Mich., where he -> lived 12 years, engaged in lumbering. He then worked one year in Holton, same county, and in the ' spring of 1876 came to Newaygo County. He first |eorge W. Packard, farmer, section 27, located at Worcester Station, where he lived about Dayton Township, was born i New York, seven months, and in the following fall came to Fre- Oct. 1, i831. His parents, Alanson and a mont and engaged in the liquor business for George Abigail (Graham) Packard, were residents of Schweitzer one and a half years. He then went to that State for a number of years. The Croton, where he was engaged in the same business mother died there, and the father afterward moved 'f about eight months, and then returned to Fremont to Ohio for a few years, then came to Michigan, first j and formed a partnership with Franklin M. Bowman, settling in Wayne County and subsequently in under the name of Hart & Bowman, for the pur- Hillsdale, where he died. George passed the firstX pose of carrying on the liquor trade. Two years ten years of his life in his native State, and came to later they added the livery business, and still Ohio with his father, where he attended school and MO_ W -e.,Adi - > ". ~~x --- —--- ^n^QI pSFQ~ l l^a --- —--— ~~~tziI~~:~ X 280 NE.WA YGO COUNTY. Y C -— ~ —. _ _ -------------------- ---— ======== --- —--; 9 worked on a farm. In the fall of 1849 he left Dec. 31, 1865, in Kalamazoo, he married Cinder- N Huron County and walked to Detroit, this State, ella J., daughter of Myron and Rachel Harrington, t.: taking five days for the journey. He remained in who was born in Kalamazoo County, Nov. 7, 1843.! Wayne County the following winter, engaged in Her parents were natives of the State of New York chopping and logging, and in the spring of 1850 and came to Kalamazoo County in the fall of I843. k walked to Hillsdale County. Here he worked on a Mr. Westbrook enlisted Oct. Io, I86I, in the I3th farm till the spring of i866, when he came with his Mich. Inf., and served until the close of the war. family to this county and purchased 80 acres of wild He was in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Corinth, land in Dayton Township, and built a frame house Chickamauga, Bentonville, N. C., and numerous which he now occupies. He afterward added 80 others. He was wounded in the arm at the battle of d acres to his original purchase, then sold half of his Chickamauga, and again in the thigh at the battle of farm, so that he now owns 80 acres, 40 of which are under cultivation. In Litchfield, Hillsdale County, Aug. 27, I856, Mr. Packard married Mary, eldest daughter of C. C. and Cornelia (Smith) Waldo, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Vermont; they moved to Litchfield, where the mother died; the father still resides there. Mr. and Mrs. Packard have had eight children: Carrie E., born May 2I, 857; Herbert E.,April io, i860; Dora A., June I2, I863; Lillie A., Aug. 27, I864; Mertie E., April 22, I869; Annie A., March 27, I87 I; Frank W., born April 20, i858, died April 28, I859; May C., born Sept. 12, 1867, died in March, i868. Mr. Packard was Commissioner of Highwavs for Bentonville. On account of his first wound he was unable to do service for three months, and was laid up four months by reason of the second wound. He was honorably discharged at Detroit, Mich. Since that time he has followed farming, excepting two years, when he was engaged in teaming. He receives a pension. Politically he is a Republican. His children, by his present wife, are: James W., born Dec. 8, 1869; Amanda L., April 6, i875; Laura M., Dec. I2, -876; Mabel A., April 12, 1882. Myron D. died at the age of I8 months. Mr. Westbrook had one child by a previous marriage, William P., born March 14, i86o. A* =1 -* >; 0, Dayton Township two years, and School Director |'~7-< two years. Himself and wife are active members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Republican. amauel W. Peterson, Justiceof the Peace ~ - 1,, 91 and farmer, section 27, Ashland Township, was born Sept. 5, 1834, in Prince Edward A. Wstbook, fam, sction 6, Day- Co., Prov. of Ont., and is a son of Col. SamA. Westbrook, farmer, section 16, Dayton Township, is a son of Peter and Fan- uel and Margaret (Loyst) Peterson. His pary (Marble) Westbrook, and was born in ents were natives of the Dominion of Canada, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, March 29, 1837. His where his father was a citizen of distinction. He parents were natives of New Jersey and New was for 30 years a Magistrate, under the Provincial York, respectively. They came to Michigan in law that required a subject to be worth 500 pounds y and s in K Cny, sterling in order to be eligible to the appointment, an early day and settled in Kalamazoo County, l and in i856 he was appointed Colonel of the Canawhere they were engaged in farming, and where they h w a died. dian militia and held the post as long as he lived. Mr. Mr. Peterson remained in Canada, associated with Mr. Westbrook was only one year old when his f. parents came to Michigan. He remained at home his father, 30 years He was educated principally at until the death of his father, since which time he has Victoria College, Coburg, Ont., and afterward studied one term at the Provincial Normal School at Toronbeen obliged to care for himself. He came fromat TorKalamazoo County to Newaygo County in the fall of to, to fit hself for teaching n the public schools, 867 and bought 80 acres of school land on section which profession he has followed for 12 years. In j, ( I66, Dayton Township, where he has since lived and 1856 he was appointed Adjutant, under his father, now has 50 acres in cultivation. nd discharged the dutie of the position four years. -----—..^^ Q Q~l^ ^ ------ (2cc_ fg V/NEWA YGO CO UNTY. r. ^ K >a+ rw /.',* + > iW.-X i- -k-..*,,^'.X 281 n I*, I 1 - — I 4 In the summer of 1864 he came to Michigan and / located on section 27 of Ashland Township, where he purchased 25 acres of land for a homestead. On coming to the county of Newaygo, he engaged two terms in teaching, since which he has devoted himself;o farming, and the business pertaining to his appointment as Agent of the State Board of Correction and Charities at Lansing and Coldwater. He was appointed by the Government as Census Enumerator for the township of Ashland in 1880, and made out his returns according to law.? Mr. Peterson was married July 22, I864, to Samantha J., daughter of John and Eunice Redick, of Ashland Township. The parents were natives of New York, and early in life removed to Ontario, Can., where the daughter was born, and resided with her parents until she was 23 years of age, when her family settled in Ashland Township. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have had four children; all are living and were born as follows: George, April 13, I865; Walter S., July 12, I866; Carrie and ' Harry (twins), July 22, i868. Mr. Peterson is a Republican in politics, and in i87 1 was appointed PostAm aster of Lake. Mrs. Peterson died April 3, 1873, and Mr. Peterson again contracted marriage July 17,: 1873, with Mrs. Irene Applegarth, widow of the late - Dr. Applegarth. She was born Aug. 7, 1828, near London, Middlesex (o., Ont. this point in i878, and was the first to engage in the trade, in which he is obtaining satisfactory results. He was married in April, i883, to Anna C. Benson, a native of Denmark. She was born in Denmark in 1858, a daughter of Benjamin and Christina Nelson. ornelis Mulder, proprietor of saw-mill, Fremont, was born in Holland, July 30, i826. j - w His parents, Jacobus and Tryntje (Ellenga) Mulder, were also natives of Holland, where the mother died; the father then came to this country to live with his children, and died at the advanced age of 85 years. Mr. Mulder left his native country at the age of 21, in company with an elder brother, and came to America. They landed in New York and came immediately to Grand Haven, Mich., spending the first winter at Perrysburg. He lived several years at Mill Point, now known as Spring Lake, where he was employed in and about a saw-mill. He then lived with his brother nearly two years, when he returned to Spring Lake and was engaged in carpentry one season, then went to Muskegon. In the spring of i855 he went to the Northern Peninsula and helped build a saw-mill, and in the fall of the same year again returned to Spring Lake. In the spring of 1856 he went to Muskegon and helped build L. G. Mason's first mill, and remained at Muskegon until I86i, then built a store and engaged in general merchandise, doing a heavy business for ten years. In 1872 he sold out, and the year following was engaged in settling up his affairs. In the fall of 1873 he moved his family to Fremont, where he had previousiy erected a saw-mill and operated until the spring of i88i, when the mill was destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt the saw and shingle mill but not the planing-mlill, and again commenced operations. This mill has a capacity of 15 to 20,000 feet daily. Mr. Mulder was first married in Muskegon, Mich., to Fannie Coahoma Langley, a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born July 10, I849, and they had one child, William C., born June 25, I871, and died Sept. 3, 1871. Aug. 25, i871, Mrs. Mulder died, "'N, 6 ^ T - ohn Jernstadt, dealer in dry goods, gro-... XJ_ ceries, provisions, flour, feed, etc., at Wood-: I^ ^' ville, was born in Sweden, Aug. 29, i847, i i > and is the son of Phar Jansen and Christina t (Olsen) Jernstadt, both natives of Sweden and belonging to the agricultural class of that country. Mr. Jernstadt came to the United States in 187 I, and went to Chicago, coming thence to Grand Haven. He next went to Allegan County, where he worked on the railroad. His next remove was to Grand -: Rapids, to enter the employ of the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., where he remained but a short time. He passed, a year in the service of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, and then came to Woodville and established K~ himself as at present. He founded his business at r1 At<'Q 4 tal,rw' '4.fll *, =-< x- _ __ __ti._ < t~ s~p-~siNW! I-~ ~e~~- lk 282 r 282 I *' S, 'VE 'VA YGO COUNTY. VEE~l r~i *N'. I and in. 873 Mr. Mulder married Jane Simpson, a t native of Indiana. Mr. M. has been a member of the Council of Fremont two years, and in politics is a Republican. We give his portrait in this Album. ylvanus Reed, deceased, was a native of Ohio, and a son of James and Nancy Ann ty Reed. He came to Michigan in I849, and settled in Newaygo County, where he purchased 40 acres of land, and afterward added 20 acres, besides a tract of pine land. This land he sold, and bought 280 acres. He sold a portion of this, and at the time of his decease owned i60 acres of land, in Dayton Township, over a Ioo acres being improved. He was married in this county June 3, 1849, to Harriet Barnhard, who was v a native of Sandusky Co., Ohio, and they have had x 13 children, viz.: Emily, Francis W., Louisa J., X Mary E., Sarah F., Susan M., Oliver E., Olive L., Ida M., Stephen S. and Carrie B.; David F. and Lucy are deceased. Mr. Reed was Township Treasurer for several years. He died Sept. 7, I88I. Mrs. Reed still resides on the farm, a portion of which she cultivates. June i, I857, he married Mary E. Finch, and they settled in Jones Co., Iowa, where he worked on a farm and taught school. He then moved to Hastings, Mich., and worked at his trade until 1863, thence to Kent County, remaining a short time, thence to Mecosta County, where he worked on a farm till 1874, then moved to Hesperia, this county, where he has since resided. They have had six children: Ada A., born Sept. 20, 1858; Frank W., Sept. 26, 1863; Archie V., Sept. 8, I873; Henry H., born in August, i860, died in October, I862; Elmer E., born April 14, 1862; died in October, 1862; Fannie, born in August, i868, died in December, I869. Mr. King is a member of the I. O. G. T.; is Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. ustus Giles, farmer, section 16, Ashland J1 Township, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, I845, and is a son of John and Cynthia (Finch) Giles. The father was of English descent, the mother of a line of ancestors directly traceable to the Colonial Puritans, and was a daughter of a captain in the war of the Revolution. The parents of Mr. Giles removed in his boyhood to St. Joseph Co., Ind., where he was reared and educated. He came to Michigan in the summer of I86o and engaged as a lumberman. In I86I he located in Bridgeton Township, this county, remaining until Feb., I866. He was married in Bridgeton, Nov. 8, 1863, to Elizabeth J., daughter of William and Polly (Bigsby) WL-ctington. Her parents are of mixed Scotch-Irish and English descent, and are living in Muskegon County. Mrs. Giles was born April i, 1847, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and came to Eaton Co., Mich., when she was eight years old, and soon after to Kent County, where she received her education. Later she came to Bridgeton. In the month of February, 1865, Mr. Giles entered into a contract with the United States Government to manage a supply train at St. Joseph, Mo., which position he filled until July following. He had previously purchased his present farm, consisting of 40 acres of land, and at the date last mentioned he located thereon. He has put nearly the entire tract ] |JS evi W. King, Attorney and Justice of the 1 ' Peace, Hesperia, was born in Orange Co., 2~ Vermont, Feb. 28, I833. His parents y were Nathaniel and Almira (Bean) King, natives of New England, who moved to Ionia Co., Mich., where they died at the advanced ages of 84 and 76, respectively. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Washington, Orange Co., Vt., where he received a fair education; in the common schools; also attended Barrie Academy. At the age of 21 he commenced life for him* self. He first came to St. Joseph County, this State, and settled at Three Rivers, where he followed his;& trade,that of cabinet-maker, which he had previously i~) learned in Chelsea, Vermont, where he had been ap~ prenticed to a Mr. Cross. t --— r<^ James F., Mary S., William B., John E. and Charlotte. Mr. Jones is an adherent to the tenets of the Republican party. himself, in Newfield Township, Oceana County, and remained in that County until July, i883, when he came to Hesperia, this county, and established a meat market, and where, by honest and fair dealing, he has gained the confidence of the people and is doing a good business. By their union they have had one child, Annie E., born Sept. 24, I882. Mr. Whitney is a member of the 1. 0. 0. F. In politics he is a supporter of the Greenlack party. A ussell Bush, tanner, and farmer on section -.... 332, Denver Township, is a son of John and tt Lydia (Armes) Bush, who were natives of Massachusetts, and direct descendants, 9n I both sides, of the ancient Puritan families. He was born in Greenfield, Mass., April 2, i803; and when he was eight years old his parents moved to Addison Co., Vermont, and settled on a farm, where he went to school until his i6th year, when he was apprenticed to Saxton Warner, a tanner in the town of Bristol, and served four years, or until the day he was 21 years old. He then left Bristol and worked at his trade three years, when he emigrated to Ontario, Can., locating in Beamsville, where he established a bark tannery, which he operated five years. He afterward entered a tannery and saw-mill in the vicinity of Toronto, which was destroyed by the overflowing of the river on which it was situated. Becoming discouraged at his loss, he removed to the village of Jordan, in the spring of I842, near the town of St. Catharines, where he built a larger tannery than any of the preceding ones, and carried on a more extensive business. He remained here until i849, then returned to his old location, then known as Port Credit, in the vicinity of Toronto, where he conducted a large hotel until I856. In the winter of that year he came to Eaton County, this State, settling in the township of Vermontville, where he worked a farm 14 years. In June, I870, he came to this county and settled in Hesperia, and established a hardware store, in which he was engaged until I880. He then moved upon a farm of 80 acres in Denver Township, which he had previously purchased, and where he is now living a retired life. * x X,: An i FI TIT g ll 1rank Whitney, meat market, Hesperia, i:, I was born in Muskegon County, this State, -. t < " May I9, I858. He is a son of Orin and Mary E. (Cook) Whitney, natives of Ohio, i who emigrated to Kent County and thence to Muskegon County, this State. Mr. Whitney lived at home and assisted his father on the farm, also attending school, until I88i. April, O19 of that year, he was married to Miss Addie, daughter of Robert and Anna (Hoffman) Robinson, natives of Scotland and Ohio respectively, and came to Muskegon County, this State, where Addie was / born Oct. 6, I862, and where she received the ad-; vantages of a common-school education. After his marriage, Mr. Whitney went to farming for V ii "I-, I iP iAON <' qJt (a C fa~ r%" a;fb "5Baa,914 i)Ii~;?, i "flllx, oa ibF * ~ -- ei32 _ p\ r - -~"U I 1 , W. 6E WA YGO COU NY # X, T. AVEWAYGO COUN.TY. p;~"nIjkg i I&' ""I aekt~:l I: P IIICIII —"l —"l ---__ --- ~- - - - 11_ _ _ f, 1-~ i Sept. I, I831, in Canada, Mr. Bush was married to Miss Mary Stillwell, daughter of David and Nancy (Lucas) Stillwell, natives of England, who was born in New York city, Jan. iI, i8TI, and died July 14, 1883, leaving an aged husband and three children to mourn her loss. She was a woman of powerful intellect, kind and genial, and had won a large circle of friends. Their children are: William S., born July 28, I832; Lewis, Oct. io, I834; Harmon K., Sept. 6, 1836. In politics Mr. Bush is a Republican. eorge W. Rull, farmer, section 14, Ashland 4jj;U~ Township, was born in Washtenaw Co,, Mich., Jan. 9, 1833, and is a son of Daniel D. and Catherine (Church) Rull, natives of New York. Mr. Rull came to Michigan in the fall of 185 i and located in the village of Newaygo, where he interested himself in the business of lumbering, in which he has operated to a considerable extent to the present date. He was engaged seven years with the celebrated lumber firm of Wilcox & Company, of Chicago, acting as a "scaler." In 1867 he purchased 80 acres of land in Ashland Township, all in heavy timber. He has devoted his efforts to clearing and improving it since I879, and now has 63 acres under cultivation, with handsome residence and substantial farm buildings. Mr. Rull is a Republican in politics, belongs to Lodge No. 254, I. 0. F., at Newaygo, and rejoices;~ ZI ---3*-~ no en,,h tLo -sr,-~ hr AhI tA91,1:; - C ad I.., the same county where her husband died ten years later. She was of New England Puritan descent. The family removed to Ann Arbor when the son was four years of age, going two years later to Ypsilanti and thence to Holly, where theylived I8 years. The death of the mother occurred in 1857, which event disrupted the home circle. The place was sold and Mr. Fisher set out for himself in life. He had spent some time working by the month and learned the cooper's trade, after which he worked at carpentry in order to perfect himself in the use of tools. The spring following the death of his mother he came to Newaygo, where he established his home. He owns ioo acres of land, with go acres in advanced cultivation, with good and suitable buildings and other improvements. He belongs to the Republican element in politics. Mary E. (Barton) Fisher, wife of Robert Fisher, is the daughter of Hon. James Barton of Big Prairie. (See sketch). Their marriage occurred Sept. 26, I86i, in Big Prairie Township. Arthur Fisher, adopted son, was born Aug. 29, i866. - - 1 T(T (P *-~rC-^-. determined to force disruption at all costs, and in September, i86i, he enlisted in Co. K, Ninth Mich. Vol. Inf., for three years or during the war. On the requisition for veterans being made, he responded, and was discharged to re-enlist in December, 1863. He received his final discharge in September, 1865, at Jackson, Mich., and went to Lansing and engaged in farming. He bought his farm in Brooks Township in I879. It consisted of 80 acres of unimproved land,; of which 35 acres are now under cultivation. He has erected substantial farm buildings, and set out a well selected assortment of fruit-trees. In political relations Mr. Ostrom is a Republican, and he belongs to Post " Samuel Judd," G. A. R., at Newaygo. I Mr. Ostrom was married Aug. 2, i860, at Lansing, to Mary, daughter of Moses and Ruth R. (Wood) Gidley. She was born Aug. 2, I844, in Ohio. Her parents were born in the State of New York, her father being of French descent and born Nov. 23, T 1815, and died Dec. io, i866. Her mother is still living, at Grand Ledge, Mich. Clara B., Ida M., Charlie P. and William H., Jr., the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ostrom, are all living. J- > -- - a||i^ ---+ J,otham J. Hall, farmer and lumberman, section 25, Goodwell Township, was born i A July 25, 1842, in Grand Rapids. His ~ father, Jotham Hall, was born in Vermont in I803 and died in Big Prairie, in i86i. Diantha (Garrett) Hall was born in 1807 in the State of New York and survives her husband. i Mr. Hall came with his father's family from Kent to Newaygo County in I853. He was 20 years of age when his father died and remained on the home farm until he attained his majority. The winter after he became legally free to pursue his own interests, he engaged in lumbering, which he has followed winters since. He united his business interests with those of his brother-in-law, Joseph Graham, and they prosecuted the various departments of lumbering together five years, and also owned land together. Mr. Hall eventually sold his landed interest to Mr. Graham and bought 40 acres in Newaygo and 80 acres in Mecosta Counties. The two bodies of land I are adjoining and about 30 acres are under improvements. In political relations Mr. Hall is a Republican, has been Justice of the Peace and held other minor offices. He was married Oct. 3, i872, to Emma, daughter of William and Permelia (Hancock) Jay. (See sketch.) Mr. and Mrs. Hall have five children, viz.: Florence I., Antoinette, Ambrose L., Bessie May and Rebina. _-4_ --- —- --, ohn H. Randall, farmer, section i, Bar_ ton Township, was born March I3, I854, in Ottawa Co., Mich., and is a son of Earl Douglass and Charlotte (Strong) Randall. His father was born in New York and followed the pursuit of a carpenter most of the years of his life. He located with his family near Grand Rapids, Mich., and was a resident there a number of years. In I857 he came to Newaygo County and entered a homestead claim of land in Barton Township, when it was in a wild condition and no residents north of the point where Mr. Randall selected his farm. After locating his claim he went to Ravenna, Muskegon County, and engaged as a builder there until I859, when he returned to his farm. He became a soldier of the war of the Southern Rebellion, enlisting in Co. A, I3th Mich. Vol. Inf., and was under Sherman while that general, with his dauntless soldiers, was marching through to Georgia. At Savannah he was seized with the dreadful camp diarrhea and died Dec. 21, 1864. His wife is a native of Pennsylvania and now resides at Paris, Mecosta County. Mr. Randall of this sketch obtained a good elementary education in the common schools of Ottawa County, and afterward went to the union school at Lamont. He was engaged one term in teaching and then spent a year in study at the Agricultural College at Lansing. He again engaged in teaching, in which employment he spent seven terms in the aggregate. In I874 himself and a brother returned to the farm and entered upon the work of clearing and improving. Mr. Randall was married April I5, 1877, to Mary Louisa, daughter of Grantson and Nancy (Barber) 't, Ili ___ ---------------- I I ir i Q!L J4 4 us R r;: i;-lil a -r'r an' ~ -~ i:.. " %ia, " -~r r~ ~:~: ~ 1M 288 NE WA YGO COUNTY., ' Hall. Their children were born as follows: Charles |f:" A., Jan. I2, 1878; Elmer, Oct. 20, I880; Edith Al- - -- ~.i: ma, Jan. 3I, 1883. Mr. Randall has adopted the platform and issues of the National Greenback party, ' and is prominent in his generation in political action. |:~arvey A. Headley, farmer, section 35, Ash1 r / land Township, was born Oct. 6, 1840, in He has held the post of Township Clerk three years., i De Kalb Co., Ind., and is a son of John and Celia (Coburn) Headley, both of whom I A" were natives of New England. When the son, in tXl, I i (S illiam L. Murphy, farmer, section 9, Big Prairie Township, was born in Hastings I 2 2-1;I '01 I Id ''.z~-,, IY I A* ".- a. a (i f NEWA YGO COUNTY. 293 _ C ----- _ --- — 1 --- _ - _ — __ — _- _., —. — == ----, --- -—.. --- —-, _ —.... T... =. _=._=.~-I. ---.=;. I I Y dwelt there until I867, when he entered a homestead claim of 80 acres in Barton Township. On this place he has since been a resident, has placed it under good improvements and a fair state of culti-vation. He was married May 14, 1858, to Lucy E., daughter of Carlos and Phebe Ann (Palmer) Marsh. Her parents were natives of the State of New York. They came to Michigan in its infant days and located in Monroe County, residing there until i856, when they came to Newaygo County. The father died in 1872 and the mother is still living, in Osceola o Countv. Mrs. Dubois was born in Monroe County, April 19, T844. 'o her and her husband one child, ' William A., was born, Sept. 14, i86i. When Mr. Dul:ois came to Newaygo County the township where he settled was in its original wild condition, and he has devoted his best energies to its advancement and progress. He is a Republican in political action and belief and has held most of the local offices. a tS3 ii~, k, J lp ' 7-7-g- 7 - a. E X 0on. James Barton, Probate Judge of Nej waygo County, resident on section 8, Big Prairie Township, was born June 4, i8I2, in County Tyrone, Ireland. His parents, William ~ and Susannah (Culton) Barton, belonged to the sturdy, upright and uncompromising race in the north of Ireland known as Scotch-Irish, and were | members of the Presbyterian element peculiar to the upper counties of the Emerald Isle. William Barton: was born in County Tyrone, in 1775, and died in i onia Co., Mich., in 1848. The mother of Judge Barton was a native of the same county, and was born in 1777, and died in 1824, in Quebec, Can., on the very night of the arrival of the family in that city. After a brief tarry, the bereaved husband and motherless children proceeded to Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., where they remained until October, 1829, when they came to Bloomfield, Oakland Co., Mich., and settled on a farm. Later on, this property was sold, and they came to Otisco, Ionia County. X Judge Barton was a boy of 12 when his parents removed their family to the New World, and he re-, mained a member of the household band until he I I attained to man's estate, and put on the dignity of a t benedict in 1832. He was 17 years old when his ( father came to Michigan, and, two years after coming * to Bloomfield, he spent the alternating winters and i summers in teaching and farming. He obtained his education in a desultory manner. He received five years' regular instruction in his native country, and picked up fragmentary. learning in the common schools of Lyons. But his good sense and correct judgment stood him in better stead than crude school privileges and instructions. He studied as his understanding dictated, and he chose judiciously? in reading, which he recognized as of more practical i benefit than the curriculum of such schools as those to which he had access. In August, I833, he removed to White Pigeon, where he resided for two years. John S. Barry, third Governor of Michigan, was then an obscure provision merchant at White Pigeon, and Judge Barton was one of his constituents in the first public office he ever held-that of Meember of the first Constitutional Convention which ' framed the Constitution upon which Michigan was 3 admitted into the Union in 1837. The ability, wis- = dom and judgment, and incorruptible integrity displayed by Mr. Barry, whose course in the Convention, = and afterwards as Governor, was studiously watched / by Judge Barton, undoubtedly exercised a great influence over his own public career, and, in addition to the peculiar traits of his own inherited character, undoubtedly colored all his after life. Judge Barton went, in i835, to Thornton, Cook Co., Ill., where he spent ten years in agricultural pursuits, and during the time officiated four years as a Justice of the Peace. In the spring of I845, he l i: returned to Michigan and settled on a farm in Berlin,? lonia County. He was there a resident two years,. engaged in farming, and in 1846 was elected Supervisor of Berlin. In January, 1847, he bought a farm in Otisco, in the same county, and continued to manage his agricultural interests there until his removal to Newaygo County, in February, i85o. He prospected through the unsettled, unorganized town- K: ships and bought 200 acres of land in township I3, range i T(now Big Prairie), designated as State or.' Asylum land. The specific name of this land was: Salt Spring land, and referred to the appropriation, by ff the Government of Michigan, of tracts of land for the > purpose of furthering the development of the saline '/ resources of the State. A few years later, a re-ap- '. \. i~~2 i.; art,e nMp 14,. —1. I`~wd;litgr~:, O i* i, sr Iflibk'Z- ' — i Lar~.~i ij-=~9-;:t — 'arYrsUM ". "" :IPII~- `ir, t9, ' i IO - / 294 NE WA YGO COUNTY.;..<, < I:: propriation, for the benefit of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Asylum, was made of the same tracts, and they * are still "Asylum" lands. The Judge's purchase was wholly prairie, and was all put under the plow during the first year of his residence there. He is still a successful farmer in the township with which he identified his interests more than thirty years ago. He has been a factor in every progressive step of Big Prairie, from its days of incipiency to the present period. He aided in the a organization of the county in 1851, and his name X and position are perpetuated in the name of its northeastern township. At the meeting for arranging the municipal regulations of Newaygo County, Judge Barton and Isaac I). Merrill, who died Dec. 14, 1883 (current year), were elected its two Supervisors. The former has held the incumbency, without intermission, ever since, and is one of the oldest continuous officials in the position of Supervisor on record, having acted in that capacity an aggregate of \ 32 years, and has been Chairman of the Board every: year, with one exception. In Oct., 1852 he was elected. County Judge to fill a vacancy, and was selected for the same position at the regular election, in the fall of: 853. He was elected the first Probate Judge of the / county, and served six years. In I863 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and discharged the duties of that position five years. In 1870, he was appointed by Gov. Henry P. Baldwin to fill the office of Probate Judge, the vacancy having been created by the resignation of the Hon. A. H. Giddings (who had been elected Circuit Judge), and filled three years of the term of his predecessor. He has held the same: position, by regular election, ever since. Judge Barton has also been Circuit Court Commissioner six years. When he came to Newaygo County it had no attorney, and he applied himself to the study of law and was admitted to the Bar in I858. In I852, Judge Barton was put in nomination to represent his district in the Legislature of Michigan; was, according to the general understanding, elected, and proceeded to Lansing with his credentials. On arrival there he found "King Strang," the' Mormon chief of Beaver Island, ready to occupy the seat to which:t Judge Barton supposed himself the sole and legiti/ mate claimant. Mutual ignorance of the other as! candidate had prevailed, and on investigation it ap*- peared that Strang was within the district; though 14 miles from the main land, Beaver Island belonged to Emmet County, and on comparing numbers t Strang exhibited a proportion of 30 votes in his own favor to one for Judge Barton. The length, breadth and thickness of the matter were too stupendous for any adequate arrangement under the circumstances, and Judge Barton quietly beat a retreat. Mrs. Barton received him on his return with wide-eyed amazement, and inquired as to the "wherefores." " Mrs. Barton," said the Judge in his phenomenal chest-tones, and with an assumption of all his official dignity, " I have but one wife, and King Strang. has four." The response is one of the best reminiscences of Judge Barton that can be recorded. It shows that he has the keen, satiric wit which charac-: terizes his nation, and his ready aptness on occasion. The spurious character of James Strang's claims to the seat he held in the Legislature of Michigan were afterward proven. When George W. Peck ran for Congress he was assisted materially by 600 votes furnished by James Strang as the result of the election on Beaver Island within his dominion. Strang was shot within the year, and his subjects betook themselves to other fields. The aggregate of men,: women and children who emigrated from the island made an exhibit of 150 persons. Judge Barton was married March 25, 1832, in; Oakland Co., Mich., to Reliance, daughter of Lettes b and Fear (Swift) Jenne. Her father was born in 1762, in Rochester, Plymouth Co., Mass. His ancestors were born in Holland, and belonged to the Quakers who were banished from that country for their religious belief, and settled in Massachusetts. Mr. Jenne went to Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., in 814, and finding no Quaker society there he united i: with the Methodist Church, of which his wife was a member. He died at Sodus, Wayne County, in 1828. Mrs. Jenne was born Aug. 12, 1770, in Massachusetts, and died at Lyons. N. Y., April o1, 1825. Mrs. Barton is a member of the Disciples' or Christian Church. She is one of eight children born to her parents-five sons and three daughters. Herself and one sister, now residing in Farmington, F Oakland Co., Mich., are the only survivors. The sons and daughters of Judge Barton and his AI wife were born as follows: Charles, born March 25,:f 1833, died at Bald Hills, Humboldt County, Cali-:/ fornia, January 30, I875; Emily, born May 10, A 1835 (died July 27, I86I); Mary, March 7, 1837 2am (died June IT, i841); Henry, June 2, I839 (see. I h r 4,.N"*B pi5 I~; I',~~nAeb \ ':"Ii~~:; iSr,;t'9 ~~~~ —~,,n!! i ~*it]ln jF aa C~!: ssr,,"~? irci *,hiP~,~;l ~~11** r.r: r o,, -;,, ""V:" A I A" $i~: k......*L. "~~1e: t _~::~t j d?~l ~ / o W N f at H \ X; I''ll;st '* I, O 0 >.4 0 t -a NIi ' s A. a. i*: Jis:, *iiiUg ~kt:vBga i al~ — s; —. " t. I I I *` IN) ~! -: - — * ' 4 - # ~: - - - * ~ tl~l It,, ** % NE WA YGO CO UNTY. 295 -~ --- —----- -------— ~ --- —-" --- —--- --- = > sketch); Mary E., June 6, 1842 (see sketch of Robert Fisher); Mark, Aug. 14, I844 (see sketch); Ellen, Oct. o1, I846 (died May 28, 1874); George O., April 13, 1849. The latter resides with his parents and: manages his father's agricultural affairs. He was married April 13, r873, to Mary, eldest daughter of Patrick and Catharine Neville (see sketch). She was born Jan. 8, I854; was reared and educated a Roman Catholic, but in 1877 renounced the dogmas of the Roman Church, and in October of that year connected herself by baptism with the First-Day Adventist Church. Two children have been born of her marriage-Charles, June ii, 1874 (died Nov. 23, i875); and Jenne C., July 19, I876. The salient points in the character of Judge f Barton and his noble wife are clearly defined in! their portraits, presented on other pages. Their incorporation among the biographical records of Newaygo County, where they have wrought their life-work, will afford the most general satisfaction among the patrons of this Album. ohn A. Mundy, farmer and lumberman, 'i l, Brooks Township, section 13, was born i ' June 12, i86I, in Morrow Co., Ohio. He I i s a son of Elinus and Experience Patience (Peters) Mundy. The former was of Scotch descent and born Feb. 15, 1821, in the State of New Jersey The mother was a descendant of Welsh ancestors, born Feb. 24, 1822, in New York, and died March 28, 1876, in Brooks Township. Elinus Mundy is the son of John D. and Elizabeth (Ballou) Mundy. The father was born June 30, 1788, in New Jersey and died Aug. 8, i855. The mother was born in the same State, Jan. i6, 1797, and died Nov. 26, 186o, in Ohio, descended from French parentage. Elinus Mundy (came to Newaygo County in 1862, and settled with his family on 120 acres of land in Brooks Township, located on the Muskegon River. Of this 40 acres are cleared and improved, and the farm is conducted by the two elder sons. John Mundy was one and a half years old when his parents settled in Newaygo County, and has been [ reared to the pursuits common to the section,-farm I i, I - - - - - - - I ing and lumbering;-and has also worked with his father, as opportunity served, at the callings of builder and blacksmith. He is the owner of 60 acres of land lying on the river, to which he has added 80 acres by recent purchase. In political? adherence he is a Democrat. ilas Millis, farmer, sec. 26, Denver Tp., was born in Erie Co.,N. Y., Oct. 15, 1827. His, parents, John and Lois (Porter) Millis, were /l natives of New England and Scotch and German descent. They moved to New Yorkin an early day and settled upon a farm. Having received a good common-school education, Silas, at the age of 1 9, started out to do for himself. Farm- ^ ing being his chosen occupation, he went vigorously to work in that direction for one year, and then, for a time, worked in a saw-mill. July 2, 1847, he was?.: married, in his native county, to Miss Mary A. Ide, daughter of Oliver and Caroline Ide, natives of New y York, who was born, reared and educated in that State, in the vicinity of Rochester. Two years after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Millis, they moved to another locality, in Erie County, where Mr. Millis farmed two years, and in the summer of i854 they came to this State, settling near Grand Rapids. In the fall of I856 they moved to this county and settled in Denver Township, where he has since resid- ' ed. His first purchase of land was 120 acres, to ^ which he has since added 40 acres, and now he owns a quarter section of fine land, with 120 acres improved. Oct. 4, 1872, Mrs. Millis died, leaving nine children; their names are as follows: Caroline R., Junius A., Silas E., Emery E., Eber O., Amherst L., Oliver R., Arthur A. and Frances E.; Mary A. and Irvin N. are deceased. Dec. 25, I872, Mr. Millis married for a second wife Miss Margaret - Johnson, daughter of Elijah A. and Vestie (Doud) Johnson, natives of Canada and New York, respect- "; ively, who was born in the vicinity of Detroit, Oct. 24, 1848. She spent eight years in her birth-place, ' six years in Hillsdale Co., Mich., and Ii years in California. She then came to this county and re r f rm a 'af]Fh__, ji* ip $: ia-~ r- * t m d"ll I r'n — r;y;r `Bi~ -* * I 4___1 —. ~(%,u /-~~ r 296 NEIYWYGO COUNT Y. A\ af a\...*................................... 11 ---"" --- 11 ---~-_ _11. _1-11 1 _ I mained until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Millis have three children: William E., Effie L. and John B. They are members of the M. E. Church, and in politics Mr. M. is a Republican. X eorge N. Wade, farmer, section 12, is a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Sovereign) \\ade, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New Jersey. lie was born t in Canada, October 15, 1821. le left the )ominion when 20 years of age and came to Allegan Co., Mich., and in two years returned to his native land, where he made his home eight years, and again came to Allegan County. In 1874, he came to Newaygo County and lived in Freinont four years, engaged in the manutfacture of brick. He then purchased 20 acres of land in Sheridan Township, section I2, where he has built a good Ibrick house and has all his land under tillage. Mr. Wade was married in Otsego, Allegan County, May 25, 1841, to Mary Updike, who was born in N. Y., June 2,1824, and died Nov., I883. They have nine children: Lena E., Jane L., Warren D., Frank W., Clarence W., George D., Willard B., Wilbert C. and Fred. Mr. W. has held the office of Supervisor of Sheridan Township two years, and various other town offices. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican. time for two years, then bought 40 acres of wild land in that county, which he began to improve. After clearing a portion of it, he exchanged it in the summer of I859 for i6o acres of wild land in Newaygo County, Dayton Township, section 17. In the winter of 186r he moved his family to this county and settled on his farm, where he now resides. He has since sold 80 acres and has 60 acres under good cultivation. Mr. Jewell was married in Eaton Co., Mich., Nov. 24, 1850, to Angeline, daughter of Darius and Malona (Foster) Tallman, who was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 17, f828. Her parents were natives of Vermont, and subsequently settled in New York. Mr. Jewell has held the office of Commissioner of Highways for six years, School Inspector six years and Justice of the Peace seven years. He is independent in politics, a member of the I. 0. G. T., and himself and wife are both members of Hesperia Grange, No. 495. They have five children: Charles M., born July 17, I851; Albert S., Sept. 1, 1853; Viola M., Feb. 15, 1856; Zernah J., Feb. 24, 1863; and Ielos, Aug. 20, 1869. a, *..4,4 or ~,i,,-b " rl? 1,. '|t? 'enjamin F. Wood, farmer, section 14, i}Sli Brooks Township, was born in Genesee oi.]_ Co., N. Y., March 5, 1831, and is a son of Jonathan and Martha (Reynolds) Wood. F The former was born in New York, in 1791, of English lineage, and died in 1870. The latter was also a native of the Empire State, born in 1787 and died in 1876. W h en- MT - Ar. W o o w a i e r 1 ( i a e t 41 I -.. od" wl-I 11-1, I,I i v -1,an~ ~f~~i~l~b~~/~~fh, C~~\% ~.-~f'.0 xm, '/-'w-r"- ' r'"-"o' \V When Mr. Wood was six years old his parents transferred their family and interests to Ohio, where, he grew to manhood and followed the trade of carilliam J. Jewell, farmer, section 17, Day- penter, which he acquired from his father. He came ton Township, is a son of Ezekiel and to Newaygo County, and after a stay of one year Loretta (Brown) Jewell, is a native of New went to Lansing, Mich., where he operated four York State, and remained with his parents years, returning thence to Ohio. He worked at his X until he was 17 years of age, attending the trade four years, and in 1861 he enlisted in Co. I, common schools and working on the farm. At Third Ohio Vol. Inf., under the call for three-months }? the age mentioned he commenced to learn the trade men. He received honorable discharge at the ex- / of carpenter and joiner with his eldest brother. At piration of his term, and soon after re-enlisted for the expiration of three years he came to Eaton Co., three years, in Co. C, 15th Ohio Vol. Inf. He 'Mich., where he worked at his trade most of the became disabled, and after nine months' service was i 'I, , f -" IA, 297 NE WA YGO COUNTY. I- ~ -I! discharged. He came to Lansing and settled upon a farm of 30 acres, of which he became proprietor I during his first stay at that place. Seven years t afterward he went to Harrison Co., Iowa, where he: stayed about I8 months, and returned for another residence of seven years' duration on his farm at Lansing. In the spring of 1878 he came to Newaygo County again and bought 5o acres of land, whereon he has lived and labored since. He has cleared and put in good farming condition 27 acres, with good buildings and other improvements. In political connection Mr. Wood is a Republican. He was married I)ec. 25, 1853, in Morrow Co., Ohio, to Marilla, daughter of Luther and Sybil (Webster) Vining. She was born Sept. 27, 1831, in Delaware Co., Ohio, and her parents were natives of New York, of English lineage. Of this marriage five children have been born: Charles, Arvilla, Francis H., Ansel E. and Josephine R. The family r" attend the M. E. Church. tive condition. Mr. McFarland is a Republican. He was married Dec. 25, i860, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Gibson) Tirk, daughter of John and Nancy (Penrod) Gibson, natives of Pennsylvania. Her first husband died in I849, leaving four children,-John Morgan, Samuel Harris, Mary Elizabeth and Martha Jane. The latter child is not living. Of the marriage of Mr. McFarland to Mrs. Tirk, three children have been born, viz.: Nancy and Peter Alexander, living, and Margaret Jane, deceased. ( 1 ohn McFarland, farmer, section 13, Bar^ ton Township, was born in Kentire, Scott land, in 1825. His parents, Andrew and i Margaret (Gray) McFarland, were also natives of Scotland. They emigrated to Canada when the son was but a child. They belonged to the agricultural community and pursued the same / calling in Canada. The father is deceased and the mother, now go years of age, resides in Mecosta County. Mr. McFarland was brought up as a farmer's son, and in 1852 came to Michigan and spent three years operating as a lumberman near Big Prairie, Newaygo County. He went thence to Green Township, Mecosta County, in I855, and remained five years. His next business was in managing a hotel at Middle Branch, where he was occupied two years, and exchanged the hotel property for a farm of 80 acres in Barton Township, which has since been his home/ stead. It was the first farm located and settled in i the township, and at the time he came into its possession there were few permanent settlers, and the: entire region was but little advanced from its primi ustice Chapman, farmer, section 36, Monroe Township,'was born in Phelps, Onta" rio Co., N. Y., Feb. i8, I820, and is a son of Justice and Clara C. (Evarts) Chapman. The father was born in New Hampshire. and died in November, 18I9. The mother was a native of Connecticut, and, after the death of her first husband, became the wife of Joshua French. Mr. Chapman spent the early years of his life in obtaining his education and preparation for a successful and useful future, and at i6 years of age entered upon the career of builder, working also at farming for a time, after which he engaged in teaching and followed that profession for a number of years. He was married in 1848, to Isabel Spraker, bornin Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1829. After that event he remained in the Empire State one year, removing to Liberty, Jackson Co., Mich., where he bought a small farm and engaged in the business of a nurseryman, growing fruit-trees. He officiated as Postmaster of that townshjp for 25 years. In April, i868, he came to Eaton County, and a year later he came to Newaygo County, where in I869 he entered a homestead claim of 8o acres of land and embarked at once in the work of improving and cultivating his property. In the same year he took charge of the postoffice and discharged its duties until 1883, when he resigned and the office was discontinued. The family includes the following children: Adelbert S., Emma E. (Mrs. Henry Hollister), George W. Mary C. (Mrs. William Griffith), Horace E., already a trusted and competent citizen of Monroe Township. r i I, if oe. I,. %,- a90 2AE WA YGO CO UNT Y. --------. George W. was born Aug. 31, 1855, and was married f Jan. 17, I880, to Ada Eva Corbett, a native of Farmington, Me., born June 21, i860. One child has been born to them. Mr. Chapman is now the owner of i60 acres of land in Monroe Township and 80 acres in Norwich Township. He has trained his sons in the moral and political principles which have proved his best capital in business, and they are active, zealous ReIpublicans. 'i L.iichard Boyd, farmer, section 8, Sheridan vz-A Township, is a son of William and Jane!Hi' Boyd, natives of Ireland, and was born in f that country in 1814. At the age of 13 years he emigrated to Lower Canada, and lived " there seven years, then lived in Ohio about 19 years, and in i853 came to Hillsdale Co., Mich.; finally, in 1872, he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of land where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have had the following children: William / A., John, Richard, Charles, George, Samuel and Jane. > In politics he is a Republican. Prairie resumed his occupation as lumberman, which he has followed since, alternating the labors of that calling with those of farming. He has twice exchanged his property in real estate, and now owns 60 acres of land in Big Prairie Township, 40 acres in Everett Township, situated across the highway, and 40 acres in Everett, located one and a half miles south, making I40 acres in the aggregate. Mr. Barton has 97 acres of land in fine farming condition, with good buildings. He is a Republican in political connection and has been Town Treasurer four years. Mr. Barton was married Dec. I6, I864, in Newaygo, to Martha M. Krusen. She was born July 22, 1845, in Licking Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of John and Eunice (Goff) Krusen. The former was born March 16, I820, in New Jersey, the latter Jan. 27, 1824, in Licking Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. B. have one child, Albert Barton, born May 8, i868. ",benezer Richardson, farmer, section 5, Denver Township, was born in Madison " Co., N. Y., Aug. 30, 1824. His father, Ebenezer Richardson, was a native of Massachusetts and died in Ohio; his mother, Sybil (Eaton) Richardson, was a native of New York and died in that State. The subject of this sketch attended school in his native county, and when 12 years of age went to Lake Co., Ohio, where he completed his education, and worked on his father's farm until I7 years of age. He then commenced life for himself, and worked on a farm until he was 35 years old. During this time he came to this county and located a farm in Dayton Township, which is his present home. He then returned to Ohio, and Feb. 22, 1865, he married Miss Ellen Ievine, daughter of John and Mary (Buck) Devine, natives of New York, who was born in Queensbury, Washington Co., N. Y., May 17, i821. When she was quite young she was taken by her parents to Wyoming County, that State, where she was reared and educated in the common schools of that place, and in I850 they moved to Painesville, Ohio. In the spring of 1866 Mr. R. returned to this State and settled upon his farm of I6o acres in Dayton Township, and now owns 80 acres, and has 35 acres I tJ ark Barton, farmer and lumberman, secr I tion 30, Big Prairie Township, was born <.d '?~l Aug. 14, I844, in Cook Co., Ill. He is.- ':"' the sixth child and fourth son of the Hon. i James Barton, Probate Judge of Newaygo County. (See sketch.) The parents of Mr. Barton brought him to the Peninsular State when he was but six months old and to Newaygo County when he was six years of age. He was brought up as were the sons of the earliest pioneers of Newaygo County, trained in the pursuits common to Northern Michigan and received a fair:: education. He passed the winter after he reached the age of 20 years in the lumber woods, and in the #s, following spring enlisted in Co. F, i5th Mich. Inf., as a soldier of the war for the Union. He received his 7 discharge Sept. 9, i865, and on his return to Big Fe-w a ir ---10a {:R i: E:'\,:.k'.'.ir c ', ~ I, I.. I I I \., Z'id )t H s~:' i; , -i~~;~~ ~Is %;;:rhae&~rIsi:a *,".a;,i,baa~ ~.~ n NE IWA YGO CO UNTY. V-,-'14,2 I I.9, 299: in a high state of cultivation. In politics he is a very zealous Republican, and himself and wife are consistent members of the First Baptist Church at Hesperia. J gi ohn D. Gowell, farmer, section I6, Denver Township, was born in Kennebec Co., Me., May II, 1845. His parents, Lewis and Caroline (Berry) Gowell, were also natives of i[ Maine, and of English and Scotch ancestry. They were married in Sagadahoc County, afterward moving to Kennebec County. In 1849, when the gold fever was at its height, they moved to California, where his father established a large quartz mill and built a hotel. While living at this place, he was attacked with bilious fever and died, in the spring of i85r. John was the seventh child; and beingobliged to assist in the care of his mother, his educational advantages were limited. But being full of determination and perseverance, he improved his leisure time in study, even when out of school; in the army his book was his constant companion. When 15 years of age he engaged himself to an agent of the Boston Navy Yard, to go to Northumberland Co., Va., to secure lumber for ship-building. While there the war question was agitated, and the State passed an ordinance to prevent all Northern men from leaving the State, for any cause whatever. But Mr. Gowell's sympathies being decidedly with the North, he, with 23 others, seized upon an oyster sloop that was then lying in a small harbor off the Chesapeake Bay, called Cockle's Creek, and, securing the officers of the boat, they set out for the bay, and finally reached Baltimore, just after the riot, having just $1 in money. They were greeted with applause, and borne through the streets with pomp and glory, reaching their respective homes in due season. Possessing a never-dying love for their country, they all enlisted in her defense. Mr. Gowell enrolled in Co. F, 9Ith Me. Vol. Inf., July 3, 1862, ist Brigade, Second Division and Second Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Hancock. He had previously enlisted three times; but, being only 17 years of age, his mother forbade his joining the army; this time he was permitted to go. He participated in I7 battles, and was in Grant's campaign of the Wilderness 60 consecutive days, when the general was going to" fight it out on that line if it took all summer." He was in the second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Falling Water, Petersburg, and at the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox Court-House. He was in Libby prison eight days, and was wounded three times: at Cold Harbor, in the back of the head, by a minie ball; at Hatcher's Run, in the left knee, by the fragment of a shell; and at Gettysburg, in the left arm, by a ball passing through it. He was at one time made a spy, and was very successful, having caused the capture of a regiment with a large amount of artillery. He was honorably discharged May 31, 1865, at Washington, D. C. He then returned home, where he remained a short time, then took a tour through Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois, and returned to Michigan and located 200 acres of wild land in Troy Township, this county. He also took up 400 acres in Oceana County. He was engaged in lumbering in various parts of the county for Mr. Heald, working nine months without losing but a day and a half, and drew just $1.50. Oct. 25, I867, he was married, in Pentwater, Mich., to Miss Florella A., daughter of Calvin and Susan (Smith) Woodworth, natives of Ohio, who was born in Ashtabula County, that State, July 5, i849. She received such education as the district schools furnished in her native town, and at the age of 15 came to this State and settled in Colfax, Oceana County, where she remained until her marriage. They located in Otto Township, that county, where Mr. G. took a contract for logging for Ferry, Doling & Co., and afterward with A J. Covil, contractor to move 9,ooo,ooo logs annually. In the meantime he purchased 700 acres of pine land on the north branch of White River; but, owing to sickness in his family, sold out to his partner, Mr. Covil, and in the fall of I869 he moved to this county, settling in Denver Township. He purchased i60 acres of land, and afterward added another i60, and now has 200 acres under tillage, upon which he has built very beautiful farm buildings, and a magnificent residence, at a cost of $4,ooo. Since living here he went to Kansas, made a large purchase and erected extensive buildings, but soon returned to this State, having made a profitable sale. Mr. Gowell is a member of the Masonic Lodge, N. W An: 4; ^i% ' ~ ': 1 I qs Aso i r I 'r I 4 '20 li Al -N i ___ -_y - i X, *:)X;p t,;:S-~ Ks~n-:~ - y: ' 0 t X X — 74-m19 -— '>\n -c U 300 NVEWA YGO COUNVTY. < No. 346, at Hesperia, and is Secretary of the deceased; Bertha Pearl was born May 22, 1881. order. He is also a member of the G. A. R., of the An infant son, George, was born Dec. 6, I883. Mr. J. A. Dix Post. He is a strong advocate of the Webster is an adherent of the National Greenback; temperance cause, and very liberal in his political Labor party, and in religious views adopts the tenets? , and religious views, inclining to the Advent Church. of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. G. have one child, Caroline, born Mr. Webster, though a young man, has a very Sept. 13, I875. creditable record as a Nimrod. In the course of two weeks in 1873 he captured 14 deer and two bears, and the aggregate product of his skill with his rifle.-__-_.... —. is about 50 deer and three bears. One of the experiences of which he retains a vital remembrance k: |2 was a long season continuing from September, I870,, a' illiam A. Boyd, farmer, section 8, son of to April, I87, in the woods on the Pentwater River. Richard Boyd, was born in Ohio, Dec. 27, He is of social, genial temperament, kind to the poor j 1848. At the age of five years he came and sympathetic with the suffering, aiding such with with his parents to Hillsdale Co., Mich., all the generosity of his nature. He is specially where he lived until he came to Newaygo fond of music and an expert violinist. County; here he engaged in farming. In the fall of I882 he built a steam saw-mill in Sheri- __|. -~ dan Township, which has a capacity of 12,000 feet A per day. He is a member of the Order of Good i5XZ; r Templars, and in politics is a National. 4 111'homas L. Price, Jr., farmer, section 36, * =:|= j Goodwell Township, was born Dec. 28, 1: '4~;1 r i843, in Wyoming Co., N. Y., and is the en:-_ —_^ -<.3"-(-)-)- ) n o son of Thomas L. and Eliza (Betts) Price. S H The father was born at 'Saratoga Springs, N. (y. s I 11erbert5 F. Webster, farmer and lumber -Y.; the latter at Ballston Springs, N. Y. 4. man, section 21, Big Prairie Township, was The father of Mr rice died in 45 born Feb. 7, I856, in Newaygo County, and is son was but two years old, and the latter remained the son of William Rila and Phebe Ann under the care of his mother until he was ten years i or) W r. (e s ) age, when he found the necessity of earning his live(Moore) Webster. (See sketch.) lihood resting upon his own shoulders. He obtained Mr. Webster was reared to manhood in his natieee employ as he best could, and before he was I9 years county and has chiefly followed the callings of farmer old had become quite a teacher. At that age he re~ and lumberman; he has also been engaged as an turned to his native State and remained at home a ': estimator of pine and pine lands and likewise as a business venture was renting a hotel year. His first business venture was renting a hotel "' scaler." He is the owner of 80 acres of unitaler." He is the owner of 8 acres of um-at Newberg, Ohio, which enterprise he pursued a proved land on section 15, 80 acres on section 21d year, and during the three years next following was 40 acres on section I6, of Big Prairie Township. variously engaged. In 1866 he came to Saginaw He was married April 27,1879, in the village of Co., Mich., where he resided until 1882, when he Newaygo, to Kittle C. Reed, Rev. J. N. Hicks offi- bought 80 acres in Goodwell Township. Of this, ciating. Mrs. Webster was born in Elk River Town- 2 acres are under cultivation. He acts with the ship, Sanilac Co., Mich., Aug., 1859, and is a |National Greenback party, to whose principles he is? daughter of Elias S. and Elizabeth (Gaffney) Reed, a adherent. " both of whom are natives of Zora, Dominion of Mr. Price was married in Newberg, Ohio, June 2 Canada, where the one was born in i832 and the 862, to Florence E,, daughter of Thomas and Eliza other in i838.Moore, of Cleveland, Ohio, and four children have I To Mr. and Mrs. Webster three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Price, all living, namely: ' been born, namely: Freddie H., the eldest born, is Charles F., Cora E., William S. and Rena M. g-ll W0_ ~tJ: Is Fi;J a?^/-'.^.^ --- ^~-1;-;~. 5 / Hl n^': -:,, NEWA YGO COU-NTY. 301 %> - ~~~"I,,1b Ia ~ I oseph Barder, farmer, section 12, Barton j ": Township, was born in Austria, April 18,!]a S 1824, and is the son of Peter and Magda';, lena (Stieger) Barder. He lived in his native country until I867, passing the years of his childhood in obtaining the education bestowed upon children of the class to which he belonged, and. afterwards engaging in agriculture, subject to all the it rivations incident to the laboring community under a monarchical government. On coming to the United States, he located at Cleveland, Ohio, and there engaged in farming. In 1877 he came to Newaygo County, bought a farm of 160 acres in Barton Township, and has since given his exclusive attention to its improvement and culti- vation. Mr. Barder was married in 1867, to Anna Sker, a native of Switzerland. They have a family of six children: Katie, Joseph, Lizzie, Edward, Antoine and Martha. Mr. Barder acts politically with the Republican party.? ames Crabtree, farmer, section 14, Big X Prairie Township, was born July 11, 1813, Ad in Maine, and is a son of Richard A. and i r Mary (Giggey) Crabtree. The former was. ' born Nov. 3o, 1789, in the State of New York ~ and was a son of John Crabtree, a native of London, England, who emigrated to America in its earliest days. Himself and brother were residents of the city of New York when it was an insignificant "Dutch seaport town." The mother was born Nov. 2, 1788, in Virginia, and was the daughter of parents who were natives of the Lowlands of Scotland. Mr. Crabtree remained with his parents in his native State until their removal to New Brunswick.in I8I8, where he resided during the remainder of the years of his minority. Mr. Crabtree records one memorable day when about 20 years old. A school was started in the vicinity of his home, and he at tended its lessons one day, the only experience of the kind in his whole life. He passed all his early life assisting his father, and at the age of 21.found himself for the first time at liberty to operate in his own behalf. He obtained an engagement as foreman of a lumber-camp, in which occupation he had been engaged four years previously. After two years he quit lumbering and became a sailor. He was " before the mast" six years, when he was made Captain of a vessel, and two years later was a ship owner. He was at sea with his vessel, the "Montgomery," four years, and during the time sailed round the world. He was in the Gulf of Mexico when the Mexican war broke out, and he " tied up' to the wharf in the city of New Orleans, went ashore and in 48 hours raised a company of 12 volunteers for the United States service. Feeling incompetent to take command, he went out with the company as Sergeant and remained in the army until the close of the war, serving one year under Gen. Taylor and the remainder of the time attached to the command of Gen. Scott. He was at the head of his company during the last year. He was in the closing fight at the city of Mexico, and brought home the national colors. After the end of the war he spent some time in travel and visited the principal cities of the United States. This accomplished, he felt a desire to visit his friends from whom he had not heard for 13 years. He returned to New Brunswick, and after a year there came to Chicago, Ill., where he resided two years. His next removal was to Amboy, Ill., where he conducted a saw-mill six years. In 1857 he came to Muskegon and resided four years, whence he came to Croton, and six months later to Big Prairie, where he now owns 140 acres of land, with 40 acres cleared, well improved and placed' under advanced cultivation, with good buildings and other creditable farm fixtures. Mr. Crabtree was a soldier in the civil war. He enlisted in Co. A, Tenth Mich. Cav., in 1864, and was discharged at the close of the war in: Memphis, Tenn. His command was in all the active campaign service of the last year of the war, and, amid other active duty, he was in the detail of soldiers sent into North Carolina to cut off the communications of Lee with the railroad. He was in Stoneman's raid, and the last battles in which he participated were those of Salisbury and Iexington, or High Points. He sustained a sun-stroke at Sweet Water, Tenn., from i* I' f.. A-:,S=3 -i~3 ~';..^ A*_ 'X An_ 5 iI'.; >' rr", I "iE:r~- 26:C: — ~"*;2 i;al flrt) lr ra;i r , 0atLiirii i':~o!Ym(~.\L:e.,~ r -~ ~~,: i ii, - --- n~;-. ----i iS;r tt~T:'`-~ 'l,'-S- -----— i t tlX ltS ar t - Ad * ^Jll1 302 E WA AYGO COUNTY. i I ~'' i *. - - I which he has become blind, being able only to ( distinguish light with one eye. Mr. Crabtree was married Aug. 9, I849, in St. John, N. B., to Mary Jane Darragh. She was born March i, I829, in County Tyrone, Ireland, and is a daughter of George and Isabella (Hawthorne) Darragh. Her parents were born in Ireland near the city of Dublin. Her father was born in I799 and is still living. Her mother was born in i80o and died in I873, in New Brunswick. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree, seven of whom are living: Their names are, George R., Mary I., Eliza J., James E. (dec.), Charles L., Wm. Ellsworth, Abraham F., Joseph F. (dec.) and Franklin I. Politically Mr. C. is a radical Republican. ) i. iohn F. Schroeder, farmer, section i, Barton Township, was born in Germany, March i6, i840, and is the son of Frederick and Mary Schroeder. He was reared and educated in his native country, and came to the United States when 26 years old. He settled at Grand Rapids, where he remained 14 years engaged in blacksmithing. In I874, he came to Newaygo County and purchased 40 acres of land in Barton Township, where he has since occupied his time in improving and cultivating his land. He was married in his native country, in I866, to Dorothea, daughter of Frederick and Dorothea (Podine) Walter, natives of Germany. The family in 1853, and has been an inmate of the parental home. most of his life thus far. His views of wedded bliss: are still in the anticipatory state, and his numerous. friends rely on his calm judgment and sound sense A as a basis for their hopes of his future happiness. He is generally esteemed for his character of sobriety, veracity, integrity and his unwavering consideration for the rights and privileges of others. His fur.damental principle in social matters is, that only in showing himself to be friendly can a man win friends, and he recognizes the full force of the injunction, "Do unto others as ye would that they should do,:; unto you. '': Mr. Webster is the proprietor of 80 acres of land on section I6, and 94 acres on section 21, of Big Prairie Township. He has been a successful sportsman, his coolness and self-control making him an exceptional marksman; and he had at one time few superiors in his knowledge of the habits of game in Northern Michigan. Politically he is a Republican, and is a zealous adherent to the tenets of the ' Wesleyan Methodist Church. ' ohn Brotherton, farmer, section 32, Dayton Township, was born in Ohio, July 15, 1826. His parents were Abel and Clara (Griffin) Brotherton, the former a native of New York and the latter of Connecticut. They first settled in New Ybrk and afterward moved to Ohio. When John came to Michigan he first settled ':. in Lenawee County, and came to Newaygo County in " the winter of 1854, when he took up i60 acres of good land on sections 32 and 33, where he now resides; 75 acres are under improvement. He has since purchased 40 acres more, and now owns 200 acres of land. Mr. Brotherton was married in Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1847, to Helen, daughter of Weston and Sophia, Tenney, the father a native of Massachusetts, and the mother of New York. They first settled in the latter State and afterward moved to Lenawee Co.,:i. Mich. Mrs. Brotherton was the youngest of three e children and was born in New York, Aug. 17, 1830. *' Mr. and Mrs. B. have two children, Ophelia and May. i dludes four children: John C., Frederick M., Minnie F. and Mary C. ^-s- ---- ^N~~ ----tC2^ ------ $ eorge R. Webster, formerly a farmer and lumberman, resident on section 21, Big " " Prairie Township, has been engaged since 88I as agent for the Cascade Commercial n I Nursery of Kent County. He was born in Denham Township, Upper Canada, Aug. 14, a I851, and is the son of Wm. R. and Phebe A. Webster. (See sketch.) $ He came to Newaygo County with his parents in ~^&9&_ ---- -- l — i~~ ": aa~- %' \ I i\~ rr)~::d lc g~ F _____.___ _______,____ _ANEWA YGO COUNTY '. 303 Mr. B. has been Supervisor, Highway Commissioner, He afterwards attended lectures at the Ohio Medical and was County Superintendent of the Poor six College located at Cincinnati, and also at the Kenyears. In politics he is a Greenbacker. Mr. and tucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, and later at Mrs. Brotherton are charter members of Fremont the Chicago Medical College. He spent one term Grange, No. 494, P. of H. at each of the institutions named. While thus engaged, the mighty question of country ~ —o —t((-))j o ---- - - or no country was forced to an issue by the rebellious. South, and in succeeding events Dr. Flora found ai'. r. duty and opportunity closely linked. In all that this I: avid W. Flora, M. D., physician and surgi a N g- a may mean, a passing tribute is due to the influence i r flo, geon, at Newaygo, was born at Cincinnati,. i. < v an M (oo F b r an was wielded by the schools and instructors of the period. i?[[r Ohio, Nov 20,I8 28. He is a son of George. inI:i 3 v between the settlement of this country and the adW. and Margaret (Sloop) Flora, and was hio, i r i ovent of civil war. The spirit of patriotism engen-; reared to manhood after the method common I.. r,dered by the struggle for independence had been in the training of farmers' sons of that.. thereby kept alive, and the fair green plant suddenly period. He obtained his elementary education at e c n s s a f t c burst into marvelous bloom and bore a glorious fruitthe common schools and found the curriculum of.,. age, solving the problem of the rise and fall of nastudy open to him under the metropolitan school tions and demonstrating that the inherent principles regulations to be only incentives to the investigation t i i iof liberty are synonymous with those of truth and are of the wide fields of knowledge to which the higher.p. e as eternal; also that they foster in the American institutions of learning furnished the "open sesame.. " initio of l in fis t people impulses which render the National institu-, He supplemented his primary studies by two years'... tions as imperishable as are the ties of home and..,' attendance as a student in the literary department kindrd:;: of the college at Augusta, Ky. He was deeply i.m- t t<. H w Dr. Flora was in the ardor of youth and the flush pressed with the exhaustive and concise character of iou h i h rf of ambitious hopes to rise in his profession. He =: ~ the text-books with which he became familiar, and, i.~.. foresaw through the vista of advancement the acme <* / learned from them the lesson designed by discrim- f t t v o a. n of his aspirations; and, recognizing the stability of inating instructors,-that they could only serve a -..... small things for a foundation, he made haste to respecific purpose in designating the route to the possi- in spond to the second call for troops after the disaster bilities lying in the great field of scientific research.. at Bull's Run, and entered the service as a private, beyond our mental horizon. To join the already,....enlisting in August, I86I, in Co. F, 3gth Ind. Vol. mighty army of authors and investigators, became his i i i.,..,.. Inf., and was made Hospital Steward of the regiment. highest ambition, and, in casting about for a profesHe was soon placed in charge of the regimental sion which afforded the widest scope for the con- the re A-.. hospital, and made himself activein the care and \ summation of his desires, he fixed upon that of i, e me a i r treatment of the men and officers. His faithful,? medicine. His idea was not that of limiting himself. t s o dru, or tir conscientious labors and the efficiency of his sanitary to the study of drugs, or their effects upon the human measures came to be understood at headquarters, system, or in any sense restricted by the scope of a a h w d t... and he was detailed to organize a general hospital practitioner devoted to the one purpose of ameliora-, i, for the army corps. He was informed that an opporting human suffering, but in the broadest sense poss.l, a.c.. atunity was open to him to appear before an examinsible, and including anatomy, comparative anatomy,., ing board of regular army surgeons, under whose physiology and botany,-the whole field included dictum he was mustered out by special order of the ' within the limits of natural history... S After leaving Augusta he became a teacher, and, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A. He was assigned to the devoted seven years to that profession, preparatory to ri ri a r ri.~. c, rtransportation service and assumed charge of a train * entering po the course prescribed by forconveying sick and wounded soldiers to the general such as contemplated the practice of medicine. In hospital at Louisville, Ky. This duty involved the i: 857, he entered the office of Dr. A. G. Boynton, bringing in of the sick and wounded from outlying \ of Columbus, Ind., and read under his supervision. posts, and when it was completed he was placed in 4<;']~ ' 304 INEWA YGO COUNTY. I t~~~-~Par -, —u* :.8~ cslr~:-:s.-~$p:.p" ~~:;- r(1-11 —. --- —-_ rrTi a', / I j charge of the convalescent barracks in the city, which post he filled from May 1, T862, to April i, I863. His next charge was Hospital No. 9, in Louisville, where he remained until September of the year last named, when he was ordered to Camp Nelson, Ky., to care for I,ooo sick soldiers left by Gen. Burnside, when he marched on Knoxville, Tenn. The attendant difficulties in this service rivaled the details in some of the rebel hospitals. Dr. Flora had but two assistants to aid him in the care and management of i,ooo disabled soldiers and i,ooo contrabands and laborers, and in less than six weeks himself and fellow surgeons succumbed to the severity of the situation and were prostrated by tyl)ho-malarial fever and dysentery. His comrades went home to die, but he soon recovered his health, and on the first of October he resumed duty at the General Hospital at Madison, Ind. While there he inaugurated a series of original investigations to discover the nature of a certain class of obscure ailments which caused the victims to be classed as "malingerers," "hospital bummers," etc. This class of patients commonly became permanent appendages to the hospitals. and if discharged "cured" and sent to the front, invariably returned and in time became the "opprobrium medicorum " of the profession. By the aid of the microscope and chemical tests, Dr. Flora succeeded in diagnosing and placing under proper treatment this class of patients. The incurable were discharged and the other "ilk" were sent to their commands, so described that they returned no more. While in charge of one of the divisions of the general hospital, Dr. Flora devoted a portion of his time to morbid anatomy, histology and natural history, especially in the department of entomology. During his microscopic investigations of embryology in insect life, he conceived the idea of photographing magnified objects, and, aided by a photographer, he succeeded in obtaining what he supposed to be the first photographs of that character. It afterwards transpired that he had a contemporary in the work,Dr. Dean, of Washington, who was engaged at the same time (I865) in photographing sections of the spinal cord. Micro-photography has now reached amazing proportions, but Dr. Flora claims originality if not priority in the discovery. In addition to his - -, 7 :-7777= -. - I duties and researches, he made important contributions to the medical, literary and scientific magazines. On receiving his discharge from the army, Dr. Flora established his practice in Chicago, and while there became favorably known to a wide circle of miscellaneous readers by articles on current sanitary topics, one of which at least was exigent and opportune. Many will remember the able and exhaustive paper on Trichinae published by the Chicago Times, and copied by hundreds of journals of lesser pretensions. It was then becoming the subject of much interest to scientific thinkers, and alarm to other classes. In i868, the Doctor came to Denver, Newaygo County, and not long afterward to Newaygo. His business here has been extensive and satisfactory. His intellectual grade in his profession is understood' and appreciated, and he takes precedence of his compeers as the oldest resident practitioner. He has been medical adviser among the poor a large proportion of the time since he settled here, and he has served many years as a local health officer. He is at present Justice of the Peace. In [872, Dr Flora perfected and patented a safety mask for the purpose of protecting the respiratory organs from dust in mining and dry-grinding, by cotton films charged with antiseptics, forming a perfect safeguard against germs of infection in contagious diseases. Dr. Flora was married in Seymour, Jackson Co., Ind., April 7, 1857, to Sarah C., daughter of Charles and Harriet Hanley. She was born at Cohoes, N. Y., May io, I835. Charles A., elder child, was born in Bartholomew Co., Ind., and is a printer by trade. Daisy, only daughter, was born in Newaygo, Oct 7, T869. Y PI.i:"'I A, t-f~ I;1Q ", A.- A i: _,'4`: j — X,; ' / atrick Neville, deceased, was born March 1 4, i824, in County Wexford. Ireland. t He was the son of John and Catherine f (Stafford) Neville. His parents' record is in-. complete, but it is known that they were natives of the same county where their son was born, and died about the year I860. Mr. Neville grew to manhood in his native land,, where he was married Jan. 31, i853, to Catherine / ^ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ r B0 ^ - a — ^ ( - I,i ~-P ~" ' iS.w;`: I',' ~at.,. SI,, g p, " --- ` < ** Z: :ms jr- 4,~4.", NE WA Y GO COUNTY. 305 Ronan. She was born and reared in the same place / in County Wexford, and is the daughter of Matthew and Bridget (O'Donahue) Ronan. Her father was born in I80i, and her mother in i802, both in Ireland, in which country they also both died, in 1853., Mr. and Mrs. Neville sailed for the United States, April 15, 1853, and arrived in New York on the 2d day of June following. They reached the city of Philadelphia, where they remained three months. They started for Michigan in September and arrived in Newaygo County on the ioth of that month. They passed the following winter at Powers' Corners, in Everett Township, and in March i854, bought i60 acres of land in Big Prairie, where they founded their home. Mr. Neville died March 19, i865. Of seven children born to him and Mrs. Neville six are living. Following are their names in the order of their birth: Mary B., John J., William P., Mary Jane (dec.), Catherine E., Matthew G. and Patrick P. When the father died the eldest child was but I years old, but the two eldest sons, aged ten and nine years, with. their mother's aid, have placed the farm in fine condition. They at once, upon being left alone, contin-: ued the work begun by the father, and co.uld drive the oxen, although too small to adjust the ox yoke, i. which was done with the mother's assistance. The farm now comprises o05 acres, cleared, cultivated and improved with fine buildings. i -'g, elson McDonald, farmer, section I i, Sheridan Township, was born in Upper Canada, S March 23, I826. He is a son of Peter and Amanda (Smith) McDonald, the former a native of Canada, where he now resides, at the advanced age of 95 years; the latter of Connecticut, and died in I874. He lived in Canada, until I855, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased 240 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, where he now resides. He owns 2I0 acres, having given his sons 150 acres. He has I20 acres t under cultivation. He was married in Upper Canada, April i i, I848, to Amanda E., eldest daughter of Moses S. and Joanna (Austin) Hindes, the former. _. a native of New York and the latter of Upper Canada; they moved to Newaygo County, where the father died, in the fall of i880, and the mother resides in Garfield Township. Mrs. McDonald was born in Upper Canada, Nov. o0, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are the parents of II children: Melvin, Peter, Franklin, Cylicia V., Arminta, Amos, Amon, Ida, Eda; Horatio died at the age of 22, and one died in infancy. Mr. McDonald has held the office of Highway Commissioner nearly every year since he settled in this township. Himself and wife are members of Fremont Grange, P. of H. In politics he is a National Greenbacker. harles F. Keefe, senior member of the firm of Keefe, Sutliff & Company, liverymen, resident at Newaygo, was born July iI, 856, in Solon, Somerset Co., Me. His father, Michael Keefe, was born at St. John, N. B., May 4, i818, of English and Scotch ancestry His mother, Louise (Waugh) Keefe, was born in De cember, 1824, in Maine, of English lineage. They removed to Lincoln, Penobscot County, in I859, where they resided nearly 17 years. In the winter of 1875 they came to Howard.City, Montcalm Co., Mich., whence they removed in December, I882,' to Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where they are yet living. Mr. Keefe became a telegraph operator at the age of 15, and followed that pursuit about two and a half years, and then engaged as a salesman in a drug store. He came West in 1874 and located at Howard City, where he spent three years in various occupations. In 1877 he entered upon the duties of book-keeper for the Muskegon Boom Company, where he was employed two years, acting also as foreman on the drive, and scaling logs during the winters until he came to Newaygo. On the I8th of September, 1883, associated with Albert E. and Solon D. Sutliff, he established a livery stable on the site of a similar enterprise managed by J. M. Allen, which was destroyed by fire, April 29, i883. The firm are doing a profitable business, keeping ten horses and all fixtures common to such establishments. I:;~He A;'. I~~,I ' W d i i i it i..~ -~. i r 4 *l F low -- ~ —"` 306__ v, Mr. Keefe was married at Newa to Flora, daughter of Calvin A. f born in Bridgeton, Dec. 24, 1863. 2 was born in Bridgeton, Nov. 28, i a member of the Masonic fraterni V.,.- - NEWrA YGO Co u NTY NEWAYGO COUNTY..i-.~ ~,rr.a- aa-. 1 -b'I aygo, Feb. 14, i88i, and Emily Sutliff, Ethel, only child, 88i. Mr. Keefe is ty. It oshua G. Childs, farmer, section 26, Monroe Township, was born April 29, 1849, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and is a son of Sanford and Elizabeth (McGregor) Childs. The father is a native of New York, and the mother was born in Scotland. Both are yet living and reside in Eaton Co., Mich. Mr. Childs obtained his education chiefly at the common schools of his native county and finished his career as a student in books by one term of study at Lewiston. He became "his own man " at the age of I7 years and spent some time in travel in the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. He commenced his career as a farmer in Newaygo County, in I870, by entering a homestead claim in Monroe Township, where he has since made the best possible application of his strength and judgment in clearing and otherwise improving his farm. He was married in Monroe Township to Harriet C., daughter of Abraham and Mary E. (Beaden) Alger. She was born in Coldwater, Mich., Nov. 10, I856. Her parents were natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Childs have had five children, born as follows: Mary E., Nov. i8, 1871; Minnie M., April i, 1875; Alden S., May 9, I877; George A., April 6, I879. James, born July 7, 1883, died Sept. I3, 1883. Mr. Childs is a Republican, and has held the offices of Supervisor and Deputy Clerk of the township. Mr. Cook came to Michigan with his parents when he was 13 years old. They settled in Arlington, Van Buren County, and he continued an inmate of his father's household until he was 27 years of age, when he was married and began life as a family man. He passed a number of years in various employments, including farming, lumbering and operating threshingmachines. He came to Newaygo County in I872, and Feb. 28 entered a homestead claim of I60 acres of land. He has cleared and improved 30 acres of land, placed it under good cultivation and erected suitable and convenient farm buildings. His place is well stocked with horses, cattle, sheep and swine. In political relations he is a Democrat. Mr. Cook was married Oct. 5, i868, in Arlington, to Hannah, daughter of Hiram and Jane (Wilson) Lewis. She was born in Greenbush, Albany Co., N. Y., April 9, I850. Her parents were natives of the Empire State, born respectively in I8i8 and I8i9. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been the parents of two children: Margaret, born June 28, 1869, is the sole surviving child. -sa P. Carpenter, retired farmer and teacher, resident on section 6, Croton Township, was i born in Waterford, Caledonia Co., Vt., Sept. 2, -')i I802, and is the son of Asa and Erepta (Grow) Carpenter. His father was born in I770, in Ashford, Conn., and died Sept. o1, 1826; he was a son of Jonah Carpenter, who came to America soon after the Pilgrims made their first settlement in Massachusetts. The mother of Mr. Carpenter was born in 1780, in Hartland, Vt., and died in 1862. The father of Mr. Carpenter was a Congregational minister and gave his son a good available education. He commenced the vocation of teaching at the age of i8 years. He taught his first school in the town of Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., in I820. In 1824 he went to Canada. He was married Oct. 3, 1824, in Lewiston, Niagara Co., N. Y., to Margaret, daughter of John and Catherine (Huff) Ulman. She was born April 27, 7 98. Her father was born in 1754, in Lancaster, Pa., and died in I833. Her mother was born about 1764, in Canajoharie, N. Y., and died in 1835. Nine I - L Jo: -s4 --- —— MEt --- —so X elson P. Cook, farmer, section 2, Big S Prairie Township, was born April 8, 1841, in Marion, Wayne Co., N. Y. His parents, X Asahel and Louisa (Dumond) Cook, were 4,both natives of the State of New York, where the father was born about the year I8i5: he died \ Nov. 7, i880, in Allegan County. ~x))^ ----n^ I: /.:a ~ i:: i,: n;rr,%aB~;-1: + aa~~ rl~ ~ i~ arrla,l c \~ r~~t Pit 2-LiBi .4,~ I NE WA YGO COUNTY. 307? of twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter ' are living. Following are all their names in the order of birth: Joseph Warren, Alethia, John Grow, Henry Ulman (died of a wound in the army, and is buried at Alexandria, Va.), Margaret Ann, Asa and Erepta (twins), Benjamin, Charles Carrol (died by drowning) Elizabeth Catherine and Mary Jane. The latter were twins and Mary Jane is deceased. Mr. Carpenter was exclusively occupied in teaching until 1853, when he came to Michigan. He ) bought 40 acres of land in Croton, Newaygo County, and has added by purchase 80 acres more, where himself and wife now reside. The children have all scattered away to homes and interests of their own, except the son Benjaimn, who lives upon a part of the homestead. Mr. Carpenter has always been actively interested in politics, and records himself as an inflexible Republican. He has held the office of Town Clerk six years, Superintendent of the Poor seven years, has been Coroner of the county and Justice of the Peace 12 years, and has officiated as School Inspector most of the time since he settled in Croton. He has taken the New York Tribune 40 years. Himself and wife, belong to the Congregational Church. recovery, in 85 1, he came to Croton, Newaygo g County, and one year later made arrangements for the purchase of the farm where he now resides, of *:. William Loomis, containing 80 acres of land, exchanging therefor the labor of three years and two yokes of cattle. His farm now consists of 50 acres of cleared and well improved land, and 30 acres in heavy timber. Mr. Cope is in a prosperous condition financially, and has the satisfaction of knowing that he has won his way over obstacles that would have thrown men of less resolution into hopeless discouragement. q ii, - ------ - ewis S. Meyers, farmer, section 36, Big W Prairie, was born in France about 30 hours, or go miles, from Strasbourg, on the river - Main. The date of his birth was July 23, i831. His father, Jacob Meyers, was born about 1783, in Schelestadt, and died in I868. He was an attache of an officer on the staff of Napoleon Bonaparte. Jacob Meyers, the paternal grandfather, belonged to the farming community of France, and by vocation was a dairyman. Mary Ann (Phillips) Meyers, the mother of Mr. Meyers of this sketch, was born in i80o, in Minster, France, in - A- ( c Lower Alsace. bhe died aDout Is57. The parents came to the United States in 1832, Iilliam H. Cope, farmer, section 14 Gar- and located in Stark Co, Ohio. The son was about field Township, was born in Beverley, Can., nine months old, and they lived there until he was f nine months old, and they lived there until he was Nov. 8, 1827. He is a son of William and 12 years of age, when they removed to Allen Co., hoda (Tucker) Cope, and was reared on a Ind. Mr. Meyers remained at home until his first -= 0k farm under the supervision of his father to the marriage in i856, when he became the husband of. age of 20 years, when he left home and went to Elizabeth McDowell. Two children were born -of Waterloo, Can. this marriage, namely: Viola, row Mrs. Weaver and In October, 1848, he was married to Fannie Smith, residing in Indiana; and Leander, who lives in Ft. who was born April 25, 1827, in Vermont. Of their Wayne, Ind. The mother died in 1864. After the marriage six children were born, namely: Eliza J., death of his wife Mr. Meyers enlisted in Co. A, 2Ist wife of William Monroe, farmer, of Garfield Town- Mich. Vol. Inf., enrolling Sept. I, I864. His comship; John, Alice, Emma, Elnora and William. Soon mand was attached to the army corps of Gen. after the event of his marriage, Mr. Cope returned to Sherman, and he served in all the actions during the * Beverley and managed a saw-mill belonging to John memorable march to the sea. On the close of the Howard, one year. In 1849 he came to Decatur, war Mr. Meyers came to Croton, where he worked (. Van Buren Co., Mich., and there pursued agriculture. one year in a saw-mill, and then turned his attention He had a long and prostrating illness, which con- to carpentry, and became foreman in the lumber tinued a year and exhausted his little savings. On interests of Robert Mitchell. *ereAs- ->Af Mtl l 4 I:::~ 3s ~8 k.. ' ib " ) 368? 4.:. s ':. <3, --- S4 *'Vjll'm 00 g;9 4 ~;; U %aB-I~r) NVE WA YGO CO UNI Y. -I Mr. Meyers was married in Croton, Newaygo County, May I3, 1869, to Katherine Maier. She was born July 22, 1838, in Baden, a Prussian province, and is a daughter of Batel and Margaret ' Maria (Kohler) Maier, natives of the same place in Prussia where their daughter was born. Both were Germans and born approximately in 1805 and I807. About the date of his second marriage Mr. Meyers bought 80 acres of land in Big Prairie, where he established his home. He has 30 acres cleared, with good improvements. He has passed his time farmV- ing and working as a lumberman. He is a great sportsman and has an interesting record. His list includes 300 deer, 194 of which he killed in Indiana. He has killed but one wolf, and but oine bear. The latter weighed 327 pounds. Mr. Meyers is a Democrat in politics, and Roman Catholic in religion.. 4 ohn Barnhard, farmer, section 3, Dayton Township, is a son of Jacob and Sarah > ' (Hyland) Barnhard, and was born in San-. X dusky Co~, Ohio, Nov. I8, 1836. When he was a ten years old he came to this county with his parents. He lived under the parental roof until he was 20 years of age, and was then employed by the month on a farm for one year. In the fall of I858 he purchased 80 acres of wild land, on which he built a log house, and has since added 60 acres to his original purchase; Ioo acres are under good cultiva-: tion. In I875 he erected a fine frame house where hle now resides. He was married in Dayton Township, Nov. 24, I860, to Maryette, daughter of Aaron and Amanda Stone, natives of Connecticut, and they have two children: Gilbert L. and Herbert A. Mr. B. has held the office of Township Clerk, Highway Commissioner, School Inspector and Constable. He was elected Justice of the Peace but declined to qualify; he was also Township Treasurer four years. v March I2, 1862, he enlisted in the 3d Mich. Inf.; served nearly three years and was honorably dis) charged, on account of a severe wound in the arm, p at Spottsylvania Court-House. He was in the battle of the Wilderness and also that of Mine Run; much A of the time he was on detached service.:He now receives a pension. Himself and wife are members of: Hesperian Lodge, No. 495, P. of H., and in politics he is a Republican. i S ilas Edgecomb, farmer, section 21, Big:% Prairie Township, was born Nov. 24, 1826,: in the State of New York, and is the son \ of Asel and Sarah M. (Sears) Edgecomb. Both 'parents were of German descent and were born in the Empire State, the former about I804 (died in in I877), the latter in I806 (died 1 in 1827). Mr. Edgecomb became a resident of Michigan in 1826, when his parents settled in St. Clair County. He was married in Brockway, St. Clair County, March 20, I848, to Anna Freeman. She was born:: June I9, I831, near St. Thomas, Canada West, and; is the daughter of Curtis and Cynthia (Arms) Free-: man. Her father was born Feb. i8, 1795, in Lower:: Canada, and died Jan. 9, I866, in Brockway. The.: mother was born May 20, 8oo, in the Dominion, and is still living. Following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edgecomb: C. Maria (dec.), Nelson (dec.), John W., Mary Jane (dec.), Charles S., Alvaretta, Arthur (killed in I88i on a log rollway on the Muskegon River), Annie and Thomas. Mr. Edgecomb was a resident of St. Clair County, about ten years, when he removed to the State of. Iowa. He went thence, I8 months later, to Wiscon- ' sin, where he resided one year at Prairie Du Chien, i and two years in Grant County. He came to Newaygo County, Jan. 9, i860, and entered the employ of Henry Loomis, for whom he kept a boarding-house about five months, located two miles from Newaygo village. He went in the summer of 186o to Gaines- I ville, Kent County, where he bought 40 acres of land, with about 25 acres improved, where he lived three years, selling out at the expiration of that time and removing to Croton. After a year's residence there he moved to section 26, where he logged one winter. The following spring he bought I20 acres of land on section 25, on which he resided one year and sold -i/ f; ~ I — '"4Q.I a pr,: i" e0~ — ~- ~~lf I:, a 9 f , *ir aa~:",:I at, r IIVB * d' I _9 IAz K,' /1 It~~ 0 I W f Cal * -l o, ej... _ _ I-1 f,A - i... E WA YGO Cll -- Y ArE WA YGO COUNTY. 313 " _. 01f out. His next purchase was I60 acres, which is now his homestead. This became his property in 1870,: and was partly improved. On this he has since resided with the exception of several winters he has spent in the lumber woods. In political belief Mr.; Edgecomb is a Democrat, and in religious tendency inclines to the Presbyterian faith. j IC illiam Rila Webster, deceased, was born,j Oct.,29, I8io, in Stanstead, "Canada J >~.)/ East." His earliest traditionary ancestor was his grandfather twice removed,-other-. wise his great-great-grandfather,-who was an Englishman and came from Norfolk to the United States and settled in New Hampshire, where all his intermediate paternal ancestors were born. His father, John Webster, was born in 1787 and removed to Vermont with his family in 1792. He was married in 1809, to Marcia Eastman, and soon after that event went to Stanstead. The wife was born April o1, 1790, in New Hampshire. She was of Welsh ancestry, and died in Big Prairie, Dec. 23, I863. John Webster died Feb. i5, I819, in Stanstead, Canada East. Mr. Webster came to Michigan in June, I853, and selected Newaygo County as a place of residence. In the spring of 854 he settled on section 21, Big Prairie Township, where he bought 600 acres of land. On this he wrought out his life work as a pioneer, a husband and father, and citizen. Mr. Webster was married at Port Hope, Ontario, Oct. 12, i836, to Phebe Ann Moore. She was born in that place April 8, 1822, and is the daughter of James and Azubah (Soule) Moore. Her father was born in the State of New York, in I792, of Scotch and Irish lineage, and one remove from such ancestry. Azubah (Soule) Moore was born in 1796, and was the daughter of Wilson Soule, and of German descent. Wilson Soule married Polly Curtis, who was [. a native of New York and of English ancestry. Their marriage occurred in 1792, and about the year i8o8 they removed to Ontario, near Coburg. Wil son Soule died in Clarke, Ontario, May 7, 1837; his J wife died in Brantford, Ontario, in January, I857..; James Moore and Azubah Soule were married in + I8It. The latter died Sept. 19, i843, in Clarke; i the latter in Haldimand, Ontario, Jan. I8, i865. Their children were born as follows: Azubah Fidelia, July 3, 1814; Emily Rosetta, March i6, i8i6; Calvin Wilson, May 23, 1818; Polly Lavinia, May 22, 1820; Phebe Ann (as given); Hosea Lysander, July 23, 1824, died July 21, I826. The following are the records of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Webster: James M. H. (see sketch);;a Charles Wesley, July 28, 1845 (died Sept. i6, following); John Emory (see sketch); Sophronia Adelaide, Aug. 7, i850 (died Oct. 6, same year); George Rila (see sketch); Herbert Fremont (see sketch); Chester Calvin, July 31, 1858 (died April 13, i871); Phebe Adela, Aug. 10, i86i; Leslie Allison, July 20, i863. The daughter last named is remarkable for an unusual mental organization. She attracted much notice in her early childhood for precociousness, and it became the purpose of her parents to give her an education commensurate with her abilities. At a =z suitable age she was sent away to school, but it soon became necessary to remove her to the quiet and T tranquillity of her home. Her studies developed her.i reflective faculties so rapidly that her physical powers utterly failed to keep pace, and her health became endangered. She is a young lady of lovely Christian character and is the endeared companion of her widowed mother. Leslie, the youngest son, has a marvelous genius for music, and is able to manipulate any instrument that comes within his reach. He plays the violin and all keyed instruments with taste X and skill. He was married Jan. 8, I884, to Jessie, X daughter of J. F. A. Raider, of Newaygo. William Rila Webster's grandfather was the brother of the same paternal ancestor of the representative statesman and orator of America-Daniel Webster. It is a singular circumstance that the generation before them married into families of similar name but no kin. The similarity of many traits in different ' lines of descent in the Webster family is a well I, established fact, and is discernible in the character of T him whose earthly career this sketch commemorates, / as in his younger brothers-Francis Webster, residing at Fairbanks, Buchanan Co., Iowa; John Webster,, \ f I-~,ib 3 rPI,, trf;~~~a. ~ ~~4~~- II~~iarld~'cilA NOAI, _~ Wi~ i~,i i~ 'Alf "": Ptre i:li ~u - Y% ii iflss:'o; rX,' ~-~ i:, If n fl ui-.a; ~~~;rl-.::d. u —"~':~~-r ir li;r ~; jQ":* r edi~:i:d r;C AE WAYGO COUNTY. ~1~, f*N who died in Michigan, in 1877; and West Webster, a citizen of Minnesota. He was of powerful physique, large brain, strong mind and wonderful self-poise, and possessed a phenomenal memory, seeming never to forget anything he read pertaining to his duties as a man and citizen. Mr. Webster was a natural mechanic, and from his childhood was distinguished for his love of architecture. He employed all his leisure in studying, planning, drawing and designing buildings for himself and others, and, had he devoted his life to architecture as a calling, would have acquired distinction in that art. All his lifelong he was a believer in a Supreme Being, and insisted on his entire household observing the ordinance of the Sabbath. In March preceding his death he made profession of religion, and when the moment of his dissolution came he passed to the silent mystery of the world beyond in the triumph of a living faith. With his last breath he strove to impress upon his children and others the precepts of religion and the imperative necessity of temperance and morality. Mr. Webster died May 21, 1882. His portrait with that of his surviving wife may be found on other pages of this volume. The character of the one is indelibly impressed upon those who knew him as a man of sterling traits and such characteristics as built Newaygo County to her present completeness and position. Five surviving sons and one daughter are living testimonials to what he wasas a father. Mrs. Webster is such a woman as experience and self-sacrifice develop from the stock of earlier generations-such a woman as under the impulse of later civilization would have taken front rank in the work of the world. She is possessed of most strongly marked personal traits of character. No one has larger sympathies or more heartfelt interest n the well being of others. "Bear ye one another's burdens," is her law of life. She has followed it in sweet patience, unfaltering courage and with a purpose and spirit wholly exempt from any personal end or motive. She has been, since the death of her husband, the mainspring in all the family and business matters relating to the settlement of his estate, and prosecutes her affairs with all calmness and wisdom of judgment. Who will say, when Newaygo County reaches its height of promised achievement, what part the pioneer mothers had in the consummation? Blkrancis H. Peterson, farmer and lumberl ' man on section 23, Croton Township, was v 5q*v born in Hastings County, Canada West, Oct. 24, I850, and is a son of Hazlett and Susannah M. (Purcells) Peterson. The former was born in Kingston, Canada, in 1812, and died in Croton Township, Oct. 22, 1882. The mother was born in 1822 and is still alive. Both parents were of German extraction. The family came to Newaygo County in i866, when the son was 16 years old. He remained at home two years longer, and set out in life on his own responsibility. He engaged as an assistant in a shingle-mill and followed that business nine years. In 1879 he bought 80 acres of land, of which he has cleared but a small proportion, occupying his time chiefly in lumbering. He is a Prohibitionist and has held the various township offices. Edith E., wife of Francis H. Peterson, was born in Everett Township, Newaygo County, Dec. 7, I855, and is the daughter of James and Sarah (Barnhart) Berry. Her father was a farmer and born of Irish extraction, in the State of Massachusetts, June i6, I8TI; died March 29, 1862. Sarah, his wife, was born Feb. 7, 1818, in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were married Dec. 6, 1874, in Newaygo, and are the parents of three children: Robert H., Arthur E. and Mabel V. ~ t S.leazer Luce, farmer, section 6, Barton { t Township, was born Aug. 10, 1814, in o'' Tompkins Co., N. Y., and is a son of ~ David and Sophia (Raynord) Luce. His parents were born on Long Island and are both deceased. The son was "bound" to a farmer named Thomas George, and was under his management until he was 19 years old, receiving a fair degree of education. Mr. Luce was married in 1837, to Mrs. Sarah (Edwards) Moore, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., born March 30, 1817, and daughter of Stephen and Nancy (Johnson) Edwards. Her father was born in,I *{:0: i*: i; I, I i *,k,i~-0 j~9 Ziaaaa Q~ cj;ls iTI~, i" \ i:; IS i ~z /;s b " i ~" c i-.~; I -rJ ~ X_.. A X NEs^ r WA YG C T "S /NEI4WA YGO COUNTY. 315 315 ~ 5 ~, i- - - Connecticut, her mother in Orange Co., N. Y. Mr. Moore died in I837 and left one child, Loretta. ' Five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Luce are living, namely: Eliza J., Andrew J., Eleazer S., Eleanor L. and Sarah Unica. Five are deceased. Mr. Luce passed a number of years on a farm in Steuben County and went thence to Pennsylvania, where he followed the same pursuit three years. In the fall of I856 he set out for Michigan and stopped in Ohio to spend the winter. In February, i867, he arrived in Newaygo County, where he exchanged his:: team, wagon, harness, etc., for 80 acres of land on section 6, Barton Township. The title proved i worthless and he came very near losing it, and he entered the claim as stipulated under the provisions of the Homestead Law. The deed of conveyance bears the signature of U. S. Grant, then Chief Executive of the United States. The land was.a wilderness of heavy timber, and its proprietor has placed it under fine improvements. He is a Republican and warmly esteemed by his fellow townsmen. lias Elwell, farmer, section 36, Monroe Township, was born in Bennington Co., Vt., March 5, 828, and is the son of Harrington and Rhoda (Benton) Elwell. The father was a native of Vermont, and the mother of Germany; both are deceased. At the age of 13 years Mr. Elwell was thrown upon his own resources to secure a maintenance for himself, and he engaged as a chore boy and attended a district school the first winter. For some years afterward he was variously employed. He was married in I849, in New York, to Sarah, daughter of Jonathan and Eunice (Putney) Bennett, born in Warren Co., N. Y.. May 4, I832. The parents were natives of the Empire State. He pursued farming for some years in the State of New York, and in I853 transferred his family and interests to Hillsdale Co.,. Mich., removing successively to Barry and Allegan ''I' Counties. In i866 he entered a homestead claim in; Newaygo County, of which he took possession March ii, i868, and has put his place under good improvements and profitable cultivation. Of 13, children born to Mr. and Mrs. Elwell, five are living, I namely: Orlando J., Clarinda J., Hiland W., Edgar L. and Calvin B. The deceased were Francis E., David D., Lavinia Annie, Mary A., Eunice E., Charles D. and one in infancy. Mr. Elwell is a Republican in politics.,*p obert Rogers, farmer and lumberman, resi-dent on section 21, Big Prairie Township, was born April 7, I850, in Kent Co. Mich., x and is son of Benjamin and Betsy (Reynolds) Rogers. (See sketch.) Mr. Rogers continued to remain under his father's management until he was 21 years of age, when he began to interest himself in the two-fold calling which now occupies his attention and to which he has since devoted his energies without intermission. He has become the owner of 80 acres of land, of which he has cleared nine acres the present year (i883). He is a Democrat in political adherence. Mr. Rogers was married Dec. 26, I871, in Newaygo County, to Delia Dingman. She was born Dec. 25, i852, in Noble Co., Ind., and is the daughter of Jared and Miranda (Spurbeck) Dingman, both of whom were of German descent and are yet living in Newaygo County. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are all living. They are named Myrtie, Maud, Meda, Benjamin and Jared. Fi i: * - ~ i I ol I \ sa Cook, farmer, section II, Barton Town-, ~ ship, was born April i, i835, in Richland?'iS Co~, Ohio. His parents, Asa and Cynthia (Updegraff) Cook, were natives of Ohio. The ( father died when his son was but ten years of age; the mother in 1859. Mr. Cook spent the years of his early life in ob-. - taining an education and in farm labor, until I862, i when he responded to the call of his country for 'j men to aid in her hour of trial. He enlisted and ~48 10W +t'++;", Psl Y:+ a Tk Sa —Su4Pinn irLi iLVb-.c` Ik"l:P:a: C; r-g~a% Iri ii ~;v AO. 'I'"I'i mi r"s i 316E EWA YGO CO UNT Y. to 316 _. w | m,7 ~; ) was in the service until June, I865, when he received: his discharge. Among the prominent engagements A in which he participated were Crab Orchard, Stone X River, Atlanta, Peach Tree Creek and the campaign of Sherman through Georgia. In October following his discharge from the army he located in Newaygo Co., Mich., and bought 80 acres of land in Barton Township, then in a comparatively unsettled condition. He was married in i860 to Eliza Jane, daughter of I John and Elizabeth (Doll) Forsyth. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. C. was born in: Ohio, Nov. 3, 1841. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cook includes three children, viz.: May M., Francis M. and Nellie A. Mr. Cook is a Republican in political belief, and has served his township in several official capacities. 2 was in the action between the noted guerrilla chief and Gen. Johnson, at Gallatin, Tenn. The Union force was repulsed on the third charge, and while making the onset Mr. Smith received a shot across the right eye, and another in the left leg. A pursuit followed, and after riding seven miles he was captured. He was finally paroled and rejoined his command at Louisville, was sent thence to Indianapolis, where he was discharged as disabled, Dec. 20, 1862. He returned to Noble County, and in the spring of 1863 he went to Newaygo County and purchased the tract of land where he is now established. He delayed entering upon the work of improving, as the facilities for lumber operations seemed to offer paramount attractions, and he availed himself of their advantages until he was ready to settle in life. He was married June 23, I867, to Sarah L., daughter of David and Lucretia Law. She was born Sept. 13, I847, in Noble Co., Ind. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in New York. Mr. and N: f 1) f r. Mrs. Smith took possession of the farm, 60 acres of.. * %j& onrad G. Smith, farmer, section 16, Ash- which are under good improvements, and in a fine land Township, is the son of Josiah and state of cultivation showing the industry, effort and Rahel (Clemens) Smith, natives of Maine judgment of its proprietor. Mr. Smith owns in adRachel (Clemens) Smith, natives of Maine. Te3 wr ) i th dition one-fourth of section 20, in Ashland Township. In~ s!SThey were married in the Pine-Tree State and d to S C, w t s To him and his wife the following children have been removed to Seneca Co., Ohio, where the son born,, born: Claude D., Feb. 3, 1871, and Ann, Feb. 13, was born, Oct. 20, 1834, and resided in that c uil 873. Mr. Smith belongs to the Greenback party in county until 1845. Mrn. mit h politics, and is a member of Blue Lodge, No. I3I, F. Mr. Smith had reached the age of 11 years when his parents went to Noble Co., Ind. He worked on A M at ewayg the farm of his father until the death of the latter in the fall of I85 I, which event brought him face to face _ _-< ----o_ with the realities of actual life so far as the world: goes. He gave his attention heartily to the first op' portunities that presented to earn a comfortable, j I| illiam LeBaron, farmer, section 22, Big.: i creditable livelihood. He was married July i, i858, Prairie, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., at Elkhart, Ind., to Arcenoah, a daughter of Elisha ' April 8, i836, and is the son of John and and Sophia (McQueen) Hager. She was born in Jane (McCollum) LeBaron. The father was Oswego Co., N. Y., March 25, 1842, and died in Or- born in Killingworth, Conn., about 1803, ange, Noble Co., Ind., March 27, I86I, leaving one and was of French ancestry. He died Nov. child, Eugene V., born Sept. 4, 1859. She fell a 20, 1878, in Olive, Clinton Co., Mich. The mother victim to diphtheria. was born about 808, in Cherry Valley, N. Y. I Mr. Smith found in the civil war a field for his ef- Mr. LeBaron was three years old when his parents? forts, and he became a soldier. He enlisted Aug. 25, came to Michigan. They settled at Saline, Calhoun * 861, in Co. M, Second Ind. Cav. His regiment County, in 1839, where they resided until 1845, joined the Army of the Cumberland, Gen. Buell in when they removed to a farm in Wayne County; ~? * command. Mr. Smith underwent the oft-recited ex- thence they removed to Farmington, Oakland ' periences of the encounters of the Morgan raid, and County, five years later. The family resided there ' — f^ L~* r'.1xi,;; i NE WA YGO COUNTY. 317 W.ion a rented farm until i855, when they removed to:t Clinton County. The son acted as assistant to his. father previous to that time, and obtained a good common-school education, with the intention of going r to a higher institution of learning, but changed his rplans and enlisted in the regular army of the United States. He enrolled at Detroit, April 8, 1858, in Co. A, Second U. S. Light Artillery, and served five years, receiving his discharge in April, 1863. He returned to Olive, Clinton County, and worked his father's farm until his marriage, when he bought 80 acres of land in the same township. After a short residence there he bought a farm in Alpine, Kent ICounty, where he pursued agriculture until the fall of 1873, when he came to Newaygo County and entered a claim of 74 acres of land under the Homestead Act. As his circumstances warranted he has continued adding to this until he now owns 250 acres. Mr. LeBaron has made a great achievement by unremitting labor. He has 50 acres of land "ccleared and improved, all by his own unaided efforts; h.as worked at lumbering and harvesting, and practiced every economy to place himself and family in i/,comfort and independence. Mr. LeBaron was married Feb. 21, 1867, to Cor-,nelia, daughter of Eddy and Ann (Burtch) Burtch. i —She was born at Newport, Province of Ontario, Aug. 27, 1844, and her parents were natives of Mt. Pleasant, Ontario, Canada. They were of English and German descent, born respectively in I8I9 and 1824. The father died in i857 and the mother married Julius Rouse, and is now living at Lowell, Kent County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. LeBaron 'iare: Arthur F., Charles, Edith and Eddy. The I; two last named are twins.. 5 d E WAl YGO COt UT Y. NE WA YGO CO UNTY. '4 1 ut0, iA A A, HisEf,,. ~ a.. ll: % A n M' ~.E X.....,'I#iir, z He has been a resident of Croton Township 28 years, and during that time has been in active official life continuously, with the exception of one year. He served as Deputy Sheriff of Newaygo County two years, has been Clerk and Justice of the Peace 12 years; has officiated as School Inspector, Commissioner of Highways, Constable and Supervisor. In political connection he is a member of the Greenback element, is interested in all political movements, and is at present Village Recorder, Justice of the Peace and School Inspector. Mr. Harrison was married Feb. 4, I844, in Seneca Co, Ohio, to Sarah Bennett, who was born April I8, 1825, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and was the daughter of Isaac H. and Sally (Cassidy) Bennett, the former a native of New Jersey, born April 23, 800oo. The latter was born in I802, in New York, and died in I877. Mrs. Harrison died Oct. 23, I865, having become the mother of eight children, born in the following order: Bennett I., James G. (dec.), Electa S. (dec.), Samuel D., Worth, John F., Mary and Lyman P. The second marriage of Mr. Harrison to Emily Pettingill occurred Oct. 4, I870, at Morley, Mecosta Co., Mich. Her parents, Benjamin and Electa (Nichols) Pettingill, were natives of the State of New York. The former was born in 1803, of English extraction, and died in 1879. The mother was born in I806, and is still alive. Mrs. Harrison was born April I, 1836, in Ingham Co., Mich. Two children, Eudora C. and Gertie L., constituted the issue of her marriage with Mr. Harrison. — 1-.: - -i< > — -F= — * - id4^320 NEWA YGO COUNTY. ox *, _f He pursued it as a vocation in his native county until I86I, when he went to Williams Co., Ohio, and engaged in cabinet-making. He enlisted in the civil war in September, I862, enrolling in Co. H, Ninth Ohio Cav., for three years. The war closed before his period of enlistment had expired, and he received his discharge at Columbus, Ohio. He was in active service during the entire time, and among the important campaigns of which he was a part was that of Sherman's grand march to the sea. His wife and three children went to Crawford County while he was in the Union service, and on the termination of the war he returned to Ohio, and they went to Wood County, returning two years later to Williams County. In I873 they came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and resided there two years. In I875 they removed to Isabella County, where they continued to reside until July, 1882, when they made a permanent settle-_; T T_-....... /_.....- -_ Mr. Toner received the training of a farmer's son,f and in I867 bought a homestead right in Newaygo; County, which he again entered under the regula-;* tions of the Homestead Act. His farm now includes! i6o acres of land, with 60 under improvement andf in a fair state of cultivation. He was married June 27, I88I, to Margaret E., daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Pratt) Hanley. Her father was born in Ireland and her mother in Oneida Co., N. Y. Mrs. Toner was born Jan. 30, I858, in Topeka, Kansas. To her and her husband one child, Mary C., was born Jan. 5, 1882. In political tendency Mr. Toner is neutral, but he s is a decided foe to local monopoly and has devoted r: his energies to its disruption. l e~ --- —- ~P~lllhlllf IC1IIIS~ --- —-- 0 ment in iN-ewaygo uounty. In I867 Mr. English began his labors as a minister C i, i, i i artwell Churchill, instructor, resident on, in the interests of the denomination of First-Dav section 34, Ashland Township, was born?.> Adventists, and at the date named he came to thisection 34, Ashlad ownsh, was orn Feb. 2, I845, in Somerset Co., Maine, and be-am county to take charge of the circuit of Big Prairie,. X Croton village and Snowtown, in Croton Township, lon to the hurch family of England, one of...the oldest and best sustained in the list of the -: where he is still discharging the duties of the: i t s better classes in that country. His father dying-$ position. He is a Republican in principle, but is inbetter classes that country. His father dying no sense active in politicswhen he (Hartwell) was between three and four, Mr. English was married in Crawford Co., Ohio, old he remaed under the care ofhismother Oct. 8, I857, to Nancy, daughter of Robert and Jane ntil the age of x years, when he was placed under (Doney) eorge the management of John Peirce, of Embden, in his (Doney) George. Her parents were born in Pennsylvania, respectively in 182 and 185 Her father native country, with whom he continued to reside died in 855, in Williams County, where her mother until he was about 13 years old. He then became a.no, ae. e her e farm laborer, devoting himself to his work in the sumnow resides. Following are the names of the eight children born of this marriage: Emma Jane, Abraham mers and to study winters, thereby securing a good:! TTeducation, which enabled him to commence teaching! Lincoln, Frank Ellsworth, Ida Belle, Sarah Ellen,, w e h Charles Grafto, George Edward and Herbert at the age of 19 years. He was economical and pru-; Charles Grafton, George Edward and Herbert (deceased) dent, and saved sufficient of his earnings to purchase ' Ioo acres of land, where he established his mother and her children in a home, and turned his attention to farming. After eight years he experienced financial reverses to such an extent that he resumed his ohn Toner, farmer, section io, Barton profession, combining the labors of a teacher with " Township, was born in the city of Toronto, those of a minister of the gospel in the interests oTf Can., in September, I841. He is a son of the Free-Will Baptist Church. In I879 he became ': Francis and Mary (Carrigan) Toner, who were connected with the United Brethren Church, and was natives of Ireland, and emigrated to the Do- a successful revivalist preacher. His views conflict-!i minion of Canada in 1840. They came thence ing with the stern discipline of that denominational:.; to Newaygo Co., Mich., in 1867, where the father body in relation to secret societies, he returned to the (:. died, April i, i880, and the mother is still living. ministry of the Church to which he originally be i ~^. ---- IIQ^ -^ —.<;"(~^,rSSl~.; B c, ~O- q 'iNE WA — ~ YGO CO U-rTY. -V*E EWA YGO COUNTY. 321 321 ^. * Q I longed, and devotes the intervals between his terms e of school to active ministerial effort. He came to Michigan in the fall of I872 and at i first located in Kent County, and soon after came to } Newaygo County, where he has since been engaged J!in the duties and labors of teacher, and is rated fairly and justly as a leader in his profession. He was married Jan. I3, 1870, at Skowhegan, Somerset Co., Me., to Lydia E., daughter of Noah and Lydia (Eaton) Pratt, a native of Somerset County, and born Oct. 3, I837. Her parents were born respectively in Massachusetts and Maine. Five - children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Churchill, has follows: Bertha L., June 20, 1871; Lydia M., Nov. 6, I873; Lula A., March 28, I879; Lillian P., Oct. 5, i88r; and an infant yet unnamed, born Nov. 11, 1883. Mr. Churchill is a decided Republican in political faith.,J. quire Gard, farmer, section 6, Barton Township, was born in Union Co., Ind., Jan. 26, - ~W' I825, and is a son of Benjamin and Eliza (Adams) Gard, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and resided there for a considerable number of years. They removed to Indiana, where the father died in I84i and the mother in I863. Mr. Gard was the sixth child of 14 born to his parents, and spent his childhood and youth on his father's farm, obtaining a fair degree of education at: the common schools. On first starting in life he e went to Ohio and engaged as a farm assistant with a man named William Lybrook, and after the termination of his engagement with him rented a farm, which he managed one year. He next went into farm service by the year. During the time, he was married (1848) to Margaret M., daughter of Samuel and Mary (Yeryan) Feather. The former was born % in Pennsylvania, the latter in Tennessee. Mrs. Gard was born in Union Co., Ind., July 30, I829.,: The family circle includes six children: Samuel,: John, Mary E., Martha E., Daniel and Phebe. Mr. Gard carried on the pursuit of agriculture s about 20 years in Ohio and Indiana, and in I868 entered a homestead claim of 80 acres of land, where he has since pursued his calling, and now has 40 acres of land fairly improved and under cultivation. Mr. Gard unites with the Republican party in his political action. ilbert Grow, farmer and lumberman, section 17, Croton Township, was born April I, I847, in Jackson Co., Mich. His 0 father, David Grow, was born in i803, in New Hampshire, and died in I878; the mother, Sarah (Barney) Grow, was born in 1812, in Pennsylvania. Mr. Grow was reared to the age of manhood by his parents, received a common-school education and learned the trade of a wagon-maker of his father. He was eight years old when his parents came to Croton Township, and on coming to manhood he engaged in farming and lumbering, besides following his trade as opportunity offered, and has continued to combine the three occupations. He owns 80 acres of land, fairly improved and supplied with good buildings. He is a Democrat in political affinity. Elma B. Hutton, who became the wife of Mr. Grow, was born Nov. 25, I856, and is the daughter of George W. and Nancy (Buck) Hutton. The former was born of English parentage, in Adams Co., Penn., Jan. 22, 1822. The latter was born in Huntington Co., Penn., Nov. 17, 1826, and descended from Dutch ancestors. Mr. and Mrs. Grow were married Nov. 3, I878, in Howard City, Montcalm County, and are the parents of two children, Laura E. and Sarah Ina.. t I*.. I I I I pI eP --- —_BnmttB^ --- — 4 X rank Mathews, farmer, section 6, Bridgeton Township, was born in Burke, Ontario, i April o1, 1830. His parents, Fred and Mary Mathews, were of French descent and natives of Ontario. When he was 14 years old Mr. Mathews left home to engage as a boatman on the Mississippi River, where he was occupied; five years. In I849 he came to Muskegon County < and found employment at various points in lumber- / -Vllh,,,;AN sY~ --;li --- —-^-| ~ j 5~ I "., ` 0 322 NE WA YGO COUNTY. F~j Y ", 1~~ r,,8! ~i~i; BBrBBx ~ 7 i I ing, until 1867, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased 40 acres of wild land in Bridgeton Township, where he engaged in farming. He has achieved a most creditable and permanent success, and now owns a farm of 240 acres, all of it under improvements excepting Ioo acres. The high degree of cultivation and expensive farm buildings put the place in the foremost rank in the county. Mr. Mathews was married in Muskegon, in November, 1856, to Margaret, daughter of Henry and Sophia Rono, born in Canada, of a direct line of French ancestry. The daughter was born July 8, 1837, in Wisconsin, and was brought in her youth to Mus. kegon. She died Sept. 8, I883, leaving six children. Two others, Freddie and Nelsie, died before their mother. Those yet living were born as follows: 'Frank, Aug. 25, I857; Dellie, Nov. 25, I859; Freddie, Feb. 7, 1862 (died Dec. i6, 1864); Ellen, Oct. 14, I864; Henry, July 26, 1867; Jennie, Aug. r4, I869; Minnie S., Jan. 13, 1872. Mrs. Mathews was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and lived a consistent, orderly life. She is sincerely mourned as a kind, considerate mother, a model wife and a generous-hearted, sympathetic neighbor. Mr. Mathews is a Republican, and has been the incumbent of the position of School Director several successive years. wood and coal trade, and also interested himself to " a considerable extent in speculating, operating in the i fruit trade nearly five years. i - In I866 he located in Muskegon Co., Mich., and i bought 250 acres of land near Muskegon. He put the place under good improvements, among which was the planting of an apple and peach orchard, both of which were hopelessly injured by the excessive cold of the winter of 1869. In i868 he engaged in the business with which he is now connected and which he has since prosecuted in all its important X branches. Thie mill belonging to the concern is lo-:; cated in White Cloud, and has a productive capacity ^ of 20,000 feet of lumber daily. The company is a stock concern, and is doing a fair business. An earlier business connection of Mr. Morgan was with S. N. Wilcox, of Chicago (now deceased), whose relations to the lumber trade of Northern Michigan are well known. The partnership was for the purpose: of instituting the trade in lumber at this point, and they credited the first mill for the production of, lumber in this section. Mr. Morgan built the pioneer e house at White Cloud, and accomplished the first: logging in this vicinity. He has been and is now extensively connected with the landed interests of -e? the county of Newaygo. The company own 3,000 -* acres of land, lying chiefly in Wilcox Township. The private estate of Mr. Morgan includes 200 acres of land in Muskegon County, where he at one time owned a half-mile tract in its primitive condition. He is a Republican of declared position, and was Supervisor of Lakeside, Muskegon County. He is not prominent in the work of temperance reform, but has never in his life drank a glass of liquor. In the fall of 1883 he had his first encounter with sickness,?: being past 60 years of age, when he was for the first: time in his life under the necessity of calling a physician for personal attendance. He was married Sept. 4, I845, in Genesee Co., N. Y., to Mary J., daughter of James and Mary Long. They were all natives of the State of New York. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, r four of whom survive. They are, James L., Sarah A., Helen M. and William F.; Sophie and Kate died in? — infancy... James L. Morgan, eldest son of L. C. Morgan, and 4 Treasurer of the Michigan Lumber Company, was (; born in Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y., July 31, 1848. ester C. Morgan, President of the Morgan 4 Lumber Company, resident at Muskegon, i was born June 13, 1822, in Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y. His parents, William and Sophia (Coe) Morgan, were born, lived and died in the State of New York. Mr. Morgan was possessed of an active temperament and made the best use of the advantages offered in the common schools of the generation in which he was born, and at 17 years of age he commenced teaching. At the age of 20 years he began the manufacture of linseed oil in his native county, and the prosecution of that business occupied his at( tention 14 years, when he sold out and came to Wisconsin. After a residence there of I8 months, he proceeded to Chicago, where he engaged in the *k*-t.j Q 1 k i r-, I u 0. - )47- -_ — -i.-. M4g-, - *ft- G I NtE WA YGO COUNTY. 32323 = ' He was, during his early life, under the sole guidance of his father, and since attaining to a suitable age has been connected with him in business. Since 1883 he has been officiating in his present capacity. He inherits the political tendencies of his father, and g held the position of Postmaster two years, under President Grant, He has held the position of Notary Public two years, and, on the incorporation of the village of White Cloud, was elected Trustee, and discharged the duties of the situation two years. He has served one year as agent of the American Express Company, and was elected Township Treasurer but never qualified. w ^^<^ ~i~^s I I uther Whipple, farmer, section 24, Monroe Township, was born Sept. 29, 1846, in Liv-. ', ingston Co., N. Y., and is the son of William M. and Sarah A. (Thompson) Whipple, natives of the State of New York. The first labor in which he engaged independently was on the Genesee & Erie Canal. In I867 he came to Lansing, Mich., where he was variously employed until 1870, when he came to Newaygo County and entered a claim of 80 acres of land under the regulations of the Homestead Act. This boc Cin,-. horn bi'v bh-n\an inrl tCOi- of hica -v,-r i}. a n.LL1 UiclaS 111CC 1CCn ni n i ct1nu Lne sLCeIC Ui 111n cAcri 3 B a tions to establish himself and family in comfort and ^I. ohn Moote, farmer, section 3o, Barton I Towns, wa n Sep 5, 833,r in to enjoy the fruits of timely and well-directed effort. S t~' Township, was born Sept. 5, 833, in Wellingtn Co., Can., and is te son of Jseph He was married April 8, 1874, to Eunice 1.,., idaughter of Randolph W. and Claramon (Harmon) ' and Christina (McArthur) Moote, the former a, an stina (cArthur) Moote, the former a Whipple, natives of Herkimer Co., N. Y. Three native of Canada and the latter of Scotland.,., it o children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whipple:.... t- The father died in his native place, Sept. 4, A A: Te athers n e, 4, 1 'Alice, April 22, 1878; Randolph, Sept. 3, I880, and i: 1863; the mother is still a resident of the Dominion. Adde, Oct. 882. At the age of I6 years Mr. Moote began to labor as t t a. M r. Whipple is a Republican in his political views A a farm hand, and continued to fill that position ateld several local offices. various places until his marriage. That event occurred Feb. 28, I853, when he became the husband of Sarah S., daughter of John and Margaret (Greiggs). Foreman. Her father was English by birth and her mother was a native of Canada, where Mrs. Moote -~ was born Jan. 28, 1833. 1 i- ohn W. Tucker, farmer, section 34, Big Mr. Moote remained a resident of Canada until | - Prairie, was born at Hamilton, Ontario, 1868, engaged in farming, and in that year he came 1 ' Aug. 26, I8I9, and is the son of Joseph C. to Newaygo County, where he entered a claim of 80 and Sarah (Cady) Tucker. The father is a naacres of land in accordance with the regulations of tive of New York and was born about 1783, the Homestead Act, and in the autumn following and died in 1853. The mother was born in took possession of his property. His good sense, New York about the same year as her husband, and management and industry here enabled him to in- died in 1838. Both were of English extraction. crease his estate to 200 acres, of which he has Mr. Tucker remained at home until he was 12 cleared and improved 85 acres. He is a member of years old, and in I83I came to Lapeer Co., Mich. the Advent Church and a Republican in political He stayed there two years and returned to the Do1 faith and action. The family of Mr. Moote includes minion. Two years afterward he came back to I I children, four of whom constitute two pairs of Michigan, stayed a year and again returned to Cana- 4: twins. They are named as follows: Martha I., da, where he resided eight years. In 1855 he came! Charlas W., John, James, Christina, Joseph W. and to Decatur, Van Buren County, where he stayed two William H. (twins), David, Andrew, Jacob and years, and then bought 120 acres of land in Big,\ George (twins). Prairie, where he has made a permanent settlement.,:Ife.' ^*^1^.* *l.^ -- 2c^ ^ g g. a- ~-t324 IE WA YGO COUNVTY. I The tract of land of which he became the proprietor was in its original condition, untouched by the hand of man. He has made good use of his time and energies, and has placed 40 acres under good improvements and advanced cultivation. In political affiliation he is a Republican. Mr. Tucker was first married in Waterloo, Ont., in I840, to Harriet Smith. She died Sept. 20, i88o, on the farm in Big Prairie. Mr. Tucker was married a second time in January, i88i, to Mrs. Jane McMicken. There is no child by either marriage. Of her former marriage, Mrs. Tucker has five children, as follows: William John, James, Ellen, Samuel and Maggie Jane. Kj illiam Jay, farmer, section 24, Goodwell Township, was born March 24, 1817, at Binghamton, N. Y. His father, Peter Jay, was born in the State of New York some time about the year 1782. He was of English parentage and died in 1840. The mother, Ruth (Hall) Jay, was born near the year 1784, in Masschusetts, and died in 1838. Mr. Jay went away from home as his " own man" when 17 years old. He went to Missouri and passed four years in that State and in Fort Leavenworth, in (then) Kansas Territory. He was in the employment of the United States Government, and worked as an assistant in getting out and preparing the timber to build the fort. In 1838 he came to Michigan and joined his brother in Oakland County, where he remained until the fall of I839. In that year he went to Ohio, where he was married, in February, r841, to Permelia Hancock. She was the daughter of Abner and Miranda (White) Hancock, both of whom were born in Vermont, respectively in 1798 and 1796. They were of English parentage and died in I856 and i88o. Mrs. Jay died April 6, I879, leaving five children, all of whom yet survive, namely: Delia Ann, Amelia A., Ruth A., Frank and Emma. Mr, Jay remained a resident of the Buckeye State until February, I852, when he sought the land of golden promise on the Pacific slope, leaving his \s^NJI' --— ^ family in Ohio. He followed mining in California: until the life of the Nation was put in peril through: the imbecility and headlong recklessness of the South. He enlisted in I861, in Co. A, Second Cal. Vol. Cav., for three years. He was in the service f under that enrollment the three years, and was discharged at Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, Utah. He returned to Ohio and re-enlisted in Co. F, United States Cavalry, regular service, for three years. He was discharged at Fort Laramie in i868, came back to Ohio, and in company with his family pro-; ceeded to Mecosta County. Two years later he be came to Newaygo County and secured a claim of 80 acres of land under the Homestead Act, where he has since expended his labor and time to the best possible advantage, having placed 40 acres of land under improvement and advanced culture, with fair farm buildings. Mr. Jay is a Republican in political affinity. He was a second time married Feb. 8, 1882, to Sarah P. Ehle. She was born in Oswego, N. Y., - Aug. 5, I825. Her father, Adam Ehle, was born near the Mohawk River, and was quite a young lad while the war of the Revolution was in progress. He: was German in national descent, and died near the;i' year 1863. The mother, Mary (Sternberg) Ehle, was born in nearly the same period as her husband, and died about 12 years since..(0 G 3. -I --- I= C "c - E -- — 4 C I i, \; * F mir ', e) 1 illiam Cram, farmer, section 28, Croton r X Township, was born Dec. 28, 1834, in A,) Upper Canada. William Cram, his father, was of French descent, and was born in June, 800o, in Nova Scotia. He died in I86r. His mother, Margaret (Hardy) Cram, was born in i808, in England, and resides at Grand Rapids. Mr. Cram was four years of age when his parents r came, in 1838, to Lowell, Kent Co., Mich. He remained there until he 14 years old, when he came A to Croton and obtained employ in a lumber mill. He; was occupied in that and kindred positions until he& reached the age of i8 years. His father had a claim on 80 acres of land in Cannon Township, Kent \ n — ^ ^ l k Ali' Ta '-. -., a. o NEWAYGO COUNTY. 325 i - -- --- --- --- ---- --- --- - -------— ~ -- -- ------------------- County; but, through physical incapacity and a disease of the eyes, which made him nearly blind,; his little property was likely to slip from his hold, and the son contributed all he was able to spare from his earning. The homestead was saved, and an additional 80 acres purchased. In 1852 Mr. Cram weit to Iowa with a surveying corps, who were sent ifor the purpose of sectionizing the State, and was absent ten months. On his return he stopped in Cannon Township, and worked a season upon the improvements on the homestead farm, after which he made a permanent settlement in Croton. He, bought I60 acres of land, situated upon the side of the road opposite to his present holding. He cleared 40 acres and set out an orchard. He sold out in 1862 and moved to Croton village; where he remained a year and a half. and bought 80 acres of in the city of Leicestershire 13 months, when he was: apprenticed to a butcher and served two years. After that he was variously employed until 1856, when he came to the United States, and first found? employment in Connecticut. He came thence to Ohio, where he was married, May 4, i868, to Rhoda H., daughter of James and Jane (Gleed) Lewis. She was born May 4, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Kinch have two children: John L., born Jan. 27, 1869; and Fred, April 23, 1871. Mr. Kinch is the owner of 280 acres of land, with 45 acres improved. He is a Republican in politics. H land, which now constitutes his homestead; and he ^u:>... '. 4] f i| enjamin Bisard, blacksmith, section 27, has labored with industry and judgment until he has n B, b, s cleared 60 acres of land from its original condition, _ Ashland Township, was born in Madison Et m n Co., Ohio, March 28, 1821. He is a son < has a fine barn, well assorted orchard, and a con- Co., Ohio, March 28, 2. He is a son '. i -/ of Philip and Elizabeth (Rush) Bisard, na-. siderable herd of good stock. In politics Mr. Cram o P tives of Pennsylvania, where they resided B is a Republican, and belongs also to the Patrons of w e t ro L e most of their lives, removing to Madison; Husbandry, Croton Lodge, No. i..:Yz. County in i820. When he was four years old his = Ann Eliza (Davis) Cram was born Aug. I, I838, in.. Wales and is a daughter of James and Martha parents went to Medina Co., Ohio, and there he as- __ Wales, and is a daughter of James and Martha H * r l sisted on the farm until he was within one year of (Harris) Davis. They were natives of Wales, the. former born in 83, and the latter in I8 his majority. In 1841 he entered upon an apprenticeship with Frederick Rice, of Lodi, Medina Co., are yet living in Mecosta County. The marriage of William Cram and Ann Ohio, to acquire the craft of blacksmith. After conThe marriage of Willliam Cram and Ann Eliza.. cluding his term of contract with Mr. Rice he estabDavis occurred April 5, i860, in Croton Township,. o lished his business at Chatham, Ohio, and afterwards Elder Wm. Kelley officiating. They are the parents r.I -.. i. at Spencer, where he was associated in blacksmithof one child, Lelia Eveline, born July 17, 1874. i 'ing with his brother-in-law. Later he went to Pen'I, field, Lorain Co., Ohio, and there followed the same. -..._-..~.. e~3c<.-0~ — t- vocation from the spring of 1846 to that of 1853, ' when he returned to Medina County, and worked as a blacksmith until the fall of I863. At that date he homas C. Kinch, farmer, section i, Barton came to Newaygo County. He settled on section 27, Township, was born in Leicestershire, Eng., where later he bought 40 acres of land, of which he Oct. 3, 1838, and is a son of John and is still the proprietor. It was all in dense forest, just Sarah (Freeman) Kinch. The parents were as nature had adorned it after her own plan and patnatives of England, and are both deceased. tern. Mr. Bisard has cleared and otherwise improved Mr. Kinch set out in life with no aid but 25 acres. In addition to his farm he conducts a good the patent necessity of securing a livelihood. At the business in his shop, in which he is accounted a ' age of seven years he was employed in gardening, skillful and reliable artisan.i and, true to the habits of his class and country, re- Mr. Bisard was married May 3 1, 84 to Mary, o mained in that employ until he was 14 years of age. daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Taylor) Oak- ) 7 He then learned the baker's trade, and followed it ley, of Chatham, Ohio. Her parents were nativesof, >,,*,.e i.- -,n _ —n - ^*-.1*|| 6 7 i 326 NE WA YGO COUNTY. gi:'" - T;-*t i_-O" ' * a~~"Z'";a". --- i;a 9:~r "-~ II~ *.e" T I 1 <. a New Jersey. After marriage they removed to Wayne C Co., Ohio, where the daughter was born, June 26, 1 I823. Her mother died when she was five years f old, and she was placed in the care of her grandparents, with whom she remained until her mar} riage. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bisard, as follows: Randall D., June 12, 1845; James J., July I6, 1847; Philip, May i6, 1852; Abel W., March 17, i86o; Joseph, born April 9, I849, died July 22, I866; John J., May 12, 1856, died April 2, 1859. Mr. Bisard is a Democrat, and has held various | township offices. Mrs. Bisard is an active member I of the M. E. Church. rick and Hannah (Flinn) McKenney, the one a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, the other born in County Cork. Peter, Charles and Mary are the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Smeltzer. — S-^^^3H+S-^ K illiam H. Davenport, farmer, section I4, Barton Township, was born in Wayne Co., i d Ind., May 20, 1848. William and Jemima (Stanley) Davenport, his parents, were also natives of Indiana and came to Michiaan in 1856. Mr. Davenport was brought up to the pursuit of agriculture, and is the owner of a fine farm of 120 acres, well improved and under a fair state of cultivation. He is a Republican in political sentiment and action. He was married in 1870, to Alice Owen, and by this marriage bec.me the parent of one child, Arthur, born June to, I873. His wife died in 1872. Mr. Davenport was a second time married, in 1877, to Tilda, daughter of William and Angeline (Crofoot) Smith, born April 6, 185, in Mendon, St. Joseph Co., Miich. - - >ezz,{^. _zz:~1.1>.).-,,l _ CC,-C --- — I A#I,l~ oseph Smeltzer, farmer, section 32, Big Prairie Township, was born July 17, 1839, in ~i~ Germany. His father, Michael Smeltzer, as born in 1811, in Werlf, a town of Germany, on the River Rhine. His mother, Catherine (Palmers) Smeltzer, was born in the same place in 1818. Both parents are still living, in Milwaukee, Wis., whither they emigrated in 1846. Mr. Smeltzer was 17 years old when his family left the " Fatherland," where he had received a good German education. On reaching the city of Milwaukee he had no difficulty in finding plenty of remunerative labor, and he engaged with the foreman of a railroad construction corps, with whom he remained seven years. When he was 24 years old he came to Newaygo County and went to work for Jerry Ryan, and was in his employment between three and four years. All the earnings of his first eight years of labor he gave to his parents, and at the age of 25 years he commenced to lay the foundation of his own career as an American citizen. In I8- he went to Morley, Mecosta County, where he worked 14 successive winters for Nelson Higbee, as a lumberman. The alternating summers he worked at farming. He owns 135 acres of land in Big Prairie. Of this, 1oo acres are well improved and cultivated, and the farm is supplied with substantial buildings. Mr. Smeltzer was married in Grand Rapids, in 1865, to Susan McKenney. She was born March 14, 1837, in Canada East, and is a daughter of Pat '1 ohn F. Gauweiler, retired farmer, resident at Croton village, was born Dec. 2, 1824, in Bavaria, Germany, of which province. his parents were both natives. His father,. George Gauweiler, was a farmer, and was born in 1799, died in Croton in 185o. His mother, Catherine (Bopp) Gauweiler, was born in 1798 and is living in Ohio. In 1842 the family came to the United States, and the son remained under the control of his father until the end of the period prescribed by law. Mr. Gauweiler received a good education under the judicious school system of his native country, which compels the attendance of children at school until they are 14 years old. He worked in a brick yard summers after he reached the age of eleven years, and fulfilled the time required by law at school in winter. At 15 he was apprenticed to learn the I I-~, i, ' i-i OF"" I_7", 1< ~~V"t r i" 4:- ( ~ —...(111 —l y --....-.. —:; NEWAYGO COUNTY. 327.\ = by business of cabinet-making, at which he worked until - 8 years old. On coming to America his parents located in Warren Co., Ohio, and, on the arrival of ~ the period of his legal freedom, he went to New: Orleans and there found employ at his trade six months. He came to Chicago, spent a month there, i and, June 24, 1846, came to Croton, where he 1 engaged as a mill-hand with George W. Walton, making lath. An associate, Christopher Kaufman, I and himself labored one year and received but $20? each, as remuneration. At the end of that time they both took the mill for payment. An individual of unsavory memory, named Daniel Hammond, arranged to purchase the half interest of Kaufman, representing he had money in Chicago, whither he j proposed going to procure both that and needed proj visions. The honest German acceded to the propo' sition, and, moreover, confided to him their aggrei gated $40, to make some purchases of clothing for them. This probably proved a fortunate investment,?f for he was never heard of; and it is hoped, if this record ever comes to his knowledge, that he will extract the proper degree of comfort from this permanent recognition of his merits. The young men -i thus defrauded of their hard-earned savings found a?' friend in John F. Stearns and managed to pass the X winter in comfort. Mr. Gauweiler has operated extensively as a lumberman and farmer. When he first came to Newaygo County it was in the most primitive state of j nature. The roads were all Indian trails, provisions j were brought from Muskegon on the backs of men J or in canoes or flat-boats, of which latter there were: two on the Muskegon River. Mr. Gauweiler; frequently performed this service, which required i three days for a trip. The landing point was Indian Village, and transportation thence to Croton was made by ox teams. His mail was directed to Chicago, and was brought thence by the captains of sail-boats in the lake service to Muskegon and from there by raftmen. An incident related by Mr. Gauweiler is interesting as a reminiscence of the early date of his settle-,' ment in Croton Township. In 1847 the supply of provisions was so low that they found themselves a day late in their calculations, and to relieve the * pressure of hunger, collected the abraded meal that > scattered from their " corn-cracker" and transformed r it into cakes; but it proved worthless from the mix- $ ture of sand and dirt. A council decided on the or- a ganization of an expedition in search of game, and six of the party set out to hunt and fish. The first spoils were two pigeons, which were left in Mr. Gauweiler's charge, and he built a fire and cooked the birds in accordance with his instructions. On reflection, he decided that the requirements of his comrades had fallen below the exigencies of the case, and when the culinary process was completed he perfected the whole arrangement by eating the X pigeons, and complacently awaiting the return of the expedition. His companions appeared empty-handed X and announced that the party would dine off the pigeons. Mr. Gauweiler stated the facts in the case with Teutonic politeness and consideration, but the depraved natures of the others failed to appreciate his forbearance, and they proceeded to inform him without ceremony that he was the kind of Dutchman described by a dash and two d's, and deserved shooting. The fact that he was sustained by the q, pigeons enabled him to refrain from malice, and he silently accorded to them his full and free pardon for their lack of sympathy. They went supperless to -' bed, and the following day the opportune arrival of.d two barrels of flour put an end to the famine. S Mr. Gauweiler owns 480 acres of land and his IJ dwelling at Croton, besides another building in that village, occupied as a store and hotel. Among his other business enterprises was the building of the Washington House. He was a Democrat previous to the organization of the National party, since which time he has affiliated with the Greenback element. He is prominent in the Order of Masonry, and has ' officiated as Master of the Lodge at Croton. He is now a member of Newaygo Lodge, No. 131, of the Newaygo Royal Arch Chapter, No. 35, of Big Rapids Council, and De Molay Commandery, No. 5, at Grand Rapids. Mr. Gauweiler was first married in 1849, in Ohio, to Mary Ann Miller. She was born in Ohio in 1830, and was a daughter of Andrew and Julia (Sauers) ( Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, of German extrac- i tion. Margaret, John F. and Mary, three children,:. constituted the issue of this marriage. The eldest i/ daughter survives, and is the wife of John W. Cars- " kadon, of Muskegon. The wife and mother died in. 1857. ^ Minerva (Bennett) Gauweiler, the present wife of _ --. *: z ii~-t "r a liri r, ~i;~~: aa~~ Elli' p~-~ i t:ri;-~:arA; —Cb- ijlr 1. i * I -~J., an i u i c 'iTpi.' D :T-dj? g4 328 -N'>4Lt:.-WE WA Y-GO CO U.> _ Y.* 328 NE WA YGO CO UNT 1Y.. _ _ __ __ _ T Mr. Gauweiler, was born Jan. 12, I836. She is a /> daughter of Isaac H. and Sally (Cassidy) Bennett, ti; the former born in the State of New Jersey, April 23, 1800o, and still alive. He is a descendant of ancestors born in Holland. The mother was of ScotchIrish extraction, born in New York in 1802, and died in I877 The daughter's marriage to J. F. Gauweiler occurred Jan. 21, 1858, in Croton. Their six children all survive. They are Mary C., George F., Martin VanBuren, Alfred R., Seymour B. and Rosantha. *f uther L. Parmeter, farmer, section 20, Bar1 ton Township, was born March 5, 1812, in Orange, Franklin Co., Mass. His parents, ( Nathaniel and Hannah (Chaney) Parmeter, were also natives of the Bay State, where the father was a farmer and lumberman. They removed thence to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., when the son was seven years old. He remained in the home of his parents until he = was 19 years of age, when he became interested in A that branch of lumbering known as " rafting," which he pursued as an occupation two years. He was married in I839, to Emily Freeman, a native of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., who was born in I822. Mr. Parmeter removed to Michigan in July, 1865, and located on 80 acres of land in Barton Township, where he has since carried on the business of farming and operated as a lumberman, as opportunity has afforded. He enlisted in the i th N. Y. Cav., in X4 i86i, and was discharged for disability after one A; year's service. Mrs. Parmeter died July 3, i88i, leaving five children: Helen (Mrs. Sylvester Healey), Lucian, Earl, Maud (Mrs. Andrew Ewing), and Fred; two children are deceased. Mr. Parmeter was a second time married June 19, I883, to Mrs. Martha (Lewis) Shannon. She was born in Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of William H. and Orissa (Seely) Lewis. i Her first husband, William Shannon, died in 1874,,, and left two children: Nelson A. and Marie Antoinette.; Mr. Parmeter is an adherent to the Republican A faith, and has held the position of Justice of the Peace 12 years, and has officiated in other important. local offices. onathan Platt, farmer, Brooks Township, [ _ section I4, was born Jan. 30, 1855, in Morrow Co., Ohio. Eli Platt, his father, was X born in 1814, in Clinton Co., N. Y., and was the son of Eli and Eleanor (Winchell) Platt, the former being the son of Eli Platt (Ist). Elizabeth (Wood) Platt, mother of the central figure of this record, was born June 3, 18i9, in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and is a daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Reynolds) Wood, both of whom died in Ingham Co., Mich. Mr. Platt was but three years of age when he was broght to Michigan by his father, who bought a fine tract of land of the Government, now the property of his son by deed. It consists of 174 acres of land, go acres of which have been placed in a finely improved condition. The farm buildings are of a good style and substantial, and the value of the place is greatly increased by a well selected orchard. Mr. Platt coincides with the Republican element in political affinity, and has acted in the capacity of School Director. He was married Jan. 2, I883, in Newaygo County, to Achsah Mila, daughter of Enoch and Hannah I. (Kimball) Doty. The father was of Welsh parentage, born in New York, in I837, and died in I872. The mother was born in the Empire State in 1845, and is yet living, in Newaygo County. Mrs. Platt was born July 7, I865, in Clinton Co., Mich. She and her husband belong to the Congregational Church. --— o~ -~-~~ o1 obert Quackenbush, farmer, section I8, _ Croton Township, was born Feb. 3, 1840. Peter Quackenbush, his father, was born of German ancestors, in 1798, in Monmouth, N. J., and died in 1862. His mother, Maria (Morgan) Quackenbush, was of the same nationality and born in 1819, in the same place as her husband. The latter became a soldier in the Union army, enlisting in the State of New York. He was taken sick Ig t-, I I~~. i I / it, 2, -13F - n i~fi4~-a4J7 1111`lk~- ev~ 4 I 0 I ;!, i ilA> —Q:-^,,,.,-We~n->. a4- L I- '>^-^^ —oWV tSWA I.4yGGO COUNTY. 331, ------ - < and died in the hospital, leaving a wife and six chili. dren. Mr. QuackenbusyJ died Jan. i, 1884. X; * Mr. Quackenbush was the eldest child, and on his t father's demise assumed his place in the mahagement and maintenance of the family. The home;. place was but small, and in addition to the duties of farming he worked two years as a saw-mill hand, and at the end of the third year sold the farm and came to Michigan. The family settled in Croton Township, on a farm the son purchased, and Mr. Quackenbush worked two years at harness-making at Croton village. He settled down to agricultural life in 1866, and has devoted the summer seasons to farming, and engaged in lumbering winters. He now owns I35 acres of land, of which 25 acres are cleared and under cultivation. Mr. Quackenbush is an adherent to the tenets of the Democratic party.:. K X,."' e'~~ eth S. Watrous, Clerk of Newaygo County, a; f was born in Norwalk, Huron Co., O., May ~, 1847. His parents, Sears and Emily Y \ (Barber) Watrous, belonged to the agricultural community, and lie was reared as a farmer's son, obtaining his education at the terms of winter school. The civil war broke out when he was 14 years old, and the influences that pervaded the entire community, varying in intensity as the months rolled on and the rebellion assumed proportions more and | more formidable, had their effect on him and he re> solved to enroll in his country's defense at the earliest x possible moment. Shortly after passing his sixteenth birthday he was enabled to fulfill his resolve. He enlisted June 6, 1863, in the 2d Ohio Battery, and was in the United States service two years and nine months. He was in the battle at Franklin, Tenn., and in several fights of minor importance, in one of; " which he was severely wounded, receiving a minie ball in the pit of the stomach, which passed through '::. his body to the right hip, where it is still imbedded, J baffling the skill of the physicians. He was in Cum-;i berland hospital at Nashville six months, and rejoined * his battery to be mustered out one month later, when \ he returned home and entered Eastman's Business - - College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was graduated in February, I866. Meanwhile he had comne into possession of 30 acres of land and devoted about two years to amateur farming. He sold the property and came to Michigan and settled at Sturgis, where he became proprietor of a restaurant by purchase, and four months later his establishment was destroyed by fire, involving a loss of $1,900. He went thence to Holland and for a time kept a barber shop, and eventually found employment as a painter in a carriage and wagon shop. The company failed four months afterward and thereby he experienced another loss. In the summer of 1869 he engaged with the Engineer Corps of the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, where he was employed until the spring of I870, when he joined a construction corps and operated until 1872. In that year his home in Holland was destroyed by fire and he suffered a total loss. He secured a position as conductor on the Chicago & Mich. Lake Shore railroad, and in the spring of 1873 he was seriously injured while engaged in coupling cars. His right arm was crushed and he was laid up for a year. He turned his attention to telegraphy, and after acquiring the details of the business was stationed at Pentwater two years in the capacity of night operator. His next post was at Fremont, where he operated as station agent eight years, and in i880 was elected Clerk of Fremont village. He owns a fine property at Fremont. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Watrous was elected County Clerk and moved to Newaygo, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Order of Knights of Honor, Chosen Friends, Knights Templar and of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Watrous was married at Norwalk, Ohio, Feb. 7, i866, to Minnie A., daughter of Rev. Solomon B. and Sarah B. Gilbert, who was born Feb. 7, 1848, in Massachusetts. They have had two children. Myrtie B. was born in Fairfield Township, Huron Co., Ohio, Dec. 6, 1867. Harry S. was born in Holland, Ottawa Co., Mich., March 6, 1870, and died in Fremont, Sept. II, 1879. Mr. Watrous is still a young man. He is the youngest enrolled defender of the Nation's integrity recorded in this work. He has passed through ordeals of disaster that would have daunted most men and relegated them to the obscurity of struggle without hope, and made the success, to which the V I..,f I ~t izi 's-" L: ie.9~~;~i ii zT —~;p 5.ns -?~i i) hiDLIF, ?4 ~ 1-, P 1 / — GC A 332 e NEWAYGO COUNTY. i majority look forward with laudable ambition, only the will-o'-the-wisp flame that blazes in alluring witchery just beyond the grasp of its eager pursuer. Mr. Watrous "stands to his guns," and, notwitLstanding his baffling experiences, is putting his shoulder to the needed work of the world with an energy and success that offer the best quality of encouragement to a later generation of aspirants. His portrait, which appears on another page, adds to the value of the collection which so largely increases the worth of the Newaygo County Album to its patrons. 'Christopher Kaufman, farmer, section Io, " bj Croton Township, was born July I3, I823, % in Schwegenheim, Bavaria, Germany, which was also the native place of his mother, Catherine (Heyser) Kaufman, who was born in I794, and died in Pike County, Ohio, in i868. His father was born in 1792, in Grunenshein, Germany, and died in his native land in I834. Mr. Kaufman was eleven years old when his father died. After fulfilling the requirements of the land," and paid for the same; but, by some chicane ry, never clearly comprehended by anybody, a cosl lector appeared who took a second payment for it,but failed to accouut for it to the authorities, andt Mr. Kaufman paid for his property a third time. Yet he kept up his courage and hard work, and now owns 240 acres of land, with Ioo acres under cultivation and with first-class improvements. Mr. Kaufman is a Republican and is highly re. spected in his generation for his genuine, meritorious traits of character. He has been for 37 years a rest ident of what is now Croton Township.; Christina Marsh, who became the first wife of Mr? Kaufman in 185 I, at Muskegon, died in 1867, leavling no children. The second wife of Mr. Kaufman was the widow of David Jones. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Mahle, and her only child by her first marriage, Eliza Jones, is the wife of Milton Cole, of Croton Township. The marriage of Mr. Kaufman and Mrs. Jones took place Sept. 13, I868, and they have three living children,-Christina B., William H. and Bertha A. law in relation to his education, he was, according to F the custom of the country, apprenticed to learn a ' iram Lewis, farmer, section 2 Big Prairie trade. That of stone-mason seemed most feasible, Township, was born in Greenbush, Albany and after fulfilling his contract with his master he ' Co., N. Y., March 6, I818. His father, worked as opportunity offered and supported his | Stephen Lewis, was born in Vermont, about the mother. When the conscription for the German year 1796, and died in I819. His mother, army was made his number entitled him to a release, Mary (Crandall) Lewis, was born in New York and he availed himself of his liberty by emigrating in 1798 and died in 1849. to the United States, his mother accompanying him. The father died when his son was less than twi, She went to another son, who was residing in Pike years old, and Mrs. L. then became the wife of Tr:" ~ Co., Ohio, and Mr. Kaufman of this sketch pro- man C. Baker. He remained under the joint care o ceeded to New Orleans, reaching there in December, his mother and stepfather until he was I6 years old,I 1845. In June, I846, he came to Chicago and thence receiving three months' schooling. When he reached to Muskegon Forks, in Newaygo County. He came the age named he enlisted in the regular army for with J. F. Gauweiler, whose sketch, on another page three years, and after the expiration of his period of of this volume, contains the experiences common to enrollment he engaged for a time in farming. He both in those earliest days of the pioneer history of next learned the trade of stone-mason, and has since Croton. But, severe as was his experience, he was combined the two occupations. He resided in; fitted to endure by the toils and privations he had Wayne County until July, I865. He became a sol-.; encountered in his native land, and with true conti- dier of the civil war, enlisting Jan. 2, 1864, in Co.nental perseverance he refused to be daunted by th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and received hiv obstacles he encountered in the New World. After discharge June 15, I865. A month later he settled? his experience in the lath-mill terminated he settled on a farm in Van Buren Co., Mich., on which he reon 80 acres of land in Croton, designated as "canal sided eight years. In 1873 he removed his famil s' ided eightyeas.In87hereo_ hisfa m ~ , NE WA YGO COUNTY. 333 and business interests to Newaygo County. He en- both himself and wife are warmly esteemed in the V 1tered a claim of 82 acres of land under the provis- community of which they are members. They be- ( "ions of the Homestead Act, in Big Prairie Township, long to the M. E. Church, and Mr. Kriger is an earnAwhere he has since resided. He has now 14 acres est supporter of the Prohibition party. He has held improved. the position of School Inspector, and is now acting i Mr. Lewis has been married twice. His first wife, as School Director. to whom he was married in Wayne County, in i838, Following is the record of the children born to the was Diantha J. Wilson. She died in I877. Nine household: Melvin J., April 20, I8641; Lida E., children were born of this marriage, four of whom are Oct. 20, 1865; Emma C., March 2, 1868; Annie M., living. Following is their record: William H., born Oct. 12, 873; Ernest M., May 21, 1876; Cilvia H., Mlarch 21, 1840; Sylvester, May 9, 1843 (dec.); Sept. i6, 1871, died Oct. 3, 872. /CIary J., Aug. 30, 1844 (dec.); James H., Aug. 7, <:,'"847 (dec.); Stephen, July i, I849 (dec.); Hannah _L^ta-..ia_.: M., April 9, i851; Sarah L., Nov. 26, 1854 (dec.); Samuel, June 12, i856; Ida, Dec. 9, I86I. The second wife of Mr. Lewis was Mrs. Mary Louisame A. Botsford, farmer, Croton Town(I)emund) Cook, to whom he was married Aug. 10, ship, section 5, was born March o10, 828, 88.o o B P marie. in Oswego Co., N. Y. His father, John L. i881, in Big Prairie. Mr. Lewis is a Republican in his political views. B died i n te year 840. The mother, awh 1 died in the year i840. The mother, who a ';,~ s' previous to her marriage was Mary Carpenter,..=, Ml was also a native of Connecticut, born in I802 and: - died in 1839. j, ohn R. Kriger, farmer, section 34, Ash- Mr. Botsford was eleven years old when his mother ' 1 land Township, was born Sept. 9, 1842, in died, and in the succeeding year he was wholly = Hillsdale Co., Mich. His parents, Michael orphaned by the demise of his father. He was cared iX and Hannah (Carpenter) Kriger, were of Ger- for, for a time, by his uncle, after which he went to man lineage and natives of New England. Wisconsin with his sister, Mrs. Dexter Farr, where They became residents of Michigan in their he remained three years engaged in farm labor for youthful days, married here and settled in Newaygo his brother-in-law. He went to Illinois, where he iCounty, in I853. worked for some months, and between that State and Mr. Kriger was under the supervision of his par- Wisconsin he passed alternate portions of time ents until he reached his majority, and was married until he decided on coming to Michigan. He landed' Feb. 26, 1863, to Ellen, daughter of Henry and Lu- at Muskegon Nov. 5, 1853, and proceeded to Croton,?ina (Strowbridge) Snow, natives of New York, and where he worked for the Mill Company one winter!4f New England ancestors. Mrs. Kriger was born His next transfer was to Newaygo, where he con' Cortland Co., N. Y., Oct. 20, I845. She came to ducted a lath-mill one summer, returning to Muskeyrone, Kent Co., Mich., when she was 6 years old, gon in the fall. He "scaled" logs one winter for a and soon after became a domestic in the family of man named Trowbridge, and was afterward employed ichael Kriger, and operated in that capacity until in various ways. At present he owns 57 70-Iooths he became the wife of one of the sons. The senior acres of land, on which he resides, and has 40 acres riger established the young couple on 80 acres of under good cultivation, with relatively fair buildings lind joining the homestead. The farm was in its orig- and some stock. He also owns a half interest in 80 inal, unbroken, unimproved state, but Mr. Kriger had acres on section 8. He is an adherent of the health, hope and an object in life, and manfully ap- Republican party, and has officiated as Treasurer, iied his resources to clearing and cultivating his Road Commissioner, Justice of the Peace and as!operty; and he now has more than one half of his Supervisor of the township of Ensley. nded estate in creditable condition. Mr. Kriger is Mr. Botsford became the husband of Mary Eliza-, # garded as a practical, common-sense farmer, and beth Backart in January, I858, and they are the 4! o - _b 1. a x. ~~~ ~ 9 1 9 _ __ _ f~334 AE WA YG 0 COUN.TY. F ____ ___ ____________________ ' *~; parents of five children, namely: Charles J., Mary Benjamin B., Charles C., Harry H. and Robert R. In >: E. (2d), Douglas T., Carrie M. and Adeline A. March, 1862, Mr. Hall moved to Galesburg, Mich.,. Mary E., eldest daughter, is deceased. Mrs. Bots- where he bought a house and lot and was variously i ford was born in New York, in September, 1838, and employed until January, 1864, when he rented the t is the daughter of George and Mary Adaline Backart. saw-mill he had previously managed in Brady. He (See sketch.) continued to conduct the lumber business until February, 1865, when he enlisted in Co. L, Sixth Mich. Cav., Capt. Chipman. He was mustered out March i 126, I866, at Fort Bridger, Utah. ~"~~ g st1 | He came to Newaygo County in December, 1866, i and bought 20 acres of land in what is now Garfield: A > >rTownship. It was all in its original condition, and A:. Hall, farmersection 2I Garfeld Mr. Hall has cleared 60 acres and put it under good: \ Township, was born in Gainesville, Wyo- improvement. He has held the office of Justice of I A ming Co., N. Y., July 14, 1831, and is a the Peace four years, School Director five years, and son of Francis B. and Elect Hall. His father School Inspector two years. He is a member of the was born Feb. i8, 1799, in Vermont, and died Blue Lodge, No. 31, at Newaygo, and belongs to Jan. 22, 1862, at Marengo, Ill. The mother t r r the Patrons of Husbandry. was born May 23, I808, in New York, and died Dec.. 20, I878, in Pavilion, Kalamazoo Co., Mich. The parents of Mr. Hall went, when he was about, three years of age, to Pendleton, Niagara Co., N. Y., \: where they resided until 1838. In October of that <, year they removed to Pavilion Township, Kalamazoo ohn Docherty, farmer, section 32, Barton t County, where his father bought 40 acres of land. Township, was born in County Bennegal,... The family were in rather straitening circumstances, 1 Ireland, Oct. 31, 1839, and is a son of a i and Mr. Hall did all in his power toward their main- | Charles and Sarah (McConn) Docherty. The tenance and comfort for some years. At 22, he went parents were natives of the Emerald Isle, and to Arkansas, and was variously employed in and near set out for the New World in I846. The Napoleon for five years, when he returned to Michi- mother died on the passage; the father settled in gan, and joined his father's family at Marengo Tyrone Co., Out., for a time, and went thence to Prairie, Cass County, whither they had removed in his Compton County, where he resided until his death absence. He assisted on the homestead until I859,in I880. X when, in company with four others, he started to Mr. Docherty remained with his father until he K i: cross the plains. On reaching Fort Kearney they was 23 years old, and obtained such education as i' disbanded, and Mr. Hall proceeded to Kansas, the schools of the Dominion afforded. In 1862 he /: where he passed a summer, going thence to New went to the western part of Canada, and three Orleans. In March, I86o, he came North as far as years after came to Ionia Co., Mich., where he spent Laclede Co., Mo., and engaged as engineer in a saw i8 months in the capacity of farm laborer, returning and grist mill until fall, when he returned home. In at the expiration of that time to Canada and residing the spring of i86I he went to Brady, Kalamazoo there some years. In I868 he entered a claim of 80 County, where, associated with his brother, William acres of land under the provisions of the Homestead t ' H. Hall, he rented a saw-mill, which he managed Act, in Barton Township, where he has since princii successfully about a year. pally resided. In addition to his labors as a farmer?N Mr. Hall was married Feb. 2, 1862, at Prairieville, he has engaged in lumbering, working in the woods Barry Co., Mich., to Mrs. Sylvia J. Glass, daughter and in shingle-mills. He was first married to Hul-.; of Curtis and Lorinda (Vangilder) Lewis, born at dah E. King, a native of Ohio. Of this marriage::+ Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have two children were born, both of whom are deceased. /, six children: Allison A., Francis M., Wilber W., Mr. Docherty was a second time married in i880, to godiiPt - 4as-n - A-le i NEE IA YGO Mrs. Lena M. (Corbett) Lee, widow of Seth Lee, who died in I879, leaving her with two chill dren, William L, born Aug. 29, I873, and Clyde L., born Jan. I, 1877. Mrs. Docherty was born in.. Maine, Oct. I5, 1853, and is the daughter of Abel P. and Lydia F. (Tracy) Corbett, also natives of Maine. Twin daughters, Jessie May and Grace May, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Docherty, Sept. 14, I882. Mr. Docherty is a Republican in his political principles. COUNTY._ 335 ' I' --— i, ^ ' i eorge Backart, farmer and miller, residing at Croton, was born in Schupheim, Baden, Germany, Aug. 19, i808. His parents, Michael and Fronia (Miller) Backart, were both natives of the same place; the former was ac born in 178I and died in 1853: the birth of the latter occurred in 1784, and her death in i856, in Germany. Mr. Backart was a resident with his father in the land of his nativity until he was I6 years of age. He received the compulsory education regulated by the law of Germany, and attended school from the age of six to fourteen years. When he was i6 years old he was apprenticed, in conformity with the custom of the country, to learn the trade of blacksmith, and consumed two years in acquiring the details of the business. Three years following the expiration of his indentures he worked in various places; at the age of 22 years he established himself independently in his own shop. He operated until i834, when he disposed of his business, came to the United States, and settled in Oneida Co., N. Y. He bought 40 acres of land, where he carried on farming seven years. He sold out in 1841 and went to Dupage Co., Ill., where he again engaged in farming, becoming proprietor by purchase of 6o acres of land. In addition to his agricultural labors he managed a sawmill on Dupage River, owned by another man. He was thus engaged io years. In I850 he sold his property in Illinois and settled in Croton, Nov. 4, that year. The place was then known as "Muskegon Fork," and Mr. Backart was accompanied by Warren; Smith and Alpheus Fowler. The two latter had purchased a saw-mill of John F. Stearns, which they proposed to operate. It was built about io years previous, and was the first mill erected in this section. The purchase included 300 acres of land. Mr. Backart came for the express purpose of managing the mill, but declined to invest his means in the property until the second year, when he purchased a third interest. The saw-mill was in complete running order. Smith & Fellows sold out in the course of a few years to other parties, but Mr. Backart continued to hold his proprietorship. He finally disposed of his interest in the mill, but has continued to hold his land claim. He reserved his right to the water-power, and in 1857 built a sawmill, which in I86I was remodeled into a grist-mill, which he has since conducted as such. He has purchased and now owns another mill in the immediate vicinity. He owns two houses in Croton village, one of which he occupies. He also owns 25o acres of land in the vicinity of Croton village. Mr. Backart was one of the first permanent settlers where Croton village now stands. Himself, Warren Smith and John A. Mills were the parties instrumental in the platting of Croton, and in having the same recorded. The survey was made by John Alma, in November, 1854. Jefferson Morrison and Robert P. Mitchell were also interested in the founding of the village, which was incorporated in 1869. Mr. Backart is a Democrat in political principle and action, and has been closely connected with municipal affairs in his township. He officiated ten years as Supervisor, and six years as Treasurer, and has held other offices of less importance. He was appointed Postmaster under President Fillmore, and again under President Buchanan. Mr. Backart was married in his native place, April 19, i830, to Mary Adeline Backart, who was born in the same place, Sept. 7, I8io, and is the daughter of Sebastian and Annie Magdalena (Schneider) Backart. Her parents were both born in Schupheim, Germany, the father in 1779, and the mother in I791. Sebastian Backart was a soldier of the allied forces in the wars of Napoleon Bonaparte, and just previous to the battle of Waterloo contracted camp typhoid fever. He recovered, but his wife took the disease and died in 1814. The husband survived until 1848. To Mr. and Mrs. Backart eight children have been born, namely: Mary Magdalena (dec.), Mary Ifik a,*w a k E S -..,, N I 4 ii,f Vtw r36 NEWAYGO COUNTY.., -=e --- — --— ^ -— \I --- —----- ~1Elizabeth, George (dec.), Charles F. (dec.), Mary WEliza, Julius S., Mary Jane and Alice Evaline. The fa^mily are Lutherans. ames McLeod, proprietor of the Commer_ cial Hotel at White Cloud, is the son of l Alexander and Nancy (Campbell) McLeod,:,^ and was born June 15, 1843, in Russell Co.,! jtl Can. His parents were natives of Scotland, came to Canada in the first years of their inmarried life, and there resided until their deaths. Mr. McLeod has been a resident of Newaygo County since he attained to the period of his legal freedom. He resided at Newaygo five years, and was variously occupied while there. He removed to Sherman Township, where he became the proprietor of 80 acres of unimproved land, and of this he cleared Go acres. In the fall of 1873, he came to White 'Cloud, and opened the White Cloud Hotel, which he,onducted seven years; and on selling out he built K|he home where he has since been engaged in min-,stering to the wants of the traveling public. In his Capacity of landlord he must be recorded as the 'pioneer, as he gave the first meal as a public host in the village of White Cloud. He is independent in politics, and has held the post of Councilman. He is a member of the fraternity of Odd Fellows. He has had five children, three of whom survive, born as follows: David L., Sept. 29, 1863; Laura, March 22, I868, and Archie, June 7, I881. ^ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i -— ^^s^ a^v^-, Louisa, daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Thompson) Whipple, born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. They have five children: Nina M., Edith L., Aaron P., Lucy E. and Archie L. After his marriage Mr. Swain " homesteaded " a claim of 80 acres of land in Norwich Township, where he lived a number of years, and on selling out his property he purchased 40 acres of land in Barton Township, which has since been his home. In political faith Mr. Swain is an adherent of the principles and issues of the National party. While a resident of Norwich Township he officiated as Justice of the Peace, and in other positions of trust. ---- ajames B. Mallery, farmer, section 31, - Sherman Township, was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1826. His father,!l, Mathew Mallery, was a native of Connecticut,,[ and his mother, Sarah (Cleveland) Mallery, of New York. After their marriage they settled in Columbia Co., N. Y., and in the fall of I845 settled in Hillsdale Co., Mich., where the mother died in 1854, and the father ten years later. James remained in New York until 19 years of age. His education included habits of industry and frugality, with the rudiments of knowledge gathered at the district schools of his county. He came with his parents to Hillsdale County, and remained with them until 26 years of age. From 1853 to 1855, he was engaged in farming and coopering. In the winter of 1855, he came with his family to Northern Michigan, leaving his wife and child I6 miles north of Grand Rapids, while he pushed his way through the forest in search of land for a home. He took up 240 acres of wild land under the Gradation Act, in what is now known as Sherman Township. He stayed two weeks and helped build a log house, when the snow was two feet deep on a level. This was on the very spot where Mr. Weller's residence now stands in Fremont. He then returned for his wife and child, and they, accompanied by an aunt, proceeded to their new home in Newaygo County. After chopping an acre of timber, he had inflammation of the eyes, which confined him to the house about two weeks. About the same time Mrs. Mallery's aunt was taken sick, and was obliged to \,-_?F * — %UWCr G >c;ii~T~ - - tg 4aniel T. Swain, farmer, section 29, Barton I 1____ Township, was born in Shiawassee Co., [)n^% Mich., Aug. 10, 1846, and is a son of } = Aaron and Betsy A. (Baker) Swain. The ~ ~4 father was a native of Vernmont and the mother. ' was born in Crawford Co., Pa. They came to! Newberg, Shiawassee Co., Mich., where they resided,until 1849, when they removed to Big Prairie, Ne-:?/vaygo County, and there resided until their deaths,,which occurred respectively in 1876 and 1879.., Mr. Swain was re ared to the calling which he has $iursued all his life, and was married Dec. 8, 1872, to tp' I i y i c B ~~i,1 %-, i3a; r; Qnl1ll' i rs d la' * I ~e ~,, i! ;<4. NEWA4 YGO COUNTY. t return home, leaving Mrs. M. alone. In the fall of 17 years, Supervisor one year; has been School i 1 855, he settled on his present farm of Ioo acres, Inspector, and held other, smaller offices in the gir! where he resides, and has 50 acres under cultivation. of the people. He is now Clerk of Sherman Towns: In 1865 he rented his farm in order to assist Wm. L. ship; is a member of the Masonic Order, and in Stewart, his father-in-law, in conducting the "Stewart politics is a Greenbacker. Himself and wife ar House " at Newaygo. He remained there eight years, members of Fremont Grange, No. 494, P. of H. then returned to his farm. Mr. Mallery was married in Cambria, Hillsdale County, Feb. 24, 1853, to Susan L., daughter of | * '::. ""' Wilkes L. and Frances (Hopkins) Stewart, the former i a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New 4 ilark N. Young, Editor of the e lark N. Young, Editor of the Hesperia& York. They were married in the last named State,. 4 zJVews, and Principal of the High School',~ ' and came to Michigan for their wedding tour. They N s, and Prncpal of the Hgh School Hesperia, was born in Shelby, Orleans Co.[ settled in Macomb County, where Mr. Stewart was s engaged in farming, milling and various other N. Y., March 23 1852 Hisparets, William pursuits for 14 years. He then removed to Living- and Anna E. (Beebe) Young, were natives of ston County, where he remained till September, 1846, New England, of genuine Yankee descent. They emiwhen he went to Hillsdale County, and remained grated to Calhoun Co., Mich., in the fall of 1853, there until 1855, engaged in farming. Mr. Stewart where they now reside. Clark N. was reared on his met with financial reverses in Macomb County, and father's farm, working hard during the summer and( i lost nearly all his worldly possessions; but by untir- attending district school in the winter. He formeding perseverance and industry he succeeded in studious, economical and industrious habits, andQ regaining a portion of his property. He left Hillsdale when I8 years old was granted license to teach, inr in 1855 and came to Newaygo County, where he which pursuit he was very successful. Thus he con,; took up land quite extensively, and has resided in tinued, tilling the soil in summer and teaching irt this county ever since. He made the change in winter until he was 2I years of age. He theri, order to benefit his children. Mrs. Stewart died entered the college at Albion, Mich., where he took Nov. 29, i877, and Mr. S. now resides with his special course preparatory to teaching the higher daughter, Mrs. Mallery. branches in the graded schools. Here he continued two years. In the spring of i875 he returned to his He was one of the first three Justices of the Peace two In the of 75 he returned to his i n the old township of Fremont. Willard Wilder and ve count and n became n tech winters and being "on the road summers. He went Sarah Ann Bernhard were the first couple married in wters, and belng "on the road" summers. He went to Barry County in 1878 and taught one year, and that township, and the ceremony was performed by to 8 and one and Mr. Stewart, on the 4th day of July, being the first Dec 3, 879, he was married, in Hllsdale, ti day he held the office. He married Benjamin Ish State, to Dora M. Stebbins, of Nashville, Ba y e d te o H m County, who was born in Ontario, Can., Nov. 7, i856. under a tree at 3 o'clock in the morning. Mr. S. is ounty who was born ntar an Nov7, i Her parents were Henry E. and Olive (Shelden) now in feeble health. Stebbins, natives of New York and Canada respectMrs. M. was born in Macomb Co., Mich., Sept. 7, vely I 831, and was the eldest daughter and third child of In March, i880, Mr. Young engaged with the a family of seven children. She lived with her y o s c. S i w h Nashville News, of Nashville, Mich., and during the parents until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Mallery.. two years of his sojourn here he acquired the art of have one child, Fannie M., born Jan. 23, i854, and J printing, and his ability as an editor was developed. is the wife of George B. J. Raider; Mr. and Mrs. He established a paper of his own in Nashville,}: Raider have two children, namely: Clifton, who was a ho; bt b r ind en called the Nashville Oio; but better inducemnentg!~ born July 13, I875, the day of the year also on which eig offered in Hesperia he transferred his stock t * his father and great-grandfather was born; and Fred, this place, and in September, 1882, established th born July 19, 1877. Hesperian News, the first number of which wafl) Mr. Mallery has held the office of Township Clerk issued Sept. 29, 1882. Although several newspapers" N J,,I --->I —L- W \ 338 NE WA YGO y have been previously started, they became defunct / in a very short time; but the News is bound to succeed. Mr. Young was solicited to take charge of the High School in Hesperia, and he now performs the double duty of teacher and editor. They have had one child, Otto, born Nov. 22, i880, and died Nov. i6, I882. In politics Mr. Young is independent.. CO UNTvY. ---—.,;: i iI -"ames R. Odell, druggist at Fremont, son of i ' Jonathan and Mahala (Prouty) Odell, was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., April 21, 1841. His parents were natives of New York, where they were married, and soon after removed to Michigan and settled in Hillsdale County. They remained there for several years after the death of his father, which occurred in 1854, when his mother came to this county and settled in Fremont, about the year I867. James R. remained under the parental roof until x 6 years of age, attending the common schools. He then learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which t he followed for nearly five years previous to the < breaking out of the rebellion. In September, 1864, he enlisted in the I Ith Mich. Cav., and, after serving } till the close of the war, was honorably discharged at Knoxville, Tenn. He participated in several engagements, and was at the capture of Salisbury prison, N. C. After his term of service had expired he returned to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and worked at his trade a short time, when he was taken very sick with I typhoid fever, in consequence of which he was unable to work for eight months. After his recovery, in the spring of i866, he came to Fremont where he worked at his trade about two years. He purchased go acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, upon which he worked during one summer and was afterward employed in a general store in Fremont,owned by John Delamater. In two years he purchased a ' one-half interest in the store, and the firm was known as Delamater & Odell. This partnership continued d for about six months, when Mr. Odell sold out his interest to John DeHaas, but remained as clerk until the store was destroyed by fire some two years later. He assisted in settling up the business of the firm, and during the following winter was engaged in lum I bering, and was also afterwards in the employ of John DeHaas for a short time. Afterwards he and his brother bought out the stock of drugs and groceries owned by Dr. Root and son. This partnership continued about two years, when he bought out the interest of his brother in the drug department, and in another year sold. his own interest in the grocery' department to his brother. For a short time the drug store was carried on by Odell & Manly, when the latter withdrew, and the business is now conducted by Mr. Odell, who is the leading druggist of the county. He commenced in I877 to build the fine brick building he now occupies, and moved his stock of goods in February, I878. Mr. Odell was first married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., March 3, i86i, to Mary, daughter of Francis and Minerva (Smith) Morse, a native of Michigan. She afterward died, October, I864, leaving one child, born Dec. 27, 1863. Mr. Odell was again married, in Hesperia, this county, in the year I867, to Alice, daughter of Daniel Joslin, and they have had three children: Mary, Eva M. and Pearl; the former is deceased. Mr. Odell has held the office of Township Clerk for ten consecutive years; is a member of the Masonic Order, and has filled various offices in his lodge, having served two years as Master, and is also Commander of Henry Dobson Post, G. A. R. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. He has been a member of the Village Board, serving as President or Trustee since its incorporation; was also member of the School Board when the graded system went into effect, and is still a member of the same.! II t,iY.orace C. Jenne, farmer, section 5, Dayton Township, is a son of Joseph H. and Saloma (Knight) Jenne, who were natives of Massachusetts and afterward settled in New York. He was born in the latter State, June 6, I830. At the age of io years he went to live. with a relative, and remained until he was I8 years of age, being employed the most of this time on the i': Erie canal. He came:to Michigan in the fall of? i855, and the following winter lived in Allegan;i County. He came to this county in the spring of i856 and bought 160 acres of land in Dayton Town- / W 1 1 0 ----,i i u q I 4 I,, I " I!! ;, VIT. YF^ "".;...';<^. Fx II; rX < _ I b-k/ji Is B i ~ i~~9 '^ S "'^/ ~ * ^ l'*l':; y *-! ei^w w ~ * ^,'1^ ~:. N a WrA YG ny COUNTY.34 LP~F 'S IVE WA YG CO UNT Y. 34I I yI'.... I.+. i ship. He now owns a farm of 65 acres, 35 of which are well improved. He was married in New York, in August, I851, to Amelia Jones, who was a native of that State, and they have one child, John H., who is now a resident of Muskegon. Nov. 2, I863, he enlisted in the 4th Mich. Cav., and served nearly two years, receiving his discharge at Nashville, Tenn. He was with Gen. Wilson in his cavalry raid from. Nashville to Macon, Ga.; is a member of J. A. Dix Post, No. 9, G. A. R., and in politics is a Republican. i '[on. Charles W. Stone, Representative from. a Newaygo County, was born June 2, 1833, in Warrensburg, Warren Co., N. Y., and is the eldest son of Samuel and Sally (Moore) Stone. The father was a son of John and Mary (Collins) Stone, and grew to maturity in Warrensburg, married there and reared a family of io chil-: dren. He was a native of New Hampshire, and died in Warrensburg in I878. The mother was born in Eastern New York and died in Warrensburg, in February, 1883. The elder Stone was an honest, hardworking man, and left to his sons a better heritage than most men do, who earn for them immunity from effort and freedom from the struggle necessary to humanity in order to develop its greatest and best. The boasted glory of the West was made possible by the stringencies which held former generations at the East. John Stone was born in the old Granite State, and resided some years at Weare, Hillsborough Co., N. H., removing thence to Cambridge, N. Y., and, later, to Warrensburg, where he spent his life in honor and usefulness and died at the age of 92 years. His wife was also a nonogenarian at the time of her death. The boyhood of Mr. Stone was passed in the manner common to the children of the place, period and generation in which he was born. Industry, frugality and the necessity of utilizing every moment were so impressed upon him as to become in a sense instinctive traits. He obtained little educational:; discipline in the schools, and, when he found himself a man in the eyes of the law, he also found himself S in undisputed possession of the privilege of making his own way in the world. His years of labor during his minority had trained him iin a complete knowledge of every detail in the manufacture of lumber; and in the early summer, when independent manhood brought with it the added need of immediate effort, he began to seek a service with which he was familiar. An opening in Florida attracted his attention, and he found encouragement in the project, but must wait until November before he could go to a tropical climate with safety. Opportunity meets her ardent seekers more than half way, and intelligence soon reached him that a company at Glens Falls were engaging men for the lumber woods of Northern Michigan, and he made his way to that place. He applied to Albert M. Cheney who, with Lewis L. Arms, of Glens Falls, and Eliphalet Wood, of Chicago, had established the business and interests still known under the style of the Newaygo Company. To Mr. Cheney young Stone stated his case, but he was received with a shake of the head. He accepted the repulse without comment and reached the door, but before he opened it he was re-called. "I think there is something in you and will give you a chance," was Mr. Cheney's sententious remark; and in a few days he was on his way to Newaygo County. The village of that name consisted of only a few houses, and its principal business interests were in the hands of John A. Brooks and the Newaygo Company. Nine dollars represented the cash capital of Mr. Stone when he found himself in the field he had sought. His first work was scaling logs for the Newaygo Company on the land belonging to James and William Barton. He continued in the employ of the Company twelve years, engaged mostly in utilizing his time for the best interests of his employers. The year following his settlement in Newaygo County (I855), he bought i60 acres of unimproved land in what was then Fremont Township. He made his purchase under the Graduation Act, paying 75 cents per acre therefor, and in it invested his first earnings in Michigan. The entire tract is still in his possession; and, under the changes in the municipal conditions incident to the settlement and organization of the county, its described location is now on section six, Garfield Township. At the time of Mr. Stone's settlement Fremont comprised the territory now included in the townships of Dayton, Sherman, Sheridan and the western half of Garfield, then-belonging A k I ( f' S..}.Q ' ' X r as S b y? ev - ~A h " } 0 dd t1 ) d r4 ft .. _ ^ ^^ ^ (I I^^ ^ i ^ ^ i 342 NEWAYGO COUNTY.;, _ = =.* ~'<' i, aAs w-.N i I.,I I; ~?i. y~ to Sherman. The division and several organizations were made in I866, and Mr. Stone was made first Supervisor of Sherman, and, with the exception of one year, held the position successively until his nomination for County Treasurer, in 1878. He was married May 10, I858, in Caldwell, Warren Co., N. Y., to Mary, daughter of John Eddy. Two children-Frederick C. and Clara J.-have been born of this union. The family resided in the Nillage of Newaygo about 15 years, when they removed to the farm, of which Ioo acres is cleared and in admirable condition, with farm fixtures and general arrangement of a character which puts the place in the front rank among the best in the county. On being elected to a county office, he removed to the village, where he resided until the summer of I883, when he again removed to his farm. Besides his homestead and house and lot in Newaygo village, he owns 400 acres of timber land in the county. Until the organization of the National Greenback party Mr. Stone was a Democrat and pursued a straightforward, well-defined, but non-aggressive policy, that secured the respect of his peers and the confidence of all parties. He never possessed the peculiar instincts of a wire-puller, nor exhibited the traits which characterize a ring politician of the period. Nor is he a man of the stamp, so common to the nineteenth century, of such marvelous type that the contingencies of decades of public affairs seem to have been created expressly to develop. Verily, the possibilities within the range of political ingenuity increase in direct proportion to the lapse of time! Mr. Stone's election to the positions he has held and is still holding present a feature in Newaygo County local politics, which do the good s6nse and sound judgment of her voting community eminent credit. The county officers, as a rule, are selected for peculiar ability and fitness for the work to be accomplished. In I878 Mr. Stone was elected County Treasurer and was re-elected in I88o. He was nominated in 1882, before the expiration of his second term, by the National Greenback element of the county as its Representative in the Legislature of Michigan. The campaign and its results were most flattering to the candidate and satisfactory to the constituency who presented him for the position, without knowledge or effort of his own. His election was secured solely through the general confidence in his character and abilities, and was peculiarly significant from the fact that he ran against two candidates, — Edward E. Edwards, the then incumbent and Republican nominee, and George W. Nafe, the candidate of the Democrats. In the House he was made meimber of Committees on the State School for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb, on Supplies and Expenditures; and, in the varied services to which he was called, distinguished himself as the protector of the interests of his constituency and by the consistency of his actions as a representative of the class to which he considers it his best prerogative to belong. Mr. Stone was first Master of the Grange at Fremont when it was organized, and also of the first County Grange. He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge of Newaygo over 20 years. On the organization of the Patrons' Mutual Fire Insurance Company for the counties of Newaygo, Muskegon and Oceana, Mr. Stone was made its first President and Treasurer. He discharged the duties of the latter position until January, 1883. Mr. Stone's portrait may be found on page 340. Its fitness as an accompaniment to this sketch (plain and matter-of-fact as the latter is neccessarily, from the modest pretentions and the unassuming character of the gentleman whose life and similitude are here perpetuated), will be acknowledged by all, and both will be a source of satisfaction to the people of Newaygo County, among whom he has expended the best years and energies of his life. 4, - 4,, > -------- -I. ----- 1..,, I>. * l ~,^ r.:"' ' *..;l^ ibert T. Mudget, lumberman, located on section 33, Croton Township, was born in *A 0 Vermont, Feb. 23, I850, and is the son of. Orrin and Mary (Chambers) Mudget. At the age of 17 years Mr. Mudget began to work in a saw-mill and continued in that occupation about six years. The year I874 he was engaged in lumbering, and in the spring of 1875 he bought 40 acres of land in Allegan Co., Mich., and a made agriculture his pursuit for five years, when he sold out and engaged in mercantile business in the same county, which occupied his time and energies:, for nearly I8 months. He disposed of his business, ^ and in the summer of I88I came to Newaygo County, where he first bought a half interest in a lumber mill YL (I(,A4-f -,. q lior (~,, NE WA YGO COUNT7Y. 343 > ag located in Croton Township. He has recently r become sole proprietor by purchase, and continues to conduct his business with energy. The mill has a producing capacity of 20,000 feet of lumber daily. Mr. Mudget was married in Hopkins, Allegan Co., Mich., Sept. 22, 1872, to Mary E., daughter of Jackson and Emma (Adams) Baker. She was born in Allegan County, Feb. 7, I855. Four children have been born of this marriage, namely: Albert J., Rosa B. and Carl S. are living. Clinton T. died when six, months old. Mr. Mudget is a Republican in political adherence. Mrs. M. is a member of the Church of the - Disciples. J ilames E. Stockton, farmer, section 36, Big ' Prairie Township, was born in Guilford, a i'" Ct., Dec. 26, 1826, and is a son of Isaac SI il and Sylvia (Dickinson) Stockton. His father was born in New Jersey and his mother was a native of Connecticut. Mr. Stockton was first married at Marshall, Mich., r: to Eliza Lewis. Five children were born to them, 7 all of whom are living. Their names are William F., Y Stephen, Sylvia A., Susan Cornelia and Adelia Sophia. The mother died in Iowa in I867, and Mr. Stockton was again married, in Homer, Calhoun County, March 8, i868, to Mrs. Lucy (Saunders) Pryor, widow of William Pryor. She had three children by her first marriage, as follows: Willard (dec.), William, Bertie and Louie Wesley. Mrs. Stockton was born June i, 1845, in Albion, Mich. Of her marriage to Mr. Stockton three children have been born: Jane Elizabeth, Mary Emmeline and i Annie Katie. Mr. Stockton became the master of his own fortunes at I2 years of age, and has been all his life a farmer. He lived in Albion at the time of his first marriage, and was there resident ten years. He went to Cass County and eight years later removed to Allegan, where he resided two years, after which he removed to Iowa. After the death of his first wife he returned to Albion. After his second marriage he came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of land, of which he has cleared 33 acres and placed it under )1 fine improvements. He is an adherent of the " Democratic party. pj3 _a-. --- -^ ---t^ _( t p~ *~_ —, ~ a~'' oel G. Cook, farmer, section 29, Denver Township, is a son of Noah and Anna *. (Ware) Cook, of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., X "` and was born Dec. 3, 1825. He remained at his father's home till 40 years of age, working on his father's farm. He married Miss Caroline Davis, daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Carter) Davis, natives of Greene Co., N. Y., where their daughter was born, Dec 12, I826. They moved to Oneida County when she was but a year and a half old, where she was educated and married. Mr. and Mrs. Cook remained upon the homestead, with the exception of two years, until they emigrated to this State. They afterward returned to their native county and remained until i866, when they removed to a dairy farm in another part of the county. In 1879 they came back to Michigan and settled on a farm of 84 acres in Denver Township, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living: Linda M., born Nov. 25, 1850; Adelbert D., June o1, 1852; Mercy A., Nov. 29, 1854; Norton M., Jan. I4, 1856; M. G., June 23, I859; Erwin J., May io, 1865; Bertha C.,Feb. 21, i868; Elva A., born March 20, I862, died March 7, I863. In politics Mr. Cook is a Republican. —,-.' ---- (((((((0))))~-~-=; acob F. Treiber, farmer, section io, Ashland Township, was born Jan. 22, 1838, at ' Ludwigsburg, Germany, and is a son of iGotleib and Elizabeth (Ziegler) Treiber, both of German nativity and descent. He remained in his native country until 1853, obtaining his education and working on his father's farm. In June of that year he came to the United States and first settled in Wayne Co., Mich., afterwards removing to Sparta, Kent County, where he was employed in farm work until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted July i, I86i, in the First Mich. Vol. Inf., Co. H. The regiment joined the Army of the Potomac, and Mr. Treiber was in action at Gaines' Hill, in the seven days' battles be-: 4 i 1t~ II*ji3 b.J. B I 4, SOE, (~), T*,. 'i=_' r'. 7 i! - - t 0 % 4h, - i I j W 344 E WIA YGO COUNTrY. f......, --- —--------------------------- * tween Richmond and Harrison's Landing, also at Gettysburg, Antietam and many others, the entire number of engagements reaching 31 in the aggregate. He was discharged Feb. 12, I864, and immediately re-enlisted, receiving his final discharge July 9, 1865. He was promoted during his first period of service to the rank of Corporal and held the post two years. Bravery in action again advanced him, and he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Sept. I, 1864, and continued in the position until the end of the war. Soon after being discharged he came to Newaygo i. County and settled on his present farm in Ashland Township. He was married April 21, 1867, to Sarah x Ann, daughter of Peter and Mary (Engles) Egolf, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Treiber was born in Whitley Co., Ind., May 7, I850. Her parents removed to Michigan in i866 and settled in Newaygo County. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Treiber located on I6o acres of land in Ashland, of which they retain 80 acres, 40 acres of which are underimprovements. v Of six children born to them four are living, who R. were born as follows: John W., July io, i869; * Margaret C., July 29, 1874; Julia F., March I, I876;.* Rosina, Jan. 8, 1878. The deceased were, Charles:: P., born Feb. 29, i868, died May 27, I878; and Mary E., born July 29, i87, and died Feb. 22, 1874. " The parents are members of Ashland Grange, No. 545, and belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Treiber is an adherent of the Republican party and has held the post of Township Clerk. I June 20, 1865. His regiment was attached to the, corps commanded by General Hooker, and partici-:: pated in all the engagements from Nashville to the sea. Mr. Vanderwater returned to Wisconsin and from thence came to Grand Rapids. He remained. in the latter place but a short time, locating in Newaygo County in the spring of I866. He "took up" a claim under the Homestead Act, cleared and improved the land and has since resided upon it. He was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., in i855, to Mary, daughter of George and Susan (Gladfield) Foringer, a native of Crawford Co., Pa., born April td 3, I835. The parents died respectively in 1841 and: 186i. The family of Mr. Vanderwater includes two children,-George B., born Dec. 30, 1856, and Willis H., May 31, i86i. In political sentiment Mr. V. is a Republican. lexander M. Seeley, farmer, section 20, s >j, Big Prairie Township, was born in Fairfield, Franklin Co., Vt., Jan. 29, 18I5, and is a son 'l of Seth C. and Ann (Bradley) Seeley, both of /F whom were natives of Connecticut. The v father was born in I789, in Bridgeport, of English descent. The mother was born in 1788. Mr. Seeley resided in his native State until he was 17 years old, when his parents removed to Monroe Co., N. Y., where he remained until he attained to man's estate. On finding himself in legal freedom he came to Michigan and settled in Jackson County, where he lived two years. In 1837 he went to Ionia; County, where he became the proprietor of I6o acres of land, on which he operated i6 years. He sold his estate, and in 854 came to Newaygo County and made a permanent settlement on 160 acres of land, all in a state of nature. He has placed 80 acres in a fine state of cultivation. He has been a resident of Big Prairie nearly 30 years, and during that time has been Justice of the Peace upwards of 20 years continuously. In political affiliation he is a Republican. Mr. Seeley was married at Jackson, Mich., Aug. 31, 1836, to Harriet E. Moon. She is a daughter of * James and Susannah (Pool) Moon, and was born July 24, I817, in the State of New York. As nearly Y ewis Vanderwater, farmer, sec. 28, Barton Township, was born Dec. 24, 1827, in H Clarkson, Monroe Co., N. Y., of which J State his parents, John and Elizabeth (Knowlton) Vanderwater, were natives. His father died there in I834, and the mother died in I844, in Michigan. Mr. Vanderwater grew up in the training comi monly bestowed upon the sons of farmers, and when he was 22 years of age he came to Detroit, Mich., *', where he learned the moulder's trade, which he followed until the date of his enrollment as a soldier in the army of our Government. He enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, in the 22d Wis. Vol. Inf., and was discharged 7 at the end of the war, his papers bearing date of i,?:y-.a - r I ""V - U) -: X i; '- ''r 't '74 ~ t. %*"'- iri x ___-__'__ NE WA YGO COUNTY. 345 d as can be ascertained, her parents were born respect- ing, besides the aborigines, but four white families. ively in 1784 and 1789, the father of English, and Mr. Smith was a resident there for 15 years, and in the mother of Welsh parentage. Following is the March, I865, came to Newaygo County and located record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Seeley: on i60 acres ofland he had previously purchased, on Almeron S., Mary E., Truman C. (dec.), Harvey K. section 34, in Ashland Township. He experienced (dec.) and Clarissa E. all the hardships incident to a pioneer settler in the depths of the uncut forest. By his own unaided,-, efforts he has placed 65 acres of land under improvements suitable for profitable farming, besides erecting | J2 |good and substantial buildings. 1i; ^f1 ames R. Rice, lumberman, resident at the Mr. Smith was married Oct. I8, 1843, to Sarah J. village f Croton, was born in Ontario, Daum, of Grand Rapids. Her parents were natives ^ Can., Sept. I, I846, and is a son of Wil- f New York, where she was born Nov. 28, 1828. y askIr _iA1 g-; m,11 - -9r ~- A -rs5/. -_ s1 11s. - -. - m nam anda atnerine t.uip) Kice. I ne lormer was born May 4, 1819, in County Down, Ire\ land; the latter is of German descent and was born April 23, i8I9, in the Province of Ontario. Mr. Rice came to Michigan when he was three years of age, his parents settling in Croton Township, in I849, where he grew to man's estate and was married at 20 years of age. On assuming the responsibilities of a family man he engaged in lumbering on the Little Mus'tgon River, and has continued;.-. * r r r11 * *,1 1 *..1 *. * They emigrated to Grand Rapids and their daughter resided there until her marriage. She died at her home in Ashland Township, Nov. 4, 1876, leaving two children, viz: Mary A., Aug. 20, 1844, and Wesley E., Dec. 30, I851. James, born Dec. 23, 1849, died Jan. 3, I850. Mr. Smith is a Democrat in political connection, and for many years has served his community in a public capacity.:' the pursuit ot that calling witn little intermisslon since. In political affiliation he is a Republican. He was married July 15, i866, to Christina E. i - Erickson. She was born Dec. 25, I844, in Sweden, i i August H. Hertzer, M. D., section o, and is the daughter of Andrew and Charlotte (Olson)Big Prairie Township, was born Aug. 25, Erickson, both of whom were born in 1824; the1829, in Saxony, Prussia, which was also the former is still living; the latter died in 1854. Thee province of his parents His grand-: native province of his parents. His grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Rice, six in number, are all I T father, John Godfrey Hertzer, was of princely living. They are named Ida C., Lillie M., Florence B., Alma Rosella, William A. and David R. descent, coming in a direct line from the barony of * Hertzer, and born about I743. The father, John Godfrey Christian Hertzer, was born Aug. 4, 1799. The mother, Carolina Elizabeth Hertzer, was born Aug. 25, i8o5 9 imon P. Smith, farmer, section 34, Ashland Mr. Hertzer was brought up in accordance with the Township, was born in London, Ontario, customs of his native land, and served two years W Jan. i6, I820. His parents, Jesse and (from 1849 to I851) in the Prussian army. He Elizabeth (Fairchild) Smith, were natives of the landed in New York April 28, 1853, and after a stay Dominion and members of the agricultural of one week there went to Long Island and remained community. There the son grew to manhood, until the fall of that year, when he went to Luzerne and from 12 to i8 years of age worked during the Co., Penn., and soon after removed to Buffalo, N. Y. } summer seasons on his father's farm, and during the His next remove was to Livingston Co., Mich., where ' winters attended the common schools. In the spring he resided three years. He went next to the ^ of 1838 himself and parents came to Michigan and Province of Ontario, and from there came to Pontiac,, located where Grand Rapids now stands. The now Oakland County, whence he came to Newaygo (" ' magnificent city was then an Indian village, contain- County, for a permanent residence. He reached ____ gn ~g ij~~ i: -./I ~"? z, 346 NE WA YGO COUNTY. ~~-::::;:~~- Pd~k r: -i., II 4 I ll~'?., -.. ~:, I9 _ _., here Aug. 12, 187 I, and entered a claim of 160 acres, *f and has since bought 80 acres additional. Of this, -; 80 acres are cleared and under cultivation. His j farming land includes 40 acres on the prairie, all under improvements. In political affiliation Mr. Hertzer is a Democrat. He claims to be a double-dyed Yankee, having taken out naturalization papers May i8, i856, at Buffalo, N. Y., which were destroyed; and he was under the necessity of taking out a second set, which were made by Hon. C. C. Fuller, and filed by Mr. Cole, County Clerk. Mr. Hertzer was married in Germany, to Apollonia q Barth. She was born on the Midder River at Saulheim by Mainz, June 22, 1819. Of six children born of this marriage one is living,-Caroline, born July 7, 1853, on Long Island. The mother died in Livingston Co., Mich. Mr. Hertzer was married to his present wife Feb. 9, I865, at Detroit. She was born in Meisenheim in the county (Landgrafschaft) of Hesse-Hornburg, March 13, 1843; and was the? widow of Charles Mitchell, by whom she had one 3 son,-Carl, born Oct. 29, 1863, in New York. The - maiden name of Mrs. Hertzer was Charlotte Henri~ etta Feickerth, and she is the daughter of William ) and Magdalena (Illges) Feickerth. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzer have nine children, namely: John August, William August, Lusina, Fritz August, Apollonia, Sarah, Henry August, Della and Godfrey August. Mr. Hertzer was an allopathic physician in his native country, and in regular practice until he came to America; has continued the exercise of his profession more or less since. His grandfather was in l the Saxony recruits of Napoleon's army, and with his A chief at Moscow and at Leipsic; was a regularly trained and educated soldier..iram Dobson, farmer, section 3, Dayton Township, is a son of James and Esther Dobson, natives of Orange Co., N. Y., and was born in New York city, Jan. 28, i8i6. * When he was quite young his parents moved to 1 Pennsylvania, where his father died. He afterward came with his mother to Michigan, and he bought 80 acres of land in Dayton Township, where he now resides, and has nearly 30 acres in a good state of cultivation. In I871 his mother died, and now lies buried in the graveyard which is in close proximity to her late home. In politics Mr. Dobson is a Republican. alter M. Race, Postmaster and Township -. Clerk, resident at Croton, was born in 5 Taghkanick, Columbia Co., N. Y., Jan. 15, Jff" I842. His father, John W. Race, was also a native of the same county and was born of German and Holland Dutch parentage, Feb. 22, 1803. Margaret (Thompson) Race, the mother, was born in I808, in the same place, of German lineage. In i868 Mr. Race came with his parents to Kent Co., Mich. He received his elementary education in the common schools of his native State, and in i864 was graduated at Hobart College at Geneva, N. Y. He at once entered up-on the study of medicine, reading three years in the office of C. S. Hoyt, M. D., at Potter Centre, Yates Co., N. Y. On coming to Michigan he engaged in teaching and discharged the duties of a pedagogue 14 miles south of Grand Rapids. He attended medical lectures at Ann Arbor, and opened his career as a practitioner in Kent County, where he operated until I87I. In that year he came to Croton, and in connection with his practice embarked in a mercantile enterprise, and continued the management of both one year, when he returned to Kent County and resumed his practice, following it until the fall of 1879. At that date he returned to Croton and engaged in local practice and as a clerk in a store. He became owner of an interest in the mercantile business, which he retained until 1882, when he sold out. He has since applied his time and energies to his profession and the duties of his official positions, which, besides those named, includes those of Justice of the Peace. He received his appointment as Postmaster under President Garfield's administration. In political relations he is an ardent Republican, and has always taken an active and zealous interest in the issues of his party. Mr. Race was married March 30, I871, in Big Prairie Township, to Sarah J. M., daughter of John f,, F.I_.c/%c~sf;:i\ Bt-~ I!ri P r;all LaMQ= ii *'1 ~ iB; k'57g e'l i55 u- o~;-"I- i"s- "~~7:::::~ Il-~ WA11 X:o II U-Y. NVE WA YGO CO UNTY.;rbe \ As g-* \ViRi of o o X i.. 347 ^N and Eunice (Goff) Krusen. She was born in Kalamo Township, Eaton Co., Mich., Sept. 19, 1852. Her father was born of German lineage March 16, I820, in New Jersey; her mother was born Jan. 27, 1824, in Licking Co., Ohio. The three children, born to Mr. and Mrs. Race, are all living. Their names are Hubert DeForest, Edna Earl and Myrtle Maud. B. Jewell is a son of Joseph and Asenath (Cross) Jewell, who were natives of Otsego Co., N. Y., and died in Allegany County, same State. He was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 23, 1826. He attended the common schools of his native county and also the Rushford Academy at Rushford, Allegany County. Like many other young men, he wished to see more of the world, and at the early age of i8 he left home to battle for himself, although this was not in accordance with the wishes of his parents. At the age of 20 years he went to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, and worked eight months at four dollars a month-the hardest work he ever performed. After this he went to Ithaca, N. Y., where he was engaged in boat-building one season, then returned to Allegany County and followed his trade the most part of his time until i856. In the spring of that year he came to this county and settled in Newaygo, where he worked at his trade until the summer of I859, then moved to Muskegon and worked one year; and finally came to Fremont and settled on his farm of 240 acres, which he had purchased in June, I855. He resided on this farm 22 years. He cleared ioo acres, and built fine buildings, having three barns on his place. He still carries on his farm, but in September, 1882, he moved to the village of Fremont, and into a fine new house, built mostly with his own hands. Mr. Jewell was married in Hume, Allegany Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1848, to Mary, daughter of Henry A. and Polly (Bosworth) Turner, natives of Wayne Co., N. Y. Mrs. Turner died in Allegany County, and Mr. Turner came to Michigan to visit a daughter, where he died after an illness of four weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have three children: Archibald D., born Aug. 22, 1852; Cornelia I., Sept. 3, i86o, and Hugh B., Sept. 9, i863. Mr. J. has held the office of Supervisor six years. He was elected to the Legislature in the fall of I876, by the Republicans, over A. T. Squier, the Democratic nominee. He is President of the Patrons' Mutual Fire Ins. Co., of Newaygo, Oceana and Muskegon Counties; also President of the Union Agricultural Society, of Hesperia. He was the first and second President of the Newaygo County Agricultural Society. When Mr. and Mrs. Jewell first moved upon their farm, their nearest neighbor was nearly three miles distant, and for six weeks Mrs. Jewell did not see a white woman. They passed through all the hardships and vicissitudes of pioneer life, in which Mrs. Jewell has been a faithful assistant and sharer. Mr. Jewell is the author of a brief sketch of Dayton Township, which was published in the local papers in I876 and forwarded to Washington, D. C., for reference. He is a relative of ex-PostmasterGeneral Jewell. IY' i.,i. I 1,,f I ', j:. ii I I -I... i * A - *, a~,;N -I -~i --- ^-,~~ — 6 —Deorge Rupp, farmer. section 16, Ashland ~ll Township, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Dec. 2, I829. His parents, George and Catharine (Kaiser) Rupp, were born and passed their entire lives in "Das Faderland." Mr. Rupp was educated under the compulsory school system of his native land, and at the age of 14 years was apprenticed for three years to his uncle, to acquire a knowledge of weaving linen. After the completion of his indentures he worked at his trade until April i, I85 1, when he was conscripted for the army and served until Oct. O1, I854. On obtaining his release from his military obligations he emigrated to the United States, and came direct to Ottawa Co., Mich. He was married in that county Dec. 31, I857, to Margaret, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Farling) Siebert, who was born in Germany, Feb. 29, i840. She came to the United States when she was I3 years old, and settled in Ottawa County, where she was married. In the spring of I858 Mr. and Mrs. Rupp came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Ashland Township. Mr. R. has brought his manhood's strength and his inherited I~$IFb I; r 5.&% i~'~;blsip:$ i.. i~-nDi cs:i (Ca S-ifB *+Y i:.s r a.. i i"- 1 aa~- ' i:'U:Q11Pe 9 o at ~'s, i*'P " d ir. X 348 NEWA YG * 4. i,w._t I.,t -:. X ac_ disposition to industry and economy, as well as the indomitable energy of his nationality, to bear on the purpose with which he sought the New World, and in his farm and surroundings exemplifies the method by which a man may turn his resources of health and effort into substantial results. He has cleared 60 acres of his land and erected thereon a good residence, with other accessory farm buildings. He enlisted Feb. 8, 1865, in the Tenth Mich. Cavalry, under Col. Trowbridge, which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. Becoming disabled soon after his enlistment, he saw no active service, and was honorably discharged Nov. I i, I865. He is an earnest Republican and a member of the Ashland Center Lodge, No. 362, I. 0. 0. F. He also belongs to the Lutheran Church. The five children of the household were born as follows: George, June 14, 1862; Charles H., Feb. II, 1867; John A., Jan. 5, 1871; Mary E., April 17, 1874; Minnie T., June 12, 1876. 7-7- -Y77-Y L. Cavender, merchant at Croton, was y1_ born Aug. I4, 1840, in Leoni, Jackson Co., ' Mich. His parents were Dennis and Mary (Burch) Cavender; the former was born in / 8I8, in Ireland, and died in 1873 in Croton. The mother was born in 1828, of Scotch parentage, in Tioga Co., N. Y. Mr. Cavender was a resident of Jackson County until he was 15 years old, when he came to Newaygo County. He passed the years between 1855 and 186- in various occupations to secure a livlihood. In 186- he enlisted in Co. H, Third Mich. Vol. Inf., Col. Pierce. He enrolled for three years and was in much active service. At the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, he was severely wounded and lost his left foot. He was sent to the hospital at Washington, where he remained six months, and after receiving his discharge he was appointed Government Policeman, and acted as such at the Patent Office building for five years. In 1870 he came back to Croton and was variously engaged until he embarked in his present enterprise. He engaged a part of the time in farming, and managed a livery stable and stage and mail route. He operated three homas McDonell, dealer in wines and liquors at Alleyton, was born Jan. i, I851, 'Rw at Waukegan, Ill., and is a son of John and r.. Mary McDonell. The parents were natives of 'i Massachusetts, and removed in early life to i Illinois. Mr. McDonell came to Muskegon, Mich., when he i was I3 years of age, where he passed one summer; and for a period of nine years afterward he was a f' laborer in the lumber woods. In May, 1875, he established himself in his present business at Alley- < ton. He was married in January, 1877, to Celia, if daughter of George Mann, a native of England. One child, born to Mr. and Mrs. McDonell, died in infancy. John, only surviving child, was born Nov. 5, I878. Mr. McDonell is a Republican in political sentiment, and has been Township Treasurer one year. 7-7 -C'harles W. Peets, farmer, section r6, Ashland Township, was born Feb. 2, 1829, at St. Thomas, Ont. His parents, Charles S. i? and Permelia (Willey) Peets, were born in ( Massachusetts and Vermont respectively, the former of a pure line of Colonial Puritan descent. * The families of each settled in Canada, where they were married. In 183I they went to Middlesex J County and located at Glencoe, on the river Thames, where the son was educated and labored with his 0 COUNTY. Y.!i1 ---- --- -:,50:... years as mail contractor. His stock of goods includes y A -- f where the family resided until i852, when they came; to Big Prairie and settled on section 17, on a farm? of 40 acres. After a residence there of five years Dr. French sold his farm and bought the place on which his family now resides, lying on the west half of the southeast quarter of section 17. On the sale of the farm they removed to Byron, Kent County, and went a year later to Otisco. They resided there two years and returned to Big Prairie, where the Doctor bought the same 40 acres, and 80 acres addid tional. Of this property i6 acres have been sold and:!; 20 acres of the remainder are under cultivation. Dr. French served his township eight years as Justice of the Peace, and was Postmaster of Big Prairie ten years. He became well and widely knownin his practice in the county and township, and since his death, Dec. I2, 1877, his widow has sustained his business. Mrs. French belongs to the denomination known as Second-Adventists. eorge Lentz, merchant at Croton village, / L wwas born Aug. 14, i837, in Prussia, Germany. His parents, Joseph and Adelaide (Stuttgen) Lentz, were also born in that country, the former in i808, the latter in I8Io. In 1856 they emigrated to the New World and settled in Richfield, Washington Co., Wis., where they are yet resident. Mr. Lentz was sent to school according to the law of his native country, until he was 16 years old. He remained in Wisconsin one year, and in i858 came to Newaygo County, when he spent 14 winters in the lumber woods. He was in the employ of J. F. Gauweiler seven years as clerk in his mercantile establishment, and operated three years in the same capacity with G. and A. Truesdale. In I879, associated with Charles Merritt, he embarked in a mer-; cantile enterprise, which has proved a successful.venture. They carry a finely assorted stock of general merchandise, worth $6,000, with yearly transactions aggregating $15,000. Mr. Lentz owns a house and two lots in Croton, and is a Democrat in political belief and action. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic. He was married in 1847, in Croton, to Martha, daughter of David N. and Charlotte (Culp) Tucker, both Canadians in origin. Three children born of this union are living,-Charlotte, Eddie and George A. o ohn F. Wood, Sr., farmer, section 24, Gari field Township, was born in Upper Jay,, -Essex Co., N. Y., March 20, i821, and is a son of Jonas B. and Hannah (Reed) Wood. - His father was born in New England, of English lineage, and died in Essex (ounty, May i 2, 1830, aged 56 years. The mother died at Upper Jay, June i8, 1863, in her 83d year. Mr. Wood worked on a farm summers and attended school winters until he had attained the age of i8 years, when he became a student at the Academy at Moriah, Essex Co., N. Y., and there completed his education. After arriving at the estate of manhood he took charge of the homestead, which he continued to manage for a period of ten years. He was married at Rouse Point, Clinton Co., N. Y., in May, r 847, to Amelia Lewis, who died Oct. 4, 1848. Mr. Wood remained a resident of his native county until I857, when he came to Newaygo and engaged in agriculture and lumbering, interesting himself actively in all branches thereunto pertaining, also buying pine lands and putting in timber. He leased the old Brooks saw-mill, which he managed three years. In i8 — he purchased the farm property where he now resides, consisting of 250 acres, 200 of which yet remain in his possession. He has cleared 60 acres and made many valuable improvements. Mr. Wood was a second time married Dec. 29, 1864, to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Isabella (Richardson) Walker, of Detroit, Wayne Co., Mich. The parents were natives of Scotland, which was also the birthplace of Mrs. Wood. She was born in the parish of St. Boswell, Roxburyshire, Scotland, Nov. 25, 183I, and emigrated to Detroit in June, I853. She went to England in 1862 and after a stay there of two years returned to the United States, accompanied by her parents. Her mother died at Detroit May 3, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have three children: Isabel H., born June 3, I866; Charles B., Jan. 20, I868; John F., Jan. 27, 1872. In the fall of 1864 Mr. Wood was elected Sheriff /A7 I I:~ i 1 At, rr>,,1 MYI j1 I i n. - W; I 'I k ' " IS A:,: "I~ Ilp0'$ 8"f ~ ` * iri IC1 r~.a-c-*; I W 9*-:~itf c;;iij'W g ~as raPII- a:i ii; P>iiiF b( a n.-~ lrl--i~ ~~.~. l:j irl.i ~It 1*I.~" c: i ~~..-: i , *'alL1, .':6~ ":: a" """~f,~~:C, r:` n s4 ~P - ":4/ 11 aB. P:.; - ~"' I*":: x lop, Ah ei9 ) Of;lo ANE WA YGO CO UNTY. 357 ",~*':. of Newaygo County and served one term. He is a Deacon of the Congregational Church, of which body his wife is also a member. He is prominent in all measures of reform, and is well known as an active adherent to and promoter of the cause of temperance. =:=lowRI~ ohn Meier, farmer,. section 2, Big Prairie Township, was born Nov. I, 1842, in. ~?'r Bevern, Hanover, a town situated on the 1 River Elbe, "12 hours from Bremenhafen, or, 36 miles from the sea." His parents, Angulus and Ilsametta (Paeper) Meier, were natives of the same town and province of Prussia. Mr. Meier spent his youth and early manhood in the place of his nativity and was married there. r Three years after that event, June 24, I868, he left his native country for the United States, and on his arrival remained one night in the city of New York, proceeding at once to Oceola, Livingston Co., Mich. '^ Eighteen months later he removed to Genoa, in the same county, and two years later came to Newaygo j, County. He entered a claim of 120 acres of land under the regulations of the Homestead Act, and took up his residence thereon when it was in an unbroken state of nature, and now has 40 acres j cleared, with good house, barn and general improvements. In political affiliation Mr. Meier is a Democrat. TT_ ~1 I _. 1___,_, -- 11 -I -1- - B^enjamin Youngs, farmer, section 6, BarE^ ton Township, was born in Morris Co., N. [|^. J., July 8, i816, and is a son of Edward (-" and Deborah (Shommedieu) Youngs. The v father was born in New Jersey and spent his life in that State, dying in I869. The mother was born on Long Island and died in 1878. Mr. Youngs remained an inmate of the paternal home until his marriage, which occurred in I836. He became the husband of Lucinda, daughter of David and Sophia (Raynor) Lewis. The parents were both born on Long Island and are both deceased. The father died in I875 and the mother in I855. Mrs. Youngs was born in Batavia, N. Y., Aug. I, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Youngs have had 15 children, of whom only the seven following are living: Clarissa Jane, ElizaAnn, Betsy M., Mary C., George H., Olive M. and Sylvia M. The deceased were: Henry, Benjamin, Emma, Christopher, Eliza and three unnamed infants. After his marriage Mr. Youngs " took up " a farm in Steuben Co., N. Y., on which he resided 34 years, and in the spring of 1867 sold out and came to Newaygo County, where he homesteaded 80 acres of land. He now owns I20 acres, Ioo of which are finely improved and cultivated. Mr. Youngs is a Republican in political sentiment. 3 + ge *. ----R; r fc rie tOOK out naturallzation papers at Hiowell wnile ne was a resident of Livingston County, and on becom- X ing a citizen of Newaygo County took out a second ohn W. Ohrenberger, foreman of the lumset. ber and shingle mill of Proctor & Co., Mr. Meier was married in Bevern, June 24, I865, to White Cloud, was born in Germany, Oct. Annie Christina, daughter of Jacob and Katrina 20, I842. His parents were natives of the (Wulpern) Allis. She was born Jan. 7, I844, in "Faderland," where his father died when he Mulsum, Hanover. Her father was born in Malstedt, was but a year old. In 1852 his mother came. and her mother in Hessedorf, both towns of Hanover. to the United States and settled in Milwaukee, (. Mr. and Mrs. Meier have had nine children, all of where she passed the remaining years of her life, A whom are living save Louie and Lucy, who died, the dying in 1878. first at the age of two and a half years, and the last Mr. Ohrenberger lived in the Cream City six years t' at four years old. They were fifth and sixth in the and was there employed in learning the business of; order of their birth. The names of those living are: wagon-maker; and when he was 16 years old he < Ilsametta Maria, John Henry, Johnny, Annie, William, came to Muskegon County. He labored as a saw- i ( Minnie and Nellie Allie. mill assistant until i862, when he enlisted in the 5th - XI.P-0. -- __ a___ t a1 > --- J i-9x 0` 1.:,-~ ) 358 c NE WA YGO COUNTY. < ", I -; "o t. 1T" f*) A,., /; f Mich. Cav., and served in the capacity of a soldier of the United States nearly three years. He was under fire in many important actions and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. He was hit by a minie-ball in the left side and spent four months in the hospital. After his recovery he was in the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of Gen. Lee. After the war closed he returned to Muskegon and resumed his accustomed occupation in the mills there. In the fall of 1874 he settled in Alleyton, and entered upon the duties of his present position, which he has continued to discharge since without intermission. He was married in the township of White River, Muskegon Co., Mich., Nov. 23, i868, to Louisa, daughter of Frederick and Minnie Streich, the parents being natives of Prussia, where Mrs. Ohrenberger was also born. Of eight children born of this marriage six survive. They are: Mary A., Louisa A., Lillie C., Maggie T., Minnie A. and Ida C. John died when 14 months old, and another child was lost at an earlier age. In political connection Mr. Ohrenberger is a Republican, and has held different school offices. In the spring of I883 (current year) he was elected Supervisor of Everett Township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to the Knights of Honor. ~ r mbrose Haight, farmer, section 9, Big Prairie Township, was born Feb. 14, 1829, in Bradford Co., Pa., and is the son of Hiram j and Sarah (Swaine) Haight. The father died in 1846, in Shiawassee Co., Mich. The mother was born Nov. 8, 1804, in Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y., and died March i8, 1877, in Oceana Co., Mich. She was a daughter of Deacon Oliver Swaine, and was of German descent. Mr. Haight is the oldest of eight children. His father came to Michigan in 1840 and settled in Shiawassee County, where he died six years later. After that event the son continued to reside with his mother until the fall of I856, when he came to Newaygo County. He had been a family man a few months and removed his entire worldly effects by the aid of an ox team, consuming nine days in the trip. )A He bought 80 acres of land and entered upon the work of clearing and improving and establishing a homestead. He has now under cultivation 70 acres of good land and owns, besides his original purchase, k ' 40 acres on the same section. He is quite a prominent man in his generation, belongs to the National party, and, soon after settling in the township, was elected Constable, which post he filled nine years. He officiated as Justice of the Peace six years and has discharged the duties of School Director nine years. Mr. Haight was married in Shiawassee, Jan. I, 1856, to Elvira Winans; she was born June I7,: 1839, in Oakland Co., Mich., and is a daughter of Benjamin and Angeline (Roosevelt) Winans, both Germans and natives of Seneca Co., N. Y., the former born March 5, I8Io, the latter Oct. 22, i8II. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Haight were born as follows: Hiram B., April 9, 1859; Charles Edwin,. Oct. 28, i86i; Alfred W., July 19, i868; Angeline, Sept. Ii, 1870; Dora, Sept. 27, 1876; and George, Aug. 14, I880. f * ----*) ) ))? _ *.. l his business. In I875 he added the grocery trade to his previous interest, and managed both at the " same place until his property was destroyed by the disastrous fire of April, 1883, in which he suffered a v loss of $3,ooo above the insurance. He built two brick stores on the site of his former stand, where he is now established. The buildings are two stories in height above the basement, and cost about $5,ooo. His stock of goods represents a value of $3,000, with j yearly tranactions of 0,00ooo, and he is doing a good X business. He owns also a fine farm of 80 acres in I Garfield Township, on section 10, I60 acres of land in Ontonagon County in the Upper Peninsula of I Michigan, and nine acres in Newaygo village south of the depot. Mr. Surplice was married in Newaygo, July II, 1870, to Libby, daughter of Samuel and Lucinda Davie, born in Allegany Co., N. Y., in March, I85 I. Of this marriage two children have been born, as follows: Cora H., Aug. 35, 1871, and George S., Nov. i- 12, 1873. Mr. Surplice is a member of the Order of an Odd Fellows..~ ii W.A 7 ship two and a half years, has been Clerk three years, Justice of the Peace four years, and in July, 1883, was appointed Notary Public. He is a member of the Order of Masons. He was married in Denver Township, Nov. ro, 1862, to Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Herman and Charlotte (Keirstead) Forbes, natives respectively of Canada and New Brunswick. Mrs. Warren was born in Canada, March 22, 1838. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Warren are: Maria S., Ida C., Augustus L. and Ralph E. —.;-~9~- ~C-rB-~^ ---^^^-^4lulc enjamin Carpenter, farmer, section 31s miar_ Big Prairie Toownship, was born Aug. 7, when 1i836, in Ontario, Canada, and is the son x piof Asa P. and Margaret (Ulmnan) Carpenter. (See sketch.) He accompanied his parents to Michigan in 1853. They settled in Croton Township, and he continued to reside with them until his marriage, obtaining a fair common-school education and employed in farm labor. After his marriage he remained in Croton Township a year, when (in 1867) he went to Morley and was in the employment of Nelson Higbee 15 months. At the expiration of that time he went to lonia County and bought a farm, containing 40 acres of land. On this he resided six years, rented the place and went to North Plains Center in the same county, where he was resident two years, going thence to Ionia. Six months later he sold his farm and removed to Newaygo County, where he settled on 80 acres of land in Big Prairie, given him by his father. It is all well improved, and under advanced cultivation, with good buildings. Mr. Carpenter was a soldier of the civil war and belonged to Co. K, Third Mich. Vol. Inf. He served three years, the full time of his enrollment, and was discharged July 20, 1864. He was shot across his mouth and thereby suffered the. loss of his teeth; and contracted rheumatism, by which he is yet, at intervals, disabled. He was in some of the most prominent battles of the war. In political connection he is a Republican. Mr. Carpenter was married April 12, r866, to Sarah F., daughter of Benjamin F. and Laura M. `* I' " a; i i j{ ~ '~_orace Warren, Postmaster and merchant i '"1 at Alleyton, was born in Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 27, I836. His parents, Chancellor C. and Laura A. (Carlton) Warren, were natives respectively of the State of New York and Ohio. They became residents of Wayne Co., Mich., r! and afterwards of Newaygo County, where the father, died, in 1879. The mother is still living with her children. Mr. Warren was married at the age of 24 years, when he bought 120 acres of land in Newaygo County, mostly in a wild state. He continued to improve this for seven years, when he rented the property and embarked in a mercantile enterprise at.A IEtna, where he operated two years. In September, 1872, he opened his present establishment at Alleyton, and with the exception of three years he has * conducted the same. During the time mentioned he G was engaged in farming and teaming. He received i: the appointment of Postmaster at Alleyton under President Arthur. In politics he is a Republican and?.. has held the position of Treasurer of Everett Town v! ~ o s x' Ad Af/'a X — ~i,ri 1~?5"-R I.-`... j. ~ i-.r- (-~- - * -1 nu -~~i/ Irjr:Ci `V.- 5 ~' ": a~- 7N I I:: " t..,'-;. '**. -k Flo 360 NE WA YGC (Goodwin) Higbee. She was born Nov. i3, I842, in Ionia, Mich. Her father was born in i818 at Binghamton, N. Y.; her mother is a native of the city of Utica, N. Y. The one was of English parentage, the other of German descent; both are yet alive. Laura E., Maggie E., Frank L. and Edwin Ralph, the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, are all living. f ames Monroe Gibbs, farmer, lumberman and general manager in the lumber interests of G. W. Crawford, resides at White Cloud and manages his agricultural affairs on section I3, Wilcox Township. He was born in Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. io, i825. His parents, Calvin and Deborah (Shaw) Gibbs, were natives of Connecticut and settled near Pontiac, Oakland County, in 1821, where they engaged in farming, and resided until Oct. 5, 182 2,when the father died. The mother afterward married Calvin Marvin, of Troy, and resided in that township until I835, when they settled in Clinton County. She died there Feb. 9, I873. Mr. Gibbs was under the care of his step-father until he was 13 years of age, when he began work as a carpenter. Two years later he commenced operations as a cooper and followed that vocation four years. He came to Newaygo County in 1850, and pre-empted 120 acres of land in Big Prairie Township. He cleared and otherwise improved 80 acres, and resided thereon until 1872, when he moved to White Cloud. He built the first residence erected in that village, and operated as foreman in the lumber mill of of S. N. Wilcox. He continued in the position four years, when he engaged in locating land until the spring of I879, since which time he has been operating in the interests of Mr. Crawford. Mr. Gibbs was married Oct. io, 1848, to Fannie J., daughter of William and Mahala (Willy) Utley. She was born April 30, 1830, in Plymouth, Mich. Her parents were natives of Vermont. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are six in number: Fred, Flora, William U., Minnie M., Ettie M. and Otie. Addie D. is deceased. COUNTI'Y. I-~..,. 0 N.1, I, _ - - EAH ohn R. Wonch, farmer, section 2i, Croton Township, was born in Ontario, or " Cana8];e da West," Jan. 8, 1850. He is of mixed German and French descent, his father, F. S. [ B. Wonch, having belonged to the former nationality and his mother, Francis (Lefraugh) Wonch, to the latter. Their births occurred in Ontario in I829 and 1831 respectively. Mr. Wonch began his independent career at the age of 25, and in I875 came to Croton, where he has since resided, on the parental farm, which is held as yet undivided by the heirs. He is an adherent to the principles of the National party. His employment, most of his life, has been that of an agriculturist, save three years, when he served an apprenticeship at the harness-maker's trade, upon which he entered at the age of i6 years. He was married Dec. 19, 1877, at Howard City, Montcalm County, to M. Louisa, daughter of Mat-. thias T. and Mary A. (Backart) Kline. The father was born in New York in 1827 and resides with his daughter. The mother was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, in 1832, and died in I873, in Croton Township. The issue of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wonch are two children, Frances Adaline and Mattie Lulu. 4R~-.^^ -. i 1 4~ Xgbr,,., 1"Al.yrus Moon, farmer, section,, Big Prairie Township, was born May 20, I832, in k- v the State of New York, and is the son of James and Susannah (Pool) Moon. The father I was born Dec. 6, 1784, in the State of New York, and died in I869. The mother was of Welsh parentage and was born Oct. 20, 1789, in Vermont, and died May 12, 1871, in Otisco, Ionia County. Their marriage occurred Aug. 7, i8o8. Mr. Moon came with his parents to Jackson Co., Mich., when he was in earliest youth. They located a near the present site of the city of Jackson, where they resided three years, after which they went to Otisco, Ionia County. The family remained there resident until 1862. In that year Mr. Moon came Mr ~i^ N'l 4...;r -,s m o m u: OKi arc-i i F% 'i ~- s- ~ ii I it ,,a to Big Prairie, located his farm of 40 acr a house. After a residence of one year to Ionia County and passed the next y{ parents, coming back at the expiration to his property in Newaygo County, whe two years. After a year spent in Mi passed a similar period in Allegan C which he made a permanent settlement rie, where he has since devoted his time He is a Republican and has officiated a Treasurer and in other minor offices; is ton of Big Prairie Cemetery. Mr. Moon has been twice married. I was Electa French, to whom he was ma leans, Ionia County, in I856. One chil -was born March io, 1858. The 1 April 30, i866. Mr. Moon was a secon( ried, Sept. 8, i866, in Big Prairie, to M One child —Laura N.-was born Oct; Mrs. Moon was born April 20, i828, ir Mass., and is the daughter of Ezekiel ^ (Cole) Nye. Of her father little is knoM he was born in Rochester, of French 1 was a sailor. lie set out on his last vo' cember, 182,7, before the birth of hi neither ship nor crew was ever heard Nye was born in Rochester, July 27, 179 parentage, and is yet alive. g - — '.<^^^s>. — eorge E. Taylor, Register o:| 3 Newaygo County, residing a was born in Quincy, Branch Co., iV 22, I844, and is the eldest son o and Hannah (Howell) Taylor. parents were Joseph and Philena paternal great-grandfather, Charles Taylo England in I78I, settled at Harvard, Ma l a soldier in the war of 1812. Hollis born June 12, i814, in Danville, Vt., can gan in 1832, and was married May 3 Hannah Howell, born May 13, I825, a Niagara Co., N. Y. Mr. Taylor was reared and educ farm. As a boy he had all the activity impulses of that inexplicable class of hu VE WAYGO COUNTY. 363. es and built the outbreak of the Southern Rebellion, with all its r he returned attendant tumultuous discussion, aroused all his l ear with his activities and seemed to promise a scope for the ex- *: of that time ercise of his unrest and the gratification of the re he stayed laudable ambition of his young manhood to be up k innesota, he and doing in the world's work. He enlisted in the lounty, after fall of I86i in the 8th Mich. Inf., but, being only a in Big Prai- few months past his I7th birthday, parental authority to farming. interfered and he found himself relegated to the is Township "ignominy " of rural life in Kent County, where his present sex- parents resided. In February, 1862, he again en- } rolled as a soldier in defense of the assaulted flag of tis first wife the Nation, enlisting in the 3d Mich. Inf., and again 2d rried in Or- he was baffled in his desires. Aug. 9, following, he d-Arminda enlisted in the 2Ist Mich. Inf., and when his reginother died ment went to the front he went with it in all the d time mar- glory of the regulation blue and buttons bearing the ary B. Nye, National brand. He enrolled in Co. B., under 10, 1867. Capt. Jas. Cavanaugh, and was in the service tlxec.. Rochester, years. Among numerous engagements where he was and Abigail in action were those of Perryville and Stone River. vn save that He was captured by the rebels at the latter flight, and lineage, and was in "durance vile" about ten months, and during: yage in De- that period was chiefly on parole. On the seventh of s daughter; October, 1862, while undergoing a long, forced march, L= from. Mrs. he received a sunstroke which resulted in an affec- * 16, of Scotch tion of the optic nerve, producing impaired eyesight, < which disability has continued and gradually increased until his sense of sight is limited to a mere ability to discriminate between light and darkness. Mr. Taylor was mustered out of the service of the United States in June, I865, and returned to Grand f Deeds of Rapids. He at once turned his attention to securing an education, and attended school in that city and.e, wary afterwards completed a course of business study at /ich., March of HoisM Rc the commercial college there. His studies finished, f Hlas he spent a few years in the pursuit of agriculture. Hls gran- His succeeding business of any marked importance ay or. HIs was as teacher, his entire period of work in that rcame ro capacity comprising 27 terms of school, i8 of which tss., and was w were taught in Kent County, and two of these in Taylor was ne to Michi- the Coldbrook School at Grand Rapids. In Novem- f;o, 1842, to ber, I874, he came to Newaygo and taught seven t Hartland, terms. He also taught two terms of school in Muske- 'f gon County..ated on a In the year 1878, Mr. Taylor was elected Regisand restless ter of Deeds of Newaygo County, and has held the f? imanity, and incumbency since. He is a most efficient and valu- / ~I i — ~.~ 1,c;z rtniPPz I;tlilCdl:Ysii I-n~Da- —: wi I:1: i~;~~ r~ —~-;*~L~la;Bi;s~:s-~ arrrali''h. ai!ir-~r j — i"-ns/7i?;:i Ill;;, n / Y,, - 3-4-00 364 NE WA YGO... -. I COUNTY. I, *Ib~o o"" I e II i j I;, * t able officer from his ability and memory, which latter qualification is phenomenal. He has become so familiar with the duties of his office and the attendant detail that he can locate the precise position of any piece of real estate within his jurisdiction without reference to the records. In September, 1879, he began to compile a set of abstracts for the county of Newaygo, which are now nearly completed. It is sometimes difficult to determine the exact degree and quality of the influence which make or mar the careers of men. Some seem essentially the result of circumstances, so hopelessly are they entangled in the web of an inevitable destiny. They become so involved by events over which they have no control that choice or will is completely overborne thereby, and they float to irremediable disaster on a remorseless tide. Others preserve identity and the purposes of their manhood under all pressure. In presenting the portrait of Mr. Taylor, which appears on another page, the likeness of a man appears who yet retains all the attributes that have characterized every act of his life, though suffering from an affliction which commonly destroys men's usefulness and courage. His near approach to total blindness, though keenly felt in all its cost of enjoyment and labor, has not limited his aspirations, business or social relaticns; has left his courage undaunted, his cheerfulness unabated and the hopes and ambitions of his manhood unassailed. He is as well informed, intellectual and as ardently interested in current affairs as other men. His selection for the responsible position he occupies is a well deserved tribute to the man and a credit to his constituency. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and of the Grand Army of the Republic, Samuel Judd Post. In addition to the duties of his office he has other business interests of no insignificant character, and is the owner of some valual)le property in the village of Newaygo. leading vocations of Newaygo County, lumbering and farming, both of which branches of business he is prosecuting vigorously and successfully. He is a Republican in political affiliation. Mr. Peacock was married July 4, 1872, to Melsene Dormire, and three children born of their union are living, namely: Stephen W., born March 12, 1874; Sarah M., June 7, 1878; and Arthur L., Nov. 28, I88i. Mrs. Peacock was born April 4, 1855, in Williams Co., Ohio. Her father, John Dormire, was born in Indiana and died Nov. ro, i881, in Newaygo County. Her mother, Sarah Dormire, was born in 1 Michigan and resides at Kalamazoo. - _.ig ~ ndrew T. Squier, lumberman, residing at pBA Grant Station, Ashland Township, was born:ijt' Feb. 22, 1832, il Washington Co., N. Y. His parents, John and Mary (Lampman) Squier, were natives of the same county, and descendants from English and Dutch ancestors. They:? removed, in 1841, to Monroe Co., N. Y., and located on a farm. In the fall of I848, they came to Michigan, % settling near Coldwater, Branch County. y In January, 1850, Mr. Squier came to Newaygo County, where he has since, with the exception of a comparatively brief interval, devoted his attention and abilities to lumbering. He spent three terms at school at Girard, Branch Co., Mich., and afterward attended Eastman's Business College at Chicago to complete his education. With that interruption he \ has devoted himself to the exclusive pursuit of his business interests in Newaygo County. In 1872 he made a permanent location in Ashland Township, where he is prosecuting the various departments of lumbering, including the management of a saw and shingle mill at (Grant Station, which has a capacity of producing daily 20,000 feet of lumber and 30,000 shingles. He also owns 900 acres of land in Newaygo County, 600 of which is stocked with pine and not yet changed from its primitive state. Mr. Squier is a Democrat in political sentiment! and action. He is a prominent member of the:p Masonic bodies of Newaygo, belonging to the Royal i Arch Chapter and Blue Lodge, No 331. In the latter " he holds t-he position of Treasurer. He has been the -. v.Y.S I,.. i, W illiam J. Peacock, farmer and lumber-,.~ was born July 22, I848, in IDunham, At) Province of Quebec, and is a son of Richard y and Martha M. Peacock. (See sketch.) >I Mr. Peacock came to Michigan with his parents in I863, and remained with them until he became of age, when he turned his attention to the ~,,,,^i,>n, a~ i/i ll r 7 - ii.i a.. I F, Y I i *, I I# -I A~ " " i NtD: I~ /11111.^^ _ _S "I^ i 365 "' NE WA YGO COUNTY. I... f: incumbent of most of the official positions in his township; has been Supervisor seven years in Ashland and Bridgeton Townships, and School Inspector many terms. He was married Nov. 24, 1870, at Dowagiac, Mich., to Myra L., daughter of A. L. and Myra (Fair) Rich. She was born Aug. 24, 1845, in Maconb Co., where her parents were married. They came of New England origin, and were descendants from English and Scotch-Irish ancestors. When the daughter was 14 years old, the family removed to W\ill Co., Ill, and in the spring of 1869 returned to Michigan, locating in Cass County. The record of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Squier is as follows: Cora L., Nov. To, 1871; Laura N., Feb. 22, I874; Andrew T., May 12, 1876; Alice L., Jan 5, i879 (died Sept. 14, I88I); an infant, born Oct, 3, 1882, died five days afterwards. # 0, illiam Martin, one of the pioneers of c.;: f 1. Newaygo County, was born in Richfield,.. ' Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 7, 1814I and is vi~ '~.^' the son of Elijah and Mary Martin, natives:: "n- of Connecticut. Elijah Martin was a 4 ' farmer, and had a family of seven daughters and one son. The latter, the youngest of the family, was William, the subject of this sketch. Leaving home at the age of 25, he engaged in farming in Steube n and Allegany Counties, successively. In 1852, he came to Michigan and lived one year in (linton, ILenawee County. He then went across the, plains to California, via Oregon, driving four yoke of oxen attached to a " prairie schooner." He passed one winter in Oregon, and two years in California, and then returned to Lenawee Co., Mich. After a short stay, he took his family to Iowa and Illinois, in search of land; but found that all the desirable Government land had been taken. Retracing his route, he purchased an ox team at Kalamazoo and came to Newaygo, in June, 1856. Until the following January, he kept boarders in the village of Newaygo. With his ox team as a conveyance, he then,: removed to Dayton Township, and purchased 16o acres of land under the Graduation Act, paying 75 % cents per acre. He has bought and sold at different times, and now owns but 80 acres, of which 30 acres $ are improved. I Jan. 17, I843, in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., he was married to Lovilla B. Herkimer, a native of New York State. They have had five children, of whom three are now living,-George H., Michael and Helen L. The last named is the wife of A. E. Up ton, of Fremont. Nov. 13, 1878, Mr. Martin was stricken with paralysis, and he has not walked a step since. Most of the time he has been in bed. ~ j 'ohn Emory Webster, physician and farmer, J 'i resident on section 21, Big Prairie Township, was born Sept. 29, 1848, in I)unham, Ontario. He was from birth a frail child, and until he attained the age of r6 years had but few and brief intervals of immunity from sickness. He early displayed the characteristics of a studious mind, and as he advanced in years developed a fondness for the study of history, and later of medicine. He has become a practitioner of some note, and controls a lucrative medical business, in which he has bleen engaged since I874. He also superintends his agricultural and lumbering interests. Dr. Webster was married April 14, 1875, to Mary E. Bonney. She was born Dec. 20, i858, and is the daughter of Walter E. and Lydia (Francis) Bonney, natives respectively of Massachusetts and New York. " orydon M. Alger, farmer, section 6, Gran! J: Ol Township, was born Sept. 14, 1844, in l. Ontario Co., N. Y., and is a son of J. D, and f Mary Alger. Both parents are natives of the State of New York, and in 1854 became residents of Michigan, settling in Paris, Kent County, where they now reside. In 1875 Mr. Alger purchased 200 acres of land, where he has since been engaged as a farmer. He: now has 70 acres under cultivation, with good farm buildings and accessory fixtures. In addition to his agricultural interests he is extensively engaged in (11 lumbering. He is an adherent to the principles of! the National Greenback party. L* Mr. Alger was married Dec. 24, 1872, to Lucinda, 4. 7- \: 4 -.71.4 ~ -~1,,f I:0,,lai 366 NZE WIA1 YGO COUNTY. ' - --- daughter of Horace and Ruth Reed, of Paris, Kent Co., Mich. She was born April I, 1845, at Grand Rapids. Her parents were both natives of New York, and her father is now living in Sparta, Kent County. Her mother died Jan. I6, I878. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Alger, two children have been born: Ralph M., July 29, 1877; and Archie R., Feb. io, i88o. J-'" '2amuel Hartt, lumnberman, resident on section 23, Monroe Township, of which he is '' present Supervisor, was born Sept. I5, 1833, 'i] t\ in Saltfleet (then Niagara) District, Ontario. He is the son of Jonathan and Jemima (Phillips) Hartt. The former was a native of New Hampshire, the latter of Pennsylvania. The place of birth of the mother was near the city of Philadelphia, and is now included therein. The patronymic was originally Hart, and the change in orthography involves a little account, which fully displays the traits that characterized earlier if not later generations, and affords a fine illustration of the temper and spirit which ruled the contending elements in the time of the Revolution. The Hart family at that period included five brothers, and the fact that John Hart, grandfather of Mr. Hartt of this sketch, was a member of the Continental Congress, declares their position in social and public affairs. How strong and bitter was party spirit when the question of su)bmission to British despotism was uppermost in every mind, was exemplified by the state of affairs among the Hart brothers, two of whom were Royalists and abandoned country and fraternal relations to preserve their fealty to the king, one going to New Brunswick, the other to the East Indies. Three remained loyal to the principles from which their brethren fled; and so strong was the sentiment that controlled those remaining that they doubled the final consonant of the family name, in order to express as fully as possible their disgust and vexation at the actions and principles of their relatives. In this they accomplished a two-fold result. In addition to setting themselves apart fraternally, they secured the identity of their family for manygenerations, the orthography of their name providing an unmistakable clue to their origin. Later in life Jonathan Hartt went to New Brunswick, married there and engaged some years as a ' lumberman on the Oromocto River, a tributary of the St. John. On leaving New Brunswick he went to the State of New York and finally settled, with his family, a 13 miles from Hamilton, Can., where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. When Mr. Hartt was I2 years old his father died, and three years later the demise of his mother occurred; but the children remained together until they separated to establish their own homes and ~t families. School privileges were of the character ' common to the rural districts of the Dominion, and the meager education Mr. Hartt was enabled to obtain there he acquired in schools five and six miles distant. He decided on the trade of millwright as a call- ( ing, and accordingly passed three years in acquiring the knowledge requisite to its successful prosecution. X He worked as such until December, 1870, when he came to Lowell, Mich. He spent the winter there,: and in the spring of I871 went to Grand Haven and carried on the business of millwright. In 1872 he ' went to Sand Lake and turned his attention to lum-:; bering, in which he has since been continuously:i^ engaged. He worked at Sand Lake until the winter ^ of I880o-, when he located at Foxville, Monroe! Township, where he is largely interested in the vari- | ous branches of lumbering. In his long course of business, Mr. Hartt has been associated at times with other parties, and is at present in partnership with William Horning, firm style Horning & Hartt. Their average annual product of 7,000,000 feet of lumber and from 7,o00,000 to 10,0oo,0oo shingles, ji: conveys an idea of the solidity and extent of their bulsilness. D Mr. Hartt was married Sept. 3, 1854, in lrinceton, Canada, to Eliza Jane, daughter of John and Margaret Gilchrist. Of this union five children have been born: Emily Caroline (Mrs. H. L. Carter, of Sand Lake) was born July 21, 1855; Cicero Winslow, Dec. 19, 1857; Ella Jane (Mrs. L. B. Bradish, ' Grand Rapids), July 29, I860; and Sylvia Samantha, May 15, I865. These are the names of those living. ':? A son, Charles, born March 14, 1874, died Sept. 15, iii I875. Mr. Hartt has been a member of the Masonic {3;~ fraternity many years, and belongs to King Hiram J s g i. j I, i:ib ':' "a — ( ~ Ii ic r* alB >far~ij- ' ~.i~~j i ~i~ii~i5~B~P~~,II,,i~a lg<.,' - NE- — WVA YGO CO UN TY. ''^ XV ^A yGO COUINTY. - -------— ~ --- -—. Fr., 367 ~ Lodge, No. 33, Ingersoll, Can. He belongs to the; National Greenback party, and is now holding his;: first local official position, to which he was appointed in the spring of 1883, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Hugh S. Swan. The family are.. Baptists in religious sentiment. ani/t\aniel J. Whipple, farmer, section i8, Bar_S lJ ton Township, was lborn in Allegany Co.,."|7( N. V., June 9, I841, and is a son of \Vill' t, iam and Sarah (Thompson) Whipple. When I he was eight years old, Mr. Whipple began the work of maintaining himself. He availed himself of all work suited to his years, and when old enough engaged as a stage-driver, and afterwards worked in a livery stable. When he was 14 years old he made an engagement with i)an Rice, the celI. elrated showman, with whom he traveled eight years as a clown. In i862 he enlisted in the i3th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., and served in the war for the Union three years and eleven months. After receiving his discharge he came to Michigan and entered a claim v of 80 acres of land under the provisions of the Homestead Act, on which he has since resided. He was married in 1867 to Eliza A., daughter of.1 T **1 +__1_ {r T.- A f Yo I -N sJ _- Is country in finding employ in various continental cities, until he came to the United States in I849. He came to Grand Rapids in September of that year, and worked one season in a woolen factory. He found that some other calling would be of more advantage to a man in his circumstances, and he turned his attention to blacksmithing, which he has followed at intervals ever since, but closed his shop for regular work about 12 years ago. In 1853 he came to Newaygo County. The first winter he spent in the employ of George Utley, and has worked since with industry and prudence, until he has made sufficient accumulations to take leading rank among the farmers of Newaygo County. In 1878 he bought 214 acres of land under some degree of improvements, to which he has added materially. He is a Democrat in politics and a Roman Catholic in religion. Mr. Tannewitz was married in Grand Rapids, in 1852, to Wilhelmina Lytle, a native of Bohemia, born March 19, 1830. Five of their six children are living, namely: Joseph, Edward, Adolph, William H. and Annie. Frank is deceased. i enjamin Rogers, farmer and lumberman, section 5, Big Prairie Township (13, i), t. jBenjamin and rhet)e Ann l-ieirs, Aveaues, natives 'S was born in Anson, Maine, May II, 1820. of New York, where she was also born, Dec. 30, 1846. ars, o t d Betsey (Hod 'lThe family includes four children, viz.: Jennie.ers werebot tivesofMaie,ofEnglish Rogers, were both natives of Maine, of English Benjamin A., Daniel J. and Phebe A. Ettie is de-former was orn aout 1785 a origi n. The former was 1)orn al)out 1785 and ceased. ceased.died in i86i; the latter was born in 1788 and died.lln 1823. 'rThe death of the mother broke up the household, ' and Mr. Rogers, then three years old, was taken in oseph Tannewitz, Jr., farmer, section 32, charge by his sister Betsy, the wife of George W. D Croton Townshilp, was born in Bohemia, Gordon, a lumberman, with whom he resided until 8l3 Austria, April 3, 1824, and is the son of 1837. Mr. Gordon came to Grand Rapids, Mich., Joseph and Mary (Inlumerich) 'annewitz. in 1834. In 1848 Mr. Rogers embarked in the The father was of the same nationality and lumler business at Grand Rapids, in which he has was born in 1795. Th'le mother was born in since been engaged. He came to Newaygo County Bohemia in 1799, and died there in 1879. March 20, 1853, and bought 8o acres of land in Big Mr. Tannewitz was primarily educated according Prairie 'lownship. He pursued lumbering ten years f to the legal provisions of his native land, and at the before he erected his dwelling and became a permai age of 13 years was apprenticed three years to fit nent resident on his real estate, where he has since * himself for the trade of a weaver. After perfecting made good imlprovements. himself in its details he followed the.custom of his Mr. Rogers was married at Grand Rapids, in 1837, j b~~~f~m;~ U;8y1 ---:s 368 NE WA YGO CO UNTY....,.r -.-.-' ".**.' -**** _r............. —. ------ --.... --- -..........~.......... -------------------------.. —................. --- —----------------. ------ -- 1** A fh~ -~ I f to Betsey Maria Reynolds. One child, Robert, was born to them April 7, 1850, on the Grand River,;' about two miles above Fruitport. He is now living; in Big Prairie (see sketch). The mother fell into ill - health, and Mr. Rogers went to Stevens Point, WNis., with the hope and belief that his wife would be restored; but she died after five months. The expenses of removal, sickness and death exhausted the means of the husband, and he remained in Wisconsin until he had earned sufficient to discharge his inr debtedness and bring her remains back with him, which he did in about two years, and buried her near Grand "; Rapids. He placed his child in the care of his maternal grandmother. Mary Jane (Miller) Rogers, his present wife, was born in Grass Lake, Jackson Co., Mich., Aug. io, t835. She is a daughter of John and Minerva (Parsons) Miller, the former born of Irish parents in Vermont, the latter of English extraction, born in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were married July r6, 1854, and are the parents of five children: Betsey M., Benjamin F., John A., Steven A. and Walter. =: Mr. Rogers is a subscriber to the tenets of the,' D)emocratic party. - *J illiam Graham, insurance agent at Newaygo, was born in Perry Tp., Geauga Co., Ohio, March 13, I830, and is a son of > Joseph T. and Elizabeth (Vinnegar) Graa' ham. The father was the son of a Scotch sea captain, who spent more than half a cen-,% tury of "life on the ocean wave;"' was a hatter by calling, and died at Sturgis, Mich., il 1868, aged 66 years. The mother was of German ancestry, born in Pennsylvania in i818 and died at Sturgis in 1874. The parents settled at the place where they passed the remainder of their lives in January, 1834, locating at Sturgis Prairie, a short distance southeast of the present site of the village j of that name. lThe father entered a claim of 160 acres of Government land, which was all in timber and remote from neighbors. The family were among the very earliest settlers and made the journey to their new home in a wagon loaded with their effects, bringing with them one cow. A temporary log cabin > was constructed for a residence. It had three sides and a roof. It being midwinter, no chimney could ws be built: one end of the structure was left open and a heap of logs was kept burning all winter which so: modified the cold that existence was possible. In i856 Mr. Graham of this sketch left home and went to Minnesota in the employ of the Government of the United States, locating mail routes. He was thus occupied three years and returned to Sturgis, where he operated as a millwright in the interests of John Armstrong & Co., for whom he erected 17 mills in different States. He was married Aug. 16, 1855, l to Amanda M., daughter of John Cutler, who was born in Massachusetts, Feb. 12, I830. Their elder child, Frank, born at Sturgis in i856, is now a practicing physician and surgeon at Sand Lake, Kent County. Mary, younger child, is the wife of Ir. E. J. Pendell, of Newaygo. In 1864, associated with his father, who joined in the enterprise in the hope of renewing his impaired health, he took a trip to Omaha and there they fitted up a provision train of 12 loaded wagons and pro- i ceeded to Virginia City, Montana. They went thence to Salt Lake City, where they re-stocked their train and retraced their route to Virginia City, where they ' sold their entire outfit, bought four mule teams and =:: returned East with their wagons filled with passengers. \ Mr. Graham enlisted at Memphis in the fall of 864 in the Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, remaining in the service until Sept., 1865. The regiment was detailed to operate against the guerrilla chief, Gen. Forrest, and other raiding rebel forces, which involved its men in skirmishes without number and kept them in action with little intermission. Mr. Graham's family resided at Sturgis until 1870, when they removed to Lockwood, Kent County.:i Here Mr. Graham was one of the founders of the i village. He built the first saw-mill, and as accessory a side-track to the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, and established extensive lumber interests, which lie continued to conduct at that point until 1873. In the spring of 1877 Mr. Graham and one of his sons embarked in the grocery business at Kent City and continued there in trade about two years, when the business was terminated on account of the impaired health of the son; and the entire family came, in the spring of 1879, to Grant Tp., Newaygo County, where: the father took charge of the saw, shingle and stave mill of H. S. Watrous. This enterprise continued r I 'A si 'tn d~, V"t4 ~ & K ' ~ A aT _ 7 4k I-: * ~ - W E -:0Bs0 Z5- I, 0 1*1: I -- i a -— ***^-llN 369 S iVE lWfA YGO CO UNT' Y. until June, i88i, when Mr. Grahaml removed his interests to Newaygo and engaged in the manufacture of clothes-reels. Nine months later he established his business as agent for the State of Michigan in the interests of the Odd Fellows' Mutual Association, or " Covenant Mutual." He has been a membler of the order 30 years. 1 1 ohn R. Carpenter, one of the pioneers of - i' Michigan, was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., | ' April 30, 1807, and is the son of Samuel and Mary Carpenter. The family removed from Tioga County to Genesee County; and in i 828 they removed to Lenawee Co., Mich. In the spring of i860, Mr. Carpenter came with part of his family to Newaygo County, and entered.60 acres on section 31, Dayton Township. He has disposed of 120 acres, and now owns 40, of which about 20 are under cultivation. Sept. 4, i830, he was married in Lenawee County to Amanda Bassett, a native of New York State. This couple have been the parents of I3 children, six of whom survive, and with three of their children they reside on the old homestead. ames Duffy, farmer, section 20, Barton J ji Township, was born June 22, 1839, in 1F a Coburg, Ontario. His father, Michael X Duffy, was born in Ireland, of Irish parentage His mother, Catherine (Tracy) Duffy, descended from English ancestors. The parents emigrated to Canada in 1834, and the father bought a farm in Coburg, where the family resided several years; they went thence to Rochester, N. Y. The father died there in 1878. The mother died at Ba-. tavia, N. Y., in 1865. In the fall of i864 Mr. Duffy went from the State of New York to Pennsylvania, where he spent the following winter. In the spring of 1865 he bought a farm in lonia Co., Mich., which he retained until " 1866, sold out and transferred his interests to Kent County, where he remained a year, coming thence to Newaygo County. He immediately entered a claim of 80 acres of land under the privileges of the Homestead Act, whereon he has since resided. In political attitude, Mr. Duffy is nominally neutral so far as party issue is concerned. His inclinations tend toward the principles of the Greenback party, but his suffrage is governed by his views of the fitness of the candidate. He is respected and trusted by his townsmen, and has served them as Supervisor for the past three years; is still the incumbent of the position; has been Highway Commissioner eight years and School Inspector three years. He was married in 1863, to Mary, daughter of Stephen Shepherd, born Nov. 30, I 844, in Vermont of which State her parents were natives. Mrs. Duffy died March 27, 1883, leaving five children, born in the following order: George E., March 7, 1864, Edson J., June i8, 1867; Cora A., Sept. 15, I872; Ernest H., Feb. 7, 1874, and Mabel, March 18, 1883. J esse R. Green, farmer, section 24, Good-: well Township, was born Jan. IS, i8I8, in L icking Co., Ohio. His father, Nathaniel [ Green, was a native of Massachusetts and died in Missouri in 1862, aged about 75 years. His lineage is directly traceable to that of General Greene of Revolutionary fame. Mehitable (Roe) Green, his mother, was born in 1787, in the Bay State, and died in 1843, in Ohio. Mr. Green spent the years of his minority inactive labor, preparing for a life of effort. He worked summers on the farm, went to school winters, and when lie had reached the age of 20 years was a practical farmer, carpenter and shoemaker. The year before he attained his majority, he entered the river service as a flatboatman. He was married in 1839, and on becoming a family man settled upon a farm of 80 acres, where he pursued agriculture until 1869, then sold his property and removed all his interests to Mecosta Co., Mich. Eighteen months later he entered a homestead claim of 80 acres in Goodwell Township, Newaygo County, where he has since resided. He has cleared T2 acres and placed it under fair cultivation. In political adherence Mr. Green is a Democrat, and has held a number of the local offices of his township. Mr. 'Green was married in 1839, in Ohio, to Lydia p~i I ~. r-. - (11 —J)oI d r~ -, I:N-W i.s"axrA: 2BC4 ' 0\ -- r~r A; Hl 1*lak Ir: LI ~ I l ~ Hq:H ~B-4 X __NE I _A VA YG( > 370 o^ Y< I: in:.i -f JF * ^ =1;g Nash. She was l)orn Nov. 25, 1821, in Athens Co., Ohio. Her parents, Azor and Mary (Linscott) Nash, were natives respectively of New York and Maine, and were both of English lineage. The former was born in 1773, and died in Ohio, in 1857; the latter died in Mecosta County in 1869, aged 83 years. Following is the record of 12 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Greenl: Hannah E., Sarah J. (dec.), David L. (dec.), Robert L. S. (dec.), Mary M., Amanda M., William J., Reuben E.. Ruth S. (dec.), Jesse S. (dec.), John L. and Nathaniel M. (dec.). Mr. Green died Jan. 4, 1884, after the above notes were prepared for publication. He was ill but two days. Stricken down in strong, active manhood, his sufferings were l)roportionlately severe, but he died in the calmness and trust attendant upon the close of a well ordered life, retaining his mental faculties unclouded until death. He had been a consistent memlber of the I)isciples' Church nearly 40 years. i k-ames C. Townsend, of the firm of Town1 send and Gannon, grocers and butchers at ig = White Cloud, was born Jan, 26, 1845, in g England. of which country his parents were [ natives. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Brooks) Townsend, and they are still living here. Mr. Townsend left his native country in the spring of 1874; arriving in America, he first located in Kansas. Three months afterward he decided to prospect for a while, and he spent a year in travel, after which he located in Shelby, Oceana Co., Mich., and engaged in selling meat. He disposed of his business a little less than two years later and removed to Fremont, where he pursued the same calling for five years. He again disposed of his business interests, and in the fall of 188r came to White Cloud and entered into his present business relations with Richard Gannon, with whom he is engaged in the prosecution of a lucrative trade. Mr. Townsend was married in Hart, Oceana County, Aug. 25, 1878, to Henrietta, daughter of William and Mary Jane Mills. She is a native of Canada. Two children are the issue of this mar tl y v~, dwin O. Shaw, Postmaster at Newaygo, I E ' and editor and proprietor of the Newaygo,t7.l Repiubhican, was born at Edwardsburg, j. Cass Co., Mich., July 21, 1846. His father,?V Ezekiel Shaw, was born in 1829, in the State of New York, and died in 1854, at Edwardsblurg. His mother, Sarah A. (Carmichael) Shaw, was I)orn in 1826, in Virginia, and is still lixing, at Edwardsburg. Mr. Shaw obtained his elementary education at the common schools, and when 13 years old began i to learn the printer's art, which he pursued with little intermission at various places. In July, 1867,. he located at Stanton, Montcalm Co., Mich., where he initiated his career as an independent journalist: by establishing the Mont/calm Herald, the first issue: of which appeared Sept. 16 of the same year.,t~ Fourteen months later he sold out to E. R. Powell, i who still continues the publication of the paper. Mr. Shaw's enterprise had been a success, and, on the disposal of his journalistic interests at Stanton, he selected Newaygo as a suitable field for further effort in the same line, and purchased the Newaygo Republicain, then owned and edited by E. L. Gray. James H. Maze, now of Grand Rapids, was the founder of the paper, and put it in permanent work-;)' ing order in 1856. The enterprise has been man- A:d aged continuously by Mr. Shaw since his purchase. i It was then in a languishing condition, and had a limited circulation; but by persistent energy and unremitting effort to place it upon a basis suitable to the requirements of its patrons, he has made it a decided success and permanent fixture at Newaygo, and it now has a circulation of 1,100oo. It was issued.i by its first proprietors as a seven-column folio, but later he changed it to a six-column quarto. In 1878 '~i Mr. Shaw added a Potter cylinder printing press to jhis facilities, and in 1882 put in steam power, and Sj justly claims the proprietorship of one of the best (?" equipped job printing-offices in Northern Michigan. IC 9 CO UA;TY., riage, viz.: Beatrice, born Oct. 8, 1879, and Eliza- aft beth J., Jan. 16, 1883. Mr. Townsend belongs to,. the Knights of Honor, Tremont Lodge, No. 741.; i -38_X->^A, - 1i..........-..Ad.. ---?,!j:p;A:^' —k'k( — _ r~~~~~ 4:f~ s1. a ,, o,., 7 j '.1:_,, I * J&t~t-f #a" S7 A44z C//- ^9<^ - ^^t^-tl /-I <-^%^ /^^^<=>^^/^^ ^-^I I I NiEWA. YGO COUNTY. 375 ". In April, I877, he admitted his brother, Wm. A. were established. He also attended one term at / Shaw, to a partnership. Croton, and went to the academy at Newaygo six Mr. Shaw was appointed Postmaster May I, I87 I, months. These periods of study, strengthened and by John A. J. Creswell, Postmaster-General under improved by methodical home reading, arranged Grant, and has since continued to discharge the with a view of eventually obtaining a medical edu-: duties of the position to the satisfaction of the peo-cation, comprised his preparatory course; and about ple whom he serves. the time of his majority, believing with Cicero, " that He has been intimately connected with the munic- in no way can man so nearly approach the immortal i ipal interests of Newaygo since he joined its citizen- gods as by conferring benefits upon suffering humanship. He has been President of the village one ity," he went to Oxford Co., Ont., and entered into year, and is one of the present Board of Trustees. an engagement with Dr. William Springer, with! He was Supervisor of Garfield Township one year; whom he read medicine two years. His preceptor F X Treasurer of Brooks Township one year; County was Coroner of Oxford County, a position which, Superintendent of the Poor three years, and is at under the regulations of the Dominion, substantiates present School Director and Trustee, and has filled the grade of the incumbent in his profession. While the two latter offices several years. He has been there, though surrounded by much that was well identified with the political interests of the county, calculated to mislead, his habits of sobriety, truthand has served as Chairman of the Republican fulness and application to study and suave manners, County Committee and as a member of the State commanded general esteem and endeared him to all Central Committee from the Ninth Congressional who knew him. He returned to Michigan, and District; has been Delegate to a number of State after a short stay at home went to Chicago and /a Conventions. The prominence and activity of Mr. thence westward. While absent he acted four - Shaw in general politics is well understood, and he months as a clerk. On his return to the Peninsular is among the leaders of the Republican ranks in the State he went to Ottawa, where he remained for a county. His straightforward, independent, reliable time; then he came to Newaygo County, where he character inspires the masses with confidence in the pursued agriculture until the winter of 866-7, -' integrity of his purposes, the correctness of his judg- when he went to Chicago and attended a course of ment, and is an indorsement of the issues he sup- lectures at the Hahnemann Medical College and ports with his influence, both personal and jour- Hospital. In the spring following he entered upon nalistic. the practice of his profession in Wayland, Allegan Mr. Shaw was married Feb. 20, 1877,to Lottie E., County and remained there 14 months. After his daughter of Dr. E. H. G. and Elizabeth Meachem. return to Northern Michigan he was principally She was born in New York, Aug. 2, 1852. engaged in medical practice until the summer of ~; I875, when he removed with his family to Grand Rapids and there continued the duties of his profes— U=3k|-sion, being associated with his brother-in-law, Dr. Y; 'I Wm. H. H. Palmer, a gentleman of skill and attain1- f._ ments and enjoying an extended practice. Toward r James Webster, physician and surgeon, the close of the year 1876, he returned to Big Prairie resident on section 21, Big Prairie Town- and continued to'prosecute his profession. ship, was born in Darlington, Brock In July, I872, Dr. Webster visited Lansing, being ) District, Ontario, Aug. 31, 1843, and is a son called there to take part in the deliberations of a < of William Rila and Phebe Ann (Moore) Web- convention of medical men convened to lay plans ster. (See sketch.) o and transact business of vital importance to the sit He was about years of age when his parents profession throughout the State. In 1873 he was (, settled in the township of Big Prairie. While a boy admitted to the Newaygo County Medical Associal he was a diligent scholar in the common schools of tion, and in i880 was made a member of the ( the Dominion, and after removing to Michigan re- Northern Medical Society.. In 1882 he was j " sumed his studies as soon as convenient schools elected to the office of Coroner of Newaygo r",::: " it< -1 -- --- ii -— (lJ tlt -)-3- --,3-. —siA g ~i. ~; r" ~ " 2, I -p 4 I V 376 * I A-7- lE W-4 YGO CO UNT Y. 376 AE WAYGO CUNT. County by the combined votes of the Prohibition and National Greenback Labor parties, of both which Dr. Webster is a zealous adherent. He is also a member of three social and benevolent organizations, of which he deems Masonry the queen. Though not a declared adherent of any religious denomination, he acknowledges their worth, and would, doubtless, prefer the Methodists. Dr. Webster possesses exceptionally fine literary tastes and an intellect of a high order of culture.,: He has read extensively and always with correct judgment, selecting a course of reading calculated to properly discipline and train his mind, cultivate his memory and give logical direction to his thoughts. He is a good conversationalist, is able to discriminate between the "speech that is silvern and the silence that is golden," and always displays his respect and veneration for the opinions and expressions of acknowledged authorities by quoting freely and aptly from their works. He has a wide acquaintance with history, is strong in argument and is able to clothe his ideas in concentrated, well-chosen language. He is familiar with classic poetry and the standard poets and authors of the day, has a well selected library, and writes both poetry and prose of more than ordinary merit. He possesses a keen sense of the absurd, and occasionally contributes humorous articles to the newspapers. He has also a correct and cultivated taste in music, for works of art, and believes, with Grimke, " that the Bible is the best of classics." As appropriate to the character, views and tastes of Dr. Webster, the following quotation is given: "I live for those who love mle, - 'For those who think me true, -:;; For the heaven that smiles above me,. And for the good that I can do." In his medical practice the forte of Dr. Webster is his faculty to establish confidence in his ability to aid, and he is favorably known as a diagnostician, or reader of disease. He regards his calling as involva ing his conscience, and making it incumbent on him to exert every mental and physical power to respond to the calls incident to his business, and to strive to the utmost to arrest disease, alleviate suffering and save human life. He believes that all branches of v science are progressive, and that a beneficent Providence has ordered as much change in the healing art as in agriculture or modes of traveling, since the days of Galen or Celsus.. He believes that too much is expected of crude and powerful drugs, and that the mild power subdues and assists the tendency to repel disease, which the human system makes known through symptoms. He is unalterably opposed to old-fashioned stews, brews and decoctions, and to making a filthy laboratory of the human stomach, where disgusting compounds hold their high carnival of destruction. Coming to this county as he did, when wild animals abounded, Dr. Webster very early acquired a knowledge of fire-arms and of hunting and trapping. Of the latter he grew passionately fond, and for several years made it a source of sport as well as profit. He was known as a " dead shot," and records himself as having been "in at the death" of 350 deer, besides smaller game and birds, which latter he was remarkably successful in shooting on the wing. Dr. Webster was married Feb. 14, T861, in Grand Rapids, to Villie P. Palmer. She was born in the township of Van Buren, in Wayne Co., Mich., May 7, 1844, and is a daughter of George W. and Flavilla (Whitaker) Palmer. The former was born June 28, 1807, in New York. The latter was born May 5, 1805, in Springfield, Mass. Of five children born to Dr. and Mrs. Webster, the eldest and youngest are deceased. Their names are given in the order of their birth: James Frederick William, Phebe Inez Erminine, Clarence A. G., Evelina M. and Emily Ethel. The following lines, inscribed by Dr. Webster in the album of his only living son, exhibit his poetical genius as well as manifest his paternal sentiment: God give thee health and peace and joy! God keep and strengthen thee fiom sinl! And give thee grace to enter in The city of His rest, my boy! In addition to his medical business, Dr. Webster has been and is now engaged in lumbering to a considerable extent. He is the owner of 80 acres of land on section 21, and 40 acres in Goodwell Town- ( ship. The portraits of Dr. and Mrs. Webster may be e found on other pages. Their addition to the collec-! tion in the Newaygo County Album will be a source d of gratification to a large circle of relatives and ap- ( preciative friends. t~-~ \r% R 1 -'6,;l ~:~' r-s.:;~ ~~ al (f _- ~: Ba- i ih"tl tilt 1\";": i:seatJZ nii, i, " " tk err C" J` ~~ ~ a A ~ ~-* ir ~ -014 Nw, iPI'~: 1~""" 14:__:-a '.B BL::-;r:C: NE WA YGO CO UNVT Y. p" ' * - q., 377 -- % ~- U N i,; - ~~~,,,I 1 ucius W. Pickett, farmer, section 32, Ash-: l /f land Township, was born Aug. 23, i835, in i f t Onondaga Co., N. Y., and is a son of Peter 1 and Theda (Norton) Pickett. The parents were born in New York, the one of a descent which has been of such long standing in! America as to be lost in regard to European nationality; the other of English lineage. They came to i: Michigan in 1842, and engaged in farming in Eaton County. Mr. Pickett remained under his father's care until he was i8 years old, busy on the farm and obtaining his education at the common schools. In 1853 he came to Casnovia, Muskegon Co., Mich., where he followed agriculture until the year made memorable by the rebellion of the Southern States. He enlisted " Aug. 12, T86i, in the Second Mich. Cav., Co. E, the regiment going at once to the front, and joining the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Buell. Mr. Pickett enrolled at Grand Rapids, his command rendezvousing at Detroit, whence the regiment proceeded to Mississippi and afterward to Kentucky, where he was in the fight at Perryville, June 2, 1862. While doing patrol guard duty near Franklin, Tenn., he was wounded by a "bushwhacker," the shot taking effect in his right arm between the elbow and shoulder, and shattered the bone to such an extent as to require summary amputation. This ended his career as a military man, and Aug. 9, 1862, he received an honorable discharge and returned to his farm. In 1871 Ihe disposed of his place and located on I6o acres of land in Newaygo County, where he has since resided and managed his agricultural affairs to the best purpose. He has go acres of land in a fine state of cultivation, and is now erecting a superior class of farm buildings. His orchard is justly rated one of the best and most productive in the county. Mr. Pickett was married Jan. i, 1860, at Casnovia, to Maria S., daughter of Oliver and Parthena (Smith) ~ Walkley, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. After their marriage they located in Ohio, where the it daughter was born Oct. 29, I842. The parents came during the first year of her life to Hillsdale Co., Mich., A and afterward to Muskegon County. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pickett, as follow: Mary C., Oct. 22, 1860; Lauren, Nov. 14, 1862; Ola, Nov. 19, 1875. Mr. Pickett is a melmber of the National Greenback party, and belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 302, at Trent, in which he has " passed the chairs," and is now holding the post of R. S. V. G. Himself and wife belong to the Patrons of Husbandry, Lodge No. 372, at Trent. "cri.yrus W. Utley, farmer and lumberman, T/rm section 8, Big Prairie Township, was born,|' in the town where he is a resident, April 12, i I85.5 His father, William S. Utley, is of '< English and Irish descent and was born in 1828, in Ontario Co., N. Y. His mother, Lucy B. (Gooch) Utley, was born of English parentage, in Plymouth, April 27, 1835, and was married in Dewitt, Clinton Co., Mich., in 1854. (See sketch of Wm. S. Utley.) Mr. Utley, though a young man, is one of the leading and most enterprising agriculturists of Big Prairie. He owns 240 acres of fine farming land, 190 acres of which are in a cultivated condition, and his improved acreage is increasing at the rate of an acre per day. He owns an interest in pine land in different locations, where he engages in the lumber business during the winter seasons. Mr. Utley was married at Galesburg, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., March 24, i88, to Nettie, daughter of H. C. and Delilah (Danley) Rowland, natives of Lyons, N. Y., and of English descent. Mrs. Utley was born at Galesburg, Nov. 6, 1859. ^-__ —>^..E^ ----j^yman R. Meeker, drayman. Newaygo, was sa I[ born July 14, 1833, in Camden, Oneida Co.,. N. Y., and is a son of Aaron and Lena y (Earl) Meeker. His parents were natives of / Schoharie County, in the Empire State, remov[ ing after their marriage to Camden, where, in 1834, his father was drowned while bathing. His mother still resides at Camden. Mr. Meeker was reared on a farm and was married r iiesSEi- \ Ale h 378 ArE WA YGO COUNTY. TY. #1 } 3 at Camden, Sept. 20, 1855, to Lucy A., daughter of Harvey and Samantha Scoville, born March 3, i837, in Camden. Of their marriage two children were born: Ella D., wife of Eugene Jennison, farmer at -: Jennisonville, Michigan, where the husband's fanily were pioneer settlers, and the town received their name. Eva C., younger daughter, died when two years of age. Mr. Meeker removed in the same year of his marriage to a farm near Olivet, Eaton County, where he bought 80 acres of land and pursued agriculture about two and a half years. He came to Newaygo in 1858 and operated to a considerable extent as a lumber contractor until the advent of the civil war. He enlisted Aug. I4, I862, in Co. E, 2ISt Mich. Vol. Inf., Capt. A. B. Turner, and was in the Union service two years and eleven months. He left Newaygo in the capacity of a private soldier, and while in rendezvous at Ionia was promoted as,Corporal. He was in action at Perryville and Murfreesboro, after which he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was also under fire at Chickamauga, Savannah, Bentonville, and in a large number of skirmishes. On being mustered out at: Detroit, in July, I865, he returned to Newaygo, engaging as a sawyer, and kept a boarding house at Hess Lake, in Newaygo County, where he was thus engaged about two years. He then entered the employment of the Newaygo Lumber Company, and until 1883 was occupied in scaling and running logs and in other departments of lumbering, besides taking charge of lumber shipments from Newaygo to Chicago. He commenced his business as drayman in April, 1883. He is a member of the Masonic made a strong impression upon the boy, eager for novelty and full of interest in even the least of things that promised food for the gratification of the appetite, which is essentially the property of the young and ardent. All the incidents of that journey are indelibly impressed upon his memory, and none more ineffaceably than its closing scene, when the raft was built, and, laden with the small belongings of the pioneers, was floated across the Muskegon River, the women of the household walking across the boom. His father's was the third family to settle permanently in Big Prairie Township. In that day of unorganized municipal regulations, there was no established school; but the landholders erected a school-house and hired a teacher, and under such conditions Mr. Barton obtained a common-school education so far as books were concerned; but his experiences and observations have afforded him in most respects a training commensurate, if not in the same avenue, with the discipline contained in the curriculum of the higher institutions of learning. Mr. Barton is a part of the history and progress of Newaygo County. From his boyhood he has identified his interests with those of his township, and been a factor in her advancement. Her farmers, as a class, are men of a much more than ordinary grade and add greatly to the pre-eminence of the county of Newaygo. He is one of her leading agriculturists, owning 300 acres of land, with 260 acres under culture. 'His buildings are creditable to his energy, taste and judgment, and all his improvements are of advanced grade. He also owns 500 acres of pine land, on which he is engaged in lumbering winters. In political matters he is a Republican, and has served his township in various public capacities. His history displays his fealty to the Government whose protection he enjoys, and to which he accords its just due in relation to its supporters. He enlisted in the first year of the war, in behalf of the flag of the United States, his papers bearing date of Sept. 25, I86r. He was mustered in Co. E, Second Mich. Cav., for three years, and was continuously in active service until the date of his discharge, Oct. 28, I864. He was in the actions at Corinth and Booneville, was in the retreat of Bragg from Louisville to Cumberland Gap, and was at Perryville and Stone River. In the spring of 1863 his command was attached to the corps of Gen. Rosecrans, and he participated in the battles 1%~ i I I Order, and owns his place of residence.: enry Barton, farmer and lumberman, section 7, Big Prairie Township, was born June 2, I839, in Cook Co., Ill. He is the second son of Hon. James Barton, Probate Judge of Newaygo County, and one of the oldest and foremost officials in the county. (See sketch.)? Mr. Barton was eleven years of age when his parents came to Newaygo County. The traveling facilities of those days in this section of the Peninsular State were in strong contrast with those to 7 which he had been accustomed, and its incidents E r< ^la-f- --— lI!ii r<-)."& ~I X.: ' '. D S... '~ ^n^A —^y=<- )-t-e~ l u i~, c 't.f r,~ 1:", - 1 v-o -, V4 -,, -" 0 - C NE WA YGO COUNTY. 379 y __ * I '! of the Army of the Cumberland. He was promoted to the position of Second Lieutenant in March, 1863, and in August following was commissioned First Lieutenant, and commanded his conpany until his discharge. Mr. Barton was married Nov. io, 1864, in Big Prairie Township, to Iouisa, daughter of Alexander and Jane (Marsh) Ialziel. She was born in Ionia Co., Mich., Aug. 15, 1845. Her father was born April 2, 1800, near Glasgow, Scotland, and died Aug. 1, 1882. The mother was born Aug. 9, i808, in Seneca Co., N. Y. She was of original German descent, and her parents were among the earliest settlers of Newaygo County; she died Oct. 6, I875, at Big Rapids. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Barton, two of whom, a son and daughter, died in infancy. Susie J., Philip, Alexander, Charles, Gordon and Benjamin D. are the names of the surviving children. INN( Elmon Evarts, farmer, section i, Ash-; land Township, was born in Grattan, Kent "'~1~ Co., Mich., July 27, I852, and is a son of Nathaniel K. and Maria I. (Perkins) Evarts. ' Nathaniel Kingsley Evarts was born June A} I4, I1812, in West Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., and was married Oct. 9, I84I, in Troy, Geauga Co., Ohio, to Maria Perkins, who was born March 27, 1814, in the city of Troy, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. Mr. Evarts has been a minister and labored in the: interests of the Congregational Church more than: 40 years. He closed his continuous active ministry in 1883. Mr. Evarts of this sketch acquired a fair education in the common schools of his native place, and when he was 17 years old attended Olivet College, in Eaton County, two years. He returned to Corinth, Kent County, where his father was. engaged in mercantile business and acted as assistant in the store until the spring of I873, when he contracted with L. Packard, a builder, of Dorr, Allegan Co., Mich., to be instructed in the details of the carpenter's trade. He remained until April, I874, when he went to oa Texas to investigate the reputed promise of that State for young men to open careers of prosperity. s He returned in the fall of I875. r.O Mr. Evarts married Dec. i8, 1878, in Paris, Kent County, to Jennie M., daughter of George J. S. and Isabella (McBain) Chesebro. She was born Aug. 29, 1857, in Grand Rapids, whither her parents removed after their marriage. Mrs. Chesebro was born Feb. 9, 1840, at Albany, N. Y. Her parents, William and Ellen McBain, were natives of Scotland, and came to the United States in I839. When their daughter was three years old they returned to their native heaths. Later they came back to America, but left the child with her grandmother, who was perparing to make the New World her home. But, instead, she sickened and died, and the father went back to Scotland again, for his daughter, making in all five journeys across the ocean. The marriage of G. J. S. Chesebro and Isabella McBain occurred Aug. 9, i856, and within the year they settled at Grand Rapids, where the husband engaged in teaching in the High School. The employment endangering his health, he bought a farm in Paris, Kent County, where he pursued farming until 1863, when he enlisted, and with his regiment joined the Western Army. He marched with Sherman on the long route through Georgia to the sea. Worn out with the toil of that historic journey, he easily succumbed to disease and died April 4, I865, at Goldsboro, N. C., two days after reaching that place, and exulting with almost his latest breath over the fall of Richmond. Mrs. Evarts was but eight years old when her father died, but she was already impressed with the necessity of aiding with all her power to relieve the cares of her widowed mother, left with three children, two of them younger than herself. At i6 she commenced teaching, and taught five terms in the schoolhouse where she had herself been a pupil, and one term at another point. Meanwhile she had become an accomplished musician, and thereby became enabled to add materially to the family income by teaching the art. Mr. Evarts had become proprietor by purchase of o10 acres of stump and timber land in Ashland Township, and after their marriage the young couple made a permanent settlement thereon. It was in the depth of the woods, and they built a frame house. When it was barely ready for occupancy, with the underbrush pressing closely to the entrance, they commenced their wedded life " under their own vine 4/ ~ t., Ili (I It4I" Pt NO,"~Q i.~ell i ~l f-, t l~,, I~l_: ~iilliI rf~z*::~ YI* rN 38o 0 4:,~~ - ill 2 N k~B 'yt.s —.' ( iH y G- 0 11 ) NE WA YGO CO UNTY. I I i and fig tree." Their small possessions installed in the new house, they compared notes to determine the precise condition of their exchequer and found each was the owner of exactly $5 wherewith to begin the world together. The farm is now in creditable condition, with 25 acres under improvements and all necessary farm buildings. The household now comprises a young daughter, I. Mabel Evarts, born Nov. 23, 1882. Mr. Evarts is a Republican in political affiliation and belongs to Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M., at Grand Rapids. He is an adherent to the tenets of the Congregational Church, and Mrs. Evarts belongs to the Methodist Church. entered the service, his command was detailed as rear guard to cover the retreat of the Federal troops from Long Island, and after the final withdrawal were taken prisoners. The retreat was so hasty, and the British so close upon them, that they took to the woods, where they ambushed seven days in total destitution, being without food or comfort of any description, which made their capture enevitable. Lieutenant Riblet was placed in custody on board the man-of-war " Roebuck." After his release he married and settled near Hagerstown, Md. His son Solomon, father of Samuel, was born there in August, 1782. John Riblet removed with his family in the year i8oo to Erie, Pa., and, during the second war with England, adopted the grievance of his country, and was the chief officer of the body-guard of Com-a IF)-. -_: - - 1 A. -r 1 - -:I - moaore rerry curing o1~ olomon K. Riblet, merchant at Newaygo, commanded by that ol was born in Elizabeth Township, Alle- struggle of I812. Sol ( gheny Co., Pa., Nov. 2, i834, and is the a regiment of minute-i /~_.~. tion. ~ \1 son of Samuel and Deborah (Woods) Riblet. tl: The earliest ancestor to whom the family Samuel Riblet was b traces its origin was a Huguenot, and a de- Pa., Feb. 22, I8Ir. I = scendant from a long line of French nobility, who, father instructed him i in consequence of his embracing the Protestant re- education, and he rece ligion, suffered the extinction of his rank, the con- t the common schools fiscation of his estates and expatriation, on penalty attended the academy of being burned as a heretic. His trials differed in of study during the su no sense or degree from the others of the devoted teaching winters to ol class, whose sufferings, fortitude and pertinacious enced by his parents' v adherence to their faith placed them upon the pages a hysician, at the a of history in all the luster of their heretic struggles study of medicine witl X for principle, and left a seared stain on the escutch- he found it ulcongeni <| eon of France. Driven from his native land, he teacher near Pittsburg settled in Germany, where he married and reared a He was marr large family. Two of his sons, Christian and Bar- Woods, and soon after tholomew Riblet, emigrated to the United States nd and settled in Litchfiel settled in Northampton Co., Pa., where John, son of purchased I6 acres of Christian, and grandfather of Samuel Riblet, was resided. Michigan wa born, in the year 1758. John Riblet was still in his settlers fron the overfll s minority when the American Colonies revolted from pioeer privations and the impositions of the British Crown; and, true to his er of iqueness whit:? ancestral blood and inherited sense of justice, severe, and the allotme | hastened to declare himself the champion of liberty recorded in its reality, and the foe of oppression. He threw himself, heart picted in all its cost ( > and soul, into the exigencies of the Revolution, and would sound like the e was commissioned First Lieutenant of a company fall of 1835 is particu 7 belonging to a regiment of riflemen. Soon after he peculiar embarrassment Vj*-I _ a_____' 4 ---J — s S Nn > — tie construction oi the notila fficer on Lake Erie during the omon, his son, was captain in men and served with distinc)orn in Harbor Creek, Erie Co., )uring his childhood his grandn the rudiments of a German.ived like training in English s. At the age of 17 years he at Erie and pursued a course mmers of the next three years. btain necessary funds. Influvishes, that he should become ge of 20 he commenced the h Dr. A. Beebe, of Erie; but al, and obtained a situation as, where he was occupied three ed Nov. i9, I833, to Deborah ward emigrated to Michigan ld, Hillsdale County,where he f land, on which he has since Is in her Territorial days, and owiig East were crowding in, hardships had then a characch made them all the more;nt of Mr. and Mrs. Riblet, if unshaded by fancy and deof strain to mind and body, xaggerations of fiction. The larly remembered as one of t, and only the wise counsel i,,~ p aFI4'. ri! ~ ~ 4i~b~ %t r ~ "** ^. I NE WAYGO COUNTY. 38r I I 1 and courageous resolution of his wife prevented Mr. Riblet from disposing of his property and abandoning the " West," as Michigan was then called. The five children born to them reached maturity and became heads of families. The venerable pair whose 46 years of wedded life were interrupted in 1879 by the death of the wife and mother, could boast of 22 grandchildren, and at present date the enumeration of great-grandchildren has begun. Mr. Riblet has always been an important factor in the affairs of his township, as well as in those of more extended scope. On the organization of the Northern Central (Michigan) Railroad Company, he was elected a director and served until the road was sold to the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Company. To the influence and exertions of Mr. Riblet, Litchfield is largely indebted for the construction and location of the road. His mother died in Litchfield, Dec. 21, 1879. Mr. Riblet of this sketch passed the first 17 years of his life on a farm, and in 1851 turned his attention to the details of the builder's trade, which he followed three years. He came to Newaygo in i856 and was employed by Leonard & Woolley, druggists. Soon afterward he became manager of the mercantile establishment of S. W. Matevey, and three years later (in 1859) became its proprietor by purchase. He has since conducted his business continuously at the same stand. His stock is general, including dry goods, groceries, clothing, hats, caps, crockery, etc. Mr. Riblet was married in Newaygo, Sept. Io, 1859, to Jennie L., daughter of Pliny E. and Martha (Putnam) Day, a native of Morean, Saratoga Co., N. Y., born Nov. io, i837. Mr. and Mrs. Riblet have five children, born as follows: Grace, Oct. ii, i866; Fred, April 19, 1870; Ruth, Dec. 13, i872; Mattie, May 30, 1874; Lavinia L., Feb. 2, I88I. Mr. Riblet has been intimately associated with the progress and development of Newaygo village and county, and has served in most of the official capacities incident to its municipal regulations. He is prominent in temperance work, and was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge at Newaygo, and also of Newaygo Lodge, Order of Good Templars. Mr. Riblet is heir to the fixedness of principle, industry and frugality and the unrivaled powers of physical endurance of his progenitors. His judgment is always reliable, his foresight unerring and his integrity unimpeachable. He is valuable to Newaygo, not only in his stainless citizenship, but in his social relations and through his strongly sympathetic character. The needy always find in him a practical friend ^l ophraim Misner was born in the State of New York, July 12, 1823, and was the son,~ o ~of Abraham and Sarah (Newton) Misner, o natives of New York and Massachusetts. He lived in his native State until the winter of 1866, when he came to Newaygo County and bought 80 acres of partially improved land in Dayton Township. He has since added 40 acres, and now has 45 acres under cultivation. In July, 1850, he was married to Margaret Duling, a native of New York State. This union has resulted in six children: Raymond E., Margaret J., Sarah M., William H., Edna C. and Myrtie L. Politically, Mr. Misner has generally been identified with the Republican party; but he is now independent in his views. illiam S. Utley, a leading pioneer citizen t e of Newaygo County, resident on section 7, p Big Prairie Township, was born in RichJ* mond, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1827. J. His father, William Utley, was of English l descent and was born April 19, 1797, in Bennington Co., Vt., and his mother, Mahala (Wiley) Utley, of Irish parentage, was born Sept. 22, o'y 1798, in Nashua, N. H. After their marriage they. resided in the State of New York. Mr. Utley was the sixth child of his parents, who came to Michigan and settled in Plymouth, Wayne County, in June, i828. Ten years later they made another transfer of their interests, namely, to l)ewitt, Clinton Co., Mich., where the son was a resident ' until he was 22 years of age. He had been at liberty since he was 17 years of age, engaged winters in g teaching and working summers as a carpenter, fully understanding the value of mechanical skill in a new country, where he designed to settle permanently. He came to Newaygo County in r850, and in that 8 -i - -Xt^ IS kU I -*N - -_ * o^ I..^ v *-, - --- II ~ i *0 "%, ". " Bj!t ~( a HI: u: i; 382 NEWA YGO, year built the first bridge that ever spanned the ^ Muskegon River at Croton. John F. Stearns had 3 been appointed Postmaster of Croton postoffice, and Mr. Utley showed him how to make up the first pouch of mail matter put up from that point. In October, 1850, he delivered the first temperance lecture in this vicinity, at Culp's school-house on Steam's Prairie, Croton Township, and delivered the first Fourth of July oration, on an island in the Muskegon River, just below where Newaygo now stands.:* Mr. Utley has been active in public affairs since he came to Newaygo County, and has greatly aided. in tile CUlhe tOl. tC:l l. c Jt ~ D CL l rl nln,.t _l )t a f0i.........t1, 5 '~ ": Ig'X A I( U --- -4 CO UNTY. AA~ I - ik p,, 4~!:, ', ' t111 Ll~l ZLIUULtII L lVfld33 U.ll lUVaLJLClIICLL 1 UUL11D county and township where he has resided. He is now an adherent of the National Greenback party; has served his township in many official positions, among the most important of which has been that of Clerk, in which he officiated 20 years. He was a member of the Legislature of Michigan in I865-6, and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of I867. He was elected County Clerk in 1858, and again in i86o, serving two terms. Mr. Utley is one of the most successful agriculturists of the township of Big Prairie, and owns 240 acres of fine farming land, constituting a most desirable homestead, under good cultivation and with suitable farm buildings and fixtures. He was married May 14, 1854, in Dewitt, Clinton Co., Mich., to Lucy B. Gooch. Following are the names of I2 children, of whom they have become the parents: Cyrus W., William W., Irving S., Harry M. (dec.), Charles E., Esther Ardelle, Lucy G. (dec.), Mr. Persons was the second son and third in order of birth of I2 children. He accompanied his parents to Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1835, where his father died, in 1854. In 1843 he went to Racine Co., Wis., and passed three years in farm labor, coming to Newaygo in I846. He was engaged as a lumberman five successive winters, when an accidental injury to his right knee with an ax necessitated the relinquishment of that business. He spent the alternating summers in farming in Wisconsin. The several years succeeding the accident which lamed him for life, he was incapacitated for labor. In I856 he received the appointment of Deputy Register and Deputy County Clerk, under Col. John A. Standish. He was elected in 1858 to the position of Register of Deeds, then a separate incumbency from the office of County Clerk. He was re-elected to the post every second year for a period of 20 years, during which time he made a complete set of abstracts of Newaygo County, which are still in his possession. In I866 he was appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury, Assistant Assessor for the Fourth Internal Revenue District of Michigan, the duties of which he continued to discharge until I869. In 1859 he was elected Township Clerk of Brooks and held the position to the year I866. He has served one term and part of another as Treasurer of the village of Newaygo, and has acted two years as member of the Village Council. Mr. Persons commenced his political career as a Democrat, but in 1856 voted the Republican ticket, and has since given his support to the issues of that party, though in no sense a demagogue. He is a member of the Masonic Order and served as Secretary of Newaygo Lodge, No. 131, F. & A. M., nine years. In I865 he was chosen Secretary of Newaygo Royal Arch Chapter, No. 38, and is still holding the position. He is also a member of DeMolay Commandery No. 5, of Grand Rapids. Since I878 Mr. Persons has been engaged in abstracting. His office was destroyed in the fire of April, I883, but he saved his abstracts and most valuable papers. In I878 he bought two lots in the village of Newaygo, on which he erected a handsome residence. He also owns a block in Wilson's Addition, besides two lots in another quarter of the village. Mr. Persons' acquaintance and connection with Martha Arletta, Glenn W., Fanny F., Ossian T. and Mabel Grace. Mr. Utley is a member of the Order of Masonry. ellington Persons, ex-Register of Deeds;> 4 of Newaygo County, and one of the oldest X E and most prominent citizens of Newaygo, '| ' E~ was born in Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y., April o1, I8I7. His parents were Festus; and Betsy (Town) Persons, the former a native of ' Chester, Mass., of English descent. The latter was / also born in the Bay State, and died in 1857. +_. --- ',-I as: rb':4 i~P* ii; B: b~~t 1 s"ga i8;6 "s bLli Ilib" jrh o ga "ii~4 — 94..a,, cl : i~ i, /$dg., i, O R IV WV, T-4 Me i~ "I — ke i I~~69 F —i i*:,." - ""IN x -,-,. I I,''I Of oNl:' ci" * W. % )6: **, IE WA YGO COUNTY. ZI 385 I:f Newaygo County began in its earliest stage, and he has watched its progress with the deepest interest. He has lent substantial support and aid to every meritorious enterprise that promised permanent advantage to the community. He has always been actively interested in temperance work, and is known as a coadjutor of moral and religious principles, though a subscriber to no denominational body. i R,,enry Kritzer, proprietor of the flouring mill at Newaygo, was born Sept. i, 1828, in the village of Bernshausen, province of Ober Hesse, duchy of Hesse. Darmstadt. His parents, Conrad and Margaret (Fahling) Kritzer, were also Germans by birth, belonged to the Lutheran Church and reared their children in that faith, giving them such education as the common X schools of the " Faderland " afforded. On the 22d day of May, i842, the family, including the parents, - Mr. Kritzer and a younger brother (who died at Chester, in i856, of consumption) embarked from the port of Bremen for the United States. They landed July i, at New York, and immediately proceeded to Albany, where they witnessed for the first time the demonstrations of American independence. Their journey on the Erie canal to Buffalo consumed eight days, and they went by steamer from the latter place to Cleveland, where a recruiting officer solicited the assent of the parents to the enlistment of Henry in the army, promising the father a tract of Government land for services, whom he would place in a band, as he was quite a musician. As the chief reason for leaving Germany had been to evade military duty, the proposition was rejected. The original destination of the family was Columbus, Ohio, but they changed their intentions and proceeded to Detroit. They found German friends at that place, and lingered there eight days, in order to arrange their plans and become familiar with the state of things as they existed in a new world, as America literally was to them. On the morning of the ninth day, the two elder Kritzers, father and son, started out and,k followed what is now the track of the Michigan Central railroad as far as the old "Denike" tavern, ' proceeding thence to Plymouth, where they found a few German families had located. Following their advice, they also settled there, the father finding employment by the day. The youngest son was bound for five years to learn the tailor's trade, and the elder was apprenticed for the same length of time to a carpenter. The latter served two years and abandoned his plan, as it enforced idleness through the winter seasons. He went to work in a wagon shop for a man named Green, remaining two years. Meanwhile, his parents had removed to Chester, Ottawa County, in the Grand River valley, where they and two uncles of Mr. Kritzer were the first settlers. They located there in the fall of I845. In the fall of 1847 Mr. Kritzer left Plymouth and went to Ann Arbor, where he again engaged in wagon-making for W. Roth, and a year later went to Jackson and entered the employ of Samuel Palmer, who proved a poor paymaster, and he exchanged for another, named Hale Soon after, in December, I848, he went to Grand Rapids, which was a new place with little invested capital. There was no work to be had, and in the spring he went to Grand Haven, and there engaged in repairing an old steam saw-mill for George Norton. He returned to Grand Rapids and worked for the " Baxters " at wagon-making, and later for Geo. C. Fitch & Bro., by whom he was mostly employed until 855, when he went to Chester and built a house on his father's farm. In 1853 he came to Newaygo County and located 320 acres of land in Ashland Township, which he sold many years since. In the fall of I856, Mr. Kritzer came again to Newaygo, with little intent of making a permanent location. The village being at that time in its earliest stage of incipiency, it offered few attractions to young men with the world before them. But Mr. Kritzer had been impressed with the appeals of the Eastern journals to the dependent, struggling young men of the day to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the opening of the West. He had been peculiarly struck by the injunction of Horace Greeley: " Young man, be a hireling no longer than you can help. Go West!" Notwithstanding the fact that the repetition of the words of the sage of Chappaqua have given them a shade of the absurd, they have been the foundation on which many a man has established himself on a solid basis, and in them Mr. Kritzer found food for profitable reflection. I < -~~~ - /C' " p~f ____' R ~ a~l~ A1 L` 386 i' VE 1WA YGO CO UNT Y.,, Previous to this time he had been helping his father to i I put the homestead at Chester in good condition, and about the date named he decided to try Newaygo, and built a small shop on the corner of the State road and River Street. His mother was seized with her final illness and he was summoned home. She died Feb. 21, 1857. Mr. Kritzer returned to Newaygo in April following, intending to pursue his trade; but innumerable obstacles prevented. The country was new, expenses heavy, and in the fall the! memorable panic occurred, and Mr. Kritzer saw his little fund of savings dwindle away with little prospects of return. Mr. Kritzer says: "The first money I earned in Newaygo was ten cents, which I received of James Belfort. I always remember that. I thought of the saying, 'Where you lose your money, you must look for it;' so I stayed by." He worked at wagon-making until June, 1863, when, in company with Henry Loomis, he rented what is now known as "Newaygo Mills," located on Brooks Creek. His!l partner died in the fall, and Mr. Kritzer rented the establishment another year, and in i865 he bought the mill property of the estate of Ebenezer Sanford. The building has been enlarged, a new dam has been constructed, and a turbine wheel has supplanted the cumbersome old "overshot." The addition of new and modernized machinery from year to year, has put the mill in the best possible condition for business. Its present exhibit is in strong contrast with that of 865, when it became the property of Mr. Kritzer. In those days the business was crowded, the grinding slow, and it was the custom of the country people, who were its patrons and came long distances, to stay ll all night, accommodations being provided for them i in the mill. Mr. Kritzer was married Oct. 14, i858, in Chester, to Magdalena, daughter of George Frederick and Rosine King. She was born in Lancaster, Ohio, April 19, I838, and her parents were natives of the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany. The sons and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Kritzer were born as fol' lows: George H.,Oct. I, I859 (died Feb. 14, 1863); Charles C., Feb. I9, 1862; Mary A. M., Feb. 23, I 865; William H., May 6, I869. Until I879 Mr. Kritzer continued to reside where he first built in Newaygo. In that year he built and a removed to his present residence on the opposite $ side of the street. His father, Conrad Kritzer, now in his eightieth year, resides in his son's former home. Ad The farm at Chester is still in their possession. The voluntary statement of Mr. Kritzer will be, the best possible exponent of his political status: "I cast my first vote for John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, when they called us 'Woolly Heads;' and I believe there were only 17 votes cast in Grand Rapids. I have always voted on that line of progress. In the portrait of Mr. Kritzer, which may be seen on another page, appears the likeness of a fair type! of the German element of Northern Michigan. He: came to Newaygo County with the single determination to find work and to do it with the energy and purpose he inherited from his ancestors. He resolved that should success and prosperity elude his grasp, the fault should not lie in his shrinking from effort. He has built his fortunes by industrious application, established himself socially by his career of I honor and self-respect, and reared children to represent him in a later generation, who will do no dis- j credit to the name he has made honorable in Newaygo. ulius B. Backart, farmer and lumberman, resident at Croton Village, was born Nov. 1 4, I846, in Warrensville, Dupage Co., Ill., and is the son of George and Mary A. (Backart) Backart. (See sketch.) He came to the county of Newaygo with his parents when he was but four years old, and has here grown to manhood and established himself in business. He was married at the age of 20 years, and at once settled in life. He bought 320 acres of land, situated between sections 32 and 33, in Big Prairie, and sections 4 and 5, in Croton. He pursued agriculture industriously and effectively for 12 years, and at the end of that time had put 120 acres of land in first-class agricultural condition. He is now resident at Croton village, engaged in several departments of lumbering. F' He is a Democrat in political connection. Lucy (Loree) Backart, wife of Julius B. Backart, O was born March io, 1848, in Livingston Co., Mich., J and is the daughter of John and Jane S. (Simpson); Loree. The father was born in 820o,in Steuben Co., (: N. Y., and was of French parentage. He died in 4 Pi V- / ".,I;. --,; k.~ ~ I' _.9., 4-_~ * O ~-Iie: Dial6':~;~iati~-n..t;a _;f'"1h I~:i r~.;~nna~~lq p-r P' ""r ,I ~ - " ~~iIq ~4 " amuel B. B. Stevens, a pioneer settler in Newaygo County, residing at Newaygo, [k ~ was born Sept. 15, I8i8, at Norfolk, Va., i 1 and is a son of William and Ann (Cowell) Stevens. Both parents were of English ancestry. Mr. Stevens has been a citizen of Michigan since 1841, when he came to Muskegon and passed a few months occupied in tallying lumber. He then proceeded to Grand Haven, where he resided until I854, chiefly occupied as a mill hand. In that year he went again to Muskegon, and in i855 came to * Newaygo, which was then in its infancy. His first engagement was as a sawyer in the mill of John A. Brooks. In 1856 he entered the employ of the orig- Ad inal Newaygo Lumber Company, with whom he remained four years. Previous to leaving Virginia Iir|t U; - - --— S^ -- -- — d ^ ` ~U I 2 —:- B I....,f-:~-,, -y,%.,,%,, - " la rgt,',t I"I." i - " ~ ~, ~~'14 N WA YGO COUNTY. f. c..,tne Mr. Barton accompanied his parents to Lyons and. section 21, Croton Township, was born in:1 = Bloomfield, and after a residence of five years at the Susquehanna Co., Pa, July 26, 1832. His ' latter place, went to Kensington, Oakland County, 9 father, Richard Collins, was born of German A, and there operated to some extent in land specula- extraction, in 1804, in Vermont, and died in SE tion, in which he was occupied four years. His next 1879. His mother, Fanny (Barney) Collins, business venture was at New Haven, Huron Co., was also descended from German parentage, and was Ohio, where he passed one year engaged in the pur- born in New York in 1804, and died in 1837, in chase and sale of horses, returning at the end of that Pennsylvania. time to Independence, Oakland County. He pur- At the age of i8 years Mr. Collins went to the chased a farm of 40 acres in that township, and was city of New York and engaged as a saw-mill assistoccupied seven years in its cultivation and improve- ant, and there learned the art of sawing ship timN ment. In 1847 he went to Otisco, IoniaCounty, and h ber. He followed that business three years and then i engaged in farming there for a period of two years. went to New Haven, Conn., where he worked a year He came to Newaygo County in I849, and bought a in a saw-mill. He spent six months at home in large tract of pine and farming land in the township Pennsylvania, and in 1855 came to Croton Township, of Big Prairie, including more than 600 acres, chiefly where he engaged some months as a lumberman, prairie. He improved about 300 acres, constituting after which he began jobbing for himself, and was a remarkably fine farm, with a good residence, suit- thus engaged when the war broke out. 1:* able accessory buildings, orchards, etc. On this he In the month of July, 1862, Mr. Collins enlisted resided until 1878, when he removed to his present in Co. A, Sixth Mich. Cav., for three years. He was location on section 8, Garfield Township, where he transferred to Co. L, same regiment, and promoted owns 86 acres of farming land, 40 acres of which are to the position of First Lieutenant. Through the ' under a high order of cultivation. The farm fixtures campaign of the war in which his regiment particiare of a creditable character, and its products in fair pated, he commanded two companies and received i proportion as to kind and quality with those of this his discharge June 2, r865, at Washington. part of Michigan. On coming from the war, Mr. Collins resumed his Xas" F ol K ~r, nr - I —~-: —~i 1~I N, - :, i I .: -. I -11% I -399* 399 " "i' NE WA YGO COUNTY. wonted occupations and has since passed alternate seasons in farming and lumbering. He is the proprietor of 420 acres of land in Newaygo County. His home farm includes 240 acres, and has 155 acres under advanced cultivation, with fine house, substantial barns and good orchard. He is a Prohibitionist in political adherence, and in 1874 was elected Sheriff of Newaygo County for two years. He has also served four years on the Board of Supervisors. Ann Eliza Cram, who became the wife of Mr. Collins in Cannonsburg, Mich., Oct. 8, I857, was born in Canada West, Dec. 9, I836. Her parents were William and Margaret (Hardy) Cram. Her father was descended from French ancestors and was born in June, 800oo. He died in I86i. Her mother was born in I8o8, in England, and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have had three children,-Lyman D. (dec.), Sadie L. and Ethel M. Daniel Bull, farmer, section 34, Denver Township, was born in Bradford Co., Pa., ](' March 30, I826. His father, Thomas i \\ a rBull, was a native of Orange Co., N. Y. and of English-French descent. His mother, Parthena (Goodwin) Bull, was a native of Pennsylvania and of English extraction. During the latter years of their life they resided in Pennsylvania, where they died at an advanced age. Daniel learned to battle with the difficulties of life at a very early age, and when only 12 years old he went to live with one of his neighbors, giving his labor to pay for his board and clothes, and the privilege of attending school a part of the time. During the summer after he was i6 years of age he worked for $5 a month; the ensuing winter he boarded at the same place and went to school; and during the next summer (I843) he worked at another place, for $6 a month. Continuing to make his home at the latter place, he went to school another winter. In both cases he paid for his own tuition by ' ratebill." At I8 years of age he began to farm on shares. In this way he earned sufficient means to enable him to secure better educational advantages, which he improved a few years later. In 1853, Mr. Bull left his native State to seek new fields of labor in the far West. He came first to Mackinaw Island, and afterward to Old Mission, Mich., on Grand Traverse Bay, then to Chicago, Ill., where he remained a short time, when he went to Decatur, Ill. Early in the spring of I855 he visited his native home and friends, after which he returned to Michigan and located in Coldwater. Jan. i6, i856, in Kent County, he was married to Miss Esther Dobson, a native of Ulster Co., N. Y., where she was born, May 31, I812. She received her education in Pennsylvania, before coming to Michigan. Oct. 15, 1855, previous to his marriage, Mr. Bull, then a yoiing man of energy and perseverance, left the village of Coldwater to seek a home in the northern woods. Going directly to the Land Office at Ionia, he purchased 240 acres of land without seeing it, trusting entirely to the recommendation of other men. Besides the Government graduation price, he, in company with his brother, paid an entire stranger $8 per lot for this land. They then came on to hunt up the land, having to follow " blazed" lines for eight miles through the woods. They crossed a wagon track near their land. They cut, carried and rolled up the logs, and " finished up " the second shanty in what is now the town of I)enver. At that time his worldly possessions amounted to a little less than $ioo. Mr. B. worked at Newaygo to earn money to defray the expenses of moving his family. The snow showing signs of going off by the middle of March, 1857, thus destroying good sleighing, he started with his newly wedded wife and her niece, a young girl i i years old, for their new home 150 miles distant through unbroken forests. His sleigh was heavily loaded, and on the evening of the third day the load upset, killing the young girl instantly, and making sad havoc with most of the goods. After a delay of one day they came on to Newaygo with the wreck of their load, and stopped to recruit, and when the snow melted away they moved into their shanty. Mr. Bull is now one of the first farmers and fruitgrowers in Newaygo County, having two fine orchards, each consisting of over 400 trees, all in fine bearing condition, and yielding an annual income of oo00 to 2,000 bushels. He is in comfortable circumstances; and his honesty and hospitality have endeared him to the hearts of the old pioneers with whom he has f e IgY. A.,.. I '1 I I': /'- '"~ Si 001,-, |||<^^.^ —s!y ----< sjit > - - ^^(^llllalll Am9~ _.Sitn nn ~ X;n~: e~! Id' ,Jrr ---- - yS ' — -i i jS ----- -— >>s --- ~.:. "\ 400 NrE WA YGO CO UNTY. l,'. been so many years associated. Mr. B. was made the first Clerk of his township (the old town of Dayton). His political interests are with the Republican party. Mrs. B. is of a kind, congenial disposition, and dearly j beloved by her friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Bull have had no children, but have adopted and reared several. The following are the names and birth: Caroline Dobson, born March 18, 1845, died Jan. I5, I856; Carry L. Crowfoot, born July 5, I856, died Sept. I2, I856; Edgar Smith, born March 7, i852, married Addie Maynard; Ettie Smith, born Oct. 28, I855, married David Robertson; Charley W. Davison died in infancy; Sophia Bull, born Oct. 20, i867; Frank Bull, born Oct. 4, 1871; Carrie E. Bull, born Nov. II, 1875; the last three are now living with their adopted parents and attend the district school. As truly representative pioneers and prominent and worthy people of Newaygo County, we take pleasure in presenting the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Bull in this Album. >,'^9 AI lE 1 4 P ll-B -0jvtv~e l,~i ( authority that his father, understanding the probable s!, mischief that would attend his being forced back to school, sent him to the mines, where he worked on the surface until he was fourteen years old. At that age he went to work underground in an adjoining colliery, and a year later was promoted to the post of "lump man," taking his turn in the management and oversight of the nether machinery. In i85o, in company with his father and an elder brother, he left his native country for America, to work under a contract in the Perkiomen Copper Mines, in Mont-, gomery Co., Penn. A few months later he went to Silver Creek, near Pottsville, in Schuylkill County, where he spent a winter in the coal mines. The employment proved distasteful; and, overtures of an advanced position being made to him and his father from home, they returned to England in I85i, reaching there just at the opening of the first World's Fair at Hyde Park. He was occupied with mercantile matters from April, 1851, to September, 1852, when the Australian gold fever infected his ambition, and in company with a brother he started on the long; passage via the Cape Good Hope. After a shipwreck, which occurred within sight of the shore, the passengers landed, Jan. I, 1853, at Port Philip Heads, the entrance of the bay whereon Melbourne, the s,!i Queen city of the island continent, is situated. The < gold excitement was at its height, and Ballarat and Mount Alexander were but synonyms for the hopes of myriads. Mr. Edwards spent eighteen months in Australia, meeting encouraging success; but when prosperity was at its maximum his brother was drowned. A premature powder blast had brought death to his eldest brother in Pennsylvania, and his mother's entreaties recalled him to England, where - he arrived in July, I854, visiting South America enz route and spending a few days in the land of oranges and catamarans. He had fed a mind of natural activity by constant study and a wide scope of general reading, and on reaching his native land several avenues opened to him; but the death of his brothers determined him on a life of quiet study, as his means were sufficient f to warrant such a choice. After two years he became restive. The social inequalities and legal stringencies of England galled a mind which had reached a grade of understanding that rendered discrimination 4 between middle-class brains and "blue-blooded" d witlings a foregone conclusion; and the privileges of J:Ft <> " -- i em.*: A f eltr.* Iimothy Edwards, Circuit Court CommisfI^_ sioner of Newaygo County, residing on section, Ashland Township, was born April i, 1834, in Silverwell, county of Cornwall, England. His father, Edward Edwards, was the oldest child of his parents and was a Cornish miner. He held the technical position of "pitman," whose duties include the management of the pumping and hoisting machinery pertaining to a colliery. Philippa, nee Doney, his mother, descended from the old English yeomanry, who for successive generations occupied the same farm. The paternal grandparents were identified with the Wesleyan Methodist movement from its earliest workings in. Cornwall. They had eight children, all of whom reached maturity and acquired comfortable positions. Mr. Edwards early developed the characteristic traits of his nationality, and at the age of eleven, years, being made to stffer unjustly at school for the i ) guilt of another, he made such emphatic rebellion against the injustice and partiality of the established Ad to - vr_ U X,- -- >, a —; XIaA F,. NE WA YGO COUNTY. 401 7!.= m America and the liberties of Colonial life rose before him in the guise of wonderful promise and beauty. He resolved on settling in the United States. A "noble " friend endeavored to detain him at home, I promising distinguished advancement when the administration made its accustomed plunge and Earl D)erby donned the ermine. He replied with a devout wish for the extinction rather than the advancement of the Tory element to power, and on the seventh of June, i856, bade a final farewell to the '. land of his nativity. He landed in New York just after the nomination of Fremont and Dayton, the slavery agitation absorbing every interest, and disruption of the National integrity seeming imminent. Mr. Edwards took quick alarm at the condition of things and sought a retreat in Canada. He was converted, soon after becoming a citizen of the Dominion, under the labors of Rev. Isaac Barber, with whom he at once entered upon a course,% of study for the ministry, and in January, i857, he s became a licensed local preacher. In June following, the Conference sent him to Ingersoll Circuit. He desired to enter upon a two-years course of study at Victoria College, but the privilege was denied by the ~ Conference and he continued ministerial labor until 1859, when he was obliged by an accidental injury to suspend preaching. the latter place, a disease of the throat consigning } him to the ranks of secular life. He went to Benton Harbor, where he bought a *.* fruit farm and set out a large number of peach-trees. The " yellows," as fatal to that fruit as the plague to t humanity, drove him from his project, and on New J Years Day, i873, he came to Newaygo. In the spring following he was elected Justice of the Peace, and, on the resignation of John A. Brooks, Jr., was appointed Supervisor of Brooks. In the fall of the same year he bought the Powers farm, adjoining the village, but a betrayed trust and the shrinkage of values consequent upon the financial disasters of i i876 swept away the accumulations of his life. Messrs. Fuller & Standish, then of Grand Rapids, offered him the management of their branch office at Newaygo, with an opportunity of studying law. He accepted the proffered position, and by dint of struggle and perseverance he succeeded in passing his exam.nation, and was admitted to the Bar at the October term of I878. He then opened an independent law office, and, in company with W. D. Fuller, edited and published the Newaygo Tribune until I88o, when failing health compelled his retiracy from public life and he resumed agricultural pursuits. i A Republican by choice and instinct, and still an adherent to the principles that called that party into being under the oaks at Jackson, he identified himself with the National Greenback party in 1878 and labored thenceforward for its success He was nominated in 1882 for the post he now fills, and, though he expended his personal efforts and energies in the gubernatorial field, he was elected by a flattering majority. The first Mrs. Edwards died at St. Joseph, leaving & two sons,-Harold and Charles. Mr. Edwards was married again Sept. 26, I869, to Lydia A. Martin, a lady of Indiana. She is a woman of culture, a graduate of Carlyle Collegiate Institute, and for I4 years a successful teacher in Indiana and Michigan. Five of six children born of this marriage survive,-Edward, John T., Bessie, Calita and Martin. C The farm of Mr. Edwards is located three miles south of Newaygo; and, in the future in which rest his hopes, as well as in the promise of his sturdy sons, he trusts to retrieve the losses and baffled enterprises of the past. He still holds his ministerial ordination ia parchments, and is the " lawyer who preaches and the preacher who practices." In October, 1859, he was married to Hattie C. Batson, of Brantford, Ont., and passed the following four years in farming and teaching. The Emancipation Proclamation freed the land of his desires from the " sum of all villainies," which his soul abhorred, and in November, i863, he sold his property in Canada and came to Ionia, where he engaged in mercantile business, associated with Hampton Rich. In lMarch, 1 864, he was sumimoned by Presiding Elder H. Morgan to supply the Saranac Circuit, where he officiated until the Michigan Conference, in September of that year, appointed him to Newaygo. He officiated two years, and during the time preached a thanksgiving sermon on the close of the war. In response to a call by the officials and prominent men of Newaygo County, he preached the funeral sermon of President Lincoln. His subsequent ministerial work x'k was at Rockford, Kent County, St. Joseph, Berrien County, and at Pentwater, in Oceana County. He - completed his career as a minister of the gospel at r L;h e *-i — - W kV>:fe;-;*_____m- rake ~;: bei. do -i>lai i.r (B -1. 402 NEWA YGO COUNTY. abilities as a diagnostician. He treats disease con- Cloud and established his medical practice in conscientiously, and his caution almost wholly precludes nection with the drug trade. His successful operaerrors. While his success in his profession i tions as a physician have won for him a large degree unusual, it may be justly stated that his kindly sym- of patronage and the abiding confidence of the, pathetic nature shrinks from the contemplatiou of community. human suffering and the infliction of pain, even where Dr. Reed was married in Geauga Co., Ohio, Aug. ( v; the emergency makes absolute demands. His corm- 13, 876, to Emma, daughter of David and Char-i- I8-6t E daut f Da ---vid4-' ' - X*."..'"" '..... j 406 AJEWA YG ' **",:F, if r i lotte (Humphrey) Bennett. Her parents were natives of Connecticut and settled in Ohio, where the daughter was born, May 5, 1849. She is a member of the Congregational Church. Dr. Reed belongs to the Masonic fraternity, Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor. He has held the position of Coroner two years, is a member of the Village Council and has been Health Officer since coming to White Cloud. In the spring of 1883 he was elected Treasurer of Wilcox Township for the year ensuing. As a prominent and representative business man and citizen of Newaygo County, we present the portrait of Dr. Reed in connection with this sketch. ~ yron Abel, farmer, Ensley Township, y < section 25, was born in the State of New e York, Aug. 24, 1830. His parents, Ira ' and Almira (Hines) Abel, were natives of Connecticut, where they were married and resided some time, after which they removed to New York. They went back to Connecticut and afterward went to Ohio. Ten years later they came to Michigan, went thence successively to Nebraska and Illinois, and returned to Michigan. On the route back to this State an accident occurred to the train by which it was thrown from the track, and the father was instantly killed. The mother is now residing in Newaygo County. Mr. Abel was the eldest son and the main dependence of the family, which part he maintained until he was 37 years old. He has been engaged in agriculture nearly all his active life, and in his younger days, associated with his father, engaged to a considerable extent in burning charcoal. In the State of Illinois he spent ten years in working farms on shares. He came to Michigan in 1865 and bought 160 acres of land on section 25, in Ensley Township, and has since purchased 120 acres on section 7. He has placed 60 acres under improvement. Mr. Abel is independent in politics. He was married in Lowell, Kent County, April 21, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of Wilkes and Huldah Lamberton, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Abel was born July 14, I833, in Canada. Of the 9 COUNV.TY. marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Abel, four children have been born: Edward C. and Edith C. (twins), Aug. 13, 1869; Louisa M., Sept. I6, 1871, and Robert H., who died when he was 20 months old. -t~1-3 111: 'ttl;jlll~E_~:;k la I*; I-~ '. i o,. I eorge R. Breckon, M. D., Fremont, is the. r second son of Ralph and Almira (Calvert) Breckon, and was born in Halton Co., Ont., Sept. I2, 1847. His father was a native of England, and his mother of Canada, and after their marriage located in Canada. George R. attended the common schools of Canada until 16 years of age, when he came to St. Joseph, Mich., where he remained for a short time, and afterward went to Ohio, where he spent several months. He traveled in Pennsylvania a short time, then returned to Canada, and in the spring of 1867 began the study of medicine with Dr. William Perkins, of Rockwood, Ont. He remained with Dr. Perkins two years, attending the Toronto School of Medicine during the winter season. When Dr. Breckon left home to embark in life on his own responsibility, he did so under very adverse circumstances. The total sum of money he possessed was only $13. Consequently, great energy and rare business qualities were necessary to enable him to carry out his plans. These he fortunately possessed, and he was not only able to carry himself through college, but also to lend material aid to his brother-in-law in obtaining a collegiate education. During the meantime, he followed various occupations, but ever kept up with his studies, and in the spring of 1873 graduated at the Toronto School of Medicine, and commenced practice in Woodstock, Ont. In the spring of 1877, B he returned to the State of Michigan and two years after removed to Newaygo County and settled in Woodville, where he remained until the spring of of 1873, when he moved to Fremont, where he still resides, and is practicing his profession. Sept. 29, I870, Dr. Breckon was married in Burlington, Halton Co., Ont., to Martha, daughter of Edward and Mary Calvert, natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Breckon have had one child, Bertha L., born Nov. 26, 187I, and died June 31, I878. They v are members of the Methodist Church. The doctor is a member of the Masonic Order, and also President 1'.~ 161 t 0-r~ I a ~ I *t,..r ft -" m or,-. - -- ^ 7._X____,: --- 40'- i/ 0 407 4 NE WA YGO CO UIT Y. of the Oxford Liberal Association of Canada, and one of the leading practitioners of medicine in Newaygo County. H il% arker Simpson, farmer, resident on section 24, Ensley Township, was born Nov. 28, I8 S 15, in England. His parents, George and. Ann (Woodliff) Simpson, were natives of the 'J same country and there lived and died. Mr. Simpson came to the New World when he was 35 years of age and first located in Du Page Co., 11. He remained there four years and worked as a farm laborer. In the fall of 1855 he came to Kent Co., Mich., and in February, I856, came to Newaygo County. He bought i6o acres of Government land in its condition of original nature. He has cleared and improved 60 acres. His first pioneer home, built of logs, was destroyed by fire, and he replaced it with a good frame residence. The other farm buildings are creditable to his energies and judgment. In political connection he is a Democrat. Mr. Simpson was married in his native country, in November, I844, to Ann Robinson, also a native of England. The names of the eight surviving children are: Mary A., Elizabeth, Eliza, Charles R., William W., James, Frederick and Alfred W. Robert died when one year old. Harriet died at the age of 12 years. ',l^ amnuel E. Brooks, farmer, residing on secn3' tion Io, Ensley Township, was born Dec. ^f3- i5, 1839, in the State of Ohio. Elisha and Maria (Cook) Brooks, his parents, became residents of Kent Co., Mich., in the period of its early history. The father was born in Vermont. After his marriage he concluded that the opening West held a promise for him and removed to Ohio. Later he came to Michigan, where he and his wife passed their remaining years. Mr. Brooks was under the paternal guidance until he was 6 years of age, when he entered upon his contest with the wide world. From I855 he was variously occupied until i865. In the fall of that year he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of wild land, situated on sections io and 15 of Ensley Township. He has cleared and improved 40 acres, where he commenced his career as an assistant in the world's work by doing pioneer duty. He is an adherent of the Republican element in politics. He was married Oct. 21, 1874, in Kent County, to Elizabeth A. Tower. She was born Sept. 15, 1846, in the same county, and is the daughter of Joseph and Philura Tower. Ralph R. and Ivah Maude are the names of the two children born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brooks. ^ --- —^mffi^ --- —— ^ rancis M. Pike, Supervisor of Garfield M- Township, residing on section 15, was born 5 in Allegany Co., N. Y., Aug. i, 1846, and is a son of James G. and Matilda A. (Simons) > Pike. The former was born July i8, 1821, the latter in November, 1824. Mr. Pike's paternal grandfather was a native of Vermont, born Sept. 9, 1799, and died April I2, 1869; the grandmother was born Nov. 20, 1797, and died April Io, 1864. The parents moved to Clinton Co., Mich., in I851, where they purchased a farm of 80 acres. The mother died Jan. 2, 1862, aged 37, and the father April 6, 1864, leaving seven orphaned children, who were placed in charge of various persons and the family entirely sundered. Mr. Pike returned to his native county and attended school one year. After a short visit to Clinton County, in I865 he came to Newaygo and entered the employment of the Newaygo Company, working in a saw-mill three years. He spent a year at the Commercial College of H. P. Bartlett at Lansing, Mich., and traveled in the West during the next three years. In I870, he was in the employment of the United States Government, in connection with a surveying expedition through Nebraska, and on the termination of his engagement returned to Newaygo, where, in company with David Miller, he established a store for the sale of groceries and provisions, which business continued until the fall of i880, when he engaged in the purchase of pine lands and timber in Brooks Township, and has passed the success-., H ah '..aP tci:n a iP -~1 r!,~t C: -~arrau~ j ~I, ~B i -'t;f *- 5il;-CI 408 N-E W YGO CO UNT -Y. Be 408 NEWAYG0 COUNTY. *;~-a-wa -:-, " 9kII %::i jPik`" Ja f r t -,Ii cii In I *) i...I 4.N >..; OFt ##'le. ive winters in lumbering operations, employing a number of men as a working force. In April, i88i, x he bought the farm in Garfield Township on which? he has since resided, containing 80 acres. At the t time of purchase six acres were under improvement. Mr. Pike has cleared 30 acres, built a substantial residence and otherwise improved the place; also owns a home and lot in Newaygo village, and 240 acres of timber land in Garfield Township, in company with his brother, William J. Pike. Mr. Pike was married in Newaygo, Dec. 8, 1876, to Louisa H., daughter of Peter and Mary A. Purcell, born Nov. 14, 1856, in Canada. Two children have been born of this marriage, Nora B., Jan. 8, 1878, and Vernie A., Sept. 6, i882. Mr. Pike was Treasurer of Brooks Township in 1877-8, before the organization of Garfield Township. He served as Village Marshal of Newaygo two years, and in i88i was President of the village; also officiated as Treasurer of Newaygo several? years. In the spring of 1882 he was elected Supervisor of Garfield Township, and re-elected in the spring of 1883. He belongs to the Masonic frater-: nity, being a member of the Royal Arch Chapter. him in a creditable condition for agriculture. He belongs to theNational Greenback party in politics, and has held the post of Treasurer of his township eleven years; has acted in other official capacities in school matters. Mr. Osburn was first married in Branch Co., Mich., to Mary Bunker. She was born Aug. 26, I830, in Ohio, and died Feb. 26, 1875, leaving six children. She was the mother of seven sons and daughters, one of whom preceded her in death, while in infancy. Eli W., eldest son, died May 23, 1881, aged 32 years. Her surviving children are, Albert A., Caroline L., Mary M., John L. and Evaline L. Mr. Osburn contracted marriage a second time June 8, 1877, with Mrs. Martha (Simmons) Blake, widow of Joseph Blake, who died in June, 1875. She was born June i, 1833, in Ontario Co., N. Y., and is a member of the M. E. Church. ames H. Haskins, farmer, section I, Ensley Township, was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 26, I843. He is a son of James B. and Jemima (Daniels) Haskins. His father was born March 25, 1815, in New York, and his mother, May 3, 1817, in Pennsylvania. After their marriage they located in the latter State, and later in life went to Illinois, where the father died, Oct. 8, I846, six months after locating in the Sucker State. The mother resides in Pennsylvania, whither she returned after the death of her husband. Mr. Haskins was less than four years old when his father died. He remained under the control of his mother until the age of i8 years, when he enlisted in the 15oth Reg. Penn. Vol. Inf. The date of his enrollment was Aug. 15, 1862, and his discharge papers were conferred June I5, I865. The company of which he was a member was chiefly on detached duty and detailed to guard the White House at Washington, in which special service it was engaged when President Lincoln was assassinated. After the close of the war he returned to the Key-stone State, and was variously engaged until the spring of the following year. In March, I866, he came to Michigan and for a few months was engaged in prospecting to some extent. He came to Newaygo County, and in Febru F A I ii J ohn Osburn, farmer, section 31, Ensley i Township, was born Feb.'28, 1822, in Ohio. His parents, Joseph and Mary (Gildersleeve) Osburn, were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Osburn made his "freedom" trip to Michigan when he was 21 years of age, and after a short stay proceeded to Illinois. He made no permanent location there, but soon resolved to test the alluring promises of the Golden State on the Pacific slope, and made his way to California in I85o. He remained four years and returned East, locating for a time in Indiana. Shortly afterward he removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and in the fall of 85 6 came to Newaygo County. He bought 44 acres of land according to the provisions of the Gradation Act, which regulated the prices of Government land according to its having been a greater or less length of time in the market, the scale of valuation being graded from 25 cents to $I.25 per acre. The entire tract purchased by Mr. Osburn has been placed by t1 "io f4A. -a.-1 N'' D... Be. *1s ju. ^ -: — ni~A - -- -X'i& KS^.al l::^;^',;^" 0 i4i-l'Al.~ 1 *~ I 7, p ~I f ~ 4II II 4 I NE WA YGO CO UVTY. I 0, I l ary, I867, bought the farm on which he has since resided, containing I6o acres of land in its primeval timbered condition. The quality of his efforts to render his property available and remunerative is ' manifest in the fact of his having, within i6 years, placed IIo acres under valuable improvements. Mr. Haskins was married April 7, I869, to Adella, daughter of Jacob and Hepsabeth (Gillett) Moore. She was born in Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 16, 1842. Her father was born May i6, 1815, in New Jersey, and her mother was born Aug. 9, 1821, in New York. Of this marriage three children have been born: Charles T., Alta M. and James B. Alta M. | died when four years old. Mr. Haskins is a Republican in political sentiment and has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. enterprise of the man. He is a man of great energy and perseverance, and it is certainly not saying too much of him to say that he is classed among the most prominent citizens of the county. He is always ready and willing to favor every laudable enterprise inaugurated in his county or among his people. It is by the aid of such useful citizens that the great inventions and enterprises of this age have been made successful. As one of the truly prominent and representative men of the county we take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Utley in connection with this sketch. -^QZQ1S-n2 QEH ^^^^^ -- | enj amin Gander, farmer, section I7, Beaver j _.!i..L-~- ~ | l Township, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1847, and is a son of Gideon and /v i d Harriet Ann (Peck) Cander. His father was a ^ phraim Utley, farmer, section 8, Dayton natix e of Scotland, born in February, I82, and )'\ Township, is a son of Ephraim H. and located, in the fall of 1853, in Hillsdale Co., Sarah (Yerkes) Utley, natives of New Mich., where he died Jan. I5, 1854. The mother b:, York, who married and settled in Wayne Co., was born Jan. I6, I814, in Oswego County, and died VL ji Mich., and afterward removed to Clinton Co., March 21, 1872. Mich., where they lived several years, then Mr. Cander went to Fort Wayne, Ind., when he came to Newaygo County, where they made their was 14 years of age, and was tlere occupied one Ihome until death. Mr. Utley, the subject of this year on a railroad. He went a year later to Branch notice, was born in Clinton Co., Mich., March i8, 1844; Co., Mich., where he operated as a farm laborer for he lived at home until i6 years of age, when his some time. In February, I865, he enlisted in the father died, leaving him i60 acres of land and the Itth Mich. Vol. Inf., Co. I, and was discharged in care of his mother. He carried on this farm for ten September, I865, at Jackson, Mich. He returned to years, when he moved to Newaygo and lived two Branch County and was married Dec. 25, i865, to years; then moved upon his farm of i6o acres, Augusta, daughter of Zimri and Cynthia (Baker) Ful- yi which he had previously purchased in Dayton ler. She was born Feb. 19, 1848, in Monroe Co., Township, where he now resides; 120 acres are well Mich.. Her parents were natives of the State of cultivated. He was married in Newaygo County, New York; her father died Sept. io, i860, her ug. 26, i866, to Lucy, daughter of Stephen Gooch. mother, Nov. 14, 1872. He pursued farming in Branch She was born in West Virginia May 8, 1848. Their County until Oct. 15, I868, when he came to Ne-.\ two children are Ralph, born Aug. 30, i868; and waygo County and purchased 40 acres of land in Clarence, born Dec. 6, 1874. Mr. Utley has held Beaver Township. On this he has labored as a the office of Commissioner of Highways five years, farmer, clearing and improving it, and has also operTownship Clerk six years, Treasurer one year. He ated extensively in lumbering. He has been chiefly / is a Freemason and a Republican. occupied in the interests of E. L. Gray, for whom he 2 Mr. Utley has one of the best farms in Newaygo has " put in " thousands of logs within the past ten t County. It is under good cultivation and has upon years. it most excellent buildings, which are an index to the Mr. Cander adheres to the tenets and principles of X'.-.....:2.. ' sX -EWAYGO COUNT ---Y. N~E WAYGO CO UVT Y. 4I2 4 NE W_ the Democratic party, and has held the position of Supervisor of Beaver Township seven successive years; has also officiated as Justice of the Peace six years, and two years as Clerk of the township. _ )= c,,, s uncan Beaton, farmer and lumberman, section 36, Monroe Township, was born in Scotland in I833. His parents, Kenneth j:( i and Betsey (Read) Beaton, were born in Scotland, where they both died. Mr. Beaton acquired the details of the boot and shoe business of his father and worked in his shop until he was 14 years old, when he emigrated to the United States. He worked for a time at his trade, and engaged as a miner two years, when he i resumed his former occupation. A short time afteri ward he worked one summer in a blast furnace, and -" went to Canada, where he again found employment.at his trade. He followed that vocation at various places until I870, when he came to Newago County and entered a homstead claim of 80 acres of land, in f, Monroe Township. He is a Republican in politics, 1: and has officiated as Justice of the Peace. He was married in I876 to Mary Eggleston, a lady of Canadian birth. g^~A --- —--— E ---41"> --- —-— $" i 'C'alvin M. Barnes, merchant in Hesperia, J e Denver Township, was born in Trumbull; t Co., Ohio, Oct. 24, I854. His parents, Elijah and Diantha (Drake) Barnes, were natives of Vermont. When he was ten years old he was brought by his parents to this State and settled in Denver Township, where he received his education in the common schools and worked on his father's farm until the death of the latter, which occurred in the fall of I874. He then took a tour of the Western States, returning in November, 1875, to: his home, where he worked on his father's farm several months. Sept. 25, 876, he was married to Miss Araminta A., daughter of Ansel F. and Clara A. i (Braton) Perkins, who were natives of New York and z of English-German ancestry. She was born in Trum bull Co., Ohio, Jan. 7, i860, and in i868 came with her parents to this county, where she was educated. After his marriage Mr. Barnes was engaged one year in lumbering in the pines of White River. In 1877 he purchased the stock of goods belonging to Mr. Stone, and established a store of general merchandise on a comparatively small scale; but his trade has gradually increased until he does an annual business of $5,00o. He has the largest store in the village, and has purchased io acres in town lots. He has been Postmaster seven years, and in politics is a - Republican..ti aniel Weaver, merchant and miller, Hesperia, was born in Berlin, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., April 28, i8i]. His parents, Stuttley and Rachel Weaver, were of English descent, and natives of Rhode Island. They both died in Michigan, at an advanced age. When; but an infant he was taken by his parents to Berkshire Co, Mass., where he received a district-school education and worked on a farm until he was i8 years old. At that time he went to Wyoming Co., N. Y., where he was apprenticed to a carpenter and joiner. After completing his trade he went tQ work for the man to whom he had been apprenticed, and remained until he was 21 years old. In the summer of 1832 he came to Adrian, Mich., where he lived until the spring of I838, working at his trade. March 14, 1833, he was married, in Genesee Co., N. Y., to Miss Emily A. Salisbury, daughter of Philip and Clarissa (Curtis) Salisbury, who was born in New York, Sept. i, I8Ii. She was well educated and taught school several years previous to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver returned to Lenawee County, thence to Hillsdale County, where he worked on a farm, and was also employed by the county to superintend the building of the court-house. He remained here until i856, when he moved to this, Newaygo County, and settled on what is now Fremont Center. It was then an unbroken wilderness, and not two. permanent settlers within many miles. When the town first started it was named Weaverville, but has! since been changed to Fremont. He first built a saw-mill, then two stores and a grist-mill, and other sir I I,1 *-a KA:5 "~ -^ * r, i *:. 00i" '8J ~ ~ t__ _>i(0uy S U;),'' A d d.,,r,>^S-; m A> NE WA YGO COUNTY. 413: stores soon followed. He then erected a Masonic hall. It is by his earnest efforts that a wild forest has been converted into a beautiful town of T,000 inhabitants. In i866 he moved into Denver Township and located on section 30, where he has spent an active and useful life. The first year he built a saw-mill, and in the second year laid out the town of Hesperia, which has grown to a village of 500 inhabitants. He does an annual business of $12,0o0. Dec. 25, 1874, Mrs. Weaver died, leaving four children: Philip, born Feb. 22, 1834; Laura J., Jan. 20, I839; Leland S., Dec. 12, I843; Daniel L., Feb. 21, 1849; Clarissa, born Feb. 20, 1837, died in i838; John B., born Feb. 12, 1852, died in I853. April 27, 1879, Mr. Weaver married, in Ingham County, Mrs. Savilla (Campbell) Walling, daughter of Daniel and Mary A. (Ames) Walling, natives of New York, and she was born in Cayuga County, that State, Sept. 5, 1838. They are members of the Advent Church. Mr. W. is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Fremont, and was honored with the office of Master. He was Justice of the Peace 14 years, and Supervisor several terms. In politics he sympathizes with the Democratic party. J rank Zolber, farmer, section 20, Garfield I Township, was born in Cusee, on the ' river Rhine, in Prussia, Jan. 2, I827. He is son of Peter and Sophia Zolber, and in 1846 he accompanied his parents to the United States. His father bought 80 acres of land in Green Bay, Wis., where they were both occupied some years putting the place into habitable condition. In 1857 Mr. Zolber came to Newaygo. On arrival he was wholly without funds, had not a dollar. He went to work for John A. Brooks, saved his earnings and bought the home where he now lives. He was busy with lumbering until i874, in which year he became proprietor of his landed estate, comprising: I60 acres of land in an entirely unimproved condition. He has cleared 80 acres, erected suitable buildings, set out orchards and otherwise improved the place until he has earned the right to take a just * A^C pride in what he has accomplished. He belongs to the National Greenback party. He was married May io, 1857, in Wisconsin, to Annette Fisholt, a native of Holland. Of this marriage four children were born: Mary, Peter, Frank and Anna. The mother died in December, I862, and Mr. Zolber was a second time married in July, 1869, to Joanna Hanson. Of this marriage one child, Freddie, has been born. The family are Second Adventists in religious faith. Mrs. Zolber by a former marriage had one son, Charles Hanson, who is now 17 years of age. t'~ gugene B. Slocum, merchant, Hesperia, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Jan. 29,?; I1855. He is a son of Richard C. and o~. Malana (Barnhart) Slocum, natives of New ' York and Pennsylvania respectively. His pa3 rents moved to White Co., Ind., when Eugene was seven years old, and after remaining there two years came to Dorr Township, Kent County, this State. Shortly afterward they moved on a farm of 6o acres in Denver Township, this county. Mr. Slocum remained on the farm assisting his father and attending the common schools until he was 18 years of age, when he embarked in the lumber business on the Muskingum and White Rivers, which he continued until i879. He then came to Hesperia, this county, and opened a meat-market, which he successfully ran for a year, and then sold and engaged in the grocery and dry-goods business, which he still continues. His stock is estimated at $8,000, and his annual trade amounts to $30,000. He is yet young in the business, but the manner in which he has conducted it is indicative of the indomitable energy he possesses and calculated to place him foremost among the leading merchants of the town. Mr. Slocum was married March 14, I88o, to Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of James and Margaret (Robertson) Ferguson, natives of Ireland. She was born near Springfield, Ill., Oct. I6, 1859, and came to this county with her parents when she was quite young; and, having acquired a good education, she was for eight years engaged in teaching, until her marriage. f i4 I I I I. - ta~ I wl i... p ii 89 p,, ~ I! *I+ C,mi r5i,IP '~ fi tlIRP %':* ii- i $i C,:I~~ ~ ~:.:-:~ijc u;iiii 8- ~*hff i L~Ba" i f"ti i: *la, ";t" ~;i. ~~ ~ ~r;s WI Y: ) I ~~:. Il.X~~- 414:! They have one child, Nelli / Mr. Slocum is a member. of the I. 0.. F. In poli t and in religion a member o...- ^ NE WA YGO COUANTY.......... sity, ie, born Feb. 11, 1882. of the Masonic Order and itics he is a Republican, f the M. E. Church. - - j s i arnet Dingman, farmer, section 21, Monroe Township, was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, April I, 1826. He is a son of James and X l Frances (Weeks) Dingman, natives of Virginia. The father was a farmer, who reared his son to the same calling. The latter received his education in the common schools and in I849 was married to Mary Sperbeck. Soon after marriage they removed to Noble Co., Ind., where they resided until I867. In that year they located in Kent Co., Mich., and two years later, in 1870, came to Newaygo County, where they settled, in Monroe Township. Mr. Dingman is the owner of 320 acres of land. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dingman, seven of whom are living. They are named James, Delia A., Thomas J., Francis, Barbara, Asa and Adaline G. Those deceased were John M., Jarnet and Ida M. N jC. 3:1~ going thence to Kinderhook, Branch Co., Mich., ~' where he owned a saw-mill in company with William i R. Taylor. He sold out a year later and went to: Calhoun County, remaining there a short time, when he went to Steuben Co., Ind., once more. In April, 1873, he came to Casnovia, Muskegon Co., Mich., ' bought a lot, built a residence and remained there two years. In March, 1877, he bought 56 acres of wild land, on which he has since resided. He has cleared 30 acres, built a good barn and made a number of other improvements. He belongs to Post b1 No. 13i, G. A. R., located at Newaygo. Mr. Mundy was married in Indiana, March 15, 1866, to Mary French, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Arnold, born in New York, Feb. 7, 1842. The family circle includes three children, born as follows: Eugene L., Dec. 8, I866; Eva L.. March 2, i868; Mary E., Feb. 2, I87I. i eorge Utley, lumberman, Newaygo, was r: born in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 15, I830, and is a son of Ephraim H. and At Sarah (Yerkes) Utley. He was reared after the method common to the education and training of farmers of that period, and in I849 accompanied his parents to Newaygo County, where they located, in the township of Big Prairie. Ephriam H. Utley removed from Wayne County to Dewitt Township, Clinton Co., Mich., in 1835, a coming thence to Newaygo County as stated. He transferred all his effects preparatory to a permanent settlement. Six loaded wagons were necessary to transport the household goods, provisions, grain, etc., and the procession was substantially enlarged by a herd of 33 cattle. Several families accompanied the head of the expedition, the senior Utley. One incident of the route was the camping over night 12 miles south of Croton, where a couch of bedding was made on which more than thirty persons slept. Mr. Utley was the first permanent settler in the township. Aaron Swain was the second to locate!/ with his family within its limits. Alexander Dalziel Ai and family came in the spring of I850; also B. F.!t, Olney and family, and within the same year Walter e J asper Mundy, farmer, section 26, Garfield Township, was born in Reed, Seneca Co., Ohio, Dec. 7, 1840. His father, Louis Mundy, was born July 29, 1815, in New Jersey, and is now living in Steuben Co., Ind. His X mother, Mary (Stevenson) Mundy, was born in New York, near Lake Champlain, in i818, and died in Seneca County, Sept. 29, I849. Mr. Mundy was nine years of age when his father removed to Indiana, and he remained under his jurisdiction until the alarm of disunion summoned the sons of the Nation to the defense of her flag. He enlisted Aug. 25, 186i, at Angola, Steuben Co., Ind., in Co. A, 44th Ohio Vol. Inf., Capt. B. J. Crosthwait. His discharge is dated Sept. 15, I865. He was in active service at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, A Chickamauga and at the siege of Corinth, besides numberless skirmishes. He returned to Steuben ' County, where he engaged in farming about two years, ( " " ~~~ "f;i~i, ~~- P,I 6( h, j tlu I Inl iX -: ----rr-rri -Q ): " u as i~ Igi- ii f d k i~,aS! t g r h;; c U K~ l.4i *c..~ AE WA YGO COUNTY. 44X ",i~~ " a ~ -~~~ ---~t. 4? j;~~- ~ 417~~ o and Emerson Bonney, father and son. with their? families. Theodore Taylor, a single man, also located that year. Egbertson Goodrich, unmarried, came in with Mr. Utley. They organized the first school in the township in the summer of i850. It was located in the center of section i8, and Mr. Utley of this sketch was a pupil there three winters. His father bought 640 acres of land, and he remained at home with him, conducting their business jointly, until the father's death, which occurred June 7, i86o. That of the mother took place at Casnovia, Kent Co., Dec. I2, I878. The business of the Utleys included all the branches incident to lumbering and traffic in pine lands. To facilitate their operations they built a steam saw-mill in 1857, which they sold six years later. The products of their mill were in demand in all directions. One bill of lumber was sent to Big Rapids to be used in the construction of a house built there by Zerah French-the first frame-building on the site of the now beautiful city. When the Utley family settled in Big Prarie, John A. Brooks (deceased) was the only fixed resident at Newaygo, where he was vigorously prosecuting his lumber operations. George Utley was a citizen of Big Prairie 23 years, i and during his residence there was actively interested in all its public affairs, promoting the welfare and progress of the township so far as he was able, giving his time and attention to all issues that seemed likely to produce permanent results. He served in the important township offices, was Township Clerk I six years, and in the fall of 1870 was elected Sheriff of Newaygo County. He removed to Newaygo in November, 1871, and was the incumbent of the position four years. On the expiration of his term of service he opened a meat market, which he managed three years. Through all his other business connections he has continued to conduct his lumber operations, and is still heavily interested in transactions in lands, putting in logs, etc. He owns 320 acres of farming and pine lands in Everett Township, and an aggregate of 880 acres in Newaygo County; also 80 acres of pine land in Osceola County. Mr. Utley was married in the old "Lansing House" at Lansing, Mich., June 7, I858, to Lucy H., daughter of Stephen and Olive Hill, of Watertown, Clinton Co., Mich. The birth-place of Mrs. Utley. was Plymouth, about two and one-half miles from that of Mr. Utley. She was born Feb. 2, 1836. / Cora, only child, was born in Big Prairie, Oct. i5, I860, and is now pursuing a literary course of study?:: at the Normal School at Ypsilanti. Mr. and Mrs. Utley belong to the Order of Royal Temnplars. loseph Gerber, one of the proprietors of the S tannery at Fremont, and one of the active, ~ ~. ' enterprising and foremost business men of i that village, as well as a representative man c: of the county, was born in Haldimand Co., Ontario, Jan. I2, I845.' When only nine years of age he moved with his parents, Daniel and Mary Gerber, to Valparaiso, Ind. He remained at home until he was 2I years of age. During the meantime, besides working in his father's tannery, he attended college at different periods. At the age of i6 years he began to learn the tanner's trade under the instruction of his father, and when he arrived at man's / estate he was appointed superintendent of his father's tanning business, at Douglas, Allegan Co., V; Mich. Two years subsequent to assuming this posi- - tion he entered into partnership with his father, and, ',; since that period, has had exclusive control of the i tanning business, ever proving himself a most careful, shrewd and worthy manager and business man. Mr. Gerber came to Fremont in September, I874, and opened a tannery which had previously been built, and of which he has the sole management. He carries on a large and successful business and is accounted one of the safest men in the community. He has held various local official positions, and always to the perfect satisfaction of his constituents. He has held the office of Village Trustee since its organization, with the exception of one year, and was a member of the School Board for iix years, and Chief of the Fire Department for three years. He is an active and faithful member of the leading benevolent societies, and was the first presiding officer in the Fremont Lodge. No. 741, K. of H., and also the first presiding officer in Olive Branch Lodge, No. 14, } of Mich., Order of Chosen Friends. He was Worship- if ful Master of Pilgrim Lodge, F. & A. M., in I881-2. " In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Gerber was married in Canada, March 6, 1870, ' to Agnes, daughter of John and Mary (Hunsberger): '1% 2i- _CS:i; a z -x~~-~ --- I ~/I,~t+tlatara ~9;,. i ;d ias,:-:-:.-,.;,,- _!:,I..... ~~. 4 r 7*'.,, - i'q-_ WAV. ~ -l o 7 "A raA*o -Kt 1:41W) NVE [WA YGO CO UNTPY. I I Moyer, who was born in Canada, Sept. 29, I852. They have had four children: Frank, born July 12, 1873; Hary, Dec. o1, I877; Theron D., born Feb. 12, 187, died Sept. 19, I880; May is deceased. As a representative and prominent citizen of Newaygo County, we take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Gerber in this Album. g 1 lden H. Angevine, farmer, section 36, Everett Township, was born March i6, 1818, -l| in Rutland, Vt. His parents, Stephen and;Jij Sophia (Turner) Angevine, were also natives j of that State. Mr. Angevine became a citizen of Michigan in I85r, when he settled in Newaygo County and bought i60 acres of land in Everett Township. To this he has added, by subsequent purchase, 80 acres more, making his homestead aggregate 240 acres in extent. Of this, 145 acres have been placed under such improvements and culture as might be expected under the industry and thrift of a man of New England origin, and especially a son of the Green Mountain State. He is a Republican, and has been Treasurer of his township eight years, Justice of the Peace four years and held the various school offices. Mr. Angevine was married in the State of New York to Emmeline Wright. She died in February, i877, leaving three children-Eugene T., John and Morris. acob Carlisle, retired farmer, Hesperia, is a son of Ebenezer and Catharine (Forbes) Carlisle, natives of New England, and was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., April 27, 80o6. He was educated in the common schools, and remained at home until he was I9 years old, when he went to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, where he remained two years, then began to work for himself. March 20, 1828, in the town of Bristol, he married lTiss Hannah Simmons, daughter of Gamaliel and Abigail (Stillwell) Simmons, who were natives of New England, and came to Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., where their daughter was born, Dec. io, 80o8. Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle removed to Oneida Co., N. Y., remaining there till Sept. 22, 1829, when they emigrated to Oakland Co., Mich., and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Novi Township. Here Mr. Carlisle labored hard for four years, then purchased another farm of timbered land, which he immediately commenced to improve. In the spring of I846 he moved to Clinton County, where he lived six years, thence to Ottawa County, where he tilled a large farm. While living here he received injuries by being struck with a stick with which he was working, that almost caused him to lose his eyes. In the autumn of I873, Mr. Carlisle moved to this county and settled in the village of Hesperia, and has since lived in retirement. He has one of the finest residences in Denver Township. He is a member of the Masonic Order, in politics a Jacksonian Democrat, and himself and wife belong to the Old-School Baptist Church. 'N '-, `,# fX a.i I 'in,," eorge H. Peters, farmer, section 36, Everett Township, was born in Livonia, Wayne Co., Mich., March 14, 1841, and is a son of George and Mary Ann (Stevens) Peters. His father was born Jan. 14, I798, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and died Aug. 22, I875. His mother had descended from the genuine Yankee stock of Massachusetts. She was born in I8I9 in the "Old Bay State," and is still living, in Eaton County. In paternal descent, Mr. Peters comes of the sturdy, honest race known as Scotch-Irish. When he was a year old his parents came to Eaton County, where he was reared to manhood. He was married when 21 years of age and resided at home with his parents four years after that event. On leaving the paternal roof he came to Newaygo County and identified himself with the agricultural element of the township of Everett, by the purchase of 40 acres of land. He has labored upon this until he has cleared 30 acres. A subsequent purchase has put him in possession of 40 additional acres, of which he has cleared seven acres. Mr. Peters enlisted, in I864, in the service of the United States, and aided in consummating the final extinction of armed rebellion and enforcing the authority of the general Government. He enrolled I! 4; j~-.* isi - ---- *h~.4iY ara rerrr ".T F "J-;ri ~r. ~ iiE O ()" -';~~"P 'i_,p. i Si *' *~a~; ~~~ hi -^ ^fe I 41A'% NE WA YGO CO UNTY. 419 K — 4I9 f^ I in Co. G, Tenth Mich. Cav., and was mustered out in I865, at Jackson, Mich. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Peters was married Aug. o1, 1863, at Kalamo, Eaton County, to Caroline B., daughter of Richard and Charlotte (Dodge) Wilber. She was born Feb. 22, I843, in Barry County. Her father, who was born in the State of New York, died before her birth; her mother was born in the Empire State in 1817, and was of Holland Dutch descent. She came to Michigan in 1840 and died Sept. 5, 1876. Rinaldo Burdett was born Aug. I3, i864; Albert Dexter was born Aug. 2I, I874. These are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Peters. The family attend the Church of the United Brethren. i 7 illiam F. Carpenter, one of the most promlJ inent agriculturists of Newaygo County, resident on section 25, Ensley Township, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., March 14, 1830. His parents, Timothy and Melinda (Miller) Carpenter, were natives of Orange Co., N. Y. They were married and resided in the Empire State until July, 1843, when they came to Michigan and located in Plainfield, Kent County. The father died there Feb. I7, 1870. The mother is living and is a resident on the homestead. Mr. Carpenter was I3 years old when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and three years later he went to Chicago, where he passed six months as an assistant in a lumber yard. At the end of that time he fell ill, and on recovery became a clerk in the wholesale and retail grocery house of his cousin, Caleb Carpenter. He served in that position about one and a half years, when he returned to Kent County and attended school one winter. The following spring he went to Ottawa County and established lumber interests, where he operated ten years and also pursued farming to a considerable extent. In addition he constructed scows, and during three summer seasons boated on the Grand River. He then went to Lyons, Ionia County, and bought the American Hotel, which he conducted in behalf of the traveling public about a year, when it burned, occasioning a loss of $8,000 to the proprietor. It was covered by insurance, but owing to a defect in the policy only a small portion of the amount was recoverable. The next business venture of Mr. Carpenter was the purchase of a half interest in a drug store at Muskegon. The remaining moiety was owned by Levi Shockelton, the firm style being Carpenter & Shockelton. This relation continued a year; then he sold to his partner and bought a stock of groceries and conducted traffic in that line of trade about a twelve-month, when he determined to investigate the probabilities and possibilities of the lumber trade in Wisconsin, and he proceeded thither to look up pine lands; but, finding a feasible opening for trade, he opened a store in Trempeleau Valley, Jackson County. He continued his operations there two years, sold out and came to Cedar Springs, Kent County, where he opened a general supply store and there transacted business about a year. Meanwhile he bought an undivided half of 440 acres of land on section 25, Ensley Township, on which a steam saw-mill had been located. He made this purchase in the summer of i868. In the fall of I869 he disposed of his business at Cedar Springs and went to Charlotte, Eaton County, where he established and managed a lumber yard in connection with the sawmill in Ensley Township. He again sold out his business in 1871, and after a stay of six months at Pierson, Montcalm County, he settled where he how resides. He added by purchase 40 acres to his farm, which already contained 440 acres, and of this he has 200 acres in cultivation, with a standard of improvements which places it in the front rank of farms in Michigan. In 1879 he erected a fine residence, second to none in Newaygo County, and the place is supplied with other farm buildings of proportionate character, among them two fine barns. One of these is o00 feet long by 56 feet wide and has a cupola more than 19 feet in height. He contemplates the erection of two large granaries as lateral accessories to the building, which Gov. Jerome characterizes as the finest structure of its kind in the State. The farm is stocked with 200 sheep, 15 head of cattle, and eight horses. About I5 hogs are fattened yearly on the premises. Mr. Carpenter was married Jan. 27, i866, at Augusta, Eau Claire Co., Wis., to C. Antoinette, third daughter of Erasmus D. and Hannah (Crouch) Maxon. The parentsof Mrs. Carpenter were natives I *! ' 'O.. 4 I. i I i $` RV, ir r% AVN' J i '*;' 4 a \ I-;x Jr0 IS~;b *, %iY I, ~;~I LI. hi~.I.~ -~ b '. k~"i:.;1 t'~;1 iPE B 8~ lb,i~ i.;d LLI d\ L e~T~ F~;'I~P AVA ~;~~B.i s ~n 420 _NrE WA YG4 t of the State of New York and settled in Walworth f Co., Wis., when their daughter was five years old.:; Seven years later they located in the northern part of f the Badger State and in the fall of 1872 removed to, California, where Mrs. Maxon died, July 4, I874. Mr. Maxon is still a resident of California. Mrs. Carpenter was born March 7, I844, in Jefferson Co., N. Y. Two children have been born of her marriage with Mr. Carpenter: Sidney M., June 26, 1870, and Mary, Dec. 28, 1874. Mr. Carpenter is a radical Republican in politics.:i While a resident of Ottawa County he was Clerk of?; Crockery Township two years, and served four years as Justice of the Peace; held also several minor official positions. He is connected with the Order of Masonry, and belongs to Cedar Springs Lodge. The operations in real estate with which Mr. Carpenter has been connected are varied and extensive. He has trafficked in large tracts in different 0 COUNTY. in Hesperia, and engaged in the lumber business, and was also extensively engaged in the real-estate business and in land speculation. In I876, he engaged in the mercantile and milling business. In the former he carries a stock estimated at $3,000, and also has a saw, planing and flour mill, doing an extensive business in each. Mr. Webster is one of those active, shrewd business men who, while they are always benefiting themselves, are at the same time necessary to the prosperity of the town in which they live. He is yet in the prime of life, and possesses an amount of energy and business tact which is certain to place him foremost among the business men of the county. He as held the office of Township Treasurer; in politics he is an active Republican. He is yet unmarried. counties and is the owner of 181 acres in Montcalm. ___, County, with 35;acres cleared and cultivated. He h il M. Roedel, merchant at White Cloud, also owns a half interest in I,ooo acres of pine and was born in Chicago, IIl., Sept. 26, I857,: hardwood land in Wexford County, and holds a large He is a son of Chris. F. and Jane M. (Morclaim in from one to two thousand acres, in the coun- e e h fahr as a e o === ojf gan) Roedel. The father was a native of ties of Wexford and Manistee. L ties o a Germany, and his wife was born in the State of 1 New York. They moved to Chicago and later to -- - - Genesee Co., N. Y. In 1869 he was appointed In> dian Agent by President Grant and stationed at D. Webster, merchant, Hesperia, was Cimarron, New Mexico, at which post he remained born in Monroe, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, Oct. two years. He then went to Kansas, where he con7, i838. He is a son of Nathaniel and ducted a trade in general merchandise four years. Betsie (Abbott) Webster, natives of New He sold his interests and in October, 1875, came Hampshire and Ontario, respectively. They with his family to Newaygo County, and, after fairly Ei moved to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, soon after their establishing his business in the same avenue at ^ marriage, and after remaining there for a number of White Cloud, his health failed with great rapidity and years went to Medina County, same State, where Mr. he died De.c. 5, I875. The mother is still resident Webster assisted his father on the farm and attended at White Cloud. the common schools of the county until he was i8 Mr. Roedel of this sketch was 12 years old when years of age, at which time his father died and left his parents came West. His primary education w as him the care of his aged mother. He occupied his obtained in one of the departments of an academy, time farming in summers and teaching winters until after which he was sent for some time to the com1i I858, when he came to Allegan County, this State, mon schools, they being the only available educa1 and purchased a farm of 80 acres, to which he after- tional institutions where his father was engaged in: ward added 400 acres of woodland and engaged with business. He accompanied his parents to White a Chicago firm in the wood business, the annual Cloud, and on the death of his father succeeded to? trade amounting to $15,ooo. During this time he the entire business, comparatively the most exten- ^ was also extensively engaged in farming. sive of its scope in Northern Michigan. His trade In the fall of 1873, he came to this county, settled during the first year aggregated $17,000. It repre- C j! d~gj^ -:~-^;-:4@<> |si; v '? I v -~ -.1'4 a~-I- ~ 78>dhe pse% )x — — g ii tE n: *i ul 0 s a t N*,, Hi n 7` Q (, H o -- ATEWAYGO COUNTY.':5_, W:. /'" Vi A lo'423, '*a; I Of sented at the close of the year ending in October, 1883, a cash amount of $58,000. He is also a member of the firm of Teachout & Roedel, who are engaged in a prosperous enterprise. In i882 he erected. a fine brick building of more extensive proportions than his former establishment, in which the extending departments of his business are accommodated and which is considered the finest in the State. Mr. Roedel was married in White Cloud, to Minnie M., second daughter of J. M. and Fannie Gibbs, of White Cloud. Mrs. Roedel was born in Newaygo County. One child has been born of her marriage with Mr. Roedel, Charles F., July 25, i88i. lThe parents are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Roedel is Republican in political sentiment and action, and has held the position of Treasurer in what was then Everett Township, and after its division held the same position in Wilcox Township. He belongs to the Order of the Knights of Honor and is connected with Lodge No. I,997, at White Cloud., amuel Rose, the oldest living settler in j 11 Newaygo County, resident on section 22, j 1 Garfield Township, was born in Granville, Hampden Co., Mass., March i, 1817. He was reared on a farm and when about nine years of age his parents removed to Simsbury, Conn., near the city of Hartford. The next year they removed to Attica, Genesee Co., N. Y. The mother of Mr. Rose was born June 13, 1796, and is now living at Beaver Dam, Dodge Co., Wis. In I836 Mr. Rose decided to begin his career in Michigan, and joined one of his boyhood's friends, Wesley White, in Sandstone, Jackson County. They were about the same age and together came to Ionia, and made their way to Grand Rapids in a canoe on Grand River. There they met Augustus Pennoyer, a capitalist from Chicago, who was about to establish extensive lumber interests at Newaygo. They hired to him for $25 a month and board. The treaty for the cession of the lands lying north of Grand River *' to the United States by the Ottawas and Otchipwes * (Chippewas) was formally made March 28, I836. This and the approximate admission of Michigan into the Union tended to open the unsettled and comparatively unknown portions of the State to speculators and others, who had reasons of their own for seeking isolation and security, where they could pursue an equable and honest tenor of life. It is an admitted fact that Northern Michigan was closed to honest enterprise for many years by tales bordering on the horrible, concerning its swamps and marshes, which were represented as breeding an unwholesome condition equal to that delineated in the fables of the Dismal Swamp and other low lands in the tropics, when the application of a small degree of common sense would have utterly dispelled any such delusion. Again, the sensation was heightened by bugbear insinuations of armies of horse thieves and counterfeiters, who had their lairs in the marshy jungles of some of the unexplored townships. Newaygo has'still her traditionary bete noir, but no mortal can resurrect the least grain of truth in the tales, which were no doubt constructed by individuals to exclude explorers from lands, which the last half century have shown to hold resources second to no other portion of the Peninsula State. The rapid influx of population into Illinois and the demand for building material thereby created (the only human necessity the Sucker State could not supply directly or indirectly) caused the enterprise and capital cf Chicago to quicken an already awakened attention to the lumber resources of the Muskegon and its tributaries. Early in I838 a little sail vessel of ten tons burthen left Chicago for Muskegon, carrying two parties, each with a purpose. A man named Hiram Piersons was the instigator of the movements of one party, and was represented by Henry Pennoyer, who is still living, at Nunica. The object to be accomplished by the latter was to establish claims to the outlets of the streams and hold the same until the Government surveys took place and the land came into market. To effect this men were stationed at different points. Clark Knights and Augustus Pennoyer constituted a " lumber party," whose purpose was to discover probable water-power and establish active lumber operations. 4, ii i a; y.. y~, 4"* 4 -, V 4' \,'> On arrival at Muskegon the latter employed a - French trader, Michel Charleau, as pilot in the channels, the river being for miles obstructed by ' flood-wood, and in a condition that rendered intelli-? gent assistance necessary. (Mr. Charleau's daughter, - ir% my~ ---- - -<^X:;:4:::B 6_~~* - I~lti~~!: iia C, I Q* lpnn~Rt * 424 -Ar-EWAYGO COUNVTY. 42 N. WAYOCONY Mrs. James Anderson, is still living, at Newaygo.) s Augustus Pennoyer and Jack McBride, a man in his employ, came up with the lumber party and they established their claims to the mouth of Pennoyer.c/ Creek, by cutting names on the trees, and then went to the South Branch, now Little Muskegon, where a sailor cut his name on a tree and went away, but never returned. The Muskegon Lumber Company, consisting of Alex. N. Fulton, capitalist, and Augustus Pennoyer, built a mill on Pennoyer Creek, the first saw-mill; begun and completed in Newaygo County. For this i:work, supplies and carpenters were sent from Chicago in November, I836. Three of these men built a boat at Muskegon to convey men and outfits up the river. The mill was completed Sept. i, 1837, and its lumber was the first shipped from Muskegon. The lumber was floated to the mouth of the river in rafts and was shipped to Chicago on board the schooner Celeste, Capt. Doyle. In the spring of 1837, a house was built on the upper Pennoyer Creek, and timber was got out to build a mill. A family was placed in the house to hold possession. Jack McBride made a claim at the mouth of Brooks Creek in November, I836. In the spring of 1837 five families came in, the first to establish themselves in Newaygo County. They included Lewis Bone, wife and children, one of whom was a nursing babe; a man named Hodge, with wife and two children, resided on the place now occupied by James Anderson. Hodge and Bone came from Kalamazoo. Charles Hodge, born 1838, was the first white child born at Newaygo. He lived to be three years old and died at Muskegon. Calvin: Lewis and wife came from Yankee Springs, Barry County, and went back there after a stay of six months. Thomas W. Dill came from Chicago with his wife and two children, stayed a year and went to MillIron Point (so named from a quantity of mill-iron left there). A daughter was born to Dill in i839. who was the first white child born in Muskegon ^ County. She is now the wife of John Curry, lumberman at Muskegon.,*: Capt. Daniel Thurston, a retired sea captain from | Maine, accompanied by his wife and two children, Oi came in the same season to engage in lumbering, but, made only a short stay, going to Muskegon. On the same day in the spring of I837, two parties essayed to tt 2 > \<<.'+/<~,:- --.' - take possession of the mouth of the South Branch. f The first to arrive in the morning were Germans, Lewis Bone, Herman Joachim and John Shay, and they busied themselves cutting brush. A few hours later, John A. Brooks and John F. Stearns appeared, on the ground, trusting to the supremacy of Yankee wit over Teuton obtuseness for success in superseding the first comers; but the Deutschers' innate stick- t to-it-a-tive-ness stood them in good stead, and a harmonious compromise was effected. A mill was built at the mouth of South Branch Creek, which was completed in I839. Later in the same spring another party, under the guidance of a man named Williams, came from Ann Arbor and declared their purpose to build a dam, 00oo rods above that constructed by the pioneer consolidation party, built a house, got out timber for a dam which they commenced, and after much blusterado, in July of the same year, abandoned the project. The first mill on Pennoyer Creek was operated,i until I839, when it was abandoned for two years. It was located near the present site of the Furniture Factory. When Rose and White met Mr. Pennoyer in Grand Rapids he was there for the purpose of. buying a pair of working cattle, and the three walked through, striking the river about ten miles below Newaygo, as the river runs. This was in November, 1836. The stay of Mr. Rose was short and he went j to Chicago, where he spent the months of March and April, and in May, 1837, again came to Newaygo and engaged as a lumberman with Augustus Pennoyer, hiring out by the month to work in the woods. Mr. Rose worked two months and then, associated with George W. Walton, contracted to put in logs and clear land for the same firm until June, I839. In the fall of i841 Mr. Rose leased one-half the mill belonging to Augustus Pennoyer and A. N. Fulton, with Hannibal Hyde, now of Mecosta County, and continued to operate it until I843, when Mr. Rose again leased the mill for two years, with Robert W. Morris. The latter went to work and F. A. and Augustus Pennoyer and Mr. Rose went to Chicago > for supplies. The outfit was obtained, and on the i night of Oct. 22, 1841, the Post-boy sailed for Mus- ^: kegon, having on board the Pennoyers and their share!, of the supplies. An accident prevented the em-. barkation of Mr. Rose with his collection of needed j material, and a day or two later a sailing vessel ^n v — s tI i^ —,! ' ' E M-. # :*" '.. ' ~... -: '1:?,NE WA YGO COUNIVY. 425. from Grand Haven reported the Post-boy lost, with owns 220 acres of the same, which constitutes his a all the souls aboard. Mr. Rose added to his stock farm, 120 acres of which are under good improvewhat he knew would be needed and sailed for Mus- ments. kegon. He made his way to his destination and was "Sam Rose" is, par excellence, the character of the first to convey the tidings of the death of the Newaygo. Nearly 48 years ago, while yet a stripling, j owners of the mill. his feet first trod the soil where his life has since been! The two-years lease was fulfilled and one year in passed. He is the revered oracle of the commuaddition, and in 846 he went into what is now Gar- nity. He is the referee as to dates and events X field Township and rented the Brooks saw-mills two along the whole line of the Muskegon. He knows | J years. He paid Mr. Brooks $r,ooo yearly for the every man's history who has such a commodity about rental of the mills, and in I847-8 put out more lum- him. He has a fund of anecdote and reminiscence ber than any other mills on the Muskegon River, ag- stored within the limitless resources of his memory gregating 5,000,000 feet. (At that time there was that if collated would constitute a volume. He can not a house on this side of Pennoyer Creek.) He give details of the operations of contractors, lumber then went to Big Island in Brooks Township and put companies and individuals that would be novel enin logs one season. tertainment to the parties themselves. He is liter= An interesting reminiscence is given of Big Island, ally a perfect cyclopedia of events in this section of I lying within the broad channel which forms the out- Northern Michigan, and can fit a reminiscence to let of the Muskegon River, as the cattle for miles every foot of territory within his cognizance, and to around were driven there to winter, tere ein every individual who ever trod there beingon. There is thousands of acres of reeds on which they could no feature of pioneer life unknown to him practisubsist. In the winter of I838, a man named Bald- cally. He has suffered from privation and hunger win drove 32 head of cattle there to obtain feed and known every conceivable want from the remotethrough the season. This custom was maintained ness of supplies. He has enjoyed all the freedom until the winter of I842-3, "the hardest winter incident to life in a region not under the strictness of known to man," when four feet of snow lay above municipal regulations, and seen the gradual innova-; the rushes and the powers of the vernal sun seemed tion of the customs and methods of advancing civilin suspense, as not until the first day of April was ization and progress. He knows equally the ways there the least discernible trace of the sun's rays on and habits of the aboriginal inhabitants and those of I the snow of Northern Michigan. the generations whose encroachments have driven The lands hereabouts came into market in 839. the former from their heritage and forced them to a I J The survey was made by the two Mullets, John and decay, which would be pitiful if it had retained a John, Jr., in 1837-8, and in the year named the trace of the grandeur of their original condition. three Pennoyers, Judson, the Newels, Horace and Sam Rose is the link between the Newaygo of to-day O/ Erastus Wilcox (the latter, father of the late Sextus and the Newaygo of a half century ago. He has: N. Wilcox, of tragic fate), Martin A. Ryerson, now a probably witnessed as great a change in the face of the i Chicago millionaire, John A. Brooks, John F. Stearns, country, in the methods of business and in the social Bone and Joachim went in a canoe to Ionia, took and domestic manners of the people, as any man has supplies and a cook and held the fort until the op- ever seen in this pioneer country; and what associaportunity came to buy their claims. This they accom- tions, especially those enveloped with a halo of plished without opposition, but they were pressed for charms, must linger in his poetical memory of the ' money, the recent financial stringencies of I837-8 wild days oflonely, frontier life! having them still in its clutches and compelling them The patrons of the Newaygo County Album will! to limit their expenditure to the minimun. No more share in the peculiar satisfaction with which its pub-' land was bought in Newaygo County until 1851. lishers present the portrait of Mr. Rose on another | t In 85 2, Mr. Rose engaged in locating lands for page, and will rejoice that the general sentiment rehimself and others, when he secured section 22 garding its appearance has met with the desired re- 4 (town 12, range 13), except 80 acres. He now sponse. 4 X4 s.)-} ~> 426 NE WA YGO CO UNTY. i i~~. i. ~~,* 1i*~B:~~ -~-~-r3:~"`;~ (-." aqf~: a: ":; I Vf^ @.s.;= i; ~,-: i',. A,^^-. ii. | Am eorge F. Martin, farmer, section i8, Beaver Township, was born Sept. I8, 1852, ill @ ' Kane Co., Ill., and is the son of Lewis and Mary (Warren) Martin, the former a native of the State of New York, the latter of Vermont. His father came to Newaygo County in I859,. and established himself in the mill first, then in the carding business in Denver Township, in which he is 5 still engaged. Mr. Martin was reared to manhood under the supervision of his father, and instructed in the details of the machine shop and mills, where he worked until he was 25 years of age. He was married Feb. I9, I877, to Pluma F., daughter of Barzillai and Jane (Farley) Giddings, born Sept. 12, I855. After his marriage he determined on the In 1863 he bought a stage route from Grand Rapids through Newaygo via Big Rapids to Grand Traverse, and continued its management to I87, in which year the railroad was in full operation. He then engaged as a contractor and has since been putting in timber, employing a force of 50 men on an average. He purchased the site of his residence on Jarse Hill in 1869 and erected his dwelling. Mr. Skinner was married at Springwater, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 26, 1849, to Maria, daughter of Samuel and Sally Wright, born at Duanesburg, Schenectady Co., N. Y., April 8, I819. They have five children: Charles is in business at Newaygo. Annie is the wife of John Lymington, of Fremont Center. The remaining three, Clara, Stella and Nelson, reside with their parents. Mr. Skinner belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows.. 3) — 2 (g; C a *; vocation of agriculture as the business of his life, and ' /: in I877 moved to Newaygo County and bought 80 | i rancis C. Selby, merchant and Postmaster: acres of land in Beaver Township. Of this he has i at Volney, Beaver Township, was born: placed 30 acres under cultivation. In political sen- | " April 18, I836, in Hamilton Co., Ohio. timent and action he is a Republican, and has offici- His father, George W. Selby, was born July 5, ated as School Inspector of Beaver Township. The 1813, in the State of Virginia, and removed in family includes three children, born as follows: early manhood to Hamilton Co., Ohio, where A Estella D., Aug. i6, i878, Clarence L., Feb. 15, he resided 8 years and then moved to Adams Co., 1881; and William J., June 25, i882. Ind., whence he came to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., and subsequently to Allegan County, where he is still resident. The mother, Mary Ann (Banksten) Selby, I was born in Vermont and died in Adams Co., Ind. I r IMr. Selby was chiefly engaged in the several places I aron S. Skinner, lumberman, residing at where his parents resided, in obtaining his education ' Newaygo, was born Jan. i, I819, at Rich- and fitting himself for active life. On attaining his. ct: mond, Ontario Co., N. Y. His father, majority he set out to establish himself in the world ' Nelson Skinner, was born in Middletown, and to do all in his power to secure for himself the i [ Rutland Co., Vt., of Scotch-Irish ancestry, practical benefits of honest industry and energetic and died at Richmond, in I850. His mother, effort, put into operation under the guidance of his Rhoda (Sheldon) Skinner, was born in Cato, Cayuga best impulses and judgment. He selected WinneCo., N. Y., of mixed Scotch and English parentage. bago Co., Ill., as a field of operation, where he enMr. Skinner remained a resident of his native gaged in farming near the city of Rockford, residing State until I854, when he removed to Kent Co., there two years. He returned to Kalamazoo County,! Mich., and bought 80 acres of land, on which he where he spent a similar period in a like manner, and resided, and made improvements until i861, when then engaged in the mercantile business for two i^ he bought a brick-yard in the eastern part of the city years. Natural impulses of his manhood, under the;i of Grand Rapids. He conducted the details of the influences which ruled the entire North in the first A/ manufacture of brick about three years, making from years of the Southern Rebellion, led him to take a * two to four million yearly, as the demand varied. deep interest in the progress of the contest which < _____ns, t -- - — *1.SAtl] -^ —st ' - '| S JI' X/ j J(,-L, 14a1/ I I* I r,.," ~)'l ", 41f 11 -b ~ - 'N I- - 431 NXE WAY GO COUNTY. - --- — ---! became the central object of the interest of the f whole world, and he enlisted Feb. 29, I864, in the i 3th Mich. Vol. Inf., Co. H. The command was assigned to the L4th Army Corps and attached to the Second Brigade. He served until the end of the - war, engaging in numerous skirmishes and two important battles, Bentonville and Goldsboro, N. C. On receiving his discharge he returned to Kalamazoo County. He then moved to the county of Allegan, where he was in agricultural pursuits four years. On selling out he went to Ottawa Station, Ottawa County, near Holland, where he again established himself in mercantile life. Two years later he transferred his business to Ravenna, Muskegon County, where he conducted his affairs about the same period of time. He founded his present business enterprise in June, i881, and is managing carefully and with satisfactory results. He is also engaged in farming to some extent, and is associated with William Nixon in the proprietorship of a saw-mill located on section 29, which has a producing capacity of 12,000 i; feet of lumber daily. It is under the special charge and management of Mr. Nixon. Mr. Selby has been twice married. Huldah C. Stillwell, the first wife to whom he was married, April 1 9, 1859, was born Dec. Io, 184r, and was the i daughter of Elias and Sarah (Underwood) Stillwell, born respectively in Ohio and Canada. By this marriage there were five children: Mary Ann, now the wife of John Stoddard; Sophronia, now Mrs. N. A. Clark; the others are William H., Stella G. and Sarah S. Mrs. S. died May 20, 1872. The second I marriage of Mr. Selby occurred Feb. 28, I873, to Mrs. Mattie A. (Platt) Longley, born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Dec. i8, 1842. Her father, Daniel Platt, was born July 13, 1798. He was a Baptist minister, was a graduate of Madison University, Hamilton, N. Y., and preached 40 years. He died Sept. I8, 1868. Her mother, Almira (Skinner) Platt, was born Nov. 24, i805. Both were natives of the Empire State and located in after life in Allegan Co., Mich., in 1846, and the mother died there May i8, 1873. Her first husband was lost in 1862, at the battle of Stone River. He left a daughter. Julia F., now the wife of Charles Ackerman, of Ravenna, Muskegon County. Rk Mr. and Mrs. Selby have two children,-Frankie C. and Dayton D. Mr. Selby acts with the Democratic party in political issues. He received his appointment as Postmaster in I88i, from President Garfield. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of I882, and is also School Inspector of Beaver Township. $F — -- 1oseph H. Graham, farmer and lumberman, A section 36, Goodwell Township, was born ' in Parma, Jackson Co., Mich., Jan. 28, V76, 1843. His father, Lorenzo D. Graham, was 1. one of the first settlers of Jackson Co., Mich., and was the son of John Graham, a native of Scotland. L. D. Graham was born April 15, 1809, and died Nov. 21, 1848. Sarah (Lewis) Graham, the mother, was born March i r, 1820, in New York, and died Oct. iI, I880, in Jackson County. Mr. Graham was five years old when he became fatherless, and at 11 years of age he went to live with Chauncey Stevens, of St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he remained three years. He then returned to his native county and worked on the farm summers and went to school winters, until he was 20 years old, when he went to Grand Rapids. After spending a winter there he went to Mecosta County and commenced lumbering on the Muskegon River. In February, i865, he enlisted at Grand Rapids from Big Prairie, enrolling in Co. A, Ninth Mich. Inf. He enlisted for three years or during the war, and after being in the service nine months, was discharged at Nashville, Tenn. On his return to Michigan he engaged in lumbering one year by the month, and since that time has operated in the same business on his own interests. Since 1869 he has been engaged in jobbing. In I870 he bought I20 acres of land in Goodwell Township, which he has improved to the extent of clearing 50 acres and putting it under advanced cultivation, with suitable farm buildings and other improvements creditable to his energies and judgment. He is an adherent of the National Greenback party, and is at present Township Clerk. Mr. Graham was married in Croton, by A. P. Carpenter, Dec. 3I, I864, to Calista J., daughter of Jotham and Diantha (Garrett) Hall. (See sketch of J. J. Hall.) She was born Sept. 17, 1849, in Kent County. The day on which Mr. and Mrs. Graham "C,, _____l'': "ir,,89 - - 4 32 ':N E-W Y,^ 432 - I 0 k I 71 'V- I l. H H'.' 11,, ) 8 L1 ~ "'IN, 'Of " -ATE WA4 YGO ) COUNTY. - --- -- were married was the last of the month and year. They have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are progressive members of: society within their sphere, and valuable in their generation, as representing the thrift and energy which have placed their township and county in the front rank in Northern Michigan. Their portraits may be found on pages 428 and 429. homas J. Knowles, farmer, section 30, Beaver Township, was born Aug. 2, 1839, o in Ashtabula Co., Ohio. His father, John Knowles, was a native of Connecticut. His mother, Mary A. (Early) Knowles, was born in Ohio. They belonged to the agricultural class and reared their family on a farm. Mr. Knowles was married to Arcola Congdon.. Two of their three children are living. Flora M. is j: deceased. The mother died in I87I. Mr. Knowles was married again in 1872, to Lavera Frazier, born Feb. 28, 1855, in Ohio. Two children, Frank and:r Amorell, have been born to them. Mr. Knowles is the proprietor of i60 acres of fine land, and has improved go acres, which he has under fair cultivation. a arzillai Giddings, farmer, section 20, Beaver Township, was born Dec. 25, i830, aA n. in Ashtabula Co., Ohio. He is the son of.C; Joshua H. and Rhoda (Wakefield) Giddings. His father was born in i806, in Ashtabula County, and his mother was likewise a native of the Buckeye State, and was born in I807. Mr. Giddings was brought up by his father to the age of I6 years, when he learned the trade of wagon+ maker, which was his vocation up to the date of his settlement in Newaygo County. He bought a farm in Beaver Township, where he located May 22, I863. When he made his claim of I60 acres of land his resources were small, and his working capital repre' sented an amount that would be judged absurd in 'if view of its forming the basis of future successes in _ the light of modern tactics; but his manhood's strength and determined, energetic, well-directed effort has placed him in the proprietorship of 360 acres of land, I70 of which are under cultivation. Mr. Giddings was married Oct. 29, 1854, in Ohio, to Jane, daughter of William and Hannah (Collins) Farley. The parents were natives of Canada, and the daughter was born June 7, and died Oct. 21, 1836, in Crawford Co., Penn. The children born of this marriage are five in number: Pluma P. was born Sept. 12, i855; Plumer, Jan. 8, 1856; Eugene S., March io, 1867; Addison, July 22, 1869; William W., May 14, 1872. Mr. Giddings was the first permanent settler in the township of Beaver, and on its organization was elected the first Justice of the Peace. He is identified with the Democratic party. ohn C. McCowen, merchant at Hesperia, was born in Chelmung Co., N. Y., Dec. 26,. 1844. He is a son of Henry and Sarah A. i (Wier) McCowen, natives of New York, and is [ of German-Scotch extraction. His parents came to Michigan when he was only six years of age, and settled in the town of Tecumseh, Lenawee County; here he lived with his father until he was eight years of age, when the family removed 'to Moscow, Hillsdale County; at the age of I8 years he temporarily quit the farm, entered Hillsdale College, and pursued a select course of studies for a period of three years. He was married, Feb. 22, I869, in Lenawee Co., Mich., to Miss Ida M., daughter of Bishop and Delia (Murry) Ames, natives of New England. Ida was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Feb. 22, 1848, her parents having previously removed to the State, and lived at home until her marriage. She attended Hillsdale College and had all the advantages of a good education. After his marriage, Mr. McCowen settled on a farm in the vicinity of Moscow, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he was engaged until the winter of 187 I, when he came to this county and settled in the town of Hesperia. Here he engaged in the mercantile business, and by energy, integrity and strict attention to business has increased his annual trade from $4,000oo to $20,000, and has every indication of a still greater increase. Since Mr. McCowen first came to Hes f 0 a po e,.d ~ l- - ~:v<, ~ ~ '~-XJ.1~,~1 1X9 # K kt -.. ~,~~~in:rAaa*,,:o NE WA YGO CO UTY. 433 N --- peria he has accumulated quite a competency, and is now the owner of 120 acres of good timber land, besides four lots and two business houses in Hesperia, and his present business. Mr. and Mrs. McCowen are the parents of three children, all living, born as follows: Henry B., Nov. 22, 1861; Maud, May 12, 1871, and Willie, Oct. 26, 1874. He is now holding the office of Treasurer of Newfield Township, Oceana County, and has held the position of Postmaster at Hesperia for ten years. In politics he is a staunch Republican. R l ilvenus K. Slocum, farmer, section 33, Beaver Township, was born Aug. 19, 1827, - in Montgomery Co., N. Y. His father, Elisha Slocum, was born in Canada, Nov. 8, 1804, and his mother was also a native of the Dominion, born Aug. 16, 1805. Her name before her marriage was Rebecca (Keller) Slocum. The parents were members of the agricultural community of Montgomery County until 1848, when they removed to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and thence to Pennsylvania, where the mother died. The father came to Newaygo County, where he died, in February, 1876. Mr. Slocum remained on his father's farm until his marriage. That event occurred Sept. 6, I849, when Jane A., daughter of Oliver H. Adams, became his wife. The parents were natives of the State of New York and afterwards removed to McKean Co., Pa., where the family occupied and conducted a farm containing 50o acres of land, which was afterward sold and a removal to Newaygo County made. They settled Oct. 16, 1864, in Beaver Township, on 160 acres of land in its original, unimproved state. The farm now includes 135 acres of cultivated land, and the possessions of Mr. Slocum embrace 240 acres of land. The farm buildings are of a superior class. Mr. Slocum has been a member of the M. E. Church a long time and has for many years been a local preacher. He is a declared Republican, and has officiated seven years as Justice of the Peace. Nine sons and daughters have been born to him, four of whom survive: Euphemnia, Burdette, Elisha L. and Oliver W. The deceased are Clark L., Ma-?' rion M. and Archie. Two children have been lost,; in early infancy.:*. TIlfred Knowles, farmer, section 20, Beaver Township, was born March 24, I844, in. Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and is a son of John 7i!. and Mary A. (Ainsley) Knowles. The former |q was born in New York, the latter in Ohio, and both are now deceased. i Mr. Knowles was reared on a farm and brought up. to the duties attendant upon the career of an agriculturist, until he was 16 years of age, when he began to work as a farm laborer away from home, and was thus employed two years, when he became a soldier of the United States in defense of the assaulted integrity of the Union. He enlisted Aug. 8, 1862, in the jo5th Ohio Reg. Vol. Inf., Co. I. He was transferred to Company D, in the same regiment, and served three years. He was in active. service at Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta and in; the campaign to Savannah, and thence to Richmond. =: He resumed farming after receiving his discharge. t He was married in 1867 to Emily Thurber, born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1844. In 1870 the family came to Newaygo County and settled on 200 acres of land in Beaver Township, where they have since resided. Of the original tract of unimproved land 50 acres have been cleared and improved. Two children, Alice and Myrtle, are included in the family. Mr. Knowles is a Republican in political connection. a 0 eter McLellan, farmer, section 26, Garfield } Township, was born in October, 1837, just above the site of the city of Grand Rapids. QIJ He is an Indian of the Ottawa tribe, and a grandson of Keshawas, one of the second-class chiefs of the Grand River, who was a party to i: the treaty of 1836. Keshawas was his paternal "*~: grandsire, and died at the age of 85 years. He was (ii buried at the mouth of the Muskegon River. The C maternal grandfather of Mr. McLellan was the chief, P; Blackskin, who gave the land on the west side of X.,'i ',.1 Al,,I " VII4 "A I - "f " -,,I ` X v N111 — e, - I, -, "'i --4 — r, ri,, I it jo............. j"....5............ ",f7 - L ( 0 -- I, 11 I21 I ~%ft t o............... P:. 43 ( 438 NE WAYGO COUNTY. - --------- -- --- I, A cessful. By strict attention to his affairs he has V gained a competency and enjoys the confidence of:i those with whom he comes in contact. In the spring of i888, in company with Mr. Hart, he began the J erection of a fine business block on North Division Street. This was completed before the close of the year and is now used as a music hall. Mr. Bowman was united in marriage, in Fremont, May I, i880, with Miss Harriet Schweitzer, of Lawrence, Kansas. As one of the representative men of the county we place the portrait of Mr. Bowman \ in this Album, and in connection with this sketch. L l burtus Andrus, farmer, section 5, Beaver Township, was born in Clarence, Calhoun Co., Mich., May i, I846, and is the son of Charles L. and Lydia (Warren) Andrus. His parents were natives of Canandaigua, N. Y., and removed to Michigan in 1838, residing in Calhoun County until I846, when his mother died. His father went to California, where he passed the a remainder of his life. The son became an inmate 'V of the family of Samuel Andrews, of Eaton County, where he received care and education until he was I7 %1 years of age. He enlisted Nov. 5, 1863, in Co. B, First Mich. Sharpshooters, and was in the service until July i, I865. The regiment rendezvoused at Chicago and proceeded thence to Petersburg, Va., going almost immediately into action. He was captured by the J rebels July 30, I864, and incarcerated in the rebel x1 prison at Danville; was sent thence to Libby prison, where he was held until Feb. 22, I865, the date of his exchange, when he went to Camp Royal, Md., starting thence to Camp Chase, Ohio. The squad were so reduced by want and exposure that it became necessary for them to change their original plans, and they remained three weeks at Martinsburg, W. Va., where they quartered in an old church, and on attaining some degree of convalescence were sent to their destination. On reaching there Mr. Andrus received a furlough of 30 days and returned to his home. He went back to Camp Chase when the time for his discharge arrived, and left there to rejoin his, regiment at Georgetown, remaining with his com$.. mand until he was mustered out of service. On returning to his home he resumed farming, and was married in 1867 to Mary L., daughter of George and Nancy (Stanton) Shay. She was born Aug. 21, i849, in Barry Co., Mich. Her parents were natives of the State of New York and are both deceased. Mr. Andrus resided in Barry County until I86o. He came to Newaygo County in October, and bought a tract of land containing 40 acres. He began the work of improvement, and resided there two years, when he moved to Whitehall, Muskegon County, and after a brief residence went to Cass County, returning later to Newaygo County, where he owns 80 acres of land, constituting his homestead. His family includes five children: Lydia B., Charles L., Cora L., Samuel R. and Eva L. Mr. Andrus acts with the Republican party and has served his township as Supervisor, Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace. Ij l (imeron S. Seeley, farmer, section 25, Everett Township, was born in Jackson, Mich., 2'.| July 9, I837. His father, Alexander M. -5[ Seeley, was born in Vermont, and his mother, Harriet E. (Moon) Seeley, was a native of the State of New York. Soon after their marriage they came to Jackson, and in 1838 removed to Ionia County, where they lived several years, when they came to Newaygo County and became residents of Big Prairie Township. They are both living. Mr. Seeley accompanied his parents to the different points where they established their home. In the spring of 1861 he bought 80 acres of partly improved land in Everett Township, where he has since operated satisfactorily as an agriculturist. He has bought 80 acres additional, and has one half of his place in fine farming condition. Mr. Seeley belongs to the National Greenback party. He has operated in the capacity of Constable of Everett Township for four years, and two years as School Inspector. He was married in Big Prairie, Dec. 28, I864, to Marena V., daughter of Arvin N. and Icy B. Pratt. She was born June 26, 1842, in Massachusetts, of which State her parents were natives. Her mother died there Aug. 20, I863, and her father still lives in the historic old "Commonwealth." V, or 4'2.art I 4klI i:-r ` 4 ~. '~,YM r~- ici9 C., w A I O man~~! S.i4 N< E zWA YGO CO UNTY. 439 4 y;amuel Lewis, farmer, section 7, Beaver Township, was born in London, England, Jan. I5, I842. His father, James Lewis, was a soldier in the British army, in which he served 25 years. He fought through the entire 3 Crimean war, and returned to the New World in 1 I858, immediately after the termination of that,; memorable contest. He died in Canada, at the age (,, of 92 years. The mother, Mary (Heath) Lewis, is Ireland. X Mr. Lewis was but two years old when his parents settled in London, Can., where he was brought up on a farm. He came to Port Huron, Mich., in 1857, where he remained until he came to Newaygo in 187 I. He bought a farm in Beaver Township, where he has since resided. 'In political affiliation, he is a ~ De mocrat... He was married March 14, 1870, to Ellen KenR:1 nedy, a native of Ireland. She died April 2, 1877, =:: leaving three children, James, Mary E. and Margaret. + His second wife, to whom he was married in Novemh~ ber, 1877, was Philotheta, daughter of Edwin and Roxanora (Giddings) Gleason (see sketch). She was born Oct. 26, 1863, in Ohio. Otto H is the only surviving issue of the last marriage. Clinton is deceased. ' —_>e- ~-^ —o((a0))>^5fis> —~ i4 ohn Painter, farmer, section 5, Beaver Tp.,; I:17~5 was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Dec. Io, r i;: I817, and is the son of Jacob and Barbara /A (Shingledaker) Painter, natives of Westmorel land Co., Pa. Mr. Painter was brought up on his father's farm and was an inmate of the paternal domicil until he had reached the age of 19 years, when he ): acquired the blacksmith's trade and pursued it as a vocation for seven years. In 1870 Mr. Painter came to., Newaygo County, where he now owns a farm of 40 i, acres of land, a good share of which is under imV/ provements, with a creditable and suitable farm home.,'\ He was married in Ohio, in 1838, to Charlotte Des long, a native of Ohio, born in 1823, and daughter of Jesse and Mary Delong, natives of Pennsylvania. Four of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Painter are living, Jessie D., Andrew J., Martha J. and Sidney L. The deceased are Mary Ann, Sarah, James and an infant. The mother died Feb. i8, I880, and Mr. Painter was again married Jan. 8, 188I, to Mrs. Sarah (Delong) Dow, a sister of his former wife, who is the mother of five children, the issue of her first marriage. Mr. Painter is a Democrat in political be.. lief and action, and has officiated as Justice of the Peace. ^l5 C harles Wilcox, farmer, Hesperia, was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., April 12, 1831. He gl,~j' is a son of William L. and Catharine ~],e (Cratsenberg) Wilcox, natives of New York. I/ His mother died when he was two years old, and his father moved to Jefferson Co., N. Y., where young Wilcox received a common-school education. He lived there and assisted his father on the farm until Oct. 17, 1852, when he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ressequie, who was born in that county in May, I835, and lived with her parents until her marriage. After their marriage they moved on a farm in the neighborhood, and remained there until the spring of 1854, when Mr. W. went to California. He was there three years engaged in mining, and during that time was seriously injured by the bursting of a cannon, which crushed his thigh and left him a cripple for life. In the spring of 1857 he returned to New York, and again engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until Aug. 20, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. A, I86th N. Y. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Leaving New York city, his company went to City Point, thence along the line of contest to North Carolina. During the march he was engaged in the battle of Hatcher's Run and the taking of Richmond. In the latter engagement he was severely wounded in the knee by the bursting of a shell. It threw him high in the air and some 30 feet from where he was standing, and so seriously injured him as to cause his removal to the hospital at Washington, D. C. He was there 4-bnfined for some time, when he was honorably discharged and returned home, and again engaged in farming for some time, and then came to r "t. t " S?,* e ci' t. i~I *5d7.) 7$ i, S \ 4~f I 1 f,J 440 O:"\ NrE WA YGO COUNTY. I — Pt o ft, bought a farm, and he engaged with him in clearing and improving it. He was married Jan. I, i855, to Roxanna C., daughter of Joshua H. and Rhoda C. (Wakefield) Giddings. She was born Oct. 3, I834, in Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Her father was born in the Buckeye State and now resides there. Her mother was born in Canada and died Nov. 5, I857, in Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Gleason bought 48 acres of land in Trumbull County and performed pioneer service in its improvement until he had 40 acres under cultivation. He sold out and in the fall of r864 bought 20 acres of timbered land in Beaver Township. To this he has added by subsequent purchase until he now owns 350 acres of land, and has improved 70 acres. He is a Democrat in political connection, and has officiated as Treasurer of the township five years. The seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Gleason were born as follows: Forest C., May 30, 1857; Philotheta, k Oct. 26, i859; Atalanta, April 6, i863; Ariel, July ) 3o, 1865; Abigail, Oct. 29, i868; Frederick, April 30, i871; Ellsworth E., Sept. 23, I875. — e, maeaeg$l0Bo$llBb911iBI;i —~--~ tl}) trving H. Barlow, merchant and liveryman, Lk Hesperia, was born in Lansing, Mich., March 26, 1850. His parents, R. K. and Maria (Bailey) Barlow, were natives of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They moved to Michigan and settled in Lansing, being the third party, who built a shanty in that place, before any village was even thought of. Irving H. lived at home and attended the schools of that place, receiving a fine academic education, and when 14 years old he engaged himself to A. J. Viele, who kept a large book and stationery store at Lansing, and worked three } years for his board and clothes. During this time he employed his leisure moments in reading the best i books in the store. At the expiration of the three years he went with his parents to Grand Ledge,..I Eaton County, where his father engaged in the hotel i1 business. Here Irving again availed himself of school advantages and attended the academy of that i place one year. Upon the completion of his school course he went to Ionia, where he engaged as clerk in; the Bailey House, remaining in that capacity two 0' years, thence to Spring Lake House, a place of resort in the vicinity of Grand Haven, staying two summers. While here he became acquainted with one Capt. Patterson, of the United States Navy, who induced him to join the navy as ship writer, or, as is usually termed, "schoolmaster." During this time he was transferred to the N. S. Richmond, that was just then merging into the service. While here he became; disabled on account of climatic influences, and was obliged to leave the crew, and was honorably discharged in February, I872. Soon after this he came to this county and located in Fremont, engaging with a commercial house at that place. Sept. 7, 1872, at Spring Lake, Mr. Barlow was married to Miss Anna Seaton, daughter of James and Charlotte (Bagworth) Seaton, natives of London, England, who was born in that city April 6, I855. When five years of age she came with her parents to America, who settled in Geneva, N. Y., where she was educated in the colleges of that place, and in 4! i868 they came to Curlin, Kent Co., Mich., where Anna lived until her marriage. In May, 1873, Mr. f.,,,6A N;bar r '~~;i a r i4ni)i~ id''i IC1$ i i II LI a- i,;~:~ ~-:r' i-~L 1, i~.i -'f iPi " ''B -" iTRjt"C ifrY. I ~6~'~4 $c NwE WA YGO COUNTY. 443 = t- Barlow came to Hesperia and kept books for E. R. Swain, lumberman, for one year. During this time he purchased 120 acres of timbered land in Newfield Township, Oceana County. In the spring of 1874 he became engaged with G. D. Webster for three years, one year intervening, in which he was with Swain & Co. In 1878 he established a furniture house at this place, in which he has since been engaged until quite recently. Since coming to Hesperia Mr. Barlow has manifested great public enterprise, and been of great benefit to the town. He has built a livery barn at a cost of nearly $I,500, with a stock worth $5,ooo. He has just completed a house for merchandise, above which is the City Hall, at a cost of $i,6oo, with a stock of $1,50o. He has 15 surveyed lots in the village of Hesperia. He is an active member of the I. 0. O. F., of Hesperia; was Town Clerk for two years, and is an active Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Barlow have an adopted son, Renby, born June 14, i871. } Si'. ED I spring of I866, he came to Fremont, where he worked at his trade about two years. He purchased 9o acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, upon which he worked during one summer, and was afterward employed in a general store in Fremont, owned by John Delamater. In two years he purchased a one-half interest in the store, and the firm was known as Delamater & Odell. This partnership continued for about six months, when Mr. Odell sold out his interest to John DeHIaas, but remained as clerk until the store was destroyed by fire some two years later. He assisted in settling up the business of the firm, and during the following winter was engaged in lumbering, and was also afterwards in the employ of John DeHaas for a short time. Afterwards he and his brother bought out the stock of drugs and groceries owned by Dr. Root & Son. This partnership continued about two years, when he bought out the interest of his brother in the drug department, and in another year sold his own interest in the grocery department to his brother. For a short time the drug store was carried on by Odell & Manly, when the latter withdrew, and the business is now a.n In... l.. t^. nttd- 1..1. ' A -1.1 I. 1, ' a.1 1;-. -... i-~, *,,f;* +-e A,4' - r i.,i.5-; \r/2 - X,1tloIInULICLeUl UDy lvi. JU ll WilU IS Lt 1 IidUle ia1 iig UIggis of the county. He commenced in I877 to build the ames R. Odell, druggist at Fremont, is the ", fine brick building he now occupies, and moved his \y. stock of goods in February, i878. was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., April 2 1, s b in. H, Mr. Odell was first married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., /k? I841. His parents were natives of New York, 14 H p., March 3, i86i, to Mary, daughter of Francis and i - where they were married, and soon after re- arch 3, 86, to daughter of Franis and t.., a. Minerva (Smith) Morse, a native of Michigan. She moved to Michigan and settled in Hillsdale. afterward died, October, I864, leaving one child, County. They remained there for several years after born Dec. 27, 863. r. Odell was again married, in -, -. -, -, Jborn Dec. 27, i863. Mr. Odell was again married, in the death of his father, which occurred in 854, Hesperia, this county, in the year I867, to Alice,? when his mother came to this county and settled in daughter of Daniel Joslin, and they have had three Fremont, about the year i867.. *. children: Mary, Eva M. and Pearl; the former is s d James R. remained under the parental roof until O l hs h t oice o,.deceased. Mr. Odell has held the office of Towni 6 years of age, attenrding the common schools. He '.,. ship Clerk for ten consecutive years; is a member of then learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which the Masonic Order, and has filled various offices in he followed for nearly five years previous to thein,.. his lodge, having served tro years as Master, and breaking out of the rebellion. In September, I864, i r r n.A ' Ais also Commander of Henrv Dobson Post, G. A. R. b he enlisted in the I Ith Mich. Cav., and, after serving, In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. i till the close of the war, was honorably discharged at He has been a member of the Village Board serving "A - He has been a member of the Village Board, serving i Knoxville, Tenn. He participated in several engage- a P o T s i i w as President or Trustee since its incorporation; was ments, and was at the capture of Salisbury prison, also a member of the School Board when the graded A N. C. After his term of service had expired he re-.. t N. C.. Afr hi systerm went into effect, and is still a member of the turned to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and worked at his same. a trade a short time, when he was taken very sick with Among the portraits of prominent business men typhoid fever, in consequenceof which he was unable and pioneers given in this Album may be found that ) A' to work for eight months. After his recovery, in the of Mr. Odell., -I- 4!~r P I i~a~~ani~..77~ |l|^:^fr-~~:;-eS:S1 O- --— <^n m~- B- > -^s^ -- — m ~ 444. e NW; ~YG CONT. t^" 444 * W A YGO CO CTVT Y.!!a1, ii. __J — l ----~ allllilliM1w-ss"~: W 1 lodward Edwards, nearly 20 years a resiI dent of the village of Newaygo, was born July 28, I839, at St. Neot, a village well. known to fame in the county of Cornwall, England, St. Neot, of legendary fame, being a brother of King Arthur, immortalized by Tennyson in his " Idylls of the King." His grandfather, X Edward Edwards, of an old Cornish family, having sold his paternal acres at Silverwell, combined the pursuit of mining with mercantile business in his new home. His father, Edward, senior, one of many sons in a direct line inheriting with the family name the family patrimony, was a young and rising man when he left the old homestead and sought to lay the foundations of his family fortunes in a new soil. As a keen debater he leveled swords with the late Sir John Lawrence, " Lord Mayor of London,",> and being an enthusiastic follower of John Wesley, i= he was recommended to the British Wesleyan ConJ, ference for admittance to its itinerant ranks. But he was of too radical a temper and too independent of control to put his destiny in the hands of any one less than his Creator, and declined the proffered honor. The same spirit of independency in a later day caused his severance from the church communion of his youth and early manhood. A Liberal of Liberals, yet conservative of the last inch of personal right, he was always in opposition to aristocratic Toryism; and, at a time when sympathy with Republicanism meant something, was an outspoken disbeliever in the "divine right of kings " and superiority of blue blood.. He married as his first wife, at Silverwell, Elizabeth Roberts, a worthy and congenial companion, who soon left him a widower with one daughter, since dead. Phillippa Doney, in the rural coterie noted for her beauty and early development w th the grace of womanhood, took pity on the lonely widower, and 1 the village belle linked her fortunes with the stranger whose early misfortunes bespoke her pity. The mother descended from a line of Doneys whose history was co-equal with that of the parish, and the Gummoes of St. Minver, who as yeomen of worth and stamina had paralleled the records of the county and were as true to the old Anglican Church as def erence to aristocracy and full faith in Toryism could desire. The marriage of a daughter of the church, and at the date of her marriage a member of the Rector's famill, with the enthusiastic Methodist, was never relished by her family; but she was too devoted and he too independent to sue for pardon, and they set out to make the journey of life on their own own hook. Edward, the subject of this sketch, was the seventh child born to them, of whom only two others survive: Timothy, whose sketch will be found in another part of this book; and Charles, of local notoriety as a breeder of Short-horn and Ayrshire cattle in the neighborhood of Ingersoll, Canada, with whom the widowed mother makes her home, Charles and his father having jointly bought the farm on which he lives. As a child Edward was delicate, and the rough manners and tyrannical rule of the parochial school, when he received his first lessons from the man whose glory was to wield a ruler or a stick with skill and force enough to beat his lessons into his infant brain, came very near to calling for the requiem couplet,"Since I am so early done for, I wonder what I was begun for! " As a boy he was taken out of school and put to run on errands, attend store, etc., till he had reached the age of 15 and a fair degree of growth and vigor. At that time he was sent to an academy for young gentlemen, Rev. Mr. Geake, Head Master, at Dubwalls, and took his seven miles' walk every day, rain or shine; but, manifesting a decided talent for mechanics and apenchant for music, he was, in consideration of the payment of $250 by his father and the rendering of his own personal service seven years without pay, apprenticed to the trade of harnessmaker and saddler. But not the blandishments of a smiling boss, nor the pleasantness of an open parlor, nor a seat at the family table with all the freedom of home, could blind him to the treatment bestowed upon the senior apprentices in the establishment who had signed and sealed the instruments with their own hands that bound them to seven years of unpaid servitude. So he refused to put his signature to the indenture for over two years. He worked on till he acquired a good knowledge of the business, and was advanced to the position of cutter for the shop. This close and unremitting attention to busi I I i0 I I '7..1 -. ' *-el ~ br:Iff.ry if a fzho".-\~ aa~~ """" ~.: ~I~- ~~-aD '~~-'.'. 9.";DT:; v'ii -.BfLlp'l a;-, s,gll s"-".. i_.'....~_Jth_'____ NE WA YGO COUNTY. 445 pI ness was too much for his constitution, and a fit of waygo Methodism. From childhood atotal abstainer, f typhus fever relegated him to the realm of out-of- for years a prominent Mason, filling with accepta-;! door workers. His uncle Richard was conducting at bility the offices in the gift of his brethren, Edward a St. Agnes a large joint farming and butcher's business Edwards has had no mean place in the upbuilding:J on the old family homestead, and there Edward was of all that is good in Newaygo, and with his estima- k sent to gain health and become a man. A regime of ble wife and three children,-Mary, a successful roast beef and plum pudding in two years developed yoiing teacher; Stanly Warden, a boy of eight years, him into a strong, healthy young man, and to " Uncle and Emma, a girl of four years,-may they long live Richard " he is indebted for much of example and to enjoy happiness under their own vine and figi instruction that through life has been his helper. tree! The ship "Gipsy Queen," commanded by his maternal cousin, brought the family to Quebec in 1858, | 2eq-. _ _. > i and soon a Canadian farm life demanded the labor. { of mind and muscle. The family settled near In-,, r it * r i ilN^ l1amuel D. Bonner, lumberman, resident at gersoll, and there the future of his life beamed upon i N i Cra Newaygo, was born Jan. 7, 1842, in Crawhim in the smiling eyes of one Miss Eunice Laurena ford Co., Pa., and is a son of John a ford Co., Pa., and is a son of John and Minkler, on her mother's side a Hyde of the Green:! tlxO. AElvira (Cummings) Bonner, the former a naMountain State, and older still of the suite of Will- t ler S v. tive of Vermont, the latter of Massachusetts. iam of Orange, when Protestantism removed the last. His parents came to Michigan when he was of the weakly and tyrannical Stuarts from the English. ~A r.i, 14 years old, reaching Casnovia Township, Ottawa i throne. They were married at her father's home on r County (now Muskegon), Sept. i o, I85 6. The father the 4th day of January, i865, and in a few days,..,, had been a soldier of i812, and located 60o acres of thereafter, bidding adieu to friends and home, they..., land on section 5, in Casnovia, on a soldier's warrant. started for the wilds of Michigan, and in the home:r. r, iHe died there Sept. 12, I866. The mother died at of Timothy, his brother, found their first resting g Newaygo. Sept. 9, 1879. S" place in Newaygo. e i N Mr. Bonner was married at Casnovia, May 7, 1863, Here he started the first harness shop; was burnt to Harriet L, daughter of Augustus and Martha out and went to work at carpentry, for which his nat- Cook, a native of Huron Co., Ohio, born June 26, ural bent was very decided. He obtained means to I843. Thefamilycomprisestwoadoptedchildren start another harness shop, and finding it disagreed John and Blanche with his health, sold out and entered into partner- In 1864 Mr. Bonner went to Bridgeton Township ship with Wellington Persons, Newaygo's veteran to engage as assistant in the shingle-mill of I. D. Register of Deeds, and prepared with him the first Merrill, and operated in that capacity one year, suc-; set of abstracts of title for Newaygo County, which ceeding to the osition of manager, which post he partnership still continues. He has filled the officeof filled one year and then took charge of a boarding Deputy Register of Deeds for several years, Deputy house for A. A. Maxim in Bridgeton. He remained Clerk of the County for one term, and Deputy in this position two years and came to Newaygo, enTreasurer under M. S. Angell, and is now Deputy gaging in the same capacity with the Newaygo LumTreasurer under the administration 4of T. S. Fry. ber Company, where he continued four years, at the He is a Republican in politics, and (with his estima- end of that time transferring his serices to another ble wife) may be considered of inheritance a part branch of their business and operated three years as and parcel of the Methodist Church, having filled foreman in the lumber yard. Hewasnextemployed nearly all offices (successfully) but that of "preacher- as manager of the saw-mill of D. P. Clay, where he i n-charge." He was twice elected Assessor of his continued two years, and then served as night-watch / village, twice elected a lay delegate to the Annual 8 months. He afterwards engaged in the general t Conference of his communion, and for years the management of the saw-mill, lumber-yard, planingchorister and often organist of his church. Scarcely mill, and tub and pail factory for a period of eight / ~' any one would be more missed than he out of Ne- months, when he engaged as foreman of the river ok= n '' -— od < T_ D __.1-e --- -.-_ 446 iNEWA YGO COUNTTY. ~. 446 J force of Mr. Clay, sorting and running logs on the manhood. At 20 years of age he came to Michigan! Muskegon River, in which he is still occupied. He and located in Berrien County, where he labored on:t owns a house and lot on Jarse Hill, 40 acres of land a farm and remained in that vicinity until 1878, I adjoining the village corporation on the north, and when he transferred his family and interests to Ne300 acres of land in Big Prairie Township. He also waygo County. He purchased 40 acres of land in owns 260 acres of land in company with George Beaver Township, where he has applied his time and Taylor. energies to the best advantage, and has already placed Mr. Bonner was re-elected a member of the Com- 25 acres of the primeval wilderness in a fine state oi mon Council of Newaygo in the spring of 1883 (cur- improvement. He affiliates with the Democratic party rent year) and is present School Inspector of the and has acted as Postmaster at his present residence township. to which post he received his appointment Sept. i8 i 88o, and officiated therein one year. ~ e;He was married in 1853, to Mary Davis, daughter '.g ~|of Benjamin and Catherine (Williams) Davis, natives Iof Wales. The daughter was born Dec. 12, 1833, ir Cumberland Co., Penn. Five children have beer I. A #, - Air. At;.: L 1 I f? r 5 1 I reeman Mallory was born in Columbia ) Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1823. His parents, "' Stephen and Maria (Waldorf) Mallory, were natives of the State of New York, but moved to Connecticut in an early day, and afterward came to Hillsdale County, this State, = where they lived until their death. Freeman lived at hrem iin'l;1 rn'.,r7C rof to H- o Ti.hnlrlt gorr crP of born to Mr. and Mrs. Delong: Emma M. is the wife of John Trowbridge; Harriet A. is Mrs. Jesse Tennant. The others are Sidney B. and Bertie. Miles E. is deceased. land in Hillsdale County, which he managed until ',* ichael Turcotte, farmer and lumberman, the spring of I868, when he came to Newaygo a T r.a,l. section 30, Beaver Township, was born County and located in Dayton Township for one 30 B t, a A Dec. 30, 1843, in Ontario Co., Canada, year, and then bought 80 acres of wild land on sec- \-. Dec I3 n Ontario Co., Canad.. 1 NJ X and was a son of Joseph Turcotte. His tion 32, where he now resides; 50 acres are under / a * n TC c.u l i ai parents were natives of Lower Canada and of A cultivation. ' unmixed French ancestry. Both are deceased. Mr. Mallory was married in Waterbury, Conn., in Mr. T. began his career as a lumberman when he October, 1853, to Sarah Allen, a native of Connecti-. * c an t. hv h * was 14 years of age, passing the winters in the woods cut, and they have had two children, one living: er of t he emocrat and laboring as a mill hand summers, until he was 20 Stephen E. Mr. M. is a member of the Democrat.^. years old, when he made his entry upon a course of,:. party. life in his own interest. He was variously occupied iX V< until the first of January, 1876, when he located in Newaygo Co., Mich. He was the owner of a cash capital of five dollars when he arrived, and immeesse P. Delong, farmer, section 8, Beaver diately found employ at his wonted calling, engagTownship, was born June 13, I829, in ing in logging at $r.50 per thousand, for E. L. Gray. Trumbull Co., Ohio. His parents, Jesse He was prudent and economical. His labor was and Marie ( Winnings ) Delong, were na- hard but was soon remunerative, and he was able tives of Pennsylvania and are both deceased. after a time to purchase a farm of 120 acres in The early training of Mr. Delong fitted him Beaver Township, where he has principally resided. for the business which he has followed throughout He has placed 95 acres under cultivation, with good! his active life thus far. When in boyhood, he found buildings. His real estate now includes 540 acres of 4; a friend in a man named Thomas Fenton, and he land, chiefly in heavy, valuable timber. ( was chiefly under his guidance until he approached Mr. Turcotte was married in 18715 to Maggie, / ~ < ))^^ ---- A ~^??a. '~.. *$^" / ^z-or ^7 / 5^ /72 3 - 0-4' 4 -.~ -, -,.-I. v if 8 I" N/ - ~ 0 -z.,,, 4"g, & - - 34:~;~- I0 --- -ra H 11 p H O'.) s a n e _ _ ' <'coi t '''t>.. I 4E. NE WA4 YGO COUNTY. f daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Lengerman) Turcotte, who was born in Canada, in January, I844. One child was born, March 25, 1882, who died Nov. 5, of the same year. saac D. Merrill, deceased, was born at Falmouth (now Portland), Maine, Dec. i6,. i8[o. He came of a hardy stock of New Englanders, his father, a sea captain, losing his ship during the last war with England. The subject of this sketch early engaged in lumbering on the Penobscot and St. Croix Rivers of his native State. In the year 1839 he turned westward to the pine woods of Michigan, then attracting considerable attention; engaged in lumbering on Grand River soon after. In 1844 he returned to X Maine on a visit, where he married, and then brought j. his wife to Michigan, in the fall of that year. Loc' eating in Newaygo, he engaged in lumbering in partnership with John A. Brooks. One year later he removed to Bridgeton, ten miles below Newaygo, on: the Muskegon River, where he lived up to the time of his death, continuing here in the lumber business until failing health compelled him to retire from J active business life. The only settlers in the now township of Bridgeton at the time Mr. Merrill located there, were Dick. Ryerson and Joseph Trottier, who were then living at the " Dam." He was a member of the first Board of Supervisors for Newaygo County, and helped organize said county. Associated with? him on the Board was James Barton, now Judge of Probate. For many years Mr. Merrill filled the office of Supervisor of his town. In the year I859, or thereabouts, he was appointed by Governor Wisner one of the commissioners to examine the Flats Improvement which John A. Brooks had constructed. That improvement was accepted as well done by Governor and commissioners, but the State failed to remunerate the projectors of the work, and the "Beard claim " hangs fire until this day. In school matters Mr. Merrill was deeply interested, and was ever the friend of education. A staunch Whig when that party went to pieces on the rock of slavery, he at once identified himself with the Republican party, of which he was always a con* sistent member. On one occasion he was urged to accept a nomination to the Legislature (a nomination being equivalent to an election), but declined, preferring his home and business life to the turmoil of political strife. Neighbors and friends will bear witness that he was a square, honest, upright man; one who held enmity toward no man on the green earth; one who, if he had an enemy in the wide world, knew it not. Many interesting reminiscences come up, but space will not permit giving them here. From Detroit Mr. Merrill walked to Grand Rapids on his pioneer trip to Michigan, and, if we are not mistaken, John Paige, of Maine, and a Mr. Hersey, who settled in Mecosta County afterward, kept him company. John A. Brooks was building a mill at Newaygo when Mr. Merrill and the men named above reached that point, having followed an Indian trail from Grand Rapids. Mr. Merrill died at his home in Bridgeton, Dec. 14, 1883, after a lingering and painful illness of some years' duration. E. W. Merrill, of Muskegon, is a brother of deceased, and is one of the early pioneers of the Muskegon Valley. One by one they are passing away, and soon the last of those iron men will have passed beyond the vale, leaving a new generation to tread the paths their fathers made for them in the wilderness. ~ --- —MRe: euben S. Trask, M. D., practicing physician and surgeon, at White Cloud, was born - April 4, 1837, in Elmira, N. Y., and is a } son of Alanson and Lucy (Cummins) Trask, natives of Connecticut. After their marriage they settled in the State of New York, afterwards removing to Smithfield, Pa., where they passed the remainder of their lives. Dr. Trask came to Cassopolis, Mich., when he was 16 years of age, and served two years in acquiring the details of the trade of cabinet-maker and carpenter. He then went to Pennsylvania and worked at his trade until I865, and as opportunity afforded read for his profession. He first commenced the practice of his profession at Leonard Hollow, Pa., and then came to Barry Co., Mich., where he remained until I870. In the autumn of that year he came to Newaygo County and located at Croton,;ir]Z.4 1, l i~ -1, "'k. -..;. gf ) N*I'2 He~ H k....... A" 42 NEWA YGO COUNTY. " ( where he operated as a medical practitioner nearly ' six years. In 1876 he came to Alleyton, and, after pursuing his profession there some years, in the autumn of I880 he established himself at White Cloud ) professionally, and commercially in the drug business, in both which avenues he is still engaged. He was married in Barry Co., Mich., June 26, i866, to Lydia M., daughter of Peter and Polly Perhamus. She was born in Pennsylvania. Of five children born to Dr. and Mrs. Trask three are now living. They are Harlan A., Linnie A. and Minnie. Those deceased are Byon and an infant child. Dr. Trask is a Democrat in politics and Chairman of the Democratic County Committee. He has served his community in various official positions, and always with entire satisfaction. He has been the incumbent of the office of Supervisor of Wilcox three years; has been President of the village of White Cloud; and also acted two years as Village Clerk of Croton, and was nominated for Judge of Probate in I880. He is a member of the Order of ~ Odd Fellows. Mrs. Trask is engaged in millinery a and fancy goods, and exhibits a fine stock of merchandise in the lines of her trade. 3 As a prominent and representative business and professional man of Newaygo County, we take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Dr. Trask. We present it in connection with this sketch, accompanied by that of his wife. has 33 acres under cultivation, with creditable farm fixtures. He was married in Lapeer County, Aug. 20, 1876, to Jane Saunders, a native of Sanilac County, born Aug. 8, i860, and is the daughter of James and Eunice Ann (Reed) Saunders, born respectively in Pennsylvania and Canada, and now resident in Newaygo County. Jessie R, Nettie M., Elmer W. and Amy A. are the names of their four children. Mr. Sharp acts with the Republican party. X dgar L. Gray, attorney, resident at Net-'I waygo, was born Oct. Io, 1833, in Troy, ot~" Rensselaer Co., N. Y. His father was a ~l native of the State of Connecticut, is now in his 8 st year, in sound, firm health, and resides in Grand Haven. His mother's maiden name was Almira Furguson. She was a native of Rensselaer County, and was a daughter of an officer in v the Revolutionary war, who died at the advanced age of 84 years. Mr. Gray's parents and only sister (Mrs. Jennie: E. Wallace), moved from Troy to Pennfield, Calhoun Co., Mich., where his mother died in I843. The, family removed to the (then) village of Grand Rapids, where the father again married, and Mr. Gray attended the academy under the management of Rev. Addison Ballard, and, later, under Franklin Everett, both of whom are still living. He also attended for one year what was termed the Branch of the Michigan University, located at Kalamazoo. At the age of 17 years he commenced the study of law, and in 1854 he decided to settle in Newaygo, which was then just platted by Sarell Wood, John A. Brooks and John A. Brooks, Jr. Previous to this determination, he made an extended prospecting trip to Chicago, Rock Island, Davenport, Dubuque and Galena. In calculating chances, Mr. Gray could not see how the broad prairies of the West could be as fruitful of lawsuits as a timbered country, where men make and break more contracts than in a purely agricultural region. About the time Mr. Gray commenced the study of law, Hon. Thomas B. Church, of Grand Rapids, was a member of the Constitutional Convention and endeavored to obtain i a Representative for each of the counties of Saginaw, l, a I ~" I onroe L. Sharp, farmer, section 17, Bea-. ver Township, was born Dec. 9, 1855, in A l Canada. His father, James Sharp, also a native of Canada, is now residing in Mary-: land; his mother, Harriet (Richardson) Sharp, born in England, died April 15, I876. Mr. Sharp was an inmate of his paternal home and under the guidance of his father until he reached the age of 20 years, when he came to Lapeer County and worked as a saw-mill hand about ten months, after which he came to Newaygo County and bought 60 acres of land in Beaver Township. It was in the midst of a vast wilderness, the forest having never re-echoed the sound of preparation for permanent settlement previous to his location there. He now I - i. i I llp<%^.-^ — -- s- - -A 453 \ I.. Tuscola, Midland, Sanilac, Montcalm and Newaygo, and upon the proposition urged by him made the following remarks: "Information, sir, has been asked for respecting. the counties enumerated in the amendment under consideration, and I propose to furnish a little respecting one of them. The county of Newaygo, sir, lies north of the county which I in part represent, and embraces, in connection with the adjacent county of Oceana, the principal portion of country comi monly called Muskegon. A river by the latter name runs through it, the course of which is nearly parallel with the Grand River, a river of less length indeed than the Grand River, and of less average width perhaps, but discharging quite an equal amount of water, the Rapids of which furnish an immense water-power, and which intersects a region of great fertility of soil, and also containing extensive and valuable pineries. "This county now furnishes a large annual supply of lumber for the markets upon the west side of Lake Michigan, the transportation of which now maintains respectable and rapidly augmenting marine. The harbor, at the mouth of the Muskegon, River, is rated as the second best upon the Michigan::side of the Lake, being upon the lee coast, and con' sisting of a lake about seven miles in length by two in width, of a sufficient depth of water to float the vessels navigating the main lakes. The small lake is connected with the main lake by an outlet sometimes 'u barred by the sand accumulated by the action of wind and wave; but the contemplated improvements by the general Government will remove this obstacle. The erection of a lighthouse has been determined upon at that point, and liberal appropriations for the improvements spoken of are recommended by the surveying party detailed by the Secretary of the Treasury for the examination of the east coast of i Lake Michigan. "Of the population of this district I cannot speak positively. Large additions have been made the past year to the agriculturists, a demand existing for their products on account of the numerous mills in operation upon the river and the people and teams employed about them. I should think that the population must now crowd upon one thousand; and taking into account those who are scattered along the lake shore, perhaps it will exceed two thou-. sand." The allusion of Mr. Church to the large supplies of pine timber on the Muskegon River, coupled with his knowledge of the immense resources of that stream, led Mr. Gray to settle in Newaygo. He was ' at the time the only person then practicing law in / the county who had been admitted to the Bar. Newaygo County had then just entered upon a wonderful career of prosperity-the opening previously to this of the Illinois Canal and the improvement of the harbor at Chicago, furnishing an excellent market for the pine products of the Muskegon River. Large numbers of lumbermen from Maine and Northern New York, had been and still were locating large bodies of pine lands on the river and its tributaries; a gang mill had been built at Newaygo, and was then being operated by Albert N. Cheney and Lewis L. Arms, of Glens Falls, N. Y., and Amasa B. Watson and A. F. and H. J. Orton, of Newaygo. The village began to grow rapidly, and the pine and farming lands of the county were absorbed by settlers and speculators so fast as to indicate that the future prosperity of the village and county was fully assured. In the fall of 1854 Mr. Gray was appointed County Treasurer, and the same fall was elected Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Court Commissioner. John H. Swartwout was elected County Treasurer with the understanding that he should appoint Mr. Gray his Deputy, which he did. Mr. Swartwout resigned, and Hiram Butler was appointed who retained Mr. Gray as Deputy. The latter surrendered his trust Jan. i, I857, having accomplished much that aided materially in the prosperity of Newaygo County. Every description of property amenable to tax sales had been sold for cash, the county was out of debt, taxes were low and a considerable sum of money was in the treasury. Mr. Gray continued the practice of law until I86I, when he bid off, either alone or associated with others, several State road contracts, and built the road running from the north line of Newaygo County to within eight miles of Grand Rapids. He also cut and "cross-wayed," where desired by the special commissioner, a road from the village of Newaygo to the northwestern corner of the county. He also made and "stumped' a road ten miles in length from the village to Bridgeton. In company with Duncan McLellan, Esq., now of Big Rapids, he constructed nine miles of road toward that city, and eight miles from Big Rapids to Cedar Springs. Mr. Gray also built a State Road I6 miles north of Stanton, in Isabella County. He closed the last of these contracts in I869. -'# I A II IB si,j, 111. -I '1 I irf-n ~; i; ij" ~`:::~ ik aasb -i~ — ":+, (B~~~~-~~ II i-rr 4ipnt-fl rt*:-,,,i ii*:*-~i *'Th LJ ET kJBPi ~~l a;~7-i ge 454 NEWA YGO COUNTY.:-Vn C i: -1 iiI I Y 41 4 -- f' I In I87I he was elected a member of the House of Representatives, his district being composed of Newaygo, Mecosta, Osceola, Lake and Oceana Counties. During the session a determined effort was made to organize a new county from eight northern towns of Kent County, four southeast corner towns of Newaygo County, and four southwest corner towns of Montcalm County, the new organization to be named Russell County, in honor of the Hon. H. C. Russell, later State Senator. Col. Phelps, Mr. Russell's father-in-law, and others urged the measure with great zeal and determination. (Col. Phelps recently died in Detroit, and, in a sketch of him published soon after, the result of the vote upon the measure referred to was erroneously given. The first vote made an exhibit of 36 ayes to 49 noes; on reconsideration the manifest was 34 to 46.) On Mr. Gray's motion to reconsider, the bill was lost and Major Huston moved to lay the vote to reconsider on the table. Thus the bill was killed by parliamentary regime. During the same session a bill was introduced that each county sell its own lands for taxes, give deeds, etc.,-in other words, collect and disburse its moneys as any private individual might do. Mr. Gray was. the only member who made an extended speech in its favor, and it was carried through the House, but was defeated in the Senate. William Humphrey was then Auditor General of Michigan, and under his authority many Supervisors in Northern Michigan had assessed and taxed lands lying along the line of railroads where tracks had been completed. Mr. Gray introduced a successful resolution calling upon the Attorney General for his opinions as to the legality of this action of the Auditor General. The former decided that the lands were taxable, and thereupon a bill was introduced to exempt them for a further period. Mr. Gray opposed the bill in a lengthy speech under suspension of rules, and was assisted by an able argument from Hon. A. B. Riford. The bill passed by only four votes. William A. Howard, D. Darwin Hughes and scores of other advocates of acknowledged ability appeared in behalf of the railroads determined to secure an extension of time. In I872 Mr. Gray was elected to the State Senate, and early in the session, Senator Hinds, of Montcalm, introduced a resolution calling upon the Railroad Committee to report whether, in their opinion, the bill for exemption of railroad lands from taxation, passed in I871, could be repealed. Senators Wheeler and Gray each made elaborate reports that the law could be legally and honorably repealed, and embraced in a revision of the railroad laws a provision for its repeal, which passed the Senate unanimously. One thousand copies of the separate reports of Senators Wheeler and Gray were printed at the expense of the State. The Senate bill thus passed being bandied about the House on one pretext and another, a separate bill for taxation of said lands was introduced in the House, passed both branches and became a law. In I874 Mr. Gray was re-elected to the Senate and appointed Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Gov. Bagley had recommended in his message the passage of a tax liquor law, on the ground that prohibition in this State meant free whisky in the large cities and spasmodic strictures in small places. Mr. Gray was made Chairman of the Liquor Committee by special request of the Governor, and he advocated the passage, and constitutionality, of the liquor law of I875, against such men as Senator Webber, of East Saginaw. The bill passed the Senate by the requisite vote, 17, and the House by 52 votes, one more than the law required. Not a voice was raised in the Senate for the bill but that of Mr. Gray, and at the time of its passage the New York Tribune pronounced it the best law for controlling the traffic in ardent spirits yet devised. Mr. Gray's position was that the bill would operate as prohibitory in the country, and regulative and restraining in the cities and villages. Several attempts have since been made to repeal this law, but without success, thus demonstrating the superior statesmanship of Mr. Gray. 1. "k^ I t,r \1 1171.f W-1 —..iL> I I J Since his last term in the Senate Mr. Gray has been engaged in the prosecution of his profession. He has also superintended the improvement of a large farm, and engaged to a considerable extent in manufacturing lumber. He was married June 24, r i868, in St. Paul's Church, Detroit, to Julia E. Bisbee, a native of Burlington, Vt., and they have had four children. The family residence is situated on a bluff close to the banks of the Muskegon River in the village of Newaygo, and is known by the attractive name of * "Mistover." - — 3 t~*,KPI~ V *zZ tq- li M \ "\ i",NO - -,ll~r' 119-! 0q Na WA YG...O '. 4 >";A ArE WA YGO CO UNTY. 455 < I lexander Gracey, farmer, section 14, Dayi ton Township, is a son of Robert and Eliza y (White) Gracey, who were natives of Scotj land, and settled in North Ireland, where they both died. He was born in Ireland, Nov. iI, 1822; came to America in the spring of 1851, | first settling in Canada, until the winter of 1860; then came to Newaygo, this county, and worked two years at his trade, blacksmithing, which he had learned in Canada; he then moved to Dayton Township, in the spring of I863, and entered 160 acres of Government land; half of this he has since sold, and of the remaining 80 acres one-half is improved. On this he has built a fine frame residence. Mr. Gracey was married in Canada, June 5, I856, to Mary Ann, daughter of Andrew and Jane (Lemons) McClimons, also natives of the north of Ireland. The living children in Mr. G's. family are: Elizabeth, Mary A. and Margaret A.: two died in infancy; both named Martha Jane. s Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Church of Scotland: he is a stanch Republican. I 4g 'ohn F. Maynard, farmer, section 27, Den', ver Township, was born in this county, Ad ' Jan. 30, 1864, and has since lived under the parental roof. His parents, John and Lois (Camber) Maynard, were natives of Clinton Co., England, and emigrated to America in I854. They first settled in New York, and in the fall of I856 came to this county and settled on a farm of I60 acres in Denver Township, where they resided until their death. They afterward added 54 acres to the original purchase, and improved the most of it. They reared a family of I2 children, one of whom died at the age of seven years. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm labor, and was educated in the district schools of his township. Oct. 13, 1883, he was married to Miss Iva Titus, daughter of Charles and Harriet (Falk) Titus, the former a native of New York and the latterof Michigan. They were married in Allegan County, and afterward moved to Barry County, where Harriet was born, March 13, i866. When seven years of age, her parents moved to Fremont, this county, where she received her education. Mr. Maynard inherited 60 acres of well-improved land from lis father, and after his marriage settled on the old homestead. In politics he is a Republican. ames Corsaut, foreman of the Western Michigan Saw-mill, located at Woodville, was born in London, Can., June II, 1838, i and is a son of James and Millicent (Farrar) Corsaut. He remained under the supervision and instruction of his father until he was 18 years old, at which age he came to Michigan and resided in Hillsdale County a short time. He then.went to the city of New York and engaged as a seaman in the coast-sailing service, where he was employed three years. At the end of that time he located in Livingston County, where he married Miss Martha H., daughter of Elijah and Sarai Bisbee; born in London, Can. He followed farming for two years thereafter, when he turned his attention to lumbering one year, then again purchased a farm; but, not finding agriculture a congenial pursuit, he Cl.aaherl^^;11- h;1 r.s-r -av I.r-n, 1_ h_ r t ii ~ii 4! I k.i CtIUiLUdKtU 111ni pieCtiiL UUsineSS, taking cnarge o0 the mill Jan. 8, I879, since which time he has been actively engaged in furthering the interests of the proprietors. The family circle includes the following children: A Florence A., Charles D., William D., Mabel W. and Rubie M. orenzo E. Norton, M. D., physician and surgeon in Hesperia, was born in Belmont, Allegany Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, I848. He is? a son of John B. and Stata (Davis) Norton both natives of New York and of English I descent. Mr. Norton lived at home with his parents, assisting on the farm until he attained his majority, when he entered upon the study of mediX1j% --- -4 Ak1 gF'~E*i::'Bb!pPb Y i Z ~~II *Ii"i " -*t, 1 a tB:,dl --- — Pr - -. -. ' to~ ~, - '," 'E 56 NAE WVA YGO COUNTY.. - 1""~"t a ~ ~;~~~~ ~ is, - ~~I -, 4 "I,,, N ", 0 j " 11I 1, I if - *:: I4.q I I f t cine under the instruction of his uncle, Benjamin; Norton, of his native town. He attended lectures at @ the University of Buffalo and completed his course at Bellevue Medical College, New York city. After K graduating and receiving his diploma in February, 1873, he returned to his native home and remained a year, and then came to this State, and in 1875 located in Alleyton, this county, and entered upon the practice of his profession. He has met with flattering success in the practice of his profession, and is endowed with sufficient energy and studiousness to place him foremost among the practitioners of the State. Doctor Norton was married March 7, 1878, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of John and Cornelia (Haight) Grumley, natives of New England. She was born in North Newberg, Shiawassee County, this State, Aug. 2, I855, and remained at home until her marriage. Mrs. Norton received all the advantages which the common schools afforded. Her parents took cons siderable pains in her musical education, and she, having a desire to excel in that line. threw all her ~ energy into the study and accomplished her fond; hope by becoming proficient in the art, and previous to her marriage was engaged in teaching the same. / Mr. and Mrs. Norton have one child, Fanny M., born July 9, 1879. Mr. Norton is now serving in the ) capacity of Health Officer in his township and practicing his profession. ~-f 1i' rank A. Basford, farmer, section 30, Troy I Township, was born in Aroostook Co., a. m- Maine, June 19, I837, and is a son of John and Statira (Frisbie) Basford. His 4 father was a native of Maine, and followed the calling of a lumberman until his death, Dec. 23, i88i. The mother was born in New Hampshire, and died Feb. 20, I883. Mr. Basford was educated in the common schools of his native county, and was bred to the calling of his father, with whom he worked until he was 20 years of age. He came to Ohio in I857, where he remained six years, engaged in a machine shop. He went thence to the oil regions of Pennsylvania. One and a half years later he enlisted. The war was an established fact, and the need of men to aid in quell ing the Rebellion was the topic of all discussions. Mr. Basford enlisted in December, i86i, in the Sixth Ohio Reg. Vol. Inf. After a service of 20 months he was discharged, and returned to the Buckeye State, where he engaged in farming. He came thence to Ludington, Mich., and engaged with George W. Roby in the lumber business. The association continued seven years. When it was terminated he came to Newaygo County and resumed farming in Troy Township. He was married in Trumbull Co., Ohio, in I86I, to Julia R. Wiseman, a native of the same county. She died in I873, leaving four children: Job, John F., Henry S. and Mary. Mr. Basford was again married in 1876, to Mary E., daughter of Anson and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Freeman, born respectively in New York and Pennsylvania. One of the three children born of the latter marriage is deceased,Milo M. The living are Bessie S. and an infant. Mr. Basford is a Democrat in politics, has been Township Clerk one year and Supervisor four years. ames H. Darling, merchant, Fremont, was born in New York, Dec. 13, I84I. His.," parents, Alexander and Lovina (Carpenter) > Darling, were natives of New York, where [ they were married, and came to Michigan in an early day, settling in Newaygo County where they now reside. At the age of I3 James H. left home and went to live with his grandfather, where he remained four years, attending school nearly two years. At the expiration of this time Jhe purchased a one-half interest in a threshing-machine. Two machines were purchased: one for clover, which was operated during the winter season, and the other during the summer. This business he followed four years. In the spring of 1862, Mr. Darling left the State of New York and came to Fremont. He first bought an interest in a saw-mill, which he has since retained, although the mill has been burned and rebuilt in the meantime. He has bought and sold thousands of acres of land, mostly pine, and now owns a one-half interest in 400 acres in Newaygo County. In i868 he purchased onehalf interest in the store of Reynolds & Clendenning, which consisted of general merchandise, and /11 -,7" i. 8o /i-, "e C"~~ 'I fsrsn m ~-~-~ r!.3 i ";~on:an~~ aj i:.ijri'r _457 i;F\,*' NE WA YGO COUNTY. I was known under the name of Darling & Reynolds. This partnership closed in less than two years, by Mr. Reynolds selling his interest to a man named Floyd Misner, and the firm was known as Darling & Misner. This partnership continued between two and three years, when Mr. Darling bought out Mr. Misner, and has since carried on the business alone. He has the largest store of this character to be found in the county. Mr. Darling is identified with all the reforms of the day, and is particularly interested in all that pertains to educational matters. He is President of the Darling Milling Company, which was organized in the spring of 1883; has held the office of Councilman for three years, and is a member of the Masonic Order. He has never wished for office, owing to the pressing demands of his business interests. Mr. Darling was married in this county, to Alma, daughter of Arza and Adaline Tibbitts, who was born in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Darling have had three children: Brittie M., Willard, who died at the age of six years, and Ralph, who died at the age of one and a half years. Barry County and followed farming. In the winter of 1856 he came to this county and settled in Denver Township, where he has since lived on a farm of I20 acres, 60 of which are well cultivated. He has also erected good buildings. April I9, I883, his wife died at her home, leaving four children. Their names and births are as follows: Sarah R., April io, 1852; Andrew D., July 15, 1854; Arthur B., Nov. 9, i86o; Alfred J., April 25, I863; Alvin A., born Dec. 10, 1849, died Feb. 5, I871; Gay H., born June 2, i868, died March 3, 1869. Mr. Dake has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and School Inspector, and is devoted to the interests of the Republican party. Himself and wife were earnest members of the M. E. Church. ~-^ — ^1,~-"t --- - olomon V. Walker, farmer, section 5, Dayton Township, is a son of Elias and EveJ, line (Griswold) Walker, and was born in / Berrien Co., Mich., Aug. 20, 1838. His father was a native of Vermont and his mother of New York. They were married in the latter Ci,,+n — A —.,-A1 eo_ Tneri A un1" — y a ot1-. m1 - u=oL>aticu, aIU mlOVu 1O IDernen Louny aoout tne year. 1833, where his father purchased a tract of good r a Dake farmer section 35 Denver land, which he cleared, and remained there until the d Township, was born in Erie Co., N. VY., death of his wife; after which event he sold his farm April 6, I823. His parents, Benjamin and and moved to Van Buren County, bought another " Polly (Colby) Dake, were natives of Vermont, farm, and lived there until his death, which occurred and of English and Dutch-Irish ancestry. in 1856. They first settled in Allegany Co., N. Y., and after- Solomon V. was educated in the common schools, i, ward in Erie County. Mr. Dake's early education and remained at home until 22 years of age. He was obtained in the common schools of his native then worked on a farm by the month, and in the >, county, and was such as usually fell to the lot of woods, lumbering, for two years. In the spring of s: farmers' sons in those days. He labored on his i860 he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 S father's farm until 22 years of age, when he left acres of Government land under the Gradation Act, home and came to this State, locating in the town of and soon after returned to Berrien County, remainRichland, Kalamazoo County. He then went to ing only one summer. He continued to improve his Wyoming Co., N. Y., and married Miss Esther A. land, working during the fall and winter months, for Hayes, May 4, I847. She was the daughter of three years. He has since added, by purchase, 120 James Hayes, a native of New England and of acres, and now owns an excellent farm of 200 acres, English descent, and was born in Wyoming Co., N. 125 of which is well cultivated. He was married in Y., March 30, 1828, where she was educated, having Berrien County, Aug. I, I862, to Nannie M., daughter ': lived most of the time with a distant relative. After of James and Mary (Mellor) Dean, who was born in:;' their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dake returned to Kala- England, March 8, i84I. Her parents were also na' mazoo Co., Mich., where Mr. Dake worked in a saw- tives of England; they came to America in I839 (': > mill until the spring of 1849, when he removed to and settled in Pennsylvania, and afterward moved to ' ^ 458 NE WAYG4 6s o 5 T, \ 0 I Ii'I I I IN Berrien Co., Mich., where they still reside. Mrs. X Walker remained at home until her marriage, with the exception of two years, when she was engaged in teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have had seven children: Mary E., Margaret E., Charles V., Elenora J., Alice I., Solomon J., and George E. Sept. 2, I864, Mr. Walker enlisted in the 2Ist Reg. Mich. Inf., and served till the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge June 8, I865. He was with Sherman in his celebrated march to the sea, and in the battle of Bentonville, N. C. He held the office )?; of Highway Commissioner three years, School Director several years; was elected Justice of the Peace but declined to serve. He was elected Supervisor of Dayton Township in the spring of I883, which office he now fills. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a charter member of Hesperian Grange, P. of H., No. 495; was chosen the first Master. In politics he sympathizes with the National party. X X J. Murphy, Jr., foreman for the lumber firm of Crepin, Murphy & Sons, is the manJ l ager of their interests in Beaver Township. They owned a large tract of land, establishing their business there in 1878. One million feet of lumber is cut and put in White River yearly, and is floated in the Muskegon River to Montague, where their extensive lumber mills are situated. Their possessions in Newaygo County include about 4,000 acres of pine land, and they employ a laboring force of about 200 men and 60 teams. P. O., Monx tague, Mich. enry Homes, farmer, section 5, Dayton l Township, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1832. His parents, William and Dennis i (Winchell) Homes, were natives of Berkshire Co., Mass. They came to Lenawee Co., Mich., in I853, and lived there about three years, then moved to Hillsdale County, where the father died in 858 and the mother in the fall of I865. Henry lived with his parents during their life, and for a T. long time was their sole support. He was the i2th I 'o lonzo Yates, merchant, farmer and lumber-; man, section I8, Troy Township, was born Aug. 31, I842, in Niagara Co., N. Y. He is a son of Gilbert and Polly (Hunt) Yates, and both parents were natives of the Empire State. They removed to Wisconsin in its pioneer days. His father lost his life in a river which he was crossing on the ice, driving a yoke of oxen. The latter were! saved. The mother of the subject of this sketch resides near Almont, Lapeer Co., Mich. Mr. Yates was ten years old when he lost his t: father, and two years later he became an inmate of the family of a Mr. Hallock, and was employed as a?: farm laborer on his extensive estate until he became b of age, and received a fair common-school educa- ' t 0tAd*g OH 462.,I ": ' 0 ~ i-... IE WA YGO COUNTY. iB~ r.:"~%xI;!~i % 4 "a' j; a I~~I_ iB2 -- j, inconsiderable. Of his home place 90 acres are in i; cultivation. Mr. Coolbaugh is independent in political connection, but formerly acted with the Democratic party. j He has served his generation as Supervisor and School Inspector many years; has often been elected Justice of the Peace, but as often declined the position. He was married at Manchester, Washtenaw County, in December, I852, to Lucy A. Brower, daughter of, Nathan D. and Prudence (Saunders) Brower. Of A): six children born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Coolbaugh, five are living, namely: Franklin, Josephine, Eugenie, Effie and Loretta. The deceased child died in infancy; Mrs. Coolbaugh died May 14, 1871. The picture of Mr. Coolbaugh, on page 460, is that of a representative farmer, worthy citizen and a man who stands second to none in the public estimation. 16 ol. John H. Standish, attorney, resident at *f j[, Newaygo, was born Feb. io, i8I6,in Benson, Rutland Co., Vt., and is the son of Henry and Abigail (Parkhill) Standish. The \ patronymic comes in direct line of descent from the old Puritan, Capt. Miles Standish, who sent another man to do his wooing, with a result that showed he "builded better than he knew." The father of Col. Standish was a farmer, and came to Michigan about I839 and established his interests in Vermontville, Eaton County. The son was 'a a typical Green Mountain boy of the generation in which he was born, keen and knowing beyond his years, and before he was I5 years old had exhausted the educational resources of the quiet town of Benson, which were of no mean order. At the age named he went to Orleans Co., N. Y., and there taught school six months. On the expiration of his engagement he proceeded to Ohio, where he taught school three months in Venice, Huron County; he *.^' went thence to Chicago, and engaged in clerking for I} Philo Carpenter, a merchant in the (then) embryo city. He remained in his employ a year and then *A went West. He made a prospecting tour through ( Iowa and started down the Mississippi, intending to A+= - - -, make his way to New York via New Orleans. In the Crescent City he met a casual friend, bound for Texas, and together they shipped on the "Tom Toby," a privateer fitted out in New Orleans to'cruise against the Mexicans. They went aboard ostensibly as marines, with the understanding that on reaching Velasco, their destination, they should enroll as marines or pay regular fare. While en route, young Standish fell into difficulties with Capt. Hoyt, who demanded menial service of him, against which the fiery youth rebelled, and was threatened with the severest ship discipline and to be put in irons. This roused all his mettle and he assured Captain Hoyt that he would never issue the order, and he did not; but the feud only smoldered until the privateer arrived off Galveston, where they learned there were 800 Mexicans on the island, held by the Texan authorities. Col. Standish demanded to be put ashore. His request was complied with, but he was informed that he must report, "dead or alive," at sunset. On reaching the island the first man he met was Dr. Summers, a physician who had treated him professionally in Chicago. To him he stated his circumstances, and the doctor took him to General Bromley, an artillery officer in the Texan service, who tendered him his protection. In a few hours Capt. Hoyt landed and gave Gen. Bromley a statement which induced that official to withdraw his guaranty. On inquiry, the determined youth ascertained that the island of Galveston was under the authority of Lieut.-Colonel Somers, and he applied to him with success, his friend, Dr. Summers, vouching for him as an American citizen, and the officer commanding guaranteeing his safety as such. Capt. Hoyt made himself lively and entertaining, and threatened direful results. Several days after, the commandant sent for Standish and told him that he felt wholly unable to give him the full protection he evidently required, as there were unmistakable evidences of plottings for secret mischief; gave him a pass across the channel at the lower end of the island, and told him when and where he would find a pony equipped for the fifteen miles to be traversed before he could attempt to leave the island unobserved. At the time appointed the pony, mounted by an undaunted stripling of seventeen, was flying like the winged wind towards assured freedom. Dismounting at the small station in charge of a squad of half a dozen men, he made his request to 4$ ~ i:: 36 rat 4.;-~IPakP; a /~;Ifiites Di4;' a Y e; -— *~ —~Uo ~~ r ^Q-$ i. 71I 4ei.ArE~~~~~~ I...4I(7 O _rTY NEWAYGO COUNTY. 463 x' - - - ----- -- - A' be set across the channel. The officer scanned him from head to foot, and, pulling a paper from his pocket, began to read to him an exact description of himself, and finished by declaring his intention to place him in custody and deliver him duly to Capt. Hoyt. The pass and order from the commandant j proved an antidote, and he was promptly set ashore i on the main land at Velasco. He immediately sought out the recruiting officer, Major J. W. Tinsley, and enrolled in the First Regiment of Texas Cavalry, i under Col. Wells. One morning, a few days later, the " Tom Toby " lay off Velasco, and not long afterward her Captain came ashore. He gave a gruff greeting to the young man who had eluded his grasp, and appealed to Major Tinsley for the surrender of the fugitive. The Major was a young man and fully in sympathy with the boy who had placed himself under the protection of the Texan military authorities. The Major and Captain angrily paced a long piazza where they had met, their wrath waxing hotter and hotter. As they met counter in their walk, Major Tinsley suddenly drew a dagger from his side pocket, and, placing it alarmingly near the throat of Captain Hoyt, informed him that he was a dead man unless he passed his word of honor to i cease to molest young Standish and to surrender his baggage, which contained valuable clothes and other property. The terrified free-booter gave the required promise and went aboard his boat. Day-dawn revealed the harbor free from all traces of the "Tom Toby." Col. Standish remained in the Texan service I8 months, and took part in a number of engagements. On the organization of his regiment he was elected Second Sergeant, and passed the various grades to Second Lieutenant. When he deemed it prudent to sever his connection with his regiment he received honorable discharge and made his way to Louisiana, where he spent a year in the parishes of Natchitoches and Rapides. He then resolved to make his way North, and he came to Mount Carmel, Wabash Co., a Ill., where he taught school one winter. While there he was married to Hester A., daughter of the Rev. William Courter, a minister of the Disciples' or Christian Church. Under the influences brought to bear upon him, he became a convert to the tenets of * the Christian Church, and became active and useful; in behalf of its interests. That body he still holds in venerated remembrance. He is a born orator, an - adept in the use of effective, concentrated language, and there is no doubt that he accomplished a large amount of good. "Isms " were at that period making astounding headway among readers and. thinkers, and they engaged the interested attention of Col. Standish. He was attracted by the phenomena of mesmerism, and his mercurial composition soon made him one of its ablest exponents. His experiments and reflection led him into psychology, and he commenced lecturing as soon as the subject as- ' sumed respectable claims, and began to widen his sphere of operations. He fell away gradually from his religious connections, and became widely known as a lecturer on psychology, and traversed the land from the New England seaboard to its Western limits, disseminating his views on the topic which absorbed him and afforded scope for the exercise of his peculiar traits of character and his unusual abilities. In I839 he left Illinois and settled his family at Middleville, Barry County, where he s resided until 1852, and then settled at Newaygo, on = the place which is still in his possession and where r he built the house which is now his home. In his lectures in Southern Illinois his knowledge: of law had attracted the attention of the Judiciary of that region, and he was invited to appear before the committee of examination appointed by the court to pass upon the qualifications of aspirants to the Bar. He complied, and was formally admitted to the practice of law in the State Courts of Illinois. In 1852 he was appointed Deputy Register of Deeds and Clerk of Newaygo County, and after serving two years was elected to both offices; and re-elected in 1856. In I857 he was admitted to practice in the, State Courts of Michigan and established his business ~ at Newaygo. In i860 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney and served two years. He then resumed the duties of his private business, which he prosecuted until I863. At this tine the events and progress of the civil war were, as everywhere, the topic of the day at Newaygo, but enlistments were slow for want of a leader. The exigency awakened the old fire and:^i spirit in the composition of Col. Standish, and he went to Grand Rapids, applied for and obtained the necessary qualifications, returned to Newaygo, hung the stars and stripes from his office window, and i I:i /k f T ~ ~ p.<;X\#, I~ad~Eh1-~* N" V1 `..r -r~~i~~ '7:; ixB caa '.: *.a~l~~~~.~;;t ri jbe. * j r"f -j~u :yLii .~~ i L~ r: 41Cr.-~" rr* 464 IVE WA 0 YGO CO UNT Y. NE WAY GO CO UNTY. I~, ~ before dark of the same day 22 stalwart, hardy; woodsmen from the line of the Muskegon had en-? rolled in the Ioth Mich. Cavalry. But a few weeks were consumed in filling a company, and, on reportj ing, it was found to be the earliest organization of Ioo men and was assigned the senior place, becoming Co. A, Capt. Standish. The regiment was mustered in Nov. I8, I863. Its Captain was promoted by succession to the position of Major Oct. o1, I864. On the I3th of March, I865, he was made Lieut.-Colonel i by brevet, for gallantry in action at Strawberry Plains, Tenn., Aug. 23, 1864, when, with 125 men and Col- lins' Ill. Battery, he repulsed an attack from Wheeler's Cavalry Corps of 6,ooo men, with nine pieces of artillery, and when seven men of his regiment held McMillan's Ford, on the Holston River, by hard fighting, against a brigade of rebel cavalry for three and a half hours. He was made Brevet Colonel April II, 1865, for gallantry in action at Abbott's Creek, N. C. Sept. 2, 1865, he was made Lieut.-Colonel? and was mustered out Nov. ii, i865. Company A ~ was one of the finest in the army. Its members were 't nearly all lumbermen, or men made hardy and able to bear the fatigues of war by years of labor and exr: posure in their business, either as woodsmen or farmers. In the action at Strawberry Plains one of the most remarkable events of the whole war, Col. (then Capt.) Standish had but 275 men to withstand Wheeler's entile force of 6,ooo. The statement seems incredible, and the results of the action ought to have won stars for the leader and commissions for every man in his command. The spirit of the whole detail is illustrated by the reply of one of the seven f men who defended McMillan's Ford, to Gen. Wheeler,, who asked him, " Why did you not keep us from crossing?" "Why, you see, we did until you hit me, and that weakened our forces so much that you were too much for us." The rebel chief remarked, " If I had 300 men like you I could march through the realms of Pluto. (He spelled the locality with four letters for short.) On his return to Newaygo Col. Standish resumed the practice of law. In 1867 he was elected to rep-; resent his district in the Senate of Michigan, and in 869 was re-elected. While serving his first term in the Senate he was Chairman of the Committee to investigate the legal status of the D. & M. Railroad, an onerous and important position, for which the technical knowledge of law and eminent abilities of Col. Standish made him peculiarly fit. The business was transacted in joint committee. The Chairman of the House Committee was R. R. Smith, of Portland, Ionia County, and the duties absorbed nearly all the time of the session. In the spring of the same year he was appointed by President Grant, U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, and in I873 received a re-appointment, serving in the aggregate eight years. During this time he resided in Grand Rapids, and in I875 returned to Newaygo. A year later he went to Muskegon, where he prosecuted his profession until November, I88I, when, his health being in a precarious condition, he again returned to Newaygo, where he is now pursuing his business as an attorney. Five children were born to Col. Standish of his marriage with Miss Courter. Two are living. The record is as follows: Cynthia Sophia, born Nov. i, 1839, died Nov. 24th of the same year. William Henry, born Sept. I, 1840, died Nov. 9, 1840. Georgette, was born July 24, 1842. (See sketch of W. D. Fuller.) Marcellus, born Oct. 9, 1844, died Aug. 23, I850. Albert and Alice (twins) were born Aug. 24, 1849. The latter died Aug. I7, I851. Alice Sophia, born Dec. 18, 1853, died Nov. io, 1873. She was a young lady of unusual promise and singularly winning traits of character. Albert Standish, eldest surviving son, is a lawyer and business man of splendid attainments and abilities, and is in the employ of a prominent business firm in Chicago. The mother was born March 17, 1822, and died at Newaygo, Sept. 29, I855. The second marriage of Col. Standish took place at Glens Falls, N. Y., Feb. I9, i857, when Emmeline, daughter of Pliny and Martha Day, became his wife. She was born April 6, 1830. Of this marriage three children have been born: Miles P., born March 15, I858, is in the lumber business at White Cloud; J. Frank, Nov. 22, 1863, is in the employ of the C. & W. M. R. R., at the depot in Newaygo; Mattie was born Jan. 6, i868. The sons are already an honor to the community and a credit to their generation. The daughter is the treasure and joy of the household. It is impossible in a brief paragraph to convey a just idea of the character of Col. Standish. He belongs essentially to the genus Yankee, and has all the traits which distinguish that class to whom no A. ( I I 61 -illss!!t A; * ' %i ~,.I a}.,"~ f: i,; * AT,jj~, 4/i '44) ----<-aiia^>^ --— t-^^ ^iI~Pr.h *....._.-.E — fEW v>,\Ed;: _.,>,S cL*0t ~ ~_...).,, delineating pen has ever done full justice and in all probability never will. His celerity in judgment when emergencies drive is simply amazing. His i shrewdness and wonderful command of language would have made him one of the most successful and popular jury lawyers in the country had he commenced his career as an attorney in early life. He is on life's declivity in years and health, but his mrental acumen is as keenly vigorous as in his prime, and his labors in his profession are as effective and illus- trative of the resources of information, wit and sagacity he has at ready command, as when he was in the full strength of manhood and all the ardor of i ambition. J eorge Luton, attorney and counsellor at law, resident at Newaygo, was born Dec. i: i K I8, I844, at St. Thomas, Ont. He is the 1i f eldest son of his parents, William and Eliza' betl (Crane) Luton, who are still living in Canada. His father was born in 1822, in. Elgin Co., Canada, and his mother was also a nanative of the Dominion. She is a daughter of Frank Crane, who was a native of Vermont. William Luton, paternal grandsire of Mr. Luton, of this sketch, came to America just previous to the second war 1 with Great Britain and settled in Elgin County, Canada. Mr. Luton received a substantial preliminary education, and at the age of 17 years commenced teaching. He pursued that vocation five years, when he matriculated at Osgood Hall, Toronto. He passed the severe examination with much credit and was articled for five years. A successful candidate is regarded as entitled to great honor as a scholar, but he has only reached the threshhold of an arduous labor and struggle. His matriculation admits him to membership in an association whereby his position is assured and the way paved to five years of unremitting mental toil. The curriculum of regular study ' is prescribed, and four scholarships are opened to contestants. In these the studies are also arranged,. the successful candidate receiving $120 for the first / year, $i 60 for the second, $200 for the third and $240 for the fourth. Mr. Luton passed the first two years without extra effort. He entered as a contestant for the third year and was distanced by a com petitor by six-tenths of a question on the examination. Nothing daunted, he undertook the struggle for the scholarship of the fourth year, and won the honors and money over his competitor of the previous year. His grade in the regular course which he read for his profession, averaged less than one below the standard of one hundred. In i872 he passed the rigid exam ination of "Trinity term," and within the year settled at Newaygo. He formed an association with Edgar L. Gray, which relation continued with successful results four years. In I876 Mr. Luton opened an office alone, and has since managed his business singly. He occupies at present an elegant office in the " Courtright." Mr. Luton is the present Secretary of the Newaygo County Republican Committee. In I876 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney and continued to hold the office by re-election until Jan. i, I883. He holds fair rank in the legal fraternity of Northern Michigan, and is chiefly distinguished for his quiet, dignified, unostentatious manners and his attention to his business relations. He is characterized by calmness of deliberation, reflective judgment and clear understanding of the details of his profession. As an advocate he is dispassionate and effective; in forensic debate he exhibits fine logical powers and a wide scope of legal knowledge. He is non-aggressive, builds nothing at the expense of others, and possesses traits which must eventually lead to distinction for which he can very well afford to wait. aeter Graves, farmer, section 20, Everett.. Township, is the son of Alfred and Hannah (Andrews) Graves, and was born in Salem, (d Monroe County, Mich., May 15, 1845. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. At the age of I8 years, Mr. Graves found himself released from his allegiance to paternal authority, and became interested in the lumber trade in Michigan. He found constant employ in the woods and on the water courses, and operated as a lumberman about o1 years, afterwards giving his attention to agriculture. In I867 he entered a homestead claim of 120 acres of land on section 20, in Everett Township, and subsequently bought 20 acres on section 34. He is now clearing and cultivating these tracts of p 11 I 4? P I N"' F' ~ <*;>X H o.iua1Do-.~>s o- 466 ^ ( r i. 1, l ) M NE WA YGO COUNTY. P'x ~-i~: ~'*;i-~ " %ib_ ' u I.' i_:q if -- -- --- I I # land, and has 80 acres in tillage. He also owns 200 acres of pine land on sections 17 and i8, where he is pursuing his lumber interests. Mr. Graves was married in Moniteau Co., Mo., July I, 1877, to Mary F. Wright, born March 6, 1855, in that State. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Graves, —Lula M., Gertrude H., Blanche Walton R. The last named died when two years old. Mr. Graves is a thoroughgoing, active temperance i man. In early life he formed the liquor habit, which is as easy in Northern Michigan as the proverbial "falling off a log," which saying, it is suspected, had; its origin uuder the peculiar circumstances of locality,-logs being always at hand and candidates for that kind of immortality being nearly as plentiful. But Mr. Graves learned, not too late, the folly of sacrificing his manhood and the results of years of honest, worthy endeavor, and abandoned his pernicious habit. He met with a loss of $7,ooo in consequence of his unfortunate proclivity, in I877, and from that date made a new departure in life. Politically, he is in affinity with the Democrat - party. A. _ NE WA YGO COUNTY. U --- —---------— -_ = < had commenced when he arrived there; his company was ushered off the cars and went immediately into action. Scarcely a day passed that he was not in some engagement. At Cumberland Gap he was taken sick with that terrible complaint, diarrhea, and was sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained some time, and was finally discharged at Detroit, Aug. 18, 1865. He immediately came home and settled on his farm, where he has ever since been actively engaged in the various pursuits of farm life. Mr. and Mrs. Haight have had two children: Ada L., born Oct. 19, 1876; Adelbert, born May 3, 1870, died April 12, 1879. Mr. H. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is Secretary of the lodge. Mrs. H. is a member of the Baptist Church, in which she has been an active worker 20 years. -— o~a~- ~~ ----- rederick J. Maynard, farmer, section 27, Denver Township, is a son of John and: ' Lois (Camber) Maynard, who were natives of Clinton Co., England. They emigrated to " America, and after spending two years in New York, came to Michigan and settled on the farm where Frederick now resides, in the fall of 1856, and where he was born Nov. 2, 1862. He spent 12 winters in the district schools of this place, and since that time has labored hard and earnestly to assist in cultivating his father's large farm. His father bequeathed him 70 acres of finely improved land, and he is classed with the best farmers of the county. His honesty and integrity have won for him an excellent reputation. In politics he is a Republican. i i I II I I i I -T -I At the age of five years John W. lost the use of his left leg by paralysis. At the age of 17 he entered the Methodist college at Fort Wayne, Ind., attending one year, then two years at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind. He next taught school for a while, and then entered the office of Dr. C. Hector, at Rochester, Ind., commencing the study of medicine. He thus passed about three years, and then one year in the medical department of the University of Michigan. Next he practiced his profession a year at Sebastopol, Ind., and then, in the spring of 1870, came to Newaygo County, residing in Hesperia until 1875. In August of this year he came to Fremont, i where he has since remained, in the successful practice of his profession. In the fall of 1878 he was elected to the Legislature, over Edward Edwards, by almost 300 majority. Politically he is a National. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. McNabb was married in this county, July i, I873, to Miss Fannie, daughterof Sullivan and Mary Armstrong, the former a prominent and well known citizen of Newaygo. The Doctor has had one child, Kenneth, who died when four months old. Mrs. McNabb died July 27, I880. ( ill Courtright, proprietor of "The Courtright " at Newaygo, was born July 3, 1854, 2 at Grand Rapids. He is a son of Aaron and Teresa M. (Barker) Courtright, both of Welsh extraction. He was a pupil in the schools of his native city until he was 14 years old, when he was sent to New Brighton, Pa., to attend the Kenwood school. There he remained until he was 16 years of age, when he returned to Michigan. I I, v I j O.-. 11 C-C f I t j ohn W. McNabb, I I born in Wyandot Cc His parents, James Kim) McNabb, were alsc of Scotch and Irish anc a minister of the M. E.;i to Indiana when the subject o six years of age. Mr. McNat > Ind., Oct. 2, 1852, and his wid 4:?~;~..... - His father owned a tract of land in Sparta TownM. D., Fremont, was ship containing 204 acres, and to this the family., Ohio, Jan. 20, 1846. removed in I870. In 1872 they came to Newaygo. J. and Eliza Jane (Mc- The senior Courtright bought the Brooks House propnatives of that State, erty of William Addis, which he conducted some estry. His father was years as a hotel,.his son acting as clerk. In 1879 Church. They moved the latter leased the billiard and restaurant rooms f this sketch was about attached to the hotelt;and in September, i88o, he A )b died in Miami Co, rented the entire establishment. It contained ac- a low Oct. o1, 1864. commodations for 80 guests, and the enterprise 115 _I: i al- ~L.~ ~ ~ 1i^:-^ ( 468 NIE WA YGt proved profitable until April, 1883, when the destruction of the building occurred in the fire which; swept away the most considerable portion of the vily lage. The proprietor was involved in a loss of $4,000, (D with $,000o insurance. Mr. Courtright rented the Raider Block and proceeded with his business as "mine host," and at once entered vigorously upon the work of constructing the substantial and elegant structure which bears his name. Seven months from the disaster, in No-. veiilterr i88 the nneni n f of the hotel for the accom_, COUNTY. --- 14 I.-, -? I modation of the public took place. The entire cost of the establishment and fittings has been about $25,000. It is built of brick, is two stories high with a basement, and has a frontage of 195 feet, with a wing 80 feet deep. The first floor is devoted to hotel purposes chiefly, and the second floor affords handsome and elaborate quarters for Ioo guests. All the appurtenances of a first-class hotel may be found with appropriate fixtures. The furnishings are all new, and in the latest style, the entire establishment being one of the best in Northern Michigan. The proprietor is a " born " landlord; the management of the house is faultless, everything being conducted on an inflexible system. Order and cleanliness prevail throughout, and, as a hotel and accessory to Newaygo, the building is the most noteworthy of the many that add grace and comeliness to the village, which less than a year ago showed such unsightly traces of ruin and devastation. way to Oakfield, Genesee Co., N. Y., where they set- Ft tled on Ioo acres of land. There their daughter / died, on the first day of October, I849, in the fall subsequent to their arrival. They lived there in prosperity about two years, and Aug. I, 1851, another son, William Henry, was born. The mother died March 14, I852. The father sold his farm and made a prospecting trip through the Western States. He finally bought 86 acres of land in Sandstone, Jack- i son Co., Mich. He returned to New York and was married to Sarah B. Draper. In the fall of 1855 they took possession of their new home in Michigan. On this they remained two years, going thence to Homer, Calhoun County, where they bought Ioo acres of ( land. They made another removal to Litchfield, i Hillsdale County, where six children-three sons and three daughters-were born to them. One son died i there in early childhood. Later, the family removed to Battle Creek, where Mrs. Pittwood died, Jan. 10, 4 1884. The father still resides there. Mr. Pittwood, of this sketch, enlisted, at Litchfield,, in the civil war, in April, I86i, under the first requisition for troops, in Co. H., Fourth Mich. Vol. Inf., Capt. Funk, of Jonesville. He sustained the loss of his left thumb by a gunshot wound at Fairfax Station during the first battle of Bull's Run, and received his 'Ii discharge in consequence. He returned home and re-enlisted in the First Reg. Mich. Engineers and Mechanics, under Col. William P. Innis, enrolling as Chief Bugler of the regiment and as a member of the regimental band. He served in that capacity until his period of enlistment expired, in November, 1864. He was in the battle of Stone River, orLa Vergne, and in numerous skirmishes. He was dis- le charged at Atlanta, Ga., and returned home. After a short. visit he joined the construction department J of the army and was engaged in bridge building in Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee until Lee's surrender, when he returned home and was employed in his vocation. He came to Newaygo in i872 and established himself in the calling in which he has since continued. ( Mr. Pittwood was married Dec. 24, I866, to Martha E., daughter of Samuel and Deborah (Woods) Riblet, a native of Litchfield, born Oct. I9, 1843. Her f'' family is one of the oldest and best known of Hills- j dale County, being the lineal decendants of a French nobleman, who, in consequence of his embracing the? ohn Pittwood, architect and builder, resi' dent at Newaygo, was born at Ringsash, 1 e Devonshire, Eng., Feb. 15, 1843. John and Elizabeth Pittwood, his paternal grandparents, passed their lives, died and were buried in the parish of Ringsash. Their only, son, William, married Jane Stevens, of the parish of Winkleigh, Devonshire, Eng., and to them were born three children: John, Mary Elizabeth and William t Henry. The last named died Nov. 6, 1847, in Eng9 land. William and Jane Pittwood, with their two children, emigrated to America in the springof 1849. Ai They had a stormy passage, and were on the ocean i nine weeks. They landed at Quebec and made their ||g|'"'q' — h Di7 e~ Behavi r", i ani4 c q`18~'!WA z t& I s, 1 ~Il - -.W. -, 11 " I ') (', 'j" I! 473 -......! ' N 473 \ NE WAYGO COUNTY. r::: Protestant faith, had his property confiscated and was exiled under penalty of being burned as a heretic. He suffered many indignities, and, in company with others, went to Germany, where he married and reared a large family. Two of his sons, Christian and Bartholomew, emigrated to America and settled in Northampton Co., Pa., where John Riblet, son of Christian, and great-grandfather of Mrs. Pittwood, was born, in 1758. In the beginning of the war of the Revolution, he entered the service as First Lieutenant in a regiment of riflemen, but was soon after taken prisoner and confined three years on board the British man-of-war, "Roebuck." After his release he married and settled near Hagerstown, Md., where Solomon Riblet, father of Samuel, was born, in August, 1782. In the year i8oo, John Riblet moved with his family to Erie, Pa., where he commanded the body guard of Commodore Perry during the building of his fleet. Solomon Riblet was Captain in a regiment of minute-men, and served with distinction. Samuel Riblet, father of Mrs. Pittwood, was born in the town of Harbor Creek, Erie Co., Pa., Feb. 22, i8 i. He was taught the rudiments of a German education by his grandfather, and attended the district school during the winter months. At the age of 17 he went to Erie to complete his education at the academy at that place. He was obliged to teach winters in order to obtain funds to defray his expenses at school during the summer. He obtained a situation as teacher near Pittsburg, which he filled acceptably three years, during which time he formed the? acquaintance of Deborah Woods, to whom he was married Nov. 19. I833. A son, S. K. Riblet (see sketch), was born and soon after they decided to emigrate to Michigan; and, in accordance with this res-! olution, they left Pittsburg and moved West in one of the emigrant wagons since called "prairie schooners." After their long and tedious journey they settled on I6o acres of land on the Kalamazoo'and St. Joseph trail, near Litchfield. They were there when t the Indians were yet so numerous that it was a frequent thing for 500 or more of them to collect on their farm. Here their children were reared and all grew to maturity, and here the venerable couple lived; together 44 years, the mother dying Dec. 21, I879. The father still lives, on the old homestead. He was married Jan. 15, i882, to Mrs. Clarinda Hartwell., "; 7 Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pittwood: Mary Jane, Ethelyn D., William Henry and John S. Mr. Pittwood is a member of the Order of Masonry, belonging to Newaygo Lodge, No. 131. He owns his residence and 40 acres of land, on section 6, Grant Township, 40 acres on section i, Ashland, and 40 acres on section 8 in Deerfield, Mecosta County. Mrs. Pittwood was a teacher in the union school at Litchfield, three years prior to her marriage. Mr. Pittwood is a man of exceptional native genius, and is possessed of natural and acquired abilities in his profession far exceeding those of many who make greater pretentions. His traits of character render him one of the most estimable citizens of Newaygo. / ohn M. Grovesteen, deceased, was born I_: March 25, 1825, in Dutchess Co., N. Y. His parents were natives of Germany and gt~ Ireland, and his mother died when he was five years old. His father married a second time and passed the remainder of his life in the Empire State. Mr. Grovesteen went to the State of Wisconsin when he was I8 years old, and five years later came to Pere Marquette, Northern Michigan, for the purpose of engaging in the lumber woods. He returned to Wisconsin after two years, and spent a few months, coming thence to Muskegon and Newaygo Counties, Mich. He worked for some time in both the latter at blacksmithing, and passed two winters in the woods scaling logs. His next business venture was the purchase of 80 acres of partly improved land in Dayton Township, for which he paid $800. This farm he occupied five years, sold out and moved to Big Prairie. He there became proprietor of I60 acres of land, which he held until his death. Later he bought I6o acres of wild land in Everett Township, where he established his homestead and erected a good house, which remained his abode during the remainder of his life. Mr. Grovesteen met his death Feb. 2, 1883, by accident, being struck by a falling tree. He was a decided Republican, and a prominent man in his township. His stability and reliability of character made him generally esteemed, and he spent many years of his life in public official capacities. He was C' e,?ry eF,-:;~ ~ I,, I of' V\ A J:F;~~ ~ L~~~ ~ ~~ia ~p~ei~ p~ retc~~~ ~ E~i~; J-j IstJl ~ -: -. — 7 'o l.p 474 NE WA YGO COUNTY. Y. r: 474 '-e V Supervisor of Everett Township four successive years, and Justice of the Peace five years. He belonged to the Masonic Order. He spent four months during the war of the Rebellion in the employment of the Government, working at his trade of blacksmith, with headquarters at Chattanooga. He was obliged to resign his post on account of illness. Mr. Grovesteen was married March 25, 1857, in Big Prairie, to Eliza, third daughter of Jotham and X Diantha (Garrett) Hall. The parents were natives of the State of New York, and came to Michigan A during its pioneer period, finally settling in Big Prairie, where the father died. The mother was again married, to Daniel Von Sickles, and resides in Big Prairie. Mrs. Grovesteen was born in Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich., July 31, 1837. Ten children were born of her marriage, seven of whom survive: William, Jennie B., Lydia A., Edna, Emma P., Calista N. and Mary E. Charles N. was drowned 1, at the age of four years and seven months. John died of diphtheria, aged nine years and ten months. 7: Mattie died of diphtheria, in her infancy.:-: The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Grovesteen may be 2= found on pages 470 and 47I. Township, and 80 acres in Reynolds, Montcalm County. Mr. Powers is a member of the blue lodge of Muskegon, and of the Royal Arch Chapter, No 131, at Newaygo. He was married at Newaygo, Oct. I3, I873, to Rosa, daughter of Moses and Marsaline Molonson, who was born in Croton Township, May 13, i856. The household includes two children: Elgin M., born Sept. 8, I874, and Elmer A., April 7, I879. *, y.; l ugustine Henry Giddings moved to the i s-_ village of Newaygo from the city of New | York in the year 1857. He was born in the town of Sherman, Fairfield Co., Conn., and, it ' living, would have been about 50 years of age. The place of his nativity is situated.n a picturesque portion of that State In the days of his early boyhood he lived in what is termed the Housatonic Valley and a few miles east of Pawling, Dutchess Co., N. Y. His father sold his farmi at Sherman = and removed to Berkshire Co., Mass., where he purchased another farm, in the vicinity of Great Barring- rton. The son was sent to the village school in that, place until he was I6 years of age, when he was placed at Union College, Schenectady. Judge Giddings was never married, and there is an authenticated story from which an inference may be drawn. He had two young lady friends, both of whom were attending school at the Washington Seminary in the State of Connecticut. For one of them he had formed an ardent attachment. She may be \ called Sophia. In a memorable letter to her in which he addressed her as " Dear Sophia," and ended with tl ll 'avid Powers, farmer, section 23, Garfield I -— 1 i Township, was born in Houghton, Norfolk Co., Can., March 4, 1856. His father, 'JlY James Powers, was born in Ireland and died v at St. Thomas, Canada, in 1866. His mother, Fanny (Pearl) Powers, was born in Nova Scotia and died in Bayham, Canada, when he was a, p small boy." Ever yours," etc., he made considerable effort to do He remained in Norfolk County until he was 7 the occasion full justice, and quoted poetry largely. yers old and cae to Newaygo Dec. 27862. H As a crowning effort he inserted the following, quoting father had been here lreviously and was well-known, from memory, and incorrectly: having been employed as clerk in several stores. r. Powers readily found e loyent in the lumber How sweet is the brier with its soft, folding blossom! And sweet is the birk in its shilmineringl sheelln; woods, and gave his attention solely to lumbering And sweeter and fairer, andl dear to this bosom,: until 1873, when he moved upon his farm which he Is love 80hia, a flower so geel' t? iad purchashed in 1870, consisting of 40 acres, in In the last line he attemped a paraphrase, and all * its original state. He has added 40 acres to his first unconscious of the dreadful blunder and all it imtract and has that amount under good improvements. plied, he dispatched the letter. Susan, his other fair 4 (b He owns also 80 acres in Brooks Township, in con- friend, had claims upon his remembrance, and it i pany with Morris Angevine, 120 acres in Croton struck him as a happy thought that he would copy ' iXfe '- r is l^ -^ -— A- d m -^-4it^^^ r-11 ~2 KI I I" -~i N I 0; ~ ~11~ NE WAYGO COUNTY. 475 > Sophia's letter and with a change of the name it would be appropriate. The girls were not intimate, and the term of school was so near its close that the chances of mutual confidences were small. He came to a clear understanding of the fallacy of his hopes when, a few days later, he received both his communications in one envelope, without a word of comment. He made every explanation that he could devise, but in vain. This occurrence took place during his freshman year at Union. Soon after he was graduated, young Giddings went to the city of New York and began the study of law in the office of Truman Smith. Young Giddings was associated with the leading politicians and statesmen of that period and acquired a rare knowledge of men and affairs. Possessed of a clear, discriminating and strong mind, he seized upon the shrewd political methods of the successful men of that day, and none knew better than he how to enlist the masses in his behalf and cause them to carry out his desires with enthusiasm. He read for his profession a short time with another firm in New York, and in r857, his father having extensive interests in this county, he came to Newaygo and commenced the practice of law. In i858 Mr. Giddings was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and was re-elected in i86o. This was the year of the Presidential campaign; and, although he was a warm friend of William H. Seward, and was disappointed in the action of the convention, yet he became early satisfied that Lincoln would give to the country a conservative administration. During the campaign he made several able speeches in behalf of Lincoln, and at the outbreak of the Rebellion desired to enter the army. He failed in his application for a commission as Major and made no further effort. During the campaign of 1864 Giddings was especially zealous in the re-election of Lincoln. He was subsequently elected to the office of Probate Judge of Newaygo County, and finally in I870 was chosen Circuit Judge. His discharge of the duties of the position proved so satisfactory, that in the spring of I875 he was placed in regular nomination. He was re-elected by a large majority, and continued to discharge the duties of his office with impartiality and ability until the fall of 1876, when he died suddenly at Philadelphia, where he had gone to pttend. I the Centennial. He was 44 years of age. But a short time previous his father had left him quite a fortune, and he contemplated making a tour of Europe during the summer of I877; but his brothers laid him to his long rest among the scenes of his early childhood, and there he sleeps in "God's first temples," so grandly described by Bryant, who was himself born near Great Barrington. The last case ever tried before him was Anderson vs. The White River Log & Booming Company. Judge Giddings was a man of accurate and vigorous perceptions. His mind moved in a straight line direct to the point he sought. He early discovered and seized upon the main issue in a case, and usually endeavored to have tried with reference to the same. Perceiving the right of a cause, he tried to guard and protect it for the benefit of the party injured. He held the scales of justice impartially. His charges to juries were clear, lucid and manifested the strength of his understanding and judgment. He was patient in the trial of cases, and gave ample time to elicit the facts that had a possible bearing upon the issues involved. He spoke slowly but with great dignity, distinctness and clearness, and always gave urgent reasons for his rulings. He greatly enjoyed wit and humor as a pastime, and was always one of the most social and genial of men. "And, as years after his death we write of our departed friend, our memory reverts to the early days of his professional career, and brings back to us in the freshness of youth, pleasant memories of him who, full of hope and aspirations, began the struggle of life when the present was full of pleasure and the future satisfying." And thus we walk with him and keep unbroken Tl'e bond which nature gives, Thinking that our remembrance duly spoken May reach him where he lives. P-e f, I... fc I I i I It i$: I1: ~ BA ", i '1 eorge H. Peters, farmer, section 36, Ever|a I ett Township, was born in Livonia, Wayne Co., Mich., March 14, I84I, and is a son of George and Mary Ann (Stevens) Peters.. His father was born Jan. 14, 1798, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and died Aug. 22, 1875. t, His mother had descended from the genuine Yankee stock pf Massachusetts, She was born in 1819 in e X^- n- r —~^^(1c ^^ 4~ ~ ~ -~i4:.2~ —~ : I476I —6 a 476./010~~ NE WA YGO CO UNT Y. I v --— I 0K the " Old Bay State," and is still living, in Eaton Co. i In paternal descent, Mr. Peters comes of the ^ sturdy, honest race known as Scotch-Irish. When i he was a year old his parents came to Eaton County, ~', where he was reared to manhood. He was married when 21 years of age and resided at home with his parents four years after that event. On leaving the paternal roof he came to Newaygo County and identified himself with the agricultural element of the township of Everett, by the purchase of 40 acres of land. He has labored upon this until he has cleared. 30 acres. He subsequently bought 40 acres, of which he has cleared seven. Mr. Peters enlisted, in I864, in the service of the United States, and aided in consummating the final extinction of armed rebellion and enforcing the authority of the general Government. He enrolled in Co. G, Tenth Mich Cav., and was mustered out in 1865, at Jackson, Mich. He is a Republican. Mr. Peters was married, Aug. 10, 1862, to Caroline Willbur, youngest daughter of Richard and Charlotte (Dodge) Willbur. She was born in Assyria, Barry:i> County, Feb. 22, 1842. Two children: Rinaldo B., born Aug. 13, 1863, and Albert D., born August 21, I873. Both parents belong to the United Brethren Church. Richard Willbur was born in the State of New York, in 1791, and died in November, 1841. Charlotte Willbur was born in Vermont, in 8oo0. They settled in Assyria, Barry Co., Mich., in 1840. The mother, of Holland-Dutch descent, resided on the homestead place until her death, in I877. _J -<- ^< <<(t))>^>^0~ -J - d 1 S'lfred G. Mead, proprietor of saw-mill, sec- tion I5, Sheridan Township, is a son of Edi i mund W. and Rachel (Knapp) Mead, who were natives of Massachusetts and settled in Putnam Co., N. Y., afterwards locating in Norwalk, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their lives.:> The subiect of this sketch was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., July I2, 1825; when but four years of age the family removed to Ohio, and he remained,j with his parents until he was of age. He learned the trade of molder, at which he worked at various i places, learning also the art of'n achinist. He remained in Ohio until his marriage, which occurred ~ April 5, 1848. His wife was Hannah M. Stiles, a native of Ohio, whose parents were from New England. He first resided three years in Wisconsin, then seven years in Iowa; next, on account of ill health, he returned to Ohio and lived in several places until the summer of I866, when he resided in Muskegon two years, and then came to Newaygo County and bought 245 acres of timber land, in Sheridan Township, where he now resides. On his location here he at once erected a saw-mill, which he still runs. In politics Mr. Mead is a National, and in public affairs he has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, and since the spring of 1879 he has been Supervisor. In social matters he is a Son of Temperance and active in the cause of the order. Mrs. M. is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. and Mrs. Mead are the parents of eight children, namely: Clarence A., Edmund S., Clairinelle Edith A., Linly M., Winthrop G. and Clifford S., living, and Willie, who died when about 18 months old. arshall B. Franklin, merchant, Fremont. lIZ The parents of this enterprising gentlei '' man were Bildad and Mary J. (Young) y:\ Franklin, the former a native of the State of - New York, who died in Iowa, while visiting his son: Mrs. F., a native of Canada, still resides in the Dominion. Mr. F., the subject of this sketch, was born in Canada, Nov. 22, 1850; he lived at home until about 20 years of age, when he was engaged as clerk in a store in that country for over five years; in the summer of 1875 he came to this county, settling in Fremont, where he has since been successfully engaged in general merchandising, his transactions amounting annually to over $30,000. His stock is valued at $12,000 to $r4,ooo. He once had also a stock of goods at Hesperia for nearly i8 months, but finally removed it to Fremont. Mr. F. is not only a prominent merchant, but forward in advancing the interests and building up the enterprises of his community. In the spring of i880 he was elected Township Treasurer and served one year; was re-elected in the spring of 1883, and is now holding the office. Since the spring of i88 he has been Village Councilman; was also Deputy Clerk one year. He is Past Master in the I 0 0 F., and is a Republican. Mr. F. has two children, one of whom is deceased. I A " 1 X +. irK~, _tp_(rSl;)>;6> i~aO: 3' ~ i~~l~r~~:~~ - ~irlP` ar I X ,~~:; dg . '3$g; ; ~,a~ II 4; p1,1 ~AKI}~sI1I1fI -: 4 4jc 4 ~4 "N A.-r -; ~-j'~- K Ale < - 0ff a.. '' ' f. ArE WA YGO CO0 - U Y. NiE WA YGO CO UNTY. 479..'I 1- l'.t INTRODUGTORY.,r.L,.. 1>> yl-fC1C ---1^! '^.' yYc~5 ~~ 1r — "leAIK-stCTBBPBI, S an extraordinary example of those who bore so noble a part in the development q..r.^iA material alhd moral develop- of this beautiful country will have been forgotten. /' m lent we refer to Newaygo Without money, or prestige, or influential friends, = 0 tT g County. The transformation the old pioneers drifted along one by one, from State > i n2 which has occurred here dur- to State, until in Michigan-the garden of the Union ing the past quarter of a cen- -they have found inviting homes for each, and room A::i ~"~: $ > tury is simply marvelous. In older for all. To secure and adorn these homes, more than 1 countries generations of time have ordinary ambition was required, greater than ordinary 2 iwj been required to develop the re- endurance demanded, and unflinching determination } e l sources of a country as they have was, by the force of necessity, written over every j been in this portion of Michigan. In brow. It was not pomp, or parade, or glittering show a few brief years the splendid and that the pioneers were after. They sought for homes j stately forests, the home of the red which they could call their own,-homes for themI, man and the wild beasts, have been selves and homes for their children. How well they j: razed to earth, and comfortable have succeeded after a struggle of many years against Ad homes, broad fields of waving grain, the adverse tides, let the records and tax-gatherers r school-houses, churches, mills, vil- testify; let the broad cultivated fields and fruit-bearlages and cities, with all the culture and refinement ing orchards, the flocks and the herds, the palatial of the older communities, have sprung up in their residences, the places of business, the spacious halls, stead. the clattering car wheels and ponderous engines all A record of this wonderful change is history, and testify. that of the most important and interesting nature. There was a time when pioneers waded through It is also a solemn duty which this generation owes deep snows, across bridgeless rivers, and through e to all posterity, to make a faithful and imlperishable I ottomless sloughs, a score of miles to mill or mar- t record of such history. Even in the not far distant ket, and when more time was required to reach and i future the experiences of the sturdy and self-sacrific- return from market than is now required to cross the V i ing pioneer will scarcely be credited, so strange and the continent, or traverse the Atlantic. These were marvelous they will seem. Unless, therefore, re- the times when our palaces were constructed of logs '' > corded faithfully and consistently at the present time, and covered with "shakes" riven from the forest ha~ -?>.I ---- ---- 'ti a:io --- — i y,- )-., 11 I I " $:~:- - - i * ~i sa -~~ Idi EAYGO COU 1 iTY.NE WA YGO CO UNT Y. k 48I - ---------— ' ------ ( 1% 1 0t trees These were the times when our children were A stowed away for the night in the low, dark attics, amongst the horns of the elk and the deer, and where! through the chinks in the " shakes" they could count the twinkling stars. These were the times when our chairs and our bedsteads were hewn from the forets. Whether all succeeded in what they undertook is not a question to be asked now. The proof that as a body they did succeed is all around us. Many individuals were perhaps disappointed. Fortunes and misfortunes belong to the human race. Not -) every man can have a school-house on the corner of his farm; not every man can have a bridge over a stream that flows by his dwelling; not every man can have a railroad depot on the borders of his plantation, or a city in its center; and while these things are desirable in some respects, their advantages are oftentimes outweighed by the almost perpetual presence of the foreign beggar, the dreaded tramp, the fear of fire and conflagration, and the insecurity from v the presence of the midnight burglar, and the bold, a bad men and women who lurk in ambush and infest the villages. The good things of this earth are not ^ all to be found in any one place; but if more is to ~ be found in any one place than another, that place is in our rural retreats,-our quiet homes outside of the clamor and turmoil of city life. In viewing the blessings which surround us, then, we should reverence those who have made them possible, and ever fondly cherish in memory the sturdy old PIONEER and his LOG CABIN. Let us turn our eyes and thoughts back to the logcabin days of a quarter of a century ago, and contrast those homes with the comfortable dwellings of to-day. Before us stands the old log-cabin. Let us enter. Instinctively the head is uncovered in token of reverence to this relic of ancestral beginnings, early struggles and final triumphs. To the left is the deep wide fire-place, in whose commodious space a group of children may sit by the fire and up through the chimney may count the stars, while ghostly stories of witches and giants, and still more thrilling stories of Indians and wild beasts, are whisperingly S told and shudderingly heard. On the great crane 5 hang the old tea-kettle and the great iron pot. The huge shovel and tongs stand sentinel in either corner, i while the great andirons patiently wait for the huge t back-log. Over the fire-place hangs the trusty rifle. To the right of the fire-place stands the spinningwheel, while in the further end of the room is seen the old-fashioned loom. Strings of drying apples and poles of drying pumpkins are overhead. Opposite the door in which you enter stands a huge deal table, by its side the dresser whose "pewter plates" and " shining delf" catch and reflect the fire-place flames as shields of armies do the sunshine. From the corner of its shelves coyly peep out the relics of former china. In a curtained corner and hid from casual sight we find the mother's bed, and under it the trundle-bed, while near them a ladder indicates the loft where the older children sleep. To the left of the fire-place and in the corner opposite the spinning-wheel is the mother's work-stand. Upon it lies the Bible, evidently much used, its family record telling of parents and friends a long way off, and telling, too, of children Scattered like roses in bloom, Some at the bridal, and some at the tomb." Her spectacles, as if but just used, are inserted between the leaves of her Bible, and tell of her purpose to return to its comforts when cares permit and duty is done. A stool, a bench, well notched and whittlec and carved, and a few chairs complete the furniture of the room, and all stand on a coarse but wellscoured floor. Let us for a moment watch the city visitors to this humble cabin. The city bride, innocent but thoughtless, and ignorant of labor and care, asks her city bred husband, " Pray, what savages set this up? " Honestly confessing his ignorance, he replies, " I do not know." But see the pair on whom age sits "frosty but kindly." First, as they enter, they give a rapid glance about the cabin home, and then a mutual glance of eye to eye. Why do tears start and fill their eyes? Why do lips quiver? There are many who know why; but who that has not learned in the school of experience the full meaning 'of all these symbols of trials and privations, of loneliness and danger, can comprehend the story that they tell to the pioneer? Within this chinked and mud-daubed cabin, we read the first pages of our history; and as we retire through its low door-way, and note the heavy battened door, its wooden hinges and its welcoming latch-string, is it strange that the scenes without should seem to be but a dream? But the cabin and the palace, standing side by side in vivid contrast, tell their own story of this people's progress. They are a history and a prophecy in one.,A. '1 'o "iZ 1., X - I4 &; 44 2 i y.. G^,,:: -- ' —.- g it0 0s.' _^ ---'-0 ~a 7k - - NVP WA YGO COUNTY. 481 A. v 1, ',0 i..t i' HE county of Newaygo is a i5 and i6 north, ranges ii, 12, 13 and 14 west of half larger than the average the third principal meridian. Newaygo lies in west county, and is of the same central Michigan, and is bounded as follows: on the size and shape as Kent Coun- north by Lake County; on the east by Mecosta and ty It is an oblong, being four Montcalm Counties; on the south by Kent and Mustownships, or 24 miles, wide, kegon Counties, and on the west by Muskegon and I I and six townships, or 36 miles, Oceana Counties. n. long. It thus contains 24 Con- The Muskegon River flows from northeast to southgressional townships; out of this west through the county, and is joined in Croton J 2I civil townships have been Township by the Little Muskegon. White River \organized. The only townships rises northeast of the center of the county, and flows which have more than 36 square westward. In the northwestern corner is the south miles are Monroe, which contains branch of the Pere Marquette River, while in the io8 square miles, Beaver, 54 square southern part, from Rice Lake in Grant Township, miles, and Troy, 54 square miles. flows Rogue River south to Grand River. Numerous Each section having 640 acres, the county has con- smaller streams throughout the county afford ample sequently an area of 552,960 acres, more or less. Of drainage and plenty of living water. A number of this area there are but about 30,000 acres under cul- lakes, from one acre to several hundred acres in extivation, comprised in 1,200 farms. From this sig- tent, are situated in the east and north part of the nificant fact, one may form some idea of the future county. These lakes and smaller water-courses are possibilities of Newaygo as an agricultural county. described more fully in connection with the respectIf it were as well developed as some sections in the ive townships. Eastern States, it could maintain a population of 200,- The surface of the county is slightly rolling, and! ooo; and under a perfectly economical cultivation, the soil rich and productive for all kinds of crops.. over half a million inhabitants could derive their sub- Portions of the county are sandy, especially among sistence from the soil of Newaygo County. the pine woods, but not so much so as to make the g The 24 Congressional townships are designated in soil unproductive. The timber is largely beech and the Government survey as townships iI 2, 13, 14, maple, mixed with valuable pine. oizt -e w. / 482 NE WA YGO COUNTY. I it:x --- The county has already good railroad facilities, ) and other roads now proposed will doubtless be built * in the course of a few years. It has now two lines of the Chicago & West Michigan railroad, one run} ning north and south, and the other northeast and southwest. A new line is wanted east and west, to run through Hesperia, Fremont, Newaygo and Croton. in the southern half of the county. The southern part of Newaygo is all that is yet settled to any great extent. The northern townships [ are still rich in pine, and its soil has never been y worked for human advantage. The county contains three incorporated villages, and a number of other thriving settlements, which, with the two lines of railroad, afford good markets for all produce raised. Manufacturing will doubtless become an important industry, as the natural advantages for such enterprises are unsurpassed, in many points, in the county. I I oll OFI "a Z=pi -.1I i i~-, 1, It 1t1 I GEOLOGY. EOLOGY teaches that the continents of. 1 S this world were once beneath the ocean. It is natural, therefore, to suppose that there are inequalities in the bottom of the ocean like those on the land. The recent deep-sea soundings confirm this opinion, and reveal mountains and hills, valleys and table-lands. The greatest depth reached in sounding is 29,000 feet, which exceeds the height of the loftiest mountain of the Himalayas. Some of the mountains of the sea are steeper and more abrupt than any on the land. In the British channel the depth changes within ten miles from 600 to 12,000 feet; and it i; very common, within a few miles of the coast of continents and islands, for the depth to change suddenly from a few hundred feet to many thousand. In other cases, as in a large part of the bed of the Atlantic, between Europe and the United States, there are plateaus extending hundreds of miles with very slight undulations. The mysterious race that once occupied this continent may have sailed in their galleons over the Peninsula, and sounded the depth of the waters which rose above it in precisely the same manner as the mariner of to day casts out the sounding line. At the close of the Corniferous epoch a great upheaval of sea bottom formed a line I of land across the southern counties of Michigan, which extended to an older and wider formation in the southern part of Ohio. The land now within the boundaries of Newaygo was still submerged, but by degrees the southern belt rose higher, spread out toward the northern continent, and was actually approaching the state of dry land at the beginning of the coal-deposit era. At its close Newaygo and the counties bordering formed the high lands of the Lower Peninsula. It is stated that Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario were not in existence then, their places being represented by a swift-running river, with expansions. The great geological age, the Mesozoic, dates from this time. It was marked by activity in the animal and vegetable kingdom, mild climates and the myriads of reptiles which swarmed in rivers and over land. Save in the fossils there is no record of the progress of this age to be found within the boundaries of Newaygo. The Tertiary period succeeded the Mesozoic. It was an age of beautiful climates and high development of mammals. Animals greater than the mastodon roamed over the land through verdant forests, meeting their enemy, man, and ultimately disapearing under his continued attacks. The scene was changed; the snow and ice came on, burying all nature in its whiteness, and robbing the land of life. It was the beginning of the Glacial period. The duration of this age is lost in mystery. Were it possible to ignore the work of a God in the formation of the worfd, the continuance of the ice age might be set down at two thousand years; acknowledging a divine economy in the handiwork of the world, the period of its duration might have been an incredibly short time. Spring time came, and with it the sea of ice, which covered the land and water to a depth of over 5,000 feet, began to break up and dissolve, and the solids held within its grasp fell down and formed a bed of rocky fragments or boulder drift. The countless currents which sprang into existence and formed for themselves ten thousand channels, were the principal agents in the conformation of that peculiar stratum known as the " Modified Drift." From Saginaw Bay to Lake Michigan via the valleys of the Shiawassee and Muskegon Rivers a great channel, deep and wide, extended. South of this line barriers existed that checked the flow of the 0 "I:.. 7 t.i. %I IN /, 5.. 4 Is *" sF hTs *.r6 ir~,Pi-~~~~ I;" I b 5: iu ~\:iti~c-*i. ~~ceaau b,,r- — 1 1 "C.: ~-~ 81;rr "`i-"~-,6 i:" s i ~~ dlli lr~ti ~ ""- '.. r:"lk ~-i4 1;~~ tr ~., ~, 4, -1 "' 46k 7V l.4 ig^-< ^ td G- > —^t NEWAYGO COUNTY. 483 \ I- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -,f water south and from hundreds of reservoirs. This / accumulation of ice-water and the second season of ice resulted in the formation of another glacial field, differing from the great glacier in its depth and duration, being not over four feet in thickness. Along f the borders of those reservoirs the ice became an intergral part of the shore soil, of course including the limestone; and when the second geological springtime arrived, millions of cubic feet of water were added to these lakes, resulting in bursting asunder their green covering of ice, which, in ascending, carried with it the limestone tables, and as the waters fell, deposited them in the positions which they hold to-day. As the Niagara rock was worn down, the rushing waters made for themselves deeper channels, and the inland lakes lowered just in proportion as the great lakes. The present river system was laid out by nature. There are few special features in the geological I character of Newaygo County. There have been " valuable deposits of gypsum discovered, and both coal and petroleum are supposed to abound beneath the surface. The future geologist will doubtless find much of value and interest not at present known in regard to this region, and it is hoped will be dis" covered during the next geological survey. BOTANICAL. T is unnecessary to name the flora of Newaygo County, since the species are so numerous and well-known. Dr. Gray, in his treatise on the Botany of the Northern States t East of the Mississippi, gives 130 orders of flowering plants. In I860 a botanical survey of the State was made, under N. H. Winchell. His report regarded every flower, plant, shrub, tree and grass to be found in Michigan, then numbering 1,205 species, as all natives with 85 exceptions. In r880 F Messrs. Wheeler and Smith, of Hubbardston, Mich., compiled and published a complete flora of this State, with corrections to date. Of this great number there are at present found within the confines of Newaygo County nearly 400 genera, embracing possibly,000o species. A large number of species considered in the report of i860 have disappeared, while perhaps 25 species have been introduced / within the last 20 years. The flowers, etc., are as rich generally as may be found in any of the North- A ern States; in a few instances the brilliancy of hue = is unequaled by any. All appear to reach perfection in this portion of the Peninsular State., r \, ii a m ii "3CJ E "sii?; 4i6ntic :3:st 92 ~''~~ia' J,~t ~b 4, d r'b iii I:-;,o 1. -;-~~;~ A, - t 484a 7 484 VAE WA YGO CO UVTY. -- - - iND IAN S.. -> -- - - - - -- ------.-~~'>-Eb-~.~~-((((O~i~))rI~,,- ~ "I i,,.X,i -. C,.r-"c * > t., i l HE origin of the red men, or i [:i D American Indians, is a subject '; -J m which interests as well as in— l o structs. It is a favorite with so ~the ethnologist, even as it is e one of deep concern to the ordi[ j nary reader. The era of their j establishment as a distinct and insulated people must be set down and credited to a period l immediately after the separation a of the Asiatics and the origin of the [i languages. No doubt whatever can { exist when the American Indian is e regarded as of Asiatic origin. The fact is that the full-blood Indian of I the present is descended directly from the earliest inhabitants, or, in i other words, from the survivors of that people who, on being driven from their fair possessions, retired to the wilderness in sorrow, and reared up their children under the saddening influences of their unquenchable griefs, bequeathing them only the habits of the wild, cloud-roofed homes of their exile-a sullen silence and a rude moral code. In after vears those wild sons of the forest and prairie grew in num bers and in strength. Some legend told them of % their present sufferings, of the high station which their fathers once had held, and of the riotous race 1 that now reveled in the wealth which should be theirs. The fierce passions of the savage were aroused, and.^.. uniting their scattered bands, all marched in silence upon the villages of the Tartars, driving them onward to the capital of their Incas, and consigning their homes to the flames. Once in view of the great city, the hurrying bands halted in surprise, while Tartar cunning took advantage of the situation, and offered to the sons of their former victims pledges of amity and justice, which were sacredly observed. ac Henceforth Mexico was open to the Indians, bearing precisely the same relation to them that the Hudson Bay Company's villages do to the Northwestern In- i dians of the present time,-obtaining all and rendering little. The subjection of the Mongolian race, represented in North America by that branch of it to which those Tartars belonged, seems to have taken place about five centuries prior to the arrival of the Spaniards; while it may be concluded that the war of the races, which resulted in reducing the villages erected by;the Tartar hordes to ruin, took place between one and two hundred years later. These statements, though ~t actually referring to events which in point of time * are comparatively modern, can be substantiated only T. i.,;., l I.1,.r. ~' m~jX b~ila:pb~ . famine and pestilence swept away whole tribes. THE INDIAN DEAD. i IHE nature of their funeral rites is thus described: A few days after the burial the n child, the father or mother or near relative J. of the deceased gave a feast. The food was prepared and carried to the grave, to which all sympathizing friends repaired. If the feast, was prepared by a man, none but men attended; and the same rule applied to women, as in the case under / ^D 1 1A-9 — a ~ -- '' (' 'k', r-AV- l,-.1.'n? , A I 4 - I - I k" ~ *; *.. -8, 7 487 > NE WA YGO COUNTY. ~ --- —------— I --- —----— I notice. When assembled, the ruler of the feast distributed to each one present a portion of the food prepared; and each one, before partaking, put a small quantity on the head of the grave, so that it might fall through an aperture and reach the body of the dead. In such a female gathering, if one of the company were deemed profligate, she was not permitted to make this offering to the dead through her own hands; but another received it from her, and offered it on her behalf. After the offerings were made to the deceased, the remainder of the food was eaten by the company. Similar feasts were held in honor of deceased men and women. When the party consisted of warriors, addresses were made, and the virtues of the dead chanted. The festivals are repeated every year, and when returning from their wintering grounds to their villages in the spring they were accustomed to clear away the grass and weeds from each grave, and keep them cleared during the summer. Among the Ottawas it was customary to place a post, proportioned in height to the age and size of the deceased, at the head of the grave. On one side of this post appeared the pic ture of an animal, the name of which was the prevailing name in the family. On the other side was a clumsy drawing, slightly resembling a man minus a head, representing a person whom the deceased had slain in war; or, if it were a child, the victim of one of its relatives was painted. A man with a head signified a person wounded. Such hieroglyphics were multiplied in just such measure as circumstances pointed out. Near the grave post was placed a cane, about two feet in length, so that when the passing Indian or visitor arrived at the grave he strikes the post two or three times to announce his arrival. Posts eight or ten feet high were frequently placed by the side of a hut, and always near the wigwam or hut wherein the conjurers met to consult on the cause of severe illness. On the upper end of this post was cut the figure of the human face. Mr. Lykins, afterwards associated with McCoy, discovered one on Grand River, on which was carved with savage exquisiteness a bust of some Indian chief. In the village was seen a tall pole, neatly pealed, streaked in vermilion and surmounted with a bunch of green boughs, probably representing the victor) of some savage political party. i: ~ -,. As —. N Ie \%,, A 488 ME WA YGO CO tJT Y., 1<. * * * * ' ' ' ''. - --- _,-/' )' I. f + +, +s~ -' j5~I ~~ ~~gngg ~~ t t=~. 01, - j ( I... USTLY it may be observed t I g "W that Newaygo County owes its first settlement to the at-.x9 tractive pine forests with which it was once much more bountifully supplied than now, and to the presence of the Muskegon River, a splendid waterway for transporting logs and lumber to Lake Michigan. The Muskegon River is the longest stream in the State, and has its source in the beautiful lake, twelve miles in length, named in honor of the learned and unfortunate Dr. Douglass Houghton, l whose valuable geologic researches 1 were lost to the State when in 1846 he was drowned in Lake Superior, while engaged in scientific researches. The principal tributaries of the Muskegon are Brooks, Pen, noyer, Butterfield and Tamarack Creeks, and Middle Branch, Hersey, Little Muskegon and Clam Rivers. Over these streams the hardy pioneers began to transport logs as early as 1837. The principal lumber operators here have come from pine regions, such as Northern New York, Maine and the Susquehanna and its tributaries, which serves to demonstrate the remarkable fact that when once a man has engaged in lumbering, he seldom relinquishes the pursuit of wealth in that channel. He may fail at first, but he hopes for final success, and he usually achieves it. So also it has been on the Muskegon River; the loggers of past years are still so engaged, and the early manufacturers of lumber still continue in the same business; if they do not personally superintend their operation in that direction, they have trusty agents that are so doing. Thus it becomes a cause for congratulation, that the early settlers on the Muskegon River were as a class energetic, enterprising and intelligent, and since There is iron in our northern Minds, And our pines are trees of healing, we find longevity among them rather a rule than an exception. In the year 1836, the country between the Muskegon and Houghton Lakes had not been fully surveyed, but it was then being done, and the times were good. A great land company was organized at Chicago, of which Hiram Piersons and Hon. Henry Pennoyer were prominent members, the object of which company was to hold by "squatters' claim " the mouths of all the streams north of Grand River, and up to and including the Manistee, until the same should come into market. Pennoyer built a house this same year at what is now called Sevastopol, at the foot of Muskegon Lake. One Michael Vandervoort and Hannibal H)de also made claims, a vessel named the "Westward Ho," Capt. James Banks, having brought them over from Chicago. During the same season claims were also made by other members of this land company to lands at the mouths of other streams, as far down the coast as Manistee. John McBride also laid I 'AI~ I j I i \i I I tf Rv.,, I\,^i I\ i> 'X a, ^., I ilI: ec;gA.pill I qP? wi 0 U, Z711~ ri.-7 1 f ' k nr L~ iZ 0 I i.1 r ll,; J./ --- ^^ - -^ (KdUl:>i-;W - a~ i'*) ',~, \ m~ 489 ~% NE WA YGO COUNTY. >T claim to the land now the site of D. P. Clay's mill, in the village of Newaygo, where he built his cabin, "; and lived until late in the autumn of I836. He then sold his claim to George Walton, and he in turn subsequently sold to John A. Brooks. Samuel Rose, a native of Massachusetts, arrived here late in the fall of I837. He is still living, at Newaygo, the oldest resident of the county. During i the winter previous, John A. Brooks and John F. Stearns had passed through the county, coming from Grand Rapids on snow-shoes, and proceeding northwesterly as far north as the present site of Manistee, on an exploring expedition, and returning the same way. Their route was through a trackless wilderness. During the season of 1837, also, the lumber company built a log cabin at the mouth of Bigelow Creek, one and a half miles above Newaygo, and placed a family therein to hold their claim secure. In the year 1838, Samuel Rose and George Walton cleared several acres of land east and west of the \ Pennoyer Creek, and on the bluffs just north of Newaygo. At this place, in those days, the Indians congregated in large numbers. The mounds or cradle knolls, both north and south of Newaygo, give evidence of former Indian cultivation. The Indians gave to this place the name of Newaygo, which by some is interpreted, "We go no farther." The large lakes to the southeast of the village, and the chain of them three miles north of it, abounding in fish, and the choice hunting grounds around them, as inferred from " dear licks " still existing near them,, show that this point was one of the noted Indian rendezvoux of former times. Croton claims as great antiquity as Newaygo, for in I837 Herman Joachim and Louis Bohne made claims to the present site of the village, and at the junction of the Little Muskegon with the main river. John F. Stearns and John A. Brooks were also rival claimants to the same land. The conflicting inter~. ests of the four were amicably compromised, and they formed themselves into a company for the purpose of erecting a saw-mill and engaging in the manufacture of lumber. Brooks was chosen as chief manager, and built a dam at the point where William Rice's now is; but, owing to the "back water" from ~ the main river during the spring of I838, it was car< ried up stream quite a distance; and, owing to this misfortune and the company's lack of funds, nothing further towards the erection of a mill was done that year. At this time there was no road to Grand Rapids or to Muskegon Lake, and no outlet of any kind save an Indian trail running nearly parallel with the river and about 80 rods from it, to its mouth, thus avoiding the deep ravines that extend from it back 20 to 60 rods at short intervals during its entire length. At the close of the spring of i838, Brooks and Stearns bade adieu to their partners, Joachim and Bohne, and were absent from them the rest of the year. The latter, by the aid of relatives residing in Philadelphia, managed to remain on their claims a few months longer, when they again sold an interest in their sites to Lieutenant Leavenworth and Capt. Nichols. These two completed the dam and mill, manufactured lumber a short time, and then they too deemed it prudent to make their exit from the Muskegon River valley. Brooks never afterwards resided in Croton; but Stearns, in 1842, bought the interest of his former iartners and their associates in Croton property. He thus became the sole owner of Joachim and Bohne's original claims, and the mill and dam built thereon. The winter of I842-3 was one of great severity throughout the State. It was equally severe here on the Muskegon River, as elsewhere, and besides, the snow was here, for three months or more, of an a erage depth of three feet. As yet, the Croton pioneers had opened no road to any point where supplies might be obtained and no beast of burden could be urged through the snow; making the "packing in,' as it was called, of provisions impracticable. In this emergency, Joachim traveled on snow shoes to Grand Haven, bought deer skins, sewed his provisions in them, and dragged this burden over yielding snow to his home in Croton, a distance of something over 60 miles. This feat was repeated by him several times during that winter, and thus by his exertions his friends in Croton were fed till spring opened. Joachim would sometimes carry from Grand Haven to Croton, on his back, 80 pounds, traveling 30 miles a day while doing so. Croton, surrounded by a beautiful country, and Big, Marengo and Stearns Prairies, as productive then as now, failed to grow as the proprietor fondly hoped it might; and, knowing the reason to be the want of an p / I1 4i I si4 "-4 I, tr.. S An:k: f.,' i '. —?;aff BIC-, ii tar~* ~ ~ — ~-ii ~ ~T' hbbj~~:O~~v- *.i 'l NEWA Y GO COUNT Y. 49~ = easy way of egress, he cut out a road in 1847 to Shangles', on Rogue River, and from there was a passable road to Grand Rapids. Three years later, the Bartons and Dalziels, from Ionia County, and the; Utleys, from Clinton County, located upon Big Prairie, where most of them still reside. William D. Decker, commonly called John Marengo, owned a large farm on the prairie named i Marengo Prairie, and all three of the prairies were soon occupied by thrifty settlers. Croton commenced growing, and soon became the headquarters for log-: gers operating between that point and the present <1 site of Big Rapids. Stearns' liberality proved his financial downfall; and in I850, deeply embarassed with debts incurred by reason of aiding settlers too poor to pay him, sold his property, already heavily incumbered, to Daniel Ball and Hon. Wilder D. Foster; was in.Ball's employ a short time at Grand Rapids, and then left for the West, settling in the State of Iowa. The mill on Pennoyer Creek, north of Newaygo, remained idle from 1838 to I841. In the latter year it was leased for two years by Augustus and Frederick Pennoyer, Samuel Rose and Hannibal Hyde. In the fall the three first named went to Chicago to buy supplies for the winter. They were purchased and put aboard of a vessel commanded by Captain I John Lundy, and the Pennoyers took passage with her. She set sail for Muskegon the 22d of October. i When away from port a short time, a heavy gale arose, the vessel went to pieces, and all the passengers, with the captain and crew, were drowned. Frag| ments of the wreck were found down the lake on the Wisconsin shore, I00 miles from where the disaster: i is supposed to have occurred. The earliest settlements were therefore made at Newaygo and Croton. From these points as centers, new comers spread out steadily in all directions, and about the time of the war most of the southern part of the county showed development under the hand of the white man. The settlements at Fremont and vicinity were made in I855 and succeeding years. Hesperia followed Fremont about 12 years. Since then a number of lively villages have sprung up around the county, and there are in all about a dozen villages and 26 postoffices. Immigration is now more rapid than ever, and every year brings great progress in population, improvement and wealth. Ai:~ rapi than,ever ' e veryy-ea- b r ino geat progMe I HOW OUR FATHERS LIVED. THE young men and women of to-day have little conception of the mode of life among ~'( the early settlers of Newaygo County. In ' but few respects are the manners of the present time similar to those of a quarter of a century ago. The clothing, the dwellings, the diet, the social customs, etc., have undergone a total revolution, as though a new race had taken possession of the land. Pioneer life in Newaygo County finds its parallel in almost every county in the State and throughout the State, and throughout the entire Northwest. The land was to be cleared of forests, and the skill of human art used to transplant to this fertile region the civilization of the East. Cabins were to be erected, wells dug, and the rivers and creeks made to labor for the benefit of mankind. As many living citizens can well remember, the pioneers had many difficulties to contend with, not the least of which was the journey from civilization to their forest homes. The route lay through a wild and rough country; swamps and marshes were crossed with great exertion and fatigue; rivers were... forded with difficulty and danger; nights were passed X in the dense forests, with mother earth for a couch and the trees and foliage for a shelter; long, weary ~ days and weeks of travel were endured, but finally their eyes were gladdened, and their hearts beat faster, when a vision of their future home burst upon them. The first thing upon arrival was to set about;i building a cabin. While this was being done, the family slept in their wagons or upon the grass, while the horses or mules, hobbled to prevent escape, grazed the country near them. Trees of a suitable and uniform size were selected, felled and prepared for their places. The day for the raising was announced, and from far and near came other pioneers g to assist in the labor. The structure went up, a log at a time, those engaged stopping now and then to "wet their whistles," and soon it was ready for the \'* clapboard roof, which was held on by huge weight poles. A door and a window were cut where the good wife directed, a chimney built, and the building was ready for its occupants. The space between! I A 14 - s:,,-.,:I aE t; ",ji_ a.mun. —.E:i_.,;2~s T-r-~ -~*-~18 a~ga~ ~ ~;i NE WA YGO COUN7'Y. 49'1 I the logs was filled in with split sticks of wood, called " chinks," and then daubed over, both inside and out, with mortar made of clay. The floor was sometimes nothing more than earth tramped hard and smooth, but was commonly made of " puncheons," or split logs, with the split side turned upwards. The roof was made by gradually drawing in the top to the ridge-pole, and on cross-pieces laying the "clapboards,' which, being several feet in length, instead of being nailed were held in place by " weight.poles,"; reaching the entire length of the cabin. For a fireplace, a space was cut out of the logs on one side of the room, usually about six feet in length, and three sides were built up of logs, making an off-set in the wall. This was lined with stone, if convenient; if not, then earth. The flue, or upper part of the chimney, was built of small split sticks, two and a half or three feet in length, carried a little space above the roof, and plastered over with clay, and when finished was called a "cat and clay " chimney. The door ] space was also made by cutting an aperture in one side of the room of the required size, the door itself being made of clapboards secured by wooden pins to two cross-pieces. The hinges were also of wood, L while the fastening consisted of a wooden latch catching on a hook of the same material. To open the door from the outside, a strip of buckskin was tied to the latch and drawn through a hole a few inches above the latch-bar, so that on pulling the string the latch was lifted from the catch or hook, and the door was opened without further trouble. To 4 lock the door it was only necessary to pull the string. through the hole on the inside. Here the family lived, and here the guest and wayfarer were made welcome. The living-room was of good size, but to a large extent it was also kitchen, bed-room, parlor and arsenal, with flitches of bacon and rings of dried pumpkins suspended from the rafters. -4972 W-MMMIMM, --- NAM - I- ONIM gmvmi# MMIMP-MIN WIMIMMIM.M.L'. MUMNIJIPAL. - ll - | r o. e KH_. mgm DOWF-7w — "... HE act of the Legislature O:' ligi which gave Newaygo an inij dependent organization was '6 fj passed early in I85I. Previous to this, the county had been attached to Kent. In order to organize the county, two townships were first erected. These were Brooks, comprising the western half of the county, ~j ( and Newaygo, the eastern half. In October, I85, Supervisors were chosen by these two townships, James Barton being chosen for Newaygo, and Isaac D. Merrill for Brooks. The following month an 1 ction for county officers was held, resulting in the choice of Loyal Palmer for Clerk and Register of j Deeds; James P. Berry, Sheriff, and Jacob Barnhard, Judge of Probate. The Board of Supervisors held {/ its first meeting March 20, 1852, and the county machinery was fairly set in motion. EXTRACTS FROM PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. The first entry in the record of proceedings of the Board of Supervisors of Newaygo County is dated March 20, i852, and reads as follows: Be it enacted by the Board of Supervisors in and for the county of Newaygo and State of Michigan, that all that part of the county of Newaygo designated in the United States survey as townships 13, it 14, 15 and i6 north, ranges ii and 12 west, be and W the same is hereby organized into a township by the FA name of Big Prairie. Also, that all that part of the " said county designated in the United States survey H F-00S) t _-9a 4+s+ N;71 00~ 9 ye 492 NEWA YGO COUNTY. / 4 9_-. arr as townships II, 12, 13, 14, 15 and i6 north, range 14 west, and also the west half of I, 12, 13, 14, 15:;: and i6 north, range 13 west, be and the same is hereby organized into a township by the name of Bridgeton. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. Supervisors were elected in these new townships the following month, April, and on the 23d the Board of four held its first meeting. The Board then comprised Isaac D. Merrill, E. H. Utley, Christopher Culp and John Betts. They organized by electing? Isaac D. Merrill Chairman for the ensuing year. > James Barton and William Smith were chosen Overi seers of the Poor for the county. May 17th the second meeting was held, and the following were passed: Be it enacted by the Board of Supervisors of the county of Newaygo and State of Michigan, that the Commissioners of Highways for the township of Bridgeton be and they are hereby authorized to build a bridge across the Muskegon River on or near the section line between sections I3 and 14, township a\i i north, of range 14 west. Also Be it enacted by the Board of Supervisors of the county of Newaygo and State of Michigan, that c two hundred dollars be raised and collected upon the taxable property of the county of Newaygo, and the. same is hereby appropriated for repairing the bridge across the Muskegon River near Sand Creek in the township of Bridgeton in said county of Newaygo; also, that one hundred dollars be raised as aforesaid, to repair the bridge at the forks of the Muskegon in the township of Newaygo. At the annual meeting, held Oct. 5, 1852, $80 were ordered raised by tax for the support of the poor. The expenditure for this purpose during the year then closed was $73. At the same meeting the Board ordered that the offices of County Clerk and Register of Deeds be combined. L. Palmer was at X that time County Clerk. The taxes for the year 1853 were apportioned as follows: Brooks.................... 30,462 21 Bridgeton................. 43,786 35 Total real estate......$105,979 44 Personal. Newaygo...................$17,200 50 Big Prairie.................. 6,037 oo Brooks.................... 4,25I i2 Bridgeton.............. 10,460 69 Total personal property...$47,949 2 Tolals. Newaygo...................$38,736 oi Big Prairie.................. 16,232 37 Brooks..................... 44,713 33 Bridgeton................... 54,247 04 Grand Total........ 3,928 75 At the October meeting, of the same year, the sum of $ioo was appropriated to be used in the construction of a clerk's office 20 x i6, andJames Barton was appointed to let the job. At the same session John Parish presented two certificates for wolf bounty, and was allowed $8 on each, or $i6. This is the same Parish who became one of the first settlers of Mecosta County, and who laid out the village of Paris, in that county. The fifth township, Ashland, was erected by the Board Oct. 9, I854, and was made to include the Congressional township II north, range 13 west. The first election was directed to be held at the house of Sullivan Armstrong, on the first Monday in April, I855 -The clerk's office, above referred to, was built by P. C. Spooner, and he was allowed for the same, in May, I855, $250. The first jail for Newaygo County was erected the same year. An account of it is given on a subsequent page. Nov. 5, I855, the sixth township, Fremont, was organized by dividing Bridgeton Township, and taking for the purpose townships i6, 15, 14, I3 and the north half of township 12, north, range I4 west, and the northwest quarter of township I2 north, range I3 west, and the west half of townships 13, 14, 15 and I6 north, range 13 west. It was directed that the first annual meeting be held at the dwelling house of Wilkes Stewart, and that Wilkes Stewart, Daniel Weaver and Shepard Gibbets preside over the meeting. Jan. 7, I856, the seventh township, Everett, was I Newaygo Township............. $35 37 Big Prairie "............. 130 63 Brooks "............. I89 79 Bridgeton "............ 78 2 J._... N'; Total...................$85o 00oo:f;i At the meeting of June, 1853, the Board equalized X the valuation of the several townships as follows: < Real Estate. Newaygo...............$2I,535 51 Big Prairie.................. 0,195 37 _ _ _ 0! ( i 1 V 1 .. - g j ai ir;;% i" B * i r-psqh, aa 9, u. "~-~ ~i t't'- i: —fB~~~ "' u$P1 , A I,K ( I * r~,:~a^ - ~ ~..-. ---.^,...^ ^ -w; — ''ei~e 2 It'eji~ MAM 493. *" NE WA YGO COUNhTY. - ~ -~- -- — I a organized by the Board. The territory then included was townships 13, 14, I5 and i6, north, range I2 west. Considerable difficulty was experienced in agreeing upon a name for this new township. The petition presented to the Board suggested the name " Douglass." This was rejected, for political reasons. A motion to adopt the name of " Everett " was then lost, and likewise a proposition to select the name "Utley." The vote rejecting "Everett "was then reconsidered, and that name finally chosen. The first annual meeting was appointed to be held at the school-house on Big Prairie, and Alden Angevine, Everett Douglass and Ephraim H. Utley were appointed Inspectors of the meeting. The following figures, giving the valuation of real and personal property for 1856, show remarkably i rapid developments: I Everett Township. Acres of land assessed................... 7,915 Equalized valuation of real estate......... $40,409 i Personal property...................... $ 5,861 Total equalized valuation...........$46,270 Big Prairie lownship. Acres of land assessed............... 51,819 Equalized valuation of real estate........$119,5 8 Personal property........... 4,835 Total equalized valuation.............. $23,993 AIshland Township. Acres of land assessed................... 19,983 Equalized valuation of real estate....... $46,573 Personal property.......................$ 1,962 Total equalized valuation................ $48,535 Bridgeton Township. Acres of land assessed.................. 17, 116 Equalized valuation of real estate.......... $56,02 Personal property.......................$ 5,5 65 Total equalized valuation............... $6I,577 | Croton Township. Acres of land assessed.................. 31,214 Equalized valuation of real estate.......$ 94,826 Personal property...................$ 29,106 Total equalized valuation...............$23,932 Brooks Township. Acres of land assessed.................. 24,35 Equalized valuation of real estate....... $105,761 Personal property......... $ 7 1,930 f Total equalized valuation.............$177,691 Equalized valuation of real estate........ $59,94 Personal property.......................$ 5,833 Total equalized valuation...............$65,227 The County. Acres of land assessed..:.............. 201,000 Equalized valuation of real estate.........$522,133 Personal property......................$125,092 Total equalized valuation................$647 225 The taxation this same year, for State and county purposes, gave the following amounts: Everett Township $212 89 Big Prairie "566 I2 Ashland " 243 20 Bridgeton " 291 o8 Croton " 567 92 Brooks " 804 68 Fremont " 332 32 $3,017 2I At a meeting held Jan. 5, 1857, the township oI Dayton was ordered erected out of the following territory, previously belonging to Fremont Township: North half of township 13 north, range I4 west; townships 14, 15 and I6 north, range 14 west; sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, I6, I7 and i8, township 13 North, range 13 west; and the west half of townships 14, I5 and i6 north, range 13 west. Dayton was the eighth township organized in Newaygo County. The first annual meeting was appointed to be held at the house of M. D. Bull; and Jacob Barnhard, Sylvanus Reed and James Bogue were named as Inspectors. Jan. 5, i858, the townships of Green and Leonard were organized in Mecosta County, which was at that time and till 1859 attached to Newaygo County for judicial and legislative purposes. Green Township, erected on petition of G. W. Green and others, comprised townships I6 and 17 north, ranges 9 and io west. The first annual meeting was appointed to be held at the house of John Parish (the second settler in Mecosta County), and William A. Green, George W. Green and George J. Barker were chosen to preside over said meeting. Leonard Township was erected on petition of Chauncey P. Ives and others, out of the following territory: townships I4 and 15 north, range 7, 8, 9 and io west. The first annual meeting was ordered to be held at "the post-office called Leonard, the first Monday in April, 1858, at nine o'clock in the morning; and at said meeting Jesse C. Shaw, Benoni Evans and Washington Sea *. I. i 3 -. II.1 1 r_-, 4F 1 X41 ft:: (.4 A-f Fremont Township. Acres of land assessed.................. 38,602 |||<^^ --- —--— ^R^-sl~~~"~u~C t i-t.;.M <4 t<4 S'=, < _" N2,v :S4 NE WA YVGO CO UIATTY. 494 E WAYGCCO UTTA man shall be the persons whose duty it shall be to preside at such meeting." That " post-office called Leonard " was the beginning of the thriving city of Big Rapids. July 12, I858, the Board passed the following resolution: In accordance with section 3, article io, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan, the offices of County Clerk and Register of Deeds are hereby declared disconnected from and after the ist day of January next. Previous to this, the County Clerk had been ex officio Register of Deeds. Oct. i8, 1858, the township of Ensley was erected, township i north, range i west; and the first annual meeting was appointed to be held at the dwelling house of Benjamin Ensley, on the first Monday in April, 1859, with Otis H. Kellogg, William S. Hillman and Hiram Suter as Inspectors. March i, 1859, the east half of townships 13, I4, 15 and i6 north, range 13 west, was attached to the % township of Everett. / * )' I,... March I6, 1859, townships 17, i8, I9 and 20 north, ranges 7 and 8 west, and townships i8, 19 and 20 north, ranges 9 and io west (all in Osceola County) were attached to the township of Green. At the ensuing June meeting of the Board, the important question arose of a settlement with Mecosta County (with Osceola County attached), which had just been erected by the Legislature as an independent county. Jesse Barker and Luther Cobb, Supervisors of the two townships (Leonard and Green) then comprised by Mecosta County, were present. Mr. Cobb made the following propositions as a basis of settlement: First, to ascertain the amount of the indebtedness of the counties on the first day of May, 1859. Second, to apportion such indebtedness agreeably to the valuation of property therein, as ascertained and equalized by the Board of Supervisors for the year 85 8. Thirdly, to ascertain the amount of taxes received on lands in Mecosta and Osceola Counties by the Treasurer of Newaygo County, since the first Mondayin May, I859, and apply the same to the discharge of the proper proportion of the indebtedness of those counties. Supervisors Armstrong, Coolbaugh and Barker were appointed a committee to ascertain the indebtedness according to this rule; and it was finally decided that Mecosta was in debt to Newaygo in the sum of $1,000, to bear interest from June 2. March 9, i860, township i6 north, range i west, was organized as Barton Township, and the first township meeting was directed to be held at the house of Sidney Seacord, in said township, on the first Monday in April, i860; and William Davenport, Francis S. Hooker and Sidney Seacord were appointed Inspectors of the election. The following entry on the record of proceedings under date Oct. 15, I86I, recalls an interesting time in our history, when "wild-cat " banks flourished, and paper money was always liable to depreciation: In the matter of uncurrent money now on hand in the County Treasury on the banks of the State of Illinois, on motion it was resolved, that the Treasurer be instructed to dispose of the same in the best manner for the interests of the county. The Board did its full share in assisting the families of those who volunteered in defense of the flag during the great Rebellion. In 1862, $r,ooo were voted to be raised as a volunteer relief fund. Various other sums were raised during the war for this purpose. In the winter of 1862-3, an unsuccessful attempt was made to detach Pierson and Winfield Townships from Montcalm County, and attach them to Newaygo. A number of the residents in those townships petitioned the Legislature to this effect. The Board ot Supervisors passed the following resolution: Whereas, the townships of Pierson and Winfield, now attached to the county of Montcalm, have petitioned the Legislature of this State to be attached to the county of Newaygo; Therefore, be it Resolved, by the Board of Supervisors of this county, that our member of the Legislature from this district, as well as our Senator, be instructed and requested to use their influence in securing such annexation; and further, that the Clerk of this Board be, and he is, hereby instructed to forward to the said Representative and Senator respectively, a certified copy of this resolution, signed by the Chairman of this Board. In October, I865, there was found to be a deficit in the volunteer relief fund of $4,000, which sum was raised by a loan, the bonds to be redeemed within two years. In I866-7, steps were taken towards the erection of the present county building. The action of the Board is given on another page, in connection with the subject of county buildings. i ~ A A I/i0 r\ lic.ik;pb9~ ~~ ~~\ i iiiIcF 4, n Bn *iy ~~~ ~~au ~ 'fPa e t~bi,vj g:;s:+- Q /.:/~-;;;;; 495 > NE WA YGO COUNTY. The eleventh township in Newaygo CountyGrant-was erected by order of the Board, Jan. 8, 1867, out of township II north, range I2 west. The first township meeting was appointed for the succeeding first Monday in April, at the house of Stephen L. Marvin. Samuel W. Glover, Dewitt C. Hyde and Rensselaer Brace were named as Inspectors of Election. The same year the township of Fremont ceased to exist under that name, and the new townships of Sherman, Sheridan and Denver were created. At a meeting held Jan. 5, I869, the township of Beaver was ordered organized, of the following territory: The west half of township 15 north, range 13 west, the west half of township I6 north, range 13 west, township 15 north, range 14 west, and township I6 north, range 14 west. The first township meeting was appointed to be held the first Monday of the April succeeding, at the house of Frederick Wells; and Cyrus O. Cornish, Bradford Freeman and Addison Freeman were appointed Inspectors of Election. The fifteenth township was erected Jan. 8, I872, by the name of Norwich, and was made to coincide with township 15 north, range ii west. The first township meeting was appointed for the school-house in district No. 6, for the first Monday in the succeeding April, and Willard Barton, Abraham Ten Eyck and Alexander Lawrence were named as Inspectors of Election. The sixteenth township was ordered by the Board Oct. I5, I872, to be organized under the name of Monroe, out of the following territory: Townships I5 and I6 north, range 12 west, and the east half of townships 15 and 16 north, range 13 west. The first annual township meeting was appointed to be held the first Monday in the succeeding April, at the school-house in district No. 5, and Elias Elwell, Roger Pettibone and Harry Monroe were chosen Inspectors of Election. Several attempts have been made to form a new county out of parts of Kent, Newaygo and Montcalm. Such a proposition has met with but little favor from Newaygo's inhabitants. Nov. 12, 1872, the Board of Supervisors passed the following resolution, with but one dissenting vote: Resolved, By the Board of Supervisors of Newaygo County, that we believe that sound policy dictates that each organized county of this State be and remain as it is, as to boundaries, and that we are unalterably opposed to any division of Newaygo County; and that Hon. Sullivan Armstrong, our Representative, is hereby requested to oppose by all honorable means the detachment of any single town in this county, and the iincorporating the same into any proposed new county, and that certified copies of this resolution be forwarded to our Senator and Representative for presentation to the next Legislature. Oct. 17, I879, the township of Troy was ordered erected out of township i6 north, range 14 west, and the west half of township I6 north, range 13 west. This territory had previously been included in Beaver Township. The first township meeting was ordered held the first Monday in April, 880, at the house of Gilbert Yates; and Alonzo Yates, F. A. Basford and B. Freeman were named as Inspectors of the Election. Jan. 15, i880, the township of Wilcox was organized from the following territory, previously belonging to Everett: Township 14 north, range 12 west, except the south half of sections 34, 35 and 36, and including the north half of sections 4, 5 and 6, of township 13 north, range I2 west. The first township meeting was ordered held the first Monday in April succeeding, at the house of Charles Decker; and Lee A. Mason, George Ehle and James L. Morgan were chosen inspectors of that election. Jan. 5, i88i, the township of Lincoln was organized of the following territory: East half of township 14 north, range 13 west, detached from the township of Everett, and west half of township I4 north, range 13 west, detached from the township of Denver. The first township meeting was appointed to be held the first Monday in the succeeding April, at the house of John Owen; and John Owen, Simeon Barnhard and Ernest Forbes were named as Inspectors of Election. The question of removing the county seat to some more central location has at times been agitated, but as yet unsuccessfully. Jan. 4, I88I, the Board considered the following resolution: Resolved, That the county seat now located at the village of Newaygo, in said county, ought to be removed, and that the same ought to be located at the village of White Cloud; and it is further Resolved, That we do hereby designate the said village of White Cloud as the place to which said county seat shall be removed, subject to the vote of the electors of said county as provided by law. This resolution was rejected by a vote of i to 5 I T. Ce I 1"' I i "I x, lI (,-d., a>, t..~ I77 i), rcrYI#lt1 X 2......... ~ -- .......-;'...! *1 -...er...-..... 496 NVEWA YGO COUNTY. % -.. --- — I, J? A.. / but the question is probably not definitely settled yet. Some think that a tier of townships from the northern part of the county will be added to Lake County. This would suit a large element in Lake County, as it would make their county seat more central, and it would probably be not unacceptable to the citizens of Newaygo village, for the same reason. Should a new county be at any time formed from Newaygo, Kent and Montcalm Counties, the county seat of Newaygo would beyond doubt be removed to White Cloud. Jan. 6, I88I, the township of Garfield was erected, out of township 12 north, range 13 west; the east half of which had previously been a part of Brooks Township, and the west half of which was part of Sherman Township. The first annual township meeting was ordered held at Daniel E. Soper's store in the village of Newaygo, on Monday, April 4, i881. Thomas H. Stuart, Daniel E. Soper and Lewis Eckard were designated as presiding officers. The same Board ordered the township of Brooks re-arranged, by making it in future comprise township 12 north, range I2 west, the west half of which had belonged to Brooks, and the east half to Croton. The next annual meeting was directed to be held at the court-house in Newaygo, April 4, i88i. Sanford Brown, Charles K. Carter and William Glanville were appointed Inspectors of the Election. Legislative bodies frequently indulge in humor and sarcasm, but as a rule such scintillations of wit are carefully excluded from the official record of proceedings. The following, taken from the record of proceedings of the Board of Supervisors, will therefore be appreciated; it is a report of a committee on fines and penalties, made to the Board: Your committee appointed to investigate the matter of fines and penalties, submit the following report: We find that there have been no certificates of fines placed on file since the ist of January, I88I; from which we infer that Newaygo County is getting to be a very moral place. We also find that there has been $13 paid in to the Treasurer, supposed to have been derived from the above source; also that there should be something in the hands of the Prosecuting Attorney, paid in to him on a settlement of a suit of the People versus McKinzie, but as there is no record of the settlement, we cannot state the amount. In conclusion, your committee would say that we make no recommendation, for fear of disturbing this beautiful state of repose. All of which is respectfully submitted. Newaygo County has never had a large debt. It has negotiated small loans at several times, for poor farm, county buildings, or temporary purposes. In I882, about $15,ooo were paid on indebtedness; in 1883, several thousands more have been paid, and, at the present writing, the county has bonds outstanding amounting only to $4,500. Jan. IO, I882, the 2ist and last township was organized, by the name of Goodwell, out of township 14 north, range 11 west. The first annual meeting was appointed to be held at the school-house in district No. 8, on the first Monday in April succeeding, and John Bennett, James Bennett and Joseph Graham were named as Inspectors of meeting. "RUSSELL COUNTY." HE normal size of a county is i6 townships, or a square tract 24 miles long, and of the same width. Newaygo, Kent and Mont-. calm, adjacent counties, all exceed the size of a " model county," and the idea has been broached at different times in the last 15 years of forming a new county, by detaching portions of each of these counties. This plan has not yet gained the favor of the Legislature, which is the arbiter on such matters. In the early part of I87 I, a bill was introduced into the Legislature to create a county to be called " Russell," by taking eight townships from Kent, four from Montcalm and four from Newaygo. The struggle over this measure was perhaps the hardest in that session. The opposition to the scheme was skillfully managed by the Hon. E. L. Gray, of Newaygo, and the bill, notwithstanding a strong pressure brought to bear in its favor by an active lobby, was badly beaten on the order of its final passage, after a strong debate and keen strategy. The vote was 49 nays against 36 yeas. A motion to reconsider was also defeated. The people of the southern part of Newaygo would rather lose the northern part of the county, than to see the southeastern part detached, as in the latter event the county seat would most surely be removed from the village of Newaygo. Probably the I -t 4 - z., ilt. Ia';i rr r a a"j a i~~ xc.rIttfIS aa 6 ii; --- ipj~\,~4b$Bi i I \;.: Baut,.R r"B: nrr " NEWA YGO COUNTY. I~ i — 9 ~~ -~ —iCt~, ~;",;197 S -------------------- aY, e! county will be divided some time; but in the present state of development of the country, it is certainly f- not a wise policy for the State to increase the e number of its counties, by decreasing their size and wealth. The more counties there are, necessarily, the more county governments, each with its full body of county officers, and the more jails, county houses, almshouses, county printing and county expenses generally there must be; and every additional one swells just so much the total amount of taxation, present and future, in the State. Newaygo is yet a poor county comparatively, and the year 900o will be soon enough to reduce its size. THE PRESENT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS consists of 2I members, as follows: Towznship. Supervisor. Ashland Orvin T. Headley Barton James Duffy Beaver Benjamin Candee Big Prairie James Barton Bridgeton Frank W. Squier Brooks William Glanville Croton David Collins A Dayton S. V. Walker Denver W. A. Anderson Ensley George Wright Everett J. Ohrenberger / Garfield F. M. Pike Goodwell John Russell Grant H. C. Cole Lincoln L. R. Fenton Monroe Lemuel C. Hartt Norwich Charles Neale Sheridan A. G. Meade Sherman Lafayette Waters Melvin Scott, Loyal Palmer and J. H. Cogswell. 1858-9.-Ephraim Utley (Chairman), George Fuller, James Barton, Melvin Scott, W. L. Stewart, Theodore Wilson, Loyal Palmer, I. D. Merrill, Jesse C. Shaw and George I. Barker. I859-60.-James Barton (Chairman), Justus C. Hubbard, Andrew Squires, George Backart, Melvin W. Scott, Augustus A. Kellogg, Isaac H. Cogswell, Sullivan Armstrong, Benjamin H. Coolbaugh, Jesse Barker and Luther Cobb (the two last, of Mecosta County, became the Board of Supervisors of that county in 1859). I86o-i.-James Barton (Chairman), Sullivan Armstrong, Laban Putnam, Amasa B. Watson, Sidney Seacord, George Backart, Everett Douglass, John V. Crandall, Isaac H. Cogswell and Melvin W. Scott. I861-.2.-James Barton (Chairman), Alfred F. Armstrong, Amasa B. Watson, James M. Hyatt, George Backart, Melvin W. Scott, Ransom E. French, Everett Douglass, Isaac H. Cogswell and A. Squires. 1862-3.-James Barton (Chairman), Alfred F. Armstrong, Warren P. Adams, Isaac D. Merrill, James M. Hyatt, George Backart, Melvin W. Scott, Everett Douglass, John V. Crandall, Jonas Waters. I863-4.-James Barton (Chairman), John A. Brooks, jr., Everett Douglass, Tracy Woodard, Melvin W. Scott, Wm. Martin, Zera Misner, George Fuller, Nathaniel L. Garish, Jerome A. Bottsford, Dexter P. Glazier and Charles Carmichael. I864-5.-James Barton (Chairman), Alfred F. Armstrong, W. N. Bevier, Amasa B. Watson, Charles Carmichael, Jacob Barnhard, Smith Cook, C. J. Bigelow, Wm. Martin, Zerah Misner, J. B. Jewell and John L. McLain. 1865-6.-James Barton (Chairman), Milo White, Carlos Marsh, Amos Slater, Amasa B. Watson, George Backart, William Martin, Smith Cook, Everett Douglass and Thomas Stewart. I866-7.-James Barton (Chairman), Milo White, Lemon D. Reynolds, William T. Howell, Amos Slater, George Backart, William Martin, Everett Douglass, Abram Terwilliger and John Delamater. I867-8.-James Barton (Chairman), Milo White, William D. Fuller, William Martin, Smith Cook, Willard M. Howell, William A. Anderson, Andrew J. Squires, William Davenport, George Backart, Everett Douglass, Samuel W. Glover and Charles W. Stone. I868-9.-James Barton (Chairman), Milo White, 1% 11 A A'A'*i I44 i~~~z 4-1 it Troy Frank A. Basford Wilcox R. S. Trask SUPERVISORS OF NEWAYGO COUNTY. I852-3.-Isaac D. Merrill (Chairman), E. H. i Utley, Christopher Culp and John Betts. I853-4.-James Barton (Chairman), John A. Brooks, I. D. Merrill and J. Ryan. 1854-5. —James Barton (Chairman), Isaac D. Merrill, Sullivan Armstrong and Hugh Rice. 1855-6.-James Barton (Chairman), George Back' art, Ashley B. Furman, Alfred A. Maguire and Sullivan Armstrong. I856-7.-James Barton (Chairman), John A. Brooks, Alfred A. Maguire, Ephraim H. Utley,: Christopher Culp, Alfred A. Maxim and Daniel i Weaver. i857-8.-James Barton (Chairman), C. J. Bigelow,. Hiram Baker, Sullivan Armstrong, I. D. Merrill, fe, - -<^ Af? 9-. " 4"7II ''s i r, - 60, ,? 498 NEWA YGO COUNTY. ^ Amos Slater, Augustus Paddock, William Daven- Decker, Alburtus Andrus, William Rice, J. B. Jewell,: port, Arthur Truesdell, W. W. Irons, John Brother- Solon Webster, C. J. Bigelow, T. S. Frey, Eugene;-f ton, William A. Haskins, Everett Douglass, Ransom O'Connor, T. E. Fales, A. J. Bennett, Charles W..E. Erench, Stephen T. Marvin, Willard M. Howell Stone and Henry C. Stone. and Charles W. Stone. I877-8.-James Barton (Chairman), Andrew T. > 1869-70.-James Barton (Chairman), Milo White, Squier, Sanford Brown, H. D. Woodward, Benjamin Stephen L. Marvin, A. J. Spencer, W. D. Fuller, Candee, Eugene Decker, M. S. Kline, Solon Webster, Alonzo Yates, Charles W. Stone, H. W. Craford, I. C. Fox, J. M. Gibbs, George M. Osman, S. E Frank H. Hooker, Amos Slater, B. H. Cool- Fales, C. W. Stone, G. N. Wade, T. S. Frey and baugh, M. W. Scott, George Backart and R. E. Benjamin L. Ewing. f French. 1878-9.-James Barton (Chairman), A. T. Squier, I I870-7 r.-James Barton (Chairman), Sullivan Sanford Brown, Eugene Decker, Benjamin Candee, Armstrong, Wilkes L. Stuart, F. H. Hooker, Alonzo William Rice, I. C. Fox, Solon Webster, J. V. Cran-: Yates, Amos Slater, George Backart, A. J. Spencer, dall, J. M. Grovesteen, Lewis Trexell, James W. i Melvin W. Scott, C. J. Bigelow, R. E. French, J. H. Hoffman, Newton Ewing, C. W. Stone, George N. Shaw, Charles W. Stone and Willard M. Howell. Wade and H. D. Woodward. I87I-2.-James Barton (Chairman), Sullivan I879-80.-James Barton (Chairman), George FulArmstrong, William D. Fuller, Francis H. Hooker, ler, George W. Frey, George W. Heath, Benjamin Alonzo Yates, Amos Slater, William Rice, Melvin W. Candee, Henry D. Woodward, William Rice, Joseph Scott, A. J. Spencer, C. J. Bigelow, T. S. Frey, D. C. B. Jewell, Solon Webster, John M. Grovesteen, Hyde, Benjamin Alton and R. M. Curtice. John V. Crandall, Lewis Trexell, Amos W. Whipple, jt ii 1872-3.-James Barton (Chairman), Sullivan Arm- A. J. Meade, Lafayette Waters and Newton Ewing.. strong, Sanford Brown, Amos Slater, Alburtus Andrus, i88o-I. —James Barton (Chairman), Orvin Headley, -'; Luther Dodge, William Rice, A. J. Spencer, Parley Eugene Decker. Sanford Brown, Benjamin Candee, 7e E. Howe, C. J. Bigelow, R. E. French, David Hebel, H. D. Woodward, David Collins, resigned, followed::: / Willard Barton, Charles W. Stone and Henry C. by M. T. Kline, Irwin C. Fox, Solon Webster, John ^i Stone. Crandall, J. M. Grovesteen, Lewis Trexell, A. W. i 873-4.-James Barton (Chairman), Alfred F. Whipple, Newton Ewing, A. G. Meade, Lafayette Armstrong, John A. Brooks, Alfred A. Maxim, James Waters, Frank Basford and James M. Smith. Barton, Alburtus Andrus, Eugene Decker, David I881-2.-James Barton (Chairman), Sullivan ArmCollins, J. B. Jewell, Solon Webster, C. J. Bigelow, strong, Sanford Brown, Benjamin Candee, F. W. Ransom E. French, David Hebel, Abralham Ten Squier, James Duffey, David Collins, Irwin C. Fox. Eyck, Charles W. Stone and R. M. Curtice. Solon Webster, J. M. Grovesteen, George Wright, I874-5.-James Barton (Chairman), Sullivan Arm- E. O. Shaw, Thomas Ryan, J. L. Alexander, A. W. ^ strong (part of year succeeded by S. W. Peterson), Whipple, Newton Ewing (resigned, and succeeded?I George H. Brown, T. S. Frey,. C. J. Bigelow, C. W. by Charles Neale), A. G. Meade, L. Waters, F. A.;h; Stone, R. M. Curtice, Solon Webster, Alburtus Basford and J. M. Popple. Andrus, David Collins, Abraham Ten Eyck, William 1882-3.-James Barton (Chairman), W. Seaman, Spore, J. B. Jewell, David Hebel, Eugene Decker James Duffey, Benjamin Candee, Frank W. Squier, and Sanford Brown. C. K. Carter (part of year, succeeded by Frank I875-6.-James Barton (Chairman), Andrew T. H. Hoag), P. A. Harrison, W. A. Anderson, Irwin C. Squier, James Herron, H. M. Woodward, Alburtus Fox, George Wright, J. M. Grovesteen, Thomas Andrus, Eugene Decker, P. L. R. Fisk, Solon Web- Ryan, F. M. Pike, John Russell, James L. Alexander, - ster, J. B. Jewel!, C. J. Bigelow, T. S. Frey, David H. S. Swan, Charles Neale, J. B. Mallery, A. G. 5 -Hebel, William Spore, Benjamin L. Ewing, C. W. Meade, F. A. Basford and R. S. Trask. Stone and Henry C. Stone. 883-4. —James Barton (Chairman), Orvin Head- ) 1876-7.-James Barton (Chairman), Andrew T. ley, Frank W. Squier, James Duffy, Sanford Brown I'. Squier, Sanford Brown, W. S. Merrill, Eugene (part of term, succeeded by William Glanville), < ___)A>- t-^- '*n^n'^ t 'i --- -i NE WA YGO COUNTY. 499\ Benjamin Candee, David Collins, S. V. Walker, W. A. Anderson, J. Olirenberger, George Wright, F. M. Pike, John Russell, Thomas Ryan (part of terni, succeeded by H. C. Cole), James L. Alexander (part of term, succeeded by L. R. Fenton), H, S.' Swan (part of term, succeeded by Lemuel C. Hartt), Charles Neale, Lafayette Waters, A. G. Meade, Frank Basford and R. S. Trask. SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE COUNTY POOR. i852.-Ja~mes Barton and William Smith. i852-4.-James Barton, William Sm-ith and G. E. G. Wonch. i854-5.-Martin Hunter, Samuel M. Woodward and P. C. Spooner. 1855-6.-A. P. Carpenter, C. C. Mitchell and Samuel M. Woodward. 85-7.-A. P. Carpen'ter, C. C. Mitchell and Samuel M. Woodward. 1857-8.-Justus C. Hubbard, Win. DUnham and George Backart. i858-9.-Justus C. Hubbard, Dexter R. Glazier and Nelson Ganong. i859-6o.-Gideon D. Graves, Thomas Trask and William Darling. I86o-i. —Justus C. Hubbard, -William Darling and Thomas Trask. 186i-2.-William Darling, Thomas Trask and -William S. Utley. 1862-3.-Justus C. Hubbard, M. Daniel Bull and Harry Monroe. i863-4.-Asa P. Carpenter, John F. A. Raider and William J. Jewell. ii864-5.-M. D. Bull, Asa P. Carpenter and John F. A. Raider. i865 -6.-Dexter P. Glazier, M. D. Bull -and Asa P. Carpenter. 1866-7.-Asa P. Carpenter, Dexter P. Glazier and M. D. Bull. i867~-8. ---Justus C. Hubbard, Asa P. Carpenter and M. D. Bull. i868-9. ---M. D. Bull, Justus C. Hubbard and Asa P.Carpenter. i869-70. —Justus C. Hubbard, A. P. Carpenter and M. D. Bull. 187 0-1 — JO hn Brotherton, Justus C. Hubbard and Asa P. Carpenter. Carpenter resigned in the spring of 187 i, and was succeeded by Lewis E. Wright. 1i87 E-2. —Lewis E. Wright, John Brotherton and:~Justus C. Hubbard. 187 2-3.-John Brotherton, Lewis E. Wright and >Justus C. Hubbard. I i873-4. —John Brotherton, Justus C. Hubbard (died during the term), Lewis E. Wright and Aureliusi P. Day. 1874-5. —Aurelius P. Day, John Brotheiton and Lewis E. Wright. i875-6. —Lewis E. Wright, Aurelius P. Day and John Brotherton. 1876-7. ---Irwin C. Fox (resigned, succeeded by Edwin Lore), Lewis E. Wright and Aurelius P. Day. i877-8. —Edwin 0. Shaw, Edwin Lore and Lewis E. Wright. i878-9.-Lewis E. Wright, Edwin 0. Shaw and Edwin Lore. i879-8o. —Edwin Lore, Lewis E. Wright and Edwin 0. Shaw. i88o-i.-H. J. Orton, Edwin Lore and Lewis E. Wright. i88I-2.-William Rice, H. J. Orton and Edwin Lore. i882-3. —Edwin Lore, William Rice, and Henry D. Woodward. 1883-4.-Henry D. Woodward, Edwin Lore. and William Rice. SHERIFFS. James P. Berry 1852- 4f John H. Chubb 1869-70 S. W. Matevey i855- 8 George Utley i 871- 4 Joshua Mills i859-60 David Collins i875- 6 William Rice i 861- 4 George W. Fry 1877- '8 John F. Wood i865- 6 Eli'sha Pangboin i879-82 Hiram S. Walker 1867- 8 IWilliam Kimball i883 -COUNTY CLERKS. L. Palmer 1852- 4 J. H. Simmons 1869-7 2 J. H. Standish 1r855-_ 8 Sanford Brown 1873- 8 Win. S. Utley i185 9-62 jG. F. Cole 1 87 9-82 W. P. Adams' 1863- 3 Seth Watrous 1 883 -M. W. Scott 1864- 8I COUNTY TREASURERS. John Butler 1853- 4 WV. W. Dickinson i867-72 J. H. Swartwout i855- 6 M. S. Angell 1873- 8 W. P. Adams 185 7-60 C. W. Stone 187 9-82 S. Armstrong i86i- 6 Theo. S. Frey i1883 - "k I I lof I "I I 1,I I 4-11 REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LEGISLATURE. John A. Brooks i855-6o S. Armstrong i873- 6 *' Win. T. Howell i86I- 4 Jos. B. Jewell 1877- 8 Win. Uley x86- 6 Jno. W. McNabb i187 9-8 C. W. Deane 186-7- 8 E. E. Edwards i88i- 2 Ceylon C. Fuller i869-70 Chas. W Stone 1883 -Edgar L. Gray i 871I- 2 ______ 'I, 1& —, pjN, 7 --- -( 0 q 'A 500 JNEWA YGO COUNTY. *(^ — X_________ S A-. H REGISTERS OF DEEDS. L. Palmer, ex off. 1852- 4 W. Persons J. H. Standish, ex Geo. E. Taylor officio i855- 8 JUDGES OF PROBATE. Jas. Barton 1855-60 A. H. Giddings I. H. Cogswell I86i- 4 Jas. Barton Everett Douglassi865- 8 PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. I859-78 I879 -1869-72 I873 - COUNTY SURVEYORS. Wi. S. Utley I855- 6 John C. Brewster I875-6 t W. P. Adams I857- 8 Jonh C. Manly i877-8 Wm. A. Hoskins 1859-62 J. C. Brewster 1879-80 A. E. Upton I863-70 W. S. Merrill i88I- 2 C. Carmichael 1871- 2 Alfred G. Meade I880 -W. S. Merrill 1873- 4 CORONERS. James B. Cook and Ashley B. Furman 1855- 8 Pomeroy C. Spooner and Asa P. Carpenter 1859-60 Asa P. Carpenter and Sherman Mosher 1861- 2 Dexter P. Glazier and W. Irving Latimer I863- 4 Asa P. Carpenter and Samuel W. Matevey 1865- 6 Anson Root and Thomas G. Terry 1867- 8 ~ Anson Root and Marshall S. Cory J869-70 Anson Root and David W. Flora 1871- 2 Henry D. Root and Reuben M. Curtice 1873- 4 Robert M. Luton and Reuben M. Curtice 1875- 6 Sheribiah H. Manly and David W. Flora 1877- 8 Leland S. Weaver and George J. Ambrose I879-80 James T. Farley and Hollis T. Reed 1881- 2 Volney Van Lieu and James M. Webster 1883 - E. L. Gray A. H. Giddings J. H. Standish Jas. Barton 855- 8 W. D. Fuller 1859-62 Albert G. Day i863- 4 Geo. Luton I865- 8 Wm. D. Fuller 1869 -I873 -1877 -1883 - -72 6 -82 CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS. Edgar L. Gray i855-6o W.D.Leonardson 1877- 2 Jas. Barton I861-64 E.L. Gray, 1879-80 Edgar L. Gray I865-70 W.D.Leonardson 188i- 8 A.D.Cadwallader i871- 4 Tim. Edwards I883 -Jas. Barton 1875- 6 at Jxio c i;-;~J\ 3>1L-(K(s, /w\,Hc_3i c u,.rp J 6- E B&aP 3AW, Q" ci h ~ c-; ' -n " UDICIAL tribunals of justice I and legal advocates will always be found in every civilized community. Newaygo County is no exception to this lieve the wants and meet the desires of all alike. But when so many interests and counter-interests are to be protected and adjusted, to the judiciary is pre- t sented many interesting and complex problems. f Change is everywhere imminent; the laws of yester- i day do not compass the wants and necessities of the people of to-day. The old relations do not exist, and new and satisfactory ones must be established; hence the true lawyer is a man of the day, and his capital is his ability and individualitvy He crnnot rule, although its citizens are not I- l much given to litigation, and its 'criminal cases are remarkably rare. 1i'A.v In regara to the bar, we should ' --. J,. i no.bequeath to his successors the characteristics that ( bear in mind that the prosperity and wel-bemig of every comuity de distinguish him, and at his going the very evidences well-being of every commuLnity depends upon the wise interpretation o Iis work disappear. p l ~. of its laws, as well as upon their In compiling a sketch of the Bar of a county, one i judicious framing. Upon a few prin- is surprised at the paucity of material. The pecul- t I ciples of natural justice is erected iarities and the personalities which form so pleasing 9i* j the whole superstructure of civil law, tending to re- and interesting a part of the lives of the members of ---- -llj S iln - --- --- ^^"^".k?**** 91 U X ,...,A G COU TY 301 - NE WA YGO COUNTY. 501 > -— --- the Bar, and which indeed constitute the charm of local history, are altogether wanting. The court records give us the main facts, but the auxiliary facts and interesting circumstances of each case are preserved in the memory of but few, and even there they are generally half forgotten. The first attorney in the county was named Henry. He came in i85i, and was in the county about two years, a portion of the time being a Deputy United States Marshal. While in the performance r of his official duties, he was accidentally drowned in Grand River. But little is known of him, except that he was of rather ordinary talents, and had but little to do, as a lawyer. Nearly all of those who have entered upon the i practice of law in Newaygo County have remained here, and are still alive. The first attorney after Henry was John H. Standish, who still resides in Newaygo, and who has been one of the most prominent men in the county for 30 years. He came in; 1852, and has since been Prosecuting Attorney a.; number of years, a gallant officer in the war, U. S. District Attorney a number of years (during which a time he lived at Grand Rapids), and State Senator;f two terms. E. L. Gray came to the county in 1853, and has been prominently connected with the. county ever since; has been Prosecuting Attorney, Circuit Court Commissioner, Representative and Senator, and has been at the front in many important business enterprises. W. D. Fuller read law with Col. Standish before the war, and while the latter was away in the service of his country, he attended to the Colonel's business. After the war, Mr. Fuller was formally admitted to the Bar, and for some years practiced in partnership with Col. Standish. He is the present Prosecuting Attorney. James Barton was admitted to the Bar shortly after the war, but has practiced before Justices of the Peace ever since the organization of the county. Fred. Day and William Barton read law with Col. Standish, and were admitted to the Bar, but never practiced in this county. The former is now in Mex ico, connected with some mining enterprises, and Mr. f Barton has become a " Philadelphia lawyer.' A. G. Day read law with Mr. Fuller, and has practiced in Newaygo about I? years. George Luton came from -- -- ------------------------------- -------- - -— ~ --- Canada a few years ago, and has since been Prosecuting Attorney for one term. The attorneys residing and practicing in the county at the present time are as follows: James Barton................Big Prairie A. G. Day...................Newaygo George Luton................. " E. L. Gray.................. " T. Edwards................... W illiam D. Fuller.............. Warren D. Leonardsoui.........Fremont Ed. E. Edwards............... Orlando McNabb............. " A. F. Tibbitts................. Wm. Tiffany................. Hesperia John Harwood.............White Cloud For the following very interesting reminiscences of Judges and members of the Bar of Newaygo County we are indebted to Mr. E. L. Gray, a gentleman whose mind is stored with an inexhaustible fund of interesting historical matter. Upon the organization of Newaygo County, its first Circuit Judge was George Martin, then Louis S. Lovell, of Ionia, and later, Flavius Josephus Littlejohn, of Allegan. The latter was from Herkimer Co., N. Y. He was a brilliant lawyer in his younger days, but hemorrhage of the lungs recurring several times after his admission to the Bar caused his removal to Michigan and he settled in the (then) wilds of Allegan County. He kept a law office, operated as a surveyor, occasionally tried a case and accompanied the celebrated Dr. Houghton in his explorations of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in I843-4, and came down to the Democratic State Convention to nominate the Doctor for Governor, but failed by two votes. Littlejohn was informed by Dr. Houghton before leaving that he had discovered a mine that would make both rich; but Dr. Houghton was drowned during his absence, and the secret was hopelessly lost. For many years Judge Littlejohn was a prominent member of the Legislature, where he distinguished himself as an orator, but was always on the wrong side politically. He was finally elected Judge of this Circuit. One of the first cases that was tried before him was a suit for divorce. A dissipated young Irishman had married a buxom girl in the State of Vermont, who had a previous understanding of his love for the ardent, but trusted to her influehce and the strength of his affection for her to effect his re 'O V7 f I 00 aa (t,, ri 12 I i'~ I~: ;aa~;~ ba ib'Tk ~: ~B" I s ~1 :fC 502 NEWA YGO COUNTY.., 5 o. iI, T or') 'I.*/'s~ At'i ',/^ X:: form. Soon after their marriage a chance visitor to Newaygo from the Green Mountain State gave the young couple a glowing account of the possibilities of this part of Michigan. So they came hither to carve out their fortunes; but the husband, frequently intoxicated, desired to enter into the general business of earning in a manner not sanctioned by the law. He went from bad to worse, until the wife filed a bill for divorce, alleging habitual drunkenness on the part of her husband as ground for her action. On the trial, the bill of the complainant was read to the defendant, and, as he understood it, he was charged with being a perpetual drunkard. This aroused him. While he stated he had no serious objection to his wife's having a bill, he wished no decree rendered by which he was declared a perpetual drunkard, " because, you see,' said he, " that would blarst any future matrimonial prospects that might be entertained by meself." On the conclusion of the evidence, his solicitor urged for the defendant that the rule of law ought to be, as it has since been decided by our Supreme Court, that the complainant, having had reasonable knowledge of the habits of the man she had married, be estopped from now making that charge, and the counsel also requested the Court to define, as had then never been done by our Supreme Court, what amount of participation in the use of colored liquids was necessary to constitute the participator an habitual drunkard. The eloquence of Voorhees in the case of the People vs. James Nutt, could not have surpassed the fiery outburst of our oratorical Judge on that occasion. He said: "As requested, the Court will proceed to discharge the solemn duty imposed upon him by the law. The Court emphatically holds that any one who, like the defendant, becomes intoxicated whenever he comes to a village like this, where liquor is sold, even if he does not visit it oftener than once in six months, and becomes intoxicated on any other than a public occasion like the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, New Year, or Christmas, or when there is a large political gathering and intense political excitement prevails,-this Court will hold such a man, becoming voluntarily intoxicated on any other than on the occasions alluded to, an habitual drunkard. Besides,-just think of it,this young complainant in the simplicity of her heart thought she could reform the defendant. Poor girl! in this she has ignominiously failed. This Court will no longer compel her to be tied to one who is liable to come home any night, his senses benumbed, his reason gone and seize a broad-ax and dash out the brains of this complainant and consign himself by such a deed to a living death. Never more shall this complainant be compelled to inhale a forty-rod whisky breath as her daily poition, and listen at night to the deep breathing of a besotted man in which she hears the last gasps of the expiring hopes' which filled her maiden dream with bliss." Both parties were present with numerous friends and the defendant was chagrined beyond expression; but he ceased drinking, married again and is respected, prosperous and happy. During the early period of the late rebellion, the sympathies of the Court were not with Lincoln and his supporters. The Judge frequently remarked that he only stayed in the State; he did not call it living. An honest and intelligent Scotchman, Alexander Dalziel, an old Free Soiler and a strong Republican, became impatient aud considered himself insulted by the plainly expressed political sentiments of Judge Littlejohn; and one day, while both were dining at the Brooks House, Mr. Dalziel asked the Judge if he had not proclaimed in the halls of the State Legislature years before that he hoped the time would come when he might be permitted to sit therein by the side of the sable African, and, " besides, was you not the Free-Soil candidate for Governor in the fall of I849? " Judge Littlejohn assumed a peculiarly grave expression and replied: "My friend, change is written on the whole face of nature; the issues of a quarter of a century ago between the political parties of the country are now obsolete. New questions are now before the country; and that man who has not the progressive spirit of the times, who cannot accommodate himself to the changed condition of our glorious country, is not fit to be an American citizen. To be sure, I expressed the sentiments you credit me with, but to-day it appears to this Court that this is a war for the emancipation of the slaves of the South and the destruction of our glorious Constitution." Dalziel replied: "I have not your learning and cannot cope with you in argument; but as I know your past career, permit me to say that while I respect your position as Judge, as a man I despise you." The " Court " for some time held himself aloof from bar-room jangles. However, in spite of his peculiar position on " issues" / I V. B" -~. i i d -r. JI ;oa`_ ~Ci C~ ea'r~~4CIfnMir-'gn it:I i\ra) ~~(~aii~ f- - - iin~tiQJ -I c-1 '2 — N II' NE WA YGO CO UNTY. 503 i,r * X as a pioneer Judge he performed a vast amount of labor and was an honor to the Bench. The oldest practicing lawyer in Newaygo County is James Barton. In passing, it may be remarked that the name is connected with a little romance that is valuable as a matter of history. In the early records of England families were named from the places where they were born. Barton-upon-Irwell is the name of one of the oldest townships of England and is located in Lancastershire. The first aquedtct bridge constructed over a navigable river is in that county. It carries the Bridgewater Canal over the Irwell and is forty feet above it. The holy maid of Kent, a zealous friend of Queen Catherine, who tried to defeat the purpose of Henry Eighth in obtaining a divorce from the Princess, was named Elizabeth Barton. Sir Walter Scott renders the name immortal by his account of three brothers, of whom the two oldest, John and Andrew, were noted mariners and were foully dealt with by the Portuguese in 1476. The king of that country, refusing reparation, James of England granted them letters of reprisal with permission to seize all Portuguese vessels until they made up their losses. It is related that Andrew, when mortally wounded in the shrouds of his vessel where he directed the conflict, called out: " Fight on, brave hearts. I am a little hurt and will rest; meantime, stand fast by St. Andrew's Cross," meaning the Scottish ensign. He continued to encourage his men with his whistle, but when the sound ceased and they went to him he was dead. His ship was the "Lim" and subsequently became the second man-of-war in the British navy. To return: On his arrival in Newaygo County, James Barton commenced trying suits in justice courts, his main weapons being the Compiled Laws, Tiffany's Justice Guide, a powerful voice, sturdy sense, aptness of comparison and a way of not talking over the heads of the Court and jury. He was wont to commence his plea by stating the fact that he was only an humble follower of the plow. Col. Standish replied to him on one occasion that from the way he had tried the pending case it would be well for the community if he should continue his humble pursuit. But at that time both men were in learning and skill about equal. Barton had been Supervisor in Ionia County, and a pioneer in more than one place, and contact with frontier men had sharpened his native wit and developed him intellectually. He became first Supervisor of Big Prairie and grew expert as an exponent of all law pertaining to the assessment of property and levying of taxes. He took a deal of interest in posting new members in their duties and with the dignity of Chief-Justice Waite (whom he resembles) he soon became influential in the affairs of the county; and, although not admitted to the Bar until several years later, his fame as a trial lawyer grew with the passing years. The justice court of G. E. G. Wonch, of Marengo Prairie, was in years gone by the scene of many a conflict between Barton and other attorneys. This prairie was the jumping off place for the dense pine districts far up the river. Two hotels graced the plain. In summer the tired logger whiled away his hours of idleness playing poker or speculating in pine lands. Here, day after day, Barton appeared to contest some lawsuit and did prevail upon the Court aforesaid to establish the rule that custom on the Muskegon River constituted law; and that here money, although due over.a year, did not draw interest. One pleasant day, when the violets were in bloom and the wild roses brightened the landscape along the route from Newaygo to Big Prairie, Judge Barton appeared in Court and, with Hon. William I. Cornwell, of Weedsport, N. Y., a distingushed politician (also Canal Auditor and Appraiser of New York in 1843-4, and Senator from Cayugdi County, when W. H. Seward was U. S. Senator), was examined and admitted as an attorney and counsellor at law. He had formerly been intimately associated with Lucius Patterson, of Ionia County, and adopted his advice to tyros in law, "Think and fight." Barton's sturdy good sense has been invaluable to 11 i i Is t -. f I; i*, <1. 4; I X= r.. *^-. * V,. ff* \. 4 I 't I; Ik -i r: I (V him. | A few miles west of Barton's residence is a region famed for its beautiful oak openings, sparkling brooks and lakes surrounded with high, bold shores, covered with scattering pines and abounding in fish. Here and there are marshes, where the settlers were won, to cut hay for winter use. These low lands at that? period belonged to the U. S. Government. A settler, I having cut a considerable quantity of this hay, was!. surprised, when he went to secure it, to find it had t disappeared. One Peter Seaman was charged with X the hay abstraction. He was tried and was defended:i by Barton, who took the Baconian position before the Bti - - -- - " Ke r, ' ", -- N i- ~ Irp, rrra-.( gi ~-r" — C* ra! ":' '' ~.)1119 B aa-- rm 1~~, ~-~~I~~r --- i Nk/ ) 5~4 NE WA YGO COUNTY., I I A i) 7-Jy -- il I(t;: t b ^ f S I} /1". I X -,. *', '! jury that, as the hay belonged to the Government and not to the plaintiff, the U. S. Marshal was any t day liable to appear and seize the hay even from his client. "Just think of it, gentlemen of the jury! If K your verdict to-day is adverse to my client he must pay for the hay now, and perhaps a few days hence lose it by seizure by the Government officer." This overpowered the jury, who promptiy rendered a verdict of "No cause for action." Under the spur of this decision others who had cut hay under the same [ circumstances made haste to put their spoils beyond % the reach of Barton's possible clients and the U. S. officers. In 1855 the slaughter of wolves in Newaygo County was fearful, the bounty of $8 per wolf proving a wonderful stimulus to the activity of impecunious exterminators. The slayer was required to submit to the Board of Supervisors a certificate signed by a Justice of the Peace, which set forth that a wolf's head had been presented to the latter, and that he. had burned the ears thereon, etc.; and if the docu~ ment was drawn in due form, the holder received a = county order for the stipulated amount. The Superr visors grew restive under the continuous drain upon X the treasury. Dr. John Tatman, who had recently v arrived in Newaygo County, one day presented a certificate exhibiting his claims as a wolf-slayer, in ) which there appeared a slight informality. Thereupon a series of questions followed as to the manner in which the doctor had dispatched the wolf. The doctor answered that he set a trap, and he supposed the wolf got into it, because when he found his trap the wolf lay therein, dead. Supervisor Farman, of Brooks, raised the question as to whether the wolf did not kill himself, and Barton, as an expounder of the law, thought the lpoint well-taken, and it was decided that the wolf committed suicide. This terminated the career of Dr. Tatman as a wolfexterminator. (He is still living, at Mt. Vernon, Dakota; and, as he was indisputably a character in the former days of Newaygo, a quotation is given from a private letter recently written by him, which is as characteristic as anything that can well be furnished. He says that he misses the excitement and adventures incident to pioneer life on the Michigan frontiers, and that the only recreation he has had of late is in driving out with Mrs. Sitting Bull, and'hearing her relate the bloody adventures of her husband and his braves in the "land of the Dakotas." But he had inadvertently deprived himself of even this small solace, as during one of their drives she gave him a sample of the Indian warwhoop which signaled the destruction of Custer, and he went flying from the buggy. Mrs. Bull since takes her airings without the doughty doctor.) After A. H. Giddings became Circuit Judge, a man named Coffin killed a man named Cook. They were acquaintances, and the assailant on meeting Cook one day instituted a quarrel, on the ground of derogatory remarks of himself having been made by Cook. The latter denied the charge, but the irascible Coffin continued the use of language which Cook resented, and advanced toward Coffin, who seized a hatchet and drove its blade into Cook's back, who fell, was carried to an adjoining house and soon died. Coffin was arraigned for murder and tried before Judge Giddings, who assigned to Barton the position of counsel for the prisoner. In the course of the trial, one Dr. R. M. Curtice testified that in the treatment of a deep cut into the human body, like that made by the prisoner upon Cook, he invariably used mustard plaster as a remedy, knowing experimentally that it would extract the inflammation from a wound six inches in depth. The doctor was called on to prove that the deceased came to his death from the direct result of the wound from the hatchet in the hands of Coffin. Barton passed the doctor without cross-examination, but in his address to the jury exterminated R. M. Curtice, M. D., in this wise:"Gentlemen of the Jury: Dr. Curtice is a very amiable gentleman and of very generous instincts, one whom I have known many years, and our intercourse has always been pleasant. But not every amiable man is a skillful physician and surgeon. I was forcibly impressed by this fact when I heard the doctor testify. His statements reminded me of an incident that occurred when I resided in the State of Illinois. There was a man in our neighborhood who made and peddled an ointment, which when talking to an ignoramus he called ' ointment antipodes." To others he called it "opposition ointment." It had remarkable properties, and was used in a n1. 4l t*1? > f~, 4F, If1 ' ( 1 /A remarkable way. If a man had a pain in his chest it I must be applied to his back. If a person had severe experience from horseback-riding, it must be applied i, to the top of his head; and if his head ached, vice xe:-nA~t ~rUU~.."I 02C~ —, (~'o ~ " I,1 ~ r,-~< q ......NE WA Y.IGO COUINTY. r NEW4 YGO COUNVTY. 505 > -— --- —-- - - = ~I versa. I will pass the testimony of Dr. Curtice with-; out further notice." The jury brought in a verdict of. acquittal, much to the chagrin of the Court. During the plea of the counsel for the prisoner, some one remarked to Dr. Curtice that Barton was making a great effort. The disgusted doctor replied, "He is talking like a d-n fool, and I will lick him as soon as Court adjourns." That threat passed without fulfillment, however. Judge Barton will live in the history and traditions of Newaygo long after he shall be gathered to his fathers. Dignity has become nature through long practice in positions of responsibility and trust. His stalwart dimensions, stentorian j voice, Celtic wit, broad information and wide experience with men and affairs, his infectious mirth and the gleam of latent fun in his keen, black eyes, brilliant yet and flashing with the same light that made them magnificent in his manhood's prime, render him the most striking, manly figure in! Newaygo. He has been a power in the county, and; the records of his administration of business will be a permanent epitaph, that will reflect honor and luster: on his memory while they shall endure. In I871 there was living at Fremont Center a law-: yer named Lillie. He was of fine personal presence, tall, dark, with long, black hair, was a collegian, intellectual, and a former temperance lecturer, but at this time intemperate. He was a forcible speaker, had a keen sense of the ridiculous, and might have been a man of position and influence. His habits had separated him from his wife and child. To the! latter he was tenderly attached, and carried her pic1 ture constantly with him. But his unfortunate proclivity cost him all he had or might have been in the world, and he finally died alone in his office. Now and then in his business he showed traces of former power and made able pleas before a jury. In the I year above named the celebrated trial of David Mosher zvs. James Young was tried before Judge Giddings. E. L. Gray appeared as counsel for the plaintiff, and Lillie as the defendant's attorney. Mosher had secured the arrest of Young on the charge of assault and battery upon him, and claimed 2 that by reason of the blows inflicted upon him by Young he had ringing sounds in his head, etc., and N that he experienced excruciating pains in his temple, and that his happiness was thus destroyed for life. He insisted on having an old Indian doctor who had I I I attended him, as a medical expert, to testify to his condition, and this in spite of his attorney's remonstrance. The doctor said that the brain was divided into three parts-the frontal, base and apex, and that the ringing in the ears experienced by the plaintiff, Mosher, must have been caused by a recent in jury. Lillie endeavored to impeach the plaintiff, and to secure that end introduced one Tennant as a witness, who, in answering the usual question, stated that the reputation of Mosher among his neighbors for truth and veracity was bad, etc. Gray asked him to define "truth and veracity." The witness replied sharply: "I will; Truth is truth, and veracity is a falsehood." Gray rejoined: "Then the plaintiff must be a man of integrity." Finally the defendant, the Rev. James Young, took the stand, and proceeded to relate his story. He was a large, pleasant man, with a good voice, aad his statements were deliberately made in a tone of great solemnity. Mosher wore on the trial a pair of trousers which were made conspicuous by an immense white patch where such an appendage is earliest needed by persons of sedentary habits, though Mosher was only an easygoing farmer. Young, addressing the jury, said: " Gentlemen, I was a soldier in the late war. I knew no fear then; neither do I now. I fought under the Stars and Stripes, and aided in maintaining the liberties you now enjoy. I am an old man now and was quite advanced in years when I enlisted, but I came from a military family and had to go to the front. After the war was ended I returned to my home near White River in this county. I met the plaintiff soon after. I said to him, 'Good morning, Brother Mosher.' He replied, 'Are you back again? I was greatly in hopes you would never return, and it is a great pity you did.' I said (dropping the term brother); 'I cannot long stand Copperhead remarks like these you have uttered. I am a minister of the gospel, but having been in Libby Prison and well-nigh suffered death in the cause of my country, I am afraid the devil will soon take possession of me. But Mosher repeated his language, and I struck him on the side of his face with my bare hand and he went down on all fours. While he was in that position; that patch on his trousers hove in sight, and I could not resist the temptation to put my foot against it; and I can assure you, gentlemen of the jury, that the sight of Brother Mosher rolling over and over, his r. f It 41' -- 1<1.- _ l r inlj IIan,.w! C ii -— C3 i*.tii kr it ,/ 506 NE WA YGO COUNTY. I f',j~II/ revolutions being tallied by that patch, was a laughable one, and you should have seen it. That was all I did, and I have prayed to be forgiven for that." The jury and audience were convulsed. Lillie made a terrific plea, but the jury felt compelled to rendera small judgment for the plaintiff, and did so. This was the last case that Lillie ever argued in the Circuit Court. A volume would no more than do justice to the reminiscences of Newaygo County Bench and Bar in the palmy pioneer days. Such names as those given in this desultory sketch, and others just as worthy of note and which have left memories full of interest and affection, reflect a lustre on the pages of the county records second to nothing of similar scope or purpose in the Peninsular State. W wago's Ert In the!r 1;*i 9 Ad Wh 4 Z,? HEN guns ' ~. B 0 X the spr across penetr his count country's d< The rea< ( first call w g Q the embarre ied Preside sence of su M J i 9 i aize him to a emergency, X ~@4 ) estimate of rebellion a: the war wo K^) j three monti encouraged the patriotic arde X', Terea~ the boom of the great very few of the men, comparatively speaking, who in Charleston harbor in volunteered in response to President Lincoln's call ingof i86 went rolling for 75,00ooo volunteers for three months,were accepted. the continent, their echo But the time soon came when there was a place and ated every loyal heart in a musket for every man. Call followed call in quick t y succession, until the number reached the grand total try. They had scarcely elching forth their iron of 3,339,748, as follows and our national ensign April I6, i86I, for three months......... 75,000 i ere the patriotism f May 4, I861, for five years............. 64,748 of Newaygo County July, 86I, for three years.............. 500,000 i them to rush to their July i8, 1862, for three years............ 300,000 fenseAugust 4, I862, for nine months.......... 300,000 efense. June, I863, for three years.............. 300,000 diness with which the October 17, i863, for three years......... 300,000 as filled, together with February i8, I864, for three years....... 500,000 issments that surround- July io, 1864, for three years............ 200,000;nt Lincoln in the ab- July I6, 1864, for one, two and three years, 500,000 ifficient laws to author- December 21, I864, for three years....... 300,000 meet the unexpected For four long years the organization of new com- i together with an under- panies and enlistment of men for old companies: the magnitude of the whose ranks had been decimated by disease and d a generalbeliefthat rebel bullets, was carried on. Gray-headed men, i7 uld not last more than who had almost reached three score years and ten, e hs, checked rather than and boys not yet out of their teens, went to the J( or of the people. But camp, and, through the most urgent solicitation, ' 4 —'-:;>,,...".. NE WA YGO COUNTY. 07 tj were accepted and sworn into the service. Neither age nor youth kept them back; and when rejected * from either cause, or from physical inability, would r insist on being received, believing themselves as, capable of doing a soldier's duty as thousands who had gone before. Three hundred of as brave men as ever handled a musket or drew a sword went out from this county,-many, very many, never to return. If you go with us to the battle-fields of the X South we shall see how there fell at Stone River, Shiloh, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Chatta' nooga, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Vicksburg and other h places, those who were the pride of fond fathers, j loving mothers, and unselfish, devoted wives. We shall see them dropping off one by one, and often without coffin or burial shroud, thrown into the cold ground, there to await the resurrection morn, and the reunion upon the other side of the river of death. j In many a home throughout the county we find the vacant chair, and witness the mournful look of those -, ever watching for one that corneth not. Upon the: streets, day by day, we meet those wearing sleeveless garments, or walking in a way that tell too plainly:v that the sound of the foot-fall is not made by flesh =a and blood. Inquire the reason, and we shall prob'-/ ably learn that while charging the enemies' lines at j Vicksburg, Shiloh, or elsewhere, a cannon ball dej prived them of a limb. But no word of complaint do we hear; the only regret expressed being that it s was not possible to do more for their country. I of cannon, the inspiring strains of martial music t and the deafening cheers of the people, led by George. Backart. Every one present,-men, women and * children,-seemed fired by the spirit of patriotism. Mr. J. Mills was chosen Chairman, and addressed the gathering, breathing sentiments of devotion to his country and the Union. Patriotic speeches were also made by Messrs. Barton, Dickinson, Maze, Spicer.Wood, Carpenter, Douglas, Armstrong, Tucker, Briggs, Horton and others. These were interspersed often with martial music, and patriotic songs sung by S J. W. Carpenter. At the close of the speaking the ^ following resolutions were adopted: Resolved, That self-government is practicable; and although, like all other forms of government, the republican government of America is subject to rebellions, it is destined to live and prosper, as heretofore, the most noble government in the world. Resolved, That civil war has been thrust upon us without provocation, that our national flag has in many instances been insulted, and that it is therefore the duty of every American citizen to redress the wrongs long enough endured, by whatever means. the exigency may demand. Resolved, That the perpetuity of our free institu- SX tions depend upon the preservation of the Union, Ai and that we will give efficient aid to put down any combination that may threaten its overthrow. The Newaygo Republican reflected the general sentiment of the people. April 25, Mr. Maze used, the following words in the editorial columns: No period since the Revolutionary struggle has ever elicited or demanded the undivided support of every American citizen, as the present. Our arsenals and fortifications are seized, our treasury has been robbed, our mints and military stores have been stolen, our citizens have been mobbed and murdered A for daring to express the doctrines of Washington i and Jefferson; our national flag has in every possible C manner been trampled upon; the glorious stars and f stripes under which Washington fought is torn asunder by traitors, and the serpentine motto of rattlesnakes, crocodiles and pelicans reared in their stead. Shall we longer endure their outrages and insults? Shall we longer allow the high-handed work of the rebels to disdain and dishonor our country? Let the answer be, No, never. We appeal to you, young i men; the country is in want of your service. Proud will ever be the man who can boast of having aided i in redressing the wrongs so long endured. Proud t indeed will be the position of the most humble sol- (V dier who shall aid in the suppression of the treasonable band that now threaten the overthrow of our A Government. May it be our province to record the V names of a noble band from this valley. Let the v THE BEGINNING.. HE news of the opening of the civil war produced an instantaneous effect in Newaygo County. Volunteers stepped forward, funds and supplies were pledged, and A "; while some were preparing for deeds, others were helping along the good cause by their moral support. Union meetings were held in various ~ places in the county, one of the largest being held / at Croton. This unanimity of Union sentiment at f Croton was manifested by a pole-raising and the; hoisting of the stars and stripes, April i8, i86[. > This ceremony was performed amidst the booming ' - * ' '^ ''* " rr- -h 1 ": Fri,.noi~ gll^NW i- - — ^i —rf n ai n< h -^X - i_ S8 NEWA YGO COUNTY. or, 0 N~" ' " * V ~-t~-; dP:~rl 4... D I> glorious Muskegon not be lax in the service of its country, in this hour that tries men's souls. Newaygo did more than talk. She sent forward her best blood, over a hundred volunteers in one year, and met every call made upon her for supplies and money. The Board of Supervisors made ample provision for the families of volunteers by establishing a relief fund. When the citizens declared for war, they intended to support the war to the end, and did not give up when it was found that crushing the rebellion was to be a work of years, not of months. The spirit of patriotism was just as high in the darkest days of the war as the first week after the firing on Sumter. July 31, 1862, a war meeting was held at Newaygo, with Sullivan Armstrong as Chairman and J. H. Maze as Secretary. Speeches were made by Capt. Thomas, of Grand Rapids, and Messrs. Howell, Gray, Standish, Maze and others, and the following resolutions were adopted: Resolved, That we are unalterably opposed to any terms of conciliation or compromise with traitors under arms, and in hostility to the Government. Resolved, That we are in favor of conducting the war upon the principle of punishing, not protecting the enemy, and for this purpose we hold that the enemy's property should pay the expenses, and every means known to the usages of civilized warfare employed to cripple his energies and cripple the rebellion. Resolved, That as a military necessity, for the preservation of the Union, the institution of slavery should be totally and forever abolished, and loyal men only compensated for the slaves. Resolved, That we are opposed to employing our soldiersi n menial services that could be more profitably done by slaves. The following year the enrollment was as follows: Ashland............. 84 Croton............ 92 Brooks............. 23 Dayton............ 68 Barton............. 13 Ensley............ 30 Bridgeton........... 79 Everett............ 25 Big Prairie.......... 48 Fremont........... 36 Total...............5...............598 But, in the meantime, that is, from the beginning of the war to Sept. I, 1862, the enlistments numbered as follows: Ashland, II; Brooks, 33; Barton, Dayton and Bridgeton, 23; Big Prairie, Io; Croton, 34; Everett, i; Ensley, 5; Fremont, 9; total, 136. During the whole war, Newaygo's contribution was about 300 men. DRAFTS. HE first calls of the President for troops 1 found Newaygo County ready to fill its J quota, but in the latter part of the war drafting was resorted to. Three drafts were made in all, though but one was of importance. The first came in the spring of I864, and was made through a mistake on the part of the military authorities, the county having really filled its quota by enlistment. The second draft came off June Io, 1864. Six were taken from Fremont township, eleven from Ashland, eleven from Big Prairie, three from Ensley, two from Everett, and two from Dayton. The third draft was made in March, 1865, but those drawn were not needed, as Lee surrendered the following month, and recruiting ceased. i ENROLLMENT AND ENLISTMENT. B HEN, in the summer of i861, it was seen that a great war was really commenced, the Supervisors of Newaygo County, under authority, made a canvass, and reported the, following as the number of men, by townships, liable to military duty: THE END. HE rejoicing at the end of the war was sincere and great. Meetings were. held at several points in the county. At Newaygo Ashland............ 65 Croton........ 5the citizens assembled n the evening of April Brooks............. 96 Dayton........ 33 amid the sound of cannon and ringing of i Barton.. 8 Ensley... 23 bells, to glorify cver the dawn of peace. Patti- i Bridgeton.......... 8 Everett. 36. C ^ Big Prairie........ 48 Fremont 28 otic speeches were made by Messrs. St. Clair, Howell, s; Gray, Maze and Fuller, interspersed with animating Total.............................. 468 music by a choir. The exercises closed with the ~ao77w4-68- A "r NEWAY GO COUNTY. 509 z /~ 5 ~ s, singing of the "Star Spangled Banner," and three r|: cheers for the brave generals in the field. Less than a week later the citizens were once more called together; this time in sadness and tears, for the martyred Lincoln. Appropriate resolutions were adopted and all loyal people were requested to wear the badge of mourning for thirty days. THE CLOSE. % HEN the war was ended and peace rej stored, the Union preserved in its integrity, the sons of Newaygo who had volunteered their lives in defense of their government Ii and who were spared to see the army of the Union victorious, returned to their homes to receive the grand ovations and tributes of honor from friends and neighbors who had eagerly and zealously 2'. followed them wherever the fortunes of war called. i J Exchanging their soldiers' uniforms for citizens' dress, most of them fell back to their old vocationson the farm, at the forge, the bench, in the shop, and at whatever else their hands found to do. Brave men are honorable always, and no class of citizens entitled to greater respect than the volunteer soldiery of this county, not alone because they were soldiers, but because in their associations with their fellow men their walk is upright, and their honesty and character without reproach. Their country first, their glory and their pride, T l,ndl of their holes, land where thoir fa.the.r dild I. themselves, of whom numbers resided, and still reside, in Newaygo and surrounding counties. After a few weeks the excitement subsided, and the following paper, prepared by the Indians, effectually ended the "Indian war," which has ever since been regarded as a farce of the most ludicrous description: " We, the undersigned, Chiefs of the Ottawas and Chippeways of Oceana and Mason counties, in council assembled, having, with regret, heard that our white friends had become very much excited on account of certain rumors which have, of late, been in circulation with regard to our taking up arms against them, would take this method of informing them of the utter absurdity and falsity of those rumors. "We profess, as a people, to be loyal to the Government, and peaceable, unoffending citizens. "Many of our people, from various parts of the State, have met together at the head waters of the Muskegon River, for the purpose of hunting deer. They have there built a brush fence, some five or six miles in length (where deer are in the habit of resorting in great numbers), from behind which they shoot them as they come up. This has been a custom among us for many years, and never before have we been suspected by our white friends of treachery; and we are exceedingly grieved 'to learn that this simple contrivaace for entrapping deer, should, by report, have assumed the formidable appearance of a strong fortress, from which we were to wage war upon the whites. "It has also been ignorantly reported that there were some two thousand armed Indians in the vicinity of Saginaw. It is true that there has been lately a large gathering of them near that place, and quite a number of Canadian Indians came over, but it was for the express purpose of holding a camp-meeting, and not from a belligerent motive. " These are the true facts in regard to the matter, and we trust they are sufficient to allay the fears of our white friends; for we assure them that we have never entertained any feelings towards them but those which are the most friendly. "Eldridge, Oceana County, Mich., Sept. 22, I862." (Signed) "Cobmosey, Shawgwabeno, Weboneegezhick, Pabahmee, Ashguaosa, Shawbeguong, Washkeoshee, Waubegaka,Mashkau, Pashoshaga, Webonesa, Kawbagawbua, Chingguashsa, Kawbaomah, Peneasey. When in the right, they'll keep their honor bright, When in the wrong, they'll die to set it right. THE "INDIAN WAR." ATE in the summer of 1862, rumors were rife of an Indian uprising in Michigan. Absurd as the idea was, many believed it, and the " home guards" were called into active service. Regular watches were kept at many villages, and for some time the Indians were nightly expected. Perhaps the most surprised citizens of all were the peaceful and inoffensive Indians jV%, ~rI I tz t ~; rr;ir I~aar. ~i 44: g/'^< J *:k * A io iEWAYGO COUNTY. o t.x..,-L-=- -- -. SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' REUNION. I/ I I -fa Ar.,. /*dP *S3 1f HE first reunion of the soldiers and sailors of Newaygo County, held at Newaygo Sept. 20, I883, was an event long to be remem*. bered. The evening before, the advance guard, Hesperia Post, G. A. R., under command of W. C. Simmons, arrived and pitched their tents on the court-house square, and bivouacked in soldier fashion. Thursday morning, the 20th, opened dark and lowering, and it was feared that the attendance would in consequence be small; but teams commenced to arrive at an early hour, and by nine o'clock every fear that the people would stay at home was dispelled. At nine o'clock the command, " Fall in," was heard, and soon thereafter Samuel Judd Post, of Newaygo, and the Hesperia Post marched to the depot to receive the expected guests, a delegation of the Grand Rapids Posts. On the arrival of the train, these were escorted to the Brooks House. At twelve the line was again formed, and marched to the depot, where Gen. Cutcheon, the orator of the day, was met and escorted to the grove. The exercises were opened by the reading of a selection from the Bible, and a prayer by Rev. J. W. Horner, followed by a stirring piece of music by the Newaygo Glee Club. Gen. Cutcheon was then introduced by S. D. Thompson, President of the day. The address of the General was one of the most eloquent and masterly speeches ever delivered in - Newaygo. Brimming full of patriotism, it reached the heart of every hearer. Without a shade of parti-: sanship, the address was calculated to arouse patriotism and love of country in every breast, and the V eloquence of the speaker frequently won the enthusiastic applause of his hearers. Dr. J. W. McNabb fittingly responded to the toast, "The flag of our country,'' and Dr. Flora humorously recounted some of his experiences as a hospital stew'ard and regimental surgeon, in response to "The sick call." Col. A. T. McReynolds briefly and eloquently responded to "The citizen soldier," and then the crowd repaired to the tables, which were loaded with delicacies, and very soon unloaded. After this picnic dinner was disposed of, a county association of soldiers and sailors was formed, with over a hundred members. William H. Hall, of Ashland, was chosen President; W. C. Simmons and N. Smith, Vice-Presidents; E. O. Shaw, Secretary, and S. D. Thompson, Treasurer. It was resolved to hold jp another reunion in the month of August, 1884, to -C. continue three days. At the conclusion of the meeting, the veterans fell into the ranks again, and escorted Gen. Cutcheon to the depot, giving him:: three rousing cheers and a tiger as a parting salute. In the evening dancing commenced at an early hour at Clay's Hall, over ioo couples participating. It was continued until the morning hours. Altogether, this reunion was a great success, and was probably the best celebration of any kind ever held in Newaygo. a ~r: -.r~ 1. >kA) r{K2<' - ______ '*"" — - \'P ' * n / -,, C' I:' s S M<(jyN^ ---^^ -— ^^aptit-.. ----..i @ Ss. ^ ^r 88.:.^ Pe!k: v~ "''" ~' C4. " ~:I'"'Q-.*'"i ~( Pk? p,.; t, 121 f irril.i:;rr a ArE WA YGO CO UN-T.Y. NVE WA YGO COUNTY. /,, llw,.:t A fe,is oof t i ~ I - 7 - ~ L~ OR the period since the party | | / has been organized, Newyago has been considered a Republican county. Previous to - '~ ort 1856, it gave strong Whig ma-.i jorities. Since the organiza-,2 e tion of the Republican party, it A has given varying majorities for,'~1 that party on all State and Na~AJ'6/ tional issues, until i882. Dur7 ing the war its Republicanism v was extreme, the majorities rangi ing as high as 200. One township, Dayton, distinguished it*y self by giving 64 votes for the i Republican ticket, in 1862, and not a vote for the Democratic ticket. Two years later, it polled for Lincoln and Johnson go votes, the different tickets at each general election is shown in the following table; in connection with the several townships is given the vote by townships at the general election of I882: ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 7, 1854. Goverlnor. Kinsley S. Bingham John S. Barry 140 I36 Representative in Congress. 4 II David S. Walbridge Samuel Clark State Senator. Thomas W. White Mordecai L. Hopkins I43 132 I47 98 Representative in Legislature. 49 238 John A. Brooks A hrnrm q WITc-..w.rt 260 PlUIUL11 _. Vr VULhWUVLLI = c and not one for McClellan. About eight years ago Scattering the Greenback or National party began to gain adherents, and since I878 they have been very strong S e. ee in Newaygo County. In 1882, the county gave 4I4 uel Matevey 164 4 Thomas D. Stimpson i2z3 majority for Begole, the Democratic candidate for Stmpson 23 Governor. ounty Treasurer. On local issues, and for local offices, there has al- J. H. Swartwout 293 no opp. ', ways been a tendency to cast away party discipline,County Clerk and Register of Deeds. and support the best, or at least the most popular, Standish John H. Standish 293 no 0. candidate. Of late years this tendency hasincreased, P Judge of Probate. and at present the honors are pretty well dividede f Probae., among the three parties. The varying strength of James Barton 289 no opp. Xli^ fowl - --—, <-(lll^B.> ^F ----# (512 NE WA YGO COUNTY. Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Court Commis- ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 2, 1858. ')sioner. Governor. Edgar L. Gay, 292 no opp. Moses Wisner36 11 Surveyor. Charles E. Stuart 238 'I, I Wmn. S. Utley Warren P. Adams Charles Smith 42 1 I 2 3'1 Coroners. James B. Cook Ashley B. Furman 205 1D0 Opp. 291 no opp. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 4, i 856. President of t/?e United States. John C. Fremont James Buchanan Governor. 429 219 424 220 Kinsley S. Bingham Alpheus Felch -Representative in Legislature. o i II John A. Brooks Thomas 1D. Stimipson Judge of Probate. James Barton Daniel Weaver Sh e riff. Samuel W. Matevey Daniel F. Woolley Everett Douglass C9ounty, Tr-easurer-. Warren P. Adams Justus C. Hubbard 418 215 210 204 203 234 44 Re~presentative in. Cngr-ess. Francis W. Kellogg Thomas B. Church State Senator. John H. Standish Henry Pennoyer Joshua Mills Justus C. Hubbard William S. Utley Orrin Stevens Sh eri -f. Representative in Legislature. County Clerk. 317 21 7 363 238 John A. Brooks George WV. Lester 345 183 376 2 26 439 205 266 2 22 7 8 162 ' 50 125 305 209 County Treasuirer-. Warren P. Adams John V. Fassett -Register- of Deeds. XWellington Persons Pr-osecuting Attorney. Augustine H. Giddings' William T. Howell 374 224 150 -1 6o6 uo opp. 100 104 290 242 Circuit Court Commnissioner. 428 217 21 1 204,Ir County Clerk and Register of Deeds. John H. Standish Daniel Stearns 424 220 Edgar L. Gray William T. Howell Suriiveyor. William A. Hoskins Aaron Swain Cor-oners. Pomeroy C. Spooner Asa P. Carpenter A. F. Akrmstrong George E. G. Wonch 308 '7 7 372 221 48, 131 151 68 Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Court Commissioner. 368 348 280 2 27 Edgar L. Gray William J. Mead 4,30 225 205 Surveyor. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, i86o. President of the United States. Warren P. Adams 429 213 Loyal Pal James B. Ashley B. Cyrus Bei -Bacchus b Li ner 2 10 Abraham Lincoln36 15 Crnr.Stephen A. Douglas 207 Cook 4 0 201Governor. Fu m n419 199 rnnett 219 -.ustin Blair 364 151 j Thear 220 John S. Barry 213 — -i c -; ~~: ~ s;~*,~ NE WAYGO COUNTY. 513.fo Congressman. Francis W. Kellogg Thomas B. Church Sheriff.: William Rice Justus C. Hubbard County Clerk. William S. Utley Loyal Palmer I County Treasurer. Sullivan Armstrong Jeremiah Ryan Register of Deeds. Wellington Persons Judge of Probate. Isaac H. Cogswell George E. G. Wonch Prosecuting Attorney. Augustine H. Giddings Circuit Court Commissioner. James Barton Surveyor. T" William A. Hoskins Aaron Swain I Coroners. Asa P. Carpenter Sherman Mosher I George Fuller State Senator. Nelson Green Lyman G. Mason Legislature. William T. Howell Daniel Weaver ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 4, i Governor. Austin Blair J Byron G. Stout Congressman. Francis W. Kellogg Thomas B. Church 367 I62 206 386 20I i85 369 i66 203 374 I82 192 576 noopp 397 235 162 447 no opp. 368 no opp. 314 53 26r 371 167 57 no opp. 204 354 133 221 Representative in Legislature. William T. Howell 383 355 Scattering 18 Sheriff. William Rice 415 no opp. County Clerk. Warren P. Adams 414 no ol)p. County Treasurer. Sullivan Armstrong 416 no ol)p. Register of Deeds. Wellington Persons 418 no op!). Prosecuting Attorney. John H. Standish 409 404 Augustine H. Giddings 5 Circuit Court Commissioner. James Barton 397 no ol)p. Surveyor. Adonijah E. Upton 337 170 Aaron Swain 167 Coroners. Dexter P. Glazier 400 no opp. W. Irving Latimer 405 no opp. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1864. President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln 406 164 George B. McClellan 242 Governor. Henry H. Crapo 404 156 William M. Fenton 248 Congressman. Thomas W. Ferry 407 164 Frederick Hall 243 State Senator. James B. Walker 402 153 William J. Mead 249 Legislature. William S. Utley 400 152 Daniel F. Woolley 248 Sherif. John F. Wood 474 76 Charles W. Stone 298 County Clerk. w, 325 234 1862. 375 i66 363 174 91 209 189 State Senator. - Charles Mears " Dexter P. Glazier 386 385 Melvin W. Scott Andrew T. Squier 234 I86 248.- Z V i P - n aa - /" I ( 514 E WA YGO COUNTY. * ' i _. ' --- County Treasurer. Sullivan Armstrong John F. Gauweiler Register of Deeds. Wellington Persons Benjamin H. Coolbaugh Judge of Probate. Everett Douglass James L. Alexander Prosecuting Attorney. James Barton Daniel Weaver 427 256 I7 440' 243 365 320 197 45 45I 233 218 Circuit Court Commissioner. Edgar L. Gray Frederick Day Adonijah E. Upton Aaron Swain Surveyor. 425 255 434 250 429 427 255 255 170 I84 I74 I72 Edgar L. Gray Augustine H. Giddings Surveyor. Adonijah E. Upton Thaddeus L. Waters Coroners. Anson Root Thomas G. Terry Robert F. Tracey ELECTION OF APRIL i, Prosecuting Attorney. James Barton Circuit Court Commissioner. 389 379 10 4 I; 379 375 Judge of Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Moses B. Hopkins 383 Robert W. Duncan 282 County Superintendent of Schools. 771 no opp. I - I- - 101 388 17 768 no opp. 37 1867.. 'l rr Coroners. Neil L. Downie A.sa P. Carpenter Stephen D. Barnum Charles J. Perry 440 306 I34 53 I0 Asa P. Carpenter Samuel W. Matevey George Fuller Wilkes L. Stuart ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, r868. President of the United States. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, i866. Governor. Ulysses S. Grant Horatio Seymour Henry P. Baldwin John Moore 917 397 Governor. Henry H. Crapo Alpheus S. Williams 545 229 3I6 903 414 Representative in Congress. Thomas W. Ferry John B. Hutchins 554 229 325 State Senator. Representative in Congress. Thomas W. Ferry Lyman G. Mason State Senator. John H. Standish -llnter.sa.vq. 880 432?3 John H. Standish 596 no opp. Representative in Legislature. 942 T ( Charles W. Deane 607 no opp. Representative in Legisature. Sherff. Ceylon C. Fuller 743 Hiram S. Walker 385 io Augustus Paddock 557 Charles W. Stone 375 Sherif. County Clerh. John H. Chubb 910 Melvin W. Scott 388 2 Philip A. Harrison 396 James L. Alexander 386 County Cer Counoy Clerk. County Treasurer. Co y. John H. Simmons 864 Wallace W. Dickinson 377 I James R. Odell 432 Wm. D. Fuller 367, Register of Deeds. County Treasurer. Wellington Persons 391 8 Wallace W. Dickinson 896. Stephen D. Thompson 383 Andrew F. Squier 412 -----— ^^2Q ^I zAa ---- --- - ts 383I 4 x 520 489 I 448 st 923 186 I 514 432 t 484: '.4:> ':.Sr!d ~~~~~~~r;~ 2~l **~; i i/-~"i"C~r ao "I~k ---f~#ei ' *.4*O! Aar -~ NVE VA4 YGO CO UNT Y. 515.<,.... I1 i -1o Register of Deeds. I1 Wellington Persons 621 37 Stephen D. Persons 584 - fudge of Probate. ',j Augustine H. Giddings 907 517 James L. Alexander 390 Prosecuting Attorney. Wm. D. Fuller 682 84 James Barton 598 Circuit Court Commissioner. Edgar L. Gray 902 no opp. Surveyor. i Adonijah E. Upton 809 348 Aaron Swayne 461 Coroners. Anson Root 88i 448 Marshall S. Cory 907 507 Newton N. Massey 433 Philip H. Weaver 400 ELECTION OF APRIL 5, I869. Judge of Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Robert W. Duncan 432 37 Moses B. Hopkins 395 County Superintendent. " Cyrus Alton 593 no opp. - County Drain Commissioner. Charles Carmichael 176 no opp. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, I870. j Governor. Henry P. Baldwin 421 266 Charles C. Comstock I55 > Congressman. Thomas W. Ferry 421 272 Myron Rider 149 State Senator. Seth C. Moffatt 512 no opp.! Legislature. Edgar L. Gray 501 no opp. 5 \Sheriff. George Utley 537 no opp. County Clerk.! John H. Simmons 539 no opp. ~ County Treasurer. Register of Deeds. Wellington Persons 392 225 Edwin 0. Shaw i67 Prosecuting Attorney. William D. Fuller 503 no opp. Circuit Court Commissioner. Alonzo D. Cadwallader 540 no opp. Surveyor. Charles Carmichael 536 no opp. Coroners. David W. Flora 526 no opp. Anson Root 5o8 no opp. ELECTION OF APRIL 3, I871. Representative in Congress. Wilder D. Foster 763 452 Wm. M. Ferry 3"1 County Superintendent of Schools. Cyrus Alton 573 328 Lewis E. Wright 245 David W. Flora.238 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 5, I872. President of the United States. Ulysses S. Grant 792 6I5 Horace Greeley 177 Governor. John J. Bagley 800 609 Austin Blair 191 Representative in Congress. Jay A. Hubbell 819 639 Samuel P. Ely i80 State Senator. Edgar L. Gray 788 593 George W. Innis 195 Legislature. Sullivan Armstrong 801 6io Benjamin H. Coolbaugh 191 Sheriff. George Utley 577 I52 Lorenzo A. Mallery 425 County Clerk. Sanford Brown I,000 no opp. County Treasurer. Marcus S. Angell I,001 no opp. Register of Deeds..! S, Wallace W. Dickinson [ 540 no opp. Wellington Persons w. " —~; -, t - -;, L M-IIs i,.~Vl 7, I,oo6 no Opp. <:,K\ J k1% L'X7i: 516 Judlge of Probate. James Barton ATE WA YGO COUNT Y. I '1,005 110 opp. Pro- ecuting At~orney. Albert G. Day Horace M. Lillie Circuit Court Comni'ssioner. 629 304 325 il~, -'k, Prosecuting Attorney. Ir Albert G. Day AWilliam H. Wells 7 39 282 457 ~I, Circuit (Court C ommissioner. Alonzo D. Cadwallader John C. Hicks Surveyor. Winfield S. Merrill Aaron Swain Coroners. J anes, Barton John C. Brewster 789 '7 3 924 no olpp. 802 2 17 6i6 5 85 6i12 5 98 Su~qrveyor. Coroners. Robert M. Luton Reuben M. Curtice David W. Flora Newton M. Massey 620 6io 330 320 300 2 8o 622 no opp. a Henry D. Root Reuben M. Curtice Reuben Trask Newton M. Massey 8o6 7 96 '94 198 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 7, i876. President of tMe United States. I ELECTION OF APRIL 7, i873. (County Superintendo-nt of Schboolis. Joseph W. Carpenter Rutherford B. Hayes Samuel J. Tilden Peter Cooper Governor.Charles M. Croswell William L. Webber Levi Sparks Albert Williams 1,315 8oi 235 5 14 733 no opp. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, i84 (Jovceror I,304 792 2 26 8 John J.-Bagley I= Henry Chamberlain Charles K. Carpenter Iloman Siuffrage Amendment. 5 82 354 5 575 '9' No Yes Representative in CJongress. Jay A. Hubbell Henry H. Noble State Senator. Edgar L. Gray S. W. Fowler Representative in Legislature. 2 28 384 613 619 8 Jay A. Hubbell Joseph H. Kilbourne George W. Fry Win. H. Hall A. S. Carr Jo~ Sanford Brown John W. McNabb Coun, Marcus S.-Angell SherijT. Representative in Congress. 1,338 990 51 2 ~ 306 348 1,314 i oo8 unty Clerk. 1,363 942 614 9 605 421 102 X ty Treasurer. 1,203 %Sullivan Armstrong52 15 Charles WV. Stone 1,101 Andrew T. Squier 405 Scattering 3 I Aheriff. Register of Deeds. -David Collins 71 47 Wellington Persons132 36 IC~ounty Clerk. 20fGoredgeayor of Probate. (\ Snod Bo n684 440 James Barton I,435 55 9 Elijah S. Bennett 244 Melvin W. Scott 876 County Treasurer, John RipleyI MacsS nel547 158 Prosecuting Attorney'. / Charles W. Stone 389127 29 Register of Deeds. Gog uo Win. D. Fuller 928 \~Wellington Persons 934 no opp. Scattering 2 NE WAI Y GO CO UNTYIl. 57 Irli k , -I ". , / -A, I-.1 -, %o" Y, . -.1 -:;i(A 'If 5 17 "W 9o Cicuit Court Commuissioner. Warren 1). Leon ardson Edward E. Edwards Scattering Surveyor. John A. Manly Thaddeus L. Waters Scattering C~oroners. Sheribiali H. Manly David W. Flora Reuben S. rrask Leland S. Weaver I,o66 1,038 8 28 1,206 i~1o6 2 100 George W. Mann Sanford Brown Register of D) George E. Taylor William Rice George Backart Prosecuting At11 George Luton John H. Standish Circuit Court Conin Edgar L. Gray Warren D. Leoniardson Survevor. John C. Brewster Winifield S. Merrill )eeds. I-c I, lorney. III I,]!missioner. 23 2 )00I 17 3 i64 i62 231 2 146 I I 1,245 1,2 14 i,o8o 1,095 165 " I9 45 Representative in Legislature. Joseph B. J.-well 1,17 9 Andrew L. Squier 1,134 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 3, i878. Governor. 1,209 1,082 1,295 964 1 27 331 Henry S. Smith Charles M. Croswell Orlando M. Barnes Watson Snyder Stephen L. Marvin' 1,147 964 282 1 9 4 183 208 Loronet-s. Lceland S. Weaver 1,213 George J. Ambrose 1,142 David WV. Flora 1,003 James T. Farley 869 Louis T. McCormick i88 Alonzo S. Hildreth.172 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 2, 188o. President of the United States. 344 '39 Representative in C~ongress. /N George Parmlee Jay A. Hubbell John Power State Senator. Willard Jeffts Win. E. Ambler Samuel S. Conover 1,1 72 964 264 James Abrami Garfield Winfield Scott Hancock James B. Weaver Governor. David H. Jerome David Woodman Frederick M. Holloway Isaac W. McKeever 1,492 964 625 "'177 97'1 228 206 1,407 387 1,020 840 1 1 Judage of Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Michael Brown 2,129 no opp. Representative in Congress. Representative in Legislature. John W. McNabb Edward E. Edwards Van N. Miller Scattering 1,25 7 97 7 '73 4 280 Edwin S. Pratt Jay A. Hubbell Scattering State Senator. William E. Ambler Smithi W. Fowler L, G. Rutherford Legislature. 1,802 1,549 20 253 Sheriff. 1,693 68 '74 Elisha Pangborn George W. Fry Francis M.I Pike 1,154 1,093 TI20 6i JL'1CL1%,Z3 I.L. LMC C~ounty Clerk. Edward E. Edwards 1,695 95 G Fil oe Cl1,6 48 John W. McNabb 1,6oo S nod Bo n,21Richard S. Webster 55 William Fuller 96Shrf.> 4 ~~~~C~ounty Treasurer.Els a P n b r18 0 32 Charles W. Stonie 1,287 32 onW. Hay 1,488 Irwin C. Fo x 963 William Kimball 5 01. r iii.x fr; ~"~. -— ~. il~; dL) L: ~.:!e k 5'8 - ~ --- —----- NE WA YGO COU NTY. 1s, w-*, A 1~19 I~ l i Il N l%,"it.. =.... _ -, r,*-,.. I s, V 4 ''i ' ~/',,*e:4 County Clerk. G. Fillmore Cole Frank D. Warren Seth S. Watrous Register of Deeds. George E. Taylor Theodore S. Frey Benjamin Candee Charles Stone County Treasurer. Charles W. Stone Irwin C. Fox Abbott Ensley Judge of Probate. James Barton Sanford Brown William S. Utley Reuben S. Trask Prosecuting Attorney. George Luton William D. Fuller Sanford Brown 1,626 1,572 114 1,619 1,449 291 1,626 1"474 249 1,682 785 769 101 1,653 1,357 I 54 170 152 897 296 I Daniel P. Sagendorph Congressman. Stephen Bronson Byron M. Cutcheon Edward E. Edwards.Legislature. Charles W. Stone E. E. Edwards George W. Nafe Sheriff. 121 1,5o8 1,442 I 1,344 1,279 366 66 I 65 166 '. 351 I William Kimbell William Hall James E. Sharp Seth S. Watrous Irwin C. Fox Melvin A. Cox 1,524 1,358 I34 County Clerk. 1,611 1,260 134 I - V-~,-,IN.4f-,. Circuit Court Commissioner.. Warren D. Leonardson Timothy Edwards James H. Edwards Surveyor. Winfield S. Merrill Thaddeus L. Waters Coroners. James T. Farley Hollis T. Reed Leland S. Weaver Philip A. Harrison Alonzo Hildreth G. W. Nafe 1,733 1,542 2,55 I,493 1,572,547 1,452 1,203 62? 207 58 369 95 191 County Treasurer. Theodore S. Frey Solomon V. Walker Frank W. Squier Register oj Deeds. George E. Taylor George W. Fry Ira Cronk Prosecuting Attorney. William D. Fuller Warren D. Leonardson William Tiffany Circuit Coa Timothy Edwards John Harwood William Glanville S Alfred G. Meade Winfield S. Merrill Thaddeus L. Waters C Volney Van Liew James M. Webster Philip A. Harrison James T. Farley Van N. Miller Reuben S. Trask I,692 1,183 138 1,452 1,284 276 1,540 1,310 127 wrt Commissioner. 1,5 I5 1,346 231 urveyor. I,397 1,358 257 oroners. 230 i68 509 I69.{ ELECTION OF APRIL 3, 1882. Judge of Fourteenth Judicial District. Ceylon C. Fuller 1,582 George Luton 1,284 298 39 I37 85 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 7, I882. Governor. 1,657 1,243 1,402 1,387 1,302 1,265 250 236 Josiah W. Begole David H. Jerome 414 PLx ))JIZ — -— < human freedom is checked for a time; trade, the peared as local editor and publisher, and that of E. X e >;-I- - — i., _,<.[ --- —A ^@^ ^ Bj J S__-Co;mb _Z ' Ks^7 : 520 NEWA YGC T L. Gray as editor. In I869 Edwin O. Shaw, the. present editor, leased the entire outfit of the Repub-; lican. At the expiration of his first year, he purchased it. In I877 he associated with himself as partner his brother, W. A. Shaw. The paper is now a six-column quarto in size. It is one of the staunchest Republican sheets of the country. Twenty years ago the Republican was not the prosperous, profitable paper that has of later years rendered such service to the Republican party. The following stirring appeal appeared Oct. 31, I86r, on Mr. Maze's return from a month's visit in Ohio; it was doubtless a serious matter then, but can be read lightly now: During our absence of over one month the boys have been made exceedingly happy with the following receipts on subscription: 7 — -a COUNTY. I I 1 3 S z NB C~i l(A Ir 811 ( ""N )0. IFV. [ 4 s 4 chickens............................. oo0 i turkey............................... 50 4 sm all sun-fish........................ 13 150 prom ises............................. o 00 Now, gentlemen, this is abominable. There is no excuse for such cussed tardiness, or willful negligence, in paying the small sums due us on subscription. There is not a man who takes this paper who is not perfectly able to pay for it in something. We suffered ourself, in times past, for the want of our pay, because our patrons were poor, and their crops poor. But for the last two years crops have been good, and yet we are oppressed for the want of that which every delinquent has in abundance. This fall we are cramped. And this fall, " by the eternals," we will have our pay. Those of you who have not paid for your paper may now begin to make your calculations accordingly. We will have either our pay or a judgment for what is in arrears, and our pay in advance for the coming year, if we do not have a circulation of over 50 names. We know that our delinquents can pay, and now we mean they shall do it. We have been so lenient in times past that, instead of reciprocating the favor with promlpt pay now when you are able, you seem to think it a matter of little consequence whether you pay at all. We have, as all acknowledge, published as good a country sheet as is found in the State; we have done as well by our subscribers as they could ask, had they paid us promptly. And to ask us to continue this paper without any pay is asking a little too much. We will take almost any kind of grain, at a fair price. But we do not want you to rush in your buckwheat, and rye, or any other article that you cannot sell or give away. We want some of these articles, true, but we want wheat, oats and corn, principally. When you kill your beef or pork, bring us a piece amounting precisely to our subscription. Don't be hogs. Men will gladly and promptly pay their shoe bills, grocery bills, blacksmith bills, fiddler's bills, studhorse bills, and the like, with the best article of produce they have got; but if they pay the printer at all, they want to pay in something that they can make no other disposition of. Now, these things have become intolerable; and by the Holy Ghost we will not endure it longer. As to legal advertisements, some of those that are in arrears will perhaps be promptly paid; others will be paid at the end of an execution, and that shall be the end of that kind of trouble, as the publishing of those notices without our pay in advance is at an end. Some may not fancy this article, but we do not care a " cuss " whether they do or not. We mean what we say, and say what we mean, and the sooner the cause of such articles is removed, the better it will be for all parties concerned. That's all. Not long afterward an incident occurred (probably in consequence of the above heart-rending appeal) which was thus described by Mr. Maze: We were not a little taken aback the other morning when a neighbor of ours stepped into our office and informed us that he wanted to subscribe for our paper. We took down the name and address, and were waiting for the usual promise to bring the rye or buckwheat straw in a few days, when we discovered that he ran his hand into his side pocket. Pistols and bowie knives ran through our head in a moment. Finally he drew out a large wallet. Summonses and warrants then flashed upon us, when our agitation became even more intense. But imagine our consternation when he deliberately handed us the amount of the subscription in cold cash! The Newaygo Tribune. The Tribune was started in 1874, as an independent Republican paper, by Judson Palmiter, now of Hart. He conducted it until about October, I877, when E. S. Palmiter took charge of the office, and W. D. Fuller became political editor. It then became distinctively a Greenback paper. Oct. I, I879, W. D. Fuller and Timothy Edwards leased the material and ran the paper until Jan. i, i88i, when Mr. Fuller assumed sole control, bought new material, and otherwise improved it. It is now conducted as a National Greenback paper, and is probably the most influential organ of the National party in Michigan. Mr. Fuller is Chairman of the State Central Committee of his party. The Tribune is also a strong temperance paper, but not as a necessary consequence i, l i ii I. <.',X > (I?! $o k N~i I, f" 4/ i I*.O, iN j 4i r li +; t~~~~~~_ _ _ GV - < a.-o-^K. <,* c, -~ I '^ ^^ -- a~s-Fl~~r~S cr~ ":- ^-nii^Bii-^- -a~~= -- -i-'s1y A t '-.*^ G '..' t> sfh. P e 1 3 |^ lv^ tATERIAL progress comprises ^ l lj N; the development of the agri% |# cultural, pastoral, forest and 9, mineral resources of a coun( C) ~try, and the establishment of ^ g,^\ thoroughfares, as routes of navigaF fQP tion, railroads, canals, factories, '1N ) 1 villages and cities. In respect to all k. these things Newaygo County has exhibited a fair share of enterprise. i It is well that the soil of this county / is rich and capable of a high state of cultivation. A great variety of crops can be raised here profitably,-fruits, grains and garden stuffs; and well may the agricultural community feel independent and hopeful. freight, his Excellency, Gov. Wisner, and the following accompanying dignitaries: Hon. L. Porter, Judge Almy, C. H. Taylor, A. B. Turner and Henry Martin, of Grand Rapids, Maj. C. Davis, of Muskegon, Isaac D. Merrill, of Bridgeton and Mr. Baird, of Brooklyn, N. Y." The visit of these gentlemen was made for the purpose of inspecting certain improvements made at 0 the "sand-flats," down the river from Newaygo. In 1856, John A. Brooks, then in the Legislature, had secured an appropriation from the State of $50o,ooo000 for the purpose of improving these flats. The money was well expended, for the work then done has lasted to the present time. The following is taken from the Republican of Nov. 17, 1859: "On Friday morning last, at the suggestion of several of the party accompanying Gov. Wisner to this place, we embarked on board the steamer i A -' _= |Porter, for the purpose of visiting, for the first time, X the far-famed 'sand-flats,' where, under the super-, V NAVIGATION, vision of John A. Brooks and others, the great imA small steamer was built as early as 1856 to ply provements were being made, for which the approA smtall steamer was built as early as i856 to ply pito f$ooowsmd yteSae he on the Muskegon, from Newaygo down. Of the sea- priation of $5 was made by the State three going. years ago. Our village was soon lost amid the pines going qualities of this boat, the less said the better. years ago. q> lte of thi batth les aidthbete and hemlocks, as the Porter sped away down the fast Several small boats were subsequently constructed, d as the orter down the fast so nd for a few yers thr wa a y flowing current of the majestic Muskegon. The (4 @ and tor a few years there was actually steam naviga- v, - nvg- monotony was changed, and the dullness arrested, by tion of the Muskegon, with tolerable regularity. The mootoy was chaged and the s arrested by citien of t-ay wl be a ^ h the relation of some of those side-splitting stories, by + citizen ot to-day would be amazed were he to see in, * r,d the Newayg Rtublican of 1883 such an item as Mr. A. B. Watson, for whlch he is so noted. 0'J" t w a r N 7 1 In the vicinity of three o'clock, P. M., we entered {# X the following, which appeared Nov. 17, 1859*. anew About fr ' ls Tusa evenithe channel of the late improvement. We never had A /^ About four o'clock last Thursday evening the 1 ** i n ~ ) A t f ' l Turdy evening a very favorable opinion of those 'flats,' from the K steamer Porter landed on her dock, besides other description givelln of them by other parties; but no one A IneFs^.^-:.-'' N, NE WA YGO COUNTY. 525?i ># can get a correct idea of them short of becoming an eye-witness. It is certainly one of the most forbidding realms on the face of God's earth. It looks like the fit home of the frog, the snake, the tortoise, and we should think, the alligator. Thousands of acres are covered with cat-tail flags, marsh shrubbery, and decayed timber. It is through the worst of this repulsive latitude that the improvements are made. " As to the work, we do not see how it could have been bettered. We have heard many predictions as to its permanency, from parties whose judgment we thought susceptible of credit. On the whole, as it was a matter in which the public was interested, we felt concerned, and regretted there being grounds for skepticism as to the durability of the job. But so far as our judgment may be credited in the premises, we regard it a complete thing. The channel, we believe, is 150 feet wide, piling being driven on each side, for nearly one mile, of round and flat piling, j extending about three feet above the water, and;- handsomely capped with plank about sixteen inches in width. These piling are driven so closely together as to be mostly water tight. The water in the channel is on an average four feet deep, and runs near two feet above the common level. Inside of that piling are two strings of boom about 50 feet apart, which tend to throw the current of water into the center of the channel, and to wash an embankment against the piling instead of undermining it, as was predicted. The channel is continually washing deeper, and we believe will ultimately form a solid embankment inside of the piling on both sides. We certainly can not see anything to hinder this ig improvement from being a permanent thing. For one to witness the huge stumps, with their tremendous roots and branches, that have been removed from this channel, would convince him of the immense labor necessary for their removal. No one, with less perseverance than John A. Brooks, would ever have undertaken such a job, in such an unhallowed precinct as the Muskegon 'sand-flats.'" I I of Newaygo, being a navigable stream within the provisions and meaning of the ordinance of Congress of July 13, 1787, and of the Constitution and laws of the State of Michigan, its free navigation as a public and common highway is hereby admitted and declared, subject to the provisions, limitations and restrictions within the county of Newaygo and State of Michigan as established and declared in the following ordinance by the Board of Supervisors of the said county of Newaygo, in a manner not inconsistent with the privileges heretofore granted: ART. I.-All logs, timber and rafts put into the Muskegon River for the purpose of floating down the same by any persons, company or corporation, shall be so floated down said river as speedily as possible, and without unnecessary delay or hindrance in the use of the waters of said river to others for like purposes. ART. II.-No person, company or corporation shall be permitted to detain or boom logs or timber in said river in such manner, or to such extent as to prohibit its free use for the purposes of floating logs, timber or rafts, or of navigating the same with boats, vessels, scows and canoes except in these articles provided for. ART. III.-All logs and timber intended to be floated down said Muskegon River, shall be put therein by the owners or agents thereof, as soon after the first day of March in each year as the stage of the water for floating the same, and the weather, will permit; and the owners or agents shall immediately drive such logs and timber down said river after being put afloat therein, provided there be a sufficient stage of water for that purpose. No person shall be permitted to put in or float any logs or timber in said river after the principal annual drive of logs and timber shall have been floated down the same, until after the first day of December thereafter, unless such logs and timber shall be put into rafts of convenient and manageable size, under a penalty of not less than $ro nor more than $200 for each violation of the provisions of this article;-provided, the putting in or floating of such logs or timber shall occasion damage to any person, contrary to the provisions of this ordinance. ART. IV.-A sufficient boom to detain and safely keep all logs and timber floating down said river, may be erected, kept and maintained across said river on section I9, township 12 north, range 2 west, by the present or any future occupiers of the same premises; and also one other such boom by the owners or occupants thereof on section 7, township I2 north, range i I west; and all loose logs or timber floating in said river from and after the first day of December in each year until the first day of March thereafter, may be detained, boomed and kept in said boom by the owners or occupants thereof; and any 7~ NAVIGATION ORDINANCE. After some discussion and agitation, the Board of Supervisors of Newaygo County, June 28, 1859, passed an ordinance regulating the navigation of. the 0i Muskegon River. As a document of importance and interest, it is here given in full: $ The Muskegon River: flowing through the county X4 l^ i * ----- _( ",r-ll 11 'Alv w 9P N I Alf i, 4 (li-I )i 1; ~ irl.t"M" Q = t~ IIIrC, ttilsso i F4H~ 526 NE WA YGO..,I_ COUNTY..,,,~ itiI I; person who shall willfully cut away, injure or destroy such boom without lawful authority, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $Ioo, nor more than $1,000; and in said boom may be kept and detained as aforesaid, all logs and timber floating cown said river after the principal annual drive of logs and timber shall have passed down said river, until after the first day of December thereafter; and the owners of said boom may so detain and keep the said logs and timber at the proper expense of the owner or owners thereof. The owners or occupants of such booms as are provided for in this article, shall, as soon after the first day of March in each year as the stage of water in said river is suitable for that purpose, proceed to discharge all logs and timber from said booms that may remain therein, and in due time, that all such logs and timber shall have passed from such booms, on the arrival at said booms of the principal annual drive of logs and timber on said river. ART. V.-On the arrival of the principal annual drive of logs and timber at said booms, the owners or occupants.thereof shall proceed without unnecessary delay to select, assort and pass the same through said boom, and shall pass the same at the rate of at least 5,00ooo pieces in each twentyfour hours (Sundays excepted), unless the stage of water in said river is manifestly such as to render it impossible or improper to do so; and in such cases they shall proceed to pass such logs and timber as soon as the stage of water in said river is suitable for that purpose. And the owners or occupants of such booms shall not be liable in damages arising from the detention of logs in said booms agreeably to the provisions of this ordinance; and after the principal annual drive of logs and timber, such booms shall be so constructed as to admit of the free navigation of said river until after the first day of December next thereafter. ART. VI.-All logs and timber floating in said river, after the principal annual drive shall have passed down the same below the booms provided for in Articles IV and V of this ordinance, unless in proper rafts as provided in article III, may be boomed and detained in said river until the first day of December next thereafter, at the expense of the owner thereof, so as not to interrupt its free navigation by any person lawfully navigating or interested in the navigation of said river, upon application to the Sheriff of Newaygo County or his deputies, whose duty it shall be to carry the provisions of this article into immediate effect. ART. VII.-After the passage down said river of the principal annual drive of logs and timber as herein before provided, lumber and timber in proper and suitable rafts, and properly manned for that purpose, as well as steamboats, scows, canoes and other craft suitable for navigating the water of said river, shall have the sole and exclusive right of the navigation thereof until the first day of December 3 next after the passage down said river of the principal annual drive of logs and timber as aforesaid;;,! and any interruption of such navigation, or occupation of said river by any person inconsistent with the rights hereby granted, shall render such person so: offending liable to a penalty of not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars, and shall also be liable for private damages to any person injured by such violation of this article; but nothing herein contained shall be held to repeal or in anywise contravene or affect any privileges heretofore granted upon said river, or the use of its waters for hydraulic pur-!> poses. ART. VIII.-During the detention of logs and tim- n ber in the boom as provided in the preceding Articles IV and V, the owners and all persons interested in running the same shall have the same privileges and powers as are granted in the preceding article in respect to rafts and boats as therein mentioned. ART. IX.-All penalties imposed under the provisions of this ordinance shall be prosecuted in the name of the county of Newaygo, before any court of competent jurisdiction, by any person injured by such! violation, or directly interested in the navigation of /x said river, as well as by the Prosecuting Attorney. Sheriff, or Treasurer of said county, and when collected, shall be paid into the treasury of said county. DIS No penalty imposed by this ordinance shall be construed to include or take away the right of any per- ":: son to any private damages he may sustain for any violation of this ordinance. ART. X.-This ordinance shall be published in the i Newaygo Republican for six successive weeks, and shall take effect and be in force from and after the first day of December, I859..,.^^^ r-q, ((! V. RAILROADS. HE "iron horse " has come to be one of the greatest agencies in developing any new country. The first railroads ever built were between large cities, which could furnish from the first a paying volume of traffic. Now the railroad is not infrequently built in advance of settlement, with a view to making immigration speedy, of affording rapid transportation to good markets, and of raising the value of property. There is no; doubt that railroads are efficacious for these purposes,, and so much so that a locality can hardly pay any;i price for a new railroad which is not speedily returned. ' to it in the increased value of real estate. to''"-mumtD-.@ 1\ f' ';izA ItQ 01 /" ", t J". I lt 7 _ NEWAYGO COUNTY. 527 i::. "7-" Newaygo County has not yet sufficient railroads. Circumstances have combined to favor neighboring counties and towns, especially in former years. Now, however, the prospect is much brighter. It has already two lines of railroad crossing its territory, and another east and west line will, beyond doubt, be constructed soon. Several plans for this have been put forward, and capitalists are now examining routes for the same. The pioneer railroad in the county is the GRAND RAPIDS, NEWAYGO & LAKE SHORE R. R. It is impossible to tell when the idea of a railroad for Newaygo was first seriously put forward. Even the first settlers dreamed of railroads, and scarcely a year passeq that some one did not mature a scheme for a railroad from Newaygo to Grand Rapids. The "Grand Rapids & Muskegon Railroad Company" was formally organized at Grand Rapids, Dec. 15, i868. Newaygo was represented on the Board of Directors by A. Paddock, and on the Board of Commissioners by E. L. Gray. Col. J. H. Standish and other Newaygo men were present and made speeches. A meeting of the citizens was held at the Brooks House in Newaygo, Aug. I8, I869. W. T. Howell presided, and W. D. Fuller was chosen Secretary. Remarks were made by E. L. Gray, S. L. Fuller (Grand Rapids), Augustus Paddock and W. D. Fuller. The last two were designated as commissioners for Newaygo and vicinity. Stock was taken amounting to $I5,ooo. The following spring a trial line was surveyed, and the project was in a fair way to succeed, when suddenly the celebrated Michigan Supreme Court decision was announced to the world, and scores of railroad schemes instantly killed. This decision was, in brief, that railroads are private property, subject only to police regulation by the State, and that therefore no local aid could be given by taxing the people. The railroad-seeking citizens of Newaygo then turned their attention to the "Grand Rapids, Newaygo & Lake Shore Railroad," an enterprise pushed by D. P. Clay, of Grand Rapids, who has had so many interests in Newaygo, and whose energy and persistence finally built the road. By May, I871, $I25,000 were raised in Newaygo, Grand Rapids and the intervening country, and the following summer matters were pushed until there was no longer any doubt that the railroad was coming. July 27, ground was broken between Fourth and Fifth streets, west side, in Grand Rapids, in presence of Mr. Clay and other prominent gentlemen interested in the enterprise. In little over a year the road was completed to Newaygo village, and the last spike was driven and first passenger train run on Wednesday, Sept. II, I872, perhaps the brightest day in the history of Newaygo. The following is taken from the Newaygo Republican of Sept. 18, I872: Last Tuesday, as the track-layers appeared in sight, and it became a certainty that the track would be laid to the bridge by Wednesday noon, so that a ~passenger train could be run into the village, our citizens were informed that " a little informal excursion party might be expected on the first train, perhaps 25 or 30 in number." Our people at once made preparations for entertaining that number, and a. dinner at the Brooks House was a part of the program. All Wednesday forenoon the workmen were watched closely. Excitement was at fever heat, and many were the speculations indulged in by the spectators as to whether the work would be completed by two o'clock, the hour appointed for the arrival of the train. At last the last rail was in its place, and the last spike driven, and then nothing could be done but wait. Truth to tell, but very little interest was taken in the excursionists, who were supposed to be merely railroad dignitaries coming on business. The main interest centered in the arrival of the first train; there were but a few visitors on board, and ample arrangements had been made at Courtright's for the entertainment of them all. The long-looked-for locomotive was almost within hearing, and minutes seemed hours as we waited the arrival of the iron horse that was bearing to us the news that we were in reach of the outside world. The whistle is heard, and then such a handshaking and congratulating among friends and neighbors one must live a life-time to see again; and when the train appeared, it seemed that every one was frantic for joy. Boys screamed, girls giggled, men cheered and women looked on with hearts too full for utterance. It was the greatest day in the history of Newaygo. Only a "little excursion " was expected, and therefore what was our surprise to see pouring from the cars about 300 of the best citizens of Grand Rapids, accompanied by the Valley City Brass,Band! No preparation had been made for entertaining that number of guests in a manner befitting the occasion. But no time was to be lost; so each citizen captured as many as he could take care of, and marched them off in triumph; the hotels were thrown open, and all was done that could be to entertain the guests who honored us with their presence. After dinner, W. D. Fuller, T. B. Church, William I:. V* A I I= N:/"~~ *'o I, IMI A. h-n::,,..t * -gS as~. I '1 L ~ f: rr~a~ Ir; riiJ? ic ~- \ r 1~; nn arrr ii; 1~h_ ~;~~- ~- - " r?' 'at 4 4 528 NEWA YGO COUNTY. r-,..,,F:7.{S, v I l /..< I ip.o".. H. Wells and others made hrief speeches, and our guests departed for their homes in the beautiful "Valley City." In the spring of 1875, steps were taken to extend the road northward from Newaygo, and by September it was built td Morgan (now White Cloud), on the line of the Muskegon & Big Rapids road. This was celebrated by an excursion from Grand Rapids to Big Rapids, via Newaygo and Morgan. About 500 citizens availed themselves of an invitation by President Clay to make this trip. The train consisted of two locomotives and baggage cars, mail cars and eleven coaches. The excursionists comprised representative men of every class of business in the city of Grand Rapids, who seemed for the time to forget that such a thing as business existed, and were bound to give the day to enjoyment. The mayor and city officers were present, with nearly all the members of the Common Council. The party arrived at Newaygo just one hour and a half after leaving the depot in the Valley City, and were received by a salute from a small cannon, and strains of music from the Newaygo band. A large number of citizens of Newaygo, with the band, accompanied the excursionists to Big Rapids, where they arrived about half past one. They were met at the depot by a large number of the citizens of that city, the Light Guard Band and Big Rapids Guard, about 65 strong. A salute was fired on the arrival of the train, which not only served as an expression of welcome from the citizens of this thriving city, but broke the glass in several of the car windows. The excursionists being too numerous to be accommodated for dinner at any one hotel, divided into several parties in pursuit of something to satisfy the inner man, and most of them succeeded. The first intimation the citizens of Big Rapids had of the number of excursionists, was a telegram received at 1 o'clock, directing the hotels to prepare to accommodate 600 persons for dinner. They worked heroically, and results proved their industry. Two-thirds of the party were enabled to take dinner at the hotels, and the balance were entertained at eating houses. The Big Rapids fire department were out, and hrew several streams of water from the Holly waterworks. The train left Big Rapids on the return trip at four o'clock, and arrived at Grand Rapids at twenty minutes to eight. The excursionists were accompanied this time by about ioo citizens of Big Rapids, who were invited to make the trip by President Clay. The Newaygo road has proved one of the most profitable lines in the State, the interest and dividends being paid promptly every year. Since its consolidation with the Chicago & West Michigan, it has been extended to Baldwin, the county seat of Lake County. Its final terminus is to be Traverse City, and it will soon be extended in that direction. The stations on the line, and distances from Grand Rapids, are as follows, from Ashland to West Troy, inclusive, being in Newaygo County: West Grand Rapids, i; D. & M. Crossing, 3.5; G. R. & I. Crossing, 5.7; Alpine, 8.4; Englishville, I I.4; Sparta, 14.5; Kent City, 20.3; Casnovia, 22.3; Trent, 24.3; Bailey, 25.5; Ashland, 28; Grant, 30.8; Newaygo, 36.4; White Cloud, 47; Diamond Lock, 5r.8; Park City, 54; Otia, 57.6; West Troy, 61.4; Pickerel Creek, 67.6; Roby's Junction, 70.8; Baldwin, 74.1. MUSKEGON & BIG RAPIDS RAILROAD. This was the second road built through Newaygo County, and was projected before the railroad from Grand Rapids entered the southern part of the county. Feb. 5, 1870, a meeting of representative citizens was held at the Mason House in Big Rapids, at which resolutions were adopted favoring the building of a railroad from Muskegon to Big Rapids, and a committee was appointed to confer with citizens of Muskegon, Fremont Center and other intermediate points. This committee consisted of Gen. Stephen Bronson, Hon. C. C. Fuller, J. F. Brown, Col. Stewart Ives, Andrew Green, George F. Stearns, T. D. Stinson, J. O. Rose, D. M. Benjamin, Charles Shafer, E. Fisher and G. W. Crawford. Subsequent meetings were held at Big Rapids, Fremont Center and Muskegon, and considerable money was pledged. The Muskegon & Big Rapids Railroad Company was formally organized April 12, i87o, at Muskegon. At a subsequent meeting of the directors, officers were elected as follows: Alexander Rogers, President; George F. Stearns, Vice-President Stewart Ives, Secretary, and Chauncey Davis, Treasurer. Early in May the actual survey of the road was commenced, and all seemed to be going well, when unexpectedly came the Supreme Court decision 4i?,r% \ 4 I' I f* ia' (;#1 <'' A*' As, S% i, ~ crr: (i-, ejoa-aa'cr- Ia — ~" * ~:i.~agg a i-\ c ~; ag v - i* * 0. - ' N E WA YGO COUNTY. 529.....;*. _..!,, Y' against the legality of local aid to railroads by taxa- Michigan Railroad, and in January, 188, this cormtion. As the projectors of the Muskegon & Big pany purchased the Grand Rapids, Newaygo & Lake Rapids road depended on townships along the line Shore. The three roads are now under one manage-? i voting liberal aid, the enterprise seemed to be effect- ment, and are virtually one railroad. It is a well S f ually strangled. conducted, thoroughly equipped road, and has always After a year or so, however, the company was dealt fairly with the people of Newaygo County. reorganized, with Hon. L. G. Mason as President, and F. A. Nims as Secretary, and it was determined - ^. to build the road with no aid except that of individuals. In the summer of 1872, the President visited LUMBER INTEREST. New York, and on returning announced that the road could be built and equipped that year, under a certain arrangement. This arrangement was. A d! ' nothing more nor less than a consolidation of thehas been said on a previous page, NeweaS has been said on a previous page, Necompany with the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore, waygo County is indebted to its former whose road was then built and operated as far north as Pentwater. This plan was cordially endorsed by ast p s o t etteent and the stockholders and directors, and the contract for gent. It is so situated on the border of a the construction of the entire road, to be completed great timber country, and yet at convenient distances from good markets and great distributing and in running order by the first of January following, was let to a Mr. Thompson, a railroad coontractor pois, and even at this day, after so many years of persistent devastation, contains within its borders ( i who had just been performing a piece of work for f ersistent devatation contains within it borders ^ the Michigan Central, and who at once transferred pine forests so valuable, that it is to be expected that his entire force of about men, with all the the lumbering industry be of the greatest importance. $* The lumber from the State of Michigan is: tools and equipments for railroad work, to this Mus- lumber from the ate of Michigan is known all the world over for its excellent quality; v kegon & Big Rapids road, beginning simultaneously own a the wold over for its excellent quality; and as to quantity, it is sufficient to be a source of I at both ends of the line. With this large, efficient d t it is sufficient to be a source of and well organized corps, the work was pushed for- employent and wealth for decadesto come. Even ward as rapidly as possible. before the first settlement of Newaygo County, its wig to bad weatr ad o r territory had been crossed by many adventurous lumOwing to bad weather and otherobstacles, the, bermen. The Muskegon is the longest stream in the completion of the road was delayed till the summer ompletion Ju of the road wa elaye tll trahe summ State, and, with its tributaries, of which the principal of 1873. In July of that year, regular trains-two are Brooks, Pennoyer, Butterfield and Tamarack passenger and one freight-were put on the line. p e a. Creeks, and Middle Branch, Hersey, Little Muske(i The completion of the road was celebrated by a large L e gon and Clam Rivers, taps an immense lumber-proI- excursion from Big Rapids to Muskegon. The on taps an immense oducing country. Hence, this system of water ways X stations on this road, and distances from Muskegon, h b e are as follows: Muskegon; B. R. Junction, 4 miles has been utilized for transporting logs and lumber are as follows: Muskegon; B. R. Junction, 4 miles; *n -.'. for now nearly 47 years. Twin Lakes, Io.4 miles; Holton, 16.4 miles-; FrTwin Ls, 10. miles; HoAlleyton, 3 miles; Its magnificent pineries commenced disappearing Fremont, 23.6 miles; Alleyton, 33.8 miles; White in 837, and since i8 a fierce onslaught has been in 1837, and since I855 a fierce onslaught has been Cloud, 34.7 miles; Woodville, 44.2 miles; N g u mber-nty. Cloud, 34.7 miles; Woodville, 44.2 miles; Lumber- made upon them. As high as 400,000o,000 feet have I ton, 46.2 miles; Hungerford, 48.2 miles; Big Rapids, be uoa the s 000 i as 55.2 miles. The stations from Fremont to Hunger- been put afloat on the Muskegon in a single season. il e tn The lumbermen leave no record of their work, and ford, inclusive, are within Newaygo County.. no trace other than pine stumps of their visit; hence CHICAGO & WEST MICHIGAN RAILROAD. it is impossible to give any extended account of early v operations. fCi n In 1878, the Muskegon & Big Rapids line was The first lumber sold above Muskegon village was consolidated with the Chicago & Michigan Lake in the year 1842, by Rose and Hyde, the price being y S Shore, under the name of the Chicago & West five dollars per thousand feet, and the purchaser one ^<~))^ was a vast swamp, and that there was not enough good land within her borders to pay the surveyor's bill. Now Michigan is recognized as one of the wealthiest States, in her own resources-in lumber, salt, mines and agriculture —that there is in the Union, and Newaygo is one of the best counties in the State. Hon. E. L. Gray was then introduced. After alluding to the primitive state of things when he came here, and the improvements since, he gave some amusing accounts of the early lawsuits in which Judge Barton, Col. Standish and himself had been engaged. Mr. Swain said that he first came here in the fall of i849. He built a house and went after his family, returning in the February following. He stopped first at Croton, and there learned that he had to come to Newaygo to cross the river in order to reach Big Prairie. Mr. Armstrong said his father settled in Oakland County in 1826. He lived with him until 1841, when he located in the Grand River Valley, where he lived till 1852. In this latter year he located in the town of Ashland, where he still resides. He related a very amusing incident connected with his first experience as a Justice of the Peace. Dr. Tatman told a number of stories, none of which failed to "bring down the house." His account of how it was decided what mtde an actual settler was especially rich. Hon. Augustine H. Giddings then made a characteristically interesting speech. He commenced by saying that although his name was not upon the list of speakers for the occasion, and, although he was not one of the primitive settlers of this valley, yet he felt that he could " claim kindred here and find that claim allowed." He came to Newaygo in 1857. Since that time it had been his business, and a part of his professional and official duty, to study man; and he was convinced that no county could boast of more real manhood, more stalwart character, more independence and self-reliance than the pioneers of the Muskegon Valley. True, many of them perhaps lacked that refinement which comes of more kindly surroundings than they enjoyed in early life, but what was lacking in mere polish was more than made up in rugged strength and genuine stamina. This occasion reminded the speaker of an oldfashioned New England Thanksgiving upon a large ii ik ' a41 \ I ~^? j, about 150 pioneers. After prayer by Rev. M. S. Ani|~<'' ' t- -- - - ^ii a % ll7BBII1L nne~-~ i~~~ f-jii j iii I";:i j: , -536 -- 536 c~ Jr NE WA YGO COUNTY. ', 4 *- f1 va~~aa 1011Nu. war, which pervaded the Muskegon Valley while I was a resident of the Newaygo, which it was my intention to read before the society; and I regret that circumstances have denied me that honor. There were none who took greater pride in the achievements of our local heroes in the Southern Rebellion than I. But my special pride was in the valor of our "home guards" in repulsing the invasion of the ruthless savage who sought the scalps of our wives and children, and to reduce our homes to ashes. It will be remembered with what power the wrath of the Almighty was invoked upon the head of "Old Dan Weaver," who was accused of being the inciter of this cruel war, by the citizens of both sexes who assembled nightly at Fort Brooks under the command of Capt. Wm. I. Cornwell, and the invocation of Divine protection of the brave men who took their lives in their hands and went on top of the hills and built little bonfires of dry sticks! To that protection may be ascribed the safety of our town. Let the efficacy of prayer be doubted nevermore! The bravery of the picket guard was beautiful to contemplate. One of the privateers was moved to offer two dollars and a half to any man who would show him the track of an "Injun" less than three months old. He found a taker. One Robert Jarvis informed the military authorities of the company of an opportunity to behold recent "signs." The Captain and a squad of soldiers followed the lead of the venerable pilot. The appearance of Uncle Robert's melon patch presented unmistakable signs of recent invasion. The commander looked suspicious; the troops were silent. Without a word the dragoons sought their posts of duty by sequestered routes, and again betook themselves to the task of scenting the smoky army of Indians from afar. But I have not space to dwell longer on this theme. Suffice it to say, peace was declared, and the war closed with no greater calamity than a big scare, in which the Indians themselves were the greatest sufferers. Let me hope that your reunion may be attended with all the pleasures incident to such assemblages, and that on subsequent occasions I may be able to participate with you in recounting the varied incidents which mark the past history of the settlement of the Muskegon Valley. Yours most respectfully, J. H. MAZE. D. L. Weaver, of Hesperia, was next introduced, and told in an able manner the story of his early struggles and triumphs in Michigan and more especially in Newaygo County. He came when there were none to make him welcome, when the "wolf's long howl at dead of night " smote upon the startled ear of the old settler, and the bear and wild-cat roamed the woods with no one to make afraid. Being a carpenter he built several of the first houses and barns, and also the first mill, and lived at Fremont several years " under his own vine and fig tree.' Wishing to go still farther into the trackless forest, he removed to the place where Hesperia is now located, and became, as he had long desired to be, a founder of a town. Few have done as much to develop this county. Hon. Sullivan Armstrong made a short speech, giving a history of his part in the early settlement of the township of Ashland. Mr. Armstrong has been one of the most prominent citizens of the county, has had several county offices, and served a number of years in the Legislature. S. Tibbits was called for, and made a speech with several anecdotes. He helped make the first road in the county, north of Newaygo, and has been wide awake ever since. Messrs. T. L. Waters and R. W Skeels told their experience. Mr. Waters had never killed a bear, but he had seen much service as a surveyor and estimator of pine. Perhaps the most attractive feature of the meeting was the spirited address of Miss Anna Shaw, of Big Rapids. She spoke of herself as one of the first settlers of Mecosta County, and gave a graphic account of their journey to the land of promise and of their subseqent experience. She well remembered their primitive dances, and the time when to wear a fine boot was considered aristocratic. Her tribute to the energy and nerve of the early settlers of Mecosta County was truly eloquent. Mrs. Crandall, of Big Rapids, followed her in a few well chosen words. For the ensuing year, a meeting was appointed at Blanche Lake, on the Grand Rapids & Newaygo railroad. A business meeting ensued, President Utley, just elected, taking the chair. ' I VI jh The next meeting of the pioneers was held at Fremont, June 28, 1877. At two o'clock the pro-, ceedings were opened by Dr. Tatman, who stated the 1, ir: 4; I (Jt S),^ ' A object of the meeting, and made a speech replete:~ * i *FOURTH REUNION.?! with information and anecdote. His relation of the experience of " Dr." Giddings and the qualifications The executive committee decided that Newaygo I i ol an "old settler" were indescribably ludicrous, and was a better place than Blanche Lake for a gathering ' brought down the house. of old settlers, and the meeting for 1878 was accordaa. ) ruu --- S, Qijti -.'i'JS r,~~~;y &P i DI ~.-~~ Wa;: ";gJ n*~ I Ii~r ajio_ ~"I NE~ BA YG- CO.-z. 537.. NE WA YGO COUNVTY. 537 53 dx~ ingly held May 30, in that village. The pioneers assembled to the number of I50, including 72 from Big Rapids, and went through the usual program of hand-shaking, speech-making, etc. T. D. Stimson was chosen President, E. O. Rose Secretary, and Foster Stearns Treasurer, and it was decided to hold the next meeting at Big Rapids. ThisFIFTH REUNION was duly held in that city June i8, I879. Over 200 members were in attendance. The association was called to order at noon by Mr. T. D. Stimson, and Judge Brown delivered a welcoming address. About 60 new names were added to the register. At two o'clock an old-style dinner was served at the Mason House, to which all did ample justice. One table was set with dishes belonging to Mrs. White that were the property of Mrs. White's great-great-grandmother. A mustard spoon and cup were two hunI dred years old. After dinner the meeting was ad-: dressed by Dr. Tatman, W. S. Utley, J. V. Crandell Xand Hannibal Hyde. A general good time was had, and the old friends and neighbors of years ago had a real old-fashioned visit. This is the last reunion the society has held. It cannot be long before the old settlers of the county will realize the importance of forming a permanent society, to collect and preser e the local history which they have spent their lives in making. REMINISCENCES-by T. L. Waters. " WE EMIGRATE. others complained of the rough and muddy roads and incessant rain, failed to see the rough and muddy part of the journey, and scarcely knew it rained. To them it was the pleasantest journey of their lives. Such is mortal! Six days were consumed in reaching Lisbon, where we lightened our loads and drove on to Newaygo. The road then, instead of running where it now does, made vast circuits around the swamps, returning in some instances nearly back to where we had started from the line. One half day's drive brought us to Fulkerson's, now known as Casnovia, where we stopped for the night. There was then but one log house and a barn, where now a thriving country village stands. From here to Newaygo, for fifteen miles, stretched an unbroken forest, mostly pine. Thirty years has swept that vast forest nearly all away, and neat, thrifty farms dot the road where we then wallowed through the mire, and wound our way among the lofty pines, while a commodious railroad car with its soft cushions has taken the place of those covered wagons, and carries the traveler in thirty minutes over what it took us a whole day to drive,from Casnovia to Newaygo. At the latter place we stopped over night with the genial landlord of the Butler House. The village then had but one hotel, three stores and the flouring mill. Newaygo was then noted for exporting lumber and importing whisky and tobacco. The lumber was rafted down the river, while the stage came in twice a week loaded with the ' important," which scarcely lasted till its return. It is quite another village now; other men have come in, and " Queen Temperance" has driven " King Alcohol "into close quarters. Its,once miry streets are now graded and graveled, and good substantial sidewalks are now where we jumped from log to log, or walked a single plank. No one would now suspect that Main Street was once a vast spring-hole; but such was the case. On the morning of the 25th of April, we crossed the river by the upper bridge, then the only one, drove up the Croton road about a mile, and turned westward into the forest. After an hour's drive we came back in sight of Newaygo, on the north bank of the river, and then struck off northwest on what is now called the Fremont trail, running near Kimbell's Lake. N! AF AO", '"j... f, j. I,. It - Y. i ti yN April 15, 1855, the entire families of Daniel Weaver and Wilkes and Thomas Stuart started from Cambria, Hillsdale County, for the "north woods." We came forehanded, having four horse teams, two yoke of cattle, and six or eight cows,-all handy things to have in a new country, and a pretty good caravan they made. Besides these, there were some three or four thousand dollars in specie among the company. It * was a long, rainy, nasty, tiresome journey to all except two of the party. In one of those covered > wagons rode a young couple, who, although the li 4 m e If -a ^."*1 '! ~**< f, I' iy A;1/..,, On reaching an alder swamp three-fourths of a j tU1 ---^3N. * - i5 8 538 P" - A.-~............ \ AE WA YGO COUNTY. I I - - - - - r mile east of what is now known as the Root schoolhouse, Mr. Weaver, who was ahead, mired his team so that only the heads and tails were visible. Luckily there was a house-raising at Harrington's that day (the second house raised in Fremont), and Sam Shupe was there with Tom Stuart's stags, drawing house logs. He was sent for and came as soon as possible; and, doubling a couple of log chains, he drew the wagon out. We had already drawn out the horses with one of our other teams. The load in the wagons being mostly human, unloaded itself over the hind end-board, and did not load up again, preferring terra firma. We now cut a road around the swamp, while two of the boys, Frank Stuart and Leland Weaver, went ahead to carry the news that we were coming. Mrs. Weaver and Mrs. Stuart also walked ahead of the teams the rest of the way, three and a half miles. At last we reached "Forest Home." There were about five acres chopped around the "old house" on the north side of the road, and extending west nearly to where the grange store has since been built. Where the village now stands there was a hemlock swamp, and south an unbroken forest stretch7 ing away to the Muskegon River; 27 miles west to / Lake Michigan, and north 8o miles to Grand Traverse Bay. Nothing but bears, wolves, deer, lynx and wild-eats inhabited the vast region. THE HUNT FAMILY. I his wagon. His was the first wagon ever driven over the road from Newaygo to Fremont. In this, the first wagon trip, the wagon was unloaded, set upright, and re-loaded several times, and besides, the ox-yoke was broken. Quite a contrast to the present, when in an easy carriage we now ride rapidly over a good road in a little over an hour. Stopping at Harrington's shanty, he left his team and things until he could bridge the creek near where the mill now stands, and cut out a road along the lake shore from the old log house to his land, three miles distant. This was the first extension of the road west from the "old house." In three days he had cut out a road and bridged the creek, when, making a cart of the hind wheels of his wagon, he loaded on a few things and moved on to his land. Mrs. Hunt accompanied the " expedition," the first of its kind to pass along the bank of Fremont Lake. It took four days to move from Elm Corners to Lake Station, a distance of four miles. They arrived on one corner of their land just as the sun was setting, announcing their first night in the woods. About Io rods from where they stopped lay the partly devoured carcass of a deer, which had been killed and partly eaten the night before by the wolves. Our couple were young and green, and knew nothing of woods life, but Miles was courageous and naturally endowed with quick perception and ingenuity; so, setting some crotches, and putting a pole across from one to the other, he backed the cart under, spread the wagon cover over and made up their bed in the cart box. He next built a large fire and made preparations for supper. One milkpan and a pancake griddle constituted their entire i outfit of cooking utensils; but " where there's a will i there's a way;" and so, taking the milk-pan, Miles went some forty rods to Fremont Lake for water. Darkness having set in, considerable difficulty was experienced in carrying water in that manner; but the camp was finally reached all right, the batter stirred up, pancakes baked, and supper eaten in primitive style, with as good relish as the best meal ever spread on the tables of the Astor House. The oxen were next fastened to trees near the fire, where they could be protected, the rifle cleaned and loaded, and our boy and girl went to bed. Nothing disturbed their slumbers save now and then the snarling and growling of the wolves over the balance of the deer's carcass; but they did not come here to be scared by iae byirF.._ I vir In the month of March, 1855, M. B. Hunt, of Coldwater, Mich., and a man by the name of Laker came up into this new country looking for land; but Hunt not exactly liking the looks of Laker, carried to him the idea that he was going to pre-empt. When they arrived at Ionia, Hunt counted out the gold for his land, which was situated northwest of Gibson's mill at Lake Station. Laker took exceptions to this, and would neither buy nor pre-empt. Hunt always thought Laker had some intention which he knew best, and kept to himself. Hunt was only 20 years of age, and his wife "sweet sixteen." On the first day of April they started with a yoke of steers and a covered wagon from Coldwater, for Fremont. It took them X I days to reach Chubb's tavern, now Lisbon. Here he hired a man and teant to bring in 600 pounds, for which he paidhim $t6. On arriving at Newaygo, the man changed for a sleigh, but Hunt went through with,>,... ' V. Be ark-".:~ ~~ ~~.4 / \P~"~j I > S _ 6 I X w If -; ""' I —a~ ( 1 4 HH r "% p f - II W a rli I / ~ 17~ 6iN:>- - -~ ---Ii g~ ~-*^-v ^ 539 <. NE WA YGO CO UNTY. ---- ----- i V! a few wolves, but to make for themselves a home. The next day they had the company of our old county surveyor, Mr. Adams, and a gentleman from the State of New York. This gentleman expressed considerable surprise at their age, and said he would give all he was worth if his boys only had the grit they had. Giving them his blessing, he went away satisfied that Michigan people did not lack in that important element of human nature which has made us so successful, to wit, energy. Their next visitors were a party of land-lookers, who built a fire near by and camped. These men were so frightened by the noise of the loon on the lake, thinking it a panther, that two of them sat up all night, and kept up a rousing fire. But the panther failed to put in an appearance, and I would add that there were never any panthers here, as they are more indigenous to a mountainous country. After cutting and hauling his house-logs, and riving out the shakes for the roof, a house-raising was made, and seven men of us went over and put up the house. The writer carried up one corner, and helped put on the.shakes. They were fastened on with the weight poles laid lengthwise of the roof, and were protection from the rain, but very poor shelter;y. from snow, as it would sift through. That house was truly primitive; its floor was made of puncheons, split out and hewed, its door and window casings were the same, the door made of puncheons, swung on wooden hinges, and not a single | nail entered into its construction. The writer bought a double-barreled rifle of Hunt in the fall of 1855, and chopped five acres for it. My wife and I lived with Hunt while I did the chopping. One night it snowed, and blowed, and the snow came sifting down at a terrific rate. We had plenty t of bed clothing over us, so we covered up our noses and "let 'er slip." In those primitive times we had no bed-rooms; neither was it necessary, as none of us had tongues "hung on a swivel," and so the same room j answered for parlor, dining-room, kitchen and bedroom. In the morning, our beds being close together, we had some dispute as to who should build the fire, the snow being about four inches deep on the floor. I finally built the fire, and then came a spree:: in the snow. The beds were both shook full, and footprints were visible all over the floor. Such were > our ways in those early times. For two weeks,while I did that chopping, Miles and I ground corn in a aI coffee mill, with which to make our johnnycake. Mr. Hunt borrowed money with which to clear up his farm, and lost all in the panic of I857. He went off to the war with the writer in 1862, and proved himself true as steel. After participating in many hard battles, he was terribly wounded in the head at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee; came back to Michigan, and after shifting homes several times, moved to Buffalo County, Nebraska, where he now lives, 15 miles from Kearney Junction, and has a a farm of 320 acres. Within 20.rods of where Hunt camped amid the howling wolves, the steady puff of a steam saw-mill as it cuts the giant pine into lumber may now be heard; while, instead of that crooked wagon track through the forest, a railroad, with all the comforts of civilization which it brings, carries the traveler in a few minutes what it took him a day to accomplish; and within 25 rods of where he toilingly raised up j that log house, so primitive in its construction, and 1 gave the first impetus to civilization on the banks of: Fremont Lake, is the railroad station named after the lake; and, instead of grinding corn in a coffee-mill, or carrying it on our backs to Newaygo, the genial miller welcomes all at the Fremont flouring mill. OTHER EARLY SETTLERS. Among the first settlers here were the Dickinson brothers, Philip and Wallace. These two brothers and John Dickinson (deaf and dumb) came from Hicksville, Defiance Co., Ohio, along with Benjamin Alton, in the winter of 1854-5, spending most of the winterin Casnovia. Mr. Alton returned home in the spring, and Philip and Wallace Dickinson came: to Fremont, then called Newfoundland, March, t, I855, where they spent their first night in the "old log house." On the 9th they pre empted the northeast quarter of section 34, southeast quarter of section 27, and southwest quarter of section 26, all in township 13 north, range 14 west, now known as Dayton. They then returned to Casnovia, where they hired a yoke of oxen and sleighs of Michael Krieger, and moved in, reaching Harrington's shanty, April I, 1855. They put up a shanty on the northeast quarter of ii section 34, April 4th, and commenced keeping "bach- 3 elor's hall." The first night they staid on their land the snow was 20 inches on a level, and their bed was / I I ~g~i; nnii,,,i6:ai~., cf 9%, i, F: 4 '- - es *c — I i. B~ k-~i~;iii.a arlti~i'9r aar `i)% I"L".i _~jj as" U" / _i~~ i ~ itl; L~~i n :u .; 540N WO —U-N N~E WA YGO CO UIVT Y. - -- I ------- %, a flat piece of pine, with the starry firmament for a canopy. A huge fire was kept up all night, and the next day, finishing their shanty, they moved in. Wallace was installed as "chief cook and dish-washer," a post he filled with entire satisfaction to all concerned, as the writer can testify. They were both at W. L. Stuart's house-raising, which, according to Wallace's diary, was the second one raised here, it being raised on Saturday, April 14, 1855, and the Harringtons' the third, April 23, 1855. At the Harringtons' raising there were present Miles Hunt, James Mallery, Samuel Shupe, Lyman Brown, Daniel Joslyn, J. Cooper, Jonas Waters, Philip, John and Wallace Dickinson, and the three Harrington brothers. ITEMS. A young man by the name of Orrin Barker came here on the i5th of May, 1855, and in company with Philip Dickinson chopped a job of ten acres for W. L. Stuart, on what is now the Byron Waters place. The ten acres were windrowed, and it was all chopped in twenty-five days. Barker did not stay here long; he served through the war in an Ohio regiment, and then went to Independence, Kansas. The Dickinson brothers built the first dam across the creek here, at Darling's mill, in the summer of 1855. Philip and Wallace served in the war honorably, came home again, and the three brothers are now scattered. George Rhodes came here from Cedarville, Allen Co., ndiana, arriving June 6, i855, and stopped a few days at the Joslyn shanty, till he could locate. He located on the south half of the northwest quarter of section 34, in Dayton. His land was mostly pine, and he cleared some five or six acres there, which is now grown up to brush. Mrs. Rhodes saw but one woman in three months during their residence here; and when she saw that one she had "a right smart visit, I reckon." The Commissioner, having some doubts as to / whether the knot would hold, employed 'Squire Furman, of Newaygo, to do the work for him; and on the 27th of May, i855,in the "old log house,"a number of our friends having gathered, Thaddeus L. Waters and Laura J. Weaver were joined in wedlock,the first couple ever married this side of Newaygo. I went into the land-looking business, purchased plats of Sherman, Dayton, Sheridan, Holton, Greenwood and several other towns, kept them corrected monthly, and showed settlers land. A large number i of the early settlers were directed to their lands by me, and still reside on the lands first selected. My plan was to look over and note down a number of descriptions of the lands, the nature of the soil, lay of the land, water, timber, etc., and then wait for settlers to come and select. During the summer I chopped five acres where Van Arendonk now lives, and put up a log house. In the fall I took a job of looking up 2,400 acres of, pine land for John P. Cook, of Hillsdale. I cut and ' blazed a trail on what is now the State road from Fremont to Denver, but diverged from the line near Gracy's, and went northeasterly to AEtna. Here I fitted up a camp of hemlock brush, on the bank of. White River. This camp I made a sort of headquarters from which to look up and down the river. Going to my camp one afternoon, I saw wagon tracks near what was afterward the William Darling farm, and, following them west, soon heard the sound of an axe. Traveling on, I was somewhat surprised to see a young lady standing on a log and cutting wood. Seeing me, she dropped the axe and ran into! the shanty. I came up and inquired who had been intruding on this then unbroken wilderness, and was told his P name was Simon Barnhard. That young lady who was chopping wood for the evening's fire afterwards became the wife of.S. V. Walker, of Dayton, one of our wealthiest and most respected farmers. 1C I " * I MY OWN HISTORY. In the morning I - I will now give a brief outline of my own history. and carried a hind X We comprised one-half of that couple who failed to without another sig see the rough and muddy road when moving; and night, a terrible snc / in the month of May following went to Newaygo, impressed that in tl where we hired the then green-looking Circuit Court Shaping my course Commissioner to come up and marry us, paying him school-house, I can therefor a Dutch guilder. me but my rifle anc PL44 started for my camp, shot a deer, (: quarter in. Ten days rolled by ht of a human being, when one: >w-storm coming on, I was deeply: ie morning I must return home. e from the camp to the old log i ne through, bringing nothing with ' i compass, and came into the road, j j j"A ~:/:11:: ,: ". 4,B "I a0. It a Vlk, I NVE WA YGO COUNTY. —.,-4 --- i- 1: 54I ' ------ t;' a little east of where I afterwards made my home,:: making a pretty straight course through the trackless forest, in a snow-storm, twelve miles. Faith in that little bar of steel in the compass in my hand; saved me. In the month of July, 1855, Henry Upton, of Adrian, moved here. I met them nine miles this side of Grand Rapids, on the 25th, and piloted them in. The family consisted of six persons,-Mr. Upton and wife, two gills, Olive and Jane, and two boys, A. E. and Clinton. A. E., then a mere lad, drove an ox team, and the girls a one-horse wagon. In coming through the woods between Casnovia and Newaygo, I went ahead and with a long pole sounded the mudholes, then directed them how and where to,drive. The stranger who undertook to navigate our roads at that primeval epoch without a pilot, could have done the same on the Mississippi, with its shifting bars and sands. "Throwing the lead" from Casnovia to Fremont, the Uptons hauled up at the old log house on the 26th, and that ride, though not on a rail, will long be remembered by them. >>Sc&5(6)_~~i\z~ J (g.g1h wetss666;;_~' smUXBLbD W';@. if, 6_1, o I COUNTY BUILDING.. A.sts HE people took no step to< lGJl ward building a permanent edifice for county offices and q~. ~ ~court room until I866. Previous to that time the county owned a small building costing but a few hundred dollars, used l.*. as a clerk's office, and in which also the Supervisors met. Court first day of February, i868, and one-half payable on the first day of February, 1869, agreeably to the provisions of section 20, being section 354 of the Compiled Laws, entitled " An act to define the powers and duties of the Boards of Supervisors of the several counties, and to confer upon them certain local administrative powers." Resolved further, that such submission be made to the electors of Newaygo County on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 1866, and that the ntAc! triarw ho nlmCi PoolfoCn prtifi,-il; nnd ran S? J t,, I l\\ I.).. * -. VULots L 1r 11 UDC taCS11, CallV6iabU UCILH,111CA U1n o- f was held in re quarters. turned in accordance with the provisions of the above. " i 7 April I7, r866, the Board entitled act. [(> ~I passed the following resolution: passed the following resolution: When the vote was taken, out of 577 votes cast, WHEREAS, It is deemed necessary WHEREAS, It is deemed necessary 340 were given in favor of the loan, and 237 against and proper to erect a suitable countyd to negotiate the building on the " Court-House it. The Treasurer was instructed to negotiate the Square " in the village of Newaygo, loan, and James Barton, Milo White and William D. for the offices of the County Clerk, Fuller were appointed a building committee, with Judge of Probate, Register of Deeds power to contract for and supervise the erection of \'~7~ and County Treasurer, therefore bi {! I hJ Resolved, by the Board of Super-, visors of the county of Newaygo, This sum proved insufficient to complete the that there be submitted to a vote of building as desired, and in the following fall: the electors of the county of Ne- the Board appropriated $r,ooo out of the con- ( waygo, the question of raising by aygo the questi of raisig by tingent fund towards constructing an additional loan the sum of $3,000, to build tinen and finish such county building for story for a court room. The old county building was i " the purposes aforesaid, one-half to be payable on the sold, and the proceeds applied to the same purpose. nt po e appi.e'. d o te sam pps. Ai: NE WAYGO COUNTY. 542 Still more funds were necessary, and $600 were advanced to the county by E. L. Gray, Sol. K. Riblet, the Newaygo Company, D. Millard, W. L. Stewart, and others, to finish the structure. The building was ready for occupancy by mid-winter. It was then considered a very neat structure, and is even now better than many other counties can show. Still, it has become insufficient for county purposes, and the need of more room is sadly felt. Fire-proof vaults are needed, also, to preserve the i? county records from danger of fire. Among the plans proposed to remedy the situation, is one to build a new court-house, and convert the present building into a sheriff's dwelling and jail. County Jail. HE Board of Supervisors passed the following, Dec. 31, 1853: - "This county not being provided with a jail, it is resolved that the county of Kent be.. w required to receive and take charge of such prisoners as may be sent from this county, at the expense of this county." Jan. 13, I855, it was decided to erect a jail for the use of the county, and a contract was made with Samuel W. Matevey on the following basis: The jail to be built of hewn timber and to be seventeen feet wide by twenty feet long, and the walls to be eleven or twelve feet high. The floors to be of hewn timber. The building to be divided into two cells,. i: each to be entered from above by means of trap doors, "the whole to be done in a good and substantial and workmanlike manner, so as to answer the purpose of a common jail for said county." " To be paid for as follows: One hundred dollars to be advanced on said contract in a county order this day drawn, and the balance to be paid in one year from the date hereof." The work was required to be completed by the ist of May ensuing. This was not done, but the building was finished during the sumn mer. Mr. Matevey was allowed for the job $326.o4.,ti In April, I872, the citizens of Newaygo County -1 voted on a proposition to raise by loan $4,ooo, with ~ which to erect a new jail, the old one being deemed ( — unfit for longer use. This amount was to be paid in four annual payments of $i,ooo each. The number of votes given in favor of the loan was 302, against 517; consequently the measure was rejected. June 12, 1877, another attempt was made, and the people were asked to vote on a proposition to raise $2,500 for a jail. This was rejected by a vote of 570 in favor, and 634 against. Oct. i2th, I877, the Board appropriated out of the county funds $I,ooo, to aid in the construction of a jail. A committee of citizens, with this amount, and with a fund raised by private subscription, then erected the present frame building, which serves as a jail and sheriff's residence. It is to be hoped that it will be replaced ere many years with some more substantial structure; but this will probably not be done until the county-seat question is more definitely settled. Poor-Farm. HE first move towards the maintenance of _1- a poor-farm for the unfortunate poor of the ' county was made March i,.I859, when i. $50 were appropriated to purchase of Warren P. Adams the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section I3, township i north, range 13 west (40 acres). The sum of $Ioo was also appropriated for the purpose of erecting a log dwelling-house on this farm. It was agreed that when this land should be wanted no longer by the county, the same should be re-conveyed to Mr. Adams, by his paying to the county the value of the improvements made thereon by the county, and the original price paid for the same, with interest. These very liberal terms (liberal terms for the county, at least) were never carried out by Mr. Adams, however, and the farm was sold to other parties. It was indeed a poor farm, and was of but little use to the county. For a number of years after this, the poor were let by contract to private parties. Jan. 22, I873, the Board purchased as a poor farm the west half of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 30, and 25 acres off the north side of the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 3o, in township 12 north, range 12 west. "I 0 q -i 2H. " NE WAYGQGO COUNTY. 543 This tract, 45 acres, was purchased of Milton N. Nelson, for $500, and subject to a mortgage of $500. Farming was carried on rather on a small scale, for some years. Jan. 5, 1875, the Board authorized the construction of a suitable building for the sick and insane poor, and ordered that the farming tools and wagon on the poor farm be sold. In October, I88I, it was decided to purchase another poor farm. The Board's committee, after examining several farms, recommended the purchase of 140 acres belonging to G. Reeves, a mile and a half east of Fremont. This farm contained go acres cleared of stumps, a large barn, two large orchards, and 25 acres of wheat. This farm was accordingly purchased, at $5,500, and is now the home of those who become dependent upon Newaygo County's charity. Medicine. HE first physician in the county was Dr. ' Alverson, who came in 1852, and remained & two years. But Dr. John Tatman was the pioneer doctor. He came in I854, and was here till after the war, when he went to Muskegon. He is now in Dakota, with his son Dr. J. C. Tatman, who also practiced in Newaygo for a short time after the war. Dr. Charles Leonard came shortly after Dr. Tatman, and practiced until the war. He then enlisted in the army, and served two years and a half. Closing up his affairs here, he went to Muskegon with Dr. Tatman. He is now dead. Other early physicians were Drs. Woodworth, Ely, Spicer and Massey, all of whom are well remembered. The following is a list of the physicians at present practicing in Newaygo County: George P. Booth, Eclectic, Muskegon. Almond A. De Groat, Regular, Hungerford. Benedict Einarson, Homeopathic, White Cloud. James F. Farley, Regular, Fremont. David W. Flora, Regular, Newaygo. G. August Hertzer, Regular, Big Prairie. Jeremiah Lemoreaux, Homeopathic, Fremont. John W. McNabb, Regular, Fremont. Van. N. Miller, Regular, Fremont. L. A. McCormick, Regular, Newaygo. George W. Nafe, Eclectic, Fremont. James A. Porter, Regular, White Cloud. Edgar J. Pendell, Regular, Newaygo. -" 0 0 t~sii ' 6 " a Hiram M. Read, Regular, Woodville. Hollis T. Read, Regular, White Cloud. Tyson Smith, Homeopathic, Newaygo. Joseph M. Stone, Regular, Ashland. Thomas J. Sherlock, Eclectic, Dingman. E. C. Sweet, Eclectic, Muskegon. Reuben S. Trask, Regular, White Cloud. John B. Woodward, Eclectic, Fremont. James Wright, Regular, Ensley. A>2- -—.m~~ _ First Dam., HE first dam over the Muskegon River in Newaygo County was authorized by the n Board of Supervisors Sept. 3, I853, and constructed by Christopher Culp. Following is the act of the Board of Supervisors authorizing the building of said dam: "SEC. i.-Be it enacted by the Board of Supervisors! of the county of Newaygo, State of Michigan, that Christopher Culp, his heirs and assigns, are hereby / authorized and empowered to build a dam across the Muskegon River on fractional lot 2, on section 4, ~ township t2 north, range i west. "SEC. 2.-That the said dam shall not exceed six feet above common low-water mark, and shall con-. tain a sufficient shute in height not to exceed four feet, in breadth not less than twenty-four feet, and not less than forty feet in length. "SEC. 3.-Nothing herein contained shall authorize the individual named in the first section of this act, his heirs or assigns, to enter upon, or flow, or otherwise injure the land of any person or persons without the consent of such person or persons, and the Board of Supervisors may at any time hereafter alter, amend or repeal this act." i The second dam was the Newaygo Company's dam, begun in 1853. I I I I I W s-u-~ u- o<9 C J<4w 0- a 4 First Marriages. ^It HE first marriage recorded in Newaygo ('onClintv wan filpe Anil r'r- Trrc' hllt %E1 U LaV VT b y,,,, ^r,. I I, Z I h, occurred' Oct. 2, i85 i. The certificate reads as follows: ( This is to certify that John Beck and Phiarm t: Luther, both of the county of Newaygo, were? married by me, a minister of the M. E. Church, on WI- X! L:Wf" t;\E"a~ i e K'':~ar~*...g > -544 I ) f: > r, Em NE WA YGO COUNTVY. 7r - -l il, A N A I -~ I", '- t i:r.41, I the 2d day of October, 185 1, in the presence of James P. Berry and Sarah Berry. DAVID CULP. The second marriage occurred Dec. 4, i851, and was performed for Wm. H. Tubbs and Laura M. Bonney. Dec. I5, 1851, David M. Cooley and Abyssinia Miller were joined in matrimony. These three first marriages were performed by Rev. David Culp, of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. In I852, three couples were married: March i8, Cornelius Slaght, jr., and Nancy Ann Lace, by Rev. David Culp; April 3, Fenton Taylor and Julia Swain, by William Barton, Justice of the Peace; and Sept. 30, Leonard Hetter and Rebecca Gauweiler, by Jacob Barnhard, Justice of the Peace. In 1853, eleven marriages were solemnized within the limits of Newaygo County. Fires in the Forest, 1871. IRE is a good servant, but a hard master," and under favoring circumstances will sweep away in a single night or day the work of years and the savings of a life-time. Fires in the forests of Michigan are dreaded as much as the prairie fires of Illinois and Iowa once were. They come generally in the season of autumn, when dead leaves are on the ground, and are most destructive after a dry season. Newaygo County has suffered slightly from these fires, but on the whole has been very fortunate. There have been no sweeping losses. The days of forest fires have gone by, at least for this part of the State, and as the remaining timber is gradually cleared away, the danger to be guarded against becomes less and less. * October, 87 I, was a month long to be remembered as the one which witnessed so much destruction in Chicago, and through many portions of the State of Michigan. In Newaygo County there were many narrow escapes, but comparatively little damage was done-much less than was experienced by neighboring counties, During the first week in October the whole country was enveloped in a cloud of smoke, which was almost suffocating. On Monday, Oct. 9, the smoke was so dense that the sun could scarcely be seen, and it penetrated dwellings and places of A business so that it was almost impossible to transact business of any kind; the wind blew a gale all day, and the dust in addition to the smoke was anything but pleasant. Rumors of fire and destruction of property in different directions were rife and the consequent excitement was so intense that almost all work was at a standstill. In Newaygo village all were expectant of a coming conflagration. Towards evening it was ascertained that Wyatt's- lumbering shanties, and 150 cords of shingle bolts belonging to I. D. Merrill were totally destroyed. But it was only when night came on that the true state of affairs; could be seen from the village. In every direction the flames could be distinctly seen, and it was evident to all that the destroying element was rapidly approaching the village, and unless its progress could be stayed a fearful destruction of property and perhaps loss of life must ensue. At midnight the bells were rung, and the citizens turned out almost en masse, and commenced battling the fire, but without perceptible effect; and it approached so near to the dwelling of David Jarse that his household goods were removed. About two o clock Tuesday morning rain commenced falling, and by daylight the fire was nearly subdued. " At one time the fire was within 30 rods of Kritzer's grist-mill, and the wind blowing it directly on with irresistible force; but a sudden shift of the wind lessened the danger in that quarter materially. It is beyond controversy that if the mill had caught fire the whole town would have been destroyed. Never was rain more earnestly prayed for, or more thankfully received. At Fremont Center a hard fight was made. All around the village fences were torn down and the ground plowed up. Several buildings were destroyed in the vicinity, among them three residences. Fifty men were fighting fire at Darling's mill all Sunday night, and with difficulty saved that valuable property. A great many families removed their goods from their dwellings, having given up all hope of saving them. At Denver the fire did much damage, and in many other sections of the county there were *I close escapes from severe visitations of the consum- h ing element. i ii 11li i I I 5 I I 4 II O '14" I Fires have also done some damage during several; other autumn seasons. ~; ~ ~~ I;P1. - I t f ir -IIM O M'- - f j 1t K~>&17 1-' ' It retail A A 7 u aa-x0`1 i:g" 4 1 77 NE WA YGO COUNT Y. 545 -- I~* '~ l Taxation in Newaygo County. Population. HE population of Newaygo shows a steady and gratifying increase since its first settle'T ment. The greatest gains were between i854 and i86o, I864 and 187o, and 1874 and i88o; that is, in the latter half of each of the three last decades. The total number of in habitants at each census is as follows: /850......... 510 i86o......... 2,760 1870......... 7,294 i88o......... 14,770 1854......... 979 1864........3,481 1874.........8,480 Year. State Tax. | County Tax. J Total Tax. 1852........................... $ $ 80oo $ 85oo 1853........................... 12 78 1,215 09 1,227 87 1854........................... 1,500 49 1,500 49 1855........................... 51 6 2,492 72 2,543 88 i856.......................... 376 72 2,535 79 2,912 51 2857.......................... 355 95 5,o96 88 5,452 83 i858...................... 355 95 8,881 05 9,237 00 2859........................... 848 o0 4,000 00 4,848 or i86o........................ 647 17 4,000 00 4,647 17.86......................... 2,09o 88 2,500 00 4,59i 88 I862........................... 2,177 54 5,000 00 7,277 54 I863........................... 97 6,000 00 7,982 97 2864.......................... 2,II8 17 10,000 00 i_,ii8 17 i865........................... 2,875 44 6,999 24 9,874 68 i866.......................... 2,986 36 7,000 00 9,986 36 2867........................... 4,59 82 o10,000 ooo 00 4,59 82 1868........................... 3,662 85 i,0ooo 00 14,662 85 I869........................... 2,387 68 22,ooo 00 13,387 68 2870................. 2,028 56 11,399 98 3428 54 287......................... 2,523 41 5,999 19 8,522 60 2872.......................... 2,766 63 2,000 00 4,766 63 2873........................... 3,274 18 7,170 00 o 0,444 i8 1874.......................... 3,011 45 2,000 00 25,011 45 2875..........................,737 44 9,000 00 0o,737 44 1876...........................,5I7 34 Tr,00 0 3,517 34 1877............................ 3,740 00 0,00 00 3,740 00 1878........................... 2,966 03 I,0ooo 00 23,966 03 2879......................... 4,026 69 16,ooo 00 20,026 69 i88o........................ 2,8o 52 8,ooo oo00 20,810 52 i88i........................... 5,643 13 21,1oo 00 26,743 13 2882........................... 4,947 84 32,349 44 36,292 28 2883........................... 8,695 56 20,000 00 28,695 56 For the year 1883, the valuation and taxation of Newaygo County are in detail as follows: Assessed valuation, real estate...... $4,166,54I oo Equalized "....... 2,970,000 00 Assessed " personal........ 583,462 oo Total equalized valuation.......... 3,553,462 oo State tax........................ 8,695 56 County tax...................... 20,000 00 Township taxes.................... 22,770 36 School taxes.................... 42,084 73 Total taxes in the county........... 93,550 66 Postoffices. There are at present 26 post-offices in N6waygo 4 f -- %11 This would indicate a population in 1884 of about 17,000. The population at the last two censuses is 1' ^I here given '~ TOWNSHIP. by townships: 1874. i88o a-M Ashland........................ 923 Barton.......................... 395 Beaver......................... 199 Big Prairie...................... 400 Bridgeton................... 365 Brooks..........................1,148 Croton........................ 799 Dayton.......................... 975 Denver......................... 755 Ensley......................... 878 Everett......................... 465 Grant......................... Io Monroe................... 65 Norwich............. 170 Sheridan....603 Sherman................... 430 Troy........................... - Wilcox...................... — 1,436 638 197 572 388 1,497 807 1,588 1,112 1,388 784 422 362 637 1,181 644 o85 850 t'7 ~-l l^~~;~ County, as follows:.Etna, Di Alley ton, Er Ashland, Fr< Ashland Center, Hi Big Prairie, La Bridgeton, Lu Brooks, Mc Croton. Ne I - amond Lake, isley, emont, ngerford, ke, mberton,:Lane, W a.VP O. Grove Palmersville, Sitka, Volney, West Troy, White Cloud, Woodville, Voonnctr Hill (/ 1 nk, The population of the several villages in the county were in i88o: Ashland City, 19o; Clay's Camp, 40; Newaygo, i,097; Croton, i18; Fremont, 902; Alley ' ton, 464; Grant, 90; White Cloud, 440. Denver, Dingman, an, i;;Q1V *'': '-a *f3~~~,K i'., ^ < '. r,;||i^)^^ ---- ^^ ---^D ~DB<^ ---^^ -- <: 546 NE WA Y6O COUNTY. -,'L:') ii.-^-_ __ l iT T the present time the historical sketches of the various townships and villages of Newaygo County, and especially 2 &, the former, afford but little of variety of incident or history to record. Much of the more interesting historical matter occur3 ring in the county, and therefore in some townships, has been mentioned in the general history. We give the following brief sketches of townships in alphabetical order, beginning with Ashland Township and ending with Wilcox, with the history of the various villages included in the townships in which they are: rf~ through the eastern tier of sections I, I2, 13, 24, 25 and 36. Sand Lake is on the south half of section 19, Mud Lake in the southwest quarter of section 29, and the greater part of Blanche Lake is on section 13, in the eastern part of the township. Ashland was the fifth township organized in Newaygo County, and was the first one erected after the county machinery was fairly started. It was organized by the Board of Supervisors Oct. 9, I854, and the first " town meeting " was held at the house of Sullivan Armstrong, the first Monday in April, 1855. Sullivan Armstrong was chosen the first Supervisor. At the last election, April 2, 1883, the following township officers were chosen: Orvin Headley, Supervisor; Nathaniel H. Brown, Clerk; Robert C. Wallace, Treasurer; Hiram L. Brace, Highway Commissioner; Henry Avery, School Inspector; Samuel W. Peterson and William N. Hutchinson, Justices of the Peace; Sylvester Peats, Henry J. Brown, John Raymer and Wm. H. Soyer, Constables. The population of Ashland Township in i880 was 1,436. There are now six school districts in the township. For the year ending Sept. 3, I883, the number of children between the ages of five and twenty was 5I4; the number that attended school during the year, 392; number of non-resident pupils, 8; number of days of school taught, 1,059; number of volumes in district libraries, i86; number of brick, school-houses, I; number of frame schooLhouses, 6; number of pupils that can be seated, 496; value of. the sketches of ^n ----- -: ~-~ ---, ---~z-4 - Ashland Township is one of the oldest and wealthiest in Newaygo County. It is township i north, 13 west, Congressional survey, and lies in the southern tier of town1-:_.*- - --........4_- TA- l.......- - -- -1_.. — 1 - I snips In tne county. it is uounueu on tne norn oy? Garfield,ton the east by Grant, on the south by Muskegon County, and on the west by Bridgeton. The Muskegon River flows through sections 4,5, 6 and 7, in the northwestern corner. The Newaygo division of the C. & W. M. R. R. runs almost due south d13 --— ^ A X fP I "J I * I~I u iCLt-F~.aia=:~ikritjFgb `::aa b;jr~l~~ i &i.. d i^ NEWAYGO COUNATY. 547 c, = school property, $6,580; number of male teachers employed, 5; number of female teachers employed, 9; amount paid to male teachers, $950; amount paid to female teachers, $840. The equalized valuation of the property of Ashland Township in I855 amounted to $39,740.50, and the taxes collected to $198.70, while for 1883 the value of property was $I81,615, and the taxes $2,176.70. The following is a complete list of the Supervisors of the township: SUPERVISORS. = I Sullivan Armstrong, George Fuller, Sullivan Armstrong, Alfred F. Armstrong, George Fuller, Alfred F. Armstrong, John L. McLain, Milo White, Sullivan Armstrong, Alfred F. Armstrong, Sullivan Armstrong, S. W. Peterson, Andrew T. Squier, George Fuller, Orvin T. Headley, Sullivan Armstrong, W. Seaman, Orvin T. Headley, i --- I855-7 I858 1859-60 I86I-2 I863 1864 I864 1865-9 I870-2 I873 I874 1874 I875-8 1879 1880 I88i 1882 I883 Barton (named in honor of Hon. James Barton) was organized by the Board of Supervisors, March 9, i86o, and the first election was held the first Monday in April following, at the house of Sidney Seacord. William Davenport, Francis S. Hooker and Sidney Seacord were Inspectors of this election, and Sidney Seacord was chosen as the first Supervisor of the new township. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the following officers were chosen: James Duffy, Supervisor; John H. Randall, Clerk; Andrew J. Forsyth, Treasurer; Frederick Hover, Highway Commissioner; John Tower, Drain Commissioner; Wm. H. Wiggins, School Inspector; John W. Martin and S. Bird Schermerhorn, Justices of the Peace; George Torry, Amos Whipple, Wm. Aldrich and Orvil L. Smith, Constables. The population of Barton Township in I880 was 638. There are now five school districts in Barton. For the year ending Sept. 3, 1883, the number of children between the ages of 5 and 20 was 193; number that attended school, 157; number of non-resident pupils, 7; number of days school taught, 740; number of school-buildings (all frame), 5; number of pupils that can be seated, 258; value of school property, $2,650; number of male teachers employed, 2; number of female teachers employed, 6; amount paid to male teachers, $225; amount paid to female teachers $890. As showing the increase of the wealth of the township we give the following figures: In I860 the value of the property of the township was about $r8,000, and the taxes collected $1I6.47; while for I883 the valuation was $139,942, and the taxes collected $1,478.53. r~. rnrr tL /eT Barton Township. SUTTPER VTISORS. S X ARTON is township i6 north, i west, Sidney Seacord, and occupies the northeastern corner of James M. Hyatt, the county. It is bounded on the north Tracy Woodward, by Lake County, on the east by Mecosta W. N. Bevier, County, on the south by Norwich Township, Carlos Marsh, S) I and on the west by Monroe Township. It Lemon D. Reynolds, has no railroad, no village, and no water-course of William Davenport, '- any size. Several creeks rise in the eastern part, and Frank H,Hooker, flow into the Muskegon through Mecosta County. Luther Dodge, \ Barton is a new township, comparatively, and is Eugene Decker, ' yet rich in pine lands. Its land is excellefnt for George W. Heath, agricultural purposes, and will some time make it Eugene Decker, i one of the wealthiest townships in the county. James DufAy, H^ ^^.. ----^!!^ n- ^ --- i86o I86I-2 1863 1864 I865 1866 1867-8 I869-71 1872 7; 1873-8, 1879. I880 I88i '.~_ 548 E WA YGO COU 7 TY. --. - - ---- - ~ — - -~ —, - Ill. I --— s6it Beaver Township. i" iZT I: Ia j EAVER Township comprises township 15. north, 14 west, and the west half oftownship 15 north, 13 west. It is bounded on ' the north by Troy Township, on the east by Monroe Township, on the south by Denver Township, and on the west by Oceana County. Pere Marquette Riverrises in this township, principally in Crooked Lake, and is joined a little north of the center by Beaver River. On sections 6 and 7, of township 13 west, is Island Lake, a beautiful body of water about 40 acres in extent. It is nearly oval in shape, and almost in its center is an island, nearly to acres in area. In the eastern porK tion is the greater part of Crooked Lake, a curiously shaped lake composed of four small bodies of water connected with each other by narrow, irregular channels. On the south line of the township is Stony Lake and two or three ponds. Beaver is hardly settled, and is mostly in a primitive and undeveloped state. It has an abundance of valuable pine. Beaver was organized by the Board of Supervisors I Jan. 5, 1869. It then comprised its present territory, i and also what is now Troy Township (organized separately in 1880). The first election was held the first Monday in April, I869, Cyrus 0. Cornish, Bradford Freeman and Addison Freeman acting as Inspectors. Alonzo Yates was chosen the first Supervisor. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the V following were elected: Benjamin Candee, Super8 visor: Alburtus Andrus, Clerk; Edwin Gleason, Treasurer; Lyman S. Sweet, Highway Commissioner; Jesse P. De Long, Drain Commissioner; Alburtus Andrus and Andrew Mudge, School Inspectors; Hugh H. McKenzie, Justice of the Peace; Wallace W. Sutton, Burr Bettys, James North and Edwin Gleason, Constables. The first settlers of Beaver Township were Barzillai and Wyman W. Giddings and Ira Knapp.! The first named settled on section 20.' The village of Volney, recently laid out, is the only attempt yet made towards a village. It has a postoffice, presided over by F. C. Selby., The population of Beaver Township in I 880 was 197. There are now three school districts in Beaver Township. For the year ending Sept. 3, i883, the number of children between the ages of 5 and 20 was 1oo; number who attended school, 92; number of non-resident pupils, 2; number of days of schooltaught, 380; number of school-houses (all frame), 3; number of pupils that can be seated,.184; value of school property, $2,900; number of male teachers employed, I; number of female teachers employed, 5; amount paid male teachers, $I60; amount paid female teachers, $374. The value of taxable property in the township in I869 was $87,400, and the amount of taxes $1,020, while for 1883 the valuation was $I60,455, and taxes collected, $2,709.92. SUPERVISORS. Alonzo Yates, Alburtus Andrus, Benjamin Candee, 1869-7 I 1872-6 I877 4 P.. I '* Z *ra ~, I,I I A.,B I el Big Prairie Township. i IgRIG Prairie Township is one of the two l_ townships organized at the first meeting of - the Board of Supervisors of Newaygo (~" County, March 20, 1852, and was made to include townships 13, I4, 15 and i6 north, ranges I and I2 west. It has been cut down to form new townships, until it now contains only township I3 north, II west. It was one of the first in the county to be settled, on account of the prairie from which it derives its name. The Mus-; kegon River winds in a tortuous course through the township, crossing sections I, II, 13, 24, 23, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 32. The first settler of the township was John McBride, who located some year previous to I849, when he sold his claim to Ephraim H. Utley. Other early settlers, who came not far from I85o, were Alexander Dalziel, Solomon Godfrey, James Barton, William Barton, Benj. F. Olney, Walter Bonney, Emer- t son Bonney, Aaron Swain, James M. Gibbs, Egbert Goodrich, "Capt." Smith, William Millard, Samuel b Conkwright and Theodore Taylor. The first election was held on the first Monday in ' ' 1"aa ea le --- --- 4 NE WA YGO COUNTY. 549 b April, 1852, and John Betts was chosen the first Suir?( pervisor. This office has been filled continuously i: for the last 31 years by Hon. James Barton. At the last election, held April 2, i883, the following officers were elected: James Barton, Supervisor; William S. Utley, Clerk; J. Elmer French, Treasurer; Wim. Dunham, Highway Commissioner; Nelson P. Cook, Drain Commissioner; John E. Webster, School Inspector; Lewis Mayer, Justice of the Peace; Morris E. Slade, Hiram B. Height, Charles E. Lafferty and Joseph Franklin, Constables. x, The population of Big Prairie in 1880 was 572. There are now five school districts in Big Prairie X Township. For the year ending Sept. 3, 1883, the number of children between the ages of 5 and 20 was T77; number who attended school, 123; number of non-resident pupils, 8; number of days of school taught, 485; number of frame school buildings, 2; number of log school buildings, 3; number of pupils that can be seated, 172; value of school property, $1,035; number of male teachers employed, I; number of female teachers employed, 6; wages:: paid male teachers, $66.65; wages paid female teach-; ers, $617.! The value of property in Big Prairie Township in I852 was $r6,232.37, and the taxes collected was $130.63, and the records give the equalized valuation of the property in I883 as only $59,600. As far back as I871, when the township comprised more territory the valuation was $120,000. The amount of taxes raised for I883 was $I,898.57. The township has had only two Supervisors. In i852 John Betts was elected, since which time Hon. James Barton has served without interruption. Bridgeton Township.: ~l N Bridgeton Township we have one of the oldest townships in the county. It was ore t > ganized at the same time with Big Prairie, at the first meeting of the Board of Supervisors, March 20, I852; and then comprised townships I to i6, 14 west, and the w. half of Tps. T to i i6, I3 west. It has been at different times reduced in size, to allow of the erection of other townships, and now contains only township I north, 14 west. It is bounded on the north by Sheridan Township, on the east by Ashland Township, and on the south and west by Muskegon County. In the eastern part of the township is the old post-office of Bridgeton. Muskegon River flows diagonally through the township, crossing sections 12, 13, 14, 15, i6, 21, 20, 29, 30 and 31. On section 30, the river divides into two channels, forming a large island known as Maple Island. The first election was held the first Monday in April, 1852. Isaac D. Merrill was chosen Supervisor. At the last election, held April 2, 1883, the following officers were chosen: Frank W. Squier, Supervisor; George W. Fuller, Clerk; Martin V. Bertram, Treasurer; Edgar 0. Whitman, Highway Commissioner; John Heinol, Drain Commissioner; James W. Trumbull and Augustus Flint, School Inspectors; Ransom J. Squier and Henry Zerlaut, Justices of the Peace; Harley Rarrick, Napoleon Jennings, Mark Harding and John Weiler, Constables. The population of Bridgeton in 880 was 388. The valuation of property in this township has increased from $54,247 in 1853 to $78,435 in I883, and the taxation from $178.21 in I852 to $1,720 in 1883, with the usual variations at different times. SUPERVISORS. (1t 4 - Isaac D. Merrill Alfred A. Maguire Alfred A. Maxim Isaac D. Merrill Andrew T. Squier Laban Putman Andrew T. Squier Isaac D. Merrill Zera Misner Amos Slater Andrew T. Squier Amos Slater Alfred A. Maxim George H. Brown H. M. Woodward W. S. Merrill H. D. Woodward F. W. Squier 1852-4 i855 _0o < 1050 v 1857-8 1859 i 860 i86I 1862 1863-4 I865-6 1867 I868-7 2 y I873 1874 X 1875 I876 1877-80 I881 T8%I Ha ~'&'>X- the county itself. For many years it contained the Isaac D. Merrill i85I } west half of township 12 north, 12 west, and the east Ephraim H. Utley i852:, half of 12 north, 13 west. In i880, the latter tract John A. Brooks I853. Sullivan Armstrong 1854 was used in making the new township of Garfield, and Ashley B. Furman 1855 half a township was taken from Croton, by way of Alfred A. Maguire i856 compensation. By this arrangement, the village of Hiram Baker 1857 Newaygo is thrown on the line between Garfield and Theodore Wilson I858 Brooks. The Muskegon winds through the township Justus C. Hubbard 18S9 Amasa B. Watson i86o0 -from east to west, crossing sections 24, 13, 14, 15, 23, Warren P. Adams i862 r 26, 27, 22, 2I, 20 and I9. The Newaygo division of Dexter P. Glazier i863 = the Chicago & West Michigan railroad runs through Amasa B. Watson 1864-5: William T. Howell > the northwestern quarter of the township, crossingm T. H l 866 ^ sections 5,4, 9, 17 and i8. In the southwestern Wi.. Fuer William D. Fuller i867 corner lie Big Brooks (or Hess) Lake and Little Augustus Paddock J868 Brooks Lake. The former is about two miles long, Wm. D. Fuller I869 Ah ~ and one of the largest bodies of water in the county. Wilkes D. Stewart I870 In the northwestern corner is Great Marl Lake, and William D. Fuller 871.. Sanford Brown 1872 portions of Little Marl and Pickerel Lakes. John Brooks 87 John A. Brooks 1873 Brooks was one of the two townships organized in Timothy Edwards 1873 I85I, before the county was organized. Isaac D. Sanford Brown I874 Merrill was the first Supervisor. At the last election, James Herron 1875 held April 2, 1883, the following officers were elected: Sanford Brown 1876-8:::;~[.George W. Fry 1879 Sanford Brown, Supervisor; Frank Towns, Clerk; Sanford Brown 1888 -Sanford Brown i888-i ' James Herron, Treasurer; Otis Freeman, Highway C. K. Carter I882 Commissioner; Henry Hyde, Drain Commissioner; Frank Hoag Samuel D. Bonner, School Inspector; Sanford Brown Sanford Brown 883 and John A. Brooks, Justices of the Peace; Aaron Wm. Glanville Courtwright, George King, John T. Thompson and NEWAYGO VILLAGE. Anselm Miller, Constable. Newaygo is one of the oldest villages in Northern The population of the townshlp of Brooks in i88o Michigan, dating back nearly half a century, and has (then containing all of Newaygo village) was,497. been for over thirty years the county seat of a magThere are now four school districts in Brooks nificent county. It has grown slowly, but steadily:: Township. For the year ending Sept. 3, 1883, the and surely, and now presents an appearance of per- **;d number of children between the ages of 5 and I5 manent prosperity. l ^i was 502; the number of children that attended The first view which the traveler gets of Newaygo 'i ( school, 295; number of.non-resident pupils, 8; num- is always a surprise. As he comes around or over h? ber of days of school taught, 498; number of frame some hill, the village bursts into full view all at once, x t< J. W. Maynard, barber. H. C. Nobles, cooper. Newaygo Company, lumber. Persons & Edwards, abstract-makers. Hewitt Potter, drayman. S. K. Riblet, general merchandise. J. F. A. Raider, drugs, groceries, etc. I. N. Robinson, real estate and loans. D. E. Soper, real estate, loans and insurance. William Schau, blacksmith. E. O. Shaw & Bro., Newaygo Republican. R. Surplice, grocery and saloon. E. O. Shaw, post-office. George A. Turner, meat market. S. D. Thompson, grocery. H. M. Van Gieson, music teacher. Mrs. J. H. Wiseman, millinery. Wm. Whitman, Newaygo House. George H. Young, livery. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION is represented by D. W. Flora (Regular), Tyson Smith (Homeopathic), O. Smith (Homeopathic), and L. F. McCormick (Regular); and the attorneys residing in the village are George Luton, A. G. Day, E. L. Gray and W. D. Fuller. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is the pioneer religious organization here, as elsewhere. The first sermon preached in Newaygo (or in Newaygo County) was delivered by Rev. William Kelley, June 30, I85o. There were at that time only three houses in Newaygo. The Muskegon circuit, embracing Newaygo, was organized in 1852, and Newaygo charge was first designated as such in I857. The church was built in I860, when Rev. Thomas B. Granger was pastor. He appointed as trustees William Loomis, Henry Loomis, Pomeroy C. Spooner, John Morse and T. J. Randolph. At that time the Church had but nine members. The present membership, under Rev. Mr. Van Wyck, is about 50. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH is an old society, and has the honor of building the first church in Newaygo. The society was formed Nov. 8, I855, with the following members: Sarell Wood, James M. Stryker, E. P. Chapin, Edmund Lamb, Edgar L. Gray, Ashley B. Furman and John H. Standish. The first trustees were Sarell Wood, James M. Stryker and Edmund Lamb. Their church was erected the winter ensuing, at a cost of about $3,000. The society has always been a strong one until the 3 fire of i883, which destroyed the church. A new building will be erected this coming summer (I884.) ST. MARKS PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL MISSION was organized in I872. The pastors of the society have k been Revs. Mosely Morris, E. W. Flower (now of Greenville), William H. Sparling (now of Geneseo, Ill.), and J. Rice Taylor (now of Poultney, Vt.). The last regular services were held in October, i882. The society numbers 23, and the congregation about 60. In 1883, they have been erecting a very com-; modious, handsome brick church, which has already cost $1,300, and will cost finally $3,000 or more. NEWAYGO LODGE, No. 131, F. & A. M., was consecrated with very solemn ceremonies Jan. 29, 1862. The following first officers were installed: Charles W. Leonard, W. M.; W. Irving Latimer, S. W.; Warren P. Adams, J. W.; Solomon K. Riblet, Treas.; Justus C. Hubbard, Sec.; Daniel Weaver, S. D.; George H. Mallery, J. D.; and John B. Folger, Tyler. The present membership of the lodge is / about 60. The present officers are as follows: John i= Pittwood, W. M.; H. I,. Brace, S. W.; Hollis T. si Reed, J. W.; E. S. Bennett, Secretary; S. D. Thomp- r: son, S. D.; I. N. Robinson, J. D.; James McKee,! Tyler. The lodge meets the Friday on or before the: full moon of each month. NEWAYGO CHAPTER, No. 138, R. A. M., was chartered Jan. i, 1865. Alanson St. Clair was the first High Priest; W. I. Latimer, the first King; and J. L. Alexander, the first Scribe. The present officers are as follows: S. D. Thompson, H. P.; J. H. Simmons, K.; A. O. White, S.; G. W. Fry, C. of H.; J. i Pittwood, P. S.; W. J. Pike, R. A. C.; George Luton, M. 3d V.; J. W. Dunning, M. 2d V.; E. Edwards, M. ist V.; I. N. Robinson, Treas.; W. Persons, Sec.; J. H. McKee, Sent. The chapter has about 40 members, and meets the Tuesday on or before the full moon, each month. NEWAYGO LODGE, No. 254, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in February, i875, with E. O.' Shaw as N. G.;, William Glanville, U. G.; R. Surplice, Secretary; Aaron Courtright, Treas. The present officers are as I follows: Aaron Skinner, V. G.; George E. Taylor, V. G.; Pierce Picket, Perm. Sec.; C. K. Carter, Rec. Sec.; George King, Treas.; Mich. Rep. to G. L., ^ William Graham, D. D. G. M. The lodge has membership of about 60, and meets every Monday. sf I,#, e.., ~' t -8 i f.t I,I <4: -~~;-' xi~oip~~%~~~ s j-f Cif~ —6 ---w.-i - -~-c l * afc ~.-..,~-~ -t*0e,A i 7 VNEWA YGO COUNTY. 555 - NEWAYGO ENCAMPMENT, No. 82, I. O. O. F., was on each side of it,-one owned by Hon. A. H. Gid-? organized in March, I877, with William Glanville as dings, and occupied by E. A. Simons as a grocery;, C. P.; E. O. Shaw as J. W.; Jerome Carpenter, H. and lunch room, and the other owned and occupied: P.; R. Surplice, S.; Aaron Courtright, Treas. At by F. Jacobi as a grocery and dwelling. present, Robert Wallace is C. P.; George King, J. So quickly did the flames reach the latter that Mr. W.; Ransom Eckels, H. P.; Jerome Carpenter, S.; Jacobi's family had barely time to reach the street and George King, Treas. The membership of the before the rooms they had occupied were filled with encampment is 26, and it meets the last Friday of smoke and fire. It was soon discovered that this each month. building could not be saved, and the work of removNEWAYGO LODGE, No. 886, I. 0. G. T., was organ- ing goods commenced. Then the fire spread to D. ized Aug. I6, I875, with 25 members, and the follow- E. Soper's drug store, and the goods were removed ing officers: S. K. Riblet, C. T.; Mrs. S. F. Skinner, from there in a short space of time. The building, V. T.; E. A. Whitman, Chap.; Mrs. J. H. Edwards occupied by Mr. Soper as an insurance office was q,- ~- T F A R n;,il,. F;,, Cq R. T~r c,.... t I to.n..11..r. A r 1.....t. ~JV,~, J. L..zi. XilU J i', l'li rll. O.). J-. UDoLiIdIr, l lia.; Wilford Knox, Mar.; Mrs. A. P. Day, I. G.; John Mapes, 0. G. The present officers are as follows: J. H. Edwards, C. T.; Mrs. J. H. McKee, V. T.; A. H. Norris, Chap.; Walter R. Taylor, Sec.; Ernest Fuller, Fin. Sec.; Byron Joslin, Treas.; George H. Young, Mar.; Jennie Fuller, I. G.; Mattie Rosewarn, O. G. The lodge now has a membership of about 40, and meets Wednesday evenings. NEWAYGO COUNCIL, NO. 46, R. T. of T., was organized Nov. 4, i88i, with 24 members. The first officers were as follows: J. F. A. Raider, P. C.; N. H. Walbridge, S. C.; S. D. Thompson, V. C.; M. E. Massie, R. S.; Lucy Utley, F. S.; Phoebe Millard, Treas.; George Utley, Herald; Georgette Fuller, Guard; C. F. Atwood, Sent.; J. P. Gallagher, Chap. The present officers are as follows: L. F. Skinner, S. C.; David Millard, V. C.; J. H. Edwards, R. S.; J. F. A. Raider, F. S.; A. N. Jones, Treas.; Charles F. Atwood. Herald; Mrs. J. H. Edwards, Guard; tLnn LUIIL Uown anIu uraggec away, ana tnus the nre was prevented from spreading to Mr. Soper's book and jewelry store. At one time it seemed impossible to prevent the destruction of Gidding's building on the west side; but a few of the coolest, most determined workers were stationed here, and although the cornice was on fire several times, they succeeded in preventing, any great damage. The losses were about as follows: Luton & Sinclair, loss on building and stock, $1,500, no insurance; F. Jacobi, building stock. household goods, wearing apparel, etc., $5,000ooo, no insurance; D. E. Soper, two buildings, stock and fixtures of Palace Drug Store, $I,ooo on store, and $1,500 on stock. Mr. Soper had $500 insurance on his store, but none whatever on his stock. There was no lack of water, but the means of using it to advantage were entirely inadequate. ' Mrs. Lucy H. Utley, Sent.; Marian Skinner, Chap. I; The council now has 22 members. It meets the The Great Fire. second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. ' A occurred the mem "UNDAY, April 29, 883, occurred the memFIRES. orable fire which burned 30 buildings, and Newaygo's first serious fire was the burning of the. destroyed in all $50,ooo worth of property. Newaygo Company's saw-mill, some years before i For many years the row of wooden buildings I870. The second fire of importance occurred on. on Main Street had been considered a firethe night of Sept. 5, 1874. The flames were trap, and periodical agitation of the necessity 7 discovered by James H. Wiseman, while standing in of fire protection had occupied the minds of the peothe door of his room at the Exchange Hotel, as they ple. But long continued exemption from the ravages f * first issued from the rear of Luton & Sinclair's drug of fire lulled the business men and property holders store. The alarm being given, at least 500 people to rest, and the magnificent natural advantages for were on the spot in ten minutes; but the building in protecting the town by means of water were allowed * which the fire originated was past saving, and the to remain unused. Even the large pump and hose = people turned their attention to saving the buildings which had been placed upon the public square by -~ld~ X; ~;:-1 fl~v 1$a me6j*, _ __ ___ Nr_ 556 AWY < 556 NXEWA YGO COUNT Y.,(* _ * --- - mmm — A —~:~-,r- ~ I',,d lk. I~I I private subscription was not in shape for use, and when the hour of danger dawned upon the village of Newaygo, her people found themselves at the mercy of fire and flame. The following is the account given by the Republican: "Sabbath morning dawned peaceful and smiling, and looked down upon a quiet town all unsuspicious of the rude awakening soon to break in upon its serenity and make it a day long to be remembered. At about half past eight o'clock in the morning the alarm was given, and soon the flames broke forth through the roof of the store building opposite the Brooks House, owned by E. L. Gray, and occupied by E. Pine as a jewelry and news store, and overhead for a dwelling." The cause of the fire is not certainly known, and as there are different reports concerning its origin, the question will doubtless remain an open one. I " It was soon apparent that the flames could not be stayed, and the work of saving property commenced. f Men and women worked like heroes, and a large portion of the movables were taken from the burni ing building, and from those adjacent thereto. From this point the fire spread in both directions until it was finally stayed on the west at J. H. Edwards' hardware store, and on the east by the dwelling of J. H. Standish. In the meantime the flames crossed the street, and in spite of every effort on the part of the workers, the 'Brooks House,' long the pride of the village, was a mass of fire and smoke. From this point the fire lapped up the old meat-market building, and the law and printing offices of W. D. Fuller, on the north, and, jumping over the brick store of S. K. Riblet, stopped by the way long enough to remove the old vacant store building once used by J. F. A. Raider, and also a small building next adjoining, occupied by Persons and Edwards as an abstract office, and which had been an eye-sore to the villagers. Here the Raider brick block stopped the further spread of the flames, although McKee and others on the south removed most of their goods and furniture to safer quarters. "As soon as the fire was fairly under headway, dispatches for help were sent to Grand Rapids and Woodville, and just as the flames were under subjection an engine from each town appeared upon the scene of action. The Grand Rapids engine left a quantity of hose, and the Woodville machine, manned by a brave set of men, proceeded to wet down the ti burnt district in a thorough manner. All day long the joint workof destruction and salvation went on, and as the shadows of night closed in upon the village, the stars looked down upon a scene of widespread ruin and disaster. One hundred heads were shelterless, save as cared for by their more fortunate neighbors, and many had lost their all. Still a spirit of cheerfulness reigned, and plans for rebuilding were talked of before the hot flames had sunk into sullen rest amid the smoking ruin they had so quickly wrought." The principal losses were as follows:;i W. D. Fuller, law office and personal property, $I,ooo. Insurance $500. Aaron and William Courtright, Brooks House, furniture and other personal property, and old meatmarket building, $18,000. Insurance $4,500. The Brooks House was one of the ancient landmarks of the village, having been built by John A. Brooks. J. F. A. Raider, vacant store and small building. adjoining, and damage to brick store, $,ooo, mostly: covered by insurance. J. H. Edwards, small building adjoining his hardware store, and an old barn, $700. Richard Surplice, store and dwelling, $5,500. Insurance, $2,200. J. H. Simmons, two buildings, $3,500. Insurance, $,500o D. H. Gates, household goods, etc., $250. Mrs. Julia Jarse, Jarse House, $4,000. No insurance. John Bailey, two buildings, $2,500. No insurance. George King, store and dwelling, $2,800. No in-; surance.;^" E. L. Gray, office and store building and papers;$500. No insurance. A. G. Day, office and papers, $500. No insurance. I. N. Robinson, personal property, $300. No insurance. Banker & McKee, one building, $I,ooo. No insurance. Kalamazoo Printing Company; $300. No insurance. J. M. Allen, dwelling house and livery stable, $2,- i 500. No insurance. C. A. Banker, blacksmith shop, $500. No insur-! ance. Congregational Church, $3,000. No insurance. - I f e i'( \ 0h t ~ I 1~,a~ (i*I____ >g~d-(J? 4~~a F-,~ dF1iiFC~ t ~ ~ :X y o o:ow -. 3 X. 57a yVEWA YGO COUNTY. 557 i f Charles Atwood, dwelling, $200. No insurance. i: A. P. Day, house and barn, $r,ooo. Ed. Pine, personal property, $700. No insurance Joe. Maynard, personal property, $ioo. No insurance. S. D. Thompson, damage to store building, $300. Covered by insurance. S. K. Riblet, damage to store, $500. Covered by insurance. David Millard, goods, $200. No insurance. E. I. Hewes, damaged goods, $700. Insured. Jerome Carpenter, stock and goods, $1,200. No insurance. 8t Scarcely had the ruins stopped smoking, when the work of rebuilding began, and, before the winter set in, several brick structures were completed, or well underway. "The Courtright," which succeeds the Brooks House, was formally opened Nov. I6. Severe as the individual losses were, it is certain that by another year Newaygo will be all the better for the fire. A better class of buildings are going up, and the village is to have better protection fron the destroying element. A liberal sum has been voted for water works. -a n d ~ ~ce Croton Township was called Newaygo until I855. It was organized under that name in i851, at the same time with Brooks Township, and then included the eastern half of the county. It was cut down to form Big Prairie, Ensley and other townships, until it contained but a township and a half. It remained of this size until I880, when halfa township became a part of Brooks Township, and Croton was reduced to its present limits. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the following township officers were elected: David Collins, Supervisor; Walter M. Pace, Clerk; Jerome A. Botsford, Treasurer; George Backart, Highway Commissioner; Lafayette Keeney, Drain Commissioner; Alfred E. Hall, School Inspector; Wesley C. Dancer, Justice of the Peace; Simon Dancer, Gilbert Grow, William Cram, and Ambrose Fitzgerald, Constables. The population of the township in 1880 was 807; that of the village of Croton, 118. There are in the township at the present time four whole school districts and two fractional ones. For the year ending Sept. 3, the number of children beteen the ages of 5 and 21 was 238; number of children that attended school, i66; number of non-resident pupils, 6; number of days of school taught, 860; number of school-houses (all frame), 6; number of pupils that can be seated, 350; value of school property, $2,oo00; number of male teachers employed, A- n-lmher f femnal tfar-cher e Tinlover. r - wapes V A Ie Croton Township. paid to male teachers, $573; wages paid to female ROTON Township, 12 north, 11 west, lies teachers, $672.6. ~J~~ in the eastern tier of the county. It is t a c r $ 7 6 et. I The valuation of property in this township inbounded on the north by Big Prairie, on the creased from $38,736.oI in 1853 to $80,755 in 1883; east by Montcalm County, on the south by and the taxation of property from $351.37 in 1852 to Ensley and on the west by Brooks. The $2,25118 in I883 i-i:,?: - Muskegon River flows through the northwestern part, crossing sections 4, 5, 8, 7, i8 and 19. The James Barton, I Little Muskegon flows from east to west through the Christopher, 185 Christopher Culp, 1852 township, crossing sections 13, 14, 15, i6, 9 and 8. J. Ryan, T853 It joins the Muskegon in the southwestern part of sec- Hugh Rice, 854 tion 7. In the southwestern part of the township are George Backart, 85 Pettit and Bills Lakes., 85 At the forks of the Muskegon is situated the vil- Chrstopher Cup, i856 n Loyal Palmer, 1857-8 lage of Croton. This was once an important point, Geo Backart 185-62: before the pine forests were cut away, but now its Cha Carichael, I863-4 Chas. Carmichael, 1863-4 business is purely local. The first mill there was Backart86 4 built at about the same time the first settlement was A rthur Truesdell, Arthur Truesdell, } made at Newaygo, and the first land taken up in the W. W. Irons, 868 county is at Croton. Geo. Backart, I869-70 G e o.T --- Baka> — - -7 S, Peter Barnhard and Shinar Preston, School In SUPERVISORS. Melwin W. Scott, Jacob Barnhard, William Martin, John Brotherton, Melvin W. Scott, J. B. Jewell, I. C. Fox, J. B. Jewell, Irwin C. Fox, S. V. Walker, 1859-64 1864 I865-7 i868 I869-72 1873-6 1877-8 1879 1880-2 1883 Denver Township. " ENVER Township, 14 north, 14 west, lies in the western tier of the county. It is bounded on the north by Beaver, on the J east by Lincoln, on the south by Dayton, and on the west by Oceana County. White River flows through the township from east to west, crossing sections 25, 24, 23, 22, 27, 28, 29 and 30. Midway across the township it is joined by Harrington or Heald Creek, which is the outlet of a chain of lakes to the north. In the northern part of the township are several good-sized lakes,-Half-Moon Lake, Mountain Lake, Martin's Lake, Wittie Lake, Flanders Lake, Stony Lake and others, ( I wk* ~43, I I "I, 4, % - 1 # ~-: A r T;, ' , NE WA4 YGO COUNTY. 559 ' --- * --- —-— ^ -- --- = = = == = = = = = ^ p The township of Denver was organized in 1867. there is a good water-power there. I have $800 in P William A. Anderson was chosen the first Supervisor. the bureau drawer, am out of debt, and if you will At the last election, held April 2, I883, the follow- lay out the town, and the boys all stick by me, we:' ing township officers were chosen: William A. An- will make the strike.' To this we all agreed, and ) derson, Supervisor; William Maynard, Clerk; John there, in the old house at Fremont, the village of D. Gowell, Treasurer; James Robertson, Highway Hesperia first took shape. The never tiring energy Commissioner; Henry Covil, School Inspector; John of Daniel Weaver, who had already plunged into the D. Gowell, Justice of the Peace; Henry E. Stebbins, forest three times and opened up a new country, now George Miller, A. C. Gowell and David Hopkins, took a turn in a different direction. Going to HillsConstables. dale, he enlisted John P. Cook, of that city, to go in - The population of Denver Township in I88o was partnership with him, build a saw-mill and stock it, 1, I1,2. and erect a store and fill it with goods. The sum of There are now in the township four whole school $20,000 was invested in the store and goods, and r districts and two fractional districts. For the year $II,ooo in the mill, logs and land; making in all ending Sept. 3, 1883, the number of children between $31,000 invested in the village at the start. The the ages of 5 and 20 was 524; number of children lumber for the store was picked up at different that attended school, 335; number of non-resident places; some of it was hauled from Whitehall, a dispupils, 17; number of days of school taught, I,030; tance of twenty-five miles. The only house in Hesnumber of school-houses (all frame), 6; value of peria at that time was the old log house back of Mr. school property, $7,500; number of male teachers Weaver's present residence; an addition was built to.\ employed, 4; number of female teachers employed, this, and the building turned into a boarding-house, /\ i3 II; wages paid to male teachers, $598; wages paid Uncle Joe Sweet being' Brigadier General.' to female teachers, $I,08I. " n the fall of 1866, Mr. Hoskins and myself com- ^ The equalized valuation of property in the town- menced to lay out the town. After 'fifing around' a =1! ship in the year 1867, was $144,484, and the taxation few days and accomplishing nothing, I took the v $I,9o0o.6. In 1883, according to the records the whole matter in hand, and with Sam Shaw as 'assisvaluation was $149,065, and the taxation $1,977.05. tant engineer,' laid out and platted a town. The SUPERVISORS. streets north and south ran parallel with the county. William A. Anderson 1867 line, while those east and west were parallel with the William A. Haskins 1868 south line of the section. John P. Cook, coming out A. J. Spencer 1869-72 at this time, examined the plat, and finding the Solon Webster I873-8I streets were not at right angles, concluded to throw W. A. Anderson 1882 it up. We then went over the ground, looked it over HESPERIA VILLAGEcarefully, paced it out, and in the upper part of what HESPERIA VILLAGE. + Qlt. was afterward Webster's store Mr. Cook planned OUT 86, a man by the name of Streeter and I drafted the present plat of the village. The o t w saw-mill was completed, and the boilers, engine, etc., settled on the west side of the county line, nea te. rput in. It was run a few weeks, when, in the spring Sc near the present village. He afterward sold ipr t. of 1867, the boiler and machinery were moved back Cout to Joseph Sweet. The origin of the to Montague, and put in Charles Cook & Co.'s mill s village is thus described by Mr. T L, Waters: village is thus desribed by Mr. T. of Waters: at that place. The new survey and plat was finished n the winter of 86-6, Daniel Weaver and in the fall of I866, and it was proposed to call the "> his wife came up here to visit Uncle Joe, when Mr. a rhere to is e he village 'New Ocea,' combining half of the names of Weaver made the, remark to his wife that here was a..... the two counties in which it stands. This matter,': fine place to build a village. The following spring, finally submitted to Miss Mary Cook, the wa s finally submitted to Miss Mary Cook, the ~ being at Father Weaver's, he said to me, 'Thad, I daughter of John P., who has the honor of giving the know where there is a good place to start a town, on village its present name, 'Hesperia,' or the beautiful i the banks of the White River where it crosses the garden.", county line; the land is level, the soil is sandy, and Hesperia has the best location, perhaps, as far as r (iii Or X^i --- All 8 0 -- r? fi H,;1 (11^ -— t t < — G ^ s\ 560 - NE WA YGO COUNTY. 2 -__ - _ ---f 0 < ground to build on is concerned, and farming country completed a substantial church in 1877, at a cost o i to support it, of any village in Northern Michigan. It $2,500. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Gostelow. has two magnificent water powers. With a good The secret societies are well represented here. S railroad, Hesperia would soon become one of finest Hesperia Lodge No. 346, F. & A. M., received its 2 manufacturing towns in the State. No better place charter Jan. 24, 1877, though it was organized under can be found than this to locate a tannery on a large dispensation in December, 1875. It has now a scale. There is no better place in the country for a membership of 45, and is a flourishing organization. woolen factory, a large number of sheep being The present officers are as follows: Charles Starks, already kept by the farmers in the vicinity, and the W. M.; John Smith, J. W.; William Fleming, S. country around it being peculiarly adapted to sheep W.; J. D. Gow, Secretary; Ephraim Utley,. raising. Any person having capital to invest in Treasurer. manufactures will do well to look up Hesperia's Hesperia Lodge, No. 334, I. O. 0. F., was organ- i A advantages. in November, 1879,with 13 charter members. It has The greatest need of the place is a good railroad. now a membership of 40. The officers are as folSeveral schemes have at different times been pro- lows: William Chandler, N. G.; L. E. Norton, V. posed, but have all fallen through. Just now, how- G.; J. B. Smith, Secretary; and William Fleming, ever, the prospect is really fair for a railroad to be Treasurer. built from Pentwater to Howard, through Hart, Hes- Hesperia Lodge, No. 552, I. 0. G. T., was organ-. peria and Fremont. It is greatly to be hoped that ized Feb. I, 1879, with seven members. It has now this project will succeed. The Hesperians will give a goodly membership, and the following officers: 4 any reasonable assistance to a railroad. John Ash, W. C. T.; Esther Wilber, V. C. T.; D. The population of Hesperia is now about 500, as Gostelow, Rec. Sec.; O. B. Walters, Fin. Sec. Sug nearly as can be estimated from the last school sanna Gilbert, Treasurer. = census. The village has no debt, the school district Gen. Dix Post No., G. A. R., was " mustered " in |z owes only $,ooo0, at seven per cent., and this small August, i880, with i8 members. This number has A i indebtedness, contracted in building the new school- now increased to 60. The principal officers are as house, will soon be paid. Hesperia is connected follows: W. C. Simmons, Com.; Charles Robbins, with the outer world by a daily stage to White Cloud, O. D.; William Chandler, Adj.; Richard Slocum, a daily stage to Fremont, and two weekly stages Chap.; George Robbins, S. V. C.; Henry E. Waternorthward. man, J. V. C.; Henry Brooks, Q. M.; John Wyman, The village was incorporated early in I883, and. G. held its first village election April 6. officers The manufacturing interests of Hesperia are alare as follows: D. Weaver, President; L. W. King, ready important. Flrst in importance comes the ): Clerk; P. Monroe, Treasurer; George Overly, grist-mill of D. Weaver, built about 1873, at a cost < Marshal; William Leland, Constable; H. K. Bush, of $Io,ooo. G. D. Webster's grist-mill was built in J C. McCowen, Abraham Fisher, E. B. Slocum, I88i, at a cost of $3,500. He has also a saw-mill. William Fleming and John Ash, Trustees. Then there are McDonald's saw-mill and A. P. Big-.... elow's steam grist-mill. Hesperia supports several religious societies. The gitml He a s s ss. e The general business interests of Hesperia are repAdventists have two organizations, which hold oc- resented in the following list.. resented in the following list: casional services, but have no church. The Presby-. * * John Alderman, pump manufacturer. terians have a fine church, built in I880, at a cost of ohn Alerman, u manufacturer. Amos Bigelow, miller. ( $3,000. Rev. Mr. Walker, the pastor at that time, J. O. Brown, prop. Forest House. should have much of the credit of this. He was L. Brown & Co., clothiers. i succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Mr. Coulter. I. H. Barlow, saloon-keeper. The Methodists have the oldest and largest society Frank Burt, blacksmith. in the village. They have a neat and commodious C M. Barnes, general merchant. H. K. Bush, hardware merchant.. church, built in I869, at a. cost of about $,. William Fleng, boarding house, and prop. William Fleming, boarding house, and Brop. T pw, The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Beach. The Baptists wagon-shop.? '4)~ . —; - NE WA YGO COUNTY. 561, H. K. Fisher, saloon-keeper. Luke Cook, Highway Commissioner; Charles H. " John Grumley, shoemaker. Button, Drain Commissioner; Harvey Unrue and Uri Gillett, shoemaker. Uri Gillett, shoemaker.George W. Mutchler, School Inspectors; Marshall; *:yI:" R. Husband, harness-minaker. Hawley & Son, jewelers. Buchanan, Alton S. Frey and James H. Haskins, N. D. Holt, hardware merchant. Justices of the Peace; Luke Cook, Richard TerwilHoward & Pembroke, shoe dealers. liger, Marshall Buchanan and S. Wilbur Frey, ConLeaton & Leland, livery keepers. stables. McCowen & Warren, general merchants. The population of Ensley Township in 1880 was McCowen & Strowbridge, fancy dealers. L. E. Norton, physician. 1388. Thomas O'Sullivan, barber. There are now in the township eight whole school 0. A. Rowland, furniture dealer. districts and one fractional district. For the year Sullivan & Gordon, blacksmithing. ending Sept. 3, 1883, the numberof children between E. B. Slocum & Co., general merchants. E. B. Slocum & Co., general merchants. the ages of 5 and 20 was 456; number of children Frank Utley, druggist. number of das of school Ci rn..... 'U,.... that attended school. q6': number of davs of school S. w. Wilbur, DbacKsmthn. D. Weaver & Co., general merchants. Wilson & Baker, grocer. Frank Whitney, prop. meat market. O. B. Walter & Co., marble workers. L. S. Weaver, druggist. G. D. Webster, miller and merchant. Miss Mattie Weaver, milliners. Weaver & Heim, millers. C. N. Young, editor News. %1..... 3lP L)~...... taught, 1,299,; number of school-houses (all frame), 8; value of school property, $5,775; number of male teachers employed, 2; number of female teachers employed, 16; wages paid to male teachers, $240; wages paid to female teachers, $1,684.40. The total equalized valuation of property in the township in 1859 was $26,618.50, and the taxation $226.25. In I883 the valuation had increased to $162,725, and the taxation to $1,562.2 1. SUPERVISORS. Ensley Township. C [ HIS township is i i north, i i west, and ocj5| cupies the extreme southeastern corner of Newaygo County. It is bounded on the north by Croton Township, on the east by Montcalm County, on the south by Kent County, and on the west by Grant Township. In the eastern part of the township are Round (or Conover) Lake, Baptist Lake, and Inglewright Lake, each about 20 acres in extent. On the middle of Augustus A. Kellogg, John V. Crandall Ransom E. French John V. Crandall Jerome A. Bottsford Smith Cook Abram Terwilliger Smith Cook Ransom E. French T. S. Frey Ranson E. French T. S. Frey John V. Crandall 1859 I860 1861 1862 1863 1864-5 1866 1867 i868-70 187I 1872-4 1874-8 I878-80 the south line is County Line Lake, and in section 7 George Wright I881 -is part of Moore's Lake. Ensley is one of the best agricultural townships, if not the best, in the county, -'-} ---"" -E'" and is well developed. The township of Ensley was erected Oct. 18, I858, Everett Township. and the first township meeting was held the first... % Monday in April, I859, at the house of Benjamin I E VERETT Township is 13 north, 12 west, Ensley, with Otis H. Kellogg, William S. Hillman with the exception of the north half of 8 5 and Hiram Suter as Inspectors. Augustus A. Kel- sections 4, 5 and 6, and with the addition logg was chosen the first Supervisor. At the last i of the south half of sections 34, 35 and 36 of election, held April 2, 1883, the following township township 14 north, 12 west. It is bounded on officers were elected: George Wright, Supervisor; the north by Wilcox, on the east by Big Prairie,: \ William H. Cook, Clerk; Andrew Flynn, Treasurer, on the south by Brooks, and on the west by Sher- e AWN 7 562 NE WA YGO COUNTY., ' I it~r; - ' - 7-, '!~. ~~ "' ~ 1 1, A ~".... tl. II i, jx I8 man. In the southern part are Bass Lake, Crooked i) Lake and two lakes known as Twin Lakes, and'in *: the township are other smaller bodies of water. The Newaygo division of the C. & W. M. R. R. runs j almost due south across sections 5, 8, 17, 20, 29 and 32, passing between Twin Lakes and turning to the southeast on section 32. Cold Creek and Bigelow Creek flow southward from the township. Everett was erected into a township, then the seventh in the county, by order of the Board of Sui pervisors Jan. 7, 1856. It was made to include four v townships,-13, 14, 15 and 16 north, 12 west. It was in after years reduced to form Wilcox and Monroe Townships. The first election was held at the school-house on Big Prairie, presided over by Alden Angevine, Everett Douglass and Ephraim H. Utley. The last named was. elected the first Supervisor of the new township. At the last election, held April 2, 1883, the following township officers were chosen: J. Ohrenberger, Supervisor; John Harwood, Clerk; A George C. Williams, Treasurer; William J. Harris, ^ Highway Commissioner; Merton Beckwith, Drain Commissioner; William M. Davenport, School Inspector; Horace Warren, B. H. Coolbaugh, Everett IDouglass and Michael Walsh, Justices of the Peace; / Thos. Hogan, William J. Harris, Joshua Ellsworth and Daniel Crofoot, Constables. The population of Everett Township in I880 was 784. There are now in the township five whole school districts and one fractional district. For the year ending Sept. 3, 1883, the number of children between the ages of 5 and 20 was 293; number that. attended school, 163; number of non-resident pupils, 7; number of days of school taught, 735; number of frame school-houses, 6; number of log schoolhouses, I; number of pupils that can be seated, 377; value of school property, $4,500; number of male teachers employed, i; number of female teachers employed, 7; wages paid to male teachers, $700; wages paid to female teachers, $727.77. i The equalized valuation of property in the townsh;p in 1856 was $46,270 and the taxation $212.89. f; In 1883 the valuation was $1oo,885 and the taxation | $1,o63.47. Ephraim H. Utley, Benj. H. Coolbaugh, Everett Douglass, C. J. Bigelow, Everett Douglass, Everett Douglass, Benj. H. Coolbaugh, C. J. Bigelow, J. M. Gibbs, J. M. Grovesteen, J. Ohrenberger, I858 859 I860-3 I864 i865-8 I869 1870-6 I877 1878-82 1883 ALLEYTON. Alleyton is a small village near the northwestern corner of the township, on the railroad. It was once a flourishing village, and the census of 1880 gave it 464 inhabitants; but in March, 1882, it was almost entirely consumed by fire, 47 buildings yielding to the devastating element. Nothing has been done towards rebuilding the village, and most of the citizens have gone away. Proctor& Davenport operate a large saw-mill on White River at this point; and they also have a store of general merchandise. The Pacific Hotel is kept by Albert C. Masson, and the post-office by H. Warren. AJ /S. 4. Garfield Townshin. i ii,. I ARFIELD Township is 12 north, 13 west, iJ l;and is bounded on the north by Sherman /~ on the east by Brooks, on the south by Ashland, and on the west by Sheridan. Section 24 and half of section 13 lie within the village corporation of Newaygo. The Muskegon flows through the southeastern corner, crossing sections 24, 23, 26, 25, 36, 35, 27, 34, 33 and 32. In the western part are a number of creeks flowing to the west, and in the northeastern part are Kimbell, Pickerel and Cope Lakes. The Newaygo division of the C. & W. M. R. R. runs across sections 24, 25, 26 and 36, and a branch from Newaygo to Pickerel Lake crosses sections 13 and 12. The township was erected by the Board of Supervisors, Jan. 6, I88i, taking 18 sections from Sherman and i8 sections from Brooks. The first election was held at Daniel E. Soper's store in Newaygo, April 4, following. Thomas H. Stuart, Daniel E.; 4 ( ~, Z An-, i SUPERVISORS. Ephraim H. Utley, 1856 C. J. Bigelow, 1857,:... * - at e,pa Iaa~,, -.!1 ~3` i E a NEWAYGO COUIVTY. 563 —, ' he 1 - __. =. V Soper and Lewis Eckard were Inspectors of the tr election, and E. 0. Shaw was chosen the first Super-, visor. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the following township officers were chosen: Francis M. Pike, Supervisor; Tyson Smith, Clerk; Joseph Butler, Treasurer; Thomas H. Stuart, Highway Commissioner; Robertus Nail, Drain Commissioner; Walter Stirling, School Inspector; David W. Flora, William Edwards and Francis F. Hall, Justice of the Peace; Wilkes C. Stewart, Matthias Murphy, Joseph Famby and James M. Murray, Constables. There are now four school districts in Garfield Township. For the year ending Sept. 3, 1883, the number of children between the ages of 5 and 20 was I94; number that attended school, 152; number of non-resident pupils, 7; number of days of school taught, 574; number of frame school-houses, 3; number of log school-houses, I; number of pupils that can be seated, I59; value of school property, $1,150; number of teachers (all female) employed, 9; wages paid to teachers, $755.40. The valuation of the property of this township in i 88i was $129,6o1 and the taxes assessed $2,004.75, while for I883 the figures for the former were $176,665, and the latter $4,073.57. Mr. E. O. Shaw served the township as SuperJ visor in i88I, and F. M. Pike since. number 8, presided over by John Bennett, James Bennett and Joseph Graham. John Russell was chosen the first Supervisor. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the following township officers were chosen: John Pussell, Supervisor; Joseph H. Graham, Clerk; William Hoag, Treasurer; Ezra L. Fowler, Highway Commissioner; Floyd Reynolds, School Inspector; John Russell and Jotham J. Hall, Justices of the Peace; John Bullman, David Bisel, Elbridge M. Rogers and John Green, Constables. The equalized valuation of the property of the township in 1882 was $119 730, and for I883 $153,685, while the taxes assessed for the former year was $2,243.69, and for the latter $2,894.50. Mr. John Russell has served the township as Supervisor since its organization in 1882. Grant Township. RANT Township is II north, 12 west, and lies in the southern tier of the county. It is bounded on the north by Brooks, on the east by Ensley, on the south by Muskegon County, on the west by Ashland. On section 2, Io, II, 14, 15, 22 and 23 is Rice Lake, the largest body of water in the county. This lake, with the swamp which surrounds it, occupies one-fourth of the township. On the eastern line is Moore's Lake, on the northern, Hess Lake, and on the western, Blanche Lake. Rogue River, the outlet of Rice Lake, flows southward to Grand River. Grant was the eleventh township organized in Newaygo County, and was erected by the Board of Supervisors Jan. 8, 1867. The first township meeting was held the first Monday in April following, at the house of Stephen L. Marvin. The Inspectors were Samuel W. Glover, Dewitt C. Hyde and Rensselaer Brace; and Samuel W. Glover was elected the first Supervisor of Grant. At the last election, held April 2, 1883, the following township officers were chosen: Thomas Ryan, Supervisor; William M. Wheeler, Clerk; William A. Watrous, Treasurer; Henry Bates, Highway Commissioner; Harrison Whitmire, Drain Commissioner; Francis L. Cain, School Inspector; Louis Babcock, Justice of the Peace; S. B. English, It -,v Goodwell Township. HIS township is 14 north, i west, and lies 4a in the eastern tier of townships. It is -i bounded on the north by Norwich, on the +* i east by Mecosta County, on the south by Big Prairie, and on the west by Wilcox. It contains no large streams. Mud Lake is on section 3, and there is a small lake on section 14, and one on section 15. In the northern part is a logging railroad, running east to the G. R. & I. R. R. in Mecosta County. Goodwell is as yet very thinly settled. Lumbering is the principal industry. It is the youngest township in Newaygo County, '* and was organized by the Board of Supervisors Jan. io, I882, out of territory which had belonged to Big x Prairie ever since the organization of the county. * The first township meeting was held the first Mon$ day in April following, at the school-house in district X-V *XHc/ v 4PE i c e oh-r: t ~, I ii ZV1 xi "v, I a, i r, 11 S.) Q-11 ------ &~ yI";~P:- 7~~~~ ^^*.^.h"- -— w^ --- R11iiII0II -4 Norwich Township. ORWICH township ip is township 15 north, _[ ] I west, and lies in the eastern tier of the j.Ao county. It is bounded on the north by ~J]! Barton, on the east by Mecosta County, on J the south by Goodwell, and on the west by p Monroe. The township contains four or five small lakes, of which the principal are Hungerford Lake, on section 15, and Turnbull's Lake, on section Willard Barton, Abraham Ten Eyck, Benj. L. Ewing, A. J. Bennett, Benj. L. Ewing, Newton Ewing, Newton Ewing, I872 1873-4 1875 I876 I877 187 8-80 T8Sr 14. The latter is the source of the south branch of Charles Neal, the Pere Marquette River. The Chicago & West Charles Neal, 1882 Michigan railroad runs through the township north ---. _ _i.Bi__i east and southwest, crossing sections 12, 13, 14, I5 i6, 21, 20, 19 and 30. On section 15 is Hungerford Sheridan Township. Station and post-office; and from that point a log- |: ging railroad runs northwest for two or three miles,HERIDAN Township is township 2 north, with several branches. 14 west, and lies in the western tier.? Norwich was the fifteenth township in Newaygo | of the county. It is bounded on the north " County. It was erected by the Board of Supervisors by Dayton, on the east by Garfield, on the Jan. 8, 1872, and the first annual township meeting south by Bridgeton and on the west by Muswas held on the first Monday of April following, at kegon County. On sections 2 3, 4, 9, o1 and the school-house in district No. 6. The Inspectors I is situated Fremont Lake, the second largest body?, — ii ng un 3 — n^-.. ^ ^=dllUIIRL d e rl —n ~I B,. ni,. g 566 EWA YGO COUNTY. (: -. 42A8,.;:..~I -;-~~ 9b b jI -po,' of water in the county. Its outlet is Brooks Creek, which flows south and then west, joining the Muskegon just beyond the county line. Williams Creek, from the east, joins Brooks Creek on section 27. Rather more than half of the village of Fremont is situated in Sheridan Township, on section 2. The Chicago & West Michigan railroad crosses sections 2, 3, 4, 9, 8 and 7. Sheridan is one of the successors of the old township of Fremont, which was organized by the Board of Supervisors Nov. 5, 1855, out of townships I3, 14, 15 and i6, and the north half of township I2 north, 14 west, and the west half of townships 13, 14, 15 and i6 north, 13 west. The first election of Fremont Township was held the first Monday in April, 1856, at the house of Wilkes Stewart, with Wilkes Stewart, Daniel Weaver and Shepard Gibbets as Inspectors. Daniel Weaver was chosen the first Supervisor. In 1867, Fremont Township died an honorable death, and Sherman, Denver and Sheridan were created. The first Supervisor of Sheridan was Willard M. Howell. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the following township officers were chosen Alfred G. Meade, Supervisor; Amos A. White, Clerk: Marshall B. Franklin, Treasurer; Christoph Kempf, Highway Commissioner; Augustine White, School Inspector; Richard N. Lloyd, Justice of the Peace; Ransom P. Piper, Henry McCarty, Melvin McDonald -, T ---' T -I - _. T-._-. I 11_ uation was $84,2IO, and the taxation $886.94 Sheridan Township had an equalized valuation of $55,495, and a tax of $729.86 in I867, which increased to $171,400 valuation and $2,477.09 taxation in 1883. SUPERVISORS. Daniel Weaver, Isaac H. Cogswell, W. L. Stewart, Isaac H. Cogswell, Jonas Waters, Wm. Martin, Wm. Martin, J. B. Jewell, ( Thomas Stewart, W. L. Stewart, f John Delamater, Willard M. Howell, H. W. Craford, Willard M. Howell, R. M. Curtice, Henry C. Stone, R. M. Curtice, Henry C. Stone, G. N. Wade, A. G. Meade, Fremont, (( 'i it 'i it 'i it it ( 4 i ( Sheridan, 4' 'I 1( 1856 I857 1858 185 9-6 I 1862 I863 1864 1865 1866 1867-8 I869 I870 1871 1872 1873-4 1875-6 I877-8 1879-83 FREMONT, or Fremont Center, is situated on section 35, Day anu jtenns v. ioruon, -onstaDies. *..ton Township, and section 2, Sheridan Township. The population of Sheridan Township in I880 It was once in the center of a township called Frewas 1,181. mont; hence its name. The township of Fremont The township now contains three whole and three was divided up in such a manner that the village is fractional school districts. For the year ending now on the dividing line between Dayton and Sept. 3, i88i, the number of children between the Sheridan. ages of 5 and 20 was 660; number of children The following extracts from a series of interesting - that attended school during the year, 548; number articles written a few years ago by T. L. Waters, are of non-resident pupils, 14; number of days of school deserving of record in connection with the history of taught, 872; number of brick school-houses, I; num- Fremont: ber of frame school-houses, 5; number of log school- "In the town, of Cambria, Hillsdale County, houses, i; number of pupils that can be seated, 582; Michigan, in the year I854, there lived two farmers value of school property, $9,975; number of male who were near neighbors, and tolerably well to do in teachers employed, 7; number of female teachers this world's goods. One of these had children grown employed, 8; wages paid to male teachers, $r,344; and married, and the other children nearly or quite " wages paid to female teachers, $1,537. marriageable, at the time of which we write. These The equalized valuation of property in the old men were Wilkes L. Stewart, since of Fremont, and?i township of Fremont in 1856, when it was organized, Daniel Weaver, of Hesperia. The circumstances of 4 was $65,227, and the taxation $332.32. In the year their leaving Hillsdale County and moving north j 866, the year it was merged into Sheridan, the val- into this then unbroken wilderness were similar o tUhi sil___ _et r a '-1 a ~ iuccr~~~/ e -~.,~ jl;bP:; a" i. ~ ~ * wo:i kmai -wo - --- -p NVE W~A YGO CO UzVT Y. r -m,". 567 NE WA YGO COUNTY. 567 K I to those which have impelled most persons who have left civilization to become pioneers in a new; country. The children wanted land, and must emigrate to obtain it. Many tears were shed by mother and daughter, as they thought they must part so soon. The parents said, 'Why must we be separated from our children? Let us sell out and go with them. What are the comforts of home without the society of our children?' This sentiment prevailed, and after a few earnest conversations on the subject it was decided to come north and look for that - 'lodge in the wilderness' of which the poet writes. "Previous to this, T. H. Stuart, J. B. Mallery and P. H. Weaver had been west to St. Joseph County, and had returned dissatisfied with the result of their explorations. Jan. i, 1855, W. L. Stewart and Daniel Weaver started from their home in Cambria northward. There were but two railroads at that time in Michigan, the Central and the Southern. Not being able, therefore, to avail themselves of the iron horse as a means of transit, their progress was necessarily Y slow. The second day they reached Jackson, and the third Lansing, where the Legislature was in session. Here they came across that old pioneer of 4 Newaygo County, John A. Brooks, then a member of / the Legislature. He invited them to take a look in this county north of Muskegon River. They then came north to Ionia, the United States land office being located there. Here they procured maps showing the unentered lands of several townships. Coming down Grand River, they reached Grand Rapids the 6th, and on the 7th came to Newaygo. Here they were introduced to J. H. Standish, since so prominent as a soldier and a lawyer, and E. L. Gray, then a verdant young lawyer in that village, but since ripened into an Honorable, and last but not least, Hiram Butler, then the sociable landlord of Newaygo's best hotel. Mr. Butler had already purchased land on which he afterwards resided, and he put them on the track of Fremont Center and its vicinity. The morning of the 8th, they shouldered > their packs and waded through the snow, to what is now known as Elm Corners. Here were the pole shanties of John and Frank Harrington and Daniel Joslyn, who had moved in and pre-empted. "Mr. Joslyn and wife were the first married couple in the woods, and Mrs. Joslyn walked in from Newaygo, over the logs, carrying her babe in her arms. Mrs. Joslyn was the mother of Mrs. Daniel Lavery and Mrs. James R. Odell, of Frelnont. She was a woman of pluck and endurance, and also of great kindness, as many of the first settlers can testify. Mr. Weaver and Mr. Stewart stopped and inquired of Mrs. Joslyn if she could 'lodge a couple of landlookers.' She replied that 'she had five small children, and only a peck of meal and two small fish;" also, that Mr. Joslyn had gone to Newaygo to work to get more provision, and back it in. Our travelers told her that if she would let them stay, her meal would be like the widow's of Sarepta: 'twould increase in meal or money. Leave to stop and stay was granted, and the next day they looked around and made up their minds to pitch their tent where Fremont Center, or Fremont, has been since brought into existence. "Requiting Mrs. Joslyn for her kindness in providing them food and lodging, they started for the United States land office again, at Ionia, where they purchased nearly i,ooo acres of land, 640 acres at 75 cents an acre, and the balance at $r.25 per acre. This purchase was made Feb. I, 1854. They then returned to Hillsdale County and prepared to emigrate. In a few days they started back five teams, seven or eight men, one woman and a baby; the woman was Mrs. Susan Stuart Mallery, and the baby her daughter, Fanny, afterwards the wife of George B. Raider, of Fremont. "A six days' journey brought them to Lisbon, i6 miles north of Grand Rapids where Mrs. Mallery with her infant stopped with her aunt, since Mrs. Stringham, of that place, while the men came on and erected a dwelling. Commencing at Newaygo, near where the cemetery now stands, they cut their road into Joslyn's, and stopped with him over night. In fact they boarded and lodged with him while they put up a house. At night everything was carried out doors except the stove and the bureau, the bed made up on the puncheon floor; and, although in the morning their backs would have made a good checkerboard, there was no complaint. i -i i:;3 a~~d "di~i:::;" -!B ad~"; "~ cr~ — ~~ ILlpC, Vi "In the company were two brothers of indomitable energy and pluck,-Henry and Samuel Shupe; these < boys, together with Phil. Weaver and Mallery, soon ( cut the house logs, and Shupe, with Thomas Stuart's stags, drew them through the deep and crusted ( snow. Phil. Weaver cut and supplied the 'persuad022>0;w — —.iS II "II~ r iif3ib" I' * ilf I+ ~c — "-Qlibs \:i 1-ITQL'T-S I cr ""p;;~l 568NEWs ---A GOC UN' Y.aui -il ---he< <~t^.^ 568 NEWA YGO COUNTY. A Ct. L I --- --.,; I I II i.' f I-.5 4 R.i ers,' of which lt took a goodly number. Some culled lumber was hauled from Newaygo, and thirteen men and boys rai3ed the 'old log house,' the first in Fremont. " A large fire was kindled, and before a log was turned down, a shovel full of coals was put on the corner to make it 'stick.' The shingles were made by Joslyn, the rafters cut and backed up by Phil. Weaver and Samuel Shupe, framed with a narrow ax, and in three weeks it was ready for the pioneers. "That house was looked upon with interest by many of the first settlers. There, for several weeks, 26 persons stretched their weary limbs upon its floors and committed themselves to the silent arms of Morpheus. There the writer wooed and won; there was the first wedding, and there our first child was born. There Phil. Weaver and his wife were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. There Dr. Weaver took his first lessons, and there scores of travelers stopped, refreshed themselves and recuperated, and then pushed forward with renewed vigor into the howling wilderness. There the first town meeting was held and officers elected, and there the old town of Fremont was named by Samuel Shupe, in memory of that old pioneer, Gen. John C. Fremont. The first post-office this side of Newaygo was established there, when all our letters could be carried in one's tion is variously estimated, but 1,200 is probably not $ far from right. That number will not measure its population long, for it is too ambitious not to progress. The village was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 1873, and re-incorporated in I875. The present village officers, elected in the spring of 1883, are as follows: J. R. Odell, President; C. I. Rathbun, Clerk; John Cole, Treasurer; A. O. White, Assessor; R. J. Thompson, Street Commissioner; R. P. Piper, Marshal; John C. Brewster, Surveyor; ii Joseph Gerber, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department; S. P. Barnhardt, M. B. Franklin, Joseph Ger- '; ber, J. R. Odell, J. T. Reynolds, and R. W. Ruther- J ford, Trustees. Fremont now has a very efficient fire department, organized in September, 1883. The "Walker system " has been introduced, at a cost of $6,ooo. It maintains two pumps, each capable of forcing 300 gallons per minute. The department has 30 members, and Joseph Gerber is at the head. It has two hose carts, with,000o feet of hose, and two large. Babcock fire-extinguishers. The only debt of the village is one of $3,500, to ): be paid in four years, at seven per cent. This was: contracted in building the water-works.: The manufacturing interests of Fremont, already ";X.-^,^^^.it- h;.. t l.- - L- -... Do; A. r iB v O 'N 11 I II -i 4 1 1 I v ^1. 041. VI'. 0, "i ", [ vest pocket, and when we thought ourselves lucky t,. ulu litr L0 vecone nucn more so n a iew years. At present there is the fine tannery of D. if we received mail once a week. The old house, At there the fine tanner of D like many of the pioneers whom it has sheltered,Gerber & Sons, the stave mill of James Gibson, the having served well its day, has gone the way of all flouring mill of the Darling Millg company, the the earth. Its place is supplanted by one of those handle fctory of H. Jones the heading mill of P. elegant dwellings with which our beautiful county is S Castlethe shingle mills of erchant & Hungerdotted, and its name is remembered only by those ford, James Gibson and P. S. Castle, and the sawwho labored in its erection, or shared its hospitable mills of Darling & Cook Merchant & Hungerford, James Gibson, Kornelis Mulder and H. Jones. The cover. Over its ashes we write, Requiescat in pace. James Gibson, Kornelis Mulder and H. The Jion: "As soon as the house was finished, Mrs. Mal- last mentioned, and also the mill of Darling and lery came in as far as Newayo, accompanied by her Cook, are run by water power, while the othersaw-mills lery came in as far as Newaygo, accompanied by her aunt and niece, and stopped at what was then are operated by steam power. The general business aunt and niece, and stopped at what was then 'Cooper's Tavern.' They started from Lisbon at interests are catalogued as follows: 'Cooper's Tavern.' They started from Lisbon at noon, and arrived at Newaygo late in the evening. Cornelius Addison, shoemaker. This same journey can now be made in three hours, ' e. Bennega gocer. George H. Babcock, jeweler. i by team. In the morning they started from Newaygo, Sarah Barnhardt, milliner. Sarah Barnhardt, milliner. K and late in the afternoon arrived here, taking posses. Charles W.Barton, saloon-keeper. sion of their new home March 4, I855. George W. Burr, sewing-machine agent. Brooks & Rodgers, milliners. D Such was the beginning of Fremont Center, or John Cole,hardware de tp) Fremont, as it is now called, which has become one Aaltje De Haas, prop. Commercial House. of the brightest little towns in Michigan. Its popula- Darling & Smith, general merchants. i ci~S~~ II-IX"a~!'~a~u i~~kB'U H E-a-o((( ~())))~aF Charles W. Stone, Benjamin Alton, Charles W. Stone, Lafayette Waters, I867-70 I87 I872-8 I879-81 She.rman 'Pwnshiln * X J. B. Mallery, 882 HKERMAN Township is 13 north, 13 west, Lafayette Waters, 1883 and is bounded on the north by Lincoln, _ on the east by Everett, on the south by ' =- - Garfield, and on the west by Dayton. Sherman contains a number of lakes, of which the Troy Township. most important are, Long Lake, on sections 27, | F 28, 33 and 34; Robinson (or Big) Lake, on sections O MPRISING township 16 north, 14 west,. 9 and io; Crystal Lake, on sections i6, 21 and 22; and the west half of township I6 north, 13 4 "! Peterson Lake, on section 5; Peck Lake, on sections ~ west, is the territory of Troy Township 20 and 29; Ford Lake, on sections 28, 29, 32 and It occupies the northwest corner of the county t 33. The C. & W. M. R. R. runs diagonally through and is bounded on the north by Lake County 9 -i the township, crossing sections 1, 12, T, 15, I6, 21, on the east by Monroe Township, on the south (;' 20, 29, 30 and 31. by Beaver Township, and on the west by Oceana:k4_ ir?*I'?a:~~ iatla~~P~i~7 1 -~~i;D~:~4~R NE IWA YGO COUNTY. 57' i OF71, _, a:,(.*, -- —. _-,.,.__,_.-._, _ - ^ ^_ --------,,n\ /'*X-:hi r Q, rr v b AV County. The south branch of the Pere Marquette \ River flows through the western portion, and into it ',. flow Freeman Creek, Allen Creek, Cedar Creek and others. Into Cedar flows Pickerel Creek. Troy is a:-' very new Township. The principal industry is of course logging and lumbering. In i880, the township had a population of i80, which is but a fraction of the present population. The recent extension of the Newaygo division of the Chicago & West Michigan railroad through the township has given an impulse to its development which will soon produce wonderful results. On section 32, by Blue Lake, is located the young village of West Troy. It was started by Messrs. Grosvenor and Brener, who built a small mill and began sawing lumber in i88i. They first called the place "Walkup City." This name it retained until the mill was sold to the West Troy Lumber Co., consisting of Thmrn ti Walkatp, President; A. F. Fisher, Vice President; E. P. Barnard, Treasurer; and J. C. Patterson, Secretary. They built the large saw-mill y containing two sets of circular saws, and having a capacity of 90,000 feet per day. In September, 1883, <: they sold out to A. E. Cartier & Co. They have laid;= the village out into lots, with about 60 buildings and 45 families. They employ about 150 men in the mill, and as many in the woods. Troy was erected into a township Oct. i7, 1879, out of Beaver Township, and the first township meeting was held the first Monday in April, i880, at the house of Gilbert Yates. Alonzo Yates, F. A. Basford and B. Freeman were Inspectors, and Frank A. Basford was electedthe first Supervisor. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the following township officers were chosen: Frank A. Basford Supervisor; Charles Freeman, Clerk; A. H. Freeman, Treasurer; William Cross, Highway Commissioner; Henry Jackson, Drain Commissioner; Joseph A. Todd, School Inspector; Hiram S. Miller, A. Yates, and Gilbert Yates, Justices of the Peace; G. B. Freeman, David More, Mike McCafferty and A. J. Painter, Constables. In i880 the equalized valuition of property in the township was $95,990 and taxes collected $1,215.91. In 1883 the valuation had increased to $198,400 and I the taxes to $,924.90o. Frank A. Basford has held the position of Supervisor since the organization of the township. OC30 I N1flo, - -~ - 0<.,i 11,, i;!,i Wilcox Township. ILCOX Township is 14 north, 12 west, with the exception of the south half of sections 34, 35 and 36, which belong to Everett, and with the addition of the north half of sections 4, 5 and 6, of township 13 north, 12 west. White River drains this county flowing nearly south through the middle of the township. The Big Rapids branch of the C. & W. M. R. R. runs diagonally through the township, crossing fractional sections 5 and 6, and sections 32, 33, 28, 22, 15, IO, II and 2. The Newaygo division of the same road crosses fractional section 5, and sections 32, 33, 28, 29, 20, 19 and i8. At the crossing of the two lines is the village of White Cloud, which aspires to be some time the county seat. Wilcox Township was erected Jan. 15, i880, out of territory previously belonging to Everett. The first township meeting was held the first Monday in April following, at the house of Charles Decker. Lee A. Mason, George Ehle and James L. Morgan were Inspectors, and James M. Smith was elected the first Supervisor. At the last election, held April 2, 1883, the following township officers were chosen: Reuben S. Trask, Supervisor; Alpheus W. Sidebottom, Clerk; Hollis T. Reed, Treasurer; Henry Cardinal, Highway Commissioner; Andrew G. Clark, School Inspector; Edward Grosvenor, Justice of the Peace; Edward Grosvenor, George W. Chandler, George W. Flack, Howard Helms and William Fulkerson, Constables; and William Fulkerson, Drain Commissioner. The township had in i880 a population of 850. ^ ).~ W"'.4 There are now two whole and one fractional school districts. For the year ending Sept. 3, I883, the number of children of school age was 193; number of children that attended school, II7; number of,i non-resident pupils, 2; number of days of school, taught, 319; nulmber of school-houses (frame) 2;; value of school property, $700; number of teachers (| employed, 5; wages paid to same, $523. In r880 the equalized valuation of property in the? township was $134,145 and the tax collected was gnn ^ - ^ —' A, 'jh M" i ei, "I A "I ll'...,F -"'7i a~- ^ - Ih- '-."^ ---~s — J0~~ 572 NE WA YGO COUNTY v $2,635.11; and in 1883 the equalized valuation was James McLeod, Commercial House. only $122,100, and the tax collected $984.64.J. R. McMann, White Cloud Hotel. d th ' Morgan Lumber Co., lumber. SUPERVISORS. John Newberg, shoe-shop. James M. Smith, I880 D. O'Sullivan, blacksmith. ' J. M. Popple, 1881 HollisT. Reed, drugs. R. S. Trask, 1882-. M. Roedel, general merchandise. WHITE CLOUD. Fred Ramsey, general merchandise. J. M. Romans, saloon. The village of White Cloud is near the south- J M. Romans, saloon. western corner of Wilcox Township. It owes its ex- T ownsend & Gannon, grocery and meat market. istence to the Chicago & West Michigan railroad. Teachout & Roedel, hardware. N It was first called Morganville, and then, after the R. S. Trask, drugs. road was extended through the village from the S N Wilcox, lumber / was.. B. E.Wells, furniture. south, it acquired its present name. It now has two soon. railroads, and a chance for a third; and as one sees S. E. Woodworth, tailor. I., r chp. 4 ~ ISI?EA?ga f rpt;6 >Qi four passenger trains meet at this point a little before noon, the visitor does not wonder that it hopes some day to have the county seat. It is growing rapidly, having now a population of perhaps 550. White Cloud was incorporated in 1879, and held its charter election March 1 of that year. The following officers were then elected: President, Fred Ramsey; Trustees, James L. Morgan, Robert A. Moon, James M. Gibbs, James H. Decker, James McLeod and Lee A. Mason; Clerk, William Ross; Treasurer, Charles S. Wilcox; Street Commissioner, David Smith; Assessor, David S. Benson; Constable, Richard Doyle. At the last election, held April 2, I883, the following village officers were elected: President, J. M. Popple; Trustees, Henry Cardinal, Hollis T. Reed, Richard Doyle, Richard Gannon, R. S. Trask and James McLeod; Clerk, A. W. Sidebottom; Treasurer, Miles Standish; Street Commissioner, E. C. Bracy; Assessor, M. A. Teachout; CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.-There is but one church in White Cloud,-the Congregational. It was built in 1875, at a cost of $8oo, as a union church. The Congregational society was organized Dec. 20, I877, with eight members, but services had been held from the early part of I876. The first pastor was Rev. James Worden. He was followed by Revs. John Dongerman, John Holloway, D. Bettes, Wm. G. Puddefoot and John Jeffries, the present pastor. The society now numbers about 25. WHITE CLOUD LODGE, No. 34, I. O. O. F., was organized July I5, I883, and the following were its first officers: James McLaughlin, N. G.; S. D. Withereli, V. G.; George Williams, Secretary; R. J. Doyle, Treas. The present officers are: James McLaughlin, N. G.; George Williams, V. G.; D. O'Sullivan, Perm. Sec.; Jacob Cohen, Rec. Sec.; R. J. Doyle, Treas. The membership of the lodge is 1-.,_ _ any a -; _/* - ark 1-11 \HTrJ^^A ~a.. auoul 40, ani tile meetirigs arc ileiu vvcuii csuay J Constable, George Chandler. evenings. The following is a list of the business firms of evT gs. WHITE CLOUD LODGE, No. 1,997, K. of H., was White Cloud:organized the latter part of I879, and now has a E. C. Bracy, wagon shop. membership of 34. A. G. Clark is Dictator; E. A. Jacb Clark, drucng. Grosvenor, Secretary; and M. A. Teachout, Treas. A. G. Clark, drugs. George Clover, American House. The lodge meets the second and fourth Thursdays of James Doucett, Travelers' Home. each month. C. H. Decker,barber. WHITE CLOUD LODGE No. 452, I. O. G. T., was R. J. Doyle, restaurant and saloon.882, with D.. McIntosh as i~ Fox Bros., livery.organized July 5, 1882, with D.C. Mcintosh as Fox Bros., livery. E. A. Grosvenor, furniture. Chief Templar. The present officers are as follows: ' James Harris, livery. L. M. Clover, C. T.; Mrs. C. N. Draper, V. T.; Wm..> W.F. Latham, post-office. d C. B. Jones, Atlantic Hotel. Cameron, Sec.; Frankie Clark, Treas.; Walter W\ithj W.FLatham, ps-office. erell, Mar.; Mrs. Chandler, Chap.; Anna Hagen, I. ( D.Matson, saloon. G.; Antone Weiker, O.G. The lodge has a member- 2 James McLeod, saloon. ship of 25, and meets every Tuesday evening. |.?-^g: 7 A r i I -I r I I? I; i I I f i I I