USA > Michigan > Van Buren County > A history of Van Buren County, Michigan a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests Volume II > Part 17
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His father a Whig before him, Mr. Lawton was always a staunch Republican, one of the noble old Romans who laid the foundations for the new Republican party under the oaks of Jackson. As an intrepid Abolitionist he cast his first vote for Fremont, and was an advocate of the nomination of William II. Seward for the presidency at the time of Lincoln's nomination; as he and Mr. Sew- ard were fellow-townsmen and friends. Mr. Lawton's father was a delegate to the national Republican convention at that time.
Mr. Lawton was always actively interested in county, state and national politics. In county and state conventions he led the list of delegates, and ever exercised a potent influence. He was an easy speaker as well as a vigorous and fearless writer, and his speech-making tours throughout the state made him a familiar figure to thousands. He was an honorary member of the United States Historical Society and of many Michigan state organiza- tions formed for the betterment and enlightenment of the people.
In 1897-the only election in which Mr. Lawton figured as a candidate-he was elected on the Republican ticket by a large majority regent of the University, which office he held eight years. Probably few men had his love for educational institutions or
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were better fitted to help govern them. He was especially en- dowed with a keen mentality, a broad insight, a scholarly and well furnished mind, for he was a man of much learning and vast in- formation, all of which made him a valuable public servant. Al- ways ready to be of service to his fellow-citizens as well as to his state, for thirty years he was a member of the school board of his village and gave to his duties as such the same degree of attention and interest that he devoted to other claims upon his time or faculties.
Mr. Lawton was a man of great versatility and a rare diversity of gifts. Handicapped at the outset of early manhood with a weak side, and often enduring severe pain, he, nevertheless, manifested an ever restless and intense diligence in the attainment of knowl- edge or in the pursuance of some line of work. He was a natural student and possessed a remarkable memory. In his later years, during his hours of recreation, he was always to be seen reading in the original some French, German, Spanish or Italian classic.
Mr. Lawton was the ideal American citizen. While discriminat- ing in his friendships and scholarly in his tastes, he was, however, democratic in his ideas, sympathetic and approachable toward all. He was a man of the soundest judgment, wholly sane, unbiased and unprejudiced in his views, of the highest character, uncom- promisingly honest, broadly charitable, genial in his nature and delightful in his home.
To quote from the True Northerner: "Those who knew Mr. Lawton best appreciated his sterling worth and rare diversity of gifts. 'He knew so much,' was the heartfelt testimonial of a dis- criminating and eminent friend. Yet, after a life-time of study, his wisdom was never paraded for applause, but treasured to him- self, save when friendship or service called it forth. He was ever the most modest of men.
"No citizen of our state was better posted on the current ques- tions of the day, and few were better equipped in the classics. Concerning the most momentous issues, as with the commonest practical affairs, his opinion was lucid and his judgment sound. The record Mr. Lawton made in mastering the geological status of Upper Michigan is a tribute to his intelligence and industry, and his long time official association with the affairs of our State University is one of the most notable achievements of his public career. In all his connection with the varied affairs of his busy life, no hint of dishonesty, incompetence or slightest shade of self- seeking was ever heard. His family and neighborhood life was simple, kindly and pure. Sturdy and straightforward, frank and fearless, he did what he thought was right, and left judgment of consequences to a higher tribunal than the vacillating opinions of men.
"The men of Mr. Lawton's generation, with whom he so long affiliated, have, for the most part, passed from the stage of action. But the impress of their rugged honor and stalwart courage has been left as a legacy for those who succeed them. The life-work, the influence, the memory of such a man as Charles D. Lawton are a bequest of value to the commonwealth and will be appre- ciated for their actual value and increasing worth."
Vol. II-9
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In every field Mr. Lawton was recognized as a leader, a man among men, and one who will leave his impress upon his adopted state. The good he has done cannot be estimated, and his children, friends and fellow-citizens have a priceless legacy in the memory of his life.
He was the fifth in order of birth of the seven children of his parents, all of whom are now deceased. The others were Eliza, Nathan, Esther, George W., Albert W. and one who died in in- fancy. Mrs. Lawton was the first born of the nine children who blessed and brightened her parental home. All but her and her brother William Arthur Swaby, of Syracuse, New York, have passed away. Her sisters and brothers who have died were: Gertrude Isadore, Oliver Sanford, Sanford, Jessie Maria, Stephen Eastman, Margaret Aurelia and Marion Agnes.
GEORGE W. CLEMENTS .- Enjoying general honor and esteem in the community in which he is best known and to whose interests he has ever shown a whole-hearted and helpful loyalty is George W. Clements, a pioneer farmer of Lawrence township, Van Buren county. Now in the pleasant evening of life he can look back over the busy well-spent years with satisfaction and has leisure to cul- tivate the acquaintance of his hosts of friends. Mr. Clements is of English birth, his eyes having first opened to the light of day on February 28, 1830. His parents were William and Mary (Cook) Clements, and when the subject was a babe in arms they decided to cross the Atlantic in quest of the greater opportunity to be found in the New World. They went first to Canada, locating in Quebec, but remained in that quaint and lovely old city for only a short time. Removing farther south, they settled in On- tario. When Mr. Clements was a lad of fourteen years his mother died. Finding it necessary to make his own living, he started out to find any employment he could and eventually found his way to Detroit. He spent the first winter scoring ties on the Michigan Central Railroad and doing a man's work, although only a boy. While in that city he saved sufficient money to make his way to Kalamazoo, which was at that time the western terminal of the Michigan Central. He stayed in Kalamazoo only over night and then he and two or three other boys set out on foot for the neigh- borhood of the present town of Lawton. Here he was thrown into association with a "tough bunch" of Irishmen and stayed three days, chopping wood and again doing a man's work. Accommo- dations were poor and he and another boy decided not to tarry, but started off toward Paw Paw, where they stopped. Mr. Clements hired out to a man of the name of Willard and continued in his employ for over a year. The love of change and adventure was a part of his character, however, and he again started out. wander- ing for a time and then locating in Lawrence, where he secured work in a saw-mill. He was so proficient that he rapidly advanced and soon came to be head sawyer, a position he held for a year and a half. Shortly after this, having saved a little money, he started a little grocery store and continued in this line of en- deavor for three years. He was somewhat successful and began to gather together a little means.
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In the meantime Mr. Clements had taken unto himself a wife, his marriage occurring on April 17, 1856, to Harriet Christy, daughter of Robert Christy, of Lawrence, and thus he established a household of his own.
After three years in the grocery business Mr. Clements entered the carpentry business and he and a partner built the Congrega- tional church and sawed the lumber for another church edifice in the early days. This proved congenial work and he remained thus engaged for twenty years. In 1865 he concluded to devote some of his time to farming and moved onto land in Lawrence township. His farm consists of fifty-five acres. In the ensuing years he has farmed successfully, and has just as successfully played the part of a good citizen.
The union of Mr. Clement and his estimable wife was blessed by the birth of one daughter, whose name is Edith, and who is now the wife of B. B. Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher reside on Mr. Clements farm and direct its affairs, now that the father is re- tired.
Mr. Clements has since his earliest voting days been one of the stanchest and unfaltering of Republicans. He cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor and has supported all the candidates of the "Grand Old Party" since that day. He is a man of pleasing ad- dress and patriarchal appearance, well preserved and still active in mind and body. His wife has preceded him to the "Better Land," having died October 28, 1899.
JAMES E. ABRAMS .- In the development and progress of Van Buren county from pioneer times to the present no family has shown itself more devoted to the solid virtues of industrious hus- bandry and patriotic citizenship then that represented by Mr. James E. Abrams, of Lawrence township. He himself has been a resident of the county for sixty years, has been one of the most successful in agriculture, and has served his country and his community in promoting their best welfare.
James E. Abrams was born in Orleans county, New York, Octo- ber 7, 1841. His family has been identified with American his- tory for several generations, and its military record is especially noteworthy, since the members of three successive generations have served in the most important wars that occurred during their re- spective careers. His grandfather bore arms in the war of the Revolution. Then his son John, who was born at Newburgh on the Hudson in 1797, was a member of the New York state militia when the British crossed Lake Champlain. John Abrams spent most of his life in New York state. He married Eunice Shepard, and they were the parents of eleven children, all of whom were born in New York, and the five now living are: Eunice, Anne, Lindy, James E. and Nancy, all except James being residents of different states in the west.
In 1851 John Abrams, with his wife and family, set out for Michigan, which at that time was the destination of many people leaving Orleans and neighboring counties of New York. He crossed Lake Erie to Detroit, and from there came overland by wagon to Kalamazoo, where he spent the winter. On March 4th
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of the following year they arrived in what is now Paw Paw town- ship, where the father bought eighty acres of cleared land for one thousand dollars. At that time many of the settlers had joined the rush to California, and for this reason it was possible to secure good bargains in improved or partially improved land. On this place John Abrams lived for thirty years, until his life came to a peaceful close in 1881. His wife died three years later, in 1884.
During his youth Mr. Abrams was privileged to attend school only about three months in the year and continued his efforts in obtaining an education until he was nineteen. By that time he had saved some money, which he planned to use in attending the college at Ypsilanti. Just then the Civil war broke out. The day following the firing on Fort Sumter, April 15, 1861, he enlisted in the Lafayette Light Guards under Captain Hugo. From here he went to New York and was attached to Sickle's Brigade, in the Seventieth New York Regiment, and saw nearly four years of serv- ice in many campaigns through the south.
A veteran soldier, he returned to Michigan to take up the prac- tical duties of civil life. In December, 1865, he purchased a farm, and the following March he married Miss Helen Beddo, of a well known family near Paw Paw. Together they began to make a home and continued to live on their first farm fourteen years. In the fall of 1882 they moved to another place, which remained their home until 1896. Mr. Abrams then engaged in the mercantile business at Lawrence until in 1900. For two years after that he served in the office of town treasurer, and then returned to the farm. In 1907 he bought the farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres which is now his attractive home. Altogether he owns one hundred and sixty-six acres in Lawrence township. His material prosperity has been generous and has been gained as the result of his own well bestowed labors and good business management. Mr. Abrams has held several offices in Post Wadsworth, No. 49, G. A. R., at Lawrence. His citizenship has always been of the substantial kind that supports the best movements in the com- munity, and when entrusted with public responsibility he has dis- charged his duties with conscientious faithfulness and energy. He and his family are members of the Methodist church at Law- rence.
Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Abrams: Hetty is the wife of Rev. E. H. Bradfield, of La Pierre; A. H., is in a general store at Lawrence; Katie is the wife of A. B. Carris, of Highland, California; Archie E. is on his father's farm; Richard J., who continued the military record of the family by serving with the rank of corporal in the Spanish war, is now an electrical engineer residing in Chicago; James G. is on his father's farm in Lawrence township; Helen is the wife of Frank Jones, of Mendon, St. Joseph county ; and Harold E. is on his father's farm.
GEORGE MUTCHLER .- The present incumbent of the office of drain commissioner of Van Buren county, Michigan, is a fine example of the man who accepts an office of public trust and responsibility and brings to the same the same unswerving rectitude and per- sistent industry which would mark his private endeavors. It is
HIRAM SHERROD
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to such men as George Mutchler that our democratic government must look for the redemption of her administrations from the in- efficiency of "political jobbery." George Mutchler was born in Osh- temo, Kalamazoo county, this state, July 21, 1862, to Martin and Mary Mutchler. Both his father and mother, whose maiden name was Miller, came to the United States from the Fatherland. They met and were married in New York state before they came to the state of Michigan. They were the parents of nine children, of whom George, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the sixth in order of birth. The family came to Van Buren county when George was a child of three years, the date being 1865. Here the father was employed as section foreman on railroads for a great many years. Both Martin Mutchler and his wife have since passed to their eternal reward.
George Mutchler was raised in Van Buren county, and received an excellent common school education in the district schools of the county. On December 20, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Edah Gibney, of Bangor township, Van Buren county, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Gibney, the former of whom was born in Bethney, New York state, and the latter of whom first saw the light of this world in Bloomington, Indiana. She was raised in Van Buren county, and attended the public schools of the district. To Mr. and Mrs. George Mutchler was born one son, Harrie E., the date of his nativity being December 29, 1889. He has grad- uated from the Hartford high school and is now a student at Lans- ing, Michigan. The family are members of the Christian denom- ination, and Mr. Mutchler is an elder in the church and a trustee of the same.
Politically Mr. Mutchler adheres to the party of Lincoln, Mc- Kinley and Taft, and is accounted a worthy promoter of the in- terests of the "Grand Old Party" in this part of the state. He has served the county in the capacity of surveyor for three terms, of two years each. After an appointment to fill out an unexpired term Mr. Mutchler has since been appointed for three terms as county drain commissioner and also twice elected to the office, this being ample proof of the quality of his service and the high place he holds in the esteem of his constituency. It is worthy of note that he held the office of county surveyor and drainage commis- sioner for one year, the same being very unusual, since it is a rare thing to find a man holding two active county offices at one time.
Fraternally Mr. Mutchler is affiliated with Charter Oak Lodge, No. 231, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
HIRAM SHERROD represents a family who came to Michigan from Pennsylvania in 1867. He was born in the Keystone state on November 29, 1835. His parents were Daniel and Hannah Cole Sherrod, the father a Pennsylvanian and the mother a New Yorker. When they came to Michigan they settled near Paw Paw and the parents spent the rest of their lives there. The mother died in 1885, and the father three years later. There were seven children in the family, five sons and two daughters. Matilda lives in Paw Paw and is Mrs. Levi Lyle. The other sister is married to John Cleckner, of Colorado. One brother,
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Almond, also lives in Colorado. Lorenzo, the other brother now living, resides in Detroit.
Hiram Sherrod learned the blacksmith trade from his father and in 1857, bought seventy-five acres of land, to which he later added a tract of thirty-eight acres, making a total of one hun- dred and eighteen acres. Upon this he has put a fine brick house two stories high and good barns and other outhouses. He has one of the best managed farms in the community and one of which the whole county is proud.
In 1861 Mr. Sherrod was married to Salina Lee, and eight children were born of their union; three who died in infancy and Henry, Minnie, Wilbur, Carrie and Vincent. The mother died in 1879, and the father took for his second wife Letissa Stephenson, and of this union there is one child, Grover.
Mr. Sherrod is a Democrat in his political convictions, but he is not a practical politician nor has he ever sought any public office. He belongs to the Grangers and to the Good Templars. The Christian church counts him one of its most interested members and he is known throughout the county as one sincerely interested in all which builds up the economic, educational and moral life of the country.
ERASTUS OSBORN is one of the leading citizens of Hamilton town- ship, and a pioneer of the locality as well. He is a gentleman so well known for his integrity and honesty, thrift and manliness, that he needs no introduction to the citizens of Van Buren county. He and his estimable wife are citizens who are held in the highest esteem and it is with pleasure that the ensuing sketch is presented in the record and history of Van Buren county, Michigan.
Erastus Osborn is a native of Alleghany county, New York, where his birth occurred on March 24, 1838. He is the second in a family of eight children, equally divided as to sons and daugh- ters, born to Stephen and Sallie (Hungerford) Osborn. Of this number but three are living at the present time, Mr. Osborn being the eldest; Benjamin, an agriculturist, residing in Hamilton town- ship; and the same being true of Horace. Stephen Osborn also raised to maturity four sons and four daughters by a former mar- riage. The father was born in Vermont, October 11, 1794, and died in 1853. He was a courageous man and a good citizen, of the type of General Stark and his Green Mountain Boys. He adopted agriculture as his life work and his politics was that of a Jackson Democrat. The Osborn family ultimately removed from New York to Michigan (about 1844), making the journey in pioneer fashion in covered wagons, across swamps and through forests. This interesting journey is well remembered by the sub- ject, who was about six years old at the time. Near where the family located deer and wild turkeys were abundant. The first farm owned by the family consisted of but forty acres and the first habitation was an underground log house. Conditions were indeed primitive, for the Osborns were among the first white set- tlers. The Indians still looked upon the district as their own. The elder Mr. and Mrs. Osborn were Christian people and of good in- fluence in the community. The mother was a native of New York
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and her grandfather Weston was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, the present day Osborns being thus entitled to membership in the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Her grand- mother Weston rode horseback with a little baby in her arms to witness the surrender of Cornwallis. Both of the subject's par- ents are interred in the Hamilton township cemetery where suit- able stones stand sacred to their memory. His maternal grand- father, Benjamin Hungerford, was born in 1773 and the grand- mother in 1778, the latter dying in 1854. Their remains are in- terred in the Keeler cemetery, their tombstones being among the earliest placed in that burial ground. Benjamin Hungerford at one time was proprietor of a cording mill in Alleghany county, New York, and there in his early life Millard Fillmore worked as an apprentice. When an old man he revisited and wept over those scenes of his boyhood.
Erastus Osborn has spent his life in Van Buren county and has devoted his energies to agriculture and stock-raising. He received his education in the common schools, when conditions were primitive, the first school house he attended being a log cabin, where the pens used were quills. In 1859 he made a six months' trip with ox teams to Pike's Peak. He has used the old fashioned grain cradle, swinging it all day long, and he has cut as much as seven acres of grain in one day, using also a scythe and flail. The Osborns were innovators, however, and the subject's father bought the first threshing-box with a cylinder in the township. In those days the closest market was St. Joe, Paw Paw not then being in existence. His memory goes back to the day when Decatur was a mere hamlet, when the Michigan Central Railway was being built, his half brother assisting in the construction of the same.
When Mr. Osborn began life he had no capital, but his industry and thrift made his success certain from the beginning. He was not afraid of hard work and has split rails at fifty cents per hun- dred, the fact being apparent that he began life at the bottom. On March 24, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Annette Maria Lascelle, and two daughters have been born to them. Mary E. is the wife of William H. Myrkle, a resident of Hamilton town- ship, and an agriculturist. The Myrkles have five children, all living and as follows: Harold E., a student of the public schools; Grover C., in the junior class of the Dowagiac high school; Law- rence, in the eighth grade of the public school; Helen Gertrude, in the fifth grade; and Marjorie Lascelle, the youngest child. Agnes Luana, younger daughter of Mr. Osborn, received her pre- liminary education in the common schools and subsequently studied in the high schools of Decatur and Dowagiac and the Atheneum Institute in Chicago. She makes her home with her parents.
Mrs. Osborn is a native of Jefferson county, New York, her birthplace having been near the Thousand Isles. The date of her birth was December 29, 1841, and she is the seventh in a family of eight children. She is the only member of her family now living. She was reared in Jefferson county until her seventeenth year and received an education in the public schools. While a resident of Chicago she was a student in the Bryant & Stratton Business Col-
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lege. At the age of sixteen years she began her career as a teacher in Jefferson county, New York, and she taught subsequently in Wayne township, Cass county, and Van Buren county. She is a cultured woman, and has ever improved her mind with good liter- ature. She has been a true and helpful wife. When she and the subject began life it was in a frame house made of black walnut, this building is still standing. It was built in the early '40s and is one of the oldest frame houses in the town. Their present home is a pretty and commodious one and they own a fine tract of four hundred and forty acres lying in Keeler and Hamilton townships. They have made all its improvements themselves and today (in 1911) this valuable estate is without a dollar's debt. Their lives furnish a splendid example to the young of what courageous industry will accomplish.
Mr. Osborn is a sound Democrat and has never strayed from its Jeffersonian principles. He is the champion of good schools and has been treasurer of his township, an office he held for seven years. His wife is a member of the Swedenborgian church. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are representative citizens of Hamilton township and owners of one of its finest estates, its broad acres being known as "Brookside," and its hospitable doors being ever open to their many friends. It is indeed appropriate that record of their lives be perpetuated in this History of Van Buren County.
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