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 33
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In the spring of 1865 David Conklin left New York and came to Hartford. Michigan. He was without means, but he at once set about to "make good," and obtained employment in the timber business.
On the 5th of June. 1869. was solemnized the marriage of David Conklin to Miss Mary E. Olds. She was born in Hartford township, May 29, 1849, a daughter of Hiram and Marian A. (Stratton) Olds. Hiram B. Olds was a son of John Olds, who came to Michigan from New York state as a pioneer settler in this part of the country. He located in Hartford township, and there cleared a farm in the timber region and lived on the clearing for the remainder of his life. Hiram Olds, his son, was reared in New York, where he grew to manhood and married Marian A. Stratton. Shortly after the wedding the young husband came on to Michigan, returning a year later for his wife. IIe had no "start" in life and accumulated his fortune by his own industrious efforts. He became the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land and made his own furniture. He was a shrewd business man as well as a hard worker and a man of unquestioned honor. He passed away at the very outset of his career, at the age of thirty-five years, leaving a wife and three chil- dren,-Mary E., Ira V. and Stephen A.
Mr. and Mrs. Conklin became the parents of nine children, seven of whom now survive, in 1911 : Melvin J. Conklin, who married Miss Ethel Parmeter and has become the father of three children ; Milton D., unmarried and now makes his home with his widowed mother ; Marian G .. now Mrs. Hiram G. Hinkley ; Lillie M., who was united in marriage to Sheldon P. Straub, and is the mother of one daugh- ter; Walter A., unmarried and living at the paternal home; Nora E. now Mrs. Gorham Blair; Charles H., who married Miss Fern Hummell.
Mrs. Conklin, while not the member of any church, has been the supporter of the good works of all and has lived a truly upright life of kindly helpfulness. Her husband was a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically he was an ardent Democrat.
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Both he and his wife were members of the Patricians, and at the time of Mr. Conklin's death each carried a thousand dollars insur- ance in the order.
Mrs. Conklin is the owner of forty acres in Hartford township; forty-nine acres across the road in Keeler township; twenty-seven acres west of the forty-nine; and forty acres to the east of the same tract. In all her holdings amount to one hundred and fifty-seven acres, part of which is managed as a fruit farm and grapes and peaches of a high quality are raised.
EDWARD SKINNER .- Van Buren county is fortunate in the pos- session of the Skinner family, estimable members of society and rep- resentatives of the agricultural industry, an industry which is at once the oldest and, according to Daniel Webster, the most import- ant labor of man. Edward Skinner, who now farms and raises fruit on his fine tract of land in section 28 of Hartford township, Van Buren county, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, on the 6th of November, 1870. He is the son of Stephen and Eva (Brodie) Skinner, both of whom were natives of England, where they were married. They immigrated to this country in 1854 and located in Kendall county, Illinois. They made the journey across the ocean in a sail boat, and it consumed three months' time, an interesting fact in the light of modern steamship navigation. Stephen Skinner passed to his eternal reward on May 1, 1882, and was followed by his wife on the 29th of May, 1896. They made their home on a rented farm, and were the parents of seven children, five of whom are living at this date, 1911. George resides in the state of Illinois. Anna is now the wife of Richard Phillip. Mary is deceased. Libbie is now Mrs. Mike Lochran and resides in Montana. Meline is the wife of George Brockway. Kate is deceased.
Edward Skinner was reared amid the healthful surroundings of the home farm, there learning the lessons of integrity and industry that have made his later success possible. He continued to work on the farm during the summer seasons and to attend the district school during the winters until he was eighteen years old. His father died when he was eleven years old, and he remained with his mother until she, too, passed away, after which his sister kept house for him until he was thirty years old. Part of this time he spent at Lisbon, Illinois, where for three years he was engaged in business. After selling out there Mr. Skinner came to Hartford township and bought the John Heins farm of one hundred and twenty acres, lo- cated in section 28, and he has made his home there since 1903.
In February, 1902, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Skinner to Mrs. Mettie Sleezer, who was Miss Mettie Ostrom, born January 15, 1863, in Kendall county. She was educated in the Newark school, and later attended a seminary. To her first marriage were born two daughters. Miss Clara Sleezer was a graduate of the Newark high school and was a teacher in the public schools prior to her marriage to William Phillips and is now a resident on the home farm. Nina Sleezer was also a teacher prior to her marriage. She is now Mrs. Loveland Munson, and makes her home in Deerfield, Illinois. Mrs. Skinner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
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church of Hartford. Her husband is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America:
Politically Mr. Skinner is a loyal member of the Republican party. and an active worker for its men and measures.
ORVILLE FOWLER .- Among the citizens of Van Buren county whose names appear in the list of those whose industry, integrity and ability are responsible for the prosperity enjoyed by the county, no name is more deserving of its place than that of Orville Fowler, an agriculturist well known in Hartford township, where he owns two fine farms of one hundred acres each. Mr. Fowler was born in La Salle county, Illinois, on the 11th of February, 1854, the son of Milton and Hannah (Phillips) Fowler. His father, Milton Fowler, was a native of Warner, New Hampshire, and his mother was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania. His parents both came when young with their respective families to settle in Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, some time prior to the end of the year 1842. The young people met, married and lived the rest of their lives in Kendall county, quiet and unassuming people, well-liked by all who came to know them. The father passed to his eternal reward in 1898, ten years after the demise of his wife. Orville Fowler was one in their family of nine children. He was brought up on the pleasant acres of the home farm, learning there the lessons of industry and honor which have so marked his after life, and there gaining the robust constitution that meant much when added to his native ability. His education was obtained at the local district school, which he attended until his eighteenth year. At that age he definitely took up agriculture as his permanent work and began to give his entire time to it.
On the 6th of November, 1878, was solemnized the marriage of Orville Fowler to Miss Amelia Jones, the daughter of William and Martha (Powell) Jones. Both of her parents were natives of Dow- lais, South Wales, who had come from the old country about 1867 and located their new home at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. They had only been in this country a short time when both the father and mother died, leaving their daughter Amelia to make her own way in a world that is none too kind to those who buffet its blasts alone. She was young and strong, however, and though her early education had been sadly neglected she won out against all odds. In 1876 she went to Newark, Illinois, and it was there that she met Orville Fow- ler. After a two years' courtship they were married, and they later came to make their home in Van Buren county, Michigan. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two sons. Claude E. Fow- ler married Miss Inga Krone, and they are now living on a farm in Hartford township and are the parents of two fine children. Ray B. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Deldee Martin, and, like his brother, is engaged in farming in Hartford township.
Fraternally Mr. Fowler is connected with Charter Oak Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of Benevolence Chapter, No. 46, of the Order of the Eastern Star, in which she was initiated on October 9, 1911. Politically Mr. Fowler Vol. 11-17
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is allied with the party of Jefferson, Jackson and Cleveland, but he has no desire for the honors and emoluments of public office and takes no active part in party affairs.
Mr. Fowler's farms are admirably located and are farmed by his two sons. He and his wife are quiet, kindly and both liked and re- spected by all who knew them.
EDWARD W. EWALD .- The very roots of a community's pros- perity lie in the sturdiness and absolute integrity of its farmer class. If these be strong men, with a heart for any undertaking, the whole life around them grows into a solid fabric. The farmers of Van Buren county are notable throughout the state for their in- dustrious and progressive work, and not the least among the farm- ers who have given the county its good name is Edward W. Ewald, well-known in Hartford township as a fruit grower as well as a gen- eral farmer. Edward Ewald was born in Saint Joseph township, Berrien county, Michigan, in the city of St. Joseph, on July 17, 1871. He was the son of Fred J. and Mary (Grimm) Ewald, both of whom were natives of Germany. The parents now make their home in St. Joseph. Edward W. was the fifth born in a family of thirteen children. When he was old enough he went to the local district school, and continued there until he was eighteen, by which time he had aquired a good general education. He then went to work on a fruit farm, and has ever since been connected with the same industry.
On the seventeenth of December, 1895, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Ewald to Miss Clara Weber. She was born in Stephensville, Michigan, March 3, 1873, the daughter of John and Mary (Wright) Weber, and was reared in the city of St. Joseph, where she attended the public schools until she was fifteen years old. For three years she was employed as a clerk in a store in St. Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Ewald became the parents of five chil- dren, namely : Evelyn, Leonard, Walter, Marjorie and Clare. Mr. Ewald and his family attend the Baptist church, and he is one of the trustees of the church. Both he and his wife have taken a prominent part in the Sunday-school work of the church for a long time.
Fraternally Mr. Ewald is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In the field of politics he is to be found beneath the Republican standard, and he was elected to be treasurer of St. Joseph township, Berrien county, upon the ticket of that party. He achieved an honorable and able record in that office.
In 1905 Mr. Ewald came to Van Buren county and purchased the old Packer farm, two and a quarter miles southwest of Hart- ford, in section 29 of Hartford township, where he and his family have since made their home. Though a comparatively short time in the county, Mr. and Mrs. Ewald already have a large number of devoted and loyal friends, and have attained a high name among all who have had the opportunity to meet them.
JACOB OPPENHEIM .- The story of the life of Jacob Oppenheim is the story of industry, courage and a determined ambition, for
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he came to this country forty years ago on borrowed money and has attained his present successful position through his own splen- did efforts. He is now vice president of the Olney National Bank of Hartford, Michigan, and one of the town's highly respected citizens.
Jacob Oppenheim was born in Russia, in July, 1854, the son of Bernard and Minnie (Demboskey) Oppenheim, neither of whom ever immigrated to this country. Mr. Oppenheim was reared in the village of Vistiten, and attended the little school of the place until his sixteenth year. When he was sixteen he made up his mind to essay his fortunes in the newer territory of the United States and accordingly immigrated to this country, locating first at Goshen, Indiana. He soon came to Hartford, however, on his peddling expedition. He carried his pack for almost a year be- fore obtaining a horse. He later obtained a team, and in seven years had earned enough to start a store in a small way. His brother, Mark Oppenheim, had furnished him the money with which to buy his passage to this country, and it was the same brother who let him have his first stock of goods on credit. Both kindnesses Jacob was able to pay back in later years. The little store that Mr. Oppenheim started so many years ago has grown into a prosperous business, besides which he has accumulated other financial interests, including the stock he holds in the Olney Na- tional Bank.
In 1885 Mr. Oppenheim was united in the bonds of holy matri- mony to Miss Anna Mittenthal, of Detroit. Michigan. She was born in Utica, New York state. She and her husband have since become the parents of three children. The eldest, M. O. Oppen- heim, is now the owner of the clothing store, while Beatrice, aged fourteen, and Aubry, aged ten, are still school children.
Mr. Oppenheim is a member of Florada Lodge, No. 309, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a stanch Republican, but up to Cleveland's administration was a supporter of the Demo- cratic party. He has held various offices of civic trust in the village of Hartford, and always shown himself an efficient public servant. It is interesting to note that Mr. Oppenheim has just returned from his first visit to his native land, a trip, it may be added, which has convinced him more than ever of the advantages of a republican government over Russian autocracy.
JOHN F. NICHOLS .- Prominent in the business world of Hart- ford, Van Buren county, Michigan, for his progressive methods and reputation as one who is always "square" is John F. Nichols, now the proprietor of a thriving feed business. He was born in Arlington township, this county, July 23, 1865, the year of the end- ing of the Civil war. He is the son of George W. and Laorenda (Crapo) Nichols. George W. Nichols was born in New York state, November 24, 1839, and died in Michigan, October 10, 1898. His wife was a native of St. Joseph county, Michigan, born October 27, 1844, and is still living, making her home in Benton Harbor.
John F. Nichols was reared in this county and until he was twenty years of age attended the district and Lawrence graded
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schools on April 19, 1887, his marriage was solemnized at Mendon, St. Joseph county, Michigan, the lady of his choice being Miss Maggie A. Lash, who was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1865, and educated in the public schools of Mendon, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have no children. After their marriage the young couple moved to a farm in Arlington, where they remained four years before removing to Benton Harbor, in which place Mr. Nichols became employed as a carpenter. After ten years they returned to farm life, and spent two and a half years on a farm in Van Buren county, finally, however, coming to Hartford to engage in the poultry business. Until 1905 Mr. Nichols bought and sold poultry, making quite a profitable undertaking of the venture, but in that year he chose to become identified with a cider mill, which he left in 1908 to take up his present enter- prise as proprietor of a feed store. In this his long experience as a farm and poultry dealer has served him in good stead. He is now erecting a new house and barn on his Hartford property. This making the fourth house he has built, he having sold all but the one he now occupies.
Fraternally . Mr. Nichols is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 231, and is a past Noble Grand and the present treasurer of the same. He is a member of an insurance company, the New Era, of Grand Rapids. Politically he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, but he takes little interest in the honors and emoluments of public office, though he now serves on the town council.
GEORGE W. OCOBOCK .- A native of the state of New York, but educated and reared in Michigan, where he has since been a resident actively engaged in mercantile life in this state during the greater part of the period and for the last twenty-seven years in Hartford, George W. Ocobock has had experience and made progress in one of the greatest states of the American Union. His life began in Medina, Orleans county, New York, on February 22, 1853, and both on account of the date of his birth and his high character, general probity and public spirit his name is very properly George Washington. He is a son of James W. and Susan (Ostrum) Ocobock, also natives of New York state, and were of German ancestry. The father operated a shingle mill in Muskegon county, Michigan, and the son was put to work in this at an early age. He received a district school education and remained with his parents until their death. Since the age of fifteen years, Mr. Ocobock has made his own way in the world. In pursuance of a determination to engage in the mercantile busi- ness he located at Whitehall in Muskegon county in 1885. There he was engaged in general merchandising for two years and then moved to Hartford, where he opened a dry goods store, which he has ever since been conducting. His business has steadily increased as the years have passed, until now it is of considerable magni- tude, his store being one of the most popular and satisfactory in the township and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of the people
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of the community in a high degree and to a large extent of the county, wherever his dealings have made him known.
Mr. Ocobock was married on March 19, 1890, to Miss Emma Crager, who was born in Berrien county, Michigan, and educated in Hartford. They have no children, and both have been able to take an active part in fraternal affairs. The husband is a past master of Florada Masonic Lodge, No. 309, in Hartford, and both husband and wife are energetic and serviceable members of the order of the Eastern Star. In this order Mrs. Ocobock has attained world-wide distinction. She is a past worthy grand ma- tron of the Grand Chapter of the order in Michigan, serving in 1906 and 1907, and in 1910 was elected right worthy grand con- ductress of the General Grand Chapter of the World. Her elec- tion to these high offices in the order is a great honor to be con- ferred on her, but all who know her zeal and fidelity in the service of the organization, and the ability which she has displayed in the performance of her duties in lower stations, know that she is well worthy of any position it has to bestow, and highly quali- fied to fill any with benefit to the order and renown to herself. But the distinction is not all her own. It is greatly to the credit of the members of the order in this state that they know how to appreciate her membership at its real value, and no less to the credit of the general membership that all have seen and recog- nized her merit and demanded the benefit of her services in ex- alted stations. And as she has been true and faithful in her devotion to this order, so have she and her husband both been to every public and private duty, for which the people of Van Buren county esteem them as among its best citizens.
VOLNEY W. OLDS, the present postmaster of Hartford in this county, has a very trying position, as the people of the community are his patrons and he is expected to please them all. But they knew his capacity, energy in everything he undertakes, and oblig- ing disposition before his first appointment to the office, and the good service they expected of him in the performance of its duties has been given them, and it is highly to his credit that he is uni- versally approved as a public official and well esteemed as a man and citizen.
Mr. Olds was born on a farm in the township of his present residence on October 31, 1869, and has never lived anywhere else. He is a son of Allen O. and Mahala (Lewis) Olds, both natives of the state of New York. The father was brought by his parents to Michigan when he was but one year old. He was reared on a farm and educated in the neighborhood school. As he grew toward manhood the Civil war began, and as soon as he was old enough he joined the forces mustering for the defense of the Union. He enlisted in Company G, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry, and served in that company nearly four years, rising to the rank of first lieutenant through meritorious service and holding that rank when he was mustered out of the army.
After the close of his military career he returned to Hartford township, and for many years he has resided in the village of
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Hartford .. Here he served as alderman for eighteen years, and in many other ways he has helped to promote the progress and general welfare of the village and the township in which it is located. He has long been a very enthusiastic member of the Order of Odd Fellows and taken a prominent and helpful part in the work of its different branches. He and his wife are the parents of two children, their son Volney and their daughter Minnie B., the latter of whom is employed as a bookkeeper in a large establishment in Gary, Indiana.
Volney W. Olds passed his boyhood and early youth on his father's farm and obtained his education in the Union school of Hartford. At the age of sixteen, being eager to make his own living, he accepted a position as clerk and salesman in a general hardware store belonging to V. E. Manley. On February 29, 1904, he was appointed postmaster of Hartford, and in 1908 he was appointed for a second term of four years, which has not yet expired. He has taken a cordial interest also in the affairs of his township and county, and given every project involving their progress and improvement and the substantial and endur- ing welfare of their people his earnest and effective support.
On July 17, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Estella McAllister, the daughter of John and Lena McAllister and born in Buchanan, Michigan. She was educated in schools in Niles, St. Joseph and Hartford, being graduated from the high school in the city last named in 1886. For some years after her gradua- tion she was employed in her father's store. She is now the effi- cient and popular assistant postmistress of the city, and a great help to her husband in the management of the office. They have no children.
John McAllister, the father of Mrs. Olds, was born in Scotland in 1833, and was brought by his parents to the United States when he was only two or three years old. His father was highly edu- cated of the University of Edinburgh. The family located near Niles, Michigan, soon after its arrival in this country, and there John McAllister grew to manhood and obtained his education. For many years he has been one of the leading merchants and most prominent and influential citizens of Hartford.
Mr. Olds is a Freemason in fraternal relations, holding his membership in the order in Florada Lodge. No. 309, at Hartford, and also belongs to the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America established in that town. He is an ardent Republican in his political connection, and has long been a faithful and effective worker for the success of his party and a man of force and influ- ence in its councils.
TIMOTHY E. BLASHFIELD .- Prominent in the lumber interests of Van Buren county, and as citizens who can be relied upon to foster whatever is advanced for the general welfare, are Timothy E. Blashfield and his son, William H. Blashfield, both of Hart- ford, Michigan. Timothy Blashfield was born in Clarendon, Cal- houn county, Michigan, on January 5, 1846, the son of William and Alvira (Keep) Blashfield, both of whom were natives of Homer,
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New York state. William Blashfield was a son of Iddo Blash- field, like his son, a native of Homer, New York. Both the Blash- field and Keep families removed to Calhoun county, Michigan, about the year 1836. It was there that the young people were mar- ried and lived upon the fertile acres of their farms. They be- came the parents of four children, of whom Timothy is the only one surviving to this date. The others were William, George and Adelia Blashfield. Timothy E. was reared amid the pleasant and healthful surroundings of the home farm located in Calhoun county. Until he was eighteen he spent the summers helping his father in the fields and his winters attending the district schools of the vicinity. When he was eighteen he entered Albion College, where he spent a year preparing himself for public school teach- ing, and for nine winters thereafter he taught school, devoting his summer interests to his farm.
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