USA > Michigan > A history of northern Michigan and its people, Volume II > Part 45
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
898
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
ness; and Winifred, now Mrs. Fred Dawson, lives at Central Lake, Michigan.
DR. JAY J. BROWNSON, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Kingsley, Grand Traverse county, Michigan, possesses all the requisite qualities of the successful physician, for, added to his broad and accurate learning concerning the principles of his profession, he has a genial manner and sunshiny, hopeful nature which cannot fail to have its effeet upon his patients. His courteous sympathy as well as his professional skill has gained him prestige during the years of his resi- dence in this city.
A native of the fine old Wolverine state, Dr. Brownson was born at Walton, Michigan, on the 20th of May, 1877. His parents, Dr. Myron and Sarah (Rowe) Brownson, came to Michigan in an early day, Myron Brownson having been born at Loon Lake, New York, while his wife was born near Wayland, New York. The father established the first business in Kingsley, where he erected a sawmill and general store. Subsequently he moved to Walton where he remained two years, though still continu- ing his business in Kingsley. Having been a physician before coming to Michigan, he returned to Kingsley about July 1, 1877, after closing out his Walton business, and devoted his time to the practice of medicine, elearing up his farm, and to the business heretofore mentioned. He also established a sanitarium at Kingsley, and started a newspaper known as the Hustler. These few facts concerning the life of Dr. Myron Brownson show that he was a busy man always, and did much to build up Kingsley in every way. Dr. Myron Brownson, considered one of the influential and prominent citizens of northern Michigan for many years, was summoned to the life eternal in 1903, and his cherished and devoted wife is now living at Kingsley.
To the public schools of Kingsley Dr. Jay J. Brownson is indebted for his early educational training, which he later supplemented with a course of study in the Ferris Institute, at Big Rapids. After completing a commercial course in the above institution Dr. Brownson decided to prepare for the medical profession and with that end in view he en- tered, in 1898, the Bennett Medical College, in the city of Chicago, Illi- nois, graduating therein as a member of the class of 1902 and duly re- eeiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately after his gradua- tion he returned to Kingsley where he initiated the active practice of his profession and where, upon the death of his father, he assumed charge of the latter's sanitarium and paper business. He continued the sanitarium for a period of two years and conducted the paper for some five years. He is now devoting his entire attention to the practice of medicine and surgery and in that line of enterprise is achieving a most noteworthy success.
On the 24th of December, 1902, was recorded the marriage of Dr. Brownson to Miss Effie Kneale, who was born and reared at Davishurg, Michigan, and who is a daughter of James and Ann (Eagle) Kneale. James Kneale was born on the Isle of Man and his wife was a native of Ireland. They came to Michigan in an early day and during the major portion of his active career the father was identified with the great
899
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
basic industry of agriculture. Dr. and Mrs. Brownson have two chil- dren,-Irene, whose birth occurred in 1906; and Kneale, born in 1908.
Politically, Dr. Brownson is an advocate of Republican principles, believing that the doctrines set forth by that party contain the best ele- ments of good government. He has been notary public for years and for a time was incumbent of the position of county coroner. In a fra- ternal way he is affiliated with the grand old Masonie order and with the Modern Woodmen. In their religious faith he and his wife are con- sistent members of the Presbyterian church.
CHARLES C. BRIGGS .- Examine the life records of self-made men and it will always be found that indefatigable industry forms the basis of their success. There are other elements that enter in-perseverance of purpose and keen discrimination, which enable one to recognize business opportunities-but the foundation of all achievement is earnest, persist- ent labor. At the outset of his career Charles C. Briggs did not seek to gain any short or wondrous method to the goal of prosperity. He be- gan, however, to work earnestly and diligently at the cooper's trade, which he had learned from his father, and although he began with but little he is now the owner of a fine farming property of one hundred and sixty acres, eligibly located in Harrisville township, some three miles from Harrisville, in Alcona county.
Mr. Briggs is a native son of Michigan, his birth having occurred at Birmingham, Oakland county, on the 27th of March, 1843. When nine years of age his father, Charles Briggs, removed, with his family, to what is now Alcona county. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, with their only child, Charles C., disembarked from the steamer Morton in a fishing boat and landed in the vicinity of Harrisville, in July, 1852. The father was a cooper by trade and fishing being the principal industry in those early days, he was kept very busy furnishing the fishermen with barrels in which to pack and ship their fish. He subsequently entered a tract of one hundred acres of government land and began the reelamation of a fine farm. During his lifetime he cleared about thirty acres. He mar- ried Naney Carpenter, a native of Rochester, New York, whose father and mother came to Michigan from Rochester abont 1839. He passed to his reward in 1893 and his cherished and devoted wife was summoned to eternal rest, in 1862.
After availing himself of such privileges as were afforded in the public schools of the pioneer days, Charles C. Briggs entered upon an apprenticeship at the cooper's trade, under the able preceptorship of his father, and he continued to be identified with that line of enterprise for a number of years. Subsequently he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, one hundred acres of which he eventually cleared and which is now in a high state of cultivation. All his buildings are of sub- stantial, modern make and his farm implements are of the most up-to- date model. He is a staunch Republican in his political proclivities and he has always been on the alert to do all in his power to advance the best interests of the community. He has served as a member of the board of school directors in District No. 3.
On October 9, 1864, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Briggs to Miss
900
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Frances Merchant, a daughter of Rev. Josiah Merchant, who was the first pioneer preacher on the Michigan shore of Lake Huron. His cir- cuit extended from Bay City to Alpena. Late in life he settled on a farm of three hundred acres in Harrisville township, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Briggs were born twelve children, eleven of whom grew to maturity and nine of whom are now living, in 1911. William H. resides at Starkey, Oregon; Harvey F. maintains his home at LaGrange, Ore- gon ; James C. lives at Starkey, Oregon ; Ernest A., Mark R., Raymond, and Alice, are all residents of Battle Creek, Michigan; as is also Mrs. C. H. Merchant ; and Ralph lives at Harrisville on the farm with his wife and his father, the mother having died July 26, 1911.
FRANK S. POSTAL .- Honored and respected by all, there are few men in Evart and Osceola county who occupy a more enviable position in business and financial circles than Mr. Postal, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved, but also on account of the honor- able, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He pos- sesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his elose application to busi- ness and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is his to-day. He holds the position of president of the Evart Savings Bank; is president of the Champion Tool & Handle Company, and an extensive dealer in land and Inmber. He also has' the distinction of being one of the leading Masons in this part of the state of Michigan.
Frank S. Postal is a native son of the Wolverine state, his birth having occurred October 8, 1843, near Utica, Macomb county. His father, Wm. F. Postal, was one of the early settlers of the state. That well-remembered gentleman was born on Canadian soil, en route from New York to Michigan, in the year 1817; came to Michigan in 1817, settling in Avon township, Oakland county. He married Eliza Gray, daughter of Daniel Gray, and the subject is the third in order of birth of a family of seven children.
Like so many successful Americans, Mr. Postal was reared upon the farm, receiving his preliminary education in the public schools. When a very young man he made a hazard of new fortunes by going East and finding employment and very valuable experience in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. He returned after an absence of about a year and located in Evart in 1871, having ever since been identified in a prominent manner with the many-sided life of the community. One of his first business adventures was in the hotel business in this place, his management of the Evart House covering a period of years in- cluded between 1871 and 1886. It is still remembered that he gave eminent satisfaction in the capacity of "mine host." He, however, deemed it expedient to abandon that line of endeavor and he em- barked in the manufacture of logging tools and also in the commercial side of the same. Proving successful in this, he branched out and his tools found ready sale. His plant was located in Evart and it was that humble start which was the foundation for the Champion Tool &
7.8. Postal
901
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Handle Company of Evart, one of the large tool manufactories of Michigan.
In 1904 Mr. Postal made an important step in a new direction, organizing the Evart Savings Bank in October of that year, this insti- tution having at the beginning a capital stock of $30,000. He assumed the presidency of the banking institution, which has since come to be generally acknowledged as a sound and conservative one, and he still retains the office. Its other officers are E. C. Cannon, vice-president ; James R. Postal, cashier; William Latta, William E. Davis, William Monroe, E. C. Cannon, George F. Andrus, Hugh Alexander, David Wolf, of Grand Rapids, and Fred Postal, of Detroit, board of directors.
In 1895 the elder Mr. Postal built his attractive and commodious summer home about two miles and a half northwest of Evart, and with its lovely surrounding grounds it is everywhere considered one of the model homes of Michigan. In addition to its beauty and conveni- ence it is the abode of culture and hospitality, in short, one of the most attractive social centres in the vicinity. In the streams upon his property Mr. Postal, who is an enthusiastic disciple of Isaac Wal- ton, makes a specialty of the raising of trout.
On the 22d of March, 1883, Mr. Postal laid the foundation of a happy married life by his union with Miss Ella Wright, a native of Canada and a daughter of William Wright. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of four children, equally divided as to sons and daughters, namely : James R., Gertrude E., Spencer F., and Geneva A.
Mr. Postal is of the best type of citizen and so, it goes without saying, has always taken an interest in public affairs, giving his heart and hand to all those measures likely to result in the attainment of the greatest amount of good to the greatest number. Easily winning and retaining the confidence of all with whom he comes into contact, it is but natural and fitting that many offices should have been urged upon him, and he has from time to time for many years served in the capacity of trustee. He belongs to the great Masonic brother- hood, being a charter member of the Evart lodge, No. 320. He he- longs to the Blue Lodge and Evart Chapter and is one of that distinguished company who can claim the Thirty-second degree. In the matter of politics he gives unfailing devotion to the doctrines pro- mulgated by the Republican party, since his earliest voting days having given his suffrage and his active support in many ways to the "Grand Old Party." His identification with Michigan covers his entire lifetime, and in all these years he has witnessed great prog- ress in all directions, while at the same time contributing to this in no small measure.
DR. V. W. SHIRLEY .- Having practiced medicine diligently, faith- fully and skillfully in and around Onaway during the last nine years, and in other respects met and fulfilled all the requirements of good citizenship, Dr. V. W. Shirley has won for himself an excellent name in his profession and a high and lasting hold on the regard of the people of the city and county. He has been unostentations and retiring, but
902
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
constant in attention to duty and capable in the performance of it. The men and women among whom he lives and labors know his worth and esteem him in accordance with it.
Dr. Shirley was born in Ontario on May 17, 1870, and is a son of Thomas and Jane (Larrett) Shirley, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Canada. Both have been dead for some years, the father having died at the age of eighty-four years and the mother soon after- ward at the age of seventy-three, after a married life of fifty-five years. They had ten children, six sons and four daughters, five of whom are living, the doctor being the ninth in the order of birth.
The father came to Canada when he was but seven years old, and in that country grew to manhood and obtained a common school educa- tion. From early youth to the end of his long and useful life he was engaged in farming, and he made out of the untrodden wilderness the farm on which he lived and reared his family. He and his wife had the resolute nature of the true pioneers and met all the requirements of frontier life, hazardous and trying as they were, with courage, patience and a self-reliance and resourcefulness that overmastered all obstacles and made difficulties melt away before them. They were fine types of a race of heroic men and women that has passed away forever, but has left a lasting record of its fortitude, endurance, industry and wisdom in the mighty American commonwealths and progressive Canadian prov- inces whose foundations it laid and whose superstructure it began to build.
Dr. Shirley, like other boys of his day, locality and circumstances, obtained his scholastic training in the public sehools and passed his ap- prenticeship in useful labor on his father's farm. He was prepared for his professional work at the Toronto Medical College and the Sag- inaw Valley Medical College in this state, being graduated from the latter in 1902. After receiving his diploma and degree of M. D. he at once located in Onaway and began the aetive and increasing general practice of medicine in which he is still engaged.
His work is exacting and at times exposes him to the fury of the elements. It often involves long drives at night after a hard day's work covering many miles of travel. It frequently ealls for prompt action and heroic measures, and always embraces in its requirements for suc- cess an extensive and accurate knowledge of human nature and how to deal with it effectively. Dr. Shirley has been found ready for every demand and successful in responding to it. This accounts, in part, for his high rank in his profession and high standing among the people as a physician and as a man. But he has wide professional attainments and great skill in the application of his knowledge, which are other factors in the sum of his achievements and the appreciation in which they are held. He keeps himself abreast of the most advanced thought and discoveries in his calling by diligent study and active participation in the work of the organizations formed for its improvement, being a zealous member of the county and state medical societies and a reflec- tive reader of the best literature treating of his line of work.
In the public affairs of the community in which he lives the doctor has also manifested an carnest interest and taken an active part. He
903
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
was elected alderman from the First ward of Onaway in 1908 and mayor of the city in 1909, and has been county physician during the past five years. But this is not all. No undertaking for the good of the city or county, or the substantial welfare of their people, ever goes without his active aid in counsel and effective action, and no moral, mental or social agency at work for the advancement of Onaway or Presque Isle county lacks his ardent and energetic support. He is a Republican in national polities but ignores partisan considerations in connection with local affairs.
On March 21, 1906, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Mielke, a native of La Rocque, this county, and daughter of John and. Alvena (Klaus) Mielke. They were born in Germany and the parents of ten children, of whom seven are living. Mrs. Shirley being the fourth of the ten in the order of birth. The mother has died, but the father is living and still actively engaged in farming. He, also, is a Republi- can in his political faith and connection. Dr. and Mrs. Shirley are reckoned among the leading citizens of Onaway, and richly deserve the universal esteem bestowed upon them by the citizens of their home city and county.
HARVEY S. AMERSON .- The march of improvement and progress is accelerated day by day and each successive moment seems to demand a man of broader intelligence and a keener discernment than the pre- ceding. The successful men must be live men in this day, active, strong to plan and perform and with a recognition of opportunity that enables them to grasp and utilize the possibilities of the moment. Such a class finds a worthy representative in Harvey S. Amerson, who has long been engaged in the general merchandise business at Elk Rapids, in Antrim county, Michigan, and who was recently elected to membership in the state legislature of Michigan for the sessions of 1911 and 1912.
Ilarvey S. Amerson was born in the city of Chicago, Illinois, on the 29th of November, 1875, and he is a sou of Judge William Amerson, late of Chicago. The maiden name of the mother was Matilda Schau- bel and she was summoned to the life eternal in 1906. Judge and Mrs. Amerson were the parents of seven children, and of the number Har- vey S. was the fourth in order of birth. Judge Amerson was a man of prominence and influence in the great western metropolis during a con- siderable portion of his active career. In the public schools of Chicago the young Harvey received his preliminary educational training, which discipline was later supplemented by a commercial course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College of that city. After leaving business college Mr. Amerson entered the wholesale dry-goods house of J. V. Farwell & Company, of Chicago, and subsequently he became a traveling sales- man for that concern. In 1904 he came to Elk Rapids, Michigan, where he immediately turned his attention to the general merchandise busi- ness and where he has succeeded in building up a large and representa- tive trade.
In his political convictions Mr. Amerson is a stanch advocate of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands spon- sor and he has figured very prominently in public affairs since his ad-
904
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
vent in this section of the old Wolverine state. For several years Mr. Amerson gave most efficient service as a member of the village council of Elk Rapids and in 1907 he was elected president of the village, serving in that capacity for a period of two years. He has been treas- urer of the Antrim county Republican Club since the time of its or- ganization and in 1911 he was honored by his fellow citizens with elec- tion to membership in the state legislature, to serve during the sessions of 1911 and 1912. In a fraternal way he has passed through the circle of York Rite Masonry, being a valued and appreciative member of the lodge, chapter and commandery, besides which he is also affiliated with Medinah Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise connected with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Foresters.
At Elk Rapids, in the year 1905, Mr. Amerson was united in mar- riage to Miss Louise L. Dougherty, who was born and reared in this place and who is a daughter of A. K. Dougherty, former member of the state legislature and present postmaster of Elk Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Amerson are the fond parents of two children, Richard and Mary Ilarriet. In their religious faith the Amersons are consistent members of the Methodist church and they are liberal contributors to all mat- ters projected for the good of the community and of the county at large. Mr. and Mrs. Amerson are popular factors in connection with the best social activities of Elk Rapids and their spacious and attractive home is widely renowned as a center of gracions and generous hospitality.
NELSON J. GAYLORD .- For more than thirty-five years Nelson J. Gay- lord has been a resident of Ludington, Michigan, and few have played a more important part in the history of its development than this well- known contractor and former public official. All improvements and pro- gressive movements have ever received his earnest support and he has done a heroic service in bringing about better civic conditions. Mr. Gaylord is a native of Canada, his birth having occurred there February 6, 1837. His father. Calvin Gaylord, was also a native of Canada and of English descent, locating in Watertown, Jefferson county, New York, in 1838. He was a man of versatile abilities, being successful as a farmer, contractor and general business man. Coming to Michigan in 1865, he located in Coldwater and there engaged as a contractor for the Lake Shore & Michigan railroad, being thus engaged at the time of his death which occurred at the age of sixty years. The subject's mother, Jane Jones, daughter of Hugh and Hannah Jones, was a native of Ot- sego county, New York, and of Welsh descent. She survived her hus- band by many years, being eighty-five years old at the time of her de- mise. Of the eight children born to this worthy couple, six grew to manhood and womanhood.
Mr. Gaylord was the eldest of his father's children. He was only about one year old when his parents became citizens of the land of the stars and stripes by their removal across from Canada to Watertown, New York. There his boyhood days were spent and there he attended school until about fourteen years of age. At about that time he went
90
HISTORY OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
to live with a Mr. Wright of Watertown, New York, and he resided with that gentleman until within a short time of the attainment of his ma- jority. His first experience as a factor in the world of affairs was as a clerk in a hardware store, which position he retained for some years, subsequently taking a position as traveling salesman for O. G. Staples. His career as a commercial traveler was of only about one year's duration.
On the 4th day of July, 1861, Mr. Gaylord was united in marriage to Emma A. Tripp, a native of Watertown. Mrs. Gaylord, who was a daughter of Julius Tripp was reared and educated in Watertown. Mr. Gaylord was for a number of years a well-known hotel and restaurant man. In 1865 he removed to Charleston, South Carolina, where for two years he ran a hotel. At the end of that time he returned from the south and again took up his residence in Jefferson county, locating in Adams, where for about a year he conducted a hotel, and then going to Watertown for some two years. His next location was Richfield Springs, Otsego county, New York, where he had charge of the Lake House. Mr. Gaylord's identification with Ludington, Michigan, dates from the year 1875. He was in the butcher shop of George E. Tripp for two years. He at once made many friends in the new location and inspired much confidence in his fellow townsmen. In a very short time he was re- garded as one of whom faithful and efficient public service might be ex- pected and in 1877 he was elected city marshal and supervisor of the First ward, and his tenure of office was signalized by splendid service in these important capacities. In 1879 he engaged in a new field of occu- pation,-the lumber and logging business-and remained in that for two years.
In 1882 Mr. Gaylord became superintendent of the Ludington water works and held the position for a decade, and being faithful in all trusts he was given more and more to do. In 1893 and 1894 he was in the employ of the government as submarine inspector and since con- elnding the duties of that office he has been employed as general con- tractor for the construction of sewers, water works and harbor work for the government, and has ever exhibited a poweful executive ability which has been fruitful of big results. He gives his heart and hand to the policies and principles of the Democratic party and takes an active in- terest in local politics. His maiden presidential vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860 and he has been unswerving in his alle- giance to the party since that date. He is an alderman of the First ward having held that position for the past four years. He is a director of the First National Bank.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.