USA > Michigan > Branch County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan > Part 102
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When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Simmons gladly re- sunted the practice of civil life, locating in Salem, Washtenaw county, Mich- igan, where he engaged in farming for twelve years. He came to Branch county in 1877, settling in Union City, where he has since made his home. He learned the carpenter's trade when a boy, and in early life followed that pursuit, but is now living a retired life.
On the 24th of December, 1854, Mr. Simmons was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Childs, who died in 1879, and on the 19th of May., 1880, he married Miss Lucy L. Ward, a daughter of Harry and Elizabeth ( Kline) Ward. Mrs. Simmons was born in Portage county, Ohio, and was brought to Michigan in 1859, during her early girlhood days, the family home being established in Branch county. They now have one son, Harry M., of Chi- cago. He graduated in the Union City public school, and was then a student at the State University at Ann Arbor. He is now salesman in the W. C. Ritchie Company, of Chicago, Illinois, at a lucrative salary. He wedded Miss Lavina Baert, September 27, 1905, a refined, educated lady. Mr. Harry Simmons is an honor to his parents. When Mr. Ward was called away by death one of the local papers said of him: "Harry Ward, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, died at his home just north of this city on Friday of last week, May 3, 1901. He was born in Poland, Ohio, November 25, 1823, and in 1852 was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kline. In 1859 they came to Michigan, first settling in Batavia, in this county. After living
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there about a year they came to Union City, since which time this has been his home. His wife died February 6. 1899, since which time he has lived with his son Albert and daughter Lillie. Mr. Ward was a cabinet-maker by trade and followed that avocation in his younger years. At one time, how- ever, he engaged in the grocery and bakery business here. He was the father of five children, three of whom survive, Mrs. R. M. Simmons, Albert and Lillie, all of whom live here. The elder daughter was in Florida when her mother died, and in Chicago undergoing surgical treatment when her father passed out from the realm of human life, and to her was denied the last sad privilege of closing her parents' eyes in their eternal slumber. Mr. Ward was an Episcopalian and very devoted to his church. The funeral was con- ducted under the direction of Rev. Holbrook, pastor of the Congregational church, who employed the beautiful burial service of the Episcopal church. The remains were laid to rest in the family lot in Riverside.'
On the occasion of the death of Mrs. Ward the following was written : " Elizabeth Kline was born in Darmstadt, Germany, and came to this country when quite young with her parents. She was married to Harry Ward in 1852. They came to Michigan in 1859, living for one year in Batavia, and then moved to Union City, which has since been their home. She died Feb- ruary 6, 1899. She was the mother of five children, three of whom survive. Libbie, a bright little daughter, died in early youth. Henry, the eldest son, died fourteen years ago, leaving two children, Carrie and Harris, who have since been cared for in the home of their grandparents. The surviving chil- dren are: Mrs. R. M. Simmons, who, with her family, are spending the winter in Florida, and was unable to be with the family in their affliction. Albert and Lillie still reside in Union City. Mrs. Ward early learned the serious and earnest side of life, having been left when a young girl to care for a family by the death of her mother. No one acquainted with Mrs. Ward in later years could believe that she was anything but faithful to those left in her care. An earnest and strictly conscientious woman, she was ever ready to sacrifice her own pleasure and convenience for the welfare of others. It seemed her greatest pleasure to be doing good. No one ever lived near her long enough to be called neighbor who will not through life bear a feeling of gratitude to her for gentle and unselfish acts of kindness. Her mission was to give more than to receive. No one called in vain upon her when health permitted her to respond. With the sick and dying she was very often found, and many old friends outside the now broken family circle will mourn for her as a departed friend and benefactor. She often forgot self in her anxiety for the welfare of others.
" Two years age she suffered a distressing illness from which she never quite recovered, and this made her a more easy prey to the dread pneumonia which closed a noble and unselfish life."
Since the organization of the Republican party Mr. Simmons has voted for the presidential candidates, never failing to support each nominee at the head of the ticket since Fremont was made the first candidate of the party. He has been school director, also township clerk, and in all matters of citizen- ship is progressive and faithful. He belongs to Corbin Post, No. 88, G.
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A. R., in which he has filled most of the offices and is a past commander. He was chaplain at the time of the organization of the post. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Degree of Honor, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been steward, trustee and class leader. His wife is a member of the Episcopal church. In all the work of the church he has taken an active part, and his Christian faith has permeated his entire life, making him a man well worthy the trust and honor which is accorded him.
WILLIAM VAN SLYCK.
William Van Slyck, who is now living a retired life after many years of active connection with business affairs wherein he justly won the proud Amer- ican title of a " self-made man " and also gained an honorable competence, is a native of the state of New York, his birth having occurred in Columbia county, March 8, 1832. His father, Isaac Van Slyck, was born near Albany, New York, whence he removed to Columbia county, where he followed the occupation of farming. He was a son of Cornelius Van Slyck, a native of Columbia county, New York, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and a de- scendant of Holland Dutch ancestry. Isaac Van Slyck spent his last years in Wayne county, New York, where he died in his eightieth year. He mar- ried Elizabeth Van Dusen, whose birth occurred in Columbia county, New York, in the township of Kinderhook, her father being Cornelius Van Dusen, likewise born in the same county, and a cousin of Martin Van Buren. Mr. Van Dusen was also of Holland lineage, and Mrs. Van Slyck lived to the age of seventy-five years. In their family were seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom reached mature years, married and reared families of their own. The only surviving ones at this writing are William and Margaret, the latter the widow of Wesley Wilber. She lives in Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, in her eighty-fourth year.
William Van Slyck, the youngest of his father's family, spent his boy- hood days in the usual manner of farm lads, working in the fields through the summer months and attending school in the winter seasons. The duties of the school roon, the pleasures of the play ground and the work of the farm thus occupied his attention in his native county until he was about sixteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Wayne county, New York, and in 1855 he came to Coldwater, Michigan, where he engaged in the truck business, following that continuously until 1892, when he retired from active life. He realized that labor is the basis of all success and he worked dili- gently and indefatigably to acquire a comfortable competence, which now en- ables him in his declining years to rest from further labor.
Mr. Van Slyck was married October 23, 1883, to Miss Clara B. Ball, who was born in Devonshire, England, April 16, 1852, her parents being William K. and Martha J. (McGinnis) Ball, both of whom were natives of England, the father having been born in. Devonshire and the mother in South- ampton. Mrs. Van Slyck was reared in the place of her nativity and resided there until 1871, when she came to Coldwater with her parents. Her father
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was a carpenter and builder and was identified with building operations in this city until his death, which occurred in 1872 when he was fifty-three years of age. Mrs. Van Slyck was the eldest daughter and second child in a fam- ily of five children.
William Van Slyck continued in active connection with business inter- ests of Coldwater from 1855 to 1892 and during that period accumulated con- siderable property, the supervision of which now claims his attention. He is somewhat independent in his political views, but usually supports the Demo- cratic party where national issues are involved, but in 1904 voted for Roose- velt. His wife belongs to the Baptist church and he has taken an active and helpful interest in church work, contributing liberally to its support. He has also assisted in other lines of substantial development and permanent good here and his worth as a citizen and business man has long since been proven. Without ostentation and display in his active career he has nevertheless made a life record which is worthy of commendation and of emulation, for it shows what can be accomplished when one is willing to work and when his labors are guided by sound judgment and honorable purpose.
CHARLES W. CHAPMAN.
Charles W. Chapman, connected with the productive industries of Cold- water as a manufacturer of cigars, was born in this city September 27. 1851. His father, William Chapman, was a native of New York and became one of the pioneer residents of Branch county. Michigan, where he was known as Blind Billy. For many years he engaged in the grocery business, winning the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated, and his death occurred here on the 13th of May. 1863. He married Anetta A. Bagley, who was born in Cambridge, New York, in 1820 and became a resident of Coldwater in 1837. She passed away September 9. 1887. at the age of sixty-seven years, while Mr. Chapman was fifty-one years of age at the time of his death.
Charles W. Chapman is now the only surviving member of the fam- ily, his only brother, George. dying when but a year old. His youth was passed in his native city and to its public school system he is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He spent about seven years in Indi- ana and on the 12th of May, 1900, he began the manufacture of cigars in Coldwater, his special brands being the C. W. C. and Lord Crosby. He employs about sixteen men and the capacity of his plant is continually taxed in order to meet the demands of the trade. The business has from the be- ginning been a prosperous one, Mr. Chapman meeting with well merited success in his undertakings.
In September, 1900, occurred the marriage of Charles WV. Chapman and Miss Carrie D. Early, a daughter of Michael Early of Coldwater, both of whom were natives of Germany. Mr. Chapman belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Mac- cabees and his wife is connected with the Ladies' Auxiliary of the last named. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he has firm faith
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in its principles. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. As a busness man he is con- spicuous for his success, for his probity and honorable methods. In every- thing he has been eminently practical and this has been manifest not only in his business undertakings but also in social and private life.
ALBERT A. SHERMAN.
Albert A. Sherman, a contractor and builder of Coldwater and a member of the board of public works, was born in Wayne county, New York, July 2. 1841. His father, Gilbert Sherman, was likewise a native of that county and was of Irish lineage. In his early business career he was connected with woolen manufacturing interest and later, having moved to Indiana, he turned his at- tention to farming, which he followed until about sixty years of age. He lived in Missouri for about three years and in Indiana for about eighteen years, and in 1871 he came to Coldwater, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring when he was in his ninetieth year. In religious be- lief he was a spiritualist, and fraternally was one of the oldest Odd Fellows of the county, becoming a member of that organization when a young man. He wedded Hannah Rowley, who was also a native of Wayne county, New York, and died when about sixty-three years of age. She came of Welsh and Scotch ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman were the parents of three sons, all of whom are yet living: Esquire, who resides in Allen township, Noble county, Indiana ; Albert A .; and Daniel R., a druggist and physician of Lan- sing, Michigan.
Albert A. Sherman, the second son, spent the first eight years of his life in the county of his nativity, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Noble county. Indiana, where he lived for about eighteen years. To some extent he attended the public schools, but his education has been largely acquired through practical experience, reading and observation. When seventeen years of age he was apprenticed by his father to learn the carpen- ter's trade, and during the greater part of the time down to the present he has continued his connection with building pursuits. He came to Coldwater about 1871 and was first engaged in the grocery business for about a year and a half. He afterward spent eight years in a planing mill, after which he resumed active work as a carpenter, and was also in the lumber business for about four years. In the meantime he began contracting, and continued in that department of labor in connection with other business interests. He has perhaps built more houses than any two men in the city, and Coldwater therefore is largely a monument to his enterprise and skill. He has always been faithful to the terms of a contract, prompt and reliable in the execution of his work and just in all of his dealings, and the liberal patronage accorded him has been in recognition of these salient and commendable qualities in his career.
Mr. Sherman was married in 1862 to Miss Julia Helman, and after her death he was married on the 2nd of July, 1878, to Mary Holland, a daugh- ter of Anthony Holland. Mr. Sherman is a Democrat and for four terms
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held the office of alderman of Coldwater. In 1896 he was elected mayor. dis- charging his duties so capably that in 1897 he was re-elected. and at the second election carried all of the wards in his city-a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence which was reposed in him. He gave to Coldwater a business-like, practical and progressive administration, which won him high encomiums, never allowing partisan bias to interfere with the faithful performance of every duty which devolved upon him. Whether in office or out of it he is loyal to the general welfare and his public- spirited devotion to the general good has found tangible proof on many occa- sions. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity and the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. and has filled many offices in those organiza- tions. He likewise belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been as an open book which all may read and his history discloses many sterling traits of character, com- mending him to the confidence and trust of those with whom he has been asso- ciated. His circle of friends is extensive and is the result of geniality, unfail- ing courtesy and deference for the opinions of others.
JOHN N. NEAL.
John N. Neal, engaged in the dairy business in Coldwater, was born in Lodi, Seneca county. New York. August 30. 1851. His father, George Neal. was a native of the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. . He mar- ried Floretta Van Vleet, also a native of the Empire state. and both died there. They were the parents of three sons: Isaac H., now deceased ; John N. : and Sarin A., who is living in Lodi.
John N. Neal spent the days of his boyhood in the place of his nativity, and acquired his education in the district schools. When about eighteen years of age he secured a situation in a general store at Lodi, where he remained until twenty-seven years of age, his long connection with one firm being an unmistakable indication of his fidelity to duty. On the expiration of that period he embarked in business on his own account at Lodi as a partner in the firm of Neal & Meeker, proprietors of a general store. They conducted this for about two and a half years, when they closed out the business, after which Mr. Neal engaged in the sale of self-supporting roofs for barns, intro- ducing these into various parts of the country. He was thus engaged for five years, traveling through different states in the middle west and the east. He afterward engaged in the sale of wire fencing. On the 23rd of October, 1884. he arrived in Coldwater, where he introduced his self-supporting rafter. Not long afterward he purchased a farm adjoining this city and erected there- on fine farm buildings, turning his attention to the dairy business. He now keeps from fifty to sixty cows for dairy purposes and forty head of cattle in addition. He makes his home at No. 191 Pearl street, where he has one of the fine residences of the city, but gives his attention to his dairy and has an extensive and profitable business.
In 1876 Mr. Neal was united in marriage to Miss Helen Howell, a daughter of Elijah and Harriett (Ault) Howell. and a native of Havana, New
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York. Her girlhood days, however, were passed in Lodi, where her educa- tion was acquired. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have one son, Max E., who is a gradu- ate of the law department of the State University at Ann Arbor, and having been admitted to the bar is now engaged in the practice of his chosen profes- sion at Manistee, Michigan, as a partner in the law firm of Grant & Neal. They also lost one son, Mark H., who died at the age of fifteen years.
Mr. Neal is a staunch Republican. He became a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity at Lodi, New York, and the chapter at Ovid, and has been a Royal Arch Mason for about twenty-seven years. His religious views are in accord with the teachings of the Episcopal church. Throughout his business career he has displayed sterling and commendable traits of charac- ter. A number of business enterprises have felt the stimulus of his energy and executive ability, and in Coldwater he is now conducting a prosperous business, which yet leaves him time to faithfully perform all the duties of citizenship. Local improvement, as well as national progress, is a cause dear to his heart, and thus he has become a co-operant factor in measures which have proved of practical and far-reaching benefit to his adopted city.
HERMAN H. FLANDERMEYER.
In the history of Coldwater, its development and progress, it is impera- tive that mention should be made of Herman H. Flandermeyer, the pioneer shoe dealer of the city, whose activity in business has contributed in no small degree to the commercial development here. He was born in the little town of Bennien, in the province of Hanover, Germany, May 2, 1836, and was reared in the fatherland, acquiring his education in its public schools. De- termining to seek his home and fortune in the new world he then bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for Baltimore, Maryland, where he arrived after a voyage of nine weeks. From that city he made his way to Toledo, Ohio, where he remained for about six months, and on the 7th of April, 1855, he arrived in Coldwater, being at that time nineteen years of age. The entire period of his manhood has been here passed, and as the years have advanced he has shown that he is well worthy the regard and confidence which have uniformly been extended to him in an active business career. On the 6th of December, 1856, he became connected with the shoe business in connection with his brother, Fred W., who had been a resident of Coldwater for one year, and who died here on the 4th of March, 1900. They continued together until 1872, when they dissolved partnership and each started in business separately. There is no business man of Coldwater now connected with industrial or commercial pursuits who was a representa- tive of his line at the time that Mr. Flandermeyer took up his abode here. He started in a small way, having about two hundred dollars which he had saved from his wages while working at the shoemaker's trade. As the years have passed he has prospered and has long enjoyed a very liberal patronage. He carries a large and well selected line of goods and his sales annually repre- sent a gratifying figure. He is also one of the stockholders of the Tappan Shoe Factory.
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In 1860 Mr. Flandermeyer was married, and at the death of his first wife she left an infant daughter eleven days old, who is now the wife ot Emil Stroh. of Detroit, Michigan. After five years Mr. Flandermeyer was again married, his second union being with Henrietta Best, who died twelve years later. His third wife bore the maiden name of Augusta Beukemann. and was a native of Cleveland, Ohio. They became the parents of five chil- dren, but one is now deceased. The others are: Francis H., a resident of Coldwater; Louis F., of Milwaukee: Perry W., who is now engaged in the boot and shoe business at Niles, Michigan; and Herman E., also of Mil- waukee.
Mr. Flandermeyer was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church. In 1859 a meeting was held by the Lutherans of this place in the court house. there being nine in attendance. The little body of Christian people erected a church on a lot on Jefferson street, and Mr. Flandermeyer became one of its trustees. Since that time he has striven earnestly to advance the cause of his denomination, and his life has been in entire harmony with his profession. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also to the Ger- man Benevolent Society. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and in 1875 and 1876 he represented the Fourth ward in the city council. He has ever been interested in whatever tends to promote the material, social, political, in- tellectual and moral progress of his community and his labors have been ef- fective in advancing the general welfare. His life is in many respects well worthy of emulation, showing what can be accomplished through strong and determined purpose. He has never made engagements that he has not kept. nor incurred obligations that he has not met. and his business record is such as any man might be proud to possess. Steadily he has worked his way up- ward from an humble position to one of affluence and is now numbered among the prosperous merchants of Coldwater, while as the oldest representative of trade relations here he is certainly deserving of mention in this volume.
M. J. VAN AKEN.
M. J. Van Aken, a member of the firm of Van Aken Brothers, liverymen and florists of Coldwater, was born in Girard township, Branch county, Mich- igan. April 28, 1862. He is a son of James Hassan Van Aken, a retired early settler of this city, whose birth occurred about twenty miles south of Syra- cuse. New York, on the 3rd of October. 1820. He was the eldest son of Cornelius and Harriett (Phelps) Van Aken, and with his parents came to Michigan in 1833, the family home being established at Adrian. There they remained for three years, and in 1836 James H. Van Aken became a resi- dent of Coldwater. He was at that time a youth of sixteen years, and he remained with his father upon the home farm, assisting in the arduous task of cleaning and cultivating the land until his twenty-first year. He then went to Canada, where he worked for an uncle for three years, after which he returned to Branch county and purchased sixty acres of land from his father. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place, but he at once began to cultivate the fields and added buildings and
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accessories, which made this an excellent farm. He also purchased forty acres of government land in Girard township and an adjoining tract of forty acres. Later he added fifty-six acres and then after clearing seven acres of this he sold his land in Girard township and came to Coldwater. Here he engaged in the livery business, building the barn which is now occupied by his sons in 1865. For twenty years he conducted the business and then sold out to his sons. In the meantime he had purchased another farm in Cold- water township of one hundred and sixty acres, and this property he still owns and rents.
James H. Van Aken was married the first time when about twenty-four years of age to Miss Maria Clement, and they had three sons: Ira, who is living in Oceana county, Michigan; George, also of the same county ; and Myers, deceased. For his second wife Mr. Van Aken chose Susan Barney, whom he married in Canada, and they have two sons and a daughter: Mark J., Berney L. and Susan, the last named being the wife of Robert McFarson. For his third wife Mr. Van Aken chose Eliza Cronk, a sister of his second wife, and they have a daughter and son: Alma, at home; and J. Hiram, who is living in Coldwater. The mother died March 9, 1904. Mr. Van Aken is one of the pioneer settlers of Branch county and has been identified with its growth and development through almost seventy years, witnessing its trans- formation from a wild and unimproved region into a center of civilization. He has been a Republican since casting his vote for John C. Fremont, and for about thirty-five years has been a member of the Presbyterian church in Coldwater. His success has come to him through well directed and persist- ent effort and an honored name has been gained because of his fidelity to manly principles, his consideration for others and his justice and truth in all life's relations.
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