USA > Michigan > Branch County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan > Part 103
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M. J. Van Aken, the oldest child of his father's second marriage, was reared and educated in Coldwater, the family removing from the farm to the city during his early boyhood. After putting aside his text books he and his brother, B. L. Van Aken. bought out the father's livery business. This was in 1887, and they have since conducted the barn, which is now the oldest estab- lished livery in the county. They rank, too, among the foremost representa- tives of their line of business and have an extensive patronage, owing to their earnest desire to please their customers, the excellent line of vehicles which they have, and their straightforward dealing. M. J. Van Aken was also en- gaged in farming for a few years on the old family homestead when a young man. In association with his brother he is also conducting a florist's business, the brother being active manager of the latter, while M. J. Van Aken has im- mediate charge of the livery business.
In 1883 occurred the marriage of M. J. Van Aken and Miss Gertrude Norton, and they became the parents of three children: Nina L., Edna N., and Hugh H., but the last named is the only one living. The mother also died in the fall of 1893. The eldest daughter died the following fall, and Edna passed away two years later. In 1895 Mr. Van Aken was married to Miss Anna Kerr, and they have one daughter, Susie Louise.
For forty-three years Mr. Van Aken has been a resident of Branch
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county, spending the greater part of the time in the city of Coldwater, where he now has a very wide acquaintance. He has taken an active part in public affairs, becoming a co-operant factor in many measures for the general good. He was alderman of his ward for two terms or four years, and has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for a long period. He is also connected with the Order of Foresters, and is a supporter of the Presbyterian church, although not a member of any religious organization.
GEORGE M. WHITE.
George M. White, the oldest justice of the peace in years of continued service in the city of Coldwater, and also engaged in the insurance business in Coldwater, was born in Batavia township, this county, on the 6th of March, 1843. His father, Solomon White, was a native of Orleans county, New York, and in 1836 came westward to Michigan, purchasing land in Branch county, whereon he engaged in farming. He was but forty years of age, however, at the time of his death. An earnest and consistent Christian man, he was prominent in the membership of the Methodist church, took an active part in its work, and served as class leader. His father had died when he was a small child, and he was reared by his elder brother, George White. They were descendants of the Whites who came to America on the Mayflower in the year 1620, and later generations of the family removed from New England to New York. Solomon White was united in marriage to Lydia Warner, a native of Orleans county, New York, who died in Coldwater at the age of seventy-three years. Four years after the death of her first hus- band she became the wife of J. B. Wells, a resident of Coldwater township. She was the mother of three children, two daughters and a son: Martha J., now deceased; Laura M., the wife of William H. Sibley, of Riverdale, Michi- gan ; and George M.
Reared in his native township George M. White acquired his educa- tion in the common schools, and when seventeen years of age he started out in life on his own account, working on a farm by the month. He was mar- ried December 25, 1860, when in his eighteenth year, to Miss Viana E. Bates, the daughter of P. C. and Mercy (Cole) Bates. They located in Bethel township, where they resided until August 9, 1862, and Mr. White, whose patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, then enlisted as a member of Company H, Nineteenth Michigan In- fantry. He served until June 10, 1865, nearly three years, and was promoted to the rank of corporal and acted as clerk of his company. In the battle of New Hope Church in the Atlanta campaign he was wounded and was then taken to a hospital at Nashville, Tennessee. After becoming convalescent he was transferred to the convalescent camp at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and acted as clerk for Colonel Smith, who was in command of the camp. Later he returned to his company, which at that time was at Atlanta, and went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He also participated in the Carolina campaign, and took part in the grand review in Washington, where
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he was one of the color guard. He was taken prisoner at Thompson Station, Tennessee, March 5. 1863, and confined for a time in Libby prison.
When hostilities had ceased and the country no longer needed his aid Mr. White returned home with a creditable military record, joining his wife in Bethel, Branch county. He afterward followed the carpenter's trade there until 1871, when he removed to Coldwater and accepted a clerkship in the dry goods store of W. S. Allen, with whom he remained for a year. Subse- quently he was with Rodman Brothers for six years and then embarked in merchandising on his own account as proprietor of a grocery store, which he conducted for ten years under the firm name of G. M. White & Company. He then sold out and since that time has given his attention largely to his public duties. In April, 1891, he was elected justice of the peace and has served continuously in that office to the present time, being now the oldest justice in years of consecutive service in the city. He has also been notary public since February, 1890, and he is likewise engaged in the insurance busi- ness. He has also held the office of supervisor from the first ward for two terms, was alderman from the first ward for one term and was school in- spector of Bethel and highway commissioner in the same township for four years.
Mr. and Mrs. White have one daughter, Nellie E., who is now the wife of W. F. Taylor, of Coldwater. He belongs to Butterworth Post No. 109, G. A. R., and was quartermaster for fifteen years, in which position he is still serving. He is likewise a member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men and is now serving for the seventh term' as its financier. He belongs to the National Protective Legion, and for the third term is occupying the posi- tion of president of the local society. Identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, he is connected with various lines of the church activity, and for four years has held the office of financial secretary, and for several years has been a member of the board of stewards. His political allegiance has ever been given to the Republican party. For sixty-two years he has lived in Branch county, and his life has ever been worthy of public regard, his warmest friends being numbered among those who have known him from his youth to the present time. Great changes have occurred during this period, and his mind forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
NOAH P. LOVERIDGE.
Hon. Noah P. Loveridge, deceased, at one time judge of the fifteenth judicial district of Michigan and a prominent member of the bar, was born in New Milford, Litchfield county, Connecticut, June 18, 1826, and was the seventh in the family of fourteen children born to Erastus and Ruth Ann (Cary) Loveridge, who were also natives of Connecticut and representatives of old New England families. The father was the owner of a cotton factory and in his youth Noah had to assist his father in the management of the business. He remained in his native town until twenty years of age and while not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom worked in the mill. Am-
Noah P. Loveridge
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bitious for an education, while employed in the mill he studied English and Latin grammar, keeping his books always near him, and at the same time managing the labors of a number of the operatives in the factory. He suc- ceeded in completing an academic education under the instruction of the famous tutor, Frederick Gunn, whose school was frequently designated as "The Gunnery."
Upon leaving home, at the age of twenty years, Judge Loveridge began teaching school in New Jersey, and during the first year devoted his leisure hours to the study of Latin and geometry. He then took up Blackstone and determining to become a member of the legal profession he entered the National Law School at Ballston Spa, near Saratoga, New York. He studied law and taught alternately until 1851, when going to New York city he com- pleted his law studies in the office and under the direction of Judge Curtis, being admitted to the bar in the city of Brooklyn, in the spring of 1852.
Judge Loveridge then opened an office in Cuba, New York, where he practiced law until his removal to the west in 1866, in which year he took up his residence in Coldwater, where he gave his undivided attention to his law practice until 1882, in which year, at the request of Mr. Teller, secretary of the interior under President Arthur, he went to Washington, D. C., where for two years he was engaged in writing opinions in relation to railroad grants for Mr. Teller. President Arthur then appointed him United States deputy commissioner of pensions. which position he filled until 1885, when he re- turned to Coldwater and resumed the practice of law. In the early autumn of 1886 he visited Europe and in the fall of the same year he was elected judge of the fifteenth judicial district of the circuit court, assuming the duties of the office in January, 1887. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the equity of the case and a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence. His record as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer,-distinguished by integrity and a masterful grasp of every question which was presented for solution.
His early political support was given to the Democracy, but on account of the attitude of the party on the currency questions he left its ranks and from 1878 until his death was a stalwart Republican.
Judge Loveridge was married, in 1854, at Mendham, New Jersey, to Miss Marietta King Vance, a daughter of Elias and Abigail ( Homan) Vance. She was born in New Jersey. December 25. 1829, and by this marriage became the mother of five children: Livingston L., who was born at Cuba, New York. August 20, 1855, and died in 1895; H. C., who resides at Coldwater : Walter, who died in infancy; Ernest H., who also resides in Coldwater; and Frederick H., who resides in Chicago. Mrs. Noah P. Loveridge, still survives her husband and resides in Coldwater.
Judge Loveridge died June 26, 1900. His talents, his professional ability, his devotion to the general welfare, and above all his personal worth had given him a position in public regard second to none. He was a distinguished lawyer, whose fame was known far beyond the limits of his home locality, and his name is now on the roll of honored dead of Branch county.
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H. C. LOVERIDGE.
Henry C. Loveridge, oldest surviving son of the late Judge Noah P. Loveridge, was born August 13, 1856, and is now numbered among the lead- ing lawyers of southern Michigan. He is a graduate of the Coldwater high school. He was graduated in 1880 from Trinity College at Hartford, Con- necticut, and studied law in the office of Loveridge and Barlow at Cold- water, being admitted to practice in 1883. He has since practiced in Cold- water, being for a time associated with H. H. Barlow, and with his father from the latter's retirement from the bench until his death. Mr. Loveridge has devoted himself to his professional interests with high success. He has been connected with the city school board as president of the board, and also has served as city attorney. He is a member of the Episcopal church and has been a member of the vestry for a number of years.
Mr. Loveridge married, in Coldwater, in September, 1893, Miss Jessie Moore, daughter of Colonel O. H. Moore. They have two children, Sallie M. and Homan Livingston.
SAMUEL POLLOCK.
Among the men of the past and present who have contributed to the substantial improvement of Coldwater, Samuel Pollock, now deceased, was numbered. He was born in Ireland and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in that land. About 1848, however, he bade adieu to home, friends and the green Isle of Erin and sailed for the new world, making his way first to Canada. He afterward went to Nebraska in the employ of the United States government, and while in the west was engaged in the construction of Fort Leavenworth and Fort Kearney. He also spent some time in Missouri, working at the carpenter's trade, with which he had become familiar in early life. His residence in Coldwater dated from 1861, and here he again se- cured carpenter work, being identified with building operations in this city until his removal to Cleveland, Ohio, in the '6os. There he resided until 1881, when he returned to Coldwater, and here he embarked in the lumber business, which he purchased from Henry T. Smith. He then conducted his lumber yard until his death, and in 1895 he admitted his son, Charles A. Pol- lock, to a partnership under the firm style of Pollock & Son. The business is still carried on under this name although the life labors of the father were ended in death March 29, 1900.
Samuel Pollock was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Peet, a native of England, in which country she was reared. She still survives her hus- band and they became the parents of two daughters and three sons, two of whom died in infancy, the daughters being Minnie, the wife of W. M. Brown, of Coldwater, and Jessie, at home.
Charles A. Pollock was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 18, 1872, and was nine years of age when his father returned to Coldwater, where he ac- quired the greater part of his education in the public schools. He was mar- ried in 1895 to Miss Ellen L. Spaiding, a daughter of Charles A. Spalding, of
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Coldwater, and they now have two children, Rosamond and Winnifred. Charles A. Pollock has spent the greater part of his life in this city, and is not only well known in commercial circles, but is also a valued representative of the Order of Foresters and the Masonic fraternity, having attained the Knight Templar degree in the latter. He is likewise a member of the Epis- copal church and is now serving as vestryman. His interest in the welfare of Coldwater is deep and sincere and has led to his active support of many measures for the public good. In his business he has attained a creditable position and is now in control of the leading lumber trade of the city.
Samuel Pollock was a Republican in his political views, interested in the welfare of the party and anxious for the adoption of its principles. He kept well informed on all the questions and issues of the day and was especially helpful in matters of local progress, endorsing all progressive movements which owed their existence to a desire for permanent good and upbuilding of the county. Although an adopted son no native born citizen of America was more loyal to its institutions or to the republican form of government. He never had occasion to regret the determination to make a home in the new world, for he found here the business opportunities he sought. and by the utilization of the advantages which surrounded him he advanced from an humble financial position to one of affluence, commanding at the same time the unqualified regard of his fellow men because of his fidelity to a high standard of commercial ethics.
JOHN R. CHAMPION.
John R. Champion, three times mayor of Coldwater and a leading and prominent member of the Branch county bar, was born near Ithaca, New York, January 12, 1836, his parents being Reuben J. and Eliza (Cross) Cham- pion, both of whom were natives of New York, whence they came to Branch county, Michigan, in 1836, settling in Coldwater, where the father engaged in merchandising for a few years. He afterward became identified with industrial pursuits, but conducted a milling business, being the builder and for many years the operator of what was known as the Black Hawk mill. Eventually he sold the plant and removed to Indiana, but after a brief resi- dence in that state he returned to Coldwater, here spending his remaining days, his death occurring during the period of the Civil war, when he was about seventy years of age. His wife had preceded him to the home beyond by several years. He was a Democrat in his political allegiance, but after- ward became a staunch advocate of Republican principles. By his first wife he had seven children, and by his second marriage to Delia Conger he had one daughter.
John R. Champion, a son of the first marriage, was reared in Coldwater and attended its public schools, thus acquiring his more specifically literary education. His law studies were pursued in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he remained a student until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he became an aid on the staff of the inspector general. Fol- lowing the close of hostilities he engaged in merchandising for a short time in
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Nashville, Tennessee, but soon returned to his old home in Coldwater. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south he had been admitted to the bar and finally entered upon the practice of law. in this city, to which profession he has since devoted his time and energies. An excellent presence and earnest effort, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles made him an ef- fective and successful advocate and insured him equal rank with other dis- tinguished members of the Branch county bar.
Active and prominent in community affairs Mr. Champion has served three times as mayor of Coldwater, elected to the office in 1874, 1875 and 1880. Herein he exercised his official prerogatives in support of all measures tending to promote the substantial improvement and welfare of the city and his efforts were resultant factors in public progress. He has served on his city board of education and on the library board and was also prosecuting at- torney. He acted as a member of the central board of control for two and a half years, and has been active in political circles as an advocate of the Democracy through the greater period of his residence in Coldwater.
Mr. Champion has been married twice and has two children, Charles U. and A. Sydney, the latter with the Westinghouse Company, of New York.
Mr. Champion is one of the well-known residents of Coldwater, and his position in legal, political and social circles is an enviable one, accorded him in recognition of his capability at the bar, his fitness for leadership in molding public thought and action and his sterling personal characteristics.
CHARLES U. CHAMPION.
Charles U. Champion, practicing law in Coldwater, was born in this city October 13, 1864, a son of John R. Champion, whose life record is given above. At the usual age he entered the public schools, passing through the consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1885. Determining to engage in the practice of the profession which claims his father's time and energies, he matriculated in the law department of the University of Michigan, and was graduated in 1888. Since that time he has practiced in his native city with his father under the firm style of Cham- pion & Champion, and they have gained a large and distinctively represent- ative clientage. He served from 1896 until 1900 as prosecuting attorney, and in the trial of cases earnest effort, close application and the exercise of his native talents have won him creditable prestige. He is a Democrat in his political views, unfaltering in his advocacy of the party, and untiring in his efforts to promote its growth and insure its success.
In 1892 Mr. Champion was married to Miss Maud Wheeler, and they have three sons, John W., Paul U. and Charles S. Mr. Champion is a Master Mason and a member of the Episcopal church, and for fourteen years he has served on the library board of Coldwater. His entire life having been passed in this city he is well known, and his character is indicated by the fact that his stanchest friends are those with whom he has been acquainted from his boyhood days.
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ARTHUR G. HOLBROOK.
Arthur G. Holbrook, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Coldwater, is a native of Tennessee, his birth having occurred in Nash- ville, October 6, 1866. He is a son of George and Estelle G. (Gilbert) Hol- brook, the former a native of Coldwater and the latter of Monroe county, Michigan. His paternal grandfather, Silas A. Holbrook, was a pioneer mer- chant of Coldwater, to which place he came about 1832 from New York, his native state. George Holbrook was a soldier of the Civil war, serving as lieutenant with Battery F of the First Michigan Light Artillery. He joined the army in 1861, and continued with that command for three years. He afterward located in Nashville, Tennessee, where he remained until about 1871, being employed in a bank in this city. In the year mentioned he came north to Chicago, where he died on the 27th of May, 1876. He was also connected with the banking business in the latter city. His wife, long sur- viving him, passed away in Coldwater, September 27, 1902, having returned soon after her husband's death.
Dr. Holbrook as a lad of about ten years came to Coldwater, and he has since remained here. He continued his education in the public schools, passing through successive grades until he had completed the high school course by graduation with the class of 1887. He afterward secured a posi- tion in the drug department of the store owned by E. R. Clark & Company, with whom he remained for several years, and then entered the University of Michigan, spending three years as a student in the medical department. He continued his studies in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and was graduated in 1899, since which time he has practiced in Coldwater. He belongs to the Branch County Medical Society, the Tri-State Medical So- ciety, and the Michigan State Medical Association, and of the last named he is now treasurer.
Dr. Holbrook was married in 1892 to Miss Luella M. Treat, who died in 1893. leaving one son-George Treat. In 1899 he married Mabel F. White of Hartford, Connecticut, and they have two children-Phyllis and Shirley E. Dr. Holbrook exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but is without political aspira- tion for himself. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, and is in- terested in its work and the extension of its influence. The greater part of his time and attention, however, are demanded by his professional duties, which are constantly growing in volume and importance until he now ranks with the foremost representatives of the medical fraternity in Branch county.
EDWARD D. STANTON.
The history of those who have been and are prominently connected with farming interests in Sherwood township would be incomplete without men- tion of Edward D. Stanton, deceased, who made a creditable record as a most successful business man, there being many characteristics of his business career that are worthy of emulation, and which awaken as well respect and
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admiration. He was a native of Sennett, Cayuga county, New York, born on the Ioth of August, 1833. His father, John Stanton, was a native of Onondaga county, New York, born December 10, 1799. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Susan Waldron, who was born in Rockland county, New York, in 1798. Following their marriage they established their home in Sennett, Cayuga county, whence they removed to Michigan in June, 1839, their destination being Branch county. Here the father secured a tract of land and began the development of a farm, whereon he made his home until his life's labors were ended in death, November 20, 1851. His widow afterward went to live with her daughter in Scipio township, Hillsdale county, Michigan, where she passed away January 6, 1868.
Edward Stanton was the seventh in order of birth in a family of ten children, four sons and six daughters. He was but three years of age when brought to Branch county by his parents, and upon the family homestead he was reared, while in the district schools he acquired his education. His father instructed him concerning the value of industry, perseverance and integrity in the active affairs of life, and the lessons which were thus impressed upon his mind in youth bore rich fruit in later years. His educational privileges were limited, for that was the era of the log school house with its primitive furnishings and methods of instruction that were almost equally crude, but Mr. Stanton gained good business experience and a natural fund of common sense made him a citizen of worth, while reading and observation kept him in touch with modern thought. In fact he became one of the well- informed men of his locality, and in his business career met with a gratifying measure of prosperity. Throughout his active business career Mr. Stanton followed general agricultural pursuits, and controlling the work of the fields year after year he prospered, making investment in property until he was the owner of six hundred and ninety acres of valuable land in Branch county, of which four hundred acres have been placed under a high state of cultivation. He was recognized as one of the prominent agriculturists of his community, following modern methods and using the latest improved ma- chinery in the care of his fields. He also raised high grades of stock, and everything about his place was kept in excellent condition. He became a stockholder in the Farmers' National Bank, and about two years after its organization was chosen one of its directors, in which capacity he was re- tained until his death.
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