A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 106

Author: Collin, Henry P
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: New York : Lewis Publishing
Number of Pages: 1198

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The home of Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins has been blessed with four chil- dren, namely : Mrs. Bessie A. Buys, who finished the eighth grade in school ; Mrs. Clara B. Corey, who has finished school and received her diploma in the class of 1899: Lida FF .. who received her diploma in 1904, and has taken in- strumental music and is a member of "The Tompkins Orchestra," her instru-

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

ment being the piano; and Arlene, who is in the third grade, the last two named being at home.

Mr. Tompkins exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has frequently been called to public of- fice, serving for two terms as township treasurer, also as school director and in other local positions of trust and responsibility, the duties of which he has clischarged in a capable manner. The work of development and improvement which was instituted by his father has been carried forward by him. Four generations of the Tompkins family have lived in this county and they have ever been people of the greatest worth and respectability, loyal in citizenship and honorable in private life.

FLOYD E. SOUTHWORTH.

Floyd E. Southworth, owning and operating a well improved farm on section two, Coldwater township, was born upon this place on the 25th of Au- gust. 1859. His paternal grandparents were Norman and Honor (Gardner) Southworth, who were natives of Massachusetts. whence they removed to Ontario county. New York, about 1822. In the '50s they came to Michigan and spent their remaining days in this state. Their son, James B. South- worth, was born in Hancock, Massachusetts, in 1816 and was a lad of six summers when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ontario coun- ty. New York. There he resided until 1849. when he sought a home in Mich- igan. He had been married in the Empire state to Miss Alta Whitney, who was born in Genesee county. New York. in 1824. Her parents, who died in New York, had come from Connecticut ancestry and had removed from that state to New York. On reaching Michigan James B. Southworth took up his abode on section two. Coldwater township, where he cleared and improved a farm of eighty acres, living an active and useful life. In his political affilia- tion he was a Whig until the dissolution of that party, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. He held various township offices, including that of drain commissioner, highway commissioner and justice of the peace and he was a prominent and influential citizen of Branch county in the middle portion of the nineteenth century. Both he and his wife held membership in the Episcopal church and were held in the highest regard by all who knew them. Mr. Southworth passed away on the 16th of June. 1892. having long survived his wife, who died on the 18th of September. 1870. In their family were four children : Sarah, who died in Coldwater in childhood : Floyd. of this review ; Mrs. Alice Root, who is living in Coldwater, and Mark, who resides in Quincy.

Floyd E. Southworth spent the days of his childhood and youth on the old family homestead, where he was trained to the practical work of the farm. and as the years passed by he more and more largely assumed the management of the place and has ultimately become the owner of the property. In his po- litical views he has always been a stalwart Republican. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church. The Southworths are among the highly esteemed people of Branch county, where the family home

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, HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

has been maintained for over half a century and Mr. Southworth of this re- view fully sustains the excellent reputation which has always been borne by those of his name. He keeps the homestead farm in an excellent state of culti- vation, and it is well improved with good buildings and all modern accessories, while in its neat and thrifty appearance it indicates his careful supervision and able efforts.

CAPTAIN ED E. LEWIS.

Captain Ed E. Lewis, a prominent farmer residing on section twelve. Ba- tavia township, was born in Orleans county, New York, May 6, 1838. His father, William Lewis, was a native of the Empire state, spent his youth there and in 1839 came to Michigan, locating near Homer, in Calhoun county. He was a son of William Lewis, also a native of Massachusetts and of Welch de- scent, the family, however, having been established in America at an early period in its colonization. After removing to Illinois William Lewis, Jr., became the owner of a carding mill and sawmill, and in addition to industrial pursuits also carried on farming. About 1848 he removed from Calhoun county to Coldwater, Branch county, where he engaged in the livery business for about fifteen years, or until 1859, when he took up his abode on a farm in Kinderhook township, purchasing a tract of land which was partially im- proved. There he resided until 1864, when he located on a farm in Coldwater township, which he sold in 1866, removing at that time to Elkhart, Indiana, where he died in his sixty-fifth year. His early political support was given to the Democracy, but at the outbreak of the Civil war he became a supporter of the Republican party, which was the defender of the Union during the dark days of severe strife. He held the office of justice of the peace but was not active in his search for political preferment. He married Miss Mary Scoville, a native of New York, who passed away at the age of forty-two years. In their family were four daughters and three sons and five of the number reached adult age, while three are yet living, Francis and Helen both being residents of this county.

Ed E. Lewis of this review was the third child and second son and was only a year old when taken by his parents from New York to Calhoun county, Michigan. He remained at home as his father's assistant during the period of his minority and was educated in the public schools of Coldwater and the dis- trict schools of Kinderhook township. In April, 1861, when twenty-two years of age, he offered his services to the government, enlisting for three months as a member of Company C, First Michigan Infantry. He had watched with in- terest the progress of events in the South, had noted its threatening attitude and resolved that if a blow was struck at the Union he would stand firmly in its defense. Accordingly he at once offered his aid to the government. He was the smallest man in his company, but his size was no criterion of his loy- alty and bravery. After serving for the first term of enlistment-three months-he re-enlisted in Battery G of the First Michigan Light Artillery as a sergeant, afterward became second lieutenant and later was made first lieu- tenant and captain of his company, with which he served until after the close of hostilities in August, 1865, being mustered out at Jackson, Michigan, with

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

the rank of captain. His promotion came to him in recognition of his faithful and meritorious service on the field of battle. for he was always a brave sol- dier, inspiring the men under him with his own valor and courage. He par- ticipated in a number of sanguinary engagements, including the battles of Tazwell. Caney Bottom. Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post. the siege of Vicks- burg, the battles of Grand Gulf. Point Gibson, Champion Hill and Black River Bridge. Following the siege of Vicksburg he went to Jackson. Mississippi. and later returned to Vicksburg, after which he went over to Carlton. Louisi- ana, and on to Brazos and San Antonio, Texas, remaining in the Lone Star state until May, 1864. He afterward returned to Louisiana and in April, . 1865, the Battery embarked for Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay, and he partici- pated in the siege of Mobile until the 19th of July, being present at the great explosion. The war having ended he returned to Michigan, where he was honorably discharged. He was not absent from service save for thirty days during his four years' connection with the army and was never in the hospital. During the three months of his term of enlistment he participated in the battle of Bull Run and the first rebel prisoners were taken by his regiment. Gladly he returned to his home when peace was declared, for he had experienced all the hardships and dangers that are meted out to a soldier. Captain Lewis was present at Alexandria, Virginia, when Ellsworth, the brave officer, was shot. A few moments afterwards he was in the hotel where the tragedy occurred.

In 1866 Mr. Lewis went to Elkhart. Indiana, where he was engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, there remaining in business until 1870, when he returned to Coldwater, where he conducted a window shade factory. About 1875, however. he sold out and began dealing in fruit trees. so continuing until 1888. when he bought a farm in Batavia township, where he has since resided. His persistency of purpose and unfaltering energy have been the basis of his success and in his agricultural interests he has shown ex- cellent management and keen discernment.

December 21, 1865. Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Garvin, a daughter of John and Emily (Goodnow) Garvin. Mrs. Lewis died October 2, 1887. There were four children of that marriage : Fred S., now living in San Francisco, California : Kate E., the wife of Arthur Sanders, of Batavia township: Helen F., a resident of Toledo, Ohio: and William J., who died on the 9th of August, 1877. For his second wife Mr. Lewis chose Miss Mina L. Gruner, a daughter of Wengel Gruner. There was one child by this marriage. Anna, now at home. The wife and mother died January 7. 1896, and on that occasion the following lines appeared in one of the local papers :

"A happy home was made desolate by death last Tuesday night, and the lifeless babe that would have been pressed against the warm bosom of a de- voted mother was placed in her cold arms and thus mother and child sleep the dreamless sleep of those forever at rest under the snow in Oak Grove Ceme- tery, with the baby face pressed lovingly against hers. Mrs. Lewis was taken ill Monday by severe pains in the head, caused by uremic poisoning, and died Tuesday evening at 10 o'clock.

"The deceased was born near the spot where her life ended. and her pleas- ant ways, helpful kindness, amiable disposition and loving character made her

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

a universal favorite among the friends she had lived with from childhood to womanhood. She was a devoted wife and fond mother, and is survived by her husband and a daughter five years old. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian church, and her church life was consistent and exemplary.

"Miss Mina L. Gruner was born April 25. 1860, and was united in mar- riage with Mr. Edwin E. Lewis in October, 1889, and their home has always been on the farm in Coldwater township. The funeral was held at the house Friday afternoon at I o'clock, and the bearers were her three brothers, Ward, Bart and Starr Gruner, and her relatives, S. T. Vesey, William Mitchell and Frank Gruner. Rev. H. P. Collin officiated at the funeral and the choir com- posed of her friends-Dr. Andrews, Prof. Harriman, Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Ball-sang the solemn requiem at the sepulcher."

The home farm of Mr. Lewis comprised at one time one hundred and forty-five acres, but he has since disposed of much of this and only retains possession of a small tract at the present writing. In politics he has been a life-long Republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the men and measures of the party. He belongs to Butterworth Post. G. A. R., and in 1902 he was appointed a member of the Vicksburg Military Commission by Governor Bliss, and is still acting in that capacity. The object of this commission is to locate the position occupied during the siege of Vicksburg by the different Michigan organizations. Captain Lewis has served as justice of the peace and school inspector. Fraternally he was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Coldwater and he has a wide and favorable acquaint- ance in business, social and political circles. His life has been characterized by many sterling traits and in his relations with his fellowmen he has been just and honorable, while in all matters of citizenship he has displayed the same loyal spirit which characterized his performance of duty upon southern battle-fields and won him merited promotion.

OLIVER C. CAMPBELL.

Oliver C. Campbell, to whom has been entrusted public service, was sheriff of the county during the years of 1884-85-86-87 and from 1897 to 1898, inclusive, and the consensus of opinion regarding his incumbency was extremely favorable. He has a large circle of friends in Union City and Branch county and his life record cannot fail to prove of interest therefore to many of our readers. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Potts- ville. Schuylkill county, on the Ist of October, 1845. His father, O. S. Campbell, who was of Scotch descent. was also a native of Pennsylvania. learning and following the millwright's trade, and in connection with that pursuit carried on farming. He married Miss Eliza Deitz, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was of German lineage.

O. C. Campbell. the eldest son and second child in their family of six children, was reared in the place of his nativity until eighteen years of age. and then leaving his father's home he entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. Hoping that still better advantages might be enjoyed in the west. he came to Branch county in 1866, locating in Union City, where

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

he began contracting and building, following this calling in Sherwood, Homer. Burlington. Tekonsha, Union City and other places. He has erected many schoolhouses, business blocks and private dwellings, and has undoubtedly done more building than any man in the county. He early displayed a thorough understanding of the builder's trade and accuracy in workmanship. reliability in trade transactions and the conscientious performance of his duties secured him a constantly growing patronage, and to-day in various parts of the county there are fine structures which stand as monuments of his enterprise and skill.

Active, too, in public life Mr. Campbell, whose ability for leadership is recognized, was called to the office of sheriff in the fall of 1883. and after .serving for two years he was re-elected for a second term. In 1890 he carried the county for state senator against A. Milnes of Coldwater. and in 1896 he was once more elected sheriff. serving in the years of 1897 and 1898. In the performance of duty he is unbiased by either fear or favor, giving his whole time to the suppression of lawlessness and crime in Branch county and the favorable opinion which was expressed concerning his service at the outset of his administration was in no degree set aside or modified during the incum- bency in the office. In his political faith he is a Democrat. In 1870 he assisted in the organization of the Greenback party in Branch county, but he now. gives unfaltering allegiance to the Democracy. The county has a normal Republican majority of about three thousand, and Mr. Campbell is the only Democrat ever elected to the office of sheriff here. His first election gave him a majority of only forty-seven and his second a majority of over seven hundred. Certainly no higher testimonial of capability in office could be given than this flattering vote. He made a record of putting more criminals in the penitentiary than any other sheriff in the state of Michigan, and no law-breaker ever escaped when Mr. Campbell sought to place him behind the bars. It was he who arrested the notorious Joe Howard, one of the three men who robbed the Cold- water Bank in daylight, Mr. Campbell capturing him on Chestnut street in Philadelphia, when he was planning and arranging with others to rob a savings bank of that city. This notorious "Joe Howard," known well in the criminal annals of different parts of the United States, is at the present time (1905) a prisoner in Vienna, Austria. and Mr. Campbell has compiled a review of this criminal's meanderings for the consulate, which is now in the hands of that high official. He sent twenty-three horse thieves to prison in one year and he became a menace to all evil-doers, while those who hold themselves amenable to law look upon him with a feeling of security.

His renown reaches almost that of national importance as a sleuth after criminals, and his successful capture of the robber, as well as the stolen goods. Mrs. Campbell. his little wife. is as well known for her bravery and fearless- ness as her husband. Many have been the times when she was left in full charge of the prison in the absence of her husband, and in all cases and cir- cumstances she acquitted herself well worthy of her steel and courage. Mr. Campbell's narratives of his dangerous trips or pursuits after criminals read like the stories of daring Dick Turpen and are intensely interesting. since they came under his administrations in old Branch county. Too much cannot be

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

said of the daring and courage of Mr. Campbell as sheriff of the county of Branch.

On the 21st of October, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Campbell and Miss Ellen M. Roe, a daughter of Samuel and Phila (McDonald) Roe, both of whom were natives of New York, whence they came to Branch county about 1838, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers here. Mrs. Campbell was born in Union township upon the old farm homestead, about a mile south- east of Union City, July 25, 1847, and is the youngest of four children, all of whom were born in leap year, or four years apart, one being born in the spring, a second in the fall, a third in the winter, while Mrs. Campbell's birth occurred in the summer. The eldest and youngest were daughters, while the others were sons. The sons are now deceased, but both daughters are living, the sister being Mrs. Cordelia Scott Thatcher, of Coldwater. In the paternal line Mrs. Campbell comes of Scotch lineage and in the maternal line of Ger- man descent. Mrs. Campbell has in her possession an old book which has been handed down from the McDonald family, published in 1798, a year before General Washington's death. This is an old heirloom in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell. One son has been born unto our subject and his wife. who died in infancy, but they have an adopted daughter, Viva A., who is still with them. She has passed most of the high school work, and has taken both vocal and instrumental music, and is an active worker in both church and Sabbath school. Mr. Campbell belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of Royal Arch and Knight Templar Masonry. He likewise is identi- fied with other fraternal organizations. He now owns two good farms and is well-to-do, having four good houses and other property in Union City. He started out in life empty-handed, but as a contractor and builder won a hand- some competence. In all life's relations, public or private, in business circles, in public office, or amid the relationships of his own home, he has so lived as to gain the unqualified regard of his fellowmen.

WILLIAM HENRY GATTSCHALK.

William Henry Gattschalk, the well known citizen of Quincy, where he is an extensive dealer in wood and lumber, was born in Prussia in 1850. Having come to America during boyhood, he is identified by many years of residence with this country and is a German-American of those stanch and enterprising qualities that form the firmest fibres of our citizenship.

His father, Karl Frederick, and his mother, Sophia ( Hildebrand) Gatts- chalk, came from their native fatherland to the United States in 1865, settling in Algansee township, Branch county. The father had been an officer in the Prussian army, and in this county followed the occupation of farmer, living on his homestead in Algansee township until his death in 1876, when sixty years old. He was an industrious and God-fearing man, a member of the Lutheran church, as was also his wife, and during the years of his American citizenship he voted the Republican ticket and fulfilled his duties to family and society in a manner that leaves his record unblemished in the memory. There were ten children born to him and his wife, and those living at this

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

time are : Karl H., who lives on a farm in Algansee township; Christina, the wife of Mornac Wilson, a confectioner in Chicago; August, a locomotive engineer, living in Chicago; and William H.

The schools of the German fatherland furnished Mr. Gattschalk his educa- tion, and, being reared on a farm, he thoroughly understood its duties, even before coming to America. He was fifteen years old when the family crossed the waters,' and it was not long after that he entered upon his independent career. Farming has been his life work, and his success has been the result of industry and shrewd business management. the latter quality being as essential in agriculture as in business or finance. Although he retired from the farm and moved to Quincy in 1894, he still owns a beautiful farm of one hundred and ten acres in Algansee township, and also has a nice home in town.

Mr. Gattschalk was married in 1876 to Minnie Bartel. She is also a native of Germany, born in 1856, and her parents, William and Christina (Leder) Bartel," came to the United States in 1870, settling first in Cleveland. Ohio, and later moving to Algansee township. Her father was a successful farmer, and died suddenly in November, 1905. Mrs. Gattschalk is one of six children, namely: Lena, the wife of Carl Hacker, a farmer in Algansee town- ship; Mary, the wife of Karl Gattschalk, a farmer of Algansee township, who is mentioned above as the brother of W. H. Gattschalk; Fred. a farmer in Litchfield township, Hillsdale county: William, a farmer in Algansee town- ship; and Bertha, at home with her parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Gattschalk have three children. Martha is the wife of Eugene Widner, a lock expert for the Mossler-Bauman Safe Company: Wilhelmina is at home; and Karl is a student in the University of Michigan. studying electrical engineering. Mr. Gattschalk and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which he is an official. and in his township he has served as treasurer. His politics is Republican.

ANTON GRUNER.

Anton Gruner, deceased, was long identified with the interests of Branch county. The Gruners come of an old German family, members of which arrived in Branch county in the '40s and '50s. leaving many descendants here who are numbered among the best people of this part of the state. Anton Gruner was a native of Austria and a son of Franz Gruner, who crossed the Atlantic to New York from Austria in 1854. His wife bore the maiden name of Katrina Berkman and they had seven children : Franz : Anton : Mrs. Anna Adolph, who died in Girard township: Mrs. Katherine Luh, who died in Union township: Wenzel, who died in Coldwater; Joseph, who died in Auburn, New York: and Karl, who is now living in Germany. The parents settled on section seven, Coldwater township, on coming to Branch county. Michigan, and here Franz Gruner passed away in 1856. while his wife died in 1861.

Anton Gruner was married to Miss Caroline Piltz, also a native of Ger- many, whence she came to America with her mother, brothers and sisters, the other children of the household being: Mrs. Lena Graft. who died in this

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

county ; Karl, who was killed while serving as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war: William, who is living in Batavia township; Franz, who died in Germany; and Mrs. Mary Hoffman, who died in Coldwater. Unto Anton and Caroline Gruner were born four children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Frank, more extended mention of whom will be found below ; Mrs. Lena Cooley, of Batavia township; Charles, of Girard township; and Edwin, who is living in the township of Coldwater. Anton Gruner cleared much land in this county and at one time was the owner of several hundred acres, constituting a valuable property. The present homestead farm now com- prises two hundred acres of fertile land, which is improved with good build- ings. He died on the 7th of May, 1896. while his wife departed this life on the 30th of May, 1905.

Frank Gruner was born in Coldwater township, August 2, 1858, and is a representative of one of the old and worthy families of Branch county. He has spent his entire life on the old homestead farm in Coldwater township and is regarded as one of the progressive agriculturists of this locality. He has never married and he lived with his mother until her death at a recent date. He is a man of intelligence, thoroughly posted upon public interests of local and national importance and, like his father, is a stanch Republican, giving unfaltering allegiance to the party. He has served as a member of the township board of review and as moderator of the school district, and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. The Gruners are among the most highly esteemed residents of Branch county, are large property owners, people of good business ability and are held in high esteem.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 106

Author: Collin, Henry P Publication date: 1906 Publisher: New York : Lewis Publishing Number of Pages: 1198

Author: Collin, Henry P
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: New York : Lewis Publishing
Number of Pages: 1198