A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 107

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

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JONATHAN JOHNSON.

Jonathan Johnson, who is interested in farming pursuits in Union town- ship, was born in Cayuga county, New York, November 14, 1834. His father, Timothy Johnson, was a native of New Jersey, and was one of the early settlers of Cayuga county, where he followed the occupation of farming until his removal to Hillsdale county, Michigan, about 1837. He located there on a farm and throughout his remaining days carried on agricultural pursuits in that locality, his last days being passed in Wright township, where he died at the age of sixty-four years. He was in the War of 1812, participating in the battle of Fort Erie, and having been taken sick in army, came near dying. In her maidenhood, his wife bore the name of Jane Kellogg and was a native of New York, where her girlhood days were passed. She lived to be about sixty-four years of age. In their family were nine children, all of whom reached adult age, but only three are now living : R. N., of Detroit ; Jonathan ; and Mrs. Courser, of Lenawee county. Michigan.

Jonathan Johnson, the seventh member of the family, was only two years old when he came to Michigan, and upon the home farm in Wright township he was reared. He obtained his education in one of the old-time log school- houses, walking a mile and a quarter through the woods, following an old trail, for there were no roads at that time. When school was not in session he assisted in the operation of the home farm and he continued to give his

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father the benefit of his services throughout the period of his minority. In 1860 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Glazer, a daughter of Jacob MI. Glazer, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Union township, Branch county. She was born upon the farm in Union township that is now owned by Mr. Johnson and which is still known as the J. M. Glazer farm. Her father entered the land from the government in 1835, and at once began to clear and cultivate the place, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made.

Following his marriage. Mr. Johnson lived in Hillsdale county for about a year and then located on the farm which has since been his home in Union township. They were the parents of two sons, but one died in infancy. The other, Leo L., resides upon the old homestead, where he was born. He wedded Ida Hoeltcel, and they became the parents of two daughters. Beatrice and Dorothea.

Jonathan Johnson has been a resident of Union township for forty-four years and his wife has spent her entire life here. His farm comprises two hundred and ten acres of rich land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, so that the farm annually returns him a gratifying income. He has given his attention during the greater part of his life to agricultural pur- suits and yet has conducted other business interests. He was proprietor of the Johnson House in Union City for eleven years and carried on mer- chandising for about four years. He also built the first planing and sawmill in Union City and operated the plant for about two years. He is engaged in the stock business, buying and shipping for four years, and his varied activities have contributed to the business development of his part of the county. In politics he is a Democrat and in the Masonic fraternity he has taken the degrees of the lodge, council and chapter. His interest in public affairs is that of a public-spirited citizen, who co-operates in every measure that he deems will prove of general good. He belongs to that class of representative men who. while promoting individual success also advances the general prosperity.

MORTIMER VOSBURGH.

Mortimer Vosburgh, well known as justice of the peace at Union City, was born in Yates county, New York, April 23. 1834. His father, Martin Vosburgh, was a native of Columbia county, New York, and was a shoe- maker by trade. He followed that occupation in connection with farming and died in Orleans county, his native state, March 20, 1840. His wife bore the maiden name of Rachel Robison, and was born in Columbia county, New York, while her death occurred when she had reached the age of eighty-seven years.

Squire Mortimer Vosburgh is the last surviving member of a family of twelve children. In his boyhood days he accompanied his parents on their removal to Orleans county, New York, and afterward to Niagara county. where he was reared and made his home until September, 1854. A young man of twenty years, he then came to Branch county. Michigan, where he also turned his attention to farming, which he followed for about

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ten years, after which he came to Union City. He has been prominent in public life here, acting as postmaster by appointment of President Hayes for five years and giving to the city a business-like administration of the affairs of the office. In 1882 he was appointed railway mail-clerk, but becoming dis- abled in the service he resigned. He afterward engaged in the jewelry busi- ness in Union City for about five years and in the meantime he was called to other public office, serving as supervisor of Union township for five years. He has also been justice of the peace for thirty consecutive years and few in the state have so long filled a similar office. He is township clerk at the present writing, in 1905, and has acted in this capacity for twenty years. He has also been assessor for eighteen successive years and at one time he served as justice of the peace, township clerk, supervisor and assessor. Every trust reposed in him is faithfully discharged and he is equally prompt and reliable in meeting every obligation of public or private life.

Mr. Vosburgh was married in 1857 to Miss Mary E. Burnett, and they had two daughters, but both are now deceased. For his second wife he chose Marian E. Pixley. Mr. Vosburgh is prominent in local Masonic circles, having taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter and council, and he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all of the chairs with the local organization and some of the offices in the grand lodge. He has been initiated into the Knights of the Maccabees and therein has filled all the different official positions. He has been a stalwart Republican since casting his vote for the first presidential nominee of the party, John C. Fre- mont. He attended the meeting which was held under the oaks where the party was organized at Jackson, Michigan, and he has since been loyal to its welfare, doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. Few men are more widely known in Union City and in the county than Mortimer Vosburgh, and because he has so long figured in public life his history is well known to his fellow townsmen. Over the record of his career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and such a career restores one's faith in his fellowmen at an age when so much is said-and often with truth-of the corruption in politics.

PERRY J. BUELL.

Perry J. Buell is the senior member of the firm of Buell & Boyer, dealers in lumber, tile, brick and general building materials. He is one of the younger members of trade relations in Union City, and is a native son of this place. his birth having here occurred October 15, 1870. His parents are M. F. and Mary J. (Perry) Buell. He began his education at the usual age in the com- mon schools and passed through consecutive grades until he had become well qualified by mental discipline for the labors which devolve upon one as he enters the business world. After leaving school Mr. Buell was associated with his father in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company as assistant and weigh clerk at the station here, acting in that capacity for eight years, and in February, 1903, he formed a partnership with Clinton C. Boyer in the business in which they are now conducting. They have a well equipped

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lumber yard, also deal quite extensively in tile, brick and general building materials. and they have won a patronage that is accorded them in recognition of their honorable business methods and earnest desire to please their cus- tomers.

Mr. Buell was married June 19. 1900, to Miss Byrdie Gaw. a daughter of George H. and Harriet (Wadsworth) Gaw. Mrs. Buell was born April I. 1872, and was reared in Ohio, and by her marriage has become the mother of one son. Martin F. Mr. Buell exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party and its principles and is deeply interested in its · success. He was for two years a member of the council of Union City, but his activity in public affairs is that of a man who desires the adoption of principles rather than seeks his own personal advancement. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is now master of Union Lodge, No. 28, and has entered his name on the membership roll of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and he is active in that organization. He had little assistance at the outset of his business career in the way of financial aid and his history therefore is an illustration of what ability. energy and force of character can accomplish.

MRS. LOUISA SHEDD.

Mrs. Louisa Shedd, making her home in the village of Tekonsha. is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of Branch county. She was born in Richmond. Ontario county, New York, on the LIth of August. 1850, a daughter of Robert and Amelia ( Peabody) Eldred. The father was born in New York, June 10. 1804, while the mother's birth occurred in the same state. April 21, 1808. They were married at Candice, New York, on the 10th of May, 1827, and in 1852 came to Michigan with their ten children. namely: Mrs. Sally M. Walker, who is still living in Girard township: Alvah D. Eldred, who died in Tekonsha. Michigan, January 30. 1903; Mrs. Mary Markham, who died in Girard township. April 23. 1872: Isaac, who died in New York, at the age of fourteen years : Lewis S., who is now living in Tekonsha : Joseph G., a resident of Quincy, this state ; Mrs. Almira Bartlett. living in Girard township: R. Elon, who makes his home in Tekonsha ; Albert M., living in Colon, Michigan; and Mrs. Louisa Shedd.

On coming to Michigan the family home was established in Tekonsha, on the border line of Girard township. There the mother died April 27. 1860. and on the 29th of January, 1861, Robert Eldred married Laura Peabody. a sister of his first wife. His death occurred March 21, 1886, while his second wife died July 17. 1890.

Louisa Eldred was only two years old when brought by her parents to Branch county, and in their home she spent her girlhood days, while in the public schools she acquired her education. On the 4th of October. 1871, she gave her hand in marriage to Samuel Shedd, who was born in Tekonsha. July 24. 1844. a son of Ranodyne Shedd, one of the earliest settlers of Calhoun county, Michigan. He had been previously married, on the 24th of February. 1869. to Miss Nellie Blaslifield, of Clarendon, who died October 2. 1870. while their only child died in infancy. Unto Samuel and Louisa Shedd were

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born six children: John, born July 22, 1885, died March 21, 1898, at the age of twelve years; Jay, born September 22, 1872, and now living at Bay City, Michigan, married Lettie Loring and has two children, Loren and Gladys ; Phoebe A. Shedd, born June 21, 1874, is the wife of Harry Williams, of Tekonsha, and has three children, Leila, Alvin and Fern; Nellie A. Shedd, born November 1, 1876, is the wife of Arah Shumway, of Tekonsha, and has three children, Ned, Carl and Marion ; Ward R. Shedd, born July 8, 1879, is an instructor in the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing; Bert, born August 7, 1881, is at home with his mother.

Samuel Shedd was one of the most extensive and prosperous farmers of Girard township, being connected with agricultural interests for many years and owning and operating three hundred acres of land in Girard and Tekonsha townships. In all of his business affairs he was enterprising and progressive and he kept in touch with the most advanced ideas of modern scientific farming. Moreover he found time to further many interests for the public good and for a long period did effective service for the cause of educa- tion as a school officer, and also served on the board of review. Fraternally he was a Mason and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and he also belonged to the Grange. He commanded the respect of his fellow townsmen in an unqualified degree and won their admiration by reason of his well conducted and successful business interests. He was loyal in citizen- ship, faithful in friendship and reliable in business transactions, yet the best traits of his character were reserved for his own family and fireside. After a very brief illness he passed away September 29, 1899.

Mrs. Shedd directs the operations of her several farms, and although she had no previous business training or experience she has displayed much capability in the management of her interests since her husband's death. For the past few years she has lived in the village of Tekonsha, where she has a comfortable home. By birth and marriage she is connected with two of the oldest pioneer families of this part of the state, and she has a wide and favor- able acquaintance.

J. J. BANFORD.

J. J. Banford, the pioneer harness manufacturer of Union City, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1844. His father, John Banford, was a native of Maryland, in which state he was reared and educated. He became a drover and cattleman, purchasing cattle in various localities, which he drove to Baltimore and then sold in the city market. On one of his trips he was murdered before his son, J. J. Banford, was born. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Eckis, and following the death of her first husband she married James Welch. Her death occurred in 1862.

J. J. Banford spent the days of his boyhood and youth with his mother and acquired a common school education. In January, 1864, when a little more than nineteen years of age, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting with the boys in blue of Battery H. First Michigan Light Artillery, with which he served until the close of the war, proving a brave and valiant

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soldier. With a capital military record he returned to his home, and in 1865 he became connected with the harness business at Berrien Springs, Michigan, serving a regular apprenticeship. When his term of indenture was ended he traveled through the country, working as a journeyman, and in 1870 he settled in Union City, where he entered the employ of E. L. Lee. Subsequently he went to Homer, where he establishd a harness business, but in 1878 he returned to Union City, where he has since conducted business on his own account in the line of his trade.

In 1872 Mr. Banford was united in marriage to Miss Celinda Sage, of Stryker, Ohio. The only child of this marriage died in infancy, and Mrs. Banford passed away March 13. 1873. On June 7. 1874. Mr. Banford mar- ried again, his second union being with Lydia S. Van Deuser. They have two daughters, Jessie Belle and Flora.

Mr. Banford has always taken an active interest in political matters and gives an unfaltering support to the Republican party. He has been a member of the council for about seven years and has exercised his official prerogatives in support of all that pertains to the upbuilding and welfare of his community. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree and he also has membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees. the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Corbin post. No. 88. G. A. R., in all of which he has filled offices. He has been a resident of Union City for thirty-five years and there is to-day no harnessmaker here whose arrival antedates his. He has long been accorded a liberal patronage and as the years have gone by he has gained the success which should ever follow close, persistent and honorable effort. Undoubtedly one element of his advancement is the fact that he has persevered in the course in which as a young tradesman he embarked. Gaining a thorough knowledge of the busi- ness in early life, he was well qualified for the task which he undertook : his excellent workmanship and straightforward dealing have made him one of the prosperous manufacturers of Union City.

CICERO J. HOLMES.

Cicero J. Holmes, one of the wealthy farmers and influential citizens of Branch county, Michigan, was born in Bronson. this county. November 13. 1844. a son of pioneer residents. His parents. Jonathan and Mary (Taggart ) Holmes, natives respectively of Peterboro and Dublin, New Hampshire, came from New England to Michigan at an early day and settled in Branch county. Here Jonathan Holmes followed the occupation of a mill man for a number of years, and acquired farming lands. He died December 11. 1884.

Cicero J. Holmes attended the public schools and spent one year in Hills- dale College. When he started out in life on his own responsibility it was as a farmer on a piece of land given him by his father. He is now the owner of over a thousand acres of agricultural and timber land, and is regarded as the most extensive farmer in the township. He is also interested in banking. being a stockholder in the Coldwater National Bank and the Burr Oak State Bank.

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Mr. Holmes and his family have a magnificent country home. He mar- ried, April 11, 1883, Miss Mary Straehly, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them have been born five children, namely: Mary Jane Amelia, Cicero J., Jr., Warren (deceased), Ezra and Oliver Wendell.

Politically Mr. Holmes affiliates with the Democratic party and fraternally he is a Mason, having membership in the Mystic Lodge at Bronson and Cold- water Commandery, No. 10, K. T.

JOHN D. PARKS.

John D. Parks, a dealer in agricultural implements in Union City, who is now filling the office of deputy sheriff, was born in Erie county, Ohio, November 23, 1845. His father, John D. Parks, was a native of Saratoga county, New York, and about 1836 removed to Ohio, making a settlement in Erie county. He was an iron moulder by trade and throughout his entire life engaged in business along that line. Thinking that he might have still better opportunities in another locality, he came to Branch county, Michigan, in 1852, locating at Union City, where for many years he was a prominent representative of industrial interests, serving as superintendent of the Nye Plow Company, through two decades. He died in New York city at the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Lucy McConnell, was a native of New York City, spent her girlhood days there and after long years of residence in the middle west she died in Union City at the age of seventy-three years. In their family were three sons : Charles W., John D., and George F., the last named a resident of Oregon.

John D. Parks was a lad of eight summers when brought by his parents to Union City. He entered the public schools here and mastered the branches of learning therein taught. He learned the iron moulder's trade and followed that pursuit until he enlisted in June, 1861, becomnig a member of Company B. 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years and three months. He was with the army under McClellan and saw much active service in the east. His first enlistment was for a term of three months and on the expiration of that period he re-enlisted in the same company and regi- ment. He was promoted to sergeant major of engineers and held that position at the time he received an honorable discharge. He took part in many im- portant engagements, including the battles of Rich Mountain, Elkwater and Greenbrier, and later he was transferred to the army of the Ohio in the winter of 1861. This led him to participate in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. At the battle of Stone River he was wounded in the left side by a minie ball and he was in the hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, for three months. Following his wound he suffered from an attack of fever, which also kept him in the hospital for three months. He was then transferred to the engineers' headquarters and was made sergeant major in the engineering department, acting in that capacity until the close of the war. In July, 1864, he returned to Nashville, being connected with the quartermaster's department of the army of the Cumberland.

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Mr. Parks remained in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until 1868, acting as a clerk in the commission house. He then returned to Union City, where he resumed work at the moulder's trade, which he followed until 1895, being employed at South Bend, Indiana; Lansing and Jackson, Michigan; and other places. In the year mentioned he again came to Union City and began farming, locating on a tract of land in Burlington township, Calhoun county. There he lived until 1898, since which time he has been engaged in business as a dealer in agricultural implements in Union City. He has been active in politics as a supporter of Republican principles, has been a member of the town council and is now serving for his second term. He was appointed deputy sheriff in February, 1905, and also acts in that capacity. His fraternal relations are with Corbin Post. No. 88, G. A. R., in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the Master's degree.

In 1868 Mr. Parks was united in marriage to Miss Catherine E. Free- myer, a daughter of John Freemyer, and they now have a son and daughter, William D., who was educated in the Union schools, and is a barber of Union City, and Mamie A., at home, who was educated in the public schools.

PIZARRO MANSFIELD.

Pizarro Mansfield and his wife, Mrs. Harriet ( Press) Mansfield, who are respectively eighty-nine and eighty-four years of age, are the oldest resi- dents of the township of Butler and are in consequence distinctively entitled to representation in this volume. They are also pioneer residents of the county, having for more than six decades been witnesses of the labor and the changes which have wrought its transformation from a wild district to one of advanced civilization.

Mr. Mansfield was born west of Rochester, New York, October 2, 1816, a son of Isaac and Anna (Holden) Mansfield, who always remained resi- dents of the Empire state. He was reared to manhood upon the old home farm in New York. early taking his place in the fields, to assist in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting after the manner of the times. As a com- panion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Harriet Press, to whom he was married at Mumford, New York. on the 2d of October, 1843, a daughter of Alpheus and Charlotte (Kellogg) Press, who always remained residents of New York. Mrs. Mansfield was born at York, New York, November 9, 1821, and spent her girlhood in her parents' home.

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield sought a home in the west, making their way to Branch county, Michigan, and locating in Butler township, where they have since remained. They settled first on section twenty-five, where they lived until coming to their present home on section twenty-six. in 1865. Mr. Mansfield cleared and developed the farm on section twenty-five, now owned and occupied by J. S. Bignall, and he also cleared a portion of his present farm. In the early years of their residence here theirs was the usual experience of the pioneer settler who makes his way to the frontier, leaving behind the comforts and conveniences of the older east, but

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by his work and efforts plants the seeds of civilization that have brought forth the fruit of present progress and prosperity in this county. There was much arduous toil required to bring his farm under cultivation and the farm implements were very crude as compared to those of the present day, manual labor being then demanded, while now much of the labor is performed through the splendidly improved farm machinery. The household furnishings and equipments were also very few as compared to those of the present, so that both Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield did a large share of earnest labor, the former in the fields, the latter in the home. Although now far advanced in years, they still reside upon their farm, each performing daily tasks, for they retain excellent physical as well as mental vigor.

Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield have also reared a family of four children, the family circle yet remaining unbroken. These are: John Mansfield, who now resides in Montana and has three children living: Charles, a resident of Quincy, Michigan, and the father of one son ; Helen M. Annin, of Butler, who has two children ; and Mrs. Mary Mohn, of Butler, who has one child. Mr. Mansfield's children and some of their grandchildren reside near them and perform various services for them, but this worthy and venerable couple prefer to reside upon their own farm, which is a fine tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, on which are good buildings and equipments .. Mr. Mansfield does little of the farm work himself, but gives supervision to its operation and for many years he performed the active labor of the fields. He was influential and active in public affairs in the early history of Butler township. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church of South Butler and is an earnest Christian woman. Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield have led a most congenial, happy married life, and still enjoy life together, for though the years are many they are young in spirit. They merit and receive the regard and friendship of all who know them, and their acquaintance is wide, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this history of their lives.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 107

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