A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 46

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

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WILLIAM ADDISON STANTON.

William Addison Stanton, following farming on section three, Sher- wood township, was born on section nine of this township on the 12th of September, 1836, and is undoubtedly the oldest native son of Branch county now living within its borders. His memory forms a connecting link be- tween the primitive past and the progressive present. He is familiar with all the history of development and progress here, and what to many are matters of record are to him occurrences of which he has been a witness or a participant. His father, John Stanton, was a native of New York, and with his family arrived in Branch county in the spring of 1836, locating on section nine, Sherwood township, where he secured a tract of raw land. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made on the place, but he at once began to clear the fields for cultivation and in due time har- vested rich crops. He was among the first settlers of the county and he aided materially in the pioneer development and later improvement of this section of the state. He married Susan Waldron. also a native of New York, and his death occurred in his fifty-third year, while his wife lived to be sixty-six years of age. They were the parents of twelve children. of, whom William A. is the youngest, and only three are now living. the sisters being Clarissa and Lydia, the former the wife of Oscar Lincoln of Union township.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

William A. Stanton was reared in Sherwood township and attended school held in a little log building furnished after the primitive manner of the times. The curriculum, too, was very limited, the pupils gaining scarcely more than a knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic, although gram- mar and geography were also taught. Experience and observation, how- ever, have greatly broadened the mind of Mr. Stanton and his reading has kept him in touch with the progress of the world. In early manhood he and his brother Edward, now deceased, began operating the old homestead farm together, and continued its development until 1868, when they divided the land. In the meantime they had added four hundred and twenty acres. They purchased the farm now valued at sixteen thousand dollars for one thousand dollars and borrowed the money with which to make the pur- chase. The tract, comprising three hundred and fifty-six acres, was all paid for within six years' time, and when the brothers divided this property William A. Stanton retained possession of the three hundred and fifty-six acres, while his brother took the four hundred and twenty acre tract. The subject of this review continued general farming upon his place until 1884. when he located on a farm in Union township, his son continuing upon the old homestead. He then remained a resident of Union township until 1904, when he returned to the other farm. He is now the owner of five hundred and ninety-six acres of valuable land, all of which lies in Branch county with the exception of one hundred and twenty acres in Calhoun county. He sold one farm in Calhoun county in 1902 for twelve thousand dollars cash. He has been a stock buyer, shipping horses to Boston, New York, Buffalo, Chicago, and other large cities, and has been very successful in this line of business.

In 1860 William A. Stanton was united in marriage to Miss Susan Robinson, a daughter of Elijah and Fannie (Blodgett) Robinson. She was born in New York and was brought by her parents to Branch county when a little maiden of five summers. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton have become the parents of six children: Grove, now deceased; Guy, a speculator of Union township; Gay, who is engaged in dealing in horses in Union town- ship; Gar, of Jackson, Michigan; Effie, the wife of C. H. Johnson, a music teacher ; and Gib W., at home.

Mr. Stanton has been a life-long Republican, voting for every presi- dential nominee of the party. He has held some local offices, but has never aspired to political preferment, desiring rather to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. He has watched Branch county develop from a wild county with only a few white inhabitants, to a rich agricultural district containing thousands of good homes and many enterprising towns inhabited by industrious, prosperous, enlightened and progressive people. He has participated in and assisted the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary to produce the wonderful change that has been wrought, and at all times his aid has been counted upon in matters of progressive citizenship. That he has pros- pered is indicated by his valuable landed possessions at the present time, and his success is the merited tribute of his own labor.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

THOMAS P. EVENS.

Thomas P. Evens, who is probably the oldest living resident of Butler township in years of continued connection therewith, was born in Newstead, Erie county, New York, on the 24th of December, 1834, his parents being Charles and Hannah (Edmonds) Evens, both of whom were natives of New York, in which state they were married. They were the parents of three children when they came to Michigan in July, 1837. The mother had been married twice previous to her marriage to Mr. Evens. her first husband being a Mr. Holmes, who died in the Empire state, and by whom she had four daughters : Mrs. Lucinda Mills, Mrs. Amanda White, Mrs. Caroline Bennett and Mrs. Louise Lampman, all of whom became, residents of Branch county. Her second husband was a Mr. Wright, and after his death she married Charles Evens. They were among the first New York state people to locate in Branch county, and after a residence of four years here Mr. Evens returned to the Empire state, where he soon afterward died. Their children were: Hiram, who was a soldier of the Civil war and died in Savannah, Georgia, in 1864: and Thomas P., of this review. Mrs. Evens passed away in Quincy. Michigan, in 1868.

Thomas P. Evens was reared to manhood among pioneer surround- ings in Butler township and has here since lived, having been only three years of age when brought to Branch county by his parents. He acquired his education in the public schools and early became familiar with the labors of the farm. After attaining his majority he was married, March 31. 1860. at Hillsdale. Michigan. to Miss Frances J. Turner, who was born in the state of New York, September 22. 1843, a daughter of Royal Turner, a native of Connecticut, who served in the war of 1812, and whose wife bore the maiden name of Julia A. Hubbard. Mr. Turner, whose birth occurred in 1788, passed away in Butler on the 18th of October, 1864, and his wife died in October, 1901, the county thus losing two of its honored pioneer settlers. The Turners became residents of Jackson county, Michigan, at an early day, but afterward returned to New York, and in May. 1854. became permanent residents of Branch county, Michigan, where Mr. Turner purchased land on section twenty-nine, Butler township. He afterward devoted his remaining days to agricultural pursuits, and was regarded as one of the prominent and valued citizens of the community. In his family were the following named sons and daughters: Josephine, who died in Jackson county, Michigan, in infancy ; Jerome, who was a member of the United States navy during the Civil war, and died in the '6os; William. who is living in Girard; Mrs. Julia Gee, who died in Butler township in 1860; Mrs. Frances Evens : and George W. Turner, who is living in Butler. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Evens has been blessed with one son, M. L. Evens, who was born in Butler, February 24, 1865. He was reared to manhood on the home farm and acquired a literary education, including a course of study in Hillsdale College at Hillsdale, Michigan. On the 3Ist of December, 1890, he wedded Miss Kittie Willard, of Butler. He is . now general agent in western Michigan for the Lamb Fence Company, of

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

Adrian, Michigan, and travels most of the time, although he still operates the home farm in Butler. . He is considered one of the expert fence men of the state, having a splendid record for large sales. He makes his home in Coldwater.

Thomas P. Evens has probably resided longer in Butler township than any other resident, practically his entire life being passed here. His identi- fication therewith covers sixty-eight years, and he has therefore been a witness of almost the entire growth and development of the county, his mind forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro- gressive present. He is a man whom it is a pleasure to know, being intelli- gent and progressive, and though his educational privileges in youth were limited his native intelligence and attainments have made him one of the well informed men of his community. He is a forceful speaker and has the courage of his convictions and his loyalty to his friends and the principles he espouses is one of his strong and salient characteristics. In politics he has been an ardent Republican since the organization of the party, and is regarded as an authority on political questions in this part of the county. He attended the first election in Butler township and has missed but one since then. He always attends the primaries and never misses a Repub- lican county convention, almost invariably going as a delegate. His first presidential vote was cast for Fremont in 1856. He was chosen highway commissioner of Butler township in 1858, and has since held the office much of the time. He has been constable for numerous terms, as well as deputy sheriff of the county, and in all life's relations is found true to the trust reposed in him.

GEORGE GREENWOOD.

George Greenwood, of Coldwater. was born on the 12th of August, 1833, near Manchester, England, and pursued his education at a place called Rochdale. He enjoyed the advantages afforded by the district schools, and when he had put aside his text-books he learned the weaver's trade. Following that pursuit he also filled the position of timekeeper, and to those lines of business he owed his living in early life.

Before leaving his native country Mr. Greenwood was married, on the 7th of September, 1857, to Miss Harriet Taylor, who died in this country about six months after their emigration to America, passing away in 1863. She left one daughter, Amanda, who died March 12, 1904. On the 28th of April, 1864, Mr. Greenwood was again married, his second union being with Deborah Mountford, who was born in New Castle, Stratfordshire, England, on the 7th of October, 1836. She was reared in the land of her nativity until twenty-five years of age and came to America with an uncle. She has been a resident of Coldwater for forty-three years and is one of the well known citizens here. In 1875 her uncle died and left her a con- siderable legacy. This she gladly put into her husband's hands, to be used by him in his business, and Mr. Greenwood gratefully acknowledges how much he owes for his success to his wife's generous and wise co-operation.

Mr. Greenwood arrived in America in 1862 and took up his abode Of

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

North Monroe street when he came to this city. Here he worked at any employment that would yield him an honest living and later, when his industry and frugality had brought to him some capital, he engaged in the bakery business, which he followed until 1879. Since that time he has been connected with various business enterprises, and he now owns several valuable tracts of land in Branch county and also property in the city, including three store buildings and three dwellings. He has thus placed his money in the safest of all investments-real estate-and the rental from his property now brings him a good income.

Mr. Greenwood has served as a member of the city council for two years, and has always given his political support to the Republican party. He is a member of the Episcopal church of Coldwater and has belonged to the choir since 1863. He is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the growth of the church and the extension of its influence, and has mani- fested a helpful part in promoting improvement and upbuilding along various lines here. Since coming to this country he has won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he had no capital when he reached Coldwater. He possessed, however, strong determination, laudable ambition and unfal- tering energy, and he has steadily worked his way upward. His business career has ever been straightforward, and though he has met many reverses and obstacles he has overcome these by determined effort. His industry has been the key which has unlocked the portals of success and now. in the evening of life, he is in possession of valuable property interests which class him with the substantial residents of his adopted country.

CHARLES A. TOMPKINS.

The name of Tompkins is inseparably associated with the history of Girard township, as members of this family were among the very first set- ilers of this section to come from New York state and participate in the subduing of the wilderness. Although the elder generation of these pio- neers has with but one exception, Mrs. Mary Marsh Tompkins, passed away, nevertheless many of their descendants still reside here and are enjoy- ing the privileges and benefits so bravely struggled for by their parents and grandparents.

Three brothers of the Tompkins family, which had lived in New York state for many generations previously, came to Michigan in the thirties, their names being James, Abram and Moses Tompkins. James was the first of the Tompkins family to be attracted by the middle west, and he arrived here several years before his brothers. Elsewhere in this volume a complete account is given of his participation in the early development and history of this region. Abram was also a pioneer here. although he went to Iowa in an early day. In that state he grew to prominence, repre- senting his county in the state legislature and filling many other important offices. He passed the remainder of his days in Iowa, where many of his direct descendants still live.

The other brother, Moses Tompkins, was born in Schoharie, Scho-

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harie county, New York, April 8, 1814, and he passed his early life there, where he also grew to manhood. He was married there to Mary Marsh, a native of Schenectady county, where she was born June 20, 1818, her parents being Charles Marsh and Mary Eddy. Her father was a native of that county, while her mother was born in Chenango county, that state. They passed their entire lives in the Empire state, although many of their children went into the west.

The marriage of Moses Tompkins and Mary Marsh was consummated in Schenectady county, June 2, 1838, and very soon thereafter they joined the stream of emigration to Michigan, coming here the same year. For two years they lived at Girard Center, and then they removed to section fifteen, Girard township, where Mr. Tompkins purchased forty acres of land which was almost wholly uncleared. Here the young couple made for themselves a comfortable home, here they reared a family and here it was that Mr. Tompkins died January 29, 1879, at the age of sixty-five years. While a resident of New York state he learned and followed the trade of painter, a vocation which he also followed some after coming to Michigan, although here he was also always a farmer. During his resi- dence here he was one of the leading citizens of Girard, standing high in the regard of his fellow townsmen. He held a number of minor offices and was also, in 1847 and in 1850, treasurer of the township of Girard. Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins were for many years members and active workers in the Free Will Baptist society.

Mr. and Mrs. Moses Tompkins had four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. One son, Julius M. Tompkins, was born January 24, 1842. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, of the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry, and was killed at Spottsylvania Courthouse, in the battle of the Wilderness, May 12, 1864. Marcia and Delphine Tompkins, the two daughters, were born in Girard and now live with their mother and brother upon the old home- stead. Charles A. Tompkins, the other son, was born in Girard, October 13, 1840, and his entire life has ben passed here, with the exception of the period of his service in the Civil war. He enlisted September 16, 1861, in Company E, First Michigan Infantry, and served during the full term of his enlistment- three years. He was wounded three times and received his honorable discharge October 30, 1864. Since the war he has followed farming as a vocation and is now the owner of one hundred and twelve acres of fine farming land on sections fourteen and fifteen, Girard township. He was township treasurer in 1866, and he is considered as one of the solid and substantial citizens of the town and county. Fraternally he is affiliated with Butterworth Post No. 109, of Coldwater.

Mr. Tompkins, his aged mother and his two sisters occupy the old homestead on section fifteen, where they have a comfortable home. Mrs. Mary Tompkins, although past eighty-seven years of age, is physically as active and as alert mentally as most people of one-half her age. She still insists upon performing her share of the ordinary household duties, and she possesses an entertaining fund of reminiscence, her memory serving her

Truck your Fr.M. Carry

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

well, as relating to the many stirring incidents of the pioneer days. She is one of the very few pioneers of this section remaining with us to-day, and she is passing her remaining days in the company of her children, happy in the consciousness of an industrious and useful life, well spent. The old homestead on section fifteen is held jointly by members of the family, and nearly their entire lives have been passed thereon.

JOSEPH W. McCAUSEY.

Joseph W. McCausey, president of the Union City National Bank, whose intense and well directed activity has made him a prominent factor in business circles in Branch county, was born in Ira township, Cayuga county, New York. his natal day being July 16, 1854. His father. Thomas C. McCausey, was born in Washington county. New York, and was a farmer by occupation. Thinking to better his financial condition in the west he came to Branch county in 1863, settling in Union township, where he carried on farming until he put aside active business cares. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his life he displayed many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry. He married Elsie A. Hardenburgh, who was born near Port Byron, New York. His death occurred on September 27. 1904, when he was eighty-one years of age, and his widow is now living at the age of eighty-one. They were the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter.

Joseph W. McCausey, the youngest of the family, was but nine years of age when he came with his parents to Branch county. He was educated in the public schools here and in the State Normal School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1873. He afterward engaged in teaching for three terms in the district schools of Branch county and later gave his attention to farming in Union township, but thinking that he would find other pursuits more congenial in 1880 he secured a position as bookkeeper in the Union City National Bank, serving in that capacity for a year and a half. In December, 1882, he went to Quincy as cashier of the First National Bank, there remaining until 1883, when he returned to Union City to become cashier of the Union City National Bank. He thus served until the death of Ezra Bostwick in 1895 and in January, 1896, he was elected to the presi- dency and has since remained at the head of the institution. A safe, conservative policy was inaugurated and has always been followed. Mr. McCausey, because of his long connection with the banking business, is thoroughly familiar with it in every department and much of its success is directly attributable to his efforts. He has always been interested in the lumber business, being connected with the Union City Lumber Company as treasurer, the principal office being at Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is likewise connected with A. J. Beyor in the lumber business in the northern part of the state and is treasurer of the Northwestern Lumber Company operating in Wisconsin. He is thus associated with commercial and indus- trial interests of importance and is widely recognized as a man of superior business discernment, executive force and unfaltering enterprise.

In 1883 occurred the marriage of Joseph W. McCausey and Miss

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

Rebecca A. Sager, a daughter of Joseph Sager, of Kalamazoo county, Michi- gan. They now have three children : Elsie T., Thomas W. and Mary Louise. Mrs. McCausey is a native of Michigan, born in Climax, Kalamazoo county, May 29, 1855, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Foote) Sager. Her parents · are both deceased. Mrs. McCausey is a lady of more than ordinary educa- tion and culture. She is a graduate of the Kalamazoo High School in the class of 1876, and was one of the successful and meritorious educators in her native state, having been in the profession for nine years. She had taught school prior to her graduation. For five years she was one of the teachers of the Union City Public Schools, and also taught in Manistee, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. McCausey have taken due pride in the education of their children. Elsie T. is a graduate of the Union City public schools, and is now a junior in Wellesley College. Thomas J. W. is a graduate of the class of 1904 in the Union City schools, and is now a student at the well known Ferris Institute, in Big Rapids, Michigan. Mary Louise also graduated in the class of 1904 at Union City public schools and is now a freshman in Wellesley College. Mrs. McCausey is a devoted member of the First Congregational church at Union City, Michigan, and is superintendent of the Sunday School. having officiated as such for years. Mr. McCausey has been a life-long Republican and has taken an active interest in the work of the party, his labors proving an important factor in molding the policy of the party and in securing its success in Branch county. He was supervisor of his township in 1880, 1881 and 1882, and resigned at the time of his removal to Quincy. He was also school commissioner for several years and is now serving on the town council and on the school board of Union City, being an incumbent in the latter office since taking up his abode here. A prominent Mason. he has attained the Knight Templar degree and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine and the Ancient Order of United Work- men. He belongs to the First Congregational church, has served as one of its trustees for many years, is now its treasurer and is one of its most active and helpful workers. For forty years he has resided in Branch county, a period which has witnessed rapid growth and substantial development here. This result has been produced by the united efforts of many able men but probably no single individual has done more for the development of Union City than Mr. McCausey, vet in a quiet. unostentatious way. In manner he is courteous and pleasant, winning friends by his genial disposition and honorable character which command the respect of all. In every relation of life he has been faithful and true, and in his work of public and private nature, eventful and varied as it has been, no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil darkens his honored pathway.

KIRKLAND B. ETHERIDGE.

Kirkland B. Etheridge, who is conducting a feed and exchange mill in Quincy, was born here on the 16th of January, 1846. His father, Samuel Etheridge, was one of the pioneer residents of this part of the state, arriving here in 1836, at which time he located in Coldwater. A millwright by trade. he erected the first flouring mill in Branch county. He was a man of

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marked influence and public spirit and his efforts in behalf of the general good were far-reaching and beneficial. He represented his district in the state legislature in 1839 and 1840, at which time the general assembly con- vened at Detroit. He was also justice of the peace for a number of years. and every trust reposed in him was faithfully performed. In 1845 he removed from Coldwater to Quincy and carried on general agricultural pursuits just west of the town. In early life he was a member of the Bap- tist church, but subsequently became a communicant of the Episcopal church. and his fraternal affiliation was with the Masons. He married Cynthia Maria Ingham, who was born in Herkimer county. New York, in 1806. and like her husband was a representative of an old New England family. Samuel Etheridge died in 1864 at the age of seventy-six years, while his wife survived until 1886. Further mention of Mr. Etheridge is made in connection with the sketch of A. Munson Etheridge on another page of this work.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 46

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