USA > Michigan > Branch County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan > Part 52
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member of the Methodist church at Quincy. Mrs. Broughton died in 1893, aged ninety years.
William A. Church, a brother of Edwin B. Church, was also a member of Company E, Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry, and the brothers served throughout their term together, both being in the battle of Fredericksburg.
Mrs. Fannie Church Parsons, the daughter and only living child of Mrs. E. B. Church, has achieved a national reputation through her original methods of kindergarten musical instruction. She is the author of the Illustrated Music Study system and is at the head of the musical department in the National Normal School of Illustrated Music Study, the central studio of which institution is in the Fine Arts Building at Chicago. She has held this position the past four years, and is under contract for two years more. Her works were copyrighted in 1897. and her system is now in use in many Chicago schools as well as in many other cities and towns and in every state in the Union.
Mrs. Parsons' musical training was begun at the age of six years, and was continued under the best masters obtainable. Several years were spent under William Waldecker at Washington, followed by study at the New England Conservatory at Boston, where she had such eminent instructors as George Howard, Frank E. Morse. George Chadwick and W. F. Apthorp. Her work of teaching children. already begun, was continued in Michigan, and in those early years of her work she perfected the system by which her name has become so well known and by which she has contributed so much of value to musical education. In 1890 she married Rev. W. H. Parsons, for twenty-five years a member of the Methodist church in the Michigan con- ference. and now located at New Buffalo, that state. The three children born of their marriage are Anita Church Parsons, Adymae and Edwina. When her oldest daughter was five years old Mrs. Parsons, who in the meantime had discontinued active educational work, formed a class of chil- dren in order that Anita might have the advantage of the class lessons which had proved so beneficial to former pupils. From this beginning has grown the movement which has resulted in the establishment of many normal cen- ters where her system of instruction may be acquired. She has written sev- eral text books, manuals, charts and other aids for the practical teaching of her methods, and, as already stated, her system is being introduced in num- erous new centers every year and is constantly growing in favor among educators. Mrs. Parsons was reared by Mr. Church from seven years of age, and she thinks as much of him as her own father.
MARCELLUS HARRIS PARKER.
Marcellus Harris Parker, who. as an architect and builder was closely associated with the improvement of Coldwater through many years so that now various substantial and prominent buildings stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise. was born in Sutton, New Hampshire, November 18. 1821, while his death occurred in Coldwater. November 2. 1902. He left the parental home when eighteen years of age, removing to Rochester. New York, where he served an apprenticeship as an architect and builder. He
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afterward went to Buffalo, New York, where he remained for a brief period and then became a resident of Vermilion, Ohio.
On the 18th of March, 1847, while in the Buckeye state, Mr. Parker was married to Miss Harriet M. Sage, who was born in Middletown, Con- necticut, February 10, 1827, her parents being George and Lucy (Davis) Sage. They were also natives of Connecticut, whence they removed to Vir- ginia and afterward to Ohio, where their last days were passed. Subse- quent to their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Parker removed to Toledo, Ohio, and there resided for eighteen months, on the expiration of which period they took up their abode in Batavia, Michigan. In 1851 they became residents of Coldwater, where Mr. Parker resided until his life's labors were ended. Here as an architect and builder he contributed largely to the improvement and welfare of his adopted city. Many prominent buildings here were planned and constructed by him, including the public library and the court house. He always lived faithfully up to the terms of a contract and was thoroughly prompt and reliable in the execution of any work entrusted to him and because of his capability and honorable methods he enjoyed a lib- eral patronage. In his later years he retired with a comfortable competence to enjoy a well earned rest.
Mr. and Mrs. Parker became the parents of three children, but two died in childhood, the surviving daughter being Celia, now the wife of Dr. J. H. Woolley, a dentist of Chicago. There were no exciting chapters in the life history of Mr. Parker but he displayed a persistency of purpose and fidelity to honorable principles and a commendable and helpful interest in his fel- lowmen that made him one of the respected and representative residents of Coldwater, and when he passed away at the advanced age of eighty-one years his death was deeply regretted by many who knew and honored him. His widow still survives him and yet occupies the old home in Coldwater.
CHARLES TITUS CORNWELL.
Charles Titus Cornwell, who is now living retired in Coldwater, was born in Fulton county, New York. September 24, 1821, and has therefore passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey. He is descended from Revolutionary stock. His paternal grandfather, Ashwell Cornwell, was one of three brothers who came from England to America and at the time of the Revolutionary war he espoused the cause of the colonists and aided in the struggle for independence, holding the rank of captain. His son and namesake Ashwell Cornwell, Jr., was born in Fulton county, New York, and in early life learned the trade of a tanner and currier and also that of shoe-making. He was one of four brothers, all of whom followed the same business pursuits. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Ann Warn, a native of Saratoga county, New York.
Charles T. Cornwell, the only representative of their family now liv- ing, was a lad of but eleven years when he left home and started out in the world for himself. He has since depended entirely upon his own labors and whatever success he has achieved is attributable alone to his untiring
mrs Marshall OF. Smith
marshall & Smith
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efforts. He first worked for his board on a farm for about three years and the first wage he received was twenty-one dollars for seven months' labor. He continued as a farm hand until about seventeen years of age. when he entered upon an apprenticeship for the carriage-maker's trade, sery- ing for three years in Fulton county, New York. He then worked for a short time at piece work and about 1842 removed to Ralston, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where he began building cars for the mines. After remaining at that place for a year he returned to Fulton county, New York. where he resumed work at his trade. After spending some time as an employe in Galloway. New York, he went to Rexford Flats, New York, where he engaged in wagon making on his own account for about a year. While there he was married to Miss Alma Lefferts and went to Troy. New York, where he worked at the cabinet-maker's trade, spending about a year and a half or two years in that place. He next settled at Schenectady, New York, where he engaged in building railroad cars. In the meantime he had learned photography and while in Schenectady he established a studio and carried on business for about two years. In 1849 he came to Coldwater and in 1850 built the house that he now occupies. Here he worked at cabi- net making and also followed the profession of photography. He traveled all over the county in an early day and was in St. Louis during the Civil war. His attention, however. has been principally given to photography and lie has carried on business in Coldwater as a representative of this art for about thirty years, being the pioneer photographer in this part of the state. He is an expert in daguerreotype work and has a fine selection of pictures taken over a half century ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have one son, Charles S., who is now a resident of Chicago. The wife and mother died May 8, 1904, and Mr. Cornwell has since lived alone. His early political support was given to the Whig party and since its dissolution he has joined the ranks of the Republican party. which he has now supported for about half a century. He voted for Henry Clay in the early days and has since cast his ballot in support of each Repub- lican nominee. Mr. Cornwell is a gentleman of personal worth, of kindly spirit, deference for the opinions of others, unfailing courtesy and innate affability. In the long years of his residence in Michigan he has ever en- joyed the regard and trust of his fellowmen and is today one of the venerable citizens of Coldwater, honored by all who know him.
MARSHALL F. SMITH.
Marshall F. Smith is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Branch county and has for more than a half century lived within its borders. so that he is familiar with its history, having watched its development through five decades. He was born in Noble township September 26. 1853. His father. Walter W. Smith, was a native of Vermont, born February 21, 1810. while the mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Warren, was born De- cember 26, 1813. In the year 1840 Walter W. Smith came to the west. settling at Niles, Michigan, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for two
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years, having learned that business while in New England. Land was cheap and could be had almost for the asking, as there were many tracts still in possession of the government. He therefore secured a claim in 1842, enter- ing one hundred and sixty acres on section ten, Noble township. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made on the place, the tract pre- senting the appearance only of nature's handiwork. Mr. Smith did not at once commence farming, but for four or five years thereafter continued car- pentering. He then took up his abode upon his land, which is now known as the David Ward farm. He afterward bought forty acres on the same section, so that his place comprised two hundred acres. This he partially improved, hiring a man to break the land, after which he would plant and cultivate his crops. He carried on general farming for a number of years, meeting with creditable success in his work. Here he reared his family of four children, namely: George W., who was born in 1841 and was killed at Jefferson, Texas, on the 4th of October, 1868; Edward, who died May 18, 1888; Emily, who was born June 2, 1846, and died April 5, 1870; and Marshall F., who is now the only survivor of the family.
In the district schools Marshall F. Smith acquired his education, and upon the home farm he was reared, early beginning labor in the fields. As soon as old enough to reach the plow handles he took his place in the fields, and when not busy with the duties of the school room he assisted in culti- vating and improving his father's land. In 1887 he purchased the home farm, his father having died on the 4th of January of that year. A few months later, however, he sold this property to his brother Edward and purchased the Robinson farm of three hundred and thirty acres on sections fourteen and fifteen, Noble township. Later he sold forty acres of this, so that he retained possession of a tract of two hundred and ninety acres. He then removed to that farm and made it his home continuously until 1899. He carried on general agricultural pursuits and also fed cattle and sheep, both branches of his business proving profitable : but after cultivating his place for a number of years he rented his farm and removed to the town, where he is now living retired.
On the 24th of December, 1871, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Hattie Boyer, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret Boyer of Noble township. Mrs. Smith was born in the state of New York September 17, 1852, and came with her family to Michigan about 1855. In his political views Mr. Smith is an earnest Republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and for several years he served on the school board. He has long been a witness of the events that have occurred in Branch county that have left their impress upon the annals of this part of the state. He has seen wild lands transformed into fine farms dotted with substantial buildings, while here and there a church and school house indicate the advance of civil- ization, while towns and cities have become imbued with commercial and indus- trial life and activity. He rejoices in what has been accomplished in this part of the state, and has always been the champion of movements that he deemed of benefit to his community.
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CHARLES HAMILTON.
Charles Hamilton. carrying on general farming on a tract of eighty- five acres on section fifteen, Bronson township, was born in Dublin, New Hampshire, December 10, 1837, his parents being Charles A. and Susan (Perry) Hamilton. The family was established in Massachusetts at an early day. The father was a carpenter and shoemaker by trade and in connection with those pursuits he followed the occupation of farming. He lived in the east until after the close of the Civil war, when he came to Michigan, settling in Bronson township, Branch county, where he subse- quently purchased forty acres of land on section fifteen, lying on the Chi- cago Pike and known as the old French Tavern place. Here he carried 011 farming until 1867. when he went to Missouri and purchased a tract of land, but not finding this all he desired he returned to Michigan. Here he worked at his trade and also on the farm but later he returned to the east, where his last days were passed. his death occurring in 1887, while his wife died January 3, 1899. In their family were four children, of whom Charles is the eldest. His living brother is Horace, while Oliver died in 1865 at the age of twelve years. Edwin was killed in Brookfield, Missouri. in 1871.
Charles Hamilton was a student in the schools of New Hampshire in his early boyhood days and afterward went to college in Westminster. Ver- mont. He completed liis education, however, in Townsend, Vermont, where he pursued a course in civil engineering, leaving school at the age of twenty years. In 1858 he arrived in Branch county, Michigan, and engaged in teaching school in Bronson, also working on the farm for a year. He con- tinued as a teacher until 1861, after which he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company K, Seventh Michigan Infantry, for three years. He was with the army of the Potomac and participated in many important battles that led to the ultimate triumph of the Union armies. He was wounded in the head at the battle of Fair Oaks and was reported as dead, but eventually he received care for his injuries and recovered. Having served for three years he re-enlisted as a veteran in 1864, becoming a member of the Ninth Vermont Infantry, with which he remained for a year, when in 1865 he received an honorable discharge. He was a brave and loyal soldier. who made a creditable record on the battlefields of the south and with the triumphs of war he returned to his home.
Mr. Hamilton resumed school teaching in 1865 and for a time was principal of the schools of Burr Oak, Michigan. Later he went to Mis- souri, where he followed the same profession, being principal of a school there for a several years. As an educator he was capable, zealous and pro- gressive and the schools under his guidance made substantial progress. In September. 1874. he returned to Michigan, settling upon his father's farm and in addition to school teaching he followed the profession of surveying. In 1882 he was elected county surveyor, which position he held for a num- ber of terms and to which he was re-elected in 1900. His long service in that office is indicative of his capability, fidelity and promptness and also of the confidence and trust reposed in him.
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On January 16, 1862, Mr. Hamilton was married to Miss Lucretia R. Rugg, of Londonderry, Vermont, and unto them have been born four chil- dren : Mabel F., at home; Myrtle E., who became the wife of George Cook of Burr Oak, Michigan, and died October 1, 1897; Nellie E., at home; and Lucretia R., the wife of C. M. Norton, who is living on the old homestead and superintends the farm work, and they have a little son, Wilbur Hamil- ton. The family home comprises a farm of eighty-five acres on section fifteen, Bronson township, and this returns to Mr. Hamilton a good incorne each year. He has a comfortable residence and good outbuildings, includ- ing two barns, one thirty-six by fifty feet and the other twenty-four by twenty-six fect. Mr. Hamilton has erected nearly all of these buildings and has made his place a model farm of the twentieth century, equipping it with all modern conveniences and the latest improved machinery. This was once the site of the old French tavern and was a stage station on the route be- tween Chicago and Detroit. His land is nearly all under cultivation and he carries on general farming, feeding all of his grain to his stock. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and for one year, 1888, he served on the county drainage commission. He is also a school director and has ever manifested a deep and helpful interest in educational affairs in this part of the state, while his own labors as a teacher have proved effective in raising the standard of schools and promoting their efficiency.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have one of the old spinning wheels which was his mother's, which is close to a century old. He has also two volumes of Moore's Universal Geography and Astronomy, one of the first editions published in 1819, also an old fashioned singing book which is much over a century old, using the long "S," and it was the property of Early Percy of Old England. This book was brought across the Atlantic. Mrs. Hamil- ton has a double coverlet which was woven by her grandmother. Her great-grandfather, Peter Putnam, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, which entitles the members of her family to become members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.
EDWARD C. LOCKWOOD.
Edward C. Lockwood, whose farm on section six, Ovid township, indicates in its attractive and well kept appearance the spirit of enterprise and progress which dominates the owner, has here one hundred and seven- teen acres of land that is arable and productive, owing to the careful culti- vation which he has placed upon it. The buildings, too, are commodious and substantial and everything about the farm shows care and painstaking supervision. It was upon this place that Edward C. Lockwood first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 12th of December, 1857, a son of Henry and Lydia (Jordan) Lockwood.
Edward C. Lockwood, reared to the occupation of the farm, was edu- cated in the district schools and in the high school of Coldwater, in which he spent one year as a student. After putting aside his text-books his undi- vided attention was given to agricultural pursuits and he soon learned the best methods of tilling the fields, planting crops and caring for the harvests.
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Wishing to establish a home of his own he secured as a companion and help- mate on life's journey Miss Mary E. Lockwood, to whom he was married on the 31st of October, 1879. She was born in Wyoming county, New York. October 31, 1858, and is a daughter of Rufus and Sarah (Mead) Lockwood, of Coldwater, Michigan, who were early settlers of Branch county, coming to the west when their daughter was a little maiden of seven summers. The family home was established first in Coldwater township upon a farm of about one hundred acres of land and there Mrs. Lockwood of this review spent her girlhood days, while in the Coldwater high school of the city she acquainted herself with the branches of learning commonly taught in such institutions and graduated in the class of 1887. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children: Laura, who was born January 19, 1881; Bertha, who was born May 21, 1883, and is the wife of Luther E. Russell, a farmer of Ovid township: and Florence, whose birth occurred June 7. 1896. All were born on what is known as the old Lock- wood homestead, where the parents yet reside with their eldest and young- est daughters. Mr. Lockwood here owns and operates one hundred and seventeen acres of land, having a well equipped property, the value of which has been enhanced through the excellent improvement that he has placed upon it and by the careful cultivation of his fields. He annually harvests good crops and on the market finds a ready sale for his products, so that each year adds to his income.
When age gave to Mr. Lockwood the right of franchise he cast his first ballot for the men and measures of the Republican party and since that time he has never wavered in his allegiance to its principles, believing that it contains the best elements of good government. He is recognized as an active. capable and effective worker in the local ranks of his party, and that he has the entire trust and good will of his fellow townsmen is shown by the fact that he has been retained in the office of justice of the peace for eighteen years-a fact which also stands in incontrovertible evidence of a capable service unmarked by fear or favor in his judicial opinions, which. on the contrary, are ever characterized by fairness and impartiality.
HECTOR MCLEAN.
Hector McLean is numbered among the pioneer residents of Branch county and in his farming operations in Matteson township is meeting with a creditable measure of success. Numbered among the native sons of New York, he was born in Broome county on the 16th of August, 1831. His father. Charles McLean, was a farmer by occupation. He, too, was a native of New York, born in Schenectady, and there he was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Rachel Buys, who was born in Pennsyl- vania. In their family were nine children, of whom Hector McLean is the fourth in order of birth. In the year 1845 the father came with his family to Michigan, settling in Matteson township, Branch county, on the farm which is now the home of our subject. Here he purchased eighty acres of land, the greater part of which was raw and unimproved, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred soon after his arrival.
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Hector McLean and his brother, who were living here at the time, took up the arduous task of clearing the farm and our subject was finally left the sole possessor of the property, which he continued to clear and cultivate. The splendid appearance of the place is due to his energies, keen business discrimination and practical methods. He now has eighty acres of land, the greater part of which has been transformed into productive fields and yields to him good harvests annually. The place is attractive in its appear- ance, owing to the care and labor he has bestowed upon it, and he is justly accounted one of the progressive agriculturists of the community.
In 1871 occurred the marriage of Hector McLean and Miss Mary E. Anderson, a native of Steuben county, Indiana, born on April 12, 1842. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth Anderson and her father was a native of Lo Maine, and the mother of the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Mrs. McLean was brought to Branch county when only four years of age and her education was acquired in the district schools of Bronson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McLean was born, one son, who died in infancy. They are peo- ple of genuine worth, occupying an enviable position in public regard, and the cordial and generous hospitality of their pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
When age gave to Mr. McLean the right of franchise he became a supporter. of Republican candidates and principles, but now he is known as a Prohibitionist, although he is somewhat independent in his political affilia- tion, supporting the man rather than the party. Matters of local progress are always of interest to him and his co-operation can be counted upon to further measures for the general good. He is a member of the Grange at Colon, Michigan, and is well known in the county where much of his life has been passed, for he was but fourteen years of age when he arrived in Michigan. He has therefore lived in this county for six decades and has witnessed almost its entire development and progress. As the years have gone by changes have occurred that have transformed an unbroken timber region or wild prairie land into productive fields in the midst of which are found substantial homes, while here and there churches have been built and towns have sprung up containing all of the industrial and commercial inter- ests known to the older east. His work has been entirely along agricultural lines and a life of enterprise and carefully directed labor has resulted in mak- ing him a prosperous citizen.
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