USA > Michigan > Branch County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan > Part 56
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One son, John Wesley Sherer, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. William Sherer, his birthday being January 3, 1887. He is attending school and lives at home with his parents. Among the leading and progressive young farmers of this portion of Branch county Mr. William Sherer stands prom- inently. He may well feel proud of his life as a dutiful son, as he worked his father's farm for twenty-nine years by rent and shares, and never skipped a year. Possibly, there is not another son in southern Michigan with such a record of industry and filial duty to his parents. His possessions now.include one hundred and eighty-six acres of fertile land on sections one, two, three and eleven, California township, a goodly share of which he has cleared and improved himself. Each of his farms has good buildings and is equipped with all accessories for operation. Although still a young man, Mr. Sherer has already accumulated considerable property, and in the community where he has spent all his life he is known as a man of integrity and an influential citizen.
JOHN HARDENBROOK.
Branch county figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and pros- perous divisions of the state of Michigan, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of the section. The county has been and is signally favored in the class of men who have controlled its affairs in official capacity, and in this connection the subject of this review demands representation as one who has served the county faith- fully and well in positions of distinct trust and responsibility. He is now sheriff in Branch county, where he has lived for seventeen years.
Mr. Hardenbrook was born on a farm in Williams county, Ohio, April 21, 1856, his parents being Ferdinand and Jeanette (Lindsley) Hardenbrook, the former a native of New York and the latter of Scotland. Both are now
John Hardenbrook
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deceased, having departed this life in Steuben county, Indiana, to which place they removed when John Hardenbrook was eighteen years of age. There he resided continuously until thirty-two years of age, and in 1888 he came to Branch county, where he has since made his home. His education was that offered by the common schools, and his life has been characterized by untir- ing energy and industry. He was reared upon a farm and continuously en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until 1894, when he was elected to the office of supervisor of California township, in which capacity he capably served for two years. He was then engaged in the drug business in Ray. Indiana. for six years and won success in his undertakings. In 1901 he was appointed under sheriff, acting in that capacity for nearly three years, and in the fall of 1904 he was elected sheriff by a majority of two thousand one hundred and twenty-one. so that he is the present incumbent of that office.
In 1880 Mr. Hardenbrook was united in marriage to Miss Mary Huf- nagle, and unto them have been born three children who are yet living. while two are deceased. Mr. Hardenbrook is fraternally connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his political allegiance is given to the Republican party. He has been enter- prising, persevering and reliable in all business transactions and the same beneficial qualities of good citizenship have been manifest in his official service.
L. J. CORWIN.
L. J. Corwin, a farmer and worthy citizen of Kinderhook township, Branch county, was born in Ovid township, on the 12th of December, 1855. His father, Jerome Corwin, became a pioneer resident and representative citizen of this part of the state, living in Ovid township up to the time of his death. He was born in New York in 1826 and spent the first nine years of his life in the Empire state. after which he came to Michigan and con- tinued a resident of Branch county until called to the home beyond. His father, Jonathan Corwin, was also born in New York and brought his family to Michigan, taking up his abode in Coldwater, where he remained for some time. He was a physician by profession and practiced medicine with good success in the early days of his residence here. That the county was largely undeveloped is indicated by the fact that there were many tracts of land still in possession of the government, and Jonathan Corwin secured forty acres as a government claim. His death occurred when he had been a resi- dent of Branch county for about six years. Jerome Corwin was reared and educated in this county. Shortly after the father's death the family removed to Ovid township and lived on several different farms in that portion of the county, finally settling upon the farm now owned and operated by Levi Tift. While living in Ovid township Jerome Corwin was married to Miss Elizabeth Towsley, a native of Canada, and unto them was born one son, Edwin. The wife and mother died about two years after her marriage, and later Mr. Corwin was married again, his second union being with Salome Flint, a native of Vermont, whose father was one of the old and prominent pioneer residents of Branch county, who on coming to Michigan first settled in Calhoun county, but later came to this county, where he devoted his ener-
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gies to farming. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Corwin were born five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom one is now deceased. L. J. Corwin was the eldest of this family. The father gave earnest endorsement to Repub- lican principles and never failed to cast his ballot for the men and measures of the party. He also took an active interest in its work and did what he could to promote its growth and insure its success. He served as supervisor of Ovid township for one term and was well known in the county as a public- spirited citizen, whose life displayed many sterling traits of character that commanded uniform confidence and respect. He died in February, 1887.
L. J. Corwin is indebted to the district schools of Ovid township for the educational privileges which he received. He remained at home until he attained his majority, and not long afterward. on the 6th of February, 1877, was married to Miss Ida Clark, a daughter of Wallace and Mary Clark, and a native of LaGrange county, Indiana, born on the 4th of July, 1856. There the first twelve years of her life were passed and she then came with her parents to Branch county, Michigan, after which she continued her edu- cation in the schools of Kinderhook township. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres in Ovid township, and, work- ing persistently and energetically as the years passed by, Mr. Corwin secured capital sufficient to enable him to extend the boundaries of his place, which now comprises one hundred and twenty acres and is a valuable property, well equipped with modern improvements. Later he removed to Angola, Indiana, where he remained for about two years, and in 1902 he took up his abode in Kinderhook, where he built his present home. He lives in the town of Kin- derhook, but gives his attention to his farming interests.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Corwin have been born two sons and a daughter. Clark J., Seibert and Edna Hazel, all of whom were born on the homestead farm in Ovid township. The family are members of the Congregational church at Kinderhook, in the work of which Mr. Corwin takes an active and influential part. He served as trustee of the church since the erection of the present house of worship, and he contributed generously to the building fund. He generally votes for men and measures rather than for party, and in 1905 he was elected supervisor of his township, which position he is now filling. His father was a recognized leader in local political circles, and for about two terms served as justice of the peace, while for a number of years he was road commissioner. Both father and son have taken an active and helpful interest in everything pertaining to general progress, and the general good, and their labors have been effective, so that they have become valued and leading citizens of this part of the state.
ALPHONSO TYLER.
Alphonso Tyler, who is serving as under-sheriff of Branch county, and is one of the well known farmers and early settlers, his home being now on section five, Batavia township, was born upon this place April 25, 1848. He is a brother of William M. Tyler, whose history is given upon another page of this work. The family was established in Branch county at a very early period in its development, and the name has ever stood as a synonym
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of good citizenship and of activity and honor in business. In the family were five sons and three daughters, of whom Alfonso Tyler is the seventh child and fifth son.
Mr. Tyler was educated in his native township, mastering the branches of learning usually taught in the common schools, and he remained at home until he had attained his majority, working in the fields through the summer months, or until after the crops were harvested in the late autumn. On the 16th of February, 1874, he wedded Miss Amanda M. Wright, a daughter of John and Mary (Johnson) Wright. She was born in Huron county. Ohio, and came to this county in early maidenhood. The young couple began their domestic life upon his farm, and they have become the parents of one son, Hugh A. Mr. Tyler has always devoted his energies and atten- tion to general farming and has also carried on stock buying and shipping. following this business for about ten years. He has eighty acres of land and the farm is well equipped with modern improvements. He has always voted with the Republican party and is now serving as under-sheriff of the county. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Union City, and in business. fra- ternal and political circles has made a creditable name, having always been found loyal to the trust reposed in him.
ALBERT N. BRINTON.
Among the men of advanced years who lend dignity and honor to the citizenship of Coldwater, Albert N. Brinton is numbered. He has passed the allotted span of three score years and ten, his birth having occurred in Salisbury. Connecticut, November 13. 1827. The Brintons came to America on the Mayflower, two brothers of the name sailing from England on that historic vessel, and from that time to the present representatives of the name have been respected and worthy citizens of New England. The grandfather was born in Massachusetts, which was also the native state of Samuel Brin- ton, father of our subject. By occupation Samuel Brinton was a furnace- man, engaged in operating blast furnaces until he came to Branch county. and then a farmer. Seeking a home in the west he came to Branch county with his son, Albert. Here he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in this county in 1867, when he was seventy-three years of age, and his remains were interred in New York. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Whitney and was a native of Massachusetts, while her ancestors came from England. She died at the age of sixty-three years and was also buried in the Empire state. Of their family of four sons and one daughter all reached adult age. but Albert N. Brinton, the youngest, is the only one yet living.
Albert N. Brinton was only about five years old when his parents re- moved from Connecticut to Dutchess county. New York, where the succced- ing eight years of his life were passed. They then became residents of Chautauqua, New York, where he grew to manhood and was married, Miss Elvira H. Bidgood becoming his wife. She was a daughter of William Bid- good, who came to Michigan in 1866 and died in Coldwater township, Branch county, in his eighty-first year. Mrs. Brinton was born in Warren county.
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Pennsylvania, February II, 1834, and with her husband came to Michigan in 1866, the family home being established in Coldwater township, where he became the owner of a tract of land. There, in connection with farming, he conducted a blacksmith shop, having learned the trade when he was eight- een years of age. He followed that pursuit for about thirty-five years, and later gave his undivided attention to agricultural interests until his retire- ment from business in 1898, at which time he took up his abode in Cold- water. Mr. and Mrs. Brinton have traveled life's journey together for fifty- two years and have moved but twice in all that time, first when they came to Branch county, and secondly when they settled in Coldwater. They have two sons: Clarence N., a resident of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Samuel WV., of this city.
Mr. Brinton still owns his farm, comprising forty acres of land in Coldwater township, and this brings to him a good rental. When age gave to him the right of franchise he proudly cast the first presidential vote for the candidate of the Whig party, and continued his affiliation with that polit- ical organization until the formation of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks. He has never failed to vote at a presidential election since that time, and he has taken an active part in local public affairs. He was justice of the peace for twelve years in Coldwater township, and was also township drain commissioner, while in 1896 he was elected county drain commissioner, filling that position for two years. While justice of the peace he married eighteen couples. In the trial of the litigated interests which came before him he was always fair and just in his rulings, neither fear nor favor biasing him in giving an opinion. He served as school director for about eighteen years and the cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend. He has done everything in his power to promote the cause of the schools and give to the young better advantages in order that they may be well qualified for the practical and responsible duties of life. Mr. Brinton has been an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1849, has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge, has been representative to the grand lodge and grand encampment and is now treasurer of Coldwater Lodge No. 31. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, with which she has been identified for forty years. Mr. Brinton favors every progressive movement that has been instituted in Branch county for its material, intel- lectual and moral progress, and his life has been such as to win him the respect and good will of his fellow men. Reliable in business, trustworthy in citizenship, devoted to his family and holding friendship inviolable, he has made for himself an untarnished name as the years have gone by.
SAMUEL L. KILBOURN.
Samuel L. Kilbourn, proprietor of a hardware store in Union City, was born in Niagara county, New York, August 8, 1834. His father, David Kilbourn, was a native of Massachusetts, and remained in the Old Bay state until twenty-one years of age, when he removed to Niagara county, New York, taking up his abode on a farm there. He came to Branch county in 1836, locating in Union township, where he entered land from the govern-
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ment. For two years he resided upon that farm, at the end of which time he located in Sherwood township, building one of the first sawmills there. He then engaged in the manufacture of lumber for about twelve years, being one of the early representatives of industrial life in his community. Later he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits near the village of Sherwood. there spending his remaining days, his death occurring when he was about seventy-six years of age. He was a member of the Congregational church at Union City, which he joined on its organization, and for many years his labors were a potent factor in its growth and progress. His early political support was given to the Whig party, and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, being called to the office of highway commissioner as its representative, and to other local positions of public honor and trust. He was one of the worthy pioneers of Branch county, his efforts proving a tangible element in the upbuilding and development of this part of the state. His worth, too, was widely acknowledged by all who knew him, and his loss was deeply regretted by many friends. In early manhood he married Miss Clarinda Hawley, a daughter of Chapman Haw- ley, who died in Branch county. Mrs. Kilbourn was born in Niagara county, New York, and died in the eighty-third year of her age in Sherwood town- ship. In their family were nine children. five sons and four daughters. all of whom reached adult age, and George Kilbourn died in 1862, while defending his country as a soldier in the Union army.
Samuel L. Kilbourn, who was the sixth child and fourth son in his father's family, was only two years of age at the time of the parents' removal to this county. His boyhood was passed in Sherwood township, and in the public schools he acquired his education. His training at farm labor was not meager, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and continued to assist in the operation of the old homestead until after the inauguration of the Civil war in 1861. As soon as it was seen that the contest was to be no mere holiday affair, but a bitter struggle for su- premacy, he espoused the cause of the Union, enlisting as a member of Com- pany D. First Michigan Light Artillery, with which he served for three years. He participated in the battle of Corinth and other engagements in eastern Tennessee, and then returned to Louisville, Kentucky, a distance of three hundred miles, and covering twenty miles per day. He took part in the battle of Crab Orchard, and afterward returned to Nashville, taking part in the engagement at Stone River on the last day of the year and the first two days of the new year. Mr. Kilbourn was also in the engagement at Chattanooga and Chickamauga, where the battery lost all but one gun. The men then remained in that vicinity until December, when they were ordered back to Nashville. where they secured a battery, horses and equip- ments. They got a command to turn over to an Indiana company their full equipment and to proceed to Murfreesboro, where Mr. Kilbourn remained until the expiration of his term of service. He received an honorable dis- charge at Nashville, Tennessee, September 17, 1864. having served exactly three years.
When he was discharged he returned to Sherwood, Branch county, with
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an honorable military record, and afterward engaged in farming, which pur- suit he followed continuously until 1889, when he retired on account of ill health, locating at Union City. He had been married in September, 1861, to Miss Elvira Gwin, a daughter of Jabin and Lorinda (Pease) Gwin. Mrs. Kilbourn was born in Ohio, and in early girlhood accompanied her parents to Wisconsin, whence she came to Michigan about 1849. Unto this mar- riage have been born a son and daughter: G. E., a resident farmer of Sher- wood township; and Annetta, the wife of W. H. Barrett, of Union City.
Mr. Kilbourn is a member of Corbin Post No. 88, G. A. R., in which he has filled nearly all of the offices. He also belongs to the Unitarian So- ciety of Sherwood, and in politics has been a life-long Republican. He has filled the position of justice of the peace and drain commissioner and has held a number of school offices, the cause of education finding in him a warm and stalwart friend, supporting every measure tended to promote the standard of the schools and advance their efficiency. He has lived in Branch county for sixty-eight years, and therefore is well acquainted with its history, having witnessed its development from pioneer times to the present. He has seen all of the evidences of frontier life give way before the advancing civilization and measure of progress, and his sympathies and interests have always been with the line of life that is wrought for permanent good and substantial improvement.
JOHN HENRY BEECH, M. D.
Among the physicians and surgeons who have figured prominently in the history of the medical profession in Branch county was Dr. John Henry Beech, who died in Coldwater, October 17, 1878, when fifty-nine years of age. He was a native of New York, and a son of John and Susan Beech. His father died when comparatively a young man, but the mother survived for many years. She married for her second husband Elihu Mather, and when Dr. Beech came to Branch county Mr. and Mrs. Mather also sought homes in this part of the state.
Dr. Beech, having acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of his native state, afterward entered the Albany (New York) Medical Col- lege, from which he was graduated on the completion of the regular course. and on his removal to Coldwater he entered upon the practice of medicine, in which he continued until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a surgeon of the Thirty-fourth Michi- gan Infantry. When the country no longer needed his aid he returned to his home and practiced in Coldwater and became very prominent in his pro- fession here. It was in answer to a call issued by him that the physicians of this part of the state met at Coldwater and organized the Southern Michi- gan Medical Society. He always took great interest in the progress made by the medical fraternity and kept in touch with the most advanced thought and methods. His labors were far-reaching and beneficial and he was the loved family physician in many a household. In politics he was a Democrat and his prominence in community affairs is indicated by the fact that he was honored with the mayoralty of Coldwater and with other positions of public
c.
Henry C. Lewis
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trust and responsibility. He never faltered in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him nor was dilatory in meeting any obligation that he had incurred either in private life or in citizenship and as a representative resident of Coldwater was widely known.
Dr. Beech was three times married but had no children. His last mar- riage was with Mrs. Sarah E. Skeels, nee Lewis, and now Mrs. Conant, of whom special mention is made in connection with the personal history of the late H. C. Lewis, who was her brother. For many years Dr. Beech remained a resident of Coldwater, practicing here successfully up to the time of his death. He was a thorough student and was recognized as a learned and skill- ful physician. He was also esteemed for his generosity and kindness of heart, and he yet lives in the memory of the older citizens whose good for- tune it was to know him.
HENRY C. LEWIS.
The career of the gentleman whose name introduces this review was that of a self-made man, reliant and determined, who, though he started out in life in limited financial circumstances, won success through capable and well-directed effort. He was born in Clarendon, Orleans county, New York. May 5, 1820, his parents being William and Sarah Lewis. His early youth was spent in his native state and when a lad of fourteen years he made his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he became connected with a grocery house, in which he remained for several years. On the expiration of that period he came to Coldwater and for ten years was engaged in the dry goods business in this city. On selling out he became associated with Clinton B. Fisk in the banking business, but this relation was maintained for only a brief period, after which Mr. Lewis became sole proprietor. Later, however. he admitted Alonzo F. Bidwell and Ives G. Miles to a partnership and suc- cessively the firm was known as Lewis & Kellogg and Lewis & Starr. Eventu- ally Mr. Lewis sold his interest, after which he engaged in buying horses for the government. Two years later, in connection with Mr. Starr. he be- came an organizer of the Coldwater National Bank. of which he was made president, occupying that position up to the time of his death, which occurred August 18, 1884. He thus figured prominently in financial circles in Cold- water, and in the bank of which he was president he instituted a safe, con- servative policy that insured it a good patronage and made the investment a profitable one.
In 1846 Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Alma A. Alden, a daughter of Dr. Hiram Alden. She survived him for several years and died in 1895. Mr. Lewis united with the Baptist church in 1865 and remained one of its consistent members until his demise. In politics he was first a Democrat and afterwards a Republican. Following the close of the Civil war he went abroad and visited England, Ireland. Russia, Germany, France and Spain, and in 1873 he was appointed a commissioner to the Vienna Ex- position. Again in 1878 he crossed the Atlantic, this time making his way to Palestine. While on his various visits abroad, being a great lover of art, he collected many valuable pieces of statuary and fine paintings, and near
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