A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 64

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

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On the Ist of May he arrived home and in June of the same year he came to Coldwater. He has since resided in Branch county, first settling upon a farm in Coldwater township about two miles south and east of the city. For more than a third of a century thereafter he carried on general agricultural pursuits, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and also keeping on hand some good grades of stock. He farmed until October, 1903, when he retired to private life, taking up his abode in his present resi- dence in Coldwater. His home is a substantial brick structure of pleasing

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

style of architecture and is tastefully furnished. He now has a handsome competence to supply him with necessities and comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and amid pleasing surroundings he is now spending the evening of life in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

Mr. Norton cast his first presidential vote for the Whig candidate in 1852. He afterward allied his interests with the Republican party, which he supported until 1880, since which time he has been independent. Al- though not members of any church he and his wife attend the services of the Presbyterian church and contribute to its support. His life has been a very busy and useful onc, and his success is the direct result of his own labors. Throughout his business career he would brook no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honorable effort, and his untiring labor has been the basis of his prosperity.

LEONARD TAYLOR.

Leonard Taylor is the oldest settler in Batavia township in years of continuous connection with this part of the county. His home is on section twenty-nine, where he is comfortably situated, enjoying all of the necessi- ties and many of the luxuries of life. He has now attained the advanced age of seventy-six years, and for three score years and ten he has lived in Batavia township. His birth occurred April 13, 1829, about twenty miles east of Buffalo, New York, his parents being Leonard and Carolina ( Strana- han) Taylor. the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. The father engaged in conducting a hotel about twenty miles east of Buffalo, but thinking to have better business opportunities in the west he made his way to Clinton, Lenawee county, Michigan, in 1834, and in the following year he came to Batavia township, Branch county. Michigan was still under territorial government, and the work of improvement and devel- opment seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Taylor entered into partnership with John H. Stevens, who was the second sheriff of Branch county, and they conducted a hotel at what is known as the old Bodina stand. where they remained for about twelve years. From the government Mr. Taylor entered a tract of land, which was entirely wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but after his retirement from the hotel business he began the cultivation of his farm and gave to it his energies and attention until his demise, which occurred in his seventy-seventh year. Hc was justice of the peace for many years, was also highway commissioner, and was one of the pioneers who was closely identified with the early history of the county. formulating many plans and instituting movements for the general good and progress of this part of the state. His wife passed away when in her seventy-seventh year. They were the parents of a daughter and four sons, of whom one son, Franklin, died in 1835, and was buried in the old Morse graveyard. George died when about twelve years of age, and Caroline is also deceased. The others are James and Leonard, the former a resident of Batavia township.

Leonard Taylor was the eldest in his family and was six years of age when he came to Branch county. His youth was passed in Batavia town-

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

ship and he began his education in one of the old log schoolhouses common in pioneer days, his father furnishing the money to build the first school building of the township. It can readily be imagined that the methods of instruction, like the building, were somewhat primitive and schools held for only a brief period during the winter months, but in the summer season Mr. Taylor was not idle as his attention was given to farm work and he early became familiar with the task of clearing and cultivating new land. He remained at home up to the time of his first marriage, which was cele- brated in 1852, Miss Roxanna Sweet becoming his wife. They had one child, Franklin, who died at the age of about sixteen months. Mrs. Tay- lor died January 4. 1854, and Mr. Taylor afterward married Laura A. Card, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, born on the 14th of March, 1827. Her parents were Weden and Julia (Lamfer) Card and she was about ten years of age when the family came to Michigan, settling in Lenawee county, where she remained until her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born six children: Emma J., now the wife of Charles Noyes, of Batavia township; Lauretta, the wife of Loren Keys, of Batavia township; Julia Ann, who died when twenty-one months old; Freddie, who died at the age of eighteen years; Charles, a farmer of Batavia township; and E. Watson, who is also living in that township. Mr. Taylor has pro- vided all of his children with good farms and he still owns about two hun- dred acres of land, which is a valuable property because of the fertility of the soil and the excellent improvements which have been placed upon the farm. He and his wife have travelled life's journey together for more than a half century, sharing with each other the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. He has been a Republican since the organization of the party and has been deeply interested in its work. He acted as justice of the peace, has been superintendent of the poor farm for about six years and as a private citizen has supported many measures that have been of direct and permanent good to the county. Seventy years have passed since he came to Branch county and he is author- ity upon matters connected with its history, while in his life he has ad- vanced its interests. His memory goes back to the time when much of the county's development was as yet unaccomplished, the forests stood in their primeval strength, the rivers were unbridged, there were no railroads, no telegraph and telephone. The work of farming had scarcely been begun through the entire county and the Taylors were among the first settlers in this part of the state, Leonard Taylor of this review being the oldest resi- dent of Batavia township. He certainly deserves mention among the hon- ored early settlers and with pleasure we present the record of his career to our readers.

JAMES B. PAUL.

It is not our intention to trace within the confines of the present review the origin of the Paul family in this country, for elsewhere in this volume may be found interesting and extended genealogical matter pertaining to the Pauls, the same embracing a half dozen generations of the family, from

Jas. B. Paul

Mrs Emily D. Paul

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those who first settled in this country down to the present youngest living generations. David Paul, the father of the subject of this review, was born in Argyle, Washington county, New York, April 16, 1819, and he was a resident of the Empire state until 1844, then joining the tide of western emigration and coming to Michigan and Branch county, settling on section sixteen, California township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a carpenter by trade, although the most of his time was given to farm- ing, wherein he was notably successful, he finally owning over five hundred acres of land here. In the early history of this part of the county, and particularly that of the township of California, Mr. Paul was a prominent and leading figure and he was a participant in all movements tending toward the improvement of the country and the betterment of the conditions sur- rounding the residents here. Before leaving New York state he was mar- ried, at Argyle, March 11, 1841, to Miss Jane E. Hall, a native of that place, where she was born August 31, 1822. Their union was blessed with the birth of twelve children, two of whom died in infancy. The other ten, all of whom reached maturity, were as follows: John died in October, 1901 ; Elizabeth Quimby lives in Ovid, Michigan; James B. is the subject of this review ; David H., Albert and Frank live near Seattle, Washington; George W. died in 1902; Wilson S., Allen W. and Mrs. Emma Vance live in this township. After long lives of usefulness the parents died here, Mr. Paul's death occurring November 20, 1890, and that of Mrs. Paul December 13. 1903. Many of their children and grandchildren still reside in this part of Branch county, where they are known as leading and highly respected people.

James B. Paul, the third child in order of birth of David and Jane Paul, was born on the old homestead, section sixteen, California township, January 26, 1847, and his home was in this township almost continuously until 1887, when he went west, locating in the territory of Washington. There he pre-empted forty acres of land and remained for a period of eight years, being engaged in farming and other enterprises. In 1895 he returned to Michigan and Branch county, which has since been his home. Mr. Paul was married, April 2, 1883, to Miss Emily Colvin, who was born in Kinder- hook, Michigan, March 20, 1846. Her father was Oliver D. Colvin, born in Kingsbury county, New York, May 29, 1814, and her mother was Miranda Mead, also a native of the same county, where she was born December 3, 1816. They were married in New York state and soon thereafter came to Michigan, locating in Kinderhook, this county. They were among the very earliest pioneers of Kinderhook township, coming here in 1836, and secured from the government one hundred and sixty acres of land. Here they made a comfortable home and here they passed the remainder of their lives, with the exception of a very few years' residence in the city of Coldwater. Mr. and Mrs. Colvin had eight children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: Lydia E. Webster died in Brooklyn, Michigan; Hiram Colvin died in California township; Mary C. Hill is living in Reading, Michigan ; Emily Paul is the wife of our subject : Ella Colvin died in Kinder- hook; Sarah Paul lives in Seattle, Washington. The parents both died in Kinderhook, Mr. Colvin May 5, 1858, and Mrs. Colvin December 1, 1866.

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Both were members of the Methodist church and people of high standing in the community where they lived for so many years. Mr. Colvin was a Democrat and held many local offices in the early history of Kinderhook township, while in 1846-47 he represented his county in the State Legislature. He assisted in the clearing of a large amount of land in Kinderhook town- ship, owning several hundred acres during his lifetime, and was not only a successful agriculturist but also a man of affairs in other lines, being a leader in all movements tending toward the development of the section where he made his home for so many years.

Mr. James B. Paul since his return in 1895 from the west has made his home upon his farm on section sixteen, California township, the same being a portion of the old Paul homestead. The farm is an excellent one, under good cultivation and thoroughly equipped, and in its operation he is ably assisted by his son, Jay O. Paul, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Paul, who was born February 10, 1884. Jay O. Paul was married, April 26. 1905, to Miss Lulu Braman, who was born in this county, she being the daughter of Charles Braman, a native of northern Michigan, 'and Lillie Smith Braman, who was born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Braman have been residents of Algansee township, this county, for the past five years.

The young couple make their home with Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Paul. Both J. B. Paul and his son, Jay O., are members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 283, at California, while Mr. and Mrs. Paul are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Paul in politics is now an independent voter and he has been called upon several times to serve his fellow townsmen, he having been highway commissioner several terms and the present director of his school district, a position he has held for the past eight years. He is a man of influence in the township and he and the members of his family possess the confidence and regard of a very large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Paul have an old souvenir in the shape of a tailor's goose, which is over a century old.

C. ROSS WILLIAMS.

C. Ross Williams was born in 1868, in Algansee township, where he still resides. His father, James A. Williams, is a native of Sterling, Cayuga county, New York, born in 1820, and is of English and Welsh lineage. There was also some trace of Dutch in the ancestry. About 1853 he came to Michigan, settling in Algansee. He had been a student in the public schools of New York and had afterward attended medical lectures in Albany, and for almost a half century he practiced as a physician and surgeon at Algansee. but is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, having attained the ripe old age of eighty-five years. In politics he is a Republican and has been supervisor of Algansee township. He was also superintendent of public instruction of Branch county and his activity in public life and his fidelity and devotion to the general good made him a valued factor in the progress and upbuilding of this portion of the state. He wedded Miss Mary E. Wilcox, who was born in Stanford, Delaware county, New York, in 1832, and was of New England stock. Her father,

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Harry J. Wilcox, was a native of Connecticut, and following the occupation of farming. spent his last days in New York. He married a Miss Brown and they had a family of eleven children, including Mrs. Williams. James A. Williams was one of a family of five children, having four sisters, and of this number Mrs. Sarah Howland came to Michigan. Unto the parents of our subject were born three children: Herbert J. and Lillian, both de- ceased; and C. Ross, of this review. The first named became a physician of note and a skilful surgeon and his death occurred in Tacoma, Washing- ton, in 1892, when he was thirty-four years of age. He married Lulu Reese, of the state of Washington, and they had one child, Reese R.

C. Ross Williams began his education in the schools of Algansee town- ship and when not busy with his text-books worked on the home farm. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he makes his home on section ten. Algansee township. At one time he owned forty- two acres on section three of this township but has sold that property. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, at Quincy, is an Odd Fellow in his fraternal relations and a Republican in his political views.

JOHN W. CULP.

John W. Culp, for many years identified with agricultural interests but now living a retired life in Coldwater. was born near Lockport, New York. May 8, 1832. His father, Nicholas Culp, was among the pioneer settlers of Branch county, Michigan. His birthi occurred in Pennsylvania and he was of German ancestry, his father being John Culp, but back of that there is little definite knowledge of the family history. Nicholas Culp was married in Newfane, New York, to Miss Phoebe Rockwood, who was born in Niagara county, that state. After their marriage they settled upon a farm in New York not far from Lockport and in 1837 they removed to the west, taking up their abode in Girard township, Branch county. Mich- igan. The journey was made by boat from Buffalo, New York, to Toledo, Ohio, thence by rail to Adrian and by wagon to Branch county, Michigan. Throughout his business career he followed farming but about 1864 he sold his land and retired from active business life, removing to the town of Coldwater, where his death occurred in 1873, when he was seventy-six years of age. His wife died in 1861, when about sixty-two years of age. They were the parents of six children, namely: Joshua, who died in Chi- cago in 1892: John W., of this review: Phoebe, the wife of Rodney Twa- dell, a resident of Quincy. Michigan; Jason T., who died in Coldwater in 1895: Laura, who became the wife of Charles Caldwell and died in 1874: Harriet, who married Alonzo Bennett and died in 1866. The father was a Whig in his political affiliation until the dissolution of the party, when he became a staunch advocate of Republican principles. Both he and his wife were devoted and loyal members of the Presbyterian church and were held in the highest esteem by a large circle of friends.

John W. Culp was only five years of age when brought by his parents to Branch county, where he has spent a long and useful life. He was reared upon the old homestead farm and gained a common school education, re-

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ceiving such advantages as were afforded in the old log schoolhouses of the early days. During the period of his youth the Indians were still quite numerous in the county and there were many hardships and trials incident to the frontier life to be borne. He assisted in the arduous task of develop- ing and cultivating new land and he remained upon the home farm until 1850, when at the age of eighteen years he came to Coldwater, thinking that he would find other occupation more congenial than that of farming. Here he accepted a clerkship in the general store of H. C. Lewis & Company, with whom he remained until 1858. In that year he formed a partnership with Ives G. Miles in a general store in Coldwater, but later they confined their attention entirely to the dry goods trade. Mr. Culp continued his connection with this business until 1869. During the succeeding five years he was traveling salesman of a New York house, carrying a line of hats, caps and furs. His health then failed him and he took up his abode on a farm in Coldwater township, where he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until 1900, when he again became a resident of the city. He still owns the old home farm, however.

On tlie Ioth of June, 1858, Mr. Culp was married to Miss Josephine Goodell, a daughter of Abisha and Barbara (Johnson) Goodell. Her mother died during the childhood of Mrs. Culp and the father afterward removed from Monroe county, New York, to Branch county, Michigan, in 1852, settling in Coldwater, where he died in 1861. Mrs. Culp is a native of Fairport, Monroe county, New York, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Minnie, the wife of Floyd Gage, a farmer of Cold- water township; and Charles, who married Harriet Rice, and resides upon his father's farm.

Mr. Culp has always endorsed Republican principles, but has never been an aspirant for office. His wife is a Presbyterian and he attends and supports that church, while his membership relations are with the Masonic fraternity, with which he has attained the master degree. Many years ago he also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Culp is well known as a representative of a worthy pioneer family and because he has ever been found on the side of progress, improvement and upbuilding in public affairs as well as in private and business matters he is classed with the representative men of this part of the state.

NELSON H. ANDRUS.

Nelson H. Andrus, who has lived in Branch county since 1867, is one of the prosperous farmers of Quincy township, owning the old homestead of sixty acres in section fourteen. Reared on a farm and acquiring his educa- tion in Quincy and Kalamazoo, he has always been identified with farming as his active pursuit. He breeds and raises thoroughbred Delaine sheep, a branch of live stock industry in which he takes much pleasure and pride, and which has been very profitable under his able management. Mr. Andrus is also vice-president of the Quincy State Bank.

Mr. Andrus was born in Yates county, New York, October 27, 1852, and has never married, he and his sister Lucretia making their home to-

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gether. The Andrus family came from England many years ago, settling in Connecticut, and later furnished members to the Revolutionary army. Stephen P. Andrus, father of Nelson H., was born in Montpelier, Vermont, and was a farmer most of his life, although a cooper by trade. He was a member of the Methodist church, a class leader, and a licensed exhorter. and in politics was a Republican. He moved to Michigan in July, 1867. buying the farm where his son Nelson now resides. but in the October fol- lowing he passed away in death, having arrived at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, maiden name Lucina Rounds, was born in Rensselaer county. New York, in 1813, and died in 1875, aged sixty-two. Her parents, Samuel and Lucy Rounds, came to Michigan in 1837. locating in Hillsdale county, where they died. Her father was a farmer, and both parents were members of the Methodist church. Samuel and Lucy Rounds had nine children, of whom Lucina was the first, and the others are named as follows: Hosea. deceased : Samuel, deceased : Elzer, deceased: George, a Kansas farmer; Varnum, also farming in Kansas: Gilmore. a merchant in Cambria. Hillsdale county, Mich- igan; Anna, the deceased wife of Chester Stoddard; and Abbie, widow of James Clizbe, her home being in Quincy.

Stephen P. Andrus was one of seven children, as follows: Emeline, Walter, Lavinia, Eliza, Stephen P., Cornelia and William, all of whom are deceased. Stephen P. Andrus and wife had twelve children, who are ac- counted for as follows: Wesley P., who died in 1898. had for years been a prominent hardware merchant at Grand Rapids, and also represented Kent county in the Michigan senate. During the Civil war he enlisted from Illinois in 1861, and, entering the service as first lieutenant, was promoted to captain of his company in the Forty-second Illinois Infantry. He served throughout the war, was with the Army of the Cumberland in all its im- portant engagements, and was wounded three times, the last time at Chat- tanooga. Lavinia, the second child. is deceased : and Lucretia has already been mentioned as making her home with her brother Nelson. Samuel, a retired farmer in Cedar. Springs, Michigan, and who for a number of years was in partnership with his brother Wesley in the hardware business, had also enlisted with his brother in the Forty-second Illinois and served through the war, being sergeant of his company. The daughter Amelia died in 1861. Emeline is the wife of Israel Thickstun, a Pennsylvania farmer. Sarah is the wife of Miles Golden, a farmer of Quincy. Lucy died in 1904, Emily lives in Quincy township, Adelia is deceased, and Anna married Israel Kinyon, a farmer at Quincy. Nelson H. is the youngest of the children, and as the subject of this sketch perpetuates the family record for the benefit of future generations. Mr. Andrus is a staunch Republican, and stands foremost among the citizens of the county for public spirit and personal merit.

JAMES SWAIN.

James Swain, a representative of the educational interests of Branch county, was born upon a farm in Noble township, this county, October 25. 1867, his parents being John and Rosanna (Appless) Swain. The father

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was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, and was of English lineage. He spent his boyhood days in the Keystone state, and when a young man went to Ohio, where he met and married Miss Appless. She was born in Ger- many, and died in 1900, at the age of sixty-six years. By her marriage she became the mother of seven sons and one daughter. It was in 1865 that the parents of our subject removed to Michigan, settling in Bethel town- ship, and afterward in Noble township, Branch county. The father is a farmer, who has followed that work as a life occupation, and he still resides in Noble township. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, and he has served as' supervisor, clerk and treasurer of his township.

James Swain, spending his boyhood days on the home farm, pursued his early education in the public schools and continued his studies in Burr Oak and in the Tri-State Normal College at Angola, Indiana. He was graduated from that institution and was also at one time a student for a time in the Normal College at Ypsilanti, Michigan. Thorough preliminary training well qualified him for the profession which he has made a life work. At the age of twenty-three years he began teaching and has since been identified with the development of the educational system of Branch county. He taught in the district schools for a time, spent six years as a teacher in Sherwood and two years at Bronson. In 1896 he was elected a member of the teachers' examining board. In 1897 he was elected presi- dent of the Branch County Teachers' Association, which position he held for five years. In 1903 he was elected commissioner of schools of Branch county, in which capacity he is now serving.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 64

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