A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 65

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

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Mr. Swain was married in 1893 to Miss Louisa L. Russell, and they have three children, Elwood Thomas, James Russell and Beryl Louisa. Mr. Swain is a Master Mason, also holding membership relations with the Odd Fellows and the Maccabees. His study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to exercise his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. He stands as an advocate of progress and im- provement along all lines for the benefit of the county and has gained for himself a creditable position in educational circles.

MRS. ADELINE GRANGER.

Mrs. Adeline Granger is the only surviving daughter of James B. and Eliza (Ames) Tompkins, who were among the earliest settlers of Branch county, and the name is inseparably interwoven with the history of this part of the state because of the active part which its representatives have taken in reclaiming the once wild region for the purpose of civilization and making it the most habitable region with all the advantages and conveniences known to the older east. The father was born in Schoharie county, New York, June 28, 1804. He was married at Tecumseh, Michigan, in February, 1832, to Eliza Ames, whose birthplace was the town of Colchester, Chit- tenden county, Vermont, her natal day being March 3, 1813. Believing that he might more rapidly acquire a competence and provide a good living

elles attaline Tranger

Mors Hatte Anderson.

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for his family in the west. Mr. Tompkins came to Branch county and was among the first to establish a home in the hitherto undeveloped regions of Girard township, where he soon became known as the leading citizen-a position of prestige which was accorded him throughout his entire life. He was a surveyor and made the first survey in Girard township and Branch county, and he carried on general agricultural pursuits, developing a fine farm in the midst of the wilderness. He lived an honorable, upright life, following principles which gained him the unqualified respect and confidence of his fellowmen, and on the Ist of August, 1879, was called to his final rest. the community deploring the loss of one of its most valued citizens. His wife passed away December 6, 1902, at the advanced age of ninety years. Further mention of the parents is made in the sketch of J. Theron Tompkins on another page of this work.

Adeline Tompkins spent her girlhood days in her parents' home, where she was carefully trained in the duties of the household, and in early woman- hood she gave her hand in marriage to Alexander Fox, who passed away April 18th, 1865. aged forty-four years and four months, also a member of one of the early families of this part of the state. They had two children : Mary, born in Girard on April 23, 1860, and died January 30, 1861, and Charles G., born in Girard on June 25. 1862, and died of smallpox in a Chicago hospital on December 17, 1881, when nineteen years of age.

The following lines were written in his memory by a friend :

Stricken down in the midst of the riotous city, Far from dear home and a fond mother's care; Poor boy, you are worthy of tenderest pity, Poor hero, there are those whom your horror can share.

Most truly a hero, though never in battle. Though death's battle lost is the hardest of all: Though far from dear mother, kind faces were gathered Around thy low cot in the hospital hall.

Pure Sisters of Charity hovered around you In sweet ministrations where others would fly ; They closed thy sad eyes from earth's gaze forever. They heard thy last murmur, Tell mamma goodbye.

The ring and the watch will ever be treasured As relics sad of that saddest of days; When poor Charlie was borne from the care of comrade, To quell the dread ravage and keep it at bay.

The Infinite marks the fall of the sparrow,

And enfolds you His child with His wise loving arm; He will throw the wide gates and free you from sorrow, You are one of the fold, He will shield you from harm.

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O, poor saddened mother and sweet little sister, Think not of the form that lies under the sod; But turn your eyes up through the shadows existing, And see there a Heaven, a Father, a God.

Mrs. Granger became the wife of Frances Granger, of Tekonsha, Cal- houn county, by whom she had one daughter, Hattie Granger, who became the wife of Dr. J. H. Anderson, and had two sons, Garnet and Granger Anderson, who are living with their father at Union City, Michigan. The mother died in Girard township, July 23, 1897. The following excerpt appeared in one of the local papers :

" Hattie, wife of Dr. Anderson, died Friday afternoon, July 23, aged twenty-three years. Hattie Granger was born in Tekonsha, September 10, 1874, and came to Girard to live when a small girl. She was married to Dr. James Anderson, of this place. July 1, 1892. Two little boys, one a baby two weeks old, came to them and need a loving mother's care. But our Heavenly Father knew best and has transplanted her to the Heavenly home. Mrs. Anderson was a general favorite and was a lively character, and will be much missed by her many friends and by the husband and chil- dren and mother, who is now left childless by her death. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon in the Methodist Episcopal church and was one of the largest ever held here.' The sermon was preached by Rev. Pinckard, of Constantine. The casket was borne by six young married men, and their wives preceded the casket bearing the floral designs, which were very beauti- ful. Dr. Grube sang that beautiful hymn 'One sweetly solemn thought.' The interment was made in the Girard cemetery."

" It was long before twilight On Friday that day ; The news had been scattered Far, near and away, That Hattie, our darling, Had just passed away.

" She was willing and ready Her task to perform, And never did shrink Though not very strong.

" She was jolly, light hearted, And pleasant each day, And always was willing Her Master to obey.

" Her children and home That she loved so well- The extent of her love My pen cannot tell

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" Rev. Pinckard was sent for. Our pastor of yore ; And preached just as beautiful As ever before.

" The song so appropriate. By Dr. Grube sung : Will long be remembered By everyone.

" One chair is left vacant. One home is made sad ; There are hearts torn and bleeding, And hearts that feel bad.

" Only a few years Here did she stay ; When the Master called. And she went His way,

" To dwell with the angels, In mansions above ; Prepared by our Savior With tenderest love.

" She was only a lamb From the Shepherd's fold : Now with the flock Where there is no cold,

" No sorrow or pain, No trouble or care, And to live in a home That the Lord did prepare.

" So, husband and children And parents who are left; Let your hearts be content, For the Lord knoweth best."

With the exception of a few years spent in Tekonsha, Mrs. Granger has always resided in Girard township and for a number of years she cared for her aged mother, who passed away when nearly ninety years of age. Mrs. Granger still occupies a comfortable home in Girard Center and she has many warm friends in this part of the country, where the Tompkins family has long been prominently known.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

CLARENCE B. SPORE.

Clarence B. Spore, who, from the age of thirteen years, has been a resident of Union City, where he is now well known as an extensive dealer in coal, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, January 17, 1856. His father, Enos Spore, was also a native of that county, and in 1869 arrived in Union City, Michigan, where he began the operation of a planing mill. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, his death occurring soon after his removal to this state. He had married Augusta Gregory, also a native of Ohio, and her death occurred several years ago. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six reached adult age.

C. B. Spore, the eldest of the children, spent the first thirteen years of his life in the Buckeye state and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Union City, where he has since lived, completing his education in the public schools here. He entered upon his business career as a clerk in a general store and was thus employed for about six years, when he turned his attention to the trade of a barber, carrying on a shop in Union City for about eleven years. He had a good patronage during that time, and his financial resources continually increased so that in 1889 he was enabled to embark in another business enterprise. He became a wholesale dealer in wood and a retail dealer in coal, and at one time he shipped thirty thousand cords of wood per year, making shipment to Jackson. He has been in the coal business for about five years and now sells to both the wholesale and retail trade, having an extensive patronage. He takes con- tracts from all schools and churches and has a large business, selling about one hundred and seventy-five carloads of coal per year, including fifty car- loads of anthracite. His trade is constantly growing and has already reached extensive and profitable proportions. In addition to this business he is the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Calhoun county, about seven miles from Union City.

Mr. Spore was married in November, 1891, to Miss Jennie E. Walker, a daughter of Riley W. Walker, and they are well known in social circles in Union City, while the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Spore is an interested, active and valued mem- ber of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Royal Arcanum, while in his political views he is a Republican. Endowed by nature with sound judg- ment, he realized that work is the basis of all success and he has not feared that laborious attention to business so necessary to achieve prosperity, and this essential quality has ever been guided by methods that would tolerate the employment of a course that would bear the most rigid examination and by a fairness of intention that has neither sought nor required disguise.

FRANK SWAIN.

Frank Swain, who has perhaps built seventy-five per cent of the houses in Sherwood and is still extensively engaged in business as a contractor and builder at this place, was born in Linn county, Missouri, at what is now called St. Catherine, September 1, 1859. His father, Charles E. Swain,

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is a native of New York and yet resides in Branch county. The son. Frank, is the eldest of a family of five sons, all of whom have reached manhood. He was only about four years old, however, when he came with his parents to this county. the family home being established in Union township, where he was reared upon a farm. He acquired his education in the district schools and the graded school of Sherwood and in the summer months he aided in the labors of the field. After putting aside his text-books he resided at home until his marriage, which was celebrated on March 1, 1884, Miss Elizabeth Shelts becoming his wife. Her parents. Jackson and Margaret (Hawn) Shelts. came from Ohio to Branch county about 1866. The daughter was born in Huron county, Ohio. and was quite young when brought to this state. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Swain located in Sherwood in the home which is still their place of residence. He began contracting and building when a young man of only nineteen years. and has followed his chosen vocation extensively in Branch, St. Joseph and other counties. He has built a number of fine residences in the city and other places, and has erected about seventy-five per cent of the buildings in Sherwood, so that this place is largely a monument to his skill, enter- prise and business ability. He has been very successful, and back of his prosperity is a thorough understanding of the builder's art, a conscientious performance of every duty and unqualified faithfulness to the terms of a con- tract awarded him.

Mr. Swain has always taken an active and helpful interest in local politics, giving his support to the Republican party. He served as a trustee of the village of Sherwood in former years and is now occupying the same office. He has held other minor positions, having been township clerk and a member of the school board, while in 1895-6 he was sheriff of Branch county. His duties in the last named position were discharged without fear or favor and he became a menace to all criminal classes, while those who hold themselves amenable to law regarded him with a feeling of safety. He has worked earnestly for Republican successes, believing firmly in the principles of the party, and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of the Maccabees. He has lived in Branch county for nearly forty years, and during this period has proven his loyalty to all that concerns public progress and improvement. He possesses a decision of character which never degenerates into stubbornness or impulsive haste, but has made him a man of firm purposes, commanding the respect and confidence of all. In social circles he is courteous and affable and at all times, whether in public or private life, he is regarded as a man of his word, his integrity being above question.

HUGH McMURRAY.

One of the oldest residents of the township of California and southern Branch county, where he is known as a prosperous farmer and a highly esteemed citizen, is the gentleman named above, Mr. Hugh McMurray, who has lived here for the past half century. Mr. McMurray was born near Belfast, Ireland, August 13, 1830, and like most of the residents of

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county Down, where he was born, he was of Scotch ancestry. His father was John McMurray and his mother was Mary Frim, both natives of Ire- land, where they spent their entire lives. Here John McMurray was a farmer, and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church and people of high character. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, and nearly all of whom came to America, although both of their parents died before the date of their emigration. The record of these children is as follows: Moses came to Michigan and Branch county. and passed the remainder of his life here, dying in California township in 1880: Samuel made his home in Canada; John died in Ireland; William was in the English army; Hugh is our subject ; Margaret and Nancy died in California township; and Elizabeth died in Hillsdale county.

Hugh McMurray learned the weaver's trade in Ireland, at which he worked considerably, also finding employment there in farming. He was only eighteen years of age when he came to this country, and his first home was near Rochester, New York, where he remained for a few years, then coming to Michigan and Branch county in 1853. Here he and his elder brother, Moses, engaged in farming and were partners until the death of the latter. Their first purchase was fifty acres, to which they in later years added several other tracts, and at one time owned two hundred and thirty acres. The most of this land was at the time of purchase uncleared and unimproved and they labored long and faithfully in bringing it under culti- vation and in erecting the necessary buildings.

Our subject was married in the autumn of 1861 to Jane E. Greer, who was born in Armagh, Ireland, October 6, 1844. Her father was John Greer and her mother was Mary Ann Murphy, both natives of Ireland, although John Greer's father was born in Scotland. John and Mary Ann Greer were the parents of twelve children, five of whom died in infancy and early childhood. These were as follows: Joseph died in Ireland when twenty-one years old; George died in New York state; Robert died in Oak- land county, Michigan; John and James died in Kinderhook township; William died in California township; Jane E. McMurray, the youngest of the family, and the only one now living, is the wife of our subject. John Greer and family came to America from Ireland in 1853, and they first located in New York state, where Mr. Greer died in 1855, at the age of sixty-five years. A few years thereafter Mrs. Greer, her son, James, and her daughter, Jane E., came to Michigan and Branch county, where Mrs. Greer died May 1, 1881, at the age of eighty-seven years. In Ireland Mr. Greer was an Episcopalian, while Mrs. Greer was a member of the Presby- terian church.

The marriage of Hugh and Jane McMurray has been blessed with the birth of eleven children, eight of whom are living: Everett died at the age of seven years, Moses at thirteen years and Agnes at nineteen years. Eliza married Dennis Bascom and their home is in this township; they have three children, Agnes, Floyd and Edna. John married Lillian Wal- dron; they have two children, Hugh and Lloyd, and they live here. James married Harriet Terwilliger and their home is in Toledo. Edgar married

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

Vine Teeters and they have one son, Dean, their home being here. Mary married Warren Southworth; they live at Edgerton, Ohio, and have one son, Duane. Charles married Viola Hammond and they live in this town- ship, they having one daughter. Rosaline. Alva married Anna Goodwin ; they have one son, Herbert, and an infant daughter, and their home is in this township. Ella, the only unmarried child, resides at home with her parents. Thus it will be seen that this worthy couple in the later years of their lives are surrounded by their children and grandchildren, although they still occupy their own comfortable farm home. Once a year all of the relatives assemble for a reunion and these family gatherings are most happy affairs.

Mr. McMurray's first farm home in this township was on section six. but he has lived upon his present farm about twenty-five years. The place is well equipped with good buildings and under excellent cultivation, al- though of late years Mr. McMurray has not performed a great amount of labor himself. His has been an industrious life, and he has seen this sec- tion developed from new country to its present fertile condition. In his efforts to provide a comfortable home for his loved ones he has found a most capable helpmeet in Mrs. McMurray, who has shared his joys and sorrows for so many years. They have reared their large family carefully. giving them good practical educations, and now they see them with homes and families of their own. Mrs. McMurray is a member of the Presby- terian church. Mr. McMurray was in earlier years a Whig, but has been a Republican ever since the formation of that political party. His first presidential vote was cast for General Scott. He has been called upon sev- eral times to serve his fellow townsmen, being township highway commis- sioner for three years and township drain commissioner for several terms, while in the early years of his residence here he was school director for eight years and school assessor for one year. His life has been a long and . useful one and his relatives and friends trust that he has many happy years still before him.

PERRY DARWIN GRAY.

Perry Darwin Gray, who since 1901 has resided on his present farm on sections thirty-one and thirty-two, Algansee township, where he has one hundred and eighty-five acres, and who is a minister of the Gospel in the Christian church, but is at present preaching for the Congregational church in the village of Algansee, was born on Christmas day, 1869, in the township where he now makes his home. His father, Darwin L. Gray, was born in Ashfield, Massachusetts, April 30. 1824, and was of Scotch lineage. In 1606 the Grays removed from Scotland to the north of Ireland, and in the year 1718 John Gray crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in Pelham, Massachusetts, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Robert Gray, the great-grandfather of Mr. Gray of this review, was a soldier of the Continental army and served throughout the struggles which freed the colonies from the yoke of British oppression. His son, Eli Gray, the grand- father of our subject, became the founder of the family in Michigan, remov-

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ing from Ashfield, Massachusetts, to Algansee township, Branch county, in 1836. He married Betsey Lyon, a native of Connecticut, and a cousin of Mary E. Lyon, the founder of Mount Holyoke Seminary, at Mount Holyoke, Massachusetts, and a daughter of David Lyon, who was a native of Con- necticut and was of English lineage. Eli Gray was the father of twelve children, of whom four were born of his first marriage, namely: Flavilla, the wife of Luther Ward, of Ashfield, Massachusetts; Eleanor, William and Robert. By his second wife, Betsey Lyon, he had eight children, as fol- lows: Betsey, now deceased; Lydia, the widow of Hon. Jonathan Sherer, of Plymouth, Michigan; Sarah, the wife of J. E. Potter, of Nebraska; Mary, who has departed this life; Darwin; Jerome, a farmer of Glidden, Iowa; Ralph, deceased; and Edwin, who served with Company A, Ninth Michigan Volunteer Regiment in the Civil war and participated in many important engagements, but has died since the close of hostilities.

Darwin Gray had but limited educational privileges. He was always a farmer and came with his parents to Michigan in 1836, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Algansee township. Although a poor boy, by thrift and industry he became a prosperous, successful and prominent man of the county, whose business reputation was unassailable, and he was equally loyal to every obligation that devolved upon him. Identified with the town- ship through long years he stood very high in the esteem of his neighbors and friends as a man of sterling integrity. He became a member of the Baptist church in his early days and his interest in political questions and issues led him to cast his ballot for the men and measures of the Republi- can party. He married Julia Ann Archer, who was born in Orleans county, New York, September 25, 1834. Her father, Benjamin Archer, was a native of the same state and came to Michigan in pioneer times, establishing his home in Algansee county. He was a member of the Fifteenth Michigan Infantry in the Civil war, enlisting at Coldwater in 1861, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh. He married Miss Sophronia Schofield and they became the parents of seven children: Asher F. resides in Algansee; Benjamin, a merchant, at Hart, Michigan, who was a member of the Fourth- Michigan Cavalry; Sophronia, the wife of Joseph Mallison, a farmer, living in Ferry, Michigan; and Mrs. Gray, who is the eldest living member of the family and is now seventy-one years of age. She was twice married, her first husband being Porter Fales, who was a native of New York, and came to Michigan at an early day. He enlisted for service in the Union army with the First Michigan Sharp Shooters in 1864, and sustained a gunshot wound before Petersburg. He was taken to the hospital at Washington, where gangrene set in and he died shortly afterward. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fales were born five children: Ella, the wife of Robert Henderson, a farmer of Goodland, Indiana; Noah P., who lives with his brother Perry; Sabra, the wife of Albert Street, a farmer of Harrisburg, Michigan; Martha May, the wife of James Vannuys of Fremont, Indiana; and one who died in infancy. After losing her first husband Mrs. Fales gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Gray and there were three children of that union: Perry D .; Cynthia J., the wife of Ebba Corless, an engineer in the Quincy power house; and

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George Milan, who died in infancy. Mr. Gray died on the Ist of May, 1897, and is still survived by his widow. who is now seventy-one years of age. She is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Perry D. Gray was reared upon the home farm and supplemented his district school education by a course of study in the Tri-State Normal College at Angola, Indiana, after which he engaged in teaching school for three winters. He has engaged in preaching since eighteen years of age, having been ordained as a minister of the Christian church at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1891, by Elder J. H. Carr. He has served as pastor of the follow- ing churches: Golden Point, Illinois; New London, Iowa; Kirksville, Iowa; North English and Keota. Iowa: Decatur, Michigan, and is now preaching at Algansee. He returned from Iowa to his farm in 1897, set- tling on his present place of residence in 1901. Here he has one hundred and eighty-five acres of rich and productive land on sections thirty-one and thirty-two, Algansee township, which he manages and at the same time car- ries on his work as a minister of the Gospel.

On the 23d of October, 1890, Mr. Gray was married to Miss Myrtie P. Carr, whose birth occurred in De Kalb county, Indiana, on the 5th of August, 1872. Her father, James P. Carr, of Angola, Indiana, is a ma- chinist by trade and became foreman of a large shop. He married May M. Fetterhoff. a native of Ohio, and both are still living. Of their two chil- dren one has passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gray have been born two daughters and a son : Julia M., born October 16, 1891; Mildred E., born March 9, 1896; and Darwin C., who was born September 2, 1900, and died October 5, 1902. Like her husband, Mrs. Gray is a devoted member of the Christian church. He has fraternal relations and both he and his wife affiliate with the Order of the Eastern Star. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he is filling the office of justice of the peace, discharging his duties with due regard to the equity and law of the case. His influence is ever on the side of right and truth and his labors in the ministry have been a potent element in the moral development of the various localities where he has served as pastor of the Christian church.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 65

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