A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 66

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

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LEONARD FRANKLIN HUMPHREY.

Leonard Franklin Humphrey, member of the law firm of Newberry & Humphrey, of Coldwater, was born in Auburn, Indiana, April 16, 1862, his parents being Lyman and Fanny (Williams) Humphrey, who were na- tives of New York, but were married at Albion, Michigan. They lived for about five years at Auburn, Indiana, and then came to Branch county, Michigan, in 1863. settling in Butler township, where they resided for many years. They next settled in Algansee township, where the succeeding seven years were passed, when they took up their abode in the village of Canan- daigua, in Lenawee county. There the father died in May, 1903, at the very venerable age of ninety years, one month and fifteen days. He had followed farming through his active business life, thus providing for his family. His widow still survives at the age of seventy-two years. They were the parents of five sons and two daughters.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

Leonard F. Humphrey was reared on his father's farm and continued his education in the public schools until he had become a high school stu- clent. Not desiring to engage in agricultural pursuits as a life work, he took up the study of law in the office of William E. Ware, and later the firm of Barlow & Loveridge were his preceptors. He was admitted to the bar April 16, 1885, and located for practice in Coldwater, where he has since remained, being now a member of the firm of Newberry & Hum- phrey, with a large and rapidly increasing clientage. Nature seems to have endowed him with the peculiar qualifications that combine to make a suc- cessful lawyer, for he is patiently persevering, possesses an analytical mind and one that is readily receptive and retentive of the fundamental prin- ciples and intricacies of the law. He is fearless in the advocacy of any cause he may espouse, is quick to comprehend subtle problems and is logical in his conclusions. He belongs to both the Branch County and the Mich- igan State Bar Associations.

On the 25th of March, 1885, Mr. Humphrey was married to Miss Cora M. Stiles, of Coldwater, a graduate of the Fort Wayne (Indiana) Conservatory of Music. They have an interesting son, Victor S.

Mr. Humphrey votes with the Democracy and holds membership rela- tions with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Methodist church, and his identification therewith is an indication of his character and the motives which control his relations with his fellow-men. His life history is notable from the fact that from the age of thirteen years he has been dependent upon his own resources, but early realizing that " there is no excellence without labor," he applied himself diligently to the mastery of his law studies and has displayed the same close application, indefatigable energy and laudable ambition and determination in the conduct of his legal business since becoming a member of the bar of Coldwater.

HON. AMOS MATTESON GARDNER.

Hon. Amos M. Gardner, numbered with the prominent farmers of Branch county, is living on section eleven, Matteson township. His birth occurred in the town of Burlington, Otsego county, New York, March 18, 1833. The family is of Scotch origin and was founded in America at an early day. The grandfather, Samuel Gardner, died in New York. The father, Hiram Gardner, was a native of Vermont, where he remained until about eighteen years of age, when he removed to Otsego county, New York. He was a farmer by occupation, always following that pursuit in order to provide for his family. In Otsego county he was married to Miss Permelia Matteson, a native of Rhode Island and a, daughter of Amos Matteson, who came to Michigan about 1833, locating on the banks of Matteson lake. The township of Matteson was named in his honor, for he was one of its first settlers and a most progressive citizen, who contrib- uted in large measure to the work of public improvement. In 1836 Mr. Gardner arrived in Branch county and the following year he brought his family, settling in Matteson township, where he entered from the govern-

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ment three tracts of land of eighty acres each, which is still in possession of the family. He became closely identified with the events which consti- tuted the early annals of the county, and did all in his power to improve upon the methods which were calculated to advance the interests of this part of the state. He served as supervisor of his township for many years and was one of the commissioners to locate the county seat. Prominent and influential in public affairs he had a very wide acquaintance and did much toward molding public thought and opinion in Branch county. His political allegiance was always given to the Democracy, and while taking an active part in matters relating to the general good he also carefully promoted his business interests and improved an excellent farm. He died in his seventy-fifth year, respected and honored by all who knew him.

Unto him and his wife were born eight children, three sons and five daughters. One of the sons was shot at an early date, while waiting for deer in the night. The others reached adult age and six of the number are now living. A. M. Gardner being the eldest. The others are: Samuel ; Eunice, the wife of John Benedict, of Niles. Michigan; Delia, the wife of George Clark, of Constantine. Michigan; Celinda, the wife of M. Daniels of Sherwood. this state; and Parmelia, the wife of C. H. Goodwin, of Colon, Michigan.

A. M. Gardner was only four years old when he was brought by his parents to Branch county, the family home being established in Matteson township. On the journey hither from the state of New York they came as far as Buffalo on the old Erie canal, and incidents along this canal Mr. Gardner can recall as if but yesterday. From Buffalo to Monroe, Mich- igan, the journey was continued on a boat, and from Monroe to Adrian, Michigan, they came via the old wooden railroad drawn by horses. Thence from Adrian to Matteson the Gardner family were met by an ox-team owned by Joseph Rudd, and the entire trip to the township of Matteson was made in this pioneer style. The family lived with Grandfather Amos Matteson till October, when they moved into a primitive log cabin which had no windows, doors nor floor. There were plenty of wolves and deer, and once in a while a bear was to be seen. He has seen many of the red men or Indians, and there was a trail that ran across the Gardner estate on down southeast near the old county seat, Branch. Mr. Gardner has killed deer in Matteson township. Among his relics he has a mirror close to one hundred years old and given him by his mother. When they came to Branch county the mail came once each month, and each letter cost twenty- five cents, while now the mail is delivered at the door each day. He has used the old four-fingered cradle, having thus cut hundreds of acres. He has lived, as it were, in the Victorian age, when all of the great inventions of the present twentieth century, such as the great railway systems, the telegraph, the telephone, the rural free delivery and other great improve- ments have been made since he has been a resident of Branch county. Mr. Gardner was reared upon his father's farm, acquiring his education in a little log schoolhouse of the early days, where he pursued his studies for about two months each year. During the remainder of the year he worked

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at farm labor and in the winter that he was twenty-four years of age he attended the Culver school in Matteson township. Reading, observation and experience, however, have largely broadened his knowledge and made him a well informed man. He spent two summers in Kansas, engaged in farm- ing, having entered from the government a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Coffey county. Following his return to Branch county, in part- nership with his brother Samuel, he rented his father's farm for three years and then with the capital he had acquired through his own labors he pur- chased one hundred acres in the midst of the green forest, incurring an indebtedness of two thousand dollars by so doing. With characteristic en- ergy he began clearing this property and cultivating the fields and he has added to his landed possessions from time to time until he now has three hundred and twenty acres, constituting a well improved farm. Upon this is a modern residence, large and substantial barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. In fact, there is no equipment of a model farm lacking, and everything about the place is indicative of the careful supervision of a progressive owner.

On January 1, 1863. Mr. Gardner was married to Miss Ellen Wheeler, of Franklin, Lenawee county, Michigan, who died June 9, 1886, leaving four children, namely: Ella, now the wife of Eli Keyes, of Decatur, Mich- igan; Gertie, the wife of T. D. Turner, a resident farmer of Matteson township; Donna, a teacher in the schools of Coldwater; and Bernice, the wife of Arthur Stonte, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1890 Mr. Gardner was again married, his second union being with Sarah Johnson, a daughter of J. O. and Julia Johnson. Mrs. Gardner was born in Matteson township. where she has spent her entire life.

At one time Mr. Gardner was actively interested in politics and was a stanch and unfaltering advocate of the Republican party. He served as supervisor of Matteson township for ten years, and in 1884 was elected to the state legislature, representing his district for one term. He has been the champion of all plans and measures instituted for the good of the com- munity and with the history of Branch county and its development he has been closely identified. He has seen it transformed from a wilderness to its present condition of high cultivation and of superior industrial and commercial achievement. He is now the oldest living resident of Matteson township, having made his home within its borders for sixty-eight years, and his mind bears the impress of the historic annals of the county and state and forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro- gressive present. His life has been actuated by principles of integrity and worth and his career has reflected credit and honor upon his fellow towns- men who have honored him.

FRED J. CONKLIN.

Fred J. Conklin, following the occupation of farming in Ovid town- ship, is living on section sixteen, where he owns and operates one hundred and fourteen acres of land devoted to general agricultural pursuits. The property is well improved, indicating in its excellent appearance the careful

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

supervision of the owner. Mr. Conklin is a native son of this township, having been born on the 12th of August, 1864. His father, James D. Conklin, was one of the early settlers and representative citizens of Branch county and was a native of Genesee county, New York, where his birth occurred in 1827. He came to Branch county when about twenty-three years of age, settling in Ovid township upon a farm on section thirty-six. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and at once began to cultivate and improve the property, transforming the tract into very pro- ductive fields. A few years after his arrival here he was married to Miss May Wolf, a native of Ohio, in which state she was also reared. She journeyed to Michigan with her parents, who traveled across the country and through the " dismal swamp." By her marriage she became the mother of seven children. four sons and three daughters, of whom Fred J. Conklin was the fourth child and third son. Three of the number are now deceased. All were born and reared in Branch county. The parents hold membership in the Baptist church and are highly esteemed as worthy pioneer people who have contributed in substantial measure to the development and up- building of this part of the state. In his political views Mr. Conklin has always been a Republican and for eight years served as justice of the peace, while for several terms he was township clerk. He was a member of the school board, and everything that tends to advance intellectual, material or moral progress receives his endorsement and co-operation.

Fred J. Conklin was reared in Kinderhook township, and was a dis- trict school student in his youth, thereby acquiring a fair knowledge of the branches of English learning. In the summer months he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. continuing to work in the fields up to the time of his marriage, which occurred in Branch county on the Ist of December. 1885. the lady of his choice being Miss Laura A. Para- dine, who was born in Ovid township on the 3d of April, 1867, and is a daughter of William W. and Sarah (Higgins) Paradine. who emigrated from Ohio to Michigan at an early day. The father was born in England in 1836 and left that country for the United States in 1855. He first located on a farin near Cleveland, Ohio, but after two years came to Branch county, settling in Ovid township, where he reared his family. He, too, has been a life-long Republican and takes an active interest in politics.

Fred J. Conklin took up his abode on his present farm in 1892, having here one hundred and fourteen acres of land which is rich and arable and responds readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it. He uses the latest improved machinery in tilling the soil and harvesting the . crops and is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods of farm work, securing through his unremitting diligence and perseverance a very desirable com- petence.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Conklin has been blessed with a son and two daughters, but the son, James W., who was born June 17. 1894, died on the 26th of September, 1895. The daughters are: Gertrude B .. who was born October 20, 1886; and Leona M., March 29, 1889. Both Mr. and Mrs. Conklin are widely known in this part of the state and enjoy the

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friendship of many with whom they have come in contact. He has always been deeply interested in the work of public improvement and progress and his fellow townsmen have frequently called him to office. He served as treasurer of Kinderhook township for two terms and has been clerk of Ovid township for three terms. In the spring of 1905 he was elected super- visor on the Republican ticket and is now filling that office, exercising his official prerogatives in support of those plans and measures which are des- tined to prove of benefit to the community at large.

ALVARADO B. RANSOM.

Alvarado B. Ransom was born on the farm on which he now resides, on section two, Algansee township, his natal day being December 11, 1846. His father, Francis D. Ransom, was a native of Cayuga county, New York, was of English descent and died in the year 1884. His son spent his youth upon the old homestead farm, on which his father had located during the pioneer epoch in the history of the county. He worked in the fields during his boyhood days and has always devoted his energies to agricultural pur- suits and throughout his business career has made a specialty of the raising of Durham stock. In all of his work he is enterprising and manages his affairs with good business ability and keen discernment, his labors therefore bringing him a justly merited return. He likewise owns an interest in the Quincy National Bank building, at Quincy, Michigan.

June 8, 1872, Alvarado B. Ransom was married to Sarah E. Handy, who was born in Greece township, Monroe county, New York, August 9, 1847. Her father, Cyrus Handy, was likewise a native of Connecticut, and on removing to the middle west in 1846 settled first in Indiana, where he remained for forty years. He then came to Michigan, where he resided for a short time, after which he returned to the Hoosier state. He was a farmer by occupation and his labors brought him a fair measure of success. His religious views were indicated by his membership in the Baptist church and by his active work for the furtherance of all of its different departments of labor. In politics he was a Republican and for a number of years was justice of the peace, discharging his duties with due regard to the equity and law of the case. He married Miss Maria Cole, a native of Ovid. Seneca county, New York, and both have passed away. In their family were the following named: Stephen. deceased; Mrs. Ransom; Matilda, who married and has now departed this life; Homer, a farmer and car- penter, residing in Fremont, Muskegon county, Michigan; Hiram, who fol- lows farming near Clear Lake, Indiana; and Mattie, deceased.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ransom have been born four children, but they lost their first born, Alma. Nettie is the wife of George Thompson, of Quincy, Michigan. Maude is at home. Florence is the wife of Earl Shoemaker, who is living on her father's farm. The parents are members of the Algan- see Baptist church, in which Mr. Ransom has served as deacon and he has ever taken an active and helpful part in church and Sunday-school work, doing everything in his power to promote the growth and extend the in- fluence of the church. He likewise belongs to the Grange and is a Republi-

et BRanson

Mers Sarah & Kansom

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

can in his political views. Having been called to office he has served as justice of the peace and highway commissioner, and is a man reliable and trustworthy in all life's relations, whether in public office, in business affairs or in social circles.

James A. Ransom, bother of Alvarado B. Ransom, was born in Elbridge, Onondaga county, New York, in 1838, and he, too, was reared to farm life and acquired his education in the district schools. He was a teacher in a writing school for two terms but otherwise has always followed the occu- pation of farming. He became a resident of Michigan in 1842 and settled on a farm now owned by his brother Alvarado. At the present writing his home is on section two, Algansee township, where he owns and operates one hundred and twenty acres of land.

In 1862 James Ransom wedded Mary A. Finney, who was born in Ovid township, this county, October 2, 1845, and died December 13, 1866. Her father, Luther Finney, was a native of Canada and came to Branch county at a very early day, settling in Ovid township, where he followed the occupation of farming. Subsequently he removed to Algansee, where his death occurred. His wife bore the maiden name of Miss Butterfield.

Unto James Ransom by his first marriage were born two children : Chloe, who became the wife of Edward Fillmore and after his death married Charles Wheeler, but is now deceased ; and Adella J., who married Wesley Darling, and after his death became the wife of Joseph Moore, a painter, living in Oakland county, Michigan. For his second wife James Ransom chose Arzena A. Hayes, in 1868. She was born in Onondaga county, July 19. 1841. and passed away on the 25th of February, 1875. Her parents, Hiram and Almeda Hayes, were natives of New York and came to Michigan about 1856, settling in the town of Quincy, where the father followed the occupation of farming. By this marriage there were three children : Carrie, the wife of Louis Van Geisen, who is living on the Upper Peninsula : George H., a farmer, residing in Quincy township; and Harley D., of Reading township. The sons are also married. Mr. Ransom's third wife, whom he married in 1878, bore the maiden name of Ella L. Darling, and was born in Hillsdale county, Michigan, in 1851, a daughter of Benjamin and Lovisa Darling. Her parents were natives of the state of New York, and came to Michigan in 1837. By the third marriage there are five children: Olive L., who was born September 20, 1879, and is the wife of Varney W. Fer- guson, living on her father's farm; Adelbert J., who was born in 1881, and is at home ; Almeda, who was born August 31, 1883. and is deceased : Francis D., who was born September 8, 1885, and is living on the home place; and Helen D., who died April 15. 1905, at the age of seventeen years. Mrs. James Ransom died November 6, 1905, a Christian lady, and her remains are interred in "Fisher Cemetery," a beautiful stone standing reared to her memory.

Mr. James Ransom is a member of the Baptist church, as was also his wife, in which he is serving as trustee, and his efforts in behalf of the organization have proven far-reaching and beneficial, making him one of its valued members. He belongs to the Grange and in early life gave his

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

political allegiance to the Whig party, since which time he has been a Re- publican. For a number of years he has been a member of the Board of Reviews. From pioneer times the Ransom brothers have been represent- ative citizens of this part of the state, interested in all that pertains to pub- lic progress.

LOUIS SLOMAN.

Louis Sloman, a clothing merchant of Coldwater and the oldest repre- sentative of this line of business in the city, is strictly a self-made man, whose life history might well serve as a source of encouragement and in- spiration to others, for it indicates the force and value of industry, integrity and consecutive endeavor in the active affairs of life. He was born in the city of London, England, May 6, 1848, and was only three years of age when brought to the United States by his parents, so that his interests have ever been thoroughly American, and there is no native-born son of the land who is more loyal to the welfare of the country. His parents, Mark and Sarah Sloman, located first in Rochester, New York, where the father became a clothing merchant, and it was in his store that the son gained his first experience in the department of activity in which he has been engaged throughout all his business career. His school privileges were somewhat limited, for when only eleven years of age he was thrown upon his own resources and started out to make his way in the world un- aided. Nevertheless, he has been a close reader and observer and, possess- ing an observing eye and retentive memory, he has become a well informed man on general subjects. When it became necessary that he provide for his own support he went to the city of Buffalo, New York, and was very successful in securing employment in a clothing establishment in which he remained for two years. He afterward came to the middle west, and for two years had the management of a clothing establishment in Alton, Illi- nois. Notwithstanding the fact that he was but a youth he displayed busi- ness ability equal to that of many a man of riper years. In all his business relations he is regarded as a man of keen discernment, sagacious and fair- sighted, energetic and reliable. He has ever dealt fairly and justly with all and has thus gained the confidence of his customers and his fellowmen. On leaving Alton he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where for two years he was a clothing clerk, and in 1866 he came to Coldwater, where he opened a clothing store for himself. The capital necessary for this enterprise had been secured through his industry and frugality. He has continued in the business in this city, covering a period of nearly forty years, and he has all the while enjoyed a good trade. The store is stocked with a large line of clothing and men's furnishing goods and has ever been well patronized. Mr. Sloman has also been in former years and is now prominently con- nected with other business interests of the city, having been identified with the Coldwater Road Cart Company, which was once a flourishing concern, but has now ceased to exist. He was also one of the organizers of the National Burial Device Company, with which he is now connected, and he is also a director in the Coldwater National Bank.

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In 1876. in the city where he yet makes his home, Mr. Sloman was united in marriage to Miss Rena Wilson, who died in 1887. leaving two children, Herbert L. and Rae. In 1889 Mr. Sloman was again married. his second union being with Miss Minnie I. Sheldon, and they have become the parents of four children, Morley S., Arthur L., Esther and Margaret.

Politically, Mr. Sloman is a Republican, but has never sought the honors nor emoluments of office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business, and through close application and straightforward dealing lie has won very desirable and well merited success. He is a mem- ber of the Bon Ami Club, and he holds a high place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens.

STARR W. GRUNER.

Starr W. Gruner is a representative of one of the prominent. highly respected and valued families of Branch county and was born in Coldwater township. August 30. 1878. Here he has spent his entire life. with the exception of a brief period passed in Germany. the time spent in school in Coldwater and the period of his service in the Spanish-American war. His father, Wenzel Gruner, was a native of Reichenberg. Bohemia, where he was born September 28. 1831. He came to America in 1848, when seven- teen years of age, and joined his brother Anton Gruner, who had preceded him one year. He took up his abode near Rochester. New York, where he spent five years, and then became a resident of Coldwater township, Branch county, Michigan, where he passed his remaining days. After his arrival here his parents. Franz and Katrina (Bergmann) Gruner, also came to America and made their way to Branch county, where the grandfather died in the year 1856, while his wife survived until 1861. In their family were six children, but only one is now living. Karl, who resides in Germany. Wenzel Gruner was married on the 25th of August. 1858. to Miss Emily Randall, and they became the parents of seven children, all of whom reached adult age, although Mrs. Mina Lewis died in the year 1896. The others are : Mrs. Mary Mitchell, who resides in Coldwater; Mrs. Edna Vesey. who is living in Logansport. Indiana: Ward C., who resides in Batavia : Benjamin S., whose home is in Winfield, Alabama : Bartlett R., who is living at Mount Pleasant, Michigan: and Starr W., whose name introduces this review. The father died in 1885 and the mother has since married William Paradine and now resides in the city of Coldwater.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 66

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